CHILDREN AT PLAY

I made this card to participate in two challenges taking place this week. One is on SPLITCOASTSTAMPERS and is the WAYS TO USE IT CHALLENGE #255. In this challenge we were to use some type of textile on our project. I chose red fabric with tiny white polka dots and creamy colored muslin. The second challenge is the MOJO MONDAY BLOG SKETCH CHALLENGE #123.

I began by stamping the WORD BY WORD background stamp from STAMPIN'UP! onto the muslin fabric using MEMENTO TUXEDO BLACK INK then trimmed and mounted it onto BASIC BLACK cardstock. Next I stamped the little girls at play image from GREAT IMPRESSIONS stamp company onto a piece of GINAK LUXURY WHITE cardstock using the same ink, then added little red flowers with a STAMPIN WRITE marker from SU! This image was mounted on mats of REAL RED and BASIC BLACK cardstock the glued to the fabric using SNAIL ADHESIVE.

The background is REAL RED cardstock that was stamped with an image from the new STAMPINUP! set - VINTAGE VOGUE.

My favorite part of the card is the RUFFLED, LAYERED FLOWER. I was going to give step by step instructions on making the flower but found this great video by Dawn McVey. So really, why reinvent the wheel when someone else has already done it and done it well. (NOTE: mine looks different because I added a couple more layers and used heavier paper.)

Thanks for stopping by today - and until next time -

Happy Stamping!

Jill

WELL WATERED GARDEN

"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs and will strengthen you. You will be like a well-watered garden - like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11

I drew this image about a year and a half ago while sitting with my sister-in-law while she battled colon cancer. She lost her battle with cancer - but never lost her faith in God. In fact, her illness strengthened her faith. At the time I drew it I did not know this scripture, I only knew that LuAnn loved flowers and working in her "garden" - which for her was her entire yard - and the watering can and pansies seemed to express her inner spirit.

The image is a JILL'S JEMS digital image and was printed on GINAK LUXURY WHITE cardstock and colored with COPIC markers. The ribbon is a $1 spool from Michael's and the double bow was created using the BOW EASY. The background cardstock colors are BARELY BANANA, and PURELY POMEGRANATE. The designer paper is from the LAUNDRY LINE by MY MIND'S EYE and was purchased at Hobby Lobby. I added a pearl to the ribbon for a little "pop".

The WATERING CAN AND PANSIES digital image is available for purchase for $3. If you would like to purchase this or any of my other digital images just send me an email. You can see all available images at JILL'S JEMS DIGITAL IMAGES.

Thanks for stopping by -

Until Next Time -

Happy Stamping.

Jill

ARE YOU READY????

Are you ready for Valentine's Day? Do you have your cards and treat bags made? If not, there is still time to order any (or all) of my Valentine 2010 Digital Images. I have plans to make M&M treat bags using the "I'm NUTS about you Squirrel". As soon as I have a few minutes that is!

In the meantime I wanted to show you this GORGEOUS valentine card made by my new friend, Melanie Risk. She used my HOGS N KISSES image and made them appear sophisticated.

Isn't the detail on this card AMAZING???? and what about the fold? How cool is that??? If you have a little time you really should check out her gallery. Her work is wonderful and she has fantastic ideas for layouts, color, embellishments, etc.

Thanks for visiting today - and if you've made a Valentine using any of my digital images, I would LOVE to see what you've done. Send me a link to your gallery or blog, or send a photo to my email.

Until Next Time -

Happy Stamping.

Jill

WANNA MONKEY AROUND?????

No - that's NOT really an invitation - it's the sentiment for the card I'm sharing today.

This is Monty the Monkey - another of my digital images available for purchase - and he's just in time for Valentine's Day. My favorite part of this image is the way he's fingering his ear. Isn't that just like a monkey????


As I usually do with digital images, I've printed this one on GinaK Luxury White cardstock and colored it with Copic markers then added highlights with a Signa White Gel Pen from Stampin'Up!


The color combination I chose for the card was today's Splitcoaststampers Color Challenge: Blush Blossom, Pretty In Pink, Melon Mambo and any neutrals of your choice - mine being white and Chocolate Chip.


I tied raffia around two opposing corners - one is tied in back and the other in front. I added buttons then frayed the raffia that was tied in the front.


Quick, easy and cute as a monkey's ----face!


If you're interested in purchasing any of the digital designs simply shoot off an email and let me know which one's you would like. You can see all the Valentine designs at Jill's Jems Digital Images.


Thanks for visiting with me today.
Until Next Time -
Happy Stamping!


Jill

NOSE TO NOSE COMBAT

Here is another of the Valentine digital images. You will recognize the inspiration for this if you are at all familiar with Whipper Snapper Designs. I love their kissing pigs and was inspired to create my own after seeing the image on their website. I drew pigs kissing while standing with arms wrapped around each other and sketched out a variety of different ideas but I just wasn't satisfied with anything other than this image of the pigs - nose to nose. This image just makes me smile.

The image is printed from my EPSON ARTISAN 710 printer then colored with Copic markers. I played along with a Splitcoaststampers challenge today which was called "CUT IT OUT". Sticking with the Valentine theme I used the new Designer Paper from Stampin'Up! as the background. I sponged the edges in Cameo Coral and Ruby Red then matted it on Real Red and Whisper White cardstock. As part of the SCS challenge I used a craft knife and cut-out the heart behind the pigs to let the Designer paper show through. Red buttons tied with red & white gingham ribbon cover the hearts on the pigs' "behinds". Pink Velour Ribbon and red & white gingham ribbon are tied around the card then a punched, sponged flower was popped up with dimensionals and topped with a red button.

All images can be viewed and purchased HERE. You can purchase the images individually for $3 each or the entire set for $17.95.

Thanks for visiting -

and until next time -

Happy Stamping.

Jill

SNEAK PEEK DAY 3: YOUR LOVE MELTS MY HEART

Its day 3 of my digital image sneak peeks - and today is one of my favorites. The image popped into my head and the greeting followed just as quickly. Meet DRACO. Isn't he cute?????

The image was printed onto GinaK Luxury White cardstock with my Epson Artisan Printer. I LOVE THIS PRINTER!!!!!!!! I colored the image with Copic Markers then sponged the edges in SU!Summer Sun and Green Galore. It is matted with SU! Garden Green and Eggplant Envy cardstock. The designer paper is from MY MINDS EYE and the greeting is computer generated. The purple fiber and the red Dew Drops I picked up at local craft stores.

That's it for day 3. Come back Thursday to see a couple more sneak peeks at the images then on Friday pop-in to get a glimpse of the full set of Valentine images.

Until Next Time -
Happy Stamping.

Jill

VALENTINE SNEAK PEEK - DAY 2

Today is day 2 for the sneak peek of my digital Valentine images - so without further ado - here's MONTY - Monty the monkey that is.


Each of the Valentine images comes with a coordinating sentiment. I personally LOVE this set. I think Monty is ADORABLE with his huge ears and heart shaped nose and the sentiment makes me smile.

Monty is printed onto luxurious white cardstock and colored with alcohol based markers then cut out using Spellbinders Nestabilities. The card base is SU! Chocolate Chip cardstock and covered with designer paper from the Laundry Line set by My Minds Eye. I punched a border along both sides of a strip of Chocolate Chip cardstock using one of the new scallop border punches from SU! then laced a length of yellow and brown fibers through the openings. The leaves were punched using the Martha Stewart leaf punch. Yellow pearlized buttons finish the card.

Originally I was going to put the greeting on the inside of the card so I centered the image - but then realized you wouldn't be able to see the greeting as easily on the INSIDE of the card so I added the greeting using Photoshop after the photo was taken. If I were actually to put the greeting on the front like this I would definitely move the image up so that it is off-center.

Thanks for looking and stay tuned. One day this week there will be another FREEBIE that will only be available for 24 hours then it will be added to the set for purchase.

Until tomorrow -
Happy Stamping - or maybe I should say Happy Computing now. It just doesn't sound right though does it????

Jill

SNEAK PEAK - VALENTINE'S DIGITAL IMAGES

The other night I visited the Whipper Snapper website and sat and coveted all the wonderful stamps they offer. I don't know if you are familiar with their stamps or not - but they are ADORABLE. Cute, colorful, whimsical. I've been a fan for a LONG time and own one or two - but honestly the price for a single stamp keeps me from purchasing many of them. There used to be a stamp store in Peoria that carried the line in the store so from time to time I could get one there - but when I go online, I WANT SO MANY of them it's too expensive and I can NEVER decide on JUST ONE! So what a girl to do?

Well, this girl heard a still, small voice in the back of her head saying, "I didn't give you artistic ability so you could spend all your money on other people's work. DRAW YOUR OWN IMAGES!!!" (Actually - it was a voice a little louder than a still, small voice.) So, inspired by the whimsical nature of Whipper Snapper Designs I began to draw some Valentine images. I think you will probably notice where that inspiration came from in a couple of the designs. The idea was not original on a couple - but the DESIGN is - so it is legal. Besides which - how many people really have ORIGINAL ideas anyway right????

This first image is 100% original though - from concept to completion. Welcome 'CUDDLEBUG'!

I printed the image using my Epson Artisan 710 printer onto GinaK Luxury White Cardstock (yummy!) and colored it with Copics. I made a list of the colors used - but sorry - I've misplaced it. I added Stardust Stickles to the wings to make them appear translucent and shimmery like bugs wings often are. The background cardstock and designer paper are from Stampin'Up! and the sentiment is the corresponding digi-stamp available with this set. I had this purple fiber - picked it up YEARS ago and thought it added to the whimsical feel of the image then added the lavendar polka dot bow and button. I know you can't tell in the photo but the ribbon has the same shimmer as the wings on the image.

I hope you'll stay tuned for more sneak peeks from this set. So far I have 7 images and corresponding sentiments created - but there may be more - and there will DEFINITELY be at least ONE FREEBIE from the set available for a limited time when I release the set.

Thanks for visiting today and to you wonderful women out there who are supporting me (literally and figuratively) by purchasing my images - THANK YOU!!!! Your support means so much to me.

I'm off to church now - Hope you all have a beautiful day.

And until next time -

Happy Stamping.

Jill

HUGS N KISSES

Regarding yesterday's post - I need to make a correction and also request that KAREN send me an email so I can send "BUNNY" your way. My email addy is located at the top of the right side bar of my blog.

Now, about the correction: Stampin'Up! has NOT discontinued their wood mount stamps. When I edited my blog entry before posting it I changed the wording a little and forgot to add "DIS" to continued - and really ended up confusing some people. SO SORRY ABOUT THAT.

Now - onto today's post. This isn't a new concept - but still cute - so I thought I'd share it. I made a matchbox style box using Stampin'Up!Brilliant Blue and Green Galore cardstocks. The candies are Hershey Nuggets and are covered with white labels stamped in the same colors with large alphabet stamps that I picked up several years ago at that WONDERFUL local craft store. You know the one I'm talking about!


The stamp set is one of those classics that I just can't get rid of "LOADS OF LOVE". Of course I did actually sell the stamp set once because I NEVER used it - then within a few weeks of selling it I came up with several ideas for it and had to re-order it. I took a LOSS on the first set so now I'm VERY careful about selling out any of my sets. Which is why I'm out of storage room.

Anyway - this is a quick and cute treat for the boys in your life on Valentine's Day. My nephews loved them!

If you're up for more digi-stamps keep your eyes open - I sketched out 6 new designs today and will be posting them in time for Valentine's day. Don't miss the post because there is sure to be at least one of the designs available as a FREEBIE for a day or two.

Have a great day -
and Happy Stamping.

Jill

NEW DIGI-STAMP AND SU! PRODUCT REVIEW

Introducing: BUNNY

Bunny is my newest digital image - and is available for FREE to anyone that asks for her. If you would like to have a digital copy of the stamp please leave a request/comment at the bottom of this post (make sure to include your email) or send me a private email and just include the word "BUNNY" in the subject line. All I ask in return is that you credit me as the artist if you post the image on any website, submit a work with the image for publication or use the image in any public display or forum. Did you notice the chick peeking out from the cracked egg? Is he too cute?????

I used Copics to color the image - but I didn't have any cardstock at the office - so I actually made a reduced copy on a photocopier of my pen and ink drawing on Multipurpose paper. Surprisingly the black lines didn't smear - but the Copics didn't blend as easily on the multipurpose paper as they do with GinaK Luxury White or even SU! Whisper White.

Okay - now on to the SU! NEW PRODUCT REVIEW!

The second card I'm posting was a quickie I made before work yesterday morning. I received my Stampin'Up! Occasions Mini and Sale-a-brations order Tuesday evening, but by the time I got off work and finished running my errands it was time for NCIS on t.v. Now you have to understand that 6 nights out of 7 I don't watch t.v. - but on Tuesday nights the t.v. has my FULL attention. So even though I opened the box with all the SU! goodies inside, I did not play with any of the new product.



Has anyone out there tried the new SU! rubber stamps to use with acrylic blocks? What did you think about them? They have some definite ADVANTAGES - such as easier to store, smaller cases, same great deeply etched rubber, lower price per set, picture of each stamp in the set on the front of the cover as well as a label for each individual stamp. I found a couple of things about them I didn't like - the main one being that you have to mount the stamp each and every time you use it. While this isn't a terrible disavantage for most of the stamps - the word/phrase stamps I found to be troublesome. Because the stamps are not clear (like acrylic stamps) it is difficult to see if your words are in a straight line (which mine were NOT on the card above.) With a wood mounted stamp once you have it straight you never have to mess with it again - not so with these. I also didn't think they were "sticky" - especially the smaller stamps (like the leaf in Vintage Vogue). They are definitely not a sticky as the clear acrylic stamps. In fact, the stamp actually fell off the block once while I was inking it. But maybe I just didn't press it onto the block hard enough. Best scenario is that you should try them for yourself. Fortunately for me, Stampin'Up! has not discontinued their wood mount stamps. I've decided to pay the extra price and stick with the wood mounts from SU! and use CLEAR acrylic stamps with my acrylic blocks.

I also received a corner punch and a border punch in the new punch styles. I love the new designs. I also like the actual design of the punch and that they are easier to store. I found them a little less "user- friendly" than the old style punches though. I liked the levers on the old style - they fit just right in my hand and I could easily punch with just a squeeze of my thumb. I didn't find the new style as easy to hold while punching. The corner punch especially just didn't seem to fit my hand and just didn't "feel" as comfortable as the old style. THAT of course is probably more due to personal preference and individual "feel". Again, the best way to know if you will like them is to try them out for yourself. Get hold of your Stampin'Up! Demonstrator and schedule a workshop or see if you can stop by her house and give them a try.
I also ordered the new Designer Series Paper in the Occasions Mini. LOVE IT!!!!! For you fans of bling and glitter, elements on one side of each page are LIGHTLY highlighted with irridescent glitter. The second side is glitter free. Perfect for those Valentine's cards and projects.

So that's the review - but truly, you should check these products out for yourself and see how you like them.

Don't forget if you would want BUNNY leave a comment here (with your email address) or send me an email at jhaddad59@ yahoo.com.

Thanks for visiting
and until next time -
Happy Stamping!

Jill

PRAY FOR HAITI

"...pray for each other that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was (hu)man, just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years." James 5:16b-17

If you would, please take time to pray for the people of Haiti - God works through the prayers of His people. Pray for aid to arrive quickly, pray for food, water and shelter to be provided - quickly. Pray for those that are missing to be found - quickly - and for the families of those who perished to be comforted. Please pray for the lives and safety of Mike Moise, Meajeanne and Schneider - residents of the Port-au-Prince area and former Haitian foster children of my brother and his family.

In the wake of this tragic catastrophe and the sudden realization that these children, that were part of our family for a time, could be among the 100's of thousands who have died, has made posting a card seem a little frivolous.

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of the people of Haiti.

Jill

MY HEART LEAPS FOR JOY

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7

I created this card using the Mojo Monday Sketch #121 . I enjoy using these sketches to get my creative juices flowing when my mojo has dried up. They are always well designed and certainly help get me motivated to put ink to paper.



The image for this card is a Penny Black image in acrylic stamp medium. Doesn't he look happy and joyful of heart? I think he's adorable - but then if you've been reading my blog for awhile - you know that I really like frogs, turtles and snowmen. I have fond memores of dear old Phineas!

I stamped the image on SU! Whisper White cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored it with Copic markers then sponged around the image with Stampin'Up! Dye inks in Almost Amethyst, Lavendar Lace and Eggplant Envy. Once colored I applied Crystal Effects to make him appear "slimy" - even though I can attest to the fact that frogs really aren't slimy at all.

The background paper is from The Paper Stuido and was purchased at the local craft store as was the ribbon, Prima flowers and purple polka dot brad.

So what causes your heart to leap for joy? What song are you carrying in your heart today? I hope it's a happy tune.

God Bless
and Until Next Time -
Happy Stamping.

Jill

CELEBRATE LIFE

"I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord. " Plans to prosper you and and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29: 11. That was my sister's favorite verse several years ago as she was preparing to move from our quiet little Central Illinois town to South Africa to work as a medical missionary. She knew noone there, there was no established ministry but yet she was willing to follow God's call to serve the people dying of AIDS in a place most of us would BEG not to have to visit much less live. She was willing to leave her son and grandchildren, her family and friends, because she believed God had a plan. A plan for Africa, a plan for the needy there, and a plan for her. Six months before she was to leave, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. I sat beside her as she received her diagnosis. First came the blank look. Then the shock. Then quiet tears welled up in her eyes. I was devastated. I was worried. The thought of losing her caused my head to spin. I could only imagine HER heartbreak and fear. As the doctor stepped out of the room, I turned to her. With the tears in my eyes blurring her sweet face, I reached for her hand and again felt shock as she spoke, "I won't get to go to Africa" she stated quietly. Unbelievable! Her concern was not for herself, that she could possibly die from this cancer in her body, her concern was that this disease would interfere with her heart's desire: to bandage the sick and dying in Africa.

That was more than 4 years ago. My sister, who has suffered losses that are impossible to imagine, has faith beyond anything I have ever experienced or seen. She underwent surgery in June 2005, then a course of radiation and some chemo and continued to work and plan for her future - because she KNEW God had a plan for her. She left January 4, 2006, cancer free, to fulfill that plan. This is the birthday card I made for her that year. It was a celebration - a celebration of her life, a celebration of her future, and a celebration of her call.


I don't know the name of the stamp or even the company that manufactures it. I found it in a local stamp store that has since gone out of business. As soon as I saw it though it spoke the name of my sister in my heart. The joy, the fervor, the celebration, the freedom of the dance reflected all that she is within.

The cardbase is basic black heat embossed with gold. The background behind the dancers is white glossy cardstock with dyebased inks in red and yellow with a touch of gold metallic ink for a little pop. I used STAZON black ink to stamp the image then finished with several gold, square brads to add dimension.

"Life may not be the party we hoped for - but while we're here, we might as well dance."

Thanks for visiting -
and Until Next Time -
Happy Stamping!

Jill

WELCOME TO THE WORLD

I was looking through some old cards I've made and came across this sweet little card and wanted to share it today. It's almost fits the CAS (Clean and Simple) category - but the card layers may keep it from actually fitting that category completely.

When I first started stamping - back in 2004 I think - Stampin'Up! had this sweet little set called "BABY FIRSTS". It contained images of this cute little almost bald baby doing all the things a baby would do. Smile, Eat, Bathe, Crawl, Scream, etc. I loved it from the start and have kept it to this day. It's a classic.

I used a pink glittered polka dot paper on a white card base. The border was created with specialty scissors on alternating layers of pink and white cardstocks. The ribbon is 3/4" sheer pink with a gold metallic thread.

The baby medallion was created using an image from the BABY FIRSTS stamp set. It was colored with a PRETTY IN PINK marker and a flesh toned colored pencil then glitter was added to the clothing to coordinate with the glittered polka dots on the background. She was popped up onto alternating layers of PUNCHED pink and white circles and then tied to the ribbon with a gold thread.

A very quick card to make but one with some visual impact.

Hope you liked it.
Until Next Time -
Happy Stamping.
Jill

NON-TRADITIONAL VALENTINE

The card I'm sharing today didn't start out to be a Valentine card. It really didn't even start out to be a card at all - I was just in the mood to color and since I had to back-up 2 years worth of photos to disks today I decided to color while waiting for the photos to burn to the disks. I rummaged through containers of my loose stamps and came across this one. (And it is NOT crooked. I just layed the card on a piece of the background paper to take the photo and didn't straighten it before taking the photo. The cardbase is the rim of chocolate chip cardstock.)

I love the House Mouse stamps and the bunnies are just as cute. I colored this adorable image with my Copic markers then used Spellbinders Nestabilities to cut it and the chocolate chip border. I then sponged around the edge of the Whisper White circle in Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Real Rust, Pumpkin Pie and More Mustard. The background paper is from a paper pack of Old World Style papers I purchased from a local store.

I saw this ribbon treatment on a card a while back on the internet and liked it so much I wanted to use it with this layout. The button is adhered with a dollop of crystal effects.

It's not exactly a traditional valentine - but for those of you out there who don't like red, this might stimulate your creative energy.

Thanks for visiting-
Until Next Time
Jill

Helloooooooooo - Anybody out there????

I wasn't sure if anyone still stops in to visit my blog anymore because - well quite honestly - I haven't stopped in to post! I have been taking a much needed "break" from creative pursuits to focus on some other areas of my life that have been taking a backseat for the past couple of years. My goal in 2010 (not a resolution because I don't keep those anyway) is to try to maintain a balance between the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional and creative parts of my life so if I don't post anything new for a week or two (or even three) don't worry - I'm probably still alive just otherwise engaged.

So, like the majority of the Central & Eastern United States, Illinois got hit with a Winter storm last night and it continues today. I'm pretty sure we got at least 9" here where I live and it is still lightly snowing. I didn't mind though - it allowed me to sleep in past my 5 a.m. alarm, stay in my jammies all day (no kidding!), and play a little in my studio.

I made two cards today but I will only show you one. The first one I made is a replica of a Nintendo DSI - and it is VERY plain and boring - but my 9 year old nephew will love it!!!! The second card I made was a bit of an experiment. A friend of mine gave me a wallpaper book a while back and it is filled with textured wallpaper. I began this card by choosing a page from that book - it is a peach, rough-textured piece - almost like rough, painted plaster. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to use a rose for the main image and either CHOCOLATE CHIP or HANDSOME HUNTER cardstock for the cardbase. When I went searching for ribbon I only had 3/4" satin ribbon in CERTAINLY CELERY so I chose HANDSOME HUNTER as the base.

The next "little" problem is that none of the rose stamps I own seemed to work with the card I envisioned. I recently purchased an Epson Artisan 710 photo printer and decided to see if my Copic markers would work on the Epson Photopaper without it getting sticky like most other photo papers. I printed out 2 rose images that I had saved to my computer onto the photo paper and then began coloring with the Copics. WORKS LIKE A DREAM!!!! I colored the images, cut them out and then popped them up onto a background from a second sheet of wallpaper.

The bow was made using my BOW EASY and attached with a glue dot and crystal effects. The finishing touch is the gold rimmed, porcelain rose medallion in the center of the ribbon. It was one of a pair of earrings I purchased a couple of years ago at a garage sale for 10 cents.

The layout is reversed from how I planned it - SOMEONE put it all together upside down and when SOMEONE tried to fix it the ribbon was stuck and wouldn't budge!!!!! Fortunately I hadn't glued the bow down yet though so I was able to turn it around so the tails are at least going in the right direction! If it weren't "stuck" I would also have moved the ribbon up just a little so it wasn't dividing the card exactly in half. Overall - I like it even if it's not just exactly how I originally "saw" it.

Hope you enjoyed the post today.

Until next time -

Happy Stamping.

Jill