by Joanne James29. April 2014 12:06Today I'm sharing my entry for this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge. I was lucky enough to be a PPA Top Pick with my monochrome baby card last week on their 200th anniversary post (you can see that card here) and this week Nicole has a great sketch to follow:
For my card this week I decided to use one of the Retro Fresh Designer Journaling Tags. I've used these on cards before and really like how you can make a feature of them for a quick card. So here's today's take on the sketch:
I went for a really clean look for this card and I think this really allows the tag and sentiment to be the star of the show. I used one of the Retro Fresh DSP sheets to co-ordinate in with the colour scheme, which I allowed the tag to dictate. This card actually uses very few products, has no stamping and would be really quick to recreate. If you want some great ready-made sentiments, you should definitely check out the Retro Fresh tags - at just £4.50 for a pack of 32 they are great value for money - and you can use them for journaling too!
Back tomorrow with another project; until then, happy stampin'!
Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:
by Joanne James9. February 2014 20:01Today's post has been somewhat hijacked! I know I told you yesterday that this was an ordinary weekend and whilst that still holds true, something special happened today that I want to share with you. So, Rebecca went for her swim squad training this morning as usual but, unbeknown to me, she was given the option post warm-up to attempt her final distance badge - 1 mile (1.6km). Her previous distance badge achieved was for 1000m some 18 months ago, so I was confident she could do it, but 1 mile - it's still a long way, right? Well, she achieved it and was clearly so pleased with herself she phoned me from the car to tell me. As I turned to share with Ben the good, news, he promptly announced "Right Mum, let's go and make a card quickly before she gets home!" So with about 15 minutes to go, we set to work and this is what we came up with:
I followed this week's sketch layout at Freshly Made Sketches for my card and made a larger than usual 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" square card to accommodate my journaling tag. I rounded the corners of all my layers using my Envelope Punch Board (love that you can do this!) to echo the shape of the squares on the tag and co-ordinating Retro Fresh DSP. Ben was keen to incorporate swimming into the card (a challenge at short notice!) so we compromised at embossing the Coastal Cabana band with the Chevron Embossing Folder to give the illusion of waves and movement (in an abstract kind of way!) Lastly, I stamped and fussy cut a star and adhered to the corner of the tag with a dimensional because, well, Rebecca is my star! Ben insisted on finishing off by writing a message of congratulations inside in his best joined-up handwriting and we were just finishing up as Rebecca came through the front door.
She loved her card, which seems perfect recognition for such an achievement; I'm not sure I could swim a mile now, let alone when I was 8 years old!
Back tomorrow with the card that would have been posted today, but was deservedly 'bumped'; until then, happy stampin'!
Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:
by Joanne James19. September 2013 21:29Finally, my first post using some of the lovely items from this year's Autumn-Winter seasonal catalogue! This week sees us into double figures (yes, 96 days to go until the big day!!) so it's most definitely time to get organised! The Season of Style This and That Journal is just the thing to see you organised from now through to the new year: it has a 4 month day to day planner, space for jotting down ideas and plans, Christmas card lists and gift ideas, along with handy pockets to store your receipts and Christmas stamps as you go along.
The journal itself comes with a lovely embossed Crumb Cake front which would make a great cover as is, but I chose to decorate mine in colours that co-ordinated with the co-ordinating Season of Style This and That Designer Stickers and Washi Tape that I will be using on the inside just to give it a festive feel. Here's my finished cover:
I went with a fairly simple and 'flat' cover, as I wanted my journal to be practical and not have bits falling off as I put it through its paces. I covered it in Cherry Cobbler textured cardstock, with a strip of spotted Season of Style DSP. Some wide ribbon, chevron punched pieces and a decorated layered snowflake finished it off. Here's a close up of my feature embellishment:
The detail in the centre is one of the stickers from my Designer Sticker set and I included a Silver Glimmer snowflake cut with the Festive Flurry Framelits for just a hint of glitter - only because I know it won't shed sparkles over everything :-) Gotta love Glimmer Paper! I also tied some Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon to the spine to hang inside as a handy bookmark.
I have already started scribbling on the inside - I'll share my pages as they get busier! - and think this is a must-have item if you like to be organised for the festive season. Here's a short video from Stampin' Up! that takes you on a mini-tour inside the journal itself:
Back tomorrow with a fun birthday card; until then, Happy Stampin'!
Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:
by Joanne James1. May 2013 08:54Today is going to be 'Two Post Wednesday' (I know catchy!!) as there's big news as well as beautiful cards to share!
Calling all scrapbookers and journal writers - 'This and That' has arrived! If like me, you're always living life in the fast lane, but love to capture the funny and memorable moments in everyday life, this is the set for you - true journalling 'on the go'.
Check out this video to get a great look at everything that's on offer as part of this new package:
This and That will debut in the 2013-2014 annual catalogue, but Stampin' Up! is giving you the chance to get it now. During the month of May, there is an exclusive 15% product discount on this 5 item bundle when all 5 items are purchased together. The items can be purchased separately, but why would you do that when you can buy the bundle and save 15%? The 'This and That' range will be added to as time goes on, but the bundle discount is valid from 1st-31st May only and the items will only be available to purchase individually and at full price in the new annual catalogue from 1st July. The bundle contains plenty of stickers, washi tape and designer series paper, such that you will have enough to make cards and decorate other items too - lots of new, fun crafting items with tons of uses; can't wait to share my creations!
Click on the image below to download the details of the products on offer:
If you would like to order a 'This and That' product bundle, don't delay and contact me today to place your order. There's no limit to how many bundles you can purchase - which is great news, as this would make a great gift set for a crafty child or even reluctant writer; a great way to encourage handwriting practice without it seeming a chore!
Back later with today's project post. until then, happy stampin'!