Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge: It's Fun to Be Square!

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'Snowflakes'.  Cardstock:  Bazzill textured white, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue.  Ink:  Night of Navy.  Accessories:  Square Nestabilities, Stardust glitter pen.

Welcome to the Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge #125!  This week we are challenging you to go 'Be Square', or at least create a card that is!

Snowflakes are one of my all-time favorite stamp images, so you can imagine how excited I was when Heather introduced this elegant exquisite 'Snowflakes' set during the October releases!  The snowflakes are so detailed and the sentiment so elegant that I chose a CAS to showcase it.  Don't the snowflakes pop against the crisp white textured background?  Especially when  accented with a touch of glitter pen:


Be sure to enjoy the other Pretties' Gals' square cards:


Then link your creation HERE so we can admire your take on the challenge and enter your name for a chance to win a free Paper Pretties stamp! You do not need to use Paper Pretties stamps in order to play along, but if you do, you will get a bonus entry into the drawing! Please be sure to mention our challenge and link back to the Paper Pretties blog in your project posting. If you upload to a public gallery please use the keyword PWC125.

**How would you like to join the Paper Pretties' Design Team?  Heather has a DT call going on now, so check out all the information in this Design Team Call post to find out how you can become a Prettie Girl.  Our Design Team call will be open until Wednesday November 24th at 5PM CST. We welcome ALL APPLICANTS, you DO NOT need to have prior Design Team experience or publications to apply! 

**Fan of digis?  Be sure to play along with Paper Pretties' Monday Whatnot challenges and check out the newly released digis by ARTish. Need a little more digi in your life?  Paper Pretties is also holding a Digi Design Team Call -- check out all the details HERE!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Tuesday Morning Sketch Challenge #65: Mosaic Blooms

 Stamps:  Prairie Fairy digi 'Cherry Blossoms', Hannah Stamps sentiment.  Cardstock:  GP110 white, PTI 'Berry Sorbet', DCWV 'Garden Party' DP.  Ink:  Copics, Versamark.  Accessories:  PTI grosgrain ribbon, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, black EP.

Welcome to Tuesday Morning Sketch Challenge #65!  Our sponsor for this week is Prairie Fairy Designs and here is our sketch:


I love the mosaic element in this sketch, but I really need to find a more foolproof way of dividing up an image -- my OCD tendencies were in overdrive trying to perfectly divid and line up this beautiful 'Cherry Blossoms' image graciously provided by our sponsor. Anyone have any suggestions??

Of course, I realized after I finished that the main element could also be a window effect with the image placed on top!

Be sure to admire the TMS Design Team's spin on this week's sketch challenge:

Hollyanne, Jr. DT

Then link up your creations HERE to join in the fun and so we can admire the window on your crafting world!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Happy Birthday, Outdoorsman!

Stamps:  Papertrey 'Through the Trees'.  Cardstock:  Kiwi Kiss textured, Creative Imaginations cherry wood, Papertrey white, Chocolate Chip, Copper.  Ink:  Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip.  Accessories:  Rectangle Nestabilities, Martha Stewart deer punch, SU chocolate felt ribbon, copper brad.

How do you make a masculine card for an outdoorsman?  Every year I'm at a loss, but this time around I was inspired by Opus Gluei's challenge #76 :  Wooden It Be Lovely?  Take a little real wood, add a deer, plus  only the very most masculine of ribbons, and you have my version of a manly card! 

Happy Birthday to my husband who celebrates his big day tomorrow.  We'll be celebrating by trying out the Zipline in Missouri so wish me luck!!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Happy Birthday, Heather!

Paper Pretties is hosting a blog hop to celebrate a very special birthday -- our fearless leader, Heather has a birthday today!

If you are arriving here from Jennifer's (Glitter in My Hair) blog, then you are heading in the right direction.  If you are just joining the fun, be sure to start at Cindy's (Cindy Haffner's Corner) blog so you don't miss a single celebration!

All the Paper Pretties gals made a card and/or goodies for Heather to let her know how much we appreciate her hard work with the new and improved Paper Pretties store and to  express how much we enjoy our time with the Design Team.  My goodies for Heather included the 'Everyday Lily' card:

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'Everyday Lily'.  Cardstock:  Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Papertrey white, Basic Grey 'Phoebe'. Ink:  Memento Black, Kiwi Kiss, Copics.  Accessories:  rectangle, labels, and oval Nestabilites, chocolate satin ribbon.

Accompanying it was a coordinating Post-It holder (PaperCraft Planet tutorial HERE) for all those  inspirations that strike on the go:



And also a decorated chocolate bar because chocolate is a cure-all for stress and cardmaker's block, right?  This was my first attempt at a 'Pull Up Treat' (SCS tutorial HERE) and it turned out to be an easy and fun technique.  Pull on the bow and up pops the chocolate!


Next stop on the birthday blog hop is Pam's (The Stamping Addict) blog.

And don't forget to stop by Heather's (The Best in Life) blog to wish her a very happy birthday!!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Paper Pretties' Wednesday Color Challenge: Purple, Green, and Orange!

 Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'Witch Sophia'.  Cardstock:  Black, Papertrey white, glitter orange, Paper Studio DP.  Ink:  Memento black, Copics, Versafine black.  Accessories:  rectangle Nestabilities, Hero Arts black gemstones, purple rick rack, Stardust glitter pen, CM silver gel pen.

Welcome to this week's Paper Pretties' challenge! 

Our challenge for this week is to use the color combo of purple, green, and orange.  This color combo always reminds me of Halloween, so I decided to stamp 'Witch Sophia' with a paper-pieced purple polka dot (say that three times fast!) dress:


The sketch is inspired by the Sweet Stop Sketch challenge #78, rotated 90 degrees with a little extra rick rack (in purple, of course) thrown in. 

An extra twist for this challenge is to 'Make it Sparkle' so I accented the spider web with a Stardust glitter pen and used this fun glitter orange DP picked up at the Target Dollar Spot:


And I finally found a perfect way to show off this fun purple rickrack -- the Really Reasonable Ribbon challenge #10:  Halloween!

Be sure to enjoy the other Pretties' Gals interpretation of our fun color combo:


Then link your creation HERE so we can admire your take on the challenge and enter your name for a chance to win a free Paper Pretties stamp! You do not need to use Paper Pretties stamps in order to play along, but if you do, you will get a bonus entry into the drawing! Please be sure to mention our challenge and link back to the Paper Pretties blog in your project posting. If you upload to a public gallery please use the keyword PWC124.

**How would you like to join the Paper Pretties' Design Team?  Heather has a DT call going on now, so check out all the information in this Design Team Call post to find out how you can become a Prettie Girl.  Our Design Team call will be open until Wednesday November 24th at 5PM CST. We welcome ALL APPLICANTS, you DO NOT need to have prior Design Team experience or publications to apply! 

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tuesday Morning Sketch Challenge #64: Think Pink!

 Stamps:  Bee Crafty digi 'Whimsical  Girl Heart Garden'.  Paper Pretties 'Everyday Lily' sentiment.  Cardstock:  Melon Mambo, black, GP110 white, Paper Studio DP.  Ink:  Copics, Versafine black.  Accessories:  Rectangle Nestabilites, CM corner rounder, Martha Stewart scallop border punch, SU Melon Mambo dotted grosgrain ribbon, Hero Arts black gemstones.

Welcome to Tuesday Morning Sketch Challenge #64, sponsored by Bee Crafty.  We have a special twist this week in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our very own survivor, Theresa (My Sassy Cards):  let's Think Pink!  Here's the sketch:


I rotated the sketch 90 degrees to fit this adorable 'Whimsical Girl Heart Garden' image, generously provided by Bee Crafty.  Her dress is paper- pieced, one of my favorite digi techniques: 


Be sure to admire the TMS Design Team's spin on this week's sketch:

Hollyanne, Jr. DT

We're also welcoming back DT member, Tammy (Fun Paper Candy) this week -- welcome back, Tammy!

Then link up your creations HERE to join in the fun and so we can admire the window on your crafting world!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Exciting Addition to Paper Pretties!

Be sure to stop by the Paper Pretties' blog for some exciting news -- digi artist, ARTish, is joining our team with her very own line of digi images!

There are lots of awesome preview cards on the blog and links to the first six digis released.  This is also the official beginning of a new Paper Pretties' challenge:  Paper Pretties Monday Whatnots

Join the fun!!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Paper Pretties October Release Blog Hop Winners!

Thank you to everyone who hopped along with us for our October Release blog hop!


Here are the winners:

Snowflakes...Debra

O Christmas Tree...Kathy

Holiday Polly...Cammy

Holiday Fairy Meg...Imke

Caroling Cooper...javablustamper

Caroling Sophia...Alaine

'Tis the Season Sophia...Delia Cruz

CONGRATULATIONS!

Be sure to stop by the Paper Pretties' Blog to confirm your win and find out how to claim your new stamp set!

And speaking of the Paper Pretties' Blog, you will definitely want to check in tomorrow when Heather reveals an awesome new addition to the fun at Paper Pretties!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Paper Pretties October Grand Release Blog Hop!

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'Caroling Sophia'.  Cardstock:  Buckaroo Blue, Chocolate Chip, GP 110 white, My Mind's Eye 'Signature Christmas Glitter Stack', Paper Studio 'Music'.  Ink:  Copics.  Accessories:  Rectangle and oval Nestabilties, Martha Stewart scallop border punch.

Welcome to Paper Pretties' October Releases Blog Hop! 
If you are arriving here from Pam's blog (The Stamping Addict), then you are heading in the right direction.  If you are just joining the fun, make sure to visit the Paper Pretties blog so you won't miss a single hop stop for your chance to win!!

 Paper Pretties is releasing seven brand-new exclusive sets designed by Victoria Case and Joni Stringfield for October.  My card showcases 'Caroling Sophia', an adorable addition to the Sophia line and just in time for holiday cardmaking!

Can you see the  glitter accents on the DP?  I even paper pieced Sophia's scarf  because every Christmas cutie deserves a little sparkle! 

The sketch is based on Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge#95.
 
Paper Pretties is now based in the United States with a new owner, Heather,  and offers fast and friendly service worldwide.  Here are the October Specials:
 
* Free antiquing tool with all orders $50 or more (before shipping).
* Free 6"x6" designer paper pad (Paper Pretties choice) with all orders $100 or more (before shipping).
* All Copic markers and refills on sale!
* All flowers on sale!

Next stop on the hop is Wendy (Creations by Wendalyn).  Remember to leave a comment on each blog by 5pm CST on Sunday for your chance to win;  you must comment on all the blog hop sites to be entered into the drawing to win one of the newly released stamp sets!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge: Black, White, and a Splash of Color!

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'O Christmas Tree'.  Cardstock:  black, textured white.  Ink:  Versamark, black marker.  Accessories:  Winter Wonderland and black EP, red satin ribbon, gemstone.

Welcome to Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge!  This week's challenge is a color combo:  Black, White, and one other color.  It's a double bonus because we're also continuing our sneak peeks leading up to the Grand Release Blog Hop on October 15th!!

Can you guess the images which are in the  set I'm showcasing today?  Snowflakes and elegant sentiments, obviously, but the main image in this aptly named 'O Christmas Tree' set is a Christmas tree with an elegant scroll overlay.  I embossed the scroll image in glittery white EP, reversing the up/down orientation to create this elegant, sparkly textured DP effect: 



I also embossed the snowflake and sentiment, but no matter how much I use my little, anti-static chalk pad, I always end up with a few stray EP speckles.  Determined not to give up (and also running out of time), I whipped out a fine-tip black pen and added a few more strategically placed dots to create a purposefully speckled look:


Be sure to enjoy the other Pretties' Gals interpretation of our elegant color combo:


Then link your creation HERE so we can admire your take on the challenge and enter your name for a chance to win a free Paper Pretties stamp! You do not need to use Paper Pretties stamps in order to play along, but if you do, you will get a bonus entry into the drawing! Please be sure to mention our challenge and link back to the Paper Pretties blog in your project posting. If you upload to a public gallery please use the keyword PWC123.

**How would you like to join the Paper Pretties' Design Team?  Heather has a DT call going on now, so check out all the information in this Design Team Call post to find out how you can become a Prettie Girl.  Our Design Team call will be open until Wednesday November 24th at 5PM CST. We welcome ALL APPLICANTS, you DO NOT need to have prior Design Team experience or publications to apply! 

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Tuesday Morning Challenge #63: Trick or Treat!

Digi Stamps by Deedee's Digis 'Handmade with Love'.  Cardstock:  Black, Tangerine Tango, glitter green and orange, GP 110 white, Paper Studio 'Happy Halloween' and 'Cobweb'.  Accessories:  silver pen. 

Welcome to Tuesday Morning Challenge #63!  This week's challenge sponsored by Deedee's Digis and is a technique challenge to creat a treat container. 

As soon as I spotted the adorable 'Handmade with Love' set, I remembered the fun Halloween version of Peep Jars and knew they'd be the perfect combination.  I paper pieced this jar image, using the Halloween sentiment DP for the jar and glitter orange for the topper:

What I didn't realize is that M&Ms no longer come in the vibrant Halloween colors (more like dull Fall colors) and Peep ghosts are almost as scare as real spooks! Eventually I found a limited supply of ghosts and settled for less vibrant images; 'Ghostly S'mores' were the result.

Here's the jar recipe:

Layer all ingredients in a 1 quart jar (wide-mouth is easiest): About 2/3 of 1 sleeve crushed graham crackers, circle of Ghost Peeps (I used 6), fill center of ghosts with remander of graham crackers, 1 1/2 c. M&Ms, 1/3 c brown sugar.

Attach a card with these baking instructions:

Ghostly S’mores
Directions: Empty jar contents into a bowl. Snip ghosts to bits with kitchen shears or cut up with knife. Return bits to mixture and mix well. Melt 1/2 c plus 2 Tbsp. butter, add 1tsp vanilla. Pour over dry mixture; mix well. Pat into greased 8x8 baking dish. Bake at 350 for 15 -25 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.
Option 1: Leave ghosts whole; combine remainingingredients and place the ghosts on top. Bake as directed.
Option 2: Omit vanilla, bake and serve warm over ice cream or use blender to mix with ice cream like a Blizzard.


Be sure to admire the TMS Design Team's spin on this week's challenge:

Hollyanne, Jr. DT

Then link up your creations HERE to join in the fun and so we can admire the window on your crafting world!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Paper Pretties' October Sneak Peek!

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'Holiday Fairy Meg'.  Cardstock:  Textured red, Always Artichoke, Papertrey white, Basic Grey 'Fruitcake'.  Ink:  Memento, Copics, Versafine Black.  Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, white grosgrain ribbon, Making Memories poinsettia, gem brad, Dazzling Diamonds.

Welcome to the first day of Paper Pretties' October Sneak Peeks!  We have seven brand-new exclusive sets to showcase this month.  My card features the newest adorable fairy designed by Victoria Case, 'Holiday Fairy Meg':


Isn't she a perfect magical touch for the holidays?  I had so much fun 'dressing' her with flocking on her muff and hat trim with Dazzling Diamonds to make her wings sparkle!

The sketch is a classic Sweet Sunday #61 which has been adopted as Skipping Stones Design Sketch #45 -- be sure to check out their amazing fund raising for the Komen Foundation.

Be sure to stop by the Paper Pretties' Blog to find links to all the sneak peeks, then join us on Friday, October 15th for the grand release Blog Hop!!

**Reminder:  Paper Pretties has a DT call going on now, so check out all the information in this Design Team Call post to find out how you can become a Prettie Girl.  Our Design Team call will be open until Wednesday November 24th at 5PM CST. We welcome ALL APPLICANTS, you DO NOT
need to have prior Design Team experience or publications to apply! 

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge Sketch and Design Team Call!

Stamps:  Paper Pretties 'Fall Cooper'.  Cardstock:  kraft, Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip, Dusty Durango, Old Olive, Papertrey white.  Ink:  Memento black, Copics, Dusty Durango.  Accessories:  Square Nestabilities.

Welcome to Paper Pretties' Wednesday Challenge!  This week we are featuring a sketch by Frances (Stamp Owl's Studio):

I really liked the cascading effect of the sketch squares, so I opted to go with a CAS falling leaves theme -- who is more perfect than the newly released 'Fall Cooper'?

Be sure to enjoy the other Pretties' Gals interpretation of Frances' Sketch:

Then link your creation HERE so we can admire your take on the challenge and enter your name for a chance to win a free Paper Pretties stamp! You do not need to use Paper Pretties stamps in order to play along, but if you do, you will get a bonus entry into the drawing! Please be sure to mention our challenge and link back to the Paper Pretties blog in your project posting. If you upload to a public gallery please use the keyword PWC122.

**How would you like to join the Paper Pretties' Design Team?  Heather has a DT call going on now, so check out all the information in this Design Team Call post to find out how you can become a Prettie Girl.  Our Design Team call will be open until Wednesday November 24th at 5PM CST. We welcome ALL APPLICANTS, you DO NOT need to have prior Design Team experience or publications to apply! 

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Tuesday Morning Sketch #62: What's Mew?

Stamps:  Meljen's Designs digi 'A Girl and Her Kitty', Stamping Bella sentiment. Cardstock:  Almost Amethyst, Real Red, Basic Grey 'Sugar Rush', GP110 white.  Ink:  Copics, Versamark.  Accessories:  Circle Nestabilties, black EP, primas, brads.
Welcome to the Tuesday Morning Sketch challenge! We have two special announcements before the challenge. 

First,  our Design Team is wishing fellow member Theresa (My Sassy Cards) a  happy birthday which she will officially be celebrating tomorrow -- Happy birthday, Theresa!  Be sure to stop by her blog to wish her a very happy day! 

This week we are also welcoming our Guest DT member for October, Anita of Cards & Coffee.  Welcome, Anita!

 Here's our sketch, sponsored this week by Meljen's Designs


Window cards are such a fun effect, but I learned the hard way that Nestabilities will only cut through about one layer at a time! 

Isn't this a sweet digi  (A Girl and Her Kitty) by Meljen's Designs? 


And how perfect to find this grey kitty brad I had stashed away for the center of the flower element:


Be sure to admire the TMS Design Team's spin on this week's challenge:

Hollyanne, Jr. DT

Then link up your creations HERE to join in the fun and so we can admire the window on your crafting world!