Project Inspiration {So Happy For You}

Hello friends! I've been clinging onto the last few bits of summer vacation with my kids so I've been a bit MIA around here lately, but I'm back today with this weekend's Project Inspiration feature for Papertrey Ink! Weddings are never out of season, so I'll be sharing step-by-step photos and steps  on how I created this floral wedding design. 

I used so many new products from the latest release that worked perfectly for this wedding card.

This card comes together in six easy steps!

Step 1: Cut a panel of Pinefeather cardstock measuring 4 by 5 1/4 inches and add some black ink around the edges for depth.

Step 2: Cut the frame using the Rooted in Love Frame Die three times and glue them together with liquid glue. Attach it to the background and then adhere the panel to a Vintage Cream card base using foam squares.

Step 3: Cut the middle size mat from Sweet Blush cardstock using the Love to Layer: Sweet Scallops Die. Attach it to the background using foam squares. Cut the bow and glue it together and add it to the bottom of the frame with additional foam squares.

Step 4: Cut the flowers and foliage from Vintage Cream cardstock with the Into the Blooms: Gardenia Die. Assemble them using liquid glue and foam squares. Attach them to the focal mat.

Step 5: Cut the YOU three times from white cardstock using the This is Big Sentiments: You Die. Stamp one and stack the other three using liquid glue. Heat emboss the "So Happy For" portion with gold powder onto a strip of Sweet Blush cardstock.

Step 6: Add glitter and a trio of sparkling clear sequins for sparkle and shine!

This card could be used for more than just a wedding, but that is how I will be using it with an upcoming wedding next month.

Thanks for fluttering by!

 

Papertrey Ink June Release Countdown Day 2

Welcome back for day 2 of the Papertrey Ink June release countdown! I have two projects to share with you using one of my unexpected favorite die sets: Through the Forest! My first card also features the new Inspired Expressions. It is a collection of beautiful famous and inspiring quotes along with some generic sentiments, like I've used here.

To begin, I cut a piece of Ocean Tides cardstock using the In Frames: Big and Tall Rectangles Die. I foiled the middle portion using the Cascading Dots Hot Foil Plate; another fun alternative would be the Cascading Stars Hot Foil Plate. I used champagne foil; it's usually my first choice! Once the foiling was done, I used Enchanted Evening ink around the edges and on the frame portion.

The Through the Forest Die consists of three layers of trees, the leaf portion, and a sun/moon and crescent moon die I cut the trees from Pinefeather, Simply Chartreuse, and Green Parakeet cardstock and then added some shading with ink and blender brushes. The leaf is cut from Enchanted Evening and then I gave the pieces a spritz or two of Fossilized Amber Distress Oxide Spray.

The sentiment is heat embossed onto Enchanted Evening cardstock with gold powder. I was on the struggle bus when I was making the sentiment, so it got some stray powder, but in the end I really like how it gives the same feeling as the sky portion!

Everything is layered up onto a Vintage Cream 5 by 7 card base using liquid glue and foam squares.

Another fun set being released this month is a ticket set called Always a Winner. Back in May I used the original ticket set from clear back in the day for a Teacher Appreciation poster, so I was thrilled to see a new, updated ticket set! I made this card for my youngest son who will be turning 13 in September.

I couldn't resist using the Through the Forest Die again, so he's getting a nature-inspired birthday card, which he will love (I hope!). This card also features the new Wild Arrows Press Plate which I used to add the champagne foiled border detail.

The Always a Winner Die includes three ticket options: the long strip, a single ticket with a jagged/torn edge look, and a clean ticket. I chose to cut the strip from Honey Nut cardstock, but then used Vintage Cream and Pinefeather cardstock for the other two tickets for additional color. 

It's easier to tell in this photo how I placed the tickets; I wanted them to be slightly bent at the perforations. I strategically place foam squares to keep them bent. This won't go in an envelope so it won't get smashed.

I have a big post tomorrow, so make sure to stop by! Thanks for fluttering by!

 

Papertrey Ink April Release Countdown Day 1

 Hello and welcome to day 1 of the April release countdown for Papertrey Ink! There are some really fun new products that might be able to fill in some gaps your collection might need! For me, I have really been wanting some larger bees to go with some of the larger flowers and my wish has come true! Not only that, but there is also an adorable new Build-a-Ladybug Die as well! Both new die sets come with three different sizes of bees or ladybugs!

My first card for today features the new This is Big Sentiments: Strength Stamp/Die set and the new new Build-a-Ladybug Die. It also showcases the lovely new Love to Layer: Top Notch Die set and a beautiful new hot foil plate!

To begin, I die cut all of the flowers and foliage using the Into the Blooms: Wild Wood Die and then colored them with dye inks and blender brushes. I also added some fossilized amber distress oxide spray and set them aside to dry.

I used the new hot foil plate with champagne foil onto a panel of Pale Peony cardstock. I added some Hibiscus Burst ink around the edges and trimmed it down just around the edges of the foiled design. I layered that onto a top-folding card base that is cut using the Nesting Basics: Pierced Rectangles Die. 

I die cut the middle-sized layer included in the Love to Layer: Top Notch Die from white cardstock and then added it to the Peony layer using foam squares. I added the sentiments; one stamped in black and the companion sentiment is heat embossed in gold.

I arranged the flowers and ladybug using foam squares and liquid glue until I was satisfied with the arrangement. I added glitter to the flowers and foliage for sparkle and shine!

 My second card for today features the new Build-a-Bumblebee Die and the new Wildflower Frame Stamp/Die set!

To begin, I die cut the frame using the Wildflower Frame Die and then stamped it with Vintage Photo distress ink. Once that was done, I colored the image using OLO markers and other alcohol markers in my collection. I also added some white acrylic pen details and some brown marker splatter for an aged, vintage look. I cut the frame out one more time and glued the two together for a sturdy piece.

Once that was done, I got to work on the bees; I chose to use the middle and smallest sized bees for my card. There is another large bee and some legs to add to the bees if desired. I cut the body from Dark Chocolate cardstock and then added some True Black ink around the perimeter. The stripes and wings are cut from white cardstock; I added Harvest Gold ink to the stripes and Spring Rain ink lightly to the wings. I had a bit of fun adding some yellow flocking powder to the stripes for a fuzzy, realistic texture. I adhered the wings using small pieces of adhesive foam.

The sentiment is also from the Wildflower Frame stamp set and is cut using the coordinating die. I layered it onto the smallest die included in the new Love to Layer die set.

For the background, I used the Cover Plate: Honeycomb Die and added some vintage photo distress ink splatter lightly over the top. I layered the entire panel onto a top-folding A2 white card base using foam squares. I added a few sequins for sparkle and shine!

Join me tomorrow for day 2 of the countdown! Thanks for fluttering by!

Project Inspiration {Happy Holidays}

As sad as it is to say, I think this will be one of the last Christmas cards I make this year! I absolutely love creating for Christmas and this one was so much fun to put together!

This card comes together in 7 easy steps and I will share tips and tricks along the way!

Step 1: Cut an A2 panel of light blue gingham pattern paper (or any paper of your choice). I used the retired Nesting Basics: Pierced Rectangles, but on closer thinking, I should have just used the Rounded Rectangles: Pierced Die! ha ha! Attach it to an A2 card base using liquid glue.

Step 2: Attach the mat layer that is cut using the Reflections: Isaiah 40 Die from white cardstock. Attach it to the gingham background using foam squares. 

Step 3: Cut the base layer of the tree from white cardstock using the Serene Evergreens Die. Cut two of the detail layers and glue them together. Add Green Parakeet ink to the base layer using a blender brush and Green Parakeet, New Leaf, and Pinefeather ink to the detail layer. Glue the base layer and the detail layer together and then add some Pinefeather ink splatter. Add to the card using foam squares.

Step 4: Using the This is Big Sentiments: Happy Holidays Die, cut the sentiment base from white and then stamp the SENTIMENT with both Pure Poppy and Scarlet Jewel ink for an ombre effect. Heat emboss the companion sentiment in gold onto a strip of Pure Poppy cardstock. Attach both sentiments using foam squares.

Step 5: Cut a bow using the Wrap-it Ribbons Die from Pure Poppy cardstock. Add some Scarlet Jewel ink and attach it to the top of the tree using foam squares.

Step 6: Cut the berries and foliage using the Into the Blooms: Swag Die from white cardstock. Color the pieces using the same green inks as the tree. The berries are colored with Pure Poppy and Scarlet Jewel ink. I gave the pieces a spritz or two of Hickory Smoke Distress Spritz and attached them to the card using foam squares and liquid glue.

Step 7: Add a spritz of Shimmer Spray-Sparkle and a few PTI Gems: Clear. I used the smallest size, the next smallest size and a few (maybe just one) of the next size up.

I just love the old-fashioned feeling of this card with it's nostalgic charm!

While I was editing the photos of this card, I was thinking how cute a red polka-dot pattern paper strip would look behind the white mat. I might have to make another one and try it!

I toyed around with adding some different colored pearls to the tree to mimic the look of ornaments, which would also be fun!

The bow looks very realistic if you use foam squares for each of the layers.

I hope you enjoyed today's project! I'm busy as a little Christmas bee getting all kinds of things baked, mixed, wrapped, etc. I hope you're all enjoying the last week before Christmas! Thanks for fluttering by!

 

Papertrey Ink September Release Countdown Day 1

Hello friends and welcome to day 1 of the Papertrey Ink September release countdown! Today I'll be sharing my first Christmas cards of the year! I know a lot of you started with Christmas in July, but not me, so here we are! ha ha! I'm really excited about this month's release and I hope you are, too! 

I'm always a sucker for anything 'Twas the Night Before Christmas related, so this new suite of products is just right up my alley! This card features the new Merry Motifs Hot Foil Plate. I cut an A2 panel of Pure Poppy cardstock and then added some Scarlet Jewel ink around the edges. Once that was done, I did the hot foiling using champagne foil; I just love how it turned out! This is definitely going to be a go-to plate, and not just for Christmas; I can already see a spooky Halloween card made with it!

I rounded the corners on the right hand side using a corner rounder punch. I also die cut the largest layer included in the Love to Layer: Garnished Edges Die from Pure Poppy ink and added Scarlet Jewel ink around the edges. I layered it in the middle of the background using foam squares.

Speaking of rounded corners; I'm sure you all notice that I like to do that on quite of few of my cards......WELL.....this release includes three sets of nesting dies with rounded corners! I'm so excited and you can see the new Rounded Rectangles: Pierced Die that I used as the anchor for the sentiment. I die cut it once from Ocean Tides cardstock and then again from Sweet Blush, but only part of it. I wanted to create the illusion of a small book, so the blush is the spine. I used one of the images from the Merry Motifs Stamp Set using Pale Peony ink.

The sentiment, which is also from the Merry Motifs Stamp Set, is heat embossed in gold onto Ocean Tides cardstock and then cut using the coordinating Merry Motifs Die. I also heat embossed some of the other little detail images included in the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Stamp Set to accent above and below the sentiment.

I die cut some holly and berries from white cardstock using the Into the Blooms: Holly Die. I colored the berries using Pure Poppy and Scarlet Jewel ink. the little oval accents were colored  using the brush tip of a brown marker and then adhered with liquid glue. I added some highlights with a white gel pen. I used the Banner Builder: Basics Die and some small scraps of Fairy Tale Christmas Paper Collection to add to the top and bottom of the sentiment panel.

I added some gems to the flourish images and in each corner on the foiling. A few sequins and glitter finish off the card!

I'm continuing with the Night Before Christmas theme with this next card as well! This card features the new Storybook Scroll Die and the new 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Stamp and Die. I pulled in some older favorites to bring this card to life!

To begin, I die cut the Storybook Scroll from Rustic Cream cardstock and then added some antique linen and vintage photo distress oxide ink around the edges using finger sponge daubers. I added the detail portions using foam squares to add dimension. I also added some vintage photo ink splatter as well.

The sentiment is stamped in black on Rustic White cardstock and then cut using the coordinating die. I added some antique linen ink around the edges to help it blend with the scroll. I also cut some of the detail pieces to add above the sentiment and below the house and they are stamped with Simply Chartreuse and Ripe Avocado inks.

I wanted to bring the "all through the house" portion of the story into the card design so I cut a house included in the Bring Home the Holidays Die from Pure Poppy cardstock. I also cut a little heart that is included in the Larger Than Life: Home Die using Spring Moss cardstock. I gave it a quick coat of Glossy Accents for some additional detail and shine.

The snowflakes are also from the Bring Home the Holidays Die (linked above) and the berries and foliage are from the Tag Creations: Modern Gift Die. I colored them with Simply Chartreuse and Ripe Avocado Ink and Pure Poppy and Scarlet Jewel for the berries. I added some white gel pen and brown marker for added detail.

I cut an A2 panel of Blueberry Sky cardstock and then foiled it using the Merry Motifs Hot Foil Plate and champagne foil. I trimmed it down slightly and layered it onto an A2 panel of Enchanted Evening cardstock. The entire background is glued to a top-folding A2 card base using liquid glue. I added some glitter to the berries, foliage, and snowflakes making sure not to get any on the Glossy Accents on the heart! 

This would be such a cute sentiment to use with stocking stamps/dies or with a cute vintage Santa image!

My third project using the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" theme is a book gift card holder using the previously released Go-To Gift Card Holder: Book Die. This set was created to coordinate with this collection of dies and I just love how this project turned out! 

I seem to have a hard time photographing 3-D projects so I thought this collage photo might be nice so you can see everything all at once and hopefully it will make sense as I describe the process.

This project features the Merry Motifs stamp set which I used for the cover of the book along with some other previously released dies. To begin, I die cut the cover and the spine using the Go-To Gift Card Holder: Book Die from Pinefeather and Pure Poppy cardstock I heat embossed the sentiment and the pretty corner details in gold and then used the coordinating Merry Motifs Die to cut them out. I also cut the middle size included in the Love to Layer: Elegant Points Die from Pure Poppy cardstock and then added Scarlet Jewel ink around the edges.

I used the Go-To Gift Card Holder: Pockets Die to create some pockets to hold a small card and a gift card. I chose a packet of pattern paper to use from Echo Park: I Love Christmas to keep the project cohesive. I used two different prints for the two different pockets and for the polka dots for the inside.

I tucked a gift card inside, but you could just fill it with a small gift or treats rather than a gift card.

Of  course I had to continue with the theme and created a small card with the "Twas the Night Before Christmas" stamped on the cover with the greenery and berries included in the set.

On the spine, I added another one of the sentiments included in the Merry Motifs stamp set along with one of the other images stamped in pigment gold ink. 

I chose to use Antique Gold cardstock for the "pages" which were die cut using the Go-To Gift Card Holder: Book Box Die. Also, because of the book card on the inside of the cover, it wasn't closing properly, so I just simply cut a strip of Pinefeather cardstock and secured it under the book portion, scored it to the correct dimensions so it can slip right under the front details and it keeps it closed perfectly, but the recipient can access it and close it as many times as needed!

I gussied up the cover even more with some Holly leaves and berries.

You can see the closure strip a little bit better here and how it slips right under the Elegant Points die cut so easily.

As I mentioned earlier, this is the third of three projects using this set of products. My last project features the new Love to Layer: Trees Die.

My final project for today features the new Love to Layer: Christmas Tree Die and This is Big Sentiments: Happy Holidays Stamp/Die!

This card also features a new Cover Plate; this is one of those that will work for Christmas, but all winter long as well! It is called Cover Plate: Stitched Snowflakes and I used it on a panel of Tropical Teal cardstock measuring 4 by 5 1/4 inches. I added some Tropical Teal and Pinefeather ink around the edges.

The tree is cut from Pinefeather carddstock and then I added the white plaid pattern using the new Love to Layer: Christmas Tree Stencil Collection and a small blender brush for precision with Fresh Snow ink.

This particular Love to Layer: Christmas Tree Die comes with so many fun options to trim the tree AND it comes with a smaller tree as well so you can have options. I chose to keep it simple and just add the stencils and then have some fun with foliage and berries!

I used the poinsettias, foliage and berries included in the Tag Creations: Modern Gift Die (linked on project two).

The large Happy Holidays sentiment is cut using the This is Big Sentiments: Happy Holidays Die and then stamped with Tropical Teal and Pinefeather ink for an ombre look using the This is Big Sentiments: Happy Holidays Stamp Set. The companion sentiment is also from the set and is heat embossed in gold on a strip of Tropical Teal cardstock and then trimmed to size.

I die cut the star and the centers of the poinsettias from gold specialty cardstock for that holiday shine! I layered the entire background onto a top-folding A2 white card base using foam squares for dimension! This concludes the projects I've created for day 2, but join me again tomorrow for even more holiday inspiration! Thanks for fluttering by!