Got my ducks in a row

Posted on April 1, 2017 by mauistamper

Every now and then I challenge myself to give an under-appreciated stamp set a little love. Barnyard Babies is filled with petite, line drawn images of farm animals, and it was an early must-have from last year’s annual catalog. I’ve used it for some really fun cards (as well as August 2016), but it’s been collecting a big of dust as of late.

A stamp, a sticky-note mask, and a marker or two – and April is ready! The fact that duck beaks and feet could be colored in Daffodil Delight was a bonus. What color speaks April more eloquently than daffodil yellow?

Visit Cheryl and Crystal to see what they’ve done for their version of the April calendar.

A Waterlily for March

Posted on March 1, 2017 by mauistamper

These little desktop calendars are so satisfying to create. Because they’re small, I’m challenged to find images that will physically fit in the space while still reflecting the time of year.

For March, I chose the water lily from Remarkable You. It’s a stylized shape that’s perfect for coloring, and I really love to color. I added a few splatters using the Wink of Stella Gold pen. Honestly, it’s not my favorite product – I find the gold color too strong and brassy for painting or highlighting – but it does a fantastic job of splattering. There’s a lesson in there!

I created this calendar page long before our new Watercolor Pencils were released, but it would be really fun to use them on this project.

Thanks for stopping by. Please head on over to see what Crystal and Cheryl have done for March. And while you’re there, leave a little comment for them. It’s a little thing that means a lot.

Lotsa Hedgie Love

Posted on February 1, 2017 by mauistamper

Hedgehog, groundhog, whatever – it’s February, and if Puxatawny Phil sees his shadow tomorrow, legend has it there will be 6 more weeks of winter. Here on Maui, that’s not much of a concern – maybe it just means the whales will stay a bit longer.

Stamps: Love You Lots (Host)
Color Palette: Whisper White, Mint Macaron, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Sweet Sugarplum
Accessories: Aquapainter, Stampin’ Write markers, DIY Easel Calendar kit

Love You Lots is my favorite host reward stamp set. If you enjoy following my calendars, I’m warning now you that you’ll see this set again. It won’t be available after May 31, 2017, so if you like it, you might want to take action now. Just sayin’.

Coloring the hedgies was pretty simple. I used the Crumb Cake Stampin’ Write marker to accent the stamped lines on their bodies and then used an Aquapainter to add a little wash to both their bodies and as a ground. That little touch of Sweet Sugarplum is my nod to Valentines Day on the 14th.

Looking for more inspiration? Visit Cheryl and Crystal to see what February looks like from their craft rooms. Want to make your own calendar? There are still a few DIY Calendar refills available for $6 plus shipping. Click HERE for details.

A New Year, a new calendar

Posted on January 1, 2017 by mauistamper

New. There’s so much promise in that word – but there’s uncertainty as well. New is different, fresh, and sometimes uneasy. New is exciting and invigorating, but it is also unpredictable and challenging. I love a new year, a new calendar, a fresh start. I set goals, make plans, and dream big dreams. And I make a brand new DIY Easel Calendar!

Stamps: Cookie Cutter Christmas, Thoughtful Branches (retired)
Color Palette: Basic Black, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Flirty Flamingo, Pool Party, Island Indigo, Blushing Bride
Accessories: Cookie Cutter Builder punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Wink of Stella Clear

I’ve achieved one goal: I already have a post set up for every month of the year in 2017! Crystal, Cheryl and I are continuing our Mini-Blog hop, so be sure to see what they’ve done to begin the year.

If you’ve had your eye on the Cookie Cutter Christmas bundle, you’d better hurry! The stamps and punch will be available separately after January 3rd, but the bundle will be a lost opportunity. Shop the Online Store to get that deal!

If you’ve been thinking you should make a calendar this year, I have just 6 kits left. Email me at AnneMatasci@gmail.com and I’ll send you an invoice.

Happy New Year!