tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83673223136946072842024-03-13T23:30:26.132-07:00After Hours StamperA collection of all things stamping: tutorials, videos, product links, bargain hunting, sales, anything and everything that you can imagine all in one place.Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-53128800757214939742013-10-25T16:06:00.000-07:002013-10-25T16:06:49.132-07:00The endless remodel and making christmas cards with non christmas stamps/die cutsHello, and happy Friday! Our remodel (new floors, paint, new lights, and more) moves along slowly. The floor is in the hallway, kitchen, dinning room, spare room, baseboard is going in today. Now we have to get the painter out to paint the hallway and dinning room (which means I also have to empty out two closets). Then we will need to get the floor in our bedroom (anyone who would like to come over this weekend and pull up carpet with me is welcome to do so lol), then the family room. <br />
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Of course then the kitchen, family room and our room will need to get painted, new light fixtures installed and we are going to install recessed lighting in the kitchen, so that has to be done (including the shopping for the recessed lighting). Oh, and we are trying to get a new cabinet in the kitchen as well, waiting for some estimates. Our house is in total disarray, and my mind is not far behind. When all is done there will be pictures.<br />
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We cannot afford to redo the kitchen, so we are going to paint the cabinets, and hopefully get one more cabinet with a built in table installed, minor fixes for a very small kitchen.<br />
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Anyhow, that is not why you stopped by is it? Needless to say I have not been crafting much, have been working on a afghan since it can be picked up and put down. <br />
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Now, Christmas is coming up and as usual I am making cards (when? I have no clue). This year I tried something different, am using a non xmas image to create the card:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9YU2Oxluzc/Umrdca3jKWI/AAAAAAAAIs0/OVvSqyxZFtE/s1600/xmas+card+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9YU2Oxluzc/Umrdca3jKWI/AAAAAAAAIs0/OVvSqyxZFtE/s320/xmas+card+2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZUTbUoyrus/UmrdfJCdgRI/AAAAAAAAIs8/hYxpbN6yR5s/s1600/100_1397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZUTbUoyrus/UmrdfJCdgRI/AAAAAAAAIs8/hYxpbN6yR5s/s320/100_1397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is my draft card, may make a few changes but will not change that much. <br />
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The stamp is from <a href="http://www.heroarts.com/products/productInfo.cfm?ItemNo=K5232" target="_blank">Hero Arts, "Dot Flourish Border," </a> and it sort of reminded me of branches with berries, like holly. I used silver embossing powder that has some glitter in it and then thought that filling in the dots with red glitter would add some bling, and color, and the red paper added that little bit of zing as well. Used a "Peace" ( may change the silver to red embossing powder for "peace"), stamp and will use a stamp for the inside sentiment "May the peace and wonder of christmas be with you always." <br />
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There are so many ideas out there to make cards without having to use a specific Christmas die cut or stamp, here are some great ideas:<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/178032991493224495/" target="_blank">Use buttons to make a wreath</a> (the link just takes you to the picture on pinterest)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GeDT_X7KOVc/Umrf3gmKBWI/AAAAAAAAItE/qITt62Oui3Q/s1600/63da6529d3e47fb433354db3b23ca869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GeDT_X7KOVc/Umrf3gmKBWI/AAAAAAAAItE/qITt62Oui3Q/s320/63da6529d3e47fb433354db3b23ca869.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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You could also use buttons as ornaments, hang them with some twine on the front of the card for a really fun effect, or just draw in the lines, l<a href="http://blog.mjtrim.com/2012/11/24/diy-inspiration-holiday-cards/" target="_blank">ike this one:</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtuyM5vVl7Y/Umri66PaFPI/AAAAAAAAItk/bgGP2dYySVA/s1600/5257592432_b95e780d81_b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtuyM5vVl7Y/Umri66PaFPI/AAAAAAAAItk/bgGP2dYySVA/s320/5257592432_b95e780d81_b-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Note that the buttons are not even in "Christmas colors" What a great idea!</div>
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<a href="http://papiercouleur.canalblog.com/archives/2012/01/08/23051251.html" target="_blank">And then there is this:</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v024Vt5h_ak/UmrgYnsu3DI/AAAAAAAAItM/HaMgB3itOUk/s1600/71352252_p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v024Vt5h_ak/UmrgYnsu3DI/AAAAAAAAItM/HaMgB3itOUk/s320/71352252_p.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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How cool is that! You could use any number of shapes, including small flowers, leaves, and just make sure to put them on the card in the shape of a tree. And think of all the cool paper you could use too. Really loved this idea.</div>
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<a href="http://scrapperia.blogspot.com/2012/08/august.html" target="_blank">And:</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJEo7wSXQus/Umrg-tJoDnI/AAAAAAAAItU/BMZl6mOi4zA/s1600/12-08_02_e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RJEo7wSXQus/Umrg-tJoDnI/AAAAAAAAItU/BMZl6mOi4zA/s320/12-08_02_e.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This person used a branch die cut, the word "joy" and a nice embossed background, so easy, elegant and all using images/die cuts that are not Christmas specific.<br />
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<a href="http://megumisstampinretreat.blogspot.com/2011/08/beautiful-season-easel-card.html" target="_blank">Loved this too:</a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ob4_lz4DYiI/UmriNmKCSRI/AAAAAAAAItc/bq-q8v5pHPA/s1600/summer+2011+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ob4_lz4DYiI/UmriNmKCSRI/AAAAAAAAItc/bq-q8v5pHPA/s320/summer+2011+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_639162270"></span><span id="goog_639162271"></span>Using a bird on a branch stamp makes for a very nice card, and once again the image is not Christmas specific. Actually any "winter" scenic stamps would also make a lovely Christmas card, especially with a few additions of "snow," or other winter type decorations.<br />
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OH MY! You really have to spend some time on <a href="http://www.elowezil.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tilly's blog, </a>you will be floored by her creativity, her most recent posts have some really cute fairy garden creations, keep going back to find some absolutely mind blowing cards. Here is one of them (found it on pinterest, did not see it on her blog).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnpQz7sSgpk/UmrumpnE3gI/AAAAAAAAItw/l0KZiulwcb8/s1600/b66d4f51a2381acd0cf7b7b28a0ab477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnpQz7sSgpk/UmrumpnE3gI/AAAAAAAAItw/l0KZiulwcb8/s320/b66d4f51a2381acd0cf7b7b28a0ab477.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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Here she took a bird cage, two birds, used the red, brought in some leaves, berries and added a red and green plaid ribbon, and wow! Wonderful way to take existing die cuts and make them into something for Christmas. <br />
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What about all those paint chips you have around the house (I keep purging them, then getting an entire new stack of them, sigh.) <a href="http://beautyandbeard.blogspot.com/2011/12/copy-cat-cards.html" target="_blank">Check this out:</a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UbzcOPuVWTs/Umrvs2cnOOI/AAAAAAAAIt4/8GLNmA3kZjQ/s1600/IMG_4716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UbzcOPuVWTs/Umrvs2cnOOI/AAAAAAAAIt4/8GLNmA3kZjQ/s320/IMG_4716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The blogger actually was inspired by a pin on pinterest, and instead of using cardstock she pulled out her paint chips. Love it! I thought that you could also do rings and interlock them, that might be interesting....<br />
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<a href="http://flowersparkle.blogspot.com/2011/09/2-black-white-christmas-tree-trio-cards.html" target="_blank">Black and white for a Christmas card, lovely result </a>(and note that the trees are simply triangles):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH7GruVWQu8/UmrykmkWWiI/AAAAAAAAIuA/HWXZYVA1SM4/s1600/B&W+Tree+Trio+MC+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IH7GruVWQu8/UmrykmkWWiI/AAAAAAAAIuA/HWXZYVA1SM4/s320/B&W+Tree+Trio+MC+1.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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You could use a dotted embossed background instead of the snowflakes, or just put some glitter on for the background, in a falling snow pattern. None of the papers are "christmas" papers, nor is the ribbon, just the "Merry Christmas" is used to turn this card into a Christmas card.<br />
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Here is another card using <a href="http://scrapperia.blogspot.com/2013/10/weihnachtliches-schriftbild.html" target="_blank">scenic stamps, just trees.</a> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnJ1t5Nu_lM/UmrzzrPSH_I/AAAAAAAAIuI/NZ7te_3Ct7Q/s1600/13-10_03_c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnJ1t5Nu_lM/UmrzzrPSH_I/AAAAAAAAIuI/NZ7te_3Ct7Q/s320/13-10_03_c.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lovely, and the light blue brings in the feeling of winter. Love the specks of gold, reminds me of birds flocking together. <br />
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So many ideas on creating holiday cards without having to have a specific holiday stamp, hopefully today's post will inspire you to use what you have and come up with a great card.<br />
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Have a great weekend everyone! Hoping to be able to post again next week, but it will all depend on how the work in the house is going, keep your fingers crossed. <br />
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And if you have ideas on creating Christmas cards without using Christmas specific stamps or dies, please make sure to leave a comment.<br />
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Thanks for following me all these years, and don't forget I absolutely LOVE to hear from you, if you have a moment leave a comment (or two, or three lol).<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-64879763739541881402013-10-15T14:51:00.002-07:002013-10-16T13:00:10.932-07:00What to do with tiny rubber stamps, and of course other links :)Hello again. Wow, two posts in two weeks, am on a roll :)<br />
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Our house is still torn up (installing new flooring in the hallway, dinning room, family room, kitchen and hopefully our bedroom as well, and then painting). And even though we are not doing anything "major" it seems like there are so many choices to make! <br />
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What color for the walls? Accent wall or not? New lighting fixture for the dinning room/hallway, bronze? Brushed nickel? Fan for the family room, white? Brushed nickel? What fabric for the dinning room chairs? Should the chairs be painted or left as is? What about the dinning room table? Paint or just try to fix it up a bit. <br />
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And new artwork/decor for the walls. Have pictures for the new craft room that I have to get frames for, and the rest of the house needs tons of updated decor as well.<br />
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Anyhow, am looking forward to getting everything done, will post pictures as things move on.<br />
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Now, onto stamping stuff.<br />
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My collection of stamps includes many of those tiny little stamps that come with sets, and most of the time I forget to use them, or they get lost. The reality is that those tiny little stamps can do a whole lot of creating for you, if you know some fun ways to use these little gems.<br />
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Below is an old card I made using small stamps to create a background for the main image. Using different colors for each stamp, and then coloring in the background by sponging in color created a nice effect:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0990nuDIKQ/Ul2UaFkHDTI/AAAAAAAAIqM/g9567XWxud8/s1600/IMG_1070_by_SanJoseLady.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0990nuDIKQ/Ul2UaFkHDTI/AAAAAAAAIqM/g9567XWxud8/s320/IMG_1070_by_SanJoseLady.jpeg" width="271" /></a></div>
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And here is a new card made with one small stamp, I stamped the leaf in four different colors, and made sure that I stamped them such that they formed a box and had a small border around them:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3moDms1IsXo/Ul7rjTDBiKI/AAAAAAAAIrw/NkLaoznRT0Q/s1600/Four+Leaves+in+fall+colors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3moDms1IsXo/Ul7rjTDBiKI/AAAAAAAAIrw/NkLaoznRT0Q/s320/Four+Leaves+in+fall+colors.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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And here is one I did today, a repeat of three images:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NKZu8p2bMU/Ul7rxCHEGhI/AAAAAAAAIr4/qRGZvvHhj9A/s1600/Three+leaves+small+stamp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NKZu8p2bMU/Ul7rxCHEGhI/AAAAAAAAIr4/qRGZvvHhj9A/s320/Three+leaves+small+stamp.JPG" title="Three Leaves Fall Colors" width="239" /></a></div>
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When using the small stamps remember the elements of design, <a href="http://www.digital-web.com/articles/principles_of_design/" target="_blank">here is a good link </a>I found from <a href="http://melstampz.blogspot.com/2008/04/design-focus-rule-of-thirds-birthday.html" target="_blank">Mel Stampz</a> (she has GREAT stuff on her blog by the way). When using small stamps overall design components become even more important as you do not always have that one large image to design around. </div>
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Another GREAT place for ideas on what to do with small stamps is Stamps by Judith. Many of her stamps are the "stubbies" or "sticks," tiny stamps that allow you to create wonderful wreaths and more.</div>
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Here is one of her <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/73887250106525243/" target="_blank">border stamps used with the sticks and stubby stamps:</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHzxIkmCMrw/Ul2f9TE1RUI/AAAAAAAAIqc/Ta_oEjlzEho/s1600/cb6e724b7c3fe5c30ad8042d359b6a48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHzxIkmCMrw/Ul2f9TE1RUI/AAAAAAAAIqc/Ta_oEjlzEho/s320/cb6e724b7c3fe5c30ad8042d359b6a48.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.rubberstamptapestry.com/" target="_blank">Tapestry also has some peg stamps</a>, check them out here, and they have tons of ideas as well.</div>
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And....did you know that you can make your own peg stamp? Go to any hardware store and pick out dowels (if you have some peg stamps take one with you for sizing). Have the store cut the stick down to size and hot glue or adhere your stamp using other adhesive. Here are a few I have done with tiny stamps that always seem to get lost:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-AV-zSS7EU/Ul27dDNZN1I/AAAAAAAAIrc/iusffYXTsIo/s1600/Homemade+stubby+stamps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-AV-zSS7EU/Ul27dDNZN1I/AAAAAAAAIrc/iusffYXTsIo/s320/Homemade+stubby+stamps.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91TjNbv_3eM/Ul27aS5heFI/AAAAAAAAIrU/f28bQ_0fXXc/s1600/100_1370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91TjNbv_3eM/Ul27aS5heFI/AAAAAAAAIrU/f28bQ_0fXXc/s320/100_1370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/133911788890317699/" target="_blank">another card</a>, note that the card uses cut out images (the butterflies), but you could use stamped images from a small stamp instead:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAJbJJaaaKQ/Ul2kAqx7efI/AAAAAAAAIqo/Av6cnf0l8Fo/s1600/card+with+three+design+elements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAJbJJaaaKQ/Ul2kAqx7efI/AAAAAAAAIqo/Av6cnf0l8Fo/s320/card+with+three+design+elements.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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Tiny stamps also are great for <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=stamping+with+tiny+stamps&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS519US519&espv=210&es_sm=119&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=y49dUpmBO4GziQKO2YH4Dg&ved=0CJEBELAE&biw=1747&bih=873&dpr=1#es_sm=119&espv=210&q=card+ideas+using+small+rubber+stamps&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=1rM8o9TRSuh1KM%3A%3BzRpuzEA5OiXYyM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fimg1.etsystatic.com%252F009%252F0%252F5303544%252Fil_340x270.431530353_e7sr.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.etsy.com%252Fmarket%252Fhandmade_rubber_stamps%253Fref%253Dlisting_material%3B340%3B270" target="_blank">making gift cards:</a> (think of all the gift tags you can make for Christmas)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAhOellnMyc/Ul2k5lLyn-I/AAAAAAAAIqw/G7GgVTQv-i4/s1600/small+stamp+idea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qAhOellnMyc/Ul2k5lLyn-I/AAAAAAAAIqw/G7GgVTQv-i4/s320/small+stamp+idea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nona Designs has some i<a href="http://www.nonadesigns.com/princh02.htm" target="_blank">nchie stamp ideas </a> click on the various cards for complete list of how to and supplies. </div>
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Here is a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=cards%20made%20with%20inchie%20stamps" target="_blank">link to a few more cards </a>on Pinterest using small (inchie) stamps. <a href="http://www.eksuccessbrands.com/Inkadinkado/Projects/Dream_Card.htm" target="_blank">You can also visit Inkadinkado </a>for ideas (see below) and to purchase the Inchies stamps.</div>
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More fun stuff online:</div>
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And, there is a new product that I really want to try, the <a href="http://www.stephaniebarnardstamps.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_44&products_id=367&zenid=41nv4l9o12j7t1oapsaj6qj7g5" target="_blank">Sizzix Framelits Die set, square flip it. </a> LOVE the idea of having all the pieces cut out all at once, and you can use your small stamps with the cut outs.</div>
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Once again <a href="http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/09/video-concentric-stamping.html" target="_blank">Jennifer McGuire knocks my socks off,</a> she is really amazing. And this post by her is nothing short of genius. I LOVED the fact that she made her own coordinating paper (how often have you found that you have 12 million different colors of cardstock, but not ONE matches what you are doing?) Great post and if you have not bookmarked her blog you should! Also, you can subscribe to her on YouTube so you will not miss any of her wonderful videos.<br />
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Have you seen the new punch boards from <a href="http://craftcritique.com/2013/08/01/cha-summer-2013-we-r-memory-keepers-punch-boards/#more-33110" target="_blank">We are Memory Keepers?</a> I have the new envelope board (have not used it yet), and LOVE these other punch boards which can make gift bags and boxes, way cool. <br />
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Fiskars Intricate Punch: Mmmmmm.....this looks so nice! Of course I want to get one : ) but...that means I have to get rid of something because that is my new rule, too much stuff and I am not going to overstuff the new crafting area lol. What do you think of these new punches?<br />
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And WOW! Love how this card is put together, especially how she shaded using the Inktense pencils, am going to have to play around with some of the mixed media stuff I have in the craft area.<br />
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Ok, that is it for now, hoping to be back again next week, but may have to wait a week if our house stuff gets in the way.<br />
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Thanks so much for stopping by and coming back after all this time : )<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-77220805587038701122013-10-11T09:31:00.000-07:002013-10-11T09:31:22.112-07:00How time flies :) New Crafting Area and a few links.Hello! Yes, I am back again. And yes, it has been quite a while since I posted. Life has been busy, new job, family time, and some work around the house.<br />
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Have missed posting here, have posted a bit more on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AfterHoursStamper" target="_blank">Facebook page,</a> though not as much as I would like. Hoping to change all of that from today onward.<br />
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One of the house projects has been to move my crafting area which was situated in the family room. Or, should I say taking over the family room. Anyhow, we now have a spare room and after two years finally decided to fix the room up, make it into a crafting area, guest and media room. And no, the room is not big, it is 11 x 10 feet lol<br />
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Was dreading moving everything, just too much stuff! And yes, it was every bit as bad, actually worse, then I thought it would be, but the end result is oh so wonderful!<br />
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Here are pictures of where the craft area was:<br />
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And here are some photos of the new craft area:<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"> This is the new sofa/sleeper for the room, called a "EuroLounger." This is a view of the room from the hallway. We removed the carpet and put in new flooring (which we are also installing in the hallway, dinning room, family room and maybe the kitchen). We also repainted the room, the walls are a taupe (the inside of the closet is taupe, just a shade darker), and the ceiling/molding is an off white. </span><br />
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This is the other side of the room, new white cabinet :) and crafting area.</div>
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This is part of the crafting area, we took out the closet and put in a desk top (cut down some wood to fit the closet) added a few more shelves. Ordered a larger DVD shelf unit (on the left in the picture) for stamp storage ($38), works perfectly. Had a smaller unit (next to the larger one) that I am using as well.</div>
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Here is a close up of the baskets from Bed, Bath and Beyond (the top basket is not a new one, just the ones below). I love how they stack, lots of room and they are very sturdy. These are on top of the new large DVD storage unit, smaller ones are on the desk, and large ones are underneath the desk. The peg stamps are stored in metal CD storage, I can move the container easily, or just grab stamps. The bottom basket has clear blocks for unmounted stamps.</div>
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This is the smaller DVD unit next to the larger one, had this in the old area. Still have one more shelf for the larger unit, (you can see the shelf next to the plug), not sure if I need it or not, but will keep it for a while.</div>
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I decide to use baskets to store things on top of the desk, bought the ones on the right at Bed Bath and Beyond, they stack perfectly and allow me to store supplies that I use all the time. Had the storage for the copics, and the clear containers on the far left. In the far right of the picture you can see more shelving which is currently being used for ink pads. On the far left is the computer, can actually use it and craft at the same time lol</div>
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Here is a close up view of the ink pads and how I have stored them. The shelf above the ink pads also holds H20's, small ink pads and glue dots/mounting tape. On the far right, bottom, behind the coffee cup, are Viva Decor pens. <br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Here is a front view of the new cabinet, took me forever to find exactly what I needed. What I love about this cabinet is that the door on the top can swing open, or it can fold down into a table, see below. Top shelf of the open storage has Martha Stewart punches, middle shelf has glue, baby wipes, modge podge, embossing paste and so on. The bottom shelf has water color paints, chalks, and some special paints.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Here is the door open, on the top shelf I have glimmer mists (on the left), mica powders (on the right), some clear glitter and a few odds and ends. The middle shelf has embossing powder, glitter, (in boxes on the left), markers, colored pencils, water color pencils, intense pencils (in utensil baskets, on the right). I wanted to be able to grab all of the markers or colored pencils at one time and thought that the utensil holders would work best, bought the holders at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Bottom shelf has the tool turnaround, and tape gun, and a few other odds and ends.</span><br />
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Here is the tale top down, with the chair. My old area was very cramped and the work area very restricted, this new set up allows me to spread out, a dream come true lol I will be able to set up the cuttle bug and not have to stop to put it away to continue working, same for the paper cutter and so on. So far I have just been playing around and mainly using the desktop in the old closet (no time for crafting as the rest of the house is being worked on). I can leave the table down or when we have guests spending the night close it up. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">This is the unit that was in the old crafting area, we turned it on its side and bought baskets. Using it to store odds/ends, yarn (am now crocheting), embroidery supplies, zentangle supplies and eventually we will have a tv on top.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">And here is the family room, minus the crafting area lol. See the boxes on the right? That is about half of what was purged, will be donated soon. Still need to donate/sell the items on the left (white drawers and my old sewing/crafting table). The oak unit with the TV is going as well, we are planning on putting a TV above the fireplace, as well as putting in new flooring, new fan and painting. </span><br />
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Here is a video of the new room as well (for some reason I could not upload the video from my ipad directly to youtube, had to use an app which made the video "skinny," sorry for the poor quality)<br />
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One thing I learned, crafting is an addiction, and while I did manage to pare down and get rid of about a third of my stuff, there are still things I can get rid of from the move, and I will soon.<br />
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Looking forward to posting again, there are just so many GREAT things out there to post! And of course I am on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jacquie_heffner/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> (my god one can spend a great deal of time on that site!). <br />
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Missed you all, and missed the blog! Looking forward to being back.<br />
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Of course I have to provide a few links to goodies if you have read this far lol Found a few things on pinterest that were amazing (at least to me they were):<br />
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<a href="http://bigganed.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bigganded's blog: </a> WOW, WOW, WOW! Have seen her work on SCS, went to her blog and spent hours (yes, hours) admiring and casing for my own projects. Truly an inspiration and an artist of the highest level, you will enjoy every moment of her blog and projects.<br />
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GREAT video on how to make card bases in a flash:<br />
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<a href="http://www.duitang.com/people/mblog/18580316/detail/" target="_blank">Interesting Rainbow business cards: </a> found the site through pinterest, and though it is not in English all of the directions can easily be followed because of the pictures. Really want to try this soon!<br />
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Take care, and I should be back later next week with links and all sorts of fun things :)<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-63642851647023420132012-04-27T12:10:00.000-07:002012-04-27T12:10:24.108-07:00Coloring your worldHappy Friday! We had a great visit last weekend with our son who is stationed at Camp Pendleton, time went by far too fast. Hoping that he can come home over Memorial weekend because seeing him just makes us miss him all the more. The only downside to visiting our son is the traffic through Los Angeles...just horrible, horrible, horrible, have NO idea how people live with gridlock like that every day.<br />
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<a href="http://pocketchange.become.com/wp-content/themes/pcreloaded/images/logos/beathome200.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Be At Home Interior Design Blog" border="0" height="100" src="http://pocketchange.become.com/wp-content/themes/pcreloaded/images/logos/beathome200.gif" width="200" /></a>AfterHoursStamper was featured on a blog called <a href="http://pocketchange.become.com/2012/04/best-of-the-web-be-home-65.html" target="_blank">Be @ Home Decor Blog</a> as a Best of the Web! I am very honored to have them feature my little blog, and if you get a chance check out the other links on their Best of the Web, lots of cool sites and great information such as their "<a href="http://tips.become.com/" target="_blank">Tip Center</a>" which provides some good tips on various topics. <br />
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We have been working in our yard and finally built a raise bed for our vegetable garden, now we need to get some manure and other things to fill the bed and then the plants! Our plan is to do what is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591862027/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1591862027">Square Foot Gardening</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1591862027" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> You grid off your planter into one foot squares and plant within those squares which will give you higher yields with a lot less room. I will take pictures as soon as we get the plants in : )<br />
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Enough of the small talk, lets get down to business : ) This week is all about coloring, from copics to water coloring and more. I tend to color my images a variety of ways: colored pencils, water coloring, copic/alcohol markers, ink, dye based markers, chalk, and so on. Each coloring technique has its pros and cons, some are easier to learn, some require special paper, some require expensive coloring supplies, all of these technique give you a different look to your stamped image or background. <br />
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All of the links today are about coloring mediums and also how to color your images using various mediums. In no way is this list complete (it seems like every week there is a new product you can use to color images) but it will hopefully give you the inspiration to try some new coloring techniques with the supplies you already have on hand.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mGRSodQM8MU/S3j8Q9WGjwI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/N2oK5c31w3w/s1600/lightleft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mGRSodQM8MU/S3j8Q9WGjwI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/N2oK5c31w3w/s200/lightleft.jpg" /></a>Before we get to the coloring there is one important facet to review. Any of these coloring techniques are going to look best if you make sure to create dimension in your coloring. To create dimension you need to make sure to add shading to your image (darker areas) as well as make sure to leave some white/light areas. Here is a very good link that goes over<a href="http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org/2010/02/cardmaking-201-coloring-basic-shading.html" target="_blank"> basic shading</a> (and also has links to a number of coloring mediums). <br />
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Also, you should try to add some outline color/grounding to your image. Add a light shade of color around the image for added depth. Don't leave your image "floating" on the page, "ground" by adding a "floor" to the image directly underneath. All you need to do is add a swatch of color, green, brown, even grey, to give your image something to stand on (grounding).<br />
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If you are coloring an image and do not like what you see, take a moment to ask yourself how your shading is. Are there dark and light areas? Is the blending smooth? Do you have a light source so that your shading makes sense? Is your image grounded? Do you have shading around your image? If you don't like what you see try to darken areas, or add some white to the image (it is usually easier to go darker than it is to make your image lighter). <br />
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And remember that practice makes perfect. You might sit down and color images and not like one that you did, however if you keep on practicing, reading tutorials, watching videos, your coloring will improve. Set aside some time just to practice, stamp out one image a number of times and play with your coloring, vary the light source, vary the intensity of your coloring. I promise that if you do set time aside to practice you will improve! <br />
<a href="http://www.hallmarkscrapbook.com/spaw2/uploads/images/SPECN-BLUES6-CraftersCompanionSpectrumNoirBLUES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.hallmarkscrapbook.com/spaw2/uploads/images/SPECN-BLUES6-CraftersCompanionSpectrumNoirBLUES.jpg" width="186" /></a><br />
<b>Copic or Alcohol Markers:</b> I enjoy using my Copic markers, however these markers have become extremely expensive. There are alternatives to Copic markers, such as the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IHT17G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007IHT17G">Spectrum Noir </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007IHT17G" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
pens, but the alternatives are not quite the same quality as the Copics. Having said that, the price difference between the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IHT17G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007IHT17G">Spectrum Noir </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007IHT17G" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
(depending on the set you buy you can get these for as low as $1.54 per pen) versus the Copics ($5.24 for the Sketch and $3.59 for the Ciao) makes it hard not to at least try the Spectrum Noir (which I am planning on doing in the near future and will have a product comparison for you as well). <br />
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Once you have alcohol markers you will discover that there is a learning curve with these pens, and it is critical that you use the right paper and stamping ink (I have posted on these two items before). Once you have the right paper and stamping ink you will need to practice, practice, practice to be able to get flawless blending. <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ahcy_HfMNKQ/TUd_H72AEiI/AAAAAAAACZc/zVxLU1B7upY/s1600/DSCN7044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ahcy_HfMNKQ/TUd_H72AEiI/AAAAAAAACZc/zVxLU1B7upY/s200/DSCN7044.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Here is a <a href="http://just4funcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/01/copic-coloring-craze-tutorial.html" target="_blank">GREAT tutorial (with a free digital image)</a> from Dove Arts Studio on how to color using your alcohol markers, and yes, I am planning on printing out the image and following the tutorial as well (remember that when you print out an image to color you need to make sure your printer ink is dry or you will have bleeding from the printer ink).<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RyG0xnlelp8/Txtev9467bI/AAAAAAAADcs/_7UqcOtbpAs/s1600/colorguide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RyG0xnlelp8/Txtev9467bI/AAAAAAAADcs/_7UqcOtbpAs/s200/colorguide.jpg" width="161" /></a><br />
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Dove Art Studio also has a <a href="http://just4funcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/01/taking-work-out-of-it.html" target="_blank">very good starter list of copics</a>, really like how she put the colors together on a chart.<br />
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<a href="https://www.tayloredexpressions.com/item_images/MokaChartWebImage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Moka Hair & Skin Color Chart - FREE" border="0" height="200" src="https://www.tayloredexpressions.com/item_images/MokaChartWebImage.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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And how about a free chart for <a href="http://www.tayloredexpressions.com/item.php?item_id=4216&category_id=160" target="_blank">coloring hair and skin with your alcohol markers</a>? Loved this, and it is VERY handy to have (always write down the combinations you use so you can duplicate your work).<br />
You will need to create an account (free), but the chart is well worth the few minutes it takes to sign up.<br />
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Don't forget that you can also search for all sorts of <a href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=copic+coloring" target="_blank">copic coloring on Pinterest. </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.limetart.com/zestblog/index.php/2012/01/copic-marker-marker-monday-overview/" target="_blank">One more resource link</a>, lots of information here to savor and enjoy.<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/118571402658846729_eZXkNUmP_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="colored pencils" border="0" src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/118571402658846729_eZXkNUmP_b.jpg" /></a><b>Colored Pencils:</b> Using colored pencils can be a great way to quickly color your images with wonderful results. Most of you are aware of using your colored pencils with Odorless Mineral Spirits (OMS), an easy technique that gives some very good results. Colored pencils are cheaper than alcohol markers which means you can afford to buy more colors! There are many different brands of colored pencils, some are wax based and some are oil based. The oil based pencils, in my opinion, are much easier to use because you don't get what is called "<a href="http://drawsketch.about.com/od/coloredpencil/qt/cp_bloom.htm" target="_blank">wax bloom</a>" from the wax based pencils. I use the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00120R12M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00120R12M">Faber-Castell Polychromos </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00120R12M" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and absolutely LOVE the way these color. <br />
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<a href="http://craftstew.com/drawing/colored-pencil-tutorials" target="_blank">Colored Pencil Resource:</a> This link has TONS of information on using colored pencils (I have linked here before). You will find basic to advanced techniques here, as well as tutorials and videos, just an overall great resource to have.<br />
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<a href="http://images.splitcoaststampers.com/data/ee/images/tutorials/CopicPencilsStep9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://images.splitcoaststampers.com/data/ee/images/tutorials/CopicPencilsStep9.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/copicswithpencils/" target="_blank">Don't forget that you can combine colored pencils with your alcohol markers</a> ( you add the colored pencil after you are done with your markers, NEVER go over colored pencils with your markers, this will ruin your markers.)<br />
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<b>Dye Based Markers:</b> These markers are dye based and water soluble which means you can lay color down and then work the color with water (a water brush or paint brush dipped in water). You can also color your stamps directly with dye based markers, or you can color your image without using water. <br />
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If you plan on using water the best way to use these markers is on water color paper, 140 pound is preferred (you will find your ink blends much better on 140 lb versus 90 or 120 lb). You can also use your dye based marker to create a paint pallet, simply scribble some color on a nonporous surface (craft mat or cd cover, etc.) and than pick up the color with a paint brush and add directly to your image. <br />
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There are many different manufacturers of dye based markers, my favorites are Tombow and Memento. Tim Holtz has the new Distress Ink Markers (I have two and haven't used them yet). <br />
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Here are two good videos on coloring directly on paper with dye based markers:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6i6aeQqhrOM" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6MHb3wtkfnY" width="560"></iframe><br />
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You can also watch <a href="http://stampsbyjudith.com/DVD/Phone%20Videos/video_clips.htm" target="_blank">videos by Stamps by Judith</a> to see how to color your images without having to use water. <br />
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<b>Water color/ink pencils</b>: Another great way to color your images. You can buy water color crayons, pencils and another product called "Inktense" (this is a ink based rather than water color product). I use both and love the Inkense. When using the Inktense you need to remember that when the color dries you will not be able to re-wet and move the color around as the pencils are ink and when they dry the color is permanent. <br />
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You can use water color pencils to color directly onto your image, or you can use a wet brush or blender pen to pick up the paint from the pencil and than lay the color down on your project. Either way you will get some wonderful results. Again, make sure that you use at least 140 lb paper for the best results.<br />
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<a href="http://clearlyistamp.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/lets-talk-watercolor-pencils.html" target="_blank">Here is a nice tutorial on using water color pencils</a>.<br />
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<b>Dye based ink pads:</b> Yes, you can also use these to color your images. All you need to do is get some of the ink onto a nonporous surface and than pick up the color with a water brush or blender pen and color like you would using any water color medium.<br />
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<b>Chalk:</b> Again, another versatile way to color your images (and also use on solid images). You can color your image directly, you can stamp a solid image in versamark and apply chalk over the image, you can stamp on dark paper and color with the chalks, you can use a blender solution to help the chalk blend or you can do a "double" chalk method by coloring your paper with chalk, stamping an image with versamark, and then applying more chalk! <br />
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Chalking is also a great way to color images you emboss with brass stencils. After you have embossed (or you can just use the brass stencil to color without embossing), keep the brass stencil in place and color using your chalk. You will get some wonderful results! <a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/results/244e35beb9ff857246e07622ba7d38ed/" target="_blank"> Here is a link to chalking techniques</a> from SplitCoastStampers .<br />
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And here is a nice video on coloring directly to an image using chalks:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/15vdsP1Ka78" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Whew! And as I said before, this is not a complete list of ways you can color your images (we didn't even go over using gel pens, crayons, glitter, you get the idea). Hopefully you will try something new, or pull out some supplies you haven't used in a while to color your images.<br />
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Have a great weekend!<br />
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<a href=""><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-38073498557576112402012-04-17T09:11:00.000-07:002012-04-17T09:11:48.082-07:00Inspiration abounds online! TONS of free online crafting magazines !Good morning everyone, happy Tax Day lol I know, just could not resist : ) I love Spring, but I do not love that Spring and taxes occur at the same time...sigh.<br />
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For all of you that are in the Midwest, my thoughts and prayers for you, hoping that you were able to escape any harm from the tornadoes and bad weather this last weekend. <br />
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We are getting ready to take off to visit our Marine this weekend, have not seen him since January so this visit is LONG overdue! Am trying to figure out what I want to bring in the car for crafting...colored pencils maybe or I might work on some lettering (still need to sign up for the <a href="http://joannezsharpe.blogspot.com/2012/02/letter-love-101-art-journals-now.html" target="_blank">lettering class I linked to a while ago</a>). <br />
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Thought I would share with you a few cards I worked on recently, here they are:<br />
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<img height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4LAusSvbv58/T41-tCE5nSI/AAAAAAAAHMw/unZMT-v5wl0/s320/photo%2520%252816%2529.JPG" width="261" />
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Used a stamp from <a href="http://www.stampersbest.com/" target="_blank">Stampers Best</a> for the card above, also colored the image with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PD3M8E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000PD3M8E">Derwent Inktense Watersoluble Ink Pencils</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000PD3M8E" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and colored pencils.<br />
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<img height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ze8k10eh4Fg/T41_T1LE7qI/AAAAAAAAHNE/2JKqjHnWz_I/s320/photo%2520%252817%2529.JPG" width="271" />
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Used my <a href="http://www.stampsbyjudith.com/" target="_blank">Stamps by Judith</a> stamps on this card, and am also making a number of other cards with a similar design, close up below.<br />
<img height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tZVLy3F1rwM/T41_UU2o1rI/AAAAAAAAHNM/uLCJPc5SNIY/s320/photo%2520%252818%2529.JPG" width="320" />
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The quote is not Stamps by Judith, but the rest of the images are : )<br />
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Let's get on with business, shall we? I found a new online stamping magazine and then started searching and found that there are a number of GREAT online magazines, all FREE! So, sit back and enjoy inspiration from all over the web, all without costing you a dime (unless you are enabled by what you see : ) Most of these magazines can also be downloaded to your computer so that you can view them off line if you like.<br />
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<a href="http://www.scrapbookandcards.com/images/sct_spring_2012_cover_250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Image" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.scrapbookandcards.com/images/sct_spring_2012_cover_250.jpg" width="154" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.scrapbookandcards.com/current-issue" target="_blank">Scrapbook and Cards</a>: Lovely magazine that has all sorts of goodies for you to view, including great inspiration, new products and great tutorials, a real gem of a magazine! Here is a link to their <a href="http://www.scrapbookandcards.com/" target="_blank">main page </a>which also features a YouTube channel (yet more time to spend on crafting : )<br />
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<a href="http://www.stampavie.com/images/thumbnail-stampavie-creations-2012-q1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stampavie Creations First Quarter 2012" border="0" src="http://www.stampavie.com/images/thumbnail-stampavie-creations-2012-q1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.stampavie.com/stampavie-creations" target="_blank">Stampavie Creation</a>s: Link takes you to all of their issues, you can <a href="http://www.stampavie.com/public_newsletter_signup.php" target="_blank">click here</a> to sign up and have the magazine delivered to your email account. The current edition has lots of projects and a<a href="http://suziblu.typepad.com/a_lovely_dream/2012/02/pretty-girl-stamp.html" target="_blank"> link to a video</a> for creating an art journaling page! <br />
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<a href="http://scrapstreet.com/images/12ss/jy12/cont/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://scrapstreet.com/images/12ss/jy12/cont/3.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://scrapstreet.com/ss12/janu12/contents.htm" target="_blank">ScrapStreet:</a> Nice online magazine which has a different format, click on the headings to read the articles. Loved the "Wall Street" article on saving money : )<br />
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<a href="http://craftingireland.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/issue-9-cover.jpg?w=450&h=635" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://craftingireland.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/issue-9-cover.jpg?w=450&h=635" width="141" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://issuu.com/craftingireland/docs/issue9" target="_blank">Crafting Ireland</a>: Link is to the 9th issue which is packed with tutorials and great projects. Here is a link to the <a href="http://craftingireland.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Crafting Ireland blog</a>, which has all sorts of information and projects.<br />
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<a href="http://www.jellypark.co.uk/siteimages/25/8/5/258518/3192257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="102 decoupage Butterfly net master" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.jellypark.co.uk/siteimages/25/8/5/258518/3192257.jpg" width="199" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://issuu.com/jellypark/docs/magazine4?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222" target="_blank">Jellypark</a>: If you like digital images for your crafting than look no further! Jellypark is a great source for <a href="http://www.jellypark.co.uk/ourshop/cat_455850-digital-stamps.html" target="_blank">digital stamps</a> created by <a href="http://www.jellypark.co.uk/page_2520090.html" target="_blank">Claire Keay</a>, as well as <a href="http://www.jellypark.co.uk/ourshop/cat_489233-digital-decoupage-sheets.html" target="_blank">digital decoupage sheets</a>, <a href="http://www.jellypark.co.uk/ourshop/cat_491356-printable-parties.html" target="_blank">printable party goodies</a> and more. This is a real treasure.<br />
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<a href="http://image.issuu.com/120127223823-51d438bcbdc140f9972cc8682c49afdc/jpg/page_1_thumb_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://image.issuu.com/120127223823-51d438bcbdc140f9972cc8682c49afdc/jpg/page_1_thumb_medium.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://issuu.com/designedtocolor" target="_blank">Designed to Color</a>: A new free online magazine, the second edition has just been published. If you want information on how to color your images this is the magazine you have been looking for!<a href="http://designedtocolor.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> Here is a link</a> to their blog. <br />
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<a href="http://image.issuu.com/110817235452-45812709924f4db5b6ff317f51dc190a/jpg/page_1_thumb_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://image.issuu.com/110817235452-45812709924f4db5b6ff317f51dc190a/jpg/page_1_thumb_medium.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://issuu.com/whimsystamps/docs/issue7" target="_blank">Whimsy Stamps:</a> I have linked to this magazine before but wanted to include the link again with this list : ) Amazing work can be found in this magazine, as well as many tutorials! The link is to their seventh edition, the rest of their editions can be found <a href="http://issuu.com/whimsystamps" target="_blank">at this link</a>. Don't forget to visit their <a href="http://whimsystamps.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> and <a href="http://www.whimsystamps.com/" target="_blank">website</a> for even more fun.<br />
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<a href="http://image.issuu.com/091015164323-64e6c09061f04dc6832d781860464bdd/jpg/page_1_thumb_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paper Crafts magazine 2009 Stamping Royalty" border="0" src="http://image.issuu.com/091015164323-64e6c09061f04dc6832d781860464bdd/jpg/page_1_thumb_medium.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://issuu.com/papercraftsmag" target="_blank">Paper Crafts Mag</a>: Four editions online for you to view and drool over! <br />
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If you go to<a href="http://issuu.com/explore" target="_blank"> Issuu </a>and sign up you can subscribe to many of the magazines I have linked to today : ) If you want to find other crafting magazines do a search for "craft magazines" and you will find even more magazines on various types of crafting.<br />
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I would love to hear what you think of these magazines, leave a comment, and if you know of other magazines I have missed please feel free to add your link to the list : )<br />
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WHEW! That was a pretty long list for today, and now I want to go and spend some time looking at all these magazines. <br />
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Have a wonderful week and don't forget to find time to craft.<br />
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<a href=""><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-51303119316531813182012-04-04T12:06:00.001-07:002012-04-04T12:06:40.651-07:00Stampers Best Blog Candy Giveaway (and coupon!)Yes, two posts this week : ) This post is all about <a href="http://www.stampersbest.com/" target="_blank">Stampers Best</a> which has some fantastic stamps at GREAT prices! If you would like to win a free stamp from <a href="http://www.stampersbest.com/" target="_blank">Stampers Best</a> all you need to do is leave a comment on this post by no later than next Wednesday, April 10th (midnight PST). Stampers Best will select someone using Random.org and the winner will be announced in the comments by Stampers Best (and how the winner will need to collect their prize.)<br />
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AND I have a 10 percent off coupon for you too!<br />
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<a href="https://www.stampersbest.com/images/stampersbest_AfterHours.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://www.stampersbest.com/images/stampersbest_AfterHours.gif" /></a></div>
The coupon code is case sensitive, so please remember you must capitalize the A and the H : ) All you need to do is enter the coupon code before you check out and you will receive 10 percent off your order : )<br />
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I found Stampers Best online a few days ago and am getting ready to place an order with them, here are some of the stamps I will ordering: <br />
<a href="https://www.stampersbest.com/images/P/DRUM_SET_P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Drum Set Rubber Stamp" border="0" height="200" src="https://www.stampersbest.com/images/P/DRUM_SET_P.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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My son is a drummer so of course I have to have this image in my collection : )<br />
<a href="https://www.stampersbest.com/images/P/ATTACK_CAT_P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Attack Cat Rubber Stamp" border="0" height="171" src="https://www.stampersbest.com/images/P/ATTACK_CAT_P.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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LOVED this cat image, and the price? $3 for unmounted, before the discount!<br />
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<a href="https://www.stampersbest.com/images/P/MISCHIEVOUS_P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mischievous Rubber Stamp" border="0" height="200" src="https://www.stampersbest.com/images/P/MISCHIEVOUS_P.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />
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Can you tell I like cats? This one was way too cute to pass up!<br />
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Am also ordering some background stamps (with the premium membership you get three 3 x 4" stamps for $10!) as well as some word stamps, order will be placed later today and I can't wait to get these stamps to play with them!<br />
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If you haven't checked them out yet, make sure to go over there and see what they <a href="http://www.stampersbest.com/" target="_blank">have to offer</a>. If you sign up to be a premium member you will also be able to get in on some other fantastic deals. And any order over $35 has free shipping!<br />
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Good luck everyone, remember to leave a comment to be entered to win a free stamp : )<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-64894857281553811372012-03-19T09:30:00.000-07:002012-03-19T09:30:07.157-07:00Pinterest Primer (with lots of cool links)Hi everyone, sorry I missed posting last week, things were a little hectic and just couldn't find time to sit down and put something together.<br />
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Am going to San Francisco this morning to pick up my Mom who will stay with us for a week, we are trying to have her stay with us for a week each month. She lives alone and though my brother (who also lives in SF) and his family visit her all the time, she still feels lonely. Given that I am not working at an outside job this is a great way for us to spend quality time with her, and for her to have company full time for a week : )<br />
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I spent Saturday at the Scrapbook Expo in Pleasanton, and OH MY! Spent WAYYY too much money (thankfully my hubby never reads my blog lol), especially on stamps from "<a href="http://www.stampsbyjudith.com/index.html" target="_blank">Stamps by Judith.</a>" Here are a few cards I made with the new stamps:<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nZKDfCu7XXHD7GoLQITlGtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="263" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2vsEDvrCmN8/T2daMTIqVaI/AAAAAAAAHCg/1z-0qecjvkA/s288/IMAGE_E9E5C5A5-4F28-41E1-B98C-C834EA98E996.JPG" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104548135729933160782/CardStampsByJudith?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Card Stamps By Judith</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K8Y6OA8UJVI8R_ThuOSd1dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mhGzBygU4KI/T2dZeuDsSeI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/K97sXCsPpFY/s288/IMAGE_0E686171-91E1-479A-B1A2-BF9AE0BF167B.JPG" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104548135729933160782/CardStampsByJudith?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Card Stamps By Judith</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LsfEC_3HflOzvjliwC9Br9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Bqoll7Ub3LA/T2dZbqhXOoI/AAAAAAAAHCU/fPNLegE2sV0/s288/IMAGE_9C7AFE87-1FE9-4ED5-99E6-B077EC3D220E.JPG" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104548135729933160782/CardStampsByJudith?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Card Stamps By Judith</a></td></tr>
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Close up of the card above:<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jeHbKQ0hrWlpCQfHBfVcitMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="162" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qc45ImnxXL4/T2dZc6qV_7I/AAAAAAAAHB4/F0pXsBmJFVk/s288/IMAGE_1AD88E8F-06E8-44FC-AF5F-FECEFEC3CE75.JPG" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104548135729933160782/CardStampsByJudith?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Card Stamps By Judith</a></td></tr>
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<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hnA3qkhEp92pStxIl6hqTdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cqVQ-1hRgNI/T2dZacIwXJI/AAAAAAAAHCc/ofECyQfHSvo/s288/IMAGE_6703F215-E70F-4BEE-9204-8E9560212284.JPG" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104548135729933160782/CardStampsByJudith?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Card Stamps By Judith</a></td></tr>
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Love that so many of her stamps are "interactive," which means you can use them various ways, I used the same stamp to make the wreath and the arrangement in the pot! Lots more to do with her stamps, just need to find the time : ) All of the images were colored with Tombow markers, some images were stamped and colored on copy paper, and some were on card stock. (Judith only uses the copy paper, I am still trying to get used to that). I also added Clear Crystal Lacquer to the card images for added pop.<br />
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Also got a chance to color with the new <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoX9FzJW4Tk" target="_blank">Spectrum Noir Pens</a>, alcohol based pens that are far cheaper than the Copic markers. I have to say that from my test at the show these pens seemed to be every bit as good as Copic markers. At some point I will get a set and test them further, but would love to hear from any of you if you have the markers already, what do you think?<br />
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So, today is all about <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, what it is and why people are pinning away. And if you have been using <a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for a while I will also show you how one pin can lead you to all sorts of other things to pin.<br />
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First things first: Pinterest is basically an online way of saving things you find on the internet. You can have many "boards," such as cooking, DIY, home, garden, papercrafting and so on. You download an icon for your browser's tool bar and when you see something you like click the "pin it" button on the tool bar and you will add the item to one of your boards. <br />
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You can follow what other people are pinning and other people can follow what you are pinning. You can also "like:" something without placing it on any of your boards, or you can "re-pin" something you see Pinterest to your own board.<br />
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Here is a link if you would like to follow my pins on Pinterest:<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/jacquie_heffner/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/passets.pinterest.com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
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In other words, this is a way to visually store all the things you find online! Pinterest etiquette requires that you make sure to attribute where you found your pin, ie, if there is a blog post or article make sure that you pin back to the original source rather than just a picture.<br />
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What I LOVE about Pinterest is how many amazing blogs/website I have been finding! For instance, I found this card online:<br />
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<img alt="Mary Fish" src="http://stampinpretty.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54f95df9288340163022ea9ee970d-320wi" /><br />
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and than found the<a href="http://www.palspaperarts.com/" target="_blank"> Pals Paper Arts</a> blog! (A GREAT resource by the way). Many times I will find cards, click through to the blog/website, and than click on even more links to find hidden treasures online.<br />
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Here are a few things that I have "pinned" on my "Paper Crafting' board and how I found other sites/blogs:<br />
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I found this card on SCS:<br />
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<a href="http://media-cdn6.pinterest.com/upload/192528952790124065_bpHNfu4o_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What a great card." border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cdn6.pinterest.com/upload/192528952790124065_bpHNfu4o_f.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
And went to her blog: <a href="http://stampingwithapassion.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stamping With a Passion</a> where I found all sorts of fantastic inspiration! <br />
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Here is a great idea I found (and repinned) on Pinterest:<br />
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<img alt="#Valentines #Crafts" height="200" src="http://media-cdn6.pinterest.com/upload/147633694004462869_LzNMKpLv_f.jpg" width="95" /><br />
The project was on <a href="http://www.ohcrafts.net/decoration-paper-punch-heart-garland.php" target="_blank">Oh Crafts</a>, where I found all sorts of other GREAT ideas! Here is a <a href="http://www.ohcrafts.net/paper-crafts.php" target="_blank">link to their "Paper" ideas</a>, lots of things to try (make sure to click on the other ideas as well, ie, parties and so on)<br />
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As you can see there are many ways to use Pinterest, and many of the recent sites/blogs I have listed here have been found either directly (or indirectly) through Pinterest! <br />
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Of course I have other links for you today : ) Here are a few of the things from my bookmarks bar (which is getting pretty full and it is only March!)<br />
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<a href="http://balzerdesigns.com/Stencil101.html" target="_blank">FREE Art Journal Stencil Class</a>: Check this out! GREAT artist who is offering one of her online classes for free, and make sure to visit her other classes as well: <a href="http://balzerdesigns.com/Classes.html" target="_blank">Balzer Designs</a>. I am linking to many Art Journal related items so that you can expand your creativity and use your supplies stash : )<br />
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And here is a video by Balzer Designs "How to stamp with your stencils" What a GREAT idea!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6ikWvS5M49c" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://www.sallylynnmacdonald.com/weblog/2011/03/spelunking-update-copic-marker-storage.html" target="_blank"> Copic Marker Storage:</a> Loved this idea, especially because your markers are spread out by color!<br />
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Ok, that is it for this week, need to go shower and get going to pick up my Mom! See you all next week, until then, a most crafty of weeks : )<br />
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<a href=""><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-11005663865211371012012-03-06T10:17:00.000-08:002012-03-06T10:17:00.601-08:00Spring forward with these GREAT links : )Wow, March already? This weekend we also turn our clocks forward by one hour, the start of Daylight Savings Time, will enjoy having the extra hour of daylight, but really do not like "adjusting" to the time change. <br />
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Winter is quickly coming to a close, though in my neck of the wood we haven't had much of a winter. We did get some rain today, and now it is pretty windy, but for the most part our winter was a no show, most concerning was the lack of rain/snow which could impact us later this year or next.<br />
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No video this week, will try to work on it later this week, seems that the more time I have the more things end up on my plate...how did that happen? Every "to do list" I make ends up with me adding more things than crossing off! Top on my list is a vegi garden, need to get the supplies to make a raised bed, then get the soil/worms and plants. Am looking forward to being an urban farmer this year : ) Lots and lots of GREAT ideas/information on Pinterest (I have pinned more than I can handle at this point), now I need to see which of those ideas I can actually accomplish : )<br />
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This week's link have no "theme," just some things I have found while surfing online. It still amazes me just how MUCH there is online! Hope you enjoy the links for this week : )<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsZBagdk4mg/T0r9iwkFkdI/AAAAAAAADnc/ZEQOVbtsV2I/s1600/IMG_1262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsZBagdk4mg/T0r9iwkFkdI/AAAAAAAADnc/ZEQOVbtsV2I/s200/IMG_1262.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://papervinenz.blogspot.com/2012/03/8-page-mini-1-sheet-of-paper-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Mini Album/Book:</a> Loved this tutorial, and am going to make a few myself (especially as I have far too much 12 x 12 paper just sitting around.) What a cute idea for gift giving or instead of a card!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHazlGQLbss/TxoGhLXI1fI/AAAAAAAADVA/XTl9TzVnQOk/s1600/Lowri+McNabb+rolled+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="all crafts 12 Fabulous Papercraft Tutorials Tips, Tricks and Trends" border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHazlGQLbss/TxoGhLXI1fI/AAAAAAAADVA/XTl9TzVnQOk/s200/Lowri+McNabb+rolled+flowers.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/papercraft-tutorials/" target="_blank">12 Papercrafting Tutorials</a>: Lots of great ideas here, posted by the same person who provided the Mini Album/Book idea above! <br />
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Loved the video below, Alcohol Ink Floating Background Tutorial, what a cool idea! The backgrounds would make for some wonderful card or scrapbook projects:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/J7hUJrJZfhY" width="560"></iframe><br />
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One Minute Muse Art Journaling videos: GREAT ideas here, not just for art journals, but for any type of paper crafting. The video below is a great example of how you can make a simple design using water color and water, think outside of the box and what you can do with cards or scrapbooking pages! And there are lots more videos by One Minute Must to inspire you as well<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FDAdqUfY7FY" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4877539489_19749e598a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="blue orange" border="0" height="150" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4877539489_19749e598a.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/2010/08/keeping-color-journal.html" target="_blank">Keeping a color journal:</a> How many times have you wanted to create something and are at a loss because you just don't know what colors you should use? Take a moment and check out this GREAT post on how to create a color journal! I am going to work on this (have a small journal to use), saving color combinations that are unique and fun, as well as color combo's I forget about all the time. This is also a GREAT way to save images from magazines, and will help when you go to create your next project : )<br />
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<a href="http://mycolortopia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/postthumb_palette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="postthumb_palette" border="0" src="http://mycolortopia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/postthumb_palette.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://mycolortopia.com/tools/mimins_step_one" target="_blank">Colortopia</a>: While this is actually a tool to help you find colors when decorating a room, you can upload any image and get coordinating colors. Take a picture of some patterned paper, upload and see what combinations this site comes up with (and I am going to use this for our extra room : )<br />
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Dye your own embellishments: While the video below is talking about embellishments for quilts, all of the embellishments are the same ones we use for our paper crafting projects! And don't forget to check out how to <a href="http://www.ritdye.com/dyeing-techniques/dyeing-paper" target="_blank">dye paper on the Rit Dye site</a>, as well as their recipes you can use to <a href="http://www.ritdye.com/colorit_color_formula_guide" target="_blank">mix over 500 colors</a>! I need to get some Rit Dye soon : )<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rL4GTow7bE0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Ok, that is all for this week, plenty to keep you busy (I hope : )<br />
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Have a GREAT week and don't forget to find time to craft!<br />
<a href=""><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-84881202471460481572012-02-27T06:16:00.001-08:002012-02-27T06:17:42.898-08:00More 2012 CHA products and as always other links : )Hi everyone, hope your week went well and that this week is even better. I am writing this on Sunday, as my Mom is having surgery on Monday (she should be fine) and wanted to make sure to get the post done before next week got away from me.<br />
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Have been busy, but not much crafting, instead have been cooking and still clearing things out (much, much more to do), and am also planning a vegi garden, square foot gardening to be exact. <a href="http://mysquarefootgarden.net/" target="_blank"> Here is a link</a> for a site that tells you all about SFG, a wonderful way to garden (at least it seems to be, ask me later when I try it).<br />
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And last week I was treated to a visit by one of my dearest friends who now lives in the state of Washington, Beth. We met when our oldest kids were in preschool and have been friends ever since. Beth is amazing, the oldest of nine (yes NINE) kids, and though she was only able to stay a short time, any time with Beth is cherished! <br />
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Needless to say I haven't had time to work on a new video, hopefully will have the time next week. Even though I am not working it seems there is less time now then before, how is that possible?<br />
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Onto some stamping goodies! Don't forget that I also post on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AfterHoursStamper" target="_blank"> Facebook</a> (try to post a link at least once a day there), and not all of those links get posted over here, "like" the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AfterHoursStamper" target="_blank">AfterHoursStamper</a> page so you can see what I am posting there.<br />
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Lots of new products still popping up from CHA, including:<br />
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<a href="http://www.chicaandjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/cha_winter_2012_wobbles_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Action Wobble Springs" border="0" height="96" src="http://www.chicaandjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/cha_winter_2012_wobbles_2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WDV7B2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004WDV7B2">Action Wobble Springs </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004WDV7B2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: LOVE these, think about how cute your projects will be with these, and the cost isn't all that bad ($18.95 for 48). Can't wait to try these out.<br />
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<a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/273101164873264453_W4SFif7G_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/273101164873264453_W4SFif7G_c.jpg" width="189" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.decoart.com/wordpress/pressroom/ink-effects/" target="_blank">Deco Art Ink Effects</a>: You have to see the video below...and wow....think of what you could do with your stamps.......<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M0aAntuYnwA" width="420"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/273101164873264434_1jZpoMF0_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/273101164873264434_1jZpoMF0_c.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.decoart.com/wordpress/pressroom/metallic-lustre/" target="_blank">Deco Art Metallic Lustre</a>: Interesting product and would make for some very interesting backgrounds on cards or chipboard. Can't wait to try this out!<br />
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And of course there are always other links around:<br />
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Here are two GREAT tutorials by Becca Stamps, both using border punches to make frames for your paper projects, and I love that you don't need a corner punch for these techniques:<br />
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Punch a perfect border frame (no corner punch needed):<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o7bUg2tL6e4" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Perfect mitered corner with border punch:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1l6DRz1KrmQ" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T9eI14Ve3GM/S-dwB-4WhfI/AAAAAAAAAWI/rB7-XfNhEJs/s1600/crackle+tutorial+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_T9eI14Ve3GM/S-dwB-4WhfI/AAAAAAAAAWI/rB7-XfNhEJs/s200/crackle+tutorial+014.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://makethebestofthings.blogspot.com/2010/05/crackle-finish-with-elmers-glue.html" target="_blank">Make your own Crackle Paint:</a> Yes, I am going to try this, sounds very interesting and will make good use of the paint I have sitting around : )<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rego5OgvKb4/T0e99GVnnkI/AAAAAAAAA4s/XqYEFKctcRk/s1600/adventure.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rego5OgvKb4/T0e99GVnnkI/AAAAAAAAA4s/XqYEFKctcRk/s200/adventure.png" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.smashstoriesblog.com/2012/02/adventure-hidden-page-ettesi-journaled.html" target="_blank">Smashbook idea:</a> Wait until you see how this person uses <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NDXFUQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005NDXFUQ">Washi tape</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005NDXFUQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
in her smashbook, brilliant idea and gives you all the more room to journal. Check out the other posts on the blog, lots a great things here.<br />
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<a href="http://counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.com/p/quick-links-to-tutorial-posts.html" target="_blank">Tutorials GALORE:</a> This is an interesting site, called Counterfeit Kit Challenge, basically a site that helps you to create your own scrapbook kit instead of buying kits. The link is to their tutorials, and there are just tons of links for you to browse through.<br />
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Ok, that is all for this week, please make sure to find time to craft (I need to follow my own advice, sigh).<br />
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Thanks for your continued support, this blog is ONLY here because of you! As always, don't forget that I love to read your comments : )<br />
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Happy crafting!<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-9765800447546252352012-02-22T08:12:00.000-08:002012-02-22T08:12:21.686-08:00Unleashing your creativity: links and ideasHi there, hope you had a very nice long weekend : ) We hung around the house and I was able to get a simple house project done (have a ton of projects on my list right now). Saw a GREAT way to hang kitchen utensils on Pinterest, and went out yesterday to make one for myself. Our kitchen is small and only has six drawers, and they are very small drawers. Most of our cooking utensils are in a Pampered Chef tool turnaround, but it was getting WAY too crowded, so I needed a way to spread out the utensils. The idea I saw on Pinterest used a curtain rod (solid rod) with S hooks, I could not find a solid curtain rod, so I used two different things: a magnetic curtain hooks and then a tension curtain rod.<br />
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The rod I ended up using is pretty strong, and it is one of the oval type ones, not the rod that came with the magnetic hooks (the rod was too flimsy). The S hooks were not cheap ( I purchased the stainless steel ones), but am very pleased with the outcome, and I will be purchasing a few more magnetic hooks to help hold the unit up (the rod is attached to our cooking vent which is metal).<br />
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My Mom stayed with us all of last week (she is 84, lives alone and is about 50 miles from us), which was great! She received a new Ipad for Christmas so we were helping her to learn how to use it, including sending email, signing up for Facebook, using Netflix and just about everything else associated with the the Ipad and being online (she has never been online). It was interesting to say the least, she won't have a wireless internet connection at home for another week, hopefully she won't forget everything she learned.<br />
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Our plan for 2012 is to bring her to our house once a month for a week or so, that way we get extended visits with her and she has company (if she can stand us that long). <br />
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And now we should get on with some stamping things, right?<br />
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Don't forget to check <a href="http://blitsy.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/8831/" target="_blank">Blitsy on Monday, Wednesday and Friday</a>, some absolutely GREAT deals there, I did spend a bit and bought some Archival Ink pads and re-inkers at a wonderful price two weeks ago. I check all the time to see what is being listed, and when there are good prices on the products I use that is the time to stock up! The items listed for sale are only available for a short time (7 days), so don't wait to order if you see something you need/want.<br />
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Speaking of ink pads: remember to always purchase a re-inker <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GOA726/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005GOA726">when you buy an ink pad</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005GOA726" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />! Having the re-inker on hand is a life saver, and you can use the rei-inkers for so many techniques. While it does increase the cost of your purchase, down the road you won't have to purchase new ink pads as you can re-ink the pads you have.<br />
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This week is all about unleashing your inner creativity, tapping into the artist that is inside all of us. When you tap into your inner creativity you unleash all sorts of wonderful ideas that you didn't even know you had! Have you ever felt like you just are not in a creative mood? That your projects are lacking something? Maybe you just don't feel that connection you once had with your scrap booking or card making. <br />
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Hopefully the links today will give you a new way to find your hidden, creative talents. Take some time to try a few of the things below to help you find that inner artist (we all have an inner artist), and in doing so you will also find more creativity when you work on cards, scrap book pages or other paper crafting projects.<br />
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<a href="http://inspirationaltechniquesandtutorials.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-to-draw-flower-with-calligraphy.html" target="_blank">How to draw a flower with a calligraphy pen:</a> Loved this idea, and I have some of these pens, will need to try this! I image that you could also create other doodles using her technique to get two colors on the pen nib. <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vLty3SMXWI&feature=related" target="_blank">How to draw a simple daisy with a brush marker</a>: Nice! And so easy! I have used brush markers to do all sorts of shapes, very easy and makes a very nice graphic for your card. And you could use your Copics (with the brush tip) or dye based markers with brush tips.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kuretake.co.uk/Craftingwithkuretake/Pentechniques/letteringideas.aspx" target="_blank">Lettering/doodle ideas technique sheets:</a> A great collection of how you can use your brush tips (Copic markers with a brush tip would work too) for all sorts of lettering and doodles!<br />
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<a href="http://kollaj.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341d0b1d53ef016762acc514970b-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mindy's doodle jumpstart card" border="0" height="200" src="http://kollaj.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341d0b1d53ef016762acc514970b-800wi" width="112" /></a><a href="http://kollaj.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Doodling/Art Journal blog</a>: Wow! Just loved all the ideas here, doodling/art journaling is a wonderful way to tap into your creative soul, unleashing the artist in you and bringing out ideas for your next card/scrapbook page or other paper crafting project. (<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/80668245/Doodles-Unleashed-Mixed-Media-Techniques-for-Doodling-Mark-Making-Lettering" target="_blank">Here is a link to a scribd article by the same artist</a>) I have started an art journal, trying all sorts of techniques, doodling, cutting out and pasting pictures, saving images I have stamped/colored but never used and so on. <br />
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Keeping an Art Journal is a wonderful way to also get around those times when you feel like you have lost your "mojo" or inspiration. Each day try to spend a little time with your journal, one day add some background color to a page, the next day draw/doodle on the page, the next day add some more color and so on. You will be amazed at how your ideas and creativity starts to flow better!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UPHvPs_5rmo/SHRMeei2uhI/AAAAAAAAAV8/Rf0igK7c3LQ/s1600/butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UPHvPs_5rmo/SHRMeei2uhI/AAAAAAAAAV8/Rf0igK7c3LQ/s200/butterfly.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://ilikemarkers.blogspot.com/2008/07/doodling-with-super-brush.html" target="_blank">More ideas for brush tip markers:</a> From I Like Markers (amazing site), love the little hearts and butterflies!<br />
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<a href="http://www.sparkletart.com/rsr/tutorials.html" target="_blank">Tutorials GALORE!</a> Lots of amazing tutorials at this link, you are sure to find something you will want to try, especially if you are starting your art journal. <br />
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<a href="http://daisyyellow.squarespace.com/storage/110811_artz_0059.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1313467239506" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://daisyyellow.squarespace.com/storage/110811_artz_0059.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1313467239506" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://daisyyellow.squarespace.com/abstract/art-journaling-101.html" target="_blank">Art Journaling 101</a>: This is a wonderful place to start your art journal experience, lots of tips, links to other blogs and more. Again, unleashing the artist inside you also unleashes the creativity you have for all of your paper crafting projects.<br />
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<a href="http://craftingagreenworld.com/2012/02/18/smash-book/" target="_blank">Make your own Smash book: </a> This is a new/old style of scrap booking, you take your pictures, mementos and what nots and simply "smash" them into a book. From the link:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Muli, arial, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Smash Books are basically pre-bound scrapbooks, but instead of plain pages, which can be daunting to fill, they have patterned papers and papers with sayings on them. The books are made from good quality card stock and can take a lot of memorabilia glued, taped or stapled to the pages.</span></blockquote>
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No fancy layout, just put your things in a book! love this and am working on one right now, gathering up all sorts of scraps of things I have created and putting them in one place : )<br />
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<a href="http://blogs.psychcentral.com/positive-psychology/2011/01/5-ways-to-live-a-more-creative-life/" target="_blank">Five ways to lead a more creative life</a>: Nice article on how you can look at what is around you and change how you view and relate to your environment to unleash your creativity.<br />
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That is all for this week! I hope you have enjoyed the post this week, and don't forget that I love reading your comments! Have a great week and take some time to discovery your inner creativity : )<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-83956950161781575252012-02-13T08:16:00.000-08:002012-02-13T08:16:47.429-08:00DIY: AHS video and links to DIY projects!Hi everyone! Hoping your week is going well, and that what remains will be even better!<br />
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Have been working on our new "spare" room, clearing out all of our son's stuff, boxing it up to store, clearing out old furniture and transforming the room into a guest/media/workout room. The room is pretty small, but we should be able to fit a futon, tv on the wall, desk in the closet and eliptical (which is now in the garage) in the room, will take pictures when it is done (no estimated date of completion at this point : ).<br />
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This last week I put together a video on how you can customize embellishments to match your projects, and what a challenge it was to get the video done! First of all never video anything when you have family members home...sigh. Secondly, make sure your cats don't need lap time while filming, and thirdly, learn not to say "mmmm" all the time.<br />
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Am still in the learning stage in regards to videoing, and am hoping to improve as time goes on : )<br />
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The video highlights customizing flowers, but you can really do most of the techniques on any embellishment; chipboard (flourishes or other die cut shapes), card stock, ribbon, buttons (also shown in the video). My intent for the video is to help you match your embellishments to your projects with a minimal amount of work, while also showing how you can use the products you have on hand to customize your embellishments.<br />
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Below the video you will find written directions for part of the techniques in the video, and I also wanted to let you know that I had to leave at least one technique out of the video (it is too long as it is), using your dye based ink pads/markers to color your flowers and embellishments.<br />
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Here is the video:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s7tFijBC3F4" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Here are the written directions for one of the techniques:<br />
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/31456027/How-to-Create-Custom-Flowers-for-Any-Project-2" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View How to Create Custom Flowers for Any Project (2) on Scribd">How to Create Custom Flowers for Any Project (2)</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_50525" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/31456027/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-2c675rq0lb06banty8fw" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();
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And here are lots of links to other GREAT DIY projects:<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cgadKO6gD1k/TzHFGTQzejI/AAAAAAAADj4/t-FBIrvB1Ek/s1600/DSCF8339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cgadKO6gD1k/TzHFGTQzejI/AAAAAAAADj4/t-FBIrvB1Ek/s200/DSCF8339.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://valitasfreshfolds.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/blue-red-yellow-angry-bird-cards.html" target="_blank">Angry Bird Cards</a>: Loved these cards, you will find a template as well as a video on this link, an adorable project!<br />
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Rainbow/Custom Ink Pads: Absolutely LOVE using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033PJ1RW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0033PJ1RW">Ranger Inkssentials Cut N Dry Stamp Pad Felt </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0033PJ1RW" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /> to make my own ink pads! Depending on the size of the pad you are making you will get quite a few pads out of one sheet of the felt. Here are two links on the how to: <a href="http://www.rangerink.com/videos/videos_cutndrystamping.htm" target="_blank">this link is for the video</a>, <a href="http://www.rangerink.com/tips/tips_cutndry.htm" target="_blank">this link is for the written directions</a>. This is a wonderful DIY project, and if you have reinkers on hand you will be saving a ton of money by making your own ink pads. I love that the ink stays put on the pads, no bleeding of colors, just a very nice, soft blend. <br />
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Also, creating a custom stamp pad for a stamp is easy and the results are amazing, here is a picture of a card I did with a custom created stamp pad for the stamp:<br />
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And a close up of the stamped image:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoSKNUdYUkY/Tzkx9lzpw4I/AAAAAAAAG9A/lHx0J45ojLk/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoSKNUdYUkY/Tzkx9lzpw4I/AAAAAAAAG9A/lHx0J45ojLk/s320/photo+(9).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://kittiekraft.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ed958f38833014e8809230b970d-pi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo 12" border="0" height="151" src="http://kittiekraft.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ed958f38833014e8809230b970d-pi" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://kittiekraft.typepad.com/kittiekraft/punched-flower-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Make your own flowers</a>: There are many tutorials on how to make your own flowers using punches, the one I linked to has easy to follow directions. Remember that after you make your flower you could further customize by using one of the techniques in the AHS video, ie, add embossing powder, use white paper and then color with alcohol inks and so on. <br />
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<a href="http://www.papercraftcentral.com/images/PapFlGpdFls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="How to Make Paper Flowers, papercraft, paper flowers " border="0" height="200" src="http://www.papercraftcentral.com/images/PapFlGpdFls.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.papercraftcentral.com/how-to-make-paper-flowers.html" target="_blank">More DIY flowers</a>: Some very interesting ideas here, lots of inspiration.<br />
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<a href="http://www.yourchocolateheadquarters.com/chocolate-videos/lets-get-crafty-diy-glimmer-mist-19.html" target="_blank">DIY Glimmer Mist</a>: Again, lots of ways to make your own Glimmer Mist, liked this video because of how easy she creates the Glimmer Mist. You can also use reinkers, but I like how she uses the acrylic paint, especially the pearlized paint.<br />
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<a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.282762024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Super sparkly mica powder 14 grams great for scrapbooking making glimmer mist adding sparkle to scrapbooks etc" border="0" height="200" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.282762024.jpg" width="160" /></a><br />
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DIY Mica Embossing Powder: All you need is clear embossing powder and any mica powder. If you want to use what I consider the absolute BEST sparkly mica powder get some from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89740044/super-sparkly-mica-powder-14-grams-great?ref=sr_gallery_7&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=mica+powder&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank">Shabby Beautiful on Etsy</a>, her powder is amazing, it is without color so you end up with a clear, sparkly embossing powder.<br />
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No Sew/No Glue flowers: WOW, wait until you see this video, beautiful flowers and ohhh so easy. Shabby Beautiful (supplier of the mica powder above) is one very gifted crafter, am loving everything she does!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rR_g65b8nPQ/Tci6lL9dDJI/AAAAAAAADas/9mYiAFqBBIY/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rR_g65b8nPQ/Tci6lL9dDJI/AAAAAAAADas/9mYiAFqBBIY/s200/DSC_0115.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.lifesweetlifeblog.com/2011/05/diy-bakers-twine.html" target="_blank">DIY Bakers Twine</a>: Yes, the new, hot thing is using Bakers Twine on your card, how about a way to make your own colored version? Check out the link for a video as well as written directions, could not be easier. I bought Martha Stewart Hemp, worked GREAT, just remember that the color may not seep all the way through the string, but even still you have a very nice effect.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcapHWMrb4M/Tyi9aahaMXI/AAAAAAAADsE/0oo62djGtMc/s1600/IMG_2335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcapHWMrb4M/Tyi9aahaMXI/AAAAAAAADsE/0oo62djGtMc/s200/IMG_2335.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://paperboutique.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-make-homemade-post-it-notes-and.html" target="_blank">DIY Sticky Notes</a>: Cute idea! And love how you can customize the notes, easy to do and a nice way to use up your scraps : )<br />
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<a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/180073685070130148_9Ymcst7U_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="coffee filter roses" border="0" height="150" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/180073685070130148_9Ymcst7U_f.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://kuchnia-pelna-cudow.blogspot.com/2011/02/zapraszam-na-kawe.html" target="_blank">DIY Roses</a>: These....are amazing, using coffee filters! You are going to go run out and buy some filters and try this because the results are just breathtaking!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JbMSyC073Pc/ToaGxL6-TII/AAAAAAAAI8U/WIu3quTwvt4/s1600/HowToTieABow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JbMSyC073Pc/ToaGxL6-TII/AAAAAAAAI8U/WIu3quTwvt4/s200/HowToTieABow.jpg" width="36" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://blog.tombowusa.com/2012/02/06/heart-wing-butterfly-doodledab-by-marie-browning/" target="_blank">DIY Bow Maker</a>: Love this, have seen forks being used before, but never a potato masher, this is great!<br />
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<a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/attachments/tool-product-talk-f128/238318d1325959916-corner-punches-005-jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/attachments/tool-product-talk-f128/238318d1325959916-corner-punches-005-jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/tool-product-talk-f128/re-purpose-corner-punches-t545604.html" target="_blank">DIY Labels/Tags:</a> Love this, using a corner punch (corner punches can be used so many ways!)<br />
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<a href="http://cassandrarussell.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834c7e5f169e2010536fffb30970c-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kris hurst_Crepe paper flowers1" border="0" height="149" src="http://cassandrarussell.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834c7e5f169e2010536fffb30970c-800wi" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://cassandrarussell.typepad.com/inspired_creativity/2009/01/kris-hurst-----------------crepe-paper-flowers-bykris-hurst------who-the-artist-is-kris---hurst-cumming-ga------whats.html" target="_blank">DIY Crepe Paper Flowers:</a> These are simply breathtaking, and so easy! Can't wait to see if I have some old crepe paper in the garage to try this out!<br />
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Thank you so much for stopping by! Please let me know what you like/don't like about the video I posted, am going to work on another video in a few weeks (this week my Mom is staying with us so I won't have time to get a video done). <br />
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Take care and don't forget to find some time to craft.</div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-518246201770765502012-02-07T14:59:00.000-08:002012-02-07T14:59:04.411-08:00Where did I put that? Video tour of AHS craft area and lots of links for craft organizationGood morning (or afternoon/evening). Hope all is well in your neck of the woods, here we are finally getting some winter, a bit of rain and wind, though it isn't going to last too long. Have come to realize that 2012 will be known as the year without winter : )<br />
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Well, I have been working on videos (and some crafting), finished one finally, though it still isn't what I hoped it would be, and am working on another how to video, needless to say I am not happy with my first 10 attempts and will be redoing that video yet again...sigh. It is not easy to video and get all the information within 10 to 15 minutes! It is also hard to keep your images "on camera," don't even get me started on how many times I have heard myself say "mmmmm," just not good! <br />
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Anyhow, today I am sharing with you a video of my little crafting area, and lots of links for craft organizing: ) <br />
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Here is what my craft area looked like when it was first put together, about four years ago:<br />
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<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/__uref_5_qYLi2C6Dr4uJdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XjJ19hbf4M0/TxIAGUkAvjI/AAAAAAAAG2I/Dy32xaMyoQE/s800/IMG_0924.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/jheffner/CraftArea?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Craft Area</a></td></tr>
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And then it went to this:<br />
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<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7ypD_Dbt_x9e_7q0DvLGqNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B0FQWnmMdGo/TxIBOi6b5cI/AAAAAAAAG1A/foGeRjUaY68/s400/IMG_1800.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/jheffner/CraftArea?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">Craft Area</a></td></tr>
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And now it looks like this:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPEg3XI-Fnc/TzGsEwcRyAI/AAAAAAAAG6Y/8N4o32Dq8iI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GPEg3XI-Fnc/TzGsEwcRyAI/AAAAAAAAG6Y/8N4o32Dq8iI/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes, I know, lots of things in a small space, but I am happy in the area and even though I could move into a spare room, well, I have become attached to being in my cozy corner : ) Having such a small area forces organization, and yes, it is just as easy to "lose" things in a small area as a large area : ) My area is fairly well organized, it has to be or I couldn't move.<br />
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Finally, as promised, here is the video of my little crafting area:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1XLmMbk-15A" width="560"></iframe><br />
Now, onto some links on fantastic craft room organizing! If you are lucky enough to have a room, or if you just have to steal space from a room (like me), or if you have to store your things and craft out of a closet, well, there are sure to be ideas for you in the links below:<br />
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<a href="http://s4.hubimg.com/u/2333167_f496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Scrapbooks Etc." border="0" height="200" src="http://s4.hubimg.com/u/2333167_f496.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="http://starrynightsdiva.hubpages.com/hub/Crafty-Storage-Ideas-on-a-Budget" target="_blank">Craft storage on a budget:</a> Loved these ideas, great way to repurpose all sorts of everyday things for your crafting storage!<br />
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<a href="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2008/07/p_100398083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lime green craft closet" border="0" height="200" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2008/07/p_100398083.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/craft-room/innovative-craft-closet/#page=1" target="_blank">Craft closet:</a> What great ideas here, for either a craft closet or a crafting room!<br />
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<a href="http://inmyownstyle.com/images/old/6a0120a5bbeb10970c01310f27b322970c-800wi.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Craft Room Decorating Ideas" border="0" height="200" src="http://inmyownstyle.com/images/old/6a0120a5bbeb10970c01310f27b322970c-800wi.gif" width="136" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/12-beautiful-storage-ideas-organization-craft/" target="_blank">12 Craft Storage ideas:</a> Wonderful ideas on how you can store some of your craft supplies.<br />
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<a href="http://www.everythingetsy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/p_SIP938454_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="p_SIP938454" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.everythingetsy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/p_SIP938454_thumb.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.everythingetsy.com/2011/07/diy-craft-space-love/" target="_blank">DIY storage projects</a>: Again, some wonderful inspiration here and some of the ideas look fairly easy to put together. The picture shows how someone took two end tables and used them to create a crafting desk, just lovely!<br />
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<a href="http://blog.inkspotworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/creative-craft-storage-peg-board-580x580.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://blog.inkspotworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/creative-craft-storage-peg-board-580x580.png" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/2011/contributors/get-crafty-with-your-cleaning-diy-craft-storage-ideas/" target="_blank">More DIY storage:</a> Loved some of these ideas, very cute and easy!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNGPPH_Ca_E/TicxaLwLnqI/AAAAAAAAAm8/VwElz-fTnZk/s1600/SANY3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNGPPH_Ca_E/TicxaLwLnqI/AAAAAAAAAm8/VwElz-fTnZk/s200/SANY3606.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://cardcreationsbylorraine.blogspot.com/2011/07/inexpensive-way-to-store-your-stickles.html" target="_blank">Stickles</a>: What a great way to inexpensively store your Stickles! You could also paint this to jazz it up a bit.<br />
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<a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/56928382759318467_1p6i6THa_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="bath towel bar and grease drip cups" border="0" height="175" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/56928382759318467_1p6i6THa_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/smurphy2634/craft-room-ideas-org-and-storage/" target="_blank">Craft Room Ideas and Storage:</a> WOW! An entire board on Pinterest that has nothing but great ideas! I spent over an hour here looking at these fantastic ideas!<br />
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<a href="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/double-decker-table-craftproj0306-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/double-decker-table-craftproj0306-de.jpg" width="156" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/make-craft-room-0306" target="_blank">More storage ideas:</a> I loved the double-decker table storage, if I had room that would be in my area : )<br />
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<a href="http://alissafast.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345250ba69e2014e888d0910970d-400wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_2270-web" border="0" height="200" src="http://alissafast.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345250ba69e2014e888d0910970d-400wi" width="126" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://alissafast.typepad.com/a_my_world/2011/05/happy-friday.html" target="_blank">Another great repurposing storage idea:</a> This is so cute and functional, loved it!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24_Wnd8tGz0/Tl4EzovhxAI/AAAAAAAAGZ4/SRJB7a2xIfo/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24_Wnd8tGz0/Tl4EzovhxAI/AAAAAAAAGZ4/SRJB7a2xIfo/s200/3.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://craftystorage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Storage Blog</a>: I have been following her blog for years, and while she isn't posting as much as she used to, there is just tons of ideas on her blog from years past (have this link on my side bar as well.)<br />
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Would love to see some of your craft areas, if you have pictures or videos of your space leave a link in the comments : ) <br />
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I hope you enjoyed the post today, don't forget that I pin lots of things over at Pinterest and also try to post a link at least once a day on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AfterHoursStamper" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> (some of the links end up here as well, but not all of them).<br />
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Enjoy the rest of your week, happy crafting : )<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/jacquie_heffner/"><img alt="Follow Me on Pinterest" height="26" src="http://passets-cdn.pinterest.com/images/follow-on-pinterest-button.png" width="156" /></a><br />
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<a href=""><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-42224344019332070592012-01-31T07:28:00.000-08:002012-01-31T07:38:07.433-08:00New Products at 2012 Winter CHA! New Tim Holtz Demo Video of Distress Ink Markers!Hi again, yes, two posts almost back to back : ) Have been looking at some of the very cool products being revealed at CHA and did not want to wait to share with you, and later this week I will have the video up of my craft area (keep shooting the video but have not liked the results yet : )<br />
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No more waiting, lets get to the new products!<br />
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Here is a Demo video of the new Distress Ink Markers, all I can say is that my crafting budget is going to take a major hit because yes, I really want these in my collection : )<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SYAPWcZ3WSQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
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If you have not ever used Distress Inks, well, they are nothing like regular dye based inks, they blend without getting muddy, when you wet them they spread and react with water and well, they are just amazing inks to use on all of your projects, I especially LOVE to use the reinkers to water color with, and speaking of that, Ranger Ink is releasing two GREAT new products!<br />
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<a href="http://www.rangerink.com/images/products/timHoltz/lgpics_TimHoltz_WaterBrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Tim Holtz Water Brush" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.rangerink.com/images/products/timHoltz/lgpics_TimHoltz_WaterBrush.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_TimHoltzBrand_waterbrush.htm" target="_blank">Tim Holtz Water Brushes</a>! Love the fine tipped brush, as well as the wide tipped one. I have never been disappointed by Tim Holtz products and can't wait to try these brushes as the quality should be top of the line.<br />
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<a href="http://www.rangerink.com/images/products/timHoltz/lgpics_TimHoltz_InkPalette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tim Holtz Ink Palette" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.rangerink.com/images/products/timHoltz/lgpics_TimHoltz_InkPalette.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_TimHoltzBrand_inkPalette.htm" target="_blank">Tim Holtz Pain Palette</a>: GREAT way to put your distress ink in a palette to use for water coloring, as well as a palette for alcohol inks and mica powders, another must have for my little stamping area : )<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UApfln42YN8/TyeXrEw7WVI/AAAAAAAAKmw/IXBFTQzyDvU/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UApfln42YN8/TyeXrEw7WVI/AAAAAAAAKmw/IXBFTQzyDvU/s200/4.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.craftcritique.com/2012/01/cha-winter-2012-martha-stewart-crafts.html" target="_blank">Martha Stewart Crafters Clay and Molds: </a> Wow, make sure to check out the flowers you can make with this new clay, just amazing! and they have some great molds for making embellishments as well. Can't wait to see how you make the flowers.<br />
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Make sure to visit the <a href="http://www.craftcritique.com/" target="_blank">Craft Critique blog</a> for updates on all sorts of new products as well, they have quite a few blog posts up with pictures of new products being revealed at the 2012 Winter CHA.<br />
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New EK Success Stamping System: This looks so interesting! Am thinking of all the possibilities of how to incorporate this system in card making as well as for scrapbooking. You could easily make large, 12x12 patterned paper for your scrapbooks, without having to search through your stash for paper that matches your color scheme.....love it! Video is below:<br />
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<a href="http://www.rangerink.com/images/products/inkssentials/lgpics_SpecialtyStampingPaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Inkssentials Surfaces Specialty Stamping Paper" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.rangerink.com/images/products/inkssentials/lgpics_SpecialtyStampingPaper.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.rangerink.com/products/prod_inkssentials_surfaces_SpecialtyStampingPaper.htm" target="_blank">Ranger Ink Specialty Stamping Paper:</a> Another interesting new product from Ranger (they never fail to come up with GREAT products for stampers), and yes, I would love to try this new paper and see how it works!<br />
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New EK Success Smash Books! Great books that make smashing very easy (yes, I am smashing), lots of new accessories and goodies to put in your books, check out the video below:<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20width=%22420%22%20height=%22315%22%20src=%22http://www.youtube.com/embed/hKQOFCxPPPY%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">New Dylusions Ink</a>: Beautiful, vibrant ink, but wait until you see the demo of how to use these new inks, just love how the colors work together so well. The stencils are great and would make art journaling so much easier! <br />
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New Circut Mini Machine: Nice demo video from the 2012 Winter CHA.<br />
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<b>Update: </b> One more link I just found, Scrapbookdotcom has a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/scrapbookdotcom" target="_blank">YoutTube channel</a> with all sorts of videos from the 2012 Winter CHA, make sure to check out tons more great videos! I need to stop watching the videos because my budget can't handle all the new products : )<br />
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Here is just one of the videos on their channel, this video is from the Technique Tuesday booth and highlights all sorts of brand new stamps:<br />
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Ok, that is about all for now, just had to share with you the GREAT stuff coming out of the 2012 Winter CHA.<br />
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Hopefully by Wednesday or Thursday I will also have the video up of my craft area : )<br />
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Have a wonderful day and don't forget to find time to craft : )<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-40429645243904572982012-01-28T12:53:00.000-08:002012-01-28T12:53:35.859-08:00Basic cutting tools that make your crafting easier, 2012 Winter CHA links and more!Good morning everyone (or afternoon/evening), hope you are enjoying your day. We have had very unseasonable weather for January, last week I had the windows open almost every day, not much rain, and the temperatures have been very mild. Now, last year we had endless rain and not to complain, but it would be nice to not go from fall straight to spring : ) Having said that I will no doubt be sorry if we get rained upon in February : )<br />
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I do get around to making cards, here are a few from this week:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xfVycjxDfQ/TxXysTW1ZFI/AAAAAAAAG2U/FEGIut9rfAA/s1600/CAS+day+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xfVycjxDfQ/TxXysTW1ZFI/AAAAAAAAG2U/FEGIut9rfAA/s320/CAS+day+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Butterfly is colored with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W938G8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004W938G8">Luminarte - Twinkling H2O's </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004W938G8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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and then added <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033LYMJI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0033LYMJI">Aleene's Paper Glaze</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0033LYMJI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcD4Q0cfRQo/TyQjmMwKdtI/AAAAAAAAG5c/jz9wW3qAxcY/s1600/Copic+watercolor+card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcD4Q0cfRQo/TyQjmMwKdtI/AAAAAAAAG5c/jz9wW3qAxcY/s320/Copic+watercolor+card.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This card was made using Copic markers after watching a video (cannot find the link right now, will post when I do find it), stamped with Versa Mark, embossed with clear embossing powder and then colored over the set embossing powder with Copics. Took a blender pen and moved the color off of the embossing powder and around on the paper and finally sprayed with a glimmer mist to add some bling. I did not do all the steps in the video, and this card did not take much time, unlike the card in the video. Thought the technique was quick, easy and loved the water color "look" to the image.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9srQLqNKIg8/TyQjuvx6Y7I/AAAAAAAAG5k/AyIzEAFW04s/s1600/close+up+of+copic+water+color+card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9srQLqNKIg8/TyQjuvx6Y7I/AAAAAAAAG5k/AyIzEAFW04s/s320/close+up+of+copic+water+color+card.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Close up of the card, very easy!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czFv7PNAV0I/TyQj-CHMsqI/AAAAAAAAG50/jSpwdYTidXk/s1600/Paint+chip+flowers+card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czFv7PNAV0I/TyQj-CHMsqI/AAAAAAAAG50/jSpwdYTidXk/s320/Paint+chip+flowers+card.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
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Used two punches, one for the hearts and one for the flowers, paper is actually paint chips! I love that you get all of the various tones of a color on a paint chip, makes matching colors oh so easy (yes I have a stash of paint chips.)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lX8gQsss5Ng/TyQj_6k8jxI/AAAAAAAAG58/diFNuVbcmCk/s1600/Three+butterflies+card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lX8gQsss5Ng/TyQj_6k8jxI/AAAAAAAAG58/diFNuVbcmCk/s320/Three+butterflies+card.JPG" width="307" /></a></div>
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Stamped a music sheet stamp on water color paper, embossed with white pearl embossing powder, then put <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038QFVRU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0038QFVRU">Distress Inks </a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0038QFVRU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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on my craft sheet, then sprayed ink with a glimmer mist, put a piece of water color paper on the ink, and finally punched out the butterflies <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BTMVM8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002BTMVM8">(Martha Stewart Punch, Classic Butterfly)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002BTMVM8" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. Added some Viva Decor Pearl to the butterflies. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOydr0tEoEs/TyQkAZNxJbI/AAAAAAAAG6E/QNtYaHCRV9w/s1600/Heart+with+purple+and+red+card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOydr0tEoEs/TyQkAZNxJbI/AAAAAAAAG6E/QNtYaHCRV9w/s320/Heart+with+purple+and+red+card.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one was fun to make, I really like the color combination (and need to remember that so I use it more!) In hindsight I think a black ribbon might have been better, may make the card again to see how that looks : ) The punch is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003L2LFCG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003L2LFCG">Martha Stewart Scallop 3 Dot Punch Around the Page Punch</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003L2LFCG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, really nice punch with lots of uses. </div>
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I am becoming more and more a fan of Clean and Simple (CAS) cards, love the look and also how easy they are to put together. Having said that, creating a CAS can sometimes be much harder than putting lots of layers and embellishments together : ) </div>
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Still have not finished the video of my craft area, have done a number of videos but have not liked any of them, so will try again this week and will post when finished (will be just the video, no links to anything else). Funny how such a small thing can take so much time! My little area is quite small but I am so used to it that moving into an entire room no longer appeals to me : )<br />
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Given that my area is so small the tools I have a limited to those that are useful and also can (for the most part) serve multiple purposes. How many of us have tools that just sit because they are either too hard to use or just require too much work to use? Today we will explore some really great basic cutting tools that will make your crafting easier, as well as far less frustrating. Before that though, the 2012 Winter CHA starts tomorrow (our son's bday too), and there are tons more new products coming our way, here is a short list of sneak peaks for the week:<br />
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<a href="http://blog.rangerink.com/.a/6a0120a942f0cc970b016760f2d61f970b-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Blog-DistressMarker" border="0" height="200" src="http://blog.rangerink.com/.a/6a0120a942f0cc970b016760f2d61f970b-800wi" width="185" /></a><a href="http://rangerink.com/products/prod_pens_distressMarkers.htm" target="_blank">NEW Distress Ink Markers</a>: LOVE these (but not the price, $3.50 each), am hoping that they will end up on sale somewhere so I can try them out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinkpaislee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/00621_IndogiBleu_12x12Pape-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.pinkpaislee.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/00621_IndogiBleu_12x12Pape-copy.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinkpaislee.com/2012/01/sneak-peek-day-4-indigo-bleu/" target="_blank">Pink Paislee Paper</a>: Great new paper! And no, I am not ordering ANY paper until my "stash" is used, have wayyyyyy too much paper right now : )<br />
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<a href="http://blog.rangerink.com/.a/6a0120a942f0cc970b01630028efc2970d-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Blog-IceSticklesBottles" border="0" height="200" src="http://blog.rangerink.com/.a/6a0120a942f0cc970b01630028efc2970d-800wi" width="185" /></a><a href="http://blog.rangerink.com/blog/2012/01/new-ice-stickles-and-liquid-pearls-colors.html" target="_blank">New Ice Stickle and Liquid Pearl colors</a>: Great new additions to the collection, can't wait to try some of these!<br />
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Next week I will post updates and live blogging as I can find them, will also be updating on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AfterHoursStamper" target="_blank">Facebook daily.</a><br />
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Finally, the TOOLS! So many tools to choose from, and how to pick what is best for your particular crafting needs? There are some very basic tools that I think every crafter should have, tools that end up being used all the time and are easy to use (complicated tools do NOT rank highly in my book). <br />
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So here is a short list (<b>with links for purchasing: please note that I am in the Amazon referral program, if you click on the links below and make a purchase I receive compensation. Given that I am currently unemployed I am hoping to supplement our household income through this program. If you are an Amazon Prime member you receive free shipping on most items, and I have tried to find good prices on the items linked.</b>) and explanations of why I think these are must have tools to make your crafting easier:<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4149iEdq-TL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ek Success 5 Inch Tweezer Bee" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4149iEdq-TL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LXA5KG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000LXA5KG">Ek Success 5 Inch Tweezer Bee</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000LXA5KG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: I use these ALL the time, for so many things, and love the design of these particular tweezers. These are non stick, use reverse grip (they stay closed until you open them up rather then you having to hold them closed) and have a very fine (and sharp) tip. These tweezers also come with a small looped chain so you can hang them up near your craft area which makes storage easy, and finding them easy as well. While these tweezers are not "cutting" tools, I had to include these as they are a basic must have for crafting.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41d5IvQUrlL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PERFECT LAYERS Deluxe 3 Tool Set - Perfect Paper Crafting" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41d5IvQUrlL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GGTMC0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005GGTMC0">PERFECT LAYERS - Perfect Paper Crafting</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005GGTMC0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: I just bought these and wonder why I did not buy them sooner. My layers are so much more even now, and this tool is very easy to use. Nothing bothers me more than working on a card image only to try to layer some paper and end up with uneven and messy looking layers. Critical to using the Perfect Layers are two other must have tools, see below. </div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/310j0TLekBL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Martha Stewart Craft Knife" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/310j0TLekBL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BTSM08/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002BTSM08">Martha Stewart Craft Knife</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002BTSM08" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: I have had many craft knives over the years, this is by far the easiest and best one to use. The protective cover fits nicely on the knife when you are cutting, and goes back on the tip easily after you are finished. I find myself using this knife a great deal more then I used to use my old knives. Don't forget that when using a craft knife you want to make sure you keep a sharp blade, keep replacement blades on hand. (There is a GREAT deal right now on <a href="http://www.craftysteals.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">Crafty Steals for all a great collection of Martha Stewart</a> tools, <b><u>but the "steal" is only good for January 28th</u>).</b></div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5122ZDtT-PL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="X-ACTO X2007 Designer Series 12x12-Inch Self Healing Mat, Pink" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5122ZDtT-PL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004DNX70A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004DNX70A">12x12-Inch Self Healing Mat</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004DNX70A" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />: Again, a must have for cutting with your craft knife and using the perfect layer tool. I also use the mat to make sure cuts I do on my paper trimmer are square. Along with this self healing mat consider getting a glass cutting surface as well (for using circle cutters and other types of cutting devices). </div>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vIkYu4NPL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QgYUCy9bL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 817 Kushgrip Non Stick Micro Serrated Snips" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QgYUCy9bL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a> <img alt="EK Success EKCB01 Cutter Bee Precision-Cut Scissors" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vIkYu4NPL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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Scissors: I have too many scissors, especially when just two of them are used all the time. Don't scrimp on your scissors! The two that I use all the time are the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006842S2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0006842S2">Cutter Bee Precision-Cut Scissors</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0006842S2" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013JNERS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0013JNERS">Tonic Studios Tim Holtz Non Stick Micro Serrated Snips</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0013JNERS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. The Cutter Bee scissors are a must have for cutting out your stamped images, and the Tim Holtz scissors are fantastic for everything else! Ribbon cuts like a dream with either of these, and the Tim Holtz scissors are also very good at cutting through thicker items. </div>
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Paper Trimmer: You can get many different types of trimmers, rotary blade, straight blade, or a guillotine type of trimmer. There is a great discussion on types of trimmers on <a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/tool-product-talk-f128/need-trimmer-recommendations-t479559.html" target="_blank">SplitCoastStampers</a>, many people recommending the <a href="http://www.bonniesbest.com/genesis.htm" target="_blank">Genesis Trimmer</a>.....however be prepared for sticker shock, while it may be the best on the market, the price tag is just too much for my little budget. </div>
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I have many different trimmers, the best (in my opinion) in my collection is the Making Memories Rotary Trimmer, however it is bulky and I don't find that I use it as much as my other trimmers, and other people have noted problems with the trimmer as well. One option for those of us with limited space is to get the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S14MTG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=after09-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000S14MTG">Tonic Studios Guillotine Paper Trimmer 12-Inch-by-6-Inch,</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000S14MTG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> which I am seriously considering at the moment. Nothing is more frustrating than to have uneven cuts, and why frustrate yourself if you can get a tool that will make your crafting easier? </div>
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Note that this is my list, and I would love to read what tools you have that you can't do without. This list is the result of my own personal experiences with purchases (some good, some bad).</div>
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I hope you have a wonderful week! Until next time, happy crafting : )</div>
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<a href=""><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-2455643157562633882012-01-19T07:59:00.000-08:002012-01-19T07:59:22.203-08:00Tons of Freebies, 2012 Winter CHA links and more!Another week has almost flown by, where does the time go? I have been busy making cards but no video this week, will work on the video's for next week. From my last post someone asked that I do a video on matching patterned paper to your image and ways to make a great card, will work on that video first, then move on to the tour of my craft area and other tutorial type videos.<br />
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You might have noticed a new button to the left of this post, at the top of the page, "Follow me on Pinterest." Yes, I have really fallen for Pinterest! Love how easy it is to find just amazing things and also share what you find, have been pinning away over there like crazy. (Pinterest is an online bulletin board of sorts, you scour the web for images of things you like then pin to your boards, you can have numerous boards on many topics, like cooking, card making and so on. People see your "pins" and like them and share, you see their pins and can like and repin as well.)<br />
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What a week! My girlfriend and I are working on a cool project that will launch the AfterHoursStamper store, stay tuned, I think you will like our first original offering! It is going to take a while for us to get everything we need together, but two things 1,) it will be something that experienced and novice crafters can use and 2.) we are working on keeping the price very affordable. We are in the development stage, but hope to get everything together within the next month of so.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.factorydirectcraft.com/pimages/20100812093513-579605_smed/tmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="5/8" Black White Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon - 25 yards" border="0" src="http://cdn1.factorydirectcraft.com/pimages/20100812093513-579605_smed/tmp.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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Oh, and I won a prize! Every week <a href="https://www.facebook.com/factorydirectcraft">Factory Direct Craft has a contest on their facebook page</a>, and last week I was one of the winners, am impatiently awaiting my box of goodies : ) When I get the box will take a picture for you. Factory Direct Craft has some <a href="http://factorydirectcraft.com/catalog/categories/1302_2558_2560-grosgrain_ribbon.html">great prices on ribbon</a> (yesterday I was in a fabric store and couldn't believe how much the small rolls of grosgrain ribbon cost). Their site has all sorts of things for general crafting and their pricing is very good.<br />
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<a href="http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/images/2012/01/011012-Ranger-JenMcGuire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/images/2012/01/011012-Ranger-JenMcGuire.jpg" width="171" /></a><br />
In my web-surfing I happened to find that <a href="http://www.strathmoreartist.com/workshop-reg.html">Jennifer McGuire</a> (who is simply amazing) has an <a href="http://www.onlinecardclasses.com/cleansimple/classinfo/">online class for Clean and Simple cards</a>! Yes, I signed up ($25 for the class which started at the beginning of January, the fee entitles you to a lifetime access to the class), the class runs for two weeks and is filled with all sorts of inspiration. Am LOVING the clean and simple ideas for card making, beautiful cards with little effort, small amount of supplies and huge wow factor! Here are three cards that I have made for the class, we are on day 9 so I have some catching up to do : ) (each day there are at least three examples of techniques and videos, as well as downloads).<br />
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Using water color paper: Stamped image and saying in versamark, then added clear embossing powder, heat set. Added distress ink to a foam blending tool, then sprayed some glimmer mist on my craft sheet and dipped the foam with ink into the glimmer mist. Placed the blending tool on the card and as I was applying the ink I turned the handle to get softer edges. I did the blue, then the green and the middle color last. Sprayed the entire piece with water to get more blending of colors. <br />
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Same technique as above, this time the image is placed on top using black ink and clear embossing powder. This time I did not turn the blending tool, wanted crisper lines for pattern, sprayed the image with water after to get a more blended look. This was an easy card to make and the results are very nice!<br />
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This card was designed after viewing one of the classes which discussed having one focal point, the butterfly was stamped on water color paper, colored with H20's and then I sealed the image with glossy accents. <br />
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You can still sign up for the class, and in my opinion it is worth every penny of the $25 : )<br />
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Now, onto the link list for this week, and do I have a TON for you! My "January" bookmark folder is getting so long that I will need to start a "January 2" soon!<br />
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<a href="http://www.strathmoreartist.com/tl_files/content/online_workshops/workshop_series_header.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Strathmore 2012 Online Workshop Seres" border="0" height="48" src="http://www.strathmoreartist.com/tl_files/content/online_workshops/workshop_series_header.gif" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.strathmoreartist.com/workshop-reg.html">FREE Strathmore Online Art Classes</a>: Yes, signed up for this as well, all three of these classes and can't wait to dive right in. Card making/scrapbooking, paper crafting...all of these things are based in the fundamentals of art, expanding your art knowledge base helps you to become a better paper crafter.<br />
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<a href="http://scrapbookprintables.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/motherhood.jpg?w=300&h=300" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://scrapbookprintables.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/motherhood.jpg?w=300&h=300" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://scrapbookprintables.wordpress.com/freebies/">Free Scrapbook printables</a>: A few nice printouts you can use on your scrapbook pages.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thehybridchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/paper_daisies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="paper_daisies" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.thehybridchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/paper_daisies.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.thehybridchick.com/free-paper-pack/">Free digital paper</a>: Really nice paper, and make sure you check out how you can print in 6x6 size as well<br />
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<a href="http://noreimerreason.com/scrapbook/freebies/noreimerreason_template_68_rec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="No Reimer Reason - Free 8.5x11 Digital Scrapbook Template - Click for larger preview" border="0" height="200" src="http://noreimerreason.com/scrapbook/freebies/noreimerreason_template_68_rec.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://noreimerreason.com/scrapbook_freebies.php">Free scrapbook sketches:</a> Loved these, very nice and easy to use!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/images/T/xctmpf15GC3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hooray | Add on" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/images/T/xctmpf15GC3.png" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.mscraps.com/shop/home.php?cat=25">And more FREEBIES!</a> Page layouts, papers and embellishments.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8-DXEiShKTQ/S1uJDNX1CXI/AAAAAAAABWs/1-wcBM3OFzU/S1600-R/Free+digital+stamps+headder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Free Digital Stamps" border="0" height="68" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8-DXEiShKTQ/S1uJDNX1CXI/AAAAAAAABWs/1-wcBM3OFzU/S1600-R/Free+digital+stamps+headder.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.freedigitalstamps.blogspot.com/">FREE Digital Stamps</a>: GREAT site with tons of free digital stamps, she adds to her blog all the time so keep checking back. Wonderful resource!<br />
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How to use Heat and Stick powder: I love heat and stick powder, but you have to be really careful about not overheating the powder when you heat, thought the following was a good video to show you how to use the powder:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sRYZFW6F1gs" width="420"></iframe><br />
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And a few CHA links:<br />
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<a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/myplace/images/user/10/108526/CHA_W_2012/fiskars_3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://www.scrapbook.com/myplace/images/user/10/108526/CHA_W_2012/fiskars_3.PNG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/blog/view/181491.html">Technique Tuesday</a>: New stamps! Can't wait to see this collection. <br />
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<a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/blog/view/181505.html">Fiskars interchangeable border punch: </a> YEAH! For those of us who have limited storage this is a GREAT idea, the punch has removable cartridges for borders which makes storing them oh so nice!<br />
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<a href="http://donnasalazar.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8351b268553ef016760c5c771970b-500wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DSCN0044" border="0" height="200" src="http://donnasalazar.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8351b268553ef016760c5c771970b-500wi" width="149" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://donnasalazar.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/01/donnas-reveal-of-art-gone-wild-stamps.html" target="_blank">Donna Salazar</a>: Loved her mixed media items! Birdcage in Chipboard is soooooo cool! Watch her video to see everything she has coming out.<br />
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<a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/.a/6a00e39827d9ad8833016760a912d6970b-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="CMS128roadtrip" border="0" height="200" src="http://timholtz.typepad.com/.a/6a00e39827d9ad8833016760a912d6970b-800wi" width="166" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/01/cha-winter-2012stampers-anonymous-part-2.html" target="_blank">Tim Holtz Stamps</a>: Just LOVE these retro stamps, so cool for cards and scrapbook pages!<br />
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PHEW! That is all for today, hope you like the links, next week I have a tip for you, stumbled across it by accident, and it "saved" one of my projects.<br />
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And I LOVE when you leave comments! Please let me know what you think of the links this week and if there are other topics/types of links you would like me to post. <br />
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Have a great week, happy crafting : )<br />
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<a href=""><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-62038373871146708962012-01-14T09:12:00.000-08:002012-01-14T14:55:38.384-08:002012 Winter CHA Sneak Peeks plus other fun linksHellllloooooo crafters : ) Hope your crafting week has been going well with lots of time to create. Since I am now unemployed I find that my crafting time has expanded into hours of playing and creating, something that soothes my soul and gives me peace (except when there are problems lol, you know what I mean). <br />
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Am working on a list of videos to make in the future, would love if you could let me know what you would like to see. Distress ink water coloring? The Melted Crayon Technique? Simple cards? Matching paper to your stamped image? Quick and easy cards? What ever you would like to see, just let me know and I will try to create a video.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FChPY3acKI/TxGuMNEIQwI/AAAAAAAAG0g/WbI3I4Jobdw/s1600/Wine+Cork+Technique+Card+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FChPY3acKI/TxGuMNEIQwI/AAAAAAAAG0g/WbI3I4Jobdw/s200/Wine+Cork+Technique+Card+%25281%2529.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
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So far I am thinking of doing videos on the techniques that already have written directions, which can be found <a href="http://www.scribd.com/AfterHoursStamper">here on Scribd</a>. And I am working on a "tour" of the AfterHoursStamper craft area, as well as a really cool gift idea (with a DIY embellishment tutorial) for your craftng buddies (new crafters or experienced crafters). In the future I will be writing directions for all of the videos I do, and will work on written directions for the most recent video, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcMds8_JB4k&feature=plcp&context=C3767daaUDOEgsToPDskIPRPMLMDDZb4TgYICIkpe4">Make your own designer paper with a wine cork.</a>"<br />
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As someone who loves to craft I also love to help others learn how to do anything related to paper crafting, especially as so many things can be frustrating when you are not sure how to do them properly. <br />
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What I have discovered is that practice is key to learning any type of technique, and also getting rid of any thought that your first attempt has to be perfect, rather the worse you do the more room for improvement : ) And sometimes you discover a way to change a technique to fit your style and your way of crafting, which is also fun and a bit exciting as well : )<br />
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There is no technique out there that can't be changed, or done differently if that is how YOU want to create, and don't be afraid to change techniques, even if your idea or effort doesn't turn out like you thought, well, the next time it might be even better! <br />
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Let's get on with some links, shall we? Today will have some links to the upcoming 2012 Winter CHA, lots and lots of new paper, stamps and other goodies to drool over. And of course there are a few other odds and ends as well. So....grab a cup of coffee, tea, wine, or water, sit back and start craft surfing : )<br />
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<a href="http://blitsy.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/220x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/v/i/vintage%20photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ranger - Tim Holtz - Distress Stains Vintage Photo" border="0" height="200" src="http://blitsy.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/220x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/v/i/vintage%20photo.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://blitsy.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/8831/">Blitsy</a>: If you need some distress stains run over to Blitsy and stock up! Great price, $2.99, (as of this post many of the colors have sold out so hurry over to get what is left) and there are also albums and other things on sale there. Remember that every Monday, Wednesday and Friday new items are posted at Blitsy, and the more popular items sell out quickly. I check all the time and love when they have something I need (want lol). <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FjDAeVoTbVg/S3RqbpQjlsI/AAAAAAAACow/0z-_hDQmUOc/s1600/Tutorial+-+Kirsten%27s+hjerteveske_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FjDAeVoTbVg/S3RqbpQjlsI/AAAAAAAACow/0z-_hDQmUOc/s200/Tutorial+-+Kirsten%27s+hjerteveske_12.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://min-hobbyblogg.blogspot.com/search/label/Tutorials">Kirstens Blog Tutorials</a>: Love these projects, and don't forget to visit her entire blog, <a href="http://min-hobbyblogg.blogspot.com/">link here</a>, to view some amazing coloring with colored pencils. Some of her posts are not in English, but most are.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazingpapergrace.com//wp-content/uploads/image/2010/06/WRBF-1620-2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.amazingpapergrace.com//wp-content/uploads/image/2010/06/WRBF-1620-2010.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/becca-bit-distress-ink-blenders-storage/">Becca's Distress Ink Blenders Storage</a>: Love this idea, and absolutely LOVE Becca's blog (she has the most amazing work, as well as lots and lots of tutorials). And her blog leads us to.....CHA Sneak Peeks!<br />
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<a href="http://ucutathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Splendid-Circles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ucutathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Splendid-Circles.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://ucutathome.com/blog/2012/01/12/spellbinders-abilities-blog-frenzyday/">Spellbinders CHA Sneak Peek</a>: WOW, wow, WOW! You are going to LOVE these new die cuts! Am really going to have to save up to buy at least one of the new sets. The link is to day one of the release, <a href="http://ucutathome.com/blog/2012/01/13/spellbinders-abilities-blog-frenzyday-2/">click here for day two </a>(which has the most amazing die cuts). <br />
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<a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/.a/6a00e39827d9ad88330167605cd321970b-800wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Birdbranch" border="0" height="200" src="http://timholtz.typepad.com/.a/6a00e39827d9ad88330167605cd321970b-800wi" width="181" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/01/cha-winter-2012-previewssizzix-alterations-pt1.html">Tim Holtz 2012 CHA Sneek Peeks</a>: LOVE the new dies, papers.....just so much to see and drool over! Don't forget to click on day two to see more new products.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NAvzwNrIpWM/TwxiUPbfVsI/AAAAAAAAJK0/bZaIijKDlRI/s1600/DSC_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NAvzwNrIpWM/TwxiUPbfVsI/AAAAAAAAJK0/bZaIijKDlRI/s200/DSC_0865.JPG" width="159" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://studio490art.blogspot.com/">CHA Sneak Peek from Studio 490 Art</a>: Lots of cool things here, especially like the retro stamps and embellisments.<br />
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<a href="http://petaloo.typepad.com/.a/6a0133f1607ae3970b0162ff21a242970d-320wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hyacinth Dahlias beauty shot" border="0" height="191" src="http://petaloo.typepad.com/.a/6a0133f1607ae3970b0162ff21a242970d-320wi" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://petaloo.typepad.com/blog/2012/01/sneek-peek-from-spring-darjeeling-collection.html">Petaloo Sneak Peek</a>: Love the soft colors of these embellishments, just in time for spring!<br />
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<a href="http://lifestylecrafts.com/media//Sweetheart_consumer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://lifestylecrafts.com/media//Sweetheart_consumer.jpg" width="122" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lifestylecrafts.com/blog/sweetheartrelease/">Lifestyle Craft Sneak Peek (used to be QuicKutz)</a>: Love these dies, and just in time for Valentines Day! Make sure to check out all of the projects on the blog as well, beautiful projects there.<br />
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<a href="http://prima.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cc5c69e20168e4ec9252970c-450wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nature garden" border="0" height="200" src="http://prima.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cc5c69e20168e4ec9252970c-450wi" width="125" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://prima.typepad.com/prima/2012/01/cha-sneak-peek-day-2-nature-garden.html">Prima Sneak Peeks</a>: The paper and embellishments are just breathtaking....link is to one of the release days, make sure you check them all out and be ready to part with some $$$ : )<br />
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Ok, that is all for now, will have more CHA links in the next post, hopefully the video of my craft area, and of course other links (I have literally hundreds of cool links saved that are just waiting to be posted : )<br />
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As always I want you to know how much I appreciate your emails, comments and support, without you there would be no AfterHoursStamper : ) <br />
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Enjoy your day, and don't forget to find some time to craft.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-8232218624106479782012-01-12T21:16:00.000-08:002012-01-13T07:08:21.861-08:00Finally, after three years, another AfterHoursStamper Video!Hi everyone, hope your week is going well : ) Our weather has been great, a very mild and dry January, which is ok except I am going to need to start watering our garden soon if it doesn't rain. The mountains in California are also dry and without much snow, which is pretty unusual for this time of year (last year we had endless rain and tons of snow in the mountains). <br />
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Enough of the weather talk, onto the subject of this post which is a new AfterHoursStamper video! Yes, finally, after three years I have put together another video. The camera I was using three years ago was just not working right and this Christmas my wonderful husband gave me a new video camera, it is very basic but does the job pretty well.<br />
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Anyhow, I will be uploading a few more videos in the near future, one on my craft area, one on a really cool gift idea for crafters, the melted crayon technique and how to water color with Twinkling H20's. And if there are other videos you would like to see, let me know.<br />
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Today's video is on how you can make your own designer/background paper using an every day object, a wine cork! If you are like me you have a ton of background paper, but you stamp an image and can't find the right patterned paper to go with you have stamped. So, I find it easier to sometimes just create a background paper, and have done so with background stamps, and today, with a cork.<br />
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<b>UPDATE: </b> I have been asked to provide information on the stamp used in the video, here is a link to the stamp: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&x=0&tag=after09-20&linkCode=ur2&y=0&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=stampendous%20deco%20lady&url=search-alias%3Daps" target="_blank">Stampendous "Deco Lady."</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=after09-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> The stamp comes in clear, wood mount and cling mount (my son gave me the stamp for Christmas and I am really loving how versatile the stamp is!)<br />
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You do not need any special tools (except for the wine cork), and the card itself is quick and easy to make. Here is the video, I will try to post some links for you later this weekend, on Sunday hopefully (have been finding some sneak peeks for the upcoming Winter CHA, lots of goodies!) <br />
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Please let me know what you think of the video, this is only my fourth one and I see some things I want to "fix" in the next video, would love to have your feedback on this video though : ) <br />
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Take care, have a great Friday and hopefully I can get to the links by Sunday.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-13702294730491268822012-01-07T11:11:00.000-08:002012-01-07T11:11:55.420-08:00Happy 2012! Time for updates and all sorts of great linksHi everyone, yes, I have been out for quite a time now (three months), and it feels good to be back! As my last post stated, my life turned upside down when my father's wife (my stepmother) took ill and needed full time care. I did not realize how sick she was, and my father and I took care of her 24/7 until her passing.<br />
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It was perhaps the hardest thing I have ever had to do, and it has taken me months to recover physically and mentally, from the impact of what happened. In a nutshell: my stepmother left her home to live with her daughter, this lasted three days (two nights). Sadly, the arrangement did not work out at all, and my stepmother left her daughters house and ended up in a residential hospice facility until my Dad and I could get her back to home.<br />
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She was happy to be home, but estranged from her daughter, she would not talk to her daughter and told us she was frightened when she was at the daughters house. The daughter never called to ask how her mother was doing, but did come over one day to scream at her terminally ill mother. It was the worst situation I have ever seen (and hospice told us that it was the worst they had seen in 25 years), daughter screaming because the mother was cutting her off financially, mother telling daughter to get out and never talk to her again, you get the picture.<br />
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Somethings change your life in ways you just didn't anticipate, and this situation was such an event. I loved my stepmother and feel blessed that I was able, along with my Dad, to give her the care and love she needed and wanted during her last days, and I miss her very much. She was 13 years younger than my father so her illness was unexpected and traumatic to my father.<br />
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My father ended up moving to a rural community in Northern CA, and for the last two months I have been visiting him (and my Mom who lives in another Northern CA city) on a regular basis. Given all that there has been little time for blogging (though I have continued to post here and there on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AfterHoursStamper">facebook page</a>). Am back now though, with lots more time since I also ended up having to quit my full time job, but still teaching classes at Michaels.<br />
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Sorry for the long intro, just wanted to catch you all up and thank you for your emails and support during this most difficult time.<br />
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How about some crafting talk, finally? Am considering posting a bit more often, without as many links (I find all sorts of links each day to use at a future date). Would love to know if you would like shorter posts with fewer links or if you like the way the blog is now, ie, one post a week with more links. I do post more often on the facebook page (since it is just a quick post with one link). Speaking of facebook......<br />
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Would you like to win a free Magnolia bench stamp? If so, all you need to do is to guess how much I spent on this order:<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/395726_262578953806266_129948030402693_687405_307999836_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/395726_262578953806266_129948030402693_687405_307999836_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>
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Leave a comment on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AfterHoursStamper">AfterHoursStamper FACEBOOK page</a>, the most recent post, and the person who is closest to the amount I spent will win the stamp. Contest ends on Sunday at midnight, PST. <br />
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Have been cleaning/clearing/organizing my little craft area and thought you might like to see a video of what I have done recently, watch for the video next week : ) We now have an extra bedroom in our home, but I really like my little craft area in the family room and have no desire to move to a larger area. I am going to be clearing out the garage (have been going through all the rooms in the house and organizing) and storing some little used craft items in the garage, that way I will have some free shelves in my craft area for even better organizing.<br />
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Ok, now, finally, how about a HUGE amount of links? So many fun things to view and find, so little time : )<br />
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<a href="http://blitsy.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/8831/">Blitsy</a>: Am LOVING saving money here! Have already made a number of purchases that saved me a ton of money. You really need to check the site on Monday/Wednesday/Friday for new offerings, and they only have limited amounts of products, if you see something you like purchase it immediately, it may not be there later (as I have, sadly, found out). Right now you can find savings on Glimmer Glam, Glimmer Glaze, ColorBox Pigment ink pads and reinkers, and much, much more, and remember that on Monday there will be other new products posted!<br />
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<a href="http://networkedblogs.com/pAMmS"> Tombow doodles</a>: Loved this quick and easy way to use your markers to create a fast, easy card or note. <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhZQnYyd8Jw&feature=related">Make your own dauber</a>: Really great idea, especially since you can change out the foam inexpensively. Video is provided below as well:<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxi8DpiDQRg&feature=related">DIY Glimmer Mist</a>: Nice video that shows a number of different ways you can make your own Glimmer Mist, as well as has a few other DIY ideas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F5VO2vrrjc&feature=related">Cool technique using Vaseline</a>: Interesting technique, a must try since it is fairly easy and of course quick!<br />
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<a href="http://ilovemementos.blogspot.com/2011/11/coloring-tutorial-video.html">Colored Pencil Tutorial:</a> I love using colored pencils for coloring, and love finding tutorials on ways to color with colored pencils. This is a nice video that takes you through all the steps. <a href="http://ilovemementos.blogspot.com/">Click here for the blog</a> (which as of Jan 2012 will not have any updates, but the archives are a wonderful resource).<br />
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Am purchasing the Perfect Layers tool, have read a great deal on this product and would like to try it out, am tired of sometimes having "issues" with layers when trying to finish a project. (please note that I am in the Amazon referral program, if you click on the box below and make a purchase I receive compensation)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=after09-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B005GGTMC0" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://mamadinis.blogspot.com/p/tutorial-index.html">Mama Dini's Stamperia</a>: Link is to her tutorials, but make sure to visit the main blog page (click here), for GREAT inspiration. Loved her site and her work.</div>
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<a href="http://kathleendriggers.com/2011/10/03/tutorial-goosebumps-spray-by-tsukineko/">Goosebumps</a>: Nice video on a new product from Tsukineko, looks very interesting and a fun product to try. <a href="http://www.tsukineko.com/pdf/GB_techniques.pdf">Here is the product techniques PDF</a> from Tsukineko mentioned in the video. </div>
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Copic Paper: Why spend $120 on Xpress It when you can use Hammermill Color Copy Digital Cover Stock, (photo white is the color) 80 lb for $10? The Hammermill paper works just as well as the Xpress it paper for copic coloring, and at $10 a ream, you can't go wrong! And yes, I have used the Hammermill paper and love it, will be ordering some more soon! The Xpress It paper comes in packs of 125, the Hammermill comes in packs of 250! What is great about this paper is that you don't have to have separate papers for your base card stock and then another paper for your copic coloring, given the price of this paper you can use it both ways and not feel like you are wasting expensive paper.</div>
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<a href="http://www.monkeyhousehobby.com/guides/inkguide/">Ink Pad guide</a>: Great link for a listing of the various types of ink pad available. I have sent this to many new rubber stampers and they always appreciate the information. </div>
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<a href="http://www.paper-castle.com/2011/10/08/foam-board-cabinet-tutorial/#more-1041">DIY Foam Board Cabinet: </a> Wonderful tutorial on making your own mini cabinet. If I had room in my crafting area this would be something on my list of todos : )</div>
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Don't forget to go over to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AfterHoursStamper">AfterHoursStamper Facebook page</a>, lots of links there as well (some are here, but not all), make sure you "like" the Facebook page so you will see updates on your personal Facebook wall.</div>
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That's it for today! Take care and have a most wonderful and amazing day, feels good to be back, thank you for understanding my long absence. </div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-59911361321258726162011-10-09T07:59:00.000-07:002011-10-09T07:59:42.469-07:00Will be AWOL for a bitHi everyone just wanted to let you know that I will be AWOL for a bit, am leaving to help my father take care of his wife and not sure when I will be back. <br />
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Thank you for understanding, will post updates if able.<br />
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And a short thought for the day:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.<br />Life is beauty, admire it.<br />Life is a dream, realize it.<br />Life is a challenge, meet it.<br />Life is a duty, complete it.<br />Life is a game, play it.<br />Life is a promise, fulfill it.<br />Life is sorrow, overcome it.<br />Life is a song, sing it.<br />Life is a struggle, accept it.<br />Life is a tragedy, confront it.<br />Life is an adventure, dare it.<br />Life is luck, make it.<br />Life is too precious, do not destroy it.<br />Life is life, fight for it.”<br />― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/838305.Mother_Teresa" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Mother Teresa</a></span><br />
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<a href=""><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-85522128030158687672011-10-04T12:09:00.000-07:002011-10-04T12:09:59.564-07:00Die cuts galore!Hello everyone, sorry for the missed posts. My best friends Mother passed away this last week, and my step-mother has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Needless to say, I have not been able to get to posting on the blog, and I apologize for the lapse. This is a hard time for me right now, but I will do my best to keep up with the blog, I hope you understand and bear with me. <br />
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Now, a bit of an issue with the blog, seems that blogger "ate" all of my posts for August! They just disappeared, no where to be found, thankfully I saved them all. The issue is that when I put the posts back up they will all land in your mailbox, so a heads up, I will try to get around to putting August back on the blog this weekend.<br />
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Onto the topic today. For a while now I have wanted to list all of the companies that now feature die cuts with matching stamp sets (and no, I haven't purchased any lately, as I need to cut back on my craft spending for a bit). I love the concept though, how neat is it to be able to cut out shapes and then stamp on the shape for a perfect fit! <br />
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And I also wanted to list companies that have their own die cuts (with or with out stamps), and truthfully, there are just tons of neat, unique die cuts out there!<br />
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So, without further commentary, here is a list of stamp companies that have unique die cuts, some with stamps, some without, but all very, very cool! I am almost sure I missed a few, if you know of a company not on the list please let us know in the comments.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heroarts.com/products/sizzix/">Hero Arts</a>: Some absolutely GREAT sets here, and yes, on my list of must haves : )<br />
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<a href="http://www.prickleypear.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PP&Category_Code=CLRSTMPS_DIES">Prickley Pear:</a> LOVE these sets, so many ways you can use the dies and the stamps.<br />
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<a href="http://www.shop.ginakdesigns.com/category.sc?categoryId=146">GinaK: </a> There are a few stamp sets in her store that coordinate with existing Spellbinders sets, cute stamp sets that will work with the die cuts you already have.</div>
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<a href="http://www.shop.ginakdesigns.com/images/All%20Occasion%20Tags.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="All Occasion Tags" border="0" height="200" src="http://www.shop.ginakdesigns.com/images/All%20Occasion%20Tags.gif" width="152" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://ucutathome.com/blog/scrapbooking-videos/heartfelt-creations-stamps-spellbinders-dies/">Heartfelt Creations</a>: Lots of nice sets here, really like the layered flowers!<br />
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<a href="http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/2011/09/want-2-make-it-fabulous-justrite-blog-candy-winners.html">JustRite:</a> Some really cute ornament stamps/die cuts here, and make sure to <a href="http://www.justritestampers.com/category.aspx?categoryID=217">visit the store</a> for even more sets to view and buy!<br />
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<img alt="Deck the Halls Product Collage" height="154" src="http://justritestampers.typepad.com/.a/6a012875a9e35b970c0153919354a2970b-400wi" width="200" /><br />
<a href="https://www.mftstamps.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=58">MFT</a>: Lots of exclusive dies, and a few stamps/die sets. Love their die cuts just so cute and can be used so many ways!<br />
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<img height="200" src="https://www.mftstamps.com/catalog/images/FlowerSilhouetteStampSet.png" width="150" /><br />
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<a href="http://whimsystamps.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=30">Whimsy Shapeology</a>: Just love these die cuts, so many to choose from! Guess I need to start saving my pennies again : )<br />
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<img alt="Elegant Butterflies Die Set" src="http://whimsystamps.com/store/bmz_cache/f/f6fd95b39ec05475cb58b4b0b700046d.image.150x138.jpg" /><br />
<a href="http://www.magnoliastamps.us/store2/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=39">DooHickey Die Cuts</a>: These are from Magnolia and are just adorable! <br />
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<img alt="#5 Paris night - Click Image to Close" height="200" src="http://www.magnoliastamps.us/store2/images/bon%20voyge%20paris%20night.jpg" width="92" /><br />
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<a href="http://shop.sweetstamps.com/Marianne-Designs-CREATABLES-Dies_c183.htm">Marianne D Dies</a>: OMG! These are just breathtaking, and I would LOVE to get my hands on a few. <br />
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<img alt="116 Rectangle Frame & Flourishes Dies" height="196" src="http://shop.sweetstamps.com/images/1295975484958592522573.jpeg" width="200" /><br />
<a href="http://www.ecstasycrafts.com/catalog.php?category=691">Nellie's Multi Frame Die Cuts</a>: Yes, I know, how are you supposed to choose when there are so many choices? Love these die cuts....<br />
<img alt="Multi Frame Dies - Corners 2" src="http://www.ecstasycrafts.com/images/catalog/sm/MFD031.jpg" /><br />
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These are but a few of the companies that have matching die cuts and stamps, don't forget, if you know of a company that I did not list please share with us in the comments. <br />
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Take care everyone, see you back again next week.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-81302685357713959712011-09-08T07:53:00.000-07:002011-09-08T07:53:49.642-07:00Clean and simple cards: information, links and videosAnother week flies by and I am left wondering where all the time went. This week we were FINALLY able to video Skype our son, it is the first time we have "seen" him since he left in May (he is in the Marines and finished bootcamp in May, came home for 10 days and then left again for his training). <br />
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I spent the majority of the first call crying as seeing him was almost too much! Wanted to hug and kiss him in person, but had to settle for seeing his wonderful smile and person on video chat. We actually talked to him twice, the second time his girlfriend came over (she lives two doors down) and ended up spending almost two hours with him! Can't wait to Skype him again : )<br />
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And how about your corner of the world? A good week? Lots of crafting? I did some crafting on Saturday, more on Sunday, but truthfully, there is just never enough time to do all the things I would like to do. Speaking of crafting.....<br />
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This Saturday Michaels is hosting tons of demos for their new classes! I will be at my local Michaels from 10 am until 3 pm (Michaels in Westgate, San Jose), promoting all the great classes that will be coming up. This is a national event, every Michaels is supposed to be presenting demos and providing information about the card making/paper crafting classes that are now available. Would love to meet some of you in person, so if you are in the area please stop by on Saturday : )<br />
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Now off to our topics for this week (and yes, lots of links). While I love to embellish cards, the beauty of a clean and simple card is not to be underestimated. It struck me that with the holidays quickly approaching it would be a good idea to go over how to make amazing clean and simple cards (fast, easy and elegant). How many times have you wanted to make your own holiday cards and felt too overwhelmed to get them done? <br />
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So, today is a study in clean and simple, hopefully there is enough information to inspire you and also reassure you that if you so desire, making your own holiday cards is possible with a minimal amount of time. Spending a little time now to design your clean and simple card will get you going, then set aside the time to make your cards before November (yes, before November). Make a few extra, get them addressed and ready to send out in November and pop them in the mail Dec 1st, your cards are done, and people will LOVE receiving a handmade holiday card from you!<br />
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Here we go, links, examples and explanations below:<br />
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What makes a clean and simple card stunning? The use of color and design (as with all artistic creations). <br />
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Understanding how color works is important when you make any card, and with "simple" cards color becomes even more important as it is a main element of the card.. Think about this: when you find a card you like, what usually stands out? For me what usually catches my eye first is the color in the card (or the lack of which also creates interest.) Here is a link on <a href="http://www.colorcombos.com/choosing-the-right-colors-for-your-scrapbook-project-article.html">how to use color with your scrapbooking pages </a>(all of which applies to card making). If you want to learn more about how color works,<a href="http://painting.about.com/od/colourtheory/ss/color_theory.htm"> try this link</a> which is for painters but gives you a very good basic understanding of color theory.<br />
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And then there is the design of the card, and good designs for our cards usually follow the use of the "<a href="http://desktoppub.about.com/od/designprinciples/l/aa_balance4.htm">rule of thirds</a>" which<br />
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says that most designs can be made more interesting by visually dividing the page into thirds, vertically and/or horizontally and placing our most important elements within those thirds.</blockquote>
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Lets look at some simple and stunning cards to see the color and design elements the card uses:<br />
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Isn't this a GREAT card? Found this on the blog <a href="http://cleanandsimplestamping.blogspot.com/2011/08/ftl152.html">Clean and Simple Stamping</a>, and yes there are tons of clean and simple examples for you to view.</div>
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So, why is this card so striking? First of all the use of the red in the heart, , secondly the design which follows the rule of thirds. Putting the card on a muted, neutral colored paper adds to the overall design/color, and then rounding the corners also creates another design element. </div>
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A video from GinaK creating a simple, yet elegant card. What makes it work? The design (the stamped image is off to the side vertically, using the rule of thirds) and the colors are neutral, two colors working well with each other. Simple yet creates a stunning card.</div>
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<img alt="5797754147_a432b26dd1_z1" src="http://heroarts.com/blogs/club/files/2011/06/5797754147_a432b26dd1_z1.jpg" /></div>
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Another place to view some amazing Clean and Simple cards is over at <a href="http://heroarts.com/blogs/club/">Hero Arts</a>, <a href="http://heroarts.com/blogs/club/2011/07/14/social-club-goes-fishing/">this card is from this link</a>, created by Virginia L, and what a fantastic card it is. Once again this design utilizes the "third" rule, this one using the horizontal division in thirds. The colors work together well, and the Merci nicely picks up the orange in the shell images. </div>
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And given that this is about clean and simple holiday cards, here are a number of examples I found on SCS. These cards require no additional coloring other then your stamping, few if any embellishments, great color, good design, and they are quick and easy to make. </div>
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<img height="240" src="http://images.splitcoaststampers.com/data/gallery/7182/2011/08/08/Christmas_Cards_August_by_cjzim.JPG?ts=1312862858" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2029141?&si=CAS%20Christmas">http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2029141?&si=CAS%20Christmas</a></div>
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<img height="320" src="http://images.splitcoaststampers.com/data/gallery/19754/2011/08/08/CAS130_by_snowmanqueen.JPG?ts=1312821901" width="271" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2028431?&si=CAS%20Christmas">http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2028431?&si=CAS%20Christmas</a></div>
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<img height="267" src="http://images.splitcoaststampers.com/data/gallery/500/2011/07/30/DTGD11JeanneS_by_LuvLee.jpg?ts=1312048304" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2021635?&si=CAS%20Christmas">http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2021635?&si=CAS%20Christmas</a></div>
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<img height="172" src="http://images.splitcoaststampers.com/data/gallery/500/2011/07/26/greentreepunchgroup_by_snail.jpg?ts=1311707367" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2019149?&si=CAS%20Christmas">http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2019149?&si=CAS%20Christmas</a></div>
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<img height="320" src="http://images.splitcoaststampers.com/data/gallery/14260/2011/07/08/DSCN0773_2_by_susanbri.jpg?ts=1310164768" width="260" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2008041?&si=CAS%20Christmas">http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2008041?&si=CAS%20Christmas</a></div>
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<img height="315" src="http://images.splitcoaststampers.com/data/gallery/500/2011/07/04/Flag_Inspiration_Alaska_by_LateBlossom.JPG?ts=1309791853" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2005113?&si=CAS%20Christmas">http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2005113?&si=CAS%20Christmas</a><br />
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And a few more cards that are not holiday related, though the design could easily be used for a holiday card.<br />
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<img alt="IMG_4115" src="http://www.inkrediblestamping.com/.a/6a00d8341d773253ef0154340dec59970c-450wi" /><br />
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From the blog<a href="http://www.inkrediblestamping.com/inkredible_stamping_with_/2011/08/clean-and-simple-is-simply-wonderful.html"> Inkredible Stamping</a>, GREAT card with wonderful color and design.<br />
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<img alt="Stampin Up Curly Cute Stamp Set " src="http://dreamingaboutrubberstamps.com/wp-content/uploads/image/P1050033.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="http://dreamingaboutrubberstamps.com/clean-and-simple-curly-cute">Love this card</a>, especially as it is a wonderful use of leftover designer paper! And as the designer states, leave off the sentiment until you need a specific card, happy bday, sympathy and so on. Easy, elegant and clean and simple : )<br />
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I hope the post today has given you some inspiration on creating a clean and simple card : ) </div>
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If you have some good examples of clean and simple cards please post a link in the comments section so we can all be inspired a bit more.</div>
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Have a GREAT week everyone!</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8367322313694607284"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-11303791996999569112011-07-13T10:50:00.000-07:002011-07-13T10:50:13.267-07:00Almost time for 2011 Summer CHA! New products, new stamps and lots of other goodies.<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
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Hello and welcome to the middle of July! Where has the year gone? Love summer because of all the sunshine, but I do not especially "like" the hot weather. Luckily here in San Jose, CA our weather has been fairly mild, with a warming trend into the 80's expected next week.<br />
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One of the reasons I love living in CA is the weather, for the most part we do not have extremes, ie, high temps or low temps. Sometimes we do get hot (over 100), but usually that just lasts a few days and is bearable for the most part.<br />
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Hope those of you who are experiencing the heat wave are coping well, remember to drink lots and lots of water and stay cool! I keep checking the weather in Pensacola, Florida (our son is there awaiting his training for the Marines) and see nothing but thunderstorms there. Our son mentioned how different the clouds are in Pensacola, as he put it "tall, not flat like our clouds."<br />
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Anyhow, enough of the that dribble! Time to get to the real deal, crafting!<br />
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The 2011 Summer CHA starts on July 18th, and there are so many GREAT links out there for new products, papers and stamps! Here are some of the things that I have been finding:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r5GaXLJngQs/Th3WqaSimcI/AAAAAAAAGs4/hWJLSb-sOI4/s1600/iZING_3bottles_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r5GaXLJngQs/Th3WqaSimcI/AAAAAAAAGs4/hWJLSb-sOI4/s200/iZING_3bottles_web.jpg" width="161" /></a><a href="http://www.tsukineko.com/new.php">i-Zing:</a> By Tsukineko, similar to Stickles, comes in translucent, glitter and opaque. I am intrigued to see how this product compares to the Viva Decor pens and also Stickles. The link also lists some other new products Tsukineko is unveiling, all look interesting : )<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zUUN3TeRKSw/TU3qibGcpGI/AAAAAAAABr4/LdOB1b0gvI8/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zUUN3TeRKSw/TU3qibGcpGI/AAAAAAAABr4/LdOB1b0gvI8/s200/IMG_0469.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2011/02/15/ebosser-by-craftwell/">Ebosser by Craftwell</a>: This machine was actually unveiled at the Winter CHA, however the formal debut is scheduled for this upcoming CHA. I love that the machine takes large embossing folders, and if the price is right could be a GREAT addition to your crafting supplies!<br />
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<a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/blog/lview/177301.html">Fiskars:</a> New punches, really like the border punches that are going to be at CHA.<br />
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<a href="http://www.scrappingcottage.com/cottagecutz-july2011.aspx">Cottage Cutz</a>: Lots of cool new dies here for July, check out the long list of other die cuts available, something for everyone (and the prices are good too!)<br />
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<a href="http://americancrafts.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8357de06869e201538faa0791970b-320wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="35481_Santa_Claus" border="0" height="200" src="http://americancrafts.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8357de06869e201538faa0791970b-320wi" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://americancrafts.typepad.com/studio/2011/07/cha-reveal-2-hollyday.html">Ameircan Craft "Hollyday" collection</a>: Lots and lots of cute things here, love the paper and all the embellishments!<br />
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<a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/blog/view/177559.html">Crafters Workshop Stencils</a>: These are excellent stencils and can be used in many ways, from inking to using stencil paste, great additions to your paper crafting tool kit. The link takes you to some of the new designs being debuted at the 2011 Summer CHA.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinkpaislee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/chippopsandrosettes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.pinkpaislee.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/chippopsandrosettes.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.pinkpaislee.com/2011/07/introducing-vintage-vogue/">Pink Paislee:</a> Amazing new Vintage papers and embellishments, you are going to love the colors and designs!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ2s9k_lBSY/Th3WWYA9d7I/AAAAAAAAGs0/b_sEosVSfng/s1600/shimmerzenamelz+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ2s9k_lBSY/Th3WWYA9d7I/AAAAAAAAGs0/b_sEosVSfng/s200/shimmerzenamelz+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/blog/view/177547.html">Shimmerz Enamel:</a> A new embossing powder by Shimmerz which takes on the look of Enamel. I am intrigued to see how this product works and looks on paper projects.<br />
Check <a href="http://shimmerzpaintsed.blogspot.com/2011/07/shimmerz-enamelz-are-here.html">out this link </a>to see a video of the new powder.<br />
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<a href="http://g45papers.typepad.com/.a/6a011570479cdc970b0154337f15e8970c-320wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="An-ABC-Primer-Cling-1" border="0" height="200" src="http://g45papers.typepad.com/.a/6a011570479cdc970b0154337f15e8970c-320wi" width="103" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://g45papers.typepad.com/graphic45/2011/07/an-abc-primer-sneak-peek-cling-stamps.html">Graphics 45:</a> New ABC Primer Stamps, love the design and retro look! Check out the link for more images of the new stamps.<br />
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Ok, that is all for today, but I will be posting on<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/AfterHoursStamper/129948030402693?ref=ts"> Facebook </a>as well, make sure to stop by there for more CHA news. <br />
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Have a great week, and I will try to post early next week as CHA video's, news and pictures become available.<br />
<a href=""><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-87236861743283341942011-07-08T15:44:00.000-07:002011-07-08T15:44:01.540-07:00Happy Friday! Lots of Summer CHA 2011 sneak peeks this weekHello and HAPPY FRIDAY! Yes, it has been a long week, even though it was a "short" week because of the holiday. I hope you had a great 4th and are enjoying your summer : )<br />
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We talk almost every night to our son who is now in Pensacola, Florida. He is doing part of his training, but not yet in the school for his main training (not sure when his "real" school starts). He is so missed, and I don't like that he is so far away, but we are so proud of him! In September/October we might go ahead and fly to Florida to see him, not sure yet, but would love to be there with him.<br />
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Anyhow, onto some stamping stuff! This time of year it is hard to not find all the great sneak peeks for the upcoming Summer CHA 2011, lots and lots of paper, tools, stamps, just tons of great new things! So, without further suspense, links for sneak peaks and also some other general links for you too : )<br />
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<a href="http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/07/cha-summer-previewsstampers-anonymous.html">Tim Holtz stamps</a>: Loved his new stamps, especially the Santa ones, some very nice stamps here (and if you are near Carson, CA take note that there is a stamp show you can attend this weekend, details are at the link).<br />
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<a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/blog/view/177525.html">Sew Ribbon</a>: This looks pretty neat, sewing on your paper projects with ribbon! Like the other new tools as well.<br />
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<a href="http://blog.rangerink.com/blog/2011/07/new-perfect-pearls-mists-colors.html">New Perfect Pearls Mist:</a> New colors from Ranger, rich and just begging to be added to your project!<br />
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<a href="http://spellbinderspaperarts.com/blog/">Spellbinders: </a> WOW! Lots of great new dies, can't wait to try some of them out. Link is to the blog, you will need to look at the last three posts for all the links to the new products.<br />
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Now some general links:<br />
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Intense Pencils: I posted this video on the AfterHoursStamper facebook page as well, GREAT tutorial on how to use these amazing pencils : )<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4pRpqwp4noo" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://created-by-silviez.blogspot.com/2011/06/picnic-basket-magnolia-ink.html">Picnic Basket Template</a>: This is SO cute, looks like it might take a bit of energy to put together, but well worth the effort!<br />
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<a href="http://sparklensprinkle.com/videotutorials.php">An entire page of Video Tutorials:</a> SparklenSprinkle have an entire page of great videos on all sorts of projects and techniques.<br />
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<a href="http://misstreez.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/paper-rose-creations-tutorial/">Make a rose: </a> Love this rose and an easy to follow tutorial as well (and I need to put the rose spellbinder templates on my wish list).<br />
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And a video on how to create the roses:<br />
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<a href="http://www.crafttestdummies.com/craft-product-reviews/craft-product-review-mod-podge-glitter/">Product review:</a> Nice review of Glittler Modge Podge, another thing on my "wish list." <br />
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Ok, that is it for this week, have a wonderful weekend, happy crafting!<br />
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<a href=""><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-87330409967773777302011-06-30T18:23:00.000-07:002011-06-30T18:23:03.064-07:00Ok, so I am now officially a "Cricut" fan: cricut links, gypsy links and lots more!Happy Thursday! Hope you are having a great day and an even better tomorrow. Before I forget, if you could take a second to "like" me on stumble (the link is at the top of the blog in the left column), I would greatly appreciate your "like." : ) Now onto some paper crafting stuff.<br />
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<a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRilcHlQXCizjRT_8LEG9hDrZ3rbZRn9TV7rLrEMpd3lrEWAlCZ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRilcHlQXCizjRT_8LEG9hDrZ3rbZRn9TV7rLrEMpd3lrEWAlCZ" /></a>So, I avoided buying a Cricut because of a limitation of space, and wow....what a mistake! Having played with my Cricut Create for the last week, and also purchasing the Gypsy, I am officially "hooked." What a machine! And the Gypsy is just what I needed with my limited space.<br />
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Now, I do still have the Slice, however have not used it much, and am not sure how much I will use it as I get more and more "hooked" on the Cricut Create. Did you know that there were hundreds of videos on the Cricut/Gypsy on Youtube? Spent most of last night viewing the videos, from how to use the Cricut, how to use the Gypsy, to some amazing cards using the Cricut/Gypsy together.<br />
<a href="data:image/jpg;base64,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" 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" /></a><br />
So far there are seven cartridges in my library, am waiting for two of them to arrive. I watch ebay and bid on the cartidges I want, and have paid about $20.00 (no shipping) each for the carts, one was a bit more ($26 for "Storybook," but no shipping costs).<br />
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What is fantastic about the Cricut and Gypsy is how many things you can do with the images, especially the welding. You can take two images, meld them together and then fold in half to get a unique card shape, weld a silhouette to a frame for stunning results, and the list goes on and on.<br />
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Today I thought it would be fun to link to some of the videos I have found helpful, and then of course some other general type links. <br />
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Great videos I found at YouTube that show you to use the Gypsy with the Cricut (and yes, I think the Gypsy is a must have.)<br />
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ScrapperBug2002 has some fabulous videos, here are two:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dytxf7VNF0k" width="425"></iframe><br />
Part 2<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ve2Sm-8GnFg" width="425"></iframe><br />
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She has other videos too,<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/scrapperbug2002#p/u/6/Ve2Sm-8GnFg"> check out her "channel" on YouTube</a>.<br />
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And here is one quick Christmas card:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/45fVLW0GTTc" width="560"></iframe><br />
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And another (love the deer!):<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bGBQ9T4Ew5Y" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
And yes, some more general type links too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.tiddlyinks.com/categories/Freebies/">Free digital images</a>: A few here, and then there are some for sale as well, cute images : )<br />
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<a href="http://www.makeitcolourful.com/">Make it Colorful:</a> Nice blog with tons of coloring and even more inspiration!<br />
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<a href="http://www.handmadeology.com/studio-quality-product-photography-with-a-12-set-up/">Studio quality photograph</a>: Using only $12 worth of materials. I LOVED this as I never can get the perfect picture, need to get the materials together and try this out.<br />
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Some links from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/AfterHoursStamper/129948030402693">AfterHoursStamper facebook page</a>: (some of the links on the facebook page are of a timely fashion, and the reason I started a page, ie one day sales and so on, make sure to like the page so you don't miss anything).<br />
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<a href="http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.com/">Less is More:</a> Wonderful blog that highlights simple cards that will blow your mind!<br />
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<a href="http://dancinginpajamas.blogspot.com/">Dancing in Pajamas:</a> Great blog with lots of inspiration, and here is the link to their "<a href="http://thecatspajamasrs.com/Products.htm">Cats Pajamas</a>" store.<br />
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<a href="http://thecatspajamasrs.com/Products.htm">Little Princess Cards</a>: Wonderful things here for you to feast your eyes on! <br />
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<a href="http://www.pinkpaislee.com/2011/06/meet-our-new-mistables-collection/">"Mistables:"</a> From Pink Paislee, neat assortment of new chipboard and other items that will take color well, looks interesting and I might just have to find some around here.<br />
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Don't forget to keep checking the <a href="http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/cha-summer-2011-sneak-peeks/">CHA Sneak Peek link</a>, lots of great stuff being posted everyday! <br />
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That is all I have for you this week, again, make sure you pop over to the facebook page so you won't miss any of the one day sale and other links I post there.<br />
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Until then, have a wonderful day and enjoy your 4th of July!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8367322313694607284&postID=8733040996777377730"><img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" /></a>Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8367322313694607284.post-72861983851640723492011-06-27T13:48:00.000-07:002011-06-27T13:48:46.586-07:00Attention Bay Area stampers, check out these amazing workshops!Hi everyone, hope you had a wonderful weekend. Today's post is actually geared to readers who live near San Jose, CA, I will post again later this week with the usual links..<br />
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Last Saturday I was visiting one of my local scrapbook stores (research for an upcoming Examiner article) and stumbled upon Irina Blount (<a href="http://lalalandcrafts.com/">La-La Land Crafts</a>) who was hosting a workshop. You can read the article I posted about her and the workshops by <a href="http://www.examiner.com/papercrafting-in-san-jose/paper-craft-designer-irina-blount-offers-san-jose-workshops-and-classes">clicking here</a>. If you are facebook I would appreciate you "liking" the article as well, and subscribing to me at Examiner.com.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NjP6Jf8zp1Q/TgjjSGbWsbI/AAAAAAAAGsA/NET-cXBbPuo/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NjP6Jf8zp1Q/TgjjSGbWsbI/AAAAAAAAGsA/NET-cXBbPuo/s320/IMG_8405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">If anyone is interested in taking one of Irina's workshops, let me know (email Jacquie at afterhoursstamper dot com) as I want to take a workshop and thought it would be fun to meet some of you who are local. While the workshops are not cheap, they are value added, and when you see the crafting that Irina does, and the projects for each workshop, well, you will be as excited as I am : )</span><br />
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I also bought a couple of her stamps (Irina draws them herself), and made a couple of cards this weekend, here is one of the cards I made:<br />
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I used "<a href="http://lalalandcrafts.com/Capri-Marci-Rubber-Stamp-5037.htm">Capri Marci</a>" and colored her with Copics. I also added some glitter to the shirt, Viva Decor Pearl Pen to the pants, shoes, flowers and the butterfly. The shapes were cut with my new Cricut Create (and yes, I am absolutely LOVING the machine, more about that later). I embossed the shapes using the Cuttlebug. The butterfly has glittered wings ( tape was put behind the shape, sticky side up, glitter sprinkled on top).<br />
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Background paper was stamped (and clear embossed) using an <a href="http://impression-obsession.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?">Impression Obsession background stamp</a>, and then I layered paper on the card base (card is 5.5 square).<br />
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Ok, that is it for today, hoping to see a few emails of other locals who want to take Irina's workshop : )<br />
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See you again later this week : )<br />
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<img src="http://sites.google.com/site/afterhoursstamperimages/images/JacquieSignature.png" />Jheffnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04167001257931517327noreply@blogger.com0