It's live! My Sustainable Life blog is finally up and running! Yay!
I would love for you to stop by, take a look around and follow!
https://mysustainablelifeblog.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
My Purpose
Do you ever wonder what
you were put on this earth to do? Wonder what your calling is? Lately, I've
been doing a lot of soul searching to answer this tough question for myself.
What really matters to
me? As long as I can remember, I've always cared about animals. When I was a
little girl I brought home every stray or injured critter I came into contact
with, even to my parents' aggravation. As I grew older and learned of environmental
issues, I constantly felt the need to step in and do my part there as well.
Another passion of mine,
one that also dates back to childhood, is crafting. I love the process of working
with my hands to create something beautiful. I used to make greeting cards for
Christmas when I was a girl using construction paper and whatever little odds
and ends I could find around the house. When I was in my twenties I took up
cross stitching and in my 40’s I learned how to crochet. It’s no wonder that
after I gave birth to my son Christopher in my 30’s that I discovered
scrapbooking and never looked back!
About six years ago I
started my first two design team positions in the paper crafting industry with
Bella Blvd. and Doodlebug Design. I had been scrapbooking and making cards for
many years at this time and wanted to submit my work for publishing and pursue
a job in the business. I thought it would be a dream come true to get paid for
doing something I love. In time paid positions came along and eventually my job
with Fun Stampers Journey. It was so
exciting to be offered employment with a fast growing company that allowed me
to work from home!
Simultaneously, along my
journey to find work within the paper crafting community, I grew more concerned
about environmental issues. I realized my family and I needed to do more than
recycle, switch to energy efficient light bulbs and bring reusable bags to the grocery
store to affect real change. So, we simplified our lives; we reduced, reused and recycled. We
went from putting our trash can on the curb for weekly pickup to once every
other year and we are constantly striving to live more sustainably. Just last
October we adopted a vegan lifestyle to help end the suffering of billions of
animals and the huge impact that factory farming has on our planet.
More recently, I’ve been
experiencing an inner conflict between my love of paper crafting and the
environmental impact it has. The bottom line is that my support and
participation in this business doesn’t coexist with my belief that I (we) must
use fewer resources. Our planet doesn’t contain an endless supply to continuously
manufacture new product and supplies at the current rate.
So I’ve had to make a very difficult decision to step back
from this part of my life, from this blog, from the paper crafting industry. I
will always create, but I can do it with less; less paper, less rubber stamps
and fewer dies, etc.
I can’t begin to tell
you how much I’ve loved working in
this business and how much I will miss it! I’ve met so many wonderful people
and have gotten to travel and participate in work and events that I never had
before. I’ve gotten to see my work in print and help inspire people to express
their creativity.
Starting now I will wake
up each morning and ask myself how I can make a bigger difference in the world?
I don’t know yet what that will look like, which is scary and exciting all at
the same time, but I plan to start a new blog to help bring awareness to these issues.
When my new blog is up and
running I will let you know the address. I invite all of you to follow me on this
new journey and hope that some of you will feel inspired to make a difference with
me.
Note: The above photo was taken on February, 2012. Squirrels bathing on our deck railing.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Water Color & Embossing
Hello! I have another water color pencil practice card to share with you today that includes heat embossing. As I mentioned yesterday, Fun Stampers Journey is releasing a set of watercolor pencils with the new 2016-2017 catalog and I've been spending time this week getting better acquainted with this medium.
For the sun I stamped this lovely new Stained Glass sun image with Journey Gold embossing powder before coloring and fussy cutting it. My technique for painting was to add a few drops of water to one of our clear blocks and rub my pencil in the water before using a small blending brushes to paint the image.
The background was done the same way except that I dried it with a heat gun when finished. For the speckled bits of embossing, I spritzed the paper with water from a fine mist sprayer and then applied the embossing powder which only stuck to the fine drops of water.
I love the results. I think this technique would work great with so many themes...a midnight sky or maybe an under the ocean look.
Tip: When I was done painting and embossing my background the paper was rather warped! To straighten it back out I misted the back with a little water and then let it dry under one of our acrylic blocks. Worked perfectly!
Well...time to play some more. It's fun to experiment and see what happens!
Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Stained Glass SS-0314 (available July 1st)
Journey Color Splash JM-0078 (available July 1st)
Clear Pigment Ink IP-0102
Journey Gold Embossing Powder IP-0101
Color Splash Sheets JM-0076 (available July 1st)
Whip Cream CS-0040
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Trying New Things
Hello! Did you hear that the new 2016-2017 Fun Stampers Journey catalog includes colored pencils, watercolor pencils and Panpastels? So exciting! I have very little experience with pencils and never even heard of Panpastels until recently! And I can't wait until they arrive in my studio so I can play, learn and share my projects and experiences with you!
This week I decided to sit down with an old set of colored pencils I have and practice a little before my FSJ sets arrive!
I'm always humbled when I work with new mediums! It's not easy to go from one that I've worked with a lot and have success with to learning all over again! I'm remember last year when the new Fusion Blender solution and re-inker system debuted and my first attempt to use them was so intimidating! I smeared things, colored outside the lines, etc. My work looked like a Kindergartner did it! lol
Today's card turned out okay. I have so much to learn. For instance, I think my flower would have turned out prettier had I used a blending tool. And no matter what medium I'm working with I'm always learning about shading, etc!
So...an appropriate sentiment for this card is that "imperfection is beautiful!" It's what I tell my son when he tries things for the first time and wonders why his dad or I can do it better. I tell to practice, practice, practice. Everything that's done well takes lots of patience and practice.
For this card I embossed the image, colored it with pencils and sponged a little Whip Cream ink around the edges.
Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Black Licorice IP-0041
Whip Cream IP-0009
Clear Pigment Ink IP-0102
Journey White Embossing Powder IP-0098
Oatmeal Cookie CS-0023
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Reach for the Stars
Hi! Today I have a card to share with you created with one of the brand new Fun Stampers Journey lines that debuted at the 2016 convention just last week. It's called Celebrate You which was also the theme for this year's convention.
Did you attend? I was supposed to but got sick at the last minute, as I mentioned in Monday's post. So...like many of you, I've had to rely on social media for all the highlights and what a party they had!!! And how about the new catalog?
It was an honor helping to create some of the artwork for it and just knew all of you would go crazy for all the new product! Amazing, isn't it?!?! It was so hard to keep it all a secret!
I made this card for you using some new goodies...blended with some of last year's Journey Media paints. I simply dabbed a bit of paint on a finger and wiped it across some card stock before stamping it with the sentiment.
Stay tuned for lots more projects created with FSJ supplies...a lot I've haven't even got a hold of yet!
Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Celebrate You Stamps & Patterned Paper (available July 1st)
Pineapple Smoothie Paint JM-0023
Cool Pool Paint JM-0020
River Stone IP-0053
Rock Candy IP-0028
Whip Cream IP-0009
Journey Silver Silk IP-0090
Journey Silver Splash IP-0082
Journey Sequins Special Celebration AC-0115
Whip Cream Journey Thread AC-0128
Oatmeal Cookie CS-0023
River Stone CS-0094
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Live in the Moment
Hello! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here in North Carolina making it perfect for getting outdoors for a little exercise, vitamin D and N (nature)!
I've been going on a walk almost everyday and plan to go hiking this weekend. How about you...any plans to get outside and to enjoy some sunshine and a little fresh air?
All my outdoors walks inspire projects like this card with lots leaves and earth tones.
I used the variety of foliage stamps included in the Lead Me and Bird Sketch stamp sets and one tiny little log stamp from a brand new set that just debuted at the Fun Stampers Journey 2016 convention. Do you know which set it's from? Do you have a catalog yet?
I just got to see the entire thing and it's something special! Hope you enjoy it, crafting and the great outdoors!
Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Limeade Splash IP-0019
Lemongrass IP-0022
Kiwi Slice IP-0024
Oatmeal Cookie IP-0011
Hazelnut Blend IP-0012
Mini Wooden Clothespins AC-0029
Natural Journey Twine AC-0005
Kiwi Slice CS-0016
Green Olive CS-0113
Oatmeal Cookie CS-0023
Monday, June 13, 2016
Pinspired
Hello! I had one of those mornings where I couldn't find my creative mojo. That happens sometimes when I've been away from my studio for too many days which has been the case. I was supposed to be in Arizona this past week for the Fun Stampers Journey (FSJ) 2016 convention, but I came down with the flu instead! Ack!
Well, I'm thrilled to be feeling better and back to crafting up some fun things to share with you...except that I didn't quite know where to start after a week long break! Thank goodness for Pinterest because I found the following card.
Isn't it gorgeous?!?! Swoon! I thought trying to recreate it with FSJ supplies would be a fun exercise to help me get back into my groove.
I used the Bird and Circle Sketch stamp sets and the Summer Branch die.
The background was created with inks, ink pads, Silk, and a stencil. I've listed all the supplies I used below.
What do you think? I think I like the softness of the inspiration piece better. And I really enjoyed just playing around with our inks and sponges to see what I could come up with! It's good to be back getting my fingers all inked up again!
Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Sweet Berry RI-0010
Lemon Drop RI-0026
Limeade Splash RI-0025
Pool Play RI-0050
Rock Candy IP-0028
Whip Cream IP-0009
Journey Silver Silk IP-0090
Lemon Grass Thread AC-0132
River Stone CS-0094
Whip Cream CS-0040
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Patterned Paper
Today I have a card to share with you using patterned paper as a focal point. It's clean and simple and the perfect way to use up left over scraps of your favorite patterned papers.
I used the Fun Stampers Journey Fun Filled Prints for my card and the smallest of the Journey Square dies.
I love the combination of colorful patterns on one side and lovely black and white prints on the reverse.
For the sentiment I used my go-to stamp set called Text Happy.
Here's to doing more of what makes us happy! Like making cards!
Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Black Licorice IP-0041
Journey Sequins Special Celebration AC-0115
Black Licorice Journey Twine AC-0004
Fun Filled Prints PP-0024
Whip Cream CS-0040
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Hello
Today I have a card for those of you who adore flowers and butterflies. It's a clean and simple creation using a negative die cut butterfly as the focal point.
The Fun Stampers Journey die set I used is from Butterfly Prints and the patterned paper is from the summer catalog and it's called Fun Filled Prints.
To make these layers really stand out I used foam squares to adhere them to my card base. I love the dimension it creates and that you can see some of the gingham print through the butterfly 'window.'
A few drops of silk, some thread and a trio of assorted gems finish the card. It's the perfect for an all occasion greeting!
Enjoy!
Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Black Licorice IP-0041
Journey Silver Silk IP-0090
Whip Cream Journey Thread AC-0128
Spring Accent Dots - AC-0179
Cut Rhinestones AC-0023
Pearls AC-0024
Fun Filled Prints PP-0024
Pool Play CS-0092
Monday, May 30, 2016
Brave America
Happy Memorial Day to all of you in the United States! In honor of this special day I have a patriotic card to share with you.
I created this greeting with the Fun Stampers Journey Brave America stamp set.
Techniques include embossing, ink sponging and layering. Notice I was able to add a bit of white ink to the Metal Accents, toning the shine down, giving them a grungy look like the rest of the card.
After I sponged and embossed my card background I also spritzed it with some Journey Silver Splash which gives it lovely sparkles that I really like.
Hope you all enjoy this Memorial Day and thanks to all of you that serve and have served this beautiful country of ours.
Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Catalina Splash IP-0073
Whip Cream IP-0009
Clear Pigment Ink IP-0102
Journey White Embossing Powder IP-0098
Journey Silver Splash IP-0082
Journey Silver Silk IP-0090
Metal Accents AC-0176
Natural Journey Twine AC-0005
Cranberry Bliss CS-0090
Denim Days CS-0082
Oatmeal Cookie CS-0023
Friday, May 27, 2016
Happy Hello
It's another glorious spring day! And I have a another outdoorsy kind of card to share with you. This one was created with a new Fun Stampers Journey summer stamp set called Anchor Me.
Do I have any sailing fans out there? I love to watch boats from the shore, but I'd rather not be on one! lol Unfortunately, I get rather sea sick!
You know...this card reminds me of a vacation Dan and I had at the Outer Banks a few years back. We got to visit some of the east coasts most infamous lighthouses. What beautiful memories!
To create this stripy background I used some patterned paper from the Nautical Adventure Prints, cut into stripes, folded in half lengthwise and added the card base by applying glue just along the fold. I love the texture it creates along with the twine and wood accent. Hope you enjoy!
Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Denim Days IP-0010
Journey Silver Silk IP-0090
Summer Fun Chips AC-0214
Natural Journey Twine AC-0005
Nautical Adventure Prints PP-0025
Buttercream CS-0006
Oatmeal Cookie CS-0023
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Smile
Today I'm posting another nature inspired bee-utiful card created with the Fun Stampers Journey Summer Garden Stamp set.
I love bees! We wouldn't have the amazing variety of produce without them, would we?
And I think they're quite fascinating to watch swarming busily around the garden!
For this bee background I used the Vintage Screen stencil, a sponge and Summer Days ink. Keeping my design clean and simple I added just a little Silk, Twine and a mini paperclip for accents.
Enjoy and have a fa-bee-lous day!
Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Black Licorice IP-0041
Summer Days IP-0042
Journey Silver Silk IP-0090
Fusion Blender IP-0088
Lemon Drop RI-0026
Paper Clip Elements AC-0102
Black Licorice Journey Twine AC-0004
Whip Cream CS-0040
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Life is Beautiful
I love this planet of ours, full of amazing creatures and exotic places. And I love how one doesn't have to search far and wide to find nature's beauty. If you look, it's right under your nose. Or at the front door!
For a second time this spring we have a pair of house finches nesting right outside our front door in the light fixtures. And it's wonderful to take a few moments throughout the day to watch this new mama coming and going with food for her little ones!
Today's card is inspired by nature and all it's amazing creatures, like seahorses. Aren't they magnificent?
This particular seahorse is from the Fun Stampers Journey Beach Soiree stamp set. Such an easy card to create...just color and die cut the seahorse and add it to a card base that's been sponged with some Whip Cream ink, splattered with a bit of Silk and stamped with a sentiment. Finally, add a few sequins and a bit of Thread and you're done! Now time for a little vitamin - Nature!
Fun Stampers Journey Supplies:
Black Licorice IP-0041
Whip Cream IP-0009
Journey Silver Silk IP-0090
Fusion Blender IP-0088
Cool Pool RI-0073
Grape Fusion RI-0033
Journey Sequins Blue Skies AC-0113
Whip Cream Journey Thread AC-0128
Journey Basics Black & White Paper Pack PP-0012
Black Licorice CS-0003
Whip Cream CS-0040