Easter Cross Box Hop

Welcome to the first 2011 blog hop featuring projects from the Paper Crafters Design team.  We'll start things off right by showcasing the newest template, an "Easter Cross Box" template featured in the February issue "Easter Wishes".

If you've been following along, then you probably just arrived from Heidi Baks blog and here beautiful Cross Box.  The blog officially starts January 30th so if you're here a little early be sure to check back again Sunday morning to see the blog hop in its entirety.

Take a look at what I've done:

The Wasabi base of the Cross was run through the Perfect Dots embossing folder.  The flowers were created with the ever so versatile Boho punch and Bold Bright designer paper, followed by sponged edges using a tangerine dye pad.  Finish off with the addition of some self-adhesive basic pearls smack-dab in the center.

Here's another view of the flowers near the bottom, laying on top of a pretty daffodil ribbon.

Now it's time to check out the Lisa Hensley's amazing Easter Cross Box.  Simply select the button below and you'll be transported to her ShabbyStamper blog.

 

Mardi Gras ATC

A quick Mardi Gras ATC.  Extreme Elements stamp set in the background with metal crown for embellishment.

Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a traditional Mardi Gras King Cake.  Check out my post from yesterday and leave a comment there.  Winter selected by random drawing tonight!

Mardi Gras King Cake

AND...HERE'S OUR WINNING POST SELECTED BY RANDOM GENERATOR:

Linda H.
I look forward to watching My Grandchildren do their annual Easter Egg Hunt! I just love the happy expressions as they find eggs and other items! Nothing more special than a good excited squeal from a child.

 
I'll contacting your shortly to mail out your Mardi Gras King Cake.  Congratulations.




It's time for Mardi Gras season here in Louisiana.  Lots of parades, bead throwing and trinket collecting.  Let's not forget the most popular Mardi Gras KING CAKE! 

It won't be long till the festivities of Mardi Gras end and Easter arrives.  To celebrate both upcoming holidays, I'm having a  King Cake drawing for my viewers.  To enter, simply leave a comment below of what you're looking forward to most for the Easter Holidays.

One lucky winner will be drawn by random selection Friday and announced by 6pm central.  Special thanks to my friends at BuyLouisiana for making possible.

If you can't stand the wait and want to get one of these Mardi Gras yummies for yourself, here's a special offer for you.  Get a medium Traditional (cinnamon filled) King Cake shipped for only $23.99 (regular $28.99) shipped 2nd day air.  Just tell him Melanie of PocketsOfInsiration sent you and he'll take care of the rest!  This $5 off special ENDS this week. 

Thanks again BuyLouisiana.

Early morning playtime

Pulled out my art supplies one Saturday morning to play while the rest of the house was still asleep.  Kept things on a small scale in order to make more than one.  These were created on laminate tiles.

Sunny Heart Blossoms

Still playing with the 3D Heart shaped box template from PCS.  Testing some colors for Valentine other than the typical Red and pink.  Thought some pretty yellow flowers would be a change.

A bit of glitter on the new butterfly from the upcoming Bliss stamp set (a Sale-a-bration set).  In fact the flower on the side is from the same set.  Add a pearl to the center of the ribbon flower.

Tucked inside is a pocket heart.  Stuff with treats or a special Valentine note.  You can create this same pocket heart using the Petal Card Bigz.  The flourish in the center is from the upcoming Bliss stamp set.

The blossoms were easy.  Simply create a baste stitch along one side of the ribbon like this...

Then pull gently so the ribbon starts to curl.  You'll only need a 4" to 5" strip of ribbon.  I used a daffodil color here.

Scultped Greetings ~ Bliss

Introducing a new series of hand-made cards I'll be sharing called Sculpted Greetings. 

The idea is to extend the elements beyond the typical 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card dimensions.  Extending the elements simply adds more character rather than trying to squeeze all the peices on the main card base.

Of course I am basing this all on my love of fine arts.  Think of how a sculpture is created.  Having the artist stretch his elements beyond a rectangle or square adds more interest to his piece.

The bird flying above the card is not part of the card, it is simply attached to the backdrop as a photo element.

The scripted text is Presto Patterns; an individual download of My Digital Studio.  It's printed on Vanilla cardstock.  The Baha flourish you see over is from the new Sale-a-bration set "Bliss".

When creating your Sculpted Greeting, don't extend your elements beyond the basic card size 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".  This way you'll be able to fit in in a regular stationary envelope.  My card sample above is meant to be mailed in a 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" envelope.

I'll be posting some additonal samples of other "Sculpted Greetings".  You should give it a try. 

Ruffled Love......

Nothing screams girly like ruffles.  Created this using the new Heart gift-box template in the January issue of Paper Crafters Sampler.

and a few close-ups

Sweet images from Style Beautiful embellished with a white gel pen.

5 Hours Left!!!

The earlybird is ending in just 5 hours.  How exciting!!!  There's still time to take advantage of the Full Year subscription for $89.00.

Individual samplers will be available on a monthly basis at $12.99 an issue.

Here's a sneak peek using the new Heart shaped gift box template:

Digital Creations

Sharing some samples entered in the My Digital Studio contest that didn't make it.

The first is a 12x12 of the kids and their uncle.  Addison up to his usual antics.  Silly boy.

A Christmas card. 

Life is Beautiful

A few scraps of flocked designer paper in my stash of scraps from last year.   It was from a Christmas series.  Thinking it would make a lovely background for a Valentine's card, I decided to incorporate it in my current project.

The white was a bit stark for me, so I pulled a brayer and my Soft Suede dye pad and started inking over the white flocking. 

Followed up with a peice of Neturals designer paper, Coffee Crumb ink and an image of a flourish.

Still working on that soft, vintage feel by using the brayer over the lace.

Stamped the flourish once again on this Presto Patterns image I downloaded SU!'s digital software line.

The final product.  What do you think?  Didn't turn out so much like a Valentine but could pass if the text read something a bit different.

...and a close-up