Paper Suite (PS) is now a place you can come for daily paper crafts inspiration and anything in between that I think will be fun to share with each of you. The name of my blog really has not changed anything technically. The blog web address is still the same (ashleynewell.com/blog).

If you are a subscriber to my blog via RSS feed or email, you may have to re-subscribe by clicking the subscribe link or by entering your email (here) in the left sidebar. Sorry about that. I made an error in changing some things. Technical stuff can be confusing…agreed?! So, if you are no longer receiving the posts in your inbox or through your RSS feed of choice and you want to continue to receive updates, please re-subscribe!

I hope you all like the new, fresh and clean design just in time for spring! I am looking forward to sharing more projects and inspiring things I find a bit more frequently.

Today, I have a few Studio Calico cards I created using the Neverland Card Kit, plus some of the add-on kits that were available this month. To keep up with my Studio Calico activity, I post sneak peeks of cards on Instagram.

I created this card for a mom to give to her darling daughter. It would be perfect to slip into her book bag or lunchbox just to share some love or offer encouragement.

I was inspired by Dana’s layout and wanted to use the banner on the right side and the cluster of embellishments to overlap.

Thanks, Dana for sharing your awesome creativity for us all to be inspired!

*Neverland Card Kit + Tink Add-on + Wendy Add-on*

To create this anniversary card, I die cut a couple of shapes from Papertrey Ink dies (ad sense, limitless layers: circles). I stamped the sentiment onto the pinking circle, added a couple of enamel dots and layered it onto the banner die cut. This anniversary card is perfect for the man in your life!

*Neverland Card Kit*

Inspired by framed art, I created a miss you card. I die cut the frame using a Papertrey Ink square die. The cityscape is hand cut and matted on more patterned paper. To simulate framed art, I ‘hung’ the picture with floss and ‘nailed’ it to the wall with an enamel dot. Letter stickers formed the greeting.

*Neverland Card Kit*

To make this hello card, I die cut some shapes using Papertrey Ink’s tiny tag dies. I layered a few shapes together, added enamel dots, and strung them on some floss. Patterned paper is bordered on the left side and letter stickers formed the greeting.

*Neverland Card Kit*

I made an Easter card using a Papertrey Ink dies (polka dot parade + turning a new leaf). I added a greeting sticker and stamped a word onto a vellum bubble shape. Enamel dots simulate flower buds on the leaves and the bunny’s tail.

*Neverland Card Kit + Tink Add-on + Wendy Add-on*

This card could be given on a variety of “best days,” including birthdays, graduations, birth of a new baby, new job, and just about anything else that’s exciting.

I use Papertrey Ink dies (Back Pocket, Tag Sale #5) for some of the shapes. I layered the tag with some washi tape, patterned paper, and floss.

*Neverland Card Kit + Tink Add-on + Wendy Add-on*

This card is perfect for your very best friend. I layered a mini pocket and added some hand cut sunbursts. I added a few stickers onto the sunbursts and finished them off with enamel dots.

*Neverland Card Kit + Wendy Add-on*

I layered some chevron strips from patterned paper onto the MEMO die cut. I added the “smile” letter stickers, then embellished it with the ampersand button, stamped sentiment, and mini clothespin.

*Tink Add-on*

This card is almost a one-layer design. I embellished it a bit with extra cardstock stamped with the quilling-inspired images. I used a bit of a paper piecing technique and added some stitching for texture.

Quilled Elegance is definitely an eclectic, yet luxe design. I just love how you can use it in so many ways! The sentiment is from the new Sending My Love stamp set.

To get this look, stamp the image on contrasting cardstock and hand cut, then adhere to your project. I did not adhere it completely to the card front so that I  could raise some portions up a bit.

I just love this sentiment. It really portrays how you enjoy spending time with another. So sweet!

Berry Sorbey Cardstock True Black Ink Rustic White Cardstock lavender moon ink Simply Chartreuse Ink Harvest Gold Ink

I really love how the Framed Out stamp and die series you can choose to stamp, die cut, or both. I always have a hard time deciding what techniques I want to use on a project, but that’s a good “problem” to have with your supplies, right?!

I stamped the hearts into a background pattern, then added the interior hearts. I popped a bit of pure poppy hearts in to pull the color combination together. I also incorporated Think Big Favorites #23 by stamping the LOVE element and hand cutting it as an embellishment. I die cut the heart from the Heart-2-Heart #11 collection. The little pennants on each side are from the Countdown Details die collection.

This is such a simple design that uses multiple stamps and die collections. Love when that happens!

Sweet Blush Ink Pure Poppy Cardstock Sweet Blush Cardstock Pure Poppy Ink Pure Poppy Patterned Paper Rustic White Cardstock

So, I was a bit of a nerd in school. I had one of those laminated periodic tables hanging on my wall in my bedroom. I thought it looked so cool! When I saw Love Potion included those images, it totally made me smile…BIG! I just had to use it on my card. I was not sure what I was going to design with these stamps and dies, but I am thrilled with the results. I think because it just reminds me of a school project…told ya…I’m a nerd!

I stamped the DNA inspired chain pattern onto the graph patterned paper. Next, I stamped the sentiment onto a black cardstock strip.

I added the stamped beaker die cuts and layered them on the patterned paper with foam adhesive.

After adding the last sentiment, I stapled the paper and spiral punched the left side.

Rustic White Cardstock Canyon Clay Ink True Black Cardstock Blueberry Sky Ink Summer Sunrise Ink Pure Poppy Ink Canyon Clay Cardstock True Black Ink Tiny Attacher Whisper White Ink Spiral Border Punch

This card features Sending My Love (again). I wanted the sentiment to be the focal point, so I stamped it on a square die cut and layered it on the new Mat Stack 6.

After stamping the card front with polka dots, I added a few cardstock strips and finished it off with the sentiment embellishment.

Pure Poppy Ink Polka Dot Basics Pure Poppy Cardstock hawaiian shores cardstock Rustic White Cardstock Lemon Tart Buttons hawaiian shores ink Jute Rustic Twine Emma’s Shoppe

Today, we’re celebrating 7 years of wedded bliss. YAY! We treated ourselves to what we called “Eurotrip” and traveled to London, Paris, and Copenhagen. It was very cold, but so adventurous and fun. I love to travel and am ever so grateful for the opportunity to spend time with one another.  I’m truly grateful to God for blessing our relationship which has lasted over 15 years. I could not have chosen a better person to spend so many years sharing countless life experiences. Happy Anniversary to my best friend, life partner, and husband!

My travels have truly sparked my creativity and I’m so eager to get back into my craft room. Just as soon as I get back on my regular time schedule and perhaps after Thanksgiving, I’ll be posting a bit more regularly here. In the meantime, if you don’t follow me on Instagram, I’ve posted a few more photos of our Eurotrip. This is a self portrait of us at the Louvre in Paris using my iPhone 4s, so please excuse the grain that appears a bit more on the front camera! Thanks so much for allowing me to take the time to share one of the many things I’m grateful for today.

When I see flip flops, I automatically think of warm weather, summer time, and vacations. I really love wearing flip flops and just picked up a pair the other day. Melissa Bickford really did an amazing job designing Flipping Out images and dies. I can see these flip flops on cards and mini books. The sentiments are a must-have as well for all sorts of occasions.

For this card, I die cut the tag and embossed it with the new Stripes Impression Plate. I added the ribbon to the tag. I also die cut the doily element and layered it with the stamped flip flops. I added the flower from Aloha stamp set – perfect to coordinate with Flipping Out! Simple. Fun. Colorful.

Berry Sorbet Ink hawaiian shores ink Harvest Gold Cardstock Tag #6 Die Berry Sorbey Cardstock hawaiian shores cardstock Aloha lemon tart ribbon Doily Details Kraft Cardstock White Cardstock

Winter Wisteria Ink True Black Ink Winter Wisteria Cardstock

The Heart-2-Heart series is one of my favorites. I just love the focal image and coordinating sentiments. This cute telephone image is just too cute. I stamped them on pastels for a nostalgic aesthetic.

For a pop of color, I stamped the red heart. For texture, I dry embossed the Simple Stripes on white cardstock. CALL ME!

White Cardstock True Black Cardstock True Black Ink Aqua Mist Ink Aqua Mist Cardstock Pure Poppy Ink Sweet Blush Ink Sweet Blush Cardstock Harvest Gold Ink Harvest Gold Cardstock

Front Cover

Front Cover detail

The cover features aqua mist cardstock with a floral stamped pattern and “anniversary celebration” stamped from Table Service. The patterned paper is by Technique Tuesday. The chipboard embellishments are by Crate Paper Portrait collection.

Front Cover close up

I personalized it with their names using alphabet beads to a pennant die cut from Banner Builder die cut collection.

Front Cover detail

Pages 1 – 2

On the left, features patterned paper by Melissa Frances. The paper is from an older collection, but this is a great way to use those papers from your stash. I also added a banner using Banner Builder dies and embellished them with buttons and twine.

On the right, features patterned paper and tulle trim by Webster’s Pages. I also stamped “you & me” from Love & Marriage stamp set.

Pages 3 – 4

On the left, the patterned paper is by Webster’s Pages. On the right, is more patterned paper by Webster’s. I stitched a black cardstock pocket and embellished the front with shipping tags. I also stamped the tags and added key die cuts from Lock & Key and Love & Marriage. The pocket also includes a floral embellishment from Webster’s.

Page 4 detail

Page 4 detail

Page 5 – 6

Both pages include papers by Webster’s. On some pages I also added a tab die cut from kraft cardstock. On the right page, I added vintage book print panel and the Happy Day die cut and anniversary stamp.

Page 6 detail

Page 7 – 8

On the left, the papers are by My Mind’s Eye. I embellished the page with flowers by Webster’s Pages. On the right, I added a punched lace doily border from Martha Stewart, blue cardstock and the same chevron MME paper. I embellished the page with Wonderful Words Additions die cut, letter sticker, and word beads.

Page 7 detail

Back cover

The album base was chipboard by Rusty Pickle and something I’ve been holding onto for many years. I’m so happy to see it completely embellished! The album measures 8.5″ x 8″.

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a wonderful week!

I’m kicking off this series with a paper bag mini album. I created one that will feature anniversary memories. This is something you can create for someone else or to share your memories. The album can be made for a variety of reasons, including birthdays, road trips, travel, or just something about you in general!

In this posting, I’ll share the first part of how I created this mini album – the basic bones. Also, if you are interested in seeing this or any mini album I share as a kit, please let me know via comment or message and I’ll create kits to share that will make it easier for everyone to complete their memory projects.

I designed the album cover with lots of layers and focus on the purpose of the album to direct the title. I used a number die cut as well as a label die cut, then adorned it with stamped cardstock strips and finished it off with a doily. For added texture, I included twine tied in a bow with a button. The entire layout of the album cover can be changed to focus on any theme!

I also customized the kraft paper bags with a zig zag decorative edge on all of the tops.

Here, you can see the pages of the album. They included stamped pages with ribbon tabs.

Since this album is created from paper bags, it allows you to include additional elements in the pockets. I’ve included decorative edge cardstock pages where you can add photos, memorabilia, and who knows what to make this album your own!

The album is secured with two rings to allow one to flip through with ease.

The decorative edge cardstock pages in various colors really make the album pop!

The ribbon tabs allow one to quickly find a page and also give the album additional character using color and texture.

The opposite pages are covered with luscious patterned paper.

Again, if you’re interested in seeing this album as a kit, please let me know. The kit would include the paper bags, punched and cut as shown, patterned paper to fill the pages, the decorative edge cardstock sheets to include in the bags, ribbon to make tabs, twine and button, plus additional elements to add to your cover page!

So, this is the bare bones of a paper bag mini album. I always create the album first, then work through each page to embellish. Next Monday, I’ll be back to share how I finish this album! A mini album is not complete until you add all the fun elements and of course photos!

Thanks so much for visiting!

Today, I have a special post for my husband of 5 years, McArthur. Friday was our wedding anniversary, but today is our 13th anniversary together. So, I thought it would be sweet to celebrate here on the blog for the “other” anniversary. So, check out the card and if you’re interested, feel free to check out the tribute and videos as well.

Since the 5th wedding anniversary gift centers around wood, I thought it would be cool to design a wood grain card as a focal point. I stamped the pattern on the back of Jillibean Soup patterned paper (white macaroni) since it has a great kraft color – and used black ink. I die cut the car, stamped and paper pieced it together. The polka dot patterned paper is by My Mind’s Eye (haunted collection, harlequin paper). I added some distress ink. I stamped polka dots on cream cardstock, then stamped the sentiment. Added a little zig zag stitching, then adhered it to the A2 card base and I was done. I popped the car right off the center to finish it off. Simple and masculine.

The choice in colors – decided based off our wedding colors of cranberry and gold. Instead of designing the exact colors in a formal style of card, I made them a little more flat using a burgundy and kraft and coupled it with black (like his tux) and cream (like my dress – it was not white even though it looks like it in photos)!

I decided to use this car stamp set as my focal point along with the wood grain pattern to celebrate me and McArthur’s journey together. We have spent the past 13 years together – through undergraduate, graduate, and law school. We’ve experienced some great times and even a little down times, but we have held each other up along the way making sure both of us has a smile and laughs. I’ve enjoyed the ride so much with him over these past few years and I can’t wait to continue that journey for many more years.

Seriously, I think I have the best husband in the world. He loves CHA! I mean enough said, right?! But really, he loves me unconditionally and with that there’s not much more I can ask for in life. So, here is a short video I compiled using our wedding photos and video highlight from our wedding to take us back down memory lane to 2005!

Enjoy…the ride!

To my love, McArthur…Happy Anniversary!

By the way, he has taught me to do just about everything you see on this post (minus the card design)!

To view more videos related to our love story (if you haven’t previously) click here, here, and here!

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink – background basics: woodgrain, polka dot basics II, enjoy the ride, round &round
Ink :: Stampin’ Up! – basic black; Close to My Heart – bamboo
Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink – vintage cream, scarlet jewel
Patterned Paper :: My Mind’s Eye – haunted harlequin paper; Jillibean Soup – white macaroni (back solid side only)
Tools :: Janome Sew Mini – sewing machine; Papertrey Ink – car die; Provo Craft – cuttlebug

Happy Friday to you, Bleeps! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Thank you so much for joining me on Moxie Fab World’s blog yesterday. It was super fun! Today, I have a card to share with you, along with a video tutorial.

Instructions

1. Trim patterned paper to about 4″ x 5.25″, ink the edges, add ribbon to corners, and adhere to rustic cream A2 card front.
2. Stamp lacey frame on rustic cream cardstock, cut out, and ink.
3. Ink the chipboard embellishment, stamp sentiment, and pop off lacey frame.
4. Ink card front edges.

Video Tutorial

• Here is a video tutorial on how I made the crinkly stained ribbon used in this card.

• You can also view the video here.
• Ribbon supplies can be found here.
  

Supplies

Stamps :: Hero Arts – lace frame, everyday sayings
Ink :: Tsukineko – VersaFine vintage sepia; Ranger – antique linen, tea dye
Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink – rustic cream
Patterned Paper :: Melissa Frances – Clara
Embellishments :: May Arts – ivory silk ribbon; Tattered Angels – glimmer mist, chipboard

You all have a great weekend. I’m so happy you stopped by today!

Today, I’m sharing a card using some of my scraps I had on hand, inspired by The Shabby Tea Room challenge for the week. I recently used My Mind’s Eye Lush and Creative Imaginations’ notes ledger patterned papers for other projects and thought they paired well together for a card. The sentiment is also a scrap. If only you could see the back of it; it is all stamped on! Don’t forget to use the back of scraps as well – just a little hint I thought I’d share.

**Trying a new photo sharing experience here. Let me know if you like it. My photos now highlight some of the card elements. Is it worth it? Do you like it?**

Also, don’t forget, I have a new stamp set for sale here!

I hope all of you are enjoying your Easter weekend. “See” you tomorrow for a fun Caardvarks challenge!

Thanks for “hopping” by this Easter to take a peek!

Instructions

1. Trim ocean tides cardstock to create an A2 card base.
2. Trim edge from notes ledger patterned paper and ink.
3. Adhere notes ledger paper to polka dot patterned paper and ink.
4. Tie twill tape into a bow, then adhere to card front.
5. Add rhinestone flourish.
6. Stamp sentiment on rustic cream scrap, hand cut, crinkle, ink and pop off card front at an angle.
7. Ink flower and add to ribbon knot with glue.

Supplies

Stamps :: Waltzingmouse Stamps – say it with style
Ink :: Ranger – tea dye, antique linen
Cardstock :: PTI – rustic cream
Patterned Paper :: My Mind’s Eye – Ooh La La collection (la dee dee); Creative Imaginations – notes ledger
Embellishments :: Prima – flower, rhinestone flourish; Melissa Phillips – twill tape

What’s going on folks?! It’s almost the weekend and today marks a few great weather days to come in the DC area…WOO HOOO…I {heart} warm weather! I was inspired by SCS Color Challenge and made this card. I like pink and gray together, but the rose red was throwing me off, so I added it with a floral design by coloring my acrylic stamp with my SU! marker (it worked even though it looked like it wouldn’t – you have to ‘huff’ it or breath heavily on it to get the ink moist enough to stamp evenly). That stamp set is one of the many I won during Paper Crafts’ Stamp It Week! I received so many goodies!!

Thank you all for stopping by so I can share my creations and I hope you enjoy your day!

Card Instructions

1. Trim pink cardstock to an A2 card.
2. Trim gray cardstock into a square.
3. Dry emboss design on gray cardstock and sand.
4. Stamp flowers, cut out, and adhere to gray cardstock + add rhinestones.
5. Tie ribbon around gray cardstock into a bow.
6. Adhere to card front with foam adhesive.
7. Stamp sentiment.

:: My Goodies {Anniversary Wishes}::

Ink: Papertrey Ink – smokey shadow; Stampin’ Up! – rose red marker
Cardstocks: Stampin’ Up! – pink pirouette + basic gray
Accessories: Spellbinders – flowers impressabilities; Kaiser Craft – rhinestones; Papertrey Ink – sweet blush ribbon

OMG, I finally finished editing my video (well, Mac did)! This was a lot of work, so since it’s my first, please don’t be too cruel! I’m sure my next will be better because I know what to expect and how to work things a little better. So, you get to ‘hear’ me and maybe one day watch me, but I hate being on camera. It’s such a rough version, but I’m trying to get the hang of shooting a video!!

Anyway, this video is how I stamp a background using Papertrey Ink’s Guideline 1 set. When learning how to stamp a background, I suggest starting with a small piece of cardstock for projects, then stamp larger sheets if you want once you perfect the technique. Trust me, practice makes perfect!

Have a great day and enjoy the ‘show!’ EDITED TO ADD: A new video will be created with a new card soon. This video and card was removed for publication purposes. Thanks in advance!

:: My Goodies {happy anniversary}::

Ink: ColorBox-Chestnut
Cardstocks: Papertrey Ink-vintage cream + aqua mist + kraft + dark chocolate
Accessories: Papertrey Ink-aqua mist ribbon; Stampin’ Up!-pearls

**Sorry, like a DORK, I forgot to take a photo before I finished the card, so I explained it in text for you.

How I did it
What I did here was create a three-panel background. To simulate pattern paper strip panels, I stamped damask designs on three strips of kraft cardstock using a light shade of brown ink to create a washed-out, vintage appeal. I also inked around the edges using ColorBox chestnut roan chalk to create more distressing. Mat pattern panels to a solid cardstock and adhere to the card base. Stitching around the panels would add great texture (just another option, but my sewing machine is broken).

You can decorate the top of the panels any way you want. I chose to apply three of the same flowers. These flowers are from a set by Close to My Heart, but you can easily use any flower stamp set, such as PTI’s Flower Frenzy would work as a perfect substitute. I already owned this set after I discovered PTI and refused to purchase multiple flower stamp sets that resembled each other. So, for the flower stamps, you can stamp the entire flower (as I did) or if the stamp set comes with a flower and stem separately great, stamp on green cardstock for the stem and on your color cardstock for the flower. I stamped two flowers for each panel to create added dimension and used a few pop dots and pulled them up.

Tie a ribbon around the front of the card and pop the stems over the ribbon. Stamp your sentiment and your DONE!

Hello! Please accept the attached card for November/December issue of Paper Crafts magazine. Thank you for your consideration!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Trim card front to 5.5″ x 4.25.”
2. Trim kraft cardstock panels to about 1.5″ x 3.25″ and stamp damask background.
3. Ink edges and mat on green cardstock and ink those edges, then adhere to card front.
4. Stamp flowers, cut out, and adhere to panels.
5. Add ribbon and stamped sentiment.

:: My Goodies {i love you}::

Ink: Stampin’ Up-chocolate chip; ColorBox-chestnut roan
Cardstocks: Papertrey Ink-kraft + dark chocolate + spring moss + melon berry
Accessories: Papertrey Ink-melon berry ribbon