Pssst! Sheer Shimmer Spritz....

The colors this year were phenomenal in our area! Above is a card that I made to pay tribute to the beauty that fluttered from the trees into piles on the ground that are now turning brown.

The background was stamped with VersaFine Vintage Sepia and used a River City Rubber leaf collage. Colors from Memento (Rhubarb Stalk, Terra Cotta, and Bamboo Leaves) were added with an Ink Sweeper. The focal point leaf is a stamp by JudiKins, and I used Memento Terra Cotta with Rhubarb Stalk Dew Drops to add the color. After stamping, I cut out the leaf. Next I used Pssst! Sheer Shimmer Spritz (Gold) to add a hint of gold to the back ground, the torn green piece of cardstock and the stamped leaf. Using a bullet point Fantastix, I scuffed on some additional Memento Rhubarb Stalk around the outside edges of the leaf to hide the scissor cut-marks. To finish, I stamped "Ahh..Autumn" (by Simply Stamped), tied on a few pieces of hemp twine and mounted it with foam mounting squares. Done!

PS - if you'd like to see the shimmer results a little better, zoom in or enlarge the card. Thanks for looking!

Sparkle Shimmer....

Well, okay...I couldn't stand not sharing the "Sparkle Shimmer" with you too. What an easy way to add a touch of elegance at the push of a finger!

Shimmer Spritz demo at Impress tomorrow!

I'm eager to do a preview of our Pssst! Sheer Shimmer Spritz tomorrow at Impress Rubber Stamps in Tukwila. Just in time for the finishing touch on your holiday card... This Hero Arts card above shows the Gold Shimmer, and although it's hard to see, if you enlarge the image you should be able to get a sneak peek.

Please stop by if you get a chance... I'll also have the "Sparkle Shimmer" and the "Frost Shimmer" to show. They're sooooo easy, and so beautifully sheer!

Here's a lovely and super simple Holiday card stamped only with a Hero Arts flourish - using VersaMark Dazzle Champagne and then spritzed with Pssst!

....super-size the photo to see the Pssst! More to come on Pssst later....

Just had to show that ... 'cause I'm off to Vancouver, WA (by Portland, Oregon) to a Hero Arts Class. Can you believe I'm heading out the door before 5:45 am?

(Coffee maker is all that's holding me up - and it's almost ready!)

Halloween treat bag idea from Jennifer McGuire

Sunday morning is for surfing the internet. Here's a fabulous recycling idea from Jennifer McGuire of Hero Arts...you've gotta check this out.

http://heroarts.com/blogs/club/2009/09/16/watch-it-wednesday-with-more-makeovers/

Beautiful creations, Jennifer!

Pssst! I have a secret!

Pssst! I have a secret! -email me if you want the general directions on how to create an awesome art piece like Fred B. Mullett's - (our advertisement on the back cover of Somerset Studio for this fall) he shared his techniques with me.

snowflake white!

The temperature is dropping, and the rains are returning to Western Washington. Fall will be ready to move in soon.
If you're thinking about getting a start on Holiday cards, here's an example showing my favorite inks for the whites of snowflakes for your consideration.

This card has a combination of Tsukineko inks, some of which are not visible from the photograph. I started with a navy cardstock and sprayed with Pssst! Shimmer Spritz. As it was drying, I began to rub (pad to paper) a little bit of Memento Dew Drops - blues and purples - over the surface.

Next I used a beautiful clear stamp set from Memory Box and on the right side of the cardstock - stamped it with VersaMagic Cloud White. Yep, over the top of the sprayed navy cardstock that had been rubbed with inks. Cloud white is the most opaque pigment ink that you'll find! VersaMagic is truly a pigment 'chalk-finish' ink. Unlike others that are hybrids (dye+pigment), VersaMagic ink stays ontop of the cardstock (where others become partially absorbed and less opaque).

To the left side, I added a piece of acetate that I stamped with StazOn blues and Cotton White (using elements from the same clear set).

It likely won't be my final design for Christmas cards, but it was a start in getting the ideas going!

Are you thinking of holiday cards yet?

the weekend's over ... sigh!

Chuck made his wonderful apple cake and we went to Friends & Company to celebrate Doris's birthday today. It was a fun barbeque! While there I purchased a large background stamp that I'm going to use with some Ink Potion No. 9 and Memento blues (maybe purples too). The stamp is a snowflake background by Peddler's Pack. I'll let you know how it turns out :)

After the birthday barbeque, we went to Alki beach and sat on the cement wall, reading and listening to the surf. The view was Seattle's skyline; a tug boat went by - and a ferry boat. I walked along low tide and found a few nice shells. Ahhhh. Very relaxing, especially in the warmth of the summer sun.

Iron Chef is almost over (Maple is the secret ingredient tonight), and then it's bed time...

Tomorrow morning starts another work week.

Travels and Ink Potion No. 9

Within the last 4 weeks, I've been in Orlando, Cincinnati, Detroit and Phoenix. Each one was a great trip, however, I am happy to be home and doing nothing on this Saturday evening. I think my family is glad to have me home too.

Being home gives me time to reflect on some of my store visits. While at Scrap Tales, we played with Ink Potion No. 9. Following are two samples that were created with Ink Potion No. 9 and WATER BASED inks (Memento). Not Alcohol Inks. Nice colors, don't you think?



And here's another one.



So, if you're in the neighborhood - stop in to Scrap Tales and they can show you how to have fun with Ink Potion No. 9 ... and Walnut Inks too:

Thanks Scrap Tales!

From my travels ... Scrap Tales

I've been on the road alot lately. Florida, Ohio, Michigan - and tomorrow headed to Arizona. I apologize for not posting lately.

While in Michigan (Brighton), I visited Scrap Tales. What a delightful store! They have a beautiful little bathroom for customers - complete with stamped walls. Flowers, stamped in Brilliance Ink, to be exact! Following are a few photos - as you can see, I don't know my camera very well...

New product

Looking ahead to the holidays, here's card where a little simplicity and a glisten compliment eachother.

Make it easy on yourself by starting with a die cut tree. Randomly stamp the Hero Arts Dot Flourish on the tree with Tsukineko's VersaMark Dazzle - Champagne. Set aside. Repeat the stamping process on an ivory panel cut for a background and edge with Dazzle, if desired. Set aside.

Wrap embroidery floss as a garland around the tree and tie both ends into a bow near the top. Apply foam dots or tape to back of tree. Attach the ivory panel to a burgundy card and add the tree to the top of the ivory panel.

Stardust spray: In 8ml spritzer bottle, add Ink Potion no. 9 and 12 drops of All Purpose Champagne Mist ink. Shake well and spray over card.

Easy...and charming!

Used Stamp Sale

Thank you to all who purchased from me at the Friends & Company's Used Stamp sale! I am happy to report that $42.00 will be donated to Sarvey Wildlife http://www.sarveywildlife.org/AboutUs.aspx

Some of the stamps that were on my table were from a few manufacturers that provided them for demos while I was a Manufacturer's Rep. I thought it might be a way to make a little room in my stamp drawers without profiting from their generosity.

It was also a fun time to gather with other stampers and visit.

from Orlando - good evening to all!

How adorable is this???
My sister, Hope, made this at CHA in the Stampendous booth.
It's Rooco Reach #F203 (with #E254 Stolen Heart)- and stamped with none other than our VersaFine Onyx Black (and their Fun Flock,hazy grey #FL812)and finished with the sweet little heart sticker. So I've taken the photo ... can I eat the candy NOW?

Getting ready for the show!

Well, my Ink Potion No. 9 supplies are on their way to Florida today. I had saved putting them in the crate because I was going to demo at Impress Rubber Stamp store in Tukwila (and then got too sick to go anywhere but the Urgent Care). I had my tinsely Christmas Tree tshirt in the car - it was going to be a "Christmas in July" demo. I still feel horrible about missing a demo. Demos are fun for me!

I also added a very cool ATC Holder in the box, and it should display bunches of "Potioned" tags very nicely ... Thanks 7gypsies! We are happy to trade Tsukineko inks :)

Isn't that Tweet?!

And here's my last photo for the evening...Memory Box's "TWEET BIRD" stamped in VersaFine Onxy Black onto a background potion - and then colored with Prismacolor pencils. Again, this was a left-over scrap with sprayed Ink Potion No. 9. Save our scraps,save our scraps (everybody chant with me now)...save our scraps!

Special Thanks Card

This card uses Hero Arts Stamps. It also uses Ink Potion No. 9 and VersaFine Imperial Purple. Can you tell I was on a roll with VersaFine inks and my potions? The fine gold edges were added by running a Brilliance Galaxy Gold inkpad along the edges with a very light pressure.

More Ink Potion No. 9!

Here's a quick little project... spray your "potion" (Memento Inkers added to Ink Potion No. 9 as desired for color and intensity). This one used "Cherry Fizz" on white cardstock. Allow to dry. Stamp with VersaFine Crimson Red (swirl image) and 'many thanks' (Savvy Stamps) in VersaFine Onyx Black. Add two strips of black satin ribbon. Affix to black cardstock that was sprayed with "Raspberry Sherbet" potion. What doesn't show well in this photo is the pink iridescent effect on the black cardstock .. nor does the pink sparkle in the background show. Guess we can't have everything, right? Note: This little card was made with scrap pieces of paper. Enjoy!

Time flies!

Holy cow! I've gotten so far behind!! This week has been extremely busy with extra projects at work (and people on vacation). The CHA show is coming up in Orlando in only a few weeks - and that needs to be buttoned up to ship. Aggggh! My hair is turning grey(er)!

I did come up with a new Ink Potion No. 9 - called "Lucky Penny"... and am working on another one - but I can't reveal it's name until I'm happy with it. Stay tuned~

Happy Canada Day!

To all of our Canadian Friends, Happy Canada Day! Best wishes for a great celebration :)

One more work day, and then we, in the US will also have a day off...hooray! Any plans for Independence Day? Staying close to home will be our plans. Maybe hot dogs & hamburgers on the bbq, corn on the cob - and watermelon. There's a great produce stand down the street that's been a favorite summer shopping spot for years. It's supposed to be hot, imagine, a beautiful day/evening for fireworks in Seattle - without rain?? Molly and the birds do NOT like fireworks. So, maybe we should watch a fun movie with music to distract them; perhaps Lilo & Stitch? hmmm.

And then we'll do the usual for our weekends, visiting Sweet Decadence (www.sweet-decadence.com) for a delicious coffee or thirst quenching iced tea (try the Jasmine or blood orange flavors - yum!)- and a treat of freshly hand-made chocolates.

I'll post some information on my newest "Potions", in my quest for awesome combinations, over the weekend. Stay tuned!

Inchies

How about a few inchies to start the week off? All of the inchies pictured were created with Ink Potion No. 9. Flutter chick is from Memory Box, the flowers are from Kodomo and the summer drink & citrus wedge are from Hero Arts. It's surprising how much fun you can have creating - even if your canvas is only 1" x 1"!

ahhhhh, the weekend!

Yesterday was our first day of our fiscal year-end inventory. Counting went well. I started counting Brilliance ink pads, and ended the day counting VersaMagic refills (inkers).

To break up the day of counting, Chuck brought in a homemade lunch (courtesy of Jeff). We had some wonderfully tender and juicy pulled pork sandwiches, which Chuck started at about 2:30 in the morning (no wonder it was tender!). The sandwiches arrived with deliciously crunchy and crisp coleslaw. It was topped with a sweet saucy dressing that he made and sauteed slivered almonds. He also brought in a dutch oven full of home made baked beans (including thick sliced bacon), that was finished with a touch of molasses & syrup. My contribution was a double batch of fudge brownies I had baked the night before. //The pulled pork and coleslaw recipes originally came from Vickie, my daughter in Okinawa - thanks Vic!// Everyone at Tsukineko had full tummies when we went back to counting.

Today was a sleep-in Saturday. Then we went to Sweet Decadence for coffee, pastries (Molly had a croissant - and Chuck & I had an apple turnover) and a bite of hand made chocolates.

Then we came home and worked in the yard. I started with the holly tree that I fashioned into a round-top topiary, and ended with the rhododendron that need a substantial trim.

Dinner tonight was a delightful tamale pie. Man, my husband can cook!! Am I lucky, or what??

Tonight I am contemplating a new Ink Potion No. 9 recipe. It will be the surprise recipe for CHA in Orlando. So it's gotta be magically colorful and creative!

Best wishes for a relaxing weekend to y'all! Susan

Tomorrow starts inventory...

And the counting of markers, inkpads and sponge daubers begins! But tonight, the smell of brownies baking in the oven helps keep my mind off work.

Time to take the brownies out of the oven.... later! Susan

Please allow me to introduce Terri Schneider (peeking above her beautiful quilt). Terri was in Washington visiting her daughter (up from California) and graciously shared her lovely quilt with us.

I must also emphasize that this is THE BACK OF HER QUILT! The front of the quilt has beautiful material sewn in the images you see on the back. Terri told us that she figured if she was "going to be that careful with the stitches on the back" that she might as well add some color to it too! It's incredible to think that this is the side that won't normally be seen. It's very impressive...and the images were all created with Tsukineko's All Purpose Ink. (The border edge batik look was a material she chose for the border.)

Terri, thank you very much for sharing!

Susan

adding a bit of character...

In reading my last post, it made me laugh - to see the typos. That's what I get for trying to be the "old dog" learning new tricks; posting from my blackberry while on vacation! Such is life, and it's good to be human and make a few mistakes. Susan

ferry boats

The ferry boat has arrived! We'll soon be. Driving our Saturn Vue aboard the vessel that will take us to Bainbridge Island. Molly, Chuck & I wllthen be driving to Poulsbo and crossing the Hood Canal Bridge.

From there,we'll head north thru Sequim and Port Angeles and then into Forks. We'll be going to the Olympic NatKl Park. The only rainforest in the USA.

And itKs a glorious day to be aboard a ferry boat!

Easy version of Ink Potion #9 w/Memory Box!

Looking for a less complicated way to use Ink Potion #9? How about taping 6 "inchies" together and spraying "Tide Pool" Potion for a background; stamp the Memory Box butterfly branch #D1040 (note, I colored the butterflies with a Grape Jelly Memento Marker and the branch with Rich Cocoa Memento Marker). After stamping, I blended just a touch of the butterflies with Ink Potion #9 in my blender pen (straight, not diluted). Then I added some touches of Liquid Pearls for dimension and shine.

PS - Email me at sholton@tsukineko.com if you would like the recipes for our Ink Potion #9 Brews.....

Tag! You're It - with IP#9!

Just a real quick hello to show you a few samples of tags that we created at my last demo. As you can see, they are ready to stamp, tear, cut, punch...or all of the above! It was too much fun - and hard to stop at quitting time!

So...Tag! You're It! What can you create with Ink Potion #9? I'll respond to all photos - and someone will be a winner of very cool mixatives on 6/30/09! Susan

Single brews and double bubble sprays

Well, okay, there really weren't any bubbles... but we had a great time last night, with the potions! Sprayed them, dripped them, blotted them and had some old-fashioned fun. We also used the Ink Potion straight - in a water brush to add soft colors to the "flutter chick" by Memory Box (can you tell I just love this little chick??? It's also in my blog of June 1st.)

Ooooohhhh and I did some testing on a new product today. I'd love to tell you about it, but I just can't. Not yet....

Stirring up Potions....

Molly and I have been at Tsukineko this afternoon. After all, who could resist a face like this? I put on my tennis shoes and she barked & danced. Mom's a whimp at saying "no". But it was very nice to have company as I prepared samples for my demo tomorrow night in Bothell.

Ink potions....I'm having a blast with them! It would be lovely to have about 4 days to play. And play ~ and play! But then, I'm sure I'm not the only one with that wish!

Here's wishing y'all had a relaxing (and creative?) weekend!

Susan and Molly

Christmas in July

Good morning! I have just received confirmation from Impress that I will be doing an Ink Potion #9 "Christmas in July" demo on July 17th! Right now I'm enjoying the sunshine and beautiful weather we are having in Seattle. I am having a hard time thinking about "Christmas"....

Above is a photo of a card that I created when I first started experimenting with Ink Potion #9. I started with a glossy cardstock and began layering IP #9, and Memento greens dropped by inkers. Then I created my own "swamp water" Potion by adding IP #9 with green, a touch of blue and Opalite Cypress Frost inkers. Stamping of ferns was also layered in with the spritzing. Finally the phrase stamped on an extra piece with layered cardstocks and the fronds were added. Stamps are all by Hero Arts.

Ink Potion #9 -

Good evening. I've just checked and my 12x12 papers are dry. Gilded Orange Juice - that's what I sprayed them with. (12 drops of Tangelo Memento Inker + 12 drops of Vegas Gold All Purpose Ink, and then add Ink Potion #9.) Shake well, and spritz.

Prior to spraying the orange cardstock, I masked two intersecting lines as a partial border. When the page was dry, I removed the masks and it does look nice. Then I sprayed about 1/3 of a yellow 12x12. I started in a corner, and kept the concentration heavier there than the edges as I worked away from the corner.

I think I have a lovely start to an autumn scrapbook page.

Wishing you a delightful evening...

I love Demos!

I love doing demos and watching demos! It's amazing what little tid-bits of information can be learned by listening & watching someone. Sometimes we learn things NOT to do as well, ha-ha! It's all good learning fun.

My demo schedule is/was:
6/15 (Monday evening) Inchie Night at Stampin' in the Rain/Bothell
5/30 (Saturday afternoon) Friends & Company - grand opening in Issaquah
4/11 (Saturday afternoon) Monkey Love Rubber Stamps - Seattle
(coming soon hopefully?) Impress Rubber Stamps - Tukwila

My demo focus lately has been on Ink Potion #9 and Memento (inkpads, inkers and markers). I love the combinations that can come about! Magical potions lead to brilliant backgrounds, soothing settings and soft coloring spots. Add in some of Tsukineko's metallic All Purpose inks for some zing-bling or Opalite inkers for a fun interference ... and you're off into creative oblivion.....

By the way, my list of "Potions" is slowly growing! I hope to be able to share it around July 4th - so keep watching!

Magical stamping wishes to you..... Susan

Looking for a quick, cute & personalized gift card holder?

I've got one for you... its the

"Flutter Bird" by Memory Box!

Using a half sheet of cardstock (lengthwise cut of 8-1/2" x 11") “flutter bird” uses Ink Potion #9 and Memento too. Cut and fold the glossy cardstock into thirds (roughly – it doesn’t need to be precise).

For the 'potion', I used 12 drops of Memento Bahama Blue inker and 12 drops of Arctic Emerald Opalite inker in a small spritzer (our .8ml size) and added Ink Potion #9 to fill. I sprayed it on a separate piece of glossy cardstock to show the brightest color possible. When it was dry, I punched a large flower - and stamped the words "Spring is Here!" (also Memory Box) over the top of the flower.

The flutter bird was stamped on a tiny white tag. It was colored with Memento Markers (scribbled onto my palette tray and picked up with the water brush – that was filled with Ink Potion #9 to achieve a soft look).

Optional: The middle and the right cards also have Memento color, direct to paper, added to the front of the cardstock (before layering the remaining pieces).

Next stamp the perimeter of the green color block with the words "Spring is Here!". Position the flower and bird tag onto the green color block and, punch a tiny hole, affix them with a mini brad. (I also punched a tiny flower out of the same cardstock as the large flower and glued it ontop of the brad.)

If it isn’t very easy to tell from the photo –the layer of green, the flower and bird are attached to the front panel. The third panel is folded inward and a diagonal swervy cut was made to create a pocket. Add adhesive to fix the bottom of the pocket. Viola!

Friday was humming....

Literally! On Friday afternoon a humming bird decided to visit our production staff in the warehouse. It became tangled in a large spiderweb and couldn't fly well. In trying to save it, the little bird lost some tail feathers. Full of fear, panic and webs in its feathers, feet and beak - it couldn't return home.

I brought it into my office, removed the webs and gave it a little TLC. Because it couldn't fly normally or maintain loftiness when it flew, it didn't seem wise to return it to nature yet. I contacted Sarvey Wildlife Refuge; they agreed to take it the next morning on their route to keep it secure while the tail feathers regrew. So, it stayed with me for the remainder of the afternoon. During it's short flights in my office, it came to visit me and check out my keyboard. Maybe this adorable little thing wanted to blog?

new things on the horizon

As many days go, the schedule of tasks at the start of the day was not the same schedule that ended the day. It was a 'go with the flow' day.

While it can be frustrating in that some paperwork things did not get crossed off my list ... it was exciting that I was able to cross off another step in our testing process of a new product that we are working on. Would you like a hint? Sorry, my lips are sealed tighter than Duke's (the cute talking golden retriever on Bush's baked beans). http://www.bushbeans.com/ is their site, just incase you aren't familiar with Duke (for the record,the Holton household's favorite is the "Bourbon and Brown Sugar Grillin' Beans").

Speaking of grilling, I have to switch gears for a moment and tell you about a new citrus taste I created: Yesterday I gave Chuck the night off (he usually cooks our dinners during the week) and tried a crazy idea that came to mind... I named it "Citrus Crusted Cod" (but it would be fabulous with Halibut too).

I used a food processor and pulverized some corn flakes and (are you ready for this...?) and a day-old unfrosted lemon cupcake together into very fine crumbs. I added salt & pepper and then some freshly grated lime zest to the mixture. Next I dipped the cut pieces of cod (about 4" square) into a bowl of milk and dredged them through the crumbs. I dipped them one more time (in egg & milk mixture) and back into the crumbs. I made sure my grill was hot - and the hot tray was amply sprayed with a cooking oil to prevent sticking. I cooked it a few minutes on each side. My citrus crusted cod turned out beautiful and very tasty! The citrus crust gave a lightly sweet-tangy flavor and a delightfully "non-fishy" aroma - with a crispy crust (and flaky tender fish). To make good use of the grill I also added some fresh marinated eggplant and zuchinni slices. Healthy, and out of the ordinary - dinner was a wake up to the taste buds.

Now I'm getting hungry again.... (sigh)

Ink Potion #9

Just a quick note....
Monday was a great day off! I started creating recipes for Ink Potion #9 ~ and as soon as I can get some photos taken of them...I'll give you a sneak peak. Creating potions is fun - and addictive!

A quick note for the evening....

Looking for a splash of spring-summer color for your beautiful blossoms? Look no farther than VERSAMAGIC ink! This beautifully rich and colorful ink is opaque because its 100% pigment ink (unlike other chalk-finish inks). Fast drying and easy to work with, it's available for 'ink dabblers' in the unique Dew Drop shape - or for ink lovers in the full-size ink pad. Inkers to refresh the pads are also available. Check out Tsukineko's website for the myriad of colors in the color chart!

Remember, since it's a pigment ink, it's also embossable (don't dilly-dally though). And for a white ink that's the best coverage on black cardstock - Cloud White simply can't be beat! Here's the bottom line: Tsukineko provides the ink colors of your life, and quality you can trust.

Stamp Credits: Memory Box Co.

VersaMagic ink colors: ##011 Mango Madness, #014 Red Magic, #033 Persimmon, #035 Spring Pansy, #039 Key Lime and #055 Purple Hydrangea.

PS - I still have my thinking cap on for Ink Potion recipes.......

Looking forward to a long weekend!

Good morning, it's Friday! And it's a long weekend! Two things that just can't be beat :)

I have 6 spritzer bottles on my desk and am contemplating the creation of
"Madame LaRue's Special Ink Potion #9 Recipes". It's going to be fun! Let's see... eye of newt, toad wart... oopps, wrong ingredients ~ how about... xx drops of Memento RoseBud Inker plus xx drops of Opalite Inker plus xx drops of Ink Potion #9 - shaken, not stirred....

I'm really looking forward to the eventual launch of our new Tsukineko website. We'll be able to add things like the recipes, feature projects, and eventually, "how-to" videos. We're hard at work on it...

Giving it another try...

Hi there!

After much time has passed I thought I would try the blog idea again. I have finally gotten my Twitter account going (TsukinekoSusan, if you want to give that a try).

A few days ago I returned from a 2 week 'trip of a lifetime' in Japan. What a fabulous trip it was! I'll try to add some thoughts about my trip a little later. Now it's time to get back to work. I'm back in the real world - at my desk, at Tsukineko - in Redmond, Washington. Sometimes normal is good. Susan