Merry Christmas to All!

I am sorry for the lack of posts recently. I am doing my best to get Christmas projects done. And while I am photographing them on the way, I don't have the time for blog posts.

I will catch up in the new year. Especially with my work for Starving Artistamps.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas, surrounded by those you love, and bringing you closer to the One who loves you the most.

With Stampin' Blessings,
Juliana

Anniversary Roses

In continuing to work on Christmas gifts I am fulfilling an *order* for anniversary cards for my MIL. Today's color challenge on Splitcoast was a great opportunity! The colors are Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Pie, and Rose Red.

There are some details that did not show up in the picture of the card. I rock & rolled the Roses in Winter, and the centers are Brilliance *Red Rocket Gold* which is like Rose Red with Gold pigment with it. I stamped the rose panel with Itty Bitty Backgrounds inked with Palette's Glue Pad. I used Micro-pearl Pearl Ex on those places. The same with the Celery base card. It is inked the same way but is stamped with French Script background.

You can see this a bit in the detail picture. (you can click to enlarge if you wish)

The Pearl Ex adds a very subtle elegance to the card.

What I have been up to....

DH is a member of Kiwanis and it has become a tradition for me to do the table decorations. This year I was a bit cash poor (though they do reimburse me) so when Jenn Balcer from Splitcoast posted the tutorial for these loopy trees, I thought it was the project for me.



I just had one big problem--I don't have any Christmas scrapbook paper and I do not live anywhere near anyone who does. So I used wrapping paper. I purchased what was labeled as heavyweight paper, but it was still too thin AND the graph on the backside showed, so I doubled it. (that took quite a while to do and then cut) If I were ever to make these I would drive the 70 miles to get the scrapbook paper or pay for expedited shipping.
Well, now it is back to my regular Christmas workshop happenings.

Perhaps I will get far enough along to post something soon.

Until then, I hope you are enjoying this Christmas season!!

Back in the Saddle

Well, the watercolor saddle.

I used to watercolor very often and since my colored pencils came onto the scene--I have gotten out of the habit. But last night I needed to unwind a bit (Christmas Stress) and I figured watercoloring was the ticket.

I also needed a few sympathy cards. I think simple is best for sympathy cards. So I just used this lighthouse stamp from Inkadinkadoo on some watercolor paper made into a card. This one is for my brother in law who lost his mom right before Thanksgiving. (Simple not flowery).


I also thought this was the perfect time to try out my new stamps from Starving Artistamps. These equestrian images are perfect for a family friend who is across the country going to the police academy. She has waited so long to get into an academy (there have not been any in Michigan due to budget constraints). She is entering *Hell Week* according to her parents. I hope this card can take her mind off of her stress for at least a moment. She loves horses (being away from her horse will probably be the hardest part of the academy). I am certain she will be able to relate to the sentiment!!




This last card is because I remembered that Tracey over at Starving Artistamps needs card in the portrait orientation rather than the landscape orientation. So I re-did the same design but in the other direction. I am so glad I did--because I like it much better. It wasn't the direction my instinct let me to go--but it is better!

I really like the sun stamp. I misted the stamp, colored it with watercolor crayons, re-misted it, then stamped it on misted watercolor paper. With the mistings, the colors ran a bit--giving the illusion of a hot midday sun. (Something that is lacking here in northern Michigan).

I made multiples of each card (it is that time of year when I need multiples of everything). And when I had completed watercoloring each card--I was a calmer person. Probably from visiting the summer shore and the hot prairie--and I never left my home.

More Simple Cards

My family does not share my love for elaborate cards. So in making gifts for them--I have to keep that in mind. Simple and "sendable" cards. For my Sister in Law, I am making a collection of cards and here is a sampling.

As you can see there is not much variation in the layout and that the embellishments are kept to a minimum. I think they will be something that she can use.

Also, here is a little Christmas card for you. The card is Real Red--I do not photograph this color well. sorry.

Snowy Penguin

I would like to think that I make new mistakes (you know, because I learn from past ones)...but today, that is not the case. I need to remember to walk away from card/project and then come back and see if it is still *right*. Today, I didn't do that. I posted the card as soon as I thought it was *finished*.

And guess what???

It WASN'T finished.

Card at first look:


















Card at second look:

Okay, I admit the differences are subtle--but they make a difference IRL. The penguin body is shaded and shadowed with a light grey pencil in the second card. Also in the second card there are clear heat embossed snowflakes above the penguin.



*sigh*

I thought about editing the photo on SCS--but last time I did that there was problems. Live and learn. :D

BTW--does anyone have any publishing hints about how to get pics and text to line up properly in blogger???

IT SPINS!!

My nephew is a budding artist--and as the DCP (designated creative person) of the family, it is my job to encourage this passion.

For Christmas I am getting him a set of 36 Prismacolor pencils, a sharpener, and a plastic eraser. And since he lost many of the 12 I gave him last year--A pencil box for them to go in.

He is just 10 but this is what gets him going. He even did drawing (with the encouragement of his camp counselor) for his summer camp talent show!

Anyway, back to the project.

It is a remote control holder from the unfinished wood products section of Hobby Lobby. I didn't know it was a remote holder till I looked it up on the HL website (Crafts Etc). I saw pencil holder when I first saw it and never saw anything else.

I sanded it, spray painted it matte black, and decoupaged it with the patterned paper. (Also from Hobby Lobby). Then it was embellishment time.

I used a lime green patterned dp from BasicGrey and some retired weathered and worn dp from SU! The letters in *LIFE* and *NiKoLaS* are die cut (after adhering the dp to some chipboard). The other lettering is stamped. The *ART* is stamped with Bravo Burgundy Craft ink then I waited a few minutes before heat embossing it with black embossing powder. The result is an uneven and distressed look.

The entire project has a few coats of spray acrylic sealer. I figured since it was going to a 10 year old--it needed some protection.

I am pretty happy with the way it turned out!!

Are you YOUR family's DCP??? What creative gifts do you have planned for the folks on your list? I would love to hear about or see them!!

You help me with the holes on my gift list--and I will help you with yours!! Deal???

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I hope you are having a blessed Thanksgiving. How cool it is to set aside a day just to remind ourselves how richly we are blessed and to give thanks and praise to God for our blessings!!

This year I am not cooking. We are celebrating with our church family with a community dinner at church. This is SO apropos since our family and our church family have been through some trying times these last six months. We need to come together and celebrate how faithful and loving God has been through it all.


THANKFULLY I was not asked to cook. (I think the fact that I bring packaged foods to every church dinner was a BIG hint that this is not an area that I am blessed in). I designed and assembled the centerpieces. Sadly, no stamping or papercrafting was involved. Just a tiny little budget! I made these for around $2 a piece (thanks to some AWESOME deals at Hobby Lobby and Michaels)
The pails are from the Floral dept at Walmart. In the bottom is about 1-1/2 to 2 cups of Great Northern Beans (dry) that dh won at a couple of running races. I cut apart several silk flower bouquets and put 5-6 stems in each pot (held in place by the beans). The sticks are bamboo skewers hot glued to mini clothespins. They are to hold *blessings*. Guests are encouraged to write down a blessing and put it on the clothespins (that is what the green pads of paper are for.) Voila--a centerpiece.

I hope today finds you in a pool of blessings--and perhaps you may be blessed in the counting of those blessings.

And THANKS for stopping by!!

Featured Stamper!

The Featured Stamper for the FS Challenge is my good friend Shelly (aka Papermoon04 on SCS). I am so totally geeked!!!! Not only is she a fabulous paper crafter and stamper BUT she is also one of the most encouraging people online!!


I tried to CASE her card *A New Love* from the series of cards about a French girl named Marie. (see the entire series HERE).

I did not copy the monochromatic color scheme, but I did try to copy the shabby chic/romantic feel of the card. It was great fun reproducing the elements.

Materials Used:

• Stamp sets: Martha Stewart Alpha, Brenda Walton Frames, SU! Noteworthy;
• Papers: DP's by Anna Griffin, Mellow Moss, Close to Cocoa, and Die Cut card by DCWV;
• Ink: Various Fluid Chalk Inks by Clearsnap
• Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brad, charm, ribbon, scallop oval punch, gold ep, foam tape:

NOTE: I got new rubber from Starving ArtiStamps yesterday (See link at the right). I am almost done with my first card. I hope to post it soon!!!

HINT: It uses one of the FABULOUS new background stamps!

Big Brother's Birthday!

Tuesday is my brother's birthday--we celebrated it on Saturday. It was the first time in 11 years that I have been with him to celebrate it.

He has a good sense of humor so I thought he might appreciate this crab surrounded by his friends. The claws are half popped up to hold the gifts. The shrimp and the small clam shell are also popped up.

The more mustard panel is spritzed with pearl ex and is VERY sparkly IRL.

I enjoyed coloring this with PrismaColor Pencils because I could get some subtle coloring especially on the shells. It is hard for me to do that with watercolors on small areas.

Materials Used:

• Stamps: Crab and Co. (SU!)
• Ink: StazOn Jet Black for stamping, Ruby red, More Mustard, and Cool Caribbean for sponging (SU!)
• Paper: Ruby Red, More Mustard, Cool Caribbean, Taken With Teal (SU!) White (Georgia Pacific)
• Accessories-Star Punch (Marvy Uchida), 3/4" circle punch (SU!), Pearl Ex (Jacquard), PrismaColor Pencils (Sanford), Low odor mineral spirits, Craft wire, Stampin' Dimensionals

Sleeping Baby

Just a quick post!


One of the little girls in my preschool Sunday school class became a big sister last week, so this card is for her.

This layout is from CPS #39 .

Materials Used:

• Stamps: David Walker-Sleeping Baby
• Paper: Designer Paper-Karen Neuburger, White and Certainly Celery from SU!
• Ink: StazOn Jet Black
• Accessories: Prima flowers, PrismaColor pencils, Die cut machine, Sizzlet die, stickles, Cuttlebug embossing folder.

I am off to visit my mom since I am a Hunter/Pigskin widow. Time to do some Christmas shopping while Grandma plays with the kids. (BTW--My house is sweet smelling--whew!)

Thanks for stopping by!

My new Starving ArtiStamps are on the way!! Stay tuned!!!

SO BLESSED!!

Today started out stinky---literally STINKY!

I woke up at 1:00 am to a stinky house. A skunk had let loose under our home. YUCK! Not the best way to start my day. I was cranky and a bit bitter. However, we have started a no complaining rule in our house. So, I was forced to find the blessings in this day:

--I have a home to get skunked
--The bedrooms and the bathrooms are not stinky (so our clothes are not stinky)
--We have zoned heating so I can turn off the heat where it stinks and air out the house without freezing the bedrooms or wasting electricity
--The dog did not get skunked
--It is unseasonably warm today (supposed to get to 60F) and sunny
--The skunkiness is on the opposite side of the house from my stamping stuff
--DH's stinky running clothes don't smell so bad (in comparison)


Then I got online this morning and two of my stamping buddies (Shelly and Judy) had a challenge: A card with "So Very _____________", with no flowers, and using the colors Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip and Soft Sky (which I substituted Cool Caribbean since I am Sky-less). So that inspired this card with even MORE blessings:

--I have so many stamps that there are ones that have not seen in in MONTHS (true for all the stamps used on this card)
--I have friends to stamp *with* (though they live FAR away)
--I have plenty of clothes to wear to keep me warm while I am stamping (it is 45 F in the house)

So, here, finally, is the card.

It was inspired by CPS #39. Not sure if I took too many liberties with the bottom and the ribbon, or not. But it is a great sketch to work with! The zipper pull also says *blessed*.

Materials Used:

• Stamps: Zoofari, So Very, and Polka Dot & Paisley by SU!
  
• Ink: Dark Brown Fluid Chalk Ink, Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean


• Paper: Water Color paper, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Cool Caribbean


• Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayon (Chocolate Chip), Watercolor Brush, Dimensionals, Sm. Corner rounder, Ribbon, Zipper pull ,
  

Thanks for stopping by--Have a BLESSED day!

So Thankful!

We we very blessed by folks during Pastor Appreciation Month. So you know what that means....Thank you notes. (Remember you can click on the picture to veiw it larger) Since I need quite a few, I went with a simple layout for them. I colored the images while dh and I went to NYC last weekend for the marathon. (You can take colored pencils on the plane in case you wondered.) The leaf shape I punched out of the sticky part of a Post-It note and then used a sponge dauber to ink over the leaf mask. So easy but a fun element! (and easy to repeat for many cards)

Also, I am thrilled and thankful to announce that I have been invited to be a Guest Designer for Starving Artistamps. I am not exactly sure what that means yet. Although, I do know that means fresh rubber!! Their latest releases are very exciting!! You should check them out!!

Materials Used:

• Stamps: Vases in Vogue and Give Thanks by SU!
• Paper: DP (unknown); Old Olive, Kraft and Chocolate Chip CS by SU!
• Ink: StazOn Jet Black; Old Olive and Chocolate Chip by SU!
• Accessories: Post-It note, Dusty Miller punch by Family Treasures, Ribbon, Distressing Tool

Thanks for stopping by!!

A CASE of Friendship and Coffee

My friend Judy made a cool card today. Unfortunately--I could not get it out of my head to make something original---so with her permission I CASE'd the card completely (except for the stamps). HERE is the original card.





Also, I used this opportunity to participate in the JBWW challenge. The challenge was to make a phrase using handwriting or computer. (Not a stamp). So continuing in the spirit of being totally un-original.... I case a stamp that I do NOT have. (this one)

So basically, I really wanted to stamp today--but I didn't have a creative bone in my body (I have been out of town for a few days). SO I case'd. *sigh*

Materials Used:

• Stamps: Coffee and Tea Cups (Hero Arts)
• Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Ruby Red, Cool Caribbean, Garden Green, (SU!)
• Ink: Ruby Red, Cool Caribbean, Garden Green (SU!)
• Accessories: 1-3/8" square punch (SU!), Stampin Dimensionals, Black Pen, ribbon,

Perhaps tomorrow will produce something a little more original.

Simply Sendable III

Okay, one last light house and then I will move on!




This one is fairly mono chromatic but there is a touch of butter yellow as light coming from the lighthouse. This card also uses a bit of the spotlighting technique. If I were truly using it it would be completely colored in the white oval.

I chose the word "hope" because I see lighthouses as symbols of hope--they light the passage to safe harbors, warn of dangers, and a reminder that we are not alone.

Thank you for you patience with this series.
Materials Used:

• Stamps: Lighthouse (Inkadinkadoo); Everyday Flexible Phrases (SU!);
• Paper: Basic and Going Grey, Whisper White, and Basic Black (SU!);
• Ink: StazOn Jet Black
• Accessories: Distressing tool, Word Window Punch, brad, Stampin' Dimensionals (SU!); Coluzzle templates, Deckle edge scissors (Provo Craft);

Simply Sendable II

Here is another flattish card--It does have ribbon and dimensionals, but is fairly easy to put in an envelope and hopefully will not require extra postage. (note-The card and the stamping are straight--it is my photography that is askew)



I used a wet watercolor technique on this. Using a watercolor brush and water I went over many of the areas of the stamped image (stamped in Bravo Burgundy)---blurring and coloring as I went. I also watercolored a bit with some Regal Rose ink. Normally when I watercolor I like to use SU!'s Ivory or White naturals, or watercolor paper. But the detail on this stamp was so fine that it just looked smeary on the rougher paper.



The sentiment at the bottom was stamped with Bravo Burgundy Craft ink, embossed, then I applied Pearl Ex, and then re-heated it (the technique is called *heated pearls*). The *faith* is much shinier and much more readable in real life.



Materials Used--

• Stamps-Lighthouse (Inkadinkadoo); Swirls (Autumn Leaves); Graceful Words (SU!-retired);


• Paper-Very Vanilla, Bravo Burgundy, Regal Rose (SU!);


• Ink-Bravo Burgundy Classic/dye and Craft/pigment and Regal Rose Classic;


• Accessories-Coluzzle templates, sponge, distressing tool, Stickles, dimensionals, ribbon

There will be a couple more in this series--stay tuned.

Simply Sendable

It is that time of year. The time when my *studio* (really a wide hallway--but it makes me feel good to call it a studio) turns into Santa's workshop.



The first project is my dear sweet mother-in-law (NOT tongue in cheek--she really is sweet). She and my father-in-law really enjoy lighthouses. So I picked up this lighthouse stamp by Inkadinkadoo at Hobby Lobby (with a coupon-of course) in the interests of making items for my MIL.

Here is my first card--it is flat--very flat---
Can you believe it?? No Hardware! No Ribbon! No Flowers! No Dimensionals! Not even a Jewel!!

I used Prismacolor pencils to color the image and then stamped Linen Background over top of it. There is a touch of Stickles on the lighthouse's light.

Materials Used:

• Stamps: Lighthouse (Inkadinkadoo), Linen and Warmest Regards (SU!)
• Paper: White CS (Georgia Pacific), Basic Black, Not quite Navy, and Garden Green (SU!)
• Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Going Grey (SU!)
• Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, LOMS (Low-Odor Mineral Spirits), Stickles

Stay tuned for more Lighthouse cards!!

Rethinking a card

Have you ever finished a card, perhaps even posted, the card and thought...."Nah, that isn't the way it is supposed to be!"?



I do...OFTEN.



But this time it was an easy fix.

This is the card I made (5 x 7):

I went through a few drafts of the penguin (Magenta--they don't sell their wood mounted stamps anywhere on line--so check your local brick and mortar stamp store) before I got the results I was looking for. He is stamped in Jet Black StazOn (on Whisper White paper), colored with black, cool greys and vermilion (feet). I stamped the asterisk (Everyday Flexible Phrases) and the small flower (Baroque Motif) with VersaMark and embossed with white EP. I masked the penguin and the horizon and sponged on Regal Rose then Pretty in Pink Dye ink. I added some shadow in cool greys and some sparkle of snow with some Diamond Stickles.



He is cut out using the Coluzzle template system as well as the Regal Rose mat. The designer paper is from American Crafts and is black and white, but I brayered Pretty in Pink dye ink on it. It is matted with Basic Grey cardstock cut with my dd's decorative edge scissors.



I stamped the Baroque Motif flourish with Going Grey ink and the small flower with Pretty in Pink ink on Pretty in pink cardstock and sponged the edges. It is matted with Regal rose cardsock and Basic Grey cardstock. The ribbon is some bits and pieces I pulled out of my scrap box.



Now here is where I made my mind change. I originally put the Making Memories eyelet word with the snowflake sequin in the corner. I was not happy with the placement (remember to measure twice and punch once) OR the dull finish of the word on the sparkly card. So I yanked off the eyelet word (leaving a good sized hole) and replaced it with a couple of the large sequins layered with a cardstock circle and a jewel.



And Voila:


I am so much happier with the end result!!



I wish all of my "stamper's regrets" could be such easy fixes!!

JBWW Monkey

Sherry (a.k.a. Bad Sherry) and Jeanne (a.k.a JeanneS) have started a blog challenge called *Just Because We Wanna* Challenge. The latest one is a Sketch challenge. This was the perfect sketch for me to use my monkey papers.

I have been wanting to use this monkey paper with my monkey stamp. I wasn't satisfied with my background (too light to go with these papers) so I cut him out and popped his body out (his tail is adhered flat for stability).

I think it turned out to be a happy/smiley card! And a bit different than most of the projects I have been working on lately.

Materials:

• Stamp: Great Impressions
• Paper: DP from Reminisce: Close to Cocoa, Summer Sun and Lovely Lilac from SU!
• Ink: StazOn Jet Black
• Accessories: PrismaColor Pencils, LOMS, Blending stumps, Stampin Dimensionals from SU!, brads

Thanks for stopping by to take a look!

Joy comes in the morning......

One of my favorite Bible verses is:

Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5

It is on the inside of this card. A bit of encouragement to go with the morning coffee.

This card has been knocking around in my head for quite a while now, and finally came together.

The *joy* stamp is from Printworks and was clear embossed, then the steam was stamped over it and a bit of chalk was smeared over it, too. Then I ironed the image face down on some paper towel to remove the bulk of the embossing powder (because some of the ink and chalk stuck to the embossing). The vertical strip is patterned paper that I stamped on (timeworn trim). The corner is dp with an Anna Griffin corner punch.

Materials (All SU! unless noted):

• Stamps: Like it a Latte and Timeworn trim; Joy by Printworks


• Ink: Fluid Chalk Ink: Warm Brown and Chestnut Roan by Clearsnap; Classic Dye Ink: Creamy Caramel and Close to Cocoa


• Paper: Various Dp's, Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip


• Accessories: Clear EP, Ribbon (unknown source), Ticket Corner Punch, Deco edge scissors (unknown), AG Corner Punch (All Night Media), Chipboard Heart

Thank you so much for looking!!

Feeling Vintage

Feeling old? Well, yeah, a bit but mostly feeling vintage. In an effort to use up my stash of dp, I have found myself going toward the vintage/shabby chic.

And brown--lots of brown. Well, after all it is fall!!




Materials SU! unless noted
Cocoa Bliss Card:
Stamps and sets: Like it a Latte. Noteworthy, Elegant Inspirations, Linen, Swirls by RF (Autumn Leaves)
Paper: DP Kangaroo and Joey, Regal Rose, Whisper White, Close to Cococa, and Chocolate Chip
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate chip (and marker), Regal Rose, Creamy Caramel, Alabaster Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
Accessories: Cloud scissors by Fiskars, White Gel Pen, Tab Punch, Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals



Coffee Bliss Card:
Stamp Sets: Like it a Latte, Noteworthy, Time worn trim, Elegant Inspirations
Paper: 4 different dp's (non-SU!) Chocolate Chip, Close to Cococa, Whisper White
Ink: Close to Cococa, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Ribbon (unknown), Stampin Dimensionals, Cloud scissors by Fiskars, Tab punch

Shabby Box:
Stamp Set: Time worn trim
Paper: 3 dps (unknown), Close to Cocoa
Ink: Close to Cococa, Creamy Caramel (mostly sponging)
Accessories: Chipboard Coasters (unknown), Dies (Go Slim-alpha) and Machine (Ellison), 1/8" punch, Ribbon (various), Flowers (Prima Mktg), Deco scissors (Fiskars and Unknown), brads, Mod Podge (Plaid)

This also happens to be my #100 post!!

WOOO HOOO!!!!

Name Game

I was tagged by several of my online buddy, Judy, with this game. It's a funny one! Just answer the questions and see what your "alternate" names would be!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) – Lazarus Windstar

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav. ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Coffee Shortbread

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) JSWA

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) – Burgundy Tiger (sounds kind of sexy—eh?)

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)- Marie Toledo

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) - Swaju

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink put “The”) The Red Latte

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)- Donald George

9. STRIPPER NAME : ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy) (sorry—clueless about perfume—so I looked online for a pretty bottle with a catchy name) Clementine Skor

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Ann Cavin

Now time to tag..... Hmmmmmmm

Some new friends:

Debby Winters

Jan Scholl

My Paper World

Stay tuned--will be posting cards again in the next 24 hours.

Monkey Fun!

I found these papers at a scrapbook store. It is by Reminisce. I have a couple of monkey stamps--so I thought I would give them a try. I tried coloring the monkey with pencils but I couldn't get the right vibrancy. So I tried my first love, water coloring.

Though, the coloring is not perfect (need to work on my shadows) I was much happier with the end result.

I used chalk/pastels, a sponge dauber and a homemade cloud template for the sky.

Though I am not totally satisfied with this--he looks TONS better than his predecessors.

Materials:

• Stamps: Karen Foster Snap Stamps-1/4" Casual, Monkey by Great Impressions
• Ink: StazOn Jet Black, various dye inks by SU! for water coloring
• Paper: DP (see above), Garden Green, Almost Amethyst, Chocolate Chip by SU!, white
• Accessories: Flower by Prima, Brad by SEI, Corner Rounder, Cloud Scissors by Fiskars

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

And the winner is.........

............Cindy Vernon!

My random # generator:

She made the numbers and drew one for me. Very high tech.

So Cindy e-mail me your addy:

julesiana "at" go "dot" com.

And I will get your ribbon out to you!!

Thanks for playing!!

Peas on Earth

I just wanted to share another card with you. It has pretty much the same story as the Penguin card, but this stamp is from Penny Black.

(as usual you can click on the image to make it larger)

Thanks again for stopping by!

Christmas Penguin Joy

I had the rare pleasure of shopping at a brick and mortar stamp store on the way home from visiting with a friend. (Sadly there was not a stamp store in the town where we met.) I stopped at Apple Tree Lane in Clare, MI. I had been meaning to go there for YEARS. After all, my husbands parents live only 20 minutes away from there. But, timing never worked out for me till Tuesday.



Is was such a sweet store, with SHELVES AND SHELVES of stamps. The owner was so helpful and answered the questions that I had. So if you are in Clare (it is such a cute town--well worth a look-see) stop in and check it out for yourself.

One of my purchases was this penguin stamp from Magenta. Since Magenta does not sell many of their stamps online, I had not seen them in some time. There were a few of their stamps with which I had trouble deciding. This little penguin made its way into my basket. I just love how the gift is being held like a father penguin holds the penguin egg or how the parents hold the penguin chick.

As I colored this little guy, I decided he would do best in a Christmas Eve surroundings. So the night sky evolved, then the Stickle stars, then the Christmas star, then the crystal. (from my friend Shelly--Thanks Shelly)

The patterned paper was from my purchases earlier in the day from a scrapbook store in Mt. Pleasant. It has an iridescence like there is Pearl Ex in the paper. It is also double sided. It is called *Sugarplum Stripes* and is by Reminisce.

I used may Palette glue pad for the snowflakes and Pearl Ex to give them some shine.

I kept the card simple because hope to make a bunch of them to sell at an upcoming craft fair.

Materials:

• Stamps: Penguin's Gift by Magenta; Snowflakes from Merry! and Joy from Small Script by SU!
• Paper: DP by Reminisce, Night of Navy and Garden Green by SU!, white
• Ink: Jet Black StazOn, Night of Navy craft
• Accessories: Stickles by Ranger, Ric Rac, Stampin Dimensionals, jewel, Prismas, LOMS,

Thanks for looking!

AND there is still one more day left to get a card out to a friend (and qualify for blog candy ribbon)!! Grab and envelope, get a stamp, and send it out!!

Toadally Christmas...

Sometimes when you set out to design one thing...........something else pops out.





I was trying to design something for a Christmas tag swap, but this is what came out....

He is growing on me...we will see if he becomes a Christmas tag...



Materials:

• Stamps: Frog (Rubber Stampede); Printer's Type Alpha (HA); Rough Edges Alpha, Circle of Friendship, Crab and Co. & Double Line Doodle (SU!)
• Paper: Patterned paper (My Mind's Eye), Basic black, Watercolor paper, Old Olive, Certainly Celery (SU!)
• Accessories: Flowers, Circle punches, label holder die, brads, cloud scissors, Stampin' Dimensionals, watercolor brush.

Thanks for stopping by!

Candy and a Challenge

Can you believe that the 10,000 visitor mark has come and gone!?! It totally amazes me. So, I would like to share some stuff. I am putting together a package of some ribbon and other fun stuff, but there is a catch.

The Catch: Do you have a plethora of handmade cards sitting around your stamp area?? Or perhaps there is an old friend that you have been thinking about lately. This is YOUR opportunity. I would like YOU to send a card that you have made to someone. I would like you to pick someone that is not expecting a card from you. They may not appreciate a hand made card--that is not the point. The point is relationships.

So to qualify for the blog candy: post a card on an online gallery (like Splitcoast or 2Peas) OR your own blog, then send it to someone. Come to this post and post a link to the card, and describe the person you sent it to (old friend from college, great aunt, etc.) not using the actual name (in the interest of Internet safety).

I can't wait to see your creations. You have 2 weeks (this is a busy time of year for me, and many others, too) At midnight Eastern time on September 14th. I will use a random number generator to pick a winner.

Baroque Christmas

After a few false starts on this weeks Technique Lover's Challenge, I decide that I needed to try something different. So I pulled out this set (it is so easy and fun to use) and I tried a Christmas card.

The square motif is stamped on white glossy paper, merely because that is what I had out.

Materials (SU! unless otherwise noted):

• Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Holiday & Wishes
• Paper: Glossy White, Basic Black, Rose Red, Certainly Celery
• Ink: Old Olive, Rose Red, Basic Black, Whisper White
• Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Stickles (Ranger), Ribbon (WalMart and Michaels), Stampin' Dimensionals.

Thanks for looking!

The Zip Line (an non-stamping article)

I try not to post too many non-stamping articles on my blog. But this article kept me awake last night till it was written. It is about a Christian camp that our family is deeply committed to called Bay Shore Camp. It is about a zip line which can be seen HERE. I will not be offended if you choose to skip this article (how would I know? LOL!) I will make an effort to get at least one stamping article up for tomorrow.

God’s call of ministry and the zip line

This summer my good friend and I were with our nine year old daughters at Bay Shore for Family Assembly. We were there to teach, they were there to have fun, and all of us looked forward to fellowshipping with the Body.

The call— We had free time and the girls suggested we go on the zip line. We, their mothers, agreed. My friend and I knew we preferred the ground to the air, but so many have done it (and surrivived) we could do it, too. We walked up the trail, saw the landing point, and people getting off, safely and quite joyful. (We can do this, too). We listen to stories of those who have gone while we are in line. We walk further and see the launching point—it is high, but there are harnesses, railing, helmets, and guides. There is nothing to be afraid of.

We agree to go, not only saying “Yes” to his gift of salvation, but also to His call to ministry. We know in our heads that it will take us out of our comfort zone, but we know we will be with God on the journey. We know that he will provide our needs to do His will and it will be to His glory.

The equipping— We are fitted with helmets and harnesses. The equipment is strong and durable, and the fit is tested. The helper is satisfied. We are ready.

We study God’s word, write his words on our hearts. We spend time in meditation and prayer. We spend time with the Body, praising and worshipping Him. He does not send us out unprepared, unprotected, or alone. He sends His Helper, the Holy Spirit with us.

The beginning— We start up the stairs. I see that they are sturdy and strong, but as I climb them, I hear creaks, and feel a slight sway. I know the stairs, and the platform at the top, will neither break nor fail. But the sight of the ground so far away, and the breeze in my ears sends a wave of worry through me. I am nervous, and afraid. I could turn back, but then I would let down my friend and my daughter. So I go on.

Though we were warned that the road of his call would not be easy, we are surprised by the bumps and troubles along the way. The threat of doubt creeps in. We are vulnerable to Satan, and he takes advantage. We don’t want to turn back, we want to serve the God we love. His mission is now our mission.

The journey—As we step up to our perch we are properly and carefully hooked on to the zip line by our helper. I cling to the large post next to me as if it is my last remaining friend. My friend and the girls are hooked on to my right and my left. We are together, but separate. We smile and encourage one another, but when the helper says to go—we must each go on our own.

In the body, we are there to encourage one another. But one member cannot have faith for another. The Helper can make sure we are “hooked in” properly, but each member must leap on his or her own.

The leap—We discovered there is more than one way to get off the platform. The girls to a walking leap (with great joy) anticipating the glorious ride, trusting in the equipment, and savoring every inch of the ride. My daughter fully let go of her rope and let the equipment do its job. I sat down as much as the harness would let me, and scooted off my little platform, anticipating a drop or a moment of free fall (which never came)—full of worry till I was half way down the line and then realized that it was fun, and I was safe and fully supported by the line and harness. My friend stepped off obediently but held her self up by her rope as if it would not hold her without her help, till also part way through she too could let go and enjoy the ride.

We can leap straight into the Father’s arms, doing what he asks, and letting him be in control—then we can see the wealth of his power and feel the depth of his love. We can scoot off tenitively afraid of the lions (whether they are there or not) worried about what can go wrong—missing what is going right—unable to witness God’s will being done. We can also try to go on our own power. Tiring ourselves and feeling our own strength falter and not showing the world the strength of our God.

The dismount—At the end of our ride we were brought back together. Laughing, basking in the adrenaline rush, and sharing the stories of our own ride: the shoe that came off, the mom that almost didn’t come down, the glory of the ride. We grab our doggie leashes and run them back up the hill—for there are more people ready to leap.

At the end of a ministry or a task, we reflect on how faithful God was on our journey, on how we made mistakes and it was harder. Or even on how we let go and God was glorified all the more. We return to pass our equipment to others so that they can be a part of the journey as well.

Would we do it again—YES! Did we do it again—YES!! Encouraging others on our way up and letting go a little easier at the top.

Yes, Lord, Let’s do it again! Send me! All for Your Glory!

Because Gina K said I could.....

...that's why!

• That is why I invested a whole $1.96 in Rose Art Colored pencils (I wimped out at the last minute only got the 24 instead of the 72) and $2.97 in "Low Odor Thinners". Gina K did the legwork for me at Craft Critique in her colored pencil comparison. So I figured, why not!?! I do not own stumps--but I do have Q-tips--I took the cotton off of them and used them like that. No, I am not going to get the same results as Prismas with Gamsol and stumps from Taiwan (or where-ever they are supposed to come from). But I am not whining nor complaining to myself about not being able to try them. I can see that I need more practice, more colors and I think those stumpy things! But hey, I tried it. I think I like it, too!
• 
  
• This card was created for a color challenge--which was a challenge since I didn't have all of the colors (alternatives were provided) but this patterned paper DID! :D It is BasicGrey "Perhaps". (It was also used in the example--but I was just about to e-mail Emily with this combo BECAUSE of this paper, but I would have added More Mustard to the combo--I guess that is why I am NOT in charge-lol).
• My little dd made off with the olive pencil, and after looking for it for a half hour , I decided to just watercolor the olive.

• The green ribbon is from my ABSOLUTELY favorite dress growing up. It is a little creased and ratty for the dress (YES, I still have the dress) but perfect for cardmaking. The pink is from blog candy from Julia S. (See how I hoard it?)

• I am still unsure about these fuzzy flowers. They were so cute in the package (cute little plastic Chinese take-out style box with a handle). And they go so nicely with the paper, but...I just don't think I have the right size brads for them.

• The stamp had never seen ink before today. Doesn't sound too unusual till I tell you I have had this stamp since 1995!! It is from Rubber Monger. I didn't even stamp then. I collected frogs, and my mom would occasionally get me frog stamps. (this stamp was rescued from my "To Sell in a Garage Sale bin").

Well, thanks for stopping by! I hope my coloring skills will improve!!

Beate Weekend Sketch 16

Boy, did I take some liberties with this sketch. LOL!!!

Basically--I wanted--no--NEEDED to use this paper. This sketch really helped me do that. The paper is from a 6" x 6" pad of paper from BasicGrey, the collection is called "Perhaps"

The vase and the main white pannel is popped up with dimensionals. I colored with a water color brush and reinkers.

Materials (SU! unless noted):

• Stamps: Vases in Vogue
• Paper: White, More Mustard, DP (Basic Grey)
• Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Reinkers for watercoloring and Rose Red for sponging
• Accessories: Flowers (Bazzill and Prima), Scallop Punch (punch outs were a RAK), Stampin' Dimensionals

Thanks for looking!!

Wedding Gift Update

So, I go to this wedding (with THIS gift). It was a lovely day and the wedding was in one of our many beautiful parks. Sunny (after POURING all morning) warm (upper 70s). The Wedding party was beautiful in Cameo Coral dresses for the women and black tuxes with emerald green vests. Beautiful ceremony the couple wrote really cool (and well thought out) vows.

Then the pastor announces: "I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Bell."

What did he say!?! Uh, oh!

Well, I had left the gift in the car (on purpose--since the reception was at another place). And well, it is still there.

In church, today, I talked to a mutual friend. And it turns out that he is trying to change his name to "Tucker" but is lacking the cash to get it done. (Bell is his father's name and Tucker is his mother's name--sad story with a very very hopeful ending--or beginning depending on your point of view).

So I will talk to the mother of the groom this week and ask her advice. I may be making a new gift---or not.

Can ANYTHING happen in my life without DRAMA!! LOL!

Wedding Gift

I am going to a wedding today. Unfortunately, I only know the mother of the groom. And since the couple is not registered anywhere, I had to guess a bit on their tastes. Hopefully, it is classic enough to fit in their new home, somewhere.

The zipper pulls say *heart* and *home*. The "Heather & Tony" was computer generated.

Materials (all SU! except where noted):

• Stamps: Headline Alpha, Double line Doodle, Garden Silhouettes, Polka Dot and Paisley, Lovely as a Tree, Swirls (Autumn Leaves)
• Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Light and dark grey--source unknown
• Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Going Grey
• Accessories: Black Brads, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, Black Organdy ribbon (retired), Ticket Corner Punch, black ribbon (WalMart)bookplate die (Ellison), Haringtion Font., zipper pulls (All My Memories).

Thanks for stopping by!

I must now go and make the card!!

Sweet Baby Zebra

This is for a color challenge. The proposed colors were Groovy Guava and Soft Sky, but Emily graciously provided alternative colors: Bashful Blue and Apricot Appeal.

I thought that this combo called for a baby card. I thought this was a great time to CASE myself (see Rhino card). Also, I did not want to use black or brown with it because I wanted the card to stay soft and low contrast--so I used Going Grey as the neutral. Since I do not have a waterproof grey, I stamped the Zebra in VersaMark then in the Grey dye (classic) ink. Then I embossed the image with clear embossing powder.

The background is stamped with Pick a Peta and the little flower from Little Pieces. The grey is stamped off and the flower is stamped with Bashful Blue Craft (pigment) ink.

The fibers enhance the baby theme (they remind me of my babies' afghans) and qualify for the {Cardvaarks} "eat more fiber" challenge.





Materials (All Stampin' Up! unless otherwise listed):

• Stamps: Zoofari, Pick a Petal, Everyday Flexible Phrases, Little Pieces
• Ink: VersaMark, Going Grey, Apricot Appeal, Bashful Blue (Classic and Craft)
• Paper: Whisper White, Naturals-White, Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal, Going Grey
• Accessories: Coluzzle, Corner Rounder, Decorative Scissors, Fibers (source unknown), Gingham Grosgrain, sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by!! Keep Stamping!!

Cambria Style Tri-Fold

For the Split Coast Stampers Technique Lovers Challenge, we were to make tri-fold cards--Cambria Turnbow style. Cambria is a FABULOUS stamper and Dirty Dozen Alumni. HERE is the tutorial for them.

I decided to used my Pretty Princess stamp set one last time before it goes out to my stamp garage sale.

I wanted a lot of bling and jewels so I used Pearl paint and Stickles to jazz it up. You might think it is a little much in some places, but I think this card is going to be for my little girl (she turns 4 next week---Can it really be!!??!!) I really wish I had some of those stick on pearls instead of the paint (I kept smudging the paint). But alas, I do not.

The scalloped squares were RAKs from my online friend, Stacy, and the charm is a RAK from my online friend, Ann.



Thanks so much for looking!!