Nutz about Stamping

How to create a pretty beachfront card

Did you know that the Waterfront stamp set was designed by a Stampin' Up! demonstrator - someone like me and you? What kind of stamp set would you design, given the opportunity? 

I would bet that Connie (the set designer) had no idea how popular her set would be - in fact I would love to know how many have sold to date!

There are so many landscape design possibilities that can be created with the Waterfront set and today I show a pretty beachfront card idea for you to try. 

If I could create my card again. I would use a light color on the mountains and a darker color for the palm trees - reverse the colors I used perhaps. 

To create my card I cut the layers first then designed the beach scene on the middle layer. I stamped the water and sand first then the trees, mountains and finally the sun - once I saw where it (the sun) would fit best. 

The rest of my card assembly was very easy:

To see two additional Waterfront card designs, click here and here!

 

If you want to order the Waterfront stamp set: 

In the US, click here: http://bit.ly/2i6uQZ9
In Europe, click here: http://bit.ly/2jleaKo

See a simplistic layout card map challenge

This week's Paper Craft Crew layout card map challenge is charmingly simplistic! As soon as I saw it, I knew right away that I wanted to use one of my super cute Tutti-Frutti cards and envelopes pack because I remembered that one of the four designs had stripes!

I adore the matching envelopes for each of these card designs. They are bright and colorful and make color coordination a breeze. 

Here's the Paper Craft Crew card challenge for this week:

I have a huge 'thing' for Lemon Lime Twist and Basic Black and when I discovered the the Tutti-Frutti card with stripes was Lemon Lime Twist I knew that somewhere on this card there would be black too! As I dug around in my looking for a layer for that would coordinate with Basic Black I spotted my Petal Passion Memories and More card pack (it's not just for memory keeping!):

And things feel together very quickly at that point. I used my paper trimmer to resize the 'phrase card' but left the floral layer as is. The banner was a bit more difficult. I knew I wanted to stamp something on the Lemon Lime Twist banner but didn't want another phrase. 

I noticed that my Bird Banter stamp set has a tiny flower stamp and so I inked it up and stamped it three times across the banner. Then for the final detail I added three Metallics hearts to add a bit of shine and visual interest. 

Hint: when stamping in a row, begin with your center stamped image and then stamp to the left and then to the right. It's much easier to get them a nice distance from each other!

Here's my card - I LOVE the matching envelope - it completes that Lemon Lime Twist and Basic Black theme I had going on. 

 

Do you want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew members created using the same card map challenge? Click here!

A colorful way to say happy birthday

The Picture Perfect Party paper is such fun! The photographic imagery on one side has everything that a good party needs: balloons, hats, donuts—you name it! The designed imagery on the other side makes you party even more!

Here's a fun card idea using the design imagery and coordinating colors: Lemon Lime Twist, Basic Black and Berry Burst. Create some layers add a coordinating Picture Perfect Birthday phrase and an embellishment and your card is done!

See the full instructions under this card photo: 

 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets: Picture Perfect Birthday (145519)
• Inks: Berry Burst (144083), Lemon Lime Twist (144086) and Black Memento (132708)
• Paper: Lemon Lime Twist (144245), Basic Black 121045), Whisper White (100730)
• Other: Picture Perfect Party 6” x 6” Designer Series Paper (145559), Dimensionals (104430) and Stitched Framelits (145372)

 

Measurement: 

• Lemon Lime Twist Card Base: 4 ¼” x 11” 
• Black Mat: 3 ¾” x 5” and 2 ¾ x 2 ¾” 
• White Mats: 2 5/8” x 2 5/8” and inside Mat 4” x 5 ¼” Scrap for the Party Horn
• Inside of card. Scrap of DSP cut to 5/8” x 4” and strip of Black about 1/8” x 4” 

 

Instructions: 

1. Stamp the Greeting in Black Memento on White Piece cut with the Stitched Frameilit. Adhere to Black Mat. 
2. Adhere Designer Paper to Black and attach to Card Base. Attach inside mat and Strips of DSP and Black Strip
3. Stamp the three stamps using Berry Burst, Lemon Lime Twist and Black Memento 
4. Cut out Party Horn and attack with Dimensionals right under the saying. 

How to create a beautiful wedding card for someone special

This is the time of year when those wedding invitations start to arrive in your mailbox so this week I am going to show you how to create a beautiful wedding card for someone special. 

I chose unusual colors for my Floral Phrases wedding card to provide you with an idea that is not the usual. For more of a feminine tone, try pink hearts, for more formal try a black and a white heart, for more of a Valentine tone try red hearts, and so on. Change the phrase to change the theme. 

The Petal Pairs embossing folders offer two different themes as well, as I explain in my video tutorial underneath my card. 

 Floral Phrases Wedding card

Stamp sets: Floral Phrases (141767), Heart Happiness (145769)

Ink: Wisteria Wonder

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Whisper White: 11" x 4 1/4"; 5 1/4" x 4"; 4" x 1/2"
          Wisteria Wonder: 4" x 3 1/2"

Other: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Petal Pair embossing folder (145656), Glitter & Epoxy Shapes (145632), Bunches of Banners (141488), Lots of Love Box framelits (145653), SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Do you know how to use vellum?

When someone subscribes to my free mailing list I send them an email asking to know what their biggest struggle is when crafting. Last week Phyllis responded to my question saying that she would like some ideas for using vellum. 

Vellum. Phyllis' questions made me realize that I haven't shared a card using vellum in a very long time. I remember struggling for ideas myself when I first started crafting - not only what to do with vellum but how to attach vellum to my cards. 

Great news! I have a card idea today using vellum. Along with the following products:

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

Blossoming Basket Clear-Mount Bundle
$0.00

 Blossoming Basket Vellum card

 

Supplies: 

Stamp Sets – Blossoming Basket Bundle* (wood-mount:147504, clear-mount:147505)

Card Stock – Pink Pirouette (111351); Crumb Cake (120953); Watercolor Paper (122959); Vellum Cardstock(101856)

Stamp Pads – Versamark (102283); Crumb Cake (126975); Memento Ink (132708); 

Misc. – Big Shot (143263); Basket Weave Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder*; Heat Tool (129053); Clear Embossing Powder (109130); Powder Pink 3/8" Shimmer Ribbon (144151); Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush (141897); Pink Pirouette Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack (144604); Old Olive Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack (144597); Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack (144601); Fine-Tip Glue Pen (138309); Tear & Tape Adhesive (138995); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Dimensionals (104430) 

*Get this bundle free with a qualifying order in March 2018. Embossing Folder will be available in the next Annual Catalog.  

Measurements:  

• Pink Pirouette: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" (scored at 4 1/4") and 3 ½’ x 3 ¾” 
• Crumb Cake: 4” x 5 ¼”  
• Watercolor Paper: 3 ¼” x 3 ½”
• Vellum Cardstock: ¾” x 2”  

 

Instructions:

1. Fold Pink Pirouette in half to form card front.
2. Using Basket Weave Embossing Folder, emboss Crumb Cake cardstock. Take Crumb Cake ink pad and rub on top of embossed cardstock. 
3. Cut a piece of ribbon to approx. 6 ½”, tie a knot on the left hand side and adhere ends to back or Crumb Cake cardstock. 
4. Take the basket stamp and ink it with Versamark, then Memento ink and stamp it on watercolor paper. 
5. Sprinkle with Clear Embossing Powder and heat set. 
6. Use Stampin’ Blends in Pink Pirouette, Old Olive and Crumb Cake to colour the basket. Colour flowers with Wink of Stella. 
7. Adhere stamped layer to Pink Pirouette cardstock using SNAIL Adhesive, then adhere to card with Dimensionals. 
8. Stamp greeting with Memento ink on vellum cardstock, then heat emboss using clear embossing powder. 
9. Use a tiny bit of Fine-Tip Glue Pen on back of vellum just under stamping, and then add to front of card. 

Behind the scenes of a card design

Have you ever been stumped for a design idea or felt blocked when you finally had time to create? Me too. It happens a lot. And when it does happen I look for a card map to help get my creativity flowing again. 

This is one of the reasons I jumped at the chance to be a Paper Craft Crew design team member. I wanted to challenge myself and to make time to craft each week too.

Each week we are issued a crafting challenge and are asked to create a card or other paper craft idea using the design. Here's this weeks challenge - choosing 3 of 4 colors!

 

Funny. This challenge seems so simple but I really struggled. I didn't have any patterned paper to match the challenge colors so I  created the layout below. Then I used the Crafting Forever stamp set for the main card image. 

 

Crafting Forever Friendship card

Try this layout the next time you craft! Change the phrase to suit the occasion you need. 

Want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew members created using this week's color challenge? Click here. 

Here's how to make a card full of European flair

Have you ever visited Europe? If so I am sure you have been charmed by those sidewalk cafes! I am always amazed at how early they fill up on a sunny work day and stay full until well after the sun goes down. 

Which is why I was so excited to see the Charming Cafe stamp set on page 25 in the Occasions catalog:

Charming Café Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

Let your friends know how much they mean to you with this beautiful set full of European flair. Combine stamp images to create cozy café scenes.

And here's just one possible scene idea. I have a full set of instructions under the card photo.

Charming Cafe friendship card 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Charming Café Bundle (147508)
• Card Stock – Whisper White (100730) Calypso Coral (122925) Basic Black (121045) 
• Stamp Pads – Memento Black Ink (132708) Versamark Ink (102283)
• Misc. – Layering Circles Framelits (141705) Peek A Boo peach crinkled seam binding (144192) Whisper White Solid Bakers twine (124262) Stampin’ Blends (147475) Petal Passion Designer paper (145589) White embossing Powder (109132) Embossing Buddy (103083) Heat tool (129053) 

 

Measurements:  

• Whisper White cardstock                       8 ½” x 5 ½: 
• Whsiper white cardstock                         3 ¼” x 3 ¾” 
• Calypso Coral cardstock                          3 ½” x 4” 
• Petal Passion designer apper                  5 ¼” x 4” 
• Basic black cardstock                                 3” x 3”

Instructions:

1. Score and fold the ½ sheet of Whisper White cardstock in half 
2. Adhere the piece of Petal Passion designer paper to card front and set aside
3. Stamp Image on Whisper white cardstock with memento in and color with Stampin’ Blends
4. Use layering circle framelits to cut opening in stamped image 
5. Emboss greeting on Basic black piece of cardstock
6. Adhere embossed greeting behind circle opening on stamped whisper white piece 
7. Adhere the piece from step 6 to Calypso coral cardstock you have cut 
8. Cut length of Peek a Boo Peach crinkled seam binding 11-12” and fold in half tying a piece of whisper white bakers twine about ½” from looped fold as seen in the photo
9. Adhere Peek a Boo Peach ribbon to petal passion cardtock fanning the tails of the ribbon
10. Adhere the layered Calypso piece over the ribbon
11. Add greeting of choice to inside of card 

 

It's easy to surprise someone with a happy card

I have such a quick and easy friendship card idea using the Scattered Sequins dynamic embossing folder! This folder is perfect for subtle but unusual background accents on a card layer or the card base itself. And this happy card is perfect to surprise a friend when she (or he!) opens her (or his!) mailbox. 

What is really unique about my card is that it was created using no stamps or ink! I chose my Petal Passion Memories & More Card Pack and decided to use two of these cards as layers in my design. Here are some of the products I used - click on any of them to link over to my Online Store. And don't miss my video under the card photo below.

Petal Passion Memories & More Card Pack
$10.00

Scattered Sequins Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$10.00

Glitter & Clear Epoxy Shapes
$7.00

 

 

Petal Passion Happy card

 

Stamp set: none

Ink: none

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Whisper White: 11" x 4 1/4" 
          Happy card: 4" x 2 1/4"
          Basic Black: 4" x 5 1/4" 

Other: Petal Passion Memories & More Card Pack (145592), Big Shot, Scattered Sequins dynamic embossing folder (145649), Glitter & Epoxy Shapes (145632), SNAIL adhesive

Here's my video - thanks for watching!

Behind the scene of my paper crafts

I love what I do and to share it with you. In 2018 I will be celebrating 15 years as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and as I reflect back on all those years one of my most proud and brave moments is starting my YouTube channel. 

 

I have created over 500 videos so far - one a week that features Sizzix products - and I now have over 5500 subscribers!

My goal each week is to show you amazing products that can help you make fantastic paper craft projects and walk you through how to make each one. 

Here are my top three viewed videos in case you missed them - click here to see and subscribe to my YouTube channel!

I am always surprised that my number one viewed video is a scrapbook page. Would you like to see more scrapbook page ideas? (you can answer yes or no in the comment box under this blog post)

As I listen to myself I can't help but think: you've come a long way baby! (smiles) My #2 viewed video shows how to make a 3x3 card:

And the third most viewed is how to make a cute matchbox:

Do you have ideas you'd like me to share on a video tutorial? I would love to hear your suggestions - email them to me at: [email protected]! 

 

 

Here's how to have fun using your birthday wit

So many stamp sets are serious in tone that it is refreshing to have one that has some birthday wit! Yes, that was a pun intended. The Birthday Wit stamp set has four fun phrases (5 total plus 2 more background images) that will definitely bring a smile to someone celebrating a birthday. 

And today I have a bright and colorful birthday card ideas using Birthday Wit. It is paired with the Scattered Sequins dynamic embossing folder to create a fun background to match the fun phrase on the front. Add a touch of bling with the Rhinestone Basic Jewels for that eye-catching final touch. Did you spot the Simple Stripes layer too? Again, it's all about simple details to make a creative difference. 

Here's this fun duo - you can click on either of these photos to link over to my online store. 

Scattered Sequins Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$10.00

Birthday Wit Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$19.00

 

 Don't miss my complete set of instructions underneath the card photo!

Birthday Wit birthday card

Supplies: 

 

• Stamp Sets Birthday Wit (145753 clear)(147540 wood)
• Card Stock – Whisper White (100730); Bermuda Bay (131197); Lemon Lime Twist (144245); 
• Stamp Pads – Lemon Lime Twist (144086); Pool Party (126982); Bermuda Bay (131171)
• Misc. – Simple Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (145648); Scattered Sequins Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (145649); Rhinestone Basic Jewels (144220); Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (143263)

Measurements: 

Lemon Lime Twist: 8 ½” x 5 ½” 

Bermuda Bay: 4 ½” x 3 ¼”

Whisper White: 4 ½” x 3 ¼”; 3” x 2 ½”

 

Instructions: 

1. Fold Lemon Lime Twist cardstock in half to form card base.
2. Emboss the card front with the Scattered Sequins folder using the Big Shot.
3. Emboss the Bermuda Bay cardstock with the Simple Stripes folder using the Big Shot and glue to the front of the card on an angle.
4. Stamp the sentiment in Bermuda Bay ink in the lower left corner of the Whisper White.
5. Stamp the star burst image in Pool Party ink randomly on the lower portion of the Whisper White.
6. Stamp the dots in Lemon Lime Twist ink randomly beside the star burst images.
7. Glue the stamped piece to the front of the card on top of the Bermuda Bay piece angled the opposite way.
8. Stamp the sentiment on the smaller piece of Whisper White in Bermuda Bay ink and cut out.
9. Pop up the sentiment on the first stamped image with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
10. Add some rhinestones to finish the card. 

Sometimes you need to hold on to hope

Sometimes you need to hold on to hope - or offer the idea to someone you care about that hope can make a difference. The gorgeous Hold on to Hope stamp set used to make today's card was designed by a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator - another million dollar achiever! 

What I love about this set is that it is not only about hope. It is about remarkable events, friendship, love, and more. 

Did you know you can pair the Hold on to Hope set with the Cross of Hope framelits dies and save 10%? (use order number 145970) Quickly cut crosses (four!) in a variety of sizes and styles with the Big Shot and these Framelits dies. The detailed cross die adds subtle embossing but does not cut. 

Hold On To Hope Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$21.00

Cross Of Hope Framelits Dies
$27.00

 

This card has a monochromatic flavor to it, using only Powder pink with a touch of Smoky Slate as an accent. It looks complicated but is not at all, thanks to your Big Shot. See my full set of instructions under the card photo. 

Supplies: 

 

• Stamp set: Hold on to Hope (145776 Wood or 145780 Clear)
• Paper – Powder Pink (144244); Whisper White (100730), Smoky Slate (131202), Fresh Florals Designer Series Paper Stack (144131)
• Stamp Pads – Smoky Slate (131179)
• Misc.- Powder Pink ½” Finely Woven Ribbon (144134); Stitched Shapes Framelits (145372); Big Shot (143263); Layering Ovals Framelits (141706); Cross of Hope Framelits (145654); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); SNAIL Adhesive (104332)

 

Measurements:  

• Powder Pink 5 ½ x 8 ½, 2 ½ x 3 ½ 
• Whisper White 5 ¼ x 4, 2 x 3, scrap for sentiment
• Smoky Slate 2 ¼ x 3 ¼ 
• Fresh Florals DSP – 2 ½ x 4

 

Instructions:

1. Wrap a 6” piece of the ribbon around the white layer and secure it to the back.  Add this to the card base. 
2. Add DSP where shown.
3. Ink sentiment in Smoky Slate and stamp on the scrap of white, crop with coordinating framelit.
4. Crop the Smoky Slate oval, the white stitched oval and the cross. 
5. Layer these together and add to the card with dimensionals. 
6. Add sentiment over the cross.

Join my team and all the fun!

If you’ve ever thought about joining my Stampin’ Up! team and starting an amazing business opportunity, now is the perfect time! You choose $175 in products for only $99 - and those products can be from the Occasions Catalog, the Annual Catalog or some from each. 

Just as Stampin' Up! demonstrators provide their customers with one-stop shopping and individualized service, Stampin' Up! will provide YOU with the opportunity to pursue your individual goals whether those goals are to enjoy a hobby, build a thriving business, or contribute to family income while spending more time at home.

Whether you'd like to earn money to pay for your stamping supplies, create a full or part-time career, or simply get a discount on your stamping supplies, Stampin' Up! (and me!) will help you do it. And if that isn't enough, here are 10 reasons for you to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator:

1. Get ideas for handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and home decor projects.
2. Learn new, artistic stamping techniques on a monthly basis.
3. Gain first access to popular popular lines and exclusive, award-winning designs.
4. Get a 20 percent discount on ALL Stampin' Up! products.
5. Be your own boss, and establish a flexible business that meets your goals.
6. Spend more time with family when you work from home with a schedule that fits you and your family.
7. Be eligible to attend Stampin' Up!'s fabulous conferences and events.
8. Earn free exotic trips and other recognition (like free rubber stamps, cash awards, and other valuable prizes).
9. Meet new friends and enrich lives while sharing what you love.
10. Receive support and training from Stampin' Up!

What's the catch? (there is none)

• For $99 you choose up to $175 in the Stampin’ Up! product of your choice
• Free shipping – the kit ships to you FREE, for another 10% savings.
• There is no obligation to ever host a party, workshop or sell product and absolutely no pressure from me! It's your business!
• No Risk – You can enjoy all the benefits & discounts of being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator with no risk. No Catch. I Promise. 

Why should you join now?  

You have two Starter Kit options! Learn more here! 

 

If you’ve got questions, I am happy to provide the answers.  Email me today and let’s chat! ([email protected])

An interesting card map to challenge your creativity

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map will definitely challenge your creativity! It is quite complicated in its layers and embellishments and I had quite the time trying to figure out what to create.

I immediately decided to use my Daisy Delight stamp set and Daisy punch for the flowers. Then the Banner Triple punch for that layer and the Leaf punch for that element. I spent a lot of time trying to match paper and colors for the rest of my card. 

Here's the Paper Craft Crew card map challenge - what supplies would you use for this map?

In the end I decided on the True Gentleman designer series paper for my feminine card - it's always fun to think outside the box, isn't it? So my card colors are: Very Vanilla, Night of Navy, Tranquil Tide and Crushed Curry. Click on any the product photos below to link over to my online store - just in case you want to order them to craft with too. 

True Gentleman Designer Series Paper
$11.00

Daisy Punch
$18.00

Leaf Punch
$16.00

Banner Triple Punch
$23.00

Daisy Delight Photopolymer Stamp Set
$17.00

 

Here's my Daisy Delight card: 

To see all the card ideas that the rest of the Paper Craft Crew created for this map, click the Paper Craft Crew link at the top of this blog post. 

To see other card maps and cards, click here, here, and here!

 

 

Learn how to create beautiful monochromatic cards

Do you want to learn the monochromatic technique? Then this blog post is for you!

Do you know what a monochromatic card is? The dictionary definition says: containing or using only one color. This is a really fun technique, especially when using the Waterfront stamp set (#146386). 

For my card I chose Smoky Slate and Basic Gray - so my card would be monochromatic using gray tones. I started with the background stamps: the mountains, then the flatter lands, then the trees, the sun/moon and finally the 'splatter'. When designing my card I decided that the bigger features would be Basic Gray and the smaller or less important features would be stamped using Smoky Slate. 

I think this is a beautiful monochromatic card, what do you think? My final touch was to add a piece of Basic Gray ribbon tied in a knot - across the middle of the card - somewhat unusual for me. 

 

Try this card layout idea using other monochromatic color choices:

Greens: Old Olive, Always Artichoke

Purples: Wisteria Wonder, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant

Blues: Marina Mist, Pool Party, Night of Navy

You are only limited by your imagination and willingness to experiment to see what works!

I have been having so much fun stamping with the Waterfront stamp set and I bet you would too 

To order the Waterfront stamp set in the US, click here: http://bit.ly/2i6uQZ9
To order the Waterfront stamp set in Europe, click here: http://bit.ly/2jleaKo

See amazing ideas featuring my all-time favorite products

I invite you to subscribe to my exclusive Stampin' Up! newsletters and find your inspiration with amazing projects I share using my  all-time favorite products! (click on each catalog cover below to download it to your device)

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- exclusive card samples with photos and step-by-step instructions
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- information on upcoming classes with registration and payment links
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