Coloring With Zig Real Brush Pens and Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils

This card uses both Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens (the deepest color flower) and Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils(other flowers & leaves).  It was interesting to watch the coloring of the flowers as they came to life.   The Zigs give a deep rich bold color in this instance.  I actually like the two coloring mediums together.   A nice contrast of colors and technique.

Dahlia Burst Stamp & Die Set and card stock are from Fun Stampers Journey.

This card could be used for any occasion. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Rustic Wedding Die Set - Lace Heart

I am a big fan of intricate dies, and Crafter's Companion has quite a few.  I got this set from HSN on craft day a couple weeks ago.   This is is the Rustic Wedding Lace Heart Metal Die Set that is part of the Signature Collection by Sara Davies.

The card stock and pearls are from FSJ.   The Hello & Butterflies are also Crafter's Companion products.  They are from the Create-a-Card Butterflies Accessories Pack Die Set.

I had so much fun creating this card, that I had to make another.   This one uses the same die set, but I used Spectrum Noir Metallic Markers (Crafter's Companion) over one of the hearts to add a bit of shine to it.   The heart on the left has the metallic green over the top. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Spinner Square Pop-Up Die Set

Another Karen Burniston die set to share with you today.   This one is the 1042 - Spinner Square Pop-up Die Set.   Karen really does an amazing job on explaining how to put these die sets together to create the cards.   There are so many to choose from on her website. 

The photo below is of the die set that I purchased.

Card stock is from FSJ.   Butterflies, flowers, and sentiment dies are from Crafter's Companion.  It is called Create-a-Card Butterflies Accessories Pack.   I did make this a window card for the front. 

Starting to open the card.

Opening just a bit more.  See the small blue piece starting to peek out?

When the card is fully opened the small blue piece pops out. 

Karen's step by step video tutorial on how to assemble this die set is:
https://youtu.be/lhDIOvEK3k0

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Twist Panel Pop-up Card

One of my favorite designer is Karen Burniston.   She has such a wide variety of dies and unique styles for the cards they create.   I have two of her dies.   Today I wanted to showcase the 1009 - Twist Panel Pop-Up Card Die Set.   This is a photo of the die set.   Each of her dies have step by step videos on her website.

This card is a top fold card.   Card stock, printed paper, ink, and stamps are from FSJ.   Card base with top fold shown below.

This shows the insert and the twist panel as the card is being opened.

This is the twist panel (inside of the card) fully opened but not yet decorated.

FSJ Stamp Set is Dandelion Wishes SS-0497 from FSJ.    This is the card front.

This is the inside of the card with layers and stamped images.

This card is an A2 (4.25 x 5 1/2") but is a bit thicker so may require additional postage.   If a "belly band" is put over it, it would help keep it flatter for mailing.

The twist panel moves so smoothly.   I can't wait to make more.   Here's the direct link to the video tutorial for this specific die:   https://youtu.be/BuNlkY3x4t0

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Peacock Card

Crafter's Companion has a magazine** that comes out every two to three months.   I just discovered that it is sold at Barnes & Noble and JoAnn Fabrics.   What was interesting is the Barnes and Noble had the latest edition (Christmas - #20) and JoAnn Fabrics had the issue that was two back (#18) but none of the current.   Neither store had issue #19.     The peacock and leaves are from issue #18.  

This card is a single layer ... stamped images that were colored in with Kuretake Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens (found the best deal on them on Amazon).   I embellished the card with FSJ Rainbow Drops.    The Zig pens worked well on the FSJ Whip Cream Card Stock.   I used the pens directly without water.   If I had used water with them or done more intense coloring, then I think  using watercolor card stock would of been a better choice.

This card was for a personal note for a friend, so I didn't put any sentiment on the front.

** Magazine is published in the UK, so measurements are not in inches.   Also contests and giveaways in the magazine are restricted to those in the UK only.   I like the magazine.  It comes with a number of freebies.   I don't think I would purchase it all the time, but it was fun to get and see all the ideas they have inside the magazine.   NOTE:   Magazine is is a box style envelope not in a clear plastic wrap like so many craft magazines.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Noel Christmas Card - Zigs Real Brush Pens and Crafter's Companion Stamp Set Used

This card was created using a stamp set that was included in the Crafter's Companion Magazine Issue #20 (Christmas Issue - I found mine at my local Barnes and Noble).  JoAnn Fabrics only had Issue #18 (coupons not allowed on magazine there).  

I am having so much fun creating with my Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens.   They are so easy to work with and blend beautifully using the Bristol Smooth Surface card stock I told you about yesterday. 

Hope you find the photo of the Zigs Real Brush Pens (colors I used) helpful.   It helps me remember what I used too if I decide to recreate the card or one similar.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Creating with Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens - Cardstock Comparison

I have been a big fan of Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens for quite a while.   About a year ago I sold my set as I was being brand loyal and building my FSJ business.   When FSJ changed their platform (no longer direct sales), I knew it was time to purchase another set of the Zigs Real Brush Pens.

On one of the message boards we were having a discussion on which card stock works best.  I used my pens a number of different ways and honestly didn't see a huge difference whether I used FSJ Whip Cream Card Stock OR FSJ Color Splash (watercolor paper) when I used the pens direct to paper.   HOWEVER if I used the pen on an acrylic block, then added water to that color and then used a paint brush to my stamped image, there was a big difference.    I do like the look and the distinct colors of the Zigs direct to card stock.

BE SURE to read all the way to the bottom as I did an additional comparison using Bristol Smoth Surface paper.  

Each person needs to decide which works best for them, and go with that.   The point is to have fun and be creative.   Stamped image is a stamp from Crafter's Companion.   Here's my samples:

These are colors I used on all of the butterflies.   I did also used a Uniball Signo White Gel Pen on the body of the butterfly.

FSJ Color Splash Paper - Used Zigs direct to paper overlapping and blending the colors.

FSJ Color Splash Paper - Used Zigs direct to paper overlapping and blending the colors.   Then I took a wet paintbrush over the areas.    It muted the colors.   Both the 1st & 2nd butterfly were colored identically except for the addition of water in the 2nd one.   Personally I like the first one better.

In this photo, I used FSJ Whip Cream Card Stock with the Zigs direct to paper overlapping and blending the colors.  For me, it was just as easy to use this paper as the watercolor paper.   Both allowed me to put the colors on smoothly and neither soaked through to the back.

I didn't stamp out the butterfly for this one.  
I used Whip Cream Card Stock.   I put some of the pen color on an acrylic block.  Using a wet brush added paper to the color and mixed.   Next added to my paper and blended two colors together.   The one on the left is the deeper tones of the butterfly .. the one on the right is the two softer tones. 

 Today, I learned about that the paper/card stock you use can really make a difference in the ability to blend smoothly.   I purchased Strathmore Bristol Smooth Surface paper pad.   It has 20 sheets, is 9 x 12 and can be found in most craft stores in the art section.  Be sure to get the "smooth surface" one.  Here's what the paper pad looks like:

For this butterfly I used the same color combinations as above.   The only difference is that this one is done on the Bristol Smooth Surface Paper. 

It really was much easier to blend the colors using the Bristol paper.   It is like the color sets on top of the paper as you blend it in.  

I decided I wanted to try it in another set of colors using the Bristol paper:

If you decide to purchase the Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens, be sure to do some price comparisons before buying.   Depending on which store you decided to get them from, there can be a HUGE difference in price.   Amazon was the only one that I found the sets of 80 and 90.   If you order from them, my suggestion is to order and "double check" that Amazon is the one fulfilling the order.   With Amazon fulfills the order, you know you will get it quickly.   Some of the sellers ship from outside of the US so could take a few weeks.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.
Mary

Having Fun With My Scrap Stash

It is amazing what can be created using scraps from your stash.   Here are a couple of examples of cards I made this last week:

This kind of reminds me of planets floating in outer space.   I took a negative design and used it as a stencil.   Colored in each one with a Spectrum Noir Metallic Marker.   The sky is tiny dots of metallic ink to give the look of the stars.   The brushed silver cut-out is actually cut-outs (the parts you normally would toss) from Merry Christmas Die.   I thought they looked interesting, so decided to add them to these two cards.

The card below is a number of these cut-outs glued to the card base and splattered with FSJ Silks (Gold, Bronze, Silver).   It could be used as a note card or add a sentiment to the front if needed.

Both cards are truly one of a kind.   Stretched my creativity and were a great deal of fun to make.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Metallic Markers - Butterfly Card

After opening the Crafter's Companion Spectrum Noir Metallic Markers, I had to try out a few of them to see the depth of color and range.   Creating the stitched background was a great way to test the markers out on FSJ Black Licorice Card Stock.

The butterfly is also a Crafter's Companion stamp set which I colored in with the metallic markers.   They have 2 tips ... 1 brush style (not real brush) and 1 fine tip.   I wish you could see the shine from these.   Really is nice.

I purchased my markers via HSN on craft day along with the butterfly designs.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Metallic Butterflies

Crafter's Companion carries a line of Spectrum Noir Metallic Inks in stamp pads and also markers.  I recently purchased the markers (set of 12 and set of 6 all unique colors) and also some butterfly dies/stamps from them (via HSN on craft day).

This is the "negative" of a butterfly cut out that I used as a stencil.   I colored it on black card stock (FSJ) with a light lavender metallic color.   I like the simplicity of this.

Then I decided I wanted to switch it up a bit, so did the design again but in green.   I then cut out a larger, more detailed butterfly in white card stock.   The white butterfly was then covered with the light lavender metallic markder.   I only glued the head and body to the card stenciled design so that the wings would pop up.   Here's the finished design:

I accented the lavender wings with FSJ Sparkle Silk.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Final Phase - Advent Calendar

I finished the Advent Calendar this past weekend!!!  I had so much fun working on it, and am very pleased with the result.   For the individuals boxes, I only decorated the front part but did wrap the ribbon all the way around.

The star/tree number set only had 24 numbers and my calendar had 25 boxes.   So I took a number sticker and put the number 25 on top of a Santa hat.   The Santa Hats and Gingerbread Men were just parts of a Christmas accessories sets I found at our local craft store.

The Merry Christmas box on top is from the dollar store.   It is about 2 1/4" square.  I put a piece of cardstock on the bottom and glued it.   Then once dry, I glued the whole present base to the top of the Advent Calendar.  That way I had more area to glue and secure. 

I did find that the FSJ Journey Glaze was an amazing glaze to use to adhere the felt stars and trees to the ribbon.    I used double sided 1/2" Scor-Pal Tape to adhere the ribbon to the boxes. 

Have you made an Advent Calendar before?   What type of goodies do you typically put inside?   I think we are going to use Andes Mints.   If we had small children, it would be fun to put something different in each box.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Arizona Santa

We were at our local CVS drug store today and saw this Santa.   Thought he was the perfect one for Arizona!   Don't you agree.

They sell them only in the stores, but you can search your local store online to see if they have it in stock.   https://www.cvs.com/shop/beach-santa-34-in-prodid-344487?skuId=344487

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Phase 2 - Christmas Advent Calendar

I'm slowly working on the Christmas Advent Calendar.  I am having fun with it, and it is nice to be able to take my time since it is not needed until December 1st.

Covered back and sides with the same printed paper.

I used a white liquid glue to adhere it all.

I wrapped FSJ Candy Apple Satin Ribbon around the 

sides of the box.

I used Scor-Pal Double Sided Tape to adhere it in place.

Next I will work on the individual drawers.   Don't have it completely planned out yet, but I have lots of supplies to work with.

Hope you find time to craft today.   Thank you for stopping by my blog.

Mary

My Latest Christmas Project - Advent Calendar

I was in one of our local craft stores the other day and discovered a paper marche Advent Calendar.  Here's a photo of the Advent Calendar before I have done anything with it.

In the photo I have it laying on its back and have 20 of the 25 drawers removed.  

To complete this, I will cover the back and sides of the main container with printed paper.   Then I will decorate each individual box.  The little boxes are 2 inch squares, and I have found that a 1 (one) inch paper punch is perfect to cut the slot in the box.

I have seen the individual boxes covered on the front only and also covered on all 4 sides.   Honestly, haven't decided which way I will do this.  I do feel that liquid glue, like the FSJ Craft Glue, will be a necessity to get the pieces in place when covering the boxes.

Have you made one of these before?   Any tips or tricks as I start my adventure?

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Brush Pens Coloring Project

I found some "generic" brush pens and decided to give them a try.   Not the quality of the brush pens I have used in the past, but fun to play with.

The coloring page was a freebie from Kit and Clowder for joining their mailing list. 
NOTE:  I have NOT taken any of their classes.   My coloring page was just "me having some fun".   They have a series of free classes and paid ones too.

I did accent the turn of the petals with Sparkle Silk (FSJ).

What have you been creating?

Mary

Fun Stampers Journey Updated Product Availability Report

Yes, I still have my "Coach Hat" still on ... I'm trying to keep my customer base up to date on back-ordered products.   So I am sharing the latest list with all of you:

Product Availability Report

Updated November 1, 2018
Items recently made available:

• AT-0311  Christmas Magic
• DI-0133  Bread Tag
• DI-0424  Lots of Dots (limited quantity; remainder arriving mid-November)
• DI-0451  Martha’s Pumpkins
• DI-0452  Gnome for the Holidays
• DI-0482  Christmas Magic
• DI-0485  Garden Fence
• DI-0508   Cup of Tea (November BB set)
• SS-0583  Skeletons Dance
• TO-0074   Clear Block E

Items currently on backorder:

• AT-0146  Dreams (anticipated arrival December 15)
• AT-0313  Bad Witch (anticipated arrival November 26)
• CS-0011  Fresh Forest cardstock 8 ½ x 11 (anticipated arrival November 9)
• CS-0044  Black Licorice cardstock 12 x 12 (anticipated arrival November 9)
• CS-0078  Oatmeal Cookie cardstock 12 x 12 (anticipated arrival November 9)
• CS-0083  Buttercream cardstock 8 ½ x 11 (anticipated arrival November 9)
• CS-0087  Banana Cream cardstock 8 ½ x 11 (anticipated arrival November 2)
• CS-0090  Cranberry Bliss cardstock 8 ½ x 11 (anticipated arrival November 2)
• CS-0098  Pumpkin Bread cardstock 8 ½ x 11 (anticipated arrival November 30)
• CS-0146   Haystack cardstock 8 ½ x 11 (anticipated arrival November 9)
• CS-0147  Tin Pail cardstock 8 ½ x 11 (anticipated arrival November 9)
• DI-0311   Hello Fall (anticipated arrival November 30)
• DI-0424   Lots of Dots (anticipated arrival mid-November)
• DI-0469  Frosty Snowflake (anticipated arrival November 4)
• IP-0049  Cranberry Bliss ink pad (Revised anticipated arrival mid-November)
• IP-0108  Electric Lime Silk (anticipated arrival TBD)
• IP-0114  Outrageous Pink ink pad(Revised anticipated arrival mid-November)
• SS-0326  Tools Rule (TBD)
• SS-0457  Perfect Atoms (TBD)
• SS-0587   Martha’s Pumpkins (anticipated arrival November 26)
• ST-0122   Clear Bags (TBD)
• TO-0127  Journey Storage Black & White (TBD)
• TO-0130  Large Storage Pouch (Quality issue – anticipated arrival mid December)

Suspending sales pending quality audit:

• TO-0153  Platinum 6
• TO-0157  Platinum 6 Cutting Plates

Items no longer available:

• JD-0022  Bloom Pouch (discontinued due to quality issues)

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mary Director