Papertrey November Blog Hop Challenge

Forecast for today--SNOW!
Expect to see many snow themed projects today for this month's Papertrey Blog Hop Challenge.

I used Damask Snowflake dies as the base for these tags or gift toppers.

I stamped the round label from Label Basics onto a die cut from Limitless Layers 1 3/4 Circle. Then Tiny Treats Christmas provided the cute images and sentiments.  An Aqua Mist  pinked edged circle die cut adds another layer.

Oh, and the little snow drift under the snowman and penguin is a the flourish from Birthday Classics:May, stamped in Soft Stone ink.

A delicate die cut bow (Impression Obsession) and some evergreen sprigs cut with my well used and now contrary Martha Stewart punch.

These tags are easy and quick to produce so I can add these and more to the tag stash.
I like to have some tags ready to share with guests at Thanksgiving to help them prepare for Christmas.

If you are in the states, have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and everyone know that I am always grateful when you stop by.

April PTI Blog Hop

It's been a l-o-n-g time since I participated in PTI's blog hop, but this month's challenge, my mojo, my time, the moon, and the stars must have been perfectly aligned so that I got my crafty on and finished a project in time for the hop.

Here's the challenge as stated on Nichole's blog:"This month we challenge you to look at embroidered patterns in a whole new light!  Look through your clothes, Pinterest, home decor catalogs or even the inspiration I have provided above and find an embroidered pattern that speaks to you.  Using the colors and design of the embroidery, build your own stamped version using your favorite floral stamps or other images.  No stitching required!"

  I chose this beautiful ribbon-embroidered floral monogrammed pillow as my inspiration.

Using PTI's Turning a New Leaf and Embellished Elegance,  I stamped a set of 3 1/2 x 5 note cards for my sister Suzie.

In order keep the shape of the S somewhat uniform on each card, I  cut a stencil using the Silhouette Cameo. I used the stencil to trace the letter in pencil. Then I stamped the leaves and followed with the flowers. I like that each card's floral design is a bit different, adding to the handcrafted nature of the card set.

And finally, a card for me!

Thanks so much for including my blog as one of  your stops along the hop.


Supplies:
Stamps: Turning a New Leaf, Embellished Elegance (PTI)
Ink: Spring Moss, Berry Sorbet, Hibiscus Burst, Winter Wisteria, Harvest Gold, Lavender Moon (PTI)
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI)

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)

Papertrey March Blog Hop Challenge

The 25th of the month means it's PTI blog hop time! This month's challenge is all about embroidery floss.

"For the March Blog Hop we are challenging you to use embroidery floss in a fun and inventive way on your project. This could include stitching, wrapping it around and tying it like ribbon, braiding, accenting tags, embroidered patterns or anything else you can dream up!"
You can check out all the details and list of participants here.

Because of my 30 years of  teaching, certain pieces of literature became part of me. I cannot think of embroidery and sewing without thinking Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter and this quotation. " It was the art--then as now, almost the only one within a woman's grasp--of needlework."  Let me date myself even more my saying, "We've come a long way, baby!"

Besides my artistic attempts with crayons, embroidery, learned from my mother and grandmother when I was quite young, was my early artistic expression.  I still have some of my first pieces along with beautiful  pieces embroidered by my mother and grandmother. One of my treasured pieces is a baby quilt  made for either my sister or me which hangs in our upstairs hallway.

This challenge meant it was time for me to hone my embroidery stitches.

The inspiration for this first simple card was a crisp white embroidered pillow case.

I traced two Cuttlebug flower die cuts, punched holes, and embroidered with a simple back stitch. I stamped the small leaf from Beautiful Blooms 1 which is conveniently a series of dots, so easy for punching holes,  and embroidered it. I added a Golden Harvest button and some twine. The Edgers # 2  die creates a romantic eyelet edge. I may have to embroider some crisp white pillow cases now-- minus the buttons and twine, of course; the impressions would take all day to disappear from this aging skin.!

For a second card the embroidery floss is used on the embellishment.

After cutting Harvest Gold felt with the Dienamics Rolled Rose die from My Favorite Things, I embroidered a blanket stitch along the edge before rolling the felt. I cut a couple of small leaves from Simply Chartreuse felt and stitched the vein down the middle of each leaf. (One of the leaves is hidden in the shadow. Obviously, my photography skills need some work)
The base for the flower was made using the scalloped die from. the Limitless Layers 1 3/4 Collection  I strategically cut a doily pattern  from patterened paper from October Afternoon's Thrift Shop. Even though the die is solid, you can hold it and the paper up to a light to aid in placement of the pattern. The bottom layer of the base  is Pure Poppy cs cut with a die from the Doily Details Collection.

The front panel is more patterned paper from the Thrift Shop collection. The sentiment is from PTI's Birthday Basics. After adding some Aqua Mist grosgrain ribbon, I attached the front panel to a mat of Pure Poppy.  The card base is Vintage Cream.

Enjoy the hop!

November Papertrey Blog Hop Challenge-- Tag Time

Welcome to another stop on the PTI blog hop where the challenge this month was to create holiday tags. I know you've many blogs to visit, so let's get to it.  I created some single layer tags that should withstand piled-on  gifts under the Christmas tree.

First, I cut Rustic Cream cs with  the Tag 1 die. Then inspired by Betsy Veldman, I pullled out several stamps and created a collage background  in Simply Chartreuse ink (PTI) for each tag and aged the edges with Antique Linen distress ink (Ranger). Then the other images were stamped in Scarlet Jewel (PTI) and Olive (Colorbox pigment) inks. I've listed the stamps below.

 I am looking forward to visiting your blogs later this evening or mayby tomorrow and seeing what everyone has created and getting more ideas for tags (perhaps with a cup of coffee and a slice of  pumpkin pie--that's me,not the tags, with the coffee and pie) :)

Finally, I want to leave you with my deep gratitude for your kindness, encouragement, inspiration, creativity, and friendship. When I purchased my first stamp set, I had no idea what a wonderfully beautiful and warm world would open for me.
With heartfelt thanks,


All stamps used are PTI
Seasons Greetings: Round and Round,  Just the Ticket, Holly Jolly, Distressed Stripes, Background Basics: Text Style, A Little Argyle, Mini Scrapbook Series: Library Ledger
Joy: Stocking Prints, Signature Christmas, Beyond Basic Borders, Background Basics: Text Style, Embellishments, Background Basics:Botanicals, Limitless Labels, Background Basics: Hearts
Happy Holidays: Holly Jolly, Distressed Stripes, Background Basics: Text Style, A Little Argyle
Merry Christmas: A Wreath for All Seasons, Background Basics: Text Style, Background Basics: Hearts, Background Basic Botanicals

Papertrey October Blog Hop Challenge

Welcome to my stop on this month's PTI Blog Hop. You can find  the challenge and the list of the participants here.
The front of my card has a little vintage look with PTI's Background Basics Botanicals and Everyday Treats. The sentiment is computer generated.

But the purpose is not clear.So let's look inside.

Still wondering?  Pull the string.

Keep pulling.
A baby banner ( dont you love alliteration?)  And a wish for a Happy Hanukkah.

Where to put this?
The hutch?

The book case?

A picture?

Think of all the special  individualized pocket pennants or baby banners you can make with a tiny triangle or circle, an alphabet stamp set, and some twine.

Now, I'm off to do a few tasks around the house and then I'll start hopping.

Supplies:
Stamps: Background Basics: Botancicals, Everyday Treats, Ambassador Monogram Edition (PTI); Very Small Circles(Waltzingmouse Stamps); Banner-small (Pink Persimmon)
Ink: Enchanted Evening, Fresh Snow(PTI)
Paper: Enchanted Evening (PTI)
Other: Mat Stack Die #4, Beautiful Blooms Die #1, Baker's Twine-Enchanted Evening, Enchanted Evening twill ribbon, White and Cream Vintage Buttons (PTI); Star Dust Stickles (Ranger)

Papertrey September Blog Hop Challenge

 

Welcome!
As most of you who are visiting know, the focus of September's PTI Blog Hop is techniques.

 "One of the most fun things about this hobby is the people you meet, whether in person or online, and
the things you can learn from them. Now is your chance to show off any skills you might have learned
from a fellow stamper, and perhaps even give them a little shout out to thank them for the inspiration
they have provided. Create a project using one of your favorite learned skills and perhaps after a little
blog hopping, we will ALL learn some new tips and tricks and continue to pass on the love of this hobby!"

For someone who has only been stamping for about two years, I must give a huge THANK YOU to the online community who have been my teachers.  From your cards posted on your blogs and galleries, from your detailed instructions, from your comments on forums, I have learned some incredibly valuable tips and techniques.
 While I have seen the blackboard technique with colored pencils used by several people, I want to give a shout out to Jennifer Ellefson whose blog is one of the first places I remember seeing this technique. You can read her instructions for this technique  here and here.
 

Creating a fall card, I stamped the image from Vintage Picnic (one of my favorite PTI sets!)  in Fresh Snow ink and then colored with Prismacolor pencils, using the blending pencil to blend. I like the "rustic" look of the this technique which is perfect for my coloring skill. :)  I distressed the die cut a little with the white ink because it is so hard to keep a chalkboard clean.
I think this technique works well with larger images such as PTI's Year of Flower series. If you've time you can see a couple of cards using Lily of the Valley with the blackboard technique here.

I hope you'll sharpen your pencils and give this technique a try!
I can't wait to learn more during this blog hop!


Supplies:
Stamps: Vintage Picnic, Limitless Labels, Embellishments(PTI)
Ink: Fresh Snow(PTI),Memento Black Tuxedo (Tsukineko)
Paper: True Black, Kraft (PTI); patterned paper --Thrift Shop 8x8 pad (October Afternoon)
Other: Mat Stack Die 4, Rustic Twine (PTI), Tags Trio (Spellbinders), Prismacolor pencils, Apron Lace Border Punch (Fiskars)

PTI Blog Hop-Using Office Supplies

Welcome to my stop on the hop with the following challenge:
"For this month's blog hop we are focusing on office supplies! We want to see you incorporate all of those fun desk drawer fillers into your paper crafting projects. This can include paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands, file folders, staples, binder rings, adhesive labels, post-it notes, index cards or whatever else you can dream up. Reinvent these basic office staples to be hip and trendy additions to your projects! "

My friends and former coworkers are headed back to school in a couple of weeks, so I made a card for the fantastic staff at the high school where I taught for 30 years.

My card layout was inspired by a  birthday card by Nichole Heady seen in this post. The front of my card includes a cork strip serving as the mount for the message and some of the new items from July's release.  Some staples and a paper clip from my school supplies add a touch of the office.

Inside the ticket sentiment is from Autumn Abundance and the stars from Limitless Labels.


Enjoy the hop!


Supplies:
Stamps:Just the Ticket , Mini Scrapbook Series:Library Ledger, Limitless Labels, Take Note, Autumn Abundance(PTI); A+ stamp(Michaels)
Ink: Lady Bug(Memento), Peacock(ColorBox Pigment)
Paper: Kraft, Spring Rain, Bitty Box Basics(PTI)
Other: Spiral Notebook Page die, Just the Ticket border die,rickrack die (PTI); star punch(Fiskars),cork(Quickutz)

PTI Blog Hop--COLOR

AQUA MIST, CREAM, TERRACOTTA TILE

Hi! Welcome my stop on the hop that focuses on color this month.

When I awoke this morning, I decided to make another card for this hop, even though I had my post already to go.

As I set out on card number two for the hop,I had several goals in mind
1. Use a  color I use infrequently--Terracotta Tile
2. Use a stamp I use infrequently--Beautiful Blooms One
3. Use a current sketch challenge--Clean and Simple Sketch 96
4. Make the overall look of the card light while using Terracotta Tile

Searching through my inspiration notebook, I came across these photos of these slipcovered chairs and stools which loosely became my inspiration.

I love this beach cottage!
But I digress, on to my card.

As I gathered materials, I realized I don't own Terracotta Tile ink; I only have the cardstock.  So I used Versacraft Autumn Leaves ink which is a fairly close match to Terracotta Tile cardstock. I started with a card base of Aqua Mist. I stamped a piece of Rustic Cream cardstock and adhered it. The Aqua Mist piece, matted on Terracotta Tile, is stamped with a bloom from Beautiful Blooms and a fern  frond from Turning a New Leaf. The sentiment is from the latest anniversary set, Round and Round. A little twine and button are the simple  finishing touches.

Each month the blog hop provides so much inspiration. A huge thank you to everyone who participates!

Supplies:

Stamps: Beautiful Blooms One, Turning a New Leaf, Background Basics:Botanicals, Round and Round (PTI)

Ink: Vintage Cream, Aqua Mist (PTI); Autumn Leaves (Versacraft)

Paper: Aqua Mist, Rustic Cream, Terracotto Tile (PTI)

Other: Rustic Jute Button Twine, Aqua Mist Vintage Buttons (PTI)