Change is Coming!

Hello Everyone!  I know it's been a while.  Summer vacations, juggling the kids, etc...  I also wanted to take some time to think about the direction I wanted to take my business.  Sometimes you get stuck and can't go in a new directions for a various reasons.  You may have noticed that I'm not doing many craft shows - I wanted to take time off from shows to work on developing new products.  I can't always do that when I'm trying to crank out products for shows and to fill my inventory.  With that being said, you're going to see some changes with EBL Designs!

The first change is my logo.  I've worked really hard over the years to develop my brand for my business.  It's not easy and it's not cheap to change it!  That's why I've been working on it for a couple of months to get it just right!  If you follow me on Facebook, you may have seen some proto types.  Thanks for the comments and feedback - they've really helped me tweak it!  Here it is:

 

I will also be focusing more on my stationary line and introducing items that are more suitable for ready-to-give gifting.  What does that mean?  How about stationary that is bundled in matching packaging?  Sets that will include pens and washi tape?  How about small gift-able items that you can grab and stash like covered sticky notes?

Stationary set that includes set of 4 note cards, matching envelopes, pen and binder.  Also has a small pocket to store your stamps.  Ready to grab and go to write that quick note!  

Covered sticky notes - perfect for your purse to jot down a quick note or list. Stock up on these for that quick gift for teacher or friend.  These come in a variety of colors and are currently available at Eclectic Calico.

I haven't made these items available in my Etsy shop yet, but they will be soon!  Contact me if you're interested in a set or click over to my Facebook page to find out more!

New toy = lots of fun!

I've been watching a lot of bloggers lately making cards using Deco Foil and a heat laminator.  You can use the Deco foil with the laminator using a couple of techniques, but the one that I jumped right in for my first project was printer toner on plain white card stock.

Basically, on my computer, I created a new Word document and added a large, black rectangle that took up almost all of the page.  I printed the image several times using a laser printer.  It's important to use a laser printer because it's the toner that works as the adhesive for the Deco foil when it's sent thought the laminator.  Then I die cut several images using dies that I had on hand.

To apply the Deco foil, I placed the die cut images onto a piece of typing paper that I folded in half to create a folder to send through the laminator.  Place a piece of Deco foil cut to size on top of the black print side of die cut with colored side of Deco foil facing up.  Then I ran it through my laminator.  Amazing results - love it!

Make Monday - Alcohol Inks

Last summer, I posted a how to make alcohol ink tiles.  To see that post, click here.  Last week, I was catching up on my YouTube subscriptions, when I came across a video by Jogglesdotcom.  She used alcohol inks on Yapo paper and then doodled onto of the ink.  To see that video, click here.

After watching the video (and I need to say it was about 10 pm on a week night), I had to go play.  I pulled out my collection of alcohol inks and my Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink Cardstock, 4-1/4-Inch by 5-1/2-Inch.  I have a couple of packs of this paper in my stash, but didn't know how I was going to use it.  Love it when I have everything I need on hand.   I don't have any Yapo paper, but would like to give it a try one day.  Another suggestion, go to the $1 store and pick up photo paper.  I've also used vellum.  Each paper has different properties and the ink may react differently.  Just try what you have on hand - by it needs to be non-porous. 

After playing with dropping inks onto a couple of sheets of paper, I let it dry over night.  (Hey, it was really, really late).  Then through out the day I doodled on the ink drops.  I used a Sharpie fine tip white oil base paint pen and my Micron .03 pen in black.  I haven't tried my white gel pen on this - I'm afraid it might smear.

Here's what I came up with!

I also had a couple of tiles that didn't quite turn out how I would like them.  So, I'm using the same pens to doodle on them.  These have already been sealed once.  I'll seal them again with an acrylic clear spray once I'm done.

Then I tried the ink on vellum - both with just the ink and then with versamark ink and white embossing powder with stamps.

I hope I inspired you to play - happy crafting!

Supplies:
Alcohol Inks
Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink Cardstock, 4-1/4-Inch by 5-1/2-Inch
White Sharpie extra fine tip oil based paint pen
Micron Black Ink Pen

EBL Designs will be at the East West Pop Up Shop!

EBL Designs will be at the East West Sunday Market on June 28th from 10 am - 4 pm.  The market is located in Asheville, NC.

Enjoy some summer shopping at East West, the last Sunday of every month throughout the Summer.  Come have a bite to eat, enjoy a mimosa, and shop around the curated marketplace.

For more info:
http://www.eastwestpopupshop.com/#about-us

EBL Designs will be at the Greensboro Summer Solstice!

EBL Designs will be at the Greensboro Summer Solstice on June 20th!

Back by popular demand, the Greensboro Summer Solstice Festival will be held at the spectacular Greensboro Arboretum and Lindley Park on Saturday, June 20, 2015. This 11th annual event is family-friendly and brings joy and wonderment to all ages! This day of merriment brings over 7,000 Triad citizens together on the longest day of the year. Don your faerie wings and glitter and meander through this midsummer night’s dream with us. Suggested Donation: $2/Person.

Musical performances, face painting, hooping, drums and dancing will be showcased throughout the day, beginning at 2:00 pm. Don’t miss the Fire Finale beginning at 9:00 pm, where you will be surrounded by wide-eyed children clutching their light wands and you will be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring feats of our daring performers.

For more info:

http://www.greensborosummersolstice.org/