Squirrelers!

Hello there Journey Friends!

Last month I participated in a little ATC swap (affectionately dubbed "POCKET PALS") with some of my fellow Journey Coaches and even though I haven't received the swap return, I know that others have begun receiving theirs.  I'm excited that the packages have been arriving and am looking forward to receiving my package very soon.  I know each card will find a special place in my ATC binder...I can't wait!

I've been holding off from sharing my contribution to the swap until after it was received by most of the swap participants but today, I saw a picture of the cards posted online, so I know it's safe to reveal my project here now!  It was soooo fun creating this set of ATC's!

It was sooo fun creating this little ATC!  I loved being able to use various mediums and also had fun playing with our new GOLD ink.  MMMM..Sooo Delish!  I wanted to create an ATC incorporating acetate- so I added a strip that was splattered with gold Silk.  FUN again!

FSJ Supplies Used:  

FSJ ATS "Share Life"
FSJ Cardstock:  Pool Play, Whip Cream, Clear View Sheets
FSJ Ink:  Gold, Cocoa Powder, Oatmeal Cookie, GOLD Silk
FSJ Embellishments:  Natural Twine, Pearls

Non FSJ Products:
Gold Ribbon

I've got other "acetate" projects in the works so I hope you stop back again soon so I can share!  Bye for now!  K

PS..Thanks to all those who contributed to the swap.  I can't wait to see your creations IRL!

Creative Blooms Journey Sketch Challenge...

Hello stamping friends,

Today I'm back to share the card I created for this month's Creative Blooms Journey Sketch Challenge #FSJSC6.

I decided that I wanted to use some new printed paper from the new journey collection.  Sooo...I closed my eyes and plucked a piece of paper out of my stack of 6x6 cuts.  WOW!  I pulled out a crazy fun color combo...complete with flying feathers!  Journey Basics Brights Printed Paper is SO FUN!  This pattern would draw the inspiration for my card so I just sat down and started cutting scaps to design the layout.  

I don't usually have a plan for what I'm going to make, I just sit down and wing it..Well, winging it really took control here on this card!  LOL.

As you can see, I took inspiration from the pennant pattern on the sketch and decided to mimic the feathers on the printed paper.  I doodled some tiny feather shapes (onto Pool Play and Whip Cream cardstock) then fussy cut them and scored them in the center to add some dimension.  After they were finished, I worked on the white stamped panel.  I stamped the dove (from Faith Plan SS-0193 out of stock at this time) in Pool Play ink (very lightly) so it wouldn't overpower the design.  I stamped the sentiment with Black Licorice ink.  

When I was laying the Black twine across the top of the card in "banner-like" position like the sketch, I realized I liked the twine in a loose formation instead, taking on it's natural curves.  I just added two or three drops of liquid Journey craft glue to hold it in place.  When the twine was set in place, I attached the "feathers" with dimensional squares.  The tiny pearls came next, then the doodling on the feathers with some Journey Glaze and Sparkle Dust to finish it off.

It's been a difficult summer for my family and several families I'm very close to.  Some very special people have been called HOME recently and I think this card is such an inspiration to me and I hope to all those who have lost someone special.  Life IS fragile...Cherish every moment!

You are AWESOME! M-L-S

Hello friends,

It's the weekend and that means I can head up into my craft room and create.  I love it when I can have unlimited time to get lost in creating fun projects.  Don't you??  My pups are locked into my room with me and barring from the occasional "Put that plastic down" or "That not something you can eat!" my pups are comfortable snoozing on the floor while I'm crafting away beside them.

Today I headed up to my room on a mission to create something fabulous for a special friend that is very inspirational to me.  I love seeing her work and always look forward to being inspired and awed by her beautiful creations.  I hope she enjoys this little treat bag.

So for today's MLS project, I decided to take inspiration from Richard's "container" and the use of Journey reinkers to color images.  I don't have the popcorn container (or any of the dies) from the Yummy and Delicious collection yet as I'm waiting to purchase them at the August Y&D event in Virginia Beach.  I can't wait for that.  So to make due, I carefully dismantled a little gusseted bag I've had in my craft room for several years.  I often save cute paper containers so I can use them as templates.  How about you???

As you can see, I used some OLD and some NEW products in my creation.  I've cut all of my new 12x12 paper down to 6x6 so I had to use some of the older black and white paper that hadn't been cut down yet.  The template required a 12x12, so I think it turned out well. I stamped the sentiment with a new set in the Journey Girl collection called Rock Notes.  I also used some Silver Silk and some splashes of Summer Days Reinker.

I was also inspired to color my Dahlia Burst with my reinkers and a brush.  I don't have the blender or the blending brushes yet so I just used a really small paintbrush and a variety of reinkers that would coordinate with the Citrus Cooler Satin ribbon.  Reinkers used to color the flower were:  Summer Days, Rich Coral, Banana Cream.  For the leaves, I used Lemongrass, Green Olive and Pool Play.

Here's a side shot of the gusseted portion of the bag.  I love this little bag and can't wait to buy more 12x12 paper so I can make some more!!!

Inspired to create something from a reclaimed paper product?  Please consider joining Richard's Make-Live-Share Movement.  You can find out more about it (and his projects) on his blog here:

Richard's Make Live Share Movement

Sending Inspiration and LOVE one project at a time!

Cancer Sucks!

It's with a heavy heart that I'm writing this post.  I received word this Friday that my cousin Wayne passed away after a very short and private battle with cancer.  His cancer was aggressive and at stage IV when he was diagnosed a little over a month ago.  Just this June, he unexpectedly lost his precious buddy Bella Angelina, who I'm sure now, left this world in preparation for his Homecoming.  

In honor of his wishes, I kept his struggle within family reach, but quietly prayed for a miracle or God's mercy for more time on earth.  I guess it wasn't mean't to be.  Although I don't understand the reason why he was taken so soon, I have faith that GOD always has a plan, and I pray that this knowledge brings comfort to so many aching hearts.  My only wish is that his family believes it too, and knows that someday, we'll all be together again.

I'm so terribly sad for my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Leland who are experiencing the loss of their youngest son.  I can't imagine the pain and the sorrow in their hearts.

 I'm sad for his wife Carol who lost her adventurous partner in life and their baby Bella all too soon.

I'm sad for his older brother Todd (and family) who remain with treasured memories that will lift their sorrows and carry them through.

I'm sad for my Dad and his brother and sisters who have lost a smart, dedicated, hard working, and loyal nephew.

I'm sad for Wayne's friends who will hold memories of all their adventures and see his gentle smile on the face of a stranger passing by.

Yep...Cancer SUCKS!

As for me, well, you read it, I'm sad!   Not so much for myself, but for the many, many people I care about who are impacted by Wayne's passing.  In grief and sadness (and in happy times), I retreat to my stamping room, always on a mission to create a smile, inspire a memory, garner some hope...Today, I went up to my room and carried on...to create some hope for my family...

PS....See those red hearts?  Every...single...heart...represents a condolence that was posted on my facebook message post yesterday...I appreciate your condolences but somehow, I don't feel right in accepting them. They're really not for me, they're for Wayne.... so....I'll be packaging them up...all of them...and sending them off to Wayne's Mom and Dad...I hope they feel our love...

RIP Cousin Wayne!  You were an amazing man and I'm honored to be your cousin.  I'll see you again when it's my time to come.  Please give Grandma and Grandpa a BIG hug for me.

Even closer to GOD now Wayne!  (photo from his FB collection) 

Bella was waiting for you, I'm sure!  Welcome HOME, Wayne!  (photo from his FB collection)

Etsy shop is open...

Did you know I have had an Etsy shop for YEARS??  If not, you might be interested in checking my shop out.  I have several cards posted for sale and will continue to add more in the weeks to come.  I also do custom orders, so if you are in need of something and would like to order multiples of an item, let me know and I would be happy to work with you!

Today's showcase features the following cards (featuring FSJ products):

Buy This Card NOW!

Buy This Card NOW!

Buy This Card NOW!

Buy This Card NOW!

Buy This Card NOW!

Happy shopping!!!

Scraps are magical...

Hello there Journey Friends!

Today I'm sharing my first project created with "Winter Fred" (He now has a die/stamp bundle too!). I worked on this card this past Sunday...my "Scrap Day".  On Sundays, I ONLY use the scraps I've amassed over the weeks to create new projects.  Sunday is a day of thanksgiving and rest, and I think those unwanted and unloved scraps that so often find themselves in the trash can deserve a chance to shine...and show their magical potential!  If you toss your scraps into the trash, I encourage you to WAIT!  Set aside a day to USE them!  They'll speak to you, they'll thank you in such an amazing way...They'll show you they also have a purpose and meaning!  Wanna see what I mean?

See!  Scraps ARE magical!   If you follow my blog (or visit previous blog posts I've shared), you'll be REMINDED of the projects these scraps came from.  You'll RELIVE the MEMORY and the FEELINGS and the EMOTIONS that these scraps previously created in your heart...Scraps are great STORYTELLERS; storytellers that invite YOU to join their memorable journey...

POWERFUL, right???

Smiling here....Touch it too...You can FEEL the love.  ;)

...and FRED is speaking...Do you hear him???

He misses and NEEDS his Ethel!  

Oh yep, I guess I need to listen and go shopping.  The Holiday Mini...That's where she is...Check her out on page 23...

Alrighty...Back to stamping...See you soon!  

Holiday Mini Is HERE!!! WIN A $100 SHOPPING SPREE!

It's HERE!!! The new HOLIDAY Mini is HERE!!! Check it out and let me know your favorites! I'm sure you already know what stamp set is my ULTIMATE favorite, but I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the houndstooth background, ugly sweater, those turk-a-lurks, the goofy "gourdsts" and the fun boot die and poinsettia die.  I'm looking forward to getting the house die once my Journey Platinum arrives in August!!! Can't wait to get my hands on that puppie!!!

Click the picture to view this awesome mini catalog and make your wish list!

Visit Richard's blog HERE, check out the catalog, make your wish list AND COMMENT on his post! You could be the LUCKY winner of a $100 shopping spree! And just to make this extra special...

***Mention ME in your comment on Richard's post... If you win the prize and shop through MY STORE, I'll throw in some extra special holiday treats!!!

See you soon with more inspiration from this catalog!!!

Americana Make-Live-Share

Hello Journey Friends!  

Today I'm sharing my Make-Live-Share project for the week.  I'm so inspired by Richard Garay's Make-Live-Share projects each week and look forward to making a special item for unsuspecting friends/family and new acquaintances each week!  I encourage everyone to participate, your heart will thank you!  

I decided to make this little gift card holder to mail to someone extra-special.  I can't say who yet, but it's someone who's been expecting something special from me for a little while and I've been waiting for the PERFECT time to surprise him/her with it!  

Alrighty, so I created this gift card envelope using the new FSJ Gift Card Sleeve die and the American Sun ATS.  I used a ton of little scraps from my workspace for the little "BottleRocket" embellishment.  I also used some yummy satin ribbon for the bow!

I curled the little scraps of colored paper up using my Journey Bloom Tool.  It's the perfect little tool for almost everything!!!

Of course I had to add a little gift card to finish it off!  I know the recipient will find it useful!  :)

FSJ Products Used:  

American Sun ATS

Gift Card Sleeve Die

Beach Breeze Ink

Candy Apple Satin Ribbon

Rich Coral Cardstock

Whip Cream Cardstock

Beach Breeze Cardstock