Color Blind

Well, it took me about 2 months to not buying another coloring book. But one night, I went to Walmart (to buy something I need), and somehow ended up in the crafting and books aisles.  Guess what I found?

I just can't say no to anything Asian.  So I bought it.  The designs remind me a lot about Japanese washi paper.  To me, they are the Rolls Royce of paper - the way they are made, to the intricate designs and application of color.  And because of all the work put into a design of washi paper, it is not cheap.  If I can buy all the washi paper in the world, I would.  

Last Sunday, I worked on the first page.  For this one, I used Solabela Color Pencils, except for the gold around the flowers.  I used a gold gel pen on that to achieve the look of Japanese washi paper.  I'll definitely use this to make a card set with.

Also last weekend, we went to Sams Club to stock up on house supplies.  And guess what I found?  A whole bunch of adult coloring books.  Ok, I have to admit.  It felt like being a kid in a candy store.  But I was a good girl, because I picked the best ones for my taste and only got two.  Actually, I only got one.  The other book was an adult "connect the dots" type.  I thought it would be good to try something different.

Finally, I'd like to share with you my coloring supplies.  I made a promise to limit myself to what can fit on this Pampered Chef tool carousel.  There's the typical colored pencils, Sharpies, gel pens, cheap alcohol markers and pastel pencils.  You can see some Letraset markers there too.  I was lucky enough to find them at our local Merchandise Outlet for $6 a dozen.  Not bad.

It would give me a sense of achievement if I can use them all up to their last drop of ink or last bit of color.  I just need to use them more often.  I guess I just have to quit my RL job.  Well, that's not going to happen any time soon.

'Til next blog!

Anniversary Frame

Our new GM celebrated his 40th anniversary with the company.  That sure is an achievement.  I don't think I'll ever work that long with a company.  20 years would be cool, and I think is feasible. I don't know.  We'll see.

So anyway, I snagged an oak frame at work, and made something for all employees to write a message and sign.  This is another quick project - I just got a variety of alpha stickers and embellishments that would work together.

Here you'll see wood, translucent stickers, felt chipboard and jelly chipboard.

This frame sure got full of messages and signatures.  It's not displayed in his office.

'Til next blog!

Easy Card Set

This post is going to be quick and short, the same way I made this card set.  CAS really, but I'm glad my DSIL liked it.

But let me tell you about the box I repurposed for this set.  Believe it or not, it's a box for Japanese chocolates which I brought with me from Japan 9 years ago.  I thought the box was really special.  If I come upon a box that I know would be good for a card set, I hoard it.  Nine years later, I'm glad I kept this box and now it's put into very good use.

The strip used on the cards is specialty paper.  And the sentiments are stickers from a set by 7 Gypsies - bought from either HSN or QVC quite a while ago.  They're layered on card stock punched with EK Success Real Estate Sign Large Punch, one of my favorite tools for quick projects.  The embossing folder used is by Anna Griffin.

'Til next blog!

Get Well

Our former manager had heart surgery.  As soon as I got home, I made a card for everybody to sign and send to him.  This size is a 4.25 x 11, which would fit in a legal sized envelope.  Nothing fancy - just did some distressing for more texture.  

To match the card front, I just drew lines around the edges.  And yes, I didn't use a ruler!  Hehe.

A lot of people were able to sign this card, including the top managers of the company, who happened to be at our site the day I was going to mail it.  

'Til next blog!

Bling It On

Who doesn't like bling on anything?  I have met a woman who has bling on her office supplies at work - from her pen to her stapler.  I like bling on my tops and accessories when I sing for the band.  I like to add bling to my craft projects, too.

So I had this Kandi Kane Applicator Wand which I bought from either QVC or HSN many years ago.  To be honest, I don't think I have used it more than 5 times.  Probably because of it being a plug in, and it seemed just too risky to use if left unattended.  As you can see on the picture below, when it's set on a surface, the hot tip touches the surface.  You will need a special heat resistant mat to avoid burns, or use the little stand that came with - which I have no idea where I hid anymore.  The Kandi Kane has different kinds of tips also, to use with different shapes and sizes of bling.  I think the different tips make the process complicated.

During a stopover at one of the big box craft stores, I found this bunch in the clearance section.  It's the I-Rock Crystal Heat Setting Tool by Imaginisce, and it's battery operated.  I like the sound of that.

I took them out of the packaging, and searched for something to test it on.  Since I got this cool new microphone, I decided to give this some character.

This tool takes 3 AA batteries, which is not bad.  It didn't take that long to warm up and you can set your bling right away.  I like its portability, and most of all, when I set it down, the tip doesn't touch the surface.  I had bling from the Kandi Kane wand, and I was able to use them with the I-Rock with no hassle.  And guess what?  No changing tips required.

So I went ahead and tried several sizes of crystals, even a different kind of surface which they refer to as a gem (in gold).  I had no issues during application.  It was so easy - no cords, easy to pick up and set down in between crystals.

After this trial, my mind is racing as to which ones I should add bling to next. Cellphone, shoes... maybe rev up a boring pair of dangling earrings or bracelet.  Exciting!

'Til next blog!