{capture the moment}

*Official* January Release Party Contest

We are so thrilled that so many of you decided to stop by tonight and participate in our festivities!  Want a shot at winning all of the stuff you've seen debuted this week during the countdown?  Just answer the following question to have your chance!

"What's your favorite thing about new babies?  The little toes & fingers?  The sweet smell?  Or maybe the peaceful way their chests move up and down when they sleep?"

Here's what is up for grabs...

The January I Want It All package (a $163 value!)

You have until 11:30pm EST to enter.  Please play nice, only one entry per person.  One winner will be randomly selected shortly before the release and announced at midnight here, in this post.  Winner is responsible for contacting Customer Service within 30 days to claim their prize.

Thank you once again and good luck to all of you!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!

I decided to do something a bit different today and pick the very first comment that was left tonight.   And the winner is...

Congratulations, Janice!  You obviously have quick fingers if you managed to be the very first to get a comment in!  Please be sure to contact customer service with your shipping information so we can get your package out to you.

And thank you to everyone else for playing along!  We have lots of exciting things in store for you next month since it will be our BIG 3rd anniversary!  Thanks again!

Introducing Daily Designs & Sentiments

 

Alli Miles has a knack of designing stamps that not only stay true to her hip modern style, but that incorporate a versatility that can't be matched.  Her new introductions this month are no different.

Daily Designs is a set of eight tag frames & patterns that include a variety of small companion images, covering everything from Easter to Father's Day to Baby.  You are all familiar with the ease of use you have found with our previous tag sets, such as Holiday Tags and Tags for Spring.  Alli has now designed her very own comprehensive set that embodies a versatile mix with year-round capabilities.

The details.

• Daily Designs will be available for sale on January 15th.
• It will retail for $24.
• It contains a total of 25 stamps (8 tag images and 17 companion images.)
• All of the tag images coordinate with a 1.75" standard circle punch, our Fiskars scalloped circle punch and the Marvy (blue) super jumbo scalloped circle punch.
  

You can't have images without sentiments!  Alli also designed a companion sentiment set that contains something for every season, holiday and event you can dream up!

The details.

• Daily Designs Sentiments will be available for sale on January 15th.
• It will retail for $15.
• It contains a total of 26 sentiments.

Alli has already been super busy this week posting some AMAZING quick & easy card samples (you can see them all HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE!) I decided to step a little outside of the box and create something a little different.  I have two projects to share with you today, each with completely different looks, which emphasizes just how versatile this set can be!

(click above image for a larger view)

This first project uses two of my very favorite images from Daily Designs.  A stylish bird on a branch and a stitched tag border.  I also used a "just a note" sentiment that can be found in Daily Designs Sentiments.

The bird is stamped in Spring Moss ink, with the stitched border & sentiment being stamped in Dark Chocolate.  I pierced a small hole with my paper piercer in the center of each stitch of the border to add a bit more detail.  The image was punched out with my 1.75" circle punch and matted with a scalloped circle punched from Ripe Avocado cardstock.  A vintage Spring Moss button tied with Rustic Jute button twine was added to the top for a little texture and dimension.

(click above image for a larger view)

This notepad project has a little bit of a fun twist.  I love to make these little notepads as gifts but I am always left scratching my head as to how to incorporate a pencil or pen and keep everything practical and professional looking.  After a few hours of fiddling, I finally developed a notepad cover that integrates a special holding place for a writing instrument! 

And because I love all of you SOOOO much, I even drew up the template and formatted it as an easy to print pdf so you can make your own versions of this too!

Click the link below to download my notepad cover & pen holder template!

Download Pen holder template

Here's a quick run down of just how easy this is to recreate in your own studio!  First, print the box template onto your desired cardstock.  Cut & score according to the template.

Adhere the long top tabs over onto the back of the template using Scor-tape or another sturdy adhesive.  This is an important step to do first, because this needs to be done in order for you to be able to punch the circle necessary for the pen insert.

After folding in the top two tabs, invert a 1/2" circle punch and punch out the opening where indicated.

You will end up with something that looks like this.

Fold and adhere the two side tabs in to form the box sides, followed by the bottom tab to complete the box.

Measurements for scoring & cutting the actual notepad cover are included in the download above.  I like it because it incorporates an extra section that creates a pocket for storing important papers, such as a small calender, receipts, appointment cards or anything else you can think of.

I used a 1.25" circle punch to create a notch in the back before I adhered the two edges to the center to form the pocket.

After adhering as indicated in the above photo, I added two of our notepads, one to the front cover and one to the back cover.  You'll notice that the pen holder adheres nicely in place right next to the notepad.

A pencil or pen will now tuck perfectly into the designated spot!

A bit of embellishing is to the cover is all that is needed to complete this project!

(click above image for a larger view)

One more note, I was able to create a matching pencil with a little modge podge and a few clothespins.  I found that a 1" strip of our patterned paper, cut to the length of the pencil you are covering is usually a perfect size.  Cover the back of the papr with modge podge and use several clothespins to hold the seam down in place while it dries.  Once the modge podge is completely dry, the pencil can be sharpened normally. 

(click above image for a larger view)

My second project is in a completely different style than the first.  It's girly, shimmery and sparkly all at the same time, perfect for any little girls in your life!

(click above image for a larger view)

It was hard to capture all of the shimmer in a photograph, so you'll have to use your imagination a bit!  This card layers our new pink shimmer cardstock (see post below) and aqua mist for a fun and vibrant color scheme! 

To create the fun background, I started with our pink shimmer cardstock.  This tag image from Daily Designs reminded me a bit of a flower, so I decided to use it by itself to build my pattern.  I stamped it repeatedly using Hibiscus Burst ink.  The contrast of the slight chalkiness you get with the pigment ink compared with the shimmer of the cardstock is too pretty to describe in words!

I followed up with a small floral image also from Daily Designs, stamped in Aqua Mist intermittently around the pink flowers.

The completed shimmery pattern is just stunning in real life!

For the focal point on the card I stamped two of the flourishes from Fancy Flourishes using Aqua Mist ink.  As a tip, don't be afraid to put both flourishes on the block at the same time to ensure perfect placement and symmetry.

I then stamped this crown image, alos from Daily Designs, with Hibiscus Burst ink.  The reason why I showed you this process for the focal point was to emphasize that even these small companion images can become a show stopper if you layer them over larger framing elements.

I added glitter borders above and below the princess focal point using Scor-tape and Prisma Glitter.  All of the sparkle really adds amazing detail to this project.

(click above image for a larger view)

Presentation of a gift for your little princess could not be complete without some super cute packaging!  I used the NEW! Back to Basics Box template (available tonight) to create this pretty stack of packages.

There are actually three sizes of boxes included with this Click Simple template package, so you can use them individually or stack them for a bigger impact.

These boxes are as easy as 1-2-3 to put together, and you don't even need to worry about a closure.  The integrated sizes fold down and tuck into a specially designed slot.

With the addition of some pretty ribbon and some bits of the background paper created for the card, I have a stunning package to present to the birthday girl!

Weren't today's projects so fun?  I had a blast with these sets, and I know you will too once you get them into your hot little hands!  What kinds of projects do you think you'll create with these sets?  Do you think there is anything here that you'll try to recreate?  We would love to hear from you!  Just for sharing a bit with us,we have a fun prize package up for grabs!

• Daily Designs stamp set
• Daily Designs Sentiments stamp set
• Background Basics: Petal Power stamp set
• pink & blue shimmer cardstock

A prize package that will give you a great start in recreating today's projects!  You have until 11:30pm EST, tonight, Thursday, January 14th to leave a comment here to be eligible to win.  One winner will be randomly selected and officially announced on our January Release Winners page just before the release at midnight.  Please play nice, only one comment per person.

Want to to see more of Daily Designs & Sentiments?  Stop by Becky Oehlers' blog today to see what she created using these sets.

Alli Miles is also featuring a project created with her new sets Daily Designs & Sentiments.

Kim Hughes is featuring a project that utilizes her new In Shape collection, Rock-a-bye Baby.

Dawn McVey is offering up another sneak peek of both her new sets, Top Ten & Top Ten Additions.

Our Distinguished Guest Designer, Jessica Witty, is sharing projects she created with all of this month's goodies!

Vintage Bird Notepad

Stamps: Daily Designs, Daily Designs Sentiments, Background Basics: Petal Power (all available January 15th)
Ink: Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate
Paper: Rustic White, Dark Chocolate, Ripe Avocado, Turning a New Leaf patterned paper pad (polka dots)
Other: Papertrey Notepads, 1.75" circle punch & scalloped circle punch (EK Success), Spring Moss Vintage Button, Rustic Jute Button Twine, sewing machine, paper piercer

Finished Size: 3-3/8" x 8-1/8"

Lil' Princess Ensemble

Stamps: Daily Designs, Daily Designs Sentiments (both available January 15th) Fancy Flourishes
Ink: Hibiscus Burst, Aqua Mist, Smokey Shadow
Paper: Pink Shimmer, Aqua Mist, Stamper's Select White, Pretty Pastels patterned paper collection (used in blue border piece)
Other: 1/4" Scor-tape, Prisma Glitter, Rhinestones (KaiserCraft), Crest Border Punch (Fiskars), Fresh Snow Grosgrain Ribbon, Back to Basics Box Templates

Finished Size: 4.25" x 5.5" (card), 5" tall x 5.25" wide (box tower)

Other New Additions for January

We are bringing you shimmer & shine this month in lieu of a standard color introduction.  Perfect for all of the baby and spring themed projects you will be creating over the next few months!  We are just over the moon about all of these new products and look forward to seeing what you create with them!!!

NEW! White Silk Ribbon

• available in 1/4" & 1/8" widths, arrives on one of our signature wooden spools for storage!
• can be easily colored with Copic markers!
• 5 yards for $3

NEW! Blue Shimmer Cardstock (shown here in between Aqua Mist & Spring Rain cardstock for comparison.)

• 8.5 x 11
• 110lb, just like our White Shimmer Cardstock
• 12 sheets for $8

NEW! Pink Shimmer Cardstock (shown here with Sweet Blush cardstock for comparison.)

• 8.5 x 11
• 110lb., just like our White Shimmer Cardstock
• 12 sheets for $8

NEW! Shimmery Spica Pens from Copic

• Add subtle shimmer details to stamped images, borders, patterned papers and more!
• Available in two color sets, as well as the popular Clear sold separately.
• Sets of 12 for $35, single Clear for $3

NEW! Rock-a-bye Baby In Shape Collection by Kim Hughes

• includes 4 unique shapes with templates for stitching, standard shapes & shaped card bases.
• available tonight for $5.

Introducing Top Ten & Additions

Hello, Friends!  So, have this weeks introductions been enough excitement for you?  Judging by all of your comments, it sure seems like there is a lot of love this month! I'm thrilled that so many of you have shared your overwhelming enthusiasm with us!

Today I am incredibly excited to formally introduce you to two new sets from Dawn McVey... Top Ten and Top Ten Additions.  Top Ten is a set specifically geared towards creating your own Top Ten or Top Five lists.  Think of it as living vicariously through Dave Letterman and the popular Top Ten segment of his late night talk show! (Sorry, I digress! Back to the stamp sets at hand!)  The personalized lists you create are perfect for a variety of applications. Including card focal points for covers and/or interiors, scrapbook layouts, mini book themes, love letters, lunch box notes, coupon books, valentines and much, much more!

The original Top Ten stamp set contains all of the basics you need to create your customized lists including dotted lines, numbers, list titles and adjectives as well as decorative brackets.

The details.

• Top Ten will be available for purchase on January 15th.
• It will retail for $24.
• Top Ten includes a total of 23 stamps (2 large numbers for the top of your lists, 2 coordinating brackets to use with them, 2 sets of smaller numbers to number the items on your lists, 2 list titles, 2 sets of dotted lines and 13 adjectives.)

Top Ten Additions is a small mini set designed to build upon what was already started with the original set, providing even more adjectives that can be incorporated into your lists.

The details.

• Top Ten Additions will be available for purchase on January 15th.
• It will retail for $5.
• Top Ten Additions includes a total of 11 adjective stamps.

Now that I have filled you in on most of the details, let's get right into some projects, shall we? 

I've mentioned in the past how much I enjoy sending little lunchbox notes with my kids when they head off to school for the day.  They serve as a little mid-day-pick-me-up for them, especially when it is nearing the end of a long week.  Top Ten & Additions provide the perfect platform to let your kids know what characteristics they possess that you admire. 

I created my focal point with two of the images from these new sets, the "5" being stamped in Sweet Blush and the "things I love about you" in Berry Sorbet.  I used a 2-way glue pen to apply adhesive to the five and sprinkle on some Prisma glitter.  If I am making something for Hannah, it HAS to have "sparkle" on it!!!  The circular frame was cut out using my Nestabilities and Berry Sorbet cardstock.  I stamped it with Polka Dot Basics 2 with Fresh Snow ink.  It just so happens when you stamp with the Fresh Snow onto the Berry Sorbet, it takes on a Sweet Blush quality, which coordinated with my project even more than expected.

The background paper is another sheet from Heather Nichols' new Pretty Pastels collection.  *sigh* Don't you just love it!!!  To enhance the design a bit and carry on my "sparkle" theme, I added small dots of 2-way glue in the appropriate places and sprinkled on more Prisma Glitter.  It's subtle but very effective.

   

The top five list I elude to on the outside of the card can be found once it is opened.

As I spoke of in the beginning of this post, there are separate line and number images included in this set.  There are two different line lengths, but each one is in a group of five, so they can be stamped once for a top five list and twice for a top ten list.  That Dawn, she's so clever!  I stamped the shorter lines in particular on my project using Sweet Blush ink.  The numbers for the lists are broken into two stamps as well to be adaptable for both list lengths, but yet still maintaining an easy way to add them without having to stamp the numbers individually.  I chose to stamp them in Berry Sorbet. 

There are a variety of adjectives in this set as well, so you can find several attributes to cater to almost anyone's personality.  Just select what you want to use and start adding them to the lines of your list.  I stamped mine with Smokey Shadow ink so there was a bit of contrast from the pinks used in the other elements.  As a fun twist, I also added a bit of my own handwriting to the mix.  I followed up with a little embellishing using a few of the same elements from the cover.  I love how this project turned out and I look forward to sticking it into Hannah's lunchbox today... she'll be so surprised!

 

My next project utilizes something a bit unconventional... one of the wooden spools leftover from some of out button twine.  I have a few of these kicking around since the twine they originally came with has long been used... holding onto them until I found *something* to do with them.  (I know all of us paper crafters think alike and keep EVERYTHING for "future" projects!!!)  I also pulled out one of our large square clear top tins to  go along with what I had in mind.

I started with some of the *FABULOUS* spring moss polka dotted paper from Pretty Pastels.  I cut it into ten 1.5" x 4" strips. (You can get all of this from a single 8x8 sheet!) I then scored each end of the strips 1/2" from the edge. 

Next, I trimmed both ends of each strip with scalloped scissors.

USing my handy dandy sewing machine, I began sewing the strips together.  You want to match up the score lines, right sides together. 

It's easiest to create five pairs to start.  (And don't worry about your thread "tails", it saves time to just wait until the end of the project to trim them all at once!)

 

Next, you want to stitch all of those pairs together, forming one long, continuous strip.

 

Use your finger to crease each seam flat and go back over them with a zigzag stitch.  I made sure to backstitch just a bit wherever I started and stopped the zigzag stitching, because it tends to pull out easily if you don't.

 
Once you have followed through with this step for the entire length, you will have a 30" strip that is pretty on both the front and back.

 

Now for the fun part!  The embellishing!  To change things up with the numbers, I Stamped them onto kraft cardstock using Dark Chocolate ink.  I then used a 1/4" hole punch to punch out each of the numbers individually.  I adhered them in order down the length of the strip. 

 

This is a special valentine I will be giving to David, so I chose ten adjective stamps from Top Ten & Top Ten Additions.  They are stamped in each section using Spring Moss ink.

I was then able to go back in with a brown pen and add a personal note under each adjective.  I just love the way this looks and it is such a unique way to tell David all the reasons why I love him!

I attached some *new* silk ribbon we are carrying to the end of the strip to serve as a way to keep the strip would around the spool.  More details about this new ribbon tomorrow!

After creating a special project like this, it is only right to leave my mark on it, so I signed & dated the end of the spool.

The completed spool tucks nicely into the large square tin.  I scored a strip of kraft cardstock and inserted it around the spool to help hold it in place.  In lieu of a plain strip of paper being wrapped around the tin base to embellish it, I punched a series of circles from the patterned paper, ran them through my xyron sticker maker and adhered them around the tin.  I really like how it turned out.

The tag is stamped with the large "10" from the set using Fresh Snow ink while "things I love about you" is added in Dark Chocolate.  All of this is done on kraft cardstock that is embellished with a few touches of the same spring moss dotted paper.  I tied it around the tin using Fresh Snow grosgrain ribbon.

Weren't today's projects so fun?  I had a blast with these sets, and I know you will too once you get them into your hot little hands!  What kinds of projects do you think you'll create with these sets?  Do you think there is anything here that you'll try to recreate?  We would love to hear from you!  Just for sharing a bit with us,we have a fun prize package up for grabs!

• Top Ten stamp set
• Top Ten Additions stamp set
• Polka Dot Basics 2 stamp set
• 3 empty wooden spools
• 3 large square clear top tins

A prize package that will give you a great start in recreating today's projects!  You have until 7am EST, Thursday, January 14th to leave a comment here to be eligible to win.  One winner will be randomly selected by noon EST the same day and officially announced on our January Release Winners page.   Please play nice, only one comment per person.

Want to to see more of Top Ten & Top Ten Additions?  Stop by Michelle Wooderson's blog today to see what she created using these sets.

Dawn McVey is offering up another sneak peek of both sets.  You can also see her previous posts HERE, HERE and HERE.

Alli Miles is also featuring a project created with her new sets Daily Designs & Sentiments.

Kim Hughes is featuring a project that utilizes her new In Shape collection, Rock-a-bye Baby.

Top Five Lunchbox Notecard

Stamps: Top Ten & Top Ten Additions (available January 15th), Polka Dot Basics 2

Ink: Fresh Snow, Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, Smokey Shadow

Paper: Stamper's Select White, Berry Sorbet, Pretty Pastels Patterned Paper Collection

Other: 2-way glue pen, Prisma Glitter, scalloped scissors (Fiskars), Standard Circle Nestabilities, corner rounder punch

Finished Size: 5" x 5"

Top Ten Love Note Wrap

Stamps: Top Ten & Top Ten Additions (available January 15th)

Ink: Fresh Snow, Dark Chocolate, Spring Moss

Paper: Classic Kraft, Pretty Pastels Patterned Paper Collection

Other: 1/4" hole punch (Fiskars), sewing machine, wooden spool, large squar eclear top tin, 1/4" silk ribbon, corner rounder punch, scalloped scissors (Paper Studio), 1.25" circle punch (EK Success)

Introducing Inside & Out: Baby

One of the most popular, ongoing stamp requests we receive from customers is for more sentiments that are appropriate for the insides of cards.  We here at Papertrey Ink have been working hard behind the scenes to bring you a new line of stamp sets that are perfectly suited for just that... the Inside & Out Collection.  These sets will be filled with lengthier sentiments that will work well on the inside of your projects, as well as shorter sentiments that can go on the outside leading to the interior message.  These are sure to be a must-haves for any stamper like me who is sometimes at a loss for words once I get to the inside of my handmade cards!

The first theme we decided to tackle was BABY.  With a fun mix of whimsical & beautifully elegant sentiments, you will surely feel like you are putting the perfect sentimental touch to your baby projects.

The details.

• Inside & Out: Baby will be available for purchase on January 15th.
• It will retail for $24.
• Inside & Out: Baby contains a total of 18 sentiment stamps.

I have put together one very special card using this heartfelt set that I am extraordinarily excited to share with you.  I was sure to capture each step along the way so that you could easily recreate it on your own.  Let's jump right in, shall we?

 
(click on above photo for a larger view)

Here it is... the exact project I was imagining when I chose to include this sentiment in Inside & Out: Baby.  The colors are a sweet scheme of Aqua Mist & Spring Rain.  A bit of glitter and a smudge of ink.  A few stitches here and there and you have yourself a beautiful card to introduce a new little baby to the world.  The central focal point is actually easier to create than you might think.  Let me show you step step...

 
First, sponge Aqua Mist ink pad  directly onto the top section of the white cardstock block.  Be sure to make the color a bit more intense at the edges to create a dramatic artistic effect.

 
Stamp the sentiment from Inside & Out: Baby in Smokey Shadow ink towards the bottom of the block.  Don't you just love this saying? 

 
I pulled out an older Papertrey set, Pond Life, to use the small dragonfly from it.  I stamped it in Spring Rain ink three times within the upper portion of the block.

 

I thought a few sparkly stars would be the perfect complement to the sentiment.  I pulled out a small star from our All-Star Team stamp set and added it a few times using Fresh Snow ink.  Immediately after stamping them, I sprinkled them with Prisma Glitter.  I also added a few small dots using my 2-way Glue Pen, sprinkling them with glitter as well.  The final effect is a subtly, sparkly sky.

 
(click on above photo for a larger view)

I wanted to be sure to show you the background I put together for my card before the focal point was added.  Half of it is from the new January paper collection designed by Heather Nichols, Pretty Pastels (see full preview in post below).  Can you see the detail in it?  Every single pattern in this collection is just STUNNING.  The other half is Spring Rain cardstock stamped with Polka Dot Baiscs 2 using Fresh Snow ink.  I stitched through the center using a zigzag stitch on my sewing machine.   Totally in love with how this turned out!

 

Here is a close-up of all the sparkle & shimmer in all it's glory.  *sigh*  So peaceful and tranquil.  You almost want to climb right in and lay down to gaze up at the stars...

 

The inside of a card is often neglected, especially here in my studio!  As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, the new Inside & Out series of stamps makes it easy to add a heartfelt message to your interiors. 

 
(click on above photo for a larger view)

The one used here goes perfectly with what I selected for the cover.  It reminds me of how sweet new babies are and the amazing future they hold within thier little souls.  Such a blessing!

I decided to challenge the team to use this new sentiment set both on a card and coordinating tag/wrap for a new little one.  And did they ever!  You will never be at a loss for a baby gift ensemble again after you peruse thier amazing creations!!!

 
CLICK HERE to read more from Debbie Olson. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Lisa Johnson.

CLICK HERE to read more from Heather Nichols. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Niki Estes. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Becky Oehlers. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Betsy Veldman. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Dawn McVey. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Geny Cassady. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Kim Hughes. 

CLICK HERE to read more from Michelle Wooderson. 

 CLICK HERE to read more from Melissa Phillips.

Isn't this team of gals just amazing?  I think group post day is my favorite day of the countdown.  It's just so inspiring to see everyone's take of the same stamp set & theme!!!  Is there anything that you've seen today that you find especially inspiring? What are some future themes you would like to see covered with our ongoing Inside & Out Collection?  We would love to hear your thoughts!  Just for sharing a bit with us,we have a fun prize package up for grabs!

• Inside & Out: Baby stamp set
• Bitty Baby Blessings stamp set
• Star Prints stamp set

A prize package worthy of any baby projects you might need to create over the coming years!  You have until 7am EST, Wednesday, January 13th to leave a comment here to be eligible to win.  One winner will be randomly selected by noon EST the same day and officially announced on our January Release Winners page.   Please play nice, only one comment per person.  

 

Dawn McVey is offering up another sneak peek of her new sets, Top Ten & Top Ten Additions.

Alli Miles is also featuring a project created with her new sets Daily Designs & Sentiments.

Kim Hughes is featuring a project that utilizes her new In Shape collection, Rock-a-bye Baby.

 
Stamps: Inside & Out: Baby (available January 15th), Pond Life, All-Star Team, Polka Dot Basics 2

Ink: Fresh Snow, Aqua Mist, Spring Rain, Smokey Shadow

Paper: Stamper's Select White, Spring Rain, Aqua Mist,  Pretty Pastels Patterned Paper

Other: Prisma Glitter, 2-way Glue Pen, sewing machine

Finished Size: 5" x 6"