Nutz about Stamping

This bundle will make you unleash your creativity

Let your creativity go wild with the Zany Zoo Stamp Set! These fun stamps feature a variety of animals showcasing unique talents—a dancing cheetah, a bicycling alligator, and a singing tortoise. You can create cards, gift tags, and other crafts to share with your special someone and celebrate their unique talents too! The open line-art style means there’s plenty of room to customize and color using your favorite coloring technique. And the three sentiments in this set are perfect for celebrating birthdays, talents, and more! So celebrate something great with this unique stamp set.

Tip: click on the bundle photo above to order it at my online store. 

Here's one fun card that you create using Zany Zoo, along with how to make it. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Zany Zoo Bundle (161315); Zany Zoo Cling Stamp Set (161305); Zoo Crew Suite Collection (161319)
• Card Stock – Real Red (102482); Basic White (159276); Zoo Crew 12" X 12" Designer Series Paper (161304)
• Stamp Pads – Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad (101406)
• Misc. – Ribbon Duo Combo Pack (161318); Real Red Stampin' Blends Combo Pack (154899); Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack (154892); Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack (154885); Soft Sea Foam Stampin' Blends Combo Pack (154902); Bronze & Ivory Stampin' Blends Combo Pack (154922); Basic Black Stampin' Blends Combo Pack (154843); Smoky Slate Stampin' Blends Combo Pack (154904); Fine-Tip Glue Pen (138309); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Paper Trimmer (152392); Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine (150673)

 

Measurements: 

• Real Red: 5 ½” x 8 ½” scored at 4 ¼” AND  1 ¼” x 2”
• Basic White: 4” x 5 ¼”
• Designer Paper: 2” x 3 ¼” (for raccoon); 2”x 2” (for turtle); 2” x 4” (for alligator)    

 

Instructions:

1. Adhere the pieces of Designer Paper to the 4” x 5 ¼” Basic White cardstock.
2. Stamp the greeting and the images on to the 1 ¼” x 2” Real Red cardstock using Memento black ink. Adhere this piece to the Basic White cardstock.
3. Lay a piece of ribbon on top of the layer and tape the ends of the ribbon to the back. Add a smaller piece of ribbon around the first ribbon and tie in a knot.
4. Stamp the 3 animals on Basic White cardstock using Memento black ink.
5. Color each with Stampin’ Blends.
6. Add the animals to the card using Dimensionals.
7. Use the fine-tip glue pen to create a raised gloss on the balloons, flowers, basket, and shaker. Let dry before touching.
   (My glue pen created bubbles, but instead of popping them, I left them that way since I liked the look)

Add a little vintage and some pretty texture with this special paper

I am quite excited about this week's card sketch challenge because there is a specialty paper that immediately came to mind. 

 

I have had a pack of the Vellum Layering Designs for a while and really need to use it before it retires. 

Add a little vintage and some pretty texture with this Vellum paper pack. Cut down vellum to create backgrounds on cards. Or create unique elements and layers using punches or dies. Vellum imagery includes newsprint, handwritten letters, and a map. Translucent vellum lets the cardstock color to show through for gentle texture on paper projects.

I decided to pair up a vellum design with the Hello, Irresistible paper pack for a fun, but subtle look. 

My card elements and phrase come from the Sending Smiles bundle - perfect for soft, spring-like cards!

Put all of these together and look what you can create: 

Righty-o, it's your turn! Have a fresh look at your products and see what you can create this week using our card sketch challenge. To see what the other design crew members created this week, click here to hop on over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

1 simple wildflower can create this beautiful effect on your card

Today's project was requested by one of my YouTube followers. She requested a card that uses Watercolor Pencils so that's what I am going to show you today - how to create a beautiful watercolor wash background for your cards. I will be using a single wildflower from the Quiet Meadow bundle to create a simple, beautiful element for my card. You don't want to miss this one!

 

The Quiet Meadow stamp set includes flowers, background patterns, and greetings. Choose one greeting, flower, and pattern or bring several of them together for a collage effect and to convey a positive message.

 

 

Use the dies to create the look of a meadow with wildflowers and beautiful blossoms. Mix and match the pieces or use a single wildflower for a stunning effect which is what I did for today's card.

Note: this bundle is retiring soon so if you love it as much as I do you need to order it right away at my online store. Once it is sold out it is gone for good. 

To create my watercolor background I am going to mix and match my 2 packs of Watercolor Pencils - both of these Assortments are retiring because Stampin' Up! is doing a color refresh in the upcoming catalog. But don't worry, the next Annual Catalog will have Watercolor Pencils that coordinate the color refresh that is taking place. 

 

This pack of watercolor pencils has 13 High-quality, smooth colors. There are many techniques using watercolor pencils and I am going to show you one of my faves.

 

Colors in this assortment: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie,Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White

 

Here's my card - don't miss my video below showing you how to create the wash effect. 

 

 

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

 

Supplies

 

Stamp set: Quiet Meadow (155082)

 

Ink: Pacific Point

 

Watercolor Pencils: Balmy Blue; Pacific Point; Night of Navy

 

Paper and cutting dimensions: 
        Pacific Point: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" 
        Fluid 100 watercolor paper: 3 3/4" x 5" 
        Basic White: 5 1/2" x 3/4"; 1 1/2" square' 3 1/4" x 1" 

 

Misc: Fluid 100 Watercolor paper (149612); Watercolor Pencils (Assortment 1: 141709, Assortment 2 149014); Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Hearts Pearls (159190); Water Painters (151298), Meadow Dies (155582); Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

 

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

Want to see how to tell someone special just how much they mean to you?

Tell someone special just how much they mean to you with the Lighting the Way bundle. Use it to create uplifting cards featuring dazzling fireflies that appear to glow. Simply stamp one of the glowing circles in a vibrant yellow, then follow up with a firefly stamp. Stamp your firefly so it appears to be leaving a trail of light in its wake. Embellish your firefly image with greenery, more fireflies (if you wish), and a happy sentiment, such as “Thanks for lighting the way,” and you have a handmade card they’re sure to remember!

Tip: this bundle is retiring soon - if you want to add it to your crafting collection click the image above to order it at my online store. 

Today I have a fun Easel Card to show you using the Lighting the Way bundle:

 

Here's how to make this card!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Lighting The Way Bundle (160497 cling, 162381 photopolymer), Something Fancy Bundle (160416)

Card Stock: Basic White (159276), Starry Sky (159263), Basic Gray (121044), Silver Foil Speciality Packs (156457), Window Sheets (142314), Daffodil Delight (119683), Vellum Cardstock (101856)

Stamp Pads: Night Of Navy (147110), Daffodil Delight (147094), Basic Gray (149165), Evening Evergreen (155576), Tuxedo Black Memento (132708)

Misc: Layering Circles Dies (151770), Liquid Glue (110755), Blending Brushes (153611), Wink Of Stella (141897), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends Combo (1554883), Basic Black Stampin’ Blends Combo (154843), Pool Party Stampin’ Blends Combo (154894)

Measurements: 

• Basic White: 3 ¾” x 5”, 4” x 5 ¼”, and scrap for the fireflies and sentiment
• Starry Sky: 4 ¼” x 11” – score at 2 ¾” and 5 ½”
• Basic Gray: 3 15/16” x 5 3/16”, scrap for firefly
• Dark Silver Foil 3-¾ x 2-½
• Window Sheet scrap to die cut a 1-¼ circle
• Vellum scrap for firefly wing
• Daffodil Delight: scrap for firefly

 

Instructions:

1. Die cut the lantern out of the dark silver foil paper. Use the Dark Black Stampin’ Blends to add accent to the lantern. Using glue dots, adhere the 1¼ window sheet circle in the back center of the lantern. 
2. On the 3 ¾” x 5” Basic White layer, stamp the branch and leaves randomly at the top left-hand side using Evening Evergreen ink. Stamp the large circle using Daffodil Delight ink in the lower center for the lantern glow. 
3. Using a Blending Brush apply Daffodil Delight ink in a circular motion to create the glow of light from the lantern. 
4. Stamp the cluster of little flies using Basic Gray going down to the left and up on the right of the lantern glow.  See sample for placement.
5. With a Blending Brush and Night of Navy ink, lightly apply ink to the entire basic white layer keeping the lantern glow yellow.
6. Stamp the small, medium & large solid circles in Daffodil Delight ink as shown on the sample – to simulate the lightning bug glow. Apply Clear Wink of Stella over all the Daffodil Delight images – bug glow & lantern glow.
7. Stamp a small, medium & large firefly using Basic Gray ink. Die-cut. Add color to the lower wings of the large and medium fireflies with the Dark Pool Party Stampin’ Blends. Add color to the glow-tip of each firefly with the Dark Daffodil Stampin’ Blends.  Also stamp a small, medium, or large circle over the glow-tip of each firefly using Daffodil Delight ink. Apply Wink of Stella over the Daffodil Delight ink on each firefly.
8. Adhere Basic White piece designed above onto the Basic Gray layer.  Adhere the lantern to the piece using dimensionals, adhere the fireflies using dimensionals, refer to sample for placement.
9. Stamp sentiment with Memento Black ink and die cut with shape from the Something Fancy Dies. Adhere sentiment to card front using dimensionals.
10. Adhere this piece to the lower half of the Starry Sky piece (only apply glue to the lower half of the Basic Gray layer). The top half will remain free to form the easel.
11.  Decorate the remaining Basic White layer for the inside of the card as desired.
12. Create a die cut lightning bug using scraps of Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight, and Vellum card stock.  Color the vellum wings with Dark Pool Party Stampin’ Blends. Adhere the die cut to the inside of the card with a dimensional – about 2” from the bottom edge of the card. This is what will keep the easel card erect.

Are you looking to say it all with beautiful flowers?

Then I have the perfect bundle! 

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

Here's some bad news: this bundle is retiring - gone no later than 1 May. Here's the good news: it is 60% off while supplies last! If you want to grab these retiring products before they are gone for good, click here (USA) or click here (Europe) to head straight over to my online store.

I used the Framed Florets bundle on this week's card sketch challenge:

Along with a leftover pieces of the Hues of Happiness designer series paper (also retiring by 1 May):

Here's my challenge card - it's super easy to create! 

 

It's your turn! What will you create with this week's challenge? If you want to see what the other crew members created this week, click here. 

 

 

Do you want to bring the delicate beauty of the desert to your crafting?

Today I am excited to show you another fun fold idea, one that is perfect for using up leftover strips of designer paper. I am going to use my Desert Details bundle and some left over Delicate Desert paper. This is a fun one, and super easy too!

 

Now you can bring the delicate beauty of the desert to your crafting with this lovely bundle. The artwork is reminiscent of the American Southwest but will look beautiful on any project that calls for flowers, patterns, or warm thoughts. Stamp, then die cut labels, borders, accents, and more!

Let the warmth of the desert sun permeate your crafting with desert flowers, pottery patterns, and cheerful sentiments! The Desert Details Stamp Set has four sentiments perfect for brightening anyone’s day; no occasion needed. Add even more beauty with a desert flower or two with the matching dies. Don’t forget to use the long images! They’re great as borders or frames, or you can stamp multiples to create a longer image or background.

The soft patterns in the Delicate Desert paper have a Southwestern feel with warm greens, yellows, reds, and oranges in boho-style designs. One sheet even has an abstract desert sunset. Stamp on the paper, use them as backgrounds, or cut them into smaller pieces for accents. 

SAD NEWS: Both the bundle and the paper are retiring at the end of April - don't wait and miss out on this fab combo! Order it now before it is gone for good. (click on the product photos above to head straight to my online store)

To make my fun fold I used up a strip of the abstract desert sunset sheet. The rest was super easy to put together. Here's my card! 

After my video below ended, I decided on an additional die-cut element inside my fun fold card:

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

Supplies

Stamp set: Desert Details (bundle 160532)

Ink: Flirty Flamingo

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic Black: 5 1/2" x 4"; 6" x 5" (score at 2 1/4")
        Basic White: 3 1/4" square; 3" square; 2 3/4" square
        Delicate Desert: 4 7/8" x 2 1/8"
        Pale Papaya: 3 1/4" square; 5 1/4" x 4"; 3 3/4" x 4 3/4"; 1" x 4 3/4" (optional element inside) 

Misc: Layering Circles dies, Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Stampin' Dimensionals; Brushed Metallic Adhesive Backed Dots (156506); Delicate Desert Designer Series Paper (160521); Tear & Tape Adhesive

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

Do you want to see a fun fold card that has a nice surprise inside?

Today I am excited to show you another fun fold idea, one that impress with its double doors. I am going to be using the Hello Irresistible Suite Collection product suite that became available in March and is ONLY available through an online order rather than being offered in a catalog. 

I am going to feature the Hello, Irresistible Designer Series Paper, both on the outside and inside of my fun fold card:

From elegant botanical and floral designs to beautiful color washes, the Hello, Irresistible designer series 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.

The phrase for my card, and a fun element that I added inside, comes from the Irresistible Blooms bundle:

The Irresistible Blooms set features gorgeous floral designs and sentiments in an elegant font, and is  perfect for all-occasion projects to say hello or thank you and to make smiles bloom. Combine the images as you wish on your project—pair the flower image with a greeting on a card front, add the stamped leaf image for a fuller and more detailed image, or use the leaf image repeatedly as to frame one of the greetings. The set is also great for coloring opportunities like the emboss resist technique. 

Here's the card I am going to show you how to create in the video below:

Supplies

Stamp set: Irresistible Blooms (bundle, 161150)

Ink: Flirty Flamingo

Paper and cutting dimensions:

• So Saffron (base): 8 1/2″ x 11″, score at 2 1/8" and 6 3/8" (see video for pieces to cut off)
• Hello Irresistible: 4" x 5 1/4"; (2) 5 3/8" x 1 7/8"; (scrap for inside element)
• Basic White: 4″ x 5 1/4″; 3/4" x 4"

Misc: Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine; Loose Frosted Dots (161153); Hello Irresistible Designer Series Paper (161239)

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

Have you tried these fun layers yet? If not, let me tempt you.

Here's a fun project to try using the Loveliest Layers Decorative Masks:

 

You can create textured and colored backgrounds with these masks. This set of decorative masks is designed intentionally for layering. Create a beautiful flower and use it as the focal point on your cards. Or use the basketweave stencil and turn it 90 degrees to get an all-over pattern—perfect for a card background!

The card below is just one of many that you can make!

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Go-To Greetings (158763) 
• Card Stock – Soft Succulent; Basic White; Evening Evergreen, Pale Papaya
• Stamp Pads – Soft Succulent; Poppy Parade; Evening Evergreen, Pale Papaya
• Misc. – Stampin’ Dimensionals; Bone Folder; Stylish Shapes Dies; Evening Evergreen Open Weave Ribbon; Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine; Paper Snips, Paper Trimmer; Loveliest Layers Decorative Masks; Blending Brushes, washi tape or painters tape

Measurements: 

• Basic White Card Stock: 4” x 5 ¼” (will trim after stenciling), scrap for sentiment
• Evening Evergreen: 3 ¾” x 5”
• Pale Papaya: 5 1/8” x 3 ¾”
• Soft Succulent: 5 ½” x 8 ½”
• Evening Evergreen Ribbon: 8”

Instructions for the layering masks:

1. Examine the 4 stencils, layer one of top of the other to get the proper orientation. Tip: use a sharpie to mark the stencils, I put a dot in the upper left corner of each stencil so I would know how to place the stencils.
2. Use washi tape or painter’s tape to adhere Basic White card stock to worksurface. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Place first flower stencil over Basic White card stock and adhere to work surface. Ensure any white edges not covered by the stencil are covered with tape. Apply ink with Blending Brush then replace stencil with the second flower image and repeat. I used Pale Papaya ink for the main flower and Poppy Parade ink for the flower detail.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Repeat process with the two remaining stencils. I used Soft Succulent for the main leaf and Evening Evergreen for the leaf detail.
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
   
4. Remove artwork from work surface and trim to 3 ½” x 4 ¾”. Adhere to Evening Evergreen Card stock, then to Pale Papaya card stock and then to Soft Succulent card base. Sentiment was created using the “Just A Note” image from Go-To Greetings in Evening Evergreen ink. It was die cut with stitched banner shape from the Stylish Shapes Dies and adhered to card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.  Add a bow made from Evening Evergreen.

A handful of greetings that will help you create amazing cards

Hi all! I am feeling under the weather this weekend so decided to stay tucked in bed to rest up and recover. But I can't let you down so have a masculine fun fold card idea to share: 

 

The open road awaits, and that's the feeling we wanted to capture with the Legendary Ride set. It includes two different bikes, some accent pieces, and a handful of greetings that will help you create amazing cards. Build scenes of a garage or a road for the bike enthusiast in your life. The sentiments include phrases for birthdays, Father's Day, and more.

The set of dies includes pieces that cut out individual parts of the motorcycle as well as the full bike. It's easy and fun to layer the pieces. No need to go to the garage to work on your bike—just go to your craft space and let your creativity go full throttle! (hehe)

Here's my fun fold card idea, along with instructions on how to make it. 

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

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Legendary Ride (Bundle: Stamps + Dies: 160763)
• Card Stock – Basic Gray (121044); Smoky Slate (131202); Basic Black (121045); Silver Foil Specialty (156457)
• Stamp Pads – Memento Tuxedo Black (132708); Versamark (102283)
• Misc. – Metal Plate 3-D Embossing Folder (160766); Adhesive Sheets (152334); Metallics Embossing Powders (155555); Heat Tool (129053); Black Dimensionals (150893); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss (149653); Liquid Glue (110755)

Measurements: 

• Basic Gray card stock: 5.5” x 8.5”, scored at 2-⅛” and 4-¼” along the long side.
• Basic Gray 2” x 4” for Motorcycle base
• Basic Black: 5-½” x 4-¼” plus   4” x 4”
• Smoky Slate: 5-¼” x 1” plus   5-¼” x 2-½”   and  small scrap
• Silver Foil sheets: Gunmetal- 5-¼” x 3”, Bright Chrome - 2” x 4”…both with adhesive sheets on the back side.

Instructions:

1. Stamp “You Are Legendary” on the right end of 1” Smoky Slate strip in black.
2. Emboss the gunmetal silver foil sheet with Metal Plate embossing folder using the Cut & Emboss Machine. Adhere embossed background to the top of the large black background and the stamped Smoky Slate strip to the bottom, leaving a gap between the two and around the edges.
3. Stamp smaller motorcycle image in Versamark on one end of smaller black card stock, then heat emboss with silver embossing powder and heat tool.
4. Die cut: Small motorcycle, 2 tires, and large motor piece from the smaller black card stock.
5. Die cut: Large motorcycle background from 2”x4” piece of Basic Gray
6. Die cut: Details for large motorcycle and two hub caps from Chrome Foil sheet.
7. Die cut: Motorcycle seat from small Smoky Slate scrap.
8. Assemble large motorcycle as follows: Use liquid glue to adhere the black “motor” to the center of the Basic Gray bike, then the Smoky Slate seat over the black at the back. Peel off the adhesive backing of the hubcaps and adhere to the center of the wheels, then use liquid glue to adhere the tires over the hubcaps. Finally, peel off the backing of the bike details and press over all other layers.
9. Fold the Basic Gray card stock along all fold lines. Adhere the bottom half of the black background to the folded outside edge (half) of the card front. Do NOT adhere the top half of the black layers to the front of the card.
10. Attach the large motorcycle to the front background using black dimensionals.
11. On the inside of the card, stamp the “Authentic You” sentiment in the lower left corner in black. Attach the small embossed motorcycle to the right front corner with black dimensionals. Adhere the 5-¼” x 2-½” Smoky Slate card stock toward the top inside of the card.

 

Front of card will fold down and “stand” like an easel by leaning against the top of the small motorcycle on the inside of the card.

It’s this easy to create custom tags for all your paper crafts

Today's Paper Craft Crew card sketch challenge was inspired by Stampin' Up!s Annual Catalog:

To make my challenge card this week I chose to use projects that I have not used that much lately.

I have the Tailor Made Tags dies and seldom use them so this was my chance to change that: 

It's fun to mix, match, and layer tags in different sizes and colors. Create tags for any occasion you need: birthday cards, goodie bags, gift packages. Stamp sentiments from your favorite stamp sets, then cut out. It’s that easy to create custom tags!

I decided to dust off my Queen Bee bundle and finally create a card to share with you. 

 

This stamp set has detailed bee images with a fun and unique pattern on the wings. This stamp set is so fun, it works for all ages! Pair the images with soft pastels for a baby or youth project or add some sass with bold regal tones.

And finally, I chose some of the Delicate Desert designer series paper:

Put all these bits and pieces together and here's what I created for this week's sketch: 

 

You know what comes next, right? It's your turn!!! Try this week's card sketch challenge and see what you can create. And why not share a link to your card idea so I can see it too? 

 

This fun fold is easy for anyone to create using this 1 tool

Today I have another fun fold card idea to share, one that creates a fun door to open. I will be using my Daisy Delight stamp set and elegant Dainty Flowers paper which is retiring this coming week (sob). Shall we get started?

 

The main feature on my fun fold comes from the Dainty Delight stamp set.

 

Sure, these flowers are dainty, but they’ll send a powerful message of hope, thanks, celebration, and more on all your paper crafting projects. The line art images can be custom colored using your favorite Stampin’ Up! coloring technique. Stamp a single stem for a clean, minimalist look, or mix and match the images for a lovely field of dainty delights. As you can see, the set is bundled with coordinating dies but I won't be using them on today's fun fold.

To coordinate the colors on today's fun fold, I used the whimsical and versatile Dainty Flowers paper.

On one side of each sheet you can choose from a variety of elegant floral designs in different sizes and shapes. Or use the opposite side of each pattern for more pastel background layering pieces. This is a stunning set of papers that you won't want to miss out on! But as I said, this pack is only available until 28 February. Click here to hop over to my online store and with pack free with a $50 or €60 product order.

Here's my card - and don't miss my video tutorial below!

 

I added a little detail to the inside of my card using the coordinating dies: 

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

Supplies

Stamp set: Dainty Delight (bundle: 160675)

Ink: Fresh Freesia; Memento Tuxedo Black 

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic White: 4" x 5 1/4"; 2 1/4" x 4" ; 2 1/4" x 1" 
        Dainty Flowers: 2 1/2" x 4" 
        Fresh Freesia: 8 1/2" z 5 1/2" 

Misc: Paper Trimmer (152392); Stampin' Seal; Watercolor Pencils Assortment 2 (149014); Blender Pens (102845), Iridescent Pearls Basic Jewels (1658987); Dainty Flowers Designer Series Paper (160834)

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

 

What is full of full of zesty image stamps and sweet sentiments? This is!

Stampin’ Up! has done it again! In the new January-April Mini catalog they have included a 'hybrid' embossing folder bundle. The bundle is called Sweet Citrus and has the following items included in it: Sweet Citrus Photopolymer stamp set, and the Sweet Citrus Hybrid Embossing Folder.

 

Wait! What is a hybrid embossing folder? It is an embossing folder plus dies that fit around elements of the embossing folder to allow you to cut and emboss at the same time!

When life gives you lemons . . . you make greeting cards with the Sweet Citrus Stamp Set! This stamp set is full of zesty image stamps and sweet sentiments to send well wishes to your favorite people. The image style and font pairing beg for bright colors and punchy contrasts. Try layering some bright yellow and orange fruit slices against bold blue or green patterned paper for a fresh summer card.

The 3D embossing folder features detailed citrus fruit in a modern design style alongside neutral botanical leaves. The included dies are perfect for adding even more dimension to your project. Use a die on regular cardstock for a simple look, or use directly on the embossed image for a professional piece of paper crafting!

 

Here’s a sweet birthday card made with the Sweet Citrus Bundle.

Stamp set: Sweet Citrus-160645 (includes the stamp set and the hybrid embossing folder and dies. These items can be purchased together as a bundle or separately.

Cardstock: 
    Basic White: 159276, one piece 4” X 5-1/4”, scraps for stamping, cutting, and embossing
    Parakeet Party: 159259, a small strip to put behind the sentiment.
    Basic White Thick: 159229, 5-1/2” X 8-1/2” scored at 4-1/4” and folded for your card base.
    Dandy Designs: 160836 (FREE with a $100 order during Sale-a-Bration), 1-1/4” X 5-1/4” strip of the Granny Apple Green small pattern.

Ink: Garden Green-147089, Parakeet Party-159208, Sweet Sorbet-159216

Misc: Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653) or Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (150673); Stylish Shapes Dies (159183); Paper Snips (103579); Stamparatus (146276); Paper Trimmer (152392); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108)

 

Instructions:

1. Cut your cardstock and DSP using the Paper Trimmer. Score card base at 4-1/4” and fold

2. Emboss the 5-1/4” X 4” piece of Basic White with the embossing folder.

3. Using Multipurpose liquid glue, adhere the embossed piece of cardstock to the front of the card base, centering it.

4. Using multipurpose liquid glue adhere the strip of DSP on top of the embossed panel approximately 1” from the bottom of the embossed piece.

5. Using the Stamparatus place the connected 3-piece stamp of the citrus inside and ink it with Parakeet Party ink. Stamp on a large scrap of Basic White cardstock.

6. Line up the 4-piece outline and whole citrus image on top of the stamped citrus inside. Lower the plate of the Stamparatus and adhere the stamp to it. Ink the stamp with Garden Green ink and stamp it around and over the Parakeet Party images.

7. Put the stamped image and the die that cuts it into the embossing folder. There is only one way to put the die in on the recessed side of the folder. The paper should be lined up between the die and the folder. To help line it up to cut properly close the folder and flip it over so that you can see the die and cardstock are lined up. Adjust as needed. Run the folder with through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine to cut out the images.

8. On another scrap piece of Basic White cardstock stamp 2 of the joined flower images using Sweet Sorbet Ink and cut them out with the matching die. The flower centers are separate stamps, so be sure to stamp them in the center of the flowers. HINT: it easier to stamp the smaller flower centers first and then line up the flowers over them. Stamp the larger flower center separately after stamping the flower cluster.

9. Ink up the leaf stamp with Garden Green ink and stamp 3 of them. Use matching dies to cut them out.

10. Stamp the greeting with Garden Green ink and cut it out with a label die from the Stylish Shapes dies. 

11. Arrange all the cut images on top of the strip of DSP and decide how you would like to place them.

12. Adhere the citrus images and flowers with Stampin’ Dimensionals and Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals to the card.

13. Put multipurpose liquid glue on the backs of the leaf images and tuck them in around the citrus images.

14. Cut your strip of Parakeet Party cardstock to fit and show underneath your greeting label. Adhere the strip to the upper left of the card.

15. Put Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back of the sentiment label and adhere to the Parakeet Party strip, centering it.

Is green is your favorite color? Then don't miss this fun challenge

When I first saw this week's Paper Craft Crew challenge I immediately thought of St. Patrick's Day - which is not quite here yet, but perhaps a St. Paddy's Day card will emerge? 

 

As I thought about what I had on hand, I remembered the Dandy Designs designer series paper which I earned for free last month. You can too, click here to learn how to earn this paper for free! 

See the patterns with green? One of them became a layer on my card base. As I looked through my stamp sets, I spotted Beautifully Happy with its large image and I realized I could stamp and color it using my green Stampin' Blends: 

And at that point things just fell into place. I used my Granny Apple Green, Mossy Meadow and Soft Sea Foam Stampin' Blends and then added a touch of pink on the flowers for contrast. 

Next: Gold Metallic. That one stumped me for a bit, until I remembered that I have the Gold Adhesive-backed Sequins. And, taa-daa, my card is complete:

Right, then, it's your turn now. Grab your greens and golds and see what you can design and create using this week's challenge. Want to see what the other crew members created? Click here! 

Create adorable handmade projects all year long with this cute bundle

Today I have such a sweet card idea to share, using the Playing in the Rain bundle:

The set includes playful animal and nature designs that you can use as a focal point or to embellish your cards. Pair the images with the cute sentiments from this set or with your favorite greeting for more versatility! Perfect for coloring—use the coloring tool and technique of your choice to bring color to all your projects, especially on gray days! Let your friends know that no matter the weather, you appreciate and think about them!

And of course there is a perfect set of matching dies (but are not needed on today's card). 

Want to make this card at home? Here's what you need and how to make it! 

Supplies:

Stamp Sets – Playing in the Rain (160542)

Card Stock – Pool Party (122924); Basic White (159276); Dandy Designs Designer Series Paper (160836)

Stamp Pads – Memento Ink (132708)

Misc - Penned Flowers Dies (155557); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blends Combo (154882); Calypso Coral Stampin’ Blends Combo (154881); Pool Party Stampin’ Blends Combo (154894); Pool Party 3/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (160430); Iridescent Rhinestones (158130); Stampin’ Seal (152813); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

 

Measurements: 

• Pool Party: 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” score at 4-1/4” (for card base) and 2-3/8” x 3”
• Basic White: 4” x 5”, 3/4” x 4” and 2-1/8” x 2-3/4”
• Dandy Designs Designer Series Paper 3-3/4” x 2-1/4”
• Pool Party 3/8” Grosgrain Ribbon: 10”

Instructions:

• Stamp the sentiment with Memento ink on the upper right corner of the large Basic White piece, then adhere the Dandy Designs Designer Paper on the left side.
• Tie a bow in the ribbon with one tail longer than the other, then wrap the ends of the ribbon around the large Basic White piece and secure the ends to the backside with Seal Adhesive.
• Use the scallop edge die from the Penned Flowers Dies to die-cut the scallop from the strip of Basic White, then attach this piece to the underside of the large Basic White piece as shown.
• Adhere the entire large Basic White piece to the card front with Seal.
• Stamp the bunny with Memento Ink on the remaining piece of Basic White and color the image with Stampin’ Blends. Bunny- Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blends Combo. Shirt, ears, and nose: Calypso Coral Stampin’ Blends Combo. Water puddle: Pool Party Stampin’ Blends Combo
• Attach stamped image to small Pool Party piece with Seal, then attached these layers to card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
• Add a few of the Iridescent Rhinestones as shown.

These beautiful, elegant paper designs help you make beautiful cards

This week's Paper Craft Crew sketch is super easy IF you have earned the Dainty Flowers paper pack for FREE during Sale-a-bration: 

 

There is a paper design that was just made for this challenge: - you can see it in the bottom left in the Dainty Flowers photo below: 

Enhance your paper collection with the whimsical and versatile Dainty Flowers  Paper. Choose from a variety of elegant floral designs in different sizes and shapes. Or use the opposite side for more pastel background layering pieces. This is a stunning set of papers that you won't want to miss out on!

My original intent was to simply trim the oval and then adhere it to a Fresh Freesia card base. But it looked almost too plain so I decided to open a new embossing folder and add a bit of pizzazz to the card base itself: 

This was such an odd choice - this embossing folder is called Metal Plate and was likely designed for masculine cards - but don't let intentions like this stop you from stepping outside to try things differently. I love how this card base looks and don't feel that it made my card masculine at all. 

Here's my sketch creation. I added 7 embellishments - can you spot them?

 

Now it's your turn = try our sketch challenge this week and see what you can create. And head over to the Paper Craft Crew website to see what the other crew members created for this week's challenge. 

Learn how to make this beautiful mini fun fold card

Today I want to show you how 4 simple score lines can create a beautiful MINI fun fold card. I will be using my Dainty Delight bundle and Dainty Flowers designer series paper. This mini fun fold is perfect to tuck into a gift basket, bag or the lunch box of someone special. 

The main feature on today's fun fold idea is the whimsical and versatile Dainty Flowers paper:

This paper is only available (as supplies last) through the end of this month and they will retire forever. It was my first Sale-a-bration choice and will help add such a lovely touch to my card. 

The Dainty Delight bundle is the perfect compliment for the paper pack: 

Little flowers send a big message when you use this Dainty Delight stamp set. Sure, they're dainty, but they’ll send a powerful message of hope, thanks, celebration, and more on all your paper crafting projects. The line art images can be custom colored using your favorite Stampin’ Up! coloring technique. Stamp a single stem for a clean, minimalist look, or mix and match the images for a lovely field of dainty delights—no matter how you style them, you can’t go wrong with these delicate beauties!

 

Here's the card 'closed' and open. Underneath you will find a video tutorial with bonus tips and design ideas. 

Supplies

Stamp set: Dainty Delight (Bundle #160675)

Paper and cutting dimension:
    Fresh Freesia: 11" x 4 1/4" 
    Dainty Flowers: 1 1/4" x 4"; 2 1/4" x 4" ; 2 3/4" x 4"
    Soft Suede: (3) 1" squares
    Crushed Curry: (5) 1 1/4" squares
    Basic White: 2 1/2" x 1 3/4"

Misc: Simply Scored; Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Rectangle Stitched Dies (148551); Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; Dainty Flowers Designer Series Paper (160834 - FREE with a $50 order)

Here's my video - enjoy!