Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!

Just a quick, colorful card to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I have spent today and probably will spend tonight as well playing with Ranger's Alcohol inks and eating tasty treats. I cannot drink alcohol due to new meds so figured I should have some sort of alcohol to ring in the new year! LOL
I made this colorful background using a bunch of Ranger Alcohol inks on glossy cardstock and used compressed air to spread the color around. I thought it looked a bit like fireworks.
The stamped images were stamped on matte white cardstock with Pitch Black Adirondack ink but when I cut them out and put them on the background they were really too white! So I tried putting alcohol inks on the matte cardstock as well and it worked like a charm! Very handy when one is working at home with VERY limited supplies. Will have to play a bit more on matte cardstock. I added some Star Dust Stickles to the fireworks for some extra sparkle!
Here is to a fantastic 2013!
Stamps used: Hero Arts Happy New Year & clear set All the Time (a Operation Write Home set)

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick (scheduled) post to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. It's been pretty busy around here what with gift wrapping, baking, cleaning, shopping not to mention me having to get caught up on Crafty Caper's data entry so we can begin inventory in the next day or so. Here is a card I made during a recent play date. The poinsettia (hmmmm I see a trend here) background stamp is by Stampendous and I stamped it on watercolor cardstock then embossed it with Ranger Seafoam white powder. I used my Distress markers to color the images (quite difficult to see the white on white when you are blind in one eye!!) however I kept at it! I stamped the Stampendous saying in the same white embossing powder and voila card completed! You can't see it in this photo but I also added some Diamond Stickles to the flower for some extra wow!
Just had to include this photo of my handsome boy, Bud. He spent Sunday morning runnng under the sheet set out to dry on our drying rack. A sheet fort - best Christmas present ever he thought! Bud hopes all his friends get everything they ask for this Christmas and if anyone happens to get any extra meat to please send it his way! ;)
Merry Christmas everyone!
Victoria

Monday, December 24, 2012

Enjoy!

A few weeks ago the fabulous Sheree Taylor brought in some gorgeous poinsettia tags. When  saw them I knew I had to try my hand at the poinsettias. Click on the link for some good instructions on how to make these flowers.
I do not own the Tim Holtz tattered poinsettia die so I used my Spellbinder one. I used Distress inks: Fired Brick, Festive Berries, Wild Honey and Gathered Twig. I used my Penny Black script stamp to add some texture to my flower. I finished up my card by using my Spellbinder Labels 18 die plus Expandable Botanical Swirl plus a Sizzix embossing folder with edging in Distress ink (Gathered Twig). The sentiment is by Stampendous, if my memory serves me correctly, which it certainly may not! LOL The card can be seen in real life at the store as it did not get mailed out this year.
Thanks everyone for stopping by!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Gift Tags

 I spent my last day of work before Christmas working on Christmas tags! They were fun to do, quick and gave me the opportunity to use up some of the bits and pieces in my paper and ribbon stash. The ornament die is by Memory Box, glitter Glitter Ritz (Fire Red, Mystique, Warm Highlight and Champagne), sentiment stamps by Hero Arts (Gingy set). Ink is Red Royal by Hero Arts.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Merry Christmas!

Sorry no new card today however just a quick reminder that today is the last day Crafty Capers is open before Christmas. We are open today 10 am - 4 pm so if there are any last minute crafty items you need pop in today. To makes things just a little sweeter the first 10 customers to stop by today get 10% off their purchase (excluding Gift Certificates).
Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

A Little Black Magic

I had a few minutes to some more new 2013 Hero Arts stamps today and made this card.
I stamped the new Life in Your Years stamp by Hero Arts on black cardstock with Seafoam white embossing powder then I pulled out my Copic markers and colored directly over top of the embossing powder. I love how it turned out very fun look. I then matted the sentiment on a scrap of blue Coredinations cardstock then embossed the vine stamp from the new Hero Arts clear set Love Jar then colored the vines with Copic markers as well. I stamped the flower on a scrap of black cardstock and embossed with white embossing powder and colored it with my Copic markers and then cut it out. I added some Hero Arts Foliage Mixed accents to the center of the flower to finish it off.
All supplies for this card are in stock at Crafty Capers. :)
Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, December 15, 2012

A new card with new Hero Arts stamps!

Well got a bit of time to play this week between order trouble shooting, friend visiting and other assorted errands!
Pretty happy with how this turned out. I used 3 new Hero Arts stamps/sets one clear set called Fantastic Birthday (sentiment and popsicle), wood stamp Tweed background and stamp Ink spots (could have this name wrong).
I embossed the Tweed stamp with Ranger's Seafoam white embossing powder on kraft cardstock then I made a mini tag on another scrap of kraft cardstock and stamped the ink spots stamp with Versafine Vintage Sepia ink. I stamped the sentiment with Hero Arts ink Royal Red. I added some twine and stamped and colored the popsicle with some Derwent watercolor pencils then cut it out. I added some Hero Arts pearls for a final touch!
Hope you ejnoyed the Crafty Capers 2013 Hero Arts stamps sneak peak! All stamps are currently available for purchase from Crafty Capers however I expect these will sell out quickly!
For another sneak peak or two be sure to check out Alli's cards!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Hero Arts Debut Party Dec 15!

Just a quick reminder that Crafty Capers is only 1 of 2 stores in all of BC who will have the brand new 2013 Hero Arts stamps in stock before Christmas! The store will be having a Hero Arts Debut party on Saturday December 15. The party fun will include make and takes, new stamps, the NEW 2013 Hero Arts catalogue to check out plus tasty treats (yum!).
The make and take will run from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm cost is $2.00 OR a food donation. All monies and food will go to a Nanaimo Food Bank. Please bring your basic class kit including adhesives and scissors with you to the make and take. Kathy will be doing a different Hero Arts make and take on Monday Dec 17 if you miss the Dec 15 ones or want to do more! :)
Here is a small sneak peak of the stamps you will see Dec 15! Hero Arts is giving even more sneak peaks on their blog each Friday so be sure to check it out!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

A snowy blue scene

Just quickly stopping in to show off yet another Christmas card I got whipped up todya! I am making some progress on my Christmas cards...
This one layer card is perfect for mailing no chance of getting dinged for being over weight or too fat!
I cut out a Spellbinder square window from a piece of scrap cardstock and taped the mask to my main cardstock. Using my Colorbox stylus wand and sponge tip is sponged Hero Arts Soft Pool around the edges of the square opening then I cut out a Memory Box die (Country Landscape) and taped it within the square to act as a stencil. I used Distress inks Tumbled Glass and Broken China to define the country scene then I pulled the square window and landscape masks to reveal a gorgeous square with a little scene on it. I finished the card by stamping a Stampendous sentiment and some Penny Black snowflakes. Easy Peasy!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Stampendous Hard Core Crop Challenge

All this week Stampendous and Core-dinations cardstock have been having a contest (check it out, deadline is tonight!). I spent most of the week mulling over what I was going to do then my first project turned out "garbage worthy" so had to start again from scratch however I got my project done just in time!
I started my card by embossing the birds with white embossing powder on Coredinations cardstock then I used my Colorbox stylus wand and foam tips and sponged in some Distress ink colors.
Once I was happy with the colors I took a Sizzix embossing folder and embossed the areas around the bird image then sanded the cardstock to reveal the lighter core then I went back in around the edges and added more Fired Brick ink. I stamped my Stampendous sentiment on an extra scrap of Core cardstock then ripped the corners revealing the lighter inner color then lightly tapped in a bit of Distress inks.
I made my own tinsel garland using some Stampendous Crushed Glass Glitter and Be Creative tape. I matted my stamped piece on another piece of Core cardstock (again ripped on the bottom) then onto my main cardstock. Finished off the project with a few red pearls. Love how I managed to use a non-Christmas image on a Christmas card.
Thanks everyone for stopping by!
Card Recipe:
Stamps: Stampendous Bird Frame & Tis the Season (clear set)
Paper: Core-dinations Beach and Roasted Pepper
Ink: Versafine Vintage Sepia, Distress ink Fired Brick, Gathered Twigs & Wild Honey
Other: Stampendous Champagne Crushed Glass Glitter, Red Pearls, Be Creative tape, Ranger Seafoam white embossing powder & Sizzix embossing folder

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Impression Obession snowman

Another Christmas card. This time I have used lots of Impression Obsession images and dies. I colored the Impression Obsession snowman with my Tombow markers on watercolor cardstock. I matted him as shown using Bazzill cardstock. The sentiment is by Impression Obession and called Christmas Joy. The snowflake die is also by Impression Obsession.
The designer paper is by Echo Park and called Be Happy, it may be my diet talking, but it totally reminds me of Christmas candy! LOL
Oh and I have heard a rumour that Kathy's Coffee and a Card class on Monday will be using this cute snowman image! Drop in between 10:30 and 1:00 pm with your basic class kit and make a card using this image plus some other Impression Obsession stamps for just $2.00.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Merry Monday Challenge

Lesley over at Always Playing with Paper has weekly "Merry Monday" challenges to get people motivated on making Christmas cards each week so there is no last minute panic. Well I am having a last minute panic because I did not participate in enough of her challenges this year! Here are my entries for this week's sketch. Both are done with black Elizabeth Craft Design Peel Offs and both were colored on top of Glitter Ritz Warm Highlight with my Sakura Glaze pens and Copic markers. The tree card has some red Mirror cardstock behind the trees and a SRM sticker at the bottom of the card. I used my Sakura Glue Pen to add some Fire Red Glitter Ritz in each scallop of the card.
The poinsettia card is also Peel Off stickers. For this card I masked off a strip on my main cardstock and stippled Peeled Paint and Gathered Twig Distress ink then stamped my Hero Arts cling Holiday Background stamp also with Peeled Paint ink. I removed my mask then stamped my Hero Arts sentiment with Fired Brick Distress ink and added my ribbon and cut out poinsettias.
Thanks everyone for stopping by!

Joy!

On a mad scramble to start/finish my Christmas cards! This one came together pretty quick so will probably be making a few more of these. I began with some gunmetal Stardream cardstock I embossed some Hero Arts snowflakes on the main card with Crafty Capers Silver Dollar embossing powder. I stamped a Art Stamp (Glitter Ritz) Joy stamp with Versafine Deep Lagoon ink then embossed it with some Stampendous Stamp and Bond embossing powder. This powder turns sticky after you heat it so you can add glitter over the image. In this case, I used Mistique Glitter Ritz glitter over top of the joy word. I thought the O need some more color so I used my Quickie Glue pen and added some Fire Red Glitter Ritz "berries" . I used my new Impression Obsession snowflake to cut out a silver snowflake for an embellishment at the upper left corner of my card.
I am not happy with my vellum adhesive so will play with that a bit for the next card(s).
Thanks everyone for stopping by!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Happy Birthday BJ!

Today is my sister's 40th birthday! We had a nice party for her over the weekend and here is the card I made her. I colored the kitty image (Penny Black's Cat on Moon) using my Tombow markers on watercolor cardstock after I embossed the image with gold embossing powder. The pattern paper is by My Mind's Eye. I stamped the sentiment (Flourishes Taglines) on the smallest die from the Spellbinder Romantic Rectangles set. The button is from the Memory Box button die set. I finished off the card by poking some holes around the outside of the pattern paper and adding some Yellow Stickles to the stars.
Happy birthday BJ! Hope you have a great birthday and just wanted to remind you I look MUCH younger than you! Hee hee!!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Impression Obsession New Arrivals

Received a bunch of new Impression Obsession stamps and dies in yesterday. Here are some of the highlights:
Seashell Collage. Gender neutral!
This gorgeous classic set is back in stock. Kathy did an amazing card with the lighthouse image earlier in the year. Will have to dig it out.
This set is always very popular and is back in stock.
This image is probably our best selling Impression Obsession stamp! I bought mine years ago and still love it!
Gorgeous hummingbird image
A new image from Impression Obsession. It even has a black kitty in it so I should buy it! LOL

Last but not least we received some of these fabulous new Impression Obsession snowflake dies! LOVE 'em!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Happy Birthday Kim!

I have 2 sisters and both have their birthdays near the end of November so I am in birthday card mode. Here is the card I made for my youngest sister Kim. Her birthday was last week but she did not get her present/card until over the weekend.
A fairly quick card but I managed to impress her never the less! The black panel is the Burnished Velvet technique using the Glitter Ritz Microfine colors Black, Rose, Yellow and Celadon. I also used the Memory Box Flower Square die as my mask. The embossing folder I used is by Hero Arts/Sizzix and the sentiment is from a Hero Arts clear set. I finished off the card with some Black Enamel Accents in the flower centers.

Just a reminder today is the first day of Crafty Capers Coffee and a Card Mondays. Drop in between 10:30 am - 1:00 pm with your basic class kit (scissors, adhesive, craft knife, paint brush etc) and for $2.00 make a project. Coffee and a Card session will be running Nov 26, Dec 3, Dec 10 and Dec 17.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Small Business Saturday

Today is Small Business Saturday and to celebrate Crafty Capers has all in stock papers and cardstock 15% off. Sale ends 4 pm today (Nov 24) so don't delay!
Here is a quick card I created for a class I taught earlier this week. Fairly quick and easy but looks striking. I began by stamping the Hero Arts stamp Holiday Background on a piece of watercolor cardstock with Seafoam white embossing powder. I then took 3 blue Tombow markers and scribbled all over the watercolor cardstock then I took my water brush and blended all the colors together to make the holiday words really pop! I took a piece of white Stardream cardstock to act as my snowy ground. I embossed this cardstock with a Sizzix embossing folder to add some extra texture. I finished off the card by cutting a Dee's Distinctively snowy tree die out of Pacific American Craft Glitter paper. I added some True Blue Stickles to the background for even more pop! Thanks everyone for stopping by.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Memory Box and Spellbinder dies!

Got a big batch of dies in the store today. LOTS of Christmas dies this will probably be the last Christmas shipment before the new year so hurry in for best selection!
Memory Box Country Landscape die
The extremely popular Memory Box Frostyville border is back in stock!

NEW Spellbinder D-Lites die - Cattails. The first batch of these sold out in 3 hours!
Another of the new Spellbinder D-Lites dies this one is Window 1.
Spellbinder D-Lite Flower Burst (first time in stock!)
Spellbinder Layered Poinsettia
Sizzix Snowflake Frame
Dee's Snowy Tree dies are back in stock!
Memory Box snow globe die
Lots more in stock. Hope to see you soon!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Loads of cards!

Just a quick heads up this year Crafty Capers will be having a "Crafty Corner" starting Tuesday until Christmas. We will have a small display of handmade/local gifts so if you are looking for a unique gift stop by the store beginning on Wednesday and check it out. You will be supporting a local crafter plus you won't have to fight the crowds at the malls!


I have a load of cards to make this week - 3 birthday and 1 anniversary plus one more class card then I really must get cracking on my Christmas cards!!! Yikes so much to do!
This card is for my inlaws 48th wedding anniversary. I looked up what the 48th anniversary is represented by hoping for inspiration however year 48 is represented by get this... optical devices!!! I quickly scratched that idea! REALLY who would want an optical device as a gift!!!
I decided to make Shimmer Sheets and one of the newly arrived Craft Concept embossing folders from the Thoughtful Collection. I ran the Shimmer Sheet through my Big Shot machine and the embossing folder. I then pulled out my Ranger Cranberry and Gold alcohol inks and daubed the entire piece. I trimmed the sheet to size and rounded two of the corners. I matted the Shimmer Sheet on a piece of Black cardstock then went to work on my sentiment. I do not own a Happy Anniversary stamp but found a black Peel Off in my stash. I applied the sticker to a piece of Be Creative tape that I had put on a scrap of cranberry cardstock then I poured some Glitter Ritz warm highlight glitter over the sticky tape. I rounded the corners on this piece as well. To finish off the card I stamped 2 Hero Arts stamps from the Untitled Hearts set with Versamark and Ranger Cranberry dye ink then heat embossed the pieces with clear ink and mounted them as shown.
Thanks everyone for stopping by.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Look what Cheryl did!

Cheryl got bored while she was in on Saturday and reorganized all the 12x12 cardstock! Doesn't it look great now it will be easier to find the perfect shade! Hope everyone's holiday projects are going as planned! I will be back tomorrow with a card to post provided we don't lose power!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

New Arrivals

Just a quick note to let you all know that we have had a bunch of orders arrive this week: Hero Arts, Memory Box dies, Spellbinder dies, Dee's Distinctively dies, Bazzill 12x12 cardstock to name just a few of the items. LOTS has already sold out! Here are a few of the items still left in stock:

Hero Arts embossing folders

Hero Arts Sparkle with Happiness set - Love it!!

Craft Concepts Love Birds embossing folder
Crafty Concepts Yves embossing folder
Mystik adhesive dots are back in stock! Super popular right now!
Craft Concepts Celine Embossing folder
Hero Arts winter moon stamp
Dee's Christmas Tree Overlay 1. We have a few others as well.

Of course we also have an excellent selection of Stickles glitter glue, Glitter Ritz Glitter, Liquid Pearls, Be Creative tape, Pearls and rhinestones to finish off all your Christmas projects!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Hero Arts November Challenge

I got a few minutes to participate in Hero Arts November contest. This month's theme is "bring on the bling" and also a color challenge. I think this side step card would fit into either category.
I used 2 Hero Arts stamp and die cut sets Holiday Cheer and Joy Snowman. I colored the reindeer with my Prismacolor pencils and gamsol. The pattern paper and gems are by Hero Arts (both pool color). I added some Stickles glitter glue to bump up the bling just a touch more and had to add some Red Liquid Pearls to the reindeer noses!
Thanks everyone for stopping by! I hope to get some time to play tomorrow so I can participate in another challenge!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Here is another card I got made over the weekend. Quick and easy! Oh and not sure if I mentioned this or not but I bought a Big Shot machine back in September (my Cuttlebug blew up) and I am finding I rarely have to use a metal shim to get "lacy" dies to cut properly! The Big Shot seems to have much more pressure than the Cuttlebug! Love that!
Dies used: Spellbinder Poinsettia & Memory Box Amira Flourish
Embossing Folder: Craft Concept Hexagon Illusions
Stamp by Stampendous embossed in gold.
I added a bit of Hero Arts pink ink to the white poinsettia flower to add a bit of "jazz" and the card was done. Might make a few more of these since they are so quick to make.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Candy Canes and Epic Fail!

Had a play day over the weekend. It was loads of fun to just make whatever card I felt like making. I began with this card because someone had prestamped this image on watercolor paper and put it in my stash so thought I would pull out my Tombow markers and use it! Once I had finished coloring I cut out these guys using my scissors and craft knife. I took a piece of white cardstock and cut a Spellbinders Labels 1 window out of the middle and added a scrap of Graphic 45 Nutcracker Sweet paper behind. I used a SRM sticker leftover from my class on Friday night (I am soooo in LOVE with these stickers!! They look amazing on cardstock and not at all like a sticker). I used my black Tombow marker to add a black squiggly border around the edge of the cardstock then matted it to my main cardstock. I finished the card off with some Stickles around the window opening and some Glossy Accents on the Mice tongues. Super cute! Now comes the epic fail part! I had an already made card sitting on my table and somehow, I have no idea how this happened, I mounted the mice to the back of the already made card so this card does double duty - it is a thankyou card on one side and a Christmas card on the other!!! Very efficient of me!! Not! Of course I noticed this just as I was leaving the store so will have to fix this when I get back to the store Monday or maybe I will leave it and try to start a new trend!!
Thanks everyone for stopping by.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Mark Your Calendars!

Once again Crafty Capers will be participating in the annual Hero Arts Debut party. This year the party will be Saturday Dec 15. We have preordered many of the new 2013 Hero Arts stamps in clear, cling, wood and their new Valentine collection.
Hero Arts will be having sneak peaks every Friday on their blog here is the link http://heroarts.com/blogs/club/ to check it out! I have not seen the new stamps so I am eagerly awaiting the posts as well to see some of the new items.
I will post more Crafty Capers party details as they become available but in the meantime mark your calendars!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Snowflake Wreath

Seems kind of strange to be posting a snowflake card today when it is beautifully sunny here on Vancouver Island but I MUST get cracking on my Christmas cards only about 55 or so more to make in the next 2 weeks - no problem! LOL
This card was really quick to make and looks much nicer in person. I used the Sizzix Snowflake frame die to cut out 2 frames one out of Silver Stardream cardstock and the second out of blue Mirrorcardstock. I layered them on a 5.75x5.75 white card. I stamped a Penny Black sentiment and embossed it with Silver Dollar embossing powder then hand cut the banner. I wanted to add some pop to the banner so edged it with Adirondack denim dye in. I popped the banner up with foam tape then added a bunch of gems on the snowflakes. Card probably took 10 minutes to complete. I should have had Ginny (who was watching me) time it!
Just a reminder that Crafty Capers will be closed on Sunday Nov 11 for Remembrance Day but we will be open on Monday Nov 12. Please take a few minutes over the weekend to remember our veterans.

Thanks everyone for stopping by. Have a great weekend.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Finally a bit of time to play

Got a few spare minutes this past week to make a card just for fun.
This card is pretty straight forward an embossing folder, some ribbon, a big brad and a stamp.
I embossed the ornament folder on Coredinations cardstock then I used my Ranger Pearl Paint dauber over the raised areas to make the embossing really pop. I then matted the piece as shown and wrapped 2 colors of ribbon around the card and added the large Kaisercraft brad. I stamped a Hero Arts background stamp on the main card to add another layer.
Card Recipe:
Embossing folder: Couture Creations Xmas light
Stamp: Hero Arts Dot Flower pattern stamped with Vintage Photo Distress ink
Embellishments: Ranger Pearl Paint dauber, Ribbon and Kaisercraft brad

Sunday, October 21, 2012

In support of Ovarian Cancer Canada

Crafty Capers has been hit hard by Ovarian Cancer, we have a staff member who has been battling it for over 3 years plus there are several customers who are or have battled this ugly disease so...

Friday Nov 2 & Saturday Nov 3 Crafty Capers is planning a "Cards for Cancer" cardmaking extravaganza!

We will be doing 45 min (approx) mini classes at 5, 6, 7 & 8 pm Friday evening. Each hour there will be 4 mini classes to choose from. Saturday there will be all new classes running at 11 am, Noon, 1 & 2 pm. Classes cost $4 each or 4 classes for $15. ALL class fees will be going to Ovarian Cancer Canada
We are asking people to please preregister so we know how many people to expect and cut kits for. Classes will all have a winter/Christmas theme and we are madly working on our samples so they can be up for display in the store but please be patient as this is a very busy time of year for all our instructors.
Cards will be suitable for all skill levels (might be a good time to try your hand at cardmaking). As usual a basic class kit is required for these classes including scissors, adhesives (wet and dry), craft knife, cutting mat and black pen.
If you have any questions or to register please call Crafty Capers @ 585-0022 or email sales(at)craftycapers(dot)com
Hope to see you at the event it should be loads of fun!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Glitter, Dees Dies and Memory Box new arrivals

The store received a nice big order today containing Glitter Ritz Glitter, Be Creative tape, Peel Off stickers, Memory Box and Dees Distinctive dies. Here are some of the highlights:
Glitter Ritz Micro Fine Glitter: Apricot, Sand, Bronze, Chartreuse, Canadian Blue, Blue Teal, Blush, Java Bean and Liberty Blue.
Memory Box Deer Trio die
Memory Box dies:
Memory Box Frostyville border is back in stock

Memory Box Grand Window die
Memory Box Country Landscape
Dee's Candles die
Dee's Stocking Overlay other designs also available.
We also have a great selection of Christmas embossing folders by Couture Creations and Crafts too You plus lots of winter, Halloween and Christmas stamps.