Caught in Crystal Tips and Variations ...

Hello lovely peeps

Karen P here to talk and share with you today

We are one week into our CAUGHT IN CRYSTAL challenge and I'm here to share tips and variations for this fun and easy technique.  

Mynn's Tips
1. When sprinkling glitter, use a shaker top (with small holes in it).  The non-shaker I used was hard to get an even covering with and I "wasted" quite a bit of glitter.
2. Keep the baby wipes close so you can clean your hands quickly if needed.
3. Instead of stamping on your acetate, try doodling with Sharpies or other permanent markers for a fun and one of a kind creation.
4. Make sure your panel is COMPLETELY dry before die cutting...ask me how I know. ;)
5. If you don't have a craft sheet, a piece of cardboard under your panel will work just as well.  Just be careful that you don't adhere your panel to the cardboard by accident, though!

Julz Tips

1. Lightly sponge ink onto white tissue to colour the tissue any colour you want.
2. You do not have to stamp onto the acetate.

3. After the acetate and tissue has dried you can colour the stamped image from the reverse of the tissue if you want to.

Karen’s Tip

If you don’t own a Staz On IP stamp onto the background tissue paper or onto a piece of card instead and if you do this use light coloured inks lightly with whatever medium you have.

Katy’s Tip

Stamp your image off centre on the acetate.  That means that you should then see any images you have stamped onto he background paper or card.

Louise’s Tip

If you want to matt your acetate and tissue creation onto card use a darker ink than usual to stamp the background.

Rocky Tips

1. Sakura Crystal Lacquer works really well.

2. Try coloured tissue.

3. Scrunch up your tissue for lots of creases.

4. This technique makes great gift boxes.

Karen P Tips

1. If you are an old time stamper and craft hoarder, like me, you might have the product I used in your cleaning cupboard.  I used Johnsons Klear wood polish (Klear is the product name) instead of Glossy Accents/Diamond Glaze or Sakura Crystal Lacquer.

2. Mynn stresses the importance of not using a lot of dye on your creation – I cannot stress enough how important that is.  

3. If you have not got acetate use overhead projector film or the clear packaging that comes on so many products these days.

4. Always use a washable craft mat underneath your acetate.  When adding glitter or mica to the acetate the ink moves.  It can and regularly does go over the edge. 

Here is a card I have made with the tips and variations …

And I have second creations to  share that our talented team mate Rocky made ….

If you want to know what supplies we used to create these projects please pop over to Rocky’s blog and my blog for all the details.

Thank you very much for stopping by

Please don't forget to link up your CAUGHT IN CRYSTAL creations

to the original challenge post found here  

I hope you have a lovely day and get to do some stamping!

ttfn Karen P x

Tips & Variations: Shaving Cream Technique

Hi, friends!  I'm so sorry I didn't get a video out this month--SO many things happened in January that really shook my world, last of all was the flu!  SO...I'm here with a special variations post!  I've been snowed in after the flu and so I didn't have a chance to get shaving cream, so I looked and looked and figured out a way to do a FAUX SHAVING CREAM that give a similar effect to the real thing!

Here's the card I made with the FAUX technique~

So, wanna know how to do this?  Well, good!  That's why I'm here today!  I've got some step by step instructions on how to create this--and you won't need to worry about glove or getting things really messy!  This is just a medium mess way to get the effect! ;)

Supplies you'll need:
1. Large acrylic block (Or small, depends on how much you're wanting to make!)
2. Inks (I used 3, but you can use as many as you'd like.)
3. Glossy card stock (It makes it easier!)
4. Jumbo wheel with larger block words/images on it

How to:
1. Ink up a large acrylic blog with the lightest color of ink.
2. Ink up your jumbo wheel with the next lightest color of ink.
3. Set the wheel onto the acrylic block and smudge/smear a bit.
4. Continue in a few places until you like the amount of color.
5. Repeat steps 3 & 4 with the darkest color of ink.
6. Lay the glossy card stock on top of the block and rub the back of it really good.
7. Remove the card stock.  Smear the colors with your finger tip.
8. Use it on a project!

There you go!  So simple--and I LOVE the way it looks!

If you still want to try the original REALLY messy (AND FUN) technique, we have a few tips for that technique, too!

Louise says, "I used a plastic spatula to remove the foam, gave a much crisper finish that the tissue and didn't smudge. Also, try drawing a shape in the foam before you print, and don't forget you can take a few prints off before it gets too messed up."

I'd also like to add that you can use reinkers and not just spritzes and sprays!  I bet you could even use food coloring!  Now I need to go try it out! ;)

I hope you join in our challenge this month--with the real deal or the faux technique!  HUGS and happy stamping to you all!

Tips and Variations for Faux Frame ...

Hi lovely peeps, Karen P here to talk and share with you today.  We are one week into our FAUX FRAME challenge and I'm here today to share some tips and variations to this super fun and easy technique.  So let’s get started, shall we?

 
Katy D  says …
1. You can use your Cricut to make the die cuts and frames.  The George cartridge has shapes and the silhouette feature will make a frame for the corresponding shape.
 
Karen H says …
1. Wanted to stress what Katy says about using the Cricut as she does not have nesting dies.  Karen used the Elegant Edges cartridge and it worked wonderfully for her.
2. Use a gentle touch when sponging and start very light.  You want to make sure to have it a little darker closer to the edge of the frame to create depth.

Julz says ...

1.     Experiment with different sizes of die cuts or vary the frame itself so that the edges are not even on all sides.

2.     Twist the inner frame by tilting the inner piece so that it is off centre.

3.     Use multiple ink colours whilst colouring for a fun twist.

4.     Use two random shapes, e.g. a circle and an oval, that will fit inside one another

 

Mynnette says …

1.     Try using different colours of inks to create a sky effect, e.g. blue for a sky, or other hazy effect.

2.     Using thinner paper as a mask will help when you stamp in your frame.

Ellen says …

1.     To make a thinner frame just leave the die cut in the die and add colour.  Remove the die and you have a die cut with a thin frame.  For this variation there is no need to cut out a mask because the die serves as the mask.

 

Karen P says …

1.     Do not use card to make your mask because you won’t get a good effect once the ink has been added – ask me how I know this, lol.

2.     If you do use your die as a mask, as Ellen suggests, make sure you clean your die immediately, again ask me how I know lol.

 

Here is a card I have made with the tips and variations …

 

Thank you very much for stopping by

Please don't forget to link up your FAUX FRAME creations

to the original challenge post found HERE!!!

I hope you have a lovely day and get to do some stamping!

ttfn Karen P x

Tips and Variations for Faux Cloisonne ...

Hi lovely peeps, Karen P here to talk with you today.  We are a week into our FAUX CLOISONNE challenge and I'm here today to share some tips and variations to this super fun and easy technique.  So let’s get started, shall we?

Katy D
1. Use an outline stamp.
2. Be aware that this technique is very addictive!  If you are struggling to create this is a great technique to jump start your creativity.  Katy now has a stock pile of Faux Cloisonné cut outs because she could not choose which one she wanted to use.  Katy now has sunshine, flower, and other things for future projects!                     

Rocky  

1. You can use paint colour charts to get perfect graduations of colour in flowers. Guaranteed colour matches every time.
2. Keep the colourful backs of your Christmas cards.
3. Take a second look at all packaging; some paper bags are really gorgeous. 

Julz
1. Instead of magazine pages, try DSP, business cards, or paint chips.
2. Experiment with different colours of embossing powders.

Mynn
1. Use textured papers for a different take on this technique.
2. Add glossy accents to create an enamel look.
3. Try using wrapping paper for fun holiday patterns.
4. Use white glossy paper, emboss it, and then use alcohol markers to colour different areas. 

Karen P
1. Use a dust buddy to wipe across the page you intend to use.
2. If your stamp has thick lines heat the image from underneath because you will get a smoother looking embossed line which looks better on your faux cloisonné.
3. If you don't want to rip up your magazine pages pick up a copy of the free magazine from your local supermarket.

Here's a card our Mynnette has made 
with some of the tips and variations …

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to link up your FAUX CLOISONNE creations in the original challenge post found HERE!

Happy Stamping my friends and ttfn Karen P



Tips & Variations for Faux Silk

We're just a week into our FAUX SILK challenge and I'm here today to share some tips and variations to this super fun and easy technique!

Here's a card I've made with 

some of the tips and variations~

More details on my personal blog HERE.

And here are a few tips/variations:

1. Use colored tissue paper to mimic colored silk.

2. Don't color in images and use colored inks to make your lined images look like embroidery.

3. Use colored card stock to mount the white tissue paper on for a subtle color effect.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to link up your FAUX SILK creations in the original challenge post found HERE!  HUGS and happy stamping, friends!

Tips & Variations: Smackin' Acetate

Hello friends!  We hope you've had fun playing along the past week with our Smackin' Acetate challenge!  We've got some tips and variations for you to try out so let's get started!

Katy suggests:
1. Use a sparkly mist instead of water.  I used Perfect Pearls Mists and it blended the marker colors and added shimmer.

Karen P says:
1. You can use reinkers or inks - just one drop of each and spray across - you will get beautiful bands of colour.   If you want it more blended then spray downwards.
2. I can't hold acetate very well so I used a large 5"x7" slim stamp mount to do my 'smacking' with.
3. Cheap felt tip pens work as well as expensive inks and markers.
4. After you have printed one piece of card/paper you can spray the acetate/acrylic with water and again place card down onto it - to get a paler blend of colours.
5. If you want to do a big area but want to see what your colours look like first use a white lid - you can make the bands of colour dark or light dependent on the look you want.
6. It's addictive - you've been warned lol!

Mynn recommends:
1. Vary the distance you spray the ink from to get different splatters and blending.
2. Try drawing patterns with markers and spraying for a fun textured look.
3. Combine with masking to create a scene.
4. Smack the acetate onto a background stamp to create a more textured look.

http://stampinginpink.blogspot.co.uk/

 



 

Tips & Variations: Blurred Vision Stamping

Hello, friends!  Hope you're playing along this month with our BLURRED VISION STAMPING challenge!  We've got some tips and variations for you that might help you complete this technique in a more efficient manner and give you a better result!

Here's a card I've made

using some of my tips/variations~

My (Mynn) tips are:

1. Make sure you use a very juicy ink pad and immediately blur--it will be easier to see the effect.  Pigment inks like Versamark Chalk Ink are a perfect choice.

2. Try using a pigment ink on dark cardstock--looks SO cool!

3. Using lined images is much easier than images with more of a solid feel.  Dig out those images you rarely use because you don't want to color them in and just keep them monochrome!

4. Use this technique to create a fun background paper--it's always cool to make your own DSP!

And here are some more tips/variations from the rest of my crew!

Rocky:
1. Try watercolour markers and a blender pen if dye inks and wet brushes aren't working well.
2. Distress Markers are great for this as you can colour your stamp.
3. A damp paint brush may work better than a water brush as it gives more control.

Julz:
1. The type of ink pad you use may hinder your results (ask me how I know :P).  Try a foam ink pad instead of felt ones.
2. Try heavier lined stamps instead of finely lined images.  I found I had better results with thicker lines.

I hope you take some time to check out the original challenge post and watch the tutorial video then create something for us!  We LOVE seeing all the wonderful and creative projects that you make for us!  HUGS and happy crafting! :)

Tips & Variations: Faux Chalkboard Technique

Hello, friends!  Hope you're playing along this month with our FAUX CHALKBOARD challenge!  We've got some tips and variations for you that might help you complete this technique in a more efficient manner and give you a better result!

Mynn says:

1. Use an embossing buddy or other static remover before embossing your sentiments/images.
2. Create interest by die cutting your panel instead of using a square or rectangle.
3. After you stamp with white ink and it's dry, color some in with a colored pencil for a bit of color.
4. Use a different color dark cardstock--a nice deep green is reminiscent of the old fashioned chalkboards from oh so long ago. ;)
5. Instead of a whole board, do just a small portion of your card in this technique.  It really POPS!

Here's a card I've made to show you 

some of these tips/variations in action~

And here are some more fabulous tips from the rest of the DT! :)

Julz suggests:

1. Don't forget to "dust" your edges with some white ink for that chalky look.
2. Add small touches of color & sparkle.
3. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN - I cannot stress this enough!  You must plan your layout ahead of time.  Trust me - it will save you the headache later when things don't work out. :)

Rocky adds:

1. It's much easier to align the shadow with acrylic stamps because you can see what you're doing!
2. Distress Marker Picket Fence is perfect for drawing in the shadow freehand, just in case you missed a bit.
3. If your acrylic block is big enough you can plan the whole layout before you stamp.

Adrienne tells about an easier way out:

1.  I took the "cheaters" version...DCWV makes a stack of Chalkboard papers, comes in a           variety of colors including black and green.
2.  I used white chalk ink and on a few of my images I stamped it twice, offset a bit to get the messy shadow effect.
3. You can use colored pencils on the DCWV paper to add extra embellishment, I used a blue pencil that left an opaque rather than a sheer finish.

Karen P. recommends: 

1. Smother the piece of card/paper with your embossing buddy.  If you haven't got an embossing buddy you can use talcum powder or corn flour - I think the Americans call that corn starch. 
2. A white Coloursoft pencil works beautifully on black paper or card. 
3. Practise on an old piece or scrap first with just one image/sentiment.  Once you are confident that you can do the technique and want to make a multiple sentiment/image topper make a sketch first.  Then practise with dye ink on scrap before going to black or dark card.

I hope you take some time to check out the original challenge post and watch the tutorial video then create something for us!  We LOVE seeing all the wonderful and creative projects that you make for us!  HUGS and happy crafting! :)

Tips & Variations: Dahlia Fold Flowers

Hi, friends!  We're starting something NEW this month!  We will be posting each Tuesday of the month to help you learn more about our technique, to announce winners, and to remind you how many more days you have to play along with us here at Technique Time Tuesday!

This is the second Tuesday of the month and our technique is DAHLIA FOLD FLOWERS.  We've got a gorgeous card made by DT member Julz that shows you another way you can use this fun fold!

Here's a card that Julz made~

Julz says:
1. To make a single bud: Slide one Dahlia fold into another.  
2. To make a triple bud: Slide two Dahlia folds into one Dahlia fold then add a fourth in between the first two.  I'll have a video on my post showing this variation.
3. If usng cardstock, stamp one side or stamp both sides with different patterns. This creates more texture. 
4. To twist your flower center, lay your Dahlia folds so the center is slightly off to the side. 
5. Try Scallop circles, Hearts (folds on the non-pointed side), or squares for a different look.

Speaking of other shapes, Julz came up with another card using hearts!!!  A little bit different look but equally fabulous, don't you think?

Here's the card~

And the "How To" picture~

Isn't that gorgeous?!  Instead of creating an entire flower, you can use single folds or just a few to create a fabulous floral image. Wouldn't smaller circles be cool to use?  You could do an entire garden!  Just use your imagination and play around--it's such fun! :)

Here are some other tips and variations from the fabulous TTT DT that you could try as well!

Karen says: 
1. Use free papers from magazines (not the shiny type) to make these as they are not as thick as scrapbooking papers.
2. Use wet glue to stick to the base circle as you can move the 'petals' into position.

Katy says:
1. I found that thinner scrapbook paper work better than thicker paper. 
2. If you have a one-sided paper and don't like the white-you can color it with ink such as distress inks.

Rocky says:
1. To make a butterfly use two medium circles and two small.
2. You may need to snip off unseen edges underneath to get a perfect alignment when assembling the flower.
3. Origami papers are good for this technique, pretty and not too thick.

I hope you take some time to check out the original challenge post and watch the tutorial video then create something for us!  We LOVE seeing all the wonderful and creative projects that you make for us!  HUGS and happy crafting! :)