Oh my, this weekend has been a whirlwind. I spent the last few days up until 3, 4 and 5 AM working on orders, finalizing details of the Watercolor Blog Hop and slowly getting things a little more organized in the studio. Slowly but surely, things are being crossed off the to-do list, which is always a good thing.
Over the weekend, Laura emailed me saying she needed to step down from the team due to her school schedule.As many of you know, she’s in her last year of high school, so school is super important. I am so sad she’s no longer part of the team, but I’m grateful for the time she was with us. I wish you all the best, Laura!
Today I wanted to announce the brand new Pretty Pink Posh designer. She is an amazing crafter that I’ve been admiring for quite some time and I am honored to have her joining our team. I love her beautiful crafting style, plus her videos are always so much fun to watch. Please join me in welcoming Carissa Wiley to the team!
In other news, today the gals over at CardMaker magazine are doing a mini blog hop featuring Pretty Pink Posh! I saw some of the cards and they are super creative. If you feel like a little Monday inspiration, visit their blogs:
To celebrate this mini hop, I’m hosting a giveaway that features some of my current favorites in the shop. (These are like my babies, it’s hard to pick a true favorite)
I hope that you all have a great start to your week! Thanks for spending some time with me today. I’ll be back later this week with some cards and blog hop winners!
It’s been two weeks since the new dies and sequins were released and I know that many of you have already gotten your orders. Hooray! For those who still have orders in, fear not, I just got restock shipments on all the new products, so there’s lots in the shop!
On my first card, I decided to go with blues and browns for this card- a color palette I think looks darling for baby cards. For my focal point, I used the Noah’s Ark stamp from DeNami Design. How cute is this stamp?! I went with subtle coloring so the cardstock and sequins colors could really stand out. When I finished off the card, I thought it needed a little more texture so I added the yummy champagne chevron twill ribbon.
On my second card, I went with my current go-to colors- purple, green and gray. These colors are so striking and every time I put together a new batch of the Enchanted Garden embellishment kit, I want to play with the products. I wanted to create a shaker card using these beautiful colors and since I just got the Baby Party Animals set from Simon Says Stamp, I thought it would look cute on this card. This stamp set is DARLING! As I was creating, I decided I wanted to try to incorporate the bracket die from the Stitched Borders 3. I must say, I really love the way it looks at the bottom of cards! If you are a fan of the little sequin flowers, you’ll definitely want to get the new Lilac Garden Flowers. This pack has four different colored flowers in one package and they add the perfect little touch to your craft projects. LOVE!
PRIZES: be sure to leave comments on each stop- I’m giving away 2 $25 gift certificates to two random comments left before May 18, 2015 at 11:59 PM PDT.
Ready to hop along and see LOTS more fabulous inspiration from the design team?
Thank you all for your enthusiasm about the new dies, sequins and embellishment kit and for spreading the word about Pretty Pink Posh. Be sure to join me tomorrow- I’ll be making the BIG blog hop announcement with over 12 sponsors and there will be exclusive coupon codes, too!
I’m so very excited to tell you all that Paper Crafter’s Library will be featuring Pretty Pink Posh today. I created a special card just for them using the new Stitched Banner Duo 2, along with some of my favorite sequins and products. Be sure to head over to the Paper Crafter’s Library for the card details AND a great prize pack that I’m giving away!
Mark your calendars for June 5th. It’s been a little while since I had the last blog hop and many of you have been requesting for another one. I’m lining up some wonderful sponsors, special guests and coupon codes that you can take advantage of before the blog hop. I’ll be making the official announcement very soon- stay tuned! Here’s a teeny peek at the graphic- any guesses what the theme might be?
I hope that you’ll be able to join along in the fun- whether you’re a participants, hopper, or both. These are always a ton of fun and it’s always so amazing to be able to team-up with some of my favorite companies and brands for these sorts of events.
Well, I better get to packing up these orders. Until next time…
Thank you all for your guesses in the matching game and for welcoming the three new designers with open arms. I am so very excited to see their first official design team projects soon and getting the opportunity to work with them over the next few months.
It’s time to announce the winner of the $50 gift certificate from that post. Those who guessed correctly were put into a raffle and I randomly selected one winner. Congratulations to Francesca in Italy on being the winner this time!
Today I’m using one of my current favorites- the Falling Rain cling stamp from Simon Says Stamp. I’m telling you, this stamp is so fun and versatile.
I wanted to create a card that was different than the others I made, so I did some color blocking- a technique I haven’t done in quite a while. I cut strips of cardstocks using a color palette I’ve been loving, adhered them to a white card base and then stamped the rain image using Versmark ink. While the ink was still wet, I sprinkled some clear embossing powder on and used a heat gun and then it was time to dress up this piece. I was pleasantly surprised to see the circles from the Stitched Duo 2 fits the hello there sentiment from the Circle Sayings set. A Stitched die + this darling sentiment= a perfect matching!
If you’re a long-time reader, you’ll probably notice I go through phases of crafting. Whether it be using specific colors, sets, or dies, if I like something, I’ll use it a whole bunch. (You have to make it worth the purchase, right?!) My current go-to favorites: the Falling Rain stamp and the scallop from the Stitched Borders 1 set. LOVE!
Today I have a new release, but things will be a little bit different in this post. I typically show a couple of cards and a new release video when I have a release and I DO plan on doing that. These last few weeks have been rough for me health wise so the amount of hours I’ve been able to work has been cut down. Not to worry, I WILL have more cards and a video coming soon…
As many of you noticed in my last release, I am a tad bit obsessed with purple lately. It’s a color that I have had a hard time using in the past, but lately, I can’t seem to put it down! I actually put together a whole embellishment kit and two sequin mixes around purple and I just LOVE how they turned out.
Today’s card showcases the two brand new die sets I’m releasing this month- the Stitched Banner Duo 2 and the Stitched Borders 3. I am so proud they turned out exactly how I envisioned and I know you all will love them, too!
For today’s card, I brought out a stamp from an unlikely source- a Christmas set. I have the sets that are brand new, or that I plan on using it a bin and this Christmas set was in it. I immediately saw the wreath and thought it would be a great spring wreath. I have now created three cards with this wreath…. see, when I like a stamp/set, I use it a ton!
Since my last release, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the time to release my next batch of flower sequins. These flowers are the perfect finishing touch for so many cards and I love the colors in this new batch called Lilac Garden Flowers.
In this closer pictures, you can see the new scallop border that’s part of the Stitched Borders 3. You know I love my borders- especially stitched borders- and I think these new ones are super versatile.
I wanted to make things super easy for you, so here are the direct links to all the new products:
Many have been asking for iridescent sequins and I finally found some colors that I think are unique and gorgeous. These will be exclusive to the Pretty Pink Posh Shop, so be sure to stock up as you won’t be able to find them at your favorite retailers.
The design team and I will be having a blog hop showcasing the new dies and sequins on May 14th and I’ll be crafting/ filming the new release soon. These new products are so fun and I know that you all will fall in love with them.
Thank you for your continued support, love and encouragement. I’ll be back soon with more inspiration!
I’ve been holding onto several secrets lately and I’m so very excited that I can share one (or rather three) of them today. It’s no secret that a huge part of having a successful online craft business is to have a talented team to help promote and inspire the use of your products.
These days, I don’t hop around blogs as nearly as much as I used to, but I’m still always on the lookout for up and coming talent. Whether it be designers I find on Instagram or Pinterest, or customers who use my products on a regular basis, I’m constantly keeping my eyes open. (This is my HUGE encouragement to keep posting your creations- I see a lot more of your blogs and creations than you think!)
In honor of this special day, and the fact that I love hosting giveaways, I’m offering up a $50 Pretty Pink Posh gift certificate! How can you win? Guess which designer made which card below. These cards can be found on their blog AND they just might be giving you a hint as to which one is theirs.
From those who guess correctly, I’ll put them into a drawing and one lucky person will get a $50 shopping spree to the Pretty Pink Posh Shop. Whether you want to catch up on previous releases, or want to hold out until the new products next month, this will come in handy!
Happy guessing! I’ll see you tomorrow for the new release!
Before I start with today’s post, I want to say thank you to everyone who left comments on my last post and video. I’m sure that just about every card-maker goes through phases of feeling like their work isn’t “up to par” and feel like they’re in a slump, but after receiving all the love I did in the post, I feel like I’m back in the card-making game (so to speak). Thank you, sweet friends.
Today have another card to share featuring the Circle Sayings from the newest Simon Says Stamp release. I typically stick with A2 size cards, but I thought it would be fun to change it up a bit and create a shaped card. I obviously had to use the Falling Rain background again (because I’m obsessed with it at the moment).
As most of you know, I’m all about getting the most out of the stamp sets that I purchase, so I try to find unique occasions and uses for my stamps. Lately, I’ve been all about this little lion from the Cosmic Stars set from Mama Elephant. I have two other cards that I created with it recently and I cannot stop using it!
Once I was placing the animals, I realized it needed some more color, so I added a patch of grass using some watercolors. To finish it off, I adhered some Silver Star sequins and my favorite yellow chevron ribbon.
It’s just days away from a new release (mark your calendars for May 1st) and I’ll be welcoming three new designers to the team. Sadly, that means it’s time to say a fond farewell to three very special gals- Maureen, Stacey and Leigh. These ladies have been so supportive of PPP and I’m grateful for all the love, encouragement and inspiration they’ve provided.
I’ll be back tomorrow with the announcement of the three new designers, along with a game that could win you a $50 PPP gift certificate! Thanks for spending some time with me today!
I am so very excited to be participating in my first Simon Says Stamp Blog Hop. They just had a new release yesterday and today a huge group of us are sharing inspiration using some of the new stamps, dies and stencils! If you are hoping along, you should have arrived from Kelly Booth’s blog.
I was giddy with excitement when I was asked to join along and equally as excited when I opened up my package and saw the new Falling Rain cling stamp. I live in Seattle (where we get LOTS of rain) and this stamp is simply perfect. Plus, it’s such a unique design and I don’t have anything else like it.
I wanted to create a fun scene highlighting the Falling Rain, so after playing with a few options, I decided to make that the backdrop for my little critters. For my focal point, I started off by creating a little water puddle using the Peacock Feathers distress ink (yes, I actually did a little watercolor!). I stamped, colored and die cut the umbrella and birds and then I added some extra touches to finish off the card.
Have you tried the Clear Wink of Stella yet? Oh my goodness, I’m kind of obsessed with it at the moment. It’s the perfect balance of shimmer, without the hassle and mess of glitter.
I’ve been getting a whole lot of requests for my card and tutorial videos again, so I thought today would be the perfect day to bring one. I’m a little rusty at crafting while filming, but I hope that you still enjoy the video!
Question: do you enjoy seeing people color images in? I was editing this video and realized I spent 20% of it coloring. Not sure what you all think about that…
Whew! That was a whole lot of info in this post. I know there are lots of other stops in this fabulous blog hop, so I’ll let you go. Be sure to leave a comment on each stop- Simon Says Stamp is giving away a prize pack on each blog!
It’s rare these days for me to get real and personal on the blog. It’s not because I don’t want to, and it’s not for lack of time, but there’s a vulnerability that comes when you open yourself up. In my previous “my life” posts(and boy, I was looking through them and there’s a lot of them now!), I’ve shared different glimpses of my life- some have had tears streaming down my face while I wrote them, and some I felt a sense of relief when I shared the issues I faced. This blog has been a way for me to share from my little corner of the world- it’s how I started and truth be told, I feel like that’s why I have had the “success” I’ve had. Many of you shop because you know me; I’m a fellow crafter, blogger, dreamer and small business owner, and I share little snippets of my imperfect-yet-beautiful life.
So, what’s been going on with me? Well, for the last 25 days, I’ve completely changed the food I’ve been eating. My dear friend recently was put on the Whole30 diet by her doctor and I was really inspired by her new lifestyle. Ever since my car accident, I’ve dealt with a lot of health issues and my once super active lifestyle changed and you know what that means… weight gain. I decided to take on the Whole30 diet for 30 days and let me tell you, my relationship with food has definitely changed. I’m one to stress eat, pleasure eat, eat when I’m bored…. I just like to eat (which is my problem)! I’m a self proclaimed bad cook, but this whole process has made me a little better in the kitchen. At the beginning, I started taking pictures of my food creations, just because I hated being in the kitchen and figured I might as well document what I made. Now, it’s a great way for me to see the progress I’ve made and also an easy way to meal plan when I’m in a slump!
In the past, I’ve had numerous readers pour their hearts and stories out to me. This, my friends, is the beauty of blogging. I love that you feel open and comfortable to share with me and I hope that our interactions have been meaningful to you as well. If you are going through a hard time or know of a friend that is, please leave me a comment, or send me an email. I’m going to put together two boxes of things I enjoy, along with a card and send them out to two of you! I’ve been wanting to do this for quite some time and even contemplated doing a sign-up program, but then I opened up the shop and things got crazy. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean I can’t keep it small and still send some of my own packages out! I’m going to try to make this a bi-monthly occurrence since I know so many are going through things and could use a little cheer in their life.
For those who want to participate on a smaller level, I challenge you to mail two cards or letters to friends or family today. Snail mail is such a rarity these days, but it’s SUCH a day brightener and is so easy!
I am so excited to purchase items to fill these first two boxes and I’m already thinking ahead to boxes in the future. I know it’s hard to face challenges, especially when you feel alone, so I’m hoping these boxes go to those who truly need some encouragement and joy. We have one life to live- let’s bless those around us!
P.S. Anyone have a good name for these boxes? I’m not sure all the logistics of how I’ll let you know when I’m ready to send new boxes out, but I didn’t want to hold off on this any longer. (Goodness knows sitting on this idea for two years was long enough!)
I wanted to pop in today with a card that I created recently. Remember when I had Easter Week and was playing with the Gleeful Gardens set? I just couldn’t get enough of the images that I made even more cards to share. As some of you know, crafty time nowadays is rare, so I try to make the most of the times I have to craft (and that usually means I create with just a few sets at a time).
I don’t know about you, but I tend to give birthday cards a couple days late. I’ll remember it’s someones birthday and if I forget to take it to the post office that day, it’s inevitably late. Well, my friends at Lawn Fawn must have known there are a lot of people like me- just look at this sentiment! Genius!
Lately I’ve been starting off a lot of my cards with the rectangle from the Stitched Duo 2 set. It’s the perfect size and you just can’t go wrong with the stitching. I created my little scene with a variety of images from the Gleeful Gardens set, added in the Grassy Border and a couple of flowers from the Spring Flowers Mix.
On the side of the focal point, I once again layered some border dies together. I used the straight line from the Stitched Borders 2 and the scallop from Stitched Borders 1. I love the way these look together and how you can bring more colors to a card depending on the cardstock you use.
In closing, I wanted to let you all know that Ellen Hutson has a coupon for all in-stock die cuts. Woohoo! You’ve seen me use a lot of die cuts recently and if you’ve been keeping a wish list, this is a great time to cross some of them off your list. Thanks for stopping in and spending some time with me. In my next post, I’ll share some PPP news and also an update on what I’ve been working on.