Friday, December 30, 2011

Happy New Year.

Christmas has come and gone.  The snow has finally arrived and the beginning of a new year is upon us.  2011 has been an incredible year for Frog's Whiskers Ink.  The purchase of The Stamp Barn was a big leap of faith for Tom and Rose-Marie.  There were as many reasons for not purchasing this company as there were for making the purchase.   I know there were many times that the bosses seconded guess the decision but by the end of the year it became apparent that it was indeed the right decision.  We want to thank you, most gratefully, for your continued support. 

WCK039


There is still a lot to do in 2012.  The physical aspects of combining the two companies is pretty much done.  There is still some tweaking but that part is done.  Tom and Liz will begin the process of making new labels for The Stamp Barn images.  All of the labels will be converted to the same pricing code that has been used by Frog's Whiskers Ink on the Rosewood images, which should simplify the price list substantially.

We have an updated website that we hope will go live very soon.  Not only will it combine all the images from both companies, it will be easier to navigate.  We know that 20 plus pages of Christmas images are too many for even the most dedicated web customer to have to sift through.  

F146

We thank you for sharing our passion for rubber stamping and we look forward to what the new year will bring.


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Holiday Store Hours

Our hours of operation over the Christmas season are as follows:

Sat. Dec 24 9:30 until 4:00
Closed Dec 25 and Dec 26.

Merry Christmas

Regular store hours until New Year's Eve when we will close at 4:00

Closed Jan. 1 and 2

Happy New Year

Winter Church K111


In case you have a hard to buy for stamping friend or if your significant other is having a hard time deciding what to get you, we do have gift certificates available. 



Winter store hours will begin on Jan 3.









Thursday, December 8, 2011

Special Letraset Class

Letraset markers are alcohol-based markers with excellent blending abilities and very even colouring. They are marvelous to colour with, so let's use them to colour Rose-Marie's new winter stamp...Charlie Snowman.

This special class is being offered one last time before Christmas on Saturday, Dec 10 at 10:00 a.m.  Charlie's Letraset class is 2 hours in length at a cost $50 pre-paid.  The class cost includes the Charlie Snowman stamp (M809), the Winter Promarkers set of 5 pens, 130lb paper, colouring diagrams and other goodies.


See Classes for details or call the store.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

New projects & products on the FWI website

Rose-Marie had me add 3 beautiful, new Christmas card projects on the Frog's Whiskers website.  No it's not too late to make these cards.  All 3 are very straight forward with very little to fuss over.  The Red Bird in the Birches is very easy and could be adapted to fit your heart's desire. 



The Country Christmas will use up some of bits of ribbon



and the Purple Poinsettia card offers an non traditional colour palette.



Have a look on the Frog's Whiskers Ink website under projects for a list of supplies and instructions for all of these cards.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

New Embossing Folders

We received 2 creative shipments yesterday.  One brought us more Tack N Peel.  For those of you who don't know what this product is, let me tell you it is amazing stuff.  It is applied to your acrylic block to create a repositional surface for any stamp you may have in unmounted rubber.  Donna discovered it works great with the JustRite stamps too.  We like the images that are available from JustRite but really, who needs another mounting system?  The other shipment brought us the newest embossing folders from Crafts-Too.  These are stunning!!!!  Some winter scenes, dog bones & paws, baubles and one folder the could replace the popular Cuttlebug embossed tree folder that was discontinued a couple of years ago. 

I did a bit of playing last night, just to see exactly how these would emboss. I find it so hard to be sure what these will look like just from the packages.   Both of these could make quick, easy one layer cards, that would mail for a regular postage.  Or you could dress them up with ribbon, sparkles and layered elements.   I can't wait to get started on my Christmas cards.


Just to be clear these are 2 separate folders.   I was playing around a bit with the bottom one and tried to place it lower on the cardstock.  Didn't really work for me but wow it is pretty.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Jen's Wedding

I mentioned in an early post that Tom & Rose-Marie's daughter Jen got married on Oct 1.  The day, although a little chilly turned out to be a gorgeous day after the horrible day Sept 30 was.  I, for one was really hoping the weather would change for Jen & Mike.  Thankfully it did and they were able to have a very pretty outdoor ceremony.  I am sure everyone has heard of brides that radiated joy.  Jen was one of them,  in fact both Mike and Jen looked so happy.  It was a joy to be part of such special day.

Tom and the radiant bride Jennifer
Donna's Hal performing the ceremony on the dock at Elmhirst

Mr and Mrs. Bialek 

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Scrapfest Oshawa

We are almost done the packing part of our trip to Durham College.  It is always challenging to find places to showcase the products we want to take with us but we do very much enjoy meeting all of you in one place.   If you want additional information about the show check out the Scrapfest website HERE.  One more thing, when you get to the cashier on the weekend,  claim your free gift by saying "I read the Frog's Whiskers Ink blog.  Liz sent me."  Or something to that effect, it is our way of thanking you. 


The store in Campbellford will be open while Tom and Rose-Marie are at ScrapFest.  The jolly workers will be preparing the store for the next phase of changes.  Wooo hooo.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has arrived and the weatherman is predicting a glorious one.  If you can this weekend, spend a few minutes outdoors enjoying the change of seasons that make this country so amazing. 


The store will be open Sunday from 12- 4 but closed Monday.  Tuesday we will be hard at work getting packed up for Scrapfest Oshawa. 

Friday, September 30, 2011

The Big Day is nearly here.

On Saturday, Oct 1,  Tom and Rose-Marie's daughter will be getting married.  Jennifer has grown into a lovely woman who I am sure will be a beautiful bride.  I will be bringing my camera and will have a few pictures to share next week.


Stamp Barn Stamp



NHSH126


Since both Donna and I have been invited to the ceremony, the store will be closed Saturday for the day.    We will be open on Sunday, 12:00 - 4:00.  And then back to regular hours on Monday.  When we will busy preparing for Scrapfest Oshawa.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Jump Start to Christmas


We want to help you get started on your Christmas card making.  Beginning today, Sept 15 and running until Sat. Sept 17 all Christmas themed stamps will be 15% off.  This sale applies to on line and in stores sales.  For website customers, the discount will be applied to your purchases when we process your purchase at time of shipping.  Sale applies to all Rosewood and Stamp Barn Christmas images.  If you are able to stop into the store, there will be many other sales offered.  Remaining JustRite stamps and mounts from our purchase of the Stamp Barn will be marked down to clear at 50% off.  Discount bins will offer 40% off savings. 

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Holiday Monday - Store Closed

Another summer is drawing to a close, although I think someone forgot to tell the weather man.  The warm, humid weather of the summer has been lingering here in Ontario but it is hard to complain knowing that soon the weather will change again.

The store will be closed on Monday, Sept.  5 for Labour Day.  We wish you all a safe and relaxing holiday weekend. 


Random thoughts alert!!!  I hope to be able to start bringing you more card related posts.  I need to have a talk with the bosses about the direction they would like to see the blog go.  Our purchase of The Stamp Barn has expanded our line of images substantially and I think we should be showcasing more of the great images now available to us while still including the fun stuff we have in the store.   This fall could signal a change of direction, but you will have to wait and see what comes along.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Where has time gone?

Summers are so busy for everyone, but oh what a summer we are having here in Southern Ontario.  And although I am not a huge fan of humidity I can manage well enough.  My Mom just got back from a trip to Eastern Canada, where it rained most days and a warm day of her 3 week stay was a balmy 16 degrees Celsius!  Now that is a bit chilly for summer time temps. 

We have just received a small order of House Mouse stamps and the new cutting dies are here as well.  These are some of the nicest dies we have seen in awhile.  They look rather flimsy in the package but don't let that fool you.  They are good and sturdy.


 Although it is an extra expense, the optional metal cutting plate adapter is well worth the money.  Some of the most intricate dies that were difficult to remove, popped right out when we used the plate.  I will be trying it with my Spellbinder Fleur de Lis that gave me fits when I was using it.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Lily Pad Challenge & Interview

Our sponsor challenge on the Lily Pad website has been posted.  It has been so much fun to see what those talented ladies have done with our stamps.  Be sure to click on the links to see the "how tos" on each of the cards presented.  I must admit I love seeing Rosewood stamps being used by artists in Sweden and Greece. 

Rose-Marie provided Lily Pad with an interview of sorts as well.  For those of you who don't know much about us, it was a great interview that will offer a bit of insight on how Frog's Whiskers Ink came to be the store you know and love.

Check out the Lily Pad website.  Have a look around while you are there.  They have a great website full of inspiration.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Check them out



Frog`s Whiskers Ink will be sponsoring a challenge on the Lily Pad Cards website, beginning next week. We can`t wait to see what this talented group of designers are going to make with our stamps. Since their official spokesman is Frederick DuPonde, shown below,

you can see why it was an easy decision for us to sign up to sponsor this challenge. Somethings are just meant to be.

Beyond that bit of publicity, those gals have some really great stuff on their blog. Be sure to check them out.


If for some computer generated problem the above link won`t take you to the Lily Pad website try this one . Hopefully this one will get you there.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Another Holiday Weekend

Just a quick note to let you know that the store will be

closed on Monday, August 1

for the Civic Holiday.

If you are in the Campbellford area on Saturday, July 30 you might want to take in the BIA Waterfront Festival. Activities are planned for the entire day, including a pancake breakfast, beach volleyball tournament, vendors in the park, cardboard boat racing ending with fireworks at dusk.


Monday, July 11, 2011

Stampfest Bancroft

In my cruising around the web, I have noticed stampers are looking for the date of Stampfest. Unfortunately Stampfest has been cancelled for this year. The organizers have done a great job with this event and are taking a year off to reassess. Hopefully they will make the decision to continue providing stampers a summer place to gather.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Sale expanded

The website has been updated and now shows all of the Cuttlebug and Sizzix folders we have in stock. We have expanded the sale to include Sizzix and Crafts Too You folders shown on the website. Remember your 25% discount will be applied to at shipping



Sale ends July 4

Monday, June 20, 2011

Website Sale

Visit the Frog's Whiskers Ink website and save 25% off all Spellbinders and Cuttlebug folders shown in the Supplies section. The sale applies only to online, in-stock items only. Supplies are limited.

The discount will be applied when we are ready to ship to you NOT at check out on the website.




It's not too late to sign up for the Letraset class. Cost for the class is $40 but you take home $36 worth of Letrasets plus a stamp for you future creative efforts. You can't lose.


















Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Learn to Letraset Class

I am sure you have all heard about alcohol markers. Copics are the most familiar, Letrasets are equally as good just not as well known in the paper craft industry. Letrasets have been on the market for years and work beautifully with the copics you may already own. All that aside, would you like to learn how to create vividly coloured cards? Rose-Marie will be holding 2 classes to teach you the basics of colouring with Letraset markers. The cost for each class is $40 which must be pre-paid and is non-refundable. This is slightly higher cost for a class but you will have to take home 4 Tria Markers, 1 Tria colourless blender and a cling mount stamp.







Contact us to book your class on either June 24, or June 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Thanks to all


Our sale on the weekend was a big success. We moved out a lot of product and now we will begin stocking up with more great tools & "things" to help you with your paper crafting projects.




Congratulations to Patricia H. of Trenton who was the winner of our draw.

Instructions and supplies need for this gorgeous card are on the Frog's Whiskers Ink website

Monday, May 23, 2011

Summer Hours

Effective immediately the store will open Sundays for the summer months. We will however be closed all Holiday Mondays.




Summer Store Hours





Monday to Friday 9:30 - 5:30



Saturday 9:30 - 5:00



Sundays 12:00 - 4:00




Closed all Holiday Mondays




My apologies I typed up this post and completely forgot to re-post. I hope everyone had a great Victoria Day weekend. The weather was excellent in my part of the country.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Our Biggest Sale Ever

Our recent purchase of The Stamp Barn required us to make some changes to the store. One of these changes has required us to give up display space in a store that was hardly big enough to begin with. Anyone who has visited knows we make the most of every bit of display space. Now we have a problem, a good problem, but still a problem and this is where we need your help. We need to clear out to make room for the new.



Join us on


Friday, May 27 & Saturday, May 28

when our doors open at 9:30 a.m.


for the best sale Frog's Whiskers Ink has ever offered.




Just LOOK at what we have for you! Spellbinders dies and Cuttlebug folder - buy 3 get 1 free (lowest priced item is free). Clearance stamps 50% to 75% off. All in-stock Rosewood & Stamp Barn stamps will be 25% off. Flower Soft will by buy 2 get on 1 free (lowest priced item is free). All in-stock tools, papers, stickers, inks and bling will be marked down. End of line products will priced to clear. Plus many more incredible deals. We want you to discover the joys of Letraset markers. All Letraset marker packs will be tax free for this weekend only.




Due to the size and nature of this sale, this will be an in-store and in-stock sale ONLY.




Hope to see you there.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Watercolouring

I got some time last weekend to do some playing with Letraset AquaMarkers. Rose-Marie gave me 3 different papers to use as well; 2 different weights watercolour papers and the 130lb paper we use for Letraset alcohol markers.




These markers are very easy to use either directly on paper or blended on a palette. The fine tip give you great control for adding shadows and the broad tip is fabulous for scribbling on your palette.

I discovered something important about myself. I am not much of a water colourist. I guess that is why I have hated colouring images so much. (Well until I discovered the joys of Copics and Letrasets.) They aren't bad really but I love colour. Beautiful, bold colour!! I think I will add a bit of shine to the butterflies with Sakura Gelly Rolls and Flower Soft to the flower centres. Of note, the 130 lb paper was my personal favourite paper to use with the AquaMarkers. I haven't mentioned it yet but the image is from The Stamp Barn (NAT019), sorry I'm not sure of the name of this stamp.

I will share the completed card soon and I may practice water colouring a bit more. There are so many images which are so well suited to water colouring, I feel I should maybe give it a second chance.

One more thought, the 6 markers shown with the coloured images were all the markers I used to colour each of these images. In fact I think I may have photographed one more marker than I actually used. Creating depth is so easy with the AquaMarkers, I think I could even master the technique. Well almost :)

Friday, May 6, 2011

Country Stamp & Scrap Getaway Cancelled

We were so close to making this weekend happen but the stars just didn't align. People who had signed up cancelled for a variety of reasons. It became obvious that there just wasn't enough time left to fill the cancelled places and still give Cathie time to cancel her flight. We truly regret having to cancel since we had such great projects ready for you to enjoy and we were all looking forward to meeting Cathie Allen.

Anyone who has prepaid for this event will be reimbursed immediately. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Happy Birthday Donna

Donna's birthday was last week. We had cake and flowers and of course cards. I made this card to celebrate her special day.





The flower stamp is from Inkadinkdoo that I stamped with Memento Black and coloured with 2 Tria Markers. I added the shadow behind the flowers with Copic Cool Shadow. The sentiment is from a clear Hero Arts set. I'm not sure if you can really see it (I hate scans for poor photos!) but the brown is a new paper to our store. It comes in a variety of colours and adds a beautiful shimmer to any card. Coincidently it is called Shimmer paper. Call us if you are interested. The layers were cut with Label 17, I think.



I didn't get a photo of the inside but I stamped a Whipper Snapper Chicken holding presents that I coloured with my beautiful markers. The base card was stamped repeatedly with Vintage photo and a gift box stamp from Rosewood. I created a pop-card with the chicken stamp that a scan would not have done justice. I was trying for a bit of humour. The outside of the card looked so prim and proper but the inside was meant to be fun. Not at all like Donna herself, she is all fun all the time. One of the kindest people I know.

Friday, April 15, 2011

This and That

I have checked with Rose-Marie and yes she will be at the Memory Keepers CreativFestival booth from 1 until 4 on Sat. April 16. The spring show is still at the International Centre near Pearson airport and will be open to the public Friday and Saturday. Rose-Marie will be creating flowering gardens that will be sure to brighten what is forecast to be a dull weekend. Unfortunately the proprietor at Old Tyme Country Crafts has had to cancel the classes she had scheduled with Rose-Marie for Sunday, April 17. We will try to reschedule for another date. Easter weekend is fast approaching and the store will be closed Good Friday. Remember to sign up for the Country Getaway. The deadline is fast approaching and you don't want to miss out.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Stamp & Scrap Country Getaway Weekend

Join us from Friday, May 13 until Sunday May 15 for a getaway weekend. Friday will be a wine & cheese meet and greet at the store for all participants. A mixture of scrap booking and card making classes will start Saturday morning when

Rose-Marie will teach Fabulous Flowers. She will teach again Sunday afternoon offering some Black Magic.


We are pleased to have internationally acclaimed teacher


Cathie Allen flying in to round out our weekend. Cathie will be teaching a 2 part class beginning Saturday afternoon when she will be Unfolding a Floral Fantasy and continuing Sunday morning with Fantastic Foils and Flowers. If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Cathie you are in for a treat. Cathie's enthusiasm is infectious!


Saturday evening Tom & Rose-Marie will host a catered dinner and stamp swap at their home for guests of the getaway weekend only. (Please bring a chair to use for dinner.)


Cost for the entire weekend is $150 which includes the wine & cheese get together, all 4 classes, dinner and the stamp swap Saturday evening. Contact the store if you require more information or if you wish to book your weekend. Space is limited and prepayment is required by April 30/11.


The Water's Edge Inn has a group of rooms blocked off and this link will take you to a listing of B&B's in the area to make your stay a pleasant one. There will be ample time for you to enjoy all that Campbellford has to offer.

Friday, April 8, 2011

CreativFestival


Rose-Marie has been asked to do some demo's at The Memory Keepers booth. It has been a year or 2 since we have been to the CreativFestival and we are looking forward to returning. Stop by and say hello on Saturday only. I will have to check with Rose-Marie but I think she told me she will be at their booth from 1 until 4.

The Memory Keepers will be bringing a selection of our stamps. Please contact us if there are specific stamps you would like. We would be pleased to bring them for you.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Letraset

As I mentioned a couple of posts ago the Letraset markers have arrived and they are fantastic. All of the same qualities of the Copic markers in a larger, longer lasting marker. I like the tips on the Letrasets so much better. The ProMarker series has a shorter, stiffer brush tip than the Copics as well as a chisel tip. The Tria series has 3 individual tips; the chisel tip, the smaller brush tip and a fine tip for the tiny little areas that are impossible to get with a Copic. We currently only have sets available in the store but we will be bringing in individual pens in time for the Stamp & Scrap Country Getaway Weekend (more about that in another post). Check out the Letraset website and remember when you look at the price in British pounds that we have been able to bring them in for less then price shown. Letraset has a great website with lots of information and tutorials. I have in my possession Tria markers, only 5 but I have already got my eye on a gorgeous set. Here's what I have been playing around on, remember I used only 3 colours. Sorry about the dark pics, I haven't been able to get my scanner to co-operate. Cassie did this one with 3 Letraset colours plus the blender and a green Copic (since the Letrasets I have only came with one rather non-descript green that's why I need more and that's what I tell my husband!). Letrasets are completely compatable with the Copics you may already own. It's a win-win.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

ScrapFest Kitchener


We will be in booth #205 for ScrapFest Kitchener. The VIP event Friday evening is sold out but you could still visit us on Saturday. As usual we will be bringing cling mounted Rosewood stamps, select wood mounted Rosewood stamps and this year will have a collection of stamps from The Stamp Barn in both cling and wood.


If you would like specific stamps, contact us and we would be glad to bag it up and bring it with us. You will have to do so before Thursday, April 7 at noon when Tom & Rose-Marie will be leaving for Kitchener.


Monday, April 4, 2011

Busy, busy, busy

It was pointed out to me the diasters this post was, full of typos and bad grammar. I have corrected the many typos and am reposting for your pleasure. That's what I get for rushing! Timing is everything and wow the timing has been stressful on our purchase of The Stamp Barn. Not only did we have to get everything from their Ottawa Valley shop to our store, we had to try and sort the stock (over 900 images!) not only so can we find them easily but so that we would know what images Rodney and Sharon had in their collections. A catalogue is never quite the same as holding a stamp in your hand and just to make things really interesting, we have been getting ready for the shows that Tom & Rose-Marie are attending over the next few weeks. On Monday, March 28 Tom and Rose-Marie attended the Canadian Craft and Hobby Association show in Brampton. I am sure you have heard of CHA. These are the same people as CHA but geared towards Canadian stores. This is a retailers only show that has been revived by this year's organziers. The show was well attended by both vendors and retailers which was very encouraging considering the challenges the paper craft industry has faced over the last few years. If the attendance is any indication, rest assured paper crafts are alive and well in Ontario. As you can see the booth at a wholesale show looks very different from the booth that you will see when you get to ScrapFest Kitchener on April 9. Notice the Letrasets??? Yes they have arrived and let me tell you I am loving those markers. I will tell you more about them tomorrow. :D

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Back to Work


The first quarter of the year was very quiet at the store, so it gave me the opportunity to take some time off and get work done in my real life. Donna & I are both back to work now and all of us at Frog's Whiskers Ink have been looking forward to sharing some very exciting news.

I am sure many of you will have heard of Stamp Barn and Sunshine Designs. Owners, Rodney & Sharon Stead decided they wanted a change of direction in their lives and approached Tom & Rose-Marie about purchasing their company. After much negotiating they reached a mutually agreeable arrangement. We are pleased to announce effective immediately


Frog's Whiskers Ink is now the proud owner of

Stamp Barn

and all its design companies.


This merger will add over 900 images to our catalogue. For those of you not familiar with their designs you are in for a treat. I had my first opportunity to see the many of the stamps today and there are so many I would like to add to my collection. It may be a while before I actually take home a pay cheque. SIGH!!!! Oh well hazard of the job I guess. We encourage you to look at the Stamp Barn website and call or email for your order. It is going to take us some time to get everything switched over to our system but we do have all of the images available for you to purchase immediately.

We do have one more announcement but there are some details I need before I can do that here. I will be posting the information here soon. Welcom back

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Bring it to Class


Over the years we have provided everything you will need to complete your projects during Rose-Marie`s classes. We have found however as more products become available that our clients have their favourite tools. So we have decided to no longer provide these supplies. When you come to class we ask that you bring a class kit which should contain:


- adhesive (tape and/or glue)

- scissors

- pen and pencil

- eraser

- ruler

- stylus or bone folder

- paper trimmer (optional)


Thank you for the understanding and we look forward to creating wth you.

Life's LIttle Charms


We are pleased to introduce a new stamp company from designer Monika Brint. Life's Little Charms are set of small images that are quite small, most no bigger than 1.5 " x 1.5". Join us at the store from Jan 27 until Jan. 29 for the release party of Life's Little Charms.


During those days Rose-Marie will be teaching classes using these adorable little images to create bookmarks, tags and small cards. Contact the store for details.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

October Challenge - con't

Darlene must have jumped all over this one...no pun intended. She headed to the grocery store and picked up brown paper lunch bags. She cut ears, stamped Rosewood Easter Eggs across the bottom and coloured them. Next she added googlie eyes, drew on a mouth, fluff nose & fishing line whiskers. The tag is Rosewood Flourish Easter Egg stamped on shiny gold card stock. This cute little bag could be made in any size to deliver gifts from the Easter bunny or they would make great favour bags for a children's party.


Lauralee's bag is as usual a work of art. She stamped the Hero Arts background stamp in brown ink, coloured in the hearts with a red Marvy marker and highlighted the image with a white gel pen. She used a Nestibility to cut the heart shape in the bag and then lined the bag with some beautiful hand made paper. Walnut Distress ink on the edges of the bag adds dimension. Lauralee created her tag with the same heart shaped Nestibility in white card stock. She attached the cut shape from the bag to complete her tag. A twine bow, some walnut distress ink and raffia make an adorable bag & tag combination.






Cassie had brightly coloured bags to work with. She used a coordinating stamp and punch set from Stampin' Up to create the butterflies which she coloured with chalk. Her tag was a die cut that she stamped with Rosewood Paper Swirl and coloured with Bic Mark-Its. Cassie stamped Rosewood Friend on scrap paper, trimmed it out and dragged the edges with the red Mark-It to pull it all together.




Barb's card was layered onto a cream coloured card that she distress with olive pigment ink. The brown card stock was passed the CB folder swirls. She stamped Rosewood Northern Pine which she cut in half and layered onto green card stock. She used the same sentiment on her bag. Barb also created a similar layered image on the reverse of her bag. I apologize for the lack of a photo for the reverse of Barb's bag.


Barb had a fantastic interpretation of this challenge. She created her bag from newspaper based on instructions she found here. She did tell me that she made the bag a size bigger than the instruction make. I'm not sure where the sentiment is from but she created a great focal point by setting the brown mat off centre. The tag was created using her Cricuit "A Child's Year" cartridge. Don't you just love that shape?





Thursday, January 6, 2011

October Challenge

Donna gave us what seemed to be a pretty straight forward challenge for October. Create a gift bag and make a tag or card to go with it. The bag could be made or purchased and it could be any size. The only stipulation was that your challenge project must contain at least 1 stamped image. Simple enough right? Apparently not, we all had difficulty with this one. Not that the completed challenges were gorgeous, we just didn't love our individual efforts for a variety of reasons.


First is Jacqui's project. Jacqui recently discovered House Mouse Designs and she used this adorable image for her tag which she has coloured with pencil crayons and blended with gamasol. She has found gamasol to be a better blending medium.

On a simple kraft bag she wrapped a large image (coloured in the same manner as the tag) but first she did some machine stitching to create a border. So cute!!!!






Next is Donna's contribution. She created a beautiful layered tag by first stamping and embossing on vellum. I am guessing she cut the vellum to match the tag underneath. I thought at first she had used a die to cut both elements but further inspection says no.

Next she clear embossed some small flower images and created a resist using distress inks on a simple kraft tag purchased from the dollar store.



On her pretty purple bag she used a stamp from Stampin' Up, which she stamped in purple and clear embossed. She inked the panel and distressed the edges of the stamped image. She used a corner rounder to chomp out the corners and added gems. The mat layers are cut using decorative scissors.




For my project I dug out an old PSX ornament stamp that I stamped all over the bag with Brilliance ink. I cut the tag and bag medallion from a Spellbinder die. The bag medallion I put through a CB folder. I stamped the reverse of the acrylic tag with the same PSX stamp in brown Staz On but I thought it looked boring, so through the xyron it went and a shot of glitter added some zip.



Tomorrow I will add the bags and card from the remaining ladies.