DIY Quilled Paper Flower Embellishments A while ago I bought some little paper flower embellishments.They had a cute sheet-music print on them and were perfect for so many of the tags I make for the One Little Tag Craft Challenge on Facebook. the paper flower embellies had a glue dot on the back and were in black and white. Since I’m a gal who likes color, I usually painted them with some kind of watercolors to make them match the […]
Nine Easy Gel Printing Techniques for Beginners!
This week in the One Little Tage Craft Challenge group on FB, we are using gelatin printing as our prompt. (By the way, that is synonymous with Monoprinting, too. ) So if you are using a Gel Press, Gelli Plate, Gel Printing plate or a homemade one…. it doesn’t matter. I have 9 easy techniques to jumpstart your creativity and get you printing like a pro! Now, since I’m self-taught, some of these techniques may have more “official” names. All […]
Mixed Media Paper Feathers
Today I’ve got a paper craft for you- Paper Feathers. I got this idea when I was walking with my daughter in a National Park- we saw these lovely feathers on the trail, but taking them out as a no-no. So we took pictures instead, and re-created them with a few simple supplies. This project appeared on the PBS show Hands On Craft For Kids- I’ve been lucky enough to be the host for 3 seasons now. Here’s the clip […]
Show and Share: Eastern Palace Premiere Bundle from Stampin’ UP!
Today we are taking a look at the Eastern Palace Premiere Bundle from Stampin’ UP. Take a look at the new products and how I got inspired to make a TON of cards and tags! (Product provided for review.) Just a reminder- I’m not a SU demonstrator, but I AM a fan of their products. The company graciously sent me the new Eastern Palace Premiere Bundle to play with. (After all, I like goodies AND challenges. And nothing like new products […]
Fireworks Sprays Shimmer Dyes from Imagine Crafts
Today we are taking a look at a product that’s been around a while- Fireworks! Shimmer Sprays from Imagine Crafts. These sparkly, dye-based opaque shimmer sprays are pretty amazing. Disclosure: product provided for review purposes. My opinions are honest and based on my first-hand experience with the product. I was not compensated for this review. Some links below may be affiliate links, which help support this website with no added cost to you. 🙂 So…. these have been around for […]
NUVO Glimmer (Paste) from Tonic Studios
Today we are taking a look at the NUVO Glimmer, a glittery paste from Tonic Studios. Disclosure: product provided for review purposes. Opinions are honest and my own and based on my first-hand experience with the product. I am not financially compensated by the brand. Some links below are affiliate links that support CTD while adding no cost to you. I did find information on NUVO Glimmer paste on the Tonic Studios website: We’re proud to introduce a brand new […]
Delicata Metallic Stamp Pads-New Colors
I have long been a fan of the Delicata metallic stamp pads from Imagine Crafts- their silver and gold have been a staple in my craft room. Recently, they added four new colors to the line: black shimmer, white shimmer, dark brown shimmer and celestial copper to the line-up. Let’s take a look at how they work on dark and light surfaces! Disclosure: these stamp pads were provided for review purposes, but my opinion is hones ad my own, based […]
Embossed Watercolor Card featuring Colorburst
I’m at it again! I’m obsessed with emboss-resist watercoloring right now. And I made this cute embossed watercolor card and I thought I’d share it with you! By the way, I shared this little tutorial first on Periscope. It’s so much fun to watch and interact live- you can ask questions and chat with everyone in real time. But if that’s not your thing, that’s OK- you can still watch archived ‘scopes on the website. So let’s get to it! […]
Mixed Media Fun: Shaving Cream Paint Demo
Hey Crafty Friends! Let’s have some messy fun today and create shaving cream paint! I know that usually it’s used with the kids for finger painting, but you can take it to a whole ‘nother level by using stencils and a heat gun to create layers of translucent color and freckled textures. I have this video for you- I was originally an hour-long Periscope. (By the way, you don’t need the Periscope app to watch anymore- you can see […]
Reverse Reveal Stencil Technique
Lately I’ve been the Queen of all Watercolor Crayons- I’ve been testing out Distress Crayons, Recollections, Faber Castell Gel Crayons, Target, Crayola, as well as a few “off” brands. As I was playing with them, I made a discovery- you can layer them and then REMOVE a layer to create a two-toned effect. I’m calling it the “Reverse Reveal” stencil technique because you REMOVE the color (reverse) to REVEAL the color underneath. You only need a few items: watercolor crayons […]
Make Distress Paints into MARKERS!
Hey Crafters! Whenever I’m at the craft store I’m always on the look out for new, or even new-to-me, products. About two weeks ago I was picking up some Montana markers at Michael’s and noticed they had empty acrylic paint markers! EMPTY PAINT MARKERS!!! I had never seen or heard of these before! Disclosure: some links below are affiliate shopping links for your convenience. The possibilities quickly flooded my crafty brain, but the first thought I had was of […]
Easy Quilled Shamrock Card for St. Patrick’s Day
I love quilling! The act of twirling little paper strips into something lovely is a bit magical for me. While I came up with the card idea a few years ago, I’ve now updated it to include a quick 2-minute video showing you how to make this cut quilled shamrock. And if you need a lucky clover, just add one more leaf and you are good to go! There are some handy links affiliate shopping links below for your convenience. […]
Using The PixScan Mat with the Silhouette Studio Software- LIVE DEMO
Last week I gave you an overview of the PixSxan Mat, showing you how it scanned & cut out shapes. Today I have a LIVE demo for you, via screen capture. This 8-minute demo is for folks who might want start scanning, but who may be intimidated- but I’ll walk you through it! In this video, I walk you through how to import your file, which icons to use, how to trace, and even adding an offset (border) around a stamped […]
Speed Color Using Zig Clean Color Real Brushes
Yesterday I reviewed the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers– and they really are like having the look of watercolor with the ease of a marker and the semi-permanence of dye, all in one! But I digress. I colored in this little froggy and wanted to show you how I did it. I used 5 markers and a spritz of water to get this look- and I think because you can lighten the colors with water, it’s a lot easier […]
Simon Says Stamp April 2015 Card Kit & Inspiration
Hey Crafty Friends! I’m finally back from an early spring’s worth of travel, and now I’m really enjoying getting back into the swing of things in the studio. First, I’m cracking open the Simon Says Stamp Card Kit for April 2015 and getting my creative juices flowing! This kit challenged me a bit- while I loved the stamp set, the bright neon colors (to me) didn’t gel well with the kraft and gold-foiled accent papers. So take a look at […]
Glue Resist Wall Art Featuring Faber-Castel Gel Crayons
Here’s a fun project that you can do with your kids or even for yourself! Make some wall art that speaks to you! You’ll need: canvas paper (it comes in pads and is very economical) or a stretched canvas if you prefer Gesso (read my primer on gesso if you are not sure what that is or why you should use it pencil white glue or gel-style glue. I found that the glitter glue from Elmer’s worked best. (affiliate link) Faber Castell […]
Start-To-Finish Watercolor Cards
Last week I posted showing you how to make watercolor paints using your Perfect Pearls to add shimmer. I was so smitten with the technique, I decided to put the camera on and show you how I made a pair in under five minutes! OK… it was actually 22 minutes in “real time.” But in this video I give you some tips, tricks, and links to other technique videos so you can do this yourself! In case you missed it, […]
Making Watercolor Paint from Perfect Pearls!
This post is a direct result of a question from a YouTube Subscriber. She asked, “Can you make watercolor paints from Perfect Pearls?” And while I pretty much knew the answer would be “why not?” I decided to dig a little deeper and see how different methods might turn out. NOTE: I’m only referring to Perfect Pearls in this situation, as Perfect Pearls by Ranger have a resin built-in that acts as a binder. If you are using a mica […]
CHA Show 2015: What’s New From Spellbinders
Spellbinders is again expanding their line of papercrafting into mixed media and home decor with new dies, embossing folders, and now…… rhinestones and trims! I was invited to the media breakfast and snapped these pics and video for you. I’m hoping we’ll get some of these goodies to review for you, too! I was invited to the media breakfast and snapped these pics and video for you. I’m hoping we’ll get some of these goodies to review for […]
Fiskars Tag Maker and Eyelet Setter
I am the undisputed queen of punches. (Paper punches, darlings. I’m a lover not a fighter.) And punches that make tags or labels hold a special place in my heart- so I was happy to try out the Fiskars Tag Maker and Eyelet Setter when Fiskars offered it to me to review. This unique tool features an innovative design that makes it easy to create tags in three quick, easy steps. Simply insert your paper into the large slot […]
