PPA27: A Theme Challenge

This week at Pals Paper Arts we are hosting a theme challenge: to use snowflakes!! I will admit that I had a hard time getting the creative ball rolling. We haven't had much of a winter here in Spokane (not that I am complaining- by any means!). Lucky for me, it has felt much more like March!

Here are some tips for my card:

• I started with a Perfect Plum textured card base. I created my own texture pattern by punching some Jumbo snowflakes out of scrap paper and using Dotto removable adhesive to secure them how I wanted to the card. Next I ran everything through my big shot to dry emboss the snowflakes. This is the sandwich I came up with starting from the bottom: Multipurpose platform (tab 1), cutting pad, card stock (with snowflakes facing down), silicone rubber, texturz impressions pad, and finally an extra piece of card stock.
• The rest of the card was pretty simple. I used the new Scallop Trim punch and coordinating corner punch to create a mat out of Brushed Silver.
  
• One large snowflake and several smaller "snowflakes" were added. TIP: To create the small snowflakes-or stars...- I simply cut out just the center of the jumbo snowflake.
• A little ribbon and some bling tie it all together.

Make sure you head over to Pals Paper Arts to play along, too!




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Recipe:
Stamps: Whimsical Words
Ink: Basic Black, Perfect Plum
Paper: Perfect Plum, Brushed Silver, Bashful Blue, Shimmery White
Accessories: Big Shot, SU Perfect Details Texturz Plate, Silicone Rubber, Texturz Impressions Pad, Jumbo Snowflake Punch, Scallop Trim Punch, Scallop Corner Punch, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads, Shimmer Paint

Woo Hoo! I finally got My Digital Studio!

I have been waiting on purchasing My Digital Studio (MDS- 118108) for waaaay too long! I finally received my copy today and couldn't be more impressed.

This is my first project- I realize it is quite simple, but I still wanted to share. I am still feeling my way around the software (there is so much to play with!). But being a beginner, this project took less than 5 minutes to create. Not too shabby.

Stampin' Up! offers professional printing services for cards, scrapbook pages, etc. I printed this one off using my home printer and matted it onto some Pumpkin Pie (below). The colors were a pretty close match, although not perfect. SU worked very closely with the printing vendor to ensure that the colors would be exact to SU specifications, so I definitely see the upside to using the service.

Anyway, if you have any questions about MDS, feel free to ask!

PPA26: Anything BUT a Card!

For this weeks Anything BUT a Card Challenge at Pals Paper Arts, I decided to create a custom gift bag using the Suede Paper technique and some Sending Love Specialty DSP.



To create the bag, I simply used an old gift bag that I peeled apart for a template. Here is a basic tutorial in case you don't have one on hand.

• I cut two 12"x12" sheets of DSP down to 8"x12", being sure to save the 4"x12" to be used as the sides of the bag.
  
• Score the larger pieces horizontally 4" from the bottom to create the bottom of the bag.
• For the sides, you will also score the bag horizontally 4" up from the bottom.
  
• Next you will make 3 vertical score lines on each of the 4"x12" pieces: one at 1/2", 2", and 3 1/2".
  
• If you do not wish to have the ability to collapse the bag, then you are done scoring. If you would like to be able to collapse the bag, then score another horizontal line at 6" on just ONE of the 8"x12" pieces, and on both of the 4"x12" pieces. You will also want to score a triangle shape on the side pieces with the top point at the cross of the middle and 6" line, down to the 4" line (I hope this makes sense... perhaps a template would have been a better idea- I promise one soon!)
• I used sticky strip to hold it all together, and within about 10 minutes I had a complete bag.
• I attached some 5/8" Chocolate Chip Satin ribbon to some Whisper White card stock (the bottom received a Scallop Trim border) using more Sticky Strip. I did this for each side of the bag.
  
• For the "suede" flowers, I simply ran card stock through my Big Shot with the Flower Layers die. Then I crinkled the flowers up as much as I could to weaken the fibers. After a short time you will begin to see the layers of the card stock- simply peel them apart to reveal a suede-like texture inside. TIP: If you are careful, you can get two suede flowers from one piece of card stock!
• I used a needle and thread to sew the flower layers together and add some clear beads in the center.

Put on your creative thinking caps and join in for this weeks challenge at PPA! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

Personal note: As of today, I started working a part-time job during the week. I am excited about this new endeavor and equally excited that since it is only part-time it will allow me to still be home with our son (and any future children) for the most part. While I simply love my Stampin' business, I may not be able to keep up with blogging- at least for a little while. It is still my intention to be a part of the PPA Design team so you can always expect a project on Thursday's, but in some cases that may be the only day that you will see a post for the week. Thank you to all my readers! I appreciate each and every comment that I receive and love that I get to share my love of paper crafting with you all!





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Recipe:
Stamps: None
Ink: None
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Sending Love Specialty DSP,
Accessories: Big Shot, Flower Layers Die, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Silver Duo Beads

PPA25: An Inspiration Challenge

Pal's Paper Arts is hosting an Inspiration Challenge this week featuring this photo:

For my card, I was inspired by the overall color scheme and white chocolate design.
Here are some tips:

• To create the background for the card, I used the Swirls Scribbles Sizzlit and my Big Shot with Very Vanilla. They were attached to some Chocolate Chip textured card stock.
• The sentiment, from the SAB set Whimsical Words, was inked up using SU Markers, stamped onto Very Vanilla and cropped using the 1 3/4" circle punch.
• A tiny heart was punched (new Occasions Mini punch) from Sending Love DSP and attached using dimensionals.
• To create the border around the circle, I first punched a 1"x8" piece of Real Red using the Eyelet border punch. Then I ran the strip through my paper crimper. Lastly, the border was attached to the back of the circle with plenty of snail adhesive. I wish I could say that I came up with this idea myself, but I actually learned it from this post.
• Some final touches include some Chocolate Chip satin ribbon and a Real Red Scallop Trim border.

You wont want to skip playing at PPA this week because we are offering some awesome BLOG CANDY!!! All you have to do is play to qualify!

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Recipe:
Stamps: Whimsical Words (SAB)
Ink: Real Red, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Sending Love DSP
Accessories: Big Shot, Swirls Scribbles Sizzlit, Dimensionals, Small Heart Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Mini Glue Dots, Snail Adhesive, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon

You're Never More than a Thought Away

I finally got some new SU products in the mail today and I immediately had to use them! So much fun stuff...

The inspiration for this card came from this post on SCS.

Here are some tips:

• I used a polka dot embossing folder and my Big Shot for the Pretty in Pink background. Be sure to check the Occasions Mini for the new SU Polka Dot Embossing folder.
• Sending Love Specialty DSP came next. Every sheet has glitter!
• The sentiment, from Whimsical Words (SAB), was stamped onto Very Vanilla and trimmed out using the new Scallop Trim Border (Occasions Mini) and Scallop Trim Corner (SAB) punches.
• The flower images, from With All My Heart, were stamped directly on the Very Vanilla as well as onto a scrap piece. They were trimmed out and added using dimensionals and Sending Love Epoxy Brads (new!). Some glitter glue (non-su) was added for a little something extra.
• Isn't this ribbon amazing? It is the new 5/8" Satin ribbon in the Occasions Mini. It is available in 9 colors (Chocolate Chip used here).

Do you have copies of the Occasions Mini and Sale-a-bration brochure? If not, email me and I will send you one of each for free!



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Recipe:
Stamps: Whimsical Words, With All My Heart
Ink: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Sending Love Specialty DSP, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Embossing Folder (non-su), 5/8" Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Trio Flower Punch, Dimensionals, Glitter Glue (non-su), Scallop Trim Punch, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Sending Love Chocolate Chip Epoxy Brads

Retired Stampin Up Sets and TONS of Scrapbook stickers and embellishments for sale!

I am doing a little house cleaning and decided that I needed to purge some of my retired and non-su items.

The following items/lots are up for sale. The sets are gently used and are in excellent condition. Some images have never been used at all. The items in the scrapbook lots are new and unopened unless otherwise noted. If you are interested or have any questions please do not hesitate to email me! Paypal is available and I can ship anywhere in the US.

Garden Greetings $12

















Central Park $10 Pending


















Classy & Fabulous $10













Congrats $10 SOLD



















Sweet Little Sentiments $10 SOLD




















Elements and Embellishments Lot: $10 SOLD

• K& Company "See Words" Metal Art
• Clover Hand made Dimensional Stickers All About Girls
• Sticko Vellum Stickers "Drinks"
• Wilton Rhinestone Embellishments Self-adhesive
• Wilton Fabric Flower Embellishments (pink)
• Wilton Fabric Flower Embellishments (white)
• Wilton Pearl Embellishments (3 missing)
• Clear Epoxy Squares, various sizes (manufacturer unknown, out of package)
• Pink Epoxy Squares, various sizes and shades (manufacturer unknown, out of package, 3 missing)
• Jolee's Dice
• Stickopotamus Vegas stickers (out of package)
• Jolee's Vegas Dimensional Stickers
• Jolee's "Mom" Dimensional Stickers (out of package)
• Self-adhesive tags (manufacturer unknown, out of package)
• Border stickers (manufacturer unknown, out of package, one missing)
• Walmart Crystal Stickers Epoxy Tags
• Stampin' Up Accents and Elements (name unknown, out of package, 13 sticker sheets, 11 stickers missing)
  

Birthday Lot: $5

• Sandylion Essentials Birthday Dimensional Stickers
• K& Company Birthday Glittered Dimensional Stickers (out of package, one missing)
• Paper Bliss Dimensional Package Stickers
• Royal Langnickel Birthday Words Rub-ons
• K& Company Happy Birthday Glitter Embossed Stickers (out of package, 5 missing)
• Happy Birthday Sticker Sheets (3 sheets, out of package, manufacturer unknown, 2 missing)
  

Babies & Kids Lot: $7 SOLD

• Colorbok Vellum Quote Pack "Boy" (24 pages, a few missing)
• Jolee's handprint (out of package, foot prints missing)
• Jolee's Boys 1st Birthday Dimensional Stickers
• K& Company Hand-painted Teddy Charms Adhesive Backed
• Jolee's Ice Hockey Dimensional Stickers
• Jolee's Bath time dimensional stickers (out of package, a few missing)
• Jolee's "Its a Boy" Dimensional stickers (2 sheets, a few missing)
• My Mind's Eye "Precious Baby Boy" scrapbook title
• K& Company Hand-painted "Tim's Baby" Charms Adhesive Backed
• DCWV Safari Kids Glittered Rub-ons (some missing)
• K& Company Actopus to Zelephant border Rub-ons (one missing)
• Beary Patch Zoo stickers (one missing)
• Stickopotamus Baby Vellum Stickers (one missing)
• K& Company Flocked Chipboard Adhesive Backed "Boy" (out of package, 2 missing)
• Miss Elizabeth's Foam Ribbon Stickers
• Walmart Crystal Epoxy Stickers "Baby"
• Clover Handmade Dimensional Stickers Girl Bath time
• Clover Handmade Dimensional Stickers Baby Girl (dress, purse, flowers)
• Clover Handmade Dimensional Stickers Baby Girl (umbrella, rocking horse, bear)
  

Sentiments and Phrases Lot: $10 SOLD

• Walmart Crystal Epoxy Stickers
• Retro Epoxy Stickers (manufacturer unknown)
• Noteworthy Dimensional Stickers
• K& Company "Chelsey Words" Epoxy Stickers
  
• Beyond Postmarks (K& Company) "Mini Brianna" Dimensional Stickers
• Elements Clear Dimensional Stickers
• K& Company "Occasion Tags" Epoxy Stickers
• Marcella by K Epoxy Stickers (one missing)
• K & Company "Thanks" Glitter Dimensional Stickers (one missing)
• K & Company Oval Metal Words (one missing)
• Making Memories self-adhesive woven labels "You're Invited"
• Sticko "Label Lingo" embossed stickers "Zen"
• K& Company "Tim's Words" Epoxy Stickers
• Home and Family Stickers (manufacturer unknown)
• Elements "Family" Stickers
• K& Company Glitter Words Embossed Stickers (not packaged, 3 missing)
• Miss Elizabeth's Clear Stickers "Just Talk"
• The Scrapbook Wizard cardstock stickers "Blue Raspberry"
• Debbie Mum Coffee Stickers
• All about girls stickers pink/orange (manufacturer unknown)
• Family/Love + Alphabet stickers (manufacturer unknown)

Flower/Butterflies Lot: $10

• 26 Epoxy Stickers (Manufacturer Unknown)
• Jolee's Lavender Flowers
• Sandylion Essentials Butterflies (2 of these, one out of wrapper with the flower stickers missing)
• Jolee's Vellum Tulip Dimensional Stickers
• Dimensional Flower/Button Stickers (manufacturer unknown)
• Sticko Vellum Butterfly and Heart Stickers
• K& Company Garden Life Glitter Dimensional Stickers
• Marcella by K Butterflies and Flowers Glitter/rhinestone Dimensional Stickers (2 of these, 1 sticker missing)
  
• K& Company Juliana Medallions Glitter and Bead Dimensional Stickers
• K& Company Glitter Dimensional Stickers (not packaged, a few missing)
• Sticko Vellum Pastel Heart Stickers
• Sticko Vellum Mini Fabulous Flowers Stickers
  
• Sticko Vellum Crazy Daisies Stickers
• Royal Langnickel Garden Words with Glitter Rub-ons
• K& Company Traditional Butterflies Embossed with Glitter Stickers (not packaged)
• Stampin' Up! Love and Happiness Rub-ons (a few missing)
  
• 
  

Spring/Summer Lot: $7

• Miss Elizabeth's Metal Trim Stickers (1 missing)

• The Card Connection Dimensional Stickers (Towel/Bathing Suit)
• Jolee's Tropical Bikini Dimensional Stickers
• Sandylion Essentials Cocktails Dimensional Stickers
• Sandylion Essentials Easter Egg Dimensional Stickers
• Foamies Flip Flop and Sun Glasses Stickers
• Clover (Walmart) Summer Time Dimensional Stickers (3 packages, 1 sticker missing)
• EK Success Seashore Epoxy Tokens

Christmas/Winter Sticker Lot: $3

• Sticko Snowman Vellum Stickers (2 Pkgs.)

• Sticko Candy Can Metallic Stickers
• Sandylion Essentials Snowglobe Dimensional Stickers
• Me & My Big Ideas Border Stickers
• ProvoCraft Ginger Bread Man Stickers (3 sheets, 1 missing)
• ProvoCraft Snowman Stickers (2 Sheets)
  

Alphabet Sticker Lot: $7

• EK Success Tag Types (a few missing)
• Making Memories Chunky Letters
  
• Marcella by K Dome Stickers (some missing)
• K&Company Hopscotch letters
• Miss Elizabeth's Glitter Star Stickers
• Royal Langnick's Cool Alphabet Rub-ons
• Royal Langnick's Vacation ABC's Rub-on's
• Royal Langnick's Flowers Alphabet Rub-on's
• Glitter script alphabet (manufacturer unknown- a few missing)
• Bold Type font alphabet (manufacturer unknown)
  

Cat Sticker Lot: $1

• Sticko Vellum Cat Stickers

• Sandylion Essentials Dimensional Cat Stickers
• 3 Sticker Sheets (manufacturers unknown- some stickers missing)
  

Wedding/Love Sticker and Embellishment lot: $10 SOLD

• 34 Epoxy Wedding Stickers

• 40 Epoxy Love Stickers

• Sandylion Essentials DimensionalWedding Dress Sticker
• "Love" Metal Charmed Words
• Elements Love Stickers
• Jolee's By You Wedding Invitations
• EK Success Love and Romance Classifieds
• Making Memories Word Fetti Wedding
• Jolee's Heart Dimensional Stickers
• EK Success Title Sticker "A Love that Lasts a Lifetime"
• Making Memories "Love" Rub-ons
• Jolee's Bride Dimensional Stickers
• Stickles Dimensional Bride Stickers
• Phrase Cafe Stickers "My True Love"
• Wedding Sticker Sheet (Manufacturer Unknown)
• Epoxy Stickers (Manufacturer Unknown)
  

If you are interested in purchasing anything, please email me!

PPA24: A Simple Sketch

The first Pals Paper Arts challenge of 2010 is a sketch challenge!

Today's color combination was inspired by the Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack- new in the Occasions Mini. While I don't actually own the DSP, I could incorporate the look of one of the prints using the Trendy Trees stamp set and some of the same colors.

• Each tree was stamped onto Whisper White and snipped out. They were each attached to the card using dimensionals. TIP: I used a stamp-a-ma-jig to perfectly line up the trunk stamps to the tree tops.
• To create the look of grassy hills, I simply punched out two Old Olive circles using the 1 3/8" and 1 3/4" punch. I flipped the card stock over and trimmed the excess.
  
• For some added interest, I popped out three 1/2" circles from Pumpkin Pie, and added a little paper piercing by the sentiment.

I hope you will also play along at PPA! You could be a Pals Paper Arts Artist Pick!


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Recipe: Stamps: Trendy Trees (113258) Ink: Basic Black (101179), Rose Red (100063), Tempting Turquoise (100058), Pumpkin Pie (105115), Old Olive (100079) Paper: Rose Red (102544), Tempting Turquoise (102067), Whisper White (100730), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Thoroughly Modern DSP (115673) Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Dimensionals (104430), 1/2" Circle Punch (104390), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (104401), 1 3/4" Circle Punch (112004), Paper Piercing Tool (1166310, Mat Pack (105826), 1 1/4" Old Olive Striped Grosgrain (115618), Corner Rounder Punch (109047)

NEW Catalogs go live today + a winter card!

It's here! It's here!! The Occasions Mini and Sale-a-bration both go LIVE today!!! You can find both of these on my right side bar as well as the new Definitely Decorative insert.

Right now is the perfect time to book your party because for every $50 product purchase you will get to choose anything from the Sale-a-bration brochure for free! And new this year is the option to choose from a list of sets in the Idea Book and Catalog! For full details on this promotion, click here!! Be sure to email me to book your workshop or set up a catalog party!

You will absolutely love all the new products that are available in the new mini, too! There is now the option to purchase clear stamps, a new punch design, tons of new images, accessories, and Designer Series Paper! Leave a comment and let me know what your favorites are!

Whew! Okay, now onto today's card:

This simple card helped to use up some of my Christmas card supplies without being "Christmas-y".

• Basic Black served as a good backdrop for my design. I used Iridescent Ice to heat emboss snowflakes in a pattern.
• The cute image, from Animal Crackers, was first water colored before I added some Frost White Shimmer Paint using a paint brush to the ice and water. TIP: The Holiday Mini expired yesterday, but the shimmer paints are still available!
• To create the layered snowflake, I first punched out the large one out of Brushed Silver and I used my Big Shot to create the small one using Bashful Blue. The center was created using a Sticky Page and the Flower Layers Originals Die. I simply attached the sticky page to Whisper White, ran it through the machine with the die and sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds all over.
• A large half pearl from the pretties kit was the finishing touch!

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Recipe: Stamps: Animal Crackers (113395), Berry Christmas (116509) Ink: Versamark (102283), Jet Black StazOn, Bashful Blue (105209), Pretty in Pink (101301), Pumpkin Pie (105216) Paper: Whisper White (100730), Basic Black (102851), Bashful Blue (105120), Brushed Silver (100712) Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Merry Details Sizzlit (116820), Flower Layers Originals Die (113458), Sticky Pages (114300), Jumbo Snowflake Punch (116628), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Pretties Kit (109114), Dazzling Diamonds (102023), Heat Tool (100005), Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder (101930), Silver Elastic Cord (109866), Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon (109070), Dimensionals (104430), Blender Pens, Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854)