Thursday, April 9, 2015

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.
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


Wednesday, April 8, 2015

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

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

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



Monday, April 6, 2015

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
 


Friday, March 27, 2015

FISKAFRIENDS - THE POWER OF COMMUNITY BLOG HOP

Hi there crafty friends.
So glad you could join us for the Fiskafriend blog hop.

I am so excited to be apart of this hop.
It is our 1 year anniversary as a group and community on Facebook. 
We all are crafty peeps that met years ago and have been through so much together.
Sad times and happy times and the support we have for each other just got stronger when we became a community on facebook. 
So with the organization and awesome skills she has, our close friend Jean Bullock put this hop together to inspire and share with all of you what we have been up too lately.
Thank you Jean for all your hard work.
You did an awesome job and we all adore you.
If you came here from Maya's blog #351  then you are in the right place.
If not then you need to go over and start back at  
http://fiskafriends.blogspot.com/
And PRIZES... Yes, we have some amazing sponsors that are giving away prizes. More at the bottom of the post.
Also there are some on the hop giving away their own prizes too
so don't miss any of them.
And you dont have to be a Fiskafriend to comment and win for the sponsors Giveaways. So comment away.  We love hearing from you. 

Here is my project:
I made a canvas for you today. As I love making cards and that was my intent to do for this one. The stamp is quite big and it just fit better with my vision on a canvas.
I used a beautiful stamp from Stampendous-Hummingbird
Isn't it Gorgeous.


I colored the canvas(background) using Gelatos and mixing the colors with water.
The Humming bird I colored again with Gelatos 
using water to mix the colors
I love the sparkle that showed up using the metallic colors.
The flowers I colored using Faber-Castell Art grip water color pencils for the leaves and Gelato's again for the flowers.
 Later on I decided to add a word to the canvas, 
so I water colored and stamped using the stamp from Close to my heart - Love this.
I hope I Inspired you today to try something new.
Thanks for visiting today.
I would love if you would follow my blog too.
A BIG thank you if you do.
HUGS



Here is the line up: please make sure to check out and comment on everyone's blog
Start Here: Fiskafriends blog then continue with the Line up:
  1. Jean Bullock, #8889,  http://ez3dpopups.blogspot.com 
  2. Susan Slomski, #6150,  http://sueinct.blogspot.com 
  3. Cindy deRosier, #4113, http://www.cindyderosier.com
  4. Tifany DeGough, #5942, http://inkblotsbytrd.blogspot.com 
  5. Cheryl Waters, #002, http://blog.artsyfindings.com
  6. Jean Marmo, #7358, http://pagesintime.blogspot.com/
  7. Teresa Godines #6857 http://purplebunnypapercrafts.blogspot.com/

Sponsor Giveaway details:
If you would like to be eligible for the sponsor giveaway drawing, START at the Fiskafriends blog  and follow the instructions there. If you have already done that, I would love for you to leave a comment.  I really enjoy hearing from my crafty friends.  Your comments mean so much to me.
HUGS
Amy

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Upcoming- 
FISKAFRIENDS- THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
Blog Hop


Get ready my crafty friends for an upcoming Blog Hop this weekend!!!!!
 
A bunch of us Fiskafriends got together to bring you a fun, fun Hop.
It will be full of Inspiration and of course Prizes.
Starting March 27th at 6pm pacific time or 8pm Central time
The hop will last for 3 days.  
March 27th
March 28th
and 
March 29th
 
All of the details are on the Fiskafriends blog here

Blog Hop – Coming Soon!

March 27th-29th, we are celebrating our First Anniversary with a Fiskafriend Blog Hop.  You do not have to be a Fiskafriend to visit and comment on our bloggers' posts. This hop is open to everyone! International visitors included! The theme of the hop is Anything Goes, so be prepared to find a variety of creative projects and ideas. 


Giveaway prizes?  Of course! Everyone loves a giveaway! We will have an end of the hop giveaway with fabulous prizes. In addition to the end of the hop giveaway, some of our bloggers are offering giveaway prizes of their own on their posts. 


March 23rd–26th, We will post previews of the prizes offered by our wonderful sponsors.  Please check back often. You will be delighted!

The blog hop blogger list and giveaway details will be revealed on March 27, 2015 by 6PM PDT.
 
Also.  Head over and check out our sponsors on the blog.
They will be giving away some really cool prizes.
Come back here on March27th
I will be participating in the hop and have my post up then.
You can start the hop off on the Fiskafriends blog
where there will be a list of all the blogs joining in.
Cant wait to see you then.

 HUGS
Amy

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Growing in Unity Gals Blog Hop!!!

Welcome to the GIU Gals Blog Hop!!


We are so happy you can join us today.

You should have arrived here from Unity Stamp Co. blog
If you didn't, then head over there so you don't miss a thing. 
I am the first one on the hop after Unity.

 I was so excited when I got the email from Maria and asked to be apart of this hop.  
It is a great privilege and so much fun to create using Unity stamps.
And I love their stamps so much.
Today a few of us ladies from the Nov/Dec Gals got together to create for you using
The Angie Girls Stamps by  Angie Blom

These are Beautiful stamps, so unique and wonderful to color.
Angie Blom did a amazing job with these images.
If you haven't heard of them yet then make sure you see all the creations today 
and then head over the Unity's store here.

Make sure you hop over to each stop on the hop to see all the creativity all of us have in store for you
We all hope to inspire you with our creations.
And what is a hop without a giveaway...
That's right there will be a prize 
so make sure you comment on each stop for your chance to win
2 Angie Girls stamps from Unity Stamp Co.
Woot! Woot!


Today I am using September Girl for my projects.
And it was a perfect selection since I was born in September.

Here is my first project:


I started out stamping my Angie Girl in gray using Color box Mixed media Ink
I then started coloring my image.
Now I used mostly coloring pencils for my image since I am still learning about copics.
I decided to use So Core'dinations paper so I can sand it and distress it.
My background is Crate paper 6x6 Kiss Kiss
And I topped it off with a little Gold mesh ribbon
I stamped right on top of my paper the Let's Celebrate with pie sentiment.
I have really liked this new to me technique of stamp on pattern paper.
It sure has really looked neat every time I have done it.

For my 2nd Project I wanted to try something a little different.
Here is my card....


I stamped the image in white using Tsukineko archival ink.
The first time I started to color the image didn't turn out so well because it is really hard to see the lines.
But I stamped it again to re-try it and I think it came out pretty well.
I used water color pencils for around the image so it didn't fall into the background too much.
I used Core'dinations paper again and sanded it to bring out the white.  
I then went back over it with white and black Gelato's to darken the paper some.
I switched up and used the Give thanks Sentiment this time,
added some ribbon from my stash as well as separated the image with Darice Hemp cord
and added a flower from Prima to top it off.

I hope I have inspired you today with my projects.
But the fun doesn't stop here.  There are 8 more ladies to visit on this Hop.

Your next stop is the wonderful and talented........ Marilyn

Here is the line up if you get off track:
The Hop will START at the Unity blog then go from there.
Giveaway:  Make sure you comment on all the blogs on the hop to be in the chance to win,
one lucky winner will win
2 Angie Girl Stamps by Angie Blom from Unity.

Thanks for stopping by and come back soon.
If you were inspired by my projects today
Make sure you follow so you dont miss a thing.
Plenty of exciting things coming soon.

HUGS
Amy



Products used:
September Girl by Angie Blom from Unity
Versa Fine Onyx black ink
Color box-Mix'd Media Ink Pewter
Tsukineko Moonlight white
Core'dination cardstock Pastels & Impressions
Core'dination sanding block
Crate Paper 6x6 paper Kiss Kiss
Gelato's - black & white
Darice bamboo cord
Prima flower
Arist's Loft-watercolor pencils
Faber Castell- Paper crafter crayons, Pitt Pastel pencils, Art grip color pencils, Pitt Artist pen S
Cold mesh ribbon
scrapbook adhensive E-Z dots mini

Monday, November 17, 2014

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

First off I wanted to say I was sorry for announcing the winner a little late.
I had a few hiccups with my computer
And I am very thankful
to have someone special to fix it

I want to thank everyone for visiting my blog and joining me for my week with 
Growing in Unity

I loved all your comments
And appreciate every one of them
They really are all so uplifting and encouraging.
so
THANK YOU!!

Also a Big thank you to all who follow my blog.
It really means a lot to know you want to know what I am posting.
and that I may have inspired you one way or another.

A recap from this past week
Day1
Day 2
 Day 3
Day 4
And Day 5

 I hope you take something with you from this last week.
I hope I encouraged or inspired you to
go and make something great.
It doesnt matter if it is something you have never done
before.  Just as long as you try.

Now for what you all have been waiting for.....
I took how many comments I had for all 5 days
which was 121
I felt that gave everyone who commented on all 5 days
5 chances.
The more chances the better right.....
So here we are with
The Winner of 2 itty bitty stamps from the Unity Stamp Company
IS..................



True Random Number Service


Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
60
Timestamp: 2014-11-18 04:26:40 UTC




And that means the WINNER is....


Amy!!! I love this,,,I keep saying I want to try, but have been too nervous great job

If you would please contact me
And let me know your selections and address
as soon as possible
I will get the info over to Unity Stamp Co 
so you can get your prize.
 
I want to again thank all of you and Unity Stamp Co.
See you again really soon.
Big Hugs
Amy

Friday, November 14, 2014

Growing in Unity Day5

I am sad to say
Today is the last day of my week with GIU.
What a week it has been.
I have had a lot of fun sharing my projects with you,
And your comments have been very touching and encouraging.

If you are just now joining us 
and you are not familiar with Unity Stamp Co.
Then check them out here.
and their blog here.
Also check out below for details on how to win 2 Itty Bitty stamps
from Unity.

Today I made another card for you, this time using Every Breath.

I used a few papers from my stash.
Bo Bunny, Authentique and DCWV.
All these papers seemed to just flow together.
After layering them out, I liked them
I added some letters to make out the word
Wish....
This stamp reminds me of making wishes as we blew on the 
dandelions when we were kids.
Oh to be a kid again.
I then found a couple neat wooden stars that fit perfect 
and decided to have a few hanging with bakers twine.
I thought it turned out cute.
I stamped my image using Tim Holtz distress paint
and added a few brushes of the paint to the sides of my card.


I hope you enjoyed my card today.
Thank you for joining me this week and leaving comments
They are really appreciated.
Also if you would follow my blog
I would really appreciate that too.
But it is not necessary to win.
I just really hope you would.

To be in the running to win you need to comment on any of the posts from this week.  The more you comment the more chances you have to win.  I am giving you all until Saturday night at midnight to comment and I will choose a winner on Sunday.
So go comment away and Good luck.

A big shout out to Unity for letting me be 
the Growing in Unity Girl
this week.
Thank you so very much.
I had so much fun doing this.
Your stamps are amazing and inspiring.
They are so easy to create with and made this week 
Awesome.

Thank you everyone for joining me this week.
I will see you in a couple days to announce the winner.
 HUGS
Amy

I am also entering this card in the Simon Says Stamp blog Wednesday challenge: http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/