Almost Christmas for L4SB?

Eek its here, Scrapfest, is only a few hours away now. Its almost better than Christmas. Store is packed and tomorrow we say our "see you laters" to the husbands and kids. As the husbands man the house for the weekend we will embark on our biggest business venture yet. Come on out and say hi you won't be disappointed you did. New products will be on site and lots of awesome deals, and if that isn't exciting enough you can wish me, Sunshine Scrapper a happy birthday and get an extra 10% off your order. Woohoo. We are located just beside the food court. So grab a snack and head on over to our both.   By the way they have Tim Hortons coffee and you can still buy tickets to the marketplace on Saturday and shop between 9 am and 5pm.. Tickets are available at the door only now.  We can't wait to see you!

Yours truly
Sunshine Scrapper

Meet Sunshine

Hello fellow scrappers,

My name is Sunshine Scrapper and I am a partner and cohort of the Loon Scrapper. I am a mother of one beautiful little 4 year old boy and love to scrap every little picture I have the opportunity to snap. My favorite line is Smash because I can do just that. Smash it, scrap it, and move on... so fast so easy and so awesome. I'm already on my 2nd book with two more on order, lol.

I am so fortunate that my husband agrees that my hobby needs its own room so in our first family home that we just moved in to  I am happy to announce that I have my own Scrap room. Woohoo.

For those of you that are coming to Scrapfest in Oshawa next weekend come visit our booth. We are beside the food court. I am so excited to be a part of this HUGE mile marker for LOONIE4SCRAPBOOKING and look forward to meeting some of you at this and other venues we will be attending.
If you have any questions about products or techniques or even if you just want to say hi you can post on our blog or send us an email to loonscrapper@gmail.com. We promise to be prompt and get back to you with a response asap.

Hope to hear from you soon

Sunshine

Another new cutting machine...The Silhouette PORTRAIT

Hello fellow scrappers,

I recently told you that Loonie4scrapbooking was going to be selling Silhouette of America products and we were accepting preorders. Immediately after placing the order for the Silhouettes I received an email telling me about a new Silhouette cutting machine that is now available for preordering. This new machine is geared toward cardmakers or crafters not requiring the larger 12x12 surface area. This machine is called "the PORTRAIT".

The PORTRAIT has the same motor as the Cameo but is smaller (with a 8.5x11" surface space)and weighs only 3.5 Lbs making it easily portable. It is able to resize designs from 1/4" to 8" in width and up to 10 feet long. The Portrait can cut all the same types of materials that the CAMEO can (including all Silhouette branded materials) and includes a cutting mat that will accept Letter (8.5 in x 11 in) and A4 sized sheet goods. Like the CAMEO, the portrait has an optical scanner so it can be used with a home printer to create print & cut projects. It is compatible with both Mac and PC and includes Silhouette Studio® software—allowing users to create their own designs and cut the fonts already installed on their computers. This machine will be in store by early December which gives plenty of time to get it as a Christmas gift. It will retail for $199.99 + tax

To ensure you get one in time for Christmas preorder now! Total cost is $199.99 plus applicable tax but we only require a downpayment of $100 (no tax) to place your order. Balance of order will be collectable when machine arrives in store!

In our next entry we will be introducing you to Loonscrappers friend and creative collaborator, Sunshine Scrapper. ...

Silhouette America

The Silhouette Cameo is an electronic personal cutting tool that hooks up via a USB cable to your personal computer be it a PC or a Mac..  Instead of printing your images the Cameo has a blade that cuts out the designs directly from your computer.  The Silhouette is the 2^nd electronic cutting tool that Silhouette America has released.  The first machine was the Silhouette SD which is very similar to the Cameo but lacked enticing features such as a 12x12 cutting surface. 

The Cameo is able to cut through fabric, vinyl, cardstock and other materials with ease (when you use the right blade).  There is also the option of removing the cutting blade and replacing it with a Silhouette sketch pen to sketch digital designs. It is easy to adjust the size of designs or text from ¼ inch up to 12 inches wide and as long as 10 feet,  At this point I can’t help but think to myself…ok, but my Cricut does all that!  What is it that makes this machine stand out from other electronic cutting machines? 

One important benefit I see from comparing the Cameo to the Cricut machine is that the Cameo is both versatile and cost efficient.  Cricut users need to purchase expensive and space taking cartridges to get the images they want, many times buying a cartridge just so they can get a couple of the images off of it…not at all cost efficient.  The Cameo user can purchase the images they want through the online store using a download card paying only .99 cents (or for some like Looney Tunes its $1.99) for an image, the image they actually want!  Once purchased this image is theirs to keep.   No wasting money on images you don’t want or need, plus you get free designs through the Silhouette software when you initially purchase your machine, and if that’s not enough, you can use any of the fonts already on your computer.  Wait a second, am I understanding this right, this machine gives you some images free, lets you download others and lets you design your own!  Wow, to design using the Cricut I need a Gypsy which is another semi expensive tool whereas the Cameo does all of that with just one machine!!!!

I was thinking I MAY have to get a Cameo if for no other reason so that I can know the product I am selling, but following that last paragraph I am now certain I MUST have one for myself!  I love my Cricut and it has served me well over the past couple of years but as technology continues to advance so to do the tools….and yay for that!

The more I read about the Cameo the more I like what I see/hear.  The Cameo also allows you to print full color images to your printer then cut them out using the Cameo.  How cool is that?  The Cameo can be controlled either by a home computer or an SD card….my guess is the next machine they come out with will also be controlled by our cellphones.

While I was reading up on the Silhouette I decided to take a peek at the   Online store. The store is open for browsing but you are not able to purchase or download anything without having the Silhouette Studio.  Lots of options including designs from companies like Echo Park, SEI, Pebbles etc,  Only possible problem with this (for me anyways) is that a person could spend hours just trying to choose designs they may want with the large selection available.  They even have a free shape you can download each week.  Upon entering the store I came across a blog they have that you may be interested in taking a peek at:  http://blog.silhouetteamerica.com/

If you would like to purchase a Silhouette Cameo machine they are now available for preorder.  The cost of the unit will be $299.99 + tax and being such a big ticket item we do require a $150.00 downpayment on the machine.  Included in the box with the Cameo electronic cutting machine is:  USB cable, AC adapter and power chord, $10 download card, Silhouette instructional DVD and Silhouette Studio design software, cutting mat, adjustable blade, and 50 exclusive digital designs.

Here are some specs on the machine you may find useful:

Weight: 6.5 Lbs but please note the shipping weight states 11 Lbs

There is a 1year warranty on parts and labor.  This warranty is through Silhouette America which is based out of California, USA.

Dimensions of the machine itself are: 20.9”x5”x6.5” but for shipping are 24x11x11

Well I guess all that’s left to do is get my Cameo and check it out!  The order will be going in soon so preorder today to ensure you get one from the first order.  I know I am looking forward to playing with mine!  Watch for my review after I get my machine in a future blog.

Happy scrapping friends!

Magic Stamp

I know the last posting said next up would be Spellbinders, but I am going to talk about a new to me tool that I wanted to let you know about.  I recently tried the Magic Stamp from Clearsnap and was pleasantly surprised to find out it truly is a "magic stamp".

The retailer description is:  
CLEARSNAP-Magic Stamp Moldable Foam Stamps. Mold and remold this foam pieces into an endless variety of textures and objects. Just Heat; Mold; Cut; and Stamp! Your molded image will remain until you reheat your shape. Great for stamping or stenciling on paper; fabric; and wood. This package contains eight 4x3x1 inch foam blocks. Made in USA.

I had the Magic Stamp in the house for less than a week when I decided I just had to try it,  My 2 sons and I decided to incorporate it into our craft time.  I grabbed my heat gun, magic stamp, a couple of different colors of ink to prepare for our activity.  I then told my sons to randomly choose a couple of items for us to try the Magic stamp on. 

We started with a seashell.  I heated the foam stamp by slowly moving the heat gun over the foam for about 30 seconds.  I then set a seashell on the table and pressed the heated side of the foam into the shell and held it firmly in place for 15-20 seconds.  The seashell impression was well detailed and when we added ink to the foam we discovered we had in fact created a beautiful stamp.  

We also used various other objects including  coins, which we discovered that when you overlap coins and put their impression in the foam they actually looked like bubbles.  With the coins we played around and I was a little disappointed to see the impression on the coins was only minimally visible.

My youngest son decided to go outside and get a leaf so we could try it,  The leaf was beautiful especially when I used both red and brown ink on the stamp.  We played around with the leaf, and saw the depth and clarity of the impression was dependant on the amount of pressure used.  The deeper the impression the longer it takes to reheat the foam to have it return to its original form.

We also tried a rock, a toy figurine, and a plastic baby fork.  The plastic baby fork worked really well but the figurine left a weak unimpressive impression.  I have read that if you make an impression of another stamp (eg a wood mounted stamp) the impression of the stamp will be different then the original impression the stamp would normally make,  I did not test this yet but plan to the next time I play with the magic stamp...tomorrow maybe,

Clearsnap was smart to not just create a block form of the foam stamp but also offers packages of sheet stock so that you can cut the size you need.  Being able to cut to size gives you endless possibilities for your stamp creations.  I must say I do love this product.  I know the Magic Stamp is not new, it has actually been on the market for a few months, but I just recently learned about it and wanted to try it,  So my opinion is that this is a really fun tool that enables your creativity to flow.  My kids loved finding different things to make impressions with and of course like all kids getting dirty is always fun.  I did not let them touch the heat gun but the rest they can do.

I have one warning for everyone...it says on the packaging to keep the heat gun moving as you can melt the foam and oh boy, they are 100% correct.  I was distracted by something happening around me and held the gun still for less than 3 seconds and sure enough the foam melted a bit.  So if you are heating the block be careful to keep the heat moving across the foam and do not accidentally get too close to the foam.

You can utilize both sides of the block  making 2 distinct stamps.  If you like the stamp you create you can leave the impression in the foam to use again.  However if you want to erase your stamp to make another you simply reheat the foam gently gliding the heat gun over the impression until it is completely removed.  Just remember to keep the heat 

The magic stamp is now available at Loonie4scrapbooking for $7.79 + tax for the 8 pack of blocks.  We also carry the foam sheets which enable you to cut the size of foam you need.  The packs of sheet stock contain three 8x10 inch foam sheets in varying thicknesses ranging from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch.  A third form of the magic stamp is the Geometric shapes pack. This package contains ten foam blocks in assorted shapes; sizes; and colors.  The sheets and geometric shapes packs each cost $6.79 + tax.

The above video will show you the basics,  Use your imagination and have fun!  

Loonscrapper

Distinguishing between the Spellbinder "ABILITIES"

Spellbinders dies-  distinguishing between the –ABILITIES

If you are new to Spellbinder dies you may wonder what the difference is from one category of die to another.  I figured that if I didn’t know the difference there is a good likelihood others out there don’t know either,  I hope some find it helpful.

Nestabilities have been around since 2007.  They are various die cut shapes at 1/4th and 1/8th inch increments that create beautiful scrapbooking pages. Like many die cut templates they are metal wafer thin dies that allow you to cut, emboss, and stencil all in one. One of the major differences is that with nesting dies you have about 6 or 7 that come in a package that are great for stacking to create a 3-D nesting effect at an affordable price. They are universal and work in most die cutting machines..

Grand Nestabilities die templates are a super sized version of our flagship Spellbinders Nestabilities dies. Incrementing up from our regular sized sets, mix and match with each other or coordinate with original sized Nestabilities dies. 

Shapeabilities dies offer the most cutting and embossing detail in dies available in the market today.   They offer every look from ”sophisticated to whimsical. “

Enhanceabilities offer the versatility to add your own creative flair to everything you create! 
Enjoy our latest offering with the Pop-Up die designs, bringing dimension & detail with delicate butterfly wings & playful hearts, perfect for cards, layouts, invitations and more!

From decorative corners to accent pieces each unique die template has been specifically designed to pop up and add dimension to any project. 

Edgeabilities:  Mix and match the cutting Edge with a cutting and embossing Decorative Insert to create custom, beautifully detailed edges for cards, scrapbook pages and mixed media projects. Designed with one inch repeating patterns, mix and match between sets to create more than 72 combinations with the introduction of the first six sets.

Borderabilities are designed to create decorative edges and strips for cards or scrapbook pages, Spellbinders Borderabilities® dies are available in a two sizes and a variety of designs. Grand Borderabilities are 12” and ideal for scrapbooking layouts. The versatile Borderabilities Petite are 5½” long and sold in coordinating sets of borders and decorative strips.

Frameabilities die templates are the easy way to cut and emboss perfect, delightfully detailed frames. Each Spellbinders Frameabilities set includes two nested frames and coordinating accent pieces. They are great for frames, windows and more on cards, scrapbook pages 

M-Bossabilities Folders - Two Designs. Twice the Value.
Double your creativity with the new Spellbinders M-Bossabilities folders. Unique reversible embossing folders give you twice the value and more design options for detailed embossing and letterpress creations. 20 embossing folders flip around to create two different looks! Spellbinders M-Bossabilities folders come in 2 sizes for all your paper crafting needs. Each folder has two designs - one on each side -  for more versatility and value.

Impressabilities are flexible metal templates for embossing your craft project. Use them to emboss the pattern, apply ink to letterpress, stencil through the pattern, or cut apart to embellish with pieces of the pattern. Add the details that make your project special with Spellbinders Impressabilities templates.

With Spellbinders Grand Impressabilities, emboss with Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities dies to create texture on a grand scale.  Add embossed detail to your work.

Cardmakers and scrapbookers alike love Spellbinders “abilities” for the versatility (mix and match) and value or these dies.   I also like that they work on all the leading manual die cutting machines.  I use Spellbinders on my Cuttlebug.  There are a large variety available and we can’t carry them all but if there is one you know you want let us know and we will do our best to get it for you and as always we promise to offer you the lowest price. 

....next up...........

the new Spellbinder Majestic Elements

WASHI????

If you are a papercrafter you have likely heard about (or at the very least will soon hear about) Washi tape. This product is invading the crafting world with a vengeance.

Washi tape is basically a pretty, high quality masking tape.
You can tear it, stick it, reposition it, write on it...and so much more. The low tack adhesive makes it extremely easy to use (and reuse).

Washi tape originated in Japan and is commonly made using fibers from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub (Edgeworthia papyrifera), or the paper mulberry, but also can be made using bamboo, hemp, rice, and wheat. Washi comes from wa meaning Japanese and shi meaning paper.

Numerous companies in the crafting world now make Washi tape (or their version of it seeing as its not actually made in Japan). Bella Blvd, We R MK, Studio Calico, 7 Gypsies, Cosmo Cricket, Crate Paper, Queen and Company, and Heidi Swapp all joined the Washi takeover. Tim Holtz has a tissue tape and Little Yellow Bicycle released a vellum tape to compliment their Splash Collection.

Each tape is unique. They have varying colors (neutrals/darks/lights/pastels/neon), designs (polka dots/ wood grain/flowers etc) sizes and themes (birthday/halloween xmas). Some come 2 rolls in a pack, others 3 in a pack, some just a single roll. Some are thick and have a paper backing, some are thin and transparent. The options are endless.

Here is some info about each of the main companies that manufacture Washi tape.

7 Gypsies tape: package of 3, not transparent, thicker than regular Washi tape, removeable/repositionable, good for stamping on, also have fabric tape available, low tack

Prima canvas tape: package of 3, not transparent,low tack

Tim Holtz tissue tape: set of 2, transparent, very low tack (does not stick well),

K& Co. Smash tape: somewhat transparent, midway between a masking tape and a Washi tape, low tack,

Hambley: great for beginners, 2 smaller rolls and 1 larger roll in a package, wood grain, doiley, script, low tack, can be layered for effect,

American Crafts decorative tape: thicker than Washi, low tack

American Crafts and Amy Tangerine teamed up: this is good starter set, neutral colors, wood grain,ruler,

Martha Stewart paper tapes: holiday tapes, most are not transparent, thin, low tack,4 different sizes in a package,

Real "Washi Tape":

MT brand or Kamoi: available through Etsy

It is important to look at the size of the roll to ensure you are getting your moneys worth. Most of the main brands have lots on there rolls but a couple of companies provide significantly less.

At Loonie4scrapbooking we currently have some We R MK Washi tape in stock for $3.79 + tax. The package contains 2 rolls each with 26 feet (52 feet total). One roll is 15mm wide; the other is 10mm wide.  


We are also able to get the following brands of Washi tape:

Cosmo Cricket: Ruler or Hello for $8.79 each+ tax
Contains two rolls each with 16 yards of washi tape. Acid and lignin free. Imported.

Cashmere Dame Washi Tape by Glitz: 33 Feet for $3.49 each + tax. Available in Chevron or Cherry

October Afternoon: OCTOBER AFTERNOON-9 To 5 Collection or Woodland Park or Cakewalk: Washi Tape. This paper tape is great for borders; layering; and collages and can be written or stamped on for added flair. This package contains one 8-yard roll of Washi Tape. Available in several designs (each sold separately). Imported.

HEIDI SWAPP-Day Glow: Neon Tapes. These assorted brightly colored tapes are the perfect accent to your paper crafts! The intense pop of color add excitement and energy to any piece! Package contains 4 tapes in assorted widths. Each tape is 5 meters long. Acid and lignin free. Imported.
$6.79 + tax

There is also more coming available for preorder.

Hope you find this useful and if you want to learn more I invite you to look at some videos on YouTube or better yet grab yourself some Washi and have fun experimenting...I know I will! Have fun!!