Hi there! I'm so happy to have you visit today. I get to introduce a new Papertrey Ink stamp set as well as a new set of dies. All of the new products you see here over the new few days will be available to purchase April 15th, 10 pm EST at the Papertrey Ink store.
The set I'm showcasing is the new Initial Thoughts stamp and die collection, a wonderful basic set to have on hand for just about any occasion. What I love about it is that you can pull out your favorite existing sets and use them as accents to compliment the desired sentiment...lots of fun. It seems like sympathy cards are the last type of cards I want to make, don't know why, but I avoid them. So, I challenged myself to get to work and create one using this new set. I stamped my Initial Thoughts sentiment on white cardstock cut using the Double Ended Banners die and layered the coordinating image from the Initial Thoughts set over the top. The coordinating dies come with one solid rectangle block and one with a window. I love using the window and layering it over other dies, paper, etc.
For my focal point, I used the Friends 'Til the End stamp set and paper pieced the floral image using paper from the Pretty Pastels paper pad. I paired this set with the Leave it Be stamp set that you can see peeking out from beneath the flower. I embellished the center of my flower with vintage trim cut using the Seasonal Stitching: Clovers die, and felt flowers cut using the new Button Stacks II dies.
I used the "Happy Birthday" sentiment and coordinating image from this new set on my next card. I combined it with another new set, called Botanical Blocks...such a pretty set.
I used the coordinating Initial Thoughts die with Rustic Cream cardstock, Classic Kraft, and Smokey Shadow ink. I added dimensional adhesive behind the sentiment and made it pop on this card.
I stamped my sunflower image on Kraft cardstock using watermark ink, then embossed it using white embossing powder. I then used my Copics and Faber-Castell markers to add color to my image. Before attaching it to my card front, I added a Classic Kraft felt border down the right cut using the Be Happy die.
Next up is just a fun Best Wishes card...I love this particular sentiment because it can be used for many different occasions. Once again I layered the image from the Initial Thoughts set over my stamped sentiment which I stamped on a Double Ended Banner cut from Sweet Blush cardstock.
I layered this over Limitless Layers: 2 1/4: Hearts and Limitless Layers: Heart Stitches dies and dressed it up with more sweet Buttons Stacks II dies and white silk ribbon. Everything is layered over paper and hearts cut using the Cover Plate: Hearts. My paper is all from the Crate Paper Styleboard collection.
And lastly, a simple baby card using the Initial Thoughts set with images from the Night, Night Moon stamp set. I trimmed the solid initial thoughts die to form more of a banner and tucked it under my Tremendous Tag. The Limitless Layers: 2 1/2" Circle dies form the base layer of my focal point. The paper used on this card is all from the Road Trip paper pad. Such a fun color combination for a new baby boy, don't you think? My glitter star accents are from Freckled Fawn.
That's it for me, but follow the links below to see more projects from other designers using these new sets (and others) too. Thanks for visiting!
Melis
So beautiful! I can't believe you paper-pieced that flower on the first card. Intricate work is your thing!!
Posted by: Kathy H | April 10, 2014 at 05:07 AM
Your style is so wonderful. I love your attention to detail.
Posted by: Barbie | April 10, 2014 at 05:11 AM
Beautiful work Melissa! Your ability to multi-layer and add embellishments is second to none. Love your style!
Posted by: Sue | April 10, 2014 at 05:14 AM
Oh, what beautiful cards, Melis! I'm especially drawn to the pretty flowers on the first two cards. Love that doily center on the second one.
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | April 10, 2014 at 05:38 AM
Absolutely amazing!
Posted by: Gigi | April 10, 2014 at 05:45 AM
Your ability to layer is amazing. I so love the new button stack. Can't wait to add these to my collection.
Posted by: Mary Anne Perlmutter | April 10, 2014 at 05:56 AM
Beautiful cards, so pretty! I always love the soft feminine touch on your cards.
Posted by: Tami | April 10, 2014 at 05:58 AM
Beautiful cards, Melissa! My very favorite is the baby card - oh my, it's just so sweet!
Posted by: Cindy H. | April 10, 2014 at 06:01 AM
Love the window dies - nice to see some different products coming out. You certainly have a talent for layering - something I cannot do very well. Loved all of your card samples today.
Posted by: Betty Meyskens | April 10, 2014 at 06:07 AM
Beautiful Melissa - I would be interested in knowing how long it takes you to make a card! Despite your expertise and creativity - your creations look like they may take your some time :)
Posted by: janet wilson | April 10, 2014 at 06:09 AM
Beautiful cards. The first with the paper piecing is just gorgeous.
Posted by: Sharon | April 10, 2014 at 07:33 AM
Melissa! These are so beautiful!! And I *love* how you used Friends 'til the End on the sympathy card. I also really like how you used Night Night Moon with Initial Thoughts on the baby card. So sweet.
Posted by: Gina Eggebrecht | April 10, 2014 at 07:38 AM
All of your cards are beautiful, but I'm particularly drawn to the sunflower card! It's absolutely stunning!!
Posted by: Sue (suen) | April 10, 2014 at 07:46 AM
OMG!! LOVING your SWEET Cards for today Melissa!! AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL as always!! THANKS for sharing and have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)
Posted by: Larissa Heskett =) | April 10, 2014 at 08:11 AM
All the cards are stunning. I especially enjoy seeing what you did with the baby card.
Posted by: Kathie B | April 10, 2014 at 08:53 AM
Love your cards Melissa! That paper pieced bloom is so beautiful!! And as always the way you combine all the sweet details on each card just charms my soul! :).
Posted by: Jill norwood | April 10, 2014 at 09:47 AM
Super cute baby card! I love it! Your colors are amazing! The sunflower is so far my favorite!
Posted by: Kelli B. | April 10, 2014 at 11:02 AM
Delightful array of cards. I love how you layer various stamps & dies for your flowers. So pretty! My very favorite is the sunflower card - so fun. Thanks & have a wonderful day.
Posted by: Troy Louise | April 10, 2014 at 11:28 AM
I love your cards. They are so full of detail. The colors are awesome. I loved the heart card. Love the button stacks and the initial thought stamps.
Posted by: Grace | April 10, 2014 at 01:10 PM
All of these are simply beautiful....love all of your careful work and attention to such heartfelt detail...I always smile when I see your projects! :)
Posted by: Katie Sims | April 10, 2014 at 02:11 PM
Love the layering of the flower and the mix of dp on the first card and your treatment of the sunflower is fabulous.
Posted by: Kathy Krug | April 10, 2014 at 03:27 PM
I just love popping in here Melissa, your projects never disappoint!! These are all as pretty as can be!
Posted by: LIsa | April 10, 2014 at 07:24 PM
These are just beautiful!
Posted by: Laurie Leet | April 10, 2014 at 09:32 PM
I love how you always make everything work for your style, which I love, by the way.
Posted by: Tere | April 10, 2014 at 10:47 PM
Four terrific cards, Melissa! The flower on the sympathy card is so pretty. The baby card is simply adorable. Great new sentiments and the various ways you used the banners on your cards takes it to a whole 'nother level. :D
Posted by: Gabby | April 11, 2014 at 12:32 AM