Category Archives: Scrapbooking

Learn how to use StāzOn Pigment Ink with different substrates and mediums

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by Lori Warren

Hello all, I am sharing with you some of the great benefits of using the new StāzOn Pigment ink. I really love this ink and love how it works with different surfaces. Before I get into demonstrating several options available, let me cover the basic information that Imagine has provided about this new product.

StāzOn Pigment:

  • Dries quickly on most surfaces
  • Works on all surfaces that original StāzOn does: paper, acetate, metal, glass and more
  • New felt pad produces crisp stamped images
  • Vibrant and opaque inks – these colors really pop!
  • Ergonomic, easy-to-open, air-tight case

StāzOn Pigment ink is available in 12 colors

With the basics out of the way, let’s move on to see how well StāzOn Pigment ink works with other Imagine products as well as with different substrates and mediums. To best explore the crafty possibilities of this ink, let’s embark on a variety of explorations using StāzOn Pigment ink with different substrates and mediums. The 6 explorations below outline the manner in which StāzOn Pigment was applied, the different substrate(s) and medium(s) used, as well as provide a photo capturing the result.

Exploration 1 – Paper

StāzOn Pigment: Stamped flower with Piano Black and saying stamped with Peacock Feathers.
Substrate: Strathmore Mixed Media Paper, vellum surface, 185 lb.
Medium(s): Watercolor with Memento Dual Tip Markers.
Additional Medium added, Sheer SHIMMER Craft Spray – Sparkle

Artist Observations: The StāzOn Pigment ink did not smear with the application of the wet watercolors, nice! Plus, the crisp stamped image really helped the image stand out.

Exploration 2 – Canvas

StāzOn Pigment: Stamped flower image with Piano Black.
Substrate: Flat panel canvas, pre-treated with gesso
Medium(s): DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics

Artist Observations: The StāzOn Pigment ink produced a vibrant stamped image that held up well against the acrylic paint. With the rough surface of the canvas, I found that a well-inked stamp and a little extra pressure was required to get a clean stamped image.

Exploration 3 – Wood

StāzOn Pigment: Stamped flower image with Piano Black.
Substrate: Untreated wood plaque
Medium(s): Fabrico Dual Makers with a DecoArt DuraClear Matte Varnish finish

Artist Observations: The StāzOn Pigment worked great on wood and didn’t smear with the application of the Fabrico markers.

Exploration 4 – Glass

StāzOn Pigment: Stamped flower image with Piano Black. Floral image colored with Snowflake, Chocolate Brown, Lemon Drop & Shamrock Green using Doodlestix Mixed Media Tools.
Substrate: Glass
Medium(s): irRESISTible Pico Embellisher

Artist Observations: I love the permanency of StāzOn Pigment on the glass and the application of the ink with a DoodleStix Mixed Media Tool was super easy and effective. The challenge came with working on a slick surface; I had to keep a steady hand when stamping to obtain a clean image.

Exploration 5 – Tumble Stone Tile

StāzOn Pigment: Stamped flower image with Piano Black.
Substrate: Tumble Stone Tile
Medium(s): Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pens w/DecoArt DuraClear Matte Varnish finish

Artist Observations: The StāzOn Pigment ink worked beautifully on the tumble stone tile. There was no smearing with the application of color with the Artist PITT pens or with the use of the varnish sealer.

Exploration 6 – Metal & Glass

StāzOn Pigment: Stamped images with Piano Black. Peacock Feathers, Shamrock Green & Snowflake ink sponged onto surfaces with InkBlushers.

Substrate: Metal & Glass

Artist Observations:  Sponging and stamping onto Metal with StāzOn Pigment ink worked like a dream. Vibrant color and crisp images resulted in a beautiful project!

As these explorations demonstrate, StāzOn Pigment ink works very well on a variety of substrates resulting in crisp stamped images that dry quickly. It also holds up to different mediums without running or smearing. Not only can it be used as a staple ink to stamp images on a variety of surfaces (to be treated with different mediums), it works well as a strong stand-alone ink that you can use to create entire projects with (see Exploration 6 – Metal & Glass).

For a paper project using StāzOn Pigement as a stand-alone ink, visit “Create a Stamped Collage Using StāzOn PIGMENT Inkpad”.

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • DecoArt DuraClear Matte Varnish
  • DecoArt MEDIA Fluid Acrylics
  • Faber-Castell PITT artist pens
  • Lori’s Cards & Creations Stamps, Cone Flower & Sketchy Rose
  • Echo Park Paper Co. Eat, Sleep, Craft Stamp
  • Water brush
  • Hobby Lobby Galvanized metal sign
  • Glass
  • Tumbled stone tile
  • Flat Panel Canvas
  • Wood plaque
  • Strathmore Mixed Media paper

How To Create A Dewlet Shape Flower Centerpiece In A Scrap Layout

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by Jowilna Nolte

How To Create A Dewlet Shape Flower Centerpiece In A Scrap Layout

With the new Dewlet die-cut making cute little elements using your Dew Drop ink pads have just become so much easier. I have always loved cutting them out to make flower petals, but now the job is so much easier thanks to this little cutie. There is a world of possibility with this clever die-cut just imagine all the effects you can create.

Skill: Advanced
Time: 1 hour

Directions


Step 1

Use your VersaMagic Dew Drop in Night Sky and stamp directly onto a smooth piece of white cardstock. Leave to dry or heat set using a heat gun.


Step 2

Use Brilliance Dew Drop in Starlight Silver and stamp directly over the first VersaMagic Dew Drop stamped shape.


Step 3

While the Brilliance ink is still wet sprinkle with Embossing Powder in Clear. Shake off the excess and return to the container. Heat set using a heat gun until fully melted.


Step 4

Use your Dewlet die cut shape and cut out the embossed shapes on your die-cutting machine.


Step 5

I used my Dewlet shapes on my layout to create a beautiful flower element rising out from above the photo matt. These Dewlet shapes are perfect as flower petals but can be used for so much more.


Step 6

Use Fireworks Shimmery Craft Spray in Summer Sky to adds light blue splats to the background as well as Walnut Ink Crystals.

Supplies

Imagine 
Other
  • Cardstock
  • Patterned paper – Cocoa Vanilla
  • Heat gun
  • Circle punch
  • Sewing Machine
  • Embellishments
  • Scissors
  • Die Cut Machine
  • Paint brush

Create an Inspiring Card with Rinea Foil

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by Jowilna Nolte

Create an Inspiring Card with Rinea Foil

What perfect way to create an Autumn inspired card than using the wonderful range of StazOn inks from Imagine and Rinea Foils. These foils are great for coloring and die-cutting and together make for a stunning effect. Take a look at how I achieved this stunning end result using these amazing products.

Skill: Advanced
Time: 1 hour

Directions


Step 1

Add a layer of wide double sided tape to the back of a sheet of Rinea Foil and adhere it to a piece of plain cardstock to make it nice and firm for die-cutting.


Step 2

Use a frame die to cut the foil. Because of the added cardstock, the die did not cut through but rather created an embossed look. The double-sided tape also helps to keep all those little pieces intact adding to the overall look.


Step 3

Use your StazOn inks with the direct to paper technique to add color to the foils. Start with the lightest color first and then work your way to the darkest color. Repeat as necessary to add as much color as you like. The raised areas on the foil will pick up the color, but leave some of the green foil visible adding to the multicolored effect.


Step 4

On smooth white cardstock stamp leaves using VersaFine Clair Pinecone ink.


Step 5

Mix Walnut Ink Crystals with water to create a liquid. Then use a water brush to paint your leaves. Create shading by adding plain crystals and then blend them with your water brush to dissolve them into a darker shade on your leaves. Cut out the leaves.


Step 6

Stamp a sentiment on an oval card using VersaFine Clair in Pinecone. Lightly ink the edges with the same color and a sponge dauber.


Step 7

Adhere the foil panel to the front of your card, add the cutout leaves and then add a layer of GlazOn to the leaves and leave to dry. The foil adds a beautiful shimmer and together with all the colors you have just created a spectacular fall theme encouragement card.

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • White cardstock
  • Stamps – feather, sentiment
  • Kaisercraft – Die-cut
  • Embellishments
  • Water brush
  • Double-sided Tape
  • Die-cut machine
  • Card base
  • Pattern Paper
  • Watercolor paint

Create a “Be Happy, Be Kind” Scrapbook Layout

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by Jowilna Nolte

Create a "Be Happy, Be Kind" Scrapbook Layout

For this super fun scrapbook layout, I wanted to create a background using some of my favorite craft sprays—Fireworks! These amazing sprays create a color splash and shimmer which has a nice effect with a colorful “Be Happy, Be Kind” scrapbook layout like this one. As I created my background something truly magical happened with the ink and I really loved the end result. Scroll through the steps below to find out what it is!

Skill: Advanced
Time: 1 hour or more

Directions


Step 1

Gather at least 3 colors of Fireworks! Sprays to use on your background. I selected Lady Bug, Lilac Posies and Bahama Blue.


Step 2

First, I sprayed a patch of Bahama Blue in the middle of my layout and left it to dry for a few seconds. Then I added splats with all 3 of my colors. If you’d like colors to layer make sure you allow them to dry fully before using another color.


Step 3

Once the Fireworks splatter layer was dry, I added stamping texture with a mixed media feel using VersaFine Clair Nocturne ink.


Step 4

Add texture with a circle stencil and Creative Medium and let dry. I wanted to add more deliberate splats to create a layered effect. Drop large drops of Fireworks onto the background in Lady Bug.


Step 5

Then use Bahama Blue and drop some of the ink directly onto the red drop and let it pool for a few seconds.


Step 6

Then I added more drops of Lilac Posies on top of the blue and let the ink colors blend. Since Fireworks is a dye-based ink the blending will happen if all the inks are still wet.


Step 7

The ink created the most amazing puddles of shimmer once dry. I totally love the unpredictably of the effect these inks layered on top of each other have.


Step 8

I used the same color to spray some flowers that would perfectly match my layout background.


Step 9

Once I was happy with my background I assembled my layout with photo, cut out flower layers, inked flowers and other embellishments. You don’t always have to have tons of crafting inks to be creative – all you need is a plan and a few amazing inks.

 

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Cardstock – White
  • Short Cuts Craft – Stencil
  • Mixed Media Stamps
  • Scrapbook Flower pieces
  • Acrylic block
  • Photo
  • Scissors
  • Sentiment – Be Happy, Be Kind
  • Scrapbook page 12 x 12

Tips and Tricks: Crafting on a Budget

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by Roni Johnson

Tips and Tricks: Crafting on a Budget

Crafting can get pricey! If you are spending too much on crafting and it is taking some of the joy out of it then we are sharing some easy ways to scale back but still engage in a great crafting routine. There are lots of articles out there about crafting on a budget and most of them discuss the same list of common sense ideas…

  • Price shop
  • Clip Coupons (IRL or web)
  • Shop at Dollar Stores or Thrift Stores
  • Upcycle/Recycle various items
  • Search web for ideas/patterns

These general ideas are nice and they are a good start but I want to give you some specific ideas and tips to help you save not only money but something more valuable…your time.

Buy Unmounted Rubber Stamps

Unmounted stamps can cost as much as 50-80% less than traditional wood mounted stamps, take up less space and are easy to store and use. To use unmounted rubber stamps, apply Tack ‘N Peel to your acrylic blocks. This is a clear reusable cling sheet that has a protective liner sheet that can be used over and over. Once it has been affixed to the acrylic block it is very simple to use, remove the clear liner sheet; position the stamp on the block as desired, ink and stamp. When you are finished stamping simply peel the rubber stamp off the block and replace the liner. If the Tack ‘N Peel loses its “sticky” quality simply wash with water and let it dry. After it is dry it will once again be ready to use.

Make your own Texture Stamps and Stencils

This is a fun and easy task when you stop and look around your home. You’ll be surprised at how many items can be turned into a usable texture for all sorts of crafts. For example, lace, food netting, cheesecloth can all be used as a stamp or stencil. Foam food trays can be carved to create stamps, bubble wrap, rubber bands, fibers, leaves, coins can all be turned into stamps by sticking them to an acrylic block. Pencils tips are great for the bokeh technique, kitchen utensils, game pieces, tools, feathers, flowers, and more can also be put to use. You only have to take a moment and look around to see what you have on hand that will create fun and new stamps or stencils for your art.

Clearly Embossed

Let’s face it there are hundreds if not thousands of colors and brands of embossing powders on the market. You could easily spend a small fortune collecting the various embossing powders available today. A great option is clear embossing powder; the original ink color will shine through and match your project perfectly. No need to sort through jar after jar trying to find the right color to match your project and no more storing all of those little jars either! Tip: Did you know you can turn virtually any dye ink into an emboss-able image? Press your stamp onto a VersaMark ink pad then onto a dye ink pad and then stamp the image. The image can now be embossed because of the VersaMark ink. This works particularly well with a clean VersaMark ink pad for lighter colors and I keep an old grungy VersaMark for darker colors.

Make Pattern Papers

Let’s face it, most of us have more pattern paper to last us the rest of our lives so instead of buying yet another sheet, pack or collection, break out your stamps and make your own pattern! It’s easy; all you need is a sheet of plain cardstock, ink and complimenting stamps. All sorts of designs can be achieved quickly and easily. Give it a try, you’ll be surprised how quickly it is to make. Making a pattern doesn’t have to be perfect…if you make a stamping mistake, look at it as an opportunity to embellish!

Coloring Pages as Art

There are thousands of beautiful coloring sheets up for grabs on the internet free for your personal use. These coloring pages are great because they can be re-sized to fit your particular project and they can be used for backgrounds as well as the main focal point. You can choose to print the images on the appropriate paper to fit your particular use and mediums you would like to incorporate be it plain cardstock, bristol cardstock, watercolor paper, mixed media paper and more. The uses are limitless.

No More Waste

To eliminate wasting various mediums by keeping a supply of plain tags or A2 size blank cardstock panels handy when you are creating. Use these spare pieces to pick up excess medium from your work surface and tools. You may choose to pick up mediums once or several times depending on your preference. These tags and panels can then be used to create one of a kind artwork in a snap. All of the hard work has already been done. Simply pop on the main image and/or sentiment and your set to go. Instant card or tag for whatever your need.

Multiples

When you’re making a card or gift be sure to work in multiples! By doing so you will cut down on waste and left-over scraps. If you use a quarter sheet of cardstock rather than pitch the extra or place it in the never-ending scrap basket make two or three similar cards to help use up all of the extra bits. Rather than having a basket full of scraps that you might or might not use you’ll end up with a basket of finished cards, tags, ATC’s, etc. that can be used in a moment’s notice.

No matter how you structure you crafting habits and budget you will find there are several ways to keep costs at a minimum. Thank you for stopping by the Imagine Blog!

Supplies

Imagine

Create a Stencil Echo with VersaColor and All-Purpose Ink

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by Jennifer Vanderbeek

Create a Stencil Echo with VersaColor and All-Purpose Ink

Stencils are an amazing tool in the craft room. They are not limited as to what medium you use them on or with and, depending on the multitude of combinations, can produce results from shabby chic to cutting-edge modern. In today’s project, I decided to play around with the placement of my stencil to create—instead of a shadow of the original image—an echo. The combination of the Hyacinth VersaColor ink on a navy background, highlighted by Platinum All-Purpose Ink, gives the pattern a moonlit look, but other color combinations would be equally as striking.

Skill: Beginner
Time: 30 minutes

Supplies

Imagine
Other
  • Cardstock – Navy
  • The Crafters Workshop – Dancing Leaves stencil
  • Studio Calico – Make a Wish stamp set
  • Acrylic Block
  • Darice – Heat Tool