Trick or Treat with Fun Stampers Journey

I hope that my USA friends had a great Labor Day holiday. It was very quiet here in the house, which meant that I got some studio time.  

My thoughts have been on mixed-media and Halloween. For my adventure yesterday I decided to go with the latter and break in one of our (Fun Stampers Journey) rubber stamp bundles, Trick or Treat. Fun Stampers Journey (FSJ) bundles include the rubber stamp set and a matching die set and we have many to choose from. Trick or Treat was just as much fun to color with Copics, as it was to finish my first Halloween décor for 2015.

After the Copic coloring was completed, I started going through some of my newer Spellbinder dies. The two that popped out at me were a Shapeabilities Pop Up Decorated Birthday die and the Painted Lady die.

I cut the Painted Lady twice with FSJ cardstocks in Rock Candy and Summer Days. I used some of the Summer Days cardstock for the windows paper piecing of the Painted Lady. After the paper piecing, I added some eyes and eyebrows hoping for a little eeriness. I added a little more Halloween coloring to the house with Eggplant, Sedona Sun, Black, and Sea glitter

The next step was die cutting FSJ Black Licorice cardstock with Spellbinder’s Pop Up die Decorated Birthday. I added a strip of FSJ’s Treat Time Prints 6” designer paper pad on the front bottom for stability. It’s now ready for the Trick or Treat images randomly placed around and on the house. I love the black cat on the roof. The final touch was a little cheese cloth colored with FSJ True Color Fusion ink in Sweet Pear and Hazel Nut.

I am looking forward to adding this to my collection of handmade Halloween decorations.

I love Halloween!

My very fun project would like to be considered for:

Die Cutting Divas – 3D Project

Through the Craft Room Door – Anything Goes

Crafting From the Heart – Anything Goes

MarkerPOP #77 – Fall/Autumn

If you would like to order any of the Fun Stampers Journey products, just click those links, and when it asks for your FSJ Coach’s information, key 155 or alethajane.  I would like to invite you to my Facebook group AJ’s Stampers Journey. We will be having a few contests for everyone’s chance to win some FSJ goodies, announcements on promotions, etc. I would love for you to join my FSJ team and become a FSJ Coach. Click here, or if you have any questions, please contact me.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my FSJ Halloween project.

I will see you again very soon.

Aletha Jane

AJ’s Design Artz

Fun Stampers Journey

December SPS Blog Hop

Welcome to our Sweet Pea Stamps (SPS) blog hop. Each of Sweet Pea’s amazing designers has come up with creative ways to use a non-Christmas themed image to create a Christmas themed project! We hope to inspire you to work out of the box for each and every holiday with images you might not consider when crafting.

If you came from Holley’s blog you are on the right track.

If you got lost along the way, below is our blog roll.

Sweet Pea Stamps

Ria

Suzi

Holley

Aletha – You are here!

Tera

Milo

Denise 

Sande

Jane

Nataliya

For my non-Christmas image I chose ching-chou-kuik’s Face #4. You can purchase most of CCK’s images in digital format or as rubber stamps. Her newest images are rubber stamp only. I colored Face #4 with Copics and I chose traditional Christmas colors. After coloring I trimmed her with curved dies. Before layering the image on green and red cardstock, I accented the inner background with green and red PanPastels and the outside edges with red ink.

Copics used:

Skin: E000, 009, 04, 11, 21, R20;

Hair: G40, 43, 46, 94, 99;

Roses: R01, 02, 05, 08, 89, W6.

My die cut accents are poinsettias and a white fleur di leis snow flake. My poinsettias were cut and embossed. While they were still in the die, I added gold ink to the embossed areas. The snow flake was cut in half and added to the top left corner and bottom right corner of the main image.

• My list of supplies and their links:
• Dies: Spellbinder’s A2 Curved Matting Basics A and B, Create-A-Flake 3, and Snowflake Pendent (2013);
• Inks: Fun Stamper Journey’s Candy Apple, Brilliance Galaxy Gold;
• Designer Paper: my stash;
• Cardstock: X-Press It Blender Card, Fun Stampers Journey Whip Cream, Candy Apply, Kiwi Slice.
• Rhinestones: Kaiser Craft

Here's a coupon that you can use NOW!

Please visit each of SPS’s talented team members' blogs and leave a little love - a comment on every hop post will enter you into a drawing for a $20 gift code to the Sweet Pea Stamps store! As an added bit of fun share the hop on Facebook tagging Sweet Pea Stamps for a chance for a $10 gift code to the Sweet Pea Stamps store! Winners will be chosen around the first of next week.

Tomorrow, in our SPS Facebook group, our bi-weekly art contest will begin again and last for 2 weeks. This contest will be that last one for 2014. Don’t worry; we will have another one starting January 12, 2015. Would you like to keep up with all the sales and new images at Sweet Pea? Come like our Sweet Pea page to get all the news. Be sure and check “get notifications.”

I am thrilled that you stopped by today. I wish everyone safe travels and a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Aletha Jane

AJ’s Design Artz

SPS Designer

“Oh My Little Chickadee…”

I hope everyone is having a very creative and productive week. I have been very busy with several Facebook groups and in-between that I was able to complete a project with Fun Stampers Journey (FSJ) stamps and supplies. Truth be told, I started on this last week. I am really enjoying getting back to my rubber stamps roots.

The Christmas spirit has finally grabbed me, so I decided to use the FSJ Christmas Melody set for my next rubber stamp project. There are three large stamps that make perfect images for cards. There are also a “Merry Christmas” sentiment and a gorgeous holly stamp for an extra embellishment. I chose the Chickadee image to begin my card.

Before the creative process started I stamped the chickadee with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Copic X-press Blending Card. It was then colored with Copics and trimmed with Spellbinder’s Celebration’s Pierced Oval. After the trimming I added FSJ Kiwi Slice True Color Fusion ink around the edges for a little more pop of color.

Copics used:

Chickadee: C0, 1, 3, 5, and clear glitter pen

Branch: E25, 50

Berries: R20, 22, 27, 29, 89

Background: W00, 0, 1, 2, 3

I could not locate any designer paper that I liked with my Chickadee (As much DP that I have, I was shocked! LOL) I decided I would make my own. I searched through my ever-growing stencil stash and found just what I was looking for. This stencil is from Joggles.

My finished card was going to be finished size of 5½” square, and I knew that there would be several layers of cardstock under my DP. I trimmed some FSJ Whip Cream cardstock to 5” square and got ready to stencil. For photographing purposes I used a piece of Kiwi Slice cardstock so you could see the cardstock and stencil. I taped the white cardstock, with removable tape, to the green cardstock. The next step was to position the stencil where I wanted the image from the stencil to be.

I am ready to create the designer paper. I used a sponge dauber with FSJ Kiwi Slice True Fusion ink. I always start on the right side because I am left handed, not as messy. This was the point where I started truly appreciating FSJ’s True Fusion inks. They are a hybrid ink so they keep that same pigment intensity as a pigment ink. They are also very quick drying, so no mess.

My embellishments are red ribbon and box (from my stash) and holly corners. My holly corners (see below) were die cut from Spellbinder’s Holly Motifs in FSJ Kiwi Slice cardstock. After embossing, and before I released them from the die, I used FSJ Kiwi Slice True Fusion Ink on the embossed areas. I die cut a total of eight hollies and used two for each corner. From my stash I glued red flat-backed pearls to the center.

For the completion of my card I used 8½”x11” FSJ Kiwi Slice cardstock trimmed to 5½”x11” and folded in half to make my 5½” square card base. Next step was to take my homemade designer paper and layer that with FSJ Kiwi Slice and Candy Apple cardstock. Before attaching this to my base I added my red ribbon and bow. My Chickadee was placed on two FSJ Caddy Apple cardstock oval die cuts and placed above the bow with foam tape. The final pieces were the holly corners. Mission completed!

Before I sign off, I wanted to invite you to my Facebook group, “AJ’s Stampers Journey.” The group is still in the growing stages and I am getting ready to send out catalogs to my members. If you would like a catalog, come join my group, and then send me a PM on Facebook or email me with your mailing information.

With Fun Stampers Journey you have a business opportunity of becoming a Journey Coach. You will have exclusive access to products, product discounts, a very generous compensation plan, and the ability to create and connect with friends and family. I don’t want you to miss this amazing opportunity of becoming one of the earliest coaches within this growing and expanding company, Fun Stampers Journey.  I would be honored to have you on my team. Click http://www.funstampersjourney.com/155 for more information. After you have read all the information and you have questions, please contact me at ajsdesigns@cox.net. 

"Oh My Little Chickadee" would like to enter the following challenges:

Craft-Dee BowZ - Anything Goes, include a handmade bow

My Craft Creations - Anything Goes

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

This was a rather long post, but I hope you had reading enjoyment, and maybe picked up a few tips. Thanks for stopping by. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Aletha Jane

AJ’s Design Artz

FSJ Coach

‘Twas the night before Christmas…

…and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” This time of year is my favorite for creating Christmas cards. I always do the traditional and complimentary colors, red and green, even in my house. I may add the touch of gold or purple, but the majority of my cards will be very strong in red and green. With that rule, “The Night before Christmas” image, designed by Rick St. Dennis MFA (RSD) for I Brake for Stamps (IBFS), was perfect for those two colors. You can find this little guy in digital format in the RSD’s digital section under the Randi Dandi Section at IBFS.

I colored “The Night before Christmas” with Copics and added some Gelly Roll Stardust glitter pen for some accents. After I fussy cut the image I layered it on Stampin’ Up!’s Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler cardstock.

Copics used:

Mouse: E21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and R02

Holly leaves: YG91, 93, 95, 97, 99

Candle, ornament, & bow tie: R20, 22, 24, 27, 29

Berries: RV91, 93, 95, 99

Candle holder & Background:

Y00, 11, 15, and YR23, 24

My dies cuts are Spellbinder’s Holly Motifs. Before I release the cardstock from the die, I distressed the embossed areas with Gathered Straw Distress Ink and added Stardust glitter pen to those areas.  The cuts around my main image are from the biggest die, but cut into fourths and the added to the back of the layered image. Finished it off with some flat-backed red pearls. My designer paper is from the Bazzil Basics Countdown to Christmas collection.

Thanks for stopping by. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate contacting me. Wishing everyone in the United States a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Aletha Jane

AJ’s Design Artz

IBFS Design Team

I Brake for a Christmas Dress

Hi all!  Today I have a very cute art card using one of Rick St. Dennis’s Christmas digital image, “Christmas Dress,” available at I Brake for Stamps (IBFS). If you are one of those that just have to get your rubber stamps out to feel the thrill (I know that I am), you can also find her in a single rubber stamp or in a sheet of four amazing rubber stamps.

I printed Christmas Dress out twice and colored both images with Copics and added some sparkle with Spica pens in blue, yellow, and red. I kept everything in traditional Christmas colors, which I love. After the coloring, I fussy cut both images, but one image I fussy cut out just the little girl. Assembled these two and layered on Stampin’ Up!’s cardstock in Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive. The designer paper is Echo Park’s collection from Carta Bella “So this is Christmas.”

Copics used:

Skin: E000, 00, 11, R02

Hair: E21, 26, 37, 50, YR27

Dress: R81, 83, 85, 89

Trees: G40, 82, 94, 99

Ornaments: Rs above, Y23, 26, 28, and

B91, 93, 95, 97, 99

Planters: E42, 43, 44, 47, 49

I used Spellbinder’s Holly Motifs dies and cut the motifs from Old Olive cardstock. After doing the final assembly for the whole card I added some sparkle with Red Wink of Stella brush markers. I added a few red and green crystals and I think she's ready to show off her new Christmas dress.

Challenges that I would like to enter are:

2 Sister's Challenge - Christmas Sparkle

Krafy Hands Challenge - Traditional Christmas Colors

Sweet Stampin' - Christmas 

Thanks for stopping by. I hope that you stop by our IBFSblog every day. I am sure you can pick up some inspiration from some very talented designers. Check out our IBFS Facebook page for all the happenings at IBFS. I hope everyone has a great week!

Aletha Jane

AJ’s Design Artz

IBFS Design Team

A New Pirate for RSD

Happy Saturday everyone! Where did spring go? I still feel the need to hibernate. I hope we see tulips blooming soon.

Rick St. Dennis MFA has created another beautiful pirate. Meet Pirate Nayja. Rick gave each of his Elite Design Team (EDT) different instructions on what colors to use. My assignment was to use greens. I decided on olives and sages. I hope you like her. Isn't all that hair to die for? The Copics colors I have used are right below the picture.

 

 Pirate Nayja in green:

Skin: E000, 11, R20;

Hair: Y11, 21, E97, 99;

Sword & knife: Y15, YR23, 24;

Skirt, bodice, kerchief, hat feathers: G20, 21, 24

Boots, gloves, belt, purse, vest, hat: YG91, 93, 95, 99.

I decided to do a second version of Pirate Nayja. This one is in more neutral colors. I was trying to go for the feel of actual leather colors. I would think that pirates did wear a lot of leather.

 

Pirate Nayja in neutrals:

Skin: E000, 11 R20;

Hair: Y11, 21, E97, 99;

Skirt: E50, 51, 53, 55, 57, W2;

Boots, scabbard, gloves, belt, hat, vest: C2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9;

Sword & knife: Y15, YR 23, 24.

Glad you stopped by. If you need for information contact me. If you would like to see the other color variations from Rick's EDT of Pirate Nayja head over to Rick’s blog.

Aletha Jane

AJ’s Design Artz

New Marker Challenge at CBD

Happy Wednesday everyone! We have a brand new challenge for you over at Crafting by Designs. This challenge is for all you alcohol marker artists. You must use those markers somewhere on your project. I have also decided to give this one a theme of “Hearts.” It’s real close to Valentine’s Day, so why not.

Our sponsor for CBD’s alcohol marker challenge is none other than Rick St. Dennis MFA. I know that most of you have seen his images, and boy let me tell you, his illustrations run the gambit of eclectic, right up my alley. His prize for this challenge is two images, of the winner’s choice, from his Etsy Shop.

 I decided to use one of his very “cute” images, “ValentineTurtle.” Isn’t he the cutest? He is on his way to see his little turtle girlfriend, and he is bringing his present with him. He’s also a lot of fun to color. My alcohol markers of choice are Copics, what else! All of my supplies are from my stash. The sentiment was designed by my very good friend, Cindy Echtinaw. The set is called Fancy Hearts.

 

 

Please come play with us at Crafting by Designs. I want to see something, from you, with hearts, but you must use alcohol markers. After you link up to our challenge, please hop on over to our Facebook group, Crafting by Designs. If you haven’t already, join and show us you little piece of art with hearts.

Thanks for stopping by. If you have any questions, please contact me.  Have a great and creative week.

Aletha Jane

AJ’s Design Artz

RSD in the early 1900s

Happy Monday! I hope that all of you enjoyed the First Annual Rick St. Dennis (RSD) MFA “13 Days of Creepmas.”  Just to brag a little, Rick’s Elite Design Team created some amazing little pieces of art with Rick’s images. He also rolled out a lot of new images too. If you missed any of the new ones, you can catch up starting at his blog Airless Chambers.

I bring to you today a very fun card that I created using one of RSD’s newer images, 1918 Hat. Do you like to color hair? This one is for you. Look at those ringlets! I really had fun with those curls. And her hat…I love the broad brim. I kept it all in greens and yellows. I think that I am wishing for spring time and some rain!

I kept the layout fairly simple due the beautiful image. I really want Rick’s images to be the center of attention. She is colored with Copics and a little Spica pen. She is then cut with a scalloped die and popped up on a circle die. Background paper is from my stash, added some lace and ribbon, plus the corner dies. For the finishing touch added some roses with Crystal Stickles, gotta love those Stickles!

Supplies that I used are:

• Copics: E000, 04, 11, 15, 18, 33, 34, 39, 53; R20; YR21; YG95, 97; Y0000, 11, 15, 26, 28.
• Dies: Spellbinders Large Standard Circles and Large ClassicScalloped Circles; Cheery Lynn Designs Lace Corner Deco B.
• Designer Paper: Global Views collection from De’ja’ Views (Michaels).
• Cardstock: SU Always Artichoke, Barely Banana.
• Flowers: Wild Orchid from I Brake for Stamps.
• Other: Ribbon and Lace from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

My 1918 Hat art card will be entered in the following challenges:

Challenges 4 Everybody – Anything Goes,

Eclectic Ellapu – Anything Goes,

Artistic Inspirations – Anything Goes,

Make It Monday – Anything Goes.

Do you need some more Rick St. Dennis inspiration? Head on over to our groups on Facebook, Rick St. Dennis Fans & Friends, and at The Crafter’s Café (TCC), Rick St. Dennis & Friends. There is a challenge going on over at TCC. You create anything you want, but no cards allowed. You do have to use an RSD image, but I know that will not be a problem for most of you.

Thanks for stopping by. If you have any questions, please contact me. Until next time you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Aletha

A Blossom for Thursday

I thought I would take a few minutes and post another {ippity} card that I completed yesterday.

This was a really easy one to make and a lot of fun. I like lots of layers and I love sketches. For my sketch I used one of the latest ones published at Splitcoast Stampers. This one is SC389. Beautiful sketch and I added all the layers.

The blossom stamp is from an {ippity} set “Now & Always.” This is a very popular set and I cannot keep it in stock. In fact my {ippity} Sales Blog shows that I have it in stock, but don’t believe it. It just sold, so I have to order some more. I am not complaining. I LOVE the sales! If you are not into making your own cards, this Blossom greeting card is now on my site, AJ’s Designs.

On to my project…I first stamped the blossom three times on Cryogen cardstock. Then colored the blossom with Copic markers and cut out each section. I did the layering so I could get the 3D affect. Love dimension!

My cardstock is from Stampin’ Up! in Cherry Cobbler (a favorite of mine) and True Thyme. The designer paper is from BasicGrey’s Sugared collection. The Fanciful Flourish is a favorite die from Cheery Lynn Designs.

I am entering Blossom greeting card in the following challenges:

The Crafter’s Café – Embellies with a Twist, Layers

Splitcoast Stampers – Sketch Challenge 389

Crafts and Me – Anything Goes

Stamp ‘n Doodle – Swirls

Bearly Mine Challenges - Flowers

Just a little more…You are invited to two wonderful Get Hippity with {ippity} groups. The first one is at The Crafter’s Café – Get Hippity with {ippity}/Join the Unity Community. We have a monthly card game to win a grab bag and an {ippity} Itty Bitty stamp. The second is on Facebook – Get Hippity with {ippity}. Come join us at both groups and show us your love of {ippity} and Unity.

Thanks for stopping by. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate contacting me.
Aletha