Bargains Galore - Garage Sale at The Queen's Ink

Bargains Galore !  

Garage Sale March 31st - April 3rd

The Queen's Ink, Savage MD

What wondrous bargains will you find???

Abundant treasures await, the honor of your
presence is requested...

Dies - Punches - Papers - Stamps

Embellishments - Tools - Oodles of Surprises!

VIP Night - Friday, March 31st, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

  (Cost of admission: Donate groceries and/or pet food!)

Saturday, April 1st and Sunday April 2nd, Normal store hours

Monday, April 3rd, Normal store hours 

  (Last chance - All remaining items at 50% off!)

Change For No One – Card and Tag By Judi Kauffman for The Queen’s Ink

When it comes to my favorite things, I have a very long attention span. I’m super loyal to tapioca with chocolate chips (and have been since childhood), you’ll never tear me away from my city’s football team (even when they’re losing), and just because I haven’t worn a pair of earrings or a jacket for a while, it doesn’t mean they’re on the way to Goodwill. (Take that, Marie Kondo! You’re not coming to my house any time soon…)

This loyalty extends to the studio. My favorite dies, stamps, and paints may not be in constant use, but once they’re in my collection they appear again and again in my projects.

My friend Toni introduced me to Tim Holtz’s Wildflowers dies back in August of 2016. Fortunately, Patti had them in stock and I was able to take home the set. I call it The Magnificent Seven!

I used the dies for some of my first posts at The Queen’s Inkling and here they are again. This time they’re starring on a card and tag.

I meant to use a soft palette with spring colors, but I just don’t roll that way…Instead, I scooped up more of the gesso-wiped, paint-altered scraps that had been on my work table (and that were featured on March 7, 2017, in the blog post called Lots of Journals), added black speckled cardstock, hot raspberry cardstock, and some pristine white. To tie it together: Tan twine.

I think the photos tell the whole story so there are no instructions this time, just a supply list.

DESIGN STRATEGIES

1. Switch to a different color palette.
2. Instead of torn paper for the background incorporate some beautiful scrapbook papers or something you’ve stenciled or stamped.
3. Keep in mind that bold colors offer the most contrast while a tone-on-tone combo is super elegant.
4. I like speckled black cardstock better than plain black. You can create the same effect with spattered paint.
5. To hold the fragile die-cut wildflowers in place, use tiny slivers of Tombow Power Adhesive Tabs, cut with non-stick scissors. The photo below shows how to place the slivers – here and there at intervals, only a few are needed because of the strong hold in the adhesive.

STAMP ON!

The stamped, fussy-cut words are Dylusions ‘Say What You Mean’ by Dyan Reaveley, a set that has been a favorite since I first got it! Switch to a different irreverent phrase if you prefer one of the others… And use snippets of foam tape to add dimension (or not, as you prefer).

SUPPLIES

• Wildflowers die set by Tim Holtz (Sizzix)
• Dylusions ‘Say What You Mean’ stamps (Ranger)
• Power Adhesive Tabs (Tombow)
• Nonstick scissors (to cut Power Tabs)
• Foam tape
• Glue stick
• Cardstock – Black speckled, white, raspberry
• Painted and torn collage paper scraps

Let Me Count the Ways by Judi Kauffman for The Queen’s Ink

Last time I was at The Queen’s Ink I found two Kaisercraft embossing folders I’d never seen before – Numbers and Tiles. The timing was perfect. I’d just agreed to a mixed media numbers-theme card swap with a friend in Ohio. The new folder was put to use the morning after I bought it!

I embossed several pieces of Shimmer Sheetz as the starting point. (I think Shimmer Sheetz and embossing folders are the perfect combo!) Then I grabbed the rest of the items on the supply list and before I knew it I had two cards, a card box, and an ATC. Now all I have to do is decide which one to send to my friend for the swap.

I’m not very good at math, but I love everything about numbers, especially the shapes. And they are at work for us, 24/7, telling us what time it is, what day it is, how much is left in our checkbook, the year we graduated, how old we are, and so much more.

Though there were no parameters in our swap other than to make it mixed media and use numbers, I decided to focus on the ‘2’ to represent two friends. I also hid the current year at the corners of a square on the card with the dragonfly and the year appears on the ATC; the numbers 1 to 12 dance through the three projects (see if you can find them…), and I incorporated the year I finished college as well.

A Challenge for Each of You

Using my projects as inspiration, create your own number-theme project – a card, Artist Trading Card, canvas, journal or planner page, rotary file card…You choose!

Incorporate some or all of the items on the supply list.

Design Strategies and General Instructions

1. Pick a color palette and gather supplies in that palette.

2. Emboss Shimmer Sheetz with number-theme folders. Alter with alcohol inks (or not). Lightly sand to tone down the sparkle (or not). Cut into larger pieces to use as background layers, 2.5” x 3.5” for full ATC fronts, and smaller collage pieces.

3. Paint some oatmeal tan cardstock with strokes of black gesso and sponge over some sequin waste to add texture (or use a stencil instead). Cut into pieces to use for the card base (side-fold or flat).

4. Hand- or die-cut a playing card box. Emboss with the numbers folder. Ink the edges with dye ink. Staple and glue the mixed media collage elements to the front of the box BEFORE constructing it. (The embossed White Iridescent Shimmer Sheetz ruler strip was stapled in place prior to folding and assembling the box - it doesn't wrap all the way to the back, just the front and sides.)

5. Adhere embossed Shimmer Sheetz to a Stampbord ATC. Ink the edges in a color that coordinates with the alcohol inks that were used to alter the embossed Shimmer Sheetz. Use number stickers to add a date at the top left. Using black waxed linen cord, tie on a piece of partially-gessoed and lightly sanded sequin waste (or add other collage elements of choice). Optional: Tuck an ATC (or several of them) into the card box.

6. For the cards: Cut pieces of embossed and alcohol ink-altered Shimmer Sheetz into a series of rectangles. Combine with solid color cardstock, number stickers in one or more sizes, a large embossed and fussy cut number, partially-gessoed and lightly sanded sequin waste, and some washi tape. Use double-sided adhesive tape, foam dots, or staples to hold the collage elements in place. Optional: Perch a die-cut Shimmer Sheetz dragonfly (shown, or a butterfly) on the large number. The photos below show one of the cards before and after a final layer of spray mist and blotted-on paint was added.

7. Things to notice:

*There are numbers on top of numbers, small, medium and large to add contrast and variety.

*Some of the number stickers were originally gold vinyl, but I altered them with alcohol inks to tone down the shine for a subtle effect. The negative pieces (leftovers) also appear here and there. 

8. Beginners – here are some pointers especially for you:

*Mixing things up like this is the equivalent of using several patterned papers in a project. Don’t be afraid to mix things up!

*Trust your eye. In addition to the fun of choosing what to use and where to put all of the elements, remember that the viewer will enjoy having a lot of things to see and discover.

SUPPLIES –

• Shimmer Sheetz in White, Black, and Purple Iridescent or color(s) of choice
• Alcohol inks in assorted colors
• Ink applicator tool
• Sanding block (optional: To tone down Shimmer Sheetz)
• Number-theme embossing folders, stamps, stickers
• Sequin waste or stencils
• Number theme dies (optional: Not shown)
• Additional dies (shown: Card box, dragonfly)
• Stampbord ATC (Ampersand Art Supply)
• Cardstock, patterned papers, hand-painted papers
• Black gesso and/or acrylic paints
• Dye-based inks
• Spray mists in assorted colors
• Stapler, staples
• Cord
• Washi tape
  (Reminder: If you are using wafer thin dies to cut a dragonfly or numbers, a metal adaptor plate or Big Shot with Precision Base Plate are required for die cutting Shimmer Sheetz, but with Bigz or other standard dies this is not necessary – Review Els van de Burgt’s YouTube tutorial if you are new to this technique.)

Embroidered Snacks by Judi Kauffman for The Queen’s Ink

I think I should have eaten a bigger breakfast. When I got out Nathalie Kalbach’s Mixed Media Stamps Embroidery Set from RubberMoon this morning instead of seeing random pattern elements to use in an art journal spread or on a canvas, I saw FOOD – a donut, crackers, chocolate bonbons, and cookies.

That made me think about all of the Instagram photos that people take to chronicle their special meals and desserts, so as long as I was thinking about snacks I decided to work within the same square format.

One Thing Led to Another (I think that’ll be my second official mantra; the first remains Easy Isn’t Cheating) . . .

I stamped the images, drew around them to establish the shape for each snack, and sponged on some inks before doing the fussy cutting. Then I went hunting for a doily. Gold ones, just the right size (a tad under 6”) were hiding among my party supplies.

I die cut a 6” circle to use for a plate, centered the snacks on the plate, put the plate on a 6.75” patterned paper square accented with gold photo corners and added a final layer for the border – another patterned paper, this time a 7.75” square.

Here’s what I’m going to do with this very silly project:

Hang it on the door whenever a friend comes for tea and cookies. Put it on the front of the fridge so I can chuckle at it for a while, then tuck it away as a memory of a very enjoyable morning. Or maybe I’ll laminate it and use it as the cover for a recipe book!

I’m also going to make a series of smaller cards with only a couple of snacks. A couple of cookies or three little bonbons is all it would take, atop a quarter of a plate and doily set at the corner of a 4” square card, I think. Might be fun to do bridal shower invitations in wedding colors or thank you notes for a baked treat!

YOUR TURN

Look at the stamp set and let your imagination run in new directions. See what YOU see. (I’ve got another post coming and I’ll give you a hint: Animals!)

Get silly! (Get the kids in on the act – they’re fearless…)

Do the opposite of silly! (Maybe you’ll discover maps and landscapes, pottery or a garden…)

Alternatively, duplicate my project as shown. Here’s what you’ll need:

SUPPLIES

• Nathalie Kalbach’s Mixed Media Stamps Embroidery Set (RubberMoon)
• Archival ink in black
• Craft sponge
• Inks in assorted whimsical ‘food’ colors (chocolate brown, tan, buttercream, orange)
• Sakura Pigma Micron 1mm in black (for outlining snacks)
• Scissors
• 6” Doily
• 6” Circle die or plate to trace
• Solid color cardstock (for plate)
• Photo corners
• Two coordinating patterned papers

The Queen’s Ink – Weekend Treasure Hunt – March 16 – 19

We’re celebrating The Queen’s Ink’s Sixteenth Anniversary all year long!

This month’s event:

A Treasure Hunt – Thursday, March 16^th through Sunday the 19^th.

Search for the 16 numbered tags hidden throughout the store and receive 16% off on one of each of these items!!!

Here’s another peek at more of the fabulous crowns and fascinators that turned heads – and topped heads – at the Sweet Sixteen party on January 28.

Lots of Journals by Judi Kauffman for The Queen’s Ink

It’s all Seth Apter’s fault! A writer friend was visiting. She brought several of her notebooks – one of them a composition book with a VERY glittery cover. I loved it and asked if we could make a trade, but many of the pages were already filled so I offered to revise the cover instead.

I showed her the altered playing cards I’d made in Seth’s 52 Card Pickup class and asked if that style would work for her. I got an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’ and went to work.

Not thinking it would end up as a blog project, I didn’t take a ‘Before’ photo, but here is the ‘After’ – a mix of stenciling, painting, and collage:

You know where this is going, right? One thing leads to another…

The newsprint pad had collected a good bit of black gesso from when I’d wiped off my paintbrush prior to washing it. I tore up the pieces and used a glue stick to adhere the scraps onto sheets of cardstock. Definitely Seth’s fault – his favorite brushes are only $2 at The Queen’s Ink.

Because I already had paints and stencils out on the work table, I altered a couple more sheets of cardstock.

Before I knew it, I decided to make a batch of journals! Much more fun puttering in the studio than cooking dinner. My friend cheered me on. (We ate out…)

I cut one of the newsprint scrap-covered sheets in half, left the other one whole, and added some stenciling, stamping, and collage. (Nathalie Kalbach’s new Mixed Media Embroidery stamps from RubberMoon had just arrived and were on the table! And I still had the new Lynne Perrella Collection stamps from PaperArtsy handy as well…)

I cut one of the remaining sheets in half, added some more paint, and a bit later ‘framed’ a stamped ATC on each of these two pieces.

Then I got out my trusty laminating machine and laminated all six pieces. I cut stacks of 5.5” x 8.5” paper for the pages in the smaller books, kept them as whole sheets for the larger books, and cut chipboard pieces for the back covers.

I was almost ready to punch and bind the six journals, but there was one more thing to do first…

I needed to add actual embroidery to create texture on some of the stamped areas where I’d used Nathalie Kalbach’s Mixed Media Embroidery stamps…

I got out an awl, pierced holes here and there, threaded a tapestry needle with metallic braid and happily stitched away till the cover declared itself ‘Done’! (Stitching on something laminated is super easy and lots of fun.)

Last but not least, I bound the journals – five with coils, one with disks.

YOUR TURN!

1. Get out some heavy cardstock.

2. Alter the sheets with torn paper, stamping, stenciling, paint, collage. Don’t worry if the sheets curl a bit – heat laminating will flatten ‘em right out!

3. Cut the sheets in half or quarters for smaller journals, leave them whole for larger ones.

4. Cut a matching back cover from chipboard. Cut pages to put inside. Mix blank and lined paper, add envelopes or whatever you want for the pages.

5. Laminate the front cover.

6. Punch covers and inside pages. Bind your journal. (What a good excuse to get that binding system you’ve been eyeing!!!)

7. Option: Round off the corners of the journal covers and pages, as shown. (This can be done before binding, one cover or a few pages at a time, or can be done afterward at a print shop that has a punch that chomps the entire stack all at once!)

8.Don’t like the shine of laminated covers? Glue the altered cardstock onto heavy chipboard for heft and add a coat or two of matte medium to protect and seal the collage. Dry well between coats.

9. Want more dimension? Pierce holes and sew on additional embellishments. Add more embroidery!

SUPPLIES

• Assorted stencils (shown: StencilGirl Products)
• Rubber stamps (shown: Mixed Media Embroidery stamps by Nathalie Kalbach from RubberMoon; Lynne Perrella Collection from PaperArtsy)
• Newsprint
• Seth Apter’s favorite paintbrush ($2 at The Queen’s Ink!)
• Black gesso
• Acrylic paints
• Archival inkpads
• Colored pencils
• Binding system of choice

Sprinkle Magic! By Judi Kauffman for The Queen’s Ink

  

They came, they stamped ATCs and envelopes, they laughed, they compared projects, and on Saturday, February 25, 2015, thirteen students did what they thought they couldn’t do: They drew faces!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, they drew faces. And I have photographic evidence…

This is a quick blog post, no projects with instructions, just a few words. It’s mostly a shout-out to everyone who joined me for ‘Over the (Rubber)Moon’ – my first-ever class for The Queen’s Ink that started with stamping and ended up with drawing. (I called it doodling so no one would be intimidated, and it worked!)

Thank you, thank you. You were wonderful. It was fun. It’s a privilege to teach such creative and special people in such a unique and inspiring setting.

And here’s a shout out to Her Majesty, Patti Euler, for the chocolate malted and for making the store such a special place. And one to Terri for her seamless handling of everything out front.

And kudos to Kae Pea from RubberMoon for making it all possible with custom 4-stamp sets to include in the class fee. Without your ‘dream maker’ stamp it couldn’t have happened! The simplicity of that classic stamp is the starting point for more than anyone could have imagined. Having the ‘whimsy doodle border’, ‘sprinkle magic’, and ‘starstract’ stamps in hand just added to the joy.

If there’s interest, we’ll repeat this class again in the summertime. Meanwhile, I hope you’ll sign up for Spangles & Dangles and Magic Stamp Part II – A Cut Above, two classes I’ll be teaching in March and April.

Here’s to my firm belief that everyone is inherently creative, that we can ALL go forth and Sprinkle Magic!!!