Freshly Made Sketches #615

 It's Wednesday and time for a brand new sketch from Freshly Made Sketches! Karren has a fabulous sketch with an offset circle (or any shape) focal point this week!

I pulled out my Unity Stamp Co. Penguin Pals for today's card. They are perfect for my husband, daughter and me to send to our son and his family in their holiday package!

Echo Park Winter Fun 6x6 and a Stamping' Up! Embossing folder complete the quick and easy design. I hope you will join our sketch challenge this week, and add your creations to our gallery. This week's challenge will end at 3:00 EST time on Monday, December 11th. Don't miss all of the amazing creations by our Guest Designer and FMS team on the FMS blog to inspire you!

Freshly Made Sketches #602

This week's sketch at Freshly Made Sketches is brought to us by the very talented Kim! I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Kim and her husband earlier this summer when they passed through my little town! It was such fun to meet one of the team in real life!

I used the Holiday Dove Floral from CottageCutz for my sweet main "images". It is an all-in-one die, so you are cutting all of the pieces at once, and then again in whatever other colors you wish. One of the advantages to that is that you never lose the little tiny dies! They're all connected! The sentiment is from Spellbinders' Christmas Floral Die, and the embossing folder is Spellbinders' Forevergreen. 

I hope you will join our sketch challenge this week, and add your creations to our gallery. This week's challenge will end at 3:00 EDT time on Monday, September 11th. Don't miss all of the amazing creations from the DT on the FMS blog to inspire you!

And here is a photo of Kim and me at a fun coffee shop where we met!

Day 3 of the 2021 Spring/Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

Good morning! Do you have your coffee in hand? I hope so, because it's Day 3 of the 2021 Spring/Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop and there is much to see! Today I am #357.

WOW! Embossing (#44) is one of the many amazing sponsors for this event. You can see more amazing WOW! team inspiration and find out all about their prize here!

Today I am using the scrumptious Manuela's Honey Embossing Powder by Alexandra Renke for WOW! Embossing and Cool Cat from Unity Stamp Co. My stencil is from Fun Stampers Journey.

Manuela's Honey is a rich gold color with white flecks in it that move with each application. So each time you emboss you will get a different look. I love how some of the flecks moved off the coffee beans and on to my plain cardstock too.  

I embossed the coffee cup and sentiment with Primary Ebony and colored in with Copic Markers. I added a few Irish Coffee Sequins (PFS) here and there.

Be sure to check out the rest of the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop HERE. Amazing prizes and the best coffee inspiration for a whole week! If you like what you see here on my blog, I would love to have you give me a follow on my Instagram account at @joy_in_a_jar or https://www.instagram.com/joy_in_a_jar/.

USE CODE WOWDTJR for a 10% DISCOUNT at WOW! Embossing!

Festive Friday #0067

 Happy Friday!

September 23 is the first day of Fall! Are you as excited as I am? This past summer was a hot one, and I am so looking forward to the cooler temperatures and all of the fun that is in FALL!

At Festive Friday, you do not need to actually celebrate the occasion.  Your goal is to simply use three or more items from the inspiration list on your project. For my card today, I chose leaves, acorns, stitching, gold, green, and brown.

 

I looked through my unfinished projects box and found this lovely woodgrain paper (unknown manufacturer), and that's where I started! Then I pulled out these fabulous rustic country leaf and acorn dies by Impression Obsession, and used several colors of cardstock, including gold shimmer, for the dies. 

I chose a sentiment from one of my Unity Stamp Co. kits, added some gold metallic thread, and a few gold baubles for sparkle! The underlying panel is the same gold shimmer as the leaves and acorn, and the card base is Crumb Cake from Stampin' Up!

 

I hope you will join us for this challenge! Remember, you can choose any three from the list, for any occasion or theme! The challenge is open until September 14th!

For more inspiration, be sure to visit the rest of the  Festive Friday Challenge Design team!

Mary Fish -Guest Designer

Ann Schach  
Beth McCullough
Sharon Hashimoto Burkert
Melanie Hungerford
Helen Jennings
Stephanie Lanzalotto
Melva Peters

 

 

Freshly Made Sketches #397

It's Wednesday and time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Kim is our hostess for this week's sketch. It's so much fun to see the different designs from one layout.

And then, if you take a few liberties, like I did this week, it's even a little more different! :)

For today's sketch, I used one of my favorite color combinations (yellow/black) and a set from Unity Stamp Co. called All Hail the QUEEN Bee. Instead of the three circles in the middle, I have three elements/images in each panel. I popped up the sentiment and the panel it is on, and have added texture with an embossing folder and a sparkly gold Honeycomb die from Whimsy Stamps. The bees' wings are sparkly with Nuvo Glitter Pen.

Today is my daughter-in-law's birthday, and while I made a different card to send to her, her special day inspired this one!

I hope you will join us! Our challenge is open until 3 PM EDT on Monday! Click on the links on the FMS blog by each photo to see what my teammates have created on their blogs!

Freshly Made Sketches #393

It's Wednesday and time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Lee Ann is our hostess for this week's sketch. 

 

I am sending this card to my son. He preached an amazing sermon on heaven a couple of Sundays ago ("Good Heavens"), and I loved his points about "wonder" (the series' title). You can find his sermon video HERE. Definitely worth a listen.

I made my card using a watercolor piece I had "doodled" in a sunny yellow. I used gold washi tape and black cardstock for the under layers. The stamp is from Unity Stamp Co. I thought it was a perfect fit to reiterate what he was saying in his sermon, and to thank him for his message! He mentions some answers to prayer for our family, and for me personally, and I am so thankful for the power of prayer.

I hope you will join us! Our challenge is open until 3 PM EDT on Monday! Click on the links on the FMS blog by each photo to see what my teammates have created on their blogs!

Freshly Made Sketches #392

It's Wednesday and time for a new sketch at Freshly Made Sketches! Jacquie is our hostess for this week's sketch, which had me stumped for awhile! I wanted a one layer card, and in the end, it almost turned out that way! Take a peek:

I made my background for another project using Distress Inks and smooshing, but it didn't turn out like I wanted. So into the "envelope" it went. Today when I looked, I thought it made the perfect background for this bird I have been wanting to use. Grass and sky and a little abstract - which matches the art style of the bird.  Don't miss that little heart1 See it?

I added the chipboard flowers from my stash (that was the challenging part for me - to find the right thing), and it's ready to mail!

I hope you will join us! Our challenge is open until 3 PM EDT on Monday! Click on the links on the FMS blog by each photo to see what my teammates have created on their blogs!

Oxides = Love

This card is one of my favorites made with my Gel Press plate - a 3x5 size that is a ton of fun. I used Distress Oxide inks on my Gel Press by stamping with the inks directly onto the plate. I spritzed with alcohol, and then pressed down my Bristol Vellum cardstock for a monoprint. Technique inspired by my sweet friend, Lydia Fiedler. I stamped my tree (Stampin' Up!) in Early Espresso ink and then popped up the main panel with foam tabs.The sentiment is from Unity's I Want To Know You sentiment kit. I love how it's a different way to say "thank you."

Thanks for stopping by today!

Triple Thanks!

Do you like playing in challenges? There is a new one over at Crazy 4 Challenges today - and it's all about THREES! Today is Repeat Day. On your creations this week, you are to repeat some part of your design at least three times. This could mean three same sized circles, three of the same flower.......three of something on your card.  

I made a set of three :) notecards using a Thank You sentiment from a Unity Stamp Co. KOTM. I added three sequins to each card. Can you see each one? 

While I would love to say I painted the background, these were an easy and quick set of cards using awesome designer paper from DCWV. Don't you love it?

Come play along and see what the rest of the C4C DT made HERE.
I can't wait to see what you create!

Hopping With Really Reasonable Ribbon - May 2017

Welcome to the May Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop! If you arrived here from Ginny's blog, you are in the right place! If you just happened along, be sure to start at the beginning at the RRR Blog (I am the third stop this month, so you don't have far back to go!) so you don't miss out on the awesome projects, fun news, and a prize from Really Reasonable Ribbon! Our hop goes live at 6:30 AM Central.

Each 13th of the month it's the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog hop where we highlight the Ribbon Club! Take a look at this month's ribbon club package. Lots of fun red, white, and blue for summer projects and patriotic flair!

If you really love ribbon and would like to have a wonderful assortment of ribbons sent to you automatically each month, just join the Really Reasonable Ribbon Club! Monthly ribbon club assortments are selected and pre-packed to reflect a specific theme, color, or holiday season. 

Today's card is a fun invitation for a summer BBQ. I chose some images from Unity Stamp Co. (June 2012 KOTM) that I had never inked (I know!) and matched them with some themed designer paper from My Mind's Eye.

I stamped my grill in Archival Black ink (SU!) and colored in using Copic markers. I used a Stampin' Up! stitched circle die to cut it out. The sentiment is also stamped in Archival Black.

I layered two rows of the Delicate Stitched Satin Electric Blue in this month's club assortment, and cut the front row to make ribbon fringe. It looks festive and party-like -- perfect for the invitation! I added some Simple Stories chipboard embellishments -- the soda bottle and banner on top. All of my layers are held together with Scor-Tape.

Thank you for stopping by and for your sweet comments! Now off to Cheryl's blog, to see her pretty RWB creation and beautiful bows!

Caffeinated Love

Pink and coffee.....and watercolor! I think that says it all!

My image is from Unity Stamp Co.'s LOVE TO GO Kit. The inside says "Caffeinated Love." Isn't that cute?

I stamped with Archival Black Ink (SU!), and then watercolored a background using my Kuretake Gansai Tambi paints (love them!). The border is a die cut by Pretty Posh. The paper I used on this is Hobby Lobby's Heavyweight White CS. I was surprised at how well it took the paint, and kept a nice finish. The card base is Crumb Cake (SU!).

 

At Crazy 4 Challenges, we are all about coffee and tea today! Check out our blog for some awesome DT inspiration, and then play along!

I am having a huge craft sale in a Facebook Group page! A whole lotta crafty goodness from my stamp studio -- for you! Lots of stamps, dies, ribbon, paper, stickers, embellishments and more! Lots of your favorite brand name companies!

Here is the link!

Other challenges:

• Imagine That! Creative Playground - Anything Goes
• Colour Crazy Challenge - Anything Goes
• Creative Artiste Challenge - Anything Mixed Media
• Creative Fingers - Anything Goes
• Jo's Scrap Shack - Anything Goes
• Polkadoodles - Anything Goes

Bunny Roses

It's time for a new challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon! We are celebrating spring and all the beautiful flowers that will be popping up soon! I hope you will play along in our Flower Themed Challenge!

My card is made with the February KOTM from Unity Stamp Co. Don't you love that bunny? She has some pretty roses for a crown. The mulberry flowers I used are available at RRR too! Check out the beautiful burgundy cottage roses and the pretty pink tea roses!

I wrapped my card base panel with Ivory burlap string, and used it in my organza ribbon bow as well, making a string bow on top of the organza. I added a couple of tulle and pearl stems (Hobby Lobby) for added decoration.

Everything is held together with 1/4" and 3/8" Scor-Tape. I colored my bunny with Copic markers, and used a Spellbinders Oval die to cut the frame and main panel. Our challenges are always a lot of fun, so come on over to the RRR Blog and play along!

You're On My Mind

So I have been working on making my cards EASIER to mail -- as in FLAT. Ha! I am not used to that, as I love layers and bumpy embellishments and ribbons and flowers. But here is a super cute image from Unity's PENGUIN PALS:

I stamped my image and sentiment with Archival Black Ink from Stampin' Up! on Hobby Lobby's Heavyweight White CS. I have been finding that this holds up pretty well to a quick watercolor background! Then I made a watercolor wash using my Kuretake Gansai Tambi paints, and added splatters with each color. A border die from Pretty Posh and some patterned paper with cute hearts -- all done! Flat and mailable!

I am having a huge craft sale in a Facebook Group page! A whole lotta crafty goodness from my stamp studio -- for you! Lots of stamps, dies, ribbon, paper, stickers, embellishments and more! Lots of your favorite brand name companies!

Here is the link!

Challenges:
Color Throwdown #425

New Year, New Stamps!

What a whirlwind December! I haven't posted in awhile, because December always seems to spin away so quickly! We finished our Community Theatre production of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" on the 18th, and my sister arrived for two weeks on the 22nd. My son, his wife, and my sweet granddaughter arrived Christmas Day, and we celebrated on the 26th. Lots of fun with my family, making gingerbread houses, opening gifts, going to the Zoo, and then everyone back to reality!

I didn't do a lot of stamping in that time, but last week got to work with some of my uninked, new (in November ha!) stamps from Unity. Here is one - using a video by Heather Hoffman as inspiration:

The kit is called Penguin Pals, and is super cute! I stamped my image and sentiment with VersaFine Onyx Black, and then painted a watercolor wash when it was dry. I used my Kuretake Gansai Tambi paints. The border was then cut with a die from Pretty Posh. I added some patterned paper, and adhered it all to a white card base. Super fun and simple! AND flat and mailable! More to come later this week!

Challenges:
CAS on Sunday - Black and white, with one color of your choice
Come and Get It - Something New 
Glitter n Sparkle - Anything Goes 
Catch The Bug - Anything Goes 
Crafty Calendar - January - Something New 
Sweet Stampin - Something New

I am having a huge craft sale in a Facebook Group page! A whole lotta crafty goodness from my stamp studio -- for you! Lots of stamps, dies, ribbon, paper, stickers, embellishments and more! Lots of your favorite brand name companies!

Here is the link!

Day #5 with Growing in Unity

It is Day #5 of Growing in Unity!

I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing Unity Stamps creations with you this week! Today is my last day as a GIU Gal, and I thought since it was also Friday, it is the perfect day to 
"unwined."

My images are from Shall We Unwined? -- a cute Itty Bitty set! My card is totally inspired by my sweet friend and fellow i {heart} papers teamie, Stacey. Thanks for the inspiration, Stacey! 
 
Be sure to leave a comment on each of the five Unity posts, as there are two Itty Bitty stamp sets (of their choice!) going to one lucky winner that comments on each day. I will choose my winner tomorrow morning!

 

Here are Day #1, Day #2 and Day #3 and Day #4 if you missed them! Thanks for sharing this week with me!

Stamps: Shall We Unwined? (Unity Stamp Co.)

Paper: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede (SU!), Echo Park DP

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Baker's Twine and kraft bag (Really Reasonable Ribbon), pennant die cuts (MFT, SB, TE, TSOL)

Sketching It Out With Unity Day #4

It's Thursday and that means a new sketch

at The Deconstructed Sketch! 
It is also Day #4 of Growing in Unity!

Here is this week's sketch #109:

I flipped the sketch, and added my circle behind the long panel (my banner) instead of in front of it. I love being able to use so many different patterned papers! The cork arrow is available at i {heart} papers.

My images are from the Itty Bitty Strong Is Your Only Choice stamp. I stamped the sentiment so that it could be in two parts because I wanted to emphasize the "You" (and follow the sketch too!). The background is seven different papers from the Walnut Grove Collection (Pebbles).
  
Be sure to stop by each day through Friday this week, and leave a comment on each Unity post, as there are two Itty Bitty stamp sets going to one lucky winner that comes back each day this week!

 

Here are Day #1, Day #2 and Day #3 if you missed them!

See you tomorrow!

The Deconstructed Sketch girls have some fabulous samples to show, so be sure to have a visit at their blogs too!

• Amber Hight
• Arielle Gordon
• Cresta Woodruff
• Dawn Easton
• Donna Wardle
• Jen Shults
• Joni Wilson
• Judy Rozema (me!)
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd
• Sheri Gilson
• Tobi Crawford
• Tracey Pickersgill

To play along, link up here!