Saturday, May 30, 2015

We have a YouTube Channel!

That's right! We are going to start occasionally posting store videos featuring demos, new items at the store, events, etc. Be sure to be on the lookout for them.

Here is the first video with our very own Happy Stamper Angela.



You can also view the video directly on YouTube here- https://youtu.be/IbXsA66iJmk

Friday, May 29, 2015

Even More From Ranger


Yep.  It's here!  The new mini Distress Ink kit is here.  It has the four colors of the month released so far this year....  Cracked Pistachio, Abandoned Coral, Mermaid Lagoon, and Fossilized Amber.  The colors make me so happy.

The new Distress Spritzer is also back in stock.  Tim's video explaining the uniqueness of his spritzer made me buy one.  I especially like that it has a lock so that it doesn't leak.



If you want to view the video directly on YouTube, you can find it here- https://youtu.be/VZNjqB23RKo

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Hero Arts Ombré Pads and More with Ranger


Yesterday I mentioned in my post that ombré pads are really trendy right now.  Our latest shipment of Hero Arts Ombré Pads just arrive, so be sure to give them a look.

Want to see Lisa Spangler from Hero Arts tell you about them?  Here is an interview from CHA:




You can also view the video directly here-https://youtu.be/i0-Vc7fMwD0


And now more from Ranger.  Another of the accessories we have at the store is the Distress Ink Refresher.  In this video, Tim explains what an Ink Refresher is, and how to apply it to pads and markers.  He also explains how to use it in conjunction with his paint daubers to keep them working properly.




You can also view the video directly here- https://youtu.be/AaleUlbEp5w

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Ranger Accessories

Hi everyone!  If you came to the blog looking for the Make and Take sample for Thursday, scroll down to see the fun card we will be making.  It is an excellent chance to learn about Gelatos!

I don't know if you realize it or not, but Tim Holtz added four new accessories to his Distress line that you are going to love.  We have them at the store and wanted to show you how to use them.

First, there is the blank Distress Pad.  In this video, Tim shows you the pad, teaches you how to ink the pad, shows you how to customize the label, and even gives you ideas for using the pads.  Ombre pads are so trendy right now, and now you can make your own ombre Distress pads!



You can also view the video directly here- https://youtu.be/w-C3J5OisSA

Second, how about the new Distress Glaze?  Micro Glaze has been around a long time, but people don't seem to understand what it is or how to use it.  In this video, Tim provides information on the glaze, how much to use, and how to apply the medium.  Distress Glaze protects your Distress products as well as other water-based mediums so that you can add extra layers on top without disturbing what is underneath.  It is a must-have product for all you mixed media artists!



You can also view the video directly here- https://youtu.be/EoRdB28ST9I

If you are stopping by the store on Thursday for the free make and take, be sure to check out these cool products from Ranger as well as the class samples we put up featuring guest artist Sandy Allnock.

Sweet! Gelatos!!!

Stop in this Thursday any time between 10 - 8 to create this stunning birthday card.  We'll be playing with Gelatos both to color the image and to create a soft background wash.  Colored pencils accent the image.  This card makes a great card (obviously), but could also be framed as "the gift". 

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Love from the Community!

Many of you have "shared the wealth" over the years by donating your craft supplies (through us) to the Herndon Senior Center.  They have enjoyed countless art classes and opportunities to make cards for the troops (among other fabulous projects) solely through donations of all of us. 

Last week, The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood & Community Services recognized these contributions by awarding us all the Distinguished Partner award.  It recognizes those who put the "quality" in Fairfax County's quality of life.  We are grateful for your help in those efforts and look forward to sharing the award with you next time you're in the shop!

Monday, May 25, 2015

Iridescent Creative Medium and the Week Ahead

 Want more options for working with stencils?  Join Angela this Tuesday between 12 & 2 and find out about Iridescent Creative Medium.  This very flexible paste looks "white" to the naked eye, but when applied to dark colors, the color intensifies dramatically - all in one step!!!  Stop by to play and watch magic happen before your eyes!

In addition to the free demo on Tuesday, there is a lot going on at the Happy Stamper this week!

Tuesday, March 26


Click for a full size view
Quick & Easy: May Flowers Waterfall Folio
Date: Tuesday, May 26
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM or 6:00-9:00 PM


Join Donna for her latest "Quick & Easy" project! This month you will be creating a 8" x 4.5" chipboard folio with a photo mat waterfall on one side and a triple pocket on the other, complete with photo mat tag and mini-booklets! Add in the beautiful springtime papers from Webster's Pages Dream in Color collection, and you're all set! Attach photos and journaling to the waterfall mats, tuck in a gift card or other memorabilia in the pockets, and it makes a fabulous gift - perfect for graduation, bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries...the list goes on! The class kit comes with a Cutting & Scoring Guide so you can make the folio again and again, using any theme papers you desire. The possibilities are endless! NOTE:  See webpage for additional information about the class

Thursday, March 28

Click for a full size view
Summerscapes
Date: Thursday, May 28
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM or 6:30-8:30 PM
Summerscapes is a continuation in our series of "Scapes" classes featuring Stampscapes stamps. This class is for people who have taken a Stampscapes class before and have used the Clearsnap stylis tool for coloring. This class will enhance your coloring skills with the stylis tool. We will be doing four cards which will leave time to focus on coloring. Students should bring: your basic kit and a stylis tool and oval tips, if you have them. 

Friday, March 29


Cover-a-Card Club
Date: Friday, May 29
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Fee: $12.00
Join Laura for this mini class that continues the exploration of techniques using Impression Cover a Card backgrounds. This month will be all about using Pan Pastel chalks with your backgrounds. Students will have the chance to make one completed card as well as two other backgrounds that they can use for their own cards. Students should bring: scissors, double-sided adhesive, gluestick. 

Saturday, March 30

Mega Mini Photo Folder #5: "Made from Scratch" Recipe Book
Date: Saturday, May 30
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fee: $75.00
Join Donna for the next project in her brand new, year long series of making Mega Mini Photo Folders! Each month, Donna teaches a brand new style of 7"x9" mega-mini folders that open up to a reveal a hidden world of flaps, pockets, tags, and more. Every folder is a brand new configuration! These little beauties are each designed to hold dozens of 4x6 photos, all while keeping a slim profile when folded closed. The folders are a soft spine and easily expand to fit as many goodies as you want to stash inside. Each month will also feature a new paper collection, some with a specific theme (like cooking, vacations, holidays) and some simply with the latest gorgeous paper collection. What's in store this month is Echo Park's fun, retro Made From Scratch cookbook themed collection, which you will be using in a folder specially designed to pack a ton of your favorite recipes. PLEASE NOTE: each class in this series is a stand-alone class, with separate registrations for each.

 

Sunday, March 31



10 in 10 Beach
Date: Sunday, May 31
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Are you ready for Summer and fun trips to the beach? Join Laura in making ten quick and easy cards featuring all things "beachy." The class uses brand new Cover a Card backgrounds as well as new stamps and dies from Impression Obsession in addition to products from Echo Park, Paper Smooches, and Kaiser Craft. Students will have the chance to use Copic Markers, Prismacolor pencils, watercolor pencils, and Pan Pastel chalks. Although the cards in this class are designed to be quick and easy, the class is designed for intermediate student who are comfortable working at a fast pace. Students should bring: Favorite double sided adhesive, gluestick, and foam mount tape.
Hi folks, just a friendly reminder that we will be closed for Memorial Day.  Hope it's a good one for you.  We'll be open regular hours starting tomorrow.  See you then!

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Such Talented Customers!

Kathy Cummins, one of of our regular customers, was at the store today crafting, and she made this amazing rose pop up card using the new Build a Bouquet products from Stampendous. She used stamps with coordinating dies along with the Stampendous pop up die mechanism. I loved her finished card so much that I asked if I could put it up on the blog.

Here is the finished card:

Here is a side view so you can see the pop up mechanism:

Kathy said the set comes with doily dies you can place under the vase, but she elected not to use one so there would be more space for a large sentiment.

Thanks for letting us share your card Kathy!

 

 

Saturday, May 23, 2015

More New Arrivals

New Summer sample board from Stampabilities with all the stamps to recreate the cards.

Patriotic papers from Taylored Expressions. The large collection comes in a Stuftainer you can later use for organizing your craft supplies.

Lots of stencils from Dreamweaver.


Beach papers from Ecstasy Crafts.

Bright summer flamingo paper from Kaiser Craft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Weekend Plans?

Greetings friends! Are you going out of town this holiday weekend, or are you going to be home for a "staycation?" If it is the later, I hope you will join us for part of the weekend. We are open Saturday and Sunday during our normal weekend hours, but we are closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

Free Demo

Saturday, May 23

1:30pm-3:00pm


On Saturday, we have a FREE demo for you to enjoy. Our very talented Happy Stamper Marilynn will tell you all about the new Dyan Reaveley Dylusions paints. You are definitely not going to want to miss out on this. Marillynn is so very talented and absolutely LOVES these paints. Join her anytime between 1:30-3:00pm to learn more.

 

The new Ranger Distress Color of the Month is also here, so make sure you don't miss out on the new products!

 

Finally, because of the holiday weekend, we didn't schedule any classes at the store. If you would like to come in with a project or two to work on, you are welcome to use our bright classroom as your crafting space.

 

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

May Flowers



Good weather has made the flowers pop all around us.  Am just loving seeing all that color!  It inspired this floral card for our Make It Take It on Thursday.  This great set by My Favorite Things has many options.  Come do the card and see some other ways to use this very versatile set.  Do this free card any time between 10 and 8:30. 

Monday, May 18, 2015

Watercoloring with Pencils

During this Tuesday's FREE Learn at Lunch, Angela will be showing you several different ways to work with watercolor pencils.  We'll use them to create a quick background wash and then use a more saturated technique to color the focal image.  Stop in and play any time between 12 - 2.

Friday, May 15, 2015

New Mama Elephant and Ranger Announcement




Yep.  It is that time again!  The new Mama Elephant release is here, and if you are an animal lover, you will definitely want to give it a look.  There is a sweet puppy/dog set with fun coordinated sayings.


Do you like the dog as a pop up in the center?



Here is a side view to see it better.  We have the new pop up die to help you create these fun surprises for the inside of your card.




How about woodland critters?  So many fun possibilities!










And now some information from Ranger.....   Now that the first four months of the Distress Colors of the Month have passed, they are going to release a set of minis in those four colors.  We have them on order, so if you are interested in having a set, give the store a call, and we will hold one for you.


Thursday, May 14, 2015

Guest Artist!

We are so excited to have guest artist Cheryl Boglioli with us on Friday and Saturday. If you love mixed media, you won't want to miss her classes!

Crazy Eights with Gelli Printing

Date: Friday, May 15

Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Fee: $48.00

Learn gelli printing techniques and leave with a recipe box with technique recipe cards

 


PB & Gelli
Date: Friday, May 15
Time: 2:30 - 5:00 PM
Fee: $48.00
Make a decorative Pencil/Brush Bag
 

Finding Freedom

Date: Saturday, May 16

Time: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Fee: $90.00

Make an amazing canvas for your home

 

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Another I.O. card pack!

This Thursday's FREE-for-all project features a spotlighting technique with an Impression Obsession background stamp and sentiment.  We love the scalloped notecard that adds an extra touch of elegance.  Stop by between 10-8 to make one for yourself.  And, if you love the project, we've created kits for you to create 5 more cards at home.  The kits include all the paper supplies for 5 cards, plus both cling mounted stamps for only $18.00.  And, you'll receive a full-color idea sheet, in case you want to go beyond the spotlighting we're doing on our card sample.  Crafting made easy!

Monday, May 11, 2015

I couldn't stop!

 Once I started playing with Distress Ink reinkers, I couldn't stop myself.  I have so many things I want to show you tomorrow that I didn't really stop to finish off cards.  Which isn't a back thing - because now you can choose whatever color combination you want to use.  Stop in Tuesday between 12 & 2 and let me show you how to stain seam binding to look like shimmer gossamer ribbon.  We'll also create a custom ink pad to make "mass-production" super easy!!!  And, we'll make some stunning backgrounds on watercolor paper.  Using Distress Ink reinkers gives us super saturated pigment color, with all the cool blending benefits of Distress products!!!!  As always, the demo is FREE and no reservation is required.  Hope to see you tomorrow!


Sunday, May 10, 2015

The Week Ahead

We have a busy week this week at the happy stamper including a visit from a very talented guest artist.  We hope you can join us!

Monday, May 11


Click for a full size view

 Spiritual Art Journal

Time: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Fee: FREE (but you need to have taken the Spiritual Art Jouranl prep class
What is a spiritual art journal? It's a way to visually record thoughts and images that reflect your interaction with life on a spiritual level. This has been a surprisingly wonderful discovery for me that I have found to be very meaningful.

I've so enjoyed this process that I wanted to open it up for others to try as well. Each Monday morning, we will meet from 9-10 AM to do an hour of journaling in a guided session. There is no fee for this time - come to as many or as few as you are able. But you need to have attended the "prep workshop" in order to have the pages on which to journal. Students should bring: their journal pages and a favorite writing pen. 



Beginning Stamping

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Fee: $15.00
This class is a must for all new (and maybe even self-taught) stampers. You'll learn the appropriate uses of Pigment versus Dye inks, embossing and coloring techniques while making a series of lovely cards. This class is twice as nice if you take it with a friend. If you sign up together, you'll get two for the price of one! 


Tuesday, May 12

 Click for a full size view

Guided Meditation

Time: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Fee: $5.00 (materials fee)
In this workshop, we'll spend an hour in guided meditation. Using the poetry and imagery of the Psalms, we'll spend time journaling, doodling and exploring breathing and relaxation techniques. You will leave feeling refreshed and centered as you start your day! Students should bring: Your favorite writing pens and your favorite translation of the Psalms, if you have one. 

 

Learn at Lunch Demos - FREE!!!

12:00 - 2:00 PM, No reservations are required, so come for a few minutes or stay all afternoon! 
We call it a demo because Angela will show you all kinds of tips and techniques. But you'll leave with a project, too!  This week's demo- Fun with Ranger Distress Reinkers

Wednesday, May 13

Doodlebug Sugar & Spice/Snips & Snails Baby Book & Box

Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (day class) or 5:00 - 9:00 PM (night class)
Fee: $45.00
Need that perfect baby gift? Join Donna for this adorably wee, handmade mini-minibook that tucks into a sweet little 4x4 wood box. You'll create the tiny handmade album then decorate the book and the wood box using either Doodlebug's Sugar and Spice collection (for girls) or their Snips & Snails collection (for boys) along with Jolee baby themed embellishments, charms, and more. Make one in blue or one in pink - or both! Please call or stop by the shop to register so that we can confirm which gender you are registering for: 703-657-2952. For supply updates and the printable class file, please email Donna directly at dmkauffman1@gmail.com after registering. She will provide this list in class as well. Check website for class supply list.

Thursday, May 14


Click for a full size view

Art Journal Class

Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (day class) or 6:30 - 8:30 PM (night class)
Fee: $17.00
This is a continuing project, but you can participate as often as you want. As we meet, you will add to your spiral-bound book with a few pages. Each time, different techniques and materials will be used to create a unique entry in the journal. This month, we'll be experimenting with maps, grids and watercolor! Students should bring: one spiral-bound art book of medium weight paper (paper must be able to withstand application of wet materials - they are available at the shop), your basic kit and a craft mat. A protective apron is helpful.


Free Make and Take Card

Stop by the store any time between 10:00 am- 8:30pm to make a free card!


Friday, May 15

Guest Artist!!!


Click for a full size view

Crazy Eights with Gelli Printing

Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Fee: $48.00
A card, a box, a Gelli technique -..we are talking about your very own custom recipe box. Join Cheryl as we die cut Eileen Hull's Sizzix Recipe Box with coordinating Recipe Cards and then Gelli Print on these. You will be playing with different gelli printing techniques and leave with great sample cards or a fun set of cards for all your family and favorite recipes. Students should bring: Gelli plate (any size will work, small sizes will be best for this class), nonstick craft mat, copy paper or deli paper (for extra prints to take home), a brayer, quality acrylic paints in white, black, buff and 2-3 colors of your choice), any mark making tools like stamps, bubble wrap or texture plates, an apron and baby wipes. Optional: a Sizzix Big-Shot with cutting plates to save time sharing. 

Click for a full size view

PB & Gelli

Time: 2:30 - 5:00 PM
Fee: $48.00
Have fun printing with Gelli Plates, The Crafter's Workshop Stencils, paints, inks, and more creating your own Pencil or Brush Bag with Cheryl. Using a newly released zippered bag by Canvas Corp, Cheryl will guide you through the steps to create this personalized bag you can then use for your pens, brushes, markers, or make-up. Students should bring: Gelli plate (any size will work, small sizes will be best for this class), nonstick craft mat, copy paper or deli paper (for extra prints to take home), a brayer, quality acrylic paints in white, black, buff and 2-3 colors of your choice), any mark making tools like stamps or texture plates, an apron and baby wipes. 

Saturday, May 16

Guest Artist!!!


Click for a full size view

Finding Freedom

Time: 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fee: $90.00
Lose the illusion of control and embrace the joy of letting go with your art. Through the process of play and layering paint, inks, papers, mediums and more, Cheryl will help you discover your inner creativity and self-expression. Cheryl will guide you through some fun mixed-media techniques and coach you in finding your freedom while you create a mixed media abstract canvas. Please note that your canvas may need to stay overnight in order to dry. Students should bring: collage material (book paper, scrapbook scraps, die cut craps, photocopies of old photos), acrylic paintbrushes - at least the following: 1 or 2" flat paintbrush & medium or small round paintbrush - Matte gel medium, Modeling paste (light or regular), Archival Ink - preferably black - the following colors of quality acrylic paints: white, black, buff and 2-3 colors of your choice - palette knife, brayer, 2 small spray bottles - one with water and one with alcohol - an apron, baby wipes. Optional: stamps, mark making tools. 

Sunday, May 17


Click for a full size view

CSI Chantilly Scrapbook Workshop

Time: 12:30 - 4:30 PM
Fee: $20.00
Join us to create a unique Scrapbook layout using five colors, a selection of embellishments or techniques (i.e. birds, metal or sewing) and a special journaling technique (i.e. journal in multiple colors). We will use a weekly challenge created for the Colors, Inspiration, Stories website to create a layout. The instructor provides a variety of tools, inks and ideas for meeting the challenge. At recent classes, we have used stencils, Gelatos, modeling creme and stamps. It is a great opportunity to try new tools or techniques. Whether you are looking for new ideas for scrapbooking, an excuse to complete a layout or just to spend an afternoon with fellow scrapbookers, CSI Chantilly is for you. Participants will be given a list of the colors and the embellishments to be used two days in advance. Part of the fun is the surprise of what we will do. Students should bring: Basic supplies, photo and any desired embellishments. (Can purchase at store if prefer).


Saturday, May 9, 2015

Saturday Show and Tell

Hello friends. As I promised yesterday, I have so much more to show you that is new to the store.
First, have you bought your ticket to the Scrapbook Expo yet? We have your tickets here! This year, the ticket includes really cute packaging as well a keepsake button that shows you support your local stamp store. You will receive a free gift at the show if you collect 3 or more keepsake buttons, so buying a ticket from us will get you one step closer towards reaching that goal. Each ticket costs $7, which is $3 off the price at the door and also includes Early Bird admission to the show. We sellout of the tickets each year, so don't wait to claim yours!


Hey Hero Arts fans. There are new stamps, stencils, and dies at the store. We restocked all the Ombré ink pads we could, but there are some colors on backorder.

The new stamps I am most excited about are the layering clear stamps. Here is a card made from the layering bird:



Here are all the layers. Think of the color and combination possibilities:


For those of you that love butterflies, be sure to check out their layering butterfly set.
Hero also has a sweet baby set


And cute animals to color:



How about more floral samples from Penny black?


Jill Foster even has a video to show you how to make the "loose watercolor" technique used in the sample above:


You can also view the video directly here-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHjDqdIl6mA

We also have images from Dare 2B Artsy:



There are also new sayings from Impression Obsession- both inspirational and amusing: