When Suzanne Melvin of Oxford Impressions first clued me in that Disney's Alice in Wonderland would be released this month, I had a perfect excuse. Now, I had seen stamps before based on the illustrations by Sir John Tenniel from my childhood edition of the book, but I'd always resisted. That is until I saw the three new sets Suzanne recently released: Classic Alice (the one I've used here,) Illustrated Alice, and Wonderland. Projects for the April 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things provided the perfect excuse for me to add these stamps to my collection. See what you think.
First, a spiral notebook: black and white with an accent of red. An easy look to accomplish with Archival™ Ink, Adirondack® Dye Ink, and Inkssentials™ Glossy Accents™. When the self-adhesive crystals (Prima Marketing ®) were not the color I wanted, that too was a quick change with Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks.
Next, an Alice pendant. Same basic supplies but a totally different look.
Finally, a card. Alice with an attitude. Could that be caused by the Stickles™ Glitter Glue crown?
Fun stamps and fun projects. For additional details, see pages 48-49 of the April 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things.
I've always thought of my mother as a "real" artist because she worked in oils, acrylics, and watercolors. Years later, I still remember watching her coach the last bit of color from those precious tubes. She would then use the same technique that I have used below to create rich, vibrate backgrounds.
In my first card, you can see the beauty of the Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints with no additional adornment. This is a background that can definitely stand on its own.
Next, see what happens when you add embossing with Adirondack® Pigment Ink and Christmas Tree Embossing Antiquities™. Definitely an appropriate background for this sophisticated stamp, Abundance by B Line Designs.
For the details of this technique, see page 59 of the April 2010 issue of Crafts ‘n Things.
Wedding plans were already underway at my house, so I knew that I couldn't resist this "Happy Couple" by Judikins, You'll find two very different looks using this stamp in the April 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things. Can you tell what product these two projects have in common?
If you guessed Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks, you're right. The metallic finish of the Silver Fanfare die cut paper (Creative Imaginations) on the card front provided a great surface for the alcohol ink and for embossing with Adirondack® Pigment Ink and black Super Fine Detail™ Powder. I love the way the pattern of the paper is visible in the unembossed areas.
The keepsake box is made using ArtEmboss Aluminum by Amaco, but you'll have to check pages 38 - 39 for details on the tools I used (as well as a much better picture!) When you do, you'll be in for a surprise, and I think you'll want to give this a try too!
I can't speak for anyone else, but personally, I'm ready for Ole Man Winter to move on. I was reminded that there is a life beyond ice and snow when my April issue of Crafts 'n Things arrived this week. Check out the cover.
Spring is definitely blooming with all the pink flowers, but it is the chick that made me smile. I remember the anticipation as a little girl. I couldn't wait for the day when the Easter colored chicks would arrive at the local department store. (Obviously, that before we realized that dying chicks in seasonal colors was less than humane!) The table top was at eye level, and I knew that the best place to watch was near the heat lamp. My parents understood that these little fluff balls were not an appropriate pet for my stubby little fingers, but that never dampened my interest.
If you're suffering from the winter doldrums, you'll find much more in this issue than seasonal chicks and rabbits. But I must admit, I find the familiar satisfying. (It may be hard for me to resist the table runner, placemat, and napkin rings that Melony Bradley created to match the sweet little chick bucket.) Anyway you look at it, I am reminded of the promise that winter will come to an end!
