Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Meet Akira!

Yes!  We are at release #12!  Can you believe it?  Now we have 38 images available in our line and we have a lot more to come! Later this week I'll be introducing our guest designer for this release, so check back all this week to join in on the fun.

First things first... our first introduction for this release is Akira.  No, he is not named after that popularly epic anime cartoon that everyone talked about in the 80's.  This image is actually named after my friend's (Miyoko) son. (Who knows, maybe that's why they name their son Akira?) He is very active, so I thought this image fit him well.  He is always doing something... baseball, hiking, surfing, paintball... you name it!  So the boy flying the kite was a perfect match if I do say so myself.  

No, on to the project... Recently, all of my internet time has been focused on You Tube.  I'm positively hooked on watching tutorials, project shares, and haul videos from fellow crafters.  My family makes fun of me because they often find me on the couch or in my bed with my ipad open and the tutorial playing while I'm sleeping.  I'm telling ya... if you are having a hard time sleep.. craft videos seem to do the trick.  Even when I want to stay awake to watch them!  

One of my favorite channels (don't worry, it won't put you to sleep) is by LiveLoveScrap.  She has great ideas that just floor me every time.  I was so inspired by this project... that I made this... using the Tim Holtz pocket watch die and circle inserts.  Yes, I'm still on the shabby chic bandwagon, but shabby + boys do not mix, so I had to think of how to incorporate this cool project  using my new boys.....




Then in hit me.....Akira was the perfect stamp to go with this project!  It reminds me of Ben Franklin (no not the store) when he flew his kite... didn't he have a pocket watch too?  Well, if he didn't... let's just pretend that he did.  ha ha ha.  So I decide to use Akira and FINALLY try out Amy's sepia copic techniques.  Not sure if I followed her correctly, but here's my shot at it.  You should really check out Amy's tutorials.. They are awesome! Thanks Amy!  I finally did it!



So I went with a vintage feel- which works nicely with our vintage Japanese images.  I cut several layers of chipboard with the circle die inside the pocket watch to create the layered pieces.  Then I cut one without the circle cut out for the back piece.  On the top layer, I cut another piece of the pocket watch using acetate.  Before adding it to the top, I filled the watch using some trinkets from Prima, a coin from my stash, and the Tim Holtz movers and shapers gears.  Also added in some cherry blossoms and roses from Wild Orchid crafts.  Do you like the bird on the gear?   While we are looking at this photo, I want to point out that I replaced the string on the image with actual twine.


Here's a better look at the kite and the flowers I added. to the top... Oh and the chain you see is really a chain.. I added some gems to the ends of it.  If you scroll up you will see it better.  You can also see the crystal flourish I added by cutting up parts of the prima flower crystal flourish.


This was the first time I made something so vintage looking.  Even though it was a boy project, I couldn't help putting flowers on it.  At least it was brown flowers right?

So do you want a chance to win Akira?  Here's all you gotta do:

1.  Leave a comment on this post and tell me what your favorite You Tube channel is.
2.  Tell me if you've ever watched Akira.  I did when I was in high school, but for the life of me, I can't recall what it was about!
3.  Oh yah.. deadline to post is Sunday, March 31st 11:59 HST.  Good Luck!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow to meet the Taiko Drummer!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Sister Stamps Release #12 Coming Soon!

Well Hello there!  I've been busy getting ready for our next release, which is coming up on April 1st!  We have more boys for you this month to help you prepare for boy's day coming up in May, and we also have a couple more installments of our Chinese Zodiac series.

Here's a sneaky peek of who's coming up....


Couldn't be more excited to bring these images to you as they have been waiting patiently for their time to shine.  Check in tomorrow to meet these guys and a chance to win some candy!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

And The Winner Is.....

Before I announce the winner, I just wanted to say... Wowee!  Can't believe how many of you Facebookers saw that post and liked it!  Since the response was overwhelming, I think I'll give away more than one prize!...

Go to our Facebook page to see if you won!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sister-Stamps-LLC/157697090965289

Happy Girl's Day!

Hi Everyone!  Just popping in to let you in on a secret...  Check out the link  below to see what I'm talking about!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sister-Stamps-LLC/157697090965289

Happy Girl's Day!

Friday, March 1, 2013

Miyoko Book Bag and Charm

Happy Aloha Friday!  I'm off today so I thought I'd post something to entertain you...

My sister is the artist, but dabbles in crafting once in awhile.  I guess she got bit by the crafting bug for the holidays and made a bunch of these bags as gifts for family.  She's very well versed on the computer, so all of her work was primarily done there.  She altered Miyoko a bit by taking away her cupcake and added in a parasol.  Love it!  She found some canvas bags while in America, so she printed the image onto some transfers and ironed them onto the bag.


Here's a closer look at Miyoko...


And her real love is beading, so she added a matching charm!  She knows I love hearts, so she used a heart clasp for this one..



And here's a close up of Miyoko.  The charm was made using some heart shaped marbles/glass we found at Ben Franklin here in Hawaii.


She made a few more, so I'll check if she has more photos to share.  I know she gave one to my mom, so I'll try to get a photo the next time I go home.  Until then, wanted to let you know to check our facebook page regularly to see what other Sister Stamp fans come up with!  You can visit our page here...

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Maneki Ornament

I know, Christmas is over, but I just had to share this with you!  My sister showed me this on one of our Skype sessions and I loved it!  She painted the Maneki Neko image on the computer and blew it up so that it would fit in the ornament.  The ornament is a paper mache disc looking shape that she found at Michaels.  My sister is also a beader, so you will notice the beading underneath the base of the ornament...



And check out the side view... Love how she covered the side.  I need to find out from her what she used.


I'm hoping she makes one for me.. (hint hint!)

Friday, February 1, 2013

It's Release Day!

Woo Hoo!  We made it to Release Day!  As you are reading this I'll already be in Japan.  Can't wait!  I'll likely be freezing my buns off, but I think it will be worth it.

My last project to share with you was one of the projects I learned in the class I took up at Volcano Arts Center.  This little bag made the treck worth it!  I really really really love the flower shape to this bag.  It was a little tedious to put together since it involved manually scoring each crease using a ruler instead of my MS Scoreboard.  But I think the end result is worth the work.  Our instructor, Charlene Asato advised that you could also pinch the ends of the flower for another look.

I decided to use the Kokeshi doll image to accent the bag.  Because of the unusual shape, I had to think of a way to use her without her hiding in the folds.  My solution?  Adhere her to a mini clothespin!  


And look!  I found Akemi's kokeshi dolls!  I'm glad I could show you an example.  They come in all shapes and sizes.

Here's a better look at the bag and doll clip...  I decided to use washi paper from Hanko Designs.  I love this pattern... its my favorite!  I think this would make a really cute Girl's Day goodie bag.


Hope you all enjoyed our sneak peeks!  A huge Arigato to our guest designer Suilan and Chinese Zodiac team- Patti, Eunice, Laura and Linda!  You guys rock!  And can't forget my girl Debi!  So glad to have you back!

I hope to blog again while on my trip, so if you are interested... check out my personal blog at crazyforpaper.blogspot.com.