Nutz about Stamping

How to make your Halloween festivities frightful

Halloween is nearly here, which means that Paper Pumpkin has been busy, busy, busy. We thought you might like “a hand” with your frightful festivities, so we designed September’s kit, Bone Appétit, with YOU in mind.

Hint: the coordinating colors in this kit are: Basic Black, Gorgeous Grape, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White

This kit includes 20 food-safe treat boxes, a unique and exclusive Halloween stamp set, and a spooky, special-edition box. September’s kit also gives new meaning to the word “handmade.” (Cue the scary laughter!)

So don’t leave your trick-n-treaters in the dark this Halloween. Subscribe at paperpumpkin by September 10 to get in on the fun.

Note: the exclusive Halloween stamp set can be used for other project ideas as well! Don't think that once your treat bags are created that you are done and dusts. Coordinate this set with the Monster Bash suite in the Holiday catalog (pages 52 - 54) and the other Halloween sets and accessories too.

Want the fine details?

• There’s no commitment, you can cancel your monthly Paper Pumpkin at anytime. You can also skip a month if you want by logging onto the website and putting that month's kit on hold.
• Each month Stampin’ Up will send you a unique, surprise kit with a project – cards, journals, décor, and more! (They’ve even color-coordinated, measured, and cut everything for you! How great is that!)
• Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper, and accessories – everything but scissors.
• Each kit gives you a 30-minute creativity escape – who doesn’t need that?
• Stampin’ Up will ship your Paper Pumpkin on or around the 15th of the month.
• You need to sign up for a kit by the 10th of the month to get that month’s kit. If you sign up after the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the following month. 
• A Paper Pumpkin membership is $21.95 per month (and shipping is included!)

How to have a spooktacular bash this Halloween

Yes I know it is not September yet but I couldn't resist sharing this super cute Halloween card idea with you today. I beg forgiveness! It's just that the Monster Bash product suite is so darn cute! And the coordinating dies are gorgeous and can be used for so many other products ideas beyond Halloween.

You are going to be seeing so many ideas using the Monster Bash bundle on Pinterest and Facebook so let's just jump in head first and have a blast over the next few months. 

I hope this card whets your appetite for this suite - it will be available to order on 4 September. And don't miss the special die that is in this suite - I can't reveal any more information than this hint - but it is a perfect match for the vampire in the stamp set!

Tip: save the link to this Spooktacular Bash project so that when your Holiday Catalog order arrives you are ready to craft! See the bottom of this post for a side view of this card. 

Spooktacular Bash card

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Spooktacular Bash (150544); Spooktacular Bash Bundle (153040)
• Card Stock – Basic Black (121045); Terracotta Tile (150884); Very Vanilla (101650)
• Stamp Pads – Memento Tuxedo Black (132708); Terracotta Tile (150086)
• Misc. – Monster Bash Designer Series Paper (DSP) (150447); Terracotta Tile Stampin’ Write Marker (150079); Crushed Curry Stampin’ Write Marker (147155); Soft Seafoam Stampin’ Blend Light (148057); Ornate Frames Dies (150664); Layering Circles Dies (141705); Basic Black Dark Stampin’ Blend Marker (147941); Black Dimensionals (150893); Basic Black 3/8” scalloped Edge Ribbon (150449); Monster Bash Enamel Shapes (150448); Tear & Tape (138995); Snail Adhesive (104332) or Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755)

 

Measurements:  

• Basic Black: 4 ¼ x 11” (scored at 5 ½”) 2 ¾” x 2 3/4” for scalloped circle
• Terracotta Tile: 5 3/8” x 4 1/8” 2 ¾ x 2 ¾ for Circle 
• Very Vanilla: 2 1/4” x 1 1/2” (sentiment) 2 ½ x 2 ½ (ornate frame) 4” x 5 ¼” (inside) 
• DSP:  5 1/4” x 4” ½” x 4” (banner) 1” x 4” (inside) 

 

Instructions:

1. Stamp the Vampire from the Stamp Set on 2 ½ x 2 ½ piece of Very Vanilla Cardstock in Tuxedo Black ink.  Die cut with matching die from the Ornate Frames Dies.  Color in the Vampire’s face and hands with the Soft Seafoam Stampin’ Blend Light marker.  Color the outside of the frame with the Dark Basic Black Stampin’ Blend.  Color the background behind the vampire with your Terracotta Tile Stampin’ Write Marker.  And the inner Frame with your Crushed Curry Stampin’ Write marker.  
2. Stamp the Sentiment on the 2 ¼ x 1 ½” piece of Very Vanilla Cardstock in Terracotta Tile Ink and die cut with matching die from the Ornate Frames Dies.  
3. Die cut a Circle using the Layering Circle Dies using the 2 ¾ x 2 ¾ piece of Terracotta Tile Cardstock.  Use the 5^th one from the smallest circle die.  With the Basic Black Cardstock (2 ¾ x 2 ¾) die cut a scalloped circle.  Use the scallop circle die that fits the circle you just cut out.  This should be the next to the largest scalloped die.  There will be just enough room for the vampire you just did to fit with just a little border.  Layer this together with your favorite adhesive.  Attach the Vampire ornate frame that we colored with a couple black dimensionals.   
4. Fold and burnish your Basic Black card base.  Attach the 5 3/8 x 4 1/8 piece of Terracotta Tile Cardstock using your favorite adhesive.  Attach the 5 ¼ x 4 piece of DSP to the front of this to make your card front; leaving just a small border around the DSP.  
5. Attach 4” of the Basic Black scalloped Edge Ribbon to the card front with Tear & Tape Adhesive about 1 ½” from the bottom.  
6. With the ½” x 4” piece of DSP cut a diagonal edge to one end.  Attach slightly over the top of the ribbon using your favorite adhesive.  
7. Place the sentiment to the right of the card front using a little multipurpose liquid glue at the bottom and two black dimensionals at the top.  The ribbon will lift the bottom of the sentiment piece up.  
8. Add the Vampire Circle element you created earlier to the left of the sentiment slightly behind the sentiment like in the photo above.  
9. Add one of the Monster Bash Enamel Shapes to the sentiment.  Use a mini black dimensional behind this to make it the same height as the sentiment.  Placing it slightly on top of the sentiment where there is a slight overhang as you see above. 
10. Add the 1” x 4” piece of DSP to the 4 x 5 ¼ piece of Very Vanilla cardstock using your favorite adhesive to the bottom 3^rd.  Add this to the inside of your card to finish it off.  

 

There are so many possibilities for this challenge!

This week's card map challenge offers so many possibilities! 

Here's what came to mind immediately when I think of Butterflies:

Butterfly Gala Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

Butterfly Wishes Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

 

And then when thinking of Blooms, oh-my-gosh, our catalog is filled with floral sets! There's Daisy Lane, Pop of Petals, Good Morning Magnolia, Floral Essence....and so many more. 

But there is one set that has both butterflies AND blooms, how convenient it that! Introducing Beauty Abounds!

Beauty Abounds Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

So that was my starting point for this card map. Next was my paper choice and I still have a lot of Mosaic Mood left so challenged myself to use some of this paper on my card and let it guide my color choices. 

Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper
$14.50

I actually started by cutting a different pattern in this pack but even though I loved the pattern it seemed to contrast with my stamped and colored image. So then I changed the patterned paper and immediately decided that I had made the right choice. 

Here's my card:

Such a fun card and so easy to create. I colored the stamped images using my Blender Pens and ink pads - coloring is so relaxing isn't it? 

Now it's your turn: try our Butterflies and Blooms card map challenge and create a card using your crafting supplies. And if you want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge, click here.

 

You need to see this outstanding embossing folder

What is the first thing that you look for in a new Stampin' Up! catalog? Do you look for stamp sets? Papers? Embellishments? 

For me, it's papers first but then on my next pass through I look for embossing folders - funny huh! But I know that embossing folders are cost effective and can add visual interest to my projects. 

So when I placed my first Holiday Catalog order I chose the Hammered Metal embossing folder. (see close up photo at the bottom of this post) This folder is part of a Christmas product suite but I see so many other uses - fall cards being one of them. 

Tip: use the Hammered Metal folder with the Copper Foil Sheets (page 169 Annual Catalog) to create a stunning visual focus on your cards.

I decided to dust off my Painted Harvest stamp set and make the card below - perfect for masculine cards, friendship cards, or simply as a fall notecard idea that you can write a letter inside. 

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

I think this set was designed with Thanksgiving in mind, but don't let that limit you. To see how to make my card, I provided a set of instructions and measurements below. 

Painted Harvest friendship card

Supplies: 

• Stamp set  – Painted Harvest (144783), Beauty Abounds (148726)
• Card Stock – Very Vanilla (101650), Early Espresso (119686)
• Ink - Early Espresso (147114), Crushed Curry (147087), Pumpkin Pie (147086), Mossy Meadow (147111)
• Misc. – Hammered Metal 3D embossing folder (150646), SNAIL adhesive (104332), Paper Snips (103579), Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108), 3/16” Braided Linen Trim (147808), 1 1/2” circle punch (138299), Tear & Tape adhesive (138995), Die-cutting machine

 

Measurements:  

• Very Vanilla - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”, scored a 4 1/4”; three pieces 2” x 1 3/4”; 2” square; 2 3/4” square
• Early Espresso - 5” x 2 1/4” 

 

Instructions:

1. Emboss Early Espresso strip using die-cutting machine and Hammered Metal 3D embossing folder. Adhere to Very Vanilla card base using Tear & Tape adhesive.
2. Ink larger sunflower image using Crushed Curry and stamp onto Very Vanilla square. Ink smaller sunflower image using Pumpkin Pie and stamp on top of Crushed Curry image. Ink and stamp flower center using Early Espresso. Cut out sunflower using Paper Snips.
3. Ink solid leaf image using Mossy Meadow ink. Stamp off first then onto 3 Very Vanilla card stock. Ink outline leaf image using Mossy Meadow ink and stamp directly on top of solid images. Cut out using Paper Snips. 
4. Ink phrase and stamp onto Very Vanilla cardstock. Punch phrase using circle punch.
5. Add strips of Tear & Tape adhesive onto back of sunflower image. Attach Braided Linen Trim to back to match card photo. Attach sunflower to card front using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals. 
6. Add Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals to back of leaf images and tuck under Sunflower image. 
7. Adhere phrase to card front using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Here's a close up of the Hammered Metal embossing folder - can you see the 'bumps'?

An easy teacher gift idea, week four

In today's video, I am going to show you a 4th and final teacher gift idea that is perfect for the first week of school this year. I am going to use my Beauty Abounds stamp set and Magnolia Lane designer series paper to help me with this project:

Beauty Abounds Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

You will notice from my blog title that this is week four. I have created three other teacher gift ideas for the first week of school, all of them using the Follow Your Art paper. Click here, here and here to see these other three project ideas.

This week's project didn't work with that paper pack that I had used on my other three teacher gift ideas, so I chose something completely different. 

Here's a tip for this particular project: choose your gift for this pocket first and then let its designs and colors guide your paper colors for this project. You don't have to insert a nail file, think about a pencil set, a nice pen, metallic Sharpies (I love these!), and so on. And feel free to take this idea and use it for other gift ideas, not just for teacher gifts. I think these would make fun stocking stuffers, gifts for colleagues at work, etc. 

Teacher Gift Idea week four

Stamp set: Beauty Abounds (148726)

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Magnolia Lane: 1 3/4" x 11" 

Other: Magnolia Lane designer series paper (149484), decorative nail file, Simply Scored, Envelope Punch Board, Magnolia Lane Ribbon Combo Pack (149485), Layering Circles dies (141705), die-cutting machine, Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's my video showing you how to create this fun teacher gift idea - enjoy!

Did you know that octopuses have three hearts?

One heart for each sentiment in this set! And your friends and family are going to LOVE this Sea of Textures card - you pick the phrase you want on the inside! 

Sea Of Textures Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

This card has a really unusual layout but it all works doesn't it? You can learn the generation technique which you can use on other cards you make after. 

Combine and add some die-cut layers and a little bit of bling from heat embossing and you have a card to be proud of:

Here's how to make this card:

Supplies: 

Stamp Sets: Seas of Textures (cling-151267), Love What You Do (Photopolymer-148042)

Ink: Soft Suede (147115), Rococo Rose (150080), Versamark (102283)

Cardstock: Rococo Rose (150080), Whisper White (100730), Sahara Sand (121043)

Misc: Stampin’ Emboss Powder Gold (109129), Heat Tool (129053), Bakers Twine Night of Navy/Sahara Sand (149483), Basic Adhesive-Backed Sequins (146933), SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Die Cut Machine, Layering Circles Dies (141705), Stitched Shapes Dies (145372), Smooth Sailing Dies (149576), Wink of Stella Glitter Brush (141897), Stampin’ Sponges (141337), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Measurements:  

• Rococo Rose: 8 ½” x 5 ½” – card base, score at 4 ¼”; scrap to cut wheel and 1 ½” x 4” (2) for sea grass
• Whisper White: 4 x 5 ¼” – card layer
• Sahara Sand: 2 ¾” x 2 ¾”
• Baker’s Twine: 2 lengths of 12”

Instructions:

1. Create card base.
2. Using Soft Suede, ink up large “waterwash” stamp from Love What You Do. Stamp off once and then stamp image on WW card layer. Ink up “net” image from Sea of Textures using Soft Suede and stamp full strength over first image. Adhere this layer to card base.
3. Cut 2 “sea grass” shapes using Rococo Rose and die-cutting machine. Apply Rococo ink over top with Stampin’ Sponge and then dab Wink of Stella on top. Adhere on top of white layer using Multi Purpose Glue.
4. Using Sahara Sand cardstock piece, place small circle on top and cut out. Place 2 ½” stitched circle die over cut out hole and run through die-cutting machine. This will create the “porthole”. 
5. Adhere 5 sequins onto piece from #4. randomly swipe Versamark over and then pour gold emboss powder over and heat up. TIP: do this step in a random pattern instead of embossing the entire piece to create more of a “distressed” look.
6. Let #5 dry and then adhere to card front with SNAIL.
7. Using wheel image from Smooth Sailing Dies, cut out using scrap of Rococo Rose. Adhere to card front using Multipurpose Glue.
8. Separate twine and create a small bow out of the Sahara strand. Fray ends by rubbing between thumb and forefinger.  Adhere to card with small dot of Multipurpose Glue.

Here's why you want to subscribe now!

I invite you to subscribe to my exclusive (and free!) Stampin' Up! newsletters and find beautiful crafting inspiration with projects I share using our amazing catalog!

Every week I create a project idea along with all the supplies I 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. 

Now is the time to subscribe because I will be sharing projects from our brand new Holiday Catalog (coming in September)!

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

I email a newsletter every week - sharing Stampin' Up! special announcements and an exclusive project idea just for you!

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
• 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!

Here's a peek at a card I recently shared in one of my  newsletters, using the Royal Peacock stamp set:

You need to see how to create your own scrapbook paper designs

Have you ever made your own scrapbook page background designs? I got the idea to give this a try and I am so happy I did. I knew from the start that I wanted to use the Verdant Garden stamp set and randomly stamped the two images all over a piece of 12x12 Whisper White card stock:

Verdant Garden Photopolymer Stamp Set
$16.00

Because this set is photopolymer it was so easy to stamp one image on top of the other.

Next I decided to feature only one single photo on my page. 

 

But that single layer seemed a bit lost on my page so I added a journaling layer and used two of the sticker strips in the Magnolia Lane Memories & More card kit on either side. The phrase comes from the Colorful Seasons stamp set:

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

Of course the photo I select to feature on this page will really make it a stand out and I hope that for now I have given you some courage to make your own background paper on your next pages. It's fun especially when you can:

• choose your colors: soft, bright, coordinating, contrasting
• choosing stamp set designs: large, small, layered (like mine) 
• choosing where to stamp: across the top, bottom, up one side or both, or randomly like I did
• create pages that are a perfect match for your photos and memories, now or in the future

What would you choose for this simple card map challenge?

When I saw this week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge I knew immediately what I wanted to use for colors, but that puzzle piece puzzled me (pun intended!). 

I love the simplicity of this map, and the slight angle on the layer - this adds visual interest to your card. 

 

I knew that I wanted to use a designer paper pattern as a large background layer. So I dug through my stash (isn't it fun to have a  crafting stash!) and decided on a piece of Mosaic Mood. I love the colors and patterns in this paper:

Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper
$14.50

After I chose my patterned layer I then chose my card base: Blushing Bride. For the banner layer I decided on a bolder color, Garden Green, because the pattern in the paper is quite bold and a softer color might fade into the background. 

My next design decision was the top layer. I decide to create a phrase layer instead of an image. I looked through my stamp sets for a phrase that is larger and will stand out against the bold patterned paper. Enter
and a phrase that could be used for many different occasions:

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

Can you tell that I am still avoiding that puzzle piece? After thinking for a few minutes I finally decided what to do: I cut out a butterfly from the same piece of Mosaic Mood paper to use as the 'puzzle' layer. Issue resolved!

Here's my card:

The one final detail added was two Basic Pearl Jewels. I had considered not adding anything because of the bold paper pattern but in the end I added the pearls and am happy that they are noticed easily. I did decide not to use ribbon on my card because I didn't have a coordinating color on hand. 

Now it's your turn: what will you create using this card map challenge? To see what the other design crew members made, click here. 

 

See how to brew up some delightful treat bags!

You don't want to miss the next Paper Pumpkin kit, available to order between now and September 10th! Order now and a spooktacular Bone Appetit kit will arrive on your doorstep in this sweet box! 

Each kit contains all you need to create pinable projects, including stamps, ink, paper, and accessories. Create projects like cards, journals, décor, and more! See below for Stampin' Up!s September 2019 sneak peek flyer to see what's coming this month! 

It’s so easy to get started. Simply sign up for the program by visiting here to create an account, then simply click SUBSCRIBE.

***Sign up by September 10 to get our unique Halloween kit! 

Just think of the anticipation of creating a fun project to pin, showoff, and share with your friends and family – every month!

Of course, you’ll want to know more. So here are the fine details:

• Each month Stampin’ Up will send you a unique, surprise kit with a project – cards, journals, décor, and more! (They’ve even color-coordinated, measured, and cut everything for you! How great is that!)
• Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper, and accessories – everything but scissors.
• Each kit gives you a 30-minute creativity escape – who doesn’t need that?
• Stampin’ Up will ship your Paper Pumpkin on or around the 15th of the month.
• You need to sign up for a kit by the 10th of the month to get that month’s kit. If you sign up after the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the following month. 
• A Paper Pumpkin membership is $21.95 per month (and shipping is included!)
• There’s no commitment, you can cancel your monthly Paper Pumpkin at anytime. You can also skip a month if you want by logging onto the website and putting that month's kit on hold.

Ready to join? Go here to subscribe and get your Paper Pumpkin Halloween kit:

As promised, here's a sneak peek of the September kit:

An easy teacher gift idea: week three

In today's post and video, I am going to show you a third teacher gift idea that would be perfect for the first week of school this year. I am going to use my Itty Bitty Greetings stamp set and Follow Your Art paper to make this gift idea:

Itty Bitty Greetings Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$36.00

Follow Your Art Designer Series Paper
$11.50

I have provided video tutorials on two other teacher gift ideas, click here and here to see those as well. 

As you read through my post, keep in mind all the different occasions this gift idea can offer to you: birthdays, gifts for colleagues at work, children off to college, YOU and more. Simply change the phrase from the Itty Bitty Greeting stamp set - you do have 32 to choose from - the set also comes in French!

Like the other two teacher gift projects I decided to stay with the Follow Your Art paper theme and colors as I wanted my gift to be bright, colorful and friendly. And practical! As a former teacher I would love to get a gift like this and would use it all the time - every day I would bet.

Follow Your Art teacher gift 

These pens have a special touch to them - watch my video below to see what special touch you can add to coordinate the pen with the  post-it note holder!

Stamp set: Itty Bitty Greetings (151331)

Ink: Pacific Point

Cardstock and cutting dimensions:
        Pacific Point: 7 3/8" x 3 1/4"
        Follow Your Art: 3 1/8" x 3"
        Whisper White: 2 1/2" x 3/4"
        Pacific Point: 2 3/4" x 2"
        Coastal Cabana: 3 1/8" x 1/2"

Other: Simply Scored (122334), Follow Your Art designer series paper (149489),  Classic Label punch (141491), Tailored Tag punch (145667), Stampin' Dimensionals, Glitter Enamel Dots #146934

Here's my video - enjoy!

A fun wish for life's next exciting adventure

Oh how I remember this month a few short years ago when it was time to take my son off to college in the mountains of North Carolina. He was so excited and quite nervous yet there was an air of new-found confidence about this next step in his life. 

Although I was so happy for him and supportive of this next exciting adventure in his life I was so very sad to see him move out and on. We drove for 3.5 hours, found the apartment complex, got him all signed up, moved in his boxes, ooh'd and ahh'd at the amazing view from his living room window and then it was time for me to drive home. 

I barely made it into the car before I started crying (much to his amusement) and then sobbed (I mean SOBBED) all the way back home. It is amazing I made it safely as my eyes were almost swollen shut by the time I drove into my garage - yep, that ugly cry look. As I think back to that time now, my eyes still fill with tears but I can also laugh at how emotional I was knowing that my 'little buddy' was all grown up. 

Are you sending someone off to college soon? Here's a fun card to create to wish them well, using the Above the Clouds bundle on page 89 of the Annual Catalog:

Above The Clouds Bundle
$36.00

Tip: that hot air balloon punch has so many amazing uses beyond simple air balloons! Check out my Pinterest Board for all sorts of new ideas. 

Above the Clouds card

Here's how to make this cute card: 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Above the Clouds Bundle (151135)
• Card Stock – Daffodil Delight (119683); Coastal Cabana (131297); Thick Whisper White (140272)
• Stamp Pads – Tuxedo Black Memento (132708); Crumb Cake (147116)
• Misc. – Daffodil Delight Combo Stampin’ Blends Markers (144603); Light Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Blends Marker (144580); Pretty Label Punch (143715); 2” Circle Punch (133782); Stampin’ Pierce Mat (126199); Take Your Pick (144107); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Mini Dimensionals (144108)

 

Measurements:  

• Daffodil Delight (base): 5 ½” x 8 ½”, score at 4 ¼” and folded in half 
• Coastal Cabana: 4” x 5 ¼”
• Thick Whisper White: 3” x 4”
• Vellum: 2” x 3”

 

Instructions:

1. Using the 2” Circle Punch, punch an opening in the lower portion of the Coastal Cabana cardstock as shown. 
2. Place the Coastal Cabana cardstock on the Pierce Mat. Using the paper-piercing tool attachment on the Take Your Pick tool, create a row of holes around the circle opening. Repeat this step by making an additional row of holes, two more times, until your piercing appears as shown.
3. Stamp the greeting using Memento ink in the lower right corner of the Coastal Cabana cardstock.
4. Adhere the Coastal Cabana cardstock to the card base using Dimensionals. Be certain to place Dimensionals around the circle opening so it won’t sag.
5. Stamp the outline image of the hot air balloon on the Thick Whisper White cardstock. Stamp the outline image of the basket on the Thick Whisper White cardstock.
6. Stamp the solid basket image using Crumb Cake ink to fill the outline image. 
7. Color in the hot air balloon using the Stampin’ Blends.
8. Punch the hot air balloon and basket using the punch. 
9. Punch out a vellum “cloud” using the Pretty Label Punch and the vellum cardstock.
10. Adhere the vellum to the backside of the hot air balloon, placing adhesive where it will not show. 
11. Place Dimensionals on the backside of the vellum cloud and hot air balloon, where they will not show and adhere it to the right side of the circle opening.
12. Adhere the basket image to the base of the hot air balloon using a Mini Dimensional.

How to create card layers for visual interest

Did you think that Stampin' Up!s Memories & More card packs were only for memory keeping or scrapbooking? Well, think again. These cards also make lovely and easy card ideas.

Today I have a beautiful Magnolia Lane card idea and will show you how how to create layers for visual interest. Here's the card pack that I used: 

Magnolia Lane Memories & More Card Pack
$11.00

The beauty of this card idea is that it uses no stamps, ink or cardstock! I used my die-cutting machine and Stitched Rectangles dies to create the layers using the "Hooray for Today" card in the pack:

Stitched Rectangle Dies
$35.00

I could have used my paper cutter to create the layers but feel that the stitched edges on the layers adds a touch of elegance to my card. 

Then I simply reassembled my card layers onto one of our fabulous Magnolia Lane large specialty Memories & More cards and envelopes which were designed to coordinate with the card pack (I love perfect coordination, don't you?) 

One final touch: I used Stampin' Dimensionals to bump up my layers for that final added touch. Here's my card:

Tip: there are several larger cards in the Memories & More pack. You can choose the one that you fancy or to match the occasion you need. This card could easily be use for birthdays, friendship, congratulations, engagement, birth of a new baby - any occasion that deserves a cheer!

Here's a side view:

Here's how to make this card - it's easy! 

Supplies: 

• Stamp set  – none
• Card Stock – none
• Ink - none
• Misc. – SNAIL adhesive (104332), Magnolia Lane Large Specialty Memories & More Card Pack (149487), Mint Macaron 1/4” Textile Ribbon (149480), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Die-cutting machine, Stitched Rectangles (149551), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104330)

Measurements:  

• Mint Macaron: approx 10” 

Instructions:

1. Fold Memories & More card in half to create card base.
2. Choose Magnolia Lane card to feature on card front.
3. Using die-cutting machine and Stitched Rectangles, die-cut two stitched rectangles from the Magnolia Lane card, using two different sizes of rectangles. 
4. Adhere die-cut card layers to card base using Stampin’ Dimensionals to create layers. 
5. Create Mint Macaron bow and attach to card front using Mini Glue Dot. 

A big team welcome to my new members!

A BIG team welcome to: Tina J, Joanne J and Barbara B!

They joined Stampin' Up! and our team this month and are so excited about the Extra, Extra promotion!

If you’ve ever thought about joining my Stampin’ Up! team, now is the perfect time with the new Annual Catalog now live and the Holiday Catalog available for pre-order this month! 

EXTRA, EXTRA!

What do you need to know? 

A Starter Kit WOW: $155 in Product for just $99 PLUS a $10 coupon for a future purchase through yourself!! This is definitely the month to join my team - read on for all the juicy details! 

Until August 31, new demonstrators will receive an additional $30 to put toward bonus products in their Starter Kit (pay $99 and choose $155 worth of products). THEN, you'll receive a $10 coupon code the following month. Get a smart start to your new business, and become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator today!

Need help with picking your Starter Kit items? All you need to do is ask, I am happy to help. 

CREATE YOUR STARTER KIT

Can sharing creativity really be a job? Yes! And you can begin right away. Starter Kits are a great value, and Stampin' Up! will throw in business supplies and free shipping as an added bonus. (You’ll think your birthday came early when your Starter Kit arrives!)

INSPIRE CREATIVITY

As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator you’ll teach others how to be creative using high quality stamps, ink, and paper, as well as embellishments, specialized tools, beautiful project kits, and more. Stampin' Up! takes the guesswork out of coordination so you and your friends can have an amazing crafting experience, no matter your skill level.

GET SUPPORT

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 more 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? 

• 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. 

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

Who doesn't like a super fun card map challenge

After last week's tough color challenge, this card map challenge was so much fun to follow. (And I really love how my card turned out!)

My first decision was to use the Come Sail Away product suite. I have used up most of the paper and am so pleased that I am sticking to my promise. Rather than have a Whisper White card base I chose Balmy Blue, one of the colors in the Come Sail Away paper. 

My next decision was that that larger rectangle layer would be a paper in the Come Sail Away pack. I wanted the front square layer to be a phrase from the Sailing Home stamp set and the banner strips would come from the paper. 

All of these decisions came easily to me. But those leaves/branches stumped me. Until I remembered the Smooth Sailing dies - there was a seaweed die in the pack. Problem solved easily!

I tried my best to match colors in the paper to solid card stock and although this is not the kind of card layout I would normally create nor the color combos I would normally choose, I am very happy with how my card turned out:

And here's another view, more from the side:

Now it's your turn: try our card map challenge using the supplies you have on hand. If you want to see what the other crew members made for this challenge, click here!