Nutz about Stamping

This card map challenge will help you use up leftover designer paper

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge will help you use up all those leftover pieces to designer paper that you have tucked away. 

This is such a simple layout idea and you can go wild with possibilities. As Father's Day is coming up next weekend I decided to create a masculine card idea using my Best Year stamp set:

This is the perfect set for so many different occasions so you get such good value from this purchase (tip: click on the image above to order it at my online store). You can stamp the phrases and die cut them out or use them to create a simple layer as I did below.

I also chose to sue some left over pieces of the Simply Elegant designer paper. An unusual choice you may be thinking! And I agree but I love to challenge my thinking when crafting and I think with the Basic Gray card base these particular paper designs just work. 

What I did struggle with was that single strip across the front of the card map. It looks like it is supposed to be a contrasting strip and I tried to see what might work. In the end I went with a strip of one of the larger patterns and am very happy with how it looks. 

The crowning touch, in my humble opinion are the 6 Gold Metallic Pearls. I seldom use the gold pearls on my cards but they were a perfect match on my card!

Here's my card. Although the photo makes the phrase look unnoticeable, in reality it really stands out.  

Now it's your turn. Why not challenge yourself and see what you can create using this week's card map challenge? If you want to see what the other crew members created for this week's challenge, click here. Happy designing! 

Here's a fantastic way to challenge your card making creativity

Do you struggle with card designs? Have you ever taken time to create a card and sat there completely stumped, not sure where to begin and what to use? Yes, I have been there too!

I have a fantastic way to challenge your creativity when card making: card map challenges! It took me years to realize that there are all sorts of card challenges out there that would help me overcome my creativity blocks. Once I started using card maps, card making became a breeze! 

I love card map challenges so much that I joined the Paper Craft Crew as one of their design crew members, committing to participate in their card map challenges every week. Here's the link to their site if you want to have a look around. 

To give you an idea of what a card map looks like, here's this week's Paper Craft Crew card map:

The idea is this: you look at the layout and then have a look at what you already own. Use the map to guide you in creating a card. As you can see in this particular challenge, there are three layers attached to the card base, each one is supposed to be unique. You are also to add a phrase on top of, or on, one of the layers. 

You decide on the colors, whether or not you want to use designer paper, and what kind of sentiment you will use (think what's coming in your life: birthday, graduation, Father's Day, etc). You also decide on the card base color. You can also change the layout from horizontal to vertical = the map is just a map, to guide you but as with any map, how you reach the final destination is up to you. Google does that too: gives you several different options to reach your destination and card map challenges do the same thing! 

Beyond making those decisions, the fun is adding embellishments (ribbon, gems, jewels, pearls, brads, etc) to complete your card. 

Other than Paper Craft Crew challenges, which are weekly, there are other sites that also offer weekly card challenges. Many are layout challenges like the one above; some sites also include color challenges, tic-tac-toe challenges, coloring tool challenges, and so on. 

Here are some of the other sites I often check out when I need card design inspiration:

• Global Design Project
• The Paper Players
• SUO Challenges
• Freshly Made Sketches

But: there are many other sites you can find if you ask The Google! If you want to see what I created using the card map challenge above, come on back tomorrow. My card is designed and my post is ready to share! 

This is a beautiful fun fold card idea you need to learn how to make

Hi fellow crafters! Today I am going to show you how to create a fun fold card with a nice surprise inside. I will be using the Pierced Blooms dies and Color & Contour stamp set. Once you learn how to make this fun fold card, you can adapt it for a variety of occasions.

 

 

I think the Pierced Blooms dies are amazing. You can die cut flowers in several sizes, plus leaves and centres to go with them. I love the stitching details on every die. Not only are they great for cards but also for scrapbook pages, and other paper crafts.  

 

The Color & Contour set has lovely phrases in such a pretty font. The photo above also shows the dies that you can bundle with the stamp set and get a 10% savings (bonus!). 

 

Here's my card! Below is a list of supplies and a video showing you how to create this card, step-by-step! 

 

 

Stamp Sets:  Color & Contour (154994)

Ink: Night of Navy

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

Basic White:  (2) 2 3/4" x 3 1/4"

Granny Apple Green: 3 1/4" x 3 3/4"; 5" x 3 3/4"; 1 1/2" x 5"

Night of Navy: 1 3/4" x 1 1/4"; (2) 3" x 3 1/2"; 5 1/2" x 6 1/4" (scored at 2")

Bumblebee: (5) 1 3/4" square

   

Misc:  Pierced Blooms dies (154312); Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals;  Mini Glue Dots; Bone Folder; Bumblebee Gingham Ribbon (153658); Silicone Craft Sheet; Mini Glue Dots; Blue Adhesive-backed Gems (153547)

 

Here's a photo of the card when it is open - showing the fun surprise inside: 

 

 

Do you like fun-fold card ideas? If you'd like to see more, then simply comment 'see more' under this video in the comments section. And listen all the way through for my BONUS tips!

 

 

Want to get two free project ideas emailed to you each week?

Fret not. I am here to help!

How about TWO free crafting projects every week (no strings attached) using products featuring this amazing catalog (Valentines, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day etc):

from this Annual catalog?

Then subscribe to my free newsletters!

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

If you love metallic then this is the card challenge for you

I think this week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge is super fun - because of the unusual elements that have to be present on your card:

I am not much of a metallic person but I did purchase the Simply Elegant paper and went immediately to my stash to find a pattern that I loved. Once I did the rest of my card came together quite nicely. 

First let's look at Simply Elegant: 

Lovely right? And it has copper, gold and silver foiling. Plus, it has Basic Black and Very Vanilla, so with one pack of paper I can check of three of the challenge items. 

And then I got completely stuck. I had no idea what element I wanted to put on my card. I tried three different stamp set images, each embossed with Copper embossing powder. But none of them looked very good. In the end, I decided to go simple and simply add a phrase from the Tasteful Touches stamp set. I have used this set a lot lately: 

Here's my challenge card - I love how it turned out and feel that adding the Pale Papaya butterfly from the Meadow dies (part of the Quiet Meadow bundle):

made a nice final touch. Is it 'pop' of color? Not sure but it works for me!

Here's another angle:

Now it's your turn! Give our card map challenge a try and see what you can create using what you have on hand. If you want to see what the other design crew members created this week, click here. 

Father's Day cards don't have to be difficult to impress

Father's Day is coming soon - are you ready? If not, I have a really fun and very simple card idea using the Handsomely Suited stamp set and coordinated Suite & Tie dies. 

Here's the Handsomely Suited stamp set, a great value for all this masculine cards you will be making every year:

 

And what if we paired the stamp set and dies with the Pansy Petals designer series paper? Unusual, huh! 

But it is such a good fit, don't you think? And remember, Father's Day cards don't have to be difficult to impress your dad. He will love whatever you create for him! 

Here's how to make this card. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Handsomely Suited (154444)
• Card Stock – Evening Evergreen (155574); Soft Seafoam (146988): Soft Succulent (155776); Basic White (159276)
• Stamp Pads – Evening Evergreen (155576)
• Misc. – Pansy Petals Designer Series Paper (DSP) (155807); Suit & Tie Dies (154322); Dimensionals (104430); Genial Gems (155500); adhesive of choice

Measurements:

• Evening Evergreen 1: 11” x 4 1/4”               
• Soft Seafoam 2:            5 3/8” x 4 1/8”, 4" x 1 1/4" (for sentiment)
• Soft Succulent 3: scrap to stamp & cut bow tie
• Basic White:  5 1/4" x 4" for liner
• DSP:                         5 1/4" x 4"     

Instructions:

• Score & fold Evening Evergreen card base at 5 1/2"
• Adhere Soft Seafoam mat to card base. Adhere DSP to Soft Seafoam mat
• Stamp the dotted bow tie onto the Soft Succulent scrap, die-cut using larger bow tie die
• Stamp sentiment onto the Soft Seafoam strip over to the right side
• Adhere the sentiment strip to the card front about 1" from the bottom
• Adhere the bow tie to the left side of the sentiment strip using Dimensionals
• Add a green Genial Gem below the bow tie
• Adhere the Basic White liner to the inside of the card & decorate as desired

Learn how to make this gorgeous surprise birthday card element

Hi fellow crafters! Today I am going to show you how to create another over-the-top card idea - a stunning birthday card that has a unique surprise inside. I will be using the Forever Fern, Tasteful Touches and Best Year stamp sets: 

 

Forever Fern (matching dies now sold separately)

 

 

Tasteful Touches:

 

 

Best Year:

 

 

along with the Beauty of the Earth designer paper:

 

 

You won't want to miss this one!

 

I decided that I would use two main colors for my over-the-top card idea: Mossy Meadow and Misty Moonlight, two of the colors in the Beauty of the Earth paper. 

 

Here's  photo of the outside of my card:

 

 

And the surprise inside: 

 

 

Which has it's own surprise: 

 

 

Here's what you need to make this card - and I have created a video tutorial to show you how, step-by-step with bonus tips along the way! 

 

If you want to order any of these stamp sets, click on the set image to link over to my online store. 

 

Supplies

 

Stamp Sets:  Forever Fern (152559); Tasteful Touches (152562); Best Year (152568)

 

Ink: Mossy Meadow; Misty Moonlight

 

Misc: Beautiful Trees dies (155840);  Forever Flourishing dies (152714); Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals;  Mini Glue Dots;  Bone Folder;  Beauty of the Earth designer series paper (155841); Layering Circles dies (151770); Scalloped Contours dies (155560); Tear & Tape adhesive; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:     

For main card: 

Basic White:  10 1/4" x 5 1/8" (13 x 26 cm); 3" x 2" (7.5 x 4.5 cm); 2" x 1 1/4" (5 cm x 3 cm)
Misty Moonlight: 4 1/4" x 3" (11 x 8 cm); 1 1/2" x 1 1/4" (3.5 x 3 cm);

Beauty of the Earth: 5 1/8" square (13 cm square);  5 1/8" x 1 1/4"  (13 x 3 cm); 3 1/8" x 1/4" (8 x .5 cm)

 

For inside mini card:

Basic White: two pieces: 2 1/2" x 1 3/4" (6.5 x 4 cm); 2 3/4" x 1 1/2" (7.25 x 4 cm); two pieces 2 1/2" x 1 3/4"; 2" x 1 1/4" (5 x 3 cm); 

Misty Moonlight: 2' square (5 cm); 4" square (10 cm)

Beauty of the Earth: 5 1/8" x 1 1/4" (13 x 3 cm); 1/4" x 3 1/8" (13 x 1 cm); ; 3 1/2" square (9 cm square); (2) 3 1/2" x 1/4" (9 x .5 cm)

 

Here's my video, thanks for watching! And remember to leave me a comment if you want to see more over-the-top ideas!

   

 

Isn't this alcohol ink technique mesmerizing??

Dream and discover In Color! With the Expressions In Color Paper Pumpkin Kit, you’ll be introduced to our intriguing collection of In Colors for 2021–2023—and, you’ll find a familiar shade from our 2020–2022 In Color selection. This month’s ink-credible kit contains 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 comes in a cute, colorful, and collectible box.

What are In Colors, anyway? 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!

With the Expressions In Color kit, you can explore and experiment with our 2020–2022 and 2021–2023 In Color collections. Make a splash with awe-inspiring, ink-stained artistry!

ABOUT THE KIT

Name: Expressions In Color

Available: 11 May - 10 June

Details:

• Kit contains enough supplies to create 9 cards—3 each of 3 designs—and coordinating envelopes. This all-inclusive kit includes printed card bases, die-cut paper pieces, embellishments, adhesive, and more!
• 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: Bumblebee, Evening Evergreen, Fresh Freesia, Polished Pink
• As always, this month’s kit features an exclusive stamp set. But, this month’s kit also includes not one, but two Classic Stampin’ Spots!
• Comes in a cute, colorful, and collectible box.
• Coordinates with products from the Expressions in Ink Suite (item #155459).

Subscribe here! 

See the masculine set that will inspire all your new adventures

Whether you're sailing home or going off to new adventures, the images and sentiments in the Sailing Home stamp set will inspire you on your journey. And it is what I chose for today's card map challenge: 

This challenge was super inspiring for me. I decided to pull out some of my old products and use them with the Sailing Home stamp set and Smooth Sailing dies which are still available for purchase:

I think this combo is perfect for masculine cards and with Father's Day coming up soon, I decided to make a masculine card idea to share with you. 

What makes this card so striking is the background layer, which came from the retired Memories & More card kit that was released the same year as the Sailing Home set and dies. I have always wanted to try this overlay and wow, I am so happy I did! Note: the striped layer also came from the same card kit. 

Here's my Sailing Home Father's Day card:

Want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew members created for this week's challenge? Click here! We hope you will give this map a try and see what you can create using what you have on hand. 

 

Are you looking for a great gift idea designed for beginner crafters?

Stampin’ Up! is driven to make a positive difference in people’s lives. They offer not only great products and customer service, but also provides amazing experiences, creativity, community, and more! 

Stampin' Up! is known for attracting and providing solutions for avid crafters, and they will continue with that focus. But they also want to  create a path for non-crafters and beginners so that they, too, can be a part of what we do.

Enter the Kits Collection: 

 

These all-inclusive, unique kits were designed for beginner crafters or those looking for a quick creative fix and allows them to enjoy some relaxing fun in a low-stress environment. These kits are a fun and fast introduction to Stampin’ Up! and all that it has to offer. 

Click on the flyer cover to have a closer look!

KIT OVERVIEW

Kits come with everything someone needs to enjoy creativity and not feel overwhelmed.

• Our kits come with everything required to complete the specific projects. Supplies include a block and ink spot(s) if applicable, plus any necessary adhesive—like Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals, etc.
• Pre-cut pieces and elements
• Less complicated projects with more straightforward stamping and/or assembly
• Full color instructions are included., even a QR code pointing them to a video that will help them make the kit 
• Everything fits in one box!
• (no subscription required)

I am sure you want a sneak peek at one of the kits, right? Introducing: No Matter the Weather! 

 

This beautiful birthday card idea is perfect for your special friends

Today I am going to show you how to create a beautiful Color & Contour birthday card idea that is perfect for your special friends. This 'over the top creation' will take a bit longer to make but is well worth the effort.

 

One of the perks of joining Stampin' Up! is the opportunity to earn free products and the Color & Contour bundle was one of my new catalog free choices. I have to confess that at first the stamp set wasn't thrilling me but I loved the dies so I thought, well it's free so why not? But now that I have been crafting with the set it I love it as much as the dies.

Supplies: 

Stamp Sets:  Color & Contour bundle (158356); Art Gallery (154421)

 

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Smoky Slate; Fresh Freesia

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

Basic White: 11" x 4 1/4"; 4" x 2 1/4"; 2 1/8" x 3 3/8"

Gorgeous Grape: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Fresh Freesia: 3 3/4" x 4 3/4"

Smoky Slate: 3 1/2" x 2 1/4"

   

Misc:   Stampin' Blends: Fresh Freesia and Soft Succulent;  Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals;  Mini Glue Dots; Fresh Freesia Open Weave Ribbon (155615) 6 1/2" and strip for bow; Bone Folder; Tear & Tape adhesive; In Color Jewels (155571)

 

Here's my card: 

Want to see step-by-step how to make it? I created a YouTube video showing you how. Listen all the way through to hear my Bonus tips! 

 

Time is running out on this amazing offer, come join my team!

It’s a fabulous time to join Stampin’ Up:

New team members get even MORE FREE products in their customizable Starter Kit. From 4–31 May, new team members can get $125   $155 worth of products for only $99.

+ free business supplies

+ free shipping

+ all the fun being a part of Stampin’ Up! 

• The Starter Kit also includes business resources like catalogs, brochures, order forms, and postcards.
• The Starter Kit also includes a FREE past Paper Pumpkin kit

Click the 'Join Now' image below to join my amazing, friendly and FUN team:

In addition to the amazing added value to your Starter Kit, you also get to be a part of our amazing community of crafters. Plus, you'll get to enjoy sharing simple and fun crafting experiences with others, early access to products, and exclusive access to training events.

Here's more great reasons why I would love for you to join my team:

You get to choose what products you want to start with and what type of business supplies you want. Then we’ll ship the kit right to your door. 

• You have total control over the products YOU want in your Starter Kit!
•  The flexibility of setting your own hours and working from home; it provides part-time to full-time income and you are your own boss
• Creative and Business support including:
  A quarterly magazine filled with project ideas and business training
  A web site dedicated to providing you with training and information for your business
  A Demonstrator Business Web Site where your customers can see the products and classes you have to offer, and place orders through your Online Store
  Beautiful, exclusive artwork and high quality products to offer your customers
• Monthly coaching calls to help you move your business forward
• Monthly team meetings and one-on-one support for business builders

Give the business a try - there is no penalty to drop and no pressure from me - you do as much or as little as YOU want!

Want to learn more? Email me at nutzaboutstamping@icloud.com and let's set up a time to chat. I am happy to answer any questions you have!

Here's the perfect way to feature some of the new In Colors

Which of the new In Colors is your fave? 

• Pale Papaya
• Fresh Freesia
• Polished Pink
• Evening Evergreen
• Soft Succulent

Regardless of which is your fave, today's card is a fun way to feature one or more of these fab new colors. 

The card below uses the new Color & Contour bundle:

I earned this bundle for free and chose it particularly for the dies. But I am quickly learning that the stamp set is fun too!

Create your own background paper layer but make it the feature on your card. Add a simple phrase and embellishment and here's what you get:

Here's how to make this cute card! Want to order the Color & Contour bundle? Click here!

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Color & Contour Bundle (158356)
• Card Stock – Fresh Freesia (155613); Basic White (159276); Basic Black (121045);
• Stamp Pads – Memento Tuxedo Black (132708); Fresh Freesia (155611); Pale Papaya (155670); Petal Pink (147108)
• Misc. – 2021-2022 In Color Markers (155639); 3/8” Open Weave Ribbon (155615); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Measurements: 

• Fresh Freesia: 5 ½” x 8 ½” score at 4 ¼”
• Basic Black: 5 ¼” x 4”
• Basic White: 5 1/8” x 3 7/8”, scrap for die cut

Instructions:

1. Stamp the sentiment on white scrap.
2. Die cut with the frame that fits the sentiment. In the sample the smallest die cut is used.
3. Stamp the flower outline with black ink on the white cardstock.
4. Stamp the fill in flower with the three ink pads.
5. Color the centers of the flowers using the markers.
6. Stamp the “splatter” stamp using the Fresh Freesia ink pad.
7. Layer all cardstock layers together. Add the sentiment using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
8. Add a bow to the left side of the sentiment.

Try this beautiful freehand watercoloring modern look on your next card

I love cards with layers. And this week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge has so many possibilities:

The rectangle layers are easy to create using your Paper Trimmer and the oval in middle can be anything you want: a square, a circle, an oval or even an image or phrase. That is the beauty of a card map - you can use it as a guide and use what you have on hand. 

I decided right away that I wanted to use a new bundle that arrived a couple of weeks ago. It is called Color & Contour:

Get creatively colorful with the Color & Contour stamp set! The open-line floral art and abstract filler stamps allows for a range of coloring techniques. Try freehand watercoloring for a modern look, or use ink and sponge daubers on the filler stamps to create an ombre floral effect. The scalloped edge borders in this set range in size, allowing you to decorate a card front or create scalloped labels for your sentiments. (Click on the bundle photo above to order it at my online store!)

I earned this bundle for free and to be honest, the main reason I ordered it is because I love the scalloped dies and the stamp set phrases. But now that I have stamped the flowers in this set I can see how fun it will be to use in the coming year! Sometimes you just have to take a chance and let your creativity take over. And that matching ribbon. YUM-O! So pretty, right! 

I also decided to use one of the new 2021-23 In Colors for my card. It is the first time I tried crafting with Pale Papaya and I can already see that I am in trouble (smiles). I love this soft peach-y color! 

Here's my card:

Now it is your turn: give our card map challenge a try! If you want to see what the other design crew members created using this week's challenge, click here. 

 

How to celebrate what makes us unique through what brings us together

The first Stampin’ Up! value statement is this: we care about people first. What does that look like? Caring about people first means treating others with kindness, respect, and equal consideration. It means working together towards a common goal, helping each other through life’s challenges, and celebrating one another’s accomplishments. It means including others, even when we disagree, have contrasting life experiences, or simply see things differently. Caring about people first is our greatest strength!

In honor of this value—and in the spirit of World Diversity Day—we’d like to celebrate what makes us unique through what brings us together: creativity! The United Through Creativity Digital Download features inclusive, multicultural, and multilingual sentiments and illustrations that represent the multiple markets Stampin’ Up! engages with. And, it’s free for all!

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating our one-of-a-kind community through the unifying force of creativity! Click on the image above (or Here) to download the images and additional PDF information. 

COORDINATING PRODUCTS

These images coordinate with the following products and colors:

• Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Highland Heather, Mint Macaron, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Shaded Spruce, Soft Suede

• Label Me Fancy Punch (item 151297)

• Stitched Rectangles Dies (item 151820)

• Tasteful Labels Dies (item 152886)

Don't forget to post your card ideas on social media - we all want to see!