Catching up...

German Phrase of the Day: Glaubst du das wirklich? Do you really think so? To be honest, I'm not sure!! But I do know this is my last post of 2007! (And I'm even finishing it in 2008 - well, at least it's 2008 here in Deutschland!!)

For today's card I used a sketch I had laying around for a while. This is from MJ Albright's blog Beauty Lies Within which I've recently found via Splitcoast. Where would we all be without Splitcoast?!? I have NO idea! I hadn't been stamping for over a week, but I was still collecting sketches, and now I'm trying to get caught up on them!

I also hadn't used my new stamp set that Stampin' Up! sent all us demos for free! Time Well Spent is such an awesome set, and it's only available to hostesses! It was such a wonderful surprise for SU! to send them out to all us demos. :-) Gotta love FREE rubbah!!

I chose the colors for this card from the cover of the new SU! catalog. Yes, I finally got mine all the way over here (Thank you Nancy!!!) and I LOVE it!! OMG, you all didn't warn me how much stuff I was going to want!! And my dh is encouraging me to start bring stuff BACK to the states at this point - yikes! Well, at least mom and I decided we'd split pack of dp...so I just have to use up 24 sheets before August - including summer travel schedule!! ;-)

Oh yeah..the card! So, the colors I used are River Rock, Groovy Guava, and Ruby Red. I really like this color combo and will be using it again for sure. I sponged all layers, stamped the mum like flower with Groovy Guava on Groovy Guava and layered it on the River Rock card (5.25" square) The center strip is Ruby Red (sponged again) and tied with some River Rock double-stitched ribbon. For my focal piece, I stamped the butterfly twice on Papertrey Ink's Stamper's Select white cardstock, then twice again on some scraps. I watercolored all 4 images with aquapainters and then cut the two out from the scraps. I popped those up wtih half a dimensional under the butterfly body, and then added the bling to the wings (guess I should done that first!) Then, I stamped and colored the flower, cut it out, and popped it on.

Lastly, I stamped the greeting and colored in the little flowers and added some bling to the centers. I'm very happy with this card, now will have to think of the perfect recipient for it!

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Time Well Spent
CS: Ruby Red, Groovy Guava, River Rock, Stamper's Select White
Ink: Palette Noir, Ruby Red, Groovy Guava, River Rock, Apricot Appeal
Acc: River Rock double-stitched ribbon, mini rhinestone stickers, dimensionals, aquapainter

TFL!
-Jana

Paper Pretties November MFT card

German Phrase of the Day: Das Jahr geht zu Ende. = The year is coming to an end. And boy...has this year flown by!! I need to sit down and list all the places we've been this year, it's a little overwhelming to think about it all! '07 was definitely the year of travel for the Weaver family...and looks like '08 will be just as busy!!!

I think I told you all a while ago that I was subscribing to Paper Pretties. I was totally drawn in by the fact that I could get MFT stamp sets EARLY!! My November box was a little late because Christie was waiting on some paper, but it was worth the wait!! I love the patterned papers she included, and the pearlescent paper for the main image is just scrumptious! Oh...and the swarovski crystals?? I'm going to have to get some more of those, for sure!!

The featured stamp set in this box was Baby it's Cold Outside. I just love this image of the woman building a snowman...maybe because I love to build snowmen myself! I stamped her with my Pallete Noir ink, and paper pieced the coat as instructed. I colored in her boots, mittens, scarf, and the carrot nose using my SU! Markers, trying to match the colors in the papers. Then, I added the Swarovski crystals with my Sakura quickie glue pen.

The card base is Bazzill Lavender Twilight cardstock with a layer of Snowday Plaid from Paper Salon layered on. Then, a strip of Paper Salon Snowday Glitter Multiflakes paper is layered on Bazzill Great Lakes cardstock, and some organdy ribbon is tied around.

I stamped the hat on the Bazzill great lakes cardstock and cut it out, and I popped it on with a pop dot. Then I mounted the main image onto the turquoise icy blue layer and paper pierced all the way around. Finally, I added the snowflake brad, and then mounted this pieces on the already prepared card. Lastly, I stamped the sentiment "Baby it's Cold Outside!" because, it is!

I have to say I like having everything there in a kit. Makes it so easy to put a card together quickly without having to think! Thanks Christie for the great card!! And now to play with all my supplies to see what designs I can create on my own! ;-)

Have a great day everyone...oh...and let me know what you think of my new banner. I made it myself with a photo I took around the house a few weeks ago. I thought it represented me perfectly: a delicate flower that desperately needs the sun encased in a layer of frost!! LOL!!

Supplies: (all supplies from Paper Pretties unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Baby it's Cold Outside by My Favorite Things
CS: Bazzill Lavender Twilight, Metallic Luster, turquoise icy blue and great lakes cs; Paper Salon snowday plaid and snowday clitter multiflakes designer papers
Ink: Palette Noir, SU! Markers
Acc: white organdy ribbon, snowflake paperfastener, swarovski crystals

TFL!
-Jana

Kinkade window card

German Phrase of the Day: Das ist eine komplizierte Frage. = This is a complicated question.

Here's a card I made when I wanted to use my new Thomas Kinkade stamp from Cornish Heritage Farms. I decided to try and do a monochromatic card since I wasn't feeling brave enough yet to watercolor this beauty. I stamped the image on Stamper's Select White using Ballet Blue ink. I then mounted the image on some Ballet Blue cardstock.

I didn't like the image on the front of the card, so I got the idea to put a window in the card with my Marvy Giga Square punch and mount it on the inside. I sponged some Ballet Blue around the window to give it a softer feel, and stamped the saying from last year's SAB set in Ballet Blue at the bottom of the card. I thought it went well with this image. I finished off the card with some old Silver ribbon from SU! Think I'll send this to my FIL for his upcoming birthday.

Hope you all have recovered from Christmas. We're still getting the house back to normal...but hopefully soon I'll get back upstairs to my stamp room!!

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: The Good Life by Thomas Kinkade from Cornish Heritage Farms
CS: Stamper's Select white, Ballet Blue
Ink: Ballet Blue
Acc: Marvy Giga Scalloped Square punch, silver ribbon

TFL!
-Jana

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Frohe Weinachten

Feliz Navidad

Happy Christmas

Joyeux Noel

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas this year. We just finished opening presents and now dh is taking his parents to the airport while Julia and I relax. Here are a few photos of Julia this morning enjoying her presents from Santa and everyone else!

Pink and Green Penquin

German Phrase of the Day: Es wird ein langer Winter. = It will be a long winter. I don't know about how long the winter will be, but it sure is a long night nowadays!! Actually, I think this winter will at least seem shorter than last winter, because we have more plans to break it up with travel and visitors. :-)

Last week while I was playing with my GinaK stamps, I decided I needed to use this cute little penguin. The color scheme is from a new Simply Scrappin' Kit that SU! is offering in the newest catalog (mine hasn't arrived yet...but I've seen sneak peak photos aplenty!) I used Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi and Basic Grey along with my Stamper's Select white. I colored the penguin in with an aquapainter and ink pads, and of course added a little liquid appliqué to his hat, since I've been on such a kick lately!

For the snowflakes, I used the Snow Flurries set stamped in Regal Rose. Yeah, pink snowflakes! That's what's magical, right? I stamped just the Magic portion of the sentiment from the Sandy Claws set...I love how easy it is to ink up just a portion of a sentiment when using unmounted stamps!!

The layout for this card is from CPS, and it's sketch # 23. I stole the idea of the curvy line from a sample made with this sketch they recently featured for the holiday cards they were featuring. That site is a fantastic source for ideas when you need a sketch! Oh...and the curvy cut was made using my new Creative Memories curvy cutter. I just love that thing and am so happy to have it now!!

I sponged all the layers, put it together, and tied the ribbon. A super fast, 4 1/4" square card. It was the perfect thing to get me moving that day!

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Sandy Claws is Coming to Town by GinaK Designs Snow Fluries
CS: Stamper's Select white, Wild Wasabi, Regal Rose, Basic Grey
Ink: Palette Noir, Wild Wasabi, Regal Rose, Basic Grey, black watercolor crayon, more mustard
Acc: aquapainter, dazzling diamonds glitter, liquid applique, Wild Wasabi double stitched ribbons, CM curvy cutter

TFL!
-Jana

Christmas Tree ornament

German Phrase of the Day: Bitte versteh' mich nicht falsch. = Please don't get me wrong. Let me tell you, this phrase is one of my pet peeves. My feeling is, if someone has to preface a statement with this or "Please don't take this the wrong way" then maybe they shouldn't be saying it. I can take constructive criticism, so long as it is that. Oh well..just one of my pet peeves. :-)

Here's an ornament I made as a sample for my ornament class I had last week. I used the holiday chipboard from SU! and covered it with real red craft ink, them embossed with Glassy Glaze embossing powder twice to get good coverage. I then sandwiched the photo between this piece and a solid square piece covered with some Dashing DSP. On the back I have Julia's name and the year. Now I've decided I have to go back and make one for every year out of her picture with Santa. Michelle...got any extra chipboard?? ;-)

I used some Red gingham to cover the seam, and I used my new crop-a-dial to set the jumbo eyelets (they are double set so it looks good no matter which side you are looking at! I finished it off with some silver cord and the wide celery grosgrain bow. Ok, can I say it again? Isn't she adorable? A total devil tonight, but still adorable!! :-)

Not sure if I'll post again until we get back from Nurnberg on Sunday, so everyone have a great weekend, and stay sane!! Christmas will be over soon. :-)

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: none
CS: Dashing (on back)
Ink: real red craft ink
Acc: chipboard, red gingham ribbon, wide celery ribbon, silver cord, pewter large eyelets, crop-a-dial, glassy glaze ep

TFL!
-Jana

Holiday Baking

German Phrase of the Day: Der Braten schmeckt ausgezeichnet. = The roast tastes excellent. I thought this was somewhat suitable, even though I haven't been making any roasts yet - that will be on the 24th when we have our Pork Tenderloin roast. Yum!!

So, I haven't been totally neglecting my stamping. I've just been stamping containers for all this fudge I've made!! I made 4 different flavors of fudge to give away this year: peanut butter, toblerone, chocolate mint, and dark chocolate (counter clockwise starting at the bottom) My favorite is the peanut butter, so I made that one last so I wouldn't eat too much of it. Oh well...I still did! I just LOVE peanut butter fudge. I found some boxes to cover at one of the local stores, and so I wrapped them with the celebrations wrapping paper. I just love the bright colors! I put fudge, and a few kinds of cookies that Julia and I made together in these boxes.

But, I had SOOO much fudge leftover (I probably made close to 15 pounds of fudge total!) that I pulled out my coffee bags from Papertrey Ink and stamped on them with my Holiday Treats stamp set. Didn't they turn out cute? The boxes are going to close friends over here and 2 neighbors that we interact with a lot, as well as Julia's teachers as kindergarten. The bags will go to other moms at Julia's school who have been very helpful to me, and some other neighbors who are passing acquaintances. I just love holiday baking and sharing of treats. I hope our German neighbors and friends will enjoy the fudge!

For those who are interested, here is the fudge recipe I use:

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

2 cups Sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup stick butter
1 tsp vanilla
3 T corn starch (although, I don't usually use this one)

Mix all ingredients in a large sauce pan and bring to boil stirring constantly for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat. Beat in:
3 heaping tablespoons Marshmallow fluff
3 heaping tablespoons peanut butter or 12 oz chocolate.
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Pour mixture into a buttered 9 by 9 pan and let set.

Over here I can't get Nestle's chips, so I use good European chocolate bars (Lindt was the maker of choice this year!) and it tastes SOOOO good! I think I will continue that tradition when I move back...I mean, we shouldn't have to settle for Nestle chocolate, right?

Have a wonderful day everyone! And enjoy some special holiday treats. :-)

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Holiday Treats by PaperTrey Ink
CS: Handsome Hunter, Brocade Blue, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Kraft
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Handsome Hunter, Brocade Blue
Acc: mini self-adhesive rhinestones from Pipoos, circle punches, scallop punch, silver cord, coffee bags

TFL!
-Jana

My Final Christmas Card

German Phrase of the Day: Wahrsheinlich shon. - Yes, probably. That really long word is pronounced vahr-SHINE-lihkh and means probably. This is a new word for me, and I like it! Will have to remember it.

So, here is the final version of my Christmas card this year. I ended up not having time to tie all the ribbons (I was under a deadline, needed to finish before I left the states!) But, isn't my little angel just adorable?? And she's getting SOOO big! Most everyone who received this commented on that.

Anyhow...I still have a few more projects saved up to show you, and I hope to get some time in between cleaning tomorrow to create some more but my in-laws arrive Thursday morning, and we head to Nurnberg on Friday, so it will be a little hectic around here. Have a great day!

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Big on Christmas
CS: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, certainly celery, real red, summer sun
Acc: stickles

TFL!
-Jana

Santa's Christmas List

German Phrase of the Day: Faehrst du an Weihnachten zu deiner Familie? = Are you visiting your family for Christmas? I am actually staying here for Christmas this year, but my in-laws are flying over from Texas to be with us this year. We're looking forward to it!

Here's a notebook I made to keep track of Christmas gifts that I need to purchase. Of course, I didn't use it this year, so will have to save it for next year!

I started with a notebook from Target. I used some of the Holiday Thyme paper from last year to cover the front (also using my spiral notebook punch!) Then, I used my new CM curvy cutter to cut the snowy hills, and I edged them with a little pearl stickles to make them shimmer.

I stamped the sign and Sandy Claws onto watercolor paper with Palette Noir ink, and colored them in with my aquapainter and ink pads. Ruby Red and Wild Wasabi for Sandy Claws and his sleigh, with a little silver encore for the runners, and Ruby Red and Chocolate Chip for the sign. After I cut them both out, I added some liquid applique and a little Dazzling Diamonds glitter which I puffed up with my heat gun.

I stuck the sign between the snowy hills and adhered it with a dimensional, then I added Sandy Claws up in the sky with another dimensional. I stamped the title with my Karen Foster snap stamps - love them for getting perfect spacing!

The final step was adding the ribbons! This project was a lot of fun to make, and I love all the shimmer it has in real life. And this stamp set is just so much fun to play with!

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Sandy Claws by GinaK Designs Snap Stamps by Karen Foster
CS: Watercolor paper, whisper white, Holiday Thyme DSP
Ink: Palette Noir, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, silver encore
Acc: aquapainter, dazzling diamonds glitter, liquid applique, blue bayou and soft sky double stitched ribbons, pearl stickles, CM curvy cutter

TFL!
-Jana

In the meadow we can build a Snowman...

German Phrase of the Day: Ich kann ihn reparieren. = I can fix it. A phrase my husband uses quite a lot, and now my daughter has picked it up too. However, for today, it is appropriate, because I did fix it. A card at least!

Remember this card? The one I was not totally happy with? Well...I kept playing with it, and I think this new and improved version is indeed that...new and improved!

For this remake, I centered the window image left to right, but left it up near the top of a portrait oriented card. Next, I decided to have it be a true "window" card, and so the stamped image is INSIDE the card. Next, I covered the window with a light layer of glue from my glue pad, and then covered it with Dazzling Diamonds glitter to make the window really sparkle with frost, and to keep the glitter contained, I adhered a second window to the back to sandwich the glitter together.

Next, I created the frame for the window. I mitered my corners, and lightly sponged some River Rock ink around all edges of the 4 pieces to give them a little more depth. For the window muntons, I ran them through my white craft to give them some highlighting. Then, I assembled my window onto the card, having already layered a piece of sponged River Rock designer prints paper. Lastly, I stamped the sentiment on the bottom right corner. I thought about making some curtains, but decided they might look to kitschy, and I wanted something more elegant.

Next, I painted some white craft ink onto the window in each pane from the back. You can see it a little better in the photo of the open card. I like how it mimics the way snow and ice can build up on a window in those corners.

I stamped the snowman building image using my Palette Noir ink, and colored it in with ink and my aquapainter. I used Ruby Red for the snowman's scarf and hat band because I think it gives a truer red when watercolored than real red does. I used Soft Sky and Blue Bayou for the little boy, and pretty in pink and Regal Rose for the little girl. I of course added a little rosiness to their cheeks since they are out in the cold! I decided if the one on the left were a little taller, it could be my brother and I when we were young. Before finishing, I added some shadows with going grey to the snowman and the snow. Lastly, I stamped the sentiment on the bottom to give it a more finished look inside.

It was really weird for me to make a card without any ribbon, or even any hardware at all. I still look at it and think, can't I just add a little something more? But I like the absence of that, it helps to keep the focus on the image itself, which I just love!

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Got Snow? by GinaK Designs
CS: Stamper's Select White from PaperTrey Ink, River Rock, River Rock Designer Prints DSP
Ink: Palette Noir, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, River Rock, White Craft, Ruby Red, Regal Rose, Going Grey
Acc: sponge, aquapainter, Glue pad, dazzling diamonds glitter, acetate sheet

TFL!
-Jana

Stamping with friends

German Phrase of the Day: Mein Computer ist kaputt. = My computer is broken. Kaputt is one of our favorite words. It was so funny to us when we first heard the word in Germany and realized that is how you say something is broken. We have so many slang words that have been appropriated from German.

Last week a friend of mine came over to make a few special Christmas cards. She wanted a special design for her girlfriends, a special one-of-a-kind card for her brother and new SIL, and then a more solemn card for the few older folks on her list (like her parents!) We sat down together and designed 2 new cards - for the more solemn card we cased this card I did a while back.

This first card is the special one for her brother and SIL who are expecting. We had some fun stamping this one, with lots of masking! Initially, we kept the teddy bear that is coming out of one of the bags on the left on teddybella, but it was too cluttered so we chose not to stamp it and it came out much better! She loved how fixafella looks a lot like her bro - which figures since I think Lisa likes a lot like Bella!

For the girlfriends card, we used Presentahbella. I actually purchased this stamp because I knew Lisa liked it and thought she would enjoy using it! While designing the cards together, I helped with color selection and the overall design of the card. I did much of the stamping for her, and let Lisa concentrate on watercoloring the images. Since she is quite an accomplished artist I figured this was the best way to break it down and keep us both busy while creating them.

On this Presentahbella card, we came up with the idea to hang the sentiment (from PaperTrey Ink) off Bella's ankle. Isn't that adorable? We just used some silver cord tied in the back so it doesn't show!! I love how little details like that really make a card.

We had a lot of fun making these cards together. I'll have to get Lisa all setup to stamp her own cards next year after I've moved back to the States...I've created another addict! :-)

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Teddybella, Fixabella, Presentahbella by StampingBella, Holiday Wishes by Papertrey Ink
CS: Watercolor paper, creamy Caramel, cranberry crisp, always artichoke, retired SU! DSP, blue bayou, whisper white, wintergreen DSP
Ink: Palette Noir, creamy Caramel, cranberry crisp, always artichoke, blue bayou
Acc: sponge, aquapainter, word window punch, spica glitter pen, WWC, silver cord, purely pomegranate satin ribbon, stitched cranberry crisp ribbon, ticket corner punch

TFL!
-Jana

Final Bella challenge card...

German Phrase of the Day: Immer mit der Ruhe. = Calm Down. Or literally, Always with the calm. I like the literal translation...it works! This is a good phrase for this time of year. Everyone is hustling about, trying to be sure to get the present they think will make that person on their list happy. I actually have almost all of my shopping done already, but I have to say I was really impressed when I read this post of Erika's about her family traditions for Christmas. I have such admiration for that - and only wish I had thought if it myself! I think next year when we're back in the states we'll try to do something like that with Julia - at least the providing Christmas presents for another child/family part. I think she's too attached to getting presents herself at this point to stop.

This is the last card I completed for the Bella challenges last weekend. This was a sketch challenge provided by Jamie, and she also required us to use our first Bella. I suppose this technically isn't my first bella, but it is the first Bella I purchased! I just love cosmobella and want to be her. She is so perky and cute...it's almost disgusting! ;-)

She is stamped with Palette Noir ink on watercolor paper, and colored in with aquapainter and Watercolor Crayons. After coloring her, I added some Crystal Effects to her glass, and some sparkle to her flipflops. I distressed the edges, then layered her on some Certainly Celery with distressed edges.

The card base is Chocolate Chip, and I used some more of my old spring mini paper that I still have stashed away. I love the colors of this paper, and thought the stripes would go well with this layout. I used some wide celery grosgrain, and stamped the Cheers sentiment onto some scrap paper and then punched it out with my word window punch.

When I first saw the sketch I was really ensure of it, but after getting this together, I've decided it works! Definitely different for me to put the image flush to a corner like this...but I like it! That's one of the things I love about doing these challenges, it forces me out of my own box and expands my thinking.

Thanks for visiting today!

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Cosmobella StampingBella,
CS: Watercolor paper, Chocolate Chip, Blush Blossom, Certainly Celery, retired SU! DSP
Ink: Palette Noir, chocolate chip
Acc: sponge, aquapainter, Rhinestone stickers, word window punch, spica glitter pen, WWC, wide celery grosgrain, paper distresser

TFL!
-Jana

Tacky Snowbunnybella

German Phrase of the Day: Du hast ein schoenes Laecheln. = You have a nice smile. Laecheln is pronounced LAYKH-ehln. For some reason, this is a very hard word for me to remember. Perhaps now I finally will after having typed it! ;-)

And hopefully this card will make you all smile. It was for Shannan Steuben's Bella challenge to use EVERYTHING on your card and go overboard - glitter, ribbon, embossing, embellishments...anything and everything!

Bella herself is much as yesterdays, except I gave her pink tights today to keep her a little warmer. I also used Bashful Blue and Night of Navy to match the cardstock. Her corners are clipped and she's mounted on some Night of Navy CS, then I put some rhinestone stickers in the corners.

The card base is Stamper's Select White from PaperTrey Ink. I love that this cardstock has some good weight to it, so it doesn't feel flimsy! Then, I layer of Night of Navy, and then a layer of Bashful Blue which was cuddled with the snowflake folder, swiped with White Craft ink, and embossed with iridescent ice EP. That layer just sparkles like mad!

I used Navy grosgrain, white organdy, and some silver cord for ribbon around the middle, and then I punched the Got Snow? greeting using the word window punch (it just barely fit!) and used rhinestones for the "o"'s.

The sparkle does send her a little over the top...but I like it!!

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Snowbunnybella StampingBella, Got Snow? by GinaK Designs
CS: Watercolor paper, Stamper's Select White from PTI, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue
Ink: Palette Noir, , Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
Acc: sponge, aquapainter, Rhinestone stickers, navy grosgrain, silver cord, white organdy, ticket corner punch, word window punch, liquid applique, dazzling diamonds glitter, spica glitter pen

TFL!
-Jana

Snowbunnybella for Gina

German Phrase of the Day: Hast du schlechte Laune? = Are you in a bad mood? Actually, I'm in a better mood today. However, I have to clean...so it won't last long! ;-) However, I spent most of yesterday stamping some special projects..so I guess it's my turn to do some work!

Here's another of my Bella challenge cards from the other night. This card is my favorite of the 4 I made. It was for Gina's sketch challenge...which was an awesome sketch! I knew I wanted to use Snowbunnybella, and my snowflake paper, so I built the card from there.

I stamped the main image in Palette Noir ink onto watercolor paper, and then colored her in with an aquapainter and my soft sky and blue bayou ink pads, along with blush blossom and summer sun. I added a little redness to her cheeks and nose (it's COLD, right?) with some pretty in pink. After getting her all colored in, I applied some liquid applique to all her fur trim. Then, before heating it, I added some sparkle with a little Dazzling Diamonds glitter. Gives her a little extra glam! I then clipped the corners with my SU! ticket corner punch (not retiring thank goodness!!) and layered on some soft sky, which had also been clipped, then finally onto the blue bayou where I added the silver brads.

The base card is Blue Bayou, with a layer of Soft Sky on top, both sponged of course. To make the diagonal piece, I cut a strip of designer paper a little longer than the diagonal of the card and layered it onto some blue bayou (both sponged). Next, I attached this to my card on the diagonal, then I just trimmed the overhang. I figured this was easier than anything else I could have tried!!

Once that was done, I popped Bella up on some dimensionals, then I added the Making Memories snowflakes on a pop-up glue dot, and I stamped the greeting from my GinaK Designs set Got Snow below the snowflake. I love my bellas!! :-)

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Snowbunnybella StampingBella, Got Snow? by GinaK Designs
CS: Watercolor paper, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Wintergreen DSP
Ink: Palette Noir, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Blush Blossom, Pretty in Pink, Summer Sun
Acc: sponge, aquapainter, silver brads, MM snowflake and rhinestone brad, dimensionals, pop up glue dot

TFL!
-Jana

Bella de Ball Challenges...

German Phrase of the Day: Deine Wohnung ist sehr gemuetlich. = Your appartment is very cozy. Gemuetlich (actually spelled with a u with an oolot as opposed to ue) is pronounced: GAY-mewt-lihkh according to my calendar. Julia just asked me to read the phrase to her, and she new exactly what it said. She just amazes me!!!

Over the weekend I managed to make 4 new Bella cards for the Bella Ball challenges over on SCS. Last night before going to bed, I uploaded them all...and when I got up this morning I discovered they weren't coming up when clicking on the keyword search. I finally figured out that somehow in the last 2 weeks my Fan Club subscription had lapsed (Didn't they used to send us an email about that?) and so since it was a Sunday they had to be approved by a moderator. Therefore...I didn't get into the contests. Oh well...I still had fun making the cards. And hopefully, you all will enjoy them!

This first is one of my favorites. The challenge was to make a card using a non-bella StampingBella image. Since I recently ordered a few, this was an easy one. I really loved this topiary stamp when I saw it...I've always had a thing for topiaries. I decided I wanted to have three, so it was going to have to be a tall (or in this case, LONG) card. I flipped through my designer papers, and settled on this pattern from Porcelain Prints. I had actually just got this for free when I got my replacement pack of paper for the Holiday Harmony typo. I LOVE these colors together.

The card base is Not Quite Navy, sponged with the same ink. Then, I added the DSP (sponged of course) and the strip of Certainly Celery. Next, I worked on the topiaries. THey are stamped with Palette Noir ink onto watercolor paper, then colored with an aquapainter and reinkers. I used Cameo Coral to color in the flowers, and some certainly celery to create some green around/among the flowers. For the bow I used Not Quite Navy, and for the pots, I used my Encore Gold pad. I wasn't sure I could watercolor with that ink, but it turned out looking quite cool, with a nice little shimmer to them. I used creamy caramel with a touch of chocolate chip for the dirt in the pots.

I lightly sponged some celery onto the watercolor paper, then attached them each to a celery mat, and then a cameo coral mat. Initially, I didn't think I could fit any ribbon on to this card (what, no ribbon? Perish the thought!!) and so I did the paper piercing in the corners to add some interest. Then, I realized I could put the ribbon on top of the celery strip and it might look kinda cool...so I did. I like how you can see the green strip through the sheer organdy.

I'll have to use one of my Papertrey Ink stamps for a greeting on the inside...something from the garden set I think. Ok...I'll post more as the week progresses....and if I have some time I'll try to post one more later on today.

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Bella's Topiary StampingBella
CS: Watercolor paper, Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery, Porcelain Prints DSP
Ink: Palette Noir, celery, creamy caramel, chocolate chip, cameo coral, Not Quite Navy, encore gold
Acc: crafter's toolkit, sponge, aquapainter, may arts ribbon

TFL!
-Jana

Presetahbella of the Ball

German Phrase of the Day: Bist du verrueckt? = Are you crazy? I've decided most of the people we know over here must just think of us as "those crazy Americans!" so Ja! Ich bin verrueckt! :-)

I made this card a couple days ago...it's one of the ones I stayed up late doing because I HAD to get her colored just right. Of course, everything takes more time than you think it will, and this was no exception.

I love how her foot is kicked out there...and I wanted to include a circle on this to continue the polka dots, so I thought having her foot outside the circle would look cute. I used my coluzzle and just stopped on either side of her foot. I colored her in with reinker (I wanted bolder color, and I was using several "in-colors" for which I have no crayons. If you look at the detail photo you can see I even gave her some makeup, and some sparkle on her eyelashes, hair ribbons, and shoes.

The card base is Purely Pomegranate with some wintergreen DSP and a small strip of always artichoke that was paper pierced. All pieces were of course, sponged.

Lastly, I added the greeting. I had to search to find a greeting I liked that would fit in my HPH bookplate, but at last one was found! I'm very happy with this card and think it looks almost as sassy as this adorable bella does.

Speaking of Bella, I missed yet ANOTHER SCS party last night...this was the Bella Ball. However, I have written down all the challenges, and am now heading up stairs to get started. I only have about 30 mins though before dh wants to meet up again to watch some tv and cuddle on the couch, so I gotta work fast!! ;-)

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Presentahbella StampingBella, Take a Bough by Papertrey Ink
CS: Watercolor paper, basic black, always artichoke, purely pomegranate, wintergreen DSP
Ink: Palette Noir, always artichoke, purely pomegranate, certainly celery, blue bayou, creamy caramel, chocolate chip, blush blossom
Acc: crafter's toolkit, HPH, coluzzle, spica glitter pen

TFL!
-Jana

Think pink inspired!

German Phrase of the Day: Ich bin ein wenignervoes. = I am a little bit nervous. This works for me. I've been obsessed with getting on a design team lately - am I the only one not on one? And right now, I'm working on some projects for a DT call, plus I did my card yesterday for the My Favorite Things Guest designer spot. Well...last night at about 10:30 I came up with an idea for another...and it just HAD to be made.

I finished this card around midnight, then had to shoot it, TRY to color correct it, and then upload to SCS so it would be there for the 8:30pm EST deadline. The colors came out crappy, and now that I have the charger back for my good camera (thank you Nancy!!) I can reshoot today. And guess what?? I can even see the sun today!! Amazing I know. I haven't seen this much sun in Deutschland since I don't know when!! I'll upload better photos when I have them! ETA: OK, new photo is on top, last night's is below to show the vast improvement! What a difference natural light makes, huh??

The colors I used are actually Pretty in Pink and Purely Pomegranate. Hard to tell I know! The images are from Kim's Think Pink set which was created to promote awareness of (and fund research for) breast cancer. My MIL was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after my husband and I got engaged, and we were happy to have had such a long engagement (18 months) since by the time of our wedding she was finished with treatments and doing great.

Ok, back to the card. Main images is stamped with Palette Noir ink (I'm loving this stuff!) onto watercolor paper, then colored with my aquapainter and WWC. I gave the ladies a bit of a turquoise "glow" for the background because I didn't like the starkness of all that white. I also added a bit of sparkle to their matching pink ribbons with my spica glitter pen from Ellen's store. The pretty in pink layer underneath them was stamped with linen and then sponged around the edges before stamping Think Pink in Purely Pomegranate. I mounted this on some sponged Purely Pomegranate and voila, my ATC is done!

For the card I started with a pomegranate base (sponged of course) then did a layer of white to break of the pinkness of it all. For the Pretty in Pink piece, I decided to create my own designer paper, so I stamped the ribbon from the set to make a design. I have my large cutting mat on top of my stamping table, and I used the lines on that to line up the ribbons. Super easy to do when using clear stamps!! Next, I stamped linen over the top, and then sponged all the edges. I was happy with the soft effect it ended up having.

Now, the fun part. What inspired the whole thing was I wanted to use some satin ribbon, organdy ribbon, and a hat pin from my pretties kit. So, I tied on the satin ribbon, adding the organdy and silver cord for the second part of the knot. Sliding the hat pin in got a little tricky since the point wasn't perfect...but I eventually got it through with minimal cursing (had to be quiet since everyone was asleep!!) Then the final step was to attach the ATC over the ribbon with some dimensionals. Voila...another ATC turned into a card, and it's VERY pink! :-)

And just to update you on our lovely weather here...in the time it took me to write up this entry (and charge up my camera battery) it went from sunny to schieslich (ugly) and then...while uploading and editing photos...THIS happened!!I guess this means hail season has started again. Gotta love a German December! At least I have Christmas markets to attend...which are of course outside...in this weather...hmmmmmm. Guess I'll have another Gluehwein! ;-)

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Think Pink by My Favorite Things
CS: watercolor paper, whisper white, pretty in pink, purely pomegranate
Ink: Palette Noir, purely pomegranate, pretty in pink
Acc: silver cord, white organdy ribbon, purely pomegranate satin ribbon, spica glitter pen, pretties kit, sponge, dimensionals

TFL!
-Jana

I missed the party!

German Phrase of the Day: Heute kommt der Nikolaus. = Santa Claus is coming today. In Germany, Santa comes on St. Nikolaus Day, which is December 6th. Children polish their shoes, and leave one outside the door (along with goodies for Santa and the reindeer) and in the morning if they have been good they get special treats. If they have NOT been good, they get a stick. Julia got to take a sock to Kindergarten and it was filled with treats when she arrived this morning. She is quite fortunate, because since she's an American in Germany, Santa will come twice!!!

I missed the fun party for the new My Favorite Things stamps last night. I just couldn't drag myself out of bed at 3 in the morning. Heck...I could barely drag myself out of bed at 8:15 this morning!! Something about this cold, grey weather makes it really hard to get the energy going! However, even though I missed out on all the fun, I certainly won't miss out on the stamps! Have you seen them yet??? I LOVE the new Icing on the Cake set. It's wonderful!! And Rain or Shine? I love the little dog, and the boots, and the raindrops...and...and! Of course, I already have Baby it's Cold Outside on it's way to me soon since I joined Paper Pretties. LOVE that one!!

Kim is having a contest to be the My Favorite Guest Designer along with this launch. The contest, as announced on SCS, was to create a card from an ATC - both of which had to be new. For this card, I started then with the beach lady. I stamped her with palette noir ink on watercolor paper, then colored her in with my aquapainter and watercolor wonder crayons. The next step was to cut her out. Let me tell you, that was NOT easy. I think I spent about 30 minutes JUST on that one task. I mostly used my paper snips because I'm more comfortable with them, but for some of the interior bits I had to use my hobby blade. Overall, I think I did a darn good job if I do say so myself.

Next, I cut a piece of kraft cs to 2.25 by 3.25. I then had a small strip of tempting turquoise for the top (to be the sky- onto which I stamped the birds in black) and a wider strip of Cool Caribbean for the water. I tore the bottom of the water and quickly rubbed the torn edge across the white craft ink then applied some 2-way glue to add some dazzling diamonds (easier to see in the closeup I think.) Next, I stamped the waves with the white craft, and then adhered this piece right under the sky. Lastly, I added our lovely lady along with her dog and her hat using dimensionals. I then layered this piece on some Apricot Appeal, and then on Not Quite Navy to make the full sized ATC.

For the card base I started with a Not Quite Navy card, then layered on some Tempting Turquoise. I added a strip of kraft cardstock which had been stamped with the seashells from this wonderful By The Sea stamp set. I tied on the ribbon around the card where the 2 layers met (I used some May Arts polka dot organdy, along with some SU! apricot grosgrain and silver cord.) Next, I stamped the sentiment on a punched, sponged circle of Apricot Appeal cs using Not Quite Navy ink, which I layered on a scallop punched and sponged piece of Cool Caribbean cs, and attached that with a dimensional. With clear acrylic stamps, it is so much easier to line up your greetings when you want to use it in a different configuration then it's made. I love that! (I probably should have had the greeting be Wishing You Sunshine, since I have none here to send!! I guess this should be a card Kim could send to me :-) ) Then, the last step was to attach the ATC with a few more dimensionals.

A time intensive, but very satisfying card!

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: By the Seashore
CS: watercolor paper, Kraft, Tempting Turquoise, Not Quite Navy, Cool Caribbean, Apricot Appeal
Ink: Palette Noir, Cool Caribbean, Apricot Appeal, White craft, creamy caramel
Acc: circle and scallop punches, hobby blade and mat, silver cord, apricot grosgrain, sponge, 2-way glue, dazzling diamonds glitter, May Arts ribbon

TFL!
-Jana

Finally...a card for you!

German Phrase of the Day: Draussen ist es kalt und grau! - Outside it is cold and grey! That is a phrase I could use pretty much every day now. Although we would have to add the word wet. Let's see...wet is ..(grabbing dictionary by my keyboard) nass. So here in Drisseldorf, it would be more accurate to say Draussen ist es kalt, grau, und nass! Oh, I miss you sun!!!

So, today I actually have a new card for you. My regular camera batteries are dead (both, and my charger is in a UPS express box back to me as we speak thanks to my wonderful sister!!) so I had to use my old camera (i.e dh's camera!) And I also didn't take the photo until almost 4, so the lighting was horrible...because of course that's what time the sun sets around here nowadays (well, practically! Ok, so official sunset was 4:27 - wanna know when sunRISE was? 8:19!! You can do the math...even if it wasn't cloudy all the time I still wouldn't see much sun!!) Ok...can you tell I'm not much for winter over here? I mean, if it would at least snow then maybe I'd stop my whining. What am I saying...of course I wouldn't!!

Oh yeah...the card. I made it yesterday with some NEW RUBBAH! I got a lovely package from Ms. Bella while in New York, and was so happy to have these adorable ornaments to play with. Don't you just LOVEY them?? I stamped them with versamark, then embossed with SU! Sterling Silver ep. I colored them with markers...the first with a Copic (B00 I think) the next two with SU! markers. Isn't it adorable?? I used up almost the last of my brushed silver cardstock (have plenty of gold...never seem to use that color!) and some of my very precious Cool Carribean cardstock. I think it matches the B00 perfectly! My photo corners are homemade using a 3/4" square punch and the 1 3/8" square punch because my photo corner punch is all wonky on me. :-( I even tried to sharpen it with tinfoil, and nothin'! I'm going to try my parchment paper (since I forgot to buy waxed paper in the US again...doh!) and if that doesn't work guess I'll have to call SU!

I came up with a new greeting for Emily to create: Have a Ball this holiday Season! But, since I didn't have that I used Merry & Bright from PaperTrey Ink. I find I use those sentiments quite often!!

I've got quite a few more things to show..but will wait to take photos when I have some light (perhaps in March?!?)

Supplies: (all supplies are SU! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Cutesy Ornament by StampingBella, Take a Bough by Papertrey Ink
CS: Whisper White, Cool Caribbean, Brushed Silver
Ink: Versamark, SU! Markers
Acc: Sterling Silver EP, Copic Marker B00, square punches, May Arts ribbon

TFL!
-Jana

I'm finally Back!

Sorry for the long absence from blogland everyone. I am home again, and getting re-adjusted to the time difference. I had a wonderful time in the US, and have already been very busy here at home since arriving. First up, here is a photo of Julie Masse and I in New Hampshire where we met up for a morning of shopping topped off with lunch. I had so much fun getting to meet Julie in person. She's even nicer in real life than she is online if that's possible!! :-) And she was so helpful since I had both my daughter, and my niece, and I am SOOO not used to having two kids with me, especially one still in diapers!! I forgot the diaper bag out in the car, so Julie was kind enough to watch them all (my 2 plus her adorable little Aaron) while I ran out to get it. Phew!!

The next day, Julia and I were on the road again back down to New Jersey. On Wednesday, my sister and her wife took Julia and I into New York City to Radio City Music Hall to see the Rocketts, then off to Tavern on the Green for a wonderful lunch. After a hansom carriage ride through Central Park we walked to the American Doll store near Rockafeller Center were Julia's Bitty Baby got a facial and 2 new outfits. Then, it was back to Madison Square to catch our train back to Jersey. Phew...a whirlwind day, but SOOO much fun!! Thank you!!!

Ok...I'm hoping to stamp today, so I'll hopefully be back later with a project to share with you all!

TFL!
-Jana

Sandy Claws is coming...

I really love this set. I mean...isn't this little guy adorable? On Tuesday before Julia and I left Germany we were all ready to go and had about 30 minutes before the taxi was scheduled to arrive, so I thought what the heck...let's make a quick card!

I needed something simple since we had to be fast, and I had some snowflake paper from Wintergreen DSP pack handy, so that became my background layer. I stamped Sandyclaws and quickly colored him in with markers. Red for him and his hat, bashful blue for the sleigh, and going grey for the details on the sleigh. I mounted him on basic black, and then real red, tied the Mike's ribbon around the card, and stamped the greeting. I truly believe you can only make these kinds of simple, quick cards with great stamps, because that is where all the focus is when it's something this simple. And sandyclaws here certainly qualifies!!

I can't wait to get home and play with my GinaK stuff some more. I haven't had nearly enough time to test it all out yet, which is driving me a little mad! ;-) But, once I get home, since Christmas cards will be in the mail, and the Weinachtsmarkt is the weekend I arrive, I will be able to stamp for pure fun again!! :-)

I'm heading to NH this morning to meet Julie Masse. I can't wait to meet her in person. I'm bringing my daughter and my niece, because my nephew is having surgery today. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers today...he needs all the help he can get! Have a wonderful day today everyone!

TFL!
-Jana

Remember that "special project" ??

Well...here it is. I made 15 of these favors using the tutorial on Beate's site, and made them place cards as well for the Thanksgiving Table. I used a TON of sticky strip, but they still pulled apart a little. I think if I had used less sturdy cardstock they would have held together better - but who wants to use cheap cardstock?? I used almost one whole package of Apple cider DSP, and then I used some River Rock and Chocolate Chip for the names and edging. They are tied shut with some River Rock double stitched ribbon. A little time consuming, but everyone thought they were adorable, so well worth it!

Yesterday, I got to spend several hours at the hospital holding my little nephew. He's so cozy.. and very content to just be held. I was in heaven! Julia went to the Boston Children's museum with her aunt, uncle and cousin and had a wonderful time. I think today we'll take the girls to a local zoo (where they have a giraffe named Jana!) before visiting with Camden again.

Here are a few pictures of Julia and me with Camden. The first was taken by Julia (not too bad, is she??) and the next of her was taken by me. She does such a great job when she holds him, and tries to sway a little even as she's seen her mommy do.

Asela Snowfamily card with Mojo week 12 sketch!

Boy...I was pretty happy when I saw this week's sketch challenge from Julee. This card matches almost perfectly...except I used a circle instead of square for the center. I totally case'd this layout from one I recently saw on SCS - I'll update with from who when I can go look. ETA: I found it! It was Amy on her pickles blog...check it out, she has some AMAZING creations, and Alison just featured her this week also!!

I'm up in Boston now...and got to hold my nephew for the fist time today!! He is just so darned cute!!! Julia got to hold him too, and she loved it.

So, the card uses Asela's snowfamily which I just got from Cornish Heritage Farms when I arrived here in the US. Isn't it adorable? Looks like our family to me...well...except I never wear an apron, LOL! For the card I used Soft sky, Whisper White, Blue Bayou, and wintergreen designer paper. I sponged all the layers except the white ones. I love the photo corners on there, and the silver brads.

I colored the image with my new copic markers for the blues (I just got a few to try) and I used SU! Ruby Red, Garden Green, and Summer Sun for the other colors (the only markers my sister happened to have!)

Hope you enjoyed the card...gotta check my email quick and hit the hay!

TFL!
-Jana

Watching the kids play...

I'm in the States. New Jersey to be exact. Yesterday was VERY long (up for 23 hours straight, and back up again after less than 6 hours sleep) but I'm doing ok.


This card is one I dreamed up while waiting for my new GinaK stamps, but I'm not happy with the execution. I need to keep working on it, because I love the concept of watching the kids make the snowman through a window. When I get back home though you can rest assured that I will rework this card until I'm happy. For now, I'll take any feedback you all have!

I stamped the kids on a half sheet of Stamper's Select cardstock and watercolored it with reinkers an dmy aquapainter.. Next, I trimmed my River Rock cardstock to fit over it. that wasn't easy. Then, I decided my wall needed some wallpaper, so I trimmed the designer paper to fit over the river rock, leaving some trim around the window. Then, I added the window sheet and put some very thin strips of river rock cardstock on it to mimic muntons on the window.

Lastly, I added the greeting in the hodpodge. I think I need to reorient the card, and re-think the greeting part...but I'll come up with something. Fo rnow...I still love the idea!

Hope you all are having a great day...I'm enjoying getting to spend time with my family here, and Julia is having a wonderful time with her grandparents, aunties, and little cousin Maddie! Soon her other Aunt and Uncle will arrive, and then on Friday we'll drive up to Boston to see her newest cousin, Camden at Boston Children's.

TFL!
-Jana