Nutz about Stamping

How to add a fun detail to your cards

I have a special friend celebrating a birthday next week and I wanted to make her a one-of-a-kind birthday card. I was inspired by a card I spotted on Pinterest and when making my design I also created a quick tip video and posted it over on my Facebook Business page. 

To create the card below I used the following Stampin' Up! products: Flower Shop stamp set, Party Wishes #140961 (retiring May 31, 2016) and the wonderful Simply Scored. Click on any of the photos below to head over to my Online Store:

Party Wishes Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

Flower Shop Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$18.00

Simply Scored
$30.00

Here's the card I created - if you want a video on this quick tip, remember to head over to my Facebook Business page.

I love hearing from you - post your comments under this blog post!

It is hard to see the score lines I added to this card so I laid it flat to take this photo:

The best part of making your own birthday cards is that you can also decorate the inside as you like. I popped up the circle phrase using a Stampin' Dimensional:

After the video I posted on my Facebook page ended, I added the Pearl Basic Jewels to center of each flower on the card layer. You can see them in the photo below. 

And don't forget the envelope - think about how this will pop in someone's mailbox!

How to get amazing Stampin' Up! project ideas

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• exclusive card samples with photos and step-by-step instructions
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I send out four newsletters by email every month - every issue contains a sample idea along with a downloadable PDF of that idea that you can print or save for the next time you craft. I also sprinkle in announcements, tips, tricks and techniques with each issue!

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

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

How to design a Father's Day card using a Stampin' Up! product suite

 Today I am featuring one final Stampin' Up! product suite before it retires on June 1st - a suite that is perfect for creating masculine and Father's Day cards as well as for travel-themed memory keeping: Going Global!

Here are the featured products - click on any of these photos to head to my online store (don't miss the Clearance Rack sales while over there!):

Going Global Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

Going Places Designer Series Paper Stack
$8.00

Banner Triple Punch
$23.00

 

 

Going Global Father's Day card

Stamp set: Going Global (140748)

Ink: Basic Black Archival, Sahara Sand

Paper and cutting dimensions:

     Sahara Sand: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2"; 3 1/4 x 1"; 2 1/4" square 
     Basic Black: 4 x 3 1/4"; 3" square
     Going Places paper stack (140581): 4 x 1 3/4"

Accessories: Big Shot, platform, Magnetic Platform, Circles collection framelits (130911), Triple Banner punch (138292), Basic Metals Buttons (133319), Basic Black Baker's Twine, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Metallics Sequins Assortment (optional)

And here is how I designed the inside of my card - a great way to use up strips of left over your paper stack:

 

Here's the video tutorial - thanks for watching!

 

Butterfly Basics card

I just realized I didn't share the card I made for my son last week so that's what my blog post is about today. I used the Butterfly Basics stamp set and the Bitty Butterfly punch to make this quick and easy card. Click on one of the two product photos here to head to my online store:

Butterfly Basics Photopolymer Stamp Set
$24.00

Bitty Butterfly Punch
$16.00

I used the aging technique on this card by rubbing my bone folder on all the edges then using a sponge to rub some Sahara Sand ink on the roughed up edges:

 I love hearing from you - please post your comments under this blog post!

Because I write a letter to my son inside each card I try to keep the decorations inside quite simple - to allow more room for my message. Here's a peek of what I did inside:

Cards don't have to be complicated to be striking. Try the aging technique the next time you craft!

Playful Palette provides a colorful background perspective

I am back with a new card map for you to try - one of the Paper Craft Crew challenges for our design team! I decided to use the new Playful Palette paper stack (#141657) for the background layer and the new Sweet Sugarplum In Color for the butterfly and splatters!

This fun paper stack is not available for ordering until June 1st but I thought you would love a sneak peek now:

Now on to the Paper Craft Crew card map:

 

And here's my card entry:

I love hearing from you - post your comments under this blog post!

Now it's your turn - try this card map and enter your card over on the Paper Craft Crew website for all of us to see!

 

 

Meet Swirly Bird - an amazing new bundle in brand our new catalog!

Stampin' Up!s 2016-17 Annual Catalog goes live a week from today but as a perk of being a demonstrator we can preorder a month in advance. One of the new bundles has caught fire for demonstrators all over the globe - it's called Swirly Bird! 

Today I have a Swirly Bird sample to share with you - and a set of instructions included. Click here to download a PDF of this card project!

 

I love hearing from you - please post your comments under this blog post!

Swirly Bird card

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Swirly Bird (141749), Crazy About You (W-138856, C-138859, P-137137)

Inks: Basic Black (140931), Bermuda Bay (131171), Emerald Envy (141396)

Paper: Bermuda Bay (131197), Basic Black (121045), Whisper White (100730)

Other: Hello You Thinlits (137363)

Measurements:

     Bermuda Bay: 4 ¼ X 11

     Basic Black: 5 1/8 X 3 7/8 & scrap

     Whisper White: 5 X 3 ¾

Instructions:

* Stamp “bold” circles randomly in Bermuda Bay and Emerald Envy as shown

* Stamp “large swirl” in Black on top of “bold” circles

* Stamp “small swirls” randomly in Black

* Stamp “splatters” in Black

* Cut out “hello” from Black scrap and adhere

* Stamp “words” in Black

* Adhere layers together as shown

How to combine products to make a unique card

Yesterday I needed to make a special birthday card for a relative who lives miles away from me but is often in my thoughts. Because she is so special to me I wanted to make a unique card that she would love. 

I got the inspiration for this card from Pinterest - what caught my eye was the unique way to use the Softly Falling embossing folder - rather than snow it looks like confetti falling behind the Balloons.

I also used some retiring Cherry on Top designer series paper, the Balloon Bouquet punch, some retiring Everyday Chic washi tape, and the Number of Years stamp set for the phrase. Click on any of the product photos below to hop on over to my Online Store:

Balloon Bouquet Punch
$18.00

Everyday Chic Designer Washi Tape
$8.00

Number Of Years Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

Softly Falling Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$8.50

Here's the card I created:

I love hearing from you - please post your comments under this blog post!

Now it is your turn - the next time you create a card, trying combining products to see what you can create!

How to make your own matching Project Life cards

This week I had an amazing adventure in the gorgeous city of Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. This city is a photographer's dream and so of course I took a bazillion photos and plan to record my memories using Project Life by Stampin' Up!. 

I had no difficulties figuring out that I wanted to use the retiring Going Places paper stack for some pocket inserts but I did have a hard time trying to decide on additional inserts that were not simply paper designs. 

I created my own pocket insert and made a video tutorial to show you the steps. I used these products:

And these products - click on any of the photos below to hop on over to my online store. Many of the products I used are retiring at the end of this month:

Going Places Designer Series Paper Stack
$8.00

Chalk Talk Framelits Dies
$17.50

Project Life Remember This Photopolymer Stamp Set
$13.60

 

Going Places pocket card

I love hearing from you, please post your comments under this blog post!

Stamp set: Remember This (135786 - retiring May 31, 2016)

Ink: Cajun Craze

Paper and cutting dimensions:

     Sahara Sand: 4" x 3", scraps for punching
     Very Vanilla: 2 3/4" x 3 3/4"
     Cajun Craze: scraps for punching

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform. 1 3/4" scallop circle punch, Banner punch (133519, retiring), Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (133787, retiring), Variety Pack Project Life Photo Pocket Pages (135294), Chalk Talk framelits (129983, retiring)

Now, for the video tutorial - thanks for watching!

Running Your Own Business - How It Benefits Your Children!

Come on, admit it to yourself - the thought of joining Stampin' Up! has flitted through your mind at least once, especially if you see all the fun we have at crafting events globally. 

But have you really thought about the benefits - especially to your children?

When I joined Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator 13 years ago (!!) I told myself it was for the permanent discount and that amazing starter kit of stamping products. But as the years flew by I started to realize something - and it was from the comments my son made:

 

a. Manager: I am my own boss. I work my own hours at the pace I choose - as little or as much as I want. 

b. Business savvy: I have learned amazing business skills: goal setting, communications, marketing, networking, budgeting, and so much more. All things I didn't have a clue about before. 

c. World traveller: I have travelled near and far: all across the US, to Europe, and to Asia thanks to Stampin' Up!

d. Leader: as stampers all over the US have joined my team we learned (together) how to support each other, how to run local and virtual events, and how to support others who joined out team.

e. Social Media Specialist: yes, this was the biggest learning curve of all for me but 13 years later I know a lot about blogging, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and soon Periscope! All these skills have helped me teach colleagues at my day job and have rounded out my resume. 

f. Time Efficient: I am the master at that but I sure wasn't when I first joined Stampin' Up! I have learned how to make time for my family, my friends and me in addition to running a successful business. 

g. Creative - maybe this should have been first on my list but I have come a long way with my own creativity. And I am not just talking about crafting. I have learned to look at things from perspectives, explore different ideas and observe others to learn from them as well.  

And the learning keeps on going. What an amazing ride it is being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator - don't you want to join my team, the fun and show your children the benefits of being your own boss? Click here to learn more benefits. 

How to create a card for a crowd to sign

I had a pretty interesting challenge given to me last week - to create a card big enough for a crowd of around 50 people to not only sign but also add their special messages besides! YIKES.

But I love a good challenge and I think I figured out a pretty good solution.

1. First the cardstock. I currently only have a stock of 8 1/2 x 11" size paper so knew that had to be my starting point.
2. Next was my design and this time I started with the phrase!
3. Third, I chose my colors and created the design. I used the Sprinkles of Life stamp set and matching Tree Builder punch - yay - both are coming back in the next annual catalog!

Sprinkles Of Life Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

Tree Builder Punch
$18.00

I love hearing from you - please post your comments under this blog post!

4. Finally I had to decide what to do about the inside, and that's when I figured it out!

5. I trimmed a piece of white copy paper by 1/4" on all sides, folded it in half and tucked it inside. To keep the paper from slipping out when being passed around for signatures I ended up wrapping some Whisper White Baker's Twine and tying a bow on the 'spine' to complete the card. Now there's lots of room for signatures and messages for our colleague who will be much missed!

Whew, mission and challenge happily accomplished!

 

Learn the ombre technique to make stunning cards

Today I popped by to share a stunning card idea for you to try using the ombre technique and Stampin' Up!s Sheltering Tree stamp set. Click on the set photo below to head to my online store to place your order. I have include a full set of instructions and list of supplies under the card photo:

Sheltering Tree Photopolymer Stamp Set
$25.00

 

 I love hearing from you - post your comments under this blog post!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Sheltering Tree (137163)

Ink: Daffodil Delight (126944), Pumpkin Pie (126945), Melon Mambo (126948) and Memento Tuxedo Black (132708)

Cardstock: Whisper White (#100730)

Other: Squares Collection Framelits (130921), Stamping Sponges (101610), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439), Magnetic Platform (#130658), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), and SNAIL Adhesive (104332)

Measurements:

Whisper White card base:4-1/4” x 11”, scored in half plus two scraps each about 4” x 4”

Instructions:

1. Using one of the 4” x 4” scraps and a stamping sponge (works well if you cut one sponge into quarters that look like a pie slice and use 1 slice per color), begin sponging/pouncing Daffodil Delight ink horizontally so you have a section about 1” high and 4” wide. Sponge repeatedly until you get the richness you desire. Repeat with Pumpkin Pie and Melon Mambo working the meeting points into one another so there is no white showing through.

2. Stamp tree with Tuxedo Black ink onto ombre piece keeping in mind its placement so you get a range of the three colors and so when it is die cut out, the tree image is positioned how you want it to appear on the card. In the sample, the tree is stamped to the left.

3. Using the Squares Collection Framelits choose two that would nest and fit on the card as shown. Use the larger die just for the white “frame” on the 2nd Whisper White scrap and use the smaller square to carefully position it onto the ombre piece (using the Magnetic Platform) so it frames the section of the tree you want to see then die cut.

4. Using SNAIL, attach ombre piece on top of white frame piece.

5. Using Stamp-a-ma-jig figure out where the ombre piece will go once adhered (don’t adhere it yet) and stamp sentiment onto white card base so it is beneath where the ombre piece will go.

6. Using Dimensionals, adhere ombre piece to card.

Out with the old and in with the new

Today I am featuring two Stampin' Up! stamp sets to make a very easy and fun birthday card: a brand new 2016-17 Annual Catalog set called Designer Tin of Cards and the retiring This is the Life (Project Life) stamp set. I used these sets with the Cherry on Top paper stack, and the Party Punch pack (sob):

Click on any of these three images to head to my online store to place your order:

Project Life This Is The Life Photopolymer Stamp Set
$13.60

Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack
$8.00

Party Punch Pack
$17.00

 

 I used my weekly Paper Craft Crew card map challenge to help me with the card layout:

 

And here's the card I created - outside and in:

I love hearing from you - please post your comments under this blog post!

Ok now it's your turn - why not try the above card map and post your card over on the Paper Craft Crew? We love to see what everyone creates each week!

How to create an eye-catching Father's Day card

Father's Day is just around the corner so today I am going to show you how to create an eye-catching Father's Day card, guaranteed to please any father who receives it! I have included photos of the outside and inside of my card along with a video tutorial underneath. 

I used the following Stampin' Up! products - click on any of these photos to head to my Online Store to place an order:

Go Wild Designer Series Paper Stack
$8.00

Crazy About You Photopolymer Stamp Set
$25.00

The Open Sea Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

Chalk Talk Framelits Dies
$17.50

 

 Here's the quick and easy card I created. I added one final touch after the video - a tiny star from the Mini Treat Bag thinlits pack:

And don't forget to use up your supplies to enhance the inside of the card as well:

 

I love hearing from you - please post your comments under this blog post!

The Open Sea Father's Day card

Stamp sets: The Open Sea, Crazy About You

Ink: Basic Black archival

Paper and cutting dimensions:

     Tip Top Taupe: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2", 2 1/4 x 2 3/4", 4 x 3/4"
     Whisper White: 2 1/2 x 3"; 1 1/2 x 2 1/4"
     Go Wild: 4 x 5 1/4"

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Metal Basics buttons, Basic Black Baker's Twine, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL adhesive, Chalk Talk framelits

And now for the video tutorial - thanks for watching!

Did your Stampin' Up! catalog arrive in the mail?

Rumor has it: the Stampin' Up! 2016-17 Annual Catalog is starting to appear in mailboxes all over the US!

Did you register last month to receive a new 2016-17 Annual Catalog? If you did, watch your mailbox because it was shipped last week! 

Missed the registration link? Here are three ways to get your catalog:

1. Join my team and get not 1 but 8 new catalogs! Contact me for more information: [email protected]      

2. FREE  - Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin and I will send you a catalog for free! Each month you will get a crafting kit delivered to your door for hours of creative fun!

3. RECEIVED A PREVIOUS catalog but never shopped? If you would love the new 2016-17 catalog - submit $6 for shipping to have one reserved just for you when they arrive. You will be refunded your $6 with your first purchase.  (applies only to US, NL, UK) I accept PayPal:([email protected])

 

Why do you want this catalog?

To be among the first to see:

• the five new In Colors! (gorgeous)
  377 new products!
  458 stamp sets! 
  175 tools and accessories!
   480 creative samples!
  And 212 pages of YUM!

I know you are full of anticipation, it is here and YES, my copy dog-eared already! 

Last chance to join our final Creative Express Catalog tour stop!

Surely you have heard by now about our Creative Express Catalog Tour? A monthly online club that provides you with exclusive and amazing project ideas for products in our Stampin' Up! catalogs!

This is the FINAL MONTH of this year's tour and what an amazing tour it has been! Over 110 project ideas have been share with our club members over the past 11 months and we are winding up this club with a final hurrah for the sets and products that will be leaving the 2015-16 Annual Catalog (sniff sniff):

 

 

And what do you get when you join our club? 

At this final stop we will provide you with a complete list of supplies for at least TEN unique projects, and a PDF of supplies, measurements, tips, and photos for every project! All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery while participating in each month’s creative FUN!

Here's a sneak peek at one of our June projects - and it's not too late to join! Click here to learn more about the club details. 

Note: to qualify for this final month all you have to do is place minimum $25 product order!

Have questions? Please email me at: [email protected]