Technicolor...

This is has been a true work of heart!  My kiddos just concluded the Central Wisconsin Children's Theater production of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat--it was an amazing production, I'm so proud of them.  As part of our post production depression (it happens with every show), we've been singing the songs and looking at pictures.  I also chose to journal:

I went to each show--I almost feel like I was part of it!  It was my littlest ones first show and I was very curious to see how she would hold up--like a champ.  Mid way through the three day run, I decided I wanted to journal the story.  Partly because the music is so wonderful, partly to honor my kids, but mostly because it's such an amazing story of perseverance and the power of trusting in God. 

The story of Joseph tells the tale of his humiliation and struggle, as well as his exultation and blessing.  I can certainly relate in the sense that I've endured valleys and enjoyed mountains, myself.  The piece of the story that really strikes me, however, is Joseph's faithfulness to the author of his dreams.  The Word tells us we will be given the desires of our hearts.  First, however, I believe God authors those dreams for His purpose.  Sometimes, we are willing to follow His dream for us, sometimes, it takes us awhile....(I know this to be true for me!)

Joseph trusted God.  What his brothers intended as evil, God used for good; and Joseph trusted.  We could all learn from Joe ;)

To create my layout,I used a variety of stamp sets from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps' Creative Worship line.  Specifically, I used Outline Alphabet to spell out "Go, Go, Go, Joseph" and "dreams".  I started with white cardstock that I applied various distress inks, in a rainbow pattern, directly to the paper. I trimmed each letter with scissors and an exact-o blade.

I created my "bookmark" using the Awesome Thoughts stamp set designed by Rebecca Rios.  I love the style of this set and used it quite a bit in the entire layout.  Actually, a number of the sets I used were designed by Rebecca.  I love her style!  You can see Rebecca Rios Designs HERE.

Joseph is from a coloring page I found online.  I simply traced the image and then colored it using various distress inks and an aqua brush.

Other stamp sets used:  Choose Faith, Classy Script Alphabet, His Book, Seek Him and Note This.

That's all--Be Awesome, Jane

Pops Day....

Father's Day came and went with no online mention from me.....I was busy attending to the Fathers in my life.  Well, sorta...I also took a nap and went to the show :)  Anyhoooo......my Father's Day cards though, were just too cute not to share (if'n I do say so m'self)

The Hero card, I made for my Daddy.  He is my hero in so many ways.  Always an encourager, faithful, kind, compassionate.  His road has not always been easy, but he has always been steady and true.  He's a great example and, hands down, THE nicest guy you will ever know.  Oh, and smart.  Did I mention that?  Smart enough, I am sure, that he figured out how to open this out of the box card:

It might be hard to see, but there's a tiny green brad that allows the top portion of the card front to pivot.  My Pops is one of kind....kinda thought his card should be too!  Stamp credits go to Sweet N Sassy stamps for the adorable Super Dad stamp set (there are also dies to match!)

I finally broke out some of my Stampin' Up goodies to complete my second card.  This set, called
Sky is the Limit, was a Sell-A-Bration set from last year.  I combined it with a sentiment I received as part of a paper pumpkin promotion.  Sorry, I don't know how to credit the name of the set it comes from--I like how the two different fonts work together.  This card is a vintage meets new mash up!  I used the new sunburst die from Stampin' Up and also a very old cloud making tool that I've had for about a decade.  The cloud dies are also older from MFT.

I made this one for my father-in-law.  He's been close to my heart for so long, I cannot remember a time he wasn't there.  Over the years, he's been one of my biggest fans, supportive, helpful--always there!  I'm such a lucky girl ;)

That's all I got...Be Awesome!
Jane

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Do you know this guy??  That's the birthday boy!!  Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet, Daddy!  I'm sending him some blogger wishes for a fantastic day and a new year that is healthy and full of all the things that bring joy!

Well, sure there is a card....thanks for asking ;)

A great big shout out to Sweet 'N Sassy stamps for this fun image and sentiments found in the Super Dad clear stamp set.  I added the super dad image to a die cut t-shirt for this fun and easy card. You can find the tshirt die over at MFT.  (They might even be having a sale right now.  You. Are.Welcome.)

Go on...Be Awesome--Jane

Choose Joy!

Happy Tuesday, Sweet Friends! Today, I have some canvas art to share with you!  It seems like forever since I had both the time and gumption to do a canvas.  Now that I've dipped back in, though...the ideas just won't stop!

Recently, I've had the opportunity to move to a new position in my organization and it's afforded me the huge privilege of having my own office.  I wanted to create a space that would be warm and inviting; where the kids I work with would feel safe and comfortable.  I wanted it to reflect my personality and feel homey. So, what better way to accomplish all that than to decorate with some of my own art pieces?

I completely adore this worshiping girl from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps'  I Am Loved .  I like to think that this is how He sees me when I worship.  The image also reminds me of the days when my own kiddos would lift their arms and say "upie" and I would scoop them into my own arms--  This one image just touches so many pieces of me so, with her as my focal image, I created this 3 x 3 canvas.

I really wanted to use the sentiment from I Am Loved, "Holy Spirit, you are welcome here" but the sizing wasn't right.  As I applied layers of paint, stencil, gesso and modge podge, the answer became clear.  With faith, I have hope and because I have hope, I experience joy! I was able to add all of that to my canvas with just one versatile set, also from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps.  It's called  Choose Faith!

That's all for today....
Be Awesome, Jane


I got crafty with:

Zebra Butterflies

Happy Monday!  I have an earthy butterfly collage to share today that's all colorful and such due to my favorite......bisters and, I Brake For Stamps!

I'm kind of like a scientist when it comes to bisters (LOL!  not really).....I keep on experimenting, just sure I am about to make a huge discovery!!  Well, I'm always hoping to find the key to keeping the colors nicely saturated and colorful.  For this experiment, I spritzed my water color paper first and then added the crystals.  I tried to limit the moisture while still breaking down the crystals--although a certain amount is necessary.  I also tried working in layers, drying in between color applications--that may be the best bet! I'm not sure if you can tell, but I feel like this piece has some of the best color separation I've achieved so far---I can't tell you how many pieces started with all the colors and just ended up brown :(  Definitely not the look I want!

To finish things off, I added a beautiful collage image from I Brake For Stamps called Zebra Butterfly Collage. It has just the right amount of open spaces to show off a colorful background! 

I'm all about color this week as my kiddos are performing in Joseph and Technicolor Dream Coat!!  Stay tuned for more color! 

Shine and Be Awesome!  Jane

Dragons and Birthdays

It's my party.....Happy Monday!!  I'm doing something today I haven't done in more than a decade!  Yup, I'm working on my birthday!!  LOL!!  That I should make a big deal out of something other people do all the time!  I should just get over myself!  I've just stepped into a new role, where I work, and just couldn't see being off so soon.  Besides, my work people ARE my people so, I cannot think of a crew I'd rather spend the day with.  I'll see them all day and have the evening with my family--what could be better?

Enough about me......how about Pete's Dragon...Puff?  How I love this story!  I've recently seen some ads indicating it will be remade into a movie.  I can't decide if I'm excited or not....I mean, Puff is the best, but what if they ruin him?  LOL!  I think I'll just stick to this fabulous stamp set from I Brake for Stamps called Beast Dragon Sheet.

I water colored with some paints that dry somewhat chalky.  To make the image more vibrant and sparkly, I painted it with glaze and added a sprinkle of glitter.  It's a little hard to tell in the picture, so you'll have to use your imagination!  But, in real life....it's fabulous!  At least, I hope the wee one it was gifted to thinks so!

I hope you have an amazing day!  Be Awesome!  Jane

I Am HIs and He Is Mine....

John 10:14 talks about Jesus being the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep AND his sheep know Him.  How could I not I journal these pages??  He is my Good Shepherd and He hears me....He knows me and I know Him!  What a joy this is to me--especially in this world that is so full of pain and tragedy?!

To create this layout, I used some brand new goodies from Sweet 'N Sassy Stamps.  Specifically, the Good Shepherd, Awesome Thoughts and All of Me Alpha.  I just love those little sheep!  So True.  Amen.

What's happening in your world of worship?  I sure would love to know! 

Be Awesome!  Jane

Bible Journaling: Ruth 2:12

This process.  It's a good one!  I started Bible Journaling after lots of encouragement and inspiration.  For me, it is about drawing closer--which is not something I can necessarily articulate, but something that permeates my soul.  I'm a sinner stuck in a sinful world just looking for a way to function as the hands and feet of goodness.  Drawing closer to the One who made me, is the only way anything good will ever come of me--not mine, but His.  Art and music resonate for me on a wordless plane and help me to connect to my Lord in a real way.  Today, I'm sharing my journaling from the book of Ruth.



When I first began, my mind was still full of the previous week--kids and work and work and kids.  I had just been offered a new position at the agency I work for and was feeling grateful and a bit overwhelmed.

Then, I happened upon Ruth 1-3.  Such a good story.  It was not a new story for me.  I've read it many a time before, parts of it I even wove into my wedding vows over 19 years ago.  This reading and dwelling opened up new pieces (I love how He does that!):

My first underline was the the verse above, Ruth 2:12.  I was focused on the reward and single mindedly thinking about my upcoming new position.  As I continued to read and reflect, this story really spoke to me and not just about a single reward. It spoke of abiding in His love and a willingness to follow---oh, so many lessons!!

During trials and dark days, I would have succumbed, BUT GOD---safe under His wings I have been time and time again.  I could see my story and how He continues to teach me to trust---from right where I am :)

This was a really fun layout to complete--I started by using some feather dies to create a stencil template and then sponged feathers in a random pattern.  I used distress inks because they blend so well without having to add any additional water.  My stamped images, from Sweet N Sassy Stamps, come from the following sets:  Words of Life Collection 1, Words of Life Collection 2, His Wings, and Note This.

It always feels a bit risky to share my thoughts and faith, but at the end of the day, this is the real me.  I determine to be authentic and truthful on this crazy journey called life--be blessed.

Be Awesome, Jane

Come On Along.....

Summer is here!  The first of June means we are in full school's out count down mode and headed to summer!  It also means the Technique Junkie Designers are hoping along with new images and a blog hop full of inspiration.  Won't you come along?  To start at the beginning, you can head to the Designer's Blog.  There you will find the entire list of designers who are hopping and a few other details too!  If you've been hopping all along, you have just come from Kathy Stacy's blog.

My first project features the beautiful background image called Sea Urchins.  I'm not gonna lie....I totally had to google sea urchins.  I really had no idea how to color them....my rendition might not be realistic, after all, but it sure is fun to look at!  I used a variety of distress colors and some daubers to add the rainbow hues.  To finish things off, I added a simple sentiment, Beach Day.

My second project features the Seagrass Lighthouse image along with an sentiment called Better Things.  I started this piece by heat embossing the lighthouse image and then water coloring a sunset sky.  I really love to use my distress inks to water color--it makes me feel so arty!

You can purchase the entire new release at a discount until the 8th of the month, so be sure to head over to the store when you've made it through the whole thing!  You are now off to see what my pal, Beth Norman, has instore for you!  Enjoy!

TTFN, Be Awesome!  Jane