Flashback: Shapes by Design

Hi everyone!  I am super excited you are here today.  If you joined me a few weeks back in the PTI forums you would have read my request to for your input on which of my stamp sets to showcase in the month of July.  I have taken note of all the popular requests and today marks the first day of my flashback series.  I plan to showcase many of them this month along with my sneak peaks for my new stamp set (I will write more about that below).  So each day you see a post starting with Flashback you know I am using some of my previous sets.  I plan to label them too so that you can access them for quick inspiration the next time you are "stuck" for ideas using the set.

As you noticed by the title--Shapes by Design, I decided to use the set in a less traditional way. The set was originally created for versatility in addition to being genderless.  Shapes by Design is a perfect set to create more masculine cards and yet at the same time can have a delicate feminine side to it as well.  I decided to use the square blocks as flower stems.  I carefully stamped the image over the textured surface to give it a real outdoors look.

SUPPLIES

Stamps: Shapes by Design by PTI
Ink: True Black by PTI, Simply Chatreuse by PTI, Spring Moss by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI
Accents: Felt by PTI, Brads by Bazzill
Tools: Die cut flower by PTI, Impression Plate by PTI, Hole punch

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Create card base. Use impression plate.

2. Cut paper strip. 

3. Create die cut flowers. Punch hole and insert brad.

4. Stamp images and stamp sentiment.

5. Adhere flowers.

If you are visiting today for the first time from Nichole's blog I just want to personally welcome you!  Thanks for stopping by.  As you are aware, today marks the first day counting down to sneak peaks.  So what can I tell you about the set?  There's variety, there's a mixture of fonts, there's a play on words...and for the first time you get to see some of my handwriting.  Yup.  That's a big step for me.  I am very self conscious about that ;)

Make sure to join me from July 10-15th for daily projects and cards showcasing the set, which will be available for purchase July 15th through Papertrey Ink.

One last note, if you have a request for a particular set to be showcased for the flashback series PLEASE either post at the forum or leave me a message here :)

Thanks again for visiting.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Alli

Life's Simple Pleasures

I had a pretty nasty computer virus for the past day and a bit so I am relieved to be back in the land of technology.  Luckily I had another computer to use but all my important files and e-mail accounts were off limits since Thursday night.  In my world of online school teacher, homeschooling mum, stamp designer, online forum frequenter, google reader, facebooker, and e-mailer I was VERY lost!

Now onto today's card. I was challenging myself with a little blast from the past and was delighted with the outcome.  I created a card using Shapes by Design.  You'll see I used a pretty colour pallette and stamped coordinating coloured images.  I just love the versatility of Shapes by Design and I use it time and time again to create cards for my family members especially the guys.  There is something masculine about a bunch of stamped shapes :) As you'll note, I added a splash of pink to this card.  Couldn't resist!

Supplies:

Stamps: images and sentiment from Shapes by Design by PTI
Ink: Snow Cap by PTI, Raspberry Fizz by PTI, Pure Avocado by PTI, Terra Cotta Tile by PTI, Orange Zest by PTI, Scarlet Jewel by PTI
Cardstock: Stamper's Select White by PTI, Raspberry Fizz by PTI, Pure Avocado by PTI, Terra Cotta Tile by PTI, Orange Zest by PTI, Scarlet Jewel by PTI
Other: Paper from a book
Accents: Ribbon by PTI, Terra Cotta Button by PTI
Tools: Crop-a-dile corner cutter, scissors


Thanks for stopping by today!  Hope you have a fab weekend.

Alli

Just Because.

I wanted to show you another variation of my scor-pal pattern and Shapes by Design set. This card is very simple and easily mass produced. Imagine the possibilities in the center of this card--flowers, alpha letters, Pine's circle images..ohhhhhh the fun!





Supplies
Stamp Set(s): Shapes by Design by PTI
Cardstock: Stampers Select White by PTI
Accents: Stitched Print Flower Button (Etsy: evalicious)

Tools: Scor-pal

Have a superific (isn't that a word?) Wednesday!

Alli

It's been a long time coming...

One of the things I shared in a recent post was that I was going to be using more of my stamp sets (new and old) for my daily posts. Last week I showcased Wise Owl and shared some of my fav cards that I designed with that set. Another one of my fav sets that I created is Shapes by Design. As a geometric/pattern NUT I was super excited about the possibilities with this set. There is something about repetitive pattern and spacing that comforts me. I find that I am drawn to it in home decor, clothing and of course all things craft related. You'd definitely notice that if you stopped by for tea at my house.

Here are a few of my fav examples of Shapes by Design:hinge card, punch card, pattern card,pocket card, two step stamping (masculine card). If you are looking for even more ideas feel free to browse the archive from Feb 2008 from about Feb 5 to Feb 15th.

Not only do I like the shapes in Shapes by Design but I also *LOVE* the fonts and words for the sentiments. Dawn McVey made me proud--she showcased a lot of cards using Shapes by Design sentiments in the months following the release. I can't tell you how excited and happy I am for her now that she is releasing her own set this month!! I hope to do some justice with her set like she did with mine.

So here we are, 2009, a year ago I was sharing this very set for the first time and now it is one of those sets at the tip of my fingertips, a go to set.



I had a lot of fun creating line patterns with my scor-pal. I left just enough space between the three lines to stamp my sentiments. While I have a second isn't scor-pal a GENIUS idea? I love this tool.
You'll note that I brushed the ink pad against the lines and edges for detail. Also, the sentiment I love you comes from Mailbox Greetings.



Supplies
Stamp Set(s): Polka Dot Basics by PTI , Shapes by Design by PTI, Mailbox Greetings by PTI
Cardstock: Kraft by PTI, Black by PTI
Patterned Paper: October Afternoon
Ink: Snow Cap by Ranger, True Black by PTI
Accents: Stitched Print Flower Button (Etsy: evalicious)
Tools: Circles by Spellbinders, Large Ring Circle by Provo Craft (cuttlebug dies)

Note: Evalicious was recommended by Ali Edwards. Eve runs an Etsy store and creates some amazing embelishments and product. Her customer service is top rated!!!

Have a super duper week!!!

Alli

Thinking Tall!

I always admire tall cards but hardly ever make them. My box of PTI goodies arrived today and I was SOOO excited to use those beautiful colours with Shapes by Design. In addition, I had a good look through my rub on collection and decided to get over the hoarding thing. After all, rub ons don't last forever.
Notes: I used the rub ons on the ribbon. I sponged the edges of the circles and the layers of cardstock.





Supplies
paper: Stampers Select White Cardstock by Papertrey Ink, Aqua Mist Cardstock by Papertrey Ink, Spring Moss Cardstock by Papertrey Ink
ink: Black Palette, Perfect Match Aqua Mist, Perfect Match Spring Moss by PTI
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink
accessories: Aqua Mist Grosgrain Ribbon by Papertrey Ink, RubOns by SU!, Pop Dots,

Hope you have a terrific Thursday.
Alli

P.S. Does anyone know how to make photos larger in blogger? I noticed some people have larger images but I can't seem to make the top photo bigger. Edited to add: Thanks for your help. I couldn't get that to work last night...maybe it just took a computer restart.

A SCS Challenge!

I decided to have a little fun this morning and participate in a challenge. It's been a few weeks and I am anxious to get back into the groove of things...
I created a unique fold at the top of the card. This is not the type of card you would want to mail (although it is possible) but rather one you might fill with a treat or photos! My thought for the photos is to place them in clear card bags and string them over the top. I will work on showing you exactly what I mean a little later (especially for those of you who are visual...I also fit into that category).








Supplies

Stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Designs) Papertrey Ink, Beautiful Blooms by Papertrey Ink

Paper: Stamper's Select White CS by PTI, Black by Prism, Soft Skye by SU!, Black Scallop paper by Doodlebug Inc

Ink: Brillance Graphite Black, Soft Skye by SU!

Accessories: Flower by Maya Roads, Circle Punches by Ek Success, Epoxy Brad by Autumn Leaves, Ribbon by May Arts

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Alli

Thinking of You...

Good morning everyone! I am late posting today because I fell asleep early last night--I like to call it "travel wear". I always find I am exhausted after traveling. One of the disadvantages of blogger is that you cannot program a timer for a post release therefore I need to post later at night for an early morning post.

Today's card is using Shapes by Design. I created this card before the release but didn't have a chance to upload it.


You can see I randomnly coloured inside the circles and also on the outer rings of the circles.



paper: Pixie Pink by SU!, Basic Gray by SU!, Silver Metallic by SU!
ink: Going Gray by SU! Basic Black by SU!
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink
accessories: Spica pens by Copic, Satin Ribbon (ribbon shares)

Have a terrific day.

Alli

Shapes by Design (1)--Pocket Card

I am so excited about tonights release! I sure hope to meet you all online at the PTI forum...again, if you have any questions regarding the Shapes by design set please bring them with you and I will happily answer them.

Today's tutorial is one of my favourites. As you know from the first card that I shared with you I really enjoy cards that have a special component to them. Pocket cards are perfect because they are different from your regular day to day cards.


I began today's project by stamping a sheet 4x5.25 using black ink.



Next, I "filled" the shape using the solid circle stamp and a light green.


Then I filled the the outer edges using a green marker.


I cut out the centre image (the very small square) to mask it off from the rest of the rectangle. Next I took the rectangle stamp and stamped over the image using the light green to give it some extra colour. (see image below close to the ink pad)




I punched out the word window and stamped the word celebrate on it. And set it aside for "building" my layers.


Using a piece of paper 5.5x11 I scored .5 from either edge and in the center at 5.5.


Here is a photo of what it looked like when I was finished.


I adhered each edge and squeezed them together to create a pocket.


Here is a close-up of the pocket.


I lined up the punch and punched one side using the 1 1/4. You can see I only punched a half circle.


Here is the final project. I created a quick card to put in the pocket.


Here is a close up of the project.

Supplies
paper: Stampers Select White by Papertrey Ink, Gable Green by SU!, Green Galore by SU!, River Rock by SU!
ink: Basic Black by SU!, Gable Green by SU!, Green Galore by SU!
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink
accessories: Word window by SU!, Brad by Making Memories, Flower by Bazzill

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! See you tonight.

Alli

Shapes by Design (2)

Have I confused you with all my number posts yet??? As I mentioned previously, during all future releases the designers, along with Nichole Heady will be doing the "traditional" countdown leading up to the release of the stamp sets. What excites me about today is that that 2 means ONLY TWO more DAYS until the release of Shapes by Design.

Today's project is an altered tin. The tin is a tea tin from Papertrey Ink
I began by gathering all my materials and stamping on the blue bayou paper using white craft ink and basic black ink.



Here is a close up...lining up the images is not necessary to achieve a beautiful look!



Once I finished stamping the 8.5x11 paper, I cut it to fit the tin. Next I applied adhesive to the inside and rolled it around the tin until it was completely covered.


As a final touch, I added some ribbon and a fun "linked" tag. You can see that I added some eyelets to the punched circles and some jump rings to hold them together.


Supplies
paper: Stampers Select White by Papertrey Ink, Blue Bayou by SU!
ink: Basic Black by SU!, Whisper White by SU!
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink
accessories: Double Stitched Ribbon by SU!, Circle Punch by EK Success, Silver Eyelets, jump rings, 1/2 inch circle punch by SU!, tin

Stay tuned for tomorrow's awesome new step by step tutorial of a pocket card using one of my other fav stamps...it has so many possibilities. What's not to love?

Alli

P.S. I enjoyed the night at downtown Disney...how fun is that place?! I may be slightly late posting on the morning of the 14th as I will be traveling late this evening...but I will be posting (I promise) Also, I will be hanging out in the forums during the release party...so if you have any questions about the Urban Design stamp set I'd love to answer them.

Shapes by Design (3)

Hello from California!!! You're all probably thinking...is she really there?! I will be posting again right after this one (yes...like in a few minutes) and I will share some of the photos I have from the floor...

Today's card is one of my favourite designs using Shapes by Design. I began by doing some repeat stamping until the card was filled up. Next, I stamped solid images within the outer rings skipping a row and stamping the next.


You'll notice I stamped the circle ring on the SU! flower and punched it out using the EK success circle punch. Next, I place a piece of white cardstock underneath the flower and stamped the sentiment "thanks" in addition to stamping over top using on of the rectangle stamps.
I finished off the card with gray taffeta ribbon.

Supplies
paper: Stampers Select White by Papertrey Ink, Bashful Blue by SU!, Going Gray by SU!
ink: Black Palette, Bashful Blue by SU!
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink
accessories: Flower punch by SU!, Gray taffeta ribbon by SU!, Circle Punch by EK Success

I am excited to announce that the random generator picked number 106 (of 153) comments on my SCS card from February 5th

Congratulations to Dawn aka dawnsing (SCS name) who said

Cute Alli! Great stamps!!

Dawn, please contact me with your snail mail and I will arrange to send out your very own Shapes by Design set!!!!

Have a terrific day.

Alli

Shapes by Design (4)

Hello everyone!!! I am hoping to be able to get some pictures up from CHA...it's crazy busy. I am working at the Cornish Heritage Farms Booth 1480. Make sure you stop by and say hi!!!!

Today's card was inspired by a striped Starbucks cup. I was drawn to the clean lines. This is a simple layout with 4 stripes of 1 inch paper mounted it on 1 1/4 paper stripes. I adhered all strips to a piece of white stampers select cardstock.


You'll notice I stamped the red piece of cardstock as well as the white maya roads flower using black staz on.


I finished it off with this beautiful creative cafe brad by creative imaginations.

Supplies
paper: Stampers Select White by Papertrey Ink, Shimmer Brow, Bashful Blue by SU!, Real Red by SU!
ink: Black Staz On, Real Red by SU!, Chocolate Chip by SU!
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink
accessories: flower (White Collection) by Maya Roads, Creative Cafe Brads by Creative Imaginations

Have a terrific day!!!

Alli

(5) Shapes by Design

I have been officially sharing my sneak peaks for 5 days. Do you know what that means? Only 5 more days until release day. Today marks the official countdown (Nichole style). You can expect to see similar countdowns during release time from now on.

Today's card is a quick card. When I created the circles I saw many possibilities. On of my favourite things right now is scallops...but I like creative scallops. Here you can see I used the circle stamp to stamp a pattern across the card.
Next, I used my copic marker to colour in the flower centres. Then I placed layered paper strips over part of the circles. I finished it off by adding a brad and stamping a sentiment.



Supplies
paper: Stampers Select White by Papertrey Ink, Chocolate Chip by SU!, Bashful Blue by SU!
ink: Adirondack Earthtones (Mushroom) by Ranger
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink
accessories: white fab brad by Bazzill

Have a super day.

Alli

P.S. My surprise: I will be awarding one lucky reader one of my stamp sets! Stay tuned...

Shapes by Design Day 5

I am really enjoying the lead up to CHA. I have bumped into quite a few people from blogland and SCS and it was SOOO exciting. I should have some photos to share with you very soon.

Today's card is another simple design. One of the benefits of PTI ink stamps is their flexibility. I was able to bend the images to create a curvy look. All you need to do is apply it to the block and manipulate the image to the desired look. It's that simple!



Supplies
paper: Stampers Select White by Papertrey Ink, Basic Black by SU!, River Rock by SU! White Pristmatic by Prism
ink: Blue Bayou by SU!, Basic Black by SU!
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink
accessories: brads, ribbon, round tab by SU!

Have a terrific day...if you are at CHA make sure you say hi!

Alli

Shapes by Design Day 4

Are you ready for the next shape???

Today's colour scheme is one of my favourites. It was inspired from a magazine ad for bedding--The colours are so soothing!

I began by stamping the outline image in black. Then I stamped the inside of the rectangle and square using blue, brown and taupe. I just love the freedom of choosing the colours you see fit for your project.


You'll note that I inked up the "just" and the "because" separately so that I could stamp them vertically. That is what I LOVE about clear stamps because you can see exactly where you are placing them.


After I finished stamping my colours, I prepared the base of my card by sewing around the edges.


As a final touch, I placed a white flower by Maya Roads along with a button in the left hand corner.


I just love how it turned out.

supplies
paper: Stampers Select White by Papertrey Ink, Bashful Blue by SU!, Close to Cocoa by SU!, Chocolate Chip by SU!
ink: Bashful Blue by SU!, Basic Black by SU!, Close to Cocoa by SU! and Taupe by Brillance
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink
accessories: flower from the white collection by Maya Roads, button by MME
tools: sewing machine

I hope you have a terrific day! I am off to CHA today WOHOO!!!!!

So which is your favourite image so far?

Alli

A Day with Sherrie! and another sneak peak

My original plan to share something new changed when I found out the SCS challenge was dotty...because I was not planning to show dotty! So there has been a quick change in plans. The card I was going to share with you this afternoon will be the card that I showcase tomorrow instead. So today, you get something dotty!


This card design was so simple. I began by stamping the base image (the solid flat circle) in white pigment ink, followed by the circular image in black ink. The purple mat is a foam mat that helps to get a smoother image for solid stamps,


Here is a close up. You will notice that I offset the circle edge for each circle to make them appear 3-d.



supplies
paper: Stampers Select White by Papertrey Ink, Basic Black by SU!, Gray by SU!
ink: Whisper White by SU!, Basic Black by SU!
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink

Thank SOOO much for your wonderful comments and all your support. I can hardly wait to show you tomorrow's card. Make sure you check out Sherrie's cards too...it was wonderful having the opportunity to stamp with her.

Alli

Another sneak peak...Day 3

We just drove 4 hours in a snow storm (it should have taken 2 hours) so you can imagine how delighted I am to be sitting here posting something. At times I didn't know if we were going to have to turn around and go back home...but I am CHA bound! I will be sharing updates from CHA including more sneak peaks of Shapes by Design.

So what do you think about Nichole's announcement: ink, paper, ribbon? I am SOOO excited about her new products. I LOVE coordinating things. If you have never tried the stamper's select cardstock it is by far one of the best cardstocks I have ever used (THANK YOU NICHOLE!). It excites me to no end that now I will have MORE of that terrific paper in different shades.

Today's card is a quick card. I wanted to show you this card after showing you yesterday's card. I really value quick cards because it's nice to be able to mass produce 20+ cards in an hour and let me tell you with this design you can. This is especially good for those of you who create cards to sell. Although I personally like lots of added details on my cards, I recognize that some of you like cards that are less complex. And sometimes, less is better!

One of the BEST features about this design is that you can choose the colour combination!!! Yes, there is a stamp that I used to colour the inside of the circle. I decided to stamp my circles blue (one of my favourite colours). In addition, you can stamp whatever pattern you want within the design. There are many different options too. I decided to leave the centre free of colour.



supplies
paper: Stampers Select White by Papertrey Ink
ink: Bashful Blue by SU!, Basic Black by SU!
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink

I am off again early this morning (this time by air). I will have an opportunity to stamp again with my friend Sherrie Siemens and hope to have something to post by noon (my time) so please check back for a new shape sneak peak*wink*.

Before you leave, I'd love to know: Do you prefer quick cards or detailed cards?

I haven't forgotten about my surprise...I am reading your comments and I will update you very soon.

Alli

Shapes by Design Sneak Peak Day 2

WOW!!! Verklempt was a good word for me yesterday. First of all, I don't think I have EVER had so many people visit my blog in one day...and then there were your countless messages and comments on Nichole's blog, my blog and over at my SCS gallery. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am so pleased you see the possibilities for this set...they are endless. It's certainly going to be a favourite of mine for years to come.

Today's peak is using one of my favourite stamps out of the bunch! So here's what you are going to LOVE about it. It coordinates perfectly with the 1/2 inch circle from SU!/EK Success. It can be used in 2 different parts (you can break it up like I did for today's card or keep it as a whole) In addition, you can use large brads in the centre of the circles, you can colour the circles or leave them plain...oh the possibilities...just you wait and see!


I began by stamping the images on a 5.5x4.25 acetate sheet*** using white StazOn ink. As many of you know I ADORE clear anything papercraft related. Remember, acetate sheets can be tricky to work with. I suggest starting one designated as practice--accurate pressure is needed to avoided streaking or smudging. Always set aside to dry. Overnight is best.

***overhead sheet,photocopy sheet or transparency
***I purchased mine at Staples. The brand is Highland 701 and it contains 50 sheets 8.5x11 215mm x270mm (78-6969-8593-2)


Next, I punched 6 circles to use as accents in the centre of each circle grouping. This not only creates a 3-d effect but draws the eye to the image because of the contrast in colours. Once I had the punches I "patiently" *lol* placed them under the clear sheet using glue dots and a stylus tool. You could use the tweezer type tools too. And you can see from the photo I placed the hardware and greeting on the card too. The nice thing about the hardware is it is a means of holding the acetate sheet to the card with seeing adhesive.


As a final touch I added this gingham ribbon not only as a means of embellishment but also to hold the acetate sheet to the card.

supplies
paper: Stampers Select White by Papertrey Ink, Bashful Blue by SU!, River Rock by SU!
ink: White StazOn
stamps: Shapes by Design (Urban Design by Alli Miles) Papertrey Ink
accessories: Baby Blue Gingham Ribbon by SU!, hodgepodge hardware by SU!
tools: scor-pal

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this stamp...

On another note I added some more pictures to the card below. Make sure you check out the tidbits for that card too! I will be making an announcement regarding my SCS comments later today!

Alli

A Quick Peak..

Here is a quick sneak peak of what I worked on today!


I created a few options for this beauty! I like the idea that I can leave it plain circles or colour it to coordinate with my embellishments and paper.


Check out the possibilities for the nestabilities...and there are some that are an even close match!


I included these two pictures (not related to the card from today) to show you how perfectly they match with the 1 3/8th punch. Guess what? It works with the 1 1/4 inch punch too *grins*



...head over to my SCS gallery (themilesmum) to see the finished card! While you are there, make sure to leave me a comment so I know who stopped by...you just never know what surprise I have for you!

Alli