Altered Art & Scrap Playground is CLOSED

*****The Store is Closed*****

I will no longer be updating this blog, but will leave the contents up for others to access.

Thank you for all of your support.

Stacy B.

A few more classes & some Memory Box talk

I've got some fun stuff to share with you!

First of all, there is a layout class on Tuesday night, May 21st.

We will be using a beautiful line from Fancy Pants called Park Bench. I love the colors, and of course, Chelsea did an amazing job with the layouts. Take a look.

Really, the photo's don't do these pages any justice. The soft colors and that contrasting black really are beautiful together, and I love all the sayings that go with this collection.

We are going to be doing 4 layouts, and since this is a big paper pack there is going to be a lot left over. If we have time after these 4 are done, Chelsea has agreed to use the leftovers to show us how she goes about putting a page together!! I'm always amazed at how quickly she can put a page together, and I love how she thinks and works...and she can use scraps in the most creative ways. 

Here are the details for class:

Tuesday's Layout Class

Park Bench from Fancy Pants

Date: Tuesday, May 21st

Time: 6-9 pm 

Cost: $25.00

Don't forget to bring your paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots!

Space is limited and already half full, so call 721-7529 or email scrapandplay@rushmore.com to reserve your spot!

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Our last Tuesday Layout Class will be Tuesday, June 4th.  We will be using Bo Bunny's SURPRISE Collection. It's bright and fun and perfect for birthday photo's.

Here's a peek at the collection pack.

Class Details:

Date: Tuesday, June 4th

Time: 6-9 pm

Cost: $25

Bring your paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots.

Call 721-7529 or email scrapandplay@rushmore.com to reserve your spot.

About those Memory Box dies!!

Oh my...these beauties have caused a stir! I have fallen head over heals in love with them, and so have a lot of you!

The first order of Memory Box dies arrived last week. All pre-orders were packed up and everyone has picked them up, and we are all ready to order again! LOL!

There are a few left on the rack if you want to come take a look. I also have a catalog, so if you would like to check them out, come on down! 

_________________________________________________________________________________

I will be placing another order next Friday, May 24th. Same deal....pre-pay and get a 25% discount. I will need your order and payment by Thursday night.

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If you want to take a look at what they have, HERE is a link to their online catalog. It may take a minute to load, and when it does you need to hover your mouse over either the top or bottom right corner of the catalog cover. You will see the page curl a bit when you hit the right spot, and then click...that will turn the page for you.

THERE ARE NO PRICES IN THE CATALOG. Yes, it's a pain, but you will have to call or email me for prices. Or you can stop by the store and take a look at the catalog.

I have been trying to play with my dies every chance I get. They are just so delicate, and cool, and beautiful....and they make such beautifully stunning cards that are so easy to make it's ridiculous!

Here's a few cards I have finished so far.

I've got tons more ideas swimming in my head, and I can't wait to play with them more. They are just AWESOME!!  And if I ever run out of ideas, well....there is always Pinterest. LOL! (which has only gotten me in trouble because then I realize I have to have one more die)

While playing with my Memory Box Dies, I have found a few things that might be helpful. 

1. A good, heavy cardstock works really well with the very intricate dies. I have been using the 100 lb. Card Shoppe cardstock from Bazzill and it works great! (stop by and pick some up and see the difference for yourself)

2. Every die cutting machine is calibrated differently...but I use a "shim" - it's actually an old cardboard insert from a Spellbinder's die package. It makes your "sandwich" a little thicker, putting more pressure on the die. You can also use a scrap (large enough to cover your die) of cardstock. If you are using heavy/thick cardstock for your cut, then 1 sheet should do it. If you are using lighter weight or thinner paper, then I would double it up.

3. If you have a die that still has a spot that doesn't want to cut even after you have added a shim, add some tape (I used regular scotch tape) to the back side of the die where it isn't cutting. It gives it just a little bit more pressure in that spot so it will cut out.  I have the Pine Needle border, and there was one spot that didn't want to cut through, so I added tape to the trouble spot, and it worked perfectly!

4. If you have any questions or problems with your dies, please don't hesitate to let me know! Bring them down and we will figure out how to get a cut you are happy with! 

One last thing.  

The store will be CLOSED May 30th - June 1st.

And the not-so-fun thing.

June 4th will be the start of the Going Out Of Business Sale.

The Playground's last day will be June 29th.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and I hope to see you soon!

Sweet Girl Layout Class

Hi everyone, I hope you have enjoying this beautiful weekend!

I know this is a little last minute....but I hope you are able to take the time to join us and have some fun!

Sweet Girl layout Class!!

We are getting together Tuesday night to put together 4 fun layouts using the Sweet Girl Collection Pack from Echo park. The colors are bright and sweet...perfect for little girls! We will be making 4 pages with this collection pack....here are 3 of them.

Great banners and flags! 

You'll have to turn your head just a little to the right to see this one properly.

(sorry)

Look! Brandee....it's a sunburst!!

There's a 4th layout, I promise, but it's going to be a secret until Tuesday night. So come check it out!

Class Details:

Date: Tuesday, May 7th

Time: 6-9 PM

Cost: $20

Bring: Paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots.

Space is limited, give me a call at 721-7529 or email at scrapandplay(at)rushmore(dot)com to reserve your spot!

For those of you that ordered Memory Box dies, I was told on Friday that the order might be shipped as early as Monday. That is great news since the last I checked they said they were really backed up and it could be 2 1/2 to 3 weeks before they shipped. 

For those of you that didn't get in on the Memory Box order, I will have some extras in the store when the order arrives. I believe I will have at least 60 Memory Box Dies for sale. I will let you know when they arrive and you can come down and check them out. I am so excited for these dies to arrive!! (I'm also a little afraid...that I am going to want them all!!)

Remember...if there is something that you need or want, don't hesitate to let me know. I will check to see if I can get it in for you, and any pre-orders that are pre-paid get a 25% discount.

I have people filling in their collections of Tim Holtz Ink Pads, Paints, Stains and re-inkers,

and adding to their collection of Spectrum Noir alcohol based markers. Some are stocking up on Scor Tape since you can't get that anywhere else in town.

If there are any collection packs you would like, let me know! I have access to most companies.

Bo Bunny (my favorite) has 3 new collections: Anthem, Key Lime and Trail Mix...you can see them HERE.

Some other companies are Echo Park, Kaisercraft, Graphic 45, Jillibean Soup, Basic Grey, Authentique, Fancy Pants and lots more!! Just ask and I will let you know.

Enjoy the rest of your day and I hope to see you soon!!

All About A Boy Layout Class & Memory Box Dies!!

Hello everyone!

Do you need some fabulous pages to put those little boy pictures on? You know, that adorable Noise with DIRT on it?

How about a class? Join us and make these 4 layouts:

Class Details

Date: Tuesday, April 23rd

Time: 6 -9 PM

Cost: $20

Bring: Paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots.

To reserve your space, give me a call at 721-7529 or email me at scrapandplay (at) rushmore (dot) com.

Memory Box

Memory Box has some of the most amazing die cuts I have ever laid eyes on and I'm so excited to be ordering from them!! I will be placing an order with them on Friday, April 26th.

SPECIAL!!  Pre-Order and Pre-Pay and receive 25% OFF your purchase!!

Here is a link to their 2013 Catalog so you can do some shopping:

http://www.memoryboxco.com/2013catalog.html

Here is the link to their website if you want a closer look at their dies:

http://www.memoryboxco.com/default.asp

Since there are no prices on either of these sites, you will need to email me with your wish list and I can give you prices on it. EMAIL:  scrapandplay (at) rushmore (dot) com

Please have your orders to me by midnight, Thursday, April 25th!!!

Click HERE if you want to see some amazing things made from these dies on Pinterest!!

That's all I have for today....have a wonderful week!

When Life Gives You Lemons....

 PLANT A TREE!

That is how one of my kids finished that phrase when he was young. It still makes me giggle. It's a good thing, because I needed a giggle or two this last month! There have been all kinds of crazy things going on but it looks like they are settling down, and I am extremely grateful for that.

First, I want to tell you the store will be

CLOSED

SATURDAY, MARCH 29TH

for the holiday weekend. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Card Class!!

I can't even remember all the things that got in the way of this class happening....but it IS happening!

We will be making these two cards in our next card class. Both are made using the Peel Off stickers from Elizabeth Craft Designs. The one on the left is done on watercolor paper using water based markers and water. The one on the right is done with an awesome technique using a Silk Microfine Glitter, double sided tape (both from Elizabeth Craft Designs) and colored with Spectrum Noir markers. These alcohol based markers blend like a DREAM on the glitter...made me feel like Picasso when I finished my first one! (and if you haven't checked out the amazing things Els does with her stickers and glitter...you really need to!! Amazing stuff. She has a Facebook page HERE - you don't have to be a member of Facebook to see her page)

Come learn a few new techniques, pick up a few tips and enjoy the company of people that love to play with paper, just like you.

Here are the details:

Date: Saturday, April 6th

Time: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Cost: $10.00

You will need a paper trimmer and a scissors (there will be some fussy cutting, but nothing too fussy) some adhesive and pop dots. 

***If you have the Spectrum Noir Markers in the Reds, Greens and Turquoises you are encouraged to bring them for your own use.***

Space is limited, so please call or email to reserve your spot. (Contact information is at the top of the page)

Okay...remember the class we were going to have on March 19th using this Carta Bella Collection Pack?

Wellll....the paper didn't show up in time for class, so we had to reschedule it. 

The paper is finally here, and I have photos of the layouts and we are going to have a class!!

We would love to have you join us! One of the things I hear consistently is that you just don't have the time to play like you'd like. Why not take a few hours for yourself and get lost in some paper? 

Here are the photos of the layouts we will be doing and all the details will follow.

Carta Bella "Traditions" Class

Date: Tuesday, April 2nd

Time: 6-9 PM

Cost: $20

Space is limited so call or email to reserve your spot. (Contact information is at the top right of this page)

Bring a paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots.

NEW PAPER IN THE STORE!!!

Kaisercraft ELEGANCE

I love the bright and airy feel of this paper! 

Lotsa butterflies, and who doesn't like a pretty butterfly?

Some trendy feathers, too.

The "B" side of these papers are very subtle gold, silver and cream...perfect for wedding photos.

There are stickers, rub-ons, cut outs and stamps that coordinate.

French Country from Graphic 45

I just love the dark, rich colors that Graphic 45 uses. This line is no exception.  There are banners, pockets and flowers to match.

ALL ABOUT A BOY from Echo Park

My boys are all grown up, but that didn't keep me from daydreaming about scrapbook pages I wanted to make with this paper. It was sooo hard to stay focused and get this stuff priced and out on the floor without stopping to play and put some things together!! This paper is so bright and fun and so perfect for little boys!

The first thing that caught my eye was a sheet of paper with Yo-Yo's all over it. That sheet of paper made me think of a handsome young man that comes into the store with his mom and he is usually sporting a Yo-Yo in his hand...and he's slick as can be with that thing. He really needs to have his photo nestled into a page using this paper!

The second thing that caught my eye was this:

I remember the first time I saw this quote and how much I loved it because it was so right.  I still love this saying and I am pretty sure I have photo's of my boys that would do it justice. 

Third:

How cool is this journaling tag/flag/ thingie? You get to complete this using your own words and your own handwriting to document your feelings about that special little guy in your life. I LOVE this!

Yes, there's more:

Tell me you don't think this is fun. I love the words, I love the colored stars between the words and I love the numbers that make it look like scrabble tiles. LOVE! Cut out one word, several words, a word with a star on each side....or don't cut them...use the whole sheet as the background for a scrapbook page and circle your favorite words with a thick marker, or highlight them with a highlighter or....oh...I just think they are too fun!

Just one more:

This is a page of borders that are so fun...but look at those  spinner arrows. How fun is that?! Wouldn't they just make the coolest embellishment on a page? 

And you would absolutely need one of these to go with them:

This paper isn't my usual taste for scrapping, but it sure did get the creative juices going today. I only wish I would have had some time to play!

I need to take my own advice and Play A Little Every Day! 

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend! Enjoy!

INKY Goodness and more

I'm so excited to tell you about the fun things that came into the store this last week!! I don't even know where to start! Make sure you get all the way through this post...there's new stuff, upcoming classes and some things I made and want to share with you.

NEW Distress Paints are in!

The thing I was most excited about is the NEW Distress PAINTS! Tim Holtz calls them INKY paints. And they are definitely "inky" and FUN!!

By now you all probably know I am in love with all the Distress products. So, I really had no choice but to love the new Distress Paints. LOL!

What do I love most about them?

• They are thinner than regular craft paints, I like that they "move" easier on any surface.
• They react with water just like all the other Distress products (but once they are dry, they are permanent).
• I LOVE the way they color chipboard!! Great color, and oh so easy to apply!!
• Not sure how to explain this, but this paint feels "pure"...Tim says these don't have all the fillers that regular craft paints have...so when you put it on paper, it still feels like paper when the paint dries. (acrylic paint feels a bit dry and chalky when you put it on paper)
• They coordinate with all my other Distress goodies!

I did some playing with these and I have it posted below...you will have to check it out!

Heads Up on the Distress Ink Pads

STOCK UP NOW!!

Unfortunately there has been a price increase on the original 36 colors of Distress Ink Pads. 

The Distress Ink rack has been replenished at the Playground, and still at the original price...so get 'em while they last. 

If you would like to try out the Distress Ink Pads to see what all the fuss is about or need to fill in a few colors in your collection, now is the time to do it. Once these are gone, so is the price. :o(

Western Roundup from Moxxie

How many of you have little buckaroo's in your house? 

We lived on a ranch in ND for 28 years, so I was surrounded by them. I guess that's why I was so taken with this paper. I have tons of photos to use with it. 

Even if you don't have a buckaroo...the stripes, plaids and subtle paisley print would be great on layouts. I think the red, gold and blue paisley would look especially cool on a patriotic 4th of July page.

Here, take a look and see what you think:

And there are stickers...

And cardstock cut outs...

that are double sided....print on one side, blank on the other in case you want just a bit of color or even add your own words to it. (I love that versatility!!)

More fun stuff

Fiskars  Easy Stamp Press

The grid makes it easy to align your stamps and is clear so you can see what you're doing.

Rubber Stamp Pad 

The perfect stamping surface - gives under pressure to give you the best ink impressions.

Elizabeth Craft Designs Dies - NEW!

Elizabeth Craft Design Peel-Off Stickers

These are so easy and fun to use! Stick them down and color them in or stick them on patterned paper.

Love these little guys!

Elizabeth Craft Designs Silk Microfine Glitter

These are very finely ground. When you rub them into your adhesive, it smooths it out so smooth, you can hardly tell it's glitter!  These diamond colors can be colored using the Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, and it makes blending a dream!

Fiskars ProCision Paper Trimmer

I also got this new paper trimmer in the back room. I watched Jennifer McGuire talk about this trimmer and she sold me on it. She did the same with the Fiskars paper trimmer I have now that I am totally in love with, so I'm pretty confident I will like it as well. What I am most excited about is that it will cut several sheets of paper at one time, AND it has a lifetime blade that never has to be replaced!!  That is going to be a big time and money saver for me! It folds up so it doesn't take up a bunch of space, which is also a very nice feature.

Why am I telling you this? I am not carrying this item in the store, but if you are interested in this, you are more than welcome to come try it out and see if it would work for you, and I can order one in for you if you decided you want one.  It's always nice to test drive something like this before you buy it...so come down and test drive it!

Upcoming Classes

I know classes have been pretty sparse lately, but it's time to have some fun!

Butterfly Card Class

We will be making 4 cards just like these 2. These are quick and easy and you can use them for any occasion...birthdays, thinking of you, get well, sympathy. Very versatile...and EASY!

Class Details

Date: Saturday, Feb. 23rd

Time: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Cost: $10.00

Bring a good pair of scissors for fussy cutting, some adhesive and a non stick craft mat if you have one.

 Call 721-7529 or email scrapandplay(at)rushmore(dot)com to reserve your spot!

Extreme Scrapping Class

This is something new at the Playground. We are going to make a 2 page layout, but it's going to be over the top embellished and beautiful. These will be for photo's you really want to showcase, or maybe even frame for yourself or to give as a gift.  (Mother's Day is right around the corner)   

Start thinking of the photos you want to put on these pages and bring them with. Black and white pictures work fabulous on these layouts.

I don't have the actual layouts that we will be doing (I will post them soon!), but I can show you the inspiration for the pages. We will be using Kaisercraft's 75 Cents collection on these pages.

Class Details

Date: Tuesday, March 5th

Time: 6-9 PM

Cost: $20

Bring: paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots

Space is limited so call 721-7529 or email scrapandplay(at)rushmore(dot)com to reserve your spot!

Carta Bella Traditions Layout Class

This will be our traditional layout class. We will be using the Carta Bella Traditions collection for these pages:

I will be posting pictures of the layouts closer to class time.

Class Details

Date: Tuesday, March 19th

Time: 6-9 PM

Cost: $20

Bring your paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots.

Sign up for class by calling 721-7529 or emailing me at scrapandplay(at)rushmore(dot)com

PLAYTIME!

I have been trying to have more fun these days...and doing more of what I love. I had lots of fun this last week and I'd love to show you what I've been up to.

Last weekend, I did this:

It's Kaisercraft's drawer bookends. They have some fabulous "Beyond the Page" products for organization, home decor, or gift giving. I also used Kaisercraft's new collection called 75 Cents. I am in love with this paper...and it was perfect for this project. I really enjoyed putting this together and really want to do more!

Here are a few different angles and close ups.

I also played with the February cut out sheet of Graphic 45's new Place in Time collection. I think these sheets are pretty great, because you get a lot of bang for your buck.  There are journal tags and lots of things to cut out and use for embellishments on scrapbook pages. They are double sided, so you can use the patterns on the back for matting pictures. Or if you are a card maker, you can get several cards from one sheet of paper. Here is the paper I used:

And here are the cards I made from it, and I am certain I can get another couple cards from the scraps I have left. Sweet!

I also had to stop everything and play with the Distress Paints when they came in! I just can't help myself when it comes to ink and paint, and Tim calls these an "inky paint".

I started out playing with tags. 

The one on the left was painted up and spritzed with water.
I wish I would have taken a photo of what that paint looked like all pooled

up on that tag...Oh My Goodness...it was delicious!!

I also inked up a big flourish stamp with the paint, gave it a spritz of water 

and stamped on it. I got a little carried away and stamped Hello on it, too.

(the HELLO stamp is from a Hero Arts set called Fancy Basics and they are in stock!)

I couldn't stop at one, so the middle one was a second try...and as I was watching

the paint pool around on top of that tag, I had an uncontrollable urge to grab a 

piece of plastic wrap and scrunch it all up into all that pretty color.

The hardest part?? Waiting for it to dry. Torture!

Once it was dry, I pulled the plastic wrap off...and I saw all those beads of color

hanging out...and here comes another uncontrollable urge. LOL! I spritzed those

beads with some water and plopped another tag down on it and pulled it up quick.

The last tag is what resulted. It's my favorite. I love the soft colors and the amazing patterns 

the plastic wrap created!

I decided to finish all 3 tags, so here they are when they were finished:

As I was playing with these paints, I wondered about other surfaces, and I instantly thought of chipboard. I love to use chipboard...and I love coloring it...and I have now found my very favorite way to color it!

Here are some naked chipboard pieces:

That I just had to add some Distress Paint to:

Sorry there's only one here...I got carried away and inked up the edges with Distress Ink on a sponge. Luckily I stopped myself before I got the other one done.

Here we have one without inked edges and one with...look at all the dimension that little bit of inking does. 

Yes, that's why I do it...dimension..really.

I plan on using these sweet little babies on one of my Mama Razzi2 layouts. Yummy!

I did some more uncontrollable playing today, but I don't have any photo's yet. I will share next time, I promise.

Right now, I need to finish this post up. (I have been working on this for 3 days already)  I have a movie date with a cute cowboy tonight that I can't be late for! ;o)   

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I hope to see you soon!!