A Little Comparison, please

Join Kathy on Tuesday for our FREE Learn at Lunch between 12 & 2.  She will be showing you the differences between Ranger Enamel Accents vs. Nuvo Crystal Drops.  And, you'll get to practice your "technique" on this stunning holiday stamp from Stampendous.

Stop in and see what's new - it's always a good time!

Summer-set

We have another sample of this stamped image (by Stampendous) in the shop that is beautifully and meticulously colored.  (We'll have it on display).  But, this stamp also works, even if you don't have the time to do all of that coloring.  This "picnic at sunset" vibe was created using Gelatos.  I'm relaxed just looking at it (I'm also hungry - but then I'm always hungry).  Stop in Wednesday between 10 & 8 and enjoy a mini-vacation right here! 

Blending the Chameleon Way!

Do you like the look of blended Copic markers, but you haven't quite mastered it yet or don't have the right color combinations to get the look you want?  Join Angela between 12 & 2 on Tuesday, and play with the brand new Chameleon alcohol ink markers.  What makes them wonderful is they have a blending solution built it, so you can easily shade as you color with a single marker!  They come in 20 beautiful shades (which can be tinted to create literally hundreds of colors).  And, they work beautifully with the Copic markers you already have.  Don't miss your chance to give it a try on Tuesday.  This event, as always, is completely free!

Adhesive Embossing Powder

 Join Angela this Tuesday between 12 & 2 and find out more about Adhesive Embossing Powder.  Apply it like "regular" embossing powder, but once it's heated, it's sticky.  You can use it to stamp images and then adhere glitter, flocking, gold leaf and even microbeads.  Angela will teach you some tricks for using the powder effectively (don't overheat, use more solid stamps, ink twice, reheat.... too much to type) that will have you stamping and sticking everything!!!!

The demo is FREE and no registration is required.  See you there!

Add Sparkle with Shimmer Spritz

One of the things I love about the Shimmer Spritz is that it is translucent!  So you don't lose the coloring job you did (or the intricacy of the stamped image) but you get lots of shimmer and shine!  And, it dries on virtually any surface.  I've sprayed it on velvet, fabric, ribbon and more!  Plus, because it is wet, it really blends any Distress products - I have samples of Distress stains and Inks to show you.  Stop in Tuesday between 12 - 2 and give it a "spritz".  I guarantee it will add some "pizazz" to your day!

Make and Takes Galore!

Thursday's FREE make-and-take features stamps by Hero Arts, Impression Obsession and Stampendous!  I LOVE the color scheme - perfect for friends (and it reminds me of a Dreamsicle!)  For this card, we'll be using a "reverse kissing" technique!  By using a solid heart stamp and then stamping the leafy vine image over the top of it before stamping on the card stock, we're reversing the image.  It makes the card very interesting and your stamps even more versatile!  You know how much I love that!!!  Stop in Thursday between 10 & 8 to make one for yourself and give this technique a try!

Isn't this keychain fabulous!  This is one of our make-and-takes for our Winter Open House on Saturday, January 26.  We only have a couple of spots left, so snag your space today!!!!  We're so excited about how easy it is to work with these metal disks, that we're working on a bracelet workshop (in March) and we've also brought in a ton of supplies from Impress Art (see below) because we're sure you'll love it as much as we do!!!!

Simple Elegance

I love this stamp from Stampendous, and I particularly love Marilynn's take on it!  I've always spent some time coloring the image in, but Marilynn stamped it on kraft cardstock with Brilliance Sky Blue (so there is a hint of shimmer) and then spotlighted the flower with a little bit of white colored pencil.  A stunning effect!!!  The Hero Arts lace ribbon adds to the beauty.  And, it's hard to see in the picture, but the card is completed with a light stamping of the Stampendous Music Score on the notecard itself.  Just lovely!  Stop in Thursday between 10 and 8 and make one for yourself. 

Collect those Fragments!

I confess to feeling a bit fragmented most of the time.  Wouldn't it be great if you could keep your "life fragments" in check as easily as you can keep the Stampendous Color Fragments in place?  Stampendous has released all new colors of these wonderful matte paint chips.  In the initial color release, Jenn showed us how to work with them using embossing powder as a base.  This time, Jenn has added several new techniques including using Goosebumps as an adhesive, and using Scor-tape for a more delineated line.  Both uses are beautiful!  Join Jenn this Tuesday between 12 & 2 and learn some new ways to "get those ducks in a row". 

So pretty!

This Thursday's FREE card project features the Jumbo Iris stamp from Stampendous.  It's part of a cling set that also includes the design element that is repeated down the left-hand side.  I love everything about this card - the design, the images, the sentiment, the colors - everything!  The iris was colored with Copic markers and then enhanced with a spotlighting technique using the new Frantage Aged Embossing Enamels.  Not only does this technique add wonderful texture to the card, but it also makes the flower look real!  You know you will kick yourself if you miss this project, so drop what you're doing and get in here!  The supplies and instructions are available Thursday from 10 - 8. 

Make any day a Sunny Day!

I love this all-occasion card - it just seems to happy to me!  Marilynn used one of the new clear sets from The Cat's Pajamas, then added texture to the sunflower with Black Fragments from Stampendous.  If you've never played with these before - don't miss this chance.  It's a totally different look from Flower Soft, but just as easy to apply.  Love it!  Stop in any time between 10 & 8 on Thursday and make this card for yourself!

Creating with Frantage

The Frantage collection, by Stampendous, is a series of embossing enamels, mica fragments, glass glitter and more that can be layered to create fabulous textures and looks! Join Marilynn this Tuesday between 12 & 2 to play with all these yummy goodies! You won't believe how easy it is to create your own "summer place"!

Thursday's make-and-take and other treats!

So, lost in the news of the trade show that Laura and I attended last weekend is the trade show that Marilynn attended earlier in the month. If you want to read more about her adventures and see lots of card samples, be sure to visit her blog! While she was at that show, she fell in love with the Irojiten Colored Pencils by Tombo. They are like Prismacolors, except the lead is firmer, and Marilynn just raved about them. We just received them at the store, and we have them ready for you to try them out! Join us this Thursday between 10 & 8 to make this fabulous card featuring the new pencils as well as new stamps by Stampendous and new ribbon by Morex.

Wanna see some different ways to use the same Stampendous stamps? Check out this box that Marilynn also made at the show. Stunning, isn't it?!?

And, Marilynn also ordered tons of ribbon which has also arrived! These are just a few of the other beauties we have - there is literally ribbon everywhere in the shop. Come see!

Stampendous Embossing Enamel

We've been to several shows lately, so the Technique Tag Tuesdays will start to reflect all the new stuff that is coming in. Wahoo! First up is the new Embossing Enamel from Stampendous. This embossing powder is a little thicker than "traditional" embossing powder, and comes in a variety of vintage color mixes. Since the color is already mixed for you, this is a one step process that looks like it took a lot more time and thought than it did :-) (My favorite way to craft!)

Stop in this Tuesday and let Jenn show you how easy and fun it is to make this classy tag. She'll be in the shop between 12 & 2, and as always, you don't need to make a reservation - just drop by!

It's a Blustery Day!

Isn't this background stamp by Impression Obsession PERFECT for this card???? It's called "Fluff", but to me it makes perfect frothy ocean waves or wind! Stop in Thursday anytime between 10 & 8 and make this cute little card, just in time for spring! We're using two different techniques to add color to this set by Stampendous. First, we're doing some paper piecing to get lots of vibrant color. Then, we're adding a softer look by watercoloring with the Watercolor Wheel by Hero Arts. Join us!

All About Embossing

There are two different kinds of embosing: one is "wet" embossing using a heat gun and the other is "dry" embossing using a brass stencil (or the newer embossing machines like Cuttlebug). For Thursday's FREE make-and-take card, we're making use of both! I love the added texture an embossed background makes (and we have lots of different Cuttlebug embossing folders in stock right now). I also love colored embossing powders - a wonderful opaque look on dark colored card stock, and a really nice change from the "usual" gold or silver powders. Note - this card is for a baby girl, but we have the corresponding baby boy collage available for purchase in the shop if that suits your needs better.

Let it Snow!

Stampendous just released these mini tins, and they are adorable! I thought they would be fun for treats and small treasures for Christmas, but Dee and Marilynn are clearly more creative than I am! The came up with this "snowglobe" concept featuring punches, Polar White Flower Soft and Just Rite stamps on top. Join us for our Holiday Open House on December 5 and make one for yourself. You must reserve a space for this make-and-take, and the spaces are limited - so don't delay.

We also announced in our most recent email alert that Joe & Kathy of Seaside Stampin' Ink will be here from 10-4 on Dec. 5 demoing dozens of things to do with a Spritz Bottle (well, really the contents inside the Spritz Bottle, but you knew that). They'll also be bringing their entire trade show booth for your shopping pleasure. I know you don't want to miss that! Make plans to join us and ring in the holidays in style!