Here's a little something to get you in the mood for today's theme…
I couldn't resist! When I think of retro, I think of the 70's, which always makes me think of that song!!! If you've just watched the above video with your morning coffee, then you should definitely now be awake and energized to seize the day!!!
Today's stamp set, Background Basics: Retro, was designed by the talented Melissa Bickford. I already worked this set into a few of my projects from the last few days of the countdown because, honestly, I couldn't resist! Melissa has been demonstrating on her blog just how quick and easy it is to use it. It functions very similar to our popular Polka Dot Basics set, which we know you already love! Today I wanted to touch a bit on just how incredibly versatile this background building set is. One might here the word "retro" and stereotype it as only being geared towards one specific look, but in reality the set can fit almost any style in the spectrum.
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My first project uses a *repetitive* theme you've probably seen around these parts lately, a rainbow color scheme. I have to interject here one of the reasons I like that look so much, besides the fact that its a happy cheerful combo, is something Hannah said earlier this year. While at school one day filling out an "All About Me" worksheet, her teacher asked her what her favorite color was.
Hannah's reply was "Rainbow!".
I'll be holding that little nugget of her innocence & honesty close to my heart 'til the day I die!
Onto the card (sorry, I digress!)… I knew I wanted to create some rainbow striped paper with this basic stripe stamp that is included in this new set. The idea of all the inking and cleaning was NOT sitting well with me! SO I opted to stamp the images separately, trim them into strips and then adhere them together onto a piece of cardstock. This took less cleaning in between colors because I was able to do all my red strips at once, all my yellows at once, etc.
(click photo for larger view)
After I had my rainbow strips assembled and trimmed into a block, I was ready to create my card! I love how the various colors of stripes work together (and I don't think you can even tell that it was pieced together, rather than stamping it together on one sheet!!! That'll be our little secret!)
The sentiment is a combination of "Friend" from the new Friends 'Til the End set and Michelle Wooderson's "You make life fun!" sentiment, from the Design Team compiled Handwritten Notes, with both sets being released February 15th.I love the way that the two of these layered together and look forward to combining other sentiments from Handwritten Notes with other Papertrey Classics.
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For a distinct change in pace, I decided to create a vintage look with the same stripe image from the new background set. I stamped the group of stripes every 3/4"-inch or so down the length of a Classic Kraft cardstock using Vintage Cream ink. I think this really exemplifies how you can play around with the spacing of nearly ALL the images in this set, and get completely different looks.
The sentiment used here is from our very own Melissa Phillips, which is one of her contributions to the new Handwritten Notes set. It's so fun to see how each designer's handwriting reflects their personality and style! And one more note, I used our Vintage Cream satin ribbon backside up. I do this quite often if I want a softer, less shiny look. I think I love the backside of this ribbon just as much as the sheen of the front! It's like having two ribbons in one!
The next piece of Background Basics: Retro that I decided to play around with was a staggered dot & stripe. Melissa used a similar pattern in her Merry & Bright set from this past holiday season. I loved it in that format and love it even more as a background element! I had an idea for a super clean
& simple card that required stamping the image just once as a border with Fresh Snow ink onto Ocean Tides cardstock.
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I adhered two different sizes of rhinestones to the dots of the border. Large rhinestones to large dots, small rhinestones to small dots. The finished Ocean Tides block is adhered to a white card base with foam tape, giving it a bit of definition. I love this card! It only took about ten minutes and I think it would look great in several of our other colors too, depending on the recipient!
I added the sentiment directly under the border. "Simply amazing" is
one of my additions to Handwritten Notes. It's so surreal to stamp
with something that is created from your own handwriting!
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After using the dots & stripes image as a border, I decided to play around with actually using it as it was intended, as a background. I stamped down the length of Raspberry Fizz cardstock with the image repeatedly, using Versamark ink. It was so easy to work across the page since everything is clear and you can see exactly what you're doing!
The floral block was created by stamping the floral images from friends 'til the end in Raspberry Fizz ink. The sentiment is created by Dawn McVey's very own hand on behalf of Handwritten Notes, and suffice to say, it is also a phrase that says *all* the time (insert me waving to Dawn! Hi, Chickie!) It is stamped in True Black ink directly on top of the floral pattern. I used a black pen to draw a partial border around the block to help unify the True Black Grosgrain ribbon tab and sentiment.
Lastly today, I wanted to show you the versatility of this fun ethnic print. It reminds me a bit of designs that can be found in India and surrounding areas. You probably remember this project from a few days ago, highlighting Becky Oehler's sentiment from Handwritten Notes. I stamped the background image repeatedly in Vintage Cream ink onto Melon Berry cardstock. I think that this card has a very modern look & feel to it.
(click photo for larger view)
I showed that project to you again so that you could directly see the contrast it has in stylings when compared to this earthy project. The background was stamped on Dark Chocolate cardstock using Versamark ink. I also used an additional background from the set to create the Summer Sunrise border in the center. I just LOVE the combination of the two since one is a large scale and one smaller scale. Besides the color scheme the addition of inking around the edges of the pieces helps to add the *earthy* feel to the overall project.
The stem & flowers are images from With Sympathy. I inked them with Summer Sunrise and rolled the edges of the petals in Pure Poppy. I used a brown marker to dot the centers. The "Inspire Me!" sentiment is another creation from Michelle Wooderson on behalf of Handwritten Notes. I think it will be a fun one to use on projects for my paper crafting friends, don't you?
I hope you have enjoyed the array of styles I have highlighted today with this set. I have thoroughly enjoyed playing with it and know you will too when you add it to your very own collection! Stop by Melissa's blog today, and not one, but FOUR of you will get this set as a freebie!!!
Melissa's BIG Giveaway!
Test your knowledge of all things *retro* and you could be one of the four winners!
DO NOT post here for a chance to win big, just visit Melissa's blog to enter!
You have until midnight EST tonight (Feb. 12th) to post your guess. The winner will be listed on our special Anniversary Prize Page
after 12 noon EST, February 13th. You can always access this list
through the Anniversary Quick Link list to the upper left sidebar
here. A copy of
the list will also be updated daily in our customer forum.
Before I sign off, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all of you stopping by today! I would love to hear feedback from you as to which of today's projects appeal to your style the most. It helps me to gauge where trends are going and make decisions about future stamp sets and other products. I also hope that I've possibly inspired you to do some stamping of your own! I challenge you to make time to play today!
Lisa Johnson is showcasing a fun resist technique using Background Basics: Retro!
Melissa Bickford has some additional projects using this AWESOME background set!
You'll love Dawn McVey's new projects using her new set, Damask Designs!
Heather Nichols has yet another project using her new set too!
And we can't forget the reveal Lauren Meader has of her second Timeless Template for February!
"Fun Friend" card
Stamps: Background Basics: Retro, Friends 'Til the End & Handwritten Notes (available Feb. 15th)
Ink: ripe avocado, lemon tart, summer sunrise, pure poppy, true black
Paper: pure poppy, stamper's select white, summer sunrise
Other: ripe avocado vintage button, 1-1/4" circle punch (EK Success), yellow polka dot brad (Paper Studio), clear star (Heidi Swapp), foam dimensionals, sewing machine
Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.5"
"Enjoy Everyday" card
Stamps: Background Basics: Retro, Damask Designs & Handwritten Notes (available Feb. 15th)
Ink: vitnage cream, versamark (tsukineko), frayed burlap distress (Ranger)
Paper: classic kraft, sweet blush, vintage cream
Other: vintage cream satin ribbon, vintage cream button, corner rounder punch (with guard removed) for scalloped border (EK Success), scalloped scissors (Paper Studio), flower (Making Memories), foam dimensionals, sewing machine
Finished Size: 4.25 x 6"
"Simply Amazing" card
Stamps: Background Basics: Retro & Handwritten Notes (available Feb. 15th)
Ink: fresh snow
Paper: ocean tides, stamper's select white
Other: rhinestones (Paper Studio), foam dimensionals
Finished Size: 3.5 x 4.5"
"Thanks, Chickie" card
Stamps: Background Basics: Retro, Friends 'Til the End & Handwritten Notes (available Feb. 15th)
Ink: raspberry fizz, versamark (tsukineko)
Paper: true black, raspberry fizz, stamper's select white
Other: true black grosgrain ribbon, black pen (American Crafts), flower (Doodlebug), white brad (Making Memories), foam dimensionals
Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.5"
"Coffee & Cardstock" card
(complete supply list can be found HERE on this previous post)
"Inspire Me" card
Stamps: Background Basics: Retro & Handwritten Notes (available Feb. 15th) With Sympathy
Ink: summer sunrise, pure poppy, ripe avocado, dark chocolate, versamark (tsukineko), frayed burlap distress (Ranger)
Paper: vintage cream, dark chocolate, summer sunrise, ripe avocado
Other: pure poppy grosgrain, vintage cream button, twine, brown marker (Copic), scalloped scissors (Paper Studio), sewing machine
Finished Size: 3.75 x 6"
All the cards are beautiful, Nichole! My two favorite are the raspberry “thanks chickie!” and the vintage, sweet blush “enjoy everyday enjoy life”. All the new release stuff is so great!
OMG Retro! Can you hear me screaming??? Lucky for me my birthday, like PTI’s is the 15th…unfortunately I’m not turning 3, how about a 0 on the end of it. đ Oh well, at least I can buy lots and lots of goodies!Whoopie!!!!!!!!
I have not seen a project of yours that I haven’t totally LOVED. I hope you know how much you truly inspire!! Just wanted to say thank you!!
I love them all, but my favorites are the red rainbow card and the ocean tides “simply amazing” card–it is simply amazing!
I love the Simply Amazing card…that’s what it is…simple and amazing. I’m also in a bling phase and most cards these days are getting gemstones. TFS!! I would like to see personalized stamps…for example like SU has where we can order our name on a stamp that gives credit to the stamp company. You could make it a set with different seasonal images and then we order them with our name…that would be very cool.
I love all your samples but I am drawn most to the last sample with the earthy colors. Those are may favorites, and the card is just so darn cute! I love the saying and would also like to add my own handwriting by putting, you inspire me. I have lots of stamping friends I could send that too. I’m so excited for this month’s release!!!
Beth Winn
I am totally, 100% over-the-moon for Melissa’s set. It is EVERYTHING I have been looking for, for a long time!! I have pages of stamp ideas that I want and she created them ALL! I even scoured CHA a couple of weeks ago and found NOTHING of what I wanted to be using. YAY!!! YAY!!! YAY Papertrey!!!
I hope that you are releasing more jewel toned and bright papers as the year progresses. I would love to see a royal blue, or slightly brighter, and a brighter, bolder yellow.
One more thing that I would love to see is another border and corners set, but with a more modern shape set, like along the lines if the new Labels shapes from Spellbinders.
Thanks for “listening!!” and Thank You once again for all the wonderful ideas and projects and fun you have created!!
I like all of them of course, but the “Enjoy everyday Enjoy life” is my absolute favorite-so soft and feminine(sp?). My next fave is the “Inspire me” card. Love the earthy colors on that card.
Anette(snowmom13)
How besutiful! lovin that ‘inspire me’ card!
I have to say that as I looked from one project to the next, on the 1st four I said to myself, ooooh, I have to try that! I just love them all! I think the Simply Amazing may be the fav just cause it’s so simple but the Enjoy Everyday and Thanks Chickie are both so darn cute that I know I’ll be casing them soon! Thanks Nichole!
I love this new set, and especially love the way you’ve used the dots & stripes in your cards. The rhinestone look is gorgeous! Your projects are an inspiration as always – thanks!
Hey Nichole….AMAZING!! Each and every detail is amazing. You must know I love every style you do but the Kraft and Pink Vintage card has me in total awe!! The stripes on this card won me over on the background set. GREAT GREAT job Nichole!! Amazing!
Nichole, my personal tastes are headed wherever you are! I love your style, and it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite card out of all the beautiful ones you posted today. If I had to choose, though, I’d pick the Simply Amazing card. I really love the clean and simple style of it, and I love how sparkly the rhinestones make it.
I was born in 1970 – thanks for the flashback, Nichole…..”you should be dancin’ yeah…” – I am going to be singing that for daysssssss now đ
i am so in love with all the fun treats we’ve seen lately!! I am so in love with the back ground stamps!! **I’d love to see some journaling stamps** hint hint..wink wink!! Happy Early Birthday to you all!!
Wonderful cards Nichole! I am in love with the rainbow one and the Inspire Me one, you are just amazing!!
I am so loving Heather Nichols new borders set and the journaling set. Plus the Melon Berry paper and the buttons are really resonating with me. Super versatile and full of fun. And who wouldn’t love the bitty dots ribbon! Can’t wait to see the buttons come in some of the older colors. Lavendar moon, Plum Pudding, Lemon Tart, Black and the Dark Chocolate would be super yummy!
all the projects were awesome. my fav for today was the rainbow one at first – I love bright, cheerful cards. close second is the raspberry fizz card – it looks like it was bought from a boutique for big bucks! đ
Thanks for that clip from Saturday Night Fever. Boy, did that bring back some memories and make me smile! I was a teenager in the 70’s. Those were some strange times, for sure, but it was a major chapter in my life. I just never thought of it as retro before! {LOL} Does this mean I’m getting old?
I love your beautiful samples. Makes me want to try out some of these techniques.
I love the Enjoy card, the colors and the stripes with the demask design on the bottom. Inspire me is awesome ! I love the colors, first, and then I like the combination of the stamed background with the flowers.
I love all of your cards. They are all so different and all so beautiful. That’s not much help, but your product is gorgeous!! This celebration is so much fun! It will be hard to make a choice for my next purchase!
Your first card is my favourite from today. I love the colours and the simplicity (I feel I use that word too much on your blog!) of the circle and star accents.
I also love simply amazing and the thanks chickie card. I love how you drew the border on with a pen, it really adds a wow factor.
On another note I’m really bummed we didn’t win the $40 million (Australian lotto) the other night, I would have bought it all if we did!!!
Ohhhhh FUN! You’ve made me all melty now to get to see you use my little old sentiment and make it shabby and sweet to boot. These are ALL so beautiful and special in their own way. You’re wonderful dear!
Meli
My favorite is the thanks chickie card! As much as I love pretty cards (card two!) My style is more the chickie card! My second favorite is the enjoy everyday one!
Floored me over again! I want to be like you when I grow up. Okay, so I’ve got probably a good ten years on you, but still. lol
I love the softness of Enjoy Everyday card. Kraft and Sweet Blush are a favorite of mine.
Simply Amazing is well SIMPLY AMAZING. I Love your handwriting and Ocean Tides is one of my new favs since I just ordered it this past month.
I can’t wait to see all of the sents on Handwritten Notes. I really like the idea of personal handwriting instead of typed and normal fonts. A lot of the fonts I download are handwriting ones for a more personal effect.
I’ve never thought much about background stamps until now. It’s like a little something extra that makes a hugh difference.
I’d like to see something similar to a wedgewood blue. I can think of a lot of the current colors that would go well with.
(I’m jazzed – can you tell? I’ll stop now)
I am SO Stinkin’ excited!!!! I am flipping out over that background stamp… GET-IN-MY-CART! That “ethnic” stamp looks just like the tile work found here in Morocco. I HAVE to have it!!
I love the cream ink paired with the kraft card and also the simply amazing card as it’s so clean and graphic looking and I am into simple cards right now. But all of them are beautiful, I can’t wait for the new sets đ
Penny
My favorite card is the Enjoy Everyday Enjoy Life. I like the softness of the card; however, I am starting to love the bright colors together. Seems like that will be the trend this year. Bold and Bright.
I have liked most of the sayings, but I’m not a :Hi Chickie” kind of person. To me that sounds like a 12 yr. old that lives in the valley. Sorry!!!, but you did ask our opinions.
As far as the backgrounds, I really like them all. I think I fianlly got the hang of making background paper and really enjoy it.
I think so far my fav. out of everything is the tiny polka dot paper, ribbon, and buttons. I know there were a few of us talking about the paper and I am soooooo glad you decided to market this.
Well, I think I have left enough comments. I just can’t wait to see the rest of everything. My cart will be very full this time!!!!
Wow, I am simply blown away by all the creativity you and your design team posess. You haved all inspired me to create so many cards this week, and I thank you for that.
I must say, this month I am thrilled with all of the stamp sets. This is my favorite release.
Your creations are all beautiful, but the two cards that appeal to me the most are the Inspire Me and Enjoy Everyday.
Nicol love them all! Really like the Enjoy Everday. It uses the great set of Melissa’s with the Set by Dawn. Both Great. So very many combos with all they have both going on. Well all of it from this month!! It’s Great. Really like the Hello Chickie and simply amazing. I think with the way the economy is were in for some Familiarity with clean lines. Homey,elegant, cozy and Rich. How funny…and my opinion is Free of charge!! LOL…
Seriously though, Thanks Nicole for the Great Choices and Superb Quality.
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I love the inspire me and simply amazing cards. The anniversary celebration has been so much fun; I can hardly wait until the next post is up!
I love the “Simply amazing” card. It’s so simple, stylish and clever! A great showcase for “less is more”, it makes me hands itch to get working on some cards.
I also like the “Thanks Chickie” card a lot. It’s bold and bright, and I like both stamps used on it.
As I was reading through the post, I noted that I loved every single card — I will be printing them out to put in my PTI binder for inspiration! These are by far the most interesting collection of cards of all your posts ever! My favorite is Enjoy Everyday Enjoy Life.
I have been so inspired by all your new releases this last week Nicole, and even if I can’t afford the shipping on every set I want from this release (and I want them ALL!) I can try and use what I do have from PTI to try out all these great samples. Thank goodness that the 15th is a Saturday night – I am setting my alarm for 3am UK time to join in the party!
My favourite is the “Enjoy everyday” card. It totally appeals to me. “Simply amazing” and “Thanks chickie” also appeal to me. This celebration has been awesome. Loving it!
Loved seeing John this morning! I think I was 18 when this movie hit the theatres and in the heat of Disco Fever dancing up a storm at the discos! So many fond memories! I have to say that I’ve enjoyed your countdown this month! You certainly have a way with bringing in your customers with your savvy business style! Congrats on your success!
I like all of the samples of cards, but the raspberry fiz is my favorite. It is just so chearful, it makes you happy. I just love the retro backgrounds and handwritten signatures.
I love love the “inspire me” card. The color combination is fantastic. Id love to make something myself with the same colors.
Oh,Nichole they are ALL so beautiful, but if I have to pick one that jumps out at me, it’s the “inspire me” one with the beautiful contrast of colors! This is one AMAZING release!
Truthfully, I love every one of the cards. This has to be the best release in PaperTrey’s history. So much I want (and can use)! If I had to pick two favorites among them I’d go for the Friend card and the brown and Summer Sunrise combination. But really, I do love them all.
OMG!! You are too fabulous! My favorite card is the Thanks, Chickie; partly because that’s what my sister and I call each other and partly because that style is just so me! And my second favorite is the rainbow card. I love that Hannah’s favorite color is rainbow!!
Again, thank you for so openly sharing your creativity with the masses. I will definitely be casing several of your cards in the next few days.
Your “simply amazing” card is AMAZING! I love the simplicity of it and the bling. All of the projects are amazing (and this set is definitely a favorite of mine).
I’m going to have blog withdrawal after all of this — your blog is my first stop in my reader (even though it is the last one listed).
Nichole, how fun it was to see my handwriting on those two cards. That is exciting!! I love all your cards…I think the earthy, shaded tones of the flowers on the Inspire Me card is my fave, and then the pink vintage one. Love ya girlie, Mish
I’m enjoying all of these previews – so much inspiration.
The cards from today that appeal to me most would be the “Thanks, Chickie”, “Inspire Me” and “Simply Amazing”.
I can’t wait to see the full reveals of the sets. I’m also looking forward to the quick kits. Perfect for gift giving and for me to!
I love all of your cards today. It’s so difficult to decide! However, I absolutely love the Vintage look card. The colors, the layout, the embellishments you used and the Damask stamp set. That Damask set is simply the most gorgeous one I have ever seen!
And I wanted to tell you that this has been THE best PTI sneak peek/reveal!!! You continue to outdo yourself and it is SO amazing and inspiring to watch. I can’t wait to see what you have in store for PTI’s future. đ
First let me thank you for the video! *grin*
I also have a “Hannah”. What a fabulous thing for your Hannah to say. Aren’t children the greatest!!
All of your cards are fabulous!! I actually have 2 favorites….complete opposite of each other……..the 1st (Fun Friend) and 2nd card (Enjoy Everyday). I LOVE stripes! I love the bold colors on the first one but I also love and appreciate the vintage, clean look of the 2nd card. I also really love the Inspire Me card…..the colors are perfect!
Thanks for all of the fun!
Have a fabulous day!
Tonya
I love clear strong colors so for me – I love the “rainbow” card followed closely by the inspire me card.
Incredible incredible incredible incredible projects, Nichole! So wonderful and stamper friendly!! My favorites {very hard to prioritize you realize!} are the simply amazing and the inspire cards you’ve made! What great sketches and colors! And of course the rainbow card takes the cake–with rainbow sprinkles đ
Thanks for your generosity in sharing of yourself and your truly wonderful inspiration!
{{hugs from NY!}}
Kim Marie
All of them are beautiful, but if I had to pick one it would be a toss up between Dawn’s and Heather’s cards.
I love every single one of your projects today. That is the thing about PTI that I like the best – you don’t gravitate toward one style, you’re all over the board!
I am really drawn to enjoy everyday and simply amazing.
They are all beautiful, but my very fave is the Enjoy Everyday–I love vintage styles. I actually gasped when I saw the Simply Amazing card, and it is that! But I also love the Inspire Me card, that color scheme is to die for.
My favorite card from today is the Thanks, Chickie, with the Inspire Me coming in a close second. I’m just loving the bright colors right now. I have loved all of Dawn’s samples this week.
The Chickie Card, the rainbow and the earthy brown one all appeal to me. I am a bold color girl! Happy Birthday and Thanks for what you do to inspire us!
Honestly Nichole…I love all your projects today. This set is so versitile and is definitely going to be in my cart this weekend. I love having sets I can use in my scrapbooking. The background sets will be just perfect!
Nichole, your cards always inspire. There are pieces of each that I found useful and inspiring to me. I thot the first one- the rainbow is sooooo fun. Love that one. The second one with the flower/kraft/pink…is soooo pretty and formal. The third one with the “merry and bright dots” was pretty cool when you added the “doots”. You have a way with adding just the right thing, but it is never overdone or overkill. And then
the “thanks Chickie” is bright and fun. I love the flowers and the ribbon up in the corner. Again, you add just the right touch. Lastly, your “sympathy flower” card is great with the various backgrounds used and the rock and roll on the flowers. All in all, my favorites were no. 1 and no. 2. And I’m lovin your “friends til the end” set…that is my must have. Thanks Nichole for all you do. You are terrific.
I really do love ALL of your cards – they’re each perfect for different reasons and occasions. What I like most though would have to be the peeks at the Handwritten Notes sentiments. I LOVE stamp sets that look like handwriting since my own is appalling!! đ Thanks for the peeks!!
How could I possibly choose? đ The Inspire Me card is my hands-down favorite. I love the colors and the combinations of patterns. I like the design of the Coffee & Cardstock card too, with the layout and the popped-up cup. I also like the Enjoy Everyday card with its soft colors, stripes, and damask. Hey, you asked! đ This set is definitely a must-have versatile set.
I absolutely LOVE the “inspire me” card, and the “enjoy life” card. They both look like they’d be easy to case, without being overly simplistic!
Thanks for the inspiration!
I’m loving the border set now that I see more of it and I can hardly wait to see the entire set of Handwritten Notes. I love all your cards! But the two that appeal to me today are ‘Thanks, Chickie’ and ‘Inspire Me’. One reason is I love flowers. I think the bright colors are drawing me in because I need spring to arrive! Which will not happen here until late May.
Wow! These are all stunning cards. I can’t wait to see all the new full sets.
My style leans towards nature and pretty, so with that in mind, I have to say I love the style you used in “Enjoy Everyday, Enjoy Life”.
That saying is also one I use frequently in my own world. You see, I’m a cancer survivor of not one, but two primary cancers in different parts of my body. I had to have one kidney removed, and on the other side my adrenal gland. So yes, everyday when I wake up, it’s a gift meant to enjoy. Making cards and stamping is what makes me happy right now, so thank you, Nicole, for all you contribute to my joy!
Jan
All of these cards are amazing! I think my favorite, though, is the “Thanks Chickie”. I love, love, love that big flower stamp, can’t get enough of Raspberry Fizz, and the sentiment is just perfect. I also really like what you did with the rhinestones on the “Simply Amazing” card – that was very clever. And I also really like the “Inspire Me” card – color scheme, flower stamps, and again love that sentiment.
I can’t wait to see the Handwritten Notes set on release night – I’m really digging that one (that one and the Friends til the End flowers – I’m just DYING to get those in my hands and inked up!).
Thanks for such great inspiration and products, Nichole!
I’ve tried 3 times to post to Melissa’s web site between 9:30 and 10:00a.m. on Feb. 12, 2009. All I get is an advert to sign up for Typepad and my comments are not posted. Very frustrating!
All of the cards are really pretty, but Enjoy Everyday and Inspire Me really felt like “me” cards. I could so see myself using those stamps sets and colors. Thanks Nichole.
WOW, amazing cards. This month’s release will be just ab fab. Waiting with bated breath.
This is such a neat set. I never real know what to do with background stamps like these and I am glad you showed us some options. My favorite is the earthy “Inspire me” card. Second to that, I love the vintage-y “Enjoy everyday” card.
I also cannot wait to see the Handwritten notes in its entirety. I always try to use my own handwriting on projects and end up struggling to get it “just right”. These stamps will add that touch I am going for with no fuss! Thank you!!
Although all the cards are just beautiful – my favorite is definately the Thanks Chickie. I love bold and bright colors and Raspberry Fizz is my favorite color! I also love the Enjoy Everyday Enjoy Life card – it is very soft looking and love the kraft and pink/cream together – very classic looking and I’m not that into vintage.
How could I possibly pick a fave…I love EVERYTHING you do, Nichole. If I had one-tenth of your talent and creativity, I would be one happy stamper! …But if I have to narrow it down, the two I ooohed and awwwed over the most were Enjoy Everyday and the Thanks, Chickie…both over the top beautiful.
Nichole,
Thank you so much for all of the effort you put into each countdown. The samples you offer show so much versatility and really give the impression that anyone can make something beautiful and uniquely theirs using any of the Papertrey stamp sets.
My favorite card is your last one today. The colors really grab me. Earthy and muted tones are the colors I usually gravitate toward.
I also love the fact that you included some simpler designs. I, for one, am a simple stamper. I like clean lines and streamlined design so the cards that don’t have a lot happening really show me what I can do with a set.
The clean style is also becoming more important to me as postal rates continue to climb. It’s nice to see a card be elegant or striking without 15 layers of cardstock and embellishments that would require a box to mail.
Well, that’s enough out of me. Thanks again for all of your hard work!
Love the rainbow stripes, reminds me of Fruit Stripe gum (speaking of retro).
Thanks for all the great projects. I like them all but the ones that really stand out for me is the Inspire Me and Enjoy Everyday cards. I love those color combos. I have to say that I’m not that much of trendy person, I like to stick with the classic, never goes out of style look.
I love all of your projects, but I especially love the Thanks Chickie and Inspire Me cards. I love all the versatility that you show! Thank you!
I’ve just been introduced to Papertrey by a really good friend. Actually, she was a really good friend even before she introduced me to ya’ll. LOL I love your paper and ink colors! They’re so fresh and fun. And the new stamp sets and kits that you’re introducing are really nice. I’m making my list and hope to be ordering soon! : )
All the cards are wonderful, but I lean toward simple and elegant, as well as fun. My favorite is the Simply Amazing card – so simple, yet beautifully elegant. It’s a show stopper! I also love the simplicity of the Inspire Me card, mostly from the cute flowers (I’m a sucker for floral anything). I love the idea of the handwritten set and can’t wait to see all the sentiments. I love the striped card, also. Your design team does wonderful things with background stamps, which I love. I can’t thank you enough for all the opportunities this month to win things – I’m overwhelmed! Your blog is always the first one I check out each day. Congrats and I’m looking forward to 2009!
Love, LOVE the new set! I particularly like the fact that it appears to be a set that has no sentiment, so therefore can be used for French projects… Definitely interesting for me!
Hard to pick a favorite. For me, it’s either the vintage card or the coffee card, but I think the coffee wins. There is something very appealing about the colors, the coffee mug and the way you have stamped with Cream ink. I first thought the design was full shapes until I saw the other card and realized that it is an outline stamp with some lighter ink! I think it looks really great.
And I have to say that I would be all over those handwritten sentiments if they were available in French. đ I love the idea of the handwriting.
Cindy
I love all of this month’s introducations. You are so amazing and talented! I especially like clean, classic designs and your rainbow card and “Simply Amazing” are both fantastic. Love the others too but those would be my favorites! Thanks for continuing to provide such wonderful products and for all the great creations from the design team!!
I love all the cards. Just had to tell you that the rainbow striped card reminded me of a gum I used to love as a kid. I think it was called Fruit Stripe or something similar. When I saw that card it brought a flood of memories back and I swear I could smell the gum.
Nichole, your cards are so fabulous! Really, I love them all! They are SO much different then my cards and my style, so you inspired me a LOT. And I mean A LOT! Thank you so much for all the inspiration! I really think about trying this beautiful style because I like it so much! You have no idea how much you ispired me! đ
Nichole..love your cards..they are so unique from one another..that is what I love about your sytle..endless possibilities!! I have to say I am drawn to the last card you made..I just love the colors you used and the new stamp set is amazing..my favorite set from PTI is polka dot basics so this new set will be right up there at the top..it just finishes off a card so nicely!!
I love all of them but if I were forced to choose I would have to pick Simply Amazing. It’s so soothing- the colors and the clean lines.
I really love the “Inspire Me” card, not only is are the colors just beautiful, but the sentiment is original. The flowers on the card just grab you!
i really love the retro prints. they are definitely my style. Plus i love the boldness and simplicity of the flowers in the friends til the end set. anything fresh and simple will always have my vote. i cant wait to own them!
I am simply IN LOVE with the Inspire Me card ~ I love how you did the flowers. Every time I look at the new release peeks, I think, “why didn’t I think of that brilliant idea”.
I absolutely love the color palette you’ve come up with & so happy you have ink, ribbon and now buttons to match. I may have missed it, but will you be adding buttons for the previously released colors? That would be great if you did.
Hi Nichole… I love the Enjoy Everyday card… just so simple and elegant and it looks timeless… this is the style of card that I’m drawn to… I know this doesn’t help for when I need to do a Masculine Card… but there are plenty of other options for that… all the samples are amazing!!
I love all the cards for different reasons. If I was going to pick my top two it would be Simply Amazing (because I think I could do this card. LOL Stamp, rhinestones, good to go.) It’s simply elegant! The Thanks Chickie card is bright and bold, but equally elegant. I love the look of the Versamark with the background stamp on the Inspire Me card, as well as the two-tone flowers. Thanks for the inspiration!
So. Nichole. WHEN do you sleep??? đ Each time I come to your blog, I come away amazed at the scope of the talent on exhibit. All the ideas that are crammed into your head would make one think that you would need a head the size of that centerpiece in Epcot Center. BUT, you don’t. I remember meeting you in Maine last summer, and you are one of the nicest,most genuine women I have come across (and your husband is pretty special, too!). Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the great things that you share with all of us.
You are most definitely doing something right, because the following that you have acquired is phenomonal. Keep it up and we will be nominating you to public office đ because you obiously know what’s up, where it’s at, and how to get it done.
I think I speak for many of the folks online when I say that you are a real treasure AND and inspiration for the rest of us. We love you. Best wishes on your second anniversary celebration.
I second the motion Lynn made & I’m constantly telling Gwen (my friend who introduced me to PTI) that I so want to be YOU when I grow up (& I’m probably 20+ years your senior), but I love everything you create! I guess my most fav today is the earthy card – love everything about it!!! I just can’t see anything you do as NOT trendy or fabulous or sure to be a hit! You just keep on doing all the fabulous things you do & we’ll keep on loving them!!!
Oh my GOSH! The sets in this release are beyond expectation! I am in awe!
It’s hard to pick a favorite of these beautiful creations, but I must say the vintage one has just an ever so slight edge. Oh to be able to crawl inside your mind for just one day!
The rainbow card is stinkin’ amazing! LOVE it! đ
And, thanks alot. Now I’ll have to buy everything to make it! (HEY, you should make it a kit! đ Yeah, just for me! LOL!)
~Kendra
I really love everything you share. I love how different stamp sets work with new releases and how you revisit older stamp sets to encourage us to use them. I love modern and contemporary but I also think the retro and vintage look is great also. It just depends on the situation. I know that whatever you come up with is appealing :).
WOW!!! Love this set…can’t wait for the 15th to get here. You have truly inspired me…I will have to file all of these cards in my inspiration file!
Charmaine
Oh you can’t make me choose just one, you can’t! But the ones that caught my eye at first glance were Inspire Me and Simply Amazing. I loved the color combo for Inspire me, and the distressed summer sunrise border…that’s more my style…but the Simply Amazing card is such a stunner…sometimes I am afraid of bling, hee, but you made me want to go out and buy packs of rhinestones after that elegant and fun card! I’ve had so much fun for this release, thanks sooo much!
Oh wow, did those strips turn out amazing! More stuff that I can see I NEED!
honestly, what don’t i like that you make. you are simply an amazing and inspiring designer. i really love the “rainbow” card, that is totally something my wee lady would say. i really love that new flower in the friends til the end set, it is stunning.
thanks for an amazing display for the anniversary countdown.
LOVE THEM ALL,YOU’RE VERY TALENTED AND YOU HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE AROUND WHO IS VERY TALENTED TOO!! CAN’T ASK FOR MORE! TFS..GINA
The releases this month have been over the top! Just Amazing.. My two faves from this post are the “Inspire Me” and the “Thanks Chickie card. The Handwritten Sentiments are something that I have been wishing for.