Nutz about Stamping

Do you know how to use blending brushes?

Today I am going to show you how to create a Darling Donkeys card from start to finish using an amazing new tool from Stampin' Up! - Blending Brushes!

Stampin' Up! introduced Blending Brushes on page 70 of the new Mini Catalog. I decided to use my Blending Brushes to create a background of color for today's card. Watch the video below to see how to do this. 

Tip: to clean Blending Brushes, you can use our Shammy, a slightly damp micro fiber (soft) cloth, or run the brush under water. Just know if that when you use water you need to set your brush aside for a while to dry. 

After I decided on the colors to use for blending my background layer I then chose elements for my card front, using the oh-so-cute Darling Donkeys set. If you want to earn this set for free, check out my Darling Donkeys kit offer here. 

I stamped and colored my donkeys using Stampin' Blends and then fussy-cut them out to add to my card.

I also used my new pack of Dandy Wishes dies to create some grass for my card as well. I explain more about this on my video.

 

All these elements add a touch of fun to my card, including the phrase from the Darling Donkeys set. Here's my card:

Here's how to make this cute card:

Stamp set: Darling Donkeys (155264 - FREE with a $5o order)

Ink: So Saffron, Basic Grey, Crumb Cake, Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        So Saffron: 8 1/2" 5 1/2"
        Basic Grey: 5 1/4" x 4"
        Whisper White: 5 1/8" x 3 6/8"
        Old Olive: scraps

Misc: Blending Brushes (153611), Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue, Dandy Garden dies, Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine

Here's my video showing you how to use Blending Brushes - watch for my bonus tips along the way. 

 

If you love sweet treats this is the bundle for you!

Today I have a really fun birthday card idea using the new Sweet Ice Cream bundle!

This set is part of the new Ice Cream Corner suite, on pages 48-49 in the new Mini catalog. The suite includes designer series paper, sprinkles, and ribbon. 

I won the stamp set at Stampin' Up! catalog reveal event last November and know how much fun it is to craft with. 

So, let's get started, shall we? 

 

Here's how to make this fun card:

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Sweet Ice Cream (154456)
• Card Stock – Purple Posy (150881); Gorgeous Grape (146987); Whisper White (100730); Crumb Cake (120593)
• Stamp Pads – Gorgeous Grape (147099); Soft Suede (147115)
• Misc. – Playing with Patterns Designer Series Paper (152490); Stampin’ Seal (152813); Whisper White Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon (151326); Paper Snips (103579); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Stampin’ Write Marker Assortments 2019-2021 (150079); Layering Ovals dies (151771); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653)

Measurements:  

• Purple Posy :           8 1/2” x 5 1/2”
• Gorgeous Grape: 3 ½” x 2 ¼”
• DSP:                         4 1/8” x 5 3/8”
• Whisper White: 3 ¼” x 2 ¼”               4” x 1”             2 ¼” x ½”                   2 ¼” x 1 ½”
• Crumb Cake: 1 ½” x ¾”

Instructions:

1. Fold Purple Posy card base in half and score.
2. Adhere Playing with Patterns DSP to card front.
3. Die-cut Whisper White oval and Gorgeous Grape scalloped oval. Adhere together.
4. Ink ice cream cone ‘stick’ using Soft Suede ink and stamp onto Crumb Cake card stock. Trim using Paper Snips.
5. Ink ice cream bottom using Gorgeous Grape ink and stamp onto Whisper White card stock. Ink ice cream top using Purple Posy marker and stamp onto Gorgeous Grape bottom. Ink dots sprinkles using Gorgeous Grape ink and stamp onto Purple Posy ice cream top. Cut out ice cream image using Paper Snips.
6. Ink phrases using Gorgeous Grape ink and stamp onto Whisper White strips. Create banner ends to each strip using Paper Snips.
7. Adhere ice cream cone ‘stick’ to oval layer. Attach ice cream top using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
8. Adhere phrase banners to card front.
9. Attached Ice Cream Cone oval layer to card front, slightly overlapping banner phrases.
10. Attach Whisper White bow using a Mini Glue Dot.

Do you know how to make a z-fold card?

Happy, crafty new year to you! In today's video I am going to show you a really cute birthday card idea. It has an unusual fold in it and once you know how to make this card, you can try other ideas using the supplies you have on hand. 

I am also going to introduce a new stamp set from the upcoming Jan-Jun Mini Catalog, called Sweet Ice Cream! 

I won this set at Stampin' Up!s On Stage Online event last November and it is such a fun set! Although I will admit that I was less than thrilled when I won it - I didn't understand at the time that the images would be fun to create with. I know now, however, that the phrases are fab and I will use them a lot in the coming months.

In the catalog you can purchase the stamp set separately or bundle it with the Ice Cream Cone Builder punch - which I don't own....yet. 

Here's my z-fold card:

Stamp set: Sweet Ice Cream (154426 OR bundle with punch #156244)

Ink: Coastal Cabana, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Night of Navy, Purple Posy

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Coastal Cabana: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"; 9" x 3"
        Whisper White: (3) 2 3/4" squares; 3 3/4" x 1"; 6" x 1 1/2" (for ice cream cone tops)
        Playing with Patterns: 5 1/4" x 4"

Misc: Playing with Patterns Designer Series Paper  (152490); Stampin' Dimensionals; Simply Scored; Multi-purpose Liquid Glue; Playing with Patterns ribbon combo pack (152468), Mini Glue Dots; embellishments (optional)

Here's the card open - you can see the extra embellishments I added after my video ended:

Here's my video - watch all the way through for my BONUS tips!

What is it like to have a birthday this time of year?

Did you know that my family - every one of them! - has a birthday in November? Except me - I am a Leap Year Baby, yes 29 February!

I often wonder: what is it like to have a birthday this time of year? Halloween and the candy buzz has ended and now everything is all a-buzz about Thanksgiving, Black Friday Sales, and getting ready for Christmas. 

I sometimes think that birthdays in November and December get lost in the mix so each year I sit at my crafting table to give some creative thought to making a special card for everyone in my family. 

Which brings around to this Curvy Birthday card idea. You did know about this special promotion, right? 

There are bunches of products as part of this promotion so if you want to read all about it, click here to see my blog post. What I want to focus on is this bundle, which is part of the promotion. It's called Quite Curvy:

There are so many pretty card ideas that you can create with this bundle and here's just one of them. Perfect for a special family member this month!

Quite Curvy birthday card

Here's how to make this pretty card:

Supplies:

• Stamps – Quite Curvy (154430); or Quite Curvy Bundle (156228)
• Ink Pads – Tuxedo Black Memento (132708)
• Card Stock – Coastal Cabana (131297); Whisper White (100730); Night of Navy (100867); Misty Moonlight (153081); Purple Posy (150881)
• Misc. – Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Wreath Builder Dies (152722); Curvy Dies (154319), Mini Glue Dots (103683);    Playing with Patterns 6”x6” Designer Series Paper (DSP) (152490); Wrapped in Texture Embossing Folder (153574), Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue (110755); Bone Folder (102300); Paper Snips (103579); Paper Trimmer (152392); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108); Stampin’ Blends Combo Packs: Pool Party (154894); Crumb Cake (154882)

Measurements: 

• Coastal Cabana: 5 ½” x 8” scored at 4”, scraps
• Playing With Patterns DSP: 1 ¾” x 4 7/8”
• Night of Navy: 3 ¾” x 5”, scraps
• Misty Moonlight: scraps
• Whisper White: 4” x 5 ¼”; 3” x 4 7/8”, scraps;
• Purple Posy: scraps
  
  

Instructions:           

1. Fold Coastal Cabana card base in half on score line. Flatten fold with bone folder.
2. Die cut 3” x 4 7/8” piece of Whisper White with the wavy dotted die from the Curvy dies. Pay attention to placement so that the cutting edge is closest to the long edge of Whisper White.
3. Place the “wishing you the happiest of birthdays” stamp on the clear block. Check the curvature of the text to the die cut edge prior to applying ink. Adjust the curve of the text to follow the curve of the holes on the die cut. Stamp text in black ink.
4. Adhere DSP to the bottom edge of Night of Navy card stock. Adhere the Whisper White die cut to the top edge of the Night of Navy card stock.
5. Stamp two birds on scraps of Whisper White card stock & color with Pool Party and Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blends. Die cut the birds with coordinating dies from the Curvy dies.
6. Die cut 2 each of Coastal Cabana and 2 each Misty Moonlight leaf branches with the die from Curvy dies. Die cut flower with Purple Posy scrap with flower die from the Wreath Builder dies. Die cut Night of Navy flower center with die from the Wreath Builder dies. Emboss the flower center with the Wrapped In Texture Embossing Folder.
7. Adhere the leaves to the upper right side of card front – see picture for placement. Adhere flower center to flower with multi-purpose glue. Adhere flower to card front with mini dimensionals.  Adhere birds to card front with multi-purpose glue.
8. Stamp remaining 4” x 5 ¼” piece of Whisper White as desired and adhere to inside of card.

Let me show you how to use up your colorful paper strips

For today's card and video, I am going to show you a really fun technique for making a birthday card that uses up all those paper strips that I know you have lying around. 

I absolutely love the Forever Greenery paper - I have almost used up an entire pack in the past three months - very unusual for me! The greens in it are fantastic together:

• Old Olive
• Garden Green
• Just Jade
• Pear Pizzazz
• Shaded Spruce
• Soft Sea Foam
• Pretty Peacock

 

Did you know that Stampin' Up! is having a paper sale this month? The Forever Greenery pack is just one of 15 that are discounted for a short time only! Click here for the juicy details! 

As this birthday card is going to my step-mother, I know really well how much she loves the color green. So that is why I chose the Forever Greenery paper for her card. I always try to match colors and designs with the person for whom I am creating a card. How about you? 

My stepmother loves to quilt and she often using the paper piecing quilting technique to create gorgeous quilts. So this paper piecing card technique is a perfect match!

One essential tool for this project is a Paper Trimmer:

Our Paper Trimmer cuts like butter - perfect for cutting and scoring paper for card making, scrapbooking, and other paper crafts. The extra-wide 7-3/4" (19.7 cm) cutting base and extendable 17" (43 cm) ruler accommodate large paper projects. The base of the paper trimmer includes both imperial and metric measurements, and the base has a midpoint ruler for small paper projects. The ruler and paper restraint snap into place for easy transport. A durable plastic cover protects the ruler and grid so measurements won’t wear off. It comes with 1 paper cutting blade and 1 paper scoring blade. Replacement cutting blades are available (sold separately).

You will see in my video below how to prepare the paper strips using the Paper Trimmer. The rest is super easy! 

Here's my Forever Greenery Paper Piecing technique birthday card: 

Stamp set: Best Year (152568)

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 3 3/4" x 5"
        Just Jade: 5 1/4" x 4"
        Forever Greenery: 5 strips: 12" x 12"; each strip cut 1/2" wide

Other: Woven Threads Sequins (149498); Forever Greenery designer series paper (152492); Fine Tip Glue Pen; Multipurpose Liquid Glue (154974); Paper Trimmer (152392)

And here's my video - thanks for watching!

See how bright paper can make your cards shine

You know those times when you make a card, you sit back and say - wow! I love what I made! That's what happened to me this week for this Paper Craft Crew card map challenge: 

At the same time this card map challenge was posted I was thinking of a birthday card that I wanted to make for my sister. I was digging through my designer paper stash and spotted the polka dots paper in the Trimming the Town paper pack. Immediately I thought that this bright paper would be perfect for the card background. 

Christmas paper can be used for so many other card themes - if you choose the right pattern of course. Polka dots are perfect for many occasions and I love the bright Poppy Parade color. Decision made. 

Next, the stamp set. After digging a bit more I chose my Painted Poppies bundle. 

I love poppies and know that if I used my Poppy Parade Stampin' Blends to color the larger poppy and make it the focal point on my card it would really pop. Everything fell into place quite quickly after this point. The 'happy birthday' phrase comes from the Timeless Tulips stamp set - I use this phrase a lot on my cards because it is the perfect size and I really like the font as well.  

Here's my card, what do you think? Do you love it as much as I do? 

If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this week's card map challenge, click here. We would love to your to try our map and invite you to add your card to the Paper Craft Crew site using the link we provided. It's fun to share our ideas!

How to do the fabulous watercolor wash technique

It is a rainy and miserable day here today so what better thing to do than learn a new stamping technique! Once you know this technique you can use it for a variety of occasions!

For my card I use the Tasteful Touches stamp set. From the moment I saw this set, I was smitten! 

I love the designs and phrase font - I think this set is so unique. 

For the Watercolor Wash technique you need to use Watercolor Paper as it has the weight needed to take lots of color and not shred or disintegrate. 

Our Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper is a thick paper designed especially for watercoloring. It is cold-pressed, archival cotton paper. I show in my video below how to create a watercolor wash, along with some bonus tips for your design. 

Here's my card:

Here's what you need to make this card. You can click on the stamp set and watercolor paper photos above to link directly over to my online store. 

Stamp set: Tasteful Touches (152662)

Ink: Gorgeous Grape

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Gorgeous Grape: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
        Whisper White: 5 3/8" x 4 1/8"; 3 1/4" x 3 1/2"
        Watercolor: 3 3/4" x 5"

Other: Watercolor paper (149612); Stampin' Dimensionals; Snowflake Sequins (150443); Stitched Labels dies (146828); Stampin' Spritzers (126185); Whisper White Crinkled Seam Binding (151326); Fine Tip Glue Pen; Stampin' Seal; Clear Block; Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine, paintbrush

Here's my video - thanks for watching!

You need to learn the fabulous color blocking technique

It's time to learn a new technique - or to try an oldie but goodie. I am calling it the color blocking technique because I am not sure if there is an official name - likely there an official name out there somewhere. 

To create your own card, there is a list of products and measurements below but I do want to feature a few necessary products:

1. Watercolor paper: 

Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper is a thick paper designed especially for watercoloring. Cold-pressed, archival cotton paper. Natural white color with subtle texture.

* 10 sheets
* 5" x 7" (12.7 x 17.8 cm)
* Acid free

2. Stamping Sponges - don't miss the tip in my video below about how to use these. 

 

The easy way to apply Stampin' Ink for a colored effect.

* 3 sponges
* 2-3/4" (7 cm) diameter

And that's it. Once you have these items you can create and re-create cards using this fabulous technique. 

To add a phrase to my card I used the Best Year stamp set:

And for embellishments and to die-cut the phrase I used my Painted Poppies bundle:

Here's my Poppy Parade Color Blocked card:

 

Stamp sets: Best Year (152568); Painted Poppies bundle (153827)

Ink: Poppy Parade; Bumble Bee; Flirty Flamingo; Memento Tuxedo Black

Stampin' Blends: Poppy Parade (154958), Basic Black (154843)

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Cherry Cobbler: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
        Bumble Bee: 4" x 5 1/4"
        Watercolor: 3 3/4" x 5"; two pieces 2" x 1 1/2"

Other: Fluid 100 Watercolor paper (149612); Stamping Sponges (141337); Woven Threads Sequin Assortment (149498); Bumble Bee Gingham ribbon (153658); Stampin' Seal; Stampin' Dimensionals; Mini Glue Dots; die-cutting machine, washi tape

Here's my video - leave me a comment to let me know if you will try this technique and if you do, what three ink pad colors will you try for your card? 

 

Thanks for dropping by! 

How to boost your crafting mojo

Ready for another Pick Five challenge? I hope that this challenge inspires your creative juices and boosts your crafting mojo as you dig through your stash. 

Here's what you need to use if you join this challenge. 

Pick Five:

1. tag(s)
2. Ribbon
3. Flower(s)
4. the color pink
5. Layering

The reason I love challenges like this is that they help me look at my crafting supplies in new or different ways. I find myself dusting off products I haven't used in a while, such as my medium Daisy Punch:

I was also inspired by a sheet of my Plaid Tidings paper. 

This sheet uses Melon Mambo (pink!) and the Bumblebee color in the same plaid quickly inspired me to think about daisies. The rest, almost was easy!

The one piece of the challenge that I struggle with was the tag. I decided to make one and add it to the phrase I used on my card. The phrase comes from the Sending Sunshine set. Funny (or not), but when I bought this set I was not sure the I would ever use it. I use it all the time!

All the pieces fell together quite easily, much to my surprise. Here's my Pick Five card:

Why not give our Pick Five challenge a try, and boost your crafting mojo? It's so much fun! 

What comes to mind when I say Vacation Paradise?

When I hear vacation paradise so many places come to mind. I think Greece beats out Malta, Spain, and Hawaii out by a slight edge. There are so many countries I have yet to visit, but for now vacation paradise = Santorini. Here are just 2 photos from my trip there: 

https://www.typepad.com/site/blogs/6a00e54facd573883300e54facd5758833/post/6a00e54facd5738833026bde88b501200c/edit?saved=e#

Now that I have you in a vacation paradise mood, what will you create using today's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge?

I love the bright colors in the challenge but you don't have to use them for this challenge. For my card I was guided by my paper choice - which was Playing with Patterns:

And the stamp set I chose was a no-brainer - Waterfront:

I combined these products to make my colorful vacation paradise challenge card:

This was so fun to create and I 'aged; the top layer and the entire card base by sponging Crumb Cake around all sides. 

Now it is your turn - what will you create that shows a vacation paradise? If you want to see what the other crew members created for this challenge, click here. 

 

Here's an easy way to make a card

Have you seen my first Pick Five challenge card? I had so much fun making that card that when I saw this weekend's Pick Five I decided to jump right in again. 

Here are the five products we had to use?

-a tag

-staples

-washi tape

-something green

-twine or string

 

I really like the idea of mandatory products that we have to use because it forces us to look through our crafting supplies with new eyes. 

 

Here's what I chose:

 

- the tag was from the Tasteful Labels dies

 

Tasteful Labels Dies
$31.00

 

 

 

 

- the staple - well that is obvious isn't it?

 

- washi tape - this is where I got completely stuck. I freely confess that I dug through some old stash and found a pack of unopened washi tape that was a birthday present from some friends this year. And two strips matched the colors I had decided to use on my card.

 

- something green: I just got the Coming Home bundle and immediately thought that I would die-cut the trees using Just Jade. A perfect match to the washi tape, color-wise!

 

 

This bundle is not available for purchase just yet - it will be on 4 August when the next Mini Catalog goes live. You are going to love it!

 

Back to the Pick Five: 

 

- twine or string: Linen thread! 

 

I chose an extra element for my card because I thought the background was a little plain. I took the Night of Navy layer and embossed it using the Dainty Diamonds embossing folder:

Dainty Diamonds 3D Embossing Folder
$9.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pattern is subtle but also very pretty. Unusual for my card design but it just works. 

 

Here's my Coming Home Pick Five card: 

 

 

Why don't you give this idea a try? Take the Pick Five challenge and see what you can come up with. 

How to rock a card map challenge

Today's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge is simple to follow but I am going to show you how to go beyond the basics and make it rock. 

The elements on this map are pretty basic:

 

The first thing I decided was that the main background to my card would use the Forever Greenery designer paper. I just didn't want a plain background that the card map indicates. Yes, I could add a wash of color like on the map but I have some amazing paper and wanted to use it. And using a background design is one way to rock a card. 

Another part that helped me decide to use designer paper was the leaf image in the background. I knew that I could stamp a background but I could also use one of the Forever Flourishing dies. So I chose a die and then matched it to a piece of the Forever Greenery paper. 

Next it was time to choose a phrase and the Best Year stamp set was a good fit because of the phrase layouts - most are horizontal and would match the rectangle element on the map. 

Best Year Cling Stamp Set (English)
$20.00

 

 

 

 

Rather than use scalloped rectangles I decided on a more modern touch to rock my card: Rectangle Stitched dies. 

The strip across the front is the same designer paper that I used in the background - and it makes a nice contrast. I could have used a plain cardstock strip, but a pattern is yet another way to rock my card. 

The final touch? Four greenish sequins from Whale of a Time. I have used this new pack a lot in the past week. It seems like the colors of the sequins are a great match for many designer papers in the Annual Catalog. 

Ready to see my card? 

Now it is your turn - try this week's card map challenge and see what you will create. And make sure you add elements that will rock your card too!

If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge click here. 

You don't want to miss this sweet card

Do you know someone who is a dog or a cat lover? If you do then I have such a sweet card to share with you today. It is simple to create and keep in mind that you can change the phrase to match the occasion you need. 

In the Annual Catalog that was released on 3 June, there is a cute bundle for those who are pet lovers, called Pampered Pets, (page 42).

Pampered Pets Bundle
$39.50

 

 

The images are super fun and the first time I spotted the set I smiled and thought to myself: now that is going to be one popular set! The bundle is part of a larger suite, called Playful Pets. 

 

 

The paper in the suite is also super cute and even better - you can die-cut some of the images instead of stamping on cardstock!

Playful Pets Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

 

 

So now that you have an introduction to this suite and all it's fun bits and pieces, here's the card. See below to see how it's made:

Supplies:

• Stamp sets: Pampered Pets Bundle (154069)
• Cardstock & Paper: Basic Black (121045), Smoky Slate (131202), Real Red (102482), Whisper White (100730), Playful Pets Designer Series Paper (152490)
• Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento (132708)
• Miscellaneous: Subtle 3D Embossing Folder (151775), Playful Pets Trinkets (152465), Paper Trimmer (152392), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Bone Folder (102300), Paper Snips (103579), Die-Cut and Embossing machine.
  
  

Measurements:

• Basic Black card base: 5-1/2” x 8-1/2”, scored at 4-1/4” then folded on the crease with the Bone Folder
• Smoky Slate: 2-1/2” x 5-1/4”
• Real Red: 1-1/2” x 5-1/2” plus scrap
• Whisper White: 4” x 5-1/4” plus 1” x 3”

 

Instructions:

1. Run the Smoky Slate cardstock through your embossing machine using the Subtle 3-D folder. Adhere to the base card, lining up on the right side, leaving ¼” on the right.
2. Run the Real Red Strip through your die-cut machine several times, cutting out the paws die at different angles. Adhere to left side of base card, making sure it covers the Smoky Slate piece.
3. Stamp the sentiment onto the 1” x 3” piece of Whisper White cardstock using the Black ink. Flag notch left side using your Paper Snips and adhere to the base card with Dimensionals.
4. Using your die-cut machine, cut out the dog image using the appropriate Pets die.
5. Stamp the dog bowl onto the scrap of Real Red cardstock and cut out using your Paper Snips.
6. Adhere dog & bowl to the base card as desired using Multipurpose Liquid Glue. Add one of the Playful Pet trinkets to the dogs color using a small amount of Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
7. If desired, adhere the Whisper White mat to inside of card.

Join the fun with our easy pick five challenge

By now you will likely know that I love a good card challenge, whether it be a card map, a color challenge or recently a 'Pick Five' challenge. 

I think I love these challenges because they stretch my creativity, I learn new things and I become super motivated to craft. 

This weekend another Pick Five challenge was posted. Here are the five items we were to use:

• something gold
• 1 star (minimum)
• blue paper
• ribbon/twine
• torn paper

I had no problem with any of these items this week. I immediately thought of the Stitched Stars dies:

Stitched Stars Dies
$38.00

 

 

 

I love the faux stitched edges on may of these dies - they add a touch of elegance to your projects. 

So, that covers the star requirement. Next: blue. That was a no-brainer for me. I know I wanted to use Night of Navy for my card base. And...this week I got a new embossing folder. It's called: Dainty Diamonds - I love how pretty the design is! I used it for the card base because I wanted some additional visual interest. (not a requirement for the Pick Five challenge though)

Dainty Diamonds 3D Embossing Folder
$9.00

 

 

 

 

Next I dug through my designer paper stash and found a sheet of World Of Good paper that was Night of Navy and has copper elements in the design. I chose a strip for my card front and tore it, which checked off another requirement. 

World Of Good Specialty Designer Series Paper
$15.00

 

 

 

 

That choice, then, helped me decide that my stars would be die-cut using the Copper Foils sheets. (I have used Copper Foil a ton lately - two sheets in a pack go a very long way) 

My last requirement was ribbon/twine. I recently purchased a pack of ribbon called Playing with Patterns and it has a bolt of Night of Navy in it - see how things fell into place so nicely? (the other two colors are Purple Posy and Coastal Cabana)

 

Playing With Patterns Ribbon Combo Pack
$10.50

 

 

 

Here's my Pick Five challenge card:

Why not join our Pick Five challenge and see what you can create this week. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you will end up with. I know I was!

Celebrate a special holiday with a colorful card

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! I hope that you and your loved ones have plans for a safe and healthy celebration today. I know how hard it must be to curtail all the festivities but it is better to be safe today and not sorry tomorrow (or in two week's time)

So if you are staying indoors, I have a really fun and colorful card idea to share with you, using the Celebrate Sunflowers bundle:

Celebrate Sunflowers Bundle (English)
$51.25

 

 

 

 

 

Honor and celebrate friendship with heartfelt sentiments and a stunning set of sunflower images in this bundle.

Tip: each of these items stands alone - I know of Stampin' Up! demonstrators that just bought the stamp set or just bought the dies - and both groups are very happy with their decisions.

Second Tip: did you know that you can purchase a designer paper pack for the new In Colors? You can see two of the patterns in today's card. 

2020–2022 In Color 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

 

 

 

Here's the colorful Celebrate Sunflowers card I promised, including a photo below that show what the inside will look like. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Celebrate Sunflowers Stamp Set (152517)
• Card Stock – Just Jade (153079); Bumblebee (153077); Cinnamon Cider (153078), Early Espresso (119686) Whisper White (100730),
• Stamp Pads – Misty Moonlight (153118)
• Misc. – Holiday Rhinestones (150457); Faux Suede Trim (152472); White Polka Dot Tulle (146912); Dimensionals (104430); Glue Dots (103683), Sunflower Dies (152704); 2020-2022 In-Color Designer Series Paper (153070); Lovely Label Pick a Punch (152883); Stampin’ Seal+ (149699)

Measurements:  

• Just Jade Card Base:             6 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored at 4 1/4”
• Whisper White Cardstock:             4” x 5 1/4”  &  3” x 1/2"       
• Bumblebee Cardstock: 6 3/4” x 4 1/2” scored at 3 1/2"
• Bumblebee Cardstock: 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" (for sunflower)
• Cinnamon Cider Cardstock: 1 3/4" x 1 3/4” (for sunflower center)
• Just Jade Cardstock: 1 1/2” x 1 1/2” (2 for leaf outline and solid)
• Early Espresso cardstock scrap: for sunflower center
• Just Jade DSP:                         2” x 5 1/4"
• Bumblebee DSP:                         3" x 4 1/4"
• Magenta Madness DSP: 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
• Faux Suede Trim: 13”
• Polka Dot Tulle: 2”

Instructions:

1. Score and fold the Just Jade cardstock base
2. Adhere the Whisper White layering piece to the Just Jade card base
3. Adhere the Just Jade DSP to the front panel of the Just Jade card base
4. Score and fold the Bumblebee card layer
5. Adhere the Bumblebee DSP to the front panel of the Bumblebee card stock with dimensionals
6. Die cut all the pieces of the sunflower, using the Magenta Madness DSP for the solid sunflower base, the Bumblebee cardstock for the sunflower outline, the Cinnamon Cider for the sunflower center, the Early Espresso for the center of the sunflower, and the Just Jade for the leaves.
7. Punch the Whisper White strip in the Lovely Labels Pick a punch on both ends
8. Stamp the label with the sentiment in Misty Moonlight ink
9. Adhere the stamped label to the front of the Bumblebee DSP with dimensionals
10. Assemble the sunflower using Seal+ and a dimensional for the Early Espresso center
11. Attach the leaves with Glue Dots
12. Attach the assembled sunflower to the Bumblebee DSP with dimensionals
13. Place the 2 rhinestones on the front layer of the card
14. Tie a knot with the Faux Suede trim, incorporating the White Polka Dot Tulle in before tying the second knot.

 

Here's a peek at the inside - there are so many possibilities for the inside, aren't there?