Day 8 of Papertrey Ink celebrations........

.... and another challenge. This time a colour challenge and depending on the first letter of your "forum username" you have a different set of colours to work with.

Here's mine:

Here is the sketch we have to follow:

I must say this was a lot to think about and there were a couple of colours I didn't have so I replaced them with similar colours from other brands (which was allowed!).

Here is the card I made:

Here's how I used the specified colours:

White - Base card and front panel

Ripe Avocado - Top panel, embossed border punch (Martha Stewart)

Raspberry Fizz - Bitty Box Basics 2008 (background)

Orange Zest - I didn't have this one so I used "Spiced Marmalade" ink to stamp my greeting and to soften the edges.

Terracotta Tile - I didn't have this one either so I used Memento "Cocoa" ink to stamp the butterfly.

I must say I wouldn't usually put so many different colours together but these have worked beautifully.

If you get chance, why not give it a go for yourself, take a look here.

Have a great week all x

Birthday boy ..........

One last card to share with you this evening and there's a bit of a story behind this!

Basically whilst making this card this morning I should have actually been at the poor little boys party! I was devastated when I turned up with my son at 14:30 only to find the place deserted. It suddenly dawned on me I had the right day but the wrong time. The party had began at 11:00 and my poor little boy who missed the last birthday party because he was ill now missed this one too all because of me.

It's been one of those days really, I think I should have stayed in bed. Needless to say I brought him back home and gave him milkshake and a mint Aero to try and make up for my mistake.

Well, if you're still reading, here is the card for the birthday boy which he'll now get tomorrow.

What I used: PTI Round and About sentiment stamp & button, Sally Ann Hancock "Josh" digi image from "Digi Stamp Boutique", Papermania textured and scalloped edge cardstock.

Guest Designer for "Quirky Crafts" forum and a DT Call!

I don't know if you remember but I was recently asked to Guest Design for "Quirky Crafts" Forum and they have also kicked off a brand new challenge blog which you can find here.

Of course I jumped at the chance and the first challenge went live today, so i'm now able to show you my first project.

The theme was either "Foreign or Valentines" so here is the card I created:

As you can see I took the "Valentines" theme and used a digi image from this months "Quirky Crafts" sponsor "The Cutting Cafe" which I printed onto Kraft card (my favourite thing right now).

Go and check it out for yourself here. Quirky Crafts brand new challenge blog are also looking for a new Design Team so if you are interested take a look here.

I have one other project as part of my GDT for February but you'll have to wait a bit longer for that one.

What I used: "The Cutting Cafe" digi image, "Papertrey Inc" Kraft card & Bitty Box Basics 2008 card, cream satin ribbon.

Tools used: Martha Stewart heart border punch, Big bite.

More Papertrey Ink projects.

Getting into the swing of "Papertrey Ink" recently I have been putting my stamp sets to good use trying to come up with lots of different designs.

Here are a couple of cards I made to show that you don't need embellishments to create a great card. Simply great stamps and imagination goes a long way.

Stamp set used: Tags for Spring.

This is an easel card, very simple to make but also very pretty. The patterned design above isn't a printed paper but a design I created using various stamps from the "Tags for Spring" collection. A great way to not only create your own backing paper but also to co-ordinate your projects to the last detail.

As you can see the sentiment here has two functions, the main focal point and to hold the card in place whilst standing. The only product i've used to embellish this card are gems, everything else is simply paper and ink.

Papertrey Ink products used: "Tags for Spring" stamp collection, Coloured Card

Other Products: Tim Holtz distress inks - Faded Jeans, Aged Mahogany, Papermania gems, Martha Stewart lace border punch, white card

This card was made using stamps from the same set "Tags for Spring". A totally different looking card I think you'll agree?

I really like this one, I think it's the lack of colour that makes it stand out.

Papertrey Ink products used: "Tags for Spring" stamp collection, Bitty box basic card.

Other products used: White card, Tim Holtz Distress ink - Faded Denim, White organza ribbon.

Tools used: Lace border Martha Stewart punch, Big Shot, Circle Nestabilities.

Thanks for popping by : )

"MAKE IT Monday" - Papertrey Ink "Emboss resist"

"Emboss resist" is a technique new to myself, something I hadn't tried before. Well today on Nichole Heady's blog they revealed a brand new challenge "MAKE IT Monday's".

In Nichole's words:

"Every Monday there will be a technique video posted by a Papertrey Team Member or myself, showcasing a nice balance of basics and new innovations to cater to everyone's skill levels."

With this brand spanking new knowledge and inspiration we are challenged to create a project using the latest techniques. It couldn't be easier, watch the video and get creative! They have also set up a rewards scheme so that everyone who takes part can collect points which can be redeemed when purchasing from the on-line store. This will all begin once the new website goes live in the spring.

As a little taster and part of their birthday celebrations they have unveiled their first video "Emboss Resist" which you can watch here. Everyone who enters is put into a draw to win 200 dollars of "PTI" goodies. Can you imagine!

So I just had to give it a go and here's the card I made using my new technique:

I have to say i'm pleased with the overall outcome of the card, this is a technique that I will deffinately use again and one that is in a league of it's own. It gives you the ability to produce a very sophisticated, natural looking finish, something even suitable for male cards.

If like me, you haven't tried this before, give it a go, the results are beautiful.

Papertrey Ink products used: "In Bloom" stamp collection, Cardstock, Vintage button collection, Kraft card, Bitty Box Basic card.

Other products used: Versa mark ink, Clear embossing powder, Cats eye pigment inks, "Shabby Shutters" Distress ink, string.

Tools Used: Heat gun, Corner punch

A digi scrap page - "My Girl"

Happy Friday everyone! I must say i'm glad the weeks over, it's been a pretty miserable one weather wise and it's still raining now. Fingers crossed it will pick up for tomorrow as it's hubbys birthday. I have a birthday cake to make with the kids this afternoon which will be "interesting" i'm sure.

As promised here is my next digi page using the "My Girl" kit from "Digital Scrap Cafe". I love the colours in this collection, they are deffinately up my street and they were a joy to work with.

I wanted to keep the page simple so as not to take too much attention away from the photo. I can't believe how grown up she looks in this photograph, where is the time going? I love to change my photos to black/white as it gives a whole new atmosphere and also guides your eye where it's supposed to!

"My Boy" Digi Kit SB Page - Discovery...

Digital Scrap Cafe are celebrating their birthday by offering 50% off the entire store from 3-9 Feb so an offer I couldn't miss out on.

I ended up buying about 10 kits for next to nothing, so a real bargain.

 

Here is my first project using the "My Boy" digi kit which shows my little boy just as he is. I adore him and love watching  him play for hours with nothing more than kitchen rolls! I want to document these everyday moments as I believe they are just as important if not more so than special occassions. Such cute pictures like these cry out to be scrapped.

Here's my boy:

I can't wait to use the "My Girl" kit next, tomorrow morning I hope!

Finally I want to thank everyone for the kind words you left and get well wishes for my son, I 'm very glad to report he's back to his old tricks ;o) Kids, don't they make you worry!