Graduation card

We went to our last graduation party of the season on Saturday.  I made cards for all the graduates we knew this year, but most of them were thrown together really quickly for the sole purpose of holding a little cash for the recipient. But this weekend, I had a little more time and put this card together...

I found the layout on pinterest and thought it would be a great use of all the patterned paper scraps I have.

I also noticed on my little counter that I'm almost to 8,900 *different* visitors to my little blog here!  So thanks for coming by and if this is your first visit, I hope you stop again!

~Anika

Make It Monday #1: Go-To Sentiment Card

For the Third Day of Papertrey Ink's Anniversary Celebration, they are kicking off their "Make It Monday" Series. For details, visit Nichole's blog. I am so in love with the idea of using several sentiments surrounding the same theme to create a card - I never seem to have the right image to fill space on a card, but I sure do have plenty of sentiments!

I went with a baby card for my first crack at this concept.

It was more challenging than I thought it would be to get all the sentiments arranged just right, but I had a lot of fun working on this card and will definitely be using this idea on cards in the future!

Hope you are having a fabulous day! Thanks for stopping by!

~Anika

Supplies: (All Papertrey Ink)

Cardstock: Berry Sorbet, Vintage Cream

Patterned Paper: It's Official, Bitty Box

Stamps: Baby Button Bits, Bitty Baby Blessings, Signature Greetings

Ink: Berry Sorbet, Dark Chocolate

Other: Rustic Jute Button Twine, Dark Chocolate Button, pink buttons from Spring Mix button collection, Small Scallop Border Die

Cute as a Button Tag

I made this gift tag in a matter of minutes for the Baby Shower for Katie & Asher that we are having tomorrow. Love it when things come together so quickly! (Katie, hope Asher is sleeping for you tonight so you don't see this before tomorrow!)

Thanks for stopping by!

~Anika

Supplies: (All Papertrey Ink unless noted)

Cardstock: Ripe Avocado, Kraft, Ripe Avocado Bitty Box paper

Stamps: Baby Button Bits

Ink: Peeled Paint Distress Ink

Other: New Leaf Buttons, Cream Button Twine

Orange Zest!

I just love this Orange Zest and I wouldn't even consider orange to be a favorite color of mine! Just makes for some fun and cheery cards!

Well, I'm off to my classroom. It needs some major work and since my sister-in-law volunteered to come help me today (love her!!) I figured I'd take advantage of the extra hands. Besides that, it's raining out so I might as well get some inside things done!

Have a great day!

~Anika

Supplies: (All Papertrey Ink unless noted)

Cardstock: Orange Zest, Kraft, Dotty Biscotti

Stamps: Signature Greetings, Fancy Flourishes

Ink: Dark Chocolate, Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink

Other: Beautiful Blooms II #3 Die Collection, Scor-Pal, Misc. buttons from Wal-Mart

Paper Dolls Challenge #16

I'm back today with another Paper Dolls Challenge. This one is hosted by Lee Anne and it can be found here. She challenged us to use this sketch...

I don't think I have ever made a circle card, but I have always wanted to. So thanks for the challenge, Lee Anne!

I cut both circles with my Cricut and then roughed up the edges with a scissors. I'm still not sure I like the red buttons, but I didn't have any yellow ones - can't believe I didn't pick up Harvest Gold buttons at CHA! To make this a card, I attached a little 3x3 inch card to the back of the red circle.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Anika

Supplies: (All Papertrey Ink unless noted)

Cardstock: Pure Poppy, Harvest Gold, Stampers Select White

Stamps: Star Prints

Ink: Pure Poppy, True Black

Other: Pure Poppy Buttons, Fiskars Star Punch, Cricut Expression

Color Throwdown #100

I had a lot of fun making my card for the Color Throwdown this week!  I think I had every kind of supply I own out at some point.  It seemed like everything I reached for sparked a new idea.  I didn't have the exact colors, but I think I'm close enough.  There are tons of great prizes up for grabs, so be sure to play along with this challenge - you have until Monday night to submit your project.

I found this pretty ribbon tucked in an old cigar box full of ric rac, ribbon, and buttons that I got from my grandma.  I would love to know how old it is!  The tag is from Color Couture Volume 2, I was so excited when I saw it peeking up at me with 3 of the colors I needed for this challenge.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Anika

Supplies: (All Papertrey Ink unless noted)

Cardstock: Spring Rain, random scrap of light pink

Stamps: A Little Argyle

Ink: Berry Sorbet, Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Peeled Paint Distress Ink, Tea Dye Duo

Other: Color Couture Volume 2 Embellishment, Pure Poppy, Spring Rain, & Spring Moss Buttons, Vintage Ribbon

Dare to be Fabulous

The card I have to share today is based on this sketch from the Go To Sketches magazine.

I needed to make a card based on a sketch for a Grad class I was in...yes, I found a way to incorporate cards into a class called "Supervising Field Experience Students"!  That was the only way I could make time for some crafting during the last 2 weeks!  Anyway, I love this sketch and this is what I came up with...

I am headed out to do a little shopping with my Sister-in-law today...we are hitting all the crafty stores in the area, Michael's, JoAnn's, & Archiver's!  Hope you have a fantastic Monday!

~Anika

Supplies: (All Papertrey Ink unless noted)

Cardstock: Kraft, Sweet Blush, Pretty Pastels Designer Paper, Flowers are cut from Basic Grey's Kioshi paper

Stamps: Big & Bold Wishes

Ink: Berry Sorbet, Tea Dye Duo

Misc: New Leaf Buttons and some others from my collection, Beautiful Blooms II #3 Die Collection (small), Rhinestones by Kaiser in Green

Papertrey Paper Dolls: Challenge #6

Wowzers!  Where has the time gone!  It's been forever since I've been able to update - that will all change next week though when school is done!  Here is the Paper Dolls Challenge for the week.  It was supposed to be a gift card holder, but I rarely give gift cards and I needed a baby card so I just used the layout instead.

I used Soft Stone for the base and Spring Moss for the mat layer. Then added a bunch of patterned papers - the polka dot one is from PTI Pretty Pastels the others are from a Glitter & Animal Crackers Mat Stack that I had laying around.  The stamp is from Baby Button Bits and is stamped in Peeled Paint Distress Ink.  I used misc buttons and some Rustic Cream Button Twine to attach the 'o' button.

I have a few reasons for being so absent from my blog lately, the main one being that it's the end of the school year.  Another one being the basement family room project.

This is what it looks like today.  We have to trim and clean up tonight, because carpet goes in tomorrow morning!  This corner will be my craft space so I am very excited to wrap this project up and start organizing and decorating the space!

We have also been enjoying so fabulous weather!  Last week we went to the Twins game at the brand new Target Field Stadium.  We lucked out and had a beautiful day to go and the Twins won in extra innings!

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you are having a great Memorial Day!

~Anika

Paper Dolls Challenge #1

I joined a blog group on the PTI Forum!  We call ourselves the Papertrey Paper Dolls!  We will take turns hosting challenges that anyone can participate in.  So if you make something using this sketch, link it up on the Paper Dolls blog so we can all see it!I needed to make a birthday card for my husband's foreman.  We are headed over to his house later today for a surprise party!  So here is my 'masculine' take on the sketch!

I love that Dotty Biscotti paper!  The lighting in my living room is perfect for taking pictures right now, but I guess I wasn't at the best angle to pick up the cool Woodgrain Impression.  You can kind of see it here, but it's much more noticeable in person.

It's been busy around here lately!  I feel like I've barely been home - just enough to sleep, eat and make the house a mess! There are 31 days of school left so I am looking forward to some extra hours to just relax around the house and do some more crafting!

Thanks for stopping by; have a great weekend!

~Anika

Supplies:  (All Papertrey Ink)

Cardstock: New Leaf, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream, Dotty Biscotti Patterned Paper

Stamps: Signature Greetings, Out to Sea

Ink: Dark Chocolate

Misc: New Leaf Vintage Buttons, Woodgrain Impression Plate 

Baby Card

I'm finally getting around to posting a project again!  It's been a busy week with wonderful weather so I haven't been at my craft table much.  Not to mention the fact that my craft space has been moved again because we started working the the basement family room!  My things are all scattered in an unfinished bedroom that only has one light and none of the outlets are live yet, so I can't even plug in a lamp.  I just keep reminding myself that it will be short term and the next time I move it, it will be put in its permanent place! 

Tomorrow, I am going to a baby shower for one of my good friends, she is due in about a month!  I can't wait to meet her little boy.  I decided to make him this little flannel blanket.  It's so soft!

And here is the coordinating card.  I got my copy of Go-To Sketches in the mail this week and this is one of my favorite sketches from the magazine...although I have tabbed about 3/4 of them!
Sorry for the bad lighting, but it's too windy to take pictures outside today!

And here is the basement!  The first coat of tape is on the drywall so it should be ready for paint by the end of next week - I just have to pick a color!  Then we will lay some tile by the walk out, trim and have the carpet installed.  Can't wait!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Anika

Supplies:  (All Papertrey Ink unless noted)

Cardstock: Pure Poppy, Orange Zest, Spring Rain Bitty Box, Polka Dot paper from Animal Crackers Mat Stack, Green paper from my scraps

Stamps: Bitty Baby Blessings

Ink: True Black

Other: Orange Zest ribbon, Misc. Buttons

Compose a Card #8

I was able to make a card for Becky's latest challenge last night.  I went with the Dark Chocolate/New Leaf Color Combo.  I kept it pretty simple.

I have listened to I'm Yours about a million times since Becky posted this. I just love that song - and I think I was one of the last people on Earth to hear it too!  Last spring we had an a cappella group come to our school to perform and they sang this song, the entire student body was singing along and I had never heard it before!  I rarely change my radio station from my Classic Rock.  Anyway, thanks for stopping by!  Hope you are having a wonderful Saturday.  The sun is just starting to peek out of the clouds here so hopefully it warms up a bit!

~Anika

Supplies:  (All PTI unless noted)

Cardstock: Dark Chocolate, Stampers Select White, New Leaf

Stamps: Polka Dot Basics II, Asian Fusion

Ink: Fresh Snow

Other: Misc. Buttons from my stash, Rustic Cream Button Twine, New Leaf Saddle Stitched Ribbon, Flower Punch from Paper Shapers

Mojo Monday - Week 133

When I saw this weeks Mojo Monday Sketch I decided to play along!  I have been loving all the fun patterns in the BasicGrey Kioshi paper pad that I picked up last week and thought this was the perfect sketch to use some more of it!  Here's the sketch...

And here's my take on it.

The papers in this Kioshi pack are amazing!!  I bought the 6x6 pad so I believe the scale of the patterns is smaller, which makes them perfect for cards!  The base and other white cardstock is Stampers Select White from Papertrey Ink.  I used Plum Pudding Swiss Dot Ribbon.  The green buttons are from the Holiday Mix jar and the stamps are from Baby Button Bits.  I used Dusty Concord and Peeled Paint Distress Inks.  You can barely see it in this picture, but I ran the green background paper through my Cuttlebug using the Giga Guidelines Impression Plate.

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you are having a wonderful day!

~Anika

*Ribbon, Buttons & Stamps are from Papertrey Ink.

Happy Birthday

I've got a quick card to share today.  It follows the Sweet Sunday Sketch #63 found here. 

My Delightful Dahlia set hadn't seen enough ink and since I needed to make a birthday card for a girlfriend, I decided to pull it out.  After I stamped the flower, I masked it and stamped the leaves.I was able to use my Fiskars Circle Cutter to cut out both circles since I was able to cover up the 'uneven spot' with that big button - every time I try to cut a circle, no matter how careful I am, the cutter moves just enough to make a notch at the end of the circle. I really need some Nesties so I can avoid this!

Thanks for looking!  

~Anika

Supplies: (All Papertrey Ink unless noted)

Cardstock: True Black, Berry Sorbet, Vintage Cream and Pretty Pastels Patterned Paper

Stamps: Delightful Dahlias

Ink: Berry Sorbet & Peeled Paint Distress Ink

Other: Vintage Buttons from the Spring Mix, Rustic Cream Button Twine, Small Scalloped Die

How I Build Plaid Patterns

I had so much fun creating my plaid pattern using PTI's Distressed Stripes for my PTI Blog Hop Post that I thought I would make another one.  I took pictures of each step so you can see how easy it really is!  For this one, I used a 4" square of PTI's Stampers Select White Cardstock to build on.  Then I picked out 6 different ink pads to use:  PTI's Ocean Tides, Hawaiian Shores & Berry Sorbet and Distress Inks in Peeled Paint, Spiced Marmalade & Dusty Concord.

I just randomly pick a stripe and start stamping leaving about the same amount of space between each stripe.  Just be careful to keep your stripes parallel - I just eyeball it.

Then switch stripes and add the second color.  (I suppose you wouldn't have to switch, depending on the look you are going for.)

The third color completes the bottom layer.

Then turn your paper 90 degrees and start stamping again!  Here I have added all of the Berry Sorbet Stripes and the first of the Ocean Tides stripes.

After adding the Hawaiian Shores stripes, my plaid pattern is finished!

Here is the card I created with it.

I used Kraft Cardstock for the base.  The distressed purple paper at the top is from BasicGrey's Kioshi 6x6 paper pad. (I LOVE this collection!!) The sentiment is from Big & Bold Wishes.  I wrapped New Leaf Saddled Stitched Ribbon around the patterned paper and tied it off with Rustic Cream Button Twine and a transparent button from my Spring Mix.  It was nice enough to take this picture outside today!  Yeah for Spring weather!!

Thanks for stopping by; have a fabulous day!

~Anika

*All Supplies used were Papertrey Ink, unless otherwise noted.*

Thank You Card & Scrap Storage

Lately, I have been seeing so many cards created with black bases so I decided to give it a whirl.  I finally got around to using my Scor-Tape and Glitter that I bought last month.  When I first started this card, I was going to have a bunch of flowers on it, so I cut out 6 Violets and then only used 2.  Oh well, guess I have a little jump start on another card!

I organized all my scraps awhile back and now that I know I like this method, I thought I would share it.  I just used a cardboard box that some of my PTI Supplies were shipped in and folded the flaps down on the inside.  Then I labeled file folders for each color.  I sorted my scraps into the folders and set them in the box.  Easy Peasy! I am able to keep my little supply of PTI patterned paper and my Mat Stacks in the front of the box.  

I also keep the white sheet (or the label) that comes in the packs of PTI Cardstock right in front of the folders.  I am constantly using them as shims for my Cuttlebug, or to catch embossing powder, etc...  So it's nice to have them in reach.

Here is the "Pink" file.  (Not all my scraps are this big.)

And the "Green" file.

I know I have saved a lot of money by doing this, because it is so easy to find exactly what I need.  No more cutting into a brand new piece of cardstock just for a small piece!

Thanks for stopping by!  

~Anika

Supplies: (All Papertrey Ink)

Cardstock: True Black, Hawaiian Shores, Raspberry Fizz, and Bitty Box in Lemon Tart

Stamps: Year of Flowers: Violets, Asian Fusian

Ink: True Black

Other: Vintage Buttons in Hawaiian Shores, Raspberry Fizz & Lemon Tart; Glitter; Clear Rhinestones; Polka Dot Impression Plate

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop: March 2010

This month, Papertrey Ink challenged us to use buttons on our project!  I love buttons!  On my cards I usually just incorporate them as a small accent, but for this challenge I decided to make them more of the focal point.

I was so excited to buy Distressed Stripes this month and I've had my order for almost a week and I hadn't had a chance to ink it up so I new I wanted to use it for this card.  I had so much fun building this plaid!  I can already tell that it's going to be a set that sees lots of ink!  After I stamped the plaid, I used my Fiskars circle cutter to cut out a 2" circle.  I don't use it often because it always slips and never gives me a clean circle, but since I knew I was going to cover it up with buttons that didn't matter.  After I attached the buttons, I felt like it needed just a little something in the top corner.  I think the twine was a nice final touch.

And here is a close up.  I have also been using trying of Becky's photography tips!  It's been fun trying out some of the different settings - rather than just using "automatic" for everything!

Thanks for Hopping!

~Anika

Supplies:  (All Papertrey Ink unless noted)

Cardstock: Berry Sorbet, Stampers Select White

Stamps: Distressed Stripes, Signature Greetings

Ink: Berry Sorbet, Ocean Tides, Hibiscus Burst, Raspberry Fizz, Dark Chocolate, Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink by Ranger

Other: Vintage Buttons in Hibiscus Burst, Orange Zest, Raspberry Fizz & Melon Berry, Rustic Cream Button Twine

Poppy Seed Challenge #2

Lisa Johnson has another challenge for us.  When I saw 'polka dots' I knew I had to participate in this one!  I just received my March Release package from Papertrey Ink and I am in love with the new Hawaiian Shores color. (Who isn't?? It's gorgeous!) So here is what I came up with.

I love the bright orange and blue paired with the light green.  When I stamped the vase I was a little annoyed at the light space in the middle so I restamped it, but I ended up liking the one with the light space - almost looks like the sunlight is shining on it.  

I worked on a bunch of other cards today too, but I'm submitting them to Paper Crafts Stamping Royalty Card Contest. I've never submitted anything before, but decided 'why not?'

Hope everyone is having a fabulous Friday!  Enjoy the weekend!

~Anika

Supplies: (All Papertrey Ink unless noted)

Cardstock: Hawaiian Shores, Spring Moss, Pretty Pastels PP,  Orange striped paper by DCWV in the Animal Crackers stack.

Stamps: Asian Fusion

Ink: Hawaiian Shores, Orange Marmalade Distress Ink by Ranger

Other: Hawaiian Shores Bitty Dot ribbon, Hawaiian Shores buttons, Small Scallop Die

Thank You

I have a little Thank You card to share today.  I made this for one of my students and her family.  I have known her mom since I was little so we are 'facebook friends'.  When she found out my birthday was in March she decided to check out my Interests & Activities on my facebook page to come up with an idea for a gift for me.  There is a link to my blog there so she decided to check it out and it was there that she discovered my PTI obsession!  Last week she sent me an email with a PTI Gift Certificate!  Totally unexpected! I was so excited! I had to make a Thank You card for them so here it is.

I used Kraft cardstock with a layer of Pretty Pastels paper over it.  The ribbon is Plum Pudding and the buttons are from the Spring Mix and are tied on with Cream Button Twine.  I stamped the sentiment from Signature Greetings in Dark Chocolate.

Jamey and Madalyn, if you happen to read this, Thank You!!  I popped this in the mail to you yesterday so hopefully it arrives safe and sound in your mailbox soon!

I can't believe Spring Break is more than half over.  I am really enjoying our beautiful weather, can't wait for the flowers to start blooming!  Thanks for stopping by, have a fantastic day.

~Anika

Hey There

Just a quick card today before I head out to celebrate my birthday!

I used some Simple Valentine PP on the bottom half and a stamp from a random set I have on the top (I believe it's by The Paper Company).  Then I tied Raspberry Fizz satin ribbon around it and added a Martha Stewart felt heart and a Scarlet Jewel button tied on with Button Twine. The sentiment is from Big & Bold Wishes.

My husband is taking me to breakfast at Key's Cafe - yum!  It's my favorite!  Then tonight we will go to dinner with my parents, brother, and grandma.  Should be a fun day!

Thanks for stopping by; have a fantastic Saturday!

~Anika

(All Products are Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted.)

With faith...

Well it's another Year of the Flowers: Violets card today.  I adore this flower, if you haven't noticed!  I used some of the Pretty Pastels Patterned Paper along with Vintage Buttons from the Spring Mix and Sweet Blush Twill.  The flower is stamped in Berry Sorbet on Vintage Cream Cardstock and the sentiment is stamped in Dark Chocolate on Kraft.

Here's a close up of the details.

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope everyone is looking forward to a fun weekend!  The weather has been amazing here so hopefully it decides to stick around for the weekend.  I have some sleep to catch up on, a little shopping to do and the possibility of making a few cards is very high!

~Anika

(All Supplies are Papertrey Ink.)