This is for the PTI Anniversary Challenge to start with some inspiration from the design team's favorite things.   I started with Danielle Flanders project, which made me think of butterflies flying away from flowers,so I turned the butterflies into balloons.

Thanks to the PTI design team for all of the wonderful inspiration they provide.

Multi-Color Butterfly

This is another Papertrey Make it Monday project.  It was so easy to make the butterfly and leaves separate colors.  Love this technique!  I also tried the cracked glass technique on the tags from a few weeks ago.

Multi-Color GigaGuidlines

I was inspired by this week's Make it Monday and Nerina's challenge and beautiful card here to stamp for the first time in quite a while. (Also, my power went and my computer battery died, so I couldn't do any work!) I started with this fabric in mind, although I ended up somewhere else entirely.

I love this week's technique.  I didn't have craft foam, but I did have some flat round cotton pads in my craft desk.  Here is the background paper I made.  (If you use cotton, stamp on a craft mat or a lot of scrap. The color soaked right through.)  I was able to stamp the whole sheet with 1 inking!

Here is the card I made. 

Peeps Challenge - January 2011

Hello, Peeps.  I am getting this challenge in right before the deadline.  Thanks to Rhonda for a really great challenge!    I've been crafting in 5 and 10 minute bursts, and I really think it took all of January to figure out how I wanted to lay this out.  But I new from the start it was a card about gratitude and it made me think a little more often about all of the things for which I am grateful.

This card is for one of our Peeps members who has done a lot of organizing and reminding and remembering birthdays behind the scenes.  Thanks, Terri.

In an effort to blog more, I'm skipping the supply lists. Most of this is PTI, but please leave questions about specifics or PM me on the PTI forum

Peeps Challenge #7...and #18

This is for the Papertrey Peeps Challenge #7: Inspiring Life. Nerina posted the challenge to use an inspiration photo from Creative Mint. I selected this photo:

I loved the colors and the scrappiness of it. I created this card, using cardstock scraps from other projects.

I actually created this card ages ago, but I couldn't find the photo and I had already mailed the actual card!  I just noticed  that this also fits the Peeps Challenge # 18, to use a card with pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Since I'm so far behind I am double dipping!

In an effort to blog more, I'm skipping the supply lists.  Most of this is PTI, but please leave questions about specifics or PM me on the PTI forum!

Papertrey May Blog Hop Challenge

I know this is way late, but I struggled and struggled and struggled with this card and I'm posting it! :)

The challenge this month was to use felt. I wanted to try those flowers that are folded into quarters, but my flower die cuts were too small and this felt is too thick.  Instead, I folded them in half and layered them. Happy hopping!

Supplies:
Versmark Dazzle, PTIs Sweet Blush cardstock and button, Hawaiaan Shores cardstock and felt, Vintage Cream ribbon, scallop and mat 1 dies, woodgrain impression plate.

Peeps Challenge #6

I made this card for the Peeps Challenge #6. The challenge was hosted by Cammie and she wanted us to use an older set while we were waiting on the latest release and to include some bling.  The older set was easy...I have a bunch!  I chose Guidelines and stamped in some bright colors.  The bling was harder.  I had to search high and low for my rhinestones since I couldn't remember where I stashed them.  I also drew some veins on my hand-cut leaves with a glue pen, then dipped into prism glitter.  Thanks for looking!

Supplies Not Mentioned Above:
Cardstock: PTI Stampers Select, Raspberry Fizz, Orange Zest, New Leaf
Ink: PTI Raspberry Fizz, Orange Zest, New Leaf, Hawaiian Shores
Stamps: PTI Signature Greeting, Dot Spot
Other: PTI Felt, Large Scallop Die, Cuttlebug Flower Die

Peeps Challenge #4

Here is another challenge catch-up card.  This one is Peggysue's and here is her challenge:

 "Choose a card or project Nichole made from one of the last two releases and using a set NOT from that release, make a similar card."

After taking way too long reading Nichole's blog, I picked this great card to CASE below:

And here is the card I made:

I needed a card for a young cousin's First Communion, so I pulled out Everyday Blessings.  I wasn't happy with the way my hand-drawn border came out, so I colored it in with Copics.  Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies Not Listed Above:
Cardstock: PTI Stampers Select, Spring Rain
Ink: PTI Spring Rain, Pure Poppy, True Black
Ribbons: PTI Pure Poppy grosgrain
Stamps: PTI Vintage Labels

Papertrey Peeps Challenge #2_

Hello!  I was missing my stamping mojo for a bit but hope it has come back.  To kick it into gear, I turned to some of  the Papertrey Peeps challenges that I missed. This card is for challenge number #2. Aimes provided some yummy looking cereal boxes for inspiration.  I couldn't figure out how to save the inspiration picture, but I chose one that Aimes posted on the Peeps blog.  I saw the colors as Scarlet Jewel, Enchanted Evening, and Pure Poppy.  I knew I wanted to use the tree from Father Knows Best, so I ended up making the leaves in Pure Poppy and outlining in Scarlet Jewel.  The sentiment is from Mega Mixed Messages. I love the new Woodgrain impression plate.  It may be my favorite PTI product ever!  Love it!

Sorry this is so late, Peeps!  It was great inspiration!

Supplies Not Mentioned Above:
Cardstock: PTI Stampers Select
Ink: PTI Dark Chocolate
Other: PTI large scallop die

Papertrey Peeps Challenge #1

This card is for the Papertrey Peeps first challenge. It is long overdue!  I actually made it weeks ago, but just have not had a chance to photo and upload, as work is kicking my butt!  The challenge was to use buttons, which I thought was a great idea. I pulled out one of my favorite PTI sets, Everyday Button Bits.  The cute flower stems are one of my favorites.

As I was making it, I couldn't quite figure out if it should be a birthday card, or a thank you , or something else, so I left the sentiment off.

Hopefully I'll have time to update links tomorrow.

Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI Ocean Tides, Summer Sunrise, Ripe Avocado
Ink: PTI Fresh Snow
Stamps: PTI Everday Button Bits, Vintage Labels
Other: Buttoms from PTI and Foofala, PTI Polka Dot Parade PP

Compose a Card Challenge #2

This is for Becky's Compose a Card Challenge.  Becky provides the cutting recipe and some colors, and a video with some fun music.  It's really fun to cut the pieces first and then decide what you do with them.  In addition to the white base and layer, I handcut and distressed circles to make wonky flowers.  I stitched some stems and leaves instead of doing any scoring.  I added the sentiment on a white layer cut and embossed with nestabilities.

Some details:

Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI White, Summer Sunrise, Aqua Mist, Lemon Tart
Ink: PTI Treu Black
Stamps: PTI Birthday Basics
Other: PTI and Foofala Buttons, DMC floss

PTI Emboss Resist Challenge

This card is for PTI's Emboss Resist Challenge.  Go to Nichole Heady's blog for Anniversary info and a great video on how to do the emboss resist technique.

The card below represents my third try at this technique!  The first two did not work so well.  I ended up reinking my versamark and this last attempt worked!

I stamped the text background with scarlet jewel, then stamped the outlines from Beautiful Blooms in Dark Chocolate.  I inked the solid flower and leaves with versamark and then heat embossed. I sponged around the edges with Scarlet Jewel andSweet Blush, and voila, emboss resist. :)

For the polka dot layer, I thought there was a little too much contrast, so I inked New Canvas over the whole thing.   I plan to put a sentiment in dark chocolate on this layer, when I figure out what it will be!

 Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI Scarlet Jewel, Kraft, Sweet Blush, Vintage Cream
Ink: PTI Scarlet Jewel, Dark Chocolate, Sweet Blush, Palette New Canvas
Stamps: PTI Beautiful Blooms, Text Style, PDBII
Other: Versamark, Detail Embossing Powder, Fiskars Punch

Compose a Card with Becky

This was for Becky Oehler's fun new challenge.  Go here to read about the details.  This was a ton of fun and really challenging for me.  There were two areas in particular where I struggled.  The first was in cutting the cardstock.  I usually use A2 cards (4 1/4 wide).  This recipe called for 4.5 wide, and I keep wondering how I'm going to use that remaining 4" wide strip! 

The other area was placing a cream layer on a cream layer.  I kept reading the recipe and doublechecking Becky's card, but it really works, I think.  I love the kraft frames the whole main panel.  Next time, I might try to remember to pop that layer up.

Close up of Hearts:

Thanks for stopping by!


Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI Melon Berry, Kraft, Cream
Ink: PTI Melon Berry,
Ribbons: PTI Saddlestich
Stamps: PTI Background: TextStyles, Heart Prints
Other: PTI Buttons, EK Success Punches

Tuesday Trigger - I Feel Pretty In Turquoise And Gold

This is my card for the  Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab World.  The trigger is a beatiful room decorated in floral caramel and white wallpaper with white and turquoise accents.  As soon as I saw it, I thought of Papertrey's Spiral Bouquet set.  I stamped it with Fresh Snow on kraft paper and added accents of Aqua Mist, rhinestones, and dotted ribbons.

When I was finished, I was surprised by how many elements were represented (to me!)  I have a scored panel/baseboard, rhinestones/mirrors, scalloped layer/table.  The ruffling of the ribbon reminds me of the lamp.  It was a fun card to make!

Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI Kraft, White
Ink: PTI Fresh Snow
Ribbons: PTI Dotted White
Stamps: PTI Spiral Boquet, Mixed Messages

PTI Blog Hop, Jan 2010 Edition

Hello, all!  I hope you are enjoying the blog hop so far. I rarely decorate the insides of my cards, so this was a challenge for me!

I used the Honey Bee and Around & About sets to make a thank you card. The card has white flowers stamped on a Lemon Tart background, so I reversed this for the envelope, stamping Lemon Tart on the white envelope.

For the inside I adhered a scrap of Lemon Tart and a small bee stamped on Soft Stone.  This will give me just enough room to sign my name!   Thanks for visiting.

Supplies:

Cardstock: PTI Soft Stone. Lemon Tart, Smokey Shadow

Ink: PTI Fresh Snow, Smokey Shadow, Lemon Tart

Stamps: PTI Honey Bee, Around and About, Little Lady

Christmas Cards for 2010!

I failed on Christmas cards this past year.  I made about 15 and planned to use up some cards I made last year or (maybe even the year before) but never sent.  When I looked at the old cards, I just couldn't use them.  Yes, they were that bad!

So before I put away the Christmas stamps this year, I thought I'd get a head start on next year.  (I know there's a chance I will hate these next year, but I think it's pretty small.  Part of the problem with the old cards is they were pre-PTI cardstock, and felt very flimsy.)

This card was made by stamping the flourish from Silent Night with versamark on PTI Kraft.  I let dry for a few days and stamped the sentiment, then heat embossed in black.  The Mistletoe is from Inkadinkadoo, I think, and is colored in with Copics.

Closeup of the flourish:

Overall, I'm pretty happy with these.   Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI Kraft, Ripe Avocado, White
Ink: PTI Fresh Snow, Versamark, Memento Black
Ribbons: PTI Pure Poppy
Stamps: PTI
Other:

More Christmas cards

I had a lot of fun making these Christmas cards. I stamped the flourish from PTI’s Silent Night in Versmark then embossed in gold.  The gold panel is PTIs gold shimmery card stock embossed as well.  The nativity scene is a stamp from Inkadinkadoo and the sentiment is from PTIs Silent Night as well.  I debated a lot about adding another color, but in the end used scor-tape and glitter a la Dawn McVey.

I’m pretty happy with the result.

Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI White, Gold
Ink: Versamark
Stamps: PTI Silent Night, Inkadinkadoo
Other: Glitter, scor tape

PTI's CMWC 56

This card is for the PTI Casual MidWeek Challenge to use Enchanted Evening, Summer Sunrise, and Ripe Avocado together.

CMWC56 {09-16-2009} - Enchanted Summer Avocado

I made this card using the bicycle from Everyday Button Bits, with Avocado Buttons. I sponged on some grass and sky while the label was still in the Spellbinders die. I used black thread to sew the buttons to the card.

I colored the seat gold...a cycle suitable the malliot juane!

The avocado panel is heat embossed using Polka Dot basics. I added Versamark dots to the summer sunrise background to try to tie that to the avocado panel.

Firsts: Sewing buttons to the card, first time to ink up this set.

Next time: I like all of the elements separately, I'm just not sure about them together. I think maybe PB2 is too modern for the classic cycle!



Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI Enchanted Evening, Summer Sunrise, and Ripe Avocado
Ink: Memento Black, PTI Fresh Snow, Versamark
Stamps: PTI Everyday Button Bits, Retro Backgrounds, Polka Dot Basics 1 & 2
Other: Prisma marker, embossing powder, Labels die

PTI August Blog Hop

This card is for PTIs August Blog Hop. The challenge is :

August is the month that Papertrey celebrates all things autumn! What better way to get inspired for the upcoming season change than each 0ther! Our challenge to you is to create a project inspired by any aspect of fall. How about texture like fabrics, burlap, courduroy or stitching. Then there is color with hues found in autumn leaves, fall berries and other late season delectables. Patterns or motifs such as leaves, pumpkins, wheat and more. Try to use these attributes in fun and interesting ways that may be a little out of your normal comfort zone. We look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Here is what I came up with:

This was way out of my comfort zone! I started by spraying glimmer mist onto Cream card stock, then embossed the tree from Fathers Knows Best and sponged over it with Spring Rain ink to create muti-colored leaves against a blue sky. The "roots" are sponged with Ripe Avocado to ground the tree. (Got to be a pun in there somewhere!)

Here is a close-up of the main image:

Thanks for visiting.

Firsts:

• Using glimmer mist - can't remember the colors, but the green is a pretty good match to Ripe Avocado
• Heat embossing then inking over top
• Using my new Inksentials foam blending tool, which is fabulous
• Inking up Polka Dot Basics 2, which I dearly love, but found harder to line up than 1
• Sponging while label is still in Nestabilities, fun technique that really adds a lot.

Next time:

• Reverse the button and sentiment from Autumn Abundance for better balance.

Supplies:

Cardstock: PTI Vintage Cream, Enchanted Evening, Scarlet Jewel, Ripe Avovado
Ink: PTI Spring Rain, Ripe Avocado, Versamark, Dark Chocolate
Stamps: PTI Men of Life, Autumn Abundance, Polka Dot Basics II
Other: Glimmer Mist, Vintage Buttons, Vintage Twine

Tea for Two Get Well

I made this card in response to the Not at CHA - Blog Hop Challenge on the PTI forum. The challenge was to console ourselves for missing CHA by giving some love to a little used set. :) I used the Tea for Two set which had not seen ink yet, despite my love for tea. It's very simple

but I'm quite happy with colors, which were inspired by the super talanted Dawn McVey. Thanks for stopping by.

Supplies:
Cardstock: PTI Melon Berry, Rustic Cream, Michael's Pink
Ink: Pallete Bella Rose
Ribbons: PTI Ivory Saddle Stitch
Stamps: PTI Tea fr Two, Background Basics: Retro
Other: Clear Embossing Powder