Three Sneaky Tricks for Scrapbook Layouts {FSJ Colorful Journey Collection}

This past January I had the EXTREME joy and privilege to have one of my bestest pal's baby girl stay with us for ten days. Her mama had an opportunity of a lifetime, and she pretty much wasn't going to go except I pretty much stole her baby and forced her to. (Well, not exactly...but I would have if she hadn't taken me up on my offer to chill with my little baby pal.) She is actually and truly the best baby ever. She slept like a champ, and she did SO SO good with us. The best part? My girlfriend sent her with all her cute dresses and adorable shoes, so I got to play baby-dress-up every day. (Something I haven't gotten to do with my own two boys!!!) 

I used some fab new Fun Stampers Journey goodies for this layout. Lots of goodness from the Colorful Journey collection, as well as some border dies, and other little pretties. I'll point out a few quick tricks and ideas along the way, and then I'll leave you to your weekend. (I'm actually on vacation as you read this...and as I type this, I'm trying to get out the door - so I'll keep it short and sweet!) 

First tip/trick - our new Border Essentials Dies  - they aren't 12 inches long but by pairing two pieces together, tucked behind my circles, it gives the illusion of being 12 inches! YAY! I'm so sneaky!

Next tip/trick - that gorgeous flowered background that I stamped on the pink cardstock? It's not that big either! IT looks like a piece of printed paper, doesn't it?! Nope, just stamp four images side by side. There was a little bit of a seam showing where they met, but my photos completely disguised it! YAY! Sneaky again!

Last tip/trick for today - it's tough to see on my photos, but I stamped the Grid Paper background stamp onto my journaling piece, using Pool Play ink. And guess what? That gave me lines to write on, so I didn't have to worry about my journaling being crooked! Triple YAY!!! 

Okay you guys, seriously I have got to RUN. Vacation calls. I hope you've had THE best time celebrating the Fun Stampers Journey catalog launch for the past two weeks with us! It has been a BLAST. But don't be a stranger - there's always fun up our sleeve, and crafty goodness to share across all of our social media channels! Thanks so much for stopping by today! Happy crafting! xoxo

Products used on today's project:

Color Pop Stamp Set

Flower Tangle Stamp Set

Grid Paper Stamp Set

Sunshine Alphabet Stickers

Spiral Notebook Die

Border Essentials Die Set

In The Tropics botanical thank you card {FSJ}

I cannot get enough of the beautiful hibiscus and leaf stamps from the In The Tropics stamp set, from Fun Stampers Journey. This set, along with Many Thanks, are part of the RSVP Collection. This brand new collection features beautiful florals and seashells - and do you see that printed paper?! It is absolutely stunning. One side of RSVP prints is all black and white prints, and then other side has full color botanical prints to coordinate with the stamps. I'm in LOVE with this collection. 

To create this card, I used a similar technique to the hibiscus on my Spread Love card that I shared last week. I used FSJ Liquid Colors, in Lemon Drop, Orange Creasicle, Limeade Splash, and Cool Pool. I used a combination of techniques to add the color. Usually I start by applying color directly to the stamp. (It doesn't take much - a drop or two of each Liquid Color at most.) At this point, I do one of two things - either I mist the stamp with water, and then stamp it onto cardstock, OR I stamp onto the Gel Press. It's almost like blotting some of the Liquid Color onto the Gel Press. It blends the colors a bit, and takes off a bit of the extra color. Then I mist the stamp with water, and then stamp onto cardstock.

So to recap:
1. Liquid Color directly to stamp.
2. Mist stamp with water.
3. Stamp onto cardstock.
OR
1. Liquid Color directly to stamp.
2. Stamp onto Gel Press.
3. Mist with water.
4. Stamp onto cardstock.

I love this watercolor look, and I love playing around with these ideas - you never know what you'll get, and you'll never get the same thing twice! After all of my watercoloring fun, I embossed the sentiment, and then just assembled my card with some of the gorgeous new printed paper. (Oh, and that layer of yellow...I think that was another print I had hanging around that I created earlier!)

I've had the best time celebrating with you all these past two weeks. I hope you've enjoyed all the new projects! (Sorry if I've overwhelmed you...I actually had someone unsubscribe from my mailing list, because of "too many updates." Oh well!!!) Be sure to catch the last few days of the FSJ Launch Party on all of our social media channels!  You'll find daily weekday LIVE videos on our Facebook page, and lots of new inspiration on our blog, Instagram, and Pinterest. Plus blog posts from the FSJ concept designers too! We're so excited to share with you! I'll have one more launch party post on Friday, and then I promise, I'll cut back a bit! xoxo

Did you love this card? Be sure to check out my Spread Love card which also features the gorgeous hibiscus stamp from In The Tropics! 

Products used on today's project:
In The Tropics Stamp Set
Many Thanks Stamp Set
RSVP Prints
Liquid Colors 
Licorice Twist Journey Twine

Escape the Ordinary from Fun Stampers Journey

Hello friends!! Welcome to week 2 of the Fun Stampers Journey launch party! We're having THE best time celebrating our new catalog, our new logo, and SO many new products! Today I am thrilled to share this SUPER COOL stamp set, called Escape the Ordinary. It's part of the new Colorful Journey collection, and it has so many fun possibilities. First of all - a ZEBRA!? Oh my CUTENESS.  This stamp set has coordinating dies, which made cutting him out a total breeze! I embossed my friendly zebra with white onto black cardstock. I'm seeing people do a ton of creative techniques with this guy, and he is SO cool. 

For the purple background, I used a gel press print that was hanging around. (I've been doing a lot of that lately - finding a print, that I may or may not know how I created it, and using it for a project.) I know I used Cosmic Grape for this - I *think* it's Cosmic Grape Re-Inker, and it definitely has some splatters of Sparkle Silk in it. I die cut the panel with the Lots of Dots background die, and mounted it on a black card base. LOVE LOVE LOVE that background die! 

I've started filing away my Gel Press prints in with my cardstock scraps. I keep all my cardstock scraps in a bucket, divided by color. So in this case, I had this print stashed with my purple cardstock so it was all ready to use. It's working out quite nicely, and I'm actually USING some of the fun prints I've made. 

I'm really digging the pop of Turbo Teal on this card too. I'm telling you, a little teal or aqua is perfect on just about anything! Thanks so much for coming by today! Be sure to follow Fun Stampers Journey to keep up with all the launch party goodness this week. You'll find daily weekday LIVE videos on our Facebook page, and lots of new inspiration on our blog, Instagram, and Pinterest. Plus blog posts from the FSJ concept designers too! We're so excited to share with you!

Products on today's project:

Escape the Ordinary Stamp and Die Set

Lots of Dots Die Set

Foiled Frames

Looking for more inspiration? 
Don't miss my toucan card, featuring Toucan Do It! 
Or these patriotic cards, perfect for cards for troops!
And then, check out Mariana Grigsby's sloth cards, featuring the Don't Hurry Stamp Set!

Hola Toucan! (Toucan Do It!)

YA'LL....seriously. I have been WAITING and WAITING to be able to share this toucan stamp (Toucan Do It) from the brand new 2018-2019 catalog and inspiration book from Fun Stampers Journey. Isn't he (or she?) the absolute cutest!? The hardest part of being a part of catalog production is having to WAIT. and WAIT. and WAIT to share the new goodies that come your way! 

I pulled a few different Gel Press prints that I had laying around to create today's card. I used a pink print, which I stamped the toucan on. (I think this print was created with Watermelon Fusion Liquid Color on Whip Cream cardstock.) I had a green one that was created with Limeade Splash and Cool Pool Liquid Colors. I stamped the leaves into Liquid Color and stamped them onto the background, tore the bottom edge and then assembled this fun and colorful card!

(Oh, and did you notice some NEW PRINTED PAPER on here too?! Be still my beating heart, you lovely polka dots, you.) There's so much more to see, and so much to share, and we are PARTYING it up with our catalog launch party going on NOW - you'll find daily weekday LIVE videos on our Facebook page, and lots of new inspiration on our blog, Instagram, and Pinterest. 

Thanks so much for stopping by! Don't be a stranger! I have lots more crafty goodness to share in the coming days! xoxo

Products used on today's card:

Toucan Do It stamps and dies

Journey Gel Press

Colorful Journey Prints

Liquid Colors

Looking for more inspiration from the 2018-2019 Fun Stampers Journey catalog? Check out this post featuring the In The Tropics Stamp Set.

    

Create Patriotic Handmade Cards with FSJ

Happy Fourth of July, my friends! Let's celebrate the day with some patriotic handmade cards. These ideas would work perfectly as cards for troops, to thank a veteran, or to thank a friend for their awesome 4th of July BBQ!

Both of these cards were created using a combination of three stamp sets, All You Do, Old Glory, and Freedom Sparkle from Fun Stampers Journey. All three of these sets mix and match so perfectly, it's fun to play with them together. 

I think I love creating patriotic cards because of the stars...and the stripes...and the red...and the blue...and the sparkles...and the fireworks....I LOVE IT ALL!!! 

The flag from All You Do stamps up a really fun background on this first card. If mass-producing this card, you could stamp a whole 8.5x11 sheet and then trim it into pieces for multiple cards.

 On the second card, I created some good old fashioned cardstock stripes using Candy Apple and White Cream cardstock. And how AMAZING is that stamped blue star border. The stamp has that distressed texture to it, which is SO cool.

 (P.S. Did you spy a new die on this card? Those stretched hexagon dies are from the brand new Special Day Tags Die Set. I'm using that die set on all. the. things.)

If you've missed out on the celebrating this week, FSJ is in full-on party mode, as we launch the brand new 2018-2019 FSJ catalog. We've got daily live videos, blog posts, and inspiration - and we know you're going to LOVE our new catalog. (Like, SO SO MUCH.) Check out Fun Stampers Journey's Facebook page, and the FSJ blog to catch up on all the celebrating!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope your Fourth of July is filled with fun! Want to keep in touch with me? Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest too! 

Looking for more patriotic inspiration, featuring the Fun Stampers Journey stamps All You Do, Freedom Sparkles, and Old Glory? Check out this blog post!

Create a Patriotic Scrapbook Layout - Three Different Ways!

Are you a scrapbooker? What's your format? Are you a pocket page girl? An 8.5x11 album maker? Or do you pull out the BIG sheets and you go 12x12 all the way? There are so many options, and we all tend to have our preferences. Today, I'd like to share ONE basic scrapbook layout with you - but created three different ways. Maybe you'll even be inspired to try a new shape or size you've never done before!

Pocket Page

First up, a pocket page. Fun Stampers Journey has DARLING 6x8 albums and pocket pages that are co-branded with Simple Stories. I tend to print my photos 2x3, because they feel less overwhelming to me, and take up less space - so I popped those photos into the 4-pocket page and then I had two extra pockets to fill with goodies. Embellishing a pocket page is kind of like creating small handmade cards, that all coordinate with each other. I love the way this page turned out! 

8.5x11 layout

Next up - here's one for you 8.5x11 scrapbookers. I simply took my four pockets of goodness, and transferred them to an 8.5x11 sheet of cardstock. I did mat them on white, before the full sheet of blue, but how EASY is that!? The simple grid format can be applied to any size layout. I did add an extra red star and some sparkle tape to the bottom right corner to finish it off. 

12x12 Layout

And now, last but certainly not least - let's go BIG. For this 12x12 layout, I took my whole 8.5x11 layout and put it onto a 12x12 piece of white cardstock. I added some stamped fireworks to the background,  a strip of striped printed paper plus two more stars. (Love that visual triangle with the three red stars.) 

Sometimes when we look at scrapbook layouts in magazines or online, we look for ideas that fit exactly the shape or size we need. When you see scrapbooking inspiration you love, make it work for you even if it isn't exactly what you think you need! And hey - maybe live on the wild side and try a new shape or size of layouts you've never done before! So tell me, which is YOUR favorite style? Is there something you're afraid to try? Do you create in all the sizes?! 

 Thanks so much for stopping by today. If you're not too busy partying up the 4th of July tomorrow, stop back by - I have some patriotic cards to share, and if you loved today's layouts, you'll LOVE tomorrow's cards!

It has been SO much fun to see everyone's excitement over the new FSJ catalog this week. We are loving the celebrating, and I hope you're participating in the giveaway on Instagram, as well as watching our daily videos live on Facebook.  (If you don't want to miss a thing, be sure to check out the Fun Stampers Journey website, plus peruse the new catalog while you're there!)

Products on today's layouts:

Old Glory Stamp Set

All You Do Stamp Set

Freedom Sparkle Stamp Set

6x8 Simple Stories Albums

Simple Stories Pocket Pages

Good Life Printed Paper (blue gingham)

Star-Dom Die Set

Cozy Winter Prints (red/white stripes)

Looking for more projects featuring these stamp sets? Check out this blog post featuring patriotic cards using Old Glory, All You Do, and Freedom Sparkle. 

  

Celebrate the 2018-2019 FSJ catalog! {And a new card featuring In The Tropics}

Today.

Today, my friends, has been a long time coming. Being a part of the catalog production for Fun Stampers Journey is one my favorite parts of my job as a concept designer. It is so satisfying to watch an idea become a stamp, become a handmade project, become a catalog page, and then become a hundred projects created by other people. The products take on a life of their own over time, and watching the process from start to finish is amazing. 

It's a long process, and the concept designers have been creating projects since about February, at a frenzied pace, to arrive at THIS day. We're over the MOON excited to share this beauty with you. Without a doubt, it's my favorite catalog yet. From cover to cover it is gorgeous. The photography is amazing, and the projects and products just SHINE. (And that cover?! HOLY GUACAMOLE, it's stunning.)

Oh and that's not all...did you notice, we have a fresh new logo too! It's bright and trendy and I am smitten with the font! We're thrilled to splash that logo across ALL the things! So without further ado, it's my privilege to share a link to our online catalog. (If you'd like your own paper copy, you can grab one from the website as well!)

But before you go, can I share a little project with you? I created today's card using new goodies from our RSVP collection. Its botanical groove is calming and elegant, and perfect for summer soirees and handmade cards.

I stamped up these In The Tropics leaves and flowers with FSJ's Liquid Colors. I applied drops of color directly to the stamp, misted the stamp with water, and then stamped it onto cardstock. It's a fun technique to play with, and it never looks the same twice! Adjusting the amount of color, and the amount of water will give you a completely different look. If the color is just TOO much, stamp it off onto the Gel Press, before stamping it on cardstock. 

Can you believe how gorgeous that new Fiddle Leaf embossing folder is? Stunning! So detailed and crisp. I'm in love, y'all! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you'll celebrate with us for the next two weeks, as we share videos, tutorials, inspiration, (maybe even a giveaway!!!?????) as we launch our new catalog. 

(FSJ on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube) 

And NOW...I'll let you leave, and head straight to the FSJ website where you can peruse the new catalog! 

Looking for more inspiration from the new Fun Stampers Journey catalog? Check out my blog post featuring Toucan Do It! You won't want to miss this sweet pink toucan! 

  

More Sporty Father's Day Card Inspiration for Athletic Dads

Yesterday I shared a handmade Father's Day card using the Winners Stamp Set from Fun Stampers Journey. It's an easy stamp set to use, especially paired with this giant Best. Dad. Ever. sentiment. I love this sentiment, from the Your Day stamp set, because it makes a BIG statement! The sports equipment is the perfect balance to give the card some added interest.  I also created a similar card using the Bike Life Stamp Set as the accent. Let's take a closer look at both of these fun cards for dad!

First up, the Biker Dad card. (Can a dad who rides bicycles, rather than motorcycles still called a Biker Dad?) ;) To create this card, first I stamped and trimmed the sentiment block so that I could place out the other images. I laid it out on my card base and then began to stamp the bike elements in River Stone ink. For added color, I stamped the Ink Splat stamp in Electric Lime. To add a little more grunge and color, I splattered Electric Lime and Black Licorice Silks, and I also took my Electric Lime ink pad and just gently knocked the edges of the pad onto my card. (Those are the subtle green lines you see. It's not super noticeable, but I think it adds a little more focus.) 

Next up, the sporty dad card. This is the same stamp set as yesterday's blog post, which you can find right HERE. Same simple layout, and same procedure but I did a little more of the ink pad edges onto the card, and I went without the Ink Splat stamp. You could use this same layout with a number of fun themes and stamp sets - check out your stamp stash, and think about the interests of the dads in YOUR life, and create your very own personalized card just for dad! 

Create a simple sporty Father's Day card for an athletic dad! (Best. Dad. Ever.)

There's still time to create a last minute handmade Father's Day card with sporty stamps from the Winners Stamp Set, from Fun Stampers Journey. This stamp set is perfect paired with the Best. Dad. Ever. stamp from the Your Day Stamp Set. 

I always like a pretty clean and graphic style for masculine cards, because it's easier to keep them from getting too fluffy and girly! This card came together really quickly, because I just layered together some cardstock for my base, and then stamped the sentiment. It's nice and big, so it takes up a good portion of the card. Then I detail cut the sports images from the Winners stamp set, and adhered them on a strip of Limeade Splash cardstock. I used foam squares for lots of dimension, and called it DONE. Clean and simple goodness for Dad! 

Stop back tomorrow for another card or two, just in time for Father's Day! And if you need more inspiration and ideas, stop by the Fun Stampers Journey blog - check out the Dad is a Champ trophy treat cup, plus the Tools Rule card and snack mix, as well as Dad's Shirt Box created with our Card Carrier die set. We're sharing some of THE absolute cutest ideas, and great video tutorials, with our pal, Brittany Young, Certified Celebrator! 

Thanks so much for coming by today! Happy Dad-Crafting!!! See you tomorrow! 

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Greatest Adventure Handmade Cards {create two coordinating cards with the Compass Rose stamp set}

Hello friends!!! Today I have two handmade cards to share with you, which both feature the Compass Rose ATS from Fun Stampers Journey. This mini stamp set is part of our Spring Into Summer Mini Trends catalog. Both handmade cards feature the same stamp set, and color palette (Cool Pool, Rich Coral, and Banana Cream) and some of the same accessories. When all of your supplies are out, why not make two cards as the same time?! 

When I created this first card, I wanted to echo the compass on the die cut circle, onto my background. I gently stamped it around the edges of my card base to add some subtle color and texture to it, but without it stealing the show of that bold black compass! The depth and detail on this stamp is absolutely stunning!  The Vagabond Chips (which yes, come in that adorable little shadow box container) are absolutely a blast to play with - every single one of them would be adorable on these cards, and it was hard to decide which to use! 

 And next, for my second card. I stamped up that compass all over my card base for a beautiful background, using Oatmeal Cookie True Color Fusion Ink. I stamped the sentiment onto a diecut tag, and added some twine, the globe from the Vagabond Chips, plus a little bell. I don't think to use those sweet little jingle bells on much other than holiday projects, but I feel like it really works and it's an unexpected detail.  Both cards have a torn piece of Corrugated Stock, which I just LOVE to add onto cards for some texture. The sheets last a long time, and they tear and cut really beautifully.

Y'all, I have to say it feels so good to create a few crafty projects to share with you today. Much of my job as a concept designer at Fun Stampers Journey is to create projects for our annual catalog, mini trends catalogs, live events, social media, and teaching materials - and this time of year, our annual catalog is job number ONE. But just a few weeks after that deadline, comes the deadline for our holiday mini catalog, PLUS our annual convention which is coming up in just a few short weeks. Needless to say, the months from March to June are completely SWAMPED and I have missed taking a few minutes to be here with y'all! Thanks for bearing with me while I was away, and I cannot WAIT for you to see the crafty goodness that's coming your way in the next few months!!!! (The sneak peeks are probably the best part of my job..and the hardest, because I can't wait to SHARE it with you!) 

I hope you're inspired and excited to sit down and do some crafting! I am going to get back to my holiday crafting assignments...yep, it's Christmas in May up in my crafty space! It won't be long till you'll get to see the next round of goodness. But for now, enjoy our Spring Into Summer Mini Trends catalog as well as our big retirement sale, so we can make room for all the new goodies coming your way! Visit www.funstampersjourney.com to shop and see what's retiring! Thanks so much for stopping by!!! xoxo