Tips for Cutting your own Stencil Masks

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-XSYTyi2sI5M/VMeYd0h52MI/AAAAAAAAYkI/j2h7c2XxqtU/s1600/hazelruby-mask-material-tip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-XSYTyi2sI5M/VMeYd0h52MI/AAAAAAAAYkI/j2h7c2XxqtU/s1600/hazelruby-mask-material-tip.png"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Hey everyone, Today I am up on the Hazel and Ruby blog sharing my settings and tips for using their "cut your own stencil" material on die cut machines. I decided to share them with you guys here, as well in case you are curious about what settings to use!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I love using Hazel and Ruby's stencil masks on my projects and while there are a good variety of shapes and fonts already available you can also purchase the stencil mask material to cut your own stencils!</div> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-el0dDcR6QAk/VMeXDz-EB0I/AAAAAAAAYjg/Erdb4Dr-4nM/s1600/hazelruby-mask-material-tips-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-el0dDcR6QAk/VMeXDz-EB0I/AAAAAAAAYjg/Erdb4Dr-4nM/s1600/hazelruby-mask-material-tips-small.jpg"></a></div> <br/> <b>Silhouette Portrait</b><br/> <b><br/></b> Settings:<br/> <ul> <li>Blade: 4</li> <li>Speed: 5</li> <li>Thickness: 15</li> <li>Double Cut</li> </ul> <br/> At a thickness of 15, the silhouette cuts through the mask material, but not the backing. Which I like so that I can easily place my mask back on the backing sheet after I'm done using it.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="../-vU3s6UvhDzc/VMeXE5P10pI/AAAAAAAAYj4/TJAYT5P3Ajg/s1600/hazelruby-mask-material-tips-small4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="../-vU3s6UvhDzc/VMeXE5P10pI/AAAAAAAAYj4/TJAYT5P3Ajg/s1600/hazelruby-mask-material-tips-small4.jpg"></a></div> <br/> <b>Brother ScanNCut</b><br/> <div> <b><br/></b></div> Settings:<br/> <ul> <li>Blade: 4</li> <li>Speed: 5</li> <li>Pressure: 2</li> </ul> <br/> I did these settings so that the machine cuts through only the mask material and not the backing, just like on my Silhouette.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="../-wlkQdPCPAcQ/VMeXEU_UKNI/AAAAAAAAYjo/OOg88cyukPw/s1600/hazelruby-mask-material-tips-small3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="../-wlkQdPCPAcQ/VMeXEU_UKNI/AAAAAAAAYjo/OOg88cyukPw/s1600/hazelruby-mask-material-tips-small3.jpg"></a></div> <br/> <b>Spellbinders Artisan X-Plorer</b><br/> <b><br/></b> To cut my material in my manual die cutter (the Artisan X-Plorer) This is how I stacked my plates/dies:<br/> <br/> <ul> <li>Base Plate</li> <li>Die</li> <li>Mask Material</li> <li>Cut Plate</li> </ul> <div> <br/></div> <div> My best tip is to always do a test cut if you're not sure of the settings. On both the Brother and the Silhouette you have the option of doing a "test cut" and you can just use a tiny die on a manual machine to test out the settings.</div> <div> <br/></div> <div> This was you know for sure if they'll work without having to cut your whole design. It's disappointing when you unload the mat and find that it hasn't cut all the way through.</div> <div> <br/></div> <div> I hope you find these settings and tricks helpful! The other design team members have been sharing their tips this week as well so be sure to look back at the previous posts!</div> <div> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" src="../-ilJFcU96OCw/VJMfMcnupgI/AAAAAAAAXvA/8IUDk-fYEbI/s1600/katie-smith-hr.png"></div> <div> <br/></div>

hazel and ruby, product review, scanncut, silhouette, spellbinders, tutorial

Tips for Cutting your own Stencil Masks

Hey everyone, Today I am up on the Hazel and Ruby blog sharing my settings and tips for using their "cut your own stencil"...;

Inks Lake Mini Album

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I shared this on the <a href="http://paper-wings-productions.blogspot.com/2015/01/stamped-washi-tape-mini-album.html">Paper Wings Productions blog</a> last week, it was my last post for them. I love their stamps, but I've just decided I needed to take a break. ;)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I created this mini album using photos from our camping trip to Inks Lake state park and Longhorn Caverns.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It was an older American Crafts album but I didn't like the pattern on it anymore so I covered it with some red Hazel and Ruby tissue paper and added a strip of stamped patterned paper + letter stickers to the cover.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-3Je6UZVjN4g/VL7WKt6naSI/AAAAAAAAYb4/mXR3Mgmq1Vo/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-3Je6UZVjN4g/VL7WKt6naSI/AAAAAAAAYb4/mXR3Mgmq1Vo/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(1).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-nNqtWlyXHZo/VL7WORhrCfI/AAAAAAAAYdI/mL3ni8ojdUM/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-nNqtWlyXHZo/VL7WORhrCfI/AAAAAAAAYdI/mL3ni8ojdUM/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(2).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-8Hq79sTCPjA/VL7WPRoK-kI/AAAAAAAAYdY/4GIWBy7Mfnk/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-8Hq79sTCPjA/VL7WPRoK-kI/AAAAAAAAYdY/4GIWBy7Mfnk/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(3).JPG"></a></div> <br/> I wanted to embellish it with some scalloped washi tape I had (also by Hazel and Ruby) but I decided the tapes were a bit plain for what I wanted and so I grabbed my stamps and embellished them! I used the Earth and Sky Melange stamp set with stazon inks<br/> <br/> <a href="../-s3PKP1D88Gk/VL7WPMCb8_I/AAAAAAAAYdQ/zWUzms2j-sg/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-s3PKP1D88Gk/VL7WPMCb8_I/AAAAAAAAYdQ/zWUzms2j-sg/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(20).JPG"></a><br/> <br/> Here are my pages. When I make mini albums I actually like to keep the pages fairly simple, with just a few embellishments so that the photos are the focus point.<br/> <br/> I also stamped the inside of the album cover.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-Zs_nZcbmoqw/VL7WPgfVwtI/AAAAAAAAYdc/OFDM00WkP0w/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-Zs_nZcbmoqw/VL7WPgfVwtI/AAAAAAAAYdc/OFDM00WkP0w/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(4).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-sJ8xSriJ9rg/VL7WP-QhzdI/AAAAAAAAYdk/VHQqwETjDIQ/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-sJ8xSriJ9rg/VL7WP-QhzdI/AAAAAAAAYdk/VHQqwETjDIQ/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(5).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-QTtzlmEowKU/VL7WQTL2BMI/AAAAAAAAYds/IPzxDFxRqnk/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-QTtzlmEowKU/VL7WQTL2BMI/AAAAAAAAYds/IPzxDFxRqnk/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(6).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-yW2zEyEsijs/VL7WQvqGB2I/AAAAAAAAYdw/_wWHT5QHoE4/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-yW2zEyEsijs/VL7WQvqGB2I/AAAAAAAAYdw/_wWHT5QHoE4/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(7).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-DI-h_54zjUc/VL7WQzJwAmI/AAAAAAAAYd4/Jzv7ITSp2jk/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-DI-h_54zjUc/VL7WQzJwAmI/AAAAAAAAYd4/Jzv7ITSp2jk/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(8).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-9NR309MeCnA/VL7WRdwKC2I/AAAAAAAAYeM/WooGXruLOXY/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-9NR309MeCnA/VL7WRdwKC2I/AAAAAAAAYeM/WooGXruLOXY/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(9).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-Benyb6flGBo/VL7WLrQZbRI/AAAAAAAAYcE/gUpLJi8qRY0/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-Benyb6flGBo/VL7WLrQZbRI/AAAAAAAAYcE/gUpLJi8qRY0/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(10).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-OOcsuVeOKFg/VL7WLKDTtDI/AAAAAAAAYb8/oEW4RD8nJvg/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-OOcsuVeOKFg/VL7WLKDTtDI/AAAAAAAAYb8/oEW4RD8nJvg/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(11).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-rE80RKCg4ys/VL7WLn-6fkI/AAAAAAAAYcM/ccYu_RrkOhU/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-rE80RKCg4ys/VL7WLn-6fkI/AAAAAAAAYcM/ccYu_RrkOhU/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(12).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-UuJ4p8_avvQ/VL7WL_nRDeI/AAAAAAAAYcQ/rimlTQTgJak/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-UuJ4p8_avvQ/VL7WL_nRDeI/AAAAAAAAYcQ/rimlTQTgJak/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(13).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-DPsa_aIj8VQ/VL7WM_OhYQI/AAAAAAAAYco/6M7Ijwf75-c/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-DPsa_aIj8VQ/VL7WM_OhYQI/AAAAAAAAYco/6M7Ijwf75-c/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(14).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-2Oa3wwiVVec/VL7WMoa0VjI/AAAAAAAAYcg/JhfHV-rbqSM/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-2Oa3wwiVVec/VL7WMoa0VjI/AAAAAAAAYcg/JhfHV-rbqSM/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(15).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-QpWVeZqaKfE/VL7WM2ZDwnI/AAAAAAAAYck/QRoKdjzfveQ/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-QpWVeZqaKfE/VL7WM2ZDwnI/AAAAAAAAYck/QRoKdjzfveQ/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(16).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-mT6un9rI1EA/VL7WOyfk2iI/AAAAAAAAYdM/b8NA10QyILM/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-mT6un9rI1EA/VL7WOyfk2iI/AAAAAAAAYdM/b8NA10QyILM/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(17).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-6puLZ7Ci4Ho/VL7WN3qd_pI/AAAAAAAAYc8/prju2HjW1Eo/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-6puLZ7Ci4Ho/VL7WN3qd_pI/AAAAAAAAYc8/prju2HjW1Eo/s1600/pwp-inks-lake-mini-album-(18).JPG"></a></div> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Have you ever stamped on washi tape? It's a fun technique. :)</div>

hazel and ruby, Paper Wings, scrapbooking

Inks Lake Mini Album

I shared this on the Paper Wings Productions blog  last week, it was my last post for them. I love their stamps, but I've just decided ...

DIY Valentines Elephant Art

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Sometimes when Taylor is in town. we just break out any fun new supplies I might have and make something small and fun. This is one of those projects!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I recently got a bunch of iron on transfer sheets from<a href="http://www.ilovetocreate.com/"> Tulip </a> and so we used those to make this adorable Valentines inspired art.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> We call it "e<b>LOVE</b>phant art". :)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-5Em_fGQB1Ws/VKquKKw1O_I/AAAAAAAAYSY/3UVkN1qGLc4/s1600/elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-5Em_fGQB1Ws/VKquKKw1O_I/AAAAAAAAYSY/3UVkN1qGLc4/s1600/elephant.jpg"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-mgdlXBVrcP4/VKquJuxtS8I/AAAAAAAAYSQ/Wv03vWz0Fr0/s1600/elephant2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-mgdlXBVrcP4/VKquJuxtS8I/AAAAAAAAYSQ/Wv03vWz0Fr0/s1600/elephant2.jpg"></a></div> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Supplies: Tulip  Iron On Glitter/Holographic Transfer Sheets, Scissors, Die Cut Machine (optional), Iron, Embroidery Thread, Needle, Embroidery Hoop, Muslin Fabric</div> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> 1. Start by cutting out your elephant and hearts from the iron on transfer sheets. I actually used my Brother Scan N Cut die cut machine to cut them out, but I know not everyone has a die cut machine. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Those of you that don't- You can find an elephant shape online and use it as a template to cut it out by hand.</div> <br/> Also cut out about 9 or so hearts.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-lohWVNVj36E/VKquKbfAZ8I/AAAAAAAAYSg/46Xkqq-0YJ8/s1600/step1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-lohWVNVj36E/VKquKbfAZ8I/AAAAAAAAYSg/46Xkqq-0YJ8/s1600/step1.jpg"></a></div> <br/> 2. Place your embroidery hoop on top of your muslin and use it as a guide for where you want your elephant.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-OEhpj5X2Rf8/VKquKyfjmXI/AAAAAAAAYSk/2ERjEi-erWw/s1600/step2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-OEhpj5X2Rf8/VKquKyfjmXI/AAAAAAAAYSk/2ERjEi-erWw/s1600/step2.jpg"></a></div> <br/> 3. Remove the hoop and iron on the design according to the instructions on the envelope (covering with a piece of fabric and pressing firmly for 40 seconds).<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-4LZqT6I6cYw/VKquLCnv7xI/AAAAAAAAYSs/msIUNhb1rAU/s1600/step3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-4LZqT6I6cYw/VKquLCnv7xI/AAAAAAAAYSs/msIUNhb1rAU/s1600/step3.jpg"></a></div> <br/> 4. Now get out some red and black embroidery thread! New to embroidery? <a href="http://wildolive.blogspot.com/p/embroidery-basics.html">Wild Olive has fantastic tutorials for embroidery basics.</a><br/> <br/> Start by placing your fabric inside your embroidery hoop, making it tight.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-QfhrwHg8G2w/VKquLiSP3VI/AAAAAAAAYSw/oEg0oX7HIng/s1600/step4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-QfhrwHg8G2w/VKquLiSP3VI/AAAAAAAAYSw/oEg0oX7HIng/s1600/step4.jpg"></a></div> <br/> 5. Use the red thread to make simple running stitches up through the larger hearts.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="#"></a></div> <br/> 6. Use the black embroidery thread to give your elephant an eye.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="#"></a></div> <br/> 7. Flip your embroidery hoop over and trim away the extra fabric.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-roIHgZNicyQ/VKquMh0dNmI/AAAAAAAAYTA/b0UrOpi0VqM/s1600/step7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-roIHgZNicyQ/VKquMh0dNmI/AAAAAAAAYTA/b0UrOpi0VqM/s1600/step7.jpg"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> That's it! This was really quite easy and is one of the cutest crafts I think we've done in a while. I love it!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-1Gj3UNzpH7k/VKquIwl2vkI/AAAAAAAAYSM/sMt3GuudnVA/s1600/IMG_8329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-1Gj3UNzpH7k/VKquIwl2vkI/AAAAAAAAYSM/sMt3GuudnVA/s1600/IMG_8329.JPG"></a></div> <br/>

tutorial, valentines

DIY Valentines Elephant Art

Sometimes when Taylor is in town. we just break out any fun new supplies I might have and make something small and fun. This is one of thos...

Reasons to Keep an Art Journal

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> As I'm sure you know (if you're a regular reader), I love getting our my art journal and spending some time trying out new techniques and jotting down some thoughts. It's definitely something I love doing.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It may not be for everyone, but if you're thinking about starting an art journal, here are a few reasons why I like to art journal and why you might enjoy it:</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-JhsyJIOE3G0/VL7ZxNj5mhI/AAAAAAAAYeg/oSbe2ITichM/s1600/art-journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-JhsyJIOE3G0/VL7ZxNj5mhI/AAAAAAAAYeg/oSbe2ITichM/s1600/art-journal.jpg"></a></div> <br/> First, <b>what is an art journal exactly?</b><br/> Well, I think it is whatever you make it. It's up to the artist who is making it. However, basically it's a journal where you combine words, thoughts, quotes etc with art. That can be painting, doodling, cut up magazine pages, whatever your style is.<br/> <br/> For me, It's a place to turn my feelings into art. To explore different mediums or techniques without fear of "failing" (because it's hidden away in a journal), and a place to document quotes that really speak to me.<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../--v7dvfSS5uM/VL7Z644HUDI/AAAAAAAAYeo/41sDJskorcc/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../--v7dvfSS5uM/VL7Z644HUDI/AAAAAAAAYeo/41sDJskorcc/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-2MyXJxOk9As/VL7Z9N1eaPI/AAAAAAAAYe0/GC4PKZfHHQk/s1600/IMG_8563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-2MyXJxOk9As/VL7Z9N1eaPI/AAAAAAAAYe0/GC4PKZfHHQk/s1600/IMG_8563.JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <b>Why should you keep one?</b><br/> Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, an art journal can be a fun way to document your life.<br/> <ul> <li><b>It keeps you creative</b>. If you make it a goal to play in your art journal every day, once a week, or even just once a month, you're making a creative habit. It will make you think of new ways to document your life or turning your feelings into art.</li> <li><b>It documents your life</b>. I'm not great at keeping a regular written journal. I feel a bit awkward, like, "<i>who am I writing to?</i>".  But when I combine my words with a bit of paint that awkwardness goes away and I'm able to document my day, my feelings, etc.</li> </ul> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="../-Y8KXkWJt6xw/VL7Z9k-SXEI/AAAAAAAAYe8/Q5pbSTZVwME/s1600/IMG_8565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="../-Y8KXkWJt6xw/VL7Z9k-SXEI/AAAAAAAAYe8/Q5pbSTZVwME/s1600/IMG_8565.JPG"></a></div> <ul> <li><b>It's fun to look back through old journals. </b>I personally love looking back through my art journals. Sometimes I read what I wrote that day, or find a quote I loved but had forgotten. Other times I just find an art technique I haven't used in a while.</li> <li><b>It's calming</b>. At least, for me it is. There's something about drawing a face on a page and writing down my feelings that helps control my anxiety a little bit. It helps me to write down my dreams, or fears.</li> <li><b>It's fun!</b> Who doesn't love getting a little messy with paint or gesso? As a kid, I loved cutting out things from magazines. So, embrace your inner child and get creative!</li> </ul> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="../-bhnjKFLi8Y4/VL7Z-NgBwMI/AAAAAAAAYfM/1H2SBitcyfo/s1600/IMG_8570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="../-bhnjKFLi8Y4/VL7Z-NgBwMI/AAAAAAAAYfM/1H2SBitcyfo/s1600/IMG_8570.JPG"></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="../-i0jOXVIh2w8/VL7Z9_W4xCI/AAAAAAAAYfE/TYv3spGp2mk/s1600/IMG_8568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="../-i0jOXVIh2w8/VL7Z9_W4xCI/AAAAAAAAYfE/TYv3spGp2mk/s1600/IMG_8568.JPG"></a></div> <div> <br/></div> <div> <b>Should you share your pages online?</b> If you want. It's certainly not a rule (<i>there are no rules!</i>).  I do share most of mine, because I like to, but I don't always share. If it's a page where I wrote down something I don't want to share, I just don't post a picture.</div> <div> <br/></div> <div> Another way to hide something you don't want to share is to use a photo editing software and to blur out your journaling. Then you can share the design/art part of the page if you want, but keep any personal stuff hidden.<br/> <br/> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="../-qm8go_flSrM/VL7Z-l6D4CI/AAAAAAAAYfU/UE2McYafuVk/s1600/IMG_8572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="../-qm8go_flSrM/VL7Z-l6D4CI/AAAAAAAAYfU/UE2McYafuVk/s1600/IMG_8572.JPG"></a></div> </div> <div> <br/></div> <div> <b>How do you get started art journaling?</b> One of my art journal inspirations is Julie Fei-Fan Balzer and she has a wonderful blog post here, about how to get started art journaling. </div> <div> <br/></div> <div> Just use what you have if you don't want to buy a bunch of new supplies. Cut up magazines and adhere them to your pages, color with markers and crayons. However, if you want to buy more supplies, I will be sharing my favorite supplies soon, so check back!<br/> <br/> <div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="../-BulPoNyE_EM/VL7Z8_jmePI/AAAAAAAAYew/7XTZpvBHths/s1600/IMG_8566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="../-BulPoNyE_EM/VL7Z8_jmePI/AAAAAAAAYew/7XTZpvBHths/s1600/IMG_8566.JPG"></a></div> </div> <div> <br/></div> <div> <b>Do you keep an art journal?</b></div>

art journal, tips

Reasons to Keep an Art Journal

As I'm sure you know (if you're a regular reader), I love getting our my art journal and spending some time trying out new techniqu...

Product Review- Amazing Remelt

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Today's product review is the Amazing Remelt mold by Alumilite. I saw this mold in their booth at CHA earlier this month and thought it was really.. <i>Amazing! </i>I chatted with the folks at the Alumilite booth and they decided to send me a mold to review, so here it is! :)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I actually reviewed this on <a href="http://indiecrafts.craftgossip.com/2015/01/27/amazing-remelt-product-review/">the Indie Crafts blog over at Craft Gossip</a>, but I wanted to share it here for you guys as well.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../images/I/81OcY4RawvL._SL1200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="../images/I/81OcY4RawvL._SL1200_.jpg" width="640"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> For my first test project using the remelt mold, I chose a few buttons, tiny embroidery scissors and a mini spool. I took the remelt material out of it's container, cut it up into little squares (It looks a lot like Jello when you do this!) and microwaved for about 15 seconds at a time until it was a liquid.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Amazing Remelt comes in multiple sizes, but I'm using the .625lbs mold for this project.</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I put the items I wanted to make a mold of from inside the container that the mold came in and poured the liquid mold over top of them.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-mm9IXw_N28M/VMFSnBDzz9I/AAAAAAAAYic/s67fDwMEG7Q/s1600/amazing-remelt-(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-mm9IXw_N28M/VMFSnBDzz9I/AAAAAAAAYic/s67fDwMEG7Q/s1600/amazing-remelt-(1).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-kGg1FFpMySY/VMFSnB1ZmgI/AAAAAAAAYiE/aETy-uXWmjw/s1600/amazing-remelt-(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-kGg1FFpMySY/VMFSnB1ZmgI/AAAAAAAAYiE/aETy-uXWmjw/s1600/amazing-remelt-(3).JPG"></a></div> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It did take quite a while to cool off and harden (I'm not very patient), so don't get in a hurry. Once it became solid again My buttons and scissors came out nicely!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> My "mini" spool was actually a little too tall for my mold so it didn't turn out right. Oh well.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-PqBQsU22h74/VMFSnCXeVdI/AAAAAAAAYiA/Xhf-SCGOsWM/s1600/amazing-remelt-(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-PqBQsU22h74/VMFSnCXeVdI/AAAAAAAAYiA/Xhf-SCGOsWM/s1600/amazing-remelt-(4).JPG"></a></div> <br/> To try out my new mold, I dusted the inside with a little bit of Alumilite metallic powders and then poured in some Amazing Clear Cast, which also took a while to completely cure. You can see my completed resin buttons and scissors below. They came out quite nicely, I think!<br/> <br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-4ZKiqKjVLRQ/VMFSnwQe2wI/AAAAAAAAYiM/9YGsnSukiQI/s1600/amazing-remelt-(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-4ZKiqKjVLRQ/VMFSnwQe2wI/AAAAAAAAYiM/9YGsnSukiQI/s1600/amazing-remelt-(5).JPG"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-LH90P-yJHe0/VMFSoUpCJLI/AAAAAAAAYiU/bOufP-8YHfU/s1600/amazing-remelt-(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="../-LH90P-yJHe0/VMFSoUpCJLI/AAAAAAAAYiU/bOufP-8YHfU/s1600/amazing-remelt-(6).JPG"></a></div> <br/> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Overall thoughts- I think this mold is fantastic! Personally, I only </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">most</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> molds a few times before I get tired of that shape, so I love that I can just remelt this mold making material and shape it into a new mold whenever I feel like it. </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">It's completely reusable! </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">If you like doing Resin crafts, or maybe need a chocolate or fondant mold, definitely check out the Remelt! It is.... Amazing!</span><br/> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br/></span> Thanks, Alumilite, for sending me a free Amazing Remelt mold to review!

crafting, product review, resin

Product Review- Amazing Remelt

Today's product review is the Amazing Remelt mold by Alumilite . I saw this mold in their booth at CHA earlier this month and thought ...

Make it Monday

Happy Monday everyone! (Is that too enthusiastic for a Monday?)<br/> <br/> Here's your weekly dose of crafty inspiration that I've found around the web.<br/> <br/> Create a Mountain Shaped Jewelry Holder using this tutorial.<br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-55G7txbaCZY/VLxOVvW0e9I/AAAAAAAAGyk/THjOTWdc9d4/s1600/title-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="../-55G7txbaCZY/VLxOVvW0e9I/AAAAAAAAGyk/THjOTWdc9d4/s1600/title-2.png" width="337"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Make a Customized Leather Notebook <a href="https://thecraftygentleman.wordpress.com/2014/04/06/%E2%9C%84-diy-customised-leather-notebook-%E2%9C%84/">using this DIY.</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../2014/04/20140406-161304_w-470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="../2014/04/20140406-161304_w-470.jpg" width="400"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> Make these artsy Watercolor Journal Cards following this DIY.<br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="#"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Make some Striped Vases<a href="http://markmontanoblogs.blogspot.com/2015/01/simple-striped-spring-vases.html"> following this tutorial.</a> (I love that he uses a record player to paint them!)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-WmwER_4shUY/VMLQurcKkvI/AAAAAAAALEs/tFCzhg_szo0/s1600/Square2Stripes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="../-WmwER_4shUY/VMLQurcKkvI/AAAAAAAALEs/tFCzhg_szo0/s1600/Square2Stripes.jpg" width="400"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Learn how to make this neat "Ship in a Bottle" Lamp <a href="http://thecwaftyblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/tutorial-tuesday-ship-in-bottle-lamp.html">using this DIY.</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="../-NHAIkKvz-O0/VLonCTaPgxI/AAAAAAAAF4I/cIPycT2kr7M/s1600/titledfinale.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="../-NHAIkKvz-O0/VLonCTaPgxI/AAAAAAAAF4I/cIPycT2kr7M/s1600/titledfinale.png" width="400"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br/></div> Make these easy Rope Coasters<a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2015/01/easy-rope-coaster-diy.html"> following this tutorial.</a><br/> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" height="640" src="../.a/6a00d8358081ff69e201b7c734d24b970b-800wi.jpg" width="426"></div> <br/> What are your crafty plans for the week? Are you making anything interesting, or maybe working in your scrapbook or art journal?

make it monday

Make it Monday

Happy Monday everyone! (Is that too enthusiastic for a Monday?) Here's your weekly dose of crafty inspiration that I've found arou...