Why buy patterned paper and embellishments when you have Ranger's Dylusions Sprays? You can create amazing one-of-a-kind pages that will impress your family and friends for years to come! Here's an example from this week's "Extreme Scrapbooking" class: If you missed this fun class, here's the basic information you need to create your own page using Dylusions Sprays: Products Needed: Inkssentials Non-Stick Craft Sheet Ranger Dylusion Sprays Rubber stamps (used Dylusions stamps and Bo Bunny stamps in sample) White 12”x12” Smooth Cardstock (heavier 80# works great!) Black Cardstock Paper Towels For Background Page: 1. Place white cardstock on non-stick craft... Continue reading

Ranger's Watermark Resist Ink pad is a versatile stamp pad. You can use it to create the look of a watermark on colored papers and as a resist to inks on glossy cardstock. It is also a great embossing ink. I wondered how it would work with glossy cardstock and Ranger alcohol ink. And, it works great! Check it out: To do this, you'll need: Glossy Cardstock Ranger Alcohol inks & ink applicator/felt Ranger Blending Solution Ranger Watermark Resist ink pad Rubber stamp These are the basic steps: Cut your glossy cardstock to the desired size. Ink up your rubber... Continue reading

doo·dle Doodling. Almost everyone does it - especially when in meetings, in classes or on the phone. The fact that we can doodle while carrying on a conversation shows that most doodles don’t require much thinking. Most doodling can be accomplished in two easy steps: Doodling & Noodling. Doodling: This step doesn’t require thinking! Don’t think. Suspend Judgment. Just use your pencil or pen and get something down on paper. It doesn’t matter how simple or incomplete it is. Be free, loose & spontaneous! Noodling: This is where the thinking starts! This is where you use your noodle and tinker... Continue reading

Have you ever hunted for the perfect background paper for a scrapbook page or card but couldn't get the correct colors, look or feel? We explored the perfect solution in last night's "Extreme Scrapbooking" class: making your own! Here's one of our sample pages, a list or products needed, and the instructions. Products Needed: Inkssentials Non-Stick Craft Sheet Ranger Dylusions Sprays Distress Ink pads, Ink Applicators & Foam Pads Clear embossing powder & embossing ink pad Stencils/Templates Rubber stamps White 12”x12” Smooth Cardstock Paper Towels Instructions: 1. Place white cardstock on non-stick craft sheet. 2. Heat emboss stamped images on... Continue reading

Our "Beyond the Basics" Scrapbooking class last week helped participants learn how to make two pages have a cohesive, visually appealing design. If you missed it, here's the basic instructions: Tips: You can easily “tie” two pages together by having elements meet in the middle. Repeat the “menu” on page 1 with different patterned papers and cardstocks for a different look. Don’t like buttons? Exchange them with flowers, brads, rhinestones or other embellishments! Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your creative process! Continue reading

Every other month we featuring a fun Cardmaking Stash Builder workshop where participants make six cards in two hours. The class tonite was so much fun. In case you missed it, here's the pictures and measurements. Doing them at home won't be nearly as much fun as being in class, however, because in class almost everything is pre-cut for you! Don't miss the next Cardmaking Stash Builder Workshop. It will be on Thursday, March 28th. For more information, visit our website at: http://www.scrappersedge.net/Classes.html Continue reading

We just sent our first box of cards to Operation Write Home. This organization gathers and distributes blank handmade cards to those in the armed forces so they can send them to their loved ones at home. Our first box contained 110 beautiful cards that our customers and staff made. Want to help? Here's the basic guidelines: Do not use glitter. (This is a safety issue.) The finished card size must be 4.25"x5.5". Line cards made with dark cardstock with light cardstock that they can write on. Do not include handwritten sentiments. Use quality adhesive. Some dimension is okay but... Continue reading

Sure, it's fun to heat emboss stamped images. But there's SO much more you can do with embosssing powder. Here's a sample of a Thanksgiving card made using clear embossing powder in a non-traditional way: Using the Tim Holtz stamp and embossing folder, first I stamped the image on cardstock and then placed it inside of the embossing folder and dry embossed it with my Cuttlebug. Next, I used an embossing ink pad to apply embossing ink directly over the entire piece of cardstock. After it was completely covered with embossing ink, I sprinkled clear embossing powder over it, tapped... Continue reading

Washi tape is simply paper tape with patterns on it. It's available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It can be used in fun, creative ways to make embsllishments and accents or simplly applied in straight lines on your craft projects. One thing I enjoy doing with it is making flowers! So, check out these easy steps: 1. Punch or cut a circle using cardstock. (I didn't have a circle punch the size I needed, so I traced the center of a washi tape spool and cut it out! It was the perfect size.) 2. Pleat the washi... Continue reading

Yes, that's right. My name is Sondra and I'm a Distress-Stain-Aholic! They are SO easy and fun to use. Here's a fun tag I created followed by the steps used: 1. Stamp / Heat emboss an image using clear embossing powder. 2. Dab puddles of blue Distress Stain (Broken China) to top of tag and use a craft scraper to scrape it downward across the tag toward the middle. 3. Dab puddles of green distress Stain (Peeled Paint) to bottom of tag and use a craft scraper to scrape it upward across the tag toward the middle, overlapping the blue... Continue reading

Take embossing ink and put it in a bottle with a dabber top and what do you get? A ton of creative possibilities! These are great for applying inks to large stamps. But ever since they arrived here at Scrapper's Edge a few weeks ago, I knew they had more uses than that! I decided to try them with stencils! Here's what I did: Inked a tag and let it dry. Placed a stencil over the tag. Used the Ranger Emboss It Dabber to apply embossing ink within the stencil. Removed the stencil and applied Ranger Sticky Embossing Powder over... Continue reading

The "Name our Class Schedule" contest was fun. There were so many great ideas. Although it was difficult, we did pick one name that we'll start using on our monthly class schedule . . . "Creative Connections." A huge "thank you" to everyone who shared their ideas. And, a huge "congratulations" to Carol Sandretto-Unsinger for winning! Carol has a special prize pack waiting for her here at Scrapper's Edge. It contains American Crafts rub-ons and an adorable Basic Grey stamp set. Continue reading

We need your help! Our monthly class schedule needs a new name. We've been calling it "Class Happenings." Kind of dull, huh? Help us out by suggesting a new class scheudle name idea hear on our blog. The winner will receive a prize pack of creative goodies valued at over $25. If more than one person suggests the same name, the person who suggested it first will win! If the winner is not local, we will ship the prize package within the U.S. Suggestions made through Sunday, September 16th will be considered for the FREE PRIZE! Thanks for your help.... Continue reading

Ever since getting a video camera nearly two years ago, I've intended to create and upload how-to videos. While my intentions were good, it obviously took me a long time to finally get started since I just created the first video last week. Most computers now come with Windows Live Movie Maker. I had never used it before so I watched a short video on YouTube then was determined that "I could do this!" What a learning opportunity this was! To start, I jotted down an outline of material I wanted to cover. Then, I set up my camera and... Continue reading

And, you don't have to be a master crafter or stamper to create beautiful cards. To prove it, check out this card. Try these tips to add pizzazz to your next card creation: • Add pre-made flowers (ink the edges or spray with glimmer sprays, such as Ranger Perfect Pearls Sprays) for added color and visual interest • Add ribbon, lace or other fibers (for the card shown here, I laced the black ribbon through the pink lace) • Layer patterned papers (this is much easier than stamping your own patterns and will allow you to make more cards in... Continue reading

Everytime I use Ranger Alcohol Ink, I'm reminded of why I fell in love with them . . . the results are amazing! You can get impressive results on any non-pourous surface, such as glossy cardstock, plastic, metal & glass. One of my favorite background techniques is pictured here on the top VACATION TAG. Here's what you'll need, all products by Ranger and available here at Scrapper's Edge: Alcohol Inks, Blending Solution, Non-Stick Craft Sheet and Glossy Cardstock. Put your Non-stick craft sheet on your work surface. (This will protect your surface AND be used for this background effect!) Using... Continue reading

So many scraps, so little time to organize. . . When I'm scrapbooking, there's always paper scraps left over. I use to save them all in special files, sorted by color. But, truthfully, I wasn't so good at opening up those organized scraps when I was working on other projects. So, now, I prefer to use those scraps as soon as I'm done with my scrapbook pages. Sometimes, I'll simply just punch the scraps into shapes, such as tags, circles and scalloped squares that I can use for accents and journaling spots on other pages or cards. But, more frequently,... Continue reading

We're gearing up for our SMASH BASH workshops! Saundra J & I are teaming up to lead these incredible sessions, which combine scrapbooking, journaling and altered art. I currently have three SMASH albums that I'm working on. One is the "about me" journal that I'm using as a class example. I'm using the RED SMASH album for this. Then, I'm using the PINK SMASH album to document my 2012 New Years Resolutions. And, finally, I'm using the ORANGE SMASH album as a tribute to my dad. The biggest thing that surprised me when starting to use the SMASH albums and... Continue reading

It's a New Year and time for resolutions. One of my resolutions is to create something everyday. It doesn't have to be big or time-consuming. I just know how better I feel when I have a daily creative outlet. So, yesterday, on January 1st, I started my creative journey by bringing out a little 2"x2" canvas, my Ranger Distress Stains & Inks, Tim Holtz Stamps, Ranger Distress Stickles & Ranger Archival Inks . . . and I made a fun little piece. It's fun to work on a small little canvas. You can turn it into a pendant, a necklace,... Continue reading

I LOVE the Distress Stains from Ranger! They are so fabulous. In fact, I'm looking forward to my upcoming class featuring Distress Stains, Paint Dabbers, Distress Ink Pads, Paper Doll templates, and a 9"x12" canvas! Collage has never been so fun! Starting with a blank canvas and paper doll patterns, we'll transform patterned paper into a work of art. If you want to attend, sign up in advance and bring 3-5 pieces of patterned paper, 1 or more bottles of Ranger Distress Stains, scissors and adhesive. Canvases, ink pads, patterns, paints, and embellishments will be provided. Wednesday, September 21st Sondra's... Continue reading

Canvas + Paint + Ink + Vinyl Word + Rub-ons + Stamps + Bling = One Beautiful Canvas! Our mixed media specialist, Saundra James, taught an inspiring class tonite and I had the pleasure of attending. No matter what your style, you can make a personal work of art for yourself or a gift. Here's the basic steps: Paint the edges of the canvas with acrylic paint. Trim a piece of patterned paper a bit smaller than your canvas. Embellish your paper using ink, stamps, rub-ons, vinyl words, stickers, etc. (Basically, use anything "flat.") Spread Mod Podge or Medium to... Continue reading

Making cards with leftovers . . . is one of my favorite things to do when I'm scrapbooking. Oh, sure, I could sort and save my paper scraps. But, let's face it. How many of us who save paper scraps ever go back and use the scraps. For me, it's much easier to make cards with my scrapbook page scraps right after creating the pages. Today, I just made 12 scrapbook pages in a red, white & black color scheme. When done, I made 5 cards with the left over paper & embellishments. Check them out . . . . Continue reading

There are a few things that get my creative juices flowing . . . a blank canvas, ephemera and beeswax! Here's a piece I did a couple of months ago, starting without a real plan in mind. I hate to "think" too much when I create. It's more fun and therapeutic to simply create. Starting with a blank 5"x7" canvas, I brushed on a few layers of beeswax, allowing each layer to cool before applying the next. Then, I placed napkins, ephemera and other items one at a time onto the canvas and used a mini craft iron to pull... Continue reading

Are you ready for the challenge? Get ready to PUMP UP your art skills at our Creative Boot Camp starting January 2011. As a Certified Educator of Ranger Art Supplies and Copic Markers, I'll teach you the fundamentals during hands-on exercises! What products do you want to master? Perfect Pearls, Melt Art, Inks, Dimensional Pearls, Color Washes, Alcohol Ink, Acrylic Paint, Copic Markers . . . and more! Stay tuned for details! Continue reading

It's fun to try new things, right? I decided to experiment with various materials in my Cuttlebug machine. And, I must admit, I fell in love with cutting and embossing heavy duty tin foil. Check out the butterflies I made below! It's easier to apply the alcohol ink (by Ranger) first to the tin foil. Then cut & emboss. Give it a try! Continue reading