Twas the Night Before Tim's Tags of Christmas

Twas the night before Tim's Tags of Christmas
When all through the Web
Every stamper was stirring in wake of this fun event!
With Distress Inks and Blending Tools ready to go,
Just a wondering which stamps Tim Holtz will show.
With #8 Tags and the Must Have Craft Sheet
waiting for Day 1,
Every stamper in town is getting anxious for some
Tim Holtz Christmas fun.
So Stamp away, stamp away, stamp away all,
For Tim Holtz Tags of Christmas
 will keep you from the busy mall.                

                                       -By Daisy Sparks

Here are some basic supplies you might want to have on hand in order to stamp along with Tim and his 12 Tags of Christmas:

Craft Sheet
Distress Inks
Blending Tools
Glossy Accents
Distress Stickles (especially new colors)
Crackle Paint (did you get the new Rock Candy)
Paint Dabbers
Grungepaper
Your favorite Tim Holtz Stamps
And some tags to practice and create some artful tags.

Every one who orders stampers dozen tags will receive a coupon code to come back and shop with eclectic Paperie. This coupon code will be good until December 31st.

eclectic Feed: Episode 15 (Distressing Tags)

As the anticipation builds for Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas 2009, seems like a good time to learn or review how to apply Distress Inks to tags. This new video tutorial shows you how to apply Distress Inks with a Blending Tool using our stampers dozen tags.

Stamp collections on Sale

We are clearing out all of our Inky Antics and Art Gone Wild stamp collections. They are all at 30% off. We will be discontinuing these stamps from our product mix so once they are gone, we will not be re-ordering these stamps. There is a big variety of designs if you are looking for special themed stamps to use for your projects. The stamp images from these collections are good line art images that would fun to color with your Copic Markers, too.

New Decorative Corner Chompers

You loved the Corner Chomper. Now comes new decorative corner chompers that are just in time for all the holiday crafts. There are 3 new Corner Chompers and each one has two different corners. It will cut through layers of paper, cardstock, chipboard, leather, plastic, acrylic and more. Another feature is a built-in chamber that holds all your clippings for easy clean-up.

Each style retails for $24.99. Don't forget that you will get two different corners in one tool. Call your friends to each buy one style; then use it as an excuse to get together to craft so you can borrow and share crafting tools. Visit this section and you can also see a video about the original Corner Chomper and how it works.

eclectic Feed: Episode 14 (Using Paint Dabbers as a Resist Ink)

Learn how to use Ranger Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabbers as a resist ink. This technique is used with Tim Holtz Distress Inks. The end result looks like a raised embossed image but the great thing about this technique is that you don't need a heat gun or messy powders.

All You Need is Love

My family loves the Beatles and their music. We are most excited about the release of The Beatles Rock Band game on 9/9/09. Gonna surprise my kids with the new game on Wednesday so this is their card. My kids don't start school until Thursday so they can spend their last day of vacation rockin' out to Beatles Rock Band game.

MacSparky(DH) is very much an avid jazz music lover. My kids (8 & 13) love all everything from Disney Channel music to The Killers and Black Eyed Peas. I love everything 80s to Green Day. The Beatles music is timeless and can be shared from generation to generation. The Beatles and their music is a shared passion in the Sparks family. There are many Beatles songs that everyone has a favorite. Rock Band is like our karaoke fun for family time. So we can't wait until Wednesday.

Inspired by The Beatles, I dug out my inks and stamps and here is my Beatles inspired card.



Stamps: Psychedelic Grunge and Fairytale Frenzy (Tim Holtz -Stampers Anonymous)
Inks: Distressed Inks(Ranger)
Embellishments: New Distressed Stickles (Aged Mahogany), Crackle Paint (Rock Candy), Grungepaper, Trinket Pins, Manila Tag

New Graphic 45 Collections

Just wanted to let you know that the newest Graphic 45 collections have found their way into the eP product mix. Graphic 45 came out with these paper pad collections so now you can have all the papers that coordinate. The paper pad include two (2) sheets of all 10 double-sided papers and one (1) sheet of each of the two coordinating die-cuts. There are three collections to choose from:

Domestic Goddess

Renaissance Faire Collection



















Christmas Past Collection


Graphic 45 also now has their own blog and Design Team. They have lots of projects and ideas posted there. Visit HERE to see some of their beautiful displays and projects from CHA Summer 2009 show.

Creating a Faux Burnt Edge with Distress Ink

With a some Distress Inks and a distressing tool, you can create a "burnt edge" effect. Manila tags are great to try out this technique for their small surface and sturdiness. A good technique to apply to your Halloween projects.

New Our Craft Lounge Stamps are Here!

Today is the day for the holiday releases for Our Craft Lounge (OCL) stamps. All week long, the OCL Design Team has been showing sneak peaks on their blogs. Now for the big reveal of all the new OCL stamps and wait till you see them. eclectic Paperie has them all available for you. Go HERE to see all the newest OCL offerings. Click on each set and you can view a sample and link to the fabulous OCL Design Team member who created it. You can also visit the OCL blog to find more samples and information about these cute holiday-themed stamps. eclectic Paperie has all the new sets(almost 40!) today.

New Tim Holtz Stamps Back in Stock

Wanted to let you all know that we received another shipment of the newest Tim Holtz stamps (by Stampers Anonymous). These were just released at CHA this week. We got some in a couple weeks and they sold out very fast. The Halloween and Christmas themed stamps are back in stock, too. These are Tim's samples that just make you want these stamp sets. Here are two of our favorites from Tim's summer releases:






You can click HERE to view the Tim Holtz Collection-Summer 2009.

An Interview to Remember

Want to know a little more about what inspires someone like Tim Holtz? How about Wendy Vecchi's favorite stamp release for this summer? Check out Samantha's interview of two of your favorite paper crafters.

More Grungepaper Fun

We love this new Studio 490 stamp set by Wendy Vecchi. You should see her samples because they are amazing. You get a feel of what you can do with such cool stamp designs. Inspired by Wendy's creations, Samantha had fun playing with this new stamp set and is hosting a new episode of the eclectic Feed.

Enjoy!






Supplies used: Lowercase Art & Card Art Essentials; round coasters; Cappuccino cardstock cover.

12 New Copic Colors for You!

Yup...THEY are here! The newest Copic colors that you've been reading about have made their way into the eclectic Paperie product mix. We got them in early and available for you today. You can purchase all 12 new colors in an eP bundle or a-la-carte. These new Copic Colors are only available in Sketch Markers. We have a good supply on-hand that is ready for immediate shipment.


Here's a fun little video to introduce you to the 12 New Copic Colors.

A special THANK YOU! to the following ladies who graciously let us share their creativity and Copic knowledge with you:

• Lori Craig
• Sherrie Siemens
• Debbie Olson

Also be sure to check out Sharon Harnist at PaperFections. She shared a very insightful blog post that compares the new Copic colors with very similar Copic shades.

My daughter, Samantha, also decided to weigh in on these colors. You can see Samantha's review HERE.

We are working on a couple things to bring to you soon. New eclectic Feed video tutorials and some other surprises, too.

Have a great weekend!
Daisy

Unity Stamps & Piggy Tales on Sale

Just wanted to let you know that we have a small assortment of Unity Stamps in the older packaging...lovely organdy bags. We are marking them down at 30%.














We also have a several of the Piggy Tales collections, rub-ons, embellishments and books for 30% off. They include Itsy Bitsy Spider, Ole King Cole, Cinderella, the Ballad of Mulan and a couple more lines.

We need to get ready for CHA and all the offerings that your favorite companies will have there. So, we have to move out inventory to make room for new.

Happy Shopping!
Daisy & Joy

PS...We are anticipating the new Basic Grey collections, Lemonade and June Bug to shipping soon.

How to Paint with Perfect Pearls

One of the first techniques that we learned at Ranger U was how to use Perfect Pearls. It was great to learn how to use them in many ways. Learning what to do with Perfect Pearls made me really appreciate them...all over again. It's a great product to either discover or re-discover. It does not take up too much room; a little goes a long way so it's a great value; the secret sauce is a little H20.



Perfect Pearls™ Pigment Kits have found their way into the eP product mix. These are great beginner sets since they also include the brushes and medium. The one thing you need to know that makes Perfect Pearl(by Ranger) a great product choice is that it is a mica-powder with a built-in binder. You won't have to seal it with another medium. A little water mist will activate the resins and binders built into the powdered pigments.

Mixing Perfect Pearls with water can form a variety of inks, glazes, and paints. You can control the water and Perfect Pearls to make either an opaque paint of sheer wash. It dries fast, too. Applying it on different surfaces can also give it a different affect. Use a Mini Mister to lightly spritz and set your projects when using Perfect Pearls. eclectic Paperie has several kits available as well as offering them in individual colors. Wouldn't that be fun to spend an afternoon playing with your Perfect Pearls? Get together with some friends to share ideas and color away. A little can go along way.

Perfect Medium and Perfect Pens were designed specifically to work with Perfect Pearls. It looks like a stamp pad but it is not an ink pad or pen. Many compare it to VersaMarkTM but it is not the same. Perfect Medium can be used as a watermark, a resist on glossy paper and as an embossing. Perfect Medium was designed to work with and make Perfect Pearls stick.

The sample and technique shown above was done by stamping, then embossing the image on black cardstock. This Studio 490 butterfly was a good stamp to experiment with practicing how to paint with Perfect Pearls. A little water misted onto the Perfect Pearls creates a good wash. The amount of water controls the color intensity you desire.

Now it's your turn to try. Happy painting!

More Alcohol Ink Resist Info

Okay, here's a little more info the Alcohol Ink Resist technique. Remember, it's not white ink stamped unto a piece of acrylic. It's alcohol ink that has been applied; then a little technique using a stamp and black archival ink, and carefully swiping will create a great look to your project. Here's, the sample again.

1. Take a Fragment shape of your choosing:
2. Prep your Alcohol Inks and choose the colors you want on your Ink Applicator;
   
3. Apply ink to Fragment;
4. Let dry completely(eating a piece of chocolate can lend for ample drying time);
5. Choose a good image to stamp. Take into consideration the Fragment size when choosing stamp. You want some detail to your stamped image. The stamp in the sample is from a floral swirl from Floral Tattoo(Tim Holtz Collection);
6. Using Jet Black Archival Ink, ink up your stamp. Light press Fragment onto stamped image and lift carefully;
7. Using a lint free cloth, carefully blot the black ink. The black ink will rub off the alcohol ink to reveal the stamped image;
8. Back up the Fragment with glossy white cardstock and voila'...it will look awesome!

I used Studio 490 Funky Flower Art(Wendy Vecchi) and found that there was a half flower and stem that would be perfect for the stamped Fragment. I also used one of the fun mesh-like background stamp from Psychedelic Grunge to give the card more interest.


Try the technique out a couple times. Experiment with different alcohol ink combinations/colors and also try out different stamps. Here's another sample I did at Ranger U using the a stamp from Sketch Elements(Tim Holtz Collection).

You can also view the technique HERE.

Happy Birthday, Taylor!

Sending birthday wishes to a friend who will be missed from California. Taylor has lots to celebrate besides her birthday. So thrilled and proud of her successful adventure with Taylored Expressions. She is moving back "home" and will be able to devote her full time with Taylored Expressions. I've loved getting to know her at numerous CHA events. Being CHA roomates a couple times lent for many laughs and memories. From the infamous popcorn search in Chicago(sad face) to those mysterious metal elements found in her suitcase, to Taylor being our cheerleader, she has been a constant eclectic Friend to eP. I have valued her support and friendship.

Taylor has a big heart for her faith, friends, family and all things cupcakes.

Happy Birthday, Taylor! Hope all your wishes come true! Good luck on your new adventures and new home, too.

CHEERS!
Daisy

SUPPLIES:
A little Glossy Accents and some Cmas Red Stickles can make for some easy embellishment fun. Of course Taylor's stamps screams for some Copic coloring, too. I like to reach for the Cuttlebug Happy Birthday embossing folder for a quick background and texture. These are 2 different stamps from 2 TE stamp sets(Home Sweet Home & Season's Sweetings).

PS: You can go to Taylor's blog and view her weekly sketch and leave her a birthday comment, too. You can also view more Taylored Expressions samples at SCS and search for tayloredexpressions or SASI.

eclectic Feed: Episode 9 (Alcohol Ink Resist)

Presenting another technique using Alcohol Ink and Jet Black Archival Ink. It's one of my favorites that we learned at Ranger U. I'll try to upload more details and photos within the week.

Studio 490 Contest

We {heart} Wendy Vecchi, her blog, and stamps. She shares some very creative projects over at Studio 490. We've teamed up with Wendy to bring her stamp collection, Studio 490, to you. We'll be teaming up to bring you some more future surprises and adventures. Visit her blog today to get details of a fun contest that she is hosting this weekend. She has an extra surprise for the winner.

eclectic Feed: Episode 8 (Weathered Wood)

One of my favorite techniques that I learned from Ranger U was creating a weathered wood effect with Paint Dabbers and Distress Inks. You could spend a whole afternoon experimenting ad creating some great backgrounds for your projects. You may even have some dabbers and inks already. So, go get your supplies and give it a try. It's just the right technique for any Father's Day project that you may have in mind.

Kona Celebrates Joy's Birthday

Yippee! It's Joy's Birthday today and I wanted it to be filled with friends and surprises.

Here's my birthday card for a special friend. I found this beach summer border punch by EK Success. It's perfect for this set. I used the Forest Branches A2 embossing folder on my cardstock. Swiped a Lemonade Paint Dabber to achieve a more distressed look. I also used the Happy Birthday A2 embossing folder on the scalloped piece before I layered Kona on top. He screams to be colored with Copic Markers. The possibilities are endless. I colored his board shorts Laker Team colors. I used the Fancy Pants decorative pin to look like Kona is holding a flower.


In honor of Joy's special day, eclectic Paperie is releasing an exclusive stamp set designed by Our Craft Lounge. You can read about the birth of Kona the Hawaiian turtle HERE. Hangin' Loose with Kona is currently only available at eclectic Paperie. It's got some great phrases and images. Cami, Marianne and I had a lot of fun collaborating to come up with a versatile and awesome stamp set. It can be for anyone, can be used for any occasion, and is perfect for summer and Father's Day projects. Hangin' Loose with Kona is available today.

Cami and Our Craft Lounge friends are celebrating the debut of this new stamp set by throwing Joy a surprise birthday party through their blogs. Make sure you visit Cami's blog for links to everyone "attending" this surprise party for Joy. You can also visit the SCS gallery and put in epkona in the search box to see more Kona samples.

Joy....sending you many happy birthday wishes on your special day. Have a magical day at Disneyland! Make it the Happiest Day for you!

Cheers!
Daisy

Grungepaper Project - Belly Band

Grungepaper is back in stock. It's like nothing that you've ever seen. You can stamp it, paint it, heat it, emboss it, cut it, run it through your die cut machines and so much more. The possibilities are endless. The new video will show you a project using the Grungepaper as a decorative element. It's a belly band made from Grungepaper around a tea tin. I'll post more photos and supplies used in a later post.

eclectic Paper Feed - episode 7

eclectic Paperie Technique Class Offer

One of the things Joy and I realized while attending Ranger University was how fun it is to learn crafting techniques together. We've been so busy operating eclectic Paperie that we'd somehow forgot that. So we've decided to start a series of eclectic Paperie Technique Classes. We learned some fantastic techniques at Ranger U and plan to share them. If you live in Southern California, come join us to spend time with old (and new) friends and learn some new tricks with Ranger's Alcohol Ink.

Purchase the Alcohol Madness Class Kit and the technique class is free. Come join us and we'll teach you how to use the supplies from your kit. You will learn four (4) techniques using Ranger's Alcohol Inks; start a technique ring; and complete 4 projects with the techniques you learned during class. You'll go home armed and ready with basic supplies and "know how" to create more paper crafts with alcohol inks.

Saturday, June 13, 2009
Portola Hills Clubhouse
18891 Saddleback Ranch Rd
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
10:00 am to 12:30 pm
There are a limited number of kits/class spots.
email questions to info@eclecticpaperie.com

Alcohol Madness Class Kit - $65.00 (+ tax)
Purchase Class Kit and save your class spot HERE.
Enter COUPON CODE - epclass for no shipping charge
You will receive your kit at class on June 13th.

We are gonna keep the class size small and intimate so you can really learn all there is about Ranger's Alcohol Inks. We'll have some door prizes and other eP offerings at the class. Make that stamp date with your friends. Purchase your class kit and spot early.

Ready to get inky?

-Daisy
"Feed Your Creativity"
www.eclecticpaperie.com

Drip & Smash

At Ranger U back in April, Tim Holtz taught us a technique using alcohol ink, mixative, and some blending solution to create some great backgrounds. Get some tags or cardstock (doesn't have to be glossy) and play. You'll have an adventure when coming up with some great creations. I am calling this technique "Drip & Smash".

I love this Berry Tree from Wendy Vecchi's Studio 490 stamp collection. Some stickles on the leaves adds some dimension and sparkle. More supplies used in this card can viewed at the end of the following video tutorial. The Ranger Non-Stick Craft sheet is a big help. Use your Blending Solution, too, for quick clean-up.

A little Flower Soft, please?

The new Flower Soft embellishment is really fun for adding some texture and interest to your projects. I needed some quick note cards and I picked these up in the $1 section at the craft store. I just thought that the hummingbird over the letter was perfect. The letter "d" was just the right size and I knew it wouldn't be overwhelmed with the Flower Soft.


You just have to make sure the you have a high-tack adhesive like Tacky Glue when working with Flower Soft. It's like the moss that you see in minature train set villages. Flower Soft comes in lots of colors. You can mix your own or purchase some in already mixed assortments. The possibilities are endless.

Happy National Scrapbook Day!

Don't have enough time, supplies, but have many photos? Try out Stories by Everyone (brought to you by Scrapbooks etc.) They have some great projects and templates that you can just upload your photos and stories, too. They have coupon books that you can order just in time for either Mother's Day or Father's Day. Try them out. The final product is really good quality and all items are a go0d value. Keep and use the following ACCESS CODE when you visit Stories by Everyone.

ACCESS CODE: 3TD6K3F29K
enter code at Check Out