Chris Stamps

How to Use Stampin Up Markers

I absolutely love Stampin Up markers!!! They are the best Markers out there!! They have 2 tips, one narrow for writing and one brush tip for painting!!! They are so wonderful!!!!  Here are 2 great ways to use the brush tip end of the marker.

 

Technique A: Multiple Colors

1]   Use a marker to apply ink only to the desired parts of the image.

2]   Add other colors if desired.

3]   Breathe on the inked image to remoisten the ink with your breath before stamping onto paper.

Technique B: Omitting

1]   To omit a certain part of a stamp image, use a marker to apply ink only to the desired parts of the image.

2]   Breathe on the inked image to remoisten the ink with your breath before stamping onto paper.

Order any set of Markers from me and I will send you a handmade card using markers!!!! You may contact me directly or use the order online button to the right.

Item #	Description	Pg	Price
105537	Stampin' Write Markers Set - Soft Subtles	154	$31.95
105538	Stampin' Write Markers Set - Bold Brights	154	$31.95
105539	Stampin' Write Markers Set - Earth Elements	154	$31.95
105540	Stampin' Write Markers Set - Rich Regals	154	$31.95

How to Make an Accordion-folded Flower

Here are some great directions I found on the Stampin Up website for how to make accorian folded flowers.   Directions: 1) Cut card stock or Designer Series paper to 12" x 3/4". 2) Score strip every 1/4" the entire length of the card stock and accordion fold the score lines. 3) Adhere ends of card stock together (Sticky Strip works well). Let dry. 4) Holding the card stock with two hands, twist one edge of the strip into the center as shown to create a flower shape. 5) Adhere a punched circle to the flower center on one or both sides (Pop-Up Glue Dots work well) to hold shape in place. Tip: Experiment with different sizes and score intervals to create the desired shape of your flower. Share your comments on this with me!

Halloween Stampin Up Diorama Card

I made the cutest card tonight!!! It is a Diorama card and they are a lot easier to do than you would think!!!  FIrst let me show you the card and than I will show you just how easy it is to make!!!

 

Here is the card closed and ready to go in an envelope.

 So Like I said super easy to make!!! You need:

2 pieces of 8" X 3" cardstock

1 piece of 6" x # cardstock

You need to score the larger pieces on both sides. Measure in 2 inches and score on both sides.  on the smaller piece score each side at one inch.

 

The 2 larger pieces are your outsides. I took the Haunting Hill Wheel and rolled in versamark and rolled across both pieces.  Take one piece and your 1 3/8 Circle Punch and punch a circle in the middle.

 

Now punch 2 more circles one to each side of the middle one so they slightly overlap.

Do the same thing with the 6" x 3" inch piece but use the 1 1/4 Circle Punch. This is your middle piece.

Take the 8" x 3" cardstock that is not punched and stamp the Halloween stamp from the Sweet Centers Stamp Set. in the center of it.  This will be your back piece.  Without using adhesive, take the back and front piece and put them together to form a  box , do you see how it goes together?  Now you know where to put your sticky strip. The middle piece gets sticky strip on the flaps and they are folded toward the back.

 

I than decorated it with Twick or Tweet, Halloween Frights and Scary Skeleton Stamp sets.  These can all be purchased from my website by clicking on the order on line button on the right. Order the supplies to make this project and I will send you a free sample of this awesome card in the mail!!! I bet you can't make just one!!!!

The Amazing Folding Album

I had so much fun yesterday on my day off!!! I made a scrapbook album which is called the Amazing Folding Album.  I haven't put pictures in it yet but I just had to share it with you!!!!

 I was so pleased with the way it came out. And it will be awesome when I get Kiwi's pictures in there. Here is Kiwi, she is a severe Macaw and as sweet as they come!!!

 

 

Isn't she gorgeous!!!! Okay back to the book!!! Here is what the inside looks like, of course minus the pictures.

  

I used Flock Together Designer Series Paper by Stampin Up. You can order online by clicking on the button on the right or contact me directly.

Click here if you would like the directions on how to make this.

Free Samples of Stampin Up Medallion Background Stamp and Circle Circus Stamp Set

I am back from convention and boy was it awesome!!!! I have not finished unpacking yet but I can tell you I got a ton of beautiful, to die for, swap cards!!!! I noticed that I had quite a few especially awesome ones, for the Medallion Background Stamp and the Circle Circus Stamp Set.  I truly mean breath taking!!! and I want to share them with you!!!! Purchase the Medallion Stamp set ( $17.95 page 133 in the Idea Book and Catalog, item # 115223) and receive a PDF of at least 8 irresistible samples with the supply list to make them.  Order the Circus Circle Stamp set ($28.95 page 129 in the Idea Book and Catalog, item #115778) and receive a PDF of at least 8 fabulous samples using this set and the supply list to make them.  If you order both sets I will make sure you receive a PDF of  20+ samples and probably more. ( I still haven't unpacked them all!!!)  Here is a sneak peek of one that I received. Unforutunaely there was no artist's name on it.

  

Click the Order online button to the upper right to place your order or contact me by clicking the email me button on the upper left.  You will receive your PDF of incredible samples from me shortly after you place your order.  Order now! This is a limited time offer.

Fine Print: ThIs offer is not valid on workshop orders. If placed on a club order it must be added after the minuinum is met to qualify for the free sample pdf. h

How to Use Heat and Stick Powder

1]   Stamp image with VersaMark^® or Craft Stampin' Pad.

2]   Apply Heat & Stick powder to the inked image. Shake off excess powder onto the Powder Pal or a piece of scratch paper and funnel it back into its container.

3]   Heat image with the heat tool just until powder turns to liquid. Do not overheat.

4]   Pour glitter onto the inked image, making sure that the image is coated completely.

5]   Shake off excess glitter as described in Step 2.

6]   Heat again briefly to set.

QUICK TIP
Our Powder Pal is an excellent alternative to scratch paper for saving excess powder and glitter. It also makes cleanup a snap!

 

To See some other cool techniques. Click here.

How to Heat Emboss

Technique A:  Heat Embossing

1]   Place your card stock in a Powder Pal tray or over a large piece of scratch paper.

2]   Rub the Embossing Buddy across the card stock you want to emboss. This keeps the embossing powder from sticking anywhere but on the ink. 

3]   Stamp the image with Craft, VersaMark, or embossing ink.

4]   Pour powder onto the inked image, making sure that the image is coated completely. 

5]   Shake off excess powder into the tray and funnel it back into the container.

6]   Heat the stamped image only until the powder changes to a shiny liquid and rises.

7]   Allow embossed image to cool. 

Technique B:  Emboss Resist

1]   Follow steps 1-7 above, using Stampin' Emboss clear embossing powder.

2]   Apply ink with a sponge directly to the paper over and around the embossed image.

3]   Wipe the embossed image with a tissue to remove the excess ink.

QUICK TIP
Avoid overheating the powder and burning the paper when working with a heat tool.

 This is one of my favorite techniques!!! All products are availalbe through my website. To order click orde online now on the right or email me for details.

Click here to check out other cool techniques

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How To Use Chalks

 

Using chalks for your cards making or scrap booking ideas is a fantastic way of adding extra color to your pages. Chalks can also be used to create shadows or to shade in the edges of torn or ripped paper.

Applying chalks to any project can be done in a variety of ways. There really is not any need to spend a large amount of money on specialized application sponges. You can simply use eye make up applicators, cotton buds, cotton wool all of which do the job just as well with a variety of looks, not to mention being a whole lot cheaper.

Using chalks can transform a piece of paper together with being relatively inexpensive and the results are always unique.

Before you begin to add chalk to any card making idea you have or to a piece of paper it is advisable to have a scrap piece of paper to hand so that you can experiment and work out which colors work well together. Depending on how dramatic you want the effect to be will be determined by how vigorously you brush the chalk on.

If you have begun to add the chalks to one of your card making ideas and have made a mistake, all is not lost, using an artists eraser will safely and effectively remove the chalk from the paper. This type of eraser is also handy for removing any stray chalk dust.

Once you have finished applying the chalk and are happy with the overall design you will need to use a fixative to stop the chalk from smearing. As tempting as it may be never use hairspray to set the chalk, it is particularly important if you are using the chalks for scrap booking because hairspray is not photo friendly and can react badly causing your photos to deteriorate.

Chalks are really great to use with rubber stamps. Using a Versmark inkpad to stamp the image you can then begin to apply the different chalk colors (remember to start with the lighter color first) and soon you will see the image begin to take shape.

Storing your chalks is important, it is recommended that you store chalks in a box with a lid and keep them as flat as possible, excessive banging and knocking of the box will cause the chalks to break up and worse of all mix together rendering them useless.

Chalks are extremely easy to get hold of, you can find them in most craft stores and they can also be obtained via the internet so keep your eyes open for a bargain!.

If you have never used chalks before it is well worth giving it a go, they are a great embellishing tool that will allow you to create works of art in seconds. They are inexpensive and a great way to create depth to any card making ideas.


Vicki Churchill writes for a site that specializes in Card Making Ideas also providing you with excellent tips and ideas for Scrap Booking.