Organization - Ink Swatch tips and tricks

I am not was never a big fan of organizing things, but now after getting lost in my own craft room, I realized that I had to organize. And I started with inks, then stamps and then paper...or something like that!

Here is my ink swatch book..I have followed Jennifer Mcguire's Video (have linked to the video) but did not use her downloads. As the printer which could print on my high gsm paper was dead. So I made a little changes here and there. Will explain better below.

So after cutting all my papers into 2x2 inch squares, I started looking for a solid stamp. And I only had 3. So it was either a balloon, butterfly or a flower. Not hard to guess what I picked.

I was confused about what paper to use. I had 5 different types of whites that I use in my card making, but use Brustro mostly in my stamping. But now with Neenah Solar being available in India (YAY!! Thank you so much Priya!) I may change my stamping paper to Neenah too! For now I went with Brustro.(the link is for 2 packs)

I printed out the ink names and brands on MS word and printed on my regular laser printer, cut it into strips and glued it on the 2x2 swatch. And then I was ready to start doing my swatches.

And having the MISTI (check my previous post) made things so so easy!! It was just simply, ink, stamp, clean the stamp, ink again and stamp!! Simply quick and fast!!

Instead of posting a huge load of photographs, I just made a quick video showing all the inks I have and how I have separated them. As I buy more inks, it will change, but for now, this works.

This is how my folder looks. It looks odd because all colors look mixed up. They are not. They are on consecutive sheets.. In the video , I have put a white paper behind each sheet so as to give you a better idea. I still have to do my distress inks, embossing powders and maybe my mists in this folder..the possibilities are endless!!

You can see the Video on YouTube too! 

 Yes, I know you want to know where to buy those coin protector sheets from...Here is where I go them...from ebay. Here is the link  or you can buy from their website, here.

I did not order an album, since I didn't want a bulky folder on my desk. You can buy a D-ring album if you want to keep it in the folder.

So there you have it, my ink swatching system.

Do you have an inventory system? Would you like to share? If yes, I will create an inlinkz so others can find all the posts under one page.

I am surprised there isn't much sharing in our blogland. No one wants to share any info...if they find something new, its always "inbox me for details" I find it a pretty narrow minded vision. I have lost respect for a lot of people the moment I see, "Inbox for classes/inbox for details" especially considering they learn everything free on YT! Do I sound petty and jealous?? I hate unfairness. Had I been jealous, you would have never seen such sharing or enabling posts on my blog.Well ending the tiny vent on a jolly note, I spoke to a friend about it, and she simply said...Not everyone has a generous heart. Most are money minded. And that is where I find my solace. I am not them.
 To each his/her own...Anyhoo! End of my tiny rant! :P

Mixed Media Canvas

Though I made this in August, I got around to editing the video today.

I had just a rough plan how I wanted this canvas to go and just went with what I felt like doing at that time!

Since this was my first ever canvas, I was sure to make mistakes. I would have been shocked had my first attempt been perfect!!

So go on, enjoy the mistake and then see the next one that came out well!!

       

The one that turned out right!!

       

Please leave any questions or queries in the comments!! 

Product review - Crackle paint and Shabby Embossing enamel

Just thought I'd share this post here too..

 Today I'm showcasing two products in one Video and hope that you like them!

One is the Ranger's Crackle Paint...I'm using the Clear Rock Candy...you can see all the colors we have in the store here! You get them in all the colors of the distress ink plus a few more...like the metallic colors in Brass, Pewter and Bronze. Then there's Clear and the White picket fence.

So on to the next product that I'm talking about..
The Frantage Shabby White Embossing enamel...this is one of the coolest embossing powders ever...Check out the Video to know more...

                         

Here are some of the close ups of the projects and crackle effect I show in the Video..

This is the flower with small crackles because of the thin layer of paint

This is the flower with the larger cracks because of the thick layer of crackle paint on it!

Hope you enjoyed the Video and please leave any comments or queries below..

Much love
Tejal

Blending with Faber Castell pencils and Odorless thinners

I finally managed to shoot part 2 of my Coloring with Faber Castell Bi-colors. In part 1, I showed you how to blend those waxy pencils with a blender pencil. You can watch it here...But those blender pencils are not easy to come by.

So I had set about searching for an alternative method, and it  took me so long, because I had to find local versions of  blending mediums...and I finally found it...and I love the results I got with it....What I am using are oil paint thinners...called OMS (odorless mineral spirits)

These thinners are called OMS because they are odorless...

Most of it is self explanatory when you see the video

I do have to give credit to Amy R of pariepaperink, from whose video, I got the idea of putting the sponge in a baby food jar.

Here are the samples that I colored in my video...I think I really like this method of blending the colors.
Even better than watercoloring!
What say?

And here are the links to the various products I have mentioned. The Daler Rowney low odor thinner

Daler Rowney Low odor Thinner medium 

Another substitue for this can be the Camlin Distilled Turpentine, but which as I said stinks a ton...It has a strong pine odor...if you don't mind that..you can pick that up too at your local stationary store. The camlin turpentine wouldn't be called an OMS because it has a strong smell or odor. 

 I'm just sharing the pics coz sometimes you may forget the names of the product, but you'll always remember the pictures!! :p

Also there is the Winsor  Newton Sansodor ..same as the Daler Rowney product..I haven't been able to find it anywhere here, but if you do get that, that's a good option too.

 Blending stumps/sticks (paper stumps) I have found mine in my local craft shop. If you can find, that's good, but you can also get the set from Creatacolor which is of a higher quality.  

Papers I use are Brustro 200 gsm (not 220 as I mention in the video) 

Hope you do try this method...

Feel free to leave your questions and of course, do leave your feedback. Which is what I thrive on!! 

So what next would you want to know...I'm searching for topics for my next videos....

Info Post | Faber-Castell Bi colors and a give-away

With the advent of Facebook, blogging certainly takes a backseat. If its out there on facebook, its done.
I am determined to not follow the path taken by everyone, but instead make my own way...and yet sometimes I end up following the herd!! (shame on me!)
Anyways, this video went up last week on facebook and never got around to posting here.

I do not really enjoy coloring, but because images call out to be colored and I cannot do a shoddy job. It either has to be perfect or none at all...and hence went deep into finding what will give me the best results within the limited resources locally. I remembered my Faber-Castell bi color pencils....and tried and what superb results!!

Since I'm on a bright color roll, I love going bright..but you can do soft too...Will be showing that soon in another video!! yeah...me and videos and talking!!! Scroll down for the video. 

These are the colors I used along with the Derwent Blender pencils. Which unfortunately are not easily available. I'm sure I've found an alternative to it. Waiting for it for reach me....its in transit. However...I did manage to snag the one set of Derwent blender and burnisher pencil I found here....its for 365 for anyone who wants to buy it. Email me if you want it. (tejal2210 AT gmail DOT com) SOLD

Here's the video if you missed it..

Or you can head to my You Tube Channel and watch it there.

And now if you've made it this far, I've got a mini challenge for you. Pick up whatever colors you've got....start coloring..make a project ( a card, a canvas, a tag, anything..not just the image) and link up below. I'll be giving away one set of the Bi-colors( set of 18) to one of you. If you've already got it, you can recommend a friend to whom I will send it.