Nutz about Stamping

Say hello to a new world of colorful creativity

I am so excited that my Stampin' Blends have arrived and will be ready for you to order TOMORROW! I am having so much fun coloring, it's amazing I have lifted my head long enough to take time to write this blog post! I am sharing this announcement today along with a video so you can get as excited as me! 

Click here to download the Stampin' Blends flyer!

Click here to order your favorite colors!      (November 1)

Say hello to a new world of colorful creativity! Meet Stampin’ Blends, artist-quality alcohol markers in 12 exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors. To cover all the blending bases, we’re also offering a limited-time 16-card project kit and stamp set with beautiful line-art images.

As a child I didn't like coloring that much - I was more of a tomboy outside hanging from a tree kind of child. But these markers are amazing! Coloring is super easy (no nasty dark lines here and there) and make the images really stand out on a card.

Here are a couple of cards I made this week, using the Remarkable You and Moon Baby stamp sets. Don't miss the video below!

 

Remarkable You greeting card                                                 Moon Baby

 Watch this Stampin' Blend video created by Stampin' Up! - and see more card ideas!

 

How to use vellum for a card focus

Have you ever used vellum to feature a phrase on a card? Today I am going to show you how to do this - through a set of instructions to make the stunning card below - perfect for a fall birthday.

Here are the supplies used to make this card - click here to order these or other Stampin' Up! products:

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.00

Watercolor Paper
$5.00

 

 

Colorful Seasons birthday card 

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

Sets: Colorful Seasons Stamp Set (143726) 

Inks: Cajun Craze (119790) & Crushed Curry (131158) Reinkers, Versamark Ink Pad (102283)

Paper: Whisper White Cardstock (100730), Watercolour Paper (122959), Vellum Cardstock (101856) 

Embellishments: Glitter Enamel Dots (144200)

Other: Fast Fuse Adhesive (29026), Heat Tool (129053), White Embossing Powder (109132), Aqua Painters (103954), Big Shot (143263), Stitched Shapes Framelits (145372), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122234)

Measurements:

• Whisper White: 5-1/2” x 8-1/2”, scored and folded at 4-1/4”
• Watercolor Paper: 6-1/4” x 5” (it will be cut to size, but you want a larger piece for the watercolor wash
• Vellum Cardstock: 3-1/2” x 3-1/2”

Instructions:

1. Using Versamark ink, stamp the large leaf image five times across the watercolor paper.  Sprinkle with white embossing powder, and heat with the Heat Tool until the embossing powder has melted and set. 
2. Squeeze a few drops of Crushed Curry reinker onto an acrylic block.  Squeeze your Aqua Painter water chamber until the water is running freely, and cover the watercolor paper. Working quickly, pick up some Crushed Curry ink with the Aqua Painter, and “paint” the entire piece of the cardstock with the ink.  Set aside to dry.  *Note: you can use the Heat Tool to dry the cardstock and hurry up the process.
3. Repeat the process with the Cajun Craze reinker.  You will see some of the Crushed Curry ink run when you add the initial water wash onto the paper, but this is fine.  When you wash the Cajun Craze onto the card, start in the bottom right corner, and concentrate more ink there, moving the ink up the card.  The upper left corner will have very little Cajun Craze ink applied.  Set aside to dry.
4. Using Versamark ink, stamp the sentiment on the Vellum Cardstock. Sprinkle with white embossing powder, and heat with the Heat Tool until the embossing powder has melted and set.  Die cut the image using the large circle from the Stitched Shapes Framelits.
5. Cut the watercolor paper down to a 5-1/2” x 4” piece.  Using Fast Fuse, glue the watercolor paper to the card base.  Glue the vellum sentiment to the dry watercolour paper.  Because the adhesive will show through the vellum, add small amounts of the adhesive underneath the embossed sentiment. 
6. Add six Crushed Curry Glitter Enamel Dots to the card. 

How to add texture to your projects

Do you know how to add texture to your seasonal layers leaves? You add the outline layer!

To show you how to do this I have a card idea, with a list of supplies and measurements, and a video tutorial below. I also mention in my video that there is a paper sale on until October 31, 2107 - click here to see this promotion, or click here to see my blog post for all the promotion details and another beautiful card idea. 

Here's what I used to create my beautiful Thanksgiving card - click here to order these or other Stampin' Up! products. 

Labels To Love Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$21.00

Everyday Label Punch
$18.00

Seaside Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$8.50

Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets
$10.00

Wood Textures Designer Series Paper Stack
$10.00

Seasonal Layers Thinlits Dies
$33.00

Regals Enamel Shapes
$9.00

 

 Labels to Love Thanksgiving card

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

Stamp set: Labels to Love (144967)

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper and Cutting dimensions:
          Crumb Cake: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
          Crushed Curry: two pieces 2" square
          Cajun Craze: two pieces 2" square
          Garden Green: two pieces 2" square
          Wood Textures paper stack (14177): 1 3/4" x 5 1/2"
          Whisper White: 2 3/4" x 1 3/4"

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Seasonal Layers (143751), Stampin' Dimensionals, Seaside embossing folder (141481), Multipurpose Adhesive sheets (144106), Enamel Shapes (141681), SNAIL adhesive

If you want to see how I made my card, watch the video below:

See how to spotlight the cheerful pick a pattern paper

Here's a bright and cheerful birthday or friendship card idea for you today, using the Pieces and Patterns stamp set and Pick a Pattern paper. I love this card - it is super cute and has a playful feel. 

Great news: the Pick a Pattern paper is part of our October paper promotion! See the details here. 

Below are the products used to make this card - click here to purchase Stampin' Up! products at my online store. 

Pieces & Patterns Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

Softly Falling Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$8.50

Corrugated Elements
$3.50

Pick A Pattern Designer Series Paper
$11.00

 

Wild About You friendship card

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

Supplies: 

• Stamp Set – Pieces & Patterns (143840) W, (143843) C
• Card Stock & Paper – Bermuda Paper Card Stock (131197); Basic Black Card Stock 121045), Crushed Curry Card Stock (131199), Pick a Pattern Designer series paper (144163)
• Stamp Pads – Tuxedo Black Memento Pad (132708), Pool Party Classic Stampin’ Pad (126982)
• Misc. – Big Shot (143263); Softly Falling Texture Impressions Folder (139672); Bermuda Bay Mini Chevron Ribbon (144198); Blender Pens (102845); Corrugated Elements (144158); SNAIL Adhesive (104332) or Tombow Liquid Adhesive (110755); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108)

 

Measurements:  

• Bermuda Bay Card Stock: 8-1/2” x -1/2” scored at 4-1/4” and folded to form card base
• Basic Black:  5-1/4” x 4”, 4” x 1”
• Crushed Curry:  5” x 3-3/4”
• DSP: 3-1/2” x 3” plus small scrap to cut out single mushroom
• Ribbon;  4”

 

Instructions:

1. Stamp greeting in upper right corner with black ink on Crushed Curry card stock.  Adhere to Basic Black card stock using SNAIL or Tombow.   Adhere to card base with SNAIL or Tombow.  Adhere DSP to card front with SNAIL or Tombow.
2. Take Bermuda Bay ribbon and cut off one long edge.  Shred ribbon and attach to back of Corrugated Elements with SNAIL adhesive.  Adhere to card front, adding more SNAIL if needed.  Fussy cut a mushroom from DSP scrap.  Color in the stem, if desired, using Blender Pen and Pool Party ink.  Attach to Corrugate Element with Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.
3. Take 4” x 2” piece of Basic Black card stock and run through Big Shot with embossing folder.   Adhere over the front of the card with SNAIL or Tombow Liquid Glue.

Here's how to bring some beautiful Christmas Joy

Do you know the Eclipse technique? It's all the rage right now in the crafting world so I thought I would share a Christmas card idea with you today that features the Eclipse technique. 

Here's what was used to make this card - click here to order at my online store!

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock
$7.00

Large Letters Framelits Dies
$99.00

Swirly Snowflakes Thinlits Dies
$30.00

Foam Adhesive Strips
$8.00

Joy Christmas card

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

 

Supplies: 

• Card Stock – Thick Whisper White (140272)
• Misc. – Red Glimmer Paper (121790); Silver Glimmer Paper (135314); Large Letters Framelits (141712); Swirly Snowflakes Thinlits Dies (144678); Winter Wonder Embossing Folder (144686); 1/8” Handheld Punch (134365); Foam Adhesive Strips (141825); Mini Glue Dots (103683); SNAIL Adhesive (104332)

Measurements:  

• Thick Whisper White:5 1/2" x 8 1/2" (scored at 4 1/4")4” x 5 1/4"
• Red Glimmer: 1/4" x 4” (x2) 2 1/2" x 4” scrap (for snowflake)
• Silver Glimmer: scraps (for snowflakes)

Instructions:

1. Run Thick Whisper White cardstock layer through the Big Shot using the Winter Wonder Embossing Folder. 
2. Cut out “JOY” using the Large Letters Framelits on the Thick Whisper White cardstock. Save letters. 
3. Cut out 2 snowflakes using the Swirly Snowflakes Thinlits Dies on the Silver Glimmer Paper. Using the 1/8” Handheld Punch, punch out a little circle for the middle of the snowflake using Red Glimmer paper. 
4. Assemble. Fold card base in half on the score line. Layer Red Glimmer paper behind Thick Whisper White layer. Adhere with Mini Glue Dots. Adhere Thick Whisper White layer to card base using SNAIL Adhesive. 
5. Adhere Red Glimmer strips on each end of card using Mini Glue Dots. 
6. Adhere “JOY” letters using Foam Adhesive Strips on top of where it was previously cut out. 
7. Add snowflakes using Mini Glue Dots. 

Do you dare to take our simple challenge?

The Paper Craft Crew has quite the layout challenge for you this week! Not only is the layout unusual but the embellishments too. And there is no indication of where a phrase would go - or even if there IS a phrase!

 

This map stumped me - so I decided to go for the unusual, especially for this time of year. I chose Naturally Eclectic paper for my card base, and the Text Ya Later and Swirly Bird stamp sets for the phrases and embellishments. 

I thought the layout was fun but thought that my phrases almost disappeared into the patterns so added the tiny Berry Burst dots to make them more visible. 

Then, the embellishment..hm.... Again I decided to go with something completely different - using Swirly Bird and Swirly Scribbles thinlits. 

Here's my card:

I'd love to hear what you think about my card - please post a comment under the blog post! 

Try our card map challenge this week and enter your card over at the Paper Craft Crew site - I'd love to see your creative ideas too!

 

No more pining for plaid with this stunning kit

Seriously now. I hinted as hard as I could that the October Paper Pumpkin kit would be fabulous and YES it is! 

October’s Pining for Plaid kit makes crafting easy and gives you plenty of time for assembling and holiday giving. The cards are a snap to put together; with an immediate dose of the Christmas spirit with its rustic pine trees, shimmering “snowflakes,” and merry greetings. 

Watch the video below and then read on to learn how to subscribe to our November kit! (deadline November 10th)

To qualify to receive the November Paper Pumpkin kit - just as amazing - subscribe here by November 10th. HINT: this would be an amazing Christmas or birthday gift idea!

 

What I spotted at the amazing Paper Passion event

On Saturday I posted here on my blog that I was attending my very first paper event - called Paper Passion!

 

I was completely blown away by all the papers and other goodies I saw - and I wanted to share some of my favorite photos from the day. First, I walked steadily for about 5 hours passing by each booth at least four times. It was wonderful to simply take the day for myself - no pressure to be anywhere - just me enjoying the classes and product available. 

Shall we begin? 

Ohh, the colors of these bits and parts! If you are into combining stamping with mixed media you would be drooling over this booth. I wanted to touch each and every piece!

This booth specialized in creating and binding paper books. It was cool to sit and watch how a book is bound. 

Painting - lots and lots of painting classes offered, and each table was full as I passed by. 

And of course Stampin' Up! was there too - offering a cool 3D winter treat holder and three cards! Very popular and lots of fun to watch people stop by and give these projects a try:

I will be back another day to share some more photos from the Paper Passion event - if there is ever an event like this in your area - GO! The ideas will blow you away!

Celebrate the holiday season with sparkle

I am excited to crack open my new Tags and Trimmings stamp set and Trim Your Stockings thinlits to bring you an easy Christmas card idea this week! I suggest you watch my video below to hear many alternate card ideas using the same products that I suggest for you to try. 

Here's what I used to make my card - click here to place an order for Stampin' Up! products:

Be Merry Designer Series Paper
$11.00

Trim Your Stocking Thinlits Dies
$40.00

Tags & Trimmings Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper
$5.00

 

Trim Your Stocking Christmas card

 

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

Stamp set: Tags & Trimmings (144832)

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Versamark

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Whisper White: 2" x 6 2/3" (stocking bits); 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" (card base)
          Be Merry designer series paper (144111): 6" x 4"
          Dazzling Diamonds glimmer paper (135315)

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Trim Your Stocking thinlits (144682), Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL adhesive

Here's my video - why not celebrate the coming holiday season with a little sparkle!

 

Do you have an obsession for paper?

I admit it. I have an obsession for paper! Designer series paper, notepads, journals and more. I have always had this passion and lately have unleashed it - adding more designer series paper to cards, started bullet journaling and home and work and when I attend conferences or workshops I now sketch note instead of using my chicken scratch. 

Today I am off on a new adventure (for me): Paper Passion!

I have heard about scrapbook expos before but had never heard about an expo exclusively about paper! A dream come true!

Here's the event description: 

Een hippe interactieve happening voor iedereen met een passie voor papier, foto’s, letters en beelden in al z’n vormen! Knippen, snijden, plakken, kleuren, vouwen, verven, beschilderen of beschrijven. Kom lekker shoppen of aanschuiven bij de deelnemers en specialisten voor informatie, inspiratie en beleving! Ook zijn er diverse designers die je verrassen met een gratis make & take!

And for my friends back home, here's the translation:

A cool interactive happening for anyone with a passion for paper, photos, letters and images in all its forms! Cut, cut, paste, color, fold, dye, paint or describe. Have fun shopping or attend the participants and specialists booths for information, inspiration and experience! There are also various designers who surprise you with a free make & take!

Doesn't that sound dreamy? Who can resist a FREE make & take? Not me!

So I am on a reconnaissance - a mission to report back to you about new products that I spot, play with, and yes, purchase!

Check out my Facebook page for photos from the event and if there is wifi I will try a Facebook Live too!

 

Have you seen the fabulous Stampin' Blends?

I am so excited that my Stampin' Blends have arrived! I am having so much fun coloring, it's amazing I have lifted my head long enough to take time to write this blog post! The Stampin' Blends are a brand new color product that will soon be available for you to order:

 

Even as a child I didn't like coloring that much - I was more of a tomboy outside hanging from a tree kind of child. But these markers are amazing! Coloring is super easy and make the images really stand out on a card. Here's just one card I made this week, using the Remarkable You stamp set. 

First, here's what I used to create my card - note that the Delightful Daisy designer series paper is part of our October promotion this month! 

Remarkable You Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$33.00

Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper
$11.00

 

Remarkable You greeting card

 

Watch for an announcement that Stampin' Blends are available for you to order - coming SOON!

Learn why these are my favorite greeting sets: #2

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 #2 - Teeny Tiny Wishes (24 stamps in the set)

Wait a minute, did you say 24 stamps in one set--and it's not an alphabet set? Wow! This set includes a greeting for almost every occasion. Don't just buy it, keep it handy, cause you're going to use it a lot!

The set also makes a perfect partner for the Layering Ovals and Layering Circles framelits and Classic Label punch! 

Here's a couple of cards using Teeny Tiny Wishes - for your crafting inspiration: 

How to use unique color combos with Basket of Wishes

It's time for another Paper Craft Crew challenge and this week we present a color combination challenge for you to craft with: 

 

Funny, but last week I helped a bride-to-be create a wedding card using three of these colors - more on that in a future blog post! For my challenge card I decided on: 

For my choice of stamp set I decided to use Basket of Wishes because it has a fall feel for me and I felt in a watercoloring mood. Plus one can never have too many birthday cards tucked away!

Here's what I used to make my Paper Craft Crew challenge card - click here to place an order for these or any Stampin' Up! products at my online store:

Basket Of Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set
$17.00

Blender Pens
$12.00

Leaf Punch
$16.00

 

Here's my Basket of Wishes birthday card:

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

Now it's your turn - try our color challenge and we welcome a card photo of your creation over on our Paper Craft Crew website!

 

The skills you learn when you join my team

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

But have you really thought about the benefits??

When I joined Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator almost 20 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 - I have gained so much more that just that permanent discount: 

 

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 our team.

e. Social Media Specialist: yes, this was the biggest learning curve of all for me but 19+ years later I know a lot about blogging, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube! 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 time management now 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. 

Announcing an exciting 12 weeks of Christmas

It's that time of year again: my exclusive 12 weeks of Christmas series has begun!

You get 12 weeks of FREE project ideas: cards, gifts, bags, tags and more, each week includes a downloadable PDF for you to use year after year. 

What do you have to do? Simply subscribe:

• 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 Wednesday.

Here are the cards you have already missed - sign up today to avoid missing this week's project - featuring a cool Christmas card technique!

NOTE: Once my 12 weeks campaign ends you will receive my regular Tuesday series: 

- 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

Questions? Please email me at: [email protected]