Just Give Me Stamps...

Many, Many Thanks...

First off, I want to thank you all for the very sweet and encouraging comments yesterday!  You all brought tears to my eyes!  The kindness of fellow stampers never ceases to amaze me!!  I promise to do a better job of keeping you updated!  Also, several of you emailed and asked if you could continue to send cards to Alison.  I'm sure she would LOVE it!!  I {heart} you guys so much!!!  Here's the address again:

Alison Schmidlin
P.O. Box 990
Dillon, MT  59725
USA

Well, as the title of this post hints at...I have been stamping many, many thank you cards lately!!  Each of my boys will be giving a card to their teachers and bus driver.  I also made cards to give to Alison's teachers.  They have all been SO amazing and supportive of Alison this year!  I really am so impressed with just how encouraging and accommodating they have been...especially lately when she has had to be absent so much. 

Okay...this post is LONG!  Lots of photos!  :-)  Just wanted to give you a head's up in case you want to grab a cuppa...

I made two of identical cards like the one above.  I used Papertrey's Teacher Apple set combined with some yummy new Cosmo Cricket papers! 

I used the same stamp set and papers (justin different colors) as the one above.  The doily in the background as well as the apple was cut out using my Silhouette Cameo.  I LOVE this machine!  :-)

These next several cards are all the same design...just different colors.  I made several of each color.  I just get bored doing the same thing...so I like to mix it up a little.  :-)

This first card was created using Papertrey's Stitches & Swirls set and Round & Round set (for the sentiment).  The color I used here is Dark Chocolate.

The color I used on this card is Blushing Bride (from Stampin' Up!) for the cardstock and Victorian Velvet Distress Ink.  I used a darker pink ink because the lighter one just didn't show up well enough.

My next card was created using the Enchanted Evening colors from Papertrey.  I think this one might be my favorite.  :-)



Last but not least (of this design anyway) is the one I created using Lemon Tart cardstock (from Papertrey) and So Saffron ink (from Stampin Up!).

My final design is one I made for all the high school male teachers (as well as Ali's bus driver)!  I used an file from the Silhouette store as the focal image of the card and Stampin' Up!'s woodgrain background stamp.  The sentiment is from Verve's Celebration of Thanks stamp set.  I made about 15 of these cards.

Phew!  I think that about covers it!  :-)  I will be back tomorrow with a fun post and a giveaway!!

Hugs,
Laurie

End of Year Thank You Cards...

Hooray for Friday!  All of the end of year craziness has officially begun!  :-)  Well, it's actually been going on all month long, but the next week will be CRAZY!  Today D and I are going along on a field trip with J & B's school.  We will be visiting a commercial dairy and then the Idaho Falls Zoo!  Should be a fun trip!  D has really been lost this year without his big brothers home, and I do believe he is counting down the days until he starts Kindergarten int he Fall!  :-)

Anyway, I thought I'd share a couple of cards I made for our school's Booster Club to use as thank you cards.

This first card is for the lady that drives the school bus.  She is SUCH a sweet person and really does so much for our kids!

I used Crate Paper patterned paper and Chipboard (both from the School Spirit Collection) along with Papertrey's Star Prints set.  I put a thank you sentiment on the inside but forgot to take a picture of it.  :-)

This second card (made for the track coach) uses the same papers, chipboard, and stamp set. 

That's all from me!  I hope you have a GREAT day and even better weekend!  Hugs, Laurie

Playing Favorites...

Good morning!  Papertrey in having a favorites contest to help celebrate their upcoming anniversary!  The challenge is to re-post one of our favorite Papertrey projects from this past year.

When I was looking back through my projects and came upon this card, I knew this one was it!  I just adore the colors (Raspberry Fizz & Simply Chartreuse) and really should use them more often I think!  :-)  The set that I used is called Round & Round (last year's Limited Edition set).  The felt (Simply Chartreuse) is a little bit of heaven!  It cuts beautifully and helps give projects that warm & fuzzy feeling!  :-)

Thanks for checking in with me this morning!  I hope your Saturday is a blessed one!  ~Laurie

Something Fun and Something Vintage...

Note:  If you are here looking for my post for Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz celebrating Claire's birthday, please scroll down or click HERE.

Good morning!  I've got a couple of birthday cards to share with you today!

This first card is for my Father-In-Law.  I don't know about you, but I normally really struggle when I sit down to create masculine cards.  Ribbons, flowers, rhinestones, and all those pretty embellishments...they are definitely more in my comfort zone.  Well, as I was looking through my package of Glitz Paper Layers (from the Love Nest Collection), I came across the coolest map with an old vintage sailboat on it and before I knew it my card was finished!  I love it when that happens!!

After roughing up the edges of the map Paper Layer, I layered on some vellum that I stamped with the ledger background stamp (from the Distressing Set 3).  I kept the embellishments to a minimum using only various strings and a brad.

And now for something completely different!  :-)  For this card I went clean, crisp, & fun!

Using my patterned paper (Hoopla Frames from the Hoopla Collection) as an accent and utilizing more white space enabled the rub on I chose (from the Hoopla Collection) to really pop!  Again, I kept the embellishments to a minimum so as not to take away from the vibrant image.

Before I go, I wanted to let you know that there are peeks of the NEW Glitz lines over on the Glitz blog!  Not only that, but there is a chance to WIN some!  Oh YEAH!  Check out these posts for more info:  Afternoon Muse, Laced with Grace, & Love Games!

Have a fabulous day!  ~Laurie

Masculine Birthday Card
Glitz Design "Love Nest" Paper Layer
Glitz Design Clear Stamps:  Distressing Set 3
Other:  Father Knows Best stamp set (PTI), White cardstock, Kraft cardstock, Vellum cardstock, Rich Cocoa Memento Ink, Antique Linen & Vintage Photo Distress Ink, Java Versamagic ink, Clear detail embossing powder, Sewing machine, Brad (Making Memories, String

Celebration Card
Glitz Design "Hoopla" paper:  Hoopla Frames
Glitz Designs "Hoopla" Rub Ons
Other:  White cardstock, Rhinestones, String, Button, Scallop border punch (EK Success)

Round & Round...

Happy Friday!!  I'm back today to share another card with you! 

I was in need of a happy & cheerful card for a friend, so I decided it was the perfect opportunity to ink up my new Round & Round set (this year's Papertrey Limited Edition set)!

I started by inking up one of the round images using Simply Chartruese pigment ink.  I added some rhinestones to the flowers, and a sweet little butterfly (also from the Round & Round set).  I adhered them onto some patterned paper that I pre-stitched onto some Simply Chartreuse felt.  I LOVE this felt!  It really does cut so well!  (Here, I cut it using the Medium Scalloped Border die.)

Oooh, and isn't that patterned paper in the background delicious??  It's from The Paper Girl Collection (by The Girl's Paperie).

That's all from me today!  I hope your day is a fabulous one!  ~Laurie

Cupcakes, Smiles, & A Really Cute Box...

Hi there!  I wanted to share a fun little project I created a while ago using the new Click Simple Artisan Window Box Template! 

If you aren't familiar with Papertrey's Click Simple templates, they are downloadable templates that come complete with step by step instructions and several full color project ideas!  And this one in particular (the Artisan Window Box Template) is one of my all time faves!!

I printed the lid template onto the new Hawaiian Shores cardstock, and the base onto Kraft cardstock.  I just love that they can be printed on different sheets allowing me to mix and match colors!  :-)

I stamped one of the background stamps from the Tin Types set on the box lid as well as on each of the five little 3 x 3 cards I created to go in the box.

Aren't those cupcakes SWEET (they are from the Cupcake Collection set)???  :-)   After stamping them onto Stamper's Select White C.S., I covered the top of the cupcake with adhesive and sprinkled on some glitter!  For embellishments, I added some buttons tied up with some Rustic Jute Twine.

Here's a close-up of the front of the box.  I just adore the fancy cutout!!  Also hidden inside the box (along with the 3 x 3 cards) is some matching Kraft envelopes!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!  :-)  ~Laurie

Click Simple Sneak Peek!

Hi there! Today, I get to share a little peek of one of Papertrey Ink's latest Click Simple Template and I couldn't BE more excited about it!  Just wait until you see this gorgeous box template!! 

 
I’m in love with this box!  From the unique way it opens to the chic cut out on the front, this box will transform any gift into a work of art!  I am especially excited that the size is perfect for packaging up some coordinating three inch note cards!  As a stamper, I am always on the lookout for new ways to package and give away the cards I create!  As well as being a perfect fit for note cards, I can’t wait to use this template to create custom packaging for handmade jewelry or gourmet chocolates!

The ingredients, complete instructions, as well as several more photos will be included when you purchase the Artisan Window Box Template

My Finished Note Card Holder...

Hi again!  I'm back with my finished Note Card Holder.  For the step by step tutorial, scroll down or click HERE.

 I used the Window to My Heart template (from the Be My Valentine Click Simple Template).  I LOVE hearts and think they can be used year-round (not just for Valentine's projects)!  In fact, I will be giving this Note Card Holder to my Sister-in-Law for her upcoming birthday!  :-)  

 
After printing the template onto Kraft cardstock, I cut the image out using a craft knife and then mounted it onto a piece of embossed Pure Poppy cardstock.  Using the leftover paper from the cutout heart image, I traced it onto some natural muslin fabric, cut it out, adhered to the heart, and stitched around the edges.  

 

I created a little tag using the "Celebrate" sentiment (perfect for this birthday gift :-) from the Damask Designs set from Papertrey.  I embellished the front with a flower I had in my stash and a Pure Poppy button tied up with some Rustic Jute Button Twine.  

 

I wanted to add some ribbon, so I punched two holes on the Note Card Holder "spine" and thread some True Black Luxe Satin ribbon through them.  

 

On the inside there are two pockets holding six 4" square Kraft envelopes and  six matching 3 3/4" square note cards.

 

I kept the design of the notecards simple (and without added embellishments) so that they will fit nicely into the pockets (and be easy to mass produce :-)! 

 

I embossed the largest image from the Damask Designs set onto Pure Poppy cardstock using Black Filigree Detail embossing powder.  You've probably noticed that I like to emboss quite a bit.  :-)  I just really like the end result...the image is so solid and crisp, especially on colored cardstock!

I embossed the same image onto the envelopes.  This time, instead of centering it like I did on the notecards, I stamped it so part of the image is cut off making room for the recipient to write.

I hope you enjoyed my project today (and I hope my Sister-in-Law doesn't read my blog!!)!  Have a wonderful afternoon!  ~Laurie

Easter Basket Gift Card Holder...

Have you been following all of the excitement over at Nichole's Blog?  This is going to be an A*MAZING release!!  Just when I think I have seen my favorite new thing, Nichole announces even more "Brand new - HAVE to have it - Papercrafting goodness!  {{{Happy Sigh}}}

Speaking of NEW things, I'm excited to share with you a sneak peek of my Click Simple project for the upcoming Papertrey release!  My project uses the basket shape from the Spring Fling Template!

 

I adore this beautiful Basket template so much!  With three different options (single image, stitched image, or card base) the creative possibilities are endless!  My first thought was to create a soft and Springy Easter gift.  I adhered two single basket images together to create a unique and festive gift card holder!  Although this basket is perfectly suited for all kinds of Spring and Easter projects, it would also make wonderful Mother’s Day, baby, or “Thinking of You” gifts!

The complete supply list, detailed instructions, and more photos of my project are included with the Spring Fling Template download (which will be available for purchase on February 15th)!

Want to see more peeks?  Jennifer Holmes, Kim Hughes, & Melissa Phillips are all sharing projects using this must-have template!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!  Hugs, Laurie

A Bit Dramatic...

Whenever I have papercrafting ideas, I jot them down in my journal to try at a later date.  Color combos, sketches, or a certain way to use a stamp/embellishment...they all get written down.  The only problem with this is that I rarely go back and look at my journal when sitting down to stamp!  LOL!  Well, this morning I had a few more ideas to add but somehow I got flipping through my previous ideas and was inspired by a particular sketch I had drawn several months ago!  I then decided to live on the wild side, and couple the sketch with one of the color combos I've been wanting to try!  :-)  

 

The end result is a bit dramatic, but I like it!  I have to tell you though, I kept wanting to add ribbon and I think I tried a thousand different ways...but in the end I thought it looked better without.  So I settled with a cardstock strip cut to look like ribbon!  :-)

I embossed one of the images from Giga Guide Lines three times onto New Leaf cardstock.  The Kraft card base measures 3 1/8" x 6 1/2".  To finish it off, I added three Moss Rhinestones in the middle of the embossed medallions.

Well, I'm off to correct some schoolwork!  I hope you have a wonderful afternoon!  ~Laurie

 

Stamps:  Giga Guidelines (Papertrey Ink)
Paper:  New Leaf, True Black, Kraft (Papertrey Ik)
Ink:  Versamark
Other:  Black Detail e.p., Moss Rhinestones, Fiskars Border Punch, Paper piercer