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My days have been insanely busy!! I've been filling orders, working on new cards, and spending quality time with family. However, I took time today to take a stroll through the Monkey Trails at the San Diego Zoo. I took some pictures to share with you all... Enjoy.
It's definitely starting to feel a lot like the holidays. The air is crisp and cold, the malls are crowded, and I've been hearing Christmas music everywhere I go. Yep, it's official... Holidays are here and I couldn't be more excited. Not to mention, I have been insanely tired (I blame the cold weather for this) and I've been craving sweets and rich food like mad... Which reminds me, Thanksgiving is 2 days away!! Where has the year gone?! I feel like New Years was just a few weeks ago :(
Enough said, on to the card.
Today I choose to make a vintage themed card of which I was sure to include some pretty pastels.
Created using: Webster's Pages (Sweet Season; Sprinkles) paper, Neenah; Classic Crest paper, Doilly; Michael's, Maya Road (Snowflake) chipboard, Prima (Cystal) swirls, Joleen's Crystallized Swarovski Crystals (Tanzinite), Papertrey Ink (Vintage Touch; Chamomile & Chai Blend) tea dye duo, Versa Magic (Sage, Night Sky) chalk ink, Studio Calico; Mister Huey (Calico White) n spray, Stampendous (Clear) embossing powder, Martha Stewart; Course Glitter (Crystal), silver bead; Michael's, all ribbon shown from Paper Tales.
Have a great night,
Can I just say I am really happy it's Friday... Other than the horrible customer service experience I had earlier today, my day has been great. And, I'm really looking forward to dinner tonight. My husband is making pasta....YUM!! And, I may make him some cupcake brownies, which are his favorite but everyone loves them... To date, I haven't had anyone tell me they don't like my cupcake brownies. In fact, whenever we visit family or friends' homes they almost always ask that we bring "those chocolate cupcakes"... Lol
Okay, enough about food and dessert... Today's card features another Penny Black stamp; Christmas Usher. Earlier this week I used Penny Black's Mademoiselle Noel stamp and got RAVE reviews on it. So, if you were one of those who adored the Mademoiselle Noel card, you're bound to like this card as well.
Created using: Webster's Pages (Waiting for Santa; Fa-La-La) paper, Bazzill cardstock, Neenah (Natural) paper, Penny Black (Christmas Usher) stamp, Fiskars (Black) pigment ink, Papertrey Ink; (Vintage Duo) dye-ink, Copic markers, Stickles (Icicle, Gunmetal, and Platinum), Stampendous (Clear) embossing powder, Tattered Angeles (Glimmer Mist; Black Magic), Art Deco (Snow Writer), Martha Stewart (Coarse Glitter; Crystal), Paper Tales; ribbon, twine, and tulle.
Thanks for stopping by,
Before showcasing today’s card I wanted to give a brief history and insight as to why I started card making….
I started making cards when my husband and I first started dating which was back in 2004. I was always very crafty growing up and I really like to express myself through my creativity.
I have my Mom to thank for my creative bone as she would hand make, draw freely, and paint my bows as a child. She would even add lace to my socks and underpants too. Growing up, the bows my mom made for me were such a hit, that she would sell them to the mom's of my school mates. Not to mention, my Mom has always encouraged and supported my creativity, without judgment. Never-the-less, the initial reason I started card making, was due to the fact that I could never find the right card for any occasion but let alone, my then boyfriend.
Before I started card making, I would search high-and-low, but no matter where I went, all the greeting cards look the same. The cards I saw were mundane and lacked originality and personality. I could never find a card that had the characteristics I was searching for. However, throughout my journey I was never unclear of what I was in search of. What I had always hoped to find was a card that could speak to the recipient. I wanted this card to speak volumes, I wanted it to express the reason I had picked it, why that card was perfect for that person, and I wanted this card to speak the love and energy that had been put into picking THE perfect card.
It was because of the aforementioned that I decided to make my own cards. After, making cards for many different people and occasions over the years, I continuously received the same reaction; “your cards are beautiful, you should go into business.” It wasn’t until after I received my degree in marketing from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising that I felt confident enough to showcase my work to the world. Then, In February of this year (2010) I started my blog, The Paper Princess.
I started my blog with 4 reasons in mind:
1.) To showcase, inspire, and ignite creativity within other individuals.
2.) To teach and help said individuals express themselves through paper crafts.
3.) To have the opportunity to design for paper crafting companies by becoming a member of their design teams.
4.) To revive the loss art of letter writing.
About a month ago, I saw that one of my favorite paper companies, Teresa Collins Designs, had an opening for new design team members. I submitted an application and later found out I was chosen as a finalist – I was thrilled!! However, I later found out that I was not chosen as a design team member although the fact that I was chosen as a finalist was a reward in itself. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit sad, but I am proud of my work and know that one of these days I will have the opportunity to fulfill my goal of being a design team member. Until then, I will keep trying J
I hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about my passion for card making. As promised… without further ado, here is today’s card.
Created using: Teresa Collins (Noel; Cards & Notes) paper, Bazzill (Shimmer) cardstock, fabric store; tulle & chiffon, Michael's; pearl, Paper Tales; twine, Maya Road (Snowflake) chipboard, Studio Calico (Mister Huey's; Calico White) color mist, Spellbinders (Nestabilities; Labels two & Circle) die-cut, Marvy (corner) rounder, Martha Stewart (coarse glitter; Crystal).
I'm still not accustomed to the time change... How about you guys... trucking along as well?! Yeah... I'm pretty much a zombie... once 3PM hits, I swear it feels as if it's much later than that. Although I must say I am loving this weather we've had lately, cool and chilly... my favorite!!
I LOVE today's card, it's totally Christmas spirited. Although, I initially wanted to showcase 2 cards today, but my camera ran out of battery and I really only got 1 semi-good picture. So, 1 card will have to suffice, I'll try to get the next one up as soon as my battery charges. I can't wait to show you guys the other one, it's so elegant and chic. But, until then enjoy todays card.
Created using: My Mind's Eye: Jen Allyson (Holly Jolly; Holly Berries) paper, Bazzill (Kraft) cardstock, Maya Road (Snowflake) chipboard, Spellbinders (Nestabilities; Labels Two) die-cut, Marvy (Corner) punch, Mister Huey; Studio Calico (Calico White), Martha Stewart (Course Glitter; Crystal), Tim Holtz (Vintage Photo) ink, Papertrey Ink; Vintage button, all ribbon & twine: Paper Tales.
I have Christmas on my mind... I know, Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but I can Not wait for Christmas... One place I will be staying out of is the mall. I went to the local Target today that just-so-happens to be in the mall and it was a NIGHTMARE. It was about 3 in the afternoon and it seemed as if someone was giving things away, it was that crazy!! *sigh*.... Thank goodness for online shopping :) Speaking of shopping, I ordered some Christmas stamps from PTI and I also strolled into Paper Tales this week and picked up a few items. And of course... I am crazy about bookmarks so I was happy to be able to get the chance to work on some of those over the weekend.
Moving on... I want to say this week is going to be themed Christmas, but I also have a lot of projects I've been working on that I want to showcase, too. So... I think this week will just be a combination of all kinds of awesome things.
For today's card I used a Penny black stamp that is appropriately titled; Mademoiselle Noel (<- hence this posts title) and some Teresa Collins paper... I hope you guys like it as much as I enjoyed making it.
Created using: Teresa Collins (Noel; Definitions) paper, Bazzill (Kraft) cardstock, Penny Black (Mademoiselle Noel) stamp, Copic markers, Fiskars (Black) pigment ink, Tim Holtz (Vintage Photo) ink, Stampendous (Clear) embossing powder, DecoArt (Snow Writer), Martha Stewart (Crystal Coarse Glitter), Papertrey Ink; Vintage Buttons, Tulle & Ribbon: Paper Tales
Thank you so much for stopping by & have a wonderful evening,
This week has been so busy... Made sure to get up early today so that I could post. On another note, I've already started thinking about next week's theme and nothing really jumps out at me... Do you guys have any ideas?!
I couldnt be happier it's Saturday (I'm sure you guys feel the same as well!!)... Today I am going to be spending some quality time with my grandparents and hopefully my mom too. What are you guys up to?! Whatever you guys may be doing remember to have a GREAT weekend and be safe.
I have one card to showcase today and I have also been working on some bookmarks. I'm really interested to know what you all think about my bookmarks, I'd love some feedback ;)
Created using: Bo Bunny (Learning Curve), Bazzill (Kraft) cardstock, A Muse (For a Speacial Teacher!) stamp, Spellbinders (Nestabilities; Oval) die-cut, Twine: Paper Tales, Button: vintage button from Papertrey Ink, Fiskars (Black) pigment ink, Stampendous (Clear) embossing powder.
Here are the bookmarks I mentioned
Until next week,
It's a new week and we will kick it off by announcing the winners of last week's giveaway: Jayne Boot and Mariela Magnan. Congrats ladies!! Remember, you each have a $15.00 gift certificate that is redeemable toward the Paper Princess Etsy store and/or custom products. When you are ready to use your credits, let me know so that I can modify your orders.
Now, there is a supplemental prize for everyone who participated in last week's giveaway, including our winners... You each have until Tuesday (11-16-10) to refer 5 friends to "Like" the Paper Princess fan page. If you successfully refer 5 friends who become fans (Like) of the Paper Princess, you will receive a $5.00 credit that can be used toward the Etsy store or custom orders. After you have referred your friends, either leave me a comment on my wall, email me, or send me a FB message with the 5 people you referred and after I confirm, you will receive your credit. Fun and easy, right... Good luck to you all. Ooh and don't forget... you only have until next Tuesday. Any questions regarding this feel free to contact me.
For this week, I decided to go with a teacher theme.... My family is FULL of teachers. And why not dedicate this week to all the teachers out there?! After all, they mentor, guide, and motivate our youth.
Created using: Bo Bunny (Learning Curve), A Muse (For a Special Teacher!) Stamp, A Muse (Apple) stamp,Papertrey Ink:vintage buttons, Twine, Spellbinders (Nestabilities; Labels Four) die-cut, Fiskars (Black) pigment ink, Memento (Black) ink, Top Boss (Opal) embossing powder.
Thanks for stopping by,
The GIVEAWAY I mentioned about yesterday has already started... Go to the Paper Princess Facebook page to find out how to win: http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Diego-CA/The-Paper-Princess/295045763589
Good luck!!
It's another hot day here in San Diego and I have a MAJOR headache... I blame the heat [LOL]. I had a million things I wanted to do today, too. Looks like I am going to have to put those things off for another day... *sigh*. Luckily, the heat will only last through tomorrow, then we'll go back to the mid 60 degree weather us San Diegans are accustomed to.
I mentioned Wednesday, Saturday we will be having a giveaway on the Paper Princess Facebook fan page... I will be giving away 2 $15.00 gift certificates to the Paper Princess' Etsy store... These gift certificates will also be good towards custom orders. The giveaway will start tomorrow at noon (PST) and will close Sunday at 11:59 PM (PST). The winners will be announced with Tuesday's blog.
Now on to the card of the day... Enjoy.
Created using: Teresa Collins (Celebrate; Stars, Birthday Party) paper, Bazzill (Kraft) cardstock, Papertrey Ink (Mega Mixed Messages) stamp set, Memento (Tuxedo Ink), Spellbinders (Nestabilities; Circle) die-cut, Marvy (corner) punch, Papertrey Ink (Vintage buttons).
