Monday, May 30, 2011

Tips & Tricks

 
Whether you are an advanced Shimmerz crafter :) or a newbie just stumbling across our awesome Shimmerz products for the first time, today's tutorial is bringing us back to the basics and giving us a crash course (or perhaps a refresher for some of you) about the differences in our products and then I am going to show you a few tips and tricks on how to use everything! 


Let's go!



xx Heidi
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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Polymer Clay Bracelet using Shimmerz Paints







Below is a list of the beautiful Shimmerz Paints that I used for this project!



PEARLZ

GREEN WITH ENVY
SAMROCK
CARROT TOP
PAPAPURPLE

SHIMMERZ

FIRE ENGINE RED
LILAC







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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Artist Spotlight: Louise Williams

At Shimmerz we love our Education team and know that they are some of
the best artists in the industry. We thought that you might want to
get to know these talented ladies a bit better so each month we'll be
interviewing one member of our team. Next up is Louise Williams!

Please tell us about yourself and your style.

I'm graphic designer and mum of two young boys and I work from my home in the beautiful Whangaparaoa Peninsula in Auckland, New Zealand. I've been scrapbooking for about 8 years and in that time have been fortunate enough to be on a number of design teams and have an increasing number of teaching opportunities. My style changes a bit with what I'm working with but it's often a little vintagy, always textural, dimensional and highly detailled. I love hiding little things in my projects that you might not notice the first time around.

Where do you create? Do you have a studio space? A small nook in
the kitchen?

We've only recently moved into a new house and at present am taking up a long wall in our lounge. I hate this arrangement and hope to be in my own scrap space again within a year as it's too hard to keep little fingers out of my stash!

Tell us about your creation process. Where do you find inspiration? Are you messy or tidy? Do you sit down and complete one
project at a time or do you work on multiple projects at once?

I'm a messy scrapper but always clean up between projects. I tend to use what's on hand first and my process varies - sometimes I have a very clear vision of what I want to do, other times I just throw stuff at the paper and see what happens :D I prefer to work on one project at a time but if something needs to dry I might pick up something else to work on, but usually only if deadlines are calling.

What is your favorite Shimmerz product? Why?

I love the Shimmerz Vibez sprays best, but it's a tough choice between those and the Pearlz. I love the way the Pearlz gives good coverage, are easy to paint with and they run if you pile on lots and tilt the page. The Vibez are just gorgeous colours, easy to use and lift a layout by adding interest without overpowering it.

What is your favorite Shimmerz color?

My favourite colour is Sea Monkey, I love the aqua/teal shades in anything but I use this particular colour a lot (particular as most of my pages are boy pages).

How do you choose the color schemes for your projects?

I find my colour tags of Shimmerz indispensible, I made them with some shipping tags and it's a great way of forming a colour scheme or matching the Shimmerz to a photo. I like to pick out one or two colours from a photo or embellishment/paper and then accent it with a third colour that I'll use minimally just to add some pop.

What is your favorite thing to do besides making art?

I like to take photos and have a new camera I need to learn how to use better. I enjoy time with my boys and I do usually enjoy my job - I get a lot of satisfaction out of coding websites believe it or not! lol...

Have you read any good books lately? Which ones?

I love Diana Gabaldon's Cross-stitch series and after reading them all I'm thinking of starting the series for a third time. Sara Donati is also a good read but anything that's a historical romance (not Mills & Boon) is good by me :)

What is your favorite movie?

I don't have one particular favourite but Titanic, Braveheart, Rob Roy and Pretty Woman are all ones I've watched over and over again.

What is your favorite way to de-stress?

Hot bath without my kids bursting in on me! :D

Do you have any funny traditions in your family that you'd like
to share?

Not really, we're funny enough without adding traditions to it!

What, in your mind, is the ultimate luxury?

A whole weekend alone when I can scrap as/when I like, sleep in as long as I like and watch whatever I want on TV. Having two young boys we tend to work after they've gone to bed, get up early and have too much Playhouse Disney on TV so if I ever do get time alone I do appreciate it (although I do miss my family after a few hours)... :D

What is the best piece of art advice you've ever received? The
worst?
The best advice I got was to remember that art is subjective and I'm never going to have everyone like what I do, but as long as I'm happy with it, that's what matters. The worst I got was to try and make my work generic, so that it appealed to the masses. I just do what I do and figure if someone likes it other than my mother, I'm doing ok ;)

What are your art goals for the future?
I'm really loving teaching and would love to travel overseas to do that and my dream is to go to CHA one day!

Could you please share your favorite Shimmerz project with us?
Why is it your favorite?

My favourite project is this layout I did using texture paste and lots of yummy Shimmerz Vibez in Rolling in the Hay and Bed of Roses. I still love the simplicity of it but think all the details add enough dimension and texture to keep it interesting. I love the photo most though :)


If you could give other women one piece of advice what would it
be?

Not to be so hard on themselves. I'm always my own worst critic and it's taken me almost 40 (ahem) years to get to the point where I'm ok with me. Mostly. lol

Please feel free to ask Louise more questions in the comments section!

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Artist Spotlight: IRENE TAN

At Shimmerz we love our Education team and know that they are some of
the best artists in the industry. We thought that you might want to
get to know these talented ladies a bit better throughout the month we'll be
interviewing one member of our team. Today's spotlight artist is






Please tell us about yourself and your style.

I'm from Malaysia and what I love is to experiment, inspire and educate. I started scrapbooking back in 2007 and from there on, everything is history. My style....I used to think that my style is basically "ephemera" but after working with various products through these years, I don't really know my style anymore. Does that count for freestyle? or inspiration style?

Where do you create? Do you have a studio space? A small nook in the kitchen?
I scrap or create in the office room. I have a corner in the room for all my scrapping needs and I believe that it is slowly overflowing towards the rest of the room. Here's a picture of how it looks like.
What is your favorite Shimmerz product? Why?
It's got to be Vibez Hot Fudge. I know my choice might be a little different in taste compared to others but that's me. I love vintage, grungy and distressed look. This colour always add a perfect touch to my projects.
What is your favorite movie?
Hmm...this is a hard question to answer...I think it has to be Bodyguard. I love all the soundtrack which are a perfect match to that movie. It gives me that emotion moment every time I watch it.
What, in your mind, is the ultimate luxury?

I chance to see the world with my eyes. The opportunity to capture the life of people from various parts of the world through my lens. 

What are your art goals for the future?

The possibilities of getting my first paper book out and opportunities for more teaching trips. I love to communicate and meet all my cyber friends around the world.

Please feel free to ask more questions in the comments section! Irene will attempt to answer them as she sees them!
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Monday, May 16, 2011

Enhancing Chipboard and Acrylic using Shimmerz Paints

Hello everyone! It's my turn to share with you all a video tutorial using the fun and amazing Shimmerz Paints!

Today's tutorial will teach you all how to use some easy techniques to enhance your chipboard and acrylic pieces with Shimmerz Paints. I've used these techniques on the chipboard and acrylic embellishment on the layout below.
The Shimmerz Paints products featured in today's video tutorial are as below.
So let's not wait further. Here's the video tutorial for today! There will be more close-ups on the layouts in this video. Enjoy!


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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Altered backgrounds...

Hey guys Rita here with todays video - ideas for for a Shimmerz background!
Here's a peek!


Shimmerz Coloringz Pink Stiletto & Mandarin Mai Tai
Spritz Barn Door & Concrete
 Paints Pink & Green Olive
 Pearlz Carrot Top
 Blingz Island Salsa
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Artist Spotlight - Heidi Kelley

At Shimmerz we love our Education team and know that they are some of
the best artists in the industry. We thought that you might want to
get to know these talented ladies a bit better so each month we'll be
interviewing one member of our team. Third up is our Education Team Coordinator,
Heidi Kelley!



Please tell us about yourself and your style.

I'm a stay at home Mama, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I have three children... two girls and a boy. Ahna is 9, Sarenna is 7, and Jax is just over a year. I love to scrap their every day moments, and must confess that I often don't scrap the big holidays because I am so into the smaller details that happen within those days! I am eclectic, I love to use non-traditional items on a projects, and paint is a must have. My style can be all over the place I suppose, mainly because I love to try new things and am constantly experimenting. With that comes my evolving style, allowing me to create within the moment, and truly, freely, let those creative juices just have at it!

Where do you create? Do you have a studio space? A small nook in
the kitchen?


I have my own scrap space, an entire room that my family has blessed me with.  It has cubbies all over, several work spaces, and a large window that looks out into the woods. It hasn't always been this way though, years ago I started with a rolling cart that I brought out when the mojo struck, then I moved into the dining nook... and now, well... I adore being in here and not having to pack it up every night!
 
Tell us about your creation process. Where do you find
inspiration? Are you messy or tidy? Do you sit down and complete one
project at a time or do you work on multiple projects at once?

Everywhere! Recipes inspire me, the clouds, my children, song lyrics... even the fresh fruit at the farmers market! And because I find so many things inspiring, I keep a notebook in my purse at all times. I jot down my ideas as they hit me. I am a VERY messy scrapper while I am in the midst of a project, but as soon as I am finished with that particular piece - everything gets put away. For that reason, only project is on my table at a time. I cannot stand not finishing a piece before I start something else. :)

What is your favorite Shimmerz product? Why?


I love, love, LOVE the new Coloringzs because of their intense hues. Pearlz are also a big favorite of mine because their sheer, pearly color adds such dimension to my projects.

What is your favorite Shimmerz color?

Where to start?? Jeni B Blue Vibez, is a constant fave, and Pink Stiletto Coloringz, No Yoking Coloringz, and My Bleeding Heart Coloringz are my new faves. However, I am always grabbing Sunset Strip Vibez, Peas Be Mine Pearlz, Gray Flannel Pearlz, and Ballet Slipper Pearlz... yeesh, I could go on, and on!

How do you choose the color schemes for your projects? 

They choose me, lol. Wherever the picture takes me - I go with the colors. I create by emotion, and how I felt/feel when I look at that photo, or how I felt when I took that very photo. Those emotions tell me what colors to use within the project.

What is your favorite thing to do besides making art?

I love to read, find new cooking recipes, and watch movies. :)

Have you read any good books lately? Which ones?

Why, yes, I have! I love to read Karen Kingsbury books, and Shades of Blue was the last one that I read. Her books are not terribly intense, so I can truly relax and read and I always have a light heart after finishing her stories. On the other hand, I also really enjoy the works of Jodi Piccoult. I studied bioethics in college, so the moral tug within her books draws me in. I just finished Handle with Care, and it was a doozy. I cried. A lot.

What is your favorite movie?

August Rush, that movie gets me every time. 

What is your favorite way to de-stress? 
 
Paint. Then paint some more, and then take a long, hot, bubble bath.

Do you have any funny traditions in your family that you'd like
to share?

 
Hmmm... we have been known to karate chop our birthday cakes, instead of cutting the first slice, lol... and every year we attempt to sing Christmas Carols around the tree. Only we can never remember the lyrics, so it lasts about 2 minutes. :) 

What, in your mind, is the ultimate luxury?

Quiet. It comes so infrequently, and is often overlooked. There is something to be said for simply enjoying the moment of quiet when it comes to you.

What is the best piece of art advice you've ever received? The
worst?

The best - There are no rules! I think often people get caught up in "what you are SUPPOSED to do." That just stifles creativity. The worst - ration your glue dots, lol. Why is this the worst advice? Because I can't do it.

What are your art goals for the future?

Honestly, just to maintain the sheer pleasure of doing it! I don't want to lose sight of the passion that I have when I create. Sometimes designers run the risk of trying so hard to "be" the designer that others want them to be, that they lose sight of the reasons they create the way that they do, and the way that they enjoy to...

Could you please share your favorite Shimmerz project with us?
Why is it your favorite?



This altered art piece is my favorite... because I really had no plans for it... I just let go on it, and my personality really comes out in the piece.
 
If you could give other women one piece of advice what would it be?
In everything you do, don't lose yourself. We as mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, designers, always have pressures upon us. Don't forget about you, and yourself, amidst all those pressures. Take care of you, and you will be better able to take care of the rest.... :)



Please feel free to ask more questions in the comments section!

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Sunday, May 8, 2011

Paperclay, Chipboard and SHIMMERZ!!


Hi there

Louise here with a really cool technique for jazzing up chipboard with paperclay and Shimmerz for an amazing, dimensional finish. I created this card for my mum for Mother's Day using some chipboard, paperclay and lashings of delicious Shimmery goodness.

And the video:



Hope you enjoy it
Louise :) Pin It

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Coloringz - I AM IN LOVE!


I am in LOVE with Coloringz.  The colors are so VIBRANT and just work so well together, and the blending is fantastic.  So are you surprised that again, I am using them in this month's video?

For this video, I used 3 Coloringz , 1 Pearlz and stamps. 




Hope you enjoy!



Video tutorial by Lesley Langdon.
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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Artist Spotlight - Rita Barakat

At Shimmerz we love our Education team and know that they are some of the best artists in the industry. We thought that you might want to get to know these talented ladies a bit better throughout the month we'll be interviewing one member of our team. Second up is Rita Barakat!







 Please tell us about yourself and your style.

My name is Rita Barakat. I have been married to my wonderful hubby for almost 20 years. Before I had children I painted life size murals for a living. I am blessed to be a SAHM (stay at home mom) to five beautiful children ages 19 down to 5! My talents are all in the fine arts. I have directed a youth choir and drama team for the past 6 years. I sing and have always been a crafter and an artist. We recently moved to TX so we are starting over. I love anything to do with art so Shimmerz was right up my alley! I have scrap booked for 8 years but have painted as long as I can remember so you will find paint and other mixed medias on my layouts. I  guess you could call my style eclectic. I am always experimenting, trying new things. 



 You can find my blog here http://letsembellish.blogspot.com.



 Where do you create?Do you have a studio space? A small nook in the kitchen?



I used to have a scrapbook room until we moved. Right now we are in temporary housing so space is small. I scrap on the kitchen table or sometimes an end table- it is hard! I don't know how apartment girls do it! I am looking forward to moving into our new home so I can have a scrapbook room again! (You'll have to check back with me in the summer!)





Where do you find inspiration?



I get inspiration from everything all around me! Sometimes it’s a color combination, or a song and sometimes it’s an item that will spark an idea. I especially love looking at vintage items and/or mixed media.


 Are you messy or tidy?



I start off with my are totally clean but it does turn into a disaster when I get  working on a project, especially if  I am on a time limit! I do try to clean in between projects!



Do you sit down and complete one project at a time or do you work on multiple projects at once?



I have several things going on at once but not like you think. Because of drying time I have to set things aside to dry and work on something else. I will also post a project on the wall to look at it the next day for a different perspective, I may change or add something later or leave it alone. Projects are posted for 3-4 days until I am satisfied.



What is your favorite Shimmerz product? Why? What is your favorite Shimmerz color?



It depends on the day! Lately it is Shimmerz Spritz Barn Door, Sea Monkey and  Vibez Sunset Strip. Sunset Strip I use on top of everything because it gives everything that extra gold shimmer!









Could you please share your favorite Shimmerz projects with us?







 This is a canvas with paper project for my girls the Shimmerz products I used were Shimmerz Spritz Barn Door & Ruby and Shimmerz Bingz in Flashee Fushia! I love creating art with purpose. I created this for my girls bathroom - I always want them to remember that they are amazing just the way they are. Especially as young women, I want to instill confidence in my girls (and boys), that kind that comes from within - it doesn't matter what the media says, they are beautiful.



I used Shimmerz Blingz in Island Salsa on the chipboard of this layout. I just love this layout because I don't usually like doing birthday photos - but this had a very different feel to it. Our kids grow up so quickly and to me this really captured her innocence and excitement for this moment.





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Monday, May 2, 2011

Creating Impressions...

Hi everybody! I hope your May is starting off beautifully! Today, I am going to show you how to make stamped impressions using Shimmer paints, gesso, and a few stamps. I create a canvas bag out of a pillow case in the video, but you can use any of the techniques that I show you to create backgrounds on just about any kind of surface. Here is the palette that I am using today...


And here are some sneaky peeks into the video today...



Let's get started!



xx Heidi

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