Poppy Paperie

May Zva Blog Hop Winners Announced

We'd like to congratulate the following FIVE ladies who won a prize from our design team member's blogs on May's Blog Hop! Their names will be found on the following blogs:

Lisa Johnson (me!)

Susan Lui

Carole Maurin
Fabi Ormerod

Windy Robinson

One winner from each of the 5 blogs will receive a Zva prize package worth $30.00. Congrats winners!

 Here is my winner...

Jan Garber said...

"Love the bright, happy colors on your card! Yeek, I cringe every time the doctor suggests cortisone shots in my neck! I am following your blog closely to see how your recovery goes... I am wishing you the best!"

Jan... shoot me an email with your snail mail addy and I will forward it to Zva!!! (My email address is in the sidebar!) 

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

 

You A-Mews Me

It's fun to play with new things... and I have a few new things that I played with for today's post. Chris was gone over the weekend on a fishing trip with his Brother and Dad, so I watched a movie and stamped while the girls hung out. I had seen some really amazing Copic Coloring by my friend, Debbie, and thought I would be brave and try some of it out. I am NO Debbie Olson though! (I still need to take a Copic class too!) So I pulled out some new goodies I just got from My Favorite Things and just went for it!

I'm a cat lover, so this image was fun to play with. It's a new stamp style type for me... but hey, while I'm trying new things, a new stamp style is fun too! It's a cute kitty costume huh!

I had a wonderful cat, Rufus, that passed away a few years back... this is a total Rufey kitty!  I "tried" to add some texture like Debbie did... I used a paper towel. It definitely added texture. I think I will try some other things next time too. You should really check Debbie's card out though... it's incredible!

ETA: Photo of the Copics I used!

OK, so the other new thing is the In Linkz list. *How did I ever live without this?* I'm... um... totally hooked! One of the things that I hate about my blog service is that I can no longer just use keyboard shortcuts to add links... so this saved me some serious time!

Well, I’m off to do a quick house tidy before Chris gets home from the airport! Thanks for poppying by friends!

 

You A-Mews Me Heavyweight Cardstock Orange Fizz Heavyweight Cardstock Hot Fudge May Arts STRING/BURLAP bon bon boutique buttons Copic Markers Die-namics Small Scallop Border Die-namics By The Numbers and Stamp Set

 

InLinkz.com

 

May Zva Creative DT Blog Hop

How is everyone? I hope you all are doing well! Things are going pretty well here. The sun has been shining and I think that the steroid injection is starting to kick in. I keep telling myself to take it easy still... it's a little hard to do! :)

So... I thought I would join in on the Zva hop... it's been a long time since I have and it sounded fun! Here we go...

Zva Creative and our talented Design Team welcome you to join us for our May Blog Hop! We are happy to have you join us and hope you enjoy all that we have to share with you along the way!

The Blog Hop begins at Zva Creative's blog! Be sure head on over to check it out! Leave a comment there for a chance to win an extra prize package just for visiting the blog and telling us that you stopped by! You will also find a complete list of all the participating blogs there (in case there is a glitch along the way).  

For this card, I used Lovely Red Crystal (CR-04cb-113), Sunny Day SEI papers, and Paper Smooches Good Gab stamp set. I did a little paper piecing with the heart image in the LOVE sentiment. I also used the Squiggle Border Die from My Favorite Things. It's a fun die!

If you would like to play along with our design team, just follow along the blog path.  I am linking to one of the Zva designers and that designer is linking to the next and so on. Be prepared to be inspired along the way!

Hidden on FIVE of the designer's blogs is a Zva Creative prize package! Winners will be randomly chosen after the hop is over, so it's important to leave a comment on as many blogs as you can along the way.

The Blog Hop starts today, May 28th and runs through midnight US Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, May 29th. 

The 5 winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 30th on each of the five winning blogs. The full list will be found on Zva's blog as well. We will do our best to notify each winner, but it's best if you can pop in to all of the blogs once again on Wednesday... plus, you never know what kind of inspirational creation that you may find there.

All you need to do is leave a comment on this blog post... you do not need to leave a comment on each and every designer's blog post to qualify. However, the more times you comment along the blog hop path, the more chances you will have to win.

We also thought it would be more fun to add even more chances to win our blog hop prize!  To increase your chances of winning:

* Comment to let us know that you posted on your Facebook page about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)

* Comment to let us know that you "tweeted" about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)

* Comment to let us know that you asked your local store to carry Zva creative products.  If they already do, that's fantastic, maybe you can suggest other products that they don't carry.

*Hop over to Zva's blog and leave a comment there to tell us that you made it there! (The blog hop begins there.)

Your next stop is: Robin Shakoor

I hope you all have a great time... Thanks for poppying by, friends!

JustRite and....

I'm feeling just RIGHT so far! The injection went really well. I instantly felt it go down my hip and leg where the pain path was. It was a bit freaky. Apparently it's a good sign that he injected exactly where he needed to. The injection included Lidocaine, Marcaine and a Steroid. I just got up and walked away when I was finished. (I was expecting something totally different.) The few hours following the injection were amazing. To be pretty much pain free in my back without anything that made me wonky was just amazing! When that local anesthetic finally wore off... the pain was back. He said it takes a while for the Steroid to fully kick in. I am FULL of hope though. I admittedly sat and just enjoyed stamping when I got home... stamping with a clear head and no pain for a few hours was a miracle... or at least felt like one! Now if I can just get the laundry to just stop screaming at me to do it, it would be a double miracle kind of week! LOL!

 OK... on to a card I created just for fun!

I am loving the opportunity to play with new stamps from different companies... These lovely images came from JustRite! I used Botanical Btterflies and Shabby Music Background Stamp.

I love the details on these butterflies... you know how much I love Butterflies! I was pretty impressed with the fine details that the clear stamps pick up too.

I thought the sentiment that was included in the set was pretty neat too. 

I'm having so much fun just playing... it's pretty inspiring for my mojo too! It's also great to be posting again. I've got some great sets that were sent to me for publication assignments that I pulled out. I'm excited to ink those up again too! :)

I hope you all are doing well. I am so grateful for your warm wishes that have been so generously sent. Thanks to those who shared their own experiences with me. It was very comforting! I feel so blessed to have you guys here!

I'm off to create. (after I fully wake up... and maybe get the laundry monster under control)  I'll try to post something else by the end of the week. Any guesses as to who's stamps are on the next card? 

Thanks for poppying by, Friends!

A Poppy Thanks!

Thank you so much for your kind words and positive thoughts! I'm doing pretty good... and am amazed how many of you have gone through similar health problems. I amazed how quickly the PT is working on my neck.  I went from barely being able to move it to a decent range of motion! This week I'm dropping to once a week for appointments! (Yeah for progress!!!) The back injection is today... I'm really happy to hear so many of you had positive experiences with yours. I'm hopeful it will relieve that silly pain.

So, I did a little pleasure stamping this weekend. It's been a while since I stamped just for the sake of stamping. I almost forgot how relaxing it was to take my time and not feel any deadline pressure. I always love creating... but I admit, it is more relaxing when a deadline isn't looming. I thought I would post a Thanks card I made!

My friend, Kim Hughes, is the illustrator/owner at Paper Smooches. (I love Kim!) I got to play with some of her beautiful stamps. I think this flower looks like a Poppy!  It's from the Reflections stamp set.

I love Kim's handwriting too. This sentiment is from the Sentiment Sampler set and the Chevron stripes and dots are from the Geo-Graphic set. Super fun BG set!

It was SO fun to just sit and create... and to use some great stamps too!

I've got some other "Friend Companies" that have great sets that I've got sitting on my desk... I'll be sharing some of my creations with those soon too. I'll try to post something tomorrow so that I can let you know how the injection went. :)

Thanks for poppying by, friends! (and thanks for caring!)

 

Some changes...

Many of you have noticed and contacted me directly about my lack of posting for this month's PTI release. (Thank you for your concern too!) I thought it only fair to let you all know that I am no longer working with PTI. I am glad to have had the opportunity to work with them and watch them grow over the past 5+  years!

I truly feel connected to you all in so many ways and look forward to keeping touch. I will continue to post various projects and keep you updated as to whatever is going on. I've got some great stamp sets from other companies that desperately need love too!With this change, I'm going to take it easy for a little while to spend time with my family and heal my body from the crazy past few months. :) It's been hard on them and this change brings a natural opening to do that. Don't worry though... I will be up and running full force very soon!

I also want to give you a little update on my health, because so many of you have inquired and have been so caring. Physical Therapy is going great and I'm starting to heal from the car accident. The lower back problems are taking longer, so I've been scheduled for an epidural/steroid injection thingy. I'm nervous. I had all my girls naturally because I didn't want one... ironic huh! LOL! It just goes to show you that you can make the best of plans but, never can really know when something unpleasant will change those plans.

 Ok...Here is my favorite ever project with PTI... I know it was using my own stamp set, Life... but it's still my favorite! 

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

 

 

April 2012 Papertrey Ink Release

  I hope everyone is doing great out there. I hope that you've had fun this week as so many Papertrey Ink  projects have been shared.  I've spied a few new (to me) Color combinations... and use of images and product that I can't wait to try myself!

On to my contributions!

Baby Face…

A great baby set that has cute faces and even a mobile to “decorate”.

I created a sweet little gift card holder and envelope with this set. I just so happen to know that a Baby Boy will be making an entrance in our town this summer! I’m so excited for my friend!

Congrats Baby

• Stamps-  Baby Face
• Ink- Spring Moss, Fine Linen, Dark Chocolate
• Paper- Rustic Cream
• Other-  Gift Card Greetings Die, Synthetic Sponge

Trendy Tree Tops…

It was fun to create this cute little scene with these stamps. I really love Maile’s new trees. She has great fonts too!

Hello There

• Stamps-  Trendy Tree Tops
• Ink- Spring Moss, Fine Linen, Dark Chocolate, Kraft, Ripe Avocado, Lavender Moon, Fresh Snow
• Paper- Spring Moss, Spring Rain, White
• Other-  Mega Mat Stack 4 die, Trendy Tree Tops Die,  Zva Creative Crystal

Heart-2-Heart #3…

I had fun with this warm color combination. I look forward to playing with it again. The hearts in this sets are fun… a great basic to have on your shelf!

Thoughtful Heart

• Stamps- Stamps-  Heart-2-Heart #3, A Little Argyle
• Ink- Fine Linen, Dark Chocolate, Kraft, Lavender Moon, Fresh Snow
• Paper- Fine Linen, Lavender Moon, White
• Other-  Corner Rounder, Glitter, Glue Pen, Zva Creative Flourish

Tweet Talk…

It’s nice to be able to create something positive for a friend. This is perfect for something like that!

Happy Birds

• Stamps- Tweet Talk
• Ink- Dark Chocolate, Spring Moss
• Paper- Kraft, White, Pretty Pastels patterned paper
• Other- Corner Rounder, Zva Creative crystal, Limitless Layers 3.5" Oval die collection, Silk Ribbon. Copic Markers

Framed Out #3…

Something clean and modern. This set really lends itself to that.

Your Day

• Stamps- Framed Out #3
• Ink- Hibiscus Burst, Smokey Shadow
• Paper- White, Smokey Shadow collection
• Other- Framed Out #3 die, Zva Creative crystals, Various circle punches

Tagged Sentiments …

I played around with the sentiment and color. The new Notched Flowers die collection goes great with this set! 

Fab Birthday

• Stamps- Tagged Sentiments
• Ink- Palette Charcoal, Aqua Mist, Berry Sorbet
• Paper- True Black, White, Smokey Shadow collection, Aqua Mist, Berry Sorbet
• Other- die, Zva Creative crystal, Notched Flowers die collection 

So... what is YOUR favorite stamp set or product that is being released this month?

Here are the links to the other DT member blogs...

• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Jess Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Nichole Heady
• Dawn McVey
• Debbie Olson
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillilps
• Michelle Wooderson

That's all I have to share today! Don't hesitate to ask me if you have any questions! I will answer them in the comments.

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

p.s. Sorry that I haven't posted a ton this past month. On top of the normal crazy busy that we have going on here, I've been dealing with some health issues. I've been going to PT trying to get healthy but things turned a bit downhill with a bad session with lumbar traction. *sigh* I’ve been taking medicine to help the nerves try to settle down. (and am going to get some injections in my back soon)  Things were feeling a little better until I got rear-ended! My first reaction was "You HAVE to be kidding me!?!" So yeah... things are a bit more complicated. The car damage doesn't seem too bad... and all the kids seem to be OK at this point. (Whiplash a little for them.) They are worried about me, those sweet girls. My silly back and neck nerves... they just are zinging me so much now! Whiplash on top of it all is not fun. I DO have faith that things will work out and I'm just going to keep moving forward, stay positive and do what the Doc's tell me to do.  It's all making me very grateful for the things that I can do, that’s for sure!!! 

Garden Variety Continues

We have one more group post to share with you for this month’s Papertrey Ink release! We are all sharing projects using Garden Variety II, Year of Flowers Titles & the new Seed Packet Frame 2 die!

On to the sharing!

First off, an ensemble of some thank you cards.

I used the same layout with each one, changing only the flower and coordinating sentiment color. This is  a great set to get away or give to individual friends. Copic Markers were used to color all of the flower images! The large sentiment is from Think Big Favorites #15 and the flower images are from the Year of Flower Collection.

The Rose...
Using Hibiscus Burst ink and coordinating markers.
Daffodils...

Using Summer Sunrise and coordinating markers.

Larkspur...

Using Blueberry Sky… and various blue Copics.

It’s a very simple layout... but I love that I can recreate it with all of the flowers in the collection!

Next is a simple and sweet poppy hair pin!

I used the Notched Flowers die collection to create the felt poppy. Just For You has great sentiments for adding handmade touches. I also used Simple Alphabet to create the poppy sentiment.

I die cut the seed packet 2 die  on the edge of fold of white cardstock. I didn’t add a shim and that made it so that the 2^nd layer was more impressed than cut. I used a craft knife to trim the areas that I wanted… leaving some intact.

Here are the links to the other Papertrey Ink DT blogs! They've knocked it out of the park again!

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

Thank You Flower Trio

• Stamps-  Garden Variety II, Year of Flowers Titles, Think Big Favorites #15, Year of Flower Collection
• Ink- Hibiscus Burst, Blueberry Sky, Summer Sunrise, Spring Moss, Burnt Umber (Palette)
• Paper- White
• Other- Copic Markers, Seed Packet 2 die

Poppy Pin

• Stamps-  Garden Variety II, Just For You, Simple Alphabet, lOvE Songs 
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado
• Paper- White
• Other-Seed Packet 2 die, Zva Creative Black crystals, Notched Flowers die collection, Craft knife, Pure Poppy Felt.

 

Strawberry Patch

It's group post day for Papertrey Ink!!! Ready for some sweet fun!?!?

I've been a busy bee these past few days as I've been working on my Papertrey Ink assignments. It's pretty fun to play with these new images from Strawberry Patch and Strawberry Patch Sentiments! It seriously reminds me of picking strawberries with my Grandma at the crack of dawn... before it got too hot. (They were in Stockton, California) I swear... she had 5 huge rows. I can't even think how they possibly ate them all... just the two of them. :) Good thing I was there to help out that summer and the next!

So, I moseyed out to the drug store to try to find something strawberry-ish to put is this fun basket that I created using the new Berry Basket die.

I found the yummiest smelling Berry Bath salts! (75% off too!!!) I could have made my own, but I didn't have any berry fragrance... so this was perfect! I'm so excited to give these away!

The tag is created from the newest scalloped oval die that is being released this month is the Limitless Layers 3.5" Oval die collection. I stamped A Little Argyle's large solid strip in the background... then used the berry sentiment from the Strawberry Patch sentiments set and the Bath Salts sentiment from the Just For You stamp set. I die cut the strawberries. I love that they pop off the tag a little.

I wanted to keep the basked really simple. I weaved some Pure Poppy twill through the basket and finished it off with a strawberry centered bow.

Now... I think this summer I will make some strawberry shortcake kits for friends with this same concept. Just change the sentiments I used!

Next is a little card to go with the basket. I added in some Blueberry Sky and Spring Rain into the mix. 

I used the plaid square image in the set to back frame the strawberries.

They really are sweet berry images. I also added glitter to the sweet sentiment but it's not very shiny in my photos. LOL!

Here are the links to the other DT blogs! They have done amazing work with these fun sets!

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Berry Bath Salts

• Stamps- Strawberry Patch and Sentiments, A Little Argyle, Just For You
• Ink- Fine Linen, Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Ripe Avocado
• Paper- White, Kraft
• Other- Pure Poppy Twill and Bakers twine, Limitless Layers 3.5" Oval die collection, Berry Basket Die.

Berry Sweet card

• Stamps- Strawberry Patch and Sentiments, Background Basics: Postmarks
• Ink- Blueberry Sky, Spring rain, Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Ripe Avocado, Fresh Snow
• Paper- White, Kraft. Blueberry Sky, Ripe Avocado
• Other- Pure Poppy Bakers twine, Small Scalloped die, Corner Rounder.

Favorites Friday

I'm not sure if I can ever be counted on to make this an every Friday kind of post... but I thought I would post some of my favorites today... and it IS friday! LOL! 'm not one that has a lot of favorite things. I tend to like A LOT of things. There are a few stand out things that I just HAD to share... because they are SO good. Today's aren't "directly" crafting related however I must admit that I DEVOUR these or at the very least, crave them when I AM crafting!

First off...  PROBAR 

                       

This one is the one I crave. Love the little "healthy" marshmallows that it has.  I've really been trying hard to eat with health in mind. These are wonderful and I actualy do feel more enerjetic after eating them. Those natural oats carry great energy for me. (great for late night stamping!)

                       

I really like this one too... OH, and this one DOES have something to do directly with crafting. I have one of these bars featured with my Spa Day Party Ensemble in the new Party Ensemble book by Paper Crafts Magazine!

G.H. CRETORS popped corn!

                             

Yep... I'm a Carmel Corn lover! I've been realy good at not diving in for almost a year. Then, as Chris and I were double cart shopping at Costco (We always need two carts!) I spied this beautiful bag ... loved the graphics.... then my heart stopped when I saw the caramel! I tried to resist, but I admit... I was weak. I proceeded to show my family my best vacum impression as I enhaled a boat load of the bag. (Hey... I did wait until I go into the car!) Now... at first I thought that this would be gross to eat cheese and caramel together. I tried it and loved it! Somehow it works! The Costco bag is 26oz. It's a steal! After feeling a heavy guilt I read the ingredients and was happily surprised that It really was a healthy version of what I love. I'm SO sold. Now, if I could buy my favorite PROBARs at my Costco... I would be a really happy girl!

What is YOUR favorite snack... maybe a semi healthy one? Please share what your go to is!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

 

March 2012 Papertrey Ink release

I've been a busy bee creating my Papertrey Ink March assignments! Here they are...

World’s Greatest is a super fun masculine set!

 My hubby wears a tie every day to teach early morning Seminary... and to work. He has the most fun colors... even a pink one that Ella bought him for Father's day! 

 I look forward to sneaking this to him!

World’s Greatest Husband

• Stamps- World’s Greatest
• Ink- Blueberry Sky, Pure Poppy, New Leaf, Orange Zest
• Paper- Blueberry Sky, Pure Poppy, New Leaf, Orange Zest, Rustic Cream
• Other- Spring Rain Baker’s twine,  Limitless Layers 2.25" Oval dies 

 We don't golf at all... but On The Links is pretty fun to play with.

 Now... to find someone to send it too! :)

For Your Birthday

• Stamps- On The Links, BB: Medallions 
• Ink- Simply Chartreuse,  Spring Moss,  Dark Chocolate, Fresh Snow
• Paper- Simply Chartreuse, Spring Moss, Fine Linen, Summer Sunrise, White
•  Other- Kraft Button, Button twine, Table Service Die Collection 

 For my Little Bitty Birds additions project, I went for a hand cut speech bubble.

 It was the first thing that popped into my head when I first saw this sweet set. I also stamped the birds in their belly color first then the top color.

Celebrate Birdie chat

• Stamps- Think Big Favorites #13, Little Bitty Birds additions 
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Blueberry Sky, Spring Rain, Fine Linen, Kraft
• Paper- Kraft, Rustic Cream, White Cream
• Other- Dark Chocolate Baker’s twine, Spiral Notebook, Page die

 I love this little Elephant from Tremendous Treats: Birthday.

 He's SO cute!

 The cotton string is rolled in Harvest Gold ink before I adhered it.

Thank You Elephant

• Stamps- Background Basics: Circles, Framed Out #1, Tremendous Treats: Birthday
• Ink- Harvest Gold, Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores 
• Paper- Harvest Gold, Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores, White, Raspberry Fizz Stripe
• Other- Heart Border die, Framed Out #1 die, Zva Crystals, Cotton string.

 Recently there was a speaker from our church that talked about Forget-Me-Not's.

 I made this little wrap using Back Pocket Basics. The little pot inside has those fun flower seeds in a little grow kit! 

Forget Me Not wrapping

• Stamps- Back Pocket Basics
• Ink- Fresh Snow, Blueberry Sky, Spring Rain, Enchanted Evening
• Paper- Blueberry Sky, Spring Rain, White
• Other- Spring Rain Baker’s twine, Back Pocket Basics dies, Corner rounder, Score-buddy, Yellow Stickles.

I'm really loving the new Heart-t-2Heart #2 set! I thought of this card right away too...

 The thought of the one standing out, being important... that's what came to me!

 Bright Birthday Balloon

• Stamps- Heart-t-2Heart #2
• Ink- Fine Linen, New Leaf, Aqua Mist, Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores, Dark Chocolate
• Paper- Hawaiian Shores, White, Dotty Biscotti
• Other- New Leaf Baker’s twine, Corner Rounder, Glitter

 A more formal feeling card using Framed Out#2.

The curves on this frame are super fun!

 

Hello There

• Stamps- Framed Out#2
• Ink- Dark Chocolate, Orange Zest, New Leaf
• Paper- Kraft, Rustic Cream, Friends ‘til the End, Orange Zest
• Other- Framed Out#2 die, New Leaf Satin Ribbon, Rose and Flourish (Zva Creative), Glitter, Eyelet Lace Border die

 Ok...that pretty much wraps it up for this month! Don't hesitate to ask me if you have any questions! I will answer them in the comments. 

Here are the links to the other DT member blogs...

• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Jess Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Nichole Heady
• Dawn McVey
• Debbie Olson
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillilps
• Michelle Wooderson

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

 

Super Stars

The Papertrey Ink design team has another group post for you this month! We are all sharing projects using the fun new star products that are being released this month. We also are sharing an inspiration photo. You will just LOVE what we've all come up with! :) 

(Photo Credit)

 Here is my project using these great new star products with the inspiration from the photo from above. (Doesn't this photo make you crave summer?! It does that for me!) I wanted that clean feeling to come through as well as the angles that are in the photo layout. Very fun!

OH Boy! I've always LOVED stars and how versatile they are! Super Stars not only has fantastic star designs but there are SO many stars to build on in the set. They all work wonderfully to create your own patterned paper!  I loved creating the background paper for this card. 

I love the sentiments too... very apropos. I used Pure Poppy, Spring Rain and Enchanted Evening. I sometimes forget how wonderful white is to use as an accent. This die cut star was fun to make... and it just SHINES in person.

I love that I can layer the various stars... that just makes it so there are unlimited possibilities with this set! Look how fun the new Super Stars border die is too!

I just love this color combination... and while I LOVE Independence Day, I think we sometimes peg red, white and blue as being just a patriotic color combination. Oh... it's SO much more!

Here are the links to the other DT blogs! Have a blast checking them all out!

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

Please le me know if you have any questions!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

 

 

Sweet Stars

• Stamps- Super Stars 
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Spring Rain, Enchanted Evening
• Paper- Pure Poppy, Spring Rain, white
• Other- Tag Sale #3 die, Seeing Stars Die collection, Glitter, Zva Creative Crystals,  Pure Poppy Baker’s twine

Birthday Bash

Time to share some projects again! Ahhh... it feels good to share. The posting/creating break has been really nice but it's nice to pop in and share too! It's group post day at Papertrey Ink and we have some great projects to share with you. It's all about the new 2012 Birthday Tags stamp set!

I LOVE this new set and the elegance that Nichole brought to it. It's going to be a staple item for my birthday and other celebration creations. (That's my gut feeling right now.)

This first card has a bright and cheery feeling!

I used the Wish Big Gingham tag from the 2012 Birthday Tags stamp set. Stamped the Tag in Harvest Gold then in Pure Poppy... trimming out the sentiment portion. Such a pretty tag image!

I love how so many images in this set coordinate with the Limitless Layers 2.25" Oval dies.

The backgrounds are stamped with Stitches & Swirls and the new Background Basics: Wrought Iron. I just love the sunny feeling I get using yellow and red together!

Next is a little tag using that same Wish Big Gingham tag. Lovin' the new Blueberry Sky ink too. SO PRETTY!

I have this love of blue gingham. It might be a Wizard of Oz thing. Oh... it might be that Chris bought me a really cute blue gingham shirt when we were engaged (20 years ago) and it still fits and is timeless in style.

I'm SO excited to have the new New Leaf ink!  It's perfect with the brighter colors that summer brings too. The flowers are from Zva Creative.

Last... a little invitation combining the new 2012 Birthday Tags and By Invitation stamp sets.

I've also used the new Card Base-ics #2 die.  I can see a lot of possibilities with this die.

The celebrate portion of the star on the vintage cream is trimmed out and adhered to the bottom to add some balance.

Well, that wraps up my post for today. Here are the links to the rest of the team so you can see what they've created!

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

Please let me know if you have any questions! See you tomorrow for our last group post!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

Sunny Birthday Wishes

• Stamps- 2012 Birthday Tags, Stitches & Swirls, Background Basics: Wrought Iron
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream, Harvest Gold, Fine Linen
• Paper- Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream, Harvest Gold
• Other- Pure Poppy Baker's twine, Harvest Gold Satin Ribbon, Limitless Layers 2.25" Oval dies, Button.

Blue Gingham Birthday Tag

• Stamps- 2012 Birthday Tags
• Ink- Blueberry Sky, New Leaf, Fine Linen, Vintage Cream
• Paper- Vintage Cream,  Blueberry Sky
• Other- Pure Poppy Baker's twine, New Leaf Bitty Dot Satin Ribbon, Limitless Layers 2.25" Oval dies, Tag Sale #3 die.

Celebrate Invitation

• Stamps- 2012 Birthday Tags,  By Invitation 
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate
• Paper- Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream
• Other- Aqua Mist Grosgrain Ribbon, Button,  Card Base-ics #2 die, Pure Poppy Baker’s twine

A Little Houskeeping and a little update.

Housekeeping first I suppose...

 

So... with the change of Papertrey's website my side bar links to my stamp sets weren't working.  I wanted to let you know that they are now updated to the new website and are working. Let me know if you notice something and I will take care of it!

Also, I changed domain servers back in December. Apparently Google readers hasn't figured out that it's the same website. (Silly ol' Google) If you are noticing that Poppy Paperie isn't showing up in your reader, please click on the +Google button on the sidebar ---> to add it to your reader again... if you still want to view it that way. Um... maybe you won't see this though? Hmmm. :)

And Vinegar? Well...It's my go to cleaning agent right now... love it! 

Now... a little life update. I'm not posting as much since I stepped down from the Papertrey Ink Senior design team (but am still with Papertrey Ink on their release team!)... so I thought I'd share a little.

 I hope you are all having a great beginning of March! Things are a little bit easier going with the recent changes I made with designing... so I've been enjoying more time with my girls and doing much more of that needed and precious one on one time. I'm guarding that time like a mama lion too. The past two nights I spent teaching Pepper to make Pizza so that she could take one over to a friend who just had a baby. :) I'm gearing up for some special programs for Ella's needs and am SO glad for the ability to have prep time for that without sacrificing sleep. I'm not good to anyone with a few hours of sleep. 

There are a few new publications that have come out that I had the opportunity to work on. I just received my copy of the new Party Ensembles book by Paper Crafts Magazine! Holy Moly... or as Ella would say, Devine Bovine! It's terrific! I have three ensembles in that book ... but my favorites are definitely not my own. I was blown away! Talk about feeding my color loving soul! Yes!

Ok... well, I know it's not a post full of projects... or even one... but I just wanted to say "HI" and keep you updated a little. How are you doing?

Spring is almost here!!! Whoohooo!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

p.s. let me know if you have any questions!

EEK... I typo-ed and said I stepped down from the PTI DT on accident. I haven't!!! I stepped down from the Senior DT and am now only on the Release team... a much lighter load for me! Sorry about the typo and confusion. I better not write my posts so late at night any more huh! That SR. postion just got pulled out by my quick spell checking!. I've clarified a little back in the post.

February 2012 Papertrey Ink release

What an amazing and exciting week we’ve had! Here's one last post to share the rest of my February 2012 Papertrey Ink release projects! 

The links to these won't be live yet... but all sets and new products will be available at Papertrey Ink at 10pm EST the night of the 15th.

Here are my projects!

Framed Out...

I'm very excited about this new series! This particular one is SO fun! The typography is fantastic! It's hard for me to do something this clean and simple... but I like how it turned out.

Heart-2-Heart #1...

I don't drink coffee... but Starbucks Carmel Apple cider is something that I crave on occasion! I think it would be fun to get together with my girlfriend and chat over a couple!

The hearts are so sweet in this set!

Frilly Flowers and Sweet Spring...

It was fun working with a totally different color combination than I'm used too with this set. Love the script flowers in this set!

Lovely Leaves...

There are so many possibilities with this set.

 Beautiful Butterflies and Sweet Spring...

These butterflies are SO addicting... and they work great with the Sweet Spring Butterflies too! 

Lighten Up and Background Basics: Medallions...

Super fun lamp set with really sweet sentiments. Background Basics: Medallions is an amazing background building set... I am in love!

 That wraps up my Papertrey Ink projects for this month. Here are the links to the other DT member blogs...

• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Jess Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Nichole Heady
• Dawn McVey
• Debbie Olson
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillilps
• Michelle Wooderson

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

Very Happy Birthday

• Stamps- Framed Out #1
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Orange Zest, Hawaiian Shores, Summer Sunrise, Simply Chartreuse
• Paper-  White
• Other-  Framed Out #1Die, Zva Creative Crystals

Heart Talk

• Stamps- Heart-2-Heart  #1 
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Orange Zest, Hawaiian Shores, Dark Chocolate, Simply Chartreuse 
• Paper-  White, Kraft, Raspberry Fizz Stripe 
• Other-  Heart-2-Heart  #1 Die, Zva Creative Crystal

Frilly Hello

• Stamps- Frilly Flowers, Sweet Spring  
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Fresh Snow, Hawaiian Shores, Palette Charcoal 
• Paper-  White, Pure Poppy, Soft Stone
• Other-  Christmas Label and Frilly Flowers Die, Zva Creative Crystals and Flourish, Felt

Sweet Sunshine

• Stamps- Lovely Leaves
• Ink- Raspberry Fizz, Kraft, Simply Chartreuse, Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate
• Paper-  White, Raspberry Fizz, Raspberry Fizz Stripe, Spring Moss
• Other-  Zva Creative Crystals, Corner Rounder

Simple Butterfly Easter

• Stamps- Sweet Spring, Beautiful Butterflies
• Ink- Noir, Summer Sunrise
• Paper-  Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest
• Other-  Zva Creative Crystals, Copic Markers

Bright day

• Stamps- Lighten Up and Background Basics: Medallions, Happy Day
• Ink- Kraft, Fine Linen
• Paper-  Kraft, Fine Linen, White
• Other-  Zva Creative Crystals, Happy Day Die, Mat Stack 5 die, Lighten Up die

Anniversary Set: Pretty Peonies

It's time to wrap up they Papertrey Ink anniversary festivities... and reveal the final fun! The 5th Year Anniversary set...Pretty Peonies!

Pretty Peonies can only be earned with Customer Rewards points and all the details are available on my Nichole's Blog! Let me just tell you... you will want this set... it IS amazing!

Off we go...

This first card has a more graphic feel … Love the colors together! 

I used Scarlet Jewel, Autumn Rose, Simply Chartreuse, Spring Moss and Fine Linen.­­­

BB: Text Style is used on the scallop border. A Little Argyle works really well with this set too.

Isn’t the detail on this peony amazing! Nichole really outdid herself with this set!

This next card has a clean and vintage feeling.

I used copic markers to lightly color in the small peony. I love the translucent effect because of the lighter colors I used.

Berry Sorbet, Fine Linen, Scarlet Jewel and Dark Chocolate inks were used. I cannot tell you how much I’m lovin’ these Kraft Buttons too! *sigh*

Here are the links to the other DT gals' blogs… See what beautiful projects they've created with this lovely set!

• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Jess Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Nichole Heady
• Dawn McVey
• Debbie Olson
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillilps
• Michelle Wooderson

Hope you all have a great time the rest of the week!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

Warm Peonies

• Stamps-  Pretty Peonies, BB: Text Style, A Little Argyle 
• Ink- Scarlet Jewel, Autumn Rose, Simply Chartreuse, Spring Moss and Fine Linen 
• Paper-  White, Kraft, Simply Chartreuse  
• Other- scallop border Die, Kraft Buttons, Button twine 

Sweet Peonies

• Stamps-  Pretty Peonies,  A Little Argyle 
• Ink- Berry Sorbet, Fine Linen, Scarlet Jewel and Dark Chocolate 
• Paper-  White, Berry Sorbet, Fine Linen, Simply Jane
• Other- scallop border Die, Kraft Buttons, Button twine, Copic Markers

 

Movers & Shakers / Sweet Spring: Day 5

It's time for one last Papertrey Ink Design Team group post! This one’s a doozy too!!! I'm also sprinkling in more of Sweet Spring into the mix! 

We are all sharing projects using the new Movers & Shakers Dies and stamp sets. They are so innovative... sock knockers for sure! Each of us will be sharing something a little bit different... so make sure to check out everyone’s projects!

I chose to work with the Zipper Die. OH MY GOODNESS!!! These are SO fun! It takes me back to the days of sitting on the sidewalk, just outside of Thrifty's drug store... popping open the surprise inside my Cracker Jacks! I can just imagine the excitement I would get if I received something using this die with a new twist on the surprise inside!

Here we go...

 Here is the birthday flower pin trio I created.

So there is a little story behind these. I work in the women's organization in my church... The Relief Society. When a young women turns 18 she can choose to join us in our Sunday meeting and other great things that we do. This can be kind of intimidating to move from your peers into the women’s side of things. One of my responsibilities is to help them transition... to help them know we are thinking of them and are waiting with open arms... when they are ready to cross into that part of their life. This usually means introducing them to everyone and giving them a little birthday treat... like a candy bar or something else to make them feel special.  I thought I would make each one a flower pin and birthday card for this year's "treat". Hopefully they will like them!

Since I know these girls and my daughter is friends with them I did a little asking around about what colors they like. Each pin and card reflects what I interpreted about each of them.

I wanted to share how I made sure I lined up the "secret" messages  that is inside the pull tap of this Movers & Shakers: Zippers (A long) die cute. For these I used the die as an impression plate... then I stamped the area that the zipper appears and then adhered them together with score tape, making sure not to get any over that zipper area.

Sweet Spring worked really well with these new sets too! Each card has a different sentiment... and fits each girl perfectly.

  This first card was give out on Sunday to the young lady... I thought it was pretty sweet that she was actually wearing the colors of the flower too! I kept thinking "I did goooood!"... LOL!

I love having the ability to add the age with the number stamps in the  Movers & Shakers Sentiments!

I think it's fun how the Sweet Spring Frame fit's so great with the Birthday sentiment.

Now... I'm sure you would have liked me to show you the cards "un-zipped"... but I just couldn't wreck it! :) Hopefully showing the inside gives you the idea! 

If you want to learn how to create the flower... I did a tutorial on them  HERE.

This next card shows the zipper die on a standard card front...

This time I created a layer then marked with a pencil where the zipper would lie.  I stamped and sealed it up. 

Here is a close up to the zipper pull area... I "started" it so that the person I am sending this to will know what to do. I think that the score lines add some pretty decorative elements too.

Now... I think that the zipper being already pulled would be pretty on this card too... but I didn't want to spoil it for the person I am sending this too... she needs a little fun too! I used Larger Than Life to decorate the zipper die. The possibilities for this is really endless.

Want to see more  Movers & Shakers projects? Here are the links to the other DT members...

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

OK... one last Sweet Spring card before I finish up this MONSTER POST!  

This is yet another simple Sweet Spring card. I made it more on the slender side and used more neutral colors.

I just love Fine Linen Ink... well, all these colors are amazing to me!

How cute is this little butterfly scene!  I love how the trails look when they are stamped in white on colored cardstock. So floaty. 

Well, that wraps up my countdown posts.... I'd love to hear what your favorite project of mine was from this week's posts. I am super excited to see what you all create with Sweet Spring too!

Make sure to check back tomorrow! We have a few extra fun things to share with you!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

Birthday Flower Trio

• Stamps- Sweet Spring, Background Basics: Medallions, Movers & Shakers Sentiments, Simply You, Distressed Stripes
• Ink- Raspberry Fizz, Summer Sunrise,  Orange Zest, Hawaiian Shores, Palette Charcoal, Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist
• Paper-  White, Summer Sunrise, Hawaiian Shores, Smokey Shadow
• Other- Movers & Shakers: Zippers A die, Bloom Builders #2 die collection. Buttons, Copics, Zva Creative Crystals, Glitter, Score-tape, Pin clasp, Hot Glue, twine.

You Need to Remember…

• Stamps-  Background Basics: Medallions, Movers & Shakers Sentiments, Simply You, Larger Than Life
• Ink- Simply Chartreuse, Dark Chocolate, Summer Sunrise, Palette purple ink  
• Paper-  White, Simply Chartreuse
• Other- Movers & Shakers: Zippers A die, Glitter, Glue Pen

Warm Spring Welcome

• Stamps-  Sweet Spring
• Ink- Enchanted Evening, Dark Chocolate, Spring Rain, Fine Linen, Fresh Snow
• Paper-  White, Fine Linen
• Other- Christmas Label Die, Zva Creative Crystals

Sweet Spring: Day 4

Its day four of my countdown to the release of my newest stamp set, Sweet Spring!  Papertrey Ink has been having some really amazing anniversary activities too... make sure to check today's contest out over on Nichole's blog! I also wanted to thank you for your kind comments! It's so great to hear about your excitement for this sweet set!

Off we go...

This first card is bright and springy... and butterfly filled!

Raspberry Fizz and Summer Sunrise are so great together! 

I shadow stamped the Houndstooth center to add some contrast. There are some little Zva Creative Crystals on the butterfly too! :) Maile's new set is so fun to work with too!

Next a little square card...

I used the single flower image from Sweet Spring to decorate the Orange Zest cardstock.

It's nice to just stamp these lined images and not be too concerned about coloring them in. They have just enough detail to do whatever you are in the mood for!

I know I keep using that oval for grass... I am a little addicted to it to be honest! I love having that option now! :)

That wraps up my sneak peek of Sweet Spring for today! I hope that you will come back tomorrow for more peeks... and another group post! I'm glad that some have you have felt OK asking questions... it's great to be able to answer them for you! 

Head on over to Nichole's blog to see what fun contests are happening!  Lizzie, Melissa, Maile, Heather, and Tiffany have projects to showcase their new sets too!

Thanks or poppying by, friends!

Butterfly Easter

• Stamps- Sweet Spring, Beautiful Butterflies 
• Ink- Raspberry Fizz, True Black, Summer Sunrise 
• Paper-  Rustic White, Summer Sunrise 
• Other- Christmas Label die, Beautiful Butterfly Die, Raspberry Fizz Ribbon, Zva Creative Crystals 

Square Spring

• Stamps- Sweet Spring 
• Ink- Raspberry Fizz, Spring Moss, Orange Zest, Dark Chocolate
• Paper-  Orange Zest, White, Lemon Tart
• Other-  Die, Hibiscus Burst Bitty Dot Ribbon

Sweet Spring Celebrations

It's  Papertrey Ink group post time again!!! I love these so much... not because of what I come up with but because I too love seeing what my fellow teammates create... they are SO amazing!

I'm lucky enough to have Sweet Spring as the sets we are showcasing today! Heather's new Scrambled Eggs is getting equal love too! (It's SO adorable!)

Here are my projects for today. These two sets have me craving spring, blooming flowers, warm sun.... *sigh*. By the way... don't forget to get the scoop on Nicholes's blog about today's Papertrey Ink anniversary contest!

The flowers on the heart tin need a little explaining. I used some of the new frilly flowers dies then stamped them with the oval images from Sweet Spring (the plaid and houndstooth) and Christmas labels (Polka Dot). The centers end up looking rather messy, but buttons fix that.

I used Berry Sorbet, Aqua Mist, and Simply Chartreuse.  I love this color combination!

Here is a front photo of the tin. I haven't put any treats in it yet, but it's waiting for some yummy cookies! 

Here is a close up of the label with the houndstooth oval.

It will be so fun to gift this!

Next is a littleScrambled Eggs Card... isn't this chick adorable!

I had some fun paper piecing with her too. 

I really like using the ovals from Sweet Spring as a grass image.  The sentiment is also from Sweet Spring.

I really like how these sets work well together too.

I had fun creating the little basket and combining the sentiments from both  Sweet Spring and Scrambled Eggs! 

Well, I hope that you've enjoyed learning more about these two fun sets! Sweet Spring and Scrambled Eggs are two really great sets! Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.

Here are the rest of the groups blog links!

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

Head on over to Nicholes's blog to see what fun contests are happening! 

 Lizzie, Melissa, and Tiffany have projects with their new sets too!

I'll have more to share tomorrow... see you then!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

Easter Heart Tin

• Stamps- Sweet Spring, Christmas Labels
• Ink -Berry Sorbet, Simply Chartreuse, Aqua Mist
• Paper- Rustic White
• Other- New Flower and Christmas Labels Die, Simply Chartreuse twill, Buttons, Score- Tape, Dark Chocolate Baker’s Twine, Large Heart Tin, Filler

Easter Chick

• Stamps- Sweet Spring, Scrambled Eggs
• Ink- Dark Chocolate, Spring Moss, Burnt Sienna, Fresh Snow
• Paper- Aqua Mist bitty Dot,  White, Kraft, Bitty Boxes Lemon Tart
• Other- Buttons, Score- Tape, Dark Chocolate Baker’s Twine

Spring Basket

• Stamps- Sweet Spring, Scrambled Eggs
• Ink- Dark Chocolate, Spring Moss, Burnt Sienna, Fresh Snow, Aqua Mist
• Paper- Aqua Mist Gingham,  White, Kraft, Bitty art
• Other- Buttons, Score- Tape, Dark Chocolate Baker’s Twine

Sweet Spring: Day 2

Welcome back and to day two of my countdown to the release of my soon to be released stamp set, Sweet Spring! Thank you for all your kind comments. It's great to see such excitement about this new set! I have a few cards for today...

This first card is quick and simple.... while being bright and cheery! (I am so ready for spring to hit here!) 

Sometimes a girl (me) just likes to color! This large flower trio is pretty fun to color too. I'm not sure I could do without my Copic Markers...ever. I need to take the Copic classes but can never figure out when they will be in Seattle.

I'm really enjoying the new patterned paper.  This new Raspberry Fizz dot one is splendid.  The black gingham ribbon adds to the bright cuteness of this card too. Quick and simple.

Easter is a big deal to our family... way more than in an egg hunt kind of way. It's very dear to us. I wanted to portray the flowers "coming to life" through color.

It may seem weird to see some gray... but it seemed the best way to symbolize what I was trying to get across.

 This frame image in Sweet Spring is really lovely to work with. I trimmed out the oval center and popped it up with foam squares.

I know it's simple... but simple is good too. There are a few details like the Copic Marker shading in the flowers that bring it to life so much!

Well, I hope that you are getting a little better feeling about what Sweet Spring is all about! Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.

Head on over to Nicholes's blog to see  Papertrey Ink sneak peeks!  Heather, Lizzie, Melissa,  Maile, Ashley, Erin, and Tiffany have peeks too. :)

Don't miss tomorrows posts... it's group post day!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

 Easter Morning

• Stamps- Sweet Spring
• Ink- Hawaiian Shores, Noir
• Paper--  White, Smokey Shadow
• Other- Christmas Labels Die, Black Gingham, Zva Creative Crystals, Copic Markers
• Copic- B41, B32, Y32, Y35, YG13, YG11, R30, RV13

Bright Hello

• Stamps- Sweet Spring
• Ink- Noir
• Paper--  White, Raspberry Fizz Polka Dot
• Other- Button Card  Die, Black Gingham
• Copic Markers-T1, T5, Y32, Y35, YG13, YG11, BG11, BG13

Sweet Spring: Day 1

It’s Papertrey Ink sneak peek time again! I’m so excited to share with you this month. I have a new POPPYprints stamp set that is being released Feb. 15^th… Sweet Spring!

Here are some of the details…

Sweet Spring- ($15) is a whimsical and sweet springtime themed stamp set. The set includes petite butterflies, stitched center flowers, unique frame images and sweet sentiments. The frame image coordinate with the Christmas labels stamp set and die and the frame images in both sets work well together! Have fun creating lovely spring themed projects and even baby themed projects with this sweet set!  

 And… that free download from this year’s anniversary festivities goes really well with this set! :)

Ok… off we go!

This first card shows off the frame image from Sweet Spring as well as one of the two oval filler images. 

This frame image is very gender neutral. I think it works great for this baby boy card. I use the new Simply Chartreuse, Dark Chocolate, and Spring Rain Inks... and a new background building set, Background Basics: Medallions, which I adore!

There are 4 sentiments in the set ... this one is the baby sentiment. 

This next card gives you a peek at some of the decorative images in Sweet Spring. The large Flower Trio, Side Butterfly and its trail image. 

I wanted to show you how great this frame image looks on a cardstock layer too. It’s SUPER easy to use too! The flowers and butterfly were trimmed from the new Aqua Mist patterned paper pack. These flowers look great all by themselves... or colored... or paper pieced. Anything works with them really.

This "Welcome Spring" sentiment if fun for whatever note or project you want to make that's spring themed! Also, I think its fun that the oval images can act like grass or other oval images. I love versatility... even when it was unplanned! LOL!

Well, I hope that you've enjoyed this first sneak peek of Sweet Spring! Please let me know if you have any questions and I will answer them in the comments section.

Head on over to Nicholes's blog to find out about more Papertrey Ink sneak peeks! 

Betsy, Jessica, Heather, Lizzie, Melissa,  Maile, and Tiffany have peeks too. :)

See you tomorrow... thanks for poppying by, friends!

Sweet Baby framed 

• Stamps- Sweet Spring, Background Basics: Medallions
• Ink- Spring Rain, Dark Chocolate, Simply Chartreuse, Fresh Snow
• Paper-  White, Kraft, Spring Rain
• Other- Christmas Labels Die,  Pinking Border Die, Twine, Buttons

Rustic Spring

• Stamps- Sweet Spring
• Ink- Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz, Fresh Linen
• Paper-  Rustic White, Kraft, Spring Moss Bitty Dots
• Other- Medium Scalloped Border Die, Dark Chocolate Baker’s Twine, Zva Creative Pearls

Papertrey & Pinterest

I tend to be inspired by beautiful things... whether it is relevant to what I'm doing or not. Beauty is like a palette cleaner for my creative brain... it clears away the cobwebs and allows a little sunshine in so that I can start feeling fresh! That's one of my favorite reasons that I participate on Pinterest. It's also a place to easily store dreams and hopes for future projects... meals and home decor! Papertrey Ink is now ON Pinterest! You can see a sorts of projects that are already filling their boards!

All of the Papertrey Ink Design Team members have created a new project using a Pinterest Photo as inspiration. Here is mine!

While looking through... I noticed that I was being drawn to certian colors. Then I happened upon this group of those colors together!

Now, to me this photo says- Feminine and bold wit delicate touches. I See flowers too.

Here's what I came up with from this inspiration piece!

Gracious Vases seemed to have that bold, trendy and feminine feel I was looking for. Not sure why, but I had a hard time getting a fantastic photo of this card. The white seems more like gray here... but I promise, it's pure bright white!

I used the old version of Smokey Shadow with True Black. 

 I thought I would also share WHO my favorite "pinner" is! Tina Fussell  has such beautiful taste... it's so clean and fresh. I feel calmed by just browsing her pin boards. Here as her BOARDS... and here is her BLOG. 

 Ok... here are the other DT blog links to see what they've been pinning!

• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Jess Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Nichole Heady
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillilps

Don't forget the CONTEST over on Nichole's blog too!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

 

 

Red & Black

• Stamps- Gracious Vases
• Ink- Palette Charcoal, Pure Poppy, True Black
• Paper- Pure Poppy, Smokey Shadow, White
• Other- Medium Scalloped Border Die, Smokey Shadow ribbon, Zva Creative crystals, Score- Tape, Glitter

 

February 2012 Sneak Peek

Just thought I would pop in and post a quick image of my soon to be released stamp set from my POPPYprints line! It will be available through  on Feb Papertrey Ink15th.

This set coordinates with the Christmas Labels stamp set and Die too!  Nichole has more information about the set over on her blog... so check it out. (Nicholes's blog ) 

Come back on the 10th to start viewing some sneak peek projects!!!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

Designing with Papertrey

It’s been a fun journey as a Stamp Designer with Papertrey Ink! I’ve felt some major growing pains as I’ve tried to step out of my comfort zone and learn new things to bring to stamp sets or dies. I’m excited to have a few fun sets and dies coming out again this next year!

As far as a favorite stamp set that I’ve created? You might have read my last post and the whole “favorites” thing. Yep… not a favorites kind of gal.  But I have been asked to share my favorite stamp set to date. Not an easy task because I sort of love them all… it’s a weird thing I know… but true. I thought I would just say Larger Than Life though. Mainly because it’s so versatile and easy to create with… and the fact that I was allowed to create dies to coordinate with the set… well, that made it even sweeter. I absolutely melt when I see someone else’s projects using that set. It’s such a treat!

Ok… so that’s my story… not totally sticking to it because if you asked me tomorrow it would probably change!  If you are interested in seeing some projects… Larger Than Life ---> HERE are some!

I’m sure you’ve seen that Nichole is offering a free, down-loadable/printable, stamp image sheet on her blog. (Nicholes's blog )I’ve created a card using the image I created for it! 

 

These chicks have a looong story. They’ve evolved over a few years as I’ve tweaked them too. They just never found an actual home in any stamp set. I thought that it was time to set them free and let them get some coloring love.

 

A fun side note… these images will go really well with a stamp set I will be having released this month! :)

I hope that you will take the time to create something from the freebie sheet and enter the contest! I’d love to see what you’ve create with these chicks!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

P.s.- Head over to Nicholes's blog to learn more about the contest. CONTEST- Print the Stamp Designer Freebies Sheet and create a project with one of the images, adding link to InLinkz list.
PRIZE- Collection of stamp designer's favorite stamp sets.

Papertrey & My Favorite Things

I've been with Papertrey Ink from the very beginning! I've gathered so many fond memories while I've journeyed alongside as they've grown. Papertrey has become family to me. I am constantly in awe of the progression, passion, and strength of this fine company. I have far too many memories that are "favorites" to be honest... but I will say that Stamp-A-Faire was a huge highlight! If you all could have seen (from the backstage) the heart and soul that was poured into that event... the planning... the detail! Your breath would have been taken away! Nichole constantly put little details into things with the sole purpose of making the guests feel special. Amazing! Spending more time in person with my fellow Sr. design team members, Julie, Jane, and Nichole was incredible too...even though I do turn into a bit of a spaz when I get no sleep. (Beyond silly... *sigh*) And... meeting so many of YOU!!!  I was gifted with several sweet, lovely, and unexpected handmade goodies from attendees! Man... was I glad that I’d thought to make a few extra felt flower pins as a "thank you" just in case someone had made something. It was so fun to "swap" some handmade love! It was truly a wonderful time in my life that I will always cherish!

Because of those and many other special times... It was a very hard decision to step down from the Senior Design Team. It's been a really tough past few months because of being stretched way thinner than I ever thought I could be. I've needed put many design opportunities on the back burner and turn down things that I had dream of being offered. Do I regret that... nope! The time has been going to help my special little Ella as she tries to overcome some big (well, big to us) issues with learning and go through some therapies. She is a happy and healthy girl, so no worries there.  The step down will allow for a little extra breathing room so that I can make sure I am there for ALL my girls a little more. I'm glad I was able to stay with my Papertrey Family on the Release Team though... life just wouldn't be the same without my PTI family! A HUGE congrats to my good friend, Mellissa, as she steps up to the Sr. Design Team.  I couldn't be more excited for her!

 So... were are supposed to choose a favorite project to share. *yikes* I'm not one that has favorites in general. I have a favorite soda, pizza and pillow... that's about it.  No favorite color, style, candy... I just enjoy too much to pick.. Projects, product and stamps.... sheesh, how could I pick a favorite?!  Well, I had to pick something to share for this post... so here it is!

Peaceful Garden is a newer set that I designed and was release back in July of 2011. (HERE are all the projects that I created with this set.) 

What I loved about this projects was the uniqe colors and the overall warm feeling that it turned out to have. I just started out with the the focal folliage frame and built the card from there. I rarely sketch, I usually just start pulling things together until it feels finished.  I'm not a huge Scarlet Jewel user... but it felt SO perfect for this card! HERE is the origninal post for this project!

As far as favorite products... again HOW could I possible choose? I decieded to just pick some things that I couldn't bear to do without. 

1. Kraft Buttons - An amazing new addition to the button collection that makes me swoon! I love the Carmel color that seems to be present with them. 
2. Rustic Twine- While I do love ribbon, my styles tend to be on the simple and sometimes natural side. I find myself reaching for this product most frequently!!! I really love its versatility! (Pure Poppy Baker's twine is right up there with this stuff too!)
3. Fancy Flourishes stamp set - The versatility put this onto the top of my list because it just goes with everything. I still have to tell myself that I can only use it on a few cards each release. I think it's the "motion" that it adds to projects.
4. Gift Card Greetings Die- You might find this an odd choice... but it's such a valuable tool to have for my personal use! We have so many last minute gift needs and long distant family occasion.... it's just a great basic that even my youngest daughter can create with to give a teacher a gift card! This will make graduation presents SO much easier this year!
5. Small Scalloped Border Die - I looked back through the projects I created this year and it seemed that I used this border die A LOT! I'm really glad I have it at my fingertips to use at any time. I think it softens a project a bit... maybe that's why I keep using it?

 I thought I would also post a few other "favorite" projects from this year... both have special memories attached to them!

 This felt flower project was not only neat to create and share with you but I made one for each of my daughters. Each flower was personalized too.... colors and accents were all unique to their styles!

 I made simpler versions of these in pin for Stamp-A-Faire and continue to make both pins and hair combs for gifts!

 HERE is the link to that original post just in case you missed it.

This next piece is special because it reminds me of my oldest daughter. She recited the poem that this stanza is from during a poetry competition.

 It was one of those projects that I loved creating because it's full of personal memories and emotion.

My daughter really wanted to take it to school... but I just wanted it right by my chair to glance at occasionally. A little reminder of her while she is away. HERE is a link to the original post!

I hope that you've enjoyed reminders of these past projects! It was fun to share and reminisce!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

p.s. CONTEST- Don't forget pick one project from Nichole's blog post to use as inspiration and add it link to an InLinkz list on her blog. PRIZE- Design Team Favorites product collection!

 

Fillable Frames Revisited

It's time for the Papertrey Ink Sr. Design Team Challenge for February.... And let me tell you....This one was actually pretty hard! Why? Well, I really like the stamp group that I had to choose from...how was I going to just choose one frame to work with? This past year I've loved having the Fillable  Frames stamp series... every set is special in its own unique way. It would be near impossible for me to actually have a favorite because I find them all so useful and beautiful. I have chosen a frame image that I seem to gravitate toward the most for my two projects today though. ;) Fillable Frames #8!

I've always loved the gentle curves of this particular frame as well as its versatility. It can be elegant and trendy! Love that! One of our tasks was to show the frame in two different ways. This first card shows the frame as an under layer element...

 This allows whatever is in the focal area to be on top and taking more of the center stage. The frame is stamped with Vintage Cream... which I like to use when using warmer tones.

 This card also shows how fun it is to layer the frame over the Tiny Treats: Birthday Mat stack # 5 frame die and image! The little circle center is from Tag-its #1.

This next card shows the frame used as an over layer element. I sometimes forget to use a frame image in this way. It adds something a little different to a card for sure.

To me, this use brings my eye into the card more. I don't know if that makes any sense or not.

My eye is drawn to that Honey Bee right away... then up to the start of the sentiment. I also angled the Chevron Stripes to appear to be pointing to the center. 

Well, I hope that you've got a better feeling about this amazing Fillable Frames #8 stamp set!

Here are the links to the other Sr. DT blogs so you can see what they've created for you!...

• Nichole Heady
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

 

Live Your Bliss

• Stamps- Fillable Frames #8, Tiny Treats: Birthday, Tag-its #1, BB: Gingham, 
• Ink- True Black, Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream
• Paper- Pure Poppy, Kraft, Vintage Cream, Black & White basics
• Other- Fillable Frames #8 Die, Mat Stack 5 die, Heart Die, Hawaiian Shores Buttons, Button Twine, Glitter

Bee Happy

• Stamps-Fillable Frames #8, BB: Chevron Stripes, Honey Bees
• Ink- True Black, Pure Poppy, Fresh Snow, Summer Sunrise, VersaMark
• Paper- Pure Poppy, White, True Black, Summer Sunrise, Hawaiian Shores
• Other-  Fillable Frames #8 Die, Heart Die, Ribbon, Zva Creative Crystals

 

 

Stamp It! Three Ways

I'm very behind in sharing some of my published projects.. so I thought I'd better get moving on that! LOL!

Today I thought I would share one of my assignments published in the newest Stamp It! issues.... Stamp It! Three Ways.

 

 

The full list of supplies can be found in the issue along with 2 other projects I created for the issue. I did use All PTI cardstock and Ink as well as the Simple Sentiments stamp set though.

Cath, over at Moxie Fab, is sharing a lot about this special issue. You should check it out!

So, what have you all been up too? I've been so busy with the girls and the snow days we had... 4 days! We were so slammed... it was bizarre. Oh... I have one question for you all too... does anyone have any experience with a Working Memory Deficit program (for children) called Cogmed? If so, please let me know! I would love to find out what results you saw, if any.

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

 

 

Stamping With Bleach

Every once in a while I reflect on my stamping beginnings and remember something that I used to love to do. Stamping with bleach has such a unique effect on cardstock and I was SO excited to see how bleach interacted with the various Papertrey Ink colors! I love how the technique lends itself to different styles too. I thought I would share a few different projects to showcase the effect. 

A few important things to know and do before you start:

• Bleach stamping needs to be done in a highly ventilated area. I opened my studio windows to increase air circulation and reduce fumes. 
• A paper towel folded into a square, lightly soaked in bleach, makes a great stamping pad. I put mine onto a full sized plate to make sure nothing would drip over the side. Discard this as soon as you are finished stamping.
  
• I used VersaMark on my stamps first to protect them. I am not sure if this is a needed step, but it certainly couldn't hurt the stamp to use it ahead of time. 
• I cleaned my stamps immediately after I finished! I didn't want to bleach to rub off on anything important.
• Use regular bleach. I have tried bleach pens with this and wasn't pleased with the results.

Ok... now onto the projects!

This first card shows bleach on three different cardstock colors. Pure Poppy, Hibiscus Burst and Hawaiian Shores.

I used Mega Mendi Medallion for all of the bleach stamping so that you can see how the images I bleach react with the various colors.

Take a close look at the undertones that the bleach brings out of the cardstock. It's so magical to watch as the bleach soaks in and that new color is exposed! SO COOL!

When I die cut the Heart Prints heart dies out I made sure to strategically place the die on the pre-bleach stamped cardstock. It adds even more dimension by doing that.  The sentiment is from the new Script Sentiments... love that "L"!

Next is a card that shows the undertone of the Blueberry Sky cardstock. Oooooh... it's so pretty!

I love the elegant, yet artistic feeling that the two tones bring. I thought that the undertone looked a lot like Aqua Mist.

The frame I used if from  Happy Day... and the sentiment is from Out on the Limb Sentiments. I love pulling out older sets and bringing them some new love. 

It's funny... I was watching a show on Netflix while typing up this post and the walls in the show were these colors. It was kind of cool!

These next two cards show off a more natural feeling to the bleaching technique. I used Out on the Limb Sentiments for these too.

I was blown away by the Kraft appearance of the Ocean Tides cardstock...

 and the Lemon Tart that emerged from the Kraft!

Isn't this amazing! I'm looking forward to experimenting with more colors!

I hope that you've enjoyed the review of this oldie, but goody technique. I hope you will have fun expermenting with your cardstock colors too. Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments section.

Thanks for poppying by,  friends!

January Release Projects

I hope you all are having a happy sunday! I just wanted to post a quick post to share the rest of my January Papertrey Ink  Release Projects for this month! These new products be available later tonight.

I love the little heart in the new Tag-its set. I went for a more country feel for this card.

 Love those primary colors!

• Stamps- Mat Stack 5 Collection, Tag-its #12
• Ink- Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy, Spring Moss, True Black
• Paper- Green Tea Leaves, In Full Bloom, Bitty Dot Basics, Kraft, Rustic White
• Other- Mat Stack 5 Die,  Circle Punch, Twine

 Next is a might and cheery Celebrations card.

I think that this will be perfect for one of my younger friends!  

• Stamps- Celebrations, Polka Dot Basics II
• Ink- Summer Sunrise, Fresh Snow, Hawiaan Shores,VersaMark, Pure Poppy
• Paper- Hawiaan Shores, White, Bitty Stars, Beautiful Blooms
• Other-Seeing Stars and Celebrations frame Die,  Zva Crystals

I broke out the chalks for this next Lace Bouquet card.

Little crystals are a sweet embelishment for it too.

• Stamps- Beautiful Blessings, Lace Bouquet
• Ink- VersaMark, True Black
• Paper- Spring Moss, White
• Other- Zva Crystals, Chalks.

Well that wraps up the rest of my projects for this month's release. Let me know if you have any questions. :) Here are the links to the rest of the team blogs...

• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Jess Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Nichole Heady
• Dawn McVey
• Debbie Olson
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillilps
• Michelle Wooderson

I hope you've enjoyed the projects that have been shared this week!

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

Simply Jane

It's another group post day for Papertrey Ink! Simply Jane is the set we are all sharing today... it's so sweet and romantic! I love Jane Austen's writings and any movie that's been based on them... I just swoon. I love how this stamp set also reflects the lovely friendships that she so elegantly portrays. That's what I tried to portray in my projects today too.

I just love how this first one turned out! I'm not a huge vintage gal... but this set makes it easy for clean and simple vintage! 

 The little rose image is stamped in VersaMark on Fine Linen cardstock to create the background for the framed focal images.

I thought the contrast of the bright white embossing powder would look great with the Fine Linen, Dark Chocolate and Vintage Cream combo.... I really do love how it turned out!

 The new Kraft buttons are KILLER! I've dreamed and dreamed for this color to become available through Papertrey Ink... and here it is!

 Isn't this the sweetest sentiment? Beautiful font too. 

This next card shows the same frame but on it's die cut.

I also used just the die of the cameo image... keeping the feeling of the card really clean and simple.

 I like the unique colors and combinaations that seem to appear in the Jane Austen era. 

I also used Happily Ever After for the sentiment on this card. 

So... tell me what you think of Simply Jane.... I simply love it! :) It will be available on Jan 15th!!!

 Here are the links to the other DT blogs... enjoy!

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

 Thanks for poppying by, friends!

 

Thank You Gentle Friend

• Stamps- Simply Jane
• Ink- Dark Chocolate, VersaMark, Creamy Caramel (SU)
• Paper- Simply Jane paper, Vintage Cream, Fine Linen
• Other- Oval Die, Kraft Buttons, White embossing powder, Score Pal, Synthetic sponge

 Sillouette Thank You

• Stamps- Simply Jane, Happily Ever After, A Little Argyle
• Ink- Dark Chocolate, VersaMark 
• Paper- Fine Linen, Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores, White
• Other-  Simply Jane Dies,  Score- Tape, Glitter, Fine Linen grosgrain, Kraft Button, Button Twine

 

Mat Stack 5 Collection

It's group post time at Papertrey Ink... and we all have some really great things to share over the next two days with you! Today we are all sharing projects using the new Mat Stack 5 Collection! Nichole has designed a wonderful set ($24) that includes both frame images as well as building images. Here's what I've come up with to showcase this collection!

Every once in a while I need a card for one of my younger friends or for my daughters friends. I thought I would make something bright with a youthful feeling for my first card!

I used the hounds tooth frame as the focal beginning. I thought that the Hawaiian Shores ink turned out really pretty with this image.

The sentiment is from the new Think Big Favorites #12. I trimmed out the lower portion of the sentiment out... and double stamped the top. I used a punched circle, just in case I messed up... I like the extra dimension the circle adds though. I'm really loving the Layerz versions of the Mat Stacks... adds so much to projects!

Next is a more clean and elegant card...

I used a few of the building elements to create the focal flower.

The background layer is stamped with just one image. It makes a great corner frame huh!

Here's a close up of the flowers... it's an interesting image.

 

I thought that Beautiful Blessings was a great companion set to this new set!

Want to see more of the Mat Stack 5 collection? Here are the links to the other DT gals!

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

Happy Happy Birthday

• Stamps- Think Big Favorites #12, Mat Stack 5 Collection, Fancy Flourishes, Let Freedom Ring
• Ink- Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Fresh Snow
•  Paper- Pure Poppy, Enchanted Evening, Summer Sunrise, New Leaf, Fresh Snow 
• Other- Mat Stack 5, Mat Stack 5 layerz,  Fancy Flourish & Eyelet Lace Border Die, Various Buttons, Pure poppy Baker's twine 

God is our Strength

• Stamps-  Mat Stack 5 Collection, Beautiful Blessings
• Ink- Spring Moss, Raspberry Fizz, Summer Sunrise, True Black
•  Paper- White, Spring Moss
• Other- Zva Crystals

Flower Fusion #12 & Script Sentiments

Hi everyone! How have you been? I've been a busy little bee... and tonight I get to share with you some of this month's Papertrey Ink soon to be released sets! Flower Fusion #12 & Script Sentiments are such sweet sets. They both have a lot to offer and are really versatile! They both will be available at Papertrey Ink on Jan 15th!

Here we go!

My first card is full of warm and fuzzies. :) 

The flower in this flower fusion set is very whimsical. This set has a homemade feeling to it. It's very sweet. The sentiments are sweet and supportive too. I wanted to use a color combination that had a retro feeling. (These were my kitchen colors waaaay back in 1988... my first kitchen.) The 80's are SO in right now... but it wasn't ALL neon! LOL!

The background is from the Fancy Flourishes stamp set and the frame image is from Happy Day. (The oval is part of the frame and is hand trimmed and mounted over another one.)

Next is a simple and clean card... that uses both Flower Fusion #12 & Script Sentiments.

I wanted something that could be mass producible, yet simple. Color has the ability to add so much to a project... without adding a ton of extra steps. 

Check out the cute stems that come with this Flower Fusion... So adorable! I kept the natural feeling by incorporating some button twine.

Lastly... a little modern whimsical feeling card!
You might notice the use of several different sets on this card... on the little details.  A Little argyle adds to that funky feeling... I love that set!

Oh... I forgot to mention that the Flower Fusion #12 die collection has a little circle die for the flower centers. It's SO nice to have!

The cute little button style centers contribute to the homespun feeling of this $5 set. Script Sentiments, $15, What can I say.... it's just plain lovely!

I hope you've enjoyed my post showcasing Flower Fusion #12 & Script Sentiments! Here are some links to additional Papertrey Ink sneak peeks! Nichole Heady, Heather Nichols, Melissa Bickford & Dawn McVey.

Thanks for poppying by, friends!

Hope

• Stamps- Flower Fusion #12 , , Fancy Flourishes, Happy Day, BB: Text Style
• Ink- Enchanted Evening, Autumn Rose, Scarlet Jewel, Creamy Caramel (SU)
• Paper- Enchanted Evening, Kraft, Rustic White
• Other- Kraft Ribbon, Flower Fusion #12 die collection, Happy Day Die, Small Scalloped Border Die, Linen Impression plate

Just Because

• Stamps- Flower Fusion #12 , Script Sentiments, BB: Circles
• Ink- Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shore, Canyon Clay, True Black, Spring Moss, Summer Sunrise, Fresh Snow
• Paper - Kraft
• Other- Various Buttons, Button Twine, Corner Rounder

Wish Big

• Stamps- Flower Fusion #12 , Script Sentiments, BB: Text Style, A Little Argyle
• Ink- Raspberry Fizz, True Black, Spring Moss, Summer Sunrise, Creamy Caramel (Su)
• Paper - Raspberry Fizz, True Black, Spring Moss, Kraft, Black & White Basics
• Other- Flower Fusion #12 die collection, Eyelet Lace border die, Button Twine

 

All Booked Up Revisited

Well, HOLY COW! It's 2012! I think 2011 sprouted wing early on and decided to fly WAY to fast!

Anyhow... today is Papertrey Ink Senior DT challenge day too. We are all revisiting the All Booked Up stamp set and dies! Such fun product to make things for others!!! 

 I thought it would be fun to incorporate the new Block Alphabet Die into today's projects. 

I love the quote in this set about books and friends.  I decided to go with White, Enchanted Evening and Pure Poppy as the main colors


I wanted a clean and crisp feeling to these projects.... so white played the main role.


I trimmed out the open book image after coloring it with markers. Next I stamped each die cut letter with a different pattern from Bitty Background Blocks. The bottom strip is stamped with BB: Twinkle.

Here are the bookmarks I created for two of my daughters. These really are super easy because of the bookmark die!

I like the sweet girl reading that is in the circle image from All Booked Up.


I had to laugh... when Pepper saw that I used her "real" name she was a bit irritated. I have been asking her if I could add her nickname to her official name, legally, so that she can be Pepper on all the school documents and stuff. She's adamantly opposed to that. I thought that she wanted to use Sydney more... but alas... I was wrong! LOL! Well... I guess at 13 one can still be wish-washy and it's all good! :) Ella was excited to get hers. We've been working on some special reading recovery books... so it will come in handy!

Well that concludes my post. I hope you have gotten a better feel for All Booked Up. The other Senior DT ladies have some projects to share too...

• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols

---> HERE is a link to my original post for All Booked Up . Happy 2012! Thanks for poppying by friends!

ETA: Thank you to all who made me aware of my comments field not showing up! *sheesh* I've got a help request into typepad... not sure what's going on with it! Thanks for your patience while we get it figured out! If you have any questions, feel free to email me!

OK... another ETA: I disabled a comment service I've used with typepad for a while... not sure why is chose to act up now. Anyhow, hopefully typepad will get back to me... At least you can comment until I get it sorted out though!!! *yeah for google-ing and others who've shared their solutions online!!!

December 2011 Papertrey Ink Release

I have a few more projects to share for this month's Papertrey Ink assignments. It's been such a busy month and I'm so excited for the holidays to come! My girlfriend is hostessing a lunch today and she makes the best homemade candy! I can't wait!

Ok... here are my last three projects for this month. I was happily addicted to using Happy Day with pretty much everything because of it's amazing versatility.

Lock & Key

A great key based set that works well with any style. I went for a more vintage feeling with this card.

Theha Oval frame image works really well with the elegant font in the set too.

It's nice to have the key dies for details like this.

Here are some quick teacher/friend gifts.

Made of Snow Mini has such cute snowmen and accessories. I made these little tubes with bath salts and custom tags.

These will be so fun to give out!

Having four daughters definitely qualifies me as a Princess expert! 
Little Princess is perfect for so many uses... it won't be long before I cant use these very often for my girls. They are growing SO fast.

I know this will get used really fast! Ella has so many friends with upcomong birthdays.
I thought that this Happy Day Argyle frame was PERFECT with this castle image. Ahhh... I love fairy tales! That Mega Mat Stack 4 die is one awesome die too... look how fun it is to create a full card with!

Well that concludes today's post. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions! Make sure to check the gallery for a full list of supplies as well as other DT projects.  Here are the links to the other DT blogs...

• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Jess Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Nichole Heady
• Dawn McVey
• Debbie Olson
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillilps
• Michelle Wooderson

Thanks for poppying by friends!

p.s. New products now become available at 10pm EST/7pm PST the night of the 15th!

Love & Marriage and Happy Day: Day 5

Welcome to the 2nd group post for Papertrey Ink this month! We are sharing projects using Nichole's new Love & marriage stamp set! I'm also sharing just a tad more of my Happy Day set.

 Love & Marriage truly embodies timeless love. I thought it would be fun to create a card for a young couple who just got engaged! It needed to be bright and fun just like they are.

I stamped the tree imagine Aqua Mist then colored it in with a light green Copic. I like the brightness that the tree has with the two combined colors. The heart in the trunk center pulls the concept together of the love growing together to create their own family tree. 

I really like the fonts that Nichole chose too... super pretty! I also used the Congrats All Ways sentiments set to enhance the concept.

This last card shows off the border in the Love & Marriage set as well as the Happy Day Oval frame and sentiments. 

I thought it was fun to create a lattice style trim with the filigree stamp image. I created this with a more mature friend in mind so I wanted a clean and elegant feel to the card.

I can imagine creating a photo frame using these same images and layout. 


Well, that concludes my posts for this month's sneak peeks! I hope that you've enjoyed the week of sharing! I had fun creating projects to share with you! I must add that I also really appreciate your comments that you have shared this week! We all work so hard and it's so nice when you extend that little extra to us!

Here are the links to the other DT blogs! Just hold on to your seat-belts... these ladies BLOW my mind!

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

Thanks for poppying by friends!

Starting Family Tree

• Stamps- Love & Marriag, Congrats All Ways
• Ink- Agua Mist, True Black, Pure Poppy, Creamy Caramel 
• Paper- Rustic White
• Other- Heart Die, Buttons and Pure Poppy Baker's Twine, Copic Marker

Birthday Rose

• Stamps- Rosie Posie, Happy Day 
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Scarlet Jewel, Ripe Avocado
• Paper- Rustic Cream, Ripe Avocado
• Other- Happy Day,Rosie Posie Dies,  Zva Creative Pearls

 

Rosie Posie and Happy Day:Day 4

Today is the 2nd group post day at Papertrey Ink. It's all about Rosie Posie! I'm also sharing Happy Day projects too. Nichole gave us a little twist this month too... we had to choose two inspiration photos to work with and base our projects on. This was so fun! Let's get started!

Here is my inspiration photo...

  (Pinterest)

I adore the neutral colors together. Especially the charcol and tan. I thought this would translate beautifully to paper using the new Rosie Posie stamp set! Here is my take on this inspiration piece.

I guess I was pretty literal in my interpretation. :) I love the clean and vintage feel that this turned out to have. The Rosie Posie flowers are simply outstanding to stamp and play with! 

Look how fun these champagne colored pearls look in the flower centers! SO sweet!

I thought that the Happy Day Oval center frame was the elegant choice to go with this concept.

I didn't start out creating an anniversary card but after everything came together I thought it was the perfect sentiment to add!

Here is my 2nd inspiration piece. I was looking for a different color combination.

(Pinterest)

 I love aprons... If my frugal mind wouldn't get in the way I would have 50 of them.  It was fun to put one to use as inspiration.

The Filigree border and Small Scalloped border dies add that fringe shape that Aprons typically have.

I thought I would try something fun with the frame and trim off the edge.  I am having SO much fun with this Happy Day frame! The bow sort of represents the bow you would tie the apron on with.

Well, that concludes today's projects showcasing Rosie Posie and Happy Day!  Let me know if you have any questions!

Here are the links to the other team members to that you can hop over and see what they've been up to!

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

Thanks for poppying by friends!

P.S. I hope you are all enjoying this weeks projects. AND having a stress free holiday season. It amazes me how fast time has flown this year. Do you think it's a too busy thing or maybe a stress thing that make it fly that fast?   It's just been a CrAzY year! Here's to a calm 2012!

 

Clean Vintage Anniversery

• Stamps- Rosie Posie, Happy Day BB: Text Style
• Ink- Fresh Snow, Smokey Shadow, Creamy Caramel (SU), True Black, Encore Silver
• Paper- Fresh Linen, Postmarks Patterned paper
• Other- Happy Day Die, Rosie Posie Die, Filigree Die, Fresh Linen Satin Ribbon,Zva Creative Pearls and Flourish 

Apron Inspired Mother's day

• Stamps- Rosie Posie, Happy Day 
• Ink- Fresh Snow, Aqua Mist, Smokey Shadow,Yellow (SEI cube)
• Paper- Soft Stone, White
• Other- Happy Day, Scalloped Border Die, Filigree Die, Ocean Shores Satin Ribbon, Zva Creative Pearls

 

Happy Day: Day 3 and Flower Frenzy #11

Welcome to day three of my countdown for Happy Day! I'm also sharing projects using Flower Frenzy #11! These two great sets will be available through Papertrey Ink starting Dec. 15th. There is a change from last month as to the time and events so make sure to check out Nichole's blog if you haven't already... She will also be showcasing these two sets today!

Well... here we go! 

This first card shows off the Happy Day frame image and die. 

I love celebrating the 4th of July and just had to include this sentiment in the set.

Did you notice the white bar in the middle of the frame? That's a bar image that I created to fill the center of the Happy Day frame! It's really fun to use to create color variation!

The other images are from Let Freedom Ring! If you haven't seen that set you might want to take a peek. It's a great Independence day set but it's also got some great basics included.

Next is a valentines card using the argyle frame. Notice the fun swirl that's added to the word DAY?

I've include 3 doo-dads like that in Happy Day for some extra fun.  I also used the new Tag-its 11 with the Simple Circles Border die. A Little Argyle is used to create the background.
This was a fun card to create... I was sort of thinking of the classic Alice in Wonderland when I created it.

So, I live in an area that is ALL about Tulips in the spring so I'm really excited about Flower Frenzy #11 I love the scandinavian influence that come because of these beauties. My favorites are the red ones... but there really isn't an ugly tulip!

I was inspired by some fabric I found online and stamped the background on this card in a similar way. I wanted to stick with the same colors for the frame and sentiment too.

I wanted to stick with the same colors for the frame and sentiment too.

I used Copic Markers to fill in the tulip leaves... here are the colors I used.

I really like vintage feeling things that aren't pastel. Natural and bright vintage colors are my favorite! This next card was inspired by a book print I found online.

I masked the card base and then stamped the Stitches and Swirls images around the mask and then let it dry. Next I masked out the stamped images and sponged in the Vintage Cream ink

I kept with the natural theme by using button jute as an accent.

 Well that finishes off my post for today. I hope that you've gotten a better feeling about Happy Day and Flower Frenzy #11. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for al your get better wishes too. I'm hoping to feel better soon. I'm giving my girls Emergen-C to try to make sure they don't get this crud. I hope you all are taking care of yourselves too!

 BTW...Here are more Papertrey Ink sneak peeks!

Nichole Heady

Melissa Bickford 

Beth Silaika 

Heather Nichols 

Dawn McVey 

Jessica Witty

Thanks for poppying by friends!

 Happy Independence Day

• Stamps- Happy Day, Let Freedom Ring!
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Enchanted Evening, Fresh Snow
• Paper- Kraft, Enchanted Evening
• Other- Happy Day Die, Star punch, Zva Creative Flourish

Wonderland Valentine

• Stamps- Happy Day, Tag-its #11, A Little Argyle, Simple Circles, BB: Text Style
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, Smokey Shadow, Fresh Snow
• Paper- Pure Poppy, Rustic White, Aqua Mist
• Other-  Happy Day Die, Mat Stack 4, Heart Border, Simple Circles die

Scandinavian Easter

• Stamps- Happy Day, Flower Frenzy #11
• Ink- Aqua Mist, Pure Poppy, Smokey Shadow, Raw Sienna
• Paper- Rustic Cream
• Other-  Happy Day Die, Zva Crystals, Copic Markers as shown

Book Print Blossom

• Stamps- Flower Frenzy #11, BB: Newsprint, Stitches and Swirls
• Ink- True Black, Vintage Cream
• Paper- Rustic Cream, Kraft
• Other- Mat Stack 4 , Button Jute, Pinking Scissors

Happy Day: day 2

Welcome to day two of my countdown for my newest stamp set, Happy Day! Thank you for all of your comments and feedback. I really appreciate you taking the time to share those with me! Happy Day will be available on Dec 15th through Papertreyink.

Let's get started...  

This first card was inspired by a tv show Ive been watching, Once Upon A Time! This show is all about fairy tales.

 The colors used in the show are pretty deliberate. Lots of whimsical and Forrest's. Hence the wedding forest for this card. I also wanted to show how lovely the Happy Day sentiments are without the frame too! 

I did use the argyle frame to create a border. It really easy to do with the nice open space in the frame. I used Melissa's new Tree Tops set to create the little Forrest.

 This last card is a really clean and simple Halloween Greeting card. 

I really like the combination of this Happy Day frame and the Damask Designs image.

I'm really loving the fonts in this set too... The focal sentiments look great in any color and with any concept I stamp them with. Very versatile!

 That wraps up my quick post for today. Here are the links to other Papertrey Ink sneak peeks!

Melissa Bickford 

Beth Silaika 

Heather Nichols 

Melissa Phillips

Dawn McVey 

Tomorrow I will be sharing some of my favorites using Happy Day... I hope you will join me!

On a side note... I mentioned that Ella has been in the local production of The Nutcracker, playing a "little Brother". I'm so proud of here! She was on stage for most of the first act... that's a lot of marks to remember!

I'm off to bed... been fighting a whopper of a head cold. Thanks for poppying by friends!

Enchanted Wedding

• Stamps- Happy Day, Tree Tops
• Ink- Aqua Mist, Smokey Shadow, true Black
• Paper- White
• Other- Score- tape, glitter, quickie glue pen, Smokey Shadow ribbon

Simple Halloween Greetings

• Stamps- Happy Day, Damask Designs
• Ink- Tsukineko Brown, Basic Black, Smokey Shadow
• Paper- Canyon Clay, True Black, Rustic Cream
• Other- Happy Day Die, Zva creative Crystal flourish.

Introducing: Happy Day!

Hello all! I hope that your December is going well and that any holiday preparations are going great! We've been unbelievably busy with some good and some not so good things. Basically life... you know how it is. :) One of the good things is that I have a stamp set being released this month! Here's some info about it and a few projects to share!

Happy Day ($24)- an all occasion stamp set that allows for maximum versatility for stampers. You will be able to create projects for almost any occasion!  This must-have basic stamp set features 3 unique and trendy frame images that all coordinate with the Happy Day Frame die (5$).  There are 13 focal and 8 supportive sentiments that can be interchanged to make creating fun and easy. This set will be available on December 15th through Papertrey Ink.

Here is my first project for today... A little Valentine's Day card!

I used the Happy Day frame... this frame inspired the name of the set. I had fun creating the frame shape too. There are two fonts used in this set. One that is very fluid and one that is more block. They really work well with other sets too. The "pucker up" sentiment and lemons are from the new Tremendous Treats: Valentine stamp set. Such great new scale for these fun images.

I thought I would mention that the frame images are really easy to line up with this frame for me. I really love layering it with other frames too.

 This next card shows the argyle frame in the set as well as three of the included sentiments. 

This frame is extremely versatile. I've created masculine and feminine cards with this frame... and it seems to change so much depending on how it's used. The open center allows versatility with other sets and sentiments too. I know I will turn to this frame over and over again.

I love adding little details. I was going for a woodsy feeling with this card and that inspired the fun crossing of the button twine.

I hope that you've enjoyed the first of five days of my sneak peeks of Happy Day! Please let me know if you have any questions. want more Papertrey Ink sneak peeks? Here are links to where you can find some more!

• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Nichole Heady
• Heather Nichols

Thanks for poppying by friends!

Pucker Valentine

• Stamps- Happy Day, Treamendous Treats: Valentine, BB: Gingham
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise, Noir
• Paper- Pure Poppy, White
• Other- Copics, Glitter, Glue Pen, Happy Day Die, Mat Stack 4 (Mega and Layerz) Rick Rack Die, Pure Poppy Button, Pure Poppy Bakers twine.

Forest Father's Day

• Stamps- Happy Day, Masculine Motifs, BB: Text Style, BB: Woodgrain
• Ink- Enchanted Evening, Ripe Avocado, Java (Tsukineko)
• Paper- Kraft, Rustic Cream
• Other- Button Jute, Happy Day Die, Hole Punch

November 2011 Papertrey Ink Sneak Peek

I've got a fun stamp set that is getting release this month through Papertrey Ink! Here is the preview that was shown over on Nichole's blog!

I think you will be please with how versatile this new set is... plus the matching die is such a lovely shape! I've been having so much fun creating with it this past week too. It's been an all season type of party at my house! :) Come back starting on Dec. 10th to see some projects that I've created using this must-have basic!

Thanks for poppying by friends!

Vintage Ornaments Revisited

 We are officially ready for Christmas in the Johnson house! The tree is up (earlier than normal!) and the lights are even strung on the house! It's kind of a miracle to be honest.  And with the beginning of December comes the Papertrey Ink Senior DT challenge! We are revisiting Vintage Ornaments and additions! 

 I love the retro feeling that these sets lean toward. I thought I would create a retro clean card to start off with.

I die cut these from Vintage White cardstock then stamped the main solid image. Next I Stamped the  long ornament with the drip image in Fresh Snow ink then Heat and Stick embossing powder. (I think mine is from Stampin' Up!) I then followed the directions and stuck glitter to it.

The other images were inked in VersaMark then the darker ink color (Ripe Avocado and Enchanted Evening)  to make the decorative image stand out. I used that heat and stick and glitter again to add that retro glitz that I love so much! These remind me so much of what I remember seeing as a kid.

Every year I give my girls an ornament for the tree. They love this tradition and look forward to it every year. I have on bought them a few times… usually right around the time I have a newborn. LOL! This year I thought it would be fun to use this Vintage Ornaments die. Each one is personalized and has a unique color bow... Ella's really into yellow right!

These are more time consuming than you might think because of the many steps needed to "get it right!". (should have taken photos as I went but it was about midnight when I wrapped these babies up and I was a bit giddy) Each ornament has 4 layers of die cut coaster board. the first 3 are glued together then score-tape sheet is die cut and layered on top of that third layer. Next I die cut the patterned paper and glued it to that 4th ornament die cut from coaster. After letting that dry I die cut the circle out of the center using the Love Lives Here circle with heart die. (see... lots of steps huh!) 

Ok... so now that the hole is in the top layer, peel back the score-tape cover and adhere the final top layer to the bottom three. There will be adhesive showing through the hole now.  Now is a time to stop and die cut all the letters and patterned paper that have been die cut with score tape over them... and adhere them together. Next place that letter, with the protective coating still on, in the center of the showing adhesive in the circle area. Sprinkle with red fine glitter then remove the protective coating from the letter and sprinkle with clear glitter. Whew! Hopefully that all made sense. Let me know if you have any questions. :)

The other Senior DT ladies have some projects to share too...

• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols

Happy December! Thanks for poppying by friends!

•  Stamps- Vintage Ornaments and Additions, BB: Circles
• Ink- Pure Poppy, True Black, VersaMark, Fresh Snow, Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado, Enchanted Evening
• Paper- Rustic White, Kraft
• Other- Vintage Ornaments dies, Heat and Stick Powder, Glitter, Crystals, Silk Ribbon, Baker's Twine, Heat tool.

Ornaments

• Vintage Ornaments  and Love at Home dies, clear and red fine Glitter, Crystals, Silk Ribbon, Baker's Twine, Score-Tape sheets.
  

Inspired Happy Mother's Day

I keep forgetting to share some of my publications here on my blog. Mostly because life has been so incredibly busy... some good busy and some not. Like having Three daughters have Birthday's all in a month's span... Ella breaking her finger and getting a cast on her hand. (She got it off yesterday, on her Birthday!) ... Yes, I could go on... it would probably bore the life out of you all though. It's just been a super crazy busy time. 

Anyhow... here is a card I created for the Paper Crafts special issue... Card Creations: Get Inspired. It's a great issue, full of ideas on how to be inspired by the most ordinary things!

I used Backround Basics: Chevron Stripes for the top trim and Daydreamer for the flowers. You might be able to tell that I used the rock-n-roll technique on the flowers with my Papertrey Ink inks. The inspiration photo that I worked off of was a really cute dress. It was a fun card to create... that's for sure!

BTW... I'm so excited that so many have loved the new Crackle Embossing technique! I can't wait to see what everyone makes using it.

Well, I'm off to get my saturday errands done! Thanks for poppying by friends!

Crackle Embossing

Fun things can happen when you start playing around and experimenting with paper crafting supplies. Today I'm going to share with you something that is new, to me at least, that I discovered during some of that playing around! I'm So excited! I call it Crackle Embossing.

 Have you ever done any decorative painting? If so you probably have heard of or used crackle paint. It's super cool stuff. There are several applications in paper crafting too. Sometimes it's nice to not have to buy something extra or to have one product that can be used for many things. Embossing powder is a must have for any stamper.. and comes in a variety of colors which makes this an even more fun technique... SO many possibilities! Let me share with you how I create something that is Crackel Embossed

Here is a close up of some Crackle Embossing. I can imagine this being perfect on a vintage card too.

If you click on the photo you will be able to see the detail much better!

So let me show you how I created it...
First thing is to take some Score-Tape or Score-Tape sheet and trim it to the size you need. Then adhere that to cardstock. If you are using a lighter colored embossing Powder then I recommend a dark cardstock. You really want contrast so that the crackle shows. Now... die cut the shape you want. I chose to use this Merry die from Wonderful Words: Holiday Die collection.

Next, peel off the cover from the top of the die and sprinkle with powder. Do not press into the powder... just sprinkle it.

Heat emboss and watch the crackle texture appear! It's so fun to watch.
Make sure to not over heat it.

Here it is... all crackle-y and fun!
I'm not sure the dynamics of why it works but I can tell you that you will get a very different result from just pressing the die cut onto a VersaMark pad. There is a really cool separation that happens as a result of using that thick tape adhesive. Imagine how cool this would look with a teal or super dark color on white paper!

Adding dimension to these types of die cut elements can be tricky... so why not just die cut some foam mount tape?
It's easy to just line them up and adhere it all together and to the card!

Here is the card I created showcasing this technique.One think about Crackle Embossing is that I know if will looks great with any style you may have. I'm excited to play more with the concept!

Well.... let me know if you have any questions... I will answer any in the commons section. I hope that you will try this at home! Let us know if you do so that we can come check it out!!!

On a personal note... Thank YOU! Thank you for all of the open arms as I shared, or at least tried to share my raw feelings in my post about Katie's Service. I have to admit that with all of the negativity that's going on online, I was extremely nervous. I'm glad in sharing that I've helped some.

Thanks for poppying by friends!

• Stamps- Background Basics: Circles, Wonderful Words: Holiday
• Paper- Smokey Shadow, Spring Moss, Pure Poppy
• Ink- VersaMark
• Other- White Embossing powder, Crystals, Holly Jolly Dies. Wonderful Words: Holiday dies, Foam Mount tape, Score Tape Sheet.
  

Katie's Service

Many of you have followed Katie's journey...Today was Katie's service. I have learned a few things lately that has taught me that it's important to share... not just my work, but more of my heart.  So here goes...

Today I woke up and got dressed in my Sunday best... kissed my girls goodbye... sent them to school,  got into my mini-van... and started to drive. It was a chilly day... the wind whipped leaves around in a parade of vibrant colors. The view as I crossed over the bridge from Fidalgo Island, where Anacortes is located, was filled with cool, frosted farm fields. As I drove closer I saw foothills that had been freshly dusted with powdery snow. The somber valley reflected what my heart was feeling at that moment.

Sad.

Shortly after realizing that correlation, I looked north to Bellingham where Katie's service was being held... where Katie's home was and her loved ones are. My heart swelled as I saw bright, piercing rays of sunshine peeling back the layers of gloom over the city to which I was headed. That's when I felt it... I felt that gift that God was giving to Katie’s family...and all of us that were headed to her service... beautiful rays of sun... just like Katie was to everyone she came in contact with! It was lovely, just like her... and the memories many of us share of her.

I arrived to Historic Bayview Cemetery and memories of past visits flooded in. Having lived in Bellingham for over a decade before moving to Anacortes, I have several friends and loved ones that now reside there. As I entered the Chapel and was seated I noticed the beautiful flowers that surrounded the simple and natural casket. Simple and natural… again, so very much like the Katie that I got to meet. The most wonderful adornments of the room were the hearts, HUNDREDS of huge hearts in those who attended. The love in the room was so thick! The soundtrack of this lovely scene consisted of sweet whispers and soft sniffles. The sound of  hugs and warm embraces.

Peace.

 A Hospice Chaplin spoke about Katie’s overwhelming support from the online community… through her blog and cards and ability to be completely open… sharing herself so willingly with all of us. Katie brought people together from all over the world. I knew that many of my online friends had been thinking and praying for peace and love to be felt by Kevin and their three boys. I felt it there…and if I, having not been very close to Katie and never meeting Kevin before today could feel it, I can only imagine that they did.

Comforting and playful memories were shared by Katie’s best friend… a friendship sparked in the 4^th grade at a birthday slumber party. It was wonderful to hear more about Katie. As her best friend shared… we smiled, cried and even busted out in laughter. Abundant love filled the room.

After saying the Lord’s Prayer and reciting Psalms 23, we watched as Katie’s casket was gently carried to the hearse and toward her final resting place.  We all walked down in a long, silent parade. Steps were mingled with warm embraces and the soundtrack of sniffles still played in surround sound.

I noticed how many historic headstones surrounded where Katie would be. There was such a nostalgic feeling… I couldn’t help but to remember visiting Katie last winter. The Renz home is in a historic part of town… It’s like a little piece of the early 1900’s has been frozen with all of the beautiful period homes. As I sat with her twins and giggled over their toys… I could feel the love in her home. Her new home felt the same…nostalgic and warm… full of history and love.

Beautiful.

I have to admit that at first it was hard looking at the boys, thinking of their futures. As I watched them rise and pat their beautiful Mother’s casket, wishing her goodbye, tears caught in my throat. I’ve lost friends who left small ones behind. It was hard on them… and their Dads. A sense of peace came to me just then. I looked up and took a panoramic view. Love, SO MUCH LOVE was flowing toward Kevin and the boys. Abundantly flowing, with all of the hope in the world for them. I know the road won’t be easy, but with all of that love and support full of loving memories of Katie… I think they will be OK and still have her “there”through them.

I stayed back and watched the guests meander up the hill…I was the next to the last one there.  I contemplated and prayed. It came to me as I sat there… I want to be more like Katie. To be more open and willing to share my heart, to have more courage in the face of adversity… to be more real and feel more of the joy that is available to me. Life is precious… but it’s the people in my life that make it precious. Living isn’t enough… Living and Loving is what it’s all about.

I walked up to Katie’s casket… placed my hand on it and said farewell with a peaceful heart.  As I walked away I softly sang Amazing Grace to myself and thanked my Father in Heaven for all of my blessings and for the blessing of briefly getting to meet and interact with His wonderful Daughter, Katie Renz.

'Till we meet again in Heaven, Katie... Farewell.

 

November 2011 Papertrey Ink release

What a fun week this has been creating for the November Papertrey Ink release! We are all sharing the rest of our project early!!!

Here are the rest of my contributions...

Winter Penguin

Ella's birthday is on Friday and we are headed to Happy Feet II that night.

Ella adores penguins! We even got her some penguin jammies and a matching robe! (Don't tell here though... it's still a secret!)   ;)

Next is Tiny Tags II...

So many uses with this sweet set. Look how well the stars match with the stars from Love Lives Here: Holiday!  Love finding things like this!

Tag-its #10

Such sweet little images in this set. Isn't this banner darling!

Yep... I had Happy Feet on the mind! LOL!

Birthdays By the Numbers is a really wonderful Birthday set. There is a great frame in the set...

and the font is so fun! I think the cupcake is perfect too... simple and sweet!

I also used the new Background Basics: Circles with this set.

Flower Fusion #10  has several great flower centers...and a matching stem die for the series!

This card was made for a young woman in our church... the colors all represent a "value" in the YW program.

She worked really hard to fulfill years of requirements to earn a medallion. Sort of like earning an Eagle Scout award.

Well that wraps up my cards for this month. Let me know if you have any questions. The supplies will be listed in the gallery.

Here are the other DT blog links...

• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Betsy Veldman
• Danielle Flanders
• Jess Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Nichole Heady
• Dawn McVey
• Debbie Olson
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillilps
• Michelle Wooderson

Thanks for poppying by friends!

 

Stitches & Swirls

 We have another Papertrey Ink group post.. and today we are all sharing projects created using the new Stitches & Swirls stamp set. It's SUCH a beautiful set and I know it will not collect dust in my studio!

Here's my first card... I went with a darker, earth toned color scheme.

I really love that the stamp images are so lovely alone... without anything really added to them. The simple pearl centers to the flowers add just a touch of elegance.

Look at the fun flowers in this image... so pretty. Honestly, I can see using these images all year round for most holidays and occasions. Well, maybe not Father's day. :)

Look at this beautiful image I used with the sentiment. There are so many possibilities with this one.

I honestly cannot wait to create with this set again!

This next card was created with the same color combinations... just a little different style. I love when a seemingly obvious background image is strong enough to be a focal point.

I made a faux wood panel then stamped the stitched image onto it. There are some decorative score lines on the bottom to add some balance.
These are so simple I can imagine mass producing them. I've had so much need for thank you cards lately too... so it's very nice to have a quick design that I can replicate in a snap!

I've spied several projects that the other ladies have created using  Stitches & Swirls.. my mind is blown... seriously! Here are the links to their blogs!

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

Thanks for poppying by friends!

 Grateful

• Stamps- Stitches & Swirls, Signature Greetings
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream, Java (Tsukineko)
• Paper- Pure Poppy, Kraft, Vintage cream
• Other- Mat Stack Die, Zva Creative Pearls

Simple Thank You

• Stamps- Stitches & Swirls, Inside & Out: Thank You
• Ink- Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream, Java (Tsukineko)
• Paper- Pure Poppy, Kraft, Vintage cream
• Other- Score-pal, Zva Creative Pearls

 

Door to Door

It's group post day at Papertrey Ink!!! It's so fun to participate in these. I love seeing what everyone creates with the chosen set. Today we are all sharing projects using Door to Door...one of Nichole's new sets!

I lived in New York for a short time and have warm memories of welcoming porches and elegant entryways that seemed unique to the region. Door to Door brings back those warm and inviting feelings! I thought it would be fun to create an interactive invitation using this fun set.

I used a copic marker in gray to outline the while ink... adding some depth to the images. The new dies that coordinate with this set make it really easy to create something interactive and easy. Look at the fun door opening!

I printed the invite information on cardstock, stamped the topiary images the layered it under the door opening.

I thought that a game night at our house would be fun to have... and worked perfectly for this concept. Now... If I can get all the girls' bithdays wrapped up... and the holidays, I will be able to have one!!! Our friends have them all of the time... it's definitely out turn!

I thought the banner image and all the sentiments that Nichole included were brilliant too!

 This set also has several lovely decorative planters, flowers and foliage. I thought I would create one more card using a few of them.

I used my ink cubes to ink the flowers.

I'm also really liking Maile's new Background set too.

I already have someone in mind for this card ... I hope they can feel a hug from me through this. 

I hope you've enjoyed today's sneak peek...  Here are the links to the other DT members so you can click over to see their wonderful creations!

• Nichole Heady
• Erin Lincoln
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips
• Danielle Flanders
• Jessica Witty
• Ashley Cannon Newell

Thanks for poppying by friends!

Game Night Invite

• Stamps- Door to Door
• Ink- Fresh Snow, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy
• Paper- Kraft, spring Moss, White
• Other- Door to Door die, Copic marker

Thoughts and Prayers

• Stamps- Door to Door, Background Basic: Circles, Willow
• Ink- VersaMark, Smokey Shadow, Summer Sunrise, True Black
• Paper- Smokey Shadow, Spring Moss, White
• Other- Mat Stack 4 die, Zva Creative Crystals, Smokey Shadow Ribbon

Willow

Today I get to help introduce the new Willow stamp set from Papertrey Ink and share a few sneak peek projects with you! It's a really sweet set with lovely sentiments and a lovely willow tree image. I really enjoyed creating with it. :)

This first card was inspired by many art pieces and photos I found online that show the changing seasons. I have lost several loved ones and I know how various feelings pop up in different seasons.

Each panel is one inch wide. I sponged the ink and made sure to blend the colors from one panel to the next. I used a post-it note to mask the panels after adhering them, then I stamped the season elements.

The tree is inked to reflect the seasons too.
I had a special family in mind when I created this card so I really wanted a feeling of love to come through... love and warmth.I thought the concept of changing seasons went well with this sentiment too. 

The next card is more sweet and simple. While Willow seems like an obvious sympathy set, I saw a few other things that it can be used for. Miss You and Thinking of You came to mind with this sentiment.

I wanted to portray a feeling of love but not IN love... the tree bearing heart fruit seemed to work.
I think the crystals add some sweetness too.

This next card was inspired by a favorite childhood book... The Giving Tree.

I remembered the cover of the book and the page about the boy receiving the apple from the tree. Loved that... that book meant so much to me as a child. I thought a simple card could easily convey that feeling too.

I used a craft knife to trim the leaf that holds the apple that I trimmed out. Now if I only had a sweet little boy stamp to catch that little apple like on the .

I hope that you've enjoyed a little preview of the new Willow stamp set. It will be available through Papertrey Ink on Nov. 15th. Nichole has several great projects to share using this set. These ladies have sneak peeks too!

• Dawn
• Heather
• Danielle
• Melissa
• Beth

 

 Seasons Ahead

• Stamps- Willow, In the Meadow, Remember, Up, Up and Away, Garden Variety
• Ink- Fresh Snow, Enchanted Evening, Ripe Avocado, Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate. Orange- Stewart Superior.
• Paper- Rustic Cream, Kraft
• Other- Vintage Buttons, Pinking die, Score Buddy, Willow Dies

Special Someone Love

• Stamps- Willow, Communique Sentiments
• Ink- True Black, Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy, Berry Sorbet
• Paper- Vintage Cream, Smokey Shadow
• Other- Smokey Shadow Satin, Zva Creative Crystals

Giving Tree Thanks

• Stamps- Willow, Inside & Out: Thank You, 2009 Autumn tags
• Ink- Dark Chocolate, ripe Avocado, Pure Poppy, Spring Moss
• Paper- Rustic Cream
• Other- Craft Knife

Calendar Basics revisited

I can't believe that November is here already! It's just crazy to think of how fast this year has flown. It's also crazy birthday time with THREE of our daughters having birthdays in just a months span.

Today is also Papertrey Ink Senior DT challenge post day too! We are all creating calenders with the various calender products and the Calender Basics stamp set. I'm excited to share with you what I came up with! Click on any of the photos to see better details!

For today's project I used a few really specific things that you will need if you want to recreate it.

• 2012 Mini Calendar Pages
• Tri-fold cards
• Calender Basics stamp set

So what is it that I created... a Desktop Calender card! It fits into an A2 envelope and is a great little gift to give. I'm hoping to give several as teacher and friend gifts at Christmas time.

I wish I would have taken more photos as I worked... hopefully I will be able to explain it well enough. I start out with the tri-fold card and decorate the outside of the middle portion.

I simply stapled the calender together then used score tape to fully cover that back page so it would really stay put. As months pass, pages can be torn off. The decorative top is popped up with foam mount squares too. I used one of the edgers dies for the top... I love the simple elegance it added to the project!

I really wanted simple with this project. I used the Daydreamer flowers because of the clean and graphic lines.

I stamped and trimmed the flowers out and popped them up to add some extra dimension.

Next I scored what will be the bottom portion of the card. It's 5 inches long so from the already scored line I score 2 1/4 inches and then another at 4 1/2 inches out. That leaves a 1/2 inch flap that will be adhered to the back of the other flap. Boy... I hope I'm making sense. Here is a photo that shows the score tape... but it's before I decided that I wanted the other score lines added... hope it makes sense.

Originally I thought I could send it just like this and let them actually adhere it when it got there. Then I realized that having it ready to use was best... hence the score lines. I think it's prettier that way too!
Here is a side view that shows the scoring a little better as well as the depth of the calender pages.

Laying it flat is a cinch too. I'm really exited about making more of these... I need to order more little calenders!!!

Finally... I wanted to quickly show you that you really can just pop it into an envelope. A little greeting can even be written on the back of the card. Sooooo easy!

Let me know if you have any questions and I will answer them directly in the comments section.

Check out what the other Sr. Team members... including the addition of the simply amazing Maile Belles to the Sr. team.

• Nichole Heady
• Maile Belles
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols

Mish will be greatly missed with her amazing style but I'm sure glad we get to keep her on the PTI team still! So glad she's sticking around! A HUGE WELCOME to Ashley Cannon Newell too! We are so excited to have you be a part of the PTI family! You can read Nichole's post about the changes HERE!

Thanks for poppying by friends!

• Stamps- Calender Basics, Background Basics: Gingham, Daydreamer
• Ink- Pure Poppy, True Black (New Formula
• Paper- Tri-fold cards, White
• Other- Edgers #1 B Die, 2012 Mini Calendar Pages, Baker's Twine, True Black Button, Score Buddy, Foam Squares, Score tape.

	2012 Mini Calendar Pages

Farewell Sei

I have one last official SEI project to share... so here it is! :) Another card using the new Homestead collection.

I thought about the falling leaves and  warm rich fall colors when creating this card. the stamped focal point is created using 2009 Autumn Tags and Spooky Sweets II.

Buttons and button twine add a little natural, rustic feel to the card too. HERE is what SEI shared about this card.

A final thanks to SEI for letting me participate on this year's team. What a great company you are. I know I will continue to use SEI products too... I've always loved their stuff!

Thanks for poppying by friends!