Savor the Journey

Welcome back for the 2nd day of Gina K. sneak peeks!   Tonight we’re introducing you to two more new stamp sets, “Oh Baby”(by Rupa Shevde) and “Pressed Flowers”(by Melanie Muenchinger).

My card features the sweet new “Oh Baby” set.  This set is going to such a perfect go-to choice for baby items!  I’ve tried to create the look of an endearing nursery in this card, adding some crimped cardstock in the style of ‘beadboard’ wainscoting.   Ribbon was added as the faux ‘chair rail’ division between ‘wainscoting’ & ‘wallpaper’.  The sweet little ducks in this cute stamp set reminded me of a little Fisher-Price pull-toy we had long ago in the toy stash.  Gosh!  It makes me wonder where-oh-where did that cute little toy go over the years?   I’ve cut out the 3 duckies, popped them up on pop dots, and linked them with jute, finished off with a seed bead as the pull knob.  Glue dots are my fav choice for adhering buttons, so I know these little duckies won’t be losing their wheels!    

The Pressed Flowersstamp set was designed to be a perfect companion to Melanie’s A Year of Flowers set! It is also a perfect stand alone set as each bold stamp image lends itself to many techniques as you will see on each designer’s blogs tonight!

Start with the Illustrator’s blog Melanie Muenchinger , then visit these designer’s blogs for even more samples with this stamp set and Rupa Shevde’s Oh Baby Stamp set as well!

Gina Krupsky
Jessica Fick *
Theresa Momber
Nina Brackett
Carolyn King
Cathy Tidwell
Lee Murphy
Lynn Mercurio
Kurtis Amundson
Donna Baker
Emily Giovanni
Erika Martin
Bev Gerard
Suzanne Dean *

* also previewing the new Card Kit Stamp set: Spring Florals

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Project Recipe:  STAMPS = “Oh Baby” (Gina K. Designs)INKS = Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers Y00, Y21, Y23, Y38, B93, YR0000, YR23, R11

PAPERS = Gina K. Pure Luxury White, Prism Twilight Medium, dsp Paper Pizzazz

ACCESSORIES = Spellbinders NestabilitiesLabels Four, Paper Crimper, Ribbon, Buttons (stash), jute, Pop Dots, Glue Dots, Thread, Seed bead

Welcome!  It’s a pleasure to be participating in tonight’s blog hop, featuring a preview of Gina K’s new set, “Hope is Faith”.   Gina designed this beautiful set as her latest “stamps for a cause” contribution, in response to the overwhelming needs caused by the tragic earthquakes in Haiti. 

  My hope was to try to give the butterfly the appearance of flight, so I stamped it twice on cardstock, and a third time on vellum.  Each layer was cut out and colored with a small watercolor brush dipped in Distress Inks with a touch of shimmer added.   Just like the inner iridescence of butterfly wings, this shimmer seemed elusive to my camera, yet is subtle & easily seen IRL.  

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Just as Gina’s stamps for a cause are always in the spirit of giving, this project will be a gift to someone special who is in need of uplifting due to a lengthy health issue.  I love the message given in this beautiful sentiment, and hopefully, it will bring a lift of love and hope each time she sees this.

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I’ve altered two chipboard coasters, hinged with ribbon ties at the center.  I applied Dusty Concord ink to the backs of the coasters, then misted with a shimmery pearl spray featuring Perfect Pearls.   The sentiment was stamped on a gentle layer of vellum, which allows a bit of the lightly colored shimmer cardstock behind to show through.  I hope you like it!    This set will be released along with even more great new sets this Thursday night at Gina K’s release party!  

On a more personal note, it has been a quiet hope of mine to one day participate with one of Gina’s ’stamps for a cause’ sets.   This opportunity is actually the realization of one of my long-time wishes.  Thank you, Gina & Jessica!

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A special note:  The Hope is Faith mini stamp set retails for $9.95. It was created to raise money for the Red Cross to help with the devastation in Haiti. $2.00 of every purchase of this stamp set will be sent directly to the Red Cross throughout the month of February.

As the first responders to disasters around the world, the Red Cross is there to help with the basic needs of these people who have suffered so much. By purchasing this mini set, you will help to make a difference to people who are desperate by supporting an organization that works tirelessly to feed, clothe, comfort and care for those in need.

We welcome you to explore the beautiful creations using this set!   And please stay tuned for a preview of more new sets tomorrow night (10 p.m. CST) at our next preview blog hop featuring more new stamps!  I hope to see you again then!  

Hope is Faith Illustrator: Gina Krupksy
Hang in There Illustrator: Theresa Momber (Wings of Hope Digital Paper designer)

Jessica Fick
Melanie Muenchinger
Nina Brackett
Carolyn King
Tami Mayberry
Asela Hopkins
Cathy Tidwell
Lee Murphy
Lynn Mercurio
Kurtis Amundson
Donna Baker
Emily Giovanni
Erika Martin
Bev Gerard
Colleen Schaan
Suzanne Dean
Valerie Stangle

I hope you’re enjoying a blessed Sunday, friends!    

I was privileged to spend part of Saturday, into some night, with 3 of my 4 little loves while their Mommy & Daddy were busy with the youth during the Disciple Now weekend.  I know the two grown-ups of that household will be feeling pretty sleep-deprived by the time of tonight’s Super Bowl, but I’m thinkin’ that “that’s” why the younger folks have the little ones …. “they” can handle that double-triple-duty stuff!   On the other hand ….. some of us might need a rest in between.   No, I am not namin’ names here.        

I’ll be watching the Super Bowl with great friends, a.k.a. great neighbors tonight.  But that’s not the only good stuff happening later tonight!  As you & I both know, football is not the only ‘game’ in town!    You’re definitely invited back at 10:00 p.m. CST (USA) tonight for a brand new blog hop from Gina K!   We’ll be introducing a most inspiring & beautiful set that Gina has created especially for a wonderful cause.   I honestly believe that you’re going to love this upcoming set as much as I do, so please stop by Savor the Journey tonight after 10 p.m. CST for inspiration and links to so much more! 

Now please enjoy your day, savor something happy and/or dear, and know that I’m sending a smile your way!  Thanks everyone!

Do you adore giving or receiving sweet little surprise gifts?  I know the practice occurs between friends, sometimes between co-workers, & surely between loved ones.  Today I’ve got a very quick & easy-to-assemble idea, with a simple band of papers belted around a hinged tin filled with sweet Valentine candies.

The sweet ‘Heartily Yours’ stamp set is by Nina Brackett of Gina K. Designs.  I’ve silver embossed the sentiment, and simply stamped the love birds in pink, adding a wee bit of color with just 2 markers.   The ‘belly-band’ or belt was easily cut to fit, layering a dry embossed silver layer atop a border punched pink layer.  Scor-Tape secured the band for easy sliding on & off from the hinged tin.  Voila’!  Give it a try for a sweet surprise soon!

It’s so good to see you here!  Wishing you an Mmmmm-mmmmmmmm sweet day!

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Project Recipe:  STAMPS = Heartily Yours (Gina K Designs)

INKS = Ranger Embossing Ink, Copic Markers B02 + YG93, SU Pixie Pink

PAPERS =  Gina K’s Passionate Pink + Silver Lining + Pure Luxury White

ACCESSORIES =   Hinged Tin, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Three, Bow Easy, Pop Dots, Cuttlebug folder Heart Blocks, Cuttlebug, Ranger Glossy Accents (adhesive for rhinestones), rhinestones, Ranger silver embossing powder, silver organdy ribbon, Martha Stewart border punch, glue dots

Okay … I’ll admit it.   This post has little or nothing to do about ’stamping’.  And yes, my blog is based upon my love of paper-crafting, rubber stamping, and related topics for sure.

So why title this “Happy, Happy, Happy!” ??

  Because if you step into my stampin’ studio …. that’s precisely what you’re going to smell!  LOL   Two days ago, I was reaching for something in my little cabinet in the ‘powder room’ of the studio.  Wellllll … a virtual domino-effect began, with the end result being a little bottle of Clinique’s “Happy” cologne broken on the tile floor …..

Let’s just say that there’s really no reason for me to continue using my usual Glade warmers for now, because “Happy” is BIG in this realm right now!!   If you aren’t “happy”, then maybe you need to get some!  

 LOL    Thanks for stopping by today!   Here’s to something “Happy” in your life today!

~Bev

  One of of my favorite blessings is the lush beauty of plants, trees, and flowers.  Alas, I’m certainly not a gardener but I truly adore the sights and scents of green living things.  Naturally, I was smitten with a beautiful orchid plant which greeted us each time we approached the hotel elevators in Anaheim last week during CHA.   Luckily, I knew I had a beautiful orchid stamp waiting here at home, and it’s actually one of the first stamps I wanted to use upon my return.   Tex’s Tip:  Sometimes, one must give in to that inner voice and create while the idea is right there!

   My preferred ink for stamping prior to Copic coloring is Memento’s Tuxedo Black.  There’s no heat-setting required, and I can color within moments of stamping on high-quality cardstock.   For this orchid, I found that Gina’s Vibrant Violet C/S was an excellent match to my photo of the orchid.  From there, it was simply a matter of selecting the best Copic colors to bring it all together.   The layout was inspired by this week’s featured stamper challenge, FS156, over at SCS.  

So there you have it!   An orchid from me to you!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Whereever you are, I hope you find something to savor today, and a reason to smile!

Thanks, everyone!

Bev

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  Card Recipe:  STAMPS = “Lovely Shelf” (by Nina Brackett @ Gina K. Designs)

INKS = Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers = V000,V06, V09, V12, V15, V17, YG0000, YG91, YG93, YG95, YG97, N1

PAPERS = Gina K’s Pure Luxury White + Vibrant Violet C/S

ACCESSORIES = Spellbinders Nestabilities Ovals + Scallop Ovals, Pop Dots, May Arts Ribbon, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Corner Chomper

   Strike up the band!  Hear the trumpeting from Rubbernecker!   

Today, we officcially welcome our newest Red Hot Momma to the Rubbernecker Design Team … the talented, story-telling, & creative Cindy Motherway (a.k.a. Mothermark @ SCS)!!   I wish I had a polka-dotted background or fonts to use in this post, ‘cuz that’s just one of the things Ms. Cindy loves.  You’ll notice the famous polka dots when you check out her glob (a.k.a. blog), This is My Story. 

So please join in our virtual parade, and march on over to welcome Cindy .. and get ready for some rootin’ tootin’ fun while you’re there!   

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!   To say the least, it is “brisk” here in N. Texas!   I’m huddled in the studio with a blankie and more for sure, when typically I’m one of the last to be bothered by cold.  Apparently 27 degrees is past my limit.  …          Blessings to my friends who have it even colder, indeed!

I’ve got an little altered bandaid tin to share with you today.  It’s filled with lemon tea bags, just right for our friends who have caught a bug or a cold.   Hmmmmmm … Maybe I should make another one that just says, Stay Warm!   The sentiment was stamped with pigment ink directly onto the printed paper, then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  Paper edges were sponged with plum ink on the sentiment layers as well as on the edges of the altering paper.

  Tex’s Tip:  My favorite adhesive for applying any items to tin, including paper, is Scor-Tape.  I love that it has a very high degree of “tack” (adhesive strength), and it is still thin enough that it doesn’t add bulk behind the paper. Additionally, it’s static-free when you peel off the white backing ….  so much easier than chasing the peeled red bits from the red line adhesives.

In some small way, the bandaid tin seems appropriate here this week.  I’m steadily using sport bandaids to dress a cut on my foot … another ‘remembrance’ from the trip home from CHA.  As I was stepping off from a ”people-mover” at the PHX airport, a male crew member from US Airways hurried on past me, and wheeled his travel briefcase over my sandaled left foot.  My sandal went on ahead of me, and I spun around trying to catch something to keep from falling.   The crew member was long gone, even though I’m sure my ouchy shout was heard by several.   Oh well … the cut has stopped leaking, but is still getting daily antibiotic care with bandaids.   Tex’s Tip:  Beware of those feisty rolling bags when you least expect it …. and perhaps consider wearing something other than sandals in the airport!  LOL   

It’s good to be back at home, even in this freezy weather.   Last night I finally got some longer, much-needed sleep …. ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!   Thanks so much for your visit here at Savor the Journey.   Here’s to a sweet weekend for each of you!

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Project Recipe:  STAMPS = Grande Striped Get Well Text

INKS = SU Perfect Plum (Craft & Classic)

PAPERS = dsp from The Paper Studio, SU Perfect Plum

ACCESSORIES =  Spellbinders Nestabilities Scallop Rectangles, Ranger Clear Embossing Powder, Scor-Tape, pop dots, sponge, various ribbons, tea bags

Hi there, everyone!!   At last, I’m back at home in Texas, just beginning to recover from a most delightful CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) experience in Anaheim during the past week.  What a sweet time of seeing friends from afar and meeting new friends as well.  It was also a time of blessings, {{{hugs}}}, laughs, plus peeking at, touching, and sometimes using the new products that we’ll be using later this Spring in our crafty endeavors.    I’ll be sharing more about all of these things very soon …. there’s much editing to do in the meantime!    *grin*

Tonight, I’m tickled to be taking part in Gina K’s blog hop featuring Alicia Krupsky’s “Wishes & Dreams” stamp set.   I adore the fairy images and sweet sentiments in this set.  I think the images are ideal for cards for those sweet tweens & teens in your life! 

The sweet little fairy was stamped on Gina’s Pure Luxury White cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink before coloring with Copic Markers.  I truly thought that I had saved a list of the Copics, but alas, I’m not finding it at the time of this writing.  If I do locate said list, I’ll be sure to add it in later.  The shaped layers were all cut with Spellbinders Labels One Nestabilities. 

Card Recipe:  STAMPS >>  Wishes & Dreams (Gina K. Designs)

INKS >>  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

PAPERS >>  Gina K. Pure Luxury White + Sweet Corn cardstock,  Junkitz Summer Collectionz designer paper, SU Brocade Blue c/s

ACCESSORIES >>  Gina K. Ribbon Sweet Corn Stripe,  Rhinestones Assortment, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One, Pop Dots, Quickie Glue Pen, Stampendous Multi Glitter, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder, Cropadile Corner Chomper

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You’re invited to check out these links for even more inspiration:

Jessica Fick
Melanie Muenchinger
Lee Murphy
Asela Hopkins
Erika Martin

Theresa Momber
Colleen Schaan
Suzanne Dean
StampTV Idea Center

Now, it’s your turn! Please hop over to Gina’s blog to add the direct link to your blog post showcasing Alicia’s Wishes and Dreams stamp set in the Mister Linky Box. Gina will have a special prize for the one link that she chooses out of all the participating bloggers - check out her blog for the details.

Hello Friends!

Has everyone given up and gone away?   First, I must apologize.  My blog service was completely down for a few days.  I was unable to access to write or update.  I’m not even sure whether or not readers could “see” Savor the Journey.  

On Wednesday, Jan. 20, a couple of darling girlfriends, Joan Ervin and Pam Hooten, arrived at my home to get ready to depart Texas for our long-awaited trip to CHA in Anaheim, California on Thursday, Jan. 21.   Wellllllllll ….. we were “tested” by frightening wind shears as we landed in Phoenix, AZ, and all flights out of Phoenix were cancelled for the rest of the day.  Yep!  We were officially stuck in a virtual “sea” of baggage and displaced passengers.  No one was happy, and all were hurridly seeking hotel rooms, and searching for their elusive baggage.  Like I said …. this had to be a “test”!  

At long last, we had located all of our drenched luggage, and after much waiting we had secured a hotel reservation with confirmation number.  So, we headed outside into the rains to wait for the hotel shuttle!  Here we go!    … …. Not.

Upon arrival at the Doubletree, we were informed that the displaced passengers had been given 50 rooms, when they only had 25 to give.   (Imagine all 3 of us moving our luggage plus our weary selves to the lobby to plot the next move.)   Did you know that $7.00 plus tax will buy a small Snickers bar and 2 little bags of Lay’s Potato Chips?    Tex’s Tip:  When rationed carefully, a Snickers bar can handle two chocolate-loving friends, while the salty in me was savoring some of those chips for sure!

After much waiting, several phone calls to other hotels, and waning hope of a bed to sleep in, the hotel manager approached us.   (Stand in unision, ladies, for in unity, we have strength!)   Expecting to be told to vacate the premises, we were so relieved to be offered a newly-cancelled room having 1 bed & one sofa.  Ours!   Arrange for a 5:00 a.m. wake-up call, and collapse!    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The phone rang at 5:00, beckoning the 3 of us to shower and scamper as best we could to the airport known as PHX.   Why I didn’t enter the doors armed with a ready camera is still a mystery to me.  Lines, ques & ques of displaced passengers were already in place, eager to get new boarding passes & seats to be on their way out of Phoenix.  We were merely 3 of countless people in the same boat predicament, hoping to be on a plane soon.   I won’t bother you with the saga of the “Detroit nurse from oh-so-grumpy-gripeyland” … but let’s just say that she was determined to spread her displeasure and negativity as far and wide as the airwaves could handle.   Mercy!

Lucky us!  We were scheduled for the 8:50 a.m. departure into Orange County, CA.   Security was packed to overflowing … the body heat was stifling, and the “Detroit nurse from oh-so-grumpy-gripeyland” was now spreading her displeasure 3 ques away from us.   Thank you, thank you!     

At last, our turn came to pass through the security entrance!

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Hurry up, so you can wait again!    And of course, that’s what we were destined to do.  8:50 came & went.   We spotted our luggage waiting beside the aircraft on luggage carts, with not a soul around … no baggage handlers, no one was outside scurrying around the plane to prepare for boarding or take-0ff.  No one.   The gate agent had the dubious pleasure of announcing that although the aircraft was ready to go, we had no crew to fly.  Sit comfortably in your seat … if you have one!  (Lucky us!  We did have seats.) 

After more than an hour of waiting for the crew, we finally boarded the plane for our one-hour + flight to Orange County!  Our baggage was so much easier to reclaim this time, and Mr. Rubbernecker himself picked us up at the curb to safely deliver us to our hotel, followed by a brief drive over to CHA!  We made it!!   We have arrived!

(More later!)  I’m so glad to be back online!  Have a sweet day!

~Bev