June 2014 Blog Hop

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the NEW Paper Smooches July/August release with you!  FIVE new stamps and EIGHT new dies are releasing soon.  Our new stamps and dies will release at midnight (eastern time) on June 30.  (12:01am on July 1st EST) You will find our new releases HERE.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! 

The prize - a $25. gift code to choose what you like at the PS online store.

Here are the details:

• FOUR winners will be chosen at RANDOM from any of the design team blogs and the PS Blog to win the $25. prize.
• Just leave a comment on any of the design team blogs listed below or the PS blog for your chance to win!  (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify but it increases your changes) 
• Deadline: You have until midnight MT on Sunday, June 29th to leave a comment. 
• Please check the Paper Smooches blog on Monday, June 30th to see if you are one of the FOUR lucky winners.  

Ashley Marcu

Betsy Veldman

Emily Leiphart

Erin Lincoln

JJ Bolton

Jocelyn Olson

Kalyn Kepner

Kim Kesti

Laura Bassen

Laurie Schmidlin

Michele Boyer

Mou Saha 

Pamela Ho 

Summer Fullerton

Teri Anderson

Wendy Sue Anderson

To increase your chances of winning:

• Tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop
• Tell us that you Tweeted about our hop
• Tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to three extra chances to win on each blog)

I used the new cat set called Feline Friends as well as the new Cat Icon dies for the fish bones. I like how the tilt of the head on this cat seems to match up with the sentiment a bit. She needs a word bubble that says , "Like, seriously?" And I say that because I've only recently realized how much the phrase crosses my lips. It's a bit of a self check when you are in the middle of disciplining a child and they look at you and say it with your exact infliction. Oh kids! Lots of fun! 

June Paper Smooches Projects

Can you believe July is just a couple days away!?!? Where is the summer gone. I'm staring down the barrel of Halloween projects. Christmas projects even! I'm not ready for that!

Clinging to summer just a bit longer...at least in the paper crafting world...I've got a few projects using the May/June Paper Smooches Release for you.

This card uses the new Southwest Charm stamps and dies. There's a lizard character. He is muy loco. I thought it would be fun to color him with markers to blend into the background, like a chameleon. I would imagine whatever color combo you come up with would look great with this technique.

Ole! How about a margarita party? Sounds delicious to me. But only if I string up some chili pepper lights that inspired this card using the Desert Icon dies. I made maybe a stencil using the pepper and sponged red, orange, and green ink through. I also created a stencil from the Nested Oval Dies to add the "glow".

All these flower die cuts from the Pocket Dies were a cinch to cut because my pattern paper was so thin. I cut four layers at once and then just went to town adding them to a kraft cardbase.

And lastly, this month's TAM stamp set, Blissful Banners. I stamped my "happy birthday" banner repeatedly in a pattern on my background. I used the Streamers set (which has all the empty banners) to create my focal point and added a sentiment from Scripty Sayings. Flowers from the Flower Dies help make it stand out.

Feel like clinging to summer a bit too? All these stamps and dies are available for purchase at the Paper Smooches store! And we are days away from the new release...fun stuff.

Sand Dollar Coin Purse

I hosted a huge family birthday yesterday. There are four birthdays within an eleven day span, so we economize it. My entire side made it, plus Matt's parents. We had a full house. And I thought I had plenty of time to get everything on my list done before the guests arrived. Including stitching up a Coin Purse to hold a gift card for my sister. I miscalculated. I was hiding up in my room finishing it up and hearing the party in full swing downstairs. LOL! Good thing it was just family, huh?

She loves the beach, so I felt it was a given to use the new Seasonal Stitches: Seashells dies (more specifically, this detailed sand dollar) in Classic Kraft felt on Ocean Tides Felt for the theme. I had picked up this natural jute scalloped trim form Hobby Lobby back in the spring. The perfect accent to stitch in when I sewed the sides of the Coin Purse die together.

I didn't line this one or anything. I felt its main purpose was to hold a gift card. Would work well to hold a special piece of jewelry or a few receipts in her dresser, however.

Hope summer is treating you well! I'm looking around my post release office and thinking I should be doing something to clean it up here at naptime.:)

As for the party...it was a hit. I now have a two year old who apparently is so impatient to taste his birthday cake, he dives in before you have a chance to light the candle. Where does the time go?

June Release Projects

Today's the day all the new PTI goodies will be released. YAY! Time to share the rest of my projects with you.

Topiary Trio and Thank You Kindly: This one really came together with the use of BB: Wrought Iron. I'd imagine that any of the 1.75" stamps that we have (and we have a lot!) would work really well on this layout. Here I used one from Dawn's Thank You Kindly, heat embossed in gold on Classic Kraft cardstock.

Phrase Play #5 and Journaling Card Borders: I wanted to show how you could expand the size of the journaling cards by adding the border dies. I thought creating a scene in the open circle was a fun a different way to use it. Supporting players are Flippin' Out, Nativity Silhouette Additions, and BB: Random Stripes.

Birthday Classics: June:  This is my favorite set...just because my birthday is July 4th! Maybe I should make a birthday card for myself:). LOL! I haven't found the "Happy 4th of July Birthday" sentiment anywhere else, so I've got to do it justice.

I thought the shape of the main sentiment in this set would work well on Mat Stack 7. It's not a perfect fit, but one that definitely works. I used BB: Random Stripes again in Pure Poppy on Pure Poppy cardstock (tone on tone works great) on the Horizontal Stripes Cover Plate and really think it adds something special.

No Strings Attached, Keep it Simple: Wedding and Seasonal Stitches: Seashells: For a beach wedding. There seems to be a lot of those. Love the random stripe background you can achieve with No Stings Attached. So easy because those string stamps are full sized to fit across both orientations of an A2 card. The sand dollar is cut out of Classic Kraft cardstock and stitched with crochet thread.

Thank You Kindly: A little Copic action on colored cardstock really gives this card some personality.  Leaves from Doodlie Do are given the same treatment.

Friendly Flowers and Block Talk: Bright and cheery for summer. A little washi tape gives my Block Talk die cut some pizzazz.

Cat's Meow, Stitched Rectangles, and No Strings Attached: That kitty sure is fun. I think she looks adorable cut out of patterned paper. Also wanted to try using No Strings Attached to make it look like string is threaded through the holes on the Stitched Rectangle Dies. Sweet.

Speaking of kitties, I've had them on my mind lately. Thought I'd show you my latest addition. This is Hamweenie.  (We named her after this book and although I lobbied to change it at the last minute despite picking it out in the first place, it has stuck like glue. Sort of just rolls off the tongue now.) She's been with us a little over a week now. Itty bitty little thing. Matt and I haven't gotten a new pet since before we were married. The kids have never had the experience. So although we had some reservations, she's quickly stolen our hearts and brought lots of laughter in our home. Frisky little thing.

Thanks for stopping by and for all your lovely comments this week. They add fuel to the creative fire and that's a very good thing.:)

More inspiration below. All these lovely products are available to purchase tonight at 10 PM EST at www.papertreyink.com.

Maile Belles
Danielle Flanders
Dawn McVey
Laura Bassen
Laurie Willison
Heather Nichols
Ashley Newell
Melissa Phillips
Betsy Veldman


Topiary Trio
Stamps: Topiary Trio, BB: Wrought Iron, Thank You Kindly
Cardstock: Classic Kraft, Soft Blush, Stamper's Select White
Dies: Topiary Trio, Limitless Layers 1.75"
Ink: Fine Linen, Classic Kraft, Spring Moss, Simply Chartreuse
Gold Embossing Powder

Phrase Play
Stamps: Phrase Play #5, Flippin' Out, BB: Random Stripe, Nativity Silhouettes Additions
Dies: Navtivity Silhouettes, Jouranling Border Dies, Phrase Play #5, Flip Flop
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Hawaiian Shores, Tropical Teal, Fine Linen, Soft Blush, Melon Berry, Autumn Rose, Scarlet Jewel
Ink: Classic Kraft, Autumn Rose, Hawaiian Shores, Scarlet Jewel

Birthday Classics: July
Stamps: Birthday Classics: July, BB: Random Stripes
Dies: Mat Stack #7, Star Cover Plate, Horitzonal Stripe Cover Plate
Ink: Pure Poppy and Enchanted Evening
Glitter paper

Cat's Meow
Stamps: Cat's Meow, No Strings Attached
Dies: Cat's Meow, Stitched Rectangles
Cardstock: Aqua Mist, Winter Wisteria, Royal Velvet, Tropical Teal
Ink: True Black, Fresh Snow, Royal Velvet
Soft Stone Bitty Dot

For Your Wedding
Stamps: No Strigs Attached, Keep It Simple: Wedding
Dies: Seasonal Stitches: Seashells
Cardstock: Aqua Mist, Classic Kraft
Ink: Fine Linen, Classic Kraft
White Embossing Powder

Triple Thank You
Stamps: Thank You Kindly, Doodlie Do
Cardstock: Aqua Mist, Simply Chartreuse, and Stamper's Select White
Dies: Thank You Kindly, Strip Stitch Die

Friendly Flowers
Stamps: Friendly Flowers, Thank You Kindly
Cardstock: Summer Sunrise, Pure Poppy, Limeade Ice, Scarlet Jewel
Ink: Pure Poppy, New Leaf, Orange Zest, Scarlet Jewel
Dies: Friendly Flowers, Block Talk
Other: Washi Tape

Introducing Bowl of Sunshine

I'm up at 5:30 the mornings of the release countdown for Papertrey Ink to write up my blog posts. This morning, sunshine was already streaming through the window. Which means....it is SUMMER!!! And we're so close to the longest day of the year. Sigh. Makes me so happy. I'm a summer girl through and through. Just something about that sunshine that I need. Ups my melanin levels I think:).  So this sweet, vintage bowl stamp set by Lizzie is just the ticket to spread a little summer sunshine around. I'm completely charmed by it. And I hope you will be too.

This assignment was nicely timed for me. Hank's last day of school was Thursday and I needed to whip up a gift for his teacher. I used Bowl of Sunshine, Seasonal Stitches: Summer Fruit, and the Berry Basket II to create a gift ensemble full of all the pleasures of the season. Let me show you.

 
Using juicy shades of Orange Zest, Summer Sunrise, Hibiscus Burst, and Simply Chartreuse, this teacher gift is sure to please. I have a box of jelly beans, a foursome of stitched felt citrus slice magnets, a card set of four cards, and a thank you note that all fit in the Berry Basket II.

This is the basic format for my card set. A strip of patterned paper goes behind the main panel cut from the Stitched Rectangle dies. I chose to use Sentiment Signs for my sentiment because it has the same basic width of the bowls from Bowlful of Sunshine and has a lot of variety in the set. A bowl of fruit is stamped on the Bowlful of Sunshine dies in the same color as the patterned paper. In this case, Hibiscus Burst.

It's important to have a good plan when making card sets, especially if you want them all to be variations of one design. Everything is consistent in the layout and product, but variations exist in color, pattern, and sentiments. I'm really using the Perfect Match system by PTI to my advantage here. And not only that, a broad range of our stamp sets have this "variation in theme" idea(such as the bowls and fruit in Bowlful of Sunshine), that make putting together sets like this easy and fun.

Here's another idea using the Stitched Rectangle Dies...just thread two opposing corners and tie a plump bow. So easy to add impressive detail like this.

Carrying over my citrus theme, I created these felt magnets using the third of the summer Seasonal Stitching dies being released this month. This is Seasonal Stitches: Summer Fruit. Lots of detail in those sections.

My felt colors were picked to match the cardstock and ink color I used in my card set. The patterned paper is the same I used as well, just carried that over for consistency.  This are presented on a chipboard rectangle that I covered with paper. "Magnets" is spelled out using the Smooth Alphabet set released in May.

To make these citrus slices magnetic, I created a pocket using two cuts of the back layer of the Seasonal Stitches: Summer Fruit. Before I sewed up the last edge, I slipped two magnets inside. Very simple.

I used some magnets I bought at Michael's called Flexible Magnets. They also had something labeled "Super Strong Magnets" (or something along that line) as well that reminded me of the Basic Grey magnets that you can buy. Super strong. You hear that loud click when they come together. They are twice as much money as these, but I think in the future, I will go with those.  With a coupon, they would be reasonable. These hold well, but probably only could keep up two or three pieces of paper. I need a bit more than that. So Super Strong Magnets it will be from now on. I'm thinking I need an army of ladybugs for my fridge here soon. :)

Magnets are hot glued onto the backer to hold the felt magnets in place.

I have a candy store locally that sells bulk Jelly Bellies by the color. I custom made this mix to match the citrus flavors in my stamped bowls and magnets. How fun is that? Of course, I probably only needed like $5 worth of jelly beans and walked away with $17! I blame the kids.

I've wrapped this clear box with Summer Sunrise Gingham paper, added a grapefruit filled green vintage bowl (my mom had this one!) from Bowlful of Sunshine. Wet Paint Cuts in Hibiscus Burst adds a little thanks.

And lastly, a thank you card for Mrs. S. I used a lot of the same elements and colors, only differently. See that Stamper's Select White die cut? It's from the Berry Basket II! Love the detail it adds. I also used Dawn's new Thank You Kindly set. Man, that set is going to get a workout! And of course, Lizzie's charming bowls. Sigh. I'm in love with this set.

Back to Seasonal Stitches: Summer Fruit. In addition to citrus slices, you have an option of making a watermelon as well, as demonstrated here. It fits really well on the Mega Mat Stack 3 die. I thought the citrus slices would make an interesting sun, so we have a sun on top of a watermelon. That says summer to me! And summer birthdays are my favorite. Today is Eliza's, next week is Sully's, and in a few weeks it is mine. Lots of celebrating going on in my family.

I hope you enjoy your summer. And all the pleasures that come along with it like stamping summer themes on your projects using Bowlful of Sunshine. I don't know about you, but I want to go antiquing to pick up a bunch of Pyrex bowls now. :)

More Bowlful of Sunshine posts below. And just one more day to wait for these fabulous new products. They'll be available tomorrow night at 10 PM EST at www.papertreyink.com.

Nichole Heady

Dawn McVey

Melissa Phillips

Heather Nichols

Betsy Veldman

Laurie Willison

Laura Bassen

Danielle Flanders 
Ashley Cannon Newell
Maile Belles
Lizzie Jones

Supplies

Gift Set
Stamps: Bowlful of Sunrise, Sentiment Signs
Cardstock: Summer Sunrise, Simply Chartreuse, Hibiscus Burst, Orange Zest, Stamper's Select White, Classic Kraft
Ink: Summer Sunrise, Simply Chartreuse, Hibiscus Burst, Orange Zest, Dark Chocolate
Felt: Summer Sunrise, Simply Chartreuse, Hibiscus Burst, Orange Zest, Vintage Cream
Patterned Paper Sets: Summer Sunrise, Simply Chartreuse, Hibiscus Burst, Orange Zest
Dies: Berry Basket II, Seasonal Stitches: Summer Fruit, Bowlful of Sunrise, Stitched Rectangles, Smooth Alphabet, Wet Paint Cuts

Teacher Thank You
Stamps: Bowlful of Sunrise, Thank You Kindly
Dies: Wonderful Words: Teacher, Bowlful of Sunrise, Thank You Kindly, Button Stacks I, Berry Basket II
Cardstock: Orange Zest, Stamper's Select White, Summer Sunrise, Simply Chartreuse
Patterned Paper: Hibiscus Burst, and Orange Zest
Ink: Orange Zest, Hibiscus Burst, New Leaf

Watermelon Card
Stamps: Kid Kudos
Dies: Seasonal Stitches: Summer Fruit, Mega Mat Stack 3
Spring Rain Gingham Paper
Cardstock: Hibiscus Burst, Simply Chartreuse, Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate, Spring Rain
Ink: Dark Chocolate

Introducing Ombre Builder

Let the Group Posts begin! Two more days of the Papertrey Ink June Countdown. Thanks for stopping by and seeing what I made with the fabulous new Ombre Builder stamp set. Love at first inking. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as well.

We were challenged to make two cards, one using the borders any which way and the other to create an ombre pattern. This was the former for me. I was just goofing around and put a bunch of the strips on a block and stamped it out. Hmmmmm....there was something there. So I transferred my attention to a A2 card out of Tropical Teal and inked/stamped one time in True Black ink and voila...a bold graphic card. This could not have been easier.

I think Enchanted Evening stamped on Tropical Teal would have been pretty darn cool too. Next time.

I know ya'll are excited for the Wet Paint Cuts dies...lots of chatter on these. And rightfully so, they are GORGEOUS. I find that they are a natural fit for Ombre Builder. Just seem to go together well. I cut this "thanks" die cut from Stamper's Select White cardstock and adhered to my card. Then I just had to find out for myself how Glossy Accents looked like on top. WOWZA! That Nichole has some crazy good ideas.

The "for everything" from the original Wet Paint stamp set was heat embossed below with white embossing powder.

Next up, my ombre project. And lookie what I found out...the strips from Building Blocks are the same height as the square strip in Ombre Builder. Lots to play with when it comes to this combination. Just use the matching Building Blocks die, stamp, and lay over your square design. Easy.

My ombre colors from top to bottom are as follows: Melon Berry, Lavender Moon, Winter Wisteria, Autumn Rose, Scarlet Jewel, Royal Velvet, Dark Chocolate. I like coming up with some funky color combinations:).

There's those Wet Paint Cuts and Wet Paint stamp set used again. :) Makes you wonder if we are getting die cuts for the other two sets. I have no inside knowledge on this one at all, but educated guesses have me thinking they are coming. Whoopie!

Ok ladies, that's it for me today. I hope you aren't too disappointed I don't have any stitching projects to go up today. I have half a dozen in progress that I hope to wrap up soon. It's my Eliza's birthday tomorrow and a bit of time is being used to prep for the big event. Ya'll should have seen me out in the mud and rain last night until twilight trying to put in her surprise fairy garden. I was as dirty as my two boys who were playing a mud puddle.

If I don't get everything put up by Sunday, look for some other stuff early next week. Just might be a little delayed.

More ombre inspiration below. This and all the other June Papertrey goodies will be available Sunday night at 10 PM EST. Not much longer to wait.

Nichole Heady

Dawn McVey

Melissa Phillips

Heather Nichols

Betsy Veldman

Laurie Willison

Laura Bassen

Danielle Flanders 
Ashley Cannon Newell
Maile Belles

Supplies

Thanks for Everything
Stamps: Ombre Builder, Wet Paint
Cardstock: Tropical Teal
Ink: True Black
Dies: Wet Paint Cuts

Happy Birthday Ombre
Stamps: Ombre Builder, Wet Paint, Building Blocks
Cardstock: Scarlet Jewel, Lavender Moon, Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate
Ink: Melon Berry, Lavender Moon, Winter Wisteria, Autumn Rose, Scarlet Jewel, Royal Velvet, Dark Chocolate
Dies: Wet Paint Cuts, Building Blocks

Monthly Moments: June

Hey Papertrey Peeps! Great news...we've got a new change to the countdown schedule. All of the girls who are not on the Monthly Moments Team now have the option of pitching in with an extra blog post using the Monthly Moments products every countdown. That's more fun and inspiration! Awesome.

Here's my first project using the June Journaling Pad and the Monthly Moments: Tabbed stamp set and dies. I love how several of the journaling cards have card appropriate "sentiments" that can be used on other papercrafting projects. This one in particular has always made me smile. So much truth. And who doesn't love rainbows!

I used the Stitched Rectangle Dies to trim my journaling card and give it the interesting border. I took my cue from the rainbow and cut additional mats in the same colors on the card and fanned them behind for interest. I cut some clouds using the Cloud Die and placed them over where Heather printed clouds on her journaling card. A tab in Summer Sunrise cardstock and Orange Zest ink was created using the Monthly Moments: Tabbed set and die. Sort of like a "sun" peeking through with a gentle reminder. Everything is mounted on a Spring Rain panel that is stamped with Background Basics: Diagonals in Blueberry Sky ink.

Next up, I've used the Monthly Moments Journaling Pad and Monthly Moments: June stamp set to create my Boutique Accessory Card for another Seasonal Stitches project. We've got seashells coming at ya this month! This scallop shell is full of detail. My "Little Mermaid" adores it. Again, I've created an extra die that allows one vein of the shell to be sewn directly onto the Clever Barrette Cover like I did here. But of course, the applications for this seashell go far beyond the barrettes. It would look lovely on other felt projects and cards.

Here's a close up of all that gorgeous detail. I sewed two Seasonal Stitches: Seashell cuts together on this project and stuffed the spaces between the veins with Poly-Fil so they are full and dimensional. Looks FANTASTIC. I've topped with with a button for a bit of extra color in Blueberry Sky. Thinking a pearl brad, accent, or button would be very appropriate here too.

Seasonal Stitches: Seashells also has a sand dollar option. I ran out of time to put that project together today, but I'll be sure to feature it before the countdown is over.

More inspiration below. These products and more are available at www.papertreyink.com on June 15th at 10 PM to add to your stash, if you are so inclined.:)

Dawn McVey

Melissa Phillips

Heather Nichols

Betsy Veldman

Laurie Willison

Laura Bassen

Danielle Flanders
Ashley Cannon Newell 
Lizzie Jones


Supplies

Rainbow Card
Stamps: Monthly Moments: Tabbed, BB: Diagonals
Cardstock: Enchanted Evening, Harvest Gold, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, Pure Poppy, Stamper's Select White, Spring Rain
Dies: Stitched Rectangle Dies, Clouds, Monthly Moments: Tabs
Ink: Blueberry Sky, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest
Monthly Moments Journaling Tablet

Seashell Barrette
Stamps: Monthly Moments: June
Dies: Seasonal Stitches: Seashells, Boutique Accessory Card
Dark Chocolate Ink
Monthly Moments Journaling Tablet

Day 2: Stitched Rectangle Dies

We're back with more amazing product to showcase today for the June 2014 Papertrey Ink release. In addition to the Sew Stylish Alphabets and Seasonal Stitching Dies this month, I have one additional product to introduce. We had some requests for dies to create stitched mats on your cards. How nice that we can wave our magic wand around, fit something like that in the schedule, and make it happen.:) It's super fun to be able to do something like that. And so, for June, we are releasing the Stitched Rectangle Dies. They come nested together and range from an A2 card size down to 1.75" x 0.5" inches. There are six dies in total and all feature stitching holes along the perimeter.

First up, I want to use the Stitched Rectangle Dies on a card. I cut the third from largest rectangle out of Hibiscus Burst cardstock and used crochet thread to put in a running stitch along the outside. I tied it off with a bow in the front. LOVE this look. Adds such great detail to a project and really is super quick.

I had to use the new Topiary Dies that Nichole featured yesterday. Man, those things are SWEET. Love at first die cut. A sentiment from A Little Inspiration is stamped on a Fresh Snow sponged patch on my panel. And you can just make out the use of the Diagonal Impression Plate on the white mat behind the pink. In person, all the little touches make this a beautiful card. Lots of subtle texture.

Next up, time for some felt usage with the Stitched Rectangle Dies. I cut two of the largest A2 size rectangles out of Dark Chocolate felt and created this tissue holder for my purse or nightstand. I haven't decided which yet. I have full sized tissues folded and placed inside.

I used the 4" zipper die from the Coin Purse Die collection to create my opening on top for the tissue opening. As I stitched it up, I trimmed it with a ruffled pink gingham trim I picked up at Hobby Lobby.

My monogram was added in Hibiscus Pink felt using the Sew Stylish Alphabet 1. Added accents where added out of felt cut with the Just Smile Dies.

I used the 4" zipper die again on the back and stitched in an actual zipper this time. This way I can add tissues to the pouch and have them fluff out the front.

Interested in adding the Stitched Rectangle Dies to your collection? They'll be available at www.papertreyink.com at 10 PM EST on June 15th.

OK. I'm hitting the crafting desk today some more. Be back tomorrow with another Seasonal Stitches die:). In the meantime, the following ladies have lovely projects to share using the new June Papertrey Ink product.

Nichole Heady
Dawn McVey
Heather Nichols
Lizzy Jones
Maile Belles


Supplies

Remember Card
Stamps: Topiary Trio, A Little Inspiration
Dies: Stitched Rectangle Dies, Topiary Dies, Diagonal Impression Plate, Love Lives Here
Cardstock: Classic Kraft, Hibiscus Burst, Stamper's Select White, Pure Poppy
Ink: Fresh Snow, Dark Chocolate, Hibiscus Burst

Monogrammed Tissue Case
Dies: Stitched Rectangle Dies, Sew Stylish Alphabet 1, Just Smile, Coin Purse Collection
Felt: Dark Chocolate, Hibiscus Burst, Simply Chartreuse, Fresh Snow
Gingham Ruffled Trim

Day 1 of MORE Stitching Dies

I'm back with more fun stitching dies for you this month at Papertrey Ink. The response is so overwhelming. And I'm over the moon that you like them so much because, I do too. I seem to be the biggest convert and fan. I was thinking just the other night as I was spending another relaxing evening sitting in an arm chair working on projects, that this hardly seems like work to me. The week before the monthly release has turned into my favorite of the month. There isn't any other time that this mama gets to put her feet up guilt free, catch up on all her favorite television shows, and spend time with her husband while doing something so enjoyable. (My brand new kitten chasing after my thread and making me laugh didn't hurt either.) I never want to stop making these dies. I so hope you are with me!

First up, we've got the sweetest little ladybug for you with the Seasonal Stitches line. Adorable in felt, she's itty bitty at about 1.5" inches. Stitching her into cards is quick and easy. I make my kids' school Valentine's and she's a heavy contender already for being the focal point of Eliza's in 2015. Lots of "oomph" for not a lot of work. She has added details in larger, open holes that allow the Smokey Shadow felt to peek through from behind.

Here's a close up of all her sweetness. She overlaps my Limitless Layers: Heart Stitching Dies, which we originally released back in December. Check out the rest of the dies in the collection here to see all your options. And for only $12!  The coordinate with the Limitless Layers: Heart Dies for a multitude of layering options. (Which in turn coordinates with the With All My Love stamp set.) They can be used to stitch Felt Hand Warmers, add amazing details to cards and coffee cozies, and used to create fun little projects like these candy pockets. That's a lot of versatility and a great basic for such an affordable price.

I'm always trying to find ways for the new stitching dies to work with previously released stitching die products. The goal with the ladybug was to fit her on the Clever Barrette Dies, thus her dainty size. She would also be the perfect accent for last month's Baby Booties.

Making the ladybug work on the barrettes is super simple. First stitch her wings to her body. Then stitch her bum and head to the barrette using the holes you cut using the die on the rectangular backer.

There's an additional Seasonal Stitches die that works with the Clever Barrette Cover too this month. Keep your eyes open for that. Especially for those who love little girls obsessed with a certain mermaid movie. :)

And now, for something you've all been waiting for...the Sew Stylish Alphabet 1 and 2! We've finally made alphabet stitching dies to add to all your projects. I've made both the alphabet dies that cut out the letter and the holes (like the "L" and "O") and the dies that cut just the holes ("V" and "E"). You can purchase each separately based on your desire and budget.

Here's a close up of all the differences. I wanted this card to look like I'm in the middle of stitching a sampler, thus how only one letter is stitched down . Stamps and dies from  Stitched Sentiments and Stitched With Love are used to support the theme.  The Aida Impression Plate and Stitched Label finish it off.

There are SO. MANY. USES for these alphas. I've been having a blast using them. Just you wait. An absolute must have staple for crafty ladies out there. Applications reach far beyond paper crafting. Around my house, if it ain't moving, it's going to get some alphabet stitching dies put on it. Good thing that new kitten is so darn quick.

Only Day 1! I'll be back with more. Until then, here's all the links to the ladies showcasing new product this month. Everything will be available to purchase on June 15th at 10 PM EST at www.papertreyink.com. Thanks for stopping by.

Melissa Phillips
Laurie Willison
Betsy Veldman
Nichole Heady
Dawn McVey
Heather Nichols
Lizzy Jones


Supplies

Love Bug Card
Stamps: No Strings Attached, Phrase Play #3, Polka Dot Alphabet, Framed Out #11
Dies: Seasonal Stitches: Ladybug, Limitless Layers: Heart Stitching Dies, Framed Out #11, Medium Scalloped Border, Polka Dot Upper Alphabet
Cardstock: Smokey Shadow, Stamper's Select White, Hibicus Burst
Soft Stone Simple Striped Patterned Paper
Felt: Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy

Ladybug Barrettes
Dies: Seasonal Stitches: Ladybug, Clever Barrette Covers
Felt: Vintage Cream, Limeade Ice, Lavender Moon

Love You Sampler Card
Stamps: Stitched with Love, Stitched Sentiments
Dies: Sew Stylish Alphabet 1 and 2, Aida Impression Plate, Stitched Label, Stitched with Love, Stitched Sentiments
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Soft Moss, Smokey Shadow
Ink: True Black, Ocean Tides, Soft Stone
Felt: Ocean Tides
Limeade Ice and Ocean Tides Buttons

Some Paper Smooches Projects

I thought I'd share some of my Paper Smooches projects from the last few weeks featuring the May/June Release. Some fun and sassy stuff. I find Kim's stamps just make me go in that direction.

This card features some happy little meatballs. Don't meatballs make you smile? I wrapped my twine spaghetti around the fork from the Flatware Dies.

I had this whole card made but the sentiment. No idea where I was going to go with that until I saw "Sup?" from Slang Gang. Reminds me of the word "supper". Felt that was all too appropriate. Ding, ding, ding...and we had a winner.

Kitschy Kitchen has so many possibilities. And I love that the dies just about have every image in the stamp set covered. I used just the rolling pin to roll out my cookie dough. The Congratulations Die served as my cookie cutter to create a sentiment cookie. The "Wanna Cookie" was cobbled together using both Alphadot and Graffiti. I recall either saying this phrase or hearing it a lot. Perhaps if given with some cookies, it would be a little less snarky and much more sweet:).

And speaking of cookies, I used the chocolate chip stamp from Recipe for Success to create this cookie card. Perfect for my son's lunch. Amazing what you can do with one little stamp.

More to come. All these products and more are available at www.papersmoochesstamps.com.