Stamped Cards for the Coffee Lover (Fun Stampers Journey)

Today, I'm joining along with list of fabulous designers from Fun Stampers Journey AND the Coffee Lovers Cardmaking Blog design team as we collaborate together to bring you a fun blog hop featuring ALL.THINGS.COFFEE!

Fun Stampers Journey has the really fun coffee-themed stamp & die products to help you coffee-addicted crafters get your craft on and I've got the inspiration!

What's even more fun is that Fun Stampers Journey is offering a $25 Gift Certificate to one winner! In order to be eligible you must visit each blog (the entire list is at the bottom of this post) and comment on each one by 11:55pm PST on Friday July 27, 2018. The winner will be announced on the Fun Stampers Journey Blog.

This first card features a really fun stamp set called Coffee Helps that has a really playful set of coffee cup elements and could even be flexible enough to double for your tea-loving friends when used with the "Cup Full of Happiness" sentiment. 

For my card, I stamped some of the more subtle images from the Coffee Helps set in the background like the coffee beans and the cup stain, added in a sentiment from the Coffee Helps stamp set and embellished it with a handmade embellishment using a stand-alone die-set called Coffee First.

I absolutely ADORE the stand-alone die-set because the possibilities are endless!  For my handmade embellishment, I die-cut the cup and the domed lid out of Color Splash Sheet which is a watercolor paper and then colored the bottom with our Journey Color Splash pencils. Once it was dry I flicked Black Licorice silk on top to resemble mocha chips. I was going for a mocha chip frappaccino look here. For the domed top, I took the Color Splash sheet and smeared it with Journey Modeling Paste to resemble the whip cream, sprinkled with Journey Sparkle Cuts and then die-cut another domed lid from Clearview Sheet and just stuck it on top. The Clearview Sheet dried onto the Journey Modeling Paste so not adhesive was necessary. It was finished off with straw from the Coffee First die set and a heart punched using the Punch Handle and Love Is Cartridge.

Just for fun, I wanted to make up a cute little gift-card holder to share how easy it is to throw together a little giftie for your coffee-loving friends with the the Coffee Helps Stamp & Die bundle.

The other die featured here is the Window Pocket Die. I consider this a MUST HAVE. It is my go-to when I need a quick gift for any occasion as it can be dressed up with any stamp set and virtually every gift card looks darling peeking out from the window. This one is very simply embellished with the beans and coffee stains stamped from the Coffee Helps Stamp Set, and embellished with an image and sentiment from that same set. The coffee cup was die cut using the coordinating die which can be purchased with the stamp as a bundle deal for a discount.

Shop now at Fun Stampers Journey! (Supplies listed and linked below for both projects)

Your next stop along the Blog Hop is to Patricia Roebuck's Blog....HERE.

And, if you are just joining in here on my blog, this is the entire hop list from the beginning:
Fun Stampers Journey 
Tania Willis (you are HERE)
Patricia Roebuck 
Michelle Woerner 
Mariana Grigsby 
Coffee Loving Cardmakers blog 
Amy Tsuruta  
Kerry Urbatch 
Helen Gullett 
Lisa Bzibziak  
Robyn Jordan  
Lori Turner
Becca Cruger
Dana Gong
Dana Warren
Erin Thiem
Katie Brooks
Kathy Schweinfurth
Laurel Seabrook


"Life Happens Coffee Helps" Supplies:
Coffee Helps Stamp Set, Ink Splat ATS, Coffee Helps Die Set, Coffee First Die Set, Journey Ovals Die Set, Punch Handle, Love Is Punch Cartridge, Hazelnut Blend True Color Fusion Ink Pad, Black Licorice True Color Fusion Ink Pad, Journey Color Splash Pencils, Cool Pool Liquid Color, Black Licorice Silk, Turbo Teal Cardstock, Whip Cream Cardstock, Cool Pool Cardstock, Kiwi Slice Cardstock, Color Splash Watercolor Sheets, Clearview Sheets, Journey Modeling Paste, Journey Sparkle Cuts, Party Burst Dots, Sweet Candy Drops, RSVP Prints

"You've Got This" Supplies:
Coffee Helps Stamp Set, Coffee Helps Die Set, Window Pocket Die, Hazelnut Blend True Color Fusion Ink Pad, Black Licorice True Color Fusion Ink Pad, Journey Color Splash Pencils, Oatmeal Cookie Cardstock, Whip Cream Cardstock, Kiwi Slice Cardstock, Cocoa Powder Satin Ribbon, Natural Journey Thread, Celebration Buttons

Create Quick Summer Cards with FSJ

If you didn't already know FSJ is in major celebration mode, as we just launched the brand new 2018-2019 FSJ catalog on July 1st. It's Party Central with livestream videos every day at 3pm EST and new blog posts chock full of inspiring projects--even chances to win some FSJ product for yourself! Check out Fun Stampers Journey's Facebook page, the FSJ blog, and the @fsjourney Instagram to be sure not to miss a single bit of the celebration!

I couldn't resist joining the party and playing with a small assortment of NEW products from the NEW catalog! NEW, NEW, NEW.....do you want to see some of the NEW stuff!?

I've paired together some of the NEW embossing folders with the NEW tag sets to come up with three quick summer card creations, while also tossing in a smattering of other NEW dies, ribbons and printed paper along the way. Are you ready?

The tag sets are so very darling and are sized just perfectly to be used with the Bread Tag Die, however, you can simply fussy cut them with a pair of scissors and use them just the same. Two sets have been released in this new catalog called the Awesome Tag Set and the Sunshine Tag Set.

Awesome Tag Set 

Sunshine Tag Set

Holy cuteness, right!?!  They are perfect for slipping onto a clear bag filled with a gift or treat tied with ribbon, but I personally think they are even better for making the most amazing QUICK summer cards!

To create QUICK summer cards, I followed what I consider a "recipe" for quick card making. 
1. Cut Whip Cream cardstock panel measuring 3 3/4" x 5"
2. Embossed using one of the NEW embossing folders.
3. Apply diluted Liquid Color to embossing using Dauber Dowel.
4. Pop-up tag of choice die-cut with Bread Tag Die (or detail cut with scissors).
5. Accessorize with other die-cuts or accessories.
6. Pop-up on card base.

 
I've been finding the NEW embossing folders simply irresistible. In this catalog we have released NINE NEW embossing folders, SEVEN of which you can order straight from the catalog, and TWO that can be ordered as a BLOOM BENEFIT (you get to pick a FREE Bloom Benefit for every $75 spent in the catalog).

Of the 9 NEW embossing folders, my projects today will be featuring the Fiddle Leaf Embossing Folder, Bright Days Embossing Folder and the Tiny Dot Embossing Folder (Bloom Benefit).

I used Fiddle Leaf on this cute little "just saying Hello" card, followed the recipe above and applied diluted Limeade Splash Liquid Color using a Dauber Dowel and paired it with the Timeless Foliage Steel Rule Die and a NEWLY released die set called Clover Bloom Die Set to create a custom embellishment topper for a cute little accent at the top of the card. That Fiddle Leaf embossed texture is just AMAZING!

For this one, I applied some diluted Lovely Blue Liquid Color using a Dauber Dowel to the NEW Tiny Dot Embossing Folder (Bloom Benefit), paired with with the NEW Sweet Life Stamp Set and Sweet Life Die Set and finished it off with an accent along the bottom using a die-cut from the NEW Border Essentials Die Set with some Lemon Sparkle Tape. 

And lastly, I applied diluted Lemon Drop Liquid Color using a Dauber Dowel to the NEW Bright Days Embossing Folder, paired again with the NEW Border Essentials Die Set, added in a strip of paper from the NEW Good Vibes Prints pack and finished it off with the brand NEW Lemon Drop Satin Ribbon.

Was that enough NEW for one blog post!?  There is plenty more to see......come over and join the party over on FSJ's Facebook Page!

Gift Card Giving Made Easy!

Hello, friends!

With the Christmas holiday right around the corner I thought I would share one of my favorite projects from last year that may help you make your gift card giving extra easy and definitely EXTRA adorable!

For me giving gift cards always feels a little impersonal, but sometimes you have people that are difficult to buy for or who have everything, and you still want them to know they were thought of and they are loved.  So putting a little effort into the packaging makes them feels a bit more fussed over and special. The wrapping job becomes part of their gift!

Does anyone else have a hard time giving gift cards for Christmas?

Gift cards have never been my favorite gift to give, because they feel so impersonal, but how do you  know what to buy teachers or caregivers for example? On the other hand, my kids love to receive a gift card because they love the thrill of being to go to the store and pick out their own thing and pay with their "own" money.

So, to make myself feel less guilt about needing to buy so many gift cards, I spent time making the presentation of them extra special for each person we were gifting them to by tucking some candies inside the Fun Stampers Journey Treat Bags along with the gift card.

For the outside of each of the bags, I simply die-cut an oversized tag using the Tag Set Steel Rule Die in some fun, festive holiday cardstock colors.

I embellished the tags of these last two bags using the Poinsettia Steel Rule Die which is a classic favorite! If you don't have this steel rule die, it is time to add it to your collection. It is one of those you will reach for year after year, for sure.  It is SO easy to make something look fantastically fussed over with this die and a little bit of Gold Silk splattered across it. Some Rainbow Drops plopped right into the center for a little bling.

Another favorite product that I've been reaching for often in my merry making and gift wrapping is the Holiday Elements Steel Rule Die. The elements in this die are darling and perfect for spreading holiday cheer.  I especially love to layer the reindeer head and then embellish it with a red Rainbow Drop to make it look like one of Santa's favorite helpers.  The Corrugated Stock goes nicely as an accent on this tag giving it some texture too.

I should mention that nearly all the tags for these bags are stamped with the 'Merry Christmas' sentiment pulled from the Robin Holiday Stamp Set.

Here is another bag that has a snowflake element from that same Holiday Elements Steel Rule Die Set, but just because it is Christmas doesn't mean you can't pull from other die sets as well.  Here I've just used simple stars that were sprayed with Gold Shimmer Color Splash and embellished with some red dots from the Magical Candy Drops.

Here is another more bold example of exactly what I was talking about by using non-Christmas themed products to decorate your bags.  Here I've used the Peach Blossom Stamp Set for the flower and the Skeleton Leaf Stamp Set for the gold embossed leaves stamped on Gold Brush Cardstock.

I hope these ideas have given you plenty of inspiration for how to creatively wrap up and give away those gift cards this holiday season!

Be sure to click over to shop.funstampersjourney.com to get all the supplies you need or contact your local Fun Stampers Journey Coach.

Happy Crafting and Merry Christmas!

Quick & Easy Christmas Cards with Fun Stampers Journey

Christmas is just 8 days away and I STILL have a handful of cards to get in the mail, but I have depleted my handmade supply! YIKES. 

How many of you are in the same boat!?

Nothing like a little last minute Christmas card making, eh?  I decided to challenge myself to come up with a super quick card that could be easily reproduced, yet be tweaked just enough to make each one feel like it was unique and special.

Lucky for you, I am going to share a few of those card ideas with you in case you too are looking for some last minute, quick & easy Christmas card designs, too! Panic no more, LOL!

As you can see the base of both of these cards is the same and the design element is exactly the same...the only thing that differs is the embellishing element and the color of the accent dots. 

The premise here is to pick out any color for a card base (mine is Limeade Splash and measures 4 1/4" x 11" and folds in half for a top folding card base), and then pick a coordinating/contrasting color for your mat (mine is Candy Apple and measures 4" x 5 1/4"). This mat is the resting place for your Whip Cream Cardstock that measures 3 3/4" x 5". Don't have Limeade Splash or Candy Apple cardstock on hand.....no worries....pick your favorite colors! Don't get hung up on copying every detail exactly. 

Next, you'll just flick the Whip Cream panel with Electric Lime silk and Journey Silver silk. Don't have silk?  No problem.....grab some of your acrylic paint and water it down. One part paint to one part water and flick it across your panel with a small brush. It will take longer to dry than the silk but you can speed up the dry time with your Journey Heat Gun. 

Once dry, stack various strips of Journey Tape, Sparkle Tape and/or Deco Strips across the lower half of the Whip Cream panel. If you don't have the exact tapes I used, just use what you have!  Patterned paper strips will work too!  This is also a GREAT way to use up cardstock scraps, also. If you want to add more interest to your cardstock, put them through an embossing folder or add a gel print to them with your Journey Gel Press. (JM-0107)

Then, stamp your greeting in the upper left using Black Licorice ink. Mine is "Merry Christmas" from the Snowmen Days Stamp Set (SS-0519). If you don't have any holiday-themed sentiments, grab a Journaling Pen and hand write your sentiment on the front....or leave the sentiment for the inside!

Next, you just need to pick an embellishment of some sort to fill in the space at the top right of your Journey Tape strips.  For these two cards here I've used a stamped Santa image from the Holiday Clips Stamp Set (SS-0517) using Black Licorice ink and then colored him using Journey Color Burst Pure Color Pencils (JM-0077) and on the other card, a poinsettia embellishment from the Poinsettia Burst pack (AC-0308) with some Gold Tinsel.

Lastly, both cards were embellished with some Candy Minis, Berries & Holly and Fashion Silver or Fashion Gold. They were placed on the Whip Cream panel in clusters and in a manner so they formed a visual triangle.

Super quick. Super easy! Perfect for your Christmas Cards.....or any occasion, really. Just switch out the sentiment and the type of stamped embellishment for the occasion and viola!

Visit www.funstampersjourney.com for all your supply needs and to find a Journey Coach near you!

Supplies:

Holiday Clips Stamp Set SS-0517
Snowmen Days Stamp Set SS-0519
Black Licorice True Color Fusion Ink Pad IP-0041
Whip Cream Cardstock CS-0040
Limeade Splash Cardstock CS-0020
Candy Apple Cardstock CS-0007
Journey Color Burst Pure Color Pencils JM-0077
Silver Silk IP-0090
Electric Lime Silk IP-0108
Deco Strips Black AC-0285
Lemon Sparkle Tape AC-0256
Silver Sparkle Tape AC-0259
Gold Tinsel AC-0340
Poinsettia Burst AC-0308
Candy Minis AC-0135
Berries & Holly AC-0296
Fashion Gold AC-0292
Fashion Silver AC-0293
Details Pro Shears TO-0063

FSJ Concept Designers Gel Press Print Swap

The FSJ Concept Designers have been having a little fun together (well, a LOT of fun) and today we want to show you what we've been working on! We had ourselves a little Gel Press Print Swap. The six of us (myself, Shannon Smith, Laura Williams, Michelle Woerner, Mariana Grisby, and Patricia Roebuck) divided up into pairs.

Three of the designers (Shannon, Mariana and Patricia) created an 8.5x11" print on the Journey Gel Press. Then they cut their print in half and sent half to their partner. The printmaker AND their partner created a card using the same Gel Press Print, and today we're going to share the different projects we have created from those same prints!

It was a SUPER fun swap and none of us have seen the other prints that were made or the projects that were derived from them so I can't wait to see the other prints along with each of you, and how each designer used their print on a project!

My partner for the swap is Shannon. Shannon created a fantastically layered wintry print using a few different stencils, to achieve her final look. It is stunning in real life, as she finished off the look with that Sparkle Silk that we've all come to love. The main stencil she used is pretty obvious as it pops right out at with with the contrasting paint color, but the other stencil is a bit more subtle. Can you see it? It is absolutely gorgeous! We'll both have to click over to her description to find out the exact technique she used, but the two stencils are the Winter Wonderland and Polka Dot Wall.

She mailed half of the print to me, which I cut in half and was able to make TWO cards with. So, this is what I created with it!

For my first card, I simply trimmed the print down to 3 3/4" x 5 1/2" and affixed it to a 4" x 5 1/2" Whip Cream panel. The I pop-up that up onto a 4 1/4" x 11" piece of Turbo Teal cardstock folded in half to form a top folding card base. I die-cut a large circle from the Journey Circles Die Set (DI-0039) from Journey Brush Silver Cardstock and heat embossed snowflakes on it with Clear Pigment ink and White Embossing Powder using the Journey Heat Gun and the snowflake from the Snowmen Days Stamp Set (SS-0519). Then I trimmed a 1/4" sliver off the circle and popped it up on the card front approximately 3/4" from the bottom right edge. The, pop-up a die-cut Snowflake cut from Whip Cream cardstock cut from the Holiday Elements Steel Rule Die (DI-0008) in the center of the die-cut circle and embellished it with Summer Play Sparkles and Fashion Silver. Lastly, stamp the sentiment also from Snowmen Days Stamp Set with Clear Pigment Ink and heat emboss with Journey Silver Embossing Powder  on Whip Cream cardstock. Trim into a banner and pop-up on card front in upper left corner. Slip on a Paper Clip Element and embellish top with Fashion Silver.

Supplies:
Snowmen Days Stamp Set SS-0519
Journey Circles Die Set DI-0039
Holiday Elements Steel Rule Die SR-0008
Winter Wonderland Stencil
Polka Dot Wall Stencil
Sparkle Silk
Journey Gel Press
Brayer
Clear Pigment Ink
Journey Silver Embossing Powder
Whip Cream Embossing Powder
Fashion Silver
Paper Clip Element
Summer Play Sparkles
Journey Brush Silver Cardstock
Whip Cream Cardstock
Turbo Teal Cardstock
Details Pro Shears

For my second print, I also created a card. For this one, I trimmed the print down to 4" x 5 1/2". Then I die-cut the single tree panel from the Winter Hills Die Set (DI-0249) from both Limeade Splash and Whip Cream cardstocks. On the Whip Cream die-cut piece, I cut off the tree so I only had the bottom "snow" portion and then placed that Whip Cream "snow" into the Corrugated Board Embossing Folder and embossed it using The Amaze die-cutting machine. I then used Journey Modeling Paste to apply a snow texture to the tips of the die-cut tree and to some of the embossed areas of the Whip Cream cardstock. After adding the Journey Modeling Paste, I sprinkled on Journey Sparkle Cuts and Journey Sparkle Dust while the Journey Modeling Paste was still wet. I then used my Journey Heat Gun to accelerate the dry time, however, you can certainly allow it to air dry for 15 minutes if you do not have a heat gun. While drying, you can stamp your two snowmen from the Snowmen Days Stamp Set (same set used on the previous card). Color them with the Journey Color Splash Watercolor Pencils (I will list the colors at the end) and detail cut around the outside of each image. Then I trimmed 1/4" off the left side of both the Whip Cream panel and the Limeade Splash panel so they matched the width of my Gel Press Print. Then I popped-up my Whip Cream print onto my Limeade Splash die-cut. Affix the bottom portion of the Limeade Splash die-cut to the Gel Press Print and pop-up the tree only. Pop-up both stamped snowmen images. Add Sweet Candy Drops and Candy Minis to decorate Christmas Tree. Stamp "Merry Christmas" sentiment on Whip Cream cardstock using Black Licorice ink, cut end at a 45 degree angle and add Journey Brush Silver Staple using Journey Days Stapler. Pop-up sentiment in upper left-hand corner.

Journey Color Splash Watercolor Pencil Colors:
Large Snowman Scarf & Hat Colors: #003
Stick Arms: #0038
Carrot Nose #0011
Baby Mittens: #006+007
Baby Scarf: #006+#007, #015
Shading: #0025

Supplies:
Snowmen Days Stamp Set SS-0519
Winter Hills Die Set DI-0249
Corrugated Board Embossing Folder
Journey Color Splash Watercolor Pencils
Journey Gel Press
Winter Wonderland Stencil
Polka Dot Wall Stencil
Brayer
Sweet Candy Drops
Candy Minis
Journey Brush Silver Staples
Journey Days Stapler
Limeade Splash Cardstock
Whip Cream Cardstock
Turbo Teal Cardstock
Sparkle Silk
Black Licorice True Color Fusion Ink
Journey Sparkle Dust
Journey Sparkle Cuts
Journey Modeling Paste
Spatula

So now, if you haven't been over there yet, go see my girl Shannon! She created something with the other half of this print, and I can't wait for you to see it!

Then, hop around to the rest of the teams, and see the prints they created, plus how they each used those prints!

Mariana and Michelle
Shannon and Tania (that is ME!)
Patricia and Laura

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Enjoy the rest of the swap stops, and don't forget to pin everyone's projects for inspiration later on!

All products can be purchased at shop.funstampersjourney.com!

World Cardmaking Day: Be Brave Challenge #3

Happy World Cardmaking Day, my wonderfully creative friends!

I'm back to share my card for CHALLENGE #3 from the challenges that my friends and I doing to celebrate World Cardmaking Day today.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about you can visit my first post from today here, and also read more about it on the Fun Stampers Journey Blog.

Remenber.....ANYONE can participate, and you do NOT have to use Fun Stampers Journey products to participate!

As I mentioned before, you are encouraged to write on the inside of your cards!

Here is what I will be writing inside mine. I've changed it a bit for this challenge. (you are welcome to write the same, just sign YOUR name and location):

Throughout this journey you are on, you’ll notice that some days you’ll be living minute by minute, and some days you’ll be able to tackle hour by hour, while others you’ll be able to conquer the entire day with the bravest of braves. We all have our battles to face, and I’m so very sorry that you have the difficult task of caring for a loved one with the diagnosis of cancer, but know this….strength doesn’t reside in having never been broken----because we are all broken---but, instead, it lies in the COURAGE required to grow STRONG in the broken parts. I have complete faith that you will grow STRONG from this unexpected journey your life has taken.
Be BRAVE, beautiful soul. Be STRONG. Have COURAGE. 

 Prayers going up for you from Columbus, Ohio!

XO,Tania Willis4Soooooo, onto the second challenge!

CHALLENGE #3 Create a Be Brave card using RIBBON in a UNIQUE way.

So for my card I got a even more into the mixed media and used my Gel Press, bringing in some fun elements with acrylic paints, adding even more layers and dimension with cardstock and printed paper, and then finished it off with a unique twist using some knotted ribbon as a border as a design element across the card front.

To re-create this card:
1. Fold a 4 1/4" x 11" piece of Turbo Teal Whip Cream Cardstock in half to form a side folding card base.

2. Add small drops of Bubble Gum, Sweet Berry and Candy Apple acrylic paint to your Gel Press and spread them out with your Brayer. Lay your Falling Petals stencil over your paint and then press a piece of 4" x 5 1/2" Whip Cream panel over the stencil and lift off a print. Heat set or allow to dry.

3. Flick Whip Cream panel with Silver Silk and Sparkle Silk.

4. Emboss a 2" x 4" piece of Turbo Teal cardstock with the Corrugated Board Embossing Folder. Pop up on Whip Cream panel.

5. Trim 1/4" x 5" strip of Project Me Printed Paper and affix to Turbo Teal embossed cardstock.

6. Cut 8" piece of Sweet Berry Gingham Ribbon and tie a knot in the ribbon 1" from one end of the ribbon. Continue adding a knot every 1/2" until you have 4 knots. Trim end leaving a 1" tail. Affix to embossed Turbo Teal cardstock just above Printed Paper.

7. Stamp heart from Hello Love Stamp Set on Whip Cream cardstock piece using Candy Apple ink - detail cut around image. Insert Brad Burst brad in center of stamped heart. Pop up on Turbo Teal embossed piece.

8. Stamp "Have Courage" sentiment on Whip Cream cardstock using Black Licorice ink - die-cut or detail cut around image. Pop up on card front.

9. Affix Fashion Silver to complete Card.

Thank you so much for hanging with me today!  If you want to shop for any of these supplies visit the Shop at Fun Stampers Journey!


Supplies:
Hello Love Stamp Set SS-
Take Action Stamp Set SS-0449
Take Action Die Set DI-0310
Corrugate Board Embossing Folder EF-0017
Black Licorice True Color Fusion Ink Pad IP-0041
Candy Apple True Color Fusion Ink Pad IP-0017
Candy Apple Acrylic Paint JM-0100
Sweet Berry Acrylic Paint JM-0025
Bubble Gum Acrylic Paint JM-0104
Silver Silk IP-0090
Sparkle Silk IP-0126
Turbo Teal Cardstock CS-0127
Whip Cream Cardstock CS-0040
Brad Burst AC-0200
Falling Petals Stencil JM-0001
Fashion Silver AC-0293
Sweet Berry Gingham Ribbon AC-0093

World Cardmaking Day: Be Brave Challenge #2

Happy World Cardmaking Day, my wonderfully creative friends!

I'm back to share my card for CHALLENGE #2 from the challenges that my friends and I doing to celebrate World Cardmaking Day today.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about you can visit my first post from today here, and also read more about it on the Fun Stampers Journey Blog.

Remenber.....ANYONE can participate, and you do NOT have to use Fun Stampers Journey products to participate!

As I mentioned before, you are encouraged to write on the inside of your cards!

Here is what I will be writing inside mine. I've changed it a bit for this challenge. (you are welcome to write the same, just sign YOUR name and location):

Throughout this journey you are on, you’ll notice that some days you’ll be living minute by minute, and some days you’ll be able to tackle hour by hour, while others you’ll be able to conquer the entire day with the bravest of braves. We all have our battles to face, and I’m so very sorry that you have the difficult task of caring for a loved one with the diagnosis of cancer, but know this….strength doesn’t reside in having never been broken----because we are all broken---but, instead, it lies in the COURAGE required to grow STRONG in the broken parts. I have complete faith that you will grow STRONG from this unexpected journey your life has taken.
Be BRAVE, beautiful soul. Be STRONG. Have COURAGE. And continue to Make A Difference!

 Prayers going up for you from Columbus, Ohio!

XO,Tania Willis

Soooooo, onto the second challenge!

CHALLENGE #2 Create a Be Brave card for a CAREGIVER.

So for my card I got a little mixed media-ish and brought in some fun with acrylic paints, TONS of layers with die-cuts and embellishments, a fun little window and married together two different stamp sets for my final sentiment.

To re-create this card:
1. Fold a 4 1/4" x 11" piece of Whip Cream Cardstock in half to form top folding card base.

2. Die-cut a double layer of ferns from Lemongrass Cardstock using Timeless Foilage Steel Rule Die Set.

3. Cut 3" x 3" piece of Whip Cream Cardstock - paint vertical stripes of Bubble Gum, Sweet Berry, River Stone, Sweet Berry and Bubble Gum Acrylic Paints in that order from left to right. Before it dries completely, to create texture, press one of the die-cut ferns into the wet paint and remove. Finish the design by dipping a brand new pencil eraser into Bubble Gum paint and adding dots down the edge of the Bubble Gum Stripe. Heat set.

4. Layer painted panel behind Bubble Gum die-cut window with foam squares, and pop up Bubble Gum panel on Whip Cream card base.

5. Flick Silver Silk on card front.

6. Affix remaining die-cut fern to left side of card front.

7. Die-cut 2 of the large solid flowers from Blooming Details Die Set, layer on top of one another using a foam square in between. Pop up at base of fern.

8. Affix Spring Kisses flowers on top of large die-cut flower and scattered around die-cut window.

9. Affix Candy Minis to Spring Kisses and card front.

10. Stamp "Be You" sentiment from Take Action Stamp Set on Whip Cream Cardstock using Black Licorice ink and die-cut. Use Details Pro Shears to remove the "Be".  Pop up on card base.

11. Stamp "Make a Difference" on Whip Cream Cardstock using Black Licorice ink.

See ya back here at 6pm PST with CHALLENGE #3.....Happy Crafting!


Supplies:
Take Action Stamp Set SS-0449
Take Action Die Set SS-0310
Blooming Details Die Set DI-0327
Timeless Foilage SR-0036
Black Licorice True Color Fusion Ink Pad IP-0041
Rock Candy True Color Fusion Ink Pad IP-0028
Bubble Gum Acrylic Paint JM-0104
Sweet Berry Acrylic Paint JM-0025
River Stone Acrylic Paint JM-0024
Whip Cream Cardstock CS-0003
Bubble Gum Cardstock CS-0099
Limeade Splash Cardstock CS-0020
Spring Kisses AC-0303
Candy Minis AC-0135
Silver Silk IP-0090

World Cardmaking Day: Be Brave Challenge #1

Happy World Cardmaking Day, my wonderfully creative friends!

Today, my friends and I from Fun Stampers Journey are celebrating the day with three simple cardmaking challenges that we have also challenged ourselves to. The challenges will be released periodically throughout the day at 8am PST, 1pm PST and 6pm PST on the Fun Stampers Journey Blog.   We will each be sharing our projects with you on our personal blogs, as well as our Facebook pages, to inspire you to make your own card(s) today.

Fun Stampers Journey is currently in the process of collecting cards for their Be Brave Card Drive, so all three of the challenges will be geared toward challenging you to make a card themed for this particular card drive. Last year, the card drive collected 475 cards last year, and this year they hope to top that with 500+ cards to send to a Breast Cancer non-profit organization to give encouraging messages to patients and caregivers in need.

What is this card drive?  FAQs are here, but the basics are this:

If you are participating, please send in your 4 1/4" x 5 1/2' card to the Journey Station by Friday, October 27, 2017.

Mail to:
Fun Stampers Journey
Attn: Be Brave
1125 W. Pinnacle Peak Road
Building 4, Suite 141
Phoenix, AZ 85027

The coolest part is this.....ANYONE can participate, and you do NOT have to use Fun Stampers Journey products to participate!

You are encouraged to write on the inside of your cards!

Here is what I will be writing inside mine:

Throughout this journey you are on, you’ll notice that some days you’ll be living minute by minute, and some days you’ll be able to tackle hour by hour, while others you’ll be able to conquer the entire day with the bravest of braves. We all have our battles to face, and I’m so very sorry that a diagnosis of cancer is yours, but know this….strength doesn’t reside in having never been broken----because we are all broken---but, instead, it lies in the COURAGE required to grow STRONG in the broken parts. I have complete faith that you will grow STRONG from this unexpected journey your life has taken.
Be BRAVE, beautiful soul.Be STRONG.Have COURAGE.
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is that quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."
Prayers going up for you from Columbus, Ohio!
XO,Tania Willis

Soooooo, onto the first challenge!

CHALLENGE #1 Create a card Be Brave card using NO Pink.

So for my card I stuck with simple layers, yet full of texture.

To re-create this card:
1. Cut a 4" x 5 1/2" Whip Cream panel and emboss using the I Heart embossing folder - affix to 4 1/4" x 11" Pineapple Smoothie piece of cardstock folded in half to fold a top folding card base.

2. Die-cut a Pineapple Smoothie Journey Circle and affix to center of card front.

3. Flick card front with Silver Silk and Sparkle Silk.

4. Die-cut small tag from Pool Play cardstock using Tag Set Steel Rule Die - slip a double strand of Journey Twine through hole and slip ends through a slip knot. Pop up on center of die-cut circle.

5. Affix a double-wide strip of striped deco strip stickers to Whip Cream cardstock - trim to  3" in length - pop up a bottom of tag.

6. Stamp heart from Hello Love Stamp Set (SS-0485) on Whip Cream cardstock using Cranberry Bliss ink - detail cut around image. Pop up on tag.

7. Stamp "Have Courage" sentiment from Take Action Stamp Set (SS-0449) using Black Licorice ink - detail cut around image or die-cut using Take Action Die Set (DI-0310). Pop up on top of stamped heart.

8. Affix Candy Minis.

See ya back here at 1pm PST with CHALLENGE #2.....Happy Crafting!


Supplies:
Hello Love Stamp Set / SS-0485
Take Action Stamp Set / SS-0449
Take Action Die Set / DI-0310
Tag Set Steel Rule Die / SR-0014
I Heart Embossing Folder / EF-0014
Black Licorice True Color Fusion Ink / IP-0041
Cranberry Bliss True Color Fusion Ink / IP-0049
Whip Cream Cardstock / CS-0040
Pineapple Smoothie Cardstock / CS-0026
Pool Play Cardstock / CS-0092
Silver Silk / IP-0090
Sparkle Silk / IP-0126
Journey Twine Natural / AC-0005
Candy Minis AC-0135
Deco Strips Black AC-0285

Mixed Media Happy Birthday Card using Gel Press Plate from Fun Stampers Journey

Hello friends!

This month Fun Stampers Journey is having a super fun promotion on all of their mixed media products which includes one of their newest additions to their product offerings, the custom-sized, 8 1/2" x 11" Journey Gel Press!

I looooooooooove this thing!  It is such a fun tool to have in your crafting toolbox especially if you want to play with mixed media products.  It works so well with so many of the other products that Fun Stampers Journey has to offer, such as the PanPastels, Stencils, Acrylic Paints, Liquid Colors, Splashes, and Silks.

And what is even more awesome is that these products are SO easy to use!  Recently I was having some health challenges when all this fun stuff arrived at my doorstep and I needed to be doing a lot of bed rest and just lay low, but my 12-year old daughter was just dying to see how this Gel Press thing worked. So she asked if she could cover our large square ottoman with a tablecloth, and pull out the Gel Press and paint supplies and make some prints.  Of course! Let's do it, girlfriend!

With just a brief explanation of how to pull a print, she was well on her way to creating some beautiful pieces to use on some future cards! Just look.....

After watching her create so many beautiful pieces, she had me so inspired, I had to jump in and get my hands messy as well. So, I used the newly released Beach Ball and Bubble Gum Acrylic Paint with some Sparkle Silk splattered on, along with the Stained Glass stencil to pull a print off the Gel Press to create the base for this card. I misted on some water with the paint to get that dreamy watery watercolor effect so the stencil wasn't so defined. 

Once it was dry I built up the layers with a die cut Journey Circle, a die cut tag stamped with a "Happy Birthday" sentiment from the Party Animals Stamp Set and then affixed down with a strip of the new Denim Prints Journey Tape. 

I further embellished the card with three stars cut from the Star Struck trim featured in the new Journey Holidays catalog and some Fashion Silver embellishments. And lastly, flicked on a healthy dose of Silver Silk. 

There is a wonderful promotion of all these media items on sale from now until September 30, available for purchase through a Journey Coach at www.funstampersjourney.com. For a look at the products on sale visit the shop here: Media Mix Sale

For a look at more fun projects look for the #fsjmediamix tag on social media throughout the month! 

Supplies:
Journey Gel Press / JM-0107
Brayer / TO-0087
Party Animals Stamp Set / SS-0463
Journey Circles Die Set / DI-0039
Tag Set Steel Rule Die / SR-0014
Fashion Silver / AC-0293
Star Struck / AC-0305
Journey Thread Natural
Beach Ball Acrylic Paint
Bubble Gum Acrylic Paint
Stained Glass Stencil
Sparkle Silk
Silver Silk
Whip Cream Cardstock
Denim Days Cardstock

Bloom This Way NEW 2017 Spring Mini Catalog (Fun Stampers Journey)

Hello Friends!  Have you seen the new Bloom This Way Spring Mini Catalog that released from Fun Stampers Journey on January 1st?

If not, you're totally missing out on some AMAZING new products!  There are some SUUUUPAH CUTE things in there. I mean......CUTE!

Kinda crazy to think that we just cleared the shelves of all the Christmas goodies, and we're already seeing the stores filling up the shelves with Valentine's candies, am I right? But I have to admit, it has me very inspired to dig into the new stamps and goodies from this catalog and create.create.create!

I've created a few love-themed cards to share with you today using the products from this catalog.

One the first card to the left, I used the new Heart Strip Die Set DI-0267, to create the ombre row of hearts. I did so by running the die through my Amaze Machine three times using Bubble Gum Cardstock, Watermelon Fusion Cardstock and Candy Apple Cardstock. Then I used only one of those die cut pieces as a template and taped it to my card front using some washi tape while I used adhesive-dots to add the small hearts back into their spaces that they were originally die-cut from.

There were PLENTY of them leftover, so I just tucked them into a container that I am collecting the small hearts in to use as confetti to tuck into the envelopes of the cards when I put them in the mail.

The stamp set used on this card is called Campfire Friends SS-0410.

For the second card to the right, I used negative space of the regular Heart-Felt Die Set from the Main Catalog as a template and then used my Panpastels to fill in the space.  So I die-cut the heart from a piece of Whip Cream Cardstock, then set the actual heart shape aside for use on another project and used the leftover piece with the heart-shaped hole in it as the template.  I laid that on my card front and used a sponge to smear Panpastel onto my card front.  Instead of blowing all the Panpastel dust away, I then used my fingertip to smear the dust around the outside edge of the heart to create a glowing effect on the heart.

TIP: Remember if you get any Panpastel on your card front where you don't want it to be, simply use an eraser to erase it away!  SUPER SIMPLE!

After using the Panpastel, I used the 'Besties' sentiment from the Stupid Cupid Stamp Set SS-0407 to stamp with Clear Pigment Ink and embossed it with White Embossing Powder.

Both cards were further embellished using patterned paper from the Sweet Spring 6x6 Paper Pad PP-0039, twine, silver brushed cardstock, glitter tape, special celebration sequins, and a healthy splattering of silver silk!

If you have any questions on how I've done anything else, please do let me know, I'm happy to help you!

Supplies:
Campfire Friends Stamp Set SS-0410
Stupid Cupid Stamp Set SS-0407
Campfire Friends Die Set DI-0287
Black Licorice True Color Fusion Ink Pad IP-0041
Clear Pigment Ink IP-0102
White Embossing Powder IP-0098
Whip Cream Sparkle Tape AC-0258
Licorice Sparkle Tape AC-0257
Celebration Buttons AC-0226
Candy Apple Twine AC-0266
Journey Brush Silver Cardstock
Pool Play Cardstock
River Stone Cardstock
Bubble Gum Cardstock
Watermelon Fusion Cardstock
Candy Apple Cardstock
Whip Cream Cardstock