Retirement Party

We Age Not by Years, but by Stories

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

Well, I survived the first couple of days back to school.  Time to get other things back into place as well.  Seems like there isn’t enough time for the fun things.  I will just have to sneak it in when I can.  Like this little project.

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I opened a new dsp stack and found a bunch of great paper.  One side is a variety of printed photo images and the other is designer paper.  I intended on using a distressed wood pattern, but looked on the other side and found this one.  It reminded me of a stamp in my new Fresh Fruit set and the project was on its way.

I created a coordinating piece of white card stock double stamping the swirly circles in pool party.  I thought that was pretty cool.  Then I stamped two sentiment parts and layered the lot of them.  A simple arrangement stuck together and then raised up all together on dimensionals.  With a little bit of stamping inside as well, of course.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

L is for Love

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Current product is always fun and often a bit too exciting.  How about something that isn’t brand new, but new to you?  I was given a few stamp sets from my daughter-in-love and I couldn’t have been more pleased.  We did some stamping together and she just might have gotten the bug.  How fun!

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These stamp sets are over a decade old, but just adorable.  The word set is fantastic.  I don’t know how I missed these because they are just what I would have purchased.  Well, they are mine now and I didn’t even have to hunt them down on eBay or something.  Retired product can be found all around online, but isn’t always priced reasonable.  If you find something you love in a current catalog, you should just get it.  Like I need another flower stamp set.  I don’t think I will ever stop buying floral stamps.

I brushed the background with ink until I got good coverage and then blotted a bit with a paper towel.  Then I used the largest floral stamp and put them all over the front overlapping generously.  I stamped ‘love’ on another piece of paper, trimmed it and placed it over a wrap of cotton ribbon, also retired.  Just because product gets retired doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful.  It just means I can’t sell it because of availability.  No big deal there.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Wedding Favors?

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What kind of summer has been going on here?  Well…I guess it has been about weddings. We just finished enjoying our son’s wedding and both receptions.  So much fun and truly a joy throughout the entire process.  Much easier to say that now that it is through.  Guess who is looking at wedding favor possibilities?  My oldest daughter.  Wow, two weddings in one year?  Okay…I guess…

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Not much to talk about here to be honest.  I have used a die cut I got from a thrift store and I don’t even know who makes it.  But it is totally adorable.  I don’t even know if I can fit an entire fortune cookie in it, but we are going to try.  The ribbon is current in this years catalog and I love it.  I might go with the other mint macaron ribbon though, a bit smaller scale, easier to work with and a touch less expensive.  The paper I have here is a retired paper from last year.  I will have to use regular card stock or find another paper that is close to the color she loves.  Shouldn’t be too hard though.  I would rather use designer paper instead of card stock so it can be patterned and avoid stamping, mass stamping actually.  I would never avoid stamping.

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Either way, you can get a tiny glimpse into the adventures ahead.  It should be more than wonderful.

Have a creative day!

Moana

Fiesta Like There’s No Manana

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

Here is one of the projects I made with my club ladies last Saturday.  Such a fun and interesting birthday card.  Plenty of color and who doesn’t just love an adorable llama?  Finally though, a project where I love the brightness of cucumber crush.  It is just one gregarious green there.

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Framelit cutting made pretty darn quick work of the elements for this project.  A little stamping before and after doing the cutting.  The llama was really fun, but I felt he was a little on the whimsy side to worry about painting and making him look too real.  Besides, his teeth really aren’t accurate, they come from the bottom not the top like a bunny.  Still totally adorable though.  The banners were stamped afterwards though.  Since you can see through the photopolymer stamps there is not a worry to be found.  Fun and easy to do.

Everything was put on tipped one way or the other to add to the silly look.  Nothing about this card says slow down, just have a bunch of fun!  And my club ladies sure did.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

I Do…

~ moanaj ~ 1 Comment

This is one huge, and most wonderful wedding card.  I think it is to the grandest scale I have done so far.  Must be because we are only a week away from our sons big day!  I think that I just might use this one for myself. I will have to think long and hard about what to write…

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This card measures 11 1/4 x 3 3/4″, how about that!  I used a sheet of 12 x 12 to put this one together.  The front is layered with a large piece of dazzling diamond glimmer paper with a special water color panel for the card front.  The lettering was done with the Larger Than Life Alphabet & Number stamp set.  It is, sad to say, retiring.  Along with this beautiful Lost Lagoon color.

I spent quite a bit of time moving ink along this piece.  Painting, distressing, drying, and then repeating all of that until I liked what I saw.  The stamping was simple.  The first layer was done with lost lagoon and then again with silver encore ink.  The result gave a shadow look, but it is still two dimensional and flat as can be.  The flowers aren’t of course, and I love the look.  Kind of like blossoms traveling in the wind.  It will be interesting to try and create an envelope for this one, maybe it is too beautiful to put it in one. Hmmm….

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Have a creative day!

Moana

God is Love

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A quick stroll through my scrap pile kits and I found this treasure.  I swapped out the embossing folder and stamp sets and came up with something wonderful.  Before it was a different nature scene with a sympathy sentiment.  I like this one too.

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The Trust God stamp set has finally reached retirement.  I cannot tell you how many times I have used this particular set.  This, along with yesterday’s Swallowtail, will join the special shelving unit of stay with me stamps.  I couldn’t part with it.  The new catalog has a couple of sets that are very nice, but in my opinion, won’t be replacing this one.

The tree was stamped in the center with early espresso and sponged with crumb cake.  That is the same treatment for the sentiment, which was punched with the also retiring extra large oval punch.  Dang, I am going to miss that one too.   I do enjoy trying new things, especially when it challenges my crafting.  Plenty of dimensionals and a touch of basic pearls finished this card off.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Farewell Swallowtail

~ moanaj ~ 4 Comments

I have loved this stamp for so long.  It is sad to say that it will retire at the end of this month.  However, there is a stash of stash of retired stamps that I cannot part with.  This is definitely going to join those.  Other retired ones I sell off, but ones that are just too wonderful get to stay out with the current product.  Kind of like a wise old tree.

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The butterfly was stamped on a piece of masked water color paper in black stazon.  The color pallet was different, but intentional.  I picked colors that would create interesting blends with the idea that none of the original painting would  stay to true color.  A lot of blending went on here.  I painted coordinating sections first without blending.  After I added crushed curry I kept with that color and used it to begin blending the edges the color sections.  I just did that until I was happy.

The background was painted in mint macaron, darker to one side trying to create a bit of a shadow.  Distressing had to happen here and boy did it.  I flicked water, dabbed it up, and repeated that process again until I was satisfied.  Then the gold wink of stella pen went to work in a few areas.  Again, hard to see, but it is there.  Use your imagination, where would you have painted light lines of gold glitter?

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Corner Garden Bliss

~ moanaj ~ 2 Comments

As another catalog year comes to a close I have to be brave and say goodbye to the things that I have loved so much.  This card has so much of that in it.  The stamp, and three of the colors.  A very sad farewell indeed.

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I masked a piece of water color paper and stamped the floral image in black stazon ink.  I have loved this stamp so much.  I do think it will stay with me even when it isn’t available to purchase.  The only color I wanted for the flower petals was blackberry bliss.  So, that meant some had more color than others and they all got special treatment to make them look unique but coordinated.

Before I painted the leafs and stems I applied the soft sky background.  I knew that mossy meadow would cover easily and I still wanted to allow it to blend out a bit.  It worked like a charm.  The flower centers were painted in hello honey and allowed to blend out a bit into the flower.  After the painting was done I  just stared at it wondering how I wanted to distress it.  I didn’t want splatters or spots, but didn’t want to leave it either.

I decided to use a spritzer and water.  Several sprays later I started to like what I was seeing. I did some sponging with a paper towel to lift off some color, then a neat thing happened. I took my damp, inky paper towel and sponged from the bottom to the top which brought a very light amount of blackberry bliss with it.  It looked pretty great so I went with it.  I bet I couldn’t recreate it though, but I will most certainly try.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Tap Tap Tap into Retirement

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Well, it has begun.  The retirement list has been published and I can start getting sad over some of my favorites.  This has been one of them.  I love the images, but really love the little tap tap tap tap stamp.  It is so adorable.  Some stamp sets I just keep because they make me smile, and I love to smile almost as much as making someone else smile.

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This project was created with a few techniques.  I stamped my little typewriter  in cajun craze first, then did a bunch of stamping all around the base image with almost artichoke first and then moved on to delightful dijon.

When that was done I got out my sponge and went at the edges.  I aged the entire background by swirling around and around focusing on the edges to make them darker.  I added a little extra sponging around the edge to really darken it up.  I did the same on the inside, but left the center light for easy writing.

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I stamped my front piece with cajun craze and then sponged in three different areas to keep the colors blended, but still very separate.  I fussy cut it, layered it to some more card stock, sponged that too and put it up on dimensionals.  I did a single wrap of striped cotton ribbon sticking it down with glue dots on the front and back.  The background piece was placed on another sheet of card stock with a tiny border and then layered it up again on even more dimensionals.  Love those guys, they make me so happy.

I don’t normally show the entire inside of a card, but it turned out so awesome that I had to. I thought it was nice enough it could be a card front all by itself.  Not today, but I gave an extra peek just for fun.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Courage Doesn’t Always Roar…

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I wasn’t sure about posting this one, it is definitely not my usual type of project.  And if I am being totally honest, it is a bit of a mess.  It wasn’t my idea, but I needed to make a sample, so it happened.

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I work with the youth in my church, specifically the young women ages 14-15, and this was our project last Wednesday night.  One of the girls had suggested this activity and we went at it.  I was to make the sample and I rushed through it a bit too quickly.  We only have a little over an hour to work with, so I was on a timer.  Also, this wouldn’t be my best crafting area.  It is so okay to know there are areas to improve in, and I don’t mind sharing my learning opportunities. (I don’t like to call them mistakes.)

I used two sheets of dsp for this project.  I love the paper. I did get a bit of teasing from the girls.  “Are those artichokes?”  Yes they are, and I love them.  The back side of the paper reminded me of a double wedding ring quilt pattern, so it was a win all the way around.  We were to modge podge pretty paper to a clip board, add some decoration, and finish it off with a favorite inspirational quote.  I have creases and bubbles, but I still love it. I also got into my retired stash of ribbon and found a bunch to use.  I will be happily using this clipboard.  I do need to sand the edges a bit, but otherwise, it is all done.

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Big Gift Box

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How big is big?  This one took two 12 x 12 sheets to make it work.  This bag/box measures 5 x 6 x 6.  How awesome is that?  The gift inside is pretty much hilarious.  Another gift exchange for my husband at work.   Quite the group there.

Big Gift Box

I could have fit at least six stamp sets inside this guy.  That could double for DVD’s or any other combination for sure.  It is made with last years craft holiday paper so it is super sturdy.  I could have made a fun tag and decorated it more, but it was a quick make this morning.

Big Gift Box

Could I find gift tissue to match?  Nope.  No worries though, there was a Santa hat close by and it did the job quite well.  Actually, I think this might be a repeater idea.  I probably won’t remember it, like the measurements for the awesome bag.  It was a custom design for this huge mug.  One thing at a time, and getting last minute holiday fun done is more important.

Big Gift Box

Have a creative day!

Moana

Paper Pumpkin Re-Make

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What says thank you better than a big bar of chocolate?  A really pretty bar of chocolate with a coordinating card, that’s what!  I really like how this Paper Pumpkin set got used  so differently than I normally do.

Paper Pumpkin Re-Make

I have mentioned my teacher aides before and how awesome they are.  The holidays are the perfect time to share that gratitude.  Especially when they feel special and others get to see that too.  Okay, they are teenage boys that love to feel awesome and oh so cool.  This works very well, just like they do.

Paper Pumpkin Re-Make

I used the card base to wrap over my vanilla cardstock and it fit around so nicely.  I was able to give it nice little scores and get two swipes of fast fuse to keep this together.  After a hefty wrapping of ribbon, I know it is so secure.  These holly leaves and little adhesive backed berries are so adorable though.  I could definitely get into a die cut to make more of these.  I will have to look around for one.

It is fun to go to work when you have this kind of joy to share.  Besides, today is the last day of school before a very nice and long three week break.  Phew!

Paper Pumpkin Re-Make

Have a creative day!

Moana

Workshop Wonders

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What do you get when you bring together some creative friends?  A really unique workshop that was more fun than work that is for sure.  Just look at these adorable projects they created!

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We really did have a wonderful time sharing ideas, laughing, exchanging gifts and enjoying a lovely luncheon.  I think they impressed themselves more than each other.  And I loved crafting with them.

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I already blogged mine on Saturday, but wanted to just show theirs.  Two of our group couldn’t attend this one and they sure missed out.  Next time I am sure they will share something wonderful.  The ladies liked the activity so much that we decided to do it twice a year, once in December and once in the summer.  I do love these gals!

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Have a creative day!

Moana

Have an Adventure

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This is a break from the seemingly endless lines of Christmas cards.  But you know what, people have birthdays during the holiday season too and they need to be remembered as well.

Have an Adventure

This adventurous card is headed to someone who is just about adventurous as I can imagine.  Some stamp sets you look at and wonder when you will use it, but then you have just the thing.  This little mountaineering guy has been waiting for just that moment.  He comes from a set that has long since retired, but found a friend in the World Map background stamp for sure.

Have an Adventure

I really do love this combination.  I can see many more coming together with other masculine images to accent the world map.  Kind of a fun change from holiday colors as well.  Good for all I guess, especially the birthday boy!

Have an Adventure

Have a creative day!

Moana

Believe Bookmark with Lighthearted Leaves

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Welcome to my Sunday morning.  When I have the opportunity to teach a church lesson I always feel blessed.  Teaching often gives more to the teacher than to the student.  Maybe not at a school setting, but church, for sure.

Believe Bookmark with Lighthearted Leaves

I do my best thinking while I am crafting, so I almost always have some kind of handout that relates to the lesson.  It also allows me to think of who I am teaching individually, and to make sure I am taking into consideration who they are and how they feel.  Such a wonderful time.

Believe Bookmark with Lighthearted Leaves

I definitely dipped into my retired product stash for these bookmarks.  The cardstock and ink are hello honey, current, but the other color is summer starfruit.  What a great color to work with.  I thought they went well together, so I got to use some of my retired dsp stash and retired ribbon too!  Win for all.  I think people often overlook the fact that it is okay to stamp on patterned paper, as long as the pattern is small.  That was the case for this pattern for sure.  It came together so quickly.  Once the design was clear  in my mind, about five minutes, another thirty-five and I was all done.  Yup, I churned out a dozen of these in less than an hour.  Again, a win for all.

Believe Bookmark with Lighthearted Leaves

Have a creative day!

Moana

Neutral Toned If the Broom Fits

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I know today is Halloween, but I was just feeling a bit mellow about it.  Could that be a result of being with students all day that were super costumed out and completely mental about it?  Or maybe because I went back to take yearbook pictures that evening during the carnival and dance?  Sounds about right.  Let’s just settle down a bit, but still enjoy the holiday.

Neutral Toned If the Broom Fits

This stamp is just too funny.  I think that I have shown myself that even though there is definitely a Halloween theme with the stamp, it doesn’t have to be used that way, and that always makes me happy.

Neutral Toned If the Broom Fits

Instead of focusing on the holiday, I went with a focus on the brooms themselves.  This included giving the background a run through with the woodgrain embossing folder, wooden handles on the broom.  Also, I did  a little piercing around the brooms themselves so I could thread some of the ever so lovely linen thread around the bristles and give it some dimension.  I think that looks pretty darn cool.  All kinds of dimension going on here.  What a great card!

Neutral Toned If the Broom Fits

Have a creative day!

Moana

Birthday Jar Wishes That Last

~ moanaj ~ 2 Comments

It isn’t my usual project to share, but I do make these particularly often.  The idea is lovely and I get to put a lot of retired product to good use.  I do hate to ignore it, so I thought I would share  a way to use it differently.

Birthday Jar Wishes That Last

I bought some of those washi sheets having no idea what I would do with them.  Until this fun series of projects came about.  I work with the young ladies in my church, along with several other ladies, and we come together as a team in a large variety of events from large to small and everything in between.  Of course we celebrate birthdays!  And that is what this is.

Birthday Jar Wishes That Last

I decorate jars and vases with washi paper punches to the mood I am in.  Sometimes I use framelits, or punches, or both.  I have a large collection of last springs sale-a-bration ribbon, so it always goes together.  You know how I love to coordinate as much as possible.  So these jars are created for each young lady or woman in our group.  We all then write inspirational wishes, birthday wishes, and just kind words in general to fill the jar.  Then, the recipient can read them all at once, or read them one at a time, or open them over time when a bad day happens and they need a pick me up.  Something sweet for whenever you want them.  So, try something different with the awesome product you have, either current or retired, it is all wonderful!

Birthday Jar Wishes That Last

Have a creative day!

Moana

One Big Meaning Tiny Treats

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Welcome back and thank you too!  Going back to work yesterday, after taking a long weekend off, left me thinking I should give a little thank you to my student TA’s.  They are a great bunch and were honestly quite happy with these treats.

One Big Meaning Tiny Treats

I kept things very simple, because I knew they would really just want the candy.  So, I used some adorable retired ribbon, with an effort to keep it neutral.  I have young men and knew they wouldn’t appreciate anything too girlie.  However, I did give them color choices and they picked the ones they liked best.  Three of five kept the little tag in their things.  How cute is that!

One Big Meaning Tiny Treats

What do we gain from this?  First of all, saying thank you is so important.  Secondly, it doesn’t have to be huge and elaborate to be appreciated.  Honestly, these took me maybe ten minutes from start to end, including a quick set of photos.  Having great tools to work with makes all the difference.  Give something like this a try.  This punch combo is fantastic!  The 1 3/4″ circle punch is large enough that lots of sentiments fit inside quite easily.  Add the 2″ circle for a tiny border and it looks so great!

One Big Meaning Tiny Treats

Have a creative day!

Moana

Thoughts & Prayers

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I took a day away to recover from a great birthday celebration for my youngest.  I can’t believe she is 15 already.  Family first, so it was all about her.  Even so, some things still have to get going.  These projects were made to give to the young women I taught a Sunday lesson.  There were fourteen of them all together and they looked wonderful.

Thoughts & Prayers

I usually share current product, but made an exception for these.  The paper is retired from last year and the heavy bakers twine is from the last sale-a-bration.  The stamps, doilies and punches are current though.  I do love how things coordinate together so nicely though, very satisfying.

Thoughts & Prayers

Setting a piece of paper on my score board is so liberating.  A little bit of math and you are off and running.  I cut the 12 x 12 sheets in half and went for it.  They came together rather quickly and the girls really enjoyed them.  I love to make things for people, I truly do.

Thoughts & Prayers

Have a creative day!

Moana

Maritime Thank You

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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.

Maritime Thank You

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.

Maritime Thank You

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.

Maritime Thank You

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

Maritime Thank You

Have a creative day!

Moana