Faith Is....

......knowing Who holds your future!  I just love that!  Happy Day and welcome to my Sweet N Sassy Stamp share for the week!

I was goofing around some more with my Bisters and created this earthy shabby background.  These are my colors....I find this piece really speaking to my soul for many reasons.

I started by stamping and embossing the faith sentiment, from the Faith set.  This created a great little resist that has the end result just popping off the page!  I also used this same technique to create the butterfly embellishment.

I adore having New Creature Dies to match the New Creature set!  I've never been opposed to fussy cutting anything, but the dies just create a more polished piece....and, it's easy!  Especially, if you are mass creating something....just another selling point ;)

To finish the project, I stitched the edges and the butterfly to attach.  I think it adds something else to the overall earthy feel of the card.  A few sequins and flat beads (from a broken "found" necklace--yet another case for hoarding!) and project complete!

Have a great day!  And, don't forget to be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

I Got Crafty With:

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

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

I Want Candy.....

Happy Middle of the Week, Sweet Friends!  I'm absolutely giddy to share my project with you today!  If you know anything about me, I can be a bit "dog with a bone" about stuff.  This past weekend, my bone was this sweet little candy box.  It's similar in size and function to a tic tac box. (See size comparison below)

Roaming around Pinterest, I spied this fantastic project.  Not daunted, at all, by the fact that the blog is written in German, I purposed to figure it out!  Now, when you translate the blog, you will quickly realize that the original author was gracious enough to provide a template.

Can you keep a secret?  I abhor.....COMPLETELY ABHOR.......templates.  No, I don't have a reason.  Just a cooky little quirk.....(it's not the only one!)  So, Saturday night, armed with the Hallmark channel and a a glass of wine, I worked it all out.  It took me quite a while, but my sense of accomplishment is great!

The green cardstock is all one piece!!  That's the tricky part.  It's scored, cut, folded and wrapped.  Before you ask, yes!  I will be writing a tutorial for this project because I love it, and you, so much!

I finished things off with some fun stamps from Sweet N Sassy Stamps!  What could be cuter than this sweet little owl image from Bookmark Bits & Pieces?  My sentiment comes from the Owl Be There set.  I think these would make some super cute Easter treats or even favors for a shower....the possibilities are endless!

Here's a photo of my candy box along side a standard gift card to give you some sizing perspective:

That's it for today!  Go get crafty!
Don't forget to be awesome!
Jane

I Got Crafty With:

Bister, Mister!

Happy Monday and welcome to my I Brake For Stamps Monday share!!  I have a quick and easy boy card to share, today!

I adore this Music Sheet from I Brake For Stamps!  It is one of the first sets I ever purchased from IBFS and I still use it all the time!  I love music, so it really speaks to me.  The images are genderless and versatile and just never go out of style!

I started by stamping the drum set in black ink on Fabriano water color paper and then heat embossing it.  In real life, it is shiny and the embossing makes it a bit dimensional--like it could pop right off the page.  I like using the water color paper with my bisters.    For this project, I used Green, Blue and Yellow Bisters.  I'm still learning how to control and layer the color so, I tend to use a lot of water--especially for a well blended look like this.  I periodically tilt the paper to roll the colors.  I also use my heat gun to stop and concentrate color in some places.

To finish, I added the birthday sentiment from the Floral Half Sheet 148A.  When you shop the IBFS store, say halllloooooo to Sweet Ms Della for me and don't forget to use my coupon code SAVE10JANE.

Don't forget to be awesome!  TTFN--Jane

Everything She Touches....

It's Technique Thursday!!  Thanks for joining me to see what kind of Technique Junkie goodies I'm going to chat about!  My project for today combines two of my very favorite TJ stamps.   I've loved both from first sight and just HAD to combine them into one project.  When you get to the blah, blah about the verse, Everything She Touches, I think you will understand.



She is Let's Face It 2 found in the Palettini Backgrounds section in the Technique Junkie Stamp Store.  I'm linking, but you do need to scroll down.  I do realize the store is a bit difficult to navigate at present and some items I use are not there.  This is why I always share the item number, if I have it.  Just so you know, a little bird has told me that in just a little bit, the TJ store will be getting a facelift!  I'm so excited!!  It's going to be super easy to navigate and explore!  Be sure to watch closely for more information--you don't want to miss anything!

The verse is called Everything She Touches (#SD352) and reads:

"She alters everything she touches....and everything she touches alters her."

Isn't that just the truth?? Read it again.  Alter.  Dwell.

It's been my experience that some people really don't give much mind to how they effect others.  I'm not exactly sure why that is.  I know that I am effected by others.  Some would say too much, at times, but I care deeply and have pretty solid beliefs about what we are supposed to be about on this earth.  This sentiment just resonates so deeply within me.  To that end, each day, I purpose to touch others--with a hearty hello, a smile, a compliment, an ear that listens.  It has the power to alter them.  It certainly alters me.  Join me....it's a crusade, ya know!

I'll be sending this card on along the crusade....

Let's Face It + Verse is anchored to my background technique piece.  Working from the Technique Junkie's Artistic Effects CD and the Goosed Stains tutorial, I created a colorful, sparkly background.  The background stamp, also used, is called Leaf Repeat (#S608).  The sparkle comes from my use of a metallic stain, in addition to the several colors.  This is a great technique, a great CD!  I encourage each of you to get out your goodies and give it a whirl!  If you don't own the CD, you can get it HERE

Don't forget to be awesome! Go ahead and touch something....alter it, be altered--
Jane

True Friends

It's Wednesday--I'll celebrate for SO many reasons!  Mostly, because my precious friend, Tanice, celebrates the day of her birth!  I praise and thank the Lord for her, her tender heart, her amazing family and her friendship that is steady and true.

Friendship really isn't something that should need explanation-right?  However, as I help my children navigate through the twists and turns of growing up, in addition to some of my own experiences, I've decided that true friendship really is something deserving of our consideration.

It hurts--almost as real as a physical pain--when someone we consider a friend shows themselves to be.........different from what we thought.  Sadly, we've all been hurt by betrayal, we've all gotten close to someone who isn't good for us.  I do think these situations are wonderful moments of growth--that hurt tremendously while we walk through it.  My sadness and disappointments have ultimately led me to a greater dependence and relationship on the One Who Created me.  I've realized THAT is the most important relationship, because when all is said and done, IT will remain.

That said, friends are important.  To learn from, to help carry the burdens of life, to seek joy with. 

This sums up my Happy Birthday Friend, Tanice---so grateful for that girl!

We will be true friends--always and forever...for all of eternity :)

I couldn't help but dwell on her when I made my Sweet N Sassy Stamps card for this week!  I'm still playing around with my gelli plate and used it to create my background.  In addition to ink, I also used a stencil and some dylusions ink spray.  And, this great tree background!  I may have gasped out loud when I pulled the cardstock up from the gelli plate.  It's kind of like opening a gift :)

Inspired by Monika Davis' card from the most recent SNSS release.  If you scroll down on her release post, you will see a beautiful card using New Creature.  It's a butterfly on top of a musical score.....just gorgeous!  Like her butterfly, my owl is heat embossed and water colored.  I'm grateful for the inspiration and love how it turned out!

I need to scurry!  Thanks for checking things out today--say a little prayer for my girl in your heart!
Don't forget to be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

I Got Crafty With:

Gelli Plates and Flowers

Happy Monday!  Thank you for stopping by for my I Brake For Stamps Monday share!  I have a little bit of tutorial to share with you today so, you can go ahead and plan to get inky!

I've been goofing around with my gelli plate lately---inspired by my high school friend and now, facebook friend, JoAnne! (Heeyyy, JoAnne!!)  I used it to create my background.  In just a few steps, you can do it too!

I started by combining several Distress Inks using this itty bitty brayer:

I inked up this awesome diamond background stamp, using a greenish memento ink.  I, then, stamped it directly onto the inked gelli plate:

Next, I placed a piece of cardstock over the top and evenly smoothed my hand over the entire  piece:

I am a big fan of mixed media.  This has a similar feel, but so much quicker and with similarly interesting results.  It's perfect for card making and creating multicolored backgrounds and single layered cards!


After the background dried, I stamped, using Archival Black ink, over the top with one of my all time favorite silhouette images from I Brake For Stamps.  It's called Floral Silhouette and I just love the delicate Queen Anne's lace among the other images.

To finish things off, I added a sentiment, also from I Brake For Stamps, from Inspirational Plate #2.

I hope this finds you well and about to get inky!  When you are busy shopping around the I Brake For Stamps store, don't forget to use my coupon code:  SAVE10JANE.

Don't forget to be awesome!

Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps March Release!

Hello, Sweet Friends!

Welcome to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps March 2015 Release Day Blog Hop & Challenge!  It seems like a long time in coming, but spring may just be around the corner!  Our temperatures have warmed and the majority of snow has left my planet!  If you aren't already in the mood, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps will help set the stage for Spring with three new Mini Flower Block stamp sets ...AND for you animal lovers out there…two new stamp sets featuring our favorite canines and felines! (You won't see puppies and kitties here, but they are out there!)  So, get prepared to be inspired by the projects created for you!  Just follow the projects below in the linky to hop through all of the designer's projects!

My first two cards feature the Mini Flower Blocks #3!  I added a few more goodies to the project seen above--a sentiment from New Creature and the happy birthday wish from Keep In Touch, Too.  Those cone flowers are beautiful!  I splurged recently on some fancy water color paper and was desperate to try it out!  This project gave me the perfect reason.  After it was colored and dried, I couldn't resist some sparkly bling to make each flower POP!

My second card, featuring Mini Flower Block #3, was a bit difficult to photograph due my use of vellum.  Each rose is colored with Copic markers.  I stamped the sentiment on a portion of vellum and adhered it to the card front.  The real life effect is a portion of vibrant roses and then others muted and bearing the wonderful words of 2 Corinthians 5:17.  You will find this scripture stamp in the New Creature stamp set.
It's also available as a digital stamp set!

My final two cards feature images and sentiments found in the Windy Winnie set.  I just adore this character and hope she is with us for a long time!

 My rainbow rickrack was made with a die from the Bookmarks & More Dies.  That is just the handiest die set!  I've been using it for a number of projects and haven't even gotten around to make a single bookmark, yet!!  But, I will before the school year is out--my little guy has commissioned bookmarks for his whole class!

And now, who doesn't like a chance to win???

Release Giveaway!

One random commenter from one of the DT blogs will be selected to win a $10 Gift Code to Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. You have until Thursday, March 19th at midnight EST to leave your comments. The winner will be posted on the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog on Friday, March 20th!

A prize and.....A Challenge!
This month's challenge theme is to "Love Your Pet"!  Your challenge project needs to include a pet on it! Don't forget these guidelines when you play along:


- You don't have to use a Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps image to enter (although we sure love when you do!)

- Please create a NEW card (no back linking)

- We ask that you enter your card in no more than 3 challenges
- You'll have until Thursday, March 19th at midnight EST to enter

- We'll draw 1 winner from this week's challenge to receive a $10 credit to Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps! If there are 25 participants, (not including the DT), we'll draw 2 winners!


- Please use code SNSMARCH2015RC when uploading to Splitcoaststampers or other galleries


To enter simply share a link to your creation below!

Thanks for joining us today! Be sure to join us again on Friday, March 20th to see if you've won!

I can't wait for you to see all the great projects made for your inspiration by the Designers!
Have a great day and don't forget to be awesome!

TTFN, Jane





Crafty Me Got Crafty With:

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

Winter Womps.....

Am I right?  I know it is completely pointless to complain about the weather.....it's beyond our control, I know.  But......I'm plenty done with the snow and the below zeros.....I've never given much thought to living somewhere other than Wisconsin, however, lately moving somewhere warmer has take root in my mind!

Mr. Bear's face seems to sum it right up!  Thanks for stopping by for my Monday I Brake For Stamps share!!

I was initially inspired by Andy Warhol and, then,  my twisted sense of humor.....Mr. Bear Square, from I Brake For Stamps, has such a stoic and humorless look on his face!!  After selecting some of my favorite colors and stamping each of them, I lamented over the perfect sentiment to tie the project together.....enter twisted humor....

Since I still don't have a stamp that says "Winter Womps" I had quite a challenge in front of me.  As I perused my extensive I Brake For Stamps collection, I happened upon this fabulous sheet, Floral Half Sheet 148B.  It made me chuckle!

Here's something else that will make you smile....YOU can save, in the I Brake For Stamps store, just by using my coupon code SAVE10JANE.


Thanks for stopping by--Have a great day and don't forget to be awesome!
TTFN, Jane