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Yes, I know I could stamp with special ink on my T-Shirts and it would permanent (yadda, yadda) but that can require time consuming heat setting or GASP! ironing. No, thank you…being the ‘instant gratification girl’ that I am, I MUCH prefer stamping with bleach. Yes, you read that correctly. Full strength, household, chlorine bleach can make a fabulous "ink" when used on dark or vivid colored fabrics. Here, I took a Dollar Store black T-Shirt and stamped it with snowflakes. I couldn’t resist adding a little bling, so I got out my Crystal Fire heat tool and added Swarovski Crystals to a few of the snowflakes. Now, I have a festive shirt that I can wear from November through February (and best of all it’s got short sleeves, so it’s ideal for a Florida winter!) Yes, I admit, there is more than one trick to mastering stamping with bleach which I promise will be covered in an upcoming tutorial…stay tuned!

*UPDATE: As promised, here is the tutorial on stamping with bleach. I apologize if the pictures are a little small…in trying to get the file down to a reasonable size…I think I may have over done the "compression"…but hang in there, this is getting better (and easier!) all the time! Keep checking back for my next installment…and email me if you have something you’d like to have me demo!

7/24/08:  This video tutorial is now available on YouTube to make viewing easier for all

When you want to wish someone a “spook-takular” halloween, you send them a cute card like this one! The cardstock base is cut to 8.5″ x 4.25″ so that even with the added medallion, this card will still fit in a standard envelope. Details: Creepy Crawly DSP, variety of circle punches and the Batty for You stamp set…and don’t forget the wiggle eyes! They just make you smile!

Stampin’ Up! has always asked demonstrators to submit their artwork but we were recently asked to submit samples to work as “helpers” during Stampin’ Up! events! I have been a demo for 7 years and have tried every year to work at these events and have NEVER been chosen (fingers crossed!) Here is the 12″ x 12″ layout I included as part of my sample packet.
Now, I love complex and intricate scrapbook pages (I love pop-ups and mini-books…anything that draws you into the page) but I’ve noticed that those are the same elements that scare most people away from scrapbooking. Because, I feel that my job is to show how quick & easy all this can be I whipped up this page that really exemplifies that! The colors of the pool and the kids’ swim suits look great with the Petals & Paisleys Paper. Then to step it up just a bit, I added a “wet look” to the background: stamping it with VersaMark and embossing it Glassy Glaze Enamel.

The soft background on this card may look like fabric, but it’s actually a Brayered Plaid created using Stampin’ Up!’s Pumpkin Patch Spectrum Pad. The mesh and brads add dimension and texture to this warm, fall card. Quick Tip: A mask was used to cover the edge of the basket and add to the illusion that the leaves were piled inside. Stamp Set: retired hostess set 2005/2006 IB&C

Another sample from an upcoming class…Sweet Treat in a Jar! This adorable jar makes a great gift for that special ghost hostess…or for those of you who practice “Boo-ing” what could be better than a treat that looks as good as it tastes! Display this on you kitchen table for a few days then follow the simple instructions on the tag to make a delicious s’more-like bar that will have you going batty for more! Once you can learn how to make “Peeps in a Jar”…you can make them for every holiday: Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Valentines! Ideal as gifts for neighbors and friends….fun and easy to make, too! Learn how at the Sweet Treat in a Jar Class in October! The $15 class fee includes all your ingredients and supplies…call or email me today for more details.

UPDATE: Recipe cards for this project are now available for download as PDFs as either:

single recipe page:  Peep Jar Recipe

-or-

multiple recipes per page (ideal for making several jars at once!):  Peep Jar Recipe Cards (4 per page)

Just a sneak peek at this month’s Stamp Camp projects. This month’s theme is “Boo Bag, Box & More” and we’ll be making 5 projects including a gift/treat bag, a candle, a tent card, a One Sheet box and a gift bottle! All the projects will be made using Stampin’ Up!’s Creepy Crawly Designer Series Paper and class participants will receive an entire pack of it as part of their class fee. The fee for this class is $25 and includes everything shown…all you bring with you are adhesive and a 12″ paper trimmer. There will be two sessions of this camp, but seating is limited. The last day to RSVP is Wednesday, September 12th, so call now to reserve your spot! I’ll be lurking for you….