A Fabulous Birthday Wish from Ranjini Malhotra

Today we have a super birthday card with a summer vibe from designer Ranjini Malhotra who writes, "I used Jenni's cabbage flower clear acrylic stamp to create this sweet card. I chose to highlight the stamped image of the left side of the card. I used Jenni's Acrylic Paint Dabber in Speckled Egg and stamped three cabbage flowers on the left side of the page. I knew I wanted the sentiment to pop off the page, but I didn't want it to cover the stamped design, so I punched a circle of white cardstock, adhered it at the bottom prior to stamping, then stamped the design right on top of the circle. After drying, I removed it and popped it off the page for dimension with a foam pop dot. I used Jenni's scalloped banner stamp to create the banner at the top of the page from Jenni's exclusive patterned paper (this one from the October 2009 kit) as well adding the text strip on the right from the Tangerine Dream paper collection. The stamped sentiment is from Papertrey Ink. I hope you've enjoyed seeing Jenni's stamps on the blog this month and we've showed you how to get lots of mileage out of your stamps!"



Thanks for the inspiration Ranjini!

Tart Tin Easter Baskets by Ranjini Malhotra

Spring is in the air and today we have these super sweet glittered Tart Tin Easter Baskets by Ranjini Malhotra . . .

Remember the lovely Christmas Garland the design team created for Jenni back in December? At the time, I seized the idea to spray paint a Tart Tin to use in my ornament and the thought occurred to me how darling the tins would look done up in paint and glitter, as wee easter baskets. (And these would work beautifully for every imaginable holiday - red glitter for Valentine's Day, orange for Halloween, etc. )

This was very simple to do. All I did was spray paint the tins using Krylon paint. I didn't have any lilac colored spray paint so I used a generic pink as the base coat. When the paint dried, I used Martha Stewart Crafts Glittering Glue (I love this because it comes with a built-in brush applicator) and applied it liberally on the outside of the tart tins.

Then I glittered up the tins with Martha Stewart iridescent glitter in Bubble Gum. A tip for the glittering part is to cut a solo cup in half, dump out the glitter into the cup, and dip the tart tin into the solo cup, twisting it around so that glitter adheres to all the gluey surfaces, nooks and crannies. Once you've glittered it up to your satisfaction, set it aside to dry. After it dries, punch holes in the sides, create a handle from a pipe cleaner, and tie on buttons and twine. Add a few JBS Vellum Butterflies and the basket is spring-ready, to display, gift or hang on an easter tree!

The candies are shown for display, I don't recommend using these for actual food unless the candies are wrapped. The wee ceramic bunnies are from a collection of figurines that come in the boxes of Red Rose Tea that I drink. I hope this has inspired you to break out your spray paint and glitter - you'll love the ease of this project, and the gorgeous results!

Beautiful!  Thanks for the inspiration Ranjini!

Joy from Ranjini Malhotra

Now that we're getting down to the wire and Christmas is approaching quickly - I thought I'd share an idea for a card that is easy and quick to do! Photo cards are all the rage nowadays and here's a fun way to incorporate the concept of a photo card with the vintage JBS look that we all love! To keep it super simple, I used the JBS Christmas Bingo Placecards. All I had to do was cut my photos down to size and adhere them to the top half, and then I added a diecut and stamp at the bottom (from Papertrey Ink). Then back the whole card with cardstock cut to size to prevent the recipient from folding it down the middle. You could even punch a hole at the top and hang it as a tree ornament. Super simple and quick! Happy Holidays!

Christmas Garland #7 by Ranjini Malhotra

When Doris came up with the idea of the entire design team creating individual pieces to be contributed to our Christmas garland, I thought it was a fabulous idea. I've loved seeing all of the girls' gorgeous pieces and it's been a reminder of how versatile and lovely Jenni Bowlin products are!
I wanted to use Jenni's tart tins and a Christmas themed bingo place card and concocted this piece. I chose the "Give" Bingo Card and added the Santa image and bell because it called to mind the Salvation Army Santas with their bells that collect for the needy during the holiday season and I love the giving aspect of the holidays.

The Santa card came from Jenni's new holiday collection papers, and I added it to the top half of the place card, after adding double stick tape and red glass glitter to edge the top of the card. I also backed the card with cardstock so as to prevent the place card from folding in the middle where the prescored fold is.

Glitter and foil are a must for Christmas, so I used the foil bits from the November project kit as well. But the real fun came about when I got out my can of red spray paint and painted the tart tin. I loved the option of custom coloring the tin so much that I can't wait to do the same for future holidays -- I can visualize lovely pastel painted tins all done up with clear glitter for Easter! Tip for spray painting, set the tin inside a shallow cardboard box in a well ventilated area. I used Krylon Short Cuts in Red Pepper, which is a 3 oz. can of spray paint I found at Joann's for $3.99. Use a light hand, hold it atleast 6" away from the tart tin and spray light coats waving the can back and forth as you spray until you get full coverage. It dries pretty quickly. I sprayed the inside first, then turned it over and sprayed the outside and let it sit to dry.

I also found a whole package of real silver bells - 12 for 50 cents (!) at my local thrift store and spray painted the metal bell as well. I attached the tin to the card by using my manual craft drill to drill a hole in the tin and anchoring it with a brad to the card so as not to worry about it breaking or falling off the card. I added one of Jenni's chipboard buttons in the center of the tin to cover up the brad and a white seam binding bow and baker's twine for hanging.

I can't wait to see the entire garland with all the pieces hanging side by side! In the meantime, you can view all of the individual garland projects by clicking on the tag "christmas garland" at the bottom of this post.

Halloween Treats from Ranjini Malhotra

I love Jenni's new halloween collection and wanted to make something quick and simple for halloween using the new paper collection. I especially love that the journaling cards are so versatile and can be used on a layout, as a gift tag, or a stand alone card. I chose to make a card and a mini treat bag. I used my diecutting machine to cut the little paperbag and assembled it (die from Papertrey Ink). Then I turned to some of my longstanding favorites - Jenni's rubons, vintage style buttons, label stickers and chipboard stars to mix in a bit of older product with the new. I applied the rubon to the oval shaped label sticker, then placed it on the bag with a pop dot. I then tied the button to the handle after threading it with baker's twine and whipped up the card quickly by adding a chipboard star, inked, embossed and glittered. I added the stamped sentiment with a Papertrey Ink stamp and die, using Jenni Bowlin for Ranger ink in Fountain Pen. Super simple and easy to do, and it's ready to fill with tiny treats and gift to your favorite little spook! These would also make cute favors for the class halloween party or for a coworker.

JBS Mercantile October Peeks!

Are you ready for another exciting gallery reveal? The projects are starting to roll in and I can tell you it's going to be another inspiring month! Here are just a few peeks to tide you over until the gallery reveal at midnight this coming Friday . . .

Doris Sander worked the new exclusive stamp and stencil from the main kit. The stamp is the neat postcard image stamped in brown at the top and the stencil is done in yellow embossing powder on the blue stripes.

Jill Sprott totally worked the October Antiquarian kit . . .

Megan Klauer mixed in lots of fun bits from the Artisan Add-on . . .

And here is a beach classic from Ranjini Malhotra where the postcard stamp from the main kit was once again used along with some bits from the Artisan Add-on and a must have button from the project kit. See why we're so inspired? It's going to be another lovely month in the gallery!

Back to School with Ranjini Malhotra

Today we have a simply delightful teacher gift and accompanying card from Ranjini Malhotra.

When I first thought about doing a teacher gift, I decided that I wanted to do something pretty and elegant that Alekha's teacher could hang in her classroom. I bought this hanging file holder from Target and altered it very simply using JBS patterned paper (Red/Black Line Extension III) on the front face. Because the file holder is made of metal, you could also add coordinating magnets on the front. I added chartreuse trim, and a gold ribbon with red seam binding for accent. I created the vintage label with the teacher's name and the school's name in Photoshop. I love the finished look.

Once I used the vintage kids patterned paper for the metal file folder, I decided to do a coordinating card and used the photo card from the Haven Accessory Paper. I trimmed it down and added the humorous text "The teaching staff could barely contain their excitement at the thought of another school year," for some lighthearted humor for Alekha's very hard working teacher! I accented it with JBS tickets, JBS star chipboard, the JBS red bow and stamp.

Heating Up May #3

Today we're "Heating Up May" with a very bright and festive card, complete with instructions, from Ranjini Malhotra:

I used Jenni's label stamps to create the background of this design.

1) Stamp the background onto white cardstock with ink. (I used royal blue pigment ink for a color pop).

2) Apply embossing powder when the ink is still wet, shaking off the excess onto a piece of paper. Heat emboss the image until it "sets".

3) Using mini post it notes (I used 2" x 1.5" notes) mask off the large label (the large horizontal one that is under the two smaller labels) by placing mini post it notes over the blue stamped outlined edges, leaving the center of the label free to receive the rubon application.

4) Apply Jenni's red damask rubon to the area left after the edges have been masked off.

5) Use a slightly dull xacto knife to lightly trim the edges where the rubons meet the post it note, so that when you lift the note, it won't tear off any of the rubon image within the label box.

6) Repeat steps 3- 5 with each of the remaining two boxes. Make sure that you are not applying the sticky part of the post it note to any area where you have applied a rubon or it will pull it off.

7) Now finish off the card with trim, buttons etc. I added the stamped banner and sentiment and the wooden button, some trim, a JBS stick pin and a JBS felt butterfly from my stash. I topped it off with a bright yellow rick rack bow for an extra punch of color.

Easter Wishes by Ranjini Malhotra

Continuing with our Ranger theme this month, we have a charming Easter card from Ranjini with a great stamped background. Ranjini says, "I used Jenni Bowlin for Ranger Ink Pad in Seed Packet with a clear polka dot background stamp from Papertrey Ink to create the dotted background. Then I added goodies from the February Kits mostly to create this little easter greeting. I did stamp the background twice for a darker color green."

These bunnies are way adorable! Thanks for the inspiration Ranjini!

Be Mine by Ranjii Malhotra

I have been wanting to use my Jenni Bowlin for Ranger Acrylic Paint Dabbers on fabric for some time and I recently found a stash of needlework fabric I had from my cross-stitching days. You can purchase this type of fabric in most craft stores. I simply cut the heart shape using pinking shears and then covered the fabric hearts with the dabber paints in Cough Syrup and Chewing Gum. Allow the paint to dry completely. If you're impatient like me, you can use your heat gun to speed drying. If the heart curls up or warps, you can iron it flat (on the side without the paint, on a low setting very quickly - don't apply too much heat and don't iron for too long. Then attach the heart to your card base. If you like, you can stamp a sentiment on the heart. I stamped the Be Mine sentiment (Northwoods Rubber Stamp) using Papertrey Perfect Match Hybrid Ink in Fresh Snow. I I added embossing powder in white and embossed the sentiments on to the fabric. Add a few stick pins, JBS labels, seam binding and vintage buttons and you're done - simple and lovely valentines.

What a sweet technique! Thanks for the inspiration Ranjini!

CHA Winter 2011: Index

Isn't this just the most adorable little photo display? Ranjini is so clever and talented! I hope you didn't think all the excitement was over now that we've shared all of our CHA Winter 2011 release . . . we've got lots more fun and inspiration planned for you! Along with our regularly scheduled posts this week we'll also be sharing more projects created with the new stuff PLUS Jenni has the most amazing new show booth . . . we hope to show it to you this weekend.

Here's an index of last weeks posts introducing our new products in case you missed one or just want another peek:
Be Our Guest: Papers, Die-cut, Mini Papers, Journaling Cards
Embellishments: Bows, Blue Ribbons, Charms
Project Foundations: Hodge Podge Mini Albums, Tart Tins, Wooden Spools, Chipboard
Acrylic Stamps: Pennants, Pinked Circle, Blue Ribbons, Receipt, Butterfly, Labels
The Basics: Flag Stickers, Mini Chipboard, Rub-ons, Mini Bingo Cards

Childhood Silhouettes by Ranjini Malhotra

Bittersweet. Our last day of peeks (till next time). It's been an exciting week, hasn't it? Here's a gorgeous set of home decor pieces from Ranjini Malhotra. Do you know what's coming next? I like to call them the basics. Be back at 9 am cst with our final CHA Winter 2011 shares . . .

Victorian Valentine by Ranjini Malhotra

The idea for this card came from the Feb 2010 copy of Victoria Magazine. They featured cameo cards created by their artist in residence Olivia Kanaley. They provided the silhouette images from the artist in a download, which is available at www.victoriamag.com/article.aspx?id=6796
I simply downloaded and cut out the cameo image. Then I mounted it on a JBS scalloped journaling card. I added the JBS crepe paper trim to create a medallion by applying adhesive to the back of the journaling card and folding and pleating the trim around the card. I mounted it on a card created with JBS patterned paper and added some black seam binding. The miniature brass heart pendant was from an old JBS kit and I added a bit of bling to form the necklace. I plan to give this to my Mom, but I think it could work for any one special!

Lovely! Thanks for the inspiration Ranjini!

For You From Ranjini

Apply the dabber to the rubber stamp and stamp the background. Use a heat gun to speed drying time. Cut a page from a vintage children's book and apply it to cover an index tag. I loved this one because the design mimics the graphics on Jenni's banner stickers. Embellish the tag with the fabric yoyo and button. Add banner stickers to the chipboard elements and adhere to top of card. Add alphas to spell out a sentiment if desired. Add a piece of trimmed scallop edged cardstock along the length of the card.

Supply List:

Jenni Bowlin for Ranger Dabber Paint, Chewing Gum

Polka Dot Background Stamp (Impress Rubber Stamps)

Jenni Bowlin Chipboard Elements - Banner

Jenni Bowlin Studio Banner Stickers: Reader (SK522) and Homespun (SK500)

Vintage Children's Book Illustration

Index Tag - Large White Tag

Jenni Bowlin Vintage Style Buttons - White

Twine

Fabric Yo-Yo

Bazzill Cardstock - Scalloped Edge and Plain White or Vanilla Cardstock

Rub-on Tip from Ranjini Malhotra

One thing I love about Jenni's rubons is how easy they are to use - they go on like butter. I used the silver damask background rub-on single to make this card. This is how I created the white space that forms the heart in the center of the card:

1) Use a chipboard shape of your choice. I used one of Jenni's chipboard hearts.
2) Carefully peel the rub on up from the background and slowly slide the chipboard heart onto the backing sheet, being careful not to allow the rubon to touch the chipboard until you have it centered exactly where you want it (in this case - I placed the chipboard right on the center of the backing sheet).
3) Apply the rubon ONLY to the chipboard heart, being careful not to apply pressure directly onto the backing sheet.
4) When you are sure the rubon has transferred only to the chipboard, carefully lift the backing sheet up, using a craft knife if needed to trim the rough edges around the heart. You can set the heart aside to use in another project.
5) Now you should have a heart shaped space on the rubon sheet with the damask background surrounding the heart.
6) Place the damask background on a white cardstock and apply to create the background of your wedding card.
7) Embellish with a photo, a bit of bling, and a penciled sentiment, and voila, you have a quick and beautiful card!

You can try this with any of the background and any chipboard shape that will fit under the rubon sheet.

Gorgeous! and such a clever idea! Thanks for the inspiration Ranjini!

Halloween Happiness from Ranjini Malhotra

I love Halloween decor and I try to create something for Halloween every year; I knew the bottlecaps would be perfect for my halloween project this year. I used the bottle caps from the August Project kit and mounted them on a box lid that I decoupaged. Actually, it is the bottom of the box - and held Christmas Cards last December. I decoupaged the box with vintage text and then glued the larger JBS Halloween bingo cards on the inside. Then I adhered the three bottle caps inside on top of the bingo cards.

I added some JBS Vintage Style Sew-On buttons in perfect pumpkin orange. The tiny bingo cards were cut from the bingo card backing sheet.

I covered the chipboard number stickers that were in the August Add-on kit with vintage silver german glass glitter.

Frightfully delightful! Thanks for the inspiration Ranjini!

Sweet Sundress by Ranjini Malhotra

What a darling little dress! and Ranjini was so clever in its construction! It's made with a sheet of paper from the JBS Memo Note Books! Here's how . . .

1) Looking at the top of the memo sheet, measure in about 1/2" from the top left side and mark with a pencil. Do the same for the top right.
2) Now draw a light line in pencil connecting the dot at the top left with the bottom left corner of the paper. Do the same with the dot on the right, so that when you cut on the lines, you have a trapezoidal shape.
3) Using a 1 inch and 1.5 inch hole punch, punch circles from paper. Place the circles on the side and top of the trapezoid and trace so that when cut out, you will have arm and neck holes.
4) Slightly angle cut the shoulders then embellish!

Sweetness! Thanks for the inspiration (and instructions) Ranjini!

Baby Mine by Ranjini Malhotra

I love to keep all the unused extras from JBS Monthly kits so I can create a random layout when the inspiration strikes. On this one, I simple added the Baby Girl diecut label paper on the edge as a border and then used the large monogram letter B from a past JBS kit to start off my title. I staggered a few photos underneath and finished it off with a butterfly, a few buttons and an old mini tag from my stash. When creating a layout like this, arrange your text and font work on a document and print it out on copy paper before you print on cardstock; that way you can line everything up and make sure it's all aligned where you want it.

Thanks for the inspiration Ranjini!

Lovely Ranjini Projects

I loved the Kaiser frames so much I decided to split them into two different frames to use for two separate projects. On the first frame, I used the patterned dot paper around the edge of the frame. I then added some Basic Grey paper for the focal point of the frame.

I punched birds from the pink crepe paper and placed them on the birdcage paper. I then placed the vintage millinery as shown. I added a ruffled ribbon, a rosette flower at the top and a diecut at the bottom.

I added a photo of Alekha that I punched out with a circle punch. I placed the medallion and pearl from the kit at the bottom.

I wanted to use the frame horizontally this time, and decided to create a scene of Paris' famed Bois de Boulogne in the spring. I used the patterned paper to cut a house shape, the roof, as well as bushes. I also used the packaging of the American crafts rubons to cut the tree top.

I used the strip at the bottom of the My Mind's Eye patterned cardstock as a tree trunk. I used the vintage text from the project kits as my background. I added some other diecut embellishments (mostly from K&Company's new Madeline Collection) as well as a vintage button to embellish the roof of the house.

The bird at the top of the house was cut with a Quickutz die. I added a little ribbon and flower to her neck. I really loved how this turned out!