Sometimes Things Fall Apart

Happy Thursday, Friends!!  Last week, the Technique Junkie Designers kicked off the new month spotlighting a brand new release from Technique Junkies! I had so much fun with the new images, I just couldn't stop!

I started by inking the London Eye image in a variety of distress inks.  After misting lightly with water, I stamped the image on white card stock.  Once dry, I reinked with black and stamped again. It's a simple process, but one that produces interesting results.  I'm all for the complicate techniques, but I love it when art is easy, too!

To complete the card, I added Better Things--a fun Marilyn Monroe quote!


TTFN--Jane

A Partridge In A Pear Tree.....

I won't lie.  I have no idea at all what a partridge in a pear tree has to do with Christmas.  I could ask my well trusted bestie, Google, but then, I'm not sure this is information I MUST have.  In fact, if I don't know, then I won't feel confined to using this beautiful image from Technique Junkies just at Christmas time.  You dig?

I'm on a water coloring, mixed media feeling binge lately.  This card satisfies both of my recent obsessions and I am completely in love with the soft/shabby feel of the whole thing.  I started by coloring right on to the stamp face with distress markers and then stamping on Fabriano water color paper.  Next, I ran my aqua brush over the tree trunk and branches to enhance the water colored look.

I added accent stamping with both the Fresh Chevron and French Text backgrounds, both also found at Technique Junkie Stamps.  I lightened the edges of the focal image with gesso rubbings, allowing just portions of the french script to be seen.  I love how this softened the look and feel of the card.

Truth be told, I couldn't stand it--I looked it up by the time I got to this point in my post.....The good news is, there doesn't seem to be any really significance tying partridges, pear trees or Christmas.  Wikipedia had a RRRRREEEEAAAALLLLYYYYYY long explanation of the whole 12 days thing.....I may or may not have read it.  You can decide for yourself.  I'm going to go make more art.

Be crafty.  Be inspired.  Be Awesome!  TTFN, Jane

Grant Me

Happy Thursday......or is it?  Here in my neck of the woods, happy is a day to day thing.  I mean, I choose joy, but sometimes, my circumstances just don't cooperate and it can be a struggle.  The Serenity Prayer has long been associated with self help groups, but really---isn't the world just a big self help group?  We all need help from time to time.  The Serenity Prayer is a quick and simple reminder and encouragement:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the WISDOM to know the difference! 

Wisdom.....it's the key!

At least I had the wisdom to use my newest distress inks to create my colorful background--the newest colors to me:  pistacho, lagoon and coral.  I think they look pretty good together.  Although, by the time I had blended all of the colors, the coral hue was darker than you'd think and I ended up using a rust colored card stock for the base of the card.

I used the beautiful Serenity Butterfly image from Technique Junkie Stamps to create a random background pattern and embellishment to finish the whole project off.  And, sequins.......I know.....I'm sorry.  I'm not sorry.  They're pretty :)

TTFN.  Make it awesome.  Jane

Technique Junkie Designers Are Hopin'

Could someone tell me how we have already made it to June???  Wasn't it Christmas, just last week?  The saying must be true:  Time flies when you are having fun!  Fun is, actually, what the Technique Junkie Designers have been having playing around with the new June release!  If you've just stumbled here, I urge you to head to the beginning of the hop so you don't miss any of the inspiration!

If you've followed the hop from the start, you've just been to the blog of my pal, Beth.  She's been a designer with TJ just about as long as I have, but she never ceases to amaze me with her creations!

My first project features the new High Hopes set as the focal image.  I've also combined the Dylusions Resist technique, featured in last Friday's Inkspirations email, with the Mod Paisley background stamp.  If you are unfamiliar with the weekly Inkspirations email, be sure to let Pat Huntoon know you'd like to receive it too!

To add dimension, I stamped the High Hopes image in black twice and purple once.  I, then, trimmed the purple and second black image and pieced them together.  I could have gotten the same look by using markers direct to the stamp surface in various colors, but I like to piece and the added dimension is worth it for me!

My second piece is a 6 x 6 canvas that features the brand new Old Pier set.  (That sounds weird?)  I love the tranquility conveyed by this image and paired it with the Needed To Be sentiment.

 I don't think I've ever gone where I actually intended to go, but I am sure that I am always right where I am supposed to be.  There's a HUGE lesson in that!

My next project features the kitchy stamp, The Rules.  I literally laughed out loud when I saw this image!  Right way, I was drawn to the sass and wisdom of this stamp!  I decided to feature the image on a tag that I stylized with various Distress Inks and stencils.

I created by background using the It Take Two technique, featured on the Bodacious Backgrounds CD.  For this technique, I combined the an older background stamp, Pretty Medallions, with the newer Lily Love.

My next card, features another technique, also from the Bodacious Backgrounds CD, called Background Whimsy-Die Ink.  I love this background stamp, Sea Waves, and was thrilled to pick the three blue Distress Inks I own to color it--including the brand new Lagoon Blue!  I applied all of the inks with a wet application by using a wet wipe.  In real life, the distinction between the blues is more noticeable.  I added a the Winds of Change and some sequins to finish things off. 

Normally, I use black to mat my images.  For the above card, I used white and it really makes the image pop off the page!  I love this one!! (I love them all, but especially this one!)

The new Wine set, in my opinion, is the MUST have set of the release!  So many great images and all are perfect for gift giving, birthday celebrations, thank you notes....you name it!  There are 10 amazing pieces to this stamp set--great images and wonderful sentiments!

I created this wine bottle tag using three different images, including the wine script--which is subtly in the background of the tag.  Hopefully, you can see it well in the close up below!

That's all from me, my friends!!  Don't forget all of the new release images are 15% off until June 8th!  Get them while it is hot!

Now, it's time to see what Jerri has in store for us!  I love her style and always find her work inspiring--I hope you do too!

TTFN & Don't forget to be awesome!  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

Technique Junkie May Day Release Hop!

 Oh......good gravy.....I'm so excited!!!  It's release day at Technique Junkies!  That means it's HOP time!  If you are just getting here, I sure hope you came straight from my pal, Beth's blog.  If you just stumbled over, WELCOME!!  I'm ever so glad you are here, but be sure to head over to the Technique Junkie Designer Blog for the beginning of the hop.  I don't want you to miss any of the beautiful work created by my team mates!

Didn't Beth outdo herself AGAIN??  That girl just never ceases to amaze me!  The new stamps are pretty amazing too!  Once I got started, I had a hard time stopping.

My first two projects were created using the new Starfish background.  It is just beautiful and delicate...and makes me want to head straight for some place beachy!

I created this background using Starfish and the Background Whimsy technique found on the Bodacious Backgrounds CD.  I cut a window, creating a frame to highlight the What Cancer Can Not Do sentiment. 

Using the same stamp and technique, I created this second card to feature the To The Moon sentiment.  As a mom of many, I've said this or a version close to it about a gazillion times!! 

My last card features the Dragonfly image and an altered sentiment from Old Friends.  I know you must tire of me saying this or that is my favorite.  I surely seem fickle as I am constantly changing my opinion of "favorite."  I can honestly say, however, that I nearly cried when I opened the package containing my Old Friends stamp.  Seriously.

And then, I nearly cried again when I finished this 6 x 6 canvas.  I'm so in love with this image.  And, the sentiment.  After applying paints and gesso, gellatos and more paint, the canvas really started to come together.  My excitement was complete when I finished the right hand corner with a combination of bee's wax, sequins, glass glitter and a few charms.  Then, I decided who I would give it to, and, I cried......just because it is so perfect for my pseudo sister.  I can't wait until she gets it!

BUT.....enough about me!!

All of the May Release images are on SALE 15% off for the next week!!  Add these to your wish list and keep on going!  There is more inspiration to be had!  You are now off to see what the ever talented, Gini Cagle, has to share!

Have fun and don't forget to be awesome!

TTFN, Jane

Earthy Inspiration

It's Technique Thursday!!!  Thank you for joining me for more Technique Junkie inspiration!  If you haven't hopped through the Technique Junkie Welcome Hop--that went live yesterday, go ahead and check it out!  I'm honored to be part of such a fabulous team of artists!


Today, I have two projects to share.  Both showcase new releases from Technique Junkies.  The first, is shown above.  For my background, I used the Alcohol Stencil technique from the TJ  Sensational Stencil CD.  My muted earthy colors are the perfect backdrop for Bird and Butterflies.  Using Stazon ink, I stamped the image on vellum and colored it on the opposite side.  I have such a conflict when it comes to creating background pieces!  I never want to cover them up!

I'm partial to giraffe images because they were my Gram's favorite!  I just love this new image called Stand Tall.  Not only is the grouping of giraffes eye catching, but I love the sentiment, as well!   For this background, I use a technique from the  Technique Junkie Simple and Easy Inking Techniques Remix CD.  This is a great CD that is perfect for any level of stamper!  The technique used here is called It Takes Two.  Additional stamps used to complete this background are  Lipstick Kisses  and  Burlap.  For embellishments, I continued the earthy feel with a piece of canvas, twine and some wooden buttons.

If you missed the hop, please take some time to meet the Designers and see their work using lots of new goodies from Technique Junkies!  To make things even better, there's a SALE happening right now!!  (Sale is over April 8th so, go.....shop!)

Go, be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

My Name is Jane......And, I'm a Junkie!

Happy Wednesday....Happy April....I'm so glad you are joining me today!!  Today is the day!!!

The NEW Technique Junkies website was launched today!  I've been a Junkie for more than a decade!  It's truly been my honor to watch this company grow and to be a part of an amazing technique movement!  With the addition of a stamp line, a few years ago, Technique Junkies has really become a one stop shop!  I'm proud of this team and so excited you've joined us for today's Welcome Hop!  If you haven't started from the beginning, please head over to the Designer's Blog.  You will meet all of the Designers and be able to follow the hop from the very beginning!  I don't want you to miss one single thing!

If you are already on the hop, you've just visited my pal, Beth Norman, and seen her amazing work!  I've been working with Beth for years and she never fails to inspire and awe!!

Technique Junkies is also releasing a SLEW of new stamps today!  I must admit, I've had an impossible time choosing my favorites.  I've also neglected a few chores or twenty because I just cannot stop playing!

My first project, seen above, uses one of my all time favorite techniques, Bandana.  You will find the details of this eye popping and colorful technique on the Simple and Easy Inking Remix CD.  Stamps used:  Flourished Floral (#S627) and Always Be There (#SDX050).  I truly gasped out loud when I first saw the Flourished Floral image.  It is just exquisite!

My second project features a most riviting image and a technique from the Sensational Stencils CD called Stencil and Doodle.  Give me the beat!!!  Oh, how I just adore this image!

The stencil I used for this project is actually a 12 x 12 stencil from Heidi Swapp.  The stencil in it's entirety is a grouping of circles with hearts inside....use on a smaller platform elicits this random shape type background that I think works perfectly with this fun image!  After creating a card front sized panel, I split it into two pieces to create just a little bit of a more interesting panel.  I haven't stopped singing Free My Soul (#SD600) since my stamps arrived.  Isn't it just the best??

My You Are Amazing (#SDX045) card doesn't have a specific published technique attached to it, but does include yet another beautiful and unique image!  As the mother of five kiddos with a background and interest in Early Childhood Education, I am always drawn to images of children--especially when their spirit is so clearly felt.  I have many pictures and memories of my children running and splashing in puddles for the first time--you can almost feel the smile on this girls face!!  Rain Dance (#SD642) is sure to be a well used and favorite image for me!

I have more to share, but I'll call it quits for now!!  There's a SALE going on all week in the Technique Junkie store to help you celebrate all of the NEW with us!  The sale runs from April 1- April 8th!!  15% all stamps in the store--check it out!

Gini Cagle  has her wonderful talent to share with you next!  (I don't want to be a design hog all day!)  Be sure to visit me here and the Designer blog often for more inspiration!

TTFN & Don't Forget To Be Awesome!  Jane

They Say It's Your Birthday.....

Happy Thursday!!  I've got you singing now and we are just one day from Friday--what could be better?  I've been on a bit of a masculine birthday trend lately and have yet another birthday gifty set project to share.  It's Technique Thursday so, I'm showcasing all things Technique Junkies today!


This great project from the Technique Junkie CD,  Washi  Tape + Ribbons  is perfect for birthdays or even garnishing your Easter table with goodies and sweet treats!  Really, anytime you need some packaging--this Rolling Washi Box is a sure fire way to WOW!  the receiver.

 

My project is birthday themed but imagine it filled with candy at each place setting for your Easter table?  How sweet would that be?

Above you see the box open.  Just enough space for some jelly beans, chocolate eggs and a few more sweet treats!

My card is a quick and simple one using the Washi Words tutorial, also found on the Washi Tape + Ribbon CD from Technique Junkie.  I've also used one of my favorite go to sets from Technique Junkie stamps, Simple Sentiments, Set 1a (#SS01a).

What's on your crafty agenda today?  Don't forget to be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

Show Me The Kind.......

 Weary....I am weary, my friends.  Weary of all the unkindness and flat out evil I see around me.....Won't you join me in a crusade for kindness?

I choose not to dwell on or spotlight the specifics related to my weariness.....suffice it to say, there have been several major and minor happenings in the world--just outside my door--that have led me to this conclusion.  I'm a ponderer--yes, that is a word!  And so, after much reflection, I have decided we need a revolution of sorts....a random acts of kindness surge---are you in?

Today, I'll be giving this card to someone who will least expect it.  It will be filled with positiveness and an appreciation for who the receiver is.  At this moment, I haven't even decided who I will give it to.  I'll trust the Spirit to direct my path.  Could you do something similar?  I'm not even talking about huge actions.....hold the door, help the elderly lady reach the too high item on the shelf, toss a ball, in the sunshine, with a little one.....

I'm going to extend the KIND a little too!  You can comment with a story of kindness---yours or someone's to you.  On Sunday, I will select one random commenter and send out a little goodie bag/box of crafty stuff.  Probably some stamps, papers, embellies....something fun and kind.  Be sure to include your contact information in your comment!  HELP ME SEE THE KIND!!

A little about my card:
I created my colorful background using this Palettini background image, available from Technique Junkie Stamps, called Vintage Botanicals Collage!  It's so delicate and frilly!  It was the perfect image to combine with the Stained Resist technique from the Technique Junkie's Artistic Effects CD.    If you are not a Junkie and would like to learn more about the available technique based CD and other tutorials, you can look around over HERE.

To finish off my project, I didn't want to cover up any of the technique piece so, I went with a simple sentiment from Technique Junkies and a sheer ribbon.  You can take a peek around the Technique Junkie Stamp store and find all kinds of goodies!!

Have a great day....be kind and tell me about it!
Go be awesome!  TTFN, Jane

Giraffes, Zebras & Tigers....Oh, My!

Happy I Brake For Stamps Monday!!!  Thank you for checking out this week's IBFS share!!  As I patiently (ok, not so much) await the coming Spring, I find my stamp choices fluctuating between flowers and animals!  Why not, right?

I created my background using a technique called Bleach Blocking.  It creates a colorful and texture rich background. You can find the details of this technique in the December 2014 edition of the TJ Newsletter.  If you are not already a Junkie, you can find details for ordering back issues HERE.

To complete my project, I used this awesome TRIO stamp from I Brake For Stamps!  I stamped on cream colored card stock using Archival Ink.  This is the best permanent/waterproof ink I own!  It gives such a crisp image that is plenty black.  The only downside, I can see, is that it doesn't work with my Copic markers.  But, nevermind that.  There are plenty of other ways to apply color!  Lately, I've been getting into water coloring a bit more. I'm so trendy....LOL!!  Actually, I'm rutty (although that doesn't sound very attractive!)  I am currently in my water color rut.  I'll be here for awhile and you'll see nothing but water colored projects.....bear with this creature of habit!

For this card, I used the same distress inks I used on my background and my aqua painter.  I wanted just a shadow of the light purple color (dusty concord) around each animal.....The giraffe and tiger both are colored with Rusty Hinge in varying intensity. 

To finish it off, I added the "Enjoy" sentiment from Floral Half Sheet 148B.  So many good choices on that sheet!  When you go over to the I Brake For Stamps store, you'll want to check out everything I linked to.  Also, how cute is this Cute Elephant?  Can anyone say...Horton Hears a Whoo????  Be sure to visit the clearance section too....cuz, who doesn't like a deal?  And, speaking of dealios....you can save with my coupon code SAVE10JANE--get after it!

That's all for me today----have a great one!!  Don't forget to be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

Pocket of Yum!

Happy Tuesday!  Thank you for stopping by for another Sweet N Sassy Stamps project!!  I'm lovin' on Winnie and a fun little treat pocket today!

I started my project with a piece of double sided paper.  I have a literal ton of paper here in the Studio.....I may or may not have a bit of a problem with pretty paper.  I'm currently in the "use it" portion of my treatment plan.  The piece you see here is a very old design from Stampin' Up!  For this project, it's important to use the thinner double sided paper vs double sided cardstock weight.  The thinner paper will fold nicely and not crack along the seams.

You can find the directions for this design on the Technique Junkie CD, Fancy Folds and Motion.  I will tell you, I adapted the dimensions (which I will provide) because I wanted my pocket mounted on a quarter piece of cardstock.  The cardstock gives the project the weight I think it needs to stand up to a substantial treat like the coffee singles I've used.

So, to start, I began with designer paper that measured 8" x 10 1/2".  Score at 4", rotate and score at 5 1/4".  These dimensions result in a double pocket that measures 4" x 5 1/4".  It easily mats onto a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"  piece of cardstock --which is your standard A2 card! 

The above is a clearer picture of the double pocket.  You must use double sided paper for this!  As you see, the teal pattern is the division between the two pockets!  After adhering with mono, I used my mini machine to stitch around the edges.

The tag and the rest of the project are decorated using Winnie's Warm Wishes and Winter With Winnie both from Sweet N Sassy Stamps.  I love this character and can't wait (hint, hint!) to see her more!

That's all for me today!  Have a great day and don't forget to be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

A Little Birthday Wish.......

Time for a little birthday wish for one of my co-workers!!  I sure hope she likes it!  Thank you for joining me for another Technique Junkie Thursday!

This is the first time I've tried this technique, called Goosed Gelatos.  You'll find the directions on the TJ's Artistic Effects CD.  It is a GREAT CD!  I played with it for a whole day and have all kinds of yummy background pieces to turn into projects to share with you!  I consider this CD a more bang for your buck CD.  It demonstrates the use of so many things we already own, just one more way (or two, or three, or four more ways.....)  You'll find new ways to use your distress stains, goose bumps, gesso, sprays, gelatos and more!

But, enough about that.  Let's talk about my card

 As I mentioned, the technique I'm show casing today is called Goosed Gelatos.  I LOVE THIS TECHNIQUE!!  Sorry for shouting, but WOW!  what colorful and interesting backgrounds it produces!  If you are unfamiliar with gelatos, they are a highly pigmented color stick---I tend to think of them as being like lipstick in texture and vibrancy.  They come in a variety of colors.  If you are anything like me, you'll need them all!  This is the pack I have:

I adore it and it gives me soooo many choices!!  For this project, I used Lavendar, Cotton Candy, Bubble Gum, Pistachio and Grape.  To learn all of the details of this fun technique, you can purchase the Artistic Effects CD here.

After my amazing background dried, I finished it off with some cardstock candles and a few fun Technique Junkie Stamps.  You'll find A Little Birthday Wish (#SD398) and Make A Tree Set (#SS014) in the Technique Junkie Stamp store!

That's all for me today!  Go ahead and get inky....I'd love to see what you're working on....
Don't forget to be awesome!  TTFN, Jane

What's New?

It's a Junkie kind of a day....thanks for stopping in to check on my Technique of the Week ala Technique Junkies!

I have to admit, I've had a sensational week so far!  I've had an opportunity to sub in an EBD classroom in our local school district and it has been a fast paced, often tiring, but heart warming experience.  I don't particularly have specific experience working with emotionally and behaviorally disordered children in a classroom environment.  My experience lies in working inpatient psych in an acute care hospital--our patients, in that time, were viewed as broken.  I don't particularly have specific training in education either, but I've trained for many years as a mom and dabbled in a few early childhood work situations.  I do, however, find that I have a knack for the classroom (if I do say so  myself!) and, I've decided a few things:

Kids are amazing little studies in human nature.  In an environment that teaches respect and acceptance by doing AND speaking it, excellent human beings can be grown.  Inclusion is understanding that we are not all the same and that's okay.  Compassion is understanding and respecting the limits of another while treating them just like any other friend.  Seeing the value in every single person is powerful.  Writing anyone off just will not do.

Like the butterflies in my project....I'm on the verge of something.......

But, enough about me :)  I'm pulling a project out of the vault for this week as my creative time has been cut short.  I created this colorful piece for the Technique Junkie Sensational Stencil CD.  The Stencil and Doodle technique is just one of the 40 techniques available on this CD (it may be my favorite...) and if you don't yet own it, you can find it here!

Also available from the Technique Junkie stamp line are the Simple Sentiments, Style 2 I used to finish my card!  Feel free to check them out here....and, be sure to look around at all the other goodies while you are there!

Thank for stopping by.....don't forget the awesome...
TTFN, Jane

Asian Flowers....

Happy Monday, my friends!  Welcome to my I Brake For Stamps Monday share! 

Today, I have an Asian inspired card that uses a beautiful floral image from the I Brake For Stamps Asian Full Sheet!  I think the images on this sheet are just beautiful.  They remind me of my precious niece, Lily!  Beautiful and spunky!

I really have no flair for plants or identifying the beautiful flowers seen here.  I suppose they are some type of asian plant, but could just as easily be growing in my backyard.  I appreciate beauty whether I know the details or not! 

I added the flowers to a background technique called Aged Text Boards from the Technique Junkie Newsletter.  You will find the technique, Aged Text Boards, in the April/May 2014 edition of the newsletter.  It's a fun technique and creates an interesting focal image piece.  After coloring all of the florals with copic markers, I added a few sequins for some shimmer!

It's an easy card to make....why not give it a go?  If you stop over to pick up some supplies, don't forget to tell Ms. Della that I sent ya!  You can save with my coupon code, SAVE10JANE.

Don't forget the awesome!

TTFN,
Jane

Boy Howdy!!

"The funny thing is she wasn't even planning any of this.  It all just sort of happened, and *boy howdy* was she glad it did."

It's a Technique Junkie kinda of Thursday!!!  Thanks for stopping by to see my techniquey offering of the day!  

I chose a background technique to highlight this most fantastic sentiment from Technique Junkie Stamps (Boy Howdy #SD432).  It couldn't be a better descriptor of my life lately.......

Stuff happens to all of us.  I know.  In that first moment, bad things can seem worse as we struggle to process and deal with fear and uncertainty.  Add in some feelings about ourselves, our self doubt, our......fill in the blank.......and WOW!  It can all be so overwhelming, sad, crippling......OR, we can train ourselves to wait.  To be silent.  To be led.  I found myself in such a place, recently, and am happy to report that I've been preparing (or being prepared) to wait and be led for quite some time.

And, the funny thing is....I wasn't even planning any of it, but it sorta happened and I am so glad it did!  I am on a new road in so many areas of my life...it's very exciting!

One such is my increased involvement with Technique Junkies!  Technique Junkie Newsletter and Stamps has been a huge part of my life for a long time.  I'm proud to be part of this growing company and delighted with the addition of this fantastic stamp line!  I can barely wait to see where we will go together!

For my background, I used the Peace Background stamp and the technique called Patchwork Distress.  It's the online bonus technique for the June/July 2014 edition of the newsletter.  If you are not yet a Junkie, do not despair, there is still a way.....there's always a way!

I'm a big fan of details and always get a kick out of making my own to tie a project completely together.  Using several inks, I stamped portions of the background stamp images and trimmed them.  I added a layer of crystal lacquer for some dimension.  When dried, I had three fun little coordinating buttons to add to my project!

So, tell me......what is it that YOU weren't even planning??

TTFN & Don't forget the awesome!

Jane

Note To Self.....

What is it that makes you shine?  I'm a firm believer that we all have our something......I had an opportunity to sub in a local elementary school's Early Childhood program this week.  None of the four kiddos in the class I worked in were verbal and yet each one tugged at my heart, connected with me and let their light shine. See, shine isn't necessarily reflected in the words of your mouth.  It's a thought worthy of pondering.....

What is it about you that shines?  Do you let it show?  On this journey called life, I think we are called to find that thing (or things) and go with it.  While we may "think" we want this job or that---this responsibility or title, I think it's more important to discover your gift.  When you do, it may not lead to the acclaim or notice you thought (and the world sells) you wanted.  Instead, you'll realize why they call it a gift....and, why it is something you won't be able to keep from sharing :)

Today, I have a fun card I created using the Technique Junkie technique, Tie It Together. This tutorial can be found in the last (December 2014) edition of the newsletter.  Even if you are not a subscriber, you can purchase on online version of the newsletter that will give you access to the wonderful goodness that is Technique Junkies.  I've adored being a Junkie for more than 8 years because I am never at a loss for an idea or a challenge.  To learn more, visit the TJ Home Page!

The stamp I've used to tie the technique together is from the Technique Junkie stamp line.  It's called Shine Today #SD441.  You'll find it and all sorts of other yummy images/sentiments in the TJ Stamps online catalog!

Now, think about what it is that makes you shine and, let it out! 

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to be awesome!

TTFN, Jane