Life is too Short | Mixed Media Canvas

One of the [many] reasons I really was excited about Fun Stampers Journey, when I first heard of the company, was the Mixed Media products that they carried.  And yet, I've not used them a whole lot since I joined as a coach.  So, I knew when I was designing my display, I wanted to include at least one artsy mixed media piece.  The final project in my display was small, but fulfilled that idea. 

I began with a 5" x 7" blank canvas.  After each step, I allowed the canvas to fully dry - either air dry, or with the help of my heat gun.  This is an important step when working in mixed media, as it will help to keep the colors from mixing as they are wet, and becoming muddy. The canvas I had was had already been prepped with Gesso, so I started by adhering a few pieces of printed paper with my Journey Craft Glue thinned with just a bit of water (these were covered to a point that the pattern was very hard to see, but did add to some of the color variation in the piece).  I painted this mix onto the back of the paper, and then painted it over the top of the paper to be certain that there were no air bubbles and the paper was fully sealed.   Then I added some texture with the Bubble Bubble Stencil and some modeling paste.

Once the Modeling Paste was dry, I began adding my Splashes.  I used Lemon Grass, Cool Pool, Blue Lagoon, Shimmer Silver, and Lavender Color Splashes to color the Background.  I sprayed, daubed off excess with a paper towel, dried, and sprayed again - until I got the effect I wanted.  Once the colors were completely dry, I stamped the upper right corner and the lower left corner with the Vintage Notes Background Stamp and Denim Days Ink.  The stamp added some lovely texture, as well as bringing in a bit of that darker blue.  Then I liberally splattered the background with Cool Pool and Turbo Teal Silks.  

I stamped the "Follow Your Dreams" sentiment onto a vellum die cut circle, and quickly coated it in clear embossing powder to seal the ink.  I heat set that, and then stamped and heat embossed the hot air balloon image in silver.  These were layered together with angle cut banners created from Cool Pool, Lavender Fusion, and Mirror Silver papers.  A second sentiment was stamped on the Lavender Fusion banner.

A scattering of rhinestones, and a few of the Patootie Burst, and Sweet Bloom Flowers, finished off the canvas.

And that's it for my projects for this year's Inking Idaho on the Road.  Thanks for tagging along with me as I shared all of these fun things!

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: Blue Skies Stamp Set SS-0574, Text Happy Stamp Set SS-0168

Inks: Denim Days True Color Fusion Ink IP-0010, Blue Lagoon Color Splash IP-0084, Cool Pool Color Splash IP-0076, Lemon Grass Color Splash IP-0078, Shimmer Silver Color Splash IP-0082, Lavender Color Splash IP-0077, Cool Pool Silk IP-0105, Turbo Teal Silk IP-0119, Journey Clear Embossing Powder IP-0097, Journey Silver Embossing Powder IP-0100

Papers: Cool Pool 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0118, Lavender Fusion 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0017, Journey Vellum PP-0044, Mirror Silver CS-0137, Sunday Adventure Prints PP-0053

Embellishments: Rhinestones AC-0023, Sweet Blooms AC-0329, Patootie Burst AC-0330

Tools: Journey Circles Die Set DI-0039, Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090,  Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer TO-0039, Crease Tool TO-0040, Detail Pro Shears (4.5") TO-0063, Bubble Bubble Stencil JM-0004, Journey Modeling Paste JM-0073, Spatula TO-0089, Heat Gun TO-0083

Adhesives: Journey Craft Glue AD-0001, Journey Foam Squares - Medium AD-0085

Go On An Adventure

Today's card was another from my Inking Idaho on the Road Display.  Just one more project from the display is left, and you'll see that on Friday! 

I realized quite quickly that I had a pretty consistent color pallet going in my display, so I continued with that in the creation of this card.  I added a background paper from the Sunday Adventure Prints, and I increased the color contrast, by sponging on some Cool Pool to the top of the background.  Then I die cut the balloon element, and sponged the same ink on that, but from the bottom towards the mid point.  This ombre/reverse ombre technique makes the two elements work together, while still allowing contrast that allows the die cut to pop.  I stamped the sentiment onto the die cut panel, and then added some angle cut banners to my background, before adding the die cut.  A splattering of Sparkle Silk was added, and then I attached some of the map printed hearts that I had fussy cut from a scrap of the Sunday Adventure Prints (the hearts are on the back side of the map paper used for the background). 

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  

May is here, and that means that it's Coach Collective Time!  

12 individual, step-by-step, tutorials, in one easy PDF.  

Each of the 12 talented coaches that form the collective has contributed a tutorial to this collection - so there are a wide variety of styles displayed! Pick and choose your favorite projects to complete, and work at your own pace.

May's Collection features a fun floral theme - perfect for Mother's Day, or spring themed cards. The full projects are stunning - you're going to want this Edition!

All 12 tutorials will be sent to you in one concise document, ready for you to enjoy! Coach Collective project tutorials are created with currently available supplies from Fun Stampers Journey and provide measurements in inches only. 

You can get this tutorial collection in a few ways:

• The first option is to use the Paypal Button below to order the PDF collection for $15, and I will send it out to you.*  
• Option two, is to break out that wish list!  Make a purchase of $50 or more between May 1st, and May 31st in my Fun Stampers Journey store, and I will send you this tutorial collection for FREE, without you having to do anything else!*  
• The third and final option is joining my team!  If you've thought about joining FSJ as a coach, one of the perks of being on my team, is that you get any tutorial I create for FREE!  

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Coach Collective | May 2018

If you are making a purchase - of $50 or more - from my FSJ store (05/1/18 - 05/31/18), 
you will receive this collection as a bonus, please do not purchase through this button.  
The tutorial will be sent out to you, after I receive confirmation of your order. 
Order Bonus not available outside of February dates.  Thanks!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*Please note: I send the tutorial out, via email, myself.  If for some reason, you have not received it within 12 hours (and you've checked to make sure it's not in your spam folder), please email me at muchlovesara (at) gmail.com

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: Text Happy SS-0168

Inks: Cool Pool True Color Fusion Ink IP-0074, Blue Lagoon True Color Fusion Ink IP-0002, Sparkle Silk IP-0126

Papers: Whip Cream 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0040, Blue Lagoon 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0004, Sunday Adventure Prints PP-0053

Embellishments: Whip Cream Sparkle Tape AC-0258

Tools: Adventure Trio Die Set DI-0426, Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090,  Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer TO-0039, Crease Tool TO-0040, Detail Pro Shears (4.5") TO-0063, Dauber Dowel Small TO-0137

Adhesives: Journey Craft Glue AD-0001, Journey Foam Squares - Small AD-0084

Coffee, Chocolate, and...Wine? | Spring Into Summer Launch Party

Have you ever had something that converged so well, you couldn't believe it?   That's today's post!  A couple of friends, and myself, meet periodically for coffee.  We haven't had a chance to get together for a couple of months, and are finally getting together this morning.  I wanted to give the friend who's hosts these coffee chats, a small treat - chocolate is always the best treat in my mind - and had that in the back of my mind as I was out shopping.  I also knew I wanted to use the NEW Coffee Helps set, as it was so appropriate!  When I stumbled across these chocolates, I knew I found the perfect little gift (my friend is a wine enthusiast, and I would never even dare try to buy her actual wine!).  

Before I began, I figured out my sentiment layout.  That would help to dictate the height of the bag topper I made for the chocolates.  I combined one of the Coffee Helps sentiments, with a sentiment from Text Happy (I masked off the top of the sentiment to get just the wording I wanted).  Once the sentiments were stamped, heat embossed, and stamped, I die cut a circle of Oatmeal Cookie Card Stock, and stamped it with the coffee beans.  I stamped my coffee cup onto a piece of Whip Cream Card Stock, and colored it in with the Color Burst Pencils.  A little White Liner behind the spot I planned on putting the die cut circle holds the twine in place, and the circle, and the cup, are both mounted on foam squares.

The whole topper is adhered to the very top of the bag with White Liner.  I love these kinds of chocolate bags, because I can adhere the topper above the tear line, and then the recipient can enjoy the chocolate, and keep the topper intact, if they wish to save it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: Coffee Helps Stamp Set SS-0569, Text Happy Stamp Set SS-0168

Inks: Dark Roast True Color Fusion Ink IP-0050, Whip Cream True Color Fusion Ink IP-0009, Clear Pigment Ink IP-0102, Journey Gold Embossing Powder IP-0101

Papers: Raspberry Berry 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0097, Oatmeal Cookie 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0023, Whip Cream 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0040

Embellishments: Journey Twine - Natural AC-0005

Tools: Journey Color Burst Pencils JM-0077, Journey Circles Die Set 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 - Medium AD-0085

Pastel Rainbow Banners and Hugs

It wasn't until recently that I started getting into the whole rainbow color pallet trend.  But this time of year, I do prefer my rainbows to be a little softer.  The pastel rainbow of banners on this card is a good fit for spring.  I enjoy sending little "love notes" year round - just because Valentine's Day is over, doesn't mean that there are people in your life who don't need a little reminder that they are loved.  

Here's how I did it: 

• I dry embossed my card front.  
• I cut the colorful strips for my card front (they are 3/8" tall x 2" long - the Pool play strip is 3-1/4" long).  
• I stamped my sentiment on the shorter strips, then banner cut the right ends of all the strips.  
• I adhered them onto the card front. 
• I punched the hearts out one time.  I used the two smaller hearts from the punch, attaching one with a foam square.  
• I added a few rhinestones to finish off the card.

Who do you know, that could use a little reminder of how loved they are?  Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: Text Happy SS-0168

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, Bubble Gum 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0099, Orange Creamsicle 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0024, Banana Cream 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0087, Lemon Grass 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0019, Cool Pool 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0118, Pool Play 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0092, Pretty Amethyst 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0028, Sweet Berry 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0034

Embellishments: Cut Rhinestones AC-0023

Tools: Mystic Impressions Embossing Folder EF-0019, 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: Journey Craft Glue AD-0111, Journey Foam Squares - Small AD-0084

Small Things, Great Love | Leadership Conference Display Card

I was stoked to get the Storybook Occasions stamp set in my Designers Showcase box.  I love coloring, and having image that were absolutely adorable to color was so fun.

I wanted this card to really emphasize the image, so I kept the tones in the background very subtle and spring-y.  The scallop cardstock piece was cut using the scallop flap from the envelo-box die. 

Because this card was for the Leadership conference, and I was using a LOT of pencils, I did keep track!  Here's the numbers of all of the colors I used.  I used no blending fluid, or blending stumps with these pencils.  All of the blending was done with the pencils themselves. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: Storybook Occasions SS-0538, Text Happy SS-0168

Inks: .Black Licorice True Color Fusion Ink IP-0041, Journey Color Burst Pencils JM-0077

Papers: Whip Cream 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0040, Spring Filled Prints PP-0051, Lemongrass 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0019

Embellishments: .Pearls AC-0024, Journey Twine - Natural AC-0005, Lemon Grass Satin Ribbon AC-0140

Tools: Journey Circles Die Set DI-0039, Envelo-Box Die DI-0399, Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090,  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-0085

Designer's Showcase Blog Hop | Love XOXO Valentine Card

Welcome to another Fun Stampers Journey Designer's Showcase Blog Hop!  

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

This month we are featuring some Valentine's Day Projects.  Do you send Valentines?  I send a few out to my mom, grands, and, of course, my hubby.  It's a wide variety of types of "love" to share and send, so I prefer to keep some generic "love" cards in my stash.    

I like clean, and pretty cards, so of course my card starts with some bright Whip Cream card stock.  I cut a card base, card front, and a mat for the card front from the Whip Cream card stock.  I dry embossed the card front.

I layered up my banners (the trick to getting the angles to match, is to line up the strips in your hand, with the bottoms and side that will be angled all together.  Then cut your angle - they'll all match, and blend well together!), and adhered them with White liner on the two bottom layers, and Craft Glue on the top, tiny, strip.

I heat embossed the swirly heart and die cut it out.  Then, I layered that with some hearts that were punched out, and then stamped with some tiny sentiments.  They look like little conversation hearts, and I LOVE them!  In fact, I loved them so much, I had to create a second project using the same idea.  Check out my Instagram, and Facebook pages for that second project!

Thanks for stopping by!

Off to the next blog stop!

When you're ready to move on to the next stop, click the arrow below.  You'll be taken to Melina's Facebook page.

If you get lost along the way, Here's a handy list of the stops!

Angela

Sara (You are here)

Melina

Kim

Carrie

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Stamps: Coils and Curls SS-0503 (Bundled with Coordinating Dies BD-0277), Text Happy Stamp Set SS-0168

Inks: Clear Pigment Ink IP-0102, Sweet Berry True Color Fusion Ink Pad IP-0029

Papers: Whip Cream 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0040, Sweet Berry 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0034, River Stone 8.5" x 11" Card Stock CS-0094, Journey Vellum PP-0044, Mirror Gold Cs-0136

Tools: Coils & Curls Die Set DI-0358 (Bundle available - see stamp set above for number), Brocade Imprints Embossing Folder EF-0020 (Bloom Benefit), Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090,  Journey Blooms Paper Trimmer TO-0039, Crease Tool TO-0040, Detail Pro Shears (4.5") TO-0063,Punch Handle TO-0031, Love Is Punch Cartridge TO-0008, Clear Block D TO-0041, Clear Block E TO-0074

Adhesives: .Journey Craft Glue AD-0111, White Liner AD-0001, Journey Foam Squares - Small AD- 0084

Christmas Words

Another Christmas card for the pile!  I don't know about you, but each card I get made in advance of the Christmas crazies, makes me feel like I'm really on top of things (I'm not, but it feels like it!).   

I love combining sentiments - the Text Happy Stamp Set makes adding a little extra something to to a basic sentiment easy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:

Blended Rainbow Card

Today's card is so incredibly simple, colorful, and FUN!  I love cards that come together with so little effort.

And the best part?  If you come back on Friday, I will show you how to make a similar card yourself!  Be sure to check out the supply list at the bottom of the post - the beautiful ink colors that I used will only be on sale for a couple more weeks!  

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

PS.  Have you heard about August's Promotion?  

We've got some Fusion Vibes going on right now!  Select True Color Fusion Ink pads are 20% off in August!  That means, that all of the colored ink pads are ON SALE.   Stock up on your favorite colors now, before this deal ends.  The price is already discounted in the shop - so there's no coupon code needed.

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies: 

You Are Enough: Never Give Up

If you have followed me for any length of time, you know that I am OBSESSED with heat embossing.  It's one of my go-to techniques when I'm working on a design, to add a bit of pop & shine.  When I was working out what projects, I wanted to make for the final round of the Designer Showcase Opportunity, I wanted to go with some things that truly "fit" me, and what I love to do.  So, a card with heat embossing was a must!

For this card, I chose to stamp the Branch ATS along the edge of the card panel, then heat emboss this in silver.  I then brought a little color in, by blending in the lighter blue from the Party Pop PanPastels, just over the embossed branches.  This gave a soft background to those areas.    

As I continued to layer up my card front, with my black and white striped accent strip, and a bit of Licorice Sparkle tape peaking through, I realized I needed just a touch more color.  So, I dabbed my Bubblegum Silk around the branches as little "berries".  This added just a bit of an accent.

My sentiment came from two stamp sets.  I stamped the "You Are Enough" in Black Licorice Ink on Vellum, and then heat embossed the sentiment in clear embossing powder.  Because the color does bead up a bit, and I wanted a bit more of a solid image, I turned the vellum over, and used a black pencil to fill in the broader parts of the stamping.  

I really liked how this card turned out.  I love combining stamps that you wouldn't necessarily think would go together to create a cohesive card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

PS.  Have you heard about August's Promotion?  

We've got some Fusion Vibes going on right now!  Select True Color Fusion Ink pads are 20% off in August!  That means, that  the black ink pad (which is amazing!) listed below is ON SALE.   Stock up on your favorite colors now, before this deal ends.  The price is already discounted in the shop - so there's no coupon code needed.

Fun Stampers Journey Supplies Used:  

Sending You Hugs Card

I've spent the last week in Las Vegas, at a convention for my husband's work.  We had a blast!  This was about the closest we have taken to a "vacation" in years, and it was a much needed change of pace.

Also, the FSJ Designers Showcase winners were announced just a few days ago, and I was chosen to be one of 10 who will be on the team for this year!  I'm so thrilled, and excited to be working with such an amazingly talented group of ladies.   Starting Wednesday, I will post the three projects I submitted into the final round of judging.

Whew!  So much excitment!  Let's get to today's card, shall we?

Stripes and flowers are just such a lovely combination, don't you think?  I love having simple background stamps such as the Striped Wall Stamp, they are staples, and can be used as a backdrop for so many other stamps.

For this card, I used a scrap of paper as a mask to stamp the Branch ATS stamp in the background.  I knew I wanted the leaves peeking out from behind the flowers so I figured out my placement, and then used the scrap paper to block off the rest of the card from being stamped.  

And, of course, I had to add a little sparkle and bling!  I love the Silks.  They add some fun shine and color just where you want.

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Much love,                                                                             

                                              

Supplies: