The Rainbow Connection

Hey Friends!  I'm playing along with the Sweet N Sassy Stamps VIP challenge for May!  I'm sneaking in during the last days of the challenge, because that's just how I roll!

I have my own rendition of the popular rainbow wash card above....I've seen this concept in a lot of places featuring many different companies.  For my card, I used a rainbow assortment of Ranger distress inks to create my colorful background.  Stamps from Go God's Way and God Is Bigger make this a simple and fun card!

For my second card, I created a rainbow panel using various Ranger Distress Oxide inks.  Maybe you've already gathered that the distress inks are some of my favorite. I generally do most of my water coloring with distress inks.  They have good color saturation and are easy to work with.  The oxide version is more chalky and blends beautifully with the other colors.  The ink's reactivity with water is the other point of high interest. You can see the water marks in my skyline created with a misting of water. 

I completed my card using Landscape Silhouettes and a sentiment from Keep In Touch, Too.

Thanks for stopping by!  

TTFN, Jane

It's an After Party Hop!!

Happy Day!!  Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps is hosting a blog hop full of inspiration AND a chance to win a fabulous prize!!

This month SNSS has released a wonderful collection of spring and Easter themed sets, perfect to celebrate the season. We love them ALL and wanted to share a little paper crafting inspiration with you. Please be sure to visit all of the blogs below for some fabulous eye candy and then leave a comment at every stop along the way for a chance to win. One reader will be randomly selected to receive a $10 gift voucher to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps shop! What's not to love about free stamps??? We'll announce the winner next week, so let's get hopping!  I recommend starting at the very beginning so, if you are heading back there, I'll see you in a bit!

Sweet 'n Sassy Blog
Julee Tilman
Ceal Pritchett
Diane Zechman
Jane Bosi
Lucinde van Ballegooijen
Lyn Tomlin
Monika Davis
Sheri Gilson
Stephanie Serrano

I have a few projects to share and am so glad that you are here!!  My first project needs no introduction or explanation!

To be truthful, I was just kind of goofing around, at first.  I had just received my stamps and wanted to see how they would stamp, what it would look like, how different colors would look....so, I grabbed a tag that was sitting on my desk and a few distress inks and went to town!  I started by focusing on the words in the All in All set and then added the crown of thorns from He is Risen last.  Because I was loving how things were going, I decided a could use this as a tip-in for my bible (just as soon as I completely figure THAT out!!  LOL!).  I added the vintage photo Oxide distress ink with a stencil.  I added some water splotches (the advantage of using distress oxides over regular distress inks) to look like my shed tears--tears of a sinner; tears of a grateful and redeemed heart!

And, because this is what it is all about.....

This is what it ALL is about. ALL of it.  All of my life, all of my future.  ALL. It is everything.

"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” Luke 24:1-7

After again reading and underlining, I started by stamping the tomb with the stone rolled away.  I masked that with a post it note version of the same image.  Using a stencil, I added the sunbeams using distress ink (fossilized amber) and then the rest of the stamping was done in black.  Stamp sets used include:  He is Risen, Chunky Alphabet and All in All.

And finally, a quick and simple Easter card featuring He is Risen and Genuine Love.

I do recommend the use of a stamp positioner!  I'd be lost without mine for sure.  The crown of thorns is stamped twice, lining up the ends to create a full circle.  I used various distress inks for the florals--all from Genuine Love.  Hallelujah!!!

That's all for me. Next, you'll be stopping at Lucinde's blog....it's going to be fantastic!!  Don't forget to comment so you are entered to win!  Have a great day and enjoy the rest of the hop!!

TTFN, Jane 

It's About Relationship....And, Cookies

Hello, Sweet Friends!  My post today is mostly about cookies and art, kids and home.  I had a nice weekend of celebrating my oldest's birthday and watching football.  I'm not a super hard core football fan, but I am a fan of my kid.  He's a huge sports fan. He once said he wanted me to be excited about the things he's excited about (aka the Pittsburgh Steelers and other various teams).  That's what we do, right?  For the ones we love, we watch their stuff or read their books or listen to their music.  I also have a wide repertoire of rap music I listen to--some I like, others I tolerate and most I abhor, but I listen to it when I'm with him because he genuinely wants to share it with me.  It comes down to relationship and that is something I can totally get on board with.  If I'm honest, it makes me a better person and I like how he has pushed me outside of my comfort zone at times.  He's one of the most interesting people I know and I love spending time with him.  We've had great conversations in the most unlikely of situations.  I will always grab the time when it's there.  Without.  Fail.

For me, it's about family and home so naturally, this time of year is my favorite since it's also about home and family.  We'll be hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year.  I'm excited.  We were blessed with a ridiculously large home about five years ago and nothing makes me happier than having the ones I love all gathered together here. 

But, my crafting thoughts are already on Christmas!  I'm loving this new set from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps, Christmas Cookies.  I started by stamping and embossing cookie images on watercolor paper for both cards.  I colored in the images using distress inks and added some glittery glue to each one.  On the top card, I didnt want to cover up any of the background so I added a sentiment using Christmas Wishes on a piece of velum.  The second card features a sentiment from Home For the Holidays.

Don't forget there's a birthday celebration going on right now at Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps.  You can save on all of the November releases as part of the current promotion.  Be sure to learn more and stayed tuned for fun and savings all month long!!

Enjoy!  Jane

Celebrate

Happy Monday!!  I wanted to share a few recent cards I made to celebrate all kinds of good things going on this summer!  Graduations, birthdays, Father's Day....lots of fun stuff!

The above card features the new release, Free Indeed, from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps!  I embossed the firework image on kraft card stock and then applied various distress inks to make the image pop.  To complete the card, I added images from Love Your Neighbor.  I stamped the images on water color paper and used the same inks to add color before trimming and adding to the card.  You'll find "celebrate" in the sweet Rebecca Rios set, also from SNSS, called Fly High.

My second card also features the firework image from Free Indeed and is combined with images from Congrats Grad.  To color this card, I used Brusho pigment powders for a vibrant pop of color.  I finished the card by adding Distress Glaze which really polishes the colors and keeps them vibrant even after drying.  Be sure to check things out over at Sweet N Sassy Stamps--it's customer appreciation week and that only means good things for you!!

I hope your summer is filled with fun times and some relaxation too!

Be Awesome, Jane

I got crafty with:

Mason Jar Bouquet

Wouldn't you just love to find a bouquet like this on your counter?  I've been having a bunch of fun finding lots of ways to color this beautiful image from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps!  It's called Mason Jar Bouquet and it comes with an additional single flower image and seven sentiments.  It's perfect for just about any occasion!

TTFN, Jane

For Unto Us.....

 

 Happy Monday! It's time for an I Brake For Stamps share!  Thank you for joining me, again!

It's time to start (or finish?) those Christmas cards!  I know lots of folks like to pick a design and then make multiple cards to send out.  Seeing as I bore easily and don't send to a gigantic number of people, I like each of my cards to be unique.  Also, I have a huge collection of images and feel like they should all get a turn!

For this card, I selected this beautiful holy family, Christmas Image, from I Brake For Stamps, as the focal point.  I started by stamping the manger image and then masking it.  I added the For Unto Us background, also from I Brake For Stamps, using distress ink and then ran my water brush over to create a sky like effect.  The rest of the image is colored using distress inks to water color, as well.  I've been practicing my water coloring lately....I like the softer images you can create and, it makes me feel all arty :)

You can save on your Christmas or Holiday cards, in the I Brake For Stamps store, by using my coupon code:  SAVE10JANE.  Get the jump on it and shop now! 

Be awesome!  TTFN Jane

Enjoy Life...Believe In Love

Happy Monday!!  I had such an amazing weekend!!  Lots of kid time and fun activities!  I also spent some time in the Studio rearranging to make room for my new TREADMILL!!  I'm so excited to finally have one and I'm also loving the rearrange in my Studio!  It's so cozy, I really don't want to leave!  So, at least for awhile, I didn't!!!  I ended my weekend playing around with some fantastic stamps from I Brake For Stamps.  

I am so in love with this sheet of stamps by Alie Hoogenboezem de Vries!  I just cannot stop playing with it!!  You'll find it labeled in the I Brake For Stamps store as Full Sheet 150 (Don't forget to use my coupon code SAVE10JANE).  It is amazingly wonderful!!!  The images are adorable.....I love the sentiments running down the girls' arms!

I had some water color paper scraps sitting on my desk so, I decided to do some water coloring.  For ink, I used my distress markers--just colored a spot on my kraft sheet and picked up the color using my aqua brush.  It was fun and relaxing--the perfect way to end my weekend!

I created this colorful background, for my last card, by stamping the geometric shape image repeatedly and then colored in using the same distress markers and aqua brush.  The paper, however, is a matte finished card stock vs water color paper.  I love how deep the colors are and how different it looks just by changing the paper type.

Fun Stuff.

Be Happy.  Enjoy life.

Don't forget to be awesome--Jane

Wedding Bouquet....

Happy Monday, Friends!!  I recently read an article that stated weekends go faster in the summer......I completely think that is true!  There I was, relaxing on a Friday night watching the new HOME movie with my kiddos and BOOM.....it's Monday morning!

I AM glad you are here....today, I'm starting a month of Mondays sharing projects using some of the beautiful floral images from I Brake For Stamps.  This week, I'm using Wedding Bouquet.

I started with a white piece of card stock and some distress ink to give the background a simple spot of color and grounding.  Though it's hard to see, there are two stampings of the bouquet pieced together.  I trimmed the top piece to include just the florals and joined them with some dimensional tape.  This adds dimension to the finished card. 

I finished things off with some matching sequins and a sentiment from I Brake For Stamp's Floral Half Sheet 148B.  I'll be using this sheet more this month too, so stay tuned for my Floral Mondays!  The Wedding Bouquet image is a beautiful and elegant image.  It can easily be colored to match the colors of the day and also makes a perfect any time or birthday card, too!

When  you pop over to the IBFS store, be sure to say a robust "hideho" to my pal, Della Bo Bella.  And, you can also use my savings code SAVE10JANE---that way, you can get just a little more....;) (It's what I would do...)

Go get yourself inky and be awesome!
TTFN--Jane

Chickin' In.....

Happy Thursday!  This has been a super long week, a busy week as we are preparing for a dance recital, performances in the play Cinderella, multiple baseball games, preparing for AP exams and the regular fun of life like work and school!  So busy, and yet still my favorite time in the lives of my kiddos who are doing what they love to do!!

I'm glad you stopped by to "chickin'" for my Technique Junkie Thursday share!  All week, the Technique Junkie Design Team has been busy showcasing the TJ May release stamps.  You can enjoy the inspiration by checking out the Designer Blog.  The Technique Junkie May release images remain on sale for just a little while longer.....If  you haven't been by, go on a check them out!

I created my background using an ink dip technique and some Distress Inks (by Ranger).  I wanted a turquoise color in my background---I love turquoise with red and yellow--but, sadly, distress inks don't come in a true turquoise color.....enter, ink dip!  I was able to combine Salty Ocean and Peacock Feathers on my craft sheet along with Barn Door and Mustard Seed....waaaaahhhlaaaa!

And, it was all focused on the fun banner card stock.  I've been hoarding this scrap of red cardstock with flocked polka dots for about 5 years.  It's such a beautiful piece of paper, I couldn't use it on JUST anything.....who feels me?

I love this campy little Chicken image.  I've combined with with the Forever and A Day sentiment to finish things off.  I'm really loving the newly released sentiments.  They are so fresh and unlike anything else I have in my stash.

That's it for today, have a great, inky day and, don't forget to be awesome!
TTFN, Jane