{capture the moment}

1

Tonight is the night!  Pre-orders for these incredibly versatile scalloped punches will begin TONIGHT at midnight EST!  We will be one of the few websites to have ALL twenty punches available!  We'll be anxiously awaiting your arrival when the pre-order page goes live at midnight!

While you're waiting, here is a really quick & easy project I came up with last night using the Giga scalloped oval punch. An itty-bitty purse!

1. Punch the scalloped oval out of patterned paper.  Flip it over and score on either side of the center scallops.

2. Cut a length of ribbon and adhere one end to the "bottom" of your purse with a glue dot.  Loop the ribbon up the side to form your first handle.  Pierce holes near the top of each side of the handle and attach brads.  Repeat the handle process on the opposing side.  Glue dot the remaining end of your ribbon to the bottom as well.

3. Punch a second scalloped oval from a coordinating patterned paper.  Repeat the same scoring process done in step one. 

4.  Adhere the second oval inside the purse to line it and cover up the backs of your brads.  I inserted an individually wrapped strawberry lifesaver. 

This purse could also hold a Starburst candy, a couple quarters or a tightly folded dollar bill for a child's birthday, or even an accordion folded set of index print size photos. As I always say, the possibilities are endless! 

Papers: polka dots from Paper Salon, stripes from Chatterbox
Ribbon: Hobby Lobby
Tag: Making Memories

2

Faux postage was all the rage for a while when the concept was first introduced to the stamping community.  Why not reinvent this fun technique with one of the NEW Super Jumbo sized square scallop punch?!?!?  This small-sized punch is the perfect way to update it!

1. I printed my "cents" from the computer, and I made it "07" to represent the year.  You could do lots of fun things with this.  For example it could represent an age or anniversary.

2. I punches a mask with a 1 1/4" square punch from scrap paper.  I placed the mask over the computer printed number and sponged ink around the edge.  I then stamped the sweet pea images from Green Thumb.

3.  Once the mask is removed, you are left with your faux postage image.

4.  I then inverted the Super Jumbo scalloped square punch and punched out the image.

For my project I decided to make a fun little card that could be mailed to grandma.  I used a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 block of cardstock as my base.  On the front I adhere a photo of Ethan.  On the back I adhered my faux postage & added a postmark (Stampendous).  I cut a block of white cardstock to fit to the side and had Ethan scribble a little.  ( I handed him three shades of green crayons so I knew it would match my project!  It's all about color coordination, right?!?!?)  I drew the dividing lines with a black pen and ruler.  These fun little postcards could be made in advance and sent each month to a loved one, showing the growth of your child. 

The postcard concept could also be used for wedding thank-yous with the couples photo and pretty floral faux postage.  They could be utilized for birthday invitations.  There are so many possibilities!  And mass production of the faux postage with the scalloped punch is a snap.  Just print your "cents" several to a sheet, add your masked sponging & stamping and punch away!

Ink: Old Olive & Always Artichoke dye inks from SU!, Black Noit Palette Ink
Stamps: Green Thumb from Papertrey Ink & postmark from Stampendous
Paper: old olive SU! cardstock
Other: sanding block for photo edges

3

Today is just a quick and easy card, but fun all the same.  I found that the smallest solid flower from Butterfly Kisses fits perfectly in each of the scallops of the Giga oval punch.  To add a little glam I added a small twinkle sticker to each bloom.  I think the combination of these two elements make a fantastic frame for a sentiment.  This particular card is sized to go in a legal-sized envelope.  The card measures 4 x 9 inches.

Inks:juneberry from Bazzill, sahara sand from SU!
Stamps: flower & sentiment from Butterfly Kisses by Papertrey Ink
Paper:Floral Crochet Pink from Sandylion, juneberry cardstock from Bazzill
Other: velvet ric-rack from basic grey, twinkle stickers from Paper Studio.

4

Four days to go!  And have I mentioned that even though these punches are heavy, we are remaining consistent with our shipping policy?  All U.S. orders over $40 will receive FREE shipping!

Today's project showcases the BRAND NEW Mega rectangle punch.  I thought the shape lent itself perfectly to creating custom slides!

1. Punch rectangle from cardstock.  With pencil and ruler, draw lines between the first and last sets of scallops.  Then draw lines horizontally on either side of the two central scallops.  This creates a quick grid that will help with perfect punch placement!

2. Using the slot punch from SU!, invert it and line up the cross points on one side of the rectangle.  Punch to create slot.

3.  Repeat step 2 on the opposing side.  Flip your slide over to allow all the pencil marks to remain on the back.  There, you have a completed slide!

Add to it and embellish it as desired.  I did some paper piercing & added some brads to finish it off.  You will love how easy it is to use this particular technique to create a focal point.

An added tip...this patterned paper was just green & white.  I went in with a small dot stamp to add some pops of purple ink in the flower centers.  It was very easy and really helped to unify my project.

Ink: fluid chalk ink from Clearsnap
Stamps: sentiment from Faux Ribbon by Papertrey Ink
Paper: White Knight Green from Stemma
Other: green brads from American Crafts, ribbon from Making Memories

5

Only five days remain until Papertrey Ink will be taking pre-orders for the super fab scalloped punches from Marvy!  One of my favorite new shapes we will be offering is the heart.  It will be available in four sizes and is so fun to play with!  Today's project utilizes the smallest of the hearts (referred to as extra jumbo).  I found that most of the Faux Ribbon sentiments fit inside, making this particular heart punch a fun way to make your greeting the focal point of your project.  I also discovered an easy way to turn the hearts into unique scalloped photo corners.

1. Punch heart from cardstock.  Apply adhesive to the back.

2. Adhere heart to the back corner of your card front, allowing the "arches" of the heart to protrude from the edges.

3. Fold over one arch onto the cover, using a bone folder to crease into place.

4. Repeat step 3 for the opposing arch.

For my final project, I also added brads to the corners as a finishing detail. And just think, the larger the heart utilized for this technique, the larger the photo corner you could get!

Ink: Taken with Teal Classic Ink from SU!, Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink from Ranger for antiquing
Stamps: sentiment from Faux Ribbon by Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: teal cardstock from Bazzill, Tiny Dots paper from My Mind's Eye (Bonjour Collection)
Other: brown grosgrain ribbon from American Crafts, brown brads from Paper Studio, heart punch from Marvy Uchida

updates and a CONTEST!!!

PUNCH PRE-ORDER
Marvy Uchida's scalloped punches are all the rage!  There are currently 6 shapes & sizes available, with an additional 14 being added to the collection at the end of the month.  We will be carrying  ALL TWENTY shapes & sizes (and we will have some FUN stamps to match all 20 punches in coming weeks, so you're gonna want to collect them all!).  Pre-orders for these punches begins Thursday night, 12am EST.  Wondering what cool things you can do with these punches?  A countdown will begin tomorrow, right here.  You won't want to miss the fun projects I have to share with you!

ETA: Beginning on Thursday night, 12am EST, on our website there will be "pre-order" buttons next to each type of punch.  You will then proceed just as you would during the normal ordering process.  Credit cards will not be charged until the punches are shipped.  We suggest that you DO NOT order other merchandise with your punch pre-order, as the order will not ship until all the punches are in stock.  Our punches are due to arrive at Papertrey Ink in approximately 1-2 weeks.  Pre-orders will be filled in the order which they were received.

NOW IN STOCK
Little Lady is back in stock along with our stationery boxes!  Our manufacturer was able to fulfill our order early, therefore we are able to pass them along to you, earlier than promised!

CONTEST
Christmas is going to be here before you know it, and we are already preparing some fun holiday images!  We wanted to invite you to be part of the process! We are looking for creative sentiments to include with our images!  These holiday greetings can be punny, inspirational or sentimental.  Have you always wanted to see a special verse to go with a snowman?  Or maybe you have a special greeting you always add by hand to the inside of your cards?  We want to hear them all!  You can email your entries to contest@papertreyink.com before July 1st!

Multiple winners will be selected.  Each sentiment chosen will be worth a $5 gift certificate to Papertrey Ink!  That means if you submit more than one greeting that we chose to utilize, your gift certificate amount would multiply!  There is no limit to the number of entries you can send.  Details are listed below.  We look forward to seeing what you come up with, and thanks in advance for being part of the process!

-entries due by July 1st
-email submissions to: contest@papertreyink.com
-only one winter holiday sentiment per email please
-please be sure to include your first and last name
-winners will be announced on July 15th

Acrylic Stamps & ink

Many people have been emailing me recently in regards to the compatibility of different inks with acrylic stamps.  Everyone has different stamping styles and different "looks" or "results" that they prefer with their stamped images.  The following information is my personal opinion and not necessarily based on any scientific research! :)  I have been using acrylic stamps for about 3 years, and this experience is what I am basing my conclusions/opinions on...

DYE INKS:  I love using dye inks with acrylic stamps, especially richer, darker colors and bright, vibrant hues as well.  My favorite brand of dye ink is Stampin' Up!   
CLEANING: Dye inks may leave a VERY slight tinting on my stamps, but the majority of time they clean thoroughly.

PIGMENT INKS: Sometimes when I want a more vibrant hue or I'm layering images in different colors I prefer to use pigment inks.  Once again, Stampin' Up! is my favorite brand of this particular ink.
CLEANING: The clean up is a dream, with no noticeable tinting.  If the ink is allowed to dry at all on the stamp, a little scraping with a fingernail under warm running water may be in order.

CHALK INKS: These give a BEAUTIFUL matte finish and leave a nice dense coat of color on my projects.  Clearsnap's Fluid Chalk Inks are my personal favorite. 
CLEANING: These inks stain the acrylic stamps pretty aggressively.  There is some kind of ingredient in the ink that penetrates the acrylic and tints it quite thoroughly.  I have not yet found any cleaner that removes this tinting.  The stamps still remain transparent (just tinted, think rose colored glasses!) and that's good enough for me!

SOLVENT INKS:  I have used StazOn frequently with my acrylic stamps, although have recently switched to my personal preference of the Palettes.  I have heard from several people that you should not use solvent ink with acrylics, but I can attest to not having a problem.  I have acrylic stamps that I have used with StazOn for over three years, and the stamps are still performing just as well as they did when I first purchased them. 
CLEANING: StazOn cleaner or Ultra Clean works well for cleaning my stamps after use with solvent inks.  Some staining may occur, depending on how aggressive I am with my cleaning.

PALETTE INKS: Black Noir and Burnt Umber are my two favorites.  The Noir is a nice dense black and I love the look it gives me.  Umber is the nice, deep chocolate brown that I've always wanted! 
CLEANING: The noir & umber will stain your stamps, even after a thorough cleaning. Although,the  staining doesn't bother me, because if anything, I can see the outline of the image better for easier placement/use on my projects. 

ACRYLIC PAINT: To use acrylic paint, I just dab it on with a foam brush.  Or I sometimes use the handy dandy daubers from Ranger! And don't forget, less is more when it come to inking with paint!  I love the uneven nature that a paint stamped image creates.  There is something so earthy and organic about the whole process!
CLEANING: Be sure and clean your stamps with warm water immediately after stamping.  If the paint happens to dry on, I do a little gentle scraping with my fingernail to remove any residue.

In the end, I have three points I always make to the students in my classes...
1. A stained stamp is a loved stamp.  I purchase them to make beautiful projects, not to sit pretty in a box! 
2. If I clean whatever medium I chose to stamp with (Staz-on, bleach, acrylic paint, etc...), immediately from my stamp, long term effects do not apply.
3. Treat your acrylic stamps to a special spa treatment every month or so, depending on how often you use them.  Draw them a nice warm bath (without any soap or bubbles!) and allow them to soak for about 15 minutes.  When time is up, go through and massage each one, while still underwater) using a circular motion between your thumb and index finger.  This helps to loosen any residue that may have built up over time.  When done, you can rub them on your stamp scrubber to remove all the excess dirt and grime for good.  Then pat dry with a lintless cloth or lay out to air dry on a solid surface.

I hope that some of you will find this information useful.  Overall, just remember to have fun with your stamps and not worry too much about what the technique/medium may leave behind.  This craft is all about experimenting and broadening you creativity!  Happy Stamping!

Baby onesie gift sets

Kim Schofield recently sent me photos of some projects she had been working on for a craft fair!  I thought these baby onesies were SO adorable, and they would make such a cute baby gift!!!  I asked her to provide me with some details so that you can make your own! 

The small paint cans are from Eclectic Paperie and retail for only $3.99.

She used dye ink for these projects, but she didn't stamp directly on the shirts.  She used iron   on transfer paper, which was purchased at Staples (here's some I found directly from Epson).  She printed the text from her computer (since it has to be reversed) onto the transfer paper.  She then   stamped the image onto the transfer paper, above or below the text, and simply ironed the   designs onto the shirts. You can also use regular SU! Stampin' Write   markers to color on the paper.  She says they do go through the wash just fine after the design is adhered, although the shirts should be washed first before ironing on the   design.


She marketed the set (altered can, t-shirt and handmade card) for $19.95 and says they were VERY popular and she had a fantastic response!  Congratulations on such an adorable project, Kim!  I will be sure to make some of these as gifts in the future!  What a great concept!

Trends...

Trends are a curious thing.  They come and go, some hang around longer than others. Sometimes trends  have very humble beginnings.  Sometimes a new one is created when a fusion of two popular trends are merged together. 

The trend I am about to introduce you to was begun by a dear friend of mine, Michelle Howell of Floribunda Designs.  Long ago, we met through a love of stamping.  She has recently followed her dreams and pushed her floral design business ahead with full force.  She then took a chance and decided to COMBINE her two passions, stamping and floral design.  This photo is an example of one of her recent creations using Papertrey's Green Thumb.  Could this not be more stunning?  The colors are so incredibly inviting and it just makes me SO happy.  I can almost taste the sweetness of fresh strawberries on my tongue.  Seeing her arrangement is like being transported into a wonderfully warm summer day! 

Michelle's designs have created quite a buzz in the floral world.  She has had her work photographed for Kentucky Bridal Magazine (photo shown here by Clinton Lewis)and has gained so much attention for her innovative designs.  Her knowledge of all things floral is top notch and her eye for color carries over into both of her crafts.  I am so proud of her for chasing her dream!  You can tell when looking at her work, that she loves what she does, every bit of it, right down to the depths of her soul!!!

One of the main foundations for her new trend are Blumeboxes (used in both of the projects shown here).  She is giving away one free on her blog right now, just for leaving some feedback. Be sure and check it out here, Fresh Floral Art, it is dessert for the eyes!

What are your passions?  Have you married two together to start your own trend?  I would love to hear about it!  Share your story by leaving a comment here!

Honorable Mention!!!

Once again we had SO many AMAZING submissions for this month's Guest Star Stamper contest!  Entries were supposed to incorporate Faux Ribbon in a fun unique way!  Melissa Bickford was awarded with first place for her scrapbook page and the unique flowers she created with the set.  She also created some fun patterned paper to use in her photo mat and to cover chipboard.  Congratulations, Melissa!  Your complimentary Little Lady set is on it's way!!!

Because we had so many great submissions, I couldn't let some of my other favorites go without mention!  Here are they are, in no particular order...

Sharon Harnist made this BEAUTIFUL mini-book from coasters.  I love how the patterned paper she created backs the reverse heart chipboard.  She even backed a clear button with it.  The colors she chose are just FABULOUS as well.

Heather Jackman was clever and created a pretty plaid with the stripes from Faux Ribbon.  I love how she also created a wreath with bits and pieces from Green Thumb.  It's never too early to be thinking about Christmas!

I love how Emily Gunnel inked the dotted stripe stamp with two colors and adapted it to be a butterfly trail!  This is such a bold, clean project.  I really enjoyed looking at all the details and coordination here.

Michelle Wooderson made this elegant card with fun touches created with Faux Ribbon.  I really liked the way she bent the scalloped stamp to follow the curve of her circle accent.  This is just so pretty and composed SO incredibly well.

And Erika Hall created this bold, modern project.  I love how she incorporated the square slider on a piece of "faux black ribbon".  Nice, clean & simple.  This project would make a great sketch to utilize over and over again!

So thanks again to everyone's amazing submissions!  This month's Guest Star Stamper contest will be for projects utilizing Little Lady!  The prize will be a special feature in our Ink Pad gallery and a complimentary copy of the new set being released on June 15th!  (Which you will LOVE by the way!  It is one of my very favorites so far!!!)  Happy Stamping!!!