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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brakin' For You

Happy Monday, my Friends!!  After a bit of a break, I'm bringing back I Brake For Stamps Mondays!  Today's project features images from Floral Half Sheet 148A and Floral Half Sheet 148B. 

I love the look of contrasting black and white with colors. These awesome florals work perfectly for this easy technique.  Be sure to check them out in the I Brake For Stamps store.  You can say some money while you are there by using my coupon code SAVE10JANE :)

I started by stamping random images in black on white card stock.  Next, I on a second piece of paper, I stamped three images that matched the background piece in style, but contrasted in size.  I trimmed and water colored those images and then adhered them to the background with two way glue.

My sentiment can also be found in the floral sets, so...it's all you need (but there SO much more!) to make your own!

I use both of these sets quite frequently--they are so versatile! I know you'll think so too!

Have a great day and don't forget to be awesome!!  Jane

Dragons and Birthdays

It's my party.....Happy Monday!!  I'm doing something today I haven't done in more than a decade!  Yup, I'm working on my birthday!!  LOL!!  That I should make a big deal out of something other people do all the time!  I should just get over myself!  I've just stepped into a new role, where I work, and just couldn't see being off so soon.  Besides, my work people ARE my people so, I cannot think of a crew I'd rather spend the day with.  I'll see them all day and have the evening with my family--what could be better?

Enough about me......how about Pete's Dragon...Puff?  How I love this story!  I've recently seen some ads indicating it will be remade into a movie.  I can't decide if I'm excited or not....I mean, Puff is the best, but what if they ruin him?  LOL!  I think I'll just stick to this fabulous stamp set from I Brake for Stamps called Beast Dragon Sheet.

I water colored with some paints that dry somewhat chalky.  To make the image more vibrant and sparkly, I painted it with glaze and added a sprinkle of glitter.  It's a little hard to tell in the picture, so you'll have to use your imagination!  But, in real life....it's fabulous!  At least, I hope the wee one it was gifted to thinks so!

I hope you have an amazing day!  Be Awesome!  Jane

Splendiferous

It's Monday again.  Spring Break is over.  Vacation is over.  If ever there were a reason for a cheerful project and flowers, this is it!!  I'm brakin' for I Brake For Stamps, today--thanks for joining me!!

This easy card features a background created by some tone on tone stamping using my favorite daisy/cone flower set, Floral Half Sheet 148B.  The tone on tone created the perfect backdrop for the focal flowers.  Truthfully, I have no idea what kind of flowers those are....they look like daisies to me.  I'm a crafty girl, but not so much with the growing of plants or naming nature things...LOL!

My focal flowers were stamped and water colored, then trimmed and adhered to the background.  I added a strip of patterned paper and also tore the top of the card stock for some added texture.  Easy peasy, just like monday morning......

If you are looking to purchase your own naturey things to make some super cool projects, stop on over at the I Brake For Stamps store and be sure to use my coupon code for some cool savings:  SAVE10JANE.

Be awesome!  TTFN, Jane

You're Special

Happy Easter Week!  It's Monday and that makes it an I Brake For Stamps kind of day!  After a long week, last week, I was able to spend some time in the Studio.  It was good for my soul and now, I have lots of projects to share!

Easter kind of snuck up on me this year so, instead of a cute bunny (get this one....there's only TWO left!) or a little chick  (this one is going FAST!) or these that you can get RIGHT away, this week, I have flowers!

I love I Brake For Stamps' beautiful Kerr jar image and I know I've used it a bunch, but it's just so darn fun to color!  Visit my Enjoy post or Lacey Spring Flowers to see some other Kerr inspiration.


I was in the mood to water color--I've been working on the no line water color technique.  You can see the ink I used to stamp this so, I'm not quite there, but I like the finished product just the same ;)

Spring is a time for new so, if you are itching for some new goodies of the stampy kind, go visit my pal, Della, and pick up a few things--you can save using my code: SAVE10JANE.  Have fun!

Be Awesome!  Jane

Is "THAT" What It's All About?

Happy Monday, Friends!  The winds howl and the snow falls.  A few of us might be nursing a Super Bowl wound??  I thought we could all use a Monday morning chuckle!  Enter the Ghost of Hulas Past from I Brake For Stamps!  If today is particularly tough, check out the entire line up of Humorous Seniors over there--sure to make you giggle!

This hula granny can be found on sheet AA1005 or singly as Ghost of Hulas Past.  LOL!! I started by stamping the image on a piece of water color paper and then water coloring with distress inks.  I love how you can layer up colors using these inks this way.  For a little extra texture, I added some water droplets in a splatter pattern to complete the background.

To finish off the project, I added the thought provoking sentiment: What If.....Get this one while you can......there's only three left in the overstock section! While you are there, be sure to wish Bo Bella a happy day--I'm not sure of her football alliances, but she may be feeling a little glum today....or not!?  Use my coupon code to save:  SAVE10JANE

That's all!  Be Awesome--Jane

Enjoy

Happy Monday, Friends!  Thanks for stopping by!  Today, I am sharing a fun embossed and water colored project.

I like finding different ways to use the same image.  This Kerr jar image, from I Brake For Stamps, is a favorite image of mine. I've used it here for Fall Flowers and also here for Lacey Spring Flowers. You'll notice the versatility of the image with each use.  This makes for a great stamp to have in your cabinet!

I started by heat embossing the image on kraft card stock.  Using water colors (Koi by Sakura), I added color to the image.  Once dry, I cut the image using an oval die and the Out of the Box technique.  To finish things off, I added the sentiment "Enjoy the good life."  You will find it on the Beach Theme Full Sheet.

As usual, I had to add a few pieces of bling for some finishing sparkle!  You can pick up some IBFS goodness for yourself--be sure to use my savings code:  SAVE10JANE

TTFN, Jane

Be Mine

Happy Monday!  Who is ready to adult today??  I'm kicking off the new year with a little love card featuring goodies from I Brake For Stamps!  If you have to adult, why not do it with a little art thrown in for good measure?

I created my water colored background using a stencil and some Ranger distress inks.  Once it was dry, I was ready to assemble using one of the little cuties from THIS SHEET by Alie Hoogenbozem de Vries.  I stamped her on water color paper, also, and colored with distress inks.  Then trimmed her and added to the background with dimensional tape.  Finally, I added the Be Mine sentiment, which is an older sentiment from I Brake For Stamps.

You can find all kinds of Valentine goodies in the IBFS store, HERE.  Don't forget to check out the deal of the week section too!  When you shop, you can save by using my coupon code: SAVE10JANE.

Be Awesome--Jane

Peerless Vintage Candles.....

Happy Monday!! Here we are again.  One step closer to Christmas and all of the celebrations that go along with this festive time of the year.  This is the time of the year, when I compile my wishlist (just to make sure the hubs has the right ideas)--which certainly is full of crafty things.  Although I don't do a ton of blog hopping, I do follow a few favorite artists and check out their creations when I have some down time.  I've noticed that everyone seems to have a favorite type of water color paper and differing water color product.  So, even though my list is full of all those things, I decided it was time to finally use the few I have!  Yes, I finally managed to cut and organize my Peerless Water Colors! 

I love them!  Naturally, the rest of the colors (I only have 15 colors) are something I must have!!  I used them to color this wonderful vintage image from I Brake For Stamps called, strangely enough, Vintage Candle.  They were so easy to work with!  Not too shabby for my first attempt, I don't think.

I wanted the project to have a mixed media feel to it so, I added several layers and did some blending. 
After water coloring the candle image, I masked it off and stamped over the entire panel using the wood grain background from Wood Background Half Sheet, also from I Brake For Stamps.  Because my ink was also water based, I was able to go over the lines of the wood grain image to blur and blend giving the background a shabby look.  Next, I randomly inked portions of  We Wish You Background and added it to the left hand edge.  To mute the text a bit, I ran a finger full of gesso over parts of it, further adding to the overall shabby look.

When you visit the I Brake For Stamps store, don't forget to save using my code:  SAVE10JANE.  And, have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

I hope you're feeling a bit inspired!  Go get inky and be awesome!  TTFN--Jane

Imagination Trumps Knowledge.......

 Happy Monday.......here we are again!!  I've got some fun new images from I Brake For Stamps to share today!  I wanted to break from holiday cards and make something arty this weekend.  I'm loving these new Stamp Release Sheets from I Brake For Stamps!  They are so much fun to play with and they all work well together!

There's a lot going on with this card and I am completely in love with it!  I wanted to create a background with a mixed media feel to it.  I started by creating a resist using the checker board strip stamp from the Einstein Half Sheet.  I added multiple layers of color using distress inks and my nonstick kraft sheet.  Then,  I layered several other images from Einstein Half Sheet, Binoculars and Golf Half Sheet and Wood Background Half Sheet.  I used white pigment ink, black ink and some distress ink.  I almost didn't want to cover it up!

I chose the main image from Binoculars and Golf Half sheet and popped it up on dimensional tape when adding it to the project.  To finish things off, I added the cute little tag found on the Einstein half sheet with a portion of the "Keep Calm" sentiment from the Wood Background Half Sheet (I'm sorry if I'm confusing you, but you really do need them all!!)

My second card features images from Glass and Eye Chart Sheet and Einstein Half Sheet.  The cracked glass image is embossed and colored with three different blue distress inks.  Great images for masculine cards!

You can get artsy too---be sure to use my coupon code:  SAVE10JANE when you visit the IBFS store!

Go ahead....be artsy...be awesome!  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

Imagination Is Important.....

Happy Monday!!  I'm happy to be sharing a new design project from I Brake for Stamps!!!  Bo Bella has a few new sheets in the store that I just love.  So many interesting and arty images to play around with!

My project today features images from several new sheets, specifically Einstein Half Sheet and Glass & Eye Chart Sheet. The background, features the larger eye chart image from the Glass and Eye Chart Sheet.  I love to experiment with inks and other product....this time it was a resist using the larger eye chart image and various dylusions sprays.  I was lucky enough to find an interesting piece of designer paper scrap to finish off the background.  A quick frame and the Einstein image, from the Einstein half sheet,  pulled everything together.  Finally, I added the sentiment, also from the Einstein half sheet.  I can't wait to play some more with these images!

You can play too!  When you visit the IBFS store, be sure to use coupon code SAVE10JANE.  You'll save yourself a bit of ching and be saying a happy hello to Bo Bella just from me!

Have yourself a happy day--make it a good one, the choice is yours!
Be Awesome--Jane