Here we are! Kicking off a fabulous start to an incredible 14 days of big announcements, prizes, games and SO much more. Could you possibly be as excited as I am?!?!? We have been busy planning & preparing for the BIGGEST release in Papertrey history and I am so thrilled that it is finally underway!
Today I wanted to focus on some of the key people who have led us to the success we have seen in the first two years of our business. Our design team. Our amazingly talented, loyal, dedicated design team. I honestly believe that we have built THE best team in the business. Each of them contributes a unique style that allows them to leave their fingerprint on the presentation of our products. A lasting effect that carries over to you, the customer. I am always amazed to look at the projects they create each month as they discover NEW ways to use the very stamp sets I designed. Not only are all of these women talented beyond belief. They are also my friends & some of my biggest cheerleaders.
They don't just work hard, they dedicate themselves to our company with all their heart. They immerse themselves thoroughly in any assignment. They put so much thought into each and every thing they do, consistently producing innovative, creative uses for all of our products. I admire each of them for these traits and know that you do as well.
I've asked each of them to share a project on their individual blogs today, using their favorite Papertrey set of all time. Just click on each of their linked names below to stop by and visit and see what their top picks are. You'll most likely even gain some inspiration. Trust me, you will be glad you did! *wink*
2009 Papertrey Senior Design Team
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Lisa Johnson has been with us since the beginning in February of 2007. Her eclectic style can go from shabby chic to simple & clean with just a snap of her fingers. She recently got a new camera and I have been eagerly admiring her new photo work. Lisa is most well known for her publishing achievements. You can flip through the pages of almost any paper crating related publication and her name will appear on nearly a half-dozen projects. She is very in tune with all aspects of the industry and always has an interesting point of view to contribute to discussions. Thank you for being such a strong asset to the team, Lisa!
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If I had to choose one word to sum up Lauren Meader it would have to be work-horse! Her introduction this year of My Timeless Templates was one of her biggest milestones. I'll never forget when I pitched the idea to her, there were no less than 22 templates completed and sent to me within four weeks! She is continuously thinking outside the box and whipping out project after project as if it requires no effort at all! And the enthusiasm she exudes when she is excited about a particular product or stamp set is so contagious! Thank you for all your hard work, Lauren!
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One of things I love most about Heather Nichols is that she is so easy going and just has this "go with the flow" mentality. She accommodates our crazy schedule graciously and is just so genuinely kind. Her style is uniquely her, almost always using her beloved kraft and white ink combo. In fact, she was very enthusiastic when I asked for her involvement in developing the current Classic Kraft cardstock and new Fresh Snow ink pad that we carry! It has been amazing to watch Heather's following grow as she introduces stamp designs to our company as well. Heather is such an amazing asset to our team and we feel so thankful to have her on board with us. Thank you for always being so accommodating, Heather!
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Becky Oehlers is stepping up to the Senior Team this year, so you will now be seeing her presentations during the countdown each month! Her clean & modern style is recognizable when in a crowd and is one of her signature traits. She always manages to come up with dozens and dozens of ideas when we have brainstorming sessions in our design team forum. In fact, I think I remember someone saying once, "Slow down, Becky, and leave some ideas for the rest of us!" Her creativity truly knows no bounds and we are SO excited to see what the next year will hold for her. Thank you for your dedication, Becky!
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Michelle Wooderson, or Mish as most of us call her, is just the cream of the crop. Soon after we met, she quickly enveloped me into her circle of friends. Not only is she thoughtful, but also talented beyond belief. I love her point of view on assignments and how she is able to really reach out to customers and help them to see that they can REALLY do this! She is always putting together special little gifts for people, helping to promote handmade & heartfelt, which is one of the continuing beliefs behind Papertrey Ink as well. Thank you for sharing YOUR gifts with us, Michelle!
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2009 Papertrey Release Design Team
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Geny Cassady has been such a blessing to the team as well. I love that she always, ALWAYS exudes sunshine wherever she goes! She helps to keep our little DT Forum positive and a happy place to be! Geny is always VERY anxious to get her new Papertrey package each month, and unfortunately with her being all the way in California, it always seems to take the longest! I always wait with baited breath to hear her opinion of the new products, because her enthusiasm always helps to energize me and provide motivation to keep pressing on. Thank you for being such a shining star, Geny!
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Niki Estes is one of the most supportive & helpful team members. She endlessly addresses questions on our customer forum and helps people learn to navigate our galleries. She is so down-to-earth and friendly with all of our guests during release parties. She has truly become one of the faces for Papertrey, and we couldn't be more honored that she has chosen to work with us. Pair these traits with unbelievable stamping ability and you have one irreplaceable team player. Thank you for ALWAYS being there to lend a hand, Niki!
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Dawn McVey has come so far is such a short period of time, I am just so proud of all of her accomplishments. Not much more than a year ago she was asking my advice about getting published, and here she is today with a few covers under her belt and a string of other amazing experiences. As you can tell by her smile, she is always radiating happiness, which carries over into the bright cheerful color schemes she executes in her projects. Her simple style is admired by myself along with many of our customers. Thank you for sharing your smile and your talents with all of us, Dawn!
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Debbie Olson has passed a few of her duties over to Becky, as Debbie slows down the pace a bit on the Release Team. How does one even begin to list all of the amazing traits of one of the best concept artists in the industry? Debbie's attention to detail provides exquisite results each and every assignment. Her versatility in the different styles she likes to dabble in is second to none. Sometimes I almost believe that the stamps actually *speak* to her inner creativity, because she allows each and every image she selects to shine. On top of all this, she is one of the last *true* ladies, having impeccable manners & etiquette. Just such a delight to be with. Thank you for being such an irreplaceable member of the team, Debbie!
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Melissa Phillips has contributed a fresh and fun point of view with all of our products that is so different from the other team members. Her vintage collage stylings are her signature trait and each project she creates is like a little masterpiece that you would be tempted to permanently display as a piece of art. Her color schemes and product combinations never cease to provide an element of surprise along with a little of the unexpected. And how can I fail to mention what a sweetheart she is. After reading one of her heartfelt blog posts, you just want to reach through the monitor, give her a warm hug and sit down for hot cocoa and some of her homemade cookies! Thank you for sharing both your heart and your art with us, Melissa!
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Betsy Veldman is practically the definition of the *perfect* Papertrey contributor! One of our companies biggest focuses is homemade gifts with flair, and Betsy is the *queen* of just that! Each and every month that she has been with us I have been blown away by the concepts she comes up with, especially for gift assignments. Pin cushions? Pencil planter for teacher? Betsy + Papertrey just seems like a match made in heaven! Her color schemes are always so *fruity* and fun, you just want to eat them up! And Betsy herself is just such a soft spoken, peaceful soul. The kind of person that can calm any chaotic environment! Thank you so much for allowing us to tap into your amazing creativity, Betsy!
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So, today I wanted to not only thank all of these amazing women myself, but give all of YOU the opportunity to thank them for the inspiration they have given you over the past year. Let them know what you've learned from their tutorials, what project inspired you the most, how they have helped you to grow as a stamper. As an added bonus…
each of the designers are giving away their favorite Papertrey stamp set on their individual blogs!
Leave your words of thanks with each of them for eleven different chances to win!
DO NOT post here for a chance to win big, just visit each of THEIR blogs to enter!
The winners of all the individual blog contests today (and in the future) will be listed on our special Anniversary Prize Page after noon EST. You can always access this list through the NEW! Anniversary Quick Link list to the upper left sidebar here. A copy of the list will also be updated daily in our customer forum.
Be sure to tune in tomorrow for a big announcement pertaining to Hint #1 from earlier last week! I'll see you then!
Lori Craig says
Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary, Papertrey!!
C Burke says
I’ve bought your products from the very start and just can’t express the amount of fun I’ve had while using them! It’s going to be exciting to see what’s in your company’s future!
Jennifer Hansen says
Great job everyone!
Latisha Yoast says
I just wanted to say a big Congratulations on your 2 year mark. PTI products are all over my stamp room. Best wishes for 2009! Can’t wait to see all the releases this month
rieca says
A round of applouse to You and Your team! You are all FAB in your own way, and I admire each and everyone of you!
R
Marie says
You have SUCH an amazing design team at PTI!!! They are fabulous women who are so talented and creative. I am always excited to see their projects. Thanks for a great two years ladies, and here’s to lots more!!!
Terri E. says
It was so fun going to each designers blogs and seeing what their favs are. I am curious, what is yours?
It’s a good life!
Terri E.
Lisa Rae says
Congrats on 2 great years!! I wish I would have found PTI sooner than just six months ago!! I love your products and I find I use them more and more!! I can’t wait to see what is in store!!
Sarah says
Congratulations Nichole!
How proud you must be!
Thank YOU for sharing your vision, courage, and talent with us all!
HAPPY NEW PTI YEAR!
Becky P. says
Just wanted to say congratulations on turning 2. What a wonderful way to highlight your designers and allow them to read how they have inspired so many. You have introduced me to so many wonderfully talented women, and I have learned so much from all of your design team this past year. I have turned into a bonafide Papertrey convert. I truly have become a more thoughtful and creative person since discovering your amazing company. I can’t wait to see where this next year takes me.
Lynn P says
Just wanted to say congratulations on your two year anniversary! You and your team are the best!!
Mary Myers says
Happy, happy 2nd Anniversary!! So thrilled for your success, and just love Papertrey Ink!! Thanks so much!!
Roxanne says
What a great start to the birthday bash!!! I love the design team – all are wonderful and a great treat to look at their incredible work. Some I just can’t go a day without visiting to see what new things they are doing – despite my own busy and sometimes hectic life. An amazing way to connect to people and feel like you know them as friends when you don’t really know them and they don’t know you. I’m thankful for the connections PT has provide me!! I’ve moved to a new level in my own papercrafting from all the amazing inspiration. Thanks Nichole – you are the center of it all!
lee says
Congratulations to you and your wonderful team. My papercrafting has taken on a new dimension since I happened to find your site while browsing the net. I started out scrapbooking but now find myself addicted to cardmaking and gift packaging. Just can’t get enough!
Kay Demonbren says
Happy Anniversary! Aren’t you supposed to be receiving gifts instead of giving them? 🙂
I wish you all the best, because your products and your team are truly amazing people.
Debbie says
Congratulations and Happy anniversary 🙂 Thank you for so much inspiration!!
Hanne says
Happy Birthday!!!
Please Please Please Please move to Europe because those shipping rates are killing me! 😉
Roxanne J says
Year 2 went by fast. Your hints have certainly captivated my attention. Cannot wait for all that will be in Year 3. Go PTI
johanna (from sweden) says
thanks for the chance to win, i tried my luck, so i still hope.
have a nice day.
johanna
Brooke says
Happy 2nd Birthday!! I really love how simple, elegant, fresh and versatile your stamps and other products are. I’ve checked out other stamp companies but no one compares with the all round quality you continue to produce.
I’m really excited about all the things you have coming up, I’m secretly hoping it includes a way to get your products to Australia cheaper (in terms of postage) *fingers crossed*
Monica says
Yes, PTI does have one of teh BEST Design teams! A very dedicated bunch of girls!!
WTG for that and keep up the amazing work!!
I am looking fwd to seeing what PTI brings us customers in 2009!
Here’s to another knock your socks off year!
~Monica~
jenink says
Yes, yes, yes- I want to chorus a HUGE DITTO to Brooke’s comment.
I would LOVE to see your products sold in Australia through a local store.
Otherwise, HAPPY SECOND ANNIVERSARY- you have released so many fantastic products in just that short time, I can hardly imagine what is to come!
CarenCrops says
BRAVO!!!!!!!!!
Jennie T. says
Wow, I can’t believe it’s been 2 years!! Congratulations to Nichole and the whole Papertrey team!
Julia says
Happy Birthday!
Shelly Guthrie says
Happy Anniversary!!! I just found Papertrey but you can bet I’m going to be a loyal customer. Hope to place my second order soon. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog. It’s on my toolbar and I visit EVERY morning for inspiration. Please keep up the great work.
Karen Milone says
You are so very generous, thank you for the opportunity to win some great prizes. I look forward to seeing what new things you have for us every month.
Melanie says
I’ve been visiting all the blogs and they are showing some wonderful work. it’s a great team you have. Thanks for all the chances to win.
CherylQuilts at SCS says
Nichole, thanks for ALL you have done and do every day to make Papertrey fabulous for so many, many people. It’s my absolute favorite stamp company. I love the “whole package.” Congratulations on your second anniversary, and continued blessings and success to you and your entire “team” at Papertrey! You are an inspiration!
Jenn N says
Congratulations, Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! I think that covers all the possibilities. I just recently ordered my first few sets and I am so incredibly hooked now. Keep up the fabulous job.
Pam Wilson says
Congratulations on your anniversary and for also putting together a remarkable design team!
Renee (happystamper05) says
Congratulations PTI for another successful year! And a round of applause to the Design Team! You gals are just amazing! Thank you for sharing your talents and time with us! It certainly is a treat for us!
I wish you all continued success with PTI!
Hugs,
Renee
Val S says
Congrats on your second anniversary. I’m looking forward to seeing what the coming year will bring, though I know my bank account isn’t!! Thank you for all the wonderful stamp sets that the previous 2 years have brought us!!
Lacey Stephens says
Thank you so much for wonderful inspiration and products!! I can’t wait to see what the next 2 years holds for us!
~Lacey
Judy S says
Congratulations, Nichole, and the Papertreyink Team on your 2nd Anniversary! I’m so glad I came across your new adventure right from the start … my craft room is full of PTI! Here’s wishing a continued bright future for you! WE LOVE YOU!
Tracey Adams says
Contratulations, PaperTrey!! Ladies, you always do an amazing job and never cease to amaze me with all of your thoughtful, wonderful creations! I look forward to each post highlighting your incredible creativity. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration and here’s to a happy and creative 2009!
Neighbor_Nancy says
Happy Anniversary! Congrats on being so successful at getting me to buy so much! LOL I love your products.
I would also love to find out if I will be receiving the Anniversary set this February. I think I will, but want to confirm and your staff couldn’t do that for me, suggesting I wait for the website to tell me… Suggestions?
Jeanne says
Congratulations Papertrey for the completion of a second year. Your quality products and personal touches really make a difference. Cheers!
Ellen says
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary! I can’t even begin to tell you how much your designs and inspirations from you and your design team has meant to my growth as a stamper. I have learned so much from you these past two years. Your stamp sets are wonderful. Every month you outdo yourself. Thank you for all your hard work and inspiration and for the hard work and inspiration from your wonderful and talented design team.
PennyH says
Happy Anniversary. What great projects from an excellent team of designers!
Sara Paschal says
So happy for PTI Nichole, you have got an awesome team lined up for 2009 what a great year this is going to be.
Paula says
Congratulations, Nichole! What an accomplishment! Kudos to you, and every one associated with PTI!
Suzanne says
Congrats on your 2nd Anniversary! The excitement is really mounting now that the real fun has begun….I can’t wait to see what new thing each day brings.
Mary says
Congratulations on your anniversary! You have created a wonderful company and wish you all the best as you continue to grow.
Rachelle says
I completely agree you have one of the best design teams ever. I constantly blame them when I make PTI purchases 😉
Thanks so much for all the wonderful products and inspiration!
Debbie Fisher says
Congratulations on your anniversary! You always seem to know what we need and that is so refreshing.
Tricia Dee says
Congratulations, Nichole, on your anniversary – two incredible years!
May you continue to grow and prosper!
Julie says
I love all PTI sets so it would be awesome to win one.
Rike says
Congrats on your anniversary!!! and I’m looking forward to all the releases you all come up with (and the inspiration from the dt’s!!)
Jennifer Kirk says
Congratulations on this milestone! You and your team of workers and designers sure do make it easy to be in love with Papertrey! Keep up the great work!
Fleur says
Happy Anniversary!
-mary says
Congratulations on PTI’s second anniversary. I was inspired by all the marvelous creations as I visited the blogs of your Design Team.
Heidi says
Congratulations on two years of sucess! I love your products, your projects and your dt is awesome! Keep up the great work!
Alice Roushia says
And to you Nichole, you have been the inspiration of all. If it weren’t for you, there would be no PTI, so with MANY THANKS, HATS OFF TO YOU FOR MAKING OUR WORLD A BEAUTIFUL PLACE. Alice R.
Janet says
Happy Anniversary! Thank you for producing such high-quality stamps and providing access to wonderful papers, ribbons and tools to use along with them. Your designs run the gamut from elegant to fun and provide something for every occasion and every style. And you have a design team that is second to none, who showcases your stamps beautifully and inspires creativity. I look forward to all the new things you have in store for us!
Patty.cakes of Columbus, GA says
Happy, happy birthday/anniversary to a wonderful group of talented ladies. I love your ideas and finally in a position to purchase a lot more items now, for myself & my friends. I would love to win just one drawing!!
annheidel says
This was such a pleasant way to spend a chilly Sunday evening. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting everyone’s blogs and seeing their projects. I was shocked that I only had one of the sets being offered as giveaways. I’ve got some catching up to do! lol I have many Papertrey sets actually, so that’s just a testament to how much your company has grown and just how many stamp sets you’ve released in only two years. 🙂 Can’t wait to see what else is up your sleeve for the celebration!
laurie r says
Congratulations on your two year birthday. You have great products and are doing a amazing job. I tell every one I can. Keep up the good job.
marycstamps says
Happy Anniversary to everyone at PTI. So glad to have found you in time to share in the excitement of your 2nd Anniversary. How wonderful to not only love what you do, but to work with such a great group of people.
Kim Leach says
Happy second birthday!
It is my honor and a true blessing to have been a PTI customer for so long! I remember when I opened my first PTI package…and those beautiful acrylic blocks came so beautifully packaged in the mesh bags…and my Little Lady and Green thumb sets so lovingly and carefully packaged in their respective boxes.
I think I inked up images for hours from those sets. And that was before we could get those perfectly matched inks!
And meeting you Nichole and David and the kids on the cruise…well, it makes this anniversary of yours even more special to me! 🙂
Thanks to all of you for all you’ve done and all you do!
Blessings!
Kim Marie
Christine Ousley says
Nichole, You are one unbelievable woman. I am so happy for your success. You have created a very special company in just a few short years and I am so happy for you. Thank you for bringing your talent, wonderful ideas, and awesome stamps to the wonderful world of stamping and scrapbooking.
Judit V says
Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary! Great job everbody!
Jen says
Happy birthday PTI. My sister introduced me to you about a year ago and I LOVE LOVE LOVE your products. And your customer service is beyond compare.
May you have the best 2009 you could hope for!
Kim says
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary! You have an amazing design team. Can’t wait to see what you have coming up.
Elizabeth B. says
Congratulations, Nichole, on 2 years!!!! I almost feel like I know you and have watched your business grow over the last 2 years!! You are so talented! I am amazed each month at the new designs you come up with and the projects that you create!!! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us over the next 2 weeks!!!
Ursula says
Congratulations on the first 2 years PTI and all the best to many, many more!!!
Awesome products and dedicated people make for a great formula for success!
Shay says
Happy 2nd Birthday and I hope this marks the very, very beginning of a very joyous, creative journey for Papertrey Ink and all involved! You and all those involved in the company bring such a level of excitement, dedication and inspiration to all you do and it really makes Papertrey Ink irresistible.