Friday, July 29, 2016

Fun Stampers Journey Bloom Box Kit for August 2016


Here's a Sneak Peek at the Fun Stampers Journey August 2016 Bloom Box kit.  The monthly subscription kits include everything you need except for inks and adhesive to make 4 beautiful cards.   Each card is kitted individually in the box.   Card stock has been cut to the size you need, and everything is beautifully coordinated.   And one of the best features is that you receive a complete stamp set with each kit to use on future projects.  The stamp set with this kit is called Great Outdoors.

The kit subscription starts in the month you sign up in.   So if you signed up today, your first kit would be the July Kit and the second kit would be the August Kit.  

Joining Bloom Box is the easiest way to create gorgeous cards with brand-new products and share your papercrafting passion!

SIMPLE: Each month enjoy an exclusive red rubber stamp set, pre-cut elements, coordinating embellishments and step-by-step instructions.

FAST: Create 4 eye-catching, unique greeting cards using the supplies we've provided. Just add your inks and a few tools, and you're ready to go!

FUN: Share your creations with friends and family, give a set as a gift, or keep in your personal inspiration library.

Important Note:  
In purchasing the Kit of the Month, you are agreeing to a six month subscription service whereby you will receive the initial kit at the time of purchase, and then one kit each month for the next five months. Ongoing kits will be mailed and charged on or around the 5th day of each month. Each kit costs $24.95 plus tax and shipping. Please note, cancelling early will result in a cancellation fee equivalent to one month's kit cost ($24.95). You must email journeycrew@journeyblooms.com to cancel.

Mary Director
Fun Stampers Journey Coach 
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available


Thursday, July 28, 2016

Fun Stampers Jouney Color Splash and Color Burst Pencils Have ARRIVED!!!! - Part 2

I was so excited to received my Journey Color Splash and Color Burst Pencils the other day from Fun Stampers Journey.   They are "amazing" and I know you are going to love them too.


 Journey Color Splash (one on left) JM-0079
(48 watercolor pencils in a metal tin)
Use water & included brush to create with these pencils.

Journey Color Burst (one on right) JM-0077
(48 Pure Color Pencils in Metal Tin)
  Glide on smooth & easy.
Update 7/30/2016 about the Color Burst pencils:  The pencils are waxed based with a light oil coating.   It is a special blend to create true color with pigment.   My blog originally stated that the pencils are oil based.  

Comparison of Color Splash (watercolor) and Color Burst (oil base) pencils.

Colors used in both containers:
39 for the bear's body
09 for the muzzle of his face
03 for the chevron patch
35 for the dots patch


I did NOT do any shading ... just straight coloring on Whip Cream card stock (did NOT use the Color Splash paper).

Both are easy to use. I did use the Color Burst Blenders TO-0123 with the Color Burst, but not sure it made a huge difference. Maybe smoothed the coloring out a bit. With the watercolor I colored in the bear, then used the brush (there is one in the container). I lightly dampened the brush, tapped it off, and then worked on the coloring.

Happy with both. Both give a different look. Again, these were identical color numbers for the pencils out of each set.

 More Comparions - this time also used Color Splash Sheets   JM-0076

Another comparison photo for you ... (on the one sheet)
1st: Color Splash with Color Splash paper
2nd Color Splash with Whip Cream Card Stock
3rd Color Burst with Whip Cream Card Stock


Colors used:
41 for center of flower
3 for main part of flower
11 highlight in orange
16 highlight in yellow

Photo showing partially finished coloring
  Color Splash with Color Splash Paper
(gives you kind of a before and after applying water). The Color Splash paper has quite a bit of texture to it and will not warp as easily


Photos showing partially finished coloring
  Color Splash with Whip Cream Card Stock
(gives you kind of a before and after applying water). 
Because I was using a low amount of water, no real warping on the Whip Cream card Stock.
Whip Cream Card Stock is smooth texture. 

Fun Stampers Journey Products:
Journey Color Splash Pencils (watercolor)  JM-0078
Journey Color Burst Pencils (pure color) JM-0077
Color Splash Sheets JM-0076 (watercolor paper)
Color Burst Blenders TO-0123 6 pack, 2 of each size
Blender Tip Cleaners TO-0124 12 sheets

Review:

Oh my gosh, I absolutely LOVE both types of pencils.   I spent the whole weekend playing with them and know for fact that along with my PanPastels they are going to be used a great deal.   It is so fantastic to have so many options available to choose from for coloring in an image.

Be sure to see yesterday's blog post too for additional information and photos about these pencils.

Mary Director
Fun Stampers Journey Coach 
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available





Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Fun Stampers Jouney Color Splash and Color Burst Pencils Have ARRIVED!!!! - Part 1

My Fun Stampers Journey Color Splash and Color Burst Pencils have arrived.   I've been using them the last few days and really am pleased.

TIPS:  (don't want to forget to pass this information on to you) 
1.  DO NOT use an electric pencil sharpener on either style of pencils.
2.  DO invest in a hand held manual style pencil sharpener --- one for each tin of pencils.  Not recommended to buy a 50 cent one.   I went to a local art store and picked up mine.   About $5 each.
3.  There is a chart inside of each tin (and an identical one one on the back) to show color combinations to use to create Fun Stampers Journey color matches.
4.  Although there are matching numbers in each type of pencil, the colors may not be identical.   For example:
       Beach Ball is #0031 in the Color Splash set.
       Beach Ball is #026 + 030 combined in the Color Burst set.
5.  Each pencil has a color band on it.
       Blue Band = Color Splash set
       Deep Yellow Band = Color Burst set
       (great to know if your pencils have been taken out of the tin)
6.  Both trays in each tin are completely removable.
7.  Color Splash set includes a paint brush and there is a slot in the top tray for it.

Lots of photos to share with you today and tomorrow.

Journey Color Splash JM-0078
48 Watercolor Pencils

Easy to remove both trays.
Shows chart in the lid.
Same chart on the back of the tin too.  

Blue Band on pencils identifies it as a Color Splash Pencil.

Color Chart on inside of lid and on the back of tin.
(identical chart on front & back)

Close-up of chart.
Shows how to create Fun Stampers Journey Colors
by combining pencils colors if needed.

Journey Color Burst  JM-0077
48 Pure Color Pencils
Both trays easily remove from tin.   

Deep Yellow band identifies this as a Color Burst Pencil.

Color Chart on inside of lid and on the back of tin.
(identical chart on front & back)

Close-up of chart.
Shows how to create Fun Stampers Journey Colors
by combining pencils colors if needed.

Tomorrow's blog post will have lots of samples using both pencils and different types of card stock to do the creations.

Mary Director
Fun Stampers Journey Coach 
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Journey Days Binders (Planners) - Perfect for Gifts

With school starting very soon, a Fun Stampers Journey - Journey Girl Binder (Planner) would be perfect for keeping your schedules up to date.  It is stylish and such a necessity too.  I use my planner daily.


We have three covers to choose from:  (they are on Pg 242 of the 2016-2017 Inspiration Book & Catalog from Fun Stampers Journey).

  Journey Girl Binder (Black & White Striped)  JD-0001
  Journey Girl Binder (White with Be Amazing on the front)  JD-0002
  Citrus Binder (Rich Orange color)  JD-0015




Once you have the binder/planner, then you decide which type of calendar you would like for the inside: (separate purchase)
NOTE:   They run through the end of December 2016.   New 2017 calendar pages will be available from us in the fall.

There are decorative dividers, dies, emojis stamp set (SS-0263). charms, bookmarks and more to choose from to make this planner uniquely your own.

Mary Director
Fun Stampers Journey Coach 
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available


Monday, July 25, 2016

Media Web Die With PanPastels - Fun Stampers Journey



Dies:  Media Web Di-0214
Tools:  Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090
Embellishments:
   B&W Buttons AC-0225
   Journey Thread Silver AC-0205
Journey Glaze AD-0002 2 oz  OR AD-0003  4 oz
PanPastels:   I used Mother Nature set for this card.
  PanPastels of your Choice --- 4 sets to choose from
    Confectionary Days PanPastels  JM-0079
    Rich Sorbets PanPastels JM-0082
    Party Pop PanPastels JM-0081 
    Mother Nature PanPastels JM-0080

Mary Director
Fun Stampers Journey Coach 
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available

Friday, July 22, 2016

Fun Stampers Journey "Holiday Sparkle" August 2016 Bundles Promotion

Can't wait to share with you all the information about the new Fun Stampers Journey "Holiday Sparkle" promotion for August 2016.   Some really great "bundle" deals just in time for your creative projects for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

This special pricing for bundles will go on sale and be valid as of August 1, 2016 - August 31, 2106.

Click to enlarge each photo.

Here are the bundles that will be available - first photo will be of the bundle and what is included.   The second photo will be a suggested project.  Following the 2 photos will be a link to a pdf file for instructions on how to create the project.

Blingin' Banner Bundle

BD-0172 Special Bundle Price:  $67.50 

(Retail Bundle Price:  $75.00)

Promotion Valid 8/1 - 8/31/2016 





**********

Sparkle & Shine Bundle

BD-0173  Special Bundle Price:   $50.76 

(Retail Bundle Price:  $56.40)

Promotion Valid 8/1 - 8/31/2016 

 




*******

All is Bling-y All is Bright Bundle

BD-0174  Special Bundle Price:  $55.85

(Retail Bundle Pricing:  $62.05)

Promotion Valid 8/1 - 8/31/2016 

 



******

Spooktacular Sparkle Bundle

BD-0176 Special Bundle Price:  $60.03

(Retail Bundle Price: $66.70) 

Promotion Valid 8/1 - 8/31/2016 





******

Twinkle Treats Bundle

BD-1075 Special Bundle Pricing $63.59

(Retail Bundle Price:  $70.65)

Promotion Valid 8/1 - 8/31/2016 





******

Traditional Twinkle Bundle

BD-0177  Special Bundle Price:  $56.93

(Retail Bundle Price:  $63.25)

Promotion Valid 8/1 - 8/31/2016





 If you have any questions, please let me know.   

Orders may be placed on my website.   Orders for the Holiday Sparkle Promotion may be placed as of August 1, 2016.

Just a reminder that if your order will be $150 or more, please contact me before placing it.  With a $150 or more order (before tax & shipping), you will qualify for hostess rewards.   Please note:  An order cannot be converted to a party order AFTER it as been submitted on-line.   The party has to be established first through me.

Mary Director
Fun Stampers Journey Coach 
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available




Thursday, July 21, 2016

Beary Best Artist Trading Stamp (ATS) From Fun Stampers Journey

I will be sharing two cards with you today that I made using the Beary Best Stamp Set from Fun Stampers Journey.   Perfect for a new baby, baby shower, children's birthday, get well soon, anniversary, Valentine's Day, or for anyone that just loves teddy bears!!!   So versatile.

Each bear and sentiment was stamped out on Whip Cream card stock.   The bear was colored in with color pencils, then fussy cut out with the Fun Stampers Journey Details Pro Shears.   The sentiments were cut out with dies (details below each photo).

Stamps:   Beary Best Stamp Set AT-0191 set of 2 stamps
Tools:
  Press Punch TO-0026
  Cutting Tray TO-0082
        Bundle BD-0067
  Journey Platinum Machine:   TO-0090

Dies:   Heart-Felt DI-0033 & Cloud Dreams DI-0032
Embossing Folder:  Ink Splash EF-0008
Card Stock:  Bubble Gum CS-0099 & Whip Cream CS-0040
Ink Pad:  Black Licorice IP- 0041 & Whip Cream IP-0009 & Bubble Gum IP-0058
Silks:  Bubble Gum IP-0092
Embellishments: 
  Journey Color Buttons 1 AC-0097
  Journey Bubble Gum Thread AC-0130

NOTE:   
Heart was sponged with Whip Cream Ink Pad.
Cloud was sponged with Bubble Gum Ink Pad



Dies:   Tag Elements DI-0094
Embossing Folder:  Beach Towel EF-0001
Card Stock:  Blue Lagoon CS-0004 & Whip Cream CS-0040
Ink Pad:  Black Licorice IP- 0041 & Blue Lagoon IP-0002
Silks:  Citrus Cooler IP-0093
Embellishments:  Journey Twine Black AC-0004

NOTE:   
Tag was sponged with Blue Lagoon Ink Pad.

Mary Director
Fun Stampers Journey Coach 
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Fun Stampers Journey Shears/Scissors - Two Styles are Non-Stick and Self Sharpening

Let's talk shears/scissors today.   They are such an important of our crafting needs/tools.   I have numerous pairs of the Details Pro Shears placing one by each of my work areas.   I also like to have a pair just for ribbon, but since the Details Pro Shears and the Grand Pro Shears are non-stick and self sharpening, that really isn't necessary.

and here is a photo of all of the shears/scissors that we currently offer


I just purchased the Fringe Shears last week.   They are great for creating a border fringe, the look of grass, or just to create a unique design.   The Craft Shears and the Grand Pro Shears are on my wish list for sure.

Review:   As a crafter I absolutely couldn't get by without my Details Pro Shears.   They are a MUST HAVE item as part of my craft tools.  I use them constantly when I am creating a new project.  

 Journey, Set, Go Recruiting Promotion

Fun Stampers Journey

Come Join My Team


During the month of July, we have a phenomenal promotion for new Coaches.   The Journey Platinum Starter Kit is only $149.99 instead of the usual $199.99.   This kit includes the Journey Platinum Machine which is $249.95 retail alone.   Your kit will contain many wonderful products (shown below) including stamps sets, inks, die, and more.

I would love to add more people to my team.   Fun Stampers Journey encourages both hobby and business builder Coaches.   Our quota is only $150 per quarter - the lowest in the industry.  If you join in July, your first quota would not have to be met until the end of December 2016.  Coaches automatically receive a 20% discount on all their Fun Stampers Journey purchases (except for business supplies like catalogs and order forms).

The first two people who sign up to join "my team" during July 2016 will receive a thank you gift personally from me of $50 worth of Fun Stampers Journey products of their choice.  Because it is a $50 order, it will also include a Bloom Benefit.   This $50 Thank You Gift is a personal promotion of mine and not endorsed by Fun Stampers Journey.

 Overview of what is included.

Details on the Journey Platinum Machine

Look at all the choices you get for your kit items.

Contact me if you have any questions about becoming part of my team as a Journey Coach.



Mary Director
Fun Stampers Journey Coach 
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available



Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Fun Stampers Journey PanPastels - How I Store Them and Labeled Them


Although the PanPastels come in an acrylic box, I wanted something a bit more easy to access and that would take up less storage space too.   Our brand new media bags worked well (Thank you to Terri Cumpata-Ott and Jennifer Paar Gross for sharing your idea).

The larger Media Bag holds 2 sets of PanPastels in their palette/tray.   The smaller bag is perfect for the Sofft Tools (sponges & handles) that are used with this product.

All set up in the Large Media Bag.

I labeled the sides of the palette with the collection name.
Easy to identify which one I want to pull out.  

I bought 2 sets of the Media Bags.
Each large one has the PanPastels in their palette/tray (2 sets per bag).
Smaller Media Bags used for tools and the paper flyers that came with the PanPastels.

Color Breakdown for PanPastels are HERE on my blog.  They also are on the bottom of the flyer inside the acrylic box they come in.

I took our label maker and labels the covers of the palette trays, the Media bags, and the bottom of each PanPastels.   Labeling the bottom of each jar took a bit of time, but was worth it to me.  I usually work with them in the palette/tray, but this way if they are taken out I know where they go when I put the sets back together.    Each jar has the PanPastels color on the bottom.  It does NOT have the corresponding Fun Stampers Journey Color.   That is why I decided I wanted them labeled.

Labels are on the cover of the palette/tray.

Close-up.

Cocoa Powder is the Fun Stampers Journey Color.
380.1 Red Iron Oxide Ex Dark is the PanPastel Color.
So now each of my jars have both.

Important Note:  

Be sure you use the jar lid (only one per set of 7 colors in the palette) to remove the jar.   Makes it so much easier, plus then you have something to hold on to while you label the bottom of the jar if you decide to do this.

The jars can actually be screwed into each other/stacked with the lid on top.   Great for taking to a crop or for storage if you would like to store them that way.  I like them best in the palette/tray so I have a good view of each color.

Fun Stampers Journey Products Used:

Media Bags TO-0109  Set of 2 (12" x 9 1/2", 11 1/8" x 8 1/4")
PanPastels of your Choice --- 4 sets to choose from
    Confectionary Days PanPastels  JM-0079
    Rich Sorbets PanPastels JM-0082
    Party Pop PanPastels JM-0081 
    Mother Nature PanPastels JM-0080

My Thoughts:


I love the PanPastels.   Finding that I am using them more and more.   Great product, highly recommend.   Labeling them just made it easier for me to use.   Most people will be happy with the way they come packaged.

 

Mary Director
Fun Stampers Journey Coach 
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available

Monday, July 18, 2016

Build Me Up Stamp Set From Fun Stampers Journey - Birthday Card


 Yesterday was my husband's birthday.  He is a major LEGO kit builder.   As a result I decided I needed to make him a LEGO themed card.   The Build Me Up Stamp Set reminded me so much of his LEGO blocks that I know it was the perfect stamped image.

Stamped Images

I stamped these on numerous colors of card stock.  Then using my Details Pro Shears (scissors, perfect for intricate detail cutting) I cut the shapes out and separated the center block from the rest.   

The Craft Glue is great when you have an item to line up.  It allows some movement after placing it down on the card.  The blocks are glued on with Craft Glue and the megaphone is popped up with Journey Foam Squares over the Journey Thread Silver.

To secure a bow/knot I always add a drop of Journey Glaze over the top.  It is not noticeable and dries securing the knot.   Do not use Craft Glue to do this as it can remain a bit tacky when used in this way.

Completed Card

Fun Stampers Journey Products Used:

Build Me Up Stamp Set AT-0197 Set of 2 stamps
Celebrations Icons Die DI-0169 (for the megaphone)
Sentimental Prints Stamp Set SS-0072 (for the Happy Birthday) Set of 10 stamps
Beach Ball Card Stock  CS-0088
Lemon Drop Card Stock CS-0018
Limeade Splash Card Stock CS-0020
Candy Apple Card Stock CS-0007
Lavender Fusion Card Stock CS-0017
Black Licorice Card Stock CS-0003
Whip Cream Card Stock CS-0040 (card base)
Black Licorice Ink Pad IP-0041
Candy Apple Ink Pad IP-0017
Journey Thread Silver AC-0205
Journey Gold Silks IP-0096
Journey Silver Silks IP-0090
Journey Bronze Silks IP-0091
Details Pro Shears TO-0061
Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090
Fusion Ink Sponges JM-0014 (set of 3)
Craft Glue AD-0111
Journey Glaze AD-0002 (just a drop on top of the knot on the bow)
Journey Foam Squares  AD-0084 Small OR AD-0085 Medium

Mary Director
Fun Stampers Journey Coach 
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available

Friday, July 15, 2016

Fun Stampers Journey Winter Hills Dies - Two Card Styles Made With It.

I almost missed seeing this die set in the Fun Stampers Journey Holidays Mini Catalog.  It is in the upper left hand corner on page 31 along with lots of gorgeous ribbons.  

I found as I played with the die that if I cut the tabs off of it, that I could easily layer it on a card front. Just pop up the layers using Journey Foam Squares.    Here's my first example which is layered:

Fun Stampers Journey Holidays Mini Catalog
Pg 31
Winter Hills Die DI-0249

I see this die being used for so many occasions not just Christmas.  Perfect for a forest scene, a snow scene, Christmas card, Thanksgiving card and more.  Even a tent stamped off to the side for a camping card.   The ideas/options are endless.

The card base is Green Olive and the trees are Whip Cream card stock.  I sponged the trees with PanPastels, then used Silks to add a bit of shine to the card.    Embellished it with Journey Sequins Holiday Elements (red flowers and snow flakes).

Then I started playing with the die a bit more and realized that it would make a GREAT Tri-Fold card.    The photos below are just some Whip Cream Card Stock that I cut out for a test card.   Then I sponged it with PanPastels to see how it would look.   It's a keeper I think, don't you?    

Tri-Fold card closed.

Tri-Fold card:  One side open.

Tri-Fold card:  One side open, different view.

Tri-Fold card:  Both sides open.

Visualize the trees done in a Green Olive Card Stock on the Tri-Fold or the Whip Cream Card Stock sponged with PanPastels on both front and back of the tree panels.

I found that the Journey Craft Glue (liquid) was perfect for putting on the tabs and then positioning the piece into place. 

Fun Stampers Journey Products Used:

Journey Sequins Holiday Elements AC-0116
PanPastels of your Choice --- 4 sets to choose from
    Confectionary Days PanPastels  JM-0079
    Rich Sorbets PanPastels JM-0082
    Party Pop PanPastels JM-0081  (used these on the sunset)
    Mother Nature PanPastels JM-0080   (Used these on the trees)
Winter Hills Die Set   DI-0249  Set of 2 
    Each die measures 4 1/2" x 4 1/2"
Oh Holy Stamp Set SS-0380   Set of 6 stamps 
    Oh Holy Die Set  DI-0231 Set of 6 dies (I did not use these on the card)
     Oh Holy Bundle  BD-0159  (stamp set + dies)
Craft Glue AD-0111
Black Licorice Ink Pad IP-0041  .... Refill RI-0044
Journey Foam Squares AD-0084 Small OR AD-0085 Medium 
Journey Gold Silk IP-0096
Journey Silver Silk IP-0090
Journey Platinum Machine TO-0090
Whip Cream Card Stock CS-0040
Green Olive Card Stock CS-0113

NOTE:   Did you notice the difference in the trees themselves on the two cards.   The layered card I just cut the trees out.  On the Tri-Fold card, I first cut them then leaving the paper in the dies I then embossed them.   It creates a highlighted/embossed edge when you do this.   Here's the Journey Platinum "sandwich" to do the embossing after you run the dies through your machine:

Sandwich from the bottom up to emboss a cut image:
Magnetic Platform
Die with cut paper still attached (be sure cut side is facing up)
Tan Embossing Mat
Green Embossing Plate 

I believe you can cut and then emboss with any of "our" thin metal dies.   It adds another dimensions to your cut designs.


Mary Director
Fun Stampers Journey Coach 
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available