Charly's Ink Link

http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com/

August 2010 Newsletter - Flip Open Mini Scrapbooks

2010-08-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook

I love the idea of giving hand made, personalized gifts at Christmas. But in November, the last thing I have time for is dreaming up and putting together a craft project. Which is why I'm offering this class now!

Come to my class on Aug. 14th and we'll make this fun and amazing scrapbook. It folds up into a little package - perfect for gift giving or mailing - but it opens out into many pages, even including extra slide out pages.

You will finish this entire scrapbook in class (except for the pictures), and you'll also receive step-by-step instructions so you can make another copy or two at home.

Stampin' Up! offers several different Simply Scrappin' kits, so you can make more flip-open mini scrapbooks with different themes and designs. The kit we will be using for our class is called "One Great Year", and it's perfect for boys, school aged kids from 5 to 25, or for any collection of pictures which spans a whole year.

Be sure to sign up by Aug. 5th!

Punch Workshops

Have you ever looked through the Stampin' Up! catalog and been baffled by those professional-looking projects? Have you ever thought "I could never make that!"? Actually, you can, you just need me to show you the tricks and techniques.

Host a workshop in August and I'll show you tricks to using Stampin' Up! punches, and how to make many designs using the same punch. Everyone will make and take home the two cards shown here.

August is the best time to host a workshop, since Stampin' Up! is giving qualifying hostesses an extra $25 in free merchandise! See the promotions flier for more information, then give me a call.

Calendar

Aug. 5: Mini Scrapbook sign-up

Aug. 14 2:00: Mini Scrapbook class

Aug. 15 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Sept. 9: Scrap Card class sign up

Sept. 18 2:00: Scrap Card class

Sept. 19 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Oct. 7: Stamp 'n Watercolor sign up

Oct. 16 2:00: Stamp 'n Watercolor class

Oct. 17 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Nov. 4: Brayer Class sign up

Nov. 13 2:00: Brayer Class

Nov. 14 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Freestyle Stamping Club

Come to my Freestyle Stamping Club to give yourself a little crafting time and stamp with friends. I will provide ink, some stamp sets, basic tools, and I will have paper packs available for $5.00. Any of my current customers are welcome to come - if you have purchased $15 or more from me from the Stampin' Up! catalog in the past 3 months, then you are one of my current customers.

August - Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook

This 5"x 6" flip-open mini scrapbook is a breeze to make with one of our Simply Scrappin' kits. With 14 pages this unconventional scrapbook has a lot of room for pictures and journaling. Class fee is $18. Please sign up by Aug. 5th so I can order your kit.

September Class - Scrap Cards

October Class - Stamp 'n Watercolor

November Class - Using the Brayer

I'll show you tips and techniques to take you from "what is a brayer" to becoming a brayer goddess. We will be making a card and also a photo background suitable as a gift. Class fee is $17 and includes a brayer. Please sign up by Nov. 4th so I can order your brayer in time.

Extra! Extra!

Stampin' Up! hostesses get an extra $25 in free merchandise!

From now until August 31, Stampin' Up! hostesses can earn an EXTRA $25 to use toward Stampin' Up! products of your choice when you host a workshop totaling $350 or more.

This extra benefit is included along with the standard hostess benefits you receive when you host a workshop. The standard hostess benefits include:

* A free 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog worth $10.00

* Free stamp sets only available to hostesses

* Free Stampin' Up! merchandise

Now when you host a workshop which totals $350, not only will you receive $40 in free Stampin' Up! merchandise of your choice, but you will also be given an EXTRA $25 for a total of $65 in free merchandise. If your workshop totals more than that, your free merchandise totals will also increase. See page 9 in the new Idea Book and Catalog, or ask me for more information. But book your workshop soon, since your workshop must close by August 31st!

New Color Give-Away

Have you seen the new Stampin' Up! colors? They've refreshed their color collections, and I just love all the new additions! From now until December 31st I'm offering this promotion: For every $50 you spend on catalog purchases, I will give you one free Classic Stampin' Pad in your choice of the new colors.

Can't wait? Buy the Complete New Color Kit (shown here, $94.95), and get all the new Core colors at once. I will then throw in 2 free Classic Stampin' Pads from the new In Colors OR $10 in free catalog merchandise, your choice.

More new color sets are available - my favorite is the Stampin' Write Markers new color kit for $35.95. Ask me for more information or see this link.

Coupon Jackpot

Host a private class, such as my new Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook class. Hosting gets you many freebies, plus $5.00 for every new customer who signs up for my mailing list.

Bring a Friend and Earn $5.00

Come to one of my classes, workshops, or Freestyle Stamping Clubs and bring a friend! For every new friend you bring me who signs up for my mailing list, I will give you a coupon for $5.00 off your next catalog purchase.

Want to hit the coupon jackpot? Host a workshop or a private class and invite all your friends! You'll earn a whole stack of coupons (good for your next purchase after your workshop), and your friends will see how much fun it is to stamp together. Everyone needs a crafty girl's night out!

Next up: My Freestyle Stamping Club, Aug. 15th at 2:00, open to everyone. No fee, no planned project, no purchase necessary. Either bring your own supplies and work on your own project, or buy one of my Paper Packs for $5 and work on that with my stamps and supplies. And bring a friend!

July '10 - Greenhouse Gala PPSAS7

2010-07-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

Paper Pack Stamp-A-Stack 7

July '10 - Greenhouse Gala

Supplies:

Greenhouse Gala paper pack (contact me)

Define Your Life stamp set (114950)

Chocolate Chip classic ink (100908)
Pumpkin Pie 1-1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon (115616)
Two-Step Owl punch (118074)

Heart-To-Heart punch (119881)

Bitty Buttons (118761)

Big Shot (113439)
Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder (120175)

Tombow Multi-purpose adhesive (110755)

Snail adhesive (104332)

Steps:

1) Cut all four colored 8-1/2" x 11" sheets, plus one white 8-1/2" x 11" sheet in half, so you have 10 sheets measuring 5-1/2" x 8-1/2".

2) Set aside six sheets to be used as card bases, usually one of each color and two white. Fold those in half using your bone folder.

3) From the remaining sheets of 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" colored paper, choose the two colors which coordinate best with all the patterns of designer series paper (DSP). Cut those sheets in half, and set one half of each color aside for larger mats. From the remaining two sheets, cut six 1-1/2" x 3-7/8" strips. If you plan before you cut you can get two strips running one way and a third strip running the other way from each 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" sheet.

4) Cut six 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" large mats out of the remaining colored sheets.

5) Cut six 3-7/8" x 3-5/8" patterned mats out of the 6"x6" squares of designer series paper.

6) Lay out your cards to choose your color combinations. Each card requires one card base, one large 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" mat, one patterned mat, and one strip. Do not glue the large mat to the card base yet! You will need to tape your ribbon to the back of the large mat first.

7) Run the 1-1/2" x 3-7/8" strip through the Big Shot to give it texture, either with an embossing folder or a texture plate.

8) Adhere the patterned mat and the textured strip to the large mat. Choose a ribbon to cover the seam between the two. Tape the ribbon to the back of the large mat with simple office tape, then adhere the large mat to the card base.

9) Now that you've gotten this far, take your card design in any direction. Look through your stamps and choose whatever you think works with the patterns in the designer series paper. Use the untouched white sheet of card stock to stamp, and the textured card stock and leftover DSP as mats and highlights.

To continue duplicating my design....

10) Punch the owls out of both colors of textured card stock, and alternate colors when building the owl. First place the vest, but don't glue it down. Next glue the large eye circles using Tombow multi-purpose glue, and using the vest as a guide. Once the eyes are placed, glue down the vest. Separately, glue the tiny eye circles on the medium eye circles, using tweezers if necessary. When those are done, glue the medium eye circles to the owl. Lastly attach the heart.

11) Stamp the "together" definition in Chocolate Chip ink on white card stock and cut it out. Cut a mat out of textured card stock. Adhere the matted definition and the owls to the card as shown in my example.

12) Punch two small hearts with the heart-to-heart punch. Glue them to the backs of the heart shaped Bitty Buttons. Glue those to your card as shown in my example. You're done!

Tips:

Don't follow all my directions! Make this layout your own. Get creative. Adjust for your own style and your supplies.
If you don't have a Big Shot to add texture to the 1-1/2" x 3-7/8" strips, cut those strips out of textured card stock instead.
Experiment with different layouts within this larger layout design. Try leaving the DSP uncovered to show off it's pattern, or cover it almost completely with another square of white cardstock and a stamped design. Place your focal point on the right hand strip, or in the center of the DSP mat. There are a lot of possibilities.
Experiment with different ways to dress up your ribbon. Try a bow, a knot with ends, layered ribbon or layered lace on ribbon, or a strip of contrasting DSP used in place of a ribbon.
To add "thread" to the heart buttons, cut tiny strips of card stock from scraps and thread those through. Since these buttons are transparent, cut the ends of the strips very short and try to wrap them directly underneath. Attach with Tombow glue.
It's easy to punch out additional hearts from the Two-Step Owl punch. Hold the punch upside down so you can see the punch holes. Since the heart is on the edge of the punch, you can just slide a small corner of paper into that area only and punch out a heart without wasting card stock. Try placing the owls' hearts above their heads.
Don't forget the inside of the card and the envelope! Stamp a subtle design or a greeting on each. Think of how your recipient will open the envelope and the card.
Post a picture of your creations and leave a link here in the comments section! If you upload to a public site, such as SplitCoastStampers.com, please use the keyword PPSAS7.

NEXT MONTH: Play Date designer series paper!

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator

(970) 206-9120

http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com

Download this Google Doc here

Summer Promotions

2010-07-12T14:44:00.002-06:00

New Color Give-Away

More new color sets are available - my favorite is the Stampin' Write Markers new color kit for $35.95. See this flier for more information.

Bring a Friend and Earn $5

Next up: My Freestyle Stamping Club, July 18th at 2:00, open to everyone. No fee, no planned project, no purchase necessary. Either bring your own supplies and work on your own project, or buy one of my Paper Packs for $5 and work on that with my stamps and supplies. And bring a friend!

Host a private class, such as my new Christmas in July class. Hosting gets you many freebies, plus $5.00 for every new customer who signs up for my mailing list.

Estes Park Stamp 'n Scrap Retreat

Join me for a weekend of stamping and scrapbooking in beautiful Estes Park. The date is tentatively scheduled for October 8th - 10th, at the Big Horn Mountain Lodge.

Amenities:

* an 8-foot table all to yourself.

* 24-hour access to the crop room

* internet access

* a computer and printer available for digital journaling

* use of a Big Shot and a Cricut

* a fireplace, balcony, and partial kitchen inside the crop room

* gorgeous views, and Lake Estes within walking distance

* a queen bed Friday & Saturday nights

* continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday, plus catered lunch and dinner Saturday.

Price per person depends on number of attendees, but it is estimated at $175 total for two nights logding, 24 hour use of the crop room, and catered food on Saturday.

Please RSVP to reserve your spot!

Charly Bratt

(970) 206-9120

http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com

July 2010 Newsletter - Christmas in July

2010-07-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Christmas in July

The best time to make Christmas cards is when the weather is hot and the drinks are cold. Come to my July 17th class and make 30 cards quickly and easily using the brand-new Simply Scrappin' kit "Christmas Cheer".

Make your cards now with no holiday stress, and they'll be finished and ready when you want them on December 1st. Everyone on your Christmas list will love receiving special hand-made cards which are unlike anything they've seen in the stores. You'll love how fun they are to make with the self-adhesive die cuts, designer paper, and quality Stampin' Up! designs. This year's Christmas colors of Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Marina Mist, and Very Vanilla are beautiful and stylish.

Bring your friends and we'll have a Christmas in July card-making party! If you can't make the date, just find 3 friends who also want to make cards and we'll schedule a private class, either at your house or at mine.

The new Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog is here!

See the newest colors, designs, tools, and ideas! I am absolutely in love with the colors which are available this year, and it seems like there is a new stamp set on almost every page of the catalog. This year we have clear-mount stamps, a new punch design, new storage solutions, new accessories... there is so much, you'll just have to get a catalog for yourself. Even if you aren't looking to buy much, you'll love the ideas on every page. The catalog is a $10 value, but you can get one for free by hosting a workshop!

I am especially thrilled with the new Getting Started collection. This is a set of 12 colors which are versatile enough to be used for any occasion, and which look good together in almost any combination. Instead of buying ink and card stock in individual packages, or as a collection of Brights, Subtles, etc., try the Getting Started collection of ink spots and card stock.

Featured Project for July

July's card is a quick and easy design, just perfect for when you need to restock your stash of handmade cards. Use different sentiments to make cards for every occasion. This example features Greenhouse Gala paper from the new catalog. Would you like to make this card, plus receive the new catalog for free? Host a workshop with your friends!

Calendar

July 8: Christmas Cards sign-up

July 17 2:00: Christmas Cards in July

July 18 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Aug. 5: Mini Scrapbook sign-up

Aug. 14 2:00: Mini Scrapbook class

Aug. 15 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Sept. 9: Scrap Card class sign up

Sept. 18 2:00: Scrap Card class

Sept. 19 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Freestyle Stamping Club

Come to my Freestyle Stamping Club to give yourself a little crafting time and stamp with friends. I will provide ink, some stamp sets, basic tools, and I will have paper packs available for $5.00. Any of my current customers are welcome to come - if you have purchased $15 or more from me from the Stampin' Up! catalog in the past 3 months, then you are one of my current customers.

July Class - Christmas Cards in July

Finish all your hand-made Christmas cards now, and be stress-free and prepared when the holidays come around again. We'll be making 30 cards for $30, using the new holiday Simply Scrappin' kit. Please sign up by July 8th.

August - Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook

September Class - Scrap Cards

Super Summer Sale

For every $50 you spend on Stampin' Up! catalog purchases, I will give you a free Classic Stampin' Pad in your choice of the new colors!

Also, for every new customer you bring me who signs up for my mailing list, I will give you a coupon for $5 off your next catalog purchase!

What have you been doing this year? Wouldn't you like to share your family news, along with all your pictures, with your family and friends? Send a family newsletter! Some people send newsletters now during the summer break; others wait and send a Christmas letter. Either way, your distant family would love to see photos and hear the latest on your family. In this age of Facebook and email, sending a real letter means twice as much. How to write a family newsletter: Most importantly, write like you're talking on the telephone. Don't write in the third person like the butler is writing the letter for you. Instead say, "The kids and I went to the beach", or "I've just started a new project". Devote one paragraph to each family member and one paragraph to each major event. Keep it simple.	Easily add photos, text, background patterns, mats and layers, or other elements. My Digital Studio has the most intuitive interface I've ever used.
Pictures are worth 1,000 words. Make sure you include many good-sized photographs. Consider designing your newsletter a little like this one, with photos and captions down the side of your block of text. If you don't have much to write, add more photos. Design the back side of your letter with nothing but extra-large photos and captions. Write all your captions first - it will change what you write in your letter. Think about layouts. You don't have to be an experienced scrapbooker to lay out text and photos for your family newsletter. First plan how much you want to write. Will it take up most of a page or just three paragraphs? Then arrange your photographs accordingly. You could have a few smallish photos down one side, or many photos across the top, bottom, and both sides. If you're using My Digital Studio, artist-designed templates and layouts are available for you to use directly or as inspiration.	Some software does too much and you need to be a professional to use it. Other software doesn't do enough. Buy the right program for the job - My Digital Studio.
Make it easy. You might be thinking that writing a family newsletter is just too hard, or you don't have the time. I admit, with the wrong software it can be a frustrating, time consuming project. But with the right software you can put together a letter in just one afternoon! For example, every month I send out "Charly's Ink Link" newsletters with different backgrounds, photos, and embellishments. I can put it all together quickly, since I'm using My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up! Take care of Christmas in July. The winter holidays are stressful enough. Why not prepare for them this summer when you have some extra time? Buy My Digital Studio now, and check out the amazing templates and fun designs which come with the program. Experiment by putting together a first-draft letter and your photos of the year so far, and then you'll be able to finish up your holiday letter in November, stress-free. Family newsletters are only the beginning. My Digital Studio is perfect for family newsletters, but of course that's not all it does. It's a digital scrapbooking and card making program, and it comes pre-loaded with backgrounds, photo layouts, punches and shapes, digital stamps, images, embellishments, and templates. Use it to print out a professional quality last-minute birthday card, or show off your vacation photos using the artist-designed scrapbook templates. There is so much you can do with this program, you'll just have to schedule a meeting with me so I can give you a tour. Invite your friends and make it a party! Everyone will take home a sample.	With My Digital Studio you can start creating the same day you install your software. You won't need to take a class or buy a book, just start experimenting and see how easy it is.

June '10 - Presto Patterns PPSAS6

2010-06-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

Paper Pack Stamp-A-Stack 6

June '10 - Presto Patterns

Supplies:

Presto Patterns paper pack (contact me)

Country Morning stamp set (115334)

Brayer (102395)

Grid paper (102787)

Bone folder (102300)

Paper cutter (104152)

Snail adhesive (104332)

Dotto adhesive (103305)

Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) (optional)

Classic ink pads and Stampin' Write markers in coordinating colors

Used here: Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, Sage Shadow, Going Gray

Other supplies:

Baby wipes (not cleaning wipes - make sure wipes contain no alcohol or bleach)

Steps:

1) Cut all four colored 8-1/2" x 11" sheets, plus one white 8-1/2" x 11" sheet in half, so you have 10 sheets measuring 5-1/2" x 8-1/2".

2) Set aside six sheets to be used as card bases, usually one of each color and two white. Fold those in half using your bone folder.

3) Cut a 3/4" strip off the bottom of both 6x6" textured sheets. Cut each sheet into three 2" strips, so you have 6 textured strips measuring 2" x 5-1/4".

4) Cut a 3/4" x 4" strip off the bottom of one of the Presto Patterns designer series paper (DSP) squares. Cut a 2-1/16" x 5-1/4" strip off the same DSP square.

5) Use a brayer to color the Presto Patterns DSP strips: First stick the 2-1/16" strip down to your grid paper using Dotto adhesive. Roll your brayer over the darker colored stampin' pad until the brayer is well coated. Starting with your brayer below the DSP strip, and parallel, roll the brayer back and forth inching slowly up the strip of Presto Patterns. In this way you will first roll ink over the bottom 1/16" of the strip, then as you roll back you'll ink the bottom 1/8" of the strip, then the bottom 3/16", etc., until you've reached the top. Your brayer can roll off the DSP strip on the left and right sides as you roll back and forth. You will also be getting a lot of ink on your grid paper, so make sure you have enough space.

6) Your 2-1/16" x 5-1/4" strip of Presto Patterns paper should now have graduated color all the way up, with the color very dark at the bottom and very light (or almost white) at the top. Clean off the brayer using a baby wipe. Repeat the process using the second, lighter ink color, and starting from the top. In my example here I started with Dusty Durango going up from the bottom, and Crushed Curry coming down from the top. The Crushed Curry was too light of a color, and I had to brayer that color twice from the top down.

7) After removing the 2-1/16 strip from the grid paper, repeat the process again with the 3/4" strip of Presto Patterns DSP. The two strips should look similar.

8) Stamp your images and/or quote on the Whisper White card stock, and cut out. Color images using coordinating markers, if necessary.

9) Cut mats from a contrasting color from the extra 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" sheets. The mat for the 3/4" Presto Patterns strip will measure 7/8" x 4". Measure your other images and cut mats for them also, each mat will be 1/8" both taller and wider, to create a 1/16" border on all sides.

10) Lastly, stick down all the parts of your card with Snail adhesive and/or Stampin' Dimensionals. Start with the Presto Patterns 2-1/16" x 5-1/4" strip on the right side, and the textured card stock on the left side on top and overlapping by only 1/16". Adhere all the other pieces to their mats, arrange them by eye, and stick them down.

11) Stamp a coordinating bonus image or greeting on the inside of the card, and also on an envelope. Stamp your personalized signature stamp on the back of each card, and you're done!

Tips:

Don't follow all my directions! Make this layout your own. Get creative. Adjust for your own style and your supplies.
Using the brayer to ink graduated color may take you a couple tries before you get the hang of it, but with a little experience it is soon easy.
You can make 6 cards using only the supplies in one paper pack, but you will have a fair amount of DSP left over. Supplement with another sheet of card stock for 2 more card bases, and substitute smooth card stock for textured card stock. To create the most cards possible, cut the DSP 2" wide only, instead of 2-1/16".
Don't forget the inside of the card and the envelope! Stamp a matching image or a greeting. Think of how your recipient will open the envelope and the card.
Post a picture of your creations and leave a link here in the comments section. If you upload to a public site, such as SplitCoastStampers.com, please use the keyword PPSAS6.

NEXT MONTH: Greenhouse Gala designer series paper from the new catalog!

Charly Bratt

http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com/

Download this Google Doc here

"Get the Scoop" Party and Open House

2010-06-14T00:01:00.000-06:00

Please join me this Saturday, June 19th from 1:00 - 4:00 for a rubber stamping party, open house, and garage sale:

3171 Sagewater Ct, Ft. Collins CO 80528

There will be ice cream (both to eat and to stamp)...

...a Stampin' Up! garage sale including rubber stamps, designer series paper, and color packs...

...door prizes...

...Make and Take cards to stamp, using the newest Stampin' Up! products...

...and the opportunity to "get the scoop" on the new 2010 catalog. Place pre-orders for the new products, which will be delivered the second week in July. This is also the time to place any "last chance" orders for colors and products which will be retiring June 30th. From now through December all orders totaling $150.00 or more will include a complementary ink pad in your choice of one of the new colors!

Do you think in might be fun to try stamping and making greeting cards, but you don't have any experience? Host a workshop, which is free for you and for your guests! I'll provide all the materials and the project, you provide the snacks and the guests. All hostesses will receive both the current catalog and the new catalog when it becomes available in July (each normally priced at $10), and invitations to my Freestyle Stamping Club where I can give one-on-one help with projects. Hostesses also earn free stamps and merchandise - ask me for more details!

Charly Bratt

Independant Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

(970) 206-9120

CharlysInkLink@gmail.com

www.CharlysInkLink@blogspot.com

Presto Patterns Paper Packs!

2010-06-07T22:27:00.001-06:00

Presto Patterns Paper Packs are here!

The new Presto Patterns designer series paper in the Stampin' Up! Summer mini catalog is gorgeous. When you first see the papers they are white-on-white and they don't look like much, but add a color... and Presto!

The papers are made with a resist pattern, so anytime you add ink or another color (like the Smooch Spritz sprays), the paper absorbs the ink but the resist stays white. This way you can have the amazing designs from the Presto Patterns designer series paper in whatever color scheme you want.

Try this DSP with Smooch Spritz sprays, or sponge on the ink. In these examples I used my brayer, which was a lot of fun. In this month's PPSAS layout directions I will share my technique for creating graduated color using a brayer.

Check out these examples! Would you like to try this technique yourself? Contact me and buy one of my Presto Patterns paper packs - they are only $5.00!

Charly Bratt

http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com

June 2010 Newsletter - Masculine Cards

2010-06-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Masculine Cards

Come to this stamp-a-stack class and make 9 masculine themed cards in 3 designs. Get ready for Father's Day and summer birthdays! Mix and match sentiments to make any combination of Father's Day cards, birthday cards, "thinking of you" cards, or blank cards.

We'll be tying ties, playing with brads, buttons, and staples, and using my new Big Shot machine. You won't want to miss it!

Date: June 12

Time: 2:00pm

Place: Charly's house

Class fee: $18.00

More info: CharlysInkLink@gmail.com or (970)206-9120

"Get the Scoop" Party and Open House

Come for the ice cream, stay for the sneak peak! I will be serving ice cream cones and giving away door prizes while you make cards, shop my Stampin' Up! garage sale, and "get the scoop" on the new Idea Book and Catalog for 2010-2011. I will be taking pre-orders for the new products, and reserving free copies of the new catalog for anyone who schedules a workshop for July or August. You won't want to miss getting hands-on with the newest stamps and products. Come early to get the best deals at my Stampin' Up! garage sale!

June Featured Card

Have you seen the new Presto Patterns paper in the Summer Mini catalog? These specialty designer papers come with a pattern in a resist ink. That means when you cover the paper in colored ink, the resist pattern shows through. In this example the resist is in a diamond pattern, and I rolled on the Dusty Durango and Crushed Curry colors with a brayer.

Want to give it a try yourself? Book a workshop with me and you and all your friends can make this card (or a similar one) for free! Email me at CharlysInkLink@gmail.com for more information.

CALENDAR

June 9: Masculine Cards sign-up

June 12 2:00: Masculine Cards class

June 13 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

June 19 1 - 4: "Get The Scoop" party

July 8: Christmas Cards sign-up

July 17 2:00: Christmas Cards in July

July 18 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Aug. 5: Mini Scrapbook sign-up

Aug. 14 2:00: Mini Scrapbook class

Aug. 15 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Freestyle Stamping Club

Come to my Freestyle Stamping Club to give yourself a little crafting time and stamp with friends. I will provide ink, some stamp sets, basic tools, and I will have paper packs available for $5.00. Any of my current customers are welcome to come - if you have purchased $15 or more from me from the Stampin' Up! catalog in the past 3 months, then you are one of my current customers.

June Class - Masculine Cards

Father's Day is right around the corner. Make the men in your life handmade cards with strong images, colors, and designs. We will make 9 cards in 3 designs. Class fee is $18.00.

"Get The Scoop" Party and Open House

Ice cream, door prizes, and make-and-take cards are just the beginning! Shop my Stampin' Up! garage sale to get retiring stamps and great deals. "Get the scoop" on new products, place pre-orders, and reserve your copy of the new catalog by signing up to host a workshop.

July Class - Christmas Cards in July

August - Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook

This 5"x 6" flip-open mini scrapbook is a breeze to make with one of our Simply Scrappin' kits. With 14 pages, this unconventional scrapbook has a lot of room for pictures and journaling. Class fee is $18. Please sign up by Aug. 5th.

Super-Mini Scrapbooking as Jewelry

What does a scrapbooker wear as jewelry? Tiny scrapbook pages of course! Here I've created super-mini pages, which are still recognizable as scrapbook layouts, in my 1" x 1-1/4" Simply Adorned necklace pendant.

Can you call these scrapbook pages if they don't contain any photographs? I think you can. The art of scrapbooking has evolved far enough so that a design can still be recognized as a scrapbook page, even without photographs. To me, you can call a design a scrapbook page if it contains these elements:

1) a layout design

2) one or more focal images

3) journaling

4) background paper or a background pattern

5) matting/layers

6) (optional) multiple textures - such as embossing, textured card stock, paper piercing, etc.

7) (optional) multiple materials - such as ribbon, rhinestones, twine, glitter, beads, etc.

The challenge with super-mini pages is, of course, to find images small enough to be proportional in a page which is only 1" x 1-1/4". Thankfully, Stampin' Up! solved my problem with their new set "Itty Bitty Bits". I also used the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack to make tiny circles and flowers.

But there are more images you can use besides the one set. I've successfully used tiny details found in larger stamps. Look with new eyes at all your stamps. Don't forget your Stampin' Around wheels! Also consider cutting out small images from designer series paper, or even shrinking images using My Digital Studio.

Making tiny scrapbook pages using materials intended for 12"x12" pages takes ingenuity, creativity, and inventiveness. Give it a try! You may find yourself with a whole new hobby. And if you wear your new pages in a Simply Adorned necklace pendant, you'll find yourself with a whole new jewelry wardrobe too!

Supplies:

Simply Adorned 1" x 1-1/4" charm (#116798)

Simply Adorned 24" chain (#116800)

Itty Bitty Bits (#117056)

Rough Type (#118659)

Punched Posies (#118535)

Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (#118309)

Scallop Trim border punch (#118402)

Travel Journal designer series paper (#117156)

Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#119976)

Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz (#118772)

Stampin' Emboss powder: clear, white (#109130 and #109132)

Basic Black Stampin' Write journaler (#105394)

Big Shot machine (#113439)

Heat Tool (#100005)

cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery,

So Saffron, Whisper White

ink: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Versamark, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Bashful Blue

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Click here to download this newsletter

New can't-miss digital downloads

2010-05-12T13:44:00.002-06:00

Stampin' Up! released some new digital downloads today, just in time for summer scrapbooking! I can think of some Spring, Summer, and Father's Day projects these would go well with. Check them out!

Summertime Splendor paper digital download: http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=121067

Spring Shades paper digital download: http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=120172

Geometric Lines paper digital download: http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=121068

(click on "more images" to see each individual design)

Presto Patterns Overlays digital brush set: http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=122142

And this one has been available for a while, but it's a great value and one of my favorites.

My Sweet Pea digital kit: http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=119978

Use these digital papers to print out your own never-ending supply of designer series paper, or use them for your next digital scrapbook. Either way, they're fun and a digital must-have!

Email me to place your order.

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

May Promotion - Get Free Designer Brads!

2010-05-04T16:03:00.003-06:00

(click images to enlarge)

How would you like to earn any or all of these Designer brads for free? Just buy any one of these stamp sets anytime between May 1 - May 31, and for every stamp set you buy, you will get to choose a package of Designer brads to receive free. Want all 4 styles? Just buy 4 of the stamp sets! Want to buy more than 4? No problem, you can keep accumulating free Designer brad packages. Each package holds 16 brads (8 each of two sizes), so you can easily use more than one package.

And let's face it, I bet you can 4 sets from the ones below which you would like to own.

Extreme Elements, item #115181, $26.95

This set includes images which are great as backgrounds,

especially for teen-themed scrapbook designs. Try

stamping these images tone-on-tone, then layering

photos on top.

Framed with Love, item #114389, $27.95

Perfect for scrapbooking, put a photo, message,

or image in a frame.

Certified, item #113706, $27.95

A Last Chance stamp set! These great labels

will be retired soon. Everyone has candid photos

which cry out to be labeled "Genuine", "Bona Fide"

and "Authentic".

Circle Circus, item #115778, $28.95

Choose one or two of these circles to make a border,

or punch one out with the appropriate circle punch.

These patterns can work with any style or theme.

Elements of Style, item #119900, $27.95

From the new Summer Mini comes this versatile set.

I've seen these stamps used beautifully together, or

combine them with other stamps to achieve very

different looks.

Rough Type, item #118659, $26.95

When you want that vintage typewriter look,

or a smaller alphabet set (which fit perfectly in

the new Mini Vintage Tags), this set gives

a great look.

Sentimental Journey, item #118513, $23.95

Just in time for Father's Day and summer

vacations, this set and the matching Designer

Series Paper go together effortlessly for

terrific layouts.

First Day, item #118521, $23.95

Have you made a mini scrapbook with your

child's school photos? Devote each page to

one school year, decorate with these

stamps, and you have a fast and adorable

mini book. Ask me for directions!

Email me to place your order!

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

May 2010 Newsletter - May is National Scrapbooking Month!

2010-04-28T15:52:00.003-06:00

Click image to view original size, then use your browser to print.

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Color me happy!

2010-04-07T22:03:00.002-06:00

Stampin' Up! released some very exciting news just yesterday, we are getting a color makeover! To tell the truth, it's about time, we've had the same unchanging colors for years now. Styles change, preferences change, and colors need to change. Of course each of us have a color we are sad to see go... but then most everyone I've talked to have found several new favorites which are being introduced. And without any further ado..

Are they not beautiful?

Here are the details:

40 Stampin' Up! Core Colors in four color collections (10 colors in each): Brights, Neutrals, Regals and Subtles

If you're familiar with Stampin' Up!'s "In Colors" from years past, many have come back into the new Core Colors: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, River Rock, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, and Wild Wasabi.

We also have five new Core Colors: Daffodil Delight (my new favorite!), Early Espresso (no wait, that's my new favorite!), Cajun Craze (an acceptable replacement for Really Rust), Cherry Cobbler, and Marina Mist.
And here are the collections:

Brights: Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Real Red.

Neutrals: River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake (formerly Kraft), Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Basic Black.

Regals: Elegant Eggplant, Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke, Garden Green, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Riding Hood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy.

Subtles: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Perfect Plum, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, So Saffron.

STAMPIN' UP! COLORS HEADED FOR RETIREMENT ON JULY 1:

Almost Amethyst, Apricot Appeal, Ballet Blue, Barely Banana, Blush Blossom, Bordering Blue, Brilliant Blue, Brocade Blue, Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Gable Green, Glorious Green, Going Gray, Green Galore, Handsome Hunter, Lavender Lace, Lovely Lilac, Mellow Moss, Only Orange, Orchid Opulence, Pale Plum, Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Sage Shadow, Summer Sun, Taken with Teal, YoYo Yellow.

While I'm sorry to see some of these go, I'm not as sorry as I thought I might be. If there are some colors which are your favorites, stock up now! You only have until the end of June!

2010-2011 IN COLORS: 5 new In Colors will be introduced with the Idea Book & Catalog July 1. The new In Colors will be available for 2 years! Starting next year, there will be a total of 10 In Colors with five rotating out and five rotating in every year.

WHAT TO DO NOW: Stock up on your favorite colors which will be retiring! Just because a color won't be supported by Stampin' Up! any longer doesn't mean there is anything wrong with it. Do you have enough Brilliant Blue for your 4th of July scrapbook pages? Do you have enough Orchid Opulence for your flower cards? I will be missing Gable Green and Barely Banana, Sage Shadow and Apricot Appeal. You might want to buy an extra package of cardstock in the colors you'll be missing, and make sure you have an ink pad with a refill to match. Email me to place your order!

Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
CharlysInkLink@blogspot.com

"Every time I go to work, I end up at a party!"

No-Frills Estes Park Stamp n' Crop Retreat

2010-03-31T15:26:00.001-06:00

Hi Stampers,

I just inherited a stamping and scrapbooking retreat from a friend who can no longer organize it. Going up to Estes Park to spend Friday - Sunday crafting is such a nice getaway, the trip is not expensive, and the ladies who come are all awesome! It's so much fun.

What: Scrapbooking and Stamping Retreat

Where: Big Horn Mountain Lodge in Estes Park

When: Friday May 21st - Sunday May 23rd

How much: $175 for room and board for two days and two nights

Why: Good company, good fun, a chance to craft, a big table all to yourself, and a weekend without husbands, children, or a to-do list.

We're going back to the Big Horn Mountain Lodge. It's comfortable, the event center has plenty of room, and it's not expensive. The cost for two days and two nights (Friday 3:00 - Sunday 3:00), including renting the event center and catering, is $175 per person if you room with someone else (two queen beds), or $235 if you want a single (one king bed). That price includes breakfasts, plus catered lunch and dinner Saturday. We'll probably be able to provide our own food Friday night and Sunday afternoon.

For dates I'm looking at the end of May (National Scrapbooking Month!), but not Memorial Day weekend. So that would be Friday May 21st - Sunday May 23rd.

Amenities:

an 8-foot table all to yourself.
24-hour access to the crop room
internet access
a computer and printer available for digital journaling (or anything else)
use of a friend's Cricut machine (be nice to it)
a fireplace, balcony, and partial kitchen inside the crop room
gorgeous views, and Lake Estes within walking distance
a queen bed (Big Horn can't guarantee room type, but we will probably have no trouble)
continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday, plus catered lunch and dinner Saturday.

What you should bring:

A friend! The more the merrier.
Munchies, soft drinks, alcohol, food to share (if you want)
Everything craft-related you will need, since Estes Park doesn't have a scrapbooking store.
desk lamp, extension cord, computer, etc (optional)

PLEASE RSVP if you can come, the sooner the better. Thank you!

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com

http://CharlysInkLink.blogspot.com
www.CharlysInkLink.StampinUp.net

"Every time I go to work, I end up at a party!"

TWO-STEP INTO SPRING PROMOTION

2010-03-23T18:09:00.002-06:00

TWO-STEP INTO SPRING PROMOTION

Promotion Dates: April 1-30, 2010

Promotion Details:

Hostesses
Host a $350 workshop and receive the brand-new Two-Step Awash with Flowers stamp set FREE!

Customers
Two-Step into spring with a sneak peek from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog! Be the first to add the Awash with Flowers stamp set to your collection.

Item	Description	Price
117062	Awash with Flowers (wood-mount)	$39.95
120549	Awash with Flowers (clear-mount)	$27.95

Plus, purchase spring-themed Two-Step Stampin' sets at 20 percent off the retail price--no additional purchase necessary!

Qualifying stamp sets are listed below:

Item	Page	Description	Discount Price
113824	94	Greenhouse Garden	$20.76
113734	98	Fifth Avenue Floral	$19.96
111578	101	Flower Fancy	$29.56
113258	112	Trendy Trees	$14.36

These are all great sets for watercoloring, or if you're like me and you don't have Watercolor Wonder crayons, you can get the watercolor look by 2-step stamping. My favorites have to be this new set, and Flower Fancy for that effect. Want more information on the 2-step stamping technique or this new set? Drop me a line, I love to talk about techniques and possibilities!

Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com
www.CharlysInkLink.StampinUp.net

Monogrammed Birds - Simply Adorned inserts

2010-03-22T22:45:00.003-06:00

I love my Stampin' Up! Simply Adorned necklace, but I was having trouble making inserts that I liked. This is jewelry after all, and I want something that is at least as attractive as silver or gold. This pendant necklace draws attention to itself, so it has to be beautiful enough to make people say "That's lovely! Where did you get it?"

But finally I got into the groove. These tiny art pieces need to have a whole lot of awesome packed into a small space, so that meant layering. And to me, that meant embossing. So here are my embossed monogrammed birds, with a touch of bling from some tiny rinestones.

The front side has the "C" (for Charly), and some Baroque swirls which you can't see due to the faceted glass of the locket. (The faceted locket looks very finished and nice in person, but it makes it hard to photograph.) The back side shows often enough since the pendant moves as I do, so I like to have a matched set of inserts. I had fun making this "B", but the design just wasn't as successful as the front side design. Oh well, I guess I had to expect that from a "B" side. (hee hee!)

I recently decided on what technique I'll be teaching and using when we make our inserts in my Simply Adorned class coming up in May, I'll have to make some example pieces soon. Sign up for my class by dropping me a line at CharlysInkLink@gmail.com!

Supplies:
Ink: Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Garden Green, Basic Black, Versamark
Markers: Bashful Blue, Real Red, Apricot Appeal, Versamark
Stamps: The More the Merrier (hostess), Jayne's Type (114401), Baroque Motifs (113490)
Stampin' Sponge (101610)
Clear Stampin' Emboss powder (109130)
Eggselent Eggs rinestones (sold out)
Simply Adorned charm (116798)
Simply Adorned 24" chain (116800)

Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com/
www.CharlysInkLink.StampinUp.net

Kid's Travel Game

2010-03-20T14:00:00.003-06:00

Kid's Travel Game

Supplies:
Card stock: Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, So Saffron
Ink: Old Olive, Pixie Pink, Orchid Opulence, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Basic Black
Stamps: Taffy Alphabet (115086),
Happy Together (114314),
Hello Again (113870),
Eastern Blooms (111626),
Love Bug (hostess),
Country Morning (hostess),
Wings of Friendship (hostess),
The More the Merrier (hostess)

Shades of Spring DSP (117160)
Medium Window Sheets (114323)
Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon (113882)
Crystal Effects (101055)
Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (102023)
Crop-A-Dile (108362)
1" circle punch (109046)
Corner rounder punch (109047)
Mini Glue Dots (103683)
Sticky Strip (104294)
Tombow Glue (110755)

Non-Stampin' Up! materials:
DVD tin - http://www.effectuality.com/
Large magnets - http://www.wholesalersusainc.com/

Steps:

Begin by preparing and gluing the magnet backs, to give the glue time to dry. Decide on a stamp to use for the backs, and stamp that image 12 times on colored card stock. Punch those images out with the 1" circle punch. Lay out the magnets on the DVD tin, to keep the magnets from sliding towards and sticking to each other. Coat the backs of the card stock circles with Crystal Effects right out to the edges. Glue the card stock circles to the magnets. Set magnets (on the DVD tin) aside to dry.
Cut a piece of card stock (either light colored or Whisper White) which is 5" x 7-1/8". Decorate this with a message and appropriate designs. Embellish with Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds glitter, or other accessories.
Cut two complementary patterns of designer series paper (DSP) to 5" x 7-1/8", plus two window sheets to that size.
Using the corner rounder punch, round the corners of the cover sheet, the two sheets of designer paper, and the two window sheets.
Cut 4 strips of dark card stock to be 7-1/8" long x 1/8" wide. Cut 5 more strips of card stock to be 5" long x 1/8" wide. Carefully arrange these into grids on the DSP, making a 9 space Tic-Tac-Toe grid on one, and a 12 space Memory grid on the other. Glue the strips down by putting tiny dots of Tombow glue on the back sides of the strips, you only need to put a dot down every inch or so. The Window Sheets will protect the grids, so lots of glue is not necessary.
Move the magnets off the DVD tin. Using your Crop-A-Dile, punch holes where the DVD tin opens, on the deep side (the base, not the lid) at about the 1/3 and 2/3 marks.
On the cover side of the DVD tin, run Sticky Strip around the edges and in the center. Place the stamped cover on the DVD tin, remembering that the hinge is "down" and the holes for the carrying handle are "up".
Inside the DVD tin, stick the DSP sheets down with Sticky Strip. I suggest you put the Memory board on the "deep" side, and Tic-Tac-Toe on the "lid" side, and plan to store the magnets on the Memory side.
Make sure your window sheets are free of lint and tiny pieces of paper. Place a mini glue dot in each corner of the stuck-down DSP, and adhere the window sheets to the DSP.
Cut a ribbon 10" long, push the ends through the holes, and tie small knots on the inside of the DVD tin to make a carrying handle. That should finish the travel game tin.
Now finish your magnets. Choose 6 different stamp designs (which are different from the magnet back design), and stamp each design twice. I suggest using a different color of ink for each design, all on Whisper White card stock. Punch out all 12 with the 1" circle punch. You may choose to sponge the edges with the matching ink colors.
Spread Crystal Effects glue on the back of the circles, one at a time, and glue each one to a magnet. Remember to check the magnet backs when applying the magnet fronts, so the orientation matches.
Place your magnets in your game tin, dry side down. You're done!

Tips:

This game tin is fun for kids age 4 - 14, and everyone likes to play with magnets. Note: magnets are extremely dangerous if swallowed. Not for children under 4.
To make a more "boyish" design, use Whisper White card stock for the cover, bugs instead of butterflies on the cover, green Shades of Spring designer paper on the inside, and Certainly Celery card stock with bugs instead of chicks on the backs of the magnets.
Alter this design for any occasion or season. Use current designer series paper, and stamp any message on the cover.
Use stamp sets that you own. Look through everything for small, kid-friendly images which would fit inside a 1" circle.

Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com/
www.CharlysInkLink.StampinUp.net
Download this Google Doc here

Thanks to Donna Cook for the inspiration for this project.

Spring Stamposium

2010-03-20T08:34:00.000-06:00

My upline, Tara, puts on a Stamposium twice a year. I'm going to this one in April! Come join me for a day of stamping tips and amazing techniques, for the casual stamper as well as a demonstrator. The ticket price is going up soon, so register before March 28th!

Here is what Tara wrote:

Mail-in and online registration has begun for our twice-a-year event. What IS Spring Stamposium? Read on...

Join us on Saturday, April 10th from 9:30am-4:30pm at the Denver Merchandise Mart at our twice-a-year team event! Attendees will see terrific Workshop Wow's from stage, enjoy a FABULOUS guest speaker ~ Linda Hansen, see dozens of displays, have the chance to win one of many door prizes plus enter the Swap Contest, and stamp beautiful and duplicatible projects...all you need to do is register to hold your place!

This event is open to ALL stampers...my team members (Ink, Inc.), adoptee demonstrators and all stamping guests. Please feel free to pass this along to others that might enjoy a day full of stamping and seeing new ideas.

The Denver Merchandise Mart is centrally located with plenty of parking. There is limited space for this event, so register early for guaranteed space and the best price. You may choose online registration via eventbrite: http://springstamposium2010.eventbrite.com or you may choose to mail in your registration (click here) at any time. Please note the registration deadlines for the price breaks - the earlier you register the best price you will receive.

ALL Stampers & Guests: Postmarked/Online Orders March 20th - March 28th: $50

"Cannot Attend" Bundle: $50 (payment due March 28th)

Ink, Inc. team members, you may visit our team yahoo group for all upcoming details.

Non-Ink, Inc. members may see this same information via my blog: Ink & Paper Cafe' (http://www.inkandpapercafe.com) as it becomes available. I hope to see you all on April 10th!

Enjoy your day~

Tara

Lucky Me

2010-03-17T18:27:00.000-06:00

I've been wearing my domino necklaces (see this post) for a while now, but recently I started wearing my Simply Adorned necklace. Don't you love how you can customize these pieces for every different occasion?

I need to make more of these inserts. I am looking forward to breaking open my Eggcellent Eggs kit (117179), which has many tiny rinestones just perfect for the tiny art pieces which go into Simply Adorned necklaces. I like the idea of making miniature scrapbook pages for jewelry.

How about you? Will you join me for my Simply Adorned class in May?

Charly Bratt
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com/
http://www.charlysinklink.stampinup.net/

March '10 - Shades of Spring PPSAS3

2010-03-15T00:01:00.001-06:00

Paper Pack Stamp-A-Stack 3

March '10 - Shades of Spring

Supplies:

Shades of Spring paper pack (contact me)

Well Scripted stamp set (117072)

Chocolate Chip classic ink (100908)

Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon (117289)

Sweet Pea Stitched Felt (117266)

Crop-A-Dile (108362)

Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Snail adhesive (104332)

Dotto adhesive (103305)

Stampin' Dimensionals (104430) (optional)

Steps:

1) Cut all four colored 8-1/2 x 11" sheets, plus one white 8-1/2 x 11" sheet in half, so you have 10 sheets measuring 5-1/2 x 8-1/2".

2) Set aside six sheets to be used as card bases, usually one of each color and two white. Fold those in half using your bone folder.

3) Cut six 4 x 5-1/4" mats out of the remaining colored long sheets.

4) Cut six 2-1/2 x 2-1/2" small mats out of what remains of the colored long sheets, and also from the 6x6 squares of textured card stock. If you have white textured card stock, you can sponge the edges to make the small mat any color you want.

5) Cut six 2-3/8 x 2-3/8" squares of white card stock for the central image or greeting.

6) Cut the designer series paper (DSP) into 1-7/8 x 2-1/2" rectangles. I suggest starting with one card and choosing two complementary patterns. Cut a strip 1-7/8" wide and 5" long from each, then cut those strips in half.

7) Start assembly by arranging the DSP on the large mat. Do not attach the large mat to the card base yet, since you need to add the ribbon first. Stick down the designer series paper rectangles with Dotto, to help with the finicky spacing and arranging. Once your DSP is in the right place, then you can pull up the rectangles one at a time, and stick them down permanently with Snail.

8) Stamp the 2-3/8 x 2-3/8" white diamond with your main image or sentiment. For perfect placement, use the Stamp-a-ma-jig. You may also want to stamp a background design, such as Fine Flourish (115709) or Sprinkles (115076), in a light color. Then adhere the white diamond to a 2-1/2 x 2-1/2" colored mat.

9) Using your Crop-a-dile, punch a hole for the ribbon to come through. The hole should be perfectly in line between the top and bottom corners, and aproxomately 1 inch from the bottom corner, but adjust according to your ribbon and image.

10) Cut a ribbon about 6-1/4" long. Using regular Scotch tape, tape one end to the back of the large mat. Run the ribbon down from the top, through the hole in the white diamond, and down. Adhere the white diamond to the DSP using Snail, or Stampin' Dimensionals. Tape the other end of the ribbon to the back of the large mat when everything is arranged.

11) Tie a faux bow and stick it on with a mini glue dot, or tie it around the ribbon. Add Sweet Pea Stitched Felt flowers or other decorations.

12) Adhere the large mat to the card base with Snail, and you're done!

Tips:

Don't follow all my directions! Make this layout your own. Get creative. Adjust for your own style and your supplies.
You can make 7 cards using the supplies in a paper pack, but you'll have to get a little creative and lay all the card parts out first.
Don't forget the inside of the card and the envelope! Stamp a subtle design or a greeting. Think of how your recipient will open the envelope and the card.
You can't really go wrong with which DSP patterns you choose to put together, but experiment with a monochrome layout, a 2-color layout, or a 4-pattern layout.
Experiment with different focal points - a bow or no bow, an additional image or sentiment popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals, brads or buttons, etc.
Post a picture of your creations and leave a link here in the comments section! If you upload to a public site, such as SplitCoastStampers.com, please use the keyword PPSAS2.

NEXT MONTH: Welcome Neighbor designer series paper!

Charly Bratt

http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com
http://www.charlysinklink.stampinup.net

Download this Google Document here

Thanks to Gretchen Barron for the inspiration for this layout.

Basic Tools for Paper Crafters

2010-03-04T00:01:00.007-07:00

All hobbies require their own tools: knitters need yarn and needles; photographers need cameras, lenses, and filters; and woodworkers (like my husband) apparently need a garage full of large and expensive tools like table saws, band saws, and routers.

As stampers and scrapbookers we need our own tools too, but thankfully ours are reasonably priced. All our tools put together are still less expensive than just one of my husband's saw blades!

The paper cutter is probably the first tool you need to turn your card stock into cards. This cutter, available from Stampin' Up!, is one of Fiskars' better models. It can easily cut 12"x12" papers and card stock, but it is still lightweight and portable. It's fast and easy to use, and while I have had trouble with cheaper plastic models, with this cutter I've been able to make good straight cuts and 90 degree corners every time. ($24.95, item #104152)

The bone folder is a simple tool, but it's amazing how useful it is and how quickly it becomes one of your most reached-for items. It gives folds a nice crease; it can be used along with your paper cutter to score card stock; and I use it to separate card layers if I've made a mistake and I need to take my card apart and rework it. ($6.95, item #102300)

Paper snips are the perfect scissors for cutting shapes out of paper and card stock. I like to stamp images, color them, cut them out, and pop them up on Stampin' Dimensionals. This look adds a lot to a card or scrapbook page, and it's a fun alternative to buttons, rhinestone brads, felt flowers, or other purchased decorations. ($9.95, item #103579)

SNAIL is my first choice in adhesives, I use this more than I use any other kind. SNAIL leaves a strip of stickiness without the inconvenience of double-stick tape or the mess of glue. It's fast, easy, permanent, and the #1 choice for most card makers and scrapbookers. ($6.95, item #104332)

The Stampin' Scrub is the best and fastest way to clean your rubber stamps. Just lightly spray one half with the Stampin' Mist and leave the other half dry. The Stampin' Mist cleans and conditions your stamps, and the dry side of the Stampin' Scrub removes any leftover ink and moisture. (Stampin Scrub $16.95 item #102642; Stampin' Mist $4.50 item #102394)

The Stamp-a-ma-jig is one of my favorite tools, but not everyone uses one. This is a tool which needs to be demonstrated instead of described, ask me to show you how this works in person. (11.95, item #101049)

Sale-A-Bration is still going on, but only until March 31st. This is the perfect time to stock up on your stamping tools and supplies, because the more you buy during the Sale-A-Bration event, the more free stamp sets you can earn! If you were to buy every tool on my list your total would be $82.20 (still less than one of my husband's saw blades), and you would qualify for a free stamp set or other Sale-A-Bration reward. Add another product for $18.00 or more, and you'll receive two sets!

Charly Bratt
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com/
http://www.charlysinklink.stampinup.net/

Travel Games Class

2010-03-03T00:01:00.005-07:00

This month we'll have a lot of fun making hand stamped travel games! You can give this cute gift as an Easter present (leave it in an Easter basket), for a Spring birthday, or just because. Customize the cover to say "Happy Easter", "Happy Birthday", or anything else. For boys, decorate the front with bugs instead of butterflies, and green instead of pink.

Inside the decorated DVD tin are two game boards: Memory and Tic-Tac-Toe. Each game board is made with designer series paper, and a window sheet to make moving the magnets easier and to protect the paper grid.

The magnets are an extra large size (and powerful too!), and are fun for kids to play with. Each magnet has a back side (I used yellow chicks), and a front side with six different patterns for the game of Memory. For playing Tic-Tac-Toe, you can play backs against fronts (in this example I used flowers vs. chicks).

Sign up now to reserve your spot! I only have materials for 10 attendees.

Charly Bratt
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com
http://www.charlysinklink.stampinup.net

Thanks to DonnaCook and her idea for this travel game tin.

March Featured Card

2010-03-02T00:01:00.001-07:00

This month's card is a beautiful pastel collection of flowers, leaves, and paisleys, showcasing up to four patterns of the Shades of Spring designer series paper.

The featured card for March is perfect for Easter, a "new baby" card, or a Spring themed birthday or "thinking of you" card.

Aren't these colors and patterns just perfect for overcoming the winter blues? Not only are these cards fun to make, but they bring a bit of Spring sunshine to whomever you send one.

Contact me to book a workshop, and you and all of your friends can each make one of these cards for free. Remember that Sale-A-Bration ends March 31st, so don't miss out on the biggest sales event of the year! Earn a free stamp set for every $50 you spend, or for hosting a workshop, or for joining Stampin' Up!

Charly Bratt
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com
http://www.charlysinklink.stampinup.net

March 2010 Newsletter - Spring is Coming!

2010-03-01T00:01:00.002-07:00

Click on each page to enlarge, then use your browser to print.

Stamped and Embossed Pendants

2010-02-28T22:55:00.002-07:00

Supplies:
Dominoes - available at Target or many other stores
Sanding blocks ($3.50 for 2; item #103301)
Various stamps - some suggested sets:
"Charming" ($19.95; item #116519),
"Very Thankful" ($14.95; item #115338),
"Jayne's Type Alphabet" ($43.95; item #114401)
Classic Stampin' Pads in various colors ($5.95 each) OR Stampin' Write markers ($31.95 for 12 colors)
Clear Stampin' Emboss powder ($4.75; item #109130)
Heat Tool ($29.95; item #100005)
Simply Adorned chain ($10.95; item #116800)
Extra large glue on bails (necklace holders) - available at The Bead Cache in Fort Collins
E-6000 Glue - available at hardware stores
Optional supplies:
Versamark ink ($7.50; item #102283)
Brayer ($12.50; item #102395)

Step 1 - To prepare your dominoes, sand the shiny coating off the back with a sanding block. Remember to sand the edges and corners as well. Discard any dominoes with flaws or discolorations.

Step 2 - Stamp your favorite image with Classic ink directly on the domino. Or, color directly on the rubber stamp with Stampin' Write markers, "huff" on the stamp to moisten it, and then stamp the domino.

If your image is crooked or smudged, you can wipe it off with a baby wipe and start over. You can also wipe off unwanted parts of an image, like the "thank you" from the peacock. Always wipe off the moisture from the baby wipe, or embossing powder will stick to it.

Step 3 - Before the ink dries (you have 1-2 minutes), spoon a generous amount of clear Stampin' Emboss powder on the stamped image, then tap off the excess. Make sure there is embossing powder over all the stamped image, but none on the background.

Step 4 - Using the heat tool, heat the stamped image until the Stampin' Emboss powder becomes clear and shiny. The embossed layer will not lie perfectly smooth on the domino, but may appear dimpled or wavy. This is normal. Allow the domino to cool.

Step 5 - Repeat steps 2 - 4 to achieve a layered design. When the last layer has cooled, put on a latex glove and stamp your finger on a Stampin' Pad. Rub the ink into the unstamped areas of the domino, working it in around all the embossed areas, to give the domino a background color. You can use your fingers to blend colors or create textures. In one of my domino examples you can see how I created water, trees, and sky just by rubbing in ink.

Step 6 - If your background color dries before you can apply Stampin' Emboss powder, roll on a clear "sticky" ink called Versamark. First roll a brayer on the Versamark pad, then roll the brayer over your domino. Clean the brayer roll with a baby wipe after every use. Adding Versamark ink will allow you to cover the entire domino front with Stampin' Emboss powder.

Step 7 - Once your domino is finished, allow it to cool. Apply a small skim of E-6000 glue to the unstamped side of the domino, and also to the back of the glue-on bail. Allow the glue to sit and get tacky for 2-5 minutes. Then press the bail on to the domino, and allow the glue to harden for 24 hours.

Add a Simply Adorned necklace chain to your stamped pendant, and you're done!

Charly Bratt
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com
http://www.charlysinklink.stampinup.net/

February '10 - Nouveau Chic PPSAS2

2010-02-15T00:01:00.003-07:00

Paper Pack Stamp-A-Stack 2

February '10 - Nouveau Chic

Supplies:

Nouveau Chic paper pack (contact me)

Basic Black 5/8" satin ribbon (117285)

Corner Rounder punch (109047)

Scallop Trim border punch (118402 - optional)

Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Snail adhesive (104332)

Basic Black ink (101179)

Well Scripted stamp set (117072)

Asian Artistry stamp set (ask me how to get this FREE).

Steps:

1) Cut all 8-1/2 x 11" sheets in half, so you have 12 sheets measuring 5-1/2 x 8-1/2".

2) Set aside 6 sheets to be used as card bases - usually one of each color and two white. Score all card bases at 4-1/4" using your scoring blade, and fold using your bone folder.

3) Cut a 4 x 5-1/4" mat out of each of the remaining colored long sheets, and two mats out of the 6x6" pieces of textured card stock. Save the white card stock for stamping.

4) Cut six 3x4" mats out of designer series paper (DSP). Also cut six 1x4" strips out of DSP. Note: you can get two 3x4" mats plus two 1x4" strips plus one 2x2" square out of each piece of DSP, if you plan it before you cut it.

5) Cut down the 3x4" mats to 3 x 3-7/8" to give a 1/16" border around the DSP mat. Leave the 1x4" strips 4" wide (to match the ribbon).

6) Punch the 1x4" strips with a border punch such as the Scalllop Trim border punch. Optional: leave the strips straight for a more masculine look (as in this example).

7) Assemble the card background: Adhere the 3 x 3-7/8" DSP mat to the 4 x 5-1/4" mat with Snail, leaving a 1/16" border around the top and sides. Then adhere the 1x4" strip with the punched edge down. Cut a ribbon 5-1/2" long, and wrap it around the larger mat covering the seam between the DSP mat and the 1x4" strip. Tape the ends of the ribbon to the back of the larger mat using regular office tape. If desired, cut another length of ribbon and tie a bow or knot to the front of the card, around the fastened ribbon.

8) After the ribbon is attached, fasten the 4 x 5-1/4 mat to the card base.

9) Stamp your image and greeting on white card stock. Cut out your image and adhere it using Stampin' Dimensionals. If your image is small, consider placing it on a 2x2" square of DSP, as shown in this example. Consider rounding 2, 3, or all 4 corners of any square pieces, as in this example.

To make 8 cards using this layout, make these changes:

Set aside eight 5-1/2 x 8-1/2" sheets as card bases: 2 white and 6 colored. Think ahead to layout possibilities and color combinations.
Cut two 4 x 5-1/4" mats each out of the two remaining colored long sheets, two mats out of the textured card stock, and two mats out of DSP, for a total of eight mats.
Cut only 4 sheets of DSP to make the eight 3 x 3-7/8" mats and 1x4" strips. See step 4 above. The designer series paper is two-sided, so each card can have a different pattern.

Tips:

Don't follow all my directions! Make this layout your own. Get creative. Adjust for your own style and your supplies.
Make 6 cards if you like to experiment or have room to make mistakes; make 8 cards if a challenge sparks creativity.
Especially if making only 6 cards, add on more layers.
When choosing designer series paper for 4 x 5-1/4" mats, look at the large patterns and the small busy patterns. Those often make the best background mats.
If you are dealing with a piece of absolutely beautiful DSP as a mat, you may want to ignore the rest of the layout and just add a sentiment. Sometimes the designer series paper is enough with no other layers.
Post a picture of your creations, and leave a link here in the comments section! If you upload to a public site, such as SplitCoastStampers.com, please use the keyword PPSAS2.

NEXT MONTH: Shades of Spring designer series paper!

Charly Bratt