July Bloghop at PTI!

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop Theme for July is based on this photo:

The colors in this photo really spoke to me, so decided to play along. My focus was on the motif along the edge of the throw, along with the butterflies on the pillow.
All materials from PTI except rhinestones from Kaiser.

You Make Me Smile!

PTI has a new challenge - Make it Mondays, which you can read about here. I finally had a chance to sit down today and finish my entry for this week's challenge - a "Go to Sentiment" card, that I have been pouring over each night this past week after work.

I chose the sentiment "You Make Me Smile Every Day" as this reflects the way I feel about my Sweetheart. And since we are coming upon Valentine's Day and yet another Wedding Anniversary (21!) - this card will work for either day. Or any day of the year, for that matter!

All Stamps, Cardstock, ink: PTI
Heart Prints Sentiment
Mega Mixed Message
Signature Greetings
Text Boxed Additions
Rhinestones: Kaiser

With Sympathy

If you ask any stamp artist I think they would tell you Sympathy Cards are by far the most difficult to design. Considering this solemn occasion, we want to convey condolence without too much glitz. I feel less is definitely more when it comes to expressing condolence.

I ordered this Leafy Tree embossing folder from Crafts Too in the UK specifically for Sympathy cards. (You can access Crafts Too here.) It is actually a large, full-size leafy tree folder, but I embossed only half of the tree off the edge of the card stock to make room for the sentiment. (I apologize for the photos - I need to work on a better method for photographing.)

Embossing folder: Leafy Tree
Sentiment: My Sentiments Exactly
Punch: Martha Stewart
Cardstock: Becket Expressions Candelight
Ink: Clearsnap

January 2011 PTI Blog Hop

The Challenge
"With the new year comes a clean slate along with many resolutions. This month's blog hop challenge involves you challenging yourself to use a Papertrey stamp set that has yet to see ink or even one that might be collecting a little dust! Go through your stash and see what little used treasure it might hold." from Nicole Heady

My submission for the January Challenge uses two of PTI's "early" sets - both Giga Guidelines and Background Basics: Text Style. In my pre-PTI (pre-acrylic) stamping life, I purchased a bunch of colored mini-glue sticks for making rubber-stamped medallions (Faux Sealing Wax Technique). As with everything else, stamping techniques come and go - but I still like making these medallions! The Giga Guidelines images are a bit large for this technique, but I am happy with the end result.

You can see a tutorial and/or purchase glue sticks and metallic rub-ons here



Close up




Paper, Stamps, Ripe Avocado Ink: PTI;
Other Ink: Versamark Watermark Pad; Tsukneko Brilliance Cosmic Copper
Round doily: Martha Stewart die cut
Lacy border: EK Success
Lemon Pearls: Kaiser

Irish Proverb

I love word stamps. Especially those that inspire, which this one from Waltzingmouse Stamps does for me. I've become very fond of this line of stamps, especially since they have released several sets which are compatible with Spellbinders Nesties.
Some folks worry about international shipping charges, but WMS owner, Claire, offers free shipping if you order is L50 GBP, which is unheard of for international shipping.

2010 Christmas Greetings

I, of course, am late getting these posted. It was a very busy holiday season in our country home, one of the best we've had in years. Between default hosting Thanksgiving for my entire family (change in plans due to inclement weather and traveling concerns) to multiple Christmas gatherings with different segments of family and friends, we loved every minute of preparation and celebration. And at the same time, we are happy it is behind us, the house is back in working order as we embrace 2011 with renewed enthusiasm for what the future may bring.

And here are the holiday cards I made to send to special family and friends.

And a photo of part of my Santa Collection that I arrange in a window above my kitchen sink. It makes me smile to look at these little fellows as I prepare holiday treats and meals for my family!