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