NOTJUSTSTAMPS1

The New INK SPOT is under construction!

 Construction started yesterday on my new studio. We are adding a second floor to our garage. Since it will be the size of our 2 car garage, there will be ALOT more room for classes and crops. Moving my classes to the new studio will allow me to have regulary scheduled classes, something I was unable to do in my Dining Room. We have been quite busy emptying the garage in preperation for the workers. We had 15 years worth of "stuff" to remove and relocate. I plan to post pictures showing different stages of completion. Right now, they are removing the roof. I will be having an Open House to celebrate when everything is finished - maybe some time at the end of August. I'll keep you posted.

MAY CLASS

On May 4, 2008 , from 2PM to about 4PM, we will be making this great Paper Purse with 4 matching note cards (4 1/4" x 5 1/2"), 4 coordinating envelopes and 4 envelope seals. The purse is very versatile. If you change the way the handles are attached, they will lay down on the sides of the purse and you can put some floral foam in the purse along with some silk flowers and have a really cute center piece. It will also hold a small gift. 

The cost of this class is $20 and includes everything you will need to complete the project. I will also give you the pattern for the purse so you can make more at home!!   The class will be held in Westminster, MD at  THE INK SPOT.  Seating is limited, so email me ASAP to reserve your spot.

Diven House Residents Make ID Tags

      

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For the last few months, I have been volunteering at Carroll Lutheran Village.  This is an Assisted Living Complex in Westminster, Maryland.  Diven House is the location for the Alzeimer's patients.

It's not easy to come up with ideas for projects that this group of people are able to do.  This month, we made ID tags for their walkers.  I have included pictures of a few of my students and their completed projects. "We" stamped some flowers and initials, layered some colors, laminated them, punched a hole and tied them to the walkers with a bit of ribbon.   The other projects we have done are stamped silk scarves, giant paperclip bookmarks, and covered post it note holders.

For most of this group, they choose the colors they like and I help them complete the project. We usually have 12-14 people every month!  Even though they can't really "do" the projects, we all have a great time and I feel good about the class when I leave.   

My first One Stroke Painting

This is what I painted at my first One Stroke painting class.  I used acrylic paint and white foam-core board.  I think I could get to be pretty good at this if I practice. If you get a chance, take a class. It was alot of fun .

Michaels Stores, Inc. Cancels almost All Craft Classes

I wonder what's going on at Michaels!  Starting April 1st, they will not be having any craft classes. They have cancelled all of the painting, polymer clay, beading, scrapbooking, rubber stamping, knitting, crochet and flower arranging classes. They will only be having the Wilton Cake Decorating classes. Does anyone know why???  If you do - please SHARE!

I "used" to teach the beginner crochet, polymer clay and rubber stamping classes and had just started being the facilitator for the monthly scrapbooking crop.  People are already complaining about this change in policy.  I just took my first One Stroke painting class and now have to find a new place to continue my lessons. .  My wildflowers are just GORGEOUS!  I'll have to post a picture tomorrow so you can see.  I've been watching Donna Dewberry paint on TV for a while, but never tried it until this week. It's almost as easy as she says!!!

FANTASY BOX

I received a request for the FANTASY BOX CLASS and have scheduled it for Friday, April 4th, from 10 to 12 at THE INK SPOT, in Westminster, MD.  The cost is $20 and includes everything you need to complete the project.  If you have  any questions or would like to register for the class, please call me: 410-371-1155. I will call you back ASAP if I can't answer right away. I don't take calls while I am teaching or seeing patients (I am a Dental Hygienist).  Seating is limited, so reserve your seat now!

Feel free to post comments to my blog!!

Stampin' Up! Opportunities!

   Wow...did you know that until March 17, you can become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for only $159.00???  This is a really fantastic deal!  Stampin' Up! has made so many wonderful changes this year and you should consider taking advantage of them.

   Did you know that you can earn FREE merchandise by referring a new recruit to me (if they sign up)?  How great is that!  And to sweeten the deal even more, Stampin' Up! is offering a FREE stamp set, valued up to $47.95 when you join Stampin' Up! as a  Hobby or Career demonstrator. 

   Call me (410-371-1155) for more information about joining my Stampin' Up! Team!!

Polymer Clay

      I am very excited ! I will be taking the Studio Home Dimensions Sculpey Clay Certification Classes in April.   Studio is the new line of polymer clay made by Sculpey and developed by Donna Dewberry (of One Stroke Painting fame).   The clay is available in 34 colors and the line of tools is very nice!! 

    Polymer clay is such a versatile medium. It can be used for home dec, jewelry, embellishments for cards or scrapbook pages . . .  the list goes on.   It is fun and easy to use, too.   Look for some clay classes some time in May!!

    Feel free to leave comments or questions about this program or polymer clay in general.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Waxed Paper Tricks

Good old waxed paper can enhance some of our products. Rub a piece on the paper you're going to dry emboss and the stylus tool or Empressor will slide smoothly over the paper. Do you have a punch that is sticking? Punch through some waxed paper a few time to lubricate your punch and make it easier to use!

Boscov's Class Samples

This is a Monochromatic Spinner Card. The scallop edged flower spins down the track. People just love to receive this card.

This is the Surprise Pop-up Card. Pull up on the ribbon to see the surprise!

There is room left on the blue pull-out to write your message.

This is the the Wiper Pop-up card. Look at the next picture to see what happens when you pull the green arrow.

Once you learn the basics, you can change the colors and images to suit any occasion.

This is one of the 5 Stamp-A-Stack cards. I tried to use some different folds on some of these cards.

Some of the Stamp-A-Stack cards use punches.

I always try to include at least 1 masculine card.  This one might also be done in blue.

This is a soft pastel card.  Just in time for Easter and Spring.

This is actually a long card that folds up into a square with 2 triangles on the front. When you take this class, you'll learn how easy it is to make these cute cards!

I will try to post samples of the Silk Scarves and the Scrapbook Card later this week.