PWC132: For the Boys!

I'm sorry to say, this is my last official post as a Prettie Girl! I've had so much fun with this group of ladies over the last 3 years, I've made some wonderful friendships that I know will continue for years to come! And boy, do I have an amazing collection of almost EVERY Sophia and Cooper stamp ever made!! :-D

This week's Prettie Weekly Challenge is to create a more masculine card. Of course that meant I had to use Cooper, and I love this new Sledding Cooper heading down the hill. Makes me think of when I was little growing up in Maine and going Tobogganing with my dad and siblings! I also used this week's Mojo Monday sketch #169 for my layout.

I added some snowflakes cut with the Let it Snowflake Die-Namic from My Favorite Things (LOVE their dies!!) with an SU! button on top (tied with some fun tinsel string!) Now to play along with us, just create your OWN masculine or boy card and link it up on the Paper Pretties blog. YOU could win a fabulous stamp set. And while you don't have to use Paper Pretties' stamps to play, you'll get an extra entry into the random drawing if you do...so pull out those Coopers and get to work!

And now, I'll leave you today with the VERY FIRST card I made using the Paper Pretties stamps with one of the first 2 Sophias ever released. I STILL love this Snowflake Kisses set. I hope you enjoy!

PWC131: Punch it up!

This week's Paper Pretties Weekly Challenge is to use punches when creating your project. Since I use punches pretty frequently this was an easy one for me!

And, to make it ever more fun, we're all peeking another new set - Love Birds! Aren't they adorable?? Now you may be wondering about my coloring here...but I love Ecclectus Parrots. They are beautiful large parrots from Down Under, where the mail is a beautiful emerald green, and the female is red and dark blue/purple. Unfortunately, I got mixed up and made her head purple when it should have been her chest that was purple. Below I've included a photo of some actual birds. Guess I should have looked up the photos BEFORE I colored!

Back to my card...I used some Basic Grey papers, and an SU! border punch. I distressed all my edges, then added some glimmer drops from MFT, and this cute wire heart (no idea where it's from!) with a little ribbon.

Be sure to check out all of the creations using this adorable stamp set on the Paper Pretties blog today (and on all the Prettie Girls' blogs!) and don't forget our new release hop will be happening on Friday! You won't want to miss that!!

PWC130: Its sketch time!

I love the first Wednesday of the month - it always means another awesome Frances sketch!!! And this month's sketch is FABULOUS!!!

I didn't want to color an image for this one (no sleep = unsteady hands!) so I used the fabulous new O Christmas Tree set and some fabulous dp I picked up at a LSS. I added some bling to the wonderful snowflakes that come with the set, and some silver brads to the side (is it just me or do they look crooked? I used my totally cool new Tim Holtz ruler sot hey should be perfectly straight. Think I need more than 4 hours of sleep a night!!)

We'd love to have you play along too. Visit the Paper Pretties blog to get more details on how to enter, and get busy stampin'!!

PWC129 Keep it clean, and simple!

This week's Paper Pretties Weekly Challenge was to make a Clean and Simple card - right up my ally!! I used this adorable Sledding Cooper to create my card.

I used some fun SU! snow dsp for my card, then just added ribbon and the little snowflake to perk it up. I cut Cooper out with a long rectangle nestie. I added the sentiment on as a little flag.

We'd love for you to play along with us. Please head on over to the Paper Pretties blog to see all this week's creations, and to link up your entry for our clean and simple challenge this week! You don't have to use Paper Pretties stamps to win, but you will get an extra entry into the random drawing if you do!! You could win a great stamp set...so play along!!

Plus this week we are having a Thanksgiving Day Sale! Just use the coupon code GIVETHANKS and receive 15% OFF your entire purchase!

PWC128: Thanks!

I'm back again with a Pretties Weekly Challenge for you all...make a Thank You card! Super simple, right? We ALL need thank you cards, and unfortunately I don't give them out nearly enough! So, here's a card I made for Julia's teacher using Thank You Teacher Sophia.

For my layout, I used this week's Sketch for you to Try from Jen Del Muro. I loved having all these panels to use different patterend papers! I used my Cosmo Cricket Early Bird paper, and pieced Sophia's top, pants and lunch bag. I of course had already stamped her twice onto my Perfect Panel cs so that I could add the backpack straps, apple and her hair on top of the pieced shirt! Everything was colored with copcis, I even added some shading to the pieced pieces with my W1 and 3 markers.

As has become my general habit, I finished off the inside too. I used some of this great May Arts Olive Green rikrak from the Prettie Boutique on both the inside and the front - doesn't it match perfectly? I also used some more of the patterned paper, and a sentiment from a new MFT set, Simply Sentimental about Teachers.

We'd love to have you play along with us Prettie Girls, so upload your thank you card to the Paper Pretties blog for your chance to win some great stamps! You don't have to use Prettie stamps, but if you do you'll get an extra entry into the drawing...good luck!

PWC127 and Happy Birthday Jennifer!

Today is not only a Prettie Peek day, not only a Prettie Wednesday Challenge Day, but most importantly, it is Prettie Girl Jennifer's birthday!!! We're all hopping along this week with some Birthday Wishes for Jennifer, and hope you'll join us! The hop started at the Paper Pretties Blog, so if you didn't arrive here from Jackie, be sure to head on back!

This week's challenge was to emboss on a card. It wasn't specific as to dry or wet embossing, so I went for both! The stamp set is this fabulous new Everyday Greetings, which will be released along with 7 other sets this Friday. I used 2 stamps from the set...first the circle with flowers in it (stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink on a very vanilla circle) and the sentiment is also from the set. There are 9 fabulous and versatile sentiments included with this set - so plenty to meet your every day greeting needs!

I did the faux diamonds technique on my stamped vanilla circle and embossed it with Irridescent Ice embossing powder. I love this look on vanilla, it gets such a sparkly golden look! I dry embossed the black square underneath, and for my papers I used the SU! Love Letter dsp. And, the layout is this week's Mojo Monday sketch #164.

Now be sure to keep on hopping to see what Jane has come up with for Jennifer's birthday, and please leave Jennifer some birthday love at the end of the hop! have a great day...and don't forget to leave  a comment on the Paper Pretties blog for your chance to win this set!

PWC126: another AWESOME sketch!

Frances has done it again - come up with an amazing sketch challenge for us this week, and I LOVE it!! I have to be honest...I made this card in less than 30 minutes, and I LOVE when I can do that! Because I didn't have an image to color, it was all picking papers, cutting, and lots of sponging!!

I used more of my Basic Grey Fruitcake paper (can you believe I bought that in the Netherlands and never opened it until I was back here in California and could have gotten it for half the price?? Figures!) along with some Cherry Cobbler, Sage Shadow, and Very Vanilla. I stamped the greeting from O Christmas Tree and after sponging on some Cherry Cobbler ink, I added teh snowflakes. Each is centered with a rhinestone for some extra sparkle. I added the Cherry Cobbler seam binding to finish off the card, and am quite happy with the end result!

Be sure to head on over to the Paper Pretties blog to see all the great creations today, and to link up your OWN entry for this week's challenge - you could win a Paper Pretties stamp set. You don't have to use a Prettie stamp to play (although we love it when you do!) just have fun with the great sketch!

PWC125: Gotta be Square!

It's that time again...for our weekly Paper Pretties Wednesday Challenge! This week, we're challenging you all to make it square! A square card. This was an easy one for me...since more than half my cards these days are square. but, since I knew it was the last Monday of the month, I figured I'd wait to do my card for this weeks Mojo Monday Circle or square sketch...and I'm glad I did!

I used our adorable new Tis the Season Sophia from our October stamp release - isn't she just darling just peeking through all those packages?? LOVE it!! I colored her with copics and cut her out with Nesties. Then, I pulled out my beloved Eskimos Kisses paper and got to work with the sketch! I don't usually mix this many patterns...but I think it works!

I added some liquid applique to her boots and the cuffs of her coat to give her a little added dimension, and slipped some clear tinsel from SU! behind her. Cute, no??

Of course, I finished the inside too. Now, head on over to the paper pretties blog to see all of this week's square creations from our amazing DT, and be sure to link up your OWN square cards to WIN a FREE Paper Pretties stamp set. Also while you're there...check out our new Digi Design team call - I mean, who can't use more stamps?!?

PWC124: Green, Orange and Purple??

Well, when I saw the color challenge for today's Paper Pretties Weekly Challenge I thought "Oh my!" But then I realized that they are perfect halloween colors!

I figured the  Wicked Old Bird set would be perfect, and got busy coloring her in. I then used this week's Mercy sketch for the layout, and my Matilda mini deck of papers from Cosmo Cricket for the various layers.

I punched out the greeting with my spellbinders tag die, and also finished off the inside. Now it's all set to send off to a friend with a good sense of humor!

We'd love to have you play along with us...for all the info on how to play (and to upload your card) head on over to the Paper Pretties blog...YOU could win a free Paper Pretties stamp set for your very own!!

PWC123: Black, White and...you choose!

This week's Paper Pretties Weekly Challenge is a color challenge, to use white, black and a 3rd color of your choice. I decided to once again go for a black and white colored image for this challenge...and I LOVE the result! Caroling Cooper (isn't he adorable?? You can get him for your very own on Friday!) looks fabulous in this retro black and white look.

I used the fun Newsprint dsp from SU! because I knew I wanted to use the music staff paper. Perfect with this little guy, isn't it? And with that nice touch of red...he's all ready for the holidays! And don't you love those glimmer brads??

Be sure to head over to the Paper Pretties Blog to see ALL the amazing work of the DT this week, and don't forget we'll have 8 new stamps for you on Friday!

PWC122: Sketch time!

It's the first Wednesday of the month, and you all know what that means? Yup...another Paper Pretties sketch from our very own Frances! I love Frances' sketches usuallly...but I must admit this one had me stumped for a while!

Then...I remembered this wonderful stamp set Summer Fun and knew it would be perfect! I love all these fun summer images to go with our summer themed Sophia and Cooper stamps - they work perfectly together! I colored my images with copics, the added some SU! dsp along with my red, yellow and turquoise cardstock and I was good to go! One last summer hurrah before I officially give it over to fall.

Be sure to visit the Paper Pretties blog to see all the amazing creations from the design team today using Frances sketch...and we'd love to see what YOU do with the sketch! Upload your creation, and you could win a fabulous Paper Pretties stamp set! And while you're there, check out the design team call - wouldn't YOU like to be a Prettie Girl too??? Come and join us, you'll have a blast!

PWC121: Animal Style

This week's challenge from Paper Pretties is to go Animal style - use an animal stamp, or animal print paper or texture on your project. since we just released this adorable new Horse stamp and I hadn't had a chance to play with him yet, I knew this was the perfect oppportunity!

 Horsin' Around is such a fun stamp. I love the expression on this guy's face...and the flower is adorable!! I colored him in with my copic markers, then cut the image out with a new labels nestabilities set. LOVE this new shape!! For the layout, I went with this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

I also made this card for Carolyn King's Heart to Heart drive. She's got an amazing lineup of sponsors for this HUGE giveaway (pretty much, all the big names in stamping are represented - including Paper Pretties!!) To enter, you have to make (and send) a card to someone who works with Alzheimer's patients. My aunt is one of those people, and she's been doing this for several years now. I've actually visited her at work when back in Maine, and she is so patient and kind (just like she was with me as a child) with her patients...I know she's perfect for these folks! And, I'm also sending some cards that I've made (and that Julia my daughter has made) for her to give to her patients...because I know how much THEY love getting cards too!

So...go make your own Animal-style card to enter into OUR contest, then send it to someone working with Alzheimer's patients to enter into Carolyn's contest too. It will double your chances of getting some free Paper Pretties stamps to play with!!

PWC120: Ribbon Mania!

Today's Paper Pretties Weekly Challenge was issued by me - to use 3 different ribbons on your card. Now...I love ribbon...but it was challenging even for me to use three different kinds - especially since I wanted a more masculine card today. Alas...I think I did ok. Not a real masculine card, but still good for the ladies who help my little boy so much (his wonderful therapists at California Children's Services!)

I just LOVE Cooper, and this newest Cooper is no exception. Here he is jumping into a big pile of leaves. Growing up in Maine, my brother and I actually did this quite regularly - especially since it was often our job to rake said leaves up anyway.

I wanted a softer look to the pile of leaves, so I decided to watercolor the image this time...that way I could do a simple wash over the pile, then highlight individual leaves with stronger color. I'm quite happy with the result! My three ribbons are chocolate chip wide grosgrain under a moss colored gingham, and then the linen thread I used in the button (that counts as a ribbon in my book!!)

Be sure to head over to the Paper Pretties blog to see all the wonderful creations of the design team today. And upload your be-ribboned card for a chance to win a FREE STAMP SET!!! Lastly, don't forget all these adorable new stamps we're showcasing this week will be available on THIS FRIDAY, September 24th!

PWC119: Gettin' Glitzy!

This week's Paper Pretties Weekly Challenge is to create a card using glitter dots, rhinestones or pearls. Since I couldn't find my glitter dots under the pile that is my desk...I settled for some rhinestones!

I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch (pretty much) and my lovely Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety paper to create my card this week. I took a few liberties with the sketch...bit I think it all works! This is one of my FAVORITE Sophia's ever...she just looks so dang happy! No wonder she's called Celebrate Sophia. And with 5 sentiments with her, she'll work for almost any occasion, like this cheer-up card!

We've got a new release of Paper Pretties stamps coming up...so keep your eyes peeled for some Prettie Peeks coming soon! And for now, head on over to the Paper Pretties blog to see ALL of the team's creations, and to upload your own sparkly card for your chance to win a free stamp set!

PWC117: Another great sketch...

As usual, for the first Wednesday of the month we have an amazing sketch from Frances! I had an idea brewing around in my head and I couldn't not do it...although I'm not sure this sketch was the best to use for this idea - but Julia loves it so I hope you will too!

This week, Paper Pretties is sponsoring the Oh Alice Challenge which is to use a little girl on your card (and you still have time to enter to win a great prize package from Paper Pretties!!). Think we have any of those at Paper Pretties?? LOL! therefore, I had to use a Sophia image. I also wanted to use this adorable new dragon though...because I mean...WHO WOULDN'T??? So, I decided to combine our bookworm, daydreaming Story Time Sophia along with this adorable new Dragon set, Imagine. Once Julia understood that the dragon was in the book Sophia was reading, she thought it was way cool - although she did ask why the book had a tree on it if it was about a dragon...at what age do all the questions stop??

I paper pieced the dark purple parts of the dragon with some paper form the same stack of Eva Basic Grey paper as the background. It's intricate cutting, but well worth the effort!! I colored her wings with my spica pens, and her tummy with my copics.

Be sure to head on over to the Paper Pretties blog to get info on how you can play along with this week's challenge and link up your entry. You'll love playing with this sketch, I guarantee it!

PWC116: Back to School

Good morning Prettie Peeps, hope you all are well! This week's challenge is to make a card inspired by back to School! So fitting since Jullia just went back to school last week...and we're busy getting back into the swing of things...(pun intended!) so I of course used Swing on by Sophia for my card. To me, returning to school signals the end of summer, and all the fun, carefree days of summer!

I love this new stamp from the August release. Sophia looks so carefree! I stamped her on some stammper's select white from PTI, then colored her with my copics (to look like my Julia bug of course!). I used some Basic Grey papers to go with her, and a nice big bow!

For the inside of my card I added Off to School Sophia, and just the second half of the sentiment. I love it!

We'd love to have you play along with us...so be sure to visit the Paper Pretties Blog to get all the details and to link up YOUR back to school creation...can't wait to see what you all come up with!!

Happy Wednesday!

PWC115: Summer fun!

Our challenge over at Paper Pretties this week is to create a project inspired by summer using whatever colors remind us of summer.

I used a recently released new Digi-image that was originally created in honor of my little Jack. After Wheelchair Sophia was released, I asked for a Cooper with leg braces...and this was close enough for us! Isn't he a little sweetie?? Perfect for those little guys in your life who have a tendency to get themselves into a bit of a tight spot!

For my summer colors, I have red and blue and green with a touch of yellow. Nice and bright! I colored little Cooper with my copic markers and used some old SU! papers, newer buttons and ribbons for my card. We'd love to have you play along with us, you could win a great stamp!! Head on over to the Paper Pretties blog to get all the details of how to play, and to link up your summertime creation!

Oh...and if you haven't had enough stamping yet...Paper Pretties is also sponsoring the Tuesday Morning Sketch this week, and you could win more Prettie stamps there!

PWC113: Sophia gets sketchy

This week's Paper Pretties challenge is our monthly Sketch challenge, provided of course by the amazing Frances! We'd love you to play along with us too...just create YOUR card using Frances' great sketch and upload the link to the Paper Pretties blog - you never know, you could win a great stamp set!! Speaking of which, if you didn't start at the Pretties blog, head on back there so you so all the great creations with this months' awesome sketch!!

I pulled out my Off to School Sophia (on sale for just $5!!!) for this month's sketch challenge knowing I wanted to make a card to slip in Julia's lunch bag for her first day back to school later this month. I colored her using my copics (of course!) and used some fun My Mind's Eye dp along with SU! kiwi kiss and pink passion. While my Julia is not a girly girl who loves pink - I think she'll still like this!

I finished off the inside again too (trying to make the time to do that again since I really like the effect!) and included the super fun sentiment that comes with this great Sophia. Don't forget there are still some great deals in the Paper Pretties' Boutique...and keep your eyes peeled for some NEW images coming soon! I am not exaggerating when I say WOOHOO!!! And with our new fast, cheap shipping - you're gonna love it!

Now keep on hopping along to Jennifer's blog to see what amazingness she has!

PWC112: Puttin' on the Glitter!

Happy Hump Day everyone! I had a wonderful time in Germany, and am slowly getting readjusted to normal life. And hey...I even managed to stamp! This week's Paper Pretties Weekly challenge comes from Heather, and we get to use Glitter!! I love glitter, but rarely use it because it makes such a mess and I end up getting it all over myself, the house, and my child! But today, I glittered with GLEE!! If you didn't start out at the new Paper Pretties Blog, be sure to head back there and see all the great glittered projects everyone has for you today.

For my project I used the adorable Mermaid Sophia, colored her with my copics then added the glitter. Isn't she the cutest?

I hope you have a great day, and head on over top see what Jane's got for you all today!

PWC111: Non traditional Chrismas Colors!

Jackie challenged the Prettie Girls to make a Christmas card using non-traditional Christmas colors this week - how fun!! Be sure to follow along the hop, and if you didn't get here from Jackie's, head on back to the new Paper Pretties blog so you don't miss a thing!! And, you can also participate in this week's challenge and WIN a great stamp...see all the details at the Paper Pretties blog!

I used this adorable snow couple Snowy Snuggles to create my pink and blue card. I also used some fun new glitter dots and the cool antiquing tool! You can check all these things and more in the Prettie boutique. And don't forget our new faster, cheaper shipping!!!

Ok, now keep on hopping to see what Jane's got for you today.