A Grateful Time and a Challenge

It's been the same amount of weeks between my last two posts. It seems my time in the studio is still being swallowed up by the other hats I wear in life, but I'm hoping I can say that will change soon!

I'm posting today because, yes, I have a Mix-Ability challenge that I'm hosting, but I'm so excited to also have different news to share! First the challenge and a little bit about my card.

This vibrant card, maybe a little exaggerated from my photo editing tool, is used entirely from my stash. Pretty cool when I think about it. I made a bunch of backgrounds way back when I designed for Technique Junkies using Shimmering Bliss sprays and some even more yummy products, a background stamp. The flowers were made up for my design team days with Stampendous which were extras that I couldn't use on a project. The only thing I needed to do was add a sentiment and then make it work for the challenge. Easy peasy.

I chose the Stitch Effort direction and it was fun adding details to the flowers and then making a large stitch border. I'm so glad I did that so it wouldn't take so long to hand stitch.

Stop on over at Splitcoaststampers Mix-Ability forum to check out the challenge.

MIX564: Last Ditch or Stitch Effort

Supplies and where to find them are at the bottom of the post and now for my little bit of news!

I have recently been added to the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen Team! This has been a dream come true for me and I couldn't be more excited and grateful at the same time. The SCS community nurtured my love for stamping and being a positive contributor to not only that wonderful environment but also to the every day around me.

I'm still figuring out the ropes, but expect to see some more activity from me while I do my best to encourage all those who call papercrafting their homeostasis.😀

Supplies: I provide some product links that are through my Amazon Affiliate, and that means when clicked and purchased in the same session a few pennies are sent my way at no cost to you.

Featured Product(s):

• Laurel Burch Flower Blossom Stamp Set (website)
• Arabesque Background Stamp (website)

Plus:

• So Kind by Avery Elle (no links to share, sorry)
• Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (AZ)
• Moonlight White Marker (AC website)
• Size 10 Bedspread Thread
• Paper Piercing Tool by Fiskars (AZ)

I'm a maker who receives goodies chosen by myself for design team work. To see a list of these companies just scroll to the bottom of my blog under FTC Declaration.

Paste Not Waste Your Way to Crafting Time

In a time before kids, I would look for something out of my regular routine to do. My mother-in-law mentioned that a few teacher friends were going to take a bookbinding class she thought I would be interested in also taking so I jumped at the chance and was delighted by it. Not only did I learn a few small bookbinding techniques, but I was also fascinated by the paste paper process.

Trying to be creative with what we have for the Splitcoaststampers Mix-Ability challenge, I decided to combine the technique of paste paper and unused stamped rejects. No matter how hard I try these days I'm always making a mistake stamping, I will inevitably smudge or blur the stamped image... yes, even with a stamp positioner. 

Mix-Ability Challenge MIX332: Paste Not Waste

Here's my process as best I could photograph it out, but first tips on the paste making process. Links are at the end of this post for credits, recipes, and other tutorials.

I searched the internet, and here are a few thoughts:

• Cooked paste is smoother than raw (think paper mache recipes), but nowhere did it say that one is better than another for the end result.
• Start with a thicker ratio of starch to water like 1:6 respectively, then if you want a little bit more fluid paste, add more water in the temperature the recipe calls out. (See photo 1)
• Use a binder of some sort. The recipe I used at Lil Bookbinder (link below in credits) had ground alum and an acrylic medium which is supposed to help bind the colorant to the starch. (Photo 2)
• Use a plastic table cover. I have a thick clear table vinyl on my work table, so it was easy to clean up.

Photo 1

Photo 2

• Catalyst Tools (a.k.a. tools that make designs) - use whatever you have on hand. In a pinch, you can cut designs out of plastic loyalty cards and even chipboard. Here are the tools I used (Photo 3).

Photo 3

Let's get started!

• I started with one page that I had a hard time stamping a full image and just kept stamping in all angles until it was filled up.
• For this post, I did other pages so you can see that any stamp will work, whether it is a background stamp or a few single stamps. (Photo 4)

Photo 4

• After the stamping is done, start making paste paper. With a clean brush, apply a layer of water on the backside and then the front  (Photo 5)

Photo 5

• While the paper is damp, paint the paste onto the paper (Photo 6). You can use just one color or two or three, just keep in mind that mixing complementary colors will result in browns and dull colors (Photo 7). If that occurs lightly swipe it up with a wet paper towel.

Photo 6

Photo 7

• Use your mark, making tools to create designs in the wet paste. See the next five photos for marking ideas and click on them to see in the original size.

• Let the paper dry and begin using it for a super start on your project backgrounds or bookmaking endeavors. 

 Credits:

• The recipe I used: Martha Stewart - Decorate Paper Using Starch Paste
• Lil Bookbinder Paste Paper Tutorial (PDF)
• More information about Paste Paper from Emma Jane Hogbin (PDF)
• Interested in how I made the Dolphin card?  Stop by Technique Junkies Blog here. 

I'm a maker who receives goodies chosen by myself for design team work. To see a list of these companies just scroll to the bottom of my blog under FTC Declaration.

July Brings New Stamps from Technique Junkies

Wow! It's July and time for new stamps from Technique Junkies! Stop by the beginning of the list below and get oodles of inspiration with all the new goodies!

Get 15% off until July 8th on the new release...

add an additional 10% off using my code 

TJ10Janelle

Ready for my sneak peeks and some new stamps? I can't wait to show you!

Strong, Brave Humble Stamp
with Shimmering Bliss Sprays

Pelican Stamp
one part of Ropes Stamps

Both cards are colored with Copic markers just waiting to put a smile on someone's face! What do you think? Need a little more inspiration to decide on your favorites? Follow the links below!!!!

Technique Junkies Blog

Beth Norman-Roberts

Ceal Pritchett

Giovana Smith

Holly Brown

Janelle Stollfus - you're here  

Janine Tinklenberg

Jeanne Streiff

Jessie Banks

Judy Jackson

Kia Gibson

Lee Ann Barrett

Lynda Pleckan

Pat Huntoon

Ro Donner

Stephanie Severin

I'm a maker who receives goodies chosen by myself for design team work. To see a list of these companies just scroll to the bottom of my blog under FTC Declaration.

Newly Released Stamps with Technique Junkies

School's out in my kid's district and it means SUMMER is HERE! So while we celebrate the start of our adventures at home enjoy some fantastic NEW stamps by Technique Junkies!

Stamps are 15% off until June 8th

PLUS use code TJ10Janelle 

at checkout for an additional 10% off!

Here is my sneak peeks at some of the new stamps!

Eat Play Love Stamp

For this playful and CAS card, I used Color Burst Powders by Ken Oliver, Brights to add a splash of color on the new Eat Play Love stamp!

Underwater Borders PLUS Enjoy Every Moment Stamps

Enjoy Every Moment sentiment is framed with an Underwater Border and colored with Copic markers.

That's it for my sneak peeks, now it's time to drop by these other blogs to see more of all the new products available in the Technique Junkies store!

Technique Junkies Blog 

Beth Norman-Roberts 

Ceal Pritchett

Giovana Smith

Janelle Stollfus - you are here!

Janine Tinklenberg ‎ 

Jeanne Streiff 

Jessie Banks 

Judy Jackson 

Kia Gibson 

Lee Ann Barrett 

Lynda Pleckan

Pat Huntoon 

Ro Donner

Stephanie Severin

I'm a maker who receives goodies chosen by myself for design team work. To see a list of these companies just scroll to the bottom of my blog under FTC Declaration.

Wish Upon A Star

Happy Sunday, everyone! I’m posting a super humorous card today with stamps from Technique Junkies! Now there are some pretty great stamps that came out this month that go with the character stamp I used so you’ll want to shop to see them as well.

You can always save on your purchase at Technique Junkies with code TJ10Janelle. 

Add it at checkout for 10% off.

Supplies: I provide some product links that are through my Amazon Affiliate, and that means when clicked and purchased in the same session a few pennies are sent my way at no cost to you.

Featured Product(s):

• Happy Housewife Stamp
• Wish Upon A Star (Free Stamp of the month on orders over $30)

Plus:

• Sketch Markers by Copic (SBP)
• Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (AZ
• Distress Inks ( Twisted Citron, Forest Moss, Dusty Concord, and Faded Jeans)
• Bright White Cardstock by Neenah (AZ)
• Kraft Cardstock by Recollections (AZ)
• Deckle Scissors (AZ)
• Mono Liquid Glue by Tombow (AZ)
• Foam Tape by Tombow (AZ)
• Sponge or Mini Ink Blending Tool (AZ)
• MEDIA Fluid Acrylic Paint by DecoArt (Amazon link) - Titanium White

Instructions:

1. Stamp Happy Housewife with black ink safe for markers on white cardstock and color. Trim around the image.
2. Make a grass horizon mask with deckle scissors, if desired and place on white cardstock. With blending tool or sponge start at top of the sky with Faded Jeans and move down to Dusty Concord.
3. Switch to other mask and blend grass with Twisted Citron ending at the bottom of cardstock with Forest Moss ink.
4. Dab Titanium white paint around top and smear one dot for a falling star. I used the tip of a paintbrush handle and small stylus to make dots.
5. Glue background to kraft cardstock and then add Happy Housewife to the card with foam tape.

Thanks for stopping by today!

I'm a maker who receives goodies chosen by myself for design team work. To see a list of these companies just scroll to the bottom of my blog under FTC Declaration.

New Technique Junkies for May!

Today is the mark of a new month, and that means some seriously great new products from Technique Junkies!

If you shop today, you can get an automatic discount on the new release, 

PLUS use code TJ10Janelle at checkout for an additional 10% off!

Here are a few cards I made!

Because I Said So

New Brave Hearts (with Stars Stencil)

New Ruffle Your Feathers
(with Circle Makes Circles and Harlequin Stencils)

Join in the celebration by browsing through all the design teams projects! BIG NEWS we have some new teamies, please join us welcoming them, plus we have a one returning.

Technique Junkies  Blog

Beth Norman-Roberts‎

Ceal Pritchett

Giovana Smith

>> You're here now <<

Janine Tinklenberg 

Jeanne Streiff

Jessie Banks 

Judy Jackson 

Kia Gibson 

Lee Ann Barrett 

Lynda Pleckan

Pat Huntoon 

Ro Donner

Stephanie Severin 

Thank you for stopping by today, come back soon for more inspiration! Remember you can always use code TJ10Janelle at checkout for an additional 10% off!


I'm a maker who receives goodies chosen by myself for design team work. To see a list of these companies just scroll to the bottom of my blog under FTC Declaration.

New Technique Junkies to Share!!!!

Welcome to March! It's time for new Technique Junkies release! Join the design team who are all sharing sneak peeks of the fabulous stamps available now at Technique Junkies website.

New stamps are 15% off until March 8th and

orders of $30 or more receive a free stamp! 

See details on the Technique Junkies blog.

Use discount TJ10Janelle at checkout for even more savings!

Start here if you are just finding our release celebration otherwise enjoy my colorful samples!

This first card uses Butterfly Beauty and Brave Enough to Fly.

This new stamp is so sweet, just imagine Love in The City! Shimmering Bliss Sprays and stencil were used for the background to keep the colorful flow going.

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy more from the design team here and remember to shop before March 8 for a deeper discount on the new release PLUS use code TJ10Janelle for an additional 10% off!

I'm a maker who receives goodies chosen by myself for design team work. To see a list of these companies just scroll to the bottom of my blog under FTC Declaration.

Don't Miss My February Technique Junkies Projects

Friends Looking Out with French Sentiments

I'm popping in to let you know about my February projects on the Technique Junkies blog! Stop by and check it out!

Dog Hair and Doxie Guilt Trip

Whenever you shop at Technique Junkies website use my TJ10Janelle code!

Get 10% off your order!

Note: Hey there ~ this post was meant to go out in mid-February, but I didn't check to see if it published. I hope you'll enjoy seeing the projects even now and get some great ideas with your new Technique Junkies stamps and products!

I'm a maker who receives goodies chosen by myself for design team work. To see a list of these companies just scroll to the bottom of my blog under FTC Declaration.

New Stamps with Technique Junkies!!!!

A new release is happening today over at the Technique Junkies website, so I'm posting a peek at one of the sentiment stamps!

If you are new to our releases then here's some great news!

New release stamps are 25% off until February 8th!

PLUS - Get 10% off regular items with code TJ10Janelle at checkout!

I LOVE the new Namastay Home stamp, I admit I really do this every day hanging out with my two doxies, my only crafting fault is I somehow missed getting the new stamp with dogs on it so I improvised with stencils and scissors!!!!! (Teammates Ro Donner, Judy Jackson, and Janine Tinklenberg are peeking that stamp today.

Stop by the Technique Junkies blog for a master

list of links to see a peek of the entire release! (Janine Tinklenberg is next)

Update:  I made this background with knowing about an upcoming challenge I'm hosting and now it's gone live! Go see the Splitcoaststampers Mix-Ability forum for more information on the MIX316: Array of Sunshine challenge!

Supplies: I provide some product links that are through my Amazon Affiliate, and that means when clicked and purchased in the same session a few pennies are sent my way at no cost to you.

Featured Product(s):

• Namastay Home Stamp
• Weathered Wall Stamp (on dog house)
• Circles Make Circles Stencil
• Stone Work Stencil

Plus:

• Bright White Cardstock by Neenah (AZ)
• Feathered Greens Cardstock by Recollections (AZ)
• Kraft Cardstock by Recollections (AZ)
• Red Cardstock by Recollections (AZ)
• Distress Ink Pads (AZ links) - Brushed Corduroy, Ground Espresso, Broken China, Salty Ocean, Dusty Concord, Festive Berries, Peeled Paint, and Mowed Lawn
• Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad by Tsukineko (AZ)
• Mono Multi Liquid Glue by Tombow - (AZ)
• Sponge or Mini Ink Blending Tool (AZ)

Instructions:

1. Sponge from top to bottom on a 4 x 5-1/4 inch white cardstock Broken China, Salty Ocean, and Dusty Concord inks then stamp Namastay Home in black ink.
2. Trim a curvy piece of green cardstock and sponge Peeled Paint and Mowed Lawn through Circles Make Circles stencil in random spots. Glue to sentiment layer.
3. Stamp on kraft cardstock Weathered Wall in Ground Espresso then trim out a dog house base with an open door area. Sponge Brushed Corduroy in a few spots for variation.
4. Add a piece of kraft cardstock sponged with Ground Espresso behind the door and glue to sentiment layer.
5. Sponge Stonework stencil onto red cardstock scrap, trim into a triangle roof and glue to sentiment layer.
6. Glue completed scene onto folded 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 inch kraft card base.

Thank you for stopping by and hope you enjoy the new release by Technique Junkies!

I'm a maker who receives goodies chosen by myself for design team work. To see a list of these companies just scroll to the bottom of my blog under FTC Declaration.

A Heart Panel Embossed Card

It's time to whip up some cards for Valentine or any time days! Here's a romantic style image card that is simple to make!

Technique Junkies has some really cute and original Love stamps if you are looking for unique and creative stamping projects. Head on over to their website and browse... if you shop remember to use my code at checkout for 10% off!....

Here's how I made my card today!

Supplies: I provide some product links that are through my Amazon Affiliate, and that means when clicked and purchased in the same session a few pennies are sent my way at no cost to you.

Featured Product(s):

• Swirly Heart Panel Stamp
• Couldn't Love You More Stamp
• Shimmering Bliss Spray - Iridescent

Shop more Love stamps at Technique Junkies!

Plus:

• Kraft Cardstock by Recollections (AZ)
• Pink Cardstock by Recollections (AZ)
• Bright White Cardstock by Neenah (AZ)
• Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad by Tsukineko (AZ)
• Memento Marker by Tsukineko - Tuxedo Black (AZ)
• Versamark Watermark Ink Pad (AZ)
• Sketch Markers by Copic® (SBP)- C3, C5, E84, R32, R34, Y21, YG11, YG13, YG91
• Mono Multi Liquid Glue by Tombow - (AZ)
• Pink and White Twine (AZ) - from a multi-color pack
• Hearts Embossing Folder ( I used a Dotted Next Level 3D folder by Lifestyle Crafts - AZ)

Instructions:

1. Fold 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 kraft cardstock in half for card base. Glue 4-1/8 x 5-3/8 inch pink cardstock to the base.
2. Emboss with heart folder a 4 x 5-1/4 inch kraft cardstock. Tie with twine and glue onto card base. Optional: Before adding a bow, gently rub Versamark Watermark ink pad across raised embossing.
3. Stamp Swirly Heart Panel with black ink (safe for Copic markers) on white cardstock and color.
4. Trim and pop up on the card base with foam adhesive.
5. With the Memento marker ink up the words "love you" on the Couldn't Love You More stamp and stamp it onto the bottom right of the card base.

That's it! Thanks for stopping by today and I'll see you again on my blog soon!

You can see a gallery of my cards on Instagram!!!!

I'm a maker who receives goodies chosen by myself for design team work. To see a list of these companies just scroll to the bottom of my blog under FTC Declaration.