Hi All,
If you have been reading the blog, you may have noticed a little area that says, "Followers". Well, we encourage those who read this blog to be "Followers". It's fun to see the community of readers. You can even click their blogs and follow the blogging trail. Kind of reminds me of the line from Wizard of Oz, "follow the yellow brick road, follow the yellow brick road, follow, follow, follow, follow, follow the yellow brick road..." Sooooo, follow, follow, follow, follow, follow the DeNami Blog road... I am no wizard, but hopefully you have learned a few tricks and tips along the way.
We will be a the Creating Keepsakes show in Bellevue, WA this weekend. It's on Friday and Saturday BTW. Come visit and let me know you read the blog! Who knows, you might be posted on it;) I hope to post some projects from the show soon after.
We are busily working on our new collection of designs premiering in January. You will be happy to know that some from the wish list were there. It's a fun, fun, fun collection. We are excited here at DeNami Design. Maybe we'll post a sneak peek??? We'll see...
Have a fab fall day,
Nami
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tips
Hi All,
I thought I would give some tips that I have learned over the years that would simplify or make your stamping easier.
1) Keep a towel on your lap while stamping, so as you clean your stamps, you can dry them on your lap. I use a scrub top cleaner by Judikins. (www.judikins.com)
2) Use a lint roller to remove excess glitter on your work surface. Works great at picking up even other tiny scraps of paper and ribbon snippets left behind.
3) Use an ATG gun for all your adhesive needs. Makes a great glue dot to attach tiny bows, rubs off areas you don't want adhesive, works perfectly on vellum paper and can be used on any size piece of paper, even the skinny borders.
4) Keep markers in a can (metal pail) for easy access. I put my X-acto knife, hole punch and scissors there as well. Takes up less space and you can see all your marker colors.
5) Keep a cutting mat under your work surface for easy cutting access. You can also put a sketch pad on top for blotting your inks that are stamped off your card. You can easily move your pad and get to the cutting mat.
6) Keep the needle in your 3D Lacquer while stamping, if you plan to use it. It keeps the tip clear when you need to use it. Be sure to remove the needle and tip and replace the cap on for storage.
7) When tying a small bow to be attached to a card, tie ribbon while still on the roll and then trim edges after the bow is made. Saves on ribbon and easier to work with than cut ribbon.
8) Use the back side of X-acto blade for scoring tool.
9) Use a "dead" ball point pen as a stylus or scoring tool.
10) To achieve a watercolor look, stamp with Versafine pad. Color with the lighter shade and then go over edges of stamped image with darker shade. The Versafine pad is a must because it doesn't smear and blending is seamless.
11) Use Quickie Glue pen for embossing. Just draw on card or write with it, pour on Embossing powder and tap off excess and heat to melt.
12) Use Quickie Glue pen for foiling. Apply to cardstock (works best on coated paper), allow to dry and rub on foil for shine.
13) Use Mesh ribbon after you tie on a bow for your card. Simply cut off 12 in. of Mesh ribbon, curl with fingernail by running ribbon between your nail and finger. Adds a festive touch to your card.
14) Make a matching envelope by using corresponding paper that match the decorative paper used on your card. You can carefully pull apart and existing envelope to use as a template and trace pattern to cut into an envelope.
15) To make charms for your cards, punch 4 cutouts with the 1 in. circle punch. Stamp the circles and then apply ATG adhesive to the backs of the circles and put 2 back to back of the ends of the mesh ribbon that you attached to your bows. You will end up with 2 charms, one on each end of the mesh ribbon ends.
16) Use shredds between stamp layers. Just spread a sparse amount between stamping layers and mount the layers using mounting tape. The tape with go between the fibers and will hold the shredds in place while keeping the layers in place.
17) Use photos and cut out faces to apply on Mimi stamps on the stamped card. It personalizes your Mimi card with the face of the recipient.
18) For quick mounting tape use, remove liner from the mounting tape and tear the tape as needed. Saves from getting adhesive on scissors, and from having those tiny liners all over your work table. You only need a little bit to mount your layer.
19) Keep stamps rubber side up while working with them. That way if you are using the same color ink on your stamps, you don't have to clean them off in between uses for fear of getting them on your work space.
20) Wear an apron while working. If you are like me, you use lots of glitter. It minimizes glitter on your clothing (but not your face:) I also keep some essentials in my apron pockets, like gum, candies, phone, etc.
21) When rolling your ribbon to store, cut a slit on the card edge that the ribbon is on. You can slide the end of the ribbon on the card edge for easier storage rather than dealing with tape, pins, etc.
22) Stamp your stamps on sheets of 3 ring paper and you can categorize with dividers. It saves on the hassle of wondering if you have a particular design and it helps to see what size you have so you can buy coordinating images that are proportional together.
23) Start a blog and post your projects on there. That way if you wanted to show your family and friends, you don't have to try to describe in detail your project. A picture is worth a thousand words, really! www.blogger.com is a free one that we are currently using. It's a great way to track your projects and then you can freely give your cards away, because you captured a picture of it.
24) For drying your cards or moving them from your work surface, you can use a photo stand to place them in. It keeps your work area free of cards. If you are like me, the longer you stamp, the smaller your work area becomes:)
25) To keep static electricity to a minimum on your card, you can run a dryer sheet on the surface of your card, even a used one, before applying embossing powders and glitter.
26) You can sew a mini "pillow" and fill with chalk, the kind used by gymnasts, to create a static puff. To minimize static electricity. I heard you can also use cornstarch or baby powder for a similar result.
27) You can "huff" on your stamp after you stamp it once to get another stamping out of it. The second stamping will be more faint, but clear.
28) When stamping cutouts, stamp extra so you can make a quick card when in a pinch.
29) When making a card, stamp and extra or two. It will save you when you need a card in a hurry.
30) Design a birthday card for the year. Meaning, you give the same birthday card design to all your birthday people. It helps when you find yourself "dry" from ideas. You can always make an original one, but have a "fall back card" to always go to for that year. Make sure you change your designs every year, that way you don't have to wonder who you gave that card to.
I hope these tips were helpful. If you have tips to share, post them on your comment.
We will be exhibiting in Bellevue, WA this weekend for the Creating Keepsakes show. www.ckscrapbookevents.com Go to the website and download a discount coupon.
Hope to see some of you there.
Best to all,
Nami
I thought I would give some tips that I have learned over the years that would simplify or make your stamping easier.
1) Keep a towel on your lap while stamping, so as you clean your stamps, you can dry them on your lap. I use a scrub top cleaner by Judikins. (www.judikins.com)
2) Use a lint roller to remove excess glitter on your work surface. Works great at picking up even other tiny scraps of paper and ribbon snippets left behind.
3) Use an ATG gun for all your adhesive needs. Makes a great glue dot to attach tiny bows, rubs off areas you don't want adhesive, works perfectly on vellum paper and can be used on any size piece of paper, even the skinny borders.
4) Keep markers in a can (metal pail) for easy access. I put my X-acto knife, hole punch and scissors there as well. Takes up less space and you can see all your marker colors.
5) Keep a cutting mat under your work surface for easy cutting access. You can also put a sketch pad on top for blotting your inks that are stamped off your card. You can easily move your pad and get to the cutting mat.
6) Keep the needle in your 3D Lacquer while stamping, if you plan to use it. It keeps the tip clear when you need to use it. Be sure to remove the needle and tip and replace the cap on for storage.
7) When tying a small bow to be attached to a card, tie ribbon while still on the roll and then trim edges after the bow is made. Saves on ribbon and easier to work with than cut ribbon.
8) Use the back side of X-acto blade for scoring tool.
9) Use a "dead" ball point pen as a stylus or scoring tool.
10) To achieve a watercolor look, stamp with Versafine pad. Color with the lighter shade and then go over edges of stamped image with darker shade. The Versafine pad is a must because it doesn't smear and blending is seamless.
11) Use Quickie Glue pen for embossing. Just draw on card or write with it, pour on Embossing powder and tap off excess and heat to melt.
12) Use Quickie Glue pen for foiling. Apply to cardstock (works best on coated paper), allow to dry and rub on foil for shine.
13) Use Mesh ribbon after you tie on a bow for your card. Simply cut off 12 in. of Mesh ribbon, curl with fingernail by running ribbon between your nail and finger. Adds a festive touch to your card.
14) Make a matching envelope by using corresponding paper that match the decorative paper used on your card. You can carefully pull apart and existing envelope to use as a template and trace pattern to cut into an envelope.
15) To make charms for your cards, punch 4 cutouts with the 1 in. circle punch. Stamp the circles and then apply ATG adhesive to the backs of the circles and put 2 back to back of the ends of the mesh ribbon that you attached to your bows. You will end up with 2 charms, one on each end of the mesh ribbon ends.
16) Use shredds between stamp layers. Just spread a sparse amount between stamping layers and mount the layers using mounting tape. The tape with go between the fibers and will hold the shredds in place while keeping the layers in place.
17) Use photos and cut out faces to apply on Mimi stamps on the stamped card. It personalizes your Mimi card with the face of the recipient.
18) For quick mounting tape use, remove liner from the mounting tape and tear the tape as needed. Saves from getting adhesive on scissors, and from having those tiny liners all over your work table. You only need a little bit to mount your layer.
19) Keep stamps rubber side up while working with them. That way if you are using the same color ink on your stamps, you don't have to clean them off in between uses for fear of getting them on your work space.
20) Wear an apron while working. If you are like me, you use lots of glitter. It minimizes glitter on your clothing (but not your face:) I also keep some essentials in my apron pockets, like gum, candies, phone, etc.
21) When rolling your ribbon to store, cut a slit on the card edge that the ribbon is on. You can slide the end of the ribbon on the card edge for easier storage rather than dealing with tape, pins, etc.
22) Stamp your stamps on sheets of 3 ring paper and you can categorize with dividers. It saves on the hassle of wondering if you have a particular design and it helps to see what size you have so you can buy coordinating images that are proportional together.
23) Start a blog and post your projects on there. That way if you wanted to show your family and friends, you don't have to try to describe in detail your project. A picture is worth a thousand words, really! www.blogger.com is a free one that we are currently using. It's a great way to track your projects and then you can freely give your cards away, because you captured a picture of it.
24) For drying your cards or moving them from your work surface, you can use a photo stand to place them in. It keeps your work area free of cards. If you are like me, the longer you stamp, the smaller your work area becomes:)
25) To keep static electricity to a minimum on your card, you can run a dryer sheet on the surface of your card, even a used one, before applying embossing powders and glitter.
26) You can sew a mini "pillow" and fill with chalk, the kind used by gymnasts, to create a static puff. To minimize static electricity. I heard you can also use cornstarch or baby powder for a similar result.
27) You can "huff" on your stamp after you stamp it once to get another stamping out of it. The second stamping will be more faint, but clear.
28) When stamping cutouts, stamp extra so you can make a quick card when in a pinch.
29) When making a card, stamp and extra or two. It will save you when you need a card in a hurry.
30) Design a birthday card for the year. Meaning, you give the same birthday card design to all your birthday people. It helps when you find yourself "dry" from ideas. You can always make an original one, but have a "fall back card" to always go to for that year. Make sure you change your designs every year, that way you don't have to wonder who you gave that card to.
I hope these tips were helpful. If you have tips to share, post them on your comment.
We will be exhibiting in Bellevue, WA this weekend for the Creating Keepsakes show. www.ckscrapbookevents.com Go to the website and download a discount coupon.
Hope to see some of you there.
Best to all,
Nami
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Card Ideas
Hi All,
We just returned from a good show in Mesa, AZ. The weather was pristine. Just take the best of the summer weather in WA and that was what we had our whole stay there.
As usual, I had a chance to get creative at the show while doing my demos. If you haven't ever seen me demo, you many not know that I demo on the fly. I don't pre-plan the projects, but just create, create, create. Because I love to create new things, I am always exploring new projects, colors and techniques with our fun stamps.
Here are some of the ones that came from the creative fest.
I used Fun Fluff and the 3D Lacquer for the little chicks. Really a dimensional project. I didn't finish the cover.
This was a cool card. I loved how it turned out.
I used our new polka dotted ribbon. The little circle punches turned out like charms at the end of the mesh ribbon. We currently don't have the new ribbons and punches on our website, but keep checking back! The mesh ribbon along with all the products are on http://www.denamidesign.com/.
This card is a beautiful one. I was showing a customer the versatility of the little Rosevine Petit Four set. You stamp the daisies in a circle and use the leaf stamp to fill in to make a wreath. I used the beautiful Versafine Spanish Moss for the leaves and Versafine Vintage Sepia for the flowers. I colored in with Tombow Markers. The vine is from the Trifles set. It is versatile for borders, backgrounds, making frames or using with the glue pad and glitter. The daisies looked like cornflowers or dried flowers in this card.
This was a Vellum card. I stamped the solid block stamp behind the vellum in the VersaMagic Sea Breeze and Aloe Vera and Brilliance Orchid. I embossed the flowers which are a Trifles set and words with Versa Mark and silver Embossing Powder on front. I colored on the back (the same side as the solid block). I then cut the rectangles out and used the ATG Gun to attach it to a folded Vellum sheet. The ATG is the best. It is invisible under the vellum! No need for a special vellum adhesive.
Same basic stamps, but I stamped the blocks on our white cardstock in the same pads and Versafine Onyx Black. I colored the flowers with Tombow. I mounted it to the Pearl aqua card and mounted it to the stamped folded card. A bright and cheery card.
I stamped with the Versafine Vintage Sepia for the dot circles and chicks. I stamped the scroll in the Versafine Spanish moss. All the coloring was with Tombow markers. A really cute and cool card for an invite or well wishes.
I hope you enjoyed this latest creative projects blog. Post a comment and tell me you liked it:)
We just returned from a good show in Mesa, AZ. The weather was pristine. Just take the best of the summer weather in WA and that was what we had our whole stay there.
As usual, I had a chance to get creative at the show while doing my demos. If you haven't ever seen me demo, you many not know that I demo on the fly. I don't pre-plan the projects, but just create, create, create. Because I love to create new things, I am always exploring new projects, colors and techniques with our fun stamps.
Here are some of the ones that came from the creative fest.
I used Versafine Vintage Sepia and colored in with Tombow markers. The tan stripes were from using a pale tan Tombow marker and going over the dotted border. Because Versafine doesn't smear, it is perfect for making stripes.
I used Versafine for all the cards. It gives a more vibrant look since it is instant dry. They are the best out there for quick and easy card making.
I used Fun Fluff and the 3D Lacquer for the little chicks. Really a dimensional project. I didn't finish the cover.
This was a cool card. I loved how it turned out.
I used our new polka dotted ribbon. The little circle punches turned out like charms at the end of the mesh ribbon. We currently don't have the new ribbons and punches on our website, but keep checking back! The mesh ribbon along with all the products are on http://www.denamidesign.com/.
This card is a beautiful one. I was showing a customer the versatility of the little Rosevine Petit Four set. You stamp the daisies in a circle and use the leaf stamp to fill in to make a wreath. I used the beautiful Versafine Spanish Moss for the leaves and Versafine Vintage Sepia for the flowers. I colored in with Tombow Markers. The vine is from the Trifles set. It is versatile for borders, backgrounds, making frames or using with the glue pad and glitter. The daisies looked like cornflowers or dried flowers in this card.
This was a Vellum card. I stamped the solid block stamp behind the vellum in the VersaMagic Sea Breeze and Aloe Vera and Brilliance Orchid. I embossed the flowers which are a Trifles set and words with Versa Mark and silver Embossing Powder on front. I colored on the back (the same side as the solid block). I then cut the rectangles out and used the ATG Gun to attach it to a folded Vellum sheet. The ATG is the best. It is invisible under the vellum! No need for a special vellum adhesive.
Same basic stamps, but I stamped the blocks on our white cardstock in the same pads and Versafine Onyx Black. I colored the flowers with Tombow. I mounted it to the Pearl aqua card and mounted it to the stamped folded card. A bright and cheery card.
I stamped with the Versafine Vintage Sepia for the dot circles and chicks. I stamped the scroll in the Versafine Spanish moss. All the coloring was with Tombow markers. A really cute and cool card for an invite or well wishes.
I hope you enjoyed this latest creative projects blog. Post a comment and tell me you liked it:)Happy Stamping!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Update Show- Mesa, AZ
Hi all,
Here are some cards. I had to use a different "watermark". My external hard drive had my watermark that I usually use. Sorry about that! Hopefully you could still see the card.
We are heading out to Mesa, AZ today. It's chilly in WA and AZ is around 85-90 degrees right now. How to pack??
I wanted to post a couple of picks from previous shows.
At the Houston show, I had a blogger let me know she reads this blog. (Hi Patty!) I got a kick out of the fact that this blog doesn't just go into cyberspace. All of you that posted your birthday well wishes showed me that you are out there. Thank you!
Here is a pic with Darlene who was our enthusiastic helper in San Antonio. Her energy, enthusiasm and zest for stamping was really fun. (Hi Darlene!)
She introduced our style of stamping to her mom, aunt and stamping friends. How fun to know there are DeNami fans in San Antonio.
Here are some cards. I had to use a different "watermark". My external hard drive had my watermark that I usually use. Sorry about that! Hopefully you could still see the card. This is the cover for the gift card holder.
This is the inside of the gift card holder. Super cute! 
I loved the colored metallic glitters to use with the bronze and brown papers. Just use the 3D lacquer and sprinkle on the glitter for dimensional dazzle.
I hadn't embossed in a while and liked the gold on gold results. It was a rich look.
This was our booth at the San Antonio show.
This is the inside of the gift card holder. Super cute! I loved the colored metallic glitters to use with the bronze and brown papers. Just use the 3D lacquer and sprinkle on the glitter for dimensional dazzle. I hadn't embossed in a while and liked the gold on gold results. It was a rich look.This was our booth at the San Antonio show.
I'll be posting more projects from the Mesa show. Stay tuned!
Happy Stamping!
Nami
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Show Help Wanted- San Antonio
Hi All,
We are putting out a call for those who are interested in helping at the San Antonio, TX show this weekend. Let us know that you are interested. You need to be energetic, diligent, a people lover, positive and just plain nice:)
We will be doing shows throughout the country, so let us know where you are located and we'll keep you in mind. Please include a little bio as well as a pic to let us know a little about you. We love meeting stampers around the country. Thanks for letting us do what we love to do.
Nami
We are putting out a call for those who are interested in helping at the San Antonio, TX show this weekend. Let us know that you are interested. You need to be energetic, diligent, a people lover, positive and just plain nice:)
We will be doing shows throughout the country, so let us know where you are located and we'll keep you in mind. Please include a little bio as well as a pic to let us know a little about you. We love meeting stampers around the country. Thanks for letting us do what we love to do.
Nami
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
More pop-ups
Hi All,
I am in Houston Texas and wanted to keep in touch. The weather is beautiful and warm. Doesn't quite feel like summer is over here, though I hear their summers are brutal. It feels like a Seattle summer day.
We've enjoyed our time here. The folks out here are real friendly and I love the "yes sir" and yes ma'am" address. It has a respectful ring to it and you just want to respond in kind. We went to a local grocery store and had a 70 year old bag our groceries. His energy and calling me "ma'am" was so sweet. I wish I could bring that kind of humanity back to my corner of the world. I will carry the spirit with me, though.
We will get another dose of Texas next week in San Antonio. Please come by. If you read my blogs, let me know. I met a blog reader here and will post a pic of her and I in a blog when I get home. I was tickled to hear that there are those of you out there. So Patty, if you are reading this, post a comment and let me know you read this blog:)
Here are some pop-ups that I have worked on. I have more projects to post, so keep looking. Thanks!
I am in Houston Texas and wanted to keep in touch. The weather is beautiful and warm. Doesn't quite feel like summer is over here, though I hear their summers are brutal. It feels like a Seattle summer day.
We've enjoyed our time here. The folks out here are real friendly and I love the "yes sir" and yes ma'am" address. It has a respectful ring to it and you just want to respond in kind. We went to a local grocery store and had a 70 year old bag our groceries. His energy and calling me "ma'am" was so sweet. I wish I could bring that kind of humanity back to my corner of the world. I will carry the spirit with me, though.
We will get another dose of Texas next week in San Antonio. Please come by. If you read my blogs, let me know. I met a blog reader here and will post a pic of her and I in a blog when I get home. I was tickled to hear that there are those of you out there. So Patty, if you are reading this, post a comment and let me know you read this blog:)
Here are some pop-ups that I have worked on. I have more projects to post, so keep looking. Thanks!
Pop up cards with a twist
Hi All,
As promised, I have some projects from the show we did in Sandy, UT. Our pop up kits have been popular even amongst scrapbookers. I did some pop up cards with a twist. Keeping in mind that scrapbookers work with photos.
I love how they turned out. I used the Mimi stamps for the base and "customized" her with fun faces. It's a great way to use those duplicate group photos. You know the ones... the ones where someone has their eyes closed, someone turned their head or wasn't ready. Just cut the faces, stick and presto!
We are heading out to St. Paul, MN for a show this weekend. Our pop up card class will be this Thursday at Stamp Garden in White Bear Lake. It is sold out, but be sure to come by the booth and watch demos throughout the whole day, including pop up cards. We have enjoyed the area in the past and look forward to seeing our stamping friends there.
See you!
As promised, I have some projects from the show we did in Sandy, UT. Our pop up kits have been popular even amongst scrapbookers. I did some pop up cards with a twist. Keeping in mind that scrapbookers work with photos.
I love how they turned out. I used the Mimi stamps for the base and "customized" her with fun faces. It's a great way to use those duplicate group photos. You know the ones... the ones where someone has their eyes closed, someone turned their head or wasn't ready. Just cut the faces, stick and presto!
We are heading out to St. Paul, MN for a show this weekend. Our pop up card class will be this Thursday at Stamp Garden in White Bear Lake. It is sold out, but be sure to come by the booth and watch demos throughout the whole day, including pop up cards. We have enjoyed the area in the past and look forward to seeing our stamping friends there.
See you!
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