A Whole Lot of Lovely

May 28, 2015May 28, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

How about a sneak peek at some new product coming out next week! I have been waiting to play with some of the new products, but have made myself wait until it was closer to being released. The background stamp is a returning favorite, but the rest is all new!

Let’s start with the color. It is called Tip Top Taupe and I love it! It is darker than Sahara Sand and lighter than Crumb Cake. I think it is so pretty. Wait until you see the other four new In Colors. I will do one a day to show all five. How fun!

The stamps shown are two of the four in one of the new host sets coming out. I love it when they make a stamp that fits a punch just right. How perfectly does this pretty sentiment fit inside the 2″ circle punch, right? Just the perfect nudge of white boarder around the image, yummy. And then of course just a little inside stamping to coordinate. I really went at the sponging today and gave it an almost vintage look. I wanted to put this new color to the test. It has passed with flying colors.

Take a look at the new ribbon though. It is called Dotted Lace Trim and it comes in the new five colors. It is actually quite soft and just a bit stretchy. I can see myself using this often, good thing I get a discount.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Graduation Time!

May 27, 2015May 27, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

This household is all about graduation these days. Not only my second child, but my husband recently earned his masters degree as well! While he wasn’t too sure about formal announcements, you have to do one for high school.

My oldest just let me do what I wanted, and they were stellar. All manly and stuff with a football theme. I actually took the award decals off his football helmet and incorporated them into the design. As you can tell, I wasn’t given that kind of creative liberty. My Denali was all about simple photography. She did make a last minute request to include a prom photo with someplace to write a note to the recipient. A little creative fun there.

All about growing up and making your own choices. It just makes me smile, all of it. Now it is her turn to write her messages and get them addressed. Too fun!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Lullaby Gift Carton

May 26, 2015May 26, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

It has been a while since I have scattered flowers across a project like this. But sometimes, you just really want to. I like trying an unlikely pairing and seeing how it turns out. Especially when it works!

I started with the paper, thought of the cute baby tag idea and decided it needed flowers. Even though we traditionally put boys with blue and not flowers so much, doesn’t mean we have to stick to it.

It would be easy enough to swap out the tag for something else though. I do like a versatile project, don’t you?

Each day brings me new opportunities to stretch my mind and try to challenge myself without too much frustration. Quite the interesting balance sometimes.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Maritime Thank You

May 25, 2015May 25, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Today is a day filled with gratitude. Not only for our freedom, but for those who sacrificed so much to provide it to us. Sometimes we feel a bit removed from celebrations like Memorial Day. Today I have the opportunity to spend time with family, and to thank my own sailor, my father-in-law. Hence, the nautical themed projects for today.

I used the awesome anchor from Guy Greetings to make a background paper for my sentiment and stamp inside as well. All you need to say is ‘Thank You’. We will enjoy writing special notes in these.

I had to make a treat bag, of course. But I knew I would be making this specific, so I actually bought candy to go inside. It is already tucked inside ready to go. Everyone needs a treat once in a while.

So, don’t forget to take some time in your busy, and hopefully wonderful, holiday to share your gratitude.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Pleasant Poppies Gift Set

May 24, 2015May 24, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

As poppies are in bloom, my attention was drawn once again to my favorite background stamp. I am sad to see it retire, I truly am. Retiring or not, this one is a keeper that I will use for years to come.

With that said, this post is a good news bad news. Yes, my precious poppies will retire, but the wonderful Perpetual Calendar stamp set carried over! The little flowers I stamped all around my gift bag are one of many adorable little stamps in that set. It is so versatile. I think it has been the most heavily used stamp set from the spring catalog. Interesting…

You cannot tell from the photo, but there is a little cellophane bag inside. I made the floral windows on both sides to show the “treats”, but there aren’t any to show. Literally, I don’t keep candy at my home. You will just have to use your imagination.

I stamped the poppies on a very vanilla card front using tangelo twist. I then used my aqua painter to get a bit of ink to the centers of the flowers that showed them. I cleaned my brush of ink and just used water on the rest. I simply brushed over the stamped flowers to move bits of the ink around. It gives a very subtle look, but it is just right. I could have brought in another color for the stems, but I wanted this monochromatic. A simple bow of very vanilla seam binding ribbon, sadly retiring, finishes off both projects.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Glorious Painted Blooms

May 23, 2015May 23, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

When I sat down to create something for today’s blog I was stumped. I had been reading for a while and had a hard time getting focused. What I usually do when that happens is go to my designer series paper and pick something that catches my eye and work from there.

What I discovered tucked between to organizers of paper was an unopened set of the Painted Blooms designer series paper. Oh. My. Goodness. I felt like a little kid. I have loved this set so much and have used a ton of it.

Since it will be retiring with the spring catalog, I got really bold. I opened it up and took out my favorite pattern. The first pack I had I treasured this pattern and had the hardest time cutting in up. So, I just went for it. I used one whole sheet and made a beautiful gift bag to showcase it. It was quite liberating. Good thing there is two of each pattern in a package. I can still treasure the last one. Maybe I will do like others have and frame it.

I didn’t want to cover up one bit of it with a tag or any stamping. So, I went a little crazy with the seam binding ribbon. How perfect is this gift bag!

Have a creative day!

Moana

Yippee-Skippee in Love!

May 22, 2015May 22, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

There are times when how I feel just saturates what I create. Today’s project set is a perfect example of that.

Last night I finished a lovely book in a series I had previously enjoyed. I am a middle school librarian, so I have the perfect excuse to revel in young adult literature. Who am I kidding, I would read it regardless. I have always enjoyed reading what my children do and visa versa.

Love, true love, is an obvious theme here. Even though the series continues and I have to wait for the next novel, I was left all emotional and girlie and super in love. Hence, the color choices and such.

I used a whole sheet of 12 x 12 silver foil velum here. Two card fronts and a lovely bag. I poured out the chevron ribbon, because I love it so, and added a few elegant embellishments. I knew these cards could be for a variety of occasions, so I left the sentiment off the front. I will stamp the inside with just the right thing when I put them to work.

I might have to fill the bag with truffles or something lovely and give it to my husband. That sounds just right.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Flowerpot Painted Petals Trio

May 21, 2015May 21, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes when you draw a blank, you still come out on top. I was sure I had crafters block yesterday. So I sat and read a novel instead. When I made myself go back and sit down I decided to pull out a sheet of designer series paper and just design a bag and call it good. As soon as I had this sheet of paper on my desk my brain got busy. Cool right?

I hadn’t paired this ribbon with rich razzelberry yet and I wish I would have. They look great together! And then a bit of glimmer paper to frame a tiny sentiment and we are off and running.

I trimmed off a 4″ section from the whole 12 x 12 for a card front. When I finished the other cut to give me the 4 x 5 1/4″ front I needed I was left with a choice.

Make a second card, put the remainder back with its set, or make another tiny bag to go along. The tiny bag won. What a cute little baby bag.

This set went together really quickly. That is what happens when you have great product. Just a little bit of stamping, some creasing, adhesive here and there and a ribbon on top. I went to bed with a smile for sure.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Birthday Bundle Paper Pumpkin

May 20, 2015May 20, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I normally keep my Paper Pumpkin to myself and just have my own party. But oh my goodness, this set was so huge and just had to share!

Imagine this set, but multiplied. The kit comes with enough supplies to make six cards, with envelopes, and four of these huge bags. Wowsers. The bags are huge and super sturdy. These kits just keep getting better and better.

I just got mine yesterday. I normally wait til the weekend to play, but I thought I would share instead of making something else new. I put these two together so quickly my husband was surprised. “You are done already?” He is such the patient husband of a craft blogger.

Well, there you go. I used two little strips of adhesive from my fast fuse, the rest of everything came in the kit. I love this stuff. I should mention, just because it is nice to share, that if you sign up by June 10th you get your first two months half price. Nice.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Swallowtail Watercolor

May 19, 2015May 19, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

The only thing I could think about was getting out my Swallowtail stamp. I love this huge guy. I had visions of a muted but colorful butterfly on watercolor paper. Well, it took a few tries before I didn’t hate what I was doing. Sometimes my vision and my technique process don’t connect. Then something new comes up.

I took a piece of watercolor paper and spritzed it heavily with water. I then applied drops of ink randomly, focusing on one color at a time. I used my spritzer to dilute the ink drops further and helped them spread out more. I ended up with four colors. I put my heat gun to it until it was nice and dry.

I really had my heart on using black stazon for the butterfly, but that just wasn’t looking right. I switched it up and stamped it in wisteria wonder. That gave the perfect look. I think because the ink is water based and could be loaded up heavier gave a better impression on this type of paper. Not sure exactly, but it sounds good.

Of course I had to make a little bag. The need to make matching sets is so strong sometimes. When you see a card or a bag on this blog by themselves, you know I had to tell myself to just walk away. This time, it had to be done.

I actually love it so much, I can see myself making a large set of these for a gift for someone. They are truly all occasion, not a sentiment to be found. That also took great self control. Not to mention how badly I wanted to add basic pearls.

I have gone on and on, but I wanted to give more detail today. You should really give this one a try. It is so liberating and actually, quite simple.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Corner Garden Gift Bag

May 18, 2015May 18, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes I design a bag around a gift or to match some cards I have made. This time I wanted to work around a specific stamp. I wanted to do a tone on tone with the Corner Garden stamp set. The detail is fine and subtle, just the look I was going for.

The bag is large enough to hold plenty. It could hold a large set of cards and envelopes, or any number of things. It is sturdy too. A nice heavy cardstock bag with my favorite chevron ribbon. Bring on the heavy gift, I am totally ready.

At workshop Saturday my ladies teased me about my need to sponge the edges of everything. I was able to say that I had controlled myself and we only sponged one of our three projects. So I was feeling the need and definitely got busy on this bag. I just love the look it gives.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Stacked With Love

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

Today is all about the paper. The stacked with love dsp set is often overlooked in my stash. One side is Valentine’s Day, and awesome at that. The other is all of these really cool black and white themed prints. So functional.

However, I like to soften the look with sponging ink all around. I did an ombre effect across the diamond pattern. It is heaviest at the right where I placed the sentiment. I so love when a stamp has a coordinating punch. Just yummy.

I hadn’t known what to do with this pattern. It stumped me. When I put the Just Kidding sentiments to work, I wish I had tons of this sheet. There is four of each pattern in the stack, but not enough. I love this card. Luckily I have an embossing folder with a similar image. It is retiring, but I have mine. So exciting!

I also like how I sponged around the image to draw additional attention to it. A simple but effective technique.

Have a creative day!

Moana

May Workshop Club Thank You!

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

Everyone does their workshops in their own way. I just love to say thank you in fun little gift ways. I have the privilege of sharing Saturday mornings with some really wonderful people. Some are regular club members and others come just for the projects.

Both sets of friends come away with plenty of wonderful. I go overboard on my projects on a regular basis, so that is always fun. But my regular shoppers get a little extra. I shop ahead and plan for special thank you gifts. Like this awesome ribbon that I have had for quite a while. It retired last year and I have been waiting, and waiting. But getting a ten yard spool of awesome ribbon is so worth it! They are going to be so pleased!

I also try to make something that they can re-gift. No need to be wasteful. They are also getting a little embellishment treasure. We all oogled over the something borrowed embellishments but decided they might be a bit too pricey. They went on sale and I got us a pack to share and one for me to keep. They are so pretty.

As I write this I am watching the clock. I need to leave in just over an hour to be nice and early for setup. The bag is made with a half sheet of hello honey and coordinating paper and ribbon. The paper will stay, but the rest is retiring. The new product is lovely though. Two weeks til the new catalog goes live!

Have a creative day!

Moana

B.Y.O.P. Grad Card

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

It is that time of year again. Graduation. Not just high school, but university and the like. It seems like I need a fleet of these this year. How exciting is that?

These particular ones are done in my local high school theme. We are the Marysville Indians, and yes, our colors are orange and black. Do you like how I tied all of that together? Me too!

You can’t read the inside sentiment as well, but it says ‘Congratulations GRAD’. Just right. The stamp set this came from is all about making fun and pretty cards when the gift will be a gift card. It is always nice to have a wonderful card to wrap your gift card in.

I know a couple of special Marysville Indians heading off to university this fall that could use a gift card or two. Now to pick the right ones.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Hello There Farewell

May 14, 2015May 14, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I have been trying to stay focused on this years catalog and finish it through, but the new product keeps on sneaking into my thoughts. I thought this would be a fitting solution to all that is going on.

I like to make samples using the new in-colors for the season and send them along with the new catalog to my club ladies. They love getting to see, and touch, some of the new product along with the catalog.

Last year I made a card in this format using tangelo twist as one of the five samples included. I thought it fitting to make another with a companion gift bag, since I love that these days, with an in-color that is retiring. Farewell to strawberry slush, and your four other friends. I have loved using you!

I have begun planning my new samples with the wonderful new in-colors. I also got to pre-purchase some of the new host sets, perks of being a demonstrator, and they are lovely! They will make some great gifts for my ladies.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Sweet Taffy Gift Bag

May 13, 2015May 13, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

How about a huge bag made from awesome paper? Sounds like the perfect thing to me. It wasn’t hard to decide which paper to use, but which stamp would go best on the tag.

I knew it had to be bold and long. But I didn’t want the reader to turn sideways to read it. So I had to dig into my sale-a-bration stash and use this beauty. I have used this one like crazy.

I used the dotted hexagon stamp from the six-sided sampler set to coordinate with the paper. I thought it paired wonderfully. The bow does make it a bit more feminine, but if had put it in a knot it would be great for a guy as well. Good stuff there.

Just how big is the bag? I used a whole 12 x 12 sheet to make this one. I measures nearly 3 x 3 at the base and goes up to 9″ to the top. Plenty of space to put in a light gift or two, maybe even a stash of taffy?

Have a creative day!

Moana

Park Lane Duo

May 12, 2015May 12, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I started this set yesterday morning, got stumped, fussed last night, and finally fixed it this morning. I kept trying to put the yellow butterfly on the card front. Yes, the one I inlaid back into the gift bag I cut it from. Strange how things come together better when you give your creativity a break to refocus.

I colored the paper with my ink sponges. I didn’t want a lot of exact color, just subtle hints. So I just used the sponges with leftover ink already on them. It did the job just right. Of course my photos make it hard to see, but I love the effect.

When you use delicate die cuts it helps tremendously to sandwich wax paper in between the layers. The paper just pops out then. I decided to use the wax paper ones as well. I didn’t want to cover up the coloring and the yellow butterfly just took over.

After I swapped things around I fell in love. I attached my wax paper butterflies with some folded glue dots and then ran a string of basic pearls down the body. It gave such a delicate finish.

One quick stamp from the Sheltering Tree set and the card was done. No ribbon, no other extras, just some light color and transparent butterflies. Since they are so thin, the move when the card does. Beautiful.

Get out there and have a creative day!

Moana

Huge Thank You Part 2

May 11, 2015May 11, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

Here is the other half of the project. You saw a bit of color at the front and probably suspected more cards. How many? How about ten? Yup, I did the entire brights collection. I knew this stamp and card idea would look wonderful no matter what color I used. I wonder if I should do the other color sets?

All ten cards fit nicely inside this container that coordinates with both the gift set and the main card. It also allows the large card to be on display without being in the way. What a perfect way to brighten up your desk, right?

What card set would be complete without matching envelopes? It just finishes everything off. I only goofed one envelope with the stamp in the wrong corner. It is hard to get everything right all of the time. I can deal with that.

Now it is turned over to my daughter for nice signatures and gift giving. It always feels good to say thank you, especially when it looks as beautiful as it feels.

Have a creative day!

Moana

A Huge Thank You

May 10, 2015May 10, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

When a lot of people need to say thank you, you need a huge card. This one measures 5.5 x 8.5, totally huge. It has signing panels on both sides, plenty of room for everyone.

I had the opportunity to be a driver for my oldest daughters small business class field trip to Silicon Valley. There was a lot of prep work, a hectic schedule, and highway time galore. I thought it appropriate that the students thank their teacher for all of her hard work.

To make it a little better, I made a little something extra that I will share with you tomorrow. You can see the top of them poking out of the holder. It should sit nicely on her desk either at home or school.

My Denali will get the students to sign during the morning and give it to her during class. It should be a nice thank you from all of us. Sometimes we need to help others to be grateful. Let’s call this an additional learning opportunity for the students.

I will share photos of the gift portion of the thank you tomorrow. So festive and fun.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Adventure Awaits Gift Set

May 9, 2015May 9, 2015 ~ moanaj ~ Leave a comment

I made this lovely set for a baby shower I went to today. Don’t you think motherhood is one of the great adventures in life? It will be her first, so it is definitely an adventure.

I have used three of my favorite stamp sets to complete this project. And yes, all three are retiring. I will be using them regardless. When I find sentiment sets that say just what I want, I have a hard time letting go. The new catalog has some fun options, but I can’t share them just yet. It goes live on June 2nd. Wheee!!!

I am realizing more and more how my camera is giving up on me. Sorry for the photo quality, but for now it will have to do. My main color really is pear pizzazz, really. I sponged my background paper to give it an ombre look that is so awesome with these patterns. I had to use my yummy chevron ribbon as well, and am truly sad that it is retiring. It is so great to work with. No whining, right?

When I finished the two sets of cards I was giving as the actual gift, they didn’t fit in my first bag. So I had to make another, get a bit creative, and pair them together. It worked out great! This bundle has 14 cards and envelopes in total! The ladies loved it, especially my friend.

I think everyone should have beautiful cards to give away, especially as special thank notes. That is why I love to gift these.

Have a creative day!

Moana

studio824

Creativity for all seasons and reasons.

Author: moanaj

A Whole Lot of Lovely

Graduation Time!

Lullaby Gift Carton

Maritime Thank You

Pleasant Poppies Gift Set

Glorious Painted Blooms

Yippee-Skippee in Love!

Flowerpot Painted Petals Trio

Birthday Bundle Paper Pumpkin

Swallowtail Watercolor

Corner Garden Gift Bag

Stacked With Love

May Workshop Club Thank You!

B.Y.O.P. Grad Card

Hello There Farewell

Sweet Taffy Gift Bag

Park Lane Duo

Huge Thank You Part 2

A Huge Thank You

Adventure Awaits Gift Set