Beaded Snowflake

Before I made my beaded snowflake tags last Christmas, I experimented first on cardstock to see how the beading would look.

I used white cardstock for the card base and added a layer of Aqua Mist, embossed with a snowflake embossing folder.  I die-cut the snowflake twice, so it was a little sturdier, and sewed the silver beads onto the snowflake.  Yes, another 114 beads!  I added an Aqua Mist button to the center.

To finished the card, I wrapped white Fun Fur around the bottom - it just reminds me of snow!  The sentiment inside is for a birthday as this makes a nice winter card.

Card Details:

• Paper:  PTI White Stampers Select, Aqua Mist
• Tools:  PTI Stitched Snowflake Die; Cuttlebug Snowflakes Embossing Folder
• Other:  Silver Seed Beads; PTI Aqua Mist Button; Fun Fur; Thread
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Hello Friend (MIM #153)

PTI's Make It Monday this week is "Watercolored Backgrounds With Heat Embossed Sentiments" (click here).  I always like trying a new technique and watercolor seems to be the trend right now.  I didn't have any watercolor paints like Dawn used, but I do have bottles of water based acrylic paint, which I guess is similar.

I used a piece of watercolor paper to create the background.  First, I painted the paper with a layer of water to get it wet.  Next, I mixed Cranberry Wine paint with water and just dabbed it all over the paper, making some areas a little deeper in color.  By just dabbing the paintbrush on the paper, it gave it a mottled look, which is what I was hoping for.  After the paint dried, I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink.  I sprinkled it with white Zing embossing powder and heat set it with my heat tool.

After looking at the card, I didn't like how "plain" it looked and used Card Edgers #1 on the bottom.  Just cutting the bottom made the card look a lot better!  I only wish my photo would show just how pretty this Cranberry Wine color is in person (the picture makes it look pinker than it is)!

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Think Big Favorites #3
• Paper:  PTI White Stampers Select; Watercolor
• Ink:  Versamark
• Tools:  PTI Card Edgers #1; Heat Tool
• Other:  White Zing Embossing Powder; Americana Cranberry Wine Paint; Paintbrush; Water
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Papertrey February Blog Hop Challenge

Yep, entering another PTI contest.  One day I'm going to post that I won!  lol  This month's challenge is to create a Spring themed project - using Spring colors or Spring images.  And, after the winter most of us have been through, Spring can't come fast enough!

Once again, I'm using Ruby Rose and Ruby Reprise...I can't seem to use these two sets enough!  I started with a white card base and stamped the flowers and leaves in two shades of orange, yellow and green inks.  The flower centers are stamped with black ink using that cute little dots stamp from Reasons To Smile.

I die-cut a layer for the largest flower on the bottom left, placing it on foam tape for dimension.  The sentiment is also stamped in black ink.  To complete the card, I rounded the right hand corner on the bottom - a little different than rounding both corners.

Only 22 days until Spring!  And yes, I'm counting!!!

Card Details:

• Stamps: PTI Ruby Rose, Ruby Reprise, Sketched Shapes, Reasons To Smile
• Paper:  PTI White Stampers Select
• Ink:  PTI Lemon Tart; Memento Pear Tart, Cantaloupe, Tangelo, Tuxedo Black
• Tools:  PTI Ruby Rose Dies; Corner Rounder
• Other:  Foam Tape
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

A Very Happy Birthday

I'm getting a lot of use with my Ruby Rose and Ruby Reprise stamp sets.  Very happy that I bought the stamps and coordinating dies.  These are my favorite stamp sets at the moment (subject to change at any time, of course! haha)

For this card I used Sweet Blush for the card base and added a layer of gingham pattern paper.  I stamped the flower images on white cardstock in two different pink inks, adding a little bit of blue.  The sentiment is stamped in black ink - I just love how this sentiment hugs the corner!

I layered the stamped image on a piece of Melon Berry cardstock.  The big flower didn't look right to me, so I added another flower, stamped, die-cut and placed on foam tape for dimension.  Much better!  To complete the card, I added gems to the flower centers.

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Ruby Rose
• Paper:  PTI Sweet Blush, Melon Berry, White Stampers Select; Amuse Gingham
• Ink:  PTI Melon Berry, Aqua Mist; Memento Tuxedo Black; VersaMagic Pink Grapefruit
• Tools:  PTI Ruby Rose Dies
• Other:  Foam Tape; Gems
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Happy February Birthday

PTI introduced new items this month --- one is a die and stamp set that will come out for each month!  I just got my order today and couldn't wait to use the "February" die.

I used Blueberry Sky cardstock for my card base and added a layer of blue gingham pattern paper.  I die-cut 6 stitched stars, making the two top stars (dark blue and white) on the right dimensional by scoring and folding them.  They're attached with glue dots.

I die-cut February twice, once in dark blue and once in coaster for support, because of course I wanted to pop it up since it's the focal point of the card.  If you cut foam tape thin enough it works!  I used my double-ended banner die and stamped "happy" on one end and "birthday" on the other and snipped the die-cut in half.

Can you tell I like stars?  haha  I added the row of white stars across the bottom.  I layered a dark and light blue star and placed a circle, stamped with "dad" on top with foam tape.  I added a couple more stars on the card and tied jute around the spine as the finishing touch.

I'm so happy with the way this turned out!  Very masculine looking, don't you think?

Another view to show more of the dimension:

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Keep It Simple: Birthday, Tiny Tags
• Paper:  PTI Blueberry Sky, Enchanted Evening, White Stampers Select; Amuse Gingham
• Ink:  PTI Enchanted Evening, Blueberry Sky
• Tools:  PTI Monthly Moments: February Die, Super Star Border Die, Double Ended Banner Die; Lil' Inker Designs Stitched Stars Die; Standard Circle Nestabilities
• Other:  PTI Coaster; Jute; Foam Tape
• Card Size:  5.0" x 7.0"

Celebrating With You...(MIM #152)

Well I didn't win anything during PTI's birthday celebration, but I'm not giving up! lol  I'm entering this card in their Make-It-Monday #152 contest  - this week is Layering Dye & Pigment Inks.

I used Winter Wisteria cardstock for my card base, rounding the bottom corners.  I took a piece of white cardstock and stamped it with polka dots in Fresh Snow ink.  I wasn't able to photograph the dots very well, but they are there!

Next, I took out one of my favorite sets - Ruby Reprise - and stamped the flowers in light purple and the leaves in light green.  I added tiny flowers in light orange - isn't this a great Spring color combo?  I am so ready for Spring after this harsh winter!  I added black centers to the flowers, using the little dots stamp from Reasons To Smile.  I use that little stamp so much!  I also added a bit of glitter to the purple flowers.

My last step was adding the sentiment.  I die-cut a stitched banner in Spring Moss to help bring out the leaves, stamped the sentiment in black ink and adhered it to the card on foam tape.  

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Ruby Reprise, Reasons To Smile, Polka Dot Basics
• Paper:  PTI Winter Wisteria, White Stampers Select, Spring Moss
• Ink:  PTI Fresh Snow; Memento Lulu Lavender, Pear Tart, Cantaloupe, Tuxedo Black
• Tools:  Lil' Inker Designs Stitched Flag Die; Corner Rounder
• Other:  Glitter; Foam Tape
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Happy Anniversary

I'm making a lot of flower cards lately, I think because it's been so cold and snowy and I'm looking forward to Spring!

I used Winter Wisteria cardstock for the card base.  I added a layer of white, embossed with a Tulips embossing folder.  The flowers are stamped in purple ink, with black centers.  I added the leaves, stamped in Spring Moss ink.

I stamped the sentiment right across the bottom of the card, stamping it over some of the flower image.  A little bit of glitter was added to the flowers for sparkle.

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Mum's The Word, Think Big Favorites #24, Reasons To Smile
• Paper:  PTI Winter Wisteria, White Stampers Select
• Ink:  PTI Spring Moss; Brilliance Pearlescent Purple; Memento Tuxedo Black
• Tools:  Stampin' Up Framed Tulips Embossing Folder
• Other:  Glitter
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Happy Birthday To You!

I haven't used Memory Box dies for a while so pulled out my Prim Poppy die.

I started with a white cardstock card base and added another layer of white, cut with my Quatrefoil die.  I die-cut the poppy, once in green cardstock for the stems and once in Summer Sunrise cardstock for the flowers.  I layered the flowers on top of the stems so you can see some of the green underneath.

I die-cut two oval circles, stamping the sentiment in black and placing it on foam tape for a little dimension.  This was a simple card to make - it just took a little time to put glue on that skinny stem!

 

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Flower Fusion #9
• Paper:  PTI White Stampers Select, Summer Sunrise; DCWV
• Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
• Tools:  PTI Cover Plate: Quatrefoil Die; Memory Box Prim Poppy; Standard Oval Nestabilites
• Other:  Foam Tape
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Stitched Hearts

This is my final valentine post!  I bought this stitched heart paper at Michael's on clearance last year thinking I would use it some day.  Well, that day finally came.

I used Pure Poppy cardstock for the card base, added a layer of white cardstock and the stitched hearts paper for the third layer.  The center tag was die-cut with my Heart Squared die and stamped with Pure Poppy ink.  On a white square, I stamped the sentiment, adding 4 hearts underneath with the letters of Will's name on them.  The hearts and white square are on foam tape for dimension.

Even though this card was for a boy (he's 18 months), I tied ribbon around the card. 

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Love Birds, Simple Alphabet, Heart Squared
• Paper:  PTI Pure Poppy, White Stampers Select, Raspberry Fizz; KI Memories Applique Pop Up
• Ink:  PTI Pure Poppy; Memento Tuxedo Black
• Tools:  PTI Heart Squared Die; Martha Stewart Heart Punch
• Other:  Foam Tape; Ribbon
• Card Size:  5.0" x 7.0"

Valentine Doo-dad

Did you think I didn't make a doo-dad for the holiday?  haha  I did, thanks to Danielle Flanders...I saw this idea on her blog and since I already had Hershey Kisses and tulle in the house, thought it would be a good way to use those items.

I cut two 14" piece of tulle and laid them on top of each other forming a cross.  I placed 12 Hershey Kisses in the middle, gathered up the tulle and tied ribbon around the top to hold it together.

To make the tags, I cut 2" x 2" pieces of white cardstock and stamped them with various colors of ink.  I stamped the sentiment, a row of hearts underneath and added a heart made with my Cover Plate: Hearts die.  I really like the shape of this heart!  The heart was placed on foam tape and tied onto the ribbon with Peppermint twine.

Project Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Tag-Its #11, Love Birds, Heart Squared
• Paper:  PTI White Stampers Select, Pure Poppy, Raspberry Fizz
• Ink:  PTI Pure Poppy; Memento Rosebud, Cantaloupe, Tuxedo Black; VersaMagic Turquoise Gem
• Tools:  PTI Cover Plate: Hearts Die
• Other:  Tulle; Ribbon; Foam Tape; Twine

I Love You So Much

Happy Valentine's Day!  I thought the pattern paper used here was so pretty and decided to make a simple valentine with it.

I used white cardstock for the base, layering heart pattern paper on top, die-cutting the bottoms to make a fancy edge.  I die-cut a scalloped heart in red cardstock and adhered it to the card.  I cut another heart in white, stamped the sentiment and placed it on the red heart with foam tape for dimension.

The card needed something...tying pink ribbon around the bottom did the trick!

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Signature Greetings
• Paper:  PTI Pure Poppy, White Stampers Select; Authentique Lovely
• Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
• Tools:  PTI Limitless Layers: Hearts Die, Card Edgers #1 Die
• Other:  Ribbon; Foam Tape
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Valentine Hearts & Stripes

I didn't have time to make a lot of fancy valentine cards this year, so simple was the name of the game.  And this card really was simple to make!

I used white cardstock for my card base and embossed the bottom two-thirds using a striped embossing folder.  I die-cut the heart borders and placed them in the upper third of the card.  To cover up where the hearts and embossing met, I tied white ribbon around the card.

I die-cut a scalloped oval and a plain oval, stamping it with the sentiment.  The ovals were adhered to the card with foam tape for dimension.

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Love Birds
• Paper:  PTI Pure Poppy, White Stampers Select
• Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
• Tools:  PTI Heart Border Die; Standard & Scalloped Oval Nestabilities; Cuttlebug Pajama Stripes Embossing Folder
• Other:  Ribbon; Foam Tape
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

It's A Celebration

And yes, this is for another PTI contest!  Today's challenge is to create a project using stripes.  I had some leftover pieces from a card I made at Christmas and thought they would be perfect to use for this challenge.

I used True Black cardstock for the card base.  Using my Cover Plate: Center Stage Pure Poppy cut outs, I placed 5 stripes at the top of the card.  I cut another strip of Pure Poppy, layered a piece of white on top and stamped the sentiment in black ink.  I placed the sentiment on foam tape for dimension.

The balloon is die-cut in Hibiscus Burst, I wasn't sure what color to do the balloon but I think this color works.  I placed the balloon on foam tape and used Charcoal twine to tie it the sentiment.  I added a few silver sequins for embellishment.

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Birthday Bash Sentiments
• Paper:  PTI True Black, Pure Poppy, White Stampers Select, Hibiscus Burst
• Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
• Tools:  PTI Cover Plate: Center Stage Die, Birthday Style Die
• Other:  Sequins, Twine, Foam Tape
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Happy Birthday

Another post for today because I'm entering another PTI contest - this one is to win $300 worth of products!  I'll probably enter this one again later in the week, maybe a couple times!  haha  The challenge is to create a new project that uses one Color Recipe Card and one Sketch Recipe Card that Nichole posted on her blog.

I used Hawaiian Shores cardstock for the card base.  Using my Loop de Loop Border die, I cut strips of loops in Harvest Gold, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest and Terracotta Tile and placed them diagonally across the right hand bottom of the card.

I die-cut ovals in Hawaiian Shores and white cardstock, stamping the sentiment on the white.  I placed the ovals on foam tape for dimension.  This certainly is a bright and cheery card!

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Beautiful Butterflies
• Paper:  PTI Hawaiian Shores, Harvest Gold, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, Terracotta Tile, White Stampers Select
• Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
• Tools:  PTI Loop de Loop Border Die, Limitless Layers: Ovals
• Other:  Foam Tape
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Happy Birthday (CAS #4)

This is PTI's birthday month and there are a lot of daily contests, and of course I'm determined to win something.  After 7 years of entering contests I just want to win something...anything! haha  So I'm entering a second entry in the "use a large word as the focal point" of your card/project.  This was a very easy card to make, once I decided on the colors to use.

I used white cardstock for the card base and stamped the stars in dark blue, light blue and green inks.  The sentiment was stamped in dark blue ink helping it stand out more.  After I was done stamping, I ran the card front through the Cuttlebug using my Linen & Canvas Impression plate.  It's hard to tell in this picture, but it really added a nice texture to the card.  

I tied Midnight Blue twine around the bottom of the card to finish it off.  Quick to make and will be good for a masculine birthday.

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Think Big Favorites #13, Boy Basics: Simple Circles, It's A Celebration
• Paper:  PTI White Stampers Select
• Ink:  PTI Enchanted Evening, Spring Moss, Spring Rain
• Tools:  PTI Linen & Canvas Impression Plate Die
• Other:  Twine
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Love Is All You Need

Today's contest on PTI is to "use a large word as the focal point" of your project.  I wanted to use my new "Love" die and made this anniversary card with it.

I used Soft Stone cardstock for the card base and added a layer of pattern paper with pink little roses, rounding the bottom corners.  I die-cut a scalloped and a plain heart in two different color pinks, layerer them, stamping "is all you need" in Soft Stone ink on the light pink heart.

Next, I die-cut two arrows in Soft Stone and created the illusion of the arrow going through the heart by placing one of the die-cuts at either end of the heart.  The heart is adhered to the card with foam tape for dimension.

Love is also die-cut in Soft Stone cardstock and I added a Raspberry Fizz heart for a little pop of color.  For more dimension, I mounted Love on foam tape.  My final step was tying light pink tulle around the bottom in a bow.

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Wonderful Words: Love
• Paper:  PTI Soft Stone, Raspberry Fizz; Authentique Lovely; Recollections
• Ink:  PTI Soft Stone
• Tools:  PTI Wonderful Words: Love Die, Limitless Layers: Hearts Die, Sketched Shapes Die; Corner Rounder
• Other:  Foam Tape; Tulle
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Love Always

Is this owl cute or what?  This is another Stampin' Up product - an owl punch that you can make lots and lots of things with, not just owls.  I'm sure this punch will be getting a lot of use.

The card base is hot pink cardstock, layered with a heart patterned paper.  I punched the owl in dark brown cardstock, adding a gingham body and hot pink eyes.  I made the wings by cutting a scalloped circle in half, and then in half again.  

The heart balloons were cut in 4 different papers and are stamped with various sentiments and Olivia's name.  I attached Peppermint twine to each balloon and placed them on foam tape.

To add a little extra to the card, I placed a clear gem on each balloon and a little pink heart on the owl.  This is just too darn cute!!

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Framed Out #11, Limitless Labels, Simple Alphabet
• Paper:  PTI Dark Chocolate, Hibiscus Burst, Hibiscus Gingham, Raspberry Fizz; Me & My Big Ideas; Recollections
• Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
• Tools:  PTI Framed Out #11 Die; Stampin' Up Two Step Owl Punch; Scalloped Punch (1-1/4")
• Other:  Foam Tape; Gems; Twine
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Thinking Of You With Sympathy (CAS #3)

I was never a big Stampin' Up fan, but lately I've been seeing a lot of stamps that I like.  This set, Lovely As A Tree really caught my eye.

I stamped the trees in brown ink on a piece of Rustic Cream cardstock, and using a dauber, highlighted the grass with light green ink.  The sentiment is also stamped in brown ink.  

I distressed around the edges and adhered it to a Kraft card base.  Easy enough?

Card Details:

• Stamps:  Stampin' Up Lovely As A Tree; PTI Mailbox Greetings
• Paper:  PTI Rustic Cream; The Paper Studio
• Ink:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Bamboo Leaves
• Tools:  Distresser
• Card Size:  4" x 5.5"

Hugs & Kisses

It's hard to believe that Valentine's Day is next week!

I used white cardstock for the card base, rounding the bottom corners.  I added layers of two different pattern papers, placing the heart border where the two patterns met.  

I die-cut 4 hearts - two in solid pink, one in matching pattern paper and one in white.  On the white, I stamped the sentiment, the heart outline and Sarah's name.  The large heart on the bottom and the smaller pink heart are on foam tape for dimension.

To add a little embellishment, I tied pink ribbon around the bottom and added two pearls to the hearts.

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Framed Out #11, Simple Alphabet
• Paper:  PTI White Stampers Select; K&Company Lovely; Recollections
• Ink:  Memento Rhubarb Stalk, Tuxedo Black
• Tools:  PTI Framed Out #11 Die, Heart Border Die, Limitless Layers: Hearts Die; Corner Rounder
• Other:  Ribbon; Foam Tape; Pearls
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Birthday Wishes

I have two new favorite stamp sets - Ruby Rose and companion set, Ruby Reprise.  Ruby Reprise was a free year end gift from PTI.  But why I put off getting Ruby Rose for so long I don't know!  Now I have both stamp sets and the dies to go with them.  And I've been making a lot of cards using these sets!  Here's one...

I used white cardstock as my base and stamped two rows of little polka dots in light green ink.  I die-cut the flowers, stamping them in purple, green and orange inks.  I added black centers to the flowers and placed them on the card; the bottom purple flower is on foam tape.

I die-cut "birthday" in Plum Pudding cardstock, backed it with coaster for support and placed it on foam tape for dimension.  I stamped "wishes" underneath it in black ink.  I really like how this turned out!

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Ruby Reprise, Polka Dot Basics, Wonderful Words: Birthday
• Paper:  PTI White Stampers Select, Plum Pudding
• Ink:  Memento Pear Tart, Tangelo, Tuxedo Black; Brilliance Pearlescent Purple
• Tools:  PTI Ruby Rose Dies, Wonderful Words: Birthday Die
• Other:  Foam Tape; Coaster
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Wishing You A Very Happy Birthday

I guess you can say I'm really happy I got this "free" set from PTI - I'm certainly using it enough!

I used Aqua Mist cardstock for the card base.  Using white cardstock, I die-cut a stitched rectangle and stamped the flower images on it.  Instead of traditional green for the stems and leaves, I used a light grey for a change of pace.  The flowers are stamped in a coordinating blue ink.

To balance out the card, I stamped the sentiment in two parts - I think it's just a little different than normal (for me).  I stamped the butterfly, adding a gem to the body and a flying tail.  To finish the card I tied white ribbon on the spine and added a little bit of glitter to the flowers.

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Reason To Smile, Botanical Silhouettes, Wonderful Words: Birthday, Frog Hop, Places Please
• Paper:  PTI Aqua Mist, White Stampers Select
• Ink:  PTI Soft Stone; VersaMark Aquatic Splash; Memento Tuxedo Black; Amuse Seattle
• Tools:  Lil' Inker Designs Stitched Mats: Rectangles
• Other:  Gem; Ribbon, Glitter
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"

Be Mine, Valentine

Happy February!  Normally I don't like the winter to go by too fast, but this winter has been so cold I'm actually looking forward to warmer weather...but not too warm!

This card showcases another new Cover Plate from PTI called "Hearts" - these dies are great because they can be used to die-cut or impress with.

I die-cut the Cover Plate and placed it on a dark pink cardstock card base.  Next, I die-cut some additional hearts in a light pink pattern paper.  Using the white and pattern hearts, I created a pattern on the card.  The three white hearts in the center rows are on foam tape for dimension.

My last step was stamping the sentiment in a coordinating dark pink ink.  This was a fun card to make!

Card Details:

• Stamps:  PTI Boutique Borders: Valentine
• Paper:  PTI White Stampers Select; Recollections; DCWV
• Ink:  Memento Rosebud
• Tools:  PTI Cover Plate: Hearts
• Other:  Foam Tape
• Card Size:  4.25" x 5.5"