Thanksgiving nameplates

My friend has an annual tradition of inviting friends over for a big dinner that she calls "Frindsgiving." I told her this year I wanted to help make the night special by creating name plates for the dinner table, and she said, "Thanks." Here is what I came up with and how I made them. Of course all product are from the Fun Stampers Journey catalog that can be found online at: http://www.funstampersjourney.com/ 

I started by cutting my base in Hazelnut card stock at 5 1/2 by 4 1/4 and scoring it 1 1/2 inches on each side.

 

Next I cut on the score lines down again to 1 1/2 inches and then across diagonally to 1 3/4.

The next step was to insert my background sheet of butter cream paper cut to create a slight boarder and folding over the flaps.  I then wrapped journey twine around this whole piece twice and tied a bow.

Then it was time to decorate! 

I used many of the elements from the "Thanksgiving Medley" stamp set and even got to use the coordinating die set to cut the label and some leaves for accent pieces.  Based on the helpful suggestions by Rose Curtis I decided to add some splashes of both gold and bronze silks. For the names I decided to stamp the first letter of each name with the capital letter from the "Calkalphabet" set and then write in the rest of the name.  The final touches included some journey glaze, of course, in two parts, so I could add sparkle to the greeting but leave the corn and acorn without sparkle dust.

I made 25 of these and was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the end but I think they came out pretty nice.  My true joy came at the dinner party when the host and many guests exclaimed with delight as they found their spot at the table.

Fun mail

Just got this fun package in the mail today! I ordered some much needed supplies for the holiday season.  I am creating name plates for a friend's thanksgiving party this Saturday,  hopefully pictures to come soon. My favorite part of this delivery is the free package of holiday paper I recieved with my order! Contact me to find out how you too can get some free paper.

Halloween Treats

I have been feeling a little busy with back to school and must admit that my stamping has taken the backseat.  However, this past weekend I decided to stop making excuses and get to crafting.  I thought I would work on some tags for my students as a Halloween gift.  Every year I give my students pencils for the major holidays and this year I am going to try to add my own crafty embellishments.  For this I started with a cute stamp die from the Celebrations line by Richard Garay, this works perfectly as I plan to stick the pencils through the slot that was created.  Next I stamped the legs from one of my favorite Halloween sets from Fun Stampers Journey called "Which Witch"....

 

After stamping each of the tags, I made 36 by the way, I colored the stripes in with markers using classic Halloween colors of green and purple.  The finishing touch was the Happy Halloween sentiment from the same "Which Witch" stamp set.  Pretty simple, although the coloring took longer than I expected. 

 

The last step will be to take them to school and stuff the pencils.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the holiday season! 

Inspiration from Grand Event

As I continue to reflect on the many wonderful things I saw at the grand event I am feeling led to share about another amazing extra giveaway.  In addition to the stamp sets and dies that were part of our entrance kit there were a variety of additional giveaways throughout the weekend. One such giveaway was an amazingly versatile bow die.  The following is a link to the product on the FSJ website. 

Create a Bow Die

At first look, this seems to be an average die, but then there Richard and Gabby did a demo to show just how many different ways you can use it.  Obviously you can use it as a typical bow, to add embellishment to any project or even a gift. However you can also cut multiples copies of the die and combine them to create the following stunning center piece to a gift.

 

 

Did you notice the lovely paper the gift was wrapped in?  This is new patterned paper that is available through the new Holiday Mini Catalog and it coordinates so well with a new stamp set called Ornament Party.  So Cute!!!!

 

Next they created these amazing ornaments again just using the same die and cutting two pieces.  You cross the bow part in the center and attach, then punch a small hole to thread the hanger.  You could easily create a whole new look for your tree this year using some of your favorite holiday paper!

I love that there is so much more that you can do with this one product and it is just another case of the amazing inspiration that I felt from the Grand Event.

So glad I went!  Thanks again Richard Garay, and all of the Fun Stampers Journey Crew!!!

A truly Grand Event

Fun Stampers Journey just held their Grand Event in Pamona.  It was an amazing three day event full of demos, make and takes, classes, and inspiration.  Here is a picture of the set, this was the sight we were greeted with when we walked through the doors. 

 

 

Such attention to detail, as if you were entering into a room of vision, and what amazing new sights I saw!!!

There were so many wonderful things that happened, but two of the stand out moments for me were getting to be a part of something larger than myself. 

The first instance took place as a result of an ongoing partnership Fun Stampers Journey has with an organization called Charity Wings.  The mission of Charity Wings Art & Craft Center is "to be an inspiring place for people of all ages to Gather, Give Back and Create; as well as to partner with other charities to give free classes to those who can benefit from the Hope, Happiness, and Healing that art can provide!"  Since it's beginning, FSJ has partnered with Charity Wings through the sale of special stamp sets.  For each stamp sold, money from to profits is donated to Charity Wings.  During the Grand Event Richard Garay was able to present a check for $500 to the founder of the organization on the main stage. 



 

 

The second moving moment of the weekend came in response to a heartwarming story about one of the newest stamp sets released in the Holiday Mini Catalogue.  The set below was designed out of a response to Richard Garay losing a dear cousin to breast cancer earlier in the year.  He shared his story about dealing with this sudden loss and his desire to remember.  Again, this stamp set is not only truly versatile, but it helps one give back.  Two dollars from every stamp set sold is donated to a local California charity that supports the families of those who have lost a mother to breast cancer.

 

But the inspiration didn't stop there.....Richard gave each person in attendance one of these amazing sets for free and made the donation to the charity himself.  As a response to this generosity, we who were blessed, felt led to give back.  Someone started things off by putting a bag onstage with the sign, "Lets double Richard's donation."  It just blows my mind what an amazing organization I get to be a part of.  I was truly blessed this weekend, to be a part of things larger than myself, in addition to the amazing creativity and inspiration that I expected to witness. 

Downline meeting

I held my first ever official downline meeting last weekend! It was so much fun for me to have them over. We shared some general information and discussed upcoming events.  Then we got down to the fun part, creating. I designed 3 cards for the meeting.  These girls are pros, let me tell you, they jammed through the projects so fast I didn't even think to take a picture.  I will have to be better about that next time. I do however have some photos of the cards. The first one uses not only the 'Enjoy the Journey' set but the coordinating die that I just recieved. Boy, the dies are so much easier than having to cut them out.

The second card is a favorite because it uses some of my favorite colors and adorable flowers. (Still waiting for the die to match these.)

Finally, I chose to use another favorite stamp set. It was the very first kit of the month, 'Loads of Fun'

Grand Event

Fun Stampers Journey is hosting a Grand Event.  It is a three day event starting on September 4th at 5 pm and lasting through 5 pm on Saturday the 6th.  Here are some more details:
Three days packed full of product demonstrations, hands-on projects, giveaways, workshops and more. We will also be unveiling the brand new catalog featuring our beautiful new products, including new stamp sets, dies, accessories, and several new colors to be added to the palette! In fact, we will be offering exclusive product bundles including the new releases that you can only purchase here. You do not want to miss this!
It is sure to be a 'Grand' event!  Here is a  link where you can get more details and even sign up.
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/grand_event
Hope to see you there!

Father's Day

Father's Day is almost here and I thought it only appropriate to get some Father's Day cards in the works.  I first had to pull out what I thought were masculine stamps.  Mustaches of course came to mind.  I created a simple card using ATS #3, Furry Mustaches and a greeting from the set Many Wishes. 

 

Next, I got a special request from a friend whose dad loves dogs.  So I found a favorite dog stamp from the set 4 Legged Friends.  It just goes to show you can make anything a Father's Day card with the right greeting....

 I hope everyone had a wonderful Father's Day this Sunday remember those people that played an important part in your life as a father, or even just a father figure.

Want to join the Journey?

There are amazing things in the works at Fun Stampers Journey.  We have just launched our new website with limited catalogue items, (more added daily) idea page, (samples and ideas made with featured product) and opportunity link (where you can sign up to be a coach yourself).
The opportunity to sign on as a NEW coach is full of great deals right now for our first 500 coaches.  Not only to you get the amazing starter kit filled with fabulous product including your very own die cutting machine, but you also get a rolling tote and shoulder bag.  This is an wonderful addition to he kit that can help you carry your product to parties as you share your journey with friends.  The value of the starter kit and all the add-ons is over $500 but you get it now for only $150 plus shipping and handling.  In addition, this month you get the Kit of the Month for free.  I just got my kit in the mail, and I must admit, this month is one of my favorites!

 

The Kit of the Month includes a brand new released stamp set, supplies, and directions to make 4 beautifully designed cards.  It's a simple way to get crafting, and a fabulous support for party planning. 

Check out all these great opportunities and more on the new website: www.funstampersjourney.com/14

Even better, contact me if you have any questions or are interested in signing up to join the journey.  Now is the perfect time to take advantage of all these wonderful extras. 

 

Changes are in the works!

So excited to share that Fun Stampers Journey is growing and on the move.  There are many exciting things in the work such as new product lines, great coach incentives and most exciting, a new website to be launched this Tuesday, June 3rd.  The website will allow you to browse product, view sample ideas, and most exciting, sign up as a coach yourself. 
If you are at all interested in signing up there are some major incentives for the first 100 coaches join the Journey.  The starter kit is amazing and not only includes fabulous stamps, inks and paper, but also your very own Journey Grand die cutting/embossing machine, and a gorgeous rolling tote.  In addition, you get 1 free month of the Kit of the Month, a great program that mails you a brand new stamp set, and the supplies and instructions for either 4 cards or 2 scrapbook pages. 
As I said so many exciting things happening.  Please contact me if you are at all interested in joining the Journey or just finding out more about it.  You can check out the new site at: Funstampersjourney.com on June 3rd, I can tell you from my sneak peak that it is going to be fabulous! 
Last but not least for this post I have to give a shout out to the newest member of my downline and latest member of our Journey family, Kathy Dowbenko!  So excited that she has taken the plunge and signed up as a new coach.  It's amazing to think that FSJ will now be thriving in Michigan.  You will do amazing Kathy, welcome to the family!

Summer is almost Here!

I am excited to say that the end of the school year is almost here.  This is my last week of school and I don't know who is looking forward to summer more, my students or myself!  I think this treat holder I made for my colleagues sums it all up.

Leftovers

I hope I am not the only one with this affliction, as it seems to carry over from my crafting life to my work life.  I have discovered about myself the inability to throw things away.  In my classroom this means I have a file cabinet full of past assignments, or potential projects.  In my craft room this means I have all sorts of paper scraps and trinkets that I have collected from various projects and treasures.  I convince myself that I MAY need these things one day and my neurosis is occasionally vindicated when I find myself in need of some object I have recently disposed of. 
In an effort to rid myself of some of this clutter, I recently sat down at my craft table with one goal in mind: make cards using only leftover scraps from my pile.  It turns out this can be quite a challenge and scraps of paper go a long way.  Here are a couple of the cards that I made trying to use up scraps of paper:

 

However, here is the pile of paper scraps that I still have left to use:

I suppose I have plenty of scrappy crafting left to do! Until next time....

New opportunities to join the journey

During my Spring break from school I got to join the Journey Crew in Anaheim and help share the Journey.  It was three days of crafting, meeting new people, and spreading the word.  It was so fun to see people fall in love with the product over and over again.  The weekend ended with our first ever opportunity night.  This was also an amazing event.  (If I only had a smart phone, I could have included photos of all the excited people here)  Journey Blooms is going MLM!  The event room was full and the excitement was contagious as Richard Garay shared about the opportunity to join the company as a Journey Coach.  He shared the amazing new sign up kit and what it would include, your very own Journey Grand!  (Look here for a photo:  https://www.facebook.com/FunStampersJourney/photos/a.541236392591043.1073741827.310489605665724/693198617394819/?type=1&theater )
There are so many new things in the works like, buttons, ribbon, and fun new accessories and I can't wait to play with them all.  It is so amazing to think that not more that 2 years ago we only had about 5 stamp sets and the idea of a color line.  Richard has certainly brought his dream to life and it is so exciting to get to ride it out alongside him.  If you are interested in joining or just learning more, contact me and I can share  more details with you. 

Valentine treats

I was inspired by having a three day weekend to make a special Valentine's gift for my students.  I usually just give my students a pencil, because they always need one of those, but this year they will get their pencil with a handcrafted valentine.  First step, do some stamping....

I used an adorable stamp set called, 'With Love' for the birds and greeting.  I also used one of the hearts from a recent Kit of the Month set called 'Only You'.  I thought they fit together perfectly, what do you think?

Next I layered some paper to match the stamps:

It is so much easier to coordinate when you have matching inks and paper....no thinking necessary!

 

Finally, I folded the base card to create a pencil flag valentine card. Thirty cards down....and my attempt at a healthier version of a Valentine treat.  Here is a picture of the final product.

Posted cards on Splitcoaststampers.com

Feeling productive.  After a lazy morning on my couch I can say I accomplished something.  I uploaded my first ever cards on to Splitcoast Stampers.  If you have never heard of it, Splitcoast Stampers is a great website full of inspiration and creativity.  You can find forums, tutorials, and thousands of cards for ideas.  You can search for cards with a variety of keywords.  Maybe someday soon 'Fun Stampers Journey' will have it's own gallery full of cards made just with our amazing stamps.  I spent the morning adding seven cards that I have created in the last year.  It is so  much fun to see something out there where it could possibly inspire someone else.  Now on to getting some sunshine on this beautiful Saturday, and maybe later I can actually create some new projects.  Goal for the weekend: valentines for my class....I will keep you posted.

Wine label cards

The New Year has been off to a busy start.  I recently found the opportunity to get some crafting done.  I was able to combine two of my favorite things, wine tasting and card making.  Over the years I have collected wine labels from the wineries of my favorite wineries.  Using these labels as the focus for my cards creates the perfect gift for friends and memory of good times together.  Here are a couple of my most recent samples.