A Weekend Away

For Memorial Day Weekend, I stepped out of the craft room and traveled across the state of Idaho to my small hometown.  My mother had volunteered to put the flags on the veteran's graves in the town cemetery, after my father's death, and has been doing so for the past 30 years.  I've gone to help whenever possible, and have only missed a handful of years.  

If you look carefully in the background of the photo of me with the flags, you'll notice snow still on the mountains.  It was pleasant in town though - maybe a bit too much.  I hadn't realized as we were putting out the flags that I was getting roasted!  Ouchie!



We spent most of the weekend relaxing.  Well, my husband relaxed - I got sick almost the minute we pulled into town, so I spent my time recuperating.  We did make a quick trip over to the lake with the dogs, on one day.  After over a decade of trips to the area, my husband finally decided he should see the lake.  Sierra (shown below) adores water, so I knew she'd like this.  She went straight in!  I only let her get her paws wet though, as it is still quite cold water.  It's usually about July before I'd want to be in that water very long!

Isn't the water pretty?  Bear Lake is known for it's blue water.  It has to do with the limestone deposits in the lake.

Pretty much all of Eastern Idaho is gorgeous this time of year.  I love being able to just look at the view as my husband drives, because I know in a couple of months, everything will be dry and brown.  Despite being sick, it was a fun trip.  Though we were glad when we loaded up to go home.  There's nothing like you're own bed.  And then...

We had a little break down on the side of the road.  Thankfully, my husband knew a mechanic in the area through his work, and was able to make some phone calls to get us taken care of.  It was only a few hours delay in the process.  I was so glad we had plenty of water, the dogs were well behaved, and it wasn't up to the temperatures it gets to in mid-summer.   We did eventually get back on our way, and made it home last night.

And, of course, today will be spent in the craft room.  I've missed it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Better Together

I used to hate clean and simple cards.  I struggled with them, because I always wanted to add "just one more thing".  As time has progressed, I'm finding I like them more and more.  The simplicity can really help to highlight a particular image or sentiment.  

For today's card, I stamped a panel with the Flannel Life background stamp, and then cut a strip of the red gingham created.  I added a strip of Black Licorice card stock, that had my sentiment stamped and heat embossed in white.  Then I added my fussy cut images that were colored with Color Burst pencils.

The whole card took about 15 minutes (including coloring), and looks adorable!  Though I'm still not sure what is in the bowl.  I was going for cereal, but, depending on how the image was colored, it could be ramen, or spaghetti-os. 

And speaking of the Better Together on the sentiment, the FSJ annual convention is coming up, with the theme of Better Together.  There is still time to sign up as an FSJ coach, and register for convention if you'd like to join us in Phoenix this year.  I'd love to have you join us!

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: Flannel Life SS-0325, Bowled Over SS-0580

Inks: Cranberry Bliss True Color Fusion Ink IP-0049, Black Licorice True Color Fusion Ink IP-0041, Clear Pigment Ink IP-0102, Journey White Embossing Powder IP-0098

Papers: Whip Cream 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0040, Black Licorice 8.5: x 11" Card Stock CS-0003

Embellishments: Journey Color Burst Pencils JM-0077

Tools: Heat Gun TO-0083, Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer TO-0039, Crease Tool TO-0040, Detail Pro Shears (4.5") TO-0063

Adhesives: Easy Glide Permanent Adhesive Runner AD-0081, Journey Foam Squares - Medium AD-085

Watercolor Kindness

I recently, purchased the Color Splash pencils.  When they arrived, I could hardly wait to break into them, and start watercoloring.  The image used on this card was the first thing I worked on with these new pencils, and I adore how it turned out.  

To create the card front, I embossed the Oatmeal Cookie Card Stock with the Mystic Impressions Embossing Folder, and then rubbed the raised portions with the Whip Cream PanPastel.  Then I layered up a piece of vellum, and some Organza Ribbon.  I matted the watercolor panel with some of the corrugated stock, and attached that to my card front with foam squares.  A few scattered pearls, and a Whip Cream card base finished the card off.

There's a tip today as well.  Despite being "pencils", don't color your image with the actual pencil.  Use a blending brush to pick up some color from the tip of the pencil, and take it to the paper.  You'll get a softer, and more even blend this way.  And let your layers dry before adding more color, if you are trying to shade.  Your shading will show up better.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: Your Kindness ATS AT-0287 (Bloom Benefit)

Inks: River Stone True Color Fusion Ink IP-0053

Papers: Whip Cream 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0040, Oatmeal Cookie 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0023, Corrugated Stock ST-0124, Journey Vellum PP-0044

Embellishments: Journey Color Splash Pencils JM-0078, Oatmeal Cookie Organza Ribbon AD-0246, Party Pop PanPastels JM-0081, Pearls AC-0024

Tools: Mystic Impressions Embossing Folder EF-0019, Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090,  Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer TO-0039, Crease Tool TO-0040, Detail Pro Shears (4.5") TO-0063, Journey Blending Brush - Medium TO-0098

Adhesives: Easy Glide Permanent Adhesive Runner AD-0081, Journey Foam Squares - Medium AD-0085

Sweetness & Sunshine Gift Bag

Every now and then, someone will need a little extra sunshine in their life.  While this super cute, and little, gift bag is perfect for a variety of smaller items, the thing I was most excited about, was to fill it with packets of flower seeds.  This inexpensive gift is a perfect little something for a new neighbor, or a friend who loves gardening.

I started today's project with two panels cut with the Lots of Dots Die.  I used white liner tape to adhere them together into a bag, with strips of the same color card stock that were 1-1/2" wide, and scored at 1/4" on either side.  I created the handles with a 8" piece of ribbon, woven through the holes, and simply knotted together inside. 

I cut the two Treat Labels, and then stamped the sun, onto the Whip Cream label, in Banana Cream ink, and the sentiment in Sweet Berry ink I added the Sparkle Silk, and then layered the pieces together using Foam Squares. 

This bag would make playing with different colors of tissue paper a lot of fun, since you could get peeks of other colors through the holes. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: My Sunshine ATS AT-0286, Inside & Out Stamp Set SS-0576

Inks: Banana Cream True Color Fusion Ink IP-0046, Sweet Berry True Color Fusion Ink IP-0029, Sparkle Silk IP-0126

Papers: Whip Cream 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0040, Bubble Gum 8.5" x  11" Card Stock CS-0099

Embellishments: Sweet Berry Gingham Ribbon AC-0093

Tools: Lots of Dots Die Set DI-0424, Treat Label Bundle BD-0073, Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090,  Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer TO-0039, Crease Tool TO-0040, Detail Pro Shears (4.5") TO-0063

Adhesives: White Liner AD-0001, Journey Foam Squares - Medium AD-0085

Mixed Media Leafy Thank You Card

I love mixed media, really I do.  But I often have issues with the whole messy, and "ugly till it's finished" aspect of mixed media.  I want it to be pretty (immediately) and clean!  One easy way to accomplish this, is to add a mixed media element to your card, that keeps the messy aspect contained.   

For today's card, I started with a piece of Whip Cream card stock, that I die cut the Summer Branch die out of.  Then I sprayed that die cut with Lemon Grass, Cool Pool, and Blue Lagoon Splashes, and splattered it with Turbo Teal Silk.  I dried that piece, and made a card base from Whip Cream card stock.

I used the Cool Pool PanPastel on the card base, under the area that I planned on adhering my branch.  Then I adhered the branch onto the card base, and trimmed the excess "stem" that hung over the edge of the card.  I splattered some Sparkle Silk over the card front, and then added the die cut Thank You sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Inks: Blue Lagoon Color Splash IP-0084, Cool Pool Color Splash IP-0076, Lemon Grass Color Splash IP-0078, Turbo Teal Silk IP-0119, Sparkle Silk IP-0126, Confectionary Days PanPastels JM-0079

Papers: Whip Cream 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0040, Mirror Silver CS-0137

Tools: Summer Branch Die DI-0162, Charming Thank You Die Set DI-0445 (Hostess Benefit), Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090,  Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer TO-0039, Crease Tool TO-0040, Detail Pro Shears (4.5") TO-0063

Adhesives: Journey Craft Glue AD-0111

Out with the Old...

It's time to retire some product!  There are a ton of items retiring this year, and you need to join this party!

The Retirement Party is still going strong - and items are selling out!  View the most recently updated list here.  Don't miss out on favorites!  The faqs below should answer most of your questions, but if you have any, please contact me.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Dots Just Because

o

I have a super simple card to share with you today.  I'm kinda loving the aquas and teals lately, and they look so fresh sms pretty paired with white or black.

For this card, I die cut the background from Cool Pool card stock, and then layered a die cut vellum circle.  I hear embossed my sentiment onto Black Licorice, in silver, and then trimmed the bottom of the strip, so the tail of the"J" extended below the bottom of the banner.  I added a small strip of silver Mirror Paper below the banner, and a few rhinestones.

I love this Lots of Dots Die! It's so cute, and the little circles it cuts out are great top save for confetti.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: Everyday Script Stamp Set SS-0543

Inks: Clear Pigment Ink IP-0102, Journey Silver Embossing Powder IP-0100

Papers: Whip Cream 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0040, Cool Pool 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0118, Black Licorice 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0003, Mirror Silver CS-0137

Embellishments: Cut Rhinestones AC-0023

Tools: Lots of Dots Die - DI-0424, Journey Circles DI-0039, Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090,  Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer TO-0039, Crease Tool TO-0040, Detail Pro Shears (4.5") TO-0063

Adhesives: White Liner AD-0001, Journey Foam Squares - Small AD-0084

Easy Sleeves for Coffee Packets | Gift Idea

From the moment I saw the Coffee First Die set, I knew I wanted to make some super cute wraps for individual coffee packets.  I finally got it done, and put it together with a little gift idea to share with you!

I made the little sleeves by die cutting one of the wraps for each sleeve, two cups, and three lids.  I trimmed one of the lids so that I could add foam squares (cut in half) to pop up the bottom "lip" of the lid on the front.  I then adhered the cups together with a piece of 2" tall, by 1" wide card stock folded in half on either side.  The small hinge is adhered to the back of the cups, so is invisible on the outside.  I adhered the wrap to the front, and then added a heart punch on a foam square.

To package this as a gift, I added a few of the wrapped coffee singles to a thermal mug, with some indvidual creamers, and sugar packets.  A couple of coffee beans added to the bottom of the cup make the whole thing smell amazing when it's opened up.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Supplies Used:

If you click the banner below, you can search the shop for each of the items in question.  (Contains an affiliate link - where I earn a commission from purchases made from my link, at no cost to you. Your support helps me keep this blog going, and continue to create - Thank you! Affiliates and disclosures can be found here.) 

Papers: Cocoa Powder 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0008, Oatmeal Cookie 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0023, Cranberry Bliss 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0090, Sunday Adventure Prints PP-0053

Tools: Coffee First Die Set DI-0440, Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090,  Punch Handle To-0031, Love Is Punch Cartridge TO-0006, Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer TO-0039, Crease Tool TO-0040, Detail Pro Shears (4.5") TO-0063

Adhesives: White Liner AD-0001, Journey Foam Squares - Small AD-0084

Chalkboard Kindness

It's super easy to create the look of chalkboard art on a handmade card.  Ready to try it?

I began today's card with the Black Licorice Card Stock.  I cut the card stock to 3.75" x 5", and stamped the image from the  Your Kindness stamp in Clear Pigment Ink, and sprinkled it liberally with embossing powder.  After that was heat set, I used the Whip Cream PanPastel and the largest sponge applicator from the PanPastel set, to "scribble" on the background.  This lays down a layer of soft "chalky" looking haze.  If the PanPastel is too opaque, lightly brush a baby wipe over the background to remove a bit of color, and add to the streaky look.  To finish the image, I used a dry blending brush and the Whip Cream PanPastel to add a bit of shading to the flowers and leaves.

I matted the "chalkboard" panel onto a piece of Candy Apple Card Stock, and then added that to the printed paper background.  The whole card front was attached to an Oatmeal Cookie Card Base.  A few pearls added some more texture and the finishing touch.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: Your Kindness ATS AT-0287 (Bloom Benefit)

Inks: Clear Pigment Ink IP-0102, Journey White Embossing Powder IP-0098, Party Pop PanPastels JM-0081

Papers: Oatmeal Cookie 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0023, Black Licorice 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0003, Candy Apple 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0007, Sunday Adventure Prints PP-0053

Embellishments: Pearls AC-0024

Tools: Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer TO-0039, Crease Tool TO-0040, Heat Gun TO-0083, Blending Brush - Small TO-0097

Adhesives: Easy Glide Permanent Adhesive Runner AD-0081, Journey Foam Squares - Medium AD-0085

Gilded Gift Boxes & Tags

I love having small thank you gifts around for when someone does something extraordinary for me.  Things like rescue my runaway dog, and bring him home, for instance...

I recently found these absolutely yummy candles at the dollar store of all places!  They're gorgeous black and gold, and white and gold, glass containers, and the candles smell incredible.  They were perfect for something small for a gift.  I just needed to package them.

I used the Basket Makery die to cut out two baskets (you do not need to cut the handle, so cut your card stock to 8.5" x 8" to fit just over the basket area).  Then I used the Graduated Dots Background Stamp to stamp each flap with clear pigment ink.  (Mask off the other flaps and bottom of the box with Post it notes to keep the stamp from overlapping.)  I applied gold embossing powder and heat set it, before assembling the baskets.

I also die cut two Bread Tags, one of each color.  These also were stamped and heat embossed.  Then I added the Charming Thank You Die Set die cuts, that were cut from Mirror Gold paper.  I set a large clear block on the tags to allow them to dry flat, while I added some kraft color shred, and the candles to the baskets, and put them inside some cello bags.   I tied the cello bags shut tight with some twine (or you could use a rubber band), and then added my bread tag and a bow.

The baskets are super pretty!  Now I've got a couple more things stashed for my dog's next adventure.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: Graduated Dots Background Stamp SS-0117

Inks: Clear Pigment Ink IP-0102, Journey Gold Embossing Powder IP-0101

Papers: Whip Cream 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0040, Black Licorice 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0003, Mirror Gold CS-0136

Embellishments: Oatmeal Cookie Organza Ribbon AC-0246, Special Day Organza Ribbon AC-0316, Journey Twine Natural AC-0005

Tools: Basket Makery Die SR-0016, Bread Tag Die DI-0133, Charming Thank You Die Set DI-0445 (Hostess Benefit), Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090,  Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer TO-0039, Crease Tool TO-0040, Detail Pro Shears (4.5") TO-0063, Heat Gun TO-0083

Adhesives: White Liner AD-0001, Journey Craft Glue AD-0111