Understanding Ink Pads.

Hi everyone! Sarah here!

One of the questions I get asked most often is about the different types of ink pads and what they are used for. There are quite a few different brands and types of inks out there and it can get very confusing. So I thought I'd pop in today to try and demystify some of them for you!

It is important to note that whilst a certain ink pad may fall under a certain category, the way it behaves and it's uses can be very different to others in the same category from other brands. It is always best to read the information on the back of your ink pads, or refer to the manufacturer's websites if you are unsure of what you can use them for.

Pigment Inks:

Choose a pigment ink if you're planning on doing any heat embossing with embossing powders. Pigment inks are thick and take longer to dry which is why they are perfect for embossing with. Pigment inks usually won't dry on metal or acetate - you're best off reading the back of your inkpad to clarify, or just sticking to paper or cardstock. Pigment inks are usually opaque and the ink pad itself is usually soft and spongy. Popular pigment ink brands include Versacolor, VersaMagic, Brilliance, and the Adirondack Pigment inks. 

The Adirondack pigment inks are formulated slightly differently to normal pigment inks in that they can be heat set on gloss paper, vellum, shrink plastic, metal and glass.

Opalite inks are also Pigment inks, however they are a reflective interference ink which are best used on dark or black card to show off their pearlescent sheen.

Clear Embossing Inks:

The most popular clear embossing ink is VersaMark.

Versamark is most commonly used for stamping images before heat embossing with embossing powders. However, you can also use it to create watermark images on coloured papers and cardstock. Because the formulation is so sticky, it can also act as a glue for use with chalks and pigment powders such as Perfect Pearls.

There is also a clear embossing ink in the Distress range of Inks from Ranger:

This ink pad can be used in the same was as Versamark, and is formulated to give you the optimum performance when embossing with Distress Embossing Powders.

Distress Inks:

Tim Holtz Distress Inks are a collection of 36 acid-free, non-toxic, fade resistant, water-based dye inks. This means that you can create lots of different techniques using water with your Distress Ink, such as Tim's Wrinkle Free Distress technique. Tim selected the colors and helped develop these inks to produce a realistic, weathered look on paper, photos and decorative fibers. The 2" x 2" pads are made with a higher raised felt for easier use with direct to paper techniques. It is possible to heat emboss with distress inks as well, because they stay wet longer than normal dye inks.

Dye Inks:

Dye inks are quick drying inks that are usually characterised by a raised felt ink pad. They are usually either water based or oil based, and can be made permanent by heat setting with a heat gun. Permanent non-smear inks such as the Archival Ink brand are best to use with Distress inks and any watercolour techniques. Popular brands of dye inks are the Adirondak Dye inks, Kaleidacolor, and the Distress Inks as mentioned above.

Another popular Dye ink is the Memento range of inks. Fast drying and fade resistant, they are the most popular pad used to stamp images to colour with Copic Markers - as they are water based, water resistant, and do not migrate.

StazOn:

Stazon is a quick drying solvent based ink, specifically designed for use on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces like metal, acetate, plastic, acrylic, leather, and glass. Of course, it is also great on normal paper and cardstock. You will find that StazOn inks will stain your rubber and acrylic stamps - and you will only be able to clean it off with a solvent cleaner like the Stazon Remover.

 Speacialty Ink Pads:

There are a number of other ink pads that have been created for special purposes, such as glue pads for use with glitter, pearl powders etc, or Castaway ink which once heated gives a bleach effect similar to Batik.

So there you have it! Now if hubby asks you why you have 5 different black ink pads, you can explain to him why! LOL!

If you have any questions, or would like any further info on a particular type of ink pad, please let me know in the comments section! :)

~Sarah~

New in store - Coture Creations Tape Cutter!

The Coture Creations Tape Cutters have arrived at Pages2Scrap!

This simple & elegant, reusable & adjustable Couture Creations Tape Cutter is exactly what you have been waiting for! Keep your tape married to a cutter and you will save time & money!

In store now at only $2.99!

The Team at Pages2Scrap.

Saturday Night Scrap & Pizza Night

Well we are heading toward the end of yet another month, no idea where the time goes!!  This Saturday night is our monthly Scrap and Pizza night. 

Why not come and enjoy 6 straight hours of scrapping, card making, mixed media or what ever your crafting heart desires. 

These nights are a great way to get those projects finished.

For just $20 you get 6 hours of scrapping, pizza and a softdrink.

To book just call the store on 1300 664 228 or you can book online.

Saturday 30th April
6pm - 12am
$20 including pizza and a softdrink

The Team at pages 2 Scrap

Kim's Room

Hi guys. I just wanted to share with you all a small piece of my world at home - my scrapbooking place. My family and I live in a large double storey home, but I have found that this isn't even anywhere near big enough to cater for my two teenaged daughters' needs. As a consequence, my long suffering husband has taken refuge in the garage while the cars live on the street. What does this have to do with my scrapbooking? Well, I have now taken up residence in what used to be the formal lounge/dining room. I am currently battling it out with the kids over which of the bedrooms upstairs I can officially take over, but until that happens I happily make do with my corner. Anyone would think that Simon and I have 6 kids, right? We have 2.

Most of my time is spent between two desks. One has the computer, printer and Silhouette machine on it and the other desk is where I do my scrapbooking and papercrafting. Next to this desk is a large cupboard full of shelves - which I just couldn't live without. I keep all my big supplies in here, including most of my stamps, flowers, mini albums, projects I'm yet to get to and 12x12 papers and cardstock.

On my desk there is a smaller set of shelves against the wall where I keep the things I use all the time. Stuff like Glimmer Mists, Glaze and Glam, Modpodge and Gesso, Darkroom Door stamps, background stamps, watercolour crayons, stamp pads, buttons and metals. On the side I keep my sewing machine, heat tool and vagabond. There are always paint brushes and markers, an exacto knife, paper trimmer and other bits which I like to be able to grab in an instant.

A corner is workable. It's not always the tidiest of places in the house but I somehow manage anyway.

Kim Price

Create with Cuttlebug and Bec (Part 1)

Do you have a Cuttlebug?

Are you thinking about getting one?

Do you want to know what one is?

This is the class for you!

Learn a bunch of new ways to use your Cuttlebug machine!

Saturday 30 April

10am - 12pm

$30 including kit

Call the store now to secure your place on 1300 664 228

The Team at Pages 2 Scrap

Class - 3 Quick Cards with Bec

Looking for something to do on Saturday?

Treat yourself to an hour of creating time with Bec

Come and learn this great faux tile technique.

It is so much fun!

 

Saturday 23 April

10.30am - 11.30am
$20 (Including Kit)


Call the store now on 1300 664 228 to book your place

We look forward to seeing you instore
The Team at Pages 2 Scrap

New in store - Epiphany Crafts Shape Studio and Button Studio.

We have a few fun new products in store from Epiphany Crafts - the Shape Studio and Button Studio!

With this new tool, you can create custom coordinated epoxy shapes and buttons using the same papers that you have used for your layout and cards!

Check out this demo from Epiphany Crafts:



Isn't that awesome?

There are so many possibilities with this tool - imagine stamping and inking onto white paper and making your own stamped buttons and embellishments! Too cool!

Pop in store soon to check out our range - before they're all gone!

The Team at Pages 2 Scrap

Pages 2 Scrap Staff ATC Swap

Have you ever wondered what an ATC is? Heard people mention them, but never took the plunge? Well, the girls at the shop have been having some fun recently with a swap amongst themselves, and wanted to share. But before I treat you to some fabulous papercrafted eyecandy, a little bit about ATC's.

ATC is a short way of saying "Artist Trading Card". Generally, it is a small piece of art measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", or approximately 6.5cm x 9cm for us metric girls. ATC cards can be created using just about any media you can imagine, from paints to paper, inks to pencil - the sky is the limit!

When a formal swap is organised, each member creates the same number of cards as people in the swap, including themselves. These are then numbered and swapped with other members of the group giving everyone a sample of each others work and artistic style. These are usually numbered, with a description and details on the back of the card. It is a fabulous way to get together with like minded people and enjoy each others work and creative expression.

The theme for our swap was that we had to use the colour BROWN, and we had to include a FLOURISH somewhere on our cards.

 Bec used a heat emboss technique to add great texture to her flourish. The natural cracks which occured in the flourish look fantastic. And how about that red stamped sentiment. Just beautiful!

 Next is Sarah's sample. Sarah has a superb vintage style, and combined with the current steampunk trend she has created an amazing ATC. The rich coloured background is courtesy of Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Rusty Hinge - a must have for any inkoholic.

 Sue's card is so colourful and cheerful, it reminds me of a sunny spring day - even with the use of brown! Very clever. The stamped lattice background combined with all the tiny punched flowers makes me yearn for the garden. So fun!

Next up is Tarrah McLean's sample. Vintage style lace, grunged tag, a tiny punched butterfly - how sweet is this! Tarrah's layering style is outstanding. She uses this technique to create interest, depth and plenty of texture on her trading card. Just amazing.

 Our special guest for this trade was Tara Hearne, and yes you are seeing double! Tara went all out in creating her swap which included a tiny handmade envelope with each card. Tara used lots of technique while creating her card, including heat emboss, stamping, paper layering, fussy cutting - the list goes on. And we were all amazed with the matching envelope - she even used a real wax seal on the back! Thank you for playing along with us Tara - we love your work!

Tracey features a butterfly punched from a vintage book page on her card, adding a tiny paper clip on one wing.  Her use of the stamped flourish creates the illusion of movement - so clever! And the depth of colour in her background is wonderful. Match it with a red stamped sentiment and white embossed edging around the card and this is a fabulous ATC.

And lastly, but not least, Kim used modpodge to create a multilayered feel to her card, adding stamped images and paper cutouts to each layer. Love the tiny flowerpot!

SPECIAL GUEST - Nathalie Kalbach - Tattered Angels Golden Ambassador

Yeah Nathalie is finally here!!.  We are so lucky to have Nathalie Kalbach teaching 4 classes over 2 days - 19 April and 27 April.

Nathalie is a Mixed Media Artist and Scrapbooker. She has her own column with Somerset Memories called “Nathalie’s Studio” and also writes for the German Scrapbooking Print Magazine “ScrapArtZine”. Nathalie is a Tattered Angels Golden Ambassador and certified educator and designer.


In this Tattered Angels class with Nathalie Kalbach you will create a unique canvas that will be a wonderful addition to your homedecor. You will use Tattered Angels products as Glimmer Mist, Glimmer Chalkboard and Glimmer Glam and Glimmer Glaze and much more. You will learn how to create dimension and texture with Gesso and other fun materials and add visible interesting details with Vintaj Embellishments*. All the techniques can be easily applied to future projects and layouts.This workshop is for everybody who wants to do something out of the box and loves to try something new and playful. All Workshop materials and media will be at the class. A list of tools and some additional supplies that students have to bring will be provided before the workshops. Come and join Nathalie in this Class and free your Creativity.  *the embellisments items in the class kit might differ from those on the photos.  Here is the sneak peak.

The class is only $85 including your kit.

To book you can just call the store or pop in to book your place. You can also book online. Just click on the class below.

Tuesday         19 April    11am-2pm    $85
Tuesday         19 Apri      6pm-9pm    $85
Wednesday   27 April    11am-2pm   $85
Wedensday   27 April     6pm-9pm   $85
 
 
The Team at Pages 2 Scrap

Darkroom Door Love Letters Cards with Sarah Schwerin

Are the school holidays getting you down? Are the kids driving you crazy? Do you need some "me" time to relax? Then why not pop along to my Love Letters Cards class on Wednesday morning!

Here's the sneak peek again:

Come along to our peaceful classroom where I will show you how to create 4 gorgeous love themed cards using the new Love Letters Photochips and Wordstrips from Darkroom Door!

We'll be stamping, inking, embossing, and distressing - or as I like to call it "Creative Therapy"! LOL!

Wednesday 20th April 2011 - 10:30am - 12:30pm. Cost $30 (includes kit).


In your kit you will receive a full packet of Darkroom Door Love Letters Photochips - with enough beautiful images to make 6 cards! You will also receive a Love Letters Wordstrip, and all the cardstock, trim, and gorgeous flowers that you will need to make your cards.

I can't wait to see you there!

~Sarah~

3 Quick Layouts with Bec

Are you time poor?

Do you want to get some scrapbook layouts completed but you just don't seem to find the time?

We may just have a solution for you.

Come along and complete 3 layouts in 2 hours using these

fun Echo Park Papers.

Suitable for beginners and even the most seasoned scrapbooker.

Try some doodling and also create all the embellishments

from just pattered paper!

Saturday 16 April
2pm - 4pm

$30 including kit

Call the store now to secure your place on 1300 664 228

The Team at Pages 2 Scrap

Darkroom Door Love Letters Cards with Sarah Schwerin

Hi everyone!

It's Sarah here just stopping by to tell you about my upcoming cardmaking class using the new Love Letters range of Photochips and Wordstrips from Darkroom Door! Here's a sneak peek:

In this class we will be creating 4 love themed cards and there will be lots of stamping, embossing, and distressing to keep you busy!

Saturday 16th April 2011 - 10:30am - 12:30pm - Cost = $30.

OR

Wednesday 20th April - 2011 - 10:30am - 12:30pm. Cost = $30.

In your kit you will receive a full packet of Darkroom Door Love Letters Photochips - with enough beautiful images to make 6 cards! You will also receive a Love Letters Wordstrip, and all the cardstock, trim, and gorgeous flowers that you will need to make your cards.

These cards would be perfect for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, or just for telling your special person how much you love them.

All 4 cards are in store now if you'd like to check them out!

I hope to see you there!

~Sarah~

13th April - A Day of Copic

If you have been considering attending a Copic Class then this full day of Copic may be what you are looking for.
Attend one or all of these class and you will be well on your way to creating beautiful Copic coloured images to use on your scrapbook layouts, cards and other craft projects.

Copic 101
Wednesday 13 April
9.30am - 11.30am

$30 (Including 2 Copic Markers of your choice)

In this class we will be learning about Copic Markers and how to use them with stunning results. We will be sharing tips and tricks to give you that polished look to your Copic projects, choosing the right colours, how to fix any mistakes as well as learning how to blend seamlessly There will plenty of time to play and perfect your technique ith a Copic Certified designer on hand to guide and assist you where needed.

Copic 102
Wednesday 13 April
12.00pm - 2.00pm

$30 (Including 2 Copic Markers of your choice)

Now that we have learnt basic two colour blending techniques using our Copic markers, it's time to step it up with some feather blending. In this class we will be learning how to blend two opposite colours for a stunning effect, as well as reinforcing our colour blending techniques.

Copic 103
Wednesday 13 April
2.30pm - 4.30pm

$30 (Including all embellishments to complete a sampler to take home)


The final installment to our introduction to Copic classes. Having learnt some basic blending and feather blending techniques we now move onto exploring new application for our Copic markers. In this class we will be decorating ordinary embellishments and turning them into some thing special to coordinate with our projects. We will also be looking at creating some textured effects using every day items that you can find in your home.

Please note that you can attend all of these classes or just the ones that you need to complete the introduction so you are ready to attend Copic Project classes which are coming up.

We look forward to seeing you in store

The Team at Pages 2 Scrap

'Perfecting Pinwheels' Single Page Layout Class

Hi everyone,

Tarrah here. Just a reminder to you that I will be teaching my 'Perfecting Pinwheels' class this coming Tuesday the 12th of April from 9.30-11.30am. Come along and find out all about how to make these cute little pinwheels and incorporate them into a layout.

Class Cost = $30 (this includes your kit) you will also have extra things leftover to use in future projects.

Here is a little sneak peak at what we will be creating......

Call the store on 1300 664 228 now to secure your place.......

Hope to see you there!!!!

The Team at Pages 2 Scrap

Vintage Flourish Cards with Sarah Schwerin.

Hi everyone!

Just a quick reminder that this Friday's I will be teaching my Vintage Flourish Cards class again - so if you missed out last time, now's your chance to book!

Here's the sneak peek again:

Included in your kit will be your very own Darkroom Door Flourish Background Stamp PLUS EZ Mount which we will use to create 4 lovely vintage feel cards.

We'll be stamping, inking, embossing, and even cuttlebugging - which all adds to up to lots of fun!

Friday 8th April 2011 - 10:30am - 12:30pm.
Class cost = $43, which includes your kit and Darkroom Door Flourish Background Stamp!*

This is the last time this class will be run, so book in soon so you don't miss out!

I hope to see you there!

~Sarah~

*If you already have the Flourish Background stamp, you can choose another one of the background stamps instead. :)

15th April - 3 Quick Cards with Bec

Would you like to whip up these lovely cards in just an hour?

Come and learn this great faux tile technique.

It is so much fun!

Friday 15 April

5pm - 6pm

$20 (Including Kit)

Call the store now on 1300 664 228 to book your place

The Team at Pages 2 Scrap



'Perfecting Pinwheels' Layout Class with Tarrah McLean

Hi guys!!

Tarrah here to let you all know of my upcoming layout class that I will be teaching.

In this fun class you will be learning how to make pinwheels from patterned paper.

 Here is a sneak peek:  

The class will be held on Tuesday 12th of April 2011 from 9.30am-11.30am.

Class Cost = $30, 

this includes all the materials you will need to create your layout in class and you will have some left over bits and pieces to use on future projects as well. There will be a list sent out to attendees of some items you can/may bring from home if you like.

Call the shop on 1300 664 228 to book your place.

Hope to see you there!!

Tarrah & the Team at Pages 2 Scrap