It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas!

Join Us for Our 12 Days of Christmas Sales Event! Tuesday, December 8th thru Wednesday, December 23rd

Enjoy 12 Days of Savings As We Celebrate this Holiday Season! Stop In & Take Advantage of Big Savings! Day 1 - Tuesday, Dec. 8th from 10:00am-2:00pm All Halloween Items 40% OFF (excl. Tim Holtz) Day 2 - Wednesday, Dec. 9th from 2:00pm-6:00pm All Tim Holtz Items 25% OFF Day 3 - Thursday, Dec. 10th from 1:00pm-5:00pm All Christmas Papers 25% OFF Day 4 - Friday, Dec. 11th from 12:00pm-4:00pm All Inks, Paints, Stencils, & Stamps 15% OFF Day 5 - Saturday, Dec. 12th from 12:00pm-4:00pm All Sizzix Dies & Embossing Folders 15% OFF Day 6 - Tuesday, Dec. 15th from 10:00am-2:00pm All Graphic 45 Collections 25% OFF Day 7 - Wednesday, Dec. 16th from 1:00pm-5:00pm All Clearance Items from "The Wall" an additional 10% OFF Day 8 - Thursday, Dec. 17th from 12:00pm-4:00pm All Embellishments 15% OFF* Day 9 - Friday, Dec. 18th from 2:00pm-6:00pm Spend $25.00 or more & receive 10% OFF your total Day 10 - Saturday, Dec. 19th from 12:00pm-4:00 All Papers Throughout Store 15% OFF* Day 11 - Tuesday, Dec. 22nd from 10:00am-2:00pm All Ranger Items 25% OFF Day 12 - Wednesday, Dec. 23rd from 2:00pm-6:00pm All Items Throughout Store 25% OFF* plus All Items from "The Wall" receive an additional 10% OFF Shop early to get the best bargains and biggest savings, because these discounts* are limited to stock on hand only and when it's gone . . . it's gone!       *Excludes Workshops, Gift Certificates, special orders, or Vintage Table items HOLIDAY HOURS: 10:00am - 6:00pm Tuesday, Dec. 8th thru Wednesday, Dec. 23rd CLOSED for Christmas Thursday, Dec. 24th thru Monday, Dec. 28th We will return Tuesday, Dec. 29th at 10:00am CraftFusion (480) 821-3758 2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224 s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America (located next to Catherine's & King Buffet) Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday www.craftfusionaz.com

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Inks Everywhere!

Follow along with us as we explore the "World of Inks" in . . .

     

What Type of Ink Should I Use?

We're often asked what's the difference between the many inks we carry in the store and see on the market . . . dye, solvent-based, permanent, archival, pigment, embossing, and the list goes on and on!  It can be confusing, so we thought we'd try to help a bit with this quick breakdown.

• Dye (water based):  These inks are generally used for stamping on paper, and have a quick drying time.  They come in a variety of sizes, with stamping surfaces made of felt, linen, and sponge.  Most dye inks are manufactured to be acid free, but they do tend to fade with time, especially in sunlight if your stamped surface is not treated with a UV fixative.  They may also run if in contact with water or other liquids, as well as if they're used in combination with other water based mediums such as markers to fill in detail areas.  Water based dye inks can be easily cleaned from your stamps with water, while some stampers like to use damp paper towels or baby wipes to remove the ink.  Examples include Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Stampin' Up! Class Ink Pads (except black), and Marvy Matchables.

• Pigment:  These inks are suitable for a variety of stamping situations.  Pigment ink is thicker than a water based or dye ink, and is best used from a spongy pad.  Where a dye ink is designed to soak in and stain the fibers of your paper, a pigment ink will not, and dries on top of the surface.  While you can stamp with pigment ink on coated or glossy papers, it will take a little longer to dry than other inks, but the color will also remain on the surface, appearing more vibrant.  Some stampers prefer to use a heat gun to thoroughly dry pigment ink to avoid smearing, but a pigment ink, however, does not dry and can smear when touched or rubbed.  A plus side of this, though, is that you can apply special powders such as embossing powders to the ink, which, when heat activated, will provide an adhesive to the ink.  Examples include Adirondack Inks by Ranger, Stampin' Up!'s Craft Inks, ColorBox, Brilliance, Inkcredible, Encore, and VersaMark.

• Archival or Permanent:  These inks are also dye based, but unlike the water based variety, will not run with water or other liquids once dry.  They are usually manufactured acid free, and are a preferred choice among scrapbookers and stampers alike.  Since these inks do not run or smear once they're dry, they can be very helpful when wanting to add details with water based markers or watercolors.  Some things to remember when using these types of inks, some stampers have reported that the ink may turn to an off color when in contact with certain glossy papers or cold laminate adhesive.  Also, on some coated or glossy papers, these inks don't seem to dry completely, even if a heat gun has been used, and will smudge either when touched or when the ink comes in contact with moisture, such as water based markers.  When using these inks, you may want to experiment with different types of papers and surfaces before creating items in quantity.  Because these inks are waterproof, it may be more difficult to clean them from your stamps.  A solvent based cleaner may be necessary, but be careful what types of stamps you apply these cleaners on.  Solvent cleaners may melt, or make gummy, some clear stamps, so be sure to test your stamp before using.  On a final note, while these inks are considered waterproof, they aren't classified as permanent and aren't suitable for some applications such as stamping on fabrics or shrink plastic.  Examples include Ranger's Archival Inks, Stampin' Up!'s Black, and Memories by Hampton Art.

• Solvent Based:  These inks are considered permanent once dry, don't require heat setting, and are suited for use on wood, walls, plastic, glass, metal, and paper.  These inks may have an odor when opened and should be used in a well ventilated area.  They will definitely stain your stamps and can be hard to clean off even with a solvent cleaner.  One technique that may be most easily accomplished with a permanent or solvent based ink is stamping on shrink plastic.  Examples include StazOn, Zim Ink, Decorit, 123 Ink, and Fiesta.

Speciality Inks:

• Embossing:  These pads are made like the pigment pads, but come in clear or tinted (either faint blush or very pale blue) "inks".  They are obviously not used for their own color, but rather provide the wet base necessary for a medium such as embossing powder to adhere to a surface.  The tinted pads can be more helpful than the clear pad, allowing you to see where your image has been stamped. 

• Fabric:  These are of a pigment ink consistency that may be used for the same things pigment or embossing inks are used for, but they have an added bonus.  When heated, these inks become permanent.  This is especially useful for fabric and wood stamping.  A special feature you can take advantage of when fabric stamping with these inks is that if you make a mistake, you can launder your items if it hasn't been heat set to remove the ink.

Even though this barely hits the tip of the ink iceberg, we hope it helps clears up just a little bit of the mystery and confusion surrounding inks and their many uses. Now . . . let's go stamping!

     

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads behind Bank of America

(located next to Catherine's & King Buffet)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

www.craftfusionaz.com

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Join Us for a Little Inspiration!

“Pinterest Inspiration” Workshop

Friday, January 31st ~ 6:00pm-9:00pm
Cost:  $35.00

Do you “Pinterest”?  Then you'll want to join us in our brand new monthly Workshop that's just been added to the calendar!  Follow along with some of your favorite CraftFusion teachers as you recreate exciting, as well as quick, projects based on some of your favorite Pinterest projects.  Each month you’ll create a new, inspiring project and have loads of fun doing it, while learning new techniques and how-to's working with products.  Call early to save your spot . . . seating is limited to only 10 students, and you won’t want to miss it!  All supplies and materials will be provided, so come and let your creativity fly high!  January’s Project: “Quick & Easy DIY Coasters” with Charmaine

Optional Supplies:  If you have a favorite stamp (clear cling are best, but rubber work well, too), permanent ink color (i.e., StazOn, Ranger Archival, etc.), or a favorite paper or ephemera piece you’d rather use, please feel free to bring it along to make your project personal and unique.

 

Stop in to see the project sample . . .

we guarantee you'll like what
we have in store for you!

   

Call (480) 821-3758 today to save your space
so you don’t miss a minute of this

creative and fun-filled Workshop!

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Product Highlight . . .

Distress Inks . . . we all have them, but what are they?  What can we do with them?  Do we really need them?  If you've asked yourself at least one of these questions in the past, this is for you.

Simply, Tim Holtz Distress Inks are a collection of acid-free, non-toxic, fade resistant, water-based dye inks. Available in 36 original colors and 12 seasonal shades, they're perfect for all the vintage, stained, or aged effects crafters want to create in all their paper crafting projects . . . altered books, scrapbook pages, cards, and so much more!  Tim selected each color and helped develop the inks to produce a realistic, weathered look on paper, photos, wood, and even fibers.  Each Distress Ink color even affords added versatility when photo tinting and color layering with its warm, vintage tones.  Each Distress Ink 2"x2" pad is designed to be easily used not only with an ink blending tool, but the higher raised felt makes for easier use with direct to paper techniques.  Easy to use Reinkers are also available in 0.5 oz. amber glass bottles with eye drop applicators in colors that match each Distress Ink color exactly.  And by adding a drop or two of your favorite color Reinker into your sprayer, you can create your own custom color sprays!  The possibilities are endless!

Have you checked your supply of Distress Inks lately?  Because we were able to order a large supply of all the Pads and Reinkers before the price increase on February 1st of this year, we've still got a limited selection at the "old" price of $4.99.  But we're beginning to re-order more and the price will soon be increasing to the "new" price of $5.99.  Be sure to get yours before the price goes up!

CraftFusion

(480) 821-3758

2986 No. Alma School Rd. #4 ~ Chandler, AZ 85224

s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads in the Mervyn's Plaza

(located between Zoe's Quilts & Catherine's)

Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm  ~  Closed Sunday & Monday

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Just Added to the Calendar!

It's almost that time of year when we start to think of planning for the New Year.  And what better way to see each month at-a-glance than with this unique "Flip Calendar" from Sandy Diller.  Come and spend the day getting inky, as you create this functional piece of art work.  Whether you like this project for yourself or as a gift, it'll be enjoyed for years to come.  With 6 two-sided pages with a separate calendar for 2013 & 2014, flipping from one month to the other is simple and reveals a new theme every month.  Lots of color blending, embossing, and die cutting techniques will be shared.  Constructed on an attractive metal hanging stand, your calendar will be compact & look and fit perfectly in any space you choose.  Spaces are already filling up, so don't wait too long . . . make your reservations quick!

             

Cost:  $75.00
"Flip Calendar"
with Sandy Diller
Saturday ~ Nov. 17, 2012
10:00am-5:00pm

SEATING IS LIMITED, so call

(480) 821-3758 NOW to make
your reservations & don't miss a
minute of this fun & exciting workshop!

For more photos, click here.

Supplies to Bring:  Basic Craft Kit (BCK), including a non-stick craft sheet and color blending tool.  All other materials, supplies, stand, and die cuts are included.  Cost of workshop includes lunch.

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New Arrivals . . .

Goodies galore!

It's goin' be a very busy day . . . three big boxes of new product arrived late yesterday afternoon and now it's time to unpack and sort it all out!  Take a look for yourself at all the fantastic goodies in just one of the boxes . . .

'Tis the season!

We also received our newest paper collection for the Christmas season from Authentique.  This is such a beautiful paper line with its wonderful vintage-type prints and colors.  Perfect for all your album and card marking projects!  Check out the full size papers great for all your scrapbook layouts, the 6x6 pads perfect for your card making, and don't forget the trims and embellishments to give your projects that special touch that only you can!

Just one of the special arrivals includes the hard to find Antiquities Embossing Powders from Ranger in a multitude of great colors.  This semi-matte and matte embossing powder has an all-over even texture that gives the look of faux stone.  Some even have a mixture of metallic in them for added sheen.  Ooohh la la!!  Can't wait to pull out that heat gun!

And the list goes on . . . new punches, tools, inks, & more . . . not to mention the brand new Tim Holtz District Market Burlap Panels.  Gorgeous!  Pick one up for yourself and one for that special person on your Christmas gift list.

As I said, it's goin' be a busy, busy day!!

Come on in and spend a few minutes looking at the oodles & oodles

of wonderful stuff now lining the shelves!

2986 No. Alma School Road #4 ~ Chandler, AZ  85224

(southwest corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads in the Mervyn's Plaza)

Watch for the new bright red CRAFT sign

hanging over the front door!!

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Leaky Shed Studio Comes to CraftFusion!

Check out all the possibilities!

Great news . . . Leaky Shed Studio comes to CraftFusion and we couldn't be happier or more excited!  As we all know, Leaky Shed Studio (formerly Unique Pages) is the one and only premier manufacturer of all things chipboard.  Using American made chipboard composed of 100% recycled paper products, Leaky Shed Studio is the leader in producing the very best in acid-free and green scrapbooking and mixed media products we all know and love.  And we're so lucky to have them located here in Chandler!  From albums to banners to embellishments to ABCs, if it can be created in chipboard, Leaky Shed Studio is the best one to make it all happen.  And chipboard is so fun and versatile . . . you can ink it, paint it, emboss it . . . anything to make it your own!

Come in today and check out

this exciting new line

and show us what you can do!

Let the magic begin!

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Extra, Extra - Read All About It!!

GREAT NEWS . . .

CraftFusion has recently been added to the

Ranger Store Locator Listing

and we couldn't be more excited!!

Be sure to check it out at

http://www.rangerink.com/store_locator_usa.htm

Stop in the store for "all things Ranger"!

Also pick up the Oct-Nov 2011 issue of 

The Country Register

and watch for our ad & coupon offer

on Page 21.

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We're Bursting at the Seams!

Come in and check out the new things arriving almost daily here at CraftFusion!  We're beginning to experience growing pains looking for places to put everything!  Every visit will be like your first!

Our Halloween Department has expanded to include wonderfully spooky papers and embellishments from Authentique, Teresa Collins, Jenni Bowlin, KaiserCraft, Little Yellow Bicycle, Bazzil, and even the man himself . . . Tim Holtz!  And don't forget to check out the skeletons, skulls, and stamps on the Grim Reaper Table.  There's something for everyone!

Just a sampling of all the
wonderful colors &
products now in!

We've also expanded our ink department with the complete line of Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Paints, Tim Holtz's Distress Ink Pads, Alcohol Inks, Pigment Inks, Embossing Powders, Perfect Pearls, Crackle Paints and Stickles . . . both "original" and "distress", almost like the Colonel's!  And be sure to check out the spray inks with "Radiant Rain" from Luminarte and "Glimmer Mist" from Tattered Angels, too.  Get your color on!

And let's not forget the Ten Seconds, Tim Holtz or the Graphic 45 Departments . . . and the list goes on and on!  As I said, growing pains!  Even our classroom has doubled in size!!

Hope to see you soon!  We're sure to have what you're looking for!

2986 No. Alma School Road #4  ~  Chandler, AZ 85224

(s/w corner of Alma School & Elliot Roads in the Mervyn's Plaza)

(480) 821-3758

www.craftfusionaz.com

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Halloween Meets Steampunk . . . oh my!!

Saturday, October 1st                                         10:30 am - 4:30 pm
"Steampunk & Halloween Printer Tray"                                  $80.00
What do you get when you mix Halloween with your love of Steampunk?  You get this class!! 

Come and join Mike and Lesley from Jack & Cat Curio as they guide you in this all day class to create a one-of-a-kind mysterious and dark piece of eye candy.   You'll combine lost and found objects, ephermera, trinkets and treasures, and several papers from the Graphic 45 "Steampunk Debutante" collection into a rich story using the Tim Holtz idea-ology Print Tray.  Techniques that you'll learn will include rusting found objects, creating texture with molding paste, aging and inking, and other strong techniques for collage storytelling.  Lunch and all supplies will be provided.

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"Journey to OZ" with Jack & Cat Curio . . .

Saturday, September 24th   from 10:30 am - 3:30 pm

"Journey to OZ Album & Workbook"                $70.00
Follow the yellow brick road . . . and join Jack & Cat Curio, our favorite Design Team Members for Graphic 45, as they guide you into the Realm of OZ with their newest project using Graphic's "Magic of OZ" paper collection.

Join us to see what's behind the doors!

In this workshop, each student will be given a kit filled with paper, embellish-ments, trims, and more to create their own fabulous Emerald City three-ring chipboard album.  Don't miss out on a day filled with glitter techniques, giveaways, and wonderful OZ-like creativity.  Supplies to Bring: Feel free to bring your favorite detail cutters and adhesive.  Lunch and all other supplies will be provided.

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Art from Dominoes You Ask?

Saturday, September 17th 
from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon

Project courtesy of Susan Loef

"Beginning Altered Dominoes"  $35.00
Join Judy Wood as she shares a variety of easy-to-do techniques with you to create your own beautiful altered dominoes.  Use your favorite completed dominoes to make a small framed collage for yourself or as a gift for a friend of family member.  You'll ink, glitter, and bling your project to make it your own - each project will be unique!  Supplies to Bring with You: wood frame without glass and any special bling you might want to add (suggested frame sizes: 3-1/2" x 5", 4" x 6", or 5" x 7").  All other items will be provided. Pin It

Look Who's Joined Us!

Please join me in welcoming Tina Wishart as the newest teacher to join the CraftFusion calendar!  We all know Tina for her fabulous projects in the past and look forward to many more here at CraftFusion.  Welcome, Tina!

Don't miss out on Tina's upcoming classes already scheduled on the calendar. Be sure to make your reservations right away by coming in the store or calling (480) 821-3758, as I'm sure they'll fill up quick!

Saturday, October 8th from 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
"Altered Book & Album"                        $50.00
Create an altered book full of fun techniques with a family & home theme. You'll ink, stamp, hammer, bead and paint your way through class. You'll have the opportunity to choose items to make the book your own. Each one will be unique! Supplies to Bring with You: paper trimmer, scissors, liquid glue, any of your favorite inks (earth tones will be available), and any photos you'd like to include (optional-may be added later). Lunch and all other items will be provided.



Saturday, November 5th 
from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
"Simply Charming Bracelet"     $45.00
Join Tina in creating this adorable charm bracelet with found objects, rolled paper beads, UTEE, shrink art & other fun techniques! Each one will be different as you will be able to choose the items that you like the most.  Don't miss out on the fun!   Supplies to Bring: needle nose pliers . . . lunch and everything else will be provided.  Pin It