Silver Fox Stamps and More

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WINTER SHOP HOURS:
Tues. - Sat: 10am - 4pm
Other times: By Appointment or Chance (If one of our cars in the driveway, stop in!)
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SHOP UPDATE
      Happy New Year!! Many, many thanks to the individuals who who helped me taking inventory. All of you made this process so much easier this year. We got so much accomplished, and from what I was told, a good time was had by all. Special thanks to Chef John for cooking a delicious lunch so that we could keep on counting.
      We’ve decided to maintain these winter shop hours: Tues. - Sat., 10am - 4pm effective January 1. These hours are the ones that customers seem to frequent and opening later in the am and earlier in the pm lets us put in more walking time with Zee. As always, we will happily open during non-shop hours to accommodate people’s shopping needs.
With the previous focus being on inventory, I didn’t get as much creating and/or prepping done for classes as I had initially planned. Thus, I’m making creating the main focus for this month resulting in just a few classes/sessions being offered.
       Meanwhile, stay warm and keep creating.
Sheila

JANUARY SPECIALS
      *25% OFF RED PAPER, FIBERS, INKS, ETC.
      *8 1/2 X 11 CARDSTOCK - SOLID COLORS ONLY (quality paper; overstock)
             Buy 1 - 25 sheets for .15/sheet
             Buy 26 - 50 sheets for .13/sheet
             Buy 51 - 75 sheets for .10/sheet
             Buy 76* sheets for .08/sheet
                              You can buy 1 color or a mixture of colors.
    *50% off clear bags and boxes (I can email a list upon request)

NEW PRODUCTS
      *4x4” chipboard coasters - great for making mini books.
      *Note cards (velvet rose) and dies from Memory Box. Save 20% each month by enrolling in the “Memory Box” notecard club. Contact me for details.
      *Flower Soft: white, gold, and silver; Yes, we’re again carrying this product.
       *We’ll be bringing in more products now that inventory is done. Meanwhile, take advantage of our January specials and check out our clearance boxes...80% savings.

PRICE OF COPICS IS INCREASING...AGAIN
Alas, the price of Copic markers is going up again. How much and when, I don’t know. Apparently, this is due to the devaluation of the US dollar vs other currencies.
If you want to stock up on these markers, get in touch with me a.s.a.p. so that I can order them before the price increase.

SHOP WILL BE CLOSED ON THESE DAYS
       Due to upcoming crops and/or special events, the shop will be closed just on the following days:
             Fri., Jan. 27., (we’re setting up for the Jan. 28 Augusta crop)
             Sat., Jan 28: Crop
      If, however, you’re only in the area for the above days, call or e-mail so that I can possibly arrange for shop coverage.

JANUARY 12 - 20: SPELLBINDERS BLOG FRENZY
From Jan. 12 - 20, take a sneak peek at Spellbinders new products that will be introduced at CHA (Craft and Hobby Association). Visit the blogs on the assigned days and then participate in the daily drawings. Who knows? You might win a free die. Plus, you’ll get so many ideas from checking out the blogs.
If you’re interested in any of the new releases, email your order to me by Jan. 21. Save at least 20% if you prepay. Prepayment won’t be due until the end of Feb.

1st ANNUAL SCRAP TO EDUCATE - JAN 28, 2012
       Just another reminder about the upcoming 1st Annual Scrap to Educate which will benefit Junior Achievement in Kennebec County. This crop will be held on Sat., Jan. 28, 9am - 5pm at the American Legion, Route 17, Augusta (located near Rebecca’s Restaurant). The cost is $30/person.
       Preregistration is required. Space is limited so register early!! Registration deadline is January 23rd. The $30 fee includes lunch and a thank you goodie bag.
       We’ll be joining other vendors at this crop, so there will be lots of products, demonstrations, and/or make and takes.
       For more info, contact Jill Jamison (207-592-7784 or jjamison@jamaine.org)
       We also have registration forms at the shop.
       If you just want to stop by and shop, feel free to do so.

FEB. 4- CROP IN CHINA, ME
Kim’s next crop will be on Feb. 4 from 8am - 5pm. Cost, I do believe, is $15 and a contribution to the potluck meal (munchies and coffee/soda are available). E-mail Kim (kiss2736@yahoo.com) or details or to register. If you don’t have access to email, contact me.

SCRAP HAPPY SCRAPBOOK DAY - FEB. 11, 2012
      This crop will be held at Cony High School, Augusta, ME on Sat., Feb. 11, 9am - 6pm.
       $25 is the registration fee ($30 at the door) and includes lunch. There will be door prizes and raffles. We’ll be one of the vendors and are already making plans for make and takes and demos.
       Contact Ann Marie Doyon (207-623-0390 or victoriasmom98@yahoo.com) or me for a registration form.
      This crop is sponsored by the Cony High/Middle School French Club.

ERSKINE ACADEMY CROP - MARCH 10
As soon as I have more details, I’ll pass on the info.

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES: STAMPING WITH BLEACH
      One of my favorite techniques is stamping with bleach as it provides a variety of fascinating unique results. The technique works the best on dark colored paper, but you can still achieve subtle effects with pastel papers. Please keep in mind that the results will vary depending on the paper and the amount/type of bleach used.
Remember to stamp in a well-ventilated area and away from open flames. I recommend wearing protective eye wear, apron, and gloves. This technique is not recommended for children to do. Also, after each use, immediately wash your stamps, brushes, and stencils with warm soapy water.
      FYI: some people cover the stamp with Versa Mark before applying the bleach. This will help you obtain an even coverage when stamping, as well as form a protective layer over the rubber.
Stamping With Bleach
      Fold a paper towel to form a pad which is then placed in a plastic container which has a cover (to prevent bleach from evaporating). Pour enough bleach onto the towel to make it damp. "Ink" up the stamp by tapping it onto the damp paper towel and then pressing the stamp immediately onto the cardstock. Remove and then clean the stamp. Within a minute, an image should start appearing. If you want fast results, heat with an embossing gun.
       After the paper is completely dry, you can add color highlights with colored pencils or ink.

Painting Inside an Embossed Outline
After heat embossing your image, use a paint brush to paint the bleach inside the raised lines. The raised lines help to keep the bleach contained. You can achieve variations in lightness by applying one or more coats of bleach to the areas. The more bleach applied the lighter the area will become.

Shadow Bleaching Technique
Solid or silhouette styled stamps work very well for this technique. First, stamp the image with ink that matches or closely matches the cardstock color. Make sure the ink is dry before stamping over the inked image with the same stamp that’s been inked with bleach.

Bleaching with a Stencil
Place the stencil (brass or plastic) onto the card stock. Just mist the area, don't saturate it. Let dry. Remove stencil and immediately wash stencil. You can leave design as is or add color by using colored pencils, etc.

CLASSES
      If you’re interested in having classes offered at other times or in your home, let me know! What classes would you like offered? Would you like home lessons? How about evening classes? Also, save 15% off purchases made on class day. Unless you’re asked to bring specific items, tools and supplies are provided.

Jan. 21(Sat.), 9:30am - Noon                                                 QUILLING SESSION                                                                                                          Cost: Free
This is not a class. Rather, it is an opportunity to connect with others who share an interest in quilling. Each person is responsible for bringing his/her own supplies. Contact me to reserve a seat..
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Jan. 22 (Sun.), 1pm - 4pm POLYMER CLAY WORK SESSION Cost: Free
This is not a class, rather a time to get together with other polymer clay enthusiasts and work on individual projects. Participants are responsible for their own supplies. Call to reserve your space.
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Jan. 25 (Wed.), 10am - 12:30pm NOT JUST VALENTINE’S DAY CARDS Cost: $15
Check out the sample card at the end of this email. Participants will be making this card, as well as 3 other variations using the Memory Box dies, paper, and note cards to make Valentine or other special occasion cards.
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Jan. 26 (Thurs.) , 10am - 2pm TIME FOR SELF Cost: Free
It’s the start of a new year, so now is the ideal time to take some time for self. Bring your projects to start/finish, as well as a lunch or snacks. We’ll supply the coffee/tea and table space. Have fun creating with others. Please contact me to reserve a seat as space is limited.
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Mounted and Unmounted Stamps

Stamping, Scrapbook and Craft Accessories

Stamping, Scrapbook and
Craft Accessories