Prairie Paper & Ink

Sunday Q&A

Hello Everyone. First off thank you for all the well wishes - I'm feeling OK. I spent most of yesterday on and off the couch and loaded up with pain meds and am still needing to take them today as man does it hurt when they wear off! I look like a chipmunk with all the swelling but so far *crosses fingers* I don't have any bruising. My bottom wisdom teeth had to be broken to get out and I had to get stitches and all that but in the end I'm just glad it's over with! I feel like I've wasted the past couple of days since I've done NOTHING but rest (even tho I know I NEEDED to) but hopefully that will help speed up the healing so I can get back to normal!

There were only a couple of questions this week so here they are (and FYI you can post paper-craft related questions in the comments on this post and I can get to them next week. I also try and catch any questions posted on my other posts to answer here as well to keep them all in one place!):

Where does one purchase Star Dust Stickles?

I get all my Stickles either from All That Scraps or I pick up a bottle here and there from my local scrapbook store. Tons of other online stores carry them as well!

Just one question did you cut on the inside or outside of the line for these cards? (referring to this post)

Basically I cut right on the line when I paper piece - right on the outside or a hairline in from the outside line. Really as long as there are no bits of paper left along the outside of the image then you're good to go and it will look great!

Would you mind sharing what color that copic is you used to outline the flower image. That's a good color. (card in this post)

I used the Dull Ivory E43 Copic marker to outline the image :o)

Sunday Q&A

I haven't done this for a while as I haven't been getting a ton of questions to answer - but I got a few just over the past few days so here's the Q & A!!

Quick question - I was thinking awhile back, I had seen on your blog where you used a black cushion rather than the thicker EZ Mount - did I see that or was I dreaming?  If yes, can you direct me where you purchase yours?

No you weren't dreaming - you are prolly referring to this post where I discussed switching most of my UnMounted stamps to the black EZ mount (why? I like that it seems to cling better and when using the Little Monkey's Storage system the stamps take up less horizontal room when using the black EZmount versus the grey (which is about twice as thick)). I also like using the black because it makes stamping with tiny stamps WAY easier (ones with a diameter of less than 1/2") as it keeps them from rocking when you press them to paper.

I get my black EZmount here (she ALWAYS sells out of it really fast when she gets it in stock - but you can always add yourself to the waitlist and you automatically get an e-mail when it's back in stock!)

When you airbrush around an image, do you mask the image, then airbrush?  I love the effect and would like to try it.

When I made these cards I didn't mask the images at all - I just airbrushed on the color - I chose a light color and held the airbrush further away from the image so as not to cover it. If the image were larger then yes I would mask it first - it just depends on the project. If you have copic markers I recommend getting the system and trying it out - I don't use it a lot but I sure have fun playing around with it LOL!

How do you do the piercing and what tool do you use?

All you need is a foam mat (a mousepad works great) and a large needle or a paper piercer. (I prefer to use an actual piercer as it's easier to work with than a needle). To get them all evenly spaced you can use a template (I have the one from Stampin' Up!'s mat pack) or there is also a Tim Holtz ruler that has evenly spaced holes along one side just for piercing (I just ordered it and can't wait to get it - a lot of places are having a hard time getting it in stock as it's pretty popular!).

All you do is place the template/ruler over the area on your card that you want to have piercing (make sure the foam mat is underneath!) then use you needle/piercer and poke away! If you click on this link it will take you to the ATS website where the ruler is located - there is a video there of Tim showing how to use the ruler (he ROCKS btw) and that's what made me HAVE to get it!

Where in Canada can you purchase the Eclipse tape?

Honestly I don't know - I got mine from AllThatScraps. I thought Stamping Bella carried it (they're located in Toronto) but I couldn't find it on the site (and got totally sidetracked drooling over all the new goodies *wink*). FYI the roll I got will last FOREVER - I've used it quite a bit and have barely made a dent in it.

Sunday Q&A

I was wondering if you spray your chipboard letters, with hairspray or something to make the glitter stay put, after you have applied Stampin' Ups fine glitter.  And have you used the chunky glitter for something.  I bought some but I find them almost too chunky to use.  Do you have any suggestions.  Thanks

I never use a sealant on Chipboard - I generally apply glitter either with a strong adhesive (a lot of the time I will apply Mod Podge with a brush to the chipboard then pour on the glitter) or I'll cover the letter with VersaMark (or a slow drying ink) then use Heat & Stick powder - heat it till it melts - then apply the glitter.

For me that's enough to get the glitter to stick really well - and yes a bit will come off here and there - but really when using glitter I find no matter what I do *some* glitter will come off. And really I don't mind!

As for Stampin' Up!'s new chunky glitter - I DID get some but I haven't used it yet! I'll hafta play around with it before posting my thoughts on it.

My question is do you use a Cricut for anything?  And being on a budget, is it better to have the nestabilities or the giga punches for scalloped circles and ovals?

I don't own a Cricut - not to say I don't want one because I do! I think I could have a lot of fun with that machine - it would really come in handy when I'm scrapbooking and whatnot. I just can't afford it right now and there are always other things I want that I end up saving up for (like the Nestabilities dies) instead of saving up for that - but maybe someday......

As far as a budget - yes I think it would be wiser to invest in the Nestabilities dies (providing you already own a die-cutting machine that you can use them with) - as you get a lot more shapes for your $$ as opposed to the punches.

I still use my Marvy punches a lot b/c they're so much easier to just grab and punch out a shape as opposed to getting out my CuttleBug and the plates and dies and whatnot. BUT if I had to choose between my Nesties and my punches - well I'd keep my Nesties!! They are more than worth every $$ in my opinion!

Have you ever pressed real leaves from trees and used them as embellishments on your cards?

No I never have. I used to have a little wooden flower press YEARS ago (I must have been 8 or 9 yearls old I think) and I would FOREVER be picking flowers and pressing and drying them - although for the life of me I can't remember what I ended up doing with them! But as for doing that now I doubt I ever would just because of the time involved and the fact that items like that are SO fragile and being on a card it would only be a matter of time before they got wrecked.

Using pressed flowers and leaves would look quite pretty tho! But I'm gonna stick to the fake ones *wink*.

Sunday Q&A

What kind of black ink do you use when you are going to use your copics to color? I am having problems with the ink bleeding...KWIM (know what I mean)?

I use a variety of inks - mostly Brilliance Graphite Black - it either has to be set aside to dry (for a LONG time) or heat set - I have the least amount of smearing issues with this ink.

I also use Palette Hybrid Noir ink - this one dries almost instantly and it doesn't smear often.

FYI the card stock you use can also affect your coloring - I almost always stick with Papertrey's Stamper's Select white when using Copics as I get the best results with that. Another great one I use is Bazzill Smoothies Coconut Swirl (aka white).

When you make cards to give or even sell, do you make the envelopes as well? And If you do make them, what do you use so that the person can close the envelope? Because store bought envies have the glue strip to lick or wet down.

I rarely make envelopes - I just don't have the time. When I do though I use Greeting Glue - Stampin' Up! made it available in one of their mini catalogues (last year I think) and you apply it to the flap and let it dry and it works like regular envelope adhesive. Sadly I have NO idea where else to get it as SU! no longer carries it.....

I pretty much always make standard A2 sized cards (4.25 x 5.5") so I either buy my envelopes at office supply stores (you can get a case for not too much $$), from Stampin' Up! (great for special occassions) or through Papertrey.

What size is the I got you Babe card. It looks square.
What size is the envelope? Do you make or buy it?

I put at the end of that post the card size (5.5" square), as well as mentioning that I made the envelope out of matching patterned paper - it's a little larger than 5.5".

I have been reading lots about the copic markers. If you were just starting, what would you buy just as a beginner? And, do you have any hints on using them.
Are there any online classes for them?

I get asked a LOT which colors I think people should start with. Honestly I can't answer that question. I got the full set of CIAO's to start off with - over 140 markers. And each person's color preferences is different. All I can say is if you start with one of the sets (there's 4 basic sets in the CIAO line - A, B, C and D, plus other smaller sets) I say start with A and go from there. There are a lot of basic colors as well as skin tones in that set - good way to go.

As far as hints - basically just PRACTICE!! No one becomes a great colorer overnight - you need to keep at it and experiment with different card stocks and inks and just keep experimenting until you get into a "coloring groove" that works for you.

I don't know of any online classes - you can try a google search and see what comes up.

Do you stamp the inside of your cards?

Sometimes I do - not always tho.

What adhesives do you use for each step of your process

I use Mono Multi for pretty much EVERYTHING. It holds everything really well. For really tiny areas I'll use my Quickie Glue Pen, for ribbon I'll either use sticky strip (aka red liner tape) or mini glue dots.

How do you organize your stamps? I'm unmounting all mine and can't decide if I want to arrange by company, by "theme" or what.

Since I have *cough* a LOT of stamps - I keep them organized by company - Papertrey, CC Designs, GinaK, Stampin' Up!, Stamping Bella, Rubber Romance, etc etc etc etc.

How much do you charge for your cards - how do you determine what the pricing should be? For example, the card you posted yesterday: http://prairiepaperandink.typepad.com/amyr/2008/03/thinking-of-y-1.html

It really depends on the card - how much work went into it, how much embellishments, time etc etc etc. A card like the one you linked to I would prolly sell for around $5. I have been tossing around the idea of selling my cards through this blog and pricing them right has been my biggest road block - so we'll see what happens.

I am wondering how you store your punches? I have several from SU and from stores and I haven't figured out how to store them so they are accessible.

Right now they're stored in big plastic containers (all my Marvy ones) and the SU! ones are stored in shallow drawers. I don't have the wall space right now to store them there (I've seen people using curtain rods and then setting the punch handles into them and then the punch leans against the wall - eventually that's what I want to do).

My question may seem a bit dull, but I just can't seem to get my ribbon to stay on my cards for long! I've seen "ribbon-glue" in the craft stores but don't want to buy it and find that it's really nothing special. So, my ? is...how do you get you ribbon to stay put?

I guess it depends on where you're putting the ribbon on your card and how tightly you are tying it - I rarely glue mine down and a lot of the time it's just wrapped around and it's never come off. Sometimes I punch a hole and thread it through - but that's just an aesthetic touch. I really only glue the ribbon down when I want it to stay a certain way and it won't do it on it's own - I find a mini glue dot does the trick for me.

I just purchased some of the Stamping Bella stamps and really like the way you colored the bella image on your Friday Sketch #6. Would you be able to list the Copic colors you used for this image?

I made that card quite some time ago (it was posted in February but I think I made it before Christmas) so I don't remember what colors I used. I rarely pay attention to the specific colors as I'm creating - I grab whatever color I'm looking for. I just don't have the time to write down all the specific colors I use as sometimes I use a LOT and the time I would spend keeping track and writing them all down is time I could be using for cleaning up and working on other projects....

I was just wondering if you still liked your photo kit?  I'm getting ready to buy one and wondered how the lighting was... or if you would recommend this size vs. the smaller one.

Still love it - I use it for almost every picture I take on here. The tent is HUGE but since I like to take pictures of my scrapbook pages I am glad I got it. If you're just doing cards then it'd prolly be better to go with the smaller tent (mine is 24").

I've noticed on a few of your cards you pull the ribbon through the main image and then tied a bow.  What kind of punch do you use?  I love the whole look of the ribbon.

Making Memories Slot Punching Tool

Ooooh Amy love the ribbon on your latest card.  Do you remember where you got it (or who makes it)?

I got it at Michaels. It was on a little wooden spool and there was no name or anything on it.

By any chance do you have a tutorial or a link about instructions or a way of painting a card using a brayer or inky roller?

I don't personally - but check out the resources section on Splitcoast - I KNOW there is a tutorial or two (or more) that use the brayer :o)

Was browsing thru your site and noticed a FlipFlop card that you did I think under Stampin UP.  Did you ever do a tutorial on that  card, who how you made it.

No there isn't a tutroial - I used a flip flop template I came across on Splitcoast - I printed it off and traced it onto white card stock.

Sunday Q&A on Monday :o)

I appreciate the ebay site to buy the chipboard coasters to make the Chipboard Coasters Gift Box. Thank you for that Amy.

Can you tell me what weight coasters you used for this project? The medium or 1/16" ones?

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For things like boxes or really anything that needs to be good and sturdy I use medium-weight chipboard coasters.

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I do want to ask you, do you sew on your cards much and if so is there a certain machine you have to use for paper or just anyone is fine?

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I sew on cards fairly often now. I use a Janome Sew mini but I assume there are several different machines out there you could use - I just don't know anything about them! I got the Mini b/c of the price and the fact that is is EASY to use - me not having any sewing skills that was a must!

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Amy I have some questions for you about copics. I have been tossing around the idea of purchasing them and so I did some research to see what some people say about them and I got very mixed reviews.  They are not worth the money, they are magic.  What is the scoop?  Are they easy to use? Does it take practice?  Are they worth the investment?

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With markers like this there will definitely be mixed reviews b/c of their price and the fact that they DO take practice in order to use them properly!

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For ME they are definitely worth every penny - but I make a LOT of cards and I am using my Copic markers nearly every day - I reach for them constantly! I also have a full (144) set of CIAO's so I have plenty of color options and colors to blend and shade - if a person only has a small handful of markers with limited color options I can see how they would get frustrated and not be able to enjoy having them....

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Do you find when using Pearl Ex with the essential glue pad that the pearl ex has less of a tendency to rub off like when you use versa mark?

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When I use the Essential Glue pad with Pearl Ex the PE does NOT come off at all - it bonds with the glue and it's good to go. When you use VersaMark it only adheres until the VE dries - then it all brushes off. If you use PearlEx with VersaMark you need to seal it with something - either fine mists of hair spray or an acrylic sealer spray - something to keep it in place when the VM dries (thus the reason I am LOVING my glue pad - I am actually pulling out my Pearl Ex and USING it now!)

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I have 50 ciao copics on their way to me.  I can not find anywhere if these need to be stored on horizontal like the SU markers or can they be placed vertically.  What is the best way to store them, how do you store yours?

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The great thing about Copic markers is that they can be stored horizontally OR vertically. B/c they are alcohol based the tips act like wicks and it doesn't affect them to be stored in either position - FYI I store mine vertically in a big plastic container and have no problems with them.

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What number/shade of Copic did you use to colour your VERY pink car?<<=== (Elzybells car post)

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I used a combination of RV04 Shock Pink and RV06 Cerise.

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I was wondering what you think of SU soft Sky versus the PaperTrey Inks Aqua Mist colors? I know they are not the same but are they similar enough that I could just get one or the other and if so what would you recommend? I am leaning towards the Papertrey as it will be around longer but I really like the Soft Sky. I can't get both even though I'm sure I would love them.

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OK rather than go on and on about the differences check out Nichole's post HERE. If you scroll down it a bit she posted a couple of pictures of the new Papertrey colors next to a couple of Stampin' Up!'s colors so you can see the difference for yourselves.

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I LOVE Papertrey's new colors - and I have all of SU!'s colors and to me they are all different so I plan to continue to use and purchase that which I already love!

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You need to decide for yourself which color you like MORE and take into consideration that with SU - Soft Sky will be retired at the end of July (or whenever the Spring/Summer catalogue officially gets retired) and will no longer be available. It is a really pretty color tho and not too difficult to stock up on by buying a pack or 2 extra and a re-inker.....

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Any tips for sewing, what kinds of stitches do you use on cards?

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I use either straight or zig-zag stitches - that's all my machine offers (then different lengths of the straight and different widths of the zig-zags).

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I posted links to GinaK's tutorials on the Janome Sew mini here.

Sunday Q&A

I do have a question...what brand of ink do you use if Palette does not have the right color.

I have SEVERAL types of ink that I use ---------- besides Palette (I have them all in the cubes plus the full size Noir/black one), I of course have Papertrey's New Inks (made by Palette), I have all of Stampin' Up!'s inks (both Classic and Craft and their markers), the Brilliance Dew Drops, the VersaMagic Dew drops, and the ColorBox Cat's Eye's in Chalk and Pigment Inks. Oh and I also have several Stazon pads and a few Encore metallic pads as well......plus VersaMark! (that one's a must-have)

So it's rare that I can't find a matching color!! *wink*

Hi, I've seen your products... do you create something for wedding?
Do you have a catalogue??

I have done wedding invitations, but I won't do them again unless the price is right. They are VERY time consuming and I am particular about them being perfect (they're for a wedding afterall!) and so far most people want them for cheaper then I can manage. My time is valuable and I will NOT undersell myself (something I think a lot of papercrafters out there need to learn - I know it took me a LONG time to figure that one out!!)

And no I don't have a catalogue of my creations - just my little albums here on my blog :o)

Amy - I love your stamping and YOUR blog!  I am a beginning stamper and wondered about your favorite stamp-pad?  What would you recommend?  I;ll be using prismacolor pencils for coloring

my images!

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Well thank you! As you can see from the first question I have a LOT of inks - but for coloring with Prismacolor pencils I almost always use Palette Hybrid Noir ink.

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I have recently purchased some nestabilities and I am having problems (??) with the dies leaving marks on my cuttlebug spacers. Is this normal? I actually used a cuttlebug die this morning and it also left a mark on the spacer. Do you know if this is to be expected? What sandwich recipe do you use for the nestabilities? I really appreciate your insight.

Yup that's normal. The plates will get REALLY marked up with regular use and in time they will break and need to be replaced (most places that sell CuttleBug Machines and accessories sell the replacement plates). I've had my Bug for well over a year now and I've only broken a couple of plates - the first one b/c it was HEAVILY used and time to go and the second time because I had my "sandwich" too thick and it couldn't stand the pressure.

I use the sandwich recipe shown here.

Hi Amy...I read on your blog that you have most of the SU punches. Does that include the picture corner punch? And if so do you use it much or prefer to do the corners as you do in your tutorial?

The photo-corner punch you mean? Yes I have it (along with almost all of Stampin' Up!'s punches) and I use it quite frequently. I still do my tutorial to make my own photo corners if I want something bigger or have a certain look I want - it all just depends on what I'm going for :o)

I just love your work....can you tell me what stamps (company name) you used for your "Heartfelt Thanks" card.....seems the base of card is large polka dot of different colors and then a wonderful set which includes pretty flowers..I so appreciate your talent and thanks for sharing...........

It took me a while to figure out just which card you were talking about but then I remembered! The first one in this post right?

If you look under the card I tell which sets were used on it and the names are hyper-linked to the site that sells them (they're both Papertrey sets - Green Thumb and Butterfly Kisses)

Being a fellow Canadian, I was wondering if you had come across any postings for cards to be sent to our Canadian Troops. (There seems to be an unlimited amount of listings for the States, but I'm having trouble locating the canadian ones) We have a local senior's center that would like to make and forward cards to the troops.

Your assistance would be greatly appreciated if you have any information you can pass on.

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Here are a couple of threads I've come across on Splitcoast with info that will hopefully help!:

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Canadian Military Need Our Support!

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and

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Does anyone have an address for Canadian Troops?

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I want to know: How do you mat your stamps so perfectly? Everything is
so straight and nested together. Please help!! All my squares come out
"wonky"

Thanks for any help

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Honestly I just eyeball it! I use a paper-cutter of course (I have the Fiskars one that Stampin' Up! sells) but when it comes to matting and whatnot I rarely pay attention to measurements and just "look and cut".

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Of course that doesn't really help you out at all - what might is to #1 - get a good paper-cutter - and if you're not sure which one to get ask around! There are a LOT of options out there are some are definitely better than others. #2 - measure your cuts - if say you have a rectangle that's 2x3" and you want a nice mat - cut the mat 2 1/4 x 3 1/4" - that will give you a nice 1/8" mat around the main image.

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I was trying to find something on your blog that I thought I saw a few weeks ago.  I can't figure out if there is a way to go backwards on your blog though.  I think it was you who made something with one of those mailboxes from Target for $1?  If there is a way to look it up, could you please let me know?

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First off you can get to all my older posts in my "Oldies But Goodies......" section - ll my posts are categorized by month and go all the way back to the beginning.

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Second I did do a couple of things with the mailboxes (not having a Target in Canada some VERY sweet ladies sent me a few of the boxes along with other goodies to play with - in fact I still have some of it sitting here waiting to be embellished and altered.....) - here's one of them.

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Love all the wonderful cards that you make.  What about the inside?  Do you always leave them blank for a handwritten message?  I never know what to write so it doesn't sound so cheesy!  Help!

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Yes a lot of the time I do leave the inside blank. Sometimes I stamp a nice sentiment on the inside, or I'll stamp some of the images used on the front on the inside to "carry the theme". I'll also adhere some of the patterned paper I've used on the outside on the INSIDE of the card as well (something I picked up from Cindy - loved that idea) just to dress it up a bit.

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I wanted to ask you for any ideas on how to use the shiny white SU cardstock. I got a big basket gift full of papers embellishments etc and a whole pack of this shiny CS and I have no idea what can I do with it.

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I am thinking what you got is the glossy card stock (similar looking to photo paper?) - honestly I don't use mine very much but if you check out this thread <-----click! it should hopefully give you some ideas!! :o)

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I love your cards truly AWESOME do you know any place or coupons for discounts on copic markers????

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I wish I did! So far I haven't come across anything like a discount or a sale on the Copics - if I do I will be sure to post!

Some Answers

Several questions were posted on my February Papertrey Release Countdown post so I just finished editing the post and added the questions and my answers at the end of it - so if you asked a question or are just curious you can check them out here (scroll down past all the pictures to get to them).

Papertrey February Release Countdown - 2

I gotta say that when it came time for me to choose which of the Papertrey set(s) I wanted to feature for my countdown post I had the HARDEST time choosing!! All the sets are fabulous (as usual!) and I can't wait until y'all get to see them in full!

I ended up choosing the Just Hatched set (Nichole created it to go with the Egg Boxes you can see here) because it's also great for cards too! So here we go!

I started off by cutting out an oval using my CuttleBug and Oval Nestabilities die (from the Classic Oval Large set)

I prefer to cut the image first THEN stamp on it (one of the great benefits of clear stamps - since you can see through them and line them up perfectly!).

I then chose one of the stamps from the Just Hatched set.

The stamp is clean - but I had already used it a few times before taking these pictures. You can see how stained it is in this picture.

I actually LOVE that it's stained - I find it MUCH easier to find which stamps I want when I'm going through my clear sets since the staining makes them easier to see (and read when I'm looking for particular sentiments!).

I wanted to stamp the image using two different colors.

To make that possible I pulled out my tape and covered the areas of the stamp I DIDN'T want to get ink on.

I then used my Burnt Umber Palette cube and inked up the "Little One".

**FYI I used my label maker to label all the cubes when I first got them since they don't have the names on them like the full-size pads do.**

Once the wording was inked I pulled off the tape and inked up just the border with the WaterLily Green ink.

I purposely left the rest of the wording on the stamp un-inked - I only wanted the "Little One" sentiment for my card.

<-------and this is one of the reasons why I LOVE clear stamps!

I was easily able to line up and stamp the image onto the oval I cut at the beginning.

When planning this card I decided to use Prism Frosted Teal card stock (which is a PERFECT match to the Palette WaterLily Green ink).

The CS has a bit of texture to it but I wanted to liven up the card a bit - so I pulled out one of the stamps from the soon-to-be-released Polka Dot Basics set.

It only took a minute or two to stamp the entire piece. Nichole designed the stamps to line up PERFECTLY - you don't need to move them from side to side to line up the dots when stamping them - making it SO quick and easy to stamp an entire card base!

I will be reaching for this set over and over again - it's a definite MUST have stamp set!

After stamping the CS I wanted to add just a *little* something more - so I pulled out one of my rectangle Nestabilities dies and embossed it onto the CS.

Do you know I've NEVER done this before? And yet it's so easy!

I placed the die where I wanted it to be embossed, and to hold it in place I used two little pieces of tape before putting it in the sandwich stack and running it through my CuttleBug.

After embossing the Teal card stock I used a corner rounder punch on each corner and sponged the edges of it and the white oval with Burnt Umber ink.

I cut a scalloped oval frame for the main image with another Nestability die and Chocolate Chip (Stampin' Up!) card stock.

To finish the card I added some wide Polka Dot ribbon (Michaels) and brown brads then adhered the Teal Card stock to a base made of Papertrey White card stock.

This card measures 4.25 x 5.5".

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SUPPLIES:

STAMPS: Just Hatched and Polka Dot Basics stamp sets by Papertrey Ink.

CS: Papertrey Stamper's Select White, Prism Frosted Teal, Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip.

INK: Palette Inks in Burnt Umber and WaterLily Green.

ACCESSORIES: Nestabilities Dies, Sponge Daubers, Ribbon, Brads, Dimensionals, Tape.

EDITED TO ADD:

There were several questions asked in the comments on this post - here they are:

I am trying to decide if I need a cuttlebug or a cricut or both - which do you recommend??

Honestly - I don't own a cricut. The only die-cut machine I own (and have ever tried!) is the CuttleBug. I someday hope to be able to purchase a cricut b/c I think it would be a really fun machine to own (especially as I get into scrapbooking more and as my girls get older and start school I think it will be a useful tool to have for projects and whatnot).

Can you tell me what the difference is between the Cuttlebug and the Sizzix Side kick? Is it a size thing? Also will the Nestibilities work in the Sidekick, since I already own that?

I can't say anything about the differences as I've never used a SideKick - however I do know the Nestabilities will work in the SK - but you can't emboss with them. You can find out more about the compatabilities of the Nestabilities dies and the different die-cut machines HERE.

Where did you get the small block with the grid lines? I'd like to get one so that it is easier to line up the polka dots.

The block is from this set by ProvoCraft. And it's actually quite a large block - 2 x 6.5".

Where did you get Palette ink cubes?

Papertrey sells them individually and All That Scraps sells them in sets.

how were you able to emboss without cutting up the paper?

I use the compatability chart here - when you follow the instructions for embossing you won't cut the paper :o)

Are you using your new photography lights yet?

Yes I am - all the pictures taken for this post (and almost all of my recent posts) were taken with my new set-up!

On your Papertrey February Release Countdown - 2 you had a picture of the Cuttlebug with plates A, C, and B.  Are those the only ones you used to cut out the oval nestabilities die??  If that's true, I'm going to order them, I thought that it took a lot of messing around to get them cut out.

Yes those were the only plates I used - you can see the chart for the CuttleBug here (you have to scroll down a bit) for what you need. For just cutting with the Nestability dies you just use the plates you will have with your CuttleBug, and then to emboss you just need the tan polymer mat that both Papertrey and All That Scraps sells (and again the chart with the sandwich for embossing is here).

Sunday Q&A

Do you have any card samples for 16 and 18year old boys? I need to make some thank you cards for them to send out. Any suggestions? thanks for your help.

You know what - I don't think I've EVER made a card for a boy in that age range.........I don't have any extra time right now to make anything - but if I needed a card I would probably keep it simple. Finding stamp images that appeal to older teenage boys is also difficult but what I would do is use larger sentiment stamps and let them be the main focus of the cards.

Colors like red, blue, green (more primary colors) along with black and white would appeal the most in my opinion (if you know the recipients favorite colors or their favorite team's colors that would be the way to go I'm thinkin'!) and then just keep it SIMPLE! :o)

EDITED TO ADD: Here's a comment that was posted below by Rhonda with some AWEOME suggestions - thanks Rhonda!!

cards for teenage boys -

I have a great stamp for that.  It's Godzilla!  Don't know who makes it, as I bought it used and unmounted; but it never fails to raise a smile. 

You can do well with the skull motif things that are prevalent right now.  Sports, cars, and motorcycles, too.  In my experience they also enjoy llamas and monkeys that are funny but not cutesy.

Decorating the card front with pop tabs, washers, bits of chain, and dog tags or guitar picks works well.  Die cuts that you've cut from Mountain Dew or energy drink cans are good, too.

I teach a class of teen boys at my church, so I'm as reasonably in touch with what they like as any 43 year old woman can be!

Hmmm, digital...I was just thinking, that could be a way to save money.  If you find a design that you really liked and bought, you would always have it available from your computer.  Am I correct on my thinking?  (comment from this post)

Yup that's right! Once any digital paper packs are downloaded onto your computer you can print off as many as you want! So you'll never run out of your favorite patterned paper!

Do you have a Scor-Pal or something similiar?  I am looking for information on the scoring tools and wondered if you had one or had any preferences?

I have a Scor-pal and I LOVE it! I got it a couple of months ago and use it ALL the time - mostly just to score my card stock for standard card folds - but I'm starting to fiddle a little more with it and making envelopes and plan on trying more "fancy fold" cards with it.

I highly recommend getting one!!

I have looked at many of your Bella Creation cards and was wondering what color you use to get the great flesh tone on these lovely ladies.  I just love your blog, keep up the great work.

I generally use either Copic E21 - Baby Skin Pink, or Copic E00 - Skin White for Caucasian skin tones. When I want to give the skin a bit of a "tan" I'll use a color like Copic E31 - Brick Beige.

but just wondered what colour Copic did you use on the polka dot rubber boots? ((I wish I had a real 3-d pair just like these ones *wink*)).
(MFT Umbrella card post)

I used Copic BG49 - Duck Blue

How did you make that puddle of water look so realistic? (same post as above)

I forgot to mention that I used a Sakura Clear Glaze pen - something else that would have worked (and would have been even shinier) is Ranger Glossy Accents.

Sunday Q&A

1. I cut all my paper by hand, I draw a line out to square the paper off with a ruler and that is how I do it! Now my question is what kind of cutting tool is the best to use that is not too expensive to get my cuts more evenly?

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I have the Fiskars Paper Cutter that is sold in the Stampin' Up! cataloge (and I think you can get the same one at Michaels as well). I LOVE my paper cutter and am always able to get straight cuts with it!

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2. I have no idea what kind of paints, colors, colored pencils are the best to color in your images? I normally use colored pencils but sometimes they are just not bright enough for the image and then I get discouraged.  Any suggestions?

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Oohhhhhh - there are a LOT of coloring options out there!!

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There's waterbased markers - I have Stampin' Up!'s markers and really like them (plus they're great for coloring on the stamp and then stamping with) and I've heard good things about Tombow's markers (I've personally never tried them)

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There's Pencil Crayons - you get better results if you use odorless mineral spirits with them (find out more about those HERE). The BEST brand is the Prismacolor ones - you can get them at Michaels, a lot of art supply stores and even All That Scraps carries them (Crayola pencil crayons will work with OMS as well as other brands but like I said Prismacolor is the best brand in my opinion!).

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Watercolor Pencils - these are OK. To be totally honest it's been well over a year since I've used mine.

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Watercolor Crayons - I have Stampin' Up!'s Watercolor Wonder Crayons (LOVE them), and Lyra makes really good ones as well. I use these quite a bit.

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Alcohol-based markers - there's 2 major brands out there - Prismacolor and Copic. I've tried both and I prefer the Copics mostly b/c I like the barrel shape (I have the CIAO ones), there's more colors and b/c my hubby bought me the set as a gift! If he hadn't bought them for me I would probably be still using my Prismacolor markers b/c I never had issues with them (I really need to sell them as they're just sitting here unused - yet another thing on my to-do list). Markers like these are definitely a pricey option - you really need to think about how much you will be using them if they're something you can't easily afford. I really love my Copic markers and use them a LOT so they are worth it for me to have them.

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This was just a brief outline of SOME of the coloring options out there - there are so many ways to color in stamped images that it would take me too long to list every single thing! These are the ones I use the most (or don't in the case of the watercolor pencils LOL).

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3. Square scalloped edges? I see a few of these cards with the square scallopped edges and from what I see it isn't a punch? Or is it? Is there a place out there where you can purchase these seperately without a punch?

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I'm not exactly sure what you are referring to - but I'm thinking something like this (the second card in this post)? These are made with a Nestabilities die. You buy them in sets and you need a die-cutting machine to be able to use them (I have a CuttleBug). There's a variety of shapes out there - you can see them on the Spellbinders site

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I also have a blog and how do I get more people to sign up to my blog etc. or even visit my blog I am having trouble with that.

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Participating in bloggers challenges, getting your blog listed on the Stamping Top 50 site, and exchanging links with other bloggers can help (not guaranteed but it should help...). There are also blogger groups out there but I don't really know much about them as I'm not in any - I assume a lot of them are invite-only, or maybe you have to ask to be on them, or start one of your own! :o)

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I have recently purchased a Cuttlebug like you use and I was under the impression that I could use the Fiskars texture plates with it.
They are very thick plates and I don't see how I could use them. Do you know if I have to buy something different to be able to use these plates.

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I did this post and this post on this some time ago - I have the BISK but since it's no longer available you need the Sizzix Texturz Starter Kit - it has the silicone rubber and the Impressions pad that you use with your CuttleBug.

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I have a hard time coloring my bella's to look as nice as yours. What is your secret? What do you use. I was using water color pencils and a blending pen. Mine look messy.

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I mostly use my Copic markers to color them in. At other times I've used my Stampin' Up! markers and have even used watercolor crayons and watercolored them (I pick up the color from the crayon with an AquaPainter b/c the tip is fine enough to color in the small details of the Bellas). It just takes practice and at times you need to go slower on some of the more detailed images (I love to color so I don't find them tedious to color in at all!).

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I have a question about this technique.  When you embossed the red cardstock with the embossing powder, what did you use to get it to stick to the card.  As a beginner at this, learning the various "tricks" is the biggest challenge. (the SUPERfast card post)

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I used VersaMark ink - I pressed the ink pad down all over the red card stock, poured on the Iridescent Ice EP (it's basically ultrafine glitter mixed with clear embossing powder) then heated it with my heat tool (making sure to hold the card stock with tweezers since I was heating the entire piece and didn't want to burn my fingers!).

Sunday Q&A

I love how you tied the ribbon - do you have to make the holes bigger to fit the ribbon through there? (referring to the card in THIS post)

I don't always have to make the holes bigger - but for that card I did - I just used my Crop-a-dile to punch larger holes to fit the ribbon through.

Glad you are having fun w/ your Wii! You guys have not almost broken your tv, right? We have -- and thankfully you can get free "jackets" for the controllers. Nintendo is offering them for free after all the mishaps. Have you seen the blog where there are pics of broken tvs, black eyes, etc? Here is the link: http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/jacket/jacketrequest.jsp

Nope - we haven't come close to breaking the TV - but I did just about hit the lights on our ceiling fan the first time I played LOL! I've got the hang of it tho and we re-arranged the furniture in the living room so that we have more room to play!

Also thanks for the link for the "jacket" - I was able to order an extra one for that extra remote we bought so hopefully it will be here soon!

Hi Amy,

Can you tell me who makes the pink ribbon you used on the card "Wild about you"?  It has the little CC Designs pig on the front, dated 1/17/08 (in THIS post)

Thanks so much and I love your work.

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Yes I stated right in the post that the ribbon was made by Stampin' Up! - it's not available anymore as it was in last year's Winter Mini and was retired. I don't know of any other place to get something similar as I've never come across ribbon like it!

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Your designs are just FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Can I ask a question about Ink?  I love the SU colors but I have such a hard time getting there ink pads open.  Do you have a recommendation of a flip top pad?

The only flip-top pads I own and even know about are SU ones and I'm pretty sure the design to them is exclusive. All my other ink pads are little - I have the Brilliance Dew Drops, and VersaMagic Dew Drops, the Palette Hybrid Spots (same style as SU!'s Spots) and ColorBox's Cat's Eyes.

If you have too much trouble with the larger ink pads you could consider getting SU's ink spots instead, OR you could try to find a different style of empty ink pads that you could ink yourself with SU! re-inkers (a more pricey option....)

Just a quick question, I noticed in your photographs that you always have a white background, and it looks really nice and clean-cut. It there a special box or something that you use?

Up to now I've just been using sheets of card stock and daylight lamps to take my pictures - but I *just* got my Christmas present from my hubby which was a soft-box photo cube (see this post). I'll be playing around with it and will be posting more about it over the next little while.

how do I add my name to my cards (watermark)???

Most photo-editing programs have an option where you can "add text" to your pictues - and you can type in your own info. That's what I used to do for the longest time - until a friend of mine made me a custom watermark. It took me FOREVER to figure out how to add it to my photo's using Photoshop Elements (if you do a search in the Splitcoast forums using the keyword "watermark" you should find lots of helpful info - I'm horrible with all the technical stuff!)

Amy I tried to add your blog to mine and I guess I typed the wrong URL I typed: prairiepaper&ink.blogspot.com what do I need to type??? Thank you.
Nancy

My blog address is: http://prairiepaperandink.typepad.com/

FYI - I went through all the comments on my Blogroll post and added all the blogs that linked to me. It took FOREVER ( I wasn't expecting nearly that many LOL!) but I got it done and I edited the couple that were pointed out to me that had wrong links/names.

I know you use Copic markers.  I am just using regular markers & whenever I color in my rubber stamping, the black outline always bleeds.  Does this happen with the Copic markers as well.  I have even tried a heat gun on my stamps & it still bleeds.  Any suggestions?

The big thing isn't the markers but rather what black ink and card stock are you using? I used to have a lot of issues with SU!'s Basic Black ink on Whisper White CS - but last week I sat down and made a bunch of cards using that ink and card stock and coloring in all the images with a blender pen and re-inkers (I'll be sharing the cards soon!). I found that if I let the stamped image sit while I would finish off the rest of the card - it rarely smeared. I don't know why but heat setting that ink doesn't seem to help.

One thing I have noticed is that it almost doesn't matter what ink you are using if you are using Whisper White card stock - the smooth quality of the card stock while great for stamping on - seems to make most inks smear.

I've found that if I purposely try to avoid the lines of the image when I'm coloring it in keeps the smearing to a minimum (and I do that with almost every image I color - whether it be with water-based (ie Stampin' Up!) markers or my Copics - I don't color over the lines if I can help it).

My absolute FAVORITE black ink (after trying several kinds!) for stamping images that I plan on coloring in with markers is Brilliance Graphite Black. It either needs to be heat set or set aside to dry as it takes some time - but it's one of the "least" smearing black ink's I've tried out so far. Palette Hybrid Noir is a close second.

Do you have any tricks for getting a straight line using decorative scissors? I don't use them cuz they drive me crazy!

When I use decorative scissors I just eyeball it. What you can do tho is make a light pencil line and then follow it with the scissors then erase the line when you're done (this works best when you're wanting to cut a straight line - then all you need to do is pull out a ruler, draw your line, cut, then erase!)

Here's a pretty basic question but not all of us are advanced yet. How do you start your card? Do you pick a stamp set, paper, ribbon, or embelishment to build your card around? I get lost with all the "stuff" I have and never know where to start.

See - to me that's the beauty of cardmaking - it is always different (at least for me!). Sometimes I start with a certain stamp set/certain stamp. Other times I have some patterned paper sitting out that I want to use - so I pick stamps and embellishments that will go with it. And yet other times I start with a certain color combo or sketch in mind and go from there.

My advice is for when you're feeling totally overwhelmed - pick ONE thing. It doesn't matter what that thing is (stamps, paper, embellishment, some ribbon - whatever!) just pick it. Take a good look at it and think of what else you have in your stash that will go well with it.

If it's some ribbon - what color is it? What color of paper do you have on hand that will go well with it?

If it's a piece of patterned paper - what colors are in the paper? Do you have any embellishments that will compliment the paper?

If it's a stamp (or stamps) - what style are they? Funky (leans towards bright colors), masculine (earth tones, blues, greens etc), little girl (pinks, purples, yellows etc)......

Really it just takes practice. When I first started stamping it took me some time to start thinking about the things I had and how to use them and where to start. I started participating in the weekly challenges over on Splitcoast and those really helped since they gave me a starting point - I highly recommend trying that out as they're really fun too!

Do you sell you stamped cards? at craft fair?

I sell cards at a local salon here town and I don't do craft fairs (don't have the time!). I have been toying with the idea of selling some of the cards that I post on here either right from my blog or having my own Etsy shop - I just don't know how many people would actually want to buy the things I've made!

Sunday Q&A

Hi, I am just wondering how you store your scrap paper? Do you have an easy, efficient way to do it? I need to organize with the little options I have for storage!Thanks, Kris Reynolds

Here is a post I did a long time ago on this: http://prairiepaperandink.typepad.com/amyr/2006/11/card_stock_and_.html

I still have the drawer with the file folders to keep all my scraps in since I mainly use Stampin' Up! CS - and I am STILL trying to figure out what to do about my Bazzill and Prism CS as they're stored in the Cropper Hopper Vertical paper holders and I don't want to just toss the scraps into those (makes it more of a pain to get to them...).

Does anyone know if you can get IKEA delivered.  The closest is in Chicago and we are in Columbia Missouri 125 miles west of St. Louis
Bonnie

Yes you can. Just go to IKEA.com and select your country and go from there. I have NO idea what the shipping charges are - and not all items that you can see online are available to order - you have to go to an actual IKEA store to get them.

Hola Amy,
Do you buy your cards and then embellish them? or cut cardstock n fold? What dimensions, I am terrible in math, please help me on how if cardstock is used.
Diana
P.S I use buy n embellish.. I think your cards are smaller than mine are.

I use card stock - mostly Stampin' Up! but I have a lot of Bazzill and Prism card stock as well that I frequently use. I mainly stick to the 8 1/2 x 11" card stock then cut it in half to make my cards - so unless I specify otherwise all my cards are standard A2 size (4.25 x 5.5").

If I'm using 12x12 CS I cut out a 5.5 x 8.5 piece and fold it in half to get my A2 size card.

What do you use to outline your images for that shadow effect?
Do you use a color chart or do you have any tips on combining colors into a design?

For the first one I answered that here.

You know I never use color charts - I have Stampin' Up!'s Color Coach but I never use it (but back when I first got it when I was newer to stamping - I used it ALL the time! I really recommend it b/c I found it really helped me to think out of the box with color combos as I tended to use the SAME colors all the time).

When I'm using patterned papers (which I do a lot!) I pick the colors from the paper to use on the rest of the card - which makes it easy (for me) since then the color combo is already "set" and I go from there.

When it comes to using color - stick to no more than 3 or 4 main colors for your cards - using more than that can overwhelm the design (it can be done you just have to be careful!).

One thing that not only helps but is FUN too - is to participate in the Color Challenges on Splitcoast. There is a new one every Tuesday and once you get into them I find it helps you to view colors in a different way!

Love your cards!!! Thank you for sharing. I just recently received my Bellas in the mail and I have never used this kind of stamps before (not cling, no wood mounted) soooo, any suggestions on what works best for these?? I am dying to ink them!

Check this out: http://prairiepaperandink.typepad.com/amyr/2007/01/using_unmounted.html

I mount all my Bellas on EZmount now b/c all my other UM stamps are this way and sticking to only one system works best for me - but at the end of that (long) post I show how you can use just double-sided tape and an acrylic block for the Bellas.

When do you find the best time to stamp and how do you keep your kids occupied while you do your creating?

I really LOVE mornings - and I find that is when I'm most creative. I try to stamp every morning but it doesn't always work out that way. My studio is in an area just off of (and practically part of) our living room so I have the girls in here with me the enitre time. They have a bunch of their toys in here and a lot of the time they both sit right up at my desk and watch (and give input by pointing out things they want me to use and generally chatting up a storm. It's hilarious but at times (like when Veronica is in the mood to shriek "No not that!", "Don't use that!", "Oh no you're gonna wreck it!" - EVERY time I reach for something or do something) - I'm ready to pull my hair out LOL!).

Josie still takes naps in the afternoon so I try to get more done then as it's just Veronica and me I can stamp and she colors and we chat and have a grand time.

And then there's the days where all I deal with is spilled milk (or cereal, or soup or whatever can be found and poured all over the floor!) and constant meltdowns/tantrums/fighting.....needless to say I don't get much done on those days!

What die-cutting machine would you recommend for first (or possibly only) purchase?? Thanks!

The first and only machine I've ever used is the CuttleBug - so that's what I recommend! It is super-easy to use and they have a TON of dies and folders for it, and you can use other companies dies (like Spellbinders Nestabilities) in it too.

Sunday Q&A

I have a question for your next Q&A...

Do you have any tips for photographing cards? My pictures are almost always disappointing. (I have a lack of natural light in my house, which is probably my biggest problem.) It's disheartening to work hard on making a pretty card only to have an ugly photograph to put on my blog. Your cards always look great. (Of course, they're gorgeous to start with!)

Thanks,
Lisa

Check out this post I did a year ago <----- click!! I still do that now (either 2 pieces of card stock as a background or a piece of posterboard and then my 2 daylight lamps). I've moved since then and my space doesn't look anything like that but I still set up everything on my desk and take my pics!

I also have a different camera than the Fuji one I listed in that post (that Fuji was great for taking card pictures tho...) I have a Digital Canon Rebel XT (got it b/c we have the 35mm Canon Rebel and all the accessories and lenses are interchangeable) which has a MUCH bigger learning curve to it (not to mention they are a lot more expensive!).

When you sew on a card what do you do with the "tails" of the thread?  With a normal sewing project you'd backstitch to keep it from unravelling and trim the ends.  I never see backstitching on paper projects, so I'm wondering how you keep it from unravelling?  Thanks!

I pull the thread that sticks out on the front of the project to the back (easy to do since you just need to gently tug on the thread that is on the back and it will pull on the front one) then tie them in a knot and trim them off and that's it!

First, I have to say that I love your blog - so many great ideas!  My DH got me some Nestabilities for Christmas this year (yeah!).  I was wondering, do you stamp your image first or cut and emboss first?  Any info. would be greatly appreciated!

That was so sweet of your DH!! *grin* Actually I do both - MOST of the time I cut out THEN stamp and whatnot but every once and a while I stamp and then decide I want it on a Nestability shape so I cut it out. I just personally prefer to cut then stamp b/c it's easier for me that way. I've done it where I've stamped and colored an image and then went to cut it out and the die slipped as I made the "sandwich" stack and then after I pulled it out it was ruined! (I guess there is a magnet sheet you can get to help prevent this but I've never looked into it - for now it just workes for me to cut out the shapes then stamp them...)

Hello Amy,

I was wondering if the wooden storage case would hold the stampin up ink pads?

Thanks,

Shannon

You mean this one?? No it won't. And the DVD one like that I'm sure won't either. IKEA used to have wood DVD holders that were perfect for holding SU!'s ink pads (I had quite a few of them for that purpose but stopped using them b/c they took up too much wallspace) as they were just strips of wood - you can see what I'm talking about here. I don't know if IKEA even sells them anymore tho....

Hi Amy,

I know how you love you Cuttlebug, but I have a question that has been "buggin" me!

I bought the swirl embossing folder.  How do I get the embossing on my paper if

it is bigger than the folder.  I have tried putting it back thru & it doesn't match up

to what is already there & looks terrible.  Any hints?

Thanks,

Jeanette

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Sadly I odn't have any hints to offer you - those embossing folders don't really match up at all - I have done wider papers with them and just fudged it where they met up (added my main image or ribbon or some other embellishments so it wasn't as noticeable). They weren't made so that the edges would match if you embossed larger papers - I wish they had been!

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I went to two different Costco last night and they didn't have them anymore. :(  I did recall seeing it there once before..should have grab it while I can.  could you tell me what the maker (company) is for these ribbons so that I can have Costco do the research for me to see if any ones in town have them?

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I looked on the back of the box and there isn't a company listed!? It just has an item # on the UPC code (Item #143921) and then under it says Imported by Costco Wholesale etc etc, and that it was made in Taiwan. They are just listed as "Ribbon Boutique" as that's the only name on the front and back of the box. I hope that helps!

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Hi I have a question for your question period.  How do you know what size to cut the 2 nd layer on your cards.  Like when you put a rectangle on your card, how do you know what size it should be.  Hope its not a confusing question, I'm not sure it makes sense to me LOL  Thanks

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I think you're asking about the mat I put on the card just slightly smaller than the card front? If so I cut that 1/8" smaller than a standard (4.25 x 5.5") card front - so I cut it 4 1/8" x 5 3/8".

Sunday Q&A

I've been thinking about setting aside a day to answer questions that are left on here as well as e-mailed to me and Sunday seems to be a good one so here goes!

I will try to answer as many questions as I can but there is a good chance I will miss some and if I do just post your questions in the comment section on THIS post and I'll get to it next Sunday :o)

I just have a question...do you have any ideas for wedding invitations?  My niece is getting married in June 09 and asked me to make her inviations.  Her colors are pink with touches of either purple or lavender.  I don't have a clue but said I would try.  If you have any ideas or where I might find some, please let me know.  I enjoy your web site very much..
Thanks a bunch....
   Marlene

I don't really have any ideas for you as wedding invites can take MANY shapes and forms and not knowing your neice personally makes it more difficult. HOWEVER I recommend checking out the gallery at Splitcoast - you can even enter the keywords "WEDDING" "WEDDING INVITATIONS" "WEDDING INVITES" etc into the search bar and see what all comes up. With thousands of projects uploaded to that gallery I'm sure you'll find TONS of inspiration!!

EDITED TO ADD: Here's a tip posted by Kristine in the comment section (thanks Kristine!!):

Hi Amy!  I have a tip about your first Q/A from Marlene:  I saw this webisode over at Craft Tv Weekly and he shows how to make an interlocking heart card and at the end, he shows it in all different colors for wedding invites!  Looks neat and very simple.  Don't know how to let Marlene know, but here's the link:
http://www.crafttvweekly.com/player.html

Happy New Year!! :)

Did your Costco have the K&Co chipboard as well .. they have it here in Calgary .. I bought it with the ribbon as well. 

Yes the Costco in Saskatoon had those chipboard sets - I looked at them and debated about it and then put them back! I have a K&Co set of baby chipboard shapes and letters sitting here that I got at Michael's months ago and never used and I'm not sure if I'd ever use MORE of it.......

I know that you told a little bit about your sketches in your blog. I was wondering what program you used on your computer? Or would you be able to tell us where to get it?? thanks a bunch!!

I just use the Paint program to make my sketches - it's all I know how to do right now (and it took me forever to figure out how to make them on there LOL!)

Hi! My name is Olga. I live in Ukraine. I very much like your cards. I too want to do(make) such cards. But we on Ukraine do not have such materials. You could something will inform also to send me. I very much to you I shall be grateful. Answer please.

I wait for your letter!

First off I must say I still find it very cool that I have an international audience here on my blog. Secondly I really don't know for sure how people in other countries (other than Canada and the US) get their hands on a lot of the paper-crafting items I use here.......I do know that All That Scraps will ship internationally. And there are probably other online vedors who will as well (Cornish Heritage Farms is another one and I think Stamping Bella ships internationally too).

For things like this I always say your best bet is to go to the forums on Splitcoast and post your question there - they have THOUSANDS of members from all over the world and there is always bound to be someone on there who can better answer a question like this!

I'm trying to find out what exactly are One Sheet Wonders? I know it's making several cards out of one sheet of paper but is it a template or something? Or something from the new SU catalogue? Is there a pattern for them? Any info you would share would be greatly appreciated.

Yes a One Sheet Wonder is making several cards out of one sheet of patterned (or plain card stock that you stamp yourself to make "patterned paper"). There ARE templates out there (the ones I've seen are on Splitcoast in the Downloads section - just do a search of OSW) that "maximize" the paper so that you get the most out of it (and therefore the most cards).

Personally I never use a template - I just cut the paper however I feel LOL! When using 12x12 patterned paper one little trick is to cut it into 4x4" squares - that will give you 9 squares and therefore 9 cards...

I came across your blog page through a link on someone elses page. I LOVE your work!!! I liked reading about you and how far you have come in so short a time. I am curious about something and hoping you can enlighten me. How does someone go about becoming a designer for a stamp company? I am an "ok" stamper, but I would love to know what needs to be done to achieve the "designer" status. Can you let me know? I would appreciate it very much.

Thanks for sharting your work with the rest of us. You are an inspiration!!

Thank you for the sweet comments!

I get asked this a lot and I've also seen it posted quite often in stamping forums - how do you get on design teams? is a question burning in the heads of many a stamper!

Really I'm not an authority on this subject - yes I am on several but I was asked to be on them - I never applied! And you want to know something really interesting?? ALL the design teams I've actually applied to be on (I either submitted to their Design Team call or I contacted the company personally and asked) I was rejected from LOL! Altho really I don't take it as a personal rejection (I know in the beginning I did - it hurt!) - because I've come to know what it's like to run a team and to be on the lookout for new members and to go through applications.

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When it comes to getting yourself on a Design Team - there are a couple of different things you can do. You can wait and see if there is a call for designers (most companies will post that somewhere on their website that they are doing a call - or if they have a company blog (which a LOT of them do) they will post it there as well) and then apply to be on the team and wait.

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You can also contact a company directly and include a couple of samples of your work (and linking to your blog/gallery is a good thing too!) and ask if there are any DT positions available.

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Like I said neither of those methods have worked for me so far but that doesn't mean they won't for you!

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I just discovered your blog and am really enjoying reading it. I would like to read past posts but don't see a place to go back and read them. Am I missing something or is that not an option?

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Yes all my older posts are categorized by month in my "Oldies but Goodies..." section (if you scroll down a bit on the right you'll see a little section labelled "CHECK OUT" - and then there's listed the "Oldies but Goodies..." (archived posts), Killin' Time.... (sites I like to frequent), "Gotta Shop!" (links to the places where I get my goodies), "My Tutorials" (links to all the tutorials I have done on here as well as for SCS) and "So Many Blogs....So Little Time!!" (a list of TONS of blogs!).

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OK that's it for now! Have a great Sunday everyone!

Bad Blogger!!

I haven't kept up with answering all the questions that were asked of me back when I did that blog candy post in April! Bad blogger! LOL

So here are some more of them:

Since I already asked about "gamsol" and where you get it, let me now ask what you use with it? Blending stumps? (love that term - conjures up some great images in my warped little brain) brushes?

I use blending stumps - which are just made out of rolled paper. You can check out this post I did some time ago with links I compiled to different sites that have tutorials and information about using blending stumps with odorless mineral spirits (OMS - Gamsol is actually just a brand name of OMS) here:

Gamsol and Prismacolor Pencil Tutorial Links

What's your favorite technique to use when coloring bellas?

It always depends on the mood I'm in. Lately I've been addicted to my new Copic markers so I use them to color in everything! Watercoloring them and other line images is a favorite too. Or other times I will so the Prismacolors and gamsol - it always varies!

My question is what is you favorite punch, the one you turn to over and over?

Hmmmmmmm................I have a LOT of punches so this is a hard one! I have almost all the Stampin' Up! ones, plus a few EK Success circles, and a ton of the Marvy ones. I gotta say tho I seem to be using my SU! Word Window punch a LOT. I really like it to punch out sentiments. That one's definitely my "go to" punch!

What are the colors you find yourself using over and over?

See - this one varies too as my color preferences change a lot. For a while I was using a lot of Pumpkin Pie - I was just drawn to it! In fact right now anything yellow or orange I seem to go for - I'm in a summer mood! I do go through a LOT of celery tho - that color goes with EVERYTHING!!

I would like to know your secret to balancing everything in your life.

Wouldn't you now??? *wink*

LOL - I really don't think anything in my life is balanced - I do everything by the seat of my pants and I can tell you with all honesty that right now I have about 5 loads of laundry to fold (that have been sitting for a VERY long time!) - prolly another 5 loads to wash, my dishwasher needs to be emptied, and well...........you get the picture right?? How else would I get time to stamp? ROFLOL!!!

On your bella cards (card #2) how did you cut away such fine detail on their dresses and them stick it?

She's referring to the card in this post.

For any detail cutting like that I use my Stampin' Up! paper snips - they are FABULOUS for any fine cutting and for getting into tight places. I *think* that you can get the same type from Cutterbee (in fact I think it's Cutterbee that makes SU!'s) from WalMart but I'm not 100% sure on that.

I LOVE my paper snips - don't know what I would do without them!

As for adhering those dresses I just used tiny dots of Mono Multi liquid glue - easy peasy!

Is there a secret to putting certain colors together to get a WOW combination?

Not really - but a good rule of thumb to keep in mind is to try to stick to 3 colors plus one neutral. When I really started advancing with papercrafting this was something I really stuck to and it helped! Now I rarely have problems with colors. I can use a bunch of colors at once - the trick is to not let it overwhelm the project and only let one or two colors really stand out from the rest. Start with that rule to and go from there.

Another "trick" is to have ONE main color, then an "accent" color (and only use 50% of that as the main) and then another accent color using only 50% of that as the first accent. Total greek?? Basically have one MAIN color, then less of the second and even less of the third.

And if you're stuck on WHAT colors to use together - the SU! Color Coach is a handy tool - as is this site:

Color Combos - check it out!!

I have a burning ned to know where you find the time to stamp? My life doesn't seem nearly as full as yours and I don't produce nearly so many (or nearly such cute) cards? Do you have a time machine tucked away in your stamp room?

Man this really is an important question!! Almost every second one was a variation of this LOL!

Personally - I just MAKE time. Stamping is important to me - and it really does keep me sane! I don't know what I would be doing without it. Also I live in a VERY small town in the middle of the Prairies and there isn't much to do here and Tim and I really don't have anyone that's close to our age who share similar interests to hang out with and whatnot so we spend most of our time here at home on our own.

Now that the girls are getting older (and Veronica going to play school in the fall) I try and do more things with them and whatnot which has cut into my stamping time. But obviously my kids are more important so I've begun to adjust to the time I have and really make the most of it!

And if ANYONE out there has perfected the time machine and it works I will totally sign up to use it LOL!!