{capture the moment}

Tonight is the Night!

The night we have all been waiting for is finally here!  Can't you just feel the anticipation in the air!  Now is your chance to be one of the FIRST to get to play with all of the amazing paper crafting goodness that we are offering up this month!!!  I wanted to let you know a few things about tonight so you can know what to expect!

The release party begins at 10pm EST on our forum.
Be sure to stop by our forum and enjoy the camaraderie and chit chat about all of our new products.  It's fast-moving and a super duper way to pass the time until you can begin filling your cart.

You can't have a party without a contest.
Tonight we will feature a contest, HERE ON THE BLOG.  There is a post that will go live @ 10:30pm EST entitled "OFFICIAL Release Party Contest" with a question for you to answer.  Share your answer with us and you will be eligible to win:

Our "I Want It All" package
this includes almost the entire June Release!

The contest will close at 11:30pm EST and the winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator.  I will announce the lucky winner here before midnight!

Stamp Set Reveal @ 11pm EST

At 11pm EST I will reveal all of the stamp sets in their entirety here, on the blog.  This way you can have a little time to look at everything and make informed decisions about your purchases.

Release Ordering 101

I have added a new page of information that will tell you all about the details of ordering during the release, procedures & policies you should be aware of and more.  Whether your new here or a regular, I think you will all find this information helpful.  You can find this information HERE.

As a reminder, which is noted on the Release Ordering 101 page, if you have trouble accessing the front page of the store after midnight, you can try going in the "back door" by using this link:

http://www.papertreyink.com/index.html

June Quick Picks/Collections!

For those of you who want it all with just one click!  You can see the full list of quick picks as well as all of the other new merchandise that will be available tonight, HERE!

June in a Nutshell!

You can always see a linked review list for each release on my Previous Countdown page, HERE.  But I have also added the list below, so it's easy to navigate while you are making your shopping decisions tonight.

DAY 1: Rhythm & Soul and Gracious Vases

DAY 2: Tag-its #5, Flower Fusion #5, Think Big Favorites #5 & Daydreamer

DAY 3: Bundle of Love & Sweet Baby

DAY 4: Happy Trails

DAY 5: It's a Jungle Out There & Mehndi Medallion

June Release Winners.
Be sure to stop by our June Release Winners page to see if you were one of the lucky folks to win a new release prize package!

Thank you so much for visiting throughout this exciting countdown and we look forward to seeing all of you later tonight!

Introducing It's a Jungle Out There & Mehndi Medallion

Today marks the last day of countdown projects and I am just thrilled to be able to make these last two stamp introductions!  They are both FANTASTIC sets that hold lots of possibilities!

First up is a new set from Dawn McVey that I just know you'll be wild about!

It's a Jungle Out There takes a few of your favorite wild animals and gives them a modern twist.  Each animal has two images, one solid and one with just their stripes or spots.  The unique attribute is that you can totally use the stripes or spots along on the die-cut animal shapes for a more modern look, or you can layer the two images together for a more realistic look.  Lots of possibilities!

The details.

• It's a Jungle Out There will be available for purchase on June 15th.
• It will retail for $15.
• It's a Jungle Out There contains a total of 14 stamps (1 solid giraffe, 1 giraffe spots, 1 solid zebra, 1 zebra strips, 1 solid cheetah, 1 cheetah spots and 8 sentiments)
• The giraffe measures 2" x 1-1/8", zebra 1-3/8" x 1-1/2", cheetah 3/4" x 1-3/8".
• A coordinating  die will be available for sale separately for $5.  It will cut our shapes to coordinate with all three of the animals.

To coordinate with this trendy stamp set, Dawn also designed an Animal Print Impression Plate.  This impression plate features zebra stripes on one side and cheetah spots on the reverse.  Not only does this coordinate well with It's a Jungle Out There, but it works so well as a modern "neutral" to go along with other stamp sets with style.

The details.

• The Animal Print Impression Plate will be available for sale on June 15th.
• It will retail for $16.
• The Animal Print Impression Plate measures 4-1/2" x 5-3/4".  One side features a zebra stripe while the reverse side features a cheetah print.

I have one more stamp set to introduce today and that is Mehndi Medallion.  I've wanted a set featuring the style of Mehndi for some time and I'm so excited to have something like it now to stamp with!  This set features one large medallion that is just under 2-1/2" diameter, making it a perfect fit for our Limitless Layers 2-1/2" Circle Die Collection.  There are also a few smaller medallions as well that can be used to accent sentiments or assist you in building background patterns.  This little beauty will rapidly become a favorite!

The details.

• Mehndi Medallion will be available for sale on June 15th.
• It will retail for $5.
• Mehndi Medallion contains a total of 6 stamps: 1 (2-1/2") medallion, 2 (3/4") medallions, 1 (3/8") medallion and 2 (1/4") medallions.
• The largest medallion coordinates with our Limitless Layers 2-1/2" Die Collection.

Last weekend we visited my grandparent in North Carolina and had the opportunity to take the kids to a local award-winning zoo.  We only had time for the African portion of the expansive zoo, but it provided the perfect inspiration for today's post.  I thought I would share a few of my favorite photos from the day with you before getting into the projects...

There were several giraffes clustered around a tree in the shade on this 95-degree day.  I had forgotten how tall and majestic they are in person.

There were a few zebras there as well with their bold stripes shining in the intense sun.  Isn't it fascinating how zebras & giraffes have such interesting patterns in their coats?  I was telling my kids while we were there to try to imagine what we would look like if our hair grew in patterned patches like theirs!

 The fun thing about this zoo is that there is one large open space where most of the African animals roam together, just as they would in their natural habitat.

And I had to share at least one photo of the kids!  Ethan & Hannah enjoyed getting to climb on the various "kid-friendly" bronze statues throughout the park.  It was really neat to see the parts of the statues that had been rubbed repeatedly by little hands, just like the tops of this elephants ears where you can see the natural patina is gone.

Now that I have shared a bit of zoo inspiration with you, let's get onto some fun projects!

First, a duo that has the same humble beginnings, but showcases two very different looks!

The base for the focal points of both of these cards started with A square of white cardstock and a handful of Copic Markers.  I went from lightest to darkest and just colored across the cardstock in strips, bending in between each color slightly with a little overlap.  Super quick & fun!

On one of my finished blocks I stamped the images in VersaMark and embossed them with White Filigree Embossing Powder.

The images used were: the giraffe from It's a Jungle Out There, the tree from Through the Trees and a bit of Background Basics: Text Style.

The sentiment from Signature Greetings was stamped in Smokey Shadow.  I added a couple embossed lines across the bottom of the card with my Scor-buddy.

I love how placing this focal point on the Aqua Mist card base helps to soften everything...a dramatic difference from the next project...

Here I have used the same Copic colored block as my starting point, but this time I stamped all of the same images in True Black. 

 The sentiment is from Father Knows Best and really makes the overall card take on a different style than the first card, simply because of the sentiment change.

I added another sentiment from Father Knows Best to the interior of my card...it seemed fitting for something that featured a giraffe!  Speaking of giraffe, I added another one beside the interior sentiment using New Leaf ink!

Now for something pink and girly...you can't showcase one of Dawn McVey's stamp sets with out doing something pink and girly!!!!

For the focal point I started by stamping the solid zebra in Fresh Snow and layering the striped version on top of it with True Black.  The sentiment (from Communique Curves Sentiments) is also stamped in True Black.  Mehndi Medallion is stamped on top of all of that with VersaMark ink.  I trimmed the side with pinking shears and stitched it in place with my sewing machine.  A few pink rhinestones are sprinkled on for good measure.

Behind the focal point I added a strip of that luscious Raspberry Fizz/Pure Poppy Damask Designs patterned paper along with a card cover of Dark Chocolate cardstock.  If you look closely you can see how I used the Animal Prints Impression Plate to add zebra stripes.  Love that!

I have been in love with Simply Chartreuse, Vintage Cream and Smokey Shadow put together lately and thought I would do another project with that pairing.

For the focal point, I stamped the solid versions of the giraffe and cheetah with Simply Chartreuse ink.  I then added just the striped portion of the zebra.  I wanted the zebra to stand out from the crowd, showcasing it's natural *beauty*...which I think supports this sentiment from All About You Additions.  IT was added with True Black ink underneath the menagerie. 

I added a few leaves from Daydreamer around the edges of the focal block to help soften the hard edges.  You'll notice I used that fabulous zebra stripe side of the Animal Prints Impression Plate again for this project, this time with Simply Chartreuse cardstock.  Everything was affixed to a Smopkey Shadow card base.

Next up is a more whimsical project that embraces the "party" animal in this set!  The focal point block was first embellished with leaves from Turning a New Leaf using Aqua Mist ink.  The "Happy Happy Birthday" sentiment (from Birthday Bash Sentiments) was added the the lower corner with True Black, followed by the small "Party Animal" from It's a Jungle Out There..

I die-cut the giraffe from white cardstock and then stamped the solid image in Orange Zest and the spots in Terracotta Tile on top.  For the party hat, I snipped a bit of Raspberry Fizz Damask Designs paper into a teeny-tiny party hat and added a little Hawaiian Shore trim along with a rhinestone to top it off.

The entire focal point was adhered to a white card base matted with Hawaiian Shores Damask Designs patterned paper.

This is one of my absolute favorite cards from today...there is just something about black & kraft together that makes my heart go pitter patter!  *wink*

The kraft card front was stamped with the gorgeous Mehndi Medallion using True Black ink.  Notice how I mixed both the large and medium medallions together to make an all over pattern.  So intricate and so beautiful!

For the focal point, I started by cutting a small block of paper to use as a mask.  I used temporary adhesive to hold it in place and sponged Fresh Snow ink around it's edges.  I removed the mask and placed post-it notes on the bottom and right-side of the block, leaving the center *un-inked* center portion exposed but covering the sponged white ink in those areas.   The sentiment is from Father Knows Best and really makes the overall card take on a different style than the first card, simply because of the sentiment change.

 The sentiment is from Father Knows Best and really makes the overall card take on a different style than the first card, simply because of the sentiment change.  A few scattered rhinestones around the vines helped to create visual balance.

Now for something a bit more artsy...

I took a piece of Vintage Cream cardstock and used temporary adhesive to adhere the cheetah die-cut in place.  I then sponged a thick layer of Terracotta Tile ink over the mask.  Once I had it fairly dark, I started adding images around the outside from Grunge Me.  I love the artistic effect this created.

After removing the mask, I stamped the solid cheetah with Haystack Palette ink and the cheetah spots with Dark Chocolate with in the masked off area.  I layered bits and pieces from Postmarks and Big & Bold Wishes along the right-side of the card using True Black ink.  

The background is impressed with the cheetah print side of the Animal Prints Impression Plate,  I used a strip of vintage book print as a border.

When I get a new stamp set to work with, I always sit down with a sheet of scrap paper and try out all the images in different combinations and such.  On the *practice sheet* I created for this set, I had stamped the cheetah and then repeatedly stamped in several more times to remove the excess ink.  I was instantly reminded of a technique I learned at a convention years and years ago.  I can't for the life of me remember the official name of it...

but here it is.  Is tamped the cheetah in Summer Sunrise ink and then stamped it repeatedly behind it, moving backward a little more each impression, being sure not to re-ink between impressions either.  the effect is a cheetah/cougar that is on the move.  I thought it would pair up nicely with some sentiments from All Star Team Additions, stamped here in Pure Poppy.

The corrugated image from My Dad My Hero was added to the bottom of the card using Smokey Shadow ink.  I thought this would be a great type of card to give to someone before a sports tournament or big game.  I think it is a gender neutral project as well.

I have one more project for you today and this one focuses on Menhdi Medallion specifically.

I stamped it onto a decorative shape from the Limitless Layers 2-1/2" die collection that was cut from Plum Pudding cardstock.  I love how well the shapes go together on this!

I heat embossed the sentiment (from Think Big Favorites #2) with Filigree White Embossing Powder in the center of the medallion.  The medallion is flanked on either side with Plum Pudding buttons.

The background of the card was stamped with Background Basics: Chevron Stripes in VersaMark onto Royal Velvet.  All of this was mounted on a white card base.

For the interior, I  added one of the sentiments from  Inside & Out: Thank You, with one of the medium medallions from Mehndi Medallion stamped above it.  A simple elegant card that can easily be mass produced or have the colors changed up to fit the recipient better.

I hope you enjoyed all of the fun projects I had to share with you today!  These sets hold so many possibilities, I have just barely begun to showcase all of the options that a bit of creativity could bring!  What do you think of the products showcased today?  You could have a chance to win big just by sharing your thoughts with us!

• It's a Jungle Out There stamp set
• It's a Jungle Out There die
• Animal Prints impression plate
• Mehndi Medallion stamp set
• Limitless Layers 2.5" circle die collection

You have until 11:30pm EST, Tuesday, June 14th to leave a comment and be eligible to win.  Only one comment per person please.  One randomly selected winner will be announced no later than midnight that night on our June 2011 Release Winners page.  Thank you so much for stopping by today and best of luck with the contest!

Dawn McVey has some additional projects using It's a Jungle Out There & Mehndi Medallion.

Heather Nichols is showcasing Tag-its #5.

Melissa Bickford has a few more projects using her new baby sets & Flower Fusion #5.

Maile Belles is highlighting Gracious Vases again today.

Lizzie Jones has another sweet little project using Rhythm & Soul.

AQUA GIRAFFE THANK YOU CARD

• STAMPS: Its a Jungle Out There (available June 15th), Signature Greetings, Through the Trees, BB: Text Style
• INK: VersaMArk, Smokey Shadow
• PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Aqua Mist
• OTHER: Filigree White Embossing Powder, Copic Markers, Scor-buddy
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

BLACK GIRAFFE FATHER'S DAY CARD

• STAMPS: Its a Jungle Out There (available June 15th), Through the Trees, Father Knows Best
• INK: True Black, New Leaf
• PAPER: Stamper's Select White
• OTHER: Copic Markers
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

PINK ZEBRA BIRTHDAY CARD

• STAMPS: Its a Jungle Out There, Mehndi Medallion (available June 15th), Communique Curves Sentiments
• INK: True Black, Fresh Snow, VersaMark
• PAPER: Kraft,Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz, Damask Designs paper pad
• OTHER: Animal Print Impression Plate, pinking shears, rhinestones (Kaiser Craft), sewing machine
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

BEAUTIFUL THING MENAGERIE CARD

• STAMPS: Its a Jungle Out There, Daydreamer (available June 15th) All About You Addiitons
• INK: True Black, Simply Chartreuse
• PAPER: Vintage Cream imply Chartreuse, Smokey Shadow
• OTHER: Animal Print Impression Plate
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

PARTY ANIMAL CARD

• STAMPS: Its a Jungle Out There (available June 15th), Turning a New Leaf, Birthday Bash Sentiments
• INK: True Black, Aqua Mist, Orange Zest, Terracotta Tile
• PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Damask Designs paper pad
• OTHER: It's a Jungle Out There die, rhinestone (KaiserCraft)
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

BLACK & KRAFT ZEBRA CARD

• STAMPS: Its a Jungle Out There, Mehndi Medallion (available June 15th) Turning a New Leaf, Blooming Button Bits
• INK: True Black, Fresh Snow, Ripe Avocado
• PAPER: Kraft
• OTHER: black rhinestones (KaiserCraft)
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

CHEETAH CELEBRATE CARD

• STAMPS: Its a Jungle Out There (available June 15th), Grunge Me, Postmarks, Big & Bold Wishes
• INK: True Black, Terracotta Tile, Haystack Palette, Dark Chocolate, Tea Dye Duo
• PAPER: Vintage Cream, vintage book print from old book
• OTHER: It's a Jungle Out There die, Animal Print Impression Plate, pinking shears, sewing machine
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

GO THE DISTANCE CARD

• STAMPS: Its a Jungle Out There (available June 15th), All Star Team Additions, My Dad My Hero
• INK: Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise
• PAPER: Vintage Cream, Kraft, Beautiful Blooms paper pad
• OTHER: 1-1/8" circle punch, black pens (American Crafts)
• FINISHED SIZE: 3-3/4" x 5"

MEDALLION THANK YOU CARD

• STAMPS: Mehndi Medallion (available June 15th), BB: Chevron Stripes, Think Big Favorites #2
• INK: VersaMark, Elegant Eggplant SU!, True Black
• PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Royal Velvet, Plum Pudding
• OTHER: Limitless Layers 2.5" Circle die, Plum Pudding buttons, White Filigree Embossing Powder
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

Make It Monday #19: Rock and Roll Technique

Such a simple idea...and such amazing results. Lisa Johnson's back for this week's Make It Monday Video to teach you how to successfully pull of the "rock and roll" inking technique to add grandient color edges to all your stamped images. Best part? No special tools needed--you've got what you need already. Click play to find out more.

 

Still images of her project:

f you are joining along this week, here are the details concerning the Make It Monday Challenge.

--A new Make It Monday Challenge & video will go up every Monday morning at 9am EST.

--Create a project utilizing your take on the challenge.  Your project must use at least one Papertrey product and use the rock and roll technique.

--Post your project on your blog, in your gallery or on any other photo-hosting site (such as photobucket or flickr).

--Add your link to our --->InLinkz List<---

--You will have until 7am, Monday, June 20th, to add your link to the list to be eligible to win.  And you can enter as many times as you like.

--We will be tweeting and posting on our Facebook page every night (between 5-9pm EST) highlighting a Featured Project.  These tweets/Facebook postings will just be a shout-out regarding projects that caught our eye.  The tweets/Facebook postings no longer have any special merit regarding the actual contest.

--One randomly selected winner will be chosen from ALL the entries on Monday, June 20th, after 7am.  The winner will be posted here on this blog post, on Twitter and Facebook.  The randomly selected winner will get to select a FREE Papertrey stamp set of their choice!

 Good luck to everyone and we look forward to seeing your projects!

Congrats to Karen W for being randomly selected as the winner for this Make It Monday challenge!  Please be sure to contact Customer Service with your selected free stamp set and your shipping information!  And a big thank you to everyone else who played along!  You have all shared some amazing inspiration this week!

Introducing Happy Trails

Well, I can honestly say that today has been a day that I have been eagerly awaiting for a few months now.  Today I get to introduce all of you to a stamp design concept that will have you anxiously waiting to get inky...something new, fresh and fun that you simply won't be able to live without!

When I designed this set, it was one of those *aha* moments that I sometimes have...where everything came together perfectly just as I had envisioned it in my head.  

Happy Trails is a set is full of things that leave behind "trails"...butterflies, ink pens and so much more.  Each sentiment features a large script word with an unfinished "tail" at the end.  The set contains three different scrolled tails that you can add to the ends of these words and finish off with your desired image.  Coordinating dies make this set easy to layer and utilize unique color combinations!

The details.

• Happy Trails will be available for sale on June 15th.
• It will retail for $24.
• Happy Trails contains a total of 26 stamps (1 dragonfly, 1 butterfly, 1 quill, 1 pen, 1 pencil, 1 scribble, 1 paper airplane, 2 birds, 3 trails 2 ink spatters and 12 sentiments)
• The dragonfly measures 1-1/2" x 3/4".  The butterfly measures 1" x 3x4".  The pen & pencil each measure 1-3/4" x 3/16".  The paper airplane measures 1-1/4" x 3/8'.  The bird(s) measure 1-1/8" x 3/4" each.  The quill measures 1-1/2" x 3/8".  
• A coordinating Happy Trails die will be available for purchase separately for $5.  The die will cut out shapes that coordinate with all of the images in this set except the quill.  

I have some really cool things to show you today, so let's get onto the projects!  With twenty-five cards made in the last few days, I decided I wanted to step a bit out of my normal comfort zone today and try a few new things.  I did a bit of exploring online to gain some inspiration.

I stumbled across this piece of jewelry on Etsy and instantly fell in love with the colors and design and decided to try to re-interpret that into a card.

I got a bit *artsy* and layered images in ways that I have never done before and I am just thrilled to pieces with the results.  I started by stamping the leaf image from Beautiful Blooms around my card front in SUmmer Sunrise, followed by the dotted flower from Daydreamer in Lemon Tart.

On a separate sheet of Vintage Cream cardstock I stamped YOF: Roses and YOF: Mums images in Smokey Shadow and cut them out.  I then layered them along the edge of my card front and then squared them off from the back to fit within the card cover.  The sentiment is stamped in True Black.

The "trail" was added with Smokey Shadow ink, with the butterfly die-cut and then stamped it with the coordinating image from Happy Trails in Simply Chartreuse.  All of the images in this set feature a fine corduroy ribbing to them.  I love this subtle texture, it really adds a lot to the image and makes it look more textile in nature.

I'm really pleased with this project and it was so fun to create...I just threw all my standard "rules" aside and let the creativity flow.  I really enjoyed it!  I would love to see YOUR take on the inspiration piece I shared above...please feel free to link your results in the comments section!

Now for something a bit more whimsical in nature.  I thought I would pair up the dragonfly image from Happy Trails with Friendship Jar.

I layered patterned papers at the bottom of the card front and also some little pieces of trim made with my pinking shears and Spring Rain cardstock.  The star was punched from white cardstock and covered with glitter.

I stamped the jar in CVersaMark and heat embossed it with Filigree White embossing powder.  I then covered the Kraft cardstock with Background Basics: Twinkle using Fresh Snow ink.  I stamped the trail with VersaMark and used it as my guide to pierce holes for stitching.  I stitched the trail with purple embroidery floss.  I die-cut the dragonfly from white cardstock and stamped it with the coordinating image from Happy Trails.

For the sentiment, I die-cut an Angled Label and stamped the coordinating frame from Label Basics using Plum Pudding ink.  The sentiment (from Daydreamer) was added using Smokey Shadow ink.  I love the colors of this card as well as the "softness" it seems to have.

I had to get out those adorable little animals from Sweet Baby again and this time I paired the elephant up with the new pencil image from Happy Trails.  Having the die for the pencil is SO great because it would have been a bit tedious cutting it out!

I die-cut the elephant from Vintage Cream cardstock and stamped the elephant from Sweet Baby in Spring Moss.  For the pencil, I die-cut it from Vintage Cream as well and stamped the coordinating image from Happy Trails with Summer Sunrise and Smokey Shadow inks.  I added a bit of Melon Berry Copic to the eraser for color.  The "thank you, teacher" sentiment (also from Happy Trails) was stamped onto this Library Ledger paper in Smokey Shadow.

I die-cut a heart using a Heart Prints die and Melon Berry cardstock.  The heart was stamped with one of the small medallions from Mehndi Medallion (more about that later on this week).  I stitched the heart in place with my sewing machine.

The Kraft card base was stamped with Polka Dot Basics II using VersaMark ink.  Isn't this just the cutest?  I can hardly wait to send this in to the teachers when school starts for us in a few weeks!

I have another piece of art that I found inspirational today, if you'll allow me to indulge.  This is a painting I ran across on Etsy.

And here's the card I created as a result of the beautiful piece of art I used as my inspiration. Lots of image layering for fun artsy effects!

The sentiment was stamped in True Black and then I added the birds across the top in Hawaiian Shores...both images are from Happy Trails.

In the corner, I stamped splatters from Grunge Me in both Ocean Tides & Hawaiian Shores.  I then heat embossed the trees from Through the Trees with White Filigree Embossing Powder.  I love the way this turned out and the Grunge Me set is definitely getting a lot more use than I initially expected!  

Now for something a bit more masculine.  The card front for this projects is made of strips of True Black, Smokey Shadow, Silver Shimmer & Soft Stone cardstocks.  After assembling the strips together, I added the trail image from Happy Trails.   I die-cut the paper airplane from white cardstock and stamped it with the coordinating image as well as Background Basics: Newsprint.

I die-cut this red felt heart and stitched it in place with a button.  This definitely says I love you without getting too carried away!

The "Sending You" sentiment is heat embossed with Clear Filigree Embossing Powder, with the secondary sentiment added underneath using True Black ink.  I had fun creating this card since it was a bit more modern and out of the ordinary for me!  And I adore how it turned out!

Now that you have seen my creations, let me show you a few things that our talented team has put together for you today!  Prepare to be amazed!!!!

CLICK HERE to read more from Betsy Veldman.

CLICK HERE to read more from Danielle Flanders.

CLICK HERE to read more from Dawn McVey.

CLICK HERE to read more from Erin Lincoln.

CLICK HERE to read more from Heather Nichols.

CLICK HERE to read more from Jessica Witty.

CLICK HERE to read more from Lisa Johnson.

   

CLICK HERE to read more from Maile Belles.

CLICK HERE to read more from Melissa Phillips.

CLICK HERE to read more from Michelle Wooderson.

Aren't all of their projects just breath-taking?!?!?  And SO unique!  SO inspiring!  Many of them really got to their artistic roots, didn't they?  I think this may possibly go down as one of my favorite group posts EVER!  So, what did you think?  Are you excited to get started with Happy Trails yourself?  What project today left you inspired?  We would love to hear from you!  You could have a chance at winning an amazing prize package just for sharing your thoughts with us!

• Happy Trails stamps set
• Happy Trails die
• Up, Up & Away stamp set
• Up, Up & Away die
• Cloud 1 & 2 die collection
• Butterfly Dreams
• Butterfly die
• Fly Away stamp set
• Fly Away die

You have until 7am EST, Tuesday, June 14th to leave your comment and be eligible to win.  Only one comment per person please.  One randomly selected winner will be announced on our June 2011 Release Winners page no later than noon EST the same day.  Thanks for stopping by today and best of luck with the contest!

Melissa Bickford has more using her new sets today.

Lizzie Jones has another goodie using Rhythm & Soul.

Maile Belles is showcasing Gracious Vases again today.

Dawn McVey has some additional projects using her new products for this month.

LOVE IS EVERYTHING CARD

• STAMPS: Happy Trails, Daydreamer (available June 15th) YOF: Roses, YOF: Mums, Beautiful Blooms
• INK: True Black, Summer Sunrise, Lemon Tart, Smokey Shadow, Simply Chartreuse
• PAPER: Vintage Cream, Simply Chartreuse
• OTHER: Happy Trails die, pinking shears
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

MAKE A WISH CARD

• STAMPS: Happy Trails, Daydreamer (available June 15th), Background Basics: Twinkle, Label Basics, Friendship Jar
• INK: Fresh Snow, Plum Pudding, Spring Rain, VersaMark, Smokey Shadow
• PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Spring Rain, Kraft, Pretty Pastels pad, Friends 'Til the End pad
• OTHER: Happy Trails die, Medium Scalloped Border die, Angled Labels die, Filigree White Embossing Powder, star punch (Fiskars), prisma glitter, embroidery floss (DMC), sewing machine, pinking shears
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

THANK YOU, TEACHER CARD

• STAMPS: Happy Trails, Sweet Baby, Mehndi Medallion (available June 15th) Polka Dot Basics II
• INK: Smokey Shadow, Spring Moss, Summer Sunrise, VersaMark
• PAPER: Vintage Cream, Kraft, Melon Berry, Library Ledger pad
• OTHER: Happy Trails die, Sweet Baby die, Heart Prints die, sewing machine
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

DREAMS TAKE FLIGHT CARD

• STAMPS: Happy Trails (available June 15th) Through the Trees, Grunge Me
• INK: True Black, Hawaiian Shores, Ocean Tides, VersaMark
• PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Aqua Mist
• OTHER: Filigree White Embossing Powder
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

SENDING YOU AIRPLANE CARD

• STAMPS: Happy Trails (available June 15th), Big & Bold Wishes, Background Basics: Newsprint
• INK: True Black, Smokey Shadow, VersaMark
• PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Soft Stone, Silver Shimmer, Smokey Shadow, True Black
• OTHER: Happy Trails die, Heart Prints die, Pure Poppy Felt, Clear Filigree Embossing Powder
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

Introducing Bundle of Love & Sweet Baby

Today we are continuing on our journey through the new products we have prepared for our June Release and we are dedicating today to babies!  Baby projects are always so fulfilling, all of the adorable images and pretty pastels, layers of buttons & lace.  We have two new baby sets that will take your baby-themed projects to the next level that I just know you will love!

Melissa Bickford designed both of the sets that I will be introducing to you today. The first one is an adorable little set dedicated to the classic stork and the little bundle of joy he brings.  With Bundle of Love, you will love being able to add different patterns to the fabric that swaddles the little baby as well as utilizing the classic sentiments with it.

The details.

• Bundle of Love will be available for purchase on June 15th.
• It will retail for $15.
• Bundle of Love includes a total of 12 stamps (1 stork, 1 baby bundle, 3 fabric patterns for bundle, 2 hearts and 5 sentiments)
• The stork in this set measures 2-1/2" tall and 2-1/8" wide.  The baby bundle measures 1" tall and 7/8" wide.

The second set I have to introduce to you today is an animal set entitled Sweet Baby.  This collection of polka-dotted animals is really adorable and totally pulls at your heartstrings!  You will love pairing these images up with the coordinating dies, which helps to increase all of the layering possibilities.

The details.

• Sweet Baby will be available for purchase on June 15th.
• It will retail for $15.
• Sweet Baby contains a total of 13 stamps (1 elephant, 1 giraffe, 1 lion body, 1 lion head, 1 solid heart trio, 1 outlined heart trio, 1 single solid heart, 1 outlined single heart and 5 sentiments)
• The elephant measures 1-7/8" wide and 1" tall. Giraffe 1-7/8" wide and 2-1/4" tall.  The assembled lion measures 2-1/8" wide and 1-1/2" tall.
• A coordinating die will be available for sale separately for $8.  The die will cut out shapes that will coordinate with all three of the animals in the set. The overall die measures 4" x 3".

I have a couple new die designs to introduce to you today as well.  The first one is the next die in our Shape Up series... Shape Up Series: Onesie. 

If you missed the original introduction to our Shape Up line-up, you can read all about it HERE. 

These large-scaled dies are perfect for creating shaped cards, large card cover focal points, scrapbook layout embellishemnts, large shaped gift tags and so much more.  You can embellish this baby onesie is so many ways with stamps sets, patterned paper, impression plates and more.

The details.

• The Shape Up Series: Onesie die will be available for purchase on June 15th.
• It will retail for $13.
• The Shape Up Series: Onesie die measures 4-1/4" x 5-1/2".  The dots shown in the die illustration above represent tiny holes that are drilled through the die backing to use as a line-up reference when creating card bases. 

The second new die I have to introduce is the next addition to our Favor It line.  This adorable little set of two dies will help you to create minature "boat & tote" bags, similar to the full-scale version you might find at L.L.Bean or Land's End.  With the second die being separate, you can easily use a contrasting color for the handle portion making it look really authentic!

The details.

• The Favor It Box 4 die set will be available for sale on June 15th.
• It will retail for $20.
• The Favor It Box 4 dies measure: 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" (A), 4" x 3-1/2" (B).  The completed box measures 3-1/2" wide, 3-3/4" tall and 1" deep.

I also have another blast from the past for you today.  Dawn McVey has so kindly created coordinating dies for the previously released Scattered Showers!  You have all requested this on several occassions, and now it's here!  You will love the newfound versatility this die adds to the set!

The details.

• The Scattered Showers die collection will be available for purchase on June 15th.
• It will retail for $10.
• The set of two dies will cut all the shapes you need to coordinate with all of the umbrella designs in the previously released Scattered Showers stamp set.  (A)2-1/2" x 4-1/4", (B) 2-1/2" x 3-1/2".

Now that I've shared all the details with you, let's get onto some fun projects!

This ensemble features one of my favorite "baby" color schemes, Spring Moss, Vintage Cream and Sweet Blush.

For the card, I created a background with the new Mehndi Medallion set (more about this later in the week) and Spring Moss ink.  The focal point was stamped with Label Basics in Spring Moss and the sentiment (Inside & Out: Baby) in Smokey Shadow.  The elephant was die-cut with the Sweet Baby die and stamped with the coordinating image from Sweet Baby in Sweet Blush.  I layered and looped Sweet Blush satin ribbon underneath the label and finished it off with a few Spring Moss buttons.

Isn't this little tote just darling?  You can see that I ended up altering it slightly by adding a scalloped edge to the top with scissors.

The entire tote started out like this...four pieces which includes two of the box bottom and two of the handles.  When you are creating these it is always best to do any stamping before assembly.

You will want to assemble the box bottom first and then adhere the handles.  I love having the separate dies like this so that you can easily make the handles in a different color.

The tag was created by altering an image from Label Basics just a tad: cutting off the end and snipping the corners with scissors.  It's tied in place with twine and a Spring Moss button.  So easy to assemble and such a great way to package up small little gifts like this.

Now for a little something using Bundle of Love.  I thought that a new baby "delivery" & the newspaper went hand in hand, so I wanted to pair this set up with Background Basics: Newsprint.  I love how it turned out!

I stamped all the images in Noir Palette first.  I rubbed a little Fresh Snow ink within the interior of the stork to help set him off, using a q-tip.  Then I colored the baby bundle with Ocean Tides & Sweet Blush Copics, using the Colorless Blender to add polka dots to it.  I then stamped Background Basics: Newsprint over the top of everything using VersaMark ink.

The background is Polka Dot Basics II stamped on Ocean Tides cardsrtock with Fresh Snow ink.  Even though this card only has a few layers, the focal point is strong enough to stand on it's own without any extra embellishments.  I love that!  Not to mention it's easy to mail too!

I wanted to expand upon the possibilities with Bundle of Love and decided to pair it up with Vintage Picnic.  Now that the new Vintage Picnic Basket die is here, I can't seem to stop using Vintage Picnic!

I die-cut the basket from Fine Linen cardstock and then stamped the coordinating basket image from Vintage Picnic with Dark Chocolate ink.  I added a few shadows and dimension with the Fine Linen Copic Trio and a little T1.  After the die-cutting ad coloring of the basket, I stamped the little baby bundle from Bundle of Love on a separate scrap of Vintage Cream cardstock.  I colored the face in with a bit of the Sweet Blush Copic Trio,  I cut away a little of the bundle, leaving the head and some extra to adhere it in place on the back of the basket.

The "blanket" was die-cut from Damask Designs Harvest Gold paper and adhered in place.  Isn't it just adorable?!?!  The stork was added beside the baby basket using Dark Chocolate ink.  I then paper pieced the body of the stork with Vintage Cream cardstock that was stamped with Polka Dot Basics II using Fine Linen ink.

A scrap of Aqua Mist stitched ribbon was wrapped around the edge of the card and affixed with a little machine sewing and a Harvest Gold button.

The sentiment (one of my all-time favorites from Inside & Out: Baby) was added on this school-ruled paper from the Library Ledger paper pad.  I also added a few additional strips of patterned paper at the bottom for balance.

The Kraft background was impressed with the Tin Types Impression Plate after stamping the stork.  It is one of my favorite impression plates and I don't use it nearly as often as I should!  All in all, an adorable little card that's perfect for celebrating the arrival of a new little one!

Now for a shower invitation...I knew I needed to create a new Scattered Showers project today to showcase the die and what better way to do so than with a baby shower card.  I started this project by die-cutting all three Sweet Baby animals from Postmarks paper.

For the lion, I die-cut his head a second time using vintage book print.  I then punched a 3/4" circle in the center of it to turn it into a mane.  I tied together a bundle of Rustic Jute Button Twine and trimmed the ends to form his whiskers.

The elephant's ear was made by folding the medium Heart Prints die-cut in half.  This little guy is holding the handle of the umbrella...

while the top was created with the new Scattered Showers die.  I love how you can use patterned paper with ease now, no need to even worry about stamping if you would prefer not to.  Just trim the handle off like I show above.

I created a mane for the giraffe using our smallest Scalloped Border die.  It would also look cute with pinking shears too I think!

After all of the animals were lined up, I stitched a long the bottom of them a few times to help "unite" & ground the animals.  The sentiment (from Baby Button Bits) was added in True Black.  I adore how this card turned out...actually I think it is one of my favorite creations from this release! 

Now for a non-baby application, a birthday card for a boy!  I found that the the tree from Falling Leaves is the perfect pairing with the style of these animals.  The trunk was stamped in Smokey Shadow and the leaves in Simply Chartreuse.  The bits and pieces of the animals were added with Simply Chartreuse & Enchanted Evening.

The sentiment block was created with Label Basics in Enchanted Evening, Birthday Bash Sentiments in Simply Chartreuse, Mini Book Series: Journaling Circle in Smokey Shadow and Just the Ticket in Enchanted Evening.  All of this was assembled and punched out with a 1.75" Circle Punch.

 I love the boldness of these colors and look forward to using them again in the near future!  Wouldn't the same project be adorable for a girl if you were to substitute Raspberry Fizz for the Enchanted Evening?  I just might need to try that!

Another quick little card that is definitely not for babies!  I can see giving this to a special little boy in your life, anywhere from toddler up to eight or nine...basically to the age where they start hating all that mushy stuff!

I die-cut and then stamped the giraffe image using Summer Sunrise ink.  I added a row of circular images from Boy Basics: Simple Circles in Pure Poppy ink to create a border.  The sentiment was added last in True Black ink (sentiment from Happy Trails, more about that later in the week).

I die-cut a little red heart from felt using the Tiny Tags die.  The heart fits perfectly in the small spot that Melissa left open on each of the animals.  I love adding little details like this because they really take a project from boring to unique with very little time.  And it is always nice to have that touch of texture.

Another one completed to add to my stash!  I think this just might be saved as a lunchbox note for one of my sons...school starts again just around the corner for us here...July 28th will be the first day!  Yikes, this summer is just speeding by!

I have one more project for you today.  This quick little card pairs the elephant from Sweet Baby up with the balloon strings from Everyday Button Bits.  After thinking about it, there are all sorts of fun things that the various animals could hold like this.  I have a few more ideas that I will be showing you tomorrow!

But in the meantime, let me tell you a bit more about the project at hand!  I used Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores & Simply Chartreuse buttons for the "balloons".  The elephant was stamped in Hawaiian Shores and the balloon strings in Smokey Shadow.  Finally the sentiment was added in True Black.

I trimmed the bottom of the focal point with pinking shears and added two embossed score lines with my Scor-buddy.  I stamped Polka Dot Basics II on the lower half of the Kraft card base using Fresh Snow ink. A quick and easy card that can be used with a variety of different color schemes, depending on the recipient!

Now,  I have asked the team to put together some fun baby projects using these new products as well!  Prepared to be amazed!

CLICK HERE to read more from Betsy Veldman.

CLICK HERE to read more from Danielle Flanders.

CLICK HERE to read more from Dawn McVey.

CLICK HERE to read more from Erin Lincoln.

CLICK HERE to read more from Heather Nichols.

CLICK HERE to read more from Jessica Witty.

CLICK HERE to read more from Lisa Johnson.

CLICK HERE to read more from Maile Belles.

CLICK HERE to read more from Melissa Phillips.

CLICK HERE to read more from Michelle Wooderson.

I hope you have enjoyed all of the amazing inspiration the team has put together.  I know that many of them have me looking at some of the new products in a whole new light.  What particular new product has interested you today?  We would love to hear your thoughts!  You could have a chance at winning a fun prize package just for sharing your thoughts with us!

• Bundle of Love stamp set
• Sweet Baby stamp set
• Sweet Baby die
• Shape Up Series: Onesie die
• Favor It Box 4 die
• Scattered Showers stamp set
• Scattered Showers Additions stamp set
• Scattered Showers die

You have until 7am EST, Monday, June 13th to add your comment and be eligible to win.  Only one comment per person please.  One randomly selected winner will be announced on our June 2011 Release Winners page no later than noon EST the same day.  Thank you so much for stopping by today and good luck with the contest.

Melissa Bickford has even more to show you using her two new stamp sets.

Lizzie Jones is showcasing Rhythm & Soul more today.

Dawn McVey has a few more projects using her new products this month!

Maile Belles is sharing more using her new set, Gracious Vases.

ELEPHANT CARD & TOTE ENSEMBLE

• STAMPS: Bundle of Love, Sweet Baby, Mehndi Medallion (available June 15th), Inside & Out: Baby, Label Basics
• INK: Sweet Blush, Spring Moss, Smokey Shadow
• PAPER: Vintage Cream, Sweet Blush
• OTHER: Favor It Box 4 die, Sweet Baby die, Angled Labels die, scalloped scissors, Sweet Blush satin ribbon, Spring Moss buttons, Cream Button Twine
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (Card), 3-1/2"  x 3-3/4" (Tote)

STORK DELIVERY CARD

• STAMPS: Bundle of Love (available June 15th) Background Basics: Newsprint, Polka Dot Basics II
• INK: Fresh Snow, Noir Palette, VersaMark
• PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Ocean Tides, Kraft
• OTHER: Ocean Tides, Sweet Blush & T1 Copic markers
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

STORK & BASKET CARD

• STAMPS: Bundle of Love (available June 15th), Inside & Out: Baby, Vintage Picnic
• INK: Dark Chocolate, Haystack Palette
• PAPER: Vintage Cream, Kraft, Fine Linen, Library Ledger pad, Damask Designs
• OTHER: Vintage Picnic Basket die, Sweet Blush & Fine Linen Copic Trio, Aqua Mist stitched ribbon, Harvest Gold button, Rustic Juste Button Twine, Medium Scalloped Border die, Tin Types Impression Plate, sewing machine
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

BABY SHOWER CARD

• STAMPS: Baby Button Bits, Scattered Showers
• INK: Tea Dye Duo, True Black
• PAPER: Vintage Cream, Kraft, Postmarks paper pad, vintage book print from old book
• OTHER: Sweet Baby dies, Scattered Showers die, Small Scalloped Border die, Heart Prints die, 3/4" circle punch (EK Success), Rustic Jute Button Twine, pinking shears, sewing machine
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 7"

BIG BIRTHDAY WISHES CARD

• STAMPS: Sweet Baby (available June 15th), Birthday Bash Sentiments, Just the Ticket, Falling Leaves, Label Basics, Mini Scrapbook Series: Journaling Circle
• INK: Enchanted Evening, Simply Chartreuse, Smokey Shadow
• PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Simply Chartreuse, Smokey Shadow
• OTHER: Sweet Baby die, 1.75" Circle punch
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

SPECIAL GIRAFFE CARD

• STAMPS: Sweet Baby, Happy Trails (available June 15th), Boy Basics: Simple Circles
• INK: Summer Sunrise, Pure Poppy, True Black
• PAPER: Rustic Cream, Dark Chocolate
• OTHER: Sweet Baby die, Tiny Tags (heart), Pure Poppy felt
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

UPLIFTING ELEPHANT CARD

• STAMPS: Sweet Baby (available June 15th), Everyday Button Bits, Polka Dot Basics II
• INK: Fresh Snow, Hawaiian Shores, Smokey Shadow
• PAPER: Stamper's Select White, Kraft
• OTHER: Simply Chartreuse, Hawaiian Shores, Aqua Mist buttons, pinking shears
• FINISHED SIZE: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"