Growing In Unity Blog Hop

Welcome Blog Hoppers.  You should be coming to me from Trudy's blog. She does such lovely work! Well done Trudy!

I assume you all are in full holiday mode.  Stressed out, house in chaos, and everyone dreading the visit from weird Uncle Kenny or Crazy Aunt Thelma.  So, thank you for taking time stopping by this blog hop!  Please take a moment and use this hop as a way to reclaim a small piece of your sanity before chaos of the really season begins!  Enjoy this little journey to happiness, even if only for a moment.

My submission for this blog hop is brought to you by everyone's favorite sugar cookie decoration.  SPRINKLES!!

Sprinkles you question?!.  Yes! SPRINKLES.  Honest to goodness sugar sprinkles!

After watching a few soothing Facebook videos on cookie decorating these past few weeks, I started to wonder if sprinkles would make good shaker card filler.  I mean, why not?  Sugar doesn't go bad in the foreseeable future so no fear of it damaging your precious card. Besides,there are so many different types of sprinkles available for just about any occasion.  Might as well use them up before Uncle Kenny starts sneaking them off the cupcakes!

During my Thanksgiving shopping, I came across the seasonal baking department, and sure enough, loads of fun sprinkles out there.  Best part, the large jar I selected was only $1.97! That is sure a heck of a lot cheaper than a jar of chunky glitter! And you definitely don't have to find a place to store it in your craft space.  Back to the kitchen pantry it goes when you are done making your card!  I bet if you are a holiday baker, you have sprinkles sitting in a cabinet right now! How cute would regular sprinkles  be in a Birthday shaker or one for New Years?

So,I humbly submit my Sprinkle creation for your review:

Besides the price of the jar of candy sprinkles, the best part of this embellishment is if you spill any you can always eat them!!


Stamp& Sentiment from:
All Kinds of Holiday Love


Supplies:

• White cardstock
• Light Blue cardstock
• Text paper from Pebbles "Cozy and Bright" collection
• Blue/Green Baker's Twine
• Great Value Nonpareils & Snowflake sprinkles
• Acetate
• 3M Foam tape
• Tumbled Glass and Broken China Distress ink by Tim Holtz

While I'm sure you have lots more internet-ting to get to, please make sure, you mosey on over to Rene Moran's blog to see what awesome Unity Creation she has in store for you!

And if you need the other ladies addresses, here they are. be sure to check them out and leave some love to be entered in the drawing for some deeply etched red rubber stamp prize pack!

1. Tammy Huber Murphy https://www.youtube.com/user/tjskids...
2. Joyce Verdon https://joycielcreations.blogspot.com/
3. Shanna Slater, https://caffeinatedcraftiness.wordpress.com/
4. Edelmira Rivera http://winecheesescrapbooking.blogspot.com/
5. Sharon Duff https://dannyandpeteysmom.blogspot.com/
6. Trude Julie Berg https://parentesfantom1.blogspot.com/
7. Annie Sterner https://justascrapdork.blogspot.com/
8. Renee Moran https://delaneyjanecards.blogspot.com/

A big Thank You to everyone who spent their valuable time visiting my blog.  It was a fun week revisiting the past.  I'm not sure if it reinvigorated me to use up forgotten crafty items, or if I just feel old!  I am super grateful for each of your warm and supportive comments though!

I have randomly selected the following comments as the prize winner for some deeply etched red rubber stamps from Unity Stamp Co!

• PAT
• PHALINE HAYS

Congratulations!

Please send me a message with your name & address so I can forward on to Kelli @ unity!

Be sure to check out the rest of the years GIU blog posts.  I'm quite certain we all have lots of fun inspiration to look forward to!

Annie

GIU Day 5

Well, we made it to Friday!  WHEW… It’s been a roller coaster ride of fun.  For some of you, it may have left you feeling nauseated, others just with an urge for a concession stand hot dog.  Either way, I hope you got your money’s worth these past 5 days.

It took all week, but you and I found our way through the chaos that is my mind and the frenzied purchases I have made over the years. And today is really no exception. Vellum.  Yes, vellum.  The one supply we still take out every now and again and wonder how we are going to adhere it to our project without the adhesive showing. No matter the method, we always somehow feel unsatisfied. I chose using EYELETS another “postmodern” embellishment in my stash.  Not a go to fastener, but one that works perfectly for adhering that opaque paper that makes you scream when you try and emboss on it.  But, also the one supply that can bring elegance to your project.  Here’s my submission.  I’m using the vellum as a ground for the mason jar of flowers.  Hopefully it helps give some separation from the busy patterned paper.

Finally, some parting words that you can read when you are sitting on the pot after that concession stand hot dog you decided to buy.

Buttons, brads, eyelets, lace, felt, embossed paper, washi tape, thumb punches, they may have been purchased years ago, but they still can have relevance today.  We just need to dig them out of the bin they are hiding in and use them.  I’m not saying that you should dig those 4” stilettos out and wear them on your next trip to Target, but you could put them on to reach that box of paper flowers you have stashed in the back of your closet.  Rethink, repurpose, reuse. that’s the point here.  Don’t let those forgotten supplies sit idle. You loved them once, love them again now.

Supplies:

• Unity-Hello New Life
• Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink
• Paper Studio Vellumn
• Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens
• Paper Studio Eyelets
• Yellow & White Baker's twine
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink-Wld Honey

GIU day 4

You're back.  Wow. I didn't think many of you would stick around after that entire Mulberry incident. You must be super dedicated to win some deeply etched red rubber stamps!  I'm impressed.

All I can say is my Wednesday did what Wednesday's do. It came and went. Oh, and for the record, I'm not a fan of the term "Hump Day" either.  I raised boys.. my mind goes elsewhere when I hear that phrase. I mean, Wednesdays do have a way of "humping" you, but not in a pleasant way or in a manner that makes you excited for the weekend. It's just a day that reminds me of all those un-ticked to do items I still need to get done, before the real work of Saturday and Sunday begins. I try my best to leave at least Saturday available for some well deserved ME time.  But, it always ends up as WE time and this is why Karma and me have a gentlemen's understanding on my behavior. I never seem to carve out enough play time for myself. Hence the foul language and hoping people step on Legos on their urgent run to the bathroom, when they annoy me.

I'm rambling.. I'm sorry.

What does this have to do with anything card related? Nothing... just ramblings of a crazy lady here.  Wait.. wait.  Yes. I do have a point to make. You know Saturday is coming  & if you are like me, you don't have a ton of time to make a birthday card for your best friends' mother's sister's niece. Well, here's a simple card to make using your stash of horded CHIPBOARD alphabets and clear acetate embellishments.  The Unity collaboration with Brutus Monroe and his epic background stamps makes creating a card simple and fast! Don't have his background stamps, how about using some of that new patterned paper from Unity they just released?  Add some chipboard letters for dimension and a clean and simple card has been created.

Supplies:

• Unity- Floral Tapestry
• Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink
• Teal Glittered chipboard alphabet by American Crafts
• Acetate Heart by Heidi swap  (recycle plastic packaging by cutting out images with die cut)
• Dymo label maker
• Black & White baker's twine

If this posts hasn't made you run you off, then stay tuned for tomorrow and my last crafty adventure in digging waste deep in the stuff I had to have back in 2009!

p.s.  Have you entered to win some Unity stamps?

GIU Day 3

Wednesday seems like a good day to take you deep into your stash of supplies.

I have two words for you.  MULBERRY PAPER.  If you have to ask me what it is, then you are too young and I don't like you anymore.  I'm kidding.  I like you fine. But you have just made me feel real-real old.  All I'm going to say to you is... Handmade fibrous paper that everyone had to have, but no one could quite figure out how to use. I think the real purpose of this paper is for origami creations. But, us "crafters" just KNEW we could incorporate it into our projects.  Many a handy woman tried.  Some succeeded, but I was a total failure at it. Sadly, the frenzy fizzled faster than Milli Vanilli.  And if you don’t know that reference…..we are back to the part when I say I don’t like you.

If you still have no idea what I'm talking about.  Think about those 4" stilettos in the back of your closet that you bought for your cousins’ neighbor's sister's wedding. Adorable, but a total pain in the ass to wear and they hurt like hell. You put them on for pictures, then proceeded to make your feet dirty by going around barefoot at the reception. You've never put them on again, but because you spent good money on them, you can't part with them either.  That's the gist of Mulberry Paper.

I'm not claiming that I have been successful using Mulberry Paper this go around either.  But it does offer some texture and framing to these gorgeous flowers Lisa Arana created. For those who still have this supply in your stash, take it out and see what you can do with it!  If you are successful, I'll send you my stash of this odd supply for you to make more!

Supplies:

• Unity- Girl Truly 
• Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. 
• Unity- Sometimes I wonder 
• Paper Studio- Black cardstock
• White embossing powder
• Purple sequins
• Kuretake Gem Colors watercolor
• Lavender mulberry paper

GIU Day 2

Ok,  How'd Monday treat you?  You step on any Legos barefooted or get a paper cut yesterday? Swallow a bug?  No?  Ya didn't spill any coffee or ketchup on your new white shirt? Wow, you have Karma on your side then.  Don't tick her off, I hear she's been moody lately!  At the time of this writing. Karma and I have come to a bit of an understanding. She can kick me in the rear now and again but only when I think really bad thoughts about the people who really annoy me.  In exchange, I wont curse too much when I'm angry.  For the record, I've been getting kicked hard lately!  I'm peopled out and haven't had time to craft.

I digress...

I'm not sure about you but once my life with children transitioned into 4th gear, the idea of pocket page scrapbooking really caught my eye.  Buy the kits, print your pictures, add a little journaling, stick them in the page protectors and bam a completed album! It was advertised as "no muss, no fuss, instantaneous type of memory keeping."  Yeah.... No.  I bought the kits, organized the cards to an inch of their life and stalled out.  I have done maybe 6 pocket paged layouts in total. I gotta say, there wasn't enough hands on creativity in it for me. As I have described, I like collecting the supplies as much as I like using them.  So, now all those neatly organized cards just sit there idle.

But, wait.... We can bring new life to those cute PL kits and it makes a fast card too!  And, look I used some foiled card bases I bought on clearance for $2.99 from the Lob. It's a box that I justified buying by saying "the envelopes alone are worth $2.99".  You've made that purchase before I know you have... tell me I'm not the only one!

Anyway, the best part of Unity stamps is that there are always perfect images to "jeuge" up a premade card and make it extra special for the one you love. Doesn't have to be a Project Life Card.  Could be a post card,  or a simple greeting card you've been holding on to.  Maybe by adding a little Unity, you can turn it from MEH to Wow in an instant.

Supplies:

• Unity "Sending up something beautiful" 
• Unity "Love Runs Deep"
• Versafine Clair Nocture Ink
• White paper Doily
• Gold Sequins
• Pink & White Baker's twine
• Paper Studio Foiled box of pre-made cards- no longer available
  (but re-think the way you can use old stationary)

Bonus tip.  Look in your stash and see if you have any stationary note cards that you no longer use.  Those make great bases!  When I visit my local Goodwill, I always look at the stationary sets they have for sale.  As long as they don't smell musty, they can be less expensive than making or buying blank white card bases.  Something to think about anyway.

Remember- leave a comment or some love to be entered into the drawing at the end of the week for a Unity prize!

GIU Day 1

Happy Monday people!

As I mentioned in my opening post, this week is about using up your stash of stuff.  You may not be a seasoned crafter like me with a room full of crap.  (Uh, let rephrase that…a room full of precious supplies.)  But, even if you are new to paper crafting/card making, I'm sure you have a supply or tool in your horde that you quite haven't figure out what to make with it.

Today's submission is using those "old school" border punches. Back in the day, (insert old timey music) Fiskars Border punches were a frenzied item any good papercrafter HAD to have!


And we used them for a hot minute until the next "have to have" item came along. Before that were deco scissors. Any seasoned crafter had these in their stash at one point or another.  (I can say, I still have mine tucked away in a drawer somewhere!)




Now, a days it's thin border dies.

Well, just know they basically all do the same thing.  So, I encourage you to use which ever tool you have now and use it differently.  They really do more than just make borders for scrapbook pages!

SUPPLIES

• Unity- "....so glad you were born" 
• Marty Steward edge punch
• Black & White Baker's twine
• Silver Star Confetti
• Versafine Clair Nocturn Ink

Welcome Unies.

Well hello there Unies.  Welcome to my blog.

My name is Annie Sterner aka Daisydo.

My close friends call me Annie (insert adjective) Pants. My personal favorite is Annie "Snarky Pants". Sarcasm is my coping mechanism for dealing with my life! So, know that going in.  With some luck, you'll see a bit of that this week. As for you people, you can call me whatever you want as long as you stick around and see what’s instore over the next 5 days!

A little bit about me, I’ve been a paper crafter for almost 25 years!  I'm 49, so stop trying to do the math. I started off as a scrapbooker when my kids were little and sucking the soul out of my body by just trying to keep them alive.  I transitioned into a stamper once my life became consumed with being their personal chauffeur and life coach. With 4 of them, it's been a rather hectic 2 decades. I'll go back to scrapbooking once things calm down and I can document the moments of my life. I think that takes some reflection that I just don't have the mental energy to do right now.  Card making, for me is a perfect outlet for channeling my creative needs and it's a great way to share a bit of myself to those I like well enough to send a handmade card.  Through all my crafting moods, I can say paper and rubber stamps "Complete Me." Much more than my husband ever has!  I'm kidding. I'm kidding.
Seriously tho.... I'm not sure if it is it the smell of deeply etched red rubber that soothes my soul, or it's about the endless possibilities both paper and stamping offer that just scratches that itch. I don't question it, I just know that as I am starting to reclaim parts of my time back, crafting still consumes every free thought I have. The passion runs deep people. DEEP

Many may also know me as the keeper of the Squirrel of Justice (SOJ).

He keeps me motivated when I feel my mojo has left me.  I use him on the Unity Show &Tell to hopefully inspire others when you may need a kick in proverbial craft keister.  How can you not want to appease his need for cute projects?

As a returning GIU contributor, I hope to offer a little motivation and inspiration this week. My goal over the next 5 days is to show you ways to use up some of your old stash.  If you are like me, a scrapbooker at heart, you have a horde of things you are saving for that perfect project.  Well, I say- get it out now and use it! No time like the present people! Use that paper pad you have been saving because it's just to pretty to cut.  Break out that washi tape your yearning loins made you buy.  Use those random eyelets someone sent you. Life is short! Use up your good stuff. If for no other reason than to make room for the cute new stuff on the way next week!  I can't promise that each of the cards I have made this week l will be to your liking, but I submit them to you in an effort to have you rethink what you have in your stash and find new ways to use up your supplies!

As a reminder: Be sure to comment on each day's post and 2 winners will be randomly selected to win a Unity prize package!

Welcome to the Unity Spring Blog hop.  A collection of talented women are to follow me with some amazing inspiration.  Be sure to comment on each blog and 2 winners will be randomly selected to win a Unity prize package!

Like most places back east and up north, Spring is a long ways away or at least is sure feel like it. I am reminded of the Proverb that says "No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow."  Thanks for that tid-bit of wisdom Mr. Proverb, now go shovel my sidewalk!  He's always quick with the obvious isn't he?

I'll be honest, it's been hard to keep these creations in the vault until I could share them with you.  The best part of the Unity Show & Tell is the instant feel back you get on your creations!  All of you people are a great source of inspiration and support. I humbly present the following cards for your instant admiration.  LOL.  Seriously, I'm not kidding. you better like these cards

"Being Who You Are" 

Technique:
I watercolored the focal image onto the Bristol paper and fussy cut the image out so I could use foam tape to give this card some dimension.  I was careful to cut the image out closely to the line so it kept the integrity of the heart shape. If you cut a white margin around the heart , it will look like a big blob. A pretty blob, but still a blob. I then stamped the image again onto Bristol so I could color and fussy cut some of the larger flowers.  I curled the pedals and adhered with a glue dots

Using the stencil, I lightly added the green ink onto the Arches watercolor paper to give it a subtle texture. I followed it up by stamping the sentiment and adding the twine.

Finally I mounted my card assembly onto a white card base using foam tape.


Supplies:

• Arches watercolor paper
• Strathmore smooth Bristol 100 lb paper
• Zig Clean Color Real Brush pens.
• Melissa Francil Dot sencil
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink Twisted Citron
• American Crafts Lavender baker's twine
• 3M foam tape
• Micron 03 pen for added dot shading
• Zots glue dots
• micro gems

Here are a couple of other "springy" creations.  I was experimenting with getting different looks out of the same stamp.

"Slow and Steady & "Spark"

"Slow & Steady & "Travel Wagon" 

Thanks for stopping by.  Next on the list is Ms. Shannon Allred-Sunnarborg.  She's got some mad skills!  

Annie Sterner-(START HERE) Follow the golden path and comment along the way, a prize is possibly on its your way!

Shannon Allred-Sunnarborg
Pamela J. Duncan
Kathryn Belmonte
Beth Fiscus
Denise Wesley Beard
Jennie Davis Amaker
Stephanie Seelye
Unity Stamp Company Blog

Spread Happiness

Do you ever get stuck in a rut?  You feel like you are making the same card over and over again?  I feel that way these days.  I'm stuck in the "Oh goodness that is so cute" rut.  I'm not sure I'm ready to move out of it either!

Today's installment of "OGTISC" (I'll let you figure out that mnemonic device) is a card featuring Mama Elephant's "Up We Go"

Card:

• Mama Elephant- Up We Go

Paper- 

• Strathmoore Bristol Vellum 100 lbs
• Card Base- Berkley Square box cards by The Paper Studio

Ink

• Memento Tuxedo Black
• Copic Markers- R20,R21, R22 Y02,Y04. Y08, V01, V04, V06, BG000, BG01, BG02, W5
• Signo Uni Ball- White

Die

• Lawn Fawn Stitched Square

Embellishments

• Heart Washi by the Paper Studio
• Teal Doily by the Paper Studio
• Deco paper by Queen & Co.
• Clear sequins by Darice

And the Oscars go to.... Oh wait, that's a different prize.

The results have been tabulated and the winners of the Growing In Unity prize packages are.....

Before I tell you, I just wanted to thank you all again for the kind comments you all left on my blog.  I so gratefully appreciate you taking the time to play along with my shenanigans.  When it comes to card making, I like to keep things light.  I mean, none of my cards are going to land in the Louvre or anything. So, lets have some fun while we paste & color.  In fact, I do believe most of my cards will eventually be used as a make shift dust pan at some point.

What do you think happens to the cards you send to people? Refrigerator masterpiece, or dust receptacle?

Seriously, it's all about the creative journey right? My idle hands will be found around someones neck if I don't keep them busy!  I encourage you to keep yourself busy by continually developing your creativity. No better way to improve but to be inspired by other GIU and Unity Show & Tell members.  Check them out too!

Back to the GIU winners.  Wait... Did I tell you about my cat?  Oh, I don't have a cat!  Fine. The winners are:

• Denise Beard
• Bernie Juracek

Congratulations!  Please send me your addresses and a Unity Stamp Co prize package will be mailed out to you soon. You have 2 weeks to claim your prize! I ain't got no time to hunt you down. Babes better be claiming their stamps!   So,  email me at lsterner35@gmail.com  

-Annie

Growing in Unity day 5

Well, the week has just flown by quickly hasn't it?  Unlike those bless-it Canada Geese I was talking about yesterday.  Most annoying bird IN THE WORLD.  I almost hit one yesterday on my way back from the LOB. A gaggle of them just standing there in the middle of the street...  looking at me like I'm in the way. ((deep breathing on my part). I moved closer with my car thinking they'd get the hint. But, NOOOO. They moved further into the street!  I honked, and I definitely saw one of them flip me the middle feather.  I ended up yelling out the window  YOU CAN FLY YOU STUPID STUPID BIRDS!  Finally, I just proceeded forward and figured if I hit one of those suckers, good riddance. As soon as I got close enough to look into their beady eyes, they hopped out of the way. Hopped Out Of The Way. notice I didn't say FLY?!   ((silent screams).  I was in such a good mood too!! The Lob always brings warm and fuzzy feelings.

Speaking of the LOB, have you folks checked out your local store yet?  Lots of clearance items. What's your favorite LOB (or any other big box store) purchase of late?  I don't know about you, but I always look like I'm casing the joint when I go in there.  I proceed directly to the paper crafting section. No stopping to look at the wall decor or fancy geese figurines- screw that.  (I'm still bitter, sorry). I then go methodically down one side of the aisle and then up the other. Evaluating all the yummy goodness the Lob has to offer.  Filling my basket along the way.  I then b-line it over to the clearance section, back to the stamp section, then meander over to the jewelry department, then proceed onward to fine arts. After that, I get the nagging feeling that I have missed something AWESOME and I work my way back to paper crafts. Every visit, with out fail.

I know you will  think I'm crazy, but every time I go in there, I hear an announcement calling a Code Pink for Carl.  I think Carl is the eye in the sky and he's being told to re-direct the camera on my pockets! I'd never tarnish the sanctity of the Lob.  But, it sure feels like they suspect shenanigans from me.  Maybe it's because I'm always digging in my purse for my wish list, or my phone.  That's not suspicious is it?!   again... I digress....

What does any of this have to to with my Growing In Unity Posts?  Nothing... absolutely nothing.  I was just trying to alert you that Hobby Lobby is starting to clearance out some paper crafting supplies and you should take a look.  I found some paper doilies in various colors for $.75 a pack!! (Happy Dance)).  It felt almost as rewarding as when Unity Stamps go on sale!!!   Oh, look... I had a correlation after all. Go Me! I hope you have a wonderful day and a crafty weekend!

Now on to the show

Today's project is more of a fun art piece that you could put on your fridge, or maybe hang up at your at work in your depressing cubicle.   It's a measures in at a whopping 6"x11". I'm sending this one to a friend who needs some support.  She may choose to line her bird cage with it.  I hear she likes Geese!

Stamp:

• Patience & Hugs
• Stronger than YOU THINK

Ink/Paint:

• Mijello Mission Gold- Bright Opera, Yellow Orange, Ivory Black, Indigo & Peacock Blue  
• Zig Clean Brush Markers- Peach Pink, Pale Gray & Flesh Color
• VersaFine Onyx Black
• Signo Uni-ball White

Paper:

• Strathmoore 300 series Watercolor Paper- 140 lbs

Miscellaneous:

• Scotch Blue Painters tape to mask off the boarder
• Silver- Black Velvet 300S #12 & #6 round paint brush

It's been a ball playing with you girls this week.  Please remember to leave a comment on the ol' blog to be entered into a drawing for some finely crafted red rubber Unity Stamps!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see more of you on the Unity Show & Tell Page. I'll be the one with my sassy pants on! Feel free to throw me an angry face every now and again when you see something you really like!

Growing in Unity Day 4

Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night wide awake thinking about all the crafty projects you need to get done and then stressed yourself out?  Me either... last night was definitely not one of those nights at all. I woke up refreshed and perky.  My sassy pants clean and pressed.

I do know this week is flying by.  I can't believe we are on the backside of my GUI week of crafty goodness.    (Backside... see the reference?  Dang I'm funny)

Today's distraction in all things single layered is another one of Unity Stamp Company's Itty Bitty Line.  I'm not one to brag or anything, however,  this butt is so stinkin' CUTE.  I wish my behind made you want to pinch it!

Stamp:

• Elephant Behind.  

Technique:

• I used my Spellbinders die as a stencil.  I die cut a piece of paper and saved the heart shape to use another time.  I then used the negative piece as the stencil.  Works great and it extends your supplies!  

Ink:

• TH Distress Oxides- Wilted Violet, Peacock Feathers & Wild Honey
• Versafine Onyx Black
• Mijello Mission Gold- Ivory Black
• Zig Clean Color - Pink & Shadow Mauve

Paper

• Strathmore Bristol Vellum 110 lbs
• The Paper Studio- Kraft Cardstock for the card base

 Adhesive

• Tombow Xtreme

Miscellaneous

• Banner- Sizzix Big Wish die & Stamp Set
• Ranger Distress Sprayer (for water application)- not to drink out of or anything
• Enamel Dots-green

Growing In Unity Day 3

I don’t know about you, but in my opinion Wednesday is the Canada Goose of the week. It has no real urgency to move anywhere and it hisses at you when you need to get a move on. Like the goose, Wednesday has the ability to fly on by, yet it stares at you with lots of indignation while it stands there daring you to hit it with your car. You know if Wednesday had the ability, it would flip you the middle feather. Yep, that’s Wednesday.

There are two good solutions for getting through today. Cocktails and looking at pretty things. I can’t pour you a cocktail, but I can give you something pretty to look at.

I combined two sets to make this creation.  I don't know about you, but I love the confetti dots!

As always leave a comment to be entered into a drawing for a Unity Stamp prize package!

Technique:

Color blending on Bristol paper to create background.  I then stamped, colored, and fussy cut another  girl. I added dimension by using foam tape to raise focal image.

Supplies Used
Stamps:

• Unity Stamp Company- Free Your Dreams {KOM 5/17}
• Unity Stamp Company- Confetti Kindness

Paper:

• Neenah Exact Index 110 lb for card base
• Strathmore Bristol Vellum 110 lb
• Misc. Patterned Paper (unidentifiable)

Ink:

• Versafine Black Onyx Pigment Ink
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink- Picked Raspberry, Peacock Feathers & Wild Honey
• Zig Clean Color Real Brush- Light Blue,Haze Blue,Yellow Green,Turquoise Green,Peach Pink & Brown
• Mijello Misson Gold watercolor paint- Burnt Umber
• Uni-ball Signo- White

Adhesive:

• Elmer's Tape Runner
• Scotch Foam Tape

Embellishment:

• Eyelet Outlet Enable Dot- Silver Sparkle

Growing in Unity Day 2

Hello. Hope your Monday didn't kick you in the lady parts too hard yesterday!  Monday is a cruel mistress and if anything, Tuesday is your neighbors yappy- yappy dog!

To give you a reprieve from the incessant barking that being an adult brings, here's a little Unity creation to keep you focused on what is important.  Some finely crafted red rubber stamps of course!

I've been really trying to master the one layer card lately.  Is it laziness or a sincere effort to making simplicity look effortless? I honestly don't know at this point.  My inspiration is a fickle mistress.  Some days she's there, other days I think she's playing Keno in Vegas.  I do know that clean and simple cards are the most difficult to master.  You can't HIDE your mistakes under anything.

(I know what you are thinking.. what's under that washi tape?  Nothing!!  No mistakes there at all.)

So, what's your perfered style of card. Clean and simple, grunge, layers, paper pieced, or just throw stuff at a piece of paper and hope it sticks?  Let's discuss!

Supplies used:

• Unity Stamp Company- "Birdie Conversation" 
• Strathmore Bristol vellum surface- 100 lbs
• Tim Holtz Distress ink.  Seedless Preserves, Picked Raspberry  Salty Ocean & Peacock Feathers
• Versafine Onxy Black pigment Ink
• American Crafts yellow & white baker's twine
• Mijello Mission Gold watercolors
• Bazzill Basics "Bazzill Purple" card stock
• Patterned Paper: Teresa Collins- "Family Stories"
• Neenah Exact Index 110 lb card base
• Eyelet Outlet enamle dots-teal
• Scotch Post-it notes for masking

Thanks for stopping by!  Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered into a drawing for some Unity stamp prize!

Growing in Unity day 1

Welcome to my Growing In Unity week.  Remember to comment every day and you will be entered into a drawing for a Unity prize pack!

Supplies Used:

• Unity Stamp Company Out On a Limb  If you hurry it still may be on sale!
• Canson 98 lb Mixed Media paper
• "Wonky Rectangles" die set by Gina Marie
• Zig Clean Color Real Brush
  (Yellow Green, Geranium Red, Pale Gray,Shadow Mauve, Olive Green, Haze Blue, Light Blue)
• American Crafts red &white baker's twine
• Bazzill Basics Paper- "Buttons" button
• Polka Dot washi tape by The Paper Studio
• Patterned Paper:"Stationery Noted" by Teresa Collins
• Gemstones by The Paper Studio ( I colored them using Copic marker R27-Cadmium Red)
• Black cotton thread
• Craft card base measuring 4 x 5.5
• Tombo Xtreme permanent adhesive  

Any questions, please feel free to ask! 

Thanks for joining me today.  I hope you come back tomorrow for some more inspiration and craft chat.

Hello Unity Stamp Company community member.  Welcome to my Growing In Unity week.  A little about me before we get started with some crafty inspiration.

I’m Annie, I’m a Unity-aholic ((Hi Annie)). I’ve been a cult member, uh “Loyal Customer” since 2012.   I currently hold the record of 5 purchases in one month before my husband gives me the stink eye for spending too much $$ on stamps. He never says anything, but I so get the “LOOK”.  You know the “LOOK”.  It’s the one your mom gave you when you told her at 7pm you needed a shoe box the next day for school.  That LOOK.  I love Unity, so the guilt only lasts until the next sale.

I’ve been stamping since 1995 and have a sizable stash of Non-Unity stamps and I really do like those too. But, I still feel like I’m cheating on the Unity Company when I use them, so that’s weird.  Not as weird as say, putting mayonnaise on your peanut butter sandwich weird. But odd in regard to the growing level of obsession, uh loyalty, yeah loyalty I have cultivated over these stamps these past few years.  Why is that so odd you ask? Well truth be told, if I had to pick between giving up one of my 4 kids, or giving up Unity, I’d have to write down a pros and cons list. #unitywinsoutmostdays.

This is my second go around as a GUI girl.  The first time was terrifying as the opportunity sort of landed into my lap at the last minute.  I never felt worthy of the honor.  I still don’t. What can I say that you might not know? Or produce what you’ve never seen a resemblance of before?   I’m not terribly creative.  No specialties to speak of. I haven’t mastered any one technique or medium.  I don’t really have a particular style of card making, unless you consider throwing enough stuff on piece of paper until your besties tell you it looks tacky is a style.  If it is, then I’m at an expert level. I am the queen of the “girl do you even know what you are doing?” look.  Also, known as “Princess Happy Accidents.” I think it’s because Bob Ross and I were cousins in a former life. I digress…  But, upon some reflection, I do have some unique advice as a Growing In Unity Girl that you may find very useful.

I’ve been able to surround myself with a quality Firm of girls who are my guidepost to creativity. Each with their unique style and eagerness to tell me when I lay down a stinker of a card. They are also there to boast my creative genius or to simply brainstorm.  You need those type of girls in your creative corner. If you want to be a better stamper, artist, paper crafter surround yourself with people that push you. They should encourage you to be better, to try new things, to expand your skill set.
My best friend is so dang talented I want to smack her with a wet ink pad most days. She’s the kind that just pulls awesomeness out her butt in blink of an eye. She has true vision. She’s so good you leave an angry emoji at nearly all her creations. She has vision that I just don’t have.  But, she’s the one that I go to when I’m stuck. The one that offers a solution that takes my card from simply “meh” to “ok, I’m not ashamed to show people this one.”

I’ve also been lucky because I found a couple of my girls on the Unity Show & Tell page. I wasn’t searching them out in a stalkery crafter on crafter way. Because, that would be super creepy.  They sorta landed in my lap.  They each bring their own unique talent and creative perspective to the table. More inspiration to soak up like a stinky sponge. They also enjoy a fair bit of hijinks on and off the Show & Tell page.  You love to hate their masterpieces day in and day out. You too secretly wish their inkpad would dry up.  You know you do.

These kinds of women are the secret to a successful career as a paper crafter/card maker. They are the key to really mastering this creative outlet.  I encourage you to find your own tribe of women who push you.  Be jealous of these women, compete against these women, listen to these women. But most importantly, cherish these women and you will see your creativity bloom. Your people are here in this community. Find them and devour them up like a freshy baked Krispy Kreme donut, just don’t put mayonnaise on them.  That would be weird.

If you made it through all of that nonsense... you deserve a medal.  Anyway... on to the real reason you are here.  CARDS!

The long absence

I won't lie.  It's been some time since I posted.  I have been a very craft girl of late.  I just forget to post anything here.  I mean, who really is following this blog anyway?  I never hear chants of  “Where's are you Annie?" Or “Where’s your amazing creations?”  First of all, those would be really-really bad chants  And second of all I make second rate cards at best.  Easily to forget.  But, hey- it keeps me out of jail.  So, there.  Here are a few cards for your amusement.

All Unity Stamp Company creations:

Well Hello lovely Unies!

Thanks for joining in the blog hop this week.  I'm so honored you are spending some of your time with me and the other Growing In Unity Girls.  If you are unsure where you are in the hop:

Kim Ross
Tammy Huber Murphy
Terry Ladwig
Cynthia Olheiser
Annie Sterner (You are HERE)
Renee Moran
Chris Dayton
Becky NT
Brianna Jackson
Amber Trubiak

For your viewing pleasure, I have created a little No-Line coloring tutorial using the stamp kit  Violet Girl.  I just love her face and braided hair!  So, you may be asking... "What is the no-line coloring tutorial in which you speak? "  Well, it's just a way in which you color your image that give the appearance that  there are little to no stamped line.  Gives it that hand painted look. In reality, I like this technique because it makes me appear to be a semi-decent artist, when all I do is color in the lines!  Sneaky right?    Just keep in mind when selecting your image of choice that the key to a successful no-line technique is maintaining detail.

 I first stamped the image using Tim Holtz  Antique Linen distress ink.  I use this ink because it's water-soluble. When you apply color using watercolors ( marker, paint, or liquid) the lines will blend with your pigment giving the image a painted look.  You may be able to achieve the same look with a non water-soluble ink, but it needs to be very light, and it needs to not smear when in contact with water.

I next painted Violet Girl paying close attention to my water control. You don't want everything blending together giving it a muddled appearance.  Remember, to let things dry so the pigment doesn't run together.You may lose some detail, but that's ok.  Just keep the main details defined.  You can see, I may have lost some of the details of the flower, but for an image of this size it works.

After I colored Violet girl, I added some texture to the surrounding paper by using a Tim Holtz stencil #THS006 and some Smoked Gray distress ink.  Lastly, .  I used an old 6x6 pad by My Mind's Eye called "The Sweetest Thing".

It's a pretty basic card, but I wanted to demonstrate how easy this look is to achieve!

Thanks for joining in some Unity Fun.  Next down lane is Renee Moran.  Remember to leave some Uni love on ALL the blogs you visit, it's your ticket into the contest from some fun Unity Goodies.

Toodles-
Annie