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!

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

Make Live Share Recap!

Hello there Journey Friends,

I'm here to share a little about my Make-Live-Share event that was held on Thursday.  It was so fun! I'm sad that not everyone was able to make it but Richard and his team left their project kits with me so I could follow up with them at a later date (How sweet, right?!)

As my group of NON STAMPER invitees (and their children) sat down and got to work, Richard quickly realized that it was going to be a LONG...But FUN...Night.  As with most beginning stampers, they need a bit of time to figure things out.  It takes a lot more patience to sit and wait and let newbies explore.  Richard was gracious and patient and funny!  He taught them a lot about the special characteristics of our Hybrid Fusion inks and enlightened them about the special tricks stampers do to create 2nd Generation images.  I know they learned a lot, and that's important to my friends!  As with most new learning, it takes a LOT of risk and a lot of confidence to just get into the trenches and STAMP and they tried their best!

The first card Richard taught them to create was designed by Joe Garay.  He wanted to incorporate the Tank and the Army Green colors.  I loved that he pulled in some Pool Play and incorporated a little "camo" effect on the tank using the INK SPLAT ATS with Green Olive and Cocoa Powder ink. I spent my time assisting new stampers so I didn't have any time to make the card along with them so I did mine at home.  You can see I added a bit of distressing to the edges of the paper DTP method and added some Lemon Grass Confetti Sparkle Elements.  Richard didn't disappoint...He incorporated a bit of what he's famous for...His loopy-loop Twine.  MMMM....

Here's the close-up of the loopy-loop twine and the fussy cutting...yes, that took those newbies quite a bit of time, but the results were worth it to them!  Thanks for taking a deep breath Richard!

Richard's second project was an adorable little windsock...and a special treat for my guests!  It was also time for Richard to share that this project tutorial was going to be filmed LIVE right then and there, and would air on Richard's blog this coming Monday...The Make-Live-Share Monday is in the HOUSE!  WOO!!!  A perfect little treat for Memorial Day!  

Right before beginning instruction, Richard and Gabby gifted all my guests with the Star Bright Set, a yummy paper pack and some sparkly elements.  MMM... My guests clapped, they cheered!  WOO HOO!  Now these newbies definitely need some acrylic blocks and some ink pads for sure!  

And then we were off...Well, kind of...The first part was stamping and they were getting the hang of it, sort-of.  Then it was on to punching holes.  They all shared one hole puncher so that took a bit more time.  I wonder if Richard wanted to go take a nap or have a snack?  Intermissions can feel like an eternity!  Anyway, when they all had their holes punched, it was onto threading the cylinder.  Oh My...Challenge!  They didn't give up!  After all the frustration of tying and stringing was done, they moved on to applying their stars.  They were SO PROUD of their accomplishments!  

Richard was so kind to have gifted me his TWO windsocks as I was not able to make mine there.  I'm excited to see the video on Richard's blog too!

When Richard was finished with his projects, it was MY turn.  I posted the projects on the previous post so if you want to see those, click HERE.

Because I have limited supplies, I used the "Station" model of instruction which is similar to an assembly-line method of stamping. This allowed all guests an opportunity to stamp a certain portion of their card or create one element of their card at one table, then move to another table to complete another portion. These advanced stampers (LOL) didn't need the final instruction from me to to do the finishing stage of the card assembly process as they used the instruction PDF available at all tables.  Using the "Station" model also allowed me to float the room and assist students one-on-one when faced with challenges.  It works quite well in smaller groups but probably not with a group of 100.  LOL

When all projects were done, Dustin took Richard and I aside so we could be filmed and I could be interviewed.  I gave Richard, Gabby and Dustin a special treat I made for them and Richard gave me a special treat too!

Hmmmm....Now I'm even more excited to pack my bags for Convention.  I better not forget my GOLDEN TICKET!

After editing some photos from my event, I'll post them here on this blog soon.  Stop back soon because you'll be able to see the five boxes we filled for our deployed service members.

Thanks to some fabulous FSJ Coaches across the US that were able to join me and my friends as we created in support of our service members deployed overseas.  As they post their creations and allow permission to display here, I'll post their card creations using the "kit" I sent out to them.

Ruby Martha didn't have the stamp sets that I used but that's OK!  Look how she used the supplies and incorporated the Star Bright set into her design!  LOVE IT!

I'm also excited to share some photo collages of student preparation of the boxes that we are mailing to deployed service members.  Students worked together to carefully (and thoughtfully) decorate the insides of all of the boxes...Such a special surprise awaits these service members!

What's inside the the boxes?  

Deoderant, soap, lotion, shampoo, Blistex, muscle cream, Athlete's Foot cream, Toothbrushes, mirrors, toothpaste, baby wipes/hand wipes, crackers, gatorade/drink mixes, beef jerkey, energy bars, blank specialty cards to send back home to loved ones, greetings from students (ATC format), Greetings from teachers and adults, and so much LOVE!

Thank you to Claudia Gates, Becky Prusse and their "Third Thursday Group" for the huge box of goodies/ handmade cards and the amazing cash donation ($54.00).  It will help so much when mailing these boxes.

Note:  The food items are separated from the toiletry items.  All toiletries are packaged in a black bag to help contain the liquids in the event that there is damage/breakage or leakage during shipping.  

Look at the lovely box of goodies/cards and the cash donation from Third Thursday!  THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Our counselor is wheeling the boxes out to my car!  There they go!!!

Make-Live-Share...TOMORROW!

WOO HOO!!!

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY!  I'll be hosting my Make-Live-Share event with special guests Richard and Gabby Garay, Dynomite Dustin and families of deployed service members.  It's going to be an amazing event and I am so excited!

I wanted to pop on my blog to let you know that part of the event (barring any technical difficulties) will be LIVE on Ustream from 7:30-8:30 PM and YOU can join the fun by peeking in on the action. During part of that time, I'll be guiding my guests in making my project seen below.  Some of you may have even received the materials (minus stamps) to create the project- so join in on the fun!  If not, I'm attaching a not-so-perfect jpg image of my inspiration sheets for you.

This is the card I will be teaching at my event.  It's got a fun little technique that uses FSJ stamp cleaner in a totally unexpected way.

Footprints, Footprints...I can't believe you'll be gone forever at the end of May.  If you don't already have this ATS stamp, MAKE SURE TO GET IT!  It's a must for some awesome backgrounds! Military, Hunting, Camping, Farming, Gardening,  Illness Warriors...You name it!

 Take a close look at that Gold Silk!  Notice how it appears bubbly and grainy?  That's a reaction it has with this technique.  FUN, FUN, FUN!

 This is the SECOND option I created using most of the materials in the pre-cut kit.  It also adds a coloring element...some people like coloring, some...not so much.  I try to give two options for folks to make their own decisions.

I just LOVE the cartoony sentiments in the Soldier Boy set!  They work so perfectly with this design!

Now, here are the inspiration sheets.  Free for the pickins!

If you would like the PDF versions of these inspiration pages, please comment below with your email address (I moderate all comments and will not post your comment on this page if it has your address or email information).  

Operation Make.Live.Share: WE WANT YOU!

Hello stamping friends...

As promised, I'm back to share another tidbit of information about my Make-Live-Share event coming up on May 21.  This is an important one because it includes YOU!

Yep, you read that right.  Part of this event will be streamed LIVE!  I'll be teaching one project and would like to have you join the fun.  If you are interested in joining the fun and creating the project with me, all I need from you is your address...I'll mail you a special kit that will contain all of the supplies you will need to create the project right along with us!  LIVE! As I am kitting the projects myself, free kits are limited to 20 online participants, so first-come, first served...but don't worry, If you're number 21 or beyond, I will provide everyone the instruction/inspiration sheet complete with a complete list of supplies and step-out photos to guide you through making a project at your own time/space/pace.

Comment below with your name and address.  All comments are moderated and I will not post or display the address comments on this blog. Your privacy is important to me.

Treats! #FSJCC3

Hello Journey friends,

I'm popping in to share my Make-Live-Share project with you today.  This project was inspired by Richard Garay's treat project that can be seen HERE.  I decided to create a little treat container for the computer specialist at our school.  She's been working like crazy for the past few weeks getting all the computers set up for 3-6 grade students to practice their state testing in Reading and Math.  My third graders did quite well on their practice Reading SOL last week and tomorrow, they take their practice Math SOL.  In Virginia, students in grades 3 and beyond take yearly assessments.  It's not a fun time of year, but we know it must be done.

Do you notice I used this month's Color Challenge Colors?  This will be my fourth entry in the color challenge #FSJCC3, I think!  WOWEE!  I'm loving this unexpected combination! Why not join the fun in creating something for the challenge?!?  You'll be pleasantly surprised with the color mix!

Inside the treat container is a little baggie of Skittles.  They're my most favorite sweet treat and I especially love the orange ones!  Do you have a favorite flavor of Skittles?  Reply in the comments and I'll send YOU a special treat container made especially for you!  

Don't skimp on decorating the back!!!  I used the other half of the die on the back side of the treat container.  As this treat can be viewed "in-the-round", I wanted to make sure to add some special details there too.  

This little treat bag was quite relaxing to make.  It helped calm my nerves while focusing on making something special for someone who has worked hard to set up and prepare so many computers for our testing adventures.  It's high stress for her, so tomorrow she can sit back and wait for the error codes...and pop a few Skittles in between! I hope she enjoys the sweet treat and all the while...helps encourage us all to "Believe".

FSJ Supplies used on this project:  

DI-0035 Fancy Label Die

CS-0093 Rich Coral Cardstock

CS-0105 Pool Play Cardstock

CS-0094 River Stone Cardstock

CS-0095 Sweet Pear Cardstock

AC-0019 Silver Silk

AC-0004 Black Journey Twine

IP-0053 River Stone Ink

AT-0056 Postage Stamp ATS

AT-0107 Bezel Block (sentiment) ATS

AC-0022 Sparkle Drops

PS...The silver paper is the edge of the wrapper from a stick of gum!  The ribbon is from my massive ribbon stash.

Make-Live-Share.. Support Mission!

Hello again Journey friends, I'm back to share some details about my Make Live Share event.  This event will be an opportunity for many people in my community/school to come together in support of families of deployed service members.  Growing up as a child of a Navy officer, I know all too well how difficult it can be when a parent is on deployment.  

Some of my students are currently experiencing a deployment and I know their sense of overflowing pride, secret sadness and fears of the unknown.  I also know the significant struggle and stress the spouse endures.  I want to help support their families through my Make-Live-Share experience and let them know that we are here to support them during this difficult but very important time.  

Just inside these doors, all worries and sadness and fears will turn into laughter and FUN for Moms, Dads, children, teachers, counselors the FSJ family and...a virtual YOU!

I have arranged for families of deployed service members, teachers and counselors to come together for this event.  We will be gathering for fun, fellowship and to begin our MISSION.   A MISSION that will include YOU!  

Not only will we be creating fabulous stamped projects for ourselves, Children will be working hard preparing projects from their hearts too.  We'll also be packing special care packages (that will include cards and letters of thanks and inspiration from our school children and neighboring businesses in our community) that will be mailed to their loved ones on deployment overseas.  

We'll need YOUR help in filling these boxes.  If you would like to participate in PHASE 1 of  this Make-Live-Share event, please send a handmade card (with a note of encouragement, support, thanks or pride) and/or any of the following items in a gallon zip-loc bag.  We will include your contribution in the boxes.  

Care Package Ideas:

*Beef Jerkey

*trail mix

*Pringles (small)

*candy (no mints)

*Snack bars

*Individual Drink mix packets (GatorAde, PowerAde)

*Travel Size Sunscreen

*Travel Size Toothpaste

*Travel Size Baby Wipes

*Ear Buds

*Pens/Stationery/Notepads

*Envelopes

*Magazines

*ChapStick/Lip Balm

If you would like to participate, please leave a comment below or email me at isu.alum@excite.com. I will return in the weeks to come to reveal additional AMAZING details about this event and additonal ways YOU can be a part of my MAKE-LIVE-SHARE event!  

Operation Make*Live*Share...

Hello Journey friends!

I'm excited to announce that my Make-Live-Share event date has been confirmed and the TOP SECRET location has been booked.  It's going to be an AMAZING event and I can't wait to share more details with you.  As I know this is an extra special privilege and I can't invite EVERYONE to the actual event, I want to promise you, YOU will play an important role in this event...If you so choose to take on the MISSION!

Mark your Calendars and Planners:  

Mission Event:  Operation Make-Live-Share
START Date:  05-21-2015

Additional details and assignments forthcoming...Until then, I leave you with:

Enjoying the Journey!
Kerry

Easter Blessing Basket...

Hello journey friends!

Today I'm sharing my Make-Live-Share project.  I created a little woven basket (and some chocolate treats) for my neighbors.  Since it's Spring Break and I'm home babysitting my sister's dog, I decided it was a good time to make some treats and projects to decorate and to share.  What a great way to enjoy my days off from school! YeeHaw!

For this project I cut one sheet of 81/2 x 11 Oatmeal Cookie cardstock into 1/2 inch strips. After the strips were cut, I distressed them with Oatmeal Cookie ink.  I had a couple wider strips that I kept to use for the handle.  I also cut a medium sized rectangle from the Journey Rectangles dies and distressed that too.  This would act as the base of the basket.

I scored each strip of paper about 1/4 inch from the bottom so I could glue it to the rectangular base. I wove the strips of paper and glued the top edge to secure them.  I then stamped the Stitched Borders stamp onto Orange Creamsicle cardstock using Orange Creamsicle ink.  Cutting the stamped edge out and applying it to the upper edge of the basket was next.

The final steps included attaching a handle with some golden brads, adding some cut grass (lemon grass and kiwi) and two fresh packets of yummy "bunny bark" that I whipped together this morning. YUM!  

I did videotape most of the process of making this basket.  It was a bit time consuming to make, but I was in my crafty zone and lost all sense of time...I'll be editing the video soon and if all goes well, I'll post the video here so you can see how it went.

I'll be back in a few days another fun project to share.  Until then, keep on stampin'!  :)

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue...

Hello Journey Friends!

For my Make-Live-Share project this week I headed to the scrap pile!  As a hobby quilter and crafter, I can't seem to toss any worn/damaged clothes.  Jeans, shirts and pants that are filled with holes head to my scrap pile.  Today, I pulled a pair of jeans (with lots of fraying on the hem) off the pile and started snipping away.  I had a vision of my completed project in my mind...and it was time to bring it to life!

So, my color palate sprung from the March Color Challenge I'm hosting at Creative Blooms Journey Challenges.  I dyed some cream seam binding Kiwi Slice, Orange Creamsicle and Lavender Fusion. The cream also matched perfectly to the final color Butter Cream.  After the seam binding dried, I formed a few blooms that would be able to be sewn onto the bag flap.  Adding a few seed beads and sequins added the finishing touch to the flowers.

And look!!!  Even my Little Mr. Mason wanted to join me in creating this project!  Such a little stinker.  :)

If you look closely at the Spring Blooms flower diecuts, you'll see that they are full of Journey Sparkle Dust.  I cut the flowers from New Day printed paper on some double sticky paper that acts as an all-over adhesive for the Sparkle Dust.  It also helps make the paper more fabric-like.  Now, the paper will not rip or tear when handled.  WIN WIN! It may be difficult to tell, but I stamped the top flap with the Elegant Borders stamps (using Butter Cream ink).  It's a faint addition, but ages the top flap quite a bit.

In the front corner of the bag, I sewed a Wooden Accent button and a sparkly flower to balance it out.

To finish the bag off, I added additional sequins/beads and some cream ribbon for a handle.  I'm going to fill this bag with lotion, powder, and a bottle of perfume and will give it as a wedding gift to a friend..It's the perfect little bag and presentation!  Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!

And not to forget the back of the bag, I continued the trail of green seam binding and added another sparkly flower and seam binding flower.  

Make-Live-Share

Hello stamping friends.  As you may know, I'm an elementary school teacher by day and a crafter by night/weekend.  I make cards and crafty things for friends, family, coworkers and my students.  This month, we had lots of snow days that prevented us from going to school.  Almost a whole week out of school and it wasn't even Spring Break.  Well, needless to say, the Dr. Seuss festivities we had planned for the week were out the window, or so I thought.

This Monday, I have a full day planning meeting where I'll get together with teachers on my team and on other teams so we can plan and collaborate.  I decided I'd put together some little Dr. Seuss treats to have out on the work table as we slave away (ha ha).

So it all started with the iconic Seuss hat.  I created red and white stripes using some FSJ cardstock, then added the "Sweet Treats" sentiment from the Little BIG Greetings (SS-0052).

When that was done, I filled some tiny glass jars that I found in the Target Dollar Spot with candy fishes, gumballs and candy sticks.  Oh, you know...One fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish as Seuss wrote.  

Aren't they the cutest little jars?  I scooped them ALL up because I knew they were PERFECT for this project...and inexpensive giveaways too!!!

And see those little composition books, They'll be featured here soon...They worked well as a prop-for now.  

Now for flavors...  GUESS the flavors of all four fish...If you do, I'll send you a special treat!  

Red:  Yummy!

Yellow: Yummy!

Green: Yummy!

Blue: Yummy!

And HERE WE ARE....(Ugghhh-I'm in the red on the lower left.)

In our fancy-schmancy new library...Fabulously painted by Mural, Mural On The Wall.  

Make-Live-Share Birthday Greetings!

I'm LOVING this Note pocket die!  I just got it in the mail the other day and I knew I was going to make a special card/gift for a fellow teacher/teammate who had a birthday this week.  I created this card for her so that it could accompany a gift card our team purchased.  It's tradition on our team to have cupcakes and give a little gift to celebrate a teammates special day.  

The pocket was the perfect little spot for a tag AND the gift card.   For this design, I selected paper from an old My Minds Eye 6x6 pattern paper pack that has been sitting on my craft table for months. I just love the oranges, greens and browns in the pack.   

As i LOVE flowers, I used the Flower Party dies to create some added dimension and flair to the card. Notice the little sparkle?  It's a Sparkle Drop...I'm loving them!  They are soooo sparkly!!!

Yummy and DELISH for sure!!!   To make sure the tag got some special attention too, I stamped it with a sentiment from the Birthday Sketch set and some Lemon Grass ink.  Yum!  I cut a little circle for the tab at the top, folded it in half and punched a hole.  Adding some matching ribbon and Journey Twine finished it off.  MMMMM.