Wednesday, June 14, 2023

TOOL TIME REVIEW

          




             Hi Friends, 


    Perhaps you have missed these Terrific Tools in the Catalogue (p.145), but other than my Paper Trimmer they are must haves I think, Let's review. 


    Take Your Pick Tool- the swiss army tool for any crafter with attachments for days.I might have like 3-5 of these floating around the studio. This tool will simplify meticulous tasks quickly with interchangeable ends, So let's explore each feature... 

    * The PUTTY END  picks up sequins, rhinestones and any other small embellishment and places them exactly where you want them on your project. So quick and easy and better than a fingernail. You can pick up small die cuts. You can even pick up small pieces from your craft table like the Stampin' Dimensionals paper backings ( these are always following me all over the house, I blame the dogs) If you run out of putty , you can get more they come in a two pack, but seriously it seems to last forever. 

   *  The SPATULA is my next favorite feature, you can pick up adhesive backed embellishments with no problem grabbing the adhesive right under the embellishment. You can remove a ribbon, a die cut that has glue dots or dimensional or other adhesive on it. The best part of the spatula is being able to correct mistakes or if you changed your mind about positioning. I've been able to slowly remove and entire layer with no damage to my card base, you know those rushed moments where you put something down crooked. 

    * The SMALL AND LARGE STYLUS- used for scoring at different thicknesses, creating detail in your cardstock free hand. 

    Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip- We used to have a stand alone brush, but Stampin' Up! added to the versatility of the Take Your Pick tool with this detachable brush and it is paired with two foam pads to cushion your die cuts while you remove those subborn bits. I pair my other tool end with a paper piecer so I have it at the ready to poke out any die cuts that get stuck inside the dies and don't come out with brushing. This is a separate purchase from the main Take your Pick Tool, but so worth it. 

          This year Stampin' Up! has given us three new tips ...

    Take Your Pick Crafter Tips- 

1. Hobby Blade Tip: Great for fine detail cutting, fine cutting details off a die cut you don't want, just remember to keep the lid on the blade at all times, this baby is sharp!

2.  Pick Tip - you have a very fine tip piercer much thinner than original one and a hooked end perfect to grab, poke or use as an extra finger when tieing a bow :) 

3. Rotary Perforating Tip- need to create a stitched line or a tear off element to your project this will do it, not sure how much I will use this tip but will certainly challenge myself to come up with something.  

Paper Trimmer- really a no brainer must have for any papercrafter, but ours has a few great features: it measures 17 1/4' x 12 1/2', has a cutting & scoring blade that run up the same guide and are marked with an arrow and a dot to help you know which one is your cutting blade (ask me how I know I used the wrong one) they are also different colors but still after 10+ years I use the wrong one from time to time, includes imperial and metric (inches and mm) measurments, ruler and grid are covered by durable plastic which won't wear off, marks on side of cutting handle for precise measuring, right - side grid for cutting thin strips. 

        Paper Snips -Good Quality scissors are a must have for any papercrafter. Ours have sharp blades, comfortable handles and fine points for intricate detailed cutting. I would also recommend having a larger pair for just general cutting tasks. 

        Bone Folder- This handy tool is also a must for scoring  and folding paper with precision, helps create a clean crisp line and eliminates the need for using your nails or other sharp objects. 

        Stampin' Scrub & Stampin' Mist Cleaner You want to maintain cleaniness of your stamp investments and the longevity to continue using for may years to come, this pairing will help condition and clean all the ink out of the crevases. You use one side for scrubing and one side for drying, they are marked for ease of use, and it's sized to even clean your large background stamps. For while creating projects I also Use a Simply Shammy, which you can just wet with water and store in a CD case to use for quick cleans between creating, this is also great on the go. 

        Silicone Craft Sheet- This little gem will keep your work surface adhesive free. Place under the project area when applying any of our adhesives and it will stick to the sheet and it is easily cleaned up by wiping of. It's a 6x6 size, so doesn't take up space, mine lives on my desk beside my work areas (yes I have multiples) so I will always remember to reach and use it as I create. You will not regret having more than one. 

        Stampin' Pierce Mat - This is a must have mat for use with our photopolmer stamps to get the best inked stamp to paper coverage, with a clean image outcome. As our photopolymer stamps are not built with the foam layer our Cling Stamps have they need a little cushion and this mat gives just the perfect amount. 

        Last but not least Grid Paper will protect your workspace, use as a ruler, and a testing paper for making sure your sentiments are straight. With a pad of 100 sheets you will not have to order this often,but will be thankful you did. I like the extra info areas on each sheet where I can write a wish list,if I am watching another demo and see something I must have, I also write dimentions on mine as I create classes so I don't have to remeasure things. 


        Hope that helps clear up some tool questions you may have had, or brought your attention to some that you may not have thought of. We will be reviewing other items so check back in for more Tool Time Reviews. 


Paper Hugs, 

Shanna 

        

               

Saturday, June 3, 2023

In Color Club

             Hi Friend, 


        Do you love the New In Colors as much as I do and want to add them month to month to your collection on a budget, well I have just the solution for you, join the CLUB !!! 



        Let's have some fun monthly creating 2 great cards featuring the color of the month starting September 2023, you will recieve your goodies in the selected color each month with some goodies from me as I love spoiling my club members.Deadline for signup is AUGUST 1. 2023 so I can order and package up all your goodies and mail off if needed, Payment is due AUG 1.2023 for September's class and then each months payment going forward is due the month before (ex. sept 1 for octobers club and so on). You are going to love Club so sign up today, send me a message carrottopscreativeco@gmail.com 


        That's all on the Fall In Color Club any question please ask:) 

    Paper Hugs, 
    Shanna 







Color Refresh is Here...

         Hello Friend, 


    Our New Catalogue has launched and with it New In Colors,  Returning Faves and Core Colors . The main excitement is centered around our In Colors. I always look forward to our In Color collections and this bunch is unique, with neutral earthy vibes, right up my naturals/subtles love alley. Way to go Stampin' Up! no one "does color coordination" like you do! 


    Let me introduce you to Copper Clay, Wild Wheat, Boho Blue, Moody Mauve & Pebbled Path. 



    These 5 beauties will be around for 2 years and you can bet you'll see them in all sorts of inspiration ideas I will share. 


    Returning Core Colors:

       If you have been around as long as me, a look at the seven returning core colors will take you back down memory lane. All 7 are former In Colors that are back, by popular demand I'm sure!



       New Core Colors:

        If you are not excited yet about all the new colors, Stampin' Up! is filling in the gaps left by retiring colors with four Brand New Core Color. 


        How excited are you about the possibilities with all these New Color additions and possible Coordinations ? Let me know in the comments. 

And play along in my monthly Color Challenges. Here is this months ...


        Tag me in your socials or post your creation on mine, I always love to see what you come up with :) 



            Paper Hugs, 
                   Shanna