When I first started this blog, it was more out of obligation, to be perfectly honest. Daven wanted us to try them out, and so, out of duty, I started a blog. I thought I’d end up neglecting it, and I’m really suprised that I enjoy this blogging thing! To keep it fun for me and not “work,” I don’t have a hit counter, I don’t pay attention to who’s on the subscription list, I’m not listed on any “top stamping” list sites. I just post when I can, and crazily. . . there are actually people who read what I write here!
Anyway, it’s fun to make stuff to share, and fun to connect with y’all. Reading your comments makes me happy! With that in mind, and inspired by the many pennant garlands I’ve seen around since last summer or so, I made this using basically a little less than one sheet of 12×12 cardstock, and a whole lot of stuff that I have piling up in my various shelves and drawers. Why’d I do a “You Rock” banner? I had no “a” to do “dream” as I originally wanted to!
I figured out how to sew more than a few inches without jamming the machine (who knew you didn’t have to feed the bobbin thread through the needle, too? I certainly didn’t!), and zigzag stitched the pink ribbon to the pennants, adding a new one when I got near the end of each one. I threaded the skinny ribbon through the big buttons, and hand sewed them on, then moved on to decorating the flags.
Chipboard letters and shapes from SU! were painted with Ranger Adirondack Dabbers and outlined with Stickles in a coordinating color. I stamped the Baroque swirl from Baroque Motifs with Brilliance Ink, and then glued the letters onto the pennants. Primas were attached with rhinestone brads (some Making Memories, some Stampin’ Up!). Stars are stamped with the little starburst flower from Baroque Motifs using the Tsukineko Essential Glue Pad. I dumped on some Dazzling Diamonds glitter, and then adhered those to the outside pennants, and used A Muse Creative Candy on the little ones to look like trails.
I think I love it!
These bright colors, the flowers, and the sparkle really catch my eye and make me happy!
Something else that makes me happy is seeing a fellow stamper take her talent and use it to do good in the world, to make a difference. Check out Gina K’s blog to see what I mean. She has a stamp set for sale that benefits Autism Speaks, and tonight, she’s unveiling another set with proceeds to benefit a different charity. I had the pleasure of playing with Beate’s set when she was here on Friday, and Gina graciously included me on the list of guest designers. What an honor to be a little part of something so special!
Let’s celebrate a little!
Tell me what makes you happy, what catches your eye or what you have done or do to make a difference. I’m nosy, so tell me all about it!
Post your response here, and on Sunday evening, I’ll use random.org to pick a comment at random. If you’re chosen, this garland will be yours!
Thank you for all of your sweet comments and kind emails! You have no idea how much they make my day!
56 Comments
First of all, let me tell you I am a big fan of yours! I love all of your creations and this banner is no exception. It is gorgeous!
What makes me happy? Well, the fact that I wake up every morning makes me happy. I know that every day is a gift and I am determined to enjoy every single day! I enjoy my family (DH and 3 DDs) and our lives together. My dog makes me happy…my creating moments makes me happy. I guess you could say LIFE makes me happy! Hmmm! Go figure!!!
Great banner, Jenn — love all the bling! And congrats on the Gina K gig — can’t wait to see what you did!
Oh Jenn, I love this! What an adorable idea! You do rock! I enjoy being with my family. They are my world and hanging with them makes me smile! Have a great rest of the week and thank you for blogging!
Lesa
Jenn you so ROCK! I adore your style and your attitude. I visit your site on a daily basis and come back just to see when you post.
I actually became a teacher to make a difference. I had some rocky times as a student with some learning difficulties and I wanted to give that back to the school system and make a difference in the lives of children. During my first teaching assignments (as a qualified teacher) I finally had my shinning moment. Little did I know that after I left that term job (as a language teacher) the students would go to the principal every day and beg him to hire me full time. When the short list came for position that summer, my name was on it. After an extensive interview I was hired on full time. I was so pleased with the opportunity that I committed those 4 years to volunteering as grad coordinator, soccer coach, as well as extra duties etc. To this day, I still keep in touch with some of my students who have graduated and are now in university and/or working full time. One of the happiest moments came this year when one of the students contacted me and said thank you for being so inspirational. Would you believe she is now in her second year of university working on a teaching degree? Gosh I love my job!
Jenn, you totally crack me up! No “dream” without the “a” , huh? So cute! I was laughing with your notes on sewing, too! Holler at me next time you need a sewing lesson! THAT I can do. And I know where to find you! Love the colors on your blog and the banner. It’s so you!
Congrats on being on Gina K’s team! I love Gina! I love her autism set. I haven’t used it, but I love it! Can’t wait to see your beautiful work on her site!
What makes me happy? Gosh – there’s so much I can’t list it all! I’m thankful for a creative mind and feel blessed to be part of such an awesome stamping family – yourself included!
Thank you for all of the inspiration – past, present and future!
I am one of those faithful readers of your blog – I am so excited whne I see there is an update for your blog.
One of the many things that makes me happy is when I receive compliments on a card I made.
My current most importnat thing I do to make a difference – I do lots of things with the 2 teen daughters of my friend who passed away last year.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful creativity.
Your garland rocks! Wow!
I love happy colors. Pixie Pink, Green Galore, Only Orange. I also love homeschooling my kids. It’s so great to be the one who sees the “light come on” when they get a new skill.
Loving this… things that make me happy include my husband, our kids, being together, and creating things… also, leading stamping classes and helping others to create and feel good about it!
I feel like I have made a difference in a few ways — I have started community groups where I live that are going years later (the Vashon Digital Alliance is one I really like ;^)* and I have taught school and had kids come back years later asking me to speak at their graduation (even though I retired and left the state, I flew back to speak on their behalf) and I have worked in homeless shelters, meeting people years later who have said that I made a difference. It has been a struggle this summer with my DH losing a job and gaining a new one… yeah, your banner makes me happy, too — we ALL need reminders that we can and do ROCK! You are wonderful, Jenn… keep it up!
First time I’ve left a comment on your blog, though I am a regular ‘stalker’… I feel blessed that I have a hard time choosing what makes me happy, because there are so many things that do. My two sons, my DH of 19 years, my family…. Mainly, though, it is waking up each morning, thanking God that I’ve been given another day to be with those that I love so much! The manner in which I try to give back to others is to let them know how much they mean to me….as often as I can. As papercrafters, we are lucky to be able to do something that we love (making cards and gifts)….that also makes someone else happy! Thank you for sharing your talent with us–and for brightening up my day when I come to ‘visit’! PJB
Jenn, I love this banner. It’s so cute. fun and cheery! Once again a masterpeice from you. I love your girly stamping style with the feminine colors and bling. You never over do it IMO.
As for what makes me happy… NOTHING makes me happier than when my kids smile. They have this sparkle in their eye and no matter how my day has been, when my kids smile, I have to smile too.
Jenn, great work as always! YOU ROCK!! I love all of your creations and I am so glad Daven asked you to blog!
What makes me happy…God and my family! I have a wonderful husband that I can’t wait to see everyday and two cute little boys that I adore. I hope I am making a difference by raising God fearing and respectable boys for a world that needs more of those! I love to hear them laugh and see the love in their eyes!
Have a great weekend!
Hello! What makes me happy is bing a SAHM to my 2 year old daughter and not having to get up to go to work anymore!!! (I used to be an engineer in a high-stress job) What I do to make a difference: I love to give out RAKs. Earlier this week I sent a 2.5 pound box filled with scrapbooking goodies to a lady that I’ve never met. I know her mom through a Yahoo group. The lady has 5 kids and very little money, so I thought I’d send the package to brighten her day.
Hello Jenn-
I just love your work…..thanks so much for sharing your talent with us.
What makes me happy…..my family….I love being a wife and mother.
What I have done or am doing to make a difference…..well, I volunteer at school and had a blast with the kindergarten class this past year. And I do little random acts of kindness hoping it makes someone’s day.
Have a wonderful day!
Jenn, this banner is TOO incredible! You can’t give it away! You really are such an inspiration, you’ll never know. Anyway, my friends & family and stamping make me happy. Hot men catch my eye (sorry, couldn’t resist!). To *try* to make a difference I changed careers last year and became a teacher at a Title 1 charter school with students who speak English as a second language. I’m still learning, so not sure if I made a difference yet, but they definitely made a difference in my life. My, that sounds corny, so let’s think of the hot men again!
Wow! I love your banner. What a fantastic idea.
I’ve been stamping for years and love every minute of it. In February of this year, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Coincidentally, I was diagnosed during National MS Awareness Week. Weird, huh? Anyway, the local Oregon Chapter of the National MS Society had a walk to raise funds and awareness. For every $20 (or more) donation I received from friends and co-workers, I made the donor five cards. I let the donor choose the types of cards, colors, etc. and went to town making them. I was able to raise over $1,000 and had a blast making a ton of cards. It was a win-win-win situation!
Thanks again for sharing all of your ideas, cards and tips. I really look forward to checking out your blog every day.
Awesome! Wow, and wow again!
It usually makes me happy to stamp because I want to not because I have to. To see the happieness a handmade card brings to someone else is thanks enough for me.
I, also, love your work, Jenn! I love all of the color you use and how (compared to me) outside of the box your work is. It really is beautiful.
But what makes me happy… we just moved from socal- 1 1/2 blocks from the ocean, brand new 3800 sq. ft. house (with a 500 sq. ft. craft room) but absolutely no yard (I have a 2 and a 4 year old with another on the way), all of my friends and my church family, etc… and moved to norcal into a 2000 sq.ft. house but it has a huge yard. What makes me happy about this- I get to wake up every morning and see the smiles on my kids face when they get to go outside and play and explore- experience a little independence. They don’t miss all of the “things” we had in socal- they love the “priceless” things. It has made all of the difficulties of moving so worth it!
Sorry I just went on and on! Your question just got me thinking… Sandy
This garland rocks!! Well, so do you.
What makes me happy…..hmm, so many things do. My family, my little 1 year old even if he is into everything all the time, friends. The list could go on and on. Let us not forget STAMPING!!
Thanks for sharing so much of yourself through your blog! I so enjoy visiting, seeing your projects and hearing what you and your family are up to.
What makes me happy? My family…my husband, Chris and our four children, Josh, Justin, Jacob and Sarah. It brings me so much joy to just be a part of their lives. To hang out with them, to watch them grow in God’s grace, to see them with their friends and enjoying their different activities. Being a wife and mother is the best!
Thanks again Jen!
Jenn, you’re too funny. Dream without the “a”? My kids used to spell it that way for a long time. You are a real inspiration, and awesome stamper, and an incredible person so don’t sell yourself short please. What makes me happy?? Well new toys for one, hugs & kisses from my kiddos including the 4 fur-kids, and the great friends I’ve made on SCS. As for what I do to make a difference; well making cards for the troops and I was sending raks out to terminally ill people too for awhile. Need to start that again. Everyone needs a smile.
Jenn,
I am a daily visitor of your blog. I feel like I know you as a friend, but we have never met. I love your work and your humor. What makes me happy…besides my family, little things make me happy. Like today, having a good blood pressure reading at the doctor, getting a daily dose of stamping blogs, looking at the butterflys zipping around my flowers. Sounds silly but those are little things that make me smile. My son is getting married on Saturday, and that will be my BIG dose of happy. Have a great day!
Dude! You know what makes me happy – black and white polka dots!
This garland is super cute! I think I may need to make one to brighten up my stamping space. Can you say BOOOOOORING!!!
I don’t know if it really makes a difference, but I do my best to smile at people when I pass them either while I’m on my walk or in the store. This also gives me the opportunity to think about it as I go by.
I always hold the door for men-it totally freaks them out as I watch a lot and see most older men now slam the doors in womens faces-and women NEVER hold the doors for anyone!! But little kids do-they just unlearn it I guess. I love observing the human race-they crack me up!!
Well, I’m glad you stuck with the blog because I certainly LOVE seeing all the wonderful things you create in one place. . .I sometimes miss them on SCS! 🙂
Hi Jen!
I am truly inspired by your work. In my mind you are definately an artist. You can turn paper and ink into some really awesome cards and projects. I love your style!
Hmmm… what makes me happy?
Sushi, being happy without a man, singing loudly to music in the shower, and being a night owl!
Thanks for sharing your great designs with us! YOU rock, girl!
~Kendra
I love the garland-the colors are just so bright and cheerful. It makes me happy just looking at it. This is my first comment but I am a regular reader. Your cards inspire me to do just a little more on my cards, and to think out of my comfort zone.
My family is what makes me the most happy. I love crafting with my daughter. Her joy is contagious.
Jenn You ROCK!!! Very cool banner! Way to Sew 😉
I love reading your blog and dont always have the time to comment but I will be better at that cuz I love to make others happy!
It makes me happy to know that one little thing I have done makes someone happy….whether it is coffee in the am for my dh or a little comment in someones gallery!
Waking up each morning knowing that today is going to be another great day and seeing my childrens cheerful faces as they come to give Mommy love!
Oh now that I think of it there are a lot of things that make me happy!!
What a fabulous banner! And congrats on the design team. I’m glad you like blogging, because I sure like reading them.
Being creative makes me happy, especially when the final product turns out ‘good’!
My family & friends are what brings me the most happiness. I try to make a difference by giving of myself. Whether it’s monetary or giving of my time, I get so much joy by giving to others.
Your creations are so amazing!
Hi Jenn! Oooh LOVE the banner! People have said such wonderful things about what makes them happy and how they make a differnece. Great questions you asked!
I love going out to get the mail! Have since I was a kid! It was just my ‘thing’!! silly…
Im not sure if Im making a difference …
As Emily said, I also smile at people randomly! Most people have a frown or blank look on their face, so to see someone smile back, makes me think they are happier for a second. I also hold doors, and Ive been told many times how good that felt to have someone, not just a man, hold a door for them!
I also give a neighbor/friend a gift card to grocery stores, cuz I know they have hard times, but I have to sneak it into thier car at night or somewhere, cuz I dont want them to know where it comes from.
None of these are earth shattering, but every little drop in the bucket eventually fills it to overflowing!!!
I didn’t realize Daven asked you to try blogging! I owe a lot to SCS; pure joy, indeed. For me, the discovery came when I was forced to take medical leave from work with no strength or energy to do much of anything. My son bought me a computer, taught me to do eBay and a seller there told me about SCS.
Thru my illness I learned the depth of unconditional love from my DH of 35 years as he became my primary caregiver. I like to think I am a “good patient”. Pure joy comes in all shapes and sizes every single day! Kindness extended to others goes a long, long way!
Thanks for the smiles you bring my way!!
What makes me happy? That I got to meet you in person. That my “virtual” friends have become some of my closest…
Stamping makes me happy, because I can send a greeting that someone knows I cared enough about them to make it myself! 🙂
How do I make a difference? Well, at home, I am Mom to 2. I am also a teacher, where I am Mom and a lot of other things too!
Love your blog and your use of BRIGHT colors!
I find happiness when I check into my favorite blogs and see the beautiful work everyone creates and shares. I especially love to see layers on everything – the way each and every embellishment works with the whole project just amazes me. I’m also totally into all the glitter you use on your cards – they’re just exquisite! I bookmarked your blog the first time I discovered it through Beate’s blog and it’s been a daily read for me ever since. Thanks for allowing all of us to learn from the beautiful things you make. You really do rock!!!
Happiness to me is a beautiful sunset, a fluffy cloud, a child’s giggle, a twinkle in the eye, a soft nuzzle on my cheek….moments that just take me by surprise and make me catch my breath.
Jen- I love your work. You have just enough bling and pizazz without going over the top.
What makes me happy? When I have time to spend with friends, especially when it includes craftig and/or shopping!
Your creations are always so amazing, I love your artistry. I have found that life is what you make it – I choose to be happy and it’s my contribution to try to make everyone around me (including strangers) as happy as I can.
Girl you rock!!!! This is faboo. Love all the sparkles!!!
Wow that is fabulous……
Jen, I love your blog and visit almost daily. What makes me happy is volunteering with my childrens marching band. I love being with all the kids and being there if they need me, no matter what. I come in on Fridays and feed them before football games, I am feeding them now for band camp, and I love the camaraderie I feel with these kids that work so hard at what they do for very little recognition, even from there school. It is something I feel very strongly about and I have been a volunteer at my childrens schools throughout their lives. It makes me happy.
Thanks for always inspiring with your blog.
My daughter and my dog make me happy! And, of course, being crafty!
Jenn, I love your blog. I enjoy seeing the cheery colors you have all over.
What makes me happy is when my 4 kids actually get along and help each other. Any mom knows that it’s not always realistic that siblings get along. And the month of August is the hardest after summer school is over but before the school year starts. They just get on each other’s nerves (and mine). So for them to be doing things together and get along, that is what makes me happy these days! 🙂
So I’m a little late getting to the party over here, but THIS ROCKsS!
darn it all I hit a button by mistake and something went wonky. Let’s start over.
THIS ROCKS! I can’t even imagine the work that went into this and what a project you undertook. MARVELOUS!
Jenn ~ things that make me happy…spending time with friends…pretty colors…helping those in need…serving those I care about….You know I think YOU ROCK!!
Jenn,
What makes me happy –
sending handmade cards to my friends
spending time with my girls
reading blogs!
Thanks for all the wonderful ideas!
wow just found your blog and i love love all of your work. i love bright fun simple cards. so cute! great blog.
Things that make me happy are: FAMILY, new SU! stuff, stamping, and being a SAHM. I love your blog and banner is awesome!
Thanks,
Angie
What doesn’t make me happy.. the things I do for my family.. The smooch from my dogs and watching my garden grow… 🙂
Thank you Jenn for all of your inspiration 🙂
Knowing that my daughter, husband, and extended family are all happy is what brings me the most happiness. If I run across a neighbor, friend, or even a stranger who isn’t happy, I will do what I can to make their life easier.
Well most people all ready know this but Im really proud of it so Ill share it again!
After my daughter Alexa (6 yo at the time) got diagnoised with Leukemia in Feb 06, I wanted to help make a difference. With the help of Missy B Designs my dream became a reality.
She created Alexa’s Set. A set that MY daughter had total input on, and all the procedes benefit Pediatric Leukemia Research!
There was a 2 page layout of samples with her stamps (made by me) in April 2007 issue of The Rubber Stamper.
I also have another publication with it coming out in Paper Crafts.
Im just excited to be a part of something that enables me to do what I love and make a difference.
I am also excited to work with you and the many other talented team members on Gina’s project.
Your banner is beautiful! Thanks for sharing it with us.
First, great banner.
And I have two important things that make me happy. My son and chocolate. In that order (most of the time anyway).
WOW!!!! How did I miss this? Your garlant is absolutely gorgeous. Bright, fun and beautiful! Just like you! 🙂
I know this is over but I just want to put my two cents in. My grandchildren make me super happy!! There is nothing in the world like little people, they continually astound me.
Your pennant garland make me happy, as does all of your art. I’m dying to make one of the PG soon. TFS.