A Sneak Peek of iPrintRibbon.com

Hello Friends! 

Before we get started with today's post, we wanted to share a quick note to let you know that we will be taking a holiday hiatus until the new year. Our offices are closing tomorrow (Thursday, December 20th) at 1pm, and we will reopen on Wednesday January 2nd. We would like to wish you and your families the happiest of holidays, and a wonderful new year! Before we leave for the holidays, however, we would like to share a sneak peek of whats to come in 2013.

Our first big event in the new year will be the Craft and Hobby Association trade show in Anaheim, California from January 12th through the15th. We are excited to attend the show to demonstrate our newly released, iPrint Ribbon. iPrint Ribbon is a paper backed ribbon that you can print on at home using your desktop inkjet printer. Once it is printed, you simply peel the ribbon off the paper backing, and it's ready to go!

What we are most excited to share is the redevelopment of our online ribbon design website, www.iPrintRibbon.com. This site allows you to design your own ribbon at home, without downloading any special software on your computer. You can print straight from the website! You don't need to wait, however, for the the CHA show to check it out. www.iPrintRibbon.com is live and ready to go right now!

Please feel free to take a tour of our new site. We will re-open for business on January 2nd, at which time you can begin to order iPrint Ribbon by the yard. If you're planning to attend CHA, you can see it in person and try it out on site! We'll be at booth 2406.

In the mean time, we wish you a happy holidays, and a wonderful new year from everyone at Jacquard.  

Finished Goods: Mokamoda

These fun geometric prints were all designed by Laura Giancola of Mokamoda Designs, and screened using Jacquard's Professional Screen Inks!

Here at Jacquard, we love hearing about the artwork, projects and finished goods that our materials are used for. We especially love when we get to see how they turned out!

Recently we heard from Mack and Laura Giancola of Mokamoda. Based in New Orleans Louisiana, this talented pair designs and screens their own fabrics using our Jacquard Professional Screen Inks.

 

Once their fabrics are printed and cured, they are used to construct fun and modern handbags as well as other accessories. 

From Mokamoda:

Quick Gift Ideas with Artist Judi Kauffman: Piñata Colors & Shimmer Sheetz

Today we are excited to share our very first guest post! Artist and Author Judi Kauffman shows us how to use our Piñata Inks to create a gorgeous patina on embossed Shimmer Sheetz.  As you can see from her pictures, Piñata Inks and Shimmer Sheetz are a perfect match! These decorative sheets can be used to create a number of quick and easy gifts just in time for the holiday season! Judi starts with the basics of coloring Shimmer Sheetz, and then shows you how to use them in a complete project. See Judi’s post for instructions on how to make a gift tin, bookmark, lightswitch plate, picture frame and heirloom card.  Judi's paper crafts and mixed media projects can be found in a number of highly regarded craft publications and websites. We consider ourselves very lucky to have her as our guest! 

Now, without further ado, here is Judi:

My mantra has always been, “Easy isn't cheating.” I hope these super fast holiday gifts prove this point. Here's how to make them: 

Holiday Inspiration: Reindeer Week from One Little Minute Blog!

Looking for some holiday projects to create this weekend? Miranda Anderson of One Little Minute Blog hosted a full week of holiday craft tutorials in honor of her first ever Reindeer Week! There are five projects in total, and they are all perfect for the holiday season! Lucky for us, many of these projects feature textile paints and inks from Jacquard! Be sure to check out One Little Minute for these and a wealth of other great ideas! 

Project 1: DIY Paper Reindeer Ornaments 

Project 2: DIY Antler Collar Knit Tee 

Project 3: DIY Hand Printed Reindeer Infinity Scarves

Project 4: DIY Stick and Clay Antler Wall Mount 

Project 5: DIY Wool Felted Reindeer Sweater 

We particularly enjoyed the Antler Knit Collar Tutorial, which demonstrates how to create a sun print using our Dye-Na-Flow Paints! Well done Miranda!

Term Tuesday: Process Colors

Jacquard Professional Screen Inks are best known for their ability to be screened onto non-porous, as well as porous surfaces, and for their durable (un-scuffable!), semi-glossy finish. They also are known for their long open time (meaning you can use them for long periods of time without having them dry in your screen) and for air curing (meaning you don’t need to heat set if you can give the ink 72 hours to cure before washing). They are available in standard (semi-opaque colors), and opaque colors (including metallics). They are also available in Process Colors. (pictured above). 

From Jacquard’s online glossary: "Process color is

Fabric Flowers Tutorial

These fabric flowers require just a handful of supplies, most of which you are likely to have on hand.

Lumiere 3D Holiday Tree Project

These easy-to-make trees are painted with Lumiere, and embellished with Lumiere 3D adhesive and paint. You can customize your trees to fit any seasonal or holiday theme, such as winter, Christmas, Channukah, or even Valentines Day!

For supplies, you will need the following:

• Paint for your base color (I used Lumiere and Neopaque paints)
• Paint brush
• Lumiere 3D Dimensional Adhesive and Metallic Paint 
• Beads, charms, sequins, glitter or any other items to embellish your trees 
• Paper cones, handmade or store bought

For the paper cones, you can easily create your own using card stock, or paper-mache. You can also get creative and recycle old party hats, or even re-use those disposable conical shaped water cooler cups if you have any around your office!

First, take your cones and paint on a base layer using an opaque paint such as Lumiere or Neopaque. Continue to layer on coats until the base is completely covered. For a more decorative, mixed media style of tree, decoupage paper or fabric on to the tree's base layer. You can do a single layer or even do a collage if you would like. Allow the cones to dry completely before moving on to the next step. 

Next use the Lumiere 3D to create dimensional branches on the tree. You can use a simple under-loop for a traditional look. For a more modern look, use straight lines, or even geometric shapes such as chevrons, circles, squares, rectangles or dashes. Once you have your tree covered in boughs, use the Lumiere 3D to affix your dimensional embellishments. You can also use the Lumiere to dot on dimensional ornaments, pearls, or other shapes. Once your trees are complete, put them in a safe place to dry for about 72 hours. Thinner applications will dry more quickly than thick layered applications.

To find Lumiere and Lumiere 3D at a store near you, use our Store Locator.

Introducing Term Tuesday! The Meaning of "MM"

On my very first day here at Jacquard, I was introduced to this very special book, "A Dictionary of Textile Terms," by Dan River Inc. Everyone showed me where to find the book, and instructed me never to move it from our offices! Originally copyrighted in 1944, it has long since been out of print. Lacking any modern equivalent, this treasured book remains in its designated home on our bookshelf. Our frequent references to this book gave us the idea to share new textile terms on a regular basis. Thus, we are beginning a new weekly segment called Term Tuesday where we can share these, and other terms we come across on a regular basis.

Before I explain today's term, I am going to ask you to read the following excerpt from our silk list.  (Habotai being one of our most popular plain weave silks. We also have Crepe de Chine, Charmeuse, and Silk Satin among others.)

• Habotai 5mm 55" 
• Habotai 8mm 55" 
• Habotai 12mm 45" 

As you were reading the above three lines, and came across the "mm," what did you say? Millimeter? 

If you said millimeter, you are in good company, as this is what a majority of people say. Millimeter, however, is incorrect! The correct term is...

Monday Motivation - "It's Not About Ideas. It's About Making Ideas Happen."

Found on Pinterest via 99U

Not only is it Monday, it's a Monday going in to a holiday week! This means that we are especially in need of some motivation today. This quote, found on Pinterest, and traced back to 99U, is perfect for the creative set. 

"It's not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen" 

As creatives, we have no shortage ideas. Add sites like Pinterest to the mix, and suddenly, we've hit inspiration overload! This quote from 99U reminds us to hang our hat on just one of our favorite ideas, and to start the process of actually making it! It's as simple as that! 

This quote goes hand in hand with Thomas Edison's quote, "Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration." This is the cornerstone of 99U's concept. In fact, looking at their website, 99U looks to be an incredibly inspirational website for creatives as well! Take a peek, draw the motivation you need, and then it's time to get moving! What will your next project be?

The Latest In Jacquard News

Today we are sharing the latest Autumn and Winter Projects created by some of our favorite artists and crafters. We also have a very special announcement from artist Carolyn Wing Greenlee! All of these very talented artists come highly recommended from our team here at Jacquard! Check them out!  

Vicki O'Dell of The Creative Goddess used our Textile Paints to print gorgeous autumn leaves for her Thanksgiving Hostess Gift. Her project as also featured over at Craft! We love how beautifully the colors blended together on each leaf! Be sure to explore around her blog for more thoughtful and unique project ideas!

Taryn at Design, Dining, and Diapers used our Lumiere Paints to create Christmas Dish Towels. Her project as also featured over at Tip Junkie! These Dish Towels are elegant and classy, as are just about all of Taryn's projects! Check out her blog for more amazing seasonal home decor inspiration!

Christy of Inklings & Yarns is starting a series of screen printing posts. Starting with a peek at the inside our Screen Printing Kit. Most recently she prepped her screen for burning, which is half the battle when it comes to screen printing. We are looking forward to seeing what kinds of projects she comes up with!  Sewers, Quilters and Scrapbookers will especially enjoy her blog! 

Judi Kauffman used our Piñata Inks in her steampunk inspired Artist Trading Cards in the November Issue of Scrapbooking.com. See the article for many other inspiring designs!

Shirley Rufener of Spumoni Designs had a segment on AMNW using our Neopaque Paints for her Dia De Los Muertos Projects.See her website for more great segments, as well as full tutorials for each project!

And last, but certainly not least! 

Artist Carolyn Wing Greenlee wrote a very inspirational post about how she got back in to painting after a six year hiatus, despite her nearly complete loss of vision. The post titled, The Fabulous Freedom of Wearable Art was also shared on our facebook page earlier this year. Carolyn is now selling her beautiful wearable art at her newest site, Solo Uno Designs. They are all gorgeous, but my absolute favorite is her Autumn Tree Design! Her mixture of opaque colors in a water color style blend looks outstanding on a dark background. Breathtaking! See Solo Uno Designs for more of her designs, all available for sale!

Our Favorite Pearl Ex Pigments for Autumn

What is it about Fall that suddenly brings sparkles back in season? Here at Jacquard, we consider autumn peak crafting season, and our shimmery Pearl Ex Pigments are the star of the show. Pearl Ex is a loose pigment you can use to add color and shimmer to a wide range of the art supplies you already have at home! You can use it with embossing powder, gum Arabic, watercolors, shrink plastic, polymer clay, translucent paints, encaustic waxes, gel mediums, extenders, resins, glues or just about any clear medium, whether acrylic or solvent based. See the instructions on our website for a full list of possibilities.

In preparation for our favorite season, we've put together a palette of Pearl Ex Pigments for the Fall Season, pictured above. From left to right: Carbon Black 640, Super Russet 654, Pink Gold 643, Antique Bronze 660, Aztec Gold 658, and Pumpkin Orange 641. Pearl Ex is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 3 grams, up to 1, 5 and even 10lbs. We also have three different sets of 12 colors, and a 32 color set as well.

To see all 40 Pearl Ex Colors, see our Website.

To find Pearl Ex near you, use our Store Locator.

And The Winners Are....

All of the entries have been counted, and the results are in!

Congratulations to the following entrants:

Day 1 Piñata Exciter Pack - Smokey 50

Day 2 Piñata Metallic Inks - Dana Tatar

Day 3 Piñata Assortment with Opaque Colors - Esme Kaye

Day 4 Piñata Exciter Pack - Silvia

Day 5 Piñata Ink Complete Set - Barbara O'Brien

If you see your name listed above, email me directly at charlotte@jacquardproducts.com and I will get your full contact information!

A huge thank you to all of our entrants over the past week. We are incredibly grateful for all of your support, and we're so excited to have shared our launch with you!

(Winners were selected through a random number generator (www.random.org). Each comment was included as a first entry, with facebook likes adding a second entry, and tweets as a third entry.)

Day Five of our Launch Party - How To Make A Decorative Serving Platter and our Biggest Giveaway Yet!

Our launch party is coming to a close, and to celebrate, we're doing our biggest giveaway yet! The winner of today's giveaway will receive one of every single color of Jacquard's Piñata Inks! Be sure to scroll all the way to the end of today's post for instructions to enter! You've got from now until Sunday night at midnight Pacific Time to enter. Winners will be announced on Monday November 12th. 

Today's project is super easy. We'll be using Piñata Alcohol Inks to decorate the back of a decorative glass serving platter. 

You'll need: 

Wine Charm Tutorial & Day Four of our Launch Week Giveaway!

It's Day Four of our Launch Party, and today's project is making colored wine glass markers. With the holiday season quickly approaching, these easy to make wine charms are perfect for your holiday gatherings, or even better as a hostess gift! Scroll through to the bottom for your chance to win another prize pack this week!

You will need: 

Pinata Ink Party Garland How -To and Day Three of Our Giveaway!

 
Continuing along with this week’s party décor theme, today we are sharing a how-to project for a festive confetti garland using our Piñata Inks on craft paper. We are also hosting our second giveaway of the week! See the end of this post to learn how to enter!

Gather your supplies. You will need:

Gold Dipped Votive Holders And Day Two Of Our Giveaway!

Happy Tuesday everyone! It’s Day 2 of our Blog Launch Party, and today I'll be showing you how to make these beautiful Gold Dipped Votive Holders. We'll also be doing our second of five giveaways this week! All you need to do to enter is leave a comment below. Winners will be announced on Monday. See the bottom of this post for complete details!

Is there anything more inviting than the warm glow of candles on a late autumn evening? We'll use Jacquard's Metallic Rich Gold Piñata Inks to create gilded votive holders. Use these ambiance creators for dinner, or a dinner party. They are beautiful additions to your home decor! 

For today's project you'll need: 

Piñata Confetti Tutorial and Day One of Our Giveaway!

Isn’t this confetti gorgeous? For our first tutorial, we are going to create this dreamy looking “Planet Confetti” using our very own Piñata Alcohol Inks. Be sure to read all the way through to the end for details about our first giveaway!

Blog LAUNCH PARTY Featuring Piñata Alcohol Inks and a FULL WEEK of Giveaways!

In honor of our blog launch, we will be hosting a launch party all next week here on the Jacquard Products Blog! Check back every day from Monday through Friday for a new tutorial featuring our appropriately named Piñata Alcohol Inks. We will be sharing new party decor tutorials, and featuring a FREE giveaway every day next week! Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss a single chance to win!

Why a Blog?

Here at Jacquard, our amazing development team is constantly coming up with new and innovative art materials. One of our biggest challenges is in conveying the full range of what our products can do! 

Our blog will feature tutorials, tips, and tricks for doing all sorts of cool arts and crafts projects. Textile based art materials can be especially difficult to figure out. We'll help you decide which dye to use on what type of fabric and which paint makes the most sense for your projects; we’ll keep you savvy on a wealth of ideas that are outside of the box. We can't wait to show you all of the exciting things our products can do!

Our blog will also be a great way for you to get to know us! My name is Charlotte, and I am Jacquard’s Social Media Extraordinaire. I will be the primary blogger, although you can expect to see some contributions from my amazing (and artistically talented!) colleagues. I also work as our Artist Liaison, so be on the lookout for some guest posts and tutorials from the pros!

Check back here every week day for a new post here on our blog. In the meantime check out all of our other social media pages. We're on Facebook, we've got our own YouTubeChannel, we're on Twitter, and we are seriously addicted to Pinterest. Seriously.

Introducing Rupert, Gibbon, and Spider

Ozone, One of The Katz Family Gibbons

Welcome to the Jacquard Products blog! We are an art supply manufacturer located in sunny, Healdsburg, California, about an hour and a half north of San Francisco. We've got our Corporate Office, Manufacturing and Shipping Facilities all located on a small campus right here in the heart of wine country.

Our brand is known as Jacquard, but did you know that our company is actually called Rupert, Gibbon, and Spider, Inc? Furthermore, did you know that neither Rupert, Gibbon, nor Spider actually works here?

Coming Soon!

A blog is in the works! Check back soon for tips, tricks, and tutorials from Jacquard!