Reclaiming My Card Making Joy Using a Crazy Bird!

This summer I have been on the go a lot and haven't had time to blog or even create many cards.  I have missed it and hope things are settling down to where I can get back into the swing of things.  Summertime is NOT my favorite season as I don't fare well in the heat, and after a long day of work and commuting I just don't feel like creating.

I thought I would share a pair of cards with you today.  The first one I made for a fellow fountain pen lover who is celebrating a birthday.  I used one of the Crazy Birds stamps by Tim Holtz as I think they are just so adorable and happy in feel.  Decided to perch him on a fountain pen, of course!

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampers Anonymous, Hero Arts, 100 Proof Press
Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Ranger Archival Inks, Memento Black
Paper: Gina K Designs
Misc.: Copic Markers, Tim Holtz Distressing Tool

The next card up I made for an upcoming birthday for a dear friend.  I decided to use some fountain pen ink that I received from my favorite online fountain pen shop Goulet Pens.

Supplies:
Ink: Various Fountain Pen Inks
Paper: Watercolor, Gina K Designs
Misc: Ribbon, Stampers Anonymous Stencil, Tim Holtz Distress Tool


Sitting down to make cards again has really lifted my spirits and reminded me of all the joy this hobby brings into my life.   Hoping you have a fun-filled day!

Sharing Love with Fountain Pens and Ink (Anniversary Fun)

This week my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary.  You may know my love of fountain pens and ink, but I am happy to say my husband has begun to dabble in the hobby.  For our anniversary, we both gave each other fountain pens and ink.  It was a fun surprise.

I always wanted a Lamy 2000 fountain pen, as I have heard lots of great things about them especially on SBRE Brown's and Goulet Pens website and YouTube channels.  The Lamy 2000 was first made in 1966 and that is the year of my birth, so that really made it special for me.  My husband loves Pilot Metropolitans and asked for a set (fountain pen and pencil). He already had a few of them and so far that is the only fountain pen he is interested in.  You may notice that I picked up a TWSBI USA this week. Lots of inky fun waiting for us to enjoy.

I decided to make my husband a card with a fountain pen theme to go with his gifts. I made a mask of a heart and stamped ink splatters inside for for the heart image.  The fountain pen stamp is by 100 Proof Press.  It was a hit and I was glad that I could merge my two hobbies of stamping and fountain pens.

After we use our pens and ink, I will share how they did!

May your fingers be inky, and your heart happy!

Lots of Inky Fun This Weekend - Went To My First Pen Show!

Did you ever wonder what would happen if you lost television for one day? Well, near the end of last year we did lose our dish for one full day, and my husband has teased me about the aftermath ever since.  During those twenty-four hours I busied myself watching YouTube and stumbled on two fun fountain pen lovers channels (Goulet Pens, SBRE Brown).  I watched them and was fascinated.  I developed a love for these pens and the wonderful inks.   So this weekend my husband and I attended our first pen show (LI Pen Show) at Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island.  Well, it was so much fun and I learned a lot.  I thought I would share my adventure with you today.

It was not a large pen show, but perfect for a local, or someone who is a newbie like myself.  I was very glad I got to meet Lisa and Brian Anderson of Anderson Pens.  I have heard their podcasts, and have read great things about them.  Lisa helped me pick out inks and Brian helped with our pen and paper purchases.  I also picked up an amazing leather clutch case after asking for Lisa's opinion.  I can't recommend Anderson Pens enough, as they really are wonderful.

My haul:

As you can see, I picked up a lot of fun things! You may notice that there are also three sticks of sealing wax and a metal seal that is in the shape of a gear which reminded me of my Tim Holtz/steampunk gears. My husband came home and made me a box for my pens using an old tea box I had and this red lining we picked up at the fair. It turned out so nice and I love that he was able to recycle and reuse an old tea box.

Isn't it pretty?  This is going to look great on my work desk and keeps my pens at my fingertips.

I am so glad that I have discovered this new hobby.  I think it goes hand-in-hand with my card making hobby.

Tonight I will be loading up all my pens with my new inks, and can't wait to write some letters. I am having lots of fun writing letters to pen pals, too! Maybe I should turn off the TV more often?

I'm So Thankful For You

Hi, guys! Today I am sharing a Thanksgiving card I made using an envelope to be able to insert a pair of tea bags into it.  I used the Tim Holtz Splatter Stencil with various Distress Inks.  The sentiment was embossed in copper.

Supplies:
Stamps: Inkadinkado
Paper: Envelope
Ink: Distress Inks, Versamark 
Misc.: Stampin' Up Cooper Embossing Powder, Ribbon

As you may recall, I am exploring a new hobby. I picked up a pair of fountain pens to use in my cards, and some fun inks.  I submitted this card to the Goulet Pen Company for their Thanksgiveaway contest.   This fun company shares online videos and tutorials that I have found so helpful in learning more about my pens and how to use and take care of them.  Hope they like this inky card!

Until next time!