Papertrey December Blog Hop Challenge

Hi,

A quick post between visitors and a Boxing Day party.  I realized we had placed most of our wrappings yesterday directly in a bag to be recycled, but I really wanted to play the challenge so I made a trip to the shed and brought the whole bag right in and found a few little goodies! Among them was a paper sleeve that had been wrapped around pyjamas for my sister with a row of snowflakes on it.  Perfect.  I simply die cut the snowflake with a circle nestie, cut a few more layers, placed the layered snowflake on a piece of ribbon that had been wrapped around a gift to my daughter, stamped a sentiment, and voila!  Card made.  Now off to party!

Cheers,

Val

Materials:

Paper:  PTI C/S White, Unknown Silver

Stamps:  PTI Mat Stack 1

Ink:  Colorbox Silver

Other:  Memory Box Woven Circle Die, ribbon and snowflake from Christmas wrappings

Happy Holidays

Hi,
Just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful holiday.  My Mom and my sister's family will be arriving on Christmas Eve @ various times from about 4 pm till midnight and stay overnight .  We are all very grateful to be spending tomorrow morning together while having our traditional Christmas brunch.

Take very good care,

Val

Materials:

Paper: PTI C/S White, Black

Stamps: Penny Black Snow Dust, Michael's Sentiment

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Other: Stickles

                                                           

Sympathy Card

Hi,

I know it's Christmas season and all but I found myself having to make a couple of sympathy cards and thought I'd post one.  As usual, the card is very simple;  it has a softness to it.  I have become a fairly dedicated Papertrey Ink cardstock fan, but I do miss the Stampin Up Soft Sky paper.  I really thought it was one of their best colors. 

Until next time,
Val

Materials;
Paper: PTI Stone, White, SU Soft Sky
Stamps:  PTI Iconic Images, Tag It's 5
Ink: Ranger Distress Weathered Wood, SU Soft Sky, Old Olive

Other: Spellbinders Nestabilities Rectangles

Cupcake Birthday

Hi,
I can't believe it is just one week till Christmas!  Today is my son's girlfriend's birthday, and I wanted to make her a happy girlie kind of card and decided to use the Clean and Simple sketch #171.  It immediately appealed to me and the sample cards made by Natasha are absolutely lovely.  Here is the sketch:
                                                             

I used her exact dimensions.  And here is my card:

Have a wonderful day,
Val

Materials:
Paper: PTI C/S: Raspberry Fizz, Simply Chartreuse, Kraft  Basic Grey Hello Luscious
Stamps:  Lockhart Rose Cupcake, PTI Peaceful Wishes, Hero Arts Grid Pattern
Ink:  Versamark, Colorbox Frost White, Memento Tuxedo Black
Other:  Dollar Store Ribbon, Spellbinders Circles Nestabilities, Sharpie White Gel Pen, Copics, Stampendous White Embossing Powder

Starlit

Hi there,

Still lovin' the Penny Black Christmas stamps! I am finally finished making cards, but still have a few to blog about! These PB stamps are so elegant, I find they really take well to clean and simple treatment.

Cheers,
Val


Materials:
Paper: PTI C/S Vintage Cream, Unknown Gold
Stamps: Penny Black Starlit, PTI Signature Christmas
Ink: Ink It Up Gold, Versamark
Other: Stampendous Gold EP, Spellbinders Nestabilities Rectangles, Michael's Ribbon

Tis the Season

Hi,
Just thought I'd share a Christmas card that I made and kinda liked.  I thought I'd make this my main card to mail out as it is not very labor intensive and wouldn't you know it-- I actually lost the bow die!  Seriously, I have looked everywhere and can't find that die that I just love.  So... I think that makes me like the card even more.  The mind works in mysterious ways, doesn't it?

Here's to all those missing tools and cardmaking gadgets that for me at least disapppear in groups.

Oh well, I enjoyed the die while I had it!

Cheers,

Val

Materials:

Paper: PTI C/S: White, Unknown Silver

Stamps:  Memory Box  Classic Ornament Outline, PTI Signature Christmas

Ink:  ColorBox Silver, Versa Mark

Other:  Memory Box Crisp Bows Die, Spellbinders Nestabilities Rectangles, Stampendous Silver EP

Clean and Simple #168

Hi,

Made this card last night but I couldn't get a good indoor photo of it so had to wait for the morning sun.  And glorious it is!  It is a cool crisp morning here in Nova Scotia and somehow it makes me feel very energetic!  Here's my card:

Thanks for looking,

Val

Materials:

Paper:  PTI C/S Kraft,Vintage Cream, Kaisercraft Decenber 25th, Unknown Gold

Stamps:  PTI Signature Christmas

Ink:  Ink It Up Gold

Other:  Memory Box Woven Circle Die, Spellbinders Nestabilities Circle Die

A Vellum Poinsettia

Hi,

More of the same.  Same but different.  Same story, different details.  I know you get it, I have a new card, but it's with that same poinsettia stamp that I just can't put down!  This is one of my favorites!  Hope you like it.

Cheers,

Val

Materials:

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Kraft, Unknown Vellum

Stamps: Penny Black Christmas Star, Michaels Sentiment

Ink:Versamark

Other: Ranger Red Stickles, Stampendous White EP, Memory Box Loop Border Die

Clean and Simple # 167

Hi,

Haven't played the CAS sketch in a while, but couldn't resist this one!  We had an early snow storm  yesterday and I thought it made a fitting backdrop for the card!  Thanks for looking,

Val

Materials:

Paper: PTI Kraft, Su Real Red, Natural

Stamps: PTI Take Three: Winter

Ink: Color Box Frost white, SU Real Red

Other: SU Bird Punch ,Spellbinders Nestabilities Rectangles ( to notch the sentiment strip),PTI Linen/ Canvas Impression Plate, stampendous Red Tinsel EP

Third Christmas Poinsettia

Hi,
Recently I purchased several new Christmas stamps, from several companies.  Some  have still not touched any ink,  as when I do have stamping time, I seem to gravitate toward this poinsettia stamp by Penny Black.  It has so much personality and turns into something new each time I stamp with a new color of ink or paper.  Now that's good value.  It was this card that inspired me to make the following:

Materials:

Paper: PTI C/S Kraft, SU C/S Real Red

Stamps: Penny Black Christmas Star,Hero Arts Antique Brocade

Ink: Color Box Frost White, Versa Mark

Other: Stampendous White EP, ScorTape, Glitter Ritz

Papertrey Ink Make It Monday # 41

Hi,

I am really glad Jennifer posted this challenge as I had never used a glue pad, but with the holidays approaching, I can foresee much glue pad and glitter!  Actually, the most difficult part of the challenge for me was getting a decent photo.  Here is a closeup so you can see just how pretty those glittered images are:

Hope you enjoy the card,

Val

Materials:

Paper:PTI C/S White, Kraft,Enchanted Evening,Hawaiin Shores; SU Soft Sky; Unknown Blue

Stamps:  PTI Take Three: Winter, Signature Christmas

Ink: SU Real Red

Other: Essential Glue Pad, Glitter Ritz Cool White Glitter, Michaels Ribbon, Cuttlebug Tag

Papertrey Ink MIM #40

Hi,
Made a card for the reverse applique challenge at Papertrey Ink.  After quite a bit of trial and a lot of error, I discovered that it is very difficult (for me at least) to sew neatly around small cut out shapes, such as hearts. So, I decided on a much larger simpler shape and managed to create something that will not instantly jump into the recycle bin!
Have a good one,

Val

Materials:

Paper: C/S PTI Kraft, Berry Sorbet

Stamps: PTI Mat Stack 1 Collection, Hero Arts Grid Pattern

Ink: Color Box Frost White, Versa Mark

Other: Stampendous White EP, Celebrate It Ribbon, Sewing Machine and Thread

Another Christmas Poinsettia

Hi,
Loving this stamp!  It is so versatile! I really like that I am able to use it for other occasions just by changing the color. But for now, here is another Christmas card:

Cheers Val

Materials:
Paper: C/S PTI White
Stamps: PB Christmas Poinsettia, PTI Signature Christmas
Ink: Versamark, Color Box Silver
Other: Basic Grey Rhinestones, Judikins Diamond Sparkle EP, Michael's Ribbon, PTI Linen Canvas Impression Plate

Christmas Poinsettia

Hi,
Got some new Penny Black stamps and I have to say they are beautiful! Here is a Christmas card made with the Christmas Star stamp.  Beware, it is a very versatile stamp, so you may be seeing a lot of it!

Cheers,

Val

Materials:

Paper: PTI White, Kraft, Black

Stamps: PB Christmas star, PTI Signature Christmas, Unity Grainy Background

Ink: Memento  Tuxedo Black, SU Real Red, Color Box Frost White

Other: Copics

Papertrey Ink MIM # 39

Hi,
I have often admired how certain cardmakers can make beautiful background papers and just had to try THIS challenge.  I found the video very helpful, as I have often tried to make my own backgrounds with little success.  Here's my card,
Val

Materials:
Paper: C/S PTI  White, Black
Stamps: PTI Turning a New Leaf, Tag It's # 5
Ink: SU Black
Other: Memory Box Woven Circle Die, Spellbinders Circle Die, Miscellaneous Ribbon

Tuesday Trigger

Hi,

It has been so long since I posted any cards or played any challenges, but I still  "creep" the internet a fair bit "browsing" at cards.  I think I am/was addicted to looking at cards even more than making them, but I am  now trying to limit my browsing time! Just  another phase in my psychosis!  This is my shot at the Moxie Fab challenge, Tuesday Trigger and below is the inspirational photo. 

 I was taken with the autumn colors, and I love woodgrain, in stamps and in real life. 

Hope you enjoy the card.

Val

Materials:

Paper: C/S PTI Soft Stone, Scarlet Jewel

Stamps: PTI Turning a New Leaf, SU Birthday Whimsy, Unity Grainy Background

Ink: SU Bravo Burgundy, Ranger Distress Walnut Stain, "Unbranded" Sand

Jungle Birthday

Hi,

It feels like an eternity since I posted on this blog.  Here in Nova Scotia, we had a lousy July with lots of cold rain; and then August brought us many gorgeous days and I couldn't bear to stay inside!  I had received a Papertrey order and have hardly touched all the new stamps!  However, Autumn is here, and I do find the cooler weather is inspiring for so many things.  My daughter has asked me to make some small, simple Birthday cards to have on hand for her coworkers, and she wants them to be definitely feminine or masculine .  Here is the first masculine one.

Cheers for now,

Val

Materials:

Paper: PTI C/S Simply Chartreuse, Kraft

Stamps: It's a Jungle Out There, Daydreamer, Peaceful Garden

Ink:  SU Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie, Black, Apricot Appeal, Real Red, Ranger Distress Shabby Shutters,PTI Spring Moss

Birthday Flower Cupcake

Hi,
Thought  I'd post a quick card for PTI's Make It Monday #26. This is a great challenge, using an easy technique, but one I rarely use.  I couln't find an image set from PTI (from all of my 5 sets!) that was suitable, but I had this cute little  never used flower cupcake stamp, and it does happen to be my daughter's birthday on Monday.  She'll be 20!  She's  ecstatic to leave her teen years behind;  I was glad to wave goodbye to some teenaged behaviors, but having a 20 year old really serves as a reminder to me that life on this good earth is finite.
So let's enjoy!
Cheers,

Val

Materials:
Paper: PTI C/S White, Sweet Blush, Kraft
Stamps: Lockhart Cupcake Flower, PTI Asian Fusion Sentiment, SU Stitched(background on pink)
Ink: Memento Brown
Other: PTI Ribbon, Unknown Twine,Nestabilities Labels 9, Scalloped Circles Circles and Tags; Copics, Derwent WC Pencils, Jelly Roll Silver Pen

Muted Violets

Hi,
I am kind of excited about this card! I hope I captured  the softness of it with the camera.   Again this is for the Make It Monday @ Papertrey Ink, #25, which focuses on coloring with white ink. I chose the Violet stamps as they are nice and open which makes them easier to color.

Materials:

Paper: PTI C/S Berry Sorbet, Kraft; Unknown Vellum

Stamps: PTI Year Of Flowers:Violets, Asian Fusion (sentiment); Hero Arts Grid Pattern
Ink:  Versamark, Colorbox Frost White, Stazon Black
Other:  Stampendous White EP, Copic Marker

Stamp a Faire # 10

Hi,
So glad to have one more PTI Stamp A Faire challenge!   Anything to prolong the fun!
This challenge involves stamping a focal image over a stamped background.  The most difficult part of the whole challenge for me was to find a stamp to compliment the chosen background.  Once that life altering decision was made, the rest fell together sort of quickly.  Another rainy day here in Nova Scotia... oh well, it beats running in hot sun and it's a great excuse to make cards!
Have a happy day,

Val

Materials:
Paper: PTI C/S Vintage Cream, SU Soft Sky
Stamps:Hero Arts Antique Brocade, Memory Box Flower Bundle, PTI In Bloom
Ink:  Ranger Distress Walnut Stain, PTI Berry Sorbet
Other:  SU Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Unknown Clip

Stamp-a-faire Challenge #2

Hi ,
This is a quick post for PTI's festivities today.  This challenge uses hot pink and charcoal grey. Would have liked to have more time...., however I do thank PTI for including those who could not be in Ohio today. And it is a good exercise  for folks like me to have a smaller window of time to complete a project!
Cheers,
Val

Materials:

Paper:  C/S: PTI White, Raspberry Fizz

Ink: Colorbox Berrylicious, Memento Tuxedo Black

Stamps:  PTI Asian Fusion, Violets

Other: Unknown Grey Ribbon

Make It Monday # 23

Hi,
Just a quick post as it is a gloriously sunny day and I can't afford to miss it!  This is for the Papertrey Ink MIM challenge to make a card with a pocket in it using an edgers die.  Improvisation was in order as I don't own such a die, so I used an edge punch.  Had to make a 50th birthday card so I thought I may as well do the challenge!
Enjoy your day,

Val

Materials:
Paper: PTI C/S Vintage Cream, Spring Rain
Stamps: In Bloom, Asian Fusion
Ink:  Versamark, SU Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy
Other: EK Success Edge Punches, SU Label Punch, Cuttlebug Tag Die, Thread, Sewing Machine, Twines

Week 3 Summer Card Class

Hi,

These are the colors for this week's Summer Online Card Class.  The classes are very inspiring, and teach both techniques and just plain helpful tips.  I only wish  I had more time to play!  Oh well, I'll bank the ideas for winter!Here is my card:

Thanks for looking.
Cheers,
Val
Materials:
Paper:  PTI C/S Vintage Cream, SU Close to Cocoa Strathmore Watercolor Paper
Stamps:  Inkadinkadoo Tree Stamp, PTI Masculine Motifs
Ink:  Ranger Distress Walnut, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Fired Brick; Versamark
Other:  Stampendous White EP, Unknown Copper Brads, Twine, Rectangle Nestabilities, Foam Tape

Happy Hello and a Cool Little Trick

Hi,
This is another card for the Online Summer Card Camp.  There is a lot of copying involved, but I was trying to make my own patterned paper, and I happened upon a cool little trick.  For the green dotted paper, I drew lines with a ruler and stamped the circles in the squares.  (And they are not perfect, but today perfection wasn't the point).  For the star paper, I actually stamped off a dotted stamp in grey, so that the dots were very faded, then stamped the stars on top!  Now maybe this isn't new to experienced stampers, but it just sort of happened, and I thought I'd share!
Cheers,

Val

Materials:
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Spring Moss
Stamps: Hero Arts Dot, Greeting, Basic Grey Bird, Unknown Star
Ink:SU Pumpkin Pie, Real Red,, Garden Green, Ranger Distress Shabby Shutters Color Box Cranberry
Other: Fiskars Edge Punch, Stampendous Clear EP

Happy for Summer Card Camp

Hi,

It's Week  2 of Summer Card Camp with Jennifer McGuire and Kristina Werner. Following  is a card I made using an embossing and watercolor technique with this week's colors.  Inks were used to hopefully achieve a watercolor effect. The online card camp is so full of inspiration, I am so happy to be a participant!  It has really gotten me to branch out with color, usually my cards have  a quiet feel (I think!) but more color adds more cheer!
Smiles,

Val

Materials:
Paper: Su Pumpkin Pie, Strathmore Watercolor Paper, PTI White
Stamps: Hero Arts Old Letter Writing, Poppies; SU Bursting With Joy
Ink: Versamark, SU Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Apricot Appeal ,Garden Green; Ranger Distress Shabby Shutters
Other:  Burlap String, Spellbinder Nestability Tag Die, Paint Brushes

Smile

Hi,
Although I've joined the Summer card camp, I haven't made as many cards as I would have liked, but we have had some extra fabulous weather here in Nova Scotia, so there was much gardening and swimming to be done!  And just maybe a cold beer on the deck!
Here is another card for the camp using the weekly color combo and a marker blending technique.  Enjoy!
Cheers,
Val

Materials:
Paper: PTI C/S White, Kraft Raspberry Fizz; SU Pumpkin Pie; Unknown Purple
Stamps: Hero Arts Flower; PTI Sentiment; Unity Grainy Background
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; ColorBox Frost White, Versamark
Other: MS Edge Punch, Marvy Markers; Zig Marker

A Friend in the Round

Hi,

The following card is for the challenge class posted above.  I found it a bit troublesome using so many colors, but I purposely made myself complete the card without spending too much time rifling through my papers.  Many things I experience with cardmaking: the joy of creating, the awe of finding a color combination that suits a particular stamp, the ability to convey a feeling through a card, etc, but I rarely experience speed.  Any card made in less than one hour always record breaking for me. Will this change over  time?  Or should I resign myself to being so SLOW?  Regardless, this was a lot of fun and I see a lot of great cards being made with colors that I would have never put together!

Cheers,

Val

Materials:

C/S: PTI White, Raspberry Fizz, Unknown Purple

Stamps: Studio G, Unity Grainy Background

Ink: Color Box Frost White, Berrylicious, SU Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue

Other; Spellbinders Nestabilities Circles, Scalloped Circles



Imagine

Hi,
Today is the Papertrey Ink Blog Hop.  I have never participated in a blog hop before, and am excited to see all the projects!  The entries are to be based on a photo posted here.  I chose to follow the color scheme in the photo, only I eliminated the yellow, as I do not own any yellow ink that I like. But I do love how the colors turned out on my card!
Cheers,
Val

Materials:
Paper:  C/S PTI Sweet Blush, White
Stamps: PTI Asian Fusion, Take Three Winter
Ink: PTI Spring Moss, Berry Sorbet, SU Pretty in Pink, Cool Caribbean, Color Box Berrylicious, Versamark
Other: MS Edge Punch, Ranger Diamond Stickles, Stampendous White EP, Copics

Fabulous Day Card

Hi,
I have been on vacation all week and thought I'd make more cards, that didn't happen, but I did get a small vegetable garden planted!  This is something I've been wanting to do again for a few years, and I am absolutely thrilled to have accomplished this little dream!  Now onto my card.  I used the reverse masking technique as shown in the Make It Monday video @ Papertrey Ink.  After cutting my card, it was embossed using  a Cuttlebug folder.  First I stamped in Versamark and embossed in white the vase (with a post it note at the top  portion of the vase to facilitate flower placement later) from PTI's Asian Fusion.  Then I created a reverse mask by stamping another vase on scrap paper and cutting it out, using the"frame " of the vase for my mask.  This I placed over the vase on the card and stamped in Versamark the largest flower from the PTI In Bloom set, and heat embossed it with white EP.  With the mask still in place, I sponged navy ink over the flower. Next the smallest flower from In Bloom was stamped atop the vase, and then the sentiment was added.  I must say I am really enjoying these challenges, and I love the feeling of nurturing creativity.  
Cheers,
Val

Materials:
Paper: PTI C/S Vanilla Cream
Stamps: PTI Asian Fusion, In Bloom, Signature Greetings
Ink: Versamark, SU Not Quite Navy
Other: Cuttlebug EF Grace's Frame, Stampendous White EP

Fall to Layout 145

Hi,
This has definitely been a lucky week.  I won a $25 gift certificate from Winners, I received a complimentary restaurant gift certificate from my mortgage broker, and I won a free online card class from Dawn McVey's blog.  It is the Summer Camp online card class, and there are so many talented designers participating,  I am thrilled to be able to partake. I wanted to make a lighthearted happy card today, I was trying to let the colors  "talk".
Cheers,

Val

Materials:
Paper: PTI C/S Raspberry Fizz, Kraft,Aqua Mist, White
Stamps:  Hero Arts Small Solid Flower,Unity Feel the Joy
Ink: Versamark, ColorBox Berrylicious
Other: Thread, Sewing Machine

Miss You

Hi,
Oh, so many goodies @ Papertrey Ink.  Makes keeping to the budget sooo difficult.  This card is for the latest Make It Monday; it is quite colorful for me.  I changed up the  vase color a few times, but in the end, chose the blue, which was actually also my first choice.  Kinda like buying clothes. Love the look that can be created by using the  rock and roll tecnique.
Cheers,

Val

Materials:
Paper: PTI C/S Vintage Cream
Stamps: PTI Asian Fusion, Masculine Motifs
Ink: Colorbox Royal Blue, SU Burgundy, Saffron, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Celery, Old Olive
Other: Spellbinders Nestabilities Rectangles, Scor Pal

Stretching

Hi,
As much as I enjoy challenges, sometimes the very nature of the task seems formidable to me. Right now I am referring to Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday # 18, using Tissue Paper Texture.  I think I have a clean and simple style, so when a technique is presented that is shabby, vintage, ornate, or anything but clean, I think, can I REALLY do this?  And should I post it?  It's not me. But something is always gained in stretching beyond one's creative comfort zone.  Dontcha  think?
Cheers,
Val

Materials:

Stamps: PTI Masculine Motifs

Paper: PTI C/S White, Kraft

Ink:  Ranger Distress Walnut, Studio G Turquoise, SU Not Quite Navy

Other: Clear Glue, White Tissue Paper

Feel the Joy

Hi,

This is a card for Fall to Layout 143 @ Clean & Simple.  As usual, I thought this would be real quick to whip up but I really had to search for an image to fit the space. Does that mean  I need more stamps?!!!

Cheers,

Val

Materials:

Stamps: Kaisercraft Butterfly, Unity sentiment

Paper: PTI C/S White, Berry Sorbet

Ink: PTI Berry Sorbet

Other:Spellbinders Nestabilities Rectangles,Tags; 

       MS Edge Punch; Unknown Fibers

Wishing You Well

Hi,
I had so much fun making this card.  This is my first time using UTEE, and it is a little magical.   This is for the PTI Cracked Glass technique.  I stamped the vase with Colorbox ink, embossed it 3 times, and then cracked it. Hope you enjoy it!
Cheers,

Val

Materials:
Stamps: Asian Fusion
Paper: PTI C/S Vintage Cream, Raspberry Fizz
Ink:Colorbox Royal Blue, Berrylicious, Versamark
Other: ScorPal, Stampendous White EP, Ranger Clear UTEE, Copic Marker

Make It Monday # 16

Hi,
Love these  MIM challenges. I do not have a huge stamp collection, so many of my cards are made using the same stamps.  But sometimes I just get attached to certain stamps, and I really struggle to use new stamps. Maybe there's more to the psychosis than just the paper!
The Papertrey challenge this week is to make a sympathy card.  Thought I'd try a new look, I stamped the bloom in Memento ink, colored it with Copics, then restamped it with versamark and heat embossed  with white embossing powder.
Cheers,

Val

Materials:

Paper: PTI C/S Stampers Select White, Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush

Stamps: PTI In Bloom & Asian Fusion, Hero Arts Grid Pattern

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark

Other:  Copics, Stampendous White Embossing Powder, Unknown Pop-up Dots

Make It Monday #15

Hi,
Finally had a chance to play.  This week's MIM was to make mist spray using a reinker, which was all very new to me.  At least I didn't labor over which color reinker to use, as I only own one, but now that I have done this challenge, I could be tempted into buying a few more.  It was a lot of fun using the spray mist and the results are a little unpredictable, which adds to the fun!
Cheers,
Val

Materials:

Paper: PTI C/S Vintage Cream, Stampers Select White

Stamps: Hero Arts Large Open and Solid Flowers,PTI Signature Greetings

Ink: Versamark, Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Distress Reinker Broken China

Other:Stampendous White EP, ScorPal, Marvy Butterfly Punch

Birthday Wishes

Hello,
I have a little birthday card to post.  I have had this patterned  paper for over a year and was just recently able to make the first cut. Comprendez?!!!
Unfortunately I do not know the manufacturer of the paper, but I distinctly remember where it was purchased, and that would be at a wonderful shop called Buffalo Stamps and Stuff. On a trip to New York last March, a friend and I spent 3 hours in this store while a class was being taught.  I do not ever recall spending 3 hours in a shopping mall in my entire life, let alone a single shop!
Hope you enjoy the card.
Cheers, Val

             

Materials:

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy C/S + Unknown PP

Stamps: Just Rite 2" Decorative Borders Set, SU Watercolor Trio sentiment, Verve Filigree 

Other: PTI Ribbon, MS Edge Punch,Spellbinders Circles

Good Luck

I am glad these card challenges are so named.  I have only attempted simple type card layouts. It never fails, I see the sketch and a card that a talented person made, and think "Yes, I have a great idea for that sketch". And when I start to put together what I have envisioned in my mind, I usually come up with something quite unattractive.  Then I change a few things up and think "I really don't think I can do this after all". Eventually my stubborn streak kicks in and I think "there has to be a way I can do this!  And  gradually, almost magically sometimes, a card takes on a shape of its own that is actually quite delightful, at least to me.  A little more insight into the name paper psychosis?
 A card for the Clean & Simple 140.
Cheers,
Val

Materials:
C/S: PTI Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy
Stamps: Stampin Up Charming, Sincere Salutations, Hero Arts Grid Pattern
Ink: Versamark, Color Box Cranberry
Other: Sheer Creations Ribbon

Hello

Good Morning! 
I made this card yesterday and quickly ran outside to take a picture of it while it wasn't raining (1st day in 20 for no rain!!!), snapped 2 pics, and my trusty old Canon Rebel broke.  Did I take it to the shop?  Why no, I had to enjoy the day in the garden, and it was heavenly.  It never fails to amaze me how good things feel when we apppreciate them more (eg. just being outside in the sun).
 As for the card, I have often used both this layout and the Hero Arts grid stamp, I think it is my all time favorite, and certainly my most used.  I cannot take full credit though as the idea  for the card was partially inspired by this card by Laurie  Schmidlin whom I find very inspiring.  Also I wanted to thank people for leaving comments, it is both exciting and encouraging!  I wouldn't have known that my previous In Bloom card was tweeted on Papertrey except some thoughtful person had conveyed this by comment. After checking  out the tweet, I wanted to thank the person who left the comment, but by then yesterday's twitter glitch had reclaimed it. Anyway, thank you.
Have a wonderful day,
Val
Materials:
C/S: PTI Aqua Mist,Kraft
Stamps: Hero Arts Grid Pattern, Studio G Polka Dots(on bird)
Ink: Versamark, Color Box Frost White
Other: SU! Bird Punch, Spellbinders Circles, Stampendous White EP, Crafts Ribbon & Gem, Computer Generated font  (for hello)