The Stamp Guys

Place Cards

2011-11-15T16:44:00.003-06:00

Make your meal meaningful by creating everyone a personal place card!!! amuse Fresh Foliage $18.99. https://www.amusestudio.com/rickrakich

Thanksgiving Favors

2011-11-15T16:35:00.003-06:00

How cute would these be set at everyone's place setting on Thanksgiving?! Harvest Blessings #SNSF014 $10.99. https://www.amusestudio.com/rickrakich

Beautiful Botanicals

2011-11-15T16:30:00.002-06:00

amuse's Beautiful Botanicals SET# SISM004, is so pretty & versatile.
https://www.amusestudio.com/rickrakich

Brand new a muse Creative Consultant!

2011-09-28T11:25:00.006-05:00

I am very excited to announce my partnership with amuse as one of their Creative Consultants. I joined September 2011 & I am Copic certified. I am located on the near northside of Chicago & would love conduct a workshop for you, your family & friends. I do not have a car, but am very savvy & thrifty with public transportation! I can't wait to show off these awesome products, help you bring out your inner'crafty artis' & have fun with it while earning free products by hosting a party. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, to book a show, or to order some great products!!! When you order on the website, make sure you enter me as your consultant so I can send you a FREE gift! THANKS!
https://www.amusestudio.com/rickrakich
rick@morethanink.com

"Eye of Newt"

2011-09-02T09:51:00.003-05:00

She such a pretty witch! I use Inkadinkado's new clear set Withces, Cuttlebug embossing folder, chipboard star, scallop & non stick scissors & Copic markers. Trick or Treat! Rick.
http://www.morethanink.com/scissors.html

"Here kitty, kitty!"

2011-09-02T09:46:00.004-05:00

She's awesome! I love the expression on her face. I used Inkadinkado Gothic Gril stamp, Nestabilities Wonky Reverse Rectangles, Spider web embossing folder, Copic markers and a spider punch. Happy Halloween! Rick.
http://www.morethanink.com/226-s4307.html

..."Gimme somethin' good to eat!"

2011-09-02T09:32:00.009-05:00

Gettin ready for Halloween! This is my favorite holiday! I love all the spookiness, creativity, & of course...the sweets! I used candy corn chipboard stickers, Nestabilities ovals, Cuttlebug Swirls folder and a "treats" rub on for the ribbon. Have a great day! Rick.
http://www.morethanink.com/226-s4140.html
http://www.morethanink.com/226-s4303.html

Thinking of You!

2011-07-27T16:09:00.002-05:00

This is a card I made at our crafty get-together in the burbs with some great friends, Evelyn Mojica Majcher, Terry Redmond, Drussy Hernandez, Lisa, Nancy, Pat & Kathy. July 2011. We ate, created, gossiped...oh yah, & drank :) We had a blast n' a half!! XOXO
http://www.morethanink.com/glitterbling.html
http://www.morethanink.com/copic.html

Happy Birthday Princess!

2011-07-27T16:04:00.002-05:00

Say hi to Tuesday! This is a card I made at our crafty get-together in the burbs with some great friends, Evelyn Majcher, Terry Redmond, Drussy Hernandez, Lisa, Nancy, Pat & Kathy. July 2011. We ate, created, gossiped...oh yah, & drank :) We had a blast n' a half!
http://www.morethanink.com/glitterbling.html
http://www.morethanink.com/copic.html

Sassy!

2011-07-27T15:59:00.004-05:00

Sassy Abbey is ready to go out with the girls! These stamps from the Greeting Farm are my fave!!! http://www.morethanink.com/copic.html

Rock Out!

2011-07-27T15:52:00.005-05:00

Hi. This is Friday! Too cute, right?! I used Memento inks, Copic markers, Labels 4 & Labels 4 Small Nestabilities, Cuttlebug folder Large Dots & Basic Grey printed paper. I highlighted the headphones with a white gel pen. Thanks for lookin! Rick.
http://www.morethanink.com/226-s4309.html
http://www.morethanink.com/226-s4190.html

It's Summertime!

2011-06-20T17:07:00.004-05:00

How can you not love Ms. Cheeky Beach Anya from Greeting Farm?!?!
I stamped her ink black Memento ink, colored with Copic markers & cut her out. I asymmetrically cut a piece of printed paper for her beach towel & outlined it with a black marker. Cuttlebugged the sand & water for texture. OMG...let's go to the beach!!! xoRick.

Stella Strawberry

2011-04-01T09:24:00.006-05:00

She's sweet! I fell in love with this cute stamp, from Krafty Kimmie, her as soon as I saw her. I used Memento inks, Copic markers, Labels 8 Nestabilities, Cuttlebug folders Swiss Dots & combo Persia. Hope yall like her as much as I do!!! Rick.
http://www.morethanink.com/226-s5019.html
http://www.morethanink.com/96371604.html
http://www.morethanink.com/tsme.html
http://www.morethanink.com/copic.html

HOWDY Again YALL!

2011-03-23T17:15:00.008-05:00

This is the outside of the cowgirl card. I used Distressed Stripes Cuttlebug embossing folder for the doors. l Cute, right?! A few things i used...
http://www.morethanink.com/96371644.html
http://www.morethanink.com/96371911.html
http://www.morethanink.com/9126317.html
Thanks for looking, Rick xo.

HOWDY YALL!

2011-03-23T17:06:00.006-05:00

Yeehaw! I had bought some cowboy stickers that had saloon doors on it that inspired me to creat this, what I think, quite adorable cowgirl card. By using my Score Pal, i was able to make a gate fold opening, turning it into the saloon doors.
A few things that I used...
http://www.morethanink.com/copic.html
http://www.morethanink.com/tsme.html
http://www.morethanink.com/scorpalboard.html
http://www.morethanink.com/msp-05002.html
Hope yall like, Rick xo.

Happy March!!!

2011-03-16T20:01:00.006-05:00

Wow! It's been a "long time no blog"! Sorry, I've been really busy with my 2 jobs - gotta pay for my addiction some how, right???
Here's a cute little card I made using Stampendous' Busy Bunnies clear stamp set. I used Nestabilities circle dies, Memento inks, Copic Markers! I also used Cuttlebug Big Dots embossing folder, Kaiser Craft's Candy Lane printed paper, Hero Arts saying & Bazzill cardstock. Hope ya like & inspires you to make some spring cards!!! Thanks for lookin, Rick.

Turkey Day Idea?!

2010-11-15T19:41:00.005-06:00

I saw this on an episode of Rachael Ray we Tivoed recently. Sounds & looks de-lish! Even I would be able to make it...

Ingredients-
A couple tablespoons butter, melted
3 eggs
Splash of milk or cream, whatever you have in your fridge
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 bag Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Crumbles
6 slices bread

Preparation-
Preheat oven to 400ºF.

Baste the inside of each cup of a 6-cup muffin tin with the melted butter and set aside.

In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk then fold in sausage crumbles and cheese, and set aside.

Cut a slit in the corner of each slice of bread from the middle of the slice to the edge and lightly press it into a cup of the muffin tin, overlapping the pieces where you cut the slit so it fits into the cup without tearing. Repeat with the remaining bread.

Carefully pour the sausage, egg and cheese mixture into each cup. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, until egg is set and bread is golden brown. Remove each sausage egg and cheese cup from the muffin tin and serve.

Let me know how it turns out! YUM-O, Rick.

Whooo's Thankful?!

2010-11-15T18:26:00.003-06:00

I love this little owl. I borrowed a friend's owl punch! It cuts out all the parts...wings, body, feet, beek & eyeballs. I'm also diggin' on the new Nestie! A couple of felt adhesive leaves from Target...OMG...they were only a $1 for a whole bag, and a Cuttlebuged piece of beige cardstock & presto...a cute card! Hope you owl have a great holiday! XO Rick.

Grateful for you!

2010-11-08T15:40:00.005-06:00

This is it! This is going to be my Thanksgiving card this year! The inside says..."...you. Happy Thanksgiving." I used Paper Trey stamps & paper, EK success punch, Nestie scallop square, Cuttlebug folders & rhinestones! Gotta have bling! Thanks for lookin, Rick.

Happy Fall Yall!

2010-11-08T15:34:00.006-06:00

We've had a fabulous fall this year! I love it. Chicago's been so pretty! So I started on my fall cards. I used Inkadinkado clear stamps, Cuttlebug folder, Paper Trey paper, scallop & deckle scissors, Memento ink & Kaleidascope Autumn Leaves ink, circle punch & a fun felt leaf. Hope you like, Rick.
http://morethanink.com/tkp8.html

I met Beate for Splitcoast Stampers!

2010-11-04T10:23:00.005-05:00

OMG...I met & sat next to Beate at the certification class for Copic markers here in Chicago. I've always wanted to take this class, but never had to time or money to. So me & my friends Sue & Yolanda went. I am so glad that I did!!! Beate was lovely, gracious, funny & very pretty!!! She even signed a stamped image that she had given me to practice coloring on & shared her markers..what?!?!?...I used Beate's markers?!?! Heaven. Love her! Make sure to check her videos out on www.slitcoaststampers.com . Have a great day, Rick.

Big 'o Card.

2010-10-25T09:22:00.002-05:00

This is the largest card that I've ever made. It's a 1/2 sheet of cardstock. I used Memento ink, Copics, Cuttlebug, EK punches & Nestabilities. Grab a flashlight, Rick.

Trick or Treat!

2010-10-25T09:20:00.003-05:00

Isn't that bag adorable?! It's a Martha punch! I used Memento ink, Copics, Cuttlebug & Nestabilities. Be safe, Rick.

Devilish Time

2010-10-25T09:18:00.002-05:00

I love her! I used the Greeting Farm stamps, Memento ink, Copics, Cuttlebug, & Nestabilities. Happy Candy Day, Rick.

OUR PUMPKINS!

2010-10-25T09:13:00.002-05:00

OMG! We had a great time at the carving party! I think our pumpkins turned out awesome! This was my 1st time carving & I had a blast. Terry's is the bat & mine is the skeleton. My favorite part is to light the candle inside & turn off the lights. I love Halloween, Rick.

Hungry!

2010-10-20T11:06:00.002-05:00

Too cute...I found this cool pumpkin online. We are going to carve some pumkins this Sunday (my first time) Yep, you heard me. I had a sheltered childhood! Happy Halloween, Rick.

Gimme your candy or else!

2010-10-08T08:52:00.007-05:00

Too cute, right?! This clear stamp set from Stampendous is adorable. I used Copics...of course, Nesties, Cuttlebug dot folder & bat die, circle punch for moon & Memento inks. Happy trick or treating! XO Rick http://www.morethanink.com/tsme.html

Let's hang out on All Hallow's Eve!

2010-10-08T08:40:00.004-05:00

Whoa! Isn't she hot..in a creepy way?! Love her, especially against the brick wall from Tim Holtz's embossing folder collection. I used Copic markers, Memento black ink & my fav Tim H's non-stick scissors. http://www.morethanink.com/scissors.html Don't forget the bling, Rick.

Halloween is my favorite holiday!

2010-10-08T08:29:00.004-05:00

Hey, I'm back! Sorry, I've been workin a lot...gotta pay for my addiction somehow, right?!?! lol. I now can easily say that Halloween supersedes Christmas for me when it come to fun holidays!!! This spooky card was made with a spider web embossing folder, Cuttlebug spider die, deckle scissors for the edge & Oval Nestabilitie. Super easy, super spooky. Hope ya like, Rick.
http://www.morethanink.com/226.html

Hero Arts Sale!

2010-08-22T12:46:00.007-05:00

Hi there. Just wanted to let you know that More Than Ink is having a Hero Arts Sale.
Purchase 2 or more H.A. $14.95 clear stamp sets by the end of today & recieve $1 Off each set & 1 FREE CLEAR SET (of MTI's choice). Stock up now & order for your friends! Happy Stamping, Rick.
Please visit http://www.morethanink.com/heroarts.html or
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-IL/More-Than-Ink/105520327602?ref=ts

Have a Donut!

2010-08-19T09:59:00.003-05:00

Don't mind if I do! I used the Hero Art CL403 "Have a donut" set to create this fun card with the stinkin cute donut box. Stamped with Memento ink & colored in with Copics. I cut the donuts out, made a rectangle (for the box), Cuttlebugged it, then tucked the donuts behind. CUTE!
http://www.morethanink.com/117-cl403.html

Brunch anyone?

2010-08-19T09:53:00.002-05:00

This toaster is adorable! I used Hero Arts' CL416 "What's Perking" clear set & Memento inks. I stamped the toaster on the yellow & white dot paper, then cut the toaster out. I also used the new dot Cuttlebug folder. Too fun!
http://www.morethanink.com/117-cl416.html

I donut what I'd do without you!

2010-08-19T09:39:00.010-05:00

Now I'm hungry. I love the new clear set from Hero Arts, CL403 "Have a Donut". I used Memento ink & of course...Copics, a clear gel pen for the icing, scallop scissors & the new dot Cuttlebug folder.
http://www.morethanink.com/117-cl403.html

Yee-haw!

2010-07-07T12:26:00.003-05:00

Save a horse. Ride a cowboy! I used the new Cuttlebug folder, "Polka Dots" again with the "Houndstooth" one, scalloped scissors & Copics. Ain't she perdy, Rick.

Round 'em Up!

2010-07-07T12:21:00.004-05:00

Come On! How cute is he!? I'm enjoying the new Cuttlebug folders, especially the "Polka Dots" one. I also used more folders, a corner punch and, of course, Copics. Hope you like, Rick.

Giddy Up!

2010-07-07T12:13:00.004-05:00

I made this card while at a "crafty get together" with friends. Cute, huh?
I used new Cuttlebug folder, "Seeing Spots". Love it!!! As well as more folders, Nestabilities, & Copics. XO Rick.

Long Time No Blog!

2010-07-07T11:57:00.003-05:00

Hey there! Sorry it's been so long. I finally got a job, well now I have 2 part time jobs. One is at Kmart. I am in a new position, Visual Specialist. I'm in charge of merchandising, signing & displays in all the clothing departments. My other job is at Bath & Body Works...OMG, there goes my paycheck. Love that store!!! I pretty much work every day, so I'll be updating this whenever I get a free moment. Thanks for your patients, Rick.

Best Wishes!

2010-06-11T18:00:00.005-05:00

Come on! How cute is this?! The pink scallop is actually the card, it flips up. I used Nestabilities Scallop Circles, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder, Martha Stewart cupcake corner punch, Memento inks & Copics. http://www.morethanink.com/ Have fun & celebrate like it's your birthday, Rick.

Hey Cupcake!

2010-06-11T17:48:00.003-05:00

Mmm! Now I want a cupcake. I used Nestabilities Big Scallop Rectangle Small, Cuttlebug Devine Swirl & Swiss Dots embossing folder, Martha Stewart cupcakes border punch, Memento inks & Copics. Bon Appetit, Rick.

Happy Birthday!!!

2010-06-11T17:26:00.004-05:00

You can never have too many birthday cards, right?! I made this card by using white cardstock & making it into a gate fold card. I closed the card & adhered the brown & blue panel on top to keep the card shut. Then I made a tag for the inside. I used Nestabilities Scallop Circles, Cuttlebug Devine Swirl folder, Martha Stewart cupcakes border punch & Memento inks. Happy birthdays, Rick.

Cow's it going?

2010-05-26T08:02:00.002-05:00

Cute, right?! I love cuting images out & layering them to make a scene. I used October Afternoon Farm Fresh clear stamps, Nestabilites Big Scallop Rectangle Small, Martha Stewart fence punch, Memento inks, Copics, Bazzill cardstock, rhinestones, deckle scissors, flower punch, the Cuttlebug & With Gratitude die & folder combo. Have a dairy nice day, Rick.

Herd the News?

2010-05-26T07:58:00.003-05:00

Get it..."herd"? haha. This card was fun to make. I used October Afternoon Farm Fresh clear stamps, Nestabilites Big Scallop Rectangle Large, Martha Stewart edger punch, Bazzill cardstock, the Cuttlebug with Swiss Dots & Swirls forlders, Memento inks, chalks & white flock to make the sheep fuzzy! Hope you enjoyed, Rick

Hogs & Kisses!

2010-05-26T07:37:00.003-05:00

Come On! Nothin's cuter than a stack of pigs?! I used October Afternoon Farm Fresh clear stamps, Bazzill cardstock, Memento inks, Copics, Scor-it board, the Cuttlebug & Swiss Dots & Tiny Bubbles folders, a corner rounder & Nestabilities Big Scallop Rectangle Small. Do I smell bacon? Rick.

Asian Pop-Up Thank You Card

2010-05-25T17:26:00.005-05:00

I created this card by using Inkadinkado's Asian Characters clear set, Basic Grey Kioshi printed paper, Bazzill cardstock, Scor-It board, the Cuttlebug, Nestabilities Labels 3, Copic markers, glitter & of course, Memento inks! Please visit www.morethanink.com to get some of these great items! This one took a long time, but it was worth it, Rick.

Congratulations Fan-Fold Card

2010-05-25T17:19:00.008-05:00

I made this card by using Inkadinkado's Asian Characters clear set, Scor Pal, Martha Stewart edge punches, Basic Grey Kioshi printed paper, Bazzill cardstock, Nestabilities Large Scallop Rectangle die, the Cuttlebug, Memento inks, Glitter & of course, Copic Markers! This might need a padded envelope, Yow - lot of layers! Please visit www.morethanink.com to get some of these great items! Thanks, Rick.

Asian Girl with Lantern

2010-05-25T17:12:00.006-05:00

I created this card by using Inkadinkado's Asian Characters clear set, Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey Kioshi printed paper, Tim Holtz's edge die, the Cuttlebug, Scor Pal, Memento inks, Copic markers & of course GLITTER! Please visit www.morethanink.com to get some of these great items! Hope you like, Rick.

Another Crafty Birthday!

2010-05-18T08:09:00.003-05:00

This card Terry made using Tim Holtz's new dies, Elegant Flourishes & Styled Labels. For the card base, he Cuttlebugged using Devine Swirls on half of the card. Then used the Scor-it! to score two lines to finish off the egde of the embossed swirls. Next, Terry die cut the cream piece & stamped the trees on it, then the message using Memento ink. Die cut the flourish, adhere & add a pearl. Too pretty! We left Evelyn's at 1am. We were craftin' fools & had a blast! See ya soon, Rick.

Another Crafty Birthday!

2010-05-18T07:56:00.002-05:00

Surprise again! Terry & I went to the burbs on Friday for our monthly craft fest with friends, Drussy, Nancy, Evelyn & Lisa. We get to Evelyn's house & there was a "Happy Birthday" sign in the yard. They had "Over the Hill" decorations everywhere. They had a De-lish chocolate cake & a torte. I got a bunch of handmade birthday cards. I even got dinner & a gift card to TARGET! Yeah! If I would have known, I would had brought my camera. This is one of the cards I make that night. Thanks guys, yall are the best, Rick.

Rick's Surprise Crafting Party!

2010-05-12T19:30:00.006-05:00

SURPRISE! Sue, Gail, Terry, Tina, Yolanda, Jana, Michelle, Julie, Sean, Mary & Suzanne all surprised me with a fabulous birthday party at the studio! I had no clue. They all told me that we were going to a "Tim Holtz class" in the "burbs". So, they decided to "carpool" to the studio. Clever. Thanks guys for all the food, fun & stamp presents!
I had a blast!!! xo Rick
To see more pics, please visit the More Than Ink Facebook page.

Rick's Birthday!

2010-05-11T08:55:00.003-05:00

Pat & Jessica

Rick's Birthday!

2010-05-11T08:54:00.002-05:00

Terry & Pam

Rick's Birthday!

2010-05-11T08:51:00.001-05:00

Me & Terry!

Rick's Birthday!

2010-05-11T08:42:00.002-05:00

Happy 40th to me! After dinner at Banderas, Pam, Pat & Jessica had Terry & I over for Yum-O chocolate cake (& margaritas). Today I'm movin' a little slow. lol.

Asian Inspired: Lanterns

2010-05-06T10:47:00.006-05:00

I do believe that is one is my favorite of the 3! For the card, I folded it, stamped the tiny flowers background in LuLu Lavender Memento ink & used Martha Stewart's Garden Trellis deep edge punch at the bottom (it's awesome). Added a pink piece of cardstock to the inside of the card for depth. Using Labels 8, cut out a piece of white glossy paper, brayer separately with LuLu Lavender, Angel Pink & New Sprout. Cuttlebug it with Swiss Dots folder. Mount it on lavender & on black cardstock. Then, in Tuxedo Black, stamp the branch. On separate piece of white, stamp 3 lanterns & color with...(yep, you guessed it...Copic markers). Cut lanterns out & glitter the flowers. To adhere the lanterns, I glued 2 of them flat & the middle 1 was popped up! Add you a little bow & the card is done. Easy, right? Rick.

Asian Inspired: Peace

2010-05-06T10:24:00.005-05:00

I think making a shaped card is a great idea. I took a closed A2 size card (with the fold at the top) & die cut it with the largest die of Labels 8. Making sure that some of the fold at the top did not get cut off. Ran it through the Cuttlebug using...yes, the Victoria folder! Die cut a smaller black piece & yet a smaller glossy white piece. Then I brayered Angel Pink Memento on the top portion of the white glossy, then LuLu Lavender on the bottom. Let dry. Stamp tiny flower background in VersaMark & emboss with black sparkle embossing powder. Add highlights to flowers with a white gel pen. Now, I used Labels 1 to cut a white piece and a slightly bigger piece of green cardstock. Used Swiss Dots folder on green piece. Stamp & emboss the symbol for piece on white. Layer on black cardstock. Mount on green. Then use 3D dots to pop it up. Add ribbon & 1 little rhinestone in 1 of the flowers. I love tons of layers. Hope you like, Rick.

Asian Inspired: Flowers

2010-05-06T10:01:00.009-05:00

I made this card into a matchbook. I took an 4 1/4"x11" piece of cardstock & scored it at 5" and then at 1". Then trimmed about an 1/2" off the bottom of the front part that gets tucked in. Ran it through the Cuttlebug using Victoria folder - love it! Punch a hole 1/4" from bottom in the center, add a brad. Now for the background...I took a glossy piece of white & die cut it with Labels 1 (my fave). Then I stamped the tiny flower background in VersaMark & embossed in clear powder. Brayer over entire surface with 2 colors, LuLu Lavender & Angel Pink Memento (half on top & the other half on bottom). Buff image with paper towel to remove excess ink. Put some ribbon on & mount that piece to black piece. Then stamp the branch on a seperate piece of white in New Sprout, stamp flowers in Tuxedo Black & color it with (of course) Copic markers. Cut out image leaving a equal thin white border all the way around. This will give it an unified look. Adhere to card & glitter the flowers. And there you have it... a matchbook card! It's easier than it sounds, Rick.

Asian Inspired: Cards

2010-05-06T09:52:00.005-05:00

Hi there. I created these 3 cards yesterday using Fiskars Asian Inspired clear stamp set. It was so beautiful outside, that I decided to open the curtains & windows & daydream of a far away land...while jammin' to Adam Lambert on my Ipod. lol
I will be turning these into a class, so please make sure to check back here for dates! Thanks, Rick.

Great Friends. Great Class.

2010-05-02T09:26:00.005-05:00

This class was a blast! Counter clockwise: Kelly, Katie, Linda & myself got together on Saturday afternoon to do the Cuckoo Clock class at our house. Terry made Yum-O pork n' chicken tacos & key lime dessert. Mmm. We laughed, ate, drank & crafted until we couldn't take it anymore! Thanks guys! See you soon, Rick.

Sean's Crafting Birthday Party!

2010-04-30T23:17:00.000-05:00

Here are the Mother's Day cards that I worked on at the party between my chicken pesto dip & mimosa binge. Now all my cards are done & ret-to-go! Hope you like & thanks for lookin', Rick

Sean's Crafting Birthday Party!

2010-04-30T22:52:00.003-05:00

Suzie Q is our favorite Crafty Cougar. We all love her. She's awesome, 'downing her mimosa that Sean provided for everyone - Bottoms Up! She needed a little break from flocking! Lil' Mary. She's our crafting tech support. If your Cricut doesn't work, she can fix it! She also makes the best mac n' cheese & dessert/cupcakes! Girl, my pants don't fit anymore ... thanks. Ooooooh-Weeeeeeee Tina is craftin' away making cute little cards. She makes me laugh. But I'm not talkin' to her ... she's going to Africa! (I'm jealous)
We had a blast. Hope you did too, Sean...Happy Birthday again!

Sean's Crafting Birthday Party!

2010-04-30T22:47:00.003-05:00

Our favorite red headed doll, Yolanda, Queen of Glitter & all that Sparkles! Her cards are the bomb! Suzanne, Suzanne, Suzanne! She the one hiding behind the paper because she doesn't want us to see that she has a beer bong. hehe! She cracks me up. And there's sassy Sean ... still labeling her stamps. She's so cute.

Sean's Crafting Birthday Party!

2010-04-30T22:36:00.000-05:00

This girl, OMG! Gail's my sister separated at birth! I call her "Rick with Boobs!" Love her. She gives a run for my money when it comes to crafting. Here she is gettin' her Get Well card together. Awesome!

Sean's Crafting Birthday Party!

2010-04-30T22:30:00.001-05:00

Here's Sean labeling one of her many new stamp sets she had gotten from Stampin Up! Girl, try gettin' those images on straight, especially after mimosas!!!

Sean's Crafting Birthday Party!

2010-04-30T22:24:00.001-05:00

I went to Sue's studio for Ms. Sean's crafting birthday party. Everyone brought food & a project of there's to work on. So we crafted & laughed all day!!! Here's Sean & I and some more pics of the fun times (that I was able to post. hehe)...

Rick & Linda's Card Adventure 4

2010-04-28T18:35:00.000-05:00

Linda did a great job with her version. I like the brads in the corners and the different colored leaves. And they lived happily ever after. Thank you so much, Linda. I had a blast. Let's do it again soon. Until the next adventure...Rick.

Rick & Linda's Card Adventure 4

2010-04-28T18:14:00.000-05:00

Our little adventure comes to a happy ending...with a lovely Thank You card that was inspired out of a scrap piece that I had eyeballed in Linda's stash. hehe. I used Bazzill Bling cardstock, Basic Grey printed papers, Hero Arts' Leaf Prints clear set, Paper Inspirations' Thank You stamp & a swirl stamp. I stamped the swirls on the side using StazOn Timber Brown ink. Cut a small strip of yellow paper & scalloped one end. Then we tore the printed paper & mounted it. Stamped the saying in Memento Rich Cocoa & stamped the leaves in Bamboo Leaves. I added Linda's pearls to the leaves for a finished look. And what a looker it had turned out to be! See, save all your scraps, Thanks for looking, Rick.

Rick & Linda's Card Adventure 3

2010-04-28T18:08:00.000-05:00

Here is Linda's feathered critter. Her dude is coolin' in the shade. Very cute.

Rick & Linda's Card Adventure 3

2010-04-28T17:52:00.000-05:00

Wait there's more...Linda loves owls & all things nature! So she brought over her little clear owl set from Hero Arts, too cute. I had the bright idea of stamping the tree on the white cardstock, and again on a green piece of cardstock. Then, using deckle scissors, we cut out the top of the tree from the green piece & mounted atop the white cardstock. I stamped the owl in Memento Rick Cocoa, colored the trunk & owl with, what else - Copic markers & added a flower rhinestone to the deckled grass. I also added Rich Cocoa to the edge of the white. No critter is complete without google eyes. Hope you like, Rick.

Rick & Linda's Card Adventure 2

2010-04-26T11:33:00.001-05:00

This is Linda's card. Cute huh? I did steal her idea of using white pearls for the bubbles out of the blow hole! Nice touch, Rick.

Rick & Linda's Card Adventure 2

2010-04-26T11:09:00.001-05:00

Our Adventure continues! This is a card I whipped up during our get-together. Linda brought with her the stamps & supplies she hadn't used in a while so we could play with 'em. This wasn't a structured class, so we just winged it. Linda wanted inspiration for birthday & thank you cards. So we began with Hero Arts Oceans of Joy clear set. I came up with the design & we both finished with similar results. On a piece of dark blue cardstock, I cut it with scalloped scissors, ran it threw the Cuttlebug using Devine Swirls & highlighted the waves with silver Brilliance ink. Then mounted it on a light blue card. Now, I stamped the greenery & bubbles. Then I stamped and colored the whale & shell, cut out & popped up the whale with 3D foam dots. Way fun, Rick.

Rick & Linda's Card Adventure!

2010-04-23T08:23:00.000-05:00

There lives a beautiful crafty Princess Linda who lives in a very high tower overlooking the water, who had lost her crafting mojo. Even though the Princess Linda had a ton of stuff and could open up her own store, she fell into a funk because her favorite stamp dwelling had closed & her 2 favorite Royal subjects were not at her service anymore. There sits all her crafting supplies, waiting for her to use them. Then one day she happened upon this fairyland blog & her spirits were lifted. Princess Linda felt so much better after realizing that she had found her Royal subjects, Rick & Terry, again. So she immediately contacted them via this magical system of email to see how they were doing. Princess Linda set up to have a private class in their current living quarters. She even brought cupcakes! Rick made chili over the fire, while Terry made a healthy salad. Princess Linda & Rick crafted til wee hours into the night. She was happy to pay for her very own private class, only a small token for memories of a life time! Princess Linda got her mojo back & claimed she will craft this weekend! Yeah!
Read on to see what they made. To be continued...

New Nestabilities

2010-04-21T20:55:00.000-05:00

Hey! Have you seen the new Nestabilities release? OMG! Love 'em! The one I used in these cards I made is called Big Scalloped Rectangle Large. I have to admit, I do like all the big scallops Nesties. After I used the Nesties in my Cuttlebug to die-cut, I embossed the blue scalloped piece with Swiss Dots folder. I used Copic markers on the adorable Anya stamps from the Greeting Farm. On the birthday girl, I stamped the cake portion on a separate piece of cardstock, cut it out, then popped it up with a foam adhesive square. The same with the brush in the platinum girl card. Gotta have dimension! Hope you like, Rick.

Cool Border Punch

2010-04-21T20:45:00.000-05:00

Hello! Martha's got it going on, Martha Stewart, that is! I love the new deep edge border punches! The Happy Birthday one that I used is really cool. When using her border punches, I always start in the middle of the cardstock, then work my way left, then right, to make sure that everything will be even and centered. The blue cardstock is the card base, punching on the front right side of card. Make sure to put contrasting color on the inside to insure that the punch image stands out, as I did with orange. Happy crafting, Rick.

Vintage Get Well Class

2010-04-19T12:14:00.000-05:00

Hey there. How fun is this quirky vintage Get Well class! These are the 3 cards that I made & you'll make too, in this sweet class. I used Crafty Secret's Get Well clear set, Cuttlebug, NEW Nestabilities, Martha Stewart border punch & awesome paper from Cosmo Cricket called Early Bird. Be careful of the shot nurse, she'll get ya! Classes are scheduled for Tuesday May 25th from 6-8pm. Saturday May 29th from 2-4pm. For more information on this class, please contact us at info@morethanink.com. Thanks and hope to se you soon, Rick

Botanicals Class

2010-04-19T11:48:00.000-05:00

Hello! These are the card samples I made for the Botanical class. I love the new release of their Artists Proofs stamps. I used Hero Arts' CL428 Earth Flowers, CG176 Butterfly Field, CL380 Truly Appreciated & CL173 Simple Messages. In this class, we'll make all 3 cards, an envelope using the NEW Martha Stewart scoring board, Iron Gate corner & border punch. Also used is the Cuttlebug, Memento inks & chalk. Classes are scheduled for Thursday May 13th from 6-8pm. Sunday May 16th from 2-4pm. For more information regarding class please contact us at info@morethanink.com. Can't wait to see you, Rick

Cuckoo Clock Class

2010-04-16T20:28:00.001-05:00

Hey there.
These are the cuckoo clock class samples I came up with this spring. I used the newer Hero Arts' CL388 Cuckoo clear set. The card on the top is very creative, I thought. The orange corrugated cardstock piece folds up. Then the printed paper part folds down to reveal the message, "I'm here for you anytime" Clever, eh? The card on the left is fun. The little door with the flower on it folds down to show a cute little cuckoo bird. The box on the right is the perfect size for 3 Hersey chocolate nuggets. Who needs the box, just gimme the chocolate! Great for party favors or a nice little something for someone special. Class is scheduled for Wednesday April 28th from 6-8pm. Saturday May 1st form 2-4pm. For more information on this class, please contact us at info@morethanink.com. Thanks for looking & hope to see you in class, Rick

My new favorite sparkle!

2010-04-05T16:32:00.000-05:00

I absolutley love the new Illuminate Smooch! It's perfect for adding an accent of transparent shimmer! Use it on paper, cardstock, clay, glass and much more. It's great for detail accents and layering. The bottle topper doubles as an easy to hold applicator with a pointed brush tip. Acid free, archival and fast drying. .33oz. and it's only $5.25! http://www.morethanink.com/91427633.html

A start of a new beginning.

2010-03-28T14:48:00.000-05:00

Hi! My name is Rick and my partner of 16 years Terry, and our passion is rubber stamping! We've been stamping for about 10 years now and see no end to our addiction. We love stamping with friends, going to demonstrations & teaching others. (Oh, and margaritas.)

Terry and I were both born & raised in the south suburbs of Chicago. We currently are lovingly living in the city of Chicago and are never leaving! We have the most beautiful city ever!

Since I was old enough to remember I have enjoyed drawing, coloring & even painting. It was my escape. I had taken art all through school & did very well. Now as an adult I have taken those elements and combined them with stamping. Neither of us have art degrees or formal training, but consider ourselves very creative, totally hands-on, extremely passionate and definitely fun!

In the summer of 2003, Terry & I decided to open a rubber stamp store, named Stamp On In, located in Chicago's popular Lincoln Park area. I had quit my 16 year career in visual merchadising & a long commute to follow our creative dream. Terry remains in his finance position for the last 12 years. We met so many incredible customers & talented people, that we now call our friends & extended family. I executed the store's floor plans, handled the merchadising, created store diplays, came up with all the fabulous class ideas and taught them. Meanwhile, Terry did all the merchandise ordering, website managing, searching for new products, and of course, handling of the books! It was great.

The tough economic times of 2009 forced us to make the unfortunate decision to close the store in February 2010. We were very sad to say goodbye to all who supported us & to all those that we had gotten addicted to stamping. We continue to run our online store www.morethanink.com as well as crafting on a regular basis. Can't stop...it's in our blood now.

So the next chapter upon us is this blog. Please be patient with us as we are new to this. I am currently unemployed & now have time to dedicate to this venture. We want to stay connected to everyone that we have met in the greatest 7 years of our lives. If it wasn't for the store, we would have never met all these great people! To that we are very grateful. We will update you with new products, card ideas, try to do video demos & will host classes either at our home, at yours or elsewhere. I've already had 2 classes so far & it was fantastic! We will let you know when everything is finalized.

We hope that we will inspire you to find your inner crafter or keep it alive!

Thanks for lookin',
Rick