Inspiration from ATC's

I have to say that I had never made an Artist Trading Card (ATC) before Nichole asked the Papertrey team to do one for a special assignment. Be sure to check out Nichole's blog today to find out more. Above is my first ATC that I made, and it's part of a very special prize Nichole is giving away. You won't want to miss out. And check out Lauren's blog today also for a special PTI countdown post. And Heather and Melissa also have some new things to share.

Well, I got so inspired that I needed to do more ATC's. Not for trading or collecting, but as fun additions to cards. I started out by stamping some strips and circles, using Pine's Around & About Sentiments set. The flowers on the insides are from Floral Frenzy.Next, I cut some PTI recipe cards down to ATC size cards. I also cut a Spellbinder's Scalloped Rectangle for the backing, a larger circle for the accent piece and I stamped some polka dots from Polka Dot Basics onto Kraft card stock.

Then I assembled all my pieces to make ATC's. I inked the edges in Fresh Snow ink and added some Aqua Mist ribbon, held in place with a few *messy stitches* from my sewing machine. These little guys are cute and fun to make. Such a small little size to work with.

Then all I had to do was decide on some patterned paper(Basic Grey) and ribbon. The rest was pretty easy peasy...just adhere your ATC's to the card fronts. I did some additional polka dot stamping on the card base and also inked the edges with Fresh Snow ink.

These were so fun to make! Have you made ATC's? Do you trade them with friends? Perhaps you should try adding some to card fronts. They make great focal points on cards. Enjoy!

Friends '&il the End Card Kit

The anniversary celebration continues as Papertrey releases yet another fabulous set. And this time, you'll receive lots of other card making goodies with the set in the form of a card kit. Check out all the details at Nichole's blog. The stamp set has beautiful floral images and tons of great sentiments. Just check out the different combinations I've done on the card and the matching envelope!During this anniversary celebration, Papertrey is focusing on *sharing*. With the Friends 'Til the End kit, you'll be able to create and share lots and lots of cards with your friends. I'd like to take this time to talk about all of my great friends that I've met through the world of paper crafting. Most of these friends I've met online through stamping websites, design teams, personal blogs and now through all of my wonderful readers. My husband is always in awe that I can go on and on about a chickie I've never even met in person! But it's true, I love all my stamping friends so much. You all are some of the nicest people that I've met and I'm so grateful that I have you in my life.

So it's a perfect time for you to think about all of your friends that you've met through stamping. Get out those supplies.......make some cute cards......and send them out to your favorite friends!! There doesn't need to be a special occasion, just send them a card because they are your friend. Those are the best kinds of cards to get, in my opinion. The just because type of cards. Yep. I love 'em. Your friends will too!

What's round and has four holes?

Edit: Many of you have asked about my ribbon storage units. Unfortunately I've checked on this before when I showed photos. There is no name, brand or anything on the units. I got them from a friend who sold beads so they are originally intended for bead storage or possibly retail storage for beads and trinket type items. They are a very thick, clear acrylic type of material with tiered slots that tilt. That's about all I know...perhaps if you google bead storage, etc you can find out more. I know that they were costly when my friend originally purchased them.

Also, be sure to check Nichole's blog for a fun sketch CPS is doing, using Papertrey stamps. New stamp sets that haven't been released...a great sneaky peeky! I hope to play along today but will have some Valentine party girls here longer than planned....so we'll see.

Remember a few weeks ago when I showed you these tin molds that I found at the antique shop? I decided what they would be perfect for......BUTTONS! But not just ANY buttons! I'm talkin' beautiful buttons. Buttons of all colors. Buttons of all sizes. Buttons of all shapes. Glorious buttons.

We're talkin' PAPERTREY BUTTONS, people!!!!!!!!!

It's true, Papertrey is now carrying buttons! Can you believe it? Believe it, baby......check out Nichole's blog RIGHT HERE! Don't you LOVE buttons? I KNOW you LOVE buttons!! I love buttons!! I'm going to store mine in these adorable little tin molds...each tin holds one pack of buttons perfectly!

Aren't they deliciously scoop-able??? When I want to use the buttons, I simply dump them out onto a vintage tin and scoop them up with my measuring spoons. Oh, I'm in button heaven!

And did you see the new ribbon being introduced yesterday? More polka dots!! Yippee!

And I thought I would also show you my Papertrey ink pads. I know a lot of you have asked about storing the ink pads. My solution is very simple but it works for me. When I get a new ink pad, I punch a 1/4" and 5/8" circle of coordinating cardstock. The small circle gets stuck to the side of the ink pad with a sticky dot. The larger circle gets adhered to the top of the ink pad. Then I stack up the ink pads, they kind of nest into one another. This allows me to see all the colors from the side view. And when I have the inks laying out on my stamping table, I'm able to see the colored dots from the tops too. The visual of the colors make it easy to spot just what color I need. I don't keep my inks in any sort of basket. I use them so often that I just store them out in plain view. Easy peasy but it works for me.

You're Invited!

This afternoon...it was so nice outside that Eric and I took the girls fishing! I loved to see them in shorts, running around laughing and having fun!!Party girl Megan kinda fell in the pond...one foot only. Party girl Jordan kinda fell into Megan, oops. What's a wet sock and shoe though, they'll dry out!

First one to catch a fish gets a "love coupon". Guess who caught the fish? Yep, it was Eric!!

So we switched gears and told the party girls that anyone who kissed the fish gets a "love coupon". Shoulda known.......these are country girls. They ain't skeered of no slimy little fish! Ick, that's gross!!

1:51PM......SATURDAY

Remember when you asked if you could be invited to my girls' Valentine party? Well, here's the next best thing.......a CYBER PARTY just for you! I'm going to try to update you on the party happenings. Here we go!

10:00am...The first order of business was going to watch my reds kick some butt on the basketball court. They rocked! We loaded up all the other girls' bags and we were off to our house afterwards.
The house was all decorated.

This centerpiece and the hanging heart lanterns was the extent of my decorating.

Here's all the glass, place cards and bags...just waiting for the girls.

There were two ways to earn instant *LOVE COUPONS* (redeemable for a grand prize for the most coupons) when the girls walked in the door. 1...The party girls could bring me chocolate or Diet Coke. 2......The party girls could make Eric a homemade Valentine. The party girls pulled through with BOTH. I got enough chocolate and Diet Coke to last me through tomorrow. Eric got some good Valentines, these party girls had their thinking caps on!

The party girls each had to bring a stuffed animal gift. They were CUTE!! We did the exchange and each party girl ended up with just the perfect critter. They were all happy!!

Then the party girls were hungry. We had a simple lunch of sandwiches and chips and pop. The perfect junk food lunch.....what a way to start the party! Oh, I did serve pink fruit dip and fresh fruit too.

This is party girl Megan. We also call her Ida.....short for I Don't Know. Cuz that's what she says every single time you ask her a question! We love party girl Megan!! She got the award for the most disgusting lunch. She chose to have peanut butter and jelly sandwich which was just fine. Then she topped it off with Cheetos!!! Groooooooooooooosssssssss, party girl Megan!! Some food just do not belong together like that.

Well, that's it for now. The party girls are all outside. It's an incredibly beautiful day here so the party girls are enjoying the weather. In shorts! I have to go outside too, it's just too nice to be inside. Eric is hiding somewhere. He keeps going up the road to my folks' house, something about he needs something to fix up his ol' truck. Git back here, Eric!!

I'll check back later........

Let the fun continue....

Oops, had to edit to add a link for the bag pattern.

OKAY GIRLS, I'VE SELECTED A WINNER OF MY TOTE BAG AND GOODIES. IT'S KRISSA BROWN!! CONGRATULATIONS KRISSA AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO LEFT A COMMENT. IT WAS FUN READING THEM ALL.


Krissa, please email me at stamplady@satelephone.com with your snail mail address.

Krissa Brown said...
WOW, love the colors on the bag...TOO CUTE! In my purse I have...work keys, car keys, 2 diapers, small pack of wipes, kleenex, nail clippers, wallet (wish it had money in it..LOL), 2 bottles of Window Chalk from decorating the car for my oldest daughter's cheerleading competition last weekend in Dallas, and last but not least Tylenol. :) Thanks for the chance to win...LOVE your stuff!!

If you're interested in the pattern for this tote, you can find the information in THIS post, where I showed my quilting bags. I improvised the pattern for this bag and just made it on my own, using 2-1/2" squares.

First, I wanted to thank you all so much for your comments yesterday. Your heartwarming messages meant so much to me and were very touching. You certainly made me feel better. Thank you for sharing your stories and thinking of me. It's so evident that our friendships reach so much further than a simple computer screen. I wish I could give you all big {{{HUGS}}}.

On to the fun stuff.......Nichole has a very exciting Papertrey announcement today. I'll let you read all the details on Nichole's BLOG but I'll give you a few hints......it involves shopping....a fun challenge.....a cute tote.....a gihugic shopping spree......YOU MUST CHECK IT OUT!

I thought it would be fun to play along with Nichole's challenge so I created this fun little, patchwork tote. It uses Moda and Amy Butler Fabric.

An adorable little tote, finished up with Papertrey Berry Sorbet ribbon handle and a fancy little bow and heart embellishment.
Completely lined and oh so cute! Well, I think so.With a little somethin' inside.....Butterfinger and Reese's Hearts (I've eaten two from the pack already, my faves!).....snippets of ribbon on a wooden clothespin(available at Dollar Tree)......

....and a little signed by mwah. Card uses Kraft and Vintage Cream cardstock, Berry Sorbet Swiss Dot ribbon and ink, buttons, Simply Stationery stamp set and some cute embellishments I made HERE using Heart Prints(a must have Valentine set!). I tied one onto the bag also.

And guess what? I'm giving it all away to one of you! Now I have to tell you that my little Jordan was NOT happy to hear this news. She LOVES this little tote. Really wants it BAD. Thinks you all are spoiled! But don't worry, she felt much better after I told her that good ol' Mom cut doubles of the fabric so that we could make another one.

So how do you win my fun filled tote? Leave a comment on my blog telling me a little something about an item in your purse. Do you carry a camera? Are all your gum packets empty because your kids take it? Do you wish your dear husband would carry his own man purse to contain his George Costanza wallet(did you see that episode?), cell phone, sunglasses and car keys? Let me hear it girls, whatcha got in that purse???????

Now. If you comment here, you're going to win MY PRIZE. If you want to win Nichole's prize, you must enter at HER blog. You can enter at BOTH places though. Good luck!! My prize drawing will close at 12:00pm EST on February 6th. Winner of my prize drawing will be announced on my blog sometime Friday. Good luck!!

A little reminder....

My aunt recently sent me this Christmas photo of me, my siblings and two cousins. That's me, the shortest one on the left in the front row, with the cute, red tights. Then my cousin Todd(who hated to have his photo taken), my brother Jeff (the cute little blond with the huge grin), my cousin Pam(with the bowl haircut), my brother Mark(with a toothless grin). In the back row is my sister Karen (white shirt with funky hair), my brother Mike(he's so handsome) and my sister Glenda (red dress with those classic glasses). It was a very happy time back then, when we were little and all of the families got together for Christmas and other holidays. I think back on those memories a lot.

It was 24 years ago today that my brother Jeff died a car accident along with his best friend. Three other boys survived, one being my husband Eric. It was a day that changed my family's lives forever. I am sad today. But I am also so thankful for the wonderful memories I have of my brother and for my wonderful family that I have today. I don't have any projects to show you today. Just a gentle reminder to step away from your computer and spend some time with your loved ones. Tell them you love them. Hug them a lot. Do it now. Do it often.

Mish

Let's have coffee...

Today brings another exciting announcement for Papertrey. Visit Nichole's BLOG to find out who the newest stamp designers are! Congratulations ladies, I can't wait to work with your new designs!! Be sure to visit each of the stamp designers' blogs listed on Nichole's blog. They're each giving away a free stamp set!! Good luck!

Today I have a fun card to share with you. It's the kind of card that you love to get in the mail...a *just because* kind of card. I'm using my friend Pine's (Heather Nichols) set called Warm Happiness. I've always loved working with coffee stamp sets so I was delighted when I saw Pine's set. And in true Papertrey style, the images are very interactive and versatile. For the coffee cup image, I used four different stamps to create the look! I paired it up with some great sentiments, I just love the fonts that Pine chose for this set. The new Spellbinders die that I used is called Classic Inverted Scalloped Squares and it will be available later this Spring. When I first posted my sneak peek of this die template, many of you were a little intimidated by it. I think it's the pointed edges....but once you saw the die actually used on a card, you loved it! It really does spice up a card, don't you think? And it offers the same embossing capabilities as the other Nestabilities Dies. Fun stuff! My base card uses Papertrey Ocean Tides cardstock along with Ocean Tides Saddle Stitched Ribbon. Patterned paper is from October Afternoon.

It's nice to have some cards like this in your stash basket, just for those times when you're thinking about someone and want to send a little something. And there's nothing as warm and inviting as a nice hot cup of coffee! Enjoy.

Happiness and cupcakes..

Edit: Poor Becky, she's have glitter trouble! Here was her question:
Did you sprinkle the glitter on top of wet glossy accents? How do you get it to not look like a big glob? I did this at a retreat this weekend and it looked like a gross blob of glittery bird poo! HELP! :)

My helpful tip: After you apply the glossy accents to your stamped image, don't dump on glitter and tap it off. There is where you get the *bird poo blobs*. Instead, take a tiny pinch of glitter from the jar and sprinkle it on. A tiny little bit...just a few little sprinklets...that's all ya need, Becky! Hope this helps!

Happy Ground Hog Day everyone!! I'm hoping for Spring weather soon!! Thank you to everyone for the wonderful comments yesterday. I hope you're THE lucky winner of the Papertrey Piece of Cake stamp set! I'll post the winner on my original prize drawing post when I know who it is. Be sure to visit Nichole's blog for another exciting announcement today....a new guest designer!

Today I have a simple and clean birthday card to show you. I used Karen Lockhart's new Violet Cupcake stamp (ha ha, I first typed Violent Cupcake...I've never met a mean cupcake....although I've probably said "That's one mean cupcake"...then devoured it!) along with some Basic Grey patterned paper. I colored my image using Copic Sketch markers, with a final addition of Ranger Glossy Accents and some pink glitter by Martha Stewart. I love circle accents so I cut and embossed the main image using Spellbinders Circle and Scalloped Circle Die Templates. It's amazing how the embossing and scallops really create a great focal point, in addition to the stamped image.

For the base card, I kept it very simple. I used Papertrey Sweet Blush and Stamper's Select White Cardstock. I used a strip of the patterned paper under the circle accent and then made two embossed lines with my Scor-Pal....such a great look. For the main image, I used a Papertrey sentiment from Heartfelt Basics along with some hand stamped letters for the word *cupcakes*(letter stamps from my local scrapbook store in the $1 bin). This is a nifty little sentiment because you use whatever words you want for a totally personalized card.

Okay chickies, time for me to get to work. The weekend was filled with basketball games, grocery shopping, time in the kitchen and of course the Super Bowl (which I didn't watch much of). So today it's back to the stamp room, laundry(my DH threw an entire load of dry clothes out on the laundry room floor because he needed to dry a pair of jeans this morning....nice and wrinkled clothes, my favorite kind!), more Valentine party planning and orthodontist appointments this afternoon. I better scoot or the day will be gone before I know it. Have a great day everyone!