{capture the moment}

Embellish It! Senior Challenge

Embellishments are the finishing touch that can bring a project from mediocre to amazing in just a matter of minutes, but they also can get to be expensive, especially some of the more intricate versions available on the market today.  This month I have challenged the senior design team to take the path that Michelle Wooderson has explored lately (such as demonstrated in her posts HERE and HERE) and create their own embellishments with supply basics in their stash.  Not only is Michelle's whole idea fun & economical, it also allows you to customize color & style to give you coordination possibilities for nearly any type of project.

I thought I would start you off with my new little exploration, the world of crocheted flowers.  There are several big-name manufacturers that carry these little homespun beauties, but they can run anywhere from 50-75 cents each and the color selection can tend to be quite limiting.  I decided to go on the hunt for a crochet pattern I could use to create my own, but after hours and hours of research and trial runs, I never found anything that I was completely happy with.  So I combined several aspects from different patterns that I liked and created my own method.  It's quick, easy and inexpensive to build your own little stash of crocheted flowers, ready to use in your paper crafting adventures.

I have created a step by step tutorial that even a beginner could follow along with. 

 

• 4 yards DMC cotton embroidery floss (about half a standard package)
• US size 2 crochet hook

You will notice that I decided to use DMC embroidery floss instead of the traditional crochet thread.  I chose this merely for the color availability.  I was able to find the floss in all of the Papertrey colors and with that as a resource I will be able to create these flowers to coordinate with all of my projects. 

If you would like to see my list of PTI/DMC numbers, you can access it HERE.

ABBREVIATIONS

(you can click on each stitch for step-by-step video tutorials that I located)

ch= chain stitch

sl st= slip stitch

sc= single crochet

dc= double crochet

3dc= three double crochets in same stitch

Step 1: ch 5. Join with sl st to form ring.

Step 2: Add 10 sc through ring.

Step 3: sl st to top of first sc.

Step 4: create a small petal in the first sc using the following pattern (sc, 3dc, sc). 

Step 5: continue creating a small petal in every other sc with the same pattern (creating 5 petals total).  sl st to join with first sc of first petal.  You can stop here and fasten off for a small flower that measures approximately 1-inch in diameter.  Or you can continue to create a more elaborate 2-layer flower.

Step 6: flipping to the back of the flower, sc down through base opening of small petal.

Step 7: ch 3, and sc through next petal base opening.  

Step 8: repeat 4 more times in each opening. sl st through first sc, creating a series of 5 loops total.

Step 9: create a large petal in the first loop using the following pattern (sc, 5dc, sc).

 

step 10: continue creating a large petal in each of the remaining 4 loops with the same pattern. sl st to join with first sc of first petal.  COMPLETE!  These really only take a matter of minutes to put together, and once you have the hang of it, it's something you can do while watching tv or waiting in the doctor's office. 

The perfect finishing touch for the center is one of our vintage buttons. 

(click the image for an enlarged view)

Here is a quick little card I put together using my handmade flower and a few of my favorite stamp sets: Birds of a Feather for the sentiment, Beyond Basic Borders for the border and Background Basics: Text Style to accent the leaves I cut from cardstock (inspired by a recent post by Dawn).  

I'm looking forward to using these little beauties in the future.  I mean, what's not to love?  They are even post office friendly! 

OTHER FUN FLOWER RESOURCES...

Here are some other interesting resources that I stumbled on along the way that I thought you may find of interest.

Crochet Pattern Central shares an entire library of flower patterns, all for free!

You can register to receive the Lion Brand Yarn Newsletter yourself HERE.  Every week they provide a new flower pattern!

If you like to do things by the book, THIS ONE is an awesome resource.

Now for even more AMAZING, economical embellishment options, be sure to check out what the rest of the gals have done!!!

CLICK HERE to read more from  Heather Nichols

 

CLICK HERE to read more from Lisa Johnson

CLICK HERE to read more from Becky Oehlers

CLICK HERE to read more from Lauren Meader

CLICK HERE to read more from Michelle Wooderson

CLICK HERE to read more from Kelly Lunceford

On a side note, I wanted to take a moment to thank Kelly for particpating with us for the past two months as our Distinguished Guest Designer!  She has inspired me SO much in the different ways to utilize our products and she has been an absolute joy to work with.  We are thrilled that she will be continuing on with us in her participation within the Timeless Template Team.  Look for more of her work during the upcoming countdown week and in the future!  Thank you, Kelly!!!

I hope you have all been inspired to start mass producing your own embellishments after all of the idea springboards that have been presented today!  We would love o see what you do!  Please feel free to leave a link in the comments section!  Happy stamping!

Supplies for my project, please visit individual team members blogs for complete instructions & supplies for their projects...

Stamps: Birds of a Feather, Beyond Basic Borders, Background Basics: Text Style

Ink: Vintage Cream (leaf border), True Black Detail (sentiment), Versamark (text leaves), Vintage Touch Tea Dye Duo (card edges)

Paper: classic kraft, ripe avocado

Other: new leaf vintage button, needle & thread, handmade flower (directions above)

Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.5"

Sharing my bliss...

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  It's amazing how three consecutive days off can feel so much more like a vacation, rather than just a weekend!  What did you do to pass the time?

David and I hosted our second annual Fireworks & Fireflies party yesterday to commemorate the holiday.  Last year's party was a huge success despite the weather.  This year, the day started out rainy, but cleared up just in time for the festivities to begin.  I'm afraid David and I were too busy playing the roles of host & hostess to take any photos during the actual celebration, but I thought I would share some of the prep work we did around the house to prepare for our 50+ guests.

Earlier last week, we finally decided to put in the flagstone patio I have been wanting under our pergola. Owen & Hannah were real troopers and decided to pull up their sleeves (and pant legs) and *dig* in to help David with the task of removing all the sod.  A special soft memory embraced my heart as I got to see the three of them working together like that.  These two are developing into such thoughtful, helpful, passionate little people.  Sometimes I almost feel as though I will burst with the pride I feel as they show signs of growing up.  Do any of you identify with that with your own children?

After a few days of effort & hard work we had completed one more project to make our house *our* home.  This pergola, complete with swing, was a little project David designed & built for me last year.  Ever since I was a little girl I had dreamed of having a swing like this, dripping with lavender-colored wisteria blossoms.  As you can see, the wisteria is coming along quite nicely, and now that the patio is complete, I am perfectly content with my favorite tea sipping-star gazing-slow swinging spot. 

The first night it was finished, David walked out to enjoy the peacefulness of our new spot with me.  The stars filled the sky in all their wonder, hundreds of lightening bugs flashed off an on throughout our yard and the forest, the crickets chirped their early summer song all while David held my hand.  We were swaying in slow motion with the quiet, rhythmic creak of the swing, going back & forth, back & forth, all while barefoot and completely blissfully happy.  I know I have something special when I still feel like a teenager in love even after ten years.

While David was completing his *assignment* of a shot of the pergola for this post, he took a few more shots from around the yard that I thought I would share.  I am hopelessly in love with adirondack chairs.  Probably because they remind me of my home state of Maine so much.  We have these two sitting near the pergola garden.  I love to sit here to take in some sun and still keep an eye on the kids playing in the yard.  There is just something about sitting in these that instantly brings relaxation to your soul.  Potted pink geraniums sit between the two, just because one can never, ever have too many flowers to surround themselves with (especially pink ones)!

Just in time for the Memorial Day bash, we also put in a new horseshoe pit area.  David built some decking that holds the horseshoes when not in use and it also provides the perfect place to set a bucket full of ice cold beverages to have on hand to help beat the heat while the menfolk play so intently.  Oh, would you look at that... I wonder how those potted flowers got in the *manly-man* area of the yard? *wink* (well, at least they're not pink!)

We put in another small flagstone path through the garden off of our screen porch. It leads to a little firepit area that the kids love to spend a lot of time at in the summer evenings roasting marshmallows.  The path will ensure that they no longer walk ON my flowers, just through them!  I love little stone paths.  They kind of invite you, in a warm and cozy way, to follow along and see where they take you.  There may be a just a few other places around the property where we'll have to add some more of these beauties! (Don't tell David that I am already adding more things to his Honey-Do List!)

And one last parting shot, our annual patriotic front porch decor.  Nothing like the red, white & blue taking center stage!

Thanks for letting me share a bit of my life outside of paper crafting with you today!  Once again, I hope you all had a wonderfully rejuvinating weekend!

May Honorable Mentions

After much delay, I am pleased to bring you this month's Guest Star Stamper winners and honorable mentions.  I decided it was time for a bit of a face lift and I will now be putting more emphasis on the winners themselves and limiting the honorable mentions to a "Top Trio".  In other words, three additional projects that deserved special mention.  I hope you enjoy the changes and take the opportunity to absorb some incredible inspiration from all of the hard work that these ladies put into their projects this month.  Without further ado...

Belinda (a.k.a. cadnileb) created this vibrant & colorful card (using Scattered Showers) that would be sure to brighten anyone's day!  I love EVERYTHING about this project!  The layout, the way the flowers are spilling out over the top of the boots, the angle at which the umbrella sits, the mixture of patterns.  She achieved a perfect balance by having the large bow opposing the large pink umbrella that extends to the right-side.  Everything is just fabulous, Belinda, from head to *toe*!

There were three additional projects that caught my eye...

Julia Aston used the Purse-onality Clutch template to make a little *Get Well Soon* gift set for someone special.  It includes tissues, cough drops and even homemade banana bread!

Anya created a unique raised border with the set, sprinkling in a few raindrops as a background.  The layering and dimension really stand out as a show-stopper!

Heather Jackman was clever enough to put umbrella top images together to form holiday ornaments.  In fact, they look so good, it took me a few moments to figure out which of our stamp sets she had used to create the project!

Jen Tapler achieved one of my favorite looks and made it look effortless, clean & simple.  Her color scheme was drawn from the tea bags included in this special gift box (Get a Handle On It) for her mother.  I love the use of Background Basics: Retro on the new leaf box band.  It hints towards an ethic theme in a subtle and stylish way.  The simple addition of the die-cut leaf extending over the edge of the box softens all of the straight edges and brings it to the next level.  The leaf also echos the pattern found on the teapot from Tea for Two.  Perfect execution, Jen!

Three other ladies incorporated tea in fun & interesting ways...

Dancing Pear Designs made this amazing tea caddy for an upcoming tea party her young daughter will be having. The way she used the teapots as "labels" for each of the section is just brilliant!  Also note the "button legs" she added to the bottom of the caddy, which was created from 4 For Keepsake templates adhered together.  A perfect finishing detail.

Chrissy recently hosted a Mother Daughter Tea and created several of these as favors.  She says the Rounded Wrap-Up template was the perfect size to hold biscotti and a few tea bags.  I loved the color combo she chose along with the way she kept things simple so they were easy to mass produce.

Aaron Brown found this fun frog shaped infuser to use as the basis for her project, which I assume inspired her fun & funky color scheme.  She chose to place some loose leaf tea in glassine bags in the front pocket of the Take Along Tote.

Maria Levy used All-Star Team to create this masculine gift card holder.  She used on of my favorite color combos, ocean tides & kraft, with a splash of pure poppy as an accent!  Using the pennant as a closure of sorts for the flap is a fun way to utilize the shape.  Integrating Fresh Alphabet to finish the sentiment "All Star Birthday" was a clever touch too!  Great job, Maria!

Not to diminish the quality & achievement behind Maria's win, but I am afraid there were no other entries for this category!  I was so disappointed to not have the opportunity to pick a Top Trio of projects using this incredibly fun & versatile stamp set!

Leigh Ann Baird made the most incredible recipe file as her entry in the Timeless Templates portion of the contest.  Utilizing three Filed With Flair templates together made the perfect basis for her project.  She created dividers for the recipe cards using our Recipe Box stamp set and filing system.  I love the way she cut out Recipe Box Label and added it to the front of the trio, adding a bit of a detail for the eye to stop at.  I can totally picture this on anyone's kitchen bookshelf, coordinated in their own color scheme.  I think it is clever & resourceful.  What a fun thing to fill for a bridal shower or house warming party too!  Amazing, amazing results, Leigh Ann! 

We look forward to working with Leigh Ann as a guest on our template team this month!  So if you liked her project today, you will be seeing more from her in one of next month's new template design downloads!

 

Even though only one Template winner receives the top prize of earning the guest position on our template team for this month, there are three other wonderful projects that I thought deserved special mention!

Terri Moore used our free sample download, Stocking Stuffer, to make this fun spring time boot, perfect for dressing up some spring flowers.  The bright pink tulips she used compliment the new leaf green of the boot perfectly.  The added handles that help reinforce the idea of wellies is such a nice touch!

Charmaine Ikach used clear cardstock to create a fun version of the Rounded Wrap-Up.  It turned out to be the perfect size to hold a special girly set of lip gloss.  The addition of the pink Little Lady tag is just SO adorable.  I don't know any little girl that would turn something like this away!

Tracey Cuccia decided to adapt Desk Top Organizer to hold a special rosary bead gift.  A verse from Everyday Blessings was the perfect addition for the lower corner of the insert she created for the box.  What a special & meaningful way to present such a heartfelt gift.  Certainly memorable.

So there you have it!  Didn't everyone do an AMAZING job!  I just feel so blessed to have so many talented stampers utilizing our images in so many fabulous ways.  Thank you to each and every one of you for sharing your art with us!

Want to see your project highlighted here next month and perhaps win a prize?  The categories for this month's Guest Star Stamper Contest can be found HERE!  You have until June 13th to complete your projects, so you have plenty of time to think it over and put something fabulous together!  I look forward to seeing all of your amazing entries!

*Official* May Release Party Contest!

I am so glad to see you here taking part in tonight's exciting festivities!  Welcome!

Now here's your change to win nearly everything you've seen during the countdown this week!  Just by leaving a comment with an answer to the following question...

"What would you like to see from Papertrey for the Christmas/winter holiday releases this year?"

This contest will close at 11:30pm EST.  One comment will be randomly chosen as the winner of our

May "I Want It All" package (a $181 value)!

The winner will be announced here shortly before midnight.  Please play nice, only one comment per person.

Good luck to all of you and we look forward to hearing your thoughts!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED...

 

Congratulations, Karen!  Please be sure to contact Customer Service with your shipping information so we can get your prize package out to you!

A big thank you to all of you that stopped by tonight to share your suggestions for our holiday releases.  We are already working behind the scenes on some exciting products for your favorite time of the year!  It is going to be the best ever!  Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Introducing Fancy Flourishes

We've heard you loud and clear over the past few months and after much anticipation, we are proud to bring you Fancy Flourishes.  Not too embellished, not too whimsical, not too formal, not too doodled.  Just right.  Fancy Flourishes contains 11 flourish images, including one extra large version that measures 4-1/2" wide (perfect for an entire card front).  Let's get right into the projects, shall we!

(click above photo for larger view)

This is one of my favorite flourishes in the set!  I paired it with one of the birds from Birds of a Feather, to represent a flight path.  (It would also go well with the month's new addition, Bird Watching!) I love how the addition of a simple flourish can communicate graceful movement like that.  I'm thinking it would work beautifully with butterflies and anything else that flies!

 

I pierced along two of the strokes that make up the flourish using my paper piercer.  I tried one version piercing directly on the line, and ended up much happier when I did it slightly below, as it's shown here.  Wouldn't this make a wonderful graduation card?

 

(click above photo for larger view)

You can always add supporting images to a flourish too.  This is the large flourish I referred to at the beginning of the post, measuring in at nearly 4.5" high!  I added some stamped flowers from Honey Bees.  It would be fun to go through all of Papertrey's floral sets and see which images would pair up well with this flourish too!

Tiny red rhinestones were added to the flower centers to accent the pure poppy card base.  I love the way the sentiment (from Heart Prints Sentiments) overlaps the flourish.  Just a perfect, simple card!

 

(click above photo for larger view)

Here's a pretty little card inspired by the roses I cut from my garden today. 

 

I love this flourish too!  Don't forget that you can always stamp these images *off* the edge of your card front.  I did that in my project above and it gave it a whole new look.

 

There are a couple of smaller flourishes in the set to allow you to *add to* the larger ones.  Since the blocks and stamps are clear it is easy to place the add-on flourishes exactly where you need them.

 

The patterned paper I created for this project started with the rose from Garden of Life stamped in Hibiscus Burst.  I then over-stamped with one of the script backgrounds from Background Basics: Text Style using vintage cream ink.  I think that this helped to soften the vibrant color a bit and make it seem a bit more vintage in nature.  After completing those steps, I knew a little tea dye effect would be the perfect finishing touch!

I figured now would be as good a time as any to provide a tutorial on how to best use our new Vintage Touch: Tea Dye Duo inking system. Here's what I had to say about it earlier this week...

"This revolutionary antiquing ink system is a special product developed and manufactured exclusively for Papertrey Ink! In the past, whenever I want to add a vintage look to my cardstock, I would use a sponge to apply ink to the cardstock to achieve a softer look rather than harsh look that is achieved by brushing the ink pad to the paper. Until now that is!

Save yourself a step by using these specially formulated ink cubes that contain a tea dye ink perfect for antiquing almost anything! The unique sponge material that the ink pad's surface is made from allows you to achieve that soft sponged look directly to the paper with the ink pad! You can use both colors together for an even more realistic aged look. Just start with the lighter color first and follow up with a smaller layer of the darker hue. This two-toned layering provides realistic results that only take seconds to achieve!"

As you can see from the photo above, you receive two 1x1" ink cubes as part of this set.  The lighter of the two is called Chamomile, while the darker is called Chai.  These specific colors were designed to work best with both cream &and kraft cardstocks. But don't worry!  These two tea dye inks will not be alone for long!  We are already working on additional tea shades that will compliment other uses as well!

There are a few important things to remember when using these tea dye inks.  You don't want to use a whole lot of pressure when applying the ink to paper.  A soft easy swoop with your hand, moving towards the exterior edge of the cardstock will give you the best results.  The other thing to remember is that these inks are much darker wet than they are dry!  Just above, I have put together photos of before and after so you can see the change.  As the ink dries it is really absorbed into the paper and achieves a softer, true vintage look.

 

Now you could leave this alone, with just the chamomile layer in place.  But if you want to take it to the next level, adding a thinner layer of Chai will achieve just that.  You can see between the first & second photo of this process that the moistness of the Chamomile layer allows the Chai to absorb nicely and get that soft variegated look.  Isn't it such a great look?  and easy too, might I add!

You can use just the Chai tea dye ink on kraft carstock too!  It's pretty dramatic how dark it goes on and how light it ends up once it dries.  Now back to the flourishes!

A few of the design team members have already laid claim to the fact that this is one of their new favorites.  Did you catch these amazing projects shared earlier this week that use it?

CLICK HERE to see Dawn's full project.

CLICK HERE to see Lauren's full project.

CLICK HERE to see Lisa's full project.

I hope you are excited about this set as I am!  I think it will quickly become a popular classic and I am just thrilled that we are finally able to offer it this month!  Of course, I couldn't present you with such an exciting product without giving one away to one lucky visitor!  Leave a comment telling me what you think of Fancy Flourishes.  Were you one of the customers waiting for a set like this to be released?  Is there anything special you are looking forward to doing with it?  Here's what's up for grabs...

a FREE Fancy Flourishes stamp set!

You have until 11:30pm EST , (today) Thursday, May 14th, to share your thoughts here.  One comment will be randomly chosen to win this fun prize package.  The winner will be announced HERE on our May Prize Page, shortly before the release at midnight.  Please play nice, only one comment per person. 

Thanks for stopping by again today!  I look forward to seeing you all at the release party tonight!  I think it promises to be lively and full of excitement! 

 

Fancy Flourishes is a set right up Becky Oehler's alley!  Stop by her blog today to see what she created with it!

Lauren Meader has some last looks at the two new templates for May, just to make sure that you are 100% enticed!

Lisa Johnson has compiled some additional ideas using Let Freedom Ring that you won't want to miss!

Melissa Bickford put together a few projects that will seal the deal when making your purchasing choices for tonight!

 

View complete supply lists for all of the above projects HERE.

Introducing 2008 Bitty Star Basics

Just like bitty dots, only bitty stars!  Perfect as companions to anything you create using the plethora of star themed products also being released this month!  Enjoy!

Introducing Hodge Podge

A fantastic mix of some of our older designs in a new 8x8 size!  Featuring two sheets each of 36 patterns from 6 different collections that had previously only been released in 6x6 (and the now discontinued 12x12). 

• Bitty Baby Blessings
• Everyday Blessings
• Father Knows Best
• Pink Patterns
• Guide Lines
• Chocolate Remix

This brings it to a total of 72 sheets, all for $15.  A great way to gain a sampling of several papers at once!

Introducing A Day at the Beach

Candice Aguilar is the designer of the set which I am introducing you to today, entitled A Day at the Beach.  It is just full of images that remind you of lazy summer days and warm weather fun in the sun!  Perfect to use on invitations for all those wonderful summer get togethers, seasonal just because cards for friends near and far, and of course you can't forget all of those summer birthdays!  There are several sentiment choices too in this $24 set making it so worthwhile. 

(click photo for larger view)

Of course, I couldn't resist whipping up a few projects myself with A Day at the Beach and I though I would share a few them with you today!  First is this cute set of flip flop cards.  I love it when I am able to come up with such a simple design that is easy to recreate, yet maintains some visual interest to keep them from being boring! 

There are several different ways to "build your own" flip flops with the different elements that Candice included in A Day at the Beach.  There are solid soles (one plain and one with polka dots) for those who do not like to color.  There is also an outline (used here with fresh snow ink) that you can use for coloring or paper piecing.  I colored mine using the darker shades from our New Leaf Copic Trio.  I love how vibrant the color turned out on the classic kraft cardstock.

The "thongs" portion of the flip flops is a separate stamp, which I added here with fresh snow ink.  A few little rhinestones were the perfect accent for these classic summer footwear favorites!  The sentiment, one of the MANY wonderful summer themed sentiments, was stamped in black detail ink.  I used a white Gel Pen (Uniball) to draw the frame around the focal points.

(click photo for larger view)

The finished result is a clean & simple card with a bit of color pop.

(click photo for larger view)

I liked the way the green turned out so much, I decided to also try it in pink!  EVERYTHING looks good in pink, don't you think?  :)  I used the two lightest shades of the Raspberry Fizz Copic Trio for this.  The vibrancy really pops from the page!

(click photo for larger view)

I liked the white ink & Copics look so much, I decided to execute it with these drink images.  There are two different glasses in this set.  For those of you who do not like to color, there are solid stamps for you to *fill* the glasses with the beverage color of your choice!  Lots of versatility for everyone!

I colored the drinks in with the New Leaf, Raspberry Fizz and Ocean Tides Copic Trios.  Be sure to do your shading on the same side for all three glasses to make it look more realistic.

To make things even more fun, there are little accessories to go with the glasses!  A lime wedge, ice cubes & straw and of course, an umbrella.  I added them to my glasses using fresh snow ink. I was really happy with how will this technique worked for these particular images.  Notice the sentiments I have shown you so far?  Don't you just LOVE the font combo?!?!  I think it is fresh, fun and fabulous!!!

 

(click photo for larger view)

My 30th birthday is coming soon and seeing as how I hardly ever do much to celebrate the monumental day. I decided to throw a big girls weekend at my house this summer in honor of the occasion!  We'll hang out in the pool, grill-out, become gossip girls and lots more!  What better way to officially announce the weekend to my guests than with a pretty invitation!

This adorable bikini image is in two parts so you can use them separately or together.  It also makes it easy to ink each piece in a different color if you like!  I heat embossed mine with White Filigree embossing powder onto Lemon Tart cardstock.  I stitched a tiny lemon tart vintage button to the center of the top to give it a bit of textural detail.

I used Nestabilities Label 1 die to cut the white mat.  The edge of it was pierced and stitched with lemon embroidery floss.  A bit of lemon tart grosgrain ribbon was looped and trimmed and snugly adhered behind the bikini focal point.  As one last detail, the background of the card was stamped with Polka Dot Basics using fresh snow ink.  I think my guests will enjoy these when they receive them!

(click photo for larger view)

I decided to have fun and build a beach scene using a few of the other elements from A Day at the Beach.

 

The "sand" in created with kraft cardstock and stamped with Background Basics: Text Style using Dark Chocolate ink.  The starfish is heat embossed with white embossing powder.  The umbrella is stamped with pure poppy, trimmed and placed right above the umbrella pole, which is a separate image as well, making it easy to add it to your project first using an alternate color.  The background is Polka Dot Basics, using Versamark.  I think the foam tape used under the umbrella top and starfish, really make the project!

So there you have it!  A few fun things you can begin experimenting with when you receive your own copy of Day at the Beach.  Which technique/type of project do you think you will try out first?  Just for sharing your thoughts with us today, you could have a chance at winning a nice little prize!

• A Day at the Beach stamp set

You have until 8am EST , Thursday, May 14th, to share your thoughts here.  One comment will be randomly chosen to win this fun prize package.  The winner will be announced HERE on our May Prize Page, after noon EST the same day.  Please play nice, only one comment per person. 

Thanks for stopping by today and I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow as we reveal some more exciting projects and products!  Thanks for stopping by!

After all that talk of summer it got to me thinking about what the first signs of summer are in my own home, and a few things came to mind...

...hanging baskets on the front porch, spilling over with blooms.  This year I have petunias.

...the appearance of fresh garden veggies in my kitchen again.  Somehow they make the food more meaningful, not to mention they taste better!

...and of course, eating the meals made with the fresh garden veggies out on the screen porch once again.  Watching the show put on by our local friendly lightning bugs, accompanied by a custom soundtrack composed of the sweet chirping of crickets.  A little candlelight is always nice as well.

...and don't forget about the ol' American tradition of Little League games on Saturday afternoons.  This picture reminds me of just how fast Owen is growing up.

What are your first signs of summer?

Michelle Wooderson had fun with A Day at the Beach too!  Be sure to stop by her blog to see what she's been up to!

Stop by Lauren's blog today to see more peeks at her new templates for May!

Lisa Johnson has another project using Let Freedom Ring that will leave you inspired!

Melissa Bickford has more to share with you today using her new Bird Watching sets!

View complete supply lists for all the projects above, HERE!

Introducing Let Freedom Ring

Lisa Johnson has done it again!  After her success with both Life and Background Basics: Spots & Dots, she is bringing you all yet another $15 set that is packed full of versatility and most importantly, VALUE!  I dedicated an entire day to playing with this little beauty and I had so much fun exploring all of it's possibilities!  It can really be used for more than just patriotic themed projects and it almost becomes a challenge to see how else you can use it!

(click on the photo for a larger view)

First I thought I would share the expected 4th of July project, specifically a holiday picnic invitation.  I have always been fascinated with picnics and thought that perhaps this year would be the perfect opportunity for some of you to host one in your own backyard or favorite park this year!

This easy to make accordion pleat accent is something I learned from Kelly Lunceford.  She put together a fabulous tutorial that you can read about HERE.  I used a 1.5" x 11" strip of our Stamper's Select White cardstock and added a few stamped elements.  The strip trio is from Let Freedom Ring, and is stamped in navy ink.  The script is from Background Basics: Text Style, stamped in pure poppy.  I trimmed the edge of the strip with scalloped scissors and then scored it every 1/4" (as Kelly describes in her tutorial).  I then just finished it off with the center embellishment, which also uses pieces from Lisa's new set.  I'm really thrilled with how it turned out! 

 

Our new button twines don't have to be used just to stitch or tie buttons!  Here I wrapped a length of the Rustic Jute around my card base a few times, finishing it with a small Rustic Wood button and a bow.  Notice the the pattern on the navy pocket?  This was created with a well thought out star strip that Lisa included in her set, similar to thought process behind all of our Background Basics sets.  It was so easy and added a special touch to the paper without being too overwhelming.

 

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The invitation was created as a pocket card, with an insert that is pulled out featuring all the details of the get-together.  I printed my information out from my computer onto classic kraft cardstock.  The pleated accent was attached with a foam dimensional so that it will slide on top of the the pocket when inserted in place.

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Now, my next project is a bit of a departure from the first!  How about a baby card?  I love how fun and festive this turned out, while still being soft & appropriate for baby!  I stamped the classic kraft cardstock with Background Basics: Text Style using Versamark ink.  The punched circles were adhered in strips to create a colorful pattern.

 

Lisa designed this wonderful circular star image that features a fun striped pattern.  The star itself is *hollow* (as you can see in the summer sunrise stamped circle at the top center) with a separate star image to use in the center if you wish (like the melon berry version above).  I love how that customization comes into play, allowing you SO many incredible design options!

 

The sentiment is stamped in Vintage Cream ink on some of our popular clear cardstock.  You have to heat set it for just a second or two, and you're good to go!  I laid the sentiment in place and then did the stitching down the centers of the circle strips.  This allowed me to skip adhesive and not worry about hiding it.  I added three buttons to accent the sentiment, tied on with the new Rustic Jute Button twine.  I chose to do this because it complimented the "Baby makes three" sentiment from Bitty Baby Blessings!  I swiped my fresh snow ink pad around the edge of the whole block after the stitching was completed.

 

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This birthday card utilizes some *firecracker" that Lisa included in Let Freedom Ring, as the perfect accessory for 4th of July projects.  Here, I have used them as birthday candles.  I stamped them in pure poppy, summer sunrise and ripe avocado.

I had in mind a graduation card when I created this little number.  I used the solid star (that fits in the center of the open star circle, also used int he baby card above) stamped in fresh snow ink onto kraft cardstock.  I punched them out at different angles using a 3/4" square punch.

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I stamped one of the text images from Background Basics: Text Style using Versamark ink onto dark chocolate cardstock.  All of the star blocks were adhered to the cover using foam tape to give them a bit of pop.  Amber colored rhinestones in a variety of sizes were adhered to the center of each star, making the project a bit more elegant and sophisticated.

The "Way to go" sentiment from Star Prints was heat embossed with Gold Filigree Powder onto vintage cream cardstock.  I punched it out with a 1-1/2" circle punch and trimmed two of the sides to fit in the designated place on the card cover.  A quick little card with a few unique twists that make it fun to create!

This last project is super girly and pink, just the way I like it!  And believe it or not, it uses no printed papers, just some elements from Let Freedom Ring and a sentiment from Handwritten Notes!

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The plaid pattern was created with our Guide Lines 1 Grid cardstock and the stripe trio image from Let Freedom Ring.  I stamped directly on top of the light gray lines of the gridded paper with ease using raspberry fizz ink in one direct and berry sorbet in the other.  I cut the paper so it was at a diagonal to help break up the squareness of my project.

 

The bottom pattern was created with some dotted swirls that Lisa originally designed to be the sparks flowing from the sparklers.  When they are stamped randomly, like they are here on berry sorbet cardstock with fresh snow ink, it makes a beautiful pattern.

And how can we forget our new additions this month?  Spring moss buttons!  Oh, I am so in love with the way these turned out!!!

I hope that between the projects that Lisa has shared paired with the ones I've listed today that you have just begun to see how versatile and fun this set can be. 

We would love to know what you might have in mind for this set once you have it in your stamping space.  Just for sharing your thoughts with us today, you could have a chance at winning a nice little prize package!

• Let Freedom Ring stamp set
• Rustic Jute Button Twine
  
• Rustic Wood Buttons

You have until 8am EST , Wednesday, May 13th, to share your thoughts here.  One comment will be randomly chosen to win this fun prize package.  The winner will be announced HERE on our May Prize Page, after noon EST the same day.  Please play nice, only one comment per person. 

Thanks for stopping by today and I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow as we reveal some more exciting projects and products!  Thanks for stopping by!

 

You can stop by Lisa Johnson's blog today for additional peeks at Let Freedom Ring!

Lauren Meader proves to you even further, just how adorable her new Let's Do Lunch template is!

Kelly Lunceford has a little peek at the project she created for the exclusive design ideas download that you receive when you purchase Let's Do Lunch!

Melissa Bickford demonstrates how incredibly versatile and trendy Bird Watching is.

 

Complete supply lists for all the above projects can be found HERE.

Introducing Vintage Touch Collection

All things vintage & rustic have made a comeback in the past year, especially when it comes to shabby chic.  I personally have been finding myself attracted to the warm, homey feeling this type of look provides.  This month we are releasing a collection of products that will help you to add your own vintage touch to all of your creations easily and affordably!

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We will be releasing two new neutral cardstocks to add to our Paper Basics line-up, Rustic White and Rustic Cream.

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Rustic White falls right in between Stamper's Select White and Vintage Cream.  It features small flecks of natural fibers & flecks, giving it just a hint of a recycled nature.  This cardstock was hand-picked by me, because I have always, ALWAYS wanted a cardstock like this!  The flecks & fibers are small enough that they don't end up interfering with a stamped image, yet it has a bit more character and warmth than our regular white.  It reminds me a bit of birch bark!

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Rustic Cream is just a tad more rich than Vintage Cream and it features the same recycled look, with small fibers and flecks filtered throughout.  It is so luxurious, reminding me a bit of muslin fabric that people sometimes use as the backing on old quilts.  It's almost like having a cream colored version of our popular classic kraft cardstock!  It's just fabulous!

Now, we can't present a collection to you without some new fibers!  We have had numerous requests for thin twines to use with our vintage buttons.  We searched high and low and found a product that we are head over heels for!  And we know you will be too once you try it!  It will be available in two beautiful shades, Rustic Jute and Rustic Cream.  An incredible 20 yards of this button twine is wound around a lovely wooden spool for storage and will retail for $5.  Just another basic supply that you will now be able to order through Papertrey Ink!

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Nothing goes better with all these vintage products than some beautifully rich wooden buttons!  These buttons are actually made from all-natural coconut shells.  As you can see from the above photo, one side is polished smooth, bringing out the rich, warm colors of the button.  The reverse side is unfinished and can be used to achieve a totally different look!

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Unlike our other button collection, only TWO button types will be included in these bags, large and small (shown here).  However, the bags will still contain the same number of buttons as previous releases and be sold at the same price ($5).

The Vintage Touch: Tea Dye Duo ink is the last item to round out the collection, which I described in full HERE.  And don't worry, I will be featuring a step by visual tutorial before release day to show you a bit more about it!

So, what do you think?  Isn't all of this new product just fabulous!  I am really excited to see what you all think the first time you start integrating these supplies into all of your projects.  I know they will bring an element of warmth and homemade goodness to everything you create!  Enjoy!