Christmas Foliage

Days gone by an old mason jar could hold almost anything and at Under Construction there have been many beautiful  pieces designed to fill this jar. To show off this Christmas  foliage our designers chose a dark green card.The red strip down the side has been embossed with a flourish folder for just a touch of texture.It has been mounted on a Christmas Bo Bunny card stock which ties  all the colours together. Stamp Under Constructions Christmas foliage with Ranger's Vintage Photo on card stock suitable for alcohol markers.(Pro markers were used for the sample).On a separate piece of paper stamp image again  and cut out to create a mask. Place this mask over original image stamped.Ink Under Construction's Mason Jar with Ranger's Vintage Photo ,stamp  with part of the image over the mask and under the foliage. This should layer the two images. If you have not done this technique before practise on scrap paper just to get an idea about placement. Colour the image(note alcohol markers were used so as not to lose any details) Using a glue pen highlight areas in the foliage and add the sparkliest glitter you can find.On the berries add glass jewels for a three dimensional touch.To make the jar look like glass add Ranger's glossy accents. Attach all your layers and you are ready to send out your first Christmas card.

November's Stamp of the Month is our daisy corner stamp available in cling or wood mounted as pictured. The card on the left hand side measures  5 1/2 x 4 1/4 when folded. Stamp on right side of card Under Construction's daisy corner.Place it so the actual corner is touching the edge of the card. It will be easier to space the design if you stamp the middle image first.Next stamp the image on either side so you have created a  border.Cut patterned card stock sized to meet up with the border. Stamp Under Construction's words "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten the words."on the card stock.(This will get rid of the white space and add interest).Colour the daisies to co-ordinate with  the paper you have chosen. On a separate piece of card stock stamp Under Construction's Thinking of youthen,mount on card stock to frame the words.Pop this piece for a 3D look.  Send to some one you are thinking of .  The second card pictured uses the same stamps in a different colour scheme.

Wings To Fly

Wings To Fly...This is the time of year we think of everything fall and what is more fall than a Canada Goose getting ready to fly south. If you are looking for an idea for the men or hunter in your life this will fit the bill. Cut an 8 1/2 - 11 card length wise ,score and fold. Stamp Under Construction's wild weeds inked with Ranger's oregano off to the side .On a separate piece of card stock stamp  with Ranger's espresso Under Constructions Canada goose . Colour with pencil crayons. Cut card stock down closer to edges of image. Distress edges with Ranger's Tea Die. On a craft mat spread some of the same colour ,spritz with water. Using a wet paint brush dab into colour and tap spots all over the piece to get rid of the white space. Choose an accent colour of card stock ,stamp Under Constructions leaf border. On a card 2x2 stamp Under Construction's Wings to fly. Distress edges,punch hole in both card and tag.Attach to card. Assemble all elements .Inside add decoration of Under Construction's wild weeds . Send your goose to your favorite nature lover.

October is  already here! It is our Birthday and We are having a PARTY!!!!!!!!! Sat October 12th Under Construction will  CELEBRATE 19 years in business and 1 year in Peterborough.We are celebrating and saying THANK YOU to everyone over the years who has supported us.Please bring a friend (we have a surprise for everyone who brings someone new to the store) and join in the FREE make'n take .See some of our new projects we have been introducing .Register for our all day Super Stampers event and of course there will be party food. Check under events on the blog for all upcoming workshops.

Thank You and PORCH SALE

Hello Every one THANK YOU for checking in with us.I haven't posted for quite a while.There is lots of up coming art work to inspire you over the summer months. TODAY however I  want to let you know about a special event coming up. THIS PORCH is where you want to be on Fri. July 12th  and Sat. July 13th because  we are having a HUGE SALE of stamps and stamp stuff. Some things will be brand new and some will be demo stamps and stuff. Each day will be different so if you can't come one day come the next and if you can come both days you will not be disappointed.Sale starts at 10:00 am. 190 Charlotte St.In the center of the mews across from Champs Bar and Grill. See you soon!!!

A Happy Accident

A wonderful accident happened this week which lead  to this posting.  We had a leak in our store and water got sprayed  from the leak on to paper we had  used during class with Distress ink. The end result is the      photo you are looking at.So to start these instructions use a few colours of Ranger's Distress Inks combine colours on card stock with a distressing tool and foam.Using the technique best described as flicking (as opposed to spritzing) water on the patch of ink and allowing the area to naturally dry. On a clean   piece of card stock suitable for pro markers stamp Under Constructions old car with Black Soot (Ranger's Distress Ink) Allow this image to dry  or set the ink with your heat tool. The car was coloured with a base of sand and a  dark brown and red.,highlights were added with grey and a silver gel pen. Stamp Under Construction's Birch Trees three times on a separate piece of card stock.Use a grey marker just to highlight the lines that are already there. Cut out all of the images you have stamped and coloured.Arrange trees and vehicle with some of the trees behind the car and one in front of the back end. Mount the entire creation on a   navy piece of card stock. If you decide to change the arrangement add glitter for a winter vibe.

Just a Little Note

Just a little note to brighten up your day! This colourful card will cheer up anyone and make them  feel special. Choose a violet coloured card stock 8 1/2 x 11 ,cut it in half  so it measures 4 1/4 x 11. Fold in half.            Choose white card stock to measure 4 x 5. Stamp Under Construction's Lilac stamp in Black Memories(Stewart Superior) all around the outside of the card.Using Tom Bow water colour markers colour lilacs.Mount this on a green card stock that  matches the green you used to colour the lilacs. On white card stock ,stamp  Under Construction's Just a little note to brighten up your day.Mount this on the same green previously used and then also on the same Lilac card stock . Inside the card stamp the rest of  the sentiment to read,  and let you know you are special in every way. For some added interest also stamp on the inside the Under Construction's  lilac stamp. Who will be the special person on your list?