Check out Pink Persimmon's NEW CHRISTMAS STAMPS!

I'm sooooo excited to share that not only does Pink Persimmon have a new online store that is fabulous .... but they have started releasing some of the new images.  I am so blessed to get to work with them and I can't wait to show all the new projects I've designed.  THANK YOU Darcy and Judy!

Today I'm sharing a project designed using Christmas House.  Hop over and check it out ... it comes with the cutest little carriage image as well.  Today's post is a Holiday Shadow Box Home Decor project with a step by step tutorial for you.

CREATING THE SHADOW BOX

Trim cream cardstock 4 1/2" x 4 1/2".  Score 1/4" and 1/2" from edge of each side as shown by dotted lines.

Trim each corner as shown above.

Fold along score lines as shown.

Adhere flaps together.

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CREATING THE STAMPED PANEL

Next you need to stamp and paper piece the image panel to fit inside the shadow box window.  

In the photo above I mask the stars with masking tape because I didn't want to stamp them in green and my stamp pad was so large that there was no way I could stamp the tree's green and stars yellow without over lapping.  If you choose to use markers, then you can color them separately and stamp them at the same time.

Stamp Panel #1 with the image in green on cream cardstock 3 3/8" x 3 3/8".  

Stamp the image again in brown and red on smaller pieces of cardstock, as shown above.  

Stamp image on masking tape as well.  I use Eclipse Masking Tape.

Trim mask and cover image on Panel #1 (the one with the green tree's).

Lightly and randomly apply brown ink to a script background stamp image.  Another way to do is to apply the brown ink heavy then stamp it off on a piece of scrap paper then immediately stamp on Panel #1.  It's not shown in the photo below ... but do the same thing to the "hill" as well.

Remove mask.  I did this one for the tutorial quickly.  I don't like how this one turned out,  See the gap between the trees and brown ink???  It's way to big and would have re-done this one if I were using it.  But you get the idea.

I actually forgot this step on mine so it's not in the photo above.  Now would be a could time to ink the stars with gold ink and stamp on to Panel #1.  Since I forgot I had to stamp mine separately, trim them and then adhere.  Trust me you don't want to do it that way.

Trim the house and hill as shown.

Paper piece the 3.  Use pop dots to layer the house and hill over Panel #1.  Ink edges with brown ink.  Use chalk or a Dove Blender Pen to color in Trees.  The Dove Blender is great because you can use the ink you stamped the tree's with and because it's "water downed" with whatever they put in it ... it's a little lighter.  Just pick up a little ink on the pen and rub in on.  The sample below is with chalk.  See how it doesn't match that well.  I actually ended up re-doing it after I snapped that photo and used the Dove Blender on the sample at the top.  I have Dove Blender Pen's for each color .... green, red, yellow, blue, pink, etc.   LOVE them.

Mount Panel #1 on red patterned paper.  Adhere inside shadow box.  

Trim a piece of green patterned paper 6" x 6".  Trim a window out of the center of the green panel.  You want to be slightly smaller than the inside of the shadow box opening so that the cream doesn't show.  The inside of your shadow box should be 4" x 4" ... so trim the window from the green patterned paper about 3 7/8" x 3 7/8".  Ink the edges.  Adhere the shadow box to the back of the green patterned paper.  Wrap the top with cream ribbon.  Use a border punch to create a decorative border from red patterned paper and adhere around outside of edge.   Embellish.  Stamp sentiment, trim and adhere.

The last step is to adhere the shadow box to one of those little wooden easels you can get at the local craft stores in the art section.  You can see the feet of mine sticking out a little with the first photo.  Looking at it now I think I need to go back and paint those feet cream.

Hope this little tutorial inspires you to create a little home decor project of your own!

big hugs!

Melisa

You can check out all of my Pink Persimmon projects HERE.

Pink Persimmon "You're a Jewel"

Hello friends!  What a wonderful week we are having.  My daughter and her boyfriend arrived from Colorado last Saturday night and we have been so busy .... rock climbing (not me, I just watched and took some photo's), 19 mile bike ride (my longest ride so far!!  It was split up into 3 stages with big breaks in between.  Oh how my patootie hurt.  I was really surprised that was the area that hurt the most), a movie, and NASA space center, so far.  Thursday we are doing "Thanksgiving" since they want be here for that.  Basically it's just a day of cooking together.  In the past we would play Christmas music to sing along too and put up the Christmas tree ... not sure we are going that far though!  We will probably wrap the day up with some sort of game, Catan or Canasta.  That will only leave Friday.  The week is flying by and it will be soooo hard to put them on a plane back to Colorado on Saturday.  :  (  

Today I'm sharing a card designed using Pink Persimmon's "You're a Jewel" and "ATC Background - Fairy Tale".   

I've been trying some new color combo's and I'm really lovin' the aqua / purple!  Do you have a new color combo you have tried recently?  

In preparation for lots of new stamp designs coming in Pink Persimmon is having a big sale to make room!!  So many great vintage designs are on the way!!  They just opened their new online store and you can save 30% off your order.  See details HERE.

************EDITED :  I am soooooooo very sorry.  I made a huge mistake.  Pink Persimmon clearly emailed me with the info and it said the sale ended on the 30th.  With all of our busy activity ... I quickly typed this post up without reviewing the email again and didn't remember this part.   I'm very embarrassed that I sent this post out so late and I hope it didn't inconvenience anyone *************

Hope you are having a fabulous week as well!
Melisa

You can check out all my Pink Persimmon projects HERE.

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Project Details

You're a Jewel 5" x 5"

Stamps : Pink Persimmon

Patterned Paper : My Mind's Eye 6 x 6 paper pad

Die : Spellbinders "Labels Eight" Nestabilities, Cherry Lynn "French Doily"

Ribbon : Martha Stewart

Distressing tool : Making Memories

Deckled Scissors : Fiskars

Glitter Glue : Stickles "Crystal"

tissue paper

Ink : VersaMagic Spring Pansy and Purple Hydrangea
Distress Ink - Old Paper

Copic Markers : BG10, BG32, BG34

Baby Shower Gift Set and Banner

Hello friends.  I know it is really such a little thing in life, but I'm a little sad because our Neighborhood Association says I have to get rid of my bird bath and possible my bird feeder (gotta give them a call about that one, not sure if it's the bird feeder or the bird feeder stand they have a problem with) in my front yard.  Both are partially hidden behind the shrubs just outside my studio window and I love seeing my little bird friends stop by to visit.  : (   What's the world coming to if you can't have a bird feeder in your front yard!  teehee.   

Has anyone been watching The Voice or Survivor???  Who are your favorites.  I don't watch a lot of tv but I do enjoy the talent oriented shows.  And yes it does take a lot of talent to be on Survivor, teehee.  I'm really upset Malcolm got voted off.  And I honestly love everyone who is left except Sherry.  

How do you even pick a winner for The Voice??   Soooooo many talented singers.  I have to say I just LOVE geek Michelle and I did take time to vote for her this week.  So glad Usher slowed her down a little and showcased that she can sing well!  I'm pulling for 16 yr old Danielle on Blake's team.  I'm having a problem picking a fav on Adam's team.  I think Amber and Judith are the best.  AND WOW!!! Shakira has the BEST team in my opinion!!   I'd have to go with Sasha or Chris if I had to choose.  Will see who stays tonight!!

Well I guess I should share a little about tonight's post, teehee!  I made this set last year and hadn't got around to posting it yet.  I LOVE Pink Persimmon's "Baby Clothesline" and "Baby Greetings" so I decided to create a little shower set.

Check out all Pink Persimmons stamp images HERE.

I also LOVE their banner sets.   They make creating your own banner really easy!

Here are a few other projects I have created using "Baby Clothesline"

Have a great night!!  I'm off to get ready for bed.  I have to be up at 4am, grrrr!  But so very thankful to have a job!

Melisa

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Project Details

Card

Stamps : Pink Persimmon “Baby Clothesline” and “Baby Greetings”

Check out Pink Persimmon stamps HERE.

Ink : SU “Bashful Blue”, Momento “Tuxedo Black”

Patterned Paper : Deja Views “Sharon Ann Baby Collection”

Embossing Folder : Cuttlebug                 Markers : Copic

Die : Spellbinders Nestabilities “Classic Scalloped Rectangels SM”

Flower : Recollections           Deckled Scissors : Fiskars

Adhere card front to back side of brown cardstock and trim around edges with deckled scissors.  Trim patterned paper.  Cut scalloped rectangle from brown cardstock.  Trim white cardstock, emboss, and adhere to scalloped rectangle.  Adhere panel to patterned paper then wrap with tuelle.  Adhere panel to card front.  Add flower.  Stamp sentiment and hand cut into a flag.  Adhere to yellow cardstock and trim.  Stamp bear, color with markers and trim.  Stamp script background in blue ink and use with yellow cardstock to paper piece outfit.  Color trim on outfit with brown marker.  Adhere outfit, bear, and banner to card front.  

Gift Bag

Stamps : Pink Persimmon “Baby Clothesline”, “Ric Rac Circle”, and “Little Cuties”

Ink : SU “Bashful Blue”, Tsukineko “Brilliance Pearlescent Brown“, Tsukineko “VersaFine Onyx Black”  

Pearl : Martha Stewart    

Stamp ric rac circle with blue ink and trim.  Stamp ducks inside ric rac circle and on yellow cardstock in brown ink.  Trim yellow duck bodies from yellow cardstock and adhere.  Color bow with blue marker.  Stamp sentiment.  Stamp brown ink on yellow cardstock, trim, and embellish with blue pearl.  Adhere tuelle and star.

Banner

Stamps : Pink Persimmon “Big Banner with Rosettes”, “Baby Clothesline”, “Little Cuties”,  and ATC Backgrounds -“Springtime” “ Fairy Tale”, and “Spelling Bee“  

Ink : SU “Bashful Blue”, Tsukineko “Brilliance Pearlescent Brown“

Yellow cardstock : unknown       Pearl : Martha Stewart

Markers : Copic    

Chipboard Letters : Paper Studio

Stamp gingham pattern with brown ink on white cardstock.  Stamp flag image twice for each flag.  Once on white cardstock, and once over the brown gingham pattern.  Trim flags from white cardstock around the scalloped edges.  Trim along stitch line around each gingham flag and adhere to white flags. Stamp rosette with blue ink on white cardstock x 4 and trim.  Stamp star image on yellow cardstock, trim, layer onto rosette and adhere both to bottom of each flag.  Add blue pearls.   Punch holes in corners of each flag and slide onto yellow tuelle.   Paint chipboard letters yellow and adhere to flags.  Stamp ATC backgrounds with blue ink on white cardstock.  Stamp sleeper image over blue polka dot pattern, trim and color trim with brown marker.  Stamp onsie image over blue word pattern, trim and color trim with brown marker.  Stamp outfit over script background and on yellow cardstock.  Paper piece outfit together and color trim with brown marker.  Embellish banner with baby clothes.

Pink Persimmon's "Fine and Dandy"

Hello stampers!  Tonight I'm sharing a card is designed using one of the Antiquated sets "Fine and Dandy" by Lisa M. Pace for Pink Persimmon.  I just love the Antiquities line!  I hope you are all having a fabulous New Year so far!!

Still lots of challenges for us and certainly not sure what 2013 will bring.  It's a little scarry, because my mother still has no place to live and it's not looking like that problem will be solved anytime soon.  It is very difficult to have her living with us.  I grew up with no father and an alcoholic mother.  It wasn't the best of situations and there is soooo much hurt, anger, resentment in our relationship.  So to now have someone who has damaged you emotionally live with you .....  well it's one of the most difficult situations I have been in for quite some time.  I am trusting that God has a fabulous plan.  Even when my prayers are not answered like I think they should be ... or when they should be .... I know that He loves me and I trust that He will not put more on me than I can handle as long as I lean on Him.  I pray that the way that I handle this very difficult and emotional situation will only bring honor and glory to Him!  Because trust me ... there is no way that I could show love, kindness, forgiveness, or patience to the one person who has hurt me so deeply in my life without God.  Everyday has become a struggle but I know that I will be stronger  when it's all said and done!

As a result ... I am struggling with be creative as well.  I did work on a set of 4 coordinating 8 x 8 canvas's recently and need to get them photographed.  Hope to share more soon!!

hugs,
Melisa

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Project Details

Stamps : Pink Persimmon "Fine and Dandy", "Carnival Alpha Set", "Mini Silhouettes and Monograms"
Check out Pink Persimmon stamps HERE.
Patterned Paper : DCWV "Linen Closet" (Joanns)

Markers : Copic B93, B95, E000, E00, R00, E23, E25

Border Punch : Fiskars

Embossing Folder : The Paper Studio "Musical Flourish"

Die : Spellbinders "Labels Eight"

Designing with Masking Tape

2.5" x 3.5" Artist Trading Card

Hello paper crafters.  Today I want to share a couple of ways to use masking tape on your projects.  It can be used to create a distressed background as seen in the ATC above or to create your own decorative tape as shown on the ATC below.

2.5" x 3.5" Artist Trading Card

I am really enjoying using the ATC Sized Background stamps by Pink Persimmon.  I used the script image from "Fairy Tale" on ATC #1 ... and 3 other background patterns on ATC #2.  Hop on over to the Pink Persimmon store HERE and check out all the options!

Now get that masking tape out and get creative!!
Have a great day,  Melisa

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Project Details

ATC #1 

Stamps : Pink Persimmon "Fairy Tale" (script background image) and "Fine and Dandy"
Check out Pink Persimmon stamps HERE.

Spray Ink :  Glimmer Mist 

Ink : Brilliance "Pearlescent Brown"

Masking tape

Gesso

Cover ATC with masking tape.

Tear edges of masking tape strips and continue to layer.

Cover with gesso. (you can also use acrylic paint)  

Distress the surface by gently rubbing with a finger and peeling back some of the edges of some of the tape.

Spray with ink.

Rub cream colored acrylic paint on with a finger here and there and around edges.

Stamp with script background and brown ink.  I applied the ink to the image with a dauber over specific area's of the image (I didn't want to stamp the entire image). 

I didn't intend for the brown to be so prominent, so I wiped some off with a paper towel.  Just keep layering paint / ink until you get the look you want.  I ended up rubbing on a little more cream colored acrylic paint.

Stamp male image, color, trim and adhere to ATC front.  Stamp, trim, and doodle around words.  Adhere to ATC.

ATC #2

Stamps : Pink Persimmon "Springtime" (polka dots image), "Fairy Tale" (script  and floral image), "Spelling Bee" (words image), "Little Red Wagon" (girl image),  "Soda Pop Alpha"

Check out Pink Persimmon stamps HERE.

Masking Tape

Acrylic Paint (orange, purple, aqua)

Patterned Paper : Memory Box "Jubilee" 6 x 6 paper pad (green) and Pink Paislee "365 Degree's" 6 x 6 paper pad

Markers : E23, E25 (hair / shoes), Y38 (bow), E000, E00, R00 (skin)

Brilliance "Pearlescent Chocolate"

Stamp polka dot background image with yellow ink.  Paint strips of masking tape with acrylic paint.  I save the little plastic sheets that my clear stamps come on, so I applied the tape to these before painting.  You can put the strips on any surface that will be easy for you to remove after paint is dry.  After it's dry, stamp background patterns on them.  Tear and add to card.  Ink edges in brown.  Stamp girl on white cardstock, green patterned paper, and orange patterned paper. Color hair and skin, then trim girl from white cardstock.  Paper piece dress / socks-shoes.  Color over the green shoes with brown marker.  Stamp letters, trim, doodle around edges and adhere to ATC.

Background Tutorial!

2.5" x 3" Artist Trading Card

Good morning friend.  "Whoo" wants to see another background tutorial???   I want to try and share one a month for a while.  I used this technique on a Artist Trading Card, but you could use it in a altered journal or card as well.  I designed this one using another one of Pink Persimmon's fun ATC Background stamps.  They have 4 different sets.  This one is from "Fairy Tale".  

I also used "Wise Old Owl".  The images in this set are solid and the body parts separate. So you can really get creative and stamp different body parts in different colors.  Here is one that I stamped but haven't had time to use on a card yet.

See what I mean??  He comes with a party hat as well.  Too cute!

Whoo wants to give this technique a try??  Stay tuned for another background tutorial in December!

Hope you find some time to get creative today,

hugs, Melisa

You can check out more Background Tutorials HERE.

You can check out more Mixed Media projects HERE.

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Project Details

Stamps : Pink Persimmon  "Wise Old Owl"  and "Fairytale" ATC Sized Background
Check out Pink Persimmon stamps HERE.
Spray Inks : Glimmer Mist "
Ink : VersaMagic "Tea Leaves", Brilliance "Pearlescent Chocolate", VersaMagic "Turquoise Gem"
Glitter Glue : Studio G (Joann's)

Trim watercolor paper 2.5" x 3.5" (I didn't realize it until I went to put mine together that the one above was larger.  That's why the final project has part of the branch cut off).   Spray with aqua and yellow inks.  Stamp Fairytale background image with green ink.  Ink edges with brown ink.

Spray watercolor paper with yellow spray ink.  Stamp owl body and head with brown ink then trim.  Stamp wings in brown ink, trim, and adhere to owl body.  Stamp crown / eyes, trim, and adhere to owl body.  Stamp branch if you like the partial swirlies of the final project.  Stamp branch / claw image across bottom of owl image.  Adhere owl to background.  Add glitter glue to crown.  Type words, print, cut, and doodle around edges.  Adhere to ATC.

Vintage style birthday card

Hello paper crafters!  Today I want to share a vintage styled card I designed using images from 2 stamp sets from Pink Persimmon "Society Lady" and another recently released set "Postal Stamps".  "Society Lady"  is from the Antiquated line.  It includes a lot of vintage images.  I recently purchased some 8 x 8 mini-album pages and other accesories from the "Documented" line by Simple Stories.  Combined with the Antiquated line of images, I think I will be able to create a nice little album using some really old black and white photo's.  I don't have all the sets yet, but once I get them and it's all done, I will share.  I am completely addicted to Cheery Lynn Designs "French Doily".  I love the look I get when I cut from tissue paper and then spray it with inks.  

I'm off to work and then grocery shopping for the rest of my Thanksgiving meal ingredients!  I will be missing my daughter this year.  But I"m soooo thankful to have my son and his girlfriend.  I love the time we spend together cooking in the kitchen, listening to Christmas music,  and then decorating the tree's.  Did I mention I'm in love with his girlfriend.  She is so sweet .... and she likes to craft!  We spent the day together last wednesday and I really enjoyed it.  

Check out Pink Persimmon stamps HERE.

Thanks for stopping by today ....  and in case I don't get a chance to post again this week .... 
Happy Thanksgiving!!

hugs, Melisa

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Project Details

Stamps : Pink Persimmon "Society Lady" and "Parcel Post  "

Patterned Paper : My Mind's Eye 6 x 6 paper pad "Portabello Rd"

Die : "French Pastry Doily" Cheery Lynn Designs

Lace : Hobby Lobby

Pearls : "Say it with Pearls - Butterfly Pearls" Prima

Decorative Scissors : Deckled by Fiskars

Fall Banner / Textured Leaf Tutorial

Hello paper crafters.   Today I want to share a fall banner I designed using  Pink Persimmon's "Big Banner with Rosettes" and "ATC Sized Background - Fairy Tale".    I'm also sharing a tutorial on how I created the leaf embellishments.  This little banner could easily be turned into a "Give Thanks" banner as well.  And .... for a casual dinner table, I think the leaf / button embellishments I made could be converted into a napkin ring holder.  

This "Big Banner" set is so awesome!!  With this set you could create a banner for every holiday.  I didn't use the rosettes this time, so you have to hop over and check them out.

I love the texture and variation of color I was able to create on my die cut leaves with an embossing folder and acrylic paint.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

If you create a banner using "Big Banner", I'd love to see your idea's.  I will need some inspiration for future holidays!

hugs,  Melisa

Check out Pink Persimmon stamps HERE.

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Project Details

Stamps : "Big Banner with Rosettes" and "ATC Sized Background Fairy Tale" Pink Persimmon

Check out Pink Persimmon stamps HERE.

Patterned Paper : Scenic Route Company - banner (old) and The Paper Studio - small leaves (Hobby Lobby)

Ink : Tsukineko "Pearlescent Chocolate"

Chipboard letters : The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby)

Wooden Buttons : Favorite Findings (one of the local craft stores)

Twine : Papertrey Ink     Ribbon : Hug Snug seam binding

Acrylic Paint :  Various Americana colors

Spray Ink : Adirondack "Sunset Orange"

Die cut leaves : large - Creative Cuts and More, small - Provo Craft (old)

Embossing Folder : Cuttlebug "Textile Texture"

File set : Basic Grey (Hobby Lobby)

Stamp flag image on patterned paper and cream cardstock.  Trim around scallops of cream flags.  Trim around stitch line of patterned paper flags and adhere to cream flags.  Stamp script image on cream cardstock.  Adhere front of chipboard fonts to back of script image.  Trim around edges with exacto-knife.  File around edges with file set tools.  Ink edges and adhere to each banner.  Emboss leaf die cuts (I started with 2 orange maple and 3 brown oak).  

The oak leaf was a dark brown.  Create more depth by layering on acrylic paint with your fingers.  I used a dark orange color here.

Add more paint. I used a cream on this one.

Here I lightly sprayed with Sunset Orange spray ink and then used a paper towel to soak some of it up.  It changed the color of the cream paint to a yellowish orange color.  

I went back over with a dark brown here and there and then ink the edges brown.  Just keep layering until you get lots of different shades.

The maple leaf was a bright orange.  I started layering paint again beginning with a dark brown and then tan. Sprayed with the Sunset Orange and blotted off with paper towel.  Then added more paint and inked the edges.

Cut smaller leaves from patterned paper and ink edges.  Paint wooden buttons with cream paint and add twine bows.  Layer leaves and buttons.  Punch holes in each end of each flag.  Thread seam binding through.  Adhere leaf embellishments.

Background Tutorial !

2.5" x 3.5" Artist Trading Card

Hello paper crafters!  Today I am sharing an Artist Trading Card with a background technique that can be used for your card making as well.  I designed this one using Pink Persimmon's "Vintage Cupcake" and "ATC Background Springtime".

Check out Pink Persimmon stamps HERE.

Hope you are inspired to try this technique!

Melisa

You can check out all my background tutorials HERE.
You can check out all my ATC's HERE.
You can check out all my Pink Persimmon projects HERE.

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Project Details

Stamps : Pink Persimmon "Vintage Cupcake" and "ATC Background Springtime"
Check out Pink Persimmon stamps HERE.
Patterned Paper :  Authentique "Essentials Collection" 6 x 6 paper pad (blue)
Ink : VersaMark Watermark Ink
My Mind's Eye Miss Carolina 6 x 6 paper pad (pink)
Butterfly Punch : Martha Stewart
Floral Punch : EK Success
Chalk : Pebbles Inc.
Glue : Aleene's Tacky Glue
Glitter : Recollections Extra Fine Glitter

Draw 2.5" x 3.5" rectangle on the back of patterned paper.

Trim inside the lines with deckled scissor, and ink edges.

Trim slightly smaller piece of white cardstock.  Stamp background image with VersaMark Watermark Ink.  Let it dry for a few minutes.  Rub chalk over background.  Ink edges and adhere to trimmed pattern paper.  I love the softness of the chalks.

Stamp cupcake once on white cardstock and once on patterned paper.  Color cupcake brown and trim.  Trim cupcake liner, ink edges and adhere to cupcake stamped on cardstock.   Apply thick white glue to icing.  If it flows over lines, use a tooth pick to remove.  Sprinkle with glitter.  Punch flowers x 2,  layer, and ink edges.  Punch butterflies, color butterfly body,  then ink edges.  After icing has dried, embellish with punched flower. Add pearl to flower center.  Adhere to background.  Type word's, cut, ink edges, doodle around edges, and adhere to ATC.

See ya next month with another ATC / Background tutorial!