PTI Create Along With Us Challenge December 2017

Let's just say I'm still not done with Christmas cards, because I still have a few more people who would be disappointed with a store-bought card. However, that doesn't stop me from following this month's release and all the beautiful inspiration by Papertrey Ink's Design Team. You can see more on their new blog here. Details for this month's challenge can be found here where we are challenged to create our own version of something one of the designers shared during release week. 

On Day 4 of the release, Keeway blew me away with her sweet Valentine and colorful die-cut windows. 

However, I don't own the Fun Lovin' stamps and dies yet so I pulled out my Make It Market Mini Kit: Holiday Folk. Trust me when I tell you this wasn't that easy even using my MISTI. I need more practice and note to self: don't try this again when in a hurry. (lol) And, I'm definitely not going to mass produce this one either!

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White and Pure Poppy

Ink: Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Blueberry Sky, Classic Kraft, Bright Buttercup, Smokey Shadow and VersaMark

Stamps: MIM Mini Kit: Holiday Folk and Stylish Sentiments: Holidays

Dies: MIM Mini Kit: Holiday Folk

Other: White EP, SU Dimensionals, SU Markers: Real Red, Summer Sun & Brocade Blue and Glitter Gelly Roll Pen

Papertrey November 2017 Blog Hop Challenge

I'm writing this post early because we're traveling for Thanksgiving and don't want to miss the opportunity to participate in this month's Blog Hop at Papertrey Ink. Here is the beautiful inspiration piece for this month's challenge.

photo source: Grandin Road

My eyes went right to the plaid napkin on the table, the gold "gather" centerpiece and the fall decor on the chair. This is my creation, and I have just the person in mind to receive it. Hope she likes it!

Hope everyone had a delicious feast and fun with friends and family over Thanksgiving! 

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White and Kraft

Ink: Dark Chocolate, Orange Zest and VersaMark

Stamps: Give Thanks and Spruce & Sprigs

Dies: Limitless Layers 2.25" Ovals, Give Thanks and Spruce & Sprigs

Other: Plaid Ribbon, Gelly Roll Glitter Pen, Bic Gold Marker, Perfect Pearls Heirloom Gold, Orange Hemp, Zing! Metallic Gold Embossing Powder, Glue Dots and Double-Sided Tape

Create Along With Us Challenge: November 2017

Is it fair to say this was my very favorite release ever even though I wasn't able to place an order? Needless to say, my wish list grew by leaps and bounds. Besides loving all the new products and the DT's projects, I also won the Day 5 Gift Certificate. Woo hoo! That will definitely help me get some of my "much needed" items.

This week instead of Make It Monday Papertrey Ink challenged us to select one of the design team's projects and create our own version based on that inspiration.

I chose this striking card by Michelle at PrettyPeriwinkle.

Since I needed a few more Thanksgiving cards to show how grateful I am for people in my life, this is the card I created. 

My BIL from Idaho was just visiting us for three days, and Monday we pick up another BIL and SIL from Tennessee from the airport. Tuesday we're traveling to Idaho to spend several days over Thanksgiving with some of my DH's family. It should be a great time provided the weather cooperates. Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Fall Prints & Patterns and Ripe Avocado

Ink: Ripe Avocado and Terracotta Tile

Stamps: MIM Mini Kit: Color Pop Autumn

Dies: Leaf Prints

Other: Twine (dyed using TC Tile ink), Sponge, Glue Dot and SU Dimensionals

PTI MIM #303: Holiday Photo Card

So, because I'm busy getting ready for company and didn't really have a photo to use for a Christmas card, I was just going to skip this week's challenge. However, there are so many cool products in Papertrey Ink's November Release that I couldn't pass up the chance to win a gift certificate. Ashley challenged us to incorporate a photo on a holiday card. Isn't her daughter Lauren just the cutest? Since it's just my dear hubby and me, I altered a photo taken at Hoover Dam in May. Tried to print the photo on matte photo paper, but it jammed my printer so I used the sample I printed for sizing and mounted it on card stock. Need I repeat that my Epson printer and I don't get along very well? Anyway, here's my card and now I have to decide which friend or relative will be the "lucky" recipient. This will be one of a kind!

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Pure Poppy and Retired SU DSP

Ink: Pure Poppy and Pinefeather

Stamps: Happiest of Holidays

Dies: Half & Half

Other: Twine, Red Enamel Dot and SU Dimensionals

We Love You Dawn Blog Hop

Poor Dawn has been dealing with serious health issues for the past few years but with a very positive attitude. About a week ago she underwent a small intestinal transplant, which was a huge success. She is recovering now with a long road ahead so we wanted to share our love for her. I personally adore her design style and vibrant colors. She is the queen of florals and always chooses joy. Dawn is one amazing person and such an inspiration to all. Even though I've never had the good fortune to meet her in person, I feel like we're best friends because she gives so much of herself to the crafty world in her blog posts. 

Here's the card I created inspired by Dawn in more ways than one. I hope she can feel the love radiated from my card and all the others made especially for her. 

Hop over to Nichole's blog where you can find details and thumbnails of beautiful cards created for Dawn using stamp sets and dies designed by her. Won't she be surprised and thrilled to see all the love shared from her stamping friends? Keeping Dawn and Bart in my prayers and hope you will too!

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White and Berry Sorbet

Ink: Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, Berry Sorbet, Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Tropical Teal and New Leaf

Stamps: Gran's Garden and Floral Sketches

Dies: Gran's Garden and To The Point Edgers

Other: Gelly Roll Glitter Pen and SU Dimensionals

PTI MIM #302: Twine & Ribbon Wraps

This week's Make It Monday Challenge for Papertrey Ink is presented by Stephanie. She shared ways to use twine and/or ribbon in different ways other than just a knot or bow. Had to think on this for awhile but actually made two cards Friday night (no ink; no stamps), instead of rushing late Sunday night. Besides that, I'm so happy because I've got another Christmas card to add to my stash. Yay for challenges! Once I post this, I'm heading back to my craft room to get creating. Can you believe I haven't touched my Wonderland Kit yet other than to look at its beauty? I must hurry!

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, New Leaf, Berry Sorbet, Holiday Plaid, Luxe Gold Adhesive and Canson Mixed Media Watercolor Paper

Ink: None

Stamps: None

Dies: In The Meadow, Wet Paint Holidays, Jolly Holiday and MFT Stitched Rectangles

Other: Gold Twine, Red Sequins and Zig Clean Color Real Brush

*******

And here's just another little "twist" on using twine!

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Green Parakeet and SU Elegant Eggplant

Ink: None

Stamps: None

Dies: Jolly Holiday and Mix & Mat: Postal

Other: Twine, White Acrylic Paint, Paintbrush for Splatters and Double-Sided Tape

PTI MIM #301: Matting With Glitter

Well, it's Sunday night and it's been a busy night for this gal. First, we helped a friend celebrate his 79th birthday (no, I'm not that old...yet), watched the Seahawks win (barely) and then the World Series nail biter with Houston with another win at home. My week was about that busy also so just this morning watched Lizzie's great video on creating a glitter mat for a project. This is the challenge for this week's Papertrey Ink Make It Monday Challenge, where you can also see Lizzie's excellent video and beautiful cards. Here's mine, and yes I used ribbon for the first time in a long time!

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White and Melon Berry

Ink: VersaMark, Bright Buttercup, Orange Zest, Scarlet Jewel, Americana and Dark Chocolate

Stamps: Leaf Prints and Keep It Simple: Thanksgiving

Dies: None

Other: Double-Sided Adhestive Tape, White Embossing Powder, Ink Blending Brush, SU Glitter and SU Ribbon

Papertrey October 2017 Blog Hop Challenge

Today being the 25th of October means it's time for another Blog Hop Challenge at Papertrey Ink. Nichole must spend hours seeking out gorgeous inspiration pieces for us, and this month is no exception. Since I'm finishing my card at the last minute, I couldn't get too fancy with lots of color and/or watercoloring. Besides, I can use more Thanksgiving cards. Mission accomplished!

photo source: If you don't follow him already on IG, you simply must! Adolfo Serra

Eager to see how others were inspired and what they created. I'm sure I'll see some real beauties when I get a chance to Blog Hop! 

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Vintage Cream and Ripe Avocado

Ink: Ripe Avocado, Dark Chocolate and VersaMark

Stamps: Leaf Prints and Keep It Simple: Thanksgiving

Dies: Leaf Prints

Other: Stencil from Garden Gate, Ink Blending Tools, Zing! Metallic Gold Embossing Powder, DMC Floss and SU Dimensionals

PTI MIM #300: Build-A-Wreath

It was Melissa's turn to enlighten us with her talents and challenge us to build a wreath. Believe it or not, my wreath supplies are somewhat limited but I opted to use the one from Make It Market Mini Kit: Lovely Laurels. That's the beginning of my card for this week's Make It Monday Challenge at Papertrey Ink. Even though I didn't add all the extras Melissa did, I'm pretty pleased with my results. Another Christmas card added to my stash ~ yay!

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Blueberry Sky and Kraft

Ink: Kraft, Blueberry Sky, Enchanted Evening and VersaMark

Stamps: Make It Market Mini: Lovely Laurels, Make It Market Mini: Holiday Folk and What The Doodles: Snowflakes

Dies: Scene It: Basic Backer, Make It Market Mini: Lovely Laurels, Make It Market Mini: Holiday Folk and What The Doodles: Snowflakes

Other: Stencil from Wonderland Kit, White and Clear Embossing Powders, SU Dimensionals, Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Makeup Brush and Gelly Roll Glitter Pen

PTI MIM #299: Sentiment Windows

Well, apparently I'm on the same schedule as Sunday Night Football. Here I am again just finishing my card and posting before this week's deadline for Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday. Sentiment Windows is Dawn's challenge where we allow our sentiment stamped inside the card to also be part of our card design. Yes, I made a bigger deal out of this than I should have, but I do like the end result. And, I used some of my hoarded PTI patterned paper. Thanks, Dawn, for the inspiration!

As you can see below, the berries inside were covered by the acorns adhered to the card front. 

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White and Text-Style Fall Prints

Ink: Kraft, Harvest Gold, New Leaf, Americana and Dark Chocolate

Stamps: Give Thanks, Spruce & Sprigs and Gran's Garden

Dies: Noted: Scalloped A2, Give Thanks and Spruce & Sprigs

Other: Twine and Gelly Roll Glitter Pen

PTI MIM #298: Faux Epoxy Embellishments

Now that the temperatures have dropped a bit and leaves are changing color, it's starting to feel more like Fall is just around the corner. This prompted me to make a faux epoxy leaf like Betsy showed here for this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink. Here's the design I created.

(Apologize for the light blue backdrop that is a result of poor lighting and my iPad camera.)

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White and Harvest Gold

Ink: Harvest Gold, New Leaf, Canyon Clay, Scarlet Jewel, Dark Chocolate and VersaMark

Stamps: Keep It Simple: Thanksgiving and Leaf Prints

Dies: Leaf Prints

Other: Studio Calico Here+There Paper Pad, Clear Embossing Powder, Hemp Cord, Glue Dot, Corner Rounder, Sponge Daubers and Makeup Brush

PTI Create Along With Us: September 2017

It's that time of the month for Papertrey Ink's new release, and since it's September it's time for their Christmas products. They just never disappoint, do they? It's also our chance to create along with the designers by using their gorgeous creations and/or color schemes for inspiration. How does one choose which one to favor? This time I went with the card below by Michelle showcasing Betsy's new Make It Market Kit.

This is what I came up with using products I currently own. No surprise that I'm eager to get my hands on new sets though as I can't resist their cuteness!

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Soft Stone and Stamper's Select White

Ink: Ocean Tides, Simply Chartreuse, Dark Chocolate and VersaMark

Stamps: Jolly Holiday, In The Meadow, Signature Christmas and Altenew Snowing

Dies: Jolly Holiday, In The Meadow and Noted: Scalloped A2

Other: White Embossing Powder and SU Dimensionals

PTI MIM #296: Small Images on Repeat

So, let's start by saying perhaps I should have used the smaller snowflake, but I thought it was really too small for the design I had in mind. My card below is for Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday with Lexi. She challenged us to use small stamp images and repeat them. I just had to use my new Holographic Embossing Powder on my snowflakes but didn't photograph well.

I'm eager to try this technique again soon when I get my SAF mess cleaned up in my stamp room and get new products organized in folders, etc. My brain might work beetter then. : ) Had another busy week but hope to get back to blog hopping and commenting soon. 

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Tropical Teal, Hawaiian Shores and Bitty Dots

Ink: Tropical Teal and VersaMark

Stamps: In The Meadow and What The Doodle: Snowflakes

Dies: To The Point Edgers and MFT Stitched Rectangles

Other: Ranger Holographic Embossing Powder

PTI SAF 2017: 9th Anniversary Tradition: Pottery by Nichole Heady

Curiosity got the best of me, and I just had to try this Cornstarch Dough recipe. Haven't done this type of thing for years…way back when the cinnamon ornaments were so popular. This is the 16th and final SAF 2017 challenge I've completed, and even though this wasn't my best effort I'm sharing them anyway. Will try this again when I have more time and better stamp choices as the sentiments I had are very hard to read. Onward!

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 10th Anniversary Tradition: Tin & Aluminum by Carissa Wiley

Last, but certainly not least, is my post for Carissa Wiley's technique using Nuvo gilding flakes…only I don't own them and couldn't get access to them in time for this event. Nichole said use what supplies we have on hand so chunky silver glitter to the rescue. Here's my creation.

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 10th Anniversary Tradition: Tin & Aluminum by Laurie Schmidlin

WOW, did you see Laurie Schmidlin's beautiful card? I am SO grateful for her talent and that she shares it with us. What an inspiration! Because I didn't have silver foil paper, I used heavy duty aluminum foil. Note to self: Buy foil paper and try this technique again. Here's my design. 

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 6th Anniversary Tradition: Iron by Betsy Veldman

Betsy made this look so interesting I just had to try it. Her video was so detailed and thorough. I had to improvise a bit but managed to find a frame die that had some detail. It's getting late, and my brain is fried so what to put inside took me a while. Anyway, on with my card. 

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 6th Anniversary Tradition: Iron by Yana Smakula

Don't you just love Yana's detailed videos and beautiful creations? I've followed her blog for quite some time, and she never fails to impress me. Her "iron" technique was impressive, and I appreciate her tip for temporarily adhering the die-cut to a strip of paper for easier embossing. 

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 8th Anniversary Tradition: Bronze by Jessica Frost-Ballas

How rich and elegant Jessica's bronze embossing looks on Tropical Teal card stock! Almost used TT myself but decided to try Ocean Tides, and I like it. 

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 7th Anniversary Tradition: Wool by Debbie Olson

Aren't those stitched felt cookies Debbie made so real looking? Made me hungry as I was so busy crafting for SAF that I didn't even take time to eat my snacks. I'm not a sewer but had to pull out the needle, thread and felt for this challenge and Heather's. Here's my felt cookie. 

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 7th Anniversary Tradition: Wool by Heather Nichols

Heather's Fall cards were adorable. Love those autumn colors against the Kraft. Being in a hurry, I didn't have time to dig out my sewing machine. (I'm not a seamstress but inherited it from my deceased MIL who was.) I dug out some felt, a needle and thread and made this card. 

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 8th Anniversary Tradition: Bronze by Kimberly Crawford

Ugh! Does Perfect Pearls get old? I really struggled with this technique because not only did I have it all over me and my desktop, but the results were not anything like yours. This was my third attempt, and I don't have time to try again now. Perhaps I chose the wrong stamp set to use, but I will attempt again in the future. I tried Scor Tape first, and then Year of Psalms: June on Ocean Tides card stock. Decided to cover it up with Pinefeather, and here's my entry. 

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 5th Anniversary Tradition: Wood by Natasha Trupp

Thanks for the great tutorial, Natasha! I've inked up embossing folders before but not an Impression Plate. It certainly does enhance the lines!

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 5th Anniversary Tradition: Wood by Lizzie Jones

Oh, Lizzie, I loved your results and great video. It's a bit tedious but worth the results. Why did my Quick Stick decide to die right in the midst of adding my inlaid wood pieces? Mission accomplished anyway!

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 3rd Anniversary Tradition: Leather by Ashley Cannon

Thanks, Ashley, as the Dark Chocolate background does look like leather IRL. 

Details later. 

PTI SAF 2017: 1st Anniversary Tradition: Paper by Rebecca Luminaries

You don't even want to know how long it took me to make bows out of paper without tearing them. Let's just say, I'm glad I finally managed to finish my card, and I love the results. 

Details later. 

SAF 2017: 2nd Anniversary Tradition: Cotton by Stephanie Gold

It's Stephanie's turn to challenge us for the 2nd Anniversary Tradition of cotton. Looks like I bought more cotton balls just in time to tackle this one. Believe it or not, I forgot all about the glitter…but I did add pearls just for a little bling. Here's Stephanie's creation with the big cone of cotton candy. 

Mine is just a little teeny tiny one, but I thought it was the perfect size for my design. For the cotton candy cone, I used the circle die from Limitless Layers 1.75", cut in half and rolled tightly. For the background, I stamped my own plaid paper. The colors of Lovely Lady and Mint Julep also make me think of ice cream. Woo Hoo!

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Mint Julep and Lovely Lady

Ink: Lovely Lady and Mint Julep

Stamps: Background Basics, Super Stripes

Dies:  Uncorked Words, Limitless Layers 1.75" Circles, Mix & Mat: Pretty Brackets and MFT Stitched Rectangles

Other:  SU Mauve Mist Reinker, Cotton Balls, SU Pearls and SU Positively Pink Marker (to color the pearls)

PTI MIM #295: Z-Fold Card

With all the challenges for Papertrey Ink's Stamp-A-Faire, I almost forgot this week's Make It Monday with Ashley. This is the great example she shared with us, along with her awesome video. 

Isn't that just the cutest "teacher" card with all those delicious apples? Mine is a birthday card, and a feminine one at that. 

Besides what you see, I also stamped the same color stream paper banners inside the front panel and added a Spiral Notebook die-cut with Gable Green lines inside the last panel. It's the perfect place to write a personal message to the recipient. 

Thanks for stopping by, and I really do appreciate your comments. 

Supplies: (all PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Bitty Dots and Raspberry Fizz

Ink: Raspberry Fizz, Green Parakeet, Ripe Avocado, Amethyst Allure, Royal Velvet and VersaFine Onyx Black

Stamps: Humming Along and Birthday Style

Dies: Big Basics Wish Big, Humming Along and MM: Spiral Notebook

Other: Hero Arts Confetti Stencil, Ink Blending Tool and SU Gable Green Marker (for the lines on the notebook page)