Happy Anniversary, Papertrey Ink!

Hello Dear Bloggers!

It's that wonderful time of the year when we look forward to a new season at Papertrey Ink! It's hard to believe that I have been designing stamps with PTI for 5 years now! Wow!

I am honored to release more stamps this year, and excited to share the fun printable stamp, too!

Doesn't this card just look like an explosion of fun?! I love the busy grungy paper, but sometimes I don't know how to utilize it well- I get intimidated because there is so much going on. Well, today, I just went all out with textures and bling, and I am just loving it! It's like layering necklaces and jewelry... the more the merrier!

It seems like I love having the darker card base, but it's hard to write on, and usually I just use plain cardstock- but this time I grabbed the coordinating scrap. A nice little touch!

 I thought this card would be fun for ANYONE! Whether for a birthday for a child or a grandparent, it's fun to praise people before being young at heart.

 This card just looks like SUMMER to me! This morning we woke up to a temperature of -14... yep, that's right. So the warm colors, and fuzzy texture just felt perfect. And I like the little cluster of bling on the sentiment, too!

 This was my first card to make in the batch, and I love how peaceful and simple it is! I am a big fan of pearls, and the little red bird is just to precious, too!

 Today's strategy for my crafting session was USE YOUR STUFF. You know all that fun stuff hiding in a drawer, just waiting for the perfect project? Pull it out and use it! Enjoy it- use it up! Don't save it anymore!

I am going to keep this card out in sight next to some vintage decor. It reminds me to be a blessing to others!

Well, with a new year ahead, there are lots of great things to look forward to! This is a huge year for me and my family! I am releasing my first novel in April 2014.

CHILDREN of the CITY is a novel about human trafficking in America. It is an awareness tool that incites action by connecting readers to non-profits, and I am donating 40% of profits to freedom fighting organizations. We are in a Pre-Release Launch which allows people to pre-order the book and expand the reach of the book when it is published.

I would be honored if you would buy the $10 E-Book or check out the paperback or other perks!
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!

Thanks so much for your support for my designs, writing, and the fight for freedom! You are an amazing community!

Nothing But Grace,
Tiffany

WINNERS BOARD!

Hey Bloggers!

Incase you were stumped on any of the Musical Trivia, here are the answers below. :) I put the musical titles in parenthesis next to the lyric.)

1. Whistle a Happy Tune! ( The King and I)
2. The Hills are alive... (The Sound of Music) (That's gotta be a freebie!!
3. There was love all around but I never heard it singing... (The Music Man)
4. They say that falling in love is wonderful, it's wonderful, so they say... (Annie, Get Your Gun)
5. Tonight! Tonight! I'll see my my love tonight! (West Side Story)
6. Dulcinea! I have sought thee, sung thee, dreamed thee, Dulcinea! (Man of La Mancha)
8. I have often walked down this street before, but the pavement always stayed beneath my feet before, now as time goes by, I don't care if I, can be here on the street where you live... (My Fair Lady)
9. Where is love? Does it fall from skies above? Is it underneath the willow tree that I've been dreaming of! (Oliver!)

Check out the video book trailer for my new book, CHILDREN of the CITY! 

Welcome to the Winners' Circle! 
Below is the winner with their post quote for each day. If that is you, please send me an email to tiffany@tiffanypastor.com  with your address telling me which stamp set you would like to receive. 

You can choose from: est. 1776, Grunge Me, Nativity Silhouettes, Nativity Silhouettes Additions, Winter Cheer, Christmas Friends, Embellishments,  Snowflake Medley, My Dad My Hero, Frilly Flowers.

Here are the winners!

DAY 1: 

Kathy Mc

"What a sweet "accident" you made here with such beautiful meaning, especially with the "without music" sentiment. Looking forward to seeing more of your new stamp set, Tiffany. Praying you have great success with your new book!"

DAY 2:

Inkyfingers

"What a great set Tiffany. Thanks for the chance to win and keep up the good fight!"

DAY 3:

Danielle Pajot

"I just love the sneek peeks I have seen so far of the new stamp set and wanted to congratulate you on the new book, too! Wow, you keep busy!"

DAY 4: 

Helen F.

"Two wonderfully different cards, Tiffany ~ thank you for showing the versatility of your new stamps, looking forward to the 15th to see the entire set.

~Watching the trailer gave me chills, bless you for your efforts"

DAY  5: 

Rita R

"Now you've got all those wonderful songs floating through my head .... I really love musical theater, too! There's so much potential with your new musical stamp set ... congratulations on a great design!"

Congratulations, ladies! Have an awesome day!

-Tiffany

Life's Music, PTI Count Down, day 5

Hey Dear Bloggers!

And here we are at the very last day of the PTI January release! I hope you have been enjoy all the projects shared in PTI land!


Today I have a fun card to share for the release of my new stamp set: "Life's Music."

"Life's Music" will release for online purchase on Jan 15 for $15.
  > It is a one sheet stamp set with musical themed imagery and related sentiments. 


I mentioned earlier in the week that I have a soft spot for musical theatre. The sentiment in this card was created on the computer and printed for this project. Can you guess which musical these lyrics are from?

Let's do a little trivia! I will give the lyrics/song title- you name the Musical!

1. Whistle a Happy Tune!
2. The Hills are alive...
3. There was love all around but I never heard it singing...
4. They say that falling in love is wonderful, it's wonderful, so they say...
5. Tonight! Tonight! I'll see my my love tonight!
6. Dulcinea! I have sought thee, sung thee, dreamed thee, Dulcinea!
8. I have often walked down this street before, but the pavement always stayed beneath my feet before, now as time goes by, I don't care if I, can be here on the street where you live...
9. Where is love? Does it fall from skies above? Is it underneath the willow tree that I've been dreaming of!

OK- enough of that. I have songs running through my head now!

Have you heard about my new novel, CHILDREN of the CITY? I't's a novel about human trafficking in America, and used as an awareness tool, inciting action, and 40% of all profits go back into freedom fight organizations! The Pre-Release Launch for the book will raise funds to expand the reach of the story as it is published! Check out the trailer! You can also learn more at http://childrenofthecitybook.com.

TIME FOR A PRIZE!  / / A CHANCE TO WIN EVERY DAY!

Leave a comment on my blog and you might be the winner of a PTI stamp set designed by ME! A new chance to win is available every single day! So stop by and say leave a post. Winners will be posted on Jan 15! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Expecting Great Things,
 Tiffany
 Children of the City

Life's Music, PTI Count Down, Day 4

Hey there Bloggers!

The count down for the PTI January release is almost over! What a fun week of creativity it has been! The PTI Design Team amazes me every time! Today I have two cards to share for the release of my new stamp set: "Life's Music."

"Life's Music" will release for online purchase on Jan 15 for $15.
  > It is a one sheet stamp set with musical themed imagery and related sentiments. 

 Above I found another adorable radio. That vintage mint green is just amazing! The card features PTI Ocean Tides Perfect Match card stock. The music notes are also gold embossed.

 The next card has a very clean, simple feel to it. I love the white color on top of the stone gray background shape. The focal point with the little girls was so precious and could be used for any time of card. I have to give card props to my girlfriend, Laura who made this card with me while we spent the morning together getting all crafty.

I am having an AMAZING Pre-Release Launch for my new novel, CHILDREN of the CITY! It's a story about human trafficking in America, and used as an awareness tool, inciting action, and 40% of all profits go back into freedom fight organizations! You can Pre-Order the book and your donation expands the reach of the book into places I could not go otherwise! Have you seen the trailer? Check it out!

TIME FOR A PRIZE!  / / A CHANCE TO WIN EVERY DAY!

Leave a comment on my blog and you might be the winner of a PTI stamp set designed by ME! A new chance to win is available every single day! So stop by and say leave a post. Winners will be posted on Jan 15! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Expecting Great Things,
 Tiffany
 Children of the City

Life's Music, PTI Count Down, Day 3

Hello Dear Bloggers!

Thank you for stopping by for the Countdown for the January PTI release! Below is the run down on my new stamp set!

Life's Music" will release for online purchase on Jan 15 for $15.

  > It is a one sheet stamp set with musical themed imagery and related sentiments. 

 I think is card is absolutely romantic! It features the stamps from Life's Music, a glittery frame, and True Black, and Craft cardstock from PTI. The vintage microphone is just absolutely lovely! It makes me think of jazz singers drom decades past. I totally wish I had this microphone sitting on a decorative shelf in my home! The dark brown twine adds some rich texture to the card as well.

Wouldn't it be fun to use your own pictures for a card like this? A child singing in a choir? A friend making their debut in late-night karaoke, the family surrounding a piano... take a picture, and send a card that people will never want to throw away!

If you haven't heard about my new novel, CHILDREN of the CITY, please check it out! The book is a fictional story that weaves in research and statistics for the cause of awareness, action, and giving back. This is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and you can take part by sharing info about this powerful story! Thanks for being a freedom fighter, today!

TIME FOR A PRIZE!  / / A CHANCE TO WIN EVERY DAY!

Leave a comment on my blog and you might be the winner of a PTI stamp set designed by ME! A new chance to win is available every single day! So stop by and leave a post.

Expecting Great Things,
 Tiffany
 Children of the City

Life's Music, January Count Down, Day 2

 Hello Dear Bloggers!

Today is NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY!
And today's card could even be used for a special occasion like today!

I love Count Down Week in the Paper Trey Ink world. So much inspiration from Nichole and the whole crew! Here are the stats on my new stamp set!

"Life's Music" will release for online purchase on Jan 15 for $15.
  > It is a one sheet stamp set with musical themed imagery and related sentiments.

I am in a YELLOW kind of mood! And I love the gold glitter give a two-tone effect. You can see the repeatable distressed musical notes used as a background. And the sentiment: Keep Singing, is also a part of the stamp set.

The card is bursting with fun textures! Lace, staples, burlap ribbon, die cuts, inked edges, and even the cool vintage radio. It may be printed on paper, but the antique design of the radio still looks great!

A SONG OF FREEDOM!

Right now I am seeing a song of freedom, spreading awareness for the 27 million slaves trapped in human trafficking.  My husband and I are pouring our lives into the fight for freedom, and I invite you to join us. This injustice is prevalent in America, and we can not turn away from it anymore. Check out the book trailer for my new novel: CHILDREN of the CITY.  I know one day I will meet the survivors face-to-face who are given a new life as a result of this book. They are worth it! And I will keep singing until we end modern slavery.

TIME FOR A PRIZE!  / / A CHANCE TO WIN EVERY DAY!

Leave a comment on my blog and you might be the winner of a PTI stamp set designed by ME! A new chance to win is available every single day! So stop by and say leave a post.

Expecting Great Things,
 Tiffany
 Children of the City

Life's Music, Countdown Day 1

Hello Bloggies!

I hope you had an amazing Christmas season! It's hard to believe the Paper Trey Ink January release is upon us.

2014 is a year full of adventures for my family! (More on that to come.) I am thrilled to release a new stamp set in 2014 called "Life's Music."

"Life's Music" will be available for online purchase on Jan. 15 for $15.
 > It is a one sheet stamp set with a nicely distressed selection of musical themed images and related sentiments.

I LOVE MUSIC! I love the emotional impact music can have on life. It can lift my spirits, transport me to my childhood. Music really is like its own language. I am a huge fan of Musical Theatre, too! I grew up singing showtunes at the top of my lungs. There are so many ways that music impacts our world, so a music-driven stamp set is an absolute must!

Can I make a confession? Today's card was a total accident! Have you ever sat down with great hopes for creativity and there is just no magic in the air? Then other times, you grab scraps and it just falls into place perfectly? Yep, that was this card. We grabbed a few things, and it came out so elegant.

I found the vintage picture online and loved the story behind it. Emma Juch was born in Vienna and lived from 1865-1939. The bookend years in her life were huge years in world history. Her parents brought her to the United States of America when she was two years old, and she grew to be a beloved opera singer of her time. She was a courageous performer and ambitious woman leader for her time, because she led her own opera company as well. She had reputation as a performer for her diligence and strength. This picture was from the Metropolitan Opera Guide in 1966 featuring an article about Emma Jude.

On the card, you can see the distressed musical images and one of the sentiments included in the stamp set.

PRIZE GIVE-AWAY EVERY DAY!
Each day of the PTI countdown from now through Jan 14, I will give away a free stampset of your choice!

Leave a comment on the blog. Winners will be randomly chosen and given the option to choose which of the stamp sets from my "Nothing But Grace" stamp line they would like to receive. So leave a note and come back each day for another chance to win!

JANUARY is HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH!

As a side note, I invite you to check out CHILDREN of the CITY. Several years ago, I began writing a novel about human trafficking in America. The story came from a dream I had one night, and now I am publishing the book to be an awareness tool, inciting action, and 40% of profits are given to freedom fighting organizations. Check out my book trailer on the website! Feel free to share and spread the word. Jan 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, so it's the perfect time to stand up for the cause of freedom!

For Freedom,
Tiffany

Christmas Time Out, post 1

Hello Dear Bloggers!

 Today I have a ton of fun things to share! My husband and I are the children's pastors at our local church in Colorado Springs, CO, and we have a fun activity to share with families.

CHRISTMAS TIME OUT

This is a challenge to parents to slow down during the holiday season and spend some intentional face-to-face time with their children. Each Sunday at church we will have a new suggestion with supplies to help families get started. This week we are encouraging parents to make Christmas cards with their children.

I pulled together art for parents and have them printed on sheets at church. (We have a "Christmas Time Out" table with supplies in the children's wing at our church.) 

Each printable page has options to allow children and parents to build their own cards. Colors coordinate, so it's easy to make several cards together and not buy a ton of different papers and accessories.

 I made a point to keep these cards simple. You don't have to use every kind of embellishment to make a fun card. A child will be excited to just cut out the elements, color, glue, and bring it all together. Sometimes as a parent, I over-complicate the project, but keeping it simply allows me to actually focus on my child, not just the artsy stuff.

  I want my children to remember the times when I looked them in the eye, affirmed them, cherished them. I remember those moments with my mom and dad. More then the craft or agenda, it was their time and attention that made and impact on my life.

Sitting down at the table with a child is the perfect time to talk about the meaning of Christmas. As you make cards for others, challenge children to think outside their normal circle of friends.

 There is someone who would be so grateful to receive a thoughtful card. Is it a grandparent? A neighbor? Teacher? You never know who is lonely in this holiday season. This could be the only card a person receives. It could sit out on their counter for weeks or longer. The loving gesture and words of encouragement could be exactly what someone needs to get them through a tough season.

Below are the printable sheets created for these projects.  I hope you have a wonderful week heading into the Christmas season! Put some Christmas music, chug the egg nog, and spend time investing in the "short people" in your life. :)

Love Tiffany

Designing with Papertrey

Hello Dear Bloggers!

It's time to wish Papertrey Ink a super HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! It has been 6 PACKED years of creative awesomeness.  I feel so blessed to be returning again as a designer. It has been such a thrilling experience to connect with crafters and see all that you create with my designs. It's such a pleasure and an honor!

Well the anniversary festivities are underway, and Nichole Heady has posted a fabulous download of printable Designer Freebies for you to enjoy!  You will note that my freebie coordinates with my recent stamp release "Frilly Flowers" and the dies as well. SO, that makes life fun, doesn't it!? Just print, and grab your DIES from the Frilly Flower set and have at it! It would be so fun to really couple all these images with the stamps and freebie together, too!

Check out the pictures to see how I used my freebie. 

 First off, I love to write. Love, love, love it. I have probably 30-40 journals filled with thoughts, dreams, hopes, creative ideas, scriptures that touched my heart, inspiration from speakers or books I am reading or the world around me.  A journal is like a precious friend... and I never leave home without it.    For me, picking out a fun journal is like finding the perfect shoes or purse... because I know I will live with this journal for several months. So I love having journals with colorful flair, and where better to find that then Vera Bradley??

 Vera Bradley offers some great different journals... spiral bound, large, small, and in every pattern you could imagine.

 So, I thought these journals would be a perfect and fun little gift to bless someone with. This project proves how a quick and simple addition can make a gift feel so personal. It is very helpful that Vera's colors are so fashion savvy, along with Papertrey's, because of course it was easy to find a "Perfect Match". ;)

 This journal is the Lemon Parfait color. (I am crazy about YELLOW lately!!) I printed my freebie on the PTI Hawaiian Shores, used my dies my Frilly Flowers Dies, threw in a little bling and glitter and... TA DA!!! A fabulous gift for a precious friend.

The "Hello Dahlia" journal matches the PTI Simply Chartreuse and Berry Sorbet colors perfectly!

 Be sure to stop by Nichole's blog to download your freebie and enjoy all the PTI Anniversary fun!

I look forward to a fantastic new year with PTI and I know you are too! Let the countdowns begin!!

Sending love and smiles,
 Tiffany

P.S. I just realized that Nichole had to resize the image to fit her download page. So, I made a jpeg for you to use. It is sized for an 8.5x11 letter size paper. So, just copy and paste and fit it cover the whole page and the sizing should be correct for you to print, die cut, and create! I also added some other sentiments for fun and a blank one so you can insert your own stamps if you like. Have a blast!!!

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

...........................................................................

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

............................................................................

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