BOO!

Good morning!

I am excited to be a part of the Perfect Paper Crafting/Your Next Stamp Blog Hop!  I'm so sorry my post is up late. When I turned in last night, all was well and pre-scheduled.  When I checked a few minutes ago, my post was GONE!

 Karen, from Your Next Stamp, sent me this fun Halloween set to create with, and what better use for my Perfect Layers Rulers than this triple stamping technique?  What fun!!!  Be sure to check out all of the darling stamps that they carry!

Perfect Paper Crafting is giving away a $50 gift certificate to their online store, and Your Next Stamp is giving a $50 gift card, also, to their store!  Your Next Stamp is also offering a discount to their readers: YNSPLHOP15 should be entered at checkout!  There will be two lucky winners, so be sure to comment on all of the blogs!

Don't forget - you can use your Perfect Layers Rulers with any rotary cutter or craft knife for perfect mats everytime!  Check out the Perfect Layers Website for a video tutorial!  Check out my sidebar for details on getting a discount on your order!

Okay, so next, hop on to Julie's blog!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,
Patti J.

Enter at your own risk - Photo heavy!

Happy Weekend, everyone!  As it's Saturday, I'm here with my weekly Scraptownlady post.  No chit-chat today, as it's a long post with lots of photos.  Here we go....

When I got my last box from Cheryl, it contained so much Halloween goodness, that I couldn't wait to play!  Hope you like these wonderful papers too!  Both of my items today were made with zero stamping!  Papers only....woot woot!

Designer's Tip:  When making a square card, start by folding an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of cardstock in half at 5.5".  Cut off the opposite edge, at 5.5" as well, and it will leave this fabulous little piece that measures
3" x 5.5".  This is perfect to use up your scraps, stick in a lunch box, teacher's mailbox, etc!  Who knew???

Scraptownlady Supplies:
Authentique 'Enchanted' Collection
Authentique 'Thrilling' Collection
Webster's Pages 'Once Upon a Halloween' Collection
Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive
ScorTape
And.....wonderful new dies that will be in the store next week!!!

Other Supplies:
Black Ink
Perfect Layers Rulers (see sidebar for details)


Last but not least, I promised you a box tutorial.  Making boxes seems difficult, but it's really quite simple.  As long as you have your beginning measurements, you can create a box for just about anything!

Here's how I make boxes for all of my 6 x 6 cards:

I always get a sheet of paper when creating a new box, and actually draw each line out, so that I can 'see' it as I'm making it.  In the above photo, I have started with a 6" square.  If I were to continue on with this process, you would see a line at 6 1/8", etc., etc., etc!  I'm a very visual lerner!

For this box, I began with measurements of 6 x 6 square.  

• Added 1/8" all the way around, to allow card to lay nice and flat, and also be tissue wrapped, if desired.

• Now, determine your box depth.

• In this case, 1/2" is plenty, as the embellishments are not too tall.

• I added 1/2" to each of the four sides, making the box bottom 7 1/8" square.

• Score all four sides at 1/2" from each outside edge, cut flaps, and assemble.

 

For the box lid, you will add 1/16", giving you a box top dimension of 7 1/4" x 7 1/4".  These edges will also be scored at 1/2" in from each outside edge.  Voila!

Added Scor-Tape to each flap for a secure corner.

Look how pretty!  Add your address, and the recipient will be delighted with their lovely 'envelope'...!

Here you can see how perfectly last week's 6 x 6 card fits into this box bottom.

Here is where I must claim that, even though my card fits perfectly, my fingers may have typed incorrectly!  Just remember that you need a beginning measurement, plus 1/8" for card to lie flat, and then your depth!

Voila!  Can't wait to see YOUR beautiful boxes!

Thanks for stopping by!  Did you know that Scraptownlady charges ONLY the exact amount of shipping?  How many times have you ordered a $5 item, only to find that shipping is $9.95???  Yeah, I know you have!  Check out the Scraptownlady store - if there is something you don't see that you'd like, let Cheryl know - odds are that she can get it for you very quickly!  Be sure to check out the Scraptownlady blog, too, for daily inspiration and product information!

Hugs,
Patti J.

Operation Write Home Perfect Paper Crafting Blog Skip!

Good morning!  

Perfect Paper Crafting and Operation Write Home would like to welcome you to our blog skip! 

If you missed the start of the hop, you can click on the photo below, and it will take you directly to the beginning!  We will be sending the cards featured in today's blog skip to the folks at Operation Write Home, to be forwarded on to our wonderful men and women serving our country.  If you would like to find out how to send your cards to Operation Write Home, check out their guidelines to get started!!!

Perfect Paper Crafting has been a lifesaver to me.  I love for my mats and layers to be straight and tidy, and have tried so many other methods.  With the Perfect Layers Rulers, there is no guesswork.  You can use any rotary cutter or craft knife with your Perfect Layers Rulers!  Check out their website for a video tutorial, and see the information on my sidebar to find out how to save 5% on any purchase!

There will be a $50 gift card issued by Perfect Paper Crafting, for one lucky person, who comments on all the blogs!  Will it be YOU???

I used two of the Operation Write Home sketches for my cards today.  You can find all of their past sketches here!  All of my mats are created using either the 1/8" or 1/4" rulers.  Look at how nice and straight they are!

All Stamps are Gina K. Designs 'Lighthearted Wishes'.  Patterned Paper is Bazzill 'Believe'. Red Cardstock is Bazzill Basics.

All stamps are Gina K. Designs 'The Northwoods'.  Patterned paper is Bo Bunny 'Rejoice'. Gold Cardstock is a muse studio.

Now, skip on over to see what MARIANNE has to share with you!!!

Thanks for skipping with us today!

Patti J.

Where?

Good morning, and Happy Happy WEEKEND!

I'm here to share a creation today using lots of brand new Scraptownlady supplies!  Oh my goodness, what fun it was to get my 'fall' box.  I had ordered this sweet summer image, and decided that I should hurry and use it before we get totally into fall and Christmas.  Isn't she precious?  She's a Marianne stamp, and she's one of the adorable Snoesjes girls!  You could color her so sweetly with your choice of mediums! Colored Pencils, Spectrum Noir, Copic, Tombow, or StampinUp Markers....whatever you have on hand!
You can find here HERE!

Here is the easel card all set up.  Isn't she adorable?

This is the inside of the card - all Bo Bunny Goodness :)

And, of course, she folds flat for mailing!

Hope that she brought you a smile today.  I just couldn't wait to get her inky! 

Thanks for looking - hope you'll dash over to the Scraptownlady store and do a bit of shopping.  Cheryl offers an EVERYDAY 20% discount on EVERY order, and if that's not enough, she also charges ONLY the actual shipping costs on each order!  Pretty cool, right?  We'd love for you to follow our blog, too!

Have a great weekend,
Patti J.

Designer's Tip:  When creating a 6 x 6 card or layout, it's fun to make a 6 1/8" square box out of something sturdy, for mailing.  The recipient loves getting a 'present', your card is protected, and you get to show off your box making skills!  It's VERY easy!  Look for a photo tutorial with dimensions next week!

Scraptownlady Supplies:
Marianne Design 'Snoesjes' Clear Stamp
Kaisercraft Blue Haze Cardstock (Base)
Bo Bunny 'Prairie Chic Yard Sale' Collection (LOVE!!!!)
Snug Hug Seam Binding White
Prima Flowers 'Zephyr Collections Perles'
Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive
Summer Stick Pin - Lipstick Red

Other supplies:
Copic Markers

Berry Great Day!

Hello!

I'm here today as a Guest Designer for Doodle Pantry, with something fun to share!  Even though mice generally have me going 'Ewwwww.........', how could you not love this cute little guy?  This set is called Berry Nice Mice. 

The image was printed twice.  On one image, I used the 'outside the box' cutting technique with a Spellbinder's A2 Card Creator Die.  The darling bubbly background is some a muse cardstock, cut with the Spellbinder's A2 Card Creator 'Pearl Effects' Die (which was a gift from my good friend, Debbie Seyer!).  On the second image, I cut out the ears, and the two outside berry bunches.  After applying Glossy Accents to them, they were popped up with foam squares, over the first image. 

What fun dimension!

This card is going to my Senior Buddy, and I'm hoping it brings a smile to her day!

Check out all of the NEW September releases at Doodle Pantry!  There are some great 'fall' images, and you can get started with Christmas too!

Thanks for stopping by,

Patti J.

Creations by AR - September Release

Good Morning, and Welcome to the September New Release Blog Hop for Creations by AR!

Today, we have a fun template to share.  This one is called Simply Scrumptious Shop, and comes in PDF, SVG, and DXF formats.  I use the PDF format, as I do not own a cutting machine.  So, if I can do this with my sharp little scissors and arthritic fingers, imagine what you folks with a machine can do!

Here is the front view of the delightful Simply Scrumptious Shop!

This shows the dimensions of the sign, flower box, and canopy.  Pretty cute, right?

Now for the REAL fun!  You remove the roof, and look what's inside!  This template includes the little drawers like these, to hold cookies, or even delicious Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares!  But wait...there's more!

It also comes with another template.  I chose to put a candle into my opening, but OH MY GOODNESS!  Can't you just imagine 2 or 3 drawers with Chocolates or Cookies, and then this on top with a Keurig Coffee Pod?  What fun!

You can win this charming template, just in time for the holidays!  How?  

Comment to win!!!  

You can comment on each blog:

 

Adela:  http://cbyar.blogspot.com/2013/09/simply-scrumptious-new-release-blog-hop.html

Jak: http://www.jakheath.com/2013/09/creations-by-ar-september-release-blog.html

Julia: http://createwithjulia.blogspot.com/2013/09/creations-by-ar-sept-release-simply.html

Lisa: http://www.lisasomerville.com/2013/09/creations-by-ar-september-release-hop.html

Lori: http://savingmine.blogspot.com/2013/09/simply-spooky-scrumptious-shoppe.html

Lyn:  http://www.lynspaperpetunia.com/2013/09/creations-by-ar-new-release-hop.html

Patti J: http://cherisheachpreciousday.blogspot.com/2013/09/creations-by-ar-september-release.html

Sue K: http://suesstampingstuff.blogspot.com/2013/09/simply-scrumptious-shop-creations-by-ar.html

At the Creations by AR Facebook Page

At the Creations by AR Papercraft Planet Group

Comments accepted until September 22 (12:00 noon EST)

One random winner will be announced September 23rd on the AR Facebook Page, Papercraft Planet Group, and on the AR Blog.

Good luck!

Have a great day,

Patti J.

Creating like crazy!

Happy Monday!  I'm not sure what's gotten into me this morning, but I have created 8 cards.  Seven of them are stuffed into envelopes, sealed, stamped and ready to go.  It suddenly dawned on me that I had not taken a photo of ANY for a blog post.  Ha ha ha...silly me!  Wasted opportunity, for sure.


Anyhoo, here's one that I did remember to photograph.  I have tried to keep all of the cards very simple, and meaningful to the recipients, with very little fru-fru. 

Stamps: a muse studio "Autumn Leaves", Cardstock: 'Amuse Studio' and 'Kraft'.  Kaleidacolor Ink Pad "Autumn", Ribbon 'Hobby Lobby', and of course, I used my Perfect Layers Rulers for that gorgeous, straight, matting of the focal panel!  Check out my sidebar for details - you could save 5%!

This one is going to someone(s) very special to us!

Have a great day!

Be sure to stop back tomorrow, as we are having a new release hop for Creations by AR!  It's a good one! Think cookies, coffee, and candles!

Hugs & Blessings,
Patti J.

Clean and Simple Window Fun

Good morning, and welcome to the weekend.  It's Saturday, so it's my day to post at the Scraptownlady Blog.  I've had so many folks drop me a message saying how much they like seeing some simpler creations using these beautiful products, so I tried another clean and simple card for you today. This card uses one stamp set, 2 sheets of designer paper, some ink, a scrap of ribbon, and adhesive.  Yep, that's all!

This is the card front, complete with a huge OOPS!  Do you see it?  As I was adhering my focal panel with ScorTape, I realized I had not distressed the panel edges.  I tried to grab it before it stuck, but it was not to be.  So, enjoy this crooked creation :)

This is the inside top of the card.  I like to keep the entire bottom free, when writing my Chemo Buddies, or Senior Buddies. This card will go to my Senior Buddy, so I need to write a lengthy note!

Using the beautiful patterned papers, I sponged some ink, and stamped the Flourishes images directly onto a scrap, just large enough to fit behind the Grand Madison Window Die.  The window was die cut, also from the patterned paper!  It was sponged to distress it a bit, and adhered with dimensional foam for some added delight. 

Put everything together with some pretty ribbon, and TA-DA!  Clean, simple, and a bit of Window Fun!

I have a new box of Scraptownlady fall themed yumminess on the way, so be watching for some brand new items next week!

DID YOU KNOW.....Scraptownlady has started offering a 20% discount EVERYDAY?  On EVERY order?  And she still calculates shipping based on her actual cost (including cost of box for 12 x 12 items). Where else can you get low, low shipping AND 20% discount?

Thanks for stopping by!

Patti J.


Designer Tip:  When I receive a handmade card, I love when it has dimension - popped up items, wiggly things, soft and fluffy ribbons, etc., so next time you are creating, be sure to add something fun.  Whoever finds your card in their mailbox will not be able to resist touching and feeling all the goodness!

Scraptownlady Supplies:
Poppy Stamps Grand Madison Window
Flourishes Sweet Days of Summer Clear Stamps
My Mind's Eye Lost & Found 3 'Oliver White Floral'
My Mind's Eye Lost & Found 2 'Oliver Yellow Floral'
ScorTape 1/4"
3-D Foam Squares
May Arts C'est Joli! Ruban Variation 3/8" Blue/Brown
Tim Holtz Distress Ink 'Tumbled Glass'
Tim Holtz Distress Ink 'Rusty Hinge'
Tim Holtz Distress Ink 'Dried Marigold'

Other Supplies:
Perfect Layers Rulers (see sidebar for details)

It's Hump Day!

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I'm here today to post another card as Guest Designer for Doodle Pantry.  Today, I'm showcasing this new release with camel and sentiments.  Oh my, what fun it was to try to wrap my brain around a camel! This is honestly the first one that I've created with, and it was so much fun!

This photo shows the full card front.  I 'sent' the images to my word program, arranged them as you see them, and printed.  Dotted with a sharp tip marker, added a button, and voila.....  OH WAIT!  There was just one more fun thing...read below to find out what this fellow can do!

I added one of those fun wobble action things that I picked up at a LSS in Kimmswick, Mo., The Stamp Pad. In this photo, I 'boinged' him, so you see him in action.  In the following two photos, I just held his little head in each direction to give you a better idea of the wobble concept.

This is another pre-colored image from Doodle Pantry, which makes it so easy to get a last minute card put together.  The designer papers on the background are also included in this set!  Head on over to Doodle Pantry and check out the rest of the September releases - you won't be disappointed!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I have a winner to announce for the Stampendous stamp from my Happy Birthday Danni post!

Congratulations to Nana Griffith!  Nana G., please get in touch with me, as I don't have any contact info for you!  You can email me at: mamagilliam at gmail dot com

Congratulations Nana Griffith!

BEA, if you are reading, you won the bird dies that I gave away last week!  Please contact me quickly!

Thanks to all who stopped by today and smiled at this fun card!  I have a blogaversary coming up soon, so tune in for a fun give-a-way!

Hugs & blessings,

Patti J.

Sunshine

Hello!  Well, I've survived a Monday morning.  How funny, even as a retiree, I still look forward to the weekends, and dread Monday's.  I wonder about me sometimes :)

Just had a fun card to share today. I needed something spur of the moment.  This image was laying on my worktable, and was going to be a focal panel on a Happy Retirement card. Well, when I dropped the stamp right onto the image, it left a nasty smear on the right side. What to do, what to do? Well, the paper cutter chopped off the bad side, and some of the bottom, and I found that it fit perfectly into the window of some ready made cards I purchased from the Paper Cut at the Collinsville show.

Added a fun Stamps by Judith sentiment, and voila!

FIVE minute card!  Yeah, made me happy!!!  Just put the image in the window, covered it with a scrap of cardstock, and stamped the sentiment. Voila...

Hope your week's off to a good start.

Thanks for stoppig by today :)

Happy Monday!

Patti J.

A Ladies Diary

Hello, and Happy Weekend! 

It's my day to post for Scraptownlady, and I've chosen to use some of the beautiful collection from Graphic 45, "A Ladies Diary".  This card was SO easy - just some cutting, matting, fussy cutting, and voila!

This is the card front. Even the lace trim is G45 Patterned Paper!

This is the inside - I used another G45  Patterned Paper that is Kraft on the back side for my focal panel. The large rose was fussy cut from a sheet of the "A Ladies Diary" Collection, and glued down.

Be sure to check out the fabulous inventory of pretty papers, stamps, embellishments, adhesives, etc., at the Scraptownlady Store, and we'd love for you to follow the Scraptownlady Blog!!!

Thanks for stopping by today!

The winner of the Impression Obsession Bird Dies from Scraptownlady is BEA!  Congratulations, Bea! Thanks for signing up to follow the Scraptownlady Blog!  Please email me with your mailing information, at: mamagilliam at gmail dot com.

Hugs & smiles,
Patti J.

Scraptownlady Supplies:

Graphic 45 "A Ladies Diary" Collection
Scrapbook Adhesives EZ Runner
Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive
Petaloo Flowers, Chanatilly Velvet
Snug Hug Seam Binding, Zircon Green
KaiserCraft Pearls, Chino

Other Supplies:

Colorbok Black Cardstock
Perfect Layers Rulers (see sidebar for details!)

Pumpkin....

Good Morning!

I'm so excited to be guest designing this month for Laurie Wilson, and her wonderful team at Doodle Pantry!  I was a team member for a long time, and still look forward to being a guest now and then. It's fun to play with the delightful digi images that Laurie creates each month!

This month has a fall/winter theme, and for my first card, I chose the Pumpkin set.  The image I used is a pre-colored image.  I printed it a couple of times with heavy cardstock, and then fussy cut the image. 

I first cut the entire image, then just parts - the pumpkin on the right, a couple of leaves, and the pretty yellow bloom, were all fussy cut, and popped up with foam squares for dimension.  There were several very nice sentiments with this set, and since I have been creating a healthier me for the past year, this sentiment seemed like fun.  If you look closely, you'll see that there is some Glossy Accents going on, too, for a look of 'morning dew'!

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you enjoyed this card - I should mention that the background is also part of the pumpkin set!  Pretty cool, right?

Please check out all of the new releases at the Doodle Pantry Store, and be sure to check out the Doodle Pantry Blog, for inspiration, and a monthly challenge!  You could win some of your own great images to design with, and there's usually a 'free with purchase' item!

Hugs...

Patti J.

Happy Birthday!

A few months ago, Cheryl Saforek, owner of Scraptownlady contacted a few of us, with an invitation to join her first Design Team.  What a fun few months it has been!  We teamies have become friends with each other, are having fun watching each others children grow up, and of course, we've had a great time designing with our Scraptownlady products!

Today is Cheryl's Birthday, and we are here today with a Birthday Hop in her honor!  She is a wonderful boss, and has become a very good friend, as well.

Cheryl, we hope that your day is as special as you are! Happy Birthday!

Here is my card for Cheryl:

Front of card.

This shows the popped up birthday cake in the inside center!

Just a close up of the 'candles' that prove Cheryl is 29 today!!! We are the same age :)

Now, I hope that you will hop on to Rebecca's blog!  Rebecca and Cheryl live near one another, and are friends outside of blogland - I can't wait to see what she has created for Cheryl!

In case you get lost, here is the hop order:

Scraptownlady Blog
Marcia
Cathy
Dawn Rene
Rhonda
Patti J. (me!)
Rebecca

Thanks so much for hopping along.  Please stop over at the Scraptownlady Blog, and wish our special lady a very Happy Birthday!

Thanks for stopping by,
Patti J.

Scraptownlady Supplies:
Authentique 6 x 6 Bundle 'Hope'
Kaisercraft Sparklets 'Daffodil'
Kaisercraft 75 cents Collection 'Sixpence'
Glossy Accents

Other supplies:
Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch
a muse Brown Cardstock
Stampendous Glitter

Birthday Flutter By Hop...

Today is the first of TWO Flutter By Wednesday blog hops to celebrate Danni's Birthday!

(Danni is the owner of Flutter by Wednesday).

Today we have lots of Danni's friends fluttering along to share some amazing creations & inspiration.

You should have fluttered here from Korin.  If not, start at the beginning of the hop at the Flutter By Wednesday Blog.

Here’s my project for today...Happy Birthday Danni!

Sherri Baldy Bestie Image, Copic Markers, Misc. Cardstock and Embellishments

Be sure to leave comments at each stop that you flutter to as there are some surprises hidden!  

Speaking of surprises, I'm giving away this Stampendous Cling Stamp 'Seed Catalog' - all you have to do is leave me a comment!  

You do not have to be a follower of my blog to win, but I'd love it if you were, and if you are, you'll have two chances to win!  I'll announce a winner on September 10th.  Good luck to all who comment! 

You have until midnight CST on September 9th, 2013 to flutter along!

We hope that you’ll also join in this week’s challenge at Flutter By Wednesday which is anything goes with a butterfly or fairy! A little butterfly told us that if the challenge gets over 100 entries there will be a prize!! I've entered MY card there.  I've also entered it in the Bestie's Challenge, which is 'Main Color Pink'.

Now you should hop on to see what Jennie has to share!

Don’t forget to flutter to the FBW Blog tomorrow for another hop full of more fluttery inspiration!!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Patti J.

Thanks a Latte...

Happy Labor Day, to all!

What a gorgeous day it is here in Missouri.  It's about 89 degrees, but oh my goodness, such a delightful breeze!  It could be this way all year round...I even took the convertible to town earlier today!  

Gotta love 'going topless' when the weather is pretty! 

When we gals went to Collinsville in August, I made some make & take projects. Unfortunately, the others are in the mail, and I forgot to photograph them.  But here is one card that I made using stamps from the Stamping Sensations booth.

Also, our friend, Chelsea Comer, who drove down from Rockford, Il., for the Collinsville weekend, came bearing gifts.  What a fun surprise to see her pull these wonderful rosettes our of her bag - one for each of us!  Chelsea, if you are reading, thank you SO much! This is proudly displayed in my CRoffice (craft room/office).  All products used are from the a muse studio catalog.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. 

I've been a bit MIA this week - am battling a rash of some sort, and am near the crazy point with itching.  Can't sit still long enough to do much 'blurfing'.  I'm going to get into my dermatologist as soon as possible, so hopefully, I'll be back to my normal stalking of your blogs very soon.

Have a great evening!

Patti J.