Thursday, January 29, 2009

Watercoloring Techniques



Hi Everyone,

We are doing 3 different watercoloring techniques at my Stampers Ten clubs this month using a Sale-a-bration set, Botanical Blooms. We are using Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Watercolor Pencils and Stampin' Pastels (chalks). The only additional tools you need are Blender Pens and our Aqua Painter. Here is a picture of the simple card we are making and examples of the same image using all 3 water coloring techniques. All 3 of these techniques are very easy and turn out beautifully on projects. It gives it a painted on, more artistic feel. It's an easy way to try something new!

For the Watercolor Wonder Crayons, you simply color in the rubber directly on your stamp with the crayon of your choice. Make sure the image is fully covered with your crayon color. Use the Aqua Painter to brush water lightly over the rubber so there is a light layer of water over the crayoned image. Then stamp your image on your paper. They recommend Watercolor Paper (also in our catalog) for this technique but it is not absolutely necessary. This gives it a sort of blotchy, painted effect.

Using Watercolor Pencils and Stampin' Pastels is super easy as well. For the pencils, you just choose the color of your choice and color in the edges of your image. Then you take your blender pen and start to drag the color throughout the center of your image. You could also color in darker areas throughout your image, not just on the outer edge, and then pull the color around to fill in the image with your blender pen. For Stampin' Pastels, or our chalks, you simply dip the tip of your Blender pen into the color of your choice and color your image. Keep dipping for lighter or darker areas. These two techniques gives a very nice variation of color on your image.

TIP: If you'd like to get a taste of this technique before purchasing any of the watercoloring supplies, you can also achieve a little bit of a watercolor look by squeezing your stamp pads so that color gets on the back of your pad and then dipping your blender pen into that ink to color in your image. This gives you a softer look and variation in color as well.

For this project we are also using a 2-Step Stamping set, Botanical Blooms, where you have a base image and then a colored-in image on top of that base to create a more 3 dimensional image. You simply stamp your base image in a bolder color and then overlap it with your colored-in image using a contrasting color, usually a lighter color. I use my Color Coach all the time to match colors that will look good together for this.

If you have any questions please email me. If you'd like to do a watercolor project at your house with friends, just let me know and I'll plan the projects for us! Have fun!

April

Friday, January 23, 2009

Congratulations to these Stampers!

Congratulations to Carrie Rodgers, Lisa Rodier, Linda Lee and Corrina Bowers who will receive $10 off their next order for answering the 4 question survey I sent out in my last email newsletter. They are worth reading! Linda already redeemed hers! Thanks you guys!
April

Monday, January 19, 2009

Make this Valentine scrapbook for FREE







Hi Everyone,

Make this cute Valentine book for your Sweetie, child or friend for FREE when you purchase the Love You Much bundle on sale now with Stampin' Up. This bundle comes with the Designer Series Paper, Candy Cane, you see in the pictures, a 3 heart punch and the Love You Much stamp set. You can use this set not only for Valentine's day but for thank you cards, friends cards and of course anniversary cards. Scrapbooking too - you name it. You have to get past the typical theme to see all the uses you can get out of this bundle! I'm suppling all the additional stamp sets, colors and accessories to make your book as well as the sturdy On Board Book Basics (nice chipboard base). Just add your pics and your own sentiments in the open space you see in these pics. I also have different quotes for you to choose from so that it matches the gift (ie. friend, spouse, child, etc.) Email me to day with your order for the bundle and the FREE book. I'm having the class to make it on February 6th from 7-9pm but you can ask to have all the supplies and make it on your own or request another time to come by and put your book together. I'm flexible. Orders for the bundle need to be in by January 31st to get the sale price though. Don't miss out on a perfect gift and great product!
April

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Just Buzzin By Goodie Bags!




This is a CUTE new set out of the new Spring-Summer 09 Catalog. I accidentally ordered my catalog supply in Spanish...so it'll be a little longer before I hand out catalogs to those of you placing orders, in clubs and hostesses shows! I apologize as I know you look forward to seeing all the new items and creative projects SU comes up with! I made some goody bags for my Stampers Ten club today that I wanted to share. I used the Top Note Sizzix die as the bag topper. The dots on the circle scallop were made using the White Gel Pen. I just stapled the cellophane bag and then used Stampin' Dimensionals to attached my bag topper to the top of the cellophane bag. We just finished up our 2nd year together and I usually do something special for the group at the end of each year. You guys will be receiving your goodies soon. I had fun making them for you! I also made an extra as a hostess gift to the next person that books a show with me. Sale-a-bration is coming up in February and March. It is a GREAT time to book a show! More for you and your customers! Call or email me today for some dates! Also, check out my latest newsletter/email to see new classes and clubs coming up. A scrapbook club, Stamp a stack is here and a cute Valentine gift for your Sweetie or a great friend - affordable, thoughtful, perfect! Check it out!
April

Monday, January 12, 2009

Scrapbooking Weekend








Happy New Year Everyone,

First, I got my new catalog today!!! Yiiippeee! I will post some sneak peek photos to hold you over until you get your own! Don't forget to email me to request one. All my hostesses, customer orders, and club members will get one automatically! It is adorable! I'd better start figuring a way to afford everything I want! Stay tuned...

Also, I scraped most of Saturday and worked on Noah's 1st Year book. Nicolas has a 1st Year book so, so will Noah! Then we'll do family scrapbooks. I was so excited to scrapbook again because it's been awhile. The Christmas season had me doing mostly cards and gifts! Here are some pages I worked on!

Make sure you check back for more on the New Catty and my upcoming class schedule!

Love,
April