Tuesday, February 14, 2012

A Dream Come True . . . .

Hola Peeps!

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  I know I did – I hosted my Women Who Wine group on Sunday for some sparkling wine tastings and some delicious food pairings . . . I think a good time was had by all.

 

I have news and a giveaway – but you’ll have to read all the way to the bottom of this post for details of the giveaway. *grin*

 

So, I know I’ve been hinting the past few weeks about some exciting things that have happened in my crafty life lately.  Well, today is the day that I get to spill the beans with you all about what’s been going on!  I know I’ve mentioned more than a time or two my love for Paper Smooches Stamps.  I met the genius behind Paper Smooches, Kim Hughes, when she moved to the Phoenix area about three years ago.  She came over to my house to crop one day, and the rest is history – we laughed, we stamped, we ate, and we laughed some more.  I adore her, and am so blessed to call her my friend.  We crop together at least once a week when I’m in the desert, and she has been an amazing influence on my growth and progression as a stamper.  But the friendship that we’ve shared means more to me than anything . . . I can’t imagine my life without her at this point. 

 

Anywho, this past fall Kim asked me if I would consider designing some background stamps to add to her already amazing collection of images.  Backgrounds are an integral part of my stamping life, so Kim’s vision was that we would collaborate to create a series of background stamps that would enhance and coordinate with her Paper Smooches images.  Sounds like fun, right?!  Well, it was.  I learned Adobe Illustrator, and went to work on creating the stamps!!  By the time it was all said and done, I had created six stamp sets that included some of my favorite background patterns, as well as some fun graphic images.  Crazy, right?!

 

At the end of January, I had the great honor and pleasure of attending the Craft and Hobby Association trade show with Kim, where I worked the Paper Smooches booth, and stood in awe as Kim introduced 20 brand spankin’ new Paper Smooches stamp sets, including the six sets that I designed.  OH EM GEE!!!  I floated on a CHA cloud for five days - at times I still feel as though I haven’t come down from the utter thrill of it all.

 

Kim has been debuting the Paper Smooches CHA release since last week, including some of the images that I designed.  She and I chatted yesterday at our weekly crop, and we decided that it would be fun for me to “join in” on all the debut fun, and give away some of the latest goodies to you all!!  Sounds like fun, right?!  So let’s get started!

Celebrate

Today’s featured stamp set is called “Geo-Graphic” and it includes what I believe to be some of today’s hottest trends in stamping and design – Chevrons, Hexagons and Polka Dots.  These patterns make my heart skip a beat!!  There are three stamp images that can be stamped horizontally or vertically, in a single strip or in multiple strips.  The above sample uses the hexagon image, stamped multiple times to create the panel, and then I cut hexagons out of different colors of CS (using my Silhouette SD) to add fun pops of color.  See how great that graphic pattern works with the sentiment from Sentiment Sampler.

Just Because

 

Here’s the chevron image, again stamped multiple times using different colors of dye ink, to create a cool graphic feel.  Add a sentiment from Word Up and tie a ribbon, and voila’ – you’ve got yourself a trendy “just because” card.

 

Cheer Up

This final card was inspired by a card that I saw on Maile Belle’s blog HEREMaile is one of my most favorite clean and simple stampers (and I got to meet her at CHA – *SQUEAL*!!) – I admire her work so much!!  My card features the polka dot image from Geo-Graphic, and the umbrella and sentiment from Sunny Side Up.  Oh, and see that fun polka dot circle image behind the umbrella?!  That little lovely will be featured later this week. *wink*

 

All of the new CHA stamp sets will be available on March 1st – just a few short weeks away.  Would you like to win the Geo-Graphic set?!  Well, Kim is giving away a set on the Paper Smooches blog  HERE, and has given me a set to give away, too!!  That’s TWO chances to win Geo-Graphic.  All you have to do is leave me a comment, before tomorrow morning, telling me which of the three Geo-Graphic images is your favorite.  I’ll choose a winner using the random number picker.  Of course, you can do the same on the Paper Smooches blog, for a second chance at winning.

 

Thanks so much for indulging me and allowing me to blather on the way I have.  To say that I am thrilled beyond belief is a complete understatement.  I’m so excited to be a part of this paper crafting world, and now as a stamp designer for Paper Smooches has made another of my creative dreams come true.  Somebody pinch me, please!!  I hope you’ll come back tomorrow for another stamp debut (and another stamp set giveaway)!

PaperTherapySignature

88 comments:

Unknown said...

Congrats on the release of the stamps you created! My favorite is the "Geo-Graphic"! I really love the shape ... it reminds me of my younger years. ;o)

Laurel said...

Congrats to you! I love the hexagon background stamp as it is so in right now!

Ryann said...

Congrats to you!! You are spot on in your trendiness and your stamp designs show it! :)

Michele Gross said...

You already know how over the moon happy and excited I am for you!! Getting to see your face at CHA as the buyers oohed and aahed over your designs was priceless and you deserve to stay on that cloud for as long as you want :) I am so so so happy for you my friend and your stamps are awesome!!!!!!

Annette Allen said...

that is very exciting...congratulations.

Jean Cross said...

Well, even though we miss you on SCS, this is indeed a huge accomplishment. We are proud to know you. Personally, I'm coveting the GeoGraphic set. Very versatile and useful.

Sarah J Moerman said...

Wow! Congratulations! Amazing background stamps! You ROCK! LOVE all 3 in this set but since I don't have an hexagon type backgrounds I'm going to say that one is my fav!

Kate said...

OOH i just love this stamp set and completely torn over the chevrons and hexagons both are must haves right now.
Kate xx

Beth M said...

Congrats! I love all of these designs but I think my favorite is the hexagon. Your samples with them are super cute too. And Congrats again!

Jennifer Roach said...

Congratulations on your new venture with Kim. I love PS stamps and these backgrounders are PERFECT!! Love how trendy they are :)

Jade said...

Wow! How awesome for you! These are all so amazing! I think I really like the Hexagon pattern - I see a lot of potential there! Best of luck in your new venture!

Chris - Creations in Bloom said...

Congratulations on your releases. How fun and exciting. : ) Are we really supposed to pick only one of them as our favorite... I guess I'd put the Chevron at the top of the list. May you have continued success and joy from your creations.

mn36 said...

gorgeous, love the cards and colour choices. Lovely stamps and can be used in so many ways.

Carol said...

Congratulations, Karolyn, on your debut! Love your Geo-Graphic...hard to choose between the chevron and the hexagon....hmmmm, I think the hexagon might just be my fav!

Miriam Prantner said...

I think that the hexagons are my favorite, and I have to say I have been loving ALL the backgrounds you've created PS. You really have a gift. Can't wait to see more!

Shirley said...

I love the polka dots since they are such a classic pattern that has been used forever. thanks for the chance to win that fabulous prize set!

Jessica said...

huge congrats on your stamp designs, they are just fabulous!!!! I absolutely love chevrons, so that has to be my favorite background from this set!!! :)

Jenny said...

Your designs are brilliant Karolyn, Kim has certainly taken a great designer on board!
They are all great geometric patterns and so on trend too but my fave is the hexagons....very retro :0)
Thanks for the chance to win.
Jenny x

Musicmom-Amy said...

Fabulous work, Karolyn! Kim and you are just genius'. And I'm in love with the hexagon.

Lori Barnett said...

I'm a HUGE fan...of YOU that is!!! I LOVE the dots!! YOU are the QUEEN for sure! ;) I look forward to MANY MORE wonderful Karolyn PS sets to add to my growing PS Collection! MY HEARTS A STEREO (in my best voice!) OK OK...I'll STOP ALREADY!

maddymuscles said...

Love these stamps! The zig zag one is my favorite!

CaffeinatedPapercuts said...

Hi from the Paper Smooches blog! I had to come see the genius behind the new stamps. I think the chevron may be my favorite, and your sample cards are GORGEOUS!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm so impressed! I really like these images, but I'm particuarly intrigued by the Chevron. I love the multicolors "it can make" and the bright cards that will result. Congratulations on meeting and knowing Kim, having your own releases, and getting to go to CHA!!!!! Best wishes on your future with Paper Smoochies! By the way, your styles go together like peanut butter and jelly!

Kerry said...

My favorite is the chevron, though the polka dots are a close second. I've really been enjoying the reveal over on the PS blog this last week. I love your designs. Congrats!

CarlijnDesign said...

Congratulations on your debut! I love your designs for PS! This set will be my favorite, I adore all three of the patterns, but if I had to choose, I'd pick the hexagons. Chevron stripes are a close second. Love them all!!!

Chunyuan said...

Hexagon is my fav. Thanks for the giveaway and great cards showcasing the new set.

lynda said...

I loved reading your "blather" about how your stamp designing came about! Sometimes, it just seems like some things are meant to be, doesn't it?

Angela Thomas said...

Congrats on your stamp sets!!! Love your style!!! LOVE!!!!

Anonymous said...

Love the set and all the possibilites it presents.
Patsy in Idaho

Michelle L. said...

Karolyn, these are just amazing! Congratulations to you! I think my favorite of all the images is the chevron. So trendy, and so many possibilities!

Jennie M said...

I love these backgrounds! My favorite is the hexagons, so fun and fresh!!

Pegg S said...

What a dream come true - congrats and wishing you continued success! This is a great set - a combination of my favs. I am really liking the hexagon trend right now!

sharon g said...

The honeycomb shapes are my favorite. I love all things that relate to bees..... sharon dot gullikson at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Congrats, Karolyn! So happy for you! And I just have to say: I love all your designs! Love! I think Illustrator is the most amazing program on earth! Look forward to more of your amazing designs! - As for the question: I am picky about chevrons (disappointed in the Hero Arts one) and I LOVE yours!

Emily Keaton said...

Just came over from the PS blog to say Congrat! on your new designs, Karolyn! This is a fantastic set of background. I think that the hexagons are my favorite of the three!! Thanks for the chance to win. :)

Marie said...

Congratulations on getting to design some stamps for Paper Smooches! I'm sure it's so much fun working with Kim on this adventure =)
As for my favorite image from this stamp set, I must say that I'm a sucker for polkadots =) But I do like the clean and graphic feel of the hexagons and chevrons too!

B. Poteraj said...

The sectagon is my favorite. I just like the look when it's used as a background!

*Alison* said...

this is so exciting.. :) how fun! I love the hexagon one.. it's so versatile.. what a fun background set.. :) thanks for the chance to win..

Donna said...

Congrats Karolyn. Pick one favorite? I have three. Polka dots are timeless and always trendy. Chevron is a must-have right now, and hexagons are the newest trend. I am thrilled that all three are in one set.

Lynne in NI said...

Congratulations, how exciting for you! I LOVE your new stamps, I reckon that the hexagon is probably my fave, though I can see me getting loads of use out of them all! Thanks for the chance to win a set :)

Natasha G.P. said...

I really like the six sided shapes. They are groooooovy.

Micah G. said...

Don't you love her designs? She comes up with not only great animals, foods and things, but backgrounds that coordinate with them (cool furniture and things.). So nice.

Anita Rex said...

Congrats Karolyn!! That really is awesome news! :> Love this set! My favorite is the hexagon since I don't have a stamp like that!

AJ said...

AWESOME Karolyn! You did a fantastic job with them all!! LOVE them- My fave would be the hex I think, although I am drawn to almost anything graphically designed!! :)

Jan Schul said...

Found you on Paper Smooches' blog - love your stuff! The chevrons are fan-freakin'-tastic!

KathyN said...

I love that chevron or zig zag border the most from the set you designed! Love the cards you made too!!

Leslie Hanna said...

You have NO IDEA how excited I am about these new stamps! But probably not as excited as YOU! :)

I looooove all of them, but I'd say the chevron, with the hexagon being a VERY close second.

Thanks for the chance to win!!!!

Maureen said...

Congrats on your new stamps - love them! My fave has got to be the polka dots, but I really love the honeycomb look too!

karenelr said...

I must say the polka-dots are probably the most versatile--however, I think the hexagons are becoming a favorite! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome set!

Stephanie Ortiz Contreras said...

love the polka dots! also love your friendship story with kim - how wonderful!

cutiephinphin said...

Congrats on your new stamps! This Geo-Graphic set is just awesome. So versatile and fun with the hexagon and chevrons. The chevron & polka dots are my go to for background stamping. The hexagons will be a fun one to try.

Thanks for the chance to win.

mandalj said...

Congrats on your 6 great designs! Well done! I love the polka dots the most on Geo-graphic.

cindy said...

So exciting for you. I really, really like the designs you created.My favorite is the hexagon image.

Meghan said...

Well, the hexagon is totally hot right now but I like them all!

StampNK said...

Oh my goodness, this stamp set is amazing! I don't which pattern I love the most...the chevrons or the honeycomb! WOW!

4Ucards said...

Thank you for sharing your story. I love this stamp set and so happy to here about your creation of background stamp sets. I love all three shapes and I can't wait to try them in my Art Journal. When is March 1st?

Carol Mc said...

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your accomplishments with us. I am crazy about this stamp set, I love being able to stamp the chevron so easily in different colors.

Kelly Braund said...

Soo excited for you! My favorite is the hexagons- love it!

Cher said...

oh very happy for you! u certainly deserve this if u ask me! lol..luv your cards here...and yep...those hexagons look like tons of fun! way to go!

Stephanie Y. said...

I love making my own background paper with stamps and this set is perfect! I'm totally into chevron right now so its my favorite!

MissCraftT said...

Love this stamp set! Hexagons are awesome :)

Tui Nathan said...

Congrats on your design line ... I love your styling and this new set is no exception ... umm, my fav would be the hexagons ... but then I love them all!!!

Pam said...

Love all the graphics in this set, especially the hexagon. It's my current absolute fave.

Sandi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sandi said...

The chevron is definitely my favorite but I love them all....this stamp set is a definite must have....

Karen B. said...

Congratulations! Illustrator is a fabulous program, isn't it? My favorite is the large polkas!

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

Congrats!!! I think I like the chevrons, but they're all fabulous.

Sue D said...

Congratulations! My favorite is the hexagons because it reminds me of chicken wire and honeycomb and I raise chickens and keep bees!
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

Mary-Anne V said...

Congrats on creating all those stamp sets... what a great accomplishment. I love the three images in this stamp set but I have always loved polka dots to I must say that is my favourite!

Mary W. said...

Love your background designs. I like the hexagons, but I'm always a sucker for dots.

Kryssi said...

Karolyn my Love!!! Been meaning to stop by! I received a huge box of PS goodies yesterday and was delighted to run my fingers through all the stamps you designed (and Kim's too of course!) I was beaming with so much pride and joy for YOU!!!

LOVE THEM ALL and will be getting inky with them maybe tomorrow!! SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!

Oh, you know not to enter me in the giveaway, right? :)

Michelle said...

I just love this set...such a perfect compilation of images..the hexagon is my favorite!!

Phyllis Oviatt said...

The hexagon is my favorite.

Audrey said...

Such a great set.... a must have for me! I love the polkadots, and the hexagons are a close second. :) Thanks for the chance to win!!

Jennie C said...

How fun! I'm so glad you are doing your great designs. I love the chevron the most, but the others are also amazing.

Unknown said...

Loooooove these Karolyn, love them! Both the stamps and the cards :)

Gabby said...

Wunderbar designs and cards, Karen! What a talent you have. I like all three of the Geo-Grapic designs BUT if I HAD to pick a fav, it would be the hexagons. Thanks for the chance to win the set. Looking forward to seeing more of your designs. :)

Ravengirl said...

Wow, I have been watching as Kim revealed the set you have designed and they are amazing! Of today's set, I think I like the chevrons the best, but I see that all three would be very useful and could get lots of love in my craft room!

Kimberly said...

Karolyn - I am such a sucker for polka dots, but I really LOVE that hexagon pattern. It matches up so wonderfully to create a full background. I can't wait to get my hands on that set!

Kelley said...

I like the Chevron but Hexagons is my favorite. And I like the Polka Dots, too. Hexagons remains the favorite though.

Congrats on your new job!

Ashley Newell said...

Congrats again, new friend! I love all the sets you came out with! I think the honeycomb is my favorite.

Pat (mspfd) said...

Hi Karolyn,
What exciting news! Congratulations and much success -- gorgeous backgrounds and fab new creations, love your cards.

Erin Smetak said...

I think i love ALL of your fabulous designs! Wow, to stamp with stamps that the famous Ms. Karolyn created would just be so awesome and amazing!!!!!! You did a fabulous job lady!!!

~amy~ said...

super ginormous CONGRATS!!!!! How exciting!!!!!!!!! Awesome work!

Wikolia said...

Congrats to you! I've been eyeing these since I first saw them a couple weeks ago. How exciting for you to reveal you're the mastermind behind the awesome designs!

Terri said...

LOVE your new stamps, Missy...maybe someday I will get to see them in person! Wish you would have designed these while I was still stamping!

Congrats on your release!!

Tigriswillreign said...

Congratulations!! I can imagine how ecstatic you must be!

Kristie W. said...

Congratulations on getting to create stamps for Paper Smooches! I can only imagine how excited you must be! All of the patterns are great but my heart beats a bit faster when I see the chevrons (my blog design background!) Looking forward to seeing the rest of your sets.