Embellish It!

One of the main reasons that I began stamping, was to be able to recreate embellishments, tags, etc. for a fraction of the cost. I really liked how easy is was to mass produce invitations, cards and gift items without having to buy multiple packages of embellishments to get my projects completed. I was so thrilled with this month's Papertrey Ink Design Team challenge to recreate or create some embellishments from the fabulous products that Papertrey Ink carries.

Is it any surprise that I decided to include accordian flowers, ribbon and buttons? I had so much fun creating this fun embellishments that could easily be added to gift packaging, cards, tags, etc.




For those of you who are visiting for the first time or for those who may have missed it, you can check out a step by step tutorial on how to make accordian flowers. For these particular flowers, I used Papertrey Ink's Friend's 'til the End and Bitty Dot Basics pattern paper. Since this paper measures 8 inches, I cut two 2 1/2 inch strips for each flower. I simply joined the two pieces together into a long strip once I had accorian pleated each strip. I did use my pinking shears on one side to create more of a *flower* feel. I like how it turned out.

For the gathered ribbon, I simply cut 16 inches of assorted Papertrey Ink ribbon, baste stitched it with my sewing machine and pulled one strand of thread on each side to gather it. Once it had been gathered evenly, I tied the thread on each end in a knot, trimmed the thread and began attaching it to the ribbon.

To attach it to the button, simply add about 3 or 4 craft glue dots to the back of the pre-threaded button. Once you have the glue dots in place, begins adding the ribbon, carefully keeping the front of the ribbon on the outside (it can flip if it gets too gathered). Once you have the entire length of the ribbon on the button, use a few more glue dots to add it to the accordian flower. I would recommend having the project you will be adding your embellishment to, ready and available so that it can be adhered right away.

Do you remember those Target dollar spot magnetic frames from a few years ago? I kept quite a stash on hand and decided to add some magnetic strips to the back of my embellishment and create a fun frame to keep in my studio. Since the embellishment has so much going on, I kept the frame simple and plain so that it wouldn't detract from the photo.

I had so much fun with this challenge. I actually have another little something up my sleeve using this basic design, but in a different way that I can't wait to show you! You also won't want miss what the other gals have come up with...seriously amazing! You can see all of them here including Nichole's project as well!

Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies
Stamps: Mixed Messages
nk: True Black
Paper: PTI White, Friends 'til the End and Bitty Dot Basics pattern paper
Accessories: Assorted PTI ribbon and buttons, crochet thread, sewing machine and thread, glue dots

A Note of Thanks SFYTT

I hope you all are having a wonderful Saturday! I can't believe how fast the weeks fly by! I was in the mood to use up some more of my DSP, so I decided to use this "Raspberry Tart" variety. I fell in love with it and pre-ordered two packages when it was first available. I don't think I have even opened the second package. I think I may be planning a Stamp-a-stack soon to get some of this paper used up! LOL!

I knew I wanted to use this butterfly set, so I just took the colors from the paper. The paper does all the work with minimal stamping. I did add a little sparkle to the butterflies using crystal effects and a sprinkle of Chunky Essentials glitter. I finished it off with a taffeta bow and called it good. The pattern paper is so busy that I decided to keep the embellishments minimal.

I love it when the butterflies are bent so they look like they are in flight. I just bend them in half and then apply them with crystal effects. That way they have a nice, strong hold and I don't worry about them coming off. Of course they would get squished if you put it in an envelope, but could easily be bent up again.

I will be sharing some fun Papertrey things tomorrow night, so stay tuned.

You won't want to miss the other SFYTT designers.

Jen Del Muro and Julie
Amy Rohl
Carole Burrage
Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

Thanks for fluttering by!

Mojo Friend

As you can see, there is a new camera in the house. I felt lost without one. I am still getting used to it, so bear with me. These were the first photos I took with it, so I still need to experiment with it, etc. They look kindof blurry to me, so hopefully I can get the kinks worked out.

This is the card that I made using this week's Mojo Monday sketch. I needed a card to thank my friend who watched the girls for me so that I could go on my son's field trip. This fun little set called Dear Friend from SU! will soon be retiring, so I thought that I would use it. I am actually a little afraid to see all that will be retiring. LOL!

I also used some of the beautiful ribbon that Brandi sent me from her E-bay store called "My Little Ribbon Shop". You can link to the store from the icon on my sidebar. I love how wide it is and how nicely it ties. It matches Pink Pirouette perfectly, which I used on my card. I colored my image first and then picked the papers, which is something I usually don't do, but the colors ended up working nicely with this "Bella Birds" DSP. I am sure this will be retiring, too, since it has In Colors on it. I have tried to be better about using up my DSP so that I don't accumulate too much, but I fear I still have a lot left.

I won't be attending SU!'s Convention this year, but recieved my 5 year pin in the mail last week. I guess I won't be doing my 5 year march. Maybe one of you who is going can go up in my place! LOL!

Now that I have a camera, I will be sharing things on a more regular basis. I really didn't mean to let my blog go like this! I promise I am back! LOL! Thanks for fluttering by!

Bye Bye Camera!

I was so excited to share a new design with you today, but my camera took an unfortunate path to death. I made the mistake of taking it with me on Splash Mountain when we were in Disneyland. I got soaked, to put it mildly,as well as the camera. We eventually got it working again, but each time I take a photo I have to take the batteries out and put them back in. Frustrating, but do-able. Today, however, it refused to work. This is not good, especially with design deadlines looming! I guess I am headed out to go buy a new camera!

It's Your Day SFYTT

So... that is officially the longest I have gone without stamping! I was able to clear away the mess from last week's SFYTT card to create this week's SFYTT card. I am *finally* starting to feel like myself again. Thank you so much for all of your well wishes. You are all so good to me!

We have a birthday party to go to tomorrow for two of my nephews. They are having a Robot themed birthday, so I decided to combine this week's sketch and my need for two Robot cards. I think this is the first time I have inked up this little guy from "Toy Box". I love that set and it has been so handy for so many occasions. I actually think I used this set for their cards last year. I was also excited to be able to pair it with the new "Star Prints" set from Papertrey Ink. I used two of the sentiments and one of the stars. I really liked making similar cards for the boys, but changing up a few things on each. I decided since they looked so much alike, that I would add their initials to the side panel.

I kept them simple and opted for fewer embellishments. You never know where little kid cards will end up. LOL!

You won't want to miss the other SFYTT designers.

Jen Del Muro and Julie
Amy Rohl
Carole Burrage
Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. Don't worry...there will be much more to see this week!

Supplies

Stamps: Toy Box, Star Prints, Pixie Alphabet by PSX

Paper: PTI White, Jersey Shore DSP

Ink: Palette Noir, Brilliant Blue, Wild Wasabi, Copic and Prismacolor markers

Accessories: Star Punch, Mini Library Clips, Silver Brads, Bashful Blue grosgrain ribbon, Only Orange grosgrain ribbon, Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, foam squares

Thank You Berry Much SFYTT

This is going to be quick so I can go crawl back in bed! This sickness has really done a number on me! My poor card today was made on a Nyquil hangover and my head in a fog! LOL! I am really hoping that I can get better soon. You all deserve better! LOL!

Everything on this card is by Papertrey Ink. I have had all of my stuff out, so I thought I would go with it. This is such a fun sketch, I can't wait to try it again when I feel better.

You won't want to miss the other SFYTT designers.

Jen Del Muro and Julie
Amy Rohl
Carole Burrage
Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

Stamps: Green Thumb

Ink: Hibiscus Burst, Spring Moss, True Black

Paper: Friends til the End, Bitty Dot Basics, White

Accessories: Circle punches, hibiscus burst buttons, dimensionals

More Papertrey Ink

This is a bitter-sweet post for me! I have had so much fun over the past two months being Papertrey Ink's Distinguished Guest Designer. I would like to thank Nichole for giving me such a wonderful opportunity. Papertrey Ink, since day one, has been one of my all-time favorites. So...with that being said, why not share some more Papertrey Ink goodness.

When I first saw the new "Bird Watching" set, I was giddy! It is so cute! There is also a "Bird Watching Additions" set as well. I can't wait to play with it some more, especially when I am feeling better. This *bug* really has me beat and I just want to thank all of you get-well-wishers! You are all so sweet!

I have missed out on quite a few of my favorite challenges the last little bit, so this card started out being a past Mojo Monday sketch, but I never seem to follow the rules! LOL!

I used my oval, scalloped oval and ribbon label nestabilities. I love these! I added a few buttons threaded with Kraft cardstock and applied them with glue dots. I added a simple spring moss satin bow for the finishing touch.

Stamps: Background Basics: Text Style, Bird Watching

Ink: Spring Moss, Aqua Mist, Smokey Shadow

Paper: Everyday Blessings, White, Spring Moss

Accessories: Aqua Mist Vintage Buttons, Cream and White Vintage Buttons, Glue Dots, scallop edge punch by SU!, Nestabilitieis, Spring Moss Satin Ribbon, foam squares

For my next project, I used the new set designed by Nichole herself "Star Prints". I was browsing through the latest issue of Pottery Barn Kids and was inspired by one of the bedding sets for baby. This card is a result of that inspiration. I wanted to keep it clean and crisp, yet detailed. I decided to add different layers, dimensions and textures to achieve this look.

I embossed the star with silver embossing powder to give it some shine. I also added a button threaded with chrochet thread. I stamped the twinkle sentiment repeatedly, purposefully leaving off the "little" portion, across a strip of Soft Stone cardstock. I did the same with the tiny star image stamped in Spring Rain.I love the fonts that Nichole chose for this set. I added some Fresh Snow Topnotch Twill ribbon for the finishing touch.
Supplies: Star Prints Stamp Set

Ink: Smokey Shadow, Spring Rain, versamark

Paper: Smokey Shadow, White, Soft Stone

Accessories: Top Notch Twill (fresh snow), silver embossing powder, paper piercer and mat pack, star punch

For my final project, I used Lisa Johnson's new set called "Let Freedom Ring". I really like how versatile it is and can be used for tons more than just the fourth of July. With summer on it's way, I decided to make a 4th of July card. I knew I wanted some Vintage touches, so I sponged everything with Vintage Photo Distress Ink. By the way...did you see the great new inkpads that Papertrey has come out with for creating distressed edges? I can't wait to try them out! I also used two other new sets called "Background Basics: Text Style" and "Fancy Flourishes". I can see me reaching for these again and again.

I created the ribbon *bunting* by baste stitching a 12 inch or so length of ribbon, pulling it tight and then securing it with glue dots. I had a lot of fun with this design, especially using the flourishes. I think they add such whimsy and charm.

Again, I had so much fun and I am glad I get to stick around to continue to work on the My Timless Template Team. Thanks for fluttering by!



Stamps: Let Freedom Ring, Background Basics: Text Style, Fancy Flourished
Ink: Fresh Snow, Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Paper: Kraft, White, Pure Poppy, Night of Navy (SU!)
Accessories: Vintage Buttons, Linen Thread, Striped Ribbon, Sewing Machine and Thread, sponge, glue dots, paper piercer and mat pack

Sick!

Apparantly, my daughter has shared her wonderful sick germs with me, so I am down and out. I will be back later in the week to share my new Papertrey Ink projects with you. Thanks for fluttering by!

Let's Do Lunch *sneak peek*

I hope you all know how much I hate being a tease. I was excited this month because I was able to show you a completed project using the "My Timeless Templates" first. So...I guess you know what that means; today's peek is just that, a peek. If you purchase the new "Let's Do Lunch" template, my entire project will be included in the idea book.

I have to say, I was super excited when I saw this adorable template that Lauren came up with. It is one of those templates that I can see myself using again and again. It is a really fun and clever way to package up a treat or gift. Lauren has some samples on her blog, so that you can see the entire shape. She really has outdone herself on this one!

Thanks for fluttering by! I will be posting my new Papertrey Ink projects on the 15th.

And the Prize goes to....

I am sorry to have kept you all in suspense this morning. Life has a way of throwing us curve balls, so I spent the morning getting my car looked at and at the doctor and pharmacy with my daughter. But...we do have a winner....Comment # 109

Betty Benton said...
Your gold embossed tree is fabulous! I'm going to have to give that a try as well! I'd love to win a free stamp set -- you're so sweet to offer it -- Happy 300th!

Congrats, Betty!

Please email me @ kellyrory1@msn.com with the name of the stamp set you have chosen as well as your snail mail and I will get your prize ordered!

I want to thank all of you for playing! You left such sweet comments! Thank you! Here is to 300 more! Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. I will have a sneak peek tomorrow of Lauren's second template being released this month!

I'm a little teapot...

Short and Stout, Here is my handle, here is my spout! LOL!
I think I may just be one of the luckiest girls in the world. I feel really blessed to be able to work with Lauren and Papertrey Ink on the "My Timeless Templates" Team. Each time I see what Lauren has put together, I am giddy! This month is no different. This darling little container is ideal for so many purposes. I decided to make this one into a little *tea caddy* of sorts. I will admit that when I first saw this darling container, my mind thought of a tea pot; the shape, size, etc. I had fallen in love with the idea of making the container into a tea pot and struggled with it for way too long. I gave up, photographed it, then decided that it really did *need* to be a little tea pot. I will share both photos, with and without it's costume on! Since I wanted to turn it into a tea pot, what better set to use than Nichole's new "Tea For Two" stamp set. I hadn't quite gotten my fill anyway! It is the perfect fit for Lauren's new "Ready, Set, Wrap" template. I really liked the simplicity, yet utter genius of this new template. I love how it folds, how easy it is to make and the size! It is perfect!

I started out by printing the template onto Ocean Tides Cardstock. I added a mat layer of "Tea Leaves" pattern paper from last month's release as well. I find is so charming and sweet. I stamped the images using True Black. I added some Spring Moss satin ribbon (scrumptious), Cream and White Vintage Buttons and some sewing. I think it turned out really cute, if I do say so myself!

Here is version 1, so you can see how the template would normally look! Don't forget to check out Lauren's Blog (link at the top of this post) for her sample using this fabulous template as well as a tutorial video!Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. You can still enter my blog candy give-away from my last post until monday!

All supplies by Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted!

Stamps: Tea for Two

Ink: True Black, Vintage Cream, Spring Moss

Paper: Ocean Tides, Vintage Cream, Tea Leaves

Accessories: Sewing Machine and Thread (mine), Linen Thread by SU!, Ready Set Wrap timeless template, cream and white vintage buttons, glue dots by glue dots international, Spring Moss satin ribbon

300th Post, SFYTT, Blog Candy!

How do you love that title? LOL! I can't believe it is my 300th Post! I had promised blog candy when it arrived, so I will talk about that at the end of my post. Last night I stayed up late making this week's SFYTT card. I was so excited for it. It really did have a lot of potential, but in the end has made it's way into the circular file. I woke up to make a new one, so I apologize for my tardiness.

I decided that this tree from "Thoughts and Prayers" would be the perfect fit for this particular sketch and that one of the sentiments would fit nicely into the circle. I haven't used much of this Bella Bleu DSP, so I thought I would pair the two together. I was shocked to learn that the SU! catalog suggested that Not Quite Navy was the matching blue for this paper. I just couldn't bring myself to stamp that tree in Not Quite Navy, so I started out stamping it in Vanilla. That was much too light, so I decided to emboss it in Gold! Isn't it beautiful? I had just been thinking to myself the other day that I don't emboss enough. The sentiment needed to be embossed as well. I punched it out using the 1 3/4 inch circle punch. I also added a simple bow of Kraft taffeta ribbon. I always love when I make a card that I normally *never* would have without some sort of challenge. This is one of those cards. I really like how it turned out in the end. I think this is the perfect kind of card to cheer some one up who is going through a hard time; simple, clean, elegant.

You won't want to miss the other SFYTT designers to see what they have up their sleeves!

Jen Del Muro and New Guest Designer
Amy Rohl
Carole Burrage
Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

So...now for the fun stuff!!!! BLOG CANDY!

I decided to keep it simple this time 'round. I would love to offer any $25.95 SU! set from the SU! catalog (united states version) to one of my lucky blog readers. Simply leave me a comment and you will be entered to win. I will have it shipped Customer Direct. I will keep the contest going through the weekend and ending Monday at 8:30 Mountain Time. I will draw a winner Monday morning and announce the winner. Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. I will be sharing one of Lauren's new Timeless Templates tomorrow! You won't want to miss it!

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers

Ink: Vanilla Craft

Paper: Bella Bleu, Kraft

Accessories: 1 3/4 inch punch, gold embossing powder, heat gun, Kraft taffeta ribbon, dimesionals

Retired Stamps for Sale!!!

I am doing a little "Spring Cleaning" around here. If you would like to purchase any of my retired sets, please email me at kellyrory1@msn.com . I accept payment through paypal, so once you have emailed me, I will email you a paypal payment request. All purchases will be sent out USPS. Shipping will be in a flat rate envelope, which I believe runs about $5.00. I will check today and update this. All stamps are mounted. I am selling some of the coordinating wheels as well.

Bodacious Bouquet- $14.95 Stained wood
Time Well Spent-$14.95 2 wood blocks stained
Daisy Crazy- $5.00 Sold
Like it a Latte-$ 9.95-One wood block stained Sold
Dots and Daisies Background-$9.00 Sold
French Script Background-$9.00 Sold
Live Your Dream- $12.00-2 blocks stained Sold
Take Three-$9.95-2 blocks stained Sold
Deer Friends-$9.95 Sold
Rough Edges Alphabets-$10.95
Tagger's Dozen $5.00 Sold
Unfrogettable-$12.95 Sold
Sweet Shapes-$12.95
Be Happy-$7.95
Autumn Apparititons-$11.95 Sold


Stampin' Around Wheels (JUMBO)

Bouquet-$4.00 Sold
Snow-$4.00 Sold
(Bundle) All About Birthdays, All About Gratitude, All About Christmas jumbo wheels & All About Occasions Stamp Set-$14.95 Sold
Bodacious-$4.00 Sold
Petals-$4.00 Sold
Bold Snowflakes-$4.00 Sold
Rough Texture-$4.00 Sold

Stampin Around Wheels
Party Fun-$3.00
Daisy Field-$3.00 Sold
Tropical Turf-$3.00 Sold

Color Challenge

Yesterday I decided to skip housecleaning, skip stamping and spend the day with my kiddos! They returned to school today after a long break, so I wanted to have one last outing before they went back. We had fun together and now I am ready to send them back. I hope they have a good day! Maybe some Chocolate Chip cookies are in order!
I decided to participate in today's Color Challenge on SCS. I wanted to run the other direction when I saw what the colors were, but I decided to give it a try; after all, that is why they are called challenges, right? Mr. Brown delivered this "Great Friend" set yesterday, so I decided to use that as a starting point. Once I had stamped the butterfly image in the three challenge colors, I was set. They really do look pretty together. I think that the polka-dot paper, may in fact be Wild Wasabi. Oh well. This card is SUO, which I haven't done in a while.

I stamped the label image using Ballet Blue ink onto Whisper White cardstock and then attached my trimmed butteflies with dimesionals. I decided to add a little bling to the centers of the butterflies using Crystal Effects and chunky sprinkles glitter. I added some piercing, ribbon, and a button for some dimension and detail.

Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies~Stamps: Great Friend

Ink: Ballet Blue, Cameo Coral, Whisper White

Paper: Cameo Coral, Garden Green, Ballet Blue, Whisper White, Prints Pattern DSP

Accessories: Ballet Blue 5/8 inch grograin ribbon, dimensionals, button latte, crochet thread, crystal effects, chunky sprinkles, paper piercer and mat pack

Little Princess

Yesterday I went to a baby shower and needed a quick card. You would think that with all of the cards I make that I would have a baby girl card on hand. I recently donated most of my cards for a church auction, so I am down to only a few. I also really like making the card to coordinate with the gift, which is one of my quirks. I gave my friend a really cute coral colored outfit with a coordinating crochet hat, so I thought that this My Mind's Eye paper would be perfect.

Since I was in a time crunch, I generated both of my sentiments on the computer and only stamped the crown. I used Berry Sorbet from Papertrey ink, which is the perfect match. I used my nestablities oval and oval scallops for the main panel. I also added a Kaiser colored pearl to the center of the crown. I decided to take a little extra time to add some zig-zag stitching. I really wanted to distress and sponge the edges, but I resisted since the outfit was so cute and crisp, I wanted to keep that same feel.

I found some matching satin ribbon from Offray in my stash that worked perfectly. I added a vintage reproduction button for the finishing touch. Even though it was quick, I think it turned out nicely. This is similar to a card I had published in Paper Crafts Card Creations 6 if you have had a chance to see that issue. I had used a computer generated sentiment for that card as well. As much as I love stamps, sometimes it is nice to be able to make something say exactly what you want and the size and font you want, too!
I feel like I have been running from one project to the next, without any breathing room. I finally got my stamp area cleaned up and everything put back where it belongs. I am ready for a fresh week. My kid's will be going back to school on Tuesday, so we will be getting back onto our *school time* routine. Tomorrow will be a full day of housework and maybe a chance to squeeze in some stamping. Thanks for fluttering by!

Stamps: Vintage Collage by TJ Designs
Ink: Berry Sorbet by Papertrey Ink
Paper: PTI White, My Mind's Eye

Accessories: Ribbon by Offray, Nestabilities Oval and Scallop Oval dies, Vintage Reproduction button by Jesse James, Sewing Machine and Thread, Dimensionals

Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious

I have some fun things to share with you today. I was asked by the fabulous Brooke Stockman to be a guest designer for this week's Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge. I think the whole idea of these challenges is genius and I love participating when I can! I was thrilled with this week's pick which just happens to be Mary Poppins. I decided to also work my SFYTT into a fun Mary Poppins creation as well. We were lucky to be able to see Mary and Burt at Disneyland last week. They were in front of the Coca-Cola building and then again dancing in the Celebration Street Parade. Doesn't she look cute?

So...my first creation was made with the "Feed the Birds" scene in mind. You all know how much I love birds, yet that scene always really scared me when I was little. I thought the old lady was super scary and then it was so awful that Mr. Banks wouldn't let Michael use his "two pence" to buy some crumbs for the birds. I decided to embrace my love of birds and face my fears and create a fun project. I used my nestabilites label die to make a window so you could see the bird seed inside.

I really liked all of the colors in the bird seed.
I used a tranparency& stamped the bird image with Cotton White StazOn. I folded the top over, pinked the edges and secured it by punching two holes with my crop-a-dile and added two different ribbons. The tags were computer generated and then I stamped the nest for the bottom. I had a lot of fun with this project.

I decided to incorporate a little "Mary" into my SFYTT card as well. I really wanted to recreate the feel of her fun outfit she wears once they jump into the sidewalk chalk painting. I chose a sentiment that I thought that Mary might say. It is fromPapertrey ink's Mega Mixed Messages. I was so thrilled to see how nicely it fit inside my ribbon label nestabilities die that just arrived from Ellen this week.

Her outfit has roses all over it, so I couldn't resist my favorite image from SU!'s retired "Gentler Times". I think I have done pretty well not using it in a design for a while. I colored it with reinkers, copic and prismacolor markers. All of the edges are sponged with Vintage Photo distress ink. I added a bit of lace, satin and organdy ribbon for a victorian feel. I asked my husband if it looked like a Mary Poppins card and he said No! Ugh!


OH well! I had fun with it! You will want to check out the other gals creations; they always blow me away...and Jen has a new guest designer for the month of May that you won't want to miss!

Jen Del Muro and New Guest Designer
Amy Rohl
Carole Burrage
Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer
Thanks for fluttering by! P.S. My 300th post is coming right up, so I am thinking some blog candy is in order!