They're Here.....

The most frequently asked question when we get back from CHA is "What did you see that you're most excited about?"  Always hard to answer because there's so much to see to be excited about.  But I guess the best answer to that question is what I buy!

Distress Markers are a new addition to the Ranger line and are markers with a twist.  You may think there are lots of markers out there, why do I need these?  Simply answered, because they're Distress.  

• They have most of the properties of the Distress line, but are specialized for a marker application.  
• We all love & use the Distress pads.  Last year we went large with Distress Stains, applying a lot of color to a large area quickly.  Now we can go detail with Distress Markers.  
• They blend beautifully, you can paint with them, use them with Stains to blend, blend with each other, and all the time have all 37 fabulous Distress colors.

 Tim's newest book is awesome.  I read the whole thing last night and its even better than Volume 1.  Lots of new techniques, including the newest embellishments and Ranger products.  The Distress Stains are not even in Volume 1, but both those and Distress Markers are included here.  This is a great resource, one you'll reach for often.

I'll be posting more on the newest things arriving from Mr. UPS and Mr. Fedex.  I'm seeing these happy guys daily now, and I'm unpacking as quickly as I can!

Dusting Off an Old Favorite

So my friend, Charri Hogslett came in and asked for help on a technique problem.  We had been shopping together several months ago and saw some lovely napkins.  I mentioned to her they would make pretty cards and explained how you could use kitchen plastic wrap to fuse napkins to cardstock and make cards with a really interesting texture.

Charri tried it at home recently and it didn't work.  At all!  She brought her things into the store that she had used and we tried it together and she was right.  Zero.  We puzzled over it and couldn't figure out what we were doing wrong, tried to think if we were skipping a step.  Nothing.  It was weird, I had done this before and even included it in a class I taught.

Another couple happened to be in the store then, a husband and wife.  The lady was doing some shopping and her husband was watching us try to figure it out.  He looked and the plastic wrap and said, "This is microwavable wrap.  It doesn't melt."  Duh!!  That was it.  We needed the plastic wrap to melt to make the technique work.

So here's the trick:
Choose a napkin you like and peel away all the layers that don't have print on them.  Napkins have several layers and you have to peel away to just a single layer, its almost see though.
On an ironable surface, layer cardstock, then NON-microwavable plastic wrap, then the napkin.
Cover with newsprint or a page from a magazine.
Iron with a dry iron for 10 or 15 seconds.
The plastic wrap should melt and fuse the napkin to the cardstock.  You have sort of a suede like finish that gives you an interesting texture.

Here's a card I did using Charri's napkins, after we finally figured it out!

I tore the napkin for this one.  The prettier your napkin, the prettier your card.  :-)
Try it!  Send me a pic and I'll post it here.  Thanks for following!  ~cheryl~

Ranger Nation Prep

Like making sausage?  Well, kind of.  I'm working on the month's Ranger Nation classes and its one of my favorite things to do.  Their inks, powders & paints are a part of most everything I do, so its a pretty free form time for me.  My desk gets pretty wild during this time, but I'm learning to love the wildness!

Next comes the filtered down version of what I'll need to teach one technique and a project or two.  I NEED a really big desk with a dining room table right next to it, with the leaves in, of course.  ;-)

I'm adding a Thursday class in front of our regular alternate Fridays for Ranger Nation.  That will formally begin with the March 15 & 16 weekend.  Call the shop 970.577.1415 or email me to sign up.

$20 for the class, bring your basic kit.

Seriously, this class is so much fun.  Hope to see you there!

Tattered Angels!

Stayce DeWid, Education Coordinator for Tattered Angels is coming to Rocky Mountain Memories on February 17 to teach this lovely canvas album.  I am all about earth & nature and this beautiful piece fits the bill.  We'll start with 6 x6 Canvas Corp stitched albums and go from there!

This kind of mini albums is where my love for reading and books and my love for mixed media art meet.  Little books like this can be ANYTHING you want and are sized to fit nicely in your purse if you want to take them on the go.  One of them, at least.  Cause I'll be making several.

This class is February 17 at 1:30 p.m., just after Ranger Nation.  Cost is $35, please bring your RMM basic kit.  Bring your sandwich, if you like, I'll provide chips & drinks.  See you there!

Valentine's

Of all the people in the world, who should be the MOST faithful to send the LOVELIEST handmade valentine's, on time, to all the RIGHT people in our lives?

Us.  Us paper crafters.

Do you have yours ready?  Here's what we'll be creating in my Valentine's class on Thursday, February 9.

 This one uses a Cheery Lynn die.  These dies are super detailed and give a very lacy look to the card front.  Some old techniques combined for a little bit different look for a Valentine.
I love the "dance with me" sentiment.  Very sweet.

This valentine combines layers and layers of inks and techniques.  Lots going on in this collaged card!

I always joke "You know what I call my Christmas cards?  Valentines."  Ha!
Well, here we are!  Time for me to get them ready and send them out.  Lucky they're so fun to make!

If you want to join me, class is Thursday at 10 a.m.  Call the shop 970.577.1415 or email me at cheryl@RMMemories.com for details or to sign up!

Home from CHA

We made it home from California last night about midnight.  I am "Double Ex": EXhausted and EXhilarated at the same time!  We had a wonderful time (love Anaheim more than LA) and I am brimming with ideas.  I made notes all the way home on the airplane and the ideas were coming faster than I could write!  Its such an honor to get to go there and see the newest things for this season and be in the company of some amazing, creative, pretty wonderful friends.

Here are some images to give you some flavor:

Our hotel was a five minute walk from the Anaheim Convention Center.  We passed this beautiful canopy of palm trees on the way.

 The Graphic 45 booth is always a must see for everyone.  They create this little world with the show floor, complete with costumes.

Graphic 45 has some beautiful new collections.  Watch for Kraft Reflections and Olde Curiosity Shoppe.

 The Duke of Distress (thank you, Hels Sheridan) has done it again.  Tim introduced Distress Markers at CHA Winter 2012!  Now the qualities you love in Distress Inks have been brought to a fine point in marker form.

Its awesome to get briefed on new products from Tim!  Just watching him is an education and he's very available and accomodating for questions about products and techniques.

 Bless his heart.  This is how we all felt, but he was the only one with the courage to follow through!

Bittersweet goodbye.  SO much fun, SO many wonderful friends and unbelievably talented people, SO many amazing and beautiful new papers, inks, embellishments, and more, SO tired, SO long until next year, but.....

SO excited to get home!

LSSSL (let's send Susan some love!)

Most of you know Susan Mostek, our wonderful resident artist & teacher at Rocky Mountain Memories.  If you haven't had the joy to be in her classes, you have certainly seen her art displayed in samples all over the shop.  Susan has had rough go of it lately, first with an ankle injury and then a lovely New Year's Eve trip to the emergency room with some muscle spasms.

Suffice to say, she's home & fine, tho still taking care of that ankle.  I think she'd REALLY bounce back if she heard from her paper crafting friends.  If you'd like to send Susan a get well note or an encouragement card, I know she'd love to hear from you.  You can send cards to:

Susan Mosek

7313 Poston Way

Boulder, CO  80301

Let's send Susan some paper love, and look forward to seeing her up & around quickly.

We LOVE YOU, Susan!