Jennifer McGuire Ink » Enabling http://www.jennifermcguireink.com Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:45:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 New! http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/05/new.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/05/new.html#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 16:00:34 +0000 Jennifer http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/?p=8826 New crafty goodies make me happy. And I think they may make you happy, too.

Check out Simon Says Stamp’s newest release of dies and stamps.

Such. Good. Stuff.


That’s all. Just wanted to share. :)

See you soon.

]]> http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/05/new.html/feed 20 New Goodies Alert! http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/03/new-goodies-alert.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-goodies-alert http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/03/new-goodies-alert.html#comments Sun, 17 Mar 2013 16:35:04 +0000 Jennifer http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/?p=8325 Just sharing some new products and news with you – just things I excited about and thought that you might be, too.

First of all, Simon Says Stamp has some new awesome dies in stock. I have been longing for big bubble dies for so long. I can’t wait to use them! They are perfectly sized (approximately 3″x4″) for Project Life… but also works great for scrapbooking… and the proportions are great for a card…

Also, I am hoping you heard the big news: two of my favorite crafty powerhouses have teamed up – Kelly Purkey and Simon Says Stamp! SSS will be bringing to the industry Kelly’s fabulous product visions. I love both Kelly and Heidi so much… this makes my heart so happy.

First up, here are some of Kelly’s newest stamps. (I love that the first one says “nerds” in it – perfect for my family.)

And… for the biggest news! Kelly will have a bi-monthly Project Kit. This kit will be overflowing with lots of crafting goodies including real letterpress pieces, embellishments and more. I love the idea of her “Stacked Cards” – thirty 3″x4″ pieces in a variety of materials – ready to go on a card or scrapbook page. Head HERE for more info.

Lots of exciting stuff, huh? I can’t wait to play with it all!

]]> http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/03/new-goodies-alert.html/feed 23 New Class + the Perfect Stamp Set http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/03/new-class-the-perfect-stamp-set.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-class-the-perfect-stamp-set http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/03/new-class-the-perfect-stamp-set.html#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:22:14 +0000 Jennifer http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/?p=8224 Hello! Just hear to quickly share two bits of goodness.

First, registration has opened for Pattern Play – the newest class from Online Card Classes. This class is all about patterned papers… and every card has a video! Only $16. Head HERE for more info…

Next… just a heads up on a new stamp set that I am very excited about. I have been longing for a stamp set like this for ages. Ages! (I may or may not have put a bug in their ear about it…) It has everything you need to decorate your envelope before putting it in the mail. Adore it. Kristina knocked it outta the park on this one!

See you soon!

]]> http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/03/new-class-the-perfect-stamp-set.html/feed 41 New Goodies + Giveaway! http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/01/new-goodies-giveaway.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-goodies-giveaway http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/01/new-goodies-giveaway.html#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2013 03:58:18 +0000 Jennifer http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/?p=7815 It’s that time of year – where lots of new products are released at CHA – the Craft and Hobby Association show. But many great new goodies are already out and I have gone nuts shopping lately. So I thought I would share them with you here…

Memory Box dies… oh how I love thee. And these new ones? Incredible. You can see all the new ones in HERE, but here are my faves…

Simon Says Stamp has a new card kit out – it is gorgeous. I am so excited to get my hands on those mini wood hearts…

Truly unique stamps are hard to come by. But the Tim Holtz Blueprints are one-of-a-kind… and so fun. Great for coloring and techniques. You can see them all HERE, but these are my favorites – they are brand new – be sure to check on the great greeting set, too…

Lots of new Lawn Fawn goodies are up now, too… including dies! You can see the new stuff HERE, and here are some faves…

Simon Says Stamp has some great new stamps and dies out. As always, they are fabulous – you can see them all HERE, and these are my favorites…

The product I am most excited about from CHA is from Ranger – the new Tim Holtz Distress Paints. These aren’t your normal paints. They have unique properties like the Distress Inks and you will be seeing me use them a lot here. You can get them all HERE.


How would you like to win some new goodies? Just leave a comment here by Friday night at 11:59pmEST for your chance to win TWO Memory Box Dies and TWO Simon Says Stamp Dies! Good luck.

]]> http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2013/01/new-goodies-giveaway.html/feed 811 “My Favorite Crafty Things: Die Cutting” + Discounts + Giveaway + TWO Videos http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-die-cutting-discounts-giveaway-two-videos.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=my-favorite-crafty-things-die-cutting-discounts-giveaway-two-videos http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-die-cutting-discounts-giveaway-two-videos.html#comments Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:41:32 +0000 Jennifer http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/?p=7522 (This is Part 9 of “My Favorite Crafty Things” feature. You can see Part 1 on Stamping Tools HERE, Part 2 on Cutting Tools HERE, Part 3 on Adhesives HERE, Part 4 on Paper HERE, Part 5 on Creativity Boosters HERE, Part 6 on Stamps HERE, Part 7 on Embellishments HERE and Part 8 on Ink and Coloring HERE.)

Just FYI – you can get 15% off most products I feature here at Simon Says Stamp by using the code “JMFAVES” by 12/19. You can go HERE to find all of My Favorite Crafty Things – they created a category for easy shopping.

Today I have My Favorite Crafty Things: Die Cutting. I’ll say it – I am addicted to dies these days. In today’s video I mention a few of my favorite brands, and show some fun new interactive/3D dies…

Here are a few brands of dies that I find offer the best quality and variety – Memory Box, Simon Says Stamp, My Favorite Things and Sizzix. (Click on the images to see more options.)

Here are the dies (including interactive and 3D dies) I featured in the video. Click on the product image to find out more information…

My two favorite die cutting machines are the Vagabond (the big bad momma of die cutting) and the Big Shot. The Big Shot comes with everything you need to use all the dies I show. For the Vagabond, you will need the adapter plate in order to use the wafer thin dies. I also share a link for the Memory Box Metal Adaptor Plate. It is just a great shim that helps with getting complete cuts. (Not necessary but helpful to have.) However, the dies I mention also work in other machines!

Oh! And just a heads up – there are some new dies available. Check them out…


Now I can’t mention die cutting without touching on embossing folders. Boy – there are a lot out there! My favorites are from Sizzix (including Tim Holtz and Hero Arts) and Lifestyle Crafts. Here are some newer ones that I am loving. (Yes! That first set has a folder that does a background of triangles. Love!)

I also must mention the Tim Holtz Embossing Diffusers. These “plates” have templates and insets that allow you to add or remove texture anywhere within an embossing folder. So, basically, you can emboss a background… but leave a circle in the center un-embossed (flat). Or vice versa! Just use the diffuser instead of a clear cutting plate with your die cutting machine. SO easy to do! A must-have. Here is a quick video showing them…

I of course must also mention digital die cutting. By far, the best machine out there is the Silhouette. It is leaps and bounds above the rest and super easy to use…

There is a TON to learn about die cutting and embossing! SO many great techniques. By the way – I highly recommend the class A Cut Above to learn more. It covers all the machines, die types, techniques, embossing folders, and more! There are two parts to the class – you can sign up for either or both – one on traditional die cutting and one on the Silhouette. You can get more information HERE. It is my favorite class – tons of videos!



Giveaway time! Leave a comment here by 12/18/12 at 11:59pmEST for your chance to win two dies from Memory Box! Good luck. (All winners from the My Favorite Crafty Things posts will be announced later this week.)

More soon!

]]> http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-die-cutting-discounts-giveaway-two-videos.html/feed 311 “My Favorite Crafty Things: Inks & Coloring” + Discounts + Giveaways http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-inks-coloring-discounts-giveaways.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=my-favorite-crafty-things-inks-coloring-discounts-giveaways http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-inks-coloring-discounts-giveaways.html#comments Sun, 16 Dec 2012 20:52:52 +0000 Jennifer http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/?p=7510 (This is Part 8 of “My Favorite Crafty Things” feature. You can see Part 1 on Stamping Tools HERE, Part 2 on Cutting Tools HERE, Part 3 on Adhesives HERE, Part 4 on Paper HERE, Part 5 on Creativity Boosters HERE, Part 6 on Stamps HERE and Part 7 on Embellishments HERE.)

Good news! The discount code has been extended to 12/18! Woohoo! You can get 15% off most products I feature at Simon Says Stamp by using the code “JMFAVES”. You can go HERE to find all of My Favorite Crafty Things – they created a category for easy shopping.

Today I have My Favorite Crafty Things: Inks and Coloring. Boy, there are a lot of inks out there… and lots of tools for coloring stamped images. However, these are the ones I currently love. Here is a video explaining…

Here are the inks and coloring tools I featured in the video. Click on the product image to find out more information…


Time to share again! Leave a comment here by 12/18/12 at 11:59pmEST for your chance to win FIVE Hero Arts inks! Good luck. (All winners from the My Favorite Crafty Things posts will be announced next week.)

More soon!


]]> http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-inks-coloring-discounts-giveaways.html/feed 422 New 2013 Hero Arts stamps are in! + discount code http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/new-2013-hero-arts-stamps-are-in-discount-code.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-2013-hero-arts-stamps-are-in-discount-code http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/new-2013-hero-arts-stamps-are-in-discount-code.html#comments Fri, 14 Dec 2012 05:01:50 +0000 Jennifer http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/?p=7466 Hello!

Just popping in quickly to let you know that the new 2013 Hero Arts stamps are up for sale over at Simon Says Stamp!

And I have some more good news… you can get 15% off the new goodies using the code “JMFAVES” between now and 12/18. While you are there, be sure to check out all the other items I have been sharing in my recent “My Favorite Crafty Things” posts. They are 15% off, too. Head over HERE.

I will be back very soon with a couple of videos showing a closer look at some of the new stamps. And I will also do a post about my favorites. (That post may be long – ha!)

So this is the Catalog Debut day – where some of the new 2013 stamps are released a bit early. However, Simon Says Stamp has put all the new goodies on sale now. So please note that some are available now, and some are are just pre-order. (It will be noted if it is pre-order.)

Now go… get your shopping on! I’ll be back very soon.

Enjoy. :)

]]> http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/new-2013-hero-arts-stamps-are-in-discount-code.html/feed 16 “My Favorite Crafty Things: Embellishments” + Discounts + Giveaways http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-embellishments-discounts-giveaways.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=my-favorite-crafty-things-embellishments-discounts-giveaways http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-embellishments-discounts-giveaways.html#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2012 03:24:26 +0000 Jennifer http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/?p=7408 (This is Part 7 of “My Favorite Crafty Things” feature. You can see Part 1 on Stamping Tools HERE, Part 2 on Cutting Tools HERE, Part 3 on Adhesives HERE, Part 4 on Paper HERE, Part 5 on Creativity Boosters HERE and Part 6 on Stamps HERE.)

Good news! The discount code has been extended to 12/18! Woohoo! You can get 15% off the products I feature at Simon Says Stamp by using the code “JMFAVES”. You can go HERE to find all of My Favorite Crafty Things – they created a category for easy shopping.

Here I am sharing my My Favorite Crafty Things: Embellishments. This includes all kinds of goodies that have my heart captured. Of course, this list would change over time as new things come out. But these? These are my favorites right now…

I can’t seem to make a card without scattering a few gems or pearls on it. So I was thrilled to see these Enamel Dots from My Mind’s Eye. Aren’t they delicious? Smooth as can be and gorgeous colors…

It is always fun to add a “different” texture to a card – such as wood. And the Wood Veneer from Studio Calico is just perfect. They are easy to color with any inks or markers. Here are my favorites… (I just love the new letter set!)

Another great way to add some WOW to your card is with a touch of metal. I really enjoy both the Tim Holtz Mirrored Sheets (perfectly mirror-like, self-adhesive and a bit thick) and Ranger Foil Sheets (thin and shiny like aluminum foil, but adhesive backed). These products can even be colored with permanent markers, Copics or alcohol ink. You can see a video on both of these products HERE. These are must-haves…

Sometimes the best way to embellish a card is with a bit of shine. And my favorite? Glitter Ritz. This is SUPER fine. After you shake it on the double-sided tape, just burnish it in place and it becomes velvety and will stay put. No mess in the envelope! And it ends up so smooth that you can stamp on it. You don’t need a ton of colors – just ones you know you will use often. But be sure to grab the Stardust (it looks like microfine vintage silver glitter) and the Warm or Cool Highlights (clear with just a bit of shine). So fun…

There are three pens that you must have to add fun touches and “faux embellishments” – the Uniball White and Silver Pens (both are bold on dark papers) and the Stardust Glitter Pen (great for subtle added shine). Inexpensive and awesome.

I will admit: I am currently 100% addicted to 6×6 paper pads. In fact, I don’t buy 12×12 patterned papers anymore! The size is just so much easier to work with and the smaller scale patterns are better for card makers. You can see all the 6×6 paper pads SSS has to offer HERE, but I also wanted to mention my favorites – My Mind’s Eye, BasicGrey and Echo Park. They make my heart flutter. Truly.

And finally, I had a few random goodies to mention. First are the heart and star border punches that I just can’t seem to get enough of. I use them A LOT to make little paper embellishments to scatter on cards. Another tool I like right now is the Ranger Water Brush – super high quality. And my last random embellishment of today? The May Arts Chevron Ribbon. It is SO so so very nice.


Woot! Time to share. Leave a comment here by 11:59pmEST on 12/13/12 for your chance to win THREE packs of Studio Calico Wood Veneer! Good luck.

]]> http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-embellishments-discounts-giveaways.html/feed 336 “My Favorite Crafty Things: Stamps” + Discounts + Giveaways http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-stamps-discounts-giveaways.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=my-favorite-crafty-things-stamps-discounts-giveaways http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-stamps-discounts-giveaways.html#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2012 03:39:51 +0000 Jennifer http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/?p=7312 (This is Part 6 of “My Favorite Crafty Things” feature. You can see Part 1 on Stamping Tools HERE, Part 2 on Cutting Tools HERE, Part 3 on Adhesives HERE, Part 4 on Paper HERE and Part 5 on Creativity Boosters HERE.)

Remember – you can still get 15% off the products I feature at Simon Says Stamp by using the code “JMFAVES” until 12/18. You can go HERE to find all of My Favorite Crafty Things – they created a category for easy shopping.

Here I am sharing my My Favorite Crafty Things: Stamps. Of course, my favorite stamps change over time as new ones come out. So I will be sure to update this once in awhile. But right now, these are the stamps that I can’t put down or are catching my eye. (Look close – some are BRAND new today!) Also, all of these stamps are high quality, (mostly) US-made, stamp amazingly and are from good companies with good people. Yay!

Hero Arts Backgrounds

Nothing is more versatile than a Hero Arts background stamp. They are designed to work with many styles of cards and work great for many techniques. Here are my current faves:

Hero Arts Sentiments

One of the best investments you can make in stamping is in a good clear stamp set with lots of sentiments. Lots of them. They can be used over and over and cut up and repositioned… the possibilities are endless. Hero Arts has many of my favorites – here they are…

Impression Obsession Cover-a-Card Stamps

I recently have been reaching a lot for the Cover-a-Card background stamps from Impression Obsession. These are 5.5″x5.5″ so you can use a design vertically or horizontally on a card. THAT ROCKS. (You can see them all HERE.)

Paper Smooches Sentiments

I love handwritten greetings but I don’t have great handwriting. Thankfully Kim of Paper Smooches does! I reach for these favorites so very often. Love. (You can see all Paper Smooches stamps HERE.)

Tim Holtz Blueprints

Let’s face it – there are a lot of stamps out there, any many look the same. However, the Blueprints stamp series from Tim Holtz stands out in the crowd. They can be grunged up for a distressed look, or colored simply for a clean look. (You can see them all HERE.)

Lawn Fawn Borders

I love border stamps that can be stamped repeatedly to form a fun background… especially since you can use a mix of inks for a rainbow or ombre look. Lawn Fawn’s are fabulous and must-haves…


New Stamp Company – Mama Elephant

2012 was the year of new stamp companies. Several won my heart, including the clean-yet-playful look of Mama Elephant. That first triangle set? Fantastic. (You can see all of their stamps HERE.)


New Stamps – Avery Elle

Another stamp company that is gaining attention every day is Avery Elle. These are my favorites – such great designs with many ways to use them…

New Stamps – Simon Says Stamp

My good friends over at Simon Says Stamp now have their own awesome stamp sets designed by my friend Kristina Werner. They are incredible and many have matching dies. You can find them all HERE. But guess what??!! There are some NEW ones JUST released tonight! Check them out…


New Stamp Company – Kelly Purkey

My dear friend Kelly Purkey also started making stamps this year. She has many clear sets along with some wood-handled rubber stamps – all with a clean, modern and fresh look. My faves? These below. (You can find them all HERE.)

COMING SOON!

December is a good month for stamping! It is the month Hero Arts releases their new stamps for the new year/catalog. The big day is December 14… I can’t for you to see what they have come up with! You can check HERE to find a store near you who will reveal the new stamps this weekend, or you can check back here as I will be sharing, too. Hero has been sharing peeks of new stamps on their blog, and here are some of my favorites…

Speaking of the new Hero Arts stamps, be sure to head HERE to see what I created with a new stamp set…

Giveaway time! Leave a comment here by 11:59pmEST on 12/13/12 for your chance to win THREE of my favorite stamps I shared above! Good luck.
See you soon.

]]> http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-stamps-discounts-giveaways.html/feed 455 “My Favorite Crafty Things: Creativity Boosters” + Discounts + Giveaways http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-creativity-boosters-discounts-giveaways.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=my-favorite-crafty-things-creativity-boosters-discounts-giveaways http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/2012/12/my-favorite-crafty-things-creativity-boosters-discounts-giveaways.html#comments Sat, 08 Dec 2012 14:21:02 +0000 Jennifer http://www.jennifermcguireink.com/?p=7343 (This is Part 5 of “My Favorite Crafty Things” feature. You can see Part 1 on Stamping Tools HERE, Part 2 on Cutting Tools HERE, Part 3 on Adhesives HERE and Part 4 on Paper HERE.)


Today’s featured goodies are things that I find to be “Creativity Boosters” – including prints, organizational tools, classes, etc. These things are from some of my favorite non-stamping stores and a few of them provided shopping discounts! So be sure to look close for the codes.

I am really excited to share these – My Favorite Crafty Things: Creativity Boosters. In fact, I have so many ideas for this that I will share more another day. Let’s get started…

Crafty Prints

I love filling my craft space with inspiring prints, so I thought I would share two of my favorite sources.

First, I adore the many prints offered by my friend Kristina Proffitt from Baby Bird and Bub Bub. Her prints are so crisp and eye-catching, and you can customize the colors! I have both of these prints to match my new craft room. The first says “I Make Stuff” next to the scissors. Love. Kristina is offering 20% off with the code “JENNIFER20″ between now and 12/13/12. Woot!

Next, I am in love with all the prints from Lindsey at Unraveled Design. After ordering one of her masterpieces, I asked her if she would work her magic on my favorite quote. I LOVE the results – it is the first one I show here. (Be sure to click it to read it!) I also think the second one would be good for a craft room, and she also has great Christian quotes. Lindsey is offering my readers 15% off with the code “JMCGUIRE” – yay!

Personalized Stamp

I have shared on my blog in the past my love for personalized stamps for the back of my handmade cards. My favorite stamps are from Karissa over at Kiss and Tell Cards. Turns out she is as nice as she is talented, so she has hooked us up with 15% off with the code “jmink5″ between now and 12/15. (You must order by that date to get the stamp for Christmas.) All of her designs are available in self-inking or wood handled. She has some new designs that I know you will love. That first one is getting ordered for me tonight! By the way – you can change the lines to say anything. I am going with “handmade by jennifer mcguire with lots of love.”

Photo Magic

Awhile back, I shared my love for Erin Cobb’s Clean Color Tutorial. (Head over HERE.) Erin is a fabulous photographer whose photos always look so magical, alive and eye-catching. I was thrilled when Erin offered a tutorial video showing her workflow – how she edits photos and brings them to life. Clean Color is so good that both my husband and I have done the 2-hour video. It covers it all and it covers it well. This would be a great gift to put on your wish list. Trust me – it rocks. Erin is also offering $20 off with the code “favorite” now through 12/25. You can find out more about Clean Color HERE. Oh, and here is a before and after photo I did quickly with the tips I learned. And I just used a little bit of what I learned!


Crafting with Kids

I love getting my kids involved in crafty time with me. And I can’t recommend enough the Kiwi Crate craft kits for kids ages 3-7. Please head over HERE for my recent post describing this amazing program and HERE for $10 off.

Fun Crafty Organization

I find I am more creative when I am organized. (A lesson I am trying to remember!) And this is one of my newest treasures – the Land of Nod Cubby Cups. It holds lots of this and that – everything from glues to scissors to markers and more. I have several of them for my new office and love that they can sit on a table or hang on the wall. They also come in other great colors – you can see them HERE. Fun, huh?

I will be back with more fun creativity boosters soon!


Time to share! Leave a comment here by 11:59pmEST on 12/13/12 for your chance to win a print of your choice from Baby Bird and Bub Bub! Good luck.

See you Monday with more!

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