Nutz about Stamping

So many options to mix and match you’ll be set all year long, no matter the celebration!

Add a soft touch of elegance to your Christmas and all-occasion crafts with the Fitting Florets Collection! From colour schemes to sentiments and embellishments to dies, these unique products blend and work together so that your homemade cards and crafts fit whatever occasion you might need. Send birthday wishes, express your gratitude, or spread Christmas cheer—with so many options to mix and match you’ll be set all year long, no matter the celebration!

I love Collections - you get everything you need for hours of crafting fun! 

 

Product colours: Balmy Blue, Blushing Bride, Crushed Curry, Evening Evergreen, Night of Navy, Polished Pink, Soft Succulent

 

Here's just one pretty card idea:

And here's how to make it.

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Framed Florets* (161815)
• Cardstock – Basic White (159276), Daffodil Delight (119683), Gold Foil Sheets (132622)
• Stamp Pads –Tuxedo Black Memento (132708), Granny Apple Green (147095),
• Misc. – Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653), Framed Florets Dies* (160623), Gingham Embossing Folder (157627), Paper Trimmer (152392), Take Your Pick Tool (144107), Gold Adhesive-Backed Swirls (161814), White ¼” Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon (151326), Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack (154883), Granny Apple Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack (154885), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stampin’ Seal (152813)

*Get the Framed Florets Bundle (162407), stamp set and dies, for 10% off

Measurements: 

• Basic White (Base): 8 ½” x 5 ½”, scored at 4 ¼”
• Basic White (oval die cut): 4 ½” x 3 ½”
• Basic White (floral die cut): 4” x 2 ½”
• Daffodil Delight (mat layer): 5 ¼” x 4”
• Gold Foil (leaf die cut): 3 ½” x 1 ½”
• Ribbon: 7”

Instructions:

1. Fold the Basic White cardstock in half to form the card base.
2. On the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Machine, emboss the Daffodil Delight cardstock with the Gingham Embossing folder.
3. On the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Machine, die cut an oval from the Basic White cardstock. (Use the smaller oval die from the set). Note:  You will get two pieces when you die cut: the frame and the oval.  
4. On the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Machine, die cut the leaf image from the Gold Foil sheet.
5. On the 4” x 2 ½” piece of Basic White cardstock, stamp the floral spray with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink.
6. Use the Blends markers to colour in the image.
7. On the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Machine, die cut out the coloured floral image with the matching die.
8. Stamp the greeting with Granny Apple Green ink on the Basic White cardstock.
9. Attach the Daffodil Delight cardstock to the front of the card.
10. Attach the oval frame and the stamped oval to the front of the card.
11. Attach gold leaf image to the left side of the oval using glue dots (you just need to attach the bottom of the stem).
12. Attach the stamped and die cut floral image to the bottom of the oval using Dimensionals.
13. Tie the White Seam Binding in a bow and attach it to the right-hand side of oval using Mini Glue Dots.
14. Add three of the Gold Adhesive-Backed Swirls to the front of the card.

Your crafting opportunities are wide open with this card sketch challenge

When I saw this week's sketch challenge, I thought: HUH? So simple. 

 

But there's beauty in simple so I quickly turned my HUH into YEAH! 

This is the perfect time to introduce a brand new bundle, Framed Florets, that you can order now, before it comes out in the next Mini Catalog!

There are so many possibilities with this bundle and I love the birthday phrases, something I was really in need of (shock). 

Are you looking to say it all with flowers that last? These delicate flowers can be used alone for a simple, elegant look. Or put them together in a variety of ways for a fancy floral bouquet—it’s up to you! And the best part? The open, line art images can be custom colored using your favorite Stampin’ Up! coloring technique - cheers for Stampin' Blends, my fave! Pick your favorite florals, then add one of six heartfelt sentiments for a handcrafted card that says it all!

Add an unexpected touch to your next handcrafted card with these Framed Florets Dies. Use them to quickly and easily die-cut a detailed frame and floral embellishments that are perfectly suited for all kinds of sentiments and greetings. The framed dies create detailed edges on both the outer frame and the inside oval, so none of your valuable paper goes to waste!

Tip: click on the photo above to order this gorgeious bundle at my online store! 

Here's just one card idea that you can create using this amazing bundle. 

Just a quick word from the wise (or should I say 'wiser'): Line up your insert oval before stamping the phrase so you are not crookedy like I am here. It still looks fine but keep that in mind. 

Want to see another pretty card I posted using the Framed Florets bundle? Click here!

Now it's your turn. What will you create with this super simple card sketch challenge? If you want to see what the other design crew members created this week, click here to head over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

 

Are you looking to say it all with beautiful flowers that last?

Say it all and more with the BRAND NEW Framed Florets stamp set. These delicate flowers can be used alone for a simple, elegant look. Or put them together in a variety of ways for a fancy floral bouquet—it’s up to you! And the best part? The open, line art images can be custom colored using your favorite Stampin’ Up! coloring technique! Pick your favorite florals, then add one of six heartfelt sentiments for a handcrafted card that says it all!

Add an unexpected touch to your next handcrafted card with these Framed Florets dies. Use them to quickly and easily die-cut a detailed frame and floral embellishments that are perfectly suited for all kinds of sentiments and greetings. The framed dies create detailed edges on both the outer frame and the inside oval, so none of your valuable paper goes to waste!

Tip: click on the photo above to order this bundle now! 

Here's a pretty card idea featuring this new bundle. Simple but beautiful, right?

Supplies:

• Stamps: Framed Florets (161815) bundle and save 10% (162407)
• Card Stock: Thick Basic White (159229); Evening Evergreen (155574); Soft Succulent (155776); Fitting Florets 12” x 12” Designer Series Paper [DSP] (161814)
• Stamp Pads: Soft Succulent (155778)
• Misc: Gold Adhesive-Backed Swirls (161822); Tailor Made Tag Dies (155563); Baker’s Twine Essential Pack (155475); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Multipurpose Glue (110755); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653)

Measurements:

• Basic White: 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” scored at 4-1/4”
• Evening Evergreen: 1-1/2” x 3”
• Soft Succulent: 1-1/2” x 3”
• Fitting Florets DSP: Evening Evergreen Gingham 1-1/2” x 3”; die cut floral image and a couple fussy cut leaves
• White Twine: 16”

Instructions:

1. Die cut the Evening Evergreen, Soft Succulent card stock and the gingham DSP using the 2^nd smallest tag from the Tailor Made Tag dies.
2. Stamp the leaf stamp from the Framed Florets stamp set using soft succulent ink onto the lower left corner of the card front. Stamp it 2 or 3 times so that you can see it peeking out from behind your floral image.
3. Add the die cut tags to the card front.
4. Add the twine to the back of the floral image and add that to the card front using dimensionals.
5. Tuck in a couple fussy cut leaves to fill it out a little.
6. Add three of the gold swirls.

See how to create gorgeous projects with the beautiful flowers using this amazing bundle

Oh yum. I have an amazing card to share with you today, using the Heavenly Hollyhocks bundle! 

 

Celebrate all types of love with the Heavenly Hollyhocks stamp set. You get a variety of phrases you can use to tell someone you’re thinking of them, convey get-well wishes, and so much more. Pair them with the pretty floral images; these flowers are so beautiful, they’re divine!

Create gorgeous projects with the beautiful flowers in the Layering Hollyhocks dies. These detailed blossoms can be used as the focal point on a card, bold accents, and layering elements. Pair them with any greeting to make cards for any season or occasion.

Get this bundle (click on the photo above to head to my online store), and you can make gorgeous cards like this one!

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Heavenly Hollyhocks (158874)
• Card Stock (CS) – Basic Black (121045); Basic White (159276)
• Ink Pads – Tahitian Tide (159210); Tuxedo Black Memento (132708)
• Misc. – Hollyhocks Dies (158879); Polished Pink Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack (155520); Parakeet Party Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack (159220); Matte Black Dots (154284); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Bone Folder (102300); Take Your Pick (144107); Paper Trimmer (152392); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653)

Measurements:  

• Basic Black CS: 4 1/4” x 11”, scored at 5 1/2”;  3” x 5 1/2”
• Basic White CS: 3” x 5 1/2” (2 pieces);  4” x 5 1/4”

Instructions:

1. Burnish the fold in the card base using a Bone Folder.
2. Stamp the three large flowers in Tahitian Tide ink onto one of the 3” Basic White CS pieces.
3. Stamp the sentiment in the lower right corner of the same layer.
4. Cut the other 3” Basic White CS piece with the more solid large die.
5. Cut the 3” Basic Black CS piece with the more detailed large die.
6. Color the Basic White CS die cut with Stampin’ Blends Markers in Polished Pink and Parakeet Party; glue the die cut over the stamped flowers.
7. Glue the Basic Black CS die cut over the colored die cut.
8. Glue the Basic White CS layer onto the front of the card base.
9. Apply three Matte Black Dots onto the Basic White CS layer.
10. Glue the 4” Basic White CS piece onto the inside of the card base.

See how to let your designer paper be the standout feature on your cards

In the midst of the fall excitement and with winter around the corner, I am sure that many of you pop by my blog looking for Thanksgiving or Christmas card ideas. I am also in the full swing of getting ready for Christmas! 

But. 

Everyone in my family has a birthday in November. So of course I need to step away from Christmas card making to create birthday cards to mail. That made me think that perhaps some of you are in the same boat as me. 

Today's Paper Craft Crew card sketch helped me come up with birthday card #1:

 

This is a bit out of the normal layout that I would normally design so that added a bit of a challenge into the mix. Today's card was created for my stepmother, and she LOVES flowers and gardens. Her zen zone is her garden and she spends hours outside puttering about here and there. 

When designing her card I chose the Hues of Happiness paper pack for it's beautiful floral designs. 

I selected a bold pattern for the background layer and kept the rest of the layers plain. And for my phrase I used the Dragonfly Garden stamp set - I am sure you can see why I chose this particular phrase (it's the perfect match!). 

Here's my card:

Now it's your turn: try our card map challenge for the week and see what you can create using it. And if you want to see what the other crew members created, click here! 

And check back here to see birthday card #2 - coming soon!

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

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

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

KIT DETAILS

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Add Ink to the Folder

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

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

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

Emboss Metallic Cardstock

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

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

Add Some Pastels

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

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

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

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

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

Are you nuts about stamping? I definitely am! And it’s easy to go nuts with the Nuts about Squirrels stamp set.

 

This set features two cheeky squirrels that will look adorable scampering across any of your projects. Create a scene using the acorns, leaves, and tree branch. Mix and match the greetings with the images to create cards for birthdays, get well, and thinking of you. Use the Two-Step pieces to add color to your squirrel, add texture to your leaf, or to create a multicolored acorn. Or if you’re feeling especially artistic, you can color the squirrels using your favorite coloring techniques. No matter where you live in the world, you can customize these critters to match the fauna outside your house. Red, gray, brown—these creatures are just plain cute no matter their color.

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

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

 

 

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

And here's what it looks like open:

 

 

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

Supplies

Stamp set: Nuts about Squirrels (156475)

Ink: Evening Evergreen; Soft Succulent

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

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

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

Get ready for another amazing kit to help you keep organized all year long

Get ready for the latest addition to the Kits Collection by Stampin’ Up! The Birthday Card Organizer Kit has everything you need to plan ahead and never forget another birthday again! 

 

KIT DETAILS

---

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

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

 

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

 

 

What 3 colors would you choose for this week's card challenge?

I love a good color challenge because it helps me do something that I don't do very often: color! Which is odd to admit because I find coloring so satisfying - when it's done. So this week I rolled up my sleeves and decided to join the fun: 

 

When I looked at my stamp set collection, however, I realized why I don't color so much. I don't have many line art stamp set; I am more of a stamp and go crafter so most of my collection are solid images that don't take a lot of time to use. 

But. I do have the Happy Hedgehogs set and found a fun image to color. 

I chose of couple of these images and my Stampin' Blends: Crushed Curry, Old Olive and Crumb Cake. I also used 2 Brushed Brass Butterflies as my metallic choice - I deliberately added them a bit 'crooked' so that they look like they are in flight. 

When I first created the layers for my card and laid out the pieces, the base seemed really plain. So as a final touch I used my Splatter embossing folder (from the Stripes & Splatters embossing folder set) to add some texture and detail. 

Here's my card:

And now it is your turn - see what you can create this week using this fun color challenge. And if you want to see what the other design crew members create, click here to head over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

Want to learn the perfect color combinations for fall cards?

Hello everyone! Where I live, fall has arrived and the changing colors have inspired the beautiful birthday card I will be showing you how to make, using my favorite fall ink pad color combinations. I will be using my Leaves of Holly bundle to show you that this stamp set and die pack are not just for Christmas. Shall we get started?

 

First let's have a look at the Leaves of Holly bundle which is the perfect combo to celebrate the season. I will be showing you a card idea but you can use the bundle for tags, and gift boxes with the classic Christmastime foliage.

 

 

 

This is a Two-Step Stampin’ set; it allows you to layer two or more images to create one final image with extra texture and dimension in the colors you want which is what I will be showing you today. (The bundle is also available in French)

For my paper layer I chose an unusual pack: Hues of Happiness. Yes, one side is very floral but the other side is not. So versatile! 

Here's my card. See a list of supplies and measurements and my video tutorial below. 

 

 

 

Supplies

 

Stamp set: Leaves of Holly (bundle #159608); Happiness Abounds (159238)

 

Ink: Real Red, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:

        Basic White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 3" x 4 1/2"; (3) 3 1/2" x 2"; 2 3/4" x 1 1/2" ; 1 3/4" x 1 1/2" 
        Old Olive: (2) 1 1/2" x 2 1/4" 

        Hues of Happiness: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" 

 

Misc: Hues of Happiness designer series paper (158822); Ribbon (optional); Fine Tip Glue Pen (138309); Elegant Faceted Gems (152464)

 

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

 

Have you discovered all the things you can do with this amazing die?

Have you discovered the Dots & Spots die from Stampin’ Up’s! Annual Catalog. It is a hidden gem.

 

This stand-alone die can be run through your Stampin’ Up! Cut & Emboss machine to create an all-over pattern of small holes. Today, I am sharing some ideas for simple projects to create using the die.

 

A Textured Strip

On this card, a narrow strip of dotty card has been layered on top of some Designer Series paper and beneath the sentiment strip. This adds a different texture to the card and draws the eye to the sentiment and the die cut flower from the Hues of Happiness Designer Series Paper.

 

Just In The Background

In this sample, the dots are in Basic White and sitting on a Basic White card base. This creates a great textured background for this stamped and die cut flower and sentiment from the Sending Smiles Bundle.

 

Spots & Stripes

A great idea for using up odd bits of cardstock. Strips of card measuring ½” (1.5cm) wide have been adhered across a 5” x 3 ¾” (13.9cm x 9.5cm) piece of copy paper. The colours used here were Tahitian Tide, Parakeet Party, Sweet Sorbet and Daffodil Delight. This has then been die cut with the Dots & Spots die. The dotty piece was then layered over a 4” x 5 ¼” (14.4cm x 10cm) piece of Basic Black card before being stuck to a Daffodil Delight card base. The black card shows through the holes giving a bold effect.

The sentiments came from the Sending Smiles bundle.

 

A Touch of Metallics

This final card features a mat of dotty Basic Black card layered over some Brushed Metallic Gold card. The “sending” sentiment was also die cut in black and gold, whilst the “all good luck your way” was heat embossed. This gives an elegant look to the card. Of course, you can play around with any colours of metallics and card stock to give different looks.

This is such a fun die and a great addition to your crafty stash.

Celebrate the friends that always make you smile with this playful set

If you are a fan of quirky, playful images, then you are going to love today's fun fold card, using the Glad We're Friends set. 

(click on the stamp set photo to order it at my online store)

This set includes five fun and quirky sentiments that pair perfectly with an animal friend or two. Tap into your pun potential by stamping a cute little corgi with a fan and the message, “I’m blown away by you!” like you see below. The simple line-art images are perfect for adding pops of color customized for each project. Let a loved one know that today is “guinea” be a great day with a guinea pig or two. Keep your crafts lighthearted and fun with so many unique combinations to brighten anyone’s day.

Here's one playful idea - guaranteed to bring a smile:

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Glad We’re Friends (158787)
• Card Stock (CS) – Evening Evergreen (155574); Basic White (159276)
• Ink Pads – Tuxedo Black Memento (132708)
• Misc. – Lovely Linen Designer Series Paper (DSP) (158644); Smoky Slate Stampin’ Blends Marker Combo Pack (154904); Soft Succulent Stampin’ Blends Marker Combo Pack (155521); Petal Pink Stampin’ Blends Marker Combo Pack (154893); Flirty Flamingo Stampin’ Blends Marker Combo Pack (154884); Stylish Shapes Dies (159183); White ¼” Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon (151326); 2021-2023 In Color Opal Rounds (159185); Foam Adhesive Sheets (152815); Stampin’ Seal+ (149699); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Bone Folder (102300); Paper Snips (103579); Take Your Pick (144107)

Measurements:  

• Evening Evergreen CS: 4-1/4” x 8 1/2”, scored at 4-1/4”; 3” x 3”; 2-1/8” x 2-1/8”
• Basic White CS:             4” x 4”, plus scraps for die cutting
• DSP:                                     4” x 4”            

Instructions:

1. Burnish the fold in the card base using a Bone Folder.
2. Glue the 4” x 4” Basic White CS onto the inside of the card base.
3. Lay a 6” piece of ribbon across the DSP layer, wrap the ends to the back, and adhere using Stampin’ Seal+.
4. Tie a second piece of ribbon around the first one, near the left edge, and tie in a bow.
5. Glue the DSP layer onto the front of the card base.
6. Stamp the dog in Memento ink onto a scrap of Basic White CS, then die cut.
7. Stamp the sentiment in Memento ink onto a scrap of Basic White CS, then die cut.
8. Glue the die cut dog image onto the 3” x 3” Evening Evergreen CS.
9. Glue the die cut sentiment onto the 2-1/8” x 2-1/8” Evening Evergreen CS.
10. Close the card and line up the 3” x 3” Evening Evergreen CS at the top, centering it side to side, and extending past the top 1-1/4” (to make it 5-1/2” tall overall.)
11. Adhere it using a piece of Foam Adhesive Sheet cut to size – be sure to put adhesive only on the part that overlaps.
12. Adhere the sentiment over the ribbon using a piece of Foam Adhesive Sheet cut to size.
13. Apply three Opal Rounds, in Soft Succulent and Evening Evergreen, onto the stamped layers using a Take Your Pick tool.

Combining 3 different products can bring an interesting result

I have to admit that the jury is out on today's card that I created using this week's card sketch challenge:

 

I think this challenge is one of the more unique ones and for a while I drew a blank. At first I thought that the paper strips could be designer paper, and they could. But that didn't speak to me so I cancelled out that idea. 

Then I spotted:

 

This canvas-looking Hues of Happiness 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. Or create elegant backgrounds with the color gradient patterned sheets. And that's what I decided to do! 

Fun Fact: If you are on Instagram, check out this official Stampin' Up! video, showing how the Hues of Happiness paper - so cool! 

Right. Paper chosen. 

Next: the strips. I immediately thought of my Sending dies. I chose the shorter tag die which I would use instead of paper strips. 

 

And now for the phrase. That also came easily - from the Beauty of Friendship stamp set:

 

 

Combine these three products and you can make this card too: 

I would love to see what you create using this sketch challenge, especially if you use uneven lengths of the strips. I just couldn't do it - maybe you are braver than I! 

 

Giving a gift? Let this trio of cuteness give you helping hand

It is always exciting when we are introduced to a new catalogue and the range of new products that we are going to be able to add to our collection. Amongst all the beautiful festive bundles in the new July-August Mini-Catalogue are the cute Christmas Scottie Stamp Set and coordinating Scottie Dog Punch.

The Photopolymer Stamp Set features three Scottie Dogs in different poses and a selection of bows, ribbons, a present, some snowflakes and a square tartan stamp. The tartan can be used as a background, as a rug or blanket and to create tartan Scottie dogs.

The coordinating punch matches the standing dog image and the larger of the bows. As well as punching out the stamped image, you can also create fun, bold dogs in a variety of patterns by punching dogs from Designer Series Paper.

This card was created by punching 2 Scottie Dogs from Basic White cardstock. One was turned over to the other side before both dogs were stamped in the Tartan design – one in Cherry Cobbler and the other in Night of Navy.

A Deckled rectangle was cut in Basic White and the sentiment stamped on it in Night of Navy ink. The two dogs were stuck onto the rectangle facing each other. They were each given a bow of the opposite colour. Some Silver Metallic Edge Cotton Ribbon was coloured with a Night of Navy marker and used to wrap around the base of the rectangle. A smaller piece was used to create a knot.

A larger Cherry Cobbler Deckled Rectangle was embossed with the Gingham Embossing Folder. The Basic White layer was stuck to this Cherry Cobbler layer. They were both added to a Night of Navy card base that had been randomly stamped with snowflakes in Night of Navy ink.

A Basic White insert was added to the inside and this too had been stamped with Night of Navy snowflakes.

This delightful Christmas Scottie bundle will make a great addition to your festive crafting supplies this year, so remember to add them to your shopping list.

What products would you use to create a beautiful forest fantasy?

Oohhhh, today's card map challenge is full of possibilities!

I feel I kind of went for the obvious on my card but I LOVE how it turned out. I have a new pack of paper from the July - December mini catalog, called Boughs of Holly and one of the patterns is filled with trees - can you spot it below:

These beautiful papers embrace the classic emerald green and rich reds we love to see at Christmastime with poinsettia, holly, and evergreen motifs. It also includes a more neutral birch tree bark pattern, soft polka dots, and abstract swatches of classic seasonal colors. You can also cut out images for quick textured and detailed layering pieces. Create card fronts, gift tags, scrapbook pages, and more!

But: this paper goes beyond Christmas as you will see below. I think the pattern I chose pairs beautifully with the Majestic Mountain dies!

And here's my challenge card:

And, yes, it is your turn now! Try this week's card map challenge and see what kind of forest fantasy you can create. 

If you want to order these products, click on one of the images above to link over to my online store. If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this week's challenge, click here.