Wisdom in Words.....

On the last day of 2015, I cannot think of any better advice that that found in the Technique Junkie stamp set, Things I Want To Do!

I've combined these words of wisdom with one of my most favorite floral images, also from Technique Junkie stamps, Flourished Floral.  I love the eclectic feel of the image and its versatility.  Above, I've watered colored the image with distress inks.  Here, I embossed the image onto a stone tile and then colored with Copic markers:

So many great ways to use it all!!  Have a great, and safe New Years---be sure to visit the Technique Junkie blog tomorrow--New Year, New Stamps and we are hoppin' with inspiration to share with you all!!

Until tomorrow--be awesome!  Jane

Joy To The World

Happy Monday!!  I have a quick share today to launch the week off right! 

I've been itching to try my hand at the Outer Space background technique.  I first saw this technique over at Splitcoaststampers a few weeks ago.  I had to patiently wait for my Wink of Stella glitter brush pen to arrive, but once it did, I was set to go!

The wisemen image and sentiment are both older images from I Brake for Stamps.  You'll find lots of deals over there--be sure to check out the deal of the week!!

TTFN--Be Awesome, 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

These Little Nuggets...

Happy Middle of the Week, Sweet Friends!  Thanks for popping by to see my Sweet 'N Sassy stamps share today!  I have a cute little treat box that I am sharing that is perfect as a stocking stuffer, classroom treat, shower favor or hostess gift.  This cute little slider box holds three Hershey nuggets, but can always be expanded to hold more, if you'd like.

The side of the box sleeve is the perfect place to add a sentiment or seasonal greeting--just make sure you remember to do so before you adhere the sleeve together :)  I've used a variety of stamp sets along with the Hillside Edges dies to decorate my boxes--the possibilities are endless! 

If you are wanting to have a go at it yourself, you'll need to start with a box base that measures 4 1/2" x 6".  Score this piece on all sides at 3/4" and 1 1/2".  You'll need to make some cuts and omissions to eliminate the corners and create flaps.  You're smart, I think you'll be able to figure it out!  Let me know if you need help!  The box sleeve measures 3 1/8" x 5 and is scored at 3/4", 2 3/8", 3 1/8" and 4 5/8".  Have fun!!

Be Merry.  Be Creative.  Be Awesome!

TTFN, Jane

I got crafty with:

and, a retired Rhubarb set for "A sweet wish for you this Christmas"

Peerless Vintage Candles.....

Happy Monday!! Here we are again.  One step closer to Christmas and all of the celebrations that go along with this festive time of the year.  This is the time of the year, when I compile my wishlist (just to make sure the hubs has the right ideas)--which certainly is full of crafty things.  Although I don't do a ton of blog hopping, I do follow a few favorite artists and check out their creations when I have some down time.  I've noticed that everyone seems to have a favorite type of water color paper and differing water color product.  So, even though my list is full of all those things, I decided it was time to finally use the few I have!  Yes, I finally managed to cut and organize my Peerless Water Colors! 

I love them!  Naturally, the rest of the colors (I only have 15 colors) are something I must have!!  I used them to color this wonderful vintage image from I Brake For Stamps called, strangely enough, Vintage Candle.  They were so easy to work with!  Not too shabby for my first attempt, I don't think.

I wanted the project to have a mixed media feel to it so, I added several layers and did some blending. 
After water coloring the candle image, I masked it off and stamped over the entire panel using the wood grain background from Wood Background Half Sheet, also from I Brake For Stamps.  Because my ink was also water based, I was able to go over the lines of the wood grain image to blur and blend giving the background a shabby look.  Next, I randomly inked portions of  We Wish You Background and added it to the left hand edge.  To mute the text a bit, I ran a finger full of gesso over parts of it, further adding to the overall shabby look.

When you visit the I Brake For Stamps store, don't forget to save using my code:  SAVE10JANE.  And, have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

I hope you're feeling a bit inspired!  Go get inky and be awesome!  TTFN--Jane

Handmade Tiles

Happy Monday!  Here we are again ready to take on a new week!  I am in full swing with this Christmas Spirit thing! My shopping is just about done and I've spent some time doing trial runs on some holiday treats--it's just about time to think about making some home made gifts!  Today, I have a tumble tile tutorial to share.  My tumble tile version uses both Stazon Ink and Copic Markers.  Normally these two products are not recommended for use with one another.  As both are alcohol based inks, they will bleed into each other some.  The trick is to color just inside the lines and lightly feather the ink.  Here's a quick little tutorial:


Stamp image on tile using Stazon Ink.  For my sample, I am using black ink, but it is available in a variety of colors.

Heat set the stamped image using heat tool.  Be careful, the tile will become hot to the touch, as well.

 

Using copic markers, carefully colorize the image.  

 

Using earthy tones, add coloring to the tiles edges, as well.  Blend and feather color using the a no color blending marker. 

The images I used are from I Brake For Stamps and are called Asian Full Sheet.  I chose to finish the tiles off by adding a script image over the top of the colored images--I happened to have a Japanese script stamp already that worked perfectly.  Finally, I heat set the entire tile in a 350 degree oven for an half hour.  Be sure to let the tiles cool completely before touching--they will be HOT!

If you'd like to recreate this project for yourself or others, you can save on the images by using my coupon code SAVE10JANE in the I Brake For Stamps Store!  Or, if you are interested in holiday themed tiles, check out the Deal of the Week section!  Lots of goodies there!

Be Awesome!  TTFN, Jane

Bookmark This!

Happy Sunday!  Out of all the days of the week, Sunday is my favorite!  It's the one day of the week I never feel like I HAVE to accomplish chores!  Sometimes I do, but most of the time, it's my play day!

Last week, I spent it completing this long awaited project!  I had purchased  Bookmark Bits & Pieces and Bookmarks & More Dies from Sweet N Sassy Stamps so I could make bookmarks for my budding reader and his classmates!  It's taken me so long, he's more than a budding reader at this point, but I still think they will be appreciated!

I started by creating a box to house the 30 bookmarks I made.  {They have a HUGE class!}  Using a 8 1/2" x 9 3/4" piece of card stock and some strategic scoring, it was a piece of cake!  Score on the 8 1/2" side at 1 1/2", 3" and 6".  Rotate and score at 2 1/4", 3 3/4" 6" and 7 1/2".  You'll have to omit the corners and trim a few other panels, but once you get going, it will all make sense!

I decorated the bookmarks (and box) by water coloring images from Bookmark Bits & Pieces.  I cannot decide which image I like the most!  That little bookworm is awfully cute, though!

I also used Borders & Backgrounds, What's Up and Grunge Elements 2, all from Sweet N Sassy Stamps.  It was a great way to spend the afternoon!  I sure hope they like them as much as I do!

TTFN, Jane

Let Our Lives Be Full......

It is my most sincere wish that our lives be full of both Thanks and Giving!! 

So, I missed the 30 days of Thankful on Facebook, but I do try to start each day reminding myself and thanking my God for all that I have been blessed with.  Here is my short list:

A God who loves me enough to die for me

My husband, quirky, charming and patient

My kids, smart, challenging, kind, fun

My parents, gaining health, supportive, loving

My coworkers, accepting, encouraging, fun

My Church, loving, supportive, nurturing

My Friends.....you know who you are and I hope you know what you mean to me!

I could look around, like so many, and focus on my fears or what I feel I don't have, but when I examine the larger picture, I have more than some; I have less than others.  My struggles are smaller than some.  I am surrounded with resources, with encouragers, with people who genuinely care for me.  With all this, I can do anything.  Life is.  It's good at times, it's hard at others.  But, I am grateful from the tip of my nose to the bottom of my toes.

So, here's some art.  Enjoy!

Images, sentiments and dies from Stampin' Up!

Enjoy.  Be Safe.  Relax.

Be Awesome, 'cuz you are!---Jane

Imagination Trumps Knowledge.......

 Happy Monday.......here we are again!!  I've got some fun new images from I Brake For Stamps to share today!  I wanted to break from holiday cards and make something arty this weekend.  I'm loving these new Stamp Release Sheets from I Brake For Stamps!  They are so much fun to play with and they all work well together!

There's a lot going on with this card and I am completely in love with it!  I wanted to create a background with a mixed media feel to it.  I started by creating a resist using the checker board strip stamp from the Einstein Half Sheet.  I added multiple layers of color using distress inks and my nonstick kraft sheet.  Then,  I layered several other images from Einstein Half Sheet, Binoculars and Golf Half Sheet and Wood Background Half Sheet.  I used white pigment ink, black ink and some distress ink.  I almost didn't want to cover it up!

I chose the main image from Binoculars and Golf Half sheet and popped it up on dimensional tape when adding it to the project.  To finish things off, I added the cute little tag found on the Einstein half sheet with a portion of the "Keep Calm" sentiment from the Wood Background Half Sheet (I'm sorry if I'm confusing you, but you really do need them all!!)

My second card features images from Glass and Eye Chart Sheet and Einstein Half Sheet.  The cracked glass image is embossed and colored with three different blue distress inks.  Great images for masculine cards!

You can get artsy too---be sure to use my coupon code:  SAVE10JANE when you visit the IBFS store!

Go ahead....be artsy...be awesome!  TTFN, Jane

Angels Among Us

Happy Thursday!!  With the holidays just about upon us, I'm starting to focus on Christmas cards.  While I like the traditional holy family images, it's always fun to step outside of the box with more non traditional images and colors.  It's a nice stretch of creativity!

Today, I have two cards to share that feature the beautiful Angel Choir image from Technique Junkie Stamps.  It's a great image to color!  I finished the above card by stamping onto water color paper and then using distress inks and an aqua brush to add color.  I love to water color especially when I have a strong urge for the soothing effects of coloring. 

When I'm not feeling much like coloring, it's still an awesome image with lots of possibilities.  My second card features the Spotlight technique.  It's a great way to highlight a few of the beautiful cherub like faces:

Either way, it's an awesome image and perfect for a non traditional Christmas card.  You can find Merry Christmas 2 in the Technique Junkie store also!

Make your day awesome, TTFN--Jane

What's Up??

Happy Wednesday, Friends!! Birthday celebrations are what's up in my neck of the woods!  Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps continues a month long celebration of 8 wonderful years serving our customers!  I hope you've been following along over at the Sweet N Sassy Blog for weekly deals and inspiration!  I don't want you to miss anything!

Today, I have a few samples I created using Sweet N Sassy's What's Up? clear stamp set and matching dies.  The first card, above ^, is pretty straight forward and makes use of a number of the dies--there are 15 dies in total some are chunky and some are skinny----good for lots of creative ideas!  In addition, the stamp set is full of just the right kind of encouraging words--perfect pick me ups!

My second card features What's Up along with Words of Life-Collection 2, Message of Hope, Keep In Touch Too and Words of Life-Common Words 1.

 I struggle with out of the box thinking, at times so, it's always fun to pull bits and pieces together like this--I surprise myself!

Keep in mind, for a few more days (through Thursday) your $80+ dollar purchase will include your choice of a free stamps set valued up to $15.95 over in the Sweet N Sassy Store.  Be sure to use code BDAYFREESET when placing your order!


Have a great day!  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

It's Party Time!

It's a party over at the Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps!  We are celebrating 8 years of blessed business with a gigantic birthday bash AND, you are invited!!!  Feels pretty good to be you right now, doesn't it?  Make sure to visit the SNSS Blog for details and inspiration!  I don't want you to miss one single thing!

I can tell you this: there's a hefty gift to be won.  Be sure to leave a little love in the comment section for everyone who is hopping and sharing their talent and inspiration with you.  There will be a GRAND prize of an $80 prize pack awarded to one random person who comments throughout the hop.

To celebrate, I have a cute little card and mini gift bag all ready to bring some birthday cheer!  Both feature images and dies from Birthday Bash and Birthday Bash Die Set.  I love playing with these adorable images!

 I created my background using all of the sentiments from Birthday Bash.  I used post it notes to create a frame on my pink card stock and then stamped the sentiments inside using Versamark.  Then, I heat embossed with white powder.  It created the perfect backdrop for this yummy looking cupcake die cut!

 This close up shows the fun little prills I added that do look good enough to eat!

I was just itching to use my new Gift Bag Punch Board so, I created this fun little gift bag.  It's decorated with some scrap designer paper and candles, also from the Birthday Bash Stamp and Die sets.  The sentiment is from Keep In Touch, Too stamp set.

Make sure to join in the fun all month at Sweet N Sassy Stamps.   Be sure to visit the blog and facebook page for more details and inspiration!  Also, shipping right now (through Nov 12) is FREE with code: BDAYFREESHIP

Most of all.....Good Luck!  Be Awesome!  Jane

I got crafty with:

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like.....

Happy Saturday, Friends!!  Today, I'm showing off some goodies from Technique Junkies!  If you are looking for some Christmas card inspiration, head on over to the Junkies Designer Blog!  It's the 30 days of Christmas, over there, for your card making pleasure!

My card is a shabby chic rendition that features the Merry Christmas sentiment.  I started by constructing my background using the new Fresh Chevron background stamp.  The chevron image that you can see is just a shadow of the standard imprint.  After inking the stamp in black, I stamped it off once before stamping on white card stock.  I added a few stampings of the Ornate Medallion image using several colors of distress ink:  Concord Grape, Vintage Photo and Mowed Lawn.  The Vintage Photo stampings are also lighter as they are stamped off too.  I added extra shading and shabby, by distressing the whole piece with Vintage Photo ink also.  This helped to tone down the more vibrant Mowed Lawn ink and give the whole background a unified look.

In addition, I shaded the sentiment piece with Vintage Photo.  I went over each letter of "Merry Christmas" with an aqua brush to remove some of the ink from the lettered area.  This created contrast from the background and made the letters "pop" a bit.  The remainder of the color was added with distress markers.

Have yourself an inky day!  Be awesome. You know you can.....
TTFN, Jane

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Happy Tuesday, Sweet Friends!!  Today, I have two projects to share which feature the lovely We Three Kings stamp set from Sweet N Sassy stamps! This is such a beautiful set! I love the silhouetted wise men.  One of my favorite sentiments of all time is also part of this set:  "Wise Men Still Seek Him."

To create the card, above, I used water color paper and several different gelatos.  The combined effect created an interesting sky as a backdrop for the wise men.  I added a sentiment and a few star sequins to complete this simple card.  It is an easy to reproduce card if you are into mass Christmas card making!

I also used the wise men image to create a simple votive holder.  Alcohol inks added color to a piece of transparency film.   On the opposite side, I stamped the wise men image using Stazon ink.  Simple, but interesting and, pretty to look at!

Now that November is upon us, it's preparation time for my most favorite of all holidays!!  Get ready!

And,  speaking of celebrations....be sure to visit the Sweet N Sassy Blog!! It's our birthday month and there is A LOT going on!!  This week's promotion includes a surprise gift for you when you order $25 or more in the store!  The value of your free gift goes up when your order does!!  (Gifts will range in price from $2-$20!!)

Be awesome!  Jane

I got crafty with:

Imagination Is Important.....

Happy Monday!!  I'm happy to be sharing a new design project from I Brake for Stamps!!!  Bo Bella has a few new sheets in the store that I just love.  So many interesting and arty images to play around with!

My project today features images from several new sheets, specifically Einstein Half Sheet and Glass & Eye Chart Sheet. The background, features the larger eye chart image from the Glass and Eye Chart Sheet.  I love to experiment with inks and other product....this time it was a resist using the larger eye chart image and various dylusions sprays.  I was lucky enough to find an interesting piece of designer paper scrap to finish off the background.  A quick frame and the Einstein image, from the Einstein half sheet,  pulled everything together.  Finally, I added the sentiment, also from the Einstein half sheet.  I can't wait to play some more with these images!

You can play too!  When you visit the IBFS store, be sure to use coupon code SAVE10JANE.  You'll save yourself a bit of ching and be saying a happy hello to Bo Bella just from me!

Have yourself a happy day--make it a good one, the choice is yours!
Be Awesome--Jane

Technique Junkies Are Hopin'!

It's a brand new month and that means new goodies from Technique Junkie Stamps! I'm happy that you've happened by today, but I don't want you to miss any of the inspiration!  So, I'm sending you back to where it begins--over on the TJ Designer Blog--be prepared to be inspired!

Beth Norman always shines...am I right?  Her projects are always so creative and inspiring!  I hope you have enjoyed her blog as much as I do!


I had fun, myself, exploring color and various products as I prepared for this month's hop!  I simply love the new Fresh Chevron background and think it is super versatile!  In addition to the chevron background on this fun shaker card, I've used the following:

Incrediball Canning Jar Set, and Simple Sentiments 1a

 

For the above card, I've used the Brand NEW, Live Love Laugh Frame along with Lover's Silhouette.  First, I created a resist using the frame by heat embossing it on white card stock.  I inked over the embossed frame with Lover's Silhouette and then buffed the ink from the embossed image.  It's a great finishing touch for such a beautiful image.  I think this combination makes a great anniversary or wedding card!  The background was created using the new Fresh Chevron background, as well.


My next two cards feature the same background, Celestial Dangles, with two completely different looks.  One is achieved by heat embossing the image and then applying distress inks:

I added the perfect sentiment from DreamQuotes and a few sequins to finish things off!  The sentiment reads:

"My dreams know no boundaries.  They fly freely on wings of light to the moon, the stars and beyond."

My final project uses the same background, Celestial Dangles, but in a much more colorful way, using distress inks direct to the stamp surface:

To add my sentiment from With Sympathy, I stamped it on vellum---I just couldn't completely cover the colorful background.  The vellum was the perfect solution!  The dangles still show through and complete the heavenly feel of the card.

I hope you've found inspiration here!  Your next stop on our hop is  Jerri Jones!!  I'm always excited to see her creations!  Enjoy!

Be Awesome!  TTFN, Jane

Happy Birthday, Kid!

I have no idea how it happened (that's a lie) but in just the blink of an eye, I've become the mother of a 17 year old!!!  I'm trying to wrap my head around the idea that this kid:

Is now this kid--a two sport athlete, Junior in High School, with excellent grades, a job and awesome friends:

And, today is the day--17 years ago, that it all began!  This is the one who made me a mom....and despite the many years that have happened since that first day, I still remember like it was yesterday.  I don't regret for one moment that the time has passed.  But the memories for me seem like just  a moment ago and I'm saddened that life is like this, sometimes.  Too fast, too beyond my control.  And then, I remind myself, that I knew it would happen all along.  Life IS short and unpredictable so, live each day and grab joy when you can.

Today, my joy will be spent with this one.  Just the two of us.  For him, it's a fun celebration, a shopping trip and a sushi lunch.  We will laugh and I will learn things about him I didn't know.  For me, it will be grabbing joy and storing it up.  The day is coming when he will no longer be part of my everyday life.  For me, it is a sadness I will have to learn to live with.  For him, I'm so excited to see what the future will bring--who this boy will be when he is a man.  He's off to a great start!

To create the card you see above, I've used some wonderful goodies from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps.  They are:  Grunge Elements 2 and Birthday Bash.  I've also used the dies that coordinate with Birthday Bash to make the cute little candle embellishments.  A fun card for a fun day!

Make yours great!  Be awesome--Jane