Pockets of Inspiration

Summer Spectrum ~ PCS July 2012

2012-07-10T09:19:00.002-05:00

Ready for another fresh issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler. This month's theme is filled with projects highlighting the radiant colors summer. Bring the sunshine into your home with these brightly colored projects in the July 2012 issue, "Summer Spectrum".

Blooming Hope

2012-07-24T06:55:00.000-05:00

Here's a little something I created for a Control Freaks swap.

The flower images is from the "Blooming with Kindness" stamp set as well as the word "Hope". Several framelet metal dies were used along with a sizzlet (background layer of "Hope").

The flower was embossed first with Cherry Cobbler embossing powder onto First Edition paper. The embossed layers (flower and Vanilla background) were sponged with a little coffee crumb to give it an aged effect.

Sublime Nuptials

2012-08-15T17:40:00.003-05:00

Autumn weddings are the perfect union for end of summer, early fall ceremonies. A mixture of tangerine and gold summer sunsets with the amber and crimsons of upcoming fall.

The "Sublime Nuptials" issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler offers an array of ideas for the autumn bride. Enjoy medallion floral wedding favors, 3-tiered cake cards, fancy foliage gift card holder for the newlyweds and a special traditional style shaker card.

Of course, there's a new exclusive template designed for the August theme. A Swan Boat (printable PDF) can be used for favor boxes or table decor.

The "Sublime Nuptials" issues also includes a bonus template, Wedding Coach. A little folding carriage for writing your well wishes to the bride and her prince on their special day.

Here's a glimpse of what you will find inside:

Black Swan Boat

2012-08-22T06:07:00.000-05:00

Here's a fun idea if you're looking to dress up an dinner table for an evening get-together.

Start by creating some vibrant colored flowers. Next, create a black swan boat using the template from the August issue, "Sublime Nuptials" of the Paper Crafters Sampler. Stamp the side of the swan and add black glitter. Add a floral foam to the inner base of the swan. Place floral wire through the center of each flower. Arrange flowers inside swan boat and secure wire to floral foam.

Create a table seating card to place in front of your swan. Add a little black netting, feathers and walla!

Bold Striped Frightening Feline

2012-08-26T08:45:00.001-05:00

Enjoying the fall stamp collections available in the SU! Holiday mini. Here's a something I created for a Control Freaks swap.

The Howlstooth and Scaringbone designer paper are bold and striking, which helps give some punch to halloween projects.

The use of fancy metal edgelits and frames provide the curves and fancy layer edges.

Attaching frayed twill adds softness to the peice. Text on Tangerine cardstock printed from "Nite Owl" MDS.

Embossing the main "Frightening Feline" image adds additional texture.

Handcrafted Inspiration ~ Free Download

2012-08-31T06:27:00.004-05:00

FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

Stampington has released a free digital download of their Handcrafted Inspiration. This digital issue is chocked full of project from several of the companies popular publications. Close to 300 pages of pure inspiration. That's over 175 project ideas.

Artful Living

Jewelry Making

Sewing & Fiber Arts

Journaling & Mixed Media

Paper Crafting & Seasonal Projects

For Beginners

Digital Arts & Photography

Doll Making

Creating with Kids

Eco-Friendly Projects

Cooking & Entertaining

This digital copy is available for download to your Mac, PC's, Nook, Kindle Fire and Ipads.

Pocket Acorn to Cider Pouch

2012-09-25T06:40:00.000-05:00

What do you think so far of those fabulous projects using the Pocket Acorn? It's always interesting seeing how each design team members comes up with a different Creative Take using the same template.

If you're just joining the Pocket Acorn blog hop you can start here and continue viewing the projects going forward by selecting the button at the bottom. You're also free to view that awesome sample of Ruth Trice's giant Pocket Strawberry.

I've taken a different approach using this Pocket Acorn for a fall cider pouch holder.

The Orchard Harvest DSP was the perfect choice for the acorn cap and cherry cobbler to supply an even richer color for the fall.

For the teapot, I clipped one of the apples from the left over DSP and peices of the teapot from the "From My Heart" stamp set. Dimensions to lift the banner and the teapot adds extra dimension.

Here's a glimpse of the inner pocket with a cider packet and some cinnamon sticks tied up with ribbon.

I hope you've enjoyed my Creative Take on the Pocket Acorn from the Septemeber issue, Autumn Amidst of the Paper Crafters Sampler. Now, hop on over to Lisa Hensley site and check out her festive project.

Pocket Pumpkin

2012-09-18T09:19:00.000-05:00

Sharing an alternative for using the Pocket Acorn from the Autumn Amidst issue of the Sampler.

The Chex and Cheez-It is a healthy alternative to using candy. Pour your treats into a clear envelope and seal. What could be easier?

Here the cap to the acorn is removed. The base of the pocket has an additional as an alternative to using the self-sealing clear envelopes.

Here's a close-up of the inner box with the acorn cap removed.

Autumn Amidst ~ Sept. 2012 PCS

2012-09-10T09:13:00.000-05:00

The Fall issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler is all about Autumn. This month's Sampler highlights the rich, earthy colors of the upcoming fall landscape.

The Autumn Amidst September 2012 Sampler projects includ beautifully colored cards, fall centerpiece and table setting accessories in addition to an natural family frame photo project.

This must exclusive template is the 'Pocket Acorn'. The template was designed to be used for several upcoming holiday projects. Stuff treats inside for adults, children or simply use it to decorate your home.

Here's a few sneak peak of my project:

Harvest pocket of caramels

2012-10-01T15:37:00.000-05:00

Here's another fun project using the pocket acorn from the "Autumn Amidst" Sampler.

I've spent the past few days creating several additional samples when I'm supposed to be working on my Halloween project for the upcoming October Sampler. We'll blame it on the spurt of cooler weather that has arrived

Below is a Creative Take on the pocket acorn template from the September Sampler. Originally the plan was to place pop corn inside. Without any popcorn on hand, I substituted the next best thing, Caramels. YUM! As an alternative, corn nuts would work just as well, or corn chips for that matter (if you really need to stick with the corn theme to coincide with the designer paper.

The paper used here is from the Orchard Harvest series for the cute fall-theme it. A little raffia and a wooden button help keep with the feel of nature.

The "Warmest Wishes" text is from the Blooming with Kindness stamp set and the words tucked into the corn are from the Tea Shoppe stamp set.

The inner tags were made with sizzlets Lots of Tags using Espresso and Cajun Craze card stock.

Here's a view with the lid off.

I hope this little project gets you inspired to start working on your own fall projects.

Sweet Treats from Frankie

2012-10-06T14:59:00.004-05:00

Another fun take on the Pocket Acorn from the September, Autumn Amidst Sampler. Changed the theme once again for upcoming Halloween.

I find the new woodgrain embossing folder also has a variety of uses. In a previous post I used it for the base fo the pumpkin and here again for Frankie's hair.

A close-up of his mouth, created with oval punches, as well as the eyes. The pupil and bolts on the side use brushed silver cardstock.

Those who are planning on recreating Frankie's neck bolts, you'll to make sure place them inside the inner seam of the template before securing the tabs on the pouch.

Finally, a view treats tucks inside.

PCS Halloween Hoopla

2012-10-10T05:21:00.000-05:00

Spook up some paper delights with the October issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler. You'll find Boo-tiful banners, cooking cauldrons and celver candy containers in the Halloween Hoopla.

The exclusive Paper Crafters Sampler template for the month is the Ghouls Hangout.

Here's a sneak peek of my projects. Sneak peeks from the design team can be found on the main PCS website.

Spooktacular Treat Pocket

2012-10-20T09:20:00.001-05:00

Can you believe there's only 11 days till the end of October? Where has the time gone? It seems like the month JUST started.

I'm still cutting away at some halloween treat pockets. This one is designed more for adults than the kids. Just another idea using the Pocket Acorn from the Septemeber issue, "Autumn Amidst" from the Paper Crafters Sampler.

A little glitter paper and rhinestones to jazz the treat pocket up.

Tuck in a few sweet treats, or nuts for the healthy heart types.

A shiny black and grey ribbon around the rim of the cap, topped by a strip of orange and black designer paper.

Thanks for taking a peek at another Creative Take on the Pocket Acorn.

Merry & Bright

2012-11-14T06:16:00.002-06:00

It's here...

The winter holiday issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler. Don't get stuck in a rut trying to search for workshop and gifting ideas.

Inside the Merry and Bright issue you'll find glowing luminaries, holiday greetings, ornamental ideas for gift packages and tree embellishments.

Included this month is also the template of the month, a 'Yule Log Gift Box".

Here's a few sneak peeks. Check out the rest on the Paper Crafters Sampler website.

Winter Radiance ~ PCS 2012

2012-12-10T20:01:00.000-06:00

The winter frost is closing in. It's the time of year you'll find lots of shimmery, glistening and frosty sites. It's with those thoughts in mind the design team has created their projects for "Winter Radiance", the December issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler.

The projects this month include various snow-themed projects, winter reindeer and sparkling greeting cards. The template for this month is a "Winter's Keepsake Box".

PCS 2013 Earlybird Special

2013-01-02T21:44:00.002-06:00

It's a new year and time to announce the Earlybird Special for the 2013 Paper Crafters Sampler.

Subscribe to the 2013 Full Year of the Paper Crafters Sampler and receive a special bonus issue. When you subscribe by January 8th, you'll get a compiled issue of the Year in Review for 2012. One project from each of the previous 2012 monthly Samplers has been compiled to highlight some of our favorite projects from last year. That's 12 project with images and full specs.

Get all 12 issues of the 2013 year (released during their designated months) for just $89.99. That's a $5 savings on each monthly issue, regularl price of $12.99.

(Your bonus "2012 year in review" is available as an instant download for all earlybird subscribers.)

(Earlybird Ends January 8, 2013, but you can still save over $4.75 an issue buy subscribing to the Full Year of the 2013 Sampler. )

Tokens of Love

2013-01-12T09:52:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the first issue for 2013 of the Paper Crafters Sampler.

We're kicking off our January issue with a theme of love for upcoming Valentines Day. LOVEly projects to get you started for a beautiful hand-made token of love to the ones you love.

You'll also find the first 2013 exclusive template of the month, "Pucker Up". Stuff these jumbo lips sweet chocloate kisses or hand-written notes to the one you love.

TOKENS OF LOVE ~ JANUARY 2013

$12.99

Here's a sneak peek of the Pucker Up template of the month.

Pucker Up Loveseat

2013-01-25T08:43:00.003-06:00

Finally had a chance to play with the Pucker Up template from the first release of the 2013 Sampler.

The idea for designing this Pucker Up template was spawned from remembering those gigantic lip loveseats.

I love the red polka-dot paper. It was screaming to be used. I rolled a few wooden balls into a Red Riding hood ink pad to create the feet.

The best part of all...you get to stuff it with 'Kisses". What better way to offer up Kisses than in big Kissy Lips template.

One tip whilst you create your own. Don't buy the kisses until AFTER you've assembled the box or you'll wind up with nothing much to stuff it with.

The Pucker Up tempalte can be found in the January 2013 issue, "Tokens of Love" of the Paper Crafters Sampler.

Easter Morn

2013-02-10T12:39:00.002-06:00

The February issue of the Sampler has arrived! Hop on over to the Paper Crafters Sampler to get a few sneak peeks of the "Easter Morn". Project ideas of bunnies and baskets, eggs and more.

The template of the month is the PCS Egg Niche. Use the Egg Niche to create miniature Easterscapes or stuff with some sweet bites. Check out the sneak peeks below and find additional samples on the Paper Crafters Sampler website.

Spring Lotus, Egg Niche

2013-02-24T08:34:00.003-06:00

Putting together a few projects together using the "Egg Niche" template from the 2013 February Sampler, "Easter Morn". With Easter and Spring both on the way, it wasn't difficult to choose which type of scene to I wanted to tuck inside.

Everyday Enchantment is one of my all-time favortie designer papers and was the base for which the Egg Niche is made.

A few hand-stamped images from the "Fresh Vintage" stamp set and butterfly embosslits attached to cream-colored crochet thread.

Create a few half-spiral fans for the base. Cut 3 of the lotus-type flower from the Everyday Enchantment paper and layer with dimensionals. Add pearls for that 'extra' detail and Easter text from the "Heaven Blessed" stamp set.

Here's the final project. Thanks for looking.

The Garden Gate

2013-03-10T19:30:00.001-05:00

There's nothing more ovely than to view a well tended garden. Flowers in full bloom and loads of color, with visits from pollenators, insuring growth year after year.

The March issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler, "The Garden Gate", highlights the abundant blooms and butterflies found in the garden. This month's template is a Garden Caddy. Below are a few sneak peeks, and more can be found on the Paper Crafters Sampler (PCS) website.

Sizzlet Stuffed Cross Box

2013-02-28T13:56:00.000-06:00

The Easter Cross box from the February 2010 issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler, stuffed with some pastel Sixxlets.

PCS April 2013 ~ Tribute to mom

2013-04-11T05:34:00.002-05:00

Tribute to mom. That's the theme of the April 2013 issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler. Projects this month designed for moms, wives, sisters and all those women in your life who nuture others.

This month's exclusive template is the Dynasty Decanter. Dress up this paper perfume decanter with sparkle and bling and stuff with sweets or momentos.

Here's a few sneak peeks of my projects.

2013-05-10T01:08:00.000-05:00

Take a look at the May issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler. Tribute to Dad offers project ideas for upcoming Father's Day.

This month's template, "Display Rowboat". A three-compartment rowboat for stuffing with office supplies, sweets, fishing ephemera and other goodies dad finds enjoyable.

Here's sneak peek of my projects:

Thanks for looking.

Row-ya Boat Desk Caddy

2013-05-19T13:07:00.001-05:00

Well, helllllllllllloooooo there. It's been quite some time since I've shared something here. No excuses, simply taking care of the family. The older the children get it seems the more they're in need of my attention. I'm trying to figure out why that is as I always thought as they got older, the less they'd need my help. I'm not going to complain. It's nice to be needed.

Thought I'd share my Creative Take on the PCS Display Rowboat template from the May issue of the Paper Crafters Sampler, "Tribute to Dad".

As usual, my goal in designing the templates is to offer something fresh; something that I haven't seen before. This can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to masculine projects. The idea for this particular template stemmed from the rowboat bookcases seen in many home magazines.

Below I've created a Rowboat Desk Caddy. Won't this make a great Father's Day gift? It's hand-made, practical and he can view it everyday on his desk, reminding him of the person who made it. Here I've stuffed the caddy with mini bull clips, gold paper clips and in the rear, some coffee-flavored candies.

In need of an alternative idea? How about place business cards inside, or mini post-it notes?

This particular gift also works for upcoming Memorial Day. The muted red, white and blue colors are a great alternative to the brighter colors.

A little whale die cut here for some extra color.

The bench/seat in the rear of the boat is not part of the original template. It was something I added for this particular projects as an extra. Simply create an Oval die-cut, or any of your choice, score the sides, bottom and cut notches to fold over.

I hope you enjoyed this little rowboat project and it inspires you to think of creating your Father's Day projects.