Today's contest is to visit Nichole's blog where you'll find each design team members' top 6 favorite Papertrey Ink projects of all time. Your challenge is to pick one design team project to use as inspiration for your own project and then adding a link to your project to the InLinkz list on Nichole's blog.
I can hardly believe that it has been 5 1/2 years since I began with Papertrey Ink. Each month as the new releases are revealed to us as design team members and the new products start to arrive for us to create with feels like I'm beginning again. It's the best kind of inspiration and something I look forward to each and every month.
Nichole asked us to share a favorite funny or memorable moment with you from this year and without a doubt it would be my dive into creating video tutorials. Talk about a nervous wreck...I've gone from tears, to throwing stuff in the trash, to laughing my head off. I am happiest when being ignored and left in the corner to sit back and observe and do my thing, so for me, putting myself out there was hard. But it has been a good thing and I look forward to continuing on and learning as I go. My most favorite moments though are those when I find my little girl sitting at my craft table with the video camera propped nearby to record herself creating a project. The words and phrases she uses are those that I use mixed in with her own sweet variety...I love it and now have countless "Sierra Phillips Tutorials" recorded. She's awesome!
Now a bit about my favorite Papertrey Ink projects:
You know me and jars! I had to select one of my projects using the Friendship Jar and Super Stars stamp sets, the Jar and Lid and Jar Toppers dies, and the photo that inspired this card, still inspires me today...it's magical and filled with happiness.
(photo via Pinterest)
I selected this project just because I love the color combination, paint swatches, and silver embossing. It uses the Frilly Flowers stamp set and coordinating dies.
Another card selected because of the color combo, but also this card was the kick-start into my love of layered felt embellishments. Now I can't stop :). This card uses the Rosie Posie stamp set the Beautiful Blooms II #1 and #2 dies along with the Buttoned Up #2 dies.
And, what's not to love about the Strawberry Patch stamp set and coordinating dies, not to mention the super fun Berry Basket die. I selected this project simply because I had so much fun putting it together.
Another card that I so enjoyed creating was this one using the Tea for Two Additions stamp set. I remember thinking as I was making it that there were so many images in this set that I loved that somehow I had to use as many of them as possible on one card...Anyone else do this?
Lastly, and maybe my most favorite is this ensemble above. I remember it was my first Tips & Tips newsletter project and I was so nervous. The technique I taught was that of die-cutting, embossing, stamping, and distressing chipboard. I poured my little heart and soul into this and that makes it very memorable to me.
Remember to stop by Nichole's blog if you haven't already to find out more about today's contest and the amazing prize just waiting for one lucky artist.
Thanks for each and every visit you make here to my blog.
Melis
It's so hard to pick a Melissa favorite! Many of these were pinned on my card inspiration board already! That star jar! And oh those layered felt flowers! The tea cup card made it to my board today...I just love when you use red. Thanks SO much for sharing your talent with us, Melissa! I have to say that your videos inspire me so much. It's been awesome seeing you create your embellishments "live". I hope that we see many more videos from you this year!
Posted by: Kelly Schirmer | February 05, 2013 at 04:19 AM
I always love your layers and details...such pretty projects!
Posted by: ~amy~ | February 05, 2013 at 05:02 AM
Your Tea for Two additions project is one of my absolute favorites! I adore the stamp set and the fun and whimsical way you fit all of those images together SO beautifully. Congrats on another successful year at PTI!
Posted by: Suzanne Russell | February 05, 2013 at 05:06 AM
Melis, congrats on your PTI anniversary! I have always loved your creations! I enjoy looking at all the little tidbits of special touches that make your creations yours. The stitching, the distressing, the pieces of felt, the added sparkles, the homeyness. It feels comfortable to sit and visit your blog. I imagine you have a heart as big as the wide open country. and a home filled with love.
Congrats on 5 1/2 years! You ARE an inspiration to me! thank you. hugs, sharon w.
Posted by: sharon wheet | February 05, 2013 at 06:20 AM
I think Nicole said it best. "you make the world a more beautiful place" Thank you for 5.5 years of beauty and inspiration. I can't wait to see what this year brings.
Posted by: Jana T. | February 05, 2013 at 07:24 AM
Congrats to you Melissa! I have long been a blog follower of yours and delight in everything you create. Love each and everything you do and always look forward to opening your blog post each day! Blessings, my friend!
Posted by: Niki Willaert | February 05, 2013 at 07:30 AM
Melis, you are such a fabulous asset to the PTI DT! I always look forward to seeing the beautiful cards/projects you make with their products each month!
Posted by: Leigh Penner | February 05, 2013 at 07:43 AM
Well, if I HAVE to pick a favorite, it would have to be you. Daily, I have my Lilybean visit, hoping to see some frosty, embellished, wonder, loving your sweet comments, and sharing a bit of loving wisdom. Thank you for both inspiration and creativity. I may be stretching the Word a bit, but Heb. 10:25 tells us not to give up meeting together. And to think on lovely things, (Phil. 4:8). Love meeting with you, cuz you are and create lovely things!
Posted by: Nancy Penir | February 05, 2013 at 08:26 AM
Hello - You are an amazing, talented designer! I so enjoy your blog, your thoughts and especially your work! Thank you for the opportunity to experience a little bit of you! You make my day much brighter!
Posted by: Patti Bishop | February 05, 2013 at 08:33 AM
Ever since the videos you ladies posted this summer...I can "hear" your sweet voice and spirit when I look at your work. Thank you for the lovely inspiration Melissa!
Posted by: Marlena M | February 05, 2013 at 08:44 AM
Your projects are so beautiful! So much detail and layering...lots of inspiration!
Thank you!
Posted by: Cindy Reynoso | February 05, 2013 at 09:05 AM
You never fail to amaze me with your beautiful creations! Your attention to all the special details are priceless inspiration. Thank you so much!
Posted by: Luanne Ford | February 05, 2013 at 10:01 AM
Melissa for me your designs are synonymous with the word 'magic' For some reason your's are often listed towards the bottom; maybe because all great things come to those that last ;-) but I am often scrolling down to see what you've done... and am always rewarded with amazing vintage creations that blow my mind. Your MIM posts always leave me smiling and I have to admit your creativity has encouraged more than a few PTI purchases from Amsterdam! I am really looking forward to more amazing projects with that crazy amazing eye for detail and layering in particular - you truly ROCK!!
Posted by: Morag | February 05, 2013 at 10:35 AM
The complexity and detail make your cards a joy to bhold.
Posted by: Susan Gosman | February 05, 2013 at 10:46 AM
I always love your style Melissa, so pretty, so soft and so beautiful, thanks for the inspiration!!!!
Posted by: kirsty vittetoe | February 05, 2013 at 10:51 AM
Melissa, I love all your inspiration, you are amazing!! Thanks for all you do!!!
Posted by: Nancy G | February 05, 2013 at 11:06 AM
Love your creations especially with your layering and details. I love how your cards are almost always with texture like fabric or felt etc. It's something that I find hard for me to pull off. Thanks for all the inspiration and I look forward to more.
Posted by: Jeannie L | February 05, 2013 at 11:57 AM
You are magical and full of sunshine & that's how I feel when I visit your amazing blog. Love your story about Sierra. Thanks for sharing it all with us!
Posted by: Troy Louise | February 05, 2013 at 12:01 PM
LOVELY Layers..GREAT PTI inspirtion.Looking forward to more in the future!
Posted by: Laura Jane | February 05, 2013 at 12:12 PM
Your projects are always amazing. The combinations of materials, layers, etc. Truly stunning. I am looking forward to another year of inspiration.
Posted by: Becky P. | February 05, 2013 at 12:17 PM
Your projects are very pretty with all the multiple layers.
Posted by: Nicki Lundeen | February 05, 2013 at 12:57 PM
THANKS for all of your AMAZING Inspiration!! I am in LOVE with your style and enjoy visiting your blog!! Looking forward to even more AMAZING Inspiration this year!! Have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)
Posted by: Larissa Heskett =) | February 05, 2013 at 02:03 PM
Melissa, your work is just so gorgeous. I enjoy looking at your blog and seeing all of your inspiration. Thank you!
Posted by: Elizabeth S. | February 05, 2013 at 03:19 PM
I always am excited when I see a new post on your blog. I love taking a trip down Memory Lane in reviewing your past PTI posts--so beautiful! And you do an amazing job with your videos. Hope to see more.
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | February 05, 2013 at 03:24 PM
Love your stuff Melis! Looking forward to seeing what else you have in store!!
Posted by: Jessie McLaughlin | February 05, 2013 at 03:44 PM