Christmas Throughout the Year; 6 of 6: Jill

It may be January, but we still have a few holiday stamps and dies setting out in the Studio.  Join us this month as we share a few ideas to help you get even more mileage from your holiday products as we feature...

One of my favorite ways to get the most from my holiday stamps and dies is to use them for thank you cards.  I simply use the holiday image but stamp a thank you sentiment instead of a more Christmas-specific sentiment.  Here are two examples where I've done just that.

First, I kept things nice and cute for this bright thank you.

(View compete supplies and technique video on the Penny Black blog HERE.)

And for these cards I tried a new-to-me technique using acrylic paints along with Penny Black's Creative Die Serenity.

(View compete supplies and technique video on the Penny Black blog HERE.)

Thanks for your visits and support here in the STUDIO. We hope you've been inspired this past month to look at your Christmas stamps and dies in a whole new way...and that you just might enjoy Christmas throughout the year! :)

Christmas Throughout the Year; 5 of 6: Elizabeth

It may be January, but we still have a few holiday stamps and dies setting out in the Studio.  Join us this month as we share a few ideas to help you get even more mileage from your holiday products as we feature...

Thank you notes are definitely a staple needed throughout the year.

This design is easily replicated to create several at one time.

By taking rich coca browns and pairing them with royal reds, you can create a big impact.

Penny Black
30-312 Regal Reindeer

Tone-on-tone stamping gives you lots of leeway to alter the look of a card.  Think of this same design done with greens or oranges.  Or for a sophisticated twist heat embossing done in silver or gold.

A small strip of accent paper and a sentiment that overhangs the top edge of the card are simple yet eye-catching elements.

Complete instructions and supplies are available HERE.

More thank you ideas to come from my pARTner, Jill!

Christmas Throughout the Year; 4 of 6: Jill

It may be January, but we still have a few holiday stamps and dies setting out in the Studio.  Join us this month as we share a few ideas to help you get even more mileage from your holiday products as we feature...

I loved how Elizabeth transformed her snowflakes and winter stamp set to create a springtime card.  My project takes this same approach using Penny Black's Creative Dies.  My first card is a Christmas poinsettia design...

But then I used the same berries, mason jar, and overall design to create a springtime version.

Next I brightened things up for a summertime hello.

And finally brought in the colors of Autumn.

You can get all of the product details and view a PB&J video demonstrating these card making techniques on the Penny Black blog by clicking HERE and HERE.

Christmas Throughout the Year; 3 of 6: Jill

It may be January, but we still have a few holiday stamps and dies setting out in the Studio.  Join us this month as we share a few ideas to help you get even more mileage from your holiday products as we feature...

I love Penny Black's holiday stamps that also have a nature/winter theme.  Some of my favorites released this year are 30-320 Spread Cheer, 30-321 Winter Moments, and 30-322 Joy to All.  I've used them to create a set of watercolor tags.

I can't tell you how much fun I had creating these.  I must admit, I think it was one of my favorite projects ever!

You can get all of the techniques and complete supply lists on the Penny Black blog HERE.

Christmas Throughout the Year; 2 of 6: Elizabeth

It may be January, but we still have a few holiday stamps and dies setting out in the Studio.  Join us this month as we share a few ideas to help you get even more mileage from your holiday products as we feature...

Here is a fun way to transition a wintry stamp set into a floral garden.

Penny Black
30-320 Spread Cheer

The branches were stamped along the bottom of the rectangular cardstock and then the snowflakes were used for flowers.

Even a small strip of Christmas striped paper is seen as a refreshing spring accent.

 Complete instructions and supplies are available HERE.

Here is another idea.  This Christmas design is easily CASED into an everyday card.

Just omit the holiday greeting and leave blank or add one of your choice to fit the occasion.

A thoughtful sentiment stamped on the inside will also set the tone of the card.

Take it a step further and use paint "flecks" of a different color to reflect the current season.

Complete instructions and supplies are available HERE.

Stay tuned for more fabulous ideas from Jill to stretch those holiday stamps throughout the year.  

Christmas Throughout the Year; 1 of 6: Elizabeth

It may be January, but we still have a few holiday stamps and dies setting out in the Studio.  Join us this month as we share a few ideas to help you get even more mileage from your holiday products as we feature...

I find it is always nice to have some wintry cards on hand as the snowy season in Michigan can last for quite a few months.

This card is adaptable for all kinds of greetings by personalizing the inside with a select sentiment: 

thank you, happy birthday, thinking of you

Penny Black
80-012 Wintertime

A combination of patterned paper with a die cut snowflake makes creating this glittery greeting a snap. 

Penny Black
51-066 Crystal Trio

Complete instructions and supplies are available HERE.

Out & About with Jill on the Shimmerz Blog

I'm SO EXCITED to announce that today I am...

... on the Shimmerz Paints blog as a new member of their education team.  

This means I will be "out and about" on the Shimmerz blog once a month with a new video for you featuring their fun paints and sprays along with my favorite Penny Black stamps and dies.

 From the moment I tried Shimmerz Paints I was hooked.  My favorite thing?  While they add a beautiful shine and shimmer to my projects, the shimmer does not take away from the bold colors of the paints and sprays.  It's like the shimmer only enhances the color.  Love. Love. Love.

Here's a little peek at my card today...

You will find the full reveal AND VIDEO on the Shimmerz blog by clicking HERE.

If you're looking to add Shimmerz Paints to your crafty stash then be sure to mention my name in the "notes to merchant" section when placing an order.  The kind folks at Shimmerz will give you free paint just for doing so! (Shop HERE.)

I've had a few questions about the wide variety of products available from Shimmerz.  If you want detailed product information, I highly recommend watching the Shimmerz Shortz videos by the talented Missy Whidden.  You will find them on the Shimmerz YouTube channel.  And you can also keep up with all of the latest and greatest from Shimmerz on their Facebook page, too.

Here is just my own brief synopsis of the Shimmerz products I currently have and will be reaching for often.

Shimmerz Paints: These paints come in a small pot and are activated by simply stirring them up.  They have a gorgeous glittery finish.  I would describe the glitter in these to be thick and textural.

Creamez: These paints come in a small pot and are activated with water.  They have a gorgeous satin finish.

Inklings: These paints come in a small pot and are activated with water.  They have a DIVINE sparkle. Oh my gosh. It's GORGEOUS in real life.

Coloringz Sprays: These sprays are a flat spray, without shimmer, and the colors are very rich.  They are GREAT for layering and creating backgrounds and painting in stamped images and.... :)

Vibez Sprays: These sprays have a light shimmer and very VIBRANT color. 

Spritz Sprays: These sprays are super shimmery and super colorful.  

Dazzlers and Texturez: Both of these are texture pastes and I love using them with stencils and even alone to create mixed media backgrounds.

Blingz: Oh, these are fun!  They come in a little pot and are activated by simply stirring them up.  They are a super chunky glitter paint. I especially love the Pixie Dust color for embellishing stamped images.