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