Prairie Paper & Ink

Product Review/Quick Tip VIDEO - CCD Key & Lock Embossing Die

**post #2 for today! Scroll down to check out the previous one**

Just a quick video for now:

 

You can watch the video on YouTube HERE <-----click!

CCD Key & Lock Die

CCD Shimmer Cardstock Assortment

First Impression - White Cardstock Comparison VIDEO

OK finally here is the video that I got a ton of requests for!

I compared CCDesigns Copic Quality 80lb CS to the new Copic XPress Belnding Cardstock and Bella's Bestest Cardstock:

 

You can watch the video on YouTube HERE <-----click!

And here's the links:

CCDesigns CQ 80lb Cardstock

Copic XPress Blending Cardstock

Bella's Bestest Cardstock

Bear Hugs Stamp Set

Comparison of the ScorBuddy to the ScorPal

Finally got some time to edit a video! I got *some* of my to-do list done over the weekend - still have a ton of stuff to do - and it's 1am right now so I'm posting this real quick and heading to bed!

 

You can watch the video on YouTube HERE <----click!

And here's the links:

ScorBuddy

ScorBuddy Mini Mat

Using MFT Die-namics in the CuttleBug and Big Shot VIDEO

I had some requests to do this after I posted my review (you can check that out HERE <--click!) so here it is:

 

And as always you can watch it on YouTube HERE <----click!

And yes this should work with any other wafer-thin dies that are similar (I know the ones by CC Designs, The Cats Pajamas and Taylored Expressions will work the same!).

:o)

MFT Die-namics Review VIDEO

I kept promising to do a review video on all the Die-namics that I ordered (and showed in a recent haul video) - and FINALLY did it so here it is:

I got them here:

All That Scraps

and you can get them directly through MFT:

MFT Die-namics

And I'm sure you can find them through any retailer that carries MFT stamps!

NEW Updated Copic Marker Storage VIDEO

I got something new (to me!) to store my Copics after all the comments and e-mails on my LAST post about this. A bunch of you recommended the Color Cubbies from Studio3 Solutions - I checked 'em out - loved what I saw and got 3 of them and don't regret it for a second:

You can watch it on YouTube HERE <-----click!

Studio3 Solutions Color Cubbies

Tool Review - SI EZMount Craft Scissors VIDEO

I'm slowly getting to all the product/tool review that were requested/promised!

Here's another one:

You can watch it on YouTube HERE <-----click!

And here's the links:

SI Scissors

Tim Holtz Scissors

CC For the Birds Stamp Set

Product Review - SI Scissor Lubricant & Cleaner

 

 

You can also watch this

on YouTube HERE<-----click!

ETA - sorry folks I forgot to mention where I got it! I bought it from All That Scraps - I just came across it one day and it looked interesting so I bought it LOL! 

I don't know where else you would find this - not sure if any fabric/quilting stores would carry it (couldn't hurt to ask tho if there's one you frequent often), you'd have better luck checking out a scrapbook store (again you may have to ask for them to get it in). I'd never seen it before 'till I came across it on the ATS site.

Here's the link:

SI Scissor Lubricant and Cleaner

Tool Review - MS Fringe Scissors VIDEO

**post #2 today! Make sure you scroll down as the card I made with the paper I used in the video is below!**

I'm getting to all the filming of the review videos that I promised/were requested after posting my ATS Order Haul #5 video - so here's the first one:

And as always you can watch this on YouTube HERE <----click!

CuttleBug Extended Cutting Plates VIDEO

Yet another requested and promised video:

You can watch it on YouTube HERE <-----click!

Tool Review VIDEO - MM Ribbon Slot Punch

I filmed this video weeks ago - and had it edited and ready to upload a good week or two ago - and then I totally forgot about it....oops!

So here it is - my Tool Review on the Making Memories Ribbon Slot Punch:

 

You can watch the video on YouTube HERE <-----click!

Comparing the Scor-Pal to the Martha Stewart Scoring Board - VIDEO!

Hello all!! As usual it's been quiet around here lately!! I actually have a LOT to share over the next little while - I filmed 4 new videos - one of which I'm posting today - and made a card so woohoo!!

I just need to find the time to edit said videos and get them uploaded and whatnot! But getting them done feels good! I like knowing that some of the work is already done (filming then uploading to my computer) so that I'm not totally starting from scratch!

Anywho - on to THIS post.

After posting my haul video recently I did get some requests to compare the Scor-Pal to the Martha Stewart Scoring Board - so I did!

I made the video and uploaded it to YouTube so you can check it out here:

You can also watch it on YouTube HERE <-----click!

And here are all the pics I took:

So this one just shows the 2 boards together - and the Scor-Mat as well.

And this one is a close up of how the scoring tools are stored with each board.

This one shows the two scoring tools side by side so y'all can see the size difference.

And then close ups of the score lines on each board.

Another close up showing the envelope tool storage on the back of the MS board.

And then showing the envelope tool on the MS board.

And last but not least here's a Pro's and Con's list for both boards! And I'm not surprised if I forget anything - if I do or if you have any other thoughts to offer feel free to let me know in the comment section!!

Martha Stewart Scoring Board:

Pro's:

-price (29.99 in Canada, 19.99 in the US - cheaper if you use a coupon!)

-score lines every 1/8 inches - virtually eliminating the need to move the paper for any scored line

-the envelope tool - a very cool bonus! - that and the storage on the back of the board for it make it a perfect thing to have (and not lose!)

-really crisp score lines

-includes measurements of common card sizes and boxes

-very lightweight and easy to use

-detailed measurements every 1/8" and clearly marked to each line

Con's:

-flimsy scoring tool (however it's thinness makes for crisper scoring lines - but the tool itself is flimsy!)

-the tray to hold the tool is annoying - and the measurements on the inside of the tray lid are hard to see - you have to get down to the boards level to read them

-you need to be more careful scoring since the lines ARE so close together - it's easy to jump the track and score where you don't want to

-if you don't have a Michaels in your area it may be very difficult to get your hands on this - some online stores may carry it (but might charge extra shipping because of it's size) but then you can't use the usual 40% off Michaels coupon 

Scor-Pal:

Pro's:

-Scoring tool snaps into place at the top of the board - easy to put away and easy to snap out!

- more comfortable to use (for me anyway!) scoring tool

-replacement scoring tools can be purchased for a minimal cost (usually $4 US or so)

-can purchase the Scor-Mat to fit inside the Scor-Pal - enabling one to leave it on your desk and use as a crafting surface

-wide variety of resources/projects and tutorials on the Scor-Pal website - giving many options of use for the Scor-Pal

Con's:

-price (usually 39.99 plus shipping from the Scor-Pal website - other online retailers may offer free shipping etc)

-can only be found online (could be a Pro if you're like me and get nearly all your crafting supplies online!) - or I think through a TAC consultant (I seem to remember TAC started carrying the Scor-Pal some time ago? I am not sure on that though!)

-score lines are only every 1/2 inch and then some extras - so depending on your project you may have to move the cardstock around to get the scored lines where you want them

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I got my Martha Stewart Scoring Board at Michaels in Canada. All That Scraps is now carrying it HERE as well. Plus I'm sure a lot of other online retailers are carrying it.

The Scor-Pal I had bought from the Scor-Pal website (I can't remember what I paid in shipping but I think it was $10 - I wanted it so badly though b/c I had used a friends and LOVED it so I just sucked it up and paid the shipping for the one item!) - however other websites now carry the Scor-Pal and the Scor-Mat - AllThatScraps is one of them. 

I think that's it folks!! If I remember anything that I want to add I'll just edit this post and add onto it (and I'll edit it if any of you have other interesting points that I might have forgotten to add!).   

2 More Videos

After posting my CuttleBog or BigShot??? Video the other day <-----click! if you haven't seen it - I got a ton more questions about using the Bigz dies with the CuttleBug, Can you cut felt? etc etc etc

So I did up 2 more quick videos and got them uploaded today - enjoy!

Using the Sizzix Bigz Dies with the CuttleBug:

 

 

You can watch this on YouTube HERE <-----click!

Cutting Felt, Chipboard and Fun Foam with the CuttleBug:

 

 

Watch this on YouTube HERE <------click!

And I mentioned in the second video that I buy my chipboard coasters and whatnot from ATS so here's the link to those as well:

Chipboard and Alterables

CuttleBug or BigShot?? Another VIDEO

I received a lot of feedback on my last video asking me why I got rid of my CuttleBug then re-purchased it, and what machine do I recommend, do you need both etc etc etc.

So rather than answer each one individually I made another video this afternoon (I am slowly getting used to seeing myself on video! It's not as bad as it was the first time!) - and after a TON of editing (I really do tend to ramble on and on and ON!! I ended up with over 15 mins of video and had to cut it down to under 10 in order to upload it) and all that it's finally live so here it is:

You can also watch it on YouTube HERE <-----click!

My Favorite Paper and Ink for Copics

I get lots and lots and LOTS of questions regarding what paper and ink I recommend for using when coloring with Copics and what to use when watercoloring.

SO here's what I use for coloring with Copics. After all the different papers and inks I've tried these are my tried and true favorites (these are my opinions and only the types of inks and papers I've tried! I'm happy with what I've got now and am not going to bother ordering anything else unless someone sent me something different to compare):

For INK:

I use Memento Tuxedo Black ink. This is the BESTEST ink I've ever used with Copics. And it is now ALL I use with Copics.

Another good ink is Brilliance Graphite Black ink - that one HAS to be heat set tho. It is a great black and great with clear stamps too - but the heat setting adds extra time that's why I stick with the Memento ink now. FYI it's a good idea to get a re-inker when buying this ink as it's a thicker pigment ink and you go through more of it.

Palette Hybrid Noir ink is OK with Copics - before Memento Inks came out and before I tried Brilliance inks I used my Palette Noir. It will smear sometimes though and if you can get either the Brilliance or the Memento I would go with those instead!

For CARDSTOCK:

I use the CC Designs Copic Quality White cardstock.

I compared to Papertrey Ink White, SU Whisper White, Georgia Pacific White, Bazzill Smoothies White, and Neenah Classic Crest Solar White.

The CCD White was the clear winner. The Neenah Classic Crest Solar white is almost exactly the same - just a different shade of white.

CCD White is smoother than PTI's but the same weight - so I prefer the CCD as it works better with solid image stamps.

SU!'s white is TOO smooth and too lightweight, and I can't color anything with it - even using dye inks it smears. In all honesty I never use SU white - I just get too frustrated with it! 

GP white is OK but too lightweight. I find my Copics bleed past the lines when I'm coloring with it - even when using a light touch.

Bazzill Smoothies white is good - not as heavy weight as the CCD and Neenah - but a decent white CS.

WHERE TO BUY:

I get asked this a lot too.

I've purchased most of my Copics from All That Scraps. Even if it's not in stock you can contact Christine and she can give you an ETA or order it in for you. With the larger sets usually they prefer to order them in when asked.

I have also bought Copics from Stamping Bella - they only carry the Sketch markers but I've been able to add a few colors to my collection by ordering from them.

CC Designs Copic Quality Cardstock and Bazzill White Smoothies can be bought from ATS.

Neenah Classic Crest is harder to find. I had some sent to me to compare with other types and have never ordered it online before.

PTI white can be bought from Papertrey Ink.

Georgia Pacific White can be found at WalMart usually and possibly other office supply stores.

All my inks I got from All That Scraps although several different online retailers carry them.

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So I hope that answers any questions you guys might have had on cardtsock and ink combinations for coloring with Copics. From now on when I get e-mails about it I can link to here (I don't mind the e-mails I just feel like a broken record repeating myself over and over again LOL!).