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