Copic Markers are Cool!

http://www.crafts2u.com/copic-sketch-markers-set-of-36-basic-colors.html

 COPIC MARKERS 

 Outstanding performance and creative versatility these markers provide the ultimate solution to design flexibility and artistic liberty. Fast drying; alcohol based; non- toxic; refillable; double-ended; marker that comes in a vast variety of colors. They are constructed in a unique design for a more comfortable grip and so they will not roll away from you; fit into a special airbrush system; durable polyester nibs are easily interchangeable and available in 9 different weights and styles. Electronic production guarantees consistency of both color and output; precise colored capping system provides for instant color selection. COPIC markers are used by artists and designers worldwide. They are low-odor; blendable; and for use on paper; leather; wood; fabric; faux fur; plastics; and more. This set includes 36 markers

For more choices click:

http://www.crafts2u.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=copic+markers

 Kid’s Crafts Sale

Cyber SALE

  Unique Holiday Cards

With the holidays right around the corner, it is time to start making your unique cards.

Start with printed paper pack with coordinating alphabet stickers and embellishments.

Form a 6 x 4 folded card from paper; ink edges. Attach ½  strip of sold paper to bottom edge. Adhere a 2 x 3 inch piece of pattern paper to left side of card front. Add stickers.

Look for unique paper and embellishments for your cards today!

http://www.crafts2u.com/scrapbook-supplies.html?cat=279

 http://www.crafts2u.com/craft-supplies/kids-crafts.html

Stamping

Stamps are very versatile.  Stamping can provide you an ideal way to express yourself.  The collection of stamp designs and inks offer a range of looks and effects for your projects. 

To start stamping:

Make sure you have a solid flat surface to stamp on.

Press or tap the stamp firmly onto the stamp pad several times.

 Large stamps can be inked easily by moving the ink pad around the surface of your stamp. 

Apply firm, even pressure to the stamp.  Do not rock the stamp; it will cause blurring of the image.

Stamp Factory by Fiskars

Fiskars has a brand new award winning tool- it’s called the Push & Print Stamp factory. There are also special ink pads made for it and stamp sets as well. However any acrylic stamp will work with this wonderful tool.

This tool works just like any other self-inking stamp, except much better! The ink pads and stamps can be removed and changed so that this tool can help you stamp, stamp, stamp to your hearts content. The possibilities for creative fun are endless, and the tool is simple and easy to use.

There are grooves on the back of the stamp pads where you can insert into the tool, and likewise the stamping plate has grooves and it slides in and out of the tool for cleaning or stamp placement.

In addition to the easily removable plate and ink pads, there are two spots where you can lock the plate in place. The first allows you to remove and/or change the ink pad. The second locks so that the stamping surface is facing down and you can position it over your paper, remove stamps, or anything else you need to do. To release simply press in on the sides (where blue levers are that keep it locked).

To use the push & print Stamp Factory you can either place stamps on the plate directly, or place them on a piece of paper and have the tool pick them up for you!

When inking multiple stamps sometimes it is helpful to press the plates together a little extra.

Once you have the stamp and ink set up you can stamp again, and again, and again!

Enjoy,
Cathy

The new local custom high school kits are here and ready to purchase!!

Get your custom school kit today! Only for 15.99.  You get 2 custom 12 x12 papers with your high school’s name and mascot, 2 custom 12 x12 double sided papers with name and mascot, 1 custom sticker sheet, and 1 custom laser tag.

Picture shows the type of paper, stickers, and where the name/mascot is placed.  The List of High Schools and their information is below:

For example:

Bel Air High School,

The name/mascot/initials on the paper stickers and laser embellishment and the paper
would be in blue and red.

Name                   Int.              Mascot                  Colors

Bel Air              BAHS            Bobcat              Blue & Red

C. Milton Wright    CMWHS        Mustangs      Lt Blue & White

Fallston                     FHS            Cougar           Orange & Brown

Harford Tech           HTHS           Cobra               Black & Gold

North Harford          NHHS          Hawk               Green & Gold

Patterson Mill          PMHS         Huskies            Silver & Teal

Note:  custom school kits are made in minimum batches of 12 each, we build a new batch as soon as 6 or more are ordered. By pre-ordering you are guaranteed to get a kit on the next production run. Email us if you need any help at: sales@crafts2u.com

Crayola Ultimate Art Supply Kit

As a teacher I think that the Crayola Ultimate Art Supply Kit is the way to go for your child’s art and craft supplies for home.  It comes with everything that your child will need to create that one of a kind project!

This kit contains:

12-count colored pencils - made with thick, soft leads, so they won’t break easily under pressure. The smooth colors are perfect for color mixing and blending, as well as practicing more detailed techniques.

24-count fine line markers - classic, long-lasting, durable markers. They lay down lots of brilliant color, yet don’t bleed through most paper.

24-count crayons – designed with a focus on true color, smoothness, and durability.

8-count watercolor with brush – best and brightest watercolor painting experience, without the mess! They come in a variety of vibrant colors that blend smoothly for more color-mixing possibilities.

This kit is great for on the go creativity and gifting! This ultimate kit is sure to please!

Enjoy,
Cathy

Not level

Level

Occasionally it adds to a photograph when a picture is taken at an angle.  However, It will take away from your photo if a horizon appears crooked.  Try to make yourself aware of the way you hold your camera prior to taking the shot.  Sometimes we are in a hurry and there is no time to prepare.  If this happens, don’t worry too much.  You can always use your cameras editing software to level the photo afterwards.

If you simply take the time to make yourself aware of this situation, it is easy to get in the habit of leveling your shots. So practice your reflex to hold your camera level in the first place and enjoy impress your friends with powerful photographs!

Tip and photo by www.photojanestudios.com

Most amateur photographers tend to center the main subject of their photos. This makes sense because we aim at the subject with the camera viewer. Instead you may want to experiment with placing the subject outside the center.  This will often result in a more dynamic composition.

This is known as “the rule of thirds”. Imagine the frame divided into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, like a tic-tac-toe board. Then place the subject on or near one of the lines or intersections.  Remember that the eyes are most important for people and animals. When zooming in and the head fills the image, the rule of thirds applies to the position of the eyes.

You will instantly notice an impressive difference when adding a few of these off center subject photographs to your existing collection!

Tip and photo by www.photojanestudios.com

Albums

Albums have clear plastic page protectors to keep your scrapbook pages dust and fingerprint free.  As you choose your album look for acid and lignin-free and the page protectors should be made of polypropylene or polyethylene plastics.  These albums will extend the life of your layouts and photos.  Store them upright on a shelf that should be deep enough so that the album does not hang over the edge.  This protects rippling in your scrapbook pages.Albums can range in sizes and they range from 6×6 to 12×12. Try all the sizes and types to find out which you enjoy the most. 

Three ring binder:  Built like the notebooks used in Scholl, the three-ring binders for scrapbooking are archival and come in a rainbow of colors.  Rings that snap apart make inserting and shuffling your pages a breeze.  

Spiral-bound:  Many of these wire/plastic spiral bound albums have permanently attached pages.  They’re best used for a one topic or themed scrapbook, because you can not add pages to this type of album.  Protective page slipcovers are available for some. 

Strap-hinge:  These albums contain a nylon strap that threads through stapes on the reinforced edges of the cardstock pages.  They are expandable and lie flat when opened.  They keep two-page spreads close together. 

Post-bound:  The pages are bound by a set of bolts that are hidden under the flats.  These albums are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles. 

 12×12:   This big square is the larges standard scrapbook size and gives you room to display multiple photos on each page, add embellishments, and be creative.   Cardstock and patterned paper are available in this size since it is the preferred dimension for manufactures.

81/2 x 11:  Printing titles, journaling and other text or clip art is easiest on 81/2 by 11 pages.  Scrapbook paper can be found in this size for ease access.

9×9, 8×8, and 6×6:  The smallest common page sizes you will find.  All are perfect for gift or one themed albums.

Here are a few more albums to choose from:

http://www.crafts2u.com/scrapbook-supplies/scrapbook-albums.html

Cutting Tools

Cutting Tools

One tool rarely works for every situation.  What you cut with depends on what you’re cutting and where. There are a few to choose from…

Paper Trimmer - A paper trimmer is for making long, straight cuts on cardstock, photos, and specialty papers.  They come in many sizes; a 12” trimmer is equipped with a swing-arm ruler, accommodates a variety of paper sizes and is as functional at home as it is on the go. 

Die – Cut Machines - Like a punch, die-cutting tools cut shapes and letters form a variety of materials, but dies allow you to get bigger sizes and more intricate designs.  Personal tabletop and hand held versions are great at home or at a crop.  Use them to cut your titles or create custom embellishments 

Electric cutters –   Electronic cutters have a wide range of creativity.  They allow you to cut creative designs and alphabets with a range of different sizes. Electric cutters can cut a variety of materials including then chipboard.    

Straight-edge scissors – A pair of microptip scissors I a must have for your scrapbook supplies and can make detailed cuts through paper, photos, vellum and more. 

Cutting Mat – You will need a cutting mat when working with a craft knife or shape cutter. They come in a variety of sizes and you can choose one made of glass or self-healing rubber.  Most have a grid that can help you with measurements.

 Craft knife – A craft knife is used when you need control for detailed task such as hand-cutting titles or embellishments. 

Decorative scissors – Available in a plentiful variety of edges such as scalloped, postage-stamp, deckle, wave, and so much more, these scissors are terrific for creating borders or adding a funky touch to photo edges.  It’s easy to get hooked on these fun tools. 

Shape cutters- adjustable tools make it easy to cut circles or ovals out of photos or cardstock.

Ruler- Although 12” plastic or wood varieties work fine for taking measurements, metal is sturdier and acrylic has the added grid to allow you to see your project as you work, making cutting photo masts a chinch.           

 Punches – Ranging in size from ½” to more than 3” and offered in a variety of shapes, using punches is an easy way to create paper embellishments.  Sets of nesting punches let you layer the same shape in a variety of sizes.

Here are a few cutting tools for your craft supplies

http://www.crafts2u.com/scrapbook-supplies/cutting-tools.html?p=2

Storyboard Shooting

Taking a series of shots is a fun way to convey the personality or mood of your subject.  This is a great technique to use with children.  Their face and body language is often as animated as it is endearing.  This is also very effective for couples or showing a relationships between people & animals.

This technique is easy to achieve if you switch your camera setting into “Burst” or “Continuous shooting” mode.  This will allow you to fire off more than one shot at a time.  Play around with grouping them in 2,3 or up to 5 in a row to create this fun storyboard effect!

 Tip and photo by www.photojanestudios.com

MOVE IN CLOSER

A common mistake made by photographers it that they are physically too far from their subjects.  This results in the subject being a small speck on the picture instead of the main event.  Too much background or space over top of the subjects head can turn a WOW opportunity to a hum drum photograph very quickly. 

Start by filling the frame of your camera with the subject.  Shoot your picture then move in closer.  Take another shot then move in again.  Keep going until the face of your subject is the only thing in the frame.

Practice again & again and enjoy the new impact your photos will make!

 Tip and photo by www.photojanestudios.com

Tip of the week – Part 2 of 2

Choosing the right adhesive for your next craft project:
Photo Corners, Dots, Foam, Sheet and Remover. 

adhesives

 Dots (permanent bond):  Adhesive dost are perfect for the bulkier objects such as buttons and beads.  You’ll find the dots in a variety of sizes from mini to 3-D.  A must have in your craft supplies! 

Photo corners (permanent bond): Photo corners give you the most flexibility for your photos to and from your scrapbook, corners are the safest option for one-of-a-kind shots.  Since the photos actually slip into the corners and don’t touch adhesive, they’re a smart option for irreplaceable heritage prints.

Foam (permanent bond): When you’re looking for a little dimension on your page, reach for foam tape, dots, or squares.  They actually lift photos and embellishments off the page for a dimensional effect.  Try this with photos, die cuts, and journaling blocks.

Sheet (temporary or permanent bond):  Found in sheets or rolls, this sticky stuff offers a strong, smooth bond on flat surfaces when you need greater coverage.  It can be applied by hand or with a machine like the Xyron.

Adhesive remover:  Let’s face it, sometimes you want to  unstuck what you stuck, and a photo-safe adhesive remover will do the trick.  A few drops neutralize the adhesive, making it possible to cleanly lift off stickers or anything else adhered to your project. 

A must to have in your scrapbooking supplies.

Click here for more adhesive tool ideas:

http://www.crafts2u.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?q=adhesive&x=10&y=5&cat=389

 -Come back next week for our tips on choosing the right cutting tools for your next craft project!

Tip of the week  - Part 1 of 2

Choosing the right adhesive for your next craft project:
Tape Runners, Sprays, Liquid Glues, Glue Sticks, and Tabs.

Adhesives Part 1

One thing to keep in mind is there are different adhesives for different projects.  Choose a temporary adhesive when you want to be able to move things around.  Then switch to a permanent glue when you’re sure of the position.  Check out the different types of adhesives below and match with your craft or scrapbooking project.

 Tape runners (temporary or permanent bond):  Continuous roll of double-sided adhesive are a non-messy way to mount the flat parts of a page, like photos and paper.  Just drag a cartridges filled with dots, rectangles, or nonstop strips of sticky stuff along your paper or photo.  Some cartridges are one-time-use, while others are refillable. 

 Sprays (temporary or permanent bond):  Sold in cans like spray paint, spray adhesives are best for quickly and evenly covering large areas.  A couple drawbacks:  You’ll need a well-ventilated area to spray in, and if you don’t cover up properly, you could wind up with sticky residue on your work surface.

 Liquid glues (permanent bond): Bottles, tubes or pens of liquid glue let you dispense any amount down to a tiny drop, which means it’s a good choice for adhering delicate things such as fibers, intricate dies cuts, or tiny embellishments.

 Glue sticks (permanent bond):  While some children’s glue sticks are acid-free, check the label to make sure you’re using one that’s photo safe.  Glue sticks are perfect for attaching ribbon, die cuts, or other flat items to your layout.

 Tabs (permanent bond):  Double-sided adhesive squares can either be dispensed from a roll in evenly spaced rows or added one by one to photos, paper, and other flat accents.

Click here for more adhesive tool ideas:

http://www.crafts2u.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?q=adhesive&x=10&y=5&cat=389

 Check out next weeks tip.  We will be discussing the right adhesive supplies for your next craft or scrapbooking project part 2.

Tip of the week: Choosing the right writing tools for your next project

ZIG Writer Markers Set

You are going to find several different types of writing tools available for scrapbookers. It is important to choose the right tools for you particular project. Make sure that all of your pens and writing tools are acid-free, fade-resistant and waterproof.

Felt-tip markers: Not only do you have a choice of tip styles (Monoline, Chiselpoint, Brush and Scroll-point) but you also can buy pens that sport different tips on each end. But choosing a tip will be easier than settling on a color. Start with a few neutrals and then add more as you need them.

Gel pens: Chances are you’ve already got a couple of these at home. Their rich, sometimes iridescent or glittery, opaque colors add flair to journaling (especially on darker paper) and really make lettering and embellishments pop. Some scrappers consider a white gel pen mandatory.

Color pencils: A good pick for shading and adding highlights to letters and embellishments. They’re also cool for adding color to stamped images. A blender pen, can smooth and soften pencils lines.

Slick writers: Just like it sounds, these markers are designed to rite on slippery surfaces such as on the fronts or backs of photos, vellum, transparencies, or CDs. They’re also available in a rainbow of colors.

Click here for more writing tool ideas:
http://www.crafts2u.com/scrapbook-supplies/scrapbooking-tools.html?cat=388

-Check out next weeks tip. We will be discussing the right adhesive supplies for your next craft or scrapbooking project.