creating with alphas...

Hello there!  I'm so happy you're joining me today for my Papertrey Ink Tips & Tricks.  Today we're going to have some fun with alphabet dies.  They are an element I don't use often enough, but there are so many unique and playful ways of using them, so let's get started with just a few ideas.

On my "Ho, Ho, Ho" card, I used the Bookprint Alphabet Upper dies to spell out my sentiment, die cutting my letters from coordinating scraps.  That's one big perk of using your alpha dies....getting to use up all of the scraps and bits you may have laying around, just waiting to be used.

Instead of using an "O" on my middle "Ho", I used the Make it Market Mini Kit:  Holiday Hugs, selecting the Santa image to form my "O".  I then used a sentiment from the Countdown Details stamp set....I loved finding a stamp in my holiday stamp selection that fit so well with my Santa theme.  The tiny sprigs and berries are from the Rustic Wreath stamp set and are stamped in Green Parakeet and Pure Poppy.

 

On my next card, I used the Smooth Alphabet die collection, die cutting my letters from scraps of assorted patterned paper.  I used the new What the Doodle:  Snowflakes stamp set and dies to form my "O", die cutting my flakes from vellum and heat embossing them in white.  I adhered my die cut letters on a strip of glitter cardstock so they'd stand out a bit from the background.

I used the new Script Swirls:  Christmas stamp set in the background, stamping in Aqua Mist.  I wanted this image to be centered under my What the Doodle:  Snowflakes.

I used the In the Meadow stamp set across the bottom for another sentiment, my snowflakes, and my snowman to tie into the winter-y theme.

And lastly, I used the Bookprint Alphabet die collection on my tag.  I combined these dies with the new Sweet Holiday Wishes stamp set and dies.  I love the way this fun, sweet sugar cookie image creates the perfect replacement for the letter "O".  It is stamped in Hibiscus Burst.

I completed my sentiment using the Enclosed:  Wreath stamp set, stamping in Simply Chartreuse.

My accents are from the new Shaped Sayings:  Christmas die.....these have quickly become some of my most favorite accents!  I love how intricate and details they are, so prepare to be seeing them quite often around here :).

I have so many more ideas floating around in my head...just not enough time to make them all happen.  But, over the next week or so, I hope to have more to share with you using my alphabet dies combined with stamped images.  Think of all of the possibilities!  I can't wait to see what you'll create :).

Thanks so much for visiting today.  Enjoy your weekend.

Melis

 

Comments

[Holly Saveur]

LOVE it such a great idea..thanks for sharing...love to see more next week...

[Shelly Sweigart]

OH my how lovely! I have alpha dies I purchased to use on scrapbooking pages. However, um....I haven't scrapbooked in ages...so it will be nice to have a way to use these alphas on cards and tags. I especially love your JOY one. Can't wait to duplicate that one. Thanks for the inspiration!

[Lilian]

Gorgeous cards as always. Mynfavorite is the 'in the meadow" card. Might case it even if we don't have snow here lol! Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

[BeverlyBL]

I love all three. Very cute/pretty ideas. Thanks.

[jan metcalf]

Thanks for the inspiration! Feeling the same, so many ideas, there is not time to implement them all! Just received Shaped Sayings in the mail yesterday, so excited to play!

[Heather]

Amazing cards, Melissa! You are truly talented!

[Donna M.]

Gorgeous cards! Love them all! I will case, since I have no ideas floating lately. I love your style, & everything you share. The "snow" card is so pretty. Today I think I'll get some playtime. Thanks Melissa- wish you lived next door!

[Corrine Ann]

Cute and pretty! I like them all, especially Santa and also the tag. Now if I only had those dies!

[Cindy H.]

Such lovely inspiration! I have several PTI alpha sets and rarely use them. After seeing your post I think I need to get them out!

[Sue]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful cards and tag. All are so special and have such complementary colors. Of course, your special touch makes them so stunning.

[Cindy Otto]

Love this idea of using the alphabet letters! Such cute ideas. Can't wait to try my hand at this. Thank you for sharing your darling ideas!

[Luanne Ford]

These cards are all so delightful! I will need to add some alphas to my wish list!

[Diana K]

That Santa card is so adorable, Melissa! I don't think I ever saw a put-together Santa when the mini kit was highlighted and now I regret, ever so much, not getting it. :(

[TamiB]

So pretty!! Thanks for all the inspiration with alphas!!

[Greta H]

You've left me speechless, Melissa! I absolutely love these creative ideas & your beautifully crafted projects! Thank you!

[Margaret]

Melissa, thank you for your wonderful inspirational ideas. Just love them. Greetings from down under

[Sherry Anderson]

So cute!!! Can't wait to see the incredible Christmas ideas you still have to come!!!

[Marybeth]

These are gorgeous , what a fun idea with beautiful results!

[Lisa Bergen-Wilson]

So beautiful! I'll be using my alpha dies this way...and buying more, I'm sure! Thank you!

[Nancy Ward]

These are just precious, Melissa. I love your design style!

[Patty O'Malley]

Sweet cards, Melis, especially the snow one!

[Lura]

Oh thank you! I have so many alpha dies and stamps that never see the light of day. These are great ideas I'll be using!