PP68: Elegant Bells

Hi All! I sure hope you're having a great weekend so far. I started mine off by packing up what seems like half of my craft room to head to my sweet friend Nicole's house for an afternoon of card making with our friend Mary Beth. We all had the same theme as we sat down to create: Christmas cards. It just so happens to be our challenge this week at the Paper Players.


Create a Clean and Simple card with a Christmas theme using Red & Green. I took all of my Christmas sets, but ended up using one of my friend's sets that I don't yet have...although I think it will soon become part of my collection.

This gorgeous stamp set is called Bells & Boughs. My friend Mary Beth made a beautiful card with this set using Old Olive. Since I needed a red, I paired it up with Cherry Cobbler. Together, this trio makes a beautifully elegant card.

I have to tell you...I am truly inspired by these two ladies every time we get together. They find new ideas in the catalogs or online and they make it their own. They get excited about tearing paper or trying a new card style and that is what makes our hobby so fun to share.

I sure hope you'll share with us this week. I know many of you have a Christmas card goal that you're trying to reach. Add to that collection by joining us over at the Paper Players. We would love to see what you create. Thanks so much for stopping by!

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach

Ann Marie Hile

Jaydee

LeAnne Pugliese

Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy

Tara Bilboa

Cindy Hall (October Guest Designer)

Stamp Sets: Bells & Boughs and Four the Holidays
Paper: Cherry Cobbler & Very Vanilla Cardstock
Ink: Old Olive & Cherry Cobbler Classic Pads
Accessories: Top Note Die, Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Corner Rounder, Rhinestones and Pop Dots/Dimensionals

Best Wishes

I needed a wedding card that would 'Wow'. What do you think...does it work? When I think of wedding cards, I always think elegant. In this case, I used the Bella Blue DSP.

The prints in this pack are pretty and sophisticated. I played around with the prints until I got two that would work together. In this case, I did not use the coordinating prints on the sheet-front/back. I usually do.

My brother is getting married in two weeks and we're all pretty excited for him. Lucky for us, we'll be going to CA and getting out of the 110+ degree weather here in AZ. I'm looking forward to a little beach time.

Do you have a wedding card that you've made that you'd like to share? If so, I'd love to see it. Be sure to leave me a link! Thanks for stopping by.

Stamps: Bella's Bloom & Vintage Labels
Paper: Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Bella Bleu DSP
Ink: Early Espresso Classic Ink
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Top Note Die, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Half Back Pearls and Dimensionals/Pop Dot

Valentine Defined

Now, I ask you, how many layers can a card possibly have? I think I have maxed this one out. I do say, I believe it may take 3 stamps to mail this one ;)

It started out like this fabulous card made by Kimberly Van Diepen. Then it took on a life of it's own. I flopped the layout putting my focal image on the left and I added some ribbon instead of DSP.

Have you ever started out simply trying to CASE a card and found it impossible to keep it the same? We all have different card 'personalities' and I think mine is layering. It is nearly impossible for me to make a card without them. What is your card 'personality'? Is it paper piercing, layering, printed papers, ribbon, I'd love to know. Be sure to leave me a comment!

Stamps: Valentine Defined
Paper: Crumb Cake, Real Red and Basic Black Cardstock; Glimmer Paper
Ink: Basic Black Classic Ink Pad
Accessories: Top Note Die, Circle & Scalloped Circle Nestabilities, Lots of Tags Die, Modern Label Punch, Scalloped Edge Punch, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Rhinestones, 1/4" Red Grosgrain Ribbon and Red Polka Dot Ribbon

In the Lap of Luxury

Lap of Luxury...doesn't it just sound impressive? Well, it truly is. That's the name of the DSP that I used on this card. It's full of pinks and purples...including the new Concord Crush.

I got the idea for this card right off the front of the catalog. The Top Note Die is perfect for mixing all the sheets of a DSP pack. Here I mixed them with some cardstock and the new Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch. How clever to add the punch in with the design.

Can't wait to play some more with this paper. TFL!

Stamps: Tiny Tags
Paper: Concord Crush, Pretty in Pink and Very Vanilla Cardstock; Lap of Luxury DSP
Ink: Concord Crush Classic Ink
Accessories: Top Note Die, Lots of Tags Die, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Little Things

I saw this card by Julie Lacey and had to CASE it. I loved the layered scallops and the Top Note. The colors are inspired by the new DSP: Elegant Soiree. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Originally, I put the card together with the just the flower image and the message. But, when I went to photograph it, the top left corner looked completely empty. So, it was back to the drawing board. I went through all my brads and settled on this Dragonfly that I've had laying around forever. To give it a flying trail, I pulled out my Classy Brass Template and punched some holes.

I love how it turned out. Of course, I did use some of my beloved Baja Breeze Ribbon...but it was worth it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Happy Harmony (Retired) & Of the Earth (Retired Hostess)
Paper: Baja Breeze, Soft Suede,Very Vanilla and Crumb Cake Cardstock
Ink: Soft Suede Classic Pad
Accessories: Top Note Die, Scallop Edge Punch, Classy Brass Template, Rhinestones, Baja Breeze Satin Ribbon, Dragonfly Brad, Paper Piercer and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

What's Your Style?

Are you a girlie-girl that likes Pink and Purple? Or do you prefer a classic Black and White? Or, what about a bold Floral Hawaiian print? Whatever your style, there's a Designer Paper for you.

I saw the idea for these adorable totes over at Angie Juda's site Chic 'n Scratch. She comes up with the custest, most clever ideas.

Last week at my son's school it was Admin Appreciation Week for the front office girls. They each help me a great deal with PTO issues, so I think this will be a perfect Thank You. I put some chocolates inside...so, I'm sure they will over look the fact that they're a little late...hee hee!




These totes are so easy to make. You just need some of your favorite pieces of DSP, the Top Note Die and some small craft bags from a craft store. You cut the bags to 2 1/2" and adhere the dies to both sides. Love it!!







I made each tote with each girl's style in mind. The letters are their first initials. I can't wait to deliver them tomorrow. They will be tickled pink ;)

Which one would you pick? Leave me a comment...I'd love to hear! TFL.

Stamps: Curly Alphabet
Paper: Orchid Opulence, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Rose Red and Basic Black Cardstock; Shades of Spring DSP, Sweet Pea DSP, Pink Flamingo DSP and Night & Day DSP
Ink: Basic Black and Chocolate Chip Classic Pads
Accessories: Top Note Die, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Small Craft Bags, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery and Real Red Satin Ribbon, Rose Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Tempting Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Thoroughly Modern Patchwork

The Top Note Die...what can I say, I love it! It can be used in so many ways and this is one of my favorites...a Top Note Quilt. It's perfect for all those DSP leftovers or just showing off some really pretty papers. That's what I did in this case.

The Thoroughly Modern DSP has so many fantastic prints in it, that it's hard to decide which ones to use. For this card, you don't have to decide...you can use them all!


The first card is what I designed for my last workshop. It's more monochromatic with Soft Suede, Sahara Sand and Rose Red. The second card is what the wonderfully creative girls in my workshop came up with. They added a splash of color by choosing a print with some Bermuda Bay in it. You will also notice the corner piercing on the second card...another great idea from one of the girls (Mary Beth, you're a genious ;) I love them both!

Which is your favorite? Would you go with a more monochromatic look or would you use that splash of color? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Vintage Labels
Paper: Rose Red, Soft Suede and Sahara Sand Cardstock; Thoroughly Modern DSP
Ink: Soft Suede Classic Stamp Pad
Accessories: Top Note Die, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, XL Fancy Flower Punch, Curly Label Punch, Clear Buttons, Linen Thread, Crystal Effects and Dimensionals/Pop Dots

Sweet Thoughts

I had a workshop this week and the theme was "Hey Sweet Pea!" If you can't tell, I LOVE the new Sweet Pea products offered in the occasions Mini.

I couldn't wait to share the new felt pieces with my Stampin' Gals. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough pieces for each of my girls to make both flowers, but they got to decide which card to make: this one or the Rose Red card in the prior post. I love them both...so, I'm glad I didn't need to make that decision ;)

This card was inspired by yet another Julie...do we have good taste or what??? Here is her card. I loved how she created the flower with the Little Leaves Die. I just incorporated it into the same card design as in my last post. The DSP on this card is from the Sending Love pack. Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip...need I say more...it's a classic color combo!

The Sending Love DSP is in the Occasions Mini and the sentiment is from Whimsical Words in the Sale-A-Bration Mini. It can be earned for FREE with a $50 order till March 31st.

Hope you like it & Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Whimsical Words
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip & Very Vanilla Cardstock; Sending Love DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Pad
Accessories: Top Note Die, Little Leaves Die, Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack and Mini Glue Dots.

Heart 'Felt' Kindness

Ahhh...it's a 3-Day Weekend! I have been looking forward to this all week. I just started teaching 8th Grade Algebra, so in addition to brushing up on my math every night, I had a PTO Meeting & a Workshop this week. I am ready for some much needed rest ;)

My first card up today was inspired by another Julie's card here. I saw her card and new I had to CASE it, as I had just gotten my Top Note Die and was ready to break it in ;) I pulled out my new Sweet Pea Stitched Felt pieces and a sheet of the Sweet Pea DSP and put them all together. I LOVE how it turned out!

The sentiment is from the Whimsical Words stamp set which can be earned for FREE during Sale-A-Bration when you place a $50 order through March 31st. The Sweet Pea products are in the Occasions Mini and are truly a must have.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Whimsical Words
Paper: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip & Whisper White Cardstock; Sweet Pea DSP
Ink: Rose Red Classic Pad
Accessories: Top Note Die, Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, 1/4" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Mat Pack & Paper Piercer and Mini Glue Dots.