Digital Stamp Blog Hop

So are you ready for our Big News?

Artful INKables is going DIGITAL!! We are opening a new section in our store for Digital Stamps and we will be adding one new digital stamp set to it each month. This month, we start out with an adorable Fall image called Harvest Crow. It includes 3 digital stamps for only $4.



To purchase our new Digital Stamps, just go to http://www.artfulinkables.com/, click on our Store and Digital Stamps. There are no shipping or handling charges. You will then receive a confirmation receipt email and, once the payment is posted you will receive another email with your download instructions.

Now to celebrate our news, we are having a Blog Hop to show off some inspiring ideas for our new images. Be sure to follow the hop all the way to the end and make sure to leave a comment on everyone’s blog, you never know which blog we’ll be choosing a winner from! You will have until Monday, October 4th at midnight Eastern Standard Time to comment on all the design team blogs for a chance to win our new digi set!

So to start things off hop on over to Marti's Blog to see her stunning project.

Thank you for joining us today for the Artful INKables October Digi Set Blog Hop, be sure to head on over to the store pick up this adorable new set Harvest Crow!

Let's Celebrate!

Artful INKables is 2 years old this week!
To celebrate our birthday, we are offering you a sweet deal on any order you place this week. Enter Code AIBDAY2 into the coupon field when you check out to get 15% off a $35 order. This coupon is only good until next Sunday so be quick like a bunny to take advantage of this SALE!

Also be sure to check back tomorrow for our next Think INK challenge and to see who won the last challenge. And mark your calendars for NEXT MONDAY because we will be having our NEW RELEASE BLOG HOP featuring all of our new, uber-talented INK girls and FOUR new stamps sets you will surely LOVE!

And finally, if you are located in the Salt Lake City area of Utah, be sure to come visit our booth at the SCRAPBOOK USA expo in Sandy on March 26th and 27th. Click HERE for directions and information.

Say Hello....

...to the next Crop of Artful INKables INKgirls!!!!

It was not an easy decision to choose these talented ladies from so many wonderful entries, in fact I added 2 team members, which takes us to 12 designers total! So without further ado, please welcome the New Team:

Cheryl Walker
Patti Nelson
Kim Nath
Ann Vento
Marty Wills
Sammi Betbeder
Tanya Johnson
Dawn Knight
Alicia Ekermans

Also, Michelle Bartnett will be staying with us for another term since she has only been a designer here since November.

Joy Stagg will be remaining as my right hand gal and Senior DT member and will be joined this term by the equally talented Jackie Rakoski. All of these gals will officially start their term on the 15th of this month when we have our big release Blog Hop.

Unfortunately Holly will be stepping down and she will be a great loss to us!! Her talent, advice and friendship were (and are) invaluable to me. She and the rest of the current team will be sorely missed!

So be sure to say hello to the new gals and goodbye to the those leaving.

No matter how many times I choose a new dt I am astounded at all the talent I must sort through to find those I think will make the best team for AI. So thank you to all the wonderful ladies who applied, please know I enjoyed all your entries and I encourage you to try again next time we hold a call. I cant take all my favorites, but if you apply again maybe I can put you on the team next time.

Design Team Reminder

Dont forget, Saturday is the last day to apply for our next design team! This will be a nine month gig so we wont be having a new call for quite a long time...so dont miss out. To read all the details CLICK HERE or scroll down.

In keeping with my posting 1 day per week, I am sharing this little monster card I made. I have to admit my 2 favorite colors have ALWAYS been green and purple...ever since I was little...so my germy little monster had to be green with purple spots, lol! Hope you like it!

Germy Little Monster Card by Kristin Soboloski
Stamps: Monster Medical from Artful INKables
Ink: Momento Black Ink
Paper: Celery, Raspberry & White solid card stock and various decorative paper scraps
Everything Else: Colored using prismacolor pencils and gamsol, 2 circle punches and raspberry brads.

Design Team Call – Become an INKgirl

ARTFUL INKABLES is looking for new design team members! We need your help and enthusiasm promoting our products through your personal blog and online galleries. We are looking for team members who are excited about stamping, and would love being a part of a fun and friendly design environment. No prior design team experience is necessary. If you’ve never been published… Don't worry! We want to encourage you to show us your best, even if you have not been widely recognized as a designer. This call is open to everyone - if you aren't in the US or Canada you are more than welcome to apply!!**

Application Process

All submissions must be received by 12:00am MST, Feb 27, 2010. New design team members will be contacted by March 4, 2009.

Please send an email containing the following information to: artfullyinking@comcast.net
1. Name
2. Address
3. Email
4. Phone number
5. Blog or website address
6. Links to any online galleries you may have
7. Related forums/message boards that you like to visit and participate (we do NOT need your forum nickname)
8. Three (3) items, cards, or layouts using stamps as the main focus. Your submissions don't need to be brand new and do not need to use Artful INKables Stamps (though using our stamps is a PLUS). Your submissions should not have been published or submitted for publication for a printed or online magazine. Don’t forget we will be looking at both your work and your photographing abilities here.
9. Please note if you are a current or past design team member for any other companies. (Don’t worry, we do not expect you to work solely for us).
10. Please tell us a few words about what you like about stamping, and what would be the most exciting part for you if you become a design team member.

General Requirements

• Participate for a term of 9 months and sign a contract with Artful Inkables. This Design Team’s Term will run from March 7 to December 4, 2010.

• You will need the ability to photograph or scan your art for submission to Artful INKables Rubber Stamps.

• You will need to have a blog or website with regular updates, and enjoy participating in online challenges both on our blog and in the stamping community. You should be willing to post weekly card samples, contest announcements, challenges and new releases on your blog as well as display the Artful INKables logo on your blog.

• You'll also need to be ready to have some FUN, and enjoy your stamps!!!

Monthly Responsibilities

•You will receive an average of two stamps sets per month to create with. At minimum, we will expect you to make 2 card samples and one 3D item or scrapbook page for each set you are given. You will be required to mail us one sample from each set by the end of your term but you may keep all your other samples. You must submit photos of all work created for us to our private online gallery so we have unlimited access to them.

• Contribute one (1) tutorial during your 9 month term to be posted on the company blog. This is a step by step guide to creating your favorite card or project. This can also be techniques, and include stamping tips and trends.

• Contribute to the creation of the bi-weekly Think INK challenges.

• Give feedback and suggestions to AI for new stamps, the blog and marketing ideas. Cooperate fully with our Senior DT and help when necessary.

• Leave occasional comments on DT Member blogs and the company blog.

• Promote Artful INKables Rubber Stamps through your blog, and whenever you see an opportunity.


What You'll Get From Us

• A great opportunity to work with a fun design team, learning fun, new things.
• Encouragement and monetary compensation for getting published in leading magazines.
• 2 New Artful INKables stamp sets every month and other goodies as they become available.
• 25% off on all store items, during your term!
• Your bio, artwork and gallery will be spotlighted on Artful INKables web site indefinitely.

** Please note that, we pay shipping but cannot be responsible for customs or duty fees to Canada or if shipped internationally.

Sale Reminder

Dont forget there is less than one week left to take advantage of our big SALE! Until November 15th Artful Inkables has 35 sets on sale for 25-35% off. No code is needed to take advantage of this sale and our free shipping on orders over $45 still applies to all of our products including the sale items. So stock up now on those sets you've had on your wish list or better yet, send a loved one to over to buy some for you for Holiday gifts. See all the sales sets HERE.

A Big Welcome...

...to Michelle Bartnett! She has graciously agreed to fill Julie Ranae's spot on the Design team for the remainder of her term. (Unfortunately Julie had to leave us early and we will miss her talents greatly.) Michelle will make her debut as an INK Girl on the 15th of this month when she participates in the New Release Blog Hop we will be having that day. In the meantime, you can visit her blog HERE to enjoy her work and welcome her to the team. You can also get to know her a bit by reading her Bio on the Design Team Page of our website. Welcome Michelle...we are so lucky to have you and your talents on our team!

We are Having a SALE!

From November 1st until November 15th Artful Inkables has 35 sets on sale for 25-35% off. No code is needed to take advantage of this sale and our free shipping on orders over $45 still applies to all of our products including the sale items. So stock up now on those sets you've had on your wish list or better yet, send a loved one to over to buy some for you for Holiday gifts. See all the sales sets HERE.

Check Out the NEW & Improved Website!

Today we launched a new version of our website and we are so excited to share it with you! We really felt that we had outgrown the older site, it just wasn't user friendly for both our customers and for us. Our new site looks similar in some ways, like the Home Page but as you delve deeper you will see all the great improvements.

Now you can register with Artful INKables, keep a full shopping cart (even if you leave and come back), visit the easier to use inspiration gallery with multiple viewing choices, check out the AI forum (coming soon) and find out what's going on with the AI calendar. Also our improved navigation should make it alot easier to find all that you are looking for in the store.

Over the next week or so, the gallery will be completed, the forum will get up and running and the payment options will expand. For now, payments are taken through Paypal, though you DO NOT have to have an acct with them. You can just use your Credit Card without registering with Paypal.

Though we are not quite finished with all of the new aspects of the site, we hope you will take a look around and enjoy!

Let's All Welcome the New Recruits!

That's Right! It is time to announce the new Artful INKables INK girls. First let me just say, I am tickled to have such a fun and talented group coming in to work with us for the next six months. I'm sure you all will be as impressed as we were with their talents, style and their personal blogs. So please welcome the new team by leaving them a big hello either here or on their blogs (which can be reached by clicking on their names).

Lisa Kind
Crystal Irwin
Julie Murray
Sherry Campbell
Jen Pahoulis
Jackie Rakoski
Deborah L. Young
Emily Niehaus

I am also happy to announce that both Joy Stagg and Holly McMillen have agreed to stay on as members of our newly formed Senior Design Team. They will be taking the reigns of the DT and adding their own special flair to how we do things around here. In other words, they will be taking some of the load off of me...isn't that sweet of them? :) Seriously though they have some great ideas that we will introduce in the next 6 months and I KNOW they will continue to inspire our readers with their creations as they help make Artful INKables an even greater company.

Though we will soon be saying goodbye to the rest of our current DT we will not make today's happy announcement sad by dwelling on that now. Happily, they will be with us for a few more weeks as they help get the new team acclimated and share some final projects and tutorials with us. So we shall save that thought for another day and add to the the festivities by adding a bit of blog candy into the mix. I will draw a name on Sunday from all those commenting here to welcome the new INKgirls and the winner will get the set of her choice! SO...ON with the CELEBRATIONS!

Vacation Notice

The staff here at Artful INKables will be taking a well deserved vacation from July 8th to July 21st. Any orders placed between these dates will be filled upon our return. We hope this wont be an inconvenience to anyone and rest assured your orders will be our top priority when we return.

And dont despair...the INK Girls and I will be bringing you a Flashback Blog hop on the 15th. So stick around there is more fun on the way!

Design Team Call – Become an INKgirl

ARTFUL INKABLES is looking for new design team members! We need your help and enthusiasm promoting our products through your personal blog and online galleries. We are looking for team members who are excited about stamping, and would love being a part of a fun and friendly design environment. No prior design team experience is necessary. If you’ve never been published… Don't worry! We want to encourage you to show us your best, even if you have not been widely recognized as a designer. This call is open to everyone - even if you aren't in the US or Canada you are more than welcome to apply!!**


Application Process

All submissions must be received by 11:59pm MST, July 27, 2009. New design team members will be contacted by July 31, 2009.

Please send an email containing the following information to: artfullyinking@comcast.net

1. Name:

2. Address:

3. Email:

4. Phone number:

5. Blog or website address:

6. Links to any online galleries you may have:

7. Related forums/message boards that you like to visit and participate (we do NOT need your forum nickname):

8. Three (3) items, cards, or layouts using stamps as the main focus. Your submissions don't need to be brand new and do not need to have Artful INKables Stamps used, but should not have been published or submitted for publication for a printed or online magazine. Don’t forget we will be looking at both your work and your photographing abilities here.

9. Please note if you are a current or past design team member for any other companies. (We do not expect you to work solely for us).

10. Please tell us a few words about what you like about stamping, and what would be the most exciting part for you to become a design team member.

11. Want to really impress us? Mail us 1 or 2 pieces you are especially proud of to: 11582 Summerfield Cir. Sandy, UT 84092. Seeing art in person if often much more effective and awe inspiring. ;) This is not required, however.


General Requirements

• Participate for a term of 6 months and sign a contract with Artful Inkables. This Design Team’s Term will run from August 15, 2009 to January 15, 2010.

• You will need the ability to photograph or scan your art for submission to Artful INKables Rubber Stamps.

• You will need to have a blog or website with regular updates, and enjoy participating in online challenges in the stamping community. You should be willing to post card samples, contest announcements, challenges and new releases on your blog as well as display the Artful INKables logo on your blog.

• You'll also need to be ready to have some FUN, and enjoy your stamps!!!


Monthly Responsibilities

• You will receive two stamps sets per month and your design team commitment will require you to send back two cards per stamp set and one 3D item. I will require your photos ASAP, but you can snail mail the items at your leisure up until the end of your term.

• Contribute one (1) tutorial during your six month term to be posted on the company blog. This is a step by step guide to creating your favorite card or project. This can also be techniques, and include stamping tips and trends.

• Give feedback and suggestions to AI for new stamps, the blog and marketing ideas.

• Leave occasional comments on DT Member blogs and the company blog.

• Promote Artful INKables Rubber Stamps through your blog, and whenever you see an opportunity.

• Participate in AI challenges, Blog Hops and sponsorship challenges as they are presented.

What You'll Get From Us

• A great opportunity to work with a fun design team, learning fun, new things.

• Encouragement and monetary compensation for getting published in leading magazines.

• 2 New Artful INKables stamp sets every month and other goodies as they become available.

• 25% off on all store items, during your term!

• Your bio, artwork and gallery will be spotlighted on Artful INKables web site.

** Please note that, we pay shipping but cannot be responsible for customs or duty fees to Canada or if shipped internationally.

Cute Card Thursday

This week Artful INKables is sponsoring the the challenge over at Cute Card Thursday. The challenge for the week is fun and easy...it is 'Tag You're It'. Follow the link above for the details but basically you make a card using a tag or made of a tag. Enter on the CCT blog and you could win 3 AI stamp sets and 3 coordinating charms!

To represent Artful INKable in today's challenge, I decided to make my own tag card and share it with you here. What I came up with became rather involved...big surprise there...but I really love it!

It is a simple pocket made of 2 sided decorative paper from Deja Views (The Sharon Ann 'Delightful' Collection), with 2 tags in it. This view shows all the tags inserted into the pocket.

Here, the front tag is removed. I glued the baby fairy only partially onto the white tag so it could be taken on and off of the mushrooms when you removed the tag.




In this final view, all of the tags are removed. The second tag is also made of 2 sided dp and can be opened up to write your message inside. The fairy and mushrooms come from our Enchanted Fairies set and they were colored using Copic markers. A decorative flower button, a bit of tulle and some magic mesh were used as embellishments.

Please visit the Cute Card Thursday site to view our fabulous prize, and to participate in the challenge. And then join us tomorrow for our NEW RELEASE BLOG HOP!

A Sneaky Peeky-

It is getting to be that time again...time for an Artful INKables New Release. We will have 3 Fun and somewhat different, new sets to share with you soon....along with a great grouping of pewter charms to go with them. We are planning our release and blog hop for Friday, June 19th, with another special treat happening on the 23rd. In the mean time, I have a little Sneak Peek for you all.



I made this card yesterday for the SCS sketch challenge. The layout was just screaming for the diamond background that is part of one of our new release sets so I had to give it a try. I used 2 stamps from the soon-to-be-available Into The Moonlight set. (Seven stamps in this set in all) I colored the main image with copic markers and stamped the diamond background with black ink on red cardstock. The white and black DP is from the Basic Grey Scarlett's Letter collection. The apple charm is a sneak peek too, I suppose, since it is part of our new charm set and it is tied on with silver cord.

Let me know what you think!

Please Note: The Bare Rubber sale is still going on...for now...but the animals collection is now sold out. The flora & fauna collection and the silhouettes collection is still for sale, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

Get Caught Stampin' with AI

Most of the Stampers I know, love to be recognized for their creative works. There is just something about having another person praising their creativity that makes a Stamper glow with pride. So with this knowledge in mind, we will be starting a new program next week...The Weekly Featured Stamper.

This program will work in 2 ways. The first is, we may come across a card or project we love that someone has made using Artful INKables rubber stamps. In this case we will contact the person, ask permission to showcase their work along with a short bio or inspiration dialog. The second way is having our customers submit cards and projects for consideration. You can mail the card in, email us a link or just link to a comment you post on our blog. The only catch is your project must use our line of stamps.

I already have 2 WONDERFUL cards lined up for this program, but we will be needing more submissions soon. Wouldn't you like to be recognized for your creativity? Well get out your AI stamps and start creating...we want to see what you make!

I always share what I make here, and I love creating for you when I get a chance. Today, I made a cute little western card featuring the Rodeo Rodent stamp set. Hope you like it!



BARE RUBBER SALE is still in full swing! Get your while they last! (See June 2nd post below for details.)

Artful INKables BARE RUBBER SALE

It's time for some Spring Cleaning over at Artful INKables. Some of the overstock on our older sets, really needs to find a new home. This is GREAT NEWS for you. Why? ... Because you can get images from many sets for about the price of one set! Our Bare Rubber Lots are just that, bare rubber only...no foam, no case, no trimming...but you sure get a deal if you dont mind a little extra work. (Sorry, there are no substitutions.) Though each lot is as listed in our Stamp Store, I have listed them here along with pictures for your convenience.

Animal Themed Lot includes: All stamps from Top Dog, Lion's Pride, Stay Cool, Phoenix Rising, Sweet Snail, Pretty Parrot, Leapin' Lizards and the Dragonfly and Fish ONLY from the Pond Friends set. Total stamps in this lot: 24 Approximate Value $30.00 Sale Price $10.00

Silhouette Themed Lot includes: All stamps from New Mother Silhouettes, Shop-a-thon & Nature's Heritage plus the Father and Son image, the Wine Bottle with Glasses image and a Stack of Presents image. Total stamps in this lot: 17 Approximate Value $24.00 Sale Price $8.50


Flora & Fauna Themed Lot includes: All stamps from Autumn's Flowers, Plant Prints, Pressed Petals, Friendship Flowers and a sentiments saying 'congratulations' in a curly script. Total stamps in this lot: 26 Approximate Value $32.00 Sale Price $10.50


If you want to order just follow this link to the store HERE or on our main site. This is a limited Time Offer, while supplies last...so be sure to get yours NOW. Grab your self a Great Deal!

A Quick Note

Just a reminder that today is the last day to get the 50% off selected sets. (Code "50% off") After today we will be gearing up for our new release.

Can I Have a Drumroll, Please?

Wow, oh Wow am I excited about our new design team!! Let me tell you, I really think we have picked some major talent to work with us! Not only that, but we were able to pick a larger team this time around so "variety" will be the buzz word around here for awhile!!

So, who will the new INK Girls be? Well, without futher ado let me introduce them to you: (to visit their blogs, just click on a name)

Toni Armstrong
Cathy Indelicato
Elena Joldersma
Loretta Lock
Dawn Lusk
Holly McMillen
Kerri Michaud
Joy Stagg
Joanne Travis
Velta Wesson

CONGRATULATIONS Ladies!!
I am really, very excited about working with our new team to showcase our stamps, get the word out even more about Artful INKables and make new stamping friends.

The Ink Girls will be settling into their new roles here shortly and then, we will be rolling out 4 new stamps sets that I am dying to share with you!

And to the 100+ ladies who also applied to be on our team...please dont feel discouraged! This was such a hard decision and many factors went into making our choices. This business is so subjective and just because you were not a finalist doesnt mean you 'dont have what it takes'! Lots of variables were considered here, not just talent but writing ability, enthusiasm, photography, blog traffic and just a 'fit' with our particular company. I encourage everyone to continue to apply to any company calling for designers and to apply with us again when we have a call in another 6 months! Also, we plan to initiate a 'guest designer' program in the near future and ALL of you will be considered for these positions as well. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all so much for your applications and for your continued support of Artful INKables.

Time is Running Out

Just a reminder that today is the LAST DAY to send in your application for our Design Team. That will give us a week to sort through the tons of fabulous applications that have been sent in and make our decision. The plan is to choose 8 to 10 Design Team Members this time but it sure is going to be a tough decision!! I sure wish we could take you all!!

In other News: Our 50% off sale has become so popular that we have decided to extend it for one more week!! So if you haven't taken advantage of our sale yet...you have until February 7th to do so. Here is a link to the list of sets on sale. SALE LIST



Quick Card Recipe: Artful Inkables Phoenix Rising stamp set, DCWV decorative paper, Very Vanilla and Blue Bayou card stock, Copic markers, MM silver 'love' slide, blue seed beads and May Arts reversable 3/8" Ribbon in brown and turquoise (can be bought in our store).

An Amazing SALE

From now until the end of the month, we are offering some of your favorite Artful INKables stamps for 50% off. Sets like Daring Duo, Zany Zoo, Stay Cool, Natural Heritage, Thought I'd Bug You and lots, lots more are on sale for HALF OFF! To get this fabulous pricing, be sure to add the code 50% off in the box at the bottom of your shopping cart page labeled "Coupon Code" and click 'recalculate'.