Nutz about Stamping

See how this fun fold adds a wow factor to your Christmas cards

Today I have a fun fold holiday card idea to share with you, using the Leaves of Holly paper:

and the Leaves of Holly stamp set:

 

I have shared a lot of projects using this amazing bundle and I hope by now you see what a GREAT value it is. Need more convincing? Then try this idea!

Here's how to make this card at home - and don't miss the second photo below:

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Leaves of Holly (159601); Leaves of Holly Bundle (159608)
• Card Stock – Evening Evergreen (155574); Basic White (159276)
• Stamp Pads – Real Red (147084), Evening Evergreen (155576)
• Misc. – Holly Berry Dies (159607); Boughs of Holly Designer Series Paper DSP (159600); Quatrefoil Tile Embossing Folder (158655); Red Rhinestones Basic Jewels (146924); Dimensionals (104430); Real Red & Garden Green 3/8” Ribbon Combo Pack (159577)

 

Measurements: 

• Basic White: 4 ¼” x 5 ½”; 3” x 4”; 1” x 2 ¾”
• Evening Evergreen: 4 ¼” x 9 ¾” scored at 3 ¼” and 6 ½”
• Boughs of Holly: DSP 3” x 4”
• Ribbon: 4”

Instructions :

1. Emboss the card base with the Quatrefoil Tile Embossing Folder.
2. Accordion fold the Evening Evergreen piece. Adhere it to the card base.
3. Adhere the DSP to the front of the accordion folded piece.
4. Stamp “Christmas Wishes” in Real Red ink on to the 1” x 2 ¾” piece of Basic White. Die cut with the small label die from the Holly Berry dies. Adhere to the DSP with a Dimensional.
5. Stamp “to friends near and far” in Real Red ink on the 3” x 4” piece of Basic White. Stamp a portion of the large detailed holly leaf stamp in the lower right corner and in the upper left corner in Evening Evergreen. Ink up the large solid holly leaf stamp. Stamp it on a scrap paper, then stamp it over the detailed portion of the leaf in the bottom right corner. Repeat for the other leaf.
6. Adhere the Basic White 3” x 4” piece inside the accordion piece.
7. Adhere on Red Rhinestone to the label and two more around the label. Tie the red ribbon in a knot. Adhere just above the top left corner of the label with a glue dot.

Did you know that this is a fabulous time to join Stampin' Up!?

Yes, it sure is!

Why have so many crafters joined my team? Here are the top 5 reasons:

• Make new stampin’ friends

• Join a global community of creative stampers

• Qualify for the perks of being a Stampin’ Up! insider

• Take the opportunity to share what they love with others

• Gain the potential to earn an income by doing what they love, being rewarded with free products, and buying products at a discount.

Here's another great reason - but only until 31st October! 

New demonstrators get even MORE FREE products in their customizable Starter Kit. Between 4–31 October, those who sign up can get $125 USD $155 USD worth of products for only $99 USD + free business supplies + free shipping + all the fun being a part of Stampin’ Up!

Click here to learn more! 

Your holiday cards don't have to be complicated to be pretty

Using this week's card sketch I have simple but very pretty Christmas card idea to share with you, showing that you don't have to create complicated cards to wow your friends and family this year. 

 

And of course I chose my Cottage Wreaths bundle for this week's project.

 

I have used this bundle so much and am getting such great value for my $$! As I have already pointed out, you can create elegant holiday wreaths with the Cottage Wreaths set. You can make wreaths for tags or put them on cards to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The wreaths look lovely paired with the festive greetings in this set, or you can use them alone to make them suit any occasion.

I will say this card sketch is one of my favorite all time layouts. No matter what I create using this layout I always love the product! Try this idea using the holiday paper you have on hand, then try it again using birthday paper - you will love it too! 

Here's my card: 

If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this weeks challenge, click here. And we ALL hope you will give it a try too!

This bundle is perfect for at least 4 different holiday occasions

Stamp sets that work for a variety of occasions are a great investment because they can be used time and again over several months. A perfect example of this is the Cottage Wreaths stamp set and coordinating Country Wreath dies. You can make wreaths for tags or put them on cards to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The wreaths look lovely paired with the festive greetings in this set, or you can customize them for any occasion. The dies include wreaths and a variety of shapes like cut-out leaves, bows, and more. Use this bundle throughout the year just by changing the color combinations.

 

 

Here's a fun Cottage Wreaths Halloween card idea to try.

Supplies

Stamp set: Cottage Wreaths (159652, bundle and save: 159659)

Ink: VersaMark (102283); Pumpkin Pie (147086); Soft Suede (147115); Mango Melody (147093); Memento Tuxedo Black (132708)

Cardstock: Mango Melody (146989), Basic White (159276), Basic Black (121045)

Paper and cutting dimensions:

        Mango Melody: 8 ½” x 5 ½” Whisper White: 3” square, (2) 2” x 1 ¼”, scraps (leaves and acorns), 1 ¼” x ¾”

        Basic Black: 1 ¼” x 1 ½”; (2) ¼” x 5 ½”

Misc.: Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108); Matte Black Dots (154284); Sponge Daubers (133733); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), black pen (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fold Mango Melody cardstock in half to create card base.

2. Adhere 2 Black strips onto card base. 

3. Ink wreath using Mango Melody ink and stamp onto Basic White. Daub Pumpkin Pie ink onto sections of the inked wreath, adding a second color. Die-cut. 

4. Using VersaMark, ink and stamp leaves up both sides of card front.

5. Ink leaves image using Soft Suede, stamp onto Basic White and die-cut.

6. Ink acorns using Soft Suede, stamp onto Basic White and die-cut.

7. Ink leaves using Mango Melody and Pumpkin Pie ink, stamp onto Basic White and die-cut. 

8. Ink spider using Jet Black ink. Stamp onto Basic White and die-cut.

9.  Die-cut Basic Black bow. 

 

10. Attach wreath to card front using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.

11. Add Acorns and leaves to wreath using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.

12. Attach bow using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

13. Add three leaves to card base using Multipurpose Liquid Glue

14. Ink phrase using Memento Tuxedo Black and stamp onto Basic White scrap. Using paper snips, trim around phrase. Attach to card front, inside the wreath using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

15. Using a black pen, draw line from top of card down to wreath and spider.

16. Add 3 Matte Black Dots to complete card.

1 simple layout idea can be used for many beautiful Christmas cards

Last week I shared a Cottage Wreaths stepped up card idea with lots layers and texture and sparkle. But: what if you have a very busy life and just need 1 simple idea that can be used over and over to create beautiful holiday cards this year? I have the perfect layout idea to share with you today.

Shall we get started?

 

You can create elegant holiday wreaths using this bundle, wreaths for tags or put them on cards to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The wreaths look lovely paired with the festive greetings in this set, or you can use them alone to make them suit any occasion.

The dies include wreaths along with a variety of shapes you can use to embellish them. Cut out leaves, bows, and more; they're perfect for the holidays, but they can also be used throughout the year just by changing the color scheme. 

To add a touch of brightness to my card I also chose a patterned paper from the Boughs of Holly pack:

The key to this simple layout idea is to get a pack of Boughs of Holly paper. These beautiful papers embrace the classic emerald green and rich reds we love to see at Christmastime with poinsettia, holly, and evergreen motifs. I am going to show you how to use strips of these patterns to make many easy holiday card this year.

 

Here's my card: 

 

Here's how to make this easy layout idea, along with a video below! 

Supplies

 

Stamp set: Cottage Wreaths (bundle #159659)

 

Ink: Real Red, Versamark, Shaded Spruce

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 2 3/4" square; scrap for bow
        Shaded Spruce: 3" square
        Real Red: 3" square
        Boughs of Holly: 2 1/4" x 5 1/2" 

 

Misc: Fine Tip Glue pen, Iridescent Basic Pearls Jewels, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; Boughs of Holly designer series paper (159600)

 

Be sure to watch all the way through my video, for my bonus tips and design ideas - AND my fun challenge! 

Are you looking for an adorable Christmas stocking stuffer idea? Try this one!

This simple but sweet holiday treat is easy to do and is great for kids and adults alike. Treats such as Ghiradelli Chocolates, Hershey Mini’s, & Fun sized M&M’s work great. Create a little pouch out of designer series paper, add a cute scottie dog embellishment, some rhinestones and a ribbon and you have an adorable stocking stuffer!

The delightful detail on this pouch comes from the Christmas Scottie bundle:

They're cheerful, loyal, and ready to help you send Christmas greetings! The three Scottish Terriers in the Christmas Scottie stamp set are eager to adorn your handmade cards and gift tags. Choose your pup, then dress it up in festive finery by stamping the bow of your choice. Giving a gift? Add a bow to the two-line image to create a little present. You can use this set for Christmas cards and tags, but the set also includes sentiments you can use all year long.

Here's something fun you can try with this set—use the kissing technique to create a plaid scottie dog (or bow). The kissing technique is easy and fun: Stamp the plaid background stamp in your favorite color ink, then "kiss" (press) the scottie dog stamp onto the inked plaid stamp. The scottie dog stamp will pick up the ink and design from the plaid stamp, and you'll end up with an adorably plaid puppy!

Here's a fun pouch idea to try this holiday season:

Supplies: 

Stamp Set – Christmas Scottie (159740) (Christmas Scottie Bundle 159744)

Card Stock – Basic White (159276); Real Red (102482)

Stamp Pads – Real Red (1147084); Tuxedo Black Memento (132708)

Misc. – Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Bone Folder (102300); Stylish Shapes Dies (159183); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Paper Snips (103579), Paper Trimmer (152392); Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels (146924); Scottie Dog Punch (159743); Sweetest Christmas Designer Series Paper (DSP) (159559); Real Red & Garden Green Ribbon Combo Pack (159577); Tear & Tape (154031); Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334); Small candy such as Ghirardelli Chocolate Square or other “fun” sized treat that is fairly square

 

Measurements:  

·       Candy Cane pattern from Sweetest Christmas DSP: 4” x 6”

·       Garden Green with White Dots pattern from Sweetest Christmas DSP: 1” x 6”

·       Real Red: scrap for bow

·       Basic White Card Stock: 3” x 8 for sentiment, stitched circle and dog

·       Garden Green Ribbon: 8”

 

Instructions:  

1.     Place Tear & Tape of the back side of the Candy Cane DSP – on the 2 long sides and one short side. Lay tape side up on tabletop. Place candy in the middle and remove the tape covering from all edges. Fold the un-taped side to the middle and then fold the opposite side such the DSP overlaps and the tape holds.  Pinch the top and bottoms together lining up the DSP edges. If the edges are not lined up nicely, use paper snips to have a straight edge.  Use the score tool to create 2 score lines on the taped outer edges.

2.     Adhere the Garden Green DSP strip around the center with Tear & Tape.

3.     From the Basic White card stock: die cut the approximately 2 ¼” stitched circle, stamp the dog in black ink and punch out the shape with the Scottie Dog Punch, and stamp the greeting with black ink and fussy cut with the paper snips.

4.     Stamp the bow with Real Red ink on the scrap of Real Red card stock and punch out bow shape with the Scottie Dog Punch.  

5.     Adhere the circle to the center of the treat with dimensionals and the dog to the center of the circle with dimensionals. Adhere the bow to the dog’s neckline with multipurpose liquid glue.  Adhere the greeting to the treat with dimensionals.

6.     Make a bow from the Garden Green Ribbon and adhere to upper left corner of the treat with a glue dot.  Add rhinestones as shown in the sample.

This kit is the perfect gift idea for the holiday season and it's available now!

Get ready for the latest addition to the Kits Collection by Stampin’ Up!

The Birthday Card Organizer Kit has everything you need to plan ahead and never forget another birthday again! 

KIT DETAILS

---

• Kit includes one 8" x 10" (20.3 x 25.4 cm) monthly planner with space to record birthdays each month as well as a pocket sleeve to hold birthday cards.
• Includes 12 full-size birthday cards, 6 of 2 designs, and 12 coordinating envelopes.
• Includes Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Adhesive-Backed Embellishments, and Tear & Tape Adhesive
• Includes die-cut florals and pieces ready for you to use­—no prep work required!
• Includes sticker sentiments and die-cut labels in Dutch, English, French, and German
• Coordinating colors: Basic Black, Evening Evergreen, Petal Pink, Sahara Sand, and Soft Succulent

THINK CHRISTMAS - wouldn't this kit make a great gift idea? For you and a friend or two? I know I will be buying a couple to tuck away for the holiday (and birthday) season!

Tip: once you use up the cards in the kit keep the organizer and add cards that you design and make as well!

Click here for my USA store and here for my EU store! 

Here's a fun challenge that will make you think of home for the holidays

It's time to get our Christmas on with this week's challenge!

Yes, holidays could include Halloween and Thanksgiving, but I am going all out and am going to create a Christmas card for my challenge card. I decided on a simple layout, one that let's my Cottage Wreaths bundle be the star:

You can ceate elegant holiday wreaths using this bundle, wreaths for tags or put them on cards to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The wreaths look lovely paired with the festive greetings in this set, or you can use them alone to make them suit any occasion.

The dies include wreaths along with a variety of shapes you can use to embellish them. Cut out leaves, bows, and more; they're perfect for the holidays, but they can also be used throughout the year just by changing the color scheme. 

To add a touch of brightness to my card I also chose a patterned paper from the Boughs of Holly pack:

If you know me at all, I am not a bold patterns kind of crafter so I challenged myself to go bold this week and let my paper be the standout. I crumpled it several times to break down the fibers and add an eye-catching background layer look. 

I also stamped the branches on the layer under my wreath - to give that layer a bit more visual interest. I LOVE how my card turned out, do you? It was so easy to make that I am thinking of making several to mail this year. 

Now it's your turn! Try this week's challenge and see what card you can make the represents 'home for the holidays'. If you want to see what the other design crew members created this week, click here. 

Isn't it time to start making those cute small gifts for friends and family?

It’s officially Fall!  We’re fast approaching the wonderful fall holidays and it’s time to start making those cute small gifts for friends and family.  Here’s a fun treat box idea for the new season:

Supplies

Stamps:  Hello Harvest (159634)

Cardstock and Designer Series Paper:

Very Vanilla: (101650) two pieces cut 3-3/4” X 5.” Scraps to stamp on for die cutting.

Soft Suede: (115318) One sheet to use for die cutting the Pretty Pillow Box pieces and a piece 5” X 6-1/2

Rustic Harvest 12” X 12” Designer Series Paper (DSP) 2-1/4” X 4-1/2”

Inks: Soft Suede (147115); Evening Evergreen (155576); Crushed Curry (147087); Pumpkin Pie (147086)

Accessories: Rustic Pumpkin Dies (159643); Pretty Pillowbox Dies (156321); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653) or the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (150673); 4-pack of Glitter Washi Tape (159973) Pumpkin Pie; Stampin’ Seal (152813), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Stampin” Dimensionals (104430), Tear & Tape 154031; Pale Papaya 3/8” Open Weave Ribbon (155672) 6”-8”; Stampin’ Blends: Daffodil Delight (154883), Cajun Craze (154879), Evening Evergreen (155517); Paper Trimmer (152392); Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334)

Instructions:

1. Using the Pretty Pillow Box Dies and the Stampin’ Emboss Machine, die cut the following: 2 of the pillowbox shapes from Soft Suede cardstock. See Fall Treat Box photo below for placement of the dies on the card stock, so that you have a straight edge at the bottom of the die cut pieces.
   
    
   
   
   
2. Cut 2 center sections of the pillowbox from Rustic Harvest DSP. 
   
   
3. Trim the lower section of two pillowbox pieces as shown below. 
   
   
4. Stamp and cut the following using the Rustic Pumpkin Dies: 6 leaves and stamp 2 leaves with each of these colors, Evening Evergreen, Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, the large label stamped with Soft Suede, and a pumpkin stamped with Soft Suede
5. Color the pumpkin with Light Cajun Craze, Dark Daffodil Delight, and Light Evening Evergreen Stampin’ Blends. 
   
   
   
   
   
6. Die cut one of the twirly filigrees from a small piece of the Rustic Harvest DSP.
7. Using the Simply Scored Scoring tool Score the 5“X 6-1/2” piece at 1-1/2 inches on all 4 sides and cut each corner on the score line up to the long score line on the same side as the corner. Cut a small wedge on each side of the corner squares. (see first photo above)
8. Assemble the box using your favorite adhesive. (I used Multipurpose liquid glue) 
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Adhere the treat box center sections that were cut from the Rustic Harvest DSP to the center sections of the two Pretty pillowbox pieces. Add a strip of Pumpkin Pie Washi Tape at the top and bottom of the DSP pieces. Trim the washi tape flush with the edges of the DSP. (see photo for #5 above)
10. Fold and score the bottom sections of the pillow box pieces and glue them one on top of the other to the bottom of the treat box.
11. Add adhesive to the sides of the box and adhere the top section on each side to the sides of the box. 
    
    
    
    

Use a cello bag to fill your treat bag and tie with a ribbon.

Share and Enjoy! 

Try these 2 beautiful and easy ways to add texture to your holiday cards this year

I think it's time to think about Christmas cards, don't you? When I think of Christmas I often think of stepped up cards with layers and texture and sparkle. This is our chance to go all out and impress ourselves with what we can create. Today I have a beautiful Cottage Wreaths Christmas card idea to share, a card that is super easy to create. But that's our secret. I will also share my top tips for creating texture and elegance to your holiday cards this year. 

The first way to add texture and elegance to your cards is to use an embossing folder. 

You can create the perfect textured background of sheet music using the Merry Melody 3D Embossing Folder. Inspired by the traditional Christmas song “Joy to the World,” this 3D embossing folder not only allows you to easily add texture to your Christmas cards but it will also give them a festive touch that everyone will love. In my video below I will show you how to age the embossed layer. 

The main feature on my card is created using the Cottage Wreaths bundle. This bundle will add not only texture but layers - my second easy tip. 

 

This bundle is perfect for creating elegant holiday wreaths. You can make wreaths for tags or put them on cards to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The wreaths look lovely paired with the festive greetings in this set, or you can use them alone to make them suit any occasion.
The dies include wreaths along with a variety of shapes you can use to embellish them. Cut out leaves, bows, and more. Customize your wreath for any occasion. Wreaths are perfect for the holidays, but they can also be used throughout the year just by changing the color scheme. So get creative and see what you can do.

A bonus tip: add a layer of beautiful Christmas paper. This adds visual interest and can coordinate colors on your card. 

These beautiful Boughs of Holly papers embrace the classic emerald green and rich reds we love to see at Christmastime with poinsettia, holly, and evergreen motifs. It also includes a more neutral birch tree bark pattern, soft polka dots, and abstract swatches of classic seasonal colors. Did you know that you can cut out images for quick textured and detailed layering pieces?
Product colors: Cherry Cobbler, Evening Evergreen, Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Poppy Parade, Real Red, Sahara Sand, Shaded Spruce, Soft Succulent, Soft Suede

 

Here's my card, and below I have included a video on how to make it. 

 

 

Here's how to make it at home.

 

Supplies

 

Stamp set: Cottage Wreaths (bundle #159659)

 

Ink: Real Red, Sahara Sand

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Soft Succulent: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 3" square
        Shaded Spruce: 3" square
        Real Red: 1 3/4" square
        Basic White: (3) 3/4" squares; scrap for phrase
        Boughs of Holly: 5 1/4" x 4" 

 

Misc: Fine Tip Glue pen, Bling of your choice, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Merry Melody 3D embossing folder (156392); Boughs of Holly designer series paper (159600)

 

Here's my video - be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design ideas. 
        

This sweet card idea shows a unique way to use up leftover paper strips

I have a fun and really easy card idea to share with you today! I am going to show you a simple but very pretty way to use up leftover strips of cardstock. 

The main feature on my card comes from the Meadow dies:

 

You can re-create the look of a glorious meadow with the images in the Meadow dies. It's wildflowers galore with an abundance of beautiful blossoms; mix and match the different pieces to get the right look for your creation. In my card, however, I will be using only one of these dies. Try my idea and select the wildflower that you like best. 

I am also using the Tailor Made Tags dies as a standout background layer. 

Easily add die-cut tags to your papercrafting projects with these dies. You can mix, match, and layer tags in different sizes and colors. Create tags for any occasion you need: birthday cards, goodie bags, gift packages. Stamp sentiments from your favorite stamp sets, then cut out. It’s that easy to create custom tags!

Here's my card idea:

 

Want to make this card at home? Here's how.

Supplies:

Stamp Set(s): Beauty of Friendship (154983)

Card Stock: Basic White (159276); Basic Black (121045); Starry Sky (159263); Tahitian Tide (159261); Orchid Oasis (159267)

Ink: Starry Sky (159212); Memento Tuxedo Black (132708)

Misc: Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Tailored Made Dies (155563); Mini Stampin Dimensionals (144108); Meadow Dies (155852); All That Dies (159078); Matte Black Dots (154284); Baker’s Twine Essential Pack (155475)

 

Measurements:

• Starry Sky: 8 ½” x 5 ½”; (2) ¼” x 2 1/4”
• Basic White: 4” x 2 ¼”; 2” x 1 ½”
• Tahitian Tide: (3) ¼” x 2 1/4”
• Orchid Oasis: (2) ¼” x 2 1/4”
• Basic Black: 4” x 2”

 

Instructions:

1. Fold Starry Sky cardstock in half and score to create card base.
2. Die-cut Basic White tag and Basic Black flower.
3. Alternating colors and using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, adhere Starry Sky Tahitian Tide and Orchid Oasis strips to tag. Trim off overhang.
4. Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, adhere Basic Black flower to tag.
5. Using Starry Sky ink, and the splatter stamp, stamp off and then stamp on the card base.
6. Ink phrase using Memento Tuxedo Black ink and stamp onto Basic White. Die-cut using All That oval.
7. Cut length of White Baker’s Twine and feed through hole in tag. Secure by passing ends through loop.
8. Adhere tag to card front. Attach phrase oval using Mini Stampin Dimensionals.
9. Add 3 Matte Black Dots to complete card.

This is a wonderful time to join the Stampin' Up! family and my team!

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

Why have so many crafters joined my team? Here are the top 5 reasons:

• Make new stampin’ friends

• Join a global community of creative stampers

• Qualify for the perks of being a Stampin’ Up! insider

• Take the opportunity to share what they love with others

• Gain the potential to earn an income by doing what they love, being rewarded with free products, and buying products at a discount.

Here's another great reason - but only until 31st October! 

 

New demonstrators get even MORE FREE products in their customizable Starter Kit. Between 4–31 October, those who sign up can get $125 USD $155 USD worth of products for only $99 USD + free business supplies + free shipping + all the fun being a part of Stampin’ Up!

Click here to learn more! 

 

Here's how to make a lot of beautiful Christmas cards in a very short time

If you make a LOT of Christmas or holiday cards every year, this is the challenge for you! 

Simple stamping is just that: minimal layers and products. Yes, perfect for the beginner stamper but also for a very busy stamper who has a lot of people to make cards for this Christmas. 

Here's what you do:

1. Purchase a pack of gorgeous designer series paper, like Boughs of Holly:
   
   
   
   
2. Next: purchase two or three solid colors of cardstock and one pack of Basic White cardstock. I chose Mossy Meadow and Real Red for my solids but if you wanted to coordinate with the above designer series paper colors you could also choose: Cherry Cobbler, Poppy Parade, Evening Evergreen and Shaded Spruce. 
   
   
3. Then: select a stamp set that has (perhaps) more than one Christmas phrase. Think about phrases that are a bit larger than usual as this will be a simple layout and the word(s) will be the main attraction. I chose Leaves of Holly, because I can use the smaller phrases for the inside of my cards too: 
   
   
   
   Yes, I bought the entire bundle because I want to make a few 'not so simple' cards this year as well. But you don't need the bundle if you are a simple stamper! 
   
   
4. Unpack your favorite sparkly embellishments.
5. Now, cut all layers for the cardstock, phrase layers and designer paper layers. Set up an assembly line and create bunches of cards over just a few days! 

Here's my simple card idea for this week's challenge:

I used several Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels on my card - just for that final elegant (and simple!) touch. Now it's your turn. Try this week's challenge and see what you can create at home. If you want to order any of the products I featured today, click on that photo to head over to my online store. 

And if you want to see what the other design crew members created for this simple stamping challenge, click here. 

Try these 3 card ideas using one simple but beautiful embossing folder

Embossing Folders are great value and are an economical way of adding detail to your projects.

The Leaf Fall 3D Embossing Folder is tucked away in the July – December mini catalogue and can be easily overlooked. But that is a real pity as it is a fabulous addition to your crafty stash.

Create texture and movement on your cardmaking and papercrafting projects with the Leaf Fall folder! This embossing folder mimics the falling leaves of the autumn season. Use this on rich autumn colored cardstock, or get creative and make the impression on white cardstock and color in the individual leaves with the many shades of fall! (tip: to order this folder at my store, click the photo above)

Here are 3 unique ways to use this folder to create cards:

Add Ink to the Folder

You can create a great effect by adding ink directly to the embossing folder and running it through your Stampin’ Cut & Emboss with cardstock.

I inked up both sides of this folder and you get a different effect on each side.

I cut four 3.5cm/ 1 3/8” square pieces from this cardstock and stuck them to a mat of Early Espresso card, with 2 pieces facing up one way and the other 2 pieces showing the reverse.

Emboss Metallic Cardstock

Metallic cardstock invariably has a wow factor when embossed and this Bronze Brushed Metallic card is no exception.

Simply layer onto a card base and a sentiment; some ribbon and a textural element is added to make a project which would make a great sympathy card.

Add Some Pastels

Embossing Basic White card stock with this folder opens up a whole host of opportunities for adding colour. You could use markers, watercolor pencils, blending brushes, water coloring with ink.

For this sample I have used the Soft Pastels. By scraping some of the pastel with the spatula end of my take a pick tool, a dust was created that was simply blended over the embossed leaves with my finger.

These projects are just some ideas for projects you could create with the Leaf Fall Embossing folder as a focal point. Of course, it is also invaluable for adding some texture and interest in the background of projects created with other stamps and dies.

All of the projects featured here used the “Go To greetings” stamp set to provide the sentiments.

See how to create an easy sweet treat holder for your special friends

Are you nuts about stamping? I definitely am! 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.

Hello everyone! I have a super easy and really fun treat holder idea today. I will be using my Nuts about Squirrels stamp set but you can change the paper and stamp set to match any occasion that you want.

For my holder itself, I chose the Boughs of Holly designer series paper, as one of the patterns would work well:

 

 

Here's my treat holder when it's closed:

And here's what it looks like open:

 

 

Want to make this at home? Here's what you need.

Supplies

Stamp set: Nuts about Squirrels (156475)

Ink: Evening Evergreen; Soft Succulent

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Evening Evergreen: 2 3/8" square
        Boughs of Holly: 7 3/4" x 5 1/2" 
        Basic White: 2 1/4" square

Misc: Boughs of Holly designer series paper (159600); Soft Suede Stampin' Blends (154906); Tear & Tape Adhesive (154031); Candy Bar (like a Kit Kat), hand held punch, ribbon, embellishments

I have created a video showing you how to make this at home - be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design ideas.