Pinecone Transparency Ornament

I love this ornament and can't wait to see the Christmas lights shining through the transparent surface. Found at page 59 of the December 2010 issue, the instructions are available at Crafts 'n things® by clicking on Free Stuff and Bonus Projects. (I'm sure you'll want to explore all the great free projects while you're there.)

The Bubble Light and Large Pinecone Ornament stamps are by Just for Fun. The ornament uses Adirondack® Pigment Ink, Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder, and Adirondack® Archival Pigment Pens - all by Ranger®.

Christmas on the Edge Mini Album

I’ve completed Christmas albums in the past and always regretted that the stamped images were not as visible as I would have liked. When I viewed my beautiful new Christmas images from Just for Fun, I couldn’t bear the thought of a similar fate. This album, found at page 59 of the December 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things® was the result.

The Weathered White embossing powder (Embossing Antiquities™ ) is perfect when you don't want a bright white effect. If you notice the sprinkle of color around the sampler photograph, that's Tim Holtz™ Distress Embossing Powders. Questions about how to journal on black? That's not a problem with Ranger's ® Inkssentials™ White Opaque Pen.
Not only have I created an heirloom quality project, I can enjoy my stamps without turning the pages. You'll find complete directions and patterns in Crafts 'n Things®.

Better Backgrounds: Masking with Die Cuts

Die cuts are meant to be embellishments, right? That's probably how most people use them, but I enjoy finding possibilities for product beyond the intended purpose. To find out how die cuts do double duty as masks in stamping projects, see my Better Backgrounds column in the April 2009 issue of Crafts 'n Things. Die cuts by Spellbinders are teamed with Ranger® Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads in this fun technique.

One of the things that I enjoyed was using stamps by fellow Tennessee artist Roann Mathias. ("Sing to the Lord" above; "Imagine" below) I've long been intrigued by calligraphy, and her work is beautiful. You can find more of Roann's images at the Stamping Studio. (Other stamps for these two projects: Rhonna Farrer for Autumn Leaves)


Above: Friends (Just for Fun)
Below: Irene (B Line Designs)

With die cuts that are elegant or simple - country or sophisticated, add a little ink and your background is ready for stamping or embellishment.

Faux Encaustic Magic

Encaustic painting has long held a fascination for me. When I discovered how to emulate this effect with Adirondack Color Wash, I was thrilled. You'll find detailed instructions for these cards in the June 2008 issue of Crafts 'n Things. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to get fabulous results.

Stamps: Car Cube 1942 Ford by B Line Designs; Societe du Louvre by Just for Fun