LilyBean Paperie

make it market kit: luxe letterpress...

Hello!  At long last, the reveal of Papertrey Ink's first Make it Market:  Luxe Letterpress kit designed by Betsy Veldman.  Here are a few cards I made using this kit.

I adore the printable seals...just so unique and special.  I added a bit of color to this card just by bringing in Sweet Blush paper and spraying my feather with pink acrylic paint.  My stamping was done on vellum which added a layer to soften the pink just a little.  Other than that though, the kit contents steal the show.

The lovely impression plate is full of detail and character and I love the many different sentiment options available with the Luxe Letterpress set.  You're in for such a treat.

Gold foil!  So delicious and elegant.  I ran some through using the impression plate for this card and the two make such a perfect, rich combination.

Love the sparkly baker's twine and the mix of gold sequins...this kit is perfectly put together down to the tiniest details.

Beautiful gold doilies just waiting to be used with all of the kit contents...such an amazing kit.

Details regarding this kit are listed below as well as links to the other designers who have created mini masterpieces using this kit.

The NEW! Luxe Letterpress Kit designed by Betsy Veldman exclusively for Papertrey Ink is full of specialty items that will instantly give you a boutique feel as soon as you open your box! This kit not only features a new innovative impression plate and die system, but also contains high quality letterpress papers and golden embellishments to give all of your projects a luxurious, timeless beauty.  The best part about this kit is that over half the value is invested in exclusive tools which can be used again and again, even after you have used all of the expendable items!  

Here is a quick look at the contents of this amazing kit:

• Luxe Letterpress Stamp Set 
• Luxe Letterpress Impression Plate
• Luxe Letterpress Impression Accessory Plates
• Luxe Letterpress Frame Die
• Luxe Letterpress Envelope Seal Die
• 1- Printable Envelope Seal Labels Download
• 12- (8.5"x11") sheets of Lettra 110# letterpress stock
• 8- (4.25"x5.5") pieces of Lettra 220# letterpress stock
• 3- (8.5"x11") sheets Gold Foil Label sheets
• 1- Gold Doily
• 3- White Feathers
• 1- roll Super Fine Gold Metallic Tape 
• 1- roll Gold Metallic Tape 
• 1- mini bag Gold Sequin Mix 
• Gold Baker's Twine 
• Colorbox Cat Eye Metallic Ink Pad 

The total retail cost of this kit is $85.  There will be a limited number of these exclusive kits available and once they sell out, they will never be available again! The Luxe Letterpress Kit will be available for sale beginning on March 1st at 10pm EST, only at Papertrey Ink.  Read all the details on Nichole's blog or contact Customer Service with any questions.

 

• Nichole Heady
• Betsy Veldman
• Heather Nichols
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey

Hero Arts + Basic Grey Blog Hop...

 

Hey there!  Welcome to the Hero Arts + Basic Grey blog hop.  If you're following along with the hop, you may have arrived here from Kelly Rasmussen's blog.  If at any time you get a little lost, you can always visit the Hero Arts blog to find a list of all of the participants.

 

Today, we're showcasing Basic Grey and Hero Arts Spice Market stamp sets and Basic Grey paper collections.  I was assigned the beautiful Spice Market Deco Background cling stamp and have used it here on my card base.  I inked my stamp in two colors to get a graduated color look, using Hero Arts Bubble Gum and Pale Tomato Shadow Ink.  

 

I was asked to combine the Spice Market stamps with Basic Grey's new Herbs & Honey collection and used the 6x6 paper pad, Die Cuts and Transparencies, Chipboard, Snippets, the Waterfall Theme Pack, and Wood Die Cuts on my card. The sentiment stamped on my tag is from the Spice Market Best Time Ever set and is stamped in Hero Arts Green Hills Shadow Ink.  

 

I loved using these stamps and the Herbs & Honey collection so much that I made a second card.  The Spice Market Deco Background set was embossed on Kraft cardstock used across the bottom of the card.  

And images from the Spice Market Best Time Ever set were embossed on vellum this time.  These images look beautiful either way, inked up, or heat embossed.  All such beautiful sets to work with.

Hero Arts and Basic Grey are giving away two Spice Market collections -- including paper, embellishments, clear and cling stamps. The two winners will be randomly selected from all comments received on the participating designers' blogs. Comments must be received by 11:59pm PST on Sunday, March 2. The more comments you leave along the hop, the better your odds of winning!

So, the next stop on the hop is the ever so amazing, Julie Ebersole...gosh, I am a huge Julie fan...you're in for a treat!

Beautiful giveaway, huh?  Happy hopping and thanks for stopping.

Melis

lovely love...

It's a beautiful day here in the desert...how about where you are?  We have a new, brooding bunch of mustangs hanging out now that the weather feels spring like and finding them roaming close by this morning put a smile on my face.  NO bashing on me all of you non-wild horse lovers...I know you're out there :).

My pocket tags today were created for Emma's Paperie and are based on a sweet color challenge you can find there...reds, pinks, and creams, oh my!

These were so much fun to create because I got to mix and match products, pulling from Webster's Pages, Prima, My Mind's Eye, Jillibean Soup, etc....I always feel like a kid in a candy store with all of my supplies piled around me waiting to be put in just the right spot.

I'm feeling like spring, how about you?  Butterflies and birds, teacups and feathers...

Inside each pocket is a tag that looks like this one below, simple and sweet.

If you're up for a little springtime shopping, you can find all of the supplies I used on my projects HERE at Emma's Paperie.  

Gotta run!  Have a wonderful evening.

Melis

fresh cut...

Morning and Happy Friday!  Today I have a couple of juicy, sweet projects to share with you using Basic Grey's new Fresh Cut collection.  

Along with Fresh Cut papers, stickers, dies, and other embellishment, I wanted the main focus of my cards to by on the Fresh Cut Flower Kit.  This sweet little kit comes with die cut flowers, leaves, and brads, ready to assemble so you can create lovely, dimensional flowers.

I swapped out the brads in the centers of my flowers with fun Fresh Cut Pom Poms...love these things!

I also added a layer of tulle in between some of the flower layers just to bring in more texture and character.  I used my pencil to curl the petals slightly, but these lovely little things, sure didn't take much effort of time...they are just naturally beautiful.

You can read more about these cards on the Basic Grey blog.  

 

Have a wonderful day!

Melis

hugs & smooches...

I have been waiting very patiently to dive into my Crate Paper Love Notes stash, and then when I had the time, it was all so pretty, that I didn't want to disturb it by cutting into the pretty paper and vellum, and using up this beloved stash...I struggle with this issue, how about you?  Today, I threw all of my cares to the wind, and sat down to create with this collection and sure am glad I did.  It's so beautiful and sweet.

I love the dimensional stickers and tiny clothespins.  Little luxuries.

And, the heart vellum is like candy!  I hope I never find myself without some of this.  For more inspiration using this lovely collection from Crate Paper, visit the Crate Paper blog...filled with sweets for this time of year.

The OHDEERME February Embellishment kit from Freckled Fawn got a little love today as well.  This kit is filled with the most delightful finds, some large, some small, all colorful and full of life.

The stamp set included in the kit is just sweet and happy.  I combined elements from the kit with Basic Grey Highline paper.  I love this collection...it's funky, fresh and happy.

More items from the OHDEERME kit used here along with transparencies, paper, and chipboard from Crate's Love Notes collection.  

I always love mixing and matching different elements and collections together.  Sometimes creating this way is just the creative boost I need.

Got to run...a little girl and her basketball are waiting for me, brownies calling from the oven, and laundry folded and waiting to be put away.  Life is great!

Melis

sometimes it's the little things...

Hi there! I'm back and feeling refreshed after a weekend involving a bit of rest, some cleaning, and time with my little family.  It's a great feeling :).  I have a couple of projects to share with you today.  This first card was created for Emma's Paperie using Graphic 45 Sweet Sentiments paper and tag, a Prima wood frame....so cute, and other Prima embellishments....all so cute.

Something about soft, creamy colors, that win me over every time.  My scrunched seam binding is in Raspberry Truffle and can be found at My Craft Spot.

A complete supply list for this card can be found here.  

Next up, a couple of projects for Teresa Collins.  I used stencils and modeling paste for the first time ever and am am crazy about this technique.  I could use it all of the time on everything, my walls, my furniture, my little girl's lunchbox,  you name it :).  I'll keep it to paper-crafting though.  

Both of these card use the new Teresa Collins Daily Stories collection along with her stencils and modeling paste.  So many beautiful designs and patterns to choose from.  And, her collections are loaded with die cuts, decorative tapes, cardstock stickers, stamps, gems, epoxy stickers, and the most beautiful patterned paper.

This card uses all of the same elements with the addition of the Teresa Collins dimensional butterfly.  You can see my stencil on the die cut heart, just underneath the butterfly.  See how fun!  You need to try :).

I'm crazy about the sequin packs that coordinate with each collection too....be still my heart, they come in different sizes and colors and are just so beautiful.  This sentiment is one of my favorites from the Daily Stories stamp set.  

Well, that's it for me.  Time to think about what to make for dinner....chicken noodle soup I think.  My little girl is in charge of planning our Family Home Evening tonight and has decided she wants to watch 17 Miracles....gonna be a sobbing mess by the end of it.  It's such a wonderful movie.  

Enjoy your Monday!

Melis

 

bold bouquet anniversary set...

Papertrey Ink is excited to offer this year's gorgeous new anniversary set! Receive the limited edition Bold Bouquet stamp set with the redemption of 24 Customer Rewards Points between February 15th, 2014 10:00pm EST and February 15th, 2015 9:59pm EST. This is a limited edition set and will only be available for twelve months. If you have any questions about Customer Rewards and how you can start earning them today, check out the website HERE.

I adore this set and creating with it makes me smile :).  I used Kraft cardstock paired with Autumn Rose, Dark Chocolate, Fresh Snow, Aqua Mist, and Ocean Tides ink.  I also used Sweet Blush cardstock paired with Melon Berry, Autumn Rose, Fresh Snow, and Dark Chocolate ink.  

My leaves were die cut from Kraft cardstock and stamped in Spring Moss and Simply Chartreuse.

Thanks for visiting once again.  Supplies used on this card are listed below.  Enjoy your weekend!

Melis

 

Smile! Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Bold Bouquet
Cardstock:
Classic Kraft, Sweet Blush, and Melon Berry
Ink:
Autumn Rose, Dark Chocolate, Fresh Snow, Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides, Spring Moss, Simply Chartreuse, Melon Berry
Tools:
Bold Bouquet, Limitless Layers: 2 1/4" Circles, Heart Border, Cover Plate: Hearts, and Tag Sale #4 dies
Accents:
Classic Kraft button, White Satin ribbon

Other Supplies Used:
Studio Calico and Kaisercraft paper

papertrey ink february...

Well hey!  I'm back once again with more Papertrey Ink projects to share, each using new release products.  Let's jump right in with the new Phrase Play #1 stamp set and coordinating die.  

I can't say enough about this darling new duo....it's just creative and instantly sweet.  

I also used the new Leave it Be stamp set and coordinating dies.  Another must have.

I used the new Birthday Classics:  February stamp set on this card and then carried the sentiment on into the inside using the new Keep it Simple:  Birthday stamp set.

You can see the new Button Stack dies at work here as well....in love with those!

Next up are two new sets, the Monthly Moments:  Day by Day Blocks and A Little Inspiration.

I love the little windows left behind after die cutting, and instead of popping in the calendar dates, I added stamping from the set, patterned paper, or washi tape behind each window.  More Button Stack dies used here as well.

And, the sentiments in the A Little Inspiration set are just so sweet and unique.  I need to remember this simple phrase, so I chose to use it on this card.

Lastly is the new Limitless Layers Labels stamp set, designed to coordinate with the Limitless Layers die collections.

Instead of placing my sentiment inside the label, I used it as a focal point for embellishments instead and added my sentiment at the top.

Lots of fun new sets, huh?  It's hard to pick a favorite.  I enjoyed each and every one this month.  

And, before I go....a very exciting new addition to the Papertrey Ink line-up of products.  Betsy Veldman is creating kits and lucky me, I get to design with them.  Here's a peek of what I created with her first kit, Make It Market:  Luxe Letterpress.  It's gorgeous and unlike anything I have ever, ever, ever created with before.  Stay tuned for more information and projects, but until then you can visit Nichole's blog for a few more details.

The Papertrey Ink designers have never been so busy creating projects to inspire.  So, be sure to pop around the web today and visit their blogs:

• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Betsy Veldman
• Cristina Kowalozyk
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey
• Erin Lincoln
• Heather Nichols
• Laura Bassen
• Nichole Heady

You Are My Inspiration Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Leave it Be and Phrase Play #1
Ink:
Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Melon Berry, Berry Sorbet
Cardstock:
Classic Kraft, Vellum, and White
Tools:
Phrase Play #1, Button Stack, Double Ended Banners, Leave it Be dies

Other Supplies Used:
Basic Grey paper

 

May You Have a Lovely Birthday Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Birthday Classics: February and Keep It Simple Birthday
Ink:
Smokey Shadow
Cardstock:
Linen Vellum, Vellum, and Sweet Blush
Tools:
Double Ended Banners, Button Stack, Tag Sale #7, Limitless Layers 2 1/4" Circles, Doily Details, and Beautiful Butterflies dies
Accents:
Vintage Cream felt, Sweet Blush button

Other Supplies Used:
American Crafts and Fancy Pants paper
My Craft Spot scrunched seam binding

 

Remember...Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Day by Day Blocks and A Little Inspiration
Cardstock:
Sweet Blush, Vintage Cream
Ink:
Berry Sorbet, Melon Berry, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, Classic Kraft, and Smokey Shadow
Tools:
Day by Day Blocks, Button Stack
Accents:
Berry Sorbet buttons, Vintage Cream grosgrain

Other Supplies Used:
Teresa Collins paper and washi tape
Basic Grey and Crate Paper paper
vintage trim
Freckled Fawn washi tape

 

Love You Forever Card

Papertrey Ink Supplies Used:
Stamps:
Limitless Layers Labels
Ink:
Sweet Blush, Spring Rain, and Pure Poppy ink
Cardstock:
Sweet Blush and White
Tools:
Limitless Layers; 2 1/2" Circles and Stitched hearts, and Cover Plate: Hearts dies
Accents:
Melon Berry button, White Silk

Other Supplies Used:
My Mind's Eye and American Crafts paper
Freckled Fawn washi tape

introducing special delivery...

Welcome back for another Papertrey Ink group post.  This time we're highlighting Erin Lincoln's new Special Delivery stamp set and coordinating die.  For my first card, I chose to create a little something to welcome a new, little someone.  There are so many sentiments included in this set and the Special Delivery Sentiments set, that I think Erin's got every occasion under the sun covered.

I started by using my Monthly Moments:  February Journal Card Pad and the Journal Card die to create a base for my truck.  I then framed my stamped image in using the new Monthly Moments:  Slide Frame die.  It is stamped using the stripes from the Special Delivery set using Sweet Blush ink.

I used the Button Stack die collection and Vintage Cream felt to create a floral embellishment to clip to the top of my slide frame and used White Silk ribbon on the other side.  Across the bottom I used paper from the Monthly Moments:  Journal Card Pad.

Next up is a little flower truck embossed with Rouge Zing! embossing powder.  I wanted the floral theme to by continue so I used the new Garden Grace stamp set and stamped the images in Pure Poppy, Melon Berry, Raspberry Fizz, and Spring Moss.

More Button Stack dies were used to create layered flowers and were finished off with Lemon Tart and Sweet Blush buttons.  

A super fun and playful set.  I can't wait to see what the other designers have to share:

• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Betsy Veldman
• Cristina Kowalozyk
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey
• Erin Lincoln
• Heather Nichols
• Laura Bassen
• Nichole Heady

Thanks again for visiting.  Enjoy your day!

Melis

introducing building blocks...

Good Morning!  Today's Papertrey Ink group post and challenge are so much fun...makes me want to participate and create something myself.  Be sure to read the last couple of paragraphs of my post to find out all about this challenge.

Inspiration for my projects today come from Inspiration Ave....love everything Amy Yingling creates and I always find so much to inspire me while visiting her blog.  I was drawn to the horizontal nature of her card, along with the delicious colors.

My first card using the new Building Blocks stamp set and dies uses quite a bit of layering and detail.  My vellum Tag Sale #2 provides my base layer for my focal point.  Here I embossed the new Circle Scribbles stamp set in white and also in Zing! Blush.  Then I started layering on my sentiments and building them using the Building Block dies.  I embossed the last word of my phrase directly onto my vellum tag, using white embossing powder and then added hearts from this set, embossed in Zing! Blush and Powder.

I stamped my die cut Building Blocks using Sweet Blush and Aqua Mist ink, with the phrases stamped in Smokey Shadow.  I used images and dies from the new Be Happy stamp set as my dimensional accents, using Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, and Classic Kraft ink.  I used a strip of Crate Paper Love Notes paper and my Small Scallop Border die down the left and Love Notes paper on the right to tie in colors and feel.

My next card is much more simplified and one dimensional...sort of...A for effort?? :).  I stamped my images directly onto my Rustic Cream card base, beginning with the square frame from the Be Happy stamp set, and building up from there.  I used Freckled Fawn washi tape accents as a way to bring in some color and pattern.

I trimmed down the Be Happy scallop dies to fit along the right side of my card and then embellished a bit with the new Sketched Stars die...super in love with these :).  Down the left side of my card is just a tiny print to pull in color and pattern, from the Crate Paper Love Notes collection.

That's about it...my attempt at clean and simple.  Heaven help me, I need a tutor! Now for the details on my "building block"...

 

"I have the opportunity to provide you with your ninth "building block" for the card you can create today for Papertrey Ink's latest challenge.  Each Design Team member has a basic "building block" options for card making to share with you.  The intent is for you to visit each blog and collect all of the building blocks necessary to create a beautiful card. 

 

Each team member, including myself, has six numbered selections for a specific category.  Roll a die or use a random number generator to select which item number you will need to work with from their list.  If you do not have the supplies for the item you end up with, feel free to roll again.  Collect nine item selections total, one from each team member, and get to work creating your masterpiece!" 

• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Betsy Veldman
• Cristina Kowalozyk
• Danielle Flanders
• Dawn McVey
• Erin Lincoln
• Heather Nichols
• Laura Bassen
• Melissa Phillips (you are here)

Thanks for visiting!  Enjoy your day.

Melissa

spring fling...

We're still celebrating Papertrey Ink's 7th anniversary, and today's post is all about spring.  There are several new releases this month that can be used to bring a little sunshine and spring into your life.  My first project uses the new Bunny Bag dies along with the sweet new Hippity Hoppity stamp set.

I chose to use the ears, nose, and flower dies from the Bunny Basket die along with a cotton bag, to create a fun way to wrap up some Easter treats.  I used Vintage Cream and Lavender Moon felt for the main portion of the bunny, and then Autumn Rose, Summer Sunrise, and Limeade Ice felt for the flowers.  The bunny's face is a Heart Print die turned upside down.  

I stamped images from the Hippity Hoppity set on a die cut Tremendous Tag and colored the chick in with Copics and some Stickles glitter. The flower and leaves are from the Sweet Speech stamp set. 

Across the top I used a double border of hearts cut using the Heart Border die, Limeade Ice, and Vintage Cream felt.  The Bunny Basket die collection, comes with bunny paws as well, and I decided to attach them near the bottom, to the backside of the bag just for fun.  

My second project uses the Hippity Hoppity stamp set again and is paired with the new Garden Grace stamp set.  It's so beautiful.  I used Raspberry Fizz, Melon Berry, Berry Sorbet, Limeade Ice, Simply Chartreuse, and Harvest Gold for my flowers and leaves.  

I used the Favor It Box 2 die and stamped Garden Grace directly onto the front of the die before assembling it.  I then used the Hippity Hoppity die collection and some patterned paper to create my bunny for the front.  I colored in the ears, nose, and tail with Copic markers and then added shimmer with Stickles.

My matching card uses the very same sets, but Garden Grace was confined to Tremendous Tag used as a small accent to bring in the colors of the Favor It box.  I also used the new Circle Scribbles set to bring in just a very faint pattern on my card and box base...love this fun set as well.

I finished with Sweet Blush Saddle Stitch ribbon and a button.  It's been fun to switch gears and head towards spring in my crafting.

If you're up for a challenge, be sure to visit Nichole's blog for all of the details.  Be sure to look at my first photo very carefully to see if perhaps there may be a hidden image waiting there.

The other designers have special spring projects to share with you today as well:

 

• Cristina Kowalozyk
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Erin Lincoln
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Betsy Veldman
• Laura Bassen
• Danielle Flanders
• Nichole Heady

 

introducing sweet speech...

Sweet Speech is a fun new set being released by Papertrey Ink this month.  I've got a few cards to share with you that use this set and its coordinating dies.

This sweet speech bubble was stamped on Limeade ice cut using the Sweet Speech dies.  The tiny flowers and leaves are also part of this die collection and I added them directly over the stamped images using Vintage Cream cardstock, Summer Sunrise and Berry Sorbet ink.  The speech bubble is layered over a Tag Sale #4 die and Limitless Layers:  2 1/2" and 1 3/4" circles.  

I also used the new Button Stacks dies here along with Summer Sunrise, Limeade Ice, and Vintage Cream felt.  Everything is layered over the new Cover Plate: Stripes Horizontal die.  I used it as a mask for a card coming up in just a bit, but loved the way it looked with some modeling paste covering portions of it.  I placed Freckled Fawn washi tape behind my diagonals as well as a strip of Melon Berry cardstock cut using the Eyelet Lace Border die.  

This next card layers a die cut stamped Sweet Speech bubble over a speech bubble stamped directly onto my card base and framed in using the Fabulous Frames die.  

Aren't they sweet?  I especially love the tiny leaves and flowers...makes them girlie, yet trendy.  The Vintage Cream felt flowers used here are from the Button Stack die collection once again, with the Classic Kraft felt leaves from the Heart-2-Heart #7 die collection.  

 

This card uses the Cover Plate:  Stripes Diagonal as a mask.  I created a stencil, placed it over a block of the new Tropical Teal cardstock and used Teresa Collins Modeling Paste to create my stripes...so much fun.  I then used the new Monthly Moments:  Journal Card 1 die and created a background for my focal point which consists of the Tag Sale #9, Limitless Layers:  Heart Stitches, Sweet Speech, and Button Stack dies.  

 

My image is stamped using Berry Sorbet and my Button Stack flowers cut from Vintage Cream and Lavender Moon felt.  I used a wood chip heart from Freckled Fawn to tie in with my heart theme.

The sweet scallops across the top and bottom use Basic Grey Fresh Cut paper and the new Be Happy dies...love, love, love :).

 

Lastly, a quick tag using the Sweet Speech set with gold embossing powder.  I love how it turned out.  It is stamped on a Tag Sale #9 cut from vellum and then layered over one of Heather's new Monthly Moments journal cards from her February Journal Card Pad.  I used used the Monthly Moments: Journal Card 1 to give, clean rounded corners to my card.

I layered Vintage Cream and Lavender Moon felt Button Stack die cuts again over patterned paper and trim cut using the Lovely Layers die collection.  

So, is Sweet Speech sweet as can be?  Yep, I think so too.

For more inspiration and to see more new products be sure to visit the following blogs:

Nichole Heady

Danielle Flanders

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Erin Lincoln

Melissa Bickford

Lizzy Jones

 

 

love you sew...

On this cozy Sunday I have a cozy project to share with layers of felt and trim to make it comfy and touchable and soft.  I used Papertrey Ink's Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts, Heart Stitches, and felt to create a sweet treat bag for Valentine's Day.

 

I used a Freckled Fawn Heart Wood Chip for the center of my layered hearts and love the natural touch it adds to my bag.

My sentiment comes from Paper Smooches darling Needle Little Love stamp set...too cute for words.   

 

I haven't been on the ball posting my Festive Friday cards...I'm still participating in the bi-weekly challenges and am happily knocking out holiday cards for next year :).  

Our inspiration photo this time is beautiful.  I've posted it below and hope you'll join in.  You still have a few days left and can read more about the challenges HERE.  

My card pulls out the gold and cream of the photo mixed with a few shades of reds and pinks.  I used Papertrey Ink's Harvest Berries and Snowflake Flurries stamp sets.  My berries are embossed using my favorite new embossing powder, Aged Rose from Stampendous.  Emma's Paperie has a few other lovely, shabby, embossing powders available here.  I also love using Shabby Green.  My scrunched seam binding is from My Craft Spot.  

Enjoy your day and I'll be back soon!

Melis

 

New From Papertrey Ink! Introducing Monthly Moments...

Hellloooo!  It's party time at Papertrey Ink and today's post is all about a new and exciting new line up of products called Monthly Moments.  I love this whole concept because of what it's all about...memory keeping and making a place for those small and seemingly insignificant daily moments that make life so special...the little things I want etched into my memory of what life was like when my little one was 10, 11, 12, sniff, sniff...makes me wish I had taken more random shots of life with her when she was smaller.  I have a few, but never enough :).

Monthly Moments is Heather Nichols' spin on the pocket scrapbooking trend. Each monthly collection will include an entire series of dies, stamps and printed journal cards that leave lots of different options for personalization and customization. And the best part of this series? It embraces true Papertrey Ink style and all of it is versatile enough to be used in card making too, giving you the best of both worlds! 

Each month Heather will be introducing a kit appropriate for the layouts you will be working on later that month. Each kit will include a monthly stamp set, a coordinating month die, some form of a journaling card or pocket die as well as an entire pad of pre-printed journaling cards. All of these monthly introductions will have a one-stop-shop option as a kit, or you can pick and choose what you want individually. 

This month we are introducing the basic February kit, as well as several fun extras!

I love working on a smaller rather than larger scale, so I chose to work with the Simple Stories Sn@p 6x8 Binder in black.  Here are a few details about this album:

The Simple Stories Sn@p 6x8 Black Binder coordinates beautifully with the Monthly Moments product line! Every album comes with 8 Snap pages and 3 chipboard album dividers. Contains two 6" x 8" pocket pages, two 4" x 6" divided pocket pages, two 3" x 4" divided pocket pages, two 3" x 4" / 4" x 6" pocket pages, and two 2" x 8" / 4" x 4" pocket pages. Album measures 6" x 8".
Price: $17

I love the simple sentiments included that say exactly what your heart is feeling.

One of my most favorite stamps is from the Monthly Moments:  February stamp set.  It's the "Heart This" image shown above.  I included it over a photo of our weathered old piano that we love around here.  I am teaching Sierra piano lessons now, and thanks in large part to her previous teacher, we are doing just fine.  I love it when she sits down to play.  She doesn't prefer to read the music though, she loves to play by sound and memory...lucky, little stinker.  Wish I could play like that.  I find her treasures and signs of her everywhere, such as her toys in random places, but perfect places at that.

Now for a few details on this month's line up of Monthly Moments stamp sets and dies.  

 Each of these are available individually:
-Monthly Moments: February stamp set ($15)

-Monthly Moments: February die ($3)

-Monthly Moments: Journal Card 1 die ($8)

-Monthly Moments: Library Card stamp set ($15)

-Monthly Moments: Slide Frame stamp set ($15)

-Monthly Moments: Slide Frame die ($7)

-Monthly Moments: Days of the Week stamp set ($15)  

I used the Journal Card 1 die on all of these inserts and love the look of the beautifully rounded edges...definitely gives a finished look to things.  I love working with the Monthly Moments:  February Journal Card Pad.  Heather has designer the cutest collection of journaling cards, each one different, some with sweet quotes, others with space for documenting your memories, and some just with a fun pattern to them to compliment all of the other products.

I also used the Slide Frame stamp set and die on the insert shown to the left.  A fun die as it can be used as a window to frame in a photo, or an embellishment, leave it open for journaling, etc.  I decided to make mine int o a flap that can be lifted in order to hide a little extra something underneath.

And, Heather has also created printables, ready and at your fingertips from home.  The "love" sentiment is one of those such printables and I've just punched it out with my circle punch and stamped it using the new Monthly Moments:  February stamp set.  I've used plenty of my current Papertrey Ink products throughout my pages as well such as the Double Ended Banners die, Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts and Heart Stitches,   Framed Out #11, Heart-2-Heart #11, and Tremendous Tags dies.    

Deciding to start my own Monthly Moments binder has certainly helped me see things differently...I love the simplicity of it and how it turns the ordinary into treasured memories.  I LOVE the idea of pocket scrapbooking because I can tuck recipes in behind photos, memorabilia, etc., so these things will also be preserved for my little one.  She's having a ball with it too.  Stay tuned for some of her artwork and more of what makes our world turn around here :).  I'll be back with more and more and more.

 You can read much more about Monthly Moments on Nichole's blog including details about what is sold individually, collectively, and in a kit to get you set each month.  Also, there's a new contest posted on Nichole's blog today with a fun challenge and wonderful prizes waiting.

And, for more ideas using Monthly Moments, be sure to stop by and visit these ladies:

Heather Nichols

Danielle Flanders

Ashley Cannon Newell

Enjoy your day!

Melis

 

 

 

use it up, wear it out, make it do...

Hi there! I've got a fun and easy Papertrey Ink Tips & Tricks project for you today.  Ever hear about a technique that left you scratching your head a bit, asking yourself, "Why would anyone ever even try that"?  Yep, me too, but nevertheless, here I am, trying one of those techniques out.  I'm reusing dryer sheets with the help of my Papertrey Ink dies and stamps and I have to say, that I'm OK with the results.  Want to try?

I suppose I have always worried that by using something such as a used dryer sheet, that it would most certainly come out looking like I had indeed used a dryer sheet, so I never gave it a go.  But, stamped and layered in with patterned paper, trim, and felt, and I ended up with a soft, fluttery, unique accent.  These elements can work together in creating dimension and personality. 

The dies I selected to use were the Lovely Layers and Heart-2-Heart #7 dies.  I learned the secret to getting a clean cut from your used dryer sheets is the following sandwich:

1.  Bottom cutting plate

2.  Dies

3.  1 used dryer sheet folded in half (so you can get double the cuts)

4.  paper or cardstock

5.  Top cutting plate

After you've die cut your dryer sheet, you'll end up with these pretty little things, along with flowers cut from the patterned paper as well, so select paper that coordinates with your project while creating your sandwich.  You can kill two birds with one stone this way :).

Next I stamped my die cut dryer sheets using the Background Basics:  Hearts stamp set.  I used Berry Sorbet ink on the bottom, larger flowers, and Raspberry Fizz ink on the smaller flowers.  That's it!  Now to assemble and add in some layering.

Adhere your dies cut from patterned paper.

If you want to use trim, fabric, or felt, now is the time to add those layers in.

Next come the layers of larger flowers cut from your used dryer sheets. 

And, the layers of smaller flowers cut from your dryer sheets.

Don't forget to dress up the center of your flowers.  I used Vintage Cream and Spring Moss felt, the Heart-2-Heart #7 die once again for the leaves, and the Heart-2-Heart #11 die for the heart.  

Top it with a cream button and your sweet, soft accent is complete.

Other layers used beneath my dryer sheet accent come from using the Tag Sale #9 die and vellum, the Perfect Patches die and sheet music, and just a portion of Sweet Blush cardstock cut using the Cover Plate:  Hearts die.  These are all layered over Rustic Cream cardstock stamped using other images from the Background Basics:  Hearts set and are stamped in Autumn Rose and Limeade Ice.    

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Hope you're having a great first week of February.

Melis

 

Papertrey & Project Favorites...

Happy 7th Anniversary to Papertrey Ink!  Are you ready for the fun to begin?  There is so much planned for you, including challenges, inspiration, and giveaways, beginning today.  You can read all about the first challenge on Nichole's blog.

I've been with Papertrey Ink since 2008 and have truly enjoyed each moment.  It's been a pleasure in so many ways and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow personally, to learn, and to connect with so many.  I'm looking forward to another wonderful year.

In celebration of Papertrey Ink's 7th Anniversary, each design team member was asked to choose their 7 favorite projects of all time.  I chose a variety of projects, some cards, some tags, and even some gift packaging as these are all things I love creating.

My first favorite project uses one of my most loved stamp sets, Stitched Sentiments, along with the In Stitches coordinating dies.  I'm all about the homespun feel, images that remind me of my grandmas, times gone by, and timeless treasures.  

The Embroidered Blooms stamp set and Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts die collection were used on these little gift bags.  I'm pretty sure that my love affair with this particular die collection was just beginning as I was creating this ensemble...I'll forever be using Limitless Layers:  Hearts :).

This card is special to me because of its use of fabric and dies.  My Grandma Haslam had the sweetest little collection of teacups and saucers, and whenever I'd visit her it seemed like I discovered more and more of them.  So, whenever I see teacups with tiny roses on them, my mind drifts back to times with her.  I used the Tea for Two and Additions stamp sets and coordinating dies on this card.

My Cute as a Button tag is also a favorite and it's all about color this time.  I am a lover of red!  I have old shabby, weathered, red benches in my house, red berry wreaths, red gingham lampshades, a fun half bathroom painted red, and touches of red everywhere in my home.  This color speaks to me and for that reason, this tag is a favorite.  I used the Button Boutique stamp set, Buttoned Up dies, Tiny Tags, and Perfect Patches dies...all very much loved and used.  

 
Think Big Favorites #24 was used on this card and once again, I am drawn in by the colors.  Soft, serene, and calm.  BUT, it's the fun little accent in the corner that I had the most fun creating, using a combination of the Heart-2-Heart #12 and Framed Out #12 stamp sets and dies.  

The Round Repeats stamp stamp set was used on this card...what a fun set, and if I remember correctly, this card marked the beginning of my fetish for heat embossing in pastels on Kraft cardstock....so delicious.  I also used Hands of Time and Stitched Sentiments (once again).  The sentiment comes from the Love Lives Here stamp set...always a favorite of mine.

And lastly, this card because it uses two of my favorite things...hearts and vellum :).  I'm a simple girl and things like hearts and vellum make me happy.  The Framed Love die was used on this card along with the Happy Hearts stamp set...and sequins :).  Have I mentioned my love for sequins?

If I haven't put you to sleep and you're still hanging in here with me, be sure to check in on the other designers and celebrate 7 years with them too!

Thanks for coming along with me on this journey!  You make it very special for me.

Melis

• Cristina Kowalozyk
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Erin Lincoln
• Dawn McVey
• Heather Nichols
• Betsy Veldman
• Laura Bassen
• Danielle Flanders
• Nichole Heady

 

cupid strikes again...

Happy Monday!  Today has proved to be one of those Mondays I should have stayed in bed for :).  It's been a doozie!  Looking forward to a fun night though, watching my little girl play her first basketball game of the season and spending some time with my husband...it's going to be a great Monday if I have anything to say about it!

Just working away on a few Valentine treats and thought I'd share.  One of my most favorite ways to package up treats is to use Papertrey Ink's Essential Pillow Box die.  It's just the perfect size for sweet, small treats, and I love using it with my favorite patterned papers.  

I used sentiments on each of my boxes from the Cupid's Arrow stamp set, and stamped them on a Double Ended Banner die.  

I used papers from My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Heirloom collection and combined them with the Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts dies.

 

And, I'm always ready to try new cookie recipes and ran across Dump Bowl Cookies posted by Mish Wooderson, and thought they lookied so good, I would try them. They did not disappoint.  I'm keeping this recipe for times when I'm craving a little peanut butter...so yummy!

Freckled Fawn's February OHDEERME Embellishment kit is up for grabs and it's darling!  Here's a  peek at what you'll find inside.  I'll have projects to share with you soon.

(from proclamationpictures)

I thought I'd start my week out with this quote in mind....something I need to do a much better job at, looking with my heart.

Enjoy your Monday.

Melis

movers & shakers revisited...

 

Hello lovely February!  I have always loved this month and am happy to welcome it once again.  The beginning of a new month means it's time for another Papertrey Ink Sr. Team challenge.  This month we are revisiting the oh, so fun, Movers & Shakers Sentiments stamp set and dies.  

This collection is all about interaction, life, playfulness, and creativity.  I worked with the Movers & Shakers:  Poppers die collection and created a card filled with birthday balloons that float up and away as the card is opened.  I tried to take some action shots for you...here we go, opening the card :). 

Slowly springing to life...

Layers of balloons ready to greet you and welcome you to the party!

Along with the Movers & Shakers Sentiments stamp set, I used the Birthday Style stamp and die set for my balloons and confetti.  

I wanted the balloons to be as realistic as possible, so I stamped them in Aqua Mist, Summer Sunrise, and Sweet Blush using the stamping off technique.  I love how you can see through from one balloon to another. I used Orange Zest Baker's Twine for my balloon strings.  

On the front of my card, I used Limitless Layers:  2 1/4" Hearts cut from Pretty Pastels and By the Numbers patterned paper.   My sentiment is stamped on a die cut vellum Tag Sale #9 and is embossed using Zing!  Blush embossing powder.  

So, what do you think?  Ready to try one of your own?  Be sure to check out the other projects from Papertrey Ink designers for much more inspiration and fun.

Dawn McVey

Heather Nichols

Cristina Kowalczyk

Betsy Veldman

 

Hope your February is off to a great start.

Melissa