PPA Pick and a new challenge!

Some exciting news this morning! My entry into the Pals Paper Arts challenge was selected as one of the PPA Picks! I'm very honoured to have been one of the three selected winners :)

I'm looking forward to taking part in the sketch challenge, which will be revealed on Thursday. Why don't you play along too!

In other news, I tried my hand a few "new" things that I'd like to share. I wanted to participate in the SUO Challenge (Stampin' Up! Only), and they urged us to use a technique that is either new, or one that you seldom use. I decided to do both!

The new technique is the Iris Folding technique, which I've had my 'eye' (hahaha...) on for quite some time. There are many great tutorials on youtube, like this one, and this one. This is another technique borrowed from quilting.  Now, I have to admit, I made a few mistakes and I'm not 100% happy with the final product, but I think it was a good first go at it. I think the next time I try it, I'll use a more basic shape... using the "H" and "J" leave little room for the 'shutter' pattern to be visible.


The second 'technique' isn't so much a technique, but it's still something I do very little of - scrapbooking. I really wanted to get this picture of Hunter and Jackson with Santa someplace so I could bring it out each year - I chose to do it 8 x 10 to fit a nice frame I already had laying around! In the photo, Hunter is 3 and Jackson is 3 months :)

Materials used:
Cardstock:  Marina Mist, Whisper White, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Early Espresso
Paper: Letters to Santa DSP
Stamps: Winter Post, Petite Pairs
Inks: Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red
Embellishments: Old Olive grosgrain ribbon
Tools: Dotted Scallop Border punch, Decorative Label punch, Top Note die, Curly Label punch, Postage Stamp punch, Big Shot, 3/16" Corner Round punch

Can't Stamp the Rain facebook page is only 22 fans from having a draw! Go on over and "like" it to be entered :)

Until next time - Happy Stamping!

-Tara