jane's addiction

Cast Your Cares....Paper Toile

I'm in love with the 5th Avenue Floral stamp set from Stampin' Up!  I may demo it every single month until all my club ladies love it too!!  LOL!!!  They may not love the putzie of this technique, Paper Toile, but I'm sure they'll appreciate the result :)

This is a simple card of encouragement I made for a gal who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

I sometimes struggle to see my craft as more than my little obsession.  At times, I wonder if my time and monies should be better spent.  And, then I'm reminded when occassions like this arise.  A handmade card is my way of sending a tangible prayer--a hug with a fold down the middle--a note of encouragement to a sister who is struggling. 

Who will you encourage today?

TTFN, Jane

Growing an Old Friend....

takes a long time, my friends!  I'm so glad you old friends joined me today!!

This adorable bear is another of Timbo's (Hambo Stamps) awesome digi images.  Admittedly, I was not a fan of the digi concept initially.  I like my rubber!  But the more I work with these images, the more I see the genius of the digi stamp!!

While preparing for my weekend, I was planning on sharing some Copic tips with my mom.  I wanted some good images to color--images that would be perfect for Copic blending and what not.  So, I sized this image a bit larger than what you might think for a card.  Naturally, when it was done, it was too cute for nothingness so, I made it into a card anyway...and now, I no longer think it too large, but it is perfect!!

How cute is that bear with his little tummers sticking out?

Here is the same image sized much smaller.  The possibilities are just endless!  Make sure to check out Timbo's entire line of digi stamps here.  

You may be thinking about that awesome veggie pattern paper--it is ancient!!!  I believe it is a Karen Foster print from about 5 years ago--another case for the need to hoard!!  LOL!!

Both cards are colored with Copic markers.  To cut out my image and scallop circle, I used my Big Shot and the two corresponding dies from Stampin' Up!  On the second card, I cut my scallop oval with my Nestibilities and the inner oval with my Coluzzle--I didn't want to lose the adorable accents on the bottom of the image, but still wanted a framed oval image piece. 

Thanks for stopping by!  I've got a fun day of dirty diapers, cleaning, laundry and meal prep ahead of me (try not to envy....) but hopefully I'll find a little inky time too so, stop by again to see what I've been up to! 

TTFN, Jane

A Fun Weekend....

was had by this girl!!  I stamped with m'ladies and hung out with my parents!!!  Good Times!!

I was lucky enough to travel this weekend with just the wee-est one--which afforded me so much more flexibility and "down" time!

After a great stamping afternoon, I dined out with the folks--amidst a room full of prom bound little whippersnappers!  It made me a bit nostalgic....It seems only like yesterday that me and the hubba were suitin' up for the  prom.  Where or where does that time go?

This is one of the projects m'ladies completed during out time together---boy, we had fun!

The technique, Embossed Watercolor Crayons, made this otherwise simple layout a stunning card.  You may not be able to see the embossing in the picture, but the whole image is embossed with irridescent ice EP so it's all sparkle-shimmery (yes, that is a technical term!).  Papers are Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie and Regal Rose--the corresponding DSP is Always. 

I just love background stamps, you?  I have several that I "go to" repeatedly.  We used the retired SU! Paisley Background on this project--I just love that stamp!  I also could not live without my Canvas and Linen backgrounds (well, I bet I could LIVE, but I wouldn't be nearly so happy).  What are your "go to" items??  I'd love to know...

Fun, Fun was had, but I'm wiped out so it's off to bed I go---Make it a great day tomorrow!

TTFN, Jane

Glenda's Randomly Amusing Challenge

Yes, I'm flat out cheating just to participate in Glenda's Challenge this week!  LOL!!!  I created this card (you may have seen it before) last year as part of a collage focused technique class.  I LOVE this card and know Dawnie will be so proud of all the Amuse images I've used.  Please forgive my cheat, but in my defense, I'll quote the old saying...."if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Read on as I attempt further justification for this little "revisit."

Glenda's challenge this week is NO PATTERNED PAPER!!!  Once the air returned to my lungs and after I scream-typed (ya know....SCREAM TYPED!!!) my outrage to my pal, I immediately thought of this card.  While I intended to use this same technique (Rainbow Flip Strip..read about it here), my timing issues led me to my "revisit" plan :)  As I tried to juggle all my necessary tasks plus think of new images to combine, I realized this card was already perfect---I refer you back to the idea of "ain't broke, don't fix..."  :)

I'm very busy becoming addicted to my Wii these days......LOL!  I'm just kidding--actually, I'm prepping for class, club and trying to do lots of design work to boot!!  Come back later, I'm hoping to share some more of Timbo's digi images AND, hold on to your hats....the upcoming Junkies Newsletter is going to be AWESABOMB!!!!

TTFN, Jane

Rainy Days and Mondays.....

Always get me down.....as do snow storms on Tuesdays near the end of April!!  LOL!!  (Please appreciate that I am not complaining, just stating a fact....)

Check out this adorable digi image from Hambo!!!  How sweet would raining cupcakes be??  And, the sentiment?  Yikes!!  Too cute!

After printing the image on our laser printer twice, I simply colored with Copic markers and then layered the adorable little rain girl for some added dimension.  Easy Peasy!

My cardstock from SU! is Green Galore, Basic Black and Tangerine DSP (Wait until May to stock up on your SU! Designer Papers--we're having a great deal!!!)

I added a little of my fav sheer polka dot ribbon and a SU! Filigree Brad + an SU! Scalloped edge...TA DA!

And it only took me 2 days, three uncooperative children and a few minutes to complete :)

If you are interested in purchasing this adorable image and others soon to be featured right here,visit Timbo here.

I have to go squeeze in some Wii time....my beloved got me a Wii and Wii Fit for an anniversary gift (I KNOW!!!  What a guy!)  Anyway...he's better at almost everything so, I have to practice so I can eventually whoop him at something....LOL!!

TTFN, Jane

Life Is Uncertain....

Ain't that the truth!?  We should eat dessert first (at least once in a while...)!

This is my card for Glenda's Random Amusing Challenge this week.  The challenge rules were simply to make the card in 20 minutes.  This card took me exactly 15 minutes and is made entirely from scraps--I think I deserve extra points for that....don't you?

Make sure to check it out and play along....there's a chance for some pretty yummy blog candy.....

I know it only took me 15 minutes because I was actually supposed to be "changing the laundry." The hubba was outside with the kids and I had every intention of joining them after I switched the laundry around....I couldn't resist the pull of my desk, however, when I walked through to get to the laundry room.  Today was a long day with barely nap for anyone--I really needed the creative time so, I took it...(note to self:  change the laundry around).

I stopped at the Stamp Shoppe yesterday to visit my pal, Dawn, and couldn't help myself.  These unmounted Changito stamps from Stampendous are just great!!!  And, soooo cute!  You might remember my first adventure with Monkey Man...

Anyway, Dawn and I decided that these little monkies would go perfectly with one of our favorite Amuse sentiments.  Dawn instructs for Amuse and has been my personal Amuse challenger lately!  She's makin' me use my Amuse!!!  I love it!

Very rarely do I use white as a base--but since this is a total scrap card, I used what I had in my little scrap bucket.  I think it turned out cute and it just goes to show you---not every card has to be a time consuming work of art!  I might actually mail this one.....LOL!

TTFN, Jane

PS--DAWNIE......where's yours?  :)

Angels Among Us...

My Redeemer Lives!!!  And, His angels must surely be among us. 

The Captain took a few years off my life Monday morning.  While he played in our living room, I was tending to a few last minute details before picking Sophie up from pre-school---multi-tasking as all us moms do....I was scheduling a few online bills, washing dishes, prepping the grocery list and practicing my Spanish with thanks to Dora.  Every few moments, I'd glance up--wave to Chloe, make sure Dan wasn't doing anything he shouldn't....

Before I knew it, we dodged a major tragedy.  My little monkey fell out the living room (second story) window--the screen just gave way and he was gone.  (Before I go further, HE IS FINE!)  I stopped thinking and just moved.  When I reached him, in like half a second, he was already getting up.  I was able to soothe him relatively quickly, stripped him to check for damage and placed a call to my good friend, Julia the triage nurse (we talk a lot!).  As I was talking to her on the phone, I noticed the lacerations on the top of his head I thanked her for the offer to see his regular doc and decided it was ER time for us. I still get sick to my stomach thinking about how he had to have hit (the pile of rocks outside the window) the ground to place those injuries where they were....as soon as Mike showed up with Sophie, we piled into the van and headed to the ER for the once over.

I swear that kid is made from rubber!  Truly, when I really think about the details, I am convinced he was supernaturally protected.  He walked away (Praise God!) with a few scratches on his hand and two pretty minor cuts on the top of his noodle that already look better.  Me?  I lost of few years off my life and surely gained a boat load of more grey hair.

Thanks for sticking with me as I purged my story--if you're the praying type--add the Captain to your perpetual prayer list for the next 18 or so years!  I have a feeling this won't be the only time his antics will shave some time off my span!  I busted him standing on a kitchen chair this morning....

Since you did stick with me, I thought I'd share this cute little card I'm teaching for my May Hambo Class at the Stamp Shoppe.

My buddy, Leigh, taught this cute little ball maze card at a recent class of hers...Since I thought it so clever (and we all know how much I like clever...) I set about tracking down some ball mazes of my own.

I'm delighted with the way this card turned out--who wouldn't like a card/toy combo??

The details: Surfer Pig and Sentiment from Hambo; Nestibilities to cut circle window and sentiment tag; pattern paper from Kalideoscope (been in my stash for a LOOONG time); EK Success border punch and 1/4" circle punch from SU!

I'm learning more and more about gratitude every day....be grateful for something today no matter how big or small....I'm grateful for the angels among us and sleeping, healing, silent wee ones :) 

TTFN, Jane

I'm A Technique Junkie!!!

It's virtually impossible for me to pick my favorite technique!!  That is, however, exactly what I've been required to do for this week's blogger challenge. 

I actually do have a "stand" when it comes to techniques.  I typically will avoid anything that looks messy or contains a product I can't pronounce.  Before I began designing for the Technique Junkies Newsletter, I shunned all techniques with a vague pledge to try them some day.  Well, some day came!

I'm ever so grateful for the opportunity given to me by Pat Huntoon and the TJNL.  I've stepped out of my box and have discovered a whole new world!  So, for today's challenge, I'm picking a little messy, but stunning technique!

This technique is called Faux Bleach and I'll be teaching it this month at the Stamp Shoppe.  I've designed a class for April called "Fooled Ya" and would love to see you there!  I'll be teaching several "faux" techniques that I'm sure you'll be pleased to learn.

The beautiful stamp featured here is from Stampendous--it's gorgeous, don't you think?  While I do tend on the side of whimsical and cutsie, I love this type of stamp for my more "mature" card recipients...(oh, who am I kidding?  I make 'em, I don't send them....)

The background paper is an ancient pad of Basic Grey by K&Co.  I have to admit, I don't understand the connection, but I've owned this paper pad for a gazillion million years.....I almost gave it away once, but am so glad to have kept it as it was the perfect compliment to finishing off this art piece.

Please join me at the Stamp Shoppe, if you are able.  Otherwise, you can learn more about this technique from the Technique Queen herself!

TTFN, Jane

I'm kickin' it....

with this one!!  I've been trying to get caught up so, I combined my Stamp Shoppe club sketch challenge with Glenda's Amusing Challenge this week. 

First, let me say.....I LOOOOOVE this paper!  I used it a bit ago for my Cedar Creek Expo make and take.  Although, I do have fresh, whole sheets, everything you see is a scrap!! (That's Glenda's challenge!)

You're also most likely familiar with this adorable Hambo Porcupine!  He's the featured stamp at the Stamp Shoppe this month....so get on down there to get your own at a discount!  There are all kinds of new goodies there to see, as well!

I think black goes with everything--don't you?  I'm not even talking about my wardrobe--although if you ask my hubba, it's all black and grey--(he's obsessed with my lack of color).  Anyway, I love adding black to my projects.  I think it just makes everything pop!

My sentiment is from Amuse and with that, I wish you all.....a happy day!

TTFN, Jane

Now Hear This.....

Hambo has just updated their SALE PAGE!

Be sure to check out the RETIRING PAGE also for some more great deals!

Happy Shopping!

 

 

You may now return to your regularly scheduled events.... :)

 

TTFN--