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/

2 Shows to Shop this Weekend!

EBL Designs will be at two different shows this weekend!  First up is the First Friday Indie Market in Downtown Greensboro!  The Indie Market is a place where local artists and crafts people can come together for an Open Air Market of handmade and vintage goodness. We are located at the corner of South Elm & MLK in Downtown Greensboro. Each Market takes place on the first Friday of every month (April through December) from 4 pm - 9 pm.

Then on Sunday, May 3rd, EBL Designs will be at the Made 4 The Market Spring Arts, Crafts & Pottery Market. MADE 4 Market is the largest all local, NC made arts, crafts, & pottery show with a variety of handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber art, fine art, wood, artisan foods gifts, and so much more! MADE 4 Market is a wonderful time to find that special gift for all spring occasions, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, weddings, and graduations.  The market is located the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market - 501 Yancyville St, Greensboro, NC 27405 and will run from 11 am - 5 pm.

I'm offering a special at both these shows -or until I run out (I only have 17 of the packaging...)

It's a gift and a card all in one!  For only $12, get your choice of occasion card (Mother's Day, Happy Birthday, Graduation, and (hopefully) Teacher Appreciation); 1 set of note cards, 1 gel pen of choice, one washi tape of choice, and tag.  All will be packaged as shown in the picture above.  What a fabulous gift!  Remember, I only currently have 17 of the clear boxes, so once those go, the deal goes as well! (I have more boxes on order, just not for this weekend.)  Contact me if you would like to pre-order, go to my Facebook page to see current examples of cards that will be available!.