Stamp School: Cardmaking Mistakes & How to Fix Them!

Hi friends! First up let me apologize for not having a live show today, we were hit by a ‘Noreaster with high winds and our electricity and internet were down today. I spent the day watching Harry Potter movies with the kids and painting watercolors in the living room. I can’t complain about a power outage because we have a generator and a wood stove, we are very lucky:) Several neighbors had large trees come down and rip electric wires off their homes and cause lots of damage. We fared quite well. I hope everyone who is digging out from this storm does so safely and if needed reach out to a neighbor for help or offer your home up to a neighbor in need. Take care of each other:)

I wanted to share this video tonight for a couple of reasons, first off I wanted to give you some hope and inspiration for your weekend crafting, no matter how badly a craft seems to be going you CAN salvage it and secondly because I mentioned the 40% off selected peg stamp sets and accessories sale going on at Rubber Stamp Tapestry and I wanted you to have a chance to grab some deals before the sale ends tomorrow night.

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry BIG sale – 40% off 90 sets AND 35% off crafting goodies + free shipping on orders of $75 shipped within the USA (use coupon code: FREESHIP75) Sale Ends 12/31/16

Supplies:

• Pegstamp sets: Between the Paving Stones, Cherry Blossom, Stars & Stripes Forever
• Unmounted stamp (Cottage Containers)
• Neenah Classic Crest solar white super smooth cardstock for stamping/coloring with alcohol pens
• Kraft and cream cardstock
• Chameleon pens (Alcohol markers)
• Gelatos/Gel Sticks
• Memento dye inks
• Distress inks
• Embossing powder
• Black pigment ink (for embossing)
• Twine
• Grommets
• Heat tool
• Woodgrain embossing folder
• White gesso
• White gel pen
• Black fineliner (I used the one in the Chameleon pens kit)
• Dry adhesive (ATG gun)
• Foam squares

Directions:
1. Stamp window box with black memento ink on Neenah white cardstock and color with chameleon markers. Use the mixing chamber if you want a blended image and start coloring in the lightest area. Practice on a scrap piece of cardstock if you are new to these markers.

2. Stamp on flowers with peg stamps and dye inks.

3. Accent image with white and black pens. Add more color and shading with alcohol pens if desired.

4. Run a scrap of cream cardstock through a embossing machine with a wood-grain embossing folder. Color with distress inks, gelatos and gesso. Repeat steps if desired until you get the look you want. Fold up top and bottom of that panel to make a contrasting border on the panel. Attach panel to frat cardstock with grommets and thread twine through he holes to make a frame.

5. Stamp Thank you with black pigment ink an heat emboss.

6. Make a 5″x7″ side fold card with cream card stock. Ink edges and stamp border is desired and attach all card elements.

 

I hope it goes without saying, use what you have, you do not need to have the exact same brand of ink, pastel, marker, pen etc to make a fabulous card. The best supplies to use are the ones you have. Have fun working through those mistakes and til next time happy crafting!

After Christmas Craft & Art Supply Haul & Winners Announced!

Hi friends! The week of lazy continues for me, I have been puttering around, accomplishing next to nothing and enjoying the downtime with the kids! Today we watched Netflix while putting together puzzles and doodling in my new watercolor sketchbook.

I actually went in my office and tried to do an acrylic project, my heart was not in it and I scraped the paint off the canvas about 15 minutes in. I may return to that painting, or not, currently I am not feeling it LOL! I did post an after Christmas haul on YouTube yesterday, some things I got for Christmas and other things I ordered before Christmas for upcoming classes and tutorials that just arrived. If you are curious have a look:

I hit the overstock and closeout dale at Jerry’s Artarama pretty hard, I bought:
20 of the 24  half pan Daler Rowney Aquafine palettes for $10 each (regular $50) for upcoming workshops & classes
LUKAS Design Gouache set of 12 ($12)
Cachet watercolor sketchbook ($12) *used in photo above!
Lukas half pans ($2.49 each)
Strathmore watercolor greeting cards

Amazon:
Empty metal watercolor tin that holds 48 half pans, brand Meeden $12

Assorted fun foam items from Mardens

Nail polish dispenser and shammy from Dollar Tree

Gifts:
Scent diffuser & oils
Fabric
Hot glue gun stand
tarp
stickers

I also wanted to remind you that LifeBook 2017 starts in just a few days! I am one of the teachers! If you are interested in a year full of weekly mixed media classes for one low price click here for more info, be sure to use the coupon code FIREWORKS2017 to save 20% if you decide to enroll. I would love for you to join me on this year of inspiration!

Also I wanted to announce the winners of last weeks giveaways! The winner of the FABART knitting needles is Barbara Sabo and the winner of stamps from ArtNeko is Deborah Ward. Congratulations! Please check your email shortly for instructions on claiming your prize and thanks everyone for playing. Til next time Happy crafting!

Cheap Watercolor Poppy Painting!

Hi friends! I have taken a few days off for Christmas but I wanted to share the painting I did with the $5 set of watercolors I reviewed the other day.

I hope you use what you have and paint along!

I got this set of watercolors under the Phoenix Art label at Ocean State Job Lot for $5 recently. I was surprised at the quality of these and I want to use them for some gouache type paintings. I have heard they are the same as the LUKAS opaque set of watercolors at Jerry’s or the Artist Loft brand. I have also seen them compared to the Pelican watercolors but since I have not tried any of those brands I can’t say for sure. They remind me of the Grumbacher Deluxe set of opaque watercolors but honestly I liked these $5 paints better than the $47 Grumbachers but they were similar. They are a lot like a tempera cakes and I like how easily I can take out the pans, I plan on using this set in my children’s art classes, there is a lot of product in the pans as well and they seem to be very slow wearing. For $5 I am very pleased with them! If you see this set in your travels I recommend trying them out!

I wanted to remind you that you still have time to enter to win a set of knitting needles or brushes from Fab Art (winner drawn tomorrow) and stamps from ArtNeko (winner drawn Wednesday) so make sure you leave a comment on those blog posts for a chance to win! I hope you had a happy, safe and relaxing weekend. I had a wonderful Christmas with good food, folks and fun and today was a big ol’ hang around in jammies day. However you spent the weekend I hope it was lovely. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

LIVE! Poinsettia in Watercolor Tutorial 12:30pm Eastern time today!

Hi friends! I hope you can paint the poinsettia with me live in 30 minutes on YouTube!

Today we are going to use some different pigments than usual, 2 are simple pigments and 3 are mixed pigments. I will tell you all about the benefits to each kind of paint and I will also give alternatives so bring whatever paint you have to follow along, we will get you through it! Here is a color study and swatch, use whatever you have that is closest!

You can watch the live stream or the replay in the player below but if you want to chat with us live be sure to view on the YouTube watch page!

Supplies can be found at our sponsor Jerry’s Artarama!

• Watercolors: Indian yellow, indigo, sap green green gold, magenta Quin Alizarin Crimson (Qor by Golden)
• 140# watercolor paper 9″x12″ Frabrino Artistico
• A variety of round brushes: Mimik
• Reference Photo by Pinwheel on Paint my Photo
• My printable pattern/sketch
• Other: Credit card scraper, paper towels, 2 water buckets

Don’t miss Craftsy’s last BIG sale! Grab a last-minute class to give as a gift (or for yourself) for $19.99 or less!

*Any class you purchase after clicking my special discount link helps support the free tutorials I post on YouTube, thank you as always for your support:) I hope to see you at 12:30pm ET for festive and fun painting! Happy crafting!

Gotta love cheap paint (if it’s good!)

Hi friends! I hope you are all having a stress free time if you are preparing for the holidays, I spent yesterday shopping which was fun and today cleaning (which was not) and I am so tired tonight! But it will be totally worth it when we host Christmas eve this year. We will have the live show tomorrow at 12:30pm Eastern time if you want to mark your calendar or “click the bell” on YouTube to be reminded of it and I am really looking forward to that! For now though, I want to share some wicked cheap paint I found! I bought this set of 24 watercolor tablets (plus one tube of white gouache and brush) for $5 at Ocean State Job Lot in Bangor last week. Let’s see how they perform!

Video!

I really liked this set and for $5 there is not a thing I can complain about, well, the brush was bad but the paint and palette was awesome! Here is what I like about the Phoenix Arts watercolor set:

• Vivid colors
• Semi opaque *you can make them more opaque by using the white)
• Lifts well
• Layers nicely
• Great flow
• Blends well

Watch for a poppy flower painting tutorial coming up in a day or two with these paints, they were so fun to use and a steal of a deal, I think I will snag some more up to give as gifts! Oh speaking of gifts the last HUGE sale of the year just went live on Craftsy, all classes are $19.99 or less so it is a great inexpensive last-minute gift for someone on your list (or yourself!)

Thank you for your support of Craftsy classes, I earn a  commission of any class you buy after clicking my special discount link and that keeps my Blog and YouTube tutorials free and I think you for your kind support!See you tomorrow for the LIVE Frugal Crafter holiday special, til then happy crafting!

Iris in Watercolor Pencil Tutorial!

Today we are going to make a mixed media painting using the supplies that came in this month’s Smart Art Box.

Learn to draw and paint this iris flower in watercolor pencils by following along with today’s video!

Supplies:

• Watercolor pencils
• Watercolor paper
• Brushes
• Reference photo

This project is perfect for a beginner to watercolor pencils. Feel free to use the supplies you have on hand and even add watercolor paint to the mix if you want! If you would like to receive a box of supplies delivered to your door every month check out the subscription boxes from our sponsor Smart Art Box. A subscription also makes a great last-minute holiday gift! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Last Minute DIY Gift Idea & Rubber Stamp Giveaway!

Hi friends! Do you need a last minute gift for your coworkers or your kids scout troop or maybe your children’s school teachers? Here is a practical gift displayed in a pretty way! DIY Lip balm purses and suitcases!

Everyone needs an extra tube of chapstick this time of year. It doesn’t cost much but it is useful and thoughtful. In today’s video I will show you how to make a display card for them that looks like a suitcase or purse and you could even hang then from the Christmas tree if you wanted too!

Video!

Sponsored by Art Neko *Save 10% off your next order of any size or get free shipping on orders over $50 (whichever discount is greater you get!) just by mentioning thefrugalcrafter!

Supplies:
Cardstock
Stamps: Spring in Paris set
Scissors
Ribbon/trim
Postage edge punch or deco-scissors
lip balm
Double sided tape
Hot Glue

Directions:
Die cut a rectangle, oval or fancy label from cardstock. Stamp on it if desired. Fold up edges so you have a 1/2″ space in the center to adhere a lip balm tube to. Add handles and decorate if desired.

Giveaway!!!!

If you would like to win the stamps I used from ArtNeko then simply leave a comment! I will draw a winnter at random in one week. This giveaway is open worldwide. If you enjoyed this quick last minute gift idea please consider sharing it using one of the handy sharing buttons below. Thanks and til next time happy crafting!

Knitting Needle Set Giveaway & Free Adjustable Slipper Pattern!

Hi friends!  Today I am going to share an easy recipe for knitted slippers! This is a quick gift any knitter can whip up in time for Christmas AND a fun project for a new knitter to try! By the Way I have a 20% off coupon code: Q6B4EYWQ for the knitting needle set I used from Fabart (the coupon can be used on anything in the Fabart Amazon store too and they can ship in time for Christmas!)

Watch the video to see how and then check out the pattern and diagram at the end of this post for written instruction. Rather than just giving you a pattern I want to teach you how to make these slippers to fit your foot and how to alter the pattern for different yarn you may want to use.

Video!

Find the set of interchangeable knitting needles I used from our sponsor FABART and save 20% with coupon code: Q6B4EYWQ

Supplies:

• Size 9 knitting needles
• Super bulky yarn (look for a 6 on the label)
• Contrasting ribbon or yarn to use as stitch markers
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Stitches you need to know:
Knit stitch
Purl Stitch
Knit 2 together
*All of these stitches are demonstrated in the video, checkout this video if you need more instruction.

Directions: Use this for a ladies slipper size 6-10 or narrow men’s slipper. Alteration tips below.
1. Cast on 22 stitches.
2.Row 1: Knit7 (place stitch marker) Purl 1, Knit 6 (place stitch marker) Purl 1, Knit 7
3. Row 2: Knit
*Repeat these 2 rows until you have a rectangle of fabric that is as long as the distance from your heel to the widest part of your foot (where the toe knuckles are) I knit this part 8 1/2″ to fit a size 8-9 ladies shoe size.
4. Decreasing for the toe:
Knit 1, Knit 2 together (repeat across row.)
Next row: Knit. Repeat these 2 rows.
5. Knit across as many rows as you need until you have 1/4″ of toe left to cover.
6. Repeat step 4.
7. Cut yarn leaving a 18″ tail, thread yarn into a yarn needle and draw yarn through stitches on the needle. Slide the stitches off the needle and pull tight to close the toe. Fold slipper fabric in half and sew up the toe. Fasten off and weave in ends.
8. Use the tail from the cast on end to sew up the heel, fasten off and weave in ends.

Alterations:
To make a wider slipper add a stitch or two in each knit column. So instead of casting on 22 stitches (k7, p1, k6, p1, k7) you might cast on 25 stitches and k8, p1, k7, p1, k8. Just add stitches evenly and follow the knitting instructions for the rest of the slipper.

To make smaller slippers you can decrease stitches from each column. Alternately you could use thinner yarn and smaller knitting needles so a smaller slipper would not be as bulky. I suggest making notes as you knit the first slipper so you can easily make the second one match. Here is a diagram of how the slipper is constructed and where you can alter the design to change the size.

Giveaway Time!!!

I have an amazing giveaway for you this week from our sponsor Fabart AND a coupon code: Q6B4EYWQ to save 20% ANYTHING in their shop from brushes to knitting needles if you want to buy a set for someone on your Christmas list! Fabart is selling this set of needles for $40 (only $32 with coupon and if you are an amazon Prime member you can get free 2 day shipping so you will have them in time for Christmas!) I have seen sets of aluminum knitting needles from other companies starting at $65 and up! I have used many brands of aluminum knitting needles and these are just as good at a much lower price and the handsome faux leather case makes it an amazing gift for any knitter. Circular needles can be use the same way as straight needles or you can knit in the round with them to make seamless hats and sweaters. They are also wonderful for teaching kids to knit as they fit smaller hands better. You can connect the cords to make larger items like blankets and keep the weight off the needles. You can even use the cords and stoppers that come in the kit as stitch holders. When you get this set of interchangeable knitting needles you are essentially getting nine pairs of straight needles size 4-11, nine pairs of 15″, 25″ and 30″ circular needles. And you can connect three of the cords to make large seamless blankets and throws. It can get expensive when you first get started knitting but this set will see you through most of the patterns you will come across. Leave a comment and let me know if you would rather win the knitting needle set or another product from the Fabart shop (and tell me your pick) and I will draw a winner in one week! Good luck and til next time happy crafting!

Review: Sennelier La Petite Aquarelle Student Watercolors & Comparison to the Artist Line

Hi friends! I got a chance to play with the inexpensive student watercolors by Sennelier this week.

Let’s see how the new student grade Sennelier La Petite Aquarelle compares to the artist Sennelier Watercolors! I will also compare it to other student watercolors in the same price range.

Video!

Pros:

• Price: I paid $27.49 for the 24 color set with a palette at Jerry’s Artarama (retail price is $55)
• Vivid transparent colors
• Suitable for glazing
• Color numbers match professional range (although colbalt blue and primary red do not seem the same as the pro number color)
• Palette is lightweight and comfortable and the mixing area can be removed for cleaning or if you need more mixing space.
• Paints preform exactly like the pro range (every watercolor brand seems to have a unique feel to them and these “feel” like Sennelier pro paints, if you like these you will like the pro versions as they behave the same)
  When painted side by side with the same colors of the artist line the colors are the same or only slightly different, for instance as the ultramarine dried I could see what looked like a bit of white filler separating out. I would not have noticed it if was not right next to the artist version.
• These are as good if not better than other student brands I recommend in vibrancy (such as Van Gogh, Grumbacher academy, Cotman or Sonnett)
• Lightfast info is on the box (but no pigment info) and they use the ASTM method: 16 colors are ASTM 1 (excellent lightfast), 3 colors are ASTM 2 (Very Good Lightfast) and 4 colored are ASTM n. r. (not rated)
• These colors mix cleanly and would not hinder a beginner learning how watercolors work.

Cons:

• I can’t find pigment info on these paints. I could assume that the pigments match the color numbers BUT I am fairly certain that the cobalt blue is a mix and not pb28 and primary red shared a color code number with standard Alizerian crimson and it just does not look like PR83 to me. The box has lightfast ratings but not pigment info. That is really the only “con” for me.

Bottom line, go for it! I think these are decent paints and a great value. I recommend refilling the pans with Sennelier artist tube paint as they run out and you have a great start to watercolor success. Let me know if you have questions in the comments below. Fore more info on these paints check out the Sennelier website.

This is NOT a sponsored post, I purchased this set myself and these opinions are my own:) Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!