A fantastic crafty day!!

  At last the rain has ended and the SUN is back out, which always makes me feel better.  When I first woke up I was still really sore, and hoping I would manage okay getting to my LSS and the class Patty and I were taking.

    We ended up leaving early, (11 AM), so that we had plenty of time for "shopping and browsing" before we started the class.  Patty is basically still in the very early stages of her Copic Collection, and she added 15 new markers today.  We received (3) free as part of the class, and seeing that the class was only $22, and we also learning coloring techniques and made two cards, that was a deal.  Kate, also let us each stamp extra images to take home, so we also came home with about 10 more "images" and all were from the newest "Easter" line and super cute.

  I also colored my very first Edwin and he's a cutie.  Oh...and speaking of Edwin, I had ordered my first Edwin last week and I bought "Bartender Edwin".  I think he's going to be perfect to use on cards that I create for my oldest son, Brian, since he manages the tavern at a local restaurant and also tends bar there too.   I think he'll be so surprised when I make my first card with that image.  He has seen a ton of my Tilda cards, but it's NICE to finally have a masculine image too.  I tend to love whimsy, but it's a lot more 'girlie girl' and he goes more for a Tim Holtz style and design.  I think though he'll get a kick of the fact that Edwin is dressed up and holding a tray of cocktails.  This is the image I ordered and I should have it any day!  Isn't he CUTE, or should I say "Handsome"??

  We didn't color the Edwin, in class, but it was still awesome.  The class was 2 hours, but it flew by.  We covered coloring faces, hair, clothing and even learned how "MASK"  using the NEW Mask Sheets created by " Tim Holtz" and they are awesome.  They are a wonderful new product that Kate found at CHA and has ordered for the Store.  She and Tim are great friends and he generally comes to our LSS, at least once a year for a weekend of classes.  I HOPE to some day get in on at least one of his classes, maybe this year?   Using these new Masks, makes it so much easier than simply using a piece of  paper or cardstock.    I think now that I've learned this tip and trick, I'll be a lot more like to have "Tilda" actually sitting on a chair or fence.  I can't wait to buy some and try them out.  The masks are clear, more like "acetate" but the also have a sticky side,  You do need to use Staz-On ink on the actually MASK, so it will last and so you can ink or stamp over it and not remove any ink.  Just be certain NOT to use Staz-on on any images you are stomping to color with Copics.  It's fine for other mediums but NOT Copics!  It also is best for Acetate or that type of material and will dry to become permanent.   These NEW masks have a thin film on the back that you remove after you cut you mask and once you remove the firm, that side with be sticky and easily adhere to you card-stock, so that you can stamp or cover over it.  It's also removable and then you simply store it with you stamps.  You only need to make your mask once and can use it over and over!    Unfortunately, she had only her one set to show is for the class, but an order is due in any day.  They are one new item, I'll be buying for sure!  I loved using them today.   I found them in a few places on-line, but it's not worth the price of shipping I'm simply pick up a set or two the next time I get up to the store.   If you want to find them, look for these (pic below).  They are from the Idea-ology line and care simply called "Mask Sheets".  Each  package contains two  11-3/4" x 5-7/8" sheets.

  I'll be sure to pick up some the next time I am at the store.   Kate, the owner, is also a stamp lover and originally she started years ago with a small rubber-stamp store, long before scrapping, card-making and scrapping was very popular.  Over the years the store added more scrap items, but stamps and stamping have always remained her favorite.  She was telling us today, that stamping is booming again and the market and product line continues to expand, which she loves.  She added a ton of new stamp lines and products the store.  I had been there about 4 weeks ago, but the changes was huge..it's was much more like a Rubber Stamp store, with cardmaking and scrap items.  I'm thrilled, because I am a card-maker and it's perfect for me.   She is having a huge sale coming up soon and those are always great.  We get the best deals!  The huge sales are only twice a year.  On Black Friday and a second sale including an outside "yard sale" in late May.  I never miss either, and the deals can't beat beat.  Designer papers at 10 and 20 for $1, stamps for 25 cent and up and so much more!

   Today, turned out to be a nice day and I'm sure happy I felt better.  I had a great time coloring, the class was awesome and we bought all kinds of new goodies too.  I bought two new Magnolia Stamps and a bunch of the newest papers from  Bo Bunny and Basic Grey, and of course, more "bling and flowers" from Prima.   I did NOT buy ANY Copics, as my collection is FINALLY complete!  
     Today was a wonderful day!