Rock 'N Roll Birthday

A little known fact about me is that I spent 13 years being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I rarely blogged my Stampin' Up! creations in the last many years due to SU! policy--and frankly, the difficulty I had in trying to understand the rules over blogging--mostly because I was representing other companies by showcasing their stamp designs.  I was really more of a hobbiest and used most of my SU! purchases in the process of writing tutorials or for various paper crafting projects.  Now, that I am no longer a demo (something I am often sad about), I have challenged myself to get out my long hoarded stamps and make something!

This is a card I made for a work friend. He's a rocker!  LOL!! Anyhow, the guitar guy and the background images are called Extreme Elements and Extreme Guitar...so extreme!  I started by creating a colorful background using distress oxide inks...these things are addicting!  I love the different texture affects you can achieve. 

To add the Happy Birthday, I used the current set, Labeler Alphabet.  To find a SU! demo who can order that for you, head on over to the Stampin' Up! website!

TTFN.  Be Awesome!  Jane

Better Than Grilled Cheese

After such a busy and full filled few days, I needed a little introvert recharge time in the Studio.  I pulled out some goodies I've never seemed to have enough time to goof around with and made this cute little card.  The card features images and sentiments from some older Stampin' Up sets:  Sweetie Pie and Words of Truth.

The inside of the card:

"I love you more than grilled cheese"--LOL!  The very reason I bought this set in the first place!

The rest of Words of Truth: 

And, Sweetie Pie:

I'm working on some card sets for the upcoming gifting season.  Perhaps a series featuring these goodies might be order?

TTFN, Jane

Merry Christmouse!

I'm still working on those Christmas cards!!  I am totally in love with this sweet little mouse set from the Stampin' Up! Holiday catalog, Merry Mice.  Merry Mice, indeed!

These are just a few samples I've been working on:

All pretty simple water color washes designed to feature each cute little image and accompanying sentiment!  Feel free to contact me about getting your own Merry Mice :)

TTFN, Jane

Happiest of Birthdays...

Happy Wednesday, Friends!!  I've finally had some time to play with my Stampin' Up! goodies!!  I've been known to ask..."how many floral sets can one person own?"  The answer is not as clear as a girl would think--I'm drawn over and over to the beautiful floral sets I find in the SU! catalog!  This one is called Birthday Blooms and can be found in the SU! catalog on page 12.

I used a few other SU! goodies to complete this shabby chic card.  First, I stamped the Dictionary Background stamp on a piece of kraft card stock.   Next, I applied a thin layer of gesso.  When that was dried, I added several layers of water colored inks and some texture with images from the Timeless Texture stamp set.

I stamped the floral image with black ink and then used distress markers to color/water color the floral piece.  I attached the Banner Framelit  that I stamped my sentiment on with mini staples---I just love that little stapler!  I'm waiting for colored staples (hint, hint, SU!) to go with it.

I'm trying to challenge myself to use things I haven't inked up in a while--old and new.  Stay tuned to see how I meet the challenge! 

TTFN--Be Awesome!  Jane

The Funnest Birthday Ever!

I'm addicted to dies.  Can't help it.  Even though I love to fussy cut....I find it very therapeutic.  There's just something about the crisp and easy cut that a die can accomplish.

Stampin' Up has this great set called Number of Years that also has matching number dies....the new SU! catalog also has a must have set of letter dies that coordinate.  You can see the catalog here if you aren't lucky enough to have one of your own!  Lots of good stuff in there!

I made this fun little shaker card for my niece.  I sure hope she liked it.  I'm sure it was the highlight of her special day ;) (SO far from the truth!)

I used my ancient astro label punch to create the happy birthday:

I love this thing!  Long ago replaced by the fancy dymo label machines, this bad boy adds a great home made/vintage/arty feel to any project!

That's all for today--Don't forget to be awesome!
Jane

I Chose You....

Isn't that the greatest thing about friends?  We get to chose them?  In some ways, I think they are the most real relationships we can have.....if we are really able to let go and reveal ourselves, that is.

I love my family, but they are pretty much stuck with me.  I'm convinced that is purposeful, but that's a whole other post...

Today, I'm sharing a card I made using Stampin' Up!'s new Painted Petals stamp set.  It's featured in the new Occassions Catalog.  I can't paint to save my life, but this set makes it seem like I did--I'm all about that!

The sentiment brings me back to my point, FRIENDS!  They can come and go--and, some should.  Some of the greatest lessons (lesson = struggle/pain) of my life have come from friending or trust the wrong person.  But, I also serve a loving and redemptive Father who has brought much joy and healing by placing people in my life who love me despite me, just like He does.  I love that!

If this were facebook, I'd tag you-you know who you are.....
TTFN,  Jane

Everything Matters

I love....no, I ADORE, this gorgeous Butterfly girl image from Prima.  I found my very own at Simon Says Stamp--just knew it had to be mine the minute my eyes lay upon it.

Creating the main image for this canvas took a good deal of time.  It was super putzy and full of fussy cutting--it was marvelous therapy!  I started with a book page and gesso, a few pieces of cardstock, designer papers and my best little scissors.  It's multi-layered and pieced together with much love and lots of dimension.

The canvas started as a bit of an experiment in repurposing a kiddie attempt at canvas making and the subsequent abandonment of said canvas. (If you are wondering, the canvas measures 8" x 10")  What's a frugal crafty mom to do?  I started with paint and then more book pages.  Added more paint, a stencil and gesso.  To finish, I added some wonderful images from Unity (and, the sentiment) and Stamper's Anonymous.  More dimension and texture from some groovy cork sticker thingys from Stampin' Up! and a bobble or two with some shine. 

It all makes a great case for hoarding....I mean saving random crafty stuff :)

Thanks for looking!

TTFN, Jane