Crafting and Health- Benefits for Mind, Body and Spirit. (Note: this article originally appeared in the Craft Industry Today magazine, published by the Association for Creative Industries, formerly the Craft and Hobby Association.) If you ask any artist or crafter, you will hear a variety of comments about how art-making or crafting makes them feel: “I get in the zone.” “All my troubles melt away.” “I feel so much better when I’m creative.” So anecdotally, even instinctively, […]
Archives for February 2017
Battle of the Water Soluable Drawing Media: Scribble Sticks v Neo Color II v Inktense
Almost as soon as we shared the Scribble Sticks video from Creativation/CHA 2017, the questions started pouring in. Folks wondered if they were lightfast, water- resistant, were they like Neo Color II? Well, sometimes the best way to discover what a product IS is to compare it to similar/familiar items to draw comparisons and contrast the differences. So this post is comparing/contrasting Scribble Sticks from Ranger, Neo Color II from Caran D’Ache, and Inketense Blocks (sticks) from Derwent. Let’s GO! Disclosure: […]
Air Brush Backpack Tags (Hands On Crafts for Kids)
This is a segment from the kid’s TV show I host, Hands On Crafts for Kids! This is was a super special craft to film, as I got to share it with my daughter Bailey! We are using the Testors AirBrainz airbrushing kit and recycled formica samples. As you can see, it’s kid-friendly (ages 8 and up) and is a fun way to make BFF backpack charms or key fobs. Here’s what we used: (affiliate links below) Testors AirBrainz airbrushing kit http://amzn.to/2kSRSTu […]
New Products from Ken Oliver Crafts at CHA Creativation 2017
Today we are back with more CHA Creativation 2017 coverage from the tradeshow floor. And it wouldn’t be a show without a visit to Ken Oliver Crafts! We have a trio of videos for you showcasing his new- and most popular- products. First up, we have Ken Oliver himself sharing the new Mineral Burst mediums and the new colors of ColorBurst: By the way, these will be launching in February- we’ll share some links once we figure out who […]
Distress Oxide Stamp Pads a Hit at CHA Creativation 2017
Distress Oxide Stamp Pads a Hit at CHA Creativation 2017 Well…Tim Holtz and Ranger Ink has once again developed a new product that has the audiences at CHA Creativation swooning. This time, it’s Distress Oxide Stamp pads. Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink Pads are water-reactive dye & pigment ink fusion that creates and oxidized effect when sprayed with water. Use with stamps, stencils, and direct to surface. Blend using Ink Blending Tools and Foam. Re-ink using Distress Oxide Reinkers. Comes […]
Tim Holtz Stamp Positioner- CHA Creativation 2017
Stamp Positioners are a HUGE thing right now- and Tim Holtz has joined the party with his Stamp Positioner by Tonic Studios. This stamping tool features a magnetic platform, open sides, an etched lid, and padding UNDER the platform for a bit of give and a non-skid surfaces. Lucky for us, we got not one but TWO demos of the tool! One came from Paula at Tonic Studios. This video was captured as part of a live broadcast, so the […]
Unicorn Spit Gel Stain- New from Eclectic Products at CHA 2017
If you caught yesterday’s post, you know that we took a stroll through the new product showcase and a few caught our eye- the UNICORN SPIT! Yep, that’s the name! What it IS is a water-based gel stain that works amazingly on both porous AND non-porous surfaces. So while you would assume it would work great on unfinished wood, cardboard, paper, canvas and fabric, you might be surprised to know that it also works great on glass, metal and tile. […]