Nutz about Stamping

Try this unique way to color a background stamp

Want to see how to make this really interesting card?

It is easy using the Fragrant Forest background stamp! 

 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets: Fragrant Forest (162198); Handmade Hugs (161401)
• Card Stock: Pretty Peacock (150880); Basic White (159276)
• Stamp Pads: Lost Lagoon (161678); Old Olive (147090); Pretty Peacock (150083)
• Misc: Decorative Circle Punch (159174); Handmade Tag Punch (159690); Clear Block F (118483); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Measurements:

• Pretty Peacock 11” x 4 ¼”; 2 ½” x 2 ½”
• Basic White 5 ¼” x 4”; 2 ½” x 2 ½”

Instructions:

1. Add the Fragrant Forest stamp to an “F” block.
2. Ink up the stamp using the three colors of ink. I used Pretty Peacock ink on the bottom row of trees, Old Olive on the middle row of trees and Lost Lagoon on the top row of trees. I applied the ink directly from the ink pad.  I went over it until I felt it had a good coating of ink.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   TIP:  If you find you have “over sprayed” the ink on the other rows, just wipe it off with a baby wipe.
   
   
3. Once you have the ink on the stamp, add your Basic White 5 ¼” x 4” to the stamp, carefully laying it down. Take a piece of scrap paper (I used grid paper) and lay it down and rub all over to get the ink on the paper.
   
   
   
   
4. Once you have that done, gently lift up your paper (tweezers work great!).
5. Adhere this to the Pretty Peacock card base.
6. Stamp the outline and the sentiment in Pretty Peacock ink on the Basic White 2 ½” x 2 ½” piece. Punch out using the Handmade Tag Punch.
7. Punch out a Pretty Peacock piece using the Decorative Circle Punch.
8. Adhere the sentiment to the Pretty Peacock punch out and then to the front of the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

TIP:  You can use all kinds of color combinations and just adding one color of ink works great as well.  This stamp set works great for any occasion: Get Well, Sympathy, Masculine Birthday, Thinking of you, and Thank you!

Which set makes a BIG impact on cards? This one!

One of my favorite stamp sets in the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog is Biggest Wish. 

 

The sentiments in this stamp set are sized to make an impact where it counts. The strong bold fonts are gender-neutral, meaning you can use this stamp set for all the people in your life. Additionally, the large bold fonts, along with the smaller script fonts in this stamp set, are designed to pair together in perfect balance. (also available in French)

I have thoroughly enjoyed using all kinds of combinations of the BIG BLOCK and small cursive words in the set. Did you know that every word appears in both formats?

You’ll not be surprised, then, to know that a BIG favorite from this year’s Stampin’ Up! September-December Mini Catalog is More Wishes.

 

 

While the original stamp set was a great all occasion set, More Wishes leans more towards the winter holidays. But there are a few surprises in there, too. That’s why I chose to show off something of both stamp sets today.

Christmas

My first two cards are two ideas for using the words, “Merry” and “Christmas.” A technique that I’ve used a lot with the Biggest Wish stamp set is to repeat one of the words several (usually three) times and then cap it off by using the second word at the end. That’s what I’ve done with the first Merry Christmas card.

I had intended just to add the cursive “Christmas” flat at the end lined up with the three “Merrys.” But when it came time to stamp, I thought stamping at an angle created a fun sense for the card. And it does! I added a stocking from the Sending Cheer stamp set and a little bow to finish the card.

In the second card, I switched the Merry from block to cursive and the Christmas from cursive to block. They both work well either way. When I use this way of overlapping the cursive onto a block stamp, I like the cursive stamp to be a darker tone than the block, as I did with the Shaded Spruce-stamped Merry.

I finished this card with some bulbs from the Merry & Bright stamp set and added a whimsical bow (I love bows on Christmas cards!).

Mixing It Up

While still thinking and using Merry and Christmas from the More Wishes stamp set, I wanted to add “and Happy New Year.”  The ampersand and the words New and Year are right there in that stamp set. And if you guessed that I found “happy” in the Biggest Wishes set, you’d be right!

For this card I mixed up some colors that I think of as Christmas (Navy and Old Olive) and New Year (Navy and Balmy Blue). The Night of Navy color connects the two greetings, and the Adhesive-Backed Glitter Sequins, in Blue and Old Olive, provides a sense of the whole holiday season.

Continuing with mixing it up, I got away from the holidays a bit and created a birthday card that needs both stamp sets to complete my birthday wish. Birthday, of course, comes from Biggest Wishes. But I am so happy to have the words wishes, to and you from the new More Wishes set.

 

And a Fun Valentine Card to Wrap it Up

 

You only have to look at the sample cards in the Mini Catalog to see that words love and you are perfect for a Valentine’s Day card. OK. That’s nice. Oh, and that exclamation point does perk it up a bit. But how about adding another word? How about Friend from the Biggest Wishes set?

I added some hearts from the Country Cottage stamp set (in the Annual Catalog) and some Iridescent Dots that will be in the upcoming January-April Mini Catalog. It’s definitely a Valentine Card!

About All the Cards

All of these cards are made with Stamps, Ink, and Paper, with a bit of embellishment. Each of them is made with a 4” x 5-1/4” stamped layer, a 4-1/8” x 5-3/8” mat, and a 4-1/4” x 5-1/2” card base. They can all be made with whatever stamps and embellishments you have on hand.

Enjoy the Wishes!

Have you tried this special ink technique yet?

Hi fellow crafters. Today I have a fun ink technique that you can use with your embossing folders. It is easy and creates a real eye-catching look on your cards and you can adapt this technique for a variety of occasions.

 

For my card I will be using the Cane Weave 3D Embossing Folder. 

Cane weave is a classic pattern that goes with pretty much everything! You can use this versatile pattern in so many ways. Create a full, textured background for your handmade cards, die cut or fussy cut your embossed paper for unexpected elements, or add dimension to specific areas on the embossed surface using Stampin' Up! ink and a sponge.

I chose the Cane Weave embossing folder because of its intricate design which is perfect for this ink technique. 

My card phrase comes from the Dainty Delight stamp set - these phrases are so useful for a variety of occasions which makes this set a great value! 

 

 

The main focal element on the card front comes from the Meadow Dies. I love using these meadow flowers as single accents on my cards - you can also bundle them together to make a cute bouquet. 

 

Here's my card. If you want to learn how I made it, watch my video tutorial below. And if you want to order any of these products click on one of the photos above to link over to my online store. 

Supplies

Stamp set: Dainty Delight (161078)

Ink: Night of Navy

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 4" x 5 1/4"; 4 3/4" x 2" 
        Night of Navy: 1 6/8" x 5 1/4" 

Misc: Meadow Dies (155852); Navy & Gold 1/2" Glittered Ribbon (162011); Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Tear & Tape Adhesive; Cane Weave Embossing Folder (160580)

Here's my video, I hope you will give this idea a try! If you do, leave me a comment with a link so I can see your card. 

Have you tried the cut & shuffle technique? It's fun!

Are you looking for a quick way to show off some patterns in a designer series pack? Is it hard for you to choose which one to use? Then look no longer.

Give this Cut & Shuffle technique a try. You will become addicted!

Supplies

Stamp Set – Merriest Trees (photopolymer 162043)

Ink – Blueberry Bushel Classic Stampin’ Pad (147138)

Paper including cutting measurements –

    Blueberry Bushel Cardstock [CS] (146968) 3 pieces 8 ½” x 5 ½” scored and folded at 4 ¼” (card  bases),   8” x 3”

    Basic White Cardstock [CS] (159276) 3 pieces 5 ¼” x 4” for inside card, 7” x 2 ¼”

    Winter Meadow Designer Series Paper [DSP] (162133)

    Berry design and all over leaf design one piece 5 ¼” X 4” of each design

    Magic Specialty Designer Series Paper [SDSP] (162147)

    White speckled design 5 ¼” x 4”

Misc - Iridescent Rhinestones Basic Jewels (158130); Deckled Circles Dies (162286) third and fourth from smallest; Take Your Pick (144107); Paper Trimmer (152392); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Bone Folder (102300); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653) or Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (150673)

Instructions

1. Score and fold the three card bases. Burnish the folds with the bone folder.
2. Stack the two pieces of DSP and the SDSP, lining them up carefully. Cut from some place along the top of the rectangle to some place along the right side. 
   
   
   
   
   
3. Now cut from the diagonal just created down to near the bottom on the left side. See photo again. You now have three pieces of each pattern.
4. Lay the pieces out so that a piece of each design is with the other pieces. 
   
   
   
   
   
5. Adhere these down to the card bases with Multipurpose Liquid Glue so you can briefly move them into place. See finished card samples.
6. Die-cut three circles from the Blueberry Bushel CS with the fourth largest Deckled Circles die.
7. Stamp the greeting three times spaced out on the strip of Basic White CS with Blueberry Bushel ink. Die-cut out with the third from the smallest die.
8. Adhere these circles to the Blueberry Bushel circles and then mount to your card fronts with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
9. Use the Take Your Pick tool to apply three Iridescent Rhinestones to each of the Basic White labels.
10. Stamp a message on the 5 ¼” X 4” pieces of Basic White CS if desired and adhere to inside of card.
    
    
    
    
    

See how easy it was to make three beautiful cards? Try this technique again with your other favorite designer series papers. 

See how 1 card map can create 5 beautiful holiday cards

There are so many wonderful products in the new Mini catalog, including the new Sending Cheer bundle.

 

This bundle includes a stamp set and a coordinating die set – both with 18 pieces. It does have Christmas images (stocking, gingerbread, holly, Santa hat) but it also has images that could be Christmas or any occasion. To demonstrate the versatility of this bundle, try this Card Sketch found on Pinterest.

Before you see the projects, let’s talk about why to use a card sketch. Do you sometimes need a little crafting inspiration? My first go-to for inspiration is the Stampin’ Up! catalogs themselves. They are full of beautiful projects that really get your creative juices going. If you’re really experiencing a creative block, copy one of the projects that they display next to the stamp set or bundle you’re using. Copy it exactly, and then make it a second time using different colors. 

The other remedy for a creative block? A blank card sketch! Sometime “CASEing” a card from the Stampin’ Up! catalog or website might be hard if you can’t figure out the exact products they used in that sample. This is where card sketches come in handy! A great place for card sketches is here on my blog! I publish a sketch almost every Wednesday along with an idea using that sketch. 

You can also search Pinterest using “Stampin Up Card Sketches” and you will see a ton of sketches pop up. Or try 'Googling' “Mojo Monday Card Sketches” and click on “Images” and you will see tons of different card sketches to choose from. You may consider searching “Mojo Monday Card Sketches with Measurements” to make it even easier. 

 

For this set of cards, this Mojo Monday sketch was used. Each project features new designer series papers…all are gorgeous – designer series paper is hands down my favorite Stampin’ Up! product. Here are 1 birthday, 3 Christmas, and 1 Valentine cards.

Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments section under this post. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you tried this eye-catching technique? It's easy!

The Modern Grid Technique includes the creation of a hand-drawn grid behind images that are already stamped on cardstock. The grid only looks this way as its vertical and horizontal lines are drawn across the paper stopping whenever part of a stamped image gets in its way. The line is then continued at the other side of the image.

Using two or three medium-sized stamped images are perfect for this technique. The phrase comes from the Circle Sayings bundle:

And the images from the Whale Watching set - I think this is the perfect set for this technique. 

Bring the beauty and awe of nature to your handcrafted cards with the Whale Watching set: it has all the elements you need to create an ocean scene: orcas in three sizes, a rocky outcropping, water ripples, clouds, an orb for a sun or moon, and stars for a tranquil night scene. Stamp, then color the images using your favorite coloring tools to create the feeling you want, whether it’s a clear, sunny day or a peaceful dark night.

Here's this fun technique:

Supplies:

Stamps: Circle Sayings (161355), Whale Watching (162276)

Ink:  Memento Black (132708), Stampin’ Blends:  Calypso Coral (154881), Lost Lagoon (161680), Poppy Parade (154958), Tahitian Tide (159221), Pebbled Path (161658).

Paper with measurements: Tahitian Tide (159261) 5 ½ X 8 ½ sc 4 ¼ , Basic White (158276) 2 @ 4 X 5 ¼

Accessories:  Double Oval Punch (154242), Small Blending Brushes (160518), Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack (155475), Non-Stampin’ Up!-Black Journaling Pen, Ruler.

Instructions: 

1. Stamp approximately three images using Memento Black ink with the 4” side of paper at top and color as desired. Make sure to leave room for sentiment.
2. Using a journaling pen start with Basic White 4 X 5 ¼.
3. You can use grid paper to help with line placement. Use a removable tape to hold the Basic White in place allowing you to create your grid.
4. Start with 4” at top-come down ¾” and draw a horizontal line from left to write. Repeating every 1 inch. When You come to an image stop at the edge of image, lift the pen and place it on the opposite side to continue with your line.
5. At top of Basic White (4 in.) draw four vertical lines 1” apart. Doing the same as above stopping at the edge of an image and restarting on the next side.
6. After the grids are completed color the squares as desired. I would color-in a few blocks and then move to creating dots, lines, wavy lines or small circles in the other squares. This would also be known as a form of Zentangle.  Make sure to leave at least three to four squares blank for balance.
7. Color the above using your choice of Stampin’ Blends to coordinate with your project.
8. Fold your Tahitian Tide CS using Bone Folder to make a crisp fold.
9. Attach your grid using your adhesive to the card front.
10. Stamp your sentiment on a scrap of Basic White and punch using the Double Oval punch. Using the coordinating Tahitian Tide CS cut the scallop using the Double Oval punch.
11. Adhere the two sentiments together. Turnover, add adhesive, and your Black Bakers Twine.
12. Add Dimensionals to the above and attach to your image.

Try this unusual color combination on your next card

Two weeks ago I showed you a fun and easy technique using the new Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks. Today I want to show you how a fun combination of these masks to create a stunning card idea. Shall we get started?

 

You can certainly Jazz up your paper crafts with the Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks! Each of the masks has fun and detailed all-occasion designs that will add depth and color to your paper crafting projects, whether it’s cards, gift tags, or gift packaging. The flower and petal masks can help you wish a sunny salutation. Use the argyle patterned mask to create a card that’s cozy and cute for fall. You could also use the masking technique to combine a couple of the masks to create your own unique designs which is what we are going to do today.

 

For today's card I am going to use the Argyle mask and the Sunflowers mask to create an eye-catching card idea - one that uses unusual colors as well. 

 

For my phrase I chose a birthday stamp from the Cheerful Daisies bundle: 

 

 

Here's what you need to gather together and then be sure to watch my video tutorial below: 

 

Supplies

 

Stamp set: Cheerful Daisies (161290)

Ink: Old Olive; Crushed Curry; Misty Moonlight

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:

        Very Vanilla: 5 3/8" x 4 1/8"; 3 1/4" x 5"; 4 1/2" x 5"

        Misty Moonlight: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" 

 

Misc: Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks; Blending Brushes (153611); Stampin' Dimensionals; Paper Snips Scissors; 2023-25 In Color Dots (161620)

 

Here's my card: 

 

 

Here's my video - watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design ideas. I would love to know if you try this idea at home - leave me a comment to let me know! 

You can pick any 3 to create a beautiful card

Here's a fun Paper Craft Crew card sketch challenge for you to play with!

This week I struggled a bit with my design as I don't have a lot of stamp sets with leaves (shocker). But then I realized that the Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks set has a leaf mask so my decision was made! 

These masks are perfect for 'jazzing' up your paper crafts! Each of the masks has fun and detailed all-occasion designs that will add depth and color to your paper crafting projects, whether it’s cards, gift tags, or gift packaging. The flower and petal masks can help you wish a sunny salutation. Use the argyle patterned mask to create a card that’s cozy and cute for fall. You could also use the masking technique to combine a couple of the masks to create your own unique designs.

You can see the leaf mask on the right. 

I decided to use 3 ink colors that represent fall colors: Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie. Apply the color was super easy thanks to the Blending Brushes. 

Here's my card: 

The phrase for my card comes from the Something Fancy stamp set: 

and is very appropriate as my sister's birthday card will be arriving late this year (sigh). It's always handy to have a stamp that says oops or sorry! 

Here's another view:

Can you figure out what I chose for this challenge? What 3 challenge boxes will you choose this week? 

Click here to see what the other Paper Craft Crew members created for this Tic Tac Toe challenge. 

See how 1 die can create many colorful cards

Today I have 2 colorful card ideas to share, using the Cheerful Daisies dies. You can easily use 1 of the dies in this pack (trio flowers) to create so many card ideas. 

 

Here's what you need to make these cards, along with step-by-step instructions.

Supplies:

• Stamp Set ~ Cheerful Daisies Bundle (161297)
• Cardstock – Thick Basic White (159229), Starry Sky 9159263), Poppy Parade (119793), Real Red (102482), Gold Celebrations Specialty Designer Series Paper (161745)
• Stamp Pads – Poppy Parade (147050), Starry Sky (159212)
• Misc. –  Mini Glue Dots (103683); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Classic Matte Dots (158146); Bone Folder (102300): Take your Pick (144107); Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip (149655); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine (149653); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108)

Measurements: 

• Base cards ~ 5 ½” x 8 ½”, scored at 4 ¼” ~ Poppy Parade & Starry Sky
• Die Cut Daisies ~ 3” x 4” ~ Starry Sky, Real Red & Thick Basic White
• Gold Celebrations ~ 4” x 5 ¼”
• Thick Basic White ~ 3 ½” x 4” ~ inside panel

Instructions :

1. Using the largest daisy die, cut red, white and blue daisies.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Use the Take your Pick Die Brush Tip to eliminate the small detail pieces of the daisies.
3. Cut the daisies apart as shown in the picture. 
4. Starry Sky card:  Adhere the Celebrations DSP using Mini Glue Dots (under the stars).   Adhere the red and white daisies to the card using Mini Glue Dots. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Poppy Parade Card:  Stamp the sentiment in Poppy Parade on a piece of white scrap and cut out with the label die in the set.  Adhere the blue daisies with Mini Glue Dots.  Adhere the white leaf with Mini Glue Dots.  Adhere the Real Red daisy with Mini Stampin' Dimensionals.  Add the sentiment and several large white Classic Matte Dots to the card. 
   
   
   
   
   
6. Adhere inside panel.
7. Stamp daisies in Poppy Parade and small flowers in Starry Sky on the envelope.
8. Tip: not sure about how bright this card is? Try it on a Basic White card base!

     

You need to see these thoughtful design details

Create unique handmade cards with a vintage feel using the Bottled Happiness stamp set.

The set includes vintage bottles and floral imagery as well as heartfelt sentiments, perfect for showing a special someone you care or to wish a loved one congratulations! Make sure to use the thoughtful design details in your projects for more versatility—the cork fits both jars, and the floral pieces can be used coming out of the bottle or as a background piece. Also available in French.

Here's a fun and colorful idea to try at home, using the Masking technique. 

Supplies

Stamp set:  Bottled Happiness (158684), Charming Sentiments (159985), Zany Zoo (161305)

Ink: Azure Afternoon #161663, Berry Burst #147143, Lemon Lime Twist # 147145, Pumpkin Pie #105216, Memento Black, Azure Afternoon Stampin’ Blends #161672

Paper with cutting measurements: 

        Misty Moonlight #1530815 ½ X 8 ½ sc 4 ¼
        Azure Afternoon #161719 1 X 2 ¼
        Bright & Beautiful DSP #161449 4 X 5 ¼, ¾ X 4
        Basic White #159276 (2) 3 ¾ X 5, ¾ X 2 1/8.

Accessories:  Stampin’ Trimmer (152392), Paper Snips (103579), Bone Folder (102300), Silicone Craft Sheet (127853), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (144220), Masking Paper (155480), Multipurpose Glue (110755)

 

Instructions:

1. Cut all cardstock as stated above.
2. Stamp the largest bottle twice on a piece of Masking Paper and fussy cut along the lines of the bottle. (Color doesn’t matter).
3. Using the Lemon Lime Twist ink and the large bottle stamp, stamp the image towards the bottom left corner of the Basic White CS.
4. Using one of the Mask, remove the backing and cover the bottle with the bottle lines slightly showing. If need to trim Masking Paper do so.
5. Once covered, stamp the next bottle in Berry Burst with the left side slightly overlapping the first bottle. Remove Mask and set aside.
6. Stamp the third bottle to the right using Azure Afternoon ink.
7. Using both Masks cover the Lemon Lime Twist and Berry Burst bottles. Stamp the bottle over the Lemon Lime Twist using Pumpkin Pie.
8. Using the confetti stamp from the Zany Zoo, stamp random colors towards top left and right of card top.
9. Remove Mask and discard. Stamp sentiment from the Charming Sentiments in Memento Ink on Basic White scrap. Using your Paper Snips cut each end at a slant. Set aside.
10. Cut the Azure Afternoon CS and cut the ends at a slant.
11. Adhere the Basic White Sentiment to the above using your adhesive.
12. Stamp confetti on the above,
13. Using the Azure Dark Stampin’ Blend color two Rhinestones and attach to sentiment.
14. Add SU Dimensionals to the above and attach towards the top right.
15. Adhere the completed Basic White CS to the Bright & Beautiful DSP using adhesive, then attach to card front.
16. Add the strip of DSP to Basic White using adhesive and then attach it to the inside of card.

You need to try this creative idea using your punches

Give your projects a touch of nature with the Inked & Tiled stamp set: 

This stamp set features gorgeous botanicals with a pressed look, perfect for delicate designs. These images will look great in solid colors or stamped in black ink with a soft watercolor wash over the top. The all-occasion sentiments included are in a classic and timeless font that will pair great with any style card.

The punched images can be used separately as decorative tags or patterns. Try using them together by alternating each punched piece to create a seamless tile pattern fit for all occasions!

Here's fun birthday card to try - using a creative idea with one of the punches. 

 

Want to make this card at home? Here's how.

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Inked & Tiled Bundle [161168]
• Card Stock – Lost Lagoon [133679],Basic White [159276]
• Stamp Pads – Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [147101], Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad [147108], Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin' Pad [133644], Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad [147107]
• Misc. –Inked Botanicals [161157], Lost Lagoon Bordered Ribbon [161171], Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Old Olive Stampin’ Blends (154892); Smoky Slate Stampin’ Blends (154904)
  
  

Measurements: 

    Basic White: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2, scored at 4 1/4, 2 X 5 1/8, and scrap for sentiment

    Lost Lagoon: 4 x 5 1/4. and 2 1/4 x 3 1/2, scrap for punched piece

    DSP: 5 1/8 x 2 7/8
           

Instructions:

1. Attach DSP to Lost Lagoon Layer and attach to card base
2. Using the ink pads stamp the flowers, I used the light color first and than rolled the edges with the darker color. Stamp on Basic White card stock.
3. Attach the Lost Lagoon piece to the back of the stamped flower piece and attach to card base
4. Stamp sentiment with Calypso Coral ink and punch out. Punch out a Lost Lagoon piece and attach them to each other with a dimensional. Attach to card base.
5. Tie bow and attach to card base.

Have you seen this clever fun fold card idea yet?

Today's Paper Craft Crew card challenge makes my heart sing. I have been focusing on fun folds over on my YouTube channel for several months now and so when I saw this challenge I knew I had to find an idea to share with you - one that I could learn myself. 

And BINGO! I found a new and super fun fold idea to learn. 

This fun fold requires a 6" x 6" piece of designer series paper and although this product is running low in my online store, I love it so much that I decided to use one of the designs on my card.

From elegant botanical and floral designs to beautiful color washes, the Hello Irresistible paper was hand drawn digitally to give it a natural, artistic flair that will complement any project. Cut out some of the designs and use them on card fronts or use the paper as background for all-occasion projects—I did both! 

Here's the fun fold I created for our challenge:

And here's a fun surprise when you open it up!

 

If you want a video showing you how to make this card at home, leave me a comment and I will post a video over on YouTube. 

What fun fold card will you try this week? 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. 

Sometimes the best cards have the simplest designs

Don't you agree? I have the perfect example of this to share with you today, using the Wanted to Say Dies. 

Look at all the possibilities in this fun pack! This assortment of dies will become your go-to set, especially for card making, using the sentiments for birthdays, celebrations, thank you, and get well. Plus, the set includes dies for cutting cute little hearts, gifts, flowers, and stars! Cut out these fun shapes and greetings and add them on your next paper crafting project for a unique layered look.

If you are looking for masculine card ideas, then today's card will meet that need as well, using the super cute Gone Fishing Dies. The dies are bundled with a great stamp set to help you get a lot of crafting mileage each year:

 

Combine these 2 packs of dies and you can create lovely cards like this one:

Here's what you need to make this card at home, and instructions as well! 

Supplies:

• Card Stock – Thick Basic White (159229); Wild Wheat (161725); Mossy Meadow (133676); Pebbled Path (161722); Vellum (101856); Silver Foil 12x12 Specialty Pack(156457)
• Stamp Pads – Wild Wheat (161651)
• Misc. – Wanted to Say Dies (161594); Stylish Shapes Dies (159183); Gone Fishing Dies (161541); Linen Thread (104199); Rustic Metallic Dots (159082); Blending Brushes (153611); Adhesive Sheets (152334); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Paper Snips (103579); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653)

Measurements:  

• Thick Basic White: 8 ½” x 5 ½”
• Wild Wheat: 3” x 3” and 1-1/4” x 3-1/2”
• Vellum: 2-1/2” x 2-1/2”
• Mossy Meadow: 1-1/4” x 4”
• Pebbled Path: 1-1/4” x 3-1/2” and 1” x 2”
• Silver Foil: 1” x 1”
• Linen Thread: 6”
• Metallic Dots: x3

Instructions:

1. Die cut the following pieces:
   1. Wild Wheat – 2^nd largest circle from Stylish Shapes die and the detailed ‘celebrate’ from the Wanted to Say dies and the little heart shape die from the Gone Fishing Dies   
   2. Vellum – 3^rd largest circle from Stylish Shapes dies
   3. Mossy Meadow – largest banner shape from Stylish Shapes dies
   4. Pebbled Path – thicker ‘celebrate’ from Wanted to Say dies and the long narrow lure from the Gone Fishing dies
   5. Silver Foil – the hooks from the Gone Fishing dies
2. Using Wild Wheat ink and a blending brush, add a bit of colour to the centre of the card front so that it will extend a little past the Wild Wheat circle you die cut.
3. Add the Wild Wheat Circle and then the vellum circle to the middle of the card front.
4. Add the Wheat ‘celebrate’ to the Pebbled Path celebrate and add that to the Mossy Meadow banner.
5. Add the banner to the card front using dimensionals.
6. Using a mini glue dot adhere the silver hook to the lure by feeding it through the bottom hole.
7. Add the lure to the card front with dimensionals.
8. Using a mini glue dot, add the yellow heart shape and then tie a bow with the linen thread and add it to the lure.
9. Add your 3 metallic dots and you are done.

3 Embossing Folders Can Create A Super Easy Card

If you have lots of embossing folders then this is the video for you. I am going to show you how to use 3 of them to create a super easy and beautiful eye-catching card.

 

I will be using the Basics 3D embossing folders.

 

I love that these folders have basic designs that complement any project. Choose from flowers, hobnail-glass dots, and crosshatch designs and add amazing texture to your cards. 

 

You might be thinking: wait a minute here - these are not in the Annual Catalog. And you are right. They are available only as an online exclusive which means they are not in our catalogs but only seen in my online store. Click here (and then on 'New Arrivals') so you can have a look at all of the exclusive products that are offered there.

For the elements on my card I used the Cheerful Daisies bundle (such a great investment!):

You'll love everything you can do with this bundle. Do you like bold and simple stamping? Use the solid images, perfect for quick stamping in one color. Do you want to add detailed color? Use the open line-art images, perfect for watercoloring. The flowers, flower centers, leaves, and stems are on separate stamps so you can create customized flowers. Finish with a sentiment—birthday, thanks, thinking of you, sorry—for unique cards for many occasions.

Here's my card:

Here's how to make this card at home. Tip: if you want to order the 3D embossing folders or Cheerful Daisies bundle, click on the product photos above to order them at my online store. 

Supplies

Stamp set: Cheerful Daisies (bundle 161297)

Ink: Lemon Lolly, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wheat

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; (3) 2" square;  2 3/4" x 1 3/4" 
        Lemon Lolly: 5 1/2" x 1 1/4" 
        Daffodil Delight: 5 1/2" x 1 1/4" 
        Wild Wheat: 5 1/2" x 1 1/4" 

Misc: Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker; Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Basics 3D Embossing Folders (161598); Iridescent Pearls Basic Jewels (158187)

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

When was the last time you tried simple stamping?

This week's Paper Craft Crew Challenge is a simple one (pun intended).

Funny but I find simple stamping quite challenging. I have seen really pretty simple card ideas out there but when I sit to craft it's hard for me to tone it down and think simple. So this week is a challenge indeed. 

Typically simple stamping is just that: stamps, ink and paper. But for my challenge card I needed my Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine (sorry!). I did stick to one bundle, Irresistible Blooms.

That long die-cut element is not one that I use very much so today is the day! I decided to keep my card base and one of the elements Basic White and then for the other elements I chose a leftover piece of the Fresh as a Daisy paper:

I love this paper but usually only use the side with the daisy designs on it. But don't forget that our paper is double-sided and sometimes the 'non-daisy' side is perfect for projects too. 

On my card I die-cut the daisies, added the centers (also die-cuts) and topped off the card with a simple phrase. Add your fave embellishments and the simple card is complete. 

Here's what I created:

If you haven't tried simple stamping yet, I challenge you give it a try. If you want to see what the other design crew members created this week, click here to head over to the Paper Craft Crew website. 

Will you join our fun tic tac toe challenge?

This week's Paper Craft Crew challenge is a fun one! It's a Tic Tac Toe sketch challenge:

 

I knew right away which three I would choose - I am soooo into Vellum right now and so for me that was a no brainer. I am also into watercoloring and so decided to use vellum to create a watercolored background layer for my card. 

Once I had the layers together my card needed a bit more visual interest so I decided to add a few elements using my Sending Smiles stamp set and dies. 

Create thoughtful cards for every occasion with the Sending Smiles Stamp Set. You will brighten someone’s day, offer comfort and strength, send a note of thanks, or birthday wishes. This set includes nine versatile sentiments and thirteen images that arrange to create a wide variety of floral designs. Mix and match blossoms, buds, stems, and leaves for new patterns that can be as simple or complex as you like. These stamps are perfect for a single ink and stamp and you can create backgrounds, borders, or centerpieces. Also available in French.

Sending Smiles is not longer sold as a bundle; it is still available but you have to purchase the stamp set and dies separately. Click the image above to link over to my online store if you want to add Sending Smiles to your craft room stash. 

Here's my challenge card:

Tip: if you want to see how I made this card, make sure to follow me on my Instagram channel. I will post a reel there soon. 

Now it's your turn: which 3 boxes will you choose for this week's challenge. If you want to see what the other crew members created this week, click here.