Nutz about Stamping

Here are 3 easy gift cards that you can make throughout the year.

Everyone needs gift card holders. They are fun to receive and creating a handmade card for these gifts makes someone’s day. Here are 3 easy gift cards that you can make throughout the year.   

Gift Card One

Stampin’ Up! Supplies

• Stamps – Celebrate Sunflowers
• Paper – Soft Succulent CS, Fitting Florets DSP, Basic White CS
• Ink – Night of Navy
• Accents – Open Weave Soft Succulent Ribbon, Handmade Tag Punch, Adhesive, Bone Folder, Stampin Dimensionals, Tear-N-Tape, and Solid Faceted Gems.

Cutting and Scoring

• Soft Succulent Cardstock – 4” x 8-1/2” card base, scored at 2” and 6”
• Fitted Florets DSP – 1-7/8” x 3-7/8”, 2-3/8” x 3-7/8”
• Basic White Cardstock - about 3” x 3”, 3-7/8” x 3-7/8”
• Ribbon – 23”

Directions

• Crease the scored area of the card base
• Adhere the layered DSP to the card base
• Stamp your sentiment on the smaller piece of basic White CS. Take the Handmade tag punch and center the sentiment, and punch
• On the side of the flap, add tear-n-tape
• Tie a bow with your ribbon below the top flap of the card.
• Stamp the 2nd sentiment to the larger Basic White piece. Adhere to the back of the gift card. (Make sure you adhere the card to the ribbon, so it doesn’t move when opened.)
• Add Dimensionals to the punched sentiment. It will hang over, place it where you want it before you secure its own
• The gift card will be horizontal

Gift Card Two – Gift card with pocket inside

Stampin’ Up! Supplies

• Stamps – Peaceful Moments
• Paper – Real Red CS, Perfectly Penciled DSP, Basic White CS, Basic Black CS
• Ink – Real Red
• Accents – Matte Black Dot, Adhesive, Bone Folder, Stampin Dimensionals, Tear-N-Tape, Label Me Lovely Punch, Mini Glue Dots, Mini Ruffled Ribbon.

Cutting and Scoring

• Basic White Cardstock – 4-1/4” x 11” card base, scored at 5-1/2” and 9”, scrap paper for punch, 3-1/4” x 3-3/4”
• Perfectly Penciled DSP – 3-1/4” x 3-3/4”,1-1/4” x 3-3/4”
• Real Red Cardstock – 4” x 3-1/2” cut 2, 1-1/2” x 4” cut 2
• Basic Black Cardstock – 1-3/8” x3-7/8” cut 2, 3-3/8” x 3-7/8”
• Ribbon – 10”

Directions

• Crease the scored area of the card base

• You will use the front Black and Red CS and punch in the middle with the punch. (This is a great way to save on paper)

• Tuck your 2” flap to the inside and add the red and black layer
• Center the punch, about a fourth of the way, and punch. This will be where you store the gift card. Using tear-n-tape adhere to the sides.
• Decorate the front of the card. Adhere the layers to the front of the card.
• Adhere the layers to the right side of the base card
• On the inside, adhere to the black and red CS.  
• Stamp the Sentiment on scrap paper and punch it out. (You should have a punched piece of white, red, and black.)
• Stamp the sentiment to the inside basic white CS and adhere to the inside of the card
• Adhere to the back of the basic white punch piece and adhere to the real read. Make sure you have some layered at the top. Do the same thing with the basic black punch piece.
• Adhere to the front with Dimensionals
• Add your Matte Black Dots and tie your ribbon and add it to the centerpiece with a glue dot
• Viola, you are done!

Gift Card Three - Box Gift card

Stampin’ Up! Supplies

• Stamps – Best Year
• Paper – Night of Navy CS, Fitting Florets DSP, Basic White CS, Balmy Blue CS
• Ink – Night of Navy
• Accents – Tailor Made Tags Dies, Starry Skies Metallic Woven Ribbon, Adhesive, Bone Folder, Stampin Dimensionals, and Tear-N-Tape.

Cutting and Scoring

• Night of Navy Cardstock – 5” x 6-1/2” scored on the 6-1/2 side at 3 -1/4” card base, 1-1/2” x 3-1/4”, 3” x 5-1/2” scored on 3” ide at 1-1/2”
• Fitted Florets DSP – 1-1/4” x 5-1/4”, 4-7/8” x 3-1/8”, different piece of DSP cut at 1-3/8” x 3-1/4”
• Basic White Cardstock - 3-5/8” x 3-7/8”, scrap paper for the Taylor made tags die
• Balmy Blue Cardstock – 1-3/8” x 5-3/8, 3-3/4” x 4”
• Ribbon – enough to tie a bow

Directions

• Bottom piece

1. Fold the card in half and crease it well
2. Adhere DSP
3. In the middle, add the smallest night of navy card stock. Adhere to the layer of DSP
4. Adhere the sides together with tear-n-tape

• Middle piece

1. Stamp your sentiment on the basic white. (Tip-leave room for the top to attach to the cardstock.)
2. Adhere to balmy blue cardstock

• Top piece             

1. Adhere to the layers on the top of the card
2. Put the Middle piece in the bottom holder. (I hope your sentiment doesn’t show)
3. Put a piece of tear-n-tape at the top of the middle piece and add the top.

1. Adhere to the sides of the top piece
2. Your top and piece should slide in and out of the bottom as one
3. Stamp your “Happy Birthday” on the scrap piece of basic white and die cut with the second smallest decorative tag
4. Adhere the top of the tag on the top piece with Dimensionals
5. Tie a bow with ribbon and attach it to the tag with a glue dot

You have completed all three gift cards!   

Here's how to surprise your hard-to-buy-for friend this Christmas

Hi fellow crafters. Do you have a hard to buy for friend and you are not sure what what to get them for Christmas this year? Today's project will help you solve that problem. I will be using my Boughs of Holly paper and Holly Berry stamp set. Shall we get started?

 

Nothing suits this project better than the 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 use this particular pattern for my project as it will be the perfect match.

 

 

Celebrate the season with the elegant Leaves of Holly stamp set. From simple touches to elaborate designs, garnish your seasonal cards, tags, and gift boxes with this classic Christmastime foliage. You can stamp either the base leaf stamp or detailed leaf stamp alone for quick greenery. Or take advantage of the Two-Step design to create images with added texture and dimension. Try out different color combinations on your leaves and berries to create beautiful boughs of holly. Make beautiful crafts, “From Our Home to Yours” and spread the “Peace & Joy” of the season.

 

 

Here's my fun Christmas gift project idea:

Here's what you need to make it at home: 

 

Stamp set: Leaves of Holly (bundle: 159608)

 

Ink: Shaded Spruce

 

Paper and cutting dimensions
        Shaded Spruce: 3" x 1 3/4"; 3 1/4" x 2 1/4"; 8 1/2" x 9" 
        Boughs of Holly: 4" x 8 6/8" 
        Mossy Meadow: scraps 
        Basic White: 4" x 3" 

 

Misc: Boughs of Holly Designer Series Paper (159600); Tear & Tape Adhesive; Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels (158987); Adhesive Sheets

 

Here's my video - be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design ideas and watch for me to share a fun insert idea! 

 

 

If you want to get a Stampin' Up! gift certificate for your crafty friends, email me at: terri@nutzaboutstamping.com and I am happy to help make that happen! 

Dislike gift wrapping? Then try these 4 fun ideas instead

Dislike Gift Wrapping?

If you are like me, you dislike gift wrapping.  Stampin’ Up! has some great treat bags that can be used for smaller gifts and with a little of the right designer paper, some scissors or a die, you can make your own originals.  These work great for small gifts and are food safe.  You can find these on page 140 in the 2022-23 catalog.

Kraft Gift Boxes

You can decorate this using the Sweet Christmas Designer Series Paper and the greetings is from the Santa’s Express Memories & More cards.  Use the Iridescent trim from the Santa’s Express Suite.  If you want to use it as a box, put a wide Belly Band on it to cover the window.

The Embossed Treat Bags are great to use for a small gift bag.  #159251

This is decorated using the DSP Santa’s Express and tied with the real red cotton ribbon.  This bag can be decorated in many ways, even a stamped card.

The Peek a Boo Bag Is best used for candy or a baked treat.  They do not hold much.  These would make good table decorations and individual treats.  These have both white and craft bags.  159252

Use the Santa Express Designer Series Paper to decorate this bag.

The last idea uses the Delicate Details Treat Bag # 159148

This is decorated with the Boughs of Holly Designer Series Paper.  The flowers are fancy cut and you can add extra leaves.  Tie it all up with Evening Evergreen ribbon.

 A little designer paper, scissors, a little glue ,and embellishments can turn the Stampin’ Up! treat boxes and bags into some fun fill Christmas wrap.

Materials:

Kraft Gift Boxes

Peekaboo Treat Bags

Embossed Treat Bags

Delicate Details Treat boxes

DSP: Boughs of Holly, Santa’s Express, and Sweet Christmas

Misc.: Scissors, Adhesives, and Ribbon

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.

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. 

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

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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!