Welcoming our new Design Team!

Today's an exciting day! i {heart} papers is THRILLED to be adding six new amazingly talented design team members to our current team. We are also welcoming our incredible new July/August guest designer today. To help celebrate we are hopping from blog to blog, and will be offering six $10 gift certificates! Winners will be selected from all of the blog comments you leave as you congratulate and help welcome them to the team, so be sure to hop along and comment! Comments close Friday July 5 at noon EST and winners will be announced on the IHP blog the following week. (You must visit the blog to see if you've won. You will not be contacted.)

First, let us introduce our amazing new Design Team to you! Joining our current team of Carole, Deb, Gretchen, Judy, Lori & Tracy, we have:

My name is Lindsay Amrhein and I live in Northeast Ohio with my husband, John and two kiddos.  I enjoy camping, hiking and bike riding, as well as cooking and traveling.  Of course, I enjoy spending as much time as possible at my craft table!

I'm Lizzie Sanchez... I'm a twenty something momma of three that lives in Texas. I'm artsy and crafty and nerdy and a lil bit on the quirky side. Okay ALOT on the quirky side!  I have a wonderful hub bub that works while I stay at home and clean and cook and make cute things all day! I've been crafty for as long as I can remember. I draw, paint, and make cards, geez... just about everything!  I love being creative and letting my imagination inspire others.

Hi, I'm Sarah Gough! I live in beautiful Wellington, New Zealand. I've been stamping for about 7 or 8 years now and love the immediacy of this medium. I also love to bake, crochet, make jewelry and I sew a little when my machine is behaving! I'm looking forward to sharing my LOVE of paper and all things stampy with you all!

Hi, I'm Stacey Schafer. What a thrill to be part of the i {heart} papers Design Team!  I'm a wife, mom of three, full-time special education teacher...who ADORES all things paper-crafting!  Many moons ago, I started scrapbooking and fell in love with beautiful paper, ribbons, buttons, stamps and ink!  I can't wait to create beautiful projects using fabulous IHP products and sharing them with you!

Hi, I am Vera Wirianta Yates. You can also call me by my nickname Ling. I was born & raised in Indonesia, but been calling Texas home for the past 18 years. I am married and mom to 3 spoiled doggies. My love for paper crafting started back in 1997 when I attended my first scrapbook class and I've been hooked ever since. Soon after I branched out to card making. I love both crafts equally, although I do more cards nowadays. I have my works published regularly on Paper Crafts magazine and I have designed for various companies. Besides paper crafting I love animals, movies & anything with pretty colors. I am excited to join i{heart}papers and looking forward to this new adventure.

My name is Wida Miller... I am a short, chubby, mom of 4 who enjoys glitter and buying craft supplies in bulk. I like to create while listening to Maroon 5 and am a bit too analytical for my own good.  I am looking for like minded crafters who are not intimidated by colorful cards and going rogue when it comes to designs. If you don't mind just being yourself no matter what, then I am the gal for you :)

And we're thrilled to have Jessica Fick joining us as Guest Designer for July & August!

I began my paper crafting hobby when my son was born, wanting to scrapbook all the photos of him and then making handmade cards to send to our family and friends with photos of him to keep them connected with how adorable he was!  Four years later, when my daughter was born I began delving in deeper into rubber stamping and card making... and the rest, as they say is history!  I've been privileged to make some wonderful friends and contacts in our industry and am a better person and paper crafter because of it! I'm so honored to be invited to be a guest designer for i {heart} papers for July and August!  Thank you, Kate for the opportunity to play with the wonderful products in your awesome online store!

Here are all of the links along the hop - hop along, say hello to our team & enter yourself in our contest!

• Carole
• Deb
• Gretchen
• Judy
• Lindsay - **NEW**
• Lizzie - **NEW**
• Lori
• Sarah - **NEW**
• Stacey - **NEW**
• Tracy
• Vera - **NEW**
• Wida - **NEW**
• Jessica, our July/August guest DT
• Chunyuan, our June/July guest DT
• Libby, social media coordinator
• Kate <--you are here! :-)

Also, be sure to follow IHP on Facebook, Twitter and join our newsletter for sales, new products and other announcements. Plus, every month a random newsletter subscriber is selected to win a $10 gift certificate just for being a subscriber! Sign up on the right side of the store homepage. Thanks for hopping along today! 

Design Team Call!

i {heart} papers is looking to add some new talent to our existing design team.  IHP will be celebrating our 5 year birthday this fall!  We take pride in retailing the industry's best paper crafting supplies from your favorite manufacturers while offering stellar customer service and super fast and FREE US shipping with any $70 order. (And yes, we also ship internationally.)  Be sure to visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or our blog for more information about us!

To learn more about what we’re looking for in our new design team members, what you get and how to apply please keep reading!

What we’re looking for:  

• At least a 6 month term commitment.
• You must have an active personal stamping blog, be an active member of SCS, have (and use) a Pinterest account and access to Facebook.  Twitter is a bonus but not a deal breaker.
• Create quality projects (cards, 3D/altered item, scrapbook) that reflect your personal style, originality and best use of the products we sell. 
• Ability to take (and edit) high quality photographs that highlight the products and the amazing artistic skills you have.  You must also be able to watermark your pictures.
• Registration and participation in a private DT forum.
• At least 4 projects per month (more is better) that use products we sell.  You will be required to blog, post to SCS, Pin and post to our FB page all of these projects. 
• Participation in design team special activities, challenges or requests as needed.
• Responsible, reliable people who can follow instructions (so please be sure if you decide to apply that your application includes everything we’re asking for!), meet deadlines and who feel comfortable promoting a company.
• International applicants are welcome to apply.

What you get:

• A 6 month term with the possibility of being offered an extension.
• Quarterly gift certificate (including free shipping) to the store to buy supplies of your selection.  We want you to be able to choose products that inspire you and that you will want to use, so we let you select your products and don’t assign them to you.  Occasionally you may be asked to highlight a certain product but you always get to spend your gift certificate the way you want to.
• Generous storewide discount code for any additional purchases you make.
• Encouragement, friendship and enthusiasm for and appreciation of your work!

 How to apply:

• Send an email to dt@iheartpapers.com with “design team application” in the subject. 
• List your name, mailing address, best phone number and best email.
• Provide your blog, SCS name, link to your Pinterest and Twitter (if applicable).
• Please let us know where you saw this DT call.
• Include LINKS (not attachments) to 4 of your best projects showcasing a variety of styles, projects and supplies.  Showing projects that include supplies IHP carries is encouraged but not required.
• A blurb about yourself and why you think IHP would be a good fit for both of us.
• List any previous DT experience and any publications (you may link to an online paper crafting resume if you have one in lieu of this), if applicable.
• Any YouTube videos you’ve made or additional information/links that will help show us your style or skills!

Call closes Friday June 14 at 11:59PM EST.  Selected candidates will be notified via email no later than Wednesday June 19.  You must reply with acceptance within 24 hours or you forfeit your offer.  New members will be announced publicly and begin their term July 1.  If you have questions that are not answered here, please DO NOT use the email for applications – use the contact us form on our website.

We look forward to reviewing the applications!  Ready.  Set.  Go!  Good luck!!

Made Of Snow

Deb shared an absolutely stunning card on her blog, and I had to share it here too!  She shared a tutorial on Paper Craft Planet for how she created a similar project.

For this card, Deb used the Gourmet Rubber Stamps set Made of Snow, Carta Bella Winter Fun designer paper (the 6 x 6 is sold out, but the 12 x 12 collection kit is still available),  Memento Espresso Truffle ink, Ranger ink, Copic markers, Stickles, and pearls.

Isn't it lovely?  The colores are so pretty, and the ruffled edge is stunning!

Design Team Thursday: Judy Rozema

Judy has been creating some gorgeous cards with her Flourishes stamps! Pictured above is a card using Snow Day.  She stamped on X-Press Copic Blending cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and then colored with Copic markers C1, C3, C5.

The background is embossed with Lifestyle Craft's Zig Zag embossing folder. Everything is held together with i {stick} papers red line tape and Zva Creative Adhesives.

The sentiment is from Flourishes' Cowboy Christmas set; Judy scored each section of her folded Christmas tree with her Scor-Buddy.  The layers are held together using i {stick} papers red-line tape. She added Kaisercraft Pearls along the bottom of the trunk and at each design change.

The images from Flourishes' With Gratitude stamp set are stamped on X-Press Copic Blending CS in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored in using Copic Markers C1. C3, Y15 and Y17.  She added some beautiful Zva Creative pearl flourishes and Oyster Baker's Twine.

Be sure to stop by and see all of the Flourishes stamps we have in stock!

Design Team Tuesday: Gretchen Belknap

Gretchen has been making some absolutely beautiful Thank You cards, with fun circles on them.  Here's one she shared this past weekend, using Word Up (Paper Smooches), Memento rich cocoa ink (Tsukineko), Autumn Spice DP (LilyBee Designs),  brown twine (Lawn Fawn), banner trio die (WPlus9), and chick yellow felt (True Felt).

This one is fabulous too - so simple and easy to recreate!  On this card she used Word Up (Paper Smooches), Memento rich cocoa (Tsukineko), Take A Hike DP (Simple Stories), Banner Trio Die (WPlus9), and brown thread (Creative Impressions) .

How sweet is this little guy? This card features Skateboard Kiddo (Stampendous), Memento tuxedo black ink (Tsukineko), For the Record 2 Documented (Echo Park), black gems (Kaiser Craft), and Copic Sketch Markers.

Have you made anything with circles lately?  Don't forget to share your projects (using supplies from i {heart} papers, of course!) over on our Facebook page for a chance to be our WOW Wednesday winner!  You can also share on twitter - just be sure to mention us (@iheartpapers) so we see it!

Also, don't forget to comment on yesterday's blog post, for your chance to win some Gourmet Rubber Stamps!

Bright & Beautiful Christmas

Judy Rozema shared a beautiful card over on her blog yesterday! Here's what she had to say about it:

"I scored each section with my Scor-Buddy.  The layers are held together using i {stick} papers red-line tape. I added Kaiser Pearls along the bottom of the trunk and at each design change. The sentiment is from Flourishes' Cowboy Christmas."

How is the holiday card-making going at your house?  We've got everything you need to get going on them!  Head over to the store to see what's in stock!

Celebrate Blues

Here's a pretty card I spotted over on Tracy's blog this weekend - aren't the blues fabulous?  She paired some My Mind's Eye Winter Wonderland paper with a sentiment from the Paper Smooches Sentiment Sampler set.  The pleated ruffle from Maya Road finished the card off perfectly!

Do you love to use blues on your cards and projects?  Be sure to share them with us over on our Facebook page, or tag us in a tweet (@iheartpapers) and you could be our WOW Wednesday winner!

Happy crafting!

Welcoming New Faces

This month we have two new faces to welcome!  We're excited to announce that we have a new member of our permanent design team.  Say hello to the fabulously amazing Stephanie Washburn!

My name is Stephanie Washburn and I am ADDICTED TO PAPER AND STAMPS!  I am a stay at home mom to two crazy little boys, Aden and Austin– while they sleep, I play!  My husband is in the US Air Force and we call Pikeville, North Carolina our home.  We LOVE living in North Carolina and after several other "homes" we feel we have finally found where we belong.  In addition to being a Mommy, I am also a student- currently attending the University of Phoenix pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.  

I have been scrapbooking for as long as I can remember and was introduced to stamping and card making in 2008. I am very fortunate to work with several companies in the paper crafting industry and recently began illustrating my own stamp line with Market Street Stamps.  I am a clean and simple designer and love to mix stamps and products to see what I can come up with.  I love meeting fellow card makers through my blog and forums and have made so many great friends!  

I am truly honored (and SO excited!) to join the i {heart} papers team!  I'd love for you to stop by my blog Sweet Steph Card Creations or my Facebook page Sweet Steph Designs!

We're also excited about our November guest designer, the talented Jen del Muro!

Howdy!  I'm Jen del Muro.   I live in North Texas (Flower Mound to be exact) with my hubby, 2 kiddos, 2 dogs, and a sly black cat.   I have a passion for all things paper crafting, especially stamping...of course!   I'm not sure when my love for paper crafting began, but once I was introduced to stamping, I was hooked.   I try to create something almost everyday (yes, really).   My favorite part of crafting, besides the awesome and ever changing product selections/choices, is the people.   I have become connected with so many wonderful people through this craft and am thankful for their friendship and talent they share.   I am so happy to be a part of i{heart}papers this month and look forward to sharing my creations with you!   You can always find me at iheart2stamp.com, too!

We're looking forward to all of the amazing projects these two ladies share with us!

Design Team Thursday: Gretchen Belknap

Hi everyone, it's Taylor here today to share a few projects I've spotted on Gretchen's blog.  First up is this beauty, inspired by our World Card Making Day color challenge.  She stamped Technique Tuesday images in Memento Tuxedo Black in, and paired it with For the Record 2 patterned paper.  She's also used an embossing folder from Lifestyle Crafts and a trinket pin.

I love this fun card using the Paper Smooches Little Fella  set! She added a super cute mini clothespin, a bit of red twine, and black gems.

Gretchen has been creating some great stuff - be sure to check out her blog for more!

Design Team Wednesday: Deb Felts

Hi there! It's Taylor again today, sharing some lovelies I've spotted from i {heart} papers design team member Deb Felts.  Because I have two kids who love these, Deb's recent project with Bathtub Crayons really made me smile!  You could use the Gourmet Rubber Stamps True Colors stamp set to recreate this project with markers, crayons, or colored pencils - it's the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays!

Also used on this project: Memento ink, Copic markers, i {stick} papers tape, and dimensional adhesive.

Next up is this CAS cutie with Paper Smooches' Alfresco set.   The popped up salt and pepper shakers are darling!  Deb also used Divine Twine,  Memento ink, Copic markers, i {stick} papers tape, and dimensional adhesive on this card.

And finally, this gorgeous castle card, created with the Friends By the Sea set. WOW!  Deb finished off this beauty with Kaisercraft pearls.

And don't miss out on our Halloween sale!  All Halloween items are 30% off, while supplies last.  Also, tons of new stamps have been added to the sale category, so it's a great time to pick a few things up that have been on your wishlist.  As always, US shipping is free with your order of $60 or more.

Design Team Monday: Lori Tecler

Welcome to Monday, everyone!  It's Taylor here today, sharing a few cards I spotted recently on Lori Tecler's blog.  Wow she's been cranking out fabulous cards lately!

First up is this darling Paper Smooches card.  Lori used the fun Happy Camper set paired with some October Afternoon patterned paper.  Other products available in the store include: X-Press White Copic blending cardstock, Tsukineko Memento inks (Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa), Copic markers ((E23, E25, E13, E33), Divine Twine Green Apple baker’s twine, and Sticky Thumb dimensional dots.

How fun is this Retro Hello card, using the Perpetual Bliss set from Paper Smooches?  Lori added a sentiment from the Chit Chat set as well.  The green patterned paper is from Jillibean Soup; she once again colored on Xpress White cardstock using Copic markers (YG21, YG91, YG93, YG95, BG0000, BG000, C3).

Finally, her stunning card with Technique Tuesday's Bright Idea set really stopped me in my tracks.  I really love the pink and yellow color scheme, pulled from the My Mind's Eye patterned paper.  It's perfectly accented by the gray ink, too. Lori used a bit of Glossy Accents over the bulb, which when combined with the Kaisercraft bling completely adds to the fun factor on this card!

Make sure you check in tomorrow - we have an exciting announcement planned!

Welcoming a New Design Team Member!

Welcome to Friday everyone!  This week we're welcoming a new team member - read on for some thoughts from Kate!

"I am thrilled to announce that Judy Rozema will be going the core IHP DT beginning today!  With Loretta’s departure, I felt that we needed to add someone else to help keep the team balanced.  Judy and I go waaaaayyyyy back - way back to the beginning of my stamping career, over 10 years ago.  She was actually on my Stampin’ Up! downline and was one of my very first recruits but we wouldn’t meet until years later when I opened IHP and we had a chance to meet in person at CHA.

We share our birthday week, a love of music and of course, a love of stamping.  Please help me welcome her to the team by stopping over to her blog or her Facebook page and leaving her a comment. (Trust me…you want to stop by and leave her a comment!)"

Here’s a little bit of what Judy has to say about herself:

“My name is Judy Rozema.  I live in Central Nebraska, in Cornhusker country, and have been married for 30 years.  I have a daughter who is a sophomore in college, and a married son who is a pastor and lives in North Carolina.  Two dogs (labs) and a 17 year old water turtle round out our family.  During the school year, I am a part-time elementary music teacher.  When I'm not stamping, I enjoy watching movies, crocheting, and going on junk jaunts!  I also spend time in the community theater in my town, as an actress and director of musicals and plays.  You might know me on Splitcoaststampers as StampingQueenJAR.  I hope you will stop by my blog, Joy in a JAR, or my craft page on Facebook by for a visit!   I am thrilled and delighted to be a part of the i {heart} papers Design Team!”

Welcome to the team, Judy!

You've probably noticed our shipping note, that no orders will be shipped beginning tomorrow and continuing throughout the three-day Labor Day weekend. Normal shipping will resume on Tuesday, September 4 (and you can still place orders throughout the weekend).  Since we won't be here to ship anything, we thought we'd have a little bit of blog fun, and do a Blog Blinkie Giveaway!

To add this to your blog you need to add a "gadget" or HTML box and then paste this code:

<body>

<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.iheartpapers.com/">

<img border="0" src="http://www.iheartpapers.com/blinkies/ihpblinkie.gif" width="170" height="170"></a></p>

</body>

and then save it.  Please be sure to leave a comment here and let us know if you've added it.  What can you win if you add this to your blog?  How about a little bling?!

Four packs of Zva Creative bling will be given to one random commenter, who puts the blinkie on their blog (and yes....we check!)  This contest will run through Tuesday, September 4 at 6:00 PM EST.  And don't forget to comment here and let us know you've added it (and your blog address, so we can go see)! One winner will be announced Wednesday morning here on the blog.  (Winner is responsible for claiming their prize within 48 hours of announcement; if no one claims it, a new winner will be drawn!  You should follow the blog to make sure you don't miss it!)

Be sure to stop by Monday for some new releases from Gourmet Rubber Stamps!

And the shipping reminder: No orders will be shipping Labor Day weekend (Friday, August 31 - Monday, September 3).  Thanks in advance for your understanding!