Ink Stains

Valentine's Day Cards...

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:37:00 +0000

Today I wanted to share a few ideas for Valentine's Day cards....

this one is my favorite....

All cards are stamped using Just For Fun Rubber Stamps!

Other supplies include: Archival Inks, Distress Inks, Stickles Glitter Glues, Liquid Pearls, vintage sheet music, Coredinations cardstock and a few Spellbinder dies.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Gauche Alchemy #3 - Art Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:58:00 +0000

This is the final week for me as a guest designer over at Gauche Alchemy.

This is my favorite project of the entire kit...it's an art journal I altered with lots of fun bits.

Here is a little peek at the front cover...

Head on over to Gauche Alchemy to see the entire journal.

If you'd like to win this art journal simply leave a comment on this post to be entered into the drawing... You have until 2-2-12 to enter to win.

Now for last weeks winner of this hanging ....

The winner is....

KAY!!!

Kaysaid...

I love this week's Gauche Alchemy art, Roni! You have taken pieces with a common theme and orchestrated a masterpiece! Love it!

January 20, 2012 1:12 PM

Please send me your snail mail addy so I can get this in the mail to you :)

January Get Inked - Mermaids & Give-A-Way

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:58:00 +0000

First, I want to tell you how hard this is for me...

I'm not a real good sales person...

I always feel like I'm begging people to buy a product.

I guess that's why dh says I'll never be a big name in the game ~

I don't like pushing products on people.

Anyway, I put alot of time into designing stamps for the Get Inked Kit at QKD each month and this year I'm designing specifically for you!

Dh says I need to start promoting them more so here goes...

I've chosen this years themes and they have all been requests from YOU!

A few of the themes (in no particular order) are: Realistic Looking Flowers; Exotic Zoo Animals; Barns & Tractors; Women Steampunk, Day of the Dead, Home/Porch. There are several more but that gives you an idea on what's coming.

January's Get Inked Kit

is...

Mermaids!

I know the stamp on the left is hard to discern but it's an ocean view with a lighthouse in the background as you can see from the examples below.

The kit comes with the stamps and sentiments in the photo above as well as Stream Alcohol Ink and Mermaid Stickles Glitter Glue.

Starting next month I'll be sharing instructions on how to create each example I made using the kit PLUS

I'll be giving away a set of the stamps to one lucky reader.

I was going to start with January's Kit but we were working on the Technique Calendar and I didn't want to interrupt the creative flow.

SOOOO, this month I'll just be giving away a set of the stamps!

If you'd like a chance to win

simply post a comment.

You have until 2-4-12 to be entered in the drawing!

Good Luck Everyone!!

Glitter Glitter Everywhere!

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:38:00 +0000

Well, you all know how much I love glitter...

I had bought my youngest ds's girlfriend (and myself) some wicked cool black crackle nail polish which got us talking about different types of nail polish.

This past weekend she brought over her nail polish collection....

and this is what happened.....

I'm on the left, she's on the right -

Yes, I had to go with my colors in ROY G BIV order...

well, I had to skip yellow...not enough fingers for them all - LOL!!

Rainbow Glitter Nails!!!

It was so much fun and I love the colors....

I normally don't paint my nails because of all the paint & inks...it usually doesn't last but it is so much fun while it lasts. She's never had acrylic nails so I think that's what we're going to do for her b-day in May...and I'm going to have mine done at the same time too - LOL!!

So, have you glittered your nails recently?

I suggest you do...

it's very uplifting :)

Makes you feel like you're running around with Stickles on your fingers all day!

Almost as good as Ink on your Fingers.

Digital Collage Studio Give-A-Way

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:17:00 +0000

I wanted to tell you about a give-a-way going on over at

Digital Collage Studio...

Michelle has created several new beautiful vintage rose collage sheets. As she was playing around with them she discovered that Shutterfly printed 5x7 cards so she ordered a few boxes and wants to share them with others.

So if you'd like to win a set of her vintage rose postcard greeting cards plus a digital collage sheet from her HUGE collection (first prize) or one of 5 free digital collage sheets (2-6th prize) head on over and check it out....

Altered Pages Rose Card + Collage Sheet Give-A-Way

Deadline 2-4-12

Good Luck Friends...

Maybe one of us will win the biggie prize or a free digital collage sheet!!

Vintage Valentine's Day Tin

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:02:00 +0000

I hope you're all have a wonderful week...it's finally nice here (minus the wind)...no rain, no snow and we even had a bit of sunshine this a.m....

Today I thought it would be fun to alter an altoids tin... I tell you I love those things! Anyway, I haven't messed with one for a while so I thought it would be a nice change of pace.

You're going to need your tin...

Which I sanded....

Next I cut out a few pieces of pattern paper for the front, sides and two pieces for inside....

then I painted the tin with a coat of gesso (white acrylic paint will work too).

Now it's time to glue the pattern paper pieces on to the tin...

and sand the edges...

Next I applied several colors of alcohol ink to the bottom of the tin - Latte, hazelnut & shell pink - I just smeared them around with my finger. After the AI dried I sanded the bottom to distress it a bit.

After that I decorated the inside and out! I left the inside of the lid blank...it's a nice place for a special message for your sweetie!

((mmmmm don't ya just love that vintage looking tinsel!))

And there you have it!

A super fun gift that can be made in an afternoon

(including dry times for the various mediums).

Home is Where the Heart is Tag

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0000

It's been a while since I've just been able to play so I thought it would be fun to start with a Valentine's Day tag celebrating family which is how I came up with this - Sadly, I was really just into playing and forgot to take "in the process" pics.

Home Is Where The Heart Is Tag

Supplies:

Tag
Acrylic Paint
Stiff Bristle Brush (like what we used for June's Calendar page)
Metal Foil
Hand Cut, Die-Cut or Stamped House/heart images

Instructions:

1. The first thing you'll need to do is dry brush the tag using 2-3 colors of blue and/or white. I started off with the darkest color of blue - (Sail Boat Blue) then immediately dry brushed my medium tone blue (Cloudy Blue) and finished it off with just a touch of white.

I did NOT allow the paint to dry before adding the next. This allowed me to blend the previous and current colors each time a new one was introduced to the mix.

2. After the blue background was dry I painted on some grass near the bottom of the tag.

3. Now comes a fun part...either free hand cut, die-cut or use stamps to create your house, heart, sun and cloud on metal foil. I'm using Ranger's adhesive backed foil sheets but there are many on the market so use what you have.

I created my "parts" using a bit of all three techniques... The heart is a Sizzix die-cut, the house and cloud were free-handed and the sun was a bold image stamp (sorry can't remember the mfg anymore) that I stamped on the back side of the foil.

4. Paint the individual parts with acrylic paint and let them dry.

5. Apply either black paint or black marker to the edges of each piece.

6. Now it's time to play!! Scratch up the paint using a variety of improvised tools to create different patterns and textures. This is so much fun!!!! Unlike embossing where you have a set pattern emerge these textures and patterns are totally random.

7. Glue your pieces and parts to the tag.

8. Add a ribbon and hand write a nice sentiment for your sweet "heart" on the back of the tag.

9. Brighten someone's day!

Valentine's Day is coming....

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:05:00 +0000

and here is a little guy to help get you in the mood....

Darling isn't he?

I'll start sharing a few Valentine's day ideas with you

starting on Monday :)

Hope to see you then!

2012 Technique Calendar Wrap-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:13:00 +0000

I thought it would be nice to share links and photos of each month/technique in one area so here goes....

2012 Technique Calendar

January - Blackened Pearl Tin

February - Floating Stars

March - Wax Paper Die-Cut Resist Technique

April - Reverse Grid Stamping

May - Colorized Bleach Stamping

June - Gradient Stamping with a Twist

July - Bubble Wrap Embossing Resist

August - Melted Crayons

September - Stamped Gesso

October - Distressed Glue Technique

November - Molten Pigments

December - Sparklie Mosaic Stamping

I hope everyone has enjoyed this years calendar and the techniques I chose to use. If you've been playing along be sure to post a link to your pages in the comment section. We'd all love to see your interpretation of the techniques. Thanks to those of you that have shared your pages so far. It's been great to see how everyone is playing along and having fun!

2012 Technique Calendar - December - Sparklie Mosaic Stamping Finished Page

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:52:00 +0000

If you recall yesterday my Stickles were drying on the Sparklie Mosaic Stamping page I made for December. Well, today I wanted to share how it turned out after I finished it off....

This technique is just so much fun and the results are amazing.

Just think of all the fun applications and how stamping with a variety of inks could amp up any project....Halloween instantly comes to mind but it would work for b-day's, easter, 4th of july...it would work with virtually any theme or holiday.

2012 Technique Calendar - December - Sparklie Mosaic Stamping

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:45:00 +0000

To finish off this years calendar I thought it would be fun to do some mosaic stamping with a sparklie twist....

2012 Technique Calendar

December

Sparklie Mosaic Stamping

Supplies:

Rubber Die Scraps
Ink
Cardstock
Glitter Glue

Instructions:

1. First you're going to need to cut up your rubber scraps to make mosaic stamps. I like to make a variety of shapes in all different sizes so I have lots to choose from. When I make my mosaic stamps I usually go with wavy, uneven edges - they are easier to cut ;) Of course you can make your mosaic stamps any shape you like.

2. Now it's time to start stamping. I usually work with 3-4 complimentary colors for my theme and just start stamping. I try to vary the shapes and colors - over lapping some and not others. It's all up to you. If you like more structure you can work in a defined pattern or you can go totally random.

Note: You will want to keep a cloth on hand to wipe off any excess ink from your stamps since you'll be using them over and over with different colors.

And here is what my mosaic looks like after stamping....

3. Now it's time for the sparkle! I am using Stickles Glitter Glue that matches the colors of ink I used. You could go with a clear glitter glue that would highlight the color and just add sparkle or go with the colors like I did here. If you don't have any Stickles you can always go with glue and glitter. Remember, use what you have!

And now mine is drying....

I'll be back tomorrow with the finished calendar page for December.

I will also share all 12 of the calendar pages in one post.

Have a wonderful day friends!!

Gauche Alchemy #2 - Beautiful Hanging

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:16:00 +0000

Today is week #2 of my guest month over at Gauche Alchemy!

This week's project is titled Beautiful...because of the saying I paired with the beautiful fabric swatch that was included in the kit. It had such amazing texture, color and shine...to me it looked a bit like stamped copper ~ and you know how I love copper!

So here is your sneek peek.... You can see just a bit of the fabric, along with the lace and a few other goodies... If you have time, hop on over to Gauche Alchemy and take a look at the whole thing. If you like what you see be sure to stop back over and post a comment to be entered for a chance on winning. I'll draw the winner of this hanging next week when the final project is introduced!

and as for the winner of last weeks project....

"Sew Beautiful"

the winner is....

Vic!!!

artbyvicsaid...

I love all things sewing! You rocked your canvas!

January 12, 2012 1:26 PM

(Please send me your snail mail addy)

I'll be back later today with the final calendar page/technique for this years
2012 Technique Calendar!
See you then!

2012 Technique Calendar - November - Molten Pigments

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:18:00 +0000

I am so tickled about this technique...it is so simple but the results are stunning each and every time!!

2012 Technique Calendar

November

Molten Pigments

You can use expensive glues for this technique but I have found that the cheaper the better. You want a thin white, clear drying glue and I like good old Elmers!

Also, as far as pigments go you can use just about anything you have on hand...Perfect Pearls, Pearl Ex, Artist Pigments, heck you can even use powder eye shadows if you want to!

Supplies:

Thin White Glue
Pigment Powders (Perfect Pearls, Pearl Ex, etc.)
Cardstock
Heat Tool
Paint Brush
Embellishments to finish off your calendar page.

Instructions:

1. Start off by squirting lots of glue onto your cardstock. There is no exact amount but I can tell you the more glue the more texture you will achieve. Of course keep in mind that the more glue you use the longer it will take to dry them.

2. Now sprinkle the pigment powders over the wet glue. I am using a mix of Pearl Ex, Perfect Pearls and LuminArt's Pigment Powder.

3. Now take your paint brush and swirl, mix, tamp the powders and glue around the entire page. You don't have to completely cover the cardstock...I like to leave small sections of the cardstock peeking through.

If desired after you're done spreading the glue around you can sprinkle on additional powders for a more concentrated area of color.

4. Let the glue dry for approx. 3-4 minutes. This will give it a nice skin over the surface of the glue.

5. It's time to bring on the heat! Start heating the glue with your heat tool. You will notice almost immediately that the glue starts to bubble up. This is exactly what you want to happen. The skin formed on the surface of the glue will stretch and expand when hot and once it cools will create the awesome texture of molten pigments!

Keep heating until you've dried all of the glue completely. Once you're finished heating the glue the bubbles will deflate giving you your finished texture.

Here is an "in the process" photo....

And here is how my glue/pigments turned out....

Can you see on the left hand side the bright blue pigment powders...those were sprinkled on after I spread the glue about the page. There is also some brown pp that I sprinkled afterwards but they are harder to see in this photo.

You need not seal the powders after you are finished heating.

If you added some powder later there may be a bit of those that are loose but the rest will be mixed and dried into the glue.

And here is how my calendar page turned out.

I am stumped at what to add to the upper portion of my house right now. I want it to be something that compliments and highlights the background yet relates to Thanksgiving... I'll keep searching, I'm sure I'll find something to stick on there.

I really hope you give this technique a try.

You will simply be amazed at the depth and texture created from two very simple products and a little bit of heat!

2012 Technique Calendar - October - Distressed Glue Technique

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:43:00 +0000

For October I thought it would be fun to pull out the glue and ink and get messy!!

2012 Technique Calendar

October

Distress Glue Technique

Supplies:

Thick Glue
Cardstock
Ink Blending Tool & Foam
Ink
Stamps
Embellishments to finish your calendar page

Instructions:

1. Dot your cardstock with small globs of glue. I like to use Aleene's Thick Tacky Glue because it doesn't spread as much as the thinner type glues. If you are using a thin white glue like Elmers then use really small dots here and there.

2. Spread the dots of glue around the page using your finger or if you don't want to get messy you could use a scraper, gift card, etc. You need to let the glue dry completely.

3. Once the glue has dried it's time to apply your ink. I prefer using the Ink Blending Tool & Foam but you could use what you have or like to work with. Since it's for October's page I am using a variety of Distress Ink in orange shades.

You will immediately notice how the inks highlight the areas of dried glue. I love how you never get the same look twice. It's always unique and very eye catching.

and here is how my paper turned out....

I used several Third Coast Rubber Stamps to help finish off my calendar page!

I just LOVE that saying!!

Now it's your turn to get messy!

I hope you have fun with this technique.

2012 Technique Calendar - September - Stamped Gesso

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:18:00 +0000

I know gesso isn't necessarily in every one's tool box but believe me when I say it should be. Although it looks similar to white acrylic paint there are some major differences but that's a discussion for another day. For this technique you can substitute white acrylic paint. You won't get the texture you can achieve with the gesso but it will yield a similar one dimensional result.

2012 Technique Calendar

September

Stamped Gesso

Supplies:

Gesso
Cardstock
Stamps
Distress Stain or other Ink or Dye Mist
Embellishments to finish the calendar page

Instructions:

1. Spread a small amount of gesso on a paper plate, scrap paper or other disposable material. Stamp the rubber stamp into the gesso making sure you have a nice coating of the gesso on the stamp.

2. Press the stamp onto your paper. You will notice that quite a bit of the gesso transfers to the paper creating a noticeable texture. This is exactly what you want. (you won't get this with regular acrylic paint)

here is a photo of what my stamped cardstock looks like.... even though it's white on white you can definitely see the texture the gesso creates. Let this dry completely.

3. Apply your ink or dye sprays to the dry gesso'ed cardstock. I am using Distress Stain because it's quick and easy...well, and I love the colors.

Here is what my cardstock looks like at this point.

4. Take a damp cloth and wipe the excess ink from the stamped gesso images. Your gesso images will now look like they are poppin' right off the page!

And here is my finished calendar page!

This is such an easy technique but you can create such stunning results every time.

I wish you could see the texture which is only enhanced by the vibrant white of the gesso in person. The photograph just doesn't do it justice.

CHA Stuff Already - Vintaj & Ranger

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:45:00 +0000

I don't know if you've noticed (or if you're even looking) but I saw something that is going to be coming out at CHA that I am so excited about....

Vintaj (makers of jewelry components) and Ranger have teamed up to bring us all a couple amazing new products...Inks that are perm. on metal and a Satin Glaze!

I am so excited, this opens up so many possibilities...not just for jewelry but for mixed media collage, cards and oh so many other areas of fun. I'm thinkin' these are going to be must have's....

Now the only problem is waiting until they come out!

Is there something you've heard about coming out at CHA that you can't wait for?

Please share!!

ATC & Die Cut Swap - Still Open for Sign Ups!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:19:00 +0000

Hey everyone!

I just wanted to remind you that the ATC & Die-Cut Swaps were still open for sign ups.... actually, you can sign up right until the end as long as you get your goodies here in time.

The due date ~ which is an in-my-hands date ~ is February 22, 2012. Five and a half weeks from now so still plenty of time to make/cut your items.

I've had a few questions I wanted to address -

Many people who live out side of the US have asked if they are able to take part?

YES - by all means, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. I don't mind at all.

Why just white cardstock for the die-cuts?

Since we don't know what they will be used for it's easier to stick with white so everyone can customize them to fit their own needs as desired.

Do I have to make 5 sets of each type of die-cut?

Nope, you can send one bag of this, one bag of that... you could send two, three, etc. It's totally up to you. You get the same number back that you sent. So if you send one you get one, send 4 get 4, etc.

Can the ATC's be lumpy?

Sure, I don't set any limitations on what you can or can't create. This is for fun...I want you to enjoy making them as much as you'll enjoy receiving others back.

Hope that helps answer your questions.

If you think of something else JLMK - I'm happy to help when I can!

2012 Technique Calendar - August - Melted Crayons

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:53:00 +0000

Today's technique is really fun if not a little bit messy...

2012 Technique Calendar

August

Melted Crayons

Supplies:

Cardstock
Iron
Crayons
Glimmer Mist (optional)
Ink
Rubber Stamps

Instructions:

1. Melt a bit of the crayon onto your iron.

2. Apply the hot wax to your cardstock. You can pounce it, swipe it, rub it around, whatever you want. You can experiment and have fun.

3. Continue adding additional colors until you're satisfied with how your cardstock looks.

I have to tell you I was having so much fun I made several different sheets with all sorts of color combos.

To clean your iron off - wipe off the majority of the wax with a paper towel then rub the iron over a piece of scrap cardstock several times until it comes off clean.

Optional - I wanted to add a bit more zing to my page since August is the dog days of summer here I thought a bit of Glimmer Mist was called for.

I finished off my calendar by stamping the edges and adding a few extras....

So there you go...

have LOADS of fun playing with your crayons ;)

2012 Technique Calendar - July - Bubble Wrap Embossing Resist

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:04:00 +0000

This technique is a combo of 2 really fun techniques - bubble wrap stamping and resist stamping. Since this is for the July calendar I'm working with Red/White/Blue combo but of course you can use any color combo you'd like.

2012 Technique Calendar

July

Bubble Wrap Embossing Resist

Supplies:

Bubble Wrap
White Cardstock
Pigment & Embossing Ink
Clear Embossing Powder
Dye Spray (Perfect Pearls Mist, Glimmer Mist, Self Mixed, etc)
Heat Tool

Instructions:

1. Dab clear embossing ink over the sheet of bubble wrap. This will give you some clear/white dots.

2. Next, dab on your first colored ink here and there as you please.

3. If you are using more than one color of ink dab it on now.

4. After you have your ink applied where desired, flip the bubble wrap over and press it into the cardstock. This will transfer the pigment/embossing inks onto the cardstock.

5. Remove the bubble wrap and immediately sprinkle with clear embossing powder. Shake off excess and heat to melt the powders.

6. After you have embossed your dots it's time for a bit more color. Mist your favorite brand of dye ink on the embossed cardstock. You will instantly notice the bubble wrap pattern "pop" right off the page! (tee hee hee...I know really bad but I couldn't "resist" - LOL!!)

7. After you have let the dye soak in for a few seconds dab the excess ink off of the embossed areas.

And here is what the bubble wrap embossing resist paper looks like....

And here is my finished calendar page for July...

Now it's your turn!

Remember, you don't have to go patriotic, you could mix and match colors for any theme you have in mind. It's a quick and easy technique that yields amazing results each time and the best part is you get to play with the bubble wrap - LOL!!

Have fun everyone!!!

Gauche Alchemy #1 - Sew Beautiful Canvas

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:01:00 +0000

If you didn't have a chance to read my post last week I am the Guest Designer over at Gauche Alchemy this month. Today my first project using Januray's Kit - Moshi Moshi - was posted. Here is a little snippet....

Head on over to take a look at the entire project. If you'd like a chance to win this canvas then simply post a comment and you'll be entered to win! You have until next Thursday to post. At that time I'll draw this weeks winner and post another snippet of that week's project!

Good Luck Everyone!

!!CAUTION!! Inkadinkado & Autumn Leaves Clear Stamps

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:22:00 +0000

First off - I want you to know that I have never and will never lie to you about a product - good or bad.

I tell it like it is no matter what. I'm not a sheep...I don't play follow the leader just because it's the "in" thing to do. Sometimes this means going against popular opinion ~ my integrity has caused me to be black balled in a fashion with at least one mfg. Well, this is one of those times where I'm going to be honest which probably won't go over very well with some people. But hey, like I told one person ~ guess there comes a time in life where you have to decide if you're going to stand up for your principals or go along with the crowd.

Anyway...

A word of caution for anyone out there that is storing your Clear Stamps on anything but the original packaging.... DON'T!

A few years ago I took all of my packages of clear stamps (100+) and started storing them in 3 ring binders on storage sheets. Took up TONS less space which I loved but after storing them that way a couple years I have noticed a terrible trend ~ some brands of stamps seems like they are melting into the storage sheets!!!!

I first noticed it around Thanksgiving - I was going to use a few of their images for some projects BUT I couldn't peel the stamps from the storage sheets! I actually tore one of the stamps in two during the process. I didn't have any time to deal with it at the time because of the holidays.

Since the holidays are over I have had some time to go back to see what's going on. Initially I thought it had something to do with the storage sheets but I discovered that it was only particular brands of stamps that this was happening to all of the rest of my stamps were fine.

Storing them on their original plastic sheets isn't a good answer either because I have a few sets of Inkadinkado stamps that were stored on their plastic in the package which are the same way.

The major stamp brands that ARE affected/defective in my experience are

(my favorites of course!)

7 Gypsies

Autumn Leaves

Fiskars

Hampton Arts

Hot Off The Press

Inkadinkado

Martha Stewart

Studio G.

I have contacted the mfg. of several of these stamps Wilton/EK Success (Inkadinkado, Martha Stewart) and was told it was too bad and they weren't going to do anything about it.

I have a call into Hampton Arts (which also makes Studio G) and have yet to hear back from them.

I tried to call Fiskars and the only way you can speak to anyone there is to fill out a very long detailed form on each product in question then they will talk to you. I'm going to fill it out for each one when I get more time.

The stamp sets not affected are:

Crafty Secrets

fontwerksHero ArtsPaper Studio
Printworks
Stampendous
Stampington & CoOctober Afternoon
and several other smaller companies.

I'm sure that it's got to be something in the manufacturing process because the difference between the stamps is obvious when you touch/see them side by side. The affected stamps are thinner, more rubbery and have a slick feel to them. The unaffected stamps are thicker, have a "sticky" feel to them and are a bit stiffer.

I'm very disappointed with Inkadinkado's response - I've spent quite a bit of money with them over the years (50+ sets of stamps) and I feel their response is almost a slap in the face. I dearly love their designs but I'm not sure I want to sink any more money into a company that treats their loyal customers in that fashion.

I'm sorry to say I don't have any solutions for this problem, I wish I did. But I thought you ought to know so you are aware of this situation and can make an informed decision the next time you go to purchase clear stamps.

2012 Technique Calendar - June - Gradient Stamping with a Twist

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:21:00 +0000

Have you ever tried Gradient Stamping? It's similar to the stamping technique - Generational Stamping where you stamp the same image over and over without re-inking. Well Gradient Stamping is basically a monochromatic version where you use 2-3 shades of the same color to stamp your multiple images.

I thought it would be fun to add a twist to this technique and stamp in 3 complimentary colors for a totally different look. To add to the mix I thought it would be cool to stamp over a dry brushed and inked background. Turned out pretty cool and it's fun too!

2012 Technique Calendar

June

Gradient Stamping w/a Twist

Supplies:

Colored Cardstock
Gesso or White Acrylic Paint
Stiff Bristle Paint Brush
Ink (to color background)
Rubber Stamp
Ink - 3 different complimentary colors

Instructions:

1. Tamp your brush into the paint/gesso. To make sure you don't have too much paint on your brush swipe it across scrap paper a couple times to help remove the excess.

2. Drag the brush across the paper using a horizontal - left to right stroke. Continue to apply paint down the entire sheet has been covered.

3. Rotate the cardstock 90 degrees and apply a second layer of dry brushed paint/gesso creating a cross-hatch pattern. Let the paint/gesso dry completely.

4. After your cardstock has dried completely apply desired color(s) of ink to the paint/gesso. I am using Distress Stain which I swipe across the cardstock....

then I immediately rub with a tissue to evenly distribute the ink as well as blend it into the surface of the cardstock.

5. I then repeated step #4 two additional times using blue and green inks.

6. Next, use your template and trace it onto the cardstock. This will help with stamp positioning.

7. Stamp your image(s) using 2-3 different colors of ink. I used the same colors for my images that I used for the background.

8. Finish off your calendar page as desired! I left my page for the most part unadorned to highlight the stamping.

I have to tell you it has been so much fun to see every one's calendar pages you have sent links to! I really enjoy seeing how you take a technique and make it your own.

If any of you are brave you are more than welcome to share a link to your pages here in the comments (or on any of the months) so everyone can see your awesome pages!

Thanks again for sharing -

It's good to know you're playing along and enjoying it!

2012 Technique Calendar - May - Colorized Bleach Stamping

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:16:00 +0000

Today's technique kicks one of my favorite "experimentation" type techniques up a few notches... It's bleach stamping but we're going to color it to add a little different look.

When you give today's technique a try you'll want to make sure you take the proper precautions...good ventaliation, protect your clothing and your hands if you have sensative skin. Bleach is very caustic and will burn you both inside and out if you're careless.

Now I mentioned that this is an experimentation type technique. What I mean is you're going to have to experiment a bit with your cardstock. Every paper manufacture has their own process for making paper - the pulp, colorants, and finishing process are all effected differently when the bleach is applied. It's fun to just sit and dab the bleach onto a variety of papers to see how it reacts. Some papers instantly turn white, while others don't react at all. You'll be surprised at the rainbow of colors you get from different paper. When you find one you like the looks of it's time to begin.

2012 Technique Calendar

May

Colorized Bleach Stamping

Supplies:

Bleach
Black or dark colored cardstock
Paint Brush
Stamps
White Gel Pen
Your favorite medium to color with - Distress Stain, Watercolor Pencils, Markers, Pastels, etc.
Embellishments to finish off your calendar

Instructions:

1. After you have chosen your cardstock it's time to apply the bleach. I like to use two differnt styles for applying the bleach to my paper.... Painting and stamping. It's totally up to you which you decide to use.

Option #1 - Painting

I just pour a tiny bit of bleach into a plastic cup and paint the bleach directly onto my paper...

You can see what it looks like as it begins to dry...

Option #2 - Stamping

Fold a napkin and place it in a pie pan, plate, lid, etc. Pour enough bleach over the napkin to wet it entirely.

Press your rubber stamp into the moist napkin...

And press the wet stamp onto the paper.

Doesn't look like much now but as it dries....

The image magically appears!

2. After you have stamped your images and they have dried completely it's time to color. I used markers for this example.

3. To add a bit more contrast I like to highlight parts of my image with a white gel pen.

Now when working with my calendar page I like to trace the outline so I know where to stamp...

Then I go to it...stamp, color and highlight!

Here's a peek at my page before I trim it...

And here is May's finished page!

I love this technique because you're never quite sure how the bleach is going to react.

The color and highlights just add that extra zing.

I hope you all are having fun so far!

5 months down, 7 more to go

Cowboy Dreams....

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:10:00 +0000

It was my day to post a card yesterday over at Third Coast Rubber Stamps DT Blog....I was day dreaming and totally spaced so I added one today. It's one of my cowboy cards ~ great for all the guys in your life.

If you're interested, hop on over and check it out....

Home on the Range

ATC & Die Cut Swap - Due 2-22-12

noreply@blogger.com (Ink Stained Roni) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:35:00 +0000

The results of the poll shows that most people want to swap ATC's and Die-Cuts.
I will be having a Postcard Swap later this Spring to satisfy the folks that voted for that.

You can join one or both swaps... If you are joining the Die-Cut swap you MUST tell me what die-cut you want to send. I will be listing the die-cut with your name so we don't get dups. So, please decide what you are going to be sending before you sign up.

Please post your e-mail addy so I can send you my mailing address.

Here goes....

ATC SWAP

DUE 2-22-12

Game Plan -
*Create up to 20* ATC's (2.5x3.5") using any technique you would like (no more than 5 of the same design). We will be having 2 groups - General & Spring Holidays (Valentines Day, St. Pats, Spring, Easter (secular only please).

Please be sure to sign and date your ATC's and an e-mail addy is nice too :)

*NOTE: You don't have to make 20, you can make 1, 3, 10, or any number that inspires you. Also, you can create up to 20 for EACH group if you so desire. I do ask that you make no more than 5 of a single design. It makes it very difficult to swap out if I have too many of one design to swap.

*Send them to me by the due date and I'll swap them out and you'll get back 20 different ATC's.
NOTE: Be sure and make/keep an extra of your ATC's for yourself if you want one...you won't be getting your own back.

*Mailing - Send a self addressed envelope + $5.00 shipping (US) or 6.00 (International). You can send cash or Pay Pal me the money if it is more convenient. I will send your swap back to you as cheap as possible. The postage rates are going up on Jan 22 so I'm not sure how much everything will cost at that time. If your return items weigh quite a bit I will send it flat rate Priority mail which here in the states is going up to $5.15. I will cover the additional cost and secure the mailing envie.
Any unused postage will be returned.

The swap is due in my hands 2-22-12. Please plan and mail accordingly.

General

Roni
Mom (Dixie)
Claudine
Jodi
Donna E.
Hollie (I need your e-mail addy)
Kee
Paula
TXMess
Mary (I need your e-mail addy)
Pam J
Patsy B
Theresa
Jean
Connie
KellyMD (I need your e-mail addy)
Pam E.
Kay

Spring Holidays
(Valentines, St. Pats, Spring, Secular Easter)

Roni
Mom
Claudine
Jodi
Donna E
Hollie (I need your e-mail addy)
Kee
Paula
TXMess
Mary (I need your e-mail addy)
Pam J
Pasty B.
Theresa
Kathleen
KellyMD (I need your e-mail addy)
Pam E.

DIE CUT SWAP

Due 2-22-12

Several people showed interest in swapping die-cuts which is super cause we all know how expensive they are. It's a great way to get some neat die cuts we might not already own.

***Please keep in mind that you may get die-cuts back that you already own. Short of having some sort of graph showing what you already own it's going to be impossible for me to know what you have and what you don't. ***

If you are looking for something specific you can send one or two requests and I will try to accommodate you if possible otherwise it's going to be luck of the draw.

When you sign up, please tell me what die-cut you plan on sending. I am going to be listing this with your name so we don't get dups.

REQUIREMENTS -

**All die-cuts should be cut from white cardstock.

**You can send up to 5 sets of the same die-cut following the chart below. (you can send less if you'd like) You can send up to 4 different die-cuts (4 groups of 5 sets each) but please be sure to tell me which dies you will be sending.

****DIE-CUT SIZE = ONE SET****

1-2" = 10 per set

2.25" - 4.75" = 5 per set

5" + = 3 per set

Large Shape Sets = 2 per set

(4+ die-cuts in the set)

Small Shape Sets = 4 per set
(1-3 die-cuts in the set)

If you have questions about how many to send please ask.

**Mailing - If you are in the ATC swap you can send both swaps together. Otherwise, please send $5.00 (US) or $6.00 (International) plus a self addressed envie.

All die-cuts must be rec'd by 2-22-12 just like the ATC swap.

Die-Cut Swap

(please provide name, e-mail and die-cut you will be sending)

Roni - Spellbinder Gear Set
Roni - Shamrock (3 leaf)
Roni - Sizzix Angel Wings
Mom - Puzzle
Lori - Birdcage
Lori - Gear/Cog
Lori - Dressform/Spool
Shelly - Tattered Flowers
Shelly - Jalopy/Arrow Mini's
Ginny - Large Lace Border (Heartfelt Creations)
Mary - ?? (I need your e-mail addy)
Ginny - Cheery Lynn Butterfly
Pam J - Assorted Keys
Suzanne - Heartfelt Creations Falling Leaves
Sandy - Tim Holtz Clock
Scrapin Kat - Mini Heart, Butterfly, Key & Lock
Debbie - Spellbinders Butterfly
Theresa - Nesting Eyelet Circles
Jean - Assorted Flourishm, Border, Frame, Flower, Tree
Caroline D - Memory Box Winterland Tree
Caroline D - TH Sizzix Hanging Sign
Caroline D - SB Snowflake Wonder Set
Caroline D - Cheery Lynn Spider Web
Majella - Butterflies
Lori - TH Heart Wings
Lori - Winter Wonder

Again, if you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me!