Hi, I'm glad you stopped by.  This is the third post in my series, The 10 Days of November. 
You can access previous posts here, and here.

As I was planning this series, I knew I wanted to include a few handmade journaling and filler cards.

For these cards, I primarily used  Papertrey Ink stamps and dies.  I love the new Monthly Moments-November stamp set.  I might have to go back and take another look at previous Monthly Moments stamp sets! 

I made 4 of the journaling card below, and will place them at each place setting on our Thanksgiving table.  Every year as we lounge around the table, we take turns sharing what we are thankful for.  This year, I decided to have those thoughts documented (in their own handwriting), and include them in The 10 Days of November album.

Tomorrow, I'll share the foundation pages for The 10 Days of November. 

One-Layer Simplicity Challenge #11

This month the One-Layer Simplicity challenge is Home, Sweet Home.  I decided to use Stampin' Up's new Wondrous Wreath set.  Many of the cards I've seen around blogland using this set are done in the various shades greens with red berries.  I thought fall colors would a pretty. 

You can link your card to the One-Layer Simplicity blog.  You still have a few more days to play.


Supplies: Stamps - Wondrous Wreath, Stampin' Up & Thinking of You (sentiment), Papertrey Ink Ink- Harvest Gold, Orange Zest, Tettacotta Tile, Papertrey Ink  Twine 

The 10 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 2

Today is Day 2 in my series, The 10 days of Thanksgiving.  You can find Day 1 here.   I thought I would share my process when starting a new scrapbook project.

First, I choose the album.  What size do I need for my project?  What color or material (cover) do I want?   Then, I decide on the card stock and patterned paper.  What's my theme?  How much paper do I need?  Did I really say that?  One can never have too much paper, right?  With all the collection packs and pads available today, it's easy to find exactly what you are looking for.  And, with many of the collections you will find alphabet stickers, journaling cards, and element stickers included. 

For this project I'm using Carta Bella's, A Perfect Autumn collection and Simple Stories - Snap Studios, 6 x 8 faux leather album in brown.  I wanted a smaller album (not the standard 12 x 12) because I'm only documenting 10 days each year.  This will be the featured coffee table display book during the month of November, so I need a practical size.  

 

Next, I shop my stash looking for embellishments that coordinate with my theme and color palette. Below are some of the items I plan to use.  I know I'll be adding to this assortment with die cuts, stamps, and I'm sure, more embellishments.  Embellish until you're heart's content, right?

I would love to hear what your creative process is when starting a new project! 

Look for more posts in my series, The 10 Days of Thanksgiving.  I'll share my thoughts on "must have" tools, handmade journaling cards ideas, foundations pages, and of course, the end result.

The 10 Days of November: Day 1

Welcome to the 10 Days of November.  This project is a November Daily, if you will.   Let me explain.  The 10 days represent the Friday before Thanksgiving and continues through the week of Thanksgiving, ending on Sunday. This year the dates are Friday, November 21 – November 30, 2014.  To me, this is Thanksgiving!  It's when family and friends come together, traveling across the country or across town.  It’s about the love and traditions we share.  And, it's about the stories and memories we remember.

I’ve been considering a project like this for some time, and out of sheer frustration, I decided it was time to make it happen!   Thanksgiving is not just a day sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas!  It's a special holiday and it needs to be spotlighted. 

I know you are all familiar with the December Daily concept.  It’s a wonderful project highlighting all those special moments during the month of December. I needed create a small version (fewer days) for documenting those same special memories during Thanksgiving.  Of course, I could incorporate my 10 Days of November into Project Life each year, but by doing that, my project didn’t seem to have the importance I was looking for.  I love the idea of a separate, smaller album just for Thanksgiving.  This is something I plan to add to each year, and display during the Thanksgiving holiday.

As I was planning my 10 days of November, I made a list of things I wanted to include and photograph.  I thought some of these ideas might help you.  Of course, this is not my original list.  You probably couldn’t read it.  Thank goodness my daughter Katelyn, came to my rescue and put together this beautiful list.  Thanks Kate!

I hope you’ll join me in documenting your 10 days of November, however please feel free to fine-tune your November album with any time period that works for you.  You may feel the 7 Days of November is a better fit!  Do I hear 5 days?  I would love to hear what you are doing.

Please stop back by this week for additional posts of my 10 Days of November series.    

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Happy Halloween...

Wishing you a Halloween full of treats and screams! 

I wanted to share a couple of Halloween treats (actually the packaging) I put together, last minute.  Very last minute!  The request came from my youngest daughter.  Last night she asked if I would make "something" Halloween for a few of her friends.  Our dialogue went something like this: "Honey, Halloween is tomorrow"!  "Ya mom, I know".   At that point, I knew anything else I might have said was pointless!  My daughter is 16...!

So, feeling really good about her request, I went to work.  All stamps and die cuts are Reverse Confetti.  They quickly became my inspiration, as most of the items were still on my work table from previous projects!      

Clear pillow boxes are something I keep on hand.  I find them useful for package anything from gift cards, to jewelry, to candy. Really anything small.  I purchased these from Etsy.

I hope this post will be helpful the next time you have to put together some pretty packaging, even if you have little to no notice. 

I hope you'll stop by next week for a Thanksgiving project I've been working on.

More Halloween Cards and a Question

Do you ever feel like you are cheating when you've made a card with no stamping?  I actually thought that as I was finishing up these cards.  When I came to my senses, I realized these cards came together quickly, and I was pleased with the results. So, what more could I possibly want?  In the end, I just needed a few more cards to hand deliver to a few neighbors (along with some goodies, of course).  I achieved that. 

My thoughts: not every card has to be labor intensive, loaded with layers and bling, or hand stamped. There is a place for cards that can be assembled easily.  For example, if you are making more than three or four cards, that’s mass production (in my opinion).  You need a design that comes together quickly.  No frills!

So what are your thoughts on "non-stamped" cards?  How often do you create them?

The trick or treat dies are from a 2013 Papertrey Ink release.  They're not retired, thank goodness! Last Halloween I used these dies to create some cute packaging. 

With the second card, I did some spatter on the inside.  I wish I would have taken a picture to show you.  It was just around the edges to decorate the inside.  I hope the spatter trend sticks around for awhile.  I'm having fun with it.

A New Look ... And Some Cards

Welcome to "A Paperie Journey's" new look!  For those of us old gals, a facelift.  I was looking for something clean and simple but stylish.  I feel I've achieved that look.  What do you think?

Okay, on with the show...  I have a few Halloween cards to share with you. 

First, let me tell you I've fallen in love with Cast A Spell stamp set by Reverse Confetti .  All three cards are from that set.

 

 

I've been wanting to experiment with spatter and I finally did with the card above   So much fun!  Since I was working with regular cardstock and not watercolor paper, I decided to use acrylic paint (watered down a bit) and a narrow paintbrush.   

 



For this card, my inspiration came from HERE, the Reverse Confetti blog.  I'm not even sure I can say "inspiration".  I CASE'D it (copy and steal everything)!   I loved the card.  It was clean and simple and ... just adorable! 

I'm planning a regular post each month (the last week of the month), One Set-Three Ways.  I hope this monthly segment will help you optimize your stamp sets.

Thanks for stopping by.
 

More One-Layer Christmas/Holiday Tags (OLW166)

I wasn't thrilled with the one-layer tags I posted for the OLW challenge on Wednesday.  Since that post, I've been playing with mists, distress inks, and sprays in an effort to make a more interesting one layer tag.  I have two to show you. 

For the tag above, I misted the background with Silver Sugar Glimmer Mist.  To me, the color looks like a shimmery medium gray.  Very pretty!  The poinsettias are stamped with Papertrey Ink's Raspberry Fizz and the center of each flower has three little dots of Cotton Candy Stickles.  The "to and from" are stamped on the back of the tag.

 
The second tag was stamped with Barn Red Distress Ink on glossy card stock.  It has a nice marble effect to it, although you can't tell it by my photography skills.

The week's OLW post can be found here.  You still have time to play and just think,  you'll have a jump start on you Christmas tags.

One-Layer Wednesday ~ Christmas/Holiday Tags (OLW166)

Welcome to this week's One-Layer Wednesday challenge.  With the holidays right around the corner, let's make one-layer Christmas/Holiday Tags.

I have a few to share with you.

Santa's hat was colored with Prisma pencils and topped with a pom pom. 

For the tag above, I used a PSX stamp from 1999.  Believe it or not, I found this beauty at a garage sale last year.  I colored the image with Prisma pencils and added some bling.

If you look closely, you can see glitter on this tag.

I can't wait to see what your tags!


OLW166 Rulesl.  Create a one layer tag.  This is defined as a single layer of cardstock.  No other    
     layers allowed.

2.  Create a Christmas/Holiday tag.  Remember to keep  embellishments to a minimum and NO      ADDITIONAL layers of cardstock.
     
3.  Post your card online and link it to the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post.  If you link to 
     your blog, please link to the specific post and not your blogs main page.

4.  HAVE FUN!

OLW 164 - Play the Game

A quick post before the One-Layer Wednesday (OLW164) deadline!

This week's host is Ardyth.  Her challenge, Play the Game.  Create a one layer card inspired by a game or some form of play. 

Here's my take on Ardyth's challenge.  Playing music!

The treble clef stamp is a textured or distressed image, just in case you thought it was poor stamping.

The Details:

Stamps: Stampers Anonymous - Frame/Background Stamp, Stampabilities - Image & Sentiment -  A Muse (Retired) 

Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black & Palette Vintage Cream

Paper: Kraft

Accessories: Stamp-A-Ma-Jig & Twine



Packaging...

I can't believe it's already the first week of November!  Where did October go? 

Okay!  Moving on.  Let me ask you, how many of you give gift cards during the holidays, or throughout the year for that matter?  With my family scattered across the country, and teen/tween  nieces and nephews, I find gift cards are always well received, and much less expensive to send. Even my teenage daughters request gift cards. 

Please, don't think that I just send gift cards for the ease of gift giving! When my nephews were younger, I took great pains in finding the most awesome gifts.  Of course, I wanted to be the "coolest " Auntie ever"!  About six years ,when Lightsabers (a fictional weapon or laser sword, made famous by Star Wars) were so popular, I sent my nephews two for Christmas. Later, I found out my sister wouldn't let my nephews have them as she felt they were violent.  Really?  Needless to say, I never sent another gift again.  Gift cards only! 

With that said, I don't like to give a gift card without dressing it up in some way.  It's all about the packaging.  Gift card packaging!

This month, every Monday, I will feature gift card packaging ideas for you.  This week, I'm starting off with a simple gift card die from Papertrey Ink. 

I thought long and hard before purchasing this die.  It's an investment.  I actually calculated the cost of the die verses other packaging option and how often I thought I would use it.  End result, I love it.  I'm so glad I purchased it.  It's already paid for itself!  You can't ask for anything more, right?

Let me show you some examples.  After die cutting, this is what the Gift Card Greetings die looks like.

Here's an inside view.  As you can see, I did some stamping on the inside ("to and from" on the bottom flap and "sending holiday cheer" on the top flap).   Very simple.

Here's a view of the top flap.

Here, I've added some embellishments to the basic die.

And here, a fun interpretation of the Gift Card Greetings die.

Pin It

With this one Gift Card Greetings die there are so many possibilities.  Just let your creativity take over.

I hope you'll stop by next Monday for more Gift Card Packaging ideas.

Supplies:  Stamps: Papertrey Ink  Paper: Stampin' Up-Whisper White, Bazzil Black and Red, Unknow Silver, Memory Box-Red Dot  Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Papertrey New Leaf and Pure Poppy  Accessories: Bow Maker, Papertrey Ink Gift Card Greetings die, Unlimited Ovals 1 3/4, Tiny Tags, Twine, Fiskers Square Punch 1 Inch and 1 1/4 Inch Punch, 1/4 Circle Punch.

One-layer Wednesday (OLW 163), LIM & Addicted to CAS

This week, the ever so talented Karen is our One-Layer Wednesday host.  Her challenge, 'Orange' You Glad You Played Along.  How fun and easy is this? 

As luck would have it, the code word for Addicted to CAS is "One-Layer".  And, the Less is More challenge this week is "String or Twine".

I love mums.  In my opinion, the are the epitome of fall.  They are the quintessential flower of Fall.

  
Now I have to tell you, I don't think I've have ever wasted so much cardstock trying to put together a card in my life!  I tried several times to place the leaves along side the mum's with no luck.  They just didn't look right/good.  As a last resort, I masked the mums, and then I had some success.  Think about it, trying to cut a mask for these images.  Not an easy task. 

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey  Ink: Papertrey  Paper: Papertrey  Accessories: Button, & Twine, and Post It Notes For masking.

October Papertrey Blog Hop

It's the 25th of the month and that means it's time for the Papertrey Blog Hop.  This month it's all about tags.



I used a combination of burlap and felt to add interest.  The doilies were misted with Old Lace Glimmer Mist.  It adds a beautiful shimmer to the tags.  Unfortunately you can't see it in the picture. 

I am also linking to CAS-UAL Fridays ~ Tags & Bags challenge.

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey Ink  Paper: Lilybee, Making Memories and Papertrey Ink: Memento-Tuxedo Black Accessories: Papertrey Die Cuts, Felt, Burlap, Papertrey Buttons, Jingle Bells, Twine and Glimmer Mist

Mojo Monday #316

Hi!  Since it's Wednesday you may be here looking the One-Layer Wednesday (OLW) challenge.  Karen is our host this week.  You find her challenge here.

On to today's post. 

I'm trying to squeak out a few more Halloween cards, and this week's Mojo Monday challenge caught my eye.

I started out by misting a white doily with Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist, Lavender Fields.  Then on to my die cutting machine for the Spider web.  With a 6 x 6 pad of patterned paper, a few embellishments, and a great sketch a girl can make some cards! 

A girl can make some pretty awesome envelopes too, with the We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board!  In case you're wondering, I'm not a paid representative for We R Memory Keepers,
although I wish I were.....!  I love my envelope maker.

I'm also joining the 4 Crafty Chicks challenge (Layers).

Thanks for stopping by!

One-Layer Wednesday 162 ~ Leaves

This week, Heather is hosting our One-Layer Wednesday challenge (OLW 162).  Her challenge, leaves.  I have a feeling Heather was probably thinking fall leaves, right? 

In an ongoing effort to use stamps (that have never seen ink before), each week I pull a set or two and display them prominently on my worktable to use. This morning, as I was thinking about the OLW challenge, I saw leaves on my worktable!  Okay, so they were holly leave, but leaves all the same.

These leaves are from a Close to My Heart set (A Holiday A1115), my MIL gave me. 

I made three different OLW cards.  All very similar, but a bit different.  With the first card, I though the little pom-poms would make cute berries.

With my second card, I wanted to use sequins to bling it up a bit. A girl has to be trendy whenever possible, right?

And with my third card I just used stamps.  No bling, just some twine.

All three cards are 4 1/4 square with matching envelopes made with We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board. 

It's not often that I get really excited about a tool, but the Envelope Punch Board is awesome if you like to make matching envelopes, or just use up your scraps.

Supplies: Stamps: Close To My Heart - A Holiday  Ink: Papertrey - Pure Poppy, New Leaf, Simply Chartreuse and Memento - Tuxedo Black  Paper: Papertrey - White (Card Base), Envelopes - Paper Studios   Accessories: We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board & Twine.  

Freshly Made Sketches 108

I love the sketch at Freshly Made Sketches this week.  Lately, I find working with a sketch is helpful.  My cards seem to come together faster, and with less stress. Yes, I said stress!  Tell me you've all experienced that feeling?  You're trying to put together a card/project to post.  The dog is barking, the timer just went off on the dryer, your daughter is wanting you to look over her school project, the dishes are still sitting in the sink from dinner, then your other daughter (who's away at college) is blowing up your phone with text messages!  Secretly, you think "thank goodness my husband is working late tonight!  Yes, sometimes there's stress.

Now I know why I've been using more sketches lately!

Pin It

If you are looking for some sketches to try, Pinterest is a great source.  Also, in a previous post, I listed some of my favorite sketch sites.  You can find that post here.

Supplies:  Stamps: Hero Arts and My Favorite Things (Sentiment)  Paper: Carta Bella 6x6 paper Pad - So This Is Christmas  Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black  Accessories: Snowflake and Label, and scallop border Die Cuts - My Favorite Things, Spellbinders, Copic Markers, Bling, Baker's Twine and Ribbon.

Packaging...

I love pretty packaging. I'm always on the lookout for pretty packaging ideas (Hello Pinterest)!  When I discovered a die cut for a pillow box, I did a little happy dance. Using up my supplies and pretty packaging all in one easy step.

Recently, I sent my daughter, her roommate and two other freshman (in my daughter's dorm) a Halloween care package.  Included were these pillow boxes filled with candy. 

 

Pin It

These were all made from the same die cut along with various embellishments and designer paper.  The die cut I used is from Papertrey Ink.  I know My Favorite Things also has a pillow die cut that's square, and a bit smaller.  I'm thinking I probably need both, right?  Now, I'm sure there are other pillow dies out there, however these are the two that I'm familiar with.

Okay, in an effort to provide full disclosure, I do not work for, or receive gifts from either company, however a girl can wish!

As I mentioned, these pillow boxes were filled with Halloween candy, but just think of the possibilities.  You can use these for any holiday, birthday or gift giving occasion, and aside from packaging for a small gift, they can be used as gift card holders too. 

I hope you don't mind if I share one other item in the Halloween care package.

The girls needed something "Halloween" in their dorm so I made these pillowcases.

I hope you'll visit again because I have a "gift card packaging" series planned for early November.
 

So Many Sketch Challenges, Oh My!

If you're here for the OLW challenge this week, please click here.
 
Okay, my card was inspired by this week's Mojo Monday sketch.  What a great sketch.  It's so versatile. I'm thinking Christmas, Birthday, Thank You.... I could go on.
 

Here's my card, A Spooky Halloween.

Have you noticed how many great sketch challenges there are?  Wow!  Recently, I decided to compile a list.  This is not a complete list by any means.  These are just a some challenge sites that I've found, and like.  If you have some favorites, please let me know and I will add them to the list and post them.

Sketch Challenge Blogs:

Case This Sketch:  http://casethissketch.blogspot.ca/

Freshly Made Sketches:  http://freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com/

Retro Sketches:  http://retrosketches.blogspot.in/

Seize The Sketch:  http://seizethesketch.blogspot.com/

Unscripted Sketches:  http://unscriptedsketches.com/

Mojo Monday:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/

The Sweet Stop:  http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/

A sketch is always a great way to jump start your card project!  Or, if you've lost your mojo (from time to time, we all do), start with a sketch and see where it takes you. 

I hope you find these sketch blogs helpful.


Supplies: Stamps: Image-Inkadinkado, Sentiment- Hero Arts  Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black  Paper: Authentique, Card Base-Stampin' Up  Accessories:   Bling, Sequins, Buttons and Seam Binding

One-Layer Wednesday 161 ~ Show Me Your Colors

Welcome to another One-Layer Wednesday (OLW).  This week, Show Me Your Colors. Your fall colors.  You can choose any theme you wish.

OLW161 Rules:

 

l.  Create a one layer card.  This is defined as a single layer of cardstock folded in half.  No other layers allowed.

 

2.  Create a card using fall colors.  Add a link to your card.  Remember to keep embellishment to a 

 minimum and NO ADDITIONAL layers of cardstock.

 

3.  Post your card online and link it to the InLinkz button below.  If you link to your blog, please link 

 to the specific post and not your blogs main page.

 

4.  HAVE FUN!  I can't wait to see what you create.

 

 

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey & Memory Box  Ink: Papertrey & Memento  Paper: Kraft  Accessories:  Stamp Positioner, Score Board, & Bling

 

 

An Update And Another Use For Washi Tape

Earlier this week I told you about a wonderful charity, Cards For Hospitalized Kids.  You can see my post here.

I'm happy to report I reached my goal.  I made twenty five Halloween cards with envelopes for Cards For Hospitalized Kids. I thought I would share a few of them with you.  They are all simple in design due to the number I wanted to make and time restraints.

I decorated the inside of each card with stamps and Washi Tape.  I don't know why I haven't thought of using my "collection" of  Washi Tape to embellish the inside of cards before.  I love using Washi Tape, instead of just collecting it!  I'm sure some of you can relate.

Here's a peek at the inside of two cards.

I hope you'll consider sending some of your cards to Cards For Hospitalized Kids too!

Have a wonderful week.