Product Review: MAGIC OF METAL

 

 

METAL MAGIC

SCRAPBOOKING, CARD MAKING & ALTERED PROJECTS

When you think of “metal”, do you just picture the gutters on your house (which are probably vinyl anyway) or the pots and pans in your cabinet or maybe even the braces on your teeth???  Well, when I think of metal – I visualize beautiful, shiny pieces of magic that can brighten up any project.  Metals can be used on cards and scrapbook pages as well as any number of items you can think of to beautify – candles, cigar boxes, frames, light switch plates, jars, mailboxes, journals – the list is endless!  Once you pick up your first piece of metal, place it over a Ten Seconds Studio mold, and rub to expose a beautiful piece of art, you will begin to appreciate metal in a whole new way!  Then when you sand over this colored piece of embossed metal to expose the raised areas bringing out the shiny silvery “under-color”, you will just be in awe of its beauty and “artful-ness”.  There are a variety of metal colors including real copper which can be torched for a truly incredible effect!  The Crop Shop is pleased to announce that it will soon carry a variety of Ten Seconds Studio molds and metals for your “playing” pleasure.  Please also check out the metal class taking place at the store on June 12^th – although this project may look complicated, it really isn’t and I hope you consider making this class your introduction to metals – space is limited so sign up now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by GlueArts

 

I had the oppurtunity recently at the Collins Show, to try 2 new products in the adhesive department. Ribbon Adhesive! I mean really, can we ever get enough adhesive??? But I was being frugal and thought, "I don't NEED this, what I use works just fine." But 2 of the classes I was in were offering 2 different types up to be used, so I gave them a try.
The first one was SOOO sticky and stretchy it was not worth the trouble it caused me! To be totally honest, I dont' even remember the name of it because I was so frustrated by it, I really didn't care! I ruined a piece of paper with it and wasted alot of it just because it was so difficult to work with, it kept sticking to itself! It was also very "thick" so when it did double up on itself, I ended up with a "lump" in my ribbon! So basically I wrote it off as "lousy"!
The second time around I thought "oh, here we go again!" but I dove right in figuring that I am a teacher, therefore I need to be educated so that I can educate! Well let me just say "I LOVED it!"

Spooled Ribbon Adhesive by GlueArts was absolutely fantastic! It was very easy to work with and just like their new runner- boy does it HOLD! It comes spooled on a clear liner with 40 feet of continuous adhesive that allows for precise placement! The adhesive is very thin so it means your ribbon will lay flat (unlike ribbon adhesive no. 1)

 

So, this means we are now carrying it in the store! I just love it, and I'm sure you will too. Give it a try, I'd love to hear what you think, too!

 

Jean MacLeod
Instructor/Designer/Store Manager

 

 

 

 

 

If you are one of the many paper crafters who were devastated to hear that Kokuyo was discontinuing selling their adhesives in the United States, we have GREAT news for you!  There is a new product on the market that is EVEN BETTER!!!  I was a firm believer in the Kokuyo dot-roller adhesive.  I bought it by the case and loved everything about it!  So I was crushed to hear that it was no longer available.  I am not interested in paying ridiculous prices to buy the Japanese version through some entrepreneurial importer.  I want something reliable and easily available at my own local scrapbook store.  And my wishes have come true!

 

The 3M company is now selling a wonderful dot-roller adhesive under the Scotch brand name.  It is refillable, each cartridge containes 49 feet (much more than most tape runners), it is easy to use, fits my hand comfortably, holds things very permanently, is photo safe, and is available at The Crop Shop.  We got to try it out at CHA in Anaheim in January, and now it is on our shelves.  We carry both the original cartride and the refills.  Stop by to get yours now!  Our prices are very competitive! 

 

And here's a little tip for you:  If you use lots of die cuts, it is perfect for them!  Put down a piece of wax paper or the backing from a sticker sheet.  Place your intricate die-cut on top of this, face down.  Run the tape runner over the back of the die cut.  It will stick to the die-cut and not to the wax paper.  So you get a perfect covering for your die-cut and don't leave any messy debris on your table or cutting mat.

 

- Ann Scheffler, Design Team Member and Class Instructor

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 Starting this month our design team members will be reviewing some of their favorite products.  This month's featured product is definitely a favorite here at The Crop Shop it's called Zip Dry from Beacon Adhesives. 

 

Here's what Julie has to say about Zip Dry.

"As a scrapbooker and altered artist, one of my favorite adhesive products is Zip Dry by Beacon Adhesives. I've been using Zip Dry since I was first introduced to it during a class I attended over three years ago. As an altered artist I love how well it works on a variety of mediums, such as, paper, chipboard, acrylics, metals and all kinds of embellishments. While scrapping I've found that Zip Dry never causes my paper to bubble nor will it damage my photos. If I accidently get some adhesive somwhere it doesn't belong, it just rubs away leaving no marks or stains."

 

   Nancy, another member of our team had this to say.    

" Since the first time I used Zip Dry I was hooked! One of my favorite things is that it gives me time to adjust my paper, photos or embellishments before it dries. I am always repositioning different elements of my projects as I work and Zip Dry gives me those few extra seconds to get it "just right." I rarely use any other adhesives on my projects."

Robyn also loves Zip Dry.     

"Zip Dry paper glue is the only liquid adhesive I use. I've been hooked on Zip Dry since the first time I tried it over 6 years ago. It allows you to easily slide or adjust your paper and/or embellishments around once you adhere them down. It is not instantly permanent like many other products. I often change my mind on placement or want to slightly shift things and can easily do that when using Zip Dry. Excess glue easily rubs away without ANY marks. Seriously, you have to see it to believe it. I cannot craft with out it! I use it for almost every project I do. Once you try it, you will not be able to get enough of it!
Zip Dry = Priceless :)"

If you have any questions about Zip Dry or would like to know more about another product leave a comment and tell us about it and we will do our best to answer your questions or to provide a review. 

Here are some of our other designer's projects done using Zip Dry.

    

 

Comments

[Pat Best]

Hi Dee and the Princesses,

Thank you so much for a wonderful day. Loved the cards we made and the ranger project we did at the crop shop. Please keep us updated on February week end.

Pat Best

[Flora M]

If you are working on ANY altered project...or one that requires some heavy duty adhesive...you gotta have Zip Dry! My friends and I are not ZD addicts and always have it on hand. I've actually had other stores order it...and once they used it, it's always in stock. Just remember to keep the lid tight and secure or it will dry out.

[Margie Oliveira]

I love zip dry and usually have a few bottles on hand for scrapping or altering arts.

Margie

[Dee Pierce]

I found out about Zip Dry from a Scrapbook Store I used to shop at. I bought one bottle and I was addicted to the product. I now own The Crop Shop and we are never without a huge supply of Zip Dry. This product is a staple for every scrapbooker, cardmaker and crafter. Zip Dry is a one step process and it is so easy to use on paper, ribbon, metal, fabric and so many more surfaces. I have used Zip Dry on canvas, wood and plastic. It works and if you happen to get the adhesive where you do not want it, it just rubs off easily. This adhesive is a MUST have for anyone who crafts. Stop in for a free demo and see it for yourself!