A Touch of Grace

Ladies,  I just want to make sure you all understand that the kit is a kit, not a tutorial.  For those of you who have written me, I have sent information regarding what is and is not included in the kit.  It comes with a seven page instructional guide with small pics, illustrating the placement of the stencil on the paper.  I go step-by-step putting the card together, an electronic file will also be forwarded to you with large photos (22 I believe) showing you the step-by-step pictures as well.  

Please note, while I give the names and numbers of the colored pencils I used, Caren d’Ache Pablo colored pencils (can be purchased at Dick Blick’s, I’ve provided a link on the tutorial), you can use Prisma’s by matching up the color names to Prisma colors, the kit does not include a tutorial for coloring the flowers.  It does give instruction on which colors are used on the leaves, the petals, the flower centers, etc. 

When I designed this card for my mother, I had no idea of the response and that you all would want a kit.  I used the colored pencils of my choice, Caren d’Ache Pablo colored pencils.  Why?  Because Caren d’Ache Pablo colored pencils are oil based, Prisma’s are wax based.  While I love using Prisma’s as well, I chose the Caren d’Ache because the finished result is a softer, dreamier look when used with Gamsol.  However, if you have Prisma’s, they will be fine to use, it’s just a matter of preference.  Also note, a full-size colored photo of the finished card will be included in the electronic submission as a guide for you to follow when coloring.

Ladies, thank you for the overwhelming response to the Mother’s Day kit.  I truly had no idea it would be so popular, especially since Mother’ Day has passed.  I had ordered enough materials to sell 10, wondering if that many would sell.  So far I’ve had 21 women respond that they want a kit.  I’ve called my distributor and have ordered more materials.  They will be shipped Tuesday, May 19.  I should have them by Saturday, May 24. 

I have made the decision to limit the kit to 25 as I have to move on to new designs.  The first 10 women who responded to my May 13 post will receive the first 10 kits.  They will ship Monday morning. 

I will notify each of you where you are on the list and get the billing information I will need Friday morning, May 14. Four kits are available for those of you who want one and have not had a chance to respond.

Thank you all so much for your patience. 

Hi all, just wanted to check in briefly to let you know that Stephen and I are working diligently and hope to have an announcement up soon.  For those of you who requested to be put on a waiting list for the Mother’s Day card kit, please send me an e-mail and I will give you the specifics on the kit.

Have a great day!

Thank you my dear friend Jenn for all your help - I most certainly couldn’t have done it without you.  Thank you Stephen, you’re my greatest accomplishment, I love you dearly!

Stephen reloaded the video on YouTube via his MAC, pulling my computer off the project, and with Jenn Balcer’s video tech knowledge and step-by-step over-the-phone assistance, this very tech challenged old gal was finally able to get the tutorial posted.  Phew, I’m tired!

Ladies, please be kind . . . LOL . . . this is my first attempt and hopefully, with time, I’ll catch on.

EDITING TO ADD:  For those of you who don’t have a Bow Easy and want to know where you can find it, here’s a link to Sharon Johnson’s Stamp Simply Ribbon Store where it can be purchased for the very low fee of $6.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend with your loved ones!

Murphy’s Law . . . .what can go wrong, will go wrong!
Good Morning, I had been trying for days to get a tutorial made for the Bow Easy on U-Tube only to realize that my video equipment was too old and not compatible with my computer.  I bought a new HD camcorder recommended by B & H Photo and was told that it would be compatible with my computer.  Well, I haven’t figured it out as yet.  My son says the high definition is too high for my computer, whatever that means.  He used his MAC to run the video through to U-Tube.  We were provided with a code to copy and paste into my blog.  We’ve had no success in loading the video on my blog for viewing and decided to provide a link to U-Tube so that you could view it there.  When I clicked on the link and viewed it on U-Tube, I was appalled at the poor quality.  I don’t know what happened when the video was sent to U-Tube.  The recorder did a wonderful job on the picture quality.  Okay, now here’s where I’m truly ignorant, I don’t understand any of this!  I believe when the video is transferred to U-Tube there’s distortion, especially with very high definition equipment, or at least that’s my understanding, I’m not sure, far too above my extremely limited knowledge.  I’ve decided not to provide the link until we can get this figured out.  We’re working on it and I hope to have it available soon. Thank  you so much for your patience.  And, if anyone has any tips out there, I’m all ears . . . LOL!

Have a wonderful weekend with family and friends.

A few weeks ago I posted an Easter card and told you about a bow tying secret that I had picked up from Jenny Gropp, One Krafty Kat.  Since that time I’ve posted a few more cards with beautiful bows that I’ve made using that same “secret” method for perfect bows.  Several of you have written to me asking how I make such beautiful bows with both tails on the back side of the bow.

Well today I’m pleased to share the good news with you, the “secret” Jenny shared with me.  The “secret” is the Bow Easy.  Yes, that’s right, Bow Easy, and is it ever easy to tie the most beautiful bows you’ll ever make.  So what’s this Bow Easy?  Take a peek here and you’ll see what the Bow Easy is all about.  I’m pleased to share with you that the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store is selling the Bow Easy at the very low fee of $6.  Personally, I would have paid a small fortune for something that would help me create such beautiful bows, but there was no need . . . LOL!  The Bow Easy is so incredibly easy to use.  The green bows shown on the card above are only one inch in length and have triple loops.  With the Bow Easy you can make as many or as little loops as you like, and you can make seven different size bows.  To illustrate this I made a large bow with two loops from May Arts one inch sheer ribbon and then made a small bow from of May Arts 1/4″ silk ribbon and adhered it on top of the larger bow.  To see a wide variety of beautiful bows on samples boards made by Jenny, click here.

I recommend that you be the first to order the Bow Easy from the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store before it sells out, I have a feeling Sharon’s supply won’t last long; and, while you’re there, check out the beautiful variety of May Arts ribbons that Sharon has available.  My personal favorites are the sheers and the silks, but all are gorgeous!!

Check back with me later in the week, if all goes as planned, I’ll have a bow tying video posted showing you just how easy the Bow Easy really is.

I made this card for the Stamp Simply Challenge #85 - Let the Sun Shine.  No stamps were used, the image is my design.  It was drawn to fit within the parameters of the embossing.  Those sweet little butterflies were made with a new punch I just love.  I adhered them on the tassel and on the bow centers.

If you’re still not convinced the Bow Easy is for you, I invite you to check out the designs of these very talented designers:

Sharon Johnson, owner of the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store.

Jenny Gropp, who so willingly shared her “secret” with Sharon and me.  You’ll definitely want to check out this link, Jenny is offering a Bow Easy as blog candy.

Joan Fricker, of Joan’s Gardens, designed this fabulous card.

• Image:  hand drawn
• Paper:  Embossing Paper
• Ink:  Tinta Gold
• Accessories:  Embossing stencil, light box, craft knife, Krylon gold leafing pen, mini butterfly punch, small butterfly punch, Bow Easy, 3D glue, glitter, May Arts ribbons, gold cord, green glass beads, pearls, mapping pen, colored pencils, Gamsol, blending stump, dimensionals, Zip Dry adhesive

Shopping:

A Touch of Grace-Paper Boutique: Stencil

Stamp Simply Ribbon Store:  May Arts ribbons, Bow Easy

Joan’s Gardens:  Zip Dry adhesive

Thank you so much for visiting my blog.  Please be sure to check back later in the week for the Bow Easy tutorial and Bow Easy blog candy.  Wishing you a wonderful day with all His blessings!