Stacy's Classes this Saturday!

The special day is almost here!

Here are samples from the two classes:

You will use Stacy's new lighthouse stamps in the morning class (10:30am)

and use these beautiful medallion stamps for the 1:00pm class/

For those of you who are worried about the detour in Sparrowbush......NO WORRIES!  The bridge is completed and there ISN'T any detour anymore!!! Yay!

If you would like to join us, there still are a few seats available.  Please contact me ASAP to reserve your seat today!

Looking forward to seeing you and spending fun day of crafting!
                                   ~ Anna

Stacy's New Release - By my Window Stamp Series

Happy Labor Day!  Hope you are enjoying your weekend........though it is the last official "summer" weekend.  But, hey, now you can really start thinking about your fall and Christmas projects!

Stacy has released her new stamps, "By my Window" series and here is a look at them! 

And for those of you who love to color, these stamps were made for YOU!

These stamps are quite  large, so they pretty much cover an A2 size card.  You just sit back and color the images (you know, when you are watching TV you can relax and NOT fall asleep because you are coloring!)  If you were here when Stacy visited, you were lucky to see these up close and personal.  Stacy had them colored and gave us lots of ideas on how to make them pop...........add crystal effects to the pumpkin to make it look glossy like a ceramic vase.  Add Swarovski crystals to the Christmas scene to make it sparkle.....and don't forget about the star outside! Stamp extra images and only color some parts so that you can cut those out and pop them on the fully colored scene.  The possibilities are endless!!!

I know many of you were intrigued by these new stamps.........please let me know if you would like me to get them for you!  You can start with the fall scene now!  (they come individually, you do not need to buy the whole series).  So, try one out and see if you like it!

Thanks so much for "stamping" by,

            ~Anna

Stacy's Classes were a Blast!

It was just last Saturday that Stacy Rich was here and we all had a blast!!!  Thanks so much Stacy!  You ROCK!  And I also want to thank all who attended and help make the special classes a huge success!

Again I got so involved that I didn't get a picture of all of the attendees nor of the wonderful food we had; believe me though, the stamp pads were flying, the new stamps were passed around and the laughter was non stop!

In the previous post, I showed you pictures of two of the cards from the class.  Here are the other two cards using the wonderful new set, "Weeds and More".

 

This is the very pretty and versatile new stamp set (Weeds & More) from Stacy.

 Thanks for stopping by,

       ~Anna

Stacy's Classes, July 27!

Yay!!! Saturday, July 27th is almost here! Stacy Rich is cutting card stock, sorting stamps,  packing her bags and getting ready to teach at the Creative Corner! 

And here is a taste of what you can create at those classes:

  In the morning class you'll create several cards using Stacy's latest stamps. The cards may be simple, but always elegant!

In the second class, you'll create a "One of a Kind" box and matching gift card. "Stuff" the box with a handmade gift and it will be perfect for that special occasion

And best of all, there still is time to sign up and join the fun!  Call and reserve your seat today!

Looking forward to a fabulous day!
             ~Anna

Clean & Simple Card Making 2

I so enjoyed last year's Clean & Simple On line Class, that I had to sign up again this year!  Yesterday was the first day and with it came some great ideas and layouts.  For "homework", it was suggested to work with one of the layouts.

This is the card that I came up with:

I only used 3 stamps from 3 different companies; the car from Hero Arts, the great background stamp from StacyStamps and the saying from Impression Obsession.  I added a few pearls with the Viva Decor Pearl Pen and that was it.  Pretty simple!  This makes a really quick masculine birthday card.

This layout is nice, simple and quick.  Try it out!  See what you come up with and post it on our Facebook page.  We'd love to see your art!

See you soon,
     ~Anna

Great Christmas Tags

Thought I'd get you into the Christmas mood with these great tags.  They were fun to make and will make your gift truly stand out!

Here, I used Stacy Stamps, Mini Poinsettia and attached it to the middle of a JustRite Christmas Ornament stamp. The poinsettia was colored with Copics and the ornaments were cut out using Spellbinders 2010 Heirloom Ornament dies.  To make it all sparkle, I used stickles!

For the next tag, I used JustRite, O Christmas Tree stamp set.  I also stamped the Holly Background with Hero Arts and then used the matching embossing folder to give it lots of dimension.  This is a wonderful set from Hero Arts and Sizzix!

I also saw somewhere that someone had used a part of a rosette and so I tried it here, using one of the smaller rosette's from Tim Holtz.  Also used lots of stickles and Elizabeth Crafts, Canadian Blue micro fine glitter for the finishing touches!

For the third tag, I used Dee's Candle die (from Elizabeth Crafts), the pine punch from Nellie Snellen and Spellbinders Large Ovals. 

Of course, stickles was added to the pine branches and the flame.  It's a simple design yet impressive.

Hope this gives you some ideas for the upcoming holidays and get you started on your projects.  Christmas will be here before you know it!

Thanks for stopping by,
       ~Anna

Watercolor with Stacy Rich

Hello Everyone,
Stacy Rich, owner of StacyStamps just sent me some samples of the cards that you can make this Saturday, August 18 during "Watercolor" day!

In the 10AM class, you will practice the watercolor technique and complete 4 cards!  Here are three of the cards you will make.

In the afternoon class, you will make a wonderful 8X10 watercolor picture, ready for framing.  (Stacy is even bringing the mats!)  And here is the sample creation:

Don't worry, you still have a chance to join us Saturday!!!  There is ONE seat available for the card class and TWO seats available in the afternoon class.  Call and reserve your seat today!

Thanks and
See you soon!
    ~Anna

Using Stacy's Stained Glass Stamps for Zentangle

Stacy Rich posted these two beautiful cards on her blog today!  She is so lucky to have Lori on her Design Team.

Aren't these cards fabulous?

I was going to try the "Stained Glass Rectangles stamp" for Zentangle but I guess Lori beat me to it!  I am just in awe of that card!!! 

In addition, Stacy posted a slide show of cards, again using her stained glass stamps; very artsy and unique!

Thanks Stacy for the great inspiration!
                   ~Anna

Different Ways to Use the New Stained Glass Stamps from Stacy Stamps

The new stained glass stamps from Stacy are very versatile. 

Stained glass rectangles

Stained glass waves

 Here are two samples using the stained glass stamps the traditional way. 

In this third sample, you can stamp different images in the rectangle "windows", as well as cut open some of them and even stamp something inside!

Lastly, I tried my hand at Zentangle.  I first tried a few patterns on scrap card stock.  I have to say this is my first attempt at Zentangle and I found it is very easy, fun and relaxing.  They say it is like organized doodling.  I find it just as relaxing as coloring and was surprised how addictive it is.

I then just layered the completed design on black card stock and added my initial with a Just Rite monogram stamp layered on a scalloped circle. 

Zentangle is great when you are traveling and want to take something to create with you.  You just need a few micron black pens, pre-stamped card stock with any open design and you are ready to go!  You can now look at your stamps in a totally different way!

Hope this helped spark your imagination!
                      ~Anna

Celebrities at the Collins Show

One of the exciting parts of a trade show is bring able to meet celebrities in our industry and this year was no different.

First, there was a Vendor Quote Challenge, the first one ever!  All of the vendors were given the following quote, "Let Go.  Let Fly.  Forget.  You've listened long enough.  Now strike your note."  several weeks before the show and were asked to create a piece of work with it in  mind. All of the attendees voted on Sunday for their favorite piece.  I am happy to inform you that Mitra, of Impression Obsession won third place.  And Stacy of Stacy Stamps won 1st place!!!  How exciting, and we know both ladies! (I'm sorry, but I don't remeber who came in second)

Here are some pictures of the entries.

Card submitted by Mitra, owner of Impression Obsession

First place winner, Stacy, owner of Stacy Stamps

Michael Strong submitted this framed piece of art work.

Picture of some of the displayed entries.

 Now, for a special treat..............as you know, we are lucky to have Stacy visit us every year.  And this year she will be at the Creative Corner on Saturday, August 18 for a Day of Watercoloring!  You will have the opportunity to learn watercolor techniques from Stacy and create several cards.  In the second class, you will be able to re-create her winning piece!  Isn't that exciting?

Last, but not least, I was able to take a class given by Michael Strong!  Yes, the very same Michael Strong who appeared so many times on the Carol Duvall Show!

Here is a picture of Michael in order to jog your memory.  His class was great.  He had so many wonderful ideas, is a great teacher and is just so patient and jolly!  Just like he was on TV.   It was a thrill to be his student.  We used his unique cloisonne stamps and learned how to use them with a new product from Viva Decor, Inka Gold creams. Michael's stamps, as well as the Inka Gold creams will be arriving at the Creative Corner real soon!

I know that this post was a bit longer than usual, therefore, stay tuned for more tidbits from the Collins Show.

Thanks for "stamping" by,
       ~Anna

Happy Halloween

Have you made your treat bags yet? There is still time and here's an idea - use the Marianne icicles die (LR0135) to create the border!  By using green card stock, the border looks like gooey goop that is dripping off the paper.  I just love it when I get multiple uses out of my supplies.

Even though yesterday Monticello had snow showers and we are bracing ourselves for a snowstorm tomorrow, hope you have a fun Halloween!

One good thing is that we can be warm inside and stamp the day away!  The other good thing is that this time of year, the snow should melt in a day or so!

Have a good one
and
Happy Stamping,
Anna

Card Sets in Matching Folder

Today I finished making two card folders for gift cards.  I was inspired by Debby and her tutorial on her blog.  I changed the measurements to inches and this is what I came up with.

The first one is a Christmas theme and this is the view of the folder when it is closed.  I used the JustRite Charming Christmas stamp set with the custom die.  I also used Nellie Snellen's Multi Frame Heart Die.

Here is the inside view of the folder.  You can see that there are two pockets that can hold the 3 1/2 inch square cards and matching envelops.  I used StacyStamps envelope template to make the envelope.  All of the coloring was done with Copics.

This is a close up of the card and matching envelope.  This would make a great hostess gift during the Christmas season.

This folder is perfect for any occasion.  I used the JustRite Smile stamp set and the Spellbinders Classic Circles dies.
 

Here is the inside of the folder.

And here you can see the card and matching envelope.

If you would like to learn how to make these sets, come and join the class. These make perfect little gifts for teachers and co-workers, just to name a few.  (Check the calendar for dates and time)

Hope to see you soon,
Anna

Stacy's Classes

Thank you Stacy for the wonderful classes you held for us on Saturday.  You had some great ideas and techniques, especially using your new wreath and stocking stamps.  Everyone just loved everything they made!

Here are some pictures from the classes.

And here are some pictures of the sample boards that Stacy brought with her.

Everyone found it so clever to make the fireplace card above from Stacy's border stamp, a brick embossing folder, holly stamp, and of course the stocking stamps.

The wreath stamp is truly very versatile.   Look at all of these samples; add berries, use Christmas colors, and you have a fabulous Christmas card.

Add flowers or sea shells to the wreath and you get another look.

Add punched leaves and you have perfect card for autumn.

Lastly, cut up the wreath and you get a creative border.

And here are two more samples made with the stockings stamps.

Thanks again Stacy for the fabulous classes.  Looking forward to your next visit!

Anna

More with Stacy's Floral Minis

I finished making a whole bunch of bookmarks using Stacy's Floral Minis. I colored the flowers with Copics, embossed the sayings with white embossing powder and added stickles for the finishing touch.  I love it when I have completed a set of something; it's always fun to lay it all out, stand back and admire the work. 

Here are all of the bookmarks.

 And here are some close ups.

 The sayings on the bookmarks are from the Nature Nested Sentiments and Verse Set from JustRite. 

You can use these sayings throughout the year and best of all, they are on sale right now for only $6 a set.  What a deal!  (Stop by and get yours today!)

As you can see, the floral minis are so much fun to work with.  You can click here to see some cards I made with them last year.  And here I used the floral minis to decorate "pillow boxes" filled with Hershey Kisses.  These make great party favors.

 If you are coming to Stacy's classes on Saturday, you will get a bookmark as a thank you from me.

Hope this inspires you to use your stamps to make something other than cards.  Remember, you can always make a coordinating card or gift tag for your non-card project.  That would make it really special.

Thanks for stopping by
and
Happy Stamping,
Anna