Two Types of Ink - The Life She Was Given

Welcome to this week's installment of Two Types of Ink.  Today I'll be talking about the amazing new novel by Ellen Marie Wiseman called THE LIFE SHE WAS GIVEN.  I have to admit that I've had What She Left Behind in my To Be Read (TBR) stack for a year so I was really excited to get the opportunity to read this one early.  Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy. I've always been a sucker for circus stories, proven by my read of The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff earlier this year.  I like the complex characters that come to life in this environment. 

THE LIFE SHE WAS GIVEN was a very good use of my reading time. This is the story of a girl sold to the circus by her mother and another girl who runs away from her mother.  Told from both perspectives in alternating chapters, Wiseman captures the complexity of girls coming of age who must look to themselves for guidance as they can't get it from their parents.  The plot of this story is so engaging and the visuals are sharp and concise.  You can smell the peanuts and taste the tears.  I loved every word and every plot twist.  I really thought I knew how the novel would end and was completely wrong.  Wiseman delivers characters you raise in your heart and a story your mind will never forget.

Pick this one up at Amazon or another book store near you!  It's book birthday is Tuesday, July 25th!

As for the inspiration, I originally intended on going literal and using circus papers and sentiments but everything I had was retired.  So I decided to focus on the elephant that is one of the central characters in the story and capture the red and white big top in the color choices. 

I used Tabs for Everything because I wanted to use the Amazing You saying that fit perfectly into the story.  The glitter paper is because of the glitz of the circus as they try to dazzle you. 

Finally, I wanted a background but didn't have any papers to use and I wanted more texture on the card.  I also wanted to play a little so I finally broke out my decorative masks and embossing paste.  As I have heard others say, it's important to get the mask into water and wash it off quickly after you pull it off the project so that it can be cleaned.  This meant putting a dish of water on my crafting table - thank goodness Michael was napping so it didn't get spilled since you know that is a HUGE no no for me!  I did two pieces of cardstock with this pattern.  By the time I finished the second one, the first one was already dry.  You have to try this product out!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Real Red, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper
• Ink: Smoky Slate
• Stamps: Tabs for Everything
• Big Shot: Cutting Mats, Magnetic Platform, Stitched Shapes Framelits
• Accessories: Embossing Paste, Embossing Knives, Pattern Party Decorative Masks, 3/4 Circle Punch, Starburst Punch, Triple Banner Punch, Metallic Enamel Shapes, Dimensionals, Adhesive

Hope you enjoyed this project the way I enjoyed this amazing story.  Until next week!

ONLINE HOSTESS CODE

To purchase these products, please visit my Online Store and use hostess code 4R3DF9YC when checking out.

BONUS DAYS ARE HERE

For the month of July, you can earn $5 in bonus dollars each time you spend $50.  Then in August, you can redeem them for more fun product.  Bonus dollars are sent via email so don't delete them!

Sign up for PAPER PUMPKIN!

Paper Pumpkin is creativity in a box.  It costs $19.95 plus tax and ships to your mailbox once a month.  It contains everything you need for your own creative escape.  Besides the instructions and pieces for the cards or project, it also contains ink and photopolymer stamps and usually the adhesive you need as well.  My subscribers will also get a project sheet with tips and additional ideas and instructions that they can make with the supplies in the kits and sometimes some supplemental supplies.  Sign up by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit! 

You can sign up here: https://mypaperpumpkin.com/en/?demoid=80380

Subscribers can also have access to all my past project sheets!

JOIN MY TEAM

Joining Stampin' Up! was one of the best decisions I've made in life.  I have met some wonderful people who offer incredible inspiration and I believe in the quality of the product. Plus there is always something special about making and receiving homemade cards or décor from people.

If you are interested in joining my team, contact me today or go here to sign up!  You can get $125 in free merchandise that you choose yourself for only $99 plus tax.  With the new 2017-2018 Annual Catalog, it's not hard at all to find stamps and accessories that you will want to play with. 

But for the month of July, the deal gets even better.  You also get an Essentials Gift Pack for FREE.  This kit includes 2 clear D blocks, Grid Paper, Paper Snips, SNAIL Adhesive, and a Bone Folder for FREE.  That’s a $52 value.  And, though I’m already jealous of this deal, you will also get the clear mount Carols of Christmas set ($20 value) for free.  That deal is too sweet to pass up especially when it’s so easy to find $99 worth of stuff you would buy anyhow from the new catalog! 

Being a demonstrator doesn’t mean you have to have parties – it means you can buy from yourself at a discount!  And if you don’t hit your minimums, there is no penalty!  Contact me today if you are interested in trying this out or sign up directly at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stacymccain/jointhefun!

Have a craftastic day,

Stacy

Have a craftastic day,
Stacy