Be Still

It’s Sabbath Sunday! This is the day to rest so you can be recharged for the rest of the week.

What does it mean to “be still” to you? To me the answer depended on who was talking to me.

  • From my Mom it meant to stop moving as she was trying to tie my shoe.
  • From my Grama it meant to stop talking as she was trying to think.
  • From my Dad it meant to stop moving.

Regardless of your answer here is a picture of what this means to me. Imagine you are in a pond that is knee deep and has some nice moss growing in the bottom of it. You have dropped something and are attempting to look for it. You keep moving to see if you can find it. The more you move the more the clear water becomes a very murky, velvety forest green. And then you realize in order to find it you need to be able to see. So you stop moving for a bit until the water clears up. You then look and can’t find it. So then you move to a different spot and then pause for the water to clear up. You do this several times until you find what you are looking for.

Why am I talking about mossy ponds? Because mossy ponds are much like life. If you don’t take the time to rest a bit or pause for life to make sense then it often is too chaotic to see what you are looking for. Make sure to rest enough so life clears up for you.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Club Order Bonus through Monday

It’s Sale Saturday!

To read about the details for the Club Order that requires no commitment please go to https://stampingwithjoni.wordpress.com/cluborderbonus/.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Leftover Cards

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

So I have a funny story to share with you. Yes, I promise it relates to cards. I was cleaning the freezer and found the ham I thought we had already used that was cooked at Easter. So much for that. Okay, maybe not funny (ha,ha), but more funny (how ironic).

So here’s how my leftovers in the freezer relates to your cards…

Do you have leftover cards that you are going to toss? Before you do, please consider donating them to Operation Gratitude. (If you would like to know more about them please go to https://www.operationgratitude.com/.)

I will be sending a box to them at the end of the year. So the next time you see me hand me some cards with coordinating envelopes…please…pretty please.

Thank you!

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Flip Flap Card

It’s Tutorial Thursday! Today I want to show you how to create a Flip Flap Card as well as the new Fitting Florets Collection that you can order starting November 1. (I know that sounds so far away but that is next Tuesday. Or tell me you want it and I’ll either remind you or place your order on the 1st.)

Here is the flyer for the new collection.

Now on to the most important part…the tutorial. 🙂

For the card base you will need a piece of Thick Basic White Card Stock cut at 5 1/2″ X 8 1/2″. On the 8 1/2″ side score at 4 1/4″.

For the outer mat cut a piece of the gingham from the Fitting Florets 12″ X 12″ Designer Series Paper.

For the panel cut a piece of Basic White Card Stock at 4 ¾” X 3 ½”. Use the Fern 3D Embossing Folder to add texture. Punch a hole in the panel with the Cracker & Treat Box Dies. (You will want to mark 1 3/4″ from the bottom and you will want the hole to be 2″ long.)

The flap arm or mechanism is from Basic White Card Stock as well and is cut at 2” X 6”. On the 6″ side score at 2″ and 2 1/2″. You will need the Very Best Trio Punch to create the tag at one end. Tip: Make sure to flip your card stock when doing the corners so you have a right and a left side.

Attach Tear & Tape to other end after sliding through tab (glue down after sliding through and have tag end at edge of card). Please see video for more details.

Attach smaller image to first score line.

Attach larger image to left side only at second score line. (big enough to cover middle one)(cannot cross score line or won’t open).

Place Tear & Tape on the edge of the inside and position and attach. (Please see video for details.)

For mat place Dimensionals and attach to outer mat. Make sure to keep Dimensionals away from mechanism.

Attach outer mat to card base with Stampin’ Seal.

Then place gems on card making sure to not interfere with the moving parts. (2021-2023 In Color Opal Rounds used here.)

To see all of the collection, a few more cards, the dies cut out, and a double scrapbook page please go to https://youtu.be/E-2WVX4HsRw.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Dimensionals for Depth

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

Dimensionals give us some height for our cards. This is understood and not something out of the ordinary. But, did you know, that Dimensionals can give height to make the same color for the accent and the base stand out. By giving some depth or dimension your project will no longer look “flat” (figuratively and literally). Give it a try.

When you create with this tip please post a photo of your finished project on my page at https://facebook.com/StampingWithJoni.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

All the Same Color is Not Boring

It’s Technique Tuesday! I want to talk to you today about the interest you can bring with all one color. It doesn’t have to be white but in this case it is.

I added tons of depth with the Fern 3D Embossing Folder as well as die cut pieces from the new Fitting Florets Collection available November 1.

I love the simplicity this brings with all of the texture.

When you create using this all one color, monochromatic technique please post your finished projects on my page at https://facebook.com/StampingWithJoni.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Changes to Class, Club Order Bonus Link, and Open Day Session!

It’s Management Monday! Here’s what’s happening this week and maybe a bit beyond.

November Online Craft Class

Please note that I am simplifying the process for the class. More to be announced soon.

Club Order Bonus

For this Club from October 16-31 order $50 or more in product with host code M6VJMDQB or using the link https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=M6VJMDQB to qualify. (You can also place your order directly with me but it will not be submitted until November 1.) There is no commitment unlike past Clubs. There is simply a bonus. To read more details about Club please go to https://stampingwithjoni.wordpress.com/cluborderbonus.

Open Day Session

Come on out on Saturday the 29th any time from 10-3! No need to RSVP unless you want something researched or set up for you. See you Saturday!

Host Availability

Are you missing in-person classes? Well, now you can choose everything. When you choose to be a host you get to pick exactly what you want: your location, your food, your projects, and your free products.

So let me know where I am going and when. I look forward to what ideas you have to share with me!

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Be Still

It’s Sabbath Sunday! Today is the day to rest so you can be recharged for the week.

Well, I had writer’s block for a bit. I couldn’t think of anything to write about concerning resting. So, instead, I starting googling key words. And what I found was interesting. Almost every single image dealing with the topic of relaxing was of something still. It was of someone taking a nap in a hammock, sitting while meditating, putting their feet up while reading a book…do you get the picture? Here…let me help.

And what I find most interesting is that being still feels so good right before or right after something exhausting. This could be mentally or physically.

So I am reminding you (and me) that after something fairly stressful on mind and/or body remember to take time to be still and to rest.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

Club Order Bonus & Double Bonus

It’s Sale Saturday!

To read about the details for the Club Order that requires no commitment please go to https://stampingwithjoni.wordpress.com/cluborderbonus/.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂

P.S. And remember that there is a double bonus if you order the Christmas Gifting Kit by Monday. To read more about this deal please go to https://stampingwithjoni.wordpress.com/2022/10/20/heres-the-deal/.

Why It is Healthy to Give Back

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

I was reading this article called “Pay It Forward: The Mental Health Benefits of Giving Back”. It had some great points that really hit home. Here are my takeaways…

  • Giving back helps to give my life meaning. I have been struggling with this a bit since my daughter left home and the dog passed away. But as I start to get out more again this is definitely true.
  • Helping others actually lowers my own blood pressure. By shifting the focus off of me I am able to de-stress indirectly.
  • And if my attitude is more positive then I tend to attract more positive events and people. In other words, my luck is better.

To read the complete article please go to https://www.1and1life.com/blog/pay-it-forward/. Comment here if you find anything that hits home from the story.

Happy Crafting!

With inky fingers,

Joni 🙂