The Crafty Cappuccino

Another 6 card set with matching envies

2011-11-10T16:15:00.000-05:00

This 6 card set uses some sticker patterned paper that I had. I have had it for at least 2 years just waiting for what? The right moment I guess and that was TODAY! I added an extra strip to the envelopes for some cuteness. I used Papertrey Ink's doily dies, Pure Poppy cardstock, New Leaf and True Black inks, AMuse Cranberry Ink, and Tag-It's stamp sets (various ones for the sentiments and vine circle.) This was a fun set to put together and turned out better than I anticipated. Hope you like them.

Bo Bunny & butterflies

2011-11-10T15:55:00.000-05:00

This time I made a 6-card set (I am working on a large custom order right now ~ 25 sets (4 cards each,) 4 sets (6 cards each, as well as about 20 Christmas cards. Thank goodness I finished my Christmas cards already. I used some of my Bo Bunny stash that included chipboard images. I am trying to use up some of my {ahem} HUGE stash of patterned paper. I used various Papertrey Ink stamp sets for the sentiments and PTI cardstock for the bases. Enjoy!

Dare to be Different

2011-11-10T15:43:00.000-05:00

It has been months since I posted but I have been quite busy and now I have plenty of things to show you. Just have to finish photographing them. But here are a few projects to whet your whistle.

This one is a four card set with various phrases using a Verve stamp set. I love how versatile the sentiments are! I used Authentique patterned papers and Papertrey Ink cardstock, inks and dies. What do you think? I am not going to chat long about these - just put them out there for you to see.

A gift for baby

2011-08-23T09:25:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine at church is having a baby. Their new little bundle is supposed to be a girl and she is due ANY DAY now! Thank goodness because she has got to be miserable in this heat. Here in Germany we do not have AC so on those couple of weeks a year when the weather gets HOT - we are sweltering and just trying to stay cool.

Anyway, on to the gift I made for her. First off the packaging is a PTI box that they send their stamp sets in. I wrapped it with some patterned paper and finished it off with Sweet Blush ribbon and some old organza. I added a tag out of PTI Pastels patterned paper and a white doily {heart my cuttlebug and PTI dies}. And again I added a strip of patterned paper to the tag.

I made a set of 12 Thank You cards for her and packaged them up in one of my PTI boxes. The card base is impressed with the Parisian Doily, then I added a Doily Details die cut (made 4 of each design). In the center of the Doily Detail die cut I added a punched circle stamped with Tag It's vine circle and little flower bouquet. Finally I stamped thank you in the center of it all and stamped 1/2 the vine circle and the little flower bouquet on the envelope so that it all coordinates.

Using the Parisian Doily and Tag Sale Dies again I made a Welcome Baby card. Not sure if I like it or not. May go back and redo it. I used a sentiment from Round and Round stamp set and another Tag Its circle (this time the lacy one) and added some coordinating buttons and another strip of patterned paper to tie the card with the gift packaging. For the final step I added wrinkled ribbon and spritzed with Black Cherry glimmer mist (this is the step I am not sure I like).

That is all for now! Hope you enjoyed it.

Thank You Cards - CASEd

2011-08-23T08:46:00.000-04:00

Today, I am posting some thank you cards I made. I based them on Betsy Veldman's card found here - the last sample. I kept pretty close to her card except that I added the little swatch of patterned paper at the bottom of the card. And I chose a bright patterned paper for the top. I also used 2 different sentiment stamps than she did. I made these in a rainbow of colors.

I found it nice and relaxing to just copy her work and change it up a tad.

All supplies used are Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted:

Another order and some bookmarks.

2011-08-23T03:31:00.000-04:00

The same friend who ordered the Thanksgiving cards also ordered some notepads for a ladies retreat she was going on. This is what I came up with. I tried to create each one different but along the same theme so they will still look unified if laid out on a table together. All supplies used were from papertreyink - from the patterned paper to the actual notepads and the stamps used.

I thought they turned out pretty cute with the addition of the rhinestones and ribbon tying it shut. What do you think?

Another friend asked me to help her make some bookmarks for her MOPS group. We wanted something bright and cheery. So we used some patterned paper I had in my HUGE (hoarded) stash. NOTE TO SELF: use patterned paper don't just love it and look at it. We also used some glimmer mist glitter sprays, felt flowers we made and some wrinkled seam binding that I dyed myself. Turned out fun don't you think?

If you see something you like or would like to place an order just leave me a comment and we can decide on the what and hows.

Thanks for looking!

A Thanksgiving Order

2011-08-22T14:56:00.000-04:00

Recently a friend asked me to make some Thanksgiving cards for her. I really enjoyed making these cards. I used PTI Wreath for All Seasons for the main image. I stamped it in Terracotta Tile and Summer Sunrise. The sentiment came from Waltzingmouse - Teeny Trees stamp set. I wrapped the image with Terracotta Tile satin ribbon. I used my Woodgrain Impression Plate on the base layer of Terracotta. As a final step I added a die cut made using Banner Borders and then spritzed the cards with Iridescent Gold Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels.

I also lined the envelopes using the Autumn Abundance paper pad from Papertreyink.

for the banner borders I used either Dark Chocolate cardstock or Scarlet Jewel.

Finally

2011-07-20T02:58:00.000-04:00

I finally had time to get some crafting done. Not only done but photographed and on the blog as well. Blogger has been acting up for me and my internet connection here in this little German village is quite slow (can take literally hours for photos to upload). So it has been a little disheartening to even TRY to blog about my crafting time. But here, AT LAST, is proof that I have gotten some things done. I also have some partially done crafts sitting on my table waiting patiently to be finished and photographed. Hopefully, I will be blogging on a regular basis again soon! Enjoy and let me know what you think...

Little gift tags I helped a friend make for her daughter's teachers' gifts. We used PTI Tag Sale die, Love Lives Here butterfly Die, Double-Ended Banner Die, and Tiny Tags Die & Stamp set. Other stamps used were WaltzingMouse - Musical Backgrounds, Text background & Frame it stamp sets.

Not sure why Blogger keeps rotating my photos. At any rate here is a shot of all three king-sized Hershey bars and their decorative wraps. Also used Martha Stewart doilies...

I have been making bits and bobs of crafty things so that when the time comes I can throw a card or gift together. I had made the little tag previously and it took just a moment to throw this card together. {again frustrated with the rotation but after loading three separate times and all are rotated I stopped trying}

Another one of those little Bits & Bobs - All PTI products used here: Wonderful Words dies, Love Lives Here Dies, Spiral die and Happy Trails stamp set and one of my many impression plates.

Wonderful Words dies and Additions Stamp set {love how versatile this set is) and another lovely Love Lives Here butterfly as well as another Tag Sale die.

Can you tell I am loving the Wonderful Words dies & Additions stamp set? Keep it out on my desk (obviously I also keep Love Lives Here dies out as well.) Websters Pages ribbon and PTI Spiral Die again.

A friend of mine asked me to make her daughter's piano teacher a card. Here is what I came up with. I really really like it! What do you think? PTI supplies are Botanical Silhouettes and Tiny Tags stamp sets, WM Musical Backgrounds, PTI Sweet Symphony patterned paper, Berry Sorbet and Kraft cardstock, Martha Stewart Doily again, SU! taffeta ribbon, PTI Envelope & tiny tags die.

Wonderful Words and Love Lives Here AGAIN as well as the Canvas IP!

Wow - long time no POST

2011-06-08T14:26:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it has been over 2 months since I have posted. Way way too long.

Today I was playing with the shaving cream technique. I only have a couple of pigment ink reinkers (which don't work very well for this technique) so I decided to try to use my glimmer mists. Worked beautifully... I just opened up the spray bottles and added some drops to the shaving cream and I spritzed a little onto the shaving cream. I love how this turned out. I am working on a swap so I needed 8 cards. I used PTI's Rustic White as the base for the shaving cream and Melon Berry as my card base. I used the 2010 Anniversary set (Botanical-Silhouettes) from Papertreyink as my stamp set and Dark Chocolate and Melon Berry ink for the flower silouettes.

Here is the finished product. What do you think?

Unscripted Sketches 98 - another layout

2011-03-19T16:29:00.005-04:00

I will be back with details later. Having issues with blogger... sorry for the late posting

Unscripted Sketches #97 - A Layout this time

2011-03-12T13:52:00.006-05:00

Another week, another sketch. I aapologize for not being here last week but due to internet modem issues I didn't have internet for a few days. But I am back now and this time I am sharing a simple layout that I completed using the sketch as a template. I had just received Bo Bunny's Timepiece line of paper, rub-ons, die cuts and stickers and was just itching to break into them. What a perfect excuse! Stay tuned for next week's sketch to see another layout using the same line of products. I had fun with this especially considering that outside of my Project Life album that I started this year I have not scrapbooked in nearly 3 years. Yeah, me! Think I will be doing this more often (again).

Let me know if you decide to play along.

PTI Blog Hop, Unscripted Sketches #95 & Make It Mondays

2011-02-25T00:59:00.000-05:00

What a great sketch we have for you this week. Would be great as a scrapbook layout for certain. Now I wanted a little gift bag to slide a card or small gift into so I took a small kraft bag and used that as my canvas. I am also fitting in the Papertrey Ink Blog Hop which is to use scallops on your project. And I am also trying a Make-It Monday challenge by adding the scor-tape with glitter.

Most of my supplies are from Papertreyink. The paper with the musical score is Sweet Symphony designed by Dawn McVey a PTI Design Team member. Love it! I added a doily that a PTI forum friend sent me (but with the February release I will now be able to make my own doilies in whatever color I want.) I used my banner borders die to create the scallops and my double ended banner die for the banners. I added scor tape and glitter to give it a little bling as well as Tea Dye Duo ink to grunge up the edges of the cardstock. Going through my stash of hoarded items I found some Crate Paper Pink Plum rubons that matched my colors perfectly. And in my stash I also had some Japanese masking tape in the perfect shade of pink to match my Raspberry Fizz cardstock and the polka dots on the musical paper. Yeah, a great way to close the bag once I insert my little gift!

Hope you enjoyed today's project. Let me know if you decide to play along so I can see what you have done.

Ciao for now!

Unscripted Sketches #94 & a piggy back

2011-02-19T00:04:00.001-05:00

Another Unscripted Sketch
this week with a twist (or rather a piggy back). In this challenge we were to use fabric.

So I created this tag with lots of my deco papers. I used October Afternoon's modern homemaker, PTI Pretty Pastels, PTI Library Ledger and a cute little circle that I purchased from Michelle Wooderson's etsy store. (which is where my fabric is - cute pink gingham). I added a bit of Websters Pages ribbon around the tag and tied the tag with PTI Spring Moss dotted ribbon. Can't remember where the alphabet stickers came from.

Happy Valentine's Day & Unscripted Sketches 93

2011-02-12T00:41:00.001-05:00

This week our Unscripted Sketches has an intriguing sketch with a twist of me needing a Valentine's project for a swap.

So this is what I came up with.

I used My Mind's Eye "Be Loved" paper line for this project with a teeny touch of October Afternoon Thrift Store. I love it when I can just use my dp. I also used Love Tags by Papertrey Ink for the heart image and the sentiment. They were stamped in Pure Poppy and True Black ink (also by PTI). I used my Limitless Labels die for the little scalloped circle and my 3/4" hole punch to punch out the center. I layered that on a large white cardstock circle where I promptly stamped the heart. A little distressing with Vintage Tea Dye inks and a quick pop up with pop dots and all is well. Add a little Fine Linen bitty dot ribbon under the circle. Oh and the sentiment is on a Spellbinders fancy ribbon tag with the scrolled ends cut off.

Yummy - the dark chocolate sticks that are wrapped up in this cute little package. Too bad they are for my friend and not for me - hee hee.

MIM #3, Color Challenge & Peeps Valentines

2011-02-09T11:35:00.006-05:00

Papertrey Ink issued a color challenge today using a color combo chosen by a member of the design team. I chose Betsy's color combo. I decided I want to make a Valentine card for my dh since Valentine's Day will be here soon. I also wanted to try the MIM - Go-To Sentiment card again. This was fun and I didn't realize how many sentiments I had that related to "LOVE". And while I was searching for "LOVE"ly sentiments I came across several more I could have used in my two previous "Hello, thinking of you" sentiment cards.

And since this Valentine card uses pink and scarlet jewel (a deep red) this also counts for my current Papertrey Peeps challenge.

Make It Mondays - part 2

2011-02-09T11:05:00.003-05:00

Here is my second attempt at a Go-To Sentiment card for PTI's Make it Monday challenge. I used the same color combo and most of the same sentiments since I already had them out. This time I used October Afternoon Fly a Kite patterned paper on Papertrey Ink Dark Chocolate cardstock. I stamped the sentiments onto Fine Linen Vellum in Dark Chocolate ink and then stamped one sentiment in the Simply Chartreuse ink. I like how this turned out. I cut the butterflies with PTI butterfly dies and then messy sewed them together. I have set my sewing machine out onto my craft table to encourage me to use it more often. I have another card to post today but it fits several challenges so I will put it up separately...

Make It Mondays with PTI

2011-02-08T10:38:00.004-05:00

Make It Mondays is a NEW special feature that Erin Lincoln & Nichole Heady have been working on. The Make It Monday challenge series. Every Monday there will be a technique video posted to the PTI YouTube channel by a Papertrey Team Member showcasing a nice balance of basics and new innovations to cater to everyone's skill levels. (The video will also be posted on Nichole's blog every Monday)

There will be a prize involved if you participate in the challenge - normally a free stamp set but this month since it is PTI's anniversary it is a $250 gift certificate. Oh the stamps and supplies I could buy!

Today's concept was the Go-To Sentiment card. This concept utilizes many different sentiments from different sets to make a collage image of you sentiment. I chose to use "Hello, thinking of you, etc" for my card. I am really pleased with how this turned out. I am going to try this again, hopefully tomorrow.

If you are interested in supplies used just ask - too many stamp sets for me to list at the moment. But it sure was fun to go through my sets and see what would work.

The only things that are giving me problems with this card, which I will go back and fix are: my rhinestones are more topaz than chocolate and that bothers the anal OCD matchy matchy side of me and the other is the tiny stamp line I got under one of the hellos - maybe I will put rhinestones there instead.

Anyway, enjoy my first entry into the challenge.

For Your Inspiration

2011-02-05T13:53:00.002-05:00

A new challenge blog will be coming soon. See my new blinkie over there on the right? If you click on that it will take you right there.

For Your Inspiration can also be found HERE with details for a little blog candy.

Here is a little excerpt from the blog... Have you ever seen a photograph so beautiful that you wanted to immediately use it to create something amazing? Do you find inspiration in everyday photos and want to preserve them in some way, shape or form? Well, I have an idea. I am currently working on a new challenge blog, based solely on inspiration photos. Now, I know there are TONS of challenge blogs out there, and I'm sure there is room for everyone, so I'm going to dive in and give it a shot. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while now. The whole goal is to be inspired to create, in whatever medium you choose to use. It can be paper crafting, baking, jewelry making, art...whatever you choose is fine with me. It is still currently in the beginning stages and will not go live until March 3rd. This challenge blog will have new inspiration photos posted on the 1st & 3rd Thursday's of every month and you'll have two weeks to play along with each challenge. You can take anything from the photo you want to use, and we will have guest designers along with our design team, and some prizes here and there. Doesn't that sound like fun?!

Papertrey Ink favorite project(s) of 2010

2011-02-05T03:35:00.003-05:00

So 2011 marks the 4th anniversary of Papertrey Ink, the best stamping company I know. Fabulous products, wonderful customer service and the most amazing designers you will see in this field. Today on Nichole Heady's blog (she's is one of the owners and an amazing designer) they are celebrating this anniversary with a recap of our favorite projects for 2010. Head over there and check out the design team's favorites. I couldn't choose just one so here are two of my favorites...

Celebrate Autumn found here was one of my favorites for 2010. I just love the purple, the leaves, my new leaf dies, etc. I really enjoyed how this turned out.

Another favorite was my beautiful blooms card - post found here.

This one just turned out so bright and cheery and was so fun! The only thing I wish were different about this would be having a Turning a New Leaf die to cut those leaves out - which I think is in the works for 2011 - WooHoo!

Come join the fun at Nichole Heady's blog.

Happy 4th Anniversary PTI!

Butterflies & Roses & Unscripted Sketches 92

2011-02-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

Time to play along with us at Unscripted Sketches again. This sketch came together pretty quickly for me surprisingly. I did use a little poetic license and add the banner at the bottom for the sentiment.
don't you just love it? I love the way my little rolled roses turned out. So so pretty! And pretty easy too. I used the negative image from my Papertrey Ink ric rac die. Once through the old CB and I had enough material for 2 roses as well as one strip of gorgeous ric rac.

so sweet!

Supply list: all supplies are Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted

Simply Chartreuse and Kraft cardstock
Simply chartreuse, Fine Linen and Terra Cotta tile felt
Dark Chocolate, Terra Cotta Tile and Vintage Tea Dye Duo inks
All Booked Up and Round & Round stamp sets
Limitless Labels, Love Lives Here (butterfly), Banner, Butterfly & Ric Rac (for rosettes) dies

NON PTI -
paper doily - unknown source
Musical Backgrounds - Waltzingmouse

Friend Tag

2011-02-04T13:32:00.002-05:00

Just a little tag I whipped up for fun. I used PTI Linen Vellum and ran it through the cuttlebug with the new Tag Sale #3 die. I used Happy Dot decorative paper and ran it through with the same die. I tore the happy dot tag and placed it on the vellum tag. I used a Fine Linen felt butterfly that I had cut with the Love Lives Here die. The sentiment is from the Mat Stack 2 collection and is stamped in Dark Chocolate ink. I added 3 little pink rhinestones and distressed the tag a bit with the Vintage Tea Dye duo ink. All supplies used are Papertrey Ink.

Enjoy!

Celebration Banner & Unscripted Sketches #91

2011-01-29T00:23:00.000-05:00

This week's sketch was pretty fun for me to put together. Yet another one that came together pretty easily for me. I love it when the mojo flows...

This was my first time using the Papertrey Ink banner dies (still have yet to use the matching stamp set). LOVE THE DIES! The banner was so fun to put together.

Papertrey Ink Supplies used:

Mat Stack 2 stamp collection, Mat Stack 2 die, Banner dies, Simply Chartreuse cardstock, Vintage Tea Dye Duo ink set, Pure Poppy ink and rhinestones.

Other supplies:
Girls Paperie Twigs & Tinsel Christmas deco paper
DMC red embroidery thread

January Papertrey Blog Hop!

2011-01-25T10:30:00.006-05:00

Oh my, this is the first time in ages that I have been able to participate in one of PTI's blog hops. The challenge this month:

With the new year comes a clean slate along with many resolutions. This month's blog hop challenge involves you challenging yourself to use a Papertrey stamp set that has yet to see ink or even one that might be collecting a little dust! Go through your stash and see what little used treasure it might hold. 2011 is the year where what's old is new again!
I have been working on these bookmarks for a bible study I am currently in (Love & Respect) and I realized that they qualified for the Blog Hop. While the stamp set and dies aren't exactly "OLD", I have had them for awhile and just now attempted to use them. Wow, do I love this set. Love Lives Here... what a wonderful set, love the images, the sentiments and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the dies that go with it. Those sweet little houses with their little heart centers. Oh my goodness.
I am making these bookmarks for the other ladies in my bible class. I am praying over each one for each lady and her marriage that is participating in my class. Hope I can do them justice.
I absolutely adored how this card turned out using my banner dies. I have had them for about 2 months now and this was my first attempt to break them out.

And finally on these little treat boxes I used the Favor It #2 die for the first time as well as using my ric rac die for the 2nd time. Whew, guess I have a lot of PTI goodies that I haven't had a chance to play with. I am getting closer though to having at least used everything ONCE.

Enjoy and let me know which project you like best.

will try and post a supply list later. If you have a question just ask and I will do my best to get it answered quickly.

Unscripted Sketches #90 - favor boxes

2011-01-22T04:55:00.006-05:00

Love these little boxes. I made them using Papertrey Ink's favor it box die. Aren't they lovely? These are going to be the little Valentine's Day treats I give to my boys. Nothing big and mushy since they are guys. They are filled with little Andes mints, one of their favorites. Hope they like them.

supplies used:

Papertrey Ink: kraft cardstock, favor it die, 2010 Valentines Tag stamp set, Ocean tides ink, Ric Rac die

Others: My Minds Eye patterned paper, Coral Copic Marker, circle punch

Q & A Time

2011-01-16T12:20:00.004-05:00

My fellow Papertrey Peep Aimes tagged me for a little Q&A. So if you're wondering anything about me, then maybe you'll find the answer here :)

1. Four shows that you watch:
Survivor
Human Target
The Good Wife
Big Bang Theory (I have my very own Sheldon)

2. Four things you are passionate about:
My faith in Christ
Being a Wife and Mother
Playing with Paper
All things Chocolate

3. Four words/phrases you say a lot:
Oh My Gravy!
That's Ridiculous...
Not today my friend...

4. Four things you've learned from the past:
Everyone has a story.
It's not all about ME!
My past doesn't determine my future.
Think before speaking.

5. Four places you would like to go:
Ireland - (this is where my people are from)
Australia
Alaska, USA
Scotland - this trip will probably come this summer!

6. Four things you did yesterday:
Laundry
Made my dh his requested breakfast - a breakfast burrito
Placed my first PTI order of the new year
Ate at Chilis in Ramstein Germany.

7. Four things you are looking forward to:
Spring and sunshine
Seeing my boys turn into men.
Working on and COMPLETING Project Life
Heaven

8. Four things you love about winter:
How the snow makes everything beautiful and clean.
Snuggling with my honey.
Wearing sweaters.
Enjoying hot coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea with friends.

9. Four people I tag to play along (no pressure though and sorry if you've been tagged already!):
Brandi
Ingrid
any and all of my Papertrey PEEPS!

still thinking...

Hope you learned something new or interesting

Thank You Unscripted Sketches #89

2011-01-16T08:37:00.003-05:00

sorry this is a late post folks... time just got away from me.

Here is the thank you card I created for this sketch. It came together quite easily.
I like how simple it looks. This challenge also came with a piggyback which was to use the sketch and make it a masculine card. I started with a base of Papertrey Ink's kraft cardstock. I then stamped Waltzingmouse's Text It background in PTI's tea dye duo across the bottom. I layered Green Boutique patterned paper on the top left. On top of that I put a Mat Stack die cut stamped with Mat Stack #2 Collection stamp in Hawaiian Shores. Then thank you sentiment was from Mat Stack #1 Collection while the longer sentiment was also from Mat Stack #2 collection. Both sentiments are stamped in PTI True Black. The edges are distressed with Vintage Tea Dye Duo and I finished it off with some Rustic White twine.

Whoops forgot to add that the reason I made it a thank you card was for my Papertrey Peeps challenge.

Unscripted Sketches #88

2011-01-08T04:37:00.004-05:00

can't show you much of this one yet! It is a surprise for someone. I will show you more soon though.

having issues getting this posted so I am going to come back and post the supplies and details later when blogger isn't given me problems.

Ringing in the New Year with an Old Sketch

2011-01-01T00:13:00.001-05:00

Should old sketches not be forgotten. Our latest challenge was to find an old sketch and come up with a project for it. I went back to May and found this sketch.

For my project I decided to make a little treat box with matching card. I really love how fresh and clean this turned out. And even though I used "Christmas" patterned paper this doesn't look Christmasy to me. I haven't decided if I will fill the circle on the treat box or not. I really like the way it looks right now but we shall see if that changes.

This has been a great year. I certainly feel totally blessed. I couldn't ask for more. I have all that I NEED and pretty much everything that I want.

My crafting goals for 2011 are:

1. to submit to calls more often and hopefully be published
2. send out more cards for every occasion
3. use what I have - stop hoarding
4. related to #3 - think before buying more
5. try new techniques and participate in more challenges

This is all for now but I am sure I will add to that with time.

God bless you all in the new year! May it be fruitful and the best yet.

Supplies:
paper: Girls Paperie Tinsel & Twig patterned paper, PTI cardstock
ink: PTI Pure Poppy & True Black
Stamps: Mat Stack collection #2,
Dies: PTI Spiral Die, Favor It Box #3, Mat Stack #2
Ribbon: PTI Simply chartreuse bitty dot & Satin, Pure Poppy satin (for center of flower)
Accesories: PTI vintage buttons, Maya Road clear flower

Unscripted 86 & a piggyback

2010-12-18T00:31:00.002-05:00

Time for another sketch challenge. This one comes with a piggyback challenge. A piggyback challenge is an extra task you can add to the sketch. This time our piggyback challenge was to create the sketch without using patterned paper. Oh no! Say it isn't SO! I love my patterned paper. It is almost an addiction. But I did the best I could and created these 2 little cards. Both were ideas I had been kicking around for quite some time. So this was a good time to go for it.

This card uses my PTI Star Prints set and a star punch. Quick and easy and makes for a nice bright card suitable for either a girl or a boy.

For this card I decided to use my PTI butterfly dies. One die is from Dawn McVey's signature series and the other is the die that matches Butterfly Dreams. These 2 butterflies layer quite nicely. The other thing I wanted to do was try my hand at creating some paper like Dawn's Sweet Symphony. (scroll down a teeny bit to see it) Now this is a perfect time for me to do this since the piggyback challenge was to NOT use patterned paper.

The sentiment I used was also from Dawn McVey's Signature Series:Dress Form. (Got to love that gal's creative juices - they flow and inspire me)

I really love how this turned out. I took WM's Sheet Music set and stamped it in PTI's Vintage Tea Dye Chai and then I took Memento Ink and stamped polka dots from PTI's Polka Dot Basics II over the top. LOVE, LOVE, love how this looks! Next I am going to try stamping the music over the top of some of my polka dot paper (but again no patterned paper for this particular challenge) but I will be sure to share here once I do.

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Angy

Birthday Binders - sshhh no peeking

2010-12-16T06:53:00.003-05:00

Christmas presents too! If you are a lady in my family turn around right now. Do not enter...

I made birthday binders for the ladies in my family for Christmas. What fun! I used almost exclusively products from Papertrey Ink. Supply list will follow...

These are the cards I am filling the binders with. Took me awhile to get them all done but I finally finished. I am thinking of making a couple more to have on hand for quick gifts and then fill with cards as I make them. But I do have a lot of other things I need to finish working on. I will post them if/when I finish.

SUPPLIES:
stamp sets: (for the binders)Calendar Basics, Turning a New Leaf, Friends 'til the End, Vintage Labels, (for the cards) Mat Stack 1 Collection, Friends 'til the End, Turning a New Leaf, Everyday Treats, Friendship Jar Fillers, cupcake Collection, Star Prints, Signature Series: Dress Form, Big & Bold Wishes, Polka Dot Basics II, Birthday Bash Sentiments, Fillable Frames #4

(NON-PTI sets - Waltzingmouse Sheet Music and Text It)

DIES: Dress Form, Fillable Frames #9, Butterfly, Signature Series butterfly, Mat Stack #1, 3, 4, Just the Ticket border, Medium Scallop border, Victorian Lace border, Double Ended Banner and Limited labels. (also used a star punch)

INK: all PTI - ask if you want to know specific colors

EXTRAS: spellbinders ribbon die, PTI Kraft Binders and Birthday Calendar Pages, all cardstock is PTI and the patterned paper on the one binder is CTMH.

Unscripted Sketches #85

2010-12-11T00:02:00.004-05:00

Unscripted Sketches has another great sketch for us this week.

I have yet another card to share with you. This card is also going into the birthday binders I am making (6 of them). I struggled with this for a few moments. I knew I wanted to use my new dress form die from Papertrey Ink along with its matching stamp set. But I just wasn't sure how I wanted to portray the horizontal strip.

What I ended up doing is flipping the sketch. I used a Text It background stamp from Waltzingmouse for the main strip. Then I added bitty dot ribbon from PTI in Fresh Linen over the text. I used my PTI Mat Stack #4 die for the white frame on the front of the card. I used my dress form die on the new Happy spots paper and tied it with silk ribbon and that represents the vertical strip. The silk ribbon was white but I died it brown with my Copic marker and then tied it around the waist of the dress. I stamped the bottom of the dress form in Dark Chocolate ink. The sentiment is also from the new PTI stamp set designed by Dawn McVey called Signature Series: Dress Form. Love this little $5 set.

Hope you enjoy this addition to my christmas presents collection. Let me know when you play along.

Unscripted Sketches #84

2010-12-04T00:33:00.004-05:00

Welcome to this week's project for Unscripted Sketches.

I am making a set of cards to add to my birthday binders. This card just happens to be one of them. (hopefully, the recipients of these gifts aren't reading my crafty blog). I am finding inspiration in these sketches and using a sketch as a good opportunity to knock out a set of 6 (the number of binders I am attempting to get done for Christmas).

On this project I used all Papertrey Ink products unless otherwise noted. For this sketch I used patterned paper for the strips along the right side - they come from the Library Ledger and Distressed Dots papers. On the main layer I ran it through my cuttlebug with a PTI Impression Plate (diamonds). Love that look. I then used Mat stack #3 die to cut my Melon Berry cardstock. I stamped the flowers from Friendship Jar Fillers in Berry Sorbet, the sentiment is stamped in Dark Chocolate ink and comes from the Four of a Kind CHA set. I distressed the edges of this frame as well as the main layer with my Vintage Tea Dye Duos. Love the look this gives to a project. I also stamped the Friendship Jar flowers in Berry Sorbet onto the front of the envelope. Love how I can easily make things matchy-matchy.

Enjoy! Let me know if you decide to play along so I can check out your projects.

Unscripted Sketches #83 - Birthday calendar binder

2010-11-27T04:46:00.003-05:00

For this week's Unscripted Sketches I decided to make a Birthday Calendar binder. I used the sketch for the layout of the outside of the binder. I have been out of commission the last few weeks due to finally moving into our home and unpacking. I was also quite sick but am feeling better now. Anyway, I am making these binders as Christmas presents for the ladies in our family (hope none of them are peeking right now). I don't have any photos of the interiors yet but here is where I got the idea, supplies, etc
Nichole Heady's blog. You need to scroll down just a bit to see the actual binder pages. I ran out of time or I would have taken photos of the interior as well. I may edit this post later to add them.

Hard to see in the photo but I used PTI's Embellishments stamp set with Versamark on the Pure Poppy cardstock. IRL it looks pretty nice. I altered the sketch just a bit - instead of having my 3 circles below the base layer I pushed them up a bit. I used a Mat Stack # 4 as my center piece and stamped it with the images from PTI Calendar Basics. I also used PTI's Just the Ticket die for the Smokey Shadow side panel and stamped the interior with an image from the Embellishments sets.

This binder is pretty easy to put together once you get started. Now I have the hard work of making cards to put inside it. My plan is to do at least one card per month. Hopefully, I won't run out of time. I do need to get them wrapped and in the mail. Living in Germany has its perks but needing to get packages mailed early for Christmas is not one of them.

Enjoy the sketch and be sure to let me know if played along.

Unscripted Sketches #80 and a Birthday card.

2010-11-06T00:26:00.001-04:00

I used this week's Unscripted Sketch as the inspiration for my husband's birthday card. I think it turned out pretty good.

For the base of the card I used PTI Kraft cardstock and then used the new Distressed Dots and Turning a New Leaf designer papers for my 2 layers. Ripe Avocado cardstock was used with PTI's new Limitless Layers die to create the sunburst layer. The sentiment is from PTI Fillable Frames and the dragonfly is from Masculine Motifs. I added Rustic wood buttons tied with baker's twine as my embellishments. Except for my background text stamping - all products are from Papertrey Ink. The background text, however, is a new set from Waltzingmouse. Love it - it is called Text It! Amazing set with 5 fabulous fonts. The text is also long enough to go from end to end horizontally on a card without having to match up the ends. So easy peasy to get it lined up and on the cardstock.

Enjoy!

Unscripted Sketches #79

2010-10-30T00:01:00.004-04:00

So here is our next challenge from Unscripted Sketches.

This time I made a glassine bag. This little bag is the perfect size for a cookie or two. A little treat to tell a friend that I am thinking of them. I turned the sketch on its side and used leaves instead of the square. On my next two projects I loosely interpreted the sketch. Couldn't come up with a good way to use the title area so I didn't - lol.

Sorry my posts have been so short lately. But we are still living in a hotel and our internet at night is so terribly slow I can't get anything done. So I create, photograph and post as fast as I can. Hopefully, once we get into our home (next week) and I get everything unpacked and in its spot I will be able to dedicate a little more time to more in depth posts.

Unscripted Sketches #78

2010-10-22T13:59:00.004-04:00

Our next sketch from Unscripted Sketches. I used this multi-layered beauty as an excuse to break into some patterned paper I have been hoarding. I love the unconventional colors used. I can't remember the name of the paper line but I do know that I used Waltzingmouse's new set Teeny Trees for the little tree and sentiment. Enjoy!

Unscripted Sketches and Breast Cancer Awareness BLOG HOP

2010-10-15T14:28:00.000-04:00

I went ahead and took a photo of me in pink for my show of support. Pink is NOT my color. I actually do not own any clothing that is pink. I had to go to the local clothing store and try on a pink shirt. I then had my dh take a photo of me in it. I know it was cheating but what's a gal to do?

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness we at Unscripted are sponsoring a blog hop. A blog hop is simply a circle. You must start at the Unscripted Sketches website, and there you will be directed to the blog of one of our design team members. That DT member will direct you to another, and so forth. Once you have reached the blog of the last DT member, they will direct you back to the Unscripted Sketches website. There you must leave a comment, saying you have visited all the blogs, and a winner will be chosen from that pool of comments.

My take on the sketch was to make cup cozy. I thought it would be a fun way to decorate my cup of coffee. Or it would make a cute gift for that special friend! Think I will try this again but make the entire cozy out of felt. Can't wait to try it again.
And here is my lovely coffee cup all dressed up and ready to go. Cute don't ya think?

Now for your next stop on the blog hop please go to SarahKaye's http://threegirlsandahubby.blogspot.com/ and see what she has created for you today.

Unscripted Sketches #76 - Music of fall

2010-10-09T00:01:00.002-04:00

Here is our next sketch. This sketch was so easy to make into a tag. Took me no time at all. Weird how that works some times - easy to create vs. hours to create. So thankful though that it came together easily. The only thing I am disappointed in and may go back and fix is the glitter factor. I used my Spica glitter pen to outline the Mat Stack die cut and the circle die cut but it really isn't noticable in the photos. Might have to break out the glue pen and my glitter and just start sprinkling generously. lol Guess you could call me a glitter queen.

To create this beauty I used the following supplies:

Papertrey Ink: Dotty Biscotti and Autumn Abundance dp, Kraft & Rustic White cardstock, Everyday Treats and Friendship Jar Fall Fillers stamp sets, True Black and Vintage Tea Dye ink and rhinestones

Waltzingmouse: Musical backgrounds stamp set (love it)

MISC: Copic markers, shipping tag, wrinkled ribbon & SU! orange striped ribbon and SPICA glitter pen, twine tied around ribbon is some that I saved from a soap purchase I believe

Enjoy!

World Card Making Day & US #75

2010-10-02T00:01:00.003-04:00

Today is World Card Making Day - a great way to validate my obsession, er, I mean my hobby. We at Unscripted Sketches wanted to celebrate with a great sketch. We would love for you to play along.

As you can see I used Papertrey Ink's Mat Stack #4 with Fillable Frames #4 dies instead of a circle. And instead of a ribbon/label across the front of the circle I chose to use Zva crystals. My card base is PTI Summer Sunrise with a layer of Fine Linen, a strip of Autumn Abundance decorative paper and the Mat Stack which I die cut out of Terra Cotta felt and mounted with Stamper's Select White. Now here is where I strayed from PTI and went with my NEW STAMPS from Waltzingmouse - love them! I stamped musical backgrounds with Versamark on the Fine Linen layer. Then using PTIs Dark Chocolate ink I stamped the trunks of the trees from WM Teeny Trees. I added the leaves using Summer Sunrise ink rolled in Terra Cotta. The bird is stamped in Scarlet Jewel with the sentiment being stamped in True Black. I just love how this turned out...

Other Challenges:

I think this also qualifies for the Pile it On Challenge of being cute AND charming. Don't you think?

And the Tuesday Taggers Here Comes Autumn challenge. Obviously with my colors this is an autumn inspired card - I am thinking of calling it the Music of Fall.

A Spoon full of Sugar spots and Stripes Challenge. I have the striped decorative Autumn Abundance paper along with my Zva crystals as spots.

Stamptacular Sunday Seasons Change challenge - fall colors & stamped

Fabby & CUTE!

2010-10-01T04:20:00.004-04:00

Pile It On Challenge cute & charming.

Tuesday Taggers: Here comes Autumn Challenge.

Stamp Challenges: Somewith with fall colors challenge.

Bell Challenge: B themed - buttons...

Stampstacular Sunday: Seasons change - fall colors

Supplies:

Papertrey Ink: Fine Linen, Terra Cotta & Rustic Cream cardstock, Dark Chocolate, Summer Sunrise, Terra Cotta, True Black, Scarlet Jewel & Tea Dye inks, Hawaiian Shores buttons, Fine Linen felt, Mat Stack dies #4 & #1 and Dark Chocolate Baker's twine.

Waltzingmouse: Teeny Trees stamp set

Other: October Afternoon Fly a Kite patterned paper, Spellbinders ribbon label die

Life is Short: Read Fast...

2010-09-25T00:12:00.001-04:00

For my next Unscripted Sketches challenge #74 we used this sketch.

I chose to rotate and elongate the sketch. I made a bookmark with my fabulous PTI Ocean tides wool felt. I cut the felt using my PTI Library Card die which cut like buttah by the way. Gorgeous! Using my ticket die and Just the Ticket stamp set I made the little border on the side - oh my, can I say I just love that ticket die? I also used All Booked Up stamp set for the sentiments and focal image. The deco paper is October Afternoon Thrift Store and was cut using PTI Mat Stack dies #1 & #4. Then with my fabulous Crop-a-dile I added the eyelets along the edge. I love how this turned out. I wanted the bookmark to be flat to preserve the integrity of any book it is placed in - but still have layers and cuteness. I topped it off with PTI Dark Chocolate grosgrain and Baker's Twine. The sentiments I chose are: Life is Short - Read Fast and As soon as I finish this chapter - which coincidentally is what I often hear from my boys...

My bookmark also works for the following challenges...

Shabby Tearoom Challenge - week 28 photo inspiration - colors and school - my colors were the brown, aqua and white/cream in the background and books & school go hand-in-hand in my opinion

The Pink Elephant - TPE 84 - use the color aqua, designer paper and embellishment of your choice - I used Ocean Tides as my aqua color, October Afternoon Thrift store papers for my designer paper and ribbon and eyelets for embellishments.

Time for a Treat

2010-09-22T02:27:00.003-04:00

For this week's Unscripted Sketches challenge #73 we had a sketch plus a piggyback challenge to work with. Our piggyback challenge was to create something monochromatic with accents only of white/black. So I created this cute little treat box. I used Papertrey Ink's Favor It #1 die for the box. I die cut the box out of Ripe Avocado cardstock. The matching mat I die cut using PTI's Mat Stack die and Spring Moss bitty dot designer paper. Then using nesties I cut the black mat and out of yummy PTI wool felt I die cut the flowers (PTI beautiful blooms dies) and hand cut the leaves. Using a ruler and a black fine tipped sharpie I drew the lines and then placed a line of scortape in between the lines and glittered it up.

Forgive my lateness in posting my creation for the challenge. In the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday, while we were upstairs sleeping, our home was broken in to. They stole my husband's wallet and 2 laptops. One of those laptops was mine and it had all of my photos for this week's challenge on it. To add insult to injury, we were in the process of being packed up for a move and the packers packed my camera battery charger in a box in a crate before they even packed up the rest of my craft room. When I went to turn my camera on for photos the battery was DEAD. However, thanks to a good samaritan at our local electronics store (military PX) I was able to bring my battery in and charge it in the store. So VOILA, now I can take photos and get my post ready... A lot of work and photos were lost with the stolen laptops, prayers for peace of mind are appreciated.

Now get out there and try this challenge for yourself. It is fun to stretch my mind with challenges like this and I hope you enjoy it too. Let me know what you think and if you decide to play along.

Unscripted Sketches # 72

2010-09-11T00:20:00.002-04:00

I recently was added to the Unscripted Sketches Design Team. This is my first project - sketch #72. We have Sketch it Saturdays every week - please come and play with us. You can find us HERE.

This also qualifies for 365 Cards Challenge 193 which is about Tools and Techniques. Specifically Technique for adding color ~ I love using patterned paper to add color to my projects and Tools for adding dimension ~ I really love using foam dimensionals for lifting the project up off the base and using distress inks to add another extra bit.

I also participated in my PTI friend Aimes new challenge site - Case Study. Aimes was asked to be on the design team for this awesome challenge site. This week featured Mariana Grigsby and her project ~Case Study Challenge 5. The idea was to look at her project and let it inspire me. So from her beautiful card I took the pearls, the flowers, and the yummy bow.

supplies used:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon
Ribbons: Papertrey Ink
Crystals: Zva Crystals
Ink: Papertrey Ink vintage tea dye duo

Fall into Fall Papertrey Peeps Challenge #15

2010-09-03T09:22:00.005-04:00

Recently it was my turn to host the Papertrey Peeps Challenge. I needed to come up with a challenge for us and I decided on FALL! I absolutely LOVE fall! The crispness in the air, the leaves turning color, the crunch of leaves on the ground, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, the promise of cooler weather, hot apple cider, soups and more. So, I asked my fellow peeps to use my picture as a inspiration - whether it was for the colors or for leaves. Anything that inspired them to think about Fall! Here is my contribution to the challenge...

I die cut the leaves and then stamped them with Plum Pudding, Orange Zest, Terra Cotta and Summer Sunrise. Just randomly applying the ink to the stamp to get a varigated color. I added the veins in Chocolate ink and then spritzed and misted with 3 or 4 different Tattered Angels glimmer mists. I stamped Fancy Flourishes in Vintage Cream ink on the Plum Pudding cardstock followed by BG Basics: Textstyle in Versamark. I added the sentiment in True Black to one of my leaves and then adhered them to the Plum panel. Finally I threaded my buttons and added them.

I hope you like it!

Ciao for now!

Angy

My card uses primarily PTI products...

Stamps: Leaf Prints, FF# 7, BG Basics: Textstyle, Fancy Flourishes
Dies: Leaf Prints
Cardstock: Plum Pudding, Kraft and Rustic cream
Embellishments: Vintage Buttons
ink: True Black, Terra Cotta, Orange Zest, Plum Pudding, Summer Sunrise, Vintage Cream and Versamark

Non-PTI products: Glimmer Mists and DMC Embroidery Thread

Thank You NICHOLE Blog Hop

2010-08-30T09:55:00.004-04:00

This posting is intended as a THANK YOU to Nichole Heady and the other powers-that-be of my favorite place to spend my money... Papertrey Ink. You can find their wonderful products HERE. The thing I love about PTI besides the fabulous products is the AMAZING talent you find. Nichole and her wonderful design team have given me so many ideas that I can't possibly recreate them all in this lifetime (but man would I love to try - lol). The design team posts regularly on their blogs and all the information is out there free for me to find and use as inspiration. And finally the customer service is hands down the best I have ever come across. I like them so much that I probably spend 99% of my crafting dollars there (and a lot of my dh's money - jk). Check out Nicole's blog if you would like some inspiration. Along the left hand side of her blog are the members of the design team and links to their blogs.

I made some tags using mostly PTI products. (supply list at the end) Here they are...

SUPPLIES USED: Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted

Stamp Sets: Big & Bold Wishes, Butterfly Dreams, Background Basics: Textstyle, All About You and Fillable Frames

INK: Fresh Snow, Simply Chartreuse, Vintage Tea Dye Duo, Dark Chocolate & Hawaiian Shores

Dies & Impression Plates: Moroccan IP, Butterfly, Mat Stacks #1, 2 & 3, Fillable Frames 1 & 2, Library Card and Beautiful Blooms dies - non PTI Cuttlebug butterfly (clear acrylic butterfly)

Cardstock: Kraft

Embellishments: Vintage Buttons, Grosgrain ribbon, Baker's twine and felt

non PTI embellies: pearls and DMC embroidery thread and Blue Bird deco paper

Papertrey Peeps #14

2010-08-27T06:27:00.005-04:00

My Papertrey peeps had another challenge up and you can find it HERE.

We were to use Red, Yellow, Cream and a bit of white. I just received my August Papertrey Ink release order and so I played with those items today in my studio. I used the new Leaf Prints stamp set with matching dies as well as the new Embellishments stamp set.The leaves were cut out of Harvest Gold (such a yummy yellow) and Pure Poppy. I also used the woodgrain impression plate that had been inked with Vintage Tea Dye Duo. I also used my new Mat Stack #4 die - LOVE IT!!

The sentiment is from the new Embellishments set - the font combo on this is so great! I added some bakers twine in chocolate and white with one of my rustic wood buttons to sneak some white in there and finally I added a pearl flourish from Say It With Pearls. For a final bit of bling I edged my mat stack die cut with a bit of Martha Stewart glue and then sprinkled on the glitter! Enjoy!

Papertrey August Blog Hop challenge

2010-08-25T22:00:00.000-04:00

paperbag book

Open without pocket note

with pocket notes

close up of pocket note
profile pic

Our challenge was to create something with paperbags. I made this little booklet for my entry. I cut bits and pieces of several random yet coordinating colored patterned paper and assembled them into little cards - each car holding 3 different patterned papers. I cut many Mat Stack #3 die note cards to insert into the pockets. Thought this would be a great place for a note or journaling if used as a photo album. I added ribbon to the outside to tie the booklet closed. And on the front of the booklet I put 2 stamped and die cut BB flowers with leaves. I think it turned out super cute and will make a fun gift for someone. I even have a coordinating birthday card. What do you think?

Supplies: all Papertrey Ink except for mini paper bags

Patterned Paper: Library Ledger, Green Tea Leaves, Polka Dot Parade, Turning a New Leaf, Friends 'til the End and Dotty Biscotti

INK: Aqua Mist, Vintage Tea Dye Duo

Accessories: Vintage buttons, Aqua Mist grosgrain, chocolate baker's twine, Beautiful Blooms dies, Mat Stack #3 die and scor tape

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #11

2010-08-25T09:51:00.000-04:00

This was a fun challenge for me. Instead of a circle though I went with one of my Spellbinders labels. I also used WM Blessed by You and Labels 5 stamp sets. You can't really tell in the picture but the PTI Dark Chocolate cardstock was misted with Tattered Angels pearl glimmer mist. I added PTI Terra Cotta vintage buttons tied with chocolate baker's twine. Thanks for stopping by!

Bright Beautiful Blooms hello...

2010-08-04T11:56:00.000-04:00

This card took me 4-eva! to finish (about 2 hours) but I so love how it turned out. I really like how bright and cheery it is. It started out as a project for Papercrafts August gallery challenge which was to use buttons, brads and ribbons. Basics we all turn to. I didn't use any brads for this project but pulled out almost all of my go-to items. All but brads and glitter. I used felt, ribbon, dies, patterned paper, twine and vintage inks. Fun fun! I just realized this probably works for my Papertrey Peeps #13 challenge. We were to use Mary Engelbreit as our inspiration.

For the leaf vine I stamped a PTI Turning a New Leaf image onto the Simply Chartreuse felt and then cut it out closely. I glued it onto the patterned paper using Zip Dry glue (face down so you wouldn't see the inked section though it looked pretty good - very lightly colored). The felt was very easy to manipulate and didn't need to stay in the same shape as the stamped image. I sewed the buttons onto the felt flowers and ribbon label at the same time.

Hope you enjoy this project!

Supplies: all PTI unless noted

Cardstock: Vintage cream
Patterned Paper: Green Leaves, Library Ledger and Raspberry Fizz
Dies: Beautiful Blooms and Spellbinders fancy labels
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores & Vintage Tea Dye Duo
Felt: Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse and Cream
Ribbon: Vintage Cream Satin
Stamps: Beautiful Blooms II, Turning a New Leaf and Mega Mixed Messages
extras: Dark Chocolate Baker's twine and tag (office section at Wallyworld)

Design Team Call - here's the deets

2010-08-04T06:50:00.000-04:00

Let's Ink it Up has a Design Team Call out. Click the link for details. We needed to post 3 of what we consider our best work.

Here are mine:

This was difficult to chose. I wanted to give a good representation of what I do but also show different styles. This is an exciting opportunity for someone and I would love to be able to be on a design team. It is also a great opportunity to stretch myself and grow at my craft.

WOW - So excited

2010-08-04T02:30:00.000-04:00

I designed this CAS card for 365cards daily challenge AND
365cards picked me as one of the top 3 for the day 150 sketch. I get to be a guest designer at the end of August! So cool.

And on Unscripted Sketches I was chosen one of the top three as well.

Now maybe a couple of my cards could be picked up for publication. Wouldn't that make a great birthday present?

PS. My birthday is next week ... as is my 20th anniversary! Wow time flies.

Christmas in July challenge - Cupcake Craft Challenge

2010-07-30T11:09:00.000-04:00

More challenges hope you aren't getting tired of them yet. This one works for the Cupcake Craft Challenge to create a pastel Christmas card. It also works for the Unscripted Sketches #65. I used Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses for most of the card. The base is PTI Blue shimmer cardstock and the stamp set used for the sentiment was Holiday Button Bits. Everything else was basic grey rubons, paper pack etc. Except for the little tags which I found at Walmart in the office section. The ink used was palette toile pink and PTI True Black.

My second card used another sketch from Unscripted Sketches - this one was a bonus sketch.

I just rotated the sketch for my card. I used Imaginesence Polar Paper pack for this card. Very quick and simple.

Beautiful Boys...

2010-07-30T06:30:00.000-04:00

Adding another digi page. Hope I get better at this. Can't seem to remember the steps and have to start over at lesson one. I am sure that the more I do the better I will get. At least I am hopeful that is the case!

BTW - I am taking the Jessica Sprague - Up and Running digi scrapping classesfound here. Includes quick pages and loads of free elements. Great lessons as well.

Playdate Cafe, The Shabby Tearoom and Stamp Something

2010-07-29T11:53:00.000-04:00

These are 3 more challenges I entered today. The PDCC #40 found here is all about Black & White with a splash of GREEN. The Shabby Tearoom challenge was 1-2-3. One ribbon, two buttons and 3 punches. Finally the Stamp Something challenge was to have something flowery in the project.

I am enjoying testing myself in the combining of challenges. Really gets me to thinking about how I want a card to turn out. This card turned out kind of shabby chic which I really like.

Now for the Shabby Tearoom challenge I incorporated one satin ribbon, 2 white buttons and 3 punches - circle punch, fiskars border punch and PTI die. Now I do have 3 circles but I took the challenge to be 3 different shapes. That may not have been the intent but I really wanted the flowers for the Stamp Something challenge to be black so they could fit my Play Date Cafe Challenge. Rather than mask and stamp I chose to punch out the flowers. I lined the inside of the card with white and a bit of patterned paper and I also made a matching envelope that is lined with the black & white patterned paper using the PTI envelope liner die.

Supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink True Black and Stampers Select White
Patterned Paper: PTI Black & White Basics, Basic Grey Capella
Accessories: PTI Vintage Buttons, Mat Stack #1 die, SU! circle punches, EK Success 1.75" circle punch, Fiskars border punch, PTI True Black satin ribbon, DMC floss
Stamps: PTI Round & Round anniversary set

Anjillic Creations Challenge, Tuesday Taggers & 365 Day #150 challenge

2010-07-28T11:50:00.000-04:00

A fellow PTIer (for you non PTI folks that stands for Papertrey Ink follower was hosting a challenge of Christmas In July. I thought it would be a good way to get a jump start on my Christmas card mojo. Her challenge is found HERE. I thought I would go ahead and try to combine challenges and so found a sketch challenge at 365Cards HERE. I also wanted to participate in yet another Papertrey Peeps challenge. This one was to do something that was out of the box for me. This was challenge #11 found HERE. My project also works for the Tuesday Taggers challenge found here of something Christmas as well as the Tuesday Throwdown challenge.

I rarely do anything that is CAS (Clean and simple). I much prefer to shabby things up... distress edges, ink up edges, lots of layers and patterns, etc. So this was a bit difficult for me to keep clean for sure. I did add a rubon and bling to the card so I am not sure that it is still considered simple but I did do my best.

Supplies: all PTI unless noted

Cardstock: Spring Rain
Patterned Paper: Rustic Snowfall & Bitty Box Basics
Embellies: Spellbinders Snowflakes and Ribbon Tags, Basic Grey Rubon & Bling, Martha Stewart die cut doily and SU! Bliss Blue brad PTI Linen/Canvas Impression Plate
Stamps: 2009 Holiday Tags
Ink: Spring Rain

Papertrey Peeps #12 & Timeless Tuesday

2010-07-28T11:33:00.000-04:00

I decided while I was working in my studio today to try and get a few challenges in. This projects involves another Papertrey Peeps challenge found HERE. I also incorporated a Flourishes Timeless Tuesday challenge to use pins that I found HERE. Now I don't have any Flourishes stamp sets yet but I had a pin that I kept meaning to use. I added a couple of fun beads to the crystal pin and I really like the results. The Papertrey Peeps challenge used a quilted appliqued piece as inspiration. I chose to do layers in a shabby chic way as well as pull in the purple of the flowers. I really wanted to use flowers as well but ended up using butterflies instead. Overall I am pleased with it!

supplies: (all supplies are PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Kraft
patterned Paper: Library Ledger and Guidelines, sheet music from fellow PTIer
Embellies: martha stewart foil leaf glitter, crystal straight pin, silver flat backed balls & beads (LSS - no name on these)
Ribbon: Plum Pudding Saddle Stitch
Stamps: Butterfly Dreams
Ink: Versamark, Plum Pudding & True Black

Mojo Monday #149 & Papertrey Peeps #9

2010-07-28T11:22:00.000-04:00

I am participating in the sketch challenge by Mojo Monday foundHERE. I also thought I would combine it with the Papertrey Peeps challenge to incorporate travel into our project as seen HERE.

This was a good way to get my MOJO flowing. Hope you like what you see.

Supplies:

Cardstock: PTI Simply Chartruese
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon Thrift Store
Embellies: Studio Calico stickers, Making Memories adventure ring, silver capped eyelets, black brads (LSS)
Stamps: PTI Enjoy the Ride with matching die
Ink: PTI True Black

note: I also cut out the window in the car die and put an acrylic sheet in there for the window.

Up & Running

2010-07-26T03:41:00.001-04:00

I am trying my hand at digital scrapbooking. I received a handmade gift certificate from my dh for Christmas that enabled me to buy 2 Jessica Sprague classes. Later I added a third class. Unfortunately, I really haven't had the time to work on these classes. But that ends today. Here is my first page. I will be adding more as I get them done.

Moxie Fab World - Shabby Chic challenge

2010-07-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

Another card completed for a challenge. This one was to try our hand had Shabby Chic and/or vintage. Think this is more towards the Shabby Chic than vintage. I am really enjoying trying to do this layering and distressing. Been playing at Shabby Chic more and more often. I even added a matching envelope using PTI's envelope liner die. WooHoo! Gotta love the matchy matchy.

Supplies:

Cardstock: PTI Simply Chartreuse
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey Capella
Accessories: Martha Stewart doily die cut, Webster's Pages ribbon and sparkler, tag (Walmart office section), PTI felt and Dark Chocolate baker's twine
Stamps: PTI Mega Mixed Messages
Ink: PTI Vintage Tea Dye Duo and PTI Dark Chocolate

Trying out Classy & Elegant

2010-07-21T09:50:00.000-04:00

So it's Card Style week with Moxie Fab World. An entire magazine was filled with examples of 4 basic styles. I took the challenge to try and create something classy and elegant. Here is my attempt:

What are your thoughts?

Supplies:

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink Melon Berry
Patterned Paper: Kaisercraft
Accessories: Webster's Pages sparkler & ribbon, PTI Fillable Frames die, rhinestones
Stamps: Recipe Box additions and Damask Designs
Ink: PTI Scarlet Jewel and True Black

Red, white and green but not Christmas

2010-07-19T13:26:00.000-04:00

Another Papertrey Peeps Challenge:

Except for bling all papertrey ink supplies

Creative Time...

2010-07-19T13:19:00.001-04:00

Papertrey Peeps Challenge #10...

Whoops just realized that I didn't add the turquoise. RATS, oh well...I do have all the other colors in there.

The challenge was to use Simply Chartreuse, Hawaiian Shores, Smokey Shadow, a purple and white. I used Plum Pudding and Pale Plum as my purples.

White rectangle tag from SU! All other supplies are from Papertrey Ink. All About You, Big & Bold Wishes, and library Ledger stamp sets.

We be JAMMIN'

2010-07-10T05:44:00.000-04:00

In our yard there are 2 apricot trees. The previous tenants told us they were fruit trees but because the landlords have the trees pruned at the beginning of summer they had never had any fruit and weren't sure what kind of trees they were. When we signed our lease contract we decided to NOT have them prune the trees.

So while I was in the US there was a windstorm that threw tons of apricots on the ground. James went out and gathered up all that was on the ground at the time. He ended up with a gallon size ziploc bag that he washed and halved, plus a very large bowl full of washed apricots. Then on Thursday, after returning from the US, Jared and I picked up another 1/2 bucket full of good apricots and almost 3 grocery bags full of broken, mushy, bird and ant-eaten apricots.

On Friday morning I searched the web to find a jam recipe and got busy. I ended up making 2 jars of apricot jam and 2 jars of apricot butter. I think I will stick with jam making. The apricot butter is tasty but takes twice as much fruit and twice as much time for the same two jars full of fruit. And pressing the fruit pulp through the sieve took so much time!

Friday night after James got home we noticed that the yard was again full of apricots. Picked them up and today, Saturday morning I made 3 more jars of jam. YUMMO!

Here are the last 3 jars freshly filled and cooling on the rack!

Oh what a thrill....

2010-06-24T21:41:00.000-04:00

Supplies: Girls' Paperie deco paper - travel collection (I think), PTI Enjoy the Ride stamp set, & die, PTI button & rhinestones, doily (old paper one found in my German house years ago), small tag die from ??? (can't remember), PTI True Black ink and kraft cardstock

Supplies: Martha Stewart doily, Girls' Paperie Travel paper, October Afternoon Thrift Store, Cosmo Cricket Early Bird, PTI buttons, Pure Poppy bakers twine, Vintage Tea Dye Duo, True Black Ink and Round & Round Anniversary stamp set, pearls from my stash, sheet music from my online friend Carol's stash, crocheted lace from local fabric store.

Supplies: PTI Linen Impression Plate, Mat Stack dies 1 & 2, Summer Sun satin ribbon, October Afternoon Fly a Kite papers, vintage glass glitter, Martha Stewart glue pen, Prima page pebble, tag from Walmart stamped with WaltzingMouse Blessed by You stamp set, PTI Vintage Tea Dye Duo & twine, PTI Background Basics Textstyle

Supplies: October Afternoon Fly a Kite, PTI vintage cream cardstock, PTI Fillable Frames #4, PTI True Black ink and Palette Ink Cognac, PTI Summer Sun satin ribbon, pearly ribbon - local store and pearls from stash

Supplies: PTI Simply Chartreuse cardstock, Beautiful Blooms die, Vintage Tea Dye Ink, Pure Poppy bakers twine, and hawaiian shores vintage button, Cosmo Cricket Material Girl deco paper, Martha Stewart doily, Tape Measure ribbon (not sure of brand), red ric rac (local store) and October Afternoon Thrift Store

Can you believe it? I flew thousands of miles from Camisano Italy to a small town in New Mexico and I only brought 2 suitcases. ONE of them was my carry-on with clothes in. The other ONE was full of crafting supplies...deco paper, cardstock, impression dies, PTI dies, stamp sets, ink cubes, and various & sundry other items that are very important for creating.

I am trying to spend a little time creating. My goal this year is to focus more on my craft and attempt to be published. Can't do that if I am not creating. So here is what I created this week. (Probably won't get the chance tomorrow and I am only getting about 2-3 hours a day so I have to be PRODUCTIVE).

I am really enjoying channeling Betsy Veldman and a wee bit of Mel Phillips. This has been fun stepping out of my box and it is actually coming easier and easier. I think I may have found a niche for myself. I actually was able to knock out 2 cards today in about 1.5 hours. A record for me.

Be sure to leave love if you are so inclined! I know I appreciate all the kind words and comments.

Going to the Chapel...

2010-05-31T03:30:00.000-04:00

Last week I received a call from a young soldier. He was interested in having me make wedding invitations for him & his soon-to-be young bride. I met with them personally with a couple of examples of what I could do. Here are the samples I provided:

interior of gate fold
gate fold with belly band
debossed front with frame
postcard style invite.

Here is what they finally decided on:

What do you think?

Supplies used:
Papertrey Ink (unless otherwise noted)
Stamper's Select White cardstock
Fancy Flourishes stamped with glue pad and sprinkled with Prisma glitter
(stamped in Smokey Shadow on interior of card)
Mat Stack #1 die stamped with frame and sentiment from Round & Round anniversary set embossed with SU! silver embossing powder
Belly brand created with SU! silver cardstock
Vellum paper from SU! tied with Basic Gray taffeta ribbon from SU!

Working out in my studio...

2010-05-22T03:30:00.000-04:00

Just giving my papercutter, inks and stamps another workout. Was also challenging my mind ~ trying to step out of my box a bit. Took a little more time to do that as it is not my "norm". Enjoy my cards. Let me know what you think...

Strawberry card:
PTI Vintage Cream cardstock
Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety deco paper
Mish Mash wrinkled ribbon
Scallop & Circle Punch
Rhinestone, Red Tag, Girls Paperie paper scrap, lace strip, prisma flower & leaves

Argyle Card:
PTI Vintage Cream, Scarlet Jewel cardstock & Bitty Box Basics paper
PTI Vintage Tea Dye Duo, Scarlet Jewel, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest & Dark Chocolate ink.
PTI Orange Zest twill ribbon
PTI Scarlet Jewel vintage button tied with twine
PTI A little Argyle and Big & Bold Wishes stamp sets
PTI Scallop die

Live your Bliss flower card:
PTI Kraft, Pure Poppy, New Leaf, Hawaiian Shores cardstock & Green Boutique paper
PTI Beautiful Blooms dies for fabric flowers, Fillable Frames #2 die
PTI Pure Poppy & Hawaiian Shores vintage buttons tied with twine
PTI Mega Mixed Messages stamp set
PTI Dark Chocolate ink
PTI New Leaf satin and Hawaiian Shores twill ribbons
SU! red gingham ribbon, sheet music strip
PTI guidelines impression plate inked with Tea Dye Duo

CARDS Challenge - Berries

2010-05-20T11:38:00.000-04:00

So I came across this challenge at the CARDS blog. You have to scroll down through last weeks challenge entries to get to what this week's challenge is about. Berries...specifically strawberries but any project involving berries works.

So taking a little inspiration from Betsy Veldman and Melissa Phillips, I came up with these two beauties. A little out of my box but I think I will be trying again. Neither of these is a good imitation of those two SUPER stars of stamping/crafting but I do so love looking at their work.

Sorry for the bad photographs. I just couldn't get the lighting right - wrong time of day!

Project # 1 Supplies List
Basic grey Nook & Pantry paper
Linen thread
Embellies from Mish Mash Etsy store (triangles, lace and circle embelly)
Papertrey Ink Signature Greetings stamp set
Papertrey Ink Kraft and Vintage Cream cardstock

Project # 2 Supplies List
Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety Paper
papertrey Ink Kraft and Vintage Cream cardstock
Papertrey Ink Mega Mixed Messages stamp set
Papertrey Ink Mat Stack Die # 1
Mish Mash wrinkled ribbon
misc embellies: playing card, red lace, red twine, tag

Aren't they BEAUTIFUL????

2010-05-15T14:28:00.000-04:00

Made 6 pans of wondefully gooey and yummy Cinnamon Rolls based on thisrecipe.
I did, however, change the frosting to my own concoction of cream cheese, butter and sugar. No exact amounts as I just mixed, added and mixed again until I got a flavor I liked. YUMMO! The recipe actually made 7 pans but I made one pan of just hot rolls. They are tasty and lightly sweet - very close to my dh favorite rolls made by his mother.

Baby gift for a friend

2010-05-15T14:11:00.000-04:00

I bought a cute blanket and put it in a kraft bag that I used cardstock and stamps to make pretty. Then I made a set of 10 thank you cards with matching envies and a card to say congratulations.

Supplies used:

Papertrey Ink - kraft, vintage cream and spring moss cardstock

Round and Round Anniversary set, Baby Button Bits stamp sets
Spring Moss, True Black and Vintage Tea Dye Duo inks
Spring Moss twill ribbon, Vintage Spring Moss buttons, Mat Stack Die 1

gift bag, thank you cards and congrats card.

Papertrey Peeps Challenge #7 - An Inspiring Life

2010-05-06T11:21:00.000-04:00

Inspiration Shot from a Creative Mint

I created this little book as my entry into the latest Papertrey Peeps challenge. I had fun with this but I think it took me way to long to accomplish. I agonize over every detail. But I do like the way it turned out. Sorry if the photos aren't great ~ I was trying to work with the lighting in my room and it wasn't perfect.

Supplies used:

rub-on (unknown company, yes, that is how long I have had them)
papers by Webster's Pages, papertrey ink, and Cosmo Cricket
ribbon - hand dyed seam binding I got from an etsy store
material from Mish Mash kit
buttons - papertrey ink
ink - all papertrey ink
Bind it All tool and acrylic cover (6x6)
sheet music from Papertrey Peep Carol (thank you)
mat stack die - papertrey ink

Notepads

2010-05-03T09:45:00.001-04:00

A new post today...some notepads I created over the weekend.

Supplies used:
Stamp Sets: Papertrey Ink Around & Around, Take a Note
Paper: Papertrey Ink Green Boutique, Dotty Biscotti, Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, Vintage Cream, Hawaiian Shores, Stampers Select White
Websters Pages
Ink:Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores, Raspberry Fizz, Vintage Tea Dye Duo, True Black, Dark Chocolate
Ribbon: Papertrey Ink Raspberry Fizz twill, Hawaiian Shores satin, New Leaf bitty dot
SU! caramel grossgrain, pink satin?
Accessories: Papertrey Ink Mat Stack Die 1, rhinestones, Hawaiian Shores buttons, rick rack die, notepads (cream and white)
NON PTI - pink glitter (michaels)

No, not another challenge - YET

2010-04-29T08:11:00.000-04:00

Recently I saw a card with many different patterned papers on it. I thought I would try my hand at creating a similar card. I found this this great card at ...Just a little something blog by Joanne and thought I would CASE it a bit.

So here is my take on her card

I did use the rule of three changes when CASEing: first I changed the decorative paper used, I changed where the sentiment was, layered the circle on a scallop, and I used a velvet scallop ribbon. I did use my sewing machine and I am pleased with the result. It was a bit of a step outside my box since I am not always comfortable with matching up patterned papers. Enjoy!

Supplies Used:
Waltzingmouse - Blessed by You stamp set
PTI Dark Chocolate ink
PTI Kraft Cardstock, Melon Berry buttons and twine
Webster's Pages decorative paper

Go-to-gal Challenge #1

2010-04-29T07:57:00.000-04:00

My second challenge of the day: I wanted to participate in this challenge that Betsy Veldman posted. I went very simple and here is the sketch that I used

and here is the card I created:

Supplies Used:
PTI Fillable Frames #1 & #2
SU! wire
Sassafras flowers
PTI New Leaf & Lemon Tart cardstock
PTI True Black and New Leaf ink

Waltzingmouse May Release Challenge

2010-04-29T07:44:00.000-04:00

This is the first time I am participating in a Waltzingmouse challenge. I love Claire's stamp sets. They are beautiful and you get tons of stamps in a set ~ very good value for the price (even though I have to pay in pounds). Here is the sketch that Claire provided...

I used Waltzingmouse Blessed By You stamp set.

Additional supplies:
PTI Ripe Avocado and Vintage Cream cardstock
Webster's Pages deco paper (last year's Christmas line)
Circle Nestabilities
PTI Ripe Avocado buttons tied with PTI twine
extra doodad I have had so long I don't remember the company it is from
PTI Spring Moss & Ripe Avocado ink
Palette ink - Burnt Sienna
PTI Vintage Tea Dye Duo

Bling on the Old - Papertrey Peeps challenge

2010-04-27T11:17:00.001-04:00

I never finished or maybe even started the last couple of challenges and I am a bit embarassed about that. However, this one I did finish and in a timely manner too! Funny thing is right before Spring Break I did complete a card and I thought I would post it for the challenge it belonged to as soon as we returned (because I had plenty of time to do that). Well, when we returned and I put the sentiment on, I completely forgot what challenge it was for. Oh well, I can always use a fun card in my stash.

Anyway here is the card I completed for this challenge.

Supplies:(all PTI unless otherwise noted)
Warm Happiness stamp set
New Leaf, Hawaiian Shores and Stampers Select White cardstock
Green Boutique patterned paper
True Black and Hawaiian Shores ink
Hawaiian Shores twill ribbon
New Leaf button tied with DMC white floss
Ric Rac die used to cut stampers select - covered with Martha Stewart glitter
rhinestone flowers - 99 cent rack at Archivers a couple of years ago

Thanks for looking!

Gift for a special friend

2010-04-08T14:38:00.000-04:00

I made this gift set for a friend who has a birthday soon! Mostly PTI (Papertrey Ink) goodness plus some new Crate Paper decorative paper! WooHoo ~ gotta love it when the box comes with loads of new paper to play with.

For this gift set I used:

PTI Butterfly Dreams stamp set with matching butterfly die and Fillable Frames I & II
PTI ink - Terracota Tile, Hibiscus Burst and Dark Chocolate
lots and lots of glitter and distress stickles
PTI cardstock - Terracota Tile, Hibiscus Burst
Crate Paper - Pink Plum line
PTI ribbon - Terracota Tile bitty dot and Hibiscus Burst satin

a few more CASEs and a card order...

2010-04-07T12:52:00.000-04:00

I recently received a card order from a friend of a friend. I was so excited to be making cards for someone else. She ordered 15 cards ~ some of them were CASEd and others were just ideas I had. Here they are...

CASEd from Ashley Newell

CASEd from Maile Belles

CASEd on my own design that I did for a Compose a Card challenge

based loosely on a Ashley Newell card

these two uses Nichole Heady's silk paper technique

CASEd from Lauri Williams

A few more cards I did for another friend and CASEd from Geny Cassady:

PS: If you recognize your card please let me know so I can give credit to you.

Okay to CASE - PP Challenge #4

2010-04-07T08:32:00.000-04:00

For this challenge we were to CASE (Copy & Steal Everything) from Nichole Heady. Using one of the projects she made during the last 2 releases but changing the stamp set involved.

Here is the sample I CASEd:

Here are the cards I came up with. I did make a few changes so it wasn't a complete case. First I stamped my flower in black instead of white. I also drew my line around the image in black and put this on the colored cardstock as opposed to around the cardstock. And finally instead of sponging the image with white ink I played with my COPIC markers and colored them in.

I like how they turned out. What do you think?

Enjoy!

Amazing Camera Bags

2010-03-28T07:22:00.001-04:00

Just found out about these amazing camera bags by Maile Wilson. They are called Ephiphanie Bags - I love the Belle bag - Turquoise with a lime green interior. Doesn't get any better than that. Too bad I only have a tiny camera right now. A gal can dream though. Maybe if I get the bag, the camera will be next? Can I justify that to my dh?

Anyway, these bags are another small business that deserves our support. Go check them out and pass it on...

Some more yummy random crafty goodness

2010-03-17T15:37:00.000-04:00

Had my weekly Craft Your Art Out session today. It is my THRIVE group - to help those with deployed spouses learn a new craft, enjoy a craft and just get out and have a good time. Today, I had 2 ladies (mom and daughter team - though the daughter has 4 kids of her own) and we had a great time visiting.

These are the cards I completed today - think my MOJO was on. Want to start on some other projects soons but I was pleased with what I accomplished. Next week I hope to spend more time on my digi scrapping classes - maybe I will even have a layout or two to post.

All inks, stamps and cardstock represented in these posts are Papertrey Ink.

The cherry card uses Cosmo Cricket Early Bird paper and PTI Everyday Button Basics stamp set.

I also used Polka Dot Basics II on this card besides Websters Pages patterned paper for the cup of the cupcake.

close up of the glitter on this pink baby card - also uses PTI Pink Shimmer cardstock

(not sure why no matter how many times I upload the blog is flipping my photos from their original, correct orientation - sorry tried fixing it many times)

The red/black card utilizes PTI Black & White Basics patterned Paper colored with R29 copic to coordinate. Stamp set used: PTI Giga Guidelines - also used PTI clear cardstock, run through the cuttlebug with the Fillable Frames die and embossed with a cuttlebug folder - argyle, used Fresh Snow ink to make the edges "POP".

The paper pieced cupcakes (can you tell I love doing that?) are from Websters Pages and PTI. Stamp sets used are Baby Button Bits and Cupcake Creations.

Please ask if you have questions on the colors used. Late at night and just wanted to give the basics.

Thanks for looking.

Just some fun cards I finished today...

2010-03-13T13:33:00.001-05:00

Just some random cards I finished today...

Using Webster Pages background paper and Baby Button Bits and Cupcake Creations sentiments, PTI cardstock and ink & ribbons.

Used a sentiment from Everyday Button Bits

This set uses Friends 'til the End patterned paper, PTI cardstock and ink and Friends 'til the End stamp set.

Papertrey Peeps Challenge #3

2010-03-12T12:35:00.001-05:00

This challenge was to use Orange Zest and try to add in Spring Rain. It was to make it feminine as well. Don't think I made the cards too feminine but I do like the results I had. Here are my two attempts at the challenge...

Supplies used: PTI Dot Spot & Fillable Frames stamp sets, Orange Zest, Soft Stone & Spring Rain cardstock, Orange Zest, Spring Rain and Vintage Cream ink, rhinestones, Spring Rain satin ribbon, Oranze Zest Bitty Dot ribbon, and Fillable Frames die

Supplies used: Versamark, Fresh Snow, Orange Zest, & Spring Rain ink, Spring Rain, Orange Zest and Soft Stone cardstock, Spring Rain grossgrain, Polka Dot Basics I & II, Giga Guidelines and score tape, ultrafine glitter, SU! brads

CAC - 6 Enchanted Evening & Soft Stone

2010-03-05T04:53:00.000-05:00

This is our recipe for the next challenge along with the inspiration photo. If you look closely at the bookshelf you will see a pink book or box. I took my inspiration from that and added Raspberry Fizz to my card. I did add an extra layer but I really wanted that pop of Raspberry in there.
I used Friends til the End for my embossed image. I then used my Copic trio to color in the center of the flower. I distressed the edges slightly and sponged Enchanted Evening on the edges. For the sentiment I used Hello from the New Fillable Frames #1 stamp set. I then used Versamark and white embossing powder for the sentiment. I added 3 Raspberry Fizz buttons tied with floss that closely matches enchanted evening.

Poppy Seed Challenge # 1

2010-02-26T11:59:00.000-05:00

Today, I came across this CHALLENGE at Lisa's Poppy Paperie blog. I love her work and so I decided I would participate in this challenge.

Now, I have to tell the truth, this card turned out way different than I imagined. I think I like it though. The process was interesting and fun. Though I had originally planned on using ribbon roses as my light yellow accent they just didn't go with the flowers I stamped (in my mind, at least).

I really do like the color combination I chose though. I used Papertrey Ink's Terra Cotta Tile & Lemon Tart cardstock, using the Vintage Tea Dye Duo for distressing the edges. And I stamped the flowers from PTI Friends Til the End set on Rustic Cream before distressing the edges and then adding score tape and glitter so I could give the card the BLING (crystals) needed as one of the SEEDS of the challenge.

a close up of the bow area with yellow and orange wire that I twirled around (matches my colors really closely - YIPPEE)

The other seeds were: Use light yellow some where (that was my Lemon Tart card stock and the yellow COPICs I used when coloring the interior of my last seed, which was use a flower image.

I liked this challenge - would be pretty easy to combine this with some others if you "need" to complete more than one challenge.

I also have to admit that one thing I kind of like on the card was purely an accident. After stamping my sentiment on the card, I accidentally dropped my Dark Chocolate (PTI) inkpad onto the card stock. In order to cover my boo-boo, I lightly touched different areas of the card with the inkpad for the same look in multiple places.

the little rosettes I created

a close up

CAC ~ 5 Red & White Polka Dots!

2010-02-24T09:14:00.000-05:00

Here is the next challenge from Becky...this one was a little easier as far as the colors went. I did try to step out of the box and do something a bit different. Our job was ONLY to stay within the cutting and color parameters, which is what I did! This was so fun I actually made 2! What do you think?

a close up of my sweet little flower - a clear flower that I stamped Papertrey Ink's Background Basics: Textstyle in black on it. Then I tied a knot in the Aqua Mist Satin Ribbon and notched the ends as "leaves".

I was even able to finally use my sewing machine on a card. That was fun! For my sentiment I, once again, used masking to create my own sentiment - I used two sentiments from PTI's Handwritten Notes.

This next close up is from my scallop punched flower with a satin ribbon knot in the button.

With this card, I used one of my new favorite techniques which is using a marker to outline the main image on the card. I then added some red dew drops to help the sentiment stand out.

SUPPLIES USED:
almost all Papertrey Ink
Stamp sets: Polka Dot Basics I & II, Background Basics: Textstyle, Handwritten Notes, Faux Ribbon, Signature Greetings

Paper: Aqua Mist, White & Pure Poppy cardstock, aqua mist patterned paper

INK: True Black, Pure Poppy, Fresh Snow, Aqua Mist

Embellies: Aqua Mist Satin Ribbon, Vintage Buttons, scallop punch

non PTI ~ dew drops, black marker, clear flower

CAC - 4 Green & Black

2010-02-17T08:11:00.000-05:00

Today I decided to participate in another of Becky's challenges which can be found HERE.

Specific colors and dimensions are the order of the day. I have never made a long card like this so it was a nice departure from the norm.

Here are the "deets"...

I stamped the leafy branch image onto black cardstock with Versamark ink, then heat embossed using clear embossing powder. On the Green Leaves Ripe Avocado patterned paper I distressed the edges with Vintage Tea Dye Ink Duo and a little True Black ink. Then I applied narrow score tape and ultra fine glitter to the edges. I really like the look of the distressed edges and glitter. Now here I did depart from the challenge and use Vintage Cream cardstock instead of Stamper's Select White. I really wanted a softer, more vintage look so I changed the white to cream. On the bottom third I stamped a border and scallop image from Beyond Basic Borders. Then for the top I stamped the leafy branch again this time in True Black. I distressed the edges again with my Vintage Tea Dye Duo and then along the very edge I ran my black ink pad to give it just a very subtle border and to help it stand out from the Avocado layer. Finally, I used a sentiment from Big & Bold Wishes and made a little pennant tag for the top. Found a beautiful avocado green button in my PTI Vintage Button pack, tied it with black embroidery thread and applied above the sentiment. I distressed the edges of both layers for the sentiment, again using the Vintage Tea Dye Duo and True Black along the very edge. I also used a black marker to make a border on the top layer. Debated about adding yet more glitter and decided that one layer was probably enough - if that is possible. The last step was to tie and retie the bow until it was as close to perfect as I was going to get it and then add little green dew tops for a little bit of "bling".

Thanks for looking.

Ciao for now.

Compose a Card with Becky -Challenge 3

2010-02-13T14:56:00.000-05:00

I am participating in the challenge that you can find HERE at Becky's blog. It was difficult to work with this color scheme but I do like how it turned out. Really out of my comfort zone. Even though there were specific requirements like white embossed flower on Raspberry Fizz and a flourish stamped on Terracotta Tile, it still took me almost 2 hours to complete this. The flourish really is there ~ guess it didn't photograph well. You can see it if you click on the photo for a larger image. First I experimented with several different flowers until I got one I liked. Then the process of cutting out the flower and leaves. I did enjoy the time crafting though.

Supplies: PTI (unless otherwise noted) Raspberry Fizz Mix, Spring Rain Bitty Box Basics, Everyday Blessings and Raspberry Fizz Bitty Dot Basics patterned paper, Terra Cotta Tile cardstock
Stamp Sets: Friends 'til the End, Fancy Flourishes & Signature Greetings
INK: Versamark, True Black and Tim Holtz Old Paper distress ink (for edges)
embellies: SU! white embossing powder, rhinestones, EK Success border punch, distressing tool

PTI - Day 9 - Color Favorite Challenge

2010-02-10T06:57:00.000-05:00

I am just getting this one in the nick of time. I will post more about it once I get it posted and linked. This also qualifies for the Papertrey Peeps challenge to use buttons.

The colors I chose were Michelle's favorites ~ kraft, spring moss, aqua mist and vintage cream. I have to say that I love the way this card turned out. I think it is so pretty and soft. I used the PTI Pretty Pastels paper to paper piece the cupacke. I added an aqua mist button at the top, and inked just the little twirl in spring moss and stamped that above the cupcake. (The cupcake from Baby Button Bits was stamped twice so I could cut it out and paper piece it.) For the card base I used kraft cardstock, on the bottom I stamped Background Basics - Textstyle II in vintage cream ink, then I stamped over that with Polka Dot Basics II in spring moss. Such a soft effect that has. For the background paper I used Everyday Blessings which I lightly distressed with the vintage ink duo. The base on that was actually white and since I was going for cream I distressed the entire piece to cut the brightness of the white and make it look more cream. I really like how that softened the edges too and lent and overall soft, dreamy like quality to the card. I chose the rustic cream cardstock to layer my paper pieced cupcake on and place the sentiment from Cupcake Collection on. Then following Nichole's idea, I outlined the rectangle with a black pen, again I distressed the edges with the vintage ink duo. Then I added a small line of glue around the perimeter of this piece and glittered it up. I tied Spring Moss satin ribbon around the background paper and finished it off with a cream button tied with rustic twine. Finally, I glued and glittered the edge of the card to give a little bling to the bottom of the card as well.

Love this card. I really like how the distressed edges give a different look to the glitter on the edges. Hope you like how this turned out.

Ciao for now!

edited to add Guess I missed the deadline because I put my info into Mr. Linky - it was added and showed up. Then when I refreshed the page to see how many cards I needed to look at - it took away my entry plus about 50 others. According to my clock I still had 3 minutes to post. Oh well, maybe next time.

PTI - Day 8 - "paint" by number challenge

2010-02-08T15:37:00.000-05:00

Okay, I finally finished this challenge. I had to sub all day in 2nd grade so I wasn't sure I would have time to complete the challenge before bed. However, I made it. Fortunately I had a good color palette to work with. I say good color palette because I needed a card for my son's 14th birthday on Saturday. Ta Da - one card - dual purposes.

I would blog a little more about this but it is time for bed. So I am posting and linking and heading off to dream time!

Supplies: ALL Papertrey Ink
stamps: Star Prints, Top Ten, Faux Ribbon
INK: Aqua Mist, Enchanted Evening, Spring Rain, vintage duo
Cardstock: Aqua Mist, Enchanted Evening, Kraft, White & Spring Rain
Ribbon: Enchanted Evening

Ciao for now.

Scrappy Gift Bag

2010-02-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

So I decorated another gift bag! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how this one turned out. And it is created with mostly PTI products (papertrey ink for the uninitiated) which you can find HERE.

For the tag I just took random scraps that I had and adhered them to a piece of lightweight chipboard, then I ran it through by cuttlebug using a tag die by Sizzix. LOVE IT! Just love that tag. I am seriously excited about how cute the tag turned out.

Mind you these were really just random scraps. I did try to make sure the colors were pleasing together but otherwise there was no rhyme or reason to why I chose that particlar strip ~ other than it was thin and suitable for the purpose.

I took another large scrap of Friends 'til the End decorative paper and put that about midway on the bag just above the bottom portion that I stamped with Polka Dot Basics using Fresh Snow Ink. Over that I took another scrap and just stamped the words from Top Ten and Top Ten additions.

I took the ribbon tag - another scrap just laying around (I try to cut multiple things at once so I am not wasting the turning of my wrist on that machine). I popped that up on pop dots and then put prima flowers with brads in the end. Because I used the Friends 'til the End paper on the tag and the bag I also stamped the flower from Friends 'til the end on the ribbon tag and the words for the sentiment on the tag.

Finally, I finished up the tag by adding a strip of glitter, two more prima flowers with a large brad in the center and tied with grossgrain ribbon. The grossgrain ribbon is used to tie the tag to the bag. Then around that ribbon, I added a large bow using organdy ribbon.

Really am proud at how this turned out!

2nd attempt CPS Sketch 153 & PTI Day 7 Challenge

2010-02-07T10:22:00.000-05:00

My second attempt at this challenge was a card. I am trying to step out of my comfort zone and use the Black & White patterned paper and Raspberry Fizz. I love the idea of both of them and have completed a few projects lately with them BUT it definitely is a reach for me. I tend to love autumn colors so I am trying to go out on a limb and try something different for me. Hope you like my attempts.

Supplies: PTI cardstock & patterned paper, buttons, ribbon, Heart Prints stamp set
Non-PTI supplies: black stickles, white embroidery thread, border punch

CPS Sketch 153 and PTI - day 7 Challenge

2010-02-07T10:15:00.000-05:00

Today's challenge was to use the CPS Sketch. I made two different items using this sketch. The first one was a gift bag.

supplies: PTI Polka Dot Parade, Bitty Box Basics (in Summer Sun, Ocean Tides & Chocolate) patterned paper, PTI Digi Images, PTI Summer Sun, chocolate & Ocean Tides ribbons, gift bag - SU!, glitter - Martha Stewart, tag - Sizzix die

Papertrey Ink Birthday Bash ~ part IV ~ last one

2010-02-03T07:13:00.000-05:00

Well folks I just ran out of time. Needed to get these posted by 7am EST. This one may not make it. Going to post and come back and tell you about it.

I totally cheated and added this to one of the gift boxes I made. I had cut the tag out already and thought it would be cute with the little cupcake. The cupcake image is another digi image provided by the PTI team.

I think the tag is a little big. Needs to be on a bigger bag or box. But still wanted to get the image done in time for the PTI birthday bash contest. The winner receives several free stamp sets so this is a big prize!

Papertrey Ink Birthday Bash ~ part III

2010-02-03T07:01:00.000-05:00

And for part 3 I used the same supplies as part 2 but switched the orientation of the card from horizontal to vertical. I also used the Big and Bold Wishes stamp set as an additional sentiment on the front of the card. Hope you like these! They were quick and simple.

Papertrey Ink Birthday Bash ~ part II

2010-02-03T06:49:00.001-05:00

Here is my second entry for the birthday bash challenge.

Supplies: all PTI Hibiscus Burst cardstock, Black & White Basics, Bitty Box Basics, and Friends 'til the End patterned paper. Hisbiscus Burst and Sweet Blush ribbon.

Papertrey Ink Birthday Bash

2010-02-03T06:10:00.000-05:00

In celebration of PTI's 3rd anniversary the 2010 stamp designers each contributed a digi image for us to use to create a birthday card. And by us, I mean, we, the PTI obsessed. The first image I have worked with is from the new Studio 64 line. Love it! Since this is a BIRTHday bash I created a birthday card. Don't think it shows up well in the photo but it does say WISH BIG (PTI Big & Bold Wishes stamp set) and on the hill itself reads "It's gonna be your best birthday yet". I thought that was appropriate to celebrate PTI's 3rd year. For a little background I used Polka Dot Basics II in original Spring Rain ink as the sky. I also added stickles to the clouds, balloon and sun after coloring in the entire image with my copic markers.

The second one is what I was actually thinking when I saw the image and that is "Love is in the air". So I paired the digi image with a saying in PTI's Tiny Treats: Valentine set and the little heart in Heart Prints.

Happy Anniversary PTI! I am going to try and make a few more cards using some of the other digi images but I am under a time constraint to get them posted in time.

Valentine Goodies...

2010-02-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

Our FRG (Family Readiness Group) is having a Valentine's dinner next week. I am in charge of the prizes we are giving away. There will be prizes for longest married, newest married, shortest engagement etc. These little darlings are what I created to hold chocolates. Very little stamping done but lots of cutting and glueing and fiddling.

Supplies: Basic Grey Blush decorative paper, SU! Soft Sky deco paper and Lovely Lilac cardstock, Papertrey Ink Black & White Mix deco paper, SU! & Papertrey Ink ribbons (too many colors to list), various punches, brads, colored staples, etc and the workhorse behind the whole project: Papertrey Ink's clear boxes that their stamp sets come in. WooHoo! I knew I kept all those boxes for a reason. Now I am putting them to good use.

I also used SU! 22 guage (at least I think it is 22) wire to make the handles for the little baskets. Each basket has a different kind of handle. One has lots of ribbon bits tied on it, another has fabulous chocolate satin ribbon wrapped around the wire and a big, fluffy bow tied on each end. Another is just 2 ribbons layered with wire in between them. I was trying to keep them from looking too much like cookie cutter pieces. I wanted each one to be unique. I have at least two more to do and I will post them when I finish with them. One is almost done, just need to come up with the handle and the other is still being thought about. Enjoy my creations! And thanks to all my fellow PTI bloggers who submitted photos of their creations which inspired me to start creating something with those fabulous boxes!

January Blog Hop for Papertrey Ink

2010-01-25T17:10:00.000-05:00

So tonight I am participating in the January Papertrey Ink Blog Hop! All of this fun in anticipation of the February Anniversary Release. Should be very exciting for all of us lovers of ALL THINGS PTI!!!! I wonder what amazingness they will have us swooning over in anticipation of this release?

Anyway this month's challenge was to finish the inside of the card as well. And include the envelope. So here is what I put together.

Unless otherwise noted ALL supplies are PTI. I started off with a base of raspberry fizz cardstock. I stamped the base layer with Heart Prints using Fresh Snow ink on the left. On the right side of the base I used Polka Dot Basics part deaux in Versamark ink. I made a tag using kraft cardstock and stamped hearts from Heart Prints in Fresh Snow and Raspberry Fizz, I also ran a bit of both colors around the edges of the tag to soften the look. I again used the polka dots on the left end of the tag in Raspberry Fizz. I thought the look was too harsh so I used the New Canvas Palette ink pad over the top to tone it down. I chose the New Canvas pad because of the texture of the pad. Using the Raspberry Fizz Mix paper pad I created another of Tim Holtz's roses. These things are so lovely. I used several different patterns to give the rose a bit of a different look than the first one I did (here) with only one pattern. In True Black I stamped the sentiment from Heart Prints on the edge of the tag. I finished off the tag with ribbon - Raspberry Fizz grossgrain and white, which I stapled on.

I did essentially the same thing to the interior of the card. For the sentiment I used Mega Mixed Messages and masked the Miss you stamp so I could pair the "you" with LOVE.

Now for the NON PTI supplies: Martha Stewart Carrara Marble glitter for the 2 white trips on the tag, SU! bright pink glitter (no name on the jar so I can't tell you exactly what color - only that it came in a glitter stack). SU! white taffeta ribbon, colored staples and SU! corner punch

Leave me some love and let me know what you think!

2010-01-22T10:19:00.000-05:00

Two more pretty quick cards.

The penguins are from the Basic Grey Eskimo kisses line. Both the paper and the penguin rub-ons. I used scrap pieces to make the background piece. I added Smooches from the Handwritten Notes stamp set from Papertrey Ink in Ripe Avocado. Finished it up with Ripe Avocado satin ribbon and a little bling heart!

The second card is super simple. Not sure I like how it turned out but I am sure someone will. I stamped a flourish from Fancy Flourishes stamp set from PTI in Pure Poppy on Bitty Dot basics patterned paper. Finished it up with a sentiment from Star Prints and lots of little hearts and spots and Pure Poppy grossgrain ribbon.

Simple Valentine

2010-01-22T09:17:00.000-05:00

Just a simple Valentine I made today. Nothing too inspiring but still pretty, I think.
Here is the interior of the card.

Supplies used: Papertrey Ink Basic White cardstock, linen cardstock, bitty dot basics in summer sunrise, Summer Sunrise, Ocean Tides, Pure Poppy and True Black ink. Heart Prints & Heart Prints Sentiments and colored stickles.

Enjoy!