Does it matter?

It’s Friendship Friday! This is the day to focus on giving back or paying it forward.

I want to remind you to not listen to those voices that say it doesn’t matter if I get the card done. It doesn’t matter if it goes out in the mail. It doesn’t matter if I text that friend. It doesn’t matter if I call my neighbor. It doesn’t matter… It doesn’t matter… Don’t listen to this.

It does matter if you get the card done. It does matter if it goes out in the mail. It does matter if I text that friend. It does matter if I call my neighbor. It does matter… It does matter… Listen to this!

I want to remind you that you may think that the card is insignificant but to the one receiving it might be the thing they need to change their whole day, week, or life. I know for me it was never the big things that made a difference but the little ones. It was the card or the phone call that kept me going.

I know you think it’s just a … fill in the blank. But think about how great this place would be if everyone tried to have an intent for good. If everyone mailed a card of encouragement what kind of impact that would be.

It may not be a lot that we can do but together it might be just enough. And to that one person you are affecting it might just be everything.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Monochromatic cards and partial die cutting.

It’s Tutorial Thursday! Today we are creating two cards. One has a monochromatic background and the other has partial die cutting to accent a border.

The monochromatic background is done by cutting out two detailed sunflower dies. They are then placed on the mat of the same color and attached with glue dots. After getting the background correct then you emboss with the die cutting machine. Dainty diamonds is used here.

Then the partial die cut card is done by cutting an outer mat of a lighter color (Pear Pizzazz) and an inner one of a darker color (Mossy Meadow). Take the darker one and cut out just on the edge. For this card the leaf framelit was used from the Sunflower Dies. After the leaf was stamped to accent the cutout.

For full instructions and a video please go to https://youtu.be/tDD-8qiCOZM.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Glasses for blocks.

It’s Wacky Wednesday where a product is used in a way it is not intended!

Have you ever been on a trip and forgotten to pack something? For me when I am packing my crafty projects I usually forget one of two things…my Stampin’ Mist (cleaner) or my Clear Blocks.

So for today’s post I want to give you a bonus of two solutions.

For the cleaner you can substitute plain water or if the stamps are really dirty you can rinse with a bit of Dawn dish washing soap. The soap is only good for the photopolymer stamps, not the red rubber ones. For the red rubber just use water. Then when you get home rinse or clean with the Stampin’ Mist. I say this because Stampin’ Mist has a bit of a conditioner in it to keep your rubber ready to go.

As for the Clear Blocks, have you ever forgotten them? I have when I travel for classes as well as for fun. So, in a pinch, grab a drinking glass out of the kitchen cabinet. The bottom is smooth so the stamp will stick to it and you can see what you are doing. It’s not perfect but it’s better than waiting until you get home to create.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

When an outline speaks out loud.

It’s Technique Tuesday! If you don’t know what to do create an outline.

Take a large die and a different color card stock mat to create a background. In order to have them come together even more run the two pieces through an embossing folder.

For this specific background Misty Moonlight Card Stock was used along with the Sunflowers Dies in Whisper White and the Tasteful Textiles 3D Embossing Folder.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Stamp of the Week, Bonus Days, Stamp-a-Versary, Mini Catalog, and More!

It’s Management Monday! Here’s what’s happening this week! There is quite a bit to talk about so let’s get started.

Stamp of the Week begins today and runs through Saturday. If you haven’t seen this week’s online kit class please take a minute to look. https://stampingwithjoni.wordpress.com/stamp-of-the-week/

Bonus Days finish tonight so please let me know if you would like to order.

Along with Bonus Days is my personal promotion of the Bonus Bling that ends tonight as well. Ask me for more details.

The Mini Catalog begins on Tuesday, August 4 so you can get a jump on your Christmas cards. Please let me know if you don’t have your copy yet of the Mini Catalog.

Your Bonus Days coupon codes can be redeemed August 4-31.

Save the date for Card Class on August 11, 13, or 15.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Finding rest in the midst of it.

It’s Sabbath Sunday! This is the day to focus on resting and recharging.

Do you ever feel that you can’t escape the stress? Everywhere you look there is unrest or someone frustrated about something. Plans keep changing. This is shut. What was the normal yesterday has now changed.

So how do you survive and, do I dare say, thrive?

For me there is my faith and lots of prayer. For others there is a warm bath. For some it is a punching bag that gets them through. Whatever it is that helps you make sure to use it.

I was reminded of this topic when I looked up the acronym for rest. Now there were many but the one that stuck out to me was “rapid emergency shelter taskforce”. Usually this taskforce is sent to set up shelter where it is needed to aid in a natural disaster or for extreme circumstances with the homeless population. If the basics of shelter are not met then an individual can not rest.

So I would remind you to make sure to have your support group that will help you set up your tent when you need immediate shelter so you can rest. This can be in the form of a meal, someone to watch the kids, or simply an ear to listen. Do not let yourself get so run down without support or some kind of shelter. Make sure you take care of yourself so you can still be effective in your life’s purpose.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Last few days for Bonus Days and Bonus Bling!

It’s Sale Saturday! Here are the promotions happening right now.

Bonus Days are about to wrap up! You have until Monday night to spend $50 in product and earn a $5 coupon. This Monday is it, so don’t miss out!

Not only is Bonus Days finishing but so is my personal promotion for my Stamp-a-Versary! If you order $50 in product not only will you get a coupon but you will get your choice of bonus bling. I will send you a pack of embellishments for FREE to celebrate my 14th Stamp-a-Versary! After ordering please go to https://www.stampinup.com/ecweb/products/1013001/embellishments

and then contact me with your choice. Everything is available to you except for the bracelet.

If you prefer to order online please use host code DHKNZMWP to qualify for your bonus bling!

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Giving back through cards.

It’s Friendship Friday! This is the day to focus on giving back or paying it forward.

In the past we, as a group, have given back in so many ways. We have attended galas, bingo nights, mailed cards, bought gift cards, donated turkeys, and more. Well, it’s been a little while since we have given cards so I figured instead of hunting for days for a group to donate to I would ask you.

Who needs a bunch of cards? Is there a church starting up a sunshine ministry? Is there a nursing home in need? Children’s hospital? Veterans’ home? Please comment or contact me to let me know. You are as much a part of this crafty family as I am so please tell me.

I will be taking suggestions throughout August and then putting it up for a vote at the end of the month.

Here’s to thinking bigger.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Outlining a sunflower and using negative space.

It’s Tutorial Thursday! Today is the day we are learning about creating with negative space and how to use just the outline of the sunflower die to create a card. First I will begin with negative space.

For this card you will need a card base, mat, inner mat, punch, stamps, ink, and adhesive. Take your mat and punch a hole or several to create a stencil for a background. Remember that this will still be used as a mat so don’t get too close to the edge. Then you will sponge on to your inner mat with a q-tip, sponge, or dauber.

For the second card you will need a card base, mat, inner mat cut in quarters with at least two colors, sunflower die cut out, punch, versamark, embossing powder, stampin’ blends, and adhesive.

For full instructions on both cards as well as five more please go to https://youtu.be/M4rCr8LsayA.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Using markers as highlighters.

It’s Wacky Wednesday where a product is used in a way it is not intended!

Today we are using the alcohol markers, Stampin’ Blends, as highlighters. Did you know that you could emboss with white powder, let cool, and then color to make any color you want.

Join me tonight as we finish some cards with this highlight technique.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂