Rejoice and See!!

 Belated Merry Christmas, Sweet Friends!!  Some of you are busy cleaning up from the holiday festivities...or maybe continuing to celebrate?!  I've picked up the fall out in my living room and now, I'm doing a little hard drive tidying up!

Today, I'm sharing some goodies I've created using Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps over the last little while.  While creating is my therapy, sometimes, blogging feels like a burden.  Too tired and talked out to think of ways to talk about what I've created. 

The above, Rejoice card, was my parent's Christmas card.  I did send this one, but few others.  I need to work on that---a card maker who doesn't send cards????  Stamps for the Rejoice card:  Celebrate The Savior.

 Faith Quote Blocks, Scribble Flowers

 Truth Quotes, Scribble Flowers

Faith Quote Blocks, Truth Quotes, My Friend

That is all.  Be Blessed.  Be Awesome.

Jane

Without Ceasing....

Pray.  Without ceasing.  That little whisper that flows between you and He.  Sometimes, it's pretty overt---like when you're driving on black ice watching cars spin out and collide in front of your very eyes...other times, its a wordless thought, a murmur for patience, a plea for the right words...you know what I mean. 

I had wanted to journal the birth of Christ for this week, but have been struggling with this page for awhile and when it finally started to come together, I just had to go with it.  The struggle came from the fact that the florals from Scribble Flowers bled through on the opposite page, from this layout:

That's a lot of color on an unprepped page!! We live and learn....but I had no idea what to do about the bleed through.  I took a gamble and covered the bulk of the page with gesso, highlighting  verses 9 and 10 (Colossians 1): 

"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of he Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Afterward, I wasn't sure how to finish the page--the gesso had given the page a different texture....I wish you could see what I feel!  I used a variety of stamps from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps to complete both of these layouts.  To start, I stamped images from Scribble Flowers and New Creature and then used my finger to apply distress inks.  It definitely gave the page a different look. I really like it--it also helped to camouflage some of the floral images from the other side that can still be faintly seen. I finished the entire layout using Shake It Off Caps and Message of Hope.

Pray.  Without ceasing.
Let's do that....Be Awesome, Jane

The Little Things and Watercolor....

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So, I'm not really feeling the holly and jingle bells at the moment.  I've got too many cute creatures hanging out around my crafty table from I Brake For Stamps.  Carmen Medlin designed the images I am featuring today--so much cuteness, I wish I had them all!  You can see all of Carmen's designs HERE.

My first card features Me and My Lil Buddy set.  Great image, great sentiment!  And, fun to color too!  I'm still in my water color phase--with cute images like these, simple cards and some coloring are all it really takes!

I like to surround my images with an easy water color wash to finish things off.  It helps to ground the image, just like in this card using the Loves Me set.  The sentiment is cute, I think and makes a perfect Valentine card or "just because" little love note.

Cute stamps always make a great gift!!  You can stock up for the crafty folks on your list and save too!  Use my coupon code SAVE10JANE when you stop in at the I Brake For Stamps store!!

Get Inky and Be Awesome, Jane

Celebrate You....

Right up front, I want to apologize for this photo.  I've really been struggling with my lighting lately, but I didn't want to try to reshoot because I am just SO excited about the new alphabet stamps from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps! Did I mention there's an ALPHABET special right now until the December 15th!!?  Check it out, you won't be sorry!

Also a struggle for me, cards for boys--am I right?  I always think mine are too fru fru (yes, a very acceptable technical term....) My brother's birthday happens this month (maybe, it's even today!!!)  I wanted to make his birthday card unique by combining some favorite colors and using the new Shake It Off Caps alphabet set.

I started by custom creating a stamp pad using felt and a few reinkers.  I brought out my highly hoarded and protected Cool Caribbean and Kiwi Kiss reinkers.  These are two of my all time favorite Stampin' Up! colors, long retired...but still alive in the Studio!  I even have the card stock to match!!

After stamping the "YOU", I added the rest of the sentiment using Keep In Touch, Too and a heart embellishment using Bottom of My Heart and matching dies (retired).  And, I even got out my little Janome sewing machine for a little extra touch.

I love it!  TTFN, Jane

Great Hearts....

"Great hearts can only be made by great troubles."  So says Charles Spurgeon.  Everyone has a story that includes hardship.  When we can use our troubles to then serve and connect to others, there's value in the struggle.

I love the main image from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps' My Friend set. It's a great picture of our ever present help in all things--especially our troubles!

I don't even know what I would call the technique I used to create the card panel--it was something I saw else where on the great inter-web :)

After stamping the main image, I used several different distress ink spots to lay down color.  Working quickly, I then spritzed the panel with a light mist of water until the colors began to flow.  It probably works best with images that don't specific color areas--like hair or flesh, but nevertheless, I like how it turned out.

I added the sentiment from Faith Quote Blocks, also from Sweet 'N Sassy stamps and then, a few star shaped sequins.

Be awesome, value your struggle.....
ttfn, Jane

Bear Squares

Happy Monday!  It's really beginning to look like Christmas around here--a few inches of snow will do that, right?  The colder temperatures and snow always make me think of this gorgeous image from I Brake For Stamps, Bear Square.  I was inexplicably drawn to this image several years ago and still try to find new ways to ink him up year after year!  This time, I created a simple shaker card to feature that great face!!

I've used a simple black and white color scheme accented with some grey and cherry red.  The stamping was simple, just black ink on white card stock.  Using a square die, I cut the right sized window in a piece of grey card stock.  I also added some embossed snow swirls and flakes with an embossing folder.  Some acetate, dimensional tape, glitter and sequins--whalla!!  A shaker!

I accented the card with some red and brown twine and a few tiny jingle bells--easy peasey and so much fun to make and to receive!  If you are wanting to try it out yourself, 'tis the season, as they say!  You can save in the I Brake For Stamps store, simply by using my coupon code SAVE10JANE--have at it!

TTFN--Jane

Called By Name...

Today, I am sharing a canvas I made recently.  Quite a while ago I used some stencil paste to add gold stars to a painted canvas.  I'm sure I had an idea when I began, but time passed and so did the idea.  All I was left with was a goofy colored canvas full of stars!

And then, My Friend was released by Sweet N Sassy Stamps.   I am so in love with this image!!  As I continued to create and work on finishing the canvas, it assigned itself to a friend of mine.  I'm not sure if this happens to other people, but it has happened a number of times to me--I just instantly know who the canvas will belong to when I'm finished with it.

The sentiment piece was cutting using the Hillside Edges Die Set (also from Sweet N Sassy Stamps)--all of the sentiment can be found on the My Friend sheet also.   So, when I was done, I wrapped it up and took it to work with me for my friend, Cathy.  She's been called by name, too.  I think art is just like God's Word....beautiful and to be shared.....

What are you sharing?
Be Awesome!  Jane

The Future Is Bright--Jeremiah 29:11

There's just a lot going on in this crazy world of ours.  I choose to spend the majority of my time and energy focused on my small little sphere of influence....in my home, my community, with in the walls of a place I call work. I choose to bypass the news, most of the time.  I've stayed far from the political commentary and societal buzz.  This doesn't mean that I am void of opinion, beliefs or thoughts.  Far from it.  I often choose silence, but not today....so, buckle up.  I'm about to share:

God's Word says:

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."

I get it.  The presidential race-it matters in this earthly realm.  Clearly, it matters to a great deal of people who have seemingly lost all hope in anything else.  There is devastation and divisiveness all over our great land.  When all of your hope and belief is placed into a fallible human being and it doesn't work out? What are you left with? I think we are seeing it first hand.

I didn't like my choices, but neither outcome could have devastated me.  You see, my hope is that which is promised in Jeremiah 29:11.  The King of Kings sits upon the throne--yesterday, today and tomorrow.  My tomorrow is secure.  He has a plan for me.  A plan to prosper me and bring me out of exile and I cannot wait!

Exile, you say?  Exile is defined as "separation from one's country or home."  Yes, indeed, I am in exile.  This is not my home.  This is not where I belong.  

You're not home either.  His plan covers your future too.  He loves you.  Seek Him; He promises to be found.  He's not exclusive or elusive, like some of this world would have you believe.  He waits for you.  No matter what it is, you belong to Him.  He will be found; He will bring you back.

Be Blessed....
Jane

I got crafty with:

See them at Sweet N Sassy Stamps.

Jingle All The Way

Happy Monday!! 

We've had some very unseasonable temperatures here in Wisconsin.  As a result, I'm barely ready for the idea of the holidays and their quick approach.  I tried to get into the spirit this weekend with a little bit of stampy time! 

This cute Jingle Elf from I Brake For Stamps is such a great holiday image!  Don't get me wrong, I sure love me some Santa, but this elf.....so cute!!  The good news is that Rick St. Dennis has a great line of images that include all kinds of fun holiday cuties!  You can check out all the Christmas designs now!

I stamped the image twice so I could add some extra interest and dimension on my finished card.  I created a split panel background with some fun Christmas designer papers from Stampin' Up!  Because I haven't used my Copics in a while, I hauled them out. I love the rich saturation and blendability of copic colors!

Now is the time to save on holiday images and so much more!!  Just use my coupon code SAVE10JANE when you stop over in the I Brake For Stamps Store!

Have a great day!  Be Awesome! 
Jane

Hope...

Happy Monday, Sweet Friends!  I had a chance to spend some creative time in my Bible this weekend and wanted to share with you.

I completely adore the Holy Family image from Sweet 'N Sassy's Receive The Savior stamp set--for so many reasons!  A little more than 18 years ago, my own little family (it was little then!) played the holy family in a church nativity play.  My wee one was just weeks old.  As a new mom, I was so nervous that he would need me during the show or that all the people would be overwhelming to him.  I thought a lot about Mary at that time.....wondering if she also thought similarly---but then, what must her thoughts been knowing she was charged with raising the Son of God?  How overwhelmed SHE must have been.......it's mind boggling!

But, hope did come......today, I'm focused on Matthew's account at the very beginning of the New Testament.  It's a story I've read multiple times, in all the gospels--each with their own set of details.  It never gets old.  It always reminds me.....there IS hope! 

To complete my page, I also used these stamps from Sweet 'N Sassy stamps:  Seek Him, Classy Script Alpha and All Your Heart.

 Where is your hope?

TTFN, Jane

Merry Christmouse!

I'm still working on those Christmas cards!!  I am totally in love with this sweet little mouse set from the Stampin' Up! Holiday catalog, Merry Mice.  Merry Mice, indeed!

These are just a few samples I've been working on:

All pretty simple water color washes designed to feature each cute little image and accompanying sentiment!  Feel free to contact me about getting your own Merry Mice :)

TTFN, Jane

Panda Thanks....

Middle of the week!!!  We made it this far, we can keep on until the end of the week--right?

Even if you've been joining me here for awhile, one thing you may not know about me is that my favorite animal is the panda bear.  In fact, my very first stuffie was a panda I got from my Grandma.....clearly, I loved him fierce:

Naturally, anything Panda continues to catch my eye....especially that facebook video of the Panda snuggling--how great of a job would that be?....And, especially cute Panda stamps like the one, from Unity Stamp Co, I used for my project today called, Birdie and a Bear.  I'm warning you....Unity Stamp Company has some seriously cute Panda images...I'd go ahead and get the whole set, if I were you :)

Just sayin'--

Be Awesome!  Jane

His name is Jesus....

Happy Tuesday, Sweet Friends!  It's not too soon to start working on your Christmas cards!!  I have a sweet and simple share today featuring Scripture Tree from Sweet N Sassy Stamps.

It's a quick little water color and embossed creation that will be easy to mass produce.....although, I rarely do that for my cards.  I know I probably should, but.....I lose interest too fast ;)

After embossing with gold powder and applying a color wash using distress inks, just a few sequins and twine was all that was needed.

She DID bear a son....His name is Jesus ;)  Be Blessed,

Be Awesome, Jane

I got crafty with:

Lion King

Happy Monday!  Not that long ago, my 12 year old daughter, Three (if you are counting),  was part of a middle school production of the Lion King.  We've been doing theatre since Two was in first grade--she's a junior now...that's a lot of shows!!  And, believe me, when I say, I've seen a lot of good youth drama!  Sometimes on the stage and sometimes, right in my own home.....LOL!

The Lion King Jr. production by the DC Everest youth last spring was definitely a memorable show!  I'm still thinking about it...two more productions later!  It's THE reason I was instantly attracted to Lion Face  by I Brake For Stamps.  So many good memories and an amazing image to boot!

I started with a piece of water color paper and some white embossing powder.  After heat embossing the image, I used various distress crayons to lay some color down on the whole piece.  I used every color from the Distress Crayons #2 set (rusty hinge, fossilized amber, peeled paint, seedless preserves and festive berries), creating a diagonal block of color.  Next, I spritz the card stock with water and blended the colors slightly.  I layered more fossilized amber and rusty hinge on the lion face to accentuate it and make it pop. 

Again on the card base, I used the main image to create some texture along the left hand side.   To add to the shabby chic feel of the whole card, I distressed the edges of the black mat and added some sponged black soot to the card base.

Enjoy!!
Be Awesome, Jane

Forgiveness.....

Hello, Sweet Friends!  I have some bible journaling to share today.  I'm working in Colossians 3 and finally had the chance to use my gorgeous Scribble Flowers set from Sweet and Sassy Stamps for the perfect compliment to my reflections on forgiveness.  Didn't someone once say that forgiveness is like a sweet, sweet flower?

I've been thinking a lot about forgiveness lately because I made a gigantic mistake that ended up bringing pain into the life of someone I love beyond measure.  The long and the short of it is--my mistake left my loved one feeling....forgotten, unloved and looked over.

Gosh, but those are feelings I know all too well.  To realize I was the cause of someone else feeling this way, really made me think. 

1.  I did seek forgiveness from the one I had wronged.  I was dismayed that the response didn't match the depth of my sadness over the event.  My apology was not instantly accepted!  I struggled to understand why the truth of my heart wasn't enough to change things.  I imagine this is often how Jesus has felt in reverse.  He is offering all that He is and, yet, so many of His beloved ignore the gift, or fail to understand how precious of a gift it is and simply turn it down remaining comfortable in their anger or grief.

2.  I really had to give some thought to all of the people and situations that had left me feeling forgotten or unloved.  I KNOW my recent situation and the truth is, my mistake had nothing to do with the other person--who I love more than my own life--it had everything to do with my own selfishness, my own weakness.  How often does our own brokenness affect others?  It really made me think with more compassion about those who I've felt had wronged me.  Again, in my selfishness, I've only considered my feelings.  Bearing with one another means, I must consider their story--I don't have to know it to consider that it is powerful; to offer compassion and understanding rather than jumping to the conclusion that "they're so mean, they hurt me......me, me, me!!"

Colossians 3:12-13:  "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you forgive."  Oh, what a world it would be if only we could master this!

I'll keep trying--will you join me?

Be Awesome, Jane

I got crafty with:  Scribble Flowers and Words of Life, Collection 2

 Oh, and PS--don't forget about the matching Scribble Flower dies:

Fall...The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It's true! I love fall.  It's my favorite time of the year.  Crisp, fresh air, crunchy leaves, sweatshirts, football, turkey, squash and big Sunday family dinners!  It's the best!  I couldn't let the season pass without bringing out my favorite I Brake For Stamps leafy image, Fall Foliage.

Single image stamps can sometimes lure us into a slump....I mean, how many times can you color the same picture?  Right?  I wanted to challenge myself to use this image in a new way....step out of the box, so to speak.

I started with a kraft piece of card stock and repeatedly stamped the image, at an angle, across the card stock piece.  I used some scrap paper to insure that the images would not layer on top of each other.  It created an interesting background and is just one more way to use that single image!!

I added some extra texture by double stamping the image and layering the two smaller leaves.  While it's hard to tell in my photo, the leaves, in real life, are popping right off the page!

When you head over to the I Brake For Stamps store, don't forget to take my coupon code with you!   You'll save a few dollars and get yourself a bunch of new goodies!  Feeling inspired yet?

Be inspired, be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

A Little Something Special...

Happy Monday, Sweet Friends!  I've got a sweet little treat to share today that makes me just a little hungry!

After creating a multi water colored background with distress inks, I combined two Sweet N Sassy Stamp Sets--one old, one new, for this fresh fun card.  You'll find that yummy looking cupcake in the Birthday Bash Set--it's such a versatile set and a breeze to create with!

I added a new set from the 2016 Christmas release, Christmas Tag Sentiments.  Another super versatile set, and not just for Christmas, as you can see!

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope to see you again soon!

Be Awesome!  Jane

Mr.....Mr. Bones.....

Happy Monday, Y'all!!!  Are you singing?  I have a little tune stuck in my head now!  I'm happy to finally be back!  After almost a month off, I finally had some time for creativity this past weekend!  I've been itching to play with some new goodies from I Brake For Stamps so, everything came together nicely!

If you've never seen the Book of Life (animated movie), I highly recommend it!  This great image from Carmen Medlin and I Brake For Stamps, Mr. Bones, totally reminds me of the movie and the idea that I should watch it again soon!  You can see a trailer and learn more HERE.

I wanted to feature Mr. Bones in a fun, interactive way, so I decided to create a pop up card.  It's a lot easier than one might think and adds a little extra......

WOW!  See what I mean?

You can get your own Mr. Bones OR both Mr and Mrs plus a whole lot more!  Visit the IBFS store and use my coupon code (SAVE10JANE) for some extra savings!  Have a ball....you deserve it!

Be Awesome!  TTFN, Jane

No One's Watching....

So....let's dance!!  Happy Monday, Friends!  I hope today finds you feeling more like dancing than anything.  Afterall, Mondays are hard--right?

This little cutie, from I Brake For Stamps, is called Monster Mash and is one of the new designs from Carmen Medlin.  The whole line is super cute--you should check them out!  I couldn't keep the smile off my face while coloring this adorable monster!

I created my background by starting with a color wash using some distress inks.  And, then some splatters.  My water colored monster and cut apart sentiment finished things off for a quick, colorful, happy card!  Just the way I like to start my weeks.

May this week find you dancing--Be Awesome,
Jane

Your Beauty...

Beauty....it's a hot button issue.  What is it that makes us beautiful?  To what standard do we hold ourselves--is that the same standard others use?  Too fat, too thin, blond, brown, short, tall etc, etc. Yikes!!

I have three daughters and four plus decades of struggle to have true acceptance of myself and all that makes me who I am.  I mention my daughters in the same sentence because this is a struggle I'd like to minimize for them.  I could say eliminate, but.....well, that's not going to happen and I am a strong believer in the value of the struggle. And, as I ponder, maybe even minimize isn't right either.  Perhaps, my job is to interpret. To guide....to lead......

The struggle has brought/is bringing me wisdom.  I find more beautiful in myself when I reflect on more than what you see.  My spirit is my strength.  It's my inner self that does not fade--in fact, as I age, I think it begins to burn brighter.  I'm no longer confined by the superficial.  No longer held to an impossible standard.  Sometimes, it's a two steps forward, one step back kind of dance, but slowly.....I'm moving forward.

This image set, God's Sight,  from Unity Stamps just speaks to me...speaks to my struggle--I still work on gentle and quiet with myself, with others. (Two steps forward, one step back)  The verse reads:  "Your Beauty should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle & quiet spirit which is of great worth all in God's sight."

 I began by stamping off the girl image first before placing it on the water color paper.  This created a lighter version of the girl and allows the verse to pop in full strength ink.  I water colored the girl, also, making sure to keep the colors muted and soft.  I used my handy little Janome machine to stitch a simple frame around the image.

It is all of great worth in God's sight....embrace the struggle--
Be Awesome--Jane

Brakin' For Flowers...

Happy Monday!  It's time to begin another week and what better way to do it than with flowers?  I know you've seen this image from I Brake For Stamps before.....every once in awhile, I have to pull it out--it's such a gorgeous image, I just can't help it!

The Kerr Jar image can be found in the I Brake For Stamps store.  Don't forget to save a little by using my coupon code while you are there!  (SAVE10JANE)  There are so many wonderful images to choose from, sit back and take your time :)

 To create my card, I started by creating a wash of color on the background piece.  then, I colored and trimmed the Kerr Jar image and popped it up on dimensional tape.  It's a great image for a birthday greeting, thank you note or just an all around "thinking of you" kind of card!

Have a great day!  Jane

Everybody Has A Story.....

Have you ever heard, "Everybody has a story....be kind"?  I try hard to remember this. Sometimes, it's harder than others.  I work in an environment that comes face to face with those stories, yet it feels more like a puzzle to wade through most of the time.  It helps to remind myself that I don't know the whole story.  Not for the kids I serve and definitely not for the parents who are doing what they can.  It's easy to think they aren't doing the best, but I must remember, they are doing their best.....and, sometimes that just sucks.  But, I don't know their story.  I need to remember this so I can remain kind.

For many of us, the story is the storm.  Right?  The junk that defines us?  That molds us, shapes us, changes us.  I've been pondering my storm lately.  Life is hard.  Parents get sick, friends aren't what I thought, I get older, my kids start to leave, the world is full of super bad stuff, politics :), not enough money, not enough time, and on and on.....

But, GOOD NEWS....my pondering really hasn't been on the junk.  When I think about the storm, I'm drawn over and over again to the truth of Christ and the way He carries me; the ways I find Him in the middle of the storm and--strangely, my gratitude for the storm.  I'm forever amazed and grateful that I find Him there.  Have you?  Finding Him doesn't change the storm, it changes you.

I created this canvas to honor and remind.....made it for a couple of folks who know the storm too well, but have also met Him there....for this, I am grateful.

I was anxious to use the brand new Scribble Flower set from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps! The focal sentiment is such a great image and wonderful reminder, Calms His Child, also from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps.  I shared some of the how-to over on the Creative Worship blog.  Feel free to check it out! 

I read every comment you kindly leave for me, so if you have questions, you can comment and I will respond.


If your storm is currently raging, be sure you are not alone!  Pray for calm--He will meet you there!

Be You...Be Awesome,
Jane

Flowers In Bloom

Happy Day, Sweet Friends!  Today, I'm sharing a project from Sweet 'N Sassy stamps!  I find that I either have time to stamp or time to blog, but not time enough for both lately!  So, when I'm feeling creative (or just plain busy) my blog suffers :(

I created this project a few weeks ago when I had a need to color.  I often explain my love for stamping as me being unable to completely grow up.  I still want my coloring book and crayons!

I find myself leaning toward the clean and simple layouts more and more often....especially when I have beautiful images that can stand on their own.  For this project, I'm using Flowers In Bloom from Sweet N Sassy.  The sentiment is from the Faith set.

Wishing you a happy day....and, lots of light! :)
Be Awesome!  Jane

Old People....

Happy Monday, Friends!  Monday means it's time for some I Brake For Stamps!  Thanks for popping by to see what I'm up to!

I thought I'd pull out one of my Humorous Seniors images to get ready for an upcoming birthday in our family.  I can't exactly recall when we went from young parents in our prime living life to the fullest with time for everything and then some to....old people, with jobs and mortgages and kids who think we're so dumb....LOL!  This card is a shout out to all that old people stuff with a little reminder that "we're not old people, we're recycled teenagers!"

There's still a lot of fun left in this girl!!

To create my card, I chose a clean and simple style, stamping the image in one corner and then water coloring the image using distress inks.  I cut apart the sentiment from  adding half to the front and the other half on the inside.  Simple and sweet.

Have a great day!  Be Awesome! 

Jane

He Knows My Name...

How incredibly cool is it that the Creator of the entire universe knows your name?  He. Knows. Your. Name.  Dwell on that for just a little bit, my sweet friends!  Today I'm sharing some Creative Worship in the book of Isaiah using some goodies from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps!

Isaiah is such a rich book of the promises of God.  It is definitely one of my favorites and often a go to place when I am in need of reminding of just how precious I am, of the fact that I am chosen.  That's an important truth to hold in this overwhelming and often mixed up world!

Isaiah 43:1-3

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."

You are His.  Soak that in.....

 

This layout felt a little risky as I began water coloring various paints here and there.  The Galaxy Sky technique produces beautiful results, but it can be a bit unpredictable--laying down that much random color in my bible made me a little nervous.  All in all, I like the result, though if I could do it again, I'd handle the text differently--so that it stood out more. But, you know, once you get started...it's hard to stop!

I added images from several Sweet 'N Sassy stamp sets:  My Creator, Outline Alpha and Awesome Thoughts.  You'll find those over in the SNSS store and so much more--go check it out!

Be Blessed, Jane

Christmas In July....

Happy Friday!!  The Creative Team at Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps is bringing you a Christmas in July hop full of inspiration and a bit of jump start on your holiday card making!

 You will be able to find all of the team participant blogs at the end of this post. Simply click on their name and you will be taken to their blog. The list will be on each person's blog, so no need to hit the back button. Just look for the next blog in the line-up and off you go! Please be sure to leave the girls some love along the way. We will be drawing a winner from all of the blog comments and that person will receive a FREE Christmas stamp set (in stock) of their choosing from our line!

I used Welcome Jesus to complete my card----and, the matching dies!!  Don't forget the dies!!  The galaxy sky background technique is the perfect back drop for this wintery card.  Today, our heat index is ridiculous so, I'm already dreaming of a white Christmas!

Christmas is the season of giving so, of course there's a SALE!  All Christmas stamps will be 15% off through the weekend so, get 'em while its HOT!!?  You can use code CMASJULY when you check out!

Enjoy the hop.....Be Awesome!  Jane







I got crafty with:

Happiest of Birthdays...

Happy Wednesday, Friends!!  I've finally had some time to play with my Stampin' Up! goodies!!  I've been known to ask..."how many floral sets can one person own?"  The answer is not as clear as a girl would think--I'm drawn over and over to the beautiful floral sets I find in the SU! catalog!  This one is called Birthday Blooms and can be found in the SU! catalog on page 12.

I used a few other SU! goodies to complete this shabby chic card.  First, I stamped the Dictionary Background stamp on a piece of kraft card stock.   Next, I applied a thin layer of gesso.  When that was dried, I added several layers of water colored inks and some texture with images from the Timeless Texture stamp set.

I stamped the floral image with black ink and then used distress markers to color/water color the floral piece.  I attached the Banner Framelit  that I stamped my sentiment on with mini staples---I just love that little stapler!  I'm waiting for colored staples (hint, hint, SU!) to go with it.

I'm trying to challenge myself to use things I haven't inked up in a while--old and new.  Stay tuned to see how I meet the challenge! 

TTFN--Be Awesome!  Jane

Hangin' Out....IBFS Style!

Happy Monday, Brakers!! Thanks for stopping by for my I Brake For Stamps Monday share!  Today, it's a fun froggy water color card.  I love the whole Freddy the Frog line over at I Brake For Stamps--they are just so cute and laughable!  Be sure to check out the Freddy Sheet and Freddy Digital images too!  Remember, my coupon code is SAVE10JANE!

This particular image just makes me think of a friend of mine and that is reason enough to smile!  I do like hanging out with her....the singing is always a bonus ;)

The card, itself, is simple enough.  I simply stamped the image and water colored sky and ground around it.  I also water colored Freddy -- with a smaller brush than the "wash" style surrounding the image.  After the main coloring was done, I added some splatters and inked the edges.  I like the focus being on the stamped image.  It's like a card sized coloring book page that I can give away....maybe it will make it onto someone's fridge!

Go Be Awesome!  Jane