{capture the moment}

Day 13: Introducing Tags for Spring

I have been looking forward to today's post since I began planning the schedule for Anniversary Events over a month ago! We have a super fun game planned for you and I can hardly wait for all of you to begin playing!  But all that will come at the end of the post (I need to learn to pace myself) because right now I need to show you another brand-new stamp set!

Tags for Spring is a sequel to the extremely successful set, 2008 Holiday Tags, where several of our stamp designers contributed images for a single set that all coordinate with the super jumbo scalloped circle punch.  Well, we asked each of them to draw something up under the same premise only with a spring & Easter theme.  Let's just say that they did not disappoint.  In fact, a few of our design team members have told me that this is one of their favorite sets we've ever released.  I have to agree, because not only does it contain simple beautiful images, it also has versatility that extends beyond the season it was intended for.  Onto a project!

 

As I mentioned before, just like 2008 Holiday Tags, this set contains several circular images that average about 1-3/4" in diameter.  The one I decided to work with was a leafy circular background contributed by Alli Miles.  This is one of my FAVORITE images and I can already visualize dozens & dozens of other ways to use it! 

To begin my project, I wanted to create some wrapped nuggets as part of a spring treat for a friend.  I decided to adapt the circular image to the white labels I was using by centering the image on every other label in a row (you can see the label outline a bit more clearly if you click to enlarge the image).  These images were stamped in aqua mist ink.  It's a bit hard to tell in this photo, but some labels have the whole *middle* filled with pattern, while in between those are labels that have two edges of the image meeting in the center.  I liked how both turned out and decided to roll with it.

These small "friend" and "enjoy" sentiments (that are included in the new set) are stamped in dark chocolate ink in the center of each label.

Here's a peek at the wrapped labels completed.  I wanted a few bolder splashes of aqua mist among my group of nuggets, so I punched some of the Bitty Dots Basics aqua mist paper using a super jumbo scalloped rectangle punch.  I ran them through my Xyron Sticker Maker and adhered them to the labels for a perfect fit.  So cute!

All of the nuggets are placed together in a organdy drawstring bag tied with Aqua Mist Swiss Dot ribbon.  The tag uses the same image that I applied to the nugget labels.  The "Happiness" sentiment is from Tags for Spring as well, and it is stamped in dark chocolate.  I used one of our NEW! vintage cream buttons threaded with twine to attach the tag to the ribbon bow.  Did I already mention how much I *love* the circular leaf background image!!!

If you have been keeping a close eye on the sneak peeks this week, Lauren showed you one of her new templates, Basket Basics (you can see a few of her examples HERE and HERE).  I have been dying to play with it myself, so I printed it onto kraft cardstock and assembled!  Before assembly though, I stamped the stripe block from Background Basics: Retro onto the strips of the basket using vintage cream ink.  I also distressed the edges just a bit with Frayed Burlap Distress ink (Ranger).  Instead of adding the handle that is included, I opted to make a pretty scalloped liner for it, with vintage cream satin ribbon ties at the four corners.  I have to say that the way Lauren designed this template it is a cinch to put together.  With a few unique traits she integrated into the design, there is hardly any weaving required.  She's a smart cookie, I tell ya!

(click on photo to enlarge)

Here is my completed project.  When I was done and stepped back from my project, I could hardly believe that the whole thing was made from paper!  I just love how soothing the color combo is and look forward to giving this to a special friend as a thank you for helping me out so often when I've needed her.

So, did you notice any interesting watermarks on the photo directly above?  I am beyond enthusiastic to introduce you to the first annual Papertrey Bunny Hunt, Blog Hop & Search Challenge!

In honor of Papertrey Ink’s new stamp set “Tags for Spring”, we are hosting a Bunny Hunt and you are all invited!  Your mission, if you choose to accept, is to visit each design team member’s blog below and locate the main photo of their “Tags for Spring” project, which will be watermarked with the official Bunny Hunt logo (just like in the lower left-hand corner of my official photo above).  Search each of the twelve photos (11 team members plus mine) for a small white outline of a bunny that looks like this:

 

(Isn't that bunny cute as can be?  It's designed by Alli Miles!)  DO NOT count bunnies that are part of the project or stamped (solid or in color) or ANYTHING other than this bunny.  Only the white outline bunny images will be included in the final count.  Be forewarned that some photos may not have any bunnies hidden within them and others may feature as many as three!  Use the downloadable checklist below to keep track of your progress. 

Download Bunny Hunt Checklist

Once completed, calculate your final grand total and add your official entry to the comment section of this post!  Your comment should include your *final* answer as to how many TOTAL bunnies you found hidden between the twelve photos.  Most bunnies are pretty easy to find, but there are a few that could be a bit tricky, so look carefully!

So, what's in it for you, you're wondering?  A fabulous anniversary size prize package of course!

Now how fun is THAT!  I had a blast filling all of those eggs for one special someone, and the special someone could very well be YOU!  So get comfy and begin the hunt, and while you're at it, take time to savor the amazing projects using Tags for Spring too!

Click on each designer's name to be linked directly to their blogs.  Happy hunting!

Becky Oehlers

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Betsy Veldman

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Dawn McVey

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Debbie Olson

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Geny Cassady

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Heather Nichols

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Lauren Meader

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Lisa Johnson

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Melissa Phillips

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Michelle Wooderson

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Niki Estes

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The Bunny Hunt guesses need to be posted no later than tonight (Feb.13th) at midnight EST. The winner randomly selected with a correct guess will be listed on our special Anniversary Prize Page after 12 noon EST, February 14th. You can always access this list through the Anniversary Quick Link list to the upper left sidebar here.  A copy of the list will also be updated daily in our customer forum. 

Dawn McVey has some additional projects up using the highly anticipated Damask Designs.

Heather Nichols shows you additional uses for her Beyond Basic Borders & Journaling Lines sets.

And don't forget Melissa Bickford has a few more things up her sleeve with Background Basics: Retro!

Lauren Meader has another template project for you too!

Stamps: Tags for Spring & Background Basics: Retro (available Feb. 15th)

Ink: aqua mist, vintage cream, dark chocolate, frayed burlap distress (Ranger)

Paper: classic kraft, aqua mist, vintage cream, 2008 Bitty Dots Basics (aqua mist)

Other: vintage cream satin ribbon, aqua mist swiss dots ribbons, vintage cream button, twine, white labels, scalloped scissors (Fiskars), 2" circle punch (EK Success), organdy bag (from stash), Hershey's Nuggets

Fished Size: (basket) 3" wide, 2.75" deep

 

Day 12: Introducing Background Basics: Retro

Here's a little something to get you in the mood for today's theme... I couldn't resist! When I think of retro, I think of the 70's, which always makes me think of that song!!! If you've just watched the above video with your morning coffee, then you should definitely now be awake and energized to seize the day!!! 

Today's stamp set, Background Basics: Retro, was designed by the talented Melissa Bickford.  I already worked this set into a few of my projects from the last few days of the countdown because, honestly, I couldn't resist!  Melissa has been demonstrating on her blog just how quick and easy it is to use it.  It functions very similar to our popular Polka Dot Basics set, which we know you already love!  Today I wanted to touch a bit on just how incredibly versatile this background building set is.  One might here the word "retro" and stereotype it as only being geared towards one specific look, but in reality the set can fit almost any style in the spectrum.

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My first project uses a *repetitive* theme you've probably seen around these parts lately, a rainbow color scheme.  I have to interject here one of the reasons I like that look so much, besides the fact that its a happy cheerful combo, is something Hannah said earlier this year.  While at school one day filling out an "All About Me" worksheet, her teacher asked her what her favorite color was. 

Hannah's reply was "Rainbow!".

I'll be holding that little nugget of her innocence & honesty close to my heart 'til the day I die!

Onto the card (sorry, I digress!)... I knew I wanted to create some rainbow striped paper with this basic stripe stamp that is included in this new set.  The idea of all the inking and cleaning was NOT sitting well with me!  SO I opted to stamp the images separately, trim them into strips and then adhere them together onto a piece of cardstock.  This took less cleaning in between colors because I was able to do all my red strips at once, all my yellows at once, etc.

 

(click photo for larger view)

After I had my rainbow strips assembled and trimmed into a block, I was ready to create my card! I love how the various colors of stripes work together (and I don't think you can even tell that it was pieced together, rather than stamping it together on one sheet!!!  That'll be our little secret!)

The sentiment is a combination of "Friend" from the new Friends 'Til the End set and Michelle Wooderson's "You make life fun!" sentiment, from the Design Team compiled Handwritten Notes, with both sets being released February 15th.I love the way that the two of these layered together and look forward to combining other sentiments from Handwritten Notes with other Papertrey Classics.

(click photo for larger view)

For a distinct change in pace, I decided to create a vintage look with the same stripe image from the new background set.  I stamped the group of stripes every 3/4"-inch or so down the length of a Classic Kraft cardstock using Vintage Cream ink.  I think this really exemplifies how you can play around with the spacing of nearly ALL the images in this set, and get completely different looks.  

The sentiment used here is from our very own Melissa Phillips, which is one of her contributions to the new Handwritten Notes set.  It's so fun to see how each designer's handwriting reflects their personality and style! And one more note, I used our Vintage Cream satin ribbon backside up.  I do this quite often if I want a softer, less shiny look.  I think I love the backside of this ribbon just as much as the sheen of the front!  It's like having two ribbons in one!

The next piece of Background Basics: Retro that I decided to play around with was a staggered dot & stripe.  Melissa used a similar pattern in her Merry & Bright set from this past holiday season.  I loved it in that format and love it even more as a background element!  I had an idea for a super clean
& simple card that required stamping the image just once as a border with Fresh Snow ink onto Ocean Tides cardstock.

(click photo for larger view)

I adhered two different sizes of rhinestones to the dots of the border.  Large rhinestones to large dots, small rhinestones to small dots.  The finished Ocean Tides block is adhered to a white card base with foam tape, giving it a bit of definition.  I love this card!  It only took about ten minutes and I think it would look great in several of our other colors too, depending on the recipient!

I added the sentiment directly under the border.  "Simply amazing" is one of my additions to Handwritten Notes.  It's so surreal to stamp with something that is created from your own handwriting!

(click photo for larger view)

After using the dots & stripes image as a border, I decided to play around with actually using it as it was intended, as a background.  I stamped down the length of Raspberry Fizz cardstock with the image repeatedly, using Versamark ink.  It was so easy to work across the page since everything is clear and you can see exactly what you're doing!

The floral block was created by stamping the floral images from friends 'til the end in Raspberry Fizz ink.  The sentiment is created by Dawn McVey's very own hand on behalf of Handwritten Notes, and suffice to say, it is also a phrase that says *all* the time (insert me waving to Dawn! Hi, Chickie!)  It is stamped in True Black ink directly on top of the floral pattern.  I used a black pen to draw a partial border around the block to help unify the True Black Grosgrain ribbon tab and sentiment.

Lastly today, I wanted to show you the versatility of this fun ethnic print.  It reminds me a bit of designs that can be found in India and surrounding areas.  You probably remember this project from a few days ago, highlighting Becky Oehler's sentiment from Handwritten Notes.  I stamped the background image repeatedly in Vintage Cream ink onto Melon Berry cardstock. I think that this card has a very modern look & feel to it.

(click photo for larger view)

I showed that project to you again so that you could directly see the contrast it has in stylings when compared to this earthy project.  The background was stamped on Dark Chocolate cardstock using Versamark ink.  I also used an additional background from the set to create the Summer Sunrise border in the center. I just LOVE the combination of the two since one is a large scale and one smaller scale.  Besides the color scheme the addition of inking around the edges of the pieces helps to add the *earthy* feel to the overall project.

The stem & flowers are images from With Sympathy.  I inked them with Summer Sunrise and rolled the edges of the petals in Pure Poppy.  I used a brown marker to dot the centers.  The "Inspire Me!" sentiment is another creation from Michelle Wooderson on behalf of Handwritten Notes.  I think it will be a fun one to use on projects for my paper crafting friends, don't you?

I hope you have enjoyed the array of styles I have highlighted today with this set.  I have thoroughly enjoyed playing with it and know you will too when you add it to your very own collection!  Stop by Melissa's blog today, and not one, but FOUR of you will get this set as a freebie!!!

Melissa's BIG Giveaway!

Test your knowledge of all things *retro* and you could be one of the four winners!

DO NOT post here for a chance to win big, just visit Melissa's blog to enter!

CLICK HERE!

You have until midnight EST tonight (Feb. 12th) to post your guess.  The winner will be listed on our special Anniversary Prize Page after 12 noon EST, February 13th. You can always access this list through the Anniversary Quick Link list to the upper left sidebar here.  A copy of the list will also be updated daily in our customer forum.

Before I sign off, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all of you stopping by today!  I would love to hear feedback from you as to which of today's projects appeal to your style the most.  It helps me to gauge where trends are going and make decisions about future stamp sets and other products.  I also hope that I've possibly inspired you to do some stamping of your own!  I challenge you to make time to play today!

Lisa Johnson is showcasing a fun resist technique using Background Basics: Retro!

Melissa Bickford has some additional projects using this AWESOME background set!

You'll love Dawn McVey's new projects using her new set, Damask Designs!

Heather Nichols has yet another project using her new set too!

And we can't forget the reveal Lauren Meader has of her second Timeless Template for February!

 

"Fun Friend" card

Stamps: Background Basics: Retro, Friends 'Til the End & Handwritten Notes (available Feb. 15th)

Ink: ripe avocado, lemon tart, summer sunrise, pure poppy, true black

Paper: pure poppy, stamper's select white, summer sunrise

Other: ripe avocado vintage button, 1-1/4" circle punch (EK Success), yellow polka dot brad (Paper Studio), clear star (Heidi Swapp), foam dimensionals, sewing machine

Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.5"

"Enjoy Everyday" card

Stamps: Background Basics: Retro, Damask Designs & Handwritten Notes (available Feb. 15th)

Ink: vitnage cream, versamark (tsukineko), frayed burlap distress (Ranger)

Paper: classic kraft, sweet blush, vintage cream

Other: vintage cream satin ribbon, vintage cream button, corner rounder punch (with guard removed) for scalloped border (EK Success), scalloped scissors (Paper Studio), flower (Making Memories), foam dimensionals, sewing machine

Finished Size: 4.25 x 6"

"Simply Amazing" card

Stamps: Background Basics: Retro & Handwritten Notes (available Feb. 15th)

Ink: fresh snow

Paper: ocean tides, stamper's select white

Other: rhinestones (Paper Studio), foam dimensionals

Finished Size: 3.5 x 4.5"

"Thanks, Chickie" card

Stamps: Background Basics: Retro, Friends 'Til the End & Handwritten Notes (available Feb. 15th)

Ink: raspberry fizz, versamark (tsukineko)

Paper: true black, raspberry fizz, stamper's select white

Other: true black grosgrain ribbon, black pen (American Crafts), flower (Doodlebug), white brad (Making Memories), foam dimensionals

Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.5"

"Coffee & Cardstock" card

(complete supply list can be found HERE on this previous post)

"Inspire Me" card

Stamps: Background Basics: Retro & Handwritten Notes (available Feb. 15th) With Sympathy

Ink: summer sunrise, pure poppy, ripe avocado, dark chocolate, versamark (tsukineko), frayed burlap distress (Ranger)

Paper: vintage cream, dark chocolate, summer sunrise, ripe avocado

Other: pure poppy grosgrain, vintage cream button, twine, brown marker (Copic), scalloped scissors (Paper Studio), sewing machine

Finished Size: 3.75 x 6"

Day 11: Introducing Beyond Basic Borders & Journaling Lines

Hello, everyone!  So, are you having a good time?  Enjoying yourself?  It's amazing how much fun can be had between computers that are stretched out around the globe, isn't it!

Today I will be talking about THE one and only, Heather Nichols and her TWO new stamp releases for February!  You've probably already seen the sneak peeks on her blog the last few days, which means you've also been tempted to add the sets to your cart on the 15th, I'm sure!  The first set is entitled Beyond Basic Borders with an amazing array of (you guessed it!) borders that capture Heather's signature style.  I just love how crisp & clean everything is, but yet so much personality and flair is represented at the same time.  The second set is called Journaling Lines, which contains the obvious.  The two journaling lines stamps are about 4.75" long, allowing them to double as background stamps for creating striped patterns.  The dotted lined version included in the set has been used on SEVERAL of my projects already.  I love things that are double duty like that!

What a better way to start off than to get right to the projects!

(click on photo for larger view)

First up is this little note I made to give David before he leaves on a ski trip in Colorado next week.  I'll probably tuck it in his suitcase as a little surprise for him to find once he gets there.  It's a super simple card that took hardly any time at all to make.  Notice the dotted "journaling lines" stamped in Versamark on the dark chocolate background.  I think it helps to make this card feel a bit more masculine.  Did I already mention how much I love that stamp?!?!?

The swirled branch image is JUST gorgeous.  The small dots that are part of it provide the perfect platform for embellishing.  Think brads, stickles, liquid pearls, beads or buttons, as I have done here.  One of the things I love about this type of image is the ability to add as little or as much embellishment as you want, and the main image is simple enough to pull it off!  I went simple and used three of our NEW! cream vintage buttons.  I liked how I was able to stitch the buttons just on one side of the branch, allowing the sentiment to balance out the other side.

For the border, I wanted to show you how it doesn't need to be used as is.  I stamped this reverse border onto spring moss cardstock using ripe avocado ink and trimmed it out. I used a pencil to draw a curved line to serve as a cutting guide.  Using scissors, I cut along the line.  I ran back over the edge with a sanding block to make sure all the curves were nice and even and that there were none of the snags that scissors sometimes leave behind. Quick, easy and this type of technique will allow you to get twice as much use from all of Heather's border images!

The next project uses one of my FAVORITE Papertrey products, White Shimmer cardstock.  Have you tried it yet?  It's a bit heavier in weight when compared to our regular white stock and the sparkle it has is just stunning in person.  One of my favorite things about it, is the way that it accepts ink.  Once you stamp an image on it, especially the bolder images like what is found in these border stamps, it's as if the image is deeply absorbed into the paper. This allows all of the sparkle to resurface through the ink in the most beautiful, subtle way.  It's difficult to put into words, but just try it out and you will see exactly what I mean!

(click on photo for larger view)

Okay, now back to the card! I stamped just about all of the images from the set onto the shimmer cardstock and cut them into strips.  The shimmer is hard to see in this photo, but it is SO cool in reality! I staggered the strips on the cover of my spring moss card base. 

I adhered a piece of the New Leaf grosgrain ribbon to Ocean Tides cardstock and trimmed the edges down with scalloped scissors, creating a border.  The sentiment was stamped in fresh snow ink onto Classic Kraft cardstock, with a little additional ink sponged onto the edges too.  I spy two New Leaf Vintage Buttons on either side of the focal point, adhered in place with glue dots!

(click on photo for larger view)

My last and final project is a fun little card that can be used for just about any occasion.  The "tree" image is probably one of my favorites from the set. (Although I am pretty sure Heather intended it to be a branch!) 

I stamped the tree in dark chocolate ink and then added punched 1/4" circle of Melon Berry cardstock to the ends of a few branches.  I used Stardust Stickles on each of the remaining points along with on top of the punches circles.  How fun would it be to make these according to season!?!?!  All the colors of autumn, small flowers for spring, endless possibilities!

The strips at the bottom were created by stamping one of the long sentiments from Around & About Sentiments with dark chocolate ink onto three shades of cardstock (spring moss, lemon tart and melon berry).  I then stamped the border images on TOP of the sentiments using versamark.  I really liked the effect and the subtlety of it. I finished the card off with a Melon Berry Vintage Button tied with twine and a spring moss scalloped edge adhered to the back of the front cover.

I hope the versatility of these sets came shining through with the projects I shared with you today!

Please join me congratulating Heather on yet another amazing collection of images!  Stop by and visit her blog today, where you will see a few projects she has created herself using the new sets but ALSO a very special *giveaway*!

Pine's Picks Prize Package

(nearly a $100 value!)

DO NOT post here for a chance to win big, just visit Heather's blog to enter!

CLICK HERE!

You have until midnight EST tonight (Feb. 11th) to post your guess.  The winner will be listed on our special Anniversary Prize Page after 12 noon EST, February 12th. You can always access this list through the Anniversary Quick Link list to the upper left sidebar here.  A copy of the list will also be updated daily in our customer forum.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck with Heather's contest!

Stop by to visit Lauren Meader's blog today to see a peek at one of her all-new Timeless Templates!

Dawn McVey continues to keep us inspired with all of her creations using her new set.

And don't forget about Melissa Bickford's sneak peeks too!

"Love You" card

Stamps: Beyond Border Basics & Journaling Lines (both available Feb. 15th)

Ink: dark chocolate, ripe avocado, versamark

Paper: dark chocolate, spring moss, vintage cream

Other: white & cream mix vintage buttons, needle & thread, sewing machine, sanding block, foam dimensionals

Finished Size: 4.75 x 4.5"

"Borders & Strips Thanks" card

Stamps: Beyond Border Basics & Journaling Lines (both available Feb. 15th)

Ink: new leaf, ocean tides, spring moss, fresh snow

Paper: spring moss, white shimmer, ocean tides

Other: new leaf grosgrain & vintage buttons, scalloped scissors (Paper Studio), oval punch (EK Success), glue dots (to adhere buttons), foam dimensionals

Finished Size: 6 x 4.25"

"Simple Sparkle Tree" card

Stamps: Beyond Basic Borders (available Feb. 15th), Around & About Sentiments

Ink: dark chocolate, versamark

Paper: vintage cream, spring moss, lemon tart, melon berry, dark chocolate

Other: melon berry vintage button, paper piercer, twine, 1/4" hokle punch (Fiskars), stardust stickles (Ranger), scalloped scisors (Paper Studio), corner rounder punch (Fiskars), foam dimensionals

Finished Size: 3.75 x 7"

Day 10: Introducing Handwritten Notes

Today we are going to let you know all about Hint #5 !

I am very excited about the stamp set I am introducing today because it is SO unique, SO personal, SO hip & trendy and just SO incredibly cool!  Handwritten Notes is a compilation of sentiments

written by our very own design team! 

The coolest part is that they chose phrases that they use often, their own person catch phrases if you will, and wrote them out in their very own handwriting!  Now, I will be honest and let you know that a few of them were hesitant to participate at first when I approached them with this idea, mostly because they felt that their handwriting wasn't *good* enough.  But after seeing the completed set, none of them should ever feel intimidated by their penmanship again!  It turned out even better than I hoped for and I know you will enjoy stamping with sentiments written by the hands of the very stampers you look up to!  This set is not only FABULOUS but also a bargain with 28 sentiments for $24! 

(click photo for larger image)

I thought I would start out by sharing a few quick & easy cards I created using Handwritten Notes.  The color combo on this one just says SPRING to me!  We have had a few beautiful, warm sunny days here in Tennessee and I wanted to interpret that into a card for a friend of mine who is still in the depths of winter up in Maine!  I love the pop of the New Leaf Bitty Dot ribbon with the Lemon Tart & Aqua Mist.  Reminds me of daffodils and new robin's eggs!  You'll recognize the large floral image from yesterday's showcased set, Friends 'Til the End.  I stamped it in lemon tart in the upper corner and then highlighted portions of the center with small dots of Stickles. I think this sentiment "Have a goodie!" may be one of my favorites from the set.  It is so much more interesting and catchy than just "hello" or "have a great day"! I stamped it in New Leaf ink on top of the flower. 

There are some HUGE buttons mixed in with the smaller sizes in our new Vintage Button packs.  Since these buttons have larger holes than average, you can usually thread them successfully with ribbon, especially the satins since they are the most delicate that we carry.  I have found that cutting the end of the ribbon to a point makes the job of getting it started through the button hole a lot easier.

(click photo for larger image)

This project uses a few tidbits from both Melissa's AND Heather's new February sets (more about them later!). Can I just say how much I am in LOVE with this card?!?!?  It was one of those rare moments where it came together in only ten minutes and was JUST perfect.  I love the colors (melon berry, spring moss, ocean tides & kraft), I love the layout, I love the stitching and the button detail, I just love it all! 

Although, I think what really sets it off is the GREAT sentiment, "Simple things...small joys..."  It has such a great style to it as well as some heartfelt meaning behind it.  

(click photo for larger image)

For my third project, I pulled out Warm Happiness.  It was the PERFECT compliment to another sentiment contained in Handwritten Notes... "Let's talk it about it over coffee & cardstock."  I can see this becoming a catch phrase for stampers all over the world!  It's got such spunk!  I can totally see myself sending this to my best friend Wendy.  

I used one of my old favorites, Borders & Corners Rectangle, along with the Giga Rectangle Scalloped punch to create a little mat for the coffee cup.  I really like the way that it ended up framing my focal point and I'll have to make a note to try that again sometime.

So, what do you think so far?  Isn't this a totally FUN set!!!  Are you ready for a little contest?

I've shown you three sentiments from the set today.  Each of the sentiments was handwritten by different members of our design team.

Your task today is to NAME the three designers that wrote these phrases!  I *think* that I have picked some out that are pretty obvious!  I hope you'll have fun trying to determine just WHO they could be!  Just leave a comment listing your guesses!

By now you should know that whenever you play a game with Papertrey, there's gonna be a chance at a BIG prize!!!  Today is no exception!!!

(click photo for larger image)

All eleven members of the design team along with myself, each created handmade, original ATC's (aka. Artist Trading Cards) that feature our handwritten names on the front so you know who's is who's! They all put SO much time and care into their little masterpieces!  Once I finished putting this piece together with all of their contributions, I wanted to keep it for myself.  It is just STUNNING in person!  The winner will be truly getting a one-of-a-kind piece that they will treasure forever! 

Here's a close up peek at my personal ATC creation...

...and most of the other gals are putting their cards up on their blogs today as well (see links in Creative Clicks below), so you can see exactly what you would be getting if you were to win!

The winner for this contest will still be randomly chosen using the Random Number Generator.  However, if your number comes up and you do not have the right answer, we will *roll the dice* again!  We'll continue to move on until somebody is selected that guessed all three names correctly!

You have until midnight EST tonight (Feb. 10th) to post your guess.  The winner will be listed on our special Anniversary Prize Page after 12 noon EST, February 11th. You can always access this list through the NEW! Anniversary Quick Link list to the upper left sidebar here.  A copy of the list will also be updated daily in our customer forum.

Have fun sleuthing and good luck!

 

Lauren Meader has another sneak peek using Handwritten Notes!

You can check out more deets on Dawn McVey's new set on her blog today!

Heather Nichols is showcasing not one but TWO sets that she designed for this month.

Melissa Bickford has a new stamp release this month as well!

And check out these ATC's up close and personal!

• Becky Oehlers
• Betsy Veldman
• Dawn McVey
• Debbie Olson
• Geny Cassady
• Heather Nichols
• Lauren Meader
• Lisa Johnson
• Melissa Phillips
• Michelle Wooderson
• Niki Estes

"Have a Goodie" Card
Stamps: Handwritten Notes & Friends 'Til the End (both available Feb. 15th)
Paper: Lemon Tart, Aqua Mist, Stamper's Select White
Ink: Lemon Tart and New Leaf
Other: New Leaf Bitty Dot Ribbon & Vontage buttons, Stardust Stickles (Ranger), Swiss Dot embossing folder from Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), scalloped scissors from Fiskars, sewing machine & thread
Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.5"

"Simple Things" card
Stamps: Handwritten Notes, Beyond Basic Borders, Background Basics: Retro & Journaling Lines (all available Feb. 15th)
Paper: Spring Moss, Ocean Tides, Melon Berry, Classic Kraft, Stamper's Select White
Ink: Dark Chocolate & Fresh Snow
Other: White & Cream Mix Vintage Buttons, scalloped scissors from Paper Studio,1-1/4" square punch (EK Success), foam dimensionals, sewing machine & thread
Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.5"

"Coffee & Cardstock" card
Stamps: Handwritten Notes & Background Basics: Retro (all available Feb. 15th) Warm Happiness & Borders & Corners Rectangle
Paper: Melon Berry, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream, Classic Kraft
Ink: Melon Berry, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream
Other: Giga scalloped rectangle punch, foam dimensionals, sewing machine & thread
Finished Size: 3.75 x 7"

ATC
Stamps: Simply Stationery
Paper: Dark Chocolate & Vintage Cream
Ink: Dark Chocolate & Vintage Cream, frayed burlap distress ink (Ranger)
Other: True Black Gingham Ribbon, Vintage Cream vintage button, needle & thread, Scor-tape, scalloped scissors (Paper Studio), paper flower & black brads (Making Memories)
Finished Size: 2.5 x 3.5"

Day 9: Introducing Friends 'Til the End & Quick Kits

Today we are revealing what exactly Hint #4 meant last week.  Many of you guessed that we were going to be coming out with our own line of chocolate candies, which gave us quite a chuckle behind the scenes!

What we were REALLY referring to was kits!  Yes, Quick Kits to be exact!  The idea behind these all-new kits is to offer up a selection of our exclusive colored products at a discount.  Each kit will be designed to coordinate with a specific stamp set (available for purchase separately). Our first kit will be released February 15th and includes nearly $22 worth of product!  ALL of this offered to you at the special low price of $16!  Look at how LONG the list of contents is!!!  You can make SO many cards with what it contains!!!

The kit comes packed in a sturdy kraft box bottom with a clear acetate cover that slides off and on like a matchbox, complete with one of our signature box bands.  The packaging makes it a perfect presentation as a gift and it also serves as durable storage.  The thing I love most about these kits is that if you have ever been overwhelmed with the selection of products at our store, you are now able to get a little bit of everything with just one click.  You KNOW it will all coordinate and that you'll have all the supplies on hand to make lots and lots of projects!

This kit was designed to coordinate with our new Friends 'Til the End stamp set which will also be available on February 15th.  The set will retail for $24 and contains oodles of fun images to play with.  Can I just tell you how much I LOVE this set?!?!  Seriously; the moment I completed the illustration work on the flowers included in this set, I knew that it would quickly become one of my favorites.  I can't even begin to describe how incredible it was to ink it up for the first time!!!  I just *know* that once you see the set in its entirety, you'll fall in love too!!!

I created a special card today that uses both the Friends 'Til the End stamp set and the new Quick Kit to help demonstrate what a great package deal it is!

I started by stamping the large and small (yup, there are two sizes folks!) flowers onto ripe avocado cardstock using vintage cream ink.  Aren't you just in LOVE?!?!?  Honestly, who wouldn't want to stamp that pattern on very shade of cardstock they own!  *sigh* I punched a notch from the side of the cardstock using a 1" circle punch (EK Success).

The stamped avocado cardstock was then adhered to a 4 1/4" square vintage cream card base.  I stitched around the edge with my sewing machine to help draw attention to the notch.  As a little quick tip, when stitching around small curves, like the notch, I like to turn the wheel manually on my sewing machine rather than press the pedal.  It is easier to turn your project just a bit after each stitch without going too fast and keep everything looking neat and precise.

I then pulled out one of my *favorite* tools, the anywhere slot punch from Making Memories.  I created a slot just inside the notch that I punched out earlier.

Ripe Avocado stitched ribbon was threaded through the slot.  Just a short piece is needed, about 4" or so.

I pulled out my new stash of *vintage buttons* (I just get giddy every time I use one!) and selected one that was vintage cream.  I threaded it with twine and looped the twine around the two ribbon ends at the edge of the card cover.

The ends of the twine are pulled to tighten the twine, therefore cinching the ribbon.

A little knot is added to hold the button securely in place, and viola!  A pretty little accent that you can add to the edge of nearly any card!  I've really enjoyed adding little details like this lately to my projects.  I have found that it is best to do them on a 4 1/4" square card so that even with the overhang, they can fit nicely into an A2 envelope.

I added a fun little sentiment combination to a strip of cream cardstock along with a few brads from my stash as a finishing touch.  I love the simplicity of this card design and I look forward to replicating it many times in the future.

What's fun about this type of project, is that you can make it in three different colors just with the contents of the new Quick Kit!  Nearly everything you need is right inside!  Ink, ribbon & cardstock in three colors, plus a neutral.  Talk about easy peasy!

Now, there may be a small chance that you aren't completely convinced that a Quick Kit could be in your future. I've got one more detail to reveal that just might persuade you!  Part of the benefits of a Quick Kit is a FREE Design Download!  The downloads contain full color photos, detailed supply lists, cutting measurements and complete instructions.  This month's download contains TWELVE project ideas put together by our design team using our very first kit!  And have they EVER knocked it out of the park this time!  In fact, they did such an amazing job, we have decided that rather than waiting until the 15th to make the download available, we would do so TONIGHT!  So hold onto your hats, ladies! Yeehaw!  

Download Friends 'Til the End Design Ideas

After you've downloaded the file and had a chance to take a peek, you'll have to let me what you think!  With all that inspiration in one neat little package that you can access anytime you like, how can you go wrong? If you ever lose your mojo or need a card on the double, you can use the download as an easy reference.  If you were to give the kit as a gift, you could even print the document out and include it in the box for the recipient to use as inspiration!

So, as an extra special treat, each of the ladies has shared their contributions to the download on their blogs as well.  Providing you with a few more details and tips regarding their amazing projects.  Click each of linked names under their projects to go directly to their individual blog posts!

CLICK HERE for Becky Oehler's blog post

CLICK HERE for Betsy Veldman's blog post

CLICK HERE for Dawn McVey's blog post

CLICK HERE for Debbie Olson's blog post

CLICK HERE for Geny Cassady's blog post

CLICK HERE for Heather Nichols' blog post

CLICK HERE for Lauren Meader's blog post

CLICK HERE for Lisa Johnson's blog post

CLICK HERE for Melissa Phillips' blog post

CLICK HERE for Michelle Wooderson's blog post

CLICK HERE for Niki Estes' blog post

Aren't they all amazing?!?!?  I still can't believe what an incredible variety of projects they designed, all with the same contents of the Quick Kit!  If that doesn't inspire you, I don't know what would!!!

Now to give you a little back story, when I was concepting the idea Friends 'Til the End, I was thinking about the fact that most of my card creations are made for girlfriends.    You know, REAL honest-to-goodness-down-to-earth-they've-seen-you-in-your-bathrobe kind of girlfriends.  The ones you've been through EVERYTHING with.  The ones that are there for you on bad days just as often as the good ones.  I'm sure at least one or two special people fill this role in your lives as well!  I wanted to create a set that allowed me to celebrate friendships EVERYDAY, not just on birthdays and special occasions.  I think the sentiments in this set are perfect for just that and I am excited to have all of you use it for the purpose it was intended!  Let's here a woohoooo for girlfriends!

So that brings me to today's contest & challenge!

All you have to do is create a card for your dearest friend.  Post the project somewhere online, whether it be your blog or your favorite online gallery.  Then, be sure to come back here and link it up to Mr. Linky below!

Wanna know what's up for grabs?

If you win, you will receive not one but TWO prize packages!  One for you and one for your very best friend!  (Hey, you need something to send WITH the card you created, right?!?!?)  Each prize package includes a Friends 'Til the End stamp set AND the coordinating Quick Kit! The two prize packages together are worth $80!

There's actually TWO ways to win!

Perhaps you don't dig participating in the challenges but still wanna play for the prize?  Post a comment on today's post and tell me all about your best friend. Why are you friends?  How did you meet?  What is you favorite memory with her?  Posting a comment will automaticlaly give you a chance to win!

Now don't worry, participants that post a comment AND a challenge card with Mr. Linky will be entered to win TWICE!  That's right!  Double your chances just by playing along!

You have until 3am EST (midnight PST) February 10th to share your challenge project and/or post a comment.  The winner will be listed on our special Anniversary Prize Page after 12 noon EST, February 10th. You can always access this list through the NEW! Anniversary Quick Link list to the upper left sidebar here.  A copy of the list will also be updated daily in our customer forum.

I hope you are all enjoying all of the festivities and I look forward to seeing you back here tomorrow for even more exciting reveals!!!

 

Get the VERY first peeks at Dawn McVey's stamp designs being released this month!

Did you catch Heather Nichols' post that mentions a bit about her new February sets?

I'm testing you to see if you're reading all the way down here! Be sure and stop by the CPS Blog again today after 7am EST.  I mentioned earlier in this post that when you see Friends to the End in its entirety, you'd fall head over heels like I did.....well be sure to stop by CPS and be prepared to fall in love!

Stamps: Friends 'Til the End (available February 15th)

Paper, Ink & Ribbon: Friends 'Til the End Quick Kit (available February 15th)

Other: 1" circle punch (EK Success), slot punch (Making Memories), brads, sewing machine & thread

Fished size: 4.25" x 4.25"