So, you know someone who’s just gotten engaged. Now what? Send a card! With these cute little dies, you can make something up super quick. I combined the dies with Just a Kiss sentiment and some older stamps and dies too!

So, some of these die cuts are teeny tiny. I know a lot of you have difficulty removing the die cuts from the die. Well, I’ve had this tool for a very long time, at least 4 years and have even used it, but forgot to use it on my Papertrey Ink dies. It’s called QuickStik Scrapbook tool by Quickutz and it will help you pick up those die cuts in a jiff! Why didn’t I think of this before?! It’s only been staring at me for years in my tool kit. Anyway, I thought I’d share it with you in case you may be looking for a tool to easily pick up those die cuts.

I die cut the shapes from kraft cardstock. For the man, I also die cut it from black cardstock and coordinating accessories. To keep the man’s head kraft, I cut off the black head, then adhered the die cut over the kraft die cut. It’s so easy to line these up! I added them to the card from with the stamped floral spray, patterned paper bottom border and some floral trim.

Please excuse my poor choice in aperture setting. That’s why there’s a blur.

Here, I made a sweet card to give to a girlfriend who’s recently engaged. It can be a congratulatory card or just an excitement card. This could even be an invite to family and friends to invite them to wedding dress shopping events.

I like using black cardstock for the shapes because they have a silhouette appearance. The sentiment is from Just a Kiss. I also stamped the flowers and added a bit of ribbon.

I matted the patterned paper onto cardstock and hand cut the border with a pair of small scalloped scissors. Another tool I’ve had since the very beginning are my decorative scissors. I never parted with the scalloped pair. I bought them at Michaels many, many, many years ago, but they may still have some like it! They were a non-brand and very basic. They can only cut through paper.

Soft Stone Patterned Paper True Black Ink Winter Wisteria Saddle Stitch Ribbon Smokey Shadow Cardstock Winter Wisteria Cardstock White Cardstock True Black Cardstock Winter Wisteria Ink Plum Pudding Ink The Sweet Life

For my last project, I wanted to share how you could use it as a gift, party favor, or food decor pick.

Before assembling the favor box, I stamped the sunburst. I assembled the box and added the die cuts. Very simple and elegant and can be used to hold a small gift, gift card or thank you treats for guests.

To make the vest buttons black, I layered a black vest and left the buttons in tact and then added the harvest gold vest on top.

I thought it would be so cute to add these die cuts to toothpicks for cupcakes. And of course I had a cupcake on hand! This cupcake is from my favorite cupcake shop in DC, Red Velvet Cupcakery. The great thing about that cupcake shop is that there’s no line like Georgetown Cupcakes! Ha

Anyway, I just adhered a toothpick on the back of the die cuts and stuck them into the cupcake. A very easy way to make your cupcakes stand out.

Hello Sunshine True Black Ink Soft Stone Ink Party Poppers dies White Cardstock Harvest Gold Cardstock Favor it Box 4 True Black Grosgrain Ribbon QuickStik

This card features Snowflake Flurries. I just love this stamp set! It’s so much fun to stamp with and can be used for countless cards, layouts, mini albums, and other projects. The sentiment is from Think Big Favorites #21; another great holiday sentiment stamp set. These enlarged sentiments can be added to card interiors or exteriors and even for scrapbook related projects too!

On white cardstock, I stamped with aqua mist, sweet blush, limeade ice, soft stone, and ocean tide inks. The sentiment is stamped with smokey shadow ink. I love to use smokey shadow as a dark neutral substitute for true black.

Created this cozy card using Layered Postmarks: Holiday. I die cut Mat Stack 3 from patterned paper and layered a 1.75″ Limitless Layers: Circle with a sentiment from the new stamp set. I also die cut the two holly leafs, stamped the solid holly image in simply chartreuse ink, then layered it with the postmark pattern in dark chocolate ink. I added another patterned paper strip and a button to finish off the focal embellishment.

To finish the card, I embossed the Striped Sweater pattern on kraft cardstock and distressed the edges with vintage cream ink.

Bold Stripes!

This wedding card showcases Heart-2-Heart #9 stamps and dies. I die cut the cake and stamped the coordinating image in sweet blush ink. I added a classic kraft felt heart die cut (from Gingerbread Lane). The two love birds are stamped in true black on Limitless Layers: Squares die cuts.

The 4″ square card is covered with Background Basics: Super Stripes in true black ink. This wedding card is for a young, fun, and bold couple!

Beautiful Blessings: Holiday sentiments are so special. I heat embossed the sentiment using gold embossing powder on enchanted evening cardstock. To finish it off, I embellished the bottom portion with Edgers #2 and added some 1/4″ white silk ribbon.

For the background, I created a patterned paper on kraft cardstock using Peaceful Pinecones and classic kraft ink.

Next up, there’s Winter Hills! I stamped the Background Basics: Striped Sweater in fine linen ink on the right side. On the left side, I stamped the snowflake pattern. I used Winter Hills to stamp those beautiful bare trees and sentiment in dark chocolate ink.

For the focal point, I die cut a couple of snowflakes from Snowflake Medley using ocean tides felt and cream felt. I layered it with some vintage applique trim and a classic kraft felt heart from Gingerbread Lane. Some stitching down the center secures all the layers.

The winter months are full of holidays, including Hanukkah. I stamped some images and sentiments from Menorah Medley to create this simple one-layer card.

On blueberry sky cardstock, I stamped the menorah base in blueberry sky ink. Next, the candles were heat embossed using white powder. To complete the flames, I heat embossed them with a bit of mustard embossing powder. I just love the texture heat embossing provides. So, I kept it going and heat embossed the sentiment as well. I added a little white bow for a bit of elegance (1/4″ white silk ribbon).

For my last card, I stamped Background Basics: Striped Sweater in sweet blush ink on rustic cream cardstock. I also stamped some flourishes from Embellishments using smokey shadow ink.

On a limeade ice Tag Sale 6 die cut, I stamped a sentiment from Over Under Easy in smokey shadow ink. I added some layered buttons to finish it off.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this month’s display of new products. Have fun shopping. But, if you need more inspiration, there is so much more to see. Check out these links and have a great day!

Good Morning! Welcome to Papertrey Ink’s 2012 Stamp-a-Faire! If you are looking for more details about today’s event, please click on the graphic above to visit Nichole Heady’s blog for all of the details.

First up, I have a couple of projects to share with you on a new way to use satin ribbon and dress up those die cuts.

I made this thank you card to showcase a flower embellishment using notched flower dies and satin ribbon.

I used the pleated ribbon technique around the notched flower die cut to create a ruffled edge. It really creates a great border and adds another layer to the flower embellishment.

I used a hot glue gun to adhere the pleated ribbon in place. After the embellishment was complete, I added it to a rosie posie leaf die cut.

I hope you enjoyed this technique and will use it on your next die cut and maybe even felt!

melon berry felt Melon Berry Patterned Paper Simply Chartreuse Twill Tape Simply Chartreuse Patterned Paper Aqua Mist Felt Jute Rustic Twine Notched Flower Dies Fine Linen Cardstock Rosie Posie Dies Vintage Cream Satin Ribbon Think Big Favorites #5 Corner Chomper Vintage Cream Cardstock Small Scalloped Border Die Background Basics: Retro Dearest Jane Dark Chocolate Buttons Fine Linen Ink Classic Kraft Ink Classic Kraft Ribbon

For my next project, I created a pocket envelope. I folded some cardstock in half and added edgers #5 die cut.

In this project, you can see how I used the same ribbon pleating technique to add a ruffled border around a mat stack die cut. So, you can definitely use this technique to add to your cardstock or patterned paper die cuts as well.  To assemble the pleated ribbon onto the die cut on this envelope, I used liquid adhesive.

I added three little buttons to the envelope file tab and stamped a loving postmark.

The contents of this envelope for the bride and group will surely make them feel loved. I hope you are inspired by the pleated ribbon technique and specifically adding it to die cuts to create a fun embellishments and ruffle border.

Aqua Mist Cardstock Lavender Moon Cardstock Heart Border Die Aqua Mist Patterned Paper Pack Black & White Basics True Black Ink Edgers #5 Die White/Cream Buttons lemon tart ribbon Lemon Tart Buttons Love & Marriage True Black Cardstock Mega Mat Stack 1 Die mat stack 1 die True Black Buttons

Thanks so much for checking out my ribbon technique tutorial using satin ribbon! See you in couple of hours!

I was inspired by the vintage style of the camera in Shutterbug Special, so I ran with it on this card design. I chose Winter Wisteria as the focal camera color because the bridesmaids wore a similar color for the wedding we photographed.

I combined Think Big Favorites #5 with Shutterbug Special to showcase the congratulatory sentiment. The Sweet Life was stamped over some vintage book print. I used one of the outlined images only for a subtle outlined floral pattern.

I stitched around the borders of the vintage book print paper and matted it on an A2 Spring Moss card base.

I stamped the camera in True Black ink onto Winter Wisteria cardstock. The Shutterbug Special stamps were super easy to align onto the coordinating dies.

As a wedding photographer, I am so fond of the stamp set, but even better the interactive feature of an instant photo. How fun is this? Simply pull the “tab” to reveal a fun sentiment or…

a photo!

To allow the instant photo die to slide easily through the camera die cut slot, I used foam adhesive on the back of the camera die cut. I lined it up along the borders (left, right, and top) where the instant photo slides.

How the photo got onto that die cut:

First, select the photo you want to use. Then save it to about 1.5″ W x 3″ L. I put a gradient over the photo so it would blend into the white part of the photo paper (to see a stamped sentiment). Print the photo on photo paper. I use a premium glossy paper, but it’s all up to you (you can even print photos on cardstock). Die cut some vellum using the Shutterbug Special instant photo die. Then, align the die (face down with the vellum die cut inside of the die as well) over the photo. I used some removable tape to hold my die in place. By the way, the vellum simply protected my photo from any mishaps while moving through my die cutting machine. Last, stamp the sentiments. Yep, right onto the photo paper. I’ve stamped on glossy photo paper before and LOVE the results. The stamp “sticks” to the photo paper making an amazing impression. You have to be careful and peel the stamp off of the glossy paper. The photo paper of course cannot get wet because the inks will bleed. Voila! An instant custom photo for your cards or scrapbook projects!

Although people typically give cards and gifts by the day of the wedding, it’s perfectly okay to wait a few months. So, why not get a photo and customize a card that will look like no other for the next wedding you attend.

I just love that sentiment! One of the main reasons why I love photographing weddings – a chance to freeze the time for each couple.

Winter Wisteria Cardstock Spring Moss Cardstock True Black Ink Think Big Favorites #5

Note: The red diagonal striped paper is a background image and not a part of the mini album, in case the photo confuses anyone!

Winter Wisteria Cardstock Pinking Shear Die Happy Day Die True Black Ink black embossing powder versamark watermark ink pad Manila Shipping Tags *Claudine Hellmuth GESSO Studio Primer Paint Ranger *Tim Holtz Idea-ology 9 PLAQUETTES Metal TH92921

An altered heart tin is perfect to hide those sweet treats. I covered this tin with paper, ribbon and fabric. I stamped the circle embellishment using Tag-its #12.

Don’t forget to leave your special handmade mark on those creative projects. I die cut a Tiny Tag and stamped a sentiment from Handmade Hodgepodge.  I added it to the ribbon using button and twine. I love that the twill tape perfectly fits the width of the heart tin lid!

For the heart tin base, I covered it with muslin fabric. I picked up my fabric from a local store (G Street Fabrics for those in the DC Metro area). I trimmed it to a 2″ wide strip and adhered it to the tin using liquid adhesive. Typically, one would stamp the fabric prior to adhering, but oh no, not me (don’t ask why!) So, I decided to use a new stamping tool…my finger! That’s right, I placed the leaf stamp onto my index finger and inked it, then stamped the entire heart tin base. It was actually a fun process using my finger to actually stamp, instead of an acrylic block. This method allowed me to control the inking and roll the stamp over any angled/curved areas of the heart tin. The stamp did not fall off my finger and I actually had to peel it off when I was finished!

Autumn Rose Ribbon Autumn Rose Ink Vintage Cream Cardstock Cream Rustic Twine Tiny Tags Dies White/Cream Buttons Standard Circles Sm Small Heart Tin Nantucket Petite Paper Pack

Pure Poppy Ink White Cardstock Summer Sunrise Ink Summer Sunrise Buttons Cream Rustic Twine Kraft Cardstock Emma’s Shoppe Aqua Mist Ink Pure Poppy Ribbon True Black Ink

For the leaves, I used the Flower Fusion coordinating stem/leaf die. To make it a leaf, I trimmed off the stem and cut around the leaves slightly and voila simple leaves without a stem!

Button Boutique Button Card die Spring Moss Ink Rustic Cream Cardstock Baker’s Twine Summer Sunrise Ink Pearl Trinket Pins Bamboo Ink Autumn Rose Ink Canyon Clay Ink

Raspberry Fizz Cardstock True Black Ink Vintage Cream Ink

I’m sharing two projects today. The first project is an invitation that shows the die in action and a bit of the pattern building elements. The second project is a fun birthday card with a custom stamped design.

I created an invitation for a recently engaged couple. To excite the recipient prior to opening the invitation, I added a layered die cut embellishment as the indicator of what details may come on the inside. I’m sharing some step shots (with McArthur’s help) of how I designed the invitation, so you will have an idea on how to make one yourself .

Trim cardstock to 4.25″ x 11″

Score at the 3″ mark from each end of the 11″ length or if you have a wider scoring tool, score at 3″ and 8″.

Fold the cardstock on the scored lines. The two ends will overlap. Choose one side and mark the middle with a pencil and a ruler.

Using the ruler, pencil in an angled line. Make sure the angle does not go beyond the other folded flap (tucked under the flap you are marking). Mark another angle on the other side from the middle as well.

Here, you can see my penciled angle marks. Using scissors or a trimmer, cut on the pencil marked lines to get an angled edge.

Trim another sheet of cardstock to 4.25″ x 2″

Using a ruler and pencil again, mark the center of cardstock.

Now, draw angled lines to create a triangle.

Trim along penciled lines.

Apply adhesive along borders.

Adhere cardstock to other inside flap (not the one we trimmed an angled border above). This will create an inside pocket for the invitation.

The outer flap of the invitation is embossed using the soon-to-be released Lace Impressions die. I used an embossing sandwich (with tan embossing mat) in my die cutting machine to achieve this effect.

I die cut the mat stack 5 shape and stamped the coordinating graphic in Canyon Clay ink. Next, I die cut an oval from Lemon Tart cardstock and stamped the sentiments. I layered the two die cuts with foam adhesive. Before adding it to the invitation front, I tied some baker’s twine and added a magnetic closure to the back of the mat stack die cut to allow the invite to open and close easily!

I designed the invitation details in Photoshop CS5. I printed it out on my Epson Stylus 1400 printer.

I left a large portion of the top of the invitation blank so I could add the stamped cardstock strip. The floral design are stamped images from Mat Stack 5 Collection and the sentiments are from Happily Ever After.

The invitation panel measures 4″ x 4.75″.

I also embossed the cardstock sheet prior to adhering it to the bottom flap to make a textured pocket. I designed instructions in Photoshop and printed it out on cardstock, then die cut it with Mat Stack 5 and inserted it into the pocket.

Here is the entire invitation ensemble!

Melon Berry Cardstock Canyon Clay Ink Lemon Tart Cardstock Vintage Cream Cardstock Mat Stack 5 Die Baker’s Twine

For this card, I stamped the pattern with various inks. I like to practice on grid paper first with one ink color, then stamp my real project. I also mark off center points with a pencil on my card so I will know if everything is centered on the cardstock. It’s easier to see than to read, so I photographed each step I stamped to show how the stamp building process worked.

First, I stamped this image four times around the 5″ square cardstock. They may overlap a bit, but that’s okay!

The next step, I added the floral image on the inside of the first image using raspberry fizz ink.

While I had the raspberry ink out, I stamped the flourish in the empty space.

Next, I stamped a smaller floral image in summer sunrise ink.

For the last step, I stamped the same small flower in sweet blush ink around the pink flower to fill in the design a bit.

To finish off the card, I die cut a Mat Stack 5 shape, stamped the sentiment from Think Big Favorites #12, then embossed it woodgrain impression plate. I adhered the die cut to the card front center with foam adhesive. I added tulle and buttons, then finished it off by adding a bit of stickles to the buttons and stamped flowers.

I matted the stamped cardstock on summer sunrise cardstock and adhered everything to a 6″ card base.

White Cardstock Aqua Mist Ink Summer Sunrise Ink Sweet Blush Ink Summer Sunrise Buttons Raspberry Fizz Ink Summer Sunrise Cardstock Mat Stack 5 Die Wood grain embossing plate Diamond Stickles

Thanks so much for stopping by! I’ll be back tomorrow with more to share!

When hand delivering a wedding card, I like to make the envelope just as special, so I made one up. Follow the following steps to create your own envelope to coordinate with any card you design (not suitable for shipping, unless placed in another package)!

Take 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock and score in half at 5.5″. Then, trim to 6″ wide by 5″ tall. You can adjust the measurements to fit your project size.

Trim a semi-circle from the top of one side of the cardstock. You can use a tracing template, then scissors or a die cut.

Die cut filigree border from felt. Yep, it cuts felt! Take your time when removing all of the negative die cut pieces. Then, adhere to the border and trim any excess.

Stitch sides with sewing machine. Add pearls.

For wedding cards, if you know the colors chosen for the event, you can always use that as a starting place for a palette. I chose a few spring colors I think would look great for a tented event: Canyon Clay, Aqua Mist, Lemon Tart, Soft Stone, and Smokey Shadow

Trim soft stone cardstock to about 4″ x 5.25″ and stamp chevron/zig zag pattern with smokey shadow ink.

Die cut Mat Stack 4 from aqua mist cardstock and Layerz Mat Stack 4 with canyon clay cardstock.

On aqua mist die cut, stamp sentiment.

Die cut circle from lemon tart cardstock and heart from soft stone cardstock. Stamp heart image and mat on circle, then mat on aqua mist die cut.

Add soft stone ribbon treatment, then layer the mat stack die cuts using foam adhesive, then layer onto chevron stamped paper.

Adhere cardstock onto soft stone A2 card front.

Soft Stone Ribbon Background Basis: Chevron Stripes Mat Stack 4 Die Smokey Shadow Ink Standard Circles Sm Aqua Mist Cardstock Lemon Tart Cardstock Rustic White Cardstock Heart Prints Collection Dies Pearls

Thanks for visiting. I’ll have LOTS more to share tomorrow! Take care.

What? The weekend is over already?! Where does it travel off to so fast? Then, today is August! Already? The summer is almost over and it seems like it just arrived. I’m going take advantage of the next few weeks and wear the most summer gear I can before jackets and boots make their way back into my wardrobe.

So, over the past week I’ve been having a great summer break, that is – not crafting! However, I did indulge in crafting by making some tissue paper pom poms, a set of thank you note cards (they will not be shown here because I forgot to photograph them before gifting them), and even a balloon garland. I’m working on some photos and will share a few with you when they’re done. A friend of mine got married on Saturday. We had her bridal shower/mehndi on Thursday, which is why I made the decor. It was an eventful weekend to say the least! I wore a sari (or saree) and needed someone to rescue me from my poor attempt to wrapping it around! I took photos at the mehndi and Mac took the photos at the wedding – well because that sari and the camera could have been a disaster! It was my first Islamic wedding, so that was so great to experience. I’ve witnessed Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, and now Islamic weddings. The one thing they all have in common is love and prayer. All of the ceremonies speak to the importance of support, love, and prayer.  I’m so happy for my new married friends!!

Since I haven’t given them a wedding card yet, I decided to make a fun one last night using some Waltzingmouse Stamps. I thought this sentiment is perfect since the day has come and gone.

Here’s the entire card! I love taking photos in the morning where the sunlight is coming through my living room; even if it means I have to rush while Mac is waiting in the car for me! If the photo isn’t up to your standards, that is why! Sometimes, I rush too and getting the ‘perfect,’ most clear photo isn’t my priority or sometimes intention! I actually like some photos out of focus, although I know some people beg to differ. It’s a style that is even showcased in major fashion ads featured in Vogue and such. But, I can also understand that folks just want to see the details too, which is why I usually take at least two photos now.

I hope you all have a great day! I’m going to try to be back tomorrow. Next week, I want to start a creative weekly series I’ve been wanting to do for months. Let’s see if I can muster up the energy to make it happen!

1. Trim kraft cardstock to about 3.75″ x 5″. Stamp banner and bows in red ink. Tip: Curve the straight clear stamp on your block to get the banner effect.
2. Stamp pennants on cardstock in different ink colors and hand cut with scissors. Tip: I have the pennant dies, but sometimes hand cutting may be a bit faster. It depends on your time!
3. Adhere pennants to cardstock.
4. Hand stitch buttons onto cardstock between pennants.
5. Stamp sentiment on cream cardstock strip and adhere to kraft cardstock with foam adhesive.
6. Finish the card off with pearls adhered to the banner ends.
7. Adhere focal point on the center of lemon tart A2 card front.

Summer Sunrise Ink Black Ink Lemon Tart Cardstock Vintage Cream Cardstock Spring Moss Ink Berry Sorbet Ink Pearls Kraft Cardstock Cranberry Ink aqua mist buttons berry sorbet buttons Big Day Additions Simply Chartreuse Buttons Plum Pudding Buttons Summer Sunrise Buttons Plum Pudding Ink Bitty Banners Simply Chartreuse Ink Rustic Cream Cardstock Aqua Mist Ink

Yep, Wednesday is just about over here on the east coast and has already passed just over the pond, but I’m still posting this. I got some much needed rest Tuesday and today. Allergies are really kicking our butts here these past few days and I needed time to cough, sneeze, and get that “big head” feeling down.

So, are you ready for Episode 3 of the Creating Shaped Cards video series? Today’s card shares how to create a shaped card from a template, whether you draw by hand, print it out, execute a shape on your computer, or find one online. I designed this dress shaped card years ago when I first started crafting cards. I altered it a bit today and generated an electronic version to share here…with you all! Here is a PDF and a JPEG version for you to download, print, and cut out. For the PDF file, just check the folder where your online downloads go and the JPEG file will open in your browser’s window. I hope you all make a dress card soon! If you do, please send me a link in my contact form on my blog!

This video may also be viewed on YouTube in HD. Please note, if the video stops during playback, pause the movie and allow it to load completely. HD videos take a little longer to buffer due to their size. Thanks for watching!

I select my inks that I want to take. There is usually a black and/or brown, then whatever color choices I’m feeling at the time of the pack up! Tools, such as scissors, punches, craft knife, ruler, scor-pal buddy, scoring mat, and acrylic blocks definitely make it into the bag. I would pack a paper trimmer, but it’s at work (now, why would it be there?!). So, I use a craft knife, ruler, and scoring mat to make straight edge cuts. I’m going to have to invest in a travel paper trimmer soon to keep in my tote!

I keep a stash of my favorite cardstocks in my tote at all times. I add the basics from time-to-time, including, cream, kraft, and white hues that I may use up. Don’t forget your adhesive of choice! I always try to pack my 3M ATG 714 adhesive gun, glue dots, scor-tape, and foam adhesive. Punches are a quick way to embellish your projects. So, I usually pack two (a border and image punch).

Here, you can see a peek of the card I worked on (at the hotel desk – a PERFECT crafting table)! I also pack a glassine bag full of other small embellishments, including decorative trims, small stamp sets, rhinestones/pearls, and die cuts. So, you may be wondering die cuts? Well, I die cut a few shapes before I pack in neutral tones, such as white, cream, and kraft and perhaps some of my favorite colors and bring them along to use on my projects. This allows me to use some favorite die cuts without having to pack up a die cutting machine and the templates too.  You can also see here the scoring mat and metal edge ruler I use while creating.

Here is a photo of most of my supplies in action! I also bring a button sampler, which is great because you get a lot of colors in a small container.

I simply cannot create without ribbon or embellishments, so some neutral twill tape and prima flowers make their way in the tote as well. Here, you can see the scor-buddy, which is a must-have to be able to make a great scored line on cards! I also bring some liquid adhesive and scor-tape in case I want to get super duper crafty!

Now, patterned paper would not have usually made its way into my tote, but now it’s a must-have. It’s a great way to add design to your projects easily. So, I packed up my Webster’s Pages petite papers, which includes three of their newest collections (AMAZING, I might add)! So, just select a few of your favorite collections and limit yourself to using those. The petite papers is a great way to bring a lot of designs along!

You know I can’t live without my stamps, so I brought ONLY seven sets! Since Papertrey Ink’s are packaged in CD cases, they do not take a lot of space. I bring two – three background stamp sets, image sets, tag sets, and also sentiment sets. I also bring decorative trims just in case those need to be added to the projects as well.

So, here’s the card I designed this morning using those supplies you saw above! It doesn’t take a lot to get crafty…even on the go! Oh how I love the lighting in this photo. The sun is shining so bright here this afternoon and I’m so grateful for that, even if it’s super chilly outside!

I trimmed the Webster’s Pages patterned paper to about 4″ x 5.25″ and inked the edges with Ranger distress inks. I stamped the green leaves onto the patterned paper with green ink from PTI Turning a New Leaf stamp set. Then, I stamped the sentiment from PTI Giga Guidelines stamp set with Close to My Heart’s garden green ink. The patterned paper was adhered to PTI fresh linen A2 card front.

Remember how I mentioned above that I bring die cuts along? Well, I die cut this PTI mini envelop and packed it in the glassine bag! I stamped it with PTI Background Basics Text Style I stamp set in Close to My Heart bamboo ink, then inked the edges with Ranger’s vintage photo. I also stamped the inside of the envelope with PTI Background Basics Polka Dot I set in the same ink. The envelope is so easy to fold along the scored lines. I just added some adhesive to the edges and pressed down!

I could not figure out what to add in the envelope. Yeah, a gift card would be nice, but I’m not sure what we’re giving yet (I know last minute Lucy over here), plus I can add that on the side if need-be. So, I flipped through my Webster’s Pages and found these DIVINE mini seed packets. I trimmed a couple out and placed them in the mini envie!

I also brought along these mini tag die cuts. I stamped the sentiment from PTI Favor It Weddings set in Close to My Heart cranberry ink, then inked the edges. I tied the tag with May Arts twine around the mini envie and added a bow. To finish it off, I added a button with a glue dot and embellished with a pearl.

I just couldn’t stop taking pictures, so here is another shot of the sentiment and beautiful patterned paper.

OK OK! Last shot of some of the details at the top! I left the mini envie folded and sort of like a real envelope where it wasn’t adhered flat to the patterned paper (at least the top flap isn’t). That blue bird is so sweet. Stamping those leaves just made this patterned paper unique for me. I hope the couple loves it too!

So, what did I forget in my tote this time? ENVELOPES! ACK! So, I will be added a few of those to keep in my tote. I hope you do the same too! I am using the glassine bag that I packed some of my goodies in (Thank God) as my envelope this time around, which I usually like to do anyway when giving a card in person, so it all worked out (this time around)!

I also forgot a pack of baby wipes to clean my stamps, but hotels have wash cloths, so I used that (SHHH)! I’ll be adding a mini pack of baby wipes in my tote, so on future trips I won’t forget those either!

Do you have anything to add to my tote? Let me know what I forgot!

I hope you all have a great weekend! Thanks for your visit!

Instructions

1. Trim cream cardstock to about 4″ x 5.25″, then stamp post cards into a background pattern. Add distress ink with blending tool to entire paper.
2. Hand stitch around the border.
3. Ruffle twill tape.
4. Tie tag around and secure with twine and a button.
5. Pop off an A2 aqua mist card base.

Tips & Tricks

• Stamping a Background Pattern with an Image – Start in the center of your cardstock and work your way out to the edges. This will allow you get an even distribution of the image to create a pattern.
• So I won’t get overwhelmed with stamping, I do not stamp on large cardstock sheets. I stamp on sheets that will fit a card front or slightly larger.

Supplies

Stamps :: PTI – aloha
Ink :: Ranger – antique linen
Cardstock :: PTI – aqua mist, vintage cream
Embellishments :: Graphic 45 – Le’ Romantique collection (Le’ Romantique tags); May Arts – twine; PTI – aqua mist button; Melissa Phillips – twill tape
Tools :: Ranger – blending tool

Thanks for stopping by! Make the best of your Monday!