Monday, April 30, 2018

Coil & Curl Balloon

Have you been enjoying my sharing of upcoming retiring products?  The sale starts tomorrow and some items are already gone such as the Bubble Gum Thread. Glad I have a couple spools!  But today I'm showing a card using the Coils and Curls Bundle. Be the first to order this cool stamp set and I will be sending you this card!


If truth be known I have not used this set but once or twice.  I usually draw a blank when looking these stamps that I got it at Convention last year.  The card we made with it there was cute but still, not my "cup of tea"....



Products used:
Card Stocks: Catalina Splash, Whip Cream, and Sweet Pear
Inks: Clear Pigment and Black Licorice
Silks: Beach Ball (on sale through today)
Splashes: Cool Pool and Blue Lagoon (on sale through today)
Pan Pastels: Catalina Splash and Sweet Pear
Other Stamp Set: My Everything
Dies: Pierced Rectangles
Accents: Blue Skies Sequins
Other: Amaze machine (on sale starting tomorrow), Foam Squares, Large Dauber Dowel, Large pads, White Liner tape, Paper Trimmer, Details Pro Scissors


I have updated my FSJ Specials page with the goodies in store for May. Head on over to that page and check out our beautiful Bloom Box and our "Banners & Bows Bundle"!  Oh my, what a deal that is!!! BUT don't forget, the sale starts tomorrow and many items have already sold out.  I cannot guarantee you will get what you want but the sooner you order the more apt you will be able to get the product.

StampinCarol

Saturday, April 28, 2018

A Stained Glass Butterfly

Did you see my Stampin Hot With Carol page yesterday on FaceBook?  I actually did a live video making this card! It's so funny that I get tongue-tied or forgetful when doing a video! I'm using the gorgeous "Glass Blooms" stamp bundle (I have the coordinating dies) which is from our May 2016 Bloom Box! Yes, it stayed around for a long time!



I love how delicate the images are and the sentiments are very versatile.


Products used:
Card Stocks: Citrus Cooler, Black Licorice, and Whip Cream
Dies: Journey Circles and Journey Ovals
Inks: Black Licorice, Sweet Berry, and Orange Creamsicle
Silk: Sparkle Silk
Coloring: Color Burst Pencils
Other: Black Licorice Twine, Journey Glaze, Sparkle Cuts
Other: Amaze machine (on sale!), Foam Squares, Easy Glide Runner, Bloom Tool (a tool I won't be without!!), Paper Trimmer


Just remember, the first person to order this stamp set from my FSJ website will be sent this card.  And, when an item sells out, it's gone!!  No backorders!!

StampinCarol

Friday, April 27, 2018

Seek Adventure in My World

This fun set was part of a Bloom Box way back when.  It works great for a person retiring or a Grad or a masculine birthday card!  The set is called My World.


There is no die set with this but one of the Circle dies work great on the round images. I did fussy/detail cut the stand.


Products used:
Card Stocks: Kiwi Slice, Catalina Splash, and Whip Cream
Inks: Catalina Splash and Black Licorice
Silk: Black Licorice (on sale this month!)
Dies:Journey Circles and Tag Set
Other Stamp Set: Adventure Awaits (words)
Embossing Folder: Diamond Netting



Other: Amaze machine (retiring), Details Pro Shears, Foam Squares, Easy Glide Runner

Remember, the first person who orders any of these retiring sets between now and June 30 on my FSJ site will receive this card I made to showcase the set. Each item is linked to the item in the Shopping Cart. And as of May 1 the Retiring List will show up in the Shopping Cart for your viewing pleasure!

StampinCarol

Thursday, April 26, 2018

You're A Sight!

I hope you're getting excited to see the retiring stamp list but you'll have to wait until May 1!! But I'll share another card today using a set that will be going away.  And it will be on sale at 50% off starting May 1 until it is sold out.  But I have already noticed some items are now gone so there are no guarantees everything on the list will be available.  Anyway, this is a card my class made last week.  We used the adorable Too Cute! stamp set.


This set is part of the Project Me Collection.   Aren't these little gals just adorable!!


Products used:
Card Stocks: Watermelon Fusion, Whip Cream, and Project Me Prints
Ink: Black Licorice
Dies: Journey Ovals and Spring Bloom Minis
Coloring: Color Burst Pencils
Accents: Spring Accent Drops (retiring)


Adhesives: Foam Squares and Easy Glide Runner
Other: Amaze machine (retiring)

There are so many great products retiring that they'll all be listed in a special category in the shopping area of my FSJ website starting May 1.  I'll keep on sharing cards featuring retiring products through the end of June but probably not 5 times a week! We have so many great stamps and such in our current Spring Into Summer Mini catalog that I also want to share. So stay tuned!

StampinCarol

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

My Desk 464

Well, yeah, 464.... that's how many weeks this great desk tour has been going on! I've enjoyed taking part and kinda getting to know a few gals. I love seeing their work areas and frequently a project or a bit of scenery.  And all this was brought together by the head desker, Julia at the Stamping Ground.  I only have my desk today as I've been sharing almost daily projects made from stamps that Fun Stampers Journey will be retiring June 30. Just got home from my eye exam.  Left eye distance vision has improved, nearsightedness opposite, called a second sight cataract. Bummer.  Will have to monitor but surgery in the future.   Anyway...


I tried to save this a bit bigger so it's easier to see if you click on it.  I'm working on getting ideas for the 4th and final card for a class in May called "Guys and Grads". This picture was taken late afternoon yesterday and I did finish the card, got the directions wrote up, and ready to make up my newsletter. I got a LOT done yesterday! So, starting on the left you see some old catalogs open to the page with the stamp set I'm playing with. Didn't really get any inspiration from that. And there's another catalog under it its right. Middle has the stamp set and a pack of paper. Far right is my Amaze die cut machine (on no! It's retiring too but we will be coming out with one that more portable, hallelujah!) Back left is my Scan N Cut 2 which has been cutting stamped images. WOW, I love that! As to the rest of the desk, supplies, inks, etc. Usually they're a bit more organized but I've been working on these cards for 2 days determined and messy.

So there you have it, short and ..... not sure about sweet but definitely short.  Head on over to the Stamping Ground and check out the links to other crafters.  Be prepared, you can spend a LOT of time looking around!  Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy!

StampinCarol

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Just Beeautiful!

Today's Stamp Showcase: Hello Lovely  (If you click on the link you will see another card using this set.)


I just love this set and have used it many times as the sunflower is my favorite flower!!  I hope there will be another set coming out with sunflowers but I'll probably keep this set for a long time.


You can almost hear the bees buzz the sunflower!
Other stamps: Honeycomb ATS
Card stocks: Whip Cream and Butter Cream
Inks: Pineapple Smoothie and Black Licorice
Dies: Journey Ovals
Silk: Sparkle Silk (on sale this month!)
Colorant: Color Burst Pencils
Other: Details Pro Shears, the Amaze machine (retiring), Sponge, Foam Squares, White tape



Just a reminder that our Retirement Party starts May 1.  When an item sells out, it's out!  No back orders.  Some have already sold out so you may consider ordering sooner than later. And to order just click on the FSJ Logo at the top of the side bar then click shop! Set up your own FSJ customer account by using a password for future orders!  Any questions, contact me!

StampinCarol

Monday, April 23, 2018

I'm Stuck On You

Today I'm showcasing another stamp set that will be retiring June 30.  I "plan" to showcase 5 cards a week (1 on Monday, 1 on Tuesday, 1 on Thursday, 1 on Friday, and 1 on Saturday). The first person who orders any stamp set/bundle that I showcase I will send the card that goes with that set! But you have to order through my FSJ website! So, here's today's stamp set and card....



This has been a fun Bundle and a perfect stamp set for Arizona. It's called Stuck on You and I have the coordinating dies.


I actually colored the card using products that are on sale this month!!
Card stocks: Whip Cream, Dark Roast, and Butter Cream
Colorants: Splashes - Cool Pool and Olive Green (also retiring)
                  Silks: Dark Roast (looks kinda purplish in the photo) and Bubble Gum
Dies: Tag Elements (retiring)
Inks: Black Licorice and Dark Roast
Accents: Natural Twine
Other: Blending Brush, Amaze machine (retiring)


Here's a closer look at the tag.  There are 3 sizes of tags and 3 sizes of piercing pieces. I used the middle sized set for this.

One thing to remember on our Retirement Party starting May 1, if it sells out before the party or during the party, it's gone. No backorders, period. Some items have sold out already so you may not even want to wait until May 1 but that's up to you.

I am also sharing this info on my FB page, Stampin Hot With Carol.

StampinCarol

Friday, April 20, 2018

Smiles Across the Miles

I now have our FSJ Retiring List and we're having a party starting May 1!!!


But I cannot share the 16 pages of goodies (over 500 items) easily so I'm going to make cards with the sets I have and the first person who purchases the set will get the card!  Ready??

This card uses the fun set Artsy Leaves.  Actually I have the Bundle which means I also have the coordinating dies! You save money purchasing the Bundle.


My marks show this set was in our Holiday collection and the B is for Bundle as I have the dies on a piece of magnetic sheet in with the stamps to keep them all together.



For this card I also used:
Card stocks: Butter Cream, Dark Roast, and Color Splash Sheet
Splashes: Orange Rave, Pineapple Smoothie, & Citrus Cooler (on sale this month, used to color the Color Splash Sheets before stamping and die cutting)
Silks: Dark Roast & Gold (on sale this month, used to add more to the leaves)
Inks: Black Licorice and Dark Roast
Sentiment: My Everything stamp set
Accents: Fashion Gold Dots


Here you can see the 2 Silks on the leaves and a closer look at the coloring.  I just sprayed the Splashes on a wet piece of Color Splash Sheet then dried with my Heat Tool.  Also the AMAZE machine is also being retired as it's being replaced with a machine more portable!!!!  YAY!!! The plates have already sold out but the new machine will use the same plates but a different platform. I'm so excited as my Platinum doesn't fit in my tote and the Amaze was hard to pack.

To order any stamps (and as of May 1 all stamps and other products will show up at 50% off), just head over to my FSJ page. Click on the top logo in the sidebar!   BUT, once an item is sold out, it's GONE! No backorders! You may want to consider ordering sooner than later and not wait for the sale.

StampinCarol

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

A Desk and a Cuppa

It is absolutely gorgeous here! In the low 80s*F and a breeze, lots of sunshine. My flowers look fabulous and I've been outside a bit more enjoying the spring weather.  But today, yep, I'm at my desk and busy.  I'm working on the kits for my card class of Friday plus stuff I need to do to promote some specials in the company I'm affiliated with.  But I'm also joining up with Julia at the Stamping Ground and many others giving you the opportunity to see what's on my desk, a project, then sending you to see many other desks!  My project follows (kinda) a sketch challenge (TMS449) over on Tuesday Morning Sketches.

So my desk as of late yesterday afternoon:


If you've noticed I no longer have a red Cricut but a new Brother ScanNCut2!!  I have cut out some stamped images but haven't had time to really play around with it.  In the middle of my table are piles of card kits being put together, the directions I made up, the stamps I'll be using, and the sample card.  Far right is my Amaze machine, an oval die that I'm working with, and a pile of white paper I'll be using. My class is Friday morning and I have 2 more card kits for 5 people to make up.  Easy peasy!

Ok, now for my card.  Here's the sketch:


I like it and it has so many possibilities!  Now for my card....


Yeah, I took liberties with the size of the embellishment.  I just got the die set in to make the coffee cup and really wanted to play with it.  All products/supplies are from Fun Stampers Journey.  If you want to know what I used please email me.


I left this picture a bit dark hoping the white lid would show up better, but it didn't work.  I cut a slit in the lid for the straw.

So now you have 2 choices (I am making it a bit harder but check both out!). Head over to the Stamping Ground and Tuesday Morning Sketches!  You won't be disappointed. And leave me a comment about my desk or card if you're so inclined!

StampinCarol

Monday, April 16, 2018

It's an Eclipse!

I have seen so many wonderful cards using the Eclipse technique then many of us FSJ coaches were challenged to make one using a particular sketch.

I did turn it on it's side as the die I wanted to use was too big for the original width.
Either of these cards would be great for Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation, or any special event!


I thought this followed the sketch pretty close.  I used Turbo Teal card stock and Project Me Prints for the base.  You can see the word "amazing" pretty clear.  That die is part of the FREE set when you purchase the Amaze machine. I cut up a lot of Foam Squares into long skinny itty bitty pieces to pop it up!  The inside pieces of the letters I used our cool Craft Glue to adhere them and the print paper to the base.


I added a couple strips of our Whip Cream and Pool Play Sparkle Tapes then started on my flower.
I used Turbo Teal again along with our gorgeous Pearled Basics paper. The flower is made from different dies from the Blooming Details Die set and a fun Sweet Candy Drop for the center of the flower pulls it all together!

I did made another Eclipse card using many of the same products but with a difference...


I showed this card on my FB Friday Live Video (look under videos or April 13 in the posts) last week.  While I was filming I tore the word die!  OH NO!! So after I got it together I added some Journey Glaze to the die and the tear has now disappeared!


I stamped and die cut the beautiful little butterfly from the Small Things Bundle using Turbo Teal ink, glazed, and added some Sparkle Cuts and Sparkle Dust.  I used 2 layers stacked Foam Squares under the wings and 1 under the body when attaching. Turned out pretty cool.

Sometime today our Retirement List will be released. I "heard" that about 500 items are going!! Uff Da! That's a lot and I bet I have oodles that will be gone July 1 but then, we'll have that much NEW in the new BIG catalog that goes live July 1!!!! And I wonder if we'll get some sneak peeks of some of the new!  You'll have to stay tuned!!

StampinCarol

Friday, April 13, 2018

Birthday Balloons

Years ago I was an independent demonstrator for The Angel Company.  Many "angels" are now a part of FSJ like me! But we still like to reminisce about the fun we had and one gal decided it was time to do a swap.  Yep, and there are 39 of us taking part! I finally am about done with my card fronts as I want to get them mailed on Monday or Tuesday.  All products but the paper are FSJ.



Our cool Uplift dies are still available!  They have been carried over from our previous Mini catalog and they are perfect for this card!  I also used the cool Happy Birthday stamp I got (fun perk for being a coach!!) for my birthday this year from the company.  It actually had the year under the balloons but I cut it off.


I colored the sentiment with our Color Burst Pencils.  That took forever when doing 39 of these!!  I debated using our Journey Glaze on the words but that would probably have used a whole bottle and I may have ran out.  Would have been a great look! Final touch, I splattered the card fronts with Sparkle Silk (which is on sale NOW!).

I only have a few more fronts to splatter then I need to make labels for the back.  Should have that done today.  I do have a cake in the oven for a luau tonight. It's kinda like a dump cake with crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling.  And I have a load of laundry done and ready to hang on the clothes line outside.  It's a bit breezy but nothing like the high winds we had yesterday!  There were dust storms between Tucson and Phoenix!  Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

StampinCarol

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Another Wednesday, Another Desk

We are temporarily having summer the last couple days.  Temps have hit the low 90s*F and our air conditioner has been running.  I'm not really ready for this heat but then we're supposed to cool off a bunch on Friday and Saturday. But what's really hot is the ability to view desks all over Europe and the U.S.! I'm taking part in a weekly What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday week 462! This fun get together of fellow crafters is coordinated by our head desker, Julia at the Stamping Ground! My desk is busy as I work on 40 birthday card fronts for a special swap.  From 2002 to mid 2011 I was an independent demonstrator for a company called The Angel Company.  Many from that company are now in Fun Stampers Journey, too.  But there are 40 of us getting together for this swap.


From left to right.... my new Scan N Cut 2 (which I have played with a bit) with it's papers, etc. in front of it.  But I bet you can see the corner of the DVD movie of The Greatest Showman that I was watching yesterday afternoon when I took this picture.  There's the 2 remotes, 1 for the TV and 1 for the DVD player. Next on the white scrap paper are the 40 card fronts that I am coloring.  Yeah, I stamped a very special stamp that I got last week from the company to celebrate my birthday! It's a fun perk.  Next, a magnetic sheet with balloon dies.  I'll be cutting 3 different sizes.  I'm working on the biggest here and you can see the paper with the die on my Amaze machine.

In the back are my shelves of supplies, inks, OTT light, baskets of projects and scraps. and what not.

I have to have these fronts in the mail next week so I'm working like crazy but today I'll be at a hospital in Tucson vising my friend who is in rehab from a stroke 2 weeks ago. I should be home early afternoon and playing catch up on visits, etc. Tomorrow I will be making a special cake for a luau on Friday evening.  My cake will have crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling along with a yellow cake mix. Kinda appropriate.

Please head over to the Stamping Ground and check out the other desks!  You'll also see many projects!  See you around!

StampinCarol

Monday, April 9, 2018

A Cup of Happiness

Last Friday I did a FaceBook Live Video making this card.  I used a couple fun new products from our new Spring Into Summer mini catalog (see link in sidebar for catalog), Coffee Helps Bundle (stamp set & coordinating die) and our Sunday Adventure Prints paper collection.  I love coffee, with a bit of creamer, and this stamp set and paper is right up my alley!


I started with a base of Pomegranate Splash card stock. To the printed paper I added rectangles of Denim Days and Banana Cream card stocks.  But, I stamped the Banana Cream with the text in Black Licorice ink and 2nd generation stamped coffee ring and coffee beans with Oatmeal Cookie ink (very subtle), before adhering to the printed layer. I then added a couple wraps of Whip Cream Thread before adhering this layer to the card base with Foam Squares.


I stamped the coffee cup on Whip Cream card stock, colored with #28 Pool Play Color Burst Pencil, and coated with Journey Glaze.  After letting it dry completely (took a while) I adhered it over the Thread with Foam Squares and added the Sweet Bloom with a small Foam Square.  Also used, the Amaze machine and the Easy Glide Runner.

This is a great set for the coffee lover and with the added bonus of being able to purchase the 4 dies that coordinate with the coffee cups, what a deal!

FSJ loves their coaches and each year we get honored with a special birthday stamp.  This year the stamp was late due to quality control issues and I got mine last week for my Feb. birthday.


I am using this stamp on a special swap I'm involved in and will share that when I get them done.  I'm making 40 card fronts!  I have the base stamped with the Happy Birthday (I cut off the date) and am in the process of coloring the letter balloons. I'm about 1/2 done with the coloring after working on these for about 5 hours yesterday!!!  But I was at a crop and did a bunch of visiting and even sold my Cricut Expression with 14 cartridges and my Cameo that never seen the light of day (box was opened but Cameo never removed for use). Hopefully I can get the coloring done in the next few evenings before starting to do some die cutting.

StampinCarol

Friday, April 6, 2018

I Waffle You A Lot

How's that for a post title!  But there is a reason!  One of our new stamp sets is called  Sunday Morning and it is a hoot!

I've seen a few cool cards from fellow coaches using this set so I just had to use it too!


I didn't get fancy but just made a simple card.  I started with a base of Beach Ball card stock and added a layer of one of the patterns from our new Sunday Adventure Prints. I thought the pattern worked well with the waffle. I stamped the phrase on Butter Cream cs using Black Licorice ink and the waffle on Banana Cream cs using Pineapple Smoothie ink.


Here you can see that I splattered the text piece with some of our Gold Silk which is on sale this month.  I also added some Gold Silk to a puddle of Journey Glaze to make some "syrup"!  (I should have made quite a bit more but it does look like syrup!) A small square of Butter Cream cs to replicate a pat of butter and some Gold Fashion Dots and the card is complete!

I'll be sharing this card on my FB page this morning and the first "non FSJ coach" to leave a comment on my FB post will be sent the card !  So watch for it to be posted!

StampinCarol

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

WOYWW 461

By golly, Wednesday is here again!  We are having borderline summer here and my flowers are blooming!  My garden is growing!  The hummingbirds are coming back and the birds are singing! And today you get to view my desk!  Yep! This is week 461 (I missed last week, I went to see my closest friend in the hospital after having a stroke and I'll probably head up again today). This "tour" of desks is put together by Julia at the Stamping Ground.


Since I took part in the tour of desks 2 weeks ago something has changed! Can you tell??  It's something on the far left. It's not longer red.  Yep!  My Cricut is gone and I now have a Scan N Cut2! I haven't had time to get it up and running as I got it just before my friend had the stroke and I've been at the hospital quite a bit. I'm looking forward to getting it going in the next week or so. This week I've been working on ideas for my 3 classes next year! No, not a typo.  I have to submit my classes for next January, February, and March BEFORE April 15 with descriptions, supplies, dates, etc! Oh my!! I've been all over Pinterest and other sites for ideas.  The classes are more technique oriented or fancy folds stuff. As of late yesterday afternoon I finally got my classes figured, paper work filled out, and info ready to take to the GVR office.  I hate having to do this almost a year in advance! Oh well.


This is a little bag I recently made using FSJ products. I was just playing around with a die that makes the bag and I'm not thrilled with the stamped part. I might remove it and do something different.

Please now head over to the Stamping Ground and check out all the links to other desks. If I go to the hospital today I'll be back mid afternoon and moderate the comments and do some visiting then through Friday. And say a prayer for Angie's rehab that she can quickly get to walking and functioning again.

StampinCarol

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Coffee Helps

You're in luck today as I'm taking part in our FSJ Launch Party for our new Spring Into Summer Mini catalog that went live on Sunday! I have quite a few of the new stamp sets and here's a card using the new Coffee Helps Bundle.


I started with a piece of our Color Splash Sheet and cut it in half.  I spritzed it with water on both sides then sprayed some of our Shimmer Gold Splash (on sale this month!!!) on it and heat set. I stamped the coffee cup ring over that with Oatmeal Cookie ink and the splattered with just a bit of our Gold Silk (on sale this month!!!). I made a base using Hazelnut Blend card stock and splattered it with some Dark Roast Silk (on sale this month!!!). I layered the color splash sheet on some Oatmeal Cookie card stock and adhered this to the base.  Using my Tag Set steel rule die I cut the middle sized tag out of Oatmeal Cookie, stamped the text using Hazelnut Blend ink and splattered with Gold Silk. I added some strands of Natural Twine and adhered.


Now the coffee cup. I stamped the cup on Butter Cream card stock with Black Licorice ink and die cut.  I stamped the lid part on scrap piece of Whip Cream and die cut.  I stamped the sleeve on Oatmeal Cream and the heart on a scrap of Candy Apple and detail cut.  I think this card turned out pretty cool! Also used was our Amaze machine, White Liner tape, and Glue dots.

Head over to my FB page Stampin Hot With Carol and see projects made be FSJ and some fun videos!  Also look for the #FSJLaunchParty for projects by others!

StampinCarol

Monday, April 2, 2018

Happy Spring Banner

I made this banner/garland as part of an Easter package to our youngest son for our grand son.  Our daughter in law texted me and then called me to thank me for making this!  She is just SOOO sweet!  She offered to BUY, yes, BUY any others I make but I did tell her family gets them free when I make goodies.  But I just realized I never shared this with you!


I got most of the pieces from the recent "Easter Party in a Box" but changed things up a bit.  I added the pattern paper one the bunny pieces and added coordinating bunny tails.  Then what was to be the bunny tails (the white flowers on the crepe paper tassels) I put on the tassels.  The bunny die is now retired (as of Saturday) but I will have to order the Journey Fringe steel rule die. I used assorted card stocks and coordinating print paper from old retired 6"x 6" paper packs. But the tassel products are current.  The Media Flowers and Spring Crepes (crepe paper) are great and the Tangerine Fusion ribbon is so bright! And I just LOVE our Banner Parade die set and Ovals dies that did much of the banner!


This was a relatively easy project though it took me a couple hours.  She wants more banners for other holidays so I will be playing with assorted products as I come up with some ideas!

Did you have a good Easter?  Our church had a Sunrise service and, as we were singing worship songs, I seen some red in the sky above.  I turned around and had to take this photo.  WOW! After church we went to Tucson to the hospital where a friend of ours will be for a while.  She had a stroke last Monday.  Her balance is wacky and she lost some mobility/feeling on her right side. She will be in rehab for a while so please say a prayer for Angie.



StampinCarol