"Ice" Stickles

 
Today's blog post comes courtesy of Lisa, Ranger's web/graphic designer!

Hi everyone!

I've been working for Ranger Industries since November 2009, but prior to my hire, I'd never heard of the company or of any of their product lines before!  I know, I know... I'm sure all of you have your jaws dropped right now!  But it's true. (Don't worry though, I'm learning quickly! :-)

I fancied myself quite a crafter before coming to work for Ranger.  I came from an invitation designing background and my entire wedding was full of DIY-projects running the gamut from screenprinted cocktail napkins to a 75-foot-long hand painted aisle runner. 

But once I came to Ranger, I realized that I was definitely a crafting novice.  I'd never used an ink pad before, let alone a stamp, or embossing powder, or glitter glue. And since I wasn't in-tune with that whole side of the crafting world, I'd never noticed Ranger's products in my local craft stores and art supply shops.

A month after my hire, my husband and I took a long-weekend trip to Reykjavík, Iceland.  While wandering down the main shopping street in the city, Laugavegur, we happened upon an adorable little art supply store. And guess what I found there?

 

Stickles!  (And our bubble gum scented Stamp Cleaner too!)  I was highly amused that my first encounter with Ranger products outside of the office happened over 2,600 miles from home, in the northernmost capitol city in the world!

(Incidentally, the post-it on the shelf says that the price for "Stickles Límglimmer" was 695 Icelandic krona at the time, roughly $5.77.)

And ever since, I've been noticing Ranger products everywhere!  It makes me wonder how I managed to miss them in my local shops in the past ;-)

How did you first become aware of Ranger products?  What was the first Ranger product you used? Let us know in the comments!

Comments

[Nathalie]

Stickles. I just love stickles. I put it on practically everthing that I create. :)

[Linda van Vliet]

I can hardly remember my first awareness of Ranger products. The distress inks have always been present and I gradually added other products. Alcohol inks, Stickles, cleaner, glues, embossing inks. I think my friend Christa showed me the distress colors for the first time, years ago, and got me started on stamping with the best products from the beginning :)

[Cheri Piles]

My first encounter was with Stickles too. My MIL has just about every shade under the sun and finally I had to see what drove her to own so many colors. I was hooked at first drop, so sparkly!

[Cina99]

Stickles :)
Love the stuff, have aboout 38 bottles of Stickles (yes I know there must be 2-3 of every fave color ;)

[Lady_Libellule]

Embossing powder... UTEE, that was the first product I bought. I like all Ranger's products.

[Anita A]

Ok, I was introduced to Ranger by my friend Marti. The first product was Stickles which lead to a love of all Ranger products.

[Elaine Allen]

I think my first encounter with Ranger Products was the Adirondack and Archival Inks. And then I purchased one of the first Heat It Tool that was produced years ago. That tool is one of my staples. So much so that when Ranger put out the new one, I purchased it, just in case - LOL! Although there is nothing wrong with my old Heat It tool. Still as wonderful as the first day I bought it years ago.

Elaine Allen

[Sue W]

My first encounter was also with Stickles. And I've never looked back! I'd say Ranger is the number one product line in the supplies I own.

[Lisa S]

Funny enough, my first encounter with Ranger was watching the Carol Duvall show, tuning in to see Tim Holtz' show the stamping technique for making 30 Christmas Cards at once. I was determined to try stamping then. The Bubble Gum scented stamp cleaner was the first thing I tried, that I can remember. I still use it. But now I buy soooo much more than that. When I teach classes Ranger products sell themselves. I even got our local scrapbook store to move heavily in that direction with Ranger, Tim Holtz, Claudine, and more. Before we moved here I didn't think they had enough. Now...they have a room dedicated to Tim Holtz & other Ranger talents. That's the power of word of mouth...and of course, some artistic inspiration to match! Ya'll done good!

[Candy]

I think I was exposed to the products at a Creating Keepsakes Convention, where you receive products in some of the classes you sign up for. Then, I started following blogs, chat rooms, etc. and started seeing products showing up at Michaels. I started trying a few, like the Stickles and a few others. I'm still learning how to use some of the products! Keep up the good work!

[Sandy]

I had been searching my library's virtual catalog for polymer clay technique videos and came across "The Journey Continues." It looked interesting, so I ordered it.

Needless to say, when it arrived I was blown away by Tim's techniques. It was then that I started seeking out and buying up all the Ranger products I could find. I don't plan to stop any time soon!

[Anne Temple]

Distress inks was what I used first and they are still my "go to" ink pads.

[Dee]

I think it was a tie between the embossing powder and the distress ink pads. I use all of your products, but seem to be more attracted to the Tim Holtz endorsed products most. I think it's because he shows us so many creative ways to use them. Thanks to Ranger and to Tim, I am a crafter and have been for a long, long time and enjoy using their products a lot.

[Cristina]

I found your products from seeing projects in the galleries using them and from Tim Holtz's blog. I soon realized I had to try them out. :) The first Ranger product I bought was a vintage photo distress ink pad. And let's just say I didn't stop there. :)

[Lisa W]

My first product was embossing powder. My then future scrappin' posse was trying to show me cool stuff about scrapbooking so I would give it a whirl. Well...3 years later, I'm a true addict!

[Heather]

I am a recent addict! I was working on a stamping project and had several brands but when I tried the Distress inks - well - it was like opening Pandora's Box! They are so much brighter and intense. In little more than a month I've purchased just about every Ranger product in my local craft stores. Love it!

[Jan Hoefler]

I started stamping about 18 years ago. At that time, clear, black, silver & gold embossing powders, clear embossing ink, and black in were what was available. Ranger continues to be my main 'go to' products, and WOW has the line grown!

[Pat Hayrynen]

My introduction to Ranger was The Carol Duvall Show. I was enthralled with Tim Holtz's projects and began to check out all the Ranger products.

[Kathy Eddy]

That is too funny! I spotted Ranger products very soon after I caught the "bug". I bought ALL of the distress pads immediately and Stickles were a very early purchase also. Once I discovered alcohol inks, omg, there was just no stopping me!

[Toni]

Stickles would have to be my first Ranger product. I love bling/glitter but hate the way loose glitter gets everywhere so stickles gives me the look I want without the mess LOL

The Distress ink pads were probably a very close second.

Toni :o)

[Kelly Massman]

Distress inks were my first!
I have enjoyed the stickles recently! Thanks!

[Vibeke Randa]

The first ranger product i used was stickles. I didn't know that it was a ranger product but my friend told me so... And just before that i haved said that i haven't any ranger products.

[Dorothy]

My first encounter with Ranger was the Distress ink pads! I love those things!! You can do so much with them.
I first came upon stickles when I was making my Christmas cards one year. I think about 2 years ago.
The give the coolest effect and really dress things up!
I love Ranger!!!

[sue Tucker]

My first encounter with Ranger was discovering Tim and Distressed Inks on a you Tube feed and the rest they say is history. Just wish I lived in the USA so I could my hands on them first!

[Linda H]

Hmmmm, I think my first was an Old Paper Distress Ink pad. Since my first venture with Distress Ink, I have come along way. In fact, I think my studio has more Ranger products than any other brand and THAT is saying something!lol There are still quite a few products that I am missing like UTEE but I WILL get around to trying one of these days.

Have a wonderful weekend!