Nutz about Stamping

See how to let your paper do the talking

If you have bright, distinctive paper and you don't know what to do with it, I have the perfect card idea for you today, using the Silhouette Scenes stamp set!

Silhouette Scenes Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

The stamp set is pretty but it becomes a WOW when you pair it with the See a Silhouette paper:

See A Silhouette Designer Series Paper
$11.50

The key to big patterns on paper is to let it shine. The rest of your choices should be subtle because the paper is already a stand out. In the card below the stamped images are one color, a darker color choice so that the images wouldn't be lost against the designer paper. Add a bow in a corresponding color from the paper and this card is done. (easy peasy!)

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Silhouette Scenes (149223)
• Card Stock –Whisper White (100730); Mossy Meadow (133676)
• Ink – Mossy Meadow (147111)
• Misc. – See a Silhouette Designer Series Paper (DSP) (149443); 3/8” Crinkled Seam Binding ribbon (149444); Stitched Rectangles dies (148551); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Mini Glue Dots (103683)

 

Measurements:  

• Mossy Meadow: 8-1/2” x 5-1/2”, folded in half for card base; 3” x 4-1/2”
• Whisper White: 5-1/4” x 4”; 4” x 2-3/4”
• DSP: 3-1/2” x 1-7/8” (2); 3-3/4” x 1-1/2” (you choice of patterns)

 

Instructions:

1. Stamp girl swinging and Thoreau quotation on Whisper White cardstock and die cut with Stitched Rectangles die (2-1/2” x 2-1/4”).  Die cut Mossy Meadow cardstock with Stitched Rectangle die one size larger (3-7/8” x 2-5/8”).  Layer pieces together.
2. Layer large Whisper White cardstock on folded card base.  Adhere DSP to card.  Attach stamped piece with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
3. Make a bow with Crinkle Seam Binding and attach with a Mini Glue Dot.

See how this paper creates a beautiful illusion

Today I have a lovely card idea - and it's the Pressed Petals specialty designer series paper that creates such a beautiful illusion. 

Pressed Petals Specialty Designer Series Paper
$14.50

Pressed Petals specialty paper is a lightweight paper with photographic images of real pressed petals on one side and vintage designs on the other. One design has distinct designs to cut out and use on card fronts.

So when you have gorgeous paper to craft with, let it be the star and keep the rest of the elements simple. 

Have you seen the Detailed Bands dies? I feel this pack is overlooked in the catalog, which is sad because you can create beautiful die-cut belly bands, labels, and leaves. 

Here's today's lovely card - why not give it a try?

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Band Together (149231)
• Card Stock – So Saffron; Night Of Navy (100867); Pressed Petals Specialty Designer Series Paper (149500); Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper (149612)
• Stamp Pads – Crushed Curry (147087); Night of Navy (147110); Old Olive (147090)
• Misc. – Stampin' Blends Combo Pack So Saffron (149557); Old Olive (144597); Crumb Cake Light (144582); Detailed Bands Dies (149549); Snail Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Measurements:  

• So Saffron (5 ½” x 8 ½” scored at 4 ¼”)
• Night of Navy (2 ¾” x 3 ¾” & 1” x 3 ½”)
• Fluid 100 Watercolor (2 ½” x 4”)
• Pressed Petal (2 ½” x 3 ½” & 2” x 5 ¼”)

Instructions :

1. Fold the piece of So Saffron cardstock in half to create the card base.  
2. Glue the Pressed Petal paper 2” x 5 ¼” to the card front 1/8” from the bottom and sides.
3. Glue the remaining piece of Pressed Petal paper to the Night of Navy mat 2 ¾” x 3 ¾”.
4. Cut out the Night of Navy cardstock strip using the long strip from the Detailed Dies with the filigree placed in the center of the strip. 
5. Adhere the strip to the right-hand side of the card front ¼” from the top of the designer paper
   (It won’t reach across the card front but will be covered up in the next step).
6. Glue the Night of Navy mat to the card front about ¼” from the top and left-hand side. 
7. Stamp the words in Night of Navy just above the Pressed Petal Paper. 
8. Stamp the flower in Crushed Curry Ink on the Fluid 100 Watercolor paper and color the flower and center with the So Saffron, color parts of the flower center with the Crumb Cake.
9. Stamp the leaves in Old Olive ink and color with the Old Olive Stampin’ Blends.
10. Cut out the flower & leaves out with the coordinating die from the Detailed Band Dies.
11. Adhere the flowers and leaves to the card front with dimensionals (as shown in the photo).

You need to create this colorful and easy fall window card

Here's why I love today's card idea:

• you can change the phrase
• you can choose the fall colors you want
• you can create a vertical or horizontal layout
• you can add embellishments for interest
• you can add a strip of designer paper down the left side to coordinate
• you can angle the leaf windows to demonstrate a falling pathway

Why do you love today's card? Add a comment under this post to tell me why!

So, let's have a look at the supplies used:

Gathered Leaves Dies
$26.00

Yes, that's it! Then you pick your colors and phrase and your card is done. Easy peasy right?

Here's how to make this fun card:

Supplies

Stamps:  Tropical Chic (cling-148226)

Inks:  Memento Pad (132708)

Paper: Whisper White (100730), Crumb Cake (120953), Granny Apply Green (146990), Crushed Curry (131199), Poppy Parade (119793)

Other: Gathered Leaves Dies (150662), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), SNAIL (104331)

Measurements: 

• Crumb Cake: 8-1/2” x 6” folded in half; finished card dimensions are 6”x 4-1/4”
• Whisper White: 6” x 4
• You will need scraps of the following: Crumb Cake, Granny Apple Green, Crushed Curry & Poppy Parade

Instructions: 

1. Using the smallest of the leaf dies from Gathered Leaves, die cut 4 leaves out of the scraps of cardstock.  You will have 4 leaves, in 4 different colours. Set aside.
2. Use the same die to cut four leaves down one side of the Whisper White cardstock.  Watch the placement so that you have enough room to cut all four without leaving too much/little space between each one.  
3. Stamp the ‘Thank You’ sentiment from Tropical Chic onto the Whisper White cardstock, using Memento Ink.
4. Attach the Whisper White cardstock to the Crumb Cake base using Stampin’ Dimensionals.  Don’t be stingy because you need to ensure that the entire panel sits off of the base, especially around the leaves. 
5. Use SNAIL to glue the coloured leaves through the die cut leaves on the Whisper White cardstock onto the Crumb Cake cardstock.

Want to see my go-to stamp set for all seasons of the year?

In today's video I am going to show you how to create a beautiful birthday card idea with the help of my Colorful Seasons stamp set and Magnolia Lane designer series paper. I love this card idea because it uses a specialty paper and a neat trick for creating an embellishment. 

The Colorful Seasons set is my go-to for every season as the images work for spring, summer, fall and winter, making it a great value in my crafting cupboard. 

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

 

In my video below, I introduce Vellum cardstock, which adds an elegant touch for many card ideas (such as weddings) but it can also be used as a mask as you can see in my card below. 

Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$10.00

Colorful Seasons birthday card

Stamp set: Colorful Seasons (143726)

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Mossy Meadow: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 3" x 2"
        Whisper White: 2 3/4" x 1 3/4"; 5" x 3 3/4" 
        Basic Black: 3 3/4" x 2 3/4" 
        Magnolia Lane: 4 3/4" x 3 1/2" 
        Vellum: 3/4" x 3 1/2" 

Other: Magnolia Lane (149484), Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL, Basic Adhesive-backed Sequins (146933)

Here's a video showing how I made this card - listen along the way for additional design tips! 

Make the perfect card for a good man

Do you know a good man? If you can answer yes (and I hope you do) then I have the perfect card for him today. 

This card combines some of our Annual Catalog products with some new Holiday Catalog products:

A Good Man Cling Stamp Set
$24.00

Come To Gather Designer Series Paper
$11.50

Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder
$10.00

Stitched Nested Labels Dies
$35.00

 

I hope you will do the same when you craft - mix some of the old with some of the new! The A Good Man stamp set is perfect for recognizing and celebrating your good men!

Here's a fun layout idea that has many interesting visual and textured elements: 

And here's how to make this card:

A Good Man occasions card

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – A Good Man (149270)
• Card Stock – Cajun Craze (119684); Mint Macaron (138337); Whisper White (100730); Come To Gather Designer Series Paper (150454) 
• Stamp Pads – Memento Tuxedo Black (132708); Versamark (102283)
• Misc. –  Stampin' Blends Combo Packs So Saffron (149557); Pretty Peacock (149560); Cajun Craze (147931);  Soft Suede (147273); Stampin’ Blend Ivory (144606); Copper Trim (144179); Stampin’ Emboss Powder (109132); Stitched Shapes Dies (145372); Stitched Nested Labels (149638); Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder (149643); Snail Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Heat Tool (129053)

Measurements:  

• Cajun Craze (4 ¼” x 11” scored at 5 ½” & 4” x 5 ¼”) 
• Whisper White (4” x 5 ¼” & 3” x 3”) 
• Mint Macaron (3/8” x 1 ½”)
• Come To Gather Designer Series Paper (3” x 5 ½” & 1” x 3”)

Instructions:

1. Fold the 4 ¼” x 11” Cajun Craze in half to create the card base.  
2. Emboss the 4” x 5 ¼” Cajun Craze with the Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder and adhere to the card front.
3. Cut out the 3” x 5 ½” designer paper using the Stitched Nested Label Die (2 5/8” x 4 7/8”) and adhere to the center of the card front.
4. Adhere the designer paper strip to the left-hand edge of the card front and about 1 ½” from the bottom.
5. Tie a large bow using the Copper Trim and adhere to the center of the designer paper strip.
6. Stamp the image on Whisper White cardstock and cut out with the stitched circle 2 3/8”. 
7. Color the image with the Stampin’ Blends and adhere to the center of the designer paper strip with Dimensionals. 
8. Rub the Embossing Buddy over the Mint Macaron and stamp the words in Versamark Ink.
9. Pour White Embossing Powder over the top and heat set. 
10. Cut a banner end on the right-hand side and adhere to the lower right-hand corner of the stitched circle with a dimensional.
11. Glue the 4” x 5 ¼” Whisper White to the inside of the card and stamp your greeting.

There are so many possibilities for this challenge!

This week's card map challenge offers so many possibilities! 

Here's what came to mind immediately when I think of Butterflies:

Butterfly Gala Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

Butterfly Wishes Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

 

And then when thinking of Blooms, oh-my-gosh, our catalog is filled with floral sets! There's Daisy Lane, Pop of Petals, Good Morning Magnolia, Floral Essence....and so many more. 

But there is one set that has both butterflies AND blooms, how convenient it that! Introducing Beauty Abounds!

Beauty Abounds Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

So that was my starting point for this card map. Next was my paper choice and I still have a lot of Mosaic Mood left so challenged myself to use some of this paper on my card and let it guide my color choices. 

Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper
$14.50

I actually started by cutting a different pattern in this pack but even though I loved the pattern it seemed to contrast with my stamped and colored image. So then I changed the patterned paper and immediately decided that I had made the right choice. 

Here's my card:

Such a fun card and so easy to create. I colored the stamped images using my Blender Pens and ink pads - coloring is so relaxing isn't it? 

Now it's your turn: try our Butterflies and Blooms card map challenge and create a card using your crafting supplies. And if you want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge, click here.

 

You need to see this outstanding embossing folder

What is the first thing that you look for in a new Stampin' Up! catalog? Do you look for stamp sets? Papers? Embellishments? 

For me, it's papers first but then on my next pass through I look for embossing folders - funny huh! But I know that embossing folders are cost effective and can add visual interest to my projects. 

So when I placed my first Holiday Catalog order I chose the Hammered Metal embossing folder. (see close up photo at the bottom of this post) This folder is part of a Christmas product suite but I see so many other uses - fall cards being one of them. 

Tip: use the Hammered Metal folder with the Copper Foil Sheets (page 169 Annual Catalog) to create a stunning visual focus on your cards.

I decided to dust off my Painted Harvest stamp set and make the card below - perfect for masculine cards, friendship cards, or simply as a fall notecard idea that you can write a letter inside. 

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

I think this set was designed with Thanksgiving in mind, but don't let that limit you. To see how to make my card, I provided a set of instructions and measurements below. 

Painted Harvest friendship card

Supplies: 

• Stamp set  – Painted Harvest (144783), Beauty Abounds (148726)
• Card Stock – Very Vanilla (101650), Early Espresso (119686)
• Ink - Early Espresso (147114), Crushed Curry (147087), Pumpkin Pie (147086), Mossy Meadow (147111)
• Misc. – Hammered Metal 3D embossing folder (150646), SNAIL adhesive (104332), Paper Snips (103579), Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108), 3/16” Braided Linen Trim (147808), 1 1/2” circle punch (138299), Tear & Tape adhesive (138995), Die-cutting machine

 

Measurements:  

• Very Vanilla - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”, scored a 4 1/4”; three pieces 2” x 1 3/4”; 2” square; 2 3/4” square
• Early Espresso - 5” x 2 1/4” 

 

Instructions:

1. Emboss Early Espresso strip using die-cutting machine and Hammered Metal 3D embossing folder. Adhere to Very Vanilla card base using Tear & Tape adhesive.
2. Ink larger sunflower image using Crushed Curry and stamp onto Very Vanilla square. Ink smaller sunflower image using Pumpkin Pie and stamp on top of Crushed Curry image. Ink and stamp flower center using Early Espresso. Cut out sunflower using Paper Snips.
3. Ink solid leaf image using Mossy Meadow ink. Stamp off first then onto 3 Very Vanilla card stock. Ink outline leaf image using Mossy Meadow ink and stamp directly on top of solid images. Cut out using Paper Snips. 
4. Ink phrase and stamp onto Very Vanilla cardstock. Punch phrase using circle punch.
5. Add strips of Tear & Tape adhesive onto back of sunflower image. Attach Braided Linen Trim to back to match card photo. Attach sunflower to card front using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals. 
6. Add Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals to back of leaf images and tuck under Sunflower image. 
7. Adhere phrase to card front using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Here's a close up of the Hammered Metal embossing folder - can you see the 'bumps'?

What would you choose for this simple card map challenge?

When I saw this week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge I knew immediately what I wanted to use for colors, but that puzzle piece puzzled me (pun intended!). 

I love the simplicity of this map, and the slight angle on the layer - this adds visual interest to your card. 

 

I knew that I wanted to use a designer paper pattern as a large background layer. So I dug through my stash (isn't it fun to have a  crafting stash!) and decided on a piece of Mosaic Mood. I love the colors and patterns in this paper:

Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper
$14.50

After I chose my patterned layer I then chose my card base: Blushing Bride. For the banner layer I decided on a bolder color, Garden Green, because the pattern in the paper is quite bold and a softer color might fade into the background. 

My next design decision was the top layer. I decide to create a phrase layer instead of an image. I looked through my stamp sets for a phrase that is larger and will stand out against the bold patterned paper. Enter
and a phrase that could be used for many different occasions:

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

Can you tell that I am still avoiding that puzzle piece? After thinking for a few minutes I finally decided what to do: I cut out a butterfly from the same piece of Mosaic Mood paper to use as the 'puzzle' layer. Issue resolved!

Here's my card:

The one final detail added was two Basic Pearl Jewels. I had considered not adding anything because of the bold paper pattern but in the end I added the pearls and am happy that they are noticed easily. I did decide not to use ribbon on my card because I didn't have a coordinating color on hand. 

Now it's your turn: what will you create using this card map challenge? To see what the other design crew members made, click here. 

 

How to create card layers for visual interest

Did you think that Stampin' Up!s Memories & More card packs were only for memory keeping or scrapbooking? Well, think again. These cards also make lovely and easy card ideas.

Today I have a beautiful Magnolia Lane card idea and will show you how how to create layers for visual interest. Here's the card pack that I used: 

Magnolia Lane Memories & More Card Pack
$11.00

The beauty of this card idea is that it uses no stamps, ink or cardstock! I used my die-cutting machine and Stitched Rectangles dies to create the layers using the "Hooray for Today" card in the pack:

Stitched Rectangle Dies
$35.00

I could have used my paper cutter to create the layers but feel that the stitched edges on the layers adds a touch of elegance to my card. 

Then I simply reassembled my card layers onto one of our fabulous Magnolia Lane large specialty Memories & More cards and envelopes which were designed to coordinate with the card pack (I love perfect coordination, don't you?) 

One final touch: I used Stampin' Dimensionals to bump up my layers for that final added touch. Here's my card:

Tip: there are several larger cards in the Memories & More pack. You can choose the one that you fancy or to match the occasion you need. This card could easily be use for birthdays, friendship, congratulations, engagement, birth of a new baby - any occasion that deserves a cheer!

Here's a side view:

Here's how to make this card - it's easy! 

Supplies: 

• Stamp set  – none
• Card Stock – none
• Ink - none
• Misc. – SNAIL adhesive (104332), Magnolia Lane Large Specialty Memories & More Card Pack (149487), Mint Macaron 1/4” Textile Ribbon (149480), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Die-cutting machine, Stitched Rectangles (149551), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104330)

Measurements:  

• Mint Macaron: approx 10” 

Instructions:

1. Fold Memories & More card in half to create card base.
2. Choose Magnolia Lane card to feature on card front.
3. Using die-cutting machine and Stitched Rectangles, die-cut two stitched rectangles from the Magnolia Lane card, using two different sizes of rectangles. 
4. Adhere die-cut card layers to card base using Stampin’ Dimensionals to create layers. 
5. Create Mint Macaron bow and attach to card front using Mini Glue Dot. 

An easy teacher gift idea: week two

In today's video I am going to show you a second teacher gift idea that would be perfect to give to your children's teachers on the first week of school this year. As a former teacher I would  have LOVED getting a gift like this, as there were many times when I wished I had cards like these on hand to use at a moment's notice.

I am going to feature the Notecards & Envelopes pack...

Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes
$7.00

and two stamp sets: Flourishing Phrases and Crafting Forever:

Flourishing Phrases Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$37.00

Crafting Forever Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

The idea is that you would create a set of notecards with matching envelopes so the design would be kept simple but still be really cute. The notecards pack has twenty pre-scored cards and envelopes in a bit smaller size which also helps keep the design process easy. 

Last week I created another teacher gift idea (click here to see the project and video) and I used the Follow Your Art paper. As this is a second idea for teachers I decided to use the same paper. I love the colors and designs - they are so fun don't you think?

Follow Your Art Designer Series Paper
$11.50

Here's my project and video below. Keep watching the video to the end as I show two other card ideas using the same products so the final gift idea would be a coordinating pack of three notecards! 

Crafting Forever Notecards & Envelopes

Stamp sets: Flourishing Phrases (151407), Crafting Forever !!!!!

Ink & Markers: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Whisper White: 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"; 2 1/2" x 1 3/4"
        Calypso Coral: 2 3/4" x 1 3/4"; 3 1/2" x 1 1/4"
        Follow Your Art: 1" x 3 1/2" 
        Basic Gray: 3 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Other: Notecards & Envelopes (131527), SNAIL adhesive, Layering Ovals framelits (141706), Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Follow Your Art designer series paper (149489), Die-cutting machine

Here's my video tutorial. Watch for a companion video on my YouTube channel showing you how to create a companion pocket for these cute cards and envelopes!

Easy ways to create a stunning card

Make someone smile with the sentiments and old-school camera in the fun Capture the Good stamp set. The images in this set were designed by a Stampin' Up! demonstrator (how cool is that) and added to the catalog for all of us to enjoy. 

Capture The Good Cling Stamp Set
$20.00

This card is quite easy to create. First begin with the large image that is the focal point. Next, feature the phrase in a decorative frame - to add a touch of elegance and secondary focus. Finally, two bolt of ribbon are the final touch that really pulls the card together. 

There is one final way to make this card a stunner: the layer on the camera image - see the second photo and instructions below. Don't you just love the new Rococo Rose In Color color? Such a lovely tone of pink!

 

Supplies:

• Stamp set: Capture the Good (150388)
• Cardstock & Paper: Rococo Rose (150882), Shimmery White (101910), 2019-2021 In Color 6” x 6” Designer Series Paper (149617), Silver Glimmer Paper (146960)
• Ink: Basic Gray (149165)
• Miscellaneous: Stitched Nested Labels Dies (149638), 1-1/2” Circle Punch (138299), 1” Circle Punch (119868), ½” Circle Punch (119869), Rococo Rose ½” Scalloped Linen Ribbon (149704), Black ½” Satin Ribbon (146280), 2019-2021 In Color Faceted Dots (149607), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Bone Folder (102300), Paper Snips (103579), die-cutting machine

Measurements:

• Rococo Rose card base: 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” scored at 4-1/4” then folded in half with a Bone Folder plus a scrap to stamp sentiment on that you will cut down after you stamp it – about 2-3/4” x 1-1/2”
• Designer Series Paper: Rococo Rose sheet 4” x 5-1/4”
• Shimmery White: main camera needs 3-1/2” x 2-3/4” plus 2 scraps that you can stamp the lens on two times so you can punch out two circles in different sizes
• Silver Glimmer Paper: scrap that you can punch a ½” circle out of
• Ribbon: Black ½” Satin – about 8”; Rococo Rose ½” Scalloped Linen – about 7” for small bow

Instructions:

1. Stamp camera with Basic Gray ink three times on three pieces of Shimmery White cardstock: one needs to be the whole camera with room to cut it out plus two more focusing on the lens as you will be punch those out.
   
   
   
   
2. Using 1-1/2” Circle Punch and 1” Circle Punch, punch out two circles from the two of the stamped lens images.
3. Punch Silver Glimmer Paper with ½” Circle Punch.
4. With Stampin’ Dimensionals, adhere the two camera lens circles on top of one another and the main camera. Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, adhere the Silver Glimmer Paper and set aside to dry.
5. Stamp sentiment with Basic Gray onto scrap Rococo Rose then die cut with one of the Stitched Nested Labels Dies aligning so that sentiment is aligned towards bottom to leave room for ribbon bow later.
6. Attach 3 Rococo Rose Faceted Dots to bottom of sentiment.
7. Using SNAIL adhere ends of Black Satin Ribbon to back of camera.
8. With Stampin’ Dimensionals, adhere camera to card.
9. Align camera “strap” askew and hold it down in a few places with SNAIL.
10. Using Stampin’ Dimensionals, adhere sentiment piece over left camera strap.
11. Tie Rococo Rose Scalloped Linen Ribbon in a small bow, trim ends with Paper Snips then attach to stop of sentiment with Mini Glue Dots.

This set is guaranteed to make you smile

Look at these quirky characters in the On to Adventure stamp set! Don't you just want to give them names and start crafting with them immediately?

On To Adventure Cling Stamp Set
$20.00

Those rare occasions deserve a special mention and this set will help you do that: 

• retirement
• moving on in life (new job, new city, etc)
• a promotion
• cheering for someone's success

Stamp these images using permanent ink and then color to your heart's content using Stampin' Blends, Watercolor Pencils, or Aqua Painters. Then sit back and smile and the fun images you have created!

Here's one fun idea, complete with instructions underneath:

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets On to Adventure (149334)
• Card Stock – Whisper White (100730) Mango Medley (146989) Basic Gray (121044)  
• Stamp Pads – Memento Black Ink (132708)
• Misc. – See a Silhouette Dies  (149541) Stitched Shapes Dies (145372) Layering Circles Dies (141705) Granite Gray Stampin Blends Duo (149532) Mango Medley Stampin’ Blends Duo (147945)  Neutrals 6x6 Designer paper (149614)
  
  

Measurements:  

• Whisper White Cardstock for base: 11” x  4.25” 
• Designer Paper: 4” x 3” 
• Scrap of Basic gray: 1/4” x 4” 
• Scrap Basic Gray for circle
• Scrap of Mango Medley for circle and word INSPIRE 
• Scrap of Whisper White for Circle and words    
                 

Instructions:

1. Score and fold Whisper White in half
2. Stamp image with Memento Ink on Whisper White 
3. Die cut image with Layering Circles Die 
4. Color image with Gray Granite Blends and Mango Blends
5. Die Cut Mango Medley cardstock with layering circle die 
6. Die Cut Basic Gray cardstock with circle from Stitched Shapes
7. Die Cut word Inspire from See a Silhouette dies with Mango cardstock
8. Assemble card as shown in picture. 
9. I used liquid glue to adhere the word Inspire
10. Add greeting of choice to inside card 

The perfect project for the perfect challenge

What products would you choose for this week's card map challenge?

What came immediately to my mind was the Colorful Seasons set and Seasonal Layers dies - because of the deck chair die:

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

Seasonal Layers Dies
$33.00

To me, a deck chair reminds me of the beach so I started my layout with this embellishment. The second thought I had was to use some paper on my card, and what better paper pack but the Come Sail Away pack:

 

Come Sail Away Designer Series Paper
$11.50

My struggle was finding a strip that would work with the deck chair. I have used up most of this paper pack but when I found some of the navy stripe paper I decided that work work. 

Tip: did you know that if you diecut a second chair, turned it over and cut off the chair back, you have a beach table to match? And of course the table needs some cool drinks on it to beat that beach heat. 

So I decided that to add a tiny pop of color I would use two bright ink colors (Melon Mambo and Call Me Clover) to add one final element. 

Rather than stamp my phrase I decided to feature it by making it a circle layer to complete my card. Here it is:

I hope my card provided you with some fun inspiration. Why not join us and create and share a beach-themed card over on the Paper Craft Crew site? We'd love to see what you make too. Enter your card for challenge #345!

An unusual way to use beautiful designer paper

In today's video tutorial, I am going to show you how to create a Perennial Birthday wreath card and you can adapt my idea for any kind of occasion that you need. 

This card idea is perfect if you have lots of leftover designer paper that you want to use up - just make sure when you choose a sheet that you like the patterns and colors on both sides - you will see why in a bit. 

For my card phrase,  I chose a stamp from the Perennial Birthday set - I like the font but also the size of this phrase. When choosing an image to stamp, make sure it matches the size of the other elements on your card. If you want the phrase to be the focal point, then it should be the biggest visual point on your card. On the other hand, if I had chosen a phrase that was really small, it wouldn't be noticed and would seem out of place compared to the size of the wreath. 

Garden Lane Designer Series Paper
$11.50

Perennial Birthday Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$22.00

 

I chose the Garden Lane designer series paper because of the patterns on both side - I felt they complemented each other and match the feminine birthday 'vibe' I was trying to create. 

 

Perennial Birthday card

If you want to recreate this card at home, another tip is to cut all the paper, lay it out and then slip each square out, add adhesive and then slip it back in so that you keep the shape of the wreath intact. Watch my video below, to see how I did this and for other tips along the way. 

On my card photo above, I used my retired Metallics assorted sequins, but these are no longer available to order. If you have been following my blog for a while you will recall that my New Year's resolution is to use up what I have before ordering new embellishments. But below and on my video, I offer another embellishment suggestion that would also work beautifully. 

Stamp set: Perennial Birthday (151240)

Ink: Mint Macaron

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Garden Lane: 10 pieces, each piece cut to be a  1 1/4" square
          Mint Macaron: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
          Mint Macaron ribbon: 9" strip

Other: Paper Trimmer, SNAIL adhesive, Mint Macaron textile ribbon (149480), Garden Lane designer series paper (149488), Basic Adhesive-backed Sequins (146933)

Here's a photo showing what I did on the inside of this card, another fun way to use up leftover bits of paper:

Here's my video - thanks for watching!

What to do with this unusual card map challenge: week 2

Last week's Paper Craft Crew challenge is a fun one: Case the Designer! I am not sure you know this but the Paper Craft Crew has 15 crew members. And this is a 2-week challenge so I thought it would be fun to choose another crew member and case one of their cards. 

Do you know what 'case' means? Copy And Steal/Share Everything. I had such fun looking through everyone's blogs for an idea that caught my eye. 

Here are two Perennial Essence cards that I chose to 'case', from Rick's blog:

These are clean and simple card ideas that take only seconds to create. I own the same paper pack but decided that I would copy Rick's layout but use other paper instead - the Follow Your Art paper that is gathering dust in my crafting closet (gasp)!

Follow Your Art Designer Series Paper
$11.50

This paper is so colorful and has such fun designs but I don't own the stamp set that coordinates so tend not to use it. But I do own the Crafting Forever stamp set and thought it would be fun to use one of the cute phrases from it on my cards. 

Crafting Forever Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

And although I kept the same layout for my cards, my phrase was a different size and shape so I used my Stitched Shapes framelits to feature my phrase. I love that these framelits have three different sizes so you can easily layer your phrases and stamped images without digging through your other framelit packs to find a match. It's coordinated for us!

Are you ready to see my cards? I used the same piece of designer paper, and featured both sides:

 

Now it's your turn to give this fun idea a try: case the designer (me) the next time you craft. Use one of my card photos on my blog as your inspiration, use your crafting supplies and see what you can some up with.