Nutz about Stamping

Did you notice the cool mirror images in this stamp set?

Ready for a little fall action on your card creations? I have the perfect bundle to show you! 

The Pretty Pumpkins stamp set features pumpkins, vines, and leaves images that are designed to be stamped and layered. Tip: the vines are mirror images so you can stamp a long or short line of pumpkins and bookend them with the vines. How cool is that! 

Use your favorite coloring technique to fill in the open line art pumpkins. On the pumpkin image with leaves and grasses, try the marker-to-stamp technique to create a multicolored pumpkin. Mix and match images and sentiments for friendship and gratitude cards.

The dies in this fun bundle include open dies for solid pumpkins and also textured and intricate pumpkins. Use them individually, or layer them to create two-toned or tone-on-tone elegant gourds. The die set also includes leaves and vines pieces to embellish your pumpkin patch.

Don't think just cards: use die-cut shapes to embellish cards, tags, table place settings, and more.

Here's just one fun idea - read on to see how to create this card at home, and if you want to order the bundle for LOTS of fun fall crafting, click here.

Pretty Pumpkins friendship card

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Pretty Pumpkins (156472) with Detailed Pumpkin Dies (156472) ~OR~ Save 10% with the Pretty Pumpkins Bundle (156478)
• Card Stock – Crumb Cake (120953); Basic Black (121045); Pumpkin Pie (105117); Basic White (159276)
• Ink – Tuxedo Black Memento stamp pad (132708); Pumpkin Pie classic ink pad (147086); Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blends combo pack (154897); Cajun Craze Stampin’ Blends combo pack (154879); Old Olive Stampin’ Blends combo pack (154892)
• Misc. – Stampin’ Cut & Emboss (149653); Stitched Rectangle Dies (151820); Tailor Made Tags Dies (155563 ); Black & White 1/4” Gingham Ribbon (156485); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Measurements: 

• Crumb Cake card base: 8-1/2” x 5-1/2” scored at 4-1/4”
• Basic Black: 3-1/4” x 4-1/2”
• Pumpkin Pie: 3-1/4” x 4-1/2”
• Basic White: 4-1/4” x 5-1/2”
• Ribbon: 4”

Instructions:

1. Use the third largest stitched rectangle die to cut the Pumpkin Pie card stock, then stamp the stitched rectangle with the pumpkin trio stamp and Pumpkin Pie ink to create a pumpkin patch. Layer the pumpkin card onto the black mat and adhere to front of card.
2. Cut the second largest tag die from one end of white card stock. Stamp “friends” sentiment in black on tag, then attach ribbon through hole. Attach to front of pumpkin layer with dimensionals.
3. Stamp the pumpkin trio on the other end of white card stock and color with stampin’ blends, then use the coordinating dies to cut. Attach to lower corner on front of card with dimensionals.

Do you know the best way to store your crafting punches?

Do you struggle to keep your crafting supplies organized? Me too! So I am creating a series of articles on how to best care for your crafting supplies.

Today, let's talk about punches. 

Punches are a quick and easy way to add interest and depth to your projects. And punches are a great way to cut out stamped images—many of our stamp sets have coordinating punches. Stampin' Up! punches are high quality, affordable, and easy to use.

Our punches also
* Have a sleek body style
* Feature a large surface area for precise cutting and leverage
* Lock to store
* Are slim and stackable:

Stampin' Up! has a variety of punch options:

1. Basic shape punches
2. Builder punches
3. Floral punches
4. Label & tag punches
5. Plant & animal punches
6. Punch packs (my personal fave!) 

My suggestion is to find a sturdy container for your punches and then determine the easiest way to keep track of them: on a shelf, in boxes, bins, or in drawers. Keep in mind that when punches are grouped together they can be very heavy so consider this when thinking of containers. 

The best thing about storing Stampin' Up! punches is that when closed, they are slim and stackable (no whale tails for me anymore!) - so think vertical as well as horizontal storage. I prefer horizontal storage, with the each punch picture end visible (so clever!) for easy access. I can reach in, grab my punch and the pop it back in its place when done. 

I know I said to find a sturdy container, but as my punches are permanently stored inside my crafting closet, I have chosen to store them in an old shoebox. This solution is not for someone who wants to move a box of punches from a closet to a crafting desk and back again. As I said, that's not how I select my punches so my system works perfectly for me for now. 

I also organize my punches by height, and over time I know exactly where to find the one I want to use. 

 

How do you organize your punches in your crafting space? I would love to hear how so you are welcome to leave me a comment under this post. 

You need to see this creative twist on a popular fun fold card technique

Hi fellow crafters! Are you ready for another fun fold idea, one that has a twist?  For today's card and video I am going to show you how to create a Reverse Easel fun fold card. I will be using my Garden Wishes and Nuts about Squirrel stamp sets and two designer series paper: the gorgeous Blackberry Beauty and the fabulous In Good Taste.

The star of my card is the super fun Nuts about Squirrels stamp set:

I created three fun elements for my card, using the Nuts about Stamping set. This set features two cheeky squirrels that will look adorable scampering across any of your projects.  You can use the Two-Step pieces to add color to your squirrel, add texture to your leaf, or to create a multicolored acorn. Or if you’re feeling especially artistic, you can color the squirrels using your favorite coloring techniques. No matter where you live in the world, you can customize these critters to match the fauna outside your house. Red, gray, brown—these creatures are just plain cute no matter their color.

The Blackberry Beauty paper features the traditional autumn images of leaves, sprigs, and birds paired and I love the nontraditional color palette, especially with the added shine of gold foil accents!

The Garden Wishes set includes greetings of support and friendship and I will be using this one inside my card.

 

Here's my card closed:

And open:

Supplies

Stamp sets: Nuts about Squirrels (156475); Garden Wishes (154408)

Ink: Early Espresso; Cinnamon Cider

Paper and cutting dimensions: 
        Basic White: 4 1/2" square; 7 1/2" x 2 1/2" 
        Cinnamon Cider: 4 1/2" square; 2" square 
        Early Espresso: scrap; 12" x 6"  
        Blackberry Beauty DSP: 5 3/4" square
        In Good Taste DSP: 2 3/4" x 5 3/4" 

Misc: Stampin' Scored; Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Gilded Gems (152478); Medium Daisy punch (149517); 1/2" circle punch (optional)

Here's my video tutorial - I hope you will give this fun fold at try! Be sure to watch all the way through the video for my bonus tips and design suggestions. Are you ready to get folding?

 

If you want more crafting ideas sent directly to you each week, subscribe to my free newsletters. I'll add the subscribe link in the description box under this video.

This cute set not only has playful images but playful sentiments too

Are you nuts about stamping? Well I am too (hence the name of my blog!).  And it’s easy to go nuts with the Nuts about Squirrels stamp set. This set features two cheeky squirrels that will look adorable scampering across any of your projects.

Create a scene using the acorns, leaves, and tree branch. Mix and match the greetings with the images to create cards for birthdays, get well, and thinking of you. Use the Two-Step pieces to add color to your squirrel, add texture to your leaf, or to create a multicolored acorn. Or if you’re feeling especially artistic, you can color the squirrels using your favorite coloring techniques.

No matter where you live in the world, you can customize these critters to match the fauna outside your house. Red, gray, brown—these creatures are just plain cute no matter their color.

This set is perfect to pair up with the Blackberry Beauty designer series paper - the rich, non-traditional colors and beautiful designs are a perfect match:

 

Here's one idea this is super easy to create AND is super cute too:

Here's how to make this playful card:

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Nuts About Squirrels Stamp Set (156475)
• Card Stock – Very Vanilla Cardstock (101650); Blackberry Bliss (133675); Blackberry Beauty Specialty Designer Series Paper (156458)
• Stamp Pads – Blackberry Bliss (147092); Cinnamon Cider (153114); Early Espresso (147114)
• Misc. – Paper Trimmer (152392); Paper Snip Scissors (103579); Bone Folder (102300); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755);  Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Measurements:

• Blackberry Bliss:
  • 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” scored at 4-1/4”
  • 3-1/4” x 4-1/2”
• Blackberry Beauty Paper: 4” x 5-1/4”
• Very Vanilla Cardstock:
  • 3” x 4-1/4”
  • 4” x 5-1/4” (for inside card)
  • 3” x 3” (scrap for stamping)

Instructions:

1. Fold the Blackberry Bliss cardstock in half at the score line and burnish well with your Bone Folder.
2. Adhere the 4” x 5-1/4” piece of Very Vanilla cardstock inside your card.
3. Adhere the 4” x 5-1/4” piece of Blackberry Beauty to the base card.
4. Using the 3” x 4-1/4” Very Vanilla cardstock, stamp the Squirrel with acorn outline image using Early Espresso ink.Stamp the “bold” squirrel image using Cinnamon Cider ink.  Using the bold acorn images, ink the “top” of the acorn image using Early Espresso ink, tap off once on your scratch sheet and stamp onto acorn image.  Ink the “bottom” of the acorn image using Cinnamon Cider ink; tap off the ink on your scratch paper and stamp into the acorn image.
5. Stamp the branches towards the top of the Very Vanilla mat (see sample for placement) using Early Espresso ink.
6. Ink up the bold leaf image using Cinnamon Cider ink, tap off on your scratch paper, and stamp onto branch.Repeat as desired.
7. Ink up the “inside leave” image, ink in Early Espresso, tap off on your scratch paper and stamp inside one of the leaf images.Repeat as desired.
8. Stamp the sentiment just to the left of the squirrel using Blackberry Bliss ink.
9. Adhere the Very Vanilla cardstock to the Blackberry Bliss mat and adhere to the base card using adhesive.
10. Using your 3” square of scrap Very Vanilla cardstock, stamp the squirrel outline image using Early Espresso ink.  Stamp the bold Squirrel image using Cinnamon Cider ink and stamp onto outline image. 
11. Fussy cut out the squirrel using your Paper Snips Scissors.  Adhere to the base card onto the branch using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Only 7 days remain in this amazing promotion- don't miss out!

Stampin' Up! SECOND Sale-a-bration of the year is over in only 7 days, and you don't want to miss out on this fabulous promotion!

What is Sale-a-Bration you ask? Read on! 

Without a doubt, Stampin' Up!s Sale-a-Bration event is our biggest event of the year! And the Sale-a-Bration mini above (click to download) is the only Stampin’ Up! catalog where you can’t buy the products; you have to earn them with qualifying orders.

Here are all the juicy details!

Earning Period: 3 August–30 September 2021

A. Choose

Choose a FREE Sale-a-Bration product for every $50 catalog purchase (Annual Catalog and/or Mini Catalog)

B. Host

Earn ever more product by hosting a party (virtual, perhaps?).  Place any party or personal order over $300 and receive the exclusive In Your Words Stamp Set for FREE. Hurry! When Sale-A-Bration ends, so does this offer.

C. Join

Share your creative passion with others and build relationships as an independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Join now to build your Starter Kit by selecting $125 in products for just $99. During Sale-A-Bration, we’ll also throw in a FREE bundle of your choice*! Ask your demonstrator today about the benefits of joining.

JOIN BUNDLE OPTIONS		PRICE	LIMIT
156795	Arctic Bears Bundle	$47.50 USD | $64.75 CAD	1
156819	Beauty Of Tomorrow Bundle	$50.25 USD | $68.25 CAD	1
156801	Christmas Season Bundle	$54.00 USD | $73.75 CAD	1
156806	Christmas To Remember Bundle	$60.25 USD | $81.75 CAD	1
156807	Frosted Gingerbread Bundle	$48.50 USD | $66.50 CAD	1
158609	Gorgeous Leaves Bundle	$44.00 USD | $60.25 CAD	1
156813	Nature’s Harvest Bundle	$53.00 USD | $72.75 CAD	1
156816	Peaceful Cabin Bundle	$54.00 USD | $72.75 CAD	1
156391	Peaceful Deer Bundle	$36.00 USD | $48.50 CAD	1
156789	Penguin Place Bundle	$31.50 USD | $42.25 CAD	1
156798	Sweet Little Stockings Bundle	$47.50 USD | $64.75 CAD	1
156810	Whimsical Trees Bundle	$51.25 USD | $70.00 CAD	1

Those who join Stampin’ Up! during Sale-A-Bration may select one bundle from the list above to add to their Starter Kit at no additional cost. 

Here's a video that shares more about Sale-a-Bration: 

Have questions? Please ask: [email protected] I am always happy to help! 

 

Stampin' Up! SECOND Sale-a-bration of the year is over in only 7 days, and you don't want to miss out on this fabulous promotion!

What is Sale-a-Bration you ask? Read on! 

Without a doubt, Stampin' Up!s Sale-a-Bration event is our biggest event of the year! And the Sale-a-Bration mini above (click to download) is the only Stampin’ Up! catalog where you can’t buy the products; you have to earn them with qualifying orders.

Here are all the juicy details!

Earning Period: 3 August–30 September 2021

A. Choose

Choose a FREE Sale-a-Bration product for every $50 catalog purchase (Annual Catalog and/or Mini Catalog)

B. Host

Earn ever more product by hosting a party (virtual, perhaps?).  Place any party or personal order over $300 and receive the exclusive In Your Words Stamp Set for FREE. Hurry! When Sale-A-Bration ends, so does this offer.

C. Join

Share your creative passion with others and build relationships as an independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Join now to build your Starter Kit by selecting $125 in products for just $99. During Sale-A-Bration, we’ll also throw in a FREE bundle of your choice*! Ask your demonstrator today about the benefits of joining.

JOIN BUNDLE OPTIONS		PRICE	LIMIT
156795	Arctic Bears Bundle	$47.50 USD | $64.75 CAD	1
156819	Beauty Of Tomorrow Bundle	$50.25 USD | $68.25 CAD	1
156801	Christmas Season Bundle	$54.00 USD | $73.75 CAD	1
156806	Christmas To Remember Bundle	$60.25 USD | $81.75 CAD	1
156807	Frosted Gingerbread Bundle	$48.50 USD | $66.50 CAD	1
158609	Gorgeous Leaves Bundle	$44.00 USD | $60.25 CAD	1
156813	Nature’s Harvest Bundle	$53.00 USD | $72.75 CAD	1
156816	Peaceful Cabin Bundle	$54.00 USD | $72.75 CAD	1
156391	Peaceful Deer Bundle	$36.00 USD | $48.50 CAD	1
156789	Penguin Place Bundle	$31.50 USD | $42.25 CAD	1
156798	Sweet Little Stockings Bundle	$47.50 USD | $64.75 CAD	1
156810	Whimsical Trees Bundle	$51.25 USD | $70.00 CAD	1

Those who join Stampin’ Up! during Sale-A-Bration may select one bundle from the list above to add to their Starter Kit at no additional cost. 

Here's a video that shares more about Sale-a-Bration: 

Have questions? Please ask: [email protected] I am always happy to help! 

Are you ready to sail off to new crafting adventures?

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge speaks to my heart. 

I love to be near water, and always have. So when I saw this week's challenge I was thrilled. Until I looked at my stamp set collection and realized that my beach-themed stamp sets retired last year. 

But I knew I have my trusty Sailing Home stamp set and Smooth Sailing dies: 

Whether you're sailing home or going off to new adventures, the images and sentiments in the Sailing Home Stamp Set will inspire you on your journey. I have used this set for masculine cards, scrapbook pages and gift ideas. 

When thinking about my card deign I decided to take a little cheat and have no sand on my card. My card, instead would be a water theme only so I used my Blending Brushes to create a waterscape background. 

I love each brush's velvety soft bristles - perfect for applying a little or a lot of ink. I decided to use Misty Moonlight for the water and then Bumblebee and Pumpkin Pie for the sky. Add a lighthouse, a sailboat and some birds in the sky and my card was complete. 

To make my layers stand out I used my Stitched Rectangles dies - and to add a little glamorous touch and visual interest. What do you think? 

Now it's your turn: try our card map challenge for the week and see what you can create. And if you want to see what the other design crew members created for this week's challenge, click here to head on over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

 

 

Announcing a comeback to my 12 Weeks of Christmas newsletter series!

I am so excited to make this special announcement: I am bringing back my 12 Weeks of Christmas newsletter series this year!

What does this mean for you! (I hope you are sitting down)

Beginning 29 September I will be featuring the 12 Weeks of Christmas:

Every week, for twelve weeks, you will be getting an email with a fantastic holiday project you can make. 

Weeks 1 - 4: Christmas card ideas!

Weeks 5 - 8: Christmas gift ideas!

Weeks 9 - 12: Christmas bags, tags, and wraps ideas!

Is there a catch you might be asking? NO!

It's completely free but this offer is exclusive to those of you who are on my mailing list. So if you already receive my weekly newsletters, you do not have to do anything - you are already in! Yippee!

But: the only people who are going to receive these projects are people on my mailing list. If you are not yet on my mailing list, you need to subscribe before 29 September at 1:00 pm EST otherwise you are going to miss out. 

Click the image below to sign up for my mailing list and let the holiday crafting fun begin! 

Do you know how to make a stunning circle easel card? Hint: it's easy!

Hi fellow crafters! Are you ready for another fun fold idea?  In today's card and video tutorial, I am going to show you how to create a Circle Easel card. It's super easy to make and has a few fun elements inside!  My fun fold idea will be a birthday card, using my Layering Circles and Playful Alphabet dies and the gorgeous Blackberry Beauty designer series paper.

 

Tip: if you wish to purchase any of the supplies I used to make a Circle Easel card at home, click here to head over to my online store! 

 

The Enjoy the Moment stamp set has fabulous phrases - perfect for so many occasions. As my circle easel card is a birthday card I chose the 'Happy Birthday' phrase from this set: 

The Blackberry Beauty paper features the traditional autumn images of leaves, sprigs, and birds paired and I love the nontraditional color palette, especially with the added shine of gold foil accents!

You can create custom die-cut letters, numbers, and more using the Playful Alphabet dies. I love that the dies include duplicate letters (A, E, I, L, N, O, P, R, S, T). These dies are great for handmade birthday cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper crafts.

Here's my card (partially closed) - watch my video below for step-by-step instructions. 

And here it is open:

Supplies

Stamp set: Enjoy the Moment (154452)

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Paper and cutting dimensions: 
        Blackberry Bliss: 6 1/2" x 3 1/4"; 3 1/4" square; 2" x 1 1/2'
        Cinnamon Cider: (2) 2" squares; 2" x 1"
        Early Espresso: scraps
        Very Vanilla: 1 3/4" x 3/4"; 3" square
        Blackberry Beauty DSP: (2) 3" squares

Misc: Playful Alphabet dies (152706); Layering Circles dies (151770); Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Gilded Gems (152478); Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine; Medium Daisy punch (149517); 1/2" circle punch (optional)

Here's my video: be sure to watch all the way through the video for my bonus tips and design suggestions AND to see a second easel fun fold card idea, one for a different occasion. And if you want more crafting ideas sent directly to you each week, subscribe to my free newsletters - join my mailing list on the right side here on my blog. 

Who says you can't thank them and wow them at the same time?

All your thank you's will be perfectly potted with this Plentiful Plants stamp set — and no green thumb required. Perfect for cardmaking, this stamp set offers lush greenery and a gift of gratitude that never wilts. Who says you can't thank them and wow them at the same time?

Hint: click on the product photo below to order it at my online store. 

 

You can also create die-cut potted plants with the Perfect Plants dies. Mix and match greenery and pots with plant stands and macrame hangers for a variety of fresh looks.

And this bundle and matching Bloom Where you are Planted paper will help you create gorgeous cards like this: 

Want to know how to make this card?

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Plentiful Plants Bundle (155688)
• Card Stock – Evening Evergreen (155574); Cinnamon Cider (153078); Soft Succulent (155776); Gray Granite (146983); Basic White (159276); Bloom Where You’re Planted 12” x 12” Designer Series Paper (155696)
• Stamp Pads – Evening Evergreen (155576)
• Misc. – Baker’s Twine Essential’s Pack (155475); Champagne Rhinestone Basic Jewels (151193); Lovely Labels Pick A Punch (152883); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653)

Measurements: 

• Evening Evergreen: 5 ½” x 8 ½” scored at 4 ¼”, 1" x 3-1/4”, & die cut plant 
• Cinnamon Cider: 5” x 3”
• Soft Succulent: 4” x 3”
• Gray Granite: 2” x 2 ½”
• Basic White: 4 x 5 ¼”, ¾” x 2-1/2”
• Designer Series Paper Layers: I chose a different pattern of DSP for each of the following:  4 ¾” x 2 ¾”, 3 ¾” x 2 ¾” & 1 ¾” x 2 ¼”.  Die cut planters and leaves

Instructions:

1. Start with the Evening Evergreen card base 5 ½” x 8 ½” scored at 4 ¼”.
2. Adhere the 4 ¾” x 2 ¾” DSP to the Cinnamon Cider 5” x 3”. Adhere to the left side of card base leaving about a ¼”.
3. Adhere the 3 ¾” x 2 ¾” DSP to the Soft Succulent 4” x 3”. Adhere to 1^st DSP layer leaving about a 1” left border.
4. Adhere the 1 ¾” x 2 ¼ DSP to the Gray Granite 2” x 2 ½”. Adhere to center of 2^nd DSP layer.
5. Stamp "Thank You" greeting with Evening Evergreen Ink onto Basic White CS.  Stamp "friend" greeting with Evening Evergreen Ink directly onto planter. 
6. Punch the Thank You Basic White ¾” x 2-1/2” & the Evening Evergreen 1" x 3-1/4” with the Lovely Label Pick A Punch & adhere both together and with dimensionals adhere to center of 3^rd DSP layer.
7. Add a Champagne Rhinestone Basic Jewel to the left and right side of Thank You sentiment.
8. Using the planter die onto DSP planter, pot with handles die onto DSP, 3 leaves plant die onto DSP, Sprig like plant die onto Evening Evergreen Cardstock and run all thru Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine at one time.
9. Attach the Evening Evergreen sprig plant to inside of pot with handles with a glue dot. Using dimensionals, place in lower right corner.
10. Take the 3 leaves plant and attach to inside of planter with glue dots. Using dimensionals, place in lower left corner.
11. Tie a bow with the Baker's Twine and attach to planter with glue dot. 
12. Finish off with adding a Champagne Rhinestone Basic Jewel to the Baker’s Twine Bow.

You don't want to miss what I saw on my walk today

I have learned to love to walk every day after work. I think that going through the pandemic and working from home indefinitely has made me realize the importance of getting out each day for some fresh air. At first I did it for my health and then one day I started to take notice of what was around me as I was walking on each of my routes.

I have a favorite route that I often take and here's a quick shot of the path that I take:

Some routes I take offer lovely flowers and

unusual flowers.

But this week I took an unusual path which was so much fun - and very, very long. But it was worth it when I came out of a small forest and this was ahead:

Do you know where I live? I bet you do and I see 'windmolen' all over the place but not often near where I live or walk. So what fun to spot this beauty - 400 years old. Wow! 

My advice is to take an unusual path once in a while, either on your daily walk or in life. You just never know what you might stumble across and experience! 

How to use up your crafting supplies with a super fun design

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge will help you use up lots of your supplies with a super fun design:

 

You have several layers, different colors and can embellish to your heart's content. 

For my card I chose some left over bits of my Beauty of the Earth designer series paper. I am proud to say that I have used almost the entire pack - a rare thing for me, the scrap-a-holic that I can be:

And this is kind of funny: I had my design all figured out, turned over the layer of Beauty of the Earth paper that I had chosen and in the last minute reversed sides - the one that should have had glue applied ended up being the layer that you see on my card photo below. 

I also dusted off my Dandy Wishes dies - gosh I find these really hard to use. But I love the two 'tree' sizes on my card front. 

The phase comes from the Art Gallery stamp set - love the font. 

And here's my card map challenge card. As unusual as it looks, I still LOVE it! 

PSST: if you want to purchase any of these products from me, click on the photos to hop on over to my online store!

Why not give our card map challenge a try this week - use up some of those supplies and end up with a card you love too! If you want to see what the Paper Craft Crew created this week for this challenge, click here. 

 

Here are my top 3 reasons for you to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator

Did you know that I have been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for over 18 years now? I love what I do - which is sharing my love of stamping and paper crafting with the world! Well, anyone who will listen, that is hehe. 

I remember being so scared about joining - I hesitated for well over a year and then took a deep breath and took the plunge. And never looked back. 

Here's what you should know about joining my team: When you purchase the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit and become part of my All About Stamping team as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you are in full control of how you want to enjoy your demonstrator status - you are welcome to run your business your way and I'll be with you every step of the way.

Here are my top 3 reasons to join Stampin' Up! (and my team):

Reason One: 

• Get a permanent discount on your favorite products! As a demonstrator you get a 20% discount on all your product purchases! What could be better than ordering from yourself! And what I quickly realized that I can also shop from myself for birthday and Christmas gifts for all my crafty friends and family too! If you join my USA team you will need to purchase (or sell) only $300 per quarter to stay active - beginning in next quarter after your join (yay, more time!). Easy peasy, especially when you factor in your gift list for the holiday season ahead. 

Reasons Two

• Tons of exclusive creative ideas at your fingertips! That's right, Stampin' Up! has more than one private Facebook page so you will have thousands of ideas to inspire you, teach you and support you in wow-ing your friends and family members! And Stampin' Up! also holds virtual events every year (hopefully face-to-face again soon) which are a BLAST. 
  

Reason Three

• A Starter kit FULL of products of your choosing for only $99! This includes a box of 2021-22 catalogs. Join by 3 September by selecting $125 in products in your Starter Kit for just $99. And during Sale-A-Bration, we’ll also throw in a FREE bundle of your choice*! 

JOIN BUNDLE OPTIONS		PRICE	LIMIT
156795	Arctic Bears Bundle	$47.50 USD | $64.75 CAD	1
156819	Beauty Of Tomorrow Bundle	$50.25 USD | $68.25 CAD	1
156801	Christmas Season Bundle	$54.00 USD | $73.75 CAD	1
156806	Christmas To Remember Bundle	$60.25 USD | $81.75 CAD	1
156807	Frosted Gingerbread Bundle	$48.50 USD | $66.50 CAD	1
158609	Gorgeous Leaves Bundle	$44.00 USD | $60.25 CAD	1
156813	Nature’s Harvest Bundle	$53.00 USD | $72.75 CAD	1
156816	Peaceful Cabin Bundle	$54.00 USD | $72.75 CAD	1
156391	Peaceful Deer Bundle	$36.00 USD | $48.50 CAD	1
156789	Penguin Place Bundle	$31.50 USD | $42.25 CAD	1
156798	Sweet Little Stockings Bundle	$47.50 USD | $64.75 CAD	1
156810	Whimsical Trees Bundle	$51.25 USD | $70.00 CAD	1

Those who join Stampin’ Up! during Sale-A-Bration may select one bundle from the list above to add to their Starter Kit at no additional cost. (Click on the cover photo below to learn more!)

 

Now is the perfect time to join Stampin' Up! and my team. Email me at [email protected] if you have questions or want to chat about joining my team. 

Let me show you how to make a super easy pop up gift card holder

Hi fellow crafters! I hope that you are having lots of creative fun trying last week's gift card holder idea.  In today's video I am going to show you  a second gift card holder, one that pops up the gift card inside. It's super easy to make! 

 

My project will be a thank you project using the Beauty of Friendship stamp set, Tasteful Labels dies and the gorgeous Blackberry Beauty designer series paper. But you can adapt this idea for any occasion that you need. 

 

I chose the Beauty of Friendship stamp set for its phrases. The sentiments in this set help you to celebrate the good times and the good people in your life. And this set has a set of matching dies that you can bundle together for a 10% discount. Yay for discounts!

 

The Blackberry Beauty paper features the traditional autumn images of leaves, sprigs, and birds paired but it also has this cool nontraditional color palette, especially with the added shine of gold foil accents! I used a left-over piece for today's project. 

Here's my pop-up card gift holder!

And here's what it looks like open (with my library card, HA!):

Want to give this idea a try? Here's what you need.

Supplies

Stamp set: Beauty of Friendship (154983)

Ink: Cinnamon Cider; Blackberry Bliss

Paper and cutting dimensions: 

        Blackberry Bliss: 4 1/4" x 8 1/2"
        Very Vanilla: (2) 4" x 2"; 4" x 2 1/4"
        Blackberry Beauty: 6" x 1 3/4" 
        Cinnamon Cider: 5 1/4" x 2" 
        Early Espresso: scrap

Misc: Tasteful Labels dies (152886); Tear & Tape Adhesive; Medium Daisy punch (149517); 1/4" circle punch (optional); 1" circle punch (optional); Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Note: I have a question for you: would you be interested in an online class that shows you how to create a variety of gift card holders? If you would like this class, then please write YES in the comments under this blog post and I will get working on it right away! 

Here's my video: be sure to watch all the way through the video for my bonus tips and design suggestions AND to see a second gift card idea using the same technique.

 

Have you considered how important (and fun!) your packaging can be?

During the pandemic (which seems to be never ending) I have done a bit of online shopping. I am not much of a shopper and have been unpleasantly surprised in the past with some of the online shopping I have done. Now that I live in a country where cycling and walking is the norm and I don't need a car, I have started to explore online shopping for larger items that would be difficult to manage on my bike. 

I decided to add a few plants to my apartment to make it a bit more homey and to add some color to my environment. I found an online greenhouse that delivered for free and decided to order some soil to repot some of my plants. 

When my order arrived I was delighted by the box that my soil came in - I love the humor!

Did you catch the play on words in the photo above? 

Hi! (hehe)

I mean, seriously. Someone had so much fun designing this box and I had so much fun opening it too!

I can tell you that from my experience with this company I will turn to them the next time I need soil or plants - just because it is so much fun getting a box that tries to interact with me! 

Which makes me ask: have you considered how important your packaging can be? Envelopes, for example. Do you stamp on them or decorate them in some way to excite the person who will open it? If you don't, why not give it a try and see the reaction you get as a result! Try using designer series paper on the flap, stamping the front and back or even using that roll of washi tape gathering dust in your crafting space. 

You never know: it just might be as much fun decorating an envelope as opening it!

This adorable card kit features a unique, whimsical style

Have you ever considered our card kits - either for yourself or as a gift for someone special? 

Christmas Whimsy is an adorably fun Christmas card kit with a modern design! Santa’s elves might be hard at work at the North Pole, but with this all-inclusive kit, the hard work is done for you! All pieces are printed, die cut, and ready for you to craft. The simplicity of this card kit makes it perfect for beginner crafters and kids, too! Grab a kit or two and gather around for a simple holiday season activity that everyone will enjoy.

Kit includes:
* Designed projects
* Step-by-step instructions
* Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 8 cards: 4 each of 2 designs
* Folded card size: 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" (14 x 10.8 cm)
* 8 coordinating envelopes with gold foil
* Adhesive-backed holographic embellishments
* Adhesive to complete projects
* Printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go: 9-7/8" x 6-1/2" x 2-3/4" (25.1 x 16.5 x 7 cm)

Product colors: Balmy Blue, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, Evening Evergreen, Gray Granite, Misty Moonlight, Poppy Parade, Real Red, So Saffron, Soft Succulent, Soft Suede

Kits Collection by Stampin’ Up! are perfect for new crafters, busy crafters, or crafters who want quick and easy projects. All-inclusive project kits have everything you need in one box! Give as a gift or try them yourself. Kits are while supplies last.

Order today!

• printed step-by-step instructions
• the instructions include a ruler for measuring the cord for each project
• kit includes a sentiment stamp for inside the card
• all inclusive kit - all you need to add are scissors
• feel free to use your personal touch and creativity on each card

Timesaver Tip: separate and sort the products for each card before assembling. 

Here's Sara to show you the Christmas Whimsy kit - watch all the way through for her fun tips!