We are still in the mainland and I have all the feels as the weather starts cooling off. It’s been nearly 25 years since I got to have a fall! I’m trying to resist the urge to buy all the decor and sweaters! But it’s hard-
As October rolls in, we will welcome this month with this little guy— the happiest Dracula I’ve ever seen! This is from the Tricks and Treats stamp set.
Highland Heather, basic black and smoke slate are a super simple color palette to make it a ‘non-traditional’ October color scheme! I love to do something different when it works out!
Happy October to all of you! And I hope you enjoy some happy tricks and treats!
Head on over to see what treats Anne and Cheryl have for you this month!
If you’ve followed my blog for any amount of time you know that if we have a firefly set, I have to use it. I positively love fireflies and that is something I miss living in Hawaii. We don’t have them!
They also bring special memories cause when the kids were little they were enthralled with them. It was so fun to go out and watch them
So, when SU put out this set, Lighting the Way, it was ‘add to cart’ without a second thought.
And. I used the misty moonlight and wild wheat (get it?? Wheat— Kansas??!) because what would be more appropriate for a dark summers night in the middle of the breadbasket??
A bit of wink of Stella on the firefly’s butt adds a subtle sparkle to the firefly!
Hope your summer has fabulous outdoor evenings spent under the stars, enjoying fireflies (if they live where you do)
Head on over to see what Anne and Cheryl have for you!
It’s that time of year where we again take stock of the things and people of who we are thankful. It seems silly though, that we cannot make this more of a daily occurrence and have to rely on the calendar for us to remember it. At least, I have this problem more often than not.
This year hits a little different– If you follow my Instagram (@hanniejoyandco) you will know that we’ve been dealing with some health issues with my husband. (You can read up on his story at @heart_for_aaron on Instagram). The short of it is that he needs a new heart. We were prepared to start this process in August and there were setbacks and challenges and changes. And, we learned in late Sept he was able to return to Maui to be with us as we wait for a heart for him. So, I am thankful. It’s bitter sweet in some respects— the type A in me wants to hurry up and get it done so we can put it behind us. But, I also see this gift of more time simply as a gift–and for that I am extremely grateful.
Of course, I knew NONE of this when I created this November calendar (back in November of LAST year—I make these to sell in December, so, they’ve got to be completed a year ahead). But, The sentiment perfectly describes my heart at this time. I’m so grateful for my family and that we are able to stay together at the moment. I’m grateful for the incredible support we have received from the community around us– in a time when that same community is mourning the most devastating fire Maui has ever seen. These past months have been surreal.
I love the softness and non traditional look of these colors. And, the images in the Soft Seedlings stamp set brings back nostalgic memories of playing with the ‘helicopters’ or whirly-birds in the yard with the fall leaves. I’m a little sad my children don’t get this experience here on Maui (but, hey— It’s 80 degrees at the moment that I write this and my family is dealing with below freezing highs today–so I get over it pretty quickly).
I used Petal Pink and Gray Granite to color the images. Ink the stamp with pink and then sponge gray around the edges. Simple stamping at it’s finest.
Hug your family and keep them close— we don’t know what tomorrow will bring us. But, for today, we will enjoy the moment and be thankful.
October has come! (where has 2023 gone??) and I thought this cute little witch might bring a smile to your face– This image makes me think of a little girl playing dress-up!
This Bewitching stamp set was available in last fall’s catalog (sorry) but what made it super special was the coordinating hat punch. Super easy to whip out tons of witches’ hats for all your treat giving needs!
I used pumpkin pie, basic gray and bermuda bay (so sad that it is now retired) to put this together. I hope you are able to get a jump start on your treats so you don’t get tricked this year!
Head on over to see what Anne and Cheryl have for you today!
What a good sentiment to begin the year with. Especially since the past several years have been less than fabulous for many of us—. Starting the new year right!
I chose this stamp set called Simply Fabulous because I loved the sentiment. And the simplicity of the stamp set.
If you’ve payed attention lately, you will have noticed that my calendars have gotten back to basics. Simple stamping shall we say. I would love to say this is intentional, but it’s really because I procrastinate—. I make 90 of these little calendars every year and I usually wait until the absolute last minute and panic stamp them all. But. It’s caused me to be more creative and stretch my stampin’ brain muscles. So that’s been a good challenge.
Colors used here include: petal pink, calypso coral, and Smokey slate— a fresh clean pallet for a fresh new year!
Hope you have a good start to 2023. And remember that you’re fabulous. Just. Because you’re you.
Go check out what Anneand Cheryl have created for you today!
Glorious sunflowers. You only have to be on my blog for about 4 minutes to realize that I love sunflowers—
They’re so happy. Just giant happy smiling flowers. And. I can manage to make something into a sunflower nearly every year. ☺️☺️
This year is no different.
Artistically inked gives us the PERFECT flower to make into sunflowers. And it’s so simple. Such a beautiful stamp set that’s super versatile and user friendly. You can use bold colors for bright, happy images—. Fall colors for sunflowers— muted colors for sympathy. It’s truly a perfect stamp set. Pair it with a set of sentiments and you can make any card you need.
September is the entry way into fall. And I’m ready. Bring on fall. My most favorite season (I do love me some summer cause it means school is out— but fall is the season I appreciate for its fundamental qualities. Heehee)
Head on over to see what Anne and Cheryl have for you today!
HAPPY MARCH! This month is brought to you by Stampin’ Up’s Sharing Sunshine stamp set. And, this is the PERFECT name for this cheery little smile that will just brighten your day!
I used daffodil delight paper for the mat and the sun punch out, and then used bumble bee for the rays and face. A little of blush blossom makes the rosy cheeks! The best part of this month is very hard to see in photos… but I did a little spritz with the champagne mist and alcohol in one of our spritzers. Gives a perfect shimmer to this sunshine!
Here in Hawaii, we don’t have the marked changes of seasons that others around the globe may enjoy– but, there are subtle signs… The day is lasting a little longer and longer… I’m seeing the warmer glows of the sun as it slowly moves higher and higher into the sky… Summer is just around the corner…
Go check out what Anne and Cheryl have for you today!
Soooo…. I have to come clean about the 2022 calendars. I waited until The. Absolute. Last. Minute. to make them. Literally, an after-Thanksgiving Hail Mary move of taking a couple of days and ignoring ALL other responsibilities to get these done. I do make these to sell–for our annual street fair–so it’s not a simple ‘one and done’ kind of thing–there are many to make. So, as a way to make everyone think this was planned, I decided to embrace a ‘return to my roots’ and go back to simple stamping with these calendars. Meaning, not a lot of coloring, not a lot of embellishments, the literal embodiment of the #simplestampin’ movement. Imagine my excitement when I realized I ordered Artistically Inked (does that happen to you–you order a set and then forget you have it?)
Artistically Inked is just a stunning stamp set. And, I am one of those people who cannot seem to master the ‘oh so easy’ alcohol ink water-cooling technique. This set takes ALL the guesswork out of it. It’s super easy to use, and the outcome is just amazing. Few swipes of the stamp and ink and bippity-boppity-boo we have February!
Decided to not use the traditional hearts for February—but the flowers still work! And, these flowers won’t die! Marvelous Magenta and Granny Apple Green bring these cheerful blossoms to life.
I happen to have a couple of my calendars left– Fill in the form below if you’d like to order one! I will connect with you!
And, head on over to see what Anne and Cheryl have for you!
I write while I am basking in the glory days of summer. The days are lazy and glorious, but we are SPEEDING through the weeks. And, I know that I will be returning to school in a few short weeks….. sigh.
Anyway, That’s what this bee means to me. Now, I know that bees are stereotypically busy… But, the serenity in these images and the feeling that I get to stop and actually notice the bees… That is what the glory days of summer are to me.
ANYAY…. I digress. This stamp set, (now retired) Is Honey Bee. It had a fantastic set of coordinating dies. The simplicity in the images and designs make for a fantastic calendar (and card). They are the epitome of simple stamping. Which is perfect for summer so that there is still time left over to sit and enjoy the world around you…and truly celebrate every moment.
The yellow I selected for this month is Bumble Bee (obviously) and it makes a simple monochromatic layout and image.
Hope you are able to slow down and enjoy summer. Head on over to see what Anne and Cheryl have for you today!
I used to kill all plants that came into my life. Total BLACK THUMB. If anyone gave me a plant, I would enjoy it for a couple days, and would quickly pass it along to someone I knew that could sustain it’s life much longer than me… Until we went on a small trip and my bff surprised me by redoing a large pot we had by our front porch (full of dead plant remains). She filled it with happy little succulents. And, left strict instructions to not touch it–she would care for it. So, I got to have a front row seat in Plant Care 101. And, what I learned is that succulents thrive on neglect. Which, I CAN DO! I can NEGLECT plants!! Fast forward a couple years and now we have our own succulent JUNGLE! So, when I saw this happy little succulent, I KNEW it had to be on one of my calendar months!
This simple little cactus came from ‘The Gang’s All Meer’ stamp set (sorry, now retired…) was the perfect stamp to use for me to celebrate the beginning of summer. This is ‘simple stamping’ at its finest… just ink and a little swipes with some blends and you’re all finished! This could easily be turned into a simple note card to send to someone to let them know you’re thinking of them…
It’s unbelievable that it is June already–but turning the page to June is the most glorious feeling—its turning the page to freedom and that comes with summertime! I hope you get to spend some time this summer doing something you enjoy with people you love!
Head on over to see how Anne and Cheryl decided to celebrate the start of summer!!
hanniejoy&co 