Time to re-focus.

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

As we just finished celebrating the New Year I am constantly reminded to eat healthier, work out, and make resolutions. And yes, I am doing some of that. I am not to the extreme that some are, but I believe taking some time to re-focus is a good thing.

I am looking at my priorities and shifting my focus. I am living by my word for the year, intentional. I want to be more present with what I am doing. I am hoping this will help me to make more impact by not being distracted.

What are your goals for the year? Do you have a theme for your year, week, day, decade?

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

It’s all about the poppies!

It’s Tutorial Thursday! Today we are creating cards with the Painted Poppies Stamp Set.

  • Take Thick Whisper White Card Stock and cut to 5 1/2″ X 8 1/2″. On the 8 1/2″ side score at 4 1/4″.
  • Cut Blackberry Bliss Card Stock to 5 1/4″ X 4″ and attach with Snail Adhesive.
  • Cut Peaceful Poppies Designer Series Paper to 5″ X 3 3/4″. Cut Whisper White 1/4″ Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon to about 4 1/2″ (enough to go around the mat and attach in the back). Stamp texture from the Painted Poppies Stamp Set on the ribbon. Attach with Glue Dots and then attach the mat with Snail Adhesive.
  • Stamp sentiment on Whisper White Card Stock with Blackberry Bliss Ink Pad. Run through Die Cutting Machine with Painted Labels Dies.
  • Attach gems.

If you would like to create these cards and get your own Painted Poppies Stamp Set be watching tomorrow as a new Stamp of the Month class will debut with the new catalog tomorrow.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Using the peel-offs for masking or stenciling.

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

Well, today we are using the pieces we normally throw away. When you put together your stamp sets and you peel the paper backing off of the rubber portion of your stamp keep it. Don’t throw it away. That piece of paper is good for masking or stenciling while stamping. So keep that little piece of paper.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

When it’s not the right color dye it.

It’s Technique Tuesday! I would encourage you to always purchase the white one along with all the colors you want. What am I talking about? I am talking about the ribbon, tassles, or paper that you purchase. On top of all the colors you want I would also encourage you to purchase a white one. By buying in white that allows you so much more flexibility.

With a few drops of the appropriate re-inker, a container, and some rubbing alcohol or water you have a whole new embellishment in front of you.

For example, the Best Dressed Tassels on page 55 of the new Mini Catalog, are great because Petal Pink and Pretty Peacock coordinate with so much. But the white tassels can be dyed easily with a quick few drops, some alcohol or water, and a container. Just dip, wait a few seconds, and let dry.

Here it is in white.
Black.
And the petal pink.

It is just that simple to change the look. For a deeper color just let the product soak longer.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Open studio time and holiday hours.

It’s Management Monday! Here’s what’s happening this week.

Today there is Open Studio Time! If you would like to pick up the new catalogs, shop the BOGO sale, finish a project, or ask how a product works.

Just a reminder that I will be closed at noon on Tuesday the 31st and all day on Wednesday the 1st.

If you would like to order online please use host code TVGAVCYM. If you prefer to order in person please contact me. This host code will be good until Thursday, January 2 at 7:30 pm.

If you wish to order from the new catalog please wait until the 3rd when I post a new code.

Save the date for January 7, 9, or 11 for Card Class.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

A clean kitchen.

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

So yesterday I went through and rolled enchiladas, cooked turkey noodle soup, and a few other dishes with the leftovers from Christmas dinner. I kept up fairly well with all the dishes but the counters hadn’t been wiped down. As I sat down to eat dinner last night it slipped my mind to clean up. Thankfully, I woke up this morning to everything wiped down and ready to go.

I don’t know about you but I can rest so much better when everything is finished, done, and clean. What do you need to do today to be able to truly rest?

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Last few days of the Year-End Closeout!

It’s Sale Saturday! These are the last few days of the Year-End Closeout!

I believe everyone has ordered from the Holiday Catalog. My next order will not go in until the new catalog begins on the 3rd. If you still need something from the Holiday Catalog please shout loudly so I know to put it in before the 3rd. I don’t want you to miss out but I don’t have anyone knocking on my door so far.

Remember that the BOGO is going now until January 2nd. If you do not have your catalog I will be up in Yucca Valley at Starbucks from 11-noon today! Yes…today! I will not be up that way again until after BOGO finishes so make sure to contact me if you are not able to make it.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

P.S. Just a quick reminder that I have canceled the New Year’s Eve Party as well as the class on January 4th.

It’s the little things.

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

For me it’s the little things and the thought that counts. I love the big baskets and the wine and the chocolate, but I also know how important the little things are. I love the gifts with thought.

It’s the bread from Jan who just had back surgery and I know it took a bunch of effort to stand and bake this year.

It’s the cute coffee cup from Cheryl with a gift card for Starbucks that matters. I love that she included a gift card since that is where we meet.

It’s the necklace wired by Linda that just started back in her crafting.

Please remember it’s the little things that make a difference.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Gift card envelopes from card stock.

It’s Tutorial Thursday! Today instead of showing you how to create an entire project I figured I could show you how to create a gift card holder. With shipping at the postal service going up for packages starting in January I thought some of you might opt for the gift card instead. So here’s how to create a gift card pocket for any card, tag, or project.

Start with a coordinating piece of card stock or designer series paper.

Cut the card stock to 2″ X 4 1/4″. Score 1/4″ in from three of the four edges.

Then take your 1″ circle punch and punch a semi circle notch so it is easy to pull the card out.

You will then take your snips (scissors) and cut out the little corners.

Last, but not least, grab your tear and tape and attach to your project.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Paper for chargers.

It’s Wacky Wednesday where a product is used in a way it is not intended! Are you setting your table for Christmas dinner? Did you forget the chargers and now don’t have a proper place setting? Use your paper instead.

Grab your Designer Series Paper to decorate your place setting.

Happy Crafting!

Merry Christmas!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂