Flamingo Tag Birthday Card

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Caramel Vanilla coffee

Winner at Conjurer of Dreams

Hello! I hope all of you are doing well.

Today's post is a two-fer. I'm sharing a tag created for a challenge, but then I took the tag and used it on a card. 

as you can tell from recent posts, I use quite a few images and kits from Gecko Galz. not only do they give away SO many freebies, but I've been blessed to win quite a few from their store. several of the Design Team members are also on another team, Conjurer of Dreams. so I checked out that blog to see what it's all about.

I was interested in the image that they provided for their monthly tag challenge. my mother-in-law loves flamingos, and her birthday is this summer. so I thought I would use the tag to make a birthday card for her.

everything is fairly simple. papers are from Glitz Designs on Snap Click Supply. (btw, you simply MUST visit this store! you'll find digital collections from many popular paper companies. every Wednesday they have a dollar sale. usually about 2 dozen items for only a dollar each.)

mulberry flowers are old Prima, the ephemera pieces are Tim Holtz, ribbon is from Zipper Stop, and the sentiment is by Simon Says Stamp. a bit of doily peaks from behind the tag. the tag and cards were edged with a Tim Holtz watercolor pencil in, of course!, Kitsch Flamingo. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by! in all the history of the world, there has only ever been one you. you matter!

Jennifer

Challenges:

Conjurer of Dreams tag - use provided image to create a tag

Addicted to Stamps and More - birthdays

Aud Sentiments - embossing and/or flowers plus a sentiment

613 Avenue Craft - anything goes w/option of May flowers

Stormy Lighthouse ATC cards

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Cinnamon French Toast coffee

Hi there! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. :)

I'm sharing some ATC cards I made for the new monthly ATC challenge over at Gecko Galz. As I work on the two baby journals, I'm also redoing the nautical themed journal I made for Tyler and Danielle several years ago. yep, nothing like adding more crafting to my schedule! ha! so this month's sheet works well.

the card edges are distressed with scissors as well as ink. I cut apart the title of the page and used parts of it on the cards. because these will be going in a journal, I added graph paper to the backs for writing space and accented with some vintage sea/ocean ephemera I recently purchased on Etsy. burlap ribbon finishes each card.

thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope all of you have an amazing week! 

Challenges:

Gecko Galz ATC - use provided image

Tag Along (and ATC) - anything goes or add some pink

Creative Crafters - anything goes

ATC Around the World - anything goes

Enchanted Fairy Journal Card

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Maple Pecan coffee (this weekend is the 100th anniversary of our local Maple Festival!)

Gecko Galz Staff Choice Winner

Hello, everyone!

Today I'm sharing another journal card using a free image from the Gecko Galz blog. it's fairly simple, but I try to mindful of not adding too much bulk to the journals I make. they always end up stuffed to the gills anyway! :) the base is yet another advertising postcard. I told you my mail box has been inundated with them lately! ;)

bg paper is from the Basic Grey Tea Garden digital collection. sentiment was created with a label maker, the linen ribbon is tied with yellow, white, and gold baker's twine. this creates a perfect little tab. a little mulberry flower completes the card. I added a paint sample card to the back. this was one of many we collected when trying to decide on the paint color for our living room. 

I hope you have a most amazing weekend surrounded by those you love!

Jennifer 

Challenges:

Gecko Galz - Fairy Lands

Crafty Catz - anything goes

Creative Fingers #321 - anything goes

Fairy and Woodland Altered Envelope for Baby Journal

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Thyme and mint tea

today's post is going to be photo heavy, so grab a cup of your favorite beverage before you begin scrolling. ;)

my husband is always saying that I save just about anything and everything, and he's not wrong! this envelope arrived in the mail the other day, and I knew it would be perfect to alter for our granddaughter's baby journal. I saved that adorable bear image the best I could. he makes me smile!

This piece will actually be sewn into a journal signature. I've repurposed the envelope and advertising postcards, which are the bases for the inserts. 

(this shows how it will be in the signature)

all of the cutie little fairy images come from a Gecko Galz collage sheet called Breath of Spring. papers are from Carta Bella and Simple Stories. baby ephemera is from Graphic 45. sentiments were generated with my label maker. 

a precious little "it's a girl" floral enclosure card sits on the right side.

and here are the inserts;

thank you for hanging in there to the end! :)

Challenges:

Gecko Galz - fairy lands

As You Like It - brights or pastels (I tend to like pastels best as I've gotten older. I find those shades very soothing)

 Creative Knockouts - 2 or more patterned papers

Easter Bunny ATC cards

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Pumpkin spice coffee

Gecko Galz ATC winner

Hello! We're getting closer to the weekend, phew!

My project for today uses the images provided at the Gecko Galz ATC challenge. I realize these are Easter themed, so will save them for next year. I'll probably turn them into cards to send to our grandchildren. 

I've added a few of my own touches, including tickets, postage stamp, flower sticker, and buttons. the bg paper for the waving bunny in the lower right hand corner is from the new Tim Holtz pink palette collection. 

Have a most amazing day!

Jennifer

Challenges:

Gecko Galz ATC - use provided images

Crafty Gals Corner - spring

Sisterhood of Crafters - make someone smile

Woman of the Forest Journal Flip

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Peach green tea

Hello again! thanks to all of you who have stopped by! :) and a very happy Earth Day!

my project today is for an upcoming nature journal. I have used the free image found in the Gecko Galz fantasy challenge for April. I really love the way this turned out.

the papers are from the new Tim Holtz green palette collection. ephemera is also by Tim Holtz. the base for this flip is another advertising postcard I received in the mail. I seem to have had quite a few of these arrive over the past few weeks, so I'm glad to be able to reuse them. a piece of natural ribbon creates the tab, and the vintage button is from my stash.  

have a fabulous day, and I'll see you tomorrow with more to hopefully inspire you.

Jennifer

Challenges:

Gecko Galz fantasy - use provided image

A Perfect Time to Craft - anything goes

Ally's Angels - anything goes

Crafts Galore Encore - anything goes

L'il Patch of Crafty Friends - anything goes

Little Red Wagon - Happy Earth Day (base is an advertising postcard received in the mail)

Floral Bunny Card

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Spiced coffee

Sparkles Top 3 

Hi there! I'm back with another project to enter into the challenges over at Gecko Galz. Today's post is for the card challenge, using the provided image. 

bg paper is from the new Tim Holtz pink paper pack. I printed the rabbit image twice and cut out several features to pop up on dimensional foam tape. lace, tiny mulberry flowers, and a used postage stamp complete the card. simple, but still mailable.

have an amazing day! 

Jennifer

Challenges:

Gecko Galz card - use provided image

Crafty Animals - must include an animal

Critter Crazy - must include a critter

Moving Along with the Times - spring

Sparkles Forum - rabbits and pastel colors

Large Gothic Bat and Skull Journal Tag

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Whispering Wildflowers tea (a delicious herbal from Bigelow)

Top 3 Pick at Two Old Bats

Crafting From the Art Top 5

Hello!

Today I'm sharing a large journal tag I made using the free image from Gecko Galz for their monthly gothic challenge. Eventually I want to make a gothic themed journal, so this is a first start.

I don't know about any of you, but I get quite a few advertising postcards in the mail. they are of differing sizes which make them perfect for journaling ephemera. I used a large one as the base for this tag.

the background paper is from Mintay and covered in a piece of patterned tissue paper by Tim Holtz. I then sandwiched a piece of black glitter tulle between the base and gothic image. a sticker of red rose stems was added for a pop of color. the edges were trimmed in Tim Holtz washi tape.

the back is decorated with parchment paper accented with another floral sticker and pieces of Tim Holtz transparencies. a tab at the top of the tag complete with vintage button finishes the project.

thank you for stopping by today! :)

Jennifer

Challenges:

Gecko Galz Gothic - use the provided image

Creative Fingers - anything goes

Craft Rocket - layer it up (the front of the tag has 6 layers)

CRAFT - anything goes

Crafting From the Art - anything goes

Two Old Bats - anything Halloween or mood board inspired

Still in Love

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Earl Grey Lavender tea

Hi there! I realize that this is a Valentine share on the day after Valentine's Day, but hubby and I are celebrating the holiday this evening.  There was a group at Camp this weekend, so it will be our first bit of time together. 

The main image is again from Gecko Galz. it reminds me so much of David and I in our much younger days. I still love that guy so much, even after all of our years together. blessed, so very blessed. the free image can be found on their blog on this post.

some papers by Stamperia and Echo Park, a pretty doily and twine from Michael's, and some tickets complete the card. 

I'll be back to sharing creations for the baby journals I am working on in the upcoming days. thank you for celebrating with me this week the love I have for my family. :)

have a joyous day!

Jennifer 

Challenges:

Gecko Galz - All You Need is Love

On the Road, With Love

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - coconut hazelnut coffee

Oh boy, it's Friday the 13th. may it be so very uneventful for you! :D

My Valentine card today is for our son Mick and his wife. I'm using several images from the Gecko Galz collage set "Be My Valentine." you can find so many digitals in their Etsy store. I've noticed that items change quite frequently, so if you see something that interests you, pick it up quick. this set is no longer available, 

I hand cut the little road that the cutie couple is traveling on as well as the clouds.. the flowers and sentiment are from another image in the set. papers are from Stamperia and Echo Park. it's a simple card, but perfect for mailing because it's flat. 

I'll be back later today with another Valentine card. see you then!

Jennifer

Challenges:

Gecko Galz - All You Need is Love

Romance on the Range

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Constant Comment tea

Hi there! I hope your week has been going well. :)

Today's card is for our son, Ryan, and his wife. they really like anything southwest themed, so this digital set from Gecko Galz was perfect. papers are from Pink Monarch Prints and Echo Park.  a little twine from Michael's finishes the card. you can find this digital sheet of images at the Gecko Galz Etsy store.

have a most amazing day!

Jennifer

Challenges:

Gecko Galz - All You Need is Love

Try it on Tuesday  - All Loved Up

Valentine ATC to Card

 Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Hazelnut coffee

Winner at Gecko Galz ATC challenge

Hello! I hope everyone is doing well. :)

Today I am sharing several ATC cards that I made and then converted into full size cards for mailing. 

Each month Gecko Galz has several challenges where they supply the images to be used. I am using the sheet provided for the ATC challenge. I used to make these every once in a while and really enjoyed it.

I didn't use the papers provided on the sheet because they printed so very dark. my printer doesn't always handle shades of red well. The bases are from 49 and Market. I've also added pieces of doilies to each ATC, because to me, every Valentine needs a doily. :) 

the ATC cards were then turned into standard size cards for mailing using papers from Stamperia, Echo Park, and Pink Monarch Prints. various embellishments such as tickets, glittered tulle, postage stamps, and even part of a wine label complete the cards. I did use a wink of Stella glitter pen to accent several of the images. 

I got such a kick out of the sentiments on this sheet because they immediately reminded me of my mother-in-law. Several times a week she boards a bus with her friends from the assisted living facility where she lives and they head to happy hour. They do so love their wine! :D I think she'll enjoy her Valentine!

have a most amazing day and thank you for stopping by! :)

Valentine Angel

 Coffee of the Day - Pistachio Latte

Happy Tuesday to all of you!

This week, I'll be sharing some of the Valentine cards I've made for family.

me and my Aunt looking fab for 61 & 90!

October 2025

To begin, this is a card I have made for my precious aunt. She is such a dear, sweet person. David and I were able to visit her in Texas last October. She put together a huge family reunion since it had been almost 30 years since we had seen most of the family. It was amazing to see everyone again. Ryan, Elizabeth, and their baby, Benaiah, joined us for a week. pure joy! We were also able to visit my dad's gravesite, which meant so much to me. 

The beautiful angel image was provided by Gecko Galz for their monthly card challenge. papers added are from Stamperia. a pink doily and piece of crochet trim complete the card. I was trying to keep the it as flat as possible for mailing.

I'm trying out a new tripod for my phone in hopes that the pictures are better. please bear with me as I learn to use it. ;)

Thank you for stopping by!

Winter Fairy Journal Card

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Mint Thyme tea (a delicious blend a friend brought back from the Ukraine as a gift)

Paper Funday challenge winner

Hello again!

I decided to try to get one more project made for this month's Gecko Galz winter woods challenge. again this double sided journal card is for the baby journal for our granddaughter, Elowen. it's a forest themed journal, so a precious fairy will be right at home. :)

The image is from the same Magic of Winter free collage sheet as my card from a few days ago. the collage sheet was free with a purchase of $2 or more from the Gecko Galz Etsy store. the winter fairy image is matted on both a piece of parchment paper and white cardstock. pretty ribbons, a tea bag tag, and found white flower complete the card. 

I'm working on an envelope pocket to tuck this in. will share once it's complete.

*updated to add the link to the envelope pocket.

thank you for your patience and encouragement as I slowly get back into crafting and journaling. my tremors are causing more problems than I thought they would, so it's taking me a bit longer to do simpler tasks,. the important thing is that I'm crafting again though! :)

much love to all of you!

Jennifer

Challenges:

Gecko Galz - winter woods

WAW - anything goes with a sentiment (I just LOVE this quote!)

Paper Funday - anything goes with optional twist

Try it On Tuesday - add some text

Everybody Art - anything goes

Dreaming of Ships and Birds in My Hair

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Winter Spice coffee

I hope all of you are doing well after this big winter storm came through. We've had over a foot of snow and very cold temperatures, but that isn't unusual for us this time of year. I know many areas of the US have had to deal with power outages and broken water lines. Praying you and those you treasure are safe and warm.

Today's project is for the Gecko Galz tag challenge. I'm not on Facebook so don't know if my entry will be accepted, but it was fun to make! :) an image is provided each month for the challenge. 

it's a fairly simple tag because I wanted the focus to be that magnificent image. I used ink to distress cardstock, added some pale blue tickets along the side, and then stapled a bow made of jute and repurposed satin cord. a little water bottle label completes the tag.

That's all from me for today. Have a good one!

Challenges:

Gecko Galz tag - use provided image

Winter Woods Journal Card

Coffee/Tea of the Day - Earl Grey with Lavender tea

Hello and happy Tuesday! I'm so thrilled to be crafting again and sharing with all of you! :)

Today's project is another double sided journal card, this time using an image from a Gecko Galz free collage sheet with purchase. If you make a $2 minimum purchase from their Etsy store, you are able to receive a new collage sheet. The free collage sheet changes each week. This  one is titled  Magic of Winter and contains about 8 images.

My journal card is once again for Elowen's baby journal. I love this little fox! I realize the card is not super wintery, but the colors are ideal for her journal. the photo looks a bit wonky because of the angle I was taking the picture and my shaky hands. sorry about that. 

I've used a lined paper from a new to me Etsy store called Pixel Petite Shop. the set is called Floral Lined Journal Pages, and I have used papers from here on all of the projects I am sharing this week. I really like having lined paper on the reverse side of journaling cards and tags. a bit of torn book page, a button repurposed from an old purse, and the bread tag snagged from a bag of hamburger buns complete the card. you know I love to use found objects whenever I can!

Take care and have an amazing day!

Jennifer

Hello Again and Project

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Pumpkin Caramel coffee

Winner Gecko Galz fantasy challenge

Hello to all of you who might still happen to be around! I hope you are doing well! :)

I've been out of commission for a while. Sick almost all of last year. blech. a winter flu has had me out of sorts since just after Christmas, but slowly starting to come around. 

Most of my craft tools and supplies have been put away, but I told hubby that I absolutely NEEDED to get crafting again. so here we go!

Today's project is for the Gecko Galz fantasy challenge. a new image is provided each month. I'm so behind on making baby journals, so I'm using the adorable image for our granddaughter Elowen's baby journal. it's a forest and tree theme, so this sweetie will be perfect! 

I've created a double sided journal card using a torn book page, jute, vintage button, and repurposed ticket. I know it's simple, but I am trying to start slow.

I've several more projects to share over the next few days, so I will see you again soon! :)

Challenges:

Gecko Galz fantasy - use provided image

Crafty Calendar - something new (paper behind image is from a new ephemera set)

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - anything goes

Creative Fingers #314 - anything goes

Junk Journal July Day 31 - Farewell

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Lemon Lavender Mint tea

It's time for my final project for Junk Journal July.! 

for more information about the challenge, please visit this post. 

back page of signature

Today's prompt is 'farewell'. I thought I would make something using one of my favorite prompts for the month - fold out. I really like adding this element in journals I make. :)

first foldout

The page I am showing is the last one in that particular signature, very appropriate for the farewell prompt. ;) I try to have the first and last page of each signature be actual scrapbook paper or heavy cardstock as opposed to lighter weight paper. using 12x12 paper creates 2 6x12 sheets that are usually perfect for a set of journal pages.  on this particular sheet, I didn't want to cut off a section so that each page fit better in the book, so I folded over the paper to create a flip base.

The multiple flip out element uses a journaling card from the Carta Bella Family Night collection and a mini cd envelope. the card inside the envelope is from Simple Stories Family Fun. I have also added stickers from the Carta Bella collection. ( here is a link to the digital format. )

completely opened

one of the many talented journal artists I follow on YouTube is Carol Laws. she is so inspiring. she says that she always makes sure that the first and last page of a signature have a little extra 'wow' factor. I have tried to follow her example. 

thank you so much for stopping by and visiting my blog this month. I hope you have enjoyed all of the different prompts, and it's inspired you in your crafting. :)

Jennifer

Junk Journal July Day 30 - Favorite Quote

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Vanilla Nut coffee

Only two projects left for Junk Journal July! it's been so much fun using the prompts to create things for various journals. I hope you have had fun, too! :)

for more information about the challenge, please visit this post.

Today's prompt is 'Favorite Quote.' while I have several quotes that I really love, none of them seemed to fit any of the journals I am working on. 

"Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park

you can see that it doesn't really work for a baby journal. tee hee! 

pocket on coffee dyed page

so I went for one of my absolute favorite quotes for babies: "Let her sleep for when she wakes she will move mountains." (this can obviously be changed to 'him') this is for Tyler and Danielle's baby journal. Echo Park has a baby girl collection that uses this saying several times - on journal cards, stickers, etc. perfect!

individual items for pockets

I created a pocket to hold ephemera.  the edges were sewn and dried flower stickers accent. there is a long tag in the back pocket and the front one holds the journal card with the saying as well as an antique postcard. it dates to 1919 and is from Belgium. so cool! the image on the tag is from a digital baby set by Gecko Galz. a ticket serves as the tab, and it's finished with a vintage button. (added after the bottom  photo was taken)

thank you so much for stopping by today! take comfort in knowing that you are deeply loved. :)

Jennifer

Junk Journal July Day 29 - Geometric

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Melted Marshmallow coffee

it's time for another day of Junk Journal July, and the prompt is 'Geometric'. for more information about the challenge, see this post.

My project for today is inspired by an amazing crafty creator I follow on YouTube - Margreth from Seven Plaza. it's because of her that I am playing along in the challenge. :) in this video, she made an ephemera wallet. on one page inside was this fun pocket element. I have the Tim Holtz die that cuts something similar, but I can't seem to find it. it's off on vacation with my tiny attacher stapler. ;) ugh. the downside of trying to create while having a craft room in boxes and disarray. someday I will finish organizing it....

anyhow, I used this great geometric paper from the Carta Bella Family Night collection. (here is a link to the digital format. I have used both digital and printed items in the journal for Ryan and Elizabeth.) Margreth's tutorial makes creating one of these pockets super simple. 

the pockets are filled with vintage cigarette and game cards as well as pieces from the Carta Bella collection and Simple Stories Family Fun collection. I know I have said it before, but I really am impressed that these collections work so well together. 

thank you so much for stopping by today! :)