New Holiday Catalog & My Top 15 Picks

Yeah- finally the new Holiday Catalog is active and the link is live on my blog!

This catalog REALLY has me excited!!!!!!!.....it is jammed full of super new products!

Usually  I do a "top 10 favorites" post, but this time was wayyyy too hard- so here are my top 15:

1.  Page 3- Ornament Keepsake Bundle- #129950- price $52.95- this is a combo pack of a stamp set and coordination framelit dies to cut them with- and saves you 15%!

2.  Page 6- Core'dinations Cardstock- #127848- price $9.95- this is kraft core cardstock that comes in three great colors and is sandable to reveal the inner core!

3.  Page 6- Stampin Sanding System- #129367- price $5.50- new sanding system so you never have to buy the throw away blocks again- this uses sandpaper!

4.  Page 7- Holiday Frame Embossing Folder- #127820-price $9.95- one word- AWESOME!

5.  Page 7- Joyous Celebrations Stamp Set- #128069- price $19.95- great Christmas stamp set- I am going to use it with the holiday frame embossing folder!

6.  Page 9- Frosty Friends stamp- #128117- price $14.95- CUTE!

7.  Page 11- Make A Mitten Stamp Set- #127943- price $21.95- gotta have it and the punch!
                 - coordinating Mitten Punch- # 127824- price $21.95 (notice how I squeezed two items in here)

8.  Page 14- Watercolor Winter Stamp Set- #129727- price $22.95- classy two step stamping!

9.  Page 16-Scentastional Season Bundle-#129946-price $40.95- save 15% buy the stamps and the framelit dies as a bundle!

10.  Page 19- Winter Memories Stamp Set- #127937- price $24.95- this is my most favorite of all items!

11.  Page 23- Illuminate Glimmer Watermark Pad- #126857- price $13.95- LOVE IT!
12.  Page 23- Dazzling Details Silver Sparkle- #127845-price $3.50- gotta have it!
13.  Page 27- Googly Ghouls Stamp Set- #128063 - price $15.95- fun Halloween stamp set!
14.  Page 27- Googly Eyes- #127539- price $2.95- adhesive eyes for stamp set above.
15.  Page 30- Paper Piercing Pack- #127857- price $10.95- AWESOME- matches ornament keepsake bundle and more!

Weekly Card Challenge Submissions- guest stamper Carole A.

Here are some weekly card challenge submissions by guest stamper Carole A.

Great job!  Thanks so much for sharing!

If you would like to receive my weekly sketch challenge email, simply email me a quick note and each Monday you will receive one card sketch and one scrapbook sketch.

If you are willing to share your cards and scrapbook pages, email them to me and I will post them on my blog to inspire others.

Do you remember this challenge on June 26?

Shel's Note:  This is a perfect example of how you can take a sketch and adapt it to what you have....for instance if you do not have a circle or scalloped circle for the focal image- just use what you have......if you do not have an umbrella stamp, simply use something else!  Your cards are your own creations, and sketches are designed to inspire you to create- there is no need to copy each and every detail- let your creative juices go!

Do you remember this challenge on July 6?

  

 Shel's Note:  I love the perspective here.....many people would not attempt this if they did not have a backgound stamp, embossing folder or paper with writing as in the sample... always think outside the box.......and the pretty crocheted flowers (retired) from Stampin Up! make this a quick and easy card!

Do you remember this challenge on July 8?

Shel's Note:  This is my personal favorite...it is so vibrant and summer like- love the layering of the scallop square under the squares the images are stamped on.  Fun!

Well I hope these have inspired you - if you would like to receive the weekly challenges simply contact me. 

Thanks for sharing! 

New Stamper Suggestions- Tutorial

What are the best things for a beginner stamper to have?  Some of the basic supplies a new stamper needs are stamps, ink, card stock, and tools.Stamps As much as we may want it all, we have to start somewhere! For new stampers, I suggest a versatile set, like the Easy Events stamp set.  It includes images and greetings for a variety of occasions. Plus, the Easy Events stamp set is ideal for your friend to test out simple techniques like colouring, or stepped-up techniques like watercoloring.  Card Stock Not all paper is created equal! Most of us have learned by trial and error that there is a difference.  Help your new stamping friend avoid the frustration and expense of poor-quality card stock. She’ll appreciate the crisp images she can achieve with our ultra-smooth Whisper White  or Very Vanilla  card stock.  Pair the Whisper White or Very Vanilla card stock with an assorted pack of card stock from one of the Colour Collections and the Neutrals Collection, and your friend will have the basis for many beautiful creations! Combo Packs Another versatile option is the In Color Ink pads and cardstock combo packs.  You get the five in color ink pads and a combination pack of coordinating cardstock.  Ink One of the ink pads I recommend most is Jet Black StazOn. The quick-drying, permanent black ink is versatile for many images and perfect for a variety of techniques that new stampers will want to try.  Another great ink pad to consider is the VersaMark pad. Since   VersaMark is a clear ink, it creates a slightly darker watermark-type effect when stamped on most any colour of card stock.  A Colour Collection of Stampin’ Spots is another budget-friendly option for beginning stampers who like a lot of colour options. Each Stampin' Spot Colour Collection includes anywhere from 8 to 11 ink pads that are 1” square in size.  Tools It seems obvious, but it is important not to forget the basics like a Paper Cutter and  adhesive.  Once you have those basics, consider fun and functional tools like our great punches. A couple of circles different same sized punches like the oval and scalloped oval are all a good choice.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!

Scrapbooking - July 2012 Class- Pinwheels

This is the third and final page we made in July Scrapbooking Class:

The girls learned how to make fun pinwheels to give a 3D effect to their pages.

Only a few days left to get Reason To Smile stamp set for only $5.00

During July, if you purchase $60.00 worth of merchandise, you are able to order the Reason to Smile stamp set, in wood or clear, for just $5.00! 

This is a two step stamp set- meaning you can simply stamp the outline images and color in, or you can use the other stamp and stamp in the color.  How fun!

This set has a retail value of up to $25.95- that is over 80% savings!!!!  Get yours today!

Scrapbooking- July 2012 Class-Inspired by Nature

This is the second page we made in July's Scrapbooking Class:

This page features stamping with the now retired Inspired by Nature stamp set.  It also features the butterfly embossalit.

Scrapbooking- July 2012 Class- Making 3D Flowers with Punches

Here is the first page we made in July's Scrapbooking Class:

The girls learned how to make these amazing flowers using punches, and the leaves are from the "Little Leaves" sizzlet die from Stampin Up!

The girls were amazed at how easy these flowers are to make.

Holiday Mini Sneak Peek

Today I am going to share with you a sneak peek from the Holiday Catalogue that will be out on August 1st.

There are LOADS of amazing new stamps, tools and products in this catalogue.....it is the BEST mini yet!

One item is a set of new framelit dies.

Now I can't actually show you the dies, or talk about the price until August 1, but I can show you what I cut.

Here is the shape of the dies:

But wait!  It is actually a " two-fer"!  

If you turn the die and apply it to your paper a little differently, you get this shape: 

Pretty cool huh! 

Tutorial- Tree Tips

Tree Tips:

After you have stamped a tree image and allowed the ink to dry, and you are ready to colour the  image, to get added depth and dimension, do the following: 

1.  Use an aqua painter and ink pad to lightly colour in the tree foliage with a light to medium green shade. Allow to dry. 

2.  Add additional depth by LIGHTLY  thumping the brush end of two different shades of green  marker over the top of the just coloured foliage… it will add depth and dimension- and it is fun!

Try it- your gonna love it!  

Bye for now! 

Tutorial- Tips and Tricks - always better when shared.....

Tips and Tricks

Today I thought I would pass along a couple tips and tricks I've seen and heard. Tips are great but somehow get overlooked or not passed on. So, here are a couple for you to enjoy. Maybe you already know about them but maybe there is one here that is new to you. 

First, a simple feature of our markers that I never knew until last year. Our Stampin' Write markers have two ends, one is a pen and the other is a marker. Every time I used them I'd uncap one end, look at what I had and then recap it and open the other end because 9 times out of 10, I needed the other end. Well, I don't do that anymore. A genius in the design department made a line on each end of the marker. There is a thin line on the pen side 

and a thick line on the marker end. Simple and so useful!

Next tip still on markers. Did you know that you can refill our markers? If you use them a lot and they start to get empty, you can bring them back to life. Just use tweezers to pull the marker end off. I know, this may be difficult to do but trust me, as long as you're careful, you ARE NOT going to ruin your marker. 

Once the marker end is off, you use the same color re-inker to drop color into the barrel of the pen and replace the marker end. I let mine set a while on its side and it was good as new. Remember to always store your markers on their side, never on their end.

Third tip is for storing stamps. I realize this one could be filed under OCD but I enjoy my stamps more when they are nice and organized. I'm sure it's no surprise to you that the wood stamps often come in a box that is ten times too big for the set. Then they flop all over the box turning on their sides bumping into each other like a stamp mosh pit. Well, when it comes to wood, I put the stamps in all nice and neat and then fill the empty space with crumbled paper. This won't work with clear stamps so to keep the clear sets organized, I keep the big rubber piece the stamps originally came in and pop the stamps in and out when I need them. This is also a great way to quickly see if a stamp is missing from a set.

Fourth tip could save me millions! How many times have you glued down a piece of paper only to see that you stuck it on crooked? Even if your quick, when you peel the two papers apart, damage WILL be done. You probably have to scrap the papers and try again. Well, if you use dental floss, you can separate the papers with minimal damage. You just slide the floss between the papers from top to bottom and they'll separate. This only works with the snail adhesive and not the liquid glue or sticky strip and I'd recommend waxed floss. So go ahead and put a pack of waxed dental floss in with your other stamping supplies. Just think of what an ice breaker it will be at your next class, club or stamp camp. 

Last tip is another storage tip. At Stampin' Up we sell the empty DVD type cases. They are the same ones as the clear stamps come in. When I first saw them I wondered what I would need them for and dismissed them. WELL, there is a super creative demonstrator that suggested that we use them for storage.

Here are some supplies that fit nicely into those empty cases...dimensionals, markers (you could store an entire family together), jewels and pearls, sticky strip, bone folder and scissors, blender pens, gel pens or replacement blades for your paper cutter to name a few

Hope these tips help! 

Tutorial- Faux Shaving Cream

Try this easy technique to give added depth and dimension:  

FAUX SHAVING CREAM tutorial

Supplies needed:

. Stampin' Around bold wheel
. Stampin' Around handle
. Bold stamp set
. Classic ink
. Card stock

1. First, ink a wheel with a solid-texture image (see Figure 1). For example, you would want to select a bold wheel rather than a wheel with a line art image; the more lines on the wheel, the finer the texture in the image. We used our Bodacious wheel on the samples shown here.

2. Next, ink a bold stamp like those from our Bodacious Bouquet or Headline Alphabet sets (see Figure 2). Don't worry about making sure that the stamp is evenly covered.

3. Once your stamp is ready to go, kiss it with your wheel by swiping the wheel on the stamp (see Figure 3). Twist your wrist as you tap, or use a side-to-side motion if you swipe. The key to creating the marble swirl is in this movement.

4. Finally, stamp your image on your project (see Figure 4).

Idea to note: When you use faux shaving cream, try experimenting with two-colour combinations.

 Ink your wheel for a beautiful look that incorporates the colours in your project, like we did on our Many Thanks card.

 A combination of Bashful Blue and Old Olive tie this project together. 

A spectrum of three colours also works well: try adding another colour to one of our Dynamic Duos for a terrific trio.

 For example, ink your wheel with both Rose Red and Regal Rose ink and apply it to a stamp inked with Pretty in Pink. 

You can also achieve a lovely marbled effect with only one colour. To do this, kiss your stamp with an uninked wheel as we did on the Joy card and You Colour My World page.

S

Tutorial- Blender Pens- five applications- Product Talk

Blender Pens are essential tools in my craft room , and I wanted to share five different  ways to use them.  They are wonderful for coloring images in a number of ways.  Here are some examples.

There are five techniques I use with Blender Pens: 

1.  Stampin' Write Markers &Blender Pens- use a combination of direct to paper and maker applied with a blender pen for a realistic image with depth. 

2.  Stampin' Pastels  Blender Pens- pick up the color from the bottom of a pastel with the blender pen and color you image. 

3.  Watercolor Pencils & Blender Pens- color image with watercolor pencils, the smooth it out using the blender pen and watch the colors become more vibrant. 

4.  Ink Pad and Blender Pens- squeeze some ink on the inside lid of your stamp pad.  Use a blender pen to pick up the color and color your image. 

5.  Ink Pad and Blender Pens- use the blender pen and pick up some ink to repair a poorly stamped (blotchy, not enough ink) image.

If you don't have blender pens in your craft stash, I strongly suggest you invest in them- this is one tool I would not be without! page 178- item #102845 $12.95 for 3 pens.  

t use it that often because theWatercolor Pencils aren't true to Stampin' Up! colors.  For the most part they're a nice collection of colors, but if I want something that's going to match my card stock and inks, I choose the Markers instead. 

If you don't have Blender Pens in your toolbox, I strongly suggest you add them. 

Tutorial- Stencils- With Stampin' Up Punches

Stencils Using Stampin’ Up! Punches

Did you know that you can make quick and easy stencils with certain Stampin' Up! punches and cardstock?

To create a stencil, select a punch that will provide a nice negative image in a piece of cardstock, for example the Stampin' Up! Bird Punch.

Place the negative image on a piece of Whisper White Cardstock and start applying ink with a dauber to create a positive image of the negative one.

Tutorial- Magnets with the Bird Punch

Hi Girls!

I just wanted to share with you a quick tutorial for making these adorable little bird magnets.

They are really quick and easy to do!  Here's what you need:

Big Shot
Embossing Folder of your choice
Pearls
Adhesive
Crystal Effects
Black Permanent Marker
Bird Punch
Cardstock
Aluminum Tape ( used to seal heating vents- is sticky on one side)

1.  Take the bird punch and punch 8 wings and 8 birds out of scrap cardstock.

 2.  Glue them all together.( I used Tombow)

3.  Cover both sides of bird and wing with aluminum tape.

4. Put in an embossing folder and run through the bigshot with no tabs and only one plate.

5.  Glue the wing on with Crystal Effects

6.  Use a black permanent marker to color one pearl for the eye and attach

7.  Glue a magnet to the backside with Crystal Effects. Voila!

We really do make a difference.....

Today I want to share something personal with you. It has moved me very much and warmed my heart.

Today, I received an email from a lady who has been following my blog.

Her name is Patia and she is 79 years old, and lives in New Mexico!  

Patia just started card making last fall, and enjoys it very much.  She said that her hands sometimes tend to be a bit shaky, and that tiny work is hard for her sometimes, but she enjoys the challenge.

She said in her email that she was writing to thank me for posting interesting articles and tips, and beautiful cards for others to admire on my blog.

 She said she checks my blog everyday to see what is new, and to learn new ideas to use in her card making.   She spends hours on her computer each day  looking at cards other people make so she can get ideas.

She sent me these two photos of cards she has made, stating that her favorite cards have birds on them. Aren't they just beautiful!!!

Patia says that next she wants to get a corner rounder to make the shaped edges, and that she has never made a scrapbook page, but is tempted to try. 

Well girls, I don't know about you, but this is proof positive that ANYONE can stamp- this wonderful lady is 79 years young, just started card making last fall,  and is on her computer everyday looking at blogs and cards, gathering ideas so she can make her beautiful cards.  Wow!

I am so honoured that Patia enjoys reading my blog, and has taken the time to email me her story. 

It is truly a blessing for me to receive her email, and be permitted to share it with you. 

Here's a thought:  If it was not for Stampin' Up!, I would not be a demonstrator, I would not be making cards, I would not have a blog, and would not be sharing information with, and inspiring others to explore their own creativity. 

I am a firm believer that EVERYTHING happens for a reason.........give that some thought.....I mean really think about it......

I leave this blog post with a warm heart and feeling very blessed.  Thank you  Patia!

Tutorial- Product Talk- Adhesives

Stampin' Up Adhesives and price update: Cost increase for 2-Way Glue Pen June 27, 2012Due to an unexpected cost increase from our supplier, the cost for the 2-Way Glue Pen will increase from $4.50 as listed in the current annual catalog to $5.95  This price increase will be applied starting June 27, 2012.

Here's everything you ever wanted to know about all the Stampin' Up adhesives

2 WAY GLUE PEN

Features & Benefits 
■ Permanent or temporary bond
■ Dries quickly
■ Great for adhering glitter
■ Blue when wet; clear when dry
■ 10 grams
■ Chisel tip
■ Washes off skin with soap and water


Two methods for using the 2-Way Glue Pen:
1. Wet bond (permanent bond). While the glue is still blue and wet, immediately make the
bond. Use a wet bond when you apply glitter.
2. Dry bond (temporary). Apply glue lightly and wait for the adhesive to dry (it will become
clear). Use this method when masking or positioning stencils. When you are finished, you
can remove the bond easily.
FYI 
To start the 2-Way Glue Pen, push the tip in a few times and allow the glue to saturate the
tip (the tip will turn blue). Always replace the cap after use. 
SNAIL ADHESIVE®

Features & Benefits 
■ Simple, Neat, Affordable, In-Line
■ 472" of double-sided adhesive
■ Great for cards, scrapbooks, or other art projects
■ Keeps fingers and art pieces free from messy glue
■ Refill cartridges sold separately
■ Permanent; creates a strong bond

Highlights
“SNAIL Adhesive® applies a controlled amount of adhesive directly to your project, so your hands and work area never get sticky. A small amount creates a strong bond, so your cartridge lasts a long time. We also have refills that slip right into the cartridge, so you’ll never find yourself without your SNAIL. You’ll love the adhesive, and it’s a great price, too!”

FYI 
To use SNAIL Adhesive, place the cartridge where you want the adhesive to begin, roll it
slowly (like a snail) along your artwork, then lift sideways when done, using a quick, check-
mark motion.

 STICKY STRIP

Features & Benefits
■ Double-sided, pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive
■ 1/4" wide
■ Very strong—perfect for boxes
■ 10 yards
■ Comes in a zippered plastic bag for convenient storage  

Highlights
“This super-strong adhesive will hold together a box or pouch like a dream! It won’t lift, curl, distort, warp, or wrinkle. You can also use it to adhere other craft-related embellishments, such as beads, glitter, or embossing powder.”

FYI 
Cut Sticky Strip to desired length and lay it down onto your project. Remove red liner. Your
art project is then ready to be assembled.

TOMBOW MULTI PURPOSE GLUE

Features & Benefits 
■ Latex rubber acrylic resin adhesive
■ Adhesive can be both permanent or temporary depending
 on how it is applied – see FYI
■ Works great for adhering card stock or Designer Series paper
 to chipboard
■ Dries clear
■ Excellent for adhering Stampin’ Glitter to surfaces
■ Dual-tipped applicator 

Highlights
“I love to use our new Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive. It has a dual tip, so I can place it exactly where I want. I can place a small amount with exactness using the small tip, and I can also spread the adhesive over a larger area of paper with the wide tip.”

FYI
Tombow Multi Purpose adhesive is temporary or permanent. To use it as a temporary
adhesive, allow it to dry before adhering.

Features & Benefits 
■ Simple, Neat, Affordable, In-Line
■ 472" of double-sided adhesive
■ Great for cards, scrapbooks, or other art projects
■ Keeps fingers and art pieces free from messy glue
■ Refill cartridges sold separately
■ Permanent; creates a strong bond

ANYWHERE GLUE STICK

Features & Benefits 
■ Odorless and permanent
■ 2 per package
■ 20 grams of solid glue each
■ Square corner edge for hard-to-reach areas 

Highlights
“Our glue stick is a great economical choice for scrapbooking and card making. It's acid free, so it's safe to use on your scrapbook pages. It’s also safe and easy for kids to use. The
rectangular design makes those hard-to-reach areas reachable. With these glue sticks, you
can even get into corners!”

FYI 
To prevent your glue from drying, store it in a reclosable plastic bag.

CRYSTAL EFFECTS

Features & Benefits
■ Gives a high-gloss finish to any image
■ Creates amazing 3-D effects
■ Applicator tip
■ Distributed exclusively by Stampin’ Up!
■ Water based for quick and easy cleanup
■ Dries completely within an hour, depending
 on how thick it is applied
■ 2 oz.

Highlights
“If you want to embellish any image without embossing, this is a quick and easy way to do so. Crystal Effects adds a pretty, high-gloss, lacquered look. The applicator tip gives you great control.”

Quick Trick 
Add a drop or two of our Classic ink refill to the Crystal Effects, and you’ll have a high-gloss
colored finish. 

Crystal Effects also works great as an adhesive to attach buttons and other heavier
embellishments. 

Add a three-dimensional effect to your projects with Crystal Effects. Simply apply a thick
line of Crystal Effects to the outline of your stamped image. After the line has dried, add a
thinner coat of Crystal Effects to the inside area of what was outlined.


FYI 
Crystal Effects can be used with any stamped image that has been colored with any
medium: watercolors, markers, Stampin’ Pastels, stamp pads. 

Do not shake. Shaking Crystal Effects will cause bubbles that will show up in your work. 

Recap after use to prevent the tip from drying and clogging.  

Allow approximately 1 hour drying time.

DIMENSIONALS

Features & Benefits 
■ Double-sided, self-adhesive foam mounts
■ 300 1/16" Stampin’ Dimensionals
■ Use multiple Stampin’ Dimensionals for multilevel
 projects or added height
■ Great for layering 

Highlights
“Stampin’ Dimensionals are the easiest way to give your projects an instant 3-D look. Just stamp an image, trim around it, and then use a Stampin’ Dimensional to attach it to your project. They are also great for making greetings stand out and attaching 3-D objects such as tags and bows.”

MINI GLUE DOTS

Features & Benefits 
■ Adhesive dots
■ Bond instantly to a variety of materials
■ Easy to use
■ Photo safe
■ Mini Glue Dots
  300 per roll
  Each dot measures approximately 3/16" in diameter
■ Great for attaching embellishments

Highlights
“Our Mini Glue Dots are super-sticky, double-sided adhesive
dots designed for use on many three-dimensional accents for cards, scrapbook pages, and
other projects. They adhere to paper, fabric, wood, foam, plastic, and more. This fast, clean
adhesive is safe for kids, too. No fumes, no mess, and no drying time required!”

FYI 
Size of dots may vary plus or minus 1/16".

Press the paper or object onto the dot, then pull it away; the dot will adhere to the object.
Don’t try to pull the dot off the liner paper with your hands, as it will stick to you and not
the paper!

WHAT IF I ACCIDENTALLY STICK SOMETHING DOWN IN THE WRONG SPOT?

Here's a couple things I've learned from making plenty of mistakes.

• You can use the heat tool to warm up SNAIL or STICKY STRIP and they will softly release without tearing the card stock or paper.  Just make sure you've heated it well before pulling apart.  If your paper starts to tear, reheat the area and it will softly lift.

• If I have SNAIL overhanging or sticking out from under a piece of paper or something, I just use the ADHESIVE REMOVER to rub it until the adhesive is gone.  This takes a little elbow grease, but it does work.

Tutorial- Product Talk- Brayer

My  rubber brayer is the most neglected tools in my stamping supplies.

It is a shame how we neglect this remarkable tool.  Most of us think of it only when we want to cover a large section of cardstock. 

How many ways do you know to use your brayer? Here are some that you may not have thought of: 

1.  Use your brayer to ink your large background stamps or large solid images.  It is a great way to get an even coverage for these types of stamps.

2.You can use them to create a mirror image.  Ink the image on the stamp and run your brayer over it.  Then, roll off the image onto the cardstock.  Ink the stamp again and stamp on the cardstock.  Bingo!  The images are facing each other- 

. 

3. Use the same as above to reverse the image of a stamp when it needs to be facing the opposite direction in your design.Carole- this one is a challenge for you!  You now will not need the mirror image stamp!

4. Use markers and scribble lines on your brayer.  Do this by laying the brayer on its back and holding the marker still.  Roll the brayer until the mark is around the brayer.

5. When you are doing a resist technique, use the brayer for the inking after you have applied the embossing design.

6. Kissing!  Brayer over an inked background stamp and then roll the image on to a solid stamp.  Stamp the image on to your cardstock.

8. Put cheesecloth or a lace doily or a stencil down and brayer over it.  Lift the cheesecloth and you have an interesting design.

Scrapbooking-Blast from the past- ribbon scraps and buttons

Here is a "blast from the past"- a scrapbook page I made a couple years ago.  

I wanted to share it with you today to  explain how easy it is to make a cute, fun page with just scraps.   

This page was made using scrap cardstock and designer series papers, circle punch, bird punch, flower punch, and a border punch.  The "sun" also features folded scraps of leftover ribbon.  The tree has a few buttons for added dimension. 

A simple, yet fun page - and it uses up some of those scraps!

Feeling "Creatively Challenged"?

Hi everyone! Thought I would share this article with all of you...it was shared with me by fellow demonstrator Cindy Vintson.  

If you have ever felt "creatively challenged" and need some motivation or inspiration, this short article might help. 

Click the link below to the article and be sure to click on the links in the article as well:

http://www.creativesomething.net/post/22190745325

Shel

Tutorial- Product Talk- Bone Folder

Today's TOOL TIP is about bone folders.  

A BONE FOLDER is used in many forms of paper crafting such as card-making, scrapbooking and origami.  

It is made of real animal bones, it is smooth, sturdy and grainless. 

The most poplar uses - folding creases, scoring paper stock, and distressing edges.  

Stampin' Up! bone folder is made of genuine cattle bone.  

It has been sanded smooth, beveled on the sides, and polished.  

Use either of the two beveled sides to burnish a smooth fold without leaving marks. 

Use the pointed end for scoring; use the rounded end for the Burnishing Technique. 

 Because of the size (6") and the fact it's make of real bone, it is very sturdy tool and won't bend when applying pressure for any task.

This tool is a must-have for every paper crafter ... add it to your Wish List today!

Scrapbook Challenge- from June

I just received a scrapbook challenge page from June.

Here is the sketch:

Here is Carole's interpretation of the sketch!

Big thanks to Carole for playing along and sharing her page!

Shel's 1st Annual Charity Event- I Am Thankful For Scraps

Shel’s First Annual  Charity Event   “ I Am Thankful For” Scraps Class

Date:  Saturday September 8^th @ 10am

Details:  Everyone brings in some scraps from your scrap bin and some adhesive. 


 I will provide some punches, inks and stamps. 


We will use the scraps to create as many thank you, for you, happy birthday, thinking of you, with gratitude, cards as we can.

All cards will be donated to the local Ronald McDonald house, for distribution to their clients who need a card.

I would like as many of my girls as possible to donate scraps and to help us make the cards. 


 If you cannot be here on the day, your scrap donations are welcome.  If you can be here but have no scraps ( how is that even possible?) we welcome your working hands! 

This is a great way to help out others in our community!  

Let's get together, have some fun together, and do something nice for others! 

****If anyone has envelopes ( any sizes)  they would like to donate, it would also be appreciated, as I suspect there is going to be a lot of cards made, and we can custom size to fit the envelopes that are donated*****