'tis the season...For SNOWPEOPLE!

Another one bites the...snowflake!  WOOP!  Another Christmas card FINISHED!  I stamped and colored this adorable snowpeople set (Snowmen Days) using Black Licorice Ink and Color Splash Watercolor Pencils.  

After stamping and coloring the background, I mounted it onto Candy Apple cardstock then colored and cut out the snowpeople, I fussy cut with my Pro Shears then doodled a snow scene to match the snowpeople.  I attached some Sweet Berry Gingham ribbon and some Natural Thread to the stamped panel I applied a bit of watercolor to the snow scene then cut it out so that I could assemble it onto the cardfront.  Once assembled, I tucked the snowpeople behind one of the snowpiles.  

The panel was then mounted onto a card base and that was that!  Finished!  

Didn't Make the Cut Part 2: Scrapbook Layout

Hey there Journey Friends,

Today I'm beginning the massive share of a selection of projects I created to submit to Richard Garay's Designer Showcase.  I was excited when he announced the call and started working on some special projects immediately.  I compiled all my projects into a gallery on my team FB page (JOIN TEAM ITCHIN INKERS TODAY!) so that I could get the input of my fellow team members who would then vote on the ones I should submit.  It was important to me to get their input and was my first stage in my project submission process.

Today I'm sharing the projects that "Didn't Make The Cut" by my team.  Although I LOVE all of the projects I proposed for this call,  I could only submit two cards and one scrapbooking design, so I am so grateful to my team for helping me make the final decisions! As with all of my project shares on my blog, I will share ONE PROJECT PER POST as they will include my creative process and additional photos.

Here's a fun 8x8 (or increased to 12x12 with proper mounting/framing) scrapbook layout created with a favorite memory photo...I LOVE SNOW and so does my NIECE!

To create this layout I started off my inking my GelPress and a Brayer with Sweet Berry and Butter Cream Acrylic Paint.  I Pressed Whip Cream Cardstock onto this to lift the ink.  After the layers were set to my satisfaction, I used Whip Cream ink to stamp the starburst image from the Sparkle Trim stamp set (This set is available in a stamp/die bundle too).

After creating the background, I used my sewing machine to stitch a meandering stitch all over the page.  This acted as my base for my layout.

I stamped the burst image and the heart using Watermelon Fusion and Bubble Gum ink then used dies to cut them out. I made sure to keep the negatives from these burst cuts so that I could use them in my layout.  I loved the little striped edge they created!  I also diecut various snowflakes from the Snow Burst Die Set so that I could incorporate them in my layout design.  

Next, I stamped the fun sentiment from the Hello Love Stamp Set  (also available in Stamp/Die bundle) using Black Licorice ink and diecut it with the coordinating die.  I don't often use sentiment dies, but I love how this one curls the edges ever so slightly to create a "puffy" illusion.

It took a bit of time to be content with the layout of the circles but when I did, I applied some Small Foam Squares and adhered them into place. Before that was done, I added a strip of Silver Sparkle Washi for fun!

Adding a few pearls to the layout was the finishing touch.  Since this is an 8x8 layout, there are many options to build this up to the 12x12 layout size I usually frame.  Pictured above, you can see it with the background from the Romantic Journey Prints.  I also tried it against some Buttercream cardstock and it looked just as nice.

Cozy Wishes...

Hello Journey Friends!

Welcome to December!  WOO HOO.  I'm getting excited about the colder weather and the possibility for SNOW.  Yes, I LOVE snow!  It's the perfect partner to toasty PJ's and tasty hot drinks.  This month, FSJ is releasing the newest Kit of The Month that is PERFECT for winter, coffee lovers, hot chocolate lovers, tea lovers, etc.

Introducing:  Cozy Wishes!

My kit will be arriving in just a few more days and I can't wait to get started creating.  I can't wait to decorate the mug with lots of festive images.  WAHOO!!!

Interested in joining the KOTM club with me?  Here are the details:

New Class! Journey Smiles Memory Box

Hey stamping friends!  I've got a HUGE announcement.  If you're local, you just might be interested in signing up for this AMAZING class!

I've been planning an amazing scrapbooking/stamping event with a fellow FSJ Coach Christi Brisbane and we're so excited to finally be able to share the news with you!!!

We will be hosting an FSJ booth at Scraps Marketplace's October 3 event at Chantilly, VA (Dulles Expo Center).  Our booth will have lots of amazing goodies to drool over, FUN kits to purchase, and tools/stamps/products to play with.  We will have many amazing projects on display and will also host a FREE Make-and-Take.  OUR Class will be held from 12:30-2:00 in the Inspiration Room.

Check out the amazing project YOU can make:

This 4x4 accordion album is the perfect surprise inside the decorated box.  

Every single page (front and back) is decorated and embellished perfectly!

 It's THICK, but fits perfectly snug inside the coordinating box!

Since this album is double sided, there is no front...or back...an infinity album to page through and admire for hours...

 The yummy album folds nicely and fits securely...all tied up with a pretty satin bow.  The front flap of the box displays a sparkly deer, golden inked background and a vellum bow...Oh...and we're also including an added jingle...if you decide to add it to his collar.

I'm so excited about this class.  It's available to 24 and 24 only so once it fills, that's IT!  Each participant will receive the full kit, instruction booklet AND some extra surprises...;)

I'll be back in a few days to add some samples that display the FREE MAKE AND TAKE, so check back soon!

Purchase the CLASS NOW!  

Check out the extra PERKS for attendees of the Scraps Marketplace event!  Clip and SAVE!

Do you wanna build a snowman???

Hello again Journey friends,

As I shared yesterday, I made a collection of cards to send to the Fun Stampers Journey Crew (the staff at the Journey Station) and this is the second version of the card collection I'll be sending.  I loved the pattern and colors in the new Holiday Mini printed paper pack so I knew that was the color pallette I was going to pull from. 

It was so fun using the Brush Strokes set to create a background full of snowballs!  The River Stone cardstock and ink worked perfectly with the Pool Play ink and paper.  MMM...I used some liner tape and Black Licorice satin ribbon to create a frilly contrast against those masculine stripes.  

Isn't he the cutest little snowman?  I soooo love the Jolly Friends Set!  I think it'll be my GO-TO holiday set this year.  It just makes me smile!  

 Of course, you know me!  I've gotta add a bit of sparkle somewhere!  I added Sparkle Dust and Journey Glaze to the blue stripes on his scarf and added a large Sparkle Drop on the Whip Cream thread bow.  MMMM...

And, yes, I did an oops again!  Cut my stamped background too small while jammin' to some Frank Sinatra...HA HA!  Yeppers, I had a little jazzy accident.  Turned out just fine in the end!  LOL

 This is the other snowman's twin brother.  I think they're identical twins...Well, maybe not their noses...I doodled the lines on them so they're probably a tad different.  Go ahead compare, I know you want to.  ;)

 Yummy!

Stop back tomorrow for another peek at a Christmas in July creation.   This time, it'll be something Clean and Simple-ish.  HA HA!

Jolly Friends...

Ho-Ho-Ho!  I had such a great time creating this adorable tiny bag for some cookie treats!  Jolly Friends is a brand new holiday set that will be released July 1.  Along with this set, the 6x6 Holiday printed paper pack will also be released.  It's such a fun paper pack with itty-bity images that are perfectly sized for the cardmaker and trading card artist in mind!  I LOVE IT!  

Adding a bit of sparkle was easy with the Sparkle Dust and Journey Glaze.  I added it to the "snow" and to the snowflakes that are falling.

This little Santa was fun to color too!  I distressed him up a bit with Oatmeal Cookie ink so he would fit nicely with the theme.

Do you think Santa's been nibbling a bit on the cookies in the gift bag??? Hmmmm...I'm going to have to check it out!  

If you're interested in receiving the Holiday Mini Catalog that will be released July 1, please let me know.  Be sure to check my shop out too.  Verified purchases from my shop will be eligible to receive a free Holiday Mini Catalog.  SHOP HERE!

Join my team!  If you are interested in becoming a new Journey Coach, NOW is the time!  When you sign up this June, you'll receive a box of NEW Inspiration Catalogs AND the JUNE Kit of the Month (FREE)!  You can also customize your Coach Kit order with stamps, dies and inks that fit YOU PERFECTLY!  Join my team today!  

Holiday Mini Prep..

Hello Journey Friends,

In a few days, Fun Stampers Journey will unveil yet another fabulous collection of festive goodies! On July 1, we will be launching the NEW 2015 Holiday Mini Catalog that is choc-full of amazing and inspirational products.  I'm really excited!

I've already got my hands on a few treasures from this collection and I'll be sharing projects made with them in preparation for this launch.  I've also preordered my Holiday Mini Catalogs so if you are interested in receiving one, please let me know.  With every verified order from my shop, I will be sending a free mini-catalog, so I encourage you to shop today!   HERE

Today, I'm sharing a little project with you from this collection.  I LOVE this adorable stamp set called "Jolly Friends" and find that it's not only a great card makers collection but it's also fun to use when making gift giving treats, It's also fun to use in little gift sets like the one I've created below. 

This is a little gift bag I created with some Lemon Grass cardstock.  I embellished it using the Treat Label Dies and some Buttercream Cardstock and Candy Apple Satin Ribbon.  I decorated the note cards to match the theme of the bag.  

Isn't this little Rudolph the most adorable little guy you've ever seen??? He's a cutie, that's for sure!  

Of course, I can't live without adding some sparkle and glitz!  The little red flowers from the Holiday Elements and the Sparkle Drops are the perfect addition to this bag decor.  :)

I created a total of 10 little note cards that match the bag.  They slip right into the bag for safe keeping.  After adhering the flower sequins with Journey Glaze, I added a bit of Platinum Stickles. Works perfectly for the centers!  Perfectly stacked and ready to head off to their new owner...

Love this little treat!