www.paperartistsonline.com

How do all of you learn new techniques? I haven't learned a new technique in quite some time. I guess I might be unsure about trying new things by myself. I also haven't done much scrapping since I moved in August. How do I get everything up to date?

The good news is the bad news. Techniques keep evolving, there is no such thing as catching up. BUT that's good, because it doesn't mean you're behind. Christy posted a challenge for last weekend that involved paint, and has another one coming up this weekend.

Personally, I scour the internet and take classes from the artists I admire. Being close to chicago, a lot of people come through here, but mostly I look at their work, and try to copy it. Sometimes I'm successful, mostly I come up with something close, but my own version.

Jump into the challenges, and look over the Bernie Berlin stuff. Try using the stuff you have at home, before investing money in something you're not sure will work.

what Luanne said

also if going to classes is not an option go to the library
get books on bookmaking, paper making, scrapbooking, cardmaking--they may not relate 100% to what you what or think you want to do but even 1 page might have something on it that inspires you.

there are a bunch of links in this forum that take you to other blogs, techniques can be found on them.
If you see someone post something here and you wonder how they did it---ask---pretty sure that all of us would take the time to explain. We are all learning from each other continuously. Don't be afraid to make a mistake (sometimes gives the best results) but I can speak from experience that some of what I post was not my first, second or even third try. Don't get discouraged.


and oh yes
check out the bernie berlin challenge, the black & white challenge, the paint challenge from last week and stay tuned for Friday's challenge to be posted later.

I've been going online also and researching cardmaking and bookmaking. I also subscribe to paper crafts magazines and can usually find new techniques in there.

Like Christy I suggest the library - lots of art making, book-making, stamping and scrapbooking books there. Most of the "techniques" have been around for a long, long time.

The internet and blogs are great resources now days. Check out splitcoaststampers for interesting techniques. Even You Tube has great technique videos.

If you have the money for it the Technique Junkie newsletter is really a great bargin.
www.patstamps.com and Pat has a blog and she's always got some kind of special. She had one where you get internet access only to all the techniques - all the directions with photos and examples. It really is money well spent.

Thanks everyone. I'll see about learning something. Is there anything quick and easy to learn? I've made a few cards here and there, but I haven't done too much since summer.

Try this - super easy and great results.
Crayon Resist

glossy paper
permanant black ink
dye ink
white crayon

stamp image(s) in black on glossy paper
Pick areas you want to highlight and color with white crayon.
Use brayer or sponges to add color where you want
Buff color off white crayon areas.

Here's an example http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/6297945
Look for the FOSSILS FISH card in blues. sorry I couldn't get it to copy here!

I read blogs, magazines and search techniques online. The biggest one for me though has been reading peoples blogs.

Thanks Nancy, I'll see about trying that.

What magazines are best? I could see if I can find the money to get some. There is a stamp store in a town not too far, I think, but I'll have to see if my fiance can take me sometime. I'm not sure how far it is from here.

I usually thumb through the magazines to see which ones catch my attention.

Most of the magazines also have websites with ideas on them, and you can also look at various stamp & craft companies' websites. Here are a few of my favorites to check out:

http://www.papercreationsmag.com
http://www.stampington.com
http://www.heroarts.com
http://www.stampendous.com
http://www.lastingimpressions.com
http://www.denamidesign.com
http://www.rangerink.com
http://www.tsukineko.com

And chat with Luly about Stampin' Up ideas!

Monica