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Sunday, October 25, 2009

Craft Technique: Wax Resist Backgrounds Using Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

Have you ever tried the "wax resist" technique? It's where you apply wax on a project, and when you apply ink over the top, the ink doesn't stick to wherever the wax has been applied.

Here's a wonderful technique that I played around with this afternoon and the results are fantastic!

Run a piece of wax paper through your Cuttlebug and emboss it using an embossing folder.

Place a piece of scrap paper down on your work surface, followed by a sheet of cardstock or paper that you're planning to use on a project, then the wax paper that you've already embossed. I normally put another sheet of cardstock or paper on top if the wax paper is double sided (so I get two projects from one sheet of wax paper). Lastly, add another piece of scrap paper on top.

Use a hot iron (no steam!) and iron for about 5-10 seconds. Remove your pieces of cardstock or paper that will now have the waxed pattern on them. Rub an ink pad or brayer that has been inked over the top to apply the ink.

To finish the process, take a piece of kitchen towel and rub it across the whole surface. This will remove any excess ink, in particular the ink from anywhere that had wax on it. Hey presto, you now have a customised background with a gorgeous pattern on it!

Give it a try. With so many wonderful embossing folders around, it's another way of getting more use from them. Try adding a few different colour inks at the same time to mix it up a bit too.

Happy crafting!!


Debbie and Lily

How To: Make Your Own Version of "Flower Soft" For Next To Nothing!

Hi everyone :)

One of things I will do through this Blog is show you awesome ways to save money in your crafting.

This is something I found only a few days ago, and it's something I wish I knew before spending far too many dollars!

Have you heard of "Flower Soft"? It's an incredible product. Yes, I have every single colour in my personal stash, and I get so many lovely comments on projects, especially cards, that I embellish with it.

Not only do I have the "real deal" product, but now I can also make my own custom colours for a fraction of the price. Best of all, when I put the two different items next to each other, I can't tell the difference. Neither can anyone else for that matter.

So, what do you need to make it? Styrofoam and colouring of your choice ie re-inkers, food colouring etc. You won't need any tools at all, so anyone can do this.

Anyway, here's a video showing how to make it. I'm not going to re-invent the wheel by making my own video when someone has already done a brilliant job of it lol.



Happy crafting!


Deb and Lily
xxx

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Welcome to Our New Blog!

Hi everyone!  Instead of our regular newsletter, that kind of became irregular :), we've decided to get with the program, and the rest of society it seems, and create a Blog as a better way of keeping in touch with you all.

We're really excited to keep you better informed with what's coming up in the shop and look forward to getting feedback from you about how we can serve you better.

Better still, you'll now be able to place pre-orders with us for items new to the industry, or new to our stock range.  About 40% of stock that comes in never makes it to the shop at all due to pre-orders! 

How Will Pre-Orders Work?

We'll let you know what's up for pre-order and when it's expected to be in stock.  If you're interested in anything you only have to let us know via the link supplied at the time.

We'll create a private listing for you in the shop and send you a link via email.  Purchase the item and then pay a 20% deposit to secure the items.  We'll let you know when the item/s come in, at which time you pay the balance and your goodies will be sent on their way to you!  Simple. 

If you change your mind and no longer wish to take the item/s, we'll do a mutual cancellation of the pre-order and you'll receive a shop credit for the value of your deposit.

Our first batch of pre-orders will be coming up in the next few days (I'm just compiling the list) so be sure to come back and be the first to know what's coming in.

Happy crafting and thanks for dropping by.


Debbie and Lily.