Banner Blessings with Beautiful Bunch

June 17, 2015June 17, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I so enjoyed getting the silver ink out yesterday that I went back for more. I really love working with metallic inks. I hadn’t water colored with them before, but I thought I would give it a go.

The idea came from my daughters art final. She pained this beautiful water color and brought in gold. It looks much more dramatic on her project, but hey, it is a start, right? I liked how it turned out.

I wanted to use a stamp from my collection that would suggest a star, to match the sentiment, without being a star. I ended up going with the flower centers from the Beautiful Bunch set. I tried a different one first, but it looked more like paint splats or bad graphics from an old Star Trek episode. I settled with the one you see here. I do love making my own background paper.

I repeated the stamping on the edges of the card base and of course had to stamp on the inside opposite corners of my insert. I even did one on the back bottom center, just to make Donna happy. I love how the gold ink looks on blackberry bliss. I see another project with those two coming along soon.

I used my aqua painter and the gold ink to highlight the scripture reference. I stamped ink on a clear block and used that as my pallet. It worked like a charm!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Butterfly Basics

June 16, 2015June 16, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Simple elegance is one of my favorite things in a card. This color combination surely does lend itself in that direction. I even think it is neutral enough to be masculine, what do you think?

I used the Butterfly Basics set for this project for the element and sentiment. I put the fern stamp to work with three different inks. I started with black stazon, layered with silver encore, and finished up with elegant eggplant. I continued stamping inside with just the elegant eggplant.

I added some silver satin ribbon to keep those ferns together but kept it in a knot instead of a bow. The ribbon kind of took over when it was tied in a bow, but just right in a knot.

I kept the boarders narrow and popped the front up on dimensionals. A nice clean look for an elegant card. I think I have just the person to send it to.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Cucumber Crush Party

June 15, 2015June 15, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Getting back into the groove can be a bit slow at first. I also gave myself a challenge this morning by making cucumber crush my main color. We haven’t become friends just yet, so I thought we needed some together time. I helped it find a friend in blushing bride, and I like how it worked out.

I used a full sheet to make this pretty gift bag. I stamped the background paper with the fun leaf from the Kinda Eclectic set. Loved it. I used it full strength some, but mostly stamped it off once first. I like how different this color looks at different strengths.

I sometimes stop myself from using flowers, because I feel like I really get them everywhere. I just love flowers! So, I didn’t hold back at all here. I usually stamp off blushing bride, but it needed to be strong to work with this fun green. The combo is full of life. I think a yellow would have paired nicely, but I had to stop somewhere.

These pretty clear faceted buttons are so fun to use. It helped me finish up this gift bag nicely. Sometimes I go overboard on bling, but not today. I wasn’t sure when I started this project, but I love how it ended up.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Camp Bountiful in a Card

June 14, 2015June 14, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ 2 Comments

Spending a week with a wonderful group of ladies working together to serve the most beautiful girls, communing with nature and worshiping God, it is obvious why I created the card I did.

Lovely as a Tree will remain one of my long time favorites, always. Being surrounded by nature and removed from technology and distractions brings solace like no other.

The girls, that huge group of lovely girls, worked together, learned together, laughed together, and cried together. It was such a wonderful experience and I hope I get the opportunity to serve again next summer.

It wont be easy to get back into the routine of life, but there isn’t a choice. But, I can choose to keep myself in tune with the things I learned and felt. I will continue to serve those I love.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Thank You and Thank You

June 13, 2015June 7, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Today we clean up, make it beautiful, and head back home for a nice long shower and a nap. Well, that is my plan anyway. I am sure my girls will more than approve. Perhaps a quick stop for an ice cream on the way home? We will have to see on that one.

These cards are the samples for one of the two service projects that were scheduled for camp. The first and second year girls worked on fleece blankets, while the third and fourth year girls made these simple cards. I didn’t create the design, and to be honest, I forgot who did. Sorry for not giving credit where due, but the inspiration was provided for a great project.

The girls worked on these and then wrote special messages to the armed forces. These will be sent out to say thank you to those that protect us day and night. It was a lot of prep work, but more than worth it.

All of the stamping, cutting, and punching was done for them. All they had to do was to adhere the pieces down and curl the twine. That made it much easier for me, because guiding a group of sixty girls through a crafting project is more than tricky.

I thought I would give you one last peek at the adorable camp favors the youth camp leaders got this week. These are super, and so are the hard working girls who made it happen. I get to get back into my work station and make something beautiful. After being surrounded by nature all week, I am sure I will have more than enough ideas to work with.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Divine Nature

June 12, 2015June 7, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

The week is nearly over and I am sure I am all tuckered out. Today theme is “I Serve With All My Strength”. The value is Divine Nature and blue is the color.

Have you noticed in each of the favors that I used the initials of the value for that day? Of course I used the very clever alphabet stamps from the Calling All Heroes set. They are tiny, but give the perfect comic book font.

I used pacific point to make the blue favor and stamped the mask in the same color. Coordination makes me more than happy. Especially when it looks as good as this does. I think today’s is my favorite favor. Please note the cute blue jelly beans inside.

Tonight will be bittersweet. It is always nice to go home after being gone, especially camping, but I know we will have had such a wonderful time and become great friends. The experiences you get to have during a special camp like this can truly be life changing. I know it will be for me, once again.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Knowledge

June 11, 2015June 7, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

The theme for today is “I Serve With All My Mind” Knowledge is the value and green is the color. I used Garden Green to make these cute little sour cream containers. Of course I filled them with green jelly beans.

I really like how I have made all of the super hero images ladies with those awesome lips. It is one tiny stamp, but not too hard to manage. Especially when I am patient. Some of the lips did get a little off center, but it is the thought that counts here. In one afternoon and another evening I made all sixty of these favors, a dozen for each of the five days. We break camp on Saturday, so I didn’t make one for that day. But, the girls will get a special card Friday night with a well thought out message. I will just use ones from the stash for that task.

I got four of these containers out of each sheet of cardstock. I just cut it into four bits and went for it. It was a bit trick getting the paper to curve and not crease, but I did pretty good.

Last night I got to leave camp for the evening to attend a concert with my sister-in-law. She and I got tickets at Christmas to see Andrea Bocelli and the concert was scheduled smack in the middle of camp. So, I got permission to leave for an overnight and headed back the next morning. At least, that was the plan. I am sure it was.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Choice and Accountability

June 10, 2015June 7, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Another cute handout for another awesome day! And, you guessed it, matching orange jelly beans inside. Today is more of a card style. Orange is my favorite color, and pumpkin pie is a lovely shade of orange.

I used the same punch combo to give this uniform look. It really makes it easy to get lots of work done with great tools. I just might be a bit anxious by now, since I haven’t been able to craft for a few days. I am sure I will survive. Everyone needs a break, right?

I have also taken advantage of using up retired accessories, like this tangelo twist satin stitched ribbon. It coordinates so nicely with pumpkin pie.

And, another boost of jelly beans to get them on their way. I might be needing a few by now. We will have to see. I sure hope these posts are working like they are supposed to.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Individual Worth

June 9, 2015June 7, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Day two of camp has arrived and I am sure I slept deeply after a really busy first day. Something about camping. Sleep feels better and food tastes wonderful. I don’t know why, it just seems that way.

Today the rest of the camp will be showing up. It is a bit hectic, but within an hour, our numbers will nearly triple. Talk about excitement!

Tonight we will begin with our skit presentations. There are so many great parts of camp, but I do love those. We get to enjoy those two nights in a row. I am sure these ladies will need a little pick me up, so here is another special treat.

I used real read to showcase, since the value color for Individual Worth is red. The theme for today is “I Serve With All My Heart”. And that is the best thing to do. I used some card bases and turned them into little bags. A great trick to do when you need a bag quick! Give it a try!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Good Works

June 8, 2015June 7, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Today is the first day of camp, but not for everyone. The group of young ladies I am working with are there early to help set up the camp site for everyone else. There are plenty of adults too, but they are the ones that get things done. There are only ten youth camp leaders this year, so they will be working really hard.

Since they will be working so hard, I thought they should have something special each day. Today’s theme is “I Serve” and the companion value is Good Works. Since we are super heroes, I went with that. You will see super heroes all week.

I made a little matchbook styled handout. I used crushed curry, whisper white, and basic black. I stamped my hero mask to coordinate with the paper and put yummy jellybeans inside. Of course they had to match. Also part of my theme this week.

I got four books from every sheet of paper. I cut them at 2 3/4″ wide and scored them to make the book. I used my handy little stapler to clip in the candy bag. How cute is this!

I am busy at camp and having a great time so far I am sure. I am not much of a camper kind of gal, but both of my daughters will be there, so I will enjoy that part more than enough.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Calling All Heroes – to Girls Camp that is!

June 7, 2015June 7, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Guess what? I am going to take you to girls camp with me this week, kind of. I will be leaving in the morning and won’t be back until Saturday. So, the projects I will be showing you all week have to do with what I am getting into at camp.

Are you wondering just what this one is about? Well…I will be helping the youth camp leaders keep things on schedule, they are busy, let me tell you. One of the fun things they get to do is give out pins to any of the young lady campers, or adults, who are doing great things. Our particular camp site is all about super heroes, so I thought our pin should reflect that. I stamped on shrinky dink, remember that stuff? It is pretty smooth, and those stamps really wanted to dance. I put my stamp to work and then punched them out with my 2″ circle punch. Nearly 170 of them. My wrists were so sore.

They have to bake so they can do their shrinking. I could do twenty at a time, so I did them all in about an hour and a half one morning before work. Tricky stuff there. You can see all of them all piled up.

See how small they get? They ended up just big enough for me to glue a pin on the back. Since they shrunk so much, it kind of covered up any of my slippy slidy stamping problems. That was nice. The glue worked out, but didn’t give me the look I wanted. Either way, they are all done and ready to go. Now, I just need to do the same.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Guy Greetings and Father’s Day Too!

June 6, 2015June 6, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Card workshop is today and even though I am totally exhausted, I know I will have a great time. This is one of the projects we will be making. It is getting close to Father’s Day, so of course we had to make something to celebrate that wonderful holiday.

Can you see the learning opportunity in this first photo? I was chatting it up with my own father and wasn’t paying close attention. I know my stamping is a bit wonky, but I neglected to use my stampin’ pierce mat with the one on the left. Of course my image wasn’t as clear and even a bit void in the center. Yes well, it didn’t click on that second attempt. The one before is hiding behind that one. I tried to re-stamp it, but even with the photopolymer being so very clear, the image was too detailed for me to line up perfectly. It gave it a nauseating 3-D look that had to go. We all learn, right? Use that mat for best results with photopolymer.

Some of my ladies like to have choices as they work, so this should work nicely. The stamp set it so huge that not only do they have choices, they just might be overwhelmed.

I have used just a touch of seam binding ribbon to add some color, just a little bit. A nice masculine card is definitely something to have on hand, and this fits the bill. I am so glad this stamp set carried over because it is the best for making all kinds of manly cards. Love it!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Celebrate Today – Happy Graduation!

June 5, 2015June 5, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Yup, today is the big day! Our Denali is graduating! How exciting! Glitter, or shall I say glimmer paper, is definitely in order. I don’t use this very much, but this more than called for it! I even managed to make these without her seeing. She might have been distracted, since it is the last day of school, and all they do this morning is practice the ceremony. To be honest, she is so ready to be done.

Even so, celebration time is here. We have family in town, a dinner planned, and a special gift or two. Now, if the planets can only align, it might all come together. This card is a perfect start though.

My card base is tangelo twist, with a full layer of silver glimmer paper, and a card front in whisper white. I kept it very clean, just about the sentiment here. You know how hard that is for me, but I did it!

I used the confetti star boarder to give the inside a bit of bling. I love how that looks. Still plenty of room to write, a fun look, and maintains the clean style.

I know the ribbon is retired, but it matches and I had to match. I am glad that there are other colors of this satin stitched ribbon in the new catalog. It is so lovely to work with. Off to get many other things done. I took the last day of school off, how selfish right? Not really, family first.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Crazy About You Mint Macaron

June 4, 2015June 3, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I tried something different today. I started an all occasion card and found I had measured wrong. My brain is really rattled with the end of school here in two days, girls camp around the corner, and my daughters graduation smack in the middle. Not to mention all of the things that go along with that schedule.

Focus here, try to stay focused. So, I just thought I would use an edgelit to fix my piece that was too narrow. The only boarder edgelit that wasn’t retired is the file tab one, and I didn’t think that would work with my design idea. I looked through the framelits to look for something that could give a fun edge. Enter the striped scallop thinlits die. I just lined up my paper one sheet at a time along the very last scallop and look what I got! How cute is this? At first, the whisper white sheet looked like big teeth. Admit it, you can see them. Once they were layered and sponged the teeth went away, for the most part.

I started the card portrait, but discovered it looked nice either way. Talk about a versatile card. There you have it. I started with only a color in mind, added a stamp for background, goofed my measurements and then discovered something fun. I honestly have been nervous to put this thinlit to work. How funny that the first time I use it you can hardly recognize it.

Now I get to see if I figured out how to schedule this post correctly. I am shooting for 5:00 am, we will have to see. My blog clock doesn’t match mine. I need to get this sorted before I go to camp next week so my posts can happen. Or, I might just take the week off.

Have a creative day, or night, or afternoon, whenever this blog shows up.

Moana

Something to Say with Flowering Flourishes

June 3, 2015June 3, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I honestly sat down to my very messy desk and couldn’t think of what to do. There are many reasons to stay organized, and that is one of them. I looked to my paper for inspiration, as I usually do when I get stumped. But I haven’t purchased any of the new paper yet, so that threw me another loop. I really had to look for a little extra creativity, so I kept looking. The foil velum carried over and I had some of that. For the win!

I started out with the idea of making a purse style gift bag, but thought it was looking to be too bulky and wide. So, I cut it in half and went for two of these little beauties. I stamped my wisteria wonder card stock with the medium stamp from flowering flourishes to go under the velum. I love the soft layering it gives.

I used a whole 12 x 12 sheet of velum to start with. When I trimmed it to match the 8.5 x 11 I had a nice strip left over. I cut that in two and made two mini envelopes for the tiny gift cards. The cards are large enough for a tiny note and also house a gift card. Nice, right?

I plan on putting a couple of gourmet cookies in a cellophane bag to tuck inside the gift bags. It should make a lovely set.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Big News with Perpetual Birthday Calendar

June 2, 2015June 2, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I must be one of the few Stampin’Up! demonstrators not showing new product today. It is the first day with the new annual catalog. Well, I have a different perspective sometimes. I get just as excited for the stamp sets I already have that carry over to the new catalog. So, there you have it.

The first is Big News. It has these fun sentiments designed around exciting news and events. They are written like we talk in a quirky way. It makes it kind of fun. The second is Perpetual Birthday Calendar. I sure have gotten a lot of use out of this set. An easy background maker if you ask me. It really gets a lot of use.

I am also happy that the cotton ribbon, which was new last catalog, stayed with us. It really makes such a pretty accent. I must say, this bow is nearly perfect. I kept this card pretty simple, but sometimes that is all I want.

I did a small pre-order earlier in the month to get the new colors that I have already shared with you. I also got a couple of host sets, and they will be so fun. Now I will let myself get into the new catalog and get a few stamp sets. Isn’t that fun? I thought so. You should check it out.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Welcome Cucumber Crush

June 1, 2015June 1, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Let me introduce you to Cucumber Crush. Now you have seen all of the five new In-Colors that will be with us for the next two years. I can’t believe we have had the other set for a year already. But this bright, perky green, we don’t have a color like it. And it is bright.

My family assured me this wasn’t too much and they really liked it. I kind of didn’t, at all. I thought it looked like a leprechaun got into a fight with Valentine’s Day. But, I went with it anyway. Everyone makes mistakes and I don’t mind that at all. I do think that this particular combo won’t happen again. Cucumber Crush needs to have another color or two to balance it out. Just my thoughts though.

This is also another sneak peek at the Happy Birthday, Everyone host set. I touched on it yesterday, but went further today. The ‘Happy Birthday’ sentiment is the large main one and it comes with several support phrases. Too fun.

Either way, a new set of fun In-Colors combined with a great new catalog looks to make another great year. So much creativity in store. I hope you find yours.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Congratulations to a Wonderful Man

May 31, 2015May 31, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

Yesterday was such a wonderful day for my family, especially my husband. He was able to participate in a graduation ceremony for earning his masters degree. Working full time, teaching early morning religion classes, and completing his program in eighteen months with straight A’s. Congratulations to a Wonderful Man, truly. A card doesn’t sum up an accomplishment like that, but I needed somewhere to write the words that would. Perfect solution.

The new stamp set Happy Birthday, Everyone is obviously more versatile that just birthdays. I used one of the many phrases included in this host set to make my background paper. I just stamped it over and over again, not even trying to be straight, and it turned out pretty well. I added the congratulations from the Sassy Salutations set. I used black paper as well to emphasize the main sentiment, all about the congratulations here.

Even though it was for my husband, I though I could get away with a little of the dotted lace trim. Almost compulsory there since it is new and coordinates so well. I only used a tiny amount, no bows or anything. Welcome to yet another wonderful In-Color. Glad to have you Delightful Dijon!

Have a creative day,

Moana

Thank You for Mint Macaron

May 30, 2015May 30, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Isn’t this lovely minty color so pretty? This is the third of the five new In-Colors for Stampin’Up! and I am already having so much fun with them. I wasn’t quite ready to let go of coastal cabana or some of the others, but this helps me feel better.

I hadn’t made a bag or box for a bit, so I thought I would do both. I am still using the same stamp set, A Whole Lot of Lovely, three days in a row. That just goes to show how versatile this set is.

Of course I got the new colors, but I also had to get all of the new lace trims as well. I am quickly getting attached to them. They are a little more subtle and opaque on my projects. More of an accent than a focus.

I left this bag rather simple. I wanted to just see the stamped image and focus on that. It really is pretty. I know I will be using this one like crazy. Speaking of crazy, that is what is in store for my day, so I had better get on it!

Have a creative day!

Moana

You’re Fabulous

May 29, 2015May 29, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Today I am using the same stamp set as yesterday, even if it is hard to tell. Stamps can be as versatile as you let them be. Example, I used the tiny floral stamp in the set to make the background paper. Yup, it started out as plain whisper white and then got exciting.

Watermelon Wonder, what a yummy name for a color. It is super springy and full of fun. I experimented with bringing in some basic black, and although it looked elegant alongside, I wanted to keep it monochromatic to showcase it.

I started stamping the flowers full strength and continued stamping off on the paper to create the background. I took it inside as well, but just in two opposite colors. I did some light sponging inside and on the front. I liked it so well, I took it across the whole piece and removed any white spaces. Talk about color, it is all there.

A double tag, a few bitty butterflies with rhinestones, and a touch of the new dotted lace trim and it was all done. Another project that is very likely to be used in next weekends workshop.

Have a creative day!

Moana

studio824

Creativity for all seasons and reasons.

Author: moanaj

Banner Blessings with Beautiful Bunch

Butterfly Basics

Cucumber Crush Party

Camp Bountiful in a Card

Thank You and Thank You

Divine Nature

Knowledge

Choice and Accountability

Individual Worth

Good Works

Calling All Heroes – to Girls Camp that is!

Guy Greetings and Father’s Day Too!

Celebrate Today – Happy Graduation!

Crazy About You Mint Macaron

Something to Say with Flowering Flourishes

Big News with Perpetual Birthday Calendar

Welcome Cucumber Crush

Congratulations to a Wonderful Man

Thank You for Mint Macaron

You’re Fabulous