Every Monday for quite some time we’ve been highlighting and celebrating the most Mint-spirational layouts in the gallery posted from the previous week in a special thread in the community forum. This week Mint-spirational Monday makes a major move from the depths of the forum to the top of the ‘ol blog.

Why?

Because these layouts deserve to be SEEN damn it.

And if I’m going to go through the trouble of fishing them out – you’re going to look at them! Them’s the rules little lady so put down that mouse and have yourself a gander at the overwhelming display of creativity that is about to be bestowed upon you.

Now technically….TECHNICALLY speaking it’s 51 minutes past midnight (as I type this) meaning that it is no longer Monday but y’know what I had a busy day and nobody’s perfect so we’re going to pretend that it is still Monday. Okie doke?

Now let’s see what was going on this week…

Pie Tin Gloves | by: computermom
I’m not sure what’s more fabulous – the layout itself or the pie tin gloves. Hello? how clever is that. I want a pair. Stunning use of color – perfect for the seasonal shots and a great use of this month’s PMP template. Can you tell that both pages are actually the same template?

Tea Party | by: shutterspeed
Oh so CUTE. The gorgeous photography and perfect tea party set up make this page perfect! I love the use of color and elements to really bring this page to life. I’m just sorry that I didn’t get an invitation to attend.

PMP #20 | by: Mrs Lack
Mrs Lack breathed new life into some old more ‘mature’ products with this STUNNING layout dedicated to her new puppy Charlie…(all together) AWWWWWWW. Love the monochromatic color scheme. The use of different shades, patterns and textures gives this page great visual interest. Well done!

I have a sneaking suspicion that next week’s batch of Mintspiration will blow your mind. With a brand new Valentines kit set to launch verrryyyyy soon I know we’ll see some fantastic stuff this week.

Last week I debuted my BABIES…the new line of COUPON BOOKS for Sexy Couples, Everyday Couples, Romantic Couples and Friends. I am totally in LOVE. This is by far my most favourite Peppermint Creative product to date.

As I was finishing them up and printing out samples (and bouncing with glee) I was worried that you might not fully get just how awesome these bad boys are. I mean it’s hard to encompass the full magnitude of awesomeness that IS this product in a 500×500 pixel preview. So I have no choice but to come here and tell you why this the best gift you will ever give so that you do not pass these by and waste a great opportunity to show someone you care.

First I have to say that these are tried and tested. Last year Mr. M received a saucy coupon book for his birthday and now requests one for all special occasions. LOL.

So here’s what you need to know.

1. They are pre-designed and pre-written. And they’re light-hearted and fun. See the sample legal text in each preview!
2. They are print-ready. Print the multiple page PDF or individual JPGs. A simple project you can print at home on 8.5×11” photo paper/cardstock.
3. All sets MATCH so you can purchase more than one and mix and match. 
4. Each set comes with 2 pre-designed BLANKS so you can fill it in with something    totally unique.
5. Easy to assemble. Just print and cut. Line them up and staple.

If you REALLY want something unique you can grab this DIY Blank set. Which is still pre-designed and print-ready but you can fill in anything you want! There are 12 pre-written headers so you can definitely find one to suit any coupon you dream up. These
are great because you can use them over and over for different people and/or occasions.

A closer look at the finished product! Keep in mind that you can assemble this ANY WAY you want! Use your Bind-it-All or a hole punch with ribbon or a binder ring. You don’t even have to make a whole book – you can give out coupons one by one. You could hide them around the house and whoever finds it gets to redeem it!

Ok…now HERE’S THE BEST PART!!!! (Pardon my CAPS, I’m excited). As I was drifting off to sleep (dreaming about coupon books) I thought, ”Wouldn’t it be cool if they could tear off like a real coupon – there HAS to be something out there”.

So the next morning I Googled ‘PERFORATING TOOLS’ and I found just what I wanted. Fiskars makes a hand held rotary tool with a perforating blade – COOL! So off to Michael’s I went (Mr. M in tow) to find me a blade. Much to my dismay they did not have it but in a stunning yet unexpected twist of fate I found a replacement blade for the Cutterpede (WHICH I HAPPEN TO HAVE) from EK Success.

Yahooo! It’s a miracle. I hoped it would work as well as I’d dreamed it would. At this point I’d sent Mr. M to stand in the obscenely long line (there was a sale) and as I got back in line and held up my small blade with joy and excitement he said:

“We have to wait in line for that?”

The woman behind us starts to laugh.

Ahhh young grasshopper – you do not see my vision.

As soon as I could get in the door I had to try it out. It works…PERFECTLY.

Best $4.65 I’ve ever spent.

I perforated all weekend long and told anyone who would listen.

Even Mr. M admitted it was pretty COOL after he saw it in action. So if you get one of these books it would be a SUPER fun touch to perforate each one before assembling it into a book but of course if you don’t want do that you can always hole punch the corner as they are redeemed, or sign them, or even stamp them or tear them out.

FUN! And look for some kid-friendly versions (among many others) COMING SOON!

TOOT! TOOT! Thursday night we hit a MAJOR Facebook milestone and hit 1,000 fans! High five for that. That is pretty darn exciting I have to say. I wonder how long it will take to get to 2,000. You think we can do it? I know you’re out there Peppermint lurkers.

Join us…..

(swinging gold watch in front of your eyes in an attempt to hypnotise you).

You LOVE Peppermint Creative.

You LOVE Miss Mint.

You think she is FUNNY.

You want to join the fun.

You will click the link below and become a Facebook Fan.

CLICK ME.

You will be notified of new products before I can even send out a newsletter.

You will be notified of specials, sales and coupons.

You might even get some EXCLUSIVE stuff.

DO IT.

NOW.

Do not look back.

Do not pass GO.

Do not collect $200.

Altered Art: Wooden Sled
By: Mary Jo Johnston

Have you ventured out of digi-land and into the world of hybrid yet? How about one step further – altered art! If not, this is the time!

If you’re not familiar, altered art is going beyond the page and fusing your hybrid papers and elements with every day items such as photo frames, unfinished wood, gift boxes, and wreaths – the possibilities are endless!

And this is such a great time to pick up those little trinkets. Valentine’s Day brings an array of goodies to your local craft store. I recently saw the cutest little mailboxes just waiting for some heart shaped patterned paper to grace its cover. Check the seasonal section at your local craft store and don’t forget the unfinished wood section and the paper maché aisle. You’re sure to find just what you’re looking for!

Here’s a little inspiration to get your started!

Supplies:
Peppermint Creative Chill Factor Papers
Unfinished Wooden Sled
Brads, Jewels, Rub-Ons or Other Embellishments
Snowman Sticker or Choice of Embellishment
Ribbon

Adding a little patterned paper to your project is easy and requires some simple tracing and cutting. I traced the edges of the sled and cut the various papers to fit, rounding the corners with a corner punch. A little dab of glue holds the papers securely.

Next, I added a few brads as buttons to my snowman sticker and placed it at the bottom of the sled. You could use a snowflake or a heart embellishment, be creative!

A few rub-ons with the “Let it Snow” sentiment and some crystal jewels add to the finishing touches. I also tied a ribbon to one side for a little added flair.

And the finished project hangs perfectly on my door to remind me of the chilly weather outside!

If you’re inspired to create your own altered art be sure to drop by the PC Gallery and share your creations with us! We’d love to see what you’ve created!

It’s HERE! A quick jump into winter before Valentine’s Day takes over! Chill Factor has arrived to rave reviews by my totally unbiased team. LOL. Special thanks to designer Tay Silver for her beautiful snowflake graphics. Pick it up now for 15% OFF.

  Also available, coordinating metal charms and a complete metal alpha (like the popular numbers from Birthday Boogie).

And here is some inspiration courtesy of the magnificent Mint Chicks who can scrap at the speed of light! Tada…

L: Cindy Schneider | R: Ingrid Fasquelle
 

L: Keela Fox | R: Cindy Schneider
 

L: Kirstie Ibrahim | R: Trisha Burton
 

Both: Mary Jo Johnston
 

L: Mary Jo Johnston | R: Joscie Cutchens
 

So what are ya waiting for? Grab your snowy pictures and start scrappin’!