Clear envelopes for more than just cards.

It’s Wacky Wednesday where a product is used in a way it is not intended! Have you ordered the clear envelopes before? Do you use them to protect your cards? That is what they were intended for. But they can also be used to organize and keep small pieces. It can also be used as a bag to hold ink. Clip the corner off and drip ink to create a background. In a pinch an envelope can also be used as somewhat of a glove to protect from ink.

How do you use the clear envelopes?

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Letting the paper speak for itself.

It’s Technique Tuesday! Today I am going to tell you that the new Designer Series Papers are gorgeous. Absolutely drop dead gorgeous. So the new challenge is to design a card to allow those papers to shine through. The main thing I would remind you is to keep it simple. The less busyness you have the more that paper can stand out.

This is our new Perennial Essences Designer Series Paper available on June 4. If you do not have your own copy of the new catalog please contact me so I can coordinate with you.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

It’s a holiday!

It’s Management Monday and it’s a holiday! And yes, it’s a holiday for me too! I am taking today off. I have been running non-stop and it is time to not set the alarm and take a minute to breathe.

So there is no Open Studio Time this week. Go relax.

Later this week there is Carol’s Card Class on Thursday, May 30! Please reserve your seat no later than Tuesday, May 28. You have one more day to tell me.

This is the last week for the BOGO sale. Please let me know if you need a list.

If you would like to order please use host code JKTDRC3W. If you prefer to order in person please contact me. Since I am closed today this host code will be good through Tuesday evening at 7:30 pm.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Are you resting?

It’s Sabbath Sunday! Are you resting today or are you doing that on Monday with the holiday and all? I am driving out to see one of my desert kids show her horse with the 4H Club for the first time. And then it’s back home to rest until a dinner party for a special birthday. Do you have plans?

So my plan to rest will happen on Monday. I will not be open on Monday for studio time. But I will be back at it on Tuesday.

Don’t forget to reserve your seat at Carol’s Card Class on Thursday in Yucca Valley. The deadline is Tuesday and this is the very last $10 class I will be teaching. On June 1 classes go up to $15.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

BOGO is finishing this week.

It’s Sale Saturday! This week is the last few days for the BOGO sale. If you have not yet seen the list please let me know and I will get it to you. If your wish list is larger than your BOGO list then pick some more. Just remember that everything for the BOGO sale has to be ordered by June 3. It can be paid for upon delivery but has to be ordered before the catalog goes live.

Please remember there are many products that have increases in price as of June 4. So if you need to stock up on card stock…now is the time.

If you would like to order online please use host code JKTDRC3W to help me re-stock the rewards basket. If you prefer to order in person please contact me before Monday night at 7:30 pm.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Friends are what makes it.

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

For me the whole reason I am here doing what I do is for the people, not to get more. The more people I help the more I can give back. But do you ever get tired? I do. That’s where friends come in.

I have a few on what I call my inner circle that keep me running. They know me inside and out. Even when I am smiling they know what’s going on. They are the ones that say “text me when you get home so I know you are safe”. They are the ones that say “here’s wine, dinner, whatever”.

If it weren’t for my close friends this whole thing we call life would be meaningless. As I was talking about my inner circle who popped up in your head? Who is your go to person that holds you together like glue?

Send a card to that person, give a call, send a text…whatever you need to do to say thanks for making the difference in my life.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Using a base to secure small parts.

It’s Tutorial Thursday! Today I want to talk to you about securing small parts with a base.

For this new In Color card you need a Thick White card base, a Seaside Spray card stock mat, a scrap of white card stock, the 6×6 in color pack, a piece of the new colored vellum from Perennial Essence 12×12 Vellum, and a Gold Faceted Gem.

Take your scrap of white card stock and glue the in color pieces to it. This way if you don’t line up perfectly you are only peeling off a scrap and not the mat or card base.

The flower was stamped and punched out of the new Floral Essence Bundle. When gluing the flower together make sure to have the rough sides of the vellum facing each other so the glue dots will hold.

If you would like to create this card for FREE then let me know that you are coming on Saturday.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Vellum in disguise.

It’s Wacky Wednesday where a product is used in a way it is not intended! Have you ever used paper to disguise something? I know we often use embellishments to disguise our goofs when leaving a smudge or fingerprint on our paper. But how about using paper to cover?

In this case I am talking about vellum. When a piece of Designer Series Paper is too bright then use a piece of vellum as an overlay. When a piece is too dark use a piece of vellum as an overlay. When you want accents on a card that aren’t the main focus use vellum. Just remember if you use a stylus to have a light touch. And if you use a heat tool to emboss move it away an additional inch or so and keep it moving more. Vellum scorches and warps much easier.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Planting paper.

It’s Technique Tuesday! Today is the day I tell you that your paper can bloom. Yes, bloom. So take your paper and give it a soak with some water. Then pour the whole thing in a blender. Yes, blender. Do not add tequila. We are not creating margaritas (until later).

Pulverize until the paper and water resembles a crumbly dough. Then on the last time you hit the switch add about a tablespoon of seeds. Pick whatever flower you want to see later. Then strain and squeeze whatever water you can out. Either make a ball or squish into a mold. Let dry for a few days.

Attach to cards, tags, whatever you want. Then encourage your recipient to plant your paper.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

New Catalog Open House!

It’s Management Monday!

If you were invited to the VIP event and didn’t make it please contact me to get your copy of the catalog and goodies!

Come out on Saturday any time from 10-1 to pick up your catalog and create a card with the new In Color. Let me know that you are coming so I can cut for you.

If you would like to order online please use host code DFH94G2C. If you prefer to order in person please contact me. This host code is good through tonight at 7 pm.

Please remember that some of our quality products will be increasing in price as of June 4. For a complete list please contact me.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂