TIPS / TECHNIQUES

As many of you know, I love to cook. Well, here are a few "RECIPES" I've picked up from various sources:

NATURE STAMPING

Now that Spring is here and all the trees are in leaf again, give this a try... All you really need aside from some nice leaves from the garden, are some liquid inks, watercolors or acrylics and a brush. (You can even use food coloring for this project or leftover Easter egg dyes) Brush the color(s) on the underside of the leaves, turn the leaf over onto your cardstock, cover it with a piece of plastic wrap or paper towel,(to protect your fingers) and press it gently against the paper. When you lift the leaf up, you should have a lovely print! Try it with various types of leaves. It's lots of fun, and very addictive, I warn you! Happy stamping! Barbara

Many of you have tried Luna Lites. Why not try using airbrush paints instead? They give much the same effect, are cheaper & are available in Michaels or any good art store. They come in luscious brilliant colors & gorgeous metallics. They give good coverage, are waterbased, clean up easily, can be stamped on and/or embossed on & dry very quickly. The colors can be layered too. Try using them in collage for stunning effects. Let us know if you come up with any other uses or tips.

HANDMADE RUB n' BUFF CREAM (Sheryl Davis)

Add a few drops of BOILED Linseed Oil to some metallic powders (such as Pearl Ex or Powdered Pearls). Mix to a thick paste-like consistency. Store in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. (An empty embossing powder jar is perfect. STAMPO at VLVS might have some for sale) Be sure to use BOILED linseed oil as a binder, not RAW. The RAW will not dry after application.

BLENDER PEN REFILL FLUID

For a 1-ounce bottle: 1/3 GLYCERIN, 2/3 DISTILLED WATER, 1/4 Teaspoon ALCOHOL
This can be used to refill a DOVE blender pen, or added to a colored marker such as TOMBOW (after carefully removing the tip with pliers with a twisting motion), to give added life to the colors. Keep in a jar or bottle with a dropper tip.

COLORED CRYSTAL LACQUER

If you mix a TEENY amount of DYE ink into some clear CRYSTAL LACQUER, you will have colored Crystal Lacquer. Be sure to put in just the tiniest amount, as the ink is very intense. If you want some METALLIC CRYSTAL LACQUER, then put some clear CL into an empty container and add some Metallic Pearl Ex or Powdered Pearls to it. Mix gently.

HOMEMADE RUBBER STAMP INK

Use any color POWDERED CLOTHES DYE
1/4 Teaspoon Alcohol
5 Tablespoons Glycerin

Mix DYE with ALCOHOL to the consistency of thick cream. Add GLYCERIN. Stir until well-blended. This makes enough to replenish a stamp pad several times. Pour ink over stamp pad or a foam rubber pad that is finely grained. To make the stamp pad you will need foam rubber and a small plastic box with a lid (such as a travel soap box). Cut the foam rubber to fit into the plastic box. Spread the ink mixture evenly with a brush or tongue depresser.

GLIMMER GLOW

There are several things to remember about Glimmer Glow.

1. Always shake well before spraying

2. Do not soak your paper. Spray lightly, dry with your heat gun & then you can respray as many times as you wish to intensify the effects.(drying with your heat gun after each spray)

3. Use the GOLD for warm colors, such as red, yellow, yellow/green, reddish pink, orange, brown, teal, purple, etc. Use the SILVER for cool colors such as navy, gray, cool brown, aqua, violet, blue/red, bluish pink, green, etc. It does make a difference in the end result.

4. TIP: Sponge or brayer color on an envelope, using dye ink. Spray with Glimmer Glow. Dry with heat gun. THEN, stamp over it using any dye ink, and the ink becomes EMBOSSABLE! A special bonus. Your envelope will glow, and recipients will always ask you how you achieved the effect. Tell them!

5. MORE TO COME....Meanwhile, please send us your GLIMMER GLOW tips and we'll list them too. We may even send back a little reward.

NEW BACKGROUND OR COLLAGE PAPER DESIGNS - Here's an idea...

Take 2 pieces of wax paper. Turn one piece wax side up and sprinkle some glitter, EPs, pieces of crayon (use a vegetable peeler to peel off slivers) dried flower petals, etc. on it. Cover it with the second piece - wax side down. Iron at a medium hot setting. The two pieces will stick together and you will have an interesting piece of background paper or paper for collage.

PLASTIC YOGURT COVERS

YOGURT TOPS: Save those clear plastic tops that come on yogurt containers for use on your cards as portholes, frames, fish bowls, or for protecting dried flowers. If they are glued down well enough, you can even fill them with confetti, glitter, etc. The plastic tops also make perfect little pallets for Radiant Pearls. They're just wonderful for small projects.

EMBOSSING TIP: Take a piece of cardboard approximately 8 x 10" and cover it with aluminum foil. Use it under your work when embossing. The reflective surface bounces the heat back and your embossing is done in a matter of seconds.

Image Alternatives Try this technique with either a pattern stamp or pattern stencil, and your favorite solid image. Ink your solid image very well. Turn it over and press it firmly onto your pattern stamp or stencil (if using a stencil, be sure to have a blotter underneath.) Now, without re-inking, apply your solid stamp to paper. Your solid image will have taken on the pattern, as the pattern stamp or stencil will have lifted ink off the image. This is a great way to add texture to your solid images.

---

Tell us what you think, you can contact us by e-mail at:
gotchabarbara@lvcm.com
benpearlman@lvcm.com

MAIN PAGE ABOUT US THE CATALOG CONTESTS SPECIALS / SALES TIPS / TECHNIQUES GALLERY

Return to Top of Page