Out of the East

November Treasure Hunt

2009-11-30T07:00:00.007-06:00

Welcome to the Technique Junkie Newsletter November Treasure Hunt! This month we are treating you to some fun sneak previews of the December Issue.

Wasn't Lisa's project full of inspiration? If you didn't arrive here from the Technique Junkie blog, you don't want to miss what our whole DT has in store for you! The Treasure Hunt starts at the Technique Junkie Blog.

In the process of going from blog to blog you will want to collect small treasures along the way! At the end of the hunt, put your treasure collection together to see what it says and follow Pat’s directions to win this month FABULOUS prize ...

3 Stamp Sets (one each from Art Neko, Innovative Stamp Creations and Clear Artistic Stamps)
1 Paper Pack from Club Scrap

This is one of the cards I did using a technique called Spritzed Stone, a fun technique with fabulous result! The gorgeous image is from Innovative Stamp Creations. The sentiments are from Technique Tuesday. For the background, I used the Metallic Pop technique. A Cuttlebug folder was also used for this card. Enjoy!

Here is your clue for this hunt! Have fun!

Now for your next CLUE, you must go to Shelly's blog. Not only will you find your next clue but you will also be treated to some fabulous art. Be there!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

October Treasure Hunt

2009-10-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for another treasure hunt? Isn't Kimm's project a beauty? If you did not arrive here from the Technique Junkies Blog, you will need to go back there to start your hunt! Pat will be offering a prize at the end of the Treasure Hunt through a drawing of those who have the correct answer. You will need to leave a comment on Pat's blog and follow the directions she has with your answer. The drawing for this hunt will be held Friday morning at 9 am EST.

Here's my card using the Embossed Crayon Resist technique. The image is from Innovative Stamp Creations and coloured in with Copic pens.

My clue for you this month is:

Now you need to hop on over to Beth's blog for your next clue. She has some wonderful eye-candy for ya! Enjoy the hunt!

Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to comment! Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Friends

2009-10-20T03:00:00.000-05:00

Hope y'all are having a wonderful start to your week this week! I also hope you are all enjoying life and the beautiful autumn season. Where I am, the leaves are starting to change their colours and the air is crisp and cold. Just little things I'm thankful for!

Here's a card using 2 Technique Junkie Newsletter techniques, Painted Puzzle, a bonus technique from the latest CD release and Burnished Background from the October '09 issue. Both are fun techniques to be sure and the possibilities are endless. If you haven't gotten your latest CD release, I encourage you to do so. The bonus techniques on the CD will blow you away!

On my card, the stamp image on the puzzle is from Paperbag Studio. Background is from Stampin' Up! Click photo to enlarge. Enjoy!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

TJ September Treasure Hunt!

2009-09-28T07:00:00.003-05:00

Are you ready for another Treasure Hunt? If you did not arrive here from Shelly's blog, you will need to go back to the Technique Junkie Blog. That's where the hunt begins. Vada & Judy have some wonderful eye candy waiting for you there!

Here are the cool treasures for this hunt:
- 1 Package of Paperclay for Petroglyphic Technique
- 1 Jar of Smooch Ink
- Micro Pearl Pearl Ex for Jeweled Acetate
- Glitter for PK Glitz Technique
- 3 Stamp Sets
- $10.00 Gift Certificate from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps

This is a little sneak peek of a technique, Embossed Crayon Resist, from the soon to be released October '09 issue. All stamps are the Time to Stamp line from I Brake for Stamps. The scanner just can't capture the shimmer of this card. But believe me it's pretty cool and a fun technique to be sure!

And here's the clue for your hunt, the letter:

Now you must head on over to Lisa's blog. She has your next treasure and another great work of art.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Cards for Troops

2009-09-25T05:00:00.003-05:00

About two months ago, my friend and neighbour, Barbara, told me her husband, David, who is stationed in Afghanistan would be coming home to visit for a couple of weeks in early September. I wanted to do something nice to show how much I appreciate our service men and women. I also knew that I have many friends who would want to do the same. So, I sent out a request for handmade cards for our troops to send with David for when he return to Afghanistan.

Well, David was here and has gone back to his service September 18th. The photo below is of David & my son with shoe boxes loaded with greeting cards. My friend, Linda E., my son, and I delivered the cards to David's house the day before David was to leave. 940 cards total were donated for my little Cards for Troops program. Thank you to all my stamping friends for your generosity above and beyond my imagination! I'm truly grateful. And I know with all my heart that the troops appreciate you as well!

God bless our Troops! God bless America! Pray continually for our fighting men and women and their family!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Happy Birthday, Burt!

2009-09-24T06:18:00.003-05:00

Today is my good friend's (Burt) birthday. He is turning some big numbers :) I made this card just for him. We'll go and celebrate his birthday later at a nut house and grab some BBQ at a back-wood Arkansas kinda place. Should be extremely interesting. Burt is interesting, fun and super intelligent. I'm blessed to have him as a friend!

The metal plate background piece is made using AI Foil technique from the August '09 TJ Newsletter. It's a totally fun technique with great result. Denim part is pieces from my son's old jeans. Firearm is from Burt's wife, Linda, my sweet adopted sister. Hope Burt likes his card!

Thanks for stopping by today. I'll try to post more regularly. But do check back on Monday the 28th for another TJ Treasure hunt! Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Technique Junkie August TREASURE HUNT

2009-08-31T11:00:00.007-05:00

Welcome, one and all, to the August Technique Junkie Treasure Hunt! If you did not arrive here from Shelly's blog, you must go back to the Technique Junkie blog and start your hunt from there. There are many eye-candies in store for you!

The techniques used on my card are sneak peeks to not one but two of the techniques on the new CD 7 release called Painted Puzzle and Art Square. All stamps are from one of our generous TJ sponsors, Club Scrap. Click photo for a larger view.

Again, in the process of your treasure hunting, you will collect small treasures from each stop! At the end of the hunt, put your treasure collection together to see what it says and follow Pat’s directions to win this month FABULOUS prize ...

A TREASURE CHEST of goodies filled with the new-release CD, THREE stamp sets and a package of Shimmers! Fabulous prizes, won't you say?

And my clue for you this month is the letter: "o"

Next stop, head on over to the one and only TJ Queen, Pat Huntoon's blog! Your prize awaits for those who answer correctly. Follow Pat's directions and leave a comment on her blog. She will use a random generator to pick a winner!

We will have another Treasure Hunt next month. Come back every last Monday of every month for the fun and fabulous prizes! Happy hunting!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Technique Junkie First Ever TREASURE HUNT

2009-07-27T06:00:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the Technique Junkie Newsletter first ever TREASURE HUNT! This month we are treating you to some fun SNEAK PEEKS of the August Issue.

Wasn't Jane's project full of inspiration? If you didn't arrive here from the Technique Junkie blog, you don't want to miss what our whole DT has in store for you! The Treasure Hunt starts at the Technique Junkie Blog.

In the process of going from blog to blog you will want to collect small treasures along the way! At the end of the hunt, put your treasure collection together to see what it says and follow Pat’s directions to win this month FABULOUS prize ...

The grand prize is for one lucky winner to become a Technique Junkie for life!

The winner will receive any back issues or CD's that they do not already have -- PLUS they will receive all future CD's and issues as they are published for FREE!

WOW, that's one gigantic treasure! You know you can use a lifetime membership to this fabulous newsletter!

The CLUE here is ... "S".

This is one of the cards I did using a technique called AI Foil, a fun technique with fabulous result! I used the gorgeous Big Shot embossing folder from Stampin' Up! for this card. Other ingredients to whet your appetite are alcohol inks, aluminum foil and StazOn ink.

Now for your next CLUE, you must go to Shelly's blog. Not only will you find your next clue but you will also be treated to some fabulous art. Be there!

Thanks for stopping by! Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Yoo Hoo! I'm Still Here!

2009-07-26T05:00:00.006-05:00

WOW, long time no see! You probably wonder what had happened to me or if I was still alive. I am still here, alive and well. Just that I have been re-prioritising my life a bit. There are things that are first priorities, namely family and friends and there are things that are important like work and million other responsibilities. But most importantly, I want to take a journey through life that includes more of family time and time for friends away from the pit. I have more time to pray for my son, my family and friends. I have time to jog almost daily. Oh, and I so enjoy dining with my gals. Fine times. I do still make cards and send them alright. It's just not as often and just not here. I will be here a bit more because of a commitment as a DT member for Technique Junkie Newsletter but it won't be anything major. With that said ...

Please come back tomorrow for the first ever Technique Junkie Newsletter Treasure Hunt. Great prize is in store for you!

And now a little card I made using Chalk Lines technique from the TJ Newsletter, June '09 issue. Enjoy!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Anniversary Sale

2009-05-14T14:13:00.004-05:00

Della over at I Brake for Stamps is having an Anniversary Sale starting today until May 18th! Everything in her online store is 15% off. Plus every customer who uses the coupon code will be eligible for an entry for a drawing to win a grab bag of 100 stamps on May 19th.

Head on over to take advantage of this great deal! More details on IBFS Blog or as followed.

Anniversary Sale!!!

To celebrate our 5 year anniversary, we are offering 15% off of our entire website. Please use coupon code ANNIVERSARY during checkout to receive the discount. Code expires on May 18th.

BONUS: Every customer who uses the coupon code will be entered into a drawing. One lucky winner will be drawn on May 19th and will win a grab bag of 100 stamps!!

Be sure to check out our new releases. We have a new Father's Day half sheet release that includes vintage cars, a golfer, hammock and phrases. We also have some brand new Stampinback stamps. There are Backgrounds, Mona Lisa, Pose, Words and more! Be sure to click on the thumbnails to see some great card samples. You can view all of the new stamps here: http://tinyurl.com/54p8s8

Shipping will be a flat fee of $4.85 for all purchases for U.S. residents. International orders are welcome, but please contact mefor shipping rates. Please use the secure shopping cart to place your orders. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Paypal.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Manly Card

2009-05-03T04:00:00.003-05:00

Another preview of the new plate from I Brake for Stamps. The image was coloured in with Copic markers. And I must say I love 'em corduroy buttons from Stampin' Up!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Another Masculine Sneak Peek

2009-05-02T04:45:00.005-05:00

Della over at I Brake for Stamp is releasing the new Father's Day plate. Here's another sneak preview. A PDQ card to make for the men in your life.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Another Sneak Peek

2009-04-29T12:24:00.003-05:00

I have been so busy trying to get Technique Junkie Newsletter assignments done for June. Therefore the lack of much activities online. I will try to catch up after May 3rd., OK? :)

But here's another little sneak peek of the same Father's Day plate which will be available from I Brake for Stamps in the near future. Image was done using Copic pens. A real hammock in my back yard is just what I need.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

A Clean Heart

2009-04-23T04:00:00.002-05:00

Here's a super quick card using the Floating Acetate technique from the TJ Newsletter, Feb. '06 issue. Stamp is from I Brake for Stamps. Background is Simple Sumi from TJ Newsletter, Oct. '05 issue.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Another Masculine Card

2009-04-22T18:40:00.003-05:00

Here's another version of the same soon to be released stamp set from I Brake for Stamps. Image is coloured in with Copic pens.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Sneak Preview

2009-04-16T14:00:00.001-05:00

Here is a sneak peek of the soon to be released Father's Day plate from I Brake for Stamps. A very simple card using decorative file folder that I got from the local recycle center. I will be sure to let you know when Della releases this new set. Father's day is coming up soon :) Enjoy!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Friends Forever

2009-04-15T14:30:00.001-05:00

Another Shy Bear Series from I Brake for Stamps. Image is coloured in with Copic markers. Sentiment is from the Stampinback line, also from I Brake for Stamps.

Tomorrow, I'll have a sneaky peek of the soon to be released Father's Day plate from I Brake for Stamps. Be sure to stop by :)

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Easter Wishes

2009-04-10T04:00:00.001-05:00

A quick little card to wish y'all a very happy and meaningful Easter! The image is courtesy of my SBS9 sister. Thank you, Suzanne!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Down the Wooded Path

2009-04-06T04:00:00.001-05:00

Another quick card using the Frog in the Blender technique from the TJ Newsletter, Oct. '06 issue. All stamps are from I Brake for Stamps.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Pocket Full of Spring

2009-04-05T04:00:00.002-05:00

Here's to the warmer and brighter days to come! The pocket is actually a picture of my jeans pocket. I took a photo of it and scanned it in and printed it out on my PC. The flowers are from one of an old, old first few stamps I ever owned. Enjoy your spring!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

HVN-BND

2009-04-04T03:45:00.003-05:00

Here's another super quick card. I have the base of the card laying around with no images on it. Got this new Changito and wanted to use it to make a guy card. And here it is :)

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

His Eye is on the Sparrow

2009-03-31T04:00:00.002-05:00

This card features one of Korin's February new releases. This set is called His Eye is on the Sparrow. It's simply beautiful with inspiring sentiments! This card also features 2 TJ newsletter techniques. Background is the TechniqueColour Dye Inks (Dec. '07 issue) and the image uses the Out of the Box technique (Oct. '04 issue). Image is coloured in with Copic pens.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Pretty Flowers

2009-03-30T04:00:00.004-05:00

Another simple card using the gorgeous image from the Rosebud Stamps line over at I Brake for Stamps! The image was coloured in with Copic markers and used the Out of the Box technique from the TJ Newsletter, Oct. '04 issue.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Happy Anniversary!

2009-03-28T04:00:00.004-05:00

So, today it's my anniversary! Made this card for DH to celebrate the many years together. Image is from Eureka Stamps. I just love to use this image for wedding or anniversary card. Background is Frog in the Blender technique from the TJ Newsletter, Oct. '06 issue. Don't remember who made the sentiment though, sorry. Oh, and this is also for the Gingersnap Creations' Chestnut Challenge - Lambs & Lions.

Happy Anniversary, Dear! :)

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Look, Who's Turning 50?

2009-03-27T04:00:00.004-05:00

My DH is turning big 5-0 today! In honour of him turning such a monumental age, a cat lover, and a black & white kinda guy, I made him this card. The cat stamp is from I Brake for Stamps. The "50" embellie is a Hallmark gift charm. OK, so I do buy some Hallmark manufactured stuff, LOL. Image is coloured in with Copic markers. Gotta love the expression in those eyes.

Have a great one, Love! :)

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

TJ April '09 Sneak Peek

2009-03-26T13:45:00.002-05:00

Here's a sneaky peek of the brand new technique from TJ Newsletter, April '09 issue. Links to the new techniques will be live in a few days. This technique on the background piece is called "Chalk Lines". Very easy and fun technique. Click on photo to see more details. All stamps are from I Brake for Stamps.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Awesome Monkey

2009-03-25T04:00:00.001-05:00

Here's another card for the local stamp club challenge. The only stamp used on this one is the sentiment from Stampin' Up! The monkey is from a Funky Monkey chocolate box that my son gave me for Valentine's day. And if you know me, I hardly ever throw anything of this nature away. I did add the little earring to jazz it up a little. It's just a fun little card for my son. Hope you like!

Here's the close-up of the earring.
Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

The Resurrection and the Life!

2009-03-24T04:00:00.006-05:00

I just love this Easter Scripture set from Sweet 'n Sassy stamps. I love every last stamp in the set. It's because of what Christ did for me so many years ago and His victory over sin and death that defines who and what I am today. I am grateful that he died so that I may live!

When I saw this picture in a catalog from John Piper's Desiring God ministry, I knew I would love to use it although I didn't quite know what exactly. But when Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps released their new Easter Scripture set in February, this card was sealed! I distressed the picture which was printed on a nice heavy stock, with sand paper. Stamped and embossed the verse with white EP. Layered it onto black and gray cards. And then adhered that to the inside of a clear acrylic folder with gold flourishes.

Just a close-up of the scripture from John 11:25. Click photo to see the fine print on the picture.

I know Christ died for me. He has saved me from the bondage of sin and death. If I were to die today, I know I'll be with him in paradise! Do you know that he has done the same for you too? If you don't know that and you want to know more about him and how to have relationship with him, email me. I'll be more than thrilled to tell you how you can know him too!

An excerpt from Max Lucado's Traveling Light.

"It was, at once, history’s most beautiful and most horrible moment. Jesus stood in the tribunal of heaven. Sweeping a hand over all creation, he pleaded, “Punish me for their mistakes. See the murderer? Give me his penalty. The adulteress? I’ll take her shame. The bigot, the liar, the thief? Do to me what you would do to them. Treat me as you would a sinner.” And God did.

“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God”

1 Pet. 3:18 (NIV)

The path of righteousness is a narrow, winding trail up a steep hill. At the top of the hill is a cross. At the base of the cross are bags. Countless bags full of innumerable sins. Calvary is the compost pile for guilt. Would you like to leave yours there as well?"

Thanks for reading this far. Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Sending Smiles Your Way

2009-03-23T04:00:00.003-05:00

This is a fun little card I did for the challenge at the local stamp club. The challenge? Making cards for children. Since I send my son a card every week, it's an easy challenge for me. And I really don't mind making them either because Ty is so worth it!

All stamps are from I Brake for Stamps. I coloured the image in with Copic markers. Background is one Ty did from a spin art machine that he got as a birthday gift a couple of years back. It's really a fun image to play with.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Almost A Tri-Fold

2009-03-17T04:00:00.003-05:00

Saw something similar on Mel's blog. She had it made into a box and a matching card. I just wanted a card with similar theme. So, I made it into a fun little tri-fold card! The little lambs are coloured in with Copic pens and cut out. All stamps are from the Funny Farm set over at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.

Here's a close-up of the first fold.

A look of the second fold.

This is what it looks like open up all the way!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Garden Nymph

2009-03-16T04:00:00.002-05:00

Another beautiful nymph from I Brake for Stamps. This card uses this sketch. The image is coloured in with Copic pens. Butterfly embellies are from the floral department at Wally's.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Diamond-Fold Hugs

2009-03-11T04:00:00.002-05:00

I saw Susan Chong's diamond-fold card on TJ board and I just knew I had to make one. She said she saw it on YouTube. So I went on a hunt for the how-to's. And I found this video by Chris Walker. It was a good starting point for me. But I found it was a little hard just folding the paper the same way Chris did because the paper I used for this card was fairly thick and hefty. So, I used my Scor-It board to help simplify things a little. Here's my mini tutorial base on Chris' video for the fold lines. You may follow this if you want to score the paper instead of just folding it. It's a fairly simple card to make but I DO recommend you watch the video first. I'd have like to do another video tutorial for this one but my friend, Linda, is busy painting her house ;) Maybe next time, huh, Linda? :)

Here's what my finish card looks like. All stamps are Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps from the Hugs for Janessa set. Image is coloured in with Copic pens. I'm sending my Easter hugs to my son :)

Side view of the card. A pretty chunky card, huh? :)

Let's get to the tutorial. Click the photo for larger view.

Here are what you'll need:

Paper 4" x 12"
Your preferred scoring tool
Ruler
Pencil
Bone Folder

Here's what you do:

Mark the back of your paper at 2" interval on the 12" side of the paper.
Drawn lines as shown are simply fold lines you need to follow. You will score on these lines.

The details of the fold-lines are as shown below. The valley & mountain folds indicated are meant for the right side of your paper. Be sure to use your bone folder to get crisp fold lines.

When finish folding, decorate the front diamond panel as desired. And that's pretty much done. Like I said earlier, this is only a mini tutorial. If you need more visual, you might need to visit the YouTube link given above. Have fun!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Be You!

2009-03-09T04:00:00.001-05:00

This card features a beautiful Ballerina stamp from Stampinback line over at I Brake for Stamps. Image is coloured in with Copic pens, cut out and adhere to an oval piece. Sentiment is also from I Brake for Stamps.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Spirit of St. Louis

2009-03-04T06:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a quick card using one of the oh, so cool I Brake for Stamps images! It makes great masculine cards for all the aeroplane lovers or Air Force officers in your life. I have the privilege of knowing a couple of friends who own private planes and great love for their owns. This image comes in handy when making cards for said friends.

Image was coloured in with Copic pens. Paper is a scrap piece I believe from Stampin' Up! The brown leather strap is from my son's beat-up, thrown-away pencil case. I just added the antique brass buckle to finish off the card. Hope you like!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Happy Wonderer Performance

2009-03-02T05:59:00.009-06:00

As some of you may know, Ty's 3rd grade class had a performance last week in which he was the narrator. I am, maybe, only a little biased, but I think he did an excellent job!

DH tried to put it on YouTube as a single video, but YouTube limits files to a maximum of 10 minutes. Since the play lasted right around 20 minutes total, he split it into two parts below.

Please don't feel you need to watch the whole thing, we just wanted to share what Ty is involved in and let friends & family know we're very proud of him!

Ty is in the blue shirt with the cordless mike in the front. And Roy Rogers (Yep, that's his real name) is the Happy Wonderer! :P

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

In All Thy Ways Acknowledge Him!

2009-03-02T04:00:00.001-06:00

First off, I have to tell you that I have an honour to be a Guest Designer for Sweet n' Sassy Stamps for the month of March. Thanks, Korin, for the honour and the opportunity.

This card features my most loved set from SNSS, Child of God. Image was coloured in with my trusty Copic pens. Background is a scrap piece of some tie-dyed paper left from other projects. The inside-out eyelets look-alike are actually some hardware I found in my husband's tool storage. And in keeping with what I have shared with my son a couple of days ago, I chose this verse from the book of Proverbs again for the card. One can never have too many encouragements now, can he? :P

Korin also has five fabulous newly released beautiful stamp sets perfect for the upcoming Easter holiday. Check 'em all out here. And do you know that SNSS also has a blog that you ought to visit? There are oodles and oodles of eye-candies done by SNSS Design Team.

Thanks for visiting. I appreciate your precious time spent here! Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Ty, You Make Me Proud!

2009-03-01T04:00:00.003-06:00

If I haven't told you this already, I love my son to bits. And I'm so very proud of him. Every time I see him, my heart could burst with pride & joy. I thank the good Lord for him everyday of his life!

He recently competed in AWANA Bible Quizzing and got a perfect score. This past Thursday, he was in a school concert as a narrator. He did an excellent job there too. And I am not even biased :P We have a video and I'll get that up on YouTube for friends & Family later. His principal told me later if Ty were to become a famous news anchor or talk show host or something in that effect, I should not forget that he started out at Nieman Elementary School. I just said "thank you" and gave him this great, big, huge smile. But my heart was about to burst from pride :) Many thanks to Linda E., Jack & Donna W. for the honour you gave us by being at the concert and for your love and support. It was so good and kind of you to be there.

So, I made him this card to tell him how proud I am of him. Inside though, I did mention that no matter how good he is at anything, it's because of God in him. He needs to trust in the Lord with all of his heart and do not lean on his own understanding. And in all his ways, he should acknowledge God and God will make his paths straight! That was straight out of the book of Proverbs 3:5-6. Although I'm so proud of him when he has accomplished so much, I am most proud when I hear his teachers say what a sweet boy he is or when he is being kind and protective of a classmate who has Down Syndrome. Well, enough of the proud mum moment.

This card uses the String You Along technique from the TJ Newsletter, Feb '09 issue. Main image stamp is from High Hopes Stamps. Sentiment is from . Main image was coloured in with Copic pens.

Thanks for reading this far. It's a long post. Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Just Loving You

2009-02-26T07:45:00.003-06:00

For some reason, my son just loves this clown! So, I thought I'd make him another card using it. Both the clown image and sentiment stamps are from the Stampinback line over at I Brake for Stamps. Background was a scrap piece from long ago and I have forgotten what it was. I love using red pompoms for his nose and an added small dash of colour, just another simple card.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Find JOY Everyday

2009-02-24T18:00:00.000-06:00

A super quick & easy card to welcome spring! Bunnies stamp is from I Brake for Stamps. Sentiment is from Hero Arts. The bunnies' fuzzy tails are pompoms. Hope you like :)

Thanks for stopping here today! Your visit and kind comments mean the world to me. Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Ducky, You are the Best!

2009-02-23T04:00:00.004-06:00

Don't know about you but I am so ready for spring! So, I made this simple little card to celebrate spring and beckon the warmer weather :) The card features this adorable image from I Brake for Stamps. The image was coloured in with my trusty Copic pens. Sentiment is from Stampin' Up!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

1 of a Kind

2009-02-21T04:00:00.003-06:00

Beautiful, beautiful image here, don't you think? It's one from I Brake for Stamps. I coloured in the body of the peacock with Copic pens. The fine feathers were done using the PearlEx gets floored technique, an oldie from TJ Newsletter, June '03 issue. Wish y'all could see the shimmery effect of this card. The duo-tone PearlEx works really great for the feathers. '1 of a Kind' is from Hero Arts. Well, hope you like!

Thanks for cheking in today! Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

My Life's Needs According to Google ...

2009-02-14T04:00:00.006-06:00

Saw this on Julie's blog. Thought it would be fun to post "what I need" according to Google here. What you do is go to Google and enter "(Your name here) needs" - keep the quotation marks and loose the parenthesis - in the search box and then list the first ten hits that come up. Here are my needs :P

Notes: In the (-) are my personal comments to each of the need.

Manna needs... your help. (I need help not to be so busy. Is that even possible?)
Manna needs... turkeys. (Ha, a smoked turkey leg sounds really good right about now :)
Manna needs... your prayers. (Oh, I can always use your prayers. Email me for a complete list!)
Manna needs... for Smart Sacks. (I need smart everything!)
Manna needs... more space. (Now, this is spooky. How else do you think they know that?)
Manna needs... to develop many of its projects. (I have commitments that I need to work on that's for sure!)
MANNA needs... donations! (LOL)
MANNA needs... to raise $3500000 to Expand the Power of Nourishment. (More like, to Expand my Stamp Room. Any potential donor roaming my blog? :)
Right now, Manna needs... food high in protein. (Medium rare steak, oh yeah!)
Manna Needs... Screen Names. (I think I have enough screen names. I have forgotten half of them already as it is. No, I don't need more screen names, thank you!)

I just copy and paste what came up. Pretty hilarious if you ask me. Go check it out to see what you need and please link back here so I can see you needs too.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Quality Seeds, Anyone?

2009-02-13T11:16:00.002-06:00

I have been neglecting my blog big time. My apology to all. Life has been crazy busy and hectic here these days. My son has stuff going on here and there and everywhere. Thankfully, my PSE online class will be over this week. The school Valentine's day party is later today. Boy, am I grateful to get the stuff done for it in time! Hopefully, I can relax a little after all my homework is turned in and I can stamp more :)

Here's a card I did a couple of weeks ago that I forgot to post for my friend, Nancy :( The flower pot image is from one of her Rare Image Rubber Stamps sheets. And I somehow got a hold of the "Friendship Seeds" template a couple of years ago on Katydid's site. I tried to get back to her site so I could give her proper credits but could not. I'm so sorry I can't give you the credits you so deserve, Katydid. Please know I appreciate what you have shared with us a while back.

I thought the image goes well with the template. So I decided to use it here. And I think it turns out quite well. Image was coloured in with Copic pens and highlights were added with white gel pen. The edges around the image is the (almost) torn frame technique from TJ Newsletter, Dec. '08 issue. Card base was embossed with texture plate, I believe, from Fiskars. Then I ran white ink pad over the embossed area. Click the photo for a detail viewing pleasure :)

Thank you all, for sticking with me and for visiting. Happy Valentine's Day! And until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

It's Official!

2009-01-28T13:15:00.001-06:00

As of the February issue of the renowned Technique Junkie Newsletter, I am now the proud member of the Technique Junkie Newsletter Design Team. I have been a TJ subscriber since Pat started the newsletter 6+ years ago, never once regretted being a junkie. I learnt so many new & fun techniques. I just wish I had more time to play with it all. If you love techniques and not a subscriber then you need to check it out and subscribe to the newsletter. It is such a great deal. There are so many options you can choose how you want your membership. Go check out the pricing and sample techniques here. Tell Pat I send you :)

I will add links of all the other design team members to the side of my blog soon. Very talented ladies on this team and the artwork is very diverse. That's why I am so chuffed to be on this team. Doing a very happy dance! Below is a slide show of my cards I submitted for the issue. Enjoy!

Thanks for checking in. Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Shy Bear in a Shaker

2009-01-28T04:00:00.005-06:00

Of leaving Thailand, one of the things I miss a lot is the ocean. Living here in Kansas, the closest beach is probably at least a good 12 hours drive from home. So, I made this card to fill the void and the yearning for the ocean inside me, you might say.

This card features an easy shaker the kind I like to make. No messing around with foam-cored board or foam tape and frame. I just used one cello bag large enough for the image and filled it with the theme of the card. The Shy Bear image is from I Brake for Stamps. Stamped with Memento - Tuxedo Black ink on Neenah paper and coloured in with Copic pens.

A close-up for you to see I put in my shaker the sand and the sea :) I coloured my star fishies with sharpies to keep the bold and bright theme for the card. Told ya, I am so ready for the cold to be over!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Ready for Summer? I am!

2009-01-27T09:26:00.005-06:00

This card features the Rare Image Rubber Stamps - Garden plate. This plate is jam-packed with beautiful images. It has been so cold here and I found this great plate of stamps is just what I need to get me ready for Spring & to welcome the Summer months. Oh, how I wish I don't have to feel like roly-poly when I head out in the wind and snow.

The image was stamped with Memento - Tuxedo Black ink on Neenah paper and was coloured in with my trusty Copic pens. 'Happy' sentiment is from Stampin' Up!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Sweeter Than CHOCOLATE?

2009-01-23T04:00:00.006-06:00

My local stamp club has Valentine's Day card as this month challenge. Here's a card I made for the challenge. I will be sending this to my son comes Valentine's Day :)

All stamps are from I Brake for Stamps. The image is coloured in with Copic pens. There is a tiny blue heart-shaped rhinestone on the red envelope and I have used a mini Snickers® bar to embellish the card with. I think my son will really like that, don't you think?

Here's a close-up of the lower portion of the card. The sentiment said, "You are sweeter than Valentine's CHOCOLATE." Yep, my son is sweeter than any chocolate in the whole wide world!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a sweet day! Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Chili Pepper, Anyone?

2009-01-21T04:00:00.003-06:00

A friend of mine loves chili peppers probably as much as I do. Her husband makes killer salsa. My mouth waters just typing it! She had a birthday. So I made this card for her. The pepper was dry-embossed using Sizzix embossing folder on 3 pieces of scrap card stock, red, green and white. Trimmed the red and green and pop-dotted them on the white for more dimension. Background and sentiment stamps are from Stampin' Up! Wish you had one great big red peppery kind of day, Margie! :)

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Something Remarkable

2009-01-20T04:00:00.003-06:00

This card features a TJ technique called shimmering wallpaper (October '07 isssue). Sorry you can't really see the shimmer on the photo. This technique gives a really beautiful shimmer to the final product. Image is from Stamp Zia. Sentiment is I Brake for Stamps. Anyway, I have a chance to really look, long and hard, at the photo. Hmmm ... I wonder why there is a paper-clip on my card? I don't think it's supposed to be there. I wonder what I was thinking? Just remove the paper-clip in your head and I think it will be one beautiful card, LOL.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Best Dirt?!?

2009-01-19T04:00:00.002-06:00

Another tried & true TJ Newsletter technique, expressionist watercolour. Image is from Rare Image Rubber Stamps. A friend of mine enjoys being in her garden and she also works in a local greenhouse who, I know for certain, will enjoy getting this card. And seriusly, she knows where the best dirt is. Wish my thumbs are as green as hers :)

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Dreams of Your Youth

2009-01-18T04:00:00.000-06:00

Another simple, under 10 minutes card using my son's background paper. Image is from Paperbag Studio. Stamped & embossed the image with black EP.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Write It on Your Heart

2009-01-17T04:00:00.004-06:00

This little girl is so pretty if you ask me. She is from Cornish Heritage Farms. Stamped & embossed on a camouflage background. The technique is from the TJ Newsletter, October '08 issue. Sentiment is from Local Kings Rubber Stamps. I just love the camo look, don't you? This is probably as pink as I am comfortable making, LOL.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Walk in His Ways

2009-01-16T04:00:00.001-06:00

The image was stamped and embossed on a scrap piece of vaseline resist technique I used for this card. The scrap looked so good and I couldn't make myself throw it away. This image is small enough to fit the scrap so here's a card done with it.

Do you see the sentiment under the 3 brads? I don't think so :) I stamped in blue & embossed in clear. Although you can see it fine IRL. The sentiment is actually a verse from 1 Kings 2:3, that says "Walk in His ways ... so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go." And it's by Biblical Impressions.

Image is from Diva Impressions. A word of caution though about ordering from them. I placed an order back in September of '08, I believe. One of the stamps I wanted was back-ordered. When I received my order, the one I didn't received had a hand-written note that said, the item was back-ordered, refunded! But until today, I never did get my refund back from that back-ordered stamp. I contacted the store numerous times to no avail. No reply, nothing whatsoever. I had expected a courtesy email explaining things. Nope, zip, zero, none. And believe me, I was very nice about it thru the bitter end. So, be aware and order at your own risk.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news so to speak. I don't wish for another transaction with the like of that. It's just too sad to have to waste time dealing with things like dishonesty.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Want to Become a Technique Junkie?

2009-01-15T04:05:00.008-06:00

Pat Huntoon, owner and publisher of the renowned Technique Junkie Newsletter has a great promotion going on RIGHT NOW! If you have been debating of becoming a subscriber, now is the time!

Techniques on a budget!

The February issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter will be published in just two short weeks – and it features 15 techniques for the budget-minded. This issue features techniques that use basic supplies to create outstanding, beautiful artwork for your cards, scrapbook pages and other creative work. You can start your subscription with the February issue – and have issues from February 2009 through December 2009 delivered to your doorstep -- for as little as $16.95.

You will have access to those issues on the Technique Junkie Newsletter subscriber-only pages, too! All-told, you will have a minimum of 90 techniques delivered to your doorstep by the end of the year.

Are you already a subscriber, but need to renew? You can renew for a year for $16.95, also. Hurry, though, this offer will not last long! Although it is only $16.95 for renewals to US addresses, Canadian and overseas have special pricing also:

Canadian pricing: $18.50,
Overseas: $22.95.

Interested? Email Pat for your subscription today. She accepts cash, checks, paypal or you can ask her directions for paying directly with a credit card.

I hope you will consider subscribing at this great rate!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Rare Image Rubber Stamp New Release!

2009-01-15T04:00:00.002-06:00

Rare Image Rubber Stamps has a newly released rubber sheet called Garden. Check it out. The 8"x10" sheet is packed full of beautiful images! You are definitely getting your dollars worth! The rubber is thick, and I mean thick and of very good quality. Really, you won't be disappointed!

Here's a simple card I did using the gardening boy as main image. I stamped and embossed it on a series of bamboo tiles. Than I coloured it in with my trusty Copic pens, mounted the tiles on green stock and I'm pretty much done. I love the finished effect on the tiles, do you!?!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Everything That Is Old

2009-01-14T04:00:00.001-06:00

This card used 2 of the TJ Newsletter techniques, Simple Sumi (October '05) for the background and floating sentiment (June '06) for the sentiment.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

First Digi Page

2009-01-13T04:00:00.001-06:00

Here's my first ever digi scrap page! All digi elements are from the Rough & Tumble: Reloaded kit by Studio Flergs from ScrapbookGraphics. Took me about an hour or so to get this page like so. I was too lazy to read the tutorials, yikes :-{} Saw the kit, fell in love, bought it and I just went to town :) It was so much fun. Will have to find time to play more.

Your constructive critiques are most welcome for my new found art outlet. Thank you kindly!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Create Something

2009-01-12T14:00:00.005-06:00

This is a super fast & easy card to make using colour blocking technique. My son made the background from his spin art thingamajig. When he was done I wouldn't let him throw it out. There are more where this came from :) Sentiment is the Stampinback line from I Brake for Stamps. Stamped & embossed right on top of the background. I think I will send the lad this card later this week :)

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Classic Masculinity

2009-01-09T04:00:00.003-06:00

Here's a card featuring soot stamping technique. I stamped the image a long long long time ago. Just had the time to make it into a card today. So, I really don't remember if this is a straight soot or a reverse soot. I guess if I check the stamp, I'd be able to tell you. Just another simple guy card from me.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Happy Place

2009-01-08T04:00:00.001-06:00

This beautiful image is from I Brake for Stamps. Sentiment is Stampin' Up! Coloured in with Copic pens. Don't have a daughter to call my own but both my son & I love to read. So, this image will have to do :) It was truly a very happy place to cuddle and read together when he was littler! Ty has become quite an excellent reader. He just turned 9 a couple of days ago but he reads much faster than his Mum. Shame on me, huh?

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Fly Away ATC

2009-01-07T04:00:00.002-06:00

An ATC I did a long while ago. Image is from The Queen's Dresser Drawers. Image was stamped on metal flashing, a roofing material with StazOn, Jet Black ink. Coloured in carefully with Sharpies. Filed the edges carefully also to get rid of the sharp edges. Fun little project!

Can't wait until the day I'll actually get to ... fly away! This is actually from a song by Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch. If you are interested, the lyrics is below the ATC.

I'll Fly Away

Some glad morning when this life is o'er,
I'll fly away;
To a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

[Chorus]
I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone,
I'll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

[Chorus]

Just a few more weary days and then,
I'll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

[Chorus]

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

My Precious is 9!

2009-01-06T12:58:00.007-06:00

It's my son's birthday today! He is 9. And boy, how he has grown and so fast!?! This is a card I sent him. Made it a while ago with him in mind. In case you don't know, he IS very very precious to me, more precious than all the gold & platinum in this wide world. Although I don't mind a new platinum wedding band since mine has ceased to fit my finger a little over 9 years now, ha! Yep, the joy of pregnancy!

Anywho, main image is I Brake for Stamps. Sentiment is Hero Arts. This is one of the bears from this sheet. I coloured it with Copic pens. Resisted the bear and moon and stars with clear EP then filled in the rest with more Copic. I did try to make it look like it's sitting on a rooftop or hillside rather than on a pumpkin since it's way past harvest time. I think it turned out pretty well, don't you think? The stamp is very versatile if you ask me! $20 for an 8" x 10" sheet. What a steal! Lots of cute images on this sheet. Della also has specials going on all the time too. More savings and more stamps for you! Check out the store for other great images and tell Della, I sent ya! *WINK*

Thanks for checking in. Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Merry Christmas to All!

2008-12-25T04:00:00.004-06:00

I wish you all who visit here today a very merry Christmas! I hope you find joy and peace today and always. Below is the reason, Why Christmas?

And here's our finalised version of this year Christmas card to family, a double slider card.

This is what it looks like open. Can't get the scanner to scan the whole thing. Anyway, you get the idea :) Hope you like.

Thanks for stopping by today! Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Very Merry

2008-12-17T04:00:00.002-06:00

This is a very simple card using the negative of a snowflake die cut. Sentiment is from Stampin' Up!

Only 8 days 'til Christmas. I hope you all are getting a chance to relax and spend good quality time with your loved ones and not letting the busyness during this time of year get in the way of the true meaningful Christmas celebration! Embrace & enjoy your family! Thank you, all, for checking in today!

Never forget:

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Jesus is the Reason!

2008-12-16T04:00:00.001-06:00

This card used a cute little image I got many years ago from the $1 clearance bin at Walmart?!? The large 'Jesus is the Reason' stamp is by Inkadinkado. 'Joy' sentiment is by A Muse. A very simple pocket card stamped with white ink. Hope you like!

Here's a look inside!

Never Forget:

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason
for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Retro Noel

2008-12-15T04:00:00.001-06:00

OK, so this image was done before my Copic days, hidden away in a Christmas pile. As you can see, the colouring was nothing to be desired. I love the retro look but just don't seem to make too many cards with that look! Anyway, here's another quick and simple one :)

Never forget,

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Shy Bears Under the Christmas Tree

2008-12-14T04:00:00.001-06:00

Here's another card feature one of the many stamps from the Shy Bears series. You can find them over at Della's I Brake for Stamps store. You will find Shy Bears for all seasons and occasions. Fun images to play with. I'm sure to be ordering more in the near future. The image was coloured in with Copic markers.

Never forget:

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason
for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

O Little Town of Bethlehem

2008-12-13T04:00:00.005-06:00

Here's another simple card using the image courtesy of my SBS9 sister, Katie. Coloured in with Copic pens. I stamped the twill tape with 'JOY' from A Muse. This is a long card fits right in the regular business size envelope. Enjoy!

Never forget:

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

The Reason for the Season!

2008-12-12T04:00:00.001-06:00

Another simple tri-fold card. Main image is from Stampin' Up! Sentiment is Inkadinkado. Background is Autumn Leaves, I think.

Never forget,

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Poinsettias, Anyone?

2008-12-11T04:00:00.001-06:00

This card features the poinsettias stamp from the Christmas plate over at I Brake for Stamps. Image was stamped and embossed with gold EP on a coated shimmery paper and was coloured in with Copic markers. I found that Copics work better on a more absorbent paper. I think because of the coating on the shimmery paper, Copic acted more like acrylic paint than alcohol base pens. they still render a beautiful result as you can see here, ha! But if you are looking for a smoother application, do it on a non-coated stock. This is just my 2-pence worth.

Never forget:

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Noel Shy Bear

2008-12-10T04:00:00.005-06:00

Another Shy Bear image from I Brake for Stamps. Coloured in with Copics. Finished card size is 4 1/4" x 5 1/2". Told ya, great big images for a small price! I just love 'em! Hope you like!

Never forget:

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Lady of Winter

2008-12-09T04:00:00.014-06:00

I've never been big on nymphs or into any Greek mythology. But I just fall in love with these 2 particular nymphs from I Brake for Stamps. And this card uses one of them. When I work with them I never thought of them as nymphs but rather beautifully dressed-up in nature's bounty ladies :) It was fun colouring this one with Copic pens.

Sentiment is from Artistic Outpost. And here's a little details on the raised poinsettia and tag. Thanks for taking the time to visit today.

Never forget:

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason
for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Shy Bear & Christmas

2008-12-08T04:00:00.010-06:00

Sorry about the post blooper yesterday. My son had a little health emergency (which I'll spare you the details) when I hit the 'Publish Post' button by mistake. I thought I would steal away while he took a little snooze. Ty is sick with stomach something or other again. Poor guy could't keep anything down all day yesterday with a low grade temperature. Sure hope he will be back to his normal self soon. I'd give anything to be sick for him every time I see him like this. My heart just aches. I guess it's part of mum's job descriptions.

Anyway, here's a card I was trying to post yesterday using an image from the Shy Bear series over at I Brake for Stamps. I didn't realised how big these stamps were until I got them in my hands. Although I think this particular image might be the smallest one. Boy, was I a happy camper :) I coloured in the image with Copic markers. Sentiment is from Stampin' Up!

Never forget:

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason
for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

The Nativity

2008-12-07T04:00:00.001-06:00

A simple tri-fold card featuring Stampin' Up! image. No Copic on this one :) Just stippled some ink on with a stippled brush. I think I will add a swipe or two of the gold shimmer across the image for a littlle interest.

Never forget,

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Joy to All

2008-12-06T04:00:00.006-06:00

One of the many cards that will be sent out this year? I was making a prototype of this card and wanted to see what it'd look like with a photo on, therefore a younger version of my beloved. And I think it turns out quite nicely. Now, to get a photo of him taken will prove to be more of a challenge. We shall see.

The card itself is pretty simple. I think I saw something like this on one of Archiver's ad a few years back. And it just kinda stuck to my head. I decided to make it and showcased my son. I think this is a go for family members anyway :) The only stamp, I think, is by Hero Arts.

Never forget,

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

The Christ Child

2008-12-05T04:00:00.003-06:00

The image is another one from Katie. OK, so she sent me a whole bunch. Ain't I the lucky one around here? LOL. You will be seeing more images from her.

This is a tiny little cute image, coloured with Copic. Circle and scalloped circle from Nesties dies. All paper and stock and ribbon are from Stampin' Up! And that's about all :)

Never forget,

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Here Come the Wisemen

2008-12-04T04:00:00.003-06:00

Here's another image, again, courtesy of Katie, the sweet sweet gal. I coloured the image with Copic markers and added a little shimmer to the image with At You Spica pens, also by the maker of Copic markers. Let me tell you, these glitter pens are something else! I totally love the effect when you apply them to your card. Very subtle but oh, so striking! You will need to try 'em for yurself :) Paper is from a HOTP Christmas Stack a few years back. Rhinestones were also added to the crowns for another ounce of umph *WINK*

A close-up in hope that you will see the shimmers I was talking about! All the crowns and gifts were done with Spica pens. I also did a layer of clear Spica on the wisemen clothing as well. Almost did the beard but thought better of it, ha!

Never forget,

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

All Tangled Up!

2008-12-03T04:00:00.004-06:00

The image on this card is courtesy of Katie, my SBS9 sister. I think it's adorable with the sad little face, well maybe not so little :) I coloured the image with Copic. I also added a little Diamond Glaze to the light bulbs.

Never forget

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

The Red Christmas Door

2008-12-02T03:30:00.005-06:00

On to Christmas cards as promised *WINK*. Here's a card features the beautiful Christmas door by Artistic Outpost. Stamped with Memento ink and coloured in with, you guess it, Copics markers :) Snow highlight was done using Signo white gel pen. Background stamp is from Stampin' Up! called Sanded.

Never forget,

Jesus is the ONE and ONLY True Reason

for the Christmas Season!

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

A CASE Study :)

2008-12-01T04:00:00.001-06:00

I saw Catherine using the nesties dies to make one of her cards. I thought it was such a clever idea. I decide to do a little CASE-ing :) Only one little sentiment stamp from Stampin' Up! was used. The flower was from a Stampin' Up! punch as well. Simple but pretty, huh?

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Treehouses

2008-11-30T04:00:00.001-06:00

My son made this background for me on a piece of Juicy Juice® package. Throwing it out would be next to sinning :) And since the background itself is so very dark, I decided to stamped & embossed the image in white. Stamp is Paperbag Studio. I did one (on the same background) with black embossing and I had the hardest time photographing it and making it come out right. But with Photoshop, that's all fixed now. I'll post that later :)

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Tilda's Goodbye to Autumn

2008-11-29T04:00:00.000-06:00

This is a card that is way out of my league :-O. I got this stamp when it was on sale a couple months back. And I was happy to have a chance to play with it before November is over. I really need to learn to choose my paper first before I embark on colouring the image. I have the hardest time matching up paper and such. Live and learn. And because of my not so organised mind, I kinda kept this simple. I should have added some stone texture to the steps that Tilda is sitting on. I can still do that. And I think I will add a little sentiment as well.

Stamp is Magnolia Stamps. Colouring medium is Copic markers.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Holding on to Autumn

2008-11-28T04:00:00.002-06:00

In case you don't already know, I love autumn! I know it's already after Thanksgiving and I should move on to Christmas. But I guess I will hold on to autumn for a few days longer :) We still have leaves on the ground. My son, Ty, sure knows where to find joy and how to be thankful for simple pleasure such as a fort of leaves and tire swing! Last of the leaves will probably be bagged up today for pick up tomorrow. Allow me to joy in autumn until the end of November, will you please?

King Ty and his fort complete with a moat!

Ty in his fort all protected and oh, so at home!

King Ty on his tire swing, the royal chariot!

This card is another simple card using Copic as colouring medium. Stamp is by CD Stamps.

Thanks for visiting. I hope you find joy everywhere you look today and always! Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Give Thanks Forever

2008-11-27T04:00:00.009-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!

When you have just one beautiful stamp, you hardly ever need any other to complete a beautiful card. Don't you just agree with that? Here are a few samples of the just one beautiful script stamp from I Brake for Stamps. All but one were stamped with Versafine ink and embossed with black EP, on different background techniques.

This first one is done on watercolour paper. Colour-washes were used for the background.

This second one is on a regular smooth stock, brayered with spectrum pad.

This one is done on an oil pastel on regular smooth stock.

Last but not least, for this one, I stamped using VersaFine ink, let dry and coloured on top with my Copic markers.

May you find many things in your life you are thankful for today and always! Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

We Remember Moments

2008-11-26T04:00:00.003-06:00

This card is for the Daring Card Makers coffee challenge. Where is the coffee? It's in the background. The background of this card uses the Aged Parchment technique from the TJ Newsletter, June '08 issue. And this technique uses coffee to stain the paper. The aroma while soaking the paper is out of this world! Personally, I don't drink coffee because my heart races too fast and my hands shake. But I love the smell of being brewed coffee. Anywho ... the bird images and sentiment are both from I Brake for Stamps. Stamped and embossed with Tim Holtz's distressed EP.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Weighty Burdens Shared

2008-11-25T04:00:00.006-06:00

Went to Dollar Tree with my son the other day. Saw this little paper weight for a buck each. Here's what I did with it. I'll have to go back and grab a few more to make as gifts for teachers with different images and scriptures. Great little gift for the guys! You think?

Stamp is by I Brake for Stamps. Image is coloured with Copic markers. I used 1/4" black grosgrain ribbon to go around the gaudy looking plastic base. And it turns out beautifully if I may say so myself :)

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Isn't a Big Thing?

2008-11-24T04:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday! This is another simple card using Tim Holtz's brushless watercolour technique. Main image is Stampin' Up! Sentiment is by Penny Black. This technique is very simple and yet, very effective.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Shimmering Wallpaper

2008-11-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

This card uses the Shimmering Wallpaper technique from TJ Newsletter, October '07 issue. You really have to see this card in person to appreciate the shimmer. I love the effect you get from this technique. Very fun and very pretty! Feather stamp is by Stamp Zia.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Nothing Can

2008-11-22T11:30:00.002-06:00

A clean & simple card featuring a verse from scriptures. The stamp is by Stamp A Mania. Embossed with Tim Holtz's Distressed EP, Vintage Photo. The "embossed" border around the scripture was done using the Nesties die and polymer pad.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Cockatoo Forest

2008-11-21T15:00:00.000-06:00

This card features Copic markers, again. Background behind the image is Faux Handmade paper, from the TJ Newsletter, 06-'08 issue. The beautiful cockatoos image is by I Brake for Stamps. It's always hard to get the true colours of nature but this is another fun one to do!

And now, I have an exciting news to share with y'all. Della, of I Brake for Stamps, has asked me to join her design team. Ya-hoo! My friend, Nancy, is to be credited for this new exciting venture of mine. I am super pumped because Della has a wide variety of, as Nancy puts it, killer images in her store. She also has many great artists working for her as well! Be sure to check out her store! There is something for everyone! Della provides excellent customer service. Shipping is lightening fast and I know because I have ordered from her several times!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Hummer Wishes

2008-11-20T13:00:00.000-06:00

Another card featuring the use of Copic markers. The beautiful Hummer stamp is from smArtworks. Sentiment is from Stampin' Up! It's hard trying to catch the real colours of nature with my so limited supply of markers. But I am very please with how the hummingbird turn out. I did super-imposed the colour of the flowers to super bold pink for some unexplainable reason. I popped the hummingbird up for a little dimension.

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Life is Grand!

2008-11-19T04:00:00.002-06:00

Another vaseline resist card. Stamps are Stampin' Up!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

If You Need Me ...

2008-11-18T04:00:00.002-06:00

I'll be here :) Don't you just love this paper (courtesy of my other sweet SBS9 sister, Gina) ? A definite simple one to make. You like?!? I do :)

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Love You ...

2008-11-17T04:00:00.003-06:00

... with owl my hoot! Another stamp set by Clear Dollar Stamps. Fun images, aren't they? Lots of masking on this one. Coloured in with Copics, even the blue & gray background. Not so simple but fun card to make :) Hope you like!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Flowers for You

2008-11-16T04:00:00.003-06:00

A simple card featuring beautiful stamp by I Brake for Stamps. Copics were used for colouring. I'm loving these markers more and more. *SIGH* And I never liked colouring in before. I have always thought it was hard and tedious. But these markers change it all for me. I dare say I'm improving, hee hee!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Enjoy Your Birthday!

2008-11-15T04:00:00.000-06:00

I just love this postcard that came with my order from Crafty Individuals over in the UK. Couldn't let it go to the city recycle bin now, could I? So, I trim it down and turned it into this beautiful card! What an easy card to make! Oval sentiment courtesy of my dear sweet SBS9 sister, Natalie!

Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Philippians 1:3

2008-11-14T04:00:00.005-06:00

Someone asked after watching my Vaseline Resist video tutorial if I could show the finished card from that tutorial. And here it is :) Used SU's Top Note Die after I finished with the colouring. Main image is Stampin' Up! Sentiment is Biblical Impressions. Another simple one! Hope you like.

And yes, I thank my God every time I think of you who care and are kind enough to stop by and leave me kind words. Like I said yesterday, you mean loads and you keep me blogging :) Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Kind Thanks

2008-11-13T18:24:00.005-06:00

Hope y'all miss me :) We have been super busy plus some sickness going around in this here family. Many, thought I have fallen off the face of the earth. Well, almost but not quite. Still here, alive and pretty well. Just finished a Burnin' Rubber event with a friend. Also made a ton of projects for more of her events in the near future. Hope to get photos of these cards & projects taken for you soon!

I was demoing the Vaseline Resist technique at the Burnin' Rubber event last weekend. This is one of the demo piece that I was able to finish up. Simple & clean! What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by. Your visits and kind comments do mean a great deal and they keep me going. Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Who's Afraid of Storms?

2008-10-25T04:00:00.005-05:00

I sure hope my boys stay dry and warm last night camping. The house has been very quiet, a little too much for my liking but I sure welcome the "me" time. My evening alone turned out to be very productive stamping wise, NOT :-O I went for Thai food (yum!) and came home to mess around on the PC for a bit and went to bed bright & early, like 8 pm. Woke at around midnight and here I am still on the computer. Maybe I can motivate myself a little later to stamp something before the boys get back.

Here's a card I did a couple of days ago. I have been waiting for this particular sentiment stamp (Stampers Anonymous) for ages. And I want to showcase it as main image here. The beautiful ship is from Stampin' Up! I wanted to add a sailor knot as an embellishment but I didn't know how to make one. I went on line to look and still couldn't figure it out. So, I just left it as is. Hope you like!

Thank you for stopping by today! Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!

Best taken With God

2008-10-24T04:00:00.004-05:00

Another card using Copic markers. Main image is smArtworks. Sentiment is CD Stamps. Paper used is Neenah-Classic Crest, Solar White, Cover, 80 lb. Marianne Walker, the Copic Lady, told us that this paper works well with Copics. So, I went and got me a ream. I also found that Tim Holtz's Distress ink pad, Black Soot, works great with Copics too! I didn't have to wait like forever for the ink to dry. But I may need to get me a Memento ink specifically for Copics! Anyway, over at Marianne's blog, you will find great tutorials, tips and techniques for using Copics. I learnt a lot from her personally and from her blog! And she is a lot of fun to boot! What a gal!

And here's a close-up, actually, an excuse to play with my newly learnt PSE lesson :)

I'm still trying to decide what I should do tonight. But I'm hearing medium-rare steak calling my name or I might do Thai. Ah, decision, decision ...

Well, Folks, thanks for stopping by today. Until next time, may mojo live happily in your heart, and may passion bloom in your soul. Be well!