Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Trending! - Carve Your Own Stamps

Through the years I've carved a small stamp or two so that I could stamp just the image I had in mind.  Then rubber stamping companies came on the scene and really grew the market so there really was no need to make them myself anymore.  Still, with my large stash of stamps, there are those moments when inspiration strikes and I start to look for "just the right stamp" for a person and have had no luck.  Fortunately, there are still stores carrying rubber and other assorted supplies to get it done myself.

This summer Stampin'Up! rolled out a new kit for carving your own stamps.  It contains everything you need to give it a try yourself.  It also includes some sample images if you need a little inspiration.

Also on the market are a few books that can really take your rubber stamp carving to the next level.  One book in particular is by Geninne Zlatkis . Love her art!!! In her book she has some very cute templates to follow. Take a quick peek at it on Amazon (click on the picture below).  Did I mention you should follow her blog?  She creates these beautiful pictures with her photography and art AND she shares them as screensavers.  I cannot tell you how many people have stopped by my desk just to look at the screensaver she shared for October!  

Another book I came across is by Jenny Doh and it too can be found on Amazon by clicking the photo below.  Nice small stamp carving ideas to get you started.  Unique ideas for making simple stamp shapes into fun projects.  

That's all for this morning.  I'll post my own carved stamp images this weekend.  In the meantime, enjoy looking through the books and of course, don't forget to order your Stamp Carving Kit from me.  Item # 133402 for $19.95 plus S&H.  www.julietooley.stampinup.net

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Wristy Business and Carpinteria

A few weeks ago during our 100+ heat in So. California my friend GinaMarie and I took a drive to Carpinteria to escape the heat and visit the monthly flea market at the Historical Society. Surprise, surprise, the heat was there too but we had a nice, cool ocean breeze. So much to see! I wish I could share all the fun items that were out but I don't have a smart phone - yet!

One booth that caught my eye was from Wristy Business.  The reason their booth caught my eye was because I recently saw an article in my Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine which had featured on the cover something new that I had not seen before - " neck art" is the only way to describe it.  Old men's ties, a little memory wire, some embellishments, and you have a necklace from a necktie.

Here is the March/April 2013 issue cover:


And here are a few of the beautiful pieces made by Leslie and Joy:

Purse Front
Wristlette
Hat
Purse Back
  
Purse with Distinct Ties
Green Pretty Purse







Friday, October 4, 2013

Jewelry Class

I have been teaching jewelry making classes at my local community center for the past three years.  It has been a lot of fun and my students are so fun, I can hear them chatting with each other as I come down the hall to my class. What a great way to start my evening after a day at the office!  I am determined to take pictures of their jewelry designs, they are so creative.  I have made me a list of items to remember to bring to our last class next week and my camera is at the top of the list.  So the reason for this post without pictures at the moment is that I am determined to take pictures next week and post them.  To be continued....

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Tags

Such a quick and cute way to decorate a gift, or even an envelope.  Top two tags use silver glimmer paper (available in the holiday catalog) and the cute stamp set is Ciao Baby (now in the Clearance Rack).


Ciao, Baby tags
Cute and Quick Tags