Friday, June 29, 2018

Life is Art

At convention last week we had a Make N Take session.  I screwed up 1 card and got flustered to brought them home to work on.  Here is 1 of 4 that we were to make.


Now, many of the items in this card won't be available until Sunday when our new Inspiration catalog goes live but I can give the names of what they are.

Stamps: Flower Tangle (SS-0431) and Color Pop (SS-0613)
Card stocks: Whip Cream, Watermelon Fusion, Rich Coral, Citrus Cooler, and Turbo Teal
Inks: Black Licorice, Rich Coral, Tangerine Fusion, Citrus Cooler, and Watermelon Fusion
Silks: Citrus Cooler
Dies: Journey Ovals, Bunch of Hearts (DI-0501-new Bloom Benefit!), and Baby Envelope (DI-0410)
Embellies: Sweet Candy Drops and Girls Life Sparkle Tape (AC-0356)
Adhesives: Easy Glide Runner, Foam Squares, and Glue Dots


For the letters I inked the whole stamp with our Citrus Cooler ink, then added Rich Coral ink to the top part and Watermelon Fusion to the bottom then stamped. I then inked the stamp with Black Licorice ink and ever so slightly moved over and up before stamping.  My stamp positioner was an excellent help in doing this.

What do you think of this card? Definitely FULL of color! and I really like our new Flower Tangle background stamp.

I will have the link to our new catalog available sometime tomorrow, I hope.  It is FABULOUS!! Great stamps and dies along with so much more!  Great photography, too! And the actual catalog has pages that are so soft and smooth!

I also have a FaceBook page at Stampin Carol.  If you're on FB it's username is JourneycoachCarol.  There you'll find not only these projects but Fun Stamper Journey specials and projects.  FB wouldn't accept the changes they wanted and said they'd basically hide my page so I made a new one with the correct settings. 

StampinCarol

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

An Overloaded Desk

Yes, I've been awol most of this month as we went to California to attend our granddaughter's high school graduation, I had some car issues, and I went to the Fun Stampers Journey 4th annual convention.  This week I've had my mammogram and started inventorying what is on my desk.  As you know each Wednesday there is a great blog tour of desks called What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday, week 473,  put together by Julia at the Stamping Ground.  And my desk is an absolute fright! This picture was taken early Tuesday morning as I unpacked my goodies I purchased.  Please don't faint, it is just a tad better today. I actually posted this picture of my desk on Monday but it was so bad I thought it would give a goo laugh.


I do have all the stamps put away as of last night.  I have mark my catalog with what I have and added tabs for each category to keep me straight. And I have oodles of retiring stamps in a big bag.  Wow! I have a friend in Canada who gets first dibs on those.


This is the shelf I store most of my stamps, dies, embossing folders, punches, and such on.  It's actually not overloaded as so many of my stamps retired!

I have also had to create a new FB page for my FSJ business as they keep telling my that my page will become a place people can't check in on.  I changed my settings and such and asked on some forums but, no help. So, new page. I'll share the name/link on my Friday post.

So now please head over to the Stamping Ground and check out all the links to the crafters brave enough to share their desks though I'm sure no desk looks this bad.

StampinCarol

Monday, June 25, 2018

Convention Desk

No, today is not What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday which I haven't participated in this month but this is my desk after I started unloading all the goodies I purchased and got as freebies at our Fun Stampers Journey 4th Annual Convention.  Boy, do I have a lot of sorting to do!


This is SOOOO bad I'm not sure where to begin!  I have been getting our new catalog fixed up with category tabs so I can find products easier.  And boy, it is a BEAUT!!!  It goes live July 1 and I already have the link but can't share it yet.  I have 16 catalogs coming for my customers and a few to spare. I need to take a good picture of it's cover to share and hopefully that will be done soon. 

So where should I start???

StampinCarol

Friday, June 22, 2018

Bridging the Gap

Last night we did our Color Crop event at our Convention.  Our table did it's own swap which was a fancy fold card.  I decided to make a card that I'll be teaching next year (yeah, I had to submit all 3 cards early April for next January, February, and March). I did some research back then and again a month ago to come up with inspiration for this card.  There were LOTS of great ideas on Pinterest.  This is what I came up with.



Does my Hello look like it's floating?  That was what I was trying to make it look like.

Products used:
Card Stocks: Whip Cream, Pool Play, Green Olive, Kiwi Slice, Limeade Splash, Candy Apple, Bubblegum, and Black Licorice
Specialty Paper: Clear View Sheets
Inks: Black Licorice
Silks: Sparkle
Stamps: Arizona Trail Bundle
Dies: Huge Hello
Embossing Folder: Above the Clouds
Tools: The Amaze, White Liner Tape, Glue Dots, Craft Glue, Easy Glide Runner, Crease Tool, and Paper Trimmer


When this card is folded it will fit in an A2 invitation envelope which makes it easy to mail! I hope to make a few others for samples at my class next January.

StampinCarol

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Do Small Things

I was watching a video I shared on my FB page on June 9 that Shannon made and I just had to try it!  She took a large die and only cut part of a page.  I should have taken a picture of my card before I started decorating but I used our Geo Burst Die set and cut about 1/2 of it on the front of my card base.


Products used:
Stamp set: Small Things
Card stocks: Limeade Splash, Kiwi Slice, Pool Play, Beach Breeze, Banana Cream, and Outrageous Pink
Other dies: Blooming Details
Ink: Black Licorice
Embellishments: Fashion Silver dots
Tools: the Platinum, Craft Knife, Journey Ruler, Cutting Mat, Easy Glide Runner, Foam Squares


I lined up the die cut flowers and leaves along the edge of where I did a partial cut.  Using my new Journey Ruler, Knife, and Cutting Mat I carefully cut the edges of what would have been die cut had I done a full cut. I have done this technique with embossing folders but this is a first for me!  Love the look!

What do you think?

StampinCarol


Monday, June 18, 2018

A Father's Day Advent Treat Box

I made another little treat box for my hubby.  I used one of our cool Advent Boxes and started decorating.



I enjoyed decorating this box with the Hit The Road stamp set and various inks.

Other Stamps:  Annual Celebrations
Dies: Border Details and Tag Set
Inks: Pumpkin Bread, Oatmeal Cookie, Hazelnut Blend, Cocoa Powder, and Black Licorice
Colorant: Color Burst Pencils
Embellishments: Natural Thread
Tools and more: the Platinum, Dauber Dowel Large, and Foam Squares



I even made a YouTube video (actually it was a FB LIVE video) to share.


I do have a little bit of personal stuff on my video (as usual) and since it was a live video I said hello to a couple gals who came on while I was making this. But a little bit of personal just makes it more real.

StampinCarol

Saturday, June 16, 2018

A Father's Day Treat Box

I made a special little gift box for my dad fill with candy.  I have our fun Treat Boxes and really need to use them more often. They are corrugated which gives them great texture and are perfect for a masculine design!


I used some retired ribbon that is so colorful to jazz up the brown box.  I used our Circle dies to cut the hole in the top and then added a piece of our Clear View Sheets to fill it in to keep the candy in.

Other products:
Card stock: Whip Cream
Stamps: Annual Celebration
Ink: Turbo Teal
Other Dies: Bread Tag
Embellishment: Sweet Candy Drops
Tools: the Platinum, White Liner Tape, and Foam Squares


I screwed up my first box and die cut the wrong flap so rather than toss the box I used it to cut the tag and will use the rest of it for other projects.

I gave this to dad Thursday night and he got a kick out of it.  Are you ready for Father's Day??  I have lots of inspiration from FSJ on my FB page.  You will need to scroll down a ways as I have LOTS of stuff on there!

StampinCarol

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Let Hope Never Fade

I've had so much going on for the last month I haven't been able to take part in any challenges.  Well, today I am. Tuesday Morning Sketches has a great sketch this week and when I seen it I knew immediately, well, kinda immediately, what I wanted to do.  Here's the sketch:


Isn't this cool!  And there are some great cards already posted.  But here's my card.


I used a variety of Fun Stampers Journey products on this.  Unfortunately the gorgeous print paper has retired but everything else is current.

And a couple close ups....



Products used:
Stamps: Spring Botanicals Bundle, Small Things Bundle, and Text Happy stamp set
Embossing Folder: Diamond Netting
Card Stocks: Whip Cream and Watermelon Fusion
Inks: Black Licorice, Watermelon Fusion, and Fresh Forest
Other: Journey GlazeSparkle Dust (on the butterfly), and Color Burst Pencils
Tools, etc.: the Platinum, Foam Squares, Easy Glide Runner, Details Pro Shears, and Paper Trimmer

I hope you head over to Tuesday Morning Sketches and check out the cards! And leave a little comment here about my card if you're so inclined!

StampinCarol

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

A Bokeh Technique Card

I did my weekly FB Friday Live video on June 1 showing how I do the Bokeh technique on a card.  It had been a long time since I played with this technique and it was even more fun as this time I pretty much knew what I was doing!


I used a great ATS stamp, Scenic Route, that is in our current Spring Into Summer mini (link in the sidebar) that is NOT going to carry over into our upcoming big Inspiration Catalog that goes live July 1. So, if you try this link after July 1 it will not work.

Products used:
Card Stocks: Beach Breeze and Whip Cream
Inks: Beach Breeze, Lemon Drop, Pool Play, Lovely Blue, Orange Creamsicle, Whip Cream, and Black Licorice
Dies: Cloud Dreams, Journey Circles, and Star Burst Blooms
Coloring: Color Burst Pencils
Other: Sparkle Dust
Tools: Large Dauber Dowel, the Amaze (retiring June 30), Easy Glide Runner, Foam Squares, Journey Glaze, Paper Trimmer


It's really hard to see the flowers in the full card picture so here's a closer look and you can see the 3 flowers that have the Journey Glaze and Sparkle Dust.  And since it's also hard to see the Bokeh dots....



And if you want to watch me make this card, here's my video.  I hope you enjoy it!



Next week I'll be heading to our FSJ 4th Annual Convention. I'll be coming home with some new products, the new Catalog, and new friends! I plan on doing Live videos on my FB page, StampinHotWithCarol so head over there the 20 - 23 and who knows what you'll get to see!

StampinCarol

Monday, June 11, 2018

A Black & Gold Graduation Card

Last Friday we attended our middle granddaughter's high school graduation. What a fabulous time we had with so many family members!  I did make her a special card using her school colors, black and gold.


I seen a fellow coach's card and it so inspired me to make this one.  Didn't it turn out great!

Stamp Set: Bravo Grad
Dies: Hats Off and Star Burst Bloom
Inks: Gold and Black Licorice
Card stocks: Black Licorice, Whip Cream, and Brushed Gold
Washi Tape: Licorice Sparkle and a retired one but the Simply Gold would work wonderfully!
Accessories: Fashion Gold dots
Tools and Adhesives: The Platinum, Paper Trimmer, Foam Squares, Easy Glide Runner, Glue Dots,
Details Pro Shears

I searched the web for a sentiment for the inside which I used a word program and printed.


Here's a little closer look at some of the elements.

Next week I'll be heading off to our FSJ 4th Annual Convention!  I will be doing some FaceBook Lives from there so you will need to check out my page at This Link.

StampinCarol

Friday, June 8, 2018

A Mystery Item Card

Each month I attend a monthly meeting of SALSA, Stampers At Large Stamping Away. We meet the 4th Saturday in Tucson, Az and there are a few swaps involved.  I enjoy doing the Mystery Item swap and April we got 4 photo corners to use.  The minute I seen them I had an idea and I think it turned out pretty good.


I used the photo corners in the very middle to insert and attach my leaves and petals!  Can you see them?


Here's a closer look at them!

Stamps: Must Have Sentiments
Dies: Blooming Details Die Set and Journey Circles
Ink: Black Licorice
Silk: Sparkle
Card Stocks: Whip Cream, Limeade Splash, Citrus Cooler, Orange Creamsicle, Lemon Drop, Pineapple Smoothie, Black Licorice, and a long retired print
Accents: Rainbow Drops
Other: The Amaze, Foam Squares, Craft Glue, Glue Dots,

I'll be missing our June meeting as I'll be in Phoenix our Fun Stampers Journey's 4th annual Convention!  If my friend Angie makes it, maybe she'll get me the item.

StampinCarol

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Happiness Looks Good On You!

This is the last of the 4 cards from our May Bloom Box.  I didn't get the June one. You can still order the May one if you want, this is a new policy at FSJ.  Are you ready??



Have you enjoyed my little critter looking over my May cards?  I was cleaning out a couple boxes and found him.  He's a pen that I think my mom gave me many years ago? I think he is pushing on this card since it's kinda leaning.

Stamp Set: Color Me Happy
Die: Journey Circles
Card Stocks: Whip Cream, Watermelon Fusion, Electric Lime, and Journey Vellum
Inks: Black Licorice, Beach Breeze, Watermelon Fusion, Citrus Cooler, Electric Lime, and Candy Apple
Silk: Black Licorice
Tools: 1/16th" Circle Punch, Details Pro Shears, The Amaze
Embellishments: Journey Twine Licorice Twist and Be Brights Brad
Adhesives: Easy Glide Runner, Foam Squares Medium, and Glue Dots


I am in California at our granddaughter's graduation so if you leave a comment I will eventually get it published.  I moderate the comments due to getting some robo nasties a while back and I definitely DON'T want those to go through. And in a couple weeks I'll be in Phoenix at our 4th annual FSJ Convention!  We have a new catalog coming out! And there are 2 gals in Green Valley that are planning on having a party!  Do you know you can earn FREE and discounted products by having a party and having $400 or more in sales?  If you are in the Tucson to Nogales area contact me and we will get to planning fun!

StampinCarol

Monday, June 4, 2018

We're a Cool Pair!

This fun stamp set, Tropic Cool, is from our January 2016 Bloom Box. It is a hoot for an anniversary card or one just to bring a giggle! It ISN'T retiring but if you order it I'll still send you this card!


I kinda copied one of the cards we made from the Bloom Box as it's just that cute!!


Isn't this just too fun! I think I gave mine to hubby on Father's Day that year.
Card Stocks: River Stone, Whip Cream, Sweet Pear, Pearled Basics, and a print paper that's long gone
Inks: Black Licorice
Silks: Electric Lime
Accents: Bloom Time Sequins, Whip Cream Thread, Sweet Pear Ribbon
Colorant: Color Burst Pencils
Punch system: Punch Handle, 1 3/4" Scalloped Circle , and 1 1/2" Circle
Other: Paper Trimmer, Easy Glide Runner, Foam Squares, Glue Dots, Details Pro Shears, and Paper Trimmer



If you use a light hand and lots of layers you can get some great coloring effects!  I used 4 pencils on this but the pears have about 4 - 5 layers of color to get the effect I wanted.

Don't forget our great special, Banners & Bows Bundle!!!


This is a GREAT way to get our Amaze machine FREE!!!  You get 5 dies and our fabulous Craft Glue for $89.70 and the machine FREE!! Yeah, I want to emphasize the FREE!!  Shipping on the machine is $15 due to the size and weight and does ship separately.

StampinCarol

Friday, June 1, 2018

Going to a Garden Party...

I love our local radio station, KGVY, as they play music from the 50's, 60's, and some 70's. This card brought me thoughts of Ricky Nelson (who??).  Garden Party was one of his songs that I love and if you want to give it a listen, here's the YouTube link!  Anyway, this card was made using the retiring Flower Party Bundle set.


This set has been around since I joined in 2015!! Such simple pretty flowers!!


I did use some long retired Black/White paper since I was using the cool gingham ribbon.
Card Stocks: Watermelon Fusion, Kiwi Slice, and Whip Cream
Inks: Watermelon Fusion, Beach Breeze, Electric Lime, and Black Licorice
Accents: Gingham Black Licorice Ribbon and Black Licorice Thread
Other Stamp set: Sentimental Prints (also retiring)
Other: Journey Glaze, Foam Squares, Details Pro Shears, Easy Glide Runner, Paper Trimmer



I added the Journey Glaze to the flower centers.  Was thinking of adding some Sparkle Dust but never got that done.

I'm back to my regular schedule of posting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, but there are posts every week day (and sometimes weekends) for your inspiration!  And if you want to view our Retirement List in PDF to save or print, just click here!

StampinCarol