So, is everyone having a good time! (Did I hear a collective cheer there?!?!) You've all been SO enthusiastic about the challenges! What a treat to see all that creativity & inspiration in one place!
Today's post will be a bit lengthy, because I want to make a couple of BIG announcements that I just know you will be super excited about! So make sure you have your beverage of choice close at hand so you can scroll, sip & enjoy!
Yesterday we introduced the 2008 Cardstock Sampler, offering you all of our current cardstock colors in one inexpensive package. Well, why not offer the same thing in polka dots? Over the last few months we have received dozens of requests to create a patterned paper pack filled with the same bitty polka dot pattern found on the back covers of all our patterned paper pads. Our answer to your request is the 2008 Bitty Dot Basics Collection.
Don't all those colors look so pretty together *swoon*! This mega paper pad contains sheets of the same exact bitty dot pattern you have come to love from our covers. The pattern has been applied to fifteen of our 2008 colors. There are three sheets of each color, bringing the collection to a whopping 45 (8x8) sheets (for only $10!!!). With the amount of colors contained in this one pad, you will ALWAYS have just the color you need, right at your finger tips. Especially if you have already converted to the *Papertrey* way of life and are using many of our other colored products! This patterned paper pad, along with our other new releases, will be available for purchase February 15th.
Because we have heard loud and clear how much you love bitty dots (well, I suppose if my arm were twisted, I just *might* agree with you!) we are also introducing a brand new ribbon to our line up!
3/8-inch Bitty Dot Satin ribbon is just the best thing since sliced bread (or maybe I should say "since paper trimmers" to stay on topic?!?!). This photo shows you a closeup of how the new Bitty Dot compares to our existing 5/8-inch Swiss Dot Satin Ribbon. Aren't you just in polka dot heaven! The new Bitty Dot Satin ribbons will only be available in the new colors as we introduce them throughout 2009. However, if this type of ribbon gains in popularity, we just might begin gradually introducing it in the older 2008 colors as well. You call the shots with your purchase power!
Notice that I said the Bitty Dot Satin ribbons would only be available in the new colors as we introduce them? And didn't I just *casually* show you some Bitty Dot Satin Ribbon above? Did you recognize the color? Probably not, because.... it's one of our *TWO* new colors for February!
Just look at those stacks of ribbon!!! It's hard to believe that we'll be offering SIX different styles with each new color introduced this year. It gives you so many options! And don't forget, along with the ribbon you can get matching ink and cardstock to make ALL of your projects perfectly coordinated! New Leaf and Melon Berry are fantastic colors that I am really excited about pairing up with some of our other classics. Here are a few shots of how the new colors compare to some of the older colors to give you an idea of what spectrum they fall into...
I thought after showing you these new colors, it would only be fair to give some away. But......this is our anniversary celebration after all and, well, I thought we should just go a bit BIGGER! How's the saying go... Go big or go home!!!
(you can click the above image for a better view of all that glorious ribbon!)
Today's prize giveaway will be for our ENTIRE ribbon collection, including the 12 spools that won't be released until February 15th! Can I here a woohoooo!!! (only if your kids aren't in the room though, 'cause they may think mama's gone crazy!)
We've put together an extra special challenge for you today, surely unlike anything you've done before!
Download Bitty Dots Puzzler
Now how's that for fun! So download the pdf from above and print it out. Connect the dots and viola! A card sketch! When was the last time you did a connect-the-dots puzzle? I know it has been a while for me! With your completed puzzle in hand along with a stamp set you've been meaning to ink up forever, sit in your special creative space and put together a quick little card.
(you can click on the above image for a larger view)
I took the opportunity to use a few *new* products from the upcoming release to play with this sketch. I paired new Melon Berry cardstock with the Summer Sunrise Bitty Dot Basics paper. I can already tell that these two colors are going to be one of my new favorite color combos! I stamped a small piece of Classic Kraft cardstock with a *new* stamp set (that you'll see more of in a few days*wink*) using Fresh Snow ink. Do you not LOVE, love, LOVE those flowers!
The sentiment is stamped in Dark Chocolate. Love how that layered over the white floral images. Simple little card that will be going off in the mail tomorrow to a very special friend!
So, now it's your turn! Once your project is completed, post it on your blog or your favorite online gallery. But be sure to complete your challenge before 3am EST (midnight PST) Feb. 8th when the contest officially closes! Link your project to this post by using the Mr. Linky Widget installed below.
You MUST provide a link DIRECTLY to your project.
Any links that do not adhere to this stipulation will be deleted.
If your link has been deleted, feel free to submit again and add your corrected link to the list
The following Design Team members have shared their takes on this sketch to help get your creative juices flowing!
Stamps: Friends 'Til the End (available February 15th)
Ink: Fresh Snow & Dark Chocolate
Paper: Melon Berry, Stamper's Select White, Classic Kraft, 2008 Bitty Dot Basics Collection (summer sunrise)
Other: pinking shears, sewing machine, buttons & thread
Finished Card Size: 6.5 x 4 inches
OMG...I am in love with the bitty dots paper and ribbon!!!!
Off to download that puzzle!!
Posted by: Kelsey Forester | February 06, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Oh my gosh! Polka dots are my very favorite! Can you say ka-ching?
Posted by: ginaj | February 06, 2009 at 11:07 PM
So glad I stayed up a bit longer to see this! So many good things revealed! I love the bitty dots paper and new ribbons, and the new colors, oh my! Looking forward to trying out the sketch and can't wait to see more of the new sets!!!!
Posted by: Melissa | February 06, 2009 at 11:07 PM
OMGoodness I am in Ribbon Heaven!!! I love the Bitty Dots Ribbon AND paper! Good thing I have some money saved up for this next release!!
Posted by: Susan W. | February 06, 2009 at 11:08 PM
I am in LOVE with this flower. I am so glad I waited to spend my budget for Jan and Feb. Oh, and that green is to die for. The card is so pretty. I love the sketch. Thanks for all the fun!
ps. I realize that I'm not entering a contest with this post, just wanted to share my appreciation!!!!!
Posted by: Joan B | February 06, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Oh my goodness....I'm in polka dot heaven!!! Great paper, great new ribbon colors.
Posted by: Jacqueline | February 06, 2009 at 11:11 PM
polka dots?!?!?! In every color???? AND ribbon???? I am in heaven! Dots are my FAVE!!!!
Posted by: Tessa | February 06, 2009 at 11:19 PM
You're killing me - I'm trying to economize and here you go enabling me! I love the polka dots!! We can eat beans and rice for a while :-)
Posted by: Jackie | February 06, 2009 at 11:23 PM
LOVING the bitty dots!!! What a treat! I'm VERY scared to see how much this release is going to set me back!
Posted by: Katie W. | February 06, 2009 at 11:29 PM
This is INSANELY cool, Nichole! And you will SO be offering BITTY DOT RIBBON in alllllll the colors for sure! Ohhh this is soooo fun.
Does PTI offer payment plans for monthly purchases? LOL Can't wait 'til the 15th - ohhhh yeah!
Posted by: Michelle in Boise | February 06, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Aaah, I love the flower stamps!!!!! And the paper! And the ribbon! Love it all! Way to keep things fresh and new.
Posted by: young c-m | February 06, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Polka dots are Da BOMB!!! Wonderful ribbon!
Posted by: Mara | February 06, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Oh my goodness, I LOVE the new colors! Especially that delicious melon berry. And all that ribbon - you've come up with another AMAZING giveaway! Thanks Nichole!
Posted by: Michelle | February 06, 2009 at 11:52 PM
How did you know how much I LOVE polka dots?! What a creative way to share a sketch, too.
Posted by: Julia D | February 06, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Fabulous!! Love the Polka dot paper....Love the new colors....Loving the contests. This has been alot of fun!!! You sure know how to throw a good b-day party Nichole!
Posted by: Charlene Austin | February 06, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Oh my - that's a lot of ribbon...but it sure would look great in my craft room!!! And those bitty dots are adorable...you're driving me dotty with all these great new releases!!!
Posted by: Becs Attwood | February 07, 2009 at 12:03 AM
I love your card Nichole, perfect and beautiful!
Posted by: Geny Cassady | February 07, 2009 at 12:03 AM
Love it! I love the dotted line background!!! You are truly amazing and I was trying to tell my husband about you tonight...again!...and I want you to know...you are inspiring! I love my dot set and little alpha...I need to figure out how to upload and enter these contests/drawings!!! I'm dying!!!! Go Nichole and PTI!
Posted by: Shelly Kettell | February 07, 2009 at 12:28 AM
I don't think I transferred enough money to my PayPal account! I love the new green, the dots paper and that flower is beautiful! I can't wait to see the whole set. I haven't had time the last couple of evenings to do the challenges but I will definitely have to do this one!
Posted by: Kim H | February 07, 2009 at 12:57 AM
Dots? Are you kidding me? I go weak in the knees over dots! I will buy, borrow or steal (well, maybe not steal) anything that has dots on it. I just bought two butterfly stamp sets because the butterflies had dots!!!!
These papers and ribbons are wonderful!
Beverly
Posted by: Beverly Montez | February 07, 2009 at 02:18 AM
The little dots paper and ribbons are PERFECT! Thank-you for always listening to your customers :)
Penny
Posted by: Penny | February 07, 2009 at 02:26 AM
POLKA DOTS!!!!!!!!! Really, I think there should be a warning posted before your blog saying anyone with a weak heart brace your self for some GORGEOUS, I NEED TO HAVE ALL OF IT STUFF!!!!!!! I'm like that dog you see in the park that is going bananas with excitment waiting for its owner to throw the darn ball!!! I just love the polka dot paper and yummy ribbon!!!!!!!!! Can I hear an AMEN! I am brand new to this and have yet to order from PTI so I can't join in this great challenge but I just had to share my excitment!
Posted by: Jane | February 07, 2009 at 02:28 AM
Oh yeah, loving what I'm seeing! Know what I noticed? Everyone is using buttons that are mysteriously the same colors as the PTI colors, hmmm...I hope I'm not wrong;)
Posted by: Amber | February 07, 2009 at 03:45 AM
OH My! I love the new green coming out! The dot paper, dot ribbon.....I love it all! I just uploaded my card for today and had to use some dots there too! This week has been so much fun with all the challenges! Thanks!
http://happystamp.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Alicia Weiman | February 07, 2009 at 04:53 AM
I LOVE connect the dots!! That used to be my favorite thing to do - yay! and all that ribbon - fabulous!
Posted by: Bonnie Sharp | February 07, 2009 at 05:46 AM