Jeanne Jachna's Blog Posts

06.20.19

I confess that I’ve always had a hard time making Sympathy and Miss You cards.  It’s never easy saying good bye  or  expressing myself  when I just can’t seem to find the right words to say.

The Simple Stories new HEART Collection allows me to convey my feelings without having to search for the right words.   The journaling cards in the collection are beautifully worded, and heartfelt.

The papers in the collection are contemporary -  yellow, teal and navy, with plaids, stripes, florals, hearts and dots that are fresh and classic at the same time.

The Simple Basics Kit includes solid 12” cardstock sheets perfectly coordinated with the pattern papers.  They’re perfect for layering and mixing with the pattern papers.

I used die cut bits and pieces and chipboard stickers to embellish the journaling cards that take center stage on each of my cards.  I added sentiments from the 4x6 sticker sheets to look like journaling.

I know these handmade cards will convey my heartfelt thoughts and let the recipient know how much I care.

Supplies
06.05.19

Memorial Day always marks the beginning of Summer.  Living in a small town in Indiana our patriotism runs strong.  You’ll find American flags hanging from street lights and on front porches.  There will be home town celebrations and parades and don’t forget the fireworks!

The red white and blue color combination of the Let Freedom Ring Collection is especially welcome this time of year.  The floral prints, gingham and woodgrain have a country feel that will get you thinking of backyard bbq’s and sipping lemonade from a mason jar!

The collection kit is a great value.  It’ includes 6 sheets of 12x12” cardstock and a sticker sheet.   Two of the sheets have journaling cards printed on one side, and pattern paper on the other.   These are great for making cards or journaling.  

I used a circle punch to cut this sentiment from a journaling card to make it the center of attention.   It’s layered over a second 3x4” card that says “FREEDOM”. 

I adhered some of the stickers with adhesive foam tape to add dimension.  This helps bring the cards to life and make them something special to behold.

The collection kit includes just about everything you need to make all of these cards.  I used my own cardstock for card bases and mats, adhesive and some Simple Stories enamel dots I had left over from other collections.   Everything else.. papers, 3x4 cards,  stickers are all included in the kit.

Make your July 4 event more memorable with the Simple Stories Let Freedom Ring Collection!

 

Supplies
05.20.19

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved gardening.  I give all the credit to my grandmother who was always patient and willing to include me in her passion.  Her garden was always a delight to behold and I try to carry on that tradition today.

In the winter months I remember looking though her books of botanical drawings.  These were the “off limits” books that I was only allowed to handle when we would look at the pictures together.

The Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanical Collection reminds me of those treasured books. The images of flowers and butterflies in this collection are exquisite and so life like.

The collection includes chipboard stickers, bits and pieces die cuts, stickers and washi so there are so many possibilities for greeting cards, layouts and more!   Everything is beautifully coordinated and a pleasure to create with.

I start my cards by arranging elements on pieces of clear plastic the size of my card fronts.   When I’m happy with the arrangement I can pick up the plastic and see how it looks layered over different papers.   The clear plastic lets me see the paper so I can choose the perfect one before I commit and adhere the images to the card.

When layering paper I try to alternate dark busy patterns with lighter more solid ones.   Simple Stories has added “Basics” to many of their new collections.  These are solid card stock colors coordinated to work with the pattern papers.  I used Basics papers to add matts as the first layer to each of my card designs.

This collection really is a feast for the eyes and will delight all the gardeners and flower lovers in your life.

Supplies

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