Scrapbook News and Review Magazine

Guest Blogger -- Julie Ebersole

Hello!  I’m Julie Ebersole, and I must say I’m thrilled to have been invited to be a guest blogger here for Scrapbook News and Review magazine!  Today, I thought it would be fun to share more about one of my all-time favorite products from A Muse called Simple Stick.  Simple Stick is a clear "special effects" embossing powder that becomes tacky when heated!

Here are some samples that feature Simple Stick:

Simple Stick embossing powder can be used for applying glitter, flock and foils to stamped images by using embossing ink, pigment inks, clear or watermark inks, and your heat tool.  Although A Muse Simple Stick is the finest grind embossing powder of its kind, you'll achieve best results by starting with a well-inked ink pad, and by heating the image from underneath the paper, as opposed to from the top, to keep the air flow from your heat tool to a minimum.

Glitter Application:

To use Simple Stick, as in the example above, follow these steps:

1. Stamp grassy stems first with a fast-drying chalk or dye ink.  These inks work best when you do not want embossing powder to stick to them because they dry so quickly.

2.  Pounce the paper surface lightly with an anti-static bag, such as Static Magic.  This step eliminates any areas that may have electro-static or oils from your finger tips that might attract unwanted stray embossing powder.

3.  Stamp the hearts with a red pigment ink.  Make sure your ink pad is well-inked prior to stamping.

4.  Sprinkle Simple Stick over the top, and tap excess off gently onto scrap paper, funneling it back into the jar for future use.

5. Heat with a heat tool from the underside of the card stock, taking care to watch the embossing powder melt, turning from granular to shiny/wet in appearance.  Note:  It is very important to keep the heat just close enough to the underside of the paper to melt the powder, then move on to the next area immediately, to avoid over-heating the embossing powder; once Simple Stick is over-heated, it becomes "cured" or hard and loses its sticky properties.

6.  Apply red ultrafine glitter to the hearts, tapping off excess onto a separate piece of scratch paper.  You will see that the glitter clings to the areas or images that were embossed with Simple Stick Powder.  I generally like to use a pigment ink color that matches the ultrafine glitter color I plan to work with, but when working with microfine glitters, a plain embossing or Versamark pad (clear) also works very well.

7.  Gently re-heat the image (from under the card stock) to harden and cure the Simple Stick powder, locking the glitter into it.  Any loose flecks of glitter remaining on the paper surface can be removed with a soft brush.

Clear Glitter Application:

For this design, the paper surface was both sponged lightly and then the images were stamped with chalk ink.  The paper was then pounced with an anti-static pouch.  Afterwards, a solid rectangle image was inked with Versamark, which is a clear pigment type ink (also referred to as a watermark ink), and then stamped directly atop the pre-stamped images.  Simple Stick was applied, heated, and then a clear, iridescent glitter applied.  This allows the artwork beneath to show through a "veil" of sparkly glitter.

Below is an example of a mini brad, that has been flocked by gripping the prongs with tweezers (always use tweezers to protect your had) and heating the head with a heat tool.  While hot, the brad was dipped directly into the jar of Simple Stick, and then dipped into a jar of flock, pressing the flock firmly against the brad head.  With this method, you do not need to apply any pigment or embossing ink to the brad because once it is hot, dipping it into the jar will cause the embossing powder to melt immediately and directly onto it.  Best results are achieved if you use a brad and flock that match in color, in this case, a yellow brad and yellow flock.

Using the methods as described above, you can apply flock, foils, even finely ground sand and coffee grounds to your stamped images, so I encourage you to experiment and play with a variety of materials.  Stunning effects can be achieved whether using solid/bold or outline type images!

A Muse Simple Stick embossing powder is one of those supplies I consider a staple, especially when working with glitter, and I hope this mini-tutorial inspires you to give it a try. Thanks for sharing part of your day with me!

Stamp happy!

Julie

Guest Blogger -- Alice Golden

** Enter to win your own set of Design-It Drawers and High Society Paper Crafting Stack by leaving a comment on Alice’s blog by February 12, 2010 **

 

Hello everyone! Thanks so much for asking me to be the Guest Blogger this week. If you’re anything like me, you have a pretty good size stash of papers hanging around. Maybe some that has been waiting for that “special” project or is just too pretty to cut up or cover up with a photo. One of my favorite ways to use papers that I love is to create home décor pieces -- either to keep or give as a gift.

 

Here’s a peek at a few of the pieces I’ve created over the years:

 

 

 

Karen Foster Design just released their Design-It Drawers at CHA last week that are very versatile and perfect for altering. Today, I’m excited to share the details behind a project that I created for one of their ads.

 

 

 

In fact, I had so much fun designing the drawers that I decided to create an entire office set to match.

 

 This is the way the drawers come. The knobs are included!

 

I used several black and white papers from the new High Society paper craft stack.

 

In addition to some basic tools, I also used glossy paints from Krylon, a super strong glue stick from Therm O Web, and a cookie cutter die from QuicKutz. If you don’t have this die,  you can cut the paper into squares and then round the corners.

 

The boxes have a glossy white finish, which looks great as is, but I decided to add a punch of color with Hot Pink spray paint. For the pencil holders, I recycled a soup can and peanut container and spray painted the inside and outside of those along with the entire drawer set. The paint looks better and is more resistant to chipping if you give each item two or three light coats rather than one heavy coat, allowing sufficient drying time between each. I also find that it’s less messy to spray paint things inside a cardboard box. {Note to self: use more hand cream} ☺

 

I love these Short Cuts for craft projects – much less expensive and easier to store than a full size can. For this project, including painting the recycled cans, I used one entire can of Short Cuts.

 

To finish the set of drawers, I die cut the paper for the front of each drawer and cut strips to cover the outside edges. To get a really strong bond, I applied glue to both the paper and the boxes and waited a few seconds before adhering them together. I love a glue stick for this kind of thing because you get a little wiggle room if the papers aren’t lined up perfectly. I’ve also found that liquid adhesives, such as Mod Podge or PVA, don’t adhere as well to the glossy finish of these boxes.

 

The boxes each come pre-punched in the center. I decided to put the knobs closer to the top of the drawer so I simply turned the drawers around so the back becomes the front and used my Crop-a-dile to create new holes.

 

I cut strips of paper to fit around the outside and inside of each can.

 

I painted a chipboard flower and parts of a new Pizzazz Brad (released at CHA from Karen Foster Design) with some Hot Pink brush-on Short Cuts enamel. I love the glossy finish of this enamel paint. Think nail polish for paper! I used my Crop-a-dile to punch a hole for the brad.

 

 

For this can I used one of the new Ribbon Craft Clips (also released at CHA by KFD) to hold a piece of Raspberry Fizz ribbon from Papertrey Ink.

 

For the desk frame, I painted a very inexpensive white frame from IKEA with the brush-on enamel and then covered it with some coordinating paper.

 

I used two more Ribbon Craft Clips to attach a piece of ribbon along one side of the frame. I threaded two of Papertrey’s Raspberry Fizz buttons with Scrapper’s Floss  and adhered them to the frame with adhesive dots.

 

At less than $2, the clipboard was also fairly inexpensive. I found mine at Staples. I covered it with matching paper and added another Pizzazz brad at the top. My Crop-a-dile punched the hole for the brad right through the metal clip.

 

Guess what? I saved the best for last! I am hosting a giveaway on my blog where you can win a set of Design-It Drawers and a High Society Paper Craft Stack for your very own! All you need to do is visit my blog and leave a comment on Scrapbook News and Review Magazine’s blog by midnight EST on February 12, 2010 and I’ll select a winner at random. Please enter only once and international entries are welcomed!

 

Happy crafting!

 

Alice

 

______________

 

Alice lives in Massachusetts with her husband of 20 years and 3 boys – ages 15, 13, and 10. When she isn’t chauffeuring one of her kids to school or a sporting event or making her way through piles of laundry, you can usually find her working happily in her studio on one project or another.

 

Alice has worked in the industry for over 10 years and designs for several manufacturers and publications. In addition, she loves to inspire other crafters and has designed and taught classes both within the US and internationally. Alice’s work has appeared in almost every major US paper crafting publication and she spent two years serving on the Editorial Board for Paper Crafts magazine.

 

For more inspiration from Alice, visit her blog at www.alicegolden.typepad.com.

Guest Blogger - Helen Croft

Tutorial for Cute Paper Boxes

I was so excited when I was asked to guest blog for SNR and I’ve been thinking about what on earth to blog about. I decided to go with something that I’m known for: tutorials.

I want to show you how to make some simple and cute paper boxes. They come in very handy for Valentine’s Day.

First, print out this template on 8.5 X 11 cardstock. ( click on the picture and then right-click to print)

You'll need double-sided patterned paper, scissors, a craft knife, a bone folder, and ink (optional).

When you've cut out the template, simply trace it to the back of your paper and cut it out.

I like to ink the outside edges.

Use the bone folder to fold up the sides of the box.

Slide the tabbed side through the slit on the opposite side and then slide the scalloped sides into each other.

All that’s left is to decorate the outside.

Fill the box with chocolate. I guess you can fill it with other stuff than chocolate, but for some reason that’s all I can think of;)

It’s a perfect little gift for your Valentine.

Check out my blog for plenty of more tutorials -- www.scrap-a-little.com

Bio:

I live in Okinawa, Japan together with my Marine husband, our two awesome kids, and two crazy cats. I started scrapbooking in 2005 and I’ve finished over 30 scrapbooks. I’m privileged to be a stay-at-home-mom with plenty of time for my hobby/addiction.

I currently design for a challenge blog: http://itsallaboutmechallenge.blogspot.com

When I don’t scrap or blog, I spend time hanging out with my family and enjoy this subtropical island with all it’s gorgeous beaches.

My blogs:

www.scrap-a-little.com

www.scrap-a-little-sketches.com

Guest Blogger: Joanne Basile

Stitched Scraplets

 

Materials:  My Favorite Things Pure Innocence – My Umbrella, Paper from Cosmo Cricket Early Bird, Kraft Cardstock from Paper Trey Ink

 

 

It happened by chance, as these things usually do.  I was fiddling with a project, looking for a specific color ribbon that I didn’t have, and wishing I had some lace trim, and, a little pile of Kraft paper scraps was sitting next to my paper trimmer.  And, an idea was born. You see, I simply adore sewing on my cards, so adding a stitched scraplet was a perfect fit for my style.

 

To begin, I trim down a paper scrap to about about ¾ of an inch width… or sometimes even just a little bit less. 

 

Before the stitching, I like to soften the edges by applying tea dye ink.  If you plan on stitching, then distress ink afterwards or your stitches will get inked.  By antiquing the paper first, your stitches stay bright and clean.

 

A quick line of ScorTape to the back of the band will help keep it in place.  I like to make my scraplets longer than my main panel so that it’s long enough to tuck the edges behind my panel.  This keeps the edge nice and clean.  And more importantly, none of the stitches come unraveled.

 

They look great layered onto coordinating cardstock, accented with a border punch, or also to finish off the inside of a card.  Best of all, it’s a free embellishment that helps get my cluttered desk in order!

 

On days that I don’t feel like I’ve got any stamping mojo, I stitch up a pile of scraplets so they’re ready for my next project.

 

Another fun find is that once the piece has been stitched, then you can crumple it up and flatten it out again for a more rugged look.  A perfect accent for those hard to make masculine cards.

 

Thanks so much for visiting with me today!

 

*** 

Bio:  I’m a mom to two young boys, and a home daycare provider by day.  At night, I love when I finally get to sit down and play with the stamps, paper and ink that I’ve been daydreaming about all day!  I’m thrilled, and honored, to design for My Favorite Things Stamps, Stamping Bella and The Cat’s Pajamas.

 

Joanne blogs daily at www.stampedbyhand.blogspot.com and is on Splitcoast Stampers and Twitter as basilefamily

 

Guest Blogger -- Linda Cain

 

 

Hi, everyone. I’m really thrilled about being a Guest Blogger for Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.  I love paper, stamps, ink, metal, paint, canvas, beads….you name it. If you can find it in a local scrapbook store or craft and hobby store, I have to try it!

 

I have come to find embellishments from several lines and papers go well for the Christmas season, so here’s a little bit of Christmas from several different vendors. I think it makes it a lot more fun to drag everything out of the stash and make it work.

 

First I took a piece of Maya Road chipboard and sprayed it green. Then I used Perfect Pearls in a Mini Mister with water to add some sparkle. Tim Holtz stamps add a bit of background as well as the white pen stitching along the edges.

 

The next piece is a chipboard star sprayed with Perfect Pearls and Reinker, then stamped with a background stamp. It’s hard to see the sparkle in the picture, but believe me, it’s there.  I used the Film Strip on the left side as a border. Black pen dots were added on the star for fun. The Grungeboard cutout swirls were colored with layers of Distress Inks, dots of white, and Burgundy Stickles. The more space covered, the happier I am!

 

The Santa tag from Graphic 45 papers is stamped with brown ink. Distress Inks help to age it just a bit more. I glued it to a piece of black chipboard and added it to the star. The Ten Seconds Studio metal leaves are cut with the Cuttlebug and hand embossed. Use a felt poinsettia to top off the embellishment with an Idea-ology snap for the center, and more Stickles. And lastly, a few clear Rhinestones in 2 groups of 5 cover what little space is left.

 

Add some Type Charms and Trinket Beads to the bottom with Jump Rings, a bit of gold cording at the top, and it’s a Christmas wall hanging to cherish for years to come.

 

I hope you enjoyed this and encourage you to get out the supplies and start Creating ART. Before you know it, the season will be upon us….sorry. Sad but true. So get a jump on it, and have fun!  Send me pictures of what you have done, and maybe they’ll end up on my blog. We’ll have more “Friends in ART.”

 

 

Bio: I live in Central Illinois with my hardworking and understanding husband. I tend to spend hours in my studio, sometimes forgetting to stop to eat, but Bill always seems to find the time to pitch in with everything that needs to be done, and bring me up morsels of food to keep me going.

 

I started out as a watercolor artist and learned many tips and techniques that follow through in most projects that I tackle. I have been published in Cloth Paper Scissors, Stamper’s Sampler, Altered Arts, ISABA Altered Words, and Bead Trends. I have served on several Design Teams and taught in 3 different states. Most recently I was honored to be chosen to go to Ranger U and learn from the masters in 3 different fields. It was a joy.

 

As I said at the beginning of this piece, there is very little that I have not tried in the arts. It is all fun and truly can be blended one into the other from ink to wax, canvas to paper, and paint to metal and clay. Everything is an experience and I try to share my experiences with you as often as I can on my blog. Stop by and visit…..comments are always welcome!

 

Your Friend in ART,

 

Linda Cain

Cain81@mtco.com      My blog Friends in ART  http://cain81art.blogspot.com

 

 

Featured Guest Blogger -- Dawn McVey

 

Hi, there! My name is Dawn McVey and I’m thrilled to be a guest blogger for Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. For today, I thought I’d share a quick and easy Christmas gift tag project that features two brand new stamp set that I designed for Papertrey Ink. The stamp sets will be released on October 15, 2009.

The first stamp set is called Vintage Ornaments and is a collection of three distinct ornament images, several sentiments and quite a few decorative overlay images designed to fit over the ornaments to create a wide variety of vintage looking ornaments for your holiday projects.

The second set is called Vintage Ornaments Additions and it’s chock full of additional patterns and shapes that can be stamped over the top of the ornament images to give you an amazing amount of ornament building options. Some of the stamps can even be used to create darling background patterns.

Let's get started, shall we?

First up, you want to stamp whole page of ornaments.  You'll stamp the bases first -- see the solid pink ornament on the right?  And then, you'll stamp one of the many ornament-building overlay images from the set right over the top of the ornament.  In this case, I chose to go with lighter shades of pink and green for the ornaments and darker shades of green and red for the decorative patterns so that they'd really 'pop'!

Next, you'll want to cut out all of your ornaments.  I just used a small pair of paper snips.

Now, you'll want to take a small hole punch and punch out a hole in the top of each ornament.  I used a 1/8" circle punch.

Ok, the next step is totally optional, but I stamped a simple to/from sentiment (from the 2009 Holiday Tag Collection stamp set, also from Papertrey Ink) on the back of each ornament.  This particular one is great because the to/from words and the dotted lines are all one stamp!  That makes this a fast and easy step that will make your tags look so polished and professional!  If you choose to skip this step though, you could easily handwrite the to/from info.

All right, now you can thread some simple twine thru the holes.  I used Papertrey's Rustic Cream Button Twine but you could use any thin string, twine or thread.

Lastly, all that's left to do is to bling these little cuties out!!  I added rhinestones or glitter to each ornament and boy, do they sparkle!  When adhering glitter, it's best if you have some sort of glue pen so that you can 'draw on' the glue and place it just where you want it.  You'll be surprised at how striking these little tags are with glitter accents added to the stripes or in the centers of the images!

And how cute does that little gift tag look, hanging on a gift bag?!  You could make up these for yourself now, so you're ready to roll when it comes time to wrap your gifts or you could even make up little sets of these in coordinating color schemes and give them away as gifts!  What a thoughtful little treat these would make for your loved ones at Thanksgiving, so they're all set for the holidays too!

I hope you've enjoyed this project and I hope you're feeling a little inspired to get started early on some crafty Christmas projects!  Thanks so much to Scrapbook News & Review for inviting me to share this post with you today!

Have a goodie!

Bio: My name is Dawn McVey and I'm a stamp designer and design team member for Papertrey Ink.  I have had projects published in Paper Crafts Magazine, CARDS, Scrapbook Trends, Paper Trends, Craft Stamper and various other special issue publications and idea books.  I live in Kansas with my sweet husband, Bart, and our lovable dog, Riley.  I've been paper crafting for as long as I can remember and feel so, so blessed to have such a rewarding and fulfilling hobby! You can visit Dawn at her blog, on Twitter or at Papertrey Ink.

 

Featured Guest Blogger -- Julia Stainton

Hi, I’m Julia Stainton and I’m excited to be guest designing for Scrapbook News and Review Magazine’s blog. I love scrapbooking, but my busy life seems to dictate quicker projects for the most part. This post was the perfect opportunity to get me back to scrapping and also share some ideas that I have about customizing patterned paper.

What keeps me busy? I’m a stay-at-home mom with five kids, but I also juggle lots of paper crafting in between. Luckily, hubby is a very sweet and tolerant man and we’re excited to be celebrating our 20^th anniversary in a couple weeks. I primarily design cards, but also love creating altered art projects and scrapbook layouts and spend a lot of time designing freelance for publications. I’ve spent the past six months designing rubber stamps for Cornish Heritage Farms which has been a fabulous experience. This month has brought some changes for me as I’ve been excited to start some new projects, including designing for Ellen Hutson LLC and along with Becky Olsen and Lisa Strahl have just launched a new digital crafting site. You can also find me blogging on my own site.

I have quite the love affair with patterned paper. I collect it by the sheet and by the collection and I’d probably be there all day if I tried counting it. I have to say that my very favorite papers the specialty ones – the embossed or glittered papers and the flocked and die-cut edge ones. They just look so gorgeous. Unfortunately, the price tag on them can be a little high, especially in this economic climate when most of us are finding we really need to cut back a little. Today, I’ll share a few of the ideas I have for customizing patterned paper to get that designer look with papers you already have in your stash.

Customizing patterned paper can be done in so many different ways but today I’ll focus on adding texture and shine to your stash. These product additions are very simple to do and a little goes a long way. In fact, you probably already have some if not all of them on hand. Perhaps one of the best things about crafting is finding new ways to use what you already have. One thing to note before you start…the thickness of the paper you wish to customize will have some influence on which of the following techniques you try. A heavy, cardstock weight patterned paper will hold up under any of the following techniques. If your patterned paper is a really thin weight, make sure you try out the technique on a small scrap first.

 

Stickles: Stickles is a glitter/glue product by Ranger and is a super quick and easy way to add glitter to your papers. The little bottles make the glitter easy to apply without mess. It may take a little time to dry but the results are lovely. Dry-time will vary depending on climate so allow a minimum of an hour before working with your revised papers.  For a subtle look, try Stickles in a clear glitter color or try a more colorful bottle for an eye-popping combo.

 

Glitter and glue pen: Glue pens are a fabulous way to add fine lines of adhesive. I love drawing or outlining patterns with a glue pen onto my patterned paper and then sprinkling with loose glitter. This method gives a slightly different look than the Stickles. It’s more precise with finer lines and it does dry much quicker. The draw-back…you’re probably going to wear a little glitter.  

 

Flocking: Flocking can be added to your patterned papers with some loose flocking. If you’re looking for flocking, you can usually find it in rubber stamping stores in particular. Stampendous and Doodlebug Designs are a few of the manufacturers that carry this product. Flocking your paper will take a little more patience as it is rather messy and you really want to let the adhesive dry well before removing the excess. If you’re looking for flocked paper that is perfect and quite dense, you may just want to invest in the flocked paper as I haven’t yet been able to duplicate that professional flocking process at home. 

 

Glossy accents: Glossy Accents by Ranger or other dimensional glaze products give a beautiful embossed look to paper. You can use them as a liquid adhesive but there primary use is accenting stamped images or giving a glass-like finish to collage pieces. Glossy Accents can be easily squeezed onto your patterned paper to give you a beautifully shiny, heat-embossed look. Like Stickles, Glossy Accents takes a while to dry but it’s a super-economical way to add pizzazz. One bottle will go a long way. You can also try the Crackle Accents product if you want a vintage look. This product will crack as it dries giving a very unique effect.

 

 

Heat Embossing: If you have stamps, embossing ink and clear embossing powder, heat embossing may be a trick you want to try. Simply stamp over your paper with embossing ink and then sprinkle with clear embossing powder. Remove excess and then heat using heat gun. For festive embossed papers, try a black or gold glitter embossing powder for a bold look. 

 

Spray Paint: OK. This idea is not for those of you concerned with archival scrapbooking but it’s a great technique for altered projects, cards and those of us who just plain don’t care. I’m on a spray paint kick these days. If it’s not nailed down, I want to spray it. The other morning while shopping, I found some glitter spray paint and just had to try it. It’s quick and adds a great all over shimmer to your page. Use this product outside to keep fumes at a minimum and be careful of overspray. You’ll also want to stand a good distance away from your paper so that it doesn’t puddle but sprays evenly. Arms length of beyond is best. 

 

Here’s a layout I’ve created using a few of the techniques mentioned above. 

Cousins by Julia Stainton Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: Webster's Pages, My Mind's Eye; Letters: American Crafts; Burlap,Flower, Denim Trim: Prima; Buttons: Autumn Leaves; Twine, Crystals: Zva Creative; Glitter Glue: Ranger; Glue Pen: Sakura; Glitter: Art Institute; Other: Machine sewing 

 

Have fun taking a look at what product you have in a creative new way. I hope you’ll give it a whirl!

Thanks for joining me today.

 

Happy creating!

Julia

Our First Guest Blogger -- Lauren Meader

I wasn’t sure what to think when Scrapbook News and Review Magazine e-mailed me, asking me to participate as their first guest designer! My initial reply to Erika was “I don’t scrapbook (well not much, and I’m not good at it), so I don’t know that I can be a guest!” She quickly replied that Scrapbook News and Review was all about everything! Just do whatever I want and it should be fine.

Needless to say I was of course “nervous” about WHAT I would do! I always feel that way any time I’m “featured” in some way, be it a My Timeless Template release, group project, newsletter or of course-guest spot. I never want to disappoint anyone.

That being said I figured the majority of readers are most likely scrappers! So I kept in mind the fact that they ALL use photos-a lot! I knew I wanted to do SOMETHING special with them, but was unsure. Myself, on the hunt for great, inexpensive gift ideas found the PERFECT idea!

I HOPE you like it. 

I recently did a newsletter project for All That Scraps.  You can see that —>Here!I decorated a glass bottle using stamps, and Grafix Rub-Ons. Upon reading my instructions I noted that you could PRINT on them! Well, say no more!!!

I RAN right to the craft store where I purchased a 4pk of round/flat ornaments, then got to work! 

Ornament front-

Now I will teach you how to make your very own Glass Photo Keepsake Ornaments!

Here is by step by step video for you to see just how quick, easy and inexpensive these are to make. The best part they can be part of your home decor all year long!

Ornament back- 

Now the BEST part to these are they look FAB on BOTH sides!!!

Close up of ornament front 

See what a great view you get. Now I will share the back close up photo 

 See that! Just as pretty at the view from the front. 

This is one photo that I took of the three keepsake ornaments I made-using each one of my children’s photos. 

What an EASY, fun keepsake that I can keep in my home all year, for years to come! ope you enjoy this project, and find the time to give it try for your gift giving this year, no matter what season, or occasion! 

Thank you for joining me. 

Lauren Meader

www.laurenm.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com