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

Focus

Focus on the good.....such a simple message, yet so easy to overlook!  There's some big stuff going down in my world right now.  If I'm not careful, I can make myself a little Satan target.  He just lies in wait for me to start doubting, to be sad, to get negative.....and, BAM!!  In the pit I go.  Those automatic negative thoughts can just rule the day...if I'm not careful....

The good news is........there is Good News!!  Focus on the good!  I absolutely adore Rebecca Rios' designs, found over at Sweet N Sassy stamps.  Designed for bible journaling, they are so versatile and make great eveyday cards for encouragement.  Just from her stamp sets alone, I imagine her to be one of my best friends, full of positive light and an awesome sense of humor and fun!  I used her set called Capture This Moment for this quick and fun card.  I might be stuck in a water coloring rut, but its a good place to be stuck!   I hope you enjoy this fun card and reminder to focus on the good....you may have to look harder at times, but I guarrantee it---it is there!!!

Happy Birthday to My Momma!

Today, I'm wishing my momma a very happy birthday and sharing a card I made just for her!  This card features a beautiful stamp set from Rubbernecker that I haven't played with in years.  I'm not even sure it is still available for sale.  It's one of the watercolor sets--stamps that make it look like you've painted, my favorite!

The sentiment is also part of this set.  I'm trying really hard not to be nitpicky about the fact that it's a little crooked.  That's the part that makes it hand made, right??  I think she'll like it just the same.

Don't be afraid to be a little off--it makes life fun!
TTFN, Jane

Scripted Tulips

I just feel like we all could use some flowers today.  It's snowing here again.  My 15-20 minute commute took me an hour because I chose to go through town thinking it was safer.  My feet are still freezing.  My car is buried and may not make it up the hill.  So....flowers it is!

This is one of the first images I purchased from Unity Stamps several years ago when I first fell in love in love with them.  It's called Donna Poppy Background. 

Using a script background stamp, I created a resist and then later water colored the rest of the card.  I've been into coloring more and more lately and find that my cards are becoming more about that than matting and fancy designs.  My mojo wanes, I find with lack of time and it's really just about getting back to basics lately.....

Enjoy, Jane

Love....

Love.....looks like this.

And, speaking of love. I do. I love this image from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps.  It is the simple picture in totality of love.  Your God for His World.

Not much else needs to be said.

Blessings---

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

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

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

I Dare You.....

Happy Monday, Friends!!  Welcome back to my blog and another Monday with I Brake For Stamps!  I'm happy you stopped by!

I am totally in love with this Large Unicorn image from I Brake For Stamps.  Here, in Bosiville, we have a love/love relationship with the unicorn......you may remember this shirt I created with the same image this summer.  What a great day that was!  You can make your own uni shirt with the digital image available in the IBFS store.  You.  Are.  Welcome.

I water colored some broken china distress ink on a piece of water color paper to start.  When that was completely dry, I added some 2-way glue and glitter......what's a rainbow colored unicorn without glitter, afterall?   It's so sparkly in real life!

I stamped the unicorn, also on water color paper, and used various distress inks and my aqua brush to color it in.  As a side note, I was watching Friends while I was coloring.....it was the episode where Fun Aunt Rachel teaches little Ben practical jokes and cuss words.....LOL!!  I only mention this to relate the therapeutic value of coloring......not only is it a great stress reliever, it's also great for improving your memory!  On a normal, non-coloring day, I can scarcely remember my name......

To finish things off, I added the Dare to be Different sentiment....because...you know......unicorns.

I dare you....be different.  Be Awesome!  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

New York, New York....

Happy Thursday, Junkies!!  I'm so glad you stopped by to see my Technique Junkie share for the week!  I'm super excited because tomorrow, the Technique Junkie Design Team is hosting a May Day Hop!!!  We have lots of new images, sentiments and goodies to share--it's going to be awesome so, please be sure to check back!

I completely and 100% adore this image from the April Technique Junkie release, Watercolor-NY.  I'm sharing it today as a quick and easy card, but this image has so much depth and potential--it's wonderful!

I started by stamping and embossing my image on water color paper.  Using a variety of distress inks and an aqua brush, I added drips of color and then let them run down the paper.  I did use my heat tool between color application.  If the first color isn't dry, the new color tends to follow the same "stream" and then you just get a muddied look.  And, nobody wants that.....

Thanks for stopping by!  See you tomorrow for a fabulous hop--don't forget to be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

Let's Dance....

Happy Monday!!  Here in Wisconsin, we are well on our way to a beautiful sunny day with temperatures far warmer than the 14 degrees we welcomed last week with!  I sure hope the trend continues as this seems like the longest winter ever!  Thank you for popping by to see my Monday I Brake For Stamps share!!

We are on Spring Brake this week ;)   Spending a week adventuring with my kiddos and the warmer weather has me feeling all happy and dancey!  This beautiful silhouette image, called Mayday, from I Brake For Stamps,  is the perfect expression of my inside giddy!

I started by taping the edges of some water color paper and applying various watercolors.  For this project, I broke out my Dr. Ph. Martin's Hydrous watercolors.  I love the intensity of the colors.  Once the inks dried, I removed the tape and stamped over the top.  For final touches, I added some baker's twine, sequins and this truthful sentiment from Time For Friendship, aslo from I Brake for Stamps.

Don't forget, you can save in the I Brake For Stamps store by using my coupon code, SAVE10JANE.  Save and  be awesome!  TTFN--Jane

Sweet, Happy Teddy Bear.....

Good Monday Morning!  Welcome to another I Brake For Stamps Monday, here on my lil ol' blog!

Today, I have a fun little watercolored and stenciled card to share with you!  As most of my projects, this started as a bit of an experiment and some goofin' around.

It's no secret that I love Dylusions ink sprays.  I thought it would be fun to use a few on a water colored type project.  So, I started with some watercolor paper and a stencil!  After adhering the stencil with some temporary adhesive, I added some color using the Dylusions sprays and an aqua brush.  You can see that my application was rather random.....that's what I like about the watercolors---you can barely go wrong!

After the inks dried, I traced the stencil with my copic multiliner.  Later, I added the birthday sentiment frrom Sheet 138B in the I Brake For Stamps Store....it scares me a bit that I no longer have to look up the reference on this sheet--I use it so much!  It wouldn't be so odd if the sheet had a name like.....Birthday and Flowers, but 138B????  I'm hooked......

To pull the whole project together, I stamped, on a separate piece of water color paper, Sweet Teddy.  He's watere colored, also, using distress ink and dylusions ink.  After drying and trimming, I mounted him with some dimensional tape.

I made several things this past weekend, and had them on my table to film....my crafty girl voted the sweet teddy card her favorite.....I do agree!  But, please come back to see what else kept me out of trouble the last few days ;)

If you have a notion to visit the I Brake For Stamps store, be sure to say a sweet hello to my pal, Bo Bella.  Let her know I sent you and use my coupon code SAVE10JANE for some sweet savings while you are there!

TTFN & Don't Forget The Awesome!

Jane