Tuesday, February 7, 2017

February Bloom Box

I have to admit, I think this one may be my favorite so far!  The butterfly stamp is absolutely gorgeous and I just love how big it is!! Look at the image of the four cards you can make with this months kit.

The Bloom box is a monthly subscription.  For only $24.95 (plus tax and shipping) you get a stamp set, the kits to make four cards, and a booklet to walk you through making each card filled with techniques and tips from Richard Garay himself.

It is truly an amazing deal.  If you are interested in signing up you can contact me, or click on the link below to do it yourself. 
Happy crafting!!!
Journey coach #14

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Mixed Media


I made my first ever card using some mixed media techniques.  I started the project by using Fun Stampers Journey modeling paste and the Artful Wall stencil on Lavender Fusion cardstock.  Even at this stage I think the pattern was stunning. 

Next I stamped this background with clear pigment ink and used pan pastels to color and make the stamped image show up.  Here is a close up of the colored image. 


Next, I embossed my main image on a sheet of whip cream cardstock that I previously covered with pan pastels so that the color showed through.  I used the stamp set Birthday Bash which is a great one for embossing, at least I think.  


Then it was layering, and adding embellishments.  I was pretty happy with the way it all turned out!


What do you think?  So many fun techniques, feel free to contact me if you are interested in learning more about any of them.  Or check out some of these great product at my FSJ store by following this link: http://www.funstampersjourney.com/andreamills


Friday, January 6, 2017

2017 Calendar

I got together with some friends to prepare for 2017.  We worked hard and got most of the 12 pages completed.  These are the first 4 months for my new 2017 calendar.  

January used the gold splash, silks, and the Countdown stamp set.

February used pan pastels for the background, the heart die, Bot love stamp set (with coordinating die set) journey twine, the adorable tiny staples.

March was completely made with the Pot O' Gold stamp set (Again the coordinating die makes life so much easier.) The clovers were colored with pan pastels and the other elements with the colored pencils.

April might just be my favorite. I used the Easter Wishes stamp set, the cloud piercing elements, and the grass die from the Border Details set. Again I colored the background with pan pastels and colored pencils dorm the bunnies. 

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Convention!!

I started this post way back in June when I first got back.  However, time seems to have gotten away from me and I must have forgotten to push publish.  Better late than never I suppose.

What a blast. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Fun Stampers Journey 2016 Convention. It was 4 days of learning new techniques, playing with new product, great food, and meeting amazing people. I feel so spoiled! Here are some fun pictures of all the excitement.


Can you see how PACKED the agenda was?  We were go go go, with training, demos, good times, and eating.  Did I mention meals were included in the registration fee?  Man, did we eat well!!!



First stop was a tour of the Journey Station.  I even got a chance to sit at my friend Rose's desk.  It felt pretty good, I must admit.  I think I could really enjoy turning my craft hobby into a job, especially in a work environment like that.


The actual event started out in true Journey Celebration style.  There was confetti, music, lights, dancing, and of course a lot of FUN!!!


The second day was team spirit day, our team wore matching shirts to celebrate.


This was one of the make and take cards from convention.  I liked it so much that I made it at my first party when I got home.  I love the sentiment and the old timey light-bulbs.


Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed my short recap of convention, and even better maybe you could join me next year.  Convention 2017 is sure to be spectacular!!

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Retiring Projects

It's that time of year again, when we have to say goodbye to stamp sets.  As the new catalog gets ready to go live on July 1st some items from the old catalog had to go.  Many of the stamp sets that I have bought and love are on that retiring list.  My only consolation is that there are amazing new products to take their places. This post is to showcase some of the cards I designed for my last class to highlight some of my favorite sets that are retiring.  

First, I made this adorable shaker card with the Animal Nursery set.  Fun Stampers Journey has so many options for fun sparkle to add to your shaker cards, I used the Pink World Journey Sequins.  The stamp set is full of fabulous little animals which you could easily mix and match to make a set of cards.

Next I had to use the fabulous set, Enjoy Coffee.  My students know I love my daily dose of caffeine in the mornings, so this stamp set has always been dear to my heart.  I used a pop up tag to help create this quick and easy card accenting some of my favorite images from the set.


Finally I chose to use this set, Lantern Treats, because I have not used it enough.  I love all the elements in the set, from the bloom branch, to the lanterns, to the greetings.  I used paper pieces to create a fun background.  Again, I tried to keep it simple while showcasing all the set has to offer.  
  

All three of these sets are available on the retiring items list for 40% off through the end of the month.  Get yours while they last by clicking on the links above!  Happy crafting!

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Embossed Cards #2



Here are some more of the cards I made from the embossed card base set.  This first one I just colored the embossed dots and added this cute balloon from the ATS "Lift Up"  It lifts my spirits just looking back at it.  Now the hard part sending it off.....

For a totally different feel, but starting from the same base I created this carefree thank you card.  Again, my goal was to use an ATS since there was already so much going on with the background.  First, I chose some paper to fill the center frame.  Next, I colored the dots to match the paper and create a totally coordinated card, at least I think so. The Cat's Meow stamp was the perr-fect accent to say thank you.


I am not super thrilled with this last one, but I included it anyway because I tried a different technique.  Instead of coloring the embossed background, I rubbed my ink pad over it.  It feels a bit busy for me, but maybe I just needed a more bold greeting to stand out more.  In any case it is elegant and sure to come in handy.


Stay crafty,and remember, have fun with it!

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Embossed Cards

I found these old embossed cards in my craft room, and decided today was the day I was going to put them to use.  I found it was a lot harder to design a card with the background already embossed. Luckily FSJ has amazing stamps and fun dies that made this process an adventure.  The first ones were baby themed and I just love this set, "Animal Nursery"!  It reminds me of animal cookies on parade.  The 'Treat Label' dies make an excellent and quick backdrop for the stamped images.  I even pulled out another oldie, rivets!!!
Next, I used another darling set called "Moon and Back."  I just love the fact that we have a coordinating cloud die that also has the piercing elements. Again these coordinating elements made for a quick and easy card.  I just love this little lamb, especially with a bit of journey glaze and a sprinkle of sparkle dust!
Of course, after I made this first card, I thought it appropriate to make a more "baby girl" version.  A quick change of colors and I had my second card.