What size are your cards?
Unless I specify otherwise, all my cards are 4.25” x 5.5”. You can make two of these out of an 8.5×11” piece of cardstock. It fits an A2 envelope.
What kind of paper do you use?
Let me first say that I haven’t tried every single paper out there, but here are the ones I know and love:
- Stampin’ Up! Whisper White Cardstock – This cardstock is perfect for Stampin’ Up! inks. The paper and inks are made to work together, so the result is much better than if you mixed brands. I stock up heavily on this white paper because I also use it for creating colored cardstock. I prefer to ink up a piece of white cardstock than buy a piece of colored cardstock… it’s a prettier, softer look. This cardstock is not for Copics.
- Neenah Solar White Cardstock – I use this cardstock for all Copic coloring. The colors blend very well and the cardstock is sturdy (sturdier than the SU Whisper White). I use this cardstock for colored pencils as well. I also use it for distress inks… not because it looks better than the SU paper but because it’s more economical. I buy the 250 page ream! I often use this cardstock as my card base – you’ll see me create a 4.25”x5.5” panel and adhere it to the front of this same-size folded card.
- Papertrey Ink White Cardstock – This cardstock used to be my favorite before I discovered Neenah. It works pretty well with Copics and it is VERY thick. The reason I moved to Neenah was really a matter of economics.
What type of craft mat are you using?
I use an indestructible craft sheet made by Ranger. Inks and glues wipe right off. The only damage it cannot endure is scissors. Make sure you take it off your table before wrapping a present!!
What is that thing with the wooden handle you use to apply ink?
It is a Ranger Foam Applicator. I use it for both distress inks and Stampin’ Up! Classic Inks. It’s a great way to get beautifully colored cardstock with a little visual texture. I rarely use colored cardstock anymore.
What is the difference between Stampin’ Up! markers and Copic markers?
Stampin’ Up! markers are water-based dye ink. They absorb into paper and dry fairly quickly, not giving you much time to blend two colors together. Because they are water-based, they will “pill up” your paper with too much application (think about putting water on your cardstock). They come in 38 colors, each with a broad and fine tip. Once applied to your cardstock, it’s permanent. They have matching cardstock and ink pads, and they are great for watercoloring. You can buy them individually, by color family, or the entire set.
Copic Sketch Markers are alcohol-based. They don’t absorb and dry quickly, giving you time to blend colors on your cardstock. You can actually remove color after it has been applied by using the Colorless Blender. They bleed through to the back of your paper, so you’ll often need to layer it on a card. They are more expensive than Stampin’ Up! markers. There are 358 colors!!
I can’t really say I like one better than the other. They are completely different products with different advantages and uses. I have, however, figured out how to get Stampin’ Up! markers to blend a little more like Copics in THIS POST. I posted a brief overview on getting started with Copics HERE, including good inks, papers, and where to buy.
I’m just getting started with distress inks. What colors do you recommend I purchase first?
I would purchase one of all the basics. My favorites are Barn Door (red), Spiced Marmalade (orange), Scattered Straw (yellow), Peeled Paint (green), Broken China (blue), and Dusty Concord (purple). The neutrals I use most often are Walnut Stain and Antique Linen.
Why are you not a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator?
I was a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator for 2 1/2 years. In October, 2011, Stampin’ Up! demanded that I use exclusively Stampin’ Up! products on my blog or I would be forced to resign. I resigned. But, since I love Stampin’ Up! products, I still use them and direct readers to my sister’s Stampin’ Up! store for purchase. She donates 20% of all orders to Foster Kids Charity, so please help her support these children in need. Thank you. 
Sometimes my Stampin’ Up! clear-mount stamps don’t stick to the acrylic block. Why?
Stampin’ Up! uses a special patented sticker on their stamps to display the image. This sticker, if dirty, will not cling to the block very well. There are three ways to solve this problem (it’s solvable!):
- Use water to clean off both the stamp (the part that adheres) and the clear block. If you’re using stamp cleaner, it can sometimes create a film on these surfaces, causing the stamp to lose its clinginess.
- Push the stamp into the block for at least 10 seconds. Many times I’m in a hurry and I expect it to stick after just 2 seconds. It just takes longer.
- Don’t apply the sticker to the stamp when you receive it from Stampin’ Up!.
How do you make your card photos look so clean and clear?
Up until Christmas, I just propped them in front of a piece of patterned paper, shined an Ott-lite on it, and took the photo. No flash. Now, I use this photo tent, still with an Ott-lite (instead of the lights that come with the set). Still no flash. My camera is a Nikon D80. The D80 is old now – the new version is the Nikon D90.
What is your video recording setup?
I just purchased a new video camera – I got the Canon Vixia HF M40. I just started using it, but honestly, the quality is TOO good for YouTube. So, I’m having to adjust it to record in lower quality so that I can easily edit and upload it. If you are buying a camera just for YouTube videos, I would go cheap. I am also using this camera for family video, so I needed something that had the ability to record in higher quality.
As far as setup goes, it’s a makeshift setup that I created with things around the house actually! Awhile back I recorded a Craft Room Tour, which has my video setup at the end. After all this time, I haven’t found anything better, so I’m still using the same method.
What video editing software do you use?
I am a PC person. I use Adobe Premiere Elements and I love it. It’s very easy to use and very cheap compared to other software.
My Stampin’ Up! inks don’t work that well with clear stamps. Why?
Because Stampin’ Up! inks are water-based, they tend to bead-up on clear stamps. Now, I’m talking about stamps that are completely clear – not the ones that are cling with red rubber. For some reason, I have gotten some mad people on YouTube arguing that this is not the case. If they are able to make it work, then I think that’s great. Personally, I do not get a good crisp image with this combination of products. For clear stamps, I recommend Colorbox Chalk Inks as well as Versafine Inks. They are almost like a craft ink (very thick and sticky) and work fantastic with these stamps. I’ve also used Memento Dye Inks and they work pretty well too.
I don’t live in the USA. Can I order Stampin’ Up! from you/your sister?
Unfortunately, Stampin’ Up! does not allow US demonstrators to ship outside the country. The only work-around is if you know someone on a US military base in your country. Shipping to a US military base is considered domestic shipping.
Do you sell your cards?
Back in 2009, I did a few craft markets under the name OnMeadersLane. I setup a booth with lots of handmade cards. I also setup a Web site and tried to market myself on Etsy. I wasn’t able to make it work. But, that’s just me – I’m not very talented when it comes to marketing and sales. I had a hard time finding people who were willing to pay for the supplies and effort that went into each of my cards. In the end, I got frustrated and decided that I would try blogging! I still have a little bit of inventory left that I keep in my Etsy Shop. But, I’m not making any more of them for selling. I mail out every card that I make.
Can you post more than once a week?
I really appreciate when people ask me this question – it makes me feel wanted.
If at any point I get more time, I will! I’m overcommited at the moment with volunteer work and other things, so my husband says “post less!”. But, I love it so much – it’s one of my favorite things to do, so I’ll at least keep to once/week and try to do more when I can.
Thanks for visiting my FAQ’s. If you have another question, email me!
Thanks for visiting my video blog! I post a new video every Wednesday and sometimes an extra when I have time.
I bought cards from Darlene years ago – I still have some. Flowers with beautiful writing (Thank you etc) . I would like to order more. Do you still carry them????
My friend Marie LaJoie gave me your name years ago.
@Irene: Yes, I still have a few boxes left! I decided to discontinue selling them, so I am just selling until I finish up my inventory. You can see what I have here:
http://onmeaderslane.etsy.com. If you click on the items for sale, you can see what exactly is included in each box. Thanks for asking!
What is the best ink to use as a base for stamping before you start coloring in the image with other markers, such as copics.
What is the best type of white cardstock to use for copics coloring?
Hi, i am trying to achieve an aged look on my background edges, and i noticed that you seem to be using a spongey tool with a handle to blend the ink into the paper? Could you tell me what that tool is? I just saw it on your “kissing stamp” tutorial.
Thanks
Wendy
Where can you get the Neenah cardstock?
Your topic on “My Stampin’ Up! inks don’t work that well with clear stamps”, I totally agree with you on this subject. It wasn’t until your last Wednesday’s post that I was able to put two and two together by what you had shared with us all regarding this issue. I thought perhaps I was using an inferior stamp as I only use SU inks.
Great Ideas! And you are always so willing to share. Thanks for doing this. You answered a lot of my questions. And gave me some ideas that I hadn’t thought of. I wish you could post everyday! But I know you have a life outside of stamping and a wonderful family. We are so lucky to be able to share a bit of it.
Will be anxious to see tomorrow’s video.
@Chris C: You can click on the name above in my post to go to Ellen Hutson to purchase.
Thanks for the quick response Darlene!!!
Hi Darlene
I do not live in USA, and I understand that Stampin up not send outside the U.S., but if you could order the items and I pay the courier by DHL or any courier, you could send them to me?
Thank you!
Hi Marlene, unfortunately, I can’t do that. There are Stampin’ Up! demonstrators that sell within their own country, so perhaps you could find one that would ship to you. Check http://www.stampinup.com. You can also email Stampin’ Up! to find out the best option for you. Good luck!
Hi Darlene, I was having trouble with my clear stamps and some types of ink. I came to your website here and found your list of favorite things and a paragraph about the different inks to use with the clear stamps. My question is this, do you know of a chart of all the different inks for stamping and what is the best application for that ink…i.e., Colorbox chalk and Versafine ink for clear stamps…such and such ink is best used on glossy papers etc. I thought I saw such a chart somewhere and cannot remember where I saw it or maybe I just dreamed it?!? Thank you for your beautiful card videos and taking the time to produce these each week. I have learned so very much and I actually enjoy card making again! Best Wishes, Laura Curran North Carolina
Hi Laura, I don’t remember seeing any single compiled list, but it sure would be nice.
Your cards are absolutely beautiful! I really admire your ability to blend with the copics. I am just starting to form my own collection or copics and Tim Holtz Distress Inks and am wondering if you have a guide of copics that best match with the distress inks…
Great page, Darlene! I love getting your card videos in my inbox every Wednesday! I appreciate your open-ness regarding different products that you use and how you share the benefits or drawbacks as you see them!
As I continued down the page, I noticed several people asking about buying Stampin’ Up! products outside the US. I am a demo in Canada, and I know I can’t sell to people outside the country. I am wondering, though… what if someone contacts you from a country where Stampin’ Up! is not sold?
Hi Sonya, unfortunately, the people in countries where SU is not sold are out of luck. There is no way I know of for them to get the products.
Can you tell me what paper you use for watercolor markers (ex Tombows) or do you not use them? Just discovered you and are enjoying all your videos. Thank you!
Sorry Joanne, I am not familiar with watercolor markers. I use Stampin’ Up! Watercolor Paper on occasion when I watercolor.
Hi Darlene,
I love the cards you make. They are so beautiful
I’d like to learn how to make cards like the ones you create, but I have no idea where to begin. There are so many techniques and different tools…
Could you please give me some suggestions or make a video for beginners?
Thank you.
dont think i ever saw this on the other site…but loved all the info!!! esp the thought that you did not sell out! Awesome…..what a blessing to be able to do what you love <3 ….Melinda
Thank you for the creative videos!
I’ve been practicing blending gelatos, but I’m developing, “bald spots” while blending. (Not me personally, but the paper.
As if I’ve just blended too hard or too long, and the color starts coming up off the paper. I’ve tried Papertrey white, Georgia Pacific white, I’ve used Gesso and still, “bald spots.” Can you help?
Thank you,
Shaorn
Sharon, I use Neenah paper, so I can’t really comment on results from other papers. You might try applying a thin layer, leave it to dry a bit (like maybe 5 minutes), then applying a second layer. I find that the second layers tend to go on smoother. Let me know if that works!
There is quite a price difference on the coloring markers. Is there a specific reason you use Copics and have you tried any others?
Cindi, I like Copics because of their blending capabilities. They are alcohol-based, so they are different from water-based markers, which are cheaper. You can use water-based markers for other coloring techniques, but I just love the results of Copics.
Darlene, thanks for taking the time to do this FAQ. It surely answered a lot of MY questions…especially about your light tent, the info about the cameras. I’m in the market for a video camera (for blogging, but also for a trip for our 50th). I’ll be checking out your recommendations. I’m no photographer, so I don’t want to spend a lot of $$$$ for a camera that I’m not smart enough to know how to use! I use Photoshop Elements to edit my cards after reading some instructions on ‘how-to’ at SCStampers. Love all your videos, cards, and think you do a bang-up fantastic job! I’m just grateful to have one post wkly…Again, thanks so very much.