A warm welcome to all my visitors,

Thank you for taking the time to come and look at my blog, I really do appreciate it. I would love you to leave me a comment, even if it’s just to say Hi. It means I can come visit you!

All my designs are original, so copyrighted to me. If I have been inspired by someone elses work, I have named them in the post, and where able, I have provided a link.

Please feel free to use my designs for inspiration, I just ask you to credit me, and provide a link back to my blog.

Thanks, Shaz XX

Wednesday 23 September 2020

WOYWW #590- The Finished Cards Edition

And another Wednesday rolls round- more like flies round!- so time to link up again over at Julias place, The Stamping Ground, for our weekly desk shennanigans.

Continuing on from last weeks cards, the one thing that I dislike about Distress Oxides, is trying to stamp over the top of them. I think the fresh wet ink must activate something in them, and you get some of the Oxides design showing through. So I decided to do a few more, this time using my trusty Adirondacks. Clear case of full set syndrome here, lol. But I do love them, they apply easily, blend nicely, and so many colours, from palest barely there, to dark shades.



These were the half dozen I did with them, I forgot to take a pic till after I'd stamped the first one. My pad by the side with the stencil name & ink colours used can be seen to the right.

The stamped one is a Visible Image stamp, as are three in the next picture. The Buddha stamp is from Inkylicious.





These were some of the Oxides ones, now stamped up, and I'll warn those of a nervous disposition to look away, as the Visible Image word stamp I used on the Indigo Blu motorcycle card wouldn't fit, so I took my scissors to it and separated the three phrases. The words were too close together for masking with tape, so scissors it was.





It was so perfect for the motorcycle card, I had to use it.







Back to a touch of enabling, another new stencil from Sweet Poppy, Abstract Backplate.

On the subject of this new Blogger, I discovered today that if you click on your photo, you get the little squares appear that let you adjust the size of the image by pulling at the sides or corners. I'm probably late to the party, but thought I'd mention it. I've also discovered I can get my pictures where I want them by using the 'indent' icons, so I'm getting happier with the new stuff!


Now, some help from everyone please, for one of my visitors/commenters, Magic Maggie. Maggie doesn't blog, but she visits me, and last week in her comment she asked for recommendations on a reliable white pen. Now, I've tested out the ones I have, and will give my results in a minute. I've tried all sorts of storage- lay flat, point down, I've tried writing on my hand to get them started, and most of the well known brands fail miserably. Maybe if you are using them every day, they're ok, but I always find they fail within a few days if I haven't used them. So here are the ones I have, and how they worked.

 Top of the fail list are the Inkessentials pens- don't ask how many I've bought- they all fail. A Signo white pen, also fail. I have a Pentel Hybrid, which also wouldn't work, and finally my Dylusions White paint pen also is dead.

Now for the goodies. First off- and I wasn't overly surprised, as I've seen lots of good comments about these on the various Lavinia pages on Facebook- is a POSCA Paint Pen. Wrote perfectly straight away. They come in a variety of nib sizes I believe, and the one I have is a fineliner, 0.7mm. This would definitely be my top recommendation. Next, a Sakura Gelly Roll  Med white pen, again, worked straight away no problem. I *think* it says #50 on the barrel- white writing on a clear, white filled tube isn't the best idea, lol. But definitely another I'd recommend. I have a Pilot white pen- the sort with a nib you have to pump first- works fine, but is a bit of a broad line drawn with it. And finally one called Artline Multi pen, probably picked up at a local art shop. Rather like the Pilot pen, works fine, but a bit of a broad line. All of these pens have been unused for the same length of time and all stored the same. 

If anyone has any preferences for white pens, any advice on getting them to work again, or any other helpful advice for Maggie, could you leave it in your comment, where Maggie will be able to find it? Thanks folks.

Which just leaves......And Finally..........










32 comments:

Sarah Brennan said...

When you click on the picture and then on the gear picture you get a choice of sizes for the photos Shaz - it saves pulling on the corners. I have to get to grips with the new blogger now as the legacy version is no longer an option. I vote for Sakura gelly roll white as I find that the Posca can be a bit hit or miss. Love the cards and I have a full set of Adirondacks too lol. STay safe and happy WOYWW. Sarah #?

Helen said...

Great batch of cards and I admire your pile of adirondacks, I only ever had a few, no looked at them forever!! Ah the quest for the perfect white pen....Helen #?

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

You've been very busy Shaz what a fab collection of cards, I have to admit I cut up stamps too you really get the more out of many of them. I know your issue regarding stamping over Distress oxides, I resort to making sure they are really dry before stamping over them, it seems to cure the ink a little better.
The white pen of my choice at the moment is a *PILOT PINTOR* it's a nib not a roller ball so no chance of blocking, works the same as a Posca but that's just my personal choice and a journey many of us have been on to find *The ONE!*
Happy WoywW Stay safe Tracey #5 x

Annie said...

Hi Shaz. I'm really loving the latest batch of cards you're working on. You've managed a lot of crafting this week...busy bee. I love the 'and finally'...there's many a one I've wanted to stab that's come into my safe space lately :-)
Stay safe my friend.
Hugs,
Annie x #9

Magic Maggie said...

AHhhhh...I knew the white pen thing would be right up your street - well done gal! In the meantime, I have also been seeking and the Posca might well be the winner (been looking at Lisa Taggart's Inkybliss stuff - WOW).
Hope you are all well.
Love
Maggie (Bendy Yorkite) - just a reminder, Bendy is the cat - definitely NOT me

glitterandglue said...

Hi Shaz. Oh my - where DO you ind your "and finally"s!!! I just sat and howled with laughter, and confess I then sent it straight on to the daughters - thought it best NOT to send it to the grandies, who just might get ideas...
I love the cards you have made - the backgrounds are beautiful - and the pile of inks is most impressive.
I have hardly ever used a white pen... so afraid I have to say "no comment" :-)
Take care both of you. God bless.
Margaret #6

Annie Claxton said...

HI Shaz, beautiful stamping, and I have ink stash envy. I've had that happen with Distress Oxides but it was in a journal so I was happy to embrace it as a happy accident. I love Oxides,especially for blending, but also still love my stash of original Distress Ink for their vivid colours and transparent quality. I do worry about using them on cards though, as they remain water activated - I was just writing a message to a friend in one of my home made cards, there was a drop of water on the table and it was ruined. Any tips? I know you have lots of magic tips with ink and stuff.
Re the white pen - I don't think I've ever had a Posca go wrong on me, and as you say you can now get lots of different sizes of nib. I also like the Signo Uniball, but it doesn't like working over certain other media, whereas Posca seems to tackle anything, as long as it's dry.
Have a great week, Annie C #17

Caro said...

I love those cards and your beautiful stencils in the background work so well. I use the posca paint pens but if you don't use them for a while they can be a bit challenging. I like the idea of the Signo uniball but haven't tried it yet. The And Finally is brilliant! Happy WOYWW. Take care and stay safe. With love & God Bless, Caro xxx (#11)

Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith said...

What a fun blog post Shaz! The fencing analogy is so true! LOL-ed the full set syndrome - I've definitely been tempted before, but I've learned my lesson, which is that I mainly tend to use the same few colours all the time so now I resist the temptation - but it's so hard! If anyone needs the full set it's you with all those wonderful cards you make with them. As for the white pens, I used to like the water-based Sharpies until they started leaking on me, but at least they don't clog up. I'm afraid there's no right or wrong answer there. I'm probably not an authority on the matter as I tend to abuse my art supplies, but the best way I've found is to use white acrylic ink with a stylus or a nozzle applicator - I've ruined too many pens by being impatient and writing on wet surfaces! Have a great week, Shaz! xx zsuzsa #20

Diana Taylor said...

I'm loving your cards Shaz, the backgrounds are fabulous and I like the variety of looks you get with them. As for the white pen, I always use Posca and it's very good but I will still always be on a quest for the perfect one!
Hope you have a good week,
Hugs, Diana xx #22

Catriona said...

Beautiful cards-I am currently cutting out the million bits needed for a gingerbread house card and thinking it may not be such a good idea for a zoom class after all. Happy crafting. X

Twiglet said...

Oh yes! I need to polish up my fencing outfit - just what I need on my fortnightly Sainsbury trip!! Thanks for the tip on sizing photos in Blogger - I am still struggling a bit but if I just do the basics it seems OK. love all your new cards - they all look so smart. xx Jo

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

I am finding the new blogger interface gets easier the more you use it but there are some things I don't understand the terminology used when you click on them and think I may have to have a play with them on a page I'm not bothered about, even thought about starting a blog just for test runs but we'll see. I had to smile about the white pens, what a waste of money some of them are and like you I've tried all kinds and I agree with all the ones you've tested. I also have a Pergamano which looks like an ordinary pen and it always works straight away even though I have had it for years and I have a Pebeo artist marker which is 2mm but that is quite thick but very reliable. I keep all mine flat. Hope that helps. Happy and creative woyww with hugs, Angela x15x

Karen said...

Wonderful cards. I appreciate your review on the white pens and have yet to buy any posca brands but probably will in the future. Your fencing post is perfect, I may have to share your link on my blog Friday to share the smile. Enjoy the rest of your week! Love, Karen #28

Lunch Lady Jan said...

The And Finally made me hoot - I don't need COVID to want to prod people with an epee these days - have become more of a wild woman reaching for the nearest pitchfork :-). Those are great cards, perfect for teens/menfolk and the white pen info was good, I need one for something I'm thinking about doing so Posca it is then. And many congrats on losing that weight, you've done so well, an inspiration!
Hugs LLJ 8 xxx

Elizabeth said...

Hi Shaz, I've discovered that with the new Blogger, if you click on your image there's an icon that you can click on for a list of sizes. Admittedly, the icon isn't too clear but if you hover the cursor over it you will see the words 'image size'. Your cards and toppers are fabulous. I haven't really used oxides much - I only have half a dozen colours - but I'm not really smitten. I'm still using distress inks and I do like the few Adirondacks I have too. It's rare for me to use a white pen but I think that's because they have often been disappointing. Currently I have the same Gelly Roll pen as yours and, so far, it's been okay. I enjoyed your 'and finally' - very apt at this time. Have a good week. Elizabeth x #29

StampinCarol said...

I'm getting the hang of the new Blogger and so far, very few problems other than trying to find a setting. Anyway, I love your cards! And I have a tendency to cut word stamps apart so I can use them different ways. Your quote is a hoot!
Thanks for popping by and have a great week!
Carol n #24

Crafting With Jack said...

Great collection of cards and I thought the fencing funny was a good one. I do hope we won’t all be wearing such outfits though! White pens have been a particular nuisance with me too, but I agree on the Posca pen x Angela #23

Ellie said...

Beautiful cards! oh my goodness you are so organised with your ink pads, it puts he to shame haaha. I love the covid fencing , hilarious! x

Ellie #30
http://theglitteredpoppleberry.blogspot.com/

Sandma's Handmade Cards said...

Lovely cards. I have to say that I would choose the white POSCA pen above all others. It’s the only one that I’ve used that doesn’t block up and with a quick shake, it works every time. I wish I did know how to get pens going again as I have two or three that are still half full of ink. I agree with you on the Adirondacks. I sill have a few which still work like they’re brand new, I love them. It’s such a shame that they stoped making them as they are definitely my go to ink pads x

Lindart said...

Hi Shaz! Before I forget, I just tried my white Gelly Roll pen, made by Sakura, and it worked perfectly, after quite awhile of non-use. I had another white pen that did not. Sakura is a really good brand.
I LOVE your cards with the oxide backgrounds, I have to try it! And I think Tim Holtz himself cuts his stamps...
Thank you for your kind words about my DD's wedding. It definitely was a labour of love! Have a wonderful week, stay safe, Lindart #32

Kathryn Frantz said...

Hi, Shaz!
I never remember the differences and properties of inks. It is always trial by error, everytime! I am close to the full set syndrome too!
I have to re-read your white pen reviews. Definitely need one or two (more)

Stay safe and Happy Wednesday!
Kathryn

Lynnecrafts said...

Hi Shaz, great cards. And yes, the fencing analogy is a good one. I’d poke them in the eye but you can get arrested for that!
Not an expert on the pens, sorry.
Stay safe; Have a great week
Hugs
Lynnecrafts #13

Susan Renshaw said...

In front of me on my desk I have all of Posca, Sakura and Artline and they are my 'go to' pens. The Artline was from the local supermarket!
Love the stamping on your Oxide stencilling. I think I would have taken the scissors to the stamp too...
Amazing that we should have both been at the same TH workshop. I was very fortunate that my friends Sue and Elaine sat by the computer until they managed to get tickets!
Happy woyww, Susan #14

Ali Wade Designs said...

Happy Belated WOYWW. I love those backgrounds. Absolutely gorgeous. Never owned an Adirondack inkpad, but always admired them. Perhaps I will get a couple to try. White pens - I too love the Posca pens and Gelly Rolls. Ali x #34

Julia Dunnit said...

There you are. All ok? White pen...Best one I had was one of the Sakura gel pens, by far. But...they do dry out if you don’t use them often...I used to try to make a point of at least rolling the ink out for a doodle as regularly as I remembered. They are still available on amazon. I agree about the text stamp, I’ve cut up quite a few, so much easier than hacking the bits off a wood mount, I will admit! Great text though, am sure it will never be a regret that they are individual phrases. You’ve made up some fab cards with those oxide backgrounds, interesting that you pulled out the adirondacks for the big finish. And yes, I believe I have a full set syndrome thing for these too!!

Neet said...

We weren't that far away Shaz, only in the Carnforth area so weather much the same as at home. In fact we came back Tuesday to a bit of duller weather but today it is sunshine again for us, and I guess you too.
First of all - the pen I use mostly is the Posca - both black and white. I do my blog writing with the black one and that goes on all kinds of surfaces and gets a great deal of use. The white one is used in journalling too but not as often as the black one. I find that if it is having a day off I just press it down on paper to release the paint/ink or whatever inside it and then off it goes - fine. Definitely my favourite - oh and I store it on its side.
What a lovely array of cards you have there - I must look up how to do those backgrounds - I think they are from Eileen Goddard? Am I right? I have long been an admirer of them but never seemed to have the time to look up how to do them. Will get on the case as soon as.
Interesting project on the Adirondacks - I have most of them but rarely use them - maybe I should get them down now after seeing your work. Must admit my black is in fairly constant use.
Hukgs, Neet 7 xx
ps I have considered less drastic measures if (big IF) I go out shopping - I think a crinoline would work to keep them far enough at bay.

Felicia said...

Shaz, I LOVE each and every one of those cards!! Great images and the colors are wonderful!! I haven't worked with distress oxides yet, I'm little behind, but I could totally understand how frustrating that could get!! Thanks for the tip on blogger pix! As I have been away for a minute, little tips are helpful to me!! So funny that we ALL get on a mad search for those perfect white pens! I even have trouble with the perfect black pen that could be used in a journal with mixed media!! I've tried so many and ALL with fails!! Oddly, I haven't tried the POSCA paint pen, but guess what's on my list now???? LOL Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by my blog!! Many blessings to you! :)

Shoshi said...

I've got a set of Derwent Graphik Line Maker pens and use the white one. You have to pump it, and it's worth getting it started on some scrap first. These pens are filled with acrylic paint which dries permanent. It's pretty opaque. Otherwise I use the Uniball Signo white pen which is pretty good but not water-fast, and I've found that without spraying with fixative, it can rub off a bit. Some time ago you recommended Dr PH Martin's Bleed Proof White paint which I absolutely love - you could use this with a dip pen. Really opaque! Hope these suggestions are helpful.

I love your partial stencilling, Shaz. It's really effective. It's one of the things I'm keen to try once I get back in the studio and doing paper stuff again.

Love your funny at the end!! How true.

Hope you are OK now and over your infection.

Happy belated WOYWW,
Shoshi x #12

Marit said...

LOVE the cards and I have no problem with cutting stamps like that - if it works for you, do it (I do that too!) For white pens: I am a BIG FAN of the Sharpie poster paint white marker extra-fine - I'm afraid I have to say I WAS a big fan 'cause they took it out of the collection. I think they don't make/sell that marker anymore (If anyone have some of those markers left laying around somewhere, please let me know! I'll buy them from you!) I now use the Posca pens and they work allright... Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day Shaz, stay safe and have a great weekend! Love from Holland. Marit #1

Dorlene Durham said...

WOW. I love the cards you posted. So pretty and fun. I agree with your statements about white pens. I’ll use one and it seems to be fine then the next time I buy them, they don’t work. I don’t get it. But I have purchased the POSCA white pens and they are fabulous. But they seem to be hard to find. I still am unable to purchase a finer point but I’m on the look out. Have a great week and thanks for your earlier visit. Dorlene #31

Anne said...

Hi Shaz. Sorry re late visit. Where does time go? Fab cards. I've yet to try Oxides, have one or two Andirondacks which I do like.
I've several white pens but don't find any really brilliant. Take care and stay safe. Anne x 26

An End of an era

An end of an era

I write this with a broken heart, that only time can heal My beautiful, wonderful wifelet Shaz (Silverwolf) passed away peacefully in the ea...