Basic Grey 'Periphery'...Muted Color Series

I am very excited to share with you a new series that I am going to be doing which will feature a variety of paper sets. Now...I know that people/manufacturers/blogs/websites, etc. all have their own terminology when it comes to referring to items that we all use regularly, and 'paper' has it's own as well. Because this series is going to continually refer to paper, we need to be on the same 'page' (no pun...well, ok...you caught me).
I refer to it as 'patterned paper'. Easy-peasy.

These cards were created using Basic Grey's 'Periphery' set. It is not one of the newest sets, but I am just getting around to being inspired by it and I must say, I can't put it away. I have altered some of the colors by ink distressing the edges, but what you see is pretty much what you get with these fabulous papers.

This is all paper layering including the die cuts, which were a part of the set. The only 'extras' were the alpha die cuts (which are from Paper Studio), flowers (everybody's favorite Primas) and the fibers, brads and buttons. The stamps (Scrappy Cat) were a perfect fit with the giant letters. I also squeezed a little Artful INKables image in from the Steampunk Sarah Set.
It's the tiny, little gear on the tiny, little tag.
My philosophy is 'it's all in the details'.
Not a lot of stamping here, but hopefully these cards will inspire you to look at what YOU might have that can be layered and distressed.

If you are one who purchases your patterned papers by the sheet, the design sheets used on these projects are 'pinot noir', 'Sauvignon' and 'cork' all from the Basic Grey Periphery Set. That's it...just those three designs. The set has so many more to choose from and I will be sharing more of those with you soon.

Each week, I look forward to sharing a new series with you. In the meantime, do you already have a favorite set of 'patterned papers' or is there a set you have that you keep pulling out but then end up putting back because you just don't know what to do? I'd love for you to share....just leave a comment at the end of this post...
let's see what we can do together!

Here's Something Completely Different!

Glad to share with you a new project using one of the newest sets from Artful INKables. If you are new to my blog,
I am a Design Team Member for AI and each Wednesday
(and many days in between) you will get to see
something new from this fabulous company.

For this project, I used stamps from the 'Steampunk Sarah' set. Now if you look at the complete set over at AI, you would see that for the foreground, I used the airplane propeller.
I did that to remind everyone that there are many more ways to use our stamps than the intended design.
They could be 'spinning' propellers or flowers.
I love the verse on the front, too!

A few layers of cardstock builds up your card to add dimension. I added some striped ribbon, brads and rhinestones for even a little more of that dimensional effect, and that's it!
I hope you will head on over to the Artful INKables blog and check out some of the other projects there. The DT have been working on new samples to whet your appetite.
And don't forget the 'Think INK Tuesday' challenges. You still have time to get your creation entered!

I'll be back later with the Wednesday Night Favorites
and some updates on the homefront.

The Wait is Finally Over! Hop on In!

Hey guys! This is the day we have been waiting for!

Welcome to the Artful INKables Blog Hop!
Did you stop by here after visiting the AI blog? If not, make sure you start from the beginning at Artful INKables and then proceed from there.
That way, you won't miss any of the great projects from the AI Design Team.

Today we are celebrating the NEW AI Design Team in conjunction with the
release of THREE BRAND NEW STAMP SETS

Each blog on the hop will feature one of the new sets and an
opportunity to win ALL 3!
Just hop along to each blog, leave a comment and cross your fingers!
That's all there is to it!

The new set that I am featuring today is called 'Steampunk Sarah'.
There are so many amazing possibilities with this 12 pc set,
so make sure you add it to your shopping cart over at AI.

I'm so glad you stopped by! While you're here, click the FOLLOW button to your right and join the fun here at The Open Window. Brand new play dates, tutorials and challenges await!

Your next stop on the hop is
Jen's blog just click here!

In the meantime....I will be back a little later today
with an update from my studio including
5 deserving ladies who are going to receive a blog award!