PaperTrey Princesses Challenge- Just Neutrals

Wow, what a great challenge! Valerie issued the challenge to make a card using just the neutral colors Kraft, Black, White, and Cream. Here is what I came up with for the challenge. I had seen one of the PTI Design Team members use the Outlines Alphabet stamps to make a chalkboard look. I loved the idea so I went with that. There has been lots of chatter on the forum about showing appreciation to our children's teachers. Here is a card for my high school son to give to his male teacher.

Thanks, Valerie! I wouldn't have thought of this on my own!

Stamps sets:

Teacher's Apple

Outlines Alphabet

125 invites later...

Well, this is what has been keeping me busy! DS#1 is getting married this summer and they asked me to make the invites. 125 invites later they are ready to be mailed. Future daughter-in-law and some of her siblings came over and helped with the final assembly. There were 12 of us gathered around the kitchen island and each person had their own task. Way too much fun! Yes, we even had 6 guys helping!

The CS and ribbon color is PTI Aqua Mist and the flourishes are from PTI's stamp set called Fancy Flourishes.

As much as we would love to have you all attend, I'm afraid we wouldn't have quite enough room.

March 2010 PTI Blog Hop

I love it when the Blog Hop happens over a break from school! It has been wonderful to participate and have a few minutes to think about what I am doing, lol. The challenge this month was BUTTONS! Oh, running my fingers through buttons is truly a favorite pastime.

Here is my card with PTI white and Hawaiian Shores CS. The circle embossing was done with a Cuttlebug embossing folder. The PTI buttons nestled right into the openings of the larger open circles. The PTI Rickrack Die makes a great divider setting off the scored lines at the bottom of the card. The dragonfly is from Wishing You and the butterfly is from Butterfly Dreams.

Happy Spring and Happy Hopping.

PTI Princess Challenge #5

When Cheryl posted the challenge to CASE a card from another Princess I was thrilled to be able to CASE Joyce . Her blog is filled with so many great cards and fabulous scrapbook layouts. The card I chose is one that Joyce made to celebrate her daughter's birthday. I love the way she used the flourishes to make the background. The button that ties the ribbon is a beautiful accent.

Since I just received my Hawaiian Shores Paper and embellishments, I had no choice but to incorporate them in my card.

Thanks, Joyce for the inspiration! Your work is amazing!!!

Happy Birthday, Dana!

I think I need a brain transplant! I told myself all weekend your b-day was Tuesday. . I hope your day is fabulous!!!

Happy Birthday, My Princess Friends!

I had great intentions of making cards for Cheryl and Michele and it just didn't happen. So, ladies, your birthday wishes will be verbal for now and I will TRY and get your cards made over the weekend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

PaperTrey Princess Challenge #3

Whew! Talk about cutting it close! Tomorrow we get a new challenge so I figured I'd better get my act together and get this one posted! Melissa posted this challenge . When I first bought the Chocolate Remix DP from PTI I had visions of coloring the butterflies all sorts of fun colors. Well, I never did, until today! I used the Copic Trio for Aqua Mist and colored the butterflies happy. The sentiment is from Giga Guide Lines and the butterfly is from Butterfly Kisses.

Thanks for looking and we will see you for challenge #4 from Pam.

Blog Hop February 2010 Inspiration

Welcome to the February 2010 Blog Hop! This month's challenge was to find a card that that one of the Design Team member created that really inspired you and put your twist on it.

I have been a long time fan of Betsy Veldman and when she joined the PTI team I was thrilled! Check out this card by Betsy and then you will understand why I liked it so much. It uses fun colors, lots of buttons and is just plain fun! Thank you, Betsy!!!

PaperTrey Princess Challenge #2

Last week Lee issued our second PaperTrey Princess Challenge . The challenge was to make a 3D project using a template that we have never used before. Well, we are talking pretty basic here! I was wondering what I was going to have my kindergarten students do with their valentines and this tote popped into my head. It is the "Around Town Tote" sold at PTI. I was really surprised by how large it really is. I need to keep it simple enough that my class could do most of it by themselves. I also couldn't get it too girly looking! I only have one girl in my class!

So, here is my finished project. I will find out tomorrow if 5 & 6 year olds can actually complete this. Sure hope so! I have everything printed plus one zillion hearts all cut. I am sooooooo thankful for my Cricut!!!

Thanks, Lee!!!

Happy Birthday Misti! and Niki's Color Scheme

Here is Niki's Favorite color scheme. Now, these colors I am used to working with! They include: Kraft, Hibiscus Burst, Raspberry Fizz, and New Leaf.

Now this card I would like to dedicate to my good friend, Stampin' Flybaby partner, and Dave Ramsey motivator, Misti! Misti, I hope you have a GREAT day with no snow!!! May God bless you for all you do to help others who struggle with the issues of life. Thanks for being my friend!!!

Happy Birthday Joyce! and Lisa's Color Scheme

This is Lisa's favorite color combo; Kraft, Spring Moss, True Black and Vintage Cream. Figured while I was at it, I would take this opportunity to wish my fellow PaperTrey Princess, Joyce a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Joyce celebrates her birthday tomorrow (Wednesday). I hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday, Joyce.

Nichole's Color Scheme

Another PTI challenge has been issued. Each design team member shared with us their favorite PTI color combo and we needed to make a card using those colors. This card uses Nichole's fav colors; Dark Chocolate, Terracotta Tile, Raspberry Fizz, and Scarlet Jewel. A little out of my comfort zone but.... It turned out ok, I think.

PTI Anniversary Day 8

WooHoo! We have a snow day today so I was able to work on the PTI Anniversay challenge for day 8. One of these days I just might actually win one of these!

Today's challenge is a paint by number challenge. Using the color chart for our PTI username, we needed to follow the sketch. At first I went "Oh, yuck" when I saw this color combo, but I think I actually like it now.

Thanks, Nichole, for giving us another chance to win some FAB PTI products!!!

Happy Birthday, Dan

I got so wrapped up in "Hopping" that I forgot about DS#3's birthday card. So, I whipped this up. I really like the look of Enchanted Evening and TerraCotta Tile together. I think this looks like a guy card with guy colors. Can't believe he will be 18 tomorrow. Good thing I'm not getting any older!

January Blog Hop- Inside and Out

It is time for the Papertrey Ink January Blog Hop. This month the challenge was to create a "Total Package" that includes a card, front & inside, and a decorated envelope.

I wanted to make a special Valentine's Day card for hubby this year so I bundled it all into my "hop" project. This was really a lot of fun! Not so sure hubby will like the pink and the bow, but.... I think the sentiment will win him over.


I'm trying to get up the courage to mail it to him at work. He works at a pretty large company so I'm sure it would be quite the event. I'll have to keep thinking about this one.....

All of the stamps are from PTI's Simple Valentine. The inks are Raspberry Fizz, Hibiscus, and Sweet Blush. The ribbon is Raspberry Fizz and the button is from the white and cream button collection at PTI.

The sentiment is from an online sentiment place. I found it once but now I can't find it again...

ETA: Here is where I found the sentiment http://www.squidoo.com/search/results?q=sentiments

PaperTrey Princess Challenge #1

I am so glad to be back with the PaperTrey Princesses! Anya posted our first challenge yesterday morning and my brain has been working on this card ever since.

I used Quilter's Sampler and Daily Designs Sentiments for this card. The background is stamped with Faux Ribbon with the new and improved Spring Rain Ink. The scissors and thread were colored with my WONDERFUL Copic Markers. I used Palette Noir as my black ink. It was fun to use actual stitching on this card, a straight stitch around the "pinked" layer and a zig-zag on the "Friendship tag". The blue spool of thread is lifted up with a large pop-dot, giving some added dimension.

I know exactly which friend will be receiving this card. Anya, thanks for this beautiful Inspiration Challenge!

Turning a Pink Leaf

Good evening. Hubby went to the kid's basketball game, so Jonny and I stayed home. J. was perfectly content to play "Flight Sim" and I was perfectly content to make a card.

I challenged myself to make a card using a set(s) that hadn't seen ink yet. There was no better place to start this adventure than the PTI gallery. I stumbled across this card from Geny Cassady. I loved the way the colors flowed and I had my brand new Turning a New Leaf stamp set. I wanted to try a different color combo, so I went with the pinks. I used Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst, and Raspberry Fizz. The sentiment is from another "never before inked" set, Signature Greeting. The oval was cut using Nestabilities, the ribbon is Sweet Blush and the button is Raspberry Fizz. The inks are VersaMark Champagne Dazzle and Raspberry Fizz. Of course, all of these items can be found at PaperTrey Ink.

Thanks for letting me spend my Friday evening with you!

3 Cards

A friend of mine mentioned that she didn't think I was getting any "me time" because I hadn't posted any cards on my blog. The truth is, I have been making cards at the last minute and popping them in the mail right away before taking pictures. Here are three cards that haven't left yet. I hope you enjoy!!!

They all use PTI stamps and embellishments. The ideas for them were probably CASEd from someone however I can't remember who. So, if one of these cards looks like something you created, THANKS! My PTI stamping friends are truly my inspiration!!!

Enjoy!!! Who knows, maybe I'll post some more things soon....

New Blog Look

Well, since so many on the PTI forum have been talking about starting blogs and updating their look, I thought I would give it a try. Considering I am super blog challenged I am amazed I got this far....

BEST OF 2009

Thought I would do a little review of 2009 so I can remember how the year played out.

My 2009 goals were to lose 15 pounds and pay off the last two credit cards. Well, neither one of those happened so I will try again.

Favorites of 2009:

Favorite spiritual moment: The simple faith of my kindergarten students.

Favorite Book: Sarah Palin: Going Rogue

Favorite Movie: The Notebook

Favorite non-craft purchase: Bathroom 4 chamber soap dispenser

Favorite craft purchase: Cricut Expression

Favorite vacation: Puerto Rico

Favorite get-away: Canoe Bay Resort

Favorite remodeling project: New bathroom shower

Favorite laughable moment: "Does Jesus believe in Santa Claus?"

All in all it has been a great year! Our wonderful Lord has brought us all safely through it, only a few minor accidents. Steve is still employed and I have a wonderful job that I really enjoy.

Now it is time to look ahead to what the Lord has for us in 2010. I pray He will be able to find me faithful.