Dance IS a Super Power!

Happy Monday, Friends!!  We've made it to yet another one!!! Pat yourself on the back!!  I'm glad that you stopped by because I Brake For Stamps has just released a new Humorous Seniors Stamp Sheet---hilarious!!

I've known it for quite some time, but it's nice to see the rest of the world (or at least the genius' at IBFS!!) get on board!  Dance IS a super power! It can transcend age and bring people together--I'm all for that!  Trust me, I've participated in just a few Just Dance dance offs....competed against 6 and 7 year olds AND dance team members---this old chick can keep up!

Because she reminds me of me, I just love this limbo granny---so careful not to spill her martini!  I can tell her priorities are in order--along with her sense of fun!

I stamped and colored the image twice....it may be hard to tell from my picture, but I've popped up her head for added dimension.

You can get her on the whole sheet or separately or separately with the sentiment.  Lots of choices...I recommended the whole hog! And, no matter what you  choose, you can save a bit of coin by using my coupon code, SAVE10JANE---go on........

Be inspired!

TTFN, Jane

Critters and Candy

Howdy, Sweet Friends!!  I'm sharing a sweet treat project today made even sweeter by this collection of adorable critter images from Sweet N Sassy Stamps!

I used Sweet N Sassy Stamps' Valentine Critters Stamps and Dies to complete these fun mini bubble gum machines!  The bottles are from some flavored water I bought at SAM's club--just glued to an upside down paper cup I found at the dollar store!  A cute project that is perfect for any time of the year!!

TTFN, Jane

I got crafty with:

Tulips and Water Colors

It's a Tuesday that feels like a Monday!  I'm sure the full moon is partly responsible for that!  But, it won't stop me from sharing this beautiful image from I Brake For Stamps!

Today, my project features this wonderful image called Tulip.  I've used it multiple times in the past, and it remains a favorite always feeling fresh and fun to color.  I chose to use distress inks to water color the image piece.  I also used a stencil and sponging technique to add some interest, framing the image.

I just couldn't add a sentiment on the front--I didn't want to detract from the beautiful image.  Instead, I'll have plenty of room inside the card to add my wishes!

That's all for today!  I hope you are feeling inspired!  You can save a few $ by using my coupon code, SAVE10JANE when you shop the IBFS store!  Go ahead, just take a peak!  ;) TTFN-Jane

Sometimes Things Fall Apart

Happy Thursday, Friends!!  Last week, the Technique Junkie Designers kicked off the new month spotlighting a brand new release from Technique Junkies! I had so much fun with the new images, I just couldn't stop!

I started by inking the London Eye image in a variety of distress inks.  After misting lightly with water, I stamped the image on white card stock.  Once dry, I reinked with black and stamped again. It's a simple process, but one that produces interesting results.  I'm all for the complicate techniques, but I love it when art is easy, too!

To complete the card, I added Better Things--a fun Marilyn Monroe quote!


TTFN--Jane

Faith Sees.....

Happy Middle of the Week!!  Today, I'm sharing a fun card I threw together, mostly because I had a burning need to color!  I feel it coming on again........;)

I spent my Christmas money on some Spectrum Aqua markers and, let's just say....I was not disappointed!  I stamped and masked a cluster of Lotus flowers using the Lovely Lotus stamp set from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps on water color paper. 

I've been experimenting with paper since I really don't know much about water color papers.  My MIL gifted me a pad of Canson Cold Press--which I like.  It doesn't pill up like some other papers I've had.  Pilling is not good in my book!  I also have a pad of Cold Press Bee Paper--I honestly cannot recall where or when I picked this up---just a happy surprise when organizing the Studio one day.  It has more texture, or tooth as they say, than the Canson.  I like the added texture and find it to absorb quickly.  This isn't my favorite for washes or when I want to move the colors around a bit.  But, it definitely has it's place! 

I also have a pad of Fabriano Hot Press which has very little tooth--or, is smooth.  I save this for special and well thought out projects as it is the priciest pad I have.  Definitely hoard worthy!  That's about the extent of my information at this point--I couldn't really even call it knowledge--but if you are looking for some of that, you might want to check out this post from Water Color Misfit.

I finished my project with a verse from the Sweet N Sassy Stamps' Faith Set.  What are you working on?

Be Awesome--Jane

Is "THAT" What It's All About?

Happy Monday, Friends!  The winds howl and the snow falls.  A few of us might be nursing a Super Bowl wound??  I thought we could all use a Monday morning chuckle!  Enter the Ghost of Hulas Past from I Brake For Stamps!  If today is particularly tough, check out the entire line up of Humorous Seniors over there--sure to make you giggle!

This hula granny can be found on sheet AA1005 or singly as Ghost of Hulas Past.  LOL!! I started by stamping the image on a piece of water color paper and then water coloring with distress inks.  I love how you can layer up colors using these inks this way.  For a little extra texture, I added some water droplets in a splatter pattern to complete the background.

To finish off the project, I added the thought provoking sentiment: What If.....Get this one while you can......there's only three left in the overstock section! While you are there, be sure to wish Bo Bella a happy day--I'm not sure of her football alliances, but she may be feeling a little glum today....or not!?  Use my coupon code to save:  SAVE10JANE

That's all!  Be Awesome--Jane

He Who Gives Me Strength.....

Happy Sunday!  I've recently been playing around with THIS gorgeous set from Unity Stamps.  It's called Maria Girl and not only is it a particularly beautiful image and sentiment, it's also currently on SALE so, woohoo!!

I created this 3 x 3 canvas for a family friend.  The sentiment was from Technique Junkies Stamps, but sadly is no longer available.  A quick search for the prayer will net you a few other options.  I particularly like the font of this version so, I'm happy to have it in my stash! (PS if you're interested in purchasing a handmade canvas, please visit my Etsy Shop!)

I combined the Maria Girl image with the sentiment from Be Strong and Courageous, also from Unity Stamps. After water coloring the image and background, I added some gold Wink of Stella to the angel wings.  I'm not sure the picture shows it well, but they are all gold and shimmery!  Just like you'd think they should be ;)

That's it!  Be awesome....and strong....and courageous.....and filled with His strength....
Jane

Valentine Critters and Notepads

Happy Wednesday, Sweet Friends!! Today is Sweet N Sassy Stamps day on my blog.  I have such a fun project to share!

Years ago, I spent a lot of time developing, filming and writing tutorials.  It was always such a gratifying experience to think up a project or see inspiration somewhere and then figure out the details to share with others.  I especially like the projects that result in a gifty for someone else.  This one is already headed to a very special little girl I know.

The first part is to find the perfect little note pad.  I've been able to find them in a a variety of places....dollar zones, office supply.  They are typically magnetic list pads and they range in size from place to place, but once you have the basics of the pad down, it is easy to adjust the dimensions to accommodate your specific pad. I always take the magnet strip off prior to adhering to the cardstock base.  The base should be twice the width of the pad plus a 1/4" for the spine and another 3/4" for space to add the pen holder.

The added touch lies in the pen holder itself.  Here are the basics so you can try a go at it yourself!  Start with piece of cardstock that measures 2 3/4" x 10 1/2".  Score along the short side at 3/4", 1", 1 3/4" and 2".  Rotate the card stock and score along the longer length at 4 1/2", 4 3/4", 9" and 9 1/4".  Crease all score lines and then trim as shown:

You'll have to create a hole (for the pen or pencil) using either a scissors or small hole punch.  I've used a 1/2" punch. The trick is to fold the card stock along the bottom scored line (when the piece is oriented as shown)  Punch a half circle on the scored line making sure not to extend beyond the top score. 

 Using tacky tape and the scored lines, reinforce the top card stock and create the "box" that holds the pen(cil) as shown:

I've included a picture of the piece from the front also.  You will secure this to the notebook cover and when you do so, be sure the top piece is flush with the box top as seen here:

 

I decorated this with Valentine Critters and the matching dies from Sweet N Sassy Stamps!  Such a cute set--I just love those little guys!  Clearly, I couldn't pick just one!  The sentiment also comes from Sweet N Sassy,  Keep In Touch, Too. I'm feeling a bit inspired--I think I'll be making a few more!

Be Awesome!  Jane

I got crafty with:

Fancy and Fun February--Technique Junkies

There is nothing better than a Monday morning HOP!!!  I'm not quite sure what happened to January, but here we are already at February's door!  I'm dedicating my entire post to the best gal pal ever.....she knows who she is (Fawn Darley) and she also knows I'm waaaay too lame to have gotten her birthday card in the mail for like the millionth year in a row!  I love her and certainly do not deserve her!  Happy Birthday, Sweet Friend!

Now that I've gotten the most important part taken care of, let's get this party started!  If you have not followed the hop to this point, you are going to want to head to the Technique Junkie Designer Blog where it all begins. If you have been hopping along, you've just been to the amazingly talented Kathy Stacy's blog!  She always amazes me!  Such creativity!

I've prepared a few goodies to share--I just love this new release!!  The good news for you is that the release images will remain on SALE for the next week!!  What an awesome deal!

While I readily admit to being mostly a homebody, I love images that capture the world around us.  This release is full of beautiful worldly images.  In the project seen above, I've used the new London Eye Background image.  This is a fun image to play around with.  I love the collagey (ya, that's a word) nature of it.  I've paired it with the birthday sentiment from Simple Sentiments 1a.

My second project is so me and my gal pal, Fawn Darley!!  She has always been and always will be my partner in crime.  We've been friends since the 4th grade.  Our youth was full of shenanigans that we often reflect on fondly!  Motherhood, responsible thinking and a good dose of common sense has encouraged cleaner living.....but....good times.  Good times.  This card is a tribute to all the nonsense of our youth (we were never caught--LOL!)

I started by stamping all of the sentiments from Partners in Crime in various distress inks, saving just enough space for the black sentiment.  I misted the stamped sentiments to run the inks.  Mug Shot was the perfect finishing touch for this card.  That, and a bunch of multi colored sequins :)

And finally, still a message to my bestie, but all cheekiness aside.  My final project bears the real sentiment, Always Be There--which is true.  I've created a colorful backdrop using the new Le Tour Eiffel.  I cut a frame from kraft card stock to highlight the beautiful image and then added a floral die cut from the same card stock.

My tribute is done,  but the inspiration continues!  Your next stop is Tonya Davidson!  Enjoy!

Be Awesome!  Jane