The Crafty Stamper

Reasons to Scrap

I'm not much of a scrapbooker.  I like making cards.  But taking pictures like these make me want to preserve these precious moments!  I can't decide whether I'll print these out and put them on my fall layout (which was completed for last Monday's class!) or play with the new My Digital Studio and see what I come up with there.  Regardless, they capture my cuties and I thought I'd share since I don't do that too often on this blog.  So here are Maggie and Ryan (ages 9 & 4) pumpkin picking!

 

More My Digital Studio

Here's another card I made with My Digital Studio (MDS).  What a fun and easy program to use!

I made the wreath with one stamp.  I used it the same as if I were stamping it.  I just changed the angle each time.  I was even able to change color without cleaning anything!

This program in no way replaces the satisfaction one gets from making hand-made paper crafted cards and gifts.  But oh, the ease of use and a great design tool!

Host a $400 workshop or book party and get this program for HALF PRICE!  Offer ends November 30th!  I have only a few dates available so contact me soon if you're interested!

Ways to Use it ~ Chalk Pastels

Here's a teeny tiny picture of a card made with chalks.  I will look for more samples to post.

Color with chalks ~ use make up applicators to apply directly to a stamped image for a soft colored look (you may also seal with acrylic spray if desired).

Chalks with Blender pens ~ for darker areas ~ After coloring softly with makeup applicators (in previous technique) pick up the chalk pastels with blender pens and add darker colors to your image.

Color your rubons any color ~ use chalk pastels with blender pens to color your white rubons to any of the 48 colors.

Color Your Flock ~ Use Stampin Pastels with sponge daubers to color the Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper.  

Poppin Pastels ~ stamp image with versamark and then add color with chalks and sponges or sponge daubers

Crystal Chalks ~ Lay Crystal effects on top of poppin pastels for a shiny effect.

Color embossed images – emboss an image with white embossing powder. Use colored chalks with sponge daubers on top in a “pouncing motion”.  Embossed image will pick up the color.  Wipe with a swiffer dry cloth to remove excess powder from your card stock.

Chalk Boarding ~ Stamp with white craft ink on dark paper. Apply chalk with sponges in a pouncing motion. (do not rub or your ink will move)  Wipe with a swiffer dry cloth to remove excess.

Coloring Ribbon with Chalks ~ use a sponge dauber right on top of your taffeta ribbon to color.

Chalk Lifting ~ cover entire dark paper background with chalks, then use versamark on your stamp to lift the chalk off the background, be sure to clean stamp in between.

Embossed Chalks ~ use VersaMark pen to color with chalks then clear emboss on top.

Chalk backgrounds ~ Color a background with chalks after stamping with versamark.  (see Poppin Pastels)

Chalk Lines Background ~ Apply chalk (multi colors if you wish) to cardstock.  Use your paper cutter and an eraser to erase lines for a cool background for a card.

Floating Chalks Background ~ scrape chalks into shallow dish of water, then lay card stock on top to "grab" the chalk--let dry.

Chalk Ground ~ After stamping any image (for example a tree), use chalk for adding a subtle ground, with colors that coordinate ~ without overpowering your main image.

Tinted Glitter ~ use your chalk pastels and sponge dauber to tint your dazzling diamonds glitter!  Apply dazzling diamonds with a two way glue pen to your project, then apply chalk on top.   

by Selene Kempton

How to Use Chalks

by Vicki Churchill Using chalks for your cards making or scrap booking ideas is a fantastic way of adding extra color to your pages. Chalks can also be used to create shadows or to shade in the edges of torn or ripped paper. Applying chalks to any project can be done in a variety of ways. There really is not any need to spend a large amount of money on specialized application sponges. You can simply use eye make up applicators, cotton buds, cotton wool all of which do the job just as well with a variety of looks, not to mention being a whole lot cheaper. Using chalks can transform a piece of paper together with being relatively inexpensive and the results are always unique. Before you begin to add chalk to any card making idea you have or to a piece of paper it is advisable to have a scrap piece of paper to hand so that you can experiment and work out which colors work well together. Depending on how dramatic you want the effect to be will be determined by how vigorously you brush the chalk on. If you have begun to add the chalks to one of your card making ideas and have made a mistake, all is not lost, using an artists eraser will safely and effectively remove the chalk from the paper. This type of eraser is also handy for removing any stray chalk dust. Once you have finished applying the chalk and are happy with the overall design you will need to use a fixative to stop the chalk from smearing. As tempting as it may be never use hairspray to set the chalk, it is particularly important if you are using the chalks for scrap booking because hairspray is not photo friendly and can react badly causing your photos to deteriorate. Chalks are really great to use with rubber stamps. Using a Versmark inkpad to stamp the image you can then begin to apply the different chalk colors (remember to start with the lighter color first) and soon you will see the image begin to take shape. Storing your chalks is important, it is recommended that you store chalks in a box with a lid and keep them as flat as possible, excessive banging and knocking of the box will cause the chalks to break up and worse of all mix together rendering them useless. Chalks are extremely easy to get hold of, you can find them in most craft stores and they can also be obtained via the internet so keep your eyes open for a bargain!. If you have never used chalks before it is well worth giving it a go, they are a great embellishing tool that will allow you to create works of art in seconds. They are inexpensive and a great way to create depth to any card making ideas. Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Card Making Ideas also providing you with excellent tips and ideas for Scrap Booking. Check back tomorrow for a quick list of techniques using Stampin' Pastels!

My Digital Studio

I started playing with My Digital Studio and created a couple of cards.  This amazing digital paper-crafting program has a multitude of uses and is very reasonably priced at $79.95.  I won my copy of it at Stampin' Up!'s Leadership conference!  One of the perks of being a demonstrator!

I made this card in only a couple of minutes.  I've sent it to the professional printing service and can't wait to see it in person to see how our products look on a flat card.  My feeling is that it'll be beautiful!

Once I become more acquainted with the program, I'll be offering a free information session/demonstration.  Please let me know if you are interested in attending as I'm compiling a list of interest.  A few more samples are on the way....

If you already know you've gotta have this program, please go to my Stampin' Up! website and place an order!  As always, let me know if you have any questions.

Christmas Jingle Class

Don't forget!  The Christmas Jingle Class is coming up and you can reserve your spot today by using the paypal link on this page.

You can just by the kit and do it on your own time.  You can come to my house on November 8th.  You can join me at my sister's house in Gansevoort, NY on November 14th.  Or, if you are a demonstrator, you can order the planner and do this class with your customers!  Go to my planners and kits page (link on right) and reserve your spot today.

Happy Stamping!

-Jenn

120 Uses for your Big Shot

I found a list of 120 things you can use your Big Shot machine for and will be posting them 10 at a time on Sundays until it's complete!  I'm sure there are more so if you can think of one that doesn't get posted, please be sure to leave it as a comment.  Here are the first 10!

   1. Use Big Shot to make fabulous titles on your school projects.

 

   2. Make a scavenger hunt and mark the spots with Big Shot letters or

shapes.

 

   3. Label items in your house to help your children with word

recognition. (This is also a great way to learn a new language for

your upcoming trip to a foreign country.)

 

   4. Make a felt board and die cut felt shapes to tell felt board

stories.

 

   5. Make a fishing game for your child's next birthday party.

 

   6. Cut flowers with a hole in the center out of tissue and have

kids make Hawaiian leis at a birthday party.

 

   7. Cut geometric shapes and roll them up to make cool paper beads

to use on any crafting project.

 

   8. Glue a collage onto your children's furniture to make a one of

a kind room.

 

   9. Make dress up dolls for your kids (and the rest of the

neighborhood too.)

 

   10. Glue themed die cuts onto colored dowel rods and stick them in

a pot or vase to use as a centerpiece.

To order your Big Shot, please give me a call at (845) 797-8791 or send me an email!  

Happy Stamping!

Are you a Facebook Fan?

It seems that EVERYBODY is on Facebook now and we use it more and more every day.  I've created a page for my Stampin' Up! business and would love it if you would become a fan!  I'll be offering specials for just FB fans and even post samples exclusive to my fans.  So please, consider clicking on "become a fan" today!

Click here to visit my facebook page!

Have you seen the Decor Elements in action?

These Decor Elements are really great.  They change the look of a room (or anything else you put them on!) in an instant!  They are less expensive than paint and much quicker to put up.  I put this tree in my sister's kitchen last week.  It took only 30 minutes (It comes in 6 pieces!) which is long compared to the other images we offer.  I'll be posting more examples as I go along in my attempt to post everyday!  :)

If you'd like to see the full offering of Decor Elements, click on the catalog picture in the sidebar of this blog.  It'll show you the pdf of what we have!  Order online anytime!

Handcrafted and ready for you!

Join me in Wappingers Falls this evening for a craft show!  I'll have my handcrafted items ready for purchase.  Details are below or give me a call to get more details! (845) 797-8791.

Hope to see you there!