The Princess' Wedding Surprise Blog Hop

Welcome and thank you for joining us to celebrate the fairytale wedding of my beautiful daughter Princess Heather. If you have just come from Lisa's Blog, you are on the right track. Today, January 28th, 2012, is her wedding day and while you are hopping she could be getting dressed, walking down the aisle, or already celebrating her new life with Prince Charming.

This blog hop is dedicated strictly to 12 x 12 scrapbook layouts. All layouts you see in this hop are being put together into a wedding surprise scrapbook album for my daughter, a gift fitting of any young princess. You are going to be amazed at what creations these fabulous ladies have designed. 

As a “thank you” to you, my wonderful royal court of followers and new comers, I also have some dreamy blog candy to offer. In order to be eligible for this blog candy, all that is required of you is to comment and follow each blog along the hop and to stop in at the facebook pages of the sponsors to thank them! The last stop on the hop is my daughter’s blog, Please stop in and wish her congratulations and if you facebook, drop her a note on her wall:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1224236273

Here is the list of the ever so generous sponsors for today’s hop:

My Pink Stamper –

Blog: http://www.mypinkstamper.com/

 FB: https://www.facebook.com/mypinkstamper

Creations with Christina

 FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Creations-With-Christina/110022992358395

Blog: http://www.creationswithchristina.com/

Paper Piecings by Nikki (THIS IS ME :)

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paper-Piecings-by-Nikki/210135505721726

Bugjuiced Blog: http://bugjuiced.blogspot.com/

For my contribution to Heather's book, I decided to focus on the Mother and Daughter part of the wedding day <3 It's such a special, sad, happy, proud moment for parents and I wanted to make sure that there was a page in the book that showcased Liz and Heather's wedding day moments :)

I designed and created the Mother and Bride just for Liz and Heather :) I had to put little grey hairs in Mom's head so that everyone would know she was "Mom" and not a brides maid or sister :)  LOL!  I'm not calling you old Liz because I have grey hairs like this so I knew it would be ok just add a few....LOL!!

I am really enjoying using stickles on everything lately and since the colors were pink and silver, I went to town :)  Simple paper that I found at JoAnne Fabrics along with some Bazzill Basics added in there.  I found the pink flower embellishments in $1 bin at JoAnne's (never skip passed that bin cause there is great stuff in there)!!  The hearts at the bottom of the layout were actually a whole sheet of paper and I just cut out one row of them to make a bottom border :)

Thanks for hopping with us today :) I can't wait to see pictures from the wedding Liz :) Congratulations Michelle <3 I hope you wedding day was everything you always hoped and dreamed it would be :)

If you haven't visited my FB fan page (Paper Piecings by Nikki), please be sure to come over and "Like" me (only if you like what you see of course...LOL)! Each week, I have a Facebook fan of the week and give that person and exclusive freebie pattern just for being such an awesome fan! I design and create digital paper piecings patterns for crafting, scrapbooking and teaching resources :) I post new designs almost every day that you can use for any crafting project, scrapbooking page, cards or even school bulletin boards, flash cards, posters, etc. You name it, my designs can be used for almost anything :) I also make digital animated graphics for blogs and webpages too :)

Here is the lineup for the rest of the hop:

1. Liz - http://tryin2craft.blogspot.com  
2. Ashley - http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com
3. Ellen - http://cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/
4. Shannon - http://my-o-scrappin.blogspot.com
5. Lisa -  http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/
6. Nikki - http://paperpiecingsbynikki.blogspot.com YOU ARE HERE
7. Michelle- http://www.craftychelle.blogspot.com HOP HERE NEXT
8. Alina - http://neverstopscrapping.blogspot.com
9. Kristy - http://scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com 
10. Gloria - http://craftnthings.blogspot.com
11. Cori W. - http://createdbycori.blogspot.com
12. Staci- http://preciousmem.blogspot.com
13. Erica - http://mycricutcraftroom.blogspot.com
14. http://pinkpunkcosmo.blogspot.com

You next stop will be Michelle and you are going to love her layout!

Hope you had as much fun as I did and were inspired by the many gorgeous and creative layouts that you have seen today :) Once again, congratulations on your new life Heather <3 May it be filled with so much love and laughter and happiness always <3


God Bless
Nikki
©Paper Piecings by Nikki

Newest Patterns :)

Hello my blogging buddies <3  It's been entirely way to long since I've blogged...I really need to work on catching up with all of you more and on a daily basis :)  Just wanted to post some of my newest pattern sets that I've put out in the last week :)

Stop over to my FACEBOOK FANPAGE to see all of the adorable projects my DT and awesome fans have made with these and other patterns :)  I've been so inspired by all of their amazing and unique projects!  Don't miss out on some great ideas for your projects :)  

If you haven't become a PPbN FB fan yet, be sure to click the "Like" button on my fan page so that you can possibly win some really cute "Fan Exclusives"!  Here are just a few of the little surprises I've made for my awesome "Fans of the Week"...

I hope everyone is having a beautiful Monday :)  Thanks for stopping by and be sure to look around my blog...I've added some really cute things you may be interested in :)  Lots and lots of hugs to all of you <3 <3 <3

Nikki

Valentine's Day Card Blog Hop for Kids with Cancer

Hi :)  Welcome to the Valentine's Day Card Blog Hop for Kids with Cancer <3

My name is Nikki Calmes, owner and designer/artist of ©Paper Piecings by Nikki :)  If you have just come from Lena's blog, you are on the right track :)

I am so honored to be a part of this blog hop <3  Knowing that all of these wonderful ladies have come together to create beautiful cards for these amazing kids just melts my heart :)  I wish I could be there when they open up there surprise Valentines <3

Today I have created a 5x7 card using all digital artwork designed my me :)  The cute little ladybug bears are from my digital paper piecings pattern set "Always Be My Little Lady".  I drew the hearts on the front of the card and on the inside of the card, using Photoshop (one of my most favorite programs on the face of the earth) You can do just about anything you can dream of with your crafting and photo editing using this amazing software!!  It's a little pricey, but you will never need another photo editing or digital scrapbooking software again!

I used Bazzill card stock paper on almost the entire card, except for the heart patterned paper that I used for the photo mat on the inside which I bought at Michael's.  I printed the inside message on Bazzill card stock right from my printer.  Instead of using white inkjet paper, I just cut a piece of 12x12 Bazzill down to 8.5x11 and put it in the printer tray :) Easy peasy :)

The also drew the heart that appears on the outside and added the message to the inside of the heart and printed it on Kodak professional photo paper :)

I added pop dots to the Ladybug bears and the photo mat messages to make them stand and give them a 3-dimensional look :)  I've seen a lot of stickles lately and I just LOVE how it looks so I added lots and lots!! I figured the little "love bug" who gets this card would like the sparkles <3

Sorry for the glare on the photos :(  I couldn't get a shot without a flash glare :(

I had so much fun making this card :)  I hope you enjoyed your stop here today :)  I am also giving away BLOG CANDY!!!  The winner of my blog candy will receive $25.00 worth of free patterns or digital elements from my store :) In order to be considered for my blog candy you MUST:

1. Follow my blog :)

2.  Subscribe via email :)

3. Head over to my Facebook Fanpage and become one of my newest fans so you can get updates on all my new designs and have chances to win free, FUN stuff from me :)  

4.  Leave a comment on this post :)

I will choose a winner via Random.org.  Your number will be whatever number your comment is on this post :)

For those Hoppers who would like to participate and send Valentine Cards for the Children, please make sure they are for either sex boy/girl as we will not know how many of each will be in the unit towards V-day. Also, please send your cards to me...

                                                                             Ashley T.

                                                                        6 Sherin Drive 

Newark, DE 19702

Please make sure they are delivered before Jan. 31 as we need enough time to send them out to the Hospital for the children!!! 

Thank you so much for "hopping by" :)  Your next stop is Nicolette :)  Have fun on the rest of your hop today and may God Bless you every day <3

Lots of Hugs,

Nikki

1. Liz- http://decadeofscrap.blogspot.com/

2. Ashley- http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/

3. Teresa - http://www.scrappintplace.blogspot.com/

4. Lina- http://www.sweetnothingspaperco.blogspot.com

5. Nikki-http://www.paperpiecingsbynikki.blogspot.com   YOU ARE HERE :)

6. Nicolette www.beyondscrapin.blogspot.com  HOP HERE NEXT

7. Misty - http://mbtreasurista.blogspot.com/

8. Ellen ♥ CardMonkey - http://cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/

9. Theresa Neubaum - http://www.scrappyartcrafters.blogspot.com

10. Beckie http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/

11. Doris - http://mybugandmecreate.blogspot.com

12. Amber - http://pixiperfectcreations.blogspot.com

13. Leslie-http://ScrapOfArtDesigns.blogspot.com

14. Melissa-http://timeweavers.wordpress.com

15. Amy - http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com

My Very First Blog Award!!!

I AM SO SO EXCITED AND HONORED!!! I have just received my very first blog award!!! 

Now, I get to give this award it to 5 newbie blogs that I think are amazing! These blogs are all up and coming and have less than 200 followers. As a recipient it is now your turn to pick 5 blogs and share the love!

Here are the rules:

• Choose 5 up and coming blogs of fewer than 200 followers to award the Liebster to.
• Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them. If you are not a follower of theirs, that might be a nice way to show appreciation for the award.;)
• Post the award on your blog.  Link back to the blogs you have given the Liebster to so everyone else can pay them a visit.

The award goes to:

1. Mandy ~ http://lovestoscrap11.blogspot.com/

2. Jamie ~ http://scrapqueen141.blogspot.com/

3. 

4.

5.

I am Still visiting newbie blogs to find 3 more of my favs but
please click on these blogs and visit them and leave some love :)


I hope they become your favorites too!!


Don't forget, If you were given this award, please pass is on to 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers.


Thanks so much Doris - you truly have made my day!!

Nikki

Ringing in the New Year Paper Piecings Blog Hop

Welcome to the "Ringing in the New Year Paper Piecings Blog Hop"!  We are so glad you have decided to hop with us today :)  This is a one day hop to inspire all of your creations for 2012!  We have quite a group of talented ladies in our lineup so you are in for a REAL treat and I just know that you will be inspired as you start another year of crafting!

Each of these wonderful ladies has prepared a project that incorporates some kind of paper piecings :)  For those of you who may not know what paper piecing is (and believe me you have no idea how many times I get asked "What is paper piecing"?), if you have ever used a cricut or other cutting machine or even cut something out by hand and glued it together to put on a page, you made a paper piecing :)  Usually they are shapes, characters, letters or titles (among others).  It is a very fun and addicting hobby!! I can almost guarantee that as soon as you do it once, you will have to keep doing it!  It's so much fun to cut out all of your pieces and watch your little characters come to life :)  I teach online classes on how to paper piece over on Betterfly if you want to learn how to do it step by step.  There is a link on my website to sign up for one of my classes if you are interested :)

For the hop today, I have designed a digital layout with one of my new paper piecing pattern sets (no title yet), not yet released.  I used Photoshop CS5 and Illustrator CS5 to make this layout.  I love designing and drawing on my Mac! Everything I need is right in front of me and the only space I need is my lap (that is if my kids aren't aching to see what I'm doing...LOL)!  This layout is in memory of my Momma <3  We lost her 4 years ago, very suddenly, on the 22nd of this month, so it only seemed fitting to design something for her.  She LOVED giraffes and ever since she died, I find giraffes everywhere!! It's ridiculous, the amount of giraffes I see all around me all the time!  I just know that it's her, smiling down on me and saying "Hello" :)

Love you Momma <3 Save a seat for me right next to you ok :)

If you haven't ever designed a layout digitally, it is really just as much fun as physical scrapbooking once you get the hang of it :) Drag and drop all of your elements and photos onto your workspace and Wahla!! You've got your layout to print and slip into your book :)

I design all of my own digital elements, paper piecing patterns and PNG clipart :)  Stop by my store to see all of my pattern sets and clipart available for download :)

I will be giving away blog candy and will pick a winner and announce the winner on Monday.  To be entered to win my blog candy you MUST:

1. Follow my blog and subscribe to my blog via email

2.  Head over to my Facebook Fanpage and click on "Like" to be sure you don't miss out on my new patterns, digital scrapbooking images and clipart :)

Follow these directions and you will be entered to win my blog candy of $25.00 worth of paper piecing patterns from my store!

Thanks for hopping with us today!  You are in for a treat!  We have a very talented group of ladies who can't wait to share their ideas to inspire your creations for the New Year!!

Be sure to follow the lineup as it appears below so you don't get lost along the way :)

Your next stop is Mandy!

Have fun and thanks for hopping!!

• 1. Nikki - http://paperpiecingsbynikki.blogspot.com YOU ARE HERE

  2. Mandy http://lovestoscrap11.blogspot.com/ GO HERE NEXT :)

  3.  Patti http://www.pattilynncreations.blogspot.com

  4. Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/

  5. Jamie - http://scrapqueen141.blogspot.com/

  6. Angela U-http://www.creativecraftin.blogspot.com

  7. Liz -  http://tryin2craft.blogspot.com

  8. Mindy- http://mindyscreations11.blogspot.com/

  9.  Kimberly (KPKre8tions)  http://scrappingrookie.blogspot.com/
  10.  Amy Jo - http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com 

Week #2 Challenge Winner!

Hi bloggers!  I'm so sorry that I am so late in announcing the winner of the PPbN Week #2 Christmas Challenge :(  It's been a very wonderful, yet very busy, Christmas but I am here to tell you that Random.Org has picked a winner!! Congratulations to Kimberly Pate!!

Thank you to all of you for participating :)  I absolutely adore all of your projects and you all did a wonderful job!

Stay tuned for the next challenge coming very soon :)

Nikki

ATTENTION!! MICHAEL'S GIFTCARD GIVEAWAY IS NOT MY GIVEAWAY!!

Someone has brought it to my attention that some of my followers think that the Michael's gift card and Copic markers giveaway is mine! THIS IS NOT MY GIVEAWAY!  I had reposted the giveaway on my blog as one of the requirements to be entered into this giveaway by www.keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com.  Again, this is not my giveaway and anyone who thinks they have entered it by following my blog is actually not entered unless you were aware that this was Melissa's giveaway and followed and posted on her blog (I hope that made sense..LOL)  I will try to contact each of the people that i think made this mistake because I would absolutely hate to have any of you thinking that you are in the running and then, come to find out, you weren't ever entered :(  I hope you all read this post so that you don't miss your chance for this prize!  I'm so sorry for the mix-up! I was only posting it because it was one of the requirements to spread the word of the giveaway and post it to my blog :(  Sorry :(

Nikki