"Insider" Design Tip

My oh-so-crafty sister in law introduced me to what I think of as an insider tip.  Perhaps it only seems that way because I'm so new to paper crafting, but this was a big help!  She sent me a bunch of .pdf files from Papertrey Ink (PTI--one of my favorite new sites).  These files were full of their "sketch recipes"--basically, card layout and color combo ideas.  Hooray!  For the inspiration-challenged (ahem, me) this is a game changer!  So when the need for a card arose tonight I knew just where to start.  I picked a sketch layout from their 8th Anniversary collection.  

I decided to go with my own color scheme which, in hindsight, falls somewhere between autumn and Christmas but it's all good.  I'm learning!  I used my MISTI to stamp a partial sentiment from my Hero Arts Everyday Sayings set over and over in a variety of colors (Distress Ink Fired Brick, Antique Linen, Mowed Lawn, and Vintage Photo).  Then I stamped the entire saying onto a banner, colored with Antique Linen ink, and added a stamped and die cut dove from Paper Smooches' Blessed Christmas set.  I'm feeling inspired to make Christmas cards now!

You can go here to view and download recent Inspiration Cards for yourself.  Happy (guided) Crafting!