Card Metaphors: Create-Embellish-Adore

Snowflake Card

2009-12-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

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

A fine farewell to So Sketchy!

2009-12-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

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

Tutorial Peak--Gift Card

2009-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

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

Jiffy Girls Challenge

2009-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

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.

An upcoming tutorial and our puppy

2009-11-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

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

Communique Curves (5)

2009-11-09T21:14:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to introduce my first stamp set for 2009 called Communique Curves by Papertrey Ink available for purchase on November 15th. As many of you know I took most of this year to settle into new routines: homeschooling, having grandma (my grandma) move in with us in addition to a move to a new city and house that required a TON of yard work. Now that I have settled I am slowly finding my way back to illustrating, publication work and stamping too. Wait till you see what's in store for 2010!

Communique Curves was not only designed with the holidays in mind but also every day celebrations. I am really fond of clean design and along with that I see shapes and perfect font matches. This set gives you that and more! You will be able to put together boutique cards for less. I am sure you will be amazed by what combinations you can make with this set.

Today's project features one of my favourite combos: circles, buttons, ribbon and sentiments!
This card is easily reproducible and ideal for mass production. Keep in mind any colour goes. I stuck with traditional holiday colours for this card. I used several sheets from the Bitty Dot Basics patterned paper collection. I also stamped Polka Dot Basics II with new leaf ink on new leaf cardstock. You'll note that I used Spellbinders Labels 4 die cut to create the framework for the stamp and sentiment from Communique Curves. In addition, I used several copic markers to colour between the circles. Lastly, I added lucious Pure Poppy buttons. Creating "the circle": I stamped the first circle and then masked it with a post it note (I stamped the circle on a post it note, cut it out and placed it over top the first circle). Then I offset the next circle and stamped it etc. You can add many rings, just keep in mind you will need to keep masking. The colouring is the last thing I do.

Stamp Set(s): Circle and sentiment from Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by Papertrey Ink, Polka Dot Basics by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, New Leaf by PTI
Patterned Paper:Bitty Dot Basics by PTI,
Ink: True Black by PTI, New Leaf by PTI
Accents: Pure Poppy Buttons by PTI, Ribbon by PTI
Tools: Copic Markers, Spellbinders Labels 4, corner rounder by EK Success

Stay tuned for the next 5 days to see exclusive sneak peaks! See you tomorrow and thanks for stopping by :)

Have a super day.

Alli

A nutty card...

2009-11-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

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

An update, a puppy and a card.

2009-11-17T06:53:00.000-08:00

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.

Communique Curves (1)

2009-11-14T23:52:00.000-08:00

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!

A peek of a sneak peek

2009-11-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

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

Communique Curves (2)

2009-11-12T23:14:00.000-08:00

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

Communique Curves (3)

2009-11-11T23:27:00.000-08:00

Can you believe we have already had sneak peaks for 3 days? Thanks for joining me again. I am thrilled to show you even more versatility using both Communique Curves and Communique Curves Sentiments. If you haven't had a chance to blog hop today I highly recommend you check out the AMAZING creations the design team has come up with using this set. One of the best parts about being a stamp designer is watching what others do with the set and today was no exception. I also looking forward to seeing what you do with the set too. As always I encourage you to send me links of your work using any of the stamp sets I have created for Papertrey Ink.
Today's cards focus on the Communique Curves sentiments set with elements/images from Communique Curves. As you will see the two sets go hand in hand. There is nothing better than complimentary sets that can be extended over and over again.

The first card is a simple card. In fact, it takes no more than 5 minutes to put it together. I created this card with wedding and baby shower thank you's in mind. Having gone through both of those myself, I know how many cards you need to thank people so the easier they are to make the faster you can get to writing a message inside!

I began by stamping a row of boxes (as seen in Nichole's sneak peak today). You'll note that it seems like a sliver of the box. That's because I used a post it note to cut off the bottom of the box. I then touched up the boxes with a black pen--so it looks like it is a mini box using True Black. Next I stamped the dots using Ripe Avocado and finally the sentiment in Pure Poppy.

Stamp Set(s): Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI

Ink: Pure Poppy by PTI , Ripe Avocado by PTI, True Black by PTI

The second card is similar to the first one however I created this card with holiday thank you's in mind. I like the idea that my kids can send a little note to relatives after the holidays are over so this sweet number will be one of my mass produced cards this season.

I started by stamping my images (read above) and then I decided to colour the boxes using my Copic Markers. I layered the front of the card using Stamper's Select White cardstock and Pure Poppy cardstock. As a final touch I added this gorgeous gingham 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

Ink: Pure Poppy by PTI , Ripe Avocado by PTI, True Black by PTI
Accents:Gingham Ribbon by PTI
Tools: Copic Markers

The last card screams masculine. I constantly struggle to put together a card for the guys in my life. While my family is not that big, my husband's is and we have a lot of "male" birthday cards to send out every year so you can imagine my struggle. Well now I have the ol' standby--swap colours and keep the layout and each card is a new card.

One of the things I like about this card is the clean lines and the circular feel. It's full circle! I began by stamping the second layer using white pigment ink and Polka Dot Basics II in addition to a strip of Kraft paper. You'll note that I double stamped two rows of circles using Spring Rain. Next I stamped the circles using Spring Rain, then stamped the sentiment using Enchanted Evening ink. I masked the area (using a cut out of the sentiment on a post it note) and proceded to stamp the dots over top using Pure Poppy. Why did I do this you ask? Because the dots go full circle and I didn't want them to interfere with the sentiment. I decided to create another circle by using the Spellbinders Standard Circle die cut around the sentiment and circles. As a final touch I cut a strip of Bitty Dot Basics and put the entire layout together.

Stamp Set(s): Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by Papertrey Ink, Polka Dot Basics by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Kraft by PTI, Spring Rain by PTI, Enchanted Evening by PTI

Patterned Paper:Bitty Dots Basics by PTI

Ink: Pure Poppy by PTI , Enchanted Evening by PTI, Spring Rain by PTI, SnowCap pigment ink by Ranger
Tools: Spellbinders Standard Circles

Thanks so much for stopping by. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.

Hugs;
Alli

Communique Curves (4)

2009-11-10T22:54:00.000-08:00

It's another FUN Papertrey Ink day and I am very excited to share a few more projects with you too. Don't you just love this time of month? Every month I wait with baited breath to see more PTI designs-- they only get better and better.

Whenever I create cards I consider a few key things 1) who is the card for 2) what occasion am I creating for. Don't get me wrong I do create cards on a whim but I find if I have a purpose I can be more productive. With that in mind I created the following cards...

First up is this super fun holiday card. My absolute FAV combo of items: buttons and patterned paper. I decided to use Heather Nichols delicious Rustic Snowflakes. I absolutely love the old world feel to this paper and the fact that I could use my square punch to get a square of different paper. I paired up matching coloured buttons too. You'll note that I stamped "Season's" in Ripe Avocado and "Greetings" in Pure Poppy. Yes that is right they are independent stamps which means you can mix and match your favourite holiday colour combos! As a final touch I decided to create a soft base and stamped the Kraft paper with Polka Dot basics II and rubbed the edges with white pigment ink.

This is definitely a mass produce-able card and I would vary it slightly (pieces of paper, colours etc) depending on who I was giving it to.

Keep in mind, if you are sending all your cards out this year you may want to omit the buttons and just keep the paper squares. With or without buttons, the card looks amazing!

Stamp Set(s): Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by Papertrey Ink, Polka Dot Basics by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Kraft by PTI

Patterned Paper:Rustic Snowflakes by PTI

Ink: Pure Poppy by PTI , Ripe Avocado by PTI, SnowCap pigment ink by Ranger
Accents:Buttons by PTI

I created the second card with I "girl's night out" or "event" in mind. I find that December is a busy month from staff parties, family gatherings, meetings with friends, wrapping up a club (stamp club, book club) etc and as such a cheery holiday invite might be the perfect match!

I began this card by stamping the base with Plum Pudding and Polka Dot Basics II. Then I stamped my sentiment "Jingle All the Way" using Hibiscus Burst, the bell using Plum Pudding and the dots in True Black. The dots are spaced perfectly to make a chain. Using a post it note you can alter the size of your chain. As you can see I only used 4 dots for today's card while the preview the other day showed 5! Once I finished my stamping I cut the circle using Spellbinders Standard Circle Nestabilities. I also cut a strip of Bitty Dot Basics and a strip of Hibiscus Burst cardstock. I decided to add texture to the strip and used my Scor-Pal to give it appeal. As a final touch I added some swiss dot ribbon and punched the lower right hand corner with a rounded corner punch by EK Success.

Whatever your holiday goals are this season I hope I have provided you with some inspiration!

Stamp Set(s): Communique Curves (Urban Design by Alli Miles) by Papertrey Ink, Polka Dot Basics by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Perfect Plum by PTI, Hibiscus Burst by PTI
Patterned Paper:Bitty Dot Basics by PTI,
Ink: True Black by PTI, Perfect Plum by PTI, Hibiscus Burst by PTI
Accents:Swiss Dot Ribbon by PTI
Tools: Spellbinders Standard Circles, corner rounder by EK Success

Don't forget to check back again tomorrow for day 3 of the countdown. I have been crafting up some special projects to share with you.

And last but not least..thank you SO much for stopping by and leaving me comments. It is so nice to hear from you.

Hugs,
Alli

Jiffy Girls Challenge

2009-10-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's another Jiffy challenge...which means another month has gone by. I am sure you are wondering where I have been...let's just say I have been busy illustrating again and had lots of papercraft related deadlines :) You haven't seen the last of me...I promise. Just the behind the scenes stuff that is time consuming along with the regular daily grind--housewife, mother and teacher.

So onto my challenge card. This month Julie Campbell picked this gorgeous Papertrey Ink image from Autumn Abundance...while I picked this winter paper from the Colorful Christmas collection by My Mind's Eye. I was a little worried about how we could mix autumn and winter but I managed to make it work :)

Stamp Set(s): sentiment and image from Autumn Abundance by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Scarlet Jewel by PTI
Patterned Paper: Gumdrop Sprinkles, Merry Dots from the Colorful Christmas collection by MME
Ink: True Black by PTI
Accents: Button by PTI
Tools: Copic Markers, Scor-Pal, Nestabilities

Make sure to check out the other designs...

Julie
Lori
Kim
Michele

Thanks for stopping by...

Alli

For My Teacher...

2009-11-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

When I first spotted this adorable paper I knew I needed to match it with the school house from the Unity kit and the sentiment from PTI! As a teacher I always make sure I spend a little extra time on cards and gifts for my kid's teachers. Well as most of you know I am homeschooling my son this year so now the focus goes on my daughter's teacher. I wanted to keep this card minimal so that it was easily reproducible. As the years have passed I have found that although paper crafters create GORGEOUS multi-layered cards using a variety of tools not everyone has access to those. I remember the early days when basic is all that there was and while I do enjoy spending hours creating ONE card I also think it is important to create a bunch of cards in one hour. KWIM?

Stamp Set(s): sentiment from Everyday Button Bits by PTI and image from September Kit of the Month by Unity
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI
Patterned Paper:October Afternoon
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI
Tools: Copic Markers, Scallop Punch by Fiskars

Hope you have something fun planned for the weekend. I know I plan to enjoy some crafting time in preparation for next week *wink*.

Alli

Did you see...

2009-11-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

this on Nichole's blog???

Yes, after months of "time off" and getting resettled in life I finally have a stamp set to share with you. Make sure you read about it HERE.

Looking forward to sharing some details and projects during the countdown :)

Hugs,
Alli

Soaring by to say HI!

2009-11-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

I sill cannot get enough of Nichole's adorable Button Bits from Papertrey Ink. Every time I walk by that set it calls my name. As I had not used this balloon stamp set as of yet I knew I had to ink it up and give it a try.

Stamp Set(s): sentiment and image from Everyday Button Bits by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI
Patterned Paper:October Afternoon
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI
Accent: Ribbon by PTI, Buttons by PTI
Tools: Nestabilities

Hope you have a terrific day!!

Alli

Autumn blessings

2009-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

I had a rough night on Tuesday night--sicker than I can even remember! So glad I feel up to a post today. I am working on getting into the habit of posting more frequently again. With the move and the outdoor work I have found that I am just not getting to my blog posts at the end of the day. As the weather gets wetter and colder I am in my stamp room a lot more and not outside as much.

On another note my mum is celebrating a VERY special birthday today and she is off on a trip to celebrate it with friends. Happy Birthday Mum! Love you.

In celebration of autumn I thought I'd share this card with you!

Stamp Set(s): image from October Kit of the Month by Unity, sentiment by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI
Patterned Paper: fThree Bugs in a Rug, October Afternoon, PTI
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI
Tools: Copic Markers

Have a super day!

Alli

Welcome winter...

2009-11-03T00:30:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh a little snowman. There is something about the way Kim Hughes draws snowmen... it makes you want to cuddle them.

Again, here I am working through my winter cards trying to prepare for send out in December. I always have so many cards to get through and never enough time to complete them. As you may well remember, I attended a Christmas card class with my friend Glenda Wyatt from A*Muse during A*Muse-A-Palooza in July so I did get a head start...now I am just trying to finish up in a timely manner.

Stamp Set(s): image and sentiment from Winter Trees (Kim Hughes Collection) CHF
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI
Patterned Paper: from Jolly by Golly Collection by Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI
Accents: Button by PTI , twine, clear snowflake by Heidi Swapp, Ribbon by Cosmo Cricket

Have a terrific day...see you again tomorrow!

Alli

seasonal bliss

2009-11-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

Only 53 more shopping days!!! And 30 days left before all my Christmas cards have to be in the mail. Are you feeling the crunch too?

A few weeks ago I was in my LSS and spotted the LOVELY Christmas Basic Grey line. I have to admit I love the BG Christmas lines because they are double sided. And for someone who loves to paper piece, I like to have more options with my paper--especially because the colours coordinate.

Today I created a simple card using adorable tree image from Winter Tree and last year's sentiment from Heart Warmer's (Kim Hughes Collection).

Stamp Set(s): image from Winter Trees and sentiment from Heart Warmers (Kim Hughes Collection) CHF
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI
Patterned Paper: Woodland and Caroling from Eskimo Kisses Collection by Basic Grey
Ink: True Black by PTI , white by Ranger
Accents: Button by PTI , Ribbon by PTI

Hope you are having a fine November 2nd. Hope to see you back tomorrow!

Alli

WCMD a la splitcoast

2009-10-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

The second Splitcoast challenge was by Crafty Secrets and it just so happens I have a few of those in my collection. While I am not as vintage creative or shabby chic as my friend Sherrie Siemens (love that girl!) , I like to think some effort will make me better some day! After all, I do love the look, just haven't mastered it yet.

So here was my best try....

I love the faux stitch stamp!

And part of the challenge was to create pop...I figured between the contrast of colours and the popped up buttons my card fit the challenge!

Stamp Set(s): Sew Special by Crafty Secrets
Cardstock: Stampers Select White by PTI , Spring Moss by PTI, Ripe Avocado by PTI
Patterned Paper: Town Square by Jenni Bowlin
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI, Poppy Red by PTI, True Black by PTI
Accents: Ribbon by Making Memories, Town Square Journal ling Paper by Jenni Bowlin
Tools: Scor-Pal

Have a great day!

Alli

Some WCMD fun with PTI!

2009-10-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

On Sat Oct 3, I participated in a number of Splitcoast challenges and PTI challenges unfortunately because of issues with networking I was unable to post my cards. After some fiddling, DH has fixed the problem. We have never had so many problems and considering we just moved from a remote community to a big city I never imagined we'd have these issues. Anybody else with shaw.ca? Have you had problems?

One of my fav challenges was Nichole Heady's Challenge #1: Japan. I knew right away what I wanted to do...create a soft watercolour look using Out on a Limb.

I pressed the ink on my acrylic block and and used my aqua pen to soften and accent the already stamped images. You'l also notice the flowers were brightened using a white gel pen.

I used my gold leaf pen to give the edges a golden feel--something I noticed on many of my Japanese finds.

Stamp Set(s): Out on a Limb by PTI
Cardstock: Stampers Select White by PTI , Spring Moss by PTI, Ripe Avocado by PTI
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI, Raspberry Fizz by PTI
Accents: Gold Leaf pen by Krylon
Tools: Scor-Pal

I'll have another card to share with you tomorrow!

Alli

World Card Making Day

2009-10-01T02:00:00.000-07:00

World Card Making Day is just around the corner and I could not be more E-X-C-I-T-E-D!!! On Saturday October 3, 2009 card makers worldwide will be celebrating this event together. This will be my third year participating in a World Card Making Day event.

I love the idea that there is a common thread between us all and that we can celebrate this magnificent art called paper crafting. Are you attending a local event? virtual event? I plan to stop by my local store and purchase some new stamps and supplies and then attend a virtual event with my stamping friends! Make sure to stop by my blog on October 3rd and take a peak at what I am crafting...

If you are not sure where to start or maybe this is your first WCMD make sure to drop by the WCMD website where you can get a lot of ideas on how to celebrate!!!

HOW ABOUT A CONTEST? Once you have created some cards make sure to upload them to the WCMD gallery to share in the worldwide celebration and become eligible to win a prize on both the Paper Crafts Connection blog and the Moxie Fab World blog (Prize winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 6).

WANT TO GET PUBLISHED? Make sure you enter the WCMD contest so that you have a chance to be published in the March/April 2010 issue of Paper Crafts magazine. Isn't that a great opportunity? If you have never been published before THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!!! Make sure you cards fit one of the following categories: Birthday, Christmas/season’s greetings, hello/thinking of you, love, and thank you.

NEED INSPIRATION? Make sure to visit the WCMD Blog Tour not only will you be able to see 25 more cards made specifically for WCMD, but you can also get a coupon code for 25% off your entire purchase on our online store. I personally know many of the girls on the blog tour and must say they are some of the VERY best in the industry!!!

PARTICIPATING? Anyone who is going to be doing something special on their own blog to celebrate World Card Making Day can add their blog URL to the WCMD website using the Mr. Linky widget by clicking here.

Here is a special card I made especially for you...called Enjoy the Ride (the ride to WCMD of course!)

Stamp Set(s): bicycle from Following My Heart August Kit of the Month by Unity Stamp Co., sentiment from Everyday Button Bits by PTI
Cardstock: Stampers Select White by PTI
Patterned Paper: Lemonade by Basic Grey, Mini Polka Dots by PTI
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI
Accents: Gems by Basic Grey
Tools: Scor-Pal, Punch by Fiskars, Copic Markers

I just want to personally thank you for stopping by my blog today. I'd love to hear from you so please leave me a comment for your chance to win something special. Also, if you are starting from my blog today then I encourage you to visit Moxie Fab blog too so you can see one of my special projects as well as see the links to other bloggers from around Canada. Don't forget to leave them a comment to increase your chances to win (Limit: one comment per person per blog) . In fact make sure to check the Moxie Fab blog on Friday and Saturday as well :) You know Cath--she always has fun things planned!!!

Note: Comments will close at midnight on Sunday Oct 4 (no matter where you live) and will be announced Oct 6th.

Hugs;
Alli

Jiffy Challenge

2009-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's always exciting to come together with the Jiffy girls! This month we had the pleasure of being sponsored by Ellen Hutson.(thank you Ellen!!!) You can get this CUTE stamp called Twizzle Tree by Memory Box from Ellen's store. Kim picked our image and Julie picked this darling paper by Making Memories.

Stamp Set(s): Twizzle Tree by Memory Box from Ellen Hutson, Thankful Greetings by PTI.
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Scarlet Jewel by PTI
Patterned Paper: Pink Floral JustChillin' Girl by Making Memories
Ink: True Black by PTI
Accents: Ribbon by PTI
Tools: Copic Markers, Scor-Pal, Nestabilities

Make sure to check out the other designs...

Michele
Julie
Lori
Kim

Carole is still taking a break but make sure to check back next month!

On a side note, I have just about completed writing my student learning plans for the year 2009-10 school which means more creative time again until report cards in Nov :)
World Card Making Day is just around the corner too!!! Are you planning to attend?

Have a super day!

Alli

Mmmm cherries a la PTI!

2009-09-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

One of my fav images from Everyday Button Bits are those FAB cherries. I matched the image with the delicious Basic Grey papers from the Lemonade collection.

Stamp Set(s): Everyday Button Bits by PTI, Polka Dot Basics by PTI
Cardstock: Kraft by PTI, Vintage Cream by PTI
Patterned Paper: Lemonade by Basic Grey
Ink: Dark Chocolate by PTI, Vintage Cream by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI
Accents: Ribbon by PTI, Buttons by PTI
Tools: Scor-Pal, Nestabilities, Punch by Fiskars

Hope you are enjoying this new week. My daughter turns 6 tomorrow and my dad and his wife are here too. There will be 12 family members and friends here celebrating her birthday too. We've got a full house of fun!!!

Alli