Friday, February 27, 2015

Latte Freshly Made Sketch

I recently purchased a new-to-me Cricut cartridge called "Love You a Latte".  I was thinking on what to make first when I seen a challenge on Freshly Made Sketches, sketch 175.  I grabbed the little booklet to this cartridge and the coffee started to kick in.


I dug out my coffee themed stamp sets, "Sending A Latte" and "The Morning Buzz" by Red Rubber Designs to stamp the beans and phrase.  I used some of my brown scraps and a card is made!


Unfortunately this close up is a bit washed out from my lighting but I wanted to show you a bit closer look at the label.  I really wanted a phrase here but the beans did just fine.

Hope on over to Freshly Made Sketches and check out the MANY cards submitted for this challenge! (I really should be making some Christmas cards but I just had to play with this cartridge!)  And don't be shocked that this is my second post today.  I have the day off and wanted to play!

A Journey Challenge

I have so been enjoying the challenges on a private group on Face Book through Fun Stampers Journey.  This week's challenge was to make a  card that fits a 4 1/8" x 9 1/2" envelope.  I got out my white and black card stocks along with the Feb. special from FSJ of 12" x 12" black/white double sided papers, oval dies, and a couple of stamp sets and I was off and running.


I love the elegance of black and white cards and I love how this card turned out.  And it took less than 1/2 hour from conception to completion!  I used the "Damask Print" stamp which is $7.95 and a phrase from the "Sentimental Prints" set (10 stamps for $19.95).


I wanted to show a close up of the Oval dies.  I put 2 together, the actual oval cut and the dotted edged. This combination works well with the dotted paper.


I raised the banner with double foam.  I had to double score the ends of the banner to make this work.  I guess I need to stamp the envelope with the Damask Print to finish the card.

If you are interested on joining me on my "Journey" please click through the link at the top of my sidebar.  We are nearing 500 coaches!!  I joined Jan. 1 and am coach # 375 so we are growing by leaps and bounds! As a coach you get product at a discount and can set your own hours as a home-based business!   Oops, I'm becoming an infomercial again.  Well, I'm just so darned thrilled to be with this company!

FSJ is just a couple coaches away from 500!  At that point the starter kit goes up to $199.99. If you are interested on joining you need to do so NOW!  

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Vellum, Flowers, and Desks

Mike, Mike, know what day it is???  I doubt I'll get that insurance commercial out of my mind for a LONG time.  But today is not for camels or insurance.  Today is the fun day that you get the opportunity to visit crafters' desks all over the world!  And the whole tour is brought together by Julia at the Stamping Ground.  She's the head desker and I've made a few friends because of her.  If you are new to this please click on the WOYWW (What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday) logo in the sidebar and learn more.  So, are you ready?


I just finished assembling the card on my pad of scrap paper.  The text stamp is still on the block on my cleaning rag and the set its from is to the left. My paper trimmers are far left in front of my red Cricut and my ATG gun is on the right.  I made this card to answer a challenge on a private FB group and I love how it turned out.  The card will post Friday along with some close ups and product info.

I had a few minutes the other day and, while straightening my desk, I came across some vellum.  It reminded me of a card I pinned on Pinterest and I grabbed some stamps.


I originally had no intention of adding the sequins but after my text stamp left a line (the stamp has since been trimmed better) I had to do something.  Good thing the sequins coordinate!  I also realized I had another problem.  I forgot to do something....


I forgot to swipe my vellum with my static pad before stamping with VersaMark ink.  Yep, lots of little bits of my embossing powder stuck where I didn't want it.  I tried to use an old paintbrush to get rid of them but, that just didn't work good at all.  Oh well.  I will have to try this again.  All stamps are from Fun Stampers Journey.  The stamped images were colored with Copics on the back.  This card can be used for quite a few purposes, from get well to sympathy to birthday.  Just depends on what you stamp inside.

Ok, you've gotten to the end of my post.  Please pop over to the Stamping Ground and continue the tour! I've been working on getting our tax info together to send off to our oldest son, a C.P.A.  Got a few days worth of work ahead of me....

Monday, February 23, 2015

Hearts and Stars

I made a couple more cards this past week using FSJ products.  I think they both can be used for different occasions, just depends on what you stamp inside.


I used the Heart-Felt die set to make the 3 hearts.  I love how the smaller ones have a smaller "layer"  like the approx. 1/8" here.  The text came from the "Ampersand Notes" stamp set.  I added the 3 pink sequins from the Journey Sequins "Pink World" jar, used various scraps of stash paper and a card it born.


Here you can see the sizes of the dies. This card could be used for a birthday, anniversary, or Valentine.


I cut the text stamp to make 2 stamps.  It and the stars are from the "Star Bright" set which will be available in a couple months since it was the set we got in the January KOTM.  The black/white paper is from this month's special - a freebie with a $50 net order.


I used the Journey Glaze on all 3 stars and sprinkled with the "Sparkle Dust" glitter.  This would make a great birthday card!!

Friday, February 20, 2015

Fun Stampers Journey Sketch Challenge 1

Now that I'm an independent "coach" for Fun Stampers Journey (learn more by clicking on the logo in the sidebar) I need to take part in the challenges.  My upline came up with the following sketch for her downline to do.  You can see other links to this challenge on the Creative Blooms blog.


I did make a card the other day (and it will post Monday) that is very similar but I made the banner incorrectly.  Here's a "corrected" card. 


I also used an old (August 2007 newsletter) Technique Junkies technique as I need to send this to my monthly 1 - 1 swap partner.  The technique is called "Stippled Frames."  I used FSJ's Oatmeal and Hazelnut card stocks and Oatmeal ink.


I had to dig for my stipple brush but I do like how this turned out.  The seagull and text are from the FSJ stamp set called "Nautical View" and I used the Journey Ovals to make the stipple area.  The brown ovals have the Journey Glaze and glitter on them.  They are NOT from the ovals die set as there wasn't the sizes I wanted to use. Bummer.  I used another set of tools to get the sizes I liked. They're still a bit larger than I wanted but my options were limited.  Don't forget to pop over to Creative Blooms!




A Couple More KOTM Cards

I finished the last 2 (of the 4) cards from the Kit Of The Month by Fun Stampers Journey.  I made some changes as I didn't have the Rectangle Die set or Bubblegum ink.


The pink hearts were included in the kit.  The kit showed using a dotted rectangle die to add dot piercing to the panel with the stars but I couldn't.  I think the card looks just fine anyway.  I also used my Bow Easy to make a nice bow.  And I used my Clear Stardust Gel pen instead of the Journey Glaze on the skirt.


  


Everything needed was included in this kit. But I used my Clear Stardust gel pen instead of the Journey Glaze and Sparkle Dust.


I do have the Glaze and glitter but like the easier use of my pen.  Effect is very similar.  I love the stamps as our 2 youngest granddaughters have been taking dance lessons since they could walk!  They're not doing ballet at this time but know many of the moves and use them in their current classes. We did get to watch them do class and rehearsals while we were visiting a couple weeks ago.

I have added quite a few more stamps to my sale page.  To see them just click on the "Stamps For Sale" button up above.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

You & Me and a Desk

Another hump day.  Yep.  And now I'm thinking of that commercial with the 2 camels in the zoo.  Funny how a phrase can bring to mind a picture of something silly.  Anyway, today is deskers day.  My desk has been busy this week as I made Valentines and more.  And if you have not heard of What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday, please click on the WOYWW logo on my sidebar when you finish this post.  This is all brought together by Julia at the Stamping Ground.  She has done an amazing thing bringing crafters from all over the globe together!  But now my desk....


I did tidy my desk after the Valentines so that I could start over.  I nave a card in progress now and you can see the stamps sitting on some card stock between the paper trimmers and "blue" work area which is my Scor-Pal on a craft mat.  On the mat is the card and a scrap of paper with 3 stars stamped waiting to be cut out along with an ink pad.  Far right is my scissors and ATG adhesive tool.  There are oodles of miscellaneous stuff at the top clear across the pictures.  Been quite some time since my desk was fairly tidy while working....

And I also want to show you my Valentine card I gave to hubby. I'm also submitting this card to Red Rubber Designs "So Sentimental" challenge, #207.  I love Pam's stamps and have SO many but I didn't use any on this card....


I purchased the heart dies from Fun Stampers Journey to make this.  Also the script background stamp and text stamps, glitter and glaze are from FSJ.


I added glaze to the & and loaded with black glitter.  A few pink sequins, a bit of sponging and the card is complete.  I like how this turned out and hubby was impressed.  Yeah, he should be.  Anyway, now you are at the end of my post and I would love to hear from you about my desk or card.  THEN, please click over to the Stamping Ground and check out the many others who take part in the blog tour.  I enjoy peeking at the desks and I really enjoy the projects I get to see.  Hope you are having a great week so far!

Monday, February 16, 2015

A Couple KOTM Cards

My February KOTM (Kit of the Month) from Fun Stampers Journey was waiting for me when we got home last Monday.  I finally got some time last Friday to make a couple of the cards.  I didn't change them any as everything I needed was included in the kits but the glaze, glitter, coloring medium, and adhesives.


Actually I forgot a piece of card stock on this card but it isn't noticeable.  I colored the little girls hair and tutu with Copic markers.


I added Journey Glaze to the tutu and sprinkled White Journey Sparkle Dust (glitter) on it.  I think I should have used about 1/2 of what I did.  I was supposed to use the Glaze on this next card but used some clear Stardust Gel pen instead.


This is just so cute!!  I used my Bow Easy to make the bow as my bows are so ugly.


Here you can see the gel pen effects on the slippers and tutus.  I originally used my clear Wink of Stella brush but it was just too subtle.   I have 2 more cards to make so hope to get them done next week.



Saturday, February 14, 2015

Super Star And A Colorful Thanks

I've really been enjoying the FSJ Kit of the Month products and got to playing around with the January kit stamps.   I used Journey Glaze (same as diamond glaze) on the stars so they're very glassy.


I seen something similar on Pinterest but added the twine and did a bit of black Stardust Gel pen on the text.


Originally I didn't do the twine and black pen and the card was just so blah!  Definitely like this so much better!  But this next card I just love!  Again, I was inspired by a card I pinned.


I used stamps and dies from FSJ but the embossing folder and vellum came from elsewhere as did the white embossing powder I used (I purchased it by the pound a few years ago).


I made this card for the lady at church who drew me as her secret sis.  She gave me a wonderful birthday gift a couple weeks ago, a gorgeous blue infinity scarf and a fabulous journal.   Here's a photo of me wearing it while at a nice dinner with our son and his family at Avila Beach, CA last week.


I hope you are having a great Valentine's Day celebration!  I still have a card to show you, it's my hubby's.  I'll post it hopefully Wednesday.  Today we're heading to Phoenix, AZ to pay for and pick up hubby's newer truck.  It's a tool box on wheels.  And some friends are going with us so I know we'll have a great time.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Fun Stampers Journey February Specials, Etc.

Did you know that with a $50 net order you can receive a FREE pack of black/white paper (not card stock)?  It's valued at $16.99 so it's quite a deal!  And it's double-sided!!  This is only available this month, February.  I will be using some for a couple special Valentines.


Just order through my FSJ link at the top of my sidebar, take a gander at the online catalog, and place your order!  And remember, too, the Kit of the Month!  Click on the button near the top of the site to order yours!  You will be committing to a 6 month purchasing plan but you will get stamps in each kit that won't be available for 3 months, paper and some embellishments, and directions.  Not all items needed will be included (such as the dies or some background stamps) but enjoy switching things up for a unique set of cards!  It's $24.95 plus tax and shipping.  (I just love this Kit as our 2 youngest granddaughters are dancers!)


Also check out the Yummy & Delicious Tour!  These are day workshops where you can play with new product and do some Make 'N Takes!  I'm signed up for the one in Phoenix next month and am blessed to be rooming with my upline.  If you decide to attend please enter my coach number, 375, where asked.


If you are interested in joining my team you can do that from my site!  Just clink on the "Become a Coach" button and fill out the information!  Easy peasy!


This post has become an infomercial!  Oh my!  But I wanted you to know what all is available this month.  This special price for becoming a coach is only available for the first 500 coaches and that number was reached Friday, Feb. 27. But you can still join on the 27th for the original cost.  Effective Saturday, Feb. 28 the price for the starter kit will go to $199.99!

(This post was edited 2/27/15)

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Desks, Butterflies, and Hearts

Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday.  Every morning just as I get up I have to remind myself what day it is so that I can remind myself what is on my agenda that day.  Today, yeah, Workdesk Wednesday!!  A day I've been doing for over a year of showing you my desk in whatever shape it's in at the time!  This is part of an international blog tour of desks put together by head desker Julia at the Stamping Ground.


I was gone all last week so my desk was lonely.  Last night I got in my Fun Stampers Journey order and the Kit of the Month but I only got the products unpacked.  Today I have a class to teach so I have to get my crate ready of the tools I need (Big Shot, dies, stamps, etc) I need so no playing until tomorrow after work.  Such a bummer!!   I WANNA PLAY!

Also today I'll show you a card I recently made for either Valentine's Day or an anniversary, or whatever.  I haven't yet stamped inside so it can go any direction.


I have some heart dies by Sizzix that I used, the mini butterfly is by Elizabeth Crafts Designs, the foliage embossing by Darice, and the text by Fun Stampers Journey.


I'm not real sure about the 4 butterflies in a row.  I was trying to get them to look like they were taking off in flight but maybe they're too much in a line.  But they're adhered down with glue dots so doubtful I can move them without destroying the paper.  Oh well!

Today I have a class to teach on "Spring Loaded Cards".  This card has a spiral or two or three inside that one adheres something to and it seems to float.  I have punched out circles of acetate for my "students" to use.  Should be fun!

Now that you've gotten to the end of my post be sure to click through to the Stamping Ground to get the links to all the other desks.  And, if you are new to this blog tour, please click on the WOYWW logo in my sidebar or Julia's blog tab for more info!



Monday, February 9, 2015

Howdy Cowboy!

As promised Friday I have a cowboy card for you today.  It's even got horseshoes on it!


This fun little guy is from an old TAC set called "Howdy".  There's a bunch of different cowboys in the set and the "Howdy" text.  The embossed strip across the top is a piece of embossed vinyl that I had for a while  I like how it coordinates so nicely.


This little horse shoe is from a die set of western charms. I used the same paper as the tag layer and added dots of Stardust Clear Gel pen to represent the nails.  This was a fun card to make and I'll probably donate it to our church for someone to use.