Papercrafts and Planners – Page 8 – Crafting a beautiful balance of creativity and productivity

Embarking on a New Crafting Adventure

January 31, 2017 · 1 Comment

Fun Stampers Journey

I learned about Fun Stampers Journey through YouTube videos, and some of the products really intrigued me. They carry stamps, papers, inks, sprays, paper crafting tools, mixed media products, and more.

THE INKS

I definitely wanted to try the FSJ ink pads. The ink is a combination of dye and pigment ink, making the colors very vibrant, yet quick drying. I love the vibrancy of pigment inks, but I don’t want to wait for them to dry, or use a heat tool, when making a simple card.

THE STAMPS

FSJ carries unmounted red rubber stamps that actually have pictures on the back. I have quite a collection of clear acrylic stamps, and a few red rubber stamps mounted on wood, so I really wanted to give these stamps a try. The problem that I had with red rubber stamps in the past was trying to line them up on a project. The lack of a picture made it hard to see where you were stamping, and if the stamp was mounted on wood it was even harder to figure out how to line up the image.

THE DIE CUTTING TOOLS

FSJ has two die cutting machines. The Amaze Machine is their small machine and seems comparable to the Cuttlebug. The Journey Platinum Machine is larger and comes with a magnetic plate. The die cutting area is 8 1/2 inches wide!

THE DISCOUNT

I was innocently watching a YouTube video when I discovered that FSJ coaches (people who sell the product through home parties, their on-line websites, etc.) received a 20% discount on products for themselves, and a 20% commission on anything they sell.

As if that wasn’t enough incentive, there was a discount code offering $50 off two of their new coaches kits. One of the kits contains the Journey Platinum Machine. This kit is $149.99 with the discount code, and the Platinum machine retails for $249.99.

THE KIT

I guess you know what happened next. That’s right, I ordered the Platinum Kit once I researched all of the products I would be receiving for $149.99 (plus taxes and shipping.)

Platinum Kit (over $440 value!)

Includes:

Journey Platinum Die cutting machine
2 oz Bottle of Journey Glaze
Stamp Cleaner
White Liner Tape
Journey Thread Natural
Journey Sparkle Dust
Whip Cream Cardstock (25 sheets)
Black Licorice Cardstock (25 sheets)
Assorted Cardstock Pack (24 sheets)
Black Licorice ink pad
8 Inspiration Book & Catalogs
1 Trends Mini Catalog
Make It Party Invites, Hostess Forms, Customer Order Forms, Replicated site
And your choice of 3 stamps, 1 ATS, 1 die set & 3 ink pads

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I wanted to immediately start playing with all of the new products I was so excited to try. However, I controlled myself and made a video first. You really need to see the products, and use them, to appreciate how special they are.

If you are interested in purchasing any products from Fun Stampers Journey, you can do so on my FSJ website. If you want the Platinum Kit, even if you are just interested in buying products for yourself, go to my website, click on Become a Coach at checkout, enter the discount code of JWMJB50 and you are all set.

If you have any questions about the products, leave a comment below, and I will be happy to answer them.

[contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”1″ /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”1″ /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Comment” type=”textarea” required=”1″ /][/contact-form]

5 Reasons You Need the New Hampton Arts Stamp Perfect

January 17, 2017 · Leave a Comment

As soon as I saw this new tool I knew I needed to get my hands on it. I could see the benefits of this product, especially when making cards, which is something I love to do.

The Stamp Perfect has a base with a grid pattern, a removable foam pad, and two magnets. The lid is hinged, has a grid pattern, and there are handy rulers on three sides of the base. They really made this tool with the card maker in mind.

After playing with the Stamp Perfect, I quickly realized that it is even more helpful than I thought it would be.

Here are the top 5 reasons I think you need the Stamp Perfect in your life.

You can line up several stamps at the same time. If you want a beautiful floral element, and a sentiment on your card front, you can use the grid, and rulers, to get everything straight, and perfectly spaced. Place your stamps face down on your project exactly where you want the images, press the lid down on the stamps, lift the lid and your are ready to be inked.
Multi-layered stamps sets are now a snap to use. If you need to stamp multiple layers, you will no longer have to worry if you are lining up each layer where it belongs.
No more worry about your project moving as you are stamping. The magnets hold your project in place while you are working, so everything stays exactly where you want it. I had no problem with my card front moving, and I am notorious for bumping, or moving, my project while stamping.
Solid stamps are no longer a problem. Have you ever stamped a solid image and realized a section just didn’t stamp clearly, leaving a blotchy image? I know I have. With this tool you simply lift the lid, re-ink your stamp, and stamp it again. No more worrying if you are lining it up perfectly.
Making multiples of the same card is much easier with this tool. Want to make the same card, say an invitation, multiple times? You will only need to line up your stamp placement once, and all of your cards can easily look the same, instead of just similar.

I made a video showing my first project with this tool. I think you really need to see this Stamp Perfect in action, to appreciate how easy it is to use.

I checked prices on similar tools on the market, and found that Misti makes a version smaller than the Hampton Arts Stamp Perfect for $45. I don’t have a Misti to compare, so it may be worth the extra money for some of you. However, Michaels carries this product for less than $30, and you can use a coupon.

I loved playing with this product so much that I’m unwilling to share, and have to have one of my own. You can bet I will be calling ahead to make sure Michaels has one in stock, and bringing my coupon.

Have you tried a stamp positioning tool before? Let me know your experience, and if you have a preferred tool.

Happy crafting,

Dedra

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

Getting Ready for a Productive New Year

January 12, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Which planner should I choose?

There are so many wonderful planners on the market that it can be difficult to choose the right one. It’s a good idea to know exactly what you want your planner to do for you.

Do you want to organize all aspects of your life in one planner, or do you prefer separate planners for your business and home life?
Do you like an hourly, vertical, or horizontal layout?
Do you need a page for each day, or are weekly and monthly views fine for you?
Do you want your planner to reside on your desk, or fit in your bag?

I spent a lot of time looking at different planners, and selected four. I know that sounds like a lot, but, really, I can explain.

The first planner I chose was a beautiful Happy Planner by Me and My Big Ideas. Since this is the year I have vowed to treat my YouTube and blog as a business, instead of a hobby, I needed a planner to keep things on track. The This is Your Year Happy Planner has plenty of room for tracking all of my business to-dos and goals. I purchased my planner at Michael’s during a 50% off sale, but you can also find this planner here on the MAMBI site.

Next, I selected a menu planner to help meet my number one health goal of consuming healthier foods. Yes, this has been one of my goals for many years, but a fun planner will help, right? My menu planner is one created by Carrie Elle, and can be found here on her website. My favorite was the Secret Garden cover, but there are several fun covers to choose from.

I have carried a Travelers Notebook as a wallet for a couple of years now, and it is my on-the-go planner. I keep a monthly calendar, and some important information with me at all times. This allows me to jot down appointments as they are scheduled to later transfer into my main planner. It also allows me to have information, such as clothing sizes, gift wish lists, and items I need to buy if I find them on sale, on hand at all times. I purchased mine through Amazon. As you can see it is undated, so you can start using this at any time throughout the year.

My fourth planner is my main planner, and I use it to organize all of the doctor’s appointments, dates I need to remember, goals, budgeting, bills to pay, and so much more. This year I’m using the Living Well Planner by Ruth Soukup. It is very colorful and pretty, yet functional at the same time. I think she has really thought of everything you could possibly need in a planner. I am struggling a little with the hourly layout, but I will make it work for me. There is only one design to choose from this year, you can find it here on the Living Well Planner site.

Putting it all together

Do use a paper planner to stay organized? If so, have you found your perfect planner(s)? Let me know what you will be using this year.

Platinum Kit (over $440 value!)

Includes:

Thanks for Visiting!

I’m Social