Nutz about Stamping

See how to let your paper do the talking

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

Silhouette Scenes Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

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

See A Silhouette Designer Series Paper
$11.50

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

Supplies: 

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

 

Measurements:  

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

 

Instructions:

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

What a rare blessing this pretty card is

Yes, this blog title is another play on words and I am quickly popping by today because the card I want to share with you uses the Rare Blessings stamp set for the main image. If you love to color this is the set for you! 

A wonderfully detailed orchid just for you to give to a friend. The Rare Blessings Stamp Set also comes with great sentiments in a beautiful font.

Here's how to make this card. 

Supplies:

• Stamp sets: Rare Blessings (149241), Well Said (148796)
• Card stock: Balmy Blue (146982), Shimmery White (101910)
• Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento (132708)
• Miscellaneous: Stitched Rectangles Dies (148551), Stylish Scroll Embossing Folder (150665), Balmy Blue Combo Stampin’ Blends (148544), Granny Apple Green Combo Stampin’ Blends (147274), Daffodil Delight Light Stampin’ Blends (144586), Basic Adhesive-Backed Sequins (146933), Granny Apple Green ½” Textured Weave Ribbon (146920), Clear Wink of Stella Glitter Brush (141897), SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Bone Folder (102300), Paper Snips (103579), die-cutting machine

 

Measurements:

• Balmy Blue card base: 4-1/4” x 11”, scored at 5-1/2” then folded on the crease with the Bone Folder plus a piece about 4-1/4” x 5-1/2”
• Shimmery White: 3-3/4” x 5-1/2” plus scrap at least 2-1/2” x 2”
• Ribbon: about 2-1/2”

Instructions:

1. Stamp the orchid image with Tuxedo Black Memento ink onto Shimmery White taking care to align it for later die-cutting.
2. Color in image with Stampin’ Blends. Outline the flowers and leaves in the dark color then color in and blend with the lighter version of the same color.
3. Using the Stitched Rectangle die that is about 3-3/8” x 4-3/4” die cut the orchid image.
4. Using the rectangle that is one size larger than in step #3 cut out Balmy Blue card stock piece then run through die-cutting machine using Stylish Scroll embossing folder.
5. Adhere the two rectangle pieces to one another with SNAIL Adhesive
6. Stamp sentiment with Tuxedo Black Memento ink onto Shimmery White scrap so it aligns just above the shorter side. Using the rest of the card stock as a handle, trim sentiment off so it’s narrow – about 3/8” then trim ends so it’s about 2” wide. Using Mini Glue Dots, center then adhere sentiment on top of ribbon then trim ends of ribbon, with Paper Snips, so it’s peeking out on each end about 1/8”
7. Attach orchid front piece to card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
8. Using Wink of Stella Glitter Brush, lightly brush all the orchids to make them shimmer.
9. Using Mini Glue Dots on the back of the ribbon, affix to card front so it extends off the right edge of the orchid piece.
10. Affix 3 sequins to front of card.

You need to try our welcome home challenge

This week's Paper Craft Crew challenge is so much fun because it is basically wide open! 

 

Yes, it looks like fall but doesn't have to be. Yes, it looks like you should use a set with a house in it but you don't have to. It could also be a welcome card....or not!

When I saw this challenge I knew immediately I wanted to use my Snowfront stamp set. This challenge made me think of a scene with a house it in and the fall colors in the challenge helped me decide to add a tree with falling leaves. 

Have you seen the Snowfront set? It looks like it is designed for Winter scenes, but is it?

Snow Front Photopolymer Stamp Set
$22.00

I decided to use fall colors: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Soft Suede. Add a touch of Crushed Curry and matching layers and here's what you can get:

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

You need to create this colorful and easy fall window card

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

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

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

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

Gathered Leaves Dies
$26.00

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

Here's how to make this fun card:

Supplies

Stamps:  Tropical Chic (cling-148226)

Inks:  Memento Pad (132708)

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

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

Measurements: 

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

Instructions: 

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

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

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

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

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

 

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

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

Colorful Seasons birthday card

Stamp set: Colorful Seasons (143726)

Ink: Mossy Meadow

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

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

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

How to create a delicate card embellishment

In today's video I am going to show you how to take the Good Morning Magnolia stamp set and Magnolia Memories dies to create a beautiful image or embellishment that will go on the front of a friendship card. 

Magnolia Lane Suite Bundle
$134.75

This Annual Catalog bundle is a clear favorite - just look on Pinterest and you will see what I mean. It is also one my all time favorites and I have created so many beautiful card ideas with it - you can too! And what I think is really cool is that you can purchase the entire bundle for one discounted price OR you can purchase single items as you need or want. 

Today's card, however, is a bit unusual. I wanted to feature one of the 3D magnolias and in my video below I show you how to create it. And then I show you this card, which was really an afterthought:

You can use these magnolias on so many project ideas - listen in my video for an amazing birthday idea!

How to create a Magnolia embellishment

Stamp set: Good Morning Magnolia (149298)

Ink: Versamark

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Petal Pink: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
        Basic Black: 1/2" x 5 1/2"
        Whisper White: 4" square
        Magnolia Lane: 1" x 5 1/2"
        Daffodil Delight: scrap

Other: Magnolia Lane designer series paper (149484), Magnolia Memory dies (149578), SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals, Bone Folder, Fine Tip Glue Pen, 

Here's my video, enjoy!

There are so many possibilities for this challenge!

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

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

Butterfly Gala Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

Butterfly Wishes Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

 

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

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

Beauty Abounds Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

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

Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper
$14.50

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

Here's my card:

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

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

 

You need to see this outstanding embossing folder

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

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

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

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

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

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

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

Painted Harvest friendship card

Supplies: 

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

 

Measurements:  

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

 

Instructions:

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

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

An easy teacher gift idea, week four

In today's video, I am going to show you a 4th and final teacher gift idea that is perfect for the first week of school this year. I am going to use my Beauty Abounds stamp set and Magnolia Lane designer series paper to help me with this project:

Beauty Abounds Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

You will notice from my blog title that this is week four. I have created three other teacher gift ideas for the first week of school, all of them using the Follow Your Art paper. Click here, here and here to see these other three project ideas.

This week's project didn't work with that paper pack that I had used on my other three teacher gift ideas, so I chose something completely different. 

Here's a tip for this particular project: choose your gift for this pocket first and then let its designs and colors guide your paper colors for this project. You don't have to insert a nail file, think about a pencil set, a nice pen, metallic Sharpies (I love these!), and so on. And feel free to take this idea and use it for other gift ideas, not just for teacher gifts. I think these would make fun stocking stuffers, gifts for colleagues at work, etc. 

Teacher Gift Idea week four

Stamp set: Beauty Abounds (148726)

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Magnolia Lane: 1 3/4" x 11" 

Other: Magnolia Lane designer series paper (149484), decorative nail file, Simply Scored, Envelope Punch Board, Magnolia Lane Ribbon Combo Pack (149485), Layering Circles dies (141705), die-cutting machine, Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's my video showing you how to create this fun teacher gift idea - enjoy!

Did you know that octopuses have three hearts?

One heart for each sentiment in this set! And your friends and family are going to LOVE this Sea of Textures card - you pick the phrase you want on the inside! 

Sea Of Textures Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

This card has a really unusual layout but it all works doesn't it? You can learn the generation technique which you can use on other cards you make after. 

Combine and add some die-cut layers and a little bit of bling from heat embossing and you have a card to be proud of:

Here's how to make this card:

Supplies: 

Stamp Sets: Seas of Textures (cling-151267), Love What You Do (Photopolymer-148042)

Ink: Soft Suede (147115), Rococo Rose (150080), Versamark (102283)

Cardstock: Rococo Rose (150080), Whisper White (100730), Sahara Sand (121043)

Misc: Stampin’ Emboss Powder Gold (109129), Heat Tool (129053), Bakers Twine Night of Navy/Sahara Sand (149483), Basic Adhesive-Backed Sequins (146933), SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Die Cut Machine, Layering Circles Dies (141705), Stitched Shapes Dies (145372), Smooth Sailing Dies (149576), Wink of Stella Glitter Brush (141897), Stampin’ Sponges (141337), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Measurements:  

• Rococo Rose: 8 ½” x 5 ½” – card base, score at 4 ¼”; scrap to cut wheel and 1 ½” x 4” (2) for sea grass
• Whisper White: 4 x 5 ¼” – card layer
• Sahara Sand: 2 ¾” x 2 ¾”
• Baker’s Twine: 2 lengths of 12”

Instructions:

1. Create card base.
2. Using Soft Suede, ink up large “waterwash” stamp from Love What You Do. Stamp off once and then stamp image on WW card layer. Ink up “net” image from Sea of Textures using Soft Suede and stamp full strength over first image. Adhere this layer to card base.
3. Cut 2 “sea grass” shapes using Rococo Rose and die-cutting machine. Apply Rococo ink over top with Stampin’ Sponge and then dab Wink of Stella on top. Adhere on top of white layer using Multi Purpose Glue.
4. Using Sahara Sand cardstock piece, place small circle on top and cut out. Place 2 ½” stitched circle die over cut out hole and run through die-cutting machine. This will create the “porthole”. 
5. Adhere 5 sequins onto piece from #4. randomly swipe Versamark over and then pour gold emboss powder over and heat up. TIP: do this step in a random pattern instead of embossing the entire piece to create more of a “distressed” look.
6. Let #5 dry and then adhere to card front with SNAIL.
7. Using wheel image from Smooth Sailing Dies, cut out using scrap of Rococo Rose. Adhere to card front using Multipurpose Glue.
8. Separate twine and create a small bow out of the Sahara strand. Fray ends by rubbing between thumb and forefinger.  Adhere to card with small dot of Multipurpose Glue.

A fun wish for life's next exciting adventure

Oh how I remember this month a few short years ago when it was time to take my son off to college in the mountains of North Carolina. He was so excited and quite nervous yet there was an air of new-found confidence about this next step in his life. 

Although I was so happy for him and supportive of this next exciting adventure in his life I was so very sad to see him move out and on. We drove for 3.5 hours, found the apartment complex, got him all signed up, moved in his boxes, ooh'd and ahh'd at the amazing view from his living room window and then it was time for me to drive home. 

I barely made it into the car before I started crying (much to his amusement) and then sobbed (I mean SOBBED) all the way back home. It is amazing I made it safely as my eyes were almost swollen shut by the time I drove into my garage - yep, that ugly cry look. As I think back to that time now, my eyes still fill with tears but I can also laugh at how emotional I was knowing that my 'little buddy' was all grown up. 

Are you sending someone off to college soon? Here's a fun card to create to wish them well, using the Above the Clouds bundle on page 89 of the Annual Catalog:

Above The Clouds Bundle
$36.00

Tip: that hot air balloon punch has so many amazing uses beyond simple air balloons! Check out my Pinterest Board for all sorts of new ideas. 

Above the Clouds card

Here's how to make this cute card: 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Above the Clouds Bundle (151135)
• Card Stock – Daffodil Delight (119683); Coastal Cabana (131297); Thick Whisper White (140272)
• Stamp Pads – Tuxedo Black Memento (132708); Crumb Cake (147116)
• Misc. – Daffodil Delight Combo Stampin’ Blends Markers (144603); Light Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Blends Marker (144580); Pretty Label Punch (143715); 2” Circle Punch (133782); Stampin’ Pierce Mat (126199); Take Your Pick (144107); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Mini Dimensionals (144108)

 

Measurements:  

• Daffodil Delight (base): 5 ½” x 8 ½”, score at 4 ¼” and folded in half 
• Coastal Cabana: 4” x 5 ¼”
• Thick Whisper White: 3” x 4”
• Vellum: 2” x 3”

 

Instructions:

1. Using the 2” Circle Punch, punch an opening in the lower portion of the Coastal Cabana cardstock as shown. 
2. Place the Coastal Cabana cardstock on the Pierce Mat. Using the paper-piercing tool attachment on the Take Your Pick tool, create a row of holes around the circle opening. Repeat this step by making an additional row of holes, two more times, until your piercing appears as shown.
3. Stamp the greeting using Memento ink in the lower right corner of the Coastal Cabana cardstock.
4. Adhere the Coastal Cabana cardstock to the card base using Dimensionals. Be certain to place Dimensionals around the circle opening so it won’t sag.
5. Stamp the outline image of the hot air balloon on the Thick Whisper White cardstock. Stamp the outline image of the basket on the Thick Whisper White cardstock.
6. Stamp the solid basket image using Crumb Cake ink to fill the outline image. 
7. Color in the hot air balloon using the Stampin’ Blends.
8. Punch the hot air balloon and basket using the punch. 
9. Punch out a vellum “cloud” using the Pretty Label Punch and the vellum cardstock.
10. Adhere the vellum to the backside of the hot air balloon, placing adhesive where it will not show. 
11. Place Dimensionals on the backside of the vellum cloud and hot air balloon, where they will not show and adhere it to the right side of the circle opening.
12. Adhere the basket image to the base of the hot air balloon using a Mini Dimensional.

How to create card layers for visual interest

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

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

Magnolia Lane Memories & More Card Pack
$11.00

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

Stitched Rectangle Dies
$35.00

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

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

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

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

Here's a side view:

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

Supplies: 

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

Measurements:  

• Mint Macaron: approx 10” 

Instructions:

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

Who doesn't like a super fun card map challenge

After last week's tough color challenge, this card map challenge was so much fun to follow. (And I really love how my card turned out!)

My first decision was to use the Come Sail Away product suite. I have used up most of the paper and am so pleased that I am sticking to my promise. Rather than have a Whisper White card base I chose Balmy Blue, one of the colors in the Come Sail Away paper. 

My next decision was that that larger rectangle layer would be a paper in the Come Sail Away pack. I wanted the front square layer to be a phrase from the Sailing Home stamp set and the banner strips would come from the paper. 

All of these decisions came easily to me. But those leaves/branches stumped me. Until I remembered the Smooth Sailing dies - there was a seaweed die in the pack. Problem solved easily!

I tried my best to match colors in the paper to solid card stock and although this is not the kind of card layout I would normally create nor the color combos I would normally choose, I am very happy with how my card turned out:

And here's another view, more from the side:

Now it's your turn: try our card map challenge using the supplies you have on hand. If you want to see what the other crew members made for this challenge, click here!

An easy teacher gift idea: week two

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

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

Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes
$7.00

and two stamp sets: Flourishing Phrases and Crafting Forever:

Flourishing Phrases Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$37.00

Crafting Forever Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

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

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

Follow Your Art Designer Series Paper
$11.50

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

Crafting Forever Notecards & Envelopes

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

Ink & Markers: Memento Tuxedo Black

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

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

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

See the fun color challenge that stumped me

This week's Paper Craft Crew completely stumped me, would it stump you too? I had a tough time with my design because I wanted to use designer series paper on my card but didn't have a pack that used any of these colors!

I looked through the catalog to see if any paper packs had these colors and no luck. I was completely stumped. I put the challenge in the back of my mind while I did other things then came back to it later in the day. Then it hit me: I don't have to use these exact colors (as the challenge clearly notes); I can use colors that closely match. The only way I could make this color challenge work for me was to adapt it a bit.

Do you know which paper pack would work? Follow Your Art!

Follow Your Art Designer Series Paper
$11.50

The colors that I chose from this paper were: Pacific Point, Calypso Coral and Crushed Curry. 

I decided to choose the Crafting Forever stamp set to coordinate with the Follow Your Art paper:

Crafting Forever Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

 

Here's my friendship card. I used a phrase from the Crafting Forever set and diecut it to make the phrase stand out a bit on my card. 

Now it's your turn. I challenge you to make a card using the colors in our challenge and see what you can create too. If you want to see what the other design crew members created, click here.