Survey Results - Do You Decorate The Inside Of Your Cards?

Thanks to everyone who participated in our survey about whether you decorate the inside of your cards.  The results are in!

The question was: 

Do You Decorate The Inside Of Your Cards?

While the majority of votes was for rarely, we got quite a lot of comments from the people who do decorate the inside of their cards on how they do it...

With stamping and patterned paper

If I do (not very often) I layer a couple of pieces of card to write on and add something from the front, like a stamped image or a strip of card or DSP, or even some ribbon!

Place a lighter card inside to write on, add a border and if possible, an image that matches the front of the card.

I usually use a plain white or vanilla cardstock, whichever matches my card and then add a sentiment. I also stamp the same image, or similar, that I have used on the front of my card in the bottom corner.

I always add a paper insert to make it easier to write a message in the card. Also handy if you make a spelling mistake, easier to rip out the insert than start all over with the card. The insert also helps cover the backs of brads or ribbon ends that may be showing. Occasionally I will 'decorate' the insert but mostly I leave it blank.

Using some of the same elements used on the front of the card. I keep it simple so the giver has a place to write. Many times I put the sentiment on the inside.

always with the stamp that i am using on the front of the card, or something near.

Usually one related stamp in a corner. Sometimes some patterned paper or solid paper with fancy corners.

Matching dsp, buttons, chip, etc.

Small picture stamp, saying a small verse!

With coordinating stamps or punched images.

Flowers and or stickers and bling/pearls

More stamps and gel pens ;)

Use the front image within the inside or use a matching dsp.

If I do it is usually a top note die run through in a lighter coordinating colour

Minimal, usually just a strip of matching pattern paper or small embellishments like buttons or rhinestones in one corner. depends on the occasion :)

With stamping

A stamp in the bottom corner, a scallop border along the bottom in the same patterned paper used on the front.

Sentiments and Flower Stamps

Replicate some of the same from the front of the card. Different each time.

2 Layers of cs in same colours used on front of card and then a little stamping in the bottom right and top left corner usually and sometimes a greeting in the centre. Very boring really.

I only do 'special occasion cards and then I stamp off the image I am using on the front onto card to place inside. I don't usually colour the inside.

Matching DSP or stamp

A little bit of stamping, if its on colour cardstock then I use a Versamark stamp pad.

Layer with another colour of card and stamp a matching image.

Usually add white card if the base card is a dark colour. Try to add some part of the main image and a stip of other card featured.

With a Neutral mat, and some basic stamping, or maybe a strip of DSP across the bottom...

I base the inside on the outside. I will use the same images and colours or the same patterned paper

Stamp a verse and a coordinating design with the front. Sometimes ribbon.

As I sell most of my cards at a craft fair I keep them very simple. If I have used whisper white or Very Vanilla for the card Ieave it that colour, but if I have used coloured card then I put a sheet of Whisper White or Very Vanilla on the inside. Then I usually use the stamp I have on the front and either put it in the corner or stamp it several times along the side or bottom of the card. I also repeat this on the envelope so everything matches. Simple but very effective.

I generally add a strip of DSP that I have used on the front or some stamping in the corners.

A piece of whisper white or very vanilla cardstock stamped with a sentiment or a design following the theme on the front

I love coordinating the inside with the colours and images from the front--usually a small matching element from the same stamp set. Often a little something in the bottom right corner. http://nanceleedy.blogspot.com/

White cardstock and a small stamp in the bottom right corner

Sometimes with a strip of matching DSP or a small stamp that matches the front. I always put a piece of card to write on and sometimes layers this to match any layering on the front of the card.

Simple insert

A sentiment, a stamp that complements the card front, and sometimes edge punches, depends on the card.

Sponging and a coordinating stamp to external design

Smaller stamped image on the inside left from the same set as main.

To match the front...

Because it follows the theme through and adds a huge impact..... I love it. Plus I am know for doing it
:) Teneale Williams

I always put a decorative cut of white reflex paper inside for people to write their message and occasionally I might put a flower or something to match the card on that sheet.


We hope you get some ideas for the inside of your cards!  Do you have a topic that you'd like to see surveyed?  Leave a comment with your suggestion and we'll get on to it.  :-)

While The Glue Is Drying - A Quick Survey

Hi Everyone!  Have you ever wondered how other people finish off their cards?  Well, we thought we'd ask!

Today we have a very quick survey for you about decorating the inside of your cards.  It's easy, just select one response for the first question and give us an example if you wish.  We'll post the results in about a week.  Have fun!




If you have any suggestions for future surveys, leave us a comment and we'll see what we can do.

While The Glue Is Drying - Literally! Ask The Design Team...

What's your favourite adhesive to use and why?

Here are the answers from some of our talented Design Team...

Gardenia

I LOVE Dimensionals! They add so much to a creation, bringing something out as a focal point, adding depth and fun to a project! They can take a "good" card and make it "great"! They also add that little bit more to techniques like spotlighting! They are great for adding embellishments like Scrunchy Flowers, Buttons and Bows and Punch art! I barely ever create without a Dimensional, if you havent tried them ~ you should, but a warning ~ they are Addictive!

Mae

This depends on what I am making. For basic cards I can't go past my SNAIL Adhesive, even though it sounds slow, it is actually quick and easy to use. Being acid free it is also safe to use for my scrapbooking (when I get back to that)! When I am making 3D projects like boxes for my cards, bag-a-lopes, a box in a bag etc, I can't go past SU!'s Sticky Strip. As the name suggests it is very sticky and once applied to your project it is set, to try and remove it would be a disaster to your project so care must be taken when applying it.

The other SU! item I couldn't be without and some may argue it is not an adhesive but a clear lacquer and that is their Crystal Effects. I use it on my projects to not only give a glossy finish to areas but also to stick buttons and flowers (heavier type embelishments) on to my items and I have been known to use it on occasions to stick my stamps back together when the rubber has come away from the wooden block. It is versatile in that you can make it coloured by adding a few drops of re-inker colour or sparkly by adding Dazzling Diamonds. So I can't say which is my favourite as I like these three for different purposes!

Jodene
This question should read 'what are your favourite adhesives' (plural) because I can't pick just one! It really depends on what project I am working on at the time. But here are my top three favourites:

* Stampin' Dimensionals - almost every card of mine will have something popped up for effect, and I love the SU! dimensionals for that. And I always use them when adding flowers to a card (no matter what type of flowers).
* Snail Adhesive - I love this because it is so quick and easy, and no peeling required! I usually use snail for basic layering or attaching DSP to a card.
* Sticky Strip - for all those 3D projects or anything else that you don't want to move - ever!! It really lives up to its name!

Kim
My favourite adhesive?? Well two spring to mind.

Tombow Multi: I have it standing on the top of my stamping cupboard so I can grab it whenever I want. I love that when you use it you have a few seconds of wiggle time to get what you want in the right place but then it sets real quick and what you want stuck won't budge! I just about always use it when I'm adding buttons to cards, and its fabulous for sticking cardstock, chipboard or DSP together.

Dimensionals: I'm not sure if I have ever made a card without using at least one dimensional!! They are brilliant for layering different elements and giving your work some depth. They come in very handy for sticking buttons and bows to your cards too.

Sarah

I have different favourites depending on what I'm using it for and Snail is a permanent part of my stamping kit for no -fuss adhesiveness(??), but by far and away my number one fave would have to be Stampin' Dimensionals. I use those little babies on just about everything I make and always have a new unopened pack in my drawer so that I never run out :)

Another favourite is Mini Glue Dots. These are awesome for adding buttons quickly and simply and are also perfectly sized for small embellishments like the half pearls from the Pretties Kit. And they stick like nobody's business!

Amanda
I absolutely love mini glue dots, tombow and dimensionals (not in that particular order either)!
The mini glue dots are a perfect fix for when you need to keep that bow perfectly flat (as possible) against your card, or add a little butterfly on your layout! They are clear, tiny and STRONG! Like sticky strip, but in handy dot form.

Tombow is just incredible for stepping up the glue factor a bit, I wouldn't recommend it for ribbon adhesive as it's a "wet" adhesive and can seep through material (not paper of course) and leave it looking hard. It's great for chipboard and paper and has a super strong hold after it's left to dry. Great for buttons too. I think they need to make the packaging bigger because I go through it like you wouldn't believe.

Dimensionals - do I really need to explain? They are fantastic for adding 3D to your projects - if you project looks a little boring it probably just needs a few of these babies to pop something up and make it stand out. A must have item in any crafters stash.

 

Jan
Dimensionals all the way - and I love that you can cut the sticky leftover border up into small bits to use for attaching smaller embelishments or letters.

Paula
I don't have just one favourite, because different projects require different adhesives. Too hard to choose just one!

For 3D items I use Sticky Strip every time. Once that is on your project it will never full apart! Which means you can actually make bags or boxes that will take a good amount of weight - like CHOCOLATE!

For adding embellishments I use Mini Glue Dots or Tombow Multi - again, they just won't fall off!

For cards I use Snail adhesive. It is quick with no mess.

Delys

I eat dimensionals for breakfast it seems ..lol well for my card making but I love my snail adhesive too and my tombow multi for my scrapbooking Layouts. I want elements on my Layouts (LOs) to stick ..I learnt my lesson with stickability early on when I was published for about the second time and one of my embellishments moved to some bizarre place ..and the editor didnt notice. I was really upset so I have used tombow multi from then on for most elements on my LOs.

I love the two tips for fine work and the brush tip for larger coverage and its a bargain too and goes a longggg way!

Jo

Well, I can't pick just one - my most used adhesives would be SNAIL and Dimensionals. I'm all about quick and easy, with as little mess as possible and that is exactly what you get with these two adhesives. SNAIL just glides on, there's no need to cut and no annoying backings to peel off.

As the dimensionals are precut, all I have to do is peel of the backing and stick them on to give that little extra bit of oomph. A quick thumbnail impression into the back of the dimensional will ensure that little backing comes off easy peasy. Now, people will tell you that you can cut up the edges to make sure that you use every last inch, but that is too much work for me, lol!

Another favourite is Crystal Effects. I use this when I want to add some shine and dimension. I really like covering chipboard and die cut letters with it. Once it's dry, I love running my fingers over that smooth, shiny surface! And, as added bonus, it can also be used around the house. So far, I have used it to fix a couple of photo frames and a few of my son's toys. Gotta love that!

Do you have a question for the Design Team? 

Leave a comment here or send an email to

just-add-ink@hotmail.com

and we'll do our best to answer it!

While The Glue Is Drying - Ask The Design Team

A little while ago, we had a great question from Amanda Ross for our Design Team.

Amanda asked: "I would love to know when the Design Team ladies find the time to scrapbook and also where they get their inspiration from?"

Thanks for asking, Amanda! Here are the answers from some of our talented Design Team...

Kirsty
I scrapbook and make cards when I should be doing other things! Usually in the evening after the kids are in bed - cup of tea and chocolate at the ready...Time is the most difficult but inspiration, oh geez it's everywhere. I am often overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of ideas I would like to give life! Mostly though, I work at what needs doing - DT deadlines, workshops, swaps and classes mean I'm often expending my creative energy to meet others requests *sigh* not that I'm complaining...When I'm totally in my own creative head space, I'm borrowing colour schemes from nature, advertising, fabrics, anything that crosses my path. I love story telling (writer wannabe lol) so I'm recording events in pictures in my head all the time. I also really enjoy the challenge of giving random and unexpected objects new life. I saw a guy at the markets last week who had made a bunch of jewellery out of old typewriter keys. Right up my alley...but I digress;) Hardware stores, op-shops, trash and treasure, mixing the old with the new (SU of course!) There's a bunch of stuff out there just waiting for someone to craft it up...

Delys
I make time to scrapbook and create every day. Id much rather create than do housework that's for sure! I don't like to create at night as that is my family time/computer/Tv watching time ..not that I watch a lot of TV! ..and as I'm a dairy farmer too I am often too tired to create at night time. I create during the day while my kids are at school and any farm work is out of the way (eg milking the cows). I LOVE milking the cows and plan my day/ Layouts or projects I'm going to create that day. I have the radio on in the shed and often a song lyric or title will pop into my head and I'm sketching my LO on the whiteboard in between cupping!! My hubby thinks I'm nuts!

I am also inspired by fabrics, advertising and especially colour combos I haven't tried yet. My blog surfing at night also gives me inspiration especially if its a technique I haven't tried before. I love being on Just Add Inks Design Team because I also get inspiration from my fellow DT members and the lovely creations you all provide each week in your submissions.

Tania
I love to spend time at night with the tele on, kicking back relaxing while researching for ideas and new techniques through places like Splitcoast and or random blogs etc on the laptop. I now only create in the day time but I used to be only able to create in the evenings - weird!

I tend to get an idea pop into my head and I cannot shake it until I make it!!! Sometimes it works - sometimes it doesnt. Generally I take inspiration from others work - I pick bits I love from here and there and put it all together! I dont have a set time to create, if I feel creative usually wild horses wont keep me from my supplies, but if the mojo isnt there, it just doesnt happen but I am always super encouraged when I make something I really love, then I can't help but make something else and the ball keeps rolling!

 

Chantell
I'm in my Craft Room all the time....so much so that my sister calls it "The Black Hole" and my daughter calls it "Mummy's Bedroom". I am always in there pottering around on the next project - especially if there is something I am bursting to make or finish. Although most of my serious crafting time is at night - after my daughter is in bed. Occasionally I will squeeze in a morning while she is at school - although I try to ban myself from "The Black Hole" until I have completed the housework.

My Inspiration comes from just about everywhere. There are so many things that trigger an idea - it could be something on TV or in Magazines, in Gardens and Shops, Ads, marketing material and occasionally even something I've dreamt about! (Sad when you dream about Crafting)! I get alot of inspiration from other Scrapbookers and Card makers too. I often take several ideas from others and put them together....a layout from there, a colour combo from here, an embellishment idea from somewhere else etc.

I find entering Challenges is a great way to extend your Scrapbooking / Card Making ideas and can take you outside of your comfort zone - it provides opportunities to try new things.

  
Bronwyn
I've taken over the entire Rumpus Room as a craft area and spend most of my Mondays in there and the occasional hour or two on the weekends. I work 4 days a week so don't get a lot of time to create. I try to get a group of friends together one night of the month so I don't always craft alone between workshops. At the moment most of my time is taken up with JAI commitments and SWAPS for Convention. There's about 4 different designs on the go at the moment, all in various stages. A friend of mine has offered to come around and help me glue, snip away etc. so I can get my SWAPS done as well as all my school reports etc!! I try to keep nights free to spend with the family but sometimes deadlines keep me tapping away on my netbook in front of the hours of recorded programs I don't have time to watch live and am nowhere near caught up on. Blogging and surfing the net is more fun than watching TV.

That's where a lot of my inspiration comes from. I have my favourite blogs on my side bar that I try to visit weekly. I usually either follow or subscribe to them so I know straight away when they update. The Ning Network for the JAI team is full of inspiration (talented bunch of women) and you get to see the results of all their hard work on Fridays!! I also spend hours on Splitcoast mostly looking for new techniques. Of course I'm also inspired on a daily basis as I visit the blogs of all the challenge entries. I have taken heaps of notes about favourite colour combos, techniques, sketch designs etc. and store them away for a 'rainy' day. Now that ESAD is in Ning it's heaps better to view all the lovely work in the gallery. There's so much talent there and I'd love to see some more of those Aussie/NZ demonstrators joining in the challenges at JAI as well. I buy the Aussie Card Making and Papercraft Magazines too, get ideas from SWAPS I've collected, challenges I enter, the Impressions' Magazine and the SU demo site. Lastly, I must admit that I see the world through Stampin' Up! colours and practically everywhere is 'inspiration'. My mind is constantly ticking over with ideas for layouts, colours etc. and I have to sketch or write it down before I forget.

 
Amanda
I find the only time I can give 100% to csf (crafting stress free!) is when the kids are asleep, or busy crafting themselves, but even then I find I'm supervising and helping more than getting anything done myself. So night time, with a bit of background music is the perfect environment for me to work!

I get my inspiration from so many places - I love how the internet is full of so many talented ladies sharing their ideas and inspiration, and I admire them all too! And as biased as this sounds, I love Just Add Ink for our little group of talented players - the group is getting bigger as the weeks go on but every single person that plays has their own unique ideas, style and talent - and most of the stamp sets they use are accessible for Aussies for a change!

I used to buy magazines, but have found that most of them are getting so expensive and you can find even more daily inspiration on the net!
 

Nicole
It is difficult to find the time to stamp and scrapbook with a toddler and a newborn but I make sure I find the time, at least a few times a week. Like Kirsty, once the kids go to bed around 7 I make myself a cup of tea and head to my craft room. I try to keep my craft room full of inspiration, with my magazines, laptop (for blog surfing) and cards close by and on display. A lot of my projects are for my children. I am inspired by colour schemes in their toys, bedding and books. As for card and scrap page layouts and colour schemes, I love to browse through my magazines, the Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalogue and blogs for ideas. I'll often take part of a layout that I like and change it to suit what I am doing.

I feel the most creative and inspired when I am up to date with the housework and other jobs and I can think clearly.

 
Danielle
I'm a notoriously slow scrapbooker, and I'm discovering that I really need to be alone to get a page finished.  I love having craft time with friends, but I rarely get anything accomplished!  I also usually have lots of projects happening at once, so it will seem like I'm not getting anything done for a little while, then all of a sudden I have lots finished! 

I'm lucky enough to have a craft space that also accommodates my daughters play area, so I often craft while she's playing, or she sometimes crafts with me.  She's 3 and already she loves using the Big Shot!  I also craft after she's gone to bed... there aren't many days that I'm not doing something!  My inspiration wavers a lot, but mostly I'm inspired by other crafters.  Not necessarily one project, but usually their entire style. 

 
   

Do you have a question for the Design Team? 

Leave a comment here or send an email to

just-add-ink@hotmail.com

and we'll do our best to answer it!

Profile of a Stamper - Tania Gould

http://www.taniagould.blogspot.com/

Name
Tania Gould

Location
Launceston, Tasmania

Any jobs other than crafter
Raising a beautiful, very-chatty 4 yr old!

Favourite craft type/style
Anything that can be turned into a gift for someone.

How did you get started in crafting?
I've been “crafty” for years now, trying my hand at many things like beading, cross-stitch/long-stitch, scrapbooking, quilting, folk art, and painting but my latest and greatest is STAMPING!!

What made you interested in stamping/card making/scrapbooking?
I love that you can simply personalise what I once used to spend a lot of money on – cards! I am also a bit of a way-too-keen photographer and have thousands of photos of my daughter, so what better way to show them off but in scrapbooks! I haven't done any for a little while but I am itching to get back into it – now just gotta get the mojo going and actually go print some pics!

How often do you stamp/scrap?
Since moving house, I haven't be able to stamp as much as I'd like, as there seems to always be something that needs unpacking or sorting out. But generally, I would create something at least several times a week.

Where do you get your inspiration? Are you inspired by anyone in particular?
I tend to find my inspiration a lot these days from things I'm seeing in magazines and on TV, particular colours or layouts or ideas that can be converted into paper or ribbon or embellishments. I often get an idea just while watching a show on TV – BUT I really need to learn to either go and do it then and there or at least write it down, because once I have slept, it seems to disappear by the next day! Grrr!

What’s your favourite technique to use?
Embossing, Embossing, Embossing… oh and I love Embossing!!!! I can't “resist” a bit of embossing!!! And my other fav thing to use is the Sponge Daubers – how did I survive so long without them!? They give a much softer, more subtle look compared to plain sponges. I love to soften the edges of a card with the Sponge Daubers.

What tip/s would you give to other crafters?
What I find useful in my craft area is a plastic tray with all the regular most-often used items, that way they are all easy to grab and also easy to put away. I also have an area that is exclusively reserved to my beloved Stampin' Up Heat Tool – he has his own power point and sits pride of place ready to go at any time I need him (which is every single time I craft!)

I am very fortunate to have, at the moment, a whole room just for me and my craft items. I am still waiting for built-in wardrobes to be installed in all the bedrooms, but when I do, my craft room will have an entire wardrobe of shelves, shelves and more shelves!!! In the meantime, I have little “stations” of areas, eg. All my Designer 12x12s are stacked in my wire cubes that I bought from Bunnings and assembled and tied together with plastic ties. Also, I have baskets with all my punches in and another with the odds and ends like the Circle Cutter, Brayer, Crimper etc. I have little plastic trays to hold my Markers, which I love because it keeps them flat so the ink doesn’t run to one tip and not the other. I have a big plastic container with a lid full of odds and ends of ribbons and twine etc....and sometimes I find I'm inspired just by sifting through that container and find a beautiful piece of ribbon and then the rest is history! Now, I could rabbit on about my craft supplies for days, but for now, this is where I'm at. I am looking forward to having most of my supplies tucked away in a cupboard to keep the room neat but more importantly to keep them out of the direct sun light – as it’s heart-breaking to see a beautiful piece of DSP faded on one half. :(

Profile of a Stamper - Bronwyn Eastley

http://addinktivedesigns.blogspot.com/

Name
Bronwyn Eastley

Location
Legana (near Launceston), Tasmania

Any jobs other than crafter
I work as a grade 5/6 teacher at a local Christian School and oversee the Junior Campus in an Assistant Principal’s role.

Favourite craft type/style
I love a variety of crafts. My first love was knitting and I first knitted a jumper for myself when I was in grade 7. I studied Art in Year 12 and loved painting and screenprinting. My dad used to have his own screenprinting business and a love of photo silk screen grew from that. Not many people could boast access to their own darkroom to develop photos! Sadly, I let that hobby slip and I’m so behind with the technology now to ever catch up. In 2001 I did an Adult Ed. Course on Teddy Bear making and have made over 100 of the furry creatures. I designed one pattern and maybe I’ll market that one day. Then I developed a love of beading and jewellery making, followed by stamping and papercraft. I’ve always loved to ‘make’ things and still dabble in all the areas that I’ve outlined. Of course stamping and papercraft is the main ‘love’ at the moment. A friend is teaching me to crochet at the moment and you’ll see some of my attempts, probably attached to cards at a later date! Stay tuned.

How did you get started in crafting?
I’ve always ‘crafted’ for as long as I can remember. My paternal grandmother taught me how to knit at the age of 4. I could never just watch a movie when I was of High School age, as I had to knit, or whatever, while I was sitting down watching TV. I LOVED doing school projects. Making them look pretty was more important than the information that was in them! This is probably where my deep down love for papercraft has stemmed from.

What made you interested in stamping/card making/scrapbooking?
I was asked to a Stampin’ Up! Workshop in May 2008. I thought it would be great to purchase a teddy bear stamp to make my swing tags for my bears. Well, I haven’t finished any bears since and the world of stamping has taken over. I just love it!

How often do you stamp/scrap?
I have Mondays off so that’s usually my stamping day and I fit the odd hour or two in over the weekend. I don’t get much time during the week but if my husband is on night shift, I’ll head off into the rumpus room to craft.

Where do you get your inspiration? Are you inspired by anyone in particular?
Inspiration comes from the JAI girls and many talented crafters whose blogs I follow or subscribe to. My upline (now retired), Amanda Aitken, is a wonderful source of inspiration and we still craft together when we can. I’m so glad she’s back into blogging so I can be inspired by her awesome work when we don’t get time to ‘catch’ up. Inspiration also comes from magazines, Splitcoast Stampers etc.

What’s your favourite technique to use?
I really enjoy the emerging colour and collage techniques and I love 3D stuff, particularly bags! I would love to design some of my own templates one day!

What technique/s are you keen to learn?
I’d love to know how to use the brayer a little more subtly. I’m a bit heavy handed with it and would love to get the effect that Michelle Zindorf and Delys Cram seem to achieve so effortlessly! I really enjoy this style for silhouette stamps and there usually has to be a moon in there somewhere!

What tip/s would you give to other crafters?
I keep a journal that I write in colour combos, techniques etc. and have several folders on the computer with saved photos for reference. I refer to my journal when I’m looking for a colour combination to do. I save files of sketches so I have an idea on hand when I’m stuck.

Profile of a Stamper - Nicole McMurtrie

http://www.mystampnest.blogspot.com/

Name
Nicole McMurtrie

Location
Central Coast, NSW

Any jobs other than crafter
Primary School Teacher

I have started my own hobby business with boutique children's decor and accessories. Items such as fabric mobiles, canvas wall decor, collages, blankets and jewellery are among the things I handmake. You can see my work and find more information on my facebook page. 

Favourite craft type/style
Anything! But I spend most of my crafting time on papercraft and sewing.

How did you get started in crafting?
I can’t remember ever NOT being interested in craft, but it probably started when I went with Mum to her weekly craft nights at the local hall. We would take our dinner with us and watch all the ladies crafting. It was the 80s so fabric and lace-covered photo albums, pot pourri scented balls etc were on the agenda at craft night. From there I was always into painting, making my own cards etc from a young age.

What made you interested in stamping/card making/scrapbooking?
I have always been interested in cardmaking but really only used materials and techniques that were quite basic. There wasn’t really much available in terms of coordinated products where I grew up. Also, I loved the scrapbooking products in shops but it was a lot of work trying to coordinate everything. When I went to my first Stampin’ Up! workshop 2 years ago I was blown away by all the coordinated products in the catalogue and that was that!!

How often do you stamp/scrap?
Whenever I can! But usually it only happens once or twice a week, in a good week. Night time after my toddler is in bed I can get a few good hours (or more if I want to stay up really late) of stamping in. Bliss!

Where do you get your inspiration? Are you inspired by anyone in particular?
Most of my inspiration comes from blog surfing. Before I discovered blogs I used to buy lots of magazines for inspiration. Blog surfing is much more budget-friendly and there are so many talented people out there. I have an ever-growing list of favourite blogs, which I check a couple of times a week.

What’s your favourite technique to use?
I love heat embossing! I also like using layers of texture and embellishments.

What technique/s are you keen to learn?
I have never used a brayer (blush) but am keen to learn how. The effects are amazing!

What tip/s would you give to other crafters?
Have a dedicated space for crafting, even if it’s just a desk in a corner. If you are able to leave out the projects you have on the go you are more likely to get them finished. Also, have a place for all your tools and materials. There’s nothing worse than spending precious craft time searching for that paper-piercing tool amongst the mess. As for inspiration, start by looking at a few demonstrator blogs and follow links to the blogs of others – you will have hours of endless inspiration!

Nicole has just launched My Flutterfly - her own range of children's decor and accessories!  Become a fan on the My Flutterfly facebook page and leave a comment on Nicole's blog
to go in the running to win one of her stunning mobiles!

Profile of a Stamper - Amanda Reddicliffe

http://www.stampin-style.blogspot.com/

Name
Amanda Reddicliffe

Location
Windy Perth

Any jobs other than crafter
Mum, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Cook book writer

Favourite craft type/style
Anything goes

How did you get started in crafting?
Until recently I thought it was when my son was born, but it was actually in 2003 when I was handed my ultrasound pictures, and my mother in law suggested we scrapbook them at a party she had been invited to for this little company called "Creative Memories". A triangular piece of cardstock and a row of stickers later, I was hooked!

What made you interested in stamping/card making/scrapbooking?
Just the feeling of doing something with a point - my scrapbooking (I hope) will be passed down over the generations - I wish I had something like this from my parents, grandparents, just so I knew more about them and their day-to-day life - even if it was just journalling!

How often do you stamp/scrap?
I try to every day, but my family are my first priority so ... whenever time permits really! Night time is the best time for me to scrap or stamp.

Where do you get your inspiration? Are you inspired by anyone in particular?
I am inspired by other crafters on the net, magazines, fashion trends. So many people inspire me - I couldn't narrow it down to a few.

What’s your favourite technique to use?
I find the "clean hands" approach works wonders. For cards I'm a simple stamp, glue and stick girl. For scrapbooking I just like to find things that look pretty together and piece them together. Paper piecing I suppose!!

What technique/s are you keen to learn?
Brayering with a capital B!

What tip/s would you give to other crafters?
It's OK to draw inspiration from others - 99% of the time something that starts as a CASE will have your own spin on it to make it unique.
Don't buy on impulse - only buy things you'll get tonnes of mileage out of over the years.
Don't keep clutter - if you haven't used it in a year, turf it or trade it in with other crafty friends. Have a garage sale amongst yourselves.

Profile of a Stamper - Sarah Klass

http://www.sarahklass.com/

Name
Sarah Klass

Location
Perth, WA

Any jobs other than crafter
Mum of two precious angels!

Favourite craft type/style
I don’t think I have a style. I waver between clean and simple and more involved stuff when I have the time/inclination.

How did you get started in crafting?
I’ve always loved pretty papers and collected them as a girl. Never used them, just liked to ‘own’ them. Nothing much has changed!
I started getting into paper crafting when I made my wedding invitations in 2001 using a scalpel blade and a metal ruler to cut them, believe it or not! Purchase of a paper trimmer followed soon after J
Then there were the cards that involved nothing more than a base and some punched flowers, that at the time I thought were the height of sophistication and creativity!

What made you interested in stamping/card making/scrapbooking?
Stamping - I love that I can create gorgeous images without the need to draw them first!
Card making – I believe that absolutely nothing beats a handmade card, and I couldn’t tell you the last time I bought one instead of making it. ‘Just because’ cards are my favourite kind to make and send J
Scrapbooking – I love that I can record special moments and even everyday moments in a way that is enjoyable to do and more so to look at over and over. My kids love their scrapbook pages, which makes me love doing it even more.

How often do you stamp/scrap?
As often as possible! Probably every second day on average. I don’t scrap as much as I’d like to but am working to change that...

Where do you get your inspiration? Are you inspired by anyone in particular?
Everywhere! I often take inspiration from fellow crafters but not necessarily by CASE-ing a whole project. I take note of little details that I like individually and use them when they fit what I’m creating.
I am inspired by colour combinations that I see everyday and I view the world according to the colour families, but then again, doesn’t everybody?!

What’s your favourite technique to use?
Ooh, I don’t think I have one! I tend to have an extended play with a particular technique for a while, and then I’ll find another one and have a good go at that.

What tip/s would you give to other crafters?
Just STAMP! I know what it’s like to hit a creative wall and it happens to us all, but when it does, CASE projects that you like and that are sure to turn out well so that you get your confidence back.

While The Glue Is Drying - Top Tips!

We asked our Design Team to tell us about some of the really simple things they do to make life easier when crafting, and here are some of their responses.  We'd love to hear from all our readers too, so leave us a comment if you'd like to share your hints!

Where do you get your inspiration?

AMANDA

The internet. Google is fantastic if you're looking for a certain set. Split Coast is okay, but you have to sift through a lot of creations. I think JAI is my fave place (sorry, biased!!) for inspiration, I'm blown away with the entries we're getting. They're all top quality.

DANIELLE

* I have folders that I use to file ideas I like from magazines etc. They're divided up into categories - cards, pages, projects, techniques...
* I have a folder on our computer to save photos of cards that I'd like to CASE (including the crafter's info so I can reference them if I publish my cards on my blog).
* I also take photos of all the cards I make - sometimes a simple technique I used months ago is exactly what I'm looking for.
* Being on a Design Team means I’m constantly seeing heaps of brilliant work too!

SARAH

All over! I keep my favourite blogs in Google reader and have tags like "layout", "colour combo", "ribbon idea" etc so that when I see something I like, even if it's only a small element of the card or scrapbook page, I file it accordingly so I can refer back when I need to.

NICOLE

I love looking through magazines, but these can be very expensive, so blog surfing is probably the best and easiest way to find inspiration. There are so many fantastic ideas out there.

DELYS

I get inspiration from other blogs, magazine ads and fabric shops… these last two especially for colour combos I haven’t tried before.

What do you do when you need to make a quick card?

AMANDA

Again, the internet. A quick CASE, otherwise it's all paper, glue and disaster.

DANIELLE

I don’t do quick! I always get sidetracked and spend a lot longer than I should! So when I make a card that I really like, I make a few of them. Some go to be sold, one stays to be displayed, and a couple go into my card box – cards that I’m keeping to give.

SARAH

Make one that I have made a million times before in different colours and stamps! I have a few "go to" designs that I love and use repeatedly.

NICOLE

* I have also been known to case myself and use the same layout with different sets and colours.
* This is also an organisation tip - have a sketch/colour combo book handy. Just print out sketches and glue them or you can hand draw them into a pretty notebook or folder. When you are stuck just bring out the sketches and colour combos and off you go.

DELYS

I often CASE myself going for a tried and effective card and just change it a little.

What organisation hints can you share?

AMANDA

* Check out K-Mart's tool section! I have containers for everything - my most recent purchase was a clear box with compartments to put all my alpha's - so any spare letters I might have I put them in there for a quick fix.
* I have manilla folders to put my scraps in - they are colour coded - blues, greens, red, pink, orange, yellow, Kraft (yes, I have one just for Kraft scraps), black/white combined.
* I have a big 12x12 bag for SU! DSP scraps, another for contraband DSP.
* Use formula tins for bins - they are wonderful, cheap and do the job. It's amazing how much these things hold. They're fun to decorate too.
* I do the folder thing too, Card Inspiration, Scrapbooking Inspiration, Make These... I also have an art journal with passport-sized prints of my computer saves for when I can't get to the computer, or I’m out creating at friends places.
* Have a regular clean out. If you haven't used it in a year, turf it or ebay it.

DANIELLE

I label my stamp sets with those small circle stickers - the removable kind you get from a newsagent or Officeworks. All sets have the title printed on white (easier to see), hostess sets have a gold sticker on the left hand side, retired (or not available) sets have a silver sticker on the right. Current sets (non hostess) have nothing. So as soon as a mini finishes, I just add silver stickers to the sets that are retiring. It just means that when I'm looking for ideas for workshops, I can skim past the retired sets easily.

SARAH

I keep a snap lock bag of scraps of each colour filed next to large sheets of the same colour so that I can head straight to the scraps bag to look for a piece that I need, then if there's not a scrap big enough for what I need, only then do I chop into a new piece of cardstock.

NICOLE

One of the best things I have done is I bought a few of square, clear containers (sandwich size) and tipped my embossing powders and glitters into them. I have labelled each container and put a plastic spoon into each. When you go to emboss or glitter a project you just hold your piece of cardstock over the container and spoon over the powder. The excess drops straight back into the container or can be easily tapped off the cardstock, ready to be used again and with NO MESS!! It's so easy not to have to the tip the excess powder back into another container small jar.

DELYS

Sorry don’t have any tips as my organisation is non-existent! I do have some carry tool boxes that I put everything in to take to a class or workshop… I suppose that’s organisation!


Do you have any questions you'd like to ask our talented Design Team?  Post them in the comments section and we'll see what we can do!

While The Glue Is Drying...

Like the title? What it means is, while you’ve got a few spare minutes, (while your glue is drying!), why not have a read of the latest article on Just Add Ink?

This will be a place for feature articles, with a focus on stampers that the Just Add Ink Design Team find inspirational. Of course, we welcome all suggestions! It’s impossible for everyone to know about all the amazing craftspeople out there, so we’d love to hear your thoughts. Just send us an email at just-add-ink@hotmail.com to make a suggestion for this section.

While we will have a focus on stampers, this section will also include articles on just about everything to do with paper crafts. From top tips from the Design Team to answers to commonly asked questions – yep, that means you can e-mail us a question/suggestion and you might just find an article about it here!