January Gallery Updates

Believe me when I tell you to run, don't walk, to the January JBS Mercantile Kit Gallery. There's some really fabulous stuff in there this month and I just loaded lots more not to be missed projects!


Jenni has a new layout and the project kit instructions loaded . . .

Wilna has her first gallery layouts for us . . .

Michelle has posted her version of this month's project kit . . .

Lisa has three new layouts added to her collection . . .

Keisha's added four more to her gallery . . .

Doris has another layout posted . . .

And the fun isn't over yet! Our guest has had trouble getting her kit all the way over in Norway, so we're planning on showcasing her gallery at the end of the month! Yay even more JBS Mercantile goodness to look forward to!

Mini-album with Cheryl Ametewee

We seem to have mini-album mania this month at JBS; isn't it fun? Cheryl made this one as a sweet gift for her father from his grandchildren.

She says, "this was my dad's christmas gift this year...a little 4x4 album that had 2 pages dedicated to each grandchild and what they love most about him. it was super fast and simple once i got a rhythm going...only took me about 2 hours start to finish. i mixed the jan kit with a jb mini album, bingo card and a rubon for the front. each title of the bingo card goes with what each kid said about him (for example: my nephew said he likes everything about him...so i made his card hero. my neice shanie said she liked that he helped her learn new things...so i used the learn card for her)."

Thanks for the inspiration Cheryl!

Bottomless Kits with Keisha Campbell

Kits are so endless! That's what makes it so worth joining them. This is the 5th page I have made from the December JBS Mercantile Kit. And I still have lots left. I really liked the kraft notebook sheets-who says you have to make an album with them?! Use a few of the notebook pages on your page. I added some glitter brads through the holes. Keep your pages simple to get the most out of your papers & stickers. For the '09' I cut it using my Slice w/the FaLaLa card and used the Prima stamp that comes in the kit on them. The layer vellum snowflake was also cut with the Slice w/the Mistletoe card-then I added the small round JBS sticker & a mother of pearl buttom to the center.

I'm just in awe of the brilliant kraft page usage Keisha! Thanks for the inspiration!

Resolutions Album Tutorial with Cheryl Ametewee

ok, so as the first page of my album says, i have never before made a new year's resolution. i have always been a bit of a free spirit...taking things as they come and trying to live my life to the fullest with as few rules as possible. HOWEVER, i am finding out so fast that this lifestyle doesn't always work so well when you are married to a scientist that lives his entire life by the scientific method (state the problem, research the problem, hypothesis the resolution, test the hypothesis...etc, etc, etc...), a mother to a 1 year old and expecting another baby any day now. and to be honest, i'm ready to have a little more organization in my life. so this year i decided to take the plunge and make some resolutions. and i really REALLY plan on keeping them. i didn't make any that are unrealistic and easily given up (like, say, lose 40lbs and never eating nutella again.), and i didn't make so many that i'll never keep track, but i did try to challenge myself. and i plan to keep my album close so that i can read it throughout the year and really try to stick with these things.

and i'd love it if you joined me in making your own little mini-album of new years resolutions! here's how:

SUPPLIES:
JBS 4" Chipboard Mini Book
JBS Tangerine Dream Mini Paper Pack
JBS Die Cut Journaling Cards - Turquoise
JBS Die Cut Journaling Cards - Red
JBS Crepe Paper Ribbon - Turquoise
JBS Journaling Prompts Rubons - Cream
JBS Kindergarten Alpha Rubons - Red
JBS Apothecary Stickers - Brown
JBS Self Adhesive Pearl Flowers - Maraschino
JBS Tickets - Baby Girl
JBS Felt Butterflies
JBS Tickets - Who What Where
OTHER: Ink Pad, Marker & Vintage Buttons

TO CREATE COVER:
-glue the turquoise polka dot paper to hard cover of the mini-album.
-ink edges.
-add strips of patterned paper to top and bottom of circle to highlight the words KEEP THIS.
-add Cream Rubon Prompt Words.
-layer 2010 in Red Over the Cream Prompts.
-ink butterfly then staple it just above and to the right of the word THIS.
-add Pearl Flower to create a head for the butterfly.

TO CREATE TITLE PAGE:
(keep this page simple so that the journaling is the focus)
-place ribbon across the middle of the page, add ticket, cutout heart and button.
-use the red rubon that says I WILL directly onto the ribbon.
-write out a letter to yourself or the people that will be reading your album onto the lined paper.

TO CREATE INSIDE PAGES OF THE ALBUM:
-ink edges of filler pages.
- place ribbon across the filler pages, alternating the placement on each separate page.
- add die-cut journaling card, again alternating the position...this time allowing part of the die-cut to stick out off the page.
-add vintage buttons and stickers in appropriate places (body of the butterfly, doorknob & roof of the house) on the die-cut images.
-use red kindergarten rubons to highlight one word on each page that you want to focus on.
-journal about your goals and resolutions on the lined portion of each die-cut.

have fun with it and make it your own! and thanks for playing along with me...
xo, Cheryl

What an awesome way to start the new year! Thanks for the inspiration Cheryl!

2010 Photo Album Tutorial with Lisa Dickinson

Were your holidays a blur like mine? Were you scrambling at the last minute to finish shopping, baking, and wrapping? Despite my best efforts, some of my holiday projects always end up being sacrificed to the hustle and bustle of the season. But next year, I'm vowing to start earlier and try to fit everything in! And to kick off that resolution, I've come up with an album that I can assemble now and add photos and journaling to each month. Then, come December, the album will be complete and ready to give as a fabulous handmade gift.

If you want to join me in this project, here's what you'll need:

1 set of JBS 2010 Circle Calendar Cards

3-4 sheets of JBS patterned paper from the Red/Black line

1 sheet JBS Cardstock Alpha Stickers

1 set JBS Journal Cards from Red/Black line

1 pack JBS Rhinestone Buttons

1 sheet JBS Tiny Circle Alpha Sticker in Black

3-4 sheets of kraft cardstock

corrugated cardboard

gingham ribbon

Directions:
1. Adhere the Circle Calendar pages back to back (January to February, March to April, etc.)

2. Print the journal inserts (available as a downloadable template) on kraft cardstock. Cut out each tab and cover the back side with your choice of JBS paper.

3. Cut two large circles from corrugated cardboard (approx. 6.25" in diameter). Cover one side of each with JBS patterned paper.

4. Assemble your album in the correct page order, placing the journal tabs in front of the corresponding month.

5. Use a large binder clip on the right edge of your album to keep your pages together while you bind the left hand side.

6. Use a spiral book binder (or go to Office Max, like I did, and have them bind it!) to punch holes in the left side of the cover and insert a spiral coil.

7. Adorn your cover as desired.

Each month, print a few of your favorite monthly photos to adhere to the calendar page. I printed mine approximately 2x3". Add some journaling about the month on the journal insert and you'll soon have a completed album!

You can even download the insert template HERE.

Lisa pretty much rocks, doesn't she?

Welcome to the Team Wilna!

We are oh so excited to announce that Wilna Furstenberg is joining the JBS Mercantile team! Her work will be appearing here on the Inspiration Blog and in the kit club gallery each month! Hooray! Welcome to the team Wilna!


My name is Wilna Furstenberg. Jenni and I met in Nashville a couple years back. I remembered how I scared her about the Lions in South Africa. And she still asked me to be on her design team. See? Miracles still happen. : ) Let me tell you some of my story. I grew up in South Africa, in 1991 I met and married Jaco who is still my heartbeat. When we got married, he was second year med school and shortly after that I decided to go to University too (he was having way too much fun) and we both graduated in 1996: he in medicine and me in fine arts. In 1997 we had our first girl, Tia. Even today we wonder what we did to deserve such a sweet child. Of course I tell my husband she takes after me. His response to that remark was not very gentlemanly (which just proves my point). Anyway, in 1999 Kirstin was born. She is the organizer and fashionista in the house. She also has the sunniest personality ever. Jana (from our names JAco and wilNA) is our last born. I think if I was not as strong willed as I am, Jana would have her own Credit card and cell phone. Yes, I said no. Lots of times. In 2005 we moved to Canada. I joked about our coming to Canada to all my friends: the only reason I am coming is to win the scrapbooking hall of fame. And in 2006 I won HOF. After that I have just been making pages and enjoying the journey. We live in Saskatchewan: it really gets very cold here (-40 degrees celsius). Jana learnt early on not to lick the fence when it's that cold. In April this year we got a Mini schnauzer. We all totally adore him and his name is Mac. Just because I love mac computers. Very, very much. A last few facts about me: I homeschool our girls. It's one of the best things I ever decided to do...i love it! I love coffee and right now I am not having any because I read this book that told me how bad coffee is for you. I hate that book. I also love cookies... same thing... same book, now I even like the book less. I am so happy that we dont have to eat scrapbook papers! We can just enjoy it by being creative! Well, after all this rambling I am really happy to be a part of this awesome design team. I *heart* Jenni Bowlin. Can I hear some amens?

This is one of those heavenly places for me. It's where i am creative and find solitude. I listen and learn here. I meditate and read. And Scrapbook: paper and digital. A lot! A few things that's essential for me: Water, light and music. That's all I need when I get busy. You can see all the pictures here: My Creative Studio.

This is my favourite picture for 2009. I love the bokeh. I love that you can see the snow falling. I love that they are wearing the hats their grandma knitted them. I love the different expressions on each lovely face. But most of all I love the hands. So intertwined. Happiness weaved together. love.

This is my first page of 2010. My word for this year is Butterfly. when I think of 2010 I find myself thinking of the idea of breaking free. For so many years my weight has been an issue in my life. It's like a mirage that's on the horizon calling to me but when I come close it disappear. I woke up one day In November and I realized the only person that can chance the nagging feeling in the back of my head 24 hours a day is me. The good news is that I don't have to do it alone: God is with me! I am allowing myself this year to get back on track. Actually my 2010 new year's resolution started that day in November and I can see some changes already... i celebrate each little achievement. I am absolutely persuaded that this year will see me coming out of my cocoon. And it's not just about loosing the pounds... it's about me caring for my family by giving them food that loves them back. Starting new habits that celebrate me. Drawing near to life with a zest. Being bold to proclaim the goodness of God to all the world. The Word that's for 2010 is: Ephesians 1: 17 I desire that your knowledge of the Father will be undiluted, that you will draw directly from the source; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ imparts the spirit of wisdom to you in the unveiling of His Master Plan (glory.) I pray that your thoughts will be flooded with light and revelation knowledge; that you will clearly picture His intent in identifying you in Him so that you may know how precious you are to Him. The saints are His treasure and the glorious trophy of His portion! (We are God's assets and the measure of His wealth!)!

Happy New Year!

Lots of treats in the gallery! Check it out! Then return on the 10th for updates! Even more pretties! Just a week from Sunday!

Our very own Jenni Bowlin is the first Guest Garden Girl of 2010 over at Two Peas in a Bucket!

Oooooh . . . and this Monday we have another super fun super exciting announcement!

And wowzas! CHA peeks this month!

It's a happy new year indeed!