Ladies - The Studio

Happy Sunday! There's a new challenge at The Studio today, one all about family. I chose to scrapbook a recent photo of all of us Elzea girls at my sister's bridal shower:

I used the October kit from Scrapbook Circle, News Flash, and add-ons. I specifically pulled the new Crate Paper On Trend papers, as well as embellishments from the Dear Lizzy 5th and Frolic line. I wanted the page to feel festive, just like the bridal shower.

And do you see my title?! That's my first Silhouette Cameo cut! Whoo hoo! I can't wait to learn more about this machine so that I can use it more often. I'm still a little bit intimidated. Good thing Amanda is going to be teaching a Silhouette 101 class. I'll be that nerdy kid in the front row :).

I wanted to emphasize the word "ladies" because of an inside joke we sisters share. See, Caitlin (second from the left) began referring to us as a group with the word "ladies" when we were planning our San Diego vacation. However, she doesn't just say it normally, she uses this creepy, game show host, pick up line-esque voice that just cracks us up every time! I can't do it. I've tried. As soon as I cut the title, I sent an instagram photo of it to her. I wish you could hear it, but you'd probably think it's dumb. That's how inside jokes go, I know. But really, it's hilarious - at least to us Elzea girls ;).

If you'd like to play along with the challenge, you can find the details here. We'd love to have you! Thanks for stopping by today :). Tessa

The Studio - Happy Anniversary!

August 1st means so many things, but at the top of my list is a happy anniversary to The Studio! In 2009 I found Amanda Jones Robinson's site by way of working with her at Sketchy Thursdays. When she held a design team call in late 2009, I scrambled to get my application in before we left Wyoming for a California Christmas. In January 2010, I was ecstatic to receive the email that welcomed me to the team. What I loved most about designing there was the opportunity to work with scrapbookers from around the world. Their varying styles pushed me to try new things and Amanda's challenges were always great at making me think! I took a little break the past six months, but I am back with The Studio and today is their 3 year anniversary! So, in honor of those three years, here are my top three favorite projects that were inspired by The Studio:

#3 - Crafty Girl, fabric layout:

#2 - Fly, altered embroidery hoop:

#1 - Your Story, inspired by a challenge about books:

Thank you, Amanda, for the opportunities I've had at The Studio. I feel blessed to continue to be a part of The Studio family :). The new design team term begins this coming Sunday, so be sure to stop by for a new challenge!

Also in the news today....

My Golden Birthday Bash starts today! Click here for a 31% off coupon in the shop (wow! people are already shopping!) and a chance to win a prize package filled with 31 of my favorite scrappy things.

The Paper Cut has a new issue out! I was asked to contribute two layouts to the paper weaving article. Come take a peek at what I made :).

Scrapbook Circle has a new kit available! Check out True Stories. Why yes, that is a Lemon Yellow Precocious Paper Ruffle Blossom in the kit. And you're right, there's a Navy Blue one in the add-on, too! Wow, was I busy sewing for awhile there :). I love seeing what the design team is doing with those flowers. I hope you'll consider picking up a kit, too!

Thanks for stopping by today, and Happy August! Tessa

Designer Friday - Ruffle Blossom Projects

I am in the midst of sewing up literally hundreds of Ruffle Blossoms. These flowers have been very popular and I am happy to be sending so many off to lovely customers :). I have rounded up several Ruffle Blossom projects from the Precocious Paper design team to share with you today. First up, this lovely layout by Amanda Jones Robinson:

Amanda has combined her signature white space style with a Calico Ruffle Blossom. I love the button flair she added to the flower center, and how it repeats the patterned paper behind the flower. Love!

Here, Cassandra Cyr has created a fabulous fall layout with a Tangerine Dot Ruffle Blossom. The fabric-covered brad in the center is a great contrast to the bright orange.

Cassie used a Pink and Peach Flowers on Oatmeal Ruffle Blossom to embellish another pretty autumn page. I love that glossy brad center!

And finally, Mindy Gallagher created this sweet layout featuring a Pink and Grey Damask Ruffle Blossom. I love how Mindy clustered a trio of pretty buttons in the center :).

If you have been playing with Precocious Paper Ruffle Blossoms, I would love to see! Whether you scrapbook with them or turn them into accessories, I would love to take a peek. Post your project on the Precocious Paper Facebook page, or link me in the comments on this post. I have a little something for you when you do :). If you don't have these pretty flowers on hand yet, you can find them here. There are currently 22 patterned styles available, as well as over 30 solid colors.

Thanks to Amanda, Cassie and Mindy for the fabulous project inspiration! Enjoy your day :). Tessa

Designer Friday

Happy Friday! If you are looking for the The Twinery/Epiphany Crafts blog hop, you can find that post here. Before I get started with Designer Friday I wanted to say hello and welcome to all of my new followers :). I'm glad you're here. For those of you new to me, every Friday I share the work of my design team. They play with products from my Etsy shop, Precocious Paper, and I get to share their amazing projects with you in the Designer Friday posts. Enjoy!

Today I am sharing work by the lovely Amanda Jones. Amanda was sent the Peachy Keen Sampler, filled with handmade flower embellishments, ribbons and mulberry paper flowers.

Amanda created this layout using two of the twist flowers, two leaves, and several of the mulberry paper flowers. What a cool event to be a part of! The map paper is perfect (Pink Paislee - Butterfly Garden) and the colors work so well with Peachy Keen.

This next layout was created with Crate Paper's Pretty Party line and a ruffle blossom from Peachy Keen.

I love how Amanda knotted the ribbon for the center of the ruffle blossom and layered a bit of tulle under the photos :). And how adorable is this kitty?!

With plenty of embellishments left, Amanda also made a trio of cards. Using the yo-yo flower...

Using a fabric and felt flower and the orange sheer ribbon...

Using another fabric and felt flower...

And can you believe it, there are still flowers to be played with from this sampler! If you would like to pick one up for yourself, you can find the Peachy Keen line here. All Peachy Keen products are in stock and ready to ship, so you could be creating with these very flowers very soon!

Thank you, Amanda! Beautiful work, as always. Have a fabulous day, everyone! Tessa

Vintage Napkin Holder, Smash

Hello! Amanda Jones' Vintage Series has been a delight to follow this past week and I have a few more contributions of mine to share with you today! A few days ago, Amanda posted about my vintage napkin holder:

My grandmother gave this to me a few years ago and I just recently incorporated it into my scrapbook room storage. I love using it to hold tags and ephemera. You can read more about it in this post.  Today, Amanda is sharing how I put my napkin holder to use to create this Smash Book page:

Remember the vintage fabrics I shared last week? I used a swatch of one of my favorites on this Smash Book page:

I love using fabric as an alternative to patterned paper, especially when I want some texture. The other contributors to the Vintage Series have some fabulous ideas, too, so head on over and check them out. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day! Tessa

Designer Friday!

Happy Friday! Today I am excited to share more work by Amanda Jones. She combined the Kraft Funday line by My Mind's Eye with several of the new Precocious Paper goodies:

This awesome layout includes a Black and White French Script Fabric and Felt Flower in the lollipop style (now an option for ALL Fabric and Felt Flowers)...

...as well as a Typewriter Keys Butterfly Doily.

I just added these lovelies to the shop and they match all the other Sewing Pattern Paper embellies I've been stocking:

Amanda also created a card with her leftover bits, with another Ribbon Bow front and center. I've been getting requests for more of these, and I promise I'm working on it! I've got oodles and oodles of ribbon sorted and cut and just waiting to be assembled :).

I hope you've had a good week and are looking forward to the weekend. I am throwing an art-themed birthday party for Colten tomorrow and will share the details soon! Have a great day! Tessa

Vintage Fabric Love

Happy Wednesday, all! I am up on Amanda Jones' blog today as part of her Vintage Series, sharing one of my favorite vintage materials to craft with - fabric! Here's a peek, but for the rest, you'll have to visit the post.

Read more here. I'm off to celebrate my oldest's birthday :). I can't believe I've been a mother for nine years! Have a wonderful day! Tessa

Out and About

Hello! In the past week or so I have made 13 layouts and several other bits and pieces, but I can't share any of it yet. So, while I patiently wait to prove that I have been creatively busy, I thought I would let you know of some fabulous stuff going on out there. First up, Miss Art's Papercrafting School is having a free class weekend! Here are the details:

The headmistress at Miss Art's would like to invite you to our biggest free class event yet!  Beginning on Friday,  March 23rd, you will have 3 days to check out three of our most popular classes for free, no subscription needed.  

Three of our 201 class have nearly completed their 12 months of availability, and each of these amazing classes deserves a farewell party!  The Secret Garden with Stacy Cohen, B. You! with Heidi Kelley, and All About Me with Bethany Kartchner have all been around for nearly a year, and will soon be removed from our class schedule to make room for some amazing new classes.  That means that this weekend is your chance to check them out one last time, for FREE!  If you've been thinking about joining our student body, consider this your campus tour, led by three amazing teachers. When you visit us on Friday, head to the "Classes" page to view this weekend's free classes.  We'll see you there!

missartspapercrafting.com/classes

Also, Amanda Jones' Vintage Series began yesterday and I am finding myself more and more envious of the ephemera/vintage collections some people have! If you want more information on where to find vintage goodies, how to store them and what to do with them, you must follow along.

I hope you've been happily busy, too! Enjoy your day! Tessa

New in the Shop

Boy, am I excited to share this layout with you today!

I knew exactly what I wanted to send to the talented Amanda Jones in her last design team package and wow - she knocked it out of the park! This gorgeous layout features three new items from the shop. First, the Chipboard Postage Stamp Frames are back! I am happy to say that both fabric-covered frames and these sewing pattern frames are now available (here):

You can order the fabric-covered frames in any fabric you see in the shop. For example, if you like the Orange and Aqua Fabric and Felt Flowers, you can order the frames to match:

Amanda also used the new Sewing Pattern Butterfly Sweet Spots, available here:

And last, but not least, Amanda used a Ribbon Bow:

The variety of bows on the shelf will vary as my supply of ribbon changes. You can find a sweet set perfect for a little girl's party and another with a more masculine feel here. Are you digging the yellow and black and white? I'll get more of that combo up soon :).

Today's giveaway is a set of the Sewing Pattern Chipboard Frames and a set of the Sewing Pattern Butterfly Sweet Spots. If you'd like to make them yours, just leave a comment. A random comment will be selected tomorrow and the winner announced shortly after.

Speaking of winners, yesterday's Pinterest winner is: SANDI! Congratulations! Please email me or convo me and I'll get you set up with your prize. Have a wonderful day, everyone! Tessa

Precocious Paper has been Pubbed!

Happy Monday! Today I wanted to share with you two magazines out on the stands that include Precocious Paper on their pages. First up, design team member Amanda Jones has this gorgeous home decor in Scrap365:

Scrap365 is a UK magazine, and you can find their website here. Design team member Mindy Gallagher created a beautiful mini album with Precocious Paper front and center:

You can find this album in the current issue of Create: Mini Albums. Congratulations to both Amanda and Mindy for the publications! Thank you for sharing Precocious Paper, too :).

Today's Etsy-versary giveaway is for Facebook fans. All you need to do is post a shout-out on the Precocious Paper Facebook page. I'll be awarding a $10.00 shop credit to one random poster. Stop by the page here, make sure you like the page, and say hello. I'll draw the winner tomorrow morning and announce it on the blog.

As for Sunday's giveaway - spreading the word - I'm leaving it open through Friday. Just by sharing news of my Etsy-versary with your Facebook friends, Twitter followers or blog readers, you could win a $10.00 credit. The details are in this post.

Have a wonderful day! Tessa

PS - I've been under the weather all weekend, but I'm getting a lot of photos taken, edited, and items listed. Thanks for your patience as I get all the new goodies up!

Designer Friday!

Amanda Jones has been playing with the Very Merry line and I love the cards and tags she has come up with. Let's take a look:

First, I love the long shape of this card - perfect for embellishing with some white space to spare. Amanda used three of the Very Merry Sweet Spots and hung them like ornaments. So pretty!

For this card, Amanda used a Very Merry Butterfly Doily. These doilies have glittered paper for just enough sparkle and shine.

Amanda topped a pretty kraft package with a Silver Metallic Cupcake Poppy and a pair of Felt Roses. I love how they look all nestled on the large doily.

And last, but not least, a delightful tag. Amanda layered a Cupcake Poppy from the Sampler onto a doily and topped the tag with a Sweet Spot. Thank you, Amanda, for all of the inspiration! You can find the Very Merry line in the shop here.

This is post #2 for me today :). If you'd like to see what I've been up to at SRM Stickers and Miss Art's, be sure to read the next post down. Have a wonderful day! Tessa

Attitude of Gratitude: Day 18, Designer Friday!

Happy Friday! Today I am grateful for my Precocious Paper design team - Amanda Jones and Mandy Koeppen. My chin literally hits the keyboard every time they post a project to our DT blog. I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming when I think of my talented team :). Their creativity, enthusiasm for Precocious Paper products, and willingness to share my little etsy shop are a true blessing and I am so very grateful for them! Thank you, ladies!

Speaking of Amanda, she's been playing with the Very Merry line and I can't wait to show you what she has created:

Isn't this gift box gorgeous?! The felt and glitter tulle poinsettia flower comes in the Very Merry sampler (and there's two of them!).

Amanda used the glittered snowflake as the focal point in this gorgeous altered frame. The flower, leaves, ribbon and snowflake all come in the Very Merry sampler.

This grapevine wreath is so pretty :). I love the whitewash, snowy look - I'm going to have to try that. Amanda embellished with fabric flowers and ribbons from the Very Merry sampler. The felt rose is from the Very Merry set of felt roses and leaves. I love how she added the pins from the ribbon clothespins to the fabric lollipop flower.

Amanda's home must be a very cheerful place at Christmastime! I want you to see all the details, so be sure to head over to the Precocious Paper facebook page and check out the Very Merry photo gallery. You can find the Very Merry line in my etsy shop here.

Have a wonderful weekend! I'll be back Monday with an exciting announcement :). See you then! Tessa

Designer Friday!

Before I share with you a gorgeous layout by design team member Amanda Jones, I want to thank you for the great response to last week's Fan Friday :). Thanks to Emily Hammann, as well, for sharing her work with us. If you would like to be featured, please send me an email at precociouspaper (at) yahoo (dot) com. And now for Amanda's layout:

How fun is this?! Definitely not something you see in my part of the world :). I bet this fabulous page came together pretty quickly, too. A cardstock base, a photo, a few felt roses and leaves, a butterfly doily and a sweet spot, a title and handwritten journaling. Seems like the perfect recipe for a great, but easy, page.

Thank you, Amanda! I love it! All of the embellishments can be found in my shop here.

Thank you for spending a few minutes of your Friday with me. Before you go, you may want to read yesterday's post for a chance to win a September Kit from Scrapbook Circle. Tomorrow I will be sharing a Marilyn Monroe inspired layout, and Sunday is reveal day for the October Samplers - yes, I said samplerS.  See you soon! Tessa