Nutz about Stamping

When was the last time you tried paper weaving?

In today's video I am going to show you a fun layout idea for an encouragement card, using the Forever Fern bundle and Forever Greenery designer series paper. 

These products are available to order on 3 June and I know you will love the bold colors in the paper in all tones of green. 

Last week I showed you one card idea and a fun technique for the Forever Greenery paper. (click here to see this post). This week I have another Forever Fern card idea along with a weaving technique. My weaving is fairly simple and you can take it further if you want. I love the phrase on this card - perfect to encourage a good friend. 

Here's how to make this card:

Stamp set: Forever Fern (bundle, 154094)

Ink: Pear Pizzazz; Pretty Peacock

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Very Vanilla: 11" x 4 1/4"; 2 1/2" x 1 3/4"; (2) 3" x 1 3/4"
        Pretty Peacock: 1/4" x 4 1/4"
        Forever Greenery: 1/2" x 6"
        Pear Pizzazz; (2) 1/2" x 6"

Other: Fine Tip Glue Pen; SNAIL adhesive; Flowers for Every Season Gems (153645); Forever Greenery designer series paper (152492); die-cutting machine

I have also created a video showing step by step how to create my card, along with some bonus tips along the way. Why not give this layout a try too?

 

Be confident and playful with bold patterned paper

In this blog post I want to show you a unique layout that looks beautiful but is actually very easy to create. You can take this idea and use your favorite papers and stamp sets and each time create a card that is completely unique. 

For my card I used the new Forever Greenery paper:

I chose a bold patterned paper from this pact and cut it so it was just slightly narrower than the Whisper White card base. Here's where the magic of this card happens. 

I took my Rectangle Stitched dies and chose two different sizes, where the smaller one nested inside the larger one but still leaving a border around the smaller one when die-cut out. Then I die-cut a window in the larger piece and then from that piece I die-cut the smaller one. I discarded the frame and kept the inner piece. Then adhered it inside the larger piece. 

The crowing touch, in my mind is the leaf embellishment and the 'friend' phrase - both die-cut. The beauty of this card is that you don't use any stamp sets or ink!

I think this will make sense when you see my photo below:

Here's what you need to make this card, why not give it a try? Be confident and play with your bold patterned paper. 

Forever Greenery Friendship card

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – none
• Card Stock – Whisper White (100730); Old Olive (100702)
• Stamp Pads – none
• Misc. – Forever Greenery Designer Series Paper (DSP) (152492); Forever Flourishing Dies (152714); Rectangle Stitched Dies (148551); Well Written Dies (148534); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Pearl Basic Jewels (144219); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (154974); die-cutting machine

Measurements:  

• Whisper White:     11” x 4 ¼”                  3” x 1 ½”                   
• Old Olive:             3 ½” x 4 ½”  
• DSP:                    5 3/8” x 4 1/8”          

Instructions:

1. Fold Whisper White card stock in half and score to create card base.
2. Die-cut Stitched Rectangle using Forever Greenery DSP. From die-cut piece, die-cut a smaller Stitched Rectangle.
3. Attach Forever Greenery DSP pieces to card front using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
4. Die-cut Old Olive Forever Flourishing branch and adhere to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
5. Die-cut Whisper White Well Written ‘friend’ and adhere to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue
6. Attach Pearl Basic Jewel above the ‘i’ in friend to complete card.

 

How to get 2 free crafting ideas every week

Have I tempted you? Would you like 2 free (no strings attached) crafting projects every week of the year using products featuring this BRAND NEW catalog...

 

Then subscribe to my free newsletters!

Every week I will email two newsletters, each with an Annual Catalog 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. 

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

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

1. Look for the Join My Mailing List heading in the right column of this blog

2. Type your name and email address in the boxes and click the "go" button

3. 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 recent newsletters, using the Timeless Tulips bundle:

Today's the day for you to try this forgotten technique

It's time for another card map challenge! Although the layout is quite simple, I still debated what to use for the bottom layer on this map:

 

At first I thought that it should be an embossed layer but when I flipped through my embossing folders, nothing particular caught my eye. We used to have a tool that made plain cardstock into corrugated paper but I no longer have that tool plus I try never to show you something that you can buy and use yourself. 

So it was back to the drawing board. Then I spotted a fun piece of the new Forever Greenery designer paper and from the foggy bottom of my mind, a creative idea floated to the surface.

 

See the splatters on today's card map? I remembered a long ago technique of stamping directly onto designer paper and decided to give that a try, because the Forever Fern stamp set has the phrase I wanted to use plus it has a splatter stamp that would work perfectly:

So I chose a patterned paper that would also allow for splatter stamping and used the Pretty Peacock ink so that it would be noticed.

The rest of the card fell into place: I added a thin strip of Whisper White instead of the ribbon on the map, a wider, angled piece of Pretty Peacock card stock and added the stamped, layered phrase. 

But that bow. I don't have Pretty Peacock or Old Olive ribbon, so hmmm. The I had a look at the Forever Flourishing dies that are bundled with the Forever Fern stamp set and an idea came to mind. Instead of using ribbon I would use two leaf dies. And presto, my card is done and I love it:

Here's a side view so you can see the strip of contrasting paper I added inside - looks a bit like the splatter stamp, don't you think?

I am excited to let you know that several new design crew members have been added to the Paper Craft Crew. If you want to see what everyone has created using the card map, click here. Be sure to give it a try too - and we invite you to post your card over there as well. 

How to support frontline responders and communities

Stampin’ Up! is committed to making a difference in our global communities and caring about people first. As part of their "Making a Difference" program they are offering a product giveback opportunity to support organizations that are helping COVID-19 frontline responders and communities vulnerable to the pandemic.

You can purchase the Share Sunshine PDF Download and Stampin' Up! will donate 100% of the proceeds to COVID-19 efforts.

The Share Sunshine PDF Download (15 pages!) is a digital stamp set that’s packed with both lighthearted and heartfelt sentiments and imagery relevant to the unique COVID-19 and social distancing situation we’re currently experiencing–including many ideas that came from you!

You can use the download in your cardmaking and papercrafting projects, like the one below. Simply print the imagery on cardstock and cut it out using our Paper Trimmer, punches, or dies. 

Two organizations are recipients of the proceeds for this effort:

The World Health Organization’s COVID-Solidarity Response Fund: Learn more about WHO here.

United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund: Learn more about United Way here.

How about a quarantine-tini?

Supplies:

• Stamp Set – Share Sunshine PDF; Ornate Style (152572) 
• Cardstock – Blushing Bride Cardstock (131198); Old Olive Cardstock (100702); Soft Sea Foam (146988); Whisper White Cardstock (100730); Whisper White Thick Cardstock (140272)
• Stamp Pads – Soft Sea Foam Ink (147102); VersaMark Ink (102283)
• Stampin’ Blends – Old Olive Combo (154892); Poppy Parade Combo (147275)
• Misc. – Lovely Labels Pick A Punch (152883); Subtle 3D Embossing Folder (151775); White Stampin’ Emboss Powder (109132); Paper Snips (103579); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Rectangles Stitched Dies (148551); Stitched So Sweetly Dies (151690), Best Dressed designer series paper (DSP) (151319); die-cutting machine

Measurements: 

• Whisper White Thick: 4 1/4” x 11” scored at 5 1/2”
• Whisper White: 4” x 5 1/4”; 3 3/4” x 5”
• Old Olive: 3 3/4” x 5”
• Blushing Bride: 2” x 3 5/8”
• Soft Sea Foam: 2 1/2” x 3 5/8”
• DSP: 4" x 2 1/2" 

Instructions :

1. Color the Olives with the Stampin’ Blends.
2. Fussy Cut the Martini with your Paper Snips.
3. Stamp the Scrolled Design on the Soft Sea Foam Cardstock with Soft Sea Foam Ink.
4. Stamp the Dots on the Blushing Bride Strip with VersaMark Ink.
5. Heat Emboss with white Stampin’ Embossing Powder.
6. Die Cut the Stitched Scalloped Rectangle.
7. Emboss the Old Olive Cardstock.
8. Die cut the Sentiments with the appropriate Dies & Punch.

Assemble the card:

1. Fold and burnish the Whisper White card base with a bone folder.
2. Adhere the Best Dressed DSP strip to the Old Olive Layer.
3. Adhere the Stitched Scalloped Rectangle on top of the Best Dressed DSP.
4. Adhere the Martini with Mini Dimensionals.
5. Adhere the Sentiment Rectangle beside the Martini with Mini Dimensionals.
6. Adhere the Sentiment 2 to the Blushing Bride Mat.
7. Adhere the Assembled Sentiment 2 layer to the Old Olive layer.
8. Adhere the assembled Old Olive Layer to the Blushing Bride Card Front.
9. Adhere the completed Card Front to the Card Base.
10. Adhere the Inside Sentiment to the Inside Layer.
11. Adhere the Inside Layer to the inside of the Card Base.

Stampin’ Up! is committed to making a difference in our global communities and caring about people first. As part of their "Making a Difference" program they are offering a product giveback opportunity to support organizations that are helping COVID-19 frontline responders and communities vulnerable to the pandemic.

You can purchase the Share Sunshine PDF Download and Stampin' Up! will donate 100% of the proceeds to COVID-19 efforts.

The Share Sunshine PDF Download (15 pages!) is a digital stamp set that’s packed with both lighthearted and heartfelt sentiments and imagery relevant to the unique COVID-19 and social distancing situation we’re currently experiencing–including many ideas that came from you!

You can use the download in your cardmaking and papercrafting projects, like the one below. Simply print the imagery on cardstock and cut it out using our Paper Trimmer, punches, or dies. 

Two organizations are recipients of the proceeds for this effort:

The World Health Organization’s COVID-Solidarity Response Fund: Learn more about WHO here.

United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund: Learn more about United Way here.

How about a quarantine-tini?

How to add visual interest to your patterned paper

In today's card and video I am excited to introduce a brand new bundle called Tasteful Touches. I got the bundle because two stamps in the set caught my eye and the dies are ah-mazing!

The card I created was inspired by a card in the new Annual Catalog, which you will be able to download on 3 June here on my blog. I spotted a paper technique on the sample card and realized that I haven't shown it to you before. So today is the day! This technique shows you how to add visual interest to your cards and you can use the technique using your favorite papers. 

I also want to introduce a new pack of designer paper: Forever Greenery. I love the patterns and colors in this pack:

• Garden Green
• Just Jade (new In Color!)
• Pear Pizzazz
• Pretty Peacock
• Shaded Spruce
• Soft Sea Foam

Watch my video below as I show you all the patterned paper in this pack, along with the paper technique. 

Tasteful Touches thank you card

Stamp set: Tasteful Touches bundle (154098)

Ink: Versamark; Pretty Peacock

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 4" x 2"
        Pretty Peacock: 1 1/4" x 3 1/2"
        Forever Greenery: 5 1/2" x 4"

Other: Forever Greenery designer series paper (152492); White Embossing Powder (109132); Heat Tool (129053); From My Heart Faceted Gems (151154); die-cutting machine

Here's my video: watch for bonus tips along the way. 

 

Better fasten your seatbelt because this new Annual Catalog is fantastic and the new In Colors??? (groan, gotta have it all) Head back here on 3 June to download the catalog to your desktop, OR, if you prefer a paper copy, ask me how to earn one for free!

Time is running out on so many fabulous products

At the beginning of May Stampin' Up! announced which stamp sets and accessories are retiring! Time is running out on these fabulous products - get your faves today. 

 

Going, going, gone! Stampin' Up! has announced the retiring products list from both the Annual Catalog AND the Mini Catalog!

Last night Stampin’ Up! released two retiring lists:

 

1. Annual Catalog last chance list

2. Mini Catalog last chance list

 

Here’s what you need to know:

• All retiring items are only available while supplies last and will be discontinued after June 2
• Some of your favorites could sell out quickly. Place your orders as soon as you can to ensure that you will be able to get all of the items you want
• Due to high demand, retiring stamp sets will have guaranteed availability until May 15, 2020; all other products are not guaranteed and are only available while supplies last.

So grab your wish lists, highlighter and credit card - and when ready, head on over to my Online Store to place your order today. 

You need to try this simple, timeless layout idea

Today is a national holiday in the Netherlands and I am enjoying a day off by taking some time for me. I had a lovely sleep in, went for a walk, did a bit of reading and now it's time to offer you some crafting inspiration. 

I also have a fun plan for later today. I am going to do a Facebook Live showing you my first new Annual Catalog order. The box arrived yesterday and it is sitting on my crafting table tempting me. But I am going to wait and open it with you so that you can enjoy the thrill I experience. 

If you are a flower lover then I am pretty sure you are going to love the new Ornate Garden suite. The images in the suite are detailed and the bundled dies are, yes, to die for! I am especially keen on the Ornate Garden Specialty Paper; as you will see in the photo below the paper has gold foil design on some sheets. The designs seem a bit old fashioned to me and the color combos are gorgeous. The Ornate Garden suite was offered early - for all of us to enjoy. Unfortunately the pandemic hit and these products are on hold right now (sad face). 

So why not save today's card idea until your bundle arrives and then you will have fun trying this layout? Tip: while you wait, try this layout idea with other products you have on hand - I think it is simple and timeless. 

The sentiment on this card serves a double purpose - as a thank you or as a friendship card idea. 

Ornate Thanks card

Here's how to make the card:

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Ornate Thanks (149471)
• Card Stock – Thick Whisper White (121045); Whisper White (100730)
• Stamp Pads –Poppy Parade (147105)
• Misc. – Stitched Rectangles (158551); Poppy Parade Blends Duo (147275); Petal Pink (147272); Flirty Flamingo Blends Duo (147278); Light Smoky Slate Blend (145054); Daffodil Delight Blends Duo (144603); Granny Apple Green Blends Duo (147274); Dimensionals (104430); Ornate Garden Specialty Designer Paper (152488); Gold Foil Paper (132622); Basic Rhinestones (144220)

Measurements:                         

• Whisper White: 4 ¼” x 11” and 3 ¾” x 5” for mat and ¾” x 2 ¾” for sentiment piece
• Gold Foil: 3” x 4 ¼” and scrap for Stitched Rectangle        
• Ornate Garden Specialty Designer Paper: 2 7/8” x 4 1/8”

Instructions:

1. Attach your white mat using Tape
2. Color Designer Paper using your assortment of Blends
3. Attach finished colored piece to the Gold mat and add to the center of the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
4. Stamp Sentiment on White sentiment piece and add to the cut out Foil rectangle using Tape.
5. Mount to the center of your image
6. Add Basic Rhinestones as shown

What would you choose for this simple card map challenge?

Today's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge is quite the puzzle! (pun intended) 

I enjoyed choosing what I would use and my card was inspired by one of my crafting friends. Because of the pandemic I have been careful to not hold classes right now but as the weeks go on I have decided that one friend at the far end of my crafting table would work. Yes, I disinfect all my tools before they are used and after my friend leaves I clean everything again. 

This past week my friend decided to use a sheet of Perennial Essence designer paper to make a card. I really liked her idea so used it as my jumping off point for today's challenge. 

I love the patterns and colors in the Perennial Essence pack:

Perennial Essence Designer Series Paper
$8.05

 

 

 

There are so many possibilities for matching with solid colors:

• Balmy Blue
• Blackberry Bliss
• Blueberry Bushel
• Calypso Coral
• Crushed Curry
• Flirty Flamingo
• Mossy Meadow
• Old Olive
• Petal Pink
• So Saffron

For my card I chose Blueberry Bushel as it is retiring on 2 June and I have quite a few sheets left. I stamped my Under My Umbrella phrase on the same design paper, created matching solid layers for the banner strips and then, for fun, I decided to punch a balloon shape from the same paper and pop it up on my card front. 

Have you see the Balloon Bouquet punch?

Balloon Bouquet Punch
$18.00

 

 

It's so fun to use with designer paper as well as plain card stock and stamped images. 

Here's my card!

If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge, click here to head on over to the Paper Craft Crew site. I also have many blog posts using other card map challenges so why not have a look through each of the past few weeks to see if another map catches your eye? 

Where I get my crafting ideas from (part seven)

Today I want to share a seventh idea to show you where I get my crafting ideas from. I get ideas from my embellishments. 

Every time Stampin' Up releases another catalog, I end up buying a lot of embellishments and love to use them. 

Today's ideas come from the In Color Faceted Dots:

2019-2021 In Color Faceted Dots
$3.90

 

 

 

 

This pack is retiring very soon - look at the discounted price - WOW! There are five colors in the package: three sizes of each color in three different sizes. 

• Pretty Peacock
• Purple Posy
• Rococco Rose
• Seaside Spray
• Terracotta Tile

I challenged myself to make a five cards, using each of the colors in the pack. I chose to use my Daisy punches for my cards - the layout would be similar but each card is a bit different:

Daisy Punch
$18.00

Medium Daisy Punch
$16.00

 

I love these punches - they make quick floral embellishments for cards! I don't have a lot of gift tags/cards tucked away so decided I would create five of these to tuck away for a variety of occasions. 

Gift Tag 1 = Terracotta Tile

I also used some leftover Mosaic Mood designer paper and punched two daisies for the front. 

Gift Tag 2 = Pretty Peacock

For this gift tag I used the retiring Label Me Bold stamp set for the background image, and stamped it three times using Pretty Peacock ink. 

Gift Tag 3: Rococco Rose

On this gift card/tag I embossed the front of the card and the punched a Rococco Rose and a Whisper White daisy. I added the strip of Whisper White across the front of the gift card for added contrast. 

Gift Tag 4 = Purple Posy

On this gift tag I embossed a layer of Whisper White using the Tin Tile embossing folder. Then I punched one large daisy and two small daisies for my floral image. 

Gift Tag 5 = Seaside Spray

For my final gift card, I used a stamp from the Daisy Delight stamp set and stamped it across the top and bottom of my card. Then I added a Seaside Spray/Whisper White flower for the front. 

I hope that these cards gave you some inspiration and that you will have a close look at your embellishments to see what inspiration they can provide. Happy crafting!

You need to learn the amazing Scrappy Strip card technique

Today I have created a video showing you the fairly new, and really fun and amazing Scrappy Strip card technique! 

This technique was invented by a Stampin' Up! demonstrator using an indigenous painting he has hanging in his  home. He created the technique using strips of paper - but not cut straight - to emulate the painting. 

For my card I decided that rather than use solid colors (like the originator of this technique did), I would use up some pieces of Country Club designer series paper:

Country Club Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

 

 

The patterns and colors in this paper pack give off a masculine vibe (to me) so I decide to use the Perennial Birthday stamp set for my phrase and to make a masculine birthday card idea:

Perennial Birthday Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$22.00

 

 

 

There are two key products I think you need for the Scrappy Strip technique: a quality paper cutter and Multipurpose Liquid Glue:

Paper Trimmer
$25.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue
$4.00

With these two items you can create so many Scrappy Strip cards! 

Here's mine, along with a video showing you this technique step-by-step. 

Perennial Birthday Scrappy Strip Birthday Card

Stamp set: Perennial Birthday (151240)

Ink: Night of Navy

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 5 1/4" x 1"
        Garden Green: 1 1/4" x 5 1/4"
        Country Club: 6 x 6" pieces
        Night of Navy: 5 1/4" x 4"

Other: Happiness Blooms Glimmer Dots (148805); Country Club designer series paper (151314); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), SNAIL adhesive

Here's my video - listen and watch throughout for bonus tips! 

Now is the perfect time to join my team; here's why

If you’ve ever thought about joining my Stampin’ Up! team, now is the perfect time because you can select Starter Kit products from this brand new catalog!  

The rest of the world has to wait until 3 June to order but not you. 

 

WOW! Keep reading, it just gets better. But first, why not....

Click the image above and let's get this party started!

 

CREATE YOUR STARTER KIT

Can sharing creativity really be a job? Yes! And you can begin right away. Starter Kits are a great value at $99 for $125 worth of products, and we throw in business supplies and free shipping as an added bonus. (You’ll think your birthday came early when your Starter Kit arrives!) So don’t wait.

What's the catch? (hint, there is no 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. 

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!

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

 

If you’ve ever thought about joining my Stampin’ Up! team, now is the perfect time because you can select Starter Kit products from this brand new catalog!  

The rest of the world has to wait until 3 June to order but not you. 

 

WOW! Keep reading, it just gets better. But first, why not....

Click the image above and let's get this party started!

 

CREATE YOUR STARTER KIT

Can sharing creativity really be a job? Yes! And you can begin right away. Starter Kits are a great value at $99 for $125 worth of products, and we throw in business supplies and free shipping as an added bonus. (You’ll think your birthday came early when your Starter Kit arrives!) So don’t wait.

What's the catch? (hint, there is no 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. 

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!

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

How to rock a card and save tons of time

Yes, it's that time again - a Paper Craft Crew card map challenge! I love card maps because I am always happy with what I create and I also love saving tons of design time. 

For me, the most challenging part of making a card is the time it takes to figure out a layout. Well not with card maps. The layout is figured out for us and all we have to do is create. 

This week I started with choosing my paper - the daffodils are coming up, the sun is shining and spring is on its way (soon I hope!) so I decided on a piece of Best Dressed designer series paper. 

Best Dressed 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

 

 

The sheet of paper I chose then helped me decide on the card base color and layer colors - I selected some of the colors in the paper design: Daffodil Delight, Purple Posy, Blackberry Bliss and Mint Macaron. 

For the leaves, I used my leaf punch and I decided to stamp a Daffodil Delight flower from the Perennial Birthday stamp set because I thought it matched the flowers in the paper. The flower I punched out as well and then it was time to figure out the square layers. I thought that I would stamp a phrase instead of an image as I didn't want to visually compete with the patterned paper. And as I feel that I will be using a lot of 'get well soon' in the near future I used the phrase in the Healing Hugs stamp set. 

Perennial Birthday Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$22.00

Healing Hugs Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$21.00

 

Here's my card - I am so pleased with how it turned out:

Here's a side view of my card:

If you want to see what the other crew members made for today's card map challenge, click here to head on over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

 

Where I get my crafting ideas from (part six)

Today I have another idea to share with you, that helps me get ideas for my crafting. From my paper scraps! 

If you are like me you are a scrap-a-holic too. This blog post shows you how to use up some of these scraps; most important right now because pretty soon the Annual Catalog and Mini Catalog will retire and the next catalog will have bunches of new delicious papers to buy! 

For each of the cards below, my idea was to begin with Whisper White as my card base. But as I considered how to use my scraps I decided that a plain white background would be too stark. I looked through my stamp sets and spotted the Waterfront stamp set.

Waterfront Photopolymer Stamp Set
$17.00

 

 

 

Can you see the Splatter stamp image? That's what I chose for my cards. 

Sample one:

This card uses up some leftover Golden Honey paper from Sale-a-bration. I love the patterns and the gold foil inlay in these papers! I used some of the paper strips and created this card:

I also used the Honey Bee bundle for the honey bees and hive - the perfect combo. 

Sample two:

My second sample copied the same layout. I used some left over Peaceful Poppies paper for my strips (five strips this time) and my Painted Poppies and Timeless Tulips stamp sets.

 

I stamped and then colored the poppies and leaves using my Stampin' Blends. 

Sample three:

This sample uses up some other left over Sale-a-Bration paper, called Pleased as Punch. I love the colors in this paper pack! The fun part about the strip of paper that I chose is that it already looks like stripes!

I again used my Timeless Tulips stamp set and splatter stamp. Easy!

Card four:

My final sample is something a bit more masculine in design. I used left over pieces of the Country Club designer paper and my Sailing Home stamp set. For this sample I used Garden Green as my card base - with the same layout and splatter stamp.

The phrase on my card comes from the coordinating Come Sail Away Memories & More Card Pack. 

I hope that my cards in this post gives you some inspiration to attach your stash of left over papers and create something fun today too!

How to make a Honey Bee gift pocket

In today's blog post I am going to show you a really fun gift idea using my Honey Bee bundle. This cute pocket idea has so many uses and once I show you how to make it you will be able to come up with a bunch of treat ideas to tuck inside!

I chose to use the Honey Bee bundle because I love it so much and know that it will be retiring on 2 June (sad face). 

Honey Bee Bundle
$41.25

 

I also chose a sheet of the Mosaic Mood designer paper because it is also retiring. It is sometimes very difficult to see favorites retire, isn't it? The particular pattern I chose has tiny bees on it which is why I paired it with my Honey Bee stamp set. I love when I notice little things like this and combine products that I have in ways that I haven't done before. 

Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper
$10.15

 

 

 

Did you notice that this paper pack is on sale? Get it soon as it is only available as supplies last! 

To make the pocket you will need a sheet of 12x12 paper. You can use solid paper or patterned paper - make sure that whatever you choose that the paper is thick enough to be scored. The Mosaic Mood paper is a bit thicker than most 12x12 papers so is perfect for this project. For the inside of the pocket, you can then choose a matching or contrasting paper for the holders. 

The biggest challenge for me was using Soft Suede to stamp my bees. I did this because Soft Suede is one of the colors in the Mosaic Mood paper. But then I had to think a bit about how to color the bees when the ink I was using was water based. You can see how I solved this problem on my video. 

I suggest you get all layers created first, then attach any decorations/layers to the front before attaching the inside pieces. In my video I did not do this and you will see that it wasn't easy to add my SNAIL adhesive, lol!

Here's a photo of my Honey Bee gift pocket. 

Here's what you need to make this pocket. Use what you have on hand and see what your pocket looks like!

Stamp set: Honey Bee bundle (153792)

Ink: Garden Green, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Very Vanilla: 5" x 1 1/4"; two pieces 1 1/2" square
        Blushing Bride: 5" x 1 1/2"
        Garden Green: two pieces: 2 3/4" x 5 3/4" (score at 1/4" and 1/2" on three sides, two short & one long)
        Mosaic Mood: 5" x 12" (score at 5 1/2" & 6 1/2")

Other: Mosaic Mood designer series paper (149478); Magnolia Lane Ribbon Combo Pack (149485); Simply Scored (122334); Classic Label Punch (141491); Tear & Tape adhesive (138995); Blender Pens; Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's my video - watch for my BONUS tips along the way!