Blog Hoppin with Papertrey!!

My first Blog Hop--I'm so excited!! (and I don't know what I'm doing!)

The idea this month is to pick a Papertrey designer and a favorite project of theirs, and give it your own unique little twist. And first of all...this challenge is a quick reminder of just how good those designers are. Trying to emulate an artist lets you know why THEY are THE artist!! So my hat goes off to each and every one of them for beautiful, balanced, colorful, inspiring projects...day after day, week after week, all year long! I so look forward to release week at http://www.papertreyink.com/ each month for some of the absolute best in stamping and crafting inspiration.

The designer I keep going back to, (several times a week, just to check...no pressure Betsy) is Betsy Veldman. You can find her here...http://scrapbookgirl.typepad.com/paper-scissors-and-superh/ (I know...like you hoppers don't already know.) I LOVE...1. her vintage take on most projects, 2. her knack at pulling bright colors together and softening them to make them look like the BELONG together, 3. her use of die cuts and elements that make each and every project unique, and 4. her use of detail, detail, detail...I just never know what to expect, but am never disappointed. Oh, and can't forget number 5!!... I think she really is a sweetie! (Thanks again for the linking help Betsy...here I am!)

It was hard to pick a single project but I chose one from her Butterfly Dreams post. I am so, so sorry but I have tried everything I know and cannot get the picture placed here on my post. The post is from Feb. 9th, Seeing Spots and Butterfly Dreams. Such a pretty but simple looking card...I apologize that I cannot show it. I loved the way Betsy layered different strips from the scallop border, and stitched it at the top edge...such a pretty look. She used the Butterfly Dreams stamp set and the butterfly die cut (which I don't yet have). I'm really loving butterflies lately too, so I though this project would be fun to work with. When I started the card, I hadn't received my new Pretty Pastel papers, (just got them yesterday, before I finished today) so I used Background Basics: Retro to create my layered borders. I used another border punch, as I'm patiently waiting for the scallop borders to come back in stock. I almost feel silly showing my completed card, knowing it's being compared to BETSY'S!! But here it is...BE NICE!!

Hope I've not embarrassed you, Betsy, with the result of what I've gained from you in the last few months. I'm for sure a work-in-progress! Thanks again, to you and the ALL the girls for sharing your talent and inspiration!

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Supplies:

Cardstock: Vintage Cream (PTI), kraft (Paper Studio)

Paper: Pretty Pastels (PTI) plaid paper (?)

Ink: Hibiscus Burst, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss, Orange Zest, Fresh Snow (PTI)

Wheat Versa Magic

Punches: (butterflies) Paper Studio, Martha Stewart, (border) Fiskars, Spellbinders Labels 4 Die

Stamps: Paper Studio and Fancy Flourishes, Background Basics: Retro, Mega Mixed Messages (PTI)

Other: Aqua Mist ribbon (PTI), Prisma glitter, pearls and rinestones (?)