PaperFections

Gina K Designs June Release Party!

We are very excited to extend an invitation to the Gina K Designs June Release Party tonight. We have a fun evening planned for you -- chatting, prizes, challenges, stamp set reveals, design team shares, and most importantly -- at the end of the party you will be able to go shopping!

If you came from Tami Mayberry’s blog, you're at the right place. If not, you can head over to StampTV where you will find a list of all those participating in today's hop.

Here's just one of the projects I made to share at the party tonight:

I had so much fun making this bright, summery charm bracelet for my girls, using Garden Fresh (by Gina K) and shrink plastic!  I ADORE these retro, fun fruit and veggie images and have MANY more projects planned for this set! 

It was very easy to make this bracelet –- just stamp images with StazOn ink pads onto white shrink plastic and then color carefully (avoiding stamped lines) with Copic markers (because remember, both are alcohol based and the Copics will smear the StazOn stamped lines on the shrink plastic's slick surface).  I stamped each image twice and show you how they look both before and after shrinking:

Be sure to punch holes in each piece before heating (twice the size you may need, because remember –- it will shrink!).  I used a hole piercer (or you can use tweezers) to hold the shrink plastic in place (through the hole) so it wouldn’t fly off my desk!  I used my heat embossing tool, for quick results. Then I just attached each shrunken piece to a charm bracelet, using jump rings.

We hope to see you at the party tonight . . . here are all the details:

• When: Today, Thursday, June 30th
• Where: StampTV Release Party Forum
• Time: 7 PM to 9 PM (Central)

Now head on over to Michelle Woerner’s blog to see what sneak peek she's sharing with you today. I hope you enjoy the July 4th holiday weekend, then I hope to see you back here on Tuesday, July 5th for the beginning of our three-day Inspiration Blog Hop series!

Stamps: Gina K Designs - Garden Fresh by Gina K
Paper: Lucky Squirrel White Shrink Plastic
Ink: StazOn Cherry Pink (Apples), Forest (Watermelons & Peas), Pumpkin (Oranges), Timber Brown (Pears)
Copic Markers: G14 (Pears, Peas, Carrot tops), E31 (Apple centers), R22 (Watermelons), W8 (Watermelon seeds), YR12 (Oranges & Carrots)
Accessories: Charm bracelet, jump rings, 1/8" handheld hole punch, heat tool

Solid Background Stamping With Copic

(Hero Arts Stamps ... click on photo for a larger view)

Hi, everyone -- Today I'm sharing that solid background Copic stamping technique I showed you a sneak peek of on Sunday HERE (3 posts below this one).  You can now find the full tutorial for these cards and Copic technique over in Ellen Hutson's the CLASSroom today, so I hope you'll join me there!

Today you'll also find a wonderful Product Focus over at Splitcoaststampers.com that I was delighted to participate in. A Cricut For Beginners instructional DVD set helped me understand all the bells and whistles of my Cricut Expression, so I'll feel more comfortable using it to create all kinds of projects and getting the most out of this wonderful electronic die cutting machine!  A LOT of mysteries were unlocked and explained extremely well by the hands-on instructors in the videos.  You can find the Product Focus with reviews from four different papercrafters HERE and a gallery of Cricut For Beginners projects on SCS HERE . . . enjoy!

Copic Markers Available at Michael's!

It's time to let the proverbial cat out of the bag . . . Copic Sketch markers are now available at Michael's!  If they aren't already in your local store, they should be on their way very soon.  Here's a link to the Michael's website page which describes the Copic products they will carry, including the Airbrush System and 60 Sketch markers! 

You'll also find links on that page to these two online projects I created, with all the project details for each.  Above is a 5" x 7" Hero Arts Framed Flower Garden (project details located HERE) and below is a pendant I created with Inkadinkado stamps and Ranger 1" x 3" Memory Glass and Chrome Memory Frames (project details located HERE):

You can look for new online projects periodically, and I'll also be sure to let you know when new ones are available! 

Michael's created their own color chart of the 60 Sketch marker colors they will carry -- you can find the link to their chart on their web page HERE.  I also created a hand color chart (previewed at left) which you can color with your own markers, to see a true representation of what the color will look like on your specific paper of choice.  You can find my downloadable chart on my Copic FAQ, Color Chart & Tutorial page HERE and also here: Download 2011 Michaels Copic Marker Hand Color Chart_SharonHarnist

I hope you'll try these projects and have fun collecting your markers from Michael's now!

Gardeners, Dirt & A Cricut?!!

How's that for a title, LOL!  I LOVE shaped cards, so when I found this pretty flower shape in my Cricut cartridges (Paper Lace, cut at 5 in.), I set out to find a floral image that would work in the center ... this Lockhart African Violets in a Teacup image fit perfectly, I thought!

After stamping the image onto Copic's X-Press It Blending Card, I colored it with these Copic markers:

Lemon Atyou Spica Glitter Pen was used on the violet centers, and the Lavender Spica Glitter Pen was used to outline the violet flower cutout, which is popped up on foam squares, to give it a little bit more interest and dimension.  I stamped the "gardeners know the best dirt" sentiment onto lemon cardstock and cut out the banner shape by hand.

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company-African Violets in a Teacup & Gardeners Know The Best Dirt sentiment
Paper: Copic X-Press It Blending Card, SU Violet, PTI Simply Chartreuse & Lemon Tart
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Copic Markers: BV02, BV13, BV17, YG93, YG95, YG97, YR21, E31, E33, Lemon & Lavender Atyou Spica Glitter Pens,
Accessories: Cricut Paper Lace cartridge, Scrapbook Adhesives Foam Squares,

Watermelon Inchie Thanks

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer!  I have a quick card to share this evening.  I was Copic stamping some backgrounds for a tutorial today and had this notecard left over.  It reminded me of watermelon colors, so I dug through my stamps and found this sweet Lockhart Itty Bitty Watermelon slice and thought I'd put together a quick card!  The background is stamped on an Arturo notecard that measures 3.50" x 5".  I'll have a full tutorial on how to create the background on Wednesday, so I hope you'll check back for that.

I stamped the Itty Bitty Watermelon with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on an Inchie Arts White Inchie Square, then colored it with these Copic markers that matched the background I created: R22, R24, YG03 & YG63.  Black Copic Atyou Spica Glitter Pen was used to color the seeds:

For the pink mat behind the Inchie Square, I cut another piece of Arturo notecard and colored it with Copic R20 & R81, to match the notecard.  It's popped up on foam tape and so is the Inchie Square.  The pink stitching was created with a fun new little tool I picked up from my friends at Scrap-Mart when they were in town at the scrapbook convention the first of the month. It's We R Memory Keepers' Sew Easy Stitch Piercer.

Now I think I need a slice of cold watermelon to cool me down!  Thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: Lockhart Stamp Company Itty Bitty Watermelon & Thanks a Bunch; Hero Arts Antique Brocade
Paper: Arturo notecard
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers (listed above), Copic Black Atyou Spica Glitter Pen,
Copic Various Ink Refills: R22 & YG03
Accessories: Inchie Arts White Inchie Square, WRM Sew Easy Stitch Piercer, embroidery needle & pink embroidery thread, foam tape

Taylored Expressions Blast From The Past Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Taylored Expressions June Blast from the Past Blog Hop!  This month, hoppers were asked to create a card featuring any Taylored Expressions stamps released prior to April 2011, using the theme of "Old Glory" and the colors of red, white, and blue. You’ll want to be sure to leave a comment on each hopper’s blog, because one random participant will be selected to win a stamp set of your choice from Taylored Expressions! 

Here’s what I created:

 

I used one of my favorite, extremely versatile sets, A Year of Sweets 2, that contains this darling little patriotic Cuppie image!

I used Memento markers to color the fireworks and Cuppie image separately, then stamped onto grid patterned paper and finished coloring with these Copic markers:

The sentiment is from another wonderfully versatile set, A Year of Sweet Sentiments.

I also used this Blast From the Past sketch provided by Sankari Wegman.

Here are all of the Blast From The Past Blog Hoppers with TONS of inspiration for you!  Remember to leave a comment on each hopper’s blog, for your chance to win a free stamp set of your choice!

.

Stamps: Taylored Expressions A Year of Sweets 2 & A Year of Sweet Sentiments,
Paper: Memory Box Cranberry & Sapphire notecards, Jenni Bowlin Trendy Mini Papers
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black Dew Drop, Memento Paris Dusk & Rhubarb Stalk Markers
Copic Markers: R24, R29, B95, B97
Accessories: Spellbinders Labels One & Labels One Sm dies, foam tape

Gina K Design Team Masculine Blog Hop!

Members of Gina K's Design Team have come together to host a hop with cards and projects featuring a masculine theme … just in time for Father’s Day!

If you came from Melanie Muenchinger’s blog, you're at the right place. If not, make sure to head over to StampTV, where you will find a complete list of all those participating in today's hop.

I made a tumbled tile coaster for a Father’s Day gift –- I thought one of the lighthouses and seagulls from Theresa Momber’s By The Sea set would be perfect for a masculine themed occasion!

Stamping and coloring with your Copic markers onto tiles is quite easy. Just follow these general guidelines:

- Before stamping, clean the tile with a damp cloth and let dry thoroughly.  Tiles will usually have a white chalky dust on them.
- Choose a stamp with not too much detail to it – i.e. not a lot of stamped lines.
- The best stamping ink I’ve found to work well, be permanent and moisture-resistant when using the tile as a coaster, is StazOn.
- After stamping, heat set the StazOn with your heat embossing tool/gun.
- Yes, you can use Copic markers (even pigment-rich red!) with the StazOn. Once heat set, the ink doesn’t react as much to the Copic marker, but you’ll also want to be careful and try not to color over the stamped lines very much, if at all.
- Copic ink will be permanent on the tile, but can still be "erased" and/or moved around with Copic Colorless Blender.
- Color small areas at a time and after coloring, use a cotton swab or tissue to buff away any oily/shiny Copic ink residue you may see on the surface of the tile. This will also help to buff away any possible streaking that may occur, since the Copic ink soaks into the surface of the tile and dries quickly.
- Use the back side of the tile to test inks and Copic colors -- then cover up your testing with a piece of cork sheet!  This will help protect furniture surfaces, too!
- I don't seal my tiles when using them for coasters, so they will still absorb water.

Here are the Copic colors I used:

The sentiment is from another one of Theresa's sets, Follow Your Dreams.  For the last step, I used Memento Desert Sand ink and a Jumbo Dauber to age the edges of the tile a little.  This also helped to bring out the natural veining in the tile (which I love!) and help create a lighter "halo" radiating out from the lighthouse and onto the sentiment. 

And there you go -- an easy-peasy quick masculine gift!  Now head on over to Theresa Momber’s blog to see the fabulous project she has to share with you today!

Stamps: Gina K Designs By The Sea (lighthouse & birds) & Follow Your Dreams (sentiment) by Theresa Momber
Ink: Tsukineko Jet Black StazOn, Memento Desert Sand
Copic Markers: R22, R24, G82, C3, C5, E33, Y21
Accessories: Tsukineko Jumbo Dauber, Bottichino 4”x4” tumbled tile (unglazed)

Copic Shaded Delicate Blossoms

 

Hello, I hope you are enjoying the first of Summer wherever you are . . . I know it's certainly kept me busy these first two weeks!  I did find some relaxing time to sit down and Copic color one of my favorite new (to me!) Hero Arts images -- this beautiful Delicate Blossoms.  I hope you'll join me today over in Ellen Hutson's the CLASSroom for all the details, tips and hints!

And on an additional Copic note -- my Copic Certification Class page has been updated (and usually is updated weekly).  I hope you'll check that out, for the dates and places either a Standard or Intermediate Certification class may be near you this Summer!

Gina K May Release Blog Hop 4!

Welcome to our 4th and final day of Gina K Designs’ May release stamp set inspiration blog hops! The stamp set being introduced today is:

The new May/June StampTV Kit - Vintage Chic:

Isn’t it GIANTLY amazing and versatile?!! I know I’ll be using all the great images in this set a LOT, but started with one of my favorites –- the dandelions:

The dandelions were stamped with Tuxedo Black ink onto Gina’s Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight Kraft Cardstock and cut out. They were accented with Ranger’s Inkssentials White Opaque pen. They were popped up over a white doily on a tag I made from Echo Park For The Record 6x6 paper (it appears you all scooped that paper up fast!  Please check back for availability).

These Gina K design team members also have samples to share today. Make sure you leave a comment on each of the blogs because Gina will choose two random winners from all of the comments who will each get a free stamp set of their choice valued at up to $24.95! The more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have to win!

• Gina K
• AJ Otto
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Jimmi Mayo
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Sharon Harnist
• Suzanne Dean
• Tami Mayberry
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Vicki Dutcher

I want to thank everyone for all the very sweet and kind comments you've left this week.  I read and enjoy every one of them and you all sure have made my week!  Enjoy the hop!

{Vintage Chic Thanks Tag}
Stamps: Gina K Designs-Vintage Chic,
Tools: Spellbinders Classic Circle Nestabilities & Tags Trio
Paper: GKD Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight Cardstock-Kraft, Echo Park-For The Record 6x6
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
Accessories: White doily, Ranger Inkssentials White Opaque pen, The Twinery Charcoal Twine, foam tape

Gina K May Release Blog Hop 3!

Welcome to Day 3 of Gina K Designs’ May release stamp set inspiration blog hops! Our first stamp set being introduced today is:

The new One Free with 3 - Elegant Elements:

I made a monogrammed notecard:

The center element was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto GKD Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight Cardstock-White cardstock and die cut/embossed.  The center monogram was computer generated, punched, and popped up on foam tape over the element.  The monogram was framed with a pretty Spellbinders Fleur de Lis Accents die cut from Black Onyx cardstock.  The rest is all a pre-printed notecard!

Our second stamp set today is a second stamp set this month by Theresa Momber, By The Sea:

I made an 8-inch framed beachy artwork piece for my husband for Father’s Day using By The Sea (shh, don’t tell him!):

(Click on any photo for a larger view)

We love the beach/sea and I thought this would be a perfect gift for him. I wanted the pelican to be facing inward towards the other images, so I stamped him with Timber Brown StazOn ink onto a piece of acetate and flipped him over!

I adore this sentiment from this set -- it was inked with Rich Cocoa, Rhubarb Stalk & Paris Dusk Memento Markers and then stamped onto patterned paper and die cut with Spellbinders Labels Fourteen. A screw head brad accents it. Theresa’s group of seagulls was stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa ink in the upper left corner. All the patterned papers are Webster’s Petite Yacht Club and the center sailboat piece was die cut with Spellbinders Grand Labels One and matted with Gina’s Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight Cardstock In The Navy:

Hopefully you can see all the dimension this shadow box frame has, with the seashells added into the fish net and the popped up sentiment sign and anchor embellishment!

These Gina K design team members also have samples to share today. Make sure you leave a comment on each of the blogs because Gina will choose two random winners from all of the comments who will each get a free stamp set of their choice valued at up to $24.95! The more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have to win!

• Gina K
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Sharon Harnist
• Suzanne Dean
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• AJ Otto
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Jimmi Mayo
• Lee Murphy

Enjoy the hop!

{Elegant Elements Monogram Notecard}
Stamps: Gina K Designs-Elegant Elements,
Tools: Spellbinders Classic Circle Nestabilities & Fleur de Lis Accents die templates, 3/4" circle punch
Paper: GKD Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight Cardstock-White & Black Onyx; Hobby Lobby notecard
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad;
Accessories: Foam tape, computer generated monogram

{By The Sea Frame}
Stamps: Gina K Designs-By The Sea,
Tools: Spellbinders Grand Labels One, Labels Fourteen, Fleur de Lis Accents & Grand Calibur
Paper: GKD Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight Cardstock-In The Navy; Webster’s Pages Petite Papers-Yacht Club;
Ink: Tsukineko Memento Rich Cocoa & Timber Brown StazOn; Memento Markers-Rich Cocoa, Rhubarb Stalk & Paris Dusk, Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink-Brushed Corduroy;
Accessories: Ranger Tim Holtz Ink Blending Tool, nautical decorative net & shells (Michael’s), 8-inch shadow box frame, acetate sheet, screw head brad, foam tape