This week begins my three-month journey as a Guest Design Team Member for The Paper Players.  I have admired this group of talented individuals for some time now since discovering the hobby of stamping and card making and paper crafting.  I have participated in their challenges over the past year or so when I had a chance, and I always appreciated the kind and fun feedback and encouragement.  I’ve even been recognized and won a few times!  When I got an email asking if I would be interested in being a Guest Designer to inspire others, I was extremely flattered.  Also a little nervous!  I decided to commit for three months, and see how it goes.  If all goes well, I will extend to the six-month commitment requested.  So you will notice I will be posting a card each Sunday morning now that will be an inspiration for others to participate in the weekly challenge.

This week, for my debut card as a Paper Players Designer, our PP248 Theme is Masculine Card.  I decided to pull out my StampinUp “By the Tide” stamp set as I haven’t used the lobster stamp yet.

I had some navy blue designer series paper with nautical knots printed on it that I thought would go well, and embellished it with a jute knot to somewhat simulate the design of the paper.  (Anyone know how to do that specific knot or what it really is?)

I used SU Cherry Cobbler red ink for the lobster and SU Crumb Cake for the sea grass, print and to sponge the edges of all the paper for a more “rugged” look.  I finished it off with silver brads and a tan candy dots on all four corners.

So I’m off and running with ink and paper cutter and stamps as an official “Designer.”  I hope some of my fellow stampers and paper crafters will play along in the challenges.

Happy Sunday!

Cheers & Hugs,

Jodi