Stamp-a-faire 2014: Ancient Rome

Good morning, Papertrey Ink Fans, and welcome to Stamp-a-faire 2014! I am so excited to be sharing in the festivities this year! This year's theme is "Time Traveler" and we're crafting through the ages all day with fun tutorials and challenges to keep you inspired. I have the honor of kicking off today's era presentations with a focus on Ancient Rome (you can get the whole Stamp-a-faire experience over on Nichole's Blog)!

Primavera di Stabiae Fresco

The Ancient Roman Era is known for its detailed visual art works. The Romans particularly admired fine painting, intricate mosaics, and grand sculpture. These mediums were greatly valued and often included in public spaces as well as the homes of wealthy citizens. Cameo glass works were also popular around this time. They were largely affordable and enjoyed by a majority of the population. Highly developed silver work and jewelry, on the other hand, was a privilege of the rich.

Roman Coliseum

In addition to purely visual works, the era is also distinguished by its functional artwork. Architecture, currency, metal casting, and pottery were all adorned with carvings and reliefs. They depicted a wide variety of subjects, from military heroes to gladiators and pastoral scenes.

Roman Calyx

The Romans appreciated these works as much for their aesthetic value as for their role in historical preservation. Everything from walls to oil lamps and coins portrayed the valors of the day, many in the act of battle.

Mosaic Of Carpophorous Fighting A Leopard

The Ancient Romans were also directly influenced by the artwork and architecture of Ancient Greece. Mythological figures were a favored subject. Gods and goddesses frequented the works of Roman artists for hundreds of years. Botanical motifs, like the acanthus and laurel leaves, were also borrowed and modified to reflect Roman tastes. They, along with patterns such as the “Egg and Dart” and structures like winding triumphal columns and arches, helped give Roman architecture its signature form.

Fresco From The Villa of Agrippa Postumus

Now that you have a little background about the era, let’s get on to a couple of fun challenges that incorporate elements of the frescoes and mosaics that are so characteristic of the era!

Faux Frescoes: Colorful painted frescoes were greatly admired in Ancient Rome. They portrayed everything from urban scenes to landscapes and people. Follow along with the video to see how embossing paste transforms basic cardstock into a plaster canvas. You can get wonderful results with outline stamps and your favorite coloring medium or keep it simple with solid stamps. And you’ll just love the texture of your finished pieces!

Here are some still shots of my projects. Check out the video to see the step-by-step instructions.

Here are a few things I wish I had mentioned in my videos (but either forgot or thought of later - I'm still learning, folks. Thanks for your patience!):

• Your embossing paste will take anywhere from half an hour to two hours to dry (depending on how thick you get with the paste). It's a good idea to coat your cardstock with embossing paste and then move on to another challenge or element of your card while it dries.
• You can use any coloring medium for this technique. I used watercolors, but markers (make sure your embossing paste is marker nib friendly), colored pencils, reinkers, and more will work perfectly, too!
• The stamping will stay wet for awhile (especially if you use dye inks). You can heat set it to help, but be prepared to let your project sit undisturbed for awhile just in case.

Mock Mosaics: Romans favored mosaics for embellishing the walls and floors throughout their architecture. These beautifully tiled pieces often depicted mythological and historical scenes, but were just as regularly geometric patterns that varied in complexity. You can achieve tiled designs in your projects using one of today’s easy techniques!

Here are my projects from the tutorial. Check out the video to see exactly how everything came together!

And here are the tips I wish I had mentioned in this video:

• (First Technique) If you don't have the Mosaic Tile Die or cover plates you can still play along! Just cut up a piece of self-adhesive foam into random shapes and stick them to a clear block.
• Don't have a clear block to spare? How about an old wooden block from an unmounted stamp? Or an extra die cutting plate?
• The spacing of the Mosaic Tile Die works best with larger/bolder images, but you can use smaller or more delicate images by placing the tiles closer together.
• You can also arrange the tiles however you want to get different looks with your mosaic pattern.
• You can use colored ink create a graphic background instead of stamping with embossing ink over a pre-stamped scene.
• (Second Technique) You can use a cover plate instead of the Mosaic Tile Die to create similar results.
• (Second and Third Techniques) The Xyron does make this technique easier, but it isn't completely necessary. You can also use strips of double sided tape (I would suggest Scor-Tape), but you want to get nearly complete coverage so keep that in mind when you're adding your adhesive.
• (Third Technique) Your stencil will work with spray mists, sponged ink, embossing/texture paste or even chalk!
• You can add more or fewer layers of acetate depending on how much dimension you want your embossing paste to have.

I could seriously do another series of techniques with the Mosaic Tile Die, so don't be surprised if you see it again here in the near future. Don't forget, if you missed the kit earlier in the summer they will be on sale for a limited time in October so you'll get a second chance! 

Make sure to head over to Nichole's blog to see all of today's challenges and share your projects. Thank you so much for joining me today! Enjoy Stamp-a-faire and I'll see you around the forum!

Recipes:

Sunflower Fresco Card

Stamps: Botanical Blocks, SAF: Ancient Rome Mini - Papertrey Ink

Cardstock: Classic Kraft, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink; white

Ink: Ripe Avocado, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink; Noir Black - Palette

Other: Embossing Paste - Wendy Vecchi; Foam Tape - Scotch; Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors

My Hero Card

Stamps: Military Hero, SAF: Ancient Rome Mini - Papertrey Ink

Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Ocean Tides, Classic Kraft, Marble Patterned Paper (SAF: Ancient Rome Kit) - Papertrey Ink

Ink: Pinefeather, Ocean Tides, Classic Kraft (reinker) - Papertrey Ink

Other: Tag Sale #8 Die, First Place Die Collection, Linen & Canvas Impression Plate - Papertrey Ink; Embossing Paste - Wendy Vecchi; Foam Tape - Scotch

Butterfly Mosaic Card

Stamps: Life Is Beautiful, Modern Wood Mats - Papertrey Ink

Cardstock: Limeade Ice, Aqua Mist, Aqua Mist Polka Dot Patterned Paper - Papertrey Ink; white

Ink: Limeade Ice, Hibiscus Burst, Summer Sunrise, Aqua Mist, Tropical Teal - Papertrey Ink; VersaMark - Tsukineko

Other: Mosaic Tile Die (SAF: Ancient Rome Kit), Small Scalloped Border Die, Limitless Layers 1 3/4" Die Collection - Papertrey Ink; Clear Detail Embossing Powder - Filigree; Marshmallow Sequins - Pretty Pink Posh; Foam Tape - Scotch; Self-adhesive foam

Floral Mosaic Card

Stamps: Cutting Garden, SAF: Ancient Rome Mini - Papertrey Ink

Cardstock: Simply Chartreuse, Harvest Gold - Papertrey Ink; white

Ink: Simply Chartreuse, Harvest Gold, Summer Sunrise, Berry Sorbet, Smokey Shadow - Papertrey Ink

Other: Mosaic Tile Die, Sketched Shapes Die Collection, Rustic Jute Button Twine - Papertrey Ink; Foam Tape - Scotch; Xyron Machine

Stenciled Mosaic Card

Stamps: SAF: Ancient Rome Mini - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Acanthus Patterned Paper (SAF: Ancient Rome Kit), Clear Cardstock - Papertrey Ink; white

Ink: Aqua Mist, Smokey Shadow - Papertrey Ink

Other: Mosaic Tile Die, Mat Stack 2 Layerz Die, Aqua Mist Button, Soft Stone Saddle Stitched Ribbon - Papertrey Ink; Embossing Paste - Wendy Vecchi; Foam Tape - Scotch; Crochet Thread; Xyron Machine

Text Block: Halloween Die & Gable Box Die - Day 5

Good morning, everyone, and welcome back to Day 5 of the Papertrey Ink August countdown! I'm back today with two more projects featuring my newest Text Block die and the Gable Box Die. Let's get on to some projects, shall we?

I've received a handful of questions regarding whether or not gift cards would fit into the Gable Box. They absolutely will! You can lay them down, nestle them into crinkle shred or tissue paper, or rig up something a little fancier like I've done today.

I began by die cutting my Gable Box from clear cardstock. I followed the same basic tips I shared here the other day to complete the assembly. Instead of using washi tape to finish my corners I created decorative corner covers using the Small Scalloped Border Die and strips of Scor-tape. I also die cut the cuckoo clock from Dawn's new Tick Tock set twice and stamped it with both Hibiscus Burst and Harvest Gold inks. I trimmed the pinecone weights off of the Harvest Gold clock and adhered those and the shutters to the Hibiscus Burst clock after stamping the clock details in Orange Zest. I adhered that to the front of the Gable Box with foam tape.

Next, I created a platform similar to the one I made the other day, but this time I cut a very narrow slit down the entire length of the base of the platform. This way my gift card can stand up and be seen instead of hidden by extra packing material. I stamped and heat embossed the sentiment before tucking the platform into the box. I secured my gift card inside and then sprinkled an assortment of colorful sequins to complete the ensemble. It's such a fun presentation and the sentiment leaves it open to be useful for so many occasions. Great grade on a test? New job? Big birthday? All covered!

My second project pairs shadowed die cuts with the confetti stamping trend (which is one of my personal favorites).

I began by adhering Smokey Shadow and True Black Text Block: Halloween die cuts together. On a white card base, I traced around the die so I'd have an idea of where I needed my stamping. I put down a foundation using the stars and dots cluster in Heather's Happy Spooky Halloween and then went to town stamping varous dots to fill in the rest of the space. I used a color palette of Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, Limeade Ice, Smokey Shadow, and Royal Velvet. I erased my pencil line and then I went back through and coated many of the dots with Glossy Accents (interesting note: when I applied Glossy Accents to the Royal Velvet dots it made them so dark that they look nearly black). I finished the card by mounting the Text Block: Halloween shape with foam tape. Simple, but colorful.

That's all for me this time around. I hope you've enjoyed this month's countdown. Make sure to check in with Nichole, Ashely, Betsy, Danielle, Dawn, Erin, Heather, Laura, Laurie, Maile, Melissa, and Lexi for even more previews of this month's new release. Have a great day and I'll see you again soon!

Recipes:
Time To Celebrate Gift Card Box
Stamps: Tick Tock - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Hibiscus Burst, Orange Zest Polka Dot Patterned Paper, Clear Cardstock - Papertrey Ink; white
Ink: Hibiscus Burst, Harvest Gold, Orange Zest - Papertrey Ink; VersaMark - Tsukineko
Other: Gable Box Die, Tick Tock Die Collection, Small Scalloped Border Die - Papertrey Ink; White Detail Embossing Powder - Filigree; Foam Tape - Scotch; Scor-tape; sequins

Confetti Trick Or Treat Card
Stamps: Happy Spooky Halloween, Holiday Cheer, Foodie Fun - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Smokey Shadow, True Black - Papertrey Ink; white
Ink: Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, Limeade Ice, Smokey Shadow, Royal Velvet - Papertrey Ink
Other: Text Block: Halloween Die - Papertrey Ink; Glossy Accents - Ranger; Foam Tape - Scotch

Text Block: Halloween & The Gable Box Die - Day 4

Hello again, friends, an welcome back for Day 4 of the Papertrey Ink August countdown. Thank you so much for all of your kind comments yesterday about the little gifties I made for my niece and nephew. I hope they like them as much as you did! I have a couple of additional projects for you today, so let's get to it.

We'll kick off today with a card featuring the Text Block: Halloween Die.

First, I stamped Fresh Snow polka dots onto a Soft Stone card front and adhered that to a white base. Then, I die cut my Text Block shape from True Black cardstock. I smooshed it into a VersaMark pad and heat set it with clear powder, repeating a couple of times for nice, thick coverage. It actually looks more like a piece of patent leather than cardstock. Then, I adhered a piece of sticker paper to the back (sticky side coming through the holes in the design) and filled in the open spaces with Lemon Tart, Harvest Gold, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, and Terra Cotta Tile cardstocks. I added foam tape to the back and tucked in a length of white crochet thread before adhering the block to the card front.

Next, I trimmed the legs off of a Tremendous Treats: Halloween spider and adhered them to the back of a True Black button. I adhered the spider to the end of the crochet thread, leaving him dangling so he can swing (or be positioned on top of the Text Block shape). I embellished with a couple of googly eyes and called it done. He's cute, isn't he?

My second project for today is another Halloween-y Gable Box.

I began by die cutting two of the Gable Box shapes from Smokey Shadow cardstock. I stamped them all over with the stars cluster from Heather's new Happy Spooky Halloween set. Then, I created my moon from Harvest Gold patterned paper using Nichole's Lazy Stamper Medallion tutorial. I seriously love that tutorial. Anyway, I followed up with some glittered clouds (that I trimmed to make look a little more nighttime wispy than daytime fluffy - at least I hope) and a bat, also from Heather's new set. I embellished him with yet more googly eyes because, apparently, I cannot get enough of the googly eyes these days.

Okey doke, that's it for me today. Make sure to check in with  Nichole, Ashely, Betsy, Danielle, Dawn, Erin, Heather, Laura, Laurie, Maile, Melissa, and Lexi for even more previews of this month's new release. I'll see you again tomorrow!

Recipes:
Dangling Spider Card
Stamps: Polka Dot Basics III, Tremendous Treats: Halloween - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: True Black, Lemon Tart, Harvest Gold, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, Terra Cotta Tile, Soft Stone, White Adhesive Sheets - Papertrey Ink; white
Ink: Fresh Snow, True Black - Papertrey Ink; VersaMark - Tsukineko
Other: Text Block: Halloween Die, Tremendous Treats: Halloween Die Collection, True Black Button - Papertrey Ink; Foam Tape - Scotch; Clear Embossing Powder - Filigree; googly eyes; crochet thread

Full Moon Card
Stamps: Happy Spooky Halloween - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Smokey Shadow, Harvest Gold Polka Dot Patterned Paper - Papertrey Ink; white
Ink: Smokey Shadow, Royal Velvet - Papertrey Ink
Other: Gable Box Die, Happy Spooky Halloween Die, Limitless Layers 1 3/4" Circle Die Collection, Clouds Die - Papertrey Ink; Foam Tape - Scotch; Crystal Fine Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; googly eyes; xyron

Gable Box Die & Text Block: Halloween - Day 3

Good morning, everyone! Welcome back for Day 3 of Papertrey Ink's August countdown! I wanted to start by saying thank you all for your enthusiasm over the Gable Box and Text Block: Halloween Dies. I'm so glad to hear you're looking forward to using them for yourselves. I've been having a blast with them and I have a little more inspiration to share with you today. How about we get on to the projects!

Let's start with the Text Block: Halloween Die. I wanted to make a small candy bag for my nephew to carry around this year. He's still young and they don't do too much Trick Or Treating, so the size of this bag will be perfect.

I started by adhering a piece of True Black striped patterned paper to a white lunch sack. I trimmed the both down with a pair of pinking shears and cut in an opening on the front of the bag. Then, I xyroned a piece of Summer Sunrise cardstock and die cut it using the Text Block: Halloween Die. I stuck the resulting die cut shape to a piece of clear cardstock and then used 1/8" Scor-tape to attach it over the opening bag, creating a window (so he can see his treats as he goes)!

Next, I die cut the monster shape from Tremendous Treats: Halloween from white cardstock and stamped him with the coordinating image using Palette Noir ink. I colored him with colored pencils and colored over his eye with a glue pen. I sprinkled that with clear embossing powder and heat set once the glue had fully dried (the "fully"is important here; if you don't wait it will bubble when you heat it).

My bag needed a handle, so I backed a length of Limeade Ice saddle stitched ribbon with a strip of Limeade Ice cardstock and adhered the ends to the sides of the bag. I used the cardstock to make sure the handle stayed upright so little hands would have an easier time. I also wanted to make sure they'd stay secure, so I stitched True Black buttons all the way through the bag for a little decorative reinforcement. I sure hope Charlie likes it!

I wouldn't be a good Auntie if I didn't make a little something for my niece, too. I don't think Miss Josie Mae has enough hair for these yet, but my sister will surely love them.

I put together the hair barrettes using the Clever Barrette, Beautiful Blooms II #1, Button Up #2, and Heart-2-Heart #7 Dies from Harvest Gold, Vintage Cream, Aqua Mist, and Simply Chartreuse felt. I wanted the packaging to really let the barrettes shine, so I cut my Gable Box shapes from clear cardstock. Here are some tips for creating a Gable Box from clear cardstock:

• Try not to run your die through your machine more than once. If you can get it cut through in one pass you'll be in better shape. The clear cardstock has a tendency to want to shift in the machine on multiple passes.
• Rescore over the score lines for easier folding. It still won't be the easiest thing to fold, but it will be better.
• The newer your cutting plates (and less scarred up) the better.
• Fold before you assemble. You can manipulate the parts more easily when they're separate.
• You'll probably want to disguise the adhesive in some way. Clear cardstock is...well, clear, so you'll want to figure out some way to hide your adhesive a little bit.

I created my own faux washi tape for the corners using the tutorial Nichole did in a Make It Monday way back when. It worked perfectly! I used one of the small blocks in the Background Basics: Random Stripe set to get the pattern on my tape. I wanted it to be subtle, so I stamped off the Aqua Mist ink before stamping for soft results.

I also wanted a little platform to fit inside the box, both for stamping my sentiment and for giving my clips a little boost. I made my platform (using the diagram you'll find below) from Aqua Mist polka dot patterned paper. I stamped and heat embossed my sentiment with white detail powder. I popped it inside my box, filled with custom crinkle shred (just strips of paper run through a crimper), and nestled my hair clips on top. I finished the packaging with a tiny white crochet thread bow.

Here's the template I used for my platform. I don't know if it will print to scale, but it will at least give you something to follow.

Well, that's all for me today, friends. I'll be back tomorrow with more projects featuring the new Gable Box and Text Block: Halloween Dies. In the meantime, Nichole, Ashely, Betsy, Danielle, Dawn, Erin, Heather, Laura, Laurie, Maile, Melissa, and Lexi all have additional inspiration for you to enjoy. I'll see you tomorrow!

Recipes:
Trick Or Treat Bag
Stamps: Tremendous Treats: Halloween - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: True Black Striped Patterned Paper, Limeade Ice, Summer Sunrise, Clear Cardstock - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Nior - Palette
Other: Text Block: Halloween Die, Tremendous Treats: Halloween Die Collection, Limeade Ice Saddle Stitched Ribbon, True Black Buttons - Papertrey Ink; Clear Detail Embossing Powder - Filigree; Glue Pen - Zig; Colored Pencils - Prismacolor; Orange Twine - American Crafts; Foam Tape - Scotch; Xyron; Scor-tape; Pinking Shears

Flower Barrette Packaging

Stamps: Boutique Accessories Mini, Background Basics: Random Stripe - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Aqua Mist Polka Dot Patterned Paper, Limeade Ice Patterned Paper, Clear Cardstock - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Aqua Mist - Papertrey Ink; VersaMark - Tsukineko
Other: Gable Box Die, Clever Barrette Dies, Beautiful Blooms II #1 Die, Button Up #2 Die, Heart-2-Heart #7 Die, Melon Berry Buttons, Harvest Gold Felt, Vintage Cream Felt, Aqua Mist Felt, Simply Chartreuse Felt - Papertrey Ink; White Detail Embossing Powder - Filigree; Paper Crimper - Fiskars; Scor-tape; Tissue Paper; Embroidery Floss - DMC; Crochet Thread

Introducing The Text Block: Halloween Die & More Fun With The Gable Box Die

Good morning, everyone! Welcome back to Day 2 of the Papertrey Ink August countdown. I dropped the hint yesterday that today I'd be sharing another new item on this month's line up and here it is, the Text Block: Halloween die! This die is one of my favorites yet, thanks to the cobweb background detail. I'm also sharing a couple of additional Gable Box Die projects. Let's get going!

My projects today are in pairs. I'll start with the little spider combo first.

I began by die cutting the Gable Box shape twice from a piece of striped Orange Zest patterned paper.

I cut a circular window out of one of them and stamped it with the sentiment from Mr. Bones using Smokey Shadow ink. Then, I xyroned a piece of vellum and die cut it with the smallest die in the Spider Web Trio Die Collection. I adhered that to a piece of Clear Cardstock and stuck the whole thing to the back of the window in my Gable Box piece. I assembled the box as normal (with a couple of special notes that I'll share in a minute) and set it aside for a moment.

Next, I die cut two Webster (the spider in Mr. Bones) shapes from white cardstock and stamped them with Smokey Shadow ink. I followed up with a glue pad and then sprinkled on some black flocking to make the spiders fuzzy. I attached one to the web on my Gable Box window and set the other aside. Next, I worked on my coordinating card. I began by stamping a Smokey Shadow card front with polka dots (using the coordinating ink) and adhered it to a white card base. Then, I xyroned both sides of a piece of Smokey Shadow cardstock and die cut it with the Text Block: Halloween Die. I also die cut a piece of striped Orange Zest patterned paper with the same die. I carefully trimmed the words from the patterned paper piece and placed them on the sticky face of the Smokey Shadow die cut along with a piece of foam tape for my spider (it's best to do this before the glitter step - just keep the protective covering in place). I sprinkled the rest of the face with glitter, burnished it to make sure it was nice and firmly adhered, and then brushed off the excess with a paintbrush. I stuck that down to my card front and placed Webster as a final touch. These are super cute and they came together in no time!

My second set today is of the ghosty persuasion.

I knew I wanted to keep a similar layout as the first set, so I began by die cutting the Gable Box from polka dotted Royal Velvet patterned paper.

I die cut a ghosty from one of the shapes and heat embossed the sentiment (also from Mr. Bones) using white detail embossing powder. Next, I cut a piece of vellum to use in the ghost opening. I traced the outline of the ghost onto the vellum so I would know where my smile needed to go and then stamped away (I used Stazon Jet Black that I then embossed with clear powder). I adhered that behind the window and assembled my box. I added little googly eyes to give him some character.

Then I went to work on the card. I die cut three ghosts and finished them the same way I had on the Gable Box ghost (Stazon, heat embossing, googly eyes). Then, I xyroned a piece of polka dotted Royal Velvet paper and die cut it with the Text Block: Halloween die. I used another die cut as a template and adhered all of the negative shapes onto a piece of white cardstock. Once they were all in place I trimmed along the outside edge. I matted that piece with some Limeade Ice cardstock and prepped the back with strips of foam tape. Then, I stamped a piece of True Black cardstock with Background Basics: Super Chevron using VersaMark (which is tough to see because I'm such a wonderful photographer) and adhered it to a white card base. I placed my ghosts about where I wanted them on the card base and then removed the backing from the foam tape on the Text Block piece. I hovered the Text Block panel over the ghosts until I was pleased with placement and then pushed down firmly to adhere both that panel and the ghosts at the same time. It's a two-fer!

I mentioned earlier that there were special notes about the Gable Box assembly today. They're fairly minor, but I thought they might be worth sharing.

Because I chose to make my boxes out of patterned paper rather than cardstock I thought it might be a good idea to reinforce a couple of key spots. This is probably totally unnecessary as they're not giant boxes and will likely not hold enough weight to warrant the extra step, but I did it anyway. I added panels of contrasting cardstock to the bottoms of the boxes and white cardstock to the handles (I adhered them in place with Scor-Tape). The bottoms are fairly self explanatory, but the handles I just cut off of extra die cuts at the first score line and adhered them to the inside of the box. Easy.

Well, that's all for me today! You should definitely check in with Nichole, Ashley, Dawn, Erin, Heather, Laura, Maile, and Lexi as they share more of this month's release. See you again tomorrow!

Recipes:
Webster Card & Gable Box Set
Stamps: Mr. Bones, Polka Dot Basics - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Orange Zest Striped Patterned Paper, Smokey Shadow, Vellum, Clear Cardstock - Papertrey Ink; white
Ink: Smokey Shadow - Papertrey Ink
Other: Gable Box Die, Text Block: Halloween Die, Mr. Bones Die Collection, Limitless Layers 1 3/4" Circle Die Collection, Spider Web Trio Die Collection - Papertrey Ink; Black Fun Flock - Stampendous; Foam Tape - Scotch; Carerra Marble Fine Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Glue Pad - Tsukineko; Xyron

Ghosty Friends Card & Gable Box Set
Stamps: Mr. Bones, Happy Haunting, Background Basics: Super Chevron - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Royal Velvet Swiss Dot Patterned Paper, True Black, Limeade Ice, Vellum - Papertrey Ink; white
Ink: Versamark, Stazon Jet Black - Tsukineko
Other: Gable Box Die, Text Block: Halloween Die - Papertrey Ink; Foam Tape - Scotch; Clear Detail Embossing Powder, White Detail Embossing Powder - Filigree; Xyron; Googly Eyes

Introducing The Gable Box Die

Good morning, friends, and welcome to the first day of the Papertrey Ink August countdown! I am very excited to be bringing you a new packaging die this month. The Gable Box Die (available August 15th) creates a 3 1/2 x 2 1/8 x 2 1/8 inch box (those are the dimensions of the squarish part at the bottom - there's more space overall) from one sheet of card stock. Just cut it twice and attach on the tabs for an adorable box that you can use for treats and gifts of all sorts. It's always easier for me when I can actually see something new in action, so let's get started!

For my first box, I wanted to go with an autumnal theme. I was thinking about how great it would be to have these little boxes at place settings for Thanksgiving.

I began by stamping two pieces of Kraft cardstock with one of the patterns from Autumn Pattern Pieces using Ocean Tides and Classic Kraft inks. Then, I die cut them with the new Gable Box Die and assembled my box. Next, I die cut the frame shape using the Fillable Frames #4 die and stamped the border using the coordinating set. I followed up with a sentiment from Autumn Acorns. I die cut and stamped a couple of leaves and an acorn from the same set. I attached the frame to the front of my gable box and then added the leaves. I just used adhesive down by their stems so I could curl them to give a bit of dimension. I finished up by adding the acorn with foam tape and embellishing with a tiny bow made with Rustic Cream Button Twine. The whole thing came together in minutes! It would be so easy to decorate a whole table with these lovelies.

And here's and extra photo just so you can see the difference in size between the new Gable Box Die and the previously released Tiny Take Out Box and Essential Pillow Box.

I wanted my second box to be a little more colorful and playful, so I put together a favor for a child's party.

I started by stamping the large outline dot from Polka Dot Basics onto Spring Rain cardstock using Fresh Snow ink. Then, I went back and filled in randomly using one of the solid dots from the same set in New Leaf, Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy, and Orange Zest inks. I die cut my box, but before I assembled it I die cut an opening from one of the pieces using the Limitless Layers: 2 3/4" Oval die. Then, I adhered a piece of clear cardstock to the back of the opening to create a window. One of the nice things about this box is that it's big enough to do techniques like this, but not so huge that you have a ton of space to fill. I continued by making a little tag with the Tremendous Tags Die and Do Me A Favor Tags. I tied my tag to my box (around the handle, through the hole in the tag, through the holes of a button, in a bow) after I had filled it with popcorn. An inexpensive treat for kiddos at a party (and not so much that it will ruin their appetites - between 3/4 and 1 cup).

Alrighty, friends! That's all for me today. Make sure to check in with Nichole, Betsy, Danielle, Dawn, Erin, Heather, Laurie, and Lexie for more inspiration. I'll see you back here tomorrow with more Gable Box Die projects. You won't want to miss it. And you never know...I may have something up my sleeve that you haven't seen yet... Until next time, have a great day!

Recipes:
Thanksgiving Acorn Box
Stamps: Autumn Pattern Pieces, Fillable Frames #4, Autumn Acorns - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Classic Kraft, Rustic White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Ocean Tides, Classic Kraft, Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink
Other: Gable Box Die (available August 15th), Fillable Frames #4 Die, Autumn Acorns Die Collection, Rustic Cream Button Twine - Papertrey; Foam Tape - Scotch; Scor-Tape

Popcorn Party Favor Box
Stamps: Polka Dot Basics, Do Me A Favor Tags - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Spring Rain, Clear Cardstock - Papertrey Ink; white
Ink: Fresh Snow, New Leaf, Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy, Orange Zest - Papertrey Ink
Other: Gable Box Die (available August 15th), Tremendous Tags Die, Limitless Layers: 2 3/4" Oval Die Collection, Enchanted Evening Button - Papertrey Ink; Green Apple Baker's Twine - Divine Twine; Scor-Tape

August Color Play

Good morning, friends, and welcome to Papertrey Ink's August Color Play feature! This month we're playing with this photo from Bakerella's blog:

Aren't these colors delicious?! This bright, cheerful palette spoke to me right away. I absolutely loved how sweet the gumdrops looked all stacked together. Maybe it was my sweet tooth taking over (it wouldn’t be the first time), but I just couldn't help but be inspired.

I began by stamping a piece of white cardstock with the random scallop border from Ombre Builders in all of the colors in this month's palette. Next, I die cut that piece using the Phrase Play #5 die and trimmed out the word "happy" from the frame. I die cut a piece of Limeade Ice to layer behind the stamped frame and fill in the missing word. Then, I glittered the "happy" using a Martha Stewart glitter that is a similar color as Limeade Ice. While that was drying I stamped and heat embossed "day!" onto a Berry Sorbet card front using white detail powder. I followed up with polka dots in VersaMark. Finally, I adhered the Phrase Play die to my card front with some foam tape. It's a simple card, but I love how colorful it is without being overwhelming.

That's all for me. Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this month's colors motivate you to play along. If so, make sure to link up your project on the Inspiration Archive post over on Nichole's blog so we can all see what you've been up to. Have a great day and I'll see you again soon!

Recipe:
Stamps: Phrase Play #5, Ombre Builders, Polka Dot Basics - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Limeade Ice, Berry Sorbet - Papertrey Ink; white
Ink: Hibiscus Burst, Limeade Ice, Tropical Teal, Berry Sorbet - Papertrey Ink; VersaMark - Tsukineko
Other: Phrase Play #5 Die - Papertrey Ink; White Detail Embossing Powder - Filigree; Foam Tape - Scotch; Golden Beryl Fine Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts