My Review

ScrapbookingAlley.com

Awesome Folders

Creatively Christine Ypsilanti, MI 8/31/2009

 

5 5

Pros: Works in Cuttlebug

Best Uses: Dry embossing

I used my embossing folders to add texture to my cards and other papercrafts. They are wonderful. I love the designs that are offered.

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Copic Markers are my Friend!

I suck at coloring. No bones about it. I've always been bad at coloring, even when I was a kid. I can never decide which color to use and as far as blending goes... forgettaboutit! I also have this incessant need to stay within the lines and have everything be perfect, which goes completely against my stamping mantra "there are no mistakes, it's just art for heaven's sake!", and, God forbid, I the ink I used to stamp my image bleeds!

Gregg and I recently attended the Heirloom Productions Rubber Stamp Show (http://www.heirloompro.com) in Novi, Michigan. I saw a lot of people using Copic Ciao markers. I'd heard a lot about them, but was afraid to try them out 1) because I suck at coloring and 2) they aren't exactly cheap. Also, having two other sets of markers that I don't really like all that much not being used on my shelf, I was afraid of shelling out money for another set of markers that I wouldn't like.

We found a nice pastel set at a pretty good price, but before I bought it, I stood and watched the nice lady (gosh, I wish I could remember her name... her website is StarvingArtistamps.com) showed me how these markers worked. She very patiently answered my questions and showed me a few cool tricks with the colorless blender. Grateful for the free lesson and unable to find a better deal on that set anywhere else at the show, Gregg and I decided maybe it was time to invest in these Copic Markers.

I like the Copics because they blend really easily, and the colorless blender is a God-send for fixing "mistakes". I also like the range of colors available (144 of them!), plus a whole lot more if you invest in the Copic Sketch line. My only criticism is that I had to go buy new black ink because the alcohol in the markers smears StazOn. Not a life-ender, but a small disappointment.



Here are some of the images I've colored so far. I can't wait to get them into cards! I used images from StampingBella.com... Winobella, Maisy Ketto and Cakey Watt. I think I now own more Bella's than any other brand of stamp, except Stampin' Up! because I used to be a SU! Demonstrator.

There are lots of websites out there that teach awesome Copic techniques, and YouTube is an fantabulous resource as well. Give them a try!


Have a creative day!!

Changito

Hero Arts has this little characater called "Changito". He's an adorable monkey and is pictured doing fun things like blowing bubbles, vacuuming, and even sitting at the computer. He comes on wood blocks or on cling mounts. I prefer the cling mounts because they store in less space. I keep my unmounted stamps in three-ring binders.

I found this card online, I believe, on the Hero Arts website. Unfortunately, I didn't scan the cards I made (bad Christine, I know), so I'm going to post this one. It's not mine, but it did provide me with some good inspiration!Enjoy your day!

It's a Stamping Bella Thing

It's my first blog post!! I'm a self-proclaimed Stampaholic. I've been stamping since the mid-90's and really want to become a "professional" stamper and crafter. My stamping has taken over part of my basement and dining room. I'm blessed because my husband enables, I mean, encourages my stamping. As soon as his woodshop is done, I get a room in our basement!

My favorite Blog/Website is Stampingbella.com. Emily's (and friends) designs are amazing. Her Bellarific Friday challenge, which I practically live for, helps me stretch my creativity and has basically pulled me out of the depressing rut I've been in since I got laid off in January. Stampingbella is one of those websites where even my husband says "Oooo... you need that!" (I know... how lucky am I?). She's offering free shipping on orders over $55 now, so go check it out!!

Have a creative day!!