Nutz about Stamping

This beautiful birthday card idea is perfect for your special friends

Today I am going to show you how to create a beautiful Color & Contour birthday card idea that is perfect for your special friends. This 'over the top creation' will take a bit longer to make but is well worth the effort.

 

One of the perks of joining Stampin' Up! is the opportunity to earn free products and the Color & Contour bundle was one of my new catalog free choices. I have to confess that at first the stamp set wasn't thrilling me but I loved the dies so I thought, well it's free so why not? But now that I have been crafting with the set it I love it as much as the dies.

Supplies: 

Stamp Sets:  Color & Contour bundle (158356); Art Gallery (154421)

 

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Smoky Slate; Fresh Freesia

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

Basic White: 11" x 4 1/4"; 4" x 2 1/4"; 2 1/8" x 3 3/8"

Gorgeous Grape: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Fresh Freesia: 3 3/4" x 4 3/4"

Smoky Slate: 3 1/2" x 2 1/4"

   

Misc:   Stampin' Blends: Fresh Freesia and Soft Succulent;  Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals;  Mini Glue Dots; Fresh Freesia Open Weave Ribbon (155615) 6 1/2" and strip for bow; Bone Folder; Tear & Tape adhesive; In Color Jewels (155571)

 

Here's my card: 

Want to see step-by-step how to make it? I created a YouTube video showing you how. Listen all the way through to hear my Bonus tips! 

 

Time is running out on this amazing offer, come join my team!

It’s a fabulous time to join Stampin’ Up:

New team members get even MORE FREE products in their customizable Starter Kit. From 4–31 May, new team members can get $125   $155 worth of products for only $99.

+ free business supplies

+ free shipping

+ all the fun being a part of Stampin’ Up! 

• The Starter Kit also includes business resources like catalogs, brochures, order forms, and postcards.
• The Starter Kit also includes a FREE past Paper Pumpkin kit

Click the 'Join Now' image below to join my amazing, friendly and FUN team:

In addition to the amazing added value to your Starter Kit, you also get to be a part of our amazing community of crafters. Plus, you'll get to enjoy sharing simple and fun crafting experiences with others, early access to products, and exclusive access to training events.

Here's more great reasons why I would love for you to join my team:

You get to choose what products you want to start with and what type of business supplies you want. Then we’ll ship the kit right to your door. 

• You have total control over the products YOU want in your Starter Kit!
•  The flexibility of setting your own hours and working from home; it provides part-time to full-time income and you are your own boss
• Creative and Business support including:
  A quarterly magazine filled with project ideas and business training
  A web site dedicated to providing you with training and information for your business
  A Demonstrator Business Web Site where your customers can see the products and classes you have to offer, and place orders through your Online Store
  Beautiful, exclusive artwork and high quality products to offer your customers
• Monthly coaching calls to help you move your business forward
• Monthly team meetings and one-on-one support for business builders

Give the business a try - there is no penalty to drop and no pressure from me - you do as much or as little as YOU want!

Want to learn more? Email me at [email protected] and let's set up a time to chat. I am happy to answer any questions you have!

Here's the perfect way to feature some of the new In Colors

Which of the new In Colors is your fave? 

• Pale Papaya
• Fresh Freesia
• Polished Pink
• Evening Evergreen
• Soft Succulent

Regardless of which is your fave, today's card is a fun way to feature one or more of these fab new colors. 

The card below uses the new Color & Contour bundle:

I earned this bundle for free and chose it particularly for the dies. But I am quickly learning that the stamp set is fun too!

Create your own background paper layer but make it the feature on your card. Add a simple phrase and embellishment and here's what you get:

Here's how to make this cute card! Want to order the Color & Contour bundle? Click here!

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Color & Contour Bundle (158356)
• Card Stock – Fresh Freesia (155613); Basic White (159276); Basic Black (121045);
• Stamp Pads – Memento Tuxedo Black (132708); Fresh Freesia (155611); Pale Papaya (155670); Petal Pink (147108)
• Misc. – 2021-2022 In Color Markers (155639); 3/8” Open Weave Ribbon (155615); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Measurements: 

• Fresh Freesia: 5 ½” x 8 ½” score at 4 ¼”
• Basic Black: 5 ¼” x 4”
• Basic White: 5 1/8” x 3 7/8”, scrap for die cut

Instructions:

1. Stamp the sentiment on white scrap.
2. Die cut with the frame that fits the sentiment. In the sample the smallest die cut is used.
3. Stamp the flower outline with black ink on the white cardstock.
4. Stamp the fill in flower with the three ink pads.
5. Color the centers of the flowers using the markers.
6. Stamp the “splatter” stamp using the Fresh Freesia ink pad.
7. Layer all cardstock layers together. Add the sentiment using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
8. Add a bow to the left side of the sentiment.

Try this beautiful freehand watercoloring modern look on your next card

I love cards with layers. And this week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge has so many possibilities:

The rectangle layers are easy to create using your Paper Trimmer and the oval in middle can be anything you want: a square, a circle, an oval or even an image or phrase. That is the beauty of a card map - you can use it as a guide and use what you have on hand. 

I decided right away that I wanted to use a new bundle that arrived a couple of weeks ago. It is called Color & Contour:

Get creatively colorful with the Color & Contour stamp set! The open-line floral art and abstract filler stamps allows for a range of coloring techniques. Try freehand watercoloring for a modern look, or use ink and sponge daubers on the filler stamps to create an ombre floral effect. The scalloped edge borders in this set range in size, allowing you to decorate a card front or create scalloped labels for your sentiments. (Click on the bundle photo above to order it at my online store!)

I earned this bundle for free and to be honest, the main reason I ordered it is because I love the scalloped dies and the stamp set phrases. But now that I have stamped the flowers in this set I can see how fun it will be to use in the coming year! Sometimes you just have to take a chance and let your creativity take over. And that matching ribbon. YUM-O! So pretty, right! 

I also decided to use one of the new 2021-23 In Colors for my card. It is the first time I tried crafting with Pale Papaya and I can already see that I am in trouble (smiles). I love this soft peach-y color! 

Here's my card:

Now it is your turn: give our card map challenge a try! If you want to see what the other design crew members created using this week's challenge, click here. 

 

How to celebrate what makes us unique through what brings us together

The first Stampin’ Up! value statement is this: we care about people first. What does that look like? Caring about people first means treating others with kindness, respect, and equal consideration. It means working together towards a common goal, helping each other through life’s challenges, and celebrating one another’s accomplishments. It means including others, even when we disagree, have contrasting life experiences, or simply see things differently. Caring about people first is our greatest strength!

In honor of this value—and in the spirit of World Diversity Day—we’d like to celebrate what makes us unique through what brings us together: creativity! The United Through Creativity Digital Download features inclusive, multicultural, and multilingual sentiments and illustrations that represent the multiple markets Stampin’ Up! engages with. And, it’s free for all!

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating our one-of-a-kind community through the unifying force of creativity! Click on the image above (or Here) to download the images and additional PDF information. 

COORDINATING PRODUCTS

These images coordinate with the following products and colors:

• Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Highland Heather, Mint Macaron, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Shaded Spruce, Soft Suede

• Label Me Fancy Punch (item 151297)

• Stitched Rectangles Dies (item 151820)

• Tasteful Labels Dies (item 152886)

Don't forget to post your card ideas on social media - we all want to see! 

See how to make this stunning fun fold Father's Day card

Hi fellow crafters! It's time to start thinking about Father's Day and so today I am going to show you a stunning masculine card idea that would be perfect for this occasion. I will be using my new Beauty of Friendship bundle and will introduce the gorgeous Simply Elegant designer series paper. And this card has a fun fold that will delight your dad.

 

I have been featuring the Beauty of Friendship bundle on my YouTube channel in the past few weeks.

 

 

I think this bundle is perfect for many different occasions and I have provided you with lots of ideas to try. 

 

In today's video I introduced a brand new pack of designer paper, called Simply Elegant.

 

 

 

You can create simply gorgeous projects with the intricately detailed patterns in the Simply Elegant Specialty paper. This high-quality printed paper is excellent scrapbook paper, card making paper, and the beautiful designs are perfect for weddings, masculine projects, and more. What I love best is that each sheet includes copper, gold, or silver foiling.

 

Here's my fun fold card!

 

 

Supplies

Stamp Sets:  Beauty of Friendship bundle (155834)

 

Ink: Basic Gray

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

Basic Gray:   3 1/4" x 4 1/2"

Very Vanilla: 2 3/4" x 1 1/2"

Simply Elegant: 4" x 2 6/8";

In Good Taste: 3 x 1/2"; 3 3/4" x 5"

   

Misc:   Simply Elegant designer series paper (155761);  Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; In Good Taste designer series paper (152494); Stitched Rectangles dies (151820); Gray Granite Shimmer Ribbon (152463); Mini Glue Dots

And here's my video - watch all the way through for bonus tips and ideas! 

 

Here's a beautiful way to show how someone inspired you

Today I have a project that is gorgeous! And oh, so easy thanks to my new Beauty of Friendship bundle. This bundle is perfect for so many occasions and you can create masculine or feminine cards depending on the paper and embellishments you choose. 

Pair the bundle with the Beauty of the Earth designer series paper and you will get lost in the woods with the forest-themed designs. 

To create my background layer for my tree I used my ink pads and Blending Brushes - again, so easy! I chose coordinating colors from the paper for my background ink colors. 

Here's my card. Looks gorgeous but took only a small section of designer paper, and three dies. 

 

If you want to order these new products, click on the bundle photo or paper photo to link over to my online store. You won't regret it! 

How to use one stamp set and one ink color to create a beautiful card

I am on a Clean & Simple roll this week! I liked yesterday's card map challenge so much that I decided to try another Clean & Simple idea to share with you today. 

But using a different stamp set, called Enjoy the Moment. Funny, but when I won this set at a Stampin' Up! event I was a bit underwhelmed. Yes, I was excited to win something - who doesn't love that!

I liked the images but found they provided me with little inspiration. 

But it's a great set, right! Every time I went to craft following my win, I would try different ideas but ended up putting the stamp set back on my shelf. Until today!

I think I figured out what was holding me back. I was trying to think browns - Soft Suede, Cinnamon Cider, Early Espresso, etc. And those colors weren't speaking to me. So I shook that off and decided to try an unusual color - Misty Moonlight! And that worked for me. 

Here's my Enjoy the Moment card. It's super clean and simple and uses the Note Cards & Envelopes that were also gathering dust in my crafting closet:

Here's how to make this card. If you don't have the Enjoy the Moment set, try this layout idea using what you do have on hand. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Enjoy The Moment (154452)
• Paper – Basic White (159276)
• Stamp Pads – Misty Moonlight (153118)
• Misc. – Note Cards & Envelopes (159232); Stampin’ Seal (152813)

Measurements: 

• Basic White: 2 ¼” x 4 ¼”
• Misty Moonlight: 2 3/8” x 4 3/8”

Instructions:

1. Ink stem image using Misty Moonlight ink and stamp onto Basic White layer. Adhere to Misty Moonlight layer using Stampin’ Seal.
2. Ink phrase and stamp beside stem image.
3. Ink seeds image and stamp up right side of Note Card.
4. Adhere stem layer to Note Card using Stampin’ Seal.
5. Ink seed image and stamp across envelope flap to complete card.

 

 

Do you know how to create a clean and simple card?

Clean & Simple stamping is a technique. I think it was originally proposed by crafters to support beginning stampers - to show them that card making doesn't have to be complex and you don't need a ton of supplies to make a pretty card idea. 

Stampin' Up! posed a challenge last year to all their demonstrators and they called this 'campaign' #simplestamping. The idea was to flood social media with simple but beautiful ideas so that those hesitating on getting into stamping would feel more comfortable to take the crafting leap!

So what fun to see that this week's card map challenge is to create a clean & simple card, one with minimal layers. I decided to jump in with both feet and see what I could create. 

Perfect timing too as this week another order arrived and in it was the Beauty of Friendship bundle (click on the image to order it at my online store):

Of course I wanted to use the dies as well as the images but I decided that for this challenge I would only use the stamp set. I decided to use my brand new Evening Evergreen ink pad and card stock and my Basic White Notecards & Envelopes.

This pack is perfect for a beginning or budget conscious crafter - or for someone who doesn't have a lot of storage space. You get 20 cards and 20 envelopes, ready for you to make and send a card. The cards are thicker cardstock, great for card bases. Folded card: 5" x 3-1/2" (12.7 x 8.9 cm). Envelope: 5-1/8" x 3-5/8" (13 x 9.2 cm).

My plan: create a simple layered effect, two ink colors (the second one is Early Espresso) and bam: my card is done. 

If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge, click here to head over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

One final tip: don't forget to stamp your envelopes too - the 'hello' phrase comes in the stamp set too! 

This is a fabulous time to join Stampin' Up! and here's why

It’s a fabulous time to join Stampin’ Up:

New team members get even MORE FREE products in their customizable Starter Kit. From 4–31 May, new team members can get $125   $155 worth of products for only $99.

+ free business supplies

+ free shipping

+ all the fun being a part of Stampin’ Up! 

• The Starter Kit also includes business resources like catalogs, brochures, order forms, and postcards.
• The Starter Kit also includes a FREE past Paper Pumpkin kit

Click the 'Join Now' image below to join my amazing, friendly and FUN team:

In addition to the amazing added value to your Starter Kit, you also get to be a part of our amazing community of crafters. Plus, you'll get to enjoy sharing simple and fun crafting experiences with others, early access to products, and exclusive access to training events.

Here's more great reasons why I would love for you to join my team:

You get to choose what products you want to start with and what type of business supplies you want. Then we’ll ship the kit right to your door. 

• You have total control over the products YOU want in your Starter Kit!
•  The flexibility of setting your own hours and working from home; it provides part-time to full-time income and you are your own boss
• Creative and Business support including:
  A quarterly magazine filled with project ideas and business training
  A web site dedicated to providing you with training and information for your business
  A Demonstrator Business Web Site where your customers can see the products and classes you have to offer, and place orders through your Online Store
  Beautiful, exclusive artwork and high quality products to offer your customers
• Monthly coaching calls to help you move your business forward
• Monthly team meetings and one-on-one support for business builders

Give the business a try - there is no penalty to drop and no pressure from me - you do as much or as little as YOU want!

Want to learn more? Email me at [email protected] and let's set up a time to chat. I am happy to answer any questions you have!

This bundle will help you celebrate the good times and good people in your life

Today I am going to introduce a new catalog bundle, called Beauty of Friendship. This set and matching dies will help you celebrate the good times and good people in your life and I am going to show you a beautiful card idea to try. 

I also used the matching Beauty of the Earth paper - with so many colors in this pack you will be able design so many different and fun cards:

• Bumblebee
• Cajun Craze
• Cinnamon Cider
• Early Espresso
• Merry Merlot
• Misty Moonlight
• Mossy Meadow
• Night of Navy 
• Old Olive

One side of each sheet in the pack is patterned; the other side is more of a sold design. The patterned side is designed to match one of the 'funky' die in the pack (see above). Can you figure out which die I am referring to here?

To make my card I also used my Blending Brushes, to add color and visual interest to the tag that I created using the Fancy Tag Topper punch. 

You can blend ink beautifully using Blending Brushes. Apply extremely light shades of ink or create soft gradient backgrounds with no lines. Or use them with Decorative Masks or stencils; the velvety soft bristles blend ink perfectly.

* Set of 3

* Gray with white bristles 

* 6" (15.2 cm) long

* Washable

* Click on the photo of the Blending Brushes to order a pack at my Online Store. 

 

Here's my Beauty of Friendship card. I created a video tutorial showing you how I created this card - check it out below. 

 

Supplies:

Stamp set: Beauty of Friendship (bundle: 155834)

Ink: Old Olive, Mossy Meadow, Bumblebee, Early Espresso

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Honeybee: 8 1/5" x 5 1/2"
        Old Olive: 5" x 3 3/4"
        Beauty of the Earth: 4 7/8" x 3 3/8"
        Whisper White: 4 1/4" x 2 7/8"; 2" square; 3 1/4" x 2"; 2" x 1"

Miscellaneous: Beauty of the Earth designer series paper (155841); Fancy Tag Topper punch (152711); Early Espresso 1/4" Faux Suede Trim; Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Mini Glue Dots

See how to make a splash with awe-inspiring, ink-stained artistry!

Dream and discover In Color! With the Expressions In Color Paper Pumpkin Kit, you’ll be introduced to our intriguing collection of In Colors for 2021–2023—and, you’ll find a familiar shade from our 2020–2022 In Color selection. This month’s ink-credible kit contains enough elements to create nine cards—and coordinating envelopes—including ink-stained paper pieces, an exclusive stamp set, and not one, but two Classic Stampin’ Spots! And, it all comes in a cute, colorful, and collectible box.

What are In Colors, anyway? In Colors consist of a limited-edition collection of colors. Stampin' Up! comes up with a new collection every year, and release it around the same time as the release of our annual catalog! In each In Color collection, they will offer ink, paper, markers, and more. The catch? In Colors are only available to purchase for a period of two years, so stock up on your favorite In Color supplies while you can!

With the Expressions In Color kit, you can explore and experiment with our 2020–2022 and 2021–2023 In Color collections. Make a splash with awe-inspiring, ink-stained artistry!

 

ABOUT THE KIT

Name: Expressions In Color

Available: 11 May - 10 June

Details:

• Kit contains enough supplies to create 9 cards—3 each of 3 designs—and coordinating envelopes. This all-inclusive kit includes printed card bases, die-cut paper pieces, embellishments, adhesive, and more!
• Card size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (10.8 x 14 cm)
• Envelope size: 4-1/2" x 5-3/4" (11.4 x 14.6 cm)
• Coordinating colors: Bumblebee, Evening Evergreen, Fresh Freesia, Polished Pink
• As always, this month’s kit features an exclusive stamp set. But, this month’s kit also includes not one, but two Classic Stampin’ Spots!
• Comes in a cute, colorful, and collectible box.
• Coordinates with products from the Expressions in Ink Suite (item #155459).

Subscribe here! 

 

The perfect way to preserve your amazing life experiences

Since the pandemic hit, I have made it a daily feature to take a walk when my work is over - to get up and moving and out in the fresh air. Sometimes I take walks in the dunes. And I mean long walks. You can literally walk for hours in the dunes, up and down winding paths that sometimes give you a glimpse of the sea as you go. 

Back in March I came across two amazing sights: 

Believe it or not, these Scottish Highland cattle are wild. They roam freely through the dunes here and there, keeping the grass under control. You never know when and where you might see them so I was really excited to come across them on my walk. They look so docile and I would love to touch those long shaggy manes. But best not. 

As I continued on my walk another amazing experience happened. I came down the path and spotted this fellow:

I stopped for a while and watched him (her?) watching me. After a bit I started walking towards him and he didn't move. At all. I kept expecting him to dash into the brush or challenge me, but he didn't. He just watched. And amazingly, I got to the point where this shot could be taken - no zoom needed:

How about that for breathtaking! 

I was so taken with my fox sighting that I decided to grab two packs of dies and create a scrapbook page using this photo. 

Meadow dies

And the Dandy Wishes dies: 

Here's the page I created, featuring the wild grasses and the fox in the dunes: 

What a great way to preserve this very special memory. It took a lot of thought for me to get to this point and I just realized that I didn't have a date or location on my page so I will definitely add that soon, so I have a time-stamped memory to look back on years from now. 

If you want to add these two packs of dies to your craft room, click on either photo to head over to my online store! 

Strips, stripes or something else? What would you choose for this fun challenge?

That's the million dollar question for this week's challenge - hehe.

I decided to choose strips using some of the new In Colors:

Pale Papaya

Fresh Fresia

Soft Succulent

I think these three colors go beautifully together and love how they stand out of my card map card. I kept it simple in layout and featured the Quiet Meadow stamp set for the flower and phrase:

Here's my card: 

Sweet and simple, right? Now it's your turn - try this week's card map challenge and see what you will create - stripes? Strips? or something stamped? 

If you want to see what the other design crew members created using this week's challenge, click here. 

Are you looking for a fun bullet journal page idea? Give this one a try!

Do you bullet journal? I do and have for a couple of years. I love how my journal helps me organize my weekly and monthly tasks and each month I look for new and creative layout ideas. 

I decided a few months ago to start using my Stampin' Up! supplies to help me design my monthly cover page. Some months I stamp, some months I stamp and color and some months I just use embellishments. 

Enter May 2021! I knew immediately what I wanted to use for my May cover page. My Meadow dies - part of the Quiet Meadow bundle. 

I introduced the amazing Meadow dies a couple of weeks ago - on this YouTube video. After the video ended I had some leftover pieces and decided right away to use them in my bullet journal. 

After I had the bits and pieces adhered down I added my May calendar. What do you think?

 

I am thrilled with how it turned out. I used my Playful Alphabet dies for MAY - just to pull it all together. 

If you want to purchase the Quiet Meadow bundle, click on the image of the bundle above. That link will take you straight to my online store!