I've been with Papertrey Ink from the very beginning! I've gathered so many fond memories while I've journeyed alongside as they've grown. Papertrey has become family to me. I am constantly in awe of the progression, passion, and strength of this fine company. I have far too many memories that are "favorites" to be honest... but I will say that Stamp-A-Faire was a huge highlight! If you all could have seen (from the backstage) the heart and soul that was poured into that event... the planning... the detail! Your breath would have been taken away! Nichole constantly put little details into things with the sole purpose of making the guests feel special. Amazing! Spending more time in person with my fellow Sr. design team members, Julie, Jane, and Nichole was incredible too...even though I do turn into a bit of a spaz when I get no sleep. (Beyond silly... *sigh*) And... meeting so many of YOU!!! I was gifted with several sweet, lovely, and unexpected handmade goodies from attendees! Man... was I glad that I’d thought to make a few extra felt flower pins as a "thank you" just in case someone had made something. It was so fun to "swap" some handmade love! It was truly a wonderful time in my life that I will always cherish!
Because of those and many other special times... It was a very hard decision to step down from the Senior Design Team. It's been a really tough past few months because of being stretched way thinner than I ever thought I could be. I've needed put many design opportunities on the back burner and turn down things that I had dream of being offered. Do I regret that... nope! The time has been going to help my special little Ella as she tries to overcome some big (well, big to us) issues with learning and go through some therapies. She is a happy and healthy girl, so no worries there. The step down will allow for a little extra breathing room so that I can make sure I am there for ALL my girls a little more. I'm glad I was able to stay with my Papertrey Family on the Release Team though... life just wouldn't be the same without my PTI family! A HUGE congrats to my good friend, Mellissa, as she steps up to the Sr. Design Team. I couldn't be more excited for her!
So... were are supposed to choose a favorite project to share. *yikes* I'm not one that has favorites in general. I have a favorite soda, pizza and pillow... that's about it. No favorite color, style, candy... I just enjoy too much to pick.. Projects, product and stamps.... sheesh, how could I pick a favorite?! Well, I had to pick something to share for this post... so here it is!
Peaceful Garden is a newer set that I designed and was release back in July of 2011. (HERE are all the projects that I created with this set.)
What I loved about this projects was the uniqe colors and the overall warm feeling that it turned out to have. I just started out with the the focal folliage frame and built the card from there. I rarely sketch, I usually just start pulling things together until it feels finished. I'm not a huge Scarlet Jewel user... but it felt SO perfect for this card! HERE is the origninal post for this project!
As far as favorite products... again HOW could I possible choose? I decieded to just pick some things that I couldn't bear to do without.
- Kraft Buttons - An amazing new addition to the button collection that makes me swoon! I love the Carmel color that seems to be present with them.
- Rustic Twine- While I do love ribbon, my styles tend to be on the simple and sometimes natural side. I find myself reaching for this product most frequently!!! I really love its versatility! (Pure Poppy Baker's twine is right up there with this stuff too!)
- Fancy Flourishes stamp set - The versatility put this onto the top of my list because it just goes with everything. I still have to tell myself that I can only use it on a few cards each release. I think it's the "motion" that it adds to projects.
- Gift Card Greetings Die- You might find this an odd choice... but it's such a valuable tool to have for my personal use! We have so many last minute gift needs and long distant family occasion.... it's just a great basic that even my youngest daughter can create with to give a teacher a gift card! This will make graduation presents SO much easier this year!
- Small Scalloped Border Die - I looked back through the projects I created this year and it seemed that I used this border die A LOT! I'm really glad I have it at my fingertips to use at any time. I think it softens a project a bit... maybe that's why I keep using it?
I thought I would also post a few other "favorite" projects from this year... both have special memories attached to them!
This felt flower project was not only neat to create and share with you but I made one for each of my daughters. Each flower was personalized too.... colors and accents were all unique to their styles!
I made simpler versions of these in pin for Stamp-A-Faire and continue to make both pins and hair combs for gifts!
HERE is the link to that original post just in case you missed it.
This next piece is special because it reminds me of my oldest daughter. She recited the poem that this stanza is from during a poetry competition.
It was one of those projects that I loved creating because it's full of personal memories and emotion.
My daughter really wanted to take it to school... but I just wanted it right by my chair to glance at occasionally. A little reminder of her while she is away. HERE is a link to the original post!
I hope that you've enjoyed reminders of these past projects! It was fun to share and reminisce!
Thanks for poppying by, friends!
p.s. CONTEST- Don't forget pick one project from Nichole's blog post to use as inspiration and add it link to an InLinkz list on her blog. PRIZE- Design Team Favorites product collection!
