Fun with Nathalie!

We had such a great time this past Thursday when we hosted Nathalie Metivier, from Magenta, for two workshops! In the morning, she taught tons of tips and techniques for working with alcohol inks! Then her evening class focused on colored pencils techniques on various medium like chipboard and canvas! I always like getting my pictures taken with the guests, but this time, I noticed a resemblance :-) Is it the eyebrows? The bangs? Do you see it?

Whoops!

So, after I posted photos yesterday of the make-and-take card, I realized that Nathalie from Magenta was going to be here on Thursday, and she will need the entire classroom space to teach her workshop! There's no space to set up for the make-and-take! YIKES! So, I'm sorry to have teased you like that! We'll do the make-and-take next Thursday, and I'll repost the photo on Wednesday, April 4. This Thursday, there will not be a FREE make-and-take, but please stop by anyway. We'll have a huge trunk show of fabulous Magenta products, including their two idea books which contain stunning photos! Pick one up and let Nathalie sign it for you!

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!

Wrapping it Up

Well, the trade show is ending, and Angela and I are coming home with lots of ideas and goodies. We will keep you updated as classes get scheduled and product starts to arrive.

Last night we attended the make and take frenzy/dessert event. Here is a pict:

I don't often craft in a ballroom. You can see Angela in the left hand corner looking very productive. Some of the projects were hits and some misses. Be sure to check out Angela's Facebook page for one of the misses.

We spent a lot of money at the show. Well, I didn't spend any money, but I did spend a lot of Angela's money. :)

Here are some of the things we are excited about:

Impression Obsession. They now have die cuts that coordinate with some of their stamps. Perhaps the dies we are the most excited about though are the ones that coordinate with the shaker pouches. Now instead of buying a overlay, you can cut holes to put the shaker pouches anywhere you want on your project! The dies also nest so that you can use them for things other than the shaker pouches. Practical!

Smooch Glitz. Angela and I had seen the advertisements for the new Smooch Glitz colors, but the ads don't even begin to do the product justice. We tested them last night and literally squealed and danced over the results. The paint has a small applicator so that you can add sparkle highlights or you can edge your paper. You will be amazed by how much they sparkle. You can use them by themselves, or you can use your other Smooches, let the paint dry, and then add a layer of the Glitz for a different look.

More new stuff to share, but right now we need to head to the airport.

Laura

 

More Winners!

Good morning from our last day in Boston! It's unbelievable how quickly these weekends go. They are just jam packed with classes and shopping, and it's exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. Thank you for joining us on our little journey. Just a quick note to tell you the winners from yesterday's "comment" contest. Krista W. is the winner on the blog, and Terri Gee is the winner from FB. Congrats, girls! We'll have goodies for you at the shop when we get back! Stay tuned for a few more posts today (hopefully). Today is when we run around like maniacs and place orders.

Viva Decor

Just finished a card class with Viva Decor and Michael Strong. I had the chance to play with the Viva Decor Paper Soft as well as their Inka Gold (which comes in a variety of colors....not just gold) and Pearl Pens.

My samples illustrate a couple of things I say in my classes. First, let liquid pearls dry before you handle your card or else you have a mess and in my case, smooshed pearls. Second, when you pop up a cardstock element, don't be stingy on the foam tape. My heart piece is already sagging.

Right now Angela is in class and I am supposed to be putting the Ranger order together. However, I made the mistake of taking off my shoes and laying down on my bed. I don't expect much work will get done before dinner. Don't tell Angela....

Laura

Hero Arts

Two classes with Shari Carroll and Hero Arts this morning. Lots of bright spring colors as well as die cut tips and thoughts on clean and simple stamping. Working on ideas for a class as well as MITI ideas for the store.

Laura

Winners!

So, lovely Laura has the lucky hotel room - she gets free WiFi, while I actually have to haul all my stuff down to the lobby to post. That's why she's been more prolific posting on this trip (that's my story and I'm sticking to it)!

On to the "business of the day"! Congrats to our "comment" winners from yesterday: Debbie Hamilton for her Facebook post, and Chrisi Rogers for her blog post! Congrats, ladies! We'll have goodies for you to pick up at the shop after we get back. Don't forget to make comments today on both our FB page and blog for a chance to win something great! Winners will be announced tomorrow morning!

And stay tuned for more great posts and updates throughout our second day of classes - wahoo!

Color Charts

I'm going to preface this next post with a disclaimer that the pictures I am posting are terrible. My hotel room just doesn't have great lighting.

One of the great things about the Collins Group trade show is that they offer various products that store owners can use to make color charts for their stores. I spent some time this evening making some for Angela's.

First...Distress Stains. Now you can see all of the colors next to each other.

I thought I didn't need to make a Stickles chart since there is one at the store. However, new colors have made an appearance since that chart was made.

You know all those new Hero inks? We now have color charts for their dye, shadow, mid-tone shadow, and chalk inks.

I'm sorry you can't see a good picture of the Liquid Pearls. The colors are stunning! After playing with the various colors, I decided I need many more colors in my collection (especially Platinum Pearl)

I really hope you like the Flower Soft color chart. It has all the colors of the regular, Ultra Fine, and Diamond Range Flower Soft. When I played with the Flower Soft, I decided I need to play with the Ultra Fine some more. I really liked it!

Be sure to stop by the store to check out the new charts. Hopefully they will help you pick out just the right products!

Also, don't forget to leave comments on this blog and the Happy Stamper Facebook page today and tomorrow. Angela is picking winners both days to win some prizes.

Laura

More With Copic

So, if you are like me, you probably use your Copic markers for coloring images...and that is about it. I just took a class with Copic where we used the Copic ink refills to make watercolor backgrounds on marker paper, acetate, and canvas paper. It was so nice to not think about coloring, blending, or shading. It is also great to know you can get more "bang for your buck" with your pens. Yet another class for me to plan...

Laura

 

First Copic Class

Hi again. I just got out of my first Copic class and had the chance to practice coloring skin and hair with images from My Favorite Things. Perfect! We talked about different color combinations to use to represent various ethnic groups. I still need to process how I want to teach the class, but look for a skin/hair Copic class (or two) coming soon.

Laura

First Class

Hi guys. I just got out of my first class, and it was awesome. I took a masculine card class from Impression Obsession. After all, who doesn't need guy card ideas? We used brand new detailed images by Gary Robertson that I know you are going to love. We also used some of their brand new dies. Yes, that is correct. They now have dies! I will be scheduling a class when I get back, so be sure to watch for that.

Laura

We're Here!

Laura and I arrived safe and sound (well, more or less) last night and settled in. They gave us rooms on the same floor, but not anywhere near each other. Perhaps we made more of an impression the last time we were here than we thought?

Anyway, a full day ahead today! Here's a quick run-down of some of the events. We'll be posting pictures, etc. as the day progresses (assuming technology cooperates).

First thing this morning: Product Lightning Round. This is like speed dating for crafters. Vendors have about 3 minutes to tell us about their latest and greatest products. Enough to entice us to come to their booths on Sunday.

Then I'm taking classes the rest of the day with Kim Hughes (former designer for Cornish Heritage Farms and now owner and lead designer of Paper Smooches), Printworks and Michael Strong. Laura is taking a couple of Impression Obsession classes and a couple of Copic classes.

Don't forget to comment here on the blog and on our Facebook page. We'll be choosing a winner today from here AND from FB and another winner tomorrow from both locations for some excellent goodies. Plus, we just enjoy the feedback and support. As much fun as this is (and it really is fun) it's also exhausting, so we enjoy reading your good wishes!

More soon!

Testing Tablet Posting

Hello all. Blogger Laura here. Angela and I are off to Boston today to attend a trade show. We are taking classes and checking out the latest and greatest from vendors such as Hero Arts, Ranger, Impression Obsession, Bo Bunny, Stacy Stamps, and more!

I thought it would be fun to blog a lot while we are there so that you can feel as if you were there too. Of course, this plan will depend on the internet connection there as well as my ability to blog from my tablet. So, here is my tester post to see if things are working before I go.

Laura

Ps.. The picture of the new stamps and embellishments at the store has nothing to do with this post. I just thought I should practice uploading a picture. :)

 

Angela's Happy Stamper 11411 Sunset Hills Rd A Reston, Virginia 20190

 

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!

Easy Watercolor!

Do you love the look of watercolor but think you lack the patience to do it? Join Jenn Tuesday between 12 & 2 and see how easy it is to achieve a beautiful watercolor look using watercolor pencils! We love these pencils from Faber-Castell - they are a triangular barrel, so they don't roll off your table. Plus, they are glued the entire length of the barrel, so they don't break off inside in case you do drop them. It's the simple pleasures, isn't it?!?!

Trendy Tape

Do you love the look of ribbon but have trouble adhering it sometimes? Then, check out this fabulous new Trendy Tape from Queen & Company. This is just a sampling of the colors and styles we have available in convenient 10 yard rolls! Springy and fun!

Baker's Twine

Baker's Twine - we just can't get enough of it!!! Now, we have lots of luscious colors available in 10 yard spools - how convenient!!!

Plus, there are a couple color combinations we haven't seen before. Yum!

Impression Obsession Collage

I love the vintage look and feel of this card, and it's done completely with stamps (no decorative paper here)! Stop in for the FREE make-and-take this Thursday between 10 & 8 and learn how to layer background stamps to create this collaged background. We'll finish off the card with other IO images. If you have trouble coming up with card ideas for men, this is a great card to have on hand! And, I love the added detail of the scalloped notecard to frame everything to perfection! Hope to see you there!

Give an inch

I love playing with inchies. They are often just the perfect little "something" to finish off a project. And, I love that they come in 1", 1 1/2" and 2"sizes as well as in white, ivory, black and other neutral colors! They're a sturdy matboard construction, so you get dimension without popdots, and they accept ink, colored pencils and markers beautifully. So what else could possibly make them better??? Join Jenn this Tuesday between 12 & 2 and let her show you! (Hint: you can actually use your embossing folders on them - I had NO idea!)

Stamp of the Month!

Are you familiar with the Great Impressions Stamp of the Month program?

Each month, Great Impressions designates one of their stamps as the Stamp of the Month. They use this stamp on all 5 or 6 of the card samples on that month's board, so you can see how versatile the stamp is. And, better yet, the stamp is available for the entire month at 50% off!!! We keep the board right by the register to inspire you, and we usually have all of the other stamps used on the card projects so that you can recreate them at home (however, only the Stamp of the Month is 50% off).

This month, the SoM has 3 different frames on it - and one of them was used on this fun, all-occasion "girlfriend" card. I LOVE it!

Hooray for Bunnies!

I just love this image from The Cat's Pajamas. It makes me smile all over my face! Join us anytime Thursday between 10 and 8 to make this fabulous all-occasion card. There's a lot of detail - from the Memory Box die in the background, to the Kaiser Craft flower peeking out, to the dimensional pinwheel and the little dots of glitter glue that highlight the centers of the pinwheels! But the main attraction is the watercolor wash used to color the bunny and the background. So much fun in one little card!

New Distress Markers!

This demo is twice as nice because we'll be making two tags - for the low, low price of FREE! Join Jenn as she shows you some fabulous tips for stamping and blending with the brand new Ranger Distress Markers. And, check out how beautifully the Picket Fence marker appears on dark colored card stock! Amazing!!! This is a demo you don't want to miss! Stop in Tuesday between 12 & 2 and double your fun!

The Right Tools!

As you know, creating a masterpiece is much easier when you have the right tools - the right paper cutter, the right ink, the right marker. Getting the right tools to you takes a team - the vendor to manufacture it, us to discover it and order it, and our faithful UPS man to get it to us! This is Rory - he's been delivering our precious packages for about 5 years now, so he's earned a spot on the team! We appreciate that you know you can come to us for advice on the proper tools and for the latest and greatest new discoveries! It's our passion, and we are grateful for your support!

National Craft Month

Creating is such an important part of people's lives that we get an entire month to celebrate - not simply a day!!! For the month of March, my goal is to post something to inspire you each day - either here or on our Facebook page. This is kind of a lofty goal, so some days it may only be a word or two. If you're on Facebook, feel free to help me out with posts of your own. We love seeing (and being inspired by) the things you're creating! Today's post features a new slider card from Inky Antics. This is part of their new March sample board (so there are even more ideas to see). Stop in the store to pull the ribbons and see the card in action. Also, ask at the counter for a copy of the instructions - FREE! Then, go forth and create!