Nutz about Stamping

Why not give this cute Halloween window box a try?

Today I have super cute Halloween treat box or window box idea to share with you, using the Scary Cute bundle:

Place a flameless candle in this cute little box and use it as a décor item or fill a small cellophane bag with candy and use the box as a wrap for the candy.

Here's what you need to make this cute box, and a full set of instructions too. 

SUPPLIES:

Stamp Set: Scary Cute (Cling 159850) * Buy as a Scary Cute Bundle (159852) and save 10%

Ink: Memento Ink (132708); Basic Black Stampin’ Blends (154843) Dark

Paper including cutting dimensions:

        Basic Black Cardstock (121045) 10 3/4” x 5 ½”

        Mango Melody Cardstock (146989) 11” x 3 ½”

        Basic White Cardstock (159276) Scrap for tag

        Cardstock Vellum (101856) 11” x 3 ½”

Misc: Scary Silhouettes Dies (159851) *; Linen Thread (104199); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Bone Folder (102300); White ¼” Crinkled Seam Binding (151326); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Heat Tool (129053); Take Your Pick (144107); Paper Snips (103579); Paper Trimmer (152392); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653) or Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (150673); Pencil with sharp point

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the long side of the Basic Black cardstock along the top of the paper trimmer and score at 2 5/8”, 5 ¼”, 7 7/8”. And 10 ½”.
2. Turn the BB cardstock so short end is at the top and score at 2”.
3. Place the other long side at the 3/8” mark on the other side of the paper trimmer track and mark the middle of each 2 5/8” section with a sharp pencil through the track. 
   
   
   
   
4. Place the ‘tree’ die in the center of the first panel with the top of the die at the pencil mark and run through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine. Repeat with other three panels.
5. Use the paper snips to cut from the bottom edge up to the 2” horizontal score line along the vertical score lines. Trim off the 1/4” section below the 2” score line and cut a slight angle on the rest of the 1/4” section. 
   
   
   
   
   
6. Use the frame to cut 4 panels from the cardstock vellum.
7. Stamp each of the single children on a vellum panel with Memento ink. Dry ink with low setting on Heat tool. If image is not solidly black, fill in areas with the Dark Basic Black Stampin’ Blend. With the stamped side up, glue to inside of the black cardstock with liquid glue covering the openings. The unstamped side of the vellum will be to the outside of the box.
8. Cut 4 of the tree die combined with the frame from the Mango Melody cardstock. Use the paper snips to cut off the branches leaving just a narrow frame. Glue these to the right side of the box.
9. Now fold on the score lines and burnish with the bone folder. Apply liquid glue to the ¼” flap and close the sides of the box. Allow the glue to dry, then close the bottom.
10. Stamp greeting on scrap of Basic White cardstock and cut out with the label die. Punch a hole in one corner with the Take Your Pick and thread a length of Linen thread through the hole. Tie a knot in the thread and adhere the knot to a top corner of the box with a mini glue dot.
11. Use the Dark Pumpkin Pie blend to color about 6 inches of the White ¼” crinkled seam binding.
12. Tie an overhand knot in the seam binding and adhere to the corner over the Linen thread knot with another mini glue dot.

Here's what a flameless tealight looks like - super cute right!

this bewitching treat bag will delight the young (and old) at heart

This Halloween, everyone will tip their hats to your adorable creations when you craft with the Bewitching stamp set. Use the cute witch’s hat to create a fun pattern on a treat package. Or use the dangling spider to add some spooky decoration to a gift tag or handmade card. And don’t forget to customize these images by using our Stampin’ Blends or Watercolor Pencils.

Hint: click on the bundle photo above to order it at my online store. 

And today's project is super cute - read on to see how to make this fun treat bag at home. 

 

Supplies:

Stamps/Dies/Punches: Bewitching Bundle (159857 [save 10%]); Bewitching Stamp Set (159855); 

Cardstock and cutting dimensions:

    Basic White (159276) – 2 ¼ x 4 ¼ (cut with tag die) plus scrap for hat

    Highland Heather (146986) – 3 ¼ x 5

Ink Colors:

Memento Tuxedo Black (132708)

Markers:

Granny Apple Green Blends (154885); Highland Heather Blends (154887); Basic Black Blends (154843)

Other: Stars Treat Bags (159833); Glitter Washi Tape (159973); Bakers Twine Essentials Pack (155475); Wink of Stella (141897); Acrylic Blocks/Stamparatus; Multipurpose Glue (110755), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579); Paper Trimmer (152392); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Take Your Pick Tool (144107), Witch Hat Builder Punch (159856); Tailor Made Tags Dies (155563)

Instructions:

1. Using largest die from Tailor Made Tags Dies, cut tag from Basic White cardstock. Add a strip of the Glitter Washi Tape across the bottom of the tag and trim ends.

2. Stamp witch legs/shoes with Memento Tuxedo Black on bottom of tag. Use the Basic Black Blends to touch up the shoes along tag stitched areas that may have been left white. Color stockings and buckles with Highland Heather and Granny Apple Green Blends.

3. Stamp hat with Memento Tuxedo Black on scrap of Basic White. Color spots and hat band with Highland Heather and Granny Apple Green Blends and punch using Witch Hat Builder Punch.  Paint spots and hat band with Wink of Stella.

4. Place hat on tag (do not adhere) to determine where to stamp spider. Move hat and stamp spider with Memento Tuxedo Black.  Color spider eyes with Granny Apple Green Blends.  Attach hat with Dimensionals.

5. Punch bottom right corner of Highland Heather panel with star portion of punch (this area will not be seen). Slide panel into front of bag behind cutout stars.  Punch a hole through the panel and back layer of bag through the upper center star hole.

6. Glue punched stars onto tag and paint with Wink of Stella. Tie tag to bag through punched hole using the Basic Black Twine.

Are you looking for the perfect box for some sweet treats?

Then look no more! This delicate box is easy to create and has so many uses as a gift container. 

Give the gift of elegance with the Delicate Details Treat Boxes. These white boxes have an intricate laser-cut pattern that lends them a vintage look. Tuck a card or a treat inside and you have the complete package!

* 8 white boxes
* Box size: 3-3/4" x 5-1/4" x 2" (9.3 x 13.2 x 5.1 cm)
* Food safe

 

Here's one idea to try: 

And a close-up of the embellishments. Read on for how to create this treat box at home. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Charming Sentiments (159985)
• Card Stock – Basic White (159276)
• Stamp Pads – Highland Heather (147103); Gorgeous Grape (147099)
• Misc. – Delicate Details Treat Boxes (159248); Hues of Happiness Designer Series Paper (158822); Pearl Basic Jewels (144219); Orchid Oasis 1/8” Metallic Woven Ribbon (159199); Sentiment Silhouettes Dies (158733); Blossoming Happiness Dies (158823); Blending Brushes (153611); Mini Glue Dots (144108)

Measurements:  

• Basic White 3 ¼” x ¾:
• DSP: Enough to cut three flowers with coordinating dies

 

Instructions:

• Using a Blending Brush, color the front and sides of the Delicate Details Treat Box using Highland Heather In.
• Cut out three flowers and three leaves from the Hues of Happiness Designer Series Paper using the coordinating Blossoming Happiness Dies.
• Attach the flower and leaves with Mini Glue Dots to the front of the box.
• Stamp the sentiment in Gorgeous Grape Ink on Basic White Cardstock and cut out using the coordinating die from Sentiment Silhouettes Dies.
• Adhere the sentiment with Mini Glue Dots to the front of the box.
• It’s time to assemble the box. Remove the Tear & Tape and bring the sides to the front, sealing them firmly.  Before adding the ribbon through the holes, place your candy, cookies, or other treats inside the box. 
• Tie the box using the Orchid Oasis 1/8” Metallic Woven Ribbon. I started at the back, went to the front and repeated to give it a solid bow!
• Add two Pearl Basic Jewels to the center of the flowers.

These crafting kits just keep on getting better as the months go by

Have a look and see what I mean! This was the August kit and I am excited to tell you all about the September kit too! So read on...

This kit is no longer available but you will definitely want to have a peek at what's coming in September:

 

ABOUT THE KIT

Name: Spooky Treats

This kit includes:

• This month’s kit contains enough elements to create 18 treat boxes—6 each of 3 designs. This all-inclusive kit includes printed box bases and tops, die-cut paper pieces, adhesives, and more!
• The Spooky Treats Paper Pumpkin Kit includes an Orchid Oasis Classic Stampin’ Spot!
• This kit’s stamp set puts the TREAT in trick-or-treat with fun, Halloween-themed sentiments and designs. Embrace the spooky season with ghost, bat, spider, and star images.
• This kit also includes a special peek-through box top on one of the box designs.

Finished box size: 2-1/2" x 3" x 1" (6.4 x 7.6 x 2.5 cm)

Coordinating Stampin’ Up! colors: Basic Black, Gray Granite, Orchid Oasis, Fresh Freesia, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie

And that's all I can tell you because these kits are TOP SECRET, even from Stampin' Up! demonstrators! But it sure sounds intriguing right!

So why not subscribe today and have a fun kit arrive at your door each month. Tip: you can cancel at any point without penalty - bonus! 

Remember: you have to subscribe by 10 September to get the Spooky Treats kit!

2 beautiful teacher gift ideas complete, and now for the third

In my last YouTube video I demonstrated how to make a beautiful Teacher Gift idea for a post-it note pad and then on Instagram I demonstrated how to create a companion piece to make these the perfect gift SET.

Today I am going to add a sweet treat idea using the same supplies, the Happiness Abounds stamp set and Hues of Happiness paper, making this a gift TRIO idea.

 

The Happiness Abounds stamp set features all-occasion sentiments to celebrate those you love with greetings in various sizes and line-art floral images perfect for coloring which is what we will be doing today.  You can also create simple designs with a solitary blossom and use those as accent pieces on your paper crafting projects. Pair with coordinating products for even more creative possibilities. You can go simple or more sophisticated whatever pleases your artistic taste.

 

 

The dies not only match the stamp set but you can also use them on the coordinating Hues of Happiness designer paper. And that's what we will do today.

 

 

This canvas-looking paper features illustrated and painted flowers on one side with all-purpose patterns on the other side. Designed to represent the Stampin' Up! color spectrum, the repeating patterns can be used as focal images or as accent pieces on your card bases and scrapbook layouts. 

 

Here's what I created: with the gift hidden-

 

 

And with the sweet treat showing:

 

Here's what you need to make this gift idea at home:

 

Supplies

 

Stamp set: Color & Contour (154994)

 

Ink: Gorgeous Grape

 

Stampin' Blend: Dark Pool Party

 

Paper and cutting dimensions

        Basic White: 2 1/4" square

        Pool Party: 3 3/8" x 9 1/2"

        Hues of Happiness: 3 3/4" x 2 3/4"; scraps for flower and leaves

 

Misc: Stampin' Cute & Emboss Machine; Tear & Tape Adhesive; Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Stampin' Seal; All That Dies (159079); Blossoming Happiness Dies (158823); White Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon (151326); Stampin' Dimensionals; Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; Simply Scored

 

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

 

 

 

4 simple products you can use to create a beautiful teacher gift idea

School will be starting soon and so I created a video to show you how to use your crafting supplies to make a gift for your children's teachers this year. If you no longer have children of school age, no worries; this gift idea is also great for coworkers and friends too.

 

Here's what I used for my teacher gift:

 

The Happiness Abounds stamp set features all-occasion sentiments to celebrate those you love with greetings in various sizes and line-art floral images perfect for coloring which is what we will be doing today. You can also create simple designs with a solitary blossom and use those as accent pieces on your paper crafting projects. You can go simple or more sophisticated whatever pleases your artistic taste.

 

The dies not only match the stamp set but you can also use them on the coordinating Hues of Happiness designer paper. I used this paper for my teacher gift idea as well.

 

 

I also used the Glossy Dots Assortment pack on my project - did you know that you can get the entire collection at a discounted price? Who doesn't LOVE saving money? This has to be one of my all-time favorite collections - it has so many uses!

Note: this suite is so popular that it is showing 'low inventory'. Get yours now by clicking on the photo below. 

 

 

Here's my Happiness Abounds gift project. Don't miss my video tutorial below!

 

 

 

 

 

If you follow me on Instagram I will show you (on Wednesday) how to create a companion piece that will make this the perfect gift SET.

Supplies

Stamp Set: Happiness Abounds (bundle to save $$: 158824)

Ink: Gorgeous Grape, Tuxedo Black

Stampin' Blends: Granny Apple Green (dark); Pool Party (light and dark)

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic White: 8 1/2"x 3 1/2"; 4"x 3 1/2"; 3 1/4" x 1 1/4"; (2) 1 3/4" x 1 1/2"; (2) 2 1/4" x 1 3/4"
        Hues of Happiness: 3 7/8"x 3 3/8"; 4"x 3 1/2" 
        Fresh Freesia: 3 1/2" x 2 1/4"

Misc: Stampin' Cute & Emboss Machine; Hues of Happiness Designer Series Paper (158822); Stampin' Seal; Glossy Dots Assortment (158827); Stitched Rectangles Dies (151820); Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; Sticky Notes (Post-it Notes); Tear & Tape Adhesive

Be sure to watch my video all the way through for my bonus tips and ideas. 

Have you seen the product to use to create perfect puffs of snow?

Snowfall Accents Puff Paint is advertised by Stampin’ Up! As a wintry accent for creating perfect puffs of snow. It does do this very well. Simply shake the bottle before using, apply a thin coating to your artwork and use the Heat Tool to transform it into festive 3D snowflake accents.

However, Snowfall Accents Puff paint is not just for snow! This decorative accent can be used for so many more creative accents. Such as:

· Beverage foam – any beverage that has a foamy layer on top – such as a freshly poured mug beer or a root beer float

· Whipped Cream – top off a dessert image or ice cream shake with a topping of fluffy whipped cream

· Marshmallows – add dimension to a s’more dessert image or a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows floating on top

· Bubble Bath – imagine a bubble bath overflowing with bubbles – give those bubbles some dimension & texture with this puff paint

· Clouds – add dimension to images of clouds to emphasize

· Stones – give a stone walkway some dimension by adding puff paint to the stones. Then add color after heat setting with a Stampin’ Write Marker or Blends Marker.

Note: Stampin’ Up! Does warn that applying the paint over a stamped image may cause the ink to smear. I did not experience this, but I suggest you test a sample before applying the paint to a piece of artwork that you have spent a lot of time working on.

***All photos in this post attributed to Stampin' Up! 

3 great ideas for creating the perfect gift set

Stampin’ Up! announced at the beginning of July that it was time to celebrate World Watercolor month and even though July is over, dust off your watercolor pencils  as I have a fab idea using the Stylish Sketches stamp set from SALE-a-bration. 

I also wanted to use the Kraft Note Cards and Envelopes set and was thrilled to discover the gift box included with this set!  It makes the perfect gift!

_{Every great card needs a great base. These Kraft Note Cards & Envelopes get your cards off to a fast start. Precut and scored, they're ready for you to make and send a card. Want to keep it simple? Just stamp an image on the card front. Want to step it up? Stamp, then add embellishments like jewels, ribbon, die cuts—anything you want. The envelopes are also stampable, so don't forget to dress them up, too. These cards and envelopes come in a kraft storage box that you can use to store completed cards.}

_{Check out how to use the Stylish Sketches stamp set to create a Gift Box set!} 

Here's how to make this beautiful gift set. 

Supplies:     

Stamp Set: Stylish Sketches stamp set (159937) Sale-a-bration/Free; Charming Sentiments Bundle (158734)

Cardstock:  Kraft Cards & Envelopes (159247); Tahitian Tide (159261); Basic White (159276); Cajun Craze (119684); Highland Heather (146986)

Designer Series Paper:  Rings of Love 12” x 12” (159939) SAB/Free

Ink:  Tuxedo Black Memento (132708); Tahitian Tide stamp pad (159210)

Miscellaneous:  Foam Adhesive Sheets (152815); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Watercolor Pencils Assortment I (141709); Watercolor Pencils Assortment II (149014); Water Painters (151298); Deckled Rectangles Dies (159173)

Measurements:

• Tahitian Tide: 2 ½” x 3 ½” and 4” x 5 ½” for box top
• Rings of Love DSP: 4” x 5 ½” for box top
• Cajun Craze: 2 ½” x 3 ½”
• Highland Heather: 2 ½” x 3 ½”
• Basic White: 2 ½” x 3 ½” (cut three) plus scrap for sentiment

Instructions:

1. Stamp images from Stylish Sketches on Basic White, color with Watercolor Pencils and blend with the Water Painters.
2. Stamp sentiments on each image.
3. Adhere to Kraft Note Cards with coordinating color underneath as illustrated.
4. Stamp similar image on coordinating Kraft envelope.
5. Assemble gift box.
6. Stamp ‘beyond GRATEFUL’ in Tahitian Tide on Basic White scrap. Adhere to a Foam Adhesive Sheet the same size and cut out with the matching die from the Charming Sentiments Bundle.
7. Die cut the Tahitian Tide cardstock using the second largest die from the Deckled Rectangles Dies. Die cut the Rings of Love DSP woodland design using the third largest die from the Deckled Rectangles Dies.  Adhere these two together and to the top of the gift box.
8. Add ‘beyond GRATEFUL’ to the lower right corner of the box top.
9. Enclose the cards and envelopes in the gift box and give to someone you love.

 

 

Here's a fun way to welcome in a new month!

Did you know that I love to bullet journal? Over the past 3 or 4 years I have been using a bullet journal for my Stampin' Up! business and my life. I post my weekly and monthly goals, I track my exercise and Dutch lessons, my business sales and make notes as I listen to podcasts on growing my social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube and Instagram). 

Last year it hit me that I could be using my Stampin' Up! products in my bullet journal too - getting a bigger BANG for my buck so to speak. I showed you how to use dies on your monthly cover page in this post, and your Stampin' Write Markers to add color to your monthly pages in this blog post. 

I look forward to each new month as it gives me the opportunity to have a fresh look at my Stampin' Up! products for designing my monthly and weekly posts. 

Here's a peek at my July pages. I used the Sweet Songbirds bundle as my inspiration, especially since this is the time of year when I am seeing so many baby birds happily paddling around the canals on my walks each day. 

Make your own singing songbird ensemble with the Sweet Songbirds bundle! Stamp the images in different colors for a custom look—a light pink body, a darker pink wing, and yellow feet. Nestle your birds into the nest image or perch them on top of the branch. With multiple everyday sentiments, you're sure to use this cute stamp set all year long!

Here's my bullet journal July monthly spread:

And here's one of my bullet journal weekly spreads:

Do you bullet journal? If you do, you are welcome to copy my idea, or to use it as a springboard for your own ideas! 

Create a beautiful framed beach scene using your stamps and dies

Did you know that you can create a beautiful beach scene using stamps, ink, paper and dies? I am going to show you how! 

This project was designed using the Paradise Palms bundle - perfect for creating a chill island vibe! 

Put on your favorite tropical tunes and escape to the fun of some sun, sand, palm trees, and coconuts. You can use these stamps to set the scene in so many ways: stamp a single palm tree ripe with coconuts just basking in the warm sunshine or several palm trees together for a coconut grove—you can't go wrong! It's the perfect set for cardmaking with all-occasion sentiments that convey only the warmest of wishes. 

 

This is just one beautiful scene you can create: 

 

Supplies

Stamp sets: Paradise Palms, Waves of Inspiration

Ink: Balmy Blue, Pacific Point, Crumb Cake, Memento Black, Many Marvelous Markers (Soft Suede and Shaded Spruce)

Paper: Thick Basic White, Basic White, Shaded Spruce

Misc: Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, Rectangle Stitched Dies, Palm Dies, Blending Brushes, Foam Strip Adhesives, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals, White Shimmer Paste, Palette Knives, Bone Folder, Silicone Craft Mat, Seal Adhesive, Multi-Purpose Glue.

Non-Stampin Up: Removeable Tape, Sticky Note Pads

Instructions

1. Place the largest and third largest Stitched Rectangle dies onto the 4 X 5 ¼ piece of Thick Basic White. Run through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. Set frame piece aside.

2. Using the cut piece of cardstock from the above, place two pieces of removable tape somewhat centered to create the “water”.

3. Using the Pacific Point Ink and a Blending Brush, pick up the ink and start moving the Blending Brush off on a scrap of paper. Then move in swirly motions towards the area left open for the water. Continue to add ink to get the water the color desired. Once completed remove the tape.

4. Take a sticky note and Paper Snips and cut to create shapes of clouds. Add a piece of removable tape just below the edge of the water. Place the cloud template at the top of the Basic White CS. Using Balmy Blue ink and a Blending Brush start creating clouds-moving the sticky note as needed to create the cloudy sky.

5. Place a clean sticky note at the bottom of the water’s edge covering the water. Using Crumb Cake and a Blending Brush start blending to form the beach. Once you have achieved the color you want, take the Blending Brush with additional ink and blot several areas to give it a darker sandy look.

6. Using the spatula and Shimmer White paste-lightly add a small amount to form the shapes of waves over the water area. Set this aside to dry.

7. Using the Soft Suede Stampin’ Write Marker, color the three palm trees. Add Shaded Spruce ink to the palms using the Stampin Write marker. “Huff” on the stamp to remoisten the ink and stamp onto a scrap of Basic White.

8. Using the coordinating dies run this through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. Take a scrap of Shaded Spruce CS and use the “grass” die to cut a strip. Set aside.

9. Add the form strips to the “frame” and adhere to the center of the card.

10. Add liquid glue to the back of the blended scene and drop into the frame making sure it is centered.

11. Using the Memento Black Ink and the birds from the Waves of Inspiration stamp set, stamp towards the top of the sky.

12. Add Stampin' Dimensionals to the Palm Trees and attach towards the bottom of the sand. Then add the grass using Dimensionals and place over the bottom of the tree trunks.

13. Stamp a sentiment if desired on front or on the inside of the card.

See how to create a simple and colorful keepsake full of cherished memories

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

The Love This Memory Notebook Kit has everything you need to create a simple and colorful keepsake full of cherished memories. And what a fantastic gift idea! 

DETAILS

---

Kit Includes:

• Kit includes one 8-1/2" x 5-1/4" (21.6 x 13.3 cm) kraft notebook
• Includes sticker sheets, washi tape, and printed cards to decorate with
• Includes the exclusive Love This Photopolymer Stamp Set and a Parakeet Party Classic Stampin’ Spot
• Includes Tear & Tape Adhesive to help finish your project
• Coordinating colors: Basic Black, Flirty Flamingo, Mango Melody, Parakeet Party, Pumpkin Pie, Tahitian Tide

Order your kit here!

 

Sara (CEO of Stampin' Up!) shows you this kit in detail! 

 

It was so exciting to see each other again after two years of isolation

This past weekend I attended a Stampin' Up! Netherlands team event - a day full of fun! When we first arrived the room was buzzing with excitement since we hadn't seen each over for over two years! 

We immediately began swapping project ideas (cards and 3D items - see below), and catching up on how everyone is doing. 

I love the generosity of all these creative friends - they brought 'swaps' for everyone, whether they got something in return or not. 

See that striped bag? It had full color instructions for three over-the-top projects that we would make during the day. 

Here are some sneak peeks:

Project 1: a pocket card

Project 2: a card with a surprise inside!

 

Project 3: A Pop-up card:

And of course no team event would be complete without a fun game idea: Name that catalog price! [with $100 in products for the winner! (not me, sad face)]

 

I love these kinds of meetings. I come home with my head FULL of ideas to share with you - on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, in my newsletters and here on my blog. 

If you want to know more about joining my team and ALL the fun, click here. (Tip: there is a FAB bonus this month which will be added to your Starter Kit)


 

Learn how to create charming home decor pieces using a small artist canvas

Hello fellow crafters! I have created many videos showing you how to make beautiful card ideas using the Pierced Blooms dies. In today's video I am going to show you how to use these dies to create a charming home decor piece. Want to see how?

Here's why I think every crafter should have a pack of the Pierced Blooms dies. You can die-cut flowers in several sizes, complete with stitching details, plus the leaves and centres to go with them. They are perfect on handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper crafts - which is what I am going to show you today. I am so sad that this pack of dies is retiring at the end of this month. If you want to see how to use them to make a fun fold card, check out this blog post too. 

 

 

To apply color to this project, try Stampin' Up!s Blending Brushes. You can blend ink beautifully; apply extremely light shades of ink or create soft gradient backgrounds with no lines. Or use them with Decorative Masks or stencils as I did for this project. The velvety soft bristles blend ink perfectly.

 

Here's my Pierced Blooms project - you can learn how to create this at home by watching the video below. It's easy and fun - and would make a great gift idea too! 

 

 

Stamp set: none

 

Inky: Balmy Blue, Sahara Sand

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Balmy Blue: 3 1/2" x 2 1/4"
        Bermuda Bay: 1 3/4" x 3 1/4"; 3 3/4" x 1 1/4"
        Basic White: scrap

Misc: Pierced Blooms dies (154312); Blending Brushes (153611); Small Art Canvas; Gel Medium (optional); Multipurpose Liquid Glue 

Be sure to watch all the way through my video for my bonus tips and design ideas.

 

See how to make an Easter project when you don't have Easter products on hand

Have you ever wanted to make a project only to realize you did not have a stamp set with the sentiment or images for the theme? That’s exactly what happened to me when deciding to create an Easter project - no bunnies, no chicks, no Happy Easter sentiment stamps. 

So, it was time to get inventive and creative with products in my stamp room!  I was able to create a sentiment using word dies and found stamp sets that could fit the theme.  Plus, scraps of cardstock were used for most of the project. What do you think of the “outside the box” ideas for Easter themed gift tags?

 

Supplies

Stamp sets: Word Wishes Dies (149629); Hey Birthday Chick Cling Stamp Set (154464); Birds & Branches Stamp Set (158281)

Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad (132708); Granny Apple Green Classic Stampin’ Pad (147095); Sahara Sand Classic Stampin’ Pad (147117)

Paper and cutting dimensions:

• Flirty Flamingo Cardstock (141416): 1-1/2” x 4” (for a single tag)
• Basic White Cardstock (159276): 2-1/4” x 4” for each tag base plus scrap pieces for stamping hens, chick, eggs
• Scrap pieces of following: Very Vanilla Cardstock (101650), Crumb Cake Cardstock (120593) & Granny Apple Green Cardstock (146990)  

Misc: Birthday Chick Dies (158200); Birds & Mores Dies (152721); Tailor Made Tags Dies (155563); Stampin’ Blends: Daffodil Delight (154883); Pumpkin Pie (154897); Poppy Parade (154958); Bermuda Bay (154878); Sponge Dauber (133773); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Stampin’ Seal (152813)

Optional:

• • Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin’ Pad (147097)
  • Blending Brushes (153611)
  • Adhesive Sheets (152334)

Instructions:

1. Using the largest of the Tailor Made Tags Dies, cut the tag base from Basic White Cardstock.
2. Die cut the words, Happy & Easter (using the Word Wishes Dies), from Flirty Flamingo cardstock. Optional: prior to cutting the cardstock, add a piece of Adhesive Sheet to the cardstock.  This makes it easy to attach to the tag. 
3. Next, stamp one hen and two chick images onto scraps of Basic White cardstock using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad.
   
   Color the hen using the following Stampin’ Blends: body - Daffodil Delight Light & Dark, beak – Pumpkin Pie Dark, Comb & Wattle – Poppy Parade Light
   
   Color the chick using the following Stampin’ Blends: Body – Daffodil Delight Light, beak & legs/feet – Pumpkin Pie Light, hat – Bermuda Bay Light
4. Using the nest stamp from the Birds & Branches Stamp Set, stamp the nest onto a scrap of Granny Apple Green cardstock using Granny Apple Green Classic Stampin’ Pad – stamp off once before stamping onto the cardstock.
5. Use coordinating dies from the Birthday Chick Dies to die cut the hen and chick images. Also, die cut the fence from a scrap of Crumb Cake cardstock.
6. Cut the bird nest using the coordinating die from the Birds & More Dies. Also, cut the 3 eggs from a scrap of Very Vanilla Cardstock.
7. Use a sponge dauber to lightly apply Sahara Sand to the edges of each of the die cut eggs.
8. OPTIONAL: using Blending Brushes, color a sky using Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin’ Pad and color grass using Granny Apple Green Classic Stampin’ Pad.
9. Assemble as follows:
   
   For the Hen/Chick tag: Add the Happy Easter to the top section of the tag leaving room for the hen. Next, attach the fence to the lower portion of the tag.  Finish by adding the Hen and Chick with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
   
   For the Chick/eggs in the nest tag: Add the Happy Easter to the top section of the tag. Adhere the nest to the bottom of the tag leaving a gap at the top to insert the eggs.  Trim the overhanging section of the nest so that sides and bottom are even with the tag.  Insert the eggs into the next using Mini Glue Dots to hold in place.  Complete by adding the chick with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Why not see how to create this quick and easy gift bag idea!

This sweet Hello Ladybug gift bag couldn’t be easier! It’s made with just one-half of a sheet of 12” x 12” Designer Series Paper and then embellished however you like.

Basic Box

Pattern Party Designer Series Paper (“DSP”): 11-1/2” x 6”. With long edge lined up at top of scoring tool, score at 1/2”, 2”, 6” and 7-1/2”; turn so short edge lines up with top of scoring tool and score at 1-1/2” along long edge (see diagram)

Gift Bag Assembly

 

1. Cut and score DSP as shown in the diagram. Fold away from all score lines.

2. Use Tear ‘n Tape or other strong adhesive to attach outside of the 1/2" flap to the inside of the opposite end of DSP, forming a rectangular shape.

3. Stand rectangle on open end with Flaps A thru D facing up. Fold down Flaps A and C; apply adhesive to outside of both flaps and then fold Flap D down to cover the adhesive. It’s helpful at this point to flip the bag around so it’s standing upright and use the rounded end of a bone folder to rub across Flaps A and B, making sure they are securely attached to Flap D.

4. Flip the bag back around to the upside-down position and adhere Flap B over Flap D. That’s it! The basic gift bag is complete!

Decoration

* Hello Ladybug Bundle: Hello Ladybug Stamp Set, Ladybug Builder Punch

* Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pad

* Real Red Classic Stampin’ Pad

* Brick & Mortar Embossing Folder

* Real Red card stock: 3-1/4” x 3-3/4”, plus scrap for ladybug wings

* White card stock: 2-3/4” x 3-1/4”

* Black card stock scrap for ladybug body

* Matte Black Dots for spots on ladybug wings

 

Instructions

1. Stamp Daffodil Delight Daisies on white card stock. Stamp Real Red center in each flower. Emboss card stock with Brick & Mortar embossing folder. Adhere to Real Red card stock.
2. Punch ladybug body from black card stock; punch wings from Real Red card stock. Adhere wings to body and attach to white card stock with Stampin’ Dimensionals. Add self-adhesive Matte Black Dots to wings.
3. Adhere finished piece to front of bag with Stampin’ Dimensionals or Foam Tape.
4. The finishing touch is a red and white polka-dot napkin used in place of tissue paper. Your bag is now ready to insert a small gift for a special friend! (Finished measurements of gift bag are 4” wide x 4-1/2” tall x 1-1/2” deep.

Any time you want to give a sweet little gift, think of these

SWEET LITTLE TREAT BOXES

It’s February!  And time to think about Valentine's Day, and those friends and family members who deserve a sweet treat. Stampin' Up!'s Sweet Little Boxes are perfect for a few chocolates, jewelry, or a gift card.

Sweet Little Boxes

These cute little boxes are easy to assemble and require no additional glue or adhesive! The adhesive strips are already attached. You can find these on page 9 of the new 2022 January-June Mini Catalog as part of the beautiful Sweet Talk Suite. They come in packages of ten. Item #157628

Not Just for Valentines

Although these boxes are included in the Sweet Talk Suite, they can be used for any occasion. Just look at these cute Easter projects. These use the Easter Friends stamp set found on page 27 of the 2022 January-June Mini Catalog and are an example of how you can create a simple project or step it up.

No Holiday Needed

You don't need a holiday to use these boxes. They can be used any time to give a sweet little gift. And, as you can see in the Nuts & Bolts box, the smooth matte finish of these boxes can be stamped and colored. Just be sure to allow time to dry or set the ink with your heat tool.

Keep a package of these on hand so you'll be ready for any opportunity to give someone a Sweet Little Box treat.