Tulips Watercolor Card Created With Altenew Watercolor Half Pans

Today was the day for a new adventure.   My wonderful husband gave me a set of Altenew Watercolor Half Pans (set of 36) and some new stamp sets perfect for watercoloring.    I had to try them out immediately.  They were meant as a birthday gift, but he let me have them a few days early!

I like the rich colors of the pans.   They are easy to use, even for a beginner like me.   The only thing I was disappointed about is that the lid snaps off when you try to open it flat.   I had thought it could open flat to be used as a palette.  It does snap right back on.

So here is my first watercolor done with the half pans, brush, and water.

Penny Black Stamp Set:  Flutterby

I still have lots to learn, but it was fun working with them today.   Whether using pencils, Zig Real Brush Pens, or watercolor pans ... I'm having fun and learning along the way.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Glue Sponge Review

I recently purchased a new product called the Glue Sponge.   Finally had the time to try it out and thought I would share some of my thoughts with you.   NOTE:  I have not received any compensation for this review.   It is my personal opinion.

I used the Glue Sponge for the first time this weekend. There is one corner that has a serrated/cut edge -- break that downward to release the lid. The lid open upwards from inside the molded edge. I thought the molded edge snapped into place. LOL. It was an adventure, but after some on-line help got it all figured out.

Tips: I took an old toothbrush and used the handle to get the sponge juicy by applying pressure over the sponge area in numerous spots. The pieces I laid on the sponge I tapped with curved tweezers to get better coverage. I checked the back of each piece BEFORE I laid it on my card front to be sure it had good coverage. After laying the piece on my card, I took a clean paper towel, placed it over the card front and applied pressure to all the glued items.

I was working with intricate dies. The glue sponge worked well for those. The items I made last night are on tight. I don't know that I would use it for glitter but should work for sequins/buttons if you get a good coverage on the back of the item.

NOTE: When finished, be sure the lid is on tight by running your finger around the edges. The corner you broke down to open it, can actually be burped to get air out. If you haven't used the glue sponge for a while, it says to put it upside down for about an hour.

Easily clean up with a baby wipe.

There is a slight odor to the glue when open, but nothing overpowering. I was able to use it without any issues. I like it for my intricate dies. Not sure I would use it as my main adhesive.

Be careful if you get any glue on the top of the die cut.  It leaves a mark (like any glue would), although it does dry clear.  Just be sure to check after placing the die cut and wipe off with a paper towel. 

Here's one of the cards I made using the Glue Sponge as the adhesive (details about the card are on yesterday's blog post).  It was the only adhesive I used, and I was pleased with the results. 

If you are interested in purchasing the Glue Sponge, I got mine from Chelsea:
http://www.inkystamperstore.com/item/glue-sponge
It was shipped quickly and packed well.  

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Learning to Use Color Pencils Using a Kit And Clowder On-lIne Class

I enjoy coloring with pencils, markers, crayons etc.   It is soothing and fun.   However, I have never taken any classes UNTIL NOW!   I wanted to learn more about blending, shading, and so much more.

First I want to share with you my class project so far, and then I will give you the link for the classes in case you want to sign up too.   Kit and Clowder has classes for both pencils and markers.   They have a conversion sheet so you can determine which color is needed for your project using the ones you have.   My pencils are Faber-Castell Polychromos brand, but there are many other options.

My fairy after the first video lesson (wings):

My fairy after the second video lesson (dress):

Kit and Clowder Website:   https://www.kitandclowder.com/
    If you sign up, please say that I (Mary Director) referred you.   It will give me a $5 AUD refund to my PayPal Account which converts today to about $3.50 USD.
   UPDATE:   12/23/2018   I just got my first referral.   Kit & Clowder refunded the $5 AUD not only to me but to the person who gave me as the referral!!!
   
Classes run about $15 USD a month with the digital image/digital stamp costing about $3 to $5 USD per month.    This month we also received a free class mid-month for being a member of class.    They have individual classes and monthly subscription.   The fairy above is the monthly subscription class.

There are also some free classes you can sign up for.   Don't miss out on those either.  

There are written directions and videos for the monthly classes.   The videos are easy to understand and loaded with wonderful directions and tips.    I play mine through my iPad so that I can watch it in my craft area and pause/go back/replay if needed.

I highly recommend this website and the classes.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today,
Mary

FSJ Mystery Boxes Arrived Today - Is there a Golden Unicorn Inside???

This is so exciting!!!  My three Fun Stampers Journey Mystery Boxes arrived today.   I was going to do a live feed on Facebook this evening, but I couldn't stand the suspense --- I had to know if I had a Golden Unicorn in my box (MB-0002) and what wonderful products I had received in my two free boxes (earned with a $200 party order - automatically added to order) and my one purchased box ($25 MB-0002).

Well, about 5 minutes after the packages were delivered I couldn't stand it a minute longer.  I did a live feed to my Facebook business page.  https://www.facebook.com/KreatesKardsJourney/ 
Tonight I loaded the video into YouTube so I could share it with all of you on my blog tonight.

If you are reading this via e-mail, the direct link to my video on YouTube is:
https://youtu.be/IT-N79uUeqA

Here's the YouTube video of my facebook live feed:



IMPORTANT NOTE:   The drawing mentioned in the video is only for comment made to the live feed video on my Facebook business page.   The entry deadline is midnight Mountain Time tonight (Wednesday, February 7th, 2018) - no exceptions.  Will ship only within the US.

Here are some photos of the products I received.  I had a $200 party order, so received one box at no cost for each $100 retail value before tax & shipping within the party order.    These boxes have a minimum of $50 worth of retired products in them.   The 3rd photo is of the box that I paid $25 for (MB-0002) and had a minimum of $100 worth of retired product in it PLUS the chance of having one of five Golden Unicorns.    A Golden Unicorn in the package gives the recipient a Journey Girl black/white striped tote and $175 worth of current product.   There are 5 Golden Unicorns.

Minimum of $50 worth of product.

Minimum of $50 worth of product.

MB-0002 Mystery Box

Minimum of $100 in value of retired product.

Here's more information about the Mystery Box Promotion from Fun Stampers Journey:

February 2018 Promotions:

This is an absolutely AWESOME promotion from Fun Stampers Journey.  Don't miss out on this opportunity.

There are two ways to get a Mystery Box.
1.  Purchase $100 in FSJ product, and receive a FREE Mystery Box filled with at least $50 in retired product.  One box will be automatically added to your order for every $100 spent.
OR
2.  Purchase the Magical Mystery Box (MB-0002) itself for $25, and receive over $100 worth of product!
     Five people will receive a Golden Unicorn in their Magical Mystery Box.  Winners will get a Journey Girl Signature Tote Bog filled with current product (over $175 value)!

Promotion is valid February 1 through February 28th ONLY.
No Limits on the number you can earn or purchase!!!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) PDF  ... click here to read.

Please contact me if you have any questions. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

If you would like to place an order or sign up to become a Fun Stampers Journey Coach, here is the link to my business website:
http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector

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

My YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/kreateskards

Create-A-Palette Video Tutorial: Inking Palette and Creating With it - Fun Stampers Journey Products

The card today (above) was created using the flowers from yesterday's blog post (click here to view).
I added in leaves and tiny butterflies along with Journey Glaze to accent the card.

In my video, I show how to ink the Create-a-Palette, stamp the flowers, and also create a unique background that looks similar to stained glass.   If you are reading this via e-mail, the direct link to the video is:
https://youtu.be/Q9PZ4p3DROg

Some of the Fun Stampers Journey Products Used:

 Sweet Poppy Stamp Set AT-0266 Set of 2 stamps
Create-a-Palette IP-0139
Summer Days Re-Inker  RI-0042
Sweet Berry Re-Inker   RI-0010
Kiwi Slice Re-Inker   RI-0020
Huckleberry Fusion Re-Inker  RI-0012
Blue Lagoon Re-Inker  RI-0029
  All these colors are part of the Rich Sorbet Collection of colors.
Mirror Gold Card Stock CS-0136 Package of 5 sheets, each 8 1/2 x 11"
Mirror Silver Card Stock CS-0137 Package of 5 sheets, each 8 1/2 x 11"
Sweet Berry Card Stock CS-0034
Whip Cream Card Stock CS-0040
Black Licorice Card Stock CS-0003
Details Pro Shears TO-0063 Self Sharpening/Non-Stick (used for detail work like fussy cutting)
Journey Glaze 4 oz bottle AD-0002   OR 2 oz bottle AD-0003
Journey Foam Squares AD-0084 Small OR AD-0085 Medium
Paper Punch Handle TO-0031 (one needed to use with Paper Punch Cartridges)
Flutter By Paper Punch Cartridge TO-0008
 Journey Glue Dots AD-0083

MISC Notes:

I am a full time Independent Fun Stampers Journey Coach Manager.   I love being able to share my passion for crafting with each of you.   My videos and photos posted are shared in hopes that it will help to inspire your creativity.

Please remember to use me as your Fun Stampers Journey Coach when you place an order. Do you have a friend or family member who is a crafter too?   Please share my information with them too.   Help me spread the word by sharing my website information.

http://www.funstampersjourney.com/marydirector
24/7 on-line ordering available

My YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/kreateskards

My Blog:   http://kreateskardsjourney.blogspot.com/ 

 Thank you.

July Promotions:

Click on photos to enlarge

If you sign up during the month of July 2017,

your starter kit will have DOUBLE 

the amount of stamp sets (not ATS) normally offered.

Sign up to be a hobby Coach or a Business Coach.

I would love to have your join my team.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  If you are ready to sign up NOW, here's the direct link to my page:

http://www.funstampersjourney.com/pws/marydirector/tabs/join-my-team.aspx

NOTE:  Shipping Charges & Tax are added to each kit when purchased:

     Flat Rate Shipping Charges on Kits:

     Journey Platinum Kit:   $25

     Journey Star Kit:   $15

     Designer Kit:   $10

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

My YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/kreateskards

Perfect Gift Idea - Journey Girl Signature Tote - Fun Stampers Journey

Journey Girl Signature Tote Bag  TO-0084  $99.95

Journey Girl Tote Liner is TO-0104  $14.95

I've been eyeing this tote bag and liner for quite some time.   Since I had never seen it in person, I must admit I was a bit hesitant to purchase it.   During convention, Gabby Garay (Co-Founder of Fun Stampers Journey) came up on stage with the tote filled with flowers.   She was carrying it over her shoulder.   She and Richard did a demonstration on the new pieces of jewelry that will now be in our Bloom Collection.   In the Journey Store that day we were able to see the tote and liner in person.   It was just what I needed to be convinced that this was a great purchase for me.

It can be used as a tote or as a tote style purse, the choice is yours.   I have seen it used as a laptop bag (would depend on the size of your laptop, of course), craft tote, and a purse.  I think it would be a great travel bag too.   So many options, and a perfect gift item too.  

Here's some important observations about it that I would like to share with you.

1. It's leather, it's soft and much lighter in weight than I expected. It weighs approximately 2 lbs wit the liner inside. 



2. The green liner (separate purchase) is a perfect fit for the inside of the bag. The liner actually zaps into place and the top fully zips (love that).

3. Liner has 1 zippered pocket inside and 2 slide in pockets inside. It is a material not plastic or leather etc. Liner is flexible because of the fabric.

4.   Dimensions: (approximate)
      13" high (without handles).
      9" from the top of the tote to the top of the handles
     14" wide (striped area left to right)
     5 1/2" depth (side panel)
     6" wide base

5. Tote will stand up on its own. Doesn't fall over, doesn't cave in (don't you hate that when you set your purse down and it falls over).

6.  The tote will easily fit over your shoulder.

Liner is snapped into place and zipped closed.

Photo taken up above looking down.

Liner snapped into place and unzipped.

Large zippered inside pocket on right.

Two slide in pockets on left.

Perfect fit over my shoulder.

Easy to carry and roomy too.

Click Here to view on-line.

If you would like to purchase a printed copy, 

Click HERE.  

It should ship as soon as the order is processed.

 

Thinking of Becoming a Coach and Joining My Team?    This is the last month for the Amaze Starter Kit option.

AMAZE KIT   $149.99  (the machine alone retails for $139.99)
Includes...
Amaze Die Cutting Machine, 2 oz Bottle of Journey Glaze, Stamp Cleaner, White Liner Tape, Journey Thread Natural, Journey Sparkle Dust, Whip Cream Cardstock (25 sheets), Assorted Cardstock Pack (24 sheets), Black Licorice ink pad, 6 Inspiration Book & Catalog, 1 Trends Mini Catalog, Make It Party Invite, Hostess Form, Customer Order Form, Your choice of 2 stamps, 1 ATS, 1 die set & 2 ink pads

The Amaze Machine is still in our main catalog, but as of  July 1, 2017 will no longer be offered as a Starter Kit option.

SALES/PROMOTIONS:

Break Up Sale and Clearance Sale extended through the end of June while supplies last!!!

Our Break-up Sale (30% off select items) and also our Clearance Sale (50% off select items).  All items will be listed under Product Category once you click on "Shop" on my website. Click on Break-up Sale and Clearance Sale to see the complete list of items currently available.  (click on photo to enlarge ... shows the categories for you)

Remember with both sales, they are "while supplies last" and quantities may be limited.  Some items will sell out quickly.

Misc News & Information:

Reminder that if you purchase through my Fun Stampers Journey website in Apr/May/June 2017, you will automatically receive a FREE copy of our new annual catalog (a $12.95 plus tax & shipping value) from me as a THANK YOU GIFT!!!.  

  

Please contact me directly if you have order questions or question about becoming a Coach/a member of my team.    As always, orders may be placed through my business website.    

 

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

My YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/kreateskards