Saturday, November 3, 2018

Friends of Unity November Blog Hop

Welcome! Friends of Unity are back with another blog hop for November with a very different theme, Strength! This one is sure to bring a variety of stamp selections to the hop.

Every month several friends offer giveaways. To WIN leave comments on EACH blog in the hop AND check back on next month’s hop for the WINNERS from this month’s giveaways. Thanks for playing along with us!

I originally decided to use birdcage stamps this month. Had the best intentions, until I literally cooked a stamp, or rather roasted it along with my veggies (but that’s a whole other story). I’ll start with my birdcages and finish with the substitute.

It is in Herself She will Find the Strength She Needs -
On this first card, I used a tag stamp from The Garden Whatnot Collection Kit. I used a sentiment from the 12/17 SMAK kit. I also used several background stamps trying to replicate the tag, bird’s from the Vintage Era Background Kit and leaves from the 9/15 SMAK kit. I also used a Tim Holtz embossing folder which creates a vintage frame around the edges and a striped stencil. I created the background and tag paper, and applied stamps (some embossed). I then found matching papers in brown and peach and added sequins, metal bird, wooden birdcage, ribbons and a button.




You are Stronger Than You Think/You Are Not Alone -
I then used another stamp I picked up in a swap and later found out it was retired. (Oh well, so sorry, but it’s been a busy month with delivery of new grandchild.) I created another collage card using only patterned Prima and Paper Studio paper. I also used 3 different die sets (border, sentiment and flourishes), ephemera, enamel dots and sequins. I spent some time adding color to the stamped birdcage from the set called Enchanted using pens, paint and pencil. I also used the bird from that kit, a sentiment from Everything Stronger, a bird stamp from 11/14 KOTM and a flourish stamp from You Can Do It. I love patterned paper and collage cards give me the opportu to indulge myself.



Others are Fighting Battles We Know Nothing About - 
The final card was meant to be created with the birdcage stamp from the Strongest People. At least I used the sentiment and paired it instead with a stamp from Don’t Be Like the Rest of Them. I colored the watercolor paper using Glimmer mists, embossed the image and sentiment and added color using Glitter inks and Glimmer Mists. I added ribbon, washi tap, an embossed and colored background paper to coordinate with image, and sequins and crystals.



Hope these cards and the others shared on this blog hop serve to inspire. Remember, if you wish to participate in the giveaways, be sure to comment on every blog entry in this Hop and check back next month. We, on the Friends of Unity design team, are always interested in your feedback! That’s why we use our own stash to offer giveaways.

We are NOT sponsored by Unity Stamp Co., but they approve our hop. We are huge fans of the company, their products, the owners and staff, and the Unity Show and Tell community, which is why this hop was started.

You are here -> Joyce Verdon
Jeanie Marie Hays

Thanks for stopping by! Till next time, happy crafting!

56 comments:

  1. Joyce! You always blow me away with your creations!! You used some of my most favorite sentiments! I love every single piece! That card with the tag, oh my heart. Such a vision of strength in each one. You inspire me!

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    1. Bobbie Sue, thank you so much! Great themethis month!

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  2. Love how you used the same birdcage stamp on two different cards. That butterfly is amazing tho. Spectacular!

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  3. Beautiful cards.
    Love that last
    one, gorgeous
    colors and shimmer.
    Carla from Utah

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  4. I pretty much love all your cards but this time my favorite has to be the second one with the patterned paper!

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  5. Wow, wow, and more wow! These are all so beautiful and creative and just stunning! I am a birdie addict so love when they make an appearance. I love all the mixed media going on here.

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  6. Very creative. I truly love them all. The butterfly tho! Thanks for inspiring me with your beautiful creations.

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  7. So amazing! All THREE cards are gorgeous!!
    WOW! Every month is my favorite month from you, Joyce!

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  8. Love all the detail, and especially the saying!! 😍

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  9. Just stunning cards, Joyce. I just love the bird cages and that butterfly. Your designs are stunning, lovely pattern papers, and wonderful sentiments. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  10. Wow, these are all stunning, Joyce. Each card is a work of art!

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  11. Just stunning cards! These all have so many elements and details! WOW

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  12. Love seeing different ways to use the same thing. Beautiful cards! Thanks for sharing 😊

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  13. All of your layers are so beautifully put together. All of your projects are amazing!

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  14. Wonderful cards and so sorry about your roasted stamp.

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    1. Sue, thank you... I’ve learned not to cook when distracted!

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  15. Oh my goodness, Joyce! Your cards are so amazing! I love them all, but I think your third card is my absolute favorite!! So stunning!

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  16. Oh wow, what awesome cards! I always love your work!

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  17. Your creations are beautiful! Hope you're enjoying your new grandbaby! Pam Foy

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  18. Great vintage vibes on all of the projects.

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  19. Joyce, gorgeous cards as always! Your art is so inspirational! I always feel the love from your cards.

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  20. Wow! That's a great theme this month!!!
    Love the gorgeous colors and the sentiments of your cards!

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    1. I know; Dawn suggested it! It’s so powerful! Thank you Arianna!

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  21. Oh my gosh Joyce you have outdone yourself! Each piece is beautiful and unique and would be an amazing gift for whoever receives them. Great job.

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  22. I always absolutely love, love everything that you do. I am the one asked why you had cooked a stamp. I know how super creative you are and thought maybe you were trying something and it didn’t go quite as planned. Anyway, your creations here are spot on. Beautiful. Love the butterfly

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    1. Debbie, thank you! I had a chuckle when you and one other suggested I was thinking out of the box! Love being known for that! Thank you again and for the support!

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  23. Both cards are beautiful. I love how they have two different color tones. I love the neutral one with all the awesome details. I can spend a lot of time looking at each part. The butterfly card is so airy and dreamy and fluid!

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    1. Rachel, thank you very much. I must admit, I need constant change - color, style, theme, etc. like a little kid, I guess!

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  24. I enjoy seeing your cards- such works of art- and love your pictures and descriptions of what you did to achieve looks of what you create! Congrats on your new Grandchild!!!

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    1. Shelly, thank you very much! Glad you enjoy my style! And thanks on the little munchkin!

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  25. I love following you. You inspire me and amaze me with your creations. I love the butterfly and the sentiment. Thanks for sharing.

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  26. Wow, wow, wow - stunning creations! Amazing layers and combinations of elements. You are truly gifted.

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    1. Dana, thank you so much! I just love getting into collages!

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  27. WOW Gorgeous cards! So many beautiful layers and colors for each card! I have to say that my ultimate favorite is the last card with the Butterfly on it! So amazing! I just love Butterflies!

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