WINNER!!!

 Congrats, AnnHeidel! You have WON!! Please sent me an email to tiffany@tiffanypastor.com with you address and I will send your new "Winter Cheer" stamp set right along

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AnnHeidel wrote:
"Love these new snowflakes! I love to see a set of musical notes and symbols done in your style. :)"

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Thank you ALL for your encouragement! I hope you enjoy your new "Snowflake Medley" set! Happy Christmas Crafting! Start early and enjoy it!

Sending Smiles,

 Tiffany

Snowflake Medley Countdown, day 5

 Hello dear bloggers!
    We are finally here!! It's time for the September release for Papertrey Ink! And incase you missed it, here's the news!

>> "Snowflake Medley" releases on Sept 15 at the Papertrey Ink online store for only $15... oh, yes, and don't forget there are coordinating dies to make this a MUST-HAVE holiday crafting necessity!

Here's a peek at the recent count down days.... Check out Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4!

 To end out the count down, I just had to go out with a bang... and I thought a fun banner would be just the ticket.  The snowflakes are like the crowning piece, and with different inks, and card stocks, and embellishments, it makes them all unique.

 PTI colors featured are Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Kraft and Aqua Mist. (As if you didn't know by now! )

The background on the banners was a distressed snow flurry from my stamp set "Winter Cheer". This set goes SO WELL with the Snowflake Medley Set.  Be sure to check out the samples from the release of the set Winter Cheer for more inspiration.

 The last card was created to coordinate with the gift back I shared with you all on Day 1. It is super simple, and would be great to duplicate in bulk... but it still feels festive and cheerful, too.

 Below you can see the projects went so nicely together. It's really so fun to have a gift where the packaging and card all match.

Well, I hope you have had fun this week! I have loved getting your feedback and sweet comments. And I will busily be designing for next year's releases-- so I hope to have more fun things to share in the coming months at PTI.

TIME for a PRIZE!!!

It's the last day of the count down... and I know you want some more free stamp sets, right?! HOP OVER to the CRUISE and CROP blog. These fabulous ladies are my mother-in-law and sister-in-law and they have some fun stuff in store for you! I have designed new cards to unveil exclusive to their blog, and I have donated TWO STAMP SETS for ONE LUCKY WINNER!  So check it out! Who knows?? You could be one click away from some FREE Christmas crafty inspiration!

CRUISE and CROP BLOG

DON'T FORGET the Winner from the Day 3 Give Away will be announced on Sept. 15 right here on my blog!! Come back and see if it was YOU.

Enjoy the release, and be sure to share your Snowflake Medley Inspirations with me. I can't wait to see them!

Hope your day is MERRY and BRIGHT!

Love Tiffany

Snowflake Medley Countdown, day 4

 Hello dear bloggers!
        First of all-- THANKS SO MUCH for your gracious responses yesterday! I LOVE your feedback, and fresh ideas, and well, of course getting compliments on my cute son is never bad either! :)  If you missed it-- there IS a GIVE AWAY from yesterday's post, and you can definitely still enter. Just check out the post and you will find all the details. You have until Sept. 15 to enter.

A RECAP on this week's big excitement...

My newest stamp set "Snowflake Medley" is releasing on Papertrey Ink's online store on Sept. 15 for only $15!!

You can learn more about the set and see my other projects from DAY1, DAY 2, and DAY 3 of the count down.

 OK, I hope you are not sick of my PTI color scheme--- Pure Poppy, Ocean Tides, and Aqua Mist. LOVE THIS! And yes, it IS really nice to have my whole mantle COVERED in projects for the release and they all MATCH!

 All right, I had to have some cards that showcase a bit of the layering possibilities with this stamp set. The first card show is really quite simple, but still feels like there is so much to look at. Kind of like the inspiring beauty of really snowflakes as they trickle in the sky... so simple, so quiet, so peaceful, yet completely awe inspiring. (We lived in Colorado Springs for a year, and pretty much EVERY TIME it snowed, which was A LOT,  I was glued to the window watching the flurries dance in the sky. I LOVE the snow!!)

SO, this card, with the vertical orientation lends to the motion of snow falling, plus the random pattern gives that same feel. A little bling and some stitching go a long way for this card.

And as for the sentiment, well, who DOESN'T LOVE "The Sound of Music"??? I have been belting out tunes from the musical all week. "When the dog bites! When the bee stings! When I'm feeling sad! I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad!" Come now! Sing it with me-- you know you want, too. Sing it at the top of your lungs-- because I totally am!

 The second card was also a blast to make. First I used glue and created some free hand flourishes and doused them in Martha Stewart glitter which happens to match oh-so-perfectly.  Then I just started layering snowflakes and adding little bits of fun... such as the Aqua Mist PTI ribbon, and the music tape via Tim Holtz. The cream snowflakes were cut on the lined journal blocks from Making Memories, and the black pattern paper came from there as well.

 I layered the Aqua Mist snowflake to give more of a 3D embellishments effect.

 I love how this card feels like it has a lot going on, but nothing really seems to compete. It all just works together really well. This was a card that, honestly, came together really fast and effortlessly.

Well, my dears,  I hope you are enjoying the cards for today! Leave a note-- I love hearing your thoughts. And definitely sign up for the prize from yesterday! Tomorrow is the last big day before the release and I have a bunch of things to share-- and saving the best for last!

Remember your FAVORITE THINGS TODAY!

Smiles, Tiffany

Snowflake Medley Countdown, day 3

 Goodness! I can't believe we are already half way through the release week! I must say, THANK YOU for all your sweet feedback on the new stamp set! I am so excited for you all to use it this season. And I have to give special thanks to my husband who has been quite positive about the fact that my mantle is COVERED in Christmas cards and gifts and projects! I know in about a day or so he will be probably make me take it down, but for now, I am really enjoying the Christmas cheer in my house! Now if ONLY he would let me start playing Christmas music, we would be set! :)

OK, incase you are stopping in for the first time... here's the info on my NEW stamp set:

"Snowflake Medley" is releasing at Papertrey Ink's online store on Sept. 15, retailing for $15.

Here's more info and projects from count down DAY 1, and DAY 2.

 This project was a special present for my sweet 5 year old son.  He is all into making his room "his own." So he has his own art, toys, posters etc. And at Christmas he LOVES decorating his little 3 ft tree, so I thought it would be fun to make a little sign to hang on his door.

 I made the sentiment on my computer- and used my favorite color combo. (As you probably expected by now!) PTI Pure Poppy, Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist, and I used the Making Memories Journal block again.

 I loved hanging the snowflakes. AND if this was for my daughter, I probably would have had a ton more layers, glitter, bling etc on all of these... but I was trying not to over do it- so the project didn't feel all tooooo girly. (Don't worry! We have lots more layer frenzies coming up before the week is up!!! Awesome projects ahead! Don't miss it!)

 When I told my son I made him a present, he was SO thrilled, and when I told him it was for his door, he was EVEN more excited... and the smile on his face when I read the words on the sign to him was absolutely priceless. What a treasure it is to watch a child believe wholeheartedly in something-- and quite magical when it is believing in Santa. My little sweetheart insisted on being in the picture, too. SO, here he is. Worth every bit of glue, every bit of creativity, worth the hours it took just to design the set... so worth it, right here in this moment. I sure am a blessed mama.

SO, ARE YOU READY FOR A PRIZE?!?!

TODAY'S GIVE AWAY: 

Winter Cheer Stamp Set (retail: $24)

(This stamp set couples perfectly with Snowflake Medley! It features some awesome images and the lyrics of vintage tunes. With a slightly distressed touch, you will find it adds SO much to your projects!)

 As I am designing stamps for next year... what type of stamp sets or themes or ideas would you love to see? What's the next stamp set YOU would love to see released?? I want your input!! Leave a comment on this post before Sept 15 and you are eligible to WIN! A random number will pick the winner, and winner will be announced on the morning of Sept. 15 by 9am. 

Have a day worth remembering!

 Smiles, Tiffany

Snowflake Medley Count Down, Day 2

 In the words of our dear stamping queen, Nichole Heady... "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Month!" In the Papertrey Ink world that is most certainly true! I hope you have been enjoying all the sneak peeks and such. I love the exciting buzz that spurs on during a count down week.

So what's up over at my blog??? Well, here's the news!

My newest stamp set, "Snowflake Medley" is releasing Sept. 15 at the Papertrey Ink online store for only $15! This set is a MUST-HAVE for all your holiday crafting!

Check out the DAY 1 Count Down Post.
And be sure to check out the awesome showcase of my set by Betsy Veldman, too!

I have fun thinking of little gift ideas to create with this set as well. I LOVE it when you can coordinate your card, tag, wrapping etc. So fun- and easy to do in mass production for all the friends, school teachers, co-workers... you know how it goes.

 Before I go ANY further, I am just going to mention the obvious elephant in the room. There is NO SNOW in ANY of my pictures. Why??? Because I live in FLORIDA! Snow is something you spray onto the window pane, and in September, well, let's just say I was lucky to get an overcast day so I wouldn't melt outside taking pictures. Never the less... please use your imagination and dream up the crisp frosty air, and glittery white blanket of God's gorgeous snow flurries... Because if you use your imagination, I think that it makes these projects even better! ha! :)

>>> OK, back to the fun stuff. The first project shown is a fun idea to put together in bulk. This is a coffee bag with window opening and I dressed it up with my new favorite stamps and dies.  First of all, who DOESN'T want coffee for a gift??? (OK, actually... ME, because I do not do coffee or caffeine, but I am a weird one since everyone else is a coffee addict.) OR, why not put in your home baked treats, or better yet, if you run out of time... just put some store bought treats in this bag and you will get the same happy reaction, because honestly, the bag is too cute NOT to like whatever is inside. :)

 SO, as you might expect, if you stopped by yesterday's post... back to my favorite colors: PTI's Pure Poppy and Hawaiian Shores, with the addition of Kraft and some cream.
>> I also have to give a shout out for my awesome Tim Holtz musical notes tape. LOVE that stuff!!! It just adds an artistic feel in a quick and simple way.

 All right, it's true, I have become madly in love with mason jars along with the REST of the world!! This jar would be great to have out with treats for guest to grab and nibble. I am thinking you could not go wrong with a combo of Pretzel M&M's along with some Peanut Butter ones in the mix.  Of course this could be a great party favor, or the beverage glass at a Christmas party for guests (and it would be awesome to put guests name right on the tag!

 I put some good old fashioned peppermint sticks in there. I could barely keep my 5 year old son out of the jar long enough to get a picture. You know, it's not that easy to find peppermint sticks in September, UNLESS you happen to have a Cracker Barrel around the corner. (My moment of brilliance for the day.)

I just LOVE this larger snowflake stamped in an aquamarine ink with bright red glitter.

Well, this morning,  I couldn't seem to get away from my craft supplies and now I have several more fun things to share later on this week as well. Don't miss it! Lots to see and inspire you!

AND.... TOMORROW will be a SPECIAL PRIZE DAY!!! Come on back-- tell your friends-- share the link... it's all good! I will be giving away some fun stamp sets to get you in the Christmas mood!

Nothing But Grace,
 Tiffany

Snowflake Medley Count Down, day 1

 Hello Everyone!
   I can't believe September is here and Christmas is around the corner. With my new stamp set releasing this week, I dug out the Christmas movies to get the creative juices flowing. My son was thrilled to watch Home Alone today, and of course, who could ever leave out "Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas".  Well, without further or do..... here are the stats on my new stamp set!!

"Snowflake Medley" will release at Papertrey Ink's online store on Sept. 15, retailing for only $15!!
>> This set features seven slightly distressed snowflakes of various sizes. And seven is quite enough in the crafting world to create a gorgeous blizzard!

>> This stamp set will also feature coordinating DIES!! (Woo Hoo!) And it actually complements my set "Winter Cheer" which released this time last year.

>> I MUST say, I had SUCH a blast putting all my projects together for this week. I couldn't stop crafting! These stamps and dies lend themselves to so many fun options! SO, get ready for a count-down PACKED with projects and ideas for the upcoming holiday season.

Now, onto a few details for this card...

 OK, I am absolutely IN LOVE with this color combination... PTI's Pure Poppy and Hawaiian Shores... then add a little of the black and cream to enhance the sophistication of the piece.

The sentiment was one I printed on my computer, and I must say-- I really like the modern and casual font mixed with the distressed snowflakes. It creates a nice balance.

The patterned paper you see is actually torn out of a pack of journaling blocks from a set by "Making Memories". This pack is called "5th Avenue", and I got it at CHA a few years back. Honestly, it's one of those things I always pull out and WANT to use, but can't quite make it work... WELL, this release was perfect and you will be seeing more soon! :)  Just add a little stitching, some bling, and snowflakes and voila!! I just love this card!

 Here's a fun gift bag I put together. I have a great coordinating card to share with this later on in the week.

 I love the soft lace on top of the Kraft color and texture! OH Yes, and the glittery chip board is a MILLION times better in person, too!

>> You will note that this project features: PTI Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, and Dark Chocolate.

>> The title frame is stamped with the distressed snow flurry from my "Winter Cheer" stamp set. I LOVE using these sets together! (In fact I will be giving away a complimentary set of Winter Cheer later on in the week... so be sure to come on back!)

Well, it's about to turn into a WINTER WONDERLAND around here! SO, be sure to stop back over and check out more crafty inspiration each day this week! OH Yes!! And I will be throwing in some fun Give Aways as well! Come back and see!!

Hope your day is MERRY and BRIGHT!
 Sending Smiles, Tiffany