Saturday, August 29, 2009

Need Ink?

For the new stamper, trying to decide which ink to purchase can be daunting. With so many brands, types and colours out there, what should one buy? For the new stamper, there really are only 2 things you need to know -- do you want dye pads or pigment pads? Dye ink is a water based pad that is thin and dries almost instantly.
Dye ink is used for stamping on lighter colored papers because the color "dyes" the paper and the ink will only show up correctly on lighter colored paper. Dye ink is most commonly used if not embossing since it is so easy to work with and it dries almost instantly.

Pigment ink is a thick, almost paintlike ink. It dries much more slowly than dye ink and may even need to be heat set with a heat gun. Pigment inks may show on darker coloured papers much better than dye, since pigment ink sits on top of the paper surface, rather than soaking into it. Pigment ink is also the ink you use for embossing. When using pigment ink, your stamped images stays wet long enough for embossing powder to stick to it and then allow you to heat it.
If you need any help with your inkpad choices, just ask one of our helpful staff. We have all the inkpads you will ever need in the store!


Sunday, August 23, 2009

Stamp Club is Coming Up!

Just a reminder to everyone that Stamp Club is just around the corner, on Saturday, August 29th.

The Stamp Club usually meets at the False Creek Community Centre on Granville Island, the last Saturday of every month from 9:00 to 11:00. What is this all about? Well, here's a brief rundown:

- we exchange cards and ideas
- we have demos and complete a few hands on project
- we have a card swap every meeting -- If you'd like to participate in the swap please bring 10 similar stamped projects with you.

Everyone is welcome and there is a $5 drop in fee - just think for the price of a latte, you get to participate in a hands-on demo and swap! We’re a friendly bunch so come and join in the fun! For more information, email Jeannie at jwco53@hotmail.com For the August meeting, Elizabeth is demo'ing and listed below are the supplies to bring if you would like to play.

The demo will be a 3D card and a small 3D paper rose. Not much is needed in the way of supplies, here they are:

- 2 or 3 sheets of paper the weight of copier paper, patterned or actual copy paper.
- small glue dots (at least 25) any other type of adhesive makes it difficult
- small scissors
- 1 sheet cs any colour (if you bring patterned paper for item 1 it should coordinate with cs)
- yellow marker, crayon, or pencil

for the rose:
- tweezers like the ones in the making memories toolbox
- a fast drying glue like the zig pen glue

So come on out and enjoy a day of creativity and make new friends plus learn a new technique!

After stamp club, don't forget to pop into the store. We have some great new stamps and lots of new store samples to inspire you! Here's just one of them.



We look forward to seeing all the regulars and maybe a new face or two!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Winter Wishes Class

As promised here is a picture of Eleonor's Winter Wishes class.

The class runs in September and October on the following dates:

Tuesday, Sept 29 from 6:30 - 8:30
Tuesday, Oct 13 from 6:30 - 8:30.

You can view the rest of the class calendar by clicking on the store website link on the right side bar.

Hope to see you in class!

Monday, August 17, 2009

New Magenta Has Arrived!

We've just received some new stamps and card kits from Magenta. Here is one of the stamps we have in stock and a card sample as well.



The stamp is stamped in black ink onto Magenta patterned paper. This paper and cardstock can be purchased in card kits in the store.

Some of you have also asked about future classes. We will be posting some samples of Eleonor's Winter Wishes class which will run in Sept/Oct. Stay tuned and check back in the next few days for the cards!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Itty Bitty Stamps

The saying "small things come in small packages" has never been truer (we think so, anyway!).... than when it comes to this stamp set from Hero Arts.

This versatile set has 24 little one inch size stamps! That's value for your stamping dollar! Designed to create inchies, these stamps are also great for so many other techniques. Here we used it to create a cute little card, using the flower image stamped repeatedly to create a background.


This card is such a fast and easy card to make! For more card making ideas, pop into the store -- we have lots of new cards to share with you.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Happy Cupcakes!

Don't cupcakes just bring out the "happy" in everyone?? We certainly think so. And that's why you can't help but smile when you come into the store and see our cupcakes!
These adorable cupcakes were made by Ceci using paper, glitter and buttons! We think they are adorable!

There are lots of new samples to inspire you to create to your heart's content. Here's just one of them.


We love this little birthday candle stamp. For this card we stamped the image using Memento Tuxedo black ink and then colored in with Copics. If you haven't yet tried these fabulous markers, come into the store and we will gladly demo them for you!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

August Stamp of the Month!

Today is August 1st and we think that given the heatwave we've been having, this ice cream sundae stamp is just what the doctor ordered!





This stamp is available at 50% off while supplies last. Don't delay, get yours today!