Hello everyone! So I got right to it and filmed a quick First Impressions video with the Sakura Koi Water Color set (I know I have other requested reviews on my list to-do - I just can't help myself lately when it comes to watercolour though!):
You can watch directly on YouTube HERE <-----click!
Happy Monday everyone - and it's an especially happy Monday for me because I FINALLY have a storage solution for all my sequins LOL!
As I mention in the video I had a bit of a time getting my hands on this as I'm in Canada and either places were sold out or wouldn't ship to me here. I've linked to a couple options (Amazon and Simon Says Stamp) for them and you can look up this unit through Google too if you're interested in it!
To see more info on this storage container check out my video below:
Or watch directly on YouTube HERE <-----click!
Also since I get asked a lot where I get the sequins I use on my cards here are some links to my sources:
Pretty Pink Posh at Simon Says Stamp
Little Things from Lucy's Cards Sequin Mixes at SSS
SO - I got my hands on my first set (notice I said "first" - I'm sure it's all going to snowball from here ;)) of tube watercolours just a few days ago. I filmed this First Impressions video, and stay tuned as I have a couple of card videos coming soon using them:
You can watch directly on YouTube HERE <-----click!
As of posting this right now that sale price is still available at my Amazon link below - that can change at any time though. If you're a fan on my Facebook page I do post sale links on there as I come across them as it's the easiest for me - most of the time sales are time-sensitive/limited quantities etc etc so it only makes sense for me to post them there!
Happy Monday! I finally filmed and uploaded a video on the Johanna Basford colouring books/calendar that I own after doing this post at the end of the year. A lot of you requested a video so you could get a better look at them so here it is:
You can watch directly on YouTube HERE <-----click!
I've colored more in on my calendar - so far all I've been using is my Prismacolor pencils. I did a video on those a log time ago - you can check them out below if you're interested:
Prismacolor Pencil and OMS Info Video
Have any of you jumped on to this whole "Adult Coloring Book" bandwagon? I will admit that while I really like my calendar as it's something I can display, and can't wait to start using the Artist colouring book, other than these Johanna Basford books (oh and the Harry Potter one I got for my oldest for Christmas) there haven't been any that really snagged my interest.
Well what do you know, I'm actually getting around to using some of the new-to-me things I got recently in a decent amount of time! Let's not mention some of the products that have been sitting here for MONTHS that I've started to forget I even own.....
Anywho *wink* - I showed this Molotow Empty Marker in a recent haul video - and today seemed like a good day to fill it up and try it out.
I've used Liquid Frisket before, not this Pebeo brand, but one from an art supply store. This one I'd heard good things about, and then had people tell me how great this marker was - so I thought I'd try them out. The one thing I really don't like about liquid frisket is picking it up with an old (or at least one you don't mind getting wrecked) paint brush and painting it over the images I want to mask. I find it tedious and just don't enjoy the process.
This marker is supposed to make it easier - I honestly wasn't sure how well it was going to work but I have to say after trying it out here I am looking forward to using it again!
To watch directly on YouTube click HERE <-----click!
I finished the card I started in the video. I didn't add the last footage of all the watercoloring b/c the video was getting long as it was and it takes FOREVER for me to get videos like this uploaded. I still have the footage and I guess if any y'all really want to see it I can edit it and upload it to YouTube.
It's hard to pick up on camera but I coated all the hearts with my Shimmer Pico Embellisher so they're glossy and have just a hint of sparkle. Other than that all I did was die cut the watercolour panel with the largest die from the Blueprints 2 Die-namics set and adhered it to my card base and that was it!
I'm back with another video! If you've been watching my videos for a while you'll know that I use my ATG for almost all of my adhesive needs. I LOVE my ATG. Lately though it's been driving me batty with the tape sliding to the edge and off the edge of the roller (not completely off of it but wonky enough to be annoying and not work perfectly).
I never used to have this problem and I've been using my ATG for years and YEARS - so I figured out the probable cause as well as a solution - and since it's easier to explain via video here it is:
You can watch directly on YouTube HERE <----click!
Here's my (really old!!) video showing how to refill the ATG 714:
I've previously purchased my rolls by the case from the NHS Media store - honestly I think the last time I bought them they were a fair bit cheaper than they are now (it's been at least 2 years since I've ordered from there) - so I don't know if I'll order there again or not. I always get people recommending US sites to order from - but I have yet to find one that doesn't charge an insane amount for shipping (making it totally worthless to order from for me) or uses UPS to ship (which for Canadians is a no-go b/c the brokerage fees when the package arrives are astronomical).
So I've just been ordering the little 2 packs from CCDesigns and SimonSaysStamp when I place orders - so much easier to just toss a pack or two into my virtual cart when I'm placing an order :).
*post #2 for today! Scroll down to check out my Sunday Recap post if you missed it*
Like I say in the video I don't get sent product very often - other than my DT stuff I purchase everything I show in my "haul" videos myself. But recently I got a couple packages sent to me and thought I'd share what I got plus do a "mini review" of the Pennie Post cards - you never know who might be interested in something like that! :)
To watch directly on YouTube click HERE <-----click!
And here are the links:
(I included a couple of extra links with the SSS goodies as there are some combo packs that are available as well!)
Hey everyone!
So I got sucked into the whole Erin Condren Life Planner craze that I seem to be seeing everywhere lately! And when I posted a picture of the box when it arrived on my Instagram account I had several people ask for a video so here it is:
You can watch directly on YouTube HERE <----click!
It's been about 2 weeks since it arrived and I'm really liking it so far! I'm using it to keep track of my appointments (which is what I used to do with my old "freebie" planner that was SO ugly - LOL it was one my hubby's work got a bunch of for free and he brought a few home), and now with this EC one I'm also planning out all my DT assignments, video planning, Craftsy articles etc etc etc as well. THAT is going to help a lot. My previous method of placing sticky notes all over the place to remind myself of deadlines and whatnot wasn't really working to well :P. Those things tend to go missing quite often...
The washi tape isn't from Erin Condren - I already had this set of Doodlebug washi tapes and it's PERFECT for this - haha I've finally found a good use for it! I've seen some people really go all out with customized stickers and washi tapes and punched embellishments - they look SO pretty. I don't know if I'll take it that far but I wouldn't be surprised. I've already found myself picking up packs of colored pens in the store and wondering if I need them for my planner :P :P :P. I'm a nerd I know ;).
ANYWHO - like I said in the end of the video I have a referral link for Erin Condren - so if you click on it when you order I get credit. And down the road if there is enough credit banked I'll prolly do a giveaway or two here on the blog for Erin Condren gift certificates. Just a small way to say thank you!
Check out all the stuff on the Erin Condren site HERE.
Use the code WELCOME10 for $10 off your order! <-----ETA I *think* in order for it to work you need to first sign up on the EC site, they then e-mail you the code and THAT will work (not sure if it's the same code or not) - that's what people are telling me so sorry for any confusion! :(
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On another note - I got an e-mail from Craftsy yesterday and I'm seeing it all over their Facebook page today that they're having a weekend flash sale on a bunch of classes:
You can check out all the ones on sale HERE <-----click! I've been really enjoying the classes I've enrolled in so far and plan to sign up for more.
OK that's it from me for the moment! I'll have more cards and videos coming up ASAP! :)
Oh Monday....I put too much sugar in my coffee and now I'm just buzzing LOL! I uploaded a couple of videos overnight so I have lots more to share with you guys. And if you're just checking in and missed everything I posted over the weekend (I've been on a roll) you can find all my posts here:
Today's video isn't a cardmaking video but rather a quick review of the Artist Loft paper and watercolor paint I'd picked up at Michaels not too long ago. I'd posted a pic of them on my Instagram account and it got Michaels attention and now they're following me on there - how cool is that? It especially made my day as that was the day I'd found out I hadn't made it past the open auditions in the Gallery Idol challenge so I was feeling a bit low over it.
ANYWHO - enough rambling (sugar buzz?!?!) here's the video:
To watch directly on YouTube click HERE <-----click!
So yes overall I think these are great paints for the price. I've linked to them on the Michaels (US - I can't even find them on the Canadian site :P) site, and I've also linked to several similar sets on SimonSaysStamp site as well just to give you some options.
If you've been interested in this whole watercolor thing and would just like to try it out without investing a ton of $$ I highly recommend some of these options for paints/paper/brushes. They're all on the lower end of the spectrum as far as price and you can get a TON of playing time out of them. Then you can see if it's worth getting more higer-ish end products.
Honestly with the exception of my Inktense pencils and a set of more-pricey Russian watercolors that I own the vast majority of my watercolor supplies aren't too expensive. As a whole I'm sure they add up to a lot LOL! But each item/set wasn't too bad!
Hello everyone!
Today's post is another packed one LOL! I've got a review video that includes showing how I made the first card, plus another 2 cards to share with y'all. First off let's get to the video:
As always you can watch directly on YouTube HERE <----click!
You can find all the Elizabeth Crafts Peel Off Stickers here in The Paper Trail store. FYI they're now shipping to Canada AND the US! If you can't order from there and are interested in these stickers check your favorite online store/local store and see if they have them/can get them in.
This was the first card I made and show how in the video - REALLY easy! And FYI CCD and SSS have the Peerless watercolors back in stock - I've linked to them below.
The stickers were completely fine with the watercoloring - tho I will note that I didn't saturate the paper at all - basically just applied the color. I would assume that if you were to work really wet the stickers would start to lift off.
Now for the second card I made:
I explained my "oops" with this one in the video LOL! Still happy with how it turned out tho. This time I used my Copics to color in the images. I did take care not to go over the sticker with the dark greys I used as they would have left color on the gold stickers. The lighter colors were just fine. Obviously if you were using the black stickers there'd be no problem.
It's really hard to show in a picture but I was able to get the shimmer in the video from the Wink of Stella - SO pretty.
FInally I've got a thrid bonus card:
I used my new Basic Grey Highline 6x6 pack (which The Paper Trail had in stock when I created this card but it looks like they've sold out of it!) which inspired the coloring on the flowers. I used my Peerless watercolors again and just had fun with them.
And then the inside:
I said it in the video but I'll say it again here - I really like these stickers! They made all three of these cards a LOT quicker to create as there was no stamping/powdering/embossing involved - just put a sticker on it, color it in and done. For the price I highly recommend getting yourself a pack (or two or three) to play with and experiment with.
They give a really cool look that you just can't get with embossing powder - you can kind of see it in my close up pics how it's a nice gold and the an outline of a shinier gold all around the openings - very cool.
The only negative would be that these are all one-time use - unlike stamps that you can use over and over again for forever. But again for the price I'm fine with that - they're cheaper than some of the embellishment packs I've purchased! *wink*
Here's my second post for today! Scroll down if you missed the first one :).
I actually filmed this product review a couple of weeks ago, but then held off on posting it b/c everywhere was sold out of the Peerless Watercolors (and I end up with a bunch of e-mails when I all of a sudden start showing something new that people can't get). SO - CCDesigns just got several packs in stock - the links to them is below!
I've had my Peerless packs for YEARS now. And they've sat untouched for way too long. But with the new Watercolor for Cardmakiers class at OCC <---click! all these fun coloring mediums that have sat neglected are getting pulled out and used again.
That and over the past few months I've really been enjoying trying new (to me!) things and branching out with different techniques, card styles, mixed media-ish things - just having FUN.
So I pulled out the Peerless and started playing with them over the past few weeks. I filmed this little review video - just to show y'all what they are. I'll have actual card videos using them coming up.
To watch directly on YouTube click HERE <----click!
So yeah, with the OCC class going on I thought it'd be high time for me to do my long-overdue review of the Peerless watercolors. And FYI they're still sold out at SimonSays. I know Studio Calico has a set still available, and then CCD has the packs they just got in but I predict they won't last long!
Speaking of Online Card Classes - have you signed up for the Watercolor for Cardmakers? I did and it just started today - I think they're well worth the $. I've only taken the Stencilied class before from them, and really enjoyed it. So I thought I'd sign up for the Watercolor for Cardmakers one and get even more inspiration. Disclaimer - I'm not affiliated with OCC or Jennifer McGuire/Kristina Werner at all - they don't know me from a hole in the wall I'm sure. I just think they do fabulous work and their classes are top notch!.
LINKS - the first 2 are for CCDesigns - where as of posting this the Peerless are in stock! The rest of the links go to SimonSaysStamp. As of posting this they're sold out of the Peerless (no idea when they'll get them back in stock - I assume ASAP). CCDesigns is also getting the Faber Castell waterbrush and Tim Holtz watercolor paper in stock this week too (my favorites!) - I'll edit this to add those links once they show up in their store (I'm not affiliated with CCD either - I just spend lots of $$ with them LOL).
Here are my thoughts on the NEW MFT Hybrid inks that were just released this month! I've been playing with them quite a bit, and you guys have already seen me use the black ink in a couple of videos so far.
To watch directly on YouTube click HERE <-----click!
EDITED TO ADD: Answering several questions I've been getting! You can't stamp and emboss with these inks - they dry too quickly! Hybrid inks will stain your stamps - most inks do. It's something that doesn't bother me - means my stamps are well loved ;). I totally forgot to try these out with Prismacolor pencils and odorless mineral spirits - once I do I will update everyone!
ETA2: These inks DO work with Prismacolors and OMS (odorless mineral spirits)!! I'll have a video showing that coming up for the May MFT release. But I wanted to add that info in here as well!
And make sure to check out this post on MFT's blog (this is the one I mention in the video) where Kim shows several different things you can do with the inks and stamps them onto all sorts of materials.
I'll link to all the new inks right here but make sure to scroll down and check out the cards I made!
Here are the cards I showed in the video - the Mom card and video will get posted in a couple of days!
I stamped the image and sentiment with Black Licorice Hybrid ink - it works perfectly with Copics!
I added a bit of Wink of Stella clear shimmer to parts of her outfit too.
And my second card:
I stamped the poinsettia with Red Hot Hybrid ink then watercolored it with some MFT dye inks (Red Hot, Wild Cherry, Paver Red and Banana Split). I show in the video how it would have looked had I stamped it with black ink instead.
So hard to capture on camera but I went over the outline of the poinsettia with my Wink of Stella gold shimmer brush so it's all sparkly and shimmery :).
I kept the inside of the card simple again and just stamped the poinsettia a couple of times with the Red Hot Hybrid ink.
FINAL THOUGHTS - if you watched the video you can tell how much I love these inks. I'm really excited to have TWO options for every MFT color (well soon to be every color!) depending on my mood and what I am trying to achieve with my creation. I have several ideas brewing to show you guys with these inks so stay tuned :) :) :).
Tim Holtz Watercolor card stock, CCDesigns Copic Quality 110lb Card Stock, Doodlebug Twine, Wink of Stella Clear, Wink of Stella Gold, Gold Thread, Copic Markers
I hope y'all had a good weekend - I have a couple of new posts that went up over the weekend so if you missed them you can check them out below :).
**Make sure to scroll down to the very end of this post as there's a coupon code available!**
So I am super-excited to share this post and video with y'all! I have been searching for so long now to find the best way to store my (already large) collection of MFT Die-namics dies, and being on their Design Team my collection grows every month! So since I'm using them all the time I was struggling not only with storage but something that would be functional and make it easier for me to find what I'm looking for.
This is what I was working with:
I talk more about all this in the video. Simply put this wasn't working well at all LOL! After doing a LOT of searching of the internetz and looking at options in home improvement stores, eyeing up every container I came across (I think my hubby thought I was going batty - not unusual...), I started looking into the Die Storage Totes from Stamp-n-Storage. And I ended up getting the largest one with the 80 magnet sheets.
Here's the after:
And then I show how I organized it all:
To watch directly on YouTube click HERE <-----click!
I gush about the Die Tote a LOT in the video - I can't help it LOL! I really do love it. And now that I've got it all organized and full I honestly don't know what I could have used for a container (that could handle the weight - I wasn't kidding when I said it weighs well over 20lbs), and I have yet to find magnet sheets as sturdy as these.
Needless to say I'm 100% satisfied with my Die Tote and I will be getting a second one! I'm going to keep my couple of binder boxes for my smaller die collections (mainly CC Cutters and Paper Smooches Wise Dies with a couple other random ones I own) as they're all contained nicely.
So here are all the links I promised in the video:
Steel Die Magnet Cards (if you do have your own container and just want the magnet cards)
E-mail Newsletter Sign-up (if you sign up for their newsletter you get entered in to a draw for a $50 gift certificate - they draw names from new subscribers every 2 weeks!)
I've been talking with the owners of Stamp-n-Storage and I have a discount code you can use if you're planning on getting the Die Totes and/or Magnetic Cards!!
Use Prairie15 to get 15% OFF from now 'till midnight Feb 23,2014.
**ETA we had a small glitch with the code not working (telling people it was expired) but Brett (the owner of Stamp-n-Storage) fixed that little glitch so it should work no problem. Sorry for the hiccup!**
**I don't make any $$ from this post (I wasn't paid for my opinion - I don't work that way! My reviews are always 100% my own personal opinion) - I'm just a happy customer and am glad I can offer my readers a discount code if they're interested in getting the same system.**
{{{{Hugs}}}}
