Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on May 13, 2023 10:04:41 GMT
Will you start with the second class live at 8 am your time and pick the first one up next weekend cmpeter or just hold off on the whole shebang? I have to admit, I've decided communication is not Altenew's strong suit. They haven't used Guides or Files in the FB group or even pinned any posts, so things posted there get lost easily. Some things are in email, others in their Academy page. Somewhere I think I saw that one of the classes isn't actually live, but I haven't checked the academy this morning to see if there's anything available already. After my optimistic post yesterday morning, DK woke up and told me I had moved all their activities by an hour. Reality IS as bad as I thought -- leave here at 11:30 for an hour round trip, then again around 3:00-3:15 for a shorter one (DK taking a bus partway home to help me out). |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on May 13, 2023 10:45:04 GMT
Now I'm probably just getting cranky, but how come Altenew card bases don't come with envelopes?!
EtA: Yuppers...got the cranky-pants on this a.m.
5x7 card base?! Sure, Laura, we all have those lying around....
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on May 13, 2023 14:34:44 GMT
The videos will NOT be available tomorrow. They said that they will start processing them Monday and they should be online by midweek.
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Post by craftmepink on May 13, 2023 14:49:18 GMT
I thought I wouldn't take this live but I did for the first one so far. I really liked the first class with Jaycee and was able to finish my card. Loved all the color blending techniques. However, I don't think I'll last throughout the day. Kind of disappointed that you can't pause the class and the recording won't be available till next week. Also agree with you Shakti, why doesn't the kit include envelopes? But overall, I really like everything so far. |
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Post by cmpeter on May 13, 2023 15:48:28 GMT
I will wait for the recordings and do the classes as those come out. I do want the option of pausing and going my own speed.
had been thinking one a day this week. But, I might have jury duty, so we’ll see how that goes first and then the timing of when they release the recordings.
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Post by sdcraftchick on May 13, 2023 17:01:13 GMT
I was hoping to pause or time shift on the lives, but realized I can't. And then they said it won't be til Wednesday (?!) that the zoom meetings are recorded and placed online. Man, wish I could volunteer (OK, for some inks or something, lol) and do that for them today - I used to do that for my last job (put the recorded zoom calls out on a network) and yeah, it's a pain and actually takes a lot of disk space (well, back in 2020... maybe zoom made it better nowadays?), but ... I guess I got used to it. At least they had the bigger zoom package today - there were like 500 people in Jennifer's class. (And I'm really enjoying today so far, and have yet to get all cranky pants because I had to wake up at 5:45am... I really love the new inks! And the two instructors have blended the different inks together in really cool ways. But they are saying they are getting rid of their crisp dye inks? And going to the circular ones? Interesting...
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on May 13, 2023 17:31:58 GMT
They have committed to keeping the re-inkers for the crisp dye inks for the foreseeable future. The other new inks they've introduced did come in the four-shade families, so I'm interesting in seeing how these six get introduced for sale.
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Post by sdcraftchick on May 13, 2023 18:50:15 GMT
They have committed to keeping the re-inkers for the crisp dye inks for the foreseeable future. The other new inks they've introduced did come in the four-shade families, so I'm interesting in seeing how these six get introduced for sale. I'm kind of bummed that they don't have the (newer round ink) bundle (with the 'small' amount of inks they have) with reinkers - you have to get the cubes too? At least for the discount code that expires Monday... I'm not sure why I would want cubes and a full ink pad? I get annoyed with Concord & 9th when I get multiples of the same ink cube... and I'm not even sure I want the ink cubes when I have the bigger ink pad (so why would I want the ink cube too? Anyone?!  ) But at least with C9, they are having their classes come with no inks for a lower price. Or maybe I just give away my extra inks from classes to friends or something. I think I'm starting to fade - with the earlier start on the West Coast. I'll watch Jennifer's next class (looks interesting with stained glass / vellum) but maybe take a break. The extra chatting doesn't really allow for a long break to eat or whatever... |
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Post by craftmepink on May 13, 2023 20:35:27 GMT
I think I'm going to skip the last two classes and watch the recording next week.
I enjoyed Jaycee and Jennifer's classes the best. Thought Laura's class was too rushed and she used a thousand different inks that weren't included. Felt like Jaycee and Jennifer put a lot more thought and effort into their classes.
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on May 13, 2023 20:58:57 GMT
Yes, I agree. It was Jennifer's two classes I missed the most of, unfortunately, but she clearly put a lot of thought into using what was in the box. Laura used the old Altenew crisp dye ink version of AT LEAST two colors that were included in the kit.
I'm not entirely sure I understand the comment about cubes and reinkers. I don't think either is available for the colors in the kit. The other fresh dye inks that were released are available in a bunch of different configurations (though not all in stock).
I like cubes, so I wish that, like C&9, they gave an options for cubes instead of full size at a lower price.
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Post by sdcraftchick on May 13, 2023 23:50:22 GMT
I'm not entirely sure I understand the comment about cubes and reinkers. I don't think either is available for the colors in the kit. The other fresh dye inks that were released are available in a bunch of different configurations (though not all in stock). I like cubes, so I wish that, like C&9, they gave an options for cubes instead of full size at a lower price. I guess I meant what Altenew has on their website now - for the existing circular fresh inks? They call it the Trailblazer bundle? They have all cubes. Or all bigger circles. And they even have the ink cubes and reinkers. But the next bundle is cubes, full sized pads (circles) and reinkers. Why would you buy both the cube and bigger ink pad? And that made me think of all the C9 ink cubes I have (never bought one - just from their classes - so it's actually kind of a big stash of cubes, and I like them, don't get me wrong.) But why would one want BOTH cubes and ink pads? Is it something that I don't get? If I have the bigger pad, I don't really go to the cube anymore... I guess you could use the smaller cube to ink directly to things? Was just curious... As if I need to be tempted to buy more hah! I do like the fresh inks though - and those colors in the kit are really pretty. When they first said that these colors are exclusive to the class - I was kind of sad. But luckily they said they will release them soon to the public. |
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Post by craftmepink on May 14, 2023 1:39:49 GMT
Finished the last class, I ended up only skipping Carissa's class since I had errands to run.
Overall thoughts: Really loved it and would definitely do another retreat. This was my first online event and I will sign up for more. Also, glad I did the homework.
Pros: I really liked how the classes showed different techniques and how to stretch your supplies. I didn't know you can use your stamp inks to watercolor. And I loved how the instructors showed how to mix ink colors.
However my favorite class was Jennifer's second class with the cutout and using vellum. I will definitely do this again with different colors.
Cons: They should have included a small booklet with the pdfs or printed it and put it in the box.
I already mentioned it, but Laura's class was super underwhelming. I mean, I think everyone knows how to use a stencil. And plus she used a bunch of supplies that weren't included in the kit. I get it, we could use our own supplies. But I'd like to see some more techniques.
Overall I thought they could have made some of the classes longer like Jaycee's and Jennifer's and cut all the in between Altenew business chit chat. I love Altenew but I rather hear more about new techniques and how I can stretch my supplies.
But these are just my opinions. Overall, I would do it again!
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on May 14, 2023 10:47:55 GMT
I already mentioned it, but Laura's class was super underwhelming. I mean, I think everyone knows how to use a stencil. And plus she used a bunch of supplies that weren't included in the kit. Actually, I DON'T feel like I know how to use a stencil -- or at least not a complicated multilayer stencil like this. I was looking for more hints/tips/instruction on how to be successful with this type of stencil. During C&CD Altenew presented a similar layered stencil. I started following along but at some point realized I'd misaligned something and was off track. Tasnim was having some technical difficulties during the class, so she seemed a little anxious as well, so that was generally not a great help. I had to leave after the first or second stencil when JMcG was doing her version of this stencil, but it sounded like she was going to be more helpful. And I should probably rewatch the introduction to the stencil set video now that I'm home because I think that video also had more hints and tips. |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on May 14, 2023 11:56:18 GMT
I am a natural early riser, waking around 5 give or take. It's kind of a waste that I'm NOT on the west coast -- the schedule would fit my internal clock much better that way! As it was, I knew I wouldn't be attempting Bridget's class live, but was hoping I'd be able to do it this morning before I realized how long it would take to post the recordings. I don't think the communication was stellar, as I've already noted. It shouldn't have been so difficult to find that out. I also didn't particularly care for the chatty-chat marketing fluff in between classes, but I especially do not understand why that happened at the end of the previous Zoom rather than the beginning of the next. They would end the session in a rush to go off and start the next and then sit around tappy-footing waiting for people to join the room, then start late. Guess what? All that chitty-chat is better used as filler while people are joining! While I agree that a printed booklet would be nice, the two mistakes in the instructions being corrected would be better  |
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Post by craftmepink on May 14, 2023 13:02:07 GMT
Jennifer's first class with the stencil gives you really helpful tips on how to use the stencils since some of them are two stencils in one layout. A bit confusing at first but she takes the time to explain everything.
I'd recommend watching her first class before attempting it. I wasn't liking Laura's class because she didn't show us how to really use the stencil. We just watched her fill it in with colors without any explanation. I probably should have said, we get it, we know how to fill in colors.
Yes, the in between chit chat felt like a commercial for Altenew. 😀 I know they're there to sell their products but we wouldn't have signed up if we didn't like their products. Show us how to use them, lol, and that would entice me to buy more.
As a side note, Bridget's class was good too. My watercoloring looked like a hot mess at first, used too much water, but looks pretty good today. I'm going to try this technique again!
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on May 14, 2023 13:50:39 GMT
I am looking very forward to Bridget's class, whenever I get to watch it!
I was tempted to jump in and try the stencil with fewer colors following the little of Jennifer's instructions I watched and the PDF, but on your advice, I'll set it aside and wait for the recordings.
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Post by cmpeter on May 14, 2023 15:50:58 GMT
The pre-class intro video on the stencil was very helpful. I’ve used a lot of layered stencils and still picked up a couple new tips. Do watch that one!
I haven’t watched any of the other pre-class videos.
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on May 14, 2023 17:05:39 GMT
I watched both of the product intro videos, but I watched them at my mom's where I stayed for a week (Wed 5/3 to Wed 5/10), so I didn't have the products with me. Being away like that hurt me at least as much as the running around I had to do yesterday, I think. I do get up early, so I was trimming paper and die cutting homework for the classes I planned to catch live. Didn't think to test out the stamp or anything like that, which I expect I might have thought to do had I watched the videos in the craft room with the box at my side. I did run a stamp-conditioning eraser over it before stamping with the versa mark for Carissa's class, but it didn't stamp completely. Spent some time with it and some basic black ink this morning -- it's a tricky one!
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 6, 2023 17:34:35 GMT
A bunch of us were going to miss some or all of this live...how's everyone doing now that the recordings are up?
I have to confess I haven't gone back and revisited it at all....
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 11, 2023 11:43:45 GMT
Finally went back and started watching Jennifer's class. Her instructions and tips were great. Unfortunately, I got to the end of the blending before I noticed that it was supposed to be on heavy weight card stock. I guess I was thinking that the plain white die cut was going to be glued to the back of the blended one, but that's not the case. I may use this one for another card of some sort and start again with 110 lb.
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Post by craftmepink on Jun 12, 2023 19:06:56 GMT
I did finally finish Carissa's class. I really need to figure out how to post pictures because it turned out nice. Hope you can use the stencil for something else Shakti! That stencil is very involved and takes forever to color in. I've been using a lot of the inks that we got from the class though. They did a great job selecting the colors since I'm using them all the time now. |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 19, 2023 10:13:10 GMT
Plan to watch Bridget Casey’s watercolor class this morning.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,955
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Jun 19, 2023 14:31:59 GMT
I did finally finish Carissa's class. I really need to figure out how to post pictures because it turned out nice. Hope you can use the stencil for something else Shakti! That stencil is very involved and takes forever to color in. I've been using a lot of the inks that we got from the class though. They did a great job selecting the colors since I'm using them all the time now. had a really good post about using postimages ,but can't find it. This is how I do it on my phone. Take pictures Than I go to postimages.org/Upload the picture I want Than choose hotlink for forum Paste link in my post We really want to see pictures of the cards 😊 |
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 19, 2023 15:05:31 GMT
Tapping out after stencil 2. This is not unexpected. I love my watercolor pencils because I've never really been comfortable with brushes. Using a water brush to activate color I've laid down with a (IMO) much easier to control solid point feels better to me.
Also, none of the other instructors are quite as deliberate about pointing out the nuances of placing and aligning the stencil layers. At least I don't think so -- I'm having some issues this morning stopping and starting the replay without it bouncing around a little.
Not sure whether to start over on the other side of the paper or move on to something else.
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 23, 2023 11:16:11 GMT
Popping back (although I suspect you're all very sick of hearing from me) to say I have some ideas for how to tackle the watercolor project better. Had I watched more of the video and realized we were only going to use one color blend at a time, I would have worked on my glass mat and used an acrylic block as a palette, for instance.
But on the whole, for me, this retreat was not a good choice. Purely my own fault. I signed up knowing there was a giant layering stencil, but prior to working with the Altenew one at C&CD. It does seem that they're really leaning into the coloring stencil layering sets, which I suppose makes sense, given that I've learned here that I enjoy coloring more and ink blending less that the average bear (or pea).
I will probably take a bit of a step back from Altenew in general although I still love their look.
EtA: On the other hand, I truly, madly adore the Streamlined set, so maybe worth it after all?
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Post by MichyM on Jun 23, 2023 21:29:55 GMT
I think that stencil is absolutely gorgeous and I'd have fun playing with it! If you decide you want to give it a new home, LMK.
Have any of you other girls finished the projects, and if so, do you care to share some pictures? Please ;D
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Post by MichyM on Jun 23, 2023 21:32:58 GMT
So, do I understand that Altenew is only going to be doing the full sized inks in rounds now? Overall, I like the idea (haven't actually tried them), but storage seems like it'll be an issue. Do the pads happen to stack well onto one another?
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 23, 2023 22:00:51 GMT
Very well. But I agree that they're weird and a little awkward to store. And it's not that all the current crisp dye inks will eventually be sold in round containers, it's that fresh dye inks will eventually replace all the crisp dye inks. They have committed to keeping the crisp dye reinkers available for the foreseeable future, though it seems inevitable that eventually demand will fall and new stock will cease to be ordered by them.
I will almost certainly re-home either the Secret Garden stencil or the one from C&CD, maybe both (but of course you already have that one). I did get good results on the one I inked with Jennifer McGuire's Altenew class. I'm debating how worthwhile it is to keep at least one or two things that seem like a stretch from my current comfort zone...I might "grow into them." OTOH, if I do get to the point where I want to do more of that sort of thing, there will be more newer products to try at that time, right?
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Jun 24, 2023 10:23:01 GMT
I just realized that there aren’t any finished projects posted here…or did I miss them?
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Shakti
Pearl Clutcher
Troubled, complicated, and constant
Posts: 3,240
Oct 30, 2022 23:42:30 GMT
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Post by Shakti on Aug 22, 2023 9:26:25 GMT
I need to be talked down off the ledge, I think. I have not finished the Secret Garden retreat. I loved the Streamlined art deco style products, though I wasn’t fond of the class projects using them. I had a hard time with the huge floral layering stencils, but I think I was successful with a couple of those classes. Overall, I’m still not entirely sure whether or not I’m glad I registered. But I am now building up a big old case of FOMO over their upcoming Cozy Comfort holiday retreat. There are birds! The sneak peeks aren’t extensive, but I don’t see anything I dislike and much I really like. Did I mention birds?! And my younger kid will be at college and I just learned my DH has some weekend-long event, so it’ll be just me and the pets unlike last time. But I have just missed the early bird discount and it will be yet more stuff. But exclusive stuff…. link |
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) But at least with C9, they are having their classes come with no inks for a lower price. Or maybe I just give away my extra inks from classes to friends or something. 
