Come, Sail Away.....

 Happy Monday!

When I was in my earliest twenties, (a billion years ago...), I spent two amazing summers working at the marina in my hometown.  I was a dock hand, a store clerk and part of the charter crew.  I met amazing people, dated a boat designer for a little while (it was pretty cool in my circle at the time...), hung out with great friends and spent every day in "vacation" land.  The marina always had a different beat, a vacation clock, a happy hour feel.  It was wonderful!  I was tan and happy 24:7. 

Even though I haven't been sailing in years, the mere image of a sailboat conjours up many wonderful memories for me of times on the water, friendships I've made, fun I've had.

As we sail into the new year, it's a time to look forward and set a course for success.  I have much faith in what the new year will bring to my life....not even a clue, but much faith!

Today, I'm sharing a fun and colorful card with a boating theme.  Funny, but the image comes from an I Brake for Stamps sheet called, Always Time for Friendship!  

I began with a section of double sided designer paper, cutting two same sized pieces and layering them as you see.  The grayish/brownish (I can't decide what color it actually is) piece is the first layer; the top designer paper has the large half circle cut out of it.  I like it this way for the added dimension it creates in real life.

I've used Always Time For Friendship sheet and Typewriter/Diamonds, from I Brake For Stamps, to complete the stamping on my card.  The "best wishes" I created using a jumbo rotary stamp I picked up.....I like the look of it....I think it's kind of manly?

Thanks for stopping by and listening to my rambling reminiscing!

TTFN, Jane

Psalm 46:5

What started out as an experiment and goofing around, turned into a class and a canvas for a friend!

This 6 x 6 canvas started as the combination of a several products just to see what they would do.  After a bit of time, the idea crystalized in my mind and became a beginners canvas class I offered in my home.
Here are a few of the gals with their finished work:

I love how each put their own spin on the idea and made something completely unique!  I know some people like the comfort of copying what they see.  And, truly, that's fine.  For me, canvas art is such a personal thing...it's exciting to me to see when others make it personal too.

These canvas' bear images from one of my favorite companies--Unity Stamp Co.  I have no affiliation with the company, but do most of my canvas art (at least 90%) with their images and backgrounds.  Used for this project:  Chick-a-dee and Me, Empowered Words,  Beautiful Wish/Layers of Life, Hollyhocks, and Angie Girl: Dream With Your Heart.

When I promoted and taught the class, my canvas looked like this:

No verse.  It felt undone.  But, I knew it would come to me--it always comes to me.  I thought it was my canvas, but as soon as it was done, I knew it wasn't mine to keep.

"God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved"   Psalm 46:5

I chose the verse for me, but it turns out, it was for her {I hope you are reading this}

TTFN, Jane

Please note that the verse reference is incorrect.  The cited verse, although seen on the canvas as Proverbs, is actually from the book of Psalms :)  oops!

Clean and Simple Angel

I only have cookies to bake and decorate, grocery shopping to do and a ton of gifts to wrap.....so, why am I stamping?  Because I can't not :)  It's like air to me!  It makes me happy, bright and me!!


I love this little angel, from I Brake For Stamps, with her quirky hair!  She's called Heavenly Day Halos and I think she's a great image for just about any kind of card!  She's colored with distress markers and a little bit of Stickles.  I combined her with a sentiment from IBFS's Fashionista half sheet.  I guess it's kind of become a theme with me lately?

This layout is particularly great for using up scrap.  The "frame" behind the focal image is just three different widths of colorful scrap.  I stylized two, with scissors and ink, for some added interest.  The yellow strip bears an image from IBFS's  Lace Borders half sheet.  I use those lace images so often!  If someone told me I had to reduce my stamp inventory {gasp!}, those would definitely stay!!


What are your go-to images?  Which stamps could you never live without?  I'd like to know!

I'm off to finish up a few gifts, make the cookies, wrap gifts.......I'll save a trip to the store for....midnight?

YOU can go  to the store right now and save $ while you are there!  Head on over to The Store and use my code SAVE10JANE while you are there!  How easy is that?

TTFN, Jane

Get Your Gifty On....

Yep, she did it again....my sweet friend, Ms. Bo Bella is running a sale over at I Brake For Stamps and it's just in the nick (St. Nick...LOL) of time!  You deserve it.  Go on....go and get your gifty on:

If the fine print is hard to read, let me summarize....she's awesome, IBFS store is full of stuff you want, it's Christmas and you deserve something nice!  Use coupon code Christmas14 at check out for a whopping 25% discount!!  (some restrictions do apply).

You.  Are.  Welcome.

TTFN, Jane

Let's Face It....

Let's face it, you ARE beautiful and brilliant!!  It says so right there.  But, let's also face it, do most of us believe that?  I'm pretty awesome....just ask my kids, I tell them ALL the time how awesome I am!

Just between us, though.....most of the time I am completely on the opposite end of believing I am beautiful or brilliant.  Yet this verse and the intention spoke so strongly to me.  Why?  Because separate from all the "tapes" in my head (and, maybe to overcome them), I absolutely want to believe this about myself.  AND, I want you all to believe it about yourselves too.  It's easy for me to see the beauty and brilliance of you, my friends.....I'm working on seeing it in myself.

I've found great release and creativity in the creation of canvas art.  I love to build meaning into my canvas'.  It's a very purposeful art form, I find.  In some ways, it's like scrapbooking.  Each canvas tells a story.

I started this canvas with a stencil that bears the words "pretty, cute, gorgeous, divine and glamourous"  If you look closely, you can see a hint of the words.....I know it's there!  Now, you do too!  We should adopt words like these as our private mantra's.  I bet we could overwrite a few "tapes" simply by speaking truth over ourselves.  What do you think?

This canvas is full of paint, gesso and lots of Technique Junkie Stamp goodness!  To adorn the edges, in white paint, I've used Layered Doilies (#S558).  The focal image is one of the beautiful images from the Palenttini Collection, called Let's Face It 2 (#P007).  The solidly important verse is called Beautiful and Brilliant (#SD435) and reads:

"she told herself that she was beautiful and brilliant and one day she woke up and finally believed it."

It's my wish for all of you...all of us....believe it!

TTFN, Jane

Brakin' For Jesus!

Happy Monday! 

It's time for another fun card from I Brake For Stamps!  Today, I have a little frosted water colored background to show off these super cute images from I Brake For Stamps.  The images are from a stamp sheet by Rob Meijer and Stampinback.  I adore the sweet little images on this sheet and, you can too!

I started with a piece of water color paper and my yummy hydrus watercolors by Dr. Ph. Martins.  After laying down some colors--various blues and purple, I stamped over with the Names of Jesus background stamp, also from I Brake For Stamps.  I used a white pigment ink for a subtle effect.  To add more of a frosted look, I colored along the outside frame with a Picket Fence Distress marker.  I love the way this marker works, but you have to be patient and let it dry for the full effect.

After completing the background, I stamped and colored the images before trimming them.  I love the fussy cutting--it's so relaxing!  The final touch, was a just a bit of stickles here and there for the right amount of bling! 

Don't forget to get all gifty with yourself in the I Brake For Stamps Store.  Use my coupon code SAVE10JANE  to save and tell Ms. Della I said "Hi Dee Ho!"

Enjoy, my stampy friends!

TTFN, Jane

Coffee Lover's Blog Hop

If you've known me for any length of time, you know that I often will go to bed early just so I can get up and have a cup of coffee!  It was natural for me to join this hop put together by the lovely Amy Tsuruta! This hop is filled with amazing artwork, generous sponsors and yummy coffee goodness!  Be sure to check out all of the links!  Plus, I have a little prize package of my own to share!!

 I love this little Cocoa mouse from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps!  Like me, Cocoa loves both coffee and tea!  I didn't want to leave him out so, I created two cards for this hop.

 This first card features the Cocoa's Latte stamp set.  Borrowing a creative layout I noticed on pinterest, this card is fun and bright!  It was just a warm up for my next card!

I actually pulled out my mini Janome sewing machine for this one!  I feel so accomplished!  This card features Tea Time Cocoa.  He's so cute just peaking out from that tea cup!

Take a look at all of the wonderful sponsors!

17Turtles	Veronica Zalis	Chris Franco
Add a Little Dazzle	Butterfly Reflections Ink	Color Cast Designs
Create a Smile	Hero Arts	Kraftin' Kimmie
Kreative Kymona	Latina Crafter	Neat & Tangled
Newton's Nook	Pickled Potpourri Designs	Poppystamps
Reverse Confetti	Stamp Academy	Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
STAMPlorations	SugarPea Designs	Sweet 'n Sassy
The Alley Way Stamps	Two Paper Divas	Verve Stamps
Whole Wild World	Your Next Stamp	Paper Smooches

Aren't those great sponsors?

If  you have any additional questions or are wondering what the specific prizes are, be sure to check out the hop hosts' blog. 

I have a little prize package to share of my own:

You can leave your comments below and one winner will be randomly chosen from the comments.  Be sure to include your email so I can contact you when you win!

Isn't this sweet?

I got one for you and one for me!!

Wanna play? Join us!

An InLinkz Link-up

That's a lot of goodness, right there folks!  Thanks for stopping by!!  Jane

"Ho" To The Third....

Happy Holidays!  Today, I'm sharing a math card....LOL!  It's about as mathy as I get, my friends!

I dug these super cool and extra large letter stickers out of my stash....ha!  My 'stache....
Anyhooo, I added some scrap ribbon to a piece of red embossed cardstock along with the letter stickers.  Then, added this fun image from I Brake For Stamps. 

While I'd like to claim pure crafty inspiration all on my own, I have to admit that I saw a similar idea on that great time sucker, Pinterest!  My mojo has been at an all time low lately so, I'm trying to kick start it---what do you do when those creative lulls hit?  Inquiring minds (mine) want to know! 

TTFN, Jane

Peace & Joy

I simply adore this card, if I do say so myself!  LOL!!  I love the sparkly colors, the stark contrast with the white watercolor paper.....I love the fact that I finally found a use for that huge snowflake brad I've been hoarding for a decade (seriously!) I love the sentiment.  Peace.  Joy. 

Ponder it.  I celebrate Christmas like so many of you.  It's a wonderful time of the year.  It's exciting and reflective.  It's full of sweet treats, beautiful music, the laughter of children.  It's full of joy.  We seek peace, at this time of the year, in our homes & communities...

We study the gospels that lead up to the birth of Christ.  We talk about the shepherds, the star and the inn.  The manger, the mom, the dream, the bad guy, the good guy.....

Peace and Joy maybe the focal theme of this season, but I'm telling you today, it is the bounty of relationship with that little baby.  Peace and Joy is a gift from the Master.  I hope you are unwrapping yours today and all year long....

For my card today, I took my lead from the Sensational Stencil CD, from Technique Junkies.  I've used the Grunge Stencil technique.  I love them all, but this CD is my current favorite.  It's such a great resource for getting more bang for my stencil buck!!  I've spent a few bucks on stencils and I just love being able to use them for so many more purposes than the obvious!  This particular stencil is also a favorite that I found over at I Brake For Stamps!

Since it is the season of giving, I have a few coupon codes to share with you today!

There are only a few more days to use the 30 Days coupon code over in the Technique Junkie stamps store!  The code is XMAS15 and you can visit the store:  HERE

You can save at I Brake For Stamps, also, using SAVE10JANE


The sentiment, I'm so in love with today, comes from Technique Junkies Stamps and is called Simple Sentiments (#SS3c).  It's a great set and so versatile and unique!  If you haven't looked around, it is pretty rare to find so many sentiments in that orientation!  And, it's not the only sentiment set like it from Technique Junkie Stamps!  Go check it out!

Thanks for popping by....and remember, Peace.  Joy.
TTFN, Jane

Beetle Bailey.......And......

A little Christmas cheer??  Sometimes, I just have to shake my head at my quirky sense of humor!

It all started out innocently enough.  I adore this Rob Meijer Christmas for Stampinback sheet, available at I Brake For Stamps.  It's one of the first stamp sets I think of when I think, "I should make my Christmas cards..."  Stamp set selected?  Check!

I've been busy exploring my stencils and getting lots more bang for my buck by trying all of the different techniques on the Technique Junkie Sensational Stencils CD.  There are 40....yes, that's right, FORTY! techniques on this CD showing so many different ways to use a stencil.  You can order yours (or read more about it) HERE.  Be sure to check out the pictorial index to see a sample of each technique.  I've used the Stencil and Doodle technique on my project (less so much the doodle part).  Background Done?  Check!

Eventually, it comes time to select the perfect image to complete my card.  The Rob Meijer sheet doesn't make this an easy thing.  There are so many cute images on the sheet.  I used the Starburst stencil from Ranger thinking about that Special Star....I thought it would be a good choice.  So, I settled on the adorable shepherd boy.  As I colored him, however, I really had to work hard not to color his clothing in drab army green:

Do you see it?

Pop over to the I Brake For Stamps store and let Ms. Della know how crazy you think I am :)  You'll save a cool amount when you use my coupon code: SAVE10JANE

LOL!!?  Check!

Thanks for stopping by!  TTFN, Jane

Be You

Lessons are hard.  Right?  Had a little curve ball happen in my life in the past week.

We can get jaded about human beings, life....  We are bombarded every day, in the news, social media, about the despicable things people do.  We cling to the little rays of hope.....I think they call them "good news" stories.  How sad is it that we have a term for the good that happens?

In the midst of my latest storm, I am astounded by the support and good around me.  I expect it from my friends (and I love, love, love you more for it!), I guess.  Not complete strangers.

I've had the unfortunate opportunity to learn how to navigate my way through unemployment benefits.  I spoke with a man, John, today.  I could be a number to him.  I shouldn't matter to him.  He does it all day....hears the sob stories, the anger, the fear, the frustration.  Instead, this man who knows nothing about my situation, afforded me a compassion and kindness that was truly impressive.

About a week ago, I made this card.  Just playing around with some new goodies from I Brake For Stamps.  A week later, with my landscape completely altered, the sentiment holds even more meaning.  I'm talking about the middle phrase.....Be Bright!

Be bright.  You never know what the storm is that someone might be walking through.  Be bright.  Be a light.  You never know when you, yourself, will need one. 

My fun background?  A new little stencil from the I Brake For Stamps store!  You can see all available stencils here.  I have found a new obsession and love for stencils since helping Technique Junkies compile a brand new stencil focused CD.   You can learn about it here. 

The technique used here is called Grunge Stencil :)

Y'all know how I struggle with covering up amazing backgrounds so, I used vellum to stamp this fun image. I flipped it and colored it with my distress markers, added the sentiment and BOOM!  Fun and easy!

The stamp sheet used is called Fashionista.  I love the clear lines and sophistication of the sheet.  Be sure to check it out!  You can save by using my coupon code SAVE10JANE.  Pop on over and tell sweet Ms. Della I said hideehoe!!!

TTFN--Jane

Choose Joy

It's election day!  Today, there are a lot of people who will be making choices--important choices.  Choices will be made whether you show up at the poll or not........let that sink in......it's still a choice so, please show up and really let your voice be heard!

This now concludes my political talk.  But, make no mistake, I have very clear political opinions.  I am not a what ever floats your boat kinda girl.....I just don't think my arty blog is the place for it ;)

I do, however, think it is the place to talk about joy!  Unity Stamp Co. joy, fall colors joy, stampy goodness joy!

When I got my October Layers of Life kit, I had to pull it out right away!  Using watercolor paper and distress inks, I created a colorful background. After first inking and misting with water to create a watercolory look, I then over stamped to give each beautiful leaf more definition.  I love this kit!!

I also love the "Choose Joy" sentiment.  It's different from the standard "wishy" sentiments like, "have a great day" or "happy birthday."  KWIM?   There seems to be power in it...it's a directive, a reminder, a choice....

So......choose.

TTFN, Jane

Stillness.....

I waited.  And, waited.  Isn't it funny how much time we actually spending waiting?  Waiting to get older, waiting to drive, waiting to get married, have kids, get the perfect job......ugh!  The list is seemingly endless.

Ok, so I admit......I was waiting for my Bisters from I Brake For Stamps.  Nothing to traumatic.  I was busy and then not feeling well so, I stopped waiting...I actually kinda forgot.  Then, there they were!

So, it got me thinking, about stillness.  I love this sentiment--actually, I love the book it comes from and most importantly, I love the Author!! 

To be still we must give it up.  The anxiety, the worry, the control--right?  In stillness, we learn to hear--not necessarily with our ears, but with our hearts--our spirits.  I've allowed some very important truths to penetrate my stubbornness simply by being still.  It's often a tough road to hoe, but most things worth it generally are. We say we are practicing patience when we are waiting, but what if it were really stillness?  It seems to me that this world could use a lot more of that.....

Now, you are wondering what Bisters are and how I got from powdered pigment to an existential blah blah....

Powdered Pigments!  Yes, that is the best way I can describe them.  You scatter them on your cardstock and then activate with water mist.  I chose to use my Perfect Pearls mist on my first attempt.  They are pretty interesting.  I'm looking foward to playing around with different colors, papers, activators.  You can learn more about them by watching the video tutorial at I Brake For Stamps.

You'll find the rest of the goodies from my card in the IBFS store also!  Use my coupon code to save :)
SAVE10JANE

TTFN and, be still.......

Jane

Lacy Flowers

Is it weird to still be arting florals?  I should be all about the fall images, halloween and turkeys, right? 

I had it in my mind to create a vintage, shabby background with my favorite lace image from this wonderful sheet, Lace Borders.  I love the way it turned out....distressy and all.  It needed the tulip!

I started with a piece of watercolor paper and walnut stain distress ink.  After lightly misting the watercolor paper, I repeatedly stamped the lace image.  Afterwards, I stamped over the whole thing with a linen background stamp and vintage photo distress ink.  With a bit of water on my finger tips, I gently pulled color and blended in areas giving the final distressed effect.

Sometimes, I love a background so much, using it becomes difficult....I just never want to cover the whole thing up!  So, I chose this beautiful Tulip image and stamped that on watercolor paper also.  Using my distress markers and an aqua pen, I colored the image and once again stamped over top with the linen background.  It was still damp near the image from coloring and blending that the ink from the background was more pronounced in some areas vs others---the perfect touch!

If you're not quite ready for fall images (or even if you are!) and feel like tromping through the IBFS store, use my coupon code SAVE10JANE while you're there for savings!!

Thanks for stopping by!

TTFN, Jane