How to keep your pens from drying out

You know how those white gel pens dry out so fast, right?  And how when you have a favorite ballpoint pen and the cap gets lost, the pen dries out sooner than you'd like?

Well!  I just found a second use for the great tool caps I sell on ParchmentCraftUSA.com!  Last night I was working with a white pen, tracing a design, and misplaced the cap.  I realized then and there, that my extra tool caps could serve more than one purpose. 

Just thought I'd pass that along!

Parchment Craft USA

Two simple parchment designs for a beginner

 This card is from Linda Williams book on beginning parchment craft.  I mounted it on a light blue cardstock after coloring the back with Prismacolor pencils.

This card is from a PCA Christmas template and I painted the back with red Pan Pastel.  Pan Pastels blend nicely on parchment, but this time I used only the one color.  Then I decorated my tree with gemstones.  I plan to do future trees with additional colors, and some rhinestones.  You could certainly use pearls too.  Also, in parchment craft, you can get really creative with additional background patterns, cutouts etc.  I didn't want to detract from the tree itself on this one, since I tend to be rather simple!

I'm making many others this week, which I will post as they are complete.  One thing to remember when learning this craft is not to hesitate to throw away your mistakes!  It's why you need to have plenty of parchment on hand.  Get it here in the US from me -- it's why I carry it.

It's October -- and we're shipping!

My recent networking since the birth of Parchment Craft USA has connected me with some tutors (unfortunately not near by) so I'm basically still on my own, learning this craft!  But at least now I have the inventory for other beginners.  So come by the site and see what you need to get going on this addictive zen-type craft!

My own creations are definitely those of a newbie.  Don't be critical.  I'm getting there!

I much prefer white work.  Adding backgrounds is next.

Yes, it's time for Christmas art.  These two were framed with die-cut pieces left over from scrapbooking.

This one is my favorite.  The paper is actually kraft color with gold spots... but here the scanner shows you only one.

This one was colored with oil pastels.  Not sure I like it.  I prefer Prismacolor pencils.