If you’ve ever scorched your paper or burnt your fingers when using an iron to create wax paper resist, you’ll love this technique. No heat involved to transfer a lace impression or the die cut image of your choice in these cards found on page 57 of the February 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things®.
With Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper and the addition of Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink, no one will guess how you produced these fabulous results. Use your "resist" as is or add a stamped message from Hero Arts® as I did. The possibilities are limitless, and there's no safety hazard involved.
Do you remember the first time that you saw heat embossing? It’s still a moment of wonder for me. I had a similar experience years ago when I first watched a demonstration of packing tape transfers. Now, when I share this technique, the reaction is always the same. People can’t believe that the process is so simple. I have to agree.
These projects are the first in a series of three articles on image transfers for Crafts 'n things®. First, a card featuring a stamp by Impression Obsession, Inc. , Hopes & Dreams. Perfect Pearls™ always provide an elegant touch.
Below, you'll find a necklace featuring patterned paper by DCWV and stamps by Hero Arts®, Manuscript Background and a simple heart. (The Hearts Ink and Stamp Set. is no longer listed, but a similar stamp is available in the From the Heart set.) I'm not a jewelry maker by any means, but this is a project that anyone could complete.
Want to know more? Pull out your "inky" supplies: Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper; Archival™ Ink; Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers; Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads; Adirondack® Pigment Inks. You'll find the details on page 50 of the February 2011 issue.
It was similar to an out of body experience. The only reason that I know that I made this card is that my name is under the picture on page 32 of the February 2011 issue of Crafts 'n things®. You wouldn't describe my stamping style as "cute," but this tiered cupcake card is cute and was fun to complete. The stamps are both by Memory Box, Tiers of Cupcakes and Sweet Cupcake, with color provided by Adirondack® Dye Ink Pads. The patterned paper is from the DeLovely Mini Deck by Cosmo Cricket.
The mischievous cherub on page 30 definitely looks more like something I would create. Tim Holtz™ Adirondack® Alcohol Inks and Alcohol Blending Solution combine with Suzanne Melvin's Oxford Impression Bonbon plate for a spirited Valentine tag.
Both card and tag use Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper and Archival™ Ink. The details for 30 Minute projects are available on line. You'll find the cupcake card here and the cherub tag here.
If you like to create fabulous backgrounds with a simple list of supplies, the technique in the December 2010 issue of Crafts 'n things® is for you! The first card uses little more than black Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper and Perfect Pearls™.
Want more bling? Just add "Glitter Ornaments" Peel-Off Stickers from The Paper Studio.
You'll find complete instructions on page 71.
"Recycle. Restyle. Reuse." It's even on the cover. Long before "going green" became the trend, crafters enjoyed the thrill of transforming what some would have seen as trash into treasure. Such was the case with this tin and matching journal found in the August 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things. Who could guess that this textured vintage finish conceals primary paint colors. It's all in the products you use!
The photo images, tin trinkets, and sentiment are from the "By the Sea" plate by Oxford Impressions. For successful stamping with photo stamps, quality paper such as Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper is the key. Other supplies for this project include Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers, Tim Holtz™ Distress™ Crackle Paint™, Tim Holtz™ Distress™ Stickles, Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink Pads, and Archival™ Ink.
What could be a better compliment for a special box to store your trinkets than a journal to record your memories? This bathing beauty will keep your secrets, and the packing from my husband's shirts has found new life.
The beautiful papers on the journal covers are from the All Dressed Up Stack by DCWV. In addition to the products for the tin, the journal uses Adirondack® Pigment Inks, Super Fine Detail™ Powders, and Inkssentials™ Glossy Accents™. The spiral binding coil is from one of my favorite vendors, Bonnie's Best Art Tools. (Here's a commercial: Not only does Bonnie have a great selection of specialized tools and products, she offers fabulous customer service. Just ask my husband. He loves it when my gift list has items from Bonnie's store. They're on a first name basis!)
For detailed instructions, see pages 66-67 of the August 2010 issue.
Does this happen to you? Do you ever begin with a project in mind and end up in a completely different place? This is what I'm talking about.
I'm not sure why we have what I grew up calling "funeral parlor" fans in our comfortably air conditioned church. It could be that others, like me, reminisce about similar fans they used while attending church with a grandparent, or it could be this is an effective manner to deal with changing female hormones. Either way, I originally planned to create a useable hand fan. Something happened along the way, and that fan grew into the full sized wall art project below. (And by the way, I really hope that you'll purchase the magazine to see a much better image. The photographer did a beautiful job in capturing the details including the elegant black bow.)
I'm going to blame this change in direction on Suzanne Melvin. First, her stamps were just too beautiful for me to choose just one focal image. Next, I realized that the accompanying flourishes and borders could be used to define sectional pieces. This fan definitely reminds me of a time when such fans were a necessity and life was much slower. The beautiful images from Oxford Impressions may be found on these plates: Marie Antoinette, Le Beau Monde, and French Script.
My best description for the accompanying card is "foo foo." I love the contrast between the pink feathered lady and the elegant coach. Another beautiful French lady from Suzanne.
For directions (and better pictures!) see the June 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things. Ranger®Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper, Archival™ Ink, Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink, products used include Adirondack® Dye Ink, Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabber, and Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi Medium Gloss.
Looking for additional ideas that place your Artist Trading Card collection in the limelight? While the flowers in our garden were destroyed by recent rains, these projects from pages 62-63 of the June 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things bring blooms to the forefront.
The three featured stamp sets are by Oxford Impressions: Country Girl, The Fairest Flower, and LeJardin. You will also need the following Ranger® products to recreate the ATCs : Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper, Archival™ Ink, Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink, Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers, and Posh Impressions Accent Pen™ The patterned paper is from the Wild Asparagus Collection by My Mind's Eye.
First, the elegant card. The window in the flower-shaped card provides a view of the underlying ATC, perfectly framed in gold.I know that the recipient of this card will treasure the beautiful flowers.
Next, the flower garland. I wish that I had the photography skills (and the proper lighting in our home) so that you could view this on the door frame in my studio. While I created five blossoms to embellish the door frame, this would easily be adaptable for a fireplace or larger area.
Below, the detail blossoms. I liked the look of the tulip flanking the children.
Welcome to my new column on pages 90-91 in the February 2010 issue of Crafts 'n Things: ATCs - Beyond Trading. If you've been looking for ways to showcase these miniature pieces of art, I hope that you will find inspiration here. When I first saw the Lucy stamps from the Stampsmith, I knew that they would fit my dollar store frame. With glitz, glitter, swirls, and curls supplied by the Filigree Heart from the Artful Stamper, this will be the perfect gift for the one in my family who "Loves Lucy." See what you think. 
Now, all that I needed was a matching card. The stamped image below will bring back memories of happy hours spent together watching I Love Lucy. The Glitter Mat Stack(DCVW) provides the perfect sparkle. 
You probably won't be surprised to find that the keys to success for these projects are Ranger® products: Tim Holtz™ Distress Ink Pads, my favorite Archival™ Ink, Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper, and Ancient Golds™ embossing powder. Of course, as a Ranger Educator, I'm a little prejudiced!
The ideas are swirling around in my head for additional ways to display ATCs. The new year has yet to arrive and I can't wait to show you the April 2010 issue. Be sure to check back with me. I think you will find it "Eggs-actly" perfect.
Techniques have a way of morphing. I remember a demonstration of faux antiquing I saw years ago: white paint applied over a clear image embossed on black cardstock. Definitely shabby chic. Later, I learned a technique called kaleidoscope or Joseph’s Coat: black ink brayered over a clear image embossed on marker-colored cardstock, a similar process.
While experimenting recently, I believe I achieved a completely different look with Adirondack® Dye Inks, Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabbers, and Inkssentials™ Gloss Paper. Two cards resulting from my experiment may be found on page 95 of the August issue of Crafts 'n Things. Both feature stamps by Fred B. Mullett.
First, my "Wonderful Peppers" card. I think these pepper stamps are wonderful! I hope that you will click on the card to see the details. The Classic K Bailey Ornamental Rub-On (K & Company) is a perfect complement for this hot number!
Next, "Simply Shrimp." I'd admired the Lori’s Shrimp stamp and think that Lil’ Flying Fish is a nice partner. The rich colors of the inks provide a sharp contrast to the pastel paint. No further embellishment required!
Below, two cards that you won't see in the magazine and more stamps by Fred B. Mullett.
First, "Testing the Water." I wanted to use the rather large sticker (EK Success) and that required large stamps, Blue Bobo and Big Kelp. Big stamps also mean that lots of color shows through the paint. Take a peak!
Now, "Through the Window." I wanted to see how a transparency might work with this background and thought the Printables ERA Transparency by Prima fit the bill. It looks to me like the Mushroom and Ground Ivy are peaking through the window.
For detailed information, see page 95 of the August issue of Crafts 'n Things. With or without further adornment or with the embellishment of your choice, this resist technique is irresistible!
