Thursday, December 24, 2009

Twas the night before Christmas...

Wow...has it been that long?  You don't even want to hear what happened in between but let's just say I am finally well except the popped rib.

I just want to take this time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Here are a couple of pics from my house...






































I promised to share my mass produced card for the holiday season...so here it is...






















































Stamp Set(s):  Tree by A*Muse, sentiments from Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI
Ink: Pure Black by PTI, New Leaf by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI
Accents: Stickles

Tools: Scor-bug by Scor-Pal

Note: The technique I used for the tree is rock and roll (first stamp in Spring Moss and then roll stamp over New Leaf so that the edges darken) 
The "stitching" was created using the scor-bug!


Wishing you all the best this holiday season.

See you all very soon.

Alli

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Update and a grad card

Things have been rather eventful at my house since my last post...a quick recap...I was sick with H1N1 for 6 days, then my son got terribly sick at the same time as the puppy got sick (we had to take him to the vet)...just when I thought I was recovering my husband started to feel under the weather and I was struck down with a terrible pain in my throat and ear.  I ended up going to the walk in clinic that night and by 2:30AM was admitted to the ER with breathing difficulty.  After a series of x-rays, 2 nebulizers, a steroid shot and some pain relief they determined I had adult croup (honestly that one took me by surprise).  2 days later my swab results came back and I also had strep throat.  I spent a total of 3 days not eating and 2 of those days in bed.  After which my daughter came down with an painful nose infection (all I can say is YUCK!).  11 days of being sick for me and a total of 6 weeks of flu/cold in my household...It's been a rough ride but I am starting to regain my strength again and also have been taking it easy as not to get sick too quickly or EVER again! LOL.  It certainly has made me grateful for my health.  I wish you all a healthy season!!

I have photos of one of my "mass produced" 2009 Christmas cards that I am hoping to post soon but in the meantime wanted to leave you with a card I created for the 2010 grad season.

It really is hard to believe that 2010 is around the corner...seriously a new decade will be upon us in just a few short weeks.  2010 is actually a special year for me as many of the biggest things happened in my life in 2000 and now I can celebrate 10 years of "I do's" and teaching duties! Not to mention I just love even numbers!




Stamp Set(s):  Congrats and grad cap from U R A Hoot (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF , Polka Dot Basics II by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Bitty Dot Patterned Paper by PTI
Ink: Pure Black by PTI
Accents: Glitter Thickers by American Crafts
, Golden Floss by Bazzill

Have a super day!

Alli

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Snowflake Card

Hello everyone!

I have been battling the flu for the past 3 days.  I spent a total of 36+ hours in bed before getting up the "first" day...then another 16 yesterday.  I am finally feeling better today, I still have a sore throat and cough but that's WAY better than fevers, achy joints and headaches added to cough and sore throat.  I even have more of an appetite!

I was hoping to post my tutorial this weekend but as I have been sick it will be delayed once again.  I do however have a card to share.  I made it on the same day I created my gift card














































Stamp Set(s):  Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by Papertrey Ink,
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI, Bitty Dot Patterned Paper by PTI
Ink: Pure Black by PTI
Accents: Button by PTI

Tool: Snowflake Punch by Martha Stewart, Scor-Bug by Scor-Pal

Hope you have a wonderful day.  Hoping to have the energy to come back and post real soon.

Alli

Thursday, December 3, 2009

A fine farewell to So Sketchy!

As many of you have heard, Ally Cope will be posting her last sketches this month for So Sketchy!  While she has enjoyed sharing So Sketchy! with everyone it is time to move onto greener pastures.  Wishing Ally all the best! 
As a farewell send off, Ally approached me, along with all current and former So Sketchy Sista's and asked us to participate in one last card/page sketch.  How could I say no?  I really enjoyed my time as card sista (Aug '08-Feb '09) and loved the unique sketches I got to work with--this one was no exception.

So make sure you stop by So Sketchy! all month long and treat yourself to fantastic sketches, prizes and beautiful designs. And can I say I am honoured to be first up...

My card uses my recent PTI release called Communique Curves and scor-bug (LOVE that scor-bug).  There is just something so beautiful and pure about using white on cards.  I decided to "splash it up" with seasonal greens.  You'll note I added a red heart button over a green button to tie it all together.  Make sure to check out the sketch HERE.  What would you have done the same or different?  See that is what I LOVE about a sketch.  We all approach it differently.














































Stamp set(s): Communique Curves by PTI
Cardstock: Stampers Select White by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI
Patterned Paper: Bitty Dot Basics by PTI
Ink: New Leaf by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI, True Black by PTI
Accents: Buttons by PTI, Ribbon by PTI, Stickles

Tools: Scor-bug by Scor-Pal, Snowflake punch by Martha Stewart, Labels by Spellbinders


Have a fantastic day!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  And don't forget to check out all those FAB sketches this month over at So Sketchy!  Who knows you might even win a prize.

Alli Miles

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Tutorial Peak--Gift Card

Here is the long awaited peak at the tutorial I will be sharing with you later this week.  The card is a gift card holder.  The gift card tucks nicely into the card.  .


































































Stamp Set(s):  Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by Papertrey Ink,
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Pure Poppy by PTI, Kraft by PTI
Ink: Vintage Cream by PTI, Dark Chocolate
Accents: Gingham Ribbon, Button by PTI

Tool: Snowflake Punch by Martha Stewart, Velcro, Cuttlebug, PinDot Folder, Scallop Punch by Fiskars


See you again soon!

Alli

Monday, November 30, 2009

Jiffy Girls Challenge

Another month has gone by and as always I am excited to share my Jiffy card!  If you are new to my blog, every month I, along with a bunch of my gal pals get together and use the same stamp and patterned paper for a fun challenge.  This month Lori Craig picked the delicious "Cinnamon"  from the Nutmeg Collection by Cosmo Cricket.  Michele Boyer picked the very sweet "Snow Day" stamp set from the Pure Innocence Collection by My Favorite Things. A special thanks goes out to Kim van der Saden who sponsored the Jiffy girls this month--you ROCK as always!  And seriously what an adorable stamp set.

As you well know, I love to paper piece and of course just HAD to paper piece with this delicious paper.















































Stamp Set(s): Snow Day from Pure Innocence Collection by MFT
Cardstock: Dark Chocolate by PTI, Vintage Cream by PTI

Patterned Paper: Cinnamon from Nutmeg Collection by Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Dark Chocolate
Accents: Ribbon by PTI

Tools: Copic Markers, Snowflake Punch by Martha Stewart, Labels by Spellbinders


Make sure to stop by and see everyone's take on the challenge...

Kim Hughes
Carole Burrage
Julie Campbell
Michele Boyer
Lori Craig

Have a great day!

Alli

P.S. I was delayed in posting my tutorial but I will give you a peak at the finished product tomorrow and will showcase the full tutorial later this week.



Thursday, November 26, 2009

An upcoming tutorial and our puppy

Hi everyone!

Between report cards, stamp illustrations (yes--2010 is on the way!), homeschooling and children with the flu I have not been able to drop by. I have however been working on a tutorial using my newest release called Communique Curves and Communique Curves Sentiments which should be up in the next day or two.

In the meantime, I will leave you with a few more pics of our puppy. He just turned 7 weeks old on Tuesday and we get to bring him home next Tuesday (Dec 1). If you have any name ideas I'd love to hear them as we are still undecided.










































































 


Hugs and see you back soon! You won't want to miss this great gift card tutorial.

Alli

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

A nutty card...

It's hard to believe we are already 1/2 way through the week. Time just flies these days. So the last card I posted was a card for mum. Now onto one for dad.






















I had a few people asking me about how I make up my card packs. That actually depends. I usually make up between 3-5 of each card and don't typically make extras. I like to have a card for all the season's and holidays in my card packs. Sometimes I just make up card packs for occasions too: wedding, birthday, baby, get well soon, welcome to the neighborhood, thank you's, teacher cards etc.
Keep in mind that when you make up these card sets that you don't make the card too complex.  The more complex the harder it is to recreate them over and over. Simple cards can be beautiful.  If you are like me and can take 2 hours on one detailed card then doing 5 of those will turn you off gift packs.  However, I find that I can create a gift pack of cards in no more than an hour for year gift set (50 cards=5 hours).  KISS philosophy works here :)

Stamp set(s): Beyond Basic Borders by PTI, Polka Dot Basics II, sentiment from Father Knows Best

Cardstock: Stampers Select White by PTI
Patterned Paper: Bitty Dot Basics by PTI

Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI

Accents: nuts

Have a super duper day!

Alli

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

An update, a puppy and a card.

Wow what an amazing week!  Thank you all for your support throughout much of last week leading up to release day.  It is always a pleasure putting together stamp sets for your enjoyment.

I decided to take a little break after my posts only to find out my little one came down with the flu.  She is on the mend now but of course those fevers can be very concerning at the best of times.

For those of you who chatted with me in the Papertrey forums on release night I promised a photo of our puppy so here he is....


















He is such a snuggler!  Puppy comes home around the first week of December.  We can hardly wait to have him--although some MAJOR changes ahead especially since the holidays are around the corner (no presents under the tree until Christmas day, all decorations need to go higher on the tree, secure the tree, etc).  We have had the opportunity to visit him two times so far and may get to see him again in the next week.  I can't believe how much he has grown since he was 3 weeks old.
















Now onto paper craft business...

Around this time of year I put together what I call "variety" packs for teachers, coaches and church leaders etc.  I like to create a bunch of cards and give them away as gifts.

Here is one of the cards I created for a gift pack.  I just adore this tree that Heather Nichols created.  There truly are endless opportunities for design.





























Stamp: sentiment from Quilter's Sampler by PTI and image from Beyond Basic Borders by PTI, Polka Dot Basics II by PTI
Cardstock:Stamper's Select White by PTI, Lavender Moon by PTI
Ink dye: Lavender Moon by PTI, Dark Chocolate by PTI
Accent: Flower, Lavender Moon Button by PTI, Lavender Moon Ribbon by PTI

Have a super day!
 Alli
P.S. If you purchased any of my stamps sets,you have a blog and you have created something with them, make sure to link them back here so I can look at your creations. Also feel free to send me an e-mail with your creation too.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Communique Curves (1)

The final day of sneak peaks has arrived.  Communique Curves and Communique Curves sentiments will be officially available for purchase on Nov 15. Make sure you head to the Papertrey Ink forums for the countdown Sat. Nov. 14th.  I really look forward to forum time--it's live chat at its best.  The chatter moves quickly but the party is fun.  I will be popping in for a visit this month too!  Please feel free to ask me questions about the set and I would be happy to answer them.

Onto todays sneak peak...I enjoy many aspects of the paper craft industry--card making, 3-d items, jewelry, home decor, scrapbooking...the list doesn't end.  As a card maker I look for certain things in each stamp set before I buy it (versatility, size of images, theme etc).  As a scrapbooker I also look for those same things but also for the size of the font--you'll love that these work well for your scrapbook projects too.

Today's project is a paper book scrapbook for the holidays.  I created it as a "before" the event gift that could be filled up throughout the holidays with special memories, momentos and photos.  One of my favourite things about making scrapbooks using lunch bags is that the bags have openings where you can tuck special things into them--notes from the kids, letter to santa, party napkins, tickets to the Nutcracker, small cards, extra photos etc.


I began my project by sewing the fabric swatch to the front and back of the lunch bag using a zigzag stitch. Next I stitched on the buttons.























You'll note I also stitched some extra bags in the center of the bags.
















I stitched the ribbon to the edge of the fabric so that I could tie the scrapbook album closed.























I stamped "Home for the holidays".  I masked the sentiment with a post it note and then stamped the wreath image in True Black.  After which I outlined it with my Copic Markers and then adhered red beads to resemble berried.

















Here is a close up of the first page.  I stamped the background using the two circles from Communique Curves and Pure Poppy ink.  You'll note that one of the circles is double ringed while the other is single ringed.  Then I stamped the ornament in pigment ink and the "Jingle All the Way" sentiment in True Black.

















I began by stamping a strip of dots from Polka Dot Basics II using white pigment ink.  Then I stamped "Holidays" in Pure Black. I created an eye candy scallop punch by stamping the wreath followed by the double ringed circle before I placed a button and ribbon in the center.


I started the third page by stamping the wreath over the entire page using Spring Moss.  Then I stamped the sentiment "Wishing You a Beautiful Holiday".



On the adjacent page I decided to tie in the Spring Moss cardstock by adding a strip against the Pure Poppy cardstock. I stamped the paper strip using white pigment ink with Polka Dot Basics II and the sentiment "Christmas is love with all the trimmings" in True Black.



On the fifth page I added a cuttlebug layer in the center of the page and offset a circle stamped with Polka Dot Basics II on Kraft paper.  I stamped the sentiments "Season's" and "Greetings" in True Black ink.  I also stamped the ornament in Spring Moss.



On the adjacent page I stamped the edges with white pigment ink and the circle of dots stamp image.  I placed a layer of Ripe Avocado cardstock in the center of the page.  I stamped "merry merry merry" in True Black and the graphic tree and stars in Spring Moss.



On the next page I stamped the snowflake from Snowfall Additions in white pigment ink. I also outlined the edges with white pigment ink too.  I stamped the "Christmas" sentiment in True Black.  As a final touch I added buttons to the centers of the snowflakes.

















On the adjacent page I began by stamping Polka Dot Basics II in white pigment ink.  Then I used a scrap from my card from yesterday and sewed it onto the cardstock to make a pocket.  I added a die cut stamped embellishment to the pocket too (see above for more details).

















I began by creating a stamped background using Polka Dot Basics II using white pigment ink.  I stamped "'tis the season to be jolly" using True Black ink.  I also used my cuttlebug scrap and placed buttons randomnly on it to finish off the page.

For the final page I thought it would be fitting to add a tree (from Beyond Basic Borders) with green buttons and a snowy ridge (scallop from Beyond Basic Borders) alongside the greeting "Happy New Year".



As a final touch I decided to add "Homemade By" stamp from Holiday Treats.

















Stamp Set(s): Circle and sentiment from Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by Papertrey Ink, Polka Dot Basics by PTI, Snowfall Additions by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Pure Poppy by PTI, Ripe Avocado by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI, Kraft by PTI
Ink: True Black by PTI, Ripe Avocado by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI, white pigment ink
Accents: Pure Poppy Buttons by PTI, Ripe Avocado Buttons by PTI, Pure Poppy Ribbon by PTI 


I hope you have enjoyed the countdown and look forward to seeing you at the release party in the Papertrey Forums.

I will be back throughout the week adding even more projects using Communique Curves.

Alli

P.S.  Thank you for stopping by my blog and following me through the countdown.  Here are some exclusives reveals for my blog readers: Communique Sentiments set includes the following sentiments: "With Sympathy",  "Hello", "Get Well Soon" and more!

Friday, November 13, 2009

A peek of a sneak peek

I am BEYOND excited today to share and showcase the versatility of these sets once again. Today's post is a doozy!  It has taken me the better part of the day to prepare for this one.  In my husband's sweet wisdom he decided that I needed a special evening out so he has organized an outing for me and the girls.  Hence you get a peek as I may be tardy in posting the rest of it...but it is 1/2 printed up so it is coming!  So make sure to check back by tomorrow morning at the latest because you don't want to miss the remainder of the reveal--lots of photos and fabulous ideas too.

In the meantime I have put together a sneak peek of a sneak peek...





Note: Homemade by... is not a part of Communique Curves stamp set but was required for this project.

See you soon!!!

Alli

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Communique Curves (2)

The countdown is a nearing the BIG reveal!  After yesterday I am sure you walked away with inspiration.  I know I mentioned it before but the DT blew me away with their amazing creations.  In addition, I was also verklempt as I read your comments on Nichole's blog.  Thank you to all who have welcomed me back and thank you also for the wonderful comments regarding this set.  It feels so good to be back into the swing of things and to be stamping again with inspiration!

Today's showcase focuses on the holidays.  I just LOVE these large sentiments and like many of you fell in love with the font combo so of course

I started this card by running it through my cuttlebug embossing folder.  There is something about dimension and embossing/debossing that appeals to me.  Match that with perfect colour and layout and accents like buttons OR ribbon and you get a to die for card.  Each of the coloured paper scraps was first stamped with an image with it's coordinating ink.  I stamped the graphic tress on the Spring Moss cardstock using Spring Moss ink and followed it with the sentiment stamped in True Black.  I stamped the wreath image on Aqua Mist cardsock using Aqua Mist ink followed by the sentiment in True Black.Finally I stamped the ornament images using Pure Poppy ink on Pure Poppy cardstock followed by the sentiment in True Black.  I edged each of these scraps too to add punch. And of course who can forget coordinating buttons and some ribbon?





















  

























Stamp Set(s): Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by Papertrey Ink 
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Pure Poppy by PTI, Aqua Mist by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI
Ink: Pure Poppy by PTI , Spring Moss by PTI, Aqua Mist by PTI, True Black by PTI
Accents:White Velvet Ribbon by PTI, Pure Poppy, Spring Moss, and Aqua Mist Buttons by PTI


I began the second card with mass production in mind.  I stamped the tree 3 times and coloured it using my Copic markers (see colour reference below).  Then I created a second layer and stamped Merry Christmas in white pigment ink and then again in True Black.  As a final touch I added a knotted piece of ribbon.  Keep in mind that the ribbon is just an extra.  You could easily leave it off the card and still get a WOW effect!

*Not sure why the photos look a little blurry...sorry about that.  It was much better before it was posted.











































Stamp Set(s): Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by Papertrey Ink 
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Pure Poppy by PTI
Ink: True Black by PTI, Snowcap by Ranger
Accents:White Velvet Ribbon by PTI,
Tools: Copic Markers

One of my favourite card layouts is this one.  I began by using my Spellbinders Square Nestabilities and embossed a square.  Then I opened the inside of the card and placed a smaller square in the outline and made a die cut cut.  Hence the window.  I stamped a piece of vellum using Pure Poppy Ink.  I made sure to heat set it and ensure it was completely dry before I double stamped the ornament on the front using True Black.  Then I stamped the sentiment in True Black.  As a final touch I punched the scallop circle, stamped it with the wreath image and placed a button and ribbon in it.  This card is a special card--it's the kind of card you take extra time to make to give it to that extra special person.

Note: Yesterday someone asked me how I lined things up.  I often use a pencil and draw a line and use that as a reference when I stamp.  In the case of the vellum, I use graph paper below it and line it up the best I can.








































I  had a few e-mails asking me to see the ornament up close...well here it is.  The dots come as a seperate stamp but I have lined them up exactly the way they stamped on the vellum above!























Stamp Set(s): Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by Papertrey Ink 
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI , Vellum
Ink: True Black by PTI, PurePoppy by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI
Accents:Black Gingham Ribbon by PTI, Button by PTI
Tools:Punch by EK Success, Nestabilities Standard Square by Spellbinders, Scor-Pal


Thanks again for all your comments.  You make my day!  I'd love to hear from you today.  Of the 3 I showcased today which is your favourite?

Alli