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Sketchbar Mirror Paper and Artist Fine Pens Review with Coupon Code

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Sketchbar Mirror Paper and Artist Fine Pens Review with Coupon Code

A while ago I shared with you a review of Sketchmarker Brush Pro Markers (click here if you missed it) and now I’m back with a review of the Sketchbar Mirror Paper Pad and Sketchmarker Artist Fine Pens.

The Mirror Paper Pad holds 30 sheets of A4 sized paper, each sheet is perforated for easy removal from the spiral bound pad. The paper is white ultra-smooth and is acid free and bleed proof and is made to work with markers, pencils and felt tip pens. The reason it’s called Mirror Paper is because you can color on both sides if you want because it truly doesn’t bleed, even with alcohol based markers, which are notorious for bleeding through to the back side, coloring on this paper does NOT show on the back! 

I also got a chance to try out the Sketchmarker Artist Fine Pens. I tried set B which has a wide array of 36 colors with a 0.4mm fine tip. The ink is water-based and dries quickly so no need to worry about smudging and smearing or bleed through. If you are an artist these pens are perfect for drawing and sketching but if like me you’re a stamper these pens can work for you too. I tried them on this cat card using the fine tip to color in all the small areas of the kitty cats ears, mouth and nose as well as and her toys and accessories and then traced some color onto the stamped sentiment, these fine points get into areas so much easier than a wider marker can. 

Sketchbar Mirror Paper and Artist Fine Pens Review with Coupon Code

And as for the paper, I stamped, colored and die cut all the images twice on the Mirror Paper and you’ll have to take me word for it that the die cut white pieces are the back sides that have also been stamped and colored and there is no bleed through at all!

Sketchbar Mirror Paper and Artist Fine Pens Review with Coupon Code

I also wanted to try a few other coloring techniques on the Mirror Paper so for this card I stamped and colored the images with colored pencils blended with Gamsol. And since the paper has a slight coating I thought I’d try ink blending and it worked really well, I used Distress Oxide Ink to stencil the moon and regular Distress Ink for the blue night sky. 

Sketchbar Mirror Paper and Artist Fine Pens Review with Coupon Code

If you’ve enjoyed learning about the wonderful new Sketchbar Mirror Paper and the Sketchmarker Artist Fine Pens and want to give them a try on your next stamping project we’ve got a promo code for a 15% discount on the Mirror paper as well as alcohol and watercolor markers for you, use code: craftgossip at Sketchbar

-Heather

 

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How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning (Better Than the Packet!)

If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through cooking taco mince only to realize you’re out of those little seasoning packets—welcome to the club. That’s exactly how I started making my own taco seasoning years ago, and honestly? I’ve never looked back.

I remember rummaging through the pantry one Tuesday night (always taco night at our place), holding up an empty sachet like it might magically refill itself. The kids were already setting the table, the mince was sizzling in the pan, and I had no plan B. So I grabbed my spices, crossed my fingers, and threw something together. And guess what? It was better than the packet.

These days, I keep a jar of this homemade taco mix ready to go. It’s full of real flavour, no weird fillers, and you can tweak it however you like. My daughter likes hers mild, my son wants “spicy but not too spicy,” and I just like knowing exactly what’s going in our dinner. Plus, it smells amazing while it cooks—kind of like you’ve got your life together, even if the laundry’s still sitting unfolded on the couch.

This recipe has become one of those little kitchen wins that makes life feel easier and just a bit more delicious. It’s quick to make, easy to store, and once you try it, I’m pretty sure you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff either.

 Ingredients (makes about 1/3 cup):

  • 2 tbsp chili powder (mild or hot, your call)

  • 1 tbsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for extra heat

 To Use:

Use 2 tablespoons per 500g (1 lb) of ground beef, chicken, lentils, or veggie mince. Add a splash of water while cooking to help it coat evenly.

 Shellie’s Tips:

  • Store in a small jar or repurposed spice tin. Add a label and it makes a cute DIY gift!

  • You can double or triple the batch—perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights.

  • Want it low-sodium? Just skip the salt and season to taste while cooking.

 Why Make It Yourself?

  • No fillers, no anticaking agents—just spice cupboard staples.

  • You control the flavour and spice level.

  • Kids love it, and it’s easy enough for them to mix (great rainy-day pantry activity!).

Here are some more Taco recipes on our blog. 

A Taco Bar Is the Perfect Stress-Free Party Food Solution [Party Ideas]

Breakfast Scramble Soft Tacos

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Bowl