Last Day to Save 50% on My New Pastel Class!

Hi friends! I just wanted to pop in to remind you that today is the last day to take advantage of my launch month special for my new Soft Pastel for Beginners online class!

I always want to make sure that my friends and supporters get the chance to learn at the lowest possible price and that’s why I launch my classes to you at 50% off. I appreciate you taking a chance on me and trusting me to guide you through your artistic journey.

Every time I use pastels in a video I get asked if I will do a class for the basics to walk people through what to buy and how to safely use this wonderful medium. I go over the best bangs for your buck and what you should have and what to skip, where to skimp and where to splurge and I also walk through four finished paintings. Watch this quick overview of what to expect in the class:

I also show you the options for pastel painting so it can be the most enjoyable for the way you like to paint. If dusty fingers and the noise of the pastel scraping on the paper bother you I share alternatives such as pan pastels and applicators and I show you how to adapt the lessons for those if you wish.

I want to make sure your painting is a safe and fun experience so we will build good safety habits from the start. It is one of the reasons I recommend a student set of pastels to begin, not only do they cost less but they are non toxic too and do not take away from the enjoyment of the medium.

If your goal is to try a new art medium this year I encourage you to give pastel a go! It is a beautiful medium on its own or as a compliment to your watercolor painting. Click here to learn more about Soft Pastel for Beginners and save 50% off today! Use coupon code COLOR if the discount doesn’t appear. Regular price is $79 but you save $39.50 with coupon code COLOR Through 3/1/19.

 

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement and I hope to see you in class soon! Happy crafting!

18 Card Making Tips & Cute Robot Cards!

Howdy friends! I had so much fun making this quirky batch of robot themed cards!

I’m not quite sure what it is about robots but I have quite a collection of robot themed things, I bet if you searched robot on my blog you would see tons of projects for classroom valentines to cards and probably scrapbook pages. I even think I sewed robot themed pajamas for my kids when they were young. I never really through about it until I was looking through my stamps to make these cards and realized I have a whole binder or steampunk/robot stamps LOL!

I like themes like this because I feel the cards (although fun and youthful) can be used for a variety of occasions and people. Kids birthdays come to mind first but they could also be used as a get well soon card (these junk yard robots look like they have seen better days LOL) or for a simple “hello!” or thinking of you card for anyone!

I have a tendency to go for ruffles, flowers and glitter frequently and my frou-frou style would not work as well for all recipients so it’s nice to have some industrial style cards too. As I was working on these cards I kept thinking of tips I wanted to share along the way and there are a lot of them! Don’t try to write them all down, I have listed them below the video & supply list for your convenience:)

This tutorial is sponsored by Top Flight Stamps!  SAVE 10% off your next order with coupon code: thefrugalcrafter10 *USA orders of $50+ ship free!

Supplies (Sponsored & Affiliate Links Used)

• Katzelkraft Robots2 stamps
• Indigo Blu Shine Bright Stamp Set
• Black and white cardstock (heavyweight recollections brand)
• *This is the white cardstock for stamping if coloring with alcohol markers
• Embossing folder (All embossing folders on sale for $2 each this week here, sale ends Monday March 4th )
• Screw-Top brads
• Pigment ink
• Clear embossing powder
• Chunky rust embossing powder
• Robot Washi tape
• Markers (Ohuhu 100 count markers)
• Curved stamp mount: Mega mount from Impression Obsession or Amazon or try rock a blocks for a less expensive option
• Gear stencil
• Metallic pigment ink pad sets
• I used a Scan ‘n Cut2 Model CM350 machine to cutout my stamped images but you can use scissors if you prefer.

Robot card making tips!

1. Dust your paper with cornstarch before stamping to remove static and wick away moisture. *I sewed a simple pouch and put a tablespoon on cornstarch inside and stitched it shut and have been using it for years. You can make a no sew option with a baby sock and rubber band too!
2. Use pigment ink for the most solid impression. I like Versafine.
3. Instead of using mounting foam, paint the back of your rubber stamps with repositionable glue like Aleene’s Tack it over and over. You will save money and storage space!
4. For a perfect impression use a curved stamp mount (or a stamping platform)
5. Emboss your stamped image with clear detail embossing powder to prevent it from running no matter what you are coloring it with.
6. The raised embossed lines also helps you color within the lines so your coloring looks more professional!
7. Embossing with clear powder also helps with cutting if using a Scan ‘n Cut machine as the scanner seems to see the image better.
8. Cut your image before you color (if using a die cut machine) that way you won’t wasn’t the time it takes to color if the machine doesn’t cut right. *Tip, if you have a friend with stamps and dies to match or a SnC machine you can stamp and cut a bunch of things ahead of time and color later!
9. Put your cut image on a sticky (Post-it) not to hold it while you color.
10. When using markers in a  small area blend dark to light for quick coloring.
11. Use the right paper for the coloring media. Use Neenah Classic Crest for alcohol ink and hot press watercolor paper or Bristol board for water based markers.
12. Look at old stamps, stencil and embossing folders with new eyes. Generic and abstract patterns can be used in most cardmaking themes.
13. Repeat the same inks (or other media) on different layers throughout the card to make it have a cohesive feel.
14. If you have old inkpads you can no longer set reinkers for you can add inks, metallic powders and gouache paint to refresh them. These custom pads will give your work a unique look!
15. Get a rust texture with embossing powder by either using one made for the job or by mixing brown flocking powder with black, brown and orange powders. After embossing smudge on some seafoam green ink for a patina look!
16. Try and find generic supplies that will work with most projects: Solid cardstock, brads and ribbons that can go with a variety of project are more useful than specialty ones.
17. For a splash of pattern try washi tape, it is inexpensive, doesn’t take up a lot of space and is self adhesive. No more storing large packs of paper or guilt about s=cutting into a big sheet for a small accent.
18. Make a batch of cards! If you did purchase a specialty embellishment that you are unlikely to use again make up a batch of cards while your supplies are out. It is more efficient and you won’t have to deal with leftovers.

I hope some of these tips are new to you and you give them a try on your next card! Happy crafting!

Comparison Between Pan Pastels, Jane Davenport Palette Pastels and Eye Shadow

Hi friends, Have you ever wondered how these similar supplies compare? Well so did I am today I put them to the test side by side and the results were pretty surprising!

Each media will present advantages and disadvantages depending on what your needs are and what you want to paint but coverage and application wise they all preformed about the same!

Let’s look at each product on its own

.
Pan Pastels

Pros:

• Large pans of color
• Brightest pure (saturated) colors available
• Pigment numb
• rs listed on pans
• Lightfast
• 94 colors available (including metallics and mediums) and each color can be purchased individually
• You can mix colors on the sponge before bringing it to your paper

Cons:

• Price: Each color costs $5-$7 each open stock, less per pans in sets
• They take up a lot of space on your table

Jane Davenport Palette Pastels

Pros:

• Come in 18 color sets for $20 (often on sale and can be purchased with a coupon at Micheal’s)
• The colors fall between the painting and tint sets of pan pastels and can be used with them to expand the range.
• There are 4 sets available and they all lock together saving space on your work table.
• Best for portrait work due to color assortment.

Cons:

• No open stock option so if you use a color you need a new set to replace it.
• Small pans could be used up quickly if you really like them.
• Colors are not as saturated as pan pastels so getting deep darks may be difficult if only using these pastels. I think given the size of the palette and the color range these would be best as a final layer over another medium like acrylic, gouache or watercolor.
• No lightfast or pigment info so I wouldn’t trust them for work to sell

Cheap Eyeshadow

Pros:

• Cheapest, I found a 120 color assortment of brights, pastels and neutrals for $12 on Amazon (the set I used was an ELF set for Target I paid $14 for years ago)
• Coverage was similar to JD pastels and pan pastels so you can see if you like it before investing in the pricier options
• Compact, takes up less space on your table

Cons:

• Tiny pans that will use up quickly and no open stock option
• No lightfast or pigment info so I wouldn’t trust them for work to sell

 

Bottom Line: My advice is to try out one of the cheaper options with the Pan Pastel applicators to see if you like them and then proceed with pan pastels if you find you need more media. The 20 color sets (or 80 color set if you can swing it ) is the lowest price per pan option if you find you like it. They are a wonderful mess free option to stick pastels.

I hope you found this useful and til next time happy crafting!

Strawberry in Pastel // Odd Limited Supply Challenge

Hi friends! The kids have been home on vacation all week so my schedule has been a bit weird. I don’t have a typical Sketchbook Sunday post for today but I did challenge myself to use the intersting combination of supplies in the January Smart Art box.

If you would like to see my recommendations for pastel supplies and get in-depth step by step instructions on using soft pastel please check out my Soft Pastel for Beginner Class and save 50% through 2/28/19. *Use coupon code COLOR if the discount doesn’t appear.

Now on to the video!

This video is sponsored by Smart Art Box! Visit their website to purchase a subscription, see available past boxes and see what countries they ship to.

Supplies (from January 2019 Smart Art Box which can be purchased here while supplies are available)

• Pastels & pastel pencils (Royal & Langnickle)
• Black art paper (Fabriano)
• Derwent 2-in-1 eraser & sharpener
• Derwent metallic pencils
• Reference photo

I hope you are having a nice weekend and til next time happy crafting!

Die-Cut Hacks & Money Saving Tips!

Hi friends! I love to think of new ways to use old supplies, especially if it makes my current supplies more versatile.

In today’s video we will use some tried and true supplies to make a lovely card!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry  Use coupon code: LINDSAY and receive 15% off your retail order of $10 or more of peg stamps, peg stamp sets, and unmounted stamps! Coupon expires a week from this video publication. Continue to receive great deals by becoming a PegStamp VIP here. As a PegStamp VIP you’ll get a weekly deal via email plus links to fabulous tutorials by me, Lindsay the Frugal Crafter and other designers

Supplies:

• Fresh Lemonade Peg Stamp Set
• Dye Based ink in yellow, green and pink
• Ink blending brushes
• Ink sponges
• White cardstock
• Pattern paper to match ink colors
• Grossgrain ribbon
• Plastic canvas circle and rectangle
• Needle tool or thumbtack
• Foam mat or mouse pad
• Die cuts in basic shapes
• Flower and leaf die cuts (make from pattern paper scraps)
• Jewel or button for flower center
• Envelope template (optional)

 

Directions:

1. Make a 5” square top fold card from white and an envelope to fit (I use a WeR Memory keepers punch board for this) using pattern paper and save the scraps for die cutting.
2. Tape a nesting die onto a piece of white cardstock making sure the tape does not go inside the die window and use a blending brush to apply ink (like a stencil) to the inside of the die. Cut out the shape and set aside. At this time die cut any other items you will want such as a 3” circle from white and leaves and flowers for yellow and green.
3. Place a piece of plastic canvas over your die cut panels and line up the edges with a row of holes and use a needle to poke a stitched line along the edge. Repeat with all panels.
4. Stamp a wreath of lemons on the round panel.
5. Layer elements on your card base but tie a ribbon around the middle panel before adhering.
6. Embellish with die cut flowers and leaves.

I hope that this gives you some new ideas for old supplies and til next time happy crafting!

A Botanical for Beginners!

Howdy friends! Today I have an easy step-by-step botanical tutorial for beginners!

Grab your supplies, watch the video and follow along!

Supplies available at sponsor Jerry’s Artarama!  Use coupon code: frugal20FS49 for 20% off $49 + Free Shipping (Excludes: Sale, Super Sale, Egift Cards, Buy It Try It’s and Vendor restricted items. Look for the green coupon eligible icon on the product listing.

• Lukas Professional Watercolors: (Perm yellow deep(w), Lukas red (w), Green gold (cool aka AZO gold), yellow ochre (Warm earth), ultramarine blue(w), burnt umber (earth neutral) *to substitute colors please refer to my color substitution cart, look for warm or cool versions of primaries as suggested. To keep neutralized colors mostly warm colors are used.
• #2, #6 watercolor round brushes
• Hot press 100% cotton fluid 100 watercolor paper
• Reference photo

Don’t be intimidated in painting botanical subjects. If you are new pick a subject you are interested in. If you can work from a live plant of fruit in real life it is the most enriching experience. Take your time, get lost in the subject and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you want more help on your watercolor journey including step by step technique instructions check out my Essential Tools for Watercolor Painting course. It is my most popular class. I have helped thousands of students achieve their artistic goals in my online classes and I’d love to help you too! Happy crafting!

 

Frugal Foiling with Mod Podge!

Hi friends! I heard about a new product called a “foil transfer gel” and I was interested in trying it…until I saw the price AND it turned out that you needed a laminator to make it work so I decided before forking over $9 for a tiny jar of that I’d see if I could use what I have to make it work! Watch this short video to learn how!

Supplies (affiliate links might be used)

• Gloss Mod Podge (or try any acrylic gel/glue you have before buying new)
• Cardstock
• Hot Transfer foil-I used the Minc kind from Heidi Swapp
• Laminator (if using heat method)
• Stencil
• Stencil brush
• Parchment paper

There are two different ways to foil with mod-podge.
The first way is to paint or stencil a design on your surface and place the foil in the wet glue and let dry completely before removing the sheet.

The other way is to paint or stencil the design and let the mod podge dry completely and then run it through a laminator with the foil sheet on it in a folded piece of baking parchment. This give you a more solid foil design.

If you have any glues or gels that tend to be a bit tacky when dry they will work too. Have fun with this frugal idea! If you don’t have a laminator try an iron on the high/dry setting. For small areas you can use an embossing heat tool. Use what you have and make it work. Your creativity and wallet will thank you! Happy crafting!

Sketchbook Sunday! Oil Pastel Avocado Anyone?

Hi friends! Since launching my Soft Pastel for Beginners course last week (FYI it’s 50% off for the month of February with coupon code COLOR) I have been asked a lot about oil pastels. I did not include oil pastels in that course as their properties are different but I did have fun playing with them this week in my sketchbook! The first brand I used (as shown in today’s video) was Royal & Langnickle. They seemed a bit weak and very crumbly but still got the job done with a bit of help from some oil paint.

Then I decided to see what else I had and I found a set of Pentel. They were much more pigmented and creamy, cost less than the Royal & Langnickle and are widely available. I sketched the egg on avocado toast picture with the Pentel, no oil paint needed. I don’t have a lot of brands of oil pastels, mostly they come in kits with other things so I don’t have a comprehensive overview of all the brands. I have been thinking about trying the Sennelier brand but I really need to prove to myself that they are something I will really use as I can have the tendency to fall in love with a product and they have to try all the brands and lose interest. Please say I am not alone in that…

In today’s sketchbook Sunday video I am working in my old faithful Fabriano Venice book. I like working on toned paper so I used some gouache to make a background. enjoy!

Supplies (Affiliate links used)

• Oil Pastels: I use Royal & Langnickle but the Pentel ones I tried after were so much better.
• Sketchbook: fabriano venice book
• Gouache for underpainting if desired
• Masking tape, paintbrushes
• Oils if need be

This was a lot of fun but I enjoyed painting the avocado toast more because the Pentel pastels were creamier, they reminded me of using Cray-Pas as a kid in school. I loved it when the teacher let us use those in class! Sometime you need to go back to feeling like a kid again when you create!

If you are interested in learning about soft pastels (the chalky ones) please check out my new Soft Pastel for Beginners Class, I have a 50% off launch month special running through the end of February, simply click on the discount link in the blog post or use coupon code COLOR if the discount doesn’t appear. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

So Many Flamingos! Mirror Stamping & Bleeding Tissue Paper Backgrounds!

Hi friends! Back in December when I did my year-end craft room declutter I came across 4 flamingo stamp sets I have purchased over the past year and a half that I had not used! I bought them and couldn’t wait to use them so why do they sit uninked in their packaging?

I also found a pack of bleeding tissue paper that I had-to-have last year and only used once so that had to get used, as well as washi tape because honestly I went a bit off the rails with washi tape over the past few years but it all “sparks joy” so I better use it! I’ll also show you how to mirror a stamp like I did with the flamingo below!

I decided it was time to use it or lose it and so I decided to make big fun tropical colorful batch of cards! Watch the video to see how!

Don’t feel shame if you have supplies you bought and have not used, just use them! Supplies are made to be used. I’ll be honest, it is easier to collect supplies than to use them but the joy you get from creating will far outlive the high you might get from finding and buying them. I can’t wait to use these stamps again!

Supplies(Affiliate links used if available)

• Flamingo stamp set from Local King Rubber Stamps
• Layering flamingo/tropical set from Hampton Art
• Layering flamingo from Hero Arts On Amazon, on Simon Says Stamp
• Watercolor Flamingo rubber stamp from Rubbernecker
• 3″x5″ gel printing plate
• Ink pads: Distress, Memento, Hero arts
• Bristol board or watercolor paper for backgrounds
• Bleeding tissue paper
• Flamingo brads
• Flamingo/tropical wash tape
• Scallop edge die
• Heavyweight White Cardstock

Some of the products are from Simon Says Stamp, they have a great selection but rarely ever have a sale BUT they are having their 17th anniversary sale and offering 17% off sitewide with coupon code SANV783 through 2/17/19. They also ship worldwide!

I hope this inspires you to ink up an unloved stamp and have fun!

It always makes me feel good to play with my supplies! Happy crafting!