Crazy Eight Stencil Class Akron 2025

 Hello friends. 

Thank you so much for joining me for class today.  It was pleasure to meet you.   I love these quad stencils.  I love that you are making a set of coordinating cards to help refill your card box or to give them as a gift.    You can buy the ones we used at Taylored Expressions.  I would appreciate it,  if you told them I sent you.  Just write you took Chris O'Malley's class in Akron.  It might help us get a discount next year!

1. Remember to fill in the four tiny boxes on the edge of the stencils for perfect alignment.   On some stencils it really matters and the only way to get good placement. 

2. Remember to blend in circles and in both directions

3. When you are done blending trip 1/4 inch off each side of your paper.  Then cut at 4 inch and then at 5.25 inches.  You should end up with four panels.  

4. When I finish my panels off into cards.  I personally like to keep them simple.  Look for places to anchor your sentiments, so they are not just floating.   I love using tags, or vellum circles to help the sentiment stand out from a busy background.  

Sending A Smile Akron 2025

 Hello friends. 

Thank you so much for joining me for class today.  It was pleasure to meet you.   Below is all the photos.  If you have questions,  let me know I can get you the copic colors or other information that you need. 

The topic of paper was popular today.  Here is the link to the correct type of paper.  Neenah makes several kinds of paper and it can be confusing.  This is the paper that I use to color with copics.  I also use it for pencils...but you plan to do a lot of layering you should invest in specialized paper.  

The second question that I got asked what the cheapest place to buy copics.  Click here.

This is a good source for gamsol. 

Key points from class:

Remember that you will probably have to modify your stamps to make it work.  I try to figure out where the natural break is in the stamp.  If it leaves a weird gap,  use a small stamp to balance your sentiment. 

Design tip- try to make the outside of the card look innocent...so they are surprised when they see the inside.  I also try to keep the card simple.  Focus on the joke don't get distracted with other things.

Look for silly critters to compliment your snarky stamps.  They make it the easiest to make cards. 

Great companies to look for snarky stamps are 

1. Technique Junkies- (sadly closing)

2. Art Impressions - Girlfriend line is hilarious

3. Riley and Company

4. Ink Road- (partially closed)

5. Stamping Bella- oddballs are great for characters. 

6. Whimsy Stamps- great mix of serious and goofy stamps

Here are photos of the cards.   There might be slight variations of course depending on what class section you were in.. but they were all very similar. 

Touch of Color Akron 2025

 Hello friends. 

Thank you so much for joining me for class today.  It was pleasure to meet you.   Below is all the photos of the cards we made today.   There are a lot of ways to add color to a project.  I hope you had fun experimenting with watercolor, pencils and alcohol markers.  The theory behind adding the colors are the same, the process is just a little different.  Hopefully you found something you enjoy.    Please let me know if you have any questions.  You can always email me. 

The topic of paper was popular today.  Here is the link to the correct type of  paper.  Neenah makes several kinds of paper and it can be confusing.  This is the paper that I use to color with copics.  I also use it for pencils...but you plan to do a lot of layering you should invest in specialized paper.  

The second question that I got asked what the cheapest place to buy copics.  Click here.

This is a good source for gamsol. 

Batavia Coloring Class Review

 I really had a wonderful time with all of you at the Batavia Card Making class.  

You all did a great job mastering alcohol markers and FLICK!.    I know that is rough I wish I could make that easier for everyone.  

I picked out a few things that I thought you might want to check out if you stopped by here that would help you if you are stuck

Here is a refresher on the squirrel card-- I color 2 different squirrel cards in the video

Here is a link to the Mice and Lemon Card Video ( we did a different card version in class)

Here is a video for the Elephant card-

COFFEE.

Welcome back,  

 

Today I'm sharing the coffee version of card I posted on Saturday.   My husband is a huge coffee drinker.  I've learned that nothing comes before coffee.  Thankfully, I enjoy sleeping in.  So he often gets up before me and self-medicates before I'm even out of bed.   This dog is how I imagine him in the morning.  If the cup was big enough I'm sure he would crawl right in.  

Copic used:

Brown: E42, E43, E44

Blue: BG02, BG05, BG07

White: E50, E51

Ground: W3, W1

Tea-Rex

Hey friends, 

I'm not much of a coffee or tea drinker, but this little image stole my heart.  He looks so happy in his little tea cup.  I thought it would be perfect for someone out there it a tea drinker.  I have a coffee version too.. don't worry I'll share that soon. 

Copics used:

Green:  YG17, YG13, YG11

Pink: RV02, RV04, RV06, 

Ground: W3, W1

One Sheet Wonder -- again

 Hey friends, 

I made these cards four years ago.  They are so nice to have on hand, when you a card fast.   Hobby Lobby still had some of "that" paper on sale (see note at bottom) I couldn't resist picking of a few sheets to make a few more.   I used some gold embellishments from a previous project.  They were perfect on these cards. I felt like it was a happy accident. 

Have you ever tried a one sheet wonder?  I promise to do another one soon.  I also promise to give this paper a break.  😊

**In the social media groups this paper has become really popular because it has lots of dimension, The colors are beautiful.  It was easy for me to match it to five different colors of card stock. It allows for a lot of variety in the cards you create.  It didn't have an official name and it has become known as "that" paper.   Personally I love that one pattern of paper has gotten so much attention on social media.   I'm sure it won't be the last sheets of "that" paper I buy.  If you do go shopping please note.  You can buy it with or without gold accents foil in it.  This is without.... and it was on sale 40% off.  

No copics used

Warm Winter Wishes

 Hello,   

Winter is almost officially over.  I know it won't feel like it is over for another month, but I'm so ready.  It is my least favorite time of the year.  The only redeeming part is the adorable snowman that can be crafted from that yucky white stuff.   When I realized there where seven of these guys... I couldn't resist making coloring them into a rainbow.      I sent this out as a winter birthday card to a dear friend.  It was like sending a whole snow party in a card.  

Copics used

Red: R24, R14

Orange: YR07, YR04

Yellow: Y15, Y13

Green: YG64, YG17

Blue: B34, B02

Purple: V17, V15, V12

Grey: W2, W1, W0

You're My Pot O'Gold!

 Hi!  I hope this post find you beary well.   Isn't this guy so so cute!!   

Copics used:

Brown: E30, E31, E33, E35, E37, E39, R20

Ground: W5, W3, W1

Green: G02, G05, G07, G09

White: C1, C3

Black: W10, W8, W6

Green Gel pen

Gold Gel Pen

White Gel Pen

Gnome Day Like St. Patrick's Day

 Hello, 

Checkin in on my Gnomies.  Did you see what I did there?   I love this giant gnomes.  They so much fun to color.  I usually make the gnomes bears gray, but it was a fun twist to make it an orangish color.  I didn't put a sentiment on it.  It is rare thing for me.  I always feel like they are unfinished without a sentiment.  What do you think?

Copics used:

Green coat: G00, G02, G05, G07, G09
Skin: E000, E00, E11
Brown: E42, E43, E44, E47

Gold: Y18, Y15

Black: W10, W8, W6, 

Red Beard: YR27, YR24, YR23, YR21

Red: R37, R35

Ground: W3, W1, W0

Shenanigans

 Hello,

I've had these monkey stamps for years.  They remain some of my favorite because they are simple, sweet and most importantly fun.  They just make me smile every time.  I used all three monkeys int he set to make 3 different St. Patrick's day cards.  I hope to share them over the next few weeks with you.   Here is the first.  

I love this fold.  It is easy and playful.  I was also able to use up some pattern paper that I had in my stash! WhooHoo! The paper wasn't meant to be used for St. Patty's day, but it worked out perfectly.  

Copics used:

Brown: E30, E31, E33

Green: G46, G43, G40

Red: R35

Donut you know?

Hello all, 

I think I've hit a new record!   I think I went a full 2 months without posting on the blog.  Gosh, I didn't mean to do that.  If we have chatted in person, you probably know I've just had a lot on my plate.  You all know how that goes and unfortunately this is something that very easily can sit and just chill.   

I'm glad to say that I think I've regrouped a little.  I'm hoping to play a little catch up.  My goal to be more balanced.  Unfortunately, life with little kids  (and a traveling husband) is rough and you just got to roll with it.    

That is why I picked this guy to pop back on the blog today.  He looks like he has some life lessons to teach.  He is rolling with it.  I didn't really get to make any traditional Valentine's this year, but this guy came through in jam.   I've had this stamp for a while but this is the first time I've colored him up.  It was so delicious... I might have to run out and get some donuts.  

I hope you enjoy...   talk soon I'll try not to be another 2 months! 

Hugs to you all

Chris

Copic Colors used

Mouse skin: E000, E00, E93

Fur, C3, C1, C0

Donut: E30, E31, E33, E35

Frosting: R81, R83, R85

Ground: E44, E43, E42