techniques

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There are so many crafting techniques and products, how do you know where to start or what to use?

That’s where AskRobin comes in.

AskRobin is THE place for all your crafting, scrapbooking, and stamping questions.  Maybe you’re not sure which ink is best to use for a particular project, or how to make paper ribbons.  Just AskRobin!  Or maybe you saw a demo in one of our stores and can’t remember how they did a certain technique.  Just AskRobin!  You might live far from and Archiver’s and can’t stop in to ask your crafting question.  Well, you’re in luck!  You can just AskRobin!

As soon as AskRobin has answered your question, you’ll receive an email notifying you of the answer.  You can post as many questions as you want, whenever you want!  The questions that have already been answered are categorized by topic, such as stamping, techniques, or general scrapbooking, making it really easy to find answers to other questions you might have.  So, what are you waiting for?  Just AskRobin!

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Technique alert!

Coloring in stamped images with colored pencils or Copic markers is great, but sometimes I want to add even more color and pattern to my image, or I don’t feel like coloring. No problem–I just stamp on patterned paper instead! I love this technique because it’s so easy and you can get so many different looks by simply changing the patterned paper you use.  Just look at the cool results on this adorable frame!

Stop into any Archiver’s store today through Sunday (March 27th) and learn how to do this fun technique during our FREE Demo Weekend! While you’re in the store, make sure you check out all of the new stamps and 6×6 patterned paper pads (perfect for this technique), too. Happy stamping!

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This has been a very exciting week at Archiver’s.  All of our Store Managers, District Managers and the Archiver’s Home Office came together in Minnesota for an annual meeting of the minds. I can’t even tell you how cool it was to be surrounded by such smart, thoughtful, dedicated, creative and all around FUN people. It was an invaluable experience I will not soon forget.

Tuesday morning was all about warm greetings, sharing stories and catching up. It was like this big wonderful family reunion. As everyone settled in, the focus turned more towards the business side of things. Time to review, evaluate and strategize. The long day ended with some relaxing fun as everyone enjoyed some really yummy food and  a little “card making”. 

Things fired up again early Wednesday morning. The day was filled with training sessions, group discussions and more strategizing. As I basked in the creative energy that surrounded me, I was inspired to capture and “preserve” these moments just as I would a birthday or holiday so I grabbed my camera and off I went.

After dinner, everyone gathered for a short recap of the day. Our CEO stood before the group and began speaking of the “history” of scrapbooking. (seemed a little random) As the group respectfully listened, the double doors at the back of the meeting hall suddenly swung open and in walked  (are you ready for this?)  TIM HOLTZ!!!

There are no words to describe the reaction of those in attendance…..maybe this will help…    

I seriously thought we might have to bring in oxygen! It was a fabulous surprise that got even better. He showed up prepared to teach a workshop.  WooHoo!  Tim is an amazing person and an outstanding instructor. We learned tons of new techniques and got to use a bunch of his new products.  (before you even ask……yes, his delicious new creative goodness  is landing in our stores over the next few weeks)  :)

The results speak for themselves….

The best thing about the last three days was the feeling we came away with. Tim is SO inspiring. It was the same excitement I felt upon completion of my very first scrapbook page years ago.  He left us feeling confident, knowledgeable and just plain giddy!  Now, we want to pay it forward. We want you to experience that same feeling.

Our managers left yesterday  to go back to their respective stores. They are  super excited to share what they learned.

Let us INSPIRE YOU!  It’s a great time to go to Archiver’s.

Oh, and Tim…..thank you so much. You’re the best! 

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Attention Creative World:  I LOVE HERO ARTS! Read the rest of this entry »

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In a previous Scrap-Lift Monday post, I used a page layout as inspiration for a card. Well, this week, I’m doing the opposite–using a card (from the recent issue of Paper Crafts Card Creations magazine) as inspiration for a page!

The use of border punches on the card on the left immediately caught my eye. I own several border punches and have used them in the past to add a single scalloped strip to a scrapbook page, or add a decorative border to the bottom edge of a card, but I never thought about layering lots of punched strips before, let alone layering strips of the same color cardstock. It’s so fun finding new uses for the tools I already love!

I grabbed my favorite Fiskars and EK Success border punches, a few sheets of cardstock, and went to work. I like the way the page turned out and it was so easy to do!

Get out those border punches–or come to Archiver’s if you need some new styles–and give it a try!

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Trends come and go just like clothing. I recently re-discovered the technique of distressing the edges of paper. I used to do this all the time. It really adds dimension and texture to a project.  That look is back bigger than ever!  It works perfectly with the whole ”altered art” look, and looks fabulous with the “Cosmo Cricket/Unity/October Afternoon” type project.  Tim Holtz has a paper distressing tool (by Tonic) that I like the best. It has multiple groves in which to distress paper so if one gets dull you can move onto the next. It’s the easiest technique ever, just run it along the edges of your paper or card stock.  The results are a really cool “frayed” look.  Sometimes the simplest things are the best!  Trust me…you HAVE to have this  :)

Click to enlarge:

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