{capture the moment}

Introducing Background Basics: Stars

If any of you are familiar with my work, then you know how much I abuse use Polka Dot Basics.  I find myself reaching for it almost every project!  A few months ago, it occurred to me that I needed to expand on that set and design a few other options. I haven't met a stamper yet that doesn't like a little variety! 

So this month we are proud to introduce the first of a Background Basics Collection, all working in ways similar to Polka Dot Basics, where you are able to easily build backgrounds to any size necessary for your design. (If you would like to see a tutorial about how our background stamps work, go HERE). This month's set focuses on stars, and trust me, you will love them as much as Polka Dot Basics, if not more! 

I decided to make just a couple quick cards to show you the variety of looks & styles this new background set can cater to.  This first one uses Bitty Baby Blessings and a fun star background to make an adorable baby card (dedicated to Beth a.k.a babies, from the PTI forum!).  This particular background stamp has two full rows of stars combined on one image, making it easy to cover an entire card front in just minutes.  I used Vintage Cream ink on classic kraft cardstock to create the look found here.
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I layered two Heidi Swapp clear stars on top of one another, held together with a Making Memories brad, to create a unique finishing embellishment.

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This project combines another of the backgrounds found in this new set, along with images from Birds of a Feather.  The background was stamped with Vintage Cream ink onto Ocean Tides cardstock.  I love the color combo of Ocean Tides, Vintage Cream & Sweet Blush.  It has such a pretty, vintage look to it.

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I added a few dots of Stickles on each pink berry around the bird to add a bit of sparkle.  I just love how it shimmers in the light!

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The last project I have is a quick black & cream vintage-style card.  The background was stamped in black ink onto Vintage Cream cardstock.  The sentiment is from Melissa Bickford's newest set, Heartfelt Basics.

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This adorable flower was inspired by Melissa Phillips.  She has been die-cutting pages from old books to create little custom vintage flowers!  I loved them the moment I saw them and just had to try one out myself!

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I hope you are as excited about this set as I am!  I think the manner in which we design these background sets is such a win-win situation for stampers!  The price is right with five different backgrounds for only $24.  They are designed to give you the tools to easily create any size background you need, from 2x2 to 12x12 inches,  The storage is minimal for this set when compared to five large background stamps. As the title says, they are a basic that you will turn to again and again.  I look forward to hearing all about what you think of this set once you have stamped with it yourself!

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Stop by Heather's blog and you can see what SHE has done with Background Basics: Stars!

Lisa has one last peek into her new stamp set.

Melissa has a little something up her sleeve as well, in regards to both of her new releases!

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Welcome Little One Card

stamps: Background Basics-Stars (available November 15th), Bitty Baby Blessings

ink: Vintage Cream, Noir Black

paper: Classic Kraft, Stamper's Select White, Spring Rain, linen vellum

other: Copics, Spring Rain Twill, clear stars from Hiedi Swapp, slot punch & epoxy brad from Making Memories

Life is Like a Song Card

stamps: Background Basics- Stars (available November 15th), Birds of a Feather, Out on a Limb

ink: Vintage Cream, Ocean Tides, Dark Chocolate, Sweet Blush

paper: Ocean Tides & Vintage Cream

other: Sweet Blush satin ribbon, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, pink brads from Chatterbox, scalloped scissors from Paper Studio, Scor-Pal, 1.75-inch circle punch (EK Success)

You are a Blessing Card

stamps: Background Basics- Stars & Heartfelt Basics (available November 15th), Polka Dot Basics

ink: Noir Black, Vintage Cream

paper: PTI Vintage Cream, black from Prism

other:Flower Cuttlebug dies, black button, needle & thread

Introducing Teacher's Apple (Teacher's Gifts Galore!)

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the presentation that myself and the team have prepared for you today!  Teacher's Apple is one of the new stamp sets being released by Papertrey ink on the 15th, and I think it fills an area that is lacking in variety in regards to our hobby!  I myself have been looking for a teacher stamp set for years that fits into my personal style and sentimentality.  I am excited about the possibilities of this new set and all the creative endeavors that can be explored with it!  The design team, along with yours truly, have compiled a number of teachers gift projects for you to peruse today.  These inspirations couldn't come at a better time as you begin the process of planning those holiday gifts!

For my project, I decided to fall back on an item that I have given to my children's teachers many times.  The classic Journal Jar.  The basis of this gift is to provide the teacher with the necessary tools & inspiration to compile his/her *story*.  Several questions are printed onto paper and cut into strips.  My very best friend Wendy, compiled a list of teacher appropriate questions and has allowed me to share them with you!  They are already formatted and ready to go; all you have to do is print! 

Download teachers_journal_jar.pdf

ETA: A few of you requested a single parent version of the dedication.  Here is the download for that version.

Download teachers_journal_jar_single_parent_dedication.pdf

The easiest way to cut all these strips is to first cut the four sides of each question page down to the dotted lines that I provided.  Then you can go through and make one slice with your paper trimmer in between each question with no additional trimming required.  I prefer to curl the strips by running the blade of my scissors down the back of each strip, just like you would with curling ribbon.  I think these curls make for a prettier finished jar.  The cutting & curling of the question strips is the perfect activity to do in front of the television!

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The matching card was created with the same elements as the jar.  Now, let me tell you a bit about the stamp set!  Teacher's Apple features eight different apple designs & patterns and nine sentiments!  Each of the sentiments have the word "teacher" removed and allowing space to insert the decorative version of the title in a different color ink.  You will love how easy it is to tie in your color scheme! 
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Here is the interior of the card (you can click the photo for a larger view).  This introduction block is included in the free download above, already formatted to be trimmed and adhered inside a 4.25 x 5.5-inch card!  It eloquently explains how the journal jar is to be used and what your intentions are for it!

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When I was shopping for supplies for my ensemble, I ran across this hard-cover journal at Target.  It was only $8.99, and I figured with the other elements of the gift being so inexpensive, the quality of this journal over a composition notebook seemed like a worthwhile splurge.
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Did you notice the background pattern used on all of my projects?  It was created with a background stamp that I *built* myself using the Trajan Monogram Alphabet. 
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I simply created a collage on a large acrylic block, using all but a few of the letters from the alphabet, fitting them together like some sort of puzzle.  In case you would like to try this technique yourself, I have created a printable download that you can use as a template. 

Download alphabet_collage_template.pdf

Just lay the alphabet stamps, image side down, on each letter and pick them all up at once with your acrylic block.  It's makes a fun background to use AND you feel so resourceful!
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To carry on the apple theme, I packaged the ensemble together in an orchard basket that I found at Hobby Lobby for $5.  I think it really brings all of the elements together so well!  This is a truly meaningful gift that I am sure any teacher would appreciate beyond words!
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Stamps:Teacher's Apple (available November 15th), Trajan Monogram Alphabet

Ink: Pure Poppy, ripe Avocado & Dark Chocolate Palette

Paper: Ripe Avocado, Dark chocolate, Vintage Cream

Other: Pure Poppy satin ribbon, chocolate buttons from Foof-a-la, Square Nestabilities, linen typing paper (for question strips)

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The DT girls have been busy at work as well, preparing a few more additional gift ideas for you to see.  Please be sure to work your way down through the list and check out their offerings.  After reviewing them all, there is no way you could NOT be inspired and decide what to do for the teacher's in your life this year!
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Becky Oehlers made an AWESOME mini book with our recipe cards, just slightly altered.  A fantastic way to preserve the class and each individual student's personality!

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Betsy Veldman took advantage of the wording in one sentiment to create a custom pencil planter & plant pic.  I love how simple this project is, and it creates a show-stopper for her desk!

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Dawn McVey came up with an idea that anyone short on time whip up in only a few moments, taking advantage of the delectable delicacies that can be found at local bakeries and such.  It's all about the packaging to make it personal!

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Debbie Olson created an amazing gift set that includes coordinating notebook, pen & bookmarks.  Oh, and don't forget the card!

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Geny Cassady picked a sentiment that emphasized the importance of a teacher in a child's life, making it the perfect focal point for a frame to hang in the classroom.  The color scheme that she chose really pops!

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Heather Nichols created a fun mini book that could include photos or other memorabilia from throughout the year.

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Lauren Meader utilized her new Purse-onality Clutch template that is coming out this month, to create a pretty file box (a.k.a. rolodex) for the teacher to keep track of her students.  Standard index cards fit perfectly in the purse, so no cutting down is necessary!

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Lisa Johnson altered a hand sanitizer dispenser.  Hand sanitizer can be found throughout any classroom.  Making it pretty as well as functional is a gesture any teacher would appreciate!

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Melissa Phillips customized a jar candle with some pretty stamped wrap.  The finished product is so warm & homey, it just makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea!

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Michelle Wooderson made a message center from an altered clipboard.  You'll really benefit from all the detail that Michelle put into her post so that you can recreate the same thing!

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Niki Estes used the tag insert I created for the Nugget Tin and used the compartment for different desk supplies.  You won't want to miss the additional peeks at her project on her blog!

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I hope you have enjoyed all of this inspiration!  If you end up deciding to execute any of these gift ideas during this holiday season, be sure to stop by and let us know about it!  Happy stamping!

Introducing Heartfelt Basics

Melissa Bickford is introducing two sets to all of you this month.  I already showcased the versatility found in Men of Life.  Now I want to share a fun little project that demonstrates what an incredible resource her new sentiment set, Heartfelt Basics, is.

One of Lauren's new Timeless Templates for November is the CUTEST little purse, entitled Purse-onality Clutch.  I have been so anxious to give it a try and thought this would be the perfect pairing for my project concept. The purse was very simple to construct.  I just print the templates directly onto my cardstock, cut, scored & assembled!  Then came the fun part of embellishing!  I created a tag using one of Melissa's new sentiments...

"Hoping all your birthday wishes come true"

This sentiment inspired me to *fill* the purse with wishes!
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I created wishes for one of my dear friends on cardstock tags that were adhered to Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares. The "Wishing you" partial sentiment in Melissa's set was a perfect starting point for each wish.  The remainder of the text was printed from my computer onto Ripe Avocado cardstock.  I trimmed all of the wording into strips and adhered them in place.  A little pull tab was created with Ripe Avocado satin ribbon.  Each chocolate square was inserted into a hand-stamp[ed cardstock sleeve.  The ribbon pull tab makes it easy for the recipient to pull the chocolate & wish out.
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Lauren's purse template fits eight Ghirardelli Chocolate wish squares perfectly!
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I think this is such a fun idea to execute for friends & co-workers on their birthday.  It's just a step up from an ordinary birthday card, and it sure does taste good too!  Heartfelt Basics was the perfect companion and I look forward to use it more often in the future!

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Melissa has some more ideas to share in regards to using this set AND Men of Life!

Lisa has demonstrated a few more details about Out of the Box.

Debbie has an amazing card set using this set too!

Lauren is featuring another project using the Purse-onality Clutch template that I did!

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Stamps:Heartfelt Basics (available November 15th), Polka Dot Basics, Beautiful Blooms
Ink: Ocean Tides & Ripe Avocado Palette inks
Paper: Ocean Tides & Vintage Cream
Other:Ripe Avocado satin ribbon, brad from Doodlebug, Flower Cuttlebug die, Purse-onality Template from My Timeless Templates.

Introducing Out of the Box

Lisa Johnson always puts a lot of thought into the functionality of her sets, and her new Out of the Box and Out of the box Sentiments sets are no exception.  A series of "boxed in" images are combined with several options for vertical and horizontal sentiments that can be added inside or outside the box.  For those of you that love to experiment have fun playing with different positions of image combinations, this set  is for you!
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The reverse images in this set lend themselves to a few different techniques you can experiment with.  The first one I wanted to show you is a simple embossing technique.  I started by stamping Polka Dot Basics with Vintage Cream ink onto dark chocolate cardstock.  ................................................................................................................

I waited just a couple minutes for the ink to dry, wiped an embossing buddy over the surface and stamped the floral trio image with Versamark ink.  I then heat embossed the images with Filigree clear embossing powder.

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I trimmed the blocks out and matted them with mega scalloped squares (pink punch) created from Vintage Cream cardstock.  A bit of Vintage Cream satin ribbon, a chocolate button and some twine provide some nice finishing details.  Two embossed lines created with my Scor-Pal above and below the ribbon provide some added texture and dimension.

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Here's the finished project.  A simple quick technique and a simple quick little card!  Think of all the colors you could make these in!

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Next, I wanted to add some dimension AND shimmer to one of Lisa's reverse images.    I started by stamping this floral image in both Summer Sunrise & Berry Sorbet.  I cut the flowers out carefully from the Berry Sorbet version.

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I then ran the three small flowers through my Xyron sticker maker, face down.  This applies the adhesive to the front of the image, which is exactly what I needed for glitter application

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After I had finished *sugar-coating* the flowers, I adhered them to the Summer Sunrise block, overlapping the matching floral portions.  I adhered them with foam dimensionals for a more defined look.

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My completed card is fun, cheerful and sunny! Want to see some additional techniques for reverse images?

Faux Spectrum Pad

Perfect Pearls Pull-off

Double Vision Vellum Window

Emboss Resist

So what are your impressions of what you have seen of Lisa's new set so far?  What is one of your favorite reverse image techniques?  Share with us today in the comments section of this post to be eligible to win big!  One winner will randomly be chosen to receive their very own copies of the

Out of the Box & Out of the Box Sentiments sets!

Contest will close at noon EST tomorrow (November 12th).  Winner will be chosen shortly thereafter and announced here at the end of this post.  Please play nice, only one entry per person.  Winner is responsible for contacting Customer Service with shipping information in order to receive prize package.

Thanks for playing and good luck to everyone!

ETA: This contest is now closed!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

74	

Timestamp: 2008-11-13 15:31:02 UTC

And comment #74 belongs to...

Lisa's new set is perfect for Double Vision Vellum window. I have only seen this technique once and on PTI. I am impressed by how much dimension this technique adds to the card. What better set to use for this technique!!! Now, I just have to try it. ; )

Posted by: Maria M | November 11, 2008 at 07:21 AM

Congratulations, Maria!  Please email customer service with your shipping information so we can get your package out to you!  And thanks again to everyone else for playing!

 

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Be sure to stop by Lisa's blog today to see what else she has done with this fun set!

And Melissa has a few more things to share with you as well in regards to her two new sets!

Lauren is introducing one of her new templates today too.  It's a must see!

And Melissa still ha......

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Dark Chocolate Card:

Stamps- Out of the Box available Nov. 15th), Polka Dot Basics.

Ink- Vintage Cream pigment, Versamark

Paper- Dark  chocolate, Vintage Cream

Other- Vintage Cream satin ribbon, chocolate button from Foof-a-la, twine

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Sunny Hello Card:

Stamps- Out of the Box available Nov. 15th)

Ink-White pigment, Summer Sunrise & Berry Sorbet.

Paper- Spring Moss, Stamper's Select White, Berry Sorbet, Summer Sunrise

Other-Summer Sunrise stitched ribbon, adhesive rhinestones, EK Success corner rounder (guide removed for scallops), Prisma glitter, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder.

Introducing Spring Rain

One of our color collection offerings for November is this delightful light blue, Spring Rain.  It is a wonderful baby blue, with a bit more richness to it so that it pairs well with some of our other colors, such as Aqua Mist or Pure Poppy.  Due to quality control standards, we are only releasing the grosgrain, twill and a new gingham ribbon at this time.  The satin, polka dot and stitched will be arriving at a later date. A Spring Rain Palette ink pad rounds put the collection, providing all of the tools necessary to integrate this gorgeous color into all of your paper crafting projects!