Pretty in Pink

I made two more cards using the Don't Forget to Write kit by Papertrey Ink, this time in the Pretty in Pink colorway from the instructions.

This first one is exactly like Betsy Veldman's original design.  I cut a scalloped card base from Fresh Snow linen cardstock and adhered patterned paper from the kit.  I cut a square frame, stamping the flourishes in Hibiscus Burst ink.  I also stamped the sentiment in the same ink.

I cut the large "gift" word from Aqua Mist cardstock and sponged it with Ocean Tides ink.  The flowers are Hibiscus Burst with the centers stamped in the same color.  I stamped the leaves with Mint Julep and New Leaf ink.  Then I simply glued everything together.  I love this pretty color combo!

For my second card, I followed the instructions for the gift box label wrap.  The Sweet Blush card base was stamped with Background Basics: Text Style using VersaMark ink.  (one of my favorite ways to add soft detail and the only change from the directions)  I adhered a narrow strip of Lovely Lady cardstock down the center.

I cut two square frames, stamping one with Hibiscus Burst flourishes and Sweet Blush stripes, and glued them together.  For the center Aqua Mist square, I embossed the sentiment in white and sponged Ocean Tides ink below.  I used one of the pre-printed floral bouquets from the kit for a final embellishment. 

Aren't they both sweet?  I really love the colors, as I stated before, and I am really enjoying this kit.

Stamps:  Don't Forget to Write, Background Basics: Text Style (Papertrey Ink)
Ink:  Hibiscus Burst, Sweet Blush, Mint Julep, New Leaf, Ocean Tides (Papertrey Ink); VersaMark
Paper: Aqua Mist, Lovely Lady, Sweet Blush, Fresh Snow linen, Don't Forget to Write dsp (Papertrey Ink)
Misc:  Don't Forget to Write dies (Papertrey Ink); white embossing powder (Filigree)

Minty Fresh

I've been playing with my Don't Forget to Write kit by Papertrey Ink again.  This time, I created the Minty Fresh stationery set.  I probably wouldn't have put these colors together myself, but I like the combination.  They just exude spring, don't they?  I made four cards total, following the directions closely with just a few minor changes.

I cut a piece of striped patterned paper from the kit and adhered it to a Fresh Snow linen card base.  I cut a circle frame from the linen paper, sponged it with Berry Sorbet ink, and stamped the flourishes in the same ink.  On the "sending" die cut, I sponged the bottom half with Summer Sunrise ink.  I stamped one flower cluster in Berry Sorbet with Hibiscus Pink centers and one flower cluster in Summer Sunrise with Orange Zest centers.  The leaves are stamped with Mint Julep and Green Parakeet ink.  I did add leaves to the bottom flower, unlike the original directions.

I cut a banner using the Tag Sale: Quilted die from linen cardstock and a smaller banner using the Tag Sale #10 die from Aqua Mist cardstock.  The directions said to cut your own sentiment banner, but I knew that die would be a perfect fit!  I stamped "birthday cheer" using Stormy Seas ink.  Then I glued everything in place.

For the second A1-size card, I glued a piece of striped paper to a Fresh Snow linen card base.  I cut a frame and stamped the flourishes in Berry Sorbet ink.  I also stamped flowers in Berry Sorbet with Hibiscus Burst centers.  The leaves are Mint Julep and Green Parakeet.  I stamped a sentiment from Fillable Frames Additions 2 in Stormy Seas ink instead of doing a sponged monogram like the directions.  Sweet and simple!

I love this scalloped notecard die!  I cut a Fresh Snow linen card base and stamped corner flourishes with Stormy Seas ink.  I used the selective stamping technique to add tiny accents in Summer Sunrise and Berry Sorbet ink, my own additions to the original design.  I cut a circle frame from linen cardstock and stamped the striped circle in Mint Julep ink.  The flourishes are stamped with Berry Sorbet.  I added a Smoky Slate "note" die cut to the frame.  (my mistake - I thought I had grabbed Stormy Seas, but it still works)  Then I stamped "just a" in Summer Sunrise ink and added Summer Sunrise flowers with Orange Zest centers and Mint Julep/Green Parakeet leaves.

This final card was an exercise in frustration.  I copied the box label directions to make another small scalloped notecard, but instead of quick and easy, I ran into some issues.  I glued a piece of patterned paper to a Fresh Snow linen card base.  I cut the large "note" word and sponged the lower half with Summer Sunrise ink.  When I went to stamp the "a", I got it crooked.  Blast!  I covered up the error with a hand-cut Aqua Mist flower and stamped the "a" in a different place.  After stamping the rest of my sentiment in Stormy Seas ink, I added two smaller Aqua Mist flowers for balance.  During this "what-do-I-do-experimentation", I managed to drop my Summer Sunrise inkpad on my card.  Aargh!  It left a lovely yellow smudge on the top edge of my card.  After much deliberation, I cut a linen piece with the Scalloped Frames die by Pretty Pink Posh, trimmed it down, and glued it along the edge.  You can barely see the smudge now, thank goodness!  No one would ever know that I didn't design it this way in the first place.  Unless, of course, you are reading my blog.  lol   :)

I really enjoyed making these cards!  I've already made one card from the pink set, so be looking for that next.

Stamps:  Don't Forget to Write, Fillable Frames Additions 2 (Papertrey Ink)
Ink:  Aqua Mist, Berry Sorbet, Green Parakeet, Hibiscus Burst, Mint Julep, Orange Zest, Stormy Seas, Summer Sunrise
Paper:  Fresh Snow linen paper, Aqua Mist, Don't Forget to Write dsp (Papertrey Ink); Smoky Slate (Stampin' Up)
Misc:  Don't Forget to Write dies, Tag Sale: Quilted die, Tag Sale #10 die (Papertrey Ink); Scalloped Frames die (Pretty Pink Posh)

Time's a Dragon Without You

 
I'm squeaking in at the last minute with a mini card for the latest Lawnscaping Challenge to Sparkle It Up.  I don't know how I missed it before, because I love any excuse to add sparkle to my creations!  I colored this adorable dragon from Critters Ever After by Lawn Fawn over a month ago and it's been sitting on my desk ever since.
 

For the challenge, I added silver Wink of Stella to the dragon's horns and clear Wink of Stella to the wings.  I cut a piece of Dark Chocolate cardstock using the Stitched Hillside Borders dies by Lawn Fawn and covered it with Brushed Corduroy Distress Stickles.  It simulates the texture of dirt with some extra sparkle, grounding the dragon perfectly.  Love it!

 

As you can see, I was rapidly running out of daylight while taking these pictures.  (Stickles can take a while to dry.)  I snapped a couple of photos inside trying to capture the sparkle.  Hopefully you can see it in the close-up shot.

 

My son and daughter got a kick out of the sentiment!  It's from Dexter the Dragon by Kraftin' Kimmie.  I may slip this little card into my husband's suitcase the next time he takes a business trip.  I'm glad I finally got this cute dragon off my desk and onto a card.   He makes me smile!

Stamps:  Critters Ever After (Lawn Fawn); Dexter the Dragon (Kraftin' Kimmie)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper:  White, Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink); Regals Collection Pattern Stack dsp (Stampin' Up)
Copic:  G28, G40, G43, G46, E42, E44, N0, N2, N4
Misc:  Envie die (Avery Elle); Stitched Hillside Border die (Lawn Fawn); clear and silver Wink of Stella pens; Brushed Corduroy Distress Stickles

Watercolor Hugs

I'm participating in the monthly Papertrey Ink blog hop today.  It's been a while since I've joined in and it feels so good to be back!  Here's the inspiration photo and challenge:

artwork from Sarah Langtry from Just the Bees Knees

I love the way Sarah layered the gray text over the watercolored images here, and I thought how lovely the same design principles would look applied to a card! Replace the popsicles with butterflies, florals, hearts, stars or anything else you dream up. Pick one of the color palettes to base your entire card on, or try using all of them! Look for big sentiments that featured a mix of serif and script. Really experiment and have fun stepping out of your comfort zone!

I went with a soft pink palette based on the popsicle in the lower left corner, choosing a flower image from One Big Happy and a sentiment from Big Hugs.

I absolutely love how it turned out!  I didn't really have a firm vision in mind and just went with the creative flow.  First, I stamped the flowers in Lovely Lady ink using the watercolor spritz technique.  None of them look the same.  Some flowers came out softer and more blurred, probably because I spritzed extra water on the stamp.  Take that, perfectionism!  I did the same technique with the flower centers using Stormy Sea ink, but this time I stamped off first before spritzing.

The stamped panel is watercolor paper, by the way.  Since I wasn't worried about it buckling or pilling, even after the watercolor technique, I sprayed the paper with Heirloom Gold Perfect Pearls Mist.  It is so shimmery in real life!  (especially in the sun)  Hopefully you can see it in the close-up photo.  I love the size variation in the splatter.  I also added some tiny stamped-off Lavender Moon hearts using an image from Big Hugs.  It's very subtle and adds just a bit more color variation and texture.

I cut two large "hugs" words from Stormy Sea cardstock and layered them together for dimension.  Then I stamped my sentiment from Big Hugs just above it in Stormy Sea ink.  Everything was glued to a Lovely Lady card base.

My daughter Emily came home from school while I was photographing my card and promptly claimed it as hers.  lol  I love that girl!  I'm glad I was able to get a card done for the blog hop.  It was fun to try a new technique and get out of my comfort zone.  I think I channeled the inspiration photo and challenge quite well.   :)

Stamps:  One Big Happy, Big Hugs (Papertrey Ink)
Ink:  Lovely Lady, Stormy Sea, Lavender Moon (Papertrey Ink)
Paper:  Lovely Lady, Stormy Sea (Papertrey Ink); watercolor paper
Misc:  Big Hugs die (Papertrey Ink); Heirloom Gold (Perfect Pearls Mists)  

Wisteria Garden

My pack of Fresh Snow linen cardstock came in the mail yesterday, so I pulled out my Don't Forget to Write kit this morning and followed the instructions to make this trio of cards.  There are four suggested colorways using the printed papers and this one, Wisteria Garden, is my favorite.  I just love the soft colors!

For my first card, I trimmed down the watercolor stripe patterned paper just slightly to leave a border of color on the Aqua Mist card base.  Other than that, I followed the directions exactly.  I die cut a pre-printed floral bouquet and glued it down.  I cut the label from Fresh Snow linen cardstock and stamped the flourishes in Aqua Mist.  Using Winter Wisteria cardstock, I cut the large word "note" and stamped the "just a" part of the sentiment in the matching ink.  Quick and easy!

For my second card, I cut a base from Fresh Snow linen cardstock.  I trimmed a piece of Aqua Mist for the banner flag and cut another label from linen cardstock, stamping the flourishes in Spring Rain ink.  I slipped the banner through the label and glued it in place on the card base.  I adhered a smaller pre-printed floral embellishment on top.  Then, I stamped "just a note" in Spring Rain and Winter Wisteria ink on the bottom of the card.  Another easy card!

For my third card, I cut a scalloped notecard out of Aqua Mist cardstock.  I seriously love this die!  I glued a piece of the watercolor stripe patterned paper to the front.  I cut both the square and circle frames out of Fresh Snow linen cardstock, making sure to cut out the centers as well.  I stamped the flourishes in Spring Rain and Winter Wisteria ink as directed.

I used the stencils included in the Don't Forget to Write kit to add my first initial to the center of the round circle by sponging with Winter Wisteria ink.  It looks like it was printed on the cardstock!  After doing all of that, I layered the frames on the card base.

That sweet little stamped bouquet gave me fits.  I believe this one is my seventh try.  I ended up slightly changing the colors because it just didn't look right.  I used Spring Moss ink instead of Mint Julep for the lighter color on the leaves, Amethyst Allure for the flower centers, and Tropical Teal on the Aqua Mist flowers.  I followed the directions for everything else.  Once I was happy with it, I glued it to my card.

It's so sweet!  Of course, I'm partial to scallops.  I would love a long border die just like this.  I haven't made a square card in ages, so this was fun to make.  I can't wait to use it!  I'm very happy with these new cards.  :)

Stamps:  Don't Forget to Write (Papertrey Ink)
Ink:  Aqua Mist, Amethyst Allure, Blueberry Sky, Simply Chartreuse, Spring Moss, Spring Rain, Tropical Teal, Winter Wisteria
Paper:  White, Fresh Snow Linen, Aqua Mist, Winter Wisteria, Don't Forget to Write dsp (Papertrey Ink)
Misc:  Don't Forget to Write dies and stencil (Papertrey Ink), sponge 

Mini Hogs & Kisses

The main pieces for this mini card have been on my desk for a while.  In fact, I think I colored the pig a few months ago!  It was in my scrap drawer and is from Lunar Animals by Mama Elephant.  I pulled it out after I got the Rolling Hills die by My Favorite Things.  I envisioned a little farm scene, naturally.  It finally all came together when I pulled out two Pure Innocence sets yesterday, Piggy Bank and Farmer Girl.

I cut the card base and envelope using the Envie die by Avery Elle.  The base is in three pieces - white, Soft Sky, and Garden Green.  Actually, the die cut fence is a Dark Chocolate piece layered behind the grass, so it's really four pieces total.  I brushed a white pigment inkpad over the Soft Sky to mimic feathery clouds.

I used a Garden Green marker to add grass details.  Once all the base pieces were assembled, I stamped my sentiment from Piggy Bank in black ink.  I also stamped another sentiment from that set, "Hope your day is filled with squeals of delight", on the back.  I plan to write a short personal message underneath.

I stamped the hay bale image from Farmer Girl using Hello Honey ink on the matching cardstock and cut it out.  I added some shading using the matching marker as well.  Then I colored and cut out a little chick from the same set to place on top of the hay bale.  My cute little pig needed a companion! 

How could I resist another polka-dot envelope to go with it?  Now I have one more mini card in my stash.  Of course, school ends for the summer in just three weeks so I need to use it soon.  Here's hoping my daughter squeals when she sees it!   :)

Stamps:  Lunar Animals (Mama Elephant); Piggy Bank, Farmer Girl (My Favorite Things)

Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento); Hello Honey (Stampin' Up); Sweet Tooth (My Favorite Things)

Paper:  White, Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink); Soft Sky, Garden Green, Hello Honey, Regals Collection Pattern Stack dsp (Stampin' Up)

Copic:  Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17, Y38

Misc:  Envie dies (Avery Elle); Rolling Hills dies (My Favorite Things); Hello Honey marker, Garden Green marker (Stampin' Up)

What's the Buzz?

Three weeks ago, I made a quick background with the bee image from Garden in Bloom by Stampin' Up.  I've been wondering what to do with it ever since!  I framed it with scallops last week and there it sat.  lol  Some cards are a work in progress!  I finally finished it this morning.

I stamped the bees using Daffodil Delight and black ink.  Quick and easy!  The black scallop mat was cut with the Sunshine Layers die by Wplus9 Designs.  I trimmed my bee background down to fit inside the frame.  I also cut the large hello word from black cardstock.  I cut a small piece of Daffodil Delight cardstock with the Howdy Frames by My Favorite Things and stamped a sentiment from Honey Bees Sentiments by Papertrey Ink.  I popped it up just slightly with another piece of cardstock.

I like how the card turned out, even if it took me three weeks to make it.  :)

Stamps:  Garden in Bloom (Stampin' Up); Honey Bees Sentiments (Papertrey Ink)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper:  White, True Black (Papertrey Ink); Daffodil Delight (Stampin' Up)
Misc:  Sunshine Layers die (Wplus9 Designs); Hello Word (Lil' Inker); Howdy Frames die (My Favorite Things)

Note of Thanks

Here's the second card I created with the Don't Forget to Write kit by Papertrey Ink.  I love the colors I chose, which were taken from the spotted paper in the All is Calm dsp by Stampin' Up.

I cut a strip of the patterned paper and matted it with Lost Lagoon cardstock that I punched with the Scallop Border punch and glued it to a white card base.  I cut Soft Sky cardstock using the circle frame die and stamped the stripe/flourishes in Smoky Slate ink.

After cutting out the flowers and leaves with the matching dies, I stamped them in Lost Lagoon and Pear Pizzazz ink, using Silver Stickles for the flower centers.  I cut the word "note" twice from white cardstock and layered them for a bit of dimension.  I stamped "of thanks" on a tiny piece of Smoky Slate cardstock using the matching ink.  Then I glued everything in place.

I love the soft colors of this card!  I could easily make a set of these, now that the design process is done.  I really love the new Make It Market kit.  I'm waiting on a pack of Fresh Snow linen cardstock so I can make all the pretty cards in the instructions.  I'll post them once I do!

Stamps:  Don't Forget to Write (Paperrey Ink)
Ink:  Smoky Slate, Pear Pizzazz, Lost Lagoon (Stampin' Up)
Paper:  White (Papertrey Ink); Lost Lagoon, Soft Sky, Smoky Slate, All is Calm dsp (Stampin' Up)
Misc:  Don't Forget to Write dies (Papertrey Ink); Silver Stickles; Scallop Border punch (Stampin' Up)

Sending My Love

I splurged and got myself the newest Make It Market kit by Papertrey Ink.  It's called Don't Forget to Write and has great images and dies.  I've made two cards with it so far!

The design is a copy of one I saw online that I can't find now.  No watermark and a Google image search isn't working.  If you know who created the original, let me know so I can give credit.  Unlike mine, her layers are popped up.  I wanted to keep it flat for mailing.

edited to add:  Finally found it!  Here's a link.

I cut the circle frame from white cardstock and stamped the stripe, flourishes, and sentiment in black ink.  I stamped my flowers and leaves on cardstock cut with the matching dies using Pure Poppy and Simply Chartreuse ink and added Black Diamond Stickles for the flower centers.

Before gluing down the frame, I stamped some leafy sprigs directly on the card base.  Little red buds were the final touch.  Super easy!

Stamps:  Don't Forget to Write (Papertrey Ink)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento); Pure Poppy, Simply Chartreuse (Papertrey Ink)
Paper:  White (Papertrey Ink)
Misc:  Don't Forget to Write dies (Papertrey Ink); Black Diamond Stickles

Hello Little Sunshine

I whipped out this sunny card last week when a friend was visiting.  She brought her Hello set by Stampin' Up, so I borrowed the use of it.

I repeatedly stamped the small sun image to create a background.  (a bit annoyed by the unintentional lines, but decided to roll with it)  I used Summer Sun ink and mounted the panel on matching cardstock.  I stamped "hello" directly on the card with black ink.  For the sentiment, I cut a piece of Summer Sun cardstock with a Sentiment Strips die by My Favorite Things and then stamped in black.  I created a little accent by cutting out an extra sun and popping it up.  Quick and easy!

Stamps:  Hello (Stampin' Up)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento); Summer Sun (Stampin' Up)
Paper:  White (Papertrey Ink); Summer Sun (Stampin' Up)
Misc:  Sentiment Strips die (My Favorite Things)

Pixie Hugs & Kisses

Here's my third mini card using the Envie die by Avery Elle.  It's my favorite one so far!  This adorable fairy comes from a stamp set by Avery Elle called Pixie Dust.  I'm a fantasy geek, so I had to have it.  I also bought their Be a Unicorn set.  Be on the lookout for another mini card soon using that one.  It's still in process.

Isn't she darling!  I stamped the fairy on white cardstock, colored her with Copic markers, and hand-cut her out.  I used a gold Wink of Stella pen on the star wand and sparkly glitter on her wings.  For the mini card, I staggered several cloud layers cut using the Puffy Cloud Borders dies by Lawn Fawn.  I stamped two bird silhouettes from Cloudy Skies by Simon Says Stamp.  Then I added my sentiment in black ink.  It fit perfectly in the upper right corner!  (whew)

I chose this lovely pink polka dot paper from the old retired Love dsp by Stampin' Up for my envelope.  Again, the paper is double-sided so there's a nice little surprise when you open it.

It makes my heart giddy.  I had so much fun making this little mini card!  I know my daughter is going to love it.

Stamps:  Pixie Dust (Avery Elle); Cloudy Skies (Simon Says Stamp)
Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper:  White (Papertrey Ink); Love dsp (Stampin' Up)
Copic:  E00, E30, E42, E55, E57, E59, RV52, R20, R83, R85, 0, C1
Misc:  Envie die (Avery Elle); Puffy Cloud Borders dies (Lawn Fawn); Crystal fine glitter (Martha Stewart); gold Wink of Stella pen