ink | tami sanders * paper crafter

April 9, 2011
by tami sanders * paper crafter

NEW aLteReD bOoK class!

i FINALLY have something so show you on the circus-themed altered book class that is scheduled for April 23^rd at Stamp Antonio!

although i LOVED the papers, the subject of “circus” had me a bit stumped; i just couldn’t seem to wrap my head around it. i didn’t really think that crafters would want to create this book just to display photos of trips to the circus, although it could be used for that. my altered books usually have a definite use and purpose, practical whimsy i guess you could say. but “circus” was a topic that didn’t seem the least bit “practical”.

but, after much thought and contemplation {which requires just a FEW more brain cells than “thought”}, i finally had that AHAH! moment… my life was particularly chaotic one day, and i said to myself… “ my life is a CIRCUS!”, and there was my idea and inspiration. create an altered book that documents the three ring circus that is life!

once i had the concept in tow, the design flowed a lot quicker. i am going to add “circus” quotes to the book that deal with real life. i think it will be a fun way to “express our STRESS”! LOL!

photos can be added of REAL life events or scenes… i’m picturing kids making messes, laundry stacked up undone, maybe a to do list with dozens of things on it and nothing crossed off – i think you get the idea, all the things that make YOUR life a CIRCUS! i am hoping you will like the concept.

i should have the sample COMPLETELY done this weekend and IN Stamp Antonio by Tuesday. i was HOPING to have to done in time to take it in today, as i have classes scheduled, but i still have some parts to complete and little goodies to add.

in the meantime, since the class is only TWO weeks away, i thought i’d go ahead and give you a little teaser…

i’ll send out another e-mail with more photos when the book is all done.

please keep in mind that the photo just shows some snippets and nothing is complete yet – not even the cover. but i figured something was better thank nothing. i’ll post again once the sample is done with more photos.

the space for this class is VERY limited – about half the size of my other altered book classes – due to supplies on hand, so if you are interested, please sign up QUICKLY!

thank you for your interest!

mom & me pj crop…

i just noticed that the mom & me pj crop at SCRAPBOOK 911 was not on their web calendar, i’m not sure if it is on the paper calendar or not. i apologize for not catching that sooner, but i DID want to let anyone who was interested know that we WILL be having the pj crop so PLEASE sign up if you’d like to come and crop with your child{ren}! it will be on thursday, july 8th from 5 to 9. snacks are included {but dinner isn’t so please eat before you come or bring something with you!} the crop is priced at just $5 per person. moms must stay, and they can bring as many kids as they can supervise! so your kids can invite friends to crop with them if they like.

the wearing of your PJ’s is optional, but we sure had a lot of fun cropping in our jammies last month, here’s some photos…

there are also 2 other mom & me classes coming up in july:

first up is the “regular” mom & me class on saturday, july 10th from 10:00 to noon. you and your child will work together to make a set of card for various occasions. they will be SO proud to give these cards because they made them themselves!

then, on tuesday, july 20th from 10:30 to 12:30 will be mom & me “our day out”. “our day out” is a special class for summer; by special request from the KIDS! BOTH you and your child will EACH have your OWN project to work on for ONE low price! this month, the kids will be making an altered composition book…

while the moms will be making a summer themed 2 page layout…

please e-mail me if you have any questions about any of these special “kid” classes!

March 29, 2010
by tami sanders * paper crafter

“life is good” …

i’ll be doing a free make and take at SCRAPBOOK COTTAGE on sunday, april 18 from 1:00 to 3:00. we’ll be making the journaling pocket for this layout…

you’ll also get complete directions and a supply list for the items you will need to complete the 2 page layout. but, you can also use your journaling pocket on a layout of your own, or even as a card.

then, on thursday, april 29, from 6:00 to 8:30, i’ll be teaching a mini book class – “life is good”…

the base of the album is made from file folders, deorated with papers from REMINISCE’s UNWRITTEN line. you’ll also receive $13.00 worth of stickers to complete your project! 1 set EACH of the new layered chipboard stickers, mini alphabet stickers, quote stickers and tag stickers. the album has space for lots of photos as well as little pockets you can tuck your journaled cards in. you can add photos and memories of the things {or people!} that are good in your life! this mini book would also make a womderful gift! {mother’s day is coming up}

please call SCRAPBOOK COTTAGE to sign up for this class if you are interested.

—thanks, tami

March 26, 2010
by tami sanders * paper crafter

mother’s day gift ideas…

it’s not too early to start thinking about mother’s day gifts!

i have 2 classes coming up on april 3 that i think any mom would appreciate…

first, i’ll be at SCRAPBOOK 911 to teach my “blessings book” from 10:00 to 1:30. this book has lots of little pockets, some of which are “secret”! there is also plenty of room to journal in this book. i designed it with the thought that you could write down the GOOD things that come your way, as well as tuck special little bits of inspiration in it – letters, cards, articles, even fortunes from fortune cookies! just anything that gives your spirit a little lift. then, when you needed that pick-me-up, you could reach for your blessings book! make it for your mom, grandmom, sister, friend or even YOURSELF! this class is almost full, so if you are interested, please contact SCRAPBOOK 911 to sign up.

then, i’m off to STAMP ANTONIO, where we’ll be making a 6 X 6 mini book with canvas covers for mother’s day. featured products are by GECKO GALZ {formerly Harlee-Quinnz} and by CLEARSNAP. you’ll learn a few techniques for painting, inking, stamping and collaging on canvas {to create the cover}, and then i’ll show you how to apply and blend Smooch Accent Inks on your stamps to create shimmery “watercolor” images. there are spaces for photos and journaling so you can personalize it for your special mom.

if you are interested in this class, please call STAMP ANTONIO to sign up, i’ll have to have a few days to get all the canvas covers made!

thanks!

March 16, 2010
by tami sanders * paper crafter

featured project at clearsnap…

this month, CLEARSNAP is featuring one of my projects as “the project of the month” on their website.

the project is called “smile, it’s spring” and it is a 8 X 8 layout featuring a photo of laura e’s daughter, maddie {thanks laura!}.

the layout is simple, but features several different techniques using the new SMOOCH SPRITZES. if you have been wondering what to do with these terrific spray inks, you might want to check out the project over at Clearsnap. complete directions and a product list are included.

March 16, 2010
by tami sanders * paper crafter

happy st. pat’s day

in celebration of st. patty’s day, i have 3 cards to share with you for this happy go LUCKY holiday! i love ANY holiday that features the color green {especially of the LIME variety}!

all 3 cards feature printed papers by REMINISCE, ephemera by GECKO GALZ {formerly Harlee Quinnz} and inks by CLEARSNAP.

all 3 of these cards are quick and easy to make…

here’s a slide show of each of the cards shown individually, and a list of the supplies required for each is listed below…

“lucky” card: Reminisce: Lucky Me: Lucky Plaid printed paper, Gecko Galz: Irish Eyes Ephemera, Clearsnap: Crafter’s Ink: Hunter Green, Bazzill: Limerick, Butter – Swiss Dot cardstock, Prism: Cream Puff cardstock, My Sentiments Exactly: Parfait Multi clear stamps, 7 gypsies: Paper Fasteners, Darice: buttons, cream thread, thin jute and thin foam dots.

“lady luck” card: Reminisce: Lucky Me: Lucky Stripe and St. Patrick’s Day printed papers, Gecko Galz: Irish Eyes Ephemera, Clearsnap: Crafter’s Ink: Hunter Green and ColorBox Chalk Ink: Toffee, Bazzill: Pear Crush cardstock, Prism: Paper Bag cardstock, Darice: rhinestones and thin foam dots.

“st. pat forever” card: Reminisce: Lucky Me: Lucky Stripe and Micro Clover printed papers, Gecko Galz: Irish Eyes Ephemera, Clearsnap: ColorBox Chalk Ink: Chestnut Roan and Smooch Spritz: Spun Sugar, Bazzill: Pear Crush and Shamrock cardstock, Prism: Paper Bag cardstock, Darice: buttons, May Arts: ribbon and thin foam dots.

have a “LIME-LUCKY” day!

December 7, 2009
by tami sanders * paper crafter 6 Comments

sprays, spritzes and mists OH MY!

are you overwhelmed by the number of sprays, spritzes and mists that are out there for you to use on your paper projects?

do you wonder which product would be best to use on YOUR project?

do you just want to know what’s the difference between them?

well… i’m hoping i can help you out a bit with my side-by-side comparisons of 3 of the most popular products out there: SMOOCH SPRITZ, MAYA MIST and GLIMMER MIST.

Smooch Spritz, made by CLEARSNAP is the newest “spray” -type product to be introduced… the colors are very vibrant and deep, and you get a lot of coverage and color with each spritz. each one also has plenty of bling and shimmer too and they come in small glass bottles that make it easy to tuck them in with your “transportable” supplies for crops and such.

Maya Mist , made by MAYA ROAD, is another spray that gives a nice application of color. is is really good on chipboard. the sprays come mostly in a matte finish, but there are a few metallics, as well as sprays in metallics and irridescent colors that you can layer over the matte colors. they come in plastic bottles about the size of an acrylic paint bottle.

Glimmer Mist, made by TATTERED ANGELS, provides your project with a fine layer of shimmer and a kiss of color. these mists are the sheerest of all 3 sprays. these sprays are good for your vintage-inspired projects when you want a “shabby chic” look.

for my comparisons, i selected an assortment of paper products to test: a manilla tag, white cardstock, text weight printed paper, chipboard and a white paper flower. i sprayed three sets of these supplies using Smooch Spritz in Emerald Sprinkle, Maya Mist in pink and Glimmer Mist in Walnut Gold.

i wanted to see how well the mists performed in these areas: coverage, color and ease of use. i also wanted to see if i had trouble with the sprayers or warping of the materials.

here’s photos of the tests:

i found that the Smooch Spritzes and Maya Mists gave the most even coverage, with the Smooch Spritz having the advantage of a more vivid color. the Glimmer Mists can “spit” a bit, but i think that adds to the “shabby” appeal. all 3 were pretty easy to use, and i didn’t have any trouble with clogging.

the cardstock and printed papers sprayed with Smooch Spritz stayed the flattest, both when they were wet and dry. the papers sprayed with Maya Mist curled a bit, but didn’t really warp, the papers sprayed with Glimmer Mist warped.

each of these products has +’s and -‘s… it all depends on what your project is and what effect you want. if you want color, coverage and shimmer in a portable package – then try Smooch Spritz, if you want a matte finish, try Maya Road, and if you want a ditressed “kissed by angels” look, then try glimmer mist.

i hope this little demo has helped answer SOME of your questions!

if you have more, drop me a line and i’ll try my best to find you an answer!

November 24, 2009
by tami sanders * paper crafter 1 Comment

fall thank you card…

since it IS the season for thanks… i have a little “thank you” card to share!

i wanted the colors of the card to “seasonal”, but still soft and pretty, so i chose to use yellows and oranges with just a touch of brown to add some contrast…

I started with a muted orange cardstock for the card, then added a warm brown block as a backdrop for the rest of my elements.

Then i took a square of plain white cardstock and lightly sprayed it with SMOOCH SPRITZ in GOLD GLOW, then i used an ANTIQUE BROCADE STAMP inked with ANCIENT PAGE ink in SUNBURST to create the background block for the card.

Next, I sprayed another piece of white cardstock with the GOLD GLOW spritz, and stamped 2 “wood grain” flowers and 3 “thank you print” flowers from the PRINTED FLOWERS set using the SUNBURST ink. Then i stamped 2 “solid thank you” flowers and 1 “large thank you” flower from the same set onto white cardstock using YELLOW OCHRE FLUID CHALK INK. when the ink dried, i spritzed them lightly with the GOLD GLOW spritz. when all the inks and spritz had dried, i cut out the background and the flowers.

I added the background piece first and topped it with a piece of ribbon near the bottom. i then arranged and adhered all the flowers, having the large “thank you” flower at the lower right.

buttons at the centers finished off the design.

inks and spritzes are all by CLEARSNAP, stamps are by HERO ARTS.

October 28, 2009
by tami sanders * paper crafter

prism project #2

my time as a guest designer for PRISM PAPERS is almost up!

i’ve really enjoyed being part of their team for a little while – getting to chat with their designers and seeing what terrific projects they create… {not that i won’t STILL be checking their blog to see what they are up to after october ends :) }

tomorrow, my last project will be up, and i hope that you will hop on over to the PRISM BLOG and check it out; i can only give you a t-nin-see peek here!

if you like the project, i hope you’ll take the time to post a comment so i know you looked!

and if you LOVE cardstock like i do, i hope that you have bookmarked the Prism blog so that you can enjoy more of their fabulous design teams creations too!