Paper Girl

365 Cards: Super Sketchy Sunday (Paper Popsicles Week)

Can you believe we have another sponsor week for you at 365 Cards?  It's so much fun to work with products from various companies - there are so many awesome things out there!  Paper Popsicles is no exception.  Be sure to pay them a visit to check out their fun products.  This week, the DT is playing with images and shapes!  Today, we'll all be using some fun images.  I'm using a digital image from the November set.

Here's the sketch for today:

And here's my card:

I printed my pilgrim girl onto some Vintage Cream cardstock and just colored her in with Copics.  To mimic the stitches in the sketch, I paper pierced holes around the perimeter of the card.  Then I just used a brown marker to connect-the-dots!  The brown patterned piece on the left side is from a new Big Shot die I recently got - Perfect Setting.  This is supposed to be for a napkin ring, but I just chopped off what I didn't need and voila - it's a card layer!  On top of that, I added some twill ribbon, twine, and a button.  To mimic the flower element in the sketch, I used another Big Shot die - Little Leaves to cut out some autumn leaves.

I'm loving the pilgrim girl.  I don't really create much for Thanksgiving, but I'm thinking I may have to come up with something!  She's too cute!

Have a lovely Sunday and a great week!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Brocade Blue (Stampin' Up!); Vintage Cream, Kraft, Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Designer Series Paper: Tea Leaves (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Stamps: Teeny Tiny Messages (Stampin' Up!); Paper Popsicles digital image
  
• Ink:  Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Accessories: Button, Twine (Papertrey Ink); Twill ribbon, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker (Stampin' Up!); Copics; Gold Glitter Pen (Sakura)
  
• Tools: Little Leaves die, Perfect Setting die, Paper Piercer (Stampin' Up!)

365 Cards: White Space

I love when it's that time of the week to write up my post for my 365 Cards challenge days because that means it's almost the WEEKEND!  I always head into the weekend excited about all the things I want to work on (mostly crafty things) and somehow I blink one too many times and the weekend is GONE!  And...I've barely cracked a dent in my list of projects.  So, every Thursday or Friday, it's like Groundhog Day (for those that have seen the movie).  I really should just hang onto my project list each week, since it's essentially the same (of course, creating my list of projects is part of the fun in building the anticipation)!!

Anyway - onto today's challenge.  We have a white space challenge in store for you today.  Take a look at this sketch, and use this to guide your card design.  You can do whatever you want to the black areas of the sketch - embellishments, patterned paper, techniques, etc.  BUT, you have to leave the white area empty.  You don't necessarily have to use white paper, but you can't add anything to it or use patterned paper for that area  - make sense?

 

Here's my rendition:

 

This nice thing about this challenge is that I put this card together pretty quickly.  The tough thing about this challenge is I SO wanted to do something with that white space!  I finished it and was like "but, but, it needs a little something...".  I had to resist and it was hard :). 

I used a few new goodies I recently ordered from Stampin' Up!  The pattern on the red paper was created using the Perfect Details texture plate.  After running that through the Big Shot, I used a brayer to lightly add some vanilla ink to the embossed pattern (one of my favorite techniques!).  I also ordered a stamp set that included the stamp for the frame within the label.  That was the ONLY stamp I wanted from that set so it would coordinate with the Modern Label punch.  I'm sure I'll use the other stamps at some point, but I have a feeling I should just leave this one out on my table since I anticipate using it frequently. 

I'm hoping to get some Christmas things done today - cards, tags, etc.  Hope you have a wonderful, crafty day wherever you are and thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Scarlet Jewel, True Black (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Favorite Things (Stampin' Up!)
  
• Ink:  Scarlet Jewel, Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Accessories: Brads (Stampin' Up!)
  
• Tools: Perfect Details texture plate, Modern Label Punch, Big Shot (Stampin' Up!); Brayer
  

365 Cards: Super Sketchy Sunday

It's November!!!  Can you believe it!?  Now the holiday season is almost here - I love this time of year!  For today's 365 Cards sketch, I did use paper from a Christmas pack, but I didn't make a Christmas card.  I figure you guys are going to get enough Christmas cards over the next 8 weeks, we can skip it for today.

Here's the sketch:

And my take:

 

For the triangles on the side, I cut 2 strips of DSP 1-1/2" thick.  Then I just marked the center on one of the long sides.  I used a straight edge to connect the center mark and the corner on the opposite side, then cut it off with my xacto knife.  I repeated for the other corner to get my top and bottom triangles. 

I used a green marker to outline the inside of the white space.  It was looking a little too plain, so I think this sets it off nicely.

For the flower, I punched it out and wadded it into a ball. Then I stamped a filigree pattern in green on green cardstock and created leaves using my circle punches.  I crinkled those up as well before adhering them to the back of my flower.  

Finally, for the tag in the bottom corner, I used my Modern Label punch to punch that out.  I didn't realize it had the filigree on it until I flipped it over!  The beauty of using scraps!  This is actually what drove my decision to use the filigree stamp for the leaves too!  Since I didn't want to put my sentiment on this tag, I just used some pearl adhesives to jazz it up a bit.  Finally, I strung some twine trough the ends and wrapped it around the card. 

The "Happy Birthday" is from a stamp set...if only my handwriting was that nice!

Have a wonderful day & thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Old Olive (Stampin' Up!); Vintage Cream, Scarlet Jewel (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Designer Series Paper: Holiday Cheer (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Stamps: Handwritten Notes, , Vintage Labels (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Ink:  Scarlet Jewel, Old Olive (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Accessories: Button, Twine (Papertrey Ink); Pearls (unknown)
  
• Tools: Flower Punch; 1-3/4" circle punch, 1-1/2" circle punch (Marvy); Modern Label Punch (Stampin' Up!)
  

365 Cards: It's a Matter of Inchies!

Ever used an inchie on your card?!  No!?  Actually, me neither....this is my first!  For those of you sitting there saying to yourself "No, I've never used an inchie.  what the heck is an inchie, anyway!?"  This is our 365 Cards challenge for today - use an inchie as your card, or on your card.

Here's a great link to explain and show you examples of inchies.

Even though I've never actually created a card using an inchie, I have seen them and thought they were adorable.  It was nice to be able to stamp & color an entire image in a matter of seconds!

To create this card, I stamped my itty bitty ghost directly onto an inchie tile and colored it with Copics.  Then I layered on some doublesided sticky tape (the super duper sticky kind).  Then I poured on some clear micro beads.  It's kind of a cool effect for a Halloween card!

Since the image is slightly distorted because of the angle of the picture, here is a head on shot:

 

This card is a tiny little card.  It measures in at a whopping 2.5" x 3.75"!  I added the row of buttons at the bottom to give the card a little weight and balance.

Any crazy plans for Halloween?  I'm heading to a costume party tonight, although at the time of writing this post - Thursday evening - I still trying to figure out a costume!!  I thought I had a great idea all worked out, but after trying to pull it together, it just wasn't working.  I have to admit...I'm NOT a costume person!!  I like checking out other people's costumes, but honestly, I'd rather have a root canal than wear a costume. As you can imagine, I'm starting to panic a little!  Hopefully, by the time this actually posts on Saturday morning, I'll have it all figured out!

Edit:  As of Saturday morning, I DO have a costume figured out {sigh of relief}!  Nothing original, but definitely a do-able last minute effort - I'm going to be a black cat.

So, what are you dressing up as this year?  Or, what's your favorite costume you've worn in the past (kid or adult!)?

Have a fun & safe Halloween!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Green Galore, Only Orange (Stampin' Up!)
  
• Designer Series Paper: Bitty Dot Basics (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Stamps: Ghost Stamp (unknown); Itty Bitty Messages (Stampin' Up!)
  
• Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
  
• Accessories: Copics; Buttons (Papertrey Ink); Green Embroidery Floss (DMC); Clear Micro Beads (Michaels)
  
• Tools: Scallop Square Punch (Stampin' Up!)
  

365 Cards: You're So Transparent

Now, I know tomorrow is Halloween, but I'm kind of already starting to get in the Christmas spirit - at least in terms of cards & crafts!  So, that's why you're seeing a Christmas card for today's 365 Cards challenge.  Today's challenge is to use at least 3 items that are somewhat transparent. 

 

You wanna know my 3 clear items? 

1) Clear button

2) Clear plastic sheet (the circle window over the Santa)

3) Frosted plastic sheet

The clear plastic is hard to pick up in the picture, but I layered that between the layers of my cardstock that was punched with a circle punch.  I lined the edges of the frosted plastic with glue and sprinkled on some glitter to jazz that up a bit.  And finally, I layered a red button on top of the clear button to give it a little color and to draw attention to it.

 

And here's the inside:

 

I think the inside layer in this card would also work for a fun & simple card front!  Hmm..that reminds me...I should probably start thinking of my Christmas card design for this year!  I thought I was going to start thinking of that back in June so I wouldn't feel so rushed during the holiday season.  I wonder what happened to that plan!?

Have a great Friday and see you back here tomorrow for a really fun 365 Cards challenge!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Aqua Mist, Pure Poppy, Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink); Old Olive (Stampin' Up!)
  
• Designer Series Paper:  Rustic Snowflakes (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Stamps: Signature Christmas, Holiday Button Bits (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
  
• Accessories: Copics; Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (Stampin' Up); Red Button, Twine (Papertrey Ink); Clear Plastic, Frosted Plastic (Shortcuts); Clear Button (Unknown)
  
• Tools: Circle dies (Nesties)
  

365 Cards: Sketchy Sunday & BLOG HOP!

Hello & welcome to the first 365 Cards blog hop! If you're already hopping along, you're probably making your way here from Sophie's blog.  Welcome! 

After you make your way through my post, you'll want to hop over to Tammy's to finish up the blog hop!  Don't forget to leave a comment along the way.  This is what qualifies you for prizes!  You have until 11:59 EST Oct 31 to view all of our blogs and leave comments.

First up, let's get to today's sketch and card. 

 

Yet again, I saw this sketch and just started scratching my head!  How does Pam come up with these!? Haha!

When I started working on this card, I had something totally different in mind, but I just didn't like it, so I scrapped it.  I sat looking at the sketch to try to get some sort of inspiration or direction and all I kept seeing was a monogram on the upper triangle.  Once I decided to go with that, I knew I wanted to do classy & elegant with black and white (although, it ended up being black, white, gray, and scarlet!).  After finishing it, I felt it needed just a little bit more, so that's when I added the buttons. 

Alright...so now onto the fun part.  As your next to last stop on the blog hop, you've probably noticed we are mentioned 7 random facts about us.  We thought that would make this a little more fun so you can get to know us a little better! 

1.  I HATE cold weather, but I LOVE sweaters and coats! 

2.  I'm a sporadic knitter - I will go months and months without picking up my needles and then suddenly, I get this strong craving to knit and then I'm obsessed for a month or two! 

3.  Keeping on the knitting theme - I have a dream to one day knit an entire sweater!  If I start now, I might finish when I retire (keep in mind I'm only in my mid-30s!).

4. I've studied at the New York School of Interior Design.  My day job has gotten in the way of being able to continue classes, but I hope to get back to it someday!

5. I'm originally from the Atlanta area (born, raised, and went to college there).  I've only been a New Englander for about 11 years.

6. I love to travel.  If I ever win the lottery, I'm going to travel around the world for a couple of years before settling down somewhere (now I just need to remember to go buy a lottery ticket).

7. I'm a self confessed purse addict - I can't resist a lovely new bag!

That's it for me!  Have fun checking out the rest of the DT's blogs!  Now head over to Tammy's blog!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Soft Stone, Scarlet Jewel (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Designer Series Paper:  Black & White (Making Memories); Bridgeport (SEI)
  
• Stamps: Fresh Alphabet, Simply Stationary (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Ink:  True Black, Scarlet Jewel (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Accessories: Scarlet Jewel Buttons, Ribbon (Papertrey Ink); Embroidery Floss (DMC); Stampin' Dimensionals (Stampin' Up!)
  
• Tools: Apron Lace Edge Punch (Fiskars)
  

365 Cards: Fine Twine

Today's 365 Cards challenge is all about twine!  The only requirement for your card today is to use a little (or a lot!) of twine somewhere on your card.  I can't really explain my inspiration behind my card today.  I use twine quite a bit on my cards, but for some reason when I read today's challenge, I just envisioned it lacing 2 pieces of paper together, so that's what I did!

 

Overall, I really like this card, but I'm unsure of the button...I'm thinking I should've left that off.  Oh well!  It still works and I still like it!  I think the colors are great for a guy card, but not so much with all the flowers - haha :). 

It's supposed to be a soggy Saturday in New England today.  Guess that means I'll be staying in and starting work on Christmas cards!

Have fun with today's challenge!

Supplies:

• Cardstock: Enchanted Evening, Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Designer Series Paper:  Friends til the End (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Stamps:  Friends til the End (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Ink:  Ocean Tides (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Accessories: Twine, Button (Papertrey Ink); Eyelets (Making Memories)

365 Cards: Super Sketchy Sunday

Are you guys ready for another fun sketch from the talented Ms. Pam of 365 Cards?  I had a lot of fun with this one!  As I'm sure you guys know, Pam has been having too much fun making us sweat each week with these sketch challenges!!  This week, however, I "saw" my card almost as soon as I saw the sketch.  I changed up a few details as I was actually working on it, but the main elements came together pretty quickly for me (which made for a nice change!). 

Here's this week's sketch:

 

And here's what I came up with:

 

I wanted to keep the square elements simple, so I just stamped those with the lined poinsettia from PTI's Peaceful Poinsettia set (not that this has to be a Christmas card - I think it could work year round!).  Next I edged out the squares with the same color.  I let the DSP drive my color selections for the rest of the card.  To keep the card from being too busy, I decided to use some twine for the horizontal bands in the sketch.  I think that also nicely balances with the Kraft cardstock and pulls those 2 elements together. 

The funny part of making this card is the placement of the sentiment "Thinking of You".  I knew I wanted to do a simple sentiment on one of the squares.  I decided I liked it best in the upper right square, so I stamped it and started assembling my card.  The final elements I added to the card were the 2 Kraft triangles in the 2 corners.  With everything else adhered and assembled, I went to attach the upper right triangle only to realize, with a slight combination of horror and frustration, that it would cover 1/2 my sentiment!  Oops!!  Nice thinking ahead on that one!!  Well, there was NO way I was going to do this card completely over.  Fortunately, the adhesive I used isn't my usual adhesive, so it wasn't a super sticky one.  I gently popped off the 2 right squares (from underneath the twine), then swapped them out!  It wasn't what I originally envisioned, but I think it works!  

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Cardstock:  Kraft, Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink); Old Olive (Stampin' Up!)
  
• Designer Series Paper:  Tea Leaves (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Stamps:  Peaceful Poinsettia, Vintage Picnic Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Ink:  Melon Berry; Chai Tea Dye Ink (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Accessories: Twine (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Tools:  Edge Distressor (Heidi Swapp)
  

365 Cards: Imagine This - The Sky (Torendi Designs week!)

Hello friends & hello weekend!  Today's 365 Cards challenge is an "Imagine This" challenge...don't you just love these!?  Today, we want you to imagine THE SKY!  That means when you make your card, let the sky inspire your design.  You can do whatever you want to do...the sky's the limit!! (haha...yes, bad pun entirely intended :) ).

 

Since it's still Torendi Designs week, I used some paper with a sky pattern on it that Pam sent me in my packet of goodies.  How perfect is that!?  I love the soft colors and vintagy feel of the paper, so I wanted to carry that through to the other half of my card, but still keep the sky paper as the dominant element.  The bottom portion of my card is just vanilla cardstock.  I placed it on my ScorPal and just scored various lines on the card (I didn't get fancy with this, I took advantage of the varying widths the ScorPal provides and just went with that!).  To add an aged affect to better coordinate with the sky paper, I then used PTI's Chamomile tea dye ink to soften it up a bit.  I decided to add a pop of color with the Scarlet Jewel ribbon and text.  I selected the Scarlet Jewel because I really liked how it popped some color, but was still muted like the rest of the card.

This weekend in New England is supposed to be rainy, overcast, and gray.  BUT...I'm not there, so I am enjoying a little sunshine here in Atlanta!  I think I picked a good weekend to escape down South!  Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Supplies:

• Cardstock:  Smokey Shadow (Papertrey Ink); Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up!)
  
• Designer Series Paper:  Torendi Designs
  
• Stamps:  Vintage Labels, Vintage Picnic Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Ink:  Smokey Shadow, Scarlet Jewel, Chamomile Tea Dye Ink (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Accessories:  Scarlet Jewel Ribbon (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Tools:  Curly Label Punch (Stampin' Up!)
  

365 Cards: Super Sketchy Sunday (Torendi Week!)

Are you guys ready for another sponsor week!?  This week's sponsor is Torendi Designs and you'll be seeing their products on the cards of all of the DT this week during the challenges.  Head over to the 365 Cards site for full details on our fabulous sponsor!

Alright, ladies, Pam has another fun sketch for us today!  So, without further delay, here's your sketch...

And here's my take...

All of the paper parts of this card are from Torendi Designs.  I cut the cute little birdies out of the DSP.  The ribbon, buttons, twine, and stamp are all from Papertrey.  I used those elements to complete the sketch and to complement the beautiful paper.

Feeling inspired?  Then it's time to get busy on your version of the sketch!  Have fun!

Supplies:

• Cardstock:  Torendi Designs
• Designer Series Paper:  Torendi Designs
  
• Stamps:  Handwritten Notes (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Ink:  Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Accessories:  Ribbon, buttons, twine (Papertrey Ink)
  
• Tools:  Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder; Heidi Swapp edge distressor