Monday, September 28, 2009

Sneak Peek: "Hip to Be Square" and "Lord of the Season"

Eeek, I get to show you my newest set today!! This month includes a new frame I've designed with your square cards in mind (or a smaller focal point on a A2 size), called "Hip to Be Square"! This new grid has a symmetrical layout (one of my favorite layouts for square cards actually) that is perfect for framing up images, greetings, buttons, flowers.... anything you like! It has some similarities to the popular "Inspiration Mosaic", and will be a must-have add-on to that set, or a terrific stand alone. I'm also happy to report, a smaller grid this month allowed room for even more images and greetings to go with (or use as tags), and they fit all occasions! You'll love all the new little borders like the stars you see below (think new "stitches" too!) and "stamp embellishments" (this time they look like eyelets!) that you can mix and match with the original mosaic set. Fun, fun!!Here I stamped the new grid onto Cosmo Cricket Jolly by Golly DP, using the 6x6 grid line block made it easy to center it over the candy cane pattern. Then I colored the border with a Copic. This card is just two layers, plus the popped up images, and all the images and greetings you see here are included in this set! The circles can double as snowmen, ornaments and much more(see below). It's wonderful to be able to stamp the faces and nose in separately this way, see how you can "turn their heads" just by stamping to the left or right flipping the carrot nose? :) Card base is the new Pure Luxury Fresh Asparagus. Last I added some tied craft thread (thank you, Donna!) to the ornament toppers (I'd punched through with my Cropodile) to make it look like they are tied to the top of each frame.
This "Christmas quilt" above looks pieced, but it's not, and only uses a few layers. Using Vivid Inky blue, I stamped the "Hip to Be Square" frame onto Basic Grey JuneBug DP and then stamped out four of the smaller square outline image from the set on 3 different prints from the same Basic Grey pack. A 1 1/4" square punch or die is a perfect fit for this little squares, you'll love how fast these go!! Now, if you turn each punched square at a 45 degree angle before adhering them in each larger square, the 4 simple panes becomes a beautiful quilting block with triangles in each corner! I stamped "Very Merry!" in the bottom one, and cut out the little ribbon image from the set I'd stamped in Vivid inks on Pure Luxury White for the other three to make them look like gift boxes, you like? (Change up the color and patterns and the Christmas presents magically turn into birthday gifts LOL!) Centered this way it leaves a "5th box" in the middle, I colored the corners next to each of the green squares red as well as the double border to make the pattern a little more complicated. Last I mounted it onto the new Gina K Pure Luxury All Spruced Up and White. Stitched trim around the edges is an embossed Cuttlebug border.

I had to share just a simple few projects without the frame, too! Above are some more circles I stamped to make some holiday goodies. Punch them with a 1 3/8" circle and layer onto scalloped punches and you have these easy lollipop or peppermint patty favors! You can also make pumpkins or kids or baby faces. TIP: Make striped knit caps for these round faces by snipping off part of a punched circle of DP and adding a button to the top, isn't that sweet? The buttons and ribbons you see here are from the new Gina K companion collections coming out this month! And, these Hinged window tins can be purchased from Gina K, they will fit 6 decorated patties, and make a wonderful and inexpensive gift!

Last, I have a few suckers I put in a paper Halloween cup with some raffia and jelly beans(because Halloween IS up next LOL!) , there are little bits in the set you can substitute for the eyes, mouths and noses, have fun "carving" your own pumpkins! (stamped in Vivid Butterscotch and Memento Tuxedo Black) pumpkin carving tips to come, stay tuned!! Be sure to join us for our release party Thursday night to see lots more unique layouts and uses for this set! :)


Want to win "Hip to Be Square"? Leave a comment on this post with your guess of what else you think you'll find in this set or holidays you'll have covered I have not shown here! (or if you think you may have found all of them going through the hop, tell me what type of occasion card or project you would make with it first?) I will announce a winner tomorrow night!

Next, Nina's newest set "Lord of the Season" includes topiary for all seasons, and a holiday one has this beautiful wreath topper, but I just couldn't resist "pulling it out of the pot" and hanging it from her "Elegant Post" from a couple months back, isn't that perfect? (Just carefully ink up the wreath only, omitting the pot and stamp!) After coloring it with Copics, I added some accents with my Stardust Glitter pen and covered the fruits with Crystal Lacquer. Card Stock is all Pure Luxury: White, Rocket Red, Fresh Asparagus (base) and All Spruced Up. I inked up just part of one of the greetings to frame it on a Fancy Tag die cut. Ribbon is from the the new kit and I also added a punched Large Flourish and some adhesive nail heads. I created the border with some decorative scalloped scissors, Cropodile and some punched fern sprigs.


Don't forget to head over to GinaK's blog to add your comment to her blog entry for another chance to win the new stamp sets being previewed tonight our blogs!
Be sure to check out Nina Brackett: Lord of the Season
and Design Team Members participating in the hop tonight:
Carolyn King
Cathy Tidwell
Cindy Lawrence
Donna Baker
Emily Giovanni
Erika Martin
Jessica Fick
Kurtis Amundson
Lee Murphy
Lynn Mercurio
Theresa Momber
CenterStage Spotlight Designers:
Giovana Smith
Janice Melton

83 comments:

  1. OMGorgeous! Wowza, girl, you created some fabulous Hip projects! Love the tri-color ornament!!! The paper pieced card is so elegant and those treats are so cute!!!

    Love what you did with Nina's set! So creative.

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  2. Fun fun fun set Mel!!! Fab cards!!

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  3. Awesome Melanie!!!
    Hmmm....maybe something for New Year's...Valentine's Day...

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  4. What a great set Mel. Maybe something for Thanksgiving? I just love your creations

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  5. This is absolutely brilliant!
    I love what I have seen so far and I can't imagine you don't have something for fall in the set as well??!!

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  6. Wow! I just love the versatility of this amazing sets. Your projects are amazing.

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  7. You just keep amazing me set after set. Love the grid idea--maybe some X's and O's for Valentine's Day?

    Your quilt looking card is just stunning. Good luck with your release.

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  8. Oh there has to be bunnies or easter eggs in there too for Easter. Hmmm that is what I thought off the top of the ole noggin. Beautiful cards. Love everything so far, cannot wait to see the full sets. Impatiently waiting. *tap tap tap* LOL

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  9. I always look forward to your stamp set releases -- you come up with some really clever ideas!

    Hmm... I see ornaments, snowmen, pumpkins... Perhaps you added some snowflake accents? Santa accessories? Something to turn the solid circle into a jingle bell perhaps? Can't wait to see the whole set!

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  10. Love your new Hip set Melanie! Oh so many fabulous ideas and my head is spinning. I am thinking of using the set for a 5x5 frame and making some Christmas wall art! Hey, and at that you could make quite a few seasonal items...thinking Halloween with the pumpkins! Love your projects and fab design with Nina's newest set :o) Thanks for the chance to win, you are the best!

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  11. I think I'm in love! -- with the snowman. He is DARLING! SWEET LITTLE FACE.

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  12. Adorable cards/projects...but I'm jumping up and down for this set...I have so many ideas in mind already and haven't even seen the whole set - is it Thursday yet?

    Among other things, I want to use it for scrappin' - I think it would be so fun to stamp out three and make it into baby's first year layout...with all the pics in the middle!

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  13. All of your projects are cute, cute, cute! I think this would make a great birthday card, using the wrapping paper you use for the gift to make the gift wrapped box with bow!

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  14. How about an anniversary card...love the cards!
    Jan Castle

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  15. Super cute Mel! I think you have some Easter themed items with the set!

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  16. Beautiful cards!! Love all your little projects too!

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  17. This great for making something that would be hard easy and fun to do. Love the idea

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  18. love all the inspiration! always love to mix sets!!!

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  19. Love your new stamp. Just like the mosaic it has so many applications. Cannot wait for its release.

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  20. May be sonething for Easter as well ?? Beautiful set, and so very versatile ;-)

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  21. Awesome cards! Your new set is fabulous - so versatile! Does it maybe have something for
    Valentine's Day?

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  22. WOW Melanie!! All your creations are awesome!!
    God bless and thanks for all the inspiration.
    Giovana

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  23. BLOW ME AWAY!!!!!! I knew you'd have tons of amazing inspiration!!! I love the faces....those treats! How fun!!!!

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  24. love them all! inspiring stuff once again!
    sandyh
    sandyha@comcast.net

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  25. Just beautiful, as usual, Melanie. You have a knack for creating out of the box and the results are always fabulous.

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  26. I already love this set and the ornaments you made with the circles, how clever. I would dearly love to win this set. Thanks for the chance.

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  27. Love these new set - how versatile! I think I'll start with Halloween projects only because October is just around the corner!

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  28. I love te card. It is fun to look at and looks fun to make!

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  29. Love your new set Melanie, I think I would have to go with making holiday cards for Christmas first.

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  30. Love this new set, and the way you think of combining sets more versatility! My first thought was jingle bells or just ornaments for the tree would be cute with these!

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  31. Outstanding, truly fantastic cards that really showcase the versatility of this set!

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  32. I love this set- it would really help me make one of my Christmas cards this year, and It would help me dress up my son's beloved peppermint patties. You always inspire me!

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  33. Oh my gosh, Mel! This is so much fun! Every little element is perfect! I just knew at the first peek this was your set. Great job. Thanks for the chance to win it!

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  34. Melanie, you outdid yourself! This is a fabulous set and I love every sample you showed today. I would love to make those patties with the snowmen noses going in all different directions!

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  35. Mel.. GORGEOUS cards girlie! You did a fantastic job with the coloring. Love those new sets. My guess would be that it would include something for Easter.

    Michelle

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  36. LOVE it! My goodness there could be something for every holiday there. I would love to see something for the 4th of July or Celebrate America but right now I think it is a turkey or something for Thanksgiving - or did you really look ahead and create a bunny??

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  37. I would guess valentines day? Super cute set.

    It's a good life!
    Terri E.

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  38. What wonderful projects...love those little "round" heads in the square's.......I would guess maybe a turkey..something fall...but heck anything would be A-okay!!!! I love how many options you have with this set...a must have!!!

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  39. This is great. It could work with so many thin gs. What about small family photos in the squares to create ornaments for the tree. I think the surprise might be... Valentine's hearts and Easter Rabbits and eggs....aaah!

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  40. What creative projects! Love the favors. So I'm thinking hearts and flowers??
    T. Blue
    tmblueb@hotmail.com

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  41. Wow, love the cards you showcased. And all the great ideas for this set! I think you might have some leaves in this set too ... to be falling from the window?

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  42. Fabulous projects! I just love those cute faces on the snowman and pumpkins... I think there might be a cute bunny or chick face in the set for Easter... TFS!

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  43. Great projects! I haven't been on the hop yet but I hope I see hearts, shamrocks, Easter eggs, and something patriotic. Oh how about graduation items too! This stamp will be very versatile!

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  44. Nice cards and a really nice stamp set. I would use it for all kinds of cards. Sounds like fun.

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  45. OMG, Mel! I just love all of you projects...those suckers, too stinking cute! And love how you used nina's other set with this one, awesome!

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  46. What fun! This will be a great set for creating classroom treats for the kids or grandkids.

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  47. Fun fun fun - I would guess some fun Valentines items would be in the set!!

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  48. Loving ALL the samples at once! You are spoiling us! :) Spoil away! giggle

    I'm hoping for St. Valentine's Day and Easter too - maybe even St. Patrick's Day - and a cute little turkey and pilgrim for thanksgiving. Am I asking for too much?! ;)

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  49. Your projects are amazing and always inspiring. I'm lovin everything I've seen so far. My guess is...a Santa, or a Reindeer, maybe Christmas lights, tree. Can't wait to see the whole set. Thanks for a chance.

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  50. Love it, another great, versatile set! I'm thinking it probably also includes stamps for Valetine's Day, Easter,Fouth of July,Fall and Thanksgiving. Maybe even Saint Patrick's Day. What a perfect set to make cards for all occasions. I'd love to win it. Thanks for the chance

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  51. I would definitely be making Christmas cards with your cute little snowman. Love him!!!!

    Your talent never ceases to amaze me and I can't wait to see what else is in the set. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  52. "Hip to be Square" is just awesome and my creative juices are flowing with the possibilities. Could it be combined with Hip to be Triangles, Rectangles and Round?

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  53. Amazing cards! I love the Hip to be Square ideas. When the quilt card was shown I thought of it in pastel colors for spring (can you tell I'm dreading winter already!) and an Easter theme. I love soft colors! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  54. OMG! Hip to be Square is the coolest set!! I absolutely LOVE the snowman and all the possibilities! Your cards are amazing and so is the set! I would love to win but if not I know that I will be purchasing!!!

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  55. Beautiful and fun, as always! I'm guessing that you also have some birthday items in your set. Can't wait for the full reveal!
    ~Angie

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  56. I love making "quilt" cards and your new set would add another technique to use. Your pieced card is fantastic!! Does your set include items for Thanksgiving and Valentines?

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  57. WOWSER! This is great! YOu could try four seasons, inchie stamping, inchie DS cutting paper pieces, faux metal stamping four types soo much you can do with this! can't wait to see wo will be the winner! Your idea on ceter piece is great can also be implemented for other fun occasions such as birthday, valentines day, christmas, new year, back to school, welcome spring, welcome summer, here comes the bride...FUN!!!

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  58. WOW!!! I LOVE EVERYTHING!!! even that busy pattern junebug quilt! ha - the wreath haging from Nina's post is clever to the max!

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  59. I love what you did with these sets. being able to win one is a blessing in itself. Thanks.

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  60. I will guess that there will be some hearts in there to make lovely Valentine's Day cards!

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  61. I am going to just think "New Years" for some reason that is in my head. I don't know why.. but maybe. I love the Hip To Be set.. what a clever idea.

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  62. I'd definitely start on my christmas cards. Beautiful cards--thanks for sharing.

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  63. I'm guessing that you will have some wonderful sentiments that fit perfectly in the spaces (much like Inspiration Mosaic) and maybe some dots that line up with the circle outline. Maybe includes something for thanksgiving too???

    Oh.. the suspense!!!!
    <3
    Darla

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  64. really great new set... I like all the ideas in the hop...

    An the really cute baby card on the hop...

    I would guess you could use it for almost any holiday...


    reflections:0)

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  65. Melanie, your work never ceases to amaze me. I just love coming by to see what new, creative card you have made. I'm hoping this set includes Turkey Day, Valentines, and Easter! I want it all..tee hee. Heather J.

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  66. OMG! My first project will be Christmas cards! Aaahhhh.....all my Christmas cards completed with just one set...maybe even on time. *sigh* :-)

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  67. WOW...awesome cards and fun, fun projects!!! I love what I've seen so far and can't wait to see the whole set. All holidays, seasons, and occasions would work really well with this new grid. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Susan H.
    tomsue@charter.net

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  68. Everything on your blog today is cute, cute, cute! I love this set! I would love to win one.

    Ronda C.

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  69. Fantastic!!! I love it all. This is a must have from all that I have seen! Can't wait to see the rest. As for guessing, I think maybe Easter or 4th of July.Maybe both.

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  70. Maybe a Santa hat could be part of the set??? Like the squares! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  71. As always... completey amazing!!! I love how you used both sets and man... I cannot wait to get my hands on them!!!!

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  72. Would you please quit illustrating such amazing stamp sets!?! I'll never get caught up with all that I "need". Anyway, love all of your samples.

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  73. The "Hip to be Square" stamp set is the CUTEST stamp set I've ever seen! Where can I get one???
    --Susan from SC

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  74. These are just adorable! You are clever, Mel, and very generous with your ideas. Thank you!

    I am guessing there is Christmas bauble in the set :)

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  75. You never cease to amaze me, Melanie! I LOVE the projects you made with your stamp set!!! Those treat pops are so fun! And, your card with Nina's set... WOWZERS! Mel - you are so talented!!!

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  76. Melanie this is pure mojolicious! I can't begin to get inside your creative brain but I'm going to guess (aka hope) that there are Thanksgiving, Valentines, St. Patty's Day, Easter and maybe even 4th of July!!! Rock on you amazing woman! So exicted for another cool stamp.

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  77. Oh Melanie! I would love to win this set - I am thinking you may have a heart for Valentine's Day or maybe a party hat to be used for New Years or birthdays? Whatever you have I am sure it is wonderful - thanks for all the tips!
    Congratulations on your new set!
    Best regards,
    Sandra

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  78. I'm feeling like I really need to get this set. Let's see...there's birthdays, all holidays, the possibilities are endless!

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  79. gorgeous card Melanie!!! I think that maybe yo have something for Valentine's day and maybe Easter.

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  80. The snowman is so cool - simple and fun. Maybe a tree in the set...

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  81. Wow, what a versatile set! I bet you have something in it for Easter and St. Patrick's Day, too. Maybe something patriotic, too, for 4th of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day. Maybe a birthday sentiment, too! Endless possibilities------

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  82. Very creative ideas ~ guess I would play with the non-pieced quilt idea first, but so hard to chose a favorite idea... TFS so many inspiring ideas!

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