Monthly Moments: June

Hi there! Welcome to day three of the June Papertrey Ink countdown.  I'm joining the design team today in sharing sneak peeks of the new Monthly Moments: June.  June is a time for fun in the sun!  My focus for today is exactly that.  A super simple sunny card perfect for the little sunshine in your life.  Keep in mind that this set will be available for purchase beginning June 15th at Papertrey Ink.  

So, let me get right to today's project...

This happy little number combines the Monthly Moments: June set with the new Stitched Rectangles die cut.

Sunny shades of embroidery floss were threaded through the holes (taped onto the back side) and then topped with a sentiment and a precisely stamped sun.

Well, that concludes today's look at Monthly Moments: June. Just remember... this set will be available for purchase through Papertrey Ink, beginning June 15th. 

Now, be sure to see what the rest of the Papertrey Ink design team has in store for you today...

• Nichole Heady
• Betsy Veldman
• Heather Nichols
• Dawn McVey
• Melissa Phillips
• Erin Lincoln
• Laura Bassen
• Danielle Flanders
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Laurie Willson

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Maile

Thank You Kindly and Stitched Rectangles die collection

Hi there! Welcome to day two of the June Papertrey Ink countdown.  I'm here today to share a few samples using one of this months new stamps sets and some dies... Thank You Kindly and the Stitched Rectangles die collection. As you can tell below I had a bunch of fun exploring and pairing these items in unique ways.

Keep in mind that these items will be available for purchase beginning June 15th at Papertrey Ink.  Plus, more info and a detail look at these items can be found on Nichole Heady blog today.

So, let me get right to today's projects...

First up, I've combined the versatile "thank you" banner with a medium sized stitched rectangle.

Instead of stitching around the entire rectangle, I threaded through a couple top holes and tied the ends together into a bow.  Then finished the card off with a few golden dots.

Next, I used the second largest stitched rectangle in a non-stitching kind of way.  Just slightly out of the box by die cutting it from pattern paper, stamping and then trimming into two panels.

Then completed this card with sentiment banners, stamped with Thank You Kindly sentiments and then trimmed by hand.

Lastly, the most complicated one of the bunch.

I began with largest rectangle, which I trimmed into two pieces and tacked into place (I was careful to adhere only along the outer edges, leaving me room to work the floss through) onto the card front.  Then carefully threaded embroidery floss through the holes using a needle.  Tightened and tied the edges then trimmed off the excess.

Then finished the card off with a die cut framed thank you attached across the floss.

Well, that concludes today's look at Thank You Kindly and the Stitched Rectangles die collection. Just remember... these sets will be available for purchase through Papertrey Ink, beginning June 15th. 

Now, be sure to visit Nichole Heady for the details on today, day two of the countdown.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Maile

EXCITING NEWS + GIVEAWAY

Hi there!  I've got something new and exciting to share with you today!  My good friend and favorite cardmaker, Cristina Kowalczyk, has some exciting news. She’s also an author (she writes under her maiden name – Cristina Henriquez), and her novel, The Book of Unknown Americans, comes out TODAY! To celebrate, I, along with a few other crafty friends, are helping her spread the word about her book.

Ben Fountain said it was “a triumph of storytelling,” Heidi Julavits called it “extraordinary,” and Amazon editor Chris Schluep chose it as his “must read for summer,” saying, “This novel snuck up on me. It’s moving and beautifully written, never overwrought, and I read it virtually in one sitting. It’s compelling, tragic, sometimes funny, uplifting and heart-wrenching. I can’t stop thinking about these people.”

Cristina is giving away 5 signed, first-edition copies of The Book of Unknown Americans. And because this is all about spreading the word, there are four ways to enter.

1.      Tweet about The Book of Unknown Americans (#UnknownAmericans)

2.      Write a Facebook post telling your friends about the book

3.      Pin the cover of the book on Pinterest

4.      Or simply leave a comment on Cristina’s blog

If you do all four of those, that’s four entries! (On Cristina’s blog, submit one comment per entry. For example: “I tweeted!” “I put it on FB!” “I pinned it!” etc.)

From all the comments on her blog, Cristina will choose 5 people to win a copy of the novel. Plus, one lucky person will win the grand prize, a signed book plus a giant stash of craft supplies – stamps, dies, inks, you name it!

For more info about the book and other ways that you can show your support, head over to Cristina’s blog. Also be sure to check out what our other crafty friends are saying about Cristina: Julie, Virginia, Jennifer, Debby, Wida and Laura. 

I am so thrilled for Cristina and so blessed to call her friend.  Though we are many miles apart and have yet to meet in person, I have a real connection with this dear friend and I couldn't be more proud.  Huge congrats my friend!  I'm anxiously awaiting for the arrival of my very own copy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Maile

Simply Jane Revisited

Thanks for joining me today for the June Papertrey Ink Senior DT Challenge. This time around we are bringing back Simply Jane!  

I am a simple stamper at heart and I was excited to take on this months challenge of using Simply Jane not only in a simple way but in a more embellished and layered way too.  From simple to lots of layers, Simply Jane is one of those sets that will give you a timeless and perfectly polished look every time. Take a look...

Here's a perfectly polished and simple look.  It can easily be recreated too!  The background was stamped in sweet blush using the large frame included in the set.

Embellished with sweet blush ribbon and a gem.  Finished with a sentiment.

Now for some lovely layers... a portion of the Delicate Details large die and strips of cardstock cut from Autumn Rose.  On top of that a focal point stamped onto a die cut Half & Half panel.

A layering of stamped images and glitter dots to top this card off.  I was totally inspired another card of mine, found in this blog post.

Well, that's it from me today. Now be sure to visit the other Papertrey Ink senior design team girls for more Simply Jane goodness...

• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Heather Nichols
• Melissa Phillips

Thanks for stopping by today!

Maile

Papertrey Ink May Release Projects

The Papertrey Ink May countdown is about to come to an end and I'm here to share my final projects with you today. But, before I do, let me remind you that everything you've seen peeks of will be available for purchase through Papertrey Ink beginning 10 pm EST tonight.

Now, let me get started!...

 Clip Tips (stamps and dies) and Splat both by Nichole Heady.

Ballerina Beauty and Wet Paint III both by Nichole Heady.  Plus Delicate Details die.

Background Basics: Venice by Dawn McVey, Life is Beautiful by Nichole Heady and Keep It Simple: Sympathy also by Nichole.

Summer Sweetness by Lizzie Jones and Birthday Classics: June by Dawn McVey.

Oopsie Daisy by Melissa Bickford.

All righty, that's all I've got for you today.  Be sure to check out the rest of the Design Teams fabulous projects as well...

• Nichole Heady
• Betsy Veldman
• Heather Nichols
• Dawn McVey
• Melissa Phillips
• Erin Lincoln
• Laura Bassen
• Danielle Flanders
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Laurie Willson

Thanks for stopping by!

Maile



Say Cheese and Smile Card
Stamps: Clip Tips and Splat
Ink: Melon Berry, Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst and True Black
Cardstock: White
Pattern Paper: Melon Berry, Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst assortments
Others: Clip Tips Dies and Basic Grey silver candy buttons

Smile You Did It Card
Stamps: Ballerina Beauty and Wet Paint III 
Ink: Royal Velvet, Sweet Blush & Raspberry Fizz
Cardstock: White, Sweet Blush & Raspberry Fizz
Others: Delicate Details die, Half & Half die collection and Basic Grey silver candy buttons

With Sympathy Card
Stamps: Background Basics: Venice, Life is Beautiful and Keep It Simple: Sympathy
Ink: Soft Stone, Tropical Teal and Smokey Shadow
Cardstock: White
Others: Basic Grey gold candy buttons

Summertime Fun Birthday Card
Stamps: Summer Sweetness and Birthday Classics: June
Ink: Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, Summer Sunrise, Kraft and True Black
Cardstock: White

Hello Friend Card
Stamps: Oopsie Daisy
Ink: True Black, Tropical Teal, Aqua Mist and Sweet Blush
Cardstock: White
Others: Studio Calico Gems

Life is Beautiful

Welcome to the final day of the Papertrey Ink May countdown and the second design team group post day. Today's group post is focused on the new set Life is Beautiful and coordinating dies.  I just love how this set and die collection is full of all kinds of possibilities! For today's projects I've combined these products with a bit of felt and a stamping technique to create two unique and simple cards that you could whip up in no time.  

Here's my take on this set...

First up, a touch of felt.  I die cut the butterflies top layer from white cardstock and the bottom layer from melon berry felt.

Adhered both layers together with adhesive and then stapled the assembled piece to a 4 3/4" square card base.

Finished the card off with a sentiment and a rapsberry fizz button.  I just love the pop of color and texture that this little bit of felt adds to the card.  Takes this simple design up a notch.

And lastly, a bit of a techniquey card.  Technique used... generation stamping.

I stamped the focal point butterfly directly onto my card front after inking up my stamp in berry sorbet ink.  Then gradually stamped lighter impression of the same stamp image by stamping off first onto a scrap piece of paper.  Both once and twice.  Finished the card off with a coordinating berry sorbet button tied with silk ribbon and a sentiment.

Well, that's all I've got for you today. Just remember... everything you've seen peek of today will be available for purchase through Papertrey Ink, beginning May 15th. 

Now, be sure to see what the rest of the Papertrey Ink design team has in store for you today...

• Nichole Heady
• Betsy Veldman
• Heather Nichols
• Dawn McVey
• Melissa Phillips
• Erin Lincoln
• Laura Bassen
• Danielle Flanders
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Laurie Willson

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Maile

Introducing Ultimate Baby Inspiration

Hello and welcome to the fourth day of the Papertrey Ink May countdown and the first Design Team group post! 

Today's group post is all about BABY! Oh, and showcasing the new and wonderful baby product coming out this month of course...

• Sweet Cheeks stamp set & dies
• Rattled stamp set & dies
• Text Block: Baby die
• Baby Booties dies
• Baby Bootie: Patches dies
• Baby Bootie: Details dies

Our challenge today... to leave you with inspiration perfect for when that baby shower invitation arrives in the mail! Check out what I've cooked up for you today...

I just can't help myself! These felt booties are just too cute!  I've made one pair so far and can't wait to make more. So many possibilities with these dies (Baby Booties dies, Baby Bootie: Patches dies, Baby Bootie: Details). In case your wondering... yep, these pictures were taken in my son's nursery.  Just so fitting and the lighting was perfect.

As soon as the design team was introduced to this baby bootie concept I knew exactly what color combo I wanted to work with.  One that would fit seamlessly into my son's wardrobe.  These fun color-blocked booties come in a color combo of fine linen, smokey shadow, ocean tides and blueberry sky felt.  Here's what's pictured... fine linen (for the upper and embroidery floss), smokey shadow (strap), ocean tides (inner circle and tabs) and blueberry sky (button and inner circle embroidery floss).

These sole circles are adorable!  Here's what's pictured... smokey shadow (sole) and blueberry sky (bottom circles and embroidery floss). 

And the back... ocean tides (tabs and embroidery floss). Here's a shot at the boxed stitching that holds the straps in place. Cute right?!

So here they are in action!  My model posed perfectly for this shot...  Not!  Only took no less than 20 tries to come up with this one shot. Couldn't get him to stay still for some reason.  :) My boy is 4 1/2 months old now (he is a little guy, smaller than most his age) and these booties fit him just right.  Infact, I'd say he's actually about to outgrow them any day now. Such a big bummer.  Guess I better stitch him up another pair or two now!

As to not distract much from the adorableness of the booties, I've chosen to present them with a simple wrapping of ocean tides ribbon and a coordinating tag (created using the same bootie strap die).  The tag base is die cut from kraft cardstock, using the Tag Sale #10 die, and embellished with a smokey shadow strap and a blueberry sky button.  This little set up can be gifted as is or simply placed into a gift bag.

To complete the emsemble... a cute coordinating card.

Created using the Sweet Cheeks stamp set and dies.  Featuring a familiar color combo of smokey shadow, ocean tides, aqua mist, blueberry sky, spring rain and kraft.  Similar to the booties and tag.

Haphazardly placed/stamped these adorable pin images to create a simple and easy card that took not time at all.

So, what do you think of these booties?!  I catch myself day dreaming about matching pairs to go with whatever I happen to be dressing my son in for the day.  Make sure to put these on your May purchase list!  I can tell you from experience that any expectant or new mother would be thrilled to have a pair or two. 

Well, that concludes my look at everything BABY. Just remember... this stamp set and die will be available for purchase through Papertrey Ink, beginning May 15th. 

Now, be sure to see what the rest of the Papertrey Ink design team has in store for you today...

• Nichole Heady
• Betsy Veldman
• Heather Nichols
• Dawn McVey
• Melissa Phillips
• Erin Lincoln
• Laura Bassen
• Danielle Flanders
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Laurie Willson

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Maile

Supplies...

Stamps: Sweet Cheeks

Ink: smokey shadow, ocean tides, aqua mist, blueberry sky, spring rain and kraft

Cardstock: kraft, white and smokey shadow

Others: felt (smokey shadow, ocean tides, blueberry sky and fine linen), blueberry sky button, ocean tides grosgrain ribbon, tag sale #10 die, baby booties dies, baby bootie: patches dies, baby bootie: details dies and coordinating embroidery floss.