Nutz about Stamping

The best advice I ever received about paper crafting

When I first started stamping I was feeling clumsy, uninspired and a bit timid about how to get started. I loved my first experience with stamping and bought everything I needed to make Christmas cards that year and then....froze. 

So I asked my Stampin' Up! demonstrator (at that time) for the best way to get started. And here is some advice she gave to me. 

1. Copy what you see in the catalogs!
   
   
   
   
   Catalogs are also idea books so if you get start thumb through the catalog looking for ideas to copy directly or card ideas that you like that use different supplies. Try those ideas using the supplies you have on hand. 

 

        2. Head to Pinterest and type in the name of the stamp set you want to use. Tip: don't spend hours browsing, find an idea and get give it a try. Click here to see my Pinterest boards. 

        3. Head to YouTube. I love this platform, not only for ideas but for now to make them - usually step by step. Most of us would rather see live examples rather than download a PDF and try to figure it all out on our own. Yes, I have a YouTube channel too and post a new video idea every Sunday. 

What is the best advice you ever received about paper crafting? I would love to know - why not leave me a comment to tell me. 

This beautiful fancy fold card has a fun surprise inside

Hi fellow crafters! Today I am going to show you a beautiful fancy fold card that has a fun surprise inside. I will be using my Beauty of Friendship bundle, a left over piece of Beauty of the Earth designer series paper and I will be giving you a sneak peek at a super cute stamp set that will be available to order in August.  

 

I have used the Beauty of Friendship bundle a lot in the past few weeks. I love the tree images and the variety of phrases, and the dies add   visual interest and texture. 

 

 

And, I am quite proud to say, I have almost used up my entire pack of Beauty of the Earth designer series paper. That might not seem like a big deal to you but if you saw my paper stash you would shake your head! 

 

 

Combine these products along with the fancy fold technique that I share on my video below, and you can create this super fun card idea! 

 

 

And here's the surprise inside:

 

 

Here's what you need to make this card. 

 

Supplies:

 

Stamp Set: Beauty of Friendship (bundle 155834); Nuts about Squirrels (156475)

 

Ink: Cinnamon Cider, Early Espresso, Misty Moonlight

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

    Basic White:  11" x 4 1/4"; 2 1/2" x 1 1/4"; (3) 2 1/4" square

    Beauty of the Earth: (3) 5 1/4" x 4; 3 1/2" x 3

    Mossy Meadow: 4" x 3 1/4"

    Misty Moonlight: 11" x 1"

    Merry Merlot: 2 3/4" x 1 1 /2"

    Cinnamon Cider: (4) 2" squares; 4 1/2" x 3 1/2"

 

Misc: Paper Snips; Multi-purpose Liquid Glue; Bone Folder; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine; Mini Glue Dots; Beauty of the Earth DSP (155841); Beautiful Trees dies

 

Here's my video. ***Be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design ideas AND to see a second card idea using the same technique.

 

 

This colorful pocket card is perfect for birthdays and other occasions

Today's project is a beautiful and colorful pocket card idea, featuring the Expressions in Ink paper:

This pack of paper is the feature on this card and once you know how to make one, you can make several for the different occasions you need this year. 

This card is a birthday card, with the phrase and embellishments coming from the Artistically Inked stamp set: 

I love the font for the phrases - each one unique from the rest! 

Here's the birthday pocket card project and the instructions on how to make it are below. Why not give it a try! 

 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Artistically Inked (154542)
• Card Stock (CS) – Shaded Spruce (146981); Basic White Thick (159229)
• Ink Pads – Magenta Madness (153117); Shaded Spruce (147088); Pale Papaya (155670)
• Misc. – Artistic Dies (155371); Stitched Rectangles Dies (151820); Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper (DSP (155464); Artistry Booms Adhesive-Backed Sequins (152477); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430): Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108); Tear & Tape (154031); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Bone Folder (102300); Take Your Pick Tool (144107); Paper Trimmer (152392); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653)

Measurements: 

• Shaded Spruce CS: 11” x 4-1/4”, scored in half at 5-1/2” (2 pieces)
• Basic White Thick CS: 5-1/4” x 3-3/4” plus scraps for die cutting
• DSP: 5-1/4” x 4”, then cut in half diagonally

Instructions:

1. Burnish the folds in the two Shaded Spruce CS bases.
2. Lay the bases side by side, lying horizontally, so the folds are on the left and right.
3. Cut the front of the left base diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right corner.
4. Cut the front of the right base diagonally from the bottom left to the top right.
5. Glue the back of the bases together, so that the triangular fronts overlap in the front.
6. Glue the DSP triangles onto the two card fronts.
7. Using Tear & Tape, adhere the left front onto the inside, only along the very bottom edge.
8. Using Tear & Tape along the bottom edge, and glue where the two fronts overlap, adhere the right front down. Now you have a pocket!
9. Using the large ink splotch stamp and Pale Papaya ink, stamp along the top edge of the 5-1/4” x 3-3/4” Basic White Thick card stock piece.
10. Onto a scrap of Basic White Thick CS, stamp the larger flower and the tiny flowers in Magenta Madness ink., and 2 leaves and the sentiment in Shaded Spruce ink.
11. Die cut the sentiment using the Stitched Rectangles Dies.
12. Die cut the flowers and leaves using the Artistic Dies.
13. Lay all the die cut pieces on the front of the pocket to arrange them, then glue all the pieces together in a cluster.
14. Adhere the cluster onto the card front using Stampin’ Dimensionals (I used the regular size and the mini.)
15. Apply sequins onto the large flower and the larger two of the tiny flowers.
16. Slide the Basic White Thick CS piece into the top of the pocket.

Time is ticking and you don't want to miss out on this special offer

Time is ticking away quickly and you don't won't to miss out on Stampin' Up!s July promotion. This is the perfect time to stock up on your favorite designer series paper packs at a very nice discount! 

Here are the juicy details: 

SALES PERIOD: 1 JULY–2 AUG

• There is no limit to how many packages of Designer Series Paper may be purchased during this promotion.
• Only select Designer Series Papers are available at a 15% discount during this promotion.
• Orders must be placed—and closed—during the promotion period for the 15% discount to apply.
• Designer Series Paper ordered as part of a Starter Kit or with Stampin’ Rewards qualify for the 15% discount.

Click on the flyer photo below to download it to your device! (Tip: use the product numbers on the flyer when purchasing them at my online store)

 

Here's the link to my online store - click the easy button below! 

Have you ever been uncertain about a stamping technique? Don't miss out.

Watercoloring.

Just reading the word on this week's Paper Craft Crew challenge made me shudder. Watercoloring is one stamping technique that I don't feel comfortable with...yet. 

And as much as I tried to avoid it, I didn't have the supplies for any other row or column. So I did what I usually do - avoid. Until the last minute and then I had to face it head on. 

After a good night's sleep I pulled out my Water Painters and watercolor paper and stared them down. 

I knew that I wanted to use the beautiful tree and birds dies and a phrase from the Beauty of Friendship bundle: 

So I convinced myself that I do have an inner artist and to just give it a try. I grabbed some ink pads and tries to create a sunset on a piece of watercolor paper, after I die cut it using the Scalloped Contours dies. 

And you know what? I kind of like it! So much in fact that I decided that my card didn't need any additional elements on it. What do you think? I would love some encouraging words if you don't mind leaving me a comment. 

The moral of this story: Have you ever been uncertain about a stamping technique? Don't miss out. Give it a try and you just might fall in love with your own creative abilities! 

Hint: if you want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew design team members created for this week's challenge, click here to head on over to that site. 

 

Here's how to get two amazing projects for free each week

Would you like TWO free crafting projects every week (no strings attached) using products featuring this amazing catalog? I am here to the rescue! 

I invite you to subscribe to my free newsletter service!

Every week I share an Annual Catalog project idea along with all the supplies that were used (including ordering numbers!) and a full set of step-by-step instructions. I also share tips, tricks, techniques and products I am nutz about. 

Why join my mailing list? Here are 7+ great reasons:

• exclusive card samples with photos and step-by-step instructions
• stamping techniques
• tool tips featuring brand new products or my all-time faves
• customer Q&A's - perhaps some you have been secretly asking too!
• information on upcoming classes with registration and payment links
• card maps and challenges
• special offers and surprises sprinkled in
• and much, more

If you are not on my mailing list and would like to be, here's what you do:

1. Look for the Join My Mailing List heading in the right column of this blog

2. Type your name and email address in the boxes and click the "go" button

3. In a few minutes, check your email. I use a confirmed opt-in subscription process to guarantee that you do want to subscribe. Please watch your email and respond to the confirmation notice that you will receive.

BONUS: As a thank you, I will send a link for you to download three exclusive project ideas 

Let all your crafty (and crafty wannbe) friends and family members know about my free newsletters and subscribe today to let the stampin', scrappin' and paper craftin' fun ideas begin.

Have you ever tried this fun fold technique? It is amazingly easy!

Hi fellow crafters! Today I am going to show you a fun fold technique that may be familiar to you but I am going to add a bit of a twist.  I will be using the Forever Fern stamp set and coordinating Forever Flourishing dies. 

 

First let's have a look at the products I used to make my fun fold card. I chose the Forever Fern stamp set for the phrase and to create some embellishments for the front of my card:

 

You can use the Forever Fern set to create cards and accents with the detailed leaves. This is a "Distinktive" stamp set (patent pending!); it has a special texture on each stamp that gives added depth and dimension in a single step, creating photo-realistic images.

 

The Forever Flourishing dies are the perfect complement to the Forever Fern stamp set - makes for easy die-cutting instead of 'fussy cutting' with scissors: 

 

 

Green thumb or not, these dies are perfect for you! Create custom die-cut leaves using the Forever Flourishing dies. Pair the dies with the coordinating Forever Fern stamp set to quickly cut out stamped images from the set. You’ll love the beautiful natural aspect it will bring to your projects!

 

The stamp set and dies are a nice complement to the Beauty of the Earth paper: 

 

You can get lost in the woods with the forest-themed patterned papers in the Beauty of the Earth designer series paper. This  paper is excellent scrapbook paper, card making paper, and more. Pack includes various outdoor-themed images, prints, and patterns. Use them to create masculine projects and more. The paper colors include: Bumblebee, Cajun Craze, Cinnamon Cider, Early Espresso, Merry Merlot, Misty Moonlight, Night of Navy, Mossy Meadow, and Old Olive.

 

Here's my interlocking fun fold card idea - complete with a list of supplies and paper measurements and a video tutorial showing you how to create this fun fold:

 

 

Supplies (note: click on any of the product photos above to link over to my online store)

 

 

Stamp Sets:  Forever Fern (152559)

 

Ink: Old Olive, Cinnamon Cider, Pumpkin Pie

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

        Basic White:  8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; (2) 2 1/4" squares; (2) 2 1/4" squares

        Beauty of the Earth: (2) 5 3/8" x 2"

        Merry Merlot: (2) 2 3/4" square

 

Misc: Forever Flourishing dies (152714); Multi-purpose Liquid Glue; Bone Folder; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine; Mini Glue Dots; Beauty of the Earth DSP (155841); Layering Circles dies (151770); Metallic Pearls (146282)

 

And here's my video: be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design suggestions AND to see a second idea using the same technique.

 

 

How to rediscover what hope means to you and how to celebrate that.

This month’s Paper Pumpkin kit is all about rediscovering what hope means to you and celebrating that.

 

 

With supplies to create nine cards and coordinating envelopes in an energizing color palette, you can combine with the kit’s uplifting sentiments to promote emotional connection and grow your friendships.

With an exclusive stamp set and Stampin’ Spot, this month’s Paper Pumpkin Kit is perfect for you if you are looking for ways to cherish friendships and share encouragement. Create the cards in this kit to share your positive and hopeful vibes with those closest to you.

**As a bonus, this kit includes extra components to transform the box into the giftable Hope Box! The Hope Box is designed to be a keepsake box—keep mementos of cherished memories or reminders of what’s yet to come. Collect treats and trinkets that represent what hope means to you in your Hope Box and look inside for inspiration or share it with a friends who could use some uplifting!

ABOUT THE KIT

Name: Hope Box 

Details:

• Kit contains supplies to create nine cards and coordinating envelopes and comes in a special box!
• The box is specially designed to turn into a Hope Box—a keepsake box full of cherished items to add hope to your life or in the lives of others.
• Includes an exclusive stamp set and a Classic Stampin’ Spot
• Card size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (10.8 x 14 cm)
• Envelope size: 4-1/2" x 5-3/4" (11.4 x 14.6 cm)
• Coordinating colors: Bermuda Bay, Blackberry Bliss, Bumblebee, Melon Mambo, Petal Pink, Pool Party, Poppy Parade

This kit is available NOW! Click here to subscribe. 

This is the perfect time to stock up on designer paper!

I am excited to announce a brand new promotion - it's the perfect time to order and stock up on your favorite designer series paper packs at a very nice discount! 

Here are the juicy details: 

SALES PERIOD: 1 JULY–2 AUG

• There is no limit to how many packages of Designer Series Paper may be purchased during this promotion.
• Only select Designer Series Papers are available at a 15% discount during this promotion.
• Orders must be placed—and closed—during the promotion period for the 15% discount to apply.
• Designer Series Paper ordered as part of a Starter Kit or with Stampin’ Rewards qualify for the 15% discount.

Click on the flyer photo below to download it to your device! (Tip: use the product numbers on the flyer when purchasing them at my online store)

 

Here's the link to my online store - click the easy button below! 

What's this? Beautiful coordinating paper? You are definitely going to want this pack.

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge is the perfect way to use up some of the designer paper you have lying around. 

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to use up my left over paper but I will confess that on my card today I opened a brand new pack of paper that you can earn for FREE in August or September. 

The Beautifully Penned paper is part of Stampin' Up!s second Sale-a-bration event this year. Yes you read that correctly. Stampin' Up! is now having TWO Sale-a-Brations per year, beginning in 2021. So you have the chance to earn free products like I did. 

What's really cool about this fab paper is that it is a perfect match with the Hand Penned bundle:

How clever is that! With a $50 order (or 60 Euros in Europe), you can earn a pack of paper that perfectly matches your Perfectly Penned bundle!

If you have placed an order through me in the past six months, you were on my mailing list. Watch your mailbox for these two catalogs, arriving any day now. (Tip: the Hand Penned paper is in the Sale-a-Bration catalog)

Want to see my card? 

 

I used two pieces of the Beautifully Penned paper, and the phrase and flower from the Art Gallery stamp set. This card was super easy to make so why not give it a try - or try something different using the card map challenge. 

If you want to see what the other design crew members created using this map, click here to hop on over to the Paper Craft Crew site. We'd love for you to share what you created - use the upload button to add your sample, using what you have on hand of course. 

Learn how to create your own beautiful peach orchard on a card

Everything is peachy when you craft with the Sweet As a Peach bundle.

You can build your own images by stamping the peaches, flowers, and foliage individually; the images are perfect for watercoloring. Then add a sentiment that expresses your feelings: thanks, happy birthday, celebrate, and more for perfect handmade cards.

Which is what I have for you today! This card has lots of layers and is paired with embossed (Tasteful Textile) and die cut layers (Scalloped Contours dies) - all of these add texture and visual interest, don't they? 

Here's how to make this beautiful card, why not give it a try? 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Sweet As A Peach (155050); (Bundle 155823)
• Card Stock – Basic White (159276); Pear Pizzaz (131201)
• Stamp Pads – Pear Pizzaz (147104); Calypso Coral (122934); Pale Papaya (155670)
• Misc. – Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Bone Folder (102300); You’re A Peach Designer Series Paper (DSP) (155686); Peach Dies (155829); Elegant Faceted Gems (152464); Scalloped Contours Dies (155560); Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder (152718); Pale Papaya 3/8” Open Weave Ribbon (155672); Clear Wink of Stella (141897); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Calypso Coral (154881) and Pale Papaya (155519) Stampin’ Blends; Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Paper Snips Scissors (103579)

Measurements: 

• You’re A Peach DSP: 2 ½” x 4”
• Pear Pizzaz: 5 ½” x 11”, 4” x 5 ¼”
• Basic White: 4” x 5 ¼”, 4 ¾” x 3 ½”, scraps for sentiment & peaches
• Pale Papaya Ribbon: 4”

Instructions:           

1. Fold the Pear Pizzaz card base in half and use bone folder to flatten the fold. Emboss the Pear Pizzaz layer using the Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder. Adhere this piece to the card front with multipurpose liquid glue.
2. Adhere the DSP to the center of the card front using multipurpose liquid glue.
3. Die cut a stitched scalloped rectangle from the smaller piece of Basic White using the appropriate size Scalloped Contours die. Stamp the peach tree leaves with Pear Pizzaz ink on the stitched scallop rectangle. Stamp “To a sweet friend” near the bottom right of this piece using Pear Pizzaz ink. Die cut a small, dotted scalloped rectangle (from the Scalloped Contours dies) from a scrap piece of Basic White.  Stamp “Happy Birthday” on this piece with Calypso Coral ink. 
4. Stamp the 3 peaches on a scrap of Basic White card stock with Pale Papaya ink. Add accents with the Calypso Coral and Pale Papaya Stampin’ Blends. Die cut the peaches with the coordinating die from the Peaches dies.
5. Adhere peaches to stamped leaves piece with dimensionals. Apply wink of stella to the peaches. Tie a simple knot in the ribbon and adhere to the top of the branch with a glue dot. Adhere to card front with multipurpose liquid glue. Adhere sentiment piece with dimensionals.  Add 3 gems.
6. Stamp the remaining Basic White card stock piece as desired for the inside of the card.

Want to learn an amazing optical illusion technique for your cards?

Hi fellow crafters! Today I am going to show you a fun technique that creates an illusion on your cards.  I will be using the beautiful Color & Contour bundle and introducing a brand new product from Stampin' Up!s next mini catalog!

 

One of the perks of joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator is the opportunity to earn free products and the Color & Contour bundle was one of my new catalog free choices. 

 

 

The open-line floral art and abstract filler stamps allows for a range of coloring techniques. This bundle also includes a number of scalloped border dies that range in size, allowing you to decorate a card front or create scalloped labels for your sentiments.

 

I created a video tutorial showing you, step-by-step, how to create the Floating Strips optical illusion. One of the products I highly recommend is the Foam Adhesive Strips.

 

 

These are perfect for shaker cards to add depth and dimension - you will want the depth for this technique. 

 

Here's my card: 

 

 

 

Here's what you need to try this technique at home.

 

Stamp Sets:  Color & Contour bundle (158356)

 

Ink: Misty Moonlight; Bumblebee

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

    Basic White:  8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 3 3/4" x 2"; 3 3/4" x 5"     

    Bumblebee: (5) 3 1/4" x 1/4"; 4" x 5 1/4"

    Misty Moonlight: (5) 3 1/4" x 1/4"

    Window Sheet: 3" square

 

Misc: Foam Adhesive Strips (152815); Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Bumblebee Gingham Ribbon (153658); Bone Folder; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine; Mini Glue Dots; Timeworn Type 3D embossing folder (156505); Window Sheets (142314)

 

 

Be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design suggestions AND to see a second idea using the same technique. And don't miss that new catalog product, coming soon! 

How fun it would be to have a crafting kit land on your doorstep each month

Dream and discover In Color!  The June Paper Pumpkin ink-credible kit contained enough elements to create nine cards—and coordinating envelopes—including ink-stained paper pieces, an exclusive stamp set, and not one, but two Classic Stampin’ Spots! And, it all came in a cute, colorful, and collectible box.

So what is Paper Pumpkin, you ask? Have a look at this April kit video:

 

With the Expressions In Color Paper Pumpkin Kit, you were introduced to our intriguing collection of In Colors for 2021–2023—and, you found a familiar shade from our 2020–2022 In Color selection.

What are In Colors, you ask? In Colors consist of a limited-edition collection of colors. Stampin' Up! comes up with a new collection every year, and release it around the same time as the release of our annual catalog! In each In Color collection, they will offer ink, paper, markers, and more. The catch? In Colors are only available to purchase for a period of two years, so stock up on your favorite In Color supplies while you can!

Now you can see the fun it would be to have a crafting kit land on your doorstep each month - with a unique set of different and delightful products to explore. Sadly the June kit is no longer available. 

But: you can subscribe here and excitedly away the July kit! And yes, I have a sneak peek too!

Tempted? Order by 10 July to get the July kit!

Subscribe here! 

ABOUT THE KIT

Name The Adventure Begins

Details:

• Contains enough supplies to create twelve cards and coordinating envelopes.
• Card size: 4-1/4” x 5-1/2” (10.8 x 14cm)
• Envelope size: 4-1/2” x 5-3/4” (11.4 x 14.6 cm)
• Comes with a Stampin’ Spot plus an exclusive Stamp Set.
• Includes inspirational sentiments and adventure-themed imagery featuring these nature-inspired coordinating colors: Basic Black, Basic White, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Flirty Flamingo, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, Mango Melody, Night of Navy.

This card map challenge helps you look at your supplies in a new way

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge is simple. And simple is good at times. I think this map helps you look at your supplies in a new way.

 

You have two rectangles, one circle and some kind of shape in the middle. So dive into your craft room and see what you can come up with - perhaps supplies you have not used in a while? 

Here's what I chose to use the following for my card.

Simply Elegant designer series paper

Tasteful Touches stamp set:

To make a coordinating bottom layer I used a solid color: Basic Gray. But it looked too plain so I used Versamark and stamp an image randomly over this layer. This is the perfect way to add a little pizzaz to a plain layer. 

Add a bit of shiny ribbon, three silver petals and a die cut phase and you end up with this pretty card: 

If you want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew members created for this week's challenge, click here to head on over to the Paper Craft Crew site. And if you give our challenge a try, we invite you to enter your card over there for everyone to see! 

 

Something exciting is happening this month, something you'll want to see

Hi fellow crafters! I am excited to announce a brand new promotion - it's the perfect time to order and stock up on your favorite designer series paper packs at a very nice discount! 

 

Here are the juicy details: 

SALES PERIOD: 1 JULY–2 AUG

• There is no limit to how many packages of Designer Series Paper may be purchased during this promotion.
• Only select Designer Series Papers are available at a 15% discount during this promotion.
• Orders must be placed—and closed—during the promotion period for the 15% discount to apply.
• Designer Series Paper ordered as part of a Starter Kit or with Stampin’ Rewards qualify for the 15% discount.

Click on the flyer photo below to download it to your device! (Tip: use the product numbers on the flyer when purchasing them at my online store)

 

Here's the link to my online store - click the easy button below!