I am having altogether too much fun with the On To Adventure Stamp Set. My daughter bought it for me for Mother’s Day as the four characters reminded her of our family. I’ve already created projects with ‘Alyssa’ (my granddaughter, and ‘hubby’, and now it’s my turn to step into the spotlight. So for today’s simple Sunday project I decided to follow my bliss.

A SIMPLE ONE LAYER DESIGN

I began with a 2″ x 5-1/2″ strip of Thick Whisper White Card and shaped the top using the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch. Then towards the bottom I used Tuxedo Black ink to stamp the lady traveller from the On To Adventure Stamp Set.

Next I needed to create a mask and so I stamped the same image onto a Full-Adhesive Post-It® Note. Then using Paper Snips I cut the lady from the Post-It Note (cutting off her legs, the wheel on the suitcase and the ground). With the mask done I placed it over the stamped image on the bookmark so I could work on the background.

Right now my favourite colour for a simple sky is Seaside Spray, lightly sponged over the surface of the card. Once that was done, I removed the mask and stamped the “Follow your bliss!” sentiment from the On To Adventure Stamp Set with Tuxedo Black ink. Then I set to work colouring ‘me’.

STAMPIN’ BLENDS BLISS

I love Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers, and not just for blending. These are perfect when you want a solid block of colour but without those tell-tale lines you can get with regular markers.

For today’s outfit I chose light Stampin’ Blends in Mango Melody, Calypso Coral and Pretty Peacock. My hair was light Smoky Slate (obviously) and my skin was Ivory. For my handbag (purse) I went with dark Crumb Cake to match the lenses in my sunglasses. Then my suitcase was coloured with light Smoky Slate.

Although I wasn’t concerned with ‘blending’ I did go back over the dark shaded areas again with the same colour. This just added a little more depth without the stress, this was supposed to be about my “bliss” after all. Finally I used light Granny Apple Green to colour the grass beneath my feet.

My sunglasses needed a little shimmer so I added that using a Clear Wink of Stella Glitter Brush.

To make me really stand out in the crowd I then turned to a Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker. Using the writing tip I first coloured in the wheel on my suitcase. Then I did the same for the frame of my sunglasses. Using the Stampin’ Write Marker meant that the ink would not blend into the rest of my colouring which was exactly the effect I wanted.

Now all I had to do was thread some Gold Metallic-Edge Ribbon through the slot at the top and secure it in place with a Mini Glue Dot.

Isn’t this bookmark fun! I love the contrast between the delicate background and the colourful ‘me’, Of course the question is where am I going? It could be to the UK to visit my daughter and the rest of the family. It could be that my case is full of craft supplies ready for me to teach a class. I could even be on my way to a special event organised by Stampin’ Up! for Demonstrators. Either way I’m doing as it says and following my bliss.

FOLLOW YOUR BLISS

If your bliss is papercrafting you might want to consider joining Stampin’ Up! and my team of Crafty Canadians. Until the end of August you can chose $205 of Stampin’ Up! products and pay just $135 (with no shipping added). In most provinces you don’t pay tax on your starter kit either.

Once you’ve joined there are lots of perks like at least 20% off future orders, free catalogues, advance purchases and lots more. PLUS you don’t have to sell to others, hold classes or have a blog unless it’s something you particularly want to do. In addition, if you join before the end of August you’ll also receive an e-coupon to spend on anything you like (good until October 31st).

But how do you know if joining Stampin’ Up! is right for you? Well the best way is to contact me and let me answer all your questions. Then when you have all the information you need, you can decide. If you do join and then change your mind, it’s not a problem. You are free to leave at any time without penalties, so you keep all your goodies and discounts, and welcome gifts received from me.

If you’ve already decided to take the plunge, get your $205 wish list ready and join now.

Well that’s all from me for today, except I wanted to share a quote from the book shown in the photograph. It’s called Live and Learn and Pass It On, written and compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. As I was flicking through it I came across this statement from someone aged 7, “I’ve learned that you can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk”. So now you know!

Whatever you have planned for today, I hope you are able to find a little time to follow your bliss.

PRODUCT LIST