Featured Stamper Post: In Beautiful Bloom...

These projects co-ordinate with the card that I created for this month's Spring Clean Challenge. I created each individual item using the same stamp set, colours, papers etc

As you know this is my favourite PTI stamp set, "In Bloom" is so pretty I just love it.

So here we go:

This mini card has a matching pocket which has the same image on the inside. So, whether the card is in it or not, it will always look the same.

This one I love, so simple but lovely.

I love the simplicity of this card, it could be used for any occasion.

Once again, a sprinkling of colour, but just enough to catch your eye!

Recipe: PTI In Bloom Stamp set, Guidelines Paper Collection, Black Ink, Plum Pudding Ribbon/Buttons, White Card, Clear Adhesive Gems, Black Fine Liner, Raffia Ribbon
Tools: Ruler, Circle Punch

Well, that's it! I really hope you've enjoyed my creations as much as I did creating them. If I've inspired you in any way then I'm happy.

Thank you to Kate and Aimes for giving me this wonderful chance :o)

More Guy Cards...

Hey!

Happy Sunday! I hope you've all had a fab weekend so far...let's not think about Monday yet! I'm recovering from a very busy Saturday spent indulging in some crafty-themed retail therapy at the Hobbycrafts Event at Birmingham NEC. If you saw a red-haired girl with chunky green beads on apologising constantly for bumping into people, that was me! LOL!

Before I go play with my new goodies, I thought I'd share a card that was made for another brother's birthday. That's two guy cards for brothers down, just one more brother of my own to cater for (let's not think about Chris' brothers or other male relatives quite yet...LOL!)


Card Recipe
Stamps: Star Prints/Daily Designs Sentiments
Ink: Memento Black
Card: Stamper's Select White/True Black/True Black Bitty Star Basics
Accessories: Saddle Stitch True Black Ribbon/Cuttlebug/Nesties

I stuck with the monochromatic scheme for this card. I think it works for guy cards, but it's also the colours of Derby County Football Club which is very fitting for this brother! I dread to think what I'd have done if he was a Norwich fan (Bright yellow and green LOL!)

So as you can tell, my run to set for guy cards is Star Prints. That set is just sooo versatile, it's definitely had it's dollars worth of use! Think I may have to retire it soon though because I reckon you're all getting bored of seeing me play with it!

OK, I'm off now to play with my new crafty goodies! Wishing you all a very chilled-out, relaxing Sunday!

Aimes
x

Featured Stamper Post: Tea for Two Treats!

I created this card and matching gift tag for today's post which I hope you'll like as I really enjoyed making it. I love the monochrome look, some stamps scream out for colour but these worked fantastically.


This is another favourite of mine, the "Tea for Two" stamp collection. These stamps are so classy, definitely the sort you can invite friend to "high tea" with!

Recipe: PTI "Tea for Two" stamp set, ink, Black/White card, Ribbons
Tools: Martha Stewart XL Punch, Nestabilities circle/scalloped circle dies, Stapler

Here is another set of projects I created for you to show just how versatile these stamps are. This time something a little different.


As you can probably tell, I am not one for too much colour. I like to pick a few tones and stick to them. I think getting the colour right is what can make an "OK" project, "great." For me it's all about the colour.

I adore the little shaker box and think it'd make the ideal "pick up" gesture for a friend a little under the weather. Or, perhaps for a friend who wasn't able to make it for tea? The matching card has its own little pocket rather than an envelope which I co-ordinated using the same image.

Recipe: PTI "Tea for Two" stamp set, Bitty Box Basics 2008 (Spring Moss) cardstock, Brown ink, White card
Contents: Peppermint Tea Bag Sachets
Tools: Big Shot, Shaker Box XL Die, Nestabilities Circle Die

Thanks for looking!

Katie

Challenge: Easter/Spring is here!

Hello and welcome to another challenge! I know it's come around very quickly but Easter is nearly upon us, so it seemed fitting for us to set an Easter theme challenge!

If you don't own any Easter stamps do feel free to make a 'Spring' themed card instead!

I decided to use a zingy colour combo for mine - maybe not a traditional Easter colour combination but I love it!



Recipe:

Stamps - Take Three Spring
Ink - Summer Sunrise
Card - Stamper's Select White/Summer Sunrise/Raspberry Fizz
Paper - Pretty Pastels
Other - Summer Sunrise & Raspberry Fizz buttons/corner rounder punch

Here's Aimes:
"Well I don't actually own any Easter stamps *gasp* we tend to focus on the scoffing of Easter treats rather than exchanging cards LOL! With this in mind, I decided to make a little treat box to fill with mini-eggs to celebrate spring/Easter. I was planning on using some yummy mini eggs as props for my photo but they've gone missing....;D"


Box Recipe
Stamps: Daily Designs/Daily Design Sentiments/Polka Dot Basics II
Ink: Versamark/Dark Chocolate/Summer Sunrise
Cardstock: Spring Moss/Melon Berry/Vintage Cream
Accessories: Cuttlebug/Nestabilities/Lemon Tart Grosgrain Ribbon/Melon Berry Vintage Button/White Button Twine/Scalloped Edged Scissors

As our featured stamper, here is Katie's beautiful sample:

Easter Blessings Card – Recipe

PTI “Tags for Spring” – Stamp collection
PTI Bitty Box Basics 2008 cardstock (Dark Chocolate)
PTI Perfect Match Cardstock (Summer Sunrise)
PTI Button (Summer Sunrise)
Other products used: Papermania gems, Memento “Rich Cocoa” ink, white card, cord,
Tools used: Martha Stewart Embossed, zig zag border punch, Cutter Bee

Here are the details:

* All entries must contain at least one PTI product to qualify

* To enter, use our inlinkz thingy at the bottom of this post. If you're having problems then just leave a comment with a link to your post featuring the project on your blog or online gallery.

* Worldwide entries are more than welcome to share the inspiration, but unfortunately prizes can only be shipped within Europe!

* Challenge closes on Monday, April 5th 2010 at 9.00am GMT

* A winner will be chosen at random to receive this collection of PTI Goodies:

1 sheet of each design of PTI's Turning a New Leaf DP (8x8, 6 sheets in total) and a whole new roll of dark chocolate grosgrain ribbon!

Have fun!

Kate, Aimes and Katie xxx

A winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered our Spring Clean challenge - good to see lots of crafting goodies being dusted off and put to good use!

Here's our winner:

Here are your random numbers:

3

Timestamp: 2010-03-22 10:47:37 UTC

...Dana! Congratulations Dana! Please email your postal address to apassionforpapertrey@yahoo.co.uk and we'll post your PTI goodies!

We'll have a brand new challenge for you later on!!

Kate, Aimes and Katie xxx

My Glossy Accents Fix!

Hey!

Happy Sunday! Gosh why do the weekends fly by so fast? It's always Monday morning before I know it!

Just a couple of cards to share with you this morning. I'm playing catch up as I'd posted them on my own blog but haven't shared them here yet!

This first one I'm going to confess I really like (are we allowed to say that about our cards?!)


I think I like it so much because not only do I have a huge thing for butterflies, but it's also so sparkly IRL! I also applied Glossy Accents to the middle butterfly to make it stand out even more so it's not just super sparkly, but super shiny too! Glossy Accents has become one of those things I'm just dolloping on everything at the mo LOL!


Card Recipe
Stamps: Butterfly Dreams
Ink: Memento Black
Card: White/Spring Rain/Orange Zest
Accessories: Versamark Pen/Copic Spica Clear Pen/Fine Line Black Pen/Glossy Accents

This next card was made for when I was a Guest Designer over on the CAS DT on Splitcoast Stampers last Monday. I felt so honoured to be asked, but felt the pressure too! Luckily, it gave me the perfect excuse to ink up Studio Style and have a bit of fun. I love the sentiments in this set, they're so true!


Oh and check out the Glossy Accents again! It's much more effective IRL! And yup, I've now actually run out of Glossy Accents so no more glass-like button jars to be stamped until I get hold of some more LOL!

Card Recipe
All PTI Supplies
Stamps: Studio Style
Ink: Dark Chocolate
Card: White
Accessories: Glossy Accents/Promarkers/Dark Chocolate Twill

Hope you have a lovely, relaxing Sunday! If you're not doing anything today, why not root through your crafting stash to join in with our current challenge? Hurry though, it ends tomorrow morning!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Aimes
x

Challenging...

This card was made for two challenges - an Embellish colour challenge (to use lemon, melon, moss and pink) and a Clean and Simple Stamping sketch challenge:




Recipe:

Stamps - Asian Fusion (PTI)
Ink - Sweet Blush/Spring Moss(PTI)
Card - Stampers Select White/Melon Berry/Lemon Tart (All PTI)
Paper - Pretty Pastels (PTI)
Other - scalloped border punch (SU)/Copic Sketch markers

I find using four colours on a card quite a challenge but I'm always glad I push myself to use them, challenges are great for pushing the boundaries of our creativity aren't they!

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!

Hugs Kate xx

Baby and bunnies

Good morning and a very happy St Patrick's Day!

My Baby Bitty Blessings set saved the day with this card! A friend asked me to make an aquamarine coloured Christening card with an image of bunnies at the bottom of the cross - luckily the little bunnies in the baby set were a perfect size!



Recipe:

Stamps - Everyday Blessings(PTI)/Bitty Baby Blessings(PTI)
Card - Stamper's Select White/Aqua Mist
Paper - Pretty Pastels
Other - Copic Sketch Markers/Oval Nestabilities/Aqua Mist Twill ribbon (PTI)/computer generated sentiment

I made a reverse image of the bunny by stamping it onto a flat piece of rubber which I then stamped on the other side of the cross - I just had to go over the outline a bit with a Copic drawing pen.

Thanks for visiting and don't forget there's still plenty of time to enter our current challenge!

Kate x

For Mum...

Hey!

So sorry I've been M.I.A recently, this week has been so busy! So busy that I've even been missing out on the PTI Countdown *gasp!* I need to catch up asap!

Fortunately my weekend has been a bit less busy, giving me just enough time to get some Mother's Day cards made for today! In my typical style, I'm leaving things to the last minute!

So with it being Mothering Sunday here in the UK today, Chris and I will be visiting our mums with some yummy gifts and an accompanying handmade card. I decided to CASE a card I'd made previously but in my dippy state, forgot to post here! D'oh!

Here it is anyways - better late than never!

This card was totally inspired from this card by Maile Belles. I loved that bright colour combo, so cheerful!
Card Recipe
(All PTI Supplies)
Stamps: Friends 'til the End
Ink: Summer Sunrise/Raspberry Fizz
Cardstock: Vintage Cream/Raspberry Fizz
Accessories: Raspberry Fizz Grosgrain Ribbon/Pink Gems/Decorative Scissors/3D Foam Pads

So for Chris' Mother's Day card, I decided to CASE myself!

(Apologies for poor lighting, that'll teach me to try and take pics outta natural light!)

Shame I don't have a bold 'Mum' stamp but I think my old stash of transfers did the job OK!

Card Recipe
(All PTI Supplies)
Stamps: Friends 'til the End
Ink: Summer Sunrise/Raspberry Fizz
Cardstock: Vintage Cream/Raspberry Fizz
Accessories: Raspberry Fizz Grosgrain Ribbon/Doodlebug Transfers/Decorative Scissors/3D Foam Pads

For my own card for my mum, I went with a completely different kinda style. I really like to try and make cards that people will like, rather than just ones that I like!

(Again, apologies for poor lighting!)

This card is very 'mum' with the cute polka dots and sweet blush. She's not a fan of green, but I couldn't resist a splash of it to represent the grass for those wellies! Before you think it, no, I don't own a gorgeous PTI Scalloped Border Die (yet!), but I did create this scalloped edge using a rectangular nestie twice and only cutting part way. You can't see the join hidden behind the sentiment (sneaky eh?!) But still, I'll be glad when I can just run a border die through my 'bug' to make life that bit easier!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Daily Designs/Daily Designs Sentiments
Ink: Sweet Blush/Spring Rain/Versamark
Card: Sweet Blush/Vintage Cream/Sweet Blush Bitty Dot Basics
Accessories: Cuttlebug/Nestabilities/Detail White EP/3D Foam Pads/Vintage Cream Satin Ribbon

Well I hope you've all had a fab weekend, it's a double celebration for us. I've got not only my mum to celebrate but my brother's birthday too! Yup, cue another masculine card to share with you very soon....!

Aimes
x

Challenge: Spring Clean!

Hey!

Happy Monday! Time for a new challenge!

With spring slowly creeping in, we want you to 'spring clean' your crafting stash and find all those goodies that you so needed at the time but haven't actually found a use for....until now!

We wanna see what you've been hoarding and what you've found at the bottom of your stash, on your creations. Not only will you feel so good that you've justified that purchase by using it, but you'll have created more room for more stash! Now that's a win/win situation in my book LOL!

Whilst rooting through my stash I came across about a million eyelets and Gromlets along with my Crop-A-Dile Big Bite...oh I so had to have that when it first came out but I've hardly ever used it!

I also came across some really sparkly thread so challenged myself to use that too. I'd seen this card by Maile Belles that kick started my mojo to create this:

Behind that white button lies a large, red Gromlet and not a big Pure Poppy Button. I kinda like it and it beats using two buttons for the same effect!

Card Recipe
Stamps: Daily Designs Sentiments
Ink: Memento Black
Card: Stamper's Select White/Kraft/Valentine DP
Accessories: Cuttlebug/Concentric Hearts Die/Crop-A-Dile II/Eyelets/Large Gromlet/DMC Jewel Thread/Lil' Clippie/Fine Black Pen/3D Foam Pads

Here's Kate: " A few years ago I went through a phase of buying lots of alpha stickers, but hardly ever use them so this challenge was a good time to rectify that! I stamped some of the funky dots from the new Dot Spot set in Aqua Mist, added the felt stickers and some Aqua Mist buttons, inked and stitched the edges et voila!"



Recipe:

Stamps - Dot Spot (PTI)
Card - Vintage Cream/Kraft (PTI)
Ink - Aqua Mist (PTI)/Antique Linen Distress Ink
Other - Sewing machine/Felt Alpha Stickers (American Crafts)/Aqua Mist buttons

As our featured stamper, Katie has been spring cleaning her own crafting stash and found some beautiful beads to use on her creation, providing us with this stunning card:

"I hope you like my card, I decided to use beads as they are something I've had for a while now, with every intention to use them, however I never did get around to it. I've kept the card simple with few colours using my favourite PTI set."

How creative to make a butterfly from blooms and beads!

As well as some very pretty paper piecing too:



There's nothing better than a true friend - Recipe
Spring Clean Item: Beads
Stamps: In Bloom
Card: Guide Lines DP
Other Products Used: Black Fine Liner, Craft Wire, Memento "Tuxedo Black" ink
Tools: Pliers, Ruler

Here are those all important deets:

* All entries must contain at least one PTI product to qualify

* To enter, use our inlinkz thingy at the bottom of this post. If you're having problems then just leave a comment with a link to your post featuring the project on your blog or online gallery.

* Worldwide entries are more than welcome to share the inspiration, but unfortunately prizes can only be shipped within Europe!

* Challenge closes on Monday 22nd March 2010 at 9.00am GMT

* A winner will be chosen at random to receive a collection of PTI goodies!

We can't wait to see what you dig up and use!

Aimes, Kate & Katie
xxx

Our winner!

Thank you for all the wonderful creations to our last challenge - wow, what a fabulous collection of super-stylish cards!!

Here's our winner:


Here are your random numbers:

7

Timestamp: 2010-03-08 10:47:55 UTC


....Margaret C! Congratulations Margaret! Please email you postal address to apassionforpapertrey@yahoo.co.uk and we'll send you our PTI goody bag!

Come and visit us later for a brand new challenge!

Kate, Aimes and Katie xxx

Re-discovered...

Do you have any sets you've totally forgotten about but then stumbled upon and fallen in love with them again! My 'In Bloom' set had been hiding at the bottom of my pile of PTI sets, unused for ages, but as soon as I saw it I had to use it again! It's so beautiful to colour and fitted the bill perfectly when my mum asked for a pretty, floral birthday card for a friend of hers:





Recipe:

Stamps: In Bloom (PTI)
Ink - Memento
Card - Stamper's Select White/Sweet Blush
Other - Copic Sketch Markers/Cuttlebug embossing folder/adhesive pearls

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday... and don't forget to stay tuned to this month's PTI countdown over at Nichole's blog!

Hugs Kate xx

Tackling Masculine...

...cards!

It's the start of the peak-masculine card season for me. So cue total mental blocks and me just sat staring at various shades of cardstock on my desk! I don't know why I freak out so much about having to make 'guy cards', I mean with 3 brothers I should really be used to making them by now LOL!

My saviour has to be PTI's Starprints for guy cards - not too girly but fun at the same time! Pair this with some manly colours and a CAS style with some rough, manly distressed edges and I'm ready to deliver the goods ;D

Card Recipe
(All PTI Supplies)
Stamps: Star Prints/Daily Designs Sentiments
Ink: Enchanted Evening/Dark Chocolate
Cardstock: Enchanted Evening/Kraft
Accessories: Dark Chocolate Twill Ribbon/3D foam pads

Oh well I couldn't resist a bit of ribbon! But hey, at least it's twill and not super silky satin LOL!

I hope it's not just me who freaks out about guy cards, I always wonder if it's worth the effort...I have to confess that I often think about just buying a card for them *GASP*! Well this is one brother down, 2 more to go (and don't even get me started on the other guys in our family ;D)

Aimes
x

March Featured Stamper

Well it's that time of the month again! Time to introduce you to this month's Featured Stamper and this time around we're delighted to have Katie Berberich on board for the whole of March!




Katie is a hugely talented artist, and has been a supporter of our blog for a long time. I know you'll enjoy seeing some of her work over the next few weeks! We asked Katie a few questions so you could get to know her a bit better:



1)How did you get into papercrafting?

I began papercrafting in Feb 2005 shortly after the birth of my little boy. I wanted something that was just for me, a hobby, an outlet to loose myself in when I got the chance.

2)How long have you been stamping for?

I've only been stamping since November 2008 when I joined the "Let's Get Stamping" group on Craftbubble. Stamping was always something I had previously shied away from as I was never able to get a good print and it would frustrate me no end. However, with the right equipment and good quality inks I learnt quickly and became much more successful.

3)How did you get into PTI and why do you love it so much?

I first discovered PTI from a fellow blogger the lovely Stephanie Wincott. I always admire her creations, they are so inspirational. When she kindly ran a joint PTI order, I jumped at the chance and ordered my first stamp sets!

I guess I love PTI so much because of the versatility of the stamps. The style and simplicity of their ranges are what makes them stand out from the rest. The variety of co-ordinating products they have available are just amazing too.

4)What would you say is your stamping style?

I have quite a neat style, yet can be quite abstract on occasion. I always like to try new techniques and challenge myself.

5)Do you have a favourite PTI colour or colour combo that just makes you drool?

I have to say I adore the whole lot! I'm a particular lover of their Kraft card too which is great to use in so many ways.


6)If you had to choose just one PTI stamp set to keep, which one would it be and why?

"In Bloom" I love this set and it's the one i've probably used the most. The design is pretty enough to create feminine cards, yet funky enough to create a more modern feel for young teens and even subtle enough for sympathy cards. It's just so versatile.

7)Who is your PTI Idol?

It has to be the lady herself Nichole Heady. Nichole's cards and papercraft projects are so inspiring and what she can do with a few inks a background stamp and a piece of card is truly eye-opening. However I also love Dawn McVey and Melissa Phillips projects. The PTI design team as a whole is so inspirational as the designers all have their own individual styles, what an amazing team to be on!

8)Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am mainly inspired by colours and how they work together. Depending on the combination, I decide how to embellish. I like a clean cut finish so I usually have a large white space somewhere on my projects.

9)What’s your stamping dream?

Wow, my dream? I'd love to be commissioned for magazines and one day have the power to create my own stamps and papers etc... That's the long term dream but right now i'd like to continue learning more techniques and gain more experience for future ventures.

10)Where can we go to check out more of your wonderful creations?

Pop on over to my blog: www.am-i-a-dreamer.blogspot.com , I hope you'll enjoy my work and I'm able to inspire you in some way. I can't wait to hear what you think of my projects :)

Thanks Katie - we're so looking forward to see your PTI projects this month! We'd also like to say a huge thank you to Vanessa, our February Featured Stamper for her wonderful projects and inspiration!

Kate and Aimes xx