No rules!

Sometimes, when I'm in a rut, I'll see a stamp and wonder how I'm going to make that work on an A-2 size card. Seriously? Who made the rule that all cards have to be A-2 sized? And if there were such a rule, who's going to enforce it? The Post Office simply insists that a card fits into an envelope, so enjoy the freedom to change things up a bit! This cute little card fits into an A-2 envelope and features one of the new stamps from Hero Arts. This is a great design for those of you who have to send lots and lots of Christmas cards - quick and easy to replicate. Stop in Thursday between 10 and 8 and make one for yourself.

Alcohol Inks

There are so many wonderful ways to use Ranger's Alcohol Inks that, to show you everything, Jenn would need more than 2 hours and LOTS of tags. So she had to focus. Alcohol Inks are perfect for non-porous surfaces, so Jenn has created these two tags (featuring two different techniques) on glossy card stock and on acetate. Stop in Tuesday between 12 and 2 and play! It's okay to indulge in a little "alcohol" at lunch!

New Lockhart

We just received (hot off the press) the new Lockhart stamps for fall and Christmas. As usual, these stamps are perfect for coloring with pencils or Copics. I also love the unusual images you won't find anywhere else - have you ever seen an artichoke stamp with the corresponding phrase "Okie dokie artichokie"? My personal collection NEEDS that! Pictured are just 3 of the incredible samples Karen sent with this order. Bring your camera and come see the rest!

Summer School!

If every school teacher was like Dave Brethauer, owner of Memory Box stamp company, there would be a line around the block of students wanting to attend summer school! How is it possible that one person can inspire so much creativity and so much laughter?! I know I speak for everyone who got to take Dave's classes on Wednesday (and even for those who didn't) that we can't wait for his return trip - whenever that is. Let the email campaign to "bring Dave back" begin!

Combo Card!

That Marilynn! She's very crafty - and by that I mean "sly". This stamp, by Magenta, features an open vase. There are a couple of ways to create a pattern on an open image. One is to stamp on patterned paper. But what if your patterned paper is the wrong color? Or the wrong pattern? Or so fantastic that you can't bear to stamp on it and cut it up (which is the problem I have all the time, but I digress). What Marilynn chose to do was combine the stamp with a stencil. She used a brass stencil and markers to create the stripes on the vase. She then used the same markers, direct-to-rubber, to color and stamp the image so that everything matches perfectly. Easy, pretty and yet another way to use items in a new way. Crafty, right???!!! Stop by and make this card on Thursday between 10 - 8. It's FREE!

It's Bow Easy!

I think I was probably in kindergarten when I discovered how difficult it is to tie a neat bow. (And 1000 years ago, we didn't have velcro shoes, so ugly bows were the only option!) I have since learned how to make "bunny ears" and then adjust, adjust, adjust. The problem with that technique is that it wastes an enormous amount of ribbon, so if you're going to be making multiple bows, that is not a great option. Thankfully, there is a great little template that assists in making perfect bows in a variety of sizes, and it wastes NO ribbon! Stop in Tuesday between 12 & 2 and let Jenn show you how to use it. If you get home and forget how it's done, stop back here to the blog. Simply look down the right side and you'll find a link to a video Laura created to refresh your memory. Or, you can pull out your smart phone while you're in the shop and scan the QR code and watch the video right there! We've come a long way since the dawn of velcro shoes!

Check it Out!

Do you have a Smartphone? We have started putting QR codes like the one above next to various products in the store. All you have to do is make sure you have an app that scans QR codes and then have your phone read the code on the wall. The QR code will take you to more information on the product and even to some great craft videos. We really hope you enjoy this new service. It is always so much fun to learn more about the craft supplies out there!

Bang for the Buck!

Although, I guess this deer is actually a doe. (haha) If you're like me, you look at this card and think "Wow, that's beautiful, but way too hard". You (and I) would be wrong! The owner/artist of Stampscapes has done all the hard work in creating the stamps. The stamping and coloring is surprisingly quite easy. I LOVE using Stampscapes in for cards for men, but this one would also make a lovely sympathy card. This is our FREE make-and-take card Thursday. Stop in between 10 and 8 and find out just how easy this is. You'll be surprised. And anyone who receives this card will think you spent HOURS on it. See - a lot of bang for the buck!

More New Products!

We received tons of the new Ranger Distress Stains. Here is Ranger's description on the stains:

Distress Stains are fluid water-based dyes for papers and other porous
surfaces. Use for quick and easy ink coverage for backgrounds and larger areas.
Mist with water to lighten color and create mottled effects. Apply layers of
stain to achieve more saturated color. Available in the entire Distress color
palette.

The brushed nylon dabber top has a built-in spring valve. This
allows for controlling the release of Distress Stains from the bottle. By
pressing the dabber top down onto surface, the valve opens and fluid releases.
Lift dabber away from surface to stop fluid flow. Spread Distress Stains by
swiping the dabber top lightly as a brush across the surface.

Want to see a demo instead of reading about the stains? Here is a Tim Holtz video that talks about the product and gives you ideas for using the stains:

Feel the Breeze!

It has been so hot this summer, that every little bit of moving air is a welcome mini vacation. If you feel the same way, you are going to love this week's Technique Tuesday Tag. Jenn will be showing you tips for working with the Copic Air Brush! If you have followed this blog much at all, you know I'm a big fan of finding multiple uses for products. I love how vibrant Copic markers are when you color with them. But look at how soft - almost chalk-like - they are when you spray them on. Lovely! And yet, it's the same marker/same ink. Incredible! Plus, it makes it so much easier to apply color to things that are not flat and smooth - like this flower. Stop by between 12 and 2 and take a little mini vacation with us!