{capture the moment}

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!

3

So here we are!  Only a few more days until the big reveal at Papertrey Ink!  Which means we are also getting closer to my FAVORITE holiday, Thanksgiving!  I thought I would share this little project that I have created to help my family celebrate their blessings while having a special keepsake to preserve a few memories at the same time.

I cut two pieces of chipboard that measure 3.75 x 6 inches.  I set one aside (to use later as the back cover) and kept one out to be used as the front cover of my mini book.  I stamped on the cover with Versamark ink and a few images from Spiral Bouquet.  I then heat embossed the images with clear embossing powder.

I painted over the embossed images using Ranger Paint Dabbers (Butterscotch & Terra Cotta). I used a horizontal streaking motion with both colors to acheive depth and a true representation of autumnal colors!  I then set it aside to allow it to dry thoroughly.

I then used a moist paper towel to "buff" away the paint on the embossed images.  You want to use small circular motions directly ontop of th embossed portions only.  The true color of the chipboard now shows through the paint, giving the project a real rustic feel.  (This is a fun little resist technique that I learned from Tim Holtz himself when I attended CKU this summer!)

I added a small tag stamped with "Gratitude", which is also from the NEW Spiral Bouquet stamp set.  (Don't you just LOVE that font!  It is one of my favorites!)  A little metal embellishment hightlights the tag, allowing the resist pattern to remain the star of the show!

I decided to make the interior pages of the book from our medium glassine bags.  I chose to use eight bags, therefore creating eight pages.

I trimmed the open edge from each of eight bags and punched a slot using the Making Memories punch.  Regular paper punches will not work with the glassine bags (just ask me how I know!!!  RE: Broken 3/4-inch circle punch!  Who would have thought a glassine bag could fight back!))

I then used my brand-new Bind-It-All (with a 1/2-inch coil) to bind my book together.  I ended up with a little extra notch at the top because I did not center the book correctly, (a.k.a jumped right in and did NOT read the directions!) but at this point, I thought it added "character".  (Right?!?!?)

I cut tags to slide into each of the bags ( 3-5/8 x 5-1/2 inches).  I stamped them with the same flowers that were used on the cover of the book and did some extensive sponging with Distress Ink.  My goal with this little book is to have each guest at our Thanksgiving table write down what they are thankful for on their own tag.  The book will be such a great reminder the rest of the year, and be a keepsake even after that, especially for the kids since they grow so fast.  I'm sure their answers will be entertaining, to say the least!

Here is what the tag looks like when inserted into the bags that are bound into the book.  I love the sofft translucentcy of them.

And this is a shot of the final book.  I added a variety of ribbons to all the tags which helped to infuse some additional autumn colors along with texture.

Now, I just need to improve my expertise with my Bind-It-All and I will be able to make small gifts like this for everyone!  I love making things that can be appreciate both now and in the future.  It is like the gift that keeps on giving!  What a great hostess gift this would make if you are traveling this year for the holiday!

SUPPLIES-

Ink: Pumpkin Pie & Chocolate Chip from SU!, Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink from Ranger, Versamark

Stamps: Papertrey Ink

Paper: Confetti White from SU!

Other: Recycled chipboard (cut down to size), Butterscotch & Terra Cotta Paint Dabbers from Ranger, Crystal Clear Embossing Powder from SU!, Medium Glassine Bags from Papertrey, Bind-It-All & 1/2-inch wire coil, a variety of ribbons. Metal flower from Nunn Designs, rust glasshead brad from Creative Cafe.

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