Distres Marker Spritzer

I have to tell you that I'm having a BLAST leading the Tuesday Learn at Lunch demos.  I'm "forced" to experiment and step outside my box, and it has been really, really good for me!!! 

This Tuesday, we are playing with the Distress Marker Spritzer (it's called that, but it works with other markers as well - how awesome is that?!?!) and NEW stencils and dies from Memory Box!  You will enjoy layering stencils and masking in ways you may not have considered before. 

So, stop in Tuesday between 12 & 2 and give it a try.  There is no fee, and you don't need to register in advance.  And, I've already decided, there will be NO THREAT OF SNOW!!!!

See you then!

End of the show-sort of

What a full day it has been.  Finished up shopping before five and was looking forward to kicking back and relaxing-  Then I remembered it's on to my Dana Wakely class tonight!  Caught the two D's sitting together here on the show floor today.  I'll be doing a class with Diane tomorrow along with a Tim class.  Then running out the door to catch a plane home.  So this will be my last post here.  See you back at the shop.

Shopping Day at the Collins show

Recognize these folks?   The second picture is your clue.  They are some of the faces behind Graphic 45.  Been busy putting in orders all morning and even pre ordered the new collections from Graphic 45 so we'd be at the top of the list of those getting the new when it comes out.  No clues-they sealed their lips.  Won't be out till May.  Oh the anticipation.  Good news is that there will be other orders starting to arrive as early as a week from now.  Gotta go, more shopping to be done!

Collins Show MITI Frenzy

We were graced with the craft King himself-Tim Holtz.  He was showing us how to use his spray gun as well as having us use brand new debossing folders due out in April.  I made a sample and will have it at the shop.  Now, off to order all the new stuff that we have used this weekend.

More from the Collins Show

It's been a full day of classes at the show here.  I started off the day with Mitra from Impression Obsession doing these fabulous slider cards that make the most of her new dies.  This is fast becoming my most favorite new thing.  Then off to learn lots of new techniques with the ladies from Hero Arts and getting to use their new sets being introduced at this show.    Did another class with our friends from Wow, but I'll have to blog about that later.  Am about to go to the Make It Take It frenzy.  Whoo hoo!

Encaustic Wax class

For all you mix media and Art Journal folks, behold!  I took an encaustic wax class and this is one of the cool samples.  Kelly is the lovely lady leading us through the whole process.  It was enough to melt your heart.  One of the fun facts I learned?  You can use your plastic stencils with the wax process.   Will bring my creations to the shop when I get back.  Come see what can be done with encaustic wax.  Now, off to take more classes.

Faces behind the products

Took two classes with these creative ladies today.  The first one is Karen Burniston holding one of the type of cards she'll be coming and teaching at our store.  If you haven't signed up for one of her classes-call now!  Ok, wait till the store is open, but I'm telling you, she's great! 

The second picture shows you the person behind Elizabeth Crafts.  (Our sticker and glitter lady)  She showed the best technique for getting stickers onto a sticky sheet if you are going to glitter up a paper.  Nothing short of brilliant.  Yeah, now I know it, too.  So, be nice to me and maybe I'll share it with you.  :-)  Next I'll be sharing something that will make all you Art Journal folks swoon.  But first, a much needed rest.  Night y'all.

Marilynn reporting in from the Collin's show

Hi from MA!  I flew up today to attend our big buying show that we normally do in March.  Got here early enough to attend some afternoon classes.  I'll be posting frequently, so if you want to be in on the fun, check back regularly.  Oh, and guess who I ran into at lunch-someone who will be coming to our store soon.  More about that later.  For now, I'm off to more classes.

Guest Artist and Memory Box

Hi everyone!  For those of you who don't know, we have a guest artist coming next week to teach a class.  Tammie Wilson of Faber-Castell will be teaching fun new techniques using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft® Gelatos®, Stamper’s Big Brush Pens, and Textural Accent Mediums to create works of art. Students will start with backgrounds of canvas and paper and learn how to incorporate stencils, create dimension and add texture to their artwork.

Date: Thursday, April 3
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Fee: $40.00 (includes 6 Gelato Double-Scoops to take home)

Gelato Double Scoops normally sell for $4.95 each, so getting 6 free with the class is an incredible deal. 

NEW MEMORY BOX AND POPPYSTAMPS!
I don't have a picture to show you of the new Memory Box and Poppystamps that arrived at the store because it has just been entered and is ready to go out on the shelves.  If you are someone who likes to be the first to see something and likes to go through the baskets of new goodies before they reach the shelves, now is the time to visit the store.  The new Memory Box release has 60 new dies and 45 new stencils!  The Poppystamps new release has 27 new dies.  Yeah!

Oh!  One more thing...did you see the article on CNN about how crafting has a positive effect on your brain?  If not, you can read it here: 
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/25/health/brain-crafting-benefits/index.html

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Egg-stra Special Tree!

This "stick tree" from Stamps by Judith is one of the most versatile stamps you can own.  Any number of their little peg stamps will completely change the look and season - don't you love a stamp you can use over and over and over again?!?!

This Thursday's FREE make-and-take card features the new Mini Blending tool from Ranger to create the shading around the edges of the card.  This little tool is round instead of rectangular, so it's easier to blend without getting rough edges.  You'll also get to play with Copic markers to create the colorful eggs.  Stop in any time between 10 & 8 and "relax"!

Just as a reminder - we will not be having our regular Thursday FREE card next Thursday - April 3.  Instead, stop by between 4 - 7 for a FREE demonstration with Tammie Wilson of Faber-Castell.  She has tons of ideas, tips and techniques to share with you!

IrRESISTible Sprays

This new spray by Tsukineko comes in 23 colors that match the Memento family + white, Gold, Silver, Copper and Bronze!  It is a texture spray (similar to Goosebumps that is available in clear).  This means it has dimension when it dries (see the dots on the Happy Birthday card??? Amazing!)

You can use the spray to create a resist, you can paint with it, stamp with it and spray it on stencils. It's an acrylic, so it dries to a gloss finish - different from anything else I've seen.  Stop by Tuesday between 12 & 2 and let me show you how much fun it is!  This event is FREE and you don't need a reservation.

New to the Store

Are you going to be out and about this weekend enjoying the Spring weather? Why not stop by the store and check out the new arrivals? First, we have a ton of new images and samples from Paper Smooches. They have a new release and even have brand new dies that coordinate with their stamps.

Or, how about new products from Stampendous? Their stamps are super cute and so much fun to color.

Finally, we have brand new reading material in case you need a little inspiration.

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A hint of gratitude (for a hint of spring)

I am sooooo beyond ready for spring.  Stop teasing us, Mother Nature! 

Okay, enough ranting!  Here is the absolutely beautiful card for this Thursday's FREE make-and-take.  We'll stamp the flower (by Memory Box) in white on black cardstock, then add color with Prismacolor pencils.  The waxiness of the pencils makes them stunningly opaque on dark paper.  The words pop off the page because they are die cuts (instead of simply a stamped image). 

Join us Thursday between 10 & 8 to make one for yourself.  Maybe offer to send it to Mother Nature in exchange for no more snow......

Fresh out of the Box

The Ranger mini foam blender tool, foam refills, and collage glue sticks just arrived. Come in and grab them! Woohoo!

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Sparkle and Shine

 This Tuesday, during the FREE Learn at Lunch demo, Angela returns with 2 brand new products.  First, we'll play with Vertigo Film.  This refractive "lens" can be cut with scissors, trimmers, punches and dies and adds an interesting element to all of your projects.  We'll emboss it with a folder to add even more interest.  Additionally, we'll be playing with the new Delicata ink from Tsukineko.  Last year, they introduced a metallic gold that was simply stunning and so easy to use (it dries so much faster than standard metallic pads).  This year, they've added a Shimmery Silver to the line that is stunning both on light and dark colored card stock.  You don't need to register, so just stop in any time between 12 & 2 and find out more!  See you then!

Dino-Mite!!!

In the spirit of the season, we are honoring GREEN in this Thursday's FREE make-and-take card.  This card features a new set from Lawn Fawn.  Marilynn suggested this would make a great kid's birthday card, but I think it could also work for your friends who are as old as the dinosaurs...... 

Stop in between 10-8 and make this card for yourself.  You'll enjoy a time of coloring and shading with Copic markers, and you'll use the new Colorbox blending tool to add a hint of color around the circle (you can compare it to the Tim Holtz tool and see what you think).  We'll add a touch of "dimension" with Washi tape.  Marilynn noted that Washi tape gives the appearance of ribbon, but it's flat and easily mailed.  Good point!!!  Hope to see you Thursday!

How about a Class?

So many classes are scheduled right now.  Have you thought about stopping in for a little crafty playtime?  It is a great chance to hang out with other stampers, be inspired, and let someone else do all the prepping and cleaning up!  Here are the classes coming up in the next week:

Intro to Copic Markers
Date: Wednesday, March 12
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Beginning Stamping
Date: Thursday, March 13
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Fee: $15.00
This is the only class we offer that allows you to bring along a friend for free!

Cherry Blossom Cards
Date: Friday, March 14
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM

 

Penny Black Happy Everything Card Class
Date: Saturday, March 15
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

 

Masterboard
Date: Monday, March 17
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

or 

Masterboard
Date: Monday, March 17
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM

A Nice Ring to it!

Ready to use supplies you already have to make jewelry???  Join Marilynn for Tuesday's FREE Learn-at-Lunch demo (from 12-2) and make a ring using molds and Ultra-Thick Embossing Powder from Wow!  You'll be shocked at how easy this is!  And, you can do so much more than just rings - bracelets, embellishments, framed art....the possibilities are endless!  See you Tuesday, between 12 & 2.  No registration is required, just come on in!

New Lawn Fawn and a Wendy Vecchi Tutorials

People really seem to be enjoying stamps and coordinating dies by Lawn Fawn.  They are just so much fun to color!  We received a new shipment as well as new samples, so be sure to look for them the next time you are at the store.

Next, I want to share a video by Wendy Vecchi highlighting a great technique using reinkers for her Archival Ink pads.  She demos the technique for her art journal, but it would look fantastic on cards:




If you want to view the video directly on YouTube, you can see it here

If you want another idea for something to do with her reinkers, how about dying embossing paste?



The video can also be viewed directly here.

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Special Event This Saturday

We are very, very lucky to have Sandy Boyd, a representative for Dreamweaver, here this weekend for a free demo.  Sandy will be teaching us techniques for working with Dreamweaver Stencils. Sandy's two favorite techniques are the Molten Magic (pictured above) and the Double-glitter technique. Join her for a fun morning of stencil madness! She'll have additional sample boards, so bring your camera and come be inspired. 

Saturday, March 8th

Dreamweaver Demo

Date: Saturday, March 8
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Fee: FREE

Ready for Spring

Seriously, snow, enough of you already!!!!! 

If you're like me and ready for spring, then you won't want to miss this Thursday's FREE make-and-take featuring the stunning Poppy stamp from Hero Arts.  We used Brilliance ink to add just a bit of shimmer (it almost looks dewy when you see it in person).

This card soothes me - the colors are yummy.  And, it can be used for virtually any occasion!  So, stop in Thursday between 10 - 8 and make one for yourself - FREE and no registration is required!

A Shamrock Treat

This Tuesday's FREE Learn at Lunch demo is a little bit different.  Instead of focusing on a product, we're making an adorable little project!  Isn't this "stinkin' cute"????  Join volunteer demo leader (and all around great lady) Nancy to create these fun little treats for the leprechaun in your life!  Demos are from 12 - 2 on Tuesdays, and no registration is required.  See you then!