Scrapper's Edge

So many scraps, so little time to organize. . .

When I'm scrapbooking, there's always paper scraps left over. I use to save them all in special files, sorted by color. But, truthfully, I wasn't so good at opening up those organized scraps when I was working on other projects.

So, now, I prefer to use those scraps as soon as I'm done with my scrapbook pages. Sometimes, I'll simply just punch the scraps into shapes, such as tags, circles and scalloped squares that I can use for accents and journaling spots on other pages or cards.

But, more frequently, I'll simply use the paper scraps to make cards. Not only is there a huge satisfaction in having completed cards for my card stash, but it saves time . . I no longer have to sort scraps!

Check out this picture of a few cards I made with scrap papers.

What do you do with your scraps?

It's a New Year and time for resolutions. One of my resolutions is to create something everyday. It doesn't have to be big or time-consuming. I just know how better I feel when I have a daily creative outlet.

So, yesterday, on January 1st, I started my creative journey by bringing out a little 2"x2" canvas, my Ranger Distress Stains & Inks, Tim Holtz Stamps, Ranger Distress Stickles & Ranger Archival Inks . . . and I made a fun little piece. It's fun to work on a small little canvas. You can turn it into a pendant, a necklace, a magnet, or use it with a bunch of others to make a large framed piece. I made this into a magnet. Here it is . . .

I LOVE the Distress Stains from Ranger! They are so fabulous. In fact, I'm looking forward to my upcoming class featuring Distress Stains, Paint Dabbers, Distress Ink Pads, Paper Doll templates, and a 9"x12" canvas!

Collage has never been so fun! Starting with a blank canvas and paper doll patterns, we'll transform patterned paper into a work of art.

If you want to attend, sign up in advance and bring 3-5 pieces of patterned paper, 1 or more bottles of Ranger Distress Stains, scissors and adhesive. Canvases, ink pads, patterns, paints, and embellishments will be provided.

Wednesday, September 21st
Sondra's Paper Doll Couture Canvas Workshop
5:30-7:30pm
$15

Call 707-445-9686 to sign up and visit www.scrappersedge.net for more information!

Quick Canvas Art

Canvas + Paint + Ink + Vinyl Word + Rub-ons + Stamps + Bling = One Beautiful Canvas!

Our mixed media specialist, Saundra James, taught an inspiring class tonite and I had the pleasure of attending.  No matter what your style, you can make a personal work of art for yourself or a gift.  Here's the basic steps:

• Paint the edges of the canvas with acrylic paint.
• Trim a piece of patterned paper a bit smaller than your canvas.
• Embellish your paper using ink, stamps, rub-ons, vinyl words, stickers, etc. (Basically, use anything "flat.")
• Spread Mod Podge or Medium to your entire canvas with a brush and add your patterned paper.  (I used Ranger Matte Medium.)
• Embellish with any dimensional items, such as flowers, rhinestones, etc.
• Hang on your wall or place on an easel and enjoy!

I actually made this piece for my Mom.  However, now that I've brought it home and noticed how well it matches my living room, I'm not sure if I'll be able to part with it.  I guess it's time to break out another canvas and get creative!

What is the BUZZ about? Beeswax, of course!

There are a few things that get my creative juices flowing . . . a blank canvas, ephemera and beeswax!

Here's a piece I did a couple of months ago, starting without a real plan in mind.  I hate to "think" too much when I create.  It's more fun and therapeutic to simply create.

Starting with a blank 5"x7" canvas, I brushed on a few layers of beeswax, allowing each layer to cool before applying the next.  Then, I placed napkins, ephemera and other items one at a time onto the canvas and used a mini craft iron to pull the wax thru the placed pieces.  After getting the collage layout complete, I brushed on Perfect Pearls (pigment powders) around the edges and painted the sides of the canvas with Ranger Dabbers (acrylic paint).

Oh, how I love my Ranger Melting Pot and the creativity it inspires!

Cuttlebug + Foil + Alcohol Inks = Fun!

It's fun to try new things, right?  I decided to experiment with various materials in my Cuttlebug machine.  And, I must admit, I fell in love with cutting and embossing heavy duty tin foil.

Check out the butterflies I made below!

It's easier to apply the alcohol ink (by Ranger) first to the tin foil.  Then cut & emboss.  Give it a try!

 

Monogram Card Sets make great gifts!

One of the things I enjoy creating the most is cards.  My friends and famlily love receiving my handmade treasures.  And, handmade card sets make fabulous gifts.  After giving a set to my best friend, Carol, she shared a terrific idea -- she keeps them in her car's glove compartment so whenever she's caught by surprise and needs a quick card, she has one handy.  What a great idea!

On November 8th, I'll be teaching a class where we'll create a set of SIX monogram cards using JustRite stamps.  JustRite stamps have interchangeable borders, centers and fonts which allow you tons of design options.  Either make this card set for yourself or for a very special gift!  Class fee includes all materials, envelopes, and even a clear plastic box to store the card set.  Along with your basic kit, please bring a white gel pen and adhesive foam dots. 

If you have't used the JustRite stamps yet, this class is for you.  If you need a set of cards for yourself or to give as a gift, this class is definitely for you!  All skill levels encouraged to attend.

Call 707-445-9686 to sign up!

 

Ghosts & Goblins and other Halloween Fun!

Halloween is such a fun time of year.  The costumes.  The parties.  The candy.  The tricks.  The treats. 

I had alot of fun creating Halloween tags this year.  I used alot of Ranger products -- Disterss Inks, Distress Stickles, Distress Paint -- as well as Tim Holtz embellishments, grungeboqard, dies, and stamps.  It's fun to gather my favorite products on my craft  table and play, which is exactly what I did.  These tags are great to add to cards, on goody bags, to decorate a little bare tree.  The creative possibilities are endless.

What fun stuff are you creating this Holiday Season?

 

Cardmaking with Copics!

As I've shared in my Copic Classes before, I didn't want to like Copic markers.  I had customers request that we carry them and I resisted and resisted until the requests were simply too overwhelming to resist any longer.  So, we started stocking them about a year ago and then I attended Copic Certification class in January.  I was instantly hooked in the first 30 minutes of class!

Alcohol-based Copic Markers are the best markers for coloring and blending.  Period.   I don't know why I resisted them at first.  I was probably afraid I'd develop another addiction -- and I did!  They're absolutely fabulous.  The inks blend so well and don't "tear up" papers like other markers do. 

While I've taught various beginning and advanced Copic Classes this year, I'm very excited for my next class.  Not only will we be using common blending techniques, but also doing airbrushing! 

Join us if you can to make three fabuolous fall-themed cards!  Wednesday, October 27th, 5:30-7:30pm.  To sign up, call 707-445--9686 or visit our website for more information:  http://www.scrappersedge.net/Classes.html

 

 

Paper Pinwheels. Pleated Paper. Just two of the technques featured in our September "Cardmaking Simplified" class.

Sometimes we get a bit carried away with our outlandish creations. However, it's nice to get "back to basics" and use mainly paper to make fun cards. Join us in September to make three fun cards . . .

Wed, September 8th
Cardmaking Simplified
5:30-7:30pm
$15

You don't have to be an expert rubberstamper, crafter or artist to make impressive cards. Using stickers, punches, ribbon and brads, we'll make three fun, colorful cards that are sure to impress whoever receives them. Please bring your basic kit.

Don't wait for class. Start making pinwheels right away following these basic guidelines: