Nutz about Stamping

See how to let your paper choices be the stand out

Today's Paper Craft Crew card sketch is quite unique, do you agree? 

It has a very simple layout which offers so many options or choices. With all the layers I immediately thought this could be the perfect sketch for featuring designer series paper so that was my starting point. I chose to use some of the Earthen Elegance designs:

Although I love the unique colors and designs in this pack, I often find it challenging to use them. But today things fell into place easily, especially after I decided that the very centre of my card would be the phrase. 

Unfortunately, I need a sympathy card and so I chose to use my Something Fancy stamp set: 

After I created my card layers, I chose to stamp my phase in a matching ink color (Pretty Peacock) and then used some of the In Color Dots to finish off my card. 

 

I really like the color combinations and simplicity. After all, for a sympathy card, subtle and muted (in my mind) is best. 

What will you create this week for this challenge? If you want to see what the other crew members created, click here. 

Let your imagination run wild and have some fun

Here's a unique Paper Craft Crew card sketch challenge, will you give it a try? 

 

There are so many possibilities for this one and I decided that the main layer on my card base would be a bold pattern of designer paper, from the Fresh as a Daisy pack:

The pattern I chose also had me using a new In Colors for the first time: Moody Mauve. And I really love it! 

The Fresh as a Daisy paper is the perfect match for the Cheerful Daisies bundle so I course I used it too: 

There are so many possibilities and color choices that you can just let your imagination run wild and have fun. Here's my card for this week's challenge:

If you follow me on Instagram, watch for a reel in the next week or so where I will show you (in less than 1 minute!) how to make this card along with a fun detail for the inside! 

And now it's your turn - what will you make for this challenge? We would love to see! If you want to see what the other design crew members created this week, click here to hop over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

Grab your metallic embossing powders and make this beautiful card at home

Hi all! I am away for a three-day weekend training so no video tutorial this week. However, I cannot leave you wanting a new project idea to try so.... here you are! 

Today's project idea uses the beautiful Scenic Garden stamp set. 

 

Create a tranquil setting on all your handmade cards with this stamp set. Whether you’re looking to send some cheer or a sweet hello, these lovely images are sure to carry someone special to a peaceful place of reverie. Whether you make it simple, with an image of a lone bench, or create a vivid scene complete with a walkway and floral touches, you can’t go wrong. 

If you have the Metallic embossing powders and a heat tool, you are set to make this gorgeous card: 

And here's how: 

Supplies:

• Stamps: Scenic Garden Host Cling Stamp Set [160831], Beside Me Cling Stamp Set (English) [160780], Sending Support Cling Stamp Set (English) [160822]
• Card Stock: Pacific Point 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [111350], Silver Foil Sheets [132178]
• Stamp Pads: Versamark Pad [102283]
• Misc: Metallics Embossing Powders [155555], Heat Tool [129053], Brights Stampin' Write Markers [147157], Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755], Stampin' Dimensionals [104430], Clear Block Bundle [118491], Paper Snips [103579], Paper Trimmer [152392]

Measurements:

• Pacific Point – 11” x 4 ¼”, 3 ¾” x 5”, scrap piece
• Silver: 4” x 5 ¼” (Tip: use a Rectangle Die to cut out the centre and use on other cards).

Instructions:  

1. Fold the 11” x 4 ¼” cardstock in half to form card base.
2. Glue silver foil cardstock to front of card.
3. Stamp bench image from “Scenic Garden” stamp set with Versamark ink pad onto 3 ¾” x 5” Pacific Point cardstock. Sprinkle silver embossing powder over top, shake off excess and set with heat tool. Repeat with the stones image, emboss with silver. Stamp the flowers, emboss with silver. Stamp and emboss birds from “Beside Me” set.
4. Colour the bench with Pacific Point Stampin' Write Marker.
5. Stamp flower pot with Versamark ink pad onto scrap piece of Pacific Point card stock. Emboss with silver. Colour the pots with Pacific Point marker. Cut image and place onto card with Stampin' Dimensionals.

I will be back next week with another video tutorial - in the meantime.....happy paper crafting! 

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.

Here's a fun technique that you definitely need to try

Did you know that you can create a beautiful card idea using your clear blocks and ink pads? This ‘Clear Block stamping technique is easy to learn and can be applied using your favorite stamp sets and ink colors. Each time you try this technique you will get a different clear block result!

This card idea uses the Bamboo Beauty stamp set, a set that I feel is a hidden gem in the Annual Catalog. 

You can create a serene escape with the brushstroke style of this set. The bamboo images are sized perfectly for cardmaking; either stamp the branches in a random pattern for a minimal look or use the bamboo and branch images together to create a bamboo forest! The authentic kanji symbols translate to “friendship” so be sure to send a card to all your favorite friends as this stamp set is gender neutral.

As I didn't make a video of this card, I am going to walk you through using photos. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Bamboo Beauty (155478); Color & Contour (154994)
• Card Stock – Pear Pizzazz (131201); Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper (149612)
• Stamp Pads – Pear Pizzazz (147104); Soft Succulent (155778); Garden Green (147089); Night of Navy (147110)
• Misc. – Stampin’ Seal (152813); Clear Block (117147); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Water Painters (151298)

 

Measurements: 

• Pear Pizzazz 8 ½” x 5 ½”               
• Fluid 100 3” x 5 ½”
• Night of Navy (2) ¼” x 5 ½”

Instructions:

1. Fold Pear Pizzazz card stock in half and score to create card base.
2. Add water to barrel of Medium Water Painter.
3. Ink Clear Block B using Soft Succulent Ink. Add a drop of water from Water Painter and swish water around on block. Stamp into Fluid 100 layer. (image 2)
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Repeat step 2 using Pear Pizzazz and Garden Green ink, stamping each block to the right (create a row). 
   
   
   
   Note: yes, my block on the left looks a bit different because I smeared ink and had to start over! (it happens)
   
   

 

1. Ink Bamboo stamp using Night of Navy ink and stamp 1 image onto each ink color.
2. Ink splatter stamp using Night of Navy ink, stamp off onto scrap paper first, then stamp onto bamboo images. 
   
   
   
   
   
3. Ink phrase using Night of Navy ink and stamp to the right of the bamboo images.
4. Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, adhere Night of Navy strips to back of Fluid 100 layer.
5. Using Stampin’ Seal, adhere Fluid 100 layer to card front to complete card. 

And here's my card - I hope you will give this idea a try! 

Don't you think this is a beautiful way to tell someone that you care?

There are so many ways to show someone you care, but making a special card will leave a lasting impression. This gorgeous Flowering Rain Boots card is a standout thanks to the easel technique - an oldie but a goodie! 

Whether it rains or shines outside, you'll love using the Flowering Rain Boots bundle. Perfect for cardmaking, it includes heartfelt sentiments and realistic imagery that are perfect for building a card-front scene. And the garden tools and flower images create endless possibilities: stamp daisies repeatedly to create a border; mask off tulips to add a single cluster to the watering can; stamp boots, pot, and watering in any of the flowers—it's up to you! This set is also great for watercoloring. You can create colorful projects on rainy days and make the shiny days even brighter.

Here's just one possibility using this fun bundle:

And here's how to make this pretty card:

 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – *Flowering Rain Boots (157689)
• Card Stock (CS) – Pool Party (122924); Blushing Bride (131198); Smoky Slate (131202); Basic White (159276); Basic White Thick (159229)
• Ink Pads – Pool Party (147107); Flirty Flamingo (147052)
• Misc. – *Rain Boots Dies (157690); Stitched So Sweetly Dies (151690); Stitched Rectangle Dies (151820); Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder (EF) (149643); Flowering Fields Designer Series Paper (DSP) (157670); Foam Adhesive Sheets (152815); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755)
• The stamp set and dies are available as a bundle (157691) to save 10%!

Measurements:  

• Pool Party CS: 4-1/4” x 11”, scored at 2-3/4” and 5-1/2”; 4-1/4” x 5-1/2”; 2-5/8” x 3-3/4”
• Blushing Bride CS: 3-3/4” x 5”; 3-3/4” x 1-3/4” ”; a scrap for die cutting
• Basic White CS: 2-1/2” x 3-5/8”; 4” x 5-1/4”
• Basic White Thick CS: scraps for die cutting
• DSP: 3-5/8” x 4-7/8”; 3-5/8” x 1-5/8”

Instructions:

1. Die cut a scrap of Blushing Bride CS using the Stitched So Sweetly Dies.
2. Die cut a scrap of Basic White Thick CS using the Stitched Rectangle Dies.
3. Stamp sentiment in Flirty Flamingo ink onto the Stitched Rectangle die cut.
4. Stamp the watering can in Pool Party ink onto a scrap of Basic White Thick CS.
5. Stamp the flowers in Flirty Flamingo ink onto a scrap of Basic White Thick CS.
6. Die cut the watering can and flowers using the Rain Boots Dies.
7. Die cut the tool from Pool Party CS and from Smoky Slate CS.
8. Using snips, cut the handle from the Pool Party tool and glue it over the Smoky Slate tool’s handle.
9. Burnish the folds in the card base.
10. Close and turn the card base so the hinge is away from you, then fold the bottom half of the card front up so the bottom edge is even with the hinge.
11. Glue the top half of the 4-1/4” x 5-1/2” Pool Party CS onto the half of the card base that is now on top (the bottom back of the card front, flipped up so it’s now on the top front.)
12. Glue the 3-3/4” x 5” Blushing Bride CS onto the front of the 4-1/4” x 5-1/2” Pool Party CS.
13. Glue the larger piece of DSP onto the 3-3/4” x 5” Blushing Bride CS.
14. Glue the die cut Blushing Bride CS layer onto the DSP layer.
15. Glue the 2-5/8” x 3-3/4” Pool Party CS onto the die cut Blushing Bride CS layer.
16. Emboss the 2-1/2” x 3-5/8” Basic White CS layer using the Brick & Mortar 3D EF, then glue it onto the 2-5/8” x 3-3/4” Pool Party CS.
17. Arrange and glue the watering can, flowers, and tool onto the embossed Basic White CS layer.
18. Glue the 4” x 5-1/4” Basic White CS onto the inside of the card base.
19. Glue the sentiment onto the smaller piece of DSP.
20. Glue the DSP onto the 3-3/4” x 1-3/4 Blushing Bride CS.
21. Adhere the 3-3/4” x 1-3/4 Blushing Bride CS onto the bottom of the Basic White CS on the inside using a piece of Foam Adhesive Sheet, leaving an even border around the bottom and two sides.
22. Prop the card front along the back of the raised pieces.

Let inspiration bubble to the surface with this card map challenge

There are times when I see a card map challenge and inspiration just comes bubbling to the surface and although I don't know exactly what the final product might be, I know the products I want to use. 

 

I chose the following products to help me with my creation:

• Meadow Dies
• Tailored Tag punch
• Paper strips: Calypso Coral, Sahara Sand
• Symbols of Fortune designer series paper
• In Color Jewels (2021-23)
• Timeworn Type embossing folder
• Timeless Tulips (for phrase)

And the layout just fell into place. The paper pattern determined that my card would be portrait instead of landscape and I love the texture of the Soft Succulent square, created by the embossing folder. 

The Tailored Tag punch also came to me at the last moment and I really like that it supported the vertical nature of the meadow flower and card base.

I am lovin' this card! 

Now it's your turn - try this card map challenge and see what you can create. If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge, click here. 

This simple challenge is my way of showing that I care

I love being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and for so many reasons. I had no idea how many friends I would make along the way, even ones that don't speak my home and family language. 

When I joined Stampin' Up! in The Netherlands (I am still a demonstrator in the US too) I was so nervous as I did not speak Dutch. I still don't but I can understand more and more and I do practice a bit each day. 

With all that is going on in the world lately, I knew I had to participate in this challenge amongst the Netherlands team I am on: 

Hierbij de nieuwe challenge.
Geel-blauw

We zien het veel voorbijkomen de zonnebloemen.
Maar mijn challenge voor jullie is leef je uit met geel en blauw.

ALLEEN DEZE KLEUREN!!

Uiteraard mag basic white wel gewoon.

Ben benieuwd naar jullie resultaten, zou het leuk vinden er veel langs te zien komen.
Veel plezier met deze challenge!! 

Translation: 

Here's the new challenge.
Yellow blue

We see it a lot the sunflowers.
But my challenge for you is go wild with yellow and blue.

ONLY THESE COLORS!!

Of course basic white is allowed.

I'm curious about your results, would love to see a lot of them.
Have fun with this challenge!!

And so I did! On my recent YouTube video I used a patterned paper from the Flowering Fields pack - this pattern had blue and green, with a tinge of yellow on it and I thought it would make a great card front layer. 

I looked through my stamp sets for floral images and spotted the Color & Contour set, which comes bundled with a set of dies:

I thought the phrase 'here for you now' was appropriate and so chose it to use on my card but nothing else in the set or dies caught my attention. And then I remembered that I had the Pierced Blooms dies!!

And that sealed the deal! I would make yellow flowers and adhere them to the Flowering Fields background. I love how it turned out and I was proud to share my card idea for this challenge with the Netherlands demonstrator group - and to you too! 

Why not join this challenge and show your yellow and blue support on Social Media as well? 

I invite you to join my exciting countdown to the new catalogs!

The time is almost here! Two new catalogs go live on 4 January which means it is time to say goodbye to the old:

and a happy hello to the new!

Each day this week I want to feature a countdown project that will help you get excited about these new catalogs. There are so many exciting new products coming your way and I want to help you start to stockpile lots of creative ideas for using these new products after you place your first order. 

This first card ideas uses a very unusual stamp set, called Amazing Silhouettes, featured on page 40 of the Jan - June Mini Catalog. You can purchase the budget friendly set as a single item (157814):

 

or you can bundle it with the Amazing Thanks dies (157819):

So let's see a card idea using the stamp set. My card also uses the new Gingham embossing folder and a phrase from one of the new Sale-a-Brations sets:

 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Amazing Silhouettes (157814); Special Moments*** (158081)
• Stamp Pads – Fresh Freesia (155613); Misty Moonlight (153118)
• Paper – Basic White (159276); Fresh Freesia (155613); Misty Moonlight (153081)
• Misc. – Mini Stampin' Dimensionals (144108); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Stitched Rectangles dies (151820); Gingham embossing folder (157627); Sponge Daubers (133773); 2021-23 In Color Jewels (155571), Stampin’ Seal (152813)

*** free with a $100 product order (Sale-a-bration, 4 Jan – 28 Feb 2022)

Measurements: 

• Basic White: 2 ½” x 5 ½”; 2 ¾” x 1 ½”
• Fresh Freesia: 8 ½” x 5 ½”
• Misty Moonlight: (2) ¼” x 5 ½”

Instructions:

1. Create Fresh Freesia card base. Emboss card front using Gingham embossing folder.
2. Ink phrase using Misty Moonlight ink and stamp onto Basic White. Die-cut using Stitched Rectangle.
3. Ink butterfly image using Sponge Daubers and Fresh Freesia and Misty Moonlight ink. Stamp three butterflies onto Basic White layer.
4. Adhere two Misty Moonlight strips to back of Basic White layer using Stampin’ Seal. Adhere Basic White layer to card front.
5. Attach die-cut phrase to card front using Mini Stampin' Dimensionals.
6. To complete card, attach three 2021-23 In Color Jewels.

This is a beautiful way to show someone special that you care

I don't know what it is about this time of year but I have seen so many people affected in such sad ways. Which means I need to make several sympathy cards to show my friends how much I care. 

Today's card is so pretty and the phrase will hopefully bring comfort to someone who is going through a very rough time right how. The soft colors, the simplicity of design draws the eye directly to the phrase. Even the embellishments are simple. 

The card uses the Gorgeous Leaves bundle.

Normally you might use fall/autumn colors but think outside the box - especially for different occasions. Try muted colors and papers: 

Want to learn how to make this card? 

Supplies: 

• Stamps– Gorgeous Leaves Bundle (158609); Inspired Thoughts stamp set (155536)
• Paper  – Silver Foil Specialty Paper (156457); Night of Navy (100867); Gray Granite (146983); Soft Succulent (155776); Basic White (159276)
• Ink – Pool Party (147107); Soft Succulent (155778); Misty Moonlight (153118)
• Other – Holiday Rhinestones Basic (150457); Star Crossed Embossing Folder (156567); Stampin’ SEAL Adhesive (152813); Stampin’ Dimensioals (104430); Sponge Daubers (133773)

Cutting & Scoring:  

• Night of Navy – 4-1/4” x 11”, scored at 5-1/2”
• Soft Succulent – 2-3/4” x 3-1/4”
• Gray Granite – 4-1/4” x 1”
• Basic White – 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”; scrap for die cuts
• Silver Foil Specialty Paper – 4-1/4” x 1/2”

Instructions:

1. Emboss the Gray Granite piece with the Star Crossed Embossing Folder; adhere to card front.
2. Adhere the Silver Foil piece along the top of the embossed piece.
3. Stamp the speckled image in stamped-off Gray Granite ink onto the top of the Basic White piece.
4. Stamp the Inspired Thoughts sentiment in Misty Moonlight ink onto the bottom right.
5. Adhere the stamped piece onto a piece of Soft Succulent and adhere to the card front.
6. Stamp the maple leaf image in Pool Party ink. Next dab the finger-tip Sponge Dauber in Soft Succulent ink and apply directly onto the stamp in three places.  Next dab in Misty Moonlight ink along the edges of the leaf in two places.  Stamp onto the Basic White scrap, repeat for a second leaf.
7. Die-cut the two stamped images with the coordinating maple leaf Die and adhere using Dimensionals.
8. Add a couple of Pool Party Holiday Rhinestones around the focal point.

There are so many fun possibilities with this simple card map challenge

Today's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge is super fun! There are so many possibilities to use:

 

I knew right away what I was going to use too. On my daily walks I have been encountering many different flowers along my way, and on one particular walk I spotted these beauties blowing in the wind: 

I know these are not daisies but right away I thought of my daisy punch. And when I had a look at my card map challenge for the week I immediately thought: not butterflies. I can try daisies! 

So I grabbed my two Daisy punches and got right to work. I pushed six daisies - 4 small ones and 2 large ones and then used my Blending Brushes and Fresh Freesia ink pad to add color:

I  am telling you - if you have not used these brushes before then you are seriously missing out! Blend ink beautifully using our FAB Blending Brushes. Apply extremely light shades of ink or create soft gradient backgrounds with no lines. Or use them with Decorative Masks or stencils. The velvety soft bristles blend ink perfectly.

In mere seconds I had all daisies colored, attached together and ready for my card front. At that point I decided to use my Timeworn Type embossing folder to emboss the layer for my card. 

I love love love the look that this folder creates. Once I embossed my Fresh Freesia layer and added my daisies then I popped on a stamped and die-cut phrase and 6 lovely In Color Jewels. 

Here's my card:

I am crazy about my card - and hope that it will make a special friend feel better when she receives it. 

Why not join our card map challenge this week? And if you want to see what the other design crew members created for this week's challenge, click here to head on over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

 

How to use up your crafting supplies with a super fun design

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge will help you use up lots of your supplies with a super fun design:

 

You have several layers, different colors and can embellish to your heart's content. 

For my card I chose some left over bits of my Beauty of the Earth designer series paper. I am proud to say that I have used almost the entire pack - a rare thing for me, the scrap-a-holic that I can be:

And this is kind of funny: I had my design all figured out, turned over the layer of Beauty of the Earth paper that I had chosen and in the last minute reversed sides - the one that should have had glue applied ended up being the layer that you see on my card photo below. 

I also dusted off my Dandy Wishes dies - gosh I find these really hard to use. But I love the two 'tree' sizes on my card front. 

The phase comes from the Art Gallery stamp set - love the font. 

And here's my card map challenge card. As unusual as it looks, I still LOVE it! 

PSST: if you want to purchase any of these products from me, click on the photos to hop on over to my online store!

Why not give our card map challenge a try this week - use up some of those supplies and end up with a card you love too! If you want to see what the Paper Craft Crew created this week for this challenge, click here. 

 

Have you ever been uncertain about a stamping technique? Don't miss out.

Watercoloring.

Just reading the word on this week's Paper Craft Crew challenge made me shudder. Watercoloring is one stamping technique that I don't feel comfortable with...yet. 

And as much as I tried to avoid it, I didn't have the supplies for any other row or column. So I did what I usually do - avoid. Until the last minute and then I had to face it head on. 

After a good night's sleep I pulled out my Water Painters and watercolor paper and stared them down. 

I knew that I wanted to use the beautiful tree and birds dies and a phrase from the Beauty of Friendship bundle: 

So I convinced myself that I do have an inner artist and to just give it a try. I grabbed some ink pads and tries to create a sunset on a piece of watercolor paper, after I die cut it using the Scalloped Contours dies. 

And you know what? I kind of like it! So much in fact that I decided that my card didn't need any additional elements on it. What do you think? I would love some encouraging words if you don't mind leaving me a comment. 

The moral of this story: Have you ever been uncertain about a stamping technique? Don't miss out. Give it a try and you just might fall in love with your own creative abilities! 

Hint: if you want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew design team members created for this week's challenge, click here to head on over to that site. 

 

What would you choose for this week's easy card map layout?

I could not be happier with this week's Paper Craft Crew card map. Want to know why? Because this past weekend my Big Shot died. A violent death. I have nobody to blame but myself either. I used the wrong 'sandwich' for a thicker embossing folder and thought I could still squeeze it through the machine. Nope. It literally exploded! I heard this loud BANG as a bolt sheared off in half and flew across the room, kind of like a bullet! 

I thought I could still use my machine but clearly not. It is dead. I have to say it has lasted me 7+ years! And since it was my own mistake I forgave myself and ordered the Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine straight away. 

And then I realized that I had a card map challenge for the week and I always use my Big Shot for each challenge! Oh oh. So imagine my delight when I realized that I didn't need my Big Shot for this layout: 

 

And since the Annual Catalog is retiring soon (see my announcement here), I thought this was also the perfect chance to use up some of my products. You see that little banner strip on the card map? I thought right away that it could be a phrase so chose one out of my Art Gallery stamp set (not retiring but not sold as a discounted bundle in the next catalog):

Then for the squares I immediately thought of the Well Suited paper - it is definitely retiring so I had better get cracking on using it up. You see, I have seen the new catalog and its new paper packs. And I am in big trouble! 

If you want to order either or both of these products, click on one of the photos to link directly to my online store. 

Now for my card map, the rest was easy. Cutting some squares with my paper cutter and here is my final card:

What will you make with this week's card map challenge? Why not give it a try too? If you want to see what the other crew members created using the same challenge, click here to link over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

How to layer paper to make a bright and colorful card

Do you ever look at a card map and know exactly what products you want to use for your next card? Although it doesn't happen often, that's happened to me this week. 

As soon as I saw this Paper Craft Crew card map challenge:

I knew immediately that I wanted to use my Art Gallery bundle:

And instead of a plain background layer I chose a colorful Fine Art Floral paper pattern:

Instead of a circular image on my card front, I chose a Whisper White stitched rectangle to help my flower image stand out. Add a phrase and ... it's done!

Do you want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew members created for this week's challenge? Click here. 

Our heartfelt tribute to a very special person

Yesterday was a sad day for many Stampin' Up! demonstrators, due to the sudden death of one of our friends. Her passing was a shock to all of us and because of the pandemic most of us were unable to attend her funeral and offer our condolences to her family.

Ilona person was very special to me, but not because I knew her well. When I moved to the Netherlands I immediately reached out to Stampin' Up! demonstrators for friendship and support as I know from my many years of living in the US and Canada that joining Stampin' Up! is like being welcomed into this huge creative family. And sure enough the demonstrators in the Netherlands didn't disappoint. I found myself going to Illona's house within the first year of moving here, to attend a team meeting she was holding. 

Although there was a language issue, I felt immediately welcomed and comfortable and had a fabulous time at her event. Ilona was like that. Calm, funny, caring and oh, so creative. She was well loved (as you can see) and was happy to share her creativity at Stampin' Up! regional events. I always sought her out at these events, to trade sample card and project ideas; I knew I would come home with a gem of an idea from her creative mastermind. 

One of her Stampin' Up! team members, and very close friend of Ilona, suggested a card posting on our private Facebook group to honor Ilona on the day of her funeral. I think this is a wonderful tribute to a very special person, don't you? 

For my card I chose the Art Gallery bundle:

The large flower image in this set is perfect for the two-step stamping technique (leave me a comment if you want to learn this technique). I chose Flirty Flamingo and Poppy Parade for flower. 

The Art Gallery bundle has a matching designer paper pack, called: Fine Art Floral. I chose the patterned side of one of the floral papers for a background layer:

I spent of bit of time thinking about what to use for a phrase. I finally decided to use 'I'm thinking of you', because I am. Here's my card that I posted as a tribute to Ilona:

It is always a sad moment to have to create a sympathy card for a special person. Somehow creating this card helps to take a bit of the sadness away.