Nutz about Stamping

Learn why these are my favorite greeting sets #1

Welcome to a new series of blog posts where I will be sharing my top ten greeting stamp sets! I am often asked for advice on which sets I would recommend for our catalogs - sets that will be long lasting and good for a variety of occasions. Sets that are a good value. 

So I decided to create this series of blog posts to help you make your purchasing decisions. 

Recommendation #1 - All Things Thanks

Is your life constantly being invaded by people who have a habit of doing nice things for you? Fear not. This set has the stamps you need to properly deal with that type of friend.

Why do I recommend this set? Because I believe we don't say thank you enough and need to show our appreciation more often - and what better way than to mail a card to someone who deserves our appreciation? 

All Things Thanks is a set of 10 stamps (wood or clear mount) that has a variety of fun phrases - a plus! I often us the smaller phrases as a layer strip (or punched layer) and the larger images on a die-cut (circle or oval) layer. 

I do have other thank you sets in my collection but this is the one set I end up selecting every time I create a card to thank someone who places an online order with me. Tip: the two smaller phrases in this set are perfect for envelopes too!

 

How to create a sensational Painted Harvest layer

Do you know how to fussy cut? The Painted Harvest stamp set flower can be fussy cut to create a sensational layer for a card front, like I did on the card below. This card is being mailed this week to thank someone for placing an online order at my store! 

Here's what I used to make my card - click here to order these supplies at my online store: 

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Bundle
$33.25

Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack
$10.00

All Things Thanks Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

Old Olive 1/8" Sheer Ribbon
$6.00

Here's my card idea - don't miss that I stamped the inside layer too:

 

 

Painted Harvest thank you

Stamp set: Painted Harvest (bundle with the leaf punch and save 10%: 146021); All Things Thanks (143097)

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Early Espresso: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
          Whisper White: 5 1/4 x 4" (inside card layer);  3 1/2" square; 1" x 3", scraps for leaves
          Wood Textures: 4" x 5 1/4"
          Old Olive: two pieces: 1/4 x 3"

Accessories: Leaf Punch, Old Olive Sheer ribbon (two strips), Stampin' Dimensionals

Why not try this card idea at home? It is gorgeous and so much fun to mail to say thank you to someone special!
         

See why I found this color challenge difficult

No laughing now but to be completely honest, I found this week's Paper Craft Crew card challenge just that - challenging!

Why was this color challenge so difficult for me? It was the color combinations. I was perfectly fine with Lemon Lime Twist and Tranquil Tide - I have a pack of Eastern Palace paper that has both of those colors in it. But it was the Cajun Craze that stopped me cold. For four days!

I had no idea what to create until I spotted my Balloon Celebration stamp set. When I realized I could use Cajun Craze on the balloon 'strings' and bows the rest of the card fell into place:

I love hearing from you - please post a comment under this blog post!

Now it's your turn. Seriously. I challenge YOU to use these three colors on a card and enter it over at our Paper Craft Crew site. I would really love to see what you create too and if you can't figure it out hop over there anyway to see what everyone else created!

How to rock the wonderful two step technique

Two-step stamping is one of the easiest techniques to learn. So easy in fact, that Stampin' Up! has indicated throughout the Annual Catalog which stamp sets are perfect of this technique. 

When the Holiday Catalog was revealed Painted Harvest card ideas began to sprout up everywhere and I was also taken with this wonderful set! Today I have a clean and simple - single layer! - card idea to share. 

Here's what I used - you can click here to head to my online store to order these supplies:

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

All Things Thanks Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

 

 

Painted Harvest single layer

Stamp set: Painted Harvest #144783 (or bundle with the leaf punch and save 10%: #146021); All Things Thanks #143097

Ink: Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, Crushed Curry

Cardstock: Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"

And that's it! Stamp the images as you see above and you will have a wonderful two-step stamping card to send to someone special. Enjoy!

Want to receive free exclusive crafting ideas?

I have the perfect answer for you: subscribe today to my FREE Stampin' Up! newsletters and get exclusive creative inspiration every week!

Why subscribe to my FREE mailing list? Here are just a few 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

I email a newsletter every week - sharing Stampin' Up! special announcements and an exclusive project idea just for you, including a PDF download of the project!

Here's a couple of projects that I shared with my subscribers in the past few weeks:

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

• Look for the Join My Mailing List heading in the right column of this blog
• Type your name and email address in the boxes and click the "go" button
• As a thank you, I will provide you with an exclusive project idea (check your email!)
• A SURPRISE BONUS - arriving in your email inbox soon

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!

PSST: my next newsletter emails tomorrow.  

Why subscribe to my FREE mailing list? Here are just a few 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

I email a newsletter every week - sharing Stampin' Up! special announcements and an exclusive project idea just for you, including a PDF download of the project!

Here's a couple of projects that I shared with my subscribers in the past few weeks:

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

• Look for the Join My Mailing List heading in the right column of this blog
• Type your name and email address in the boxes and click the "go" button
• As a thank you, I will provide you with an exclusive project idea (check your email!)
• A SURPRISE BONUS - arriving in your email inbox soon

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!

PSST: my next newsletter emails tomorrow.  

How to thank a special friend for her kindness

There are times when someone goes out of her way to do something extra special for us and when this happens to me I make sure to create a special card to show my appreciation. 

Today's Painted Harvest card and video tutorial (below) show you how to use markers to color the images on this beautiful thank you card. I also offer a few tips and tricks in my video to help with your crafting experience. 

Here's what I used to make my card - click here to place an order for these supplies at my online store: 

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Bundle
$33.25

Petal Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$7.50

Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper
$11.00

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies
$30.00

Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack
$10.00

 

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

Painted Harvest kindness card

Stamp set: Painted Harvest (bundle to get the Leaf punch and save 10%: 146021)

Markers: Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper and cutting dimensions:
         Whisper White: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2"; 3" x 4 1/4"; scraps for leaves; 3" square for circle image
          Wood Textures (#144177): two pieces 1/4" x 4 1/4"
          Delightful Daisy (#144137): 1 3/4" x 4 1/4"

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic platform, Petal Burst embossing folder #141493, SNAIL adhesive, Stitched Shapes framelits #145372, Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's my video - thanks for watching!

 

Vintage leaves make a beautiful clean and simple card

The leaves are starting to turn color already and our weather is definitely cooler so it's time to bring out the Vintage Leaves stamp set and Leaflets framelits to make beautiful 'clean and simple' card. 

I spotted a card on Pinterest that gave me the inspiration for my card. Here's what I used - you can click here to head to my online store to order the supplies. 

Leaflets Framelits Dies
$27.00

Vintage Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set
$26.00

Petal Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$7.50

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies
$30.00

 

I chose Cajun Craze for my ink color  - it closely matches the color of the leaves outside my window:

The next time you craft - get your inspiration from what you see outside your window. Try a clean and simple layout idea - then you can add a phrase when you have the perfect occasion for you card!

Come back tomorrow and I will show you another idea using the Petal Burst embossing folder!

 

An easy and irresistible masculine birthday card

Masculine cards can be challenging to make so I am here today with an irresistible birthday card idea for you to try! Grab your wood textures paper and aqua painters and try some watercoloring while you create. 

Here's what was used to make this Remarkable You card - you can click here to order these supplies at my online store:

Remarkable You Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$33.00

Pieces & Patterns Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack
$10.00

Aqua Painters
$17.00

Copper Foil Sheets
$4.00

 

I love hearing from you - please post a comment under this blog post!

Remarkable You birthday card

Supplies: 

• Stamp Set – Remarkable You- (Wood 139891, Clear 139894); Pieces & Patterns (Wood 143840, Clear 143843)
• Paper – Cajun Craze Card Stock (119684); Early Espresso Card Stock (119686); Very Vanilla Thick Card Stock (144237); Copper Foil Sheets (142020); Wood Textures DSP (144177)
• Stamp Pads –Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Pad (126974) Cajun Craze Classic Stampin’ Pad (126965)
• Misc. – Aquapainters (103954);  Linen Thread (104199); SNAIL (104332) or Tombow  Liquid Adhesive (110755); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Mini Glue Dots (103683) 

Measurements:  

• Cajun Craze Card Stock:  8-1/2” x 5-1/2”
• Early Espresso Card Stock:  4-1/4” x 3-1/4”
• Very Vanilla Thick Card Stock:  4” x 3”; 5-1/4” x 4”
• Wood Textures DSP:  4” x 3”; 4” x 1”
• Copper Foil Sheets:  4-1/4” x 1/2”
• Linen Thread: 6”

Instructions:

1. Fold 8-1/2” x 5-1/2” Cajun Craze Card Stock in half and crease with bone folder to form card base. Adhere DSP at bottom and attach the Copper Foil Sheet above that using Snail Adhesive or Tombow Liquid.
2. Stamp greeting from Pieces & Patterns at bottom right of Very Vanilla 4” x 3” panel in Early Espresso ink.  Stamp the leaf image so the stem is in the upper left corner of the panel.  Pick up some Cajun Craze ink with your aquapainter and color the leaves.  Once the card stock is dry, adhere to 4-1/4” x 3-1/4” Early Espresso mat. Attach to card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.  
3. Tie a bow with Linen Thread and attach to card front with Mini Glue Dot.
4. Adhere 4” x 1” DSP to 5-1/4” x 4” Very Vanilla card stock with Snail Adhesive or Tombow Liquid and adhere this entire panel to inside of card. 

Do you know how to use embossing paste

Embossing paste is the perfect medium to make an eye-catching background layer on a card. This was my first attempt to use embossing paste and I am thrilled with the outcome. 

So I decided to use my layer on this week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge: 

Here's what I used to make my card - click here to order these supplies at my online store: 

Embossing Paste
$8.00

Everyday Label Punch
$18.00

Swirly Scribbles Thinlits Dies
$27.00

Thankful Thoughts Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

Here's my card map challenge card - see the embossing paste layer that looks like bricks? This was so easy to create!

And don't forget to add some delight to the inside of the card too!

I love hearing from you - please post a comment under this blog post!

Why not join our card map challenge this week? Create a card using the above map and then enter it over at our Paper Craft Crew website. While there, check out what everyone else created using the same map! 

Are you nuts about the Painted Harvest bundle?

As I said in Sunday's blog post and video tutorial, I am nutz (hehe) about the new Painted Harvest stamp set. No matter what colors you use or the layout of the card, this set creates gorgeous images!

Today I have another card idea to share, complete with a list of supplies and instructions at the bottom of this post. 

Here's what was used to create this card - you can order Painted Harvest here at my store: 

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Bundle
$33.25

Layering Squares Framelits Dies
$35.00

 

I love hearing from you - please post a comment under this blog post!

Painted Harvest project

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Painted Harvest (144783; Painted Harvest Bundle/w leaf punch (146021)
• Card Stock – Whisper White (100730); Soft Suede (115318)
• Stamp Pads – Crushed Curry (131173); Cajun Craze (126966); Soft Suede (126978); Old Olive (126953)
• Misc. –  Layering Squares Framelits (141708); Big Shot (143263); Leaf Punch (144667); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); SNAIL Adhesive (104332)

Measurements:  

• Whisper White: 4 1/4" x 11” (scored at 5 1/2") 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" 2” x 4”
• Soft Suede: 3 1/2” x 3 1/2"

Instructions:

1. Using the Big Shot diecut the largest scalloped square from the Soft Suede cardstock and then, diecut the 2^nd largest plain square from the Whisper White cardstock.
2. Use Crushed Curry ink to stamp the solid flower image 3 times onto the Whisper White square.
3. Use Cajun Craze ink to stamp the more detailed flower image on top of the Crushed Curry flower images.
4. Use Soft Suede ink to stamp the flower centers.
5. Use Old Olive ink to stamp the fern image in several places around the flowers.  You will only use the stamp that has the most incomplete image to do this.
6. Use Old Olive ink and second generation stamping* to stamp 2 of the triple leafed image onto Whisper White 2 “ x 4” piece.  *(Second Generation Stamping means to ink up stamp and then stamp off onto a scrap paper and then restamp without reinking).
7. Use Old Olive ink to stamp the triple leaf veined image on top of the images you just stamped.
8. Use Leaf Punch to punch out these 2 images.
9. Use Old Olive ink to stamp the triple leaf veined image onto the Whisper White cardbase so a few of the leaves will be sticking out around the Soft Suede scalloped square.
10. Adhere the art piece onto the Soft Suede scalloped square and adhere the 2 punched leaves behind in opposite corners.  
11. Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to attach the completed art piece onto the cardbase.
12. Use Soft Suede ink to stamp the sentiment onto the card at center bottom.

How to earn this adorable Christmas set for free

‘Tis the season to host a party and get the exclusive Merry Patterns stamp set for free! Have you been waiting for just the right time to host a Stampin’ Up! party?

Do you love adorable Christmas stamp sets? If you said “Yes” to both questions, this may be the perfect time for you to contact me about hosting a virtual Stampin' Up! party! (*** Don't miss the Stampin' Up! video below)

Here's why:

For a limited time, get the Merry Patterns Stamp Set for FREE when you host a party with $300 in sales. You’ll receive this exclusive stamp set in addition to the fabulous Stampin’ Rewards you get when you host a Stampin’ Up! party. 

Promotion Dates: September 1 - October 31

Order here: http://bit.ly/2i6uQZ9

Here's the Merry Patterns stamp set:

NOTE: you can also:

• put in a personal, one-time order of $300 and earn Merry Patterns for FREE!
• gather orders from your friends to reach $300 and share the Merry Patterns set when you craft together
• host a virtual event as hostess and get your friends to join in virtually too! (you earn the set when they place orders)

 Questions? Please ask me at: [email protected]

 

How to create a stunning painted harvest

I am completely over the moon about the new Painted Harvest stamp set and all the beautiful cards that can be made using it! Today I am sharing a Painted Harvest thank you card, along with a video tutorial showing how to create it. The video also introduces a stamping technique called two-step stamping. 

Here's what I used to make my card - click here to order any of these or other supplies at my online store: 

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

Layering Ovals Framelits Dies
$35.00

Rhinestone Basic Jewels
$5.00

 

I love hearing from you - please post a comment under this blog post!

Painted Harvest Thank You

Stamp set: Painted Harvest #144783 (bundle with the leaf punch and save 10%: #146021)

Ink: Old Olive, Smoky Slate, Always Artichoke

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/5"; 3 3/4" x 5"; scrap for scallop oval
          Smoky Slate: 5 1/4" x 4"; scrap for plain oval

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Layering Ovals framelits #141706, Rhinestone Basic Jewels #144220, SNAIL adhesive

Here's my video tutorial - thanks for watching!

To order Stampin' Up! products in the US, click here: http://bit.ly/2i6uQZ9

To order Stampin' Up! products in the Europe, click here: http://bit.ly/2jleaKo

 

 

 

Craft with this exclusive set offer

Today I have a super fun birthday card idea that uses an exclusive Christmas promotion stamp set called Merry Patterns - I love a great twist on using my products! Click here to see this special promotion and read on to see the card. 

Here's what was used to make this super cute birthday card. Click here to order these products at my online store!

Merry Patterns Photopolymer Stamp Set
$13.00

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies
$30.00

Happy Birthday Gorgeous Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

Eastern Palace Specialty Designer Series Paper
$13.00

Generated by SUDSOL, Free Trial at www.sudsol.org

 

I love hearing from you - please post a comment under this blog post!

Happy Birthday Gorgeous!

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets: Merry Patterns (144973 - exclusive host only set September & October 2017), Happy Birthday Gorgeous (143662)
• Card Stock: Thick Very Vanillal (144237), Dapper Denim (141414), Shimmery White (101910), Eastern Palace Specialty Paper (144147)
• Ink: Basic Black (140931), Dapper Denim (141394), Lemon Lime Twist (144086), So Saffron (126957)
• Other: Lemon Lime Twist Ombre Ribbon (144234), Stitched Shape Framelits (145372), Layering Square Framelits (141708), Clear Wink of Stella (141897), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (143263) 

Measurements:  

• Thick Very Vanilla: 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” 
• Dapper Denim: 4” x 5 1/4”, 3 1/4” x 3 1/4”           
• Shimmery White: 2 3/4” x 2 3/4”
• Designer Paper: 3 3/4” x 5”, 3 3/4” x 1 1/2” 

Instructions:

1. Attach the Dapper Denim layer and designer paper layers to the Very Vanilla card base.
2. Using the Big Shot, cut the scalloped square framelit from the square of Dapper Denim cardstock. 
3. Stamp the candles with Basic Black ink onto the square of Shimmery White cardstock and then add the greeting below that image.
4. Using Lemon Lime Twist and Dapper Denim inks, stamp the candle images as shown.
5. Add the color to the flame of the candles using So Saffron ink.
6. Using the Big Shot, cut the stitched square from the Shimmery White square.
7. Attach this layer to the Dapper Denim scalloped square and then to the card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
8. Tie a bow with the ribbon and attach it to the card using a Mini Glue Dot.
9. Go over the flames with Clear Wink of Stella to give them a glittery finish.

Be amazed by outstanding monthly crafting fun

Have you heard about Paper Pumpkin? Read on to learn about our amazing kits and to see the August kit video!

Paper Pumpkin comes to your door each month to provide paper crafting fun. Each month is completely different and your kit contains all the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create projects you'll want to pin on your Pinterest Boards. Each kit comes complete with instructions but you can add your own creative twist too. 

Do you love cute, coordinated Christmas cheer? So does Paper Pumpkin! We also love everything heartfelt AND handmade for holiday giving, which is why we designed back-to-back, made-to-match kits for October and November. They’re perfect for neighbor gifts, easy to make, and everyone who orders them may wish they had signed up for more! Get the first of two adorable kits during a Season of Style when you subscribe for October’s kit by 11:50 PM (MT) on October 10. Remain subscribed through November 10 to make sure you don’t miss out on the second coordinating holiday kit. Happy sharing!

It’s so easy to get started. Simply sign up for the program by visiting here and click Get it, then fill in your shipping details. Every month a new, surprise project kit arrives at your doorstep. Just think of the anticipation of creating a fun project to pin, showoff, and share with your friends and family – every month. 

Want to see a past kit? 

Giftable Greetings, August’s summery, super-versatile kit. Enjoy the floral vibe, drenched in sunset colors! We’ve included everything you need to make eight multi-occasion cards. Say thanks or express your love to someone in need.

What makes this kit truly unique is it was, as the name implies, designed to be giftable—tropical flowers adorn the delightful box, with a gorgeous coral ribbon to complete the presentation. With kids headed back to school, the Giftable Greetings is a great way to say "thanks" to a special teacher.

Celebrate a special birthday with a shower of stars

Today's Paper Craft Crew challenge is bright and cheerful and designed to stretch your creative thinking! 

At first I was a bit stumped by the umbrellas - until I let that go and decided to make this a color challenge instead! And then my thinking flowed easily and I decided to create a Confetti Celebration birthday card. 

Here's what I used to make my challenge card. Click here to place an order for these products at my online store:

Confetti Celebration Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$18.00

Classic Label Punch
$18.00

Brights Enamel Shapes
$9.00

Whisper White Solid Baker's Twine
$3.00

 

Here's my card - it was so quick and easy to create and I decided to add the enamel stars for that final pop:

Now it's your turn - try our Paper Craft Crew challenge this week. We'd love you to enter a photo over on the crew site using the link at the top of this blog post - hop over there to see what all the crew members too!