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

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.

Parchment Craft USA is up -- shipping after October 1st!

Finally found the solution to getting parchment craft products in the US!

I started carrying them myself.  So if you are interested in learning all about parchment craft, which is quite popular in other parts of the world but not so much yet in the US -- go check out the site for not only products to be shipped throughout the continental US actually from the US, but tips and tricks and other resources.

There are also some shortcuts in embossing parchment background patterns with the Make the Cut software that I love so much.  But I do enjoy the quiet meditative process of handwork and I am learning.  Self-taught of course, because there are no tutors anyplace around here.

By the way, I never found the gesso, but I did find my car keys. They were underneath some files for my art journal.  No clue how that happened.

Have you tried embossing on parchment?

I only began seriously trying to make greeting cards earlier this year.  I have a mailing list for the extras, as it seems there are many groups operating to mail cards to various people, whether they are residents of nursing homes or hospitals, some even to people actively serving in the military.  I find that I make a new card for specific friends of mine rather than drawing from the stack of premade cards I have done.

Lately I have tried my hand at embossing on Pergamano parchment.  This stuff is not cheap!  I can do a few patterns at a time, and am experimenting with mounting them but haven't yet mastered the art of making one as beautiful as those found on Pinterest, but I am always certain I'll get there.

I have purchased the proper tools, one at a time, and already have misplaced one that I really use a lot.. but I am certain it is someplace in my bedcovers, since that's where I do most of this as I watch tv at night.  Lots to do, so little time!