{capture the moment}

1

Today is the day!  Tonight at 12am EST, all of the stamp sets that I have been dangling in front of you will be available for purchase!  And don't forget our release party at 10pm EST on our SCS forum.  It is going to be a WILD night with an amazing contest too!  Be sure to stop by and say hi!

So, are you ready for the final sneak peek?  It is the grand finale, for sure!  So pull up your comfy chair and your favorite beverage (whether it be hot or cold) and settle in for a good read!

I have saved the best for last!  Let me introduce you to Plain Jane.  Plain Jane Cigar Box that is, from Cosmo Cricket, retailing for $6!  You will love the possibilities that this box holds inside & out.  Constructed of sturdy 1/8-inch chipboard, this box can be easily covered with your favorite designer papers or cardstock.  If altering isn't your thing, painting the box or stamping directly on it's surface is also an option.  The unique die-cut window in the lid really allows this box to stand-out in a crowd.  It is also perfect for containing our exclusive Stationery Kit.

The Papertrey Stationery Kit contains everything you need to create a fabulous set of personalized stationery!  Retails for $8:

(30) 5.5 x 8.5 quality stationery sheets

(15) elegant square flap envelopes

(2) 5.5 x 8.5 white adhesive paper sheets

(1) 2.5 oz. round clear top tin

The stationery sheets are made from high-quality paper, similar to that found is fine stationery boutiques.  It is easy to customize them by adding small images or monogramming to the top of each sheet.  This paper takes ink beautifully!  I decided to do monograms on my set.  To make it easy to stamp the sheets with perfection each time, I created myself a template.  I cut a piece of cardstock 5.5 x 1 inch.  I drew gridlines through both centers and then punched a 1-3/8 inch circle from the exact center.

I was then able to lay the template over the top of my stationery sheet and stamp through the opening. 

It was very easy to place the template on each sheet as I went through stamping them all.  I decided to carry over my patterned paper into the sheets by adding a 3/4-inch strip at the bottom.  If you stuck to those dimensions you could add this detail to every one of the 30 stationery sheets with one 12x12 patterned sheet of patterned paper.

The envelopes feature an elegant square flap that shows you have chosen nothing but the best.  (It is industry standard to include twice as many stationery sheets as envelopes, to allow for two-page letters and errors by the writer.)  I decide to customize the envelopes too.  I cut pieces of the paper about the size of the flap.

I then adhered the patterned paper strips on and trimmed the edges from the back.  It allowed me to see a little better as to what I was doing.

Here is a finished envelope!  Super easy with stunning results! 

While I was playing around I came up  with the cutest idea EVER.  I lined the tin that is included with this kit, using the same patterned paper that I used throughout.  All I did was cut a strip of paper to adhere to the inside side and I cut a 2.75-inch circle to adhere to the inside bottom.  Think of how many ways you can use that concept.  I can hardly wait to use it in further applications!

The adhesive paper sheets are perfect for creating your own envelope seals.  Stamp your chosen monogram or image onto the label paper.  Then punch them out with a coordinating scalloped punch.  The small tin, described above, will contain the seals you create with style!  The recipient will be able to just peel the backing from each label and adhere them in place on their envelopes!

Now that you have all this beautiful stuff, you need a place to gather all of it together.  Here's where Plain Jane comes back into play!  First cut a piece of patterned paper 6-1/8 x 7 inches.  Temporarily adhere in place so that there is some extra overhang over the back. 

Flip the box over so that the patterned paper is face down on your table top.  Trace the opening of the lid with pencil.

Next, you want remove the paper from the lid and cut along the pencil lines with a craft knife.

Finally, adhere the paper back in place on lid, applying extra adhesive on the very back so that you are able to fold the overhang over and down the back of the box.  Use sanding tools in a downward motion around the inside edge of the window to form fit the paper to the box.

For the sides, cut four 6 x 1-5/8 inch strips of cardstock or paper.  Adhere them in the center of each side.  They will not go all the way to the corner, we will be covering those in the next step.  You will need to sand the cardstock on the front slightly since it is a tad lower then the remaining sides, due to the gap allowed for the closing of the lid.

Cut pieces of binding tape to cover all four corners and reinforce the hinge at the back of the lid.  (Mine is from Heidi Swapp).

As the finishing touch, I adhered clear transparency to the back of the opening in the lid and attached a scalloped monogram which appears to "float" in the window.

Here is a little peek of one of the many ways you could arrange the inside of your box with all the contents.  I just love this project because there are SO many different looks and styles you could achieve with such a customizable basis, such as the cigar box & Stationery Kit.  I am really excited to see what you come up with to!

I look forward to seeing many of you tonight at the release party!  Thanks for stopping by!

Supply list to come later today...

2

I am very excited to share today's project with you.  I am an avid "giver", if there is such a thing.  I just love putting special gifts together for people.  I love the opportunity to make someone smile and brighten their day.  I love to make the presentation as special as the gift.  I think that it makes everything so much more personal.

And after all, what is more personal then monogramming???  I decided to compile a wonderful baby gift ensemble that you can turn to again and again.  My friend Cindy chatted with me the other day about this fabulous scrapbook concept she had done for a baby shower gift.  And I just loved it instantly.  In fact, I wish someone had made one for me with each of my babies!

First, to make the actual album.  I stamped the monogram & border.  I found that the circle borders that are compiled in the new set all fit in the circle metal tag rims.  (For a tutorial on how to use these rims along with a few project ideas, see the post I did HERE)  I just LOVE the way that they add a professional and finished look to my projects.  I then simply tied my chosen ribbon around the album cover, and attached the tag with a small jump ring.

Now for the album pages.  Here is the introduction page that will also communicate to you the concept of this gift.  It reads...

"Here is a special scrapbook to preserve memories of your little one's first year.  Leave the current month's calendar on the clipboard in a convenient place so it is easy to jot down important milestones & events.  Once the month has passed, you can slide the calendar page into the scrapbook.  Then on the opposing page you can create a collage of photos involving the moments mentioned during the month.  When the year is complete, you will have documented all those special firsts!  May you enjoy all the blessings a baby brings!"

This is an example of one of the calendar pages along with the altered clipboard I created.  I used the monogram letters to spell out the month.  And a few images from Spiral Bouquet were layered down in the corner.

Here is the calendar page along with the "blank" page that opposes it.  Notice that the calendar page has no numbers.  This is so the new parents can use them no matter when the baby ends up arriving.  The "blank" pages to be used for photos, feature the numbers 1-12, one for each month of age.  The numbers were created with stamps that are included with one of the monogram alphabet sets!  Fun, isn't it!

I decided that little monogrammed onesies would be too cute to pass up as well!  First, I inserted a piece of cardstock inside the shirt.  This prevents the ink from seeping through to the back AND it provides a sturdier stamping surface.

I used Belle Rose Palette Ink, which is permanent, so that the shirts can be washed over and over again, with no fading (This is a proven fact, because I sat on an open Reflection Blue Palette ink pad with my favorite pj pants on one morning, and I have tried EVERYTHING to get it out with no success!  We'll just use the permanent characteristic of this ink to our ADVANTAGE from now on, shall we!?!?!?)

Here is the finished shirt.  The little "Baby Girl" stamps are from the new Borders & Corners set. Isn't it adorable!!!  (Many of you have asked if the words in this set will be sold separately for those of you that already have the original Borders & Corners.  We have taken steps to make them available, but they will not be completed until our release next month.)

Last but not least, it's all about the packaging, right!  I put the album, clipboard, onesies and a card (you can see THIS POST from last month for more details on the card)  into a cute little basket from Wal-Mart.  You could also add scrapbook adhesive, a good-quality archival ink pen for writing on the calendar or even gift certificates for photo developing or printing.  Any new mother would surely be thrilled with such a gift!

So, you're thinking that you just might want to make some of these yourself?  I've got a little surprise for you!  For your stamping pleasure, I have created both the calendar page and the introduction I used in a pdf document.  And I am providing it FREE for you to download and use in your own version of this project!  Enjoy!!!

EDITED TO ADD: There was a small spelling error in the content of the download (what can I say, spelling isn't my strong suit?!?!?)  A corrected version has been posted below:

Download papertrey_first_year_baby_album_download.pdf

I will have some BIG news later on tonight about a special contest we will be holding at our release party tomorrow night!  I will have all the details later, so be sure to check back!!!

SUPPLIES:

Ink- Belle Rose Palette ink, old olive classic ink SU!

Stamps- Papertrey Ink

Paper- Rose Red cardstock SU!, green from Bazzill, white Stamper's Select from Papertrey

Other- Ribbon from American Crafts, 6x6 linen album from SU!, mini chipboard clipboard from Pinecone Press, Mainstays basket from Wal-Mart, silver brads from Creative Impressions, scalloped scissors from SU!

4

Many of you guessed correctly about the stamp sets that were used in yesterday's project!  Here are the details of our newest sets being released on November 15th...

-A new version of Borders & Corners that includes 3 circles that coordinate with the extra jumbo circle scalloped punch 3 squares that coordinate with the super jumbo square scalloped punch.  (Five of the borders are already included in our existing sets, one is brand new.) If you have been waiting to try Borders & Corners, but didn't know what to start with, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for!  They are specially sized for MONOGRAMS!  The set also included many words that you an use to integrate the monograms into your projects, like the "Bridal Shower" detail in yesterday's project.

-TWO monogram alphabet sets, sized to fit in the new Borders & Corners collection described above.   Both sets are uppercase only and $15 each.

-And of course, last but not least, the Spiral Bouquet set that we originally intended to release last month.

One of the fun things about stamping is having the ability to integrate it with other crafts or hobbies that are of interest to you.  I have dabbled a little in beading and enjoy it immensely.  I thought that it would be fun to combine this with our new monogram stamp sets!

First, I knew I wanted to create a monogram charm.  I pulled out one of my old favorites, polyshrink.  The translucent is my personal favorite.  It shrinks nicely and has a nice & smooth matte finish when complete.  I stamped the border & monogram with Palette Noir.

I then punched it out with the 1-3/8 inch standard circle punch.  I used a 1/4-inch punch to add a hole suitable for stringing later on.  (I like to be sure to always use the 1/4-inch hole punch for this purpose, because the hole shrinks too!)  I then shrunk the charm with my heat gun.  I like to keep a stamp block handy to press the polyshrink when it is done to be sure that it is perfectly flat.

I then made my bracelet and added the monogram charm with a small jump ring. 

If you have never done any beading before, there are a plethora of amazing websites that offer great tutorials.  Beading is surprisingly very easy and you can use many of your stamping skills when choosing the color, scale & design of your jewelery.  Here are a few places you may want to check out...

Beadage

Fire Mountain Gems & Beads

123 Bead!

After I completed my bracelet, I decided that it needed to have some coordinating gift wrap!  I figured a tin would be the perfect container to start with.  I chose the 8oz. square clear top tin.  First I wanted to create an insert to help showcase the bracelet.  I traced the rim of the tin bottom onto white cardstock.  I used our Stamper's Select white cardstock because of it's superior weight.  I knew it would stand up well inside the tin.

I then traced just INSIDE the line with a stylus (You want to be sure to do it slightly smaller, or else it will not fit in the tin).  I trimmed the cardstock down to 1-inch from the line on all four sides.

I used scissors and cut slits from the outside edge to the scored line around each of the four corners.  I also rounded the corners, maintaining the 1-inch perimeter from the scored line.

I folded all of the tabs inward and inserted them into the base of my tin.  If you use a heavy-weight cardstock, there is no need for any adhesive or additional support in the center.  It will just stand on it's own!

It created the perfect base to showcase my bracelet.  If you wanted to, you could also punch holes in this base to insert the ends of your jewelery, allowing your central charm to be the star of the show!

After that was completed, I thought the best way to embellish the tin would be to create a box band that could easily slide off and on.  I started by creating my patterned paper with a leaf stamp from Spiral Bouquet.  I found that Versafine Black was the best ink for this particular stamp.  I achieved a really solid, dense black image with it.  (I also used the small double circle stamp from Borders & Corners Rectangle).

I wanted to add a little detail to the edges of the band, so I drew two lines, closely spaced, on either side of the strip.  A ruler and a good quality black pen, like the pigment ink Multi-Liner from Copic, make quick work of this task.

I wrapped the band around my tin along with some black satin ribbon.  As a final touch, I stamped the same border stamp & monogram, punched it out with a 1-1/4 inch circle punch and matted it with the extra jumbo circle scallop punch.

I think this would make a beautiful gift for anyone this holiday season!  Did you notice the monogram on the set in particular today?  Yes, this set will be a special gift for ME.  I just love getting presents!  *wink*

See you tomorrow for some more fun sneak peeks!!!

SUPPLIES:

Ink- Versafine Onyx Black, Palette Noir

Stamps- Papertrey Ink

Paper- Stamper's Select White from Papertrey, Beetle Black from Bazzill

Other- black satin ribbon from Offray (Wal-Mart), extra-jumbo scalloped circle punch from Marvy, 8oz. square clear top tin, beads & findings from Hobby Lobby, polyshrink from Lucky Squirrel

5

Here we are!  Time to kick off Papertrey's official November Countdown!  What?  You don't know what our countdown is all about?  For those of you who are new to this, here are a few details...

-Papertrey Ink releases a new stamp set (or in this particular case FOUR) every month at 12am on the 15th of the month.

-Beginning the 10th of the month I provide little sneak peeks of the upcoming release here, along with inside tips & tutorials that will help lead you to success when you use the stamps on your own.

-A new project (or projects, depending on how well my mojo is flowing) will be added to the countdown each night at midnight up until the release.

So are we ready to let the fun begin?!?!?

I thought I would start the countdown with a fun twist on a golden oldie.  Many stampers are familiar with the 2-4-6-8 box.  Here is an updated version that helps to showcase our newest releases.  I am sure experienced paper-crafters out there may have already tried a concept like this, but I thought it would beneficial to share the details step-by-step for those who may be unfamiliar with it.

I stamped the linear images from Spiral Bouquet using white craft ink from SU!, creating my own patterned paper to work with.

Here is a close-up of one portion of the paper.

I decided to add some sparkle to go along with the theme of my project.  I added small dots of glitter in a few choice areas with my Stardust pen.

To form the box, I cut my cardstock down to 8.5 x 7.5 inches.  I scored the cardstock @ 2,4,6 & 8 inch points along the 8.5-inch side using my ScorPal, which made it SO easy.

I then flipped the cardstock around and created one 2-inch score on the 7.5-inch side.

Using scissors, I snipped the score lines up until the 2-inch scoreline, removing the far corner completely.  This creates four equal flaps for the bottom of the "box".I applied tacky tape in the appropriate areas for box assembly.

I then trimmed the top edge of my box with some scalloped scissors ($2 from Hobby Lobby!  Gotta love a bargain!)

I then applied tacky tape to a a few choice tabs in order to assemble the box.

After assembling my box, I added a cardstock handle by attaching it to the sides of the box with rhinestone brads from Making Memories. (My handle measured 7 x 0.5 inches)

For the front of the box, I created a label that makes this box a perfect favor for a Bridal Shower.  I love the addition of the rhinestone stickers.  I think it is the perfect finishing touch for this type of theme. 

I am going to leave you guessing (for now) as to how many stamp sets are used in the label.  I would be curious to know YOUR guesses as to what types of sets are being released based on the clues I have provided in the photo.  Be sure to leave your thoughts on this in the comments section!  Tomorrow I will have a few more details to reveal!

P.S.  A big THANK-YOU to Beth Silaika for creating my new watermark for me.  She was wonderful to work with and highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to have their own custom watermark designed!

SUPPLIES:

Ink- Aloe Vera Versamagic, White Craft SU!, Silver Encore

Stamps- Papertrey Ink

Paper- green & silver cardstocks from Prism, Stamper's Select white cardstock from Papertrey Ink

Other- adhesive rhinestones from Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby), Extra Jumbo scalloped square punch from Marvy, rhinestone brads from Making Memories