Saturday, May 30, 2009

Pull-Ez Ribbon Purse - Review

Pull-Ez Ribbon Purse - Review
by Gloria Stengel 

When I first saw pictures of the Ribbon Purse I was very doubtful that it would work to solve any of my ribbon storage problems. I have a lot of ribbon, in many sizes and styles. Some of my ribbons were arranged in boxes with a rod through each spool. I also had a lot of "unspooled" ribbon that was crammed into plastic bags. Frankly, my ribbon was a mess. I had sorted my ribbon by color family, but it was still hard to find what I needed, and all those plastic bags were hard to store. 

I received the Ribbon Purse as a gift. My dear friend even had stuffed it with a few ribbons so I could see it "in action." I was still doubtful that it would hold all my ribbon, but let me just say, this purse holds...


WANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH RIBBON THE PULL-EZ HOLDS?  CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE REVIEW AT OUR CROPSTOP'S FORUM.

Friday, May 29, 2009

The Cuts need color!

One of my favorite techniques for "altering" my cuts is to stamp and ink them, preferably with Distress Inks as it gives so many possibilities to get different effects.

For this LO I cut out a butterfly, a lot of maple leaves and some tags along with the title. The butterfly and leaves are stamped and inked with Distress Inks, using a technique described in the Tips & Techniques section. It's a great way to always have the right tone without having tons of cardstock at hand! These are cut in a light grey cardstock which gives a more subtle result than bright white.

The calendar is cut in two pieces, one scalloped and one circle, which gives it a frame.


Show us what you do with your cuts! Do you color them in any way, or use them plain, or emboss them, or...?

Want to see the entire sample: Come check out Elisabeth's sample at the Banter about Bosskut section of CropStop's Messageboard.

Challenge #40 - Monochromatic Masterpiece

Your challenge for this week (May 28th - June 5) is to make a monochromatic "masterpiece." Monochromatic means...one color - so your card/page layout/project must have only one color. However, I think we can safely say, one color, plus a neutral (white, black, tan, cream, etc.).

Here is Gloria's gorgeous sample! Remember to share your sample w/ us on the CropStop Gallery to be considered for a drawing on a prize!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Using Sandpaper and Embossing Folders

I love the look of embossing, but I REALLY love to sand the color off the image to reveal the white paper core (or in some cases the colored core). 

Image

Simply emboss your image, and then GENTLY sand over the top of the raised embossing.

Image

by Gloria - Check out more on CropStop's Message Board specifically at the Chatter about Cuttlebug area!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Epic 6 Machine by Quickutz only $69.99*



Epic 6 Machine by QuicKutz PRE ORDER
$89.99 $69.99
Click here for more details

FREE SHIPPING USA ONLY

Save over $40 on the Epic tool if purchased by June 30th
Instant Rebate of $20-purchase the tool through June 30th for $69.99
Mail-In Rebate-receive an exclusive 6” die
Provide Mail-In Rebate form (found online)
Provide Proof-of Purchase

Why the Epic Tool?

Cuts and Embosses
Compatible with all QK and Leading Brand dies
Ideal for Scrapbooking, Card making, home décor and other craft projects
Warranty-lifetime service commitment
6” wide-opening
High quality metal parts

Price-

Retail-$89.99 MSRP
Save over $40 on the Epic tool if purchased by June 30th
Instant Rebate of $20-purchase the tool through June 30th for $69.99
Mail-In Rebate-receive an exclusive 6” die
Provide Mail-In Rebate form (found online)
Provide Proof-of Purchase

Availability Date (shipping)

Early to Mid July

Details
Size of Platform -13” x 6”
Type of Dies it cuts -Chemically Etched (QuicKutz, Sizzix, Cuttlebug, etc..)
Steel Rule Dies (Sizzix "bigs", AccuCut, etc..)
Other major brand dies
For some dies (specifically Steel Rule Dies), an additional cutting mat is needed


FAQs

Is the tool coming with a platform and size?
Yes, the size is 13” x 6”

Compatibility of Old vs. New Cutting Mats?
The old mats CAN be used with the Epic

Competitor’s Dies
Everything needed to cut QK, Sizzix, Cuttlebug, BossKut will be sold with the tool
Steel-rule dies will require a SECOND cutting mat

Weight
6.6 lbs
Comparisons
CuttleBug-7.5 lbs
Revolution-5 lbs
Silhouette-4.6 lbs
Sizzix original-11.1 lbs
Cricut-10 lbs

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

QK - SPECIAL OCASSIONS Release



Wedding Revolution Die cuts! - May 2009

2x2 Wedding die cuts May 2009

Bouquet Alpha - Wedding edition May 2009

QK Wedding (LOVE) borders - May 2009

Wedding Cookie Cutters - May 2009


Here are some samples using these brand new die cuts!

Love

Created by Pamala Gandolfi

Sweet Sixteen

Created by Pamala Gandolfi

Time for Cake

Created by Jennifer Jenne

Congrats

Created by Michele Hamby

Flower Girls

Created by Michele Hamby

What a Pair

Created by Pamala Gandolfi



Thanks to Quickutz and their DT for these awesome samples.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Liquid Pearls - Review

Product Review
Liquid Pearls™ from Ranger Ink

By Gloria Stengel


Does anyone remember using fabric paints? Scribbles® dimensional paints, I think they were called, and they came in every color under the sun? Well, Liquid Pearls™ from Ranger Ink are a waterproof pearl medium, very similar to fabric paints. The difference I noted is that the fabric paints tend to get “rubbery” and to pull away from paper projects. They also tend to crack over time. You can use Liquid Pearls as an embellishment in much the same way as you would use glitter glue or liquid appliqué and they are designed to work on paper AND fabric.



Saturday, May 16, 2009

Scor-pal - Review



Scor-Pal Product Review - By Gloria Stengel
Before we can discuss what I think about this tool, we must first ask, “What is a Scor-Pal tool?” The Scor-Pal is a 12”x12” molded and textured scoring surface containing ruler markings along the top. This tool allows you to align your paper for perfect scoring. The Scor-Pal contains grooves in common intervals for creating cards and other paper craft projects. You are able to place your paper onto the scoring surface and create multiple scores without moving the paper. The score lines result in crisp, accurate folds. The Scor-Pal comes with a scoring tool, which snaps into place at the top of the board (so you can’t lose it). 

Are you thinking about getting one but haven't made your decision yet?  Check out Gloria's reasoning to buying this tool at the CropStop Forum.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Challenge #36 Beauties....

irit:
marion:
marion:
carrie:
julie:
carrie:
vicki:
jessica:
Thank you ladies for participating in week #36, and make sure to check out week #37 Challenge in our Forum!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Challenge #37 = Pocket with a card

the challenge is : make a 'pocket with a tag inside'.

Check out the adorable sample that Marianne gave us:


Saturday, May 9, 2009

Tim Holtz' Distress Inks and Stickles - Review

Product Review - Tim Holtz Distress Inks and Distress Stickles
By Gloria Stengel

Tim Holtz Distress Inks have been around for a long time, but have gained popularity again in the past few years. A large portion of the new “buzz” about these inks has to do with Tim’s amazing website and blog where he freely gives advice and posts product workshops, demos, and video tutorials. Couple that with new ink colors and companion products which have been released recently by Ranger (Distress Stickles, Crackle Paints, and Embossing Powders), and you get amazing products that are fun to play with! There are 24 inks, 12 Stickles glues, 28 crackle paints, and 24 embossing powders in the Distress line. 

Let’s talk about the inks. What’s so special about them? ....



GET the entire collection of Distress Stickles for only $24.99 a $42 value!!!!  ONLY at CropStop.com you will find these awesome prices!


Saturday, May 2, 2009

Tim Holtz' Mask - Review


Tim Holtz Masks By Gloria Stengel 

I love the look of the Tim Holtz Masks! Tim’s grunge style is right up my alley! First, let’s talk about what masks are. We’ve all seen stencils; you tape down the stencil and apply the ink or paint into the open spaces. You hope and pray that none of your paint leaks BEHIND the stencil and that you don’t smudge anything when you lift the stencil off. Well, masks are the opposite of a stencil. When you attach the mask to your paper, the mask will resist your ink or paint. What you are doing is altering your paper, while the parts of the paper covered by the mask remain unaltered. As a wonderful bonus, Tim’s masks have repositionable adhesive on them so that you don’t need to worry about taping them down or about your ink getting under the mask! There are six large masks and three mini masks in the collection. The large masks retail at only $3.00 and the minis at $1.99, making them a great investment. Since the masks are re-usable, the price is a steal. I had the opportunity to play with all of the larger masks, but my favorite mask is the Timeworks Mask. I love the old clocks and gears. If you are an ATC artist, the mini masks will make a great addition to your collection of supplies.  I found that there are six ways to use the masks on your scrapbook pages, cards, tags, or other art....