It's That Time Again

Crafty Friends!!!

Welcome to the Growing in Unity Blog Hop!!

 

 It is always super exciting to be apart of the Unity Blog Hops.

And here I am first up on the list. 

Make sure you leave comments along the way... 

As always there is a chance to win

2 Lucky winners will win the 

Frankly Said Sentiment Kit!!!

How EXCITING Is That??? 

So Lets get going....Shall we???

Today I made for you a card to say I love you

to that special someone

who just needs to hear it. 

The Stamp set I was sent was "Everything Love",

This is such a great set with so many sentiments to choose from.

I chose to use the heart to make my own back ground and the sentiment

"Love You".

Here is my card. 

I used Hazel and Ruby tissue paper and stamped the heart on it Twice, in red ink. (Note: this heart is really big.  I was really surprise about the size.)

I added a little touch of the corner of the heart to add a little moment behind each stamped heart. 

I drew circles on the bottom heart to change it from the top one. 

I then added some twine i had and a metal key right inside the heart.

Just like that old saying:

You have the key to my heart.

I used Bo Bunny black paper and white ink to distress the edges.

I also found some chip board hearts laying around and added them too.

I then stamped the Love you in white ink.

Here is another photo up a little closer....

Unity is one of my favorite Stamp Companies.

so being here sharing and inspiring all of you using their stamps is so fun for me.

I hope you enjoyed my creation today using Unity Stamps.  

Make sure you stop by each blog and don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win. 

Remember: Two Winners will be chosen.

Blog Hop winners will be announced with the Growing in Unity ( GUI) Post on 

Wednesday June 3rd.

On the Unity Blog.

Your next stop in the wonderful Teresa.

if you get lost

Here is the line up:

                             

Amy (That's me)

Lynda http://positive-force.blogspot.com

Teresa     http://purplebunnypapercrafts.blogspot.com/

Brittany    http://britkdesigns.blogspot.com

Maria       http://riacreations.blogspot.com

Doreen http://www.doreensdream.blogspot.co.uk/

Tiffany      http://inkblotsbytrd.blogspot.com/
Wynne     http://mycraftyside1.blogspot.com/      
 Paula       http://scrapaddictsattic.blogspot.com/

Unity Blog: http://theunitystampco.blogspot.com/# 

There is always something Amazing to choose from and always something special going on either on their blog or their Facebook page.

So make sure you check them out and stay connected so you don't miss out on anything.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs

Amy

Growing in Unity

Week 

Winners 

And a Thank you

Hi there crafty friends...

So sorry it  took me an extra day to get the winners posted

I started a new job today

So it was quite crazy and a little exhausting

I almost forgot to post my winners.

so here I am and I know two of my commenters are going to be

very happy!!! 

First.  I want to send a HUGE Thank you to Unity Stamp Company.

Thank you so much!!

It is always a pleasure to create with your stamps and be a GIU Girl!!

And I cant wait until you have me back again.

You ladies are so AWESOME!!!

Very sweet and encouraging.

If you havent checked them out.  You need too.

It is a great company and an amazing and fun community to be apart of.  

And I can not forget to Thank all of you who commented on my blog.  Your comments really do mean so much.  They are inspiring and so very sweet.  So Thank you!!

For those who also Followed me.

I really do appreciate it... 

It really makes me smile

And I hope you come back and see more of my creations and posts.

Ok.. Ok.. I will get onto the winners now. 

I used Random.org to find my winners.

I ended up with 160 comments (Thank you so much)

in all 5 days.  

so my first draw 

gave me

#29

Who is....

LageneApril 8, 2015 at 7:51 AM

Beautiful card, both inside & out! I love the dimension the vellum butterfly gave!

Lagene!!!  Congratulations!!! 

And my 2nd draw 

gave me

#131

Who is....

 

 

Patty WilliamsApril 10, 2015 at 8:04 AM

ugh. just lost my comment.

very cute card. I want to try my hand at water coloring too. I just need to do it and not feel guilty about spending time on me. I need to get back into crafting more than I am.

Patty Williams... Congratulations!!!! 

Lagene & Patty Williams

Will both of you please contact me @

amy_cj79(at)yahoo (DOT) com 

With your mailing address ASAP so I can get this info over to Unity

and get your stamps right out  to you!!

Please note: Unity always has shipped very Quick.  So if you want your prize very quickly.. The sooner the better.

I will try to contact the winners by email

And if I don't hear back from you by Friday I will need to select another winner. 

Thank you everyone for stopping by.

Hope to see you again soon.

I have some projects in the making and will be posting again real soon.

And again.

Congratulations to the winners.

HUGS

Amy

 

 

Growing in Unity

with

Unity Stamp Company

Day 5

Welcome my crafty friends.

Today is my final day for my GIU week.

I honestly am sad that it has already come to an end.

But I know I will be called upon again to have another week to share all my projects with you as a GUI girl.

I do want to give a big shout out to Unity and all the ladies there.

Thank you for asking me to create this week.

I has been a pleasure.

Thank you for your daily inspiration and your positive Support!

 

This week I have been sharing my projects with you using Unity Stamps. 

Stay with me all week and be in the chance to be the 2 lucky commenters that is announced, 2 winners of 25 Random Stamps from Unity Stamp Company.

The more you comment.. The better your chance at getting selected. Comment every day and that gives you 5 chances to win.

As always make sure to check out their blog and Facebook page everyday.  There is a new GIU Girl every week you can follow along with as well as plenty of fun things and inspiration happening on Unity's blog and Facebook page. 

 

If you have not commented on my blog this week, please go back and see what I have been sharing and dont forget to comment as there is a chance to win some awesome goodies from Unity Stamp Company.

 

My creation today is something I have wanted to do for a while now and just haven't found the right time to do it.  

Today I am using 2 stamps from Unity

"Marah Freedom" and "Dream big."

Here is my project. 

 I have adored Shadow box's ever since I was a little girl.

My parents had one hanging on the wall in our hallway and I used to just stand there and stare at it.

Taking in every aspect it shared.

I was one of those things that mesmerized me.

 

So I am happy to be sharing my very first one with you. 

I started out by choosing, cutting, and attaching my papers to the back of the openings.  Then I started stamping my images.

I stamped the wings on an old page from a book,

then added some tears and some distressed edges.

 

 

I used a wooden tag for the next stamp.

I colored it using Tim Holtz in black.

After it dried I stamped the butterflies in a pearl blue. 

From there, It all just kinda flowed. 

I dug in my stash to find anything I could use to put in the shadow box.  It took me a while to finally place everything.

I moved little pieces around so many times so I could see how it would look with different shapes together. 

The fun things about shadow box's are that it doesnt matter what you use.  You can have a theme, for example I have seen a few all about sewing.

Or

You can mix and match things. 

Each space can tell its own story or just a part of one. 

Anything, as long as it is small enough to fit can be placed in the spaces. Wether it is metal, wood, fabric, plastic etc.

Here is another close up

 

 

I do believe I may add some more goodies to this one as I relocate items that just fit.

I may even just start another one and leave this as is.

But there will be more.

I hope you too have or will get to try to create your own Shadow box one day.

 

Supplies used:

 

Unity stamps: Marah Freedom by Marah Johnson and Unity & 

                       Dream Big

Pattern papers: Glitz Design

                          Fancy Pants - The good life collection

                          Authentique - Lovely collection

                                               - Hope collection

Prima: Brads

K & C Company: Brads

Industrial CHIC : Pendant

Creative Embellishments: Chipboards

Pebbles: clothes pin

7 gypies: Gypsy Cork Trading cards

And a lot of finds from my stash.

 

 

Thank you for stopping by.

Make sure you leave those comments.

Today is the last day and winners will be selected THIS WEEKEND. 

If you missed any days make sure you go back and leave those comments on that days post.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

And don't forget to check out the links below for Unity Stamp Company!!  

There is always something going on over there.

  Unity's wonderful blog  Here.

Unity's Facebook Page Here

And there is always some sort of deal or sale going on for their awesome and amazing stamps. Check out their website often to catch those. 

Unity's Website Here

 

And one more comment for all of YOU!!  Thank you so much for all the sweet comments.  You have no idea how much they mean to me.  Thank you for those who have followed me recently as well as my long time followers.

All of you are AWESOME

and 

APPRECIATED so much.

 

HUGS

 Amy

 

Sweet Stamp Shop
Grand Re-Opening

I have 2 posts up today so
If you are here for the Growing in Unity Day 4 Go Here


Today is a great day.. I so happy to be joining in the Grand Re-Opening hop for
Sweet Stamp Shop.
This is a Fabulous company create and owned by the amazing Nicole Rixon.
The store has been open for a while now.  But  this is a
Grand Reveal of her new store.
And I know Nicole... It is going to be Awesome!!

Make sure you check out her blog and Facebook page so you don't miss a thing.
There will be prizes and discounts and above all FUN FUN FUN!
As well as Great STAMPS
And
There is a $25.00 gift card on one of the Designers blogs.
Now we can't tell you who it is... 
It very well could be me.
So comment, follow, and like as many of the designers links and you might win!!!!
I mean... I might be the blogger with the golden $25.00
You never know...
So make sure you follow my blog and comment here too. 

Today I created this card for the hop.  Using her Sweet Stamp
"It's Been Oolong"
Isn't is so cute?
A few of us crafty peeps were lucky enough to get to play and create with this adorable stamp.
I feel honored.

I have always loved the cute sentiments that come with the stamps.

I used Little Yellow Bicycle for my patterned paper.
 I colored the image with Faber Castell Art Grip water color pencils.

A close up of the sweet flowers. 

I hope you enjoyed my card.

Make sure you check out all the blogs that joined in today.
Their is some really amazing cards and projects that you don't want to miss. 

Catch them all at the New SSS blog

Like the Sweet Stamp shop on FB
SSS on Facebook
And check out her New store HERE. 

And if you want a chance to win a $25.00 Gift Card.  Make sure you follow, comment and like as many designers links as possible.
I could be holding the lucky card!!

Thanks for stopping by today.  

HUGS

Amy

Growing in Unity

With

Unity Stamp Company

Day 4

Welcome Crafty friends.
I have 2 posts up today.  So if you are looking for the Sweet Stamp Grand Re-Opening post go Here. 

Wow.  It is Day 4 already.  This week has gone by so fast. I cant believe it is almost over.

And honestly I don't want it to be.  I love using Unity stamps and could do this all the time.  

Luckily I still have another day left after today.

This week I will be sharing my projects with you using Unity Stamps. 

Stay with me all week and be in the chance to be the 2 lucky commenters that is announced, 2 winners of 25 Random Stamps from Unity Stamp Company.

The more you comment.. The better your chance at getting selected. Comment every day and that gives you 5 chances to win.

As always make sure to check out their blog and Facebook page everyday.  There is a new GIU Girl every week you can follow along with as well as plenty of fun things and inspiration happening on Unity's blog and Facebook page. 

Today I made an approach at doing something more clean and simple (CAS).

Which is something I don't do a lot of because I always question is it enough?  Is there enough going on with this card?

So I challenged myself to try my hand at it again.

I haven't had the chance to use this Unity Stamp yet.

So it was perfect.

Here is my card

I used water color paper for this card because I planned to use my Faber Castell water color pencils with this image.

After stamping the image I colored it with the water color pencils. I then took my Faber Castell water brush and went over it to wet it.

I took a small paint brush and went over that.

Then I let it dry for a couple minutes, I wanted it to be dryer but lightly damp because I wanted to add some shading to the image. 

I then took a dry paint brush and starting at the middle of each ice cube started rubbing it back and forth.  Tiny strokes fairly quickly.

this causes the brush to pick up extra water and color.

Each time I would pick up color I would push it to the outside, then wipe my brush of excess water and do it again until it shades like I want it. 

You have to be careful doing this and make sure you use a light hand.  If you push down too much you will start to pull the paper up.  It is all about lightly going over the color. At first you may not see any color start to move.  But don't give up, it takes it a second.  Also if you let the image dry too much.  Take a slight bit of water on the tip of your brush to re-dampen the color. I usually will put a drop of water on the back of my hand and let it roll off.  Then use what little bit is left.  That is how little of water you need to re-damped the color.

 After my image was colored and dried.  I then stamped the sentiment and added a couple sequins from Lawn Fawn.

At this point I had to set it down and walk away.  I didn't want to over do it or over think it. 

So doing this makes it easier for me to come back later and look at the finished project.

I do like how it turned out. I am glad I stopped my self and walked away from it. 

Am I the only one that has this problem with CAS cards?

I also took a photo of this card with my cute umbrella and it worked pretty well. I just thought I would share that with you as well.

With this photo, I am so ready for the beach. 

If spring time would quit playing tricks on us.

The beach is where I would love to be.

Ok.  That is it for today.  I hope I inspired you to do something different, something you struggle with and something you tend to stay away from because of overthinking. 

Supplies used: 

Unity stamp company: Wanna Chill out.

Faber Castell: Art Grip water color pencils

Lawn Fawn: Sequins.

Thank you for stopping by.

Hope to see you tomorrow

&

Make sure you leave those comments.

If you missed any days make sure you go back and leave those comments on that days post.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

And dont forget to check out the links below for Unity Stamp Company!!  

There is always something going on over there.

They are having a blog hop today Here.

Unity's Facebook Page Here

And there is always some sort of deal or sale going on for their awesome and amazing stamps. Check out their website often to catch those. 

Unity's Website Here

HUGS

 Amy

Growing in Unity

with 

Unity Stamp Company

Day 3

Hello Crafty Friends.

So glad to have you visit me today.

Today is Day 3 of the GIU week over here on my blog.

And it is a special day because I don't only get to share my project with all of you here but my project also gets highlighted on Unity's blog too.  

Of course I made a little something extra special for today.

But lets get to the details about this week first.
If you missed Day 1 or Day 2 make sure you head over and check both days out and leave a comment. 

This week I will be sharing my projects with you using Unity Stamps.

Stay with me all week and be in the chance to be the 2 lucky commenters that are announced, 2 winners of 25 Random Stamps from Unity Stamp Company.

The more you comment.. The better your chance at getting selected. Comment every day and that gives you 5 chances to win.

 As always make sure to check out Unity's blog and Facebook page everyday.  There is a new GIU Girl every week you can follow along with as well as plenty of fun things and inspiration happening on Unity's blog and Unity's Facebook page. 

What better way to be a part of the Growing in Unity Girls than to Have a card made just for the cause. 

Today my card is Growing in Unity.  Using the sentiment stamp from the Growing in Unity Stamp set.  This is one Beautiful set and one of my very favorite ones. I also used the Gorgeous whimsical bird from this set.

  Here is my card:

 This one was really fun to make.  I first started out by stamping the beautiful whimsical bird on brown card stock.

From there I use Tim Holtz distress ink to distress the sides all around it.  I took my Archival Ink pad (pearlescent sky blue) and dabbed a dry baby wipe on the pad and rubbed it over and around the stamp.

At this point is where I chose the rest of my papers.  I used Maja designs (for my second layer) and Prima papers (3rd layer)for the pattern papers. And again another brown card stock distressed around the edges.  Each layer I used white card stock behind to make each one pop out. I also used my Spellbinder Die to cut out a cute design that I tucked in behind the first layer. and wrapped some linen thread around the 2nd layer. I used gesso on chipboards and distressed them in the same colors to make my own embellishment with a cute little key on top. I added a gray rose flower from my stash to balance the card out. 

The last thing I did was add the sentiment. 

I stamp it on Brown card stock and did the same technique as I did around the first stamp.  Then I used my Fiskars circle punch to cut it out. 

Here is a few more photos

a close up of the chip board embellishment.

Thank you so much for stopping by today and for all the comments everyone has already left.  They do mean so much and encourage me to keep crafting and trying new things.  I love to inspire others to do the same.  Being a part of the crafting community is awesome.  We all support each other in so many ways. 

Make sure you comment all week long for your chance to win some of Unity's amazing stamps.  
I hope you come back tomorrow and check out the project I made.

Supplies used:

Unity stamp's: The Growing in Unity set

Tim Holtz: Distress Ink's -Walnut stain & Antique Linen

Maja Designs: Vintage Autumn Basics

Prima: 6X6 Paper pad - Timeless memories

Spellbinders: Die d-lites - Fancy label tags

Spellbinders: Celebra'tions Linen thread

Studio 18: Chipboard shapes

Thank you for stopping by today.

Hope to see you tomorrow.

HUGS

Amy

Growing in Unity

With 

Unity Stamp Company

Day 2

Welcome back crafty friends.

Today is day 2 of the week long Growing in Unity Celebration on my blog.  

 

This week I will be sharing my projects with you using Unity Stamps.  I hope you follow along each day this week.

Stay with me all week and be in the chance to be the 2 lucky commenters that are announced, 2 winners of 25 Random Stamps from Unity Stamp Company.

The more you comment.. The better your chance at getting selected. Comment every day and that gives you 5 chances to win.

 As always make sure to check out their blog and Facebook page everyday.  There is a new GIU Girl every week you can follow along with as well as plenty of fun things and inspiration happening on Unity's blog and Facebook page. 

Today I wanted to share something different.  If you follow my blog or know me from Facebook or are just a friend you know I like to always throw a canvas project in the mix.  I love working on canvas because it is messy and after you create a work of art you can hang it on your wall for more inspiration.

I love Unity for so many reasons but one thing I like to point out is their positive quotes.  We all love the quirky and funny ones too.  But the positive ones are what always keep me going. 

So Today  I made an Art Canvas with one of their positive quotes I love.  I was so lucky to have a wonderful friend of mine send this stamp to me just because.  

Here is my project using "Should be right here" stamp from Unity.

I started with a 6X6 inch canvas.  

I gave it a good coat of Gesso, Gesso adds texture and also helps keep the paint or ink or even Gelato's from soaking into the canvas and keeps the bright colors right on top.

After the gesso dried I used my stencil from Heidi Swapp to add a background to my canvas.  I used ink pads and Dew drops for the color.  I used a dry baby wipe, you could use a rag or a sponge, to trace in my stencil.  I didn't worry about the stencil staying to much in place as it gives it a cool look as I faded to lighter colors. After I let the ink dry I again went around the edges to give it a distressed look.  Then around the sides.  Never forget your sides when coloring on canvas.  It gives it a better look than just white on the sides and fills it in with color better. 

Here is a more straight on photo.

After all the ink dried, I stamped the sentiment " Your are right where you should be" right on top.  Added a little bling from Prima to add a good eye line.

And Wah Lah!

This is going on my wall.  So I can look at it everyday to remind myself, I am where I should be right now.  It reminds me to keep going.  Keep growing and above all when I am suppose to be somewhere else.  I will be.  It all happens in time. 

I hope my project inspired you today. 

Dont forget to come back tomorrow for another great project.

And since it is Wednesday.  My project will also be over on the Unity blog.

You bet I have something special already planned out for that. 

Dont forget to leave a comment as I love hearing from all of you but also to be in the chance to win some neat stamps too. 

If you missed day 1 here is the link.  Makes sure you comment there too. 

I would love if you follow my blog too.

If you like what you see then dont be afraid to follow.

Supplies used: 

Unity Stamp: Should be right here.

6X6in. Canvas

Gesso

Heidi Swapp Stencil

Prima: Say it in Crystals

Memento Dew Drops: Grape Jelly, Pear Tart, Sea Breeze.

Archival Brilliance: Pearlescent sky blue

Versafine Onyx black

Radiant Neon Electric Purple

Thanks for stopping by..

HUGS

Amy

Growing in Unity

Welcome crafty friends

to another awesome week of 

Growing in Unity

with

Unity Stamp Company

Day 1

I again am so excited to be the GIU Girl for another wonderful week.

This week I will be sharing my projects with you using Unity Stamps. 

Stay with me all week and be in the chance to be the 2 lucky commenters that is announced, 2 winners of 25 Random Stamps from Unity Stamp Company.

The more you comment.. The better your chance at getting selected. Comment every day and that gives you 5 chances to win.

As always make sure to check out their blog and Facebook page everyday.  There is a new GIU Girl every week you can follow along with as well as plenty of fun things and inspiration happening on Unity's blog and Facebook page. 

Today, I am sharing with you a special card I made for my son's teacher.  She just lost someone very close to her heart and I thought it would be nice to get a little something showing we are thinking about her and are here if she does need someone.

This is her first year teaching the 3rd grade and my son loves her so much.

She is a wonderful teacher and loves each of her kids so much.

I used "Here Today - Here Tomorrow" Unity Stamp.

If you know me.. I love my butterflies.

But this time the sentiment really was perfect for this card.

I used Maja Designs - Vintage Autumn Basics Collection

As I like to stamp directly on most patterned paper, I decided against that this time because the white really popped the blue flowers out.  

I added some cute ribbon from my stash and a button from Pink Paisley- IndigoBlue

I also stamped not only on the white paper but also some velum paper since I wanted to add some dimension to the butterfly.

After the ink dried I carefully cut out the butterfly and folded on both sides of the body.

I attached it just at the body so the wings looked like they were more so in flight or dimensional. 

A close up of the butterfly.

I also did the inside of the card with the sentiment.

Again using the same blue rose paper.  And white card stock to stamp on the sentiment. 

The inside of the card.

supplies used: 

Unity Stamp Company - "Here Today - Here Tomorrow" Stamp

Maja Designs- Vintage Autumn Basicws collection

Memento ink pad - brown

Pink Paisley- Indigo blue button

White card stock

velum paper

Ribbon from my stash 

Thank you for stopping by today.

I hope you enjoyed my card and It inspired you in some way.

Remember come back and see me again tomorrow for Day 2.

And comment below for your chance to win. 

HUGS

AMY