Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Desks and Sunbursts

I would like to say we're having beautiful weather but, alas, not.  For the last 2 days we've had wind and lots of it (enough to make the skirting on our double wide manufactured home keep blowing off in spots) and now clouds with the possibility of rain.  But it's a good day to craft!  But, I won't be doing that either.  I have an appointment for my car to see a mechanic in town.  The rattle is much worse and now there's a vibration.  No, not good vibrations either.  Bummer.  Anyway, today is great in that you can visit desks all over the place (Europe and U.S.) and see some fabulous projects!  And thanks to Julia at the Stamping Ground for putting all this together.


My desk is rather idle right now but I just bought some Color Burst, set 2.  I found my watercolor paper and it's on the far right.  Far left, my paper trimmer and red Cricut and some stamps.  And you can see an orange card that I made Monday.


This is the card you can see.  All products are from Fun Stampers Journey.


I sponged some ink on through a stencil and splatted some Silk (a liquid type of ink, sort of).  This is card 2 as I was playing with an idea that totally went ugly.


I plan on taking this card apart and doing something else.  Just awful.  The text turned out good anyway.

I hope to visit desks tomorrow after work but please head over to the Stamping Ground and start visiting now!  Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy!

Monday, March 28, 2016

Wallpaper and Flowers

Last week I was challenged to make a card using a technique my fellow coach called "wallpaper".  I'm not sure if that's the correct terminology but it sounded good.  We were to make our own background pattern for our card.  I had quick thoughts on this!


I used a variety of stamp sets but only 1 ink color.  I love monochromatic cards and this works great!  I started by spritzing the card base with Watermelon Fusion Splash.


I stamped my Whip Cream card stock with this flower image from the Lead Me set and did 2nd generation stamping with the Ink Splat stamp.  I ran this piece through my crimper 4 different directions twice each.  I then used my creaser to flatten it as much as possible. This really added a linen-like feel and gives a bit of a vintage look.  After mounting the "wallpaper" on Watermelon Fusion card stock I tied the Watermelon Fusion Ribbon around it, I pop dotted it to the card base. I stamped the text from the set Little BIG Greetings, layered it and used the heart element from the Fun Day Elements.  I love how this turned out!

Stamps:
Lead Me
Ink Splat
Little BIG Greetings

Paper:
Watermelon Fusion
Whip Cream

Inks, etc:
Watermelon Fusion Ink
Watermelon Fusion Splash

Other:
Crease Tool
Watermelon Fusion Ribbon (available with the June catalog)
Fun Day Elements
Foam Squares Small (used on little banner)
Foam Squares Med.

This was a fun card to make and was relatively fast for me.  I'll probably give it to a sweet lady at church who is the facilitator of the local Grief Share group.

Friday, March 25, 2016

Easter Treats

Each major holiday I send cards and goodies to our kids and families.  I enjoy making little treats for the 2 youngest granddaughters and oldest great grandson.  This summer I'll be adding goodies for the youngest grandson and great grandson as they'll be a year old by then.  Since the treats are candy I don't feel right about giving that to these 2 youngsters yet but they do get their own cards.  This year I used our Scalloped Pocket Die and assorted papers.


The pocket in the middle is for our great grandson so I made it a bit more masculine.  All papers, other than the base Whip Cream, will be available in the new catalog coming out in June.   I used the new Be Amazing printed paper and Turbo Teal  and Cosmic Grape card stocks.


I had fun making the star cut from the Star-Don die set into a 3-D item.  It took 2 foam dots to keep it dimensional.  The other 2 pockets used the Spring Parade paper and the Favorite Peeps Bundle.

Stamps:
Favorite Peeps Bundle  (so popular that if you order it will ship when back in stock)

Papers:
Whip Cream
Spring Parade
Watermelon Fusion
Citrus Cooler

Other:
Star-Dom Die set  (on sale until March 31st)
Scallop Pocket Die  (on sale until March 31st)

I got all my cards and goodies mailed Monday so hopefully everyone will get their packages by Saturday. 

And I hope you all have a VERY blessed Good Friday and Easter!  Do you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus?  He loves you so much He died for your salvation, a free gift if you accept it.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Desks and The Be Amazing Tour Inspiration Card Swap

 We've had such fabulous weather but, needless to say, my car is still having repairs.  Bummer.  Lots of little things that could have developed into major things.  But I can take a visit at desks all over Europe and the U.S. today!   I hope today to visit all those who visited last week and whoever visits my desk this week.  And this fun desk tour is brought together by Julia at the Stamping Ground.


My desk is rather busy as I work on our "Bloom Box" from FSJ also known as the Kit of the Month.  I'm just done coloring a flamingo and, to the left of it is the card base.  I have my Copic Marker book out since I used it to help me pick the colors I wanted to use.  Under the card base are my stamps and direction book, and the 3 other kits in bags. Far left and right are various tools. 

I have 1 more swap to show you.  I also partook in an Inspiration Card swap.  There were only a few of us but the cards were wonderful!!!




Aren't these gorgeous!!!!

I do save my swap cards in a notebook but if needed...  I'll case one.  I do have an order I need to start on soon and these will help.

Now please head over to the Stamping Ground and start enjoying  visiting.  Who knows, maybe we'll cross paths somewhere....

Monday, March 21, 2016

Easter Cards

This weekend I managed to get some cards made to send to our kids and their families.  Didn't go anywhere as my car wasn't running.  Lots of little things that could become major and a couple almost major things.  Guess when one owns a 2002 car with 231,000+ miles things need fixed.


I made this card using colored card stock, inks, and Silks that will be available in our June catalog, Sour Lemon and Cosmic Grape.  Such BRIGHT neon colors!   It was inspired by a card made by Becky Lemire but with a couple changes so that it wasn't a total case.  I used a few other products, The Light ATS, Journey Glaze, Sparkle Cuts, and Special Celebrations Sequins.


The heart isn't real clear but I used my Star-Dom dies to make the heart.


This card was almost cased of one in our soon-to-expire Bloom This Way mini catalog.  Lots of products make this card.  The button is from my personal stash, not FSJ.


I used a white gel pen to color the eyes before adding Glaze to make the glasses.  You can kinda see they are colored.

Paper:
Bubble Gum
Lemon Drop
Sweet Pear
Whip Cream
Spring Parade

Stamps:
The Light ATS
Favorite Peeps Bundle

Inks:
Black Licorice
Beach Ball

Other:
Bubble Gum Ribbon
Bubble Gum Thread
Journey Glaze
Sparkle Cuts
Special Celebrations sequins

I noticed that some papers are on backorder but if you order they'll be shipped when back in stock.  I have 2 packs of Whip Cream somewhere along with a couple other items backordered.  FSJ has been real good about getting them out when they get product back in.  We grew by about 500 new coaches in January which did cause some of these issues.  And, with the great February and March specials, wow!  

Friday I'll show you the cute little Easter Pockets I made for grandkids.  I love making things for our family and I've been told they enjoy getting my fun projects.

Friday, March 18, 2016

Be Amazing Tour Birthday Card Swap

I have been in a whirlwind of activity since I got home Sunday night from the Fun Stampers Journey "Be Amazing" Tour in Pomona, CA.  I had some difficulty with my car, very slow acceleration so I just followed the trucks up the long hills and took my time getting up to speed when getting on interstates (now fixed).  But the fun and all was fabulous!!  I had wonderful room mates, Eliza and Corrine, whom I met for the first time.  And the food!!  Oh my!  But I have had very little time at my desk so thought you'd enjoy seeing the swap cards I got. Today I'll share the Birthday cards.


I did put the stamper's names under each card as they deserve the credit for the fabulous creations.












I added mine here, too.  Aren't they fabulicious?!  I have them all in my binder to save for inspiration.  Next week I'll share the Inspiration cards so you'all come back now, ya'hear?

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Desks and Awesomeness

It's another glorious day here in the desert southwest of the U.S.! I'm back from the mini conference in Pomona, CA through Fun Stampers Journey. Car had issues but it got us there and back. And today is also the day you get the opportunity to see my desk in whatever shape it happens to be. Yep, today is "What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday!"  This fun view and the view of many other crafters desks is brought together by Julia at the Stamping Ground.  I didn't take part last week as I was having car issues, it was in the shop for 2 days.  But here it is....


I took this pic last night.  I'm still unpacking from my trip plus getting ready for 2 classes today.  From left to right....  far left my red Cricket and directions for my class.  Next are the 4 cards below.  Then my open Craftmate with some tools in it.  Then my scissors, a label from a package, and my ATG gun.   Hopefully my desk will be a bit busier next week as I have 5 Easter cards to get made and in the mail, a couple swap cards done, and some cards ordered for a local Grief Share group.  But I'm still recouping from my trip and still trying to get my car back to 100% (it goes back in the shop Friday).


Also I want to show you 4 cards we made at the conference using new products that cannot be purchased until June when the new catalog comes out.






We played with a "new" technique (I've done similar over the years) using inks on our blocks (top photo, right card and bottom photo, left card).  I have to say my fingers were quite colorful, too.


Today I'm not home much, I have a class to attend on Bible Journaling and am teaching one on the Waterfall Card.  I'll be popping around tomorrow after I get home from work to visit desks and look at projects shared.  Hope you head over to the Stamping Ground and enjoy the "tour"!.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Easter Card and ATC

Prior to leaving for Pomona last week I managed to finish my March ATC swap and an Easter card (actually made 2 of the cards).  I had to mail the ATCs before I left (and I did) and I wanted a card to post for today as I'm sure I won't get all my pics downloaded and edited for today's post.  I had time last week to work on these as my car was in the shop with some potential major problems (caught them before I lost the engine or was stranded on the road somewhere).  So, are you ready?


I have a card pinned that inspired this and I pretty much copied the design but not the colors.  I used a variety of products.


I did a lot of layering but I like to do that.  I think I should have used a different color for the chevron background but I did want bright colors.

Stamps: Journey Blooms BundleHope Rises, and Chevron Trail

Papers: Grape Fusion, Whip Cream, Bubble Gum, and Sweet Pear


Inks: Sweet Berry, Sweet Pear, Pool Play, Grape Fusion, Bubble Gum, Kiwi Slice, Black Licorice, Citrus Cooler and  Bubble Gum Silks

Rainbow Drops rhinestones

And now for my ATC....


I realized after I finished this that it has the same design/layout as last month's!  What a hoot!



I got a bit lazy in coloring so I used a set from the Decorative theme in our catalog.  But I did use a green Copic marker for the stems.

Stamps: Hope Rises and Brush Strokes

Paper: Sweet Pear, Lemon Grass, and Whip Cream

Dies: Border Details

Inks: Citrus Cooler, Oatmeal Cookie, Black Licorice, and Citrus Cooler Silk

Cut Rhinestones

I even managed to get a couple challenge cards completed last week but you'll have to come back for those.  Who knows when I'll get them posted but I'll have oodles to show you!

Friday, March 11, 2016

Sunburst Birthday Cake

I can finally show you this card since the swap for it is done.  I'm in Pomona, CA for the FSJ "Be Amazing" tour.  Our requirements was to use at least 3 layers and 1 embellishment.  Oh, I definitely made those requirements!


I love this technique and found a way to save adhesive while making it.  I used Lemon Drop for the base of the sunburst and applied my sticky tape to all 4 sides and twice through the center. The strips are from the Yummy Prints paper pack, as is the cupcake print, which is so cheerful!  I love the new Border Basics die set and I think it really pops though the center of the card front.  I die cut the ovals with the piercing elements to pop up the cake.


The cake was stamped on Whip Cream and die cut with its coordinating Party Cake die (I have the Bundle).  After coloring with Copic markers I added some Journey Glaze to the frosting (I did 8 with blue frosting and pink plate and 7 with pink frosting and blue plate) I sprinkled Sparkle Cuts to make it, well, yeah, sparkle!   Stamped the phase, layered as shown and a few sequins... Yep, it's done!  My Journey Platinum got quite a work out with all this die cutting! I will probably have to replace the cutting plates in a few month as my Journey Grand is now sitting on the shelf.  The fun card front is mounted on a Whip Cream folded card base.

Paper:
Lemon Drop
Beach Breeze
Whip Cream
*Lemon Grass
Yummy Prints

Stamps & Dies:
Yummy Party Bundle
Little Big Greetings stamp set
Border Basics die set
*Journey Ovals die set

Embellishments, Ink, & Tools:
Journey Glaze
Journey Sequins Special Celebrations
Journey Sparkle Cuts
Black Licorice ink
Journey Platinum
Foam Squares
White Liner tape

* on sale this month

I will have oodles of pics to share when I get home. Tomorrow we will be stamping and watching Richard Garay and the Journey Crew do demos and even buying lots of new stuff from the new catty (coming out in June and the new Summer Mini coming out April 1, no foolin').

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

A Set of ATCs

Last week I got my Feb. ATC swap cards back and they are, as usual, GREAT!  I know my post is short but I'm getting ready to head out tomorrow for Pomona, CA for the FSJ "Be Amazing" Tour.  Today I'm taking a class at church on how to sell on EBay and Craigs List.  I still need to pack!


There's no way my photo does justice to the glimmer, shimmer, and shine on so many of these!  But I can tell you who made them:

Sherri Patton - Terri Ott - Becky Prusse
Rachel Erickson - Diane Short - Danielle West
Nikki Leman - Amber M (couldn't read her last name clearly) - Kathy Tippin

I so love the variety!  And I just ordered the set used to make the top center card.  It's from the Bloom This Way Mini Catalog (expires the end of this month) as is the chickie in the egg. Don't know yet if these fun sets will be in the main catalog that comes out in June.

Next week I'll be sharing pics of the Tour.  We'll be making 4 cards, I think, plus some demos and fun new product to purchase! 

And don't forget to check out the specials this month on my FSJ Specials page! 

Monday, March 7, 2016

An Inspirational Swap Card

I'm finally finished my 2nd set of swap cards for my trip this week.  The theme was Inspirational and the host was wanting ideas using the Hello Amazing stamp set so I did.


The requirement was a minimum of 3 layers...  I have 9.  Had to use a die.... I used 2.  And needed an embellishment.... well, I have 1.


I used a Copic marker that almost matched the Lemon Grass color.

Stamps:
Hello Amazing

Paper:
Lemon Drop
Rock Candy
Buttercream
Lemon Grass (on sale this month)

Dies:
Journey Ovals  (on sale this month)
Border Details

Ink:
Rock Candy

Embellishments:
Special Celebrations Sequins

It took me quite some time to pull this design together.  I knew what I wanted for the base card but what dies and stamps from the set was a challenge.  I think it turned out pretty good.  What do you think?

Friday, March 4, 2016

Missing You Butterfly

Here's the final of the 4 cards from the February Bloom Box.


I love how we were instructed to use our re-inker ink and the lid to the re-inker to make the background!  I think you could do this with you ink pad and a lid from something in your stock.  I pretty much followed the directions on this card.


I brushed on the Journey Glaze to the butterfly so it barely has a shine and I lightly curled the wings before sticking it into the Photo Pin.  Such a simple card yet so elegant with the Thread and Ribbon!

Paper:
Sweet Berry
Whip Cream
Basics Black/White Paper Pack

Ink, Re-inker, and Silk:
Black Licorice
Sweet Berry re-inker
Cranberry Bliss Silk

Accessories:
Black Licorice Ribbon
Black Licorice Thread
Photo Pin Elements
Journey Glaze

Now I'm just waiting for my March Bloom Box!!  And next week I'll be heading to Pomona, CA for the Be Amazing Tour!  I'll get my hands on product that will be in the new June catalog and have some fun pics to share.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Desks & Pendants

I'm in my countdown for my fun trip in a week and trying to finish getting tax stuff done, swaps finished, and who knows what.  This month is one of my busiest in a long time!  But today I am taking some time to show you my desk and a fast project.  The visit to my desk is part of an international blog hop put together by Julia at the Stamping Ground.  This is week 352 so you know it's been going on for a LONG time and I think many still involved have been doing this from the beginning.  I've been joining in since about, oh, maybe week 180 or so.  I would have to look back and I'm just not going to do that now.  So, my desk.....


It's rather busy.  I'm trying to finish my 2nd set of swap cards for the 11th and I feel like I hit a brick wall.  I have the bases done and know what stamps I need to use, it's just working them for the best layout.  I should have them done later today.  So, far left, paper, stamps in their envelopes and card bases.  Center on the Scor-Mat are the stamps, an oval die, and it seems that's working the best.  Far right is my scrap paper and scissors.  Yep, getting there.

I do have a gorgeous locket from Fun Stampers Journey that I have started decorating for the seasons.  Since spring is in the air I used some of our pattern paper, colored rhinestones, and a little word from one of our sets.


Seems weird how dark it is.  I lightened the photo on Photo Shop and it looked great there but here.  Hmmm..... 

Ok, now you've finished my post and please head over to the Stamping Ground and start visiting all the links to desks.  You'll find many great projects and great ladies!  (and a GUY this week!)  I'm not sure I'll be joining in next Wednesday as I have a class put on by a gal at church about how to EBay and Craigslist and make money.  And Thursday I'm on my way to California!  But for sure I'll be back on the 16th.  I also have a class I'm taking that day and a class I'm teaching that day.  Ugh.