Handmade Christmas 2017: Joy to Light Up Your World using Concord & 9th and Chibitronics

  Joy is an emotion that a lot of people struggle with, so I wanted to create a design that was simple.  Joy is not the same as happiness or excitement.  Joy is what loving memories are made of.  Joy is created when you take the time to slow down and immerse yourself in the moment, taking stock of those you love and those that love you.  Joy is a gift from our Triune God and it persists through pain or lonliness or grief.  Christmas is celebrated by many different traditions and cultures around the world, but what links them together is the gift that was made available through the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ.  That, if nowhere else, is where our Joy can be found and embraced. 
   Yes, it lights up!  How fun is that!  Todays project is a light up using vellum in order to let a little more light show through and it's so pretty.  I've been having so much fun using the Chibitronics circuit builder set because it really is easy and allows you to create such fun and interactive cards.  I chose Teal and Gold for this card because I wanted to do a mix between traditional and festive with the colors and they look great together.  Here is the link to the video on my YouTube channel showing you step by step how to recreate this card at home or, better yet, take your own spin on it.  My supplies are listed below.

Supplies:
Concord & 9th Joy S&D
MISTI
DCWV Shimmer stack
Vellum
Scor-tape
Delicata Golden Glitz ink
Avery Elle Wonky Stitches die
Chibitronics set
3M Foam tape
Versamark ink
Simon Says Stamp Ultrafine Antique Gold EP
Neenah Classic Cream cardbase
White cardstock

Thanks for stopping by!  Let me know if you have any questions (about cards or Jesus ;) )

Merry CHRISTmas,
Jasmine

Handmade Christmas 2017: Scraps and Die Cuts

 As you may have noticed, there's no stamping in todays cards.  It's all scrap papers and die cuts so we not only use up otherwise unusable excess, but also give ourselves a creative stretch.  I have all sorts of different papers in these cards; glitter, foil, patterned paper, wood veneer, velvet and shimmer.  To add interest and flair, mix up your finishes.  Varying the textures also gives depth and dimension to the finished product.  You also want to pay attention to widths.  Place wide pieces next to skinny pieces so that you draw the eye and add interest.  You can make these any size too.  I went with the standard 4.25" x 5.5", but the size is only limited by the length of your scraps.  This technique also works for absolutely any occasion and it's perfect for guy cards.  I have strips as thin as 1/8" and as wide as 3/4".  I used my paper trimmer to cut strips down and trim off any torn or crooked edges.  Here is the link to the video tutorial on my YouTube channel and my supplies are listed below.

Supplies:
DCWV papers

• glitter
• foil
• shimmer

Doodlebug

• velvet
• patterned paper

ARC wood veneer paper
MemoryBox Snowflake Border die
Simon Says Stamp Merry Christmas die
Simon Says Stamp Christmas Blessings die
Neat & Tangled Happy Holidays die
Sizzix TH Alterations Reindeer Flight die
Stick-It sheet adhesive
Scor-tape
Tombow Mono Multi glue
Snowflake dies
White cardstock, cut to 4.25x5.5"
Neenah Cream cardbases

 I hope you're enjoying some creative time and get the opportunity to give yourself a creative stretch to try this technique out.  It's really easy and a great way to create quick yet beautiful cards and use up some leftovers in the process.

Merry CHRISTmas and much love,
Jasmine

Handmade Christmas 2017: Gerda Steiner and Chibitronics Light Up Rudy

 Please forgive my thumb in the photo; I didn't have another way of demonstrating the fact that Rudy's nose lights up.  And it's the point of the card and video, so it was kind of important.  I've had a box of Chibitronics sitting in my studio since last Christmas that I never got around to playing with but I'll be honest, building electronic circuits was intimidating.  However, all the instructions and easy to follow blueprints make it really simple and fun.  I made three for the series this year only because I ran out of batteries.
I had the Peeking Friends stamp set from Gerda Steiner designs and my idea was to create a scene with Rudolph and Santa peeking in a window.   I also had an alcohol ink background that reminded me of a night galaxy sky.  Things were starting to take shape.  I dug out the window die I knew I had somewhere; add the glowing nose and all that was left to do was put everything together.  Here is the video tutorial on my YouTube channel and my supplies are listed below.  Here is the link to the video with the alcohol ink background.

Supplies:
Gerda Steiner Designs Peeking Friends stamp set
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Bristol Smooth cardstock
MISTI
ARC Cherry Veener paper
Mama Elephant Creative Cuts Peek A Frame
Stick It Sheet Adhesive
Chibitronics
3M Foam tape
White cardstock
Yupo
Alcohol Inks
Staz-On Cotton White ink
Neenah Classic Cream cardstock
Hero Arts Acetate
Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangle (2.75"x4")
Copics:
Rudolph: E17, 19; E23, 25, 27; R27, 37, 39, 20; C6
Santa: E00, 50, 51; R27, 37, 39; C0, 00, CB

I hope you have a wonderfully creative and happy Christmas season!

For His glory and much love,
Jasmine

Handmade Christmas 2017: Easy Watercolor cards with Koi and Fine-Tec Metallics

 It's the fourth post in my Handmade Christmas 2017 series and I have 4 easy watercolor cards that are perfect for mass production.  I used 1 stamp set, 3 watercolor palettes and 1 sheet of 9x12 watercolor paper.  You don't have to be a master watercolor artist to make these cards.  If you can move a brush from side to side, you can make these.  Easy peasy. I wanted to keep products to a minimum by using them in different combinations on each card so that you get variety without needing/using tons of different things.

Here is the link to the video tutorial on my YouTube channel and my supplies are listed below.

Supplies (used in each card):
Canson XL 140 lb Coldpress watercolor paper
Hero Arts SD412 stamp set
Archival Jet Black ink
Koi Pocket Feild Sketch watercolor palette
Silver Black Velvet brushes
MISTI
Versamark
Green tree on red mat:

• Fine-tec- Red and Bronze paints
• Lindy's Stamp Gang Candy Cane Red Gold embossing powder
• Avery Elle Wonky Stitches die
• DCWV Red Foil cardstock

Green tree on Gold mat:

• Ranger Liquid Platinum embossing powder
• Viva Decor Pearl Pen (or Nuvo drops)
• Avery Elle Wonky Stitches die
• DCWV Gold Foil cardstock

Blue wash on Gold mat

• Wow Sparkling Snow embossing powder
• Fine-tec Inka-gold and Luna-gold paints
• DCWV Gold Foil cardstock

Blue/Bronze on Red mat

• Cosmic Shimmer glue
• Elizabeth Crafts True Red microfine glitter
• Doodlebug Red Velvet cardstock
• Wow Sparkling Snow embossing powder

 I hope you enjoyed todays post and video.  Watercolors are really quite forgiving and these are a really easy way to get your feet wet ;)  Merry Christmas!

For His glory and much love,
Jasmine

Handmade Christmas 2017: Art Impressions Bells Ring with Copics

 Today we have the third card in my Handmade Christmas 2017 card series.  Every time I look at this set and this card, "Shake Your Booty" by KC and the Sunshine band gets in my head.  And how can you not smile and laugh when you see a booty-shaking snowman getting his groove on?  I think we need more of that; more laughter, more silliness and more mirth all around.  Christmas celebrates where we can find ultimate joy- Jesus.  Joy that doesn't fade or end, but lasts forever.
The stamp set used is Bells Ring by Art Impressions.  The set comes with the stamps, die and 1 action wobble.  You can buy more action wobbles at their website and many retailers carry them as well.  If you enjoy coloring, this card is easily mass-produced as well.  Here is the link to the video tutorial on my YouTube channel and the supplies are listed below.

Supplies:
Art Impressions Bells Ring set
AI Action Wobbles
Bristol Smooth cardstock
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Avery Elle Wonky Stitches die
Copics:

• Jacket/Berries: R37, 39, 59
• Hat/Gloves: E17, 18, 19
• Scarf/Leaves: G17, 19, 29
• Carrot nose: YR15, 04
• Bells: Y17, 35; YR20
• Shadows: C00, 2
• Blush: R20

Doodlebug Ladybug (Red) Velvet cardstock
Neat & Tangled banner die
Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen
Neenah Classic Cream cardbase
Scor-tape
Power-tabs (adhesive foam squares)

I hope you are enjoying this years card series so far.  I also hope and pray that you know Jesus.  If you don't, I encourage you to check him out and give him a chance.

For His glory and much love,
Jasmine

Handmade Christmas 2017: Neat & Tangled Lumberjack Love with Copics

 Hello and welcome to the second card in my Handmade Christmas 2017 card series.  The Neat & Tangled Lumberjack Love set is geared more towards Valentines day than Christmas, but I thought why couldn't it be a Christmas card.  Romance abounds around the holidays, possibly even more so that the rest of the year.  So this card is for lovers and I colored the girl like me and the boy like my husband.  He proposed to me in January and we're coming up on our 10 year wedding anniversary, so he was on my mind while making this card.
I stamped the images first, using the MISTI and Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  When deciding which ink to use, keep this rule in mind: opposites attract.  Copics are alcohol ink markers and need dye ink images because the dye ink doesn't react with alcohol and it wont smudge or bleed.  The industry has made advancements in technology and produced inks that are any medium safe, but I don't have them, so I'll continue to use what I know ;).  The background is alcohol inks and Yupo.  Yupo is actually plastic and will warp easily with heat.  The piece I used did begin to warp as I finished up the embossing.  So be careful with it.  Let your gun run for 30-60 seconds to get hot before applying to your paper so that you're heating for a shorter time span.  Or just use glossy cardstock with your alcohol inks and avoid the issue altogether.  Here is the link to the video tutorial on my YouTube channel and the supplies are listed below.

Supplies:
Neat & Tangled Lumberjack Love S&D
Bristol Smooth cardstock
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
MISTI original
Wow Snow Sparkle embossing powder
Versamark
Ranger Silver Pearl embossing powder
Avery Elle Wonky Stitches die
White Yupo paper
Ranger Alcohol inks

• Denim/ Sky/ Indigo/ Amethyst/ Snow Cap/ Pearl

Alcohol Blending Solution
Mini Mister
Woodgrain patterned paper
Scor-tape
Foam Squares
Copic Markers
Brown Hair: E25, 27, 29, 71, 74
Blonde Hair: E51, 33; YR20
Girl Outfit: E13, 15, 17, 19, 50, 51 Headband and Bird: B12, 14, 16
Boy Outfit: Hat and Shirt: B12, 14, 16 Jeans: B32, 34 Shoes: E13, 15, 23, 25
Skin: E51, 33, 31 Ax: C2, 4
Stump: E31, 27, 47, 49

Thanks for stopping by.  Always happy to answer any questions.  Merry Christmas!

For His glory and much love,
Jasmine

Handmade Christmas 2017: Penny Black Winter Fairy with Copics

Hello and welcome to the kick off of my Handmade Christmas 2017 series.  Christmas is my favorite time of the year and I'm always looking forward to the creativity that comes with cardmaking.  The only rules are the ones we give ourselves.
I fell in love with the Penny Black Winter Fairy image because she looks so sweet, innocent and darling; it reminded me of childhood Christmases that were magical and lovely.  I imagine that snowball as her gift to baby Jesus; heartfelt and genuine.
The blue and purple version was a practice card, but I absolutely loved how it turned out and decided to include it in the post.  Copic markers are amazing in the right hands and they're a labor of love, but I'm determined to get better with them.  The blue and purple is in the non-traditional color family while the red and gold is certainly in the traditional realm and both are beautiful.
Here is the link to the video tutorial on my YouTube channel and my supply list is below.

Supplies: Red/Gold
Penny Black Winter Fairy stamp
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Strathmore Bristol Smooth cardstock
MISTI
Copics:Red/Gold
Hair: E31, 33, 37; YR20
Skin: E50, 51, 21; R11, 20
Skirt: R27, 29, 37, 39, 59
Wings and Snowball: RV0000
Earmuffs and legwarmers: C00, 0, 1; R27, 37, 59

DCWV Foiled Cardstock Stack- Red/Gold
Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangle dies
Viva Decor Hologram Glitter Pen
Neenah Classic Cream cardbase
SSS Merry Christmas die
Stick-It sheet adhesive
Scor-tape




Blue/Purple:
DCWV Shimmer Cardstock: Pale Blue
Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangle dies
Spectrum Noir Clear Sparkle Pen
Neenah Classic Cream cardbase
Doodlebug White Glitter cardstock
Stick-It sheet adhesive
Neat & Tangled Happy Holidays die
Scor-tape


Thanks for stopping by to hang out with me.  Let me know if you have any questions; always happy to help.  If you're interested in Copic marker classes, go see Sandy at art-classes.com.  She's got mad skills and so easy to learn from.  Merry Christmas!!

For His glory and much love,
Jasmine