Friends of Unity Blog Hop-Gratitude

Hello Unity Friends and welcome to the November Friends of Unity Blog Hop.  Our theme this month is Gratitude. In a world that can be overwhelming and harsh, it’s so important to hold tight to goodness and nurture a grateful heart ❤️ 

I’ve always loved this sentiment, “ Let our lives be full of Thanks and Giving”.  You’ll find it in the Full of Fall set.  The focal floral image is from Every Single Day (oops! Just realized this set is no longer available 😞) I used a few different panel dies— I love those scallop rectangles!

In fact, I used them again on my second card!  On this card, I used the leaf from Full of Fall and a sentiment from an older itty bitty, Big Summertime Bouquet.

I am grateful that you’ve stopped by! To start at the beginning of the hop, visit Crystal’s blog. Your next stop from here is Dawn’s blog. Have a great day!

TTFN Jane

Growing in Unity-Day Five

 

Happy FriYay! It’s the last day of my Growing in Unity week—it’s been such fun—I love going through my Unity sets and picking out goodies to ink. 

This set, Stunner, just makes me chuckle. “Bless your heart” ♥️ 😂 

I created my background with pattern paper, Grandma’s Rose Background and Jolande’s Ledger—the perfect backdrop for this sweet old gal. 

I’ve been so touched by all your kind comments this week. I’ll pick two winners from my comments and post the winners on the GIU Facebook group page. Again, thank you so much. 😊 TTFN, Jane

Growing in Unity-Day Four

 

Hello Again!  Thank you so much for stopping by for day four of my Growing in Unity week. I’m grateful for all of the kind words that have been shared. It’s so nice when we can lift each other up.  Especially these days when there seems to be so much division and hardship everywhere 😊❤️

This adorable image, Joy in my Heart, just fills me with warmth and peace.  One of the other things that I love about Unity Stamp Company are the wonderful dies that are so versatile and help make our projects interesting and fun. I water colored the tag image and then used the larger tag as a mat. I die cut the Background panel after layering some designer papers. It’s a quick and easy card that I’ll use for my little card ministry at church. The fun colors and sweet sentiment are sure to bring joy to someone else.

I’d like to bring a few of you some joy when I’m able to choose two winners from my comment section. I’ll announce my winners sometime over the weekend!  Plese be sure to join me for my last growing in unity post tomorrow 😍 TTFN, Jane

Growing in Unity-Day Three

 

Hello, Sweet Friends and thank you for joining me again for day three of my GIU week!  I think it was some time last year when Unity Stamp Co offered a chance to “try” one of the memberships.  Let me tell you, it was a tough choice!   The KOM, Background of the Month and Whit-Kit…….all so tempting. I chose Uniquely Unity by Ang and I just love the diversity each month. 😊

My card features Wind in Your Hair-the May 2024 set. A simple water colored panel, die cut and framed with another die cut-made for s friend who recently moved and I am missing a ton!

I’ve appreciated all of your kind comments so far this week.  Remember, I’ll be picking two winners from all of my comments to share some Unity goodness with at the end of the week!

TTFN, Jane

Growing In Unity-Day Two

 

Happy Tuesday and welcome to day two of my Growing in Unity week.    Just another day 😉  I love this sweet little image called Coffee Is Not Enough! Who hasn’t been here?

I started by stamping my image on a panel of watercolor paper.  While I have lots of different watercolor tools, I prefer using my distress inks due to how vibrant the colors stay.  I added a few strips of patterned paper for some extra color and interest. 

At the end of my week, I’ll pick two winners from my comments to share some Unity Stamp Company goodness with 😊

Thanks for stopping!

TTFN, Jane

Growing In Unity 2024

 

Hello!  Welcome to day one of my Growing in Unity week!  Unity Stamp Company is one of the most generous, creative, kind companies I’ve known. It’s such a joy to participate in their GIU program each year!

My first project is one I did in my prayer journal. Truth be told, sometimes the process includes some yelling. On paper. In writing. And then I covered it all with black paint. But, as I processed what I was feeling, beauty began to emerge. I added Wayward Blooms (oops-didn’t realize they are retired) in white on the background. I call them Queen Ann’s Lace—not sure that’s right, but they are my favorite. And, of course, we all know what happens to the caterpillar. 😊 I just adore Seraphim Wings 🦋 and it perfectly fit the vibe  I also added some arty sprays and gold leafing around and about. 

Change can be hard and take some time, but the result can also be beautiful. 

I appreciate your comments and by commenting each day of my week, you will have a chance to win a gift certificate to the Unity Stamp Company store. We all feel good 😉

Blessings on your week—TTFN, Jane

Case It - Friends of Unity Blog Hop

 

Welcome to the October Friends of Unity Hop!  This month our prompt is to share creations we’ve  CASED (Copy And Steal Everything) from another creator. I’ve chosen to use the works of  Lisa Arana @dahlhousedesigns 

Cardmaker.  YouTuber.  Illustrator.  Crafty Gal.

Lisa has influenced a large portion of my Unity Stamp Co purchases. There have been many $$$ 😉😍. She is so talented; check her out!

Featuring: Winged Impressions

Featuring: Boho Blooms

Featuring: Never Stop Growing 

This was such a fun prompt. Sometimes, we all need a little break from coming up with our own ideas. A time to just make something to get out of the rut or to refresh. Casing a layout or style is one of my favorite things to do when it feels like my creative juices are all dried up.

I’m so glad you joined us!  The next stop is Rachel’s blog. Enjoy!

TTFN, Jane

Friends of Unity-September Blog Hop

 

Welcome to the September Friends of Unity Blog Hop! This month, we are using a color challenge for our inspiration. Our weather has been so hot, it’s nice to feel the cooler breezes of fall.  

My first project is a mixed media layout in my prayer journal. Owls always make me think of my dad. He’s collected cool figurines of owls for years.  And, he’s wise ❤️ I love the process of creating as I pray through a worry or a praise, sharing my heart.  My dad’s health has been a subject of many prayers—both worry and praise in the last several years.  Today, I praise—each day is a gift.

I started by covering my prayer with various paper scraps, gesso and paint. Next I stenciled texture paste to create the leaves, using ink sprays to color.

I used images from All That Grunge on the background and then added more interest with black and white florals from Special Place.  I thrifted a ton of gauze fabric - which is so great for adding more texture to project— it was quite the find!  I added a frame of it behind the main image from Soulful Owl. Isn’t he gorgeous? The sentiment is also from Soulful Owl—and perfectly fits a journal page dedicated to my Dad.  

This color challenge really got me in a fall mood, so I made a few cards, too. 😉

Thanks for stopping by!  This is always a great hop, full of beautiful projects and inspiration.  To start at the beginning, visit Crystal’s blog.

Your next stop is Jenni’s blog.  You’re going to love it! 😍 

TTFN, Jane

Friends of Unity- July Technique Hop

 

Hello, Friends!  I have a fancy fold card/booklet to share with you for our July Friends of Unity Blog Hop! Our prompt for this month is Technique. I’ve lately been digging different booklets and fun folds. I saw this one in an Instagram reel (sorry, can’t recall the original poster) but the directions were unclear and incomplete. I swear I watched that reel 20 times before I figured it out!  All products used, generally can be found in the Unity Stamp Co store (one or two might be retired). 

Be sure to tag me if you make your own—I’d love to see what you make 😊

Supplies:  12 x 12 cardstock, paper trimmer, scoring tool and circle punch (optional)

Step One:    Score 12 x12 paper in half at the 6" mark; rotate the paper and score again at 4" and 8".  Without changing the paper's orientation, trim 1/8 " from the edge of the cardstock.

             

Step Two:    Cut along the 6" score line, from the 4" score to the end of the paper.  (I've used post it notes to number the panels to bring clarity to the remaining steps.)  Using the photos as reference, fold the paper over so that the even numbered panels are folded over the odd numbered panels.  

Step Three:      Fold over panels 4 and 6 as shown (to get them out of the way) so you are able to create the back cover pocket, using panels 3 and 5. If desired, cut a half circle notch on the top of panel 5; glue the edges of panel 5 to panel three.

Step Four:     Next, you will join panels 1 and 2 to create the front cover pocket.  You will notice in the photo that only panel 2 is notched.  In my final project, both 1 and 2 are notched--just a little creative glitch 😊  Place glue along the edges of panel two and fold over to adhere to panel 1.  The top view photo shows the base of the project complete.

The completed project:

Please visit my Instagram @stampymom5 to see my quick flip through reel when you have time.  Thanks so much for stopping by!  If you haven't, but want to start at the beginning of the hop, visit Crystal's Blog. To continue along the hop, the next stop is Tammy's Blog.  

ENJOY!

ttfn--Jane

Friends of Unity Hop-June Celebrations

 

Happy June!  It’s time for another Friends of Unity Blog Hop 😊 This month, our theme is celebrations.  June is full of birthdays and anniversaries in my family, but there are oh, so many other reasons to celebrate also!  You’ve already seen some great celebration inspiration!

My first card features A Day To Treasure. This is my first inking in celebration of my daughter’s engagement!  We will be using this gorgeous set for her wedding invitations. I’ve just started to play with ideas; it is so elegant and lovely!

My parents will celebrate 58 years of marriage in a few weeks-Praise the Lord!  Their life together is beautiful and inspiring.  Truly best friends and a lifetime of love, experiences and fun by each other’s side.  This gorgeous bouquet of tulips from the April KOM, Petal Post, is fun to color and perfect for an anniversary card!  The sentiment is from Every Single Day.  I also used the new die set, Big Scallops and Rectangles.  

I had so many more ideas, but definitely not enough time! Life is full of celebration every day—big stuff and little stuff—enjoy!

Thank you for stopping by!  I’m the last stop of the hop!  To restart the hop at the beginning, visit Crystal’s blog. Have a great day!  TTFN, Jane

For the boys…Friends of Unity May Blog Hop

 

Hello, Friends! It’s time for another Friends of Unity Blog Hop.  This month, our theme is masculine cards. For real, these are hard for me!  I’m drawn to cutesy and flowery images so, I really have to be an out of the box thinker when it comes to the boys.

My first card is probably more neutral than masculine, to be honest 😊  I used the Vintage Ledger Background along with images from Becoming Who I Am and Never Stop Growing.

My second card features the beautiful farm scene from Time to Shine.  I added Brave Boots and a sentiment from You Are A Classic.

I love that sentiment!  

I’m so glad you stopped by today.  If you want to start at the very beginning of the hop, you can visit Crystal’s blog here.  Your next stop from here is Gaylynn’s blog. Enjoy!

TTFN, Jane

Oh, Happy Day! ~ Friends of Unity April Hop

Happy Day and Welcome to the April Friends of Unity Blog Hop! This month we’re celebrating Mother’s Day as our prompt and sharing a variety of inspiring projects.  My projects represent both ends of the spectrum; one is classic and traditional, while the other is loud and funky.  Unity Stamp Company has literally something for everyone!

I love creating gelprints! I never quite know what I’m going to get ❤️.   After making this colorful print, I used Funky Flowers to embellish the panel. For added interest, I created a background pattern with a fun grab bag image. My sentiment is from Birdie and a Bear.

My classic card features one of my favorite Unity combos, the Tulip Stamp & Stencil Bundle.  It’s just so pretty—you can’t fail!

Thank you so much for stopping by. If you haven’t started at the beginning of the hop and you want to go back to be sure not to miss any inspiration visit, Crystal‘s blog.  The next stop on the hop is Dawn!

TTFN, Jane

I Like Big Cups - Caffeinated Christmas Challenge

Hello Sweet Friends!  Today, I have a fun Christmas coffee card to share in support of the Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge (#CCCC28) sponsored this month by Sweet N Sassy Stamps/Creative Worship Stamps. I tend to struggle a bit with “off season” stamping. However, this wasn’t a huge stretch since we’ve recently received our Christmas snow here in Wisconsin! Nearly 11 inches of snow has fallen just in time for Spring Break! Ahhhh, Wisconsin! 😂

I always chuckle at the name of this stamp set, I Like Big Cups.  I have a big collection of mugs and the biggest ones are my favorite!

I stamped two of the mugs from this set on heavy cardstock and pattern paper, then pieced them together.  To create added interest, I used the Stitched Rectangle dies to create a frame  and Sew Many Stitches on a scrap of paper to make my backdrop.  For the final touch, I added a sentiment from Christmas Sentiments. 

You can also play in this challenge! To find all the details and linky site visit the Challenge Blog. Be sure to tag your post on social media with #cccc28 as well! I can’t wait to see what you make!

TTFN, Jane

Oh, naturally-Friends of Unity March Hop

It’s time!! Another fun Friends of Unity Hop—cannot believe it’s March already, but…..spring is just around the corner!  It’s a perfect time to showcase images found in nature. I’m excited to see what the rest of the team is sharing and hope you are inspired!

My first card features a Uniquely Unity set called Sunsets. The beauty—really— of an image like this is you don’t have to work very hard to create a stunning card. The artist has done the heavy lifting—I added some watercolors, trimmed the panel with the Scallop Rectangle die and added a sentiment from Joyful Echoes.

My second card features one of my favorite floral images. The set is called Wonderful Like Us and it is perfect for just about any occasion. I created this birthday card (sentiment from KOM Time to Enjoy Life) as part of a collection for a recent fundraiser. I love to watercolor so recreating cards in this style is very relaxing and rewarding. 

I have a membership to Uniquely Unity. If you are on the fence, I say hop over!  Before I joined, I was worried there would be stamps I just didn’t care for and it would feel like money wasted. It hasn’t happened yet!  This beautiful image is from the February set, Blooming Canopy. Again, the artist makes it so easy for us to create beautiful cards!

My final card features a beautiful silhouette image called Love Birdies.  I stamped the image on a background created on my gel plate.  The sentiment from He Provides is the perfect finishing touch.

Thank you for stopping by!  Your next stop on the hop is Amber‘s blog.  Enjoy!

TTFN, Jane