Papertrey Ink February Release Countdown Day 2

Welcome back for day 2 of the Papertrey Ink February release countdown! I have two more cards to share with you today and up first is a fun and playful card using the new Build-an-Emoji Die! This die is packed with all of the pieces you would need to create so many of our favorite emojis, including the heart eyes emoji, which is a personal favorite!

This set pairs perfectly with the new This is Big Sentiments: Happy Everything that was featured yesterday!

To begin this card, I created the emoji first. The circle is cut from Lemon Tart cardstock and then I added some Harvest Gold ink around the edges for depth. The mouth is cut from Smokey Shadow with True Black ink on the corners. The tongue is cut from Berry Sorbet with Pure Poppy shading. I cut the eyes from Pure Poppy with Scarlet Jewel shading, Glossy Accents and glitter over the top for that dramatic effect!

The background was created with the From the Heart Hot Foil Plate and red foil on a panel of Pure Poppy cardstock. I cut it down to measure 5 by 3 3/4 inches and added some Scarlet Jewel shading around the edges.

The sentiment was stamped in Pure Poppy and Scarlet Jewel for an ombre effect with white embossing on Smokey Shadow cardstock for the other portions.

I layered it onto an A2 panel of Pure Poppy cardstock using foam squares and then added the entire panel to a top-folding A2 card base using liquid glue.

Switching gears to something more traditional; this card features the new Wrapped in Love stamp set. 

This set includes three gifts, a ribbon, and a bow with three different coordinating sentiments to work with the "wrapped" theme.

I always love a pink and green color combo, but I switched it up a bit with Berry Sorbet, Mint Julep, and Vintage Jadeite, and a touch of SU! Garden Green ink for something a little bit different for me.

The bow reminds me of old-fashioned ribbon candy and I was wishing to be back in my Grandma's home at Christmastime! 

For the background, I used the new Filigree Frame Hot Foil Plate that was featured yesterday on an A2 panel of Berry Sorbet cardstock. I was thrilled to see how nicely the largest die included in the Love to Layer: Garnished Edges Die nested inside the foiling. It was also the perfect backdrop for the stack of presents.

Each of the three sentiments also has a coordinating die so it's easy to add the sentiments on your design. I chose to place this larger sentiment in the middle and then surrounded it with some die cut flowers.

I added some white goache splatter and gems for additional detail and dimension. I forgot to mention that the background was also die cut using the Nesting Basics: Pierced Rectangles Die as well. Thanks for fluttering by!

 

Papertrey Ink February Release Countdown Day 1

It's been quite awhile since I've participated in the Papertrey Ink release! I took December off and then there wasn't a release in January, so it feels good to be back for day 1 of the February release countdown! Between sewing, stitching, and other creative projects, it's also been awhile since I've sat down to make cards!

My first card for today features a lovely new set called Such a Treasure. I love how easy it is to create these beautifully detailed roses in two easy steps. There is stem/leaf images, but I chose to use the die cut leaves included in the Into the Blooms: Roses die to create a cluster of flowers rather than stems. The other designers are showing the stems, so there will be a lot of inspiration with those!

The Such a Treasure stamp set features this large oval frame, which I stamped in blue, and frames the flowers beautifully. I've also used the new Love to Layer: Laced Ovals Die to add another layer of detail and interest.

I can already tell the lacy frames will be my go-to choice for creating romantic and vintage projects! This is the smaller of the two; the larger one is more the size of the blue frame.

The new stamp set also features this beautiful friend sentiment and then a few other companion sentiments.

I decided to try doing some hot foiling on pattern paper and I love how it turned out! I used the Merry Motifs Hot Foil Plate with champagne foil on a panel of blue gingham pattern paper. I layered it onto the beautiful Border Bling: Scalloped Frame Die to give that cute edge.

I layered everything up in the middle using liquid glue and foam squares. I added a few pearls to the corners of the foiled design for added detail and interest.

My next card is a fun and whimsical card inspired by one of my favorite Disney movies: Up! This card features the new This is Big Sentiments: Happy Everything and the new Uplifted by Nature Die set. The first time I looked at all of the sentiments included in the new Happy Everything stamp set, I thought to myself, "You NEVER make retirement cards!" I didn't set out to make one, but with the combination of the balloons, and idea was born!

To begin, I turned on Up! and got to work! ha ha! It was fun to have on in the background as I worked! I die cut all of the pieces I would need for the balloons and got to work coloring them. I used dye inks and different distress spritzes, sprays, and stains; no rhyme or reason, but mostly depended on which variety I had with the right colors!

I knew the cute house from Home is Where the Heart Is Die would be the right scale for the balloons, so I got to work cutting and coloring the house. This was part of the December release that I didn't participate in, so it was fun to use this house!

I adhered all of the balloons strings to the balloons simply by attaching a foam square to the back over the strip and then I gathered them all up in a cluster around where the chimney is and then secured them behind the house.

I'm getting a little ahead of myself. I couldn't do any of that until I got the stenciling and foiling done on the background. I knew my card would need to be a larger size, so the In Frames: Big and Tall Rectangles Die came in VERY handy! I used the stencils that are included in the Elegant Notes Stationery Kit for the corners and then carefully figured out placement for the foiled design. This is the new Filigree Frame Hot Foil Plate and I'm obsessed! I foiled it with champagne foil and then placed the house and balloons in the center.

I did some light stenciling on the frame portion using the new Dotted Diamonds Stencil Collection. Most of the other designers are showcasing this fully so you can see it on a full panel, but I chose to add it on the frame for a hint of detail since I had to proceed with my vision! ha ha! The sentiment is from the new This is Big Sentiments: Happy Everything and it really does have so many sentiments for so many occasions! I also added a sentiment to the inside from the Inside Greetings: Established Stamp Set, but I didn't take a picture. I'm trying to be more intentional about finishing the inside before I move on to a new project. I have found that I'm usually in a rush when it comes time to actually use a card and I don't have time to be rummaging around looking for a suitable sentiment for the inside! I really love how this turned out and now all I need is for someone to retire! ha ha!

Thanks for fluttering by!

 

The Greetery {Winter Crafting Olympics}

 Hello and welcome! I'm popping in today to share a fun wintery project using both old and new products from The Greetery! I’m so excited the Olympic Winter Games are this month and I’ve had card ideas on the brain using that theme! My card features the darling penguin and I couldn’t resist trying another little pocket/pouch idea like I did for the Amour Market Collection release! So, I’ve got the ski theme with the card, and the Après Ski theme with the pocket/pouch {snuggle up with a cup of cocoa after an afternoon on the slopes}! This pouch is a little bit roomier so you could add a few packets of hot cocoa to the inside and even some marshmallows if they are the smaller size or the freeze-dried variety. 

For the card, I couldn’t resist using the new Shortbread Shapes: Scalloped Hearts Die and coordinating embossing folder. Now, you might be thinking to yourself: why didn’t she use the snowflake edition? I totally get why you’d wonder, BUT I really liked the scalloped opening of the one I used, so that was the winner. However, both would work just fine! I cut it from Spring Rain cardstock and then did the embossing.

Once that was done, I added some uncharted mariner distress oxide ink over the raised portions using a sponge dauber. I set it aside and got to work on the background. I simply cut another panel using the main die included in the Shortbread Shapes Scalloped Hearts die from white cardstock and then added the stenciling using the Snowflake Prints Stencil and Spring Rain ink. I added some uncharted mariner ink splatter for a snowy look. 

Next, I created the penguin using the darling Hey Honeycomb Penguin Die. I wanted to showcase the card with the white honeycomb open, but you could definitely leave it closed so you can mail it and add images from the Hey Honeycomb Holiday Stamp Set. There are some sentiments that would work perfectly for this particular card. I added Glossy Accents to the eyes, beak, and feet for a shiny look. I set this cutie aside so it could dry. 

I knew I was going to be using the Cocoa Cozy Stamp Set for the pocket/pouch, so I decided to cut and stamp a few of the snowflakes that are included in the set to use on the card. I also created some snowdrifts using the Drifting Die and the skis are created using the Holiday Hatchback Die. I think these are just the cutest thing and I can envision this cute penguin descending the slopes in the skis! Ha ha!

Once I had all of the pieces ready to go, I added them to the background using foam squares for dimension. I also added a cute bow to the top using the Regency Bow No. 2 Die along with the sentiment, which is from the Christmas Time Sentiments Stamp Set and die. I added some Snow flock to the entire card front along with some glitter and sparkle gems to the snowflakes and the holly on the penguin. The holly is cut using the Ornamental Tag Die and adds the perfect arctic charm to this cutie! 

The pouch was created by adding some strategically placed score lines to the panel that was cut and embossed using the same supplies as the card.

 I folded it along the score lines and then added a little clothespin to the top to keep it closed. You could use ribbon or any other type of fastener, depending on your preferences. 

As I mentioned earlier, I knew I would be using the Cocoa Cozy stamp/die set for this project, so I cut all of the pieces I would need and then added the color using sponge daubers. I love adding the embossed details to the mittens using the Winter Mitts Embossing Folder.

 I needed a landing spot for the “hugs and cocoa mugs” sentiment, so I cut the smallest Oblong Octagon Labels Die to stamp it on. Once that was done, I simply added everything to the pouch using foam squares and liquid glue. I added some Candy Crumble Mix to the cocoa for some chocolatey goodness! I had so much fun working on these two projects and I’m crossing my fingers I’ll find some additional time to create a few more festive cards to celebrate the Olympic Winter Games! Thanks for fluttering by!

 

A Grand Adventure {Winnie the Pooh} Baby Boy Gift Ensemble

Hello friends! As promised, here is the BIG post with ALL of the baby things I've been working on for the last few weeks! There was a sweet new baby boy born in the neighborhood in December, so after the holidays were over, my daughter and I headed to our favorite fabric/quilt shop to look for fabric to make her some gifts. We were coming up empty, but then tucked in a random bottom shelf was this cute Winnie the Pooh fabric by Echo Park and manufactured by Riley Blake. It seems like it was either really popular or not very new, so there wasn't a huge selection left. I pulled the fabrics from the line I wanted to use and then we went around the shop to find some of the "filler" fabrics.

An unexpected delight is Echo Park is obviously a paper/stamp manufacturer more than fabric, so I was BEYOND THRILLED to discover there was matching pattern paper and stamps. I decided since there is so much to share, I will just put them in the order that I made them, which might not make a lot of sense, but it will for me! ha ha!

Now, I mentioned there was a sweet baby boy born and THAT is what took me to the fabric store, but not long after, I got invited to a baby shower for another cute new mom in the neighborhood so that meant I was making double of a few things! Keep that in mind when I show two of certain things....ha ha! If you're interested in reading about the cards I made, you can find that information HERE. The Winnie the Pooh dies are NOT from Echo Park, but you can read all about it on that post.

Up first are a pair of baby booties; unfortunately the baby shower baby got the shoes, because I didn't have enough time to make another pair. These were made using the ADORABLE Baby Bootie Die (unfortunately retired) using Classic Kraft Felt for the main shoe and then Dark Chocolate Felt for the details.

I went to look at other pairs I have made in the past to remember which combinations I like best and I came across a comment from someone asking about trouble-shooting on a few things. This commenter asked about not having the holes punch out cleanly. It is REALLY important to punch the holes out of the die after each use. I didn't realize this back when I was first making them so I have seen what happens if you do and if you DON'T! ha ha!

Another thing that I have found that ensures better results is to use the small end of a stylus to punch EVERY hole out of the felt once it's been cut. This will help you get even stitches and not miss any as you're going along.

I also like to use Fray Check on the knots so they will be secure as they are taken on and off the baby!  I like to use three strands of DMC floss to achieve this look. You can do more if you like, but I wouldn't recommend less.

I like to package up the booties in clear cube boxes. For this particular pair, I added a red gingham ribbon and a sticker that is included in the Echo Park Winnie the Pooh Collection 12 by 12 Kit. I love the sentiment; Let's wander together to accent the shoes! If you want to see other booties I have made in the past, you can check those out HERE.

Next up is the bib! This is one of my go-t0 handmade baby items and you can see some of the different ones I've made over the years HERE 

I had a bit of fun with the tag since I had the matching Echo Park Winnie the Pooh Stamp Set. It actually came in VERY handy for a few different things that I will be sharing.

Super simple stamping, but it kept the whole ensemble cohesive and had that cute boutique feel to it!

Next up are the ties and the quilt! I started cutting the pieces for the quilt after I made the bib and got to work sewing, while also working on the ties. I have either thrown away or misplaced my FAVORITE tie pattern, so I had to make-shift a new one and I'm just so sad!

I forgot how wonky pictures of fabric turn out; particularly the stripes! This is the main portion of the quilt, but I will show the yellow border and binding a little further on!

The Winnie the Pooh sentiment came in SO handy for making these ties look boutique-y! 

I made two binky clips and added them to the capsule die that was leftover from the card I made! ha ha!

I ended up liking the gingham paper better to package the binky clip. I also added some additional stitches to this one to see if I like it.

Next up are the two "Baby's First Year" mini-albums that are always a nice addition to any baby gift! Normally I have been making this on a ring, like I featured in THIS post, but I decided to make one of these cute (and actually easy to make) tiny albums.

I used the pattern paper and the heavy-weight stickers that are included with the paper pack that were just the perfect touch! Both of these things made this project so much faster and easier. If this was the ONLY gift I was giving, I definitely would have made it more detailed.

To make these books, I use the backer that used to come in the SU! 12 by 12 paper packs. I still have quite a few of those, so I dug through the stash and trimmed it down to suit my needs. For scale, this is about 4 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches; just the right size for a picture or two and then the information about baby that particular month. I use my guillotine trimmer to cut the heavy cardboard and then score it and fold it with my bone folder. Once that's done, I add the paper over the top using adhesive in strategic places so it won't gum up my sewing machine needle. I add eyelets through the pages (double-sided paper is the perfect thing so both sides have a pattern, but different designs) and the spine of the album and then secure with ribbon.

The opening page has a place to write statistics.

Each month has a page like this to keep quick and easy track of baby's milestones. I have a file for this is you're interested!!

You can see the machine stitching around the perimeter with some zig-zag stitching down the side.

Even though the stickers are sturdy, I did add some liquid glue behind each one to ensure security.

I had so much fun working on the quilt in between the other projects. I know I keep saying it, but i just love how I had the paper and fabric to match! 

I was hoping my friend could do the quilting, but her long-arm is in the shop, so it was up to me to add some quick stippling. In the end, it actually looks like dripping honey, so I thought it was very fitting! ha ha!

My daughter was holding up the quilt for me so I could snap a few quick pictures....I was literally working on this the day of the shower! eek! Anyway, she told me not to have "any of HER showing", so I used my editing removal tool and it made the left hand side of the quilt/photo look wonky with it's "fill-in tool" so just ignore that! ha ha!

I think I've mentioned it before, but my latest favorite way to package up a baby gift is in a small suitcase. I chose a red one as I'm sure you noticed in the photos at the beginning of today's post!

This suitcase is bursting at the seams and then I wrapped it all up in cellophane and attached the card to the outside. If I had more time, I definitely would have enjoyed making a tag with those cute dies I used on the cards! 

Whew! That was a lot! Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. I've been having the best time working on some other non-card projects that I'll be sharing soon, too! My sewing machine is feeling the love! ha ha!