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

Birds & Bister

Happy Day, Friends!  I had a mild interruption yesterday and never had a chance to share my I Brake For Stamps project so......welcome to my day after Monday IBFS share!  I'm so glad you stopped by!

I recently received this beautiful sheet from Sweet Ms. Della, Birds, Sheet 141A.  It's a bit of a conundrum for me.  It's a beautiful sheet---the bird images are so beautiful...I feel drawn to them, but I must admit, in real life.....I'm a little creeped out by birds.  There!  I said it!  I blame Alfred Hitchcock and a house I lived in years ago.

The house had a huge living room--one wall was ceiling to floor windows.  The birds loved to dive bomb that window as if they could join right in on our fun.  To this day, I have an abnormal reaction to low flying birds and, especially, to dead little bodies laying about my yard.  Again, I blame Hitchcock, but......enough of that!

My project for today started wtih bisters.  Again, an experiment.....I wondered how/what bisters and a gelli plate would look like.  Truthfully, it was less than wow and I could have achieved the same result by loading everything onto my craft sheet vs gelli plate.  But, y'know......I had to try. 

After creating the background, I added a variety of stylized card stock using an eclectic assortment of stamps from I Brake For Stamps, some doilies and sequins--I love those things!  I have a bunch of background stamps that are just wonderful to have around--like staples in my pantry of stamping!  One such set is Textures.  You just never know when you are going to want to add some extra texture to a project.  The set contains great variety and they work great for mixed media canvas art, also! 

Additionally, I used Number Background.  It added the vintage effect I was looking for.  Right under the greenish card stock, you can also see that I used a beautiful lace image from one of my all time favorites, Lace Borders! This set is also a huge staple in my arsenal!  So many beautiful images!

Finally, from the brand new sheet, Birds, Sheet 141A, this beautiful image of birds and blooms!  This is a great sheet and I'm excited to experiment and create with it! Don't forget to use my savings code when you shop the IBFS store!  SAVE10JANE.

Have a fantastic and creative day!  Don't forget to be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

Scream and Hang On!

I love me a good roller coaster ride.....years ago (I should say decades) my family went to Great America for the day.  My sweet dad rode the Tidal Wave with me because no one else would.  The ride looped the loop and then rolled back and did it again.....backwards.....if I remember correctly, I wanted to throw up for a couple hours afterward....but I loved it!

Life is kind of the same way--ya know?  Not always rosey, but worth the ride.....if you do it right!  I love the sentiment on this new image, Like A Roller Coaster, from Technique Junkies--it creates a wonderful word picture of the choices we have in this crazy, sometimes upside down world.

I started my creation with a background technique called It Takes Two.  You will find the tutorial for this fun technique on the Bodacious Background Stamps CD by Technique Junkies.  To emulate the circular feel of a roller coaster, I used several background images from Technique Junkies.  You can view all of the wonderful backgrounds available here.

I created the illusion of movement with the main image by stamping three times without inking between.  Later, I added color with markers and distress ink.  All in all, it's a pretty simple and quick card--just the way I like it sometimes, when the coaster is at full tilt :)

Thanks for stopping by!  TTFN--Don't forget to be awesome!  Jane

Sweet N Sassy Release Hop! Today's The Day!

Happy Friday, Sweet Friends!  Fridays are always special at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps and this Friday is no exception…welcome to the April 2015 Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Release Blog Hop & Challenge!  So, sit back and relax as you hop along to each of the Design Team Blogs and check out all of the fabulous masculine cards!

I fell in love with Super Dad the minute I saw him!!  To make my background for this fun image, I used the Super Dad logo stamp to create a pattern.  I added a leftover piece of super hero paper (saved from long ago) and a die cut using the Book Marks and More Die set.  All that was left to do was trim, color, paper piece and add Dad to the fun!  Dimensional tape creates the idea of flight--I totally love him!

My second card uses the Camping Fun set.  I can see many cards, s'more gift packs and scrapbook pages using this versatile set!

And now, what would a Blog Hop be without a giveaway, right?  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, April 23rd at midnight EST to leave your comments.  The winner will be posted on the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog on Friday, April 24th!

The Challenge for this release is to "Make it Masculine"

Just a few guidelines to remember as you play:

         

- 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, April 23rd 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 SNSApril2015RC 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, April 24th to see if you've won and check out our new May Sweet Perks Bundles!

HAPPY HOPPING!! 

I Got Crafty With:

Too Much Wonderful!

Happy Monday!!!  The sun shines, the temperatures are warming.....these good things are wonderful!!

Thank you for stopping by for my I Brake For Stamps Monday share!  Today, bister meets distress ink and BOOM!  I love how this project turned out!  Do you ever make something and are just in love with it??

I can easily admit that this is a complete CASE!  I'm a pinterest addict, I admit it. I frequently see things that inspire me or make me WOW!  Sometimes, I pin them other times, I store it in my noodle.  When I saw the original card, I thought three things: 1) I have that die! 2) Bister would create a fabulous version and 3) I'm gonna CASE that! 

For this project, I used specialty paper such as the Stampinback Paper found in the IBFS store.  I cut the die twice.  Once from the specialty paper and once from coordinating cardstock.  My background includes yellow bister---which I notice takes on a much more earthy tone when overwatered ;)  I've also used Barn Door distress ink that I watered down and dropped onto the surface with a pipette. You'll see lighter pinkish splots (it's a word!)--these were larger droplets of color that I blotted with a towel to create a more subtle coloring.

Working with the yellow bister on the die cut, I sprinkled the powder randomly on different leaves and then spritz with water.  After allowing the piece to dry, I added the distress inks direct to the paper.  I did not spritz with water because I wanted the two inks to remain separate and vibrant.

To finish things off, I added Wonderful in black ink so it pops right off the page!  When  you shop IBFS, please say a warm hello to sweet Ms. Della!  Let her know I sent you and save a little $ with my coupon code  SAVE10JANE!

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

SNSS April Release, Windy Winnie and a TUTORIAL.....just for you!

Happy Friday, Sweet Friends!  It's release day at Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps!  If you are a member of the Sweet Perks Club, you've already seen some of the new designs.  The new designs make those masculine cards a piece of cake!  All new stamps and dies are available TODAY for preorder.  Join us, next week Friday, April 17th, for an inspirational April Release Hop and Challenge!

Windy Winnie, from the Sweet 'N Sassy March release, is still on my mind as the weather here changes daily.   Yesterday it poured all day and this morning, I woke to 5 inches of snow!  Go figure!  I could use any of the Winnie sets and still be weather appropriate!

As I created this card, I reflected on the storms of life....it made me think of my friend, Missy.  I'm so grateful for her friendship.  My experience has been to usually walk in a storm alone--it's part of storminess, I guess.  It is where growth happens and, in my experience, the drawing nearer.....It has also been my experience, that eventually, the clouds begin to part and you realize that there are those who walk beside you.  My friend, Missy, is such a gift to me, and, literally walks beside me :) ....I think those who walk with us are God's tangible reminder that He is ALWAYS with us--we are never alone.  I chose this beautiful sentiment from Be Encouraged, from Sweet 'N Sassy stamps,  for just this reason!

I also filmed a little tutorial for you.....

The Bokeh effect has been translated into a stamping technique by many.  This is just my little take on it.  I think the Windy Winnie is perfect for such a technique!--The supplies I used are shown below.  I chose distress inks to create my water colored background, but you could use just about any type of water coloring to create your own.

 Distress Inks & Water Spritzer

Water Color Paper

Various Circle Punches (or dies) & Scrap Cardstock

Painter's Tape (optional)

Stamp Image

White Pigment Ink & Dauber

Black Ink & Black Marker

The Painter's Tape is optional because if you do not wish to create an uninked frame around your piece, you will not need it.  I wanted my final product to have the frame, so I started simply by masking a frame around the water color paper.

Working on a nonstick surface, I applied several distress inks directly to the surface and spritzed, liberally, with water.

Directly apply the water color paper to the watered inks.  I recommend having a rag towel or paper towel near by to mop up excess inks as desired.  Allow the first dipping to dry a bit.....

Re-dip in the pooled ink until the desired look is achieved.  Allowing dry time between the layers of ink will produce the most interesting results, in my experience!  Have fun and experiment!  When you like what you see, remove any masking and allow the piece to dry completely.

Next, I stamped my image--with the idea of silhouetting her.  Again, everything about this background says Windy Winnie to me!  She's such a fun character!

Using the various circle punches and scrap card stock, create a stencil of sorts that you will use to apply the pigment ink circles or bokeh effect.

Apply white pigment ink, using a dauber, through the punched circles to your background piece. If you are also silhouetting your image, avoid applying the pigment ink to the image.  Use varying intensity of the white ink in different circles.  This increases the bokeh effect. Allow the white ink to dry completely or heat set to avoid smearing while completing your card.

Using a black permanent ink, such as a Copic marker or Sharpie, color the entire image to create a silhouetted look.

It's that easy!

Now, go walk along side someone and make it a great day!  Don't forget to be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

I got crafty with:

Flutter By.......

Happy Technique Thursday, my friends!!  Better late than never, I always say!

I have some super Technique Junkies goodies to talk about/share today!  I've created this little mixed media canvas using a beautiful image from the Technique Junkie Palettini line.  Technique Junkies exclusively carries the Palettini line--there are several of these beautiful Vintage Collage images that would work perfectly for a project such as this!

I had purchased a package of these sweet little Back Stapled Deco Canvases a while ago.  They measure 4" x 4" and are great if you are creating a grouping or using for a stand alone piece.  For my canvas, I've chosen the Palettini Vintage Botanicals Collage image.  It was so much fun, I'm now a little obsessed with making a set and also using Vintage Bicycle Collage, Vintage Balloons Collage and Vintage Daisy Collage or Vintage Ship Collage!  Wouldn't that be a sweet wall collection?

I always use a combination of acrylic paint and gellatos to add color and shading on my canvas work.  I started with purple and blue paints to coat the canvas.  Once dry, I used similar colors of gellatos around the edges.  It's harder to tell in photography but in real life, the shading is visible.  My image was stamped on tissue paper and then mod podged on top.  It is important to let the layers dry completely.  When it was dry, I added some extra layer of color with my PITT markers and more shading with gellatos on the edges.

To finish things off, I added a dusting of glitter glue to several areas.  The butterfly is colored and glittered on the first layer with a second vellum butterfly over the top. I can't wait to make another one!

Enjoy and have an inky tomorrow!  Don't forget to be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

Where Art Thou, O Spring?

Happy Monday, my friends!!  It's I Brake For Stamps Monday here on More Than You See.  I have a sunny flower card to share....it is near freezing and gray where I am so, I really need this project to rain a little sunshine in my soul!  We had a few teaser days of Spring like weather, but it appears that Central Wisconsin is still trying to decide if winter is actually over!

I created my background using bisters and an ink dip technique.  If you are not familiar with Bisters, please see the great video at I Brake For Stamps that will help give you some understanding and background on these great color pigments!  You will note that in the video, specialty paper is used.  I do recommend playing around and experimenting on all types of paper.  Some of the effects the video artist achieves are due, at least in part, to the paper she is using.  My sample, today, is done with water color paper.

I started by scattering some green bisters on my nonstick craft sheet.  After adding water, I dipped the water color paper into the wet colors.  When using a dip technique, allow the inks to dry between dips.  This creates layers of color--which I find more interesting.  After the green was dry, I repeated the same steps with yellow bisters.

Finally, I added several flower images from I Brake For Stamps'  Floral Half Sheet 148B.  To add color to my florals, I again used my craft sheet and scribbled various colors of distress markers.  Then, I picked up color with my aqua brush and layered it on. 

Yes, I know y'all are going to be wanting to visit the Store now!  You can save with my coupon code SAVE10JANE.  Be sure to say Hi Dee Ho....to my pal, Sweet Ms. Della Bo Bella!

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

Earthy Inspiration

It's Technique Thursday!!!  Thank you for joining me for more Technique Junkie inspiration!  If you haven't hopped through the Technique Junkie Welcome Hop--that went live yesterday, go ahead and check it out!  I'm honored to be part of such a fabulous team of artists!


Today, I have two projects to share.  Both showcase new releases from Technique Junkies.  The first, is shown above.  For my background, I used the Alcohol Stencil technique from the TJ  Sensational Stencil CD.  My muted earthy colors are the perfect backdrop for Bird and Butterflies.  Using Stazon ink, I stamped the image on vellum and colored it on the opposite side.  I have such a conflict when it comes to creating background pieces!  I never want to cover them up!

I'm partial to giraffe images because they were my Gram's favorite!  I just love this new image called Stand Tall.  Not only is the grouping of giraffes eye catching, but I love the sentiment, as well!   For this background, I use a technique from the  Technique Junkie Simple and Easy Inking Techniques Remix CD.  This is a great CD that is perfect for any level of stamper!  The technique used here is called It Takes Two.  Additional stamps used to complete this background are  Lipstick Kisses  and  Burlap.  For embellishments, I continued the earthy feel with a piece of canvas, twine and some wooden buttons.

If you missed the hop, please take some time to meet the Designers and see their work using lots of new goodies from Technique Junkies!  To make things even better, there's a SALE happening right now!!  (Sale is over April 8th so, go.....shop!)

Go, be awesome!
TTFN, Jane

My Name is Jane......And, I'm a Junkie!

Happy Wednesday....Happy April....I'm so glad you are joining me today!!  Today is the day!!!

The NEW Technique Junkies website was launched today!  I've been a Junkie for more than a decade!  It's truly been my honor to watch this company grow and to be a part of an amazing technique movement!  With the addition of a stamp line, a few years ago, Technique Junkies has really become a one stop shop!  I'm proud of this team and so excited you've joined us for today's Welcome Hop!  If you haven't started from the beginning, please head over to the Designer's Blog.  You will meet all of the Designers and be able to follow the hop from the very beginning!  I don't want you to miss one single thing!

If you are already on the hop, you've just visited my pal, Beth Norman, and seen her amazing work!  I've been working with Beth for years and she never fails to inspire and awe!!

Technique Junkies is also releasing a SLEW of new stamps today!  I must admit, I've had an impossible time choosing my favorites.  I've also neglected a few chores or twenty because I just cannot stop playing!

My first project, seen above, uses one of my all time favorite techniques, Bandana.  You will find the details of this eye popping and colorful technique on the Simple and Easy Inking Remix CD.  Stamps used:  Flourished Floral (#S627) and Always Be There (#SDX050).  I truly gasped out loud when I first saw the Flourished Floral image.  It is just exquisite!

My second project features a most riviting image and a technique from the Sensational Stencils CD called Stencil and Doodle.  Give me the beat!!!  Oh, how I just adore this image!

The stencil I used for this project is actually a 12 x 12 stencil from Heidi Swapp.  The stencil in it's entirety is a grouping of circles with hearts inside....use on a smaller platform elicits this random shape type background that I think works perfectly with this fun image!  After creating a card front sized panel, I split it into two pieces to create just a little bit of a more interesting panel.  I haven't stopped singing Free My Soul (#SD600) since my stamps arrived.  Isn't it just the best??

My You Are Amazing (#SDX045) card doesn't have a specific published technique attached to it, but does include yet another beautiful and unique image!  As the mother of five kiddos with a background and interest in Early Childhood Education, I am always drawn to images of children--especially when their spirit is so clearly felt.  I have many pictures and memories of my children running and splashing in puddles for the first time--you can almost feel the smile on this girls face!!  Rain Dance (#SD642) is sure to be a well used and favorite image for me!

I have more to share, but I'll call it quits for now!!  There's a SALE going on all week in the Technique Junkie store to help you celebrate all of the NEW with us!  The sale runs from April 1- April 8th!!  15% all stamps in the store--check it out!

Gini Cagle  has her wonderful talent to share with you next!  (I don't want to be a design hog all day!)  Be sure to visit me here and the Designer blog often for more inspiration!

TTFN & Don't Forget To Be Awesome!  Jane