Marion *Day 2*

Welcome to day 2 of inspiration with the talented Marion: I love the soft subtle background of this card and all of that pristine white space. And Marion's partial stamping of the floral image is genius! It gives a whole new look to the stamp!
Here is my take, especially inspired by Marion's partial stamping and open expanse of white space:

Please note- items used in creating this card, which are available for purchase from www.ilovemementos.com, will be linked below. (just click on the item if you are interested in purchasing)
I began by stamping Penny Black 4159K Sundial with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink onto Neenah Tiara White cardstock. The flowers were colored in using Faber-Castell Stamper's Big Brush Markers (see below for my FAV color combinations). To add the flicks of color, I used the same Stamper's Big Brush Markers used for the flowers and colored onto my acrylic block. I spritzed the block with a Mini Mister and then dipped my paint brush into the ink. Then I flicked the ink onto the background. Finally, I added pearls and mounted the stamped pieces onto a notecard cut from Penny Black Mix and Match cardstock. Sentiment by Penny Black, CL 30-023 Thinking of You.

Now, you know those Faber-Castell Stamper's Big Brush Markers I just can't get enough of? I have a special post on the Mementos blog today listing all of my favorite color combinations for blending. AND there is a VIDEO demonstrating my favorite blending technique. Here's a tiny peek at the project:

I hope you'll click HERE to watch the video and check it out! And remember, there is still time to win a Tim Holtz Vagabond just by shopping at http://www.ilovemementos.com/. Whoever wins... are you ready for me to come visit your craft room to use it?!? LOL - just kidding!

Inspired by...Marion

Hi everyone! Thanks sooo much for your support and excitement for my announcement yesterday. I've said this before, but I mean it every time, you are all the BEST! I am also so very excited to announce that this week's featured artist is Marion Vagg! I love Marian's stamping. Be sure to check out her BLOG, I know you'll love it! Here's our very first inspiration card by Marion: This card has the most lovely, rich, and vibrant background! The black sillouette of the tree looks beautiful. And that sentiment suits a beautiful sunset perfectly!
Here is my take:

PLEASE NOTE- items used in creating this card, which are available in the www.ilovemementos.com online store, will be linked to the store (just click on the item if you are interested in purchasing).
I began by distressing Neenah Tiara White cardstock with Spiced Marmalade, and Wild Honey Distress Ink. I flicked this background with water to create the spots. Next I stamped the tree, Penny Black 3977H Splendor, using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. I masked the "hill" using scratch paper and then inked with Black Soot Distress Ink below the mask. The frame, cut from Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 16 was inked with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. Sentiment by Penny Black, 30-072 Air Mail, and attached with Hemp Twine.

Now for a look at what is going on over on the Mementos Blog today. We've got 2 (yes TWO) video tutorials featuring Faber-Castell Gelatos and some awesome Penny Black stamps. Here's a peek at one of the cards. I sure hope you'll stop by to check it out- CLICK HERE. See you tomorrow with our next WONDERFUL card by Marion!

A new journey....

I have to start today be telling you that I've LOVED reading all of your ideas about my hints I've been giving you this past week about my big announcement! Well, the wait is over, my friends. I can finally spill the beans...the jillybeans! :)

I am so thrilled to announce that I have teamed up with my local scrapbook store, Mementos, to offer you a tutorial blog (http://www.ilovemementos.blogspot.com/) featuring all of our favorite stamps and related products. Yes, we're talking DAILY tutorials by myself full of techniques and fun ways to use your stamps, markers, gelatos, distress inks, etc. Not only will these items be shown to you on the tutorial blog, but Lisa Joy (Mementos owner) and I are also opening an online store (http://www.ilovemementos.com), making shopping for the products used in each tutorial simple and easy. What makes our online store different than others that are out there? It's in our philosophy:

Our philosophy is to make things easy, educational, inspiring and rewarding as you meet with us everyday. That is why you will see us focus on specific products a little at a time, rather than overwhelming you with a myriad of choices. If you are a beginner crafter, this is the perfect process for you to educate yourself and begin your collection of fabulous products. If you are a seasoned pro, we hope to inspire your creativity with products you may already own so that you see things in a fresh, new and fun way!

Our first product focus is close to my heart--Penny Black and Faber-Castell!! We're calling it MIX and MATCH MANIA and it begins tomorrow!

Mementos LOVES their customers!
From the minute I began shopping at Mementos here in Arizona, I was welcomed by the most loving and kind folks around. It is such a warm community that offers their customers the very best. I am pleased to say that this value remains at the top of the list with our online store. Lisa Joy and I (aka JillyJoy) are proud to offer our valued customers an awesome customer rewards program (read more HERE) and great shipping options (more info HERE). Check out this short video with a few peeks at what is to come:
(watch directly on YouTube by clicking HERE)

Okay, the good news doesn't stop there!!! I am also UBER excited to announce that I will be offering classes by DVD sent right to your home (remember that DVD and shipping box in my hints?)!! You can find all of the information about my DVD classes HERE. And they can be purchased HERE.

If you read my personal post a couple of weeks ago (you can find it HERE), you will know that this is a new journey for me as I have left my "comfort zone" teaching elementary school to follow my dream and improve my health. Without your support and encouragement here on this blog, I don't know that I would be standing where I am today. And I can't thank you enough for your support of this new venture.

Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

And please, do not worry, nothing is changing over here on "Inspired by..." Each week I am soooo honored to feature other artists on this blog and that will always remain. :)

Now you know I just can't leave you without a card for today, so here is today's PB&J card:

You can watch a video of the creation of this card from start to finish on the Penny Black Blog HERE or watch directly in HD on YouTube HERE.

Thanks again, my friends, for allowing me to share this passion of mine with you each day!! See you here tomorrow with our next featured artist for the week (she ROCKS!) and I also hope to see you over at http://www.ilovemementos.blogspot.com/ with another video tutorial. Wait, I will have TWO videos for you over on the Mementos blog tomorrow! :)

Card Camp Giveaway Winners

Hi everyone! WOW! Thanks for the awesome response to the Card Camp Giveaway. And welcome to any new followers- I'm so glad to have you! Now it's time to announce the 3 lucky winners:
Peggy H
Karen James
Maria Fernanda McClure
I've emailed you all! BIG thanks to Kristina and Jennifer for making this givewaway possible.

Be sure to click HERE or scroll down for today's post featuring a stunning creation from Joanne (and another hint)! HUGS!

Joanne Sharpe *Day 3*

Here is our last inspiration piece from Joanne. Such a lovely sketch just brimming with all of her charm and style: art © joanne sharpe 2011
I love her doodles, border, color choices.... yep, I love it ALL!
Here is my take:

The flower, Penny Black 4183K Sparkle, was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stamper's Big Brush Markers. I stamped the image twice, once on the Spellbinders Die Cut Labels 16 and once onto another piece of white paper. The flower was then cut out and mounted with dimensional adhesive onto the die cut piece. After coloring, the die cut piece was distressed with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. Background distressed with Dusty Concord and Walnut Stain Distress Ink. Finally, I flicked the purple background using ink from black and purple Stamper's Big Brush Markers which were colored onto an acrylic block, spritzed with water, and then picked up with a paintbrush for the flicking. (hhmmm... is "flick" the technical term for making a big mess? LOL) Flower center is a Candi Dot.

BIG thanks to Joanne for allowing me to share her artwork here on "Inspired by..." this week. She has LOADS of talent and it has been an honor. Thanks to all of you, too, for your visits and comments. Before I leave ya for the weekend, here are all of the hints I've given you so far this week about my big announcement: And when, you ask, will I reveal my BIG secret?? On Monday... can you wait that long?? :) Oh, okay, I'll give you one more little hint....this just might be something you can WIN.... Hope you have an awesome, creative weekend. Happy stamping! HUGS!
Be back soon with the winner of the Summer Card Camp Giveaway!

Inspired by...Joanne Sharpe

I am thrilled to announce that this week's featured artist is the uber-talented Joanne Sharpe. All of Joanne's work which I will be sharing this week is hand-drawn by herself. So, so, SOOO IMPRESSIVE. Take a look at this masterpiece: art © joanne sharpe 2011

I love Joanne's use of bright colors. Her whimsical drawings and hand-lettering just make me smile! And what a great quote, too. Very touching for me personally with my new change in career. Be sure to pop over to her blog so you can take in more of her awesome artwork, my friends!
Here is my take: The background and flowers on this card were colored using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stamper's Big Brush Markers. So that I could have a watercolor look, I colored with the markers on an acrylic block, spritzed with water, and then painted the color on using a paint brush. I also added just a bit of white with a white gel pen on the tips of the petals of the flowers.I drew the border, grass, and some extra doodles on the flower image using a extra-fine tipped Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist Pen. All stamps Penny Black: 3388K Unfold,30-032 Enjoy Life.

Remember, you still have time to sign up for my giveaway- details HERE.
Oh, and shall I give you another hint about my BIG announcement coming soon. Let's see, how about this? Thanks for visiting! HUGS!

PB&J Video Tutorial and GIVEAWAY!!

Here's a look at this week's PB&J card. You can watch the video directly on YouTube in HD HERE or on the Penny Black Blog HERE. And now time for an exciting giveaway. I have 3 spots to giveaway in Jennifer McGuire and Kristina Werner's awesome upcoming Summer Card Camp online class! Here's a little more info about the class:

Get ready for a summer full of colorful cardmaking fun with Summer Card Camp 2011. Jennifer McGuire and Kristina Werner have teamed up to bring you a 4-week workshop loaded with fresh color combos, cutting edge techniques, and versatile sketches that will leave you feeling inspired to create! Summer Card Camp is your all-access pass to 48 new card ideas, daily PDFs, twice weekly videos, guest designers (including me!), huge prizes and access to a private blog where you can share your own creations. For more information and to register, visit http://onlinecardclasses.com/summercardcamp2011/classinfo.html.

And, yep, you heard me right, I have 3 spots to giveaway! If you are picked as a winner and have already signed up, you will be given a refund. Here's how to enter the giveaway:
1. Sign up to follow my blog, if you haven't already.
2. Leave a comment on this post.
I will announce the winners on Friday, so be sure to enter!
See you tomorrow with our newest featured artist- I just LOVE her work!
And remember I said I would have some BIG announcements this week... well, I'm going to give you some more hints, just to keep you in suspense a little bit longer. Last Friday we had this:And today I leave you with this:
**6/24/11--GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED**

Inspired by...Maddi

I'm so excited to announce a very special guest here on "Inspired by..." It's my sweet niece, Maddi! Maddi is 10 years old and quite the budding artist. She has recently won a couple of coloring contests in her hometown and I just had to share one of her masterepieces here! Take a look: WOW! I love how Maddi colored in this entire picture using tiny, tiny dots. She has chosen a great color scheme, too. And I also can't get over her idea to mix up some of the colors of dots, like on the bear's hat and jacket, to get an even more unique look. Maddi- YOU ROCK!
Here's my take using Maddi's awesome technique:

I began by coloring in the flowers, Penny Black 3865K Gossamer, with a light Copic marker. Next, I added dots using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist pens. The background of the flower panel was inked using Peeled Paint and Broken China Distress Ink. The card base was inked with Walnut Stain (bottom) and Antique Linen and Brushed Corduroy (top) Distress Ink. Sentiment by Penny Black 30-064 Good Catch.

Thanks soooo much to Maddi for the incredible inspiration. Sending BIG hugs to you and Emma from your Auntie Jill!! :)

Oh, and before I go I just had to share this CUTE picture Maddi drew on the inside of a handmade card she sent me. I am thinking that you, my stamping friends, might relate to this scenario, i.e. stamping away with the hubby knocking on the craft room door! *wink*

Anika *Day 4*

I'm sorry to say that this is our last day of inspiration with Anika. :( But you can always check out more of her fun cards on her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM. Isn't today's card by Anika great? I love those fun coffee cups and her bold paper choices for her paper piecing. This would make the perfect card to hold a Starbucks gift card for its recipient!
Here is my take:

The floral pieces, Penny Black 30-041 Flowers & Wishes, were stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then distressed with Brushed Corduroy, Broken China, and Walnut Stain Distress Ink. The flowers were colored using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stamper's Big Brush Markers. Card base scored using Martha Stewart Score Board and then inked with Antique Linen Distress Ink. Sentiment by Penny Black, 30-032 Enjoy Life.

Thanks so much to Anika for allowing me to share her work this week! And thanks to all of you for visiting and for your sweet comments. See you tomorrow with a fun inspiration piece from my beautiful niece and next week with a new featured artist, a giveaway, and some BIG, BIG, BIG announcements! :) Hhhmmm... should I give you a little teaser to think about this weekend? Okay, here it is:

See ya tomorrow! :)

Anika *Day 3* {2nd Post for Today}

I promised lots of cards yesterday so here is my second post for today. :) If you didn't see this morning's earlier post, I hope you'll scroll down and check it out. Here's our next inspiration card by Anika:I have to say that Anika's use of this floral stamp by Penny Black is one of the most unique ways I've seen it stamped. I love how she cut out the flowers and extended them beyond the background. The color scheme is so striking, too!
Here is my take. I kept Anika's overall layout but switched up the colors:
This card was created using a faux watercolor technique which I am sharing over on the FABER-CASTELL DESIGN MEMORY CRAFT blog today. I hope you can pop over and visit. :) If you do, you will see another card featuring this technique and step by step directions on how to achieve the look. Here's a little peek at that other card:

Thanks again for all of your visits! See you tomorrow with another lovely card by Anika!

Anika *Day 2*

Here's our next paper pieced beauty by Anika: And here's my take: The flower, Penny Black 4159K Sundial, was stamped onto 2 different patterned papers and then inked with Spiced Marmalade and Fired Brick Distress Ink. The center lines on each petal were colored with Copic Markers. Each flower was cut out (omitting some petals on the flower stamped on text) and then layered. Flower center is Candi dot with twine. The leaves were created using petals from the flower and were colored with a Faber-Castell Design Memory Crafter Stamper's Big Brush Marker. Background created by lightly inking white cardstock with Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink and then spritzing with Glimmer Mist. Sentiment by Penny Black, 30-064 Good Catch.

See you tomorrow with LOTS of cards- I have a big post prepared for ya! :)

Inspired by...Anika

I'm so thrilled to announce that this week's featured stamper is Anika! She has a fresh style that is sure to inspire. You can see lots of her fab cards on her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM. I know you'll want to check it out! :) Here's our first inspiration card by Anika: I love Anika's paper piecing on her flowers! What great colors, too. And finally, that yellow/orange strip with the sentiment is a great finishing touch-- don't you just love the way the one leaf extends over the edge?
Here is my take:

I began by stamping the flowers, Penny Black3601J Pansy Party, with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. They were stamped on the die cut piece (Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 7) and once again on another piece of white cardstock. The die cut piece was distressed with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink. Next, I colored the flowers on the plain white cardstock using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stamper's Big Brush Markers. The flowers were then cut out and adhered to the die cut piece. The sentiment, Penny Black 30-064 Good Catch, was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and then distressed with Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink. The background was embossed (Cuttlebug Swiss Dots) and then inked with Broken China Distress Ink.

Thanks so much for visiting! See you tomorrow with Anika's next inspiration card. HUGS!

PB&J Video Tutorial

Good morning everyone! It's time for...... another PB&J Video Tutorial of course. Here is today's card:

Now hop over to the PENNY BLACK BLOG to watch the video of this card's creation from start to finish or click HERE to watch directly on YouTube in HD. See you tomorrow with our next featured artist. Hope your week is off to a great start! :)

A Personal Post

Hhhmmm... are you wondering why you see a happy face and not a card on today's post? I hope you're not disappointed but I wanted to share a bit of what is happening in my neck of the woods these days. I don't usually share lots of personal info here so I hope you don't mind. :)

So that you can understand my sheer JOY as I write this, I must take you back a year or two.... I have been a teacher for the past seven years. I've taught kindergarten, special education at the elementary and middle school level, and preschool. While I have loved my time spent with the kids, developing curriculum, and truly feeling like I am making a difference, the level of stress and hours really began to take a toll on my health a couple of years ago. I was diagnosed with IBS (yuck.... so NOT a fun thing to deal with!) and also struggled with anxiety. Unfortunately, there isn't much that can be done for the IBS. It sort of feels like that diagnosis you get when they just can't figure out what is wrong. I was soooo sick. E.V.E.R.Y.D.A.Y. Even leaving the house became difficult. But there were a few things that kept me plugging along---my faith, my husband, my parents, my friends, and as silly as it sounds one of those things that kept my head above water was this blog. See, when you just plain don't feel good and your mind won't stop worrying about well, pretty much everything, immersing yourself into something creative, like cardmaking, is GREAT. But what's even GREATER is sharing what you create and feeling this rush of love and sense of community from other crafters.

Honestly, every comment or note I received in my inbox was a happy distraction from the crud that I was facing. It was a smile you gave to me.

Okay, let's fast forward to the EXCITING part. There is a VERY happy ending to this..... To begin, I have been blessed to find some relief from my IBS symptoms. I'm actually finding more and more that it is food allergies/intolerances which possibly magnified from the last few years of constantly functioning at a very high stress level. As those symptoms decrease so does my level of anxiety. AND.... are you ready for this announcement? (or is there anyone still reading?? LOL) Yesterday was my last day of teaching. Yes, my classroom is packed and my keys turned in. My new full-time job will be in the designing/stamping/cardmaking field and spending lots of time at one of my favorite places, Mementos. I can't believe it. Really. Somebody, please pinch me! The doors that have been opened to me are answered prayers. And I'm not just saying that as a common expression. God has heard and answered my prayers. He is so good.

But, you see, my friends, I wanted to share this with you for a couple of reasons. One, I am just so stinkin' excited! :) But secondly, because I want you to know how your support has truly made a difference in my life. You thought you were just signing up to follow a blog, tweeting something nice, or leaving a cute comment on a card, but it is soooo much more than that. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Okay, I sure hope you made it through that LONG post. And hopefully you aren't bored out of your mind or thinking "TMI, Jill, TMI!" I will leave you with a little creation I made quite some time ago. This is actually a painting done mostly with acrylics and Distress Ink--the only stamped image is the butterfly (Penny Black). The entire piece is is 11 in. x 6 1/2 in.

And since this post is a bit sappy, I want to leave you with this verse I hold dear. In fact, I have it on a little plaque next to my computer: (thanks Heather!)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11

See you tomorrow a regular crafty post and with our last beautiful inspiration card from Amy! :)

Inspired by...Amy

Here's our next clean and simple inspiration card by the lovely Amy: Love this bold and graphic design of Amy's. And here's my take:

Penny Black, 4036K Poppy Poem, was stamped onto white cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stamper's Big Brush Markers. The yellow background was created by coloring around the floral image with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Pastel Pencils. Once the remaining white areas were all colored I blended the yellow and orange using my finger tip. Sentiment banner and card base distressed with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. Sentiment by Penny Black 30-014.

Thanks so much for stopping by--see you tomorrow with a fun post!

PB&J Video Tutorial

It's Monday so you know what that means....calorie-free PB&J time!
This week the challenge on the Penny Black blog is creating projects with fun folds so my card today features a panel that folds and opens directly on the front of the card. I first saw this idea done by Jennifer McGuire- thanks for the inspiration! :)

Go HERE to watch the video on the Penny Black blog (all Copics used are listed there, too) or HERE to watch directly on YouTube in HD.

Can't wait to see you tomorrow with our next featured stamper. I LOVE her Clean And Simple (CAS) style! HUGS!

Kristina Werner *Day 2*

Here's our next beautiful inspiration by Kristina Werner. Don't you just love that bow and punched green background paper??!!

Here's my take:The butterfly was die cut using a Spellbinders die. Next, I inked the butterfly with Fired Brick and Walnut Stain Distress Ink. The butterfly was then stamped in Walnut Stain Distress Ink with Penny Black 40-048 Paisley Outline. Next, the butterfly was adhered to a panel inked with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink and stamped with Penny Black 3629E ...Special Treasures in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. The turquoise background paper is Penny Black Mix and Match cardstock which was punched using a Fiskars border punch. The notecard card base began as white cardstock which was inked with Fired Brick and Walnut stain Distress Ink. Background stamped with Penny Black 30-068 Trims in Walnut stain Distress Ink.
Thanks so much for popping in today! See you tomorrow with our next card by Kristina and a fun announcement!! :)