Papertrey November Blog Hop Challenge

If your taking a break from shopping or nibbling on leftover pumpkin pie,be sure to check out the entries for this month's PTI Blog Hop on Nichole Heady's blog.
Here is November's Blog Hop inspiration photo.

The first time I saw the photo, my first thought was PTI's Love Lives Here: Holiday and the garland of greenery so that was my starting point when I made these gift card holders using PTI's Seed Packet die. And of course, I had to a bit of gingham!
The first has a small feminine touch with lace and velvet.

This next one has a frame, made with the Button Card die and Fillable Frames #7 die and attached with dimensional tape.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the hop!

Supplies:
Velvet and Lace
Stamps: Love Lives Here-Holiday, Background Basics: Gingham(PTI)
Ink: Pure Poppy(PTI),Peeled Paint Distress Ink (Ranger)
Paper: Kraft ,Pure Poppy (PTI)
Other: Seed Packet die, Limitless Layers 13/4 Circle Collection (PTI), lace (Hobby Lobby), velvet ribbon (Michaels)
Framed
Stamps: Love Lives Here-Holiday, Mixed Messages (PTI)
Ink: Pure Poppy(PTI),  Peeled Paint Distress Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink(Ranger)
Paper: Kraft,Vintage Cream (PTI);  gingham (Crafty Secrets-Creating with Vintage Patterns CD)
Other: Seed Packet die, Button Card die, Fillable frames #7 die, Pure Poppy Vintage Button (PTI); Nested Lacy Pennants(Spellbinders)

Friends of Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz

I am happy to be a part of this month's Christmas- themed Waltzingmouse Stamps blog waltz. You can find the list of participants in a thread by visisting the forum here.

I LOVE the  gorgeous typography and wonderful sentiments in Seasonal Remedies. Envisioning these labels on old grain sacks,  I decided to make some little rustic gift bags.

 First, I stitched some burlap bags that measure 4x5 and ran some jute twine through the casing. Next I cut some muslin squares and stitched around the edges with red thread; the frayed edges add to the rusticity--ok, so I just made up a word. Then I stamped the image with red dye ink. I attached the stamped muslin squares to the burlap bags with 1/8 inch score taped placed beneath the stitching--easy peasy.

Felt holly and berries along with rusty bells add a little more Christmas cheer. Now these little homespun bags are ready to be filled with a glassine bag of homebaked cookies, hot chocolate packets, a gift card, or even sparkling jewels :).


Supplies:
Stamps:Seasonal Remedies (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Ink: Jenny Bowlin Chili Powder (Ranger)
Other: Simply Chartreuse and Pure Poppy felt, Holly Jolly die (PTI)

WMSC 71--Nordic Winter

Oh what a happy day last week when my package from Waltzingmouse Stamps arrived with  three new Christmas stamp sets.! I loved Claire's latest release with such fun, festive designs and beautiful typography!

When I saw this sketch,  I knew I had to inaugurate Nordic Winter.

A peak inside. The sentiment is from Compliments of the Season.

The most difficult part of making this card was cutting off some the stamped patterned paper to make it the right size.  The large piece was so pretty, but since it is so easy to line up these stamps, I can easily make some more, and trust me I will. I have some white gift bags that will be Nordic Winterized. :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Nordic Winter, Compliments of the Season (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Ink: Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist(PTI)
Paper: Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist (PTI), white glittered paper (The Paper Studio)
Other: snowflake die (Spellbinders), circle punches,  gingham ribbon (Michael's craft store)

Halloween Flourish

With Halloween just a few days away, I'm enjoying stamping with my Crafty Secrets Halloween stamps before putting them aside for another year.

The card base is Orange Zest (PTI) . The orange patterned paper is printed from Crafty Secrets Vintage Patterns CD. I love all the fabulous vintage patterns included in this cd. The purple patterned paper is Paper Studio.
The image of the couple dancing with flourish from Costume Cuties (Crafty Secrets) was colored with these Copics.

Of course, after coloring the image, I did a little aging with Antique Linen Distress ink before mounting the focal point a Vintage Cream doily cut with PTIs doily die.  A glittery flourish, cut  from Paper Studio glitter paper with the MFT flourish die, and a rhinestone brad are nice juxtaposition to the simple black and white baker's twine.

I'm linking this to these challenges
The Shabby Tea Room challenge #85 --use a Halloween theme with the colors purple, orange, black,and a neutral along with twine or raffia
Wee Memories Challenge #74--"Buttons, Brads, or Bows"

Enjoying Autumn's Splendor? FTTC 141

We've been taking advantage of the beautiful mild fall days by hiking in the Smoky Mountains; this past Monday we decided to hike to Charlie's Bunion, a trail that begins at Newfound Gap which is at a higher elevation and at the border between Tennessee and North Carolina . We knew that  this section of the Appalachian Trail would be past prime colors, but we didn't expect to see this

Yes, there were several snowy patches along the trail. We  managed to misjudge the temperatures. Luckily, I had thrown a couple of  hoodies in the car. I usually take off my top layer after about 15 minutes; it doesn't take  much physical activity to turn up my thermostat. So DH knew it was cool  cold when I didn't remove my hoodie which was the top of  three layers. Nor did I remove my adorable hat for a picture at the summit, well ,almost summit.  I chose not to scramble up those rocks to my left.

Here is Ed at the summit;

Here in the valley, the fall colors are at their peak, and our woods are beautiful now while our lawn is quickly being blanketed in fallen leaves.

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge 141 is timely. The challenge  hosted by Makiko is to use a tree/leaf element.

I used PTIs woodgrain impression plate and Distress Ink in Old Paper for the side panel. The leaf, stamped in  Red Brick Versmagic Chalk Ink, and the acorns, stamped in Memento Rich Cocoa, are from Flourishes Falling Leaves . The sentiment is from Flourishes Sweet Violets.

Have a great weekend .

Papertrey October Blog Hop Challenge

It's great to be a part of this month's PTI blog hop. In case you're not coming from the hop, you'll want to check it out by visiting Nichole Heady's blog  for the list of participants who are using this inspiration photo from  Retro Mama for this month's hop.

Here's my card and an explanation of the  four elements from the inspiration photo that I included and the PTI products I used.

!. Pumpkin--Fall Elegance stamp set
2. Acorns-- the narrow strip of patterned paper was made by stamping the acorn and leaf stamp from Mat Stack 1 in Spring Moss Pigment Ink (My PTI package with the new inks arrived the day after I made my card.) Remember you can click on image for a larger view.
3. Polka dots-Spring Moss paper from Pretty Pastels paper pad
4. Flourishes- I stamped the small flourishes  from Embellishments in Spring Moss after stamping and masking the pumpkin. The larger flourishes behind the seed packet are die cut from SM cs and stamped with SM ink.

I used these elements with Garden Variety stamp set. The seed packet was cut from paper printed from Crafty Secrets Vintage CD. I attached the round closure with dimensional tape and added the twine to hint at a twine closure for the seed packet. I used the seed packet frame die, button card die and Rustic Cream cs for the front panel of the seed packet. I colored the strip with a Copic. The sentiment is from Gratitude Journal. After using a 1-inch punch to cut it out, I topped it with a clear epoxy sticker. The final embellishments include cream seam binding ribbon and some Making Memories flowers.

This card is for all the participants in this hop. I am grateful for the wonderful creative inspiration each of you share.

Timeless Tuesday Challenge 140

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge is to make a Halloween card or project. While it's not a requirement to use Flourishes stamps, I always like to use a company's stamps in its challenges; however, I don't have a Flourishes Halloween stamp, so for me the challenge was to combine Flourishes stamps with  the Halloween stamps I do own.   I used the seed packet from Flourishes Seeds of Friendship and gave it a Halloween twist

I also used Flourishes Fanciful Flourishes and Lace Edges along with Crafty Secrets Costume Cuties and Halloween and PTIs Polka Dots 1.  I colored the image with Copics and added some stars and buttons punched from glittery paper.

Cute as a Button

Cute as a button? Where did that saying come from? What does it mean? ---something is round and shiny?  I've never really thought of many buttons as being cute.  However, I suppose if something can be compared to a cute button, it is this little girl decked out for Halloween.

I love those little Halloween black cats.
Thanks for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: Costume Cuties, Halloween(Crafty Secrets); Button Boutique, Bitty Background Blocks (PTI)
Ink: Memento London Fog(Tsukineko), Berry Sorbet(PTI)
Paper: Rustic Cream, Melon Berry, 2008 Bitty Box Basics
Other: Button Card die, Parisian Doily die, Melon Berry Vintage Buttons (PTI); Label die (Spellbinders); corner rounder; seam binding

PTI Make-It-Monday and September Papertrey Peeps Challenge

It's been quite some time since I played along with PTI's Make-It-Monday challenge, but this week's video and challenge about coloring with Prismacolor pencils could not be resisted. So yesterday morning, I ignored my household chores, poured that second cup of coffee, turned on an audio book, and stamped and colored--such a good morning.  While last weekend had a hint of fall, the temperatures and humidity have risen steadily through the week and yesterday's temperature hit a new high for September 2; even so fall was calling me with PTI's Autumn Abundance, one of my favorite fall stamp sets.  I am still wishing for a similar set for each of the seasons.

And to my fellow Peeps, I know you are wondering what is going on that I have met Carol's September challenge to use fall as our inspiration during the month the challenge was made. To further amaze you, please note that I have completed two more cards for our Peeps challenges and will soon have those posted. Now I just have to catch up on visiting your blogs, oh yeah, and finish those chores I ignored yesterday.
To those of you in the states have a great Labor Day and to everyone enjoy the weekend.


Supplies:
Stamps: Autumn Abundance, Limitless Labels, Just the Ticket, Places Please,Background Basics: Gingham (PTI)
Ink: Memento Black Tuxedo, Memento Rich Cocoa, Memento Tangelo, Versamark (Tsukineko); Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Paper: Stamper's Select White, Terracotta Tile (PTI); 365 Degrees Paper Pad (Pink Paislee)
Other: Parisian Lace Doily Die, Just the Ticket die, Terracotta Tile Vintage buttons, Rustic Cream Button Twine (PTI), Prismacolor pencils

Flourishes Birthday Bash Challenge #3

Starting off September with the aster which is the flower for September in Flourishes Calendar Basics #3 stamp set which I used for my card in the third Birthday Bash challenge for Flourishes.

I stamped the flower image in Memento Rich Cocoa ink and colored with Copics on a button card die cut stamped with a border from Button Boutique (both from PTI). The sentiment  from Mixed Messages and the flourish,stamped in Chrome Yellow Archival ink is from Vintage Labels  (PTI). I used a Tiny Tags die cut(PTI). Papers include Vintage Cream and Aqua Mist CS (PTI) and patterned paper from October Afternoon's Thrift Shop paper pad.

Have a great day,

More Flourishes Birthday Wishes

Birthday wishes for Flourishes continue today with a fall-inspired card for the birthday bash challenge.                                       

I used a Wreath of All Seasons stamp set, another favorite Flourishes set. The sentiment is from Fanciful Flourishes.
I have relatives with fall birthdays, so it's good ( and surprising) to have a card made in advance.
Have a great day,

Happy Birthday, Flourishes!

Flourishes is celebrating four years of offering beautiful stamps. With this celebration comes fun blog hops full of gorgeous cards and fun challenges with  chances to win a very generous prize package of several stamp sets. One challenge is to use your favorite Flourishes stamp set. If you've visited here frequently, you know without a doubt  Sweet Violets is absolutely my favorite Flourishes stamp set and one of my first stamp purchases.

The paper is from Picket Fence Tiny Tablet (lily bee design);fortunately, I had some Copics that complemented the paper while the ribbon and sentiment are a darker purple. Speaking of the ribbon; it's a good match for PTI's Plum Pudding. I found it along with several other good matches for PTI colors at The Dollar Tree,so if you have this dollar store in your area, you might want to check out the ribbons--5 yards for $1--what a deal!

Violet time will soon be here with cooler temperatures, and I will be happy to plant those sweet violets to enjoy for three seasons until the heat and humidity return next summer.

April Showers Bring May Flowers in August

April showers bring May flowers in August? Those May flowers will bloom in August if one is long overdue in meeting the May Papertrey Peeps challenge.  This is my second "make-up" post in my unmet Peeps challenges.

I used Life and Iconic Images (PTI) for the focal point. The background was stamped with Stella and Rose-Gertie "Girly" (My Mind's Eye). Of course, I had to add a strip of gingham with PTI's background stamp. I mean I hadn't used a gingham stamp for several weeks.Speaking of backgrounds, did you order the new houndstooth background stamps from PTI?  I'm feeling a a little regretful for nor ordering them,but I decided to wait and hear the feedback from others. I'll be interested if they truly are easier to line up.
Today, I'm shopping at a new vendors market in town which is only opened three days a week. It just opened last weekend, but we were out of town. One of the booths is owned by Cerrie of  The Little Pink Studio. I was introduced to her online store via Melissa Phillips's blog. I was surprised to learn she lives in Knoxville and was thrilled to learn she has opened this booth.  You can check out her charming booth here.
Do you have something fun planned for today?

It's Early and I Can't Think of a Clever Title

Hello dear friends! It's good to be back to blogland after another lengthy break.  I decided  that as I headed back to crafting and blogging, I'd  take care of several of the Papertrey Peeps challenges I missed and  use some stamps that have been waiting to get inky . So with my head hanging shamefullly because of the delay, let's take a look at  the Peeps April  challenge to use black.  I made a small favor/placecard.

I made a triangle box using Tag, Bags, Boxes, and More Cricut Cartridge  Then I stamped  PTI's Tranquility Trilogy on  three die cuts in gold ink and embossed with sparkling embossing powder.The stamped die cuts are added to the three visible sides of the box. The guest's name is added to double ended banner which is edged with  gold ink. The banner just slides into to the box. 

 I'm not sure  I would make these for many guests because I was pretty slow in creating one--die cut, stamp (sometimes multiples before I had one I was satisfied with), run to the kitchen, emboss while carefully holding with tweezers, return to study, stamp, go to kitchen, emboss.....  I think my limit would be four before frustration level reached its peak. But I can  see the table set with sparkling china and crystal, gleaming silver, crisp white linens, and  the votive candles glittering in our wrought iron and crystal chandelier, so I guess I'll crank out a few more and plan a dinner. Or maybe I'll make just one more, and Ed and I will have a special dinner.

Summer Dressing--CR84FN Challenge 32 and CAS-ual Friday

I love sweet summer dresses for girls of all ages, even though sadly I've passed the age for wearing them. And  I don't have any little girls in my life to wear them,  but I can have fun making some paper dresses.
I took some of my favorites--gingham and flowers and  
 CAS-ual Friday challenge  to make a shaped card

and another great color combination from  CR84FN Color Challenge

and made a sweet little dress invitation.

 This SVG file is from The Cutting Cafe.  I recently purchased several files, so I'll be having some fun making some shaped cards.
Thanks for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamp: Tiny Tags (PTI)
Ink:  Lady Bug Memento (Tsukineko)
Paper: Sweet Blush (PTI), gingham (Paper Studio)

Other: SVG file(The Cutting Cafe); Sweet Blush twill, Pure Poppy and Simply Chartreuse felt, Tiny Tags die (PTI); small rolled rose die (MFT);Cuttlebug embossing folder

Happy Fourth of July!

Parades,  concerts, cookouts, pool parties, fireworks... people and pets decked out in their red, white, and blue... celebrating America's independence

If you have seen the July/August issue of Papercrafts, then you know the inspiration for these cards is on the cover and on page 20 with the sketch by Betsy Veldman and the cards by AJ Otto and Terri Anderson.
And this last card came about simply because  I felt I needed to use my Cricut  more often. And you know how I love A Child's Year cartridge. :)

For those of you in the states have a safe and happy Fourth! And for the rest  have a safe happy Monday!

Supplies:
Stamps: Small Banners (Pink Persimmon);  Ticking Stripe (CHF); Vintage Picnic, Background Basics: Gingham, Star Prints,Bitty Background Blocks (PTI)
Ink: Paris Dusk Memento (Tsukineko); Cranberry Pigment Ink(Colorbox)
Paper: Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy, Stamper's Select White, Rustic Cream (PTI); star patterned paper (Paperpizzaz)
Other: Banner Labels (Spellbinders);  star punch( EK Success); Pure Poppy and Enchanted Evening Baker's Twine , Picnic Plaid Impression Plate , double ended banner die(PTI);button die (MFT); gems (Kaisercraft)