Scrapper's Edge Blog

Countdown to Christmas and SAVE!

We're doing something fun this holiday season . . . we're having a Countdown to Christmas sale. Everyday you can receive a 25% discount on a different product category!  

So, check out the Savings Calendar and let us help you COUNTDOWN & SAVE!

13th Anniversary Sale & Celebration

Our 13th Anniversary Sale & Celebration started Monday, June 26th. We've been having so much fun with our customers!

For our printing customers, we're offering black & white copies at only 5 cents each and color copies at 29 cents each.

Also, we have a large Clearance Section with items up to 75% off retail.

However, where the fun starts is in our games.  First, customers get to spin the wheel to determine their discounts. They can get up to 30% OFF non-sale merchandise.  We're also playing a Card Match Up game. Customers can win chances at a $50 Gift Card or at one of the 13 prize baskets we're giving away. Plus, by shopping, customers are getting even more chances at the 13 fabulous prizes.

We've had some customers come in every day to play our fun games. And, why not?  The more you play, the better your chances.

Oh, I almost forgot . . . we're offering our 13th Anniversary totes at only $5 each and the best thing about them is that they come with a FREE coupon book with tons of savings that can be used during the next year.  The tote is fabulous. it has a regular handle as well as shoulder straps plus it has a ton of pockets. And, who doesn't need another tote?

We really appreciate all of our customers and look forward to celebrating even more as our sale continues through July 22nd.

Distress Paints are fun to use!

I am SO glad that Tim Holtz and Ranger devloped the Distress Paint dabbers!  These paints are very fluid acrylic paints that can be used on multiple surfaces. Tim and Ranger developed these special paints to be reactive with water just like Distress Inks and Distress Stains—perfect to accomplish a wide variety of creative techniques. 

Here's one of my favorite methods for creating backgrounds on tags, cards, etc. using the Distress Paints:

• Dab a few colors of paint dabbers directly onto craft sheet.
• Spritz paint with water.
• Run tag (or cardstock) through paints.
• Turn over and let dry.
• Stamp image on tag.

 Here's a sample:

The Distress Paints have a dabber tops that makes using them very convenient and mess-free.  Plus, that fact that they react to water makes blending them easy and the results terrific!

 

Now on Newsstands (and at Scrapper's Edge) -- the April issue of Creating Keepsakes. And, the cover features papers we have available in our March "Get the Edge" kit from the Making Memories "Flutter" line.

We were so excited when we opened our box of Creating Keepsakes magazines to discover that they featured this fun, spring-themed paper line. Stop by and get the magazine and the kit!!

Our February Monthly Kits are ready! And, it's one I'll never forget.

Sunday night, just as I was beginning to create the sample pages for the kit, our electricity went out. Luckily, the power outage wasn't associated with an earthquake this time. Apparently, someone hit a power pole causing about 800 homes to be without power. So, what's a good crafter to do? Light candles and create the pages by candlelight! And, how appropriate for a love-inspired theme!

Here's the sample pages! Enjoy!

And, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our Monthly Kit Club to ensure you get a kit every month. We sold out last month.

http://www.scrappersedge.net/Monthly_Kit_Club.html

CHA Day 3 was very fullfilling!

I must admit, last night I was a bit nervous because today was the last day for me to attend CHA.  I was worried that I wouldn't get to every booth I "needed" to visit.  So, I took at the map of the tradeshow and marked each booth I just couldn't miss.  After my 7am Art Journaling Class, I hit the convention floor with map in hand determined to get to each and every booth marked.  And, I did it!  Yipee!

These are some of the things that I ordered today:

• Custom Diecuts & Papers -- all the local high schools (including St. Bernards), College of the Redwoods, Humboldt State, and other local interest (Humboldt / Redwoods / Hwy 101 / Pacific Ocean, etc.)  These are sure to be a hit for both tourists and locals alike!
• Creative Imaginations Papers & Embellishments -- way too many lines to list!  But, very, very impressive.  You'll love 'em!
• Hero Arts stamps -- wood-mounted, clear acrylic, and red rubber cling mount.  They have the greatest designs.  What a variety -- I ordered everything from Russian dolls, to Asian, to outdoors, to floral, to cute kids -- you name it!
• Zutter -- the new Zutter Cutter and Disress it all are on the way!
• And even more!  I'm so exhausted I cannot remember everything that I ordered.  Don't worry though; you'll love it!

Another great accomplishment is the new Point of Sale system I ordered today.  It's a computer system that will make our lives, as well as your lives, much much easier!  First of all, we'll be able to check you out quicker 'cuz we'll be scanning barcodes.  Gotta love it!  Plus, it will keep track of your purchases.  So, if you're not sure if you already have a paticular item, we'll be able to look it up and let you know.  Another fun feature is that when you sign up for a class, it will print on your receipt a list of things you need to bring with you.  In fact, it will even send you an email reminder about your upcoming class!  There are alot more features that will enable us to provide you with even better customer service than we already do.

Well, Mom and I had a wonderful dinner at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Restaurant tonite.  My belly is full and my eyelids are heavy.  It's time to get a bit of R&R before the journey home. 

After I get home, I'll post more of the pictures that I took - of both products but also ideas!!!

CHA Day 2 was busy, busy, busy!!!

I started off the day by receiving a free autographed book, ‘The Big-Ass Book of Crafts’, by author and crafter Mark Montano. You’ve probably watched him on TLC’s “While You Were Out” show. He’s not only very creative, but very personable. My mom also received a signed copy of the book, and he wrote in it “Nancy, Craft your ass off! Mark Montano.” In my book, he wrote, “Sondra, Rock out with your glue gun! Mark Montano.” What a character!

I placed various orders today. Here’s a list of some of the brands & items I ordered as well as website links so you can check ‘em out!
• Unity Stamps. http://www.unitystampco.com/
• DCWV Papers. http://www.diecutswithaview.com/new.php
• Tim Holtz / Sizzix “Alterations” dies and embossing folders. http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/01/alterations-on-the-edge.html
• Graphic 45 new lines. Le ‘ Romantique, A Proper Gentleman & On the Boardwalk. http://www.g45papers.com/product-lr.php
• Basic Grey new lines. Green at Heart, Kioshi, Cappella, and Max & Whiskers. http://www.basicgrey.com/scrapbook

One of the things I did today was check out point of sale computer systems because I need to replace our current system. While I was doing that, which took almost 2 hours, my mom was busy doing make-and-takes. She was searching out cardmaking projects. Now, while I’m trying to type this, she’s checking out all of her “loot” she’s gathered the last two days and is asking, “Can I use this for cardmaking?” Her enthusiasm is so cute! I’m going to turn her into a crafter yet!!!

Now, it’s time for dinner followed by working on more orders! Happy Crafting everyone!

(pictured is the Max & Whiskers by Basic Grey)

Day 1 of the CHA Convention has been terrific. And, boy, are my feet tired!

To give you a little perspective on how huge this show is, I’ll explain the layout. It takes up three huge halls or buildings and is divided in the following categories: Scrapbooking & Paper Craft; General Crafts; Art Materials; Fabric/Quilting/Needle arts, License & Design; International; and New Exhibitors. Scrapbooking & Paper Crafts comprises about 60 % of the total area. And, we only made it thru about 75% of the Scrapbooking & Paper Craft area. So, needless to say, we have a lot of additional territory to cover tomorrow!!!

My favorite things that I saw today include:
• Tim Holtz’ “Alterations” Sizzix dies and embossing folders. All I can say is, “Wow! It’s about time!” I’m probably more excited about this than anything else I saw today.
• Tim Holtz’ 12 new distress ink colors by Ranger. He has lots of softer colors that are absolutely wonderful!
• Tim Holtz’ new “Ideology” embellishments, including tissue tape. He also has new paper!!!
• The Zutter Kutter - cuts thru chipboard, corrugated board & clipboard
• The Zutter Distress-It-All - it’s an electronic distressor that you can run several sheets of paper thru at a time. If you run it in one direction, you get a slight distressed look; if you run it the opposite direction you get a real distinct distress look.
• GCD Chip Art – lines of chipboard shapes and metal “dies” to emboss into the chipboard. Very fun!
• Canvas Kits by Quick Quotes.
• Staz O’s new metallic ink pads.
• Options new storage bags, totes & containers in new colors. They have a great bag for the Cuttlebug!
• Cuttlebugs new longer plates, 12” border dies, new metal embossing envelopes! Yea!

The most unique thing I saw today is the new Cricut Cake. Yes, you read that correctly – the Cricut Cake. It’s a new Cricut, the same size as the Expression and it’s red. It is food safe and has special stainless steel and plastic parts that make cutting sheets of gum paste safe to eat. They’re even going to have food coloring markers and sell gum paste and frosting sheets. It works with all the regular cartridges, as well as Design Studio and Gypsy. It was inspired by an actual well-known cake decorator who wanted a Cricut to cut out sheets of gum paste to decorate cakes. Learn more at: http://www.cricut.com/cricutcake/

Some of my favorite new paper lines are by: KaiserCraft, Glitz, K&Company, Donna Salazar, 7 Gypsies, Basic Grey, Little Yellow Bicycle, Prima, Bo Bunny, Cosmo Circket, and Jillibean Soup.

I really enjoyed looking at stamps by: Loralie Art Stamps, Hero Arts, Impression Obsession, Unity Stamp, Stampers Anonymous/Tim Holtz.

Other interesting information or products:
• Glue Glider is making a new removable Wall Art adhesive refill and have great glue-dot type adhesive squares.
• Tombow vellum adhesive works great when adhering transparencies. I used it today and was amazed. (And, we already stock it!!!)

So, that summarizes my first day. Stay tuned for additional information tomorrow night!!!

Copic markers ROCK! And, I'm now officially a Copic Certified Designer/Instructor!

Yesterday, I attended the Copic Certification training in Anaheim. It was from 9am-4pm and was absolutely fabulous! I owe all of my wonderful customers who suggested that we start carrying Copic Markers for my new love for them!

We covered so much information it would probably make your head spin, including papers to use, color theory, basic coloring, blending techniques and more. We even learned airbrushing! Now, I know I just have to get an air compressor!!!

I thought I'd share a few tips with you!

First of all, there are things that will hurt your Copic markers:
- White Out or Opaque white. (avoid coloring over these)
- Un-fired clay
- Acrylic paints
- Chalks / Oil pastels (use these after your color with your Copics)
- Untested stamping inks / inking pens
- Solvents or oils

Rule of thumb: If it is something that smears when it gets wet and is opaque, stay away or test it first. If you must color over it, Airbrush your marker on.

Here are some common mistakes beginners make when picking Copic colors:
- Colors are too dark: On uncoated papers you want to pick ligher colors than you think. It's easier to go darker than to go lighter!
- Colors are too vibrant: Vibrant colors catch the eye, so you may buy the markers. However, make sure to buy colors that you'll actually use.
- Not enough colors to blend: You need to get 2 colors in each color family.
- Not enough contrast between colors: In many color families, you need to jump more than 2 digits to get colors that wil blend and still show up as being different.

For more information about color families, blending techniques and the overall wonderful world of Copic markers, sign up for my upcoming class:

Wednesday, Feb 10th
Sondra's Copic Marker Class: What? How? and Wow!
Project: Valentine's Cardmaking Class
5:30-7:30pm
$18
Copic Sketch markers are alcohol-based markers that are very popular! Take this class to learn about the Copic marker labeling system, blending techniques and other Copic basics. Then, utilize your new skills to make two Valentine's cards. Please bring any Copic markers and supplies you have, as well as your basic kit.

January Kit! Gotta love it! Our January "Get the Edge" paper crafting kit includes fabulous papers from 7 Gyspies and Black Magic cardstock from Coredinations. (and lots of fabulous embellishments!)

Have you used the Cordinations papers yet? Our January kit includes FIVE sheets of their Black Magic cardstock and it's so, so fun to work with -- especially with the Making Memories sanding block included in the kit. The cardstock is black on one side and one of various colors on the other side. You can sand, tear or emboss on the black side to reveal the color on the other sides. It's so much fun!

Check out this photo of a page I created last night from the kit. And, if you're not already a subscriber, get more info at:

http://www.scrappersedge.net/Monthly_Kit_Club.html