Hope

You may have seen my finished faithdex card when I shared it on Instagram (you can follow me @stampymom5) on Christmas Day.  Today, I thought I would share the rest of the story.  I've thought about starting a regular creative feature where I show you how I resurrected some project after a major mess up or goof! I certainly seem to have a lot of them!   I'm telling you, Sisters (and Brothers?) I painstakingly water colored this faithdex card.  And, I loved it!  The florals from Happy Irises at Sweet N Sassy Stamps are fun to color!  It was going to be fabulous.  I was proud of it.  I couldn't wait to share it.  Kind of like me trying to go my own way sometimes...you know?  Just one last step--add the sentiment from The Future set (also from Sweet N Sassy Stamps).




I may have CRIED. OUT. LOUD.

This is not an optical illusion or fuzzy computer screen--this is the real deal.  I was just about to start over, when that little creative voice whispered--fix it.  I surrendered to the process and found myself better than where I started. 

Just like in real life, the Word came to my rescue.  I pulled a page from a thrift store bible straight out of the sermon my pastor had preached that day--about Hope.  This little project was a great reminder to me of how God works with our broken pieces.  Battered and torn though we may be, He uses it all for His glory.  And, Hope came down so we could be restored.

I will hope in the character of God.  His plan, His provision, His love, His will.  Let it be.

I finished the backside of this card with more iris images and Sweet N Sassy Stamps from Typewriter Block Alphabet and Trust In The Lord.

Did you notice the sentiment?

It is better to Hope in the God who controls all things

that to despair in the things that are out of our control.

Let us Hope.

In Him, Jane

Sweet N Sassy Stamps December Hop!

Welcome to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps December Release Hop! There's another fabulous release in the SNSS shop that we've been stamping with and we're so excited to share our projects with you! Hop along and leave a little comment love for the designers linked below and you might just be a lucky winner! One lucky comment from all the comments along the hop will win a $10 gift voucher to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps shop. Winner will be announced on the SNSS blog, Monday, December 23

Sweet 'n Sassy Blog

Julee Tilman

Cathy McCauley

Ceal Pritchett

Diane Zechman

Jane Bosi  (you are here!)

Lee Ann Barrett

Lucinde van Ballegooijen

Lyn Tomlin

Sheri Gilson

This month's release is so fabulous, it was hard for me to choose what I would feature for the hop!  I am 100% in love with that little flamingo from the Happy Camper set so I decided to land there!  This is a great set, very versatile, and you can see works well with many other sets.  I've used it to create a faithdex card and some greeting cards.  My Sisters have used it for bible journaling also--the possibilities are endless!



 Happy Camper, Texture Tiles 1 (I'd get the bundle if I were you!) Faith Wordfetti

 I'm showing the back of my faithdex card too.  I always do a front and a back as a way of recording and working on memorizing the Word.  The back also uses Doodle Florals and Texture Tiles 1

 Happy Camper

Happy Camper and Home For the Holidays

My prayer this Christmas season includes all of you.  I have THIS hope and wish it for all of you.  May the peace of Christ and the goodness of our Great God be with all of you!  Pray for one another and be blessed.

You are off to see what Lee Ann Barrett has in store for you!  It'll be awesome--100%

In Him, Jane

Be Still and Trust...

Happy September, Sweet Friends!!  It's hard to believe that summer is over already!  We've had such a good summer, but are definitely ready for a new school year and the adventures we will have.  

I managed some crafty time over the long holiday weekend and loved playing with the newest release from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps.  I started by stenciling, with various Ranger distress inks, this fun mandala on to kraft card stock.  I added another layer of ink with the Texture Tiles One stamp set to create texture.  

The sentiment all comes from the brand new Trust in the Lord stamp set available now in the Sweet N Sassy Stamps store.  This is set is perfect for cards, bible journaling, mixed media and.....life in general!

I pray you are blessed with peace, as you trust in the love and care of our Great God--

TTFN, Jane

Sweet N Sassy Stamps May Release Hop!

Welcome to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps May Release Hop! I'm excited that you've stopped by and can't wait to share my projects with you.  The hop is full of inspiration that the whole team has been working on.  We're so excited about the new stamps available in the shop this month!  Be sure to start at the very beginning.  Hop along to the blogs linked below for all sorts of paper crafting inspiration! Plus, there's a GIVEAWAY! Leave a little comment love on each stop along the way for a chance to win a $10 gift voucher to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps shop.

Sweet 'n Sassy Blog

Julee Tilman

Cathy McCauley

Ceal Pritchett

Diane Zechman

Jane Bosi--that's me!

Lucinde van Ballegooijen

Lyn Tomlin

Monika Davis

Sheri Gilson

Stephanie Serrano

I've created two projects which feature the new set, Paw-some Pals.  It is such a sweet set!

My first card contrasts the simply stamped black and white images with the cute little brown chihuahua.  Combined with some encouraging sentiments, it's a great card for any day!

This card uses images/sentiments from God Is Bigger and Scene Silhouette: Trees

My second card features the adorable bulldog and sentiments from Cheerful Hexies and So Happy.

Enjoy the rest of the hop and be inspired!  Please note, I've linked to all of the stamp sets I've used using affiliate links.  To shop the whole store, go HERE.  And, keep in mind, there's a GIVEAWAY! Leave a little comment love on each stop along the way for a chance to win a $10 gift voucher to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps shop.  Good Luck!

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 

Powerful Words...

Happy Monday, Sweet Friends!  I'm returning to work today and I don't mind telling you that I'm full of all kinds of different thoughts and feelings.  Praise God that I am able to return to work!!  I've missed my coworkers and the children we serve.  I've missed the daily contact with the outside world and all it's normalcy.  But, I'm different now and change/transitions can be hard.  My body is different and, by the grace of God, so are my mind and heart.  I am grateful that I am allowed the opportunity to resume my daily activities; to get back to my life and begin, again, to focus on something more than cancer.

Our pastor preached this week on the power of the Word and the power of words.  It was a great message.  We are inundated with words.  The words we speak to others as well as the words we give ourselves.  Words can give life; build up and encourage.  And, words can destroy; tear down and damage. 

Our culture gives a lot of time and attention to the words we speak to others.  The stand we take on this issue or that, how we show kindness, freedom of speech, etc.  How often, however, do we consider the words we speak over ourselves? What is filling your mind?

At a time such as this, I think we must start to pay attention to our internal chatter and we must learn to speak words of life to ourselves; to heal old wounds, to live according to His purpose for our lives.  How often are we holding ourselves back from the life He would give us because of our insecurities, our past wounds?

I started making these scripture cards--flashcards, if you will.  The first time I shared them, I believe I said I didn't know what I would do with them.  I read them.  Often.  I memorize them and bury God's promises in my heart.  The set of seven I am sharing today belong to a dear friend of mine. 

Each card is crafted with stamps from Sweet N Sassy Stamps, distress inks, gelli plate inkings, stitching, prayer and lots of love.  I've listed the specific stamp(s) set under each card.

His Wings

Nature Silhouettes

Teacup Roses

My Friend, retired

Thrill of Hope, Scene Silhouettes:  Wetlands

Scene Silhouettes: Wetlands, Serene Silhouettes

Grunge Elements 2; A Mother's Love

You don't have to have fancy cards to bury His Word in your heart.  Just some time, prayer and His Word is all you need.  

Blessings, Jane

His Love...

I'm going to say it.......I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day.  It's just a day.  I mean, it's super fun when you are a kid--you decorate that fabulous box for all your school buddies to stuff full of candy and cards, make some heart themed art, and maybe even make googly eyes at that cute boy in your class.....but, it's just a day.  Am I sounding too jaded? 

This is probably the most unpopular post of the day...lol!

What I AM a big fan of is the Father's amazing and overwhelming love for us!  I've been doing the #recklessloveofgodchallenge @christianresourceproject and, I'm telling you, It. Is. Amazing!!  I could share tons of verses, but am sticking with two that I've recently been meditating on from the study:

1 John 4:10 "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

1 John 4:19 "We love because he first loved us." 

Truly, His banner over us is love!  I've made a few projects with stamps from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps to share for today.  The card above features His Love, Texture Tiles 1 and Typewriter Block Alphabet.  

My next project is a 3 x 3 canvas I made for a sweet, brave, special friend of mine.  It also features His Love.

My last project is a simple card I created for a very good friend.  It features His Love along with  a split panel and recessed sentiment.  

Whether you are a big fan or a not so much fan of the Love Holiday, I wish you love today and tomorrow, and all the days after that!

TTFN Jane 

Before I Bring My Need......

Hello, Sweet Friends!!  I'm one week post a chemotherapy treatment and I wanted to pop in to update and share some art!

My amazing God is doing a great work in me!!  Daily He heals me body, mind and spirit.  He has given me an amazing peace and spirit of gratitude that I rest in despite the trial my body is enduring.

The trial is not being wasted, however!!  Prior to my chemo treatment last week, my doctor reported that all of my blood levels were fantastic--I even got a "hot diggity" from the nurse!  My doctor also said if he did not know the location of my tumors, he'd not have been able to feel them!  After just one treatment!!  Praise our Amazing God and Father with me, won't you?

I feel like the most spoiled human on the planet.  Daily I am being ministered to people I know personally, some who I know only online and by my God who loves me without measure!  He seems to show me some way, each day, how much He loves me and how much other's do too!

I've been dwelling on the song "First" by Lauren Daigle all week.  It's the inspiration for the card, I'm sharing also.  I often wake with the verses playing a loop in my noodle.  I love it!

"Before I speak my need, I will bring my heart"
This is how we are supposed to pray, y'all!

I created my card using an image from I am Loved by Sweet 'N Sassy stamps.   I have to admit, I was dwelling on a retreat stamp set that was created for use in an upcoming retreat that I'm not able to participate in.   I may have been feeling a bit envious of this beautiful set and the sister who are getting to use it. (shhh....)  Then I remembered, that I already own a great set with a similar image to what I was looking for and, BOOM! I was back in business!


I stamped the praising girl image multiple times and then heat embossed each one.  I also heat embossed the sentiment which I created using a sentiment from I am Loved and one from Incredibly Blessed (didn't I just say both of those things??)  I used several different layers of brusho pigments to create the colorful background. 

Just a few other goodies and cardstock, all from Stampin' Up!

Remember, my offer to pray for you still stands; let me know how I can do that!

Be blessed, Jane

I got crafty with :

Where Thou Art.....

THAT is home.  More and more I see that home is in my heart.  Don't get me wrong, I love where I live and am grateful for the way the Lord has blessed me.  As my children get older and are starting to leave.....as my parents and I age, leaving them after each visit gets harder and harder.  It's the people we love that create home---until I get to Heaven.  Can I get an amen?

My little family recently spent some time in Milwaukee (missing my oldest).  A drive by the house my mom grew up in was both bitter and sweet.  I loved that house.  More, I love the people who lived there.  Miss them every day.

The house looks different.  The people who live there are different.  My feelings, still there.  Such good memories of the best times of my childhood.

I'm busy filling my 8 x 8 scrapbook album.  This little page turned out exactly how I saw it in my head!  Using Love Your Neighbor stamp set from Sweet N Sassy Stamps, I created a tone on tone background for my layout.  I also created the cute little elements that add a splash of color to the page.  The quote is from a retired Sweet 'N Sassy set called Happy Home.  The last element, "Look" and arrow are from the SNSS Summer blow out sale set, What's Up? Edited:  What's Up? has completely sold out--they are going fast-- Check out the blow out sales for some great deals before it's too late!!

Thanks for stopping by!  Stay awesome--Jane

Everyone Else Is Taken....

Be Yourself.  Such words of wisdom.  Who here is just that?  Gosh, the pressures of this world sometimes makes this a seemingly impossible task.  It's why, in theory, I love the unicorn!  Mythical, maybe.  But a great emblem of all that is unique and wonderful about you....and, you....and, you.

I created these two cards using the Sweet N Sassy Stamps set called Be Unique.  The card above was a fun little adventure in masking...and so much fun to color.

My second card also features the Be Unique stamp set--I love those jewels and had to cover them with some Stickles glitter glue to make them sparkle as they should.  I will never get sick of this unicorn!  My middle love, Sophia, was big into My Little Pony so, every time I play with this set, it brings up great memories from when she was little.  I miss those days, but wouldn't trade them for now either!

I paired Be Unique with the "Shine" sentiment from Worthy King by Rebecca Rios, and also available at Sweet N Sassy Stamps.  I love her style!!  It's my wish for each and every you out there!!  Shine.  Be Amazing.

TTFN, Jane

No Spring Skips Its Turn

Happy Thursday!  I’m thinking my week might need some flowers and the promise of spring. How about you?

I created this mixed media card using several new goodies from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps, including the FREE stamp of the month:

 Texture Tiles 1 is FREE with your purchase of $75!  How super cool is that?  This is the perfect set for adding that finishing touch and for creating super cool backgrounds! 

I used Ranger distress inks, water coloring techniques and some gold texture paste to complete my card.  It features the Spring Blossoms set, also from Sweet 'N Sassy.  I can't wait until my little neck of the woods is sporting flowers for real!!

Have a great day!! Be Awesome--Jane

Crafty stuff:

Sweet Spring

Sweet Spring Blessings, Sweet Friends!  Today, I’m sharing a springy creation from the frozen tundra mostly to remind myself that Spring will come. There will be warmth again, new life and baseball even. Soon.

I started my creation with a swatch of fabric that seemed a perfect fit with the feel and style of the Whimsical Bouquet stamp set from Sweet N Sassy Stamps:

After sewing the fabric to a card stock base, I stamped, embossed and layered various stems and flowers to create a bouquet of my own. It was great therapy to trim each piece—I love me some good ol’ fussy cutting!

To finish things off, I used this months FREE with purchase set, Hoppy Easter, to add the perfect sentiment. (Also from SNSS) Another great, versatile set!

Be inspire...get inky....be awesome!  

TTFN, Jane

Every Season....

Happy Saturday!  It’s a snowy Harry Potter marathon kind of day in my neck of the woods. I thought I’d pop over and share a few of the new goodies I’ve been playing with from Sweet ‘N Sassy Stamps!

My “Celebrate” card features the Through The Trees stamp set:

A great versatile set released last month! This month, it keeps getting better with another release and an adorable set that is FREE with your purchase of $60:

Really, how adorable is that bunny?  Makes me feel like getting inky all over again 😃

TTFN, Jane

No Words....

Happy Monday!  The recent holidays have been great and an excellent reminder of how precious family and friend time is.  I've had several opportunities to spend time with my parents in the last few weeks.  That doesn't always happen as we live a distance apart.  Distance and busy are my constant enemies!

I wanted to get some of the new releases from Sweet 'N Sassy stamps inky so, I made this card for my parents to let them know how much I value them and our time together.  The sentiment, from Thoughtful Words, continues to the inside and reads (in full) "No words can describe how thankful I am for you."

The central image comes from the Through The Trees set.  You can pre-order this set right now!  I started by stamping the birch tree image on water color paper and then adding some sky and grass water colors.  I framed the tree image with cardstock that I cut an oval out of and then added some stenciling.  I sponged some and then added a bit more with a paint brush--it got kind of splotchy, which I think looks cool.

After stamping the sentiment, I added a bird (a heron, I think--of the great blue variety?) from the January Stamp of the month set,  Scene Silhouettes: Wetlands.  It's kind of an earthy card--I think my folks will love it!

Have yourself an inky kind of day :)  TTFN, Jane

Warmest Wishes

'Tis the season, Sweet Friends!!  I'm sending you all my warmest wishes for a season of love and reflection.  I'm sharing a holiday card I created using the Christmas Topiaries and Christmas Wishes sets from Sweet N Sassy stamps.

I've used a simple masking technique to create the main image and then added some simple water coloring around the trees.

It almost seems strange, but my creative gears keep turning and this will likely be my last holiday post, as my creative time switches to the goodies the new year will bring!!

As always, I'm most grateful taht you've taken the time to visit me and I hope you are, at least, a little inspired to get inky yourselves!  Be Awesome.

TTFN, Jane

Merry Christmas

Happy Wednesday!!  I cannot believe November is practically over already!  The fall has raced by--my absolutely favorite time of the year!  It is time to get ready for the most wonderful time of the year.! Today, I'm sharing a card that features some beautiful goodies from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps!  It's not too late to start those cards!

This card features Christmas Botanicals and Christmas Wishes. Now is the time to get your order in!!  All November orders at Sweet 'N Sassy stamps qualify for the Grand Prize drawing that culminates our month of birthday celebration!  The prize.......a year's worth of stamps!!  You know you want to win!  Go check it out, NOW! It's the perfect thing to do when enjoying your turkey coma--

Wishing you a season of peace and gratitude--
TTFN, Jane