April Showers

Welcome to our Fun Stampers Journey "April Showers" Blog Hop! I'm so happy you're hoppin' along! If you arrived here from Vicki's blog, you're on the right track. If not, that's ok too! Just continue the hop and you'll come full circle!

So - how do you come up with a card that fits the theme if you have NO stamps that come even close? I decided to see what I could do with my Journey Ovals dies. I started with a large Journey Oval, then used the small piercing oval to form the bottom scallops of the umbrella.

After cutting the oval in half and trimming away the outside of the scallops, I turned the piece over and scored lines to simulate the ribs of the umbrella.

To create the umbrella's handle, I soaked some Journey Twine in white glue, then formed the desired shape on a no-stick mat (or wax paper). Attach the handle to the back side of the umbrella with glue dots and foam squares, and it's ready to use as an embellishment on the card.




After embossing the background clouds with the Above the Clouds embossing folder, I daubed on clear pigment ink and heat embossed with some white embossing powder.
 
And the rainbow was easy - pick an oval, the next smaller piercing die, and the next smaller oval...cut from scraps of different colored papers...overlap the edges and glue...then trim to size. I printed the sentiment on my computer and cut it out by hand.

This was a fun card, and one that really stretched my creative thinking!
Thanks so much for hopping to my blog. Now, please head over to Ruth Cooper's blog to see what she has to share.

And, just in case you get lost along the way, here's the whole list:
1. Janice Whiting
2. Wilma Payne  <-- You are HERE!
3. Ruth Cooper
4. Betsye Rose Cimino Erazo
5. Sharon Venclauskas
6. Sandra Kay Tate
7. Crissy Salima Rivas
8. Rosemary Roca
9. Carol Moffet Norby
10. Susan Berg

SUPPLIES:

• Journey Ovals DI-0042
• Cool Pool Silk IP-0105
• Silver Silk IP-0090
• Above the Clouds EF-0006
• Clear Pigment Ink Pad IP-0102
• Journey Heat Gun TO-0083
• Journey Glue Dots (Small) AD-0083
• Journey Foam Squares (Small) AD-0084
• Bubble Gum Card Stock CS-0099
• Pool Play Card Stock CS-0092
• Grape Fusion Card Stock CS-0012
• Yummy Prints 12x12 Paper Pack PP-0007

Let's Re-cycle!

One of the things I really like about Fun Stampers Journey is the way they pack orders for shipping.  Every item is carefully wrapped in zip plastic bags or bubble wrap, then the box is finally packed with brown paper to ensure nothing shifts.  I haven't been able to bring myself to throw the packing supplies away, and have been looking for a way to use it.  Then today I was reading a discussion about cards that need extra postage to mail.  Extra weight, lumpy surfaces, and being thicker than ¼" all need extra postage affixed.
And a sudden thought...why not use the bubble wrap to cover any lumpy bling-y surfaces like pearls and rhinestones?  It's lightweight and relatively thin.  So, I cut a few sheets into card-sized pieces.  Now, I just have to make a really lumpy card, send it to someone, and see if it comes back!
 

Thank You Tulips

It's been awhile since I've posted anything here.  Life seems to just get in the way of my crafting sometimes. Today I spent 4 hours taking apart and DEEP cleaning the oven after opening it last night to billowing smoke!  It needed to be done, even before I burned the pizza....  Anyway, I decided I deserved some stamping time this afternoon, so made up a few thank you cards for some awesome ladies in my stamping group.
  
I used a cute little FSJ stamp set that's on sale right now for only $5.57 (Tulips, AT-0143), along with a border stamp and a set of word stamps from my stash. I kind of hate to see this set retire, but I feel that way about most of my sets when they "go." My consolation is that they live on in my craft room!

Hello, Lovely!

Good afternoon!  The weather is beautiful today, so I spent some time outside, cleaning the flower beds.  Of course we don't have daisies or bumblebees yet, but I thought this card, using the same sets as this card, might be appropriate.  It doesn't show in the photo, but the bottom daisy is popped up with foam squares, and the inside of the card peeks out from behind the partially cut front cover.


  
Would you like to purchase the supplies to make this card?  You can shop online at:
www.funstampersjourney.com/WILMAPAYNE

Stamps:  SS-0192 Hello Lovely, AT-130 Tag Elements
Inks: IP-0041 Black Licorice
Card Stock:  CS-0019 Lemon Grass, CS-0040 Whip Cream
Other:  AD-0085 Journey Foam Squares, Water-based markers, clear Wink of Stella

30% off Retired FSJ

The retirement sale starts tomorrow, April 1st!  Here's a link to the flip book, which has item numbers, catalog page numbers, and sale prices - and pictures!  All items are available only as long as supplies last. If you'd like to order any of these items, this link will take you directly to my website.
And don't forget - if your order totals $50 or more before tax and shipping, add one of the Bloom Benefits for free.

FSJ Retired List

Fun Stampers Journey just posted the list of items that will be retiring at the end of the 2015-16 Catalog.  These items will be on sale for 30% off during the month of April - as long as supplies last. Once they're gone, they're gone so if there's anything you'd really like to get, it's good to order early.  Retired items don't go on sale until Friday, April 1st.  If you'd like to order online any time after that, you can access my site at www.funstampersjourney.com/WILMAPAYNE. Or just give me a call or drop me an email!

SKU #	Description	Page	Regular Price
SS-0026	Classic View	9	$17.95
SS-0223	Going Places	9	$18.95
SS-0224	Capture the Moment	11	$17.95
AT-0063	Fabulous You	12	$7.95
AT-0047	Fashion	12	$7.95
SS-0173	Retro Chic	13	$18.95
SS-0141	Runway	14	$17.95
JW-0017	2015 Charm	18	$2.95
SS-0153	Candy Shop	21	$18.95
SS-0154	Hello Scoop	21	$18.95
TO-0023	Yummy & Delicious Craft Bag	25	$24.95
AT-0034	Elegante	26	$7.95
AT-0071	President Chair	26	$7.95
SS-0228	Wise Owl	31	$12.95
SS-0231	Media Pattern	32	$16.95
SS-0233	House to Home	33	$16.95
SS-0229	Simply Me	33	$18.95
AT-0037	Cupid	37	$7.95
AT-0110	Love Birds	37	$7.95
AT-0074	Love Me	37	$7.95
AT-0085	Adore You	38	$7.95
AT-0070	Happy Day	40	$7.95
AT-0061	Irish On	40	$7.95
AT-0043	Bunny Trail	41	$7.95
AT-0033	Cat's Meow	43	$7.95
SS-0146	Day of the Dead	46	$17.95
SS-0135	Zombies Attack	46	$18.95
AT-0109	Calavera Smile	47	$7.95
SS-0131	Thanksgiving Medley	48	$17.95
AT-0044	Cornacopia	49	$7.95
SS-0091	Winter Season	50	$17.95
AT-0022	Merry & Bright	51	$7.95
AT-0105	Merry Tag	52	$7.95
SS-0093	Winter Wonderland	55	$17.95
SS-0023	Christmas Melody	57	$19.95
AT-0101	Merry Swirl	57	$7.95
SS-0142	Cheerful Trees	58	$18.95
SS-0143	Ornament Party	59	$17.95
SS-0033	Elegant Flowers	63	$18.95
DI-0129	Elegant Flowers	63	$15.95
BD-0065	Elegant Flowers bundle	63	$31.40
AT-0025	Rose Garden	64	$7.95
AT-0143	Tulips	64	$7.95
SS-0079	Sweet Today	65	$17.95
DI-0016	Sweet Today	65	$15.95
BD-0009	Sweet Today bundle	65	$30.50
DI-0009	Spring Blooms	66	$15.95
SS-0102	Spring Filled	66	$16.95
BD-0002	Spring Filled bundle	66	$29.60
DI-0011	Summer Blooms	66	$15.95
SS-0104	Summer Filled	66	$17.95
BD-0004	Summer Filled bundle	66	$30.50
DI-0010	Daisy Blooms	69	$15.95
SS-0113	Daisy Flowers	69	$17.95
BD-0003	Daisy Flowers bundle	69	$30.50
DI-0012	Tattered Flowers	69	$15.95
SS-0112	Tattered Flowers	69	$17.95
BD-0005	Tattered Flowers bundle	69	$30.50
DI-0078	Oh Deer!	74	$12.95
SS-0132	Oh Deer!	74	$18.95
BD-0033	Oh Deer! Bundle	74	$28.70
AT-0127	Hummingbird's Song	75	$7.95
AT-0104	Sweet Chirp	75	$7.95
AT-0004	Artful Owl	76	$7.95
AT-0099	Giraffe Tour	76	$7.95
AT-0032	Imagine	76	$7.95
SS-0071	Sea Side Treasures	77	$17.95
SS-0151	Celebrate Tomorrow	78	$17.95
DI-0130	Celebrate Tomorrow	78	$12.95
BD-0066	Celebrate Tomorrow bundle	78	$27.80
SS-0040	Gifted Wings	78	$21.95
AT-0020	Apple A Day	79	$7.95
AT-0065	Spring Days	79	$7.95
DI-0023	Butterflies	81	$15.95
SS-0035	Enjoy The Journey	81	$16.95
BD-0013	Enjoy the Journey bundle	81	$29.60
AT-0118	Beep Beep	83	$7.95
AT-0116	Let's Go	83	$7.95
SS-0194	Surf's Up	83	$18.95
AT-0117	Come Fly	85	$7.95
SS-0114	Keep Pedaling	86	$17.95
SS-0002	African Safari	87	$17.95
SS-0053	Loads of Fun	88	$16.95
AT-0123	Happy Travels	89	$7.95
AT-0008	Lift Me	89	$7.95
AT-0012	Gone Fishing	90	$7.95
SS-0195	Scenic View	91	$17.95
SS-0042	Greeting Earthlings	93	$17.95
AT-0080	Bright Day	96	$7.95
AT-0083	Play Time	96	$7.95
AT-0079	Tank You	98	$7.95
AT-0126	Teepee Fun	98	$7.95
AT-0076	Dollfits	100	$7.95
AT-0060	Paper Doll	100	$7.95
AT-0067	Smile Big	100	$7.95
AT-0028	Blast Off	105	$7.95
SS-0086	Vroom Vroom	105	$15.95
SS-0124	Animal Nursery	106	$18.95
SS-0108	Hoo-Ray!	107	$17.95
AT-0054	Rain Tweet	108	$7.95
AT-0068	Ruff Day	108	$7.95
AT-0036	Wow	108	$7.95
AT-0095	Above Ground	109	$7.95
SS-0007	Baby Chute	109	$19.95
SS-0123	Moon and Back	109	$17.95
SS-0001	4 Legged Friends	111	$16.95
AT-0027	Another Candle	113	$7.95
AT-0011	Cupcake Time	113	$7.95
SS-0120	Summer Party	113	$17.95
AT-0140	Masquerade	114	$7.95
AT-0052	Bingo	115	$7.95
AT-0013	Bunco Night	115	$7.95
AT-0050	Enjoy	115	$7.95
AT-0026	All of Us	116	$7.95
AT-0048	Moving	116	$7.95
SS-0122	Lantern Treats	117	$18.95
SS-0115	Bachelorette Party	118	$17.95
AT-0005	New Mommy	118	$7.95
AT-0010	Save the Date	118	$7.95
SS-0034	Enjoy Coffee	119	$16.95
SS-0087	Welcome Home	120	$17.95
SS-0121	Backyard BBQ	121	$18.95
SS-0013	Birthday Sketch	121	$17.95
SS-0125	Vintage Hollywood	122	$17.95
AT-0041	Mr. Fix It	125	$7.95
AT-0031	Matthew 28:6	131	$7.95
AT-0100	Psalms 91:1	131	$7.95
AT-0016	Pink Ribbon	135	$7.95
AT-0015	Red Ribbon	135	$7.95
AT-0066	Belongs To	137	$7.95
AT-0073	Crown Me	137	$7.95
AT-0125	Travelers Letter	137	$7.95
AT-0078	Lace Label	138	$7.95
AT-0035	Pretty Label	138	$7.95
AT-0069	Vintage Frame	138	$7.95
SS-0066	Postcard Basics	140	$18.95
AT-0115	Artful Feathers	142	$7.95
AT-0059	Canned Goods	142	$7.95
AT-0081	Damask Print	143	$7.95
AT-0058	Label It	143	$7.95
AT-0094	Medallion	143	$7.95
AT-0075	Carved Damask	144	$7.95
AT-0112	Queen of Hearts	144	$7.95
AT-0107	Bezel Block	148	$7.95
AT-0084	Thank You	148	$7.95
SS-0127	Animal Alphabet	153	$19.95
SS-0030	Divatude	155	$19.95
SS-0043	Greet & Shout	155	$21.95
SS-0012	Birthday Greetings	156	$19.95
SS-0095	You Did It!	156	$19.95
AT-0001	Journey On	157	$7.95
AT-0019	Wine A Bit	157	$7.95
AT-0122	Cup of Tea	158	$7.95
AT-0113	Your Side	158	$7.95
AT-0017	Creative License	159	$7.95
SS-0052	Little BIG Greetings	159	$21.95
SS-0055	Love Tags	160	$16.95
SS-0081	Thoughtful Greetings	163	$19.95
SS-0140	Branch Out	164	$17.95
SS-0057	Many Wishes	165	$21.95
SS-0069	Script	167	$12.95
SS-0064	Paper Floral	168	$12.95
SS-0092	Winter Stitches	169	$12.95
AT-0121	America Sun	171	$7.95
SS-0068	Rough Texture	171	$12.95
SS-0051	Linked Dots	172	$12.95
AT-0111	Washi Fun	172	$7.95
SS-0061	Newsprint	173	$12.95
SS-0025	Circle Bliss	175	$12.95
SS-0032	Elegant Borders	175	$12.95
SS-0077	Stitched Borders	175	$12.95
JG-0001	Journey Grand machine	178	$139.99
DI-0028	Heart Sleeve Pocket	179	$19.95
DI-0003	Pocket Card	179	$34.95
DI-0001	Tagged Pocket	179	$24.95
DI-0005	Bracket Sleeve Pocket	180	$19.95
DI-0002	Decorated Sleeve Pocket	180	$19.95
DI-0027	Scalloped Sleeve Pocket	180	$19.95
PP-0009	Going Places Paper Pack	204	$16.95
PP-0007	Yummy Prints Paper Pack	204	$16.95
PP-0012	Journey Basics Black & White	205	$16.95
PP-0014	Journey Basics Brights Paper Pack	205	$16.95
PP-0015	Journey Basics Neutrals Paper Pack	205	$16.95
PP-0013	Journey Basics Pastels Paper Pack	205	$16.95
PP-0011	Media Prints Paper Pack (12x12)	205	$16.95
PP-0010	Vintage Paris Paper Pack	205	$16.95
CS-0120	Specialty Paper Pearled Celebrations	206	$9.95
AC-0030	Mini Wooden Spools	211	$4.95
AC-0159	Vintage Buttons	211	$5.95
AC-0170	Bezel Dots	213	$9.95
AC-0161	Going Places Wooden Words	213	$5.95
SS-0246	So Sweet	Spr 15	$18.95
SS-0247	Green Cheers	Spr 19	$16.95
PP-0020	Spring Parade printed paper pack	Spr 20	$7.95

Fat Cats

I've been playing with Feed Me (ATS-0160). This is one of the FREE stamp sets you can get with a $50 Fun Stampers Journey order. The others are shown on page 5 of the catalog, and other "Bloom Benefits" are available in the mini catalogs. I'll admit I'm struggling a bit with who I can send these to - the cat definitely has attitude.  But he's so pudgy I love stamping him!!
 This one was really simple.  Stamped the cat, added a bit of blue and a strip of pattern paper.  My very first FSJ card!
 Here I stamped 'Thanks' multiple times and embossed in white - then cut out and mounted Mr. Fat Cat on a simple oval mat.  I thought some white fur would help, but not sure I like the look.
 Here I paper-pieced with some old patterned paper from my stash, cut frames with the Journey Rectangle dies, and added a bow and some bling.  Not sure I'm thrilled - kind of like the cat....