Nutz about Stamping

You need to try this beautiful embossing folder technique

I had some very sad news today. One of my Stampin' Up! team members lost her husband this week and we are all very sad for her. 

I wanted to make her a special sympathy card, to let her know that even though I am miles away I am thinking of her through this very difficult time. 

The card I made used a beautiful embossing folder technique. If you want to try this at home you will need to the following supplies:

Country Floral 3D Embossing Folder
$9.00

Sponge Brayers
$8.00

Rococo Rose Classic Stampin’ Pad
$7.50

Well Written Dies
$40.00

I also used my Itty Bitty Greetings stamp set for the tiny phrase - which I trimmed to match the sympathy die-cut. 

Here's the technique - try this idea for occasions too:

1. Using the sponge brayer, apply a layer of ink inside the Country Floral embossing folder (to the side without the Stampin' Up! logo)
2. Lay the Whisper White card stock inside the embossing folder, close the folder and emboss as usual

And that's it! 

For the phrase layer I also used an edge die from the Stitched Labels dies. I just felt that the stitched edge would add to the elegance of card. 

Here's my card and matching envelope: 

I hope my team member will appreciate my small gesture and feel a bit of comfort when she receives it. 

 

How to create a beautiful sympathy card

In today's video I am going to show you how to create a beautiful sympathy card using the Lasting Lily stamp set. I am also going to introduce a set of matching framelits (Lily framelits) that Stampin' Up! revealed on March 1st. 

Lasting Lily Photopolymer Stamp Set
$0.00

Lily Framelits Dies
$27.00

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These two products are only available until March 31st AND only as supplies last. Sale-A-Bration has been a whirlwind this year and many products are no longer available (sad face). So don't wait and be disappointed. If you love Lasting Lily earn it now before it is gone for good!

To coordinate the colors on my card I used a narrow left-over strip of Gingham Gala paper - I LOVE this paper for all sorts of card ideas: Easter, spring, birthday and yes, sympathy too. 

Gingham Gala 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.00

 

Here's my Lasting Lily card - don't miss my video tutorial at the bottom of this post! (change the phrase to suit your needs)

Stamp set: Lasting Lily (149717)

Ink: Lemon Lime Twist, Highland Heather

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 3 6/8" x 5 3/4"; 2 3/4" x 1 1/2" (for phrase)
          Highland Heather: 5" x 3 3/4" 
          Gingham Gala (148554): 3 6/8" x 3/4"

Other: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Lily framelits (150071), Stampin' Sponges, Silicone Sheet, SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Here's my video - thanks for watching!

 

How simple card layers make an outstanding design

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge is a delight! I love the layers and embellishments and knew exactly what products I wanted to use to make it. 

Someone asked me recently how to make a simple card that looks complicated or sophisticated. Here's one way: use a variety of layers to add depth and interest:

First, I chose the Happiness Blooms designer paper for the strip across the front and that choice determined which colors I would use on my card: Pineapple Punch (I have used it a lot this week!), Night of Navy and Call Me Clover. 

Next I chose my stamp sets: Itty Bitty Greetings and Bloom by Bloom. Stampin' Up! coordinates sets, paper and embellishments to help with our card designs so I often purchase everything in a product suite for easy card making.

The one 'twist' I did make to the above card map was to turn my smallest square in its side to become a diamond and I didn't use the smallest strip at the bottom of the phrase layer. But consider a strip of coordinating designer paper or washi tape if you want to follow the map exactly. 

Here's my card! I complete the remaining bits by using the Itty Bitty Blooms punch pack and the Best Route Enamel Shapes for the three little dots.

Bloom by Bloom friendship card

If I wanted to add some ribbon, I would have two choices for 1/4" Grosgrain: Pineapple Punch and Call Me Clover. For now, I am happy with how my card turned out!

If you want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew design team members made for the above map, click here. And if you want to see other projects using the Happiness Blooms product suite, click here, here and here. 

You need to see our beautiful textured stamps

This week I created a Facebook Live video to introduce Stampin' Up!s Distinktive stamps. Distinktive stamp sets are created using a special manufacturing process to create photo realistic images. Each stamp has a special texture to it, giving it depth and dimension - all in one stamp. 

These stamps are really fun to create with but when using them the first time there are some tricks you need to know. Click here to watch my video and see my inking trick. 

Now that you know how to ink these stamps, check out the card idea below - along with a full set of instructions:

Here's some exciting news! The Lasting Lily stamp set is FREE with a $50 product order at my online store! This set is part of Stampin' Up!s biggest promotion of the year: Sale-a-bration. Click here to read more about Sale-a-bation and to see the other products you can also earn for free!

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Lasting Lily (149717)
• Card Stock – Whisper White (100730), Poppy Parade (119793)
• Stamp Pads – Poppy Parade (147050), Old Olive (147090), Basic Gray (149165)
• Misc. – Big Shot (143263), Lakeside Framelits (146351), Detailed Trio Punch (146320), Poppy Parade ¼” Striped Ribbon (146938), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Measurements:  

• Whisper White (base): 4 ¼” x 11”, score at 5 ½”
• Whisper White (layer): 3 ½” x 4 ¾”
• Whisper White” scrap
• Poppy Parade: 3 5/8” x 4 7/8”
• Ribbon: 20”

Instructions:

1. Stamp the single stem using Old Olive ink on the Whisper White cardstock layer. Stamp the twist, large leaf image using Old Olive ink, along the stem.
2. Stamp the stem/leaf image using Old Olive ink next to the previous stem.
3. Stamp the full lily image using Poppy Parade ink on each of the stems.
4. Adhere the Whisper White layer to the Poppy Parade layer. 
5. Stamp the greeting using Basic Gray ink on Whisper White scrap cardstock. Die cut the greeting using the label from the Lakeside Framelits.
6. Using the Detailed Trio Punch, punch a small hole on each side of the die cut label. Thread the ribbon through the holes, wrapping it around the cardstock layers. Finish by tying a bow on the left-hand side a shown. 
7. Adhere the cardstock layer to the card base using Dimensionals. 

A heartfelt message on a beautiful sympathy card

Losing someone you love is so hard. I have been through it more times than I care to admit, beginning with my mother when I was 18.

Someone I used to work with just lost her father this week so I decided to make a special card for all of us to write comforting messages inside. My friend loves flowers and so I chose paper and an image that would reflect this. I really like the Healing Hugs stamp set but the phrases didn't suit so I combined it with my Sorry for Everything set for the words. 

 Here are some of the products I used. Click here to link over to my Online Store to place an order for these or other products! 

Healing Hugs Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$21.00

Sorry For Everything Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

Share What You Love Specialty Designer Series Paper
$27.00

 

The layout I chose was easy - I copied one of my own cards that I recently made - click here to see this same layout using some of the same products!  

 Healing Hugs Sympathy card

I decided to choose the larger 'sorry' phrase for the envelope rather than on the card itself. I do love how my card looks even though it is for a sad occasion. Try my layout idea the next time you craft a card. 

How to help someone through a hard time

This week a good friend at work lost his father which makes all of his friends feel very sad for him. I decided to make a sympathy card using this week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge:

The perfect stamp set for sympathy and get well cards is Sorry for Everything. This set has been around for a while but it has taken me a while to add it to my collection and for times like this I am grateful that I did. 

Here are some of the products I used to make my card - remember that if you place an order of $50 or more in August you will get a $5 coupon to redeem in September (perfect timing for the Holiday catalog launch). 

Sorry For Everything Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

Twinkle Twinkle Designer Series Paper
$11.00

Silver & Pool Party Baker's Twine
$4.00

 

I decided to keep my colors muted to feature the 'Sorry' phrase. The Twinkle, Twinkle designer paper pack had the perfect pattern and colors for my card: Pool Party and Gray Granite - both of which have a more masculine feel to me. As I decided not to have three phrases on my card front to match the card map perfectly, I ran a long strip of Gray Granite across the front of the card to break up the two phrase pieces. The coordinating Silver & Pool Party Baker's Twine add the final touch to complete my card. 

Here's my card:

 

What would you create using this week's card map challenge? Click here to see what the other members of the design team created! 

Have you seen this delightful product suite?

I am delighted to share a brand new product suite coming in the new Annual Catalog! Introducing: Nature's Poem! This gorgeous product suite includes the Rooted in Nature stamp set (two containers, 16 pieces), Nature's Poem designer paper and stunning accessories. Rooted in Nature is a year-round bundle (12 framelits) inspired by nature; it works well for both men and women. It was designed to coordinate with Lovely as a Tree!

I love this suite so much that I am sharing one card idea with you today. This 'thinking of you' card uses the paper, Rooted in Nature stamp set and Leaves Trinkets. All of these products (and more!) will be available for you to order on June 1st - not long now!

Here's how to make this card:

Supplies:

• Stamp Set: Rooted in Nature (146479 – wood; 146482 – clear block)
• Cardstock and Paper: Tranquil Tide (144246), Crumb Cake (120953), Whisper White (100730), Nature’s Poem Designer Series Paper or “DSP” (146338)
• Ink: Soft Suede (147115), Mint Macaron (147106), Tranquil Tide (147146)
• Miscellaneous: Layering Circles Framelits (141705), Crumb Cake 3/8” Classic Weave Ribbon (144162), Nature’s Twine (146342), Leaves Trinkets (146343), Faceted Dots (146910), SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683), household tape

 

Measurements:

• Tranquil Tide card base: 4-1/4” x 11”, scored at 5-1/2” then folded
• Soft Suede: 4” x 5-1/4”, 3” x 3”, 2-3/4” x 2-3/4”
• Designer Series Paper: 3-3/4” x 5”
• Whisper White: 3-1/2” x 3-1/2”
• Ribbon: 7”
• Mint Macaron and Crumb Cake twine: each 7-1/2” and 3”

 

Instructions:

1. Choose DSP sheet with Tranquil Tide background with stripes on reverse. Cut vertically 1-1/4” making sure stripes are vertical. Using SNAIL adhere the two pieces of DSP to the Soft Suede piece so they are touching.
2. Run SNAIL along DSP seam and adhere Crumb Cake ribbon. Attach to back of cardstock with SNAIL.
3. Lay Crumb Cake and Mint Macaron twine over ribbon and attach to back of Soft Suede piece with household tape. Tie one short strand of each twine onto lower portion of long twine. Set aside.
4. Stamp off twice then stamp assortment of leaves with Mint Macaron, Tranquil Tide and Soft Suede onto Whisper White cardstock taking care to cover area at least 2-3/4” for later die-cutting.
5. Using full strength Tranquil Tide, stamp sentiment on top of the background you just stamped. Cut out with 2-3/8” circle from the Layering Circle Framelits.
6. Using the 2-1/2” scalloped circle and 2-3/4” circle dies, cut out two Crumb Cake circles.
7. Adhere sentiment piece to scalloped circle with SNAIL. Adhere that piece to lower circle with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
8. Adhere sentiment piece to front of card with Stampin’ Dimensionals taking care to straddle the twine (and not adhere on top of it).
9. Adhere Soft Suede piece to card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
10. Affix Mini Glue Dots to a copper leaf trio trinket. Slip stem into one twine knot then press down to adhere Mini Glue Dots to twine or card front.
11. Place three Mint Macaron Faceted Dots onto upper left of card front.

What is your least favorite card to make?

One of my least favorite cards I have to make each year is a sympathy card. We all know what that means and how a good friend might be affected by this loss. 

So when that time comes, I carefully go through my stamp set collection and other products to make a card filled with warm hugs and kind thoughts. The Rose Wonder stamp set is the set you need for life's major events—birthdays, weddings, sympathy. And for the everyday—thanks, friendship, encouragement.

The Rose Wonder card below is stunning and very easy to create because the embellishment comes from the Sweet Soiree Embellishment Kit and the background layer was created using the Garden Trellis embossing folder. A full list of supplies and measurements are under the card - you can change the phrase to make it a feminine birthday card, a wedding card, a thank you card and more. 

Click here to place your next Stampin' Up! product order. 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets –Rose Wonder (140697)
• Card Stock –Whisper White Thick (140272); Smoky Slate (131202); Whisper White 100720 
• Stamp Pads – Smoky Slate (131179)
• Misc.- Big Shot (143263); Stitched Shapes Framelits (145372); Garden Trellis Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (143741); Rose Garden Thinlits (140619); Sweet Soiree Embellishment Kit (145578); Dimensionals (104430); Snail Adhesive ( 104332); Mini Glue Dots (103683)

 

Measurements:  

• Whisper White Thick:  5-1/2" x 8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4" and folded at score line.
• Smoky Slate 3-7/8" x 5-1/8"
• Whisper White: 3-3/4" x 5" and 3" x 5-1/2" for die cutting

 

Instructions:

• Emboss the larger Whisper White piece using the Garden Trellis Textured Embossing Folder.
• Adhere this to the Smoky Slate piece with Snail Adhesive and then adhere this to the Thick Whisper White Card base.
• From smaller Whisper White piece cut the oval using the Stitched Shapes Framelits and stamp the sentiment and "frame" in Smoky Slate Ink and cut this out using the Rose Garden Thinlits.
• Adhere the oval to the card using Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Adhere the framed sentiment using Stampin' Dimensionals
• Adhere the flowers from the Sweet Soiree Embellishment Kit using Mini Glue Dots.

Craft a stunning sympathy card for someone special

Inspired by the theme of my August Sunday Crafternoon class today I decided to create a card using an embossing folder. Unfortunately I need a sympathy card to mail to a friend but don't let my need stop you from creating a card like mine; the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set has stamps for many other occasions too!

Here's what I used to create my Flower Shop sympathy card - don't miss the list of supplies and video tutorial underneath my card photo:

Flower Shop Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$18.00

Seaside Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
$8.50

2-1/4" (5.7 Cm) Circle Punch
$18.00

Teeny Tiny Wishes Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$27.00

Silver Metallic Thread
$3.00

 

This card was so easy to create!

 

I love hearing from you - please post a comment under this blog post!

Flower Shop sympathy card

Stamp sets: Flower Shop (130942), Teeny Tiny Wishes (127802

Ink: Sweet Sugarplum

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Whisper White: 11" x 4 1/4"; 4" x 5 1/4"; 3" square; 2" square, scrap for phrase

Accessories: Big Shot, Seaside embossing folder (141481), Snail adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Silver Metallic thread (138402), Fast Fuse adhesive, Pansy punch (130698), Classic Label punch (141491)

Here's my video - thanks for watching!
 

 

How to send a courageous message

Courage means so much to those who have it, and possibly even more to those who need it. The Ribbon of Hope bundle partners encouraging phrases with an adaptable awareness ribbon for truly courageous message.

This stamp set was inspired by Million Sales Achiever, Patty Bennett. How awesome that a million dollar achiever gets to design a stamp set for an upcoming catalog!

Here's what was used to create this card - click on any of the photos to place an order at my online store - I appreciate your support!

Ribbon Of Courage Clear-Mount Bundle
$36.75

Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper
$11.00

Glitter Enamel Dots
$7.00

Ribbon of Courage card

I love hearing from you - please post a comment under this blog post!

 Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Ribbon of Courage (wood: 143852, clear: 143855)
• Card Stock – Calypso Coral (122925); Whisper White (100730)
• Stamp Pads – Calypso Coral Pad (126983); Memento Ink Pad (132708)
• Misc. – Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper (144137); Calypso Coral from Subtles Collection Stampin’ Write Markers (131263); Support Ribbon Framelits (143749); Glitter Enamel Dots (144200); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

 

Measurements:  

• Calypso Coral cardstock: 8-1/2” x 5-1/2” 4-1/4” x 2-3/4”
• Whisper White cardstock: 4” x 2-1/2”; 5-1/4” x 4” (for inside) plus scrap
• Delightful Daisy paper: 5-1/4” x 4” 

Instructions:

1. Fold larger piece of Calypso Coral cardstock in half for card base and adhere designer paper to front.  Adhere larger piece of Whisper White cardstock to inside.
2. Stamp “Live…Laugh…Love” sentiment with black ink to lower right corner of smaller piece of Whisper White cardstock and layer onto smaller piece of Calypso Coral cardstock. Adhere to center of card front.
3. Stamp ribbon with Calypso Coral ink pad and color “negative space” with matching marker.  Die cut and attach with Stampin’ Dimensionals to card front.
4. Stamp flower on scrap of white cardstock with black ink and color with marker.  Fussy cut and adhere to ribbon.  Attach a small Glitter Enamel Dot.
5. On inside, stamp “Sending Love and hugs”.

Do you know how to make a beautiful sympathy card?

Sympathy cards don't have to be difficult to create, especially if you have Lovely as a Tree on hand. Lovely as a Tree is my go-to set for many different occasions - birthday, Christmas, masculine and sympathy. 

Here's what I used to make the beautiful card below:

Lovely As A Tree Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

Stamping Sponges
$3.50

 

 I used the sponging technique on my card background, going from lightest to darkest and then stamped the image and phrase using Basic Black ink. 

 Tip: Cut each sponge into sixths and dedicate each piece to a particular color. 

I love hearing from you - please post your comments under this blog post!

It is unfortunate to have to create sympathy cards so when you do try the sponging technique to create a beautiful, heart-felt card idea. 

How to create a simple sympathy card with a flourish

Who doesn't love to save money!? I sure do and today I have a great tip for you to consider before the next annual catalog goes live: find the bundles in the current catalog, check to see if they are carrying over and buy them now! Why? Because they will be sold separately in the next catalog and you will miss the bundle discount.

Today's video and card idea shows you a simple but beautiful sympathy card using the Flourishing Phrases bundle (now on SALE!). Click on either of these images to head to my online store:

Flourishing Phrases Clear-Mount Bundle
$59.25

Regals Enamel Shapes
$9.00

Here's my sympathy card idea and video tutorial:

 

 

 

Stamp set: Flourishing Phrases (141534) OR save 10% now (bundle #142323)

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Cardstock and cutting dimensions:

          Whisper White: 11" x 4 1/4"; 1 3/8" x 4 1/4"
          Rich Razzleberry: 1 1/2" x 4 1/4"; 3 1/2" x 5"

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic platform, Flourish thinlits dies (141478), Fine Tip Glue pen, Fast Fuse, Regals Enamel shapes (141681: also retiring, sad face), Silicone Craft Sheet (127853)

Here's the video tutorial - thanks for watching!

Have you explored a unique color challenge lately?

Each week I post a design card map challenge for you to try and this week I have a unique twist - a Paper Craft Crew color challenge!

Here's the color challenge - using three of the four Stampin' Up! colors below:

 

 

I knew that I wanted to use my Watercolor Pencils and unfortunately needed a sympathy card so decided to use the Rose Wonder stamp set for the images and phrase.

Here are the products I used - click on any of them to place an order at my Online Store:

Rose Wonder Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

Watercolor Pencils
$16.00 

Here's my color challenge card:

Now it's your turn - try our color challenge and enter your card over on the Paper Craft Crew site for all to see!

 

 

 

How to send some smiles across the miles

There are times when you just want to send a card to someone special - not for a birthday or to say thank you - just because. Today I have a really fun Paper Craft Crew card challenge map that I used to create my card sample:

 

I used a brand new stamp set and coordinating framelits pack - available to order in January 2017! It's called: Lift Me Up! The set has 16 rubber stamps (6 phrases!) and there are 15 framelits in the pack. 

Here's my card - I hope you love it as much as I do!

I love hearing from you - please post your comments under the blog post!

In the next few weeks I will be posting other cards showing you more new stamp sets and accessories in the upcoming Occasions catalog - come on back soon!

Texture can soften the sadness of sympathy

It is not fun to have to create a sympathy card. But they are our reality so today's Wondrous Wreath card provides a sympathy card idea for the next time you need to make one. 

Here are the supplies used to make this card - click on any of the product images below to head to my Online Store: 

Wondrous Wreath Photopolymer Stamp Set
$26.00

Brushstrokes Clear-Mount Background Stamp
$15.00

5/8" (1.6 Cm) Burlap Ribbon
$7.00

Gold 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Satin Ribbon
$7.00

 

Wondrous Wreath Sympathy card

 

I love hearing from you - please post your comments under this blog post!

Supplies:

• Stamp Set: Wondrous Wreath stamp set #135047, Rose Wonder stamp set #140697, Brush Strokes stamp set 139533, Hardwood stamp #133035
• Ink: Delightful Dijon #138327, Rose Red #126954, Cajun Craze #126965, Soft Suede #126978, Basic Black #140931
• Paper: Cajun Craze #119684, Whisper White #100730, Soft Suede #115318, DSP: Serene Scenery Stack #141642
• Misc: 5/8 burlap ribbon #141487, 5/8 gold satin ribbon #134547, linen thread #104199, Wonderful Wreath framelits #135851, Rose Garden thinlits #140619, Big Shot 143263, Stampin Dimensionals #104430, Corner Round Punch #134346

Measurements: 

• Cajun Craze Card Base: 8-1/2” x 5-1/2” (fold in half)
• Serene Scenery DSP: 5” x 3-3/4”
• Scrap: Whisper White & Soft Suede

Instructions: 

1. Stamp Brushstrokes image in Cajun Craze on the front of the card base. 
2. Stamp frame and words from Rose Wonder in black ink on whisper white card stock scrap.
3. Stamp wreath layers in Delightful Dijon, Cajun Craze and Rose Red. 
4. Stamp Hardwood in Soft Suede ink, on Soft Suede card stock. 
5. Using the Big Shot, cut label,  wreath & star panels (all can be cut at the same time). 
6. Punch the corners of the Serene Scenery panel with the Corner rounder punch. 
7. Cut banner tails in the ribbon sections, and tie a bow in the linen thread. 
8. Assemble card.