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jessica frost-ballas

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And that’s a wrap! (plus major destash news!)

30 Nov

Hooray!  30 days in a row of blogging and happy mail going out everyday…that’s a record for me! 🙂  I thought it would be fun to finish the month by trying a new technique and trying some new supplies!  Recently I’ve been experimenting with calligraphy and I wanted to try a faux-calligraphy technique that I’ve seen but not attempted yet.

There are several aspects of this card that are “new to me” experiments.  I’ll admit that this isn’t one of my most favorite creations but I am happy that I tried something out of my comfort zone.  I started off by stamping the cat and shelf from My Favorite Things with a light colored ink and then I did a little no-line watercoloring with Sakura Koi watercolors.  Next I stamped the sentiment from Simon Says Stamp with the same light ink and used a #2 to watercolor over the sentiment.  It gives you the look of hand-written calligraphy but with the security of knowing exactly where to paint the lines since you’re just copying over the stamped sentiment!  Someday I hope to be brave enough to do the calligraphy on my own…but for now I’m content to use Kristina Werner’s hand-writing as a guide! 😉

I think my biggest disappointment with this card was the layout I used…I wish I had made this a vertical layout with the sentiment over the cat.  I ended up with weird space at the bottom of the tag so I added a strip of patterned paper and because the tag was so large I didn’t really have room to add ribbon or string so I went with staples instead.  I think this is the very first time I’ve used staples on a card and the very instant I stapled the card, I regretted it…but oh well…the creative process is always a learning process!

And I’ve got a second card to share…this one uses a stamp from Sweet Stamp Shop that I’ve never used before and one of the dimensional Next Level embossing folders from We R Memory Keepers that I’ve also not used before.

For this card I watercolored a piece of watercolor paper with salty ocean and peacock feathers distress ink.  Then I heat-embossed the sentiment with silver sparkle embossing glitter and added string to the tag.  I decided to add the die-cut chrysanthemum from Hero Arts for a little interest and then used foam mounting tape to attach the tag to the embossed background.  Again, a little different than my usual style but it was fun to use things that have just been sitting around in my craft room! 😉

Destash Sale and Cyber Monday:

And…the reason I was finding so many unused things is because I spent a good part of yesterday cleaning and decluttering my craft room!  And part of my decluttering included finding stamps and dies to destash!  So, head over to my instagram page, @jesscraftydestash, to check out the new additions!  If you don’t have instagram you can view them here.  If you’re not on instagram and find something you’d like to purchase it’s probably easiest to just contact me here and let me know what you’d like and the country where you’re located!

And of course, since it’s Cyber Monday I thought I’d throw in a little extra incentive!  Free shipping for all US orders over $30 that are placed today!  International orders over $50 will also receive free shipping today!  In order to receive free shipping your order must be placed before 11:59 pm EST on November 30th and must be paid for via Paypal ‘Friends and Family’ before 11:59 pm EST on December 1st!  Happy shopping!

Last but not least, unfortunately I was not able to finish all of my happy mail this month but I’m excited to send out 4 more cards today and I will keep working on my list!  As you can see I’ve also been collecting and playing with vintage stamps!  It’s fun to mix them up and add them to envelopes! 😉

November 2015 Total Cards Mailed: 60

Anyway, thanks so much for visiting and have a fabulous day!  I will probably take a break from blogging tomorrow but will be back soon with lots of exciting December surprises!!

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You May Also Enjoy:

  • Simon Says Stamp February 2017 Card Kit
    Coffee and Friends by Jessica Frost-Ballas for Simon Says Stamp
  • More from the Simon Says Stamp February 2017 Card Kit
    More from the Simon Says Stamp February 2017 Card Kit
  • Simon Says Stamp Special Holiday Release blog hop (+GIVEAWAY!)

Comments:
2 Comments
Categories:
card-making, crafting
Tags:
mft stamps, simon says stamp, sweet stamp shop, we r memory keepers

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Comments

  1. Patti Willey says

    November 30, 2015 at 11:47 am

    Great job Jess blogging daily and mailing 60 handmade cards to freinds and family! It’s sometimes hard to de stash, but I figure my space can only hold so much product, and since I like to buy new really, something’s gotta give! Enjoy your day off my friend, and find some balance that keeps you happy and creative, I can’t imagine you’ll need to be here daily!

    Reply
  2. karenladd says

    November 30, 2015 at 1:25 pm

    Oh Jessica, I can see why you wish you had made your tag in a vertical design but I actually LOVE the staples on this. It really goes with the sentiment, as the staples are kind of industrial-looking and emphasizes strength. A bow would not have echoed the sentiment as well. Not to mention that cat on a shelf is so darn adorable.

    Reply

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Jessica About Me Photo
Hi, I'm Jess! Thanks for visiting my blog where I share my adventures in cardmaking and papercrafting! I hope I can inspire you to craft with a little sparkle!

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Jessica Frost-Ballas

jessicafrostballas

How many ways do you use distress oxide inks? 🤔 Today I’m sharing several ways to use them including heat embossing, ink blending, and more over on the @ellenhutsonllc blog! I’m also combining one of my favorite floral set sentiments with the cutest otter pair! 😉 Head over to the Ellen Hutson blog for more detail! ❤️🦦❤️ ••• LINK - https://blog.ellenhutson.com/2021/01/06/embossing-two-ways-with-distress-oxide-inks/ (clickable link in profile) ••• #ellenhutsonllc #ehambassador #essentialsbyellen #distressoxideinks #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

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Jan 6

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Instagram post 17926526323490990 How many ways do you use distress oxide inks? 🤔 Today I’m sharing several ways to use them including heat embossing, ink blending, and more over on the @ellenhutsonllc blog! I’m also combining one of my favorite floral set sentiments with the cutest otter pair! 😉 Head over to the Ellen Hutson blog for more detail! ❤️🦦❤️
•••
LINK - https://blog.ellenhutson.com/2021/01/06/embossing-two-ways-with-distress-oxide-inks/ (clickable link in profile)
•••
#ellenhutsonllc #ehambassador #essentialsbyellen #distressoxideinks #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

jessicafrostballas

There’s a new release from @waffleflowercrafts and some fantastic layering stencil sets! I’m using the Heart Blooms set with distress oxide inks and a fun new sentiment set! Head to my blog for more details and hop along for a chance to win a gift card to #waffleflowercrafts!! 🌸❤️🌸 ••• LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/wf121/ (clickable link in profile) ••• #waffleflower #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb #stencil #distressoxideinks

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Jan 5

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Instagram post 17946345070411377 There’s a new release from @waffleflowercrafts and some fantastic layering stencil sets! I’m using the Heart Blooms set with distress oxide inks and a fun new sentiment set! Head to my blog for more details and hop along for a chance to win a gift card to #waffleflowercrafts!! 🌸❤️🌸
•••
LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/wf121/ (clickable link in profile)
•••
#waffleflower #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb #stencil #distressoxideinks

jessicafrostballas

The new My Monthly Kit from @heroarts is now available and it’s Bee-utiful!! 🐝💛🐝 I’m sharing four cards from one watercolored background over on my blog and YT channel! Head over for more details and snag your kit before it sells out!! 💛💛💛 ••• LINK - https://shrsl.com/2ph6v (clickable link in profile) ••• #heroarts #mymonthlyhero #mijellomissiongold #hydracolour #watercolour #watercolor #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

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Jan 4

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Instagram post 17980797202329692 The new My Monthly Kit from @heroarts is now available and it’s Bee-utiful!! 🐝💛🐝 I’m sharing four cards from one watercolored background over on my blog and YT channel! Head over for more details and snag your kit before it sells out!! 💛💛💛
•••
LINK - https://shrsl.com/2ph6v (clickable link in profile)
•••
#heroarts #mymonthlyhero #mijellomissiongold #hydracolour #watercolour #watercolor #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

jessicafrostballas

We have a new Lawn Fawnatics challenge to kick off the new year and we’re creating cards for Outstanding Occasions! 🎉❤️🎉 Today I created a wedding card featuring an adorable squirrel party! 😉 Head to my blog for more details and join the challenge! 🐿🐿🐿 ••• LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/lfch92/ (clickable link in profile) ••• #lawnfawn @lawnfawn #lawnfawnatics #inkblending #copicmarkers #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

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Jan 4

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Instagram post 18184726213057099 We have a new Lawn Fawnatics challenge to kick off the new year and we’re creating cards for Outstanding Occasions! 🎉❤️🎉 Today I created a wedding card featuring an adorable squirrel party! 😉 Head to my blog for more details and join the challenge! 🐿🐿🐿
•••
LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/lfch92/ (clickable link in profile)
•••
#lawnfawn @lawnfawn #lawnfawnatics #inkblending #copicmarkers #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

jessicafrostballas

🐝 Today we’re kicking off the countdown for the @heroarts January My Monthly Hero kit and it’s the perfect cheery way to welcome a new year! 🐝🌸🐝 Head to my blog for a closer look and comment for a chance to win a kit before you can buy it! 💛🐝💛 ••• LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/hacd121/ (clickable link in profile) ••• #heroarts #mymonthlyhero #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

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Jan 2

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Instagram post 17938042399439973 🐝 Today we’re kicking off the countdown for the @heroarts January My Monthly Hero kit and it’s the perfect cheery way to welcome a new year! 🐝🌸🐝 Head to my blog for a closer look and comment for a chance to win a kit before you can buy it! 💛🐝💛
•••
LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/hacd121/ (clickable link in profile)
•••
#heroarts #mymonthlyhero #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

jessicafrostballas

Starting off 2021 with a clean and simple card featuring one of my very favorite companies! 🖤💛🖤 I love the new Lovely Letters alphabet set from @concordand9th and how nicely it pairs with the other alpha sets to create this card! Lovely Letters is a stand-alone alphabet set that looks like hand lettering and it’s designed so you can stamp and build whatever sentiment you want! Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! 🎉🎉🎉 ••• LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/hny21/ (clickable link in profile) ••• #concordand9th #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb #happynewyear

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Jan 1

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Instagram post 17856831182398826 Starting off 2021 with a clean and simple card featuring one of my very favorite companies! 🖤💛🖤 I love the new Lovely Letters alphabet set from @concordand9th and how nicely it pairs with the other alpha sets to create this card! Lovely Letters is a stand-alone alphabet set that looks like hand lettering and it’s designed so you can stamp and build whatever sentiment you want! Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! 🎉🎉🎉
•••
LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/hny21/ (clickable link in profile)
•••
#concordand9th #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb #happynewyear

jessicafrostballas

🎆 HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE! 🎆 Today I’m sharing a look back at my favorite cards from each month of 2020 and hosting a $50 crafty giveaway over on my blog! I am honored and thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with so many of my favorite crafty companies this year! These companies are the heart and soul of this industry and I love to support them! ❤️❤️❤️ Swipe for a closer look as well as a look at my favorite cards from 2015-2019! 😳 It is really fun for me to look back and see my growth as an artist and cardmaker (and it shows me that there’s always room to keep growing)!! 😉 I hope you have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve and I’ll see you in 2021! ❤️❤️❤️ ••• LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/mfc2020/ (clickable link in profile) ••• #allthesparklejfb #inkblending #alcoholink #distressoxideinks #copicmarkers #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas

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Dec 31

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Instagram post 17866448675260868 🎆 HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE! 🎆  Today I’m sharing a look back at my favorite cards from each month of 2020 and hosting a $50 crafty giveaway over on my blog!  I am honored and thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with so many of my favorite crafty companies this year!  These companies are the heart and soul of this industry and I love to support them! ❤️❤️❤️ Swipe for a closer look as well as a look at my favorite cards from 2015-2019! 😳 It is really fun for me to look back and see my growth as an artist and cardmaker (and it shows me that there’s always room to keep growing)!! 😉 I hope you have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve and I’ll see you in 2021! ❤️❤️❤️
•••
LINK - https://www.allthesparkle.com/mfc2020/ (clickable link in profile)
•••
#allthesparklejfb #inkblending #alcoholink #distressoxideinks #copicmarkers #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas

jessicafrostballas

Today I’m sharing a card over on the @heroarts blog for the newest Stay Crafty with Hero challenge! We’re challenging you to create a card using a creative team member’s card as inspiration for your card! If you swipe you can see the beautiful card @thecardgrotto created that I used as inspiration for my card! ✨🌌✨ I hope you’ll play along with the challenge! 💙💛💙 ••• LINK - https://heroarts.com/blogs/hero-arts-blog/galaxy-focal-point-inspired-by-michelle-short (clickable link in profile) ••• #heroarts #staycraftywithhero #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

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Dec 30

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Instagram post 17915304478546934 Today I’m sharing a card over on the @heroarts blog for the newest Stay Crafty with Hero challenge! We’re challenging you to create a card using a creative team member’s card as inspiration for your card!  If you swipe you can see the beautiful card @thecardgrotto created that I used as inspiration for my card! ✨🌌✨ I hope you’ll play along with the challenge! 💙💛💙
•••
LINK - https://heroarts.com/blogs/hero-arts-blog/galaxy-focal-point-inspired-by-michelle-short (clickable link in profile)
•••
#heroarts #staycraftywithhero #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas #allthesparklejfb

jessicafrostballas

So earlier today I posted the most liked alcohol ink work from 2020 and here are the cards you liked the most this year! ❤️ There are definitely some surprises in there 😂 but it’s fun to see what you liked best! It appears that ink-blending is popular! 😉❤️😘 ••• #allthesparklejfb #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas

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Dec 30

883 52
Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 17855338049408350 So earlier today I posted the most liked alcohol ink work from 2020 and here are the cards you liked the most this year! ❤️ There are definitely some surprises in there 😂 but it’s fun to see what you liked best! It appears that ink-blending is popular! 😉❤️😘
•••
#allthesparklejfb #cardmaker #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafting #papercrafts #diycards #handmadecards #cardinspiration #cardideas #cardmakingideas
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Disclosure

I design for several companies because I truly love their products! Anything I recommend on my blog is something that I genuinely love and regularly use. I do not get paid for product reviews and I will never recommend a product that I do not like or would not use.

I am affiliated with several of my favorite crafty companies which means I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you!!) when you click on one of my links and make a purchase through the store.

You can find my full disclosure as well as a list of the companies I am affiliated with HERE. Thank you so much for supporting me!

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