PTI Make It Monday #108: Inked Backgrounds and Sympathy Cards

Hello Bloggers and Bloggettes. It's been a rough past two weeks here, not going to lie. My dear friend who was a Navy pilot died in a plane crash here in WA during a routine training mission on April 11th along with 2 other airmen. We have been having quite a hard time coming to grips with it all, and making sympathy cards when you yourself are in mourning is not easy. She was an incredibly amazing and beautiful person inside and out, and even though I know she is happily with Jesus, it doesn't make me miss her less. Her husband is also a very dear friend of ours and this card was made for him. I was completely lacking in a good sympathy sentiment set and motivation for his card when Hero Arts (via Amazon) and Papertrey Ink's MIM came to my rescue. I liked the soft look of the sponging and thought it would pair nicely with my chosen PTI images. It was an easy card to put together thankfully, since I had several others I had already made for his family and her family as well. I sponged the background, stamped and embossed the silhouettes, and added the banner with the embossed sentiment. Pretty simple. Thanks for stopping by. If you don't mind, say a little prayer for the families of the 3 crash victims who are deeply grieving for their lost loved ones. And hug your loved ones a little tighter today. Our lives are but a beautiful breath.

Cardstock: PTI white
Ink: Versamark, (Momento) Bamboo Leaves, Pear Tart, Dandelion, Tangelo, (PTI) Kraft,
Embossing Powder: (Filigree) White, Gold
Stamps: (Hero Arts) Remember/Sympathy, (PTI) In the Meadow, Masculine Motifs
Other: Square Punch (to notch the banner), Scoretape

Moxie Fab World: Card Creations Week/Emphasize The Negative Challenge

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2013/03/card-creations-week-emphasize-negative.html

Good evening Bloggers and Bloggettes! How is Spring Forward treating you? I'll have to admit that it sure threw this momma for a loop! I was at least an hour behind all day, if not more. Lol!
About my card: As I have stated before, I have been having such a great time using Pinterest for card inspiration. I know it's not a new concept, OBVIOUSLY, but I personally wasn't really using my pin boards in that way until now. It has made such a difference! The Pinterest inspiration photo for my card is below. Here's the source of the pin: http://jazz--fever.blogspot.com, but I could not find the photo or the photo's true origin. Sorry. It automatically jumped out at me as a beautiful, modern, graphic statement that would be perfect inspiration for this challenge. I stuck very close to the original design, but I knew I wanted my negative sentiment to pop and sparkle, thus the gold webbing behind. I'm loving the gold and melon pairings popping up everywhere, so don't be surprised if you see it again from me soon. Happy crafting and thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: All supplies listed are Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted
Cardstock: White, Berry Sorbet
Dies: Headline Alphabet, Heart Prints
Other: (not PTI items) Foam Adhesive, Scoretape, Glue, Gold thread

PTI Make It Monday #105: Glitter Trim

Howdy Bloggers & Bloggettes! Hope this week is treating you well! I'm trying to squeeze in as much crafting and challenges as I can before the my baby boy #3 arrives in a few weeks. I know that I will be beautifully distracted by him and his brothers for a while, so a crafting/blogging hiatus is inevitable. ;) I wanted to go for a different look for the glitter trim challenge and try my hand at a more modern look. Is anyone else longing for PTI to come out with a mix of super bright, modern colors that are so popular in fashion right now? And a pretty mint? A girl can dream. Lol. I've been pinning color inspiration boards on Pinterest and it has made SUCH a difference in helping me with my cards when I need to be fast. No more staring at my cardstock, wondering what on earth to pair together for the feel I want. I can just look through my board for inspiration! The inspiration board I used for this card is shown below. The link on Pinterest doesn't show you the board (hate when that happens) but here it is anyway: http://blog.heylook.fi/search?q=Neon&x=14&y=13
Do you look for inspiration before you start your crafting? Card sketches? Pinterest? Your surroundings? Or are you a "from scratch" crafter? Thanks for stopping by!

All products used are PTI unless otherwise noted.

Cardstock: White, Kraft, Linen, Berry Sorbet
(Highlighter Yellow is from an old mix pack from Hobby Lobby or Michaels)
Dies: Simple Circles Border, Headline Alphabet
Stamps: Herringbone background, Houndstooth background, Communique Sentiments Mini-dots
Ink: Kraft (Rich Cocoa, Tuxedo Black are from Momento: Tsukeniko)
Glitter: (Martha Stewart: Sterling Silver, Florentine Gold)
Adhesive: Scoretape - available at PTI, (Foam dimensional tape from Scotch)
Other: (Double sided adhesive chipboard from Lifestyle Crafts)

PTI Blog Hop February 2013: Monogram (Future Mrs. K)

Howdy Bloggers and Bloggettes! Hope you're having a great Monday! I'm loving my new Papertrey goodies so much, it's so hard to resist playing with them. And since I needed a card for my newly engaged/gorgeous/amazing/ cousin Ashley, I thought this month's Blog Hop Monogram Challenge would be perfect. I placed her soon-to-be Monogram on the front of the card, and stamped the "So happy for you" sentiment from Mini Blooms on the inside. Thanks for stopping by! Time to get back to my SAHM duties and love on my Littles. :)

All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted

Dies: Mat Stack #2, Headline Alphabet
Stamps: Mehndi Medallions, Tag Its #5, Mini Blooms, Movers & Shakers Sentiments (selective stamped A)
Cardstock: Kraft, White
Ink: Versamark (Tsukineko), New Sprout, Bamboo Leaves, Dandelion (Momento Dew Drops: Tsukineko)
Embossing Powder: White, Gold (Filligree)
Bling: Navy satin ribbon & gems (unknown)

PTI Make It Monday #104 Handmade Pinwheels (Barrette)

Just wanted to share that you can mount barrettes on a single layer of cardstock as long as you adhere a mount to clip it on to. :) See previous post for all other info.

All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted.

Barrette details:
Dies: Clever Barrette Cover Die, Framed Out #12 Die
PTI Felt: Melon Berry, Hawaiian Shores (underside), Terracotta Tile (scallop)
(All other barrette accessories are random)

Tag details:
Dies: Tag Sale #5
Stamps: Fillable Frames #5
Ink: Hawaiian Shores, Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Ribbon: Melon Berry bitty dot satin, teal baker's twine (unknown)

PTI Make It Monday #104 Handmade Pinwheels

Howdy Bloggers and Bloggettes! Since I received my yummy Papertrey Ink goodies in the mail this week (insert squeals of joy here), I decided to play along with this week's MIM. :) I'm quite rusty in the blogging department, so I'm trying to do more challenges to get back into the swing of things. I'm in love with all of my new toys, especially my new barrette dies! So of course, I had to make a felt pinwheel barrette. It was a given. I see that someone else had the same idea, but "great minds...", RIGHT? ;) We're not going to talk about how her's are prettier. No, we are not. Lol. But seriously, they are. Go check them out! Thankfully I also received the Framed Out #12 die because the square was perfect for a tiny felt pinwheel to decorate my barrette. I only made one, rather than a pair, because my niece parts her hair to the side and only wears one. My barrette inspired a card as well, even though they do not COMPLETELY match. Shhh...don't tell. I didn't have the perfect matches in felt and Cardstock, but hopefully that will be rectified next order. Thanks for stopping by!

All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted.

Barrette details:
Dies: Clever Barrette Cover Die, Framed Out #12 Die
PTI Felt: Melon Berry, Hawaiian Shores (underside), Terracotta Tile (scallop)
(All other barrette accessories are random)

Tag details:
Dies: Tag Sale #5
Stamps: Fillable Frames #5
Ink: Hawaiian Shores, Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Ribbon: Melon Berry bitty dot satin, teal baker's twine (unknown)

Card details:
Dies: Dahlia (Nestabilities)
Felt: Melon Berry
Paper: White, Berry Sorbet polka dot pattern paper
Stamps: Fillable Frames #5, Fancy Flourishes
Ink: Hawaiian Shores, Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Bling (not PTI): Scoretape, Glitter, Mr. Huey shine, Copper brad, teal blue flower

PTI 6th Anniversary: Watercolor Challenge (card #8 & final)

This is my Father-in-law's birthday card. He's turning 61, so I put the clock's hour hand on the six and the minute hand on the one. Bet no one notices but me. ;) I was going for an aged look since my FIL loves antiques, (not because I'm trying to make him feel old) and has his great granddaddy's pocket watch on display in his home. It's one of his favorite possessions. I added to the look by scratching the edges of the watercolor paper with my scissors after it was dry. He is a little rough around the edges after all. Aren't all good old TX boys? Lol!

Cardstock: PTI Ripe Avocado, cream watercolor paper
Stamps: PTI Think Big Favorites #12, Studio 112 pocket watch (found in the $1 bin at JoAnn's)
Bling: brushed brass brads, DaVinci Watercolors, corner chomper
Ink: Versafine Onyx

PTI 6th Anniversary: Watercolor Challenge (card #7)

A card for a dear friend I miss down in TX. Rather than wetting the paper first, I just used wet, dabbing brush strokes.

Cardstock: PTI White
Stamps: PTI Iconic Images (limited edition)
Bling: PTI Spring Rain Twill, DaVinci Watercolors, clear gems, corner chomper
Ink: Versafine Onyx

PTI 6th Anniversary: Watercolor Challenge (card #6)

Added rock salt crystals to the watercolor paper while it was still wet to give the raindrop effect. A "Warrior On" card for a friend who's been having a tough time.

Cardstock: PTI White, Watercolor paper
Stamps: PTI Movers & Shakers sentiments
Bling: DaVinci Watercolors, PTI Melon Berry bitty dot ribbon
Ink: Versafine Onyx

PTI 6th Anniversary: Watercolor Challenge (card #5)

Wish the sentiment showed up better and had more contrast with the background, but in a way it's kind of ironic. ;)

Cardstock: PTI Kraft, Watercolor paper
Stamps: Think Big Favorites #10, Amuse Aspens Background
Bling: PTI jute twine, DaVinci Watercolors
Ink: Versafine Onyx

PTI 6th Anniversary: Watercolor Challenge (card #4)

Rather than wetting the watercolor paper, I wet natural bakers twine and laid down lines of color on the watercolor paper panel. :)

Cardstock: PTI White, watercolor paper
Stamps: PTI Think Big Favorites #3
Impression plate: PTI Woodgrain
Ink: Versafine Onyx, DaVinci Watercolors

PTI 6th Anniversary: Watercolor Challenge (card #3)

Simple birthday card. Don't love it, not going to lie, but it was fun to watercolor all the same. :) Heat embossed the background images in clear embossing powder before painting.

Cardstock: PTI Simply Chartreuse, PTI White, Watercolor paper.
Stamps: PTI Iconic Images (limited edition), Think Big Favorites #12
Bling: Filigree clear embossing powder, green gems, DaVinci Watercolors
Ink: Versafine Onyx

PTI 6th Anniversary: Watercolor Challenge (card #2)

Next up, a birthday card for my GORGEOUS niece who will be turning 10. 10!!! Crazy. Wasn't it just yesterday she completely changed my world forever with her first cry? Sigh. Hug them tight, peeps. They grow up too fast. Decided to try watercoloring a die cut. These are precut flowers, but I have future plans to paint on my own watercolor paper die cuts using my PTI dies.

Cardstock: PTI Kraft, PTI Black
Stamps: Think Big Favorites #2
Dies: PTI Chevron
Bling: PTI Holiday mix vintage buttons, PTI jute twine, Textured white flowers (brand unknown) purchased from Hobby Lobby?, DaVinci Watercolors
Ink: Versafine Onyx

PTI 6th Anniversary: Watercolor Challenge (card #1)

Howdy Bloggers and Blogettes! I had so much fun participating in today's PTI Watercolor Challenge that I made 8 cards! That's an all time record peeps! Who hoo!!! Thank The Lord my boys take a nap or this never would have happened. Can't get much done with a 3 year old and 19 month old trying to "help" mommy. ;) It's past my pregnant bedtime here, so I'm keeping these posts short and sweet. No detailed deets, but feel free to ask a question in the comments if you need further info. :) First card up is my favorite of the group. I made it for my big sister who I miss dearly now that we've moved from TX to WA.
:(

Card stock: PTI White, watercolor paper
Stamps: PTI Year Of Flowers Violets, PTI Signature Greetings
Bling: Kaiser Craft Adhesive Pearls, DaVincimWatercolors, Mr. Huey Shine, corner chomper
Ink: Versafine Onyx

PTI 6th Anniversary: Year of Flowers Challenge (Card#2)

Hello again Blogettes! Two blog entries in one night after over a year of being MIA!?! I'd be speechless if I didn't have a blog entry to write. Lol. This is epic ladies. EPIC. And fellas. Not trying to be sexist to my manly craft bloggers out there. Since more entries equals a higher chance of winning I thought I'd shoot for a little extra advantage with a second card. ;) This card features the beautiful PTI YOF Mums set. I started out by stamping the flower image 3 times on white cardstock and coloring each of them with Copic markers. Since I knew I'd be cutting the layers out, I only colored what I needed to show, so as to save my precious Copic ink. Those markers are pricey guys. No use wasting valuable ink on throw away scraps. Worth the money, but PRICEY. Next, I stamped, colored, and cut out the leaves. I stacked the flower layers with dimensional adhesive and the got to work on the card base. I started out with a A2 Spring Rain background, then I die cut two strips of True Black using my PTI Edgers #1 die. I used the edgers and their inverse to form a frame around the vintage cream square panel with rounded corners (thanks to my awesome corner chopper) and stamped three lines on the left using my PTI Faux Ribbon set. For the sentiment I stamped one of the phrases from Think Big Favorites #3 and finished the card off by adhering the flower. Again, I wanted a relatively simple layout to really highlight the beauty of the flower and leaves' design. Well, I wish you all luck, but I'm not going to lie...I REALLY HOPE I WIN TOO. Lol! Thanks for stopping by!

If you leave a comment, let me know what your favorite old school, underused PTI set is. Mine is Faux Ribbon right now. It's an amazing set of stripes that isn't really ever showcased. You should check it out!

PTI 6th Anniversary: Year of Flowers Challenge (Card #1)

Greetings Blogettes! And the award for BLOGGER WHO APPARENTLY FELL OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH goes to...ME! Lol! Just realized today that the last time I blogged a project was October of 2011. How sad is that!?! Nothing to motivate you to dust off the old blog (or resuscitate it in my situation) like PTI Anniversary time and a chance to win $60 towards their fabulous goodies! My first card showcases the beautiful PTI YOF Violets set. I went with a very simple layout because the flowers' designs are so breathtaking on their own, I didn't want to do anything to distract from them. Started out by stamping the flowers and leaves in black on PTI white cardstock and colored them with Copic markers. Next, I cut out the individual flowers and leaves and stacked them using dimensionals and adhered gems to the flower centers. Lastly, I affixed them to a plain PTI white card base, and finished it off with a simple sentiment from PTI Communique Sentiments. I really love the YOF line and hope to add a few more of the sets to my collection in the future. Thanks for stopping by! I'll try to be better about blogging this year, but with 8 weeks left in my pregnancy with boy #3, and two other precious little boys to distract me, I'm not making any promises. ;)
If you leave a comment, let me know if you have any tiny (or big) precious distractions from crafting in your life, and how you make it work for you anyway.