Introducing The Text Block Baby Die & More Summer Sweetness

Good morning, friends, and welcome back to Day 2 of the Papertrey Ink May countdown! I have another introduction to make today, but first I want to thank you all so much for your enthusiasm for Summer Sweetness. Wow! I'm so glad you're all as excited as I am for this new set. I'm having so much fun with these cute, little popsicles. I'm also having a blast with the newest installment in the Text Block die series (that's right, I'm sneaking in a Text Block on you this month). This one's for the babies and it's great for either girlies or fellas. How about we get on to some projects so you can see for yourselves?

I thought it might be fun to play with backgrounds on today's Text Block: Baby cards. The first one is the girlie version.

I began by stamping a plaid pattern using several of the stripes from Background Basics: Super Stripes. Next, I Xyroned a piece of Sweet Blush cardstock on both sides and die cut it using the new Text Block die. I removed the protective backing from one of the layers of adhesive and matted my die cut shape with a panel of vellum cardstock.

I did this to soften the pattern surrounding the die cut shape and keep the design from getting too busy. This also allows the sentiment to be read more easily. I added strips of foam tape to the edges of the panel and mounted it to my card base. Lastly, I removed the second layer of adhesive backing and sprinkled the entire die cut shape with fine glitter. The result is a wonderfully sparkly sentiment perfect for a brand new baby girl.

My second card started similarly, but I worked in a twist for handy gift giving.

I began by stamping the plaid pattern in Fresh Snow, Enchanted Evening, and Simply Chartreuse onto a Classic Kraft card base. Then, I Xyroned one side of a piece of Spring Rain cardstock and die cut it with the Text Block: Baby die. I removed the adhesive backing and adhered the die cut shape to a piece of clear cardstock. Next, I added foam tape to the bottom and sides of the sentiment panel and adhered it to the card front.

Then, I cut a strip of vellum cardstock and scored it in the center. I folded the vellum in half and die cut the ends using the Pinking Shears Border Die. I stamped the "pull here" sentiment along the top edge and tucked a gift card inside the vellum folder before slipping it into the pocket that I'd formed with the Text Block panel. (No, I would not normally give an Old Navy gift card for a new baby, but it was the only one I had conveniently sitting around ready to be used as a prop and it actually matched Enchanted Evening and Spring Rain really well).

It's a fantastic, interactive way to incorporate a gift card and you can do this with any of the other Text Block dies, too. How fun is that?!

My final card today features Summer Sweetness. Have you seen those popsicles that people layer to look like watermelon slices? I thought I'd try my hand at a tiny paper version.

I began by stamping a panel of New Leaf cardstock to look like a watermelon rind. I used the long paint strip from Watercolor Wonder and Pinefeather ink to achieve the effect I wanted. That was adhered to a white card base and set aside. Next, I went about creating my watermelon pop. First, I die cut the popsicle shape from white cardstock. Then, I ripped strips of blue painter's tape to use as masks while inking. I did the Pure Poppy section first. I placed the tape directly on the stamp while inking and removed it to do the actual stamping. I repeated the process for the New Leaf layer.

I used the large drip from the set to stamp the "seeds" in True Black ink and stamped the stick using Classic Kraft. I applied adhesive to the seeds using a glue pen and then embellished with fine black glitter. Next, I die cut a white circle and stamped it with my sentiment using True Black ink. I trimmed off the circle's edge and mounted it to the card front with foam tape. Finally, I added the popsicle with a bit more foam tape. I can't help but smile when I look at that watermelon pop. I mean, how stinkin' cute is that?

Well, that's all for me today. Thank you so much for stopping by today! I'll be back tomorrow with more projects featuring Summer Sweetness and the Text Block: Baby die. In the meantime, Nichole, Betsy, Dawn, Erin, Heather, Lexi, Melissa Bickford, and Melissa Phillips all have additional inspiration to share with you today. Have a wonderful day and I'll see you again bright and early tomorrow!

Recipes:
Baby Girl Plaid Card
Stamps: Background Basics Super Stripes - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Sweet Blush, Vellum Cardstock - Papertrey Ink; white
Ink: Lemon Tart, Harvest Gold, Sweet Blush, Spring Moss - Papertrey Ink
Other: Text Block: Baby Die (available May 15th) - Papertrey Ink; Foam Tape - Scotch; Fine Crystal Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts

Baby Boy Pocket Card
Stamps: Background Basics Super Stripes, Movers & Shakers - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Spring Rain, Classic Kraft, Vellum Cardstock, Clear Cardstock - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Fresh Snow, Enchanted Evening, Simply Chartreuse - Papertrey Ink
Other: Text Block: Baby Die (available May 15th), Pinking Shears Border Die - Papertrey Ink; Foam Tape - Scotch

Watermelon Pop Card
Stamps: Summer Sweetness (available May 15th), Watercolor Wonder - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: New Leaf - Papertrey Ink; white
Ink: Pinefeather, Pure Poppy, New Leaf, True Black, Classic Kraft - Papertrey Ink
Other: Summer Sweetness Die (available May 15th) - Papertrey Ink; Foam Tape - Scotch; Fine Onyx Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Circle Die - Quickutz