Nutz about Stamping

See how to create a beautiful sunflower complete with stitching details

Surprise! I have another card using the Pierced Blooms dies. HA. 

I love this pack of dies because you can die cut flowers in several sizes, complete with stitching details, plus the leaves and centres to go with them. Beyond cards you can try them on scrapbook pages, and other paper crafts. 

This time I paired the Pierced Blooms dies with the Enjoy The Moment stamp set: 

You can't go wrong with detailed images in the Enjoy the Moment Stamp Set but I love the phrases and use them all the time!

For today's card I am going to show you how to create this beautiful sunflower, complete with stitching details. And I introduce a brand new embossing folder, coming your way in August. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Enjoy The Moment (154452)
• Paper – Basic White (159276); Mango Melody (146989); Bumblebee (153077); Old Olive (100702); Early Espresso (119686)
• Stamp Pads – Mango Melody (147093)
• Misc. –Timeworn Type embossing folder (156505); Pierced Blooms dies (154312); 2021-23 In Color Jewels (155571); Mini Stampin' Dimensionals (144108); Multi-purpose Liquid Glue (110755); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653)

Measurements: 

• Basic White: 3 ½” x 4 ¾”
• Mango Melody: 8 ½” x 5 ½”; 2” square
• Bumblebee: (2) 2” square
• Early Espresso: 1 3/4" x 1"
• Old Olive: 1 3/4" x 1 1/4"; 4" x 3/4"

Instructions:

1. Create Mango Melody card base. Emboss using the Timeworn Type embossing folder and Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine.
2. Die cut:
   From Color & Contour: Basic White frame
   From Pierced Blooms dies:
   (2) Bumblebee flowers
   (1) Mango Melody flower
   (1) Early Espresso flower center
   (1) Old Olive stem
   (1) Old Olive leaves
3. Adhere flower together using Multi-purpose Liquid Glue.
4. Ink phrase using Mango Melody ink and stamp onto Basic White frame.
5. Adhere stem and leaves to Basic White frame. Add flower using Mini Stampin’ Dimensional.
6. Adhere Basic White frame to card base using Multi-purpose Liquid Glue.
7. Add three In Color Jewels to complete card.

See how to create a super easy fun fold card two different ways

For today's card and video tutorial I am going show you how to create a super easy fun fold card two different ways. I will be using my Garden Wishes stamp set - with its beautifully lifelike, hand-drawn dandelions and an adorable bee:

 

 

 and two sets of dies:

Forever Flourishing

and Stitched Rectangles:

I am also going to introduce a brand new designer series paper pack, called Blackberry Beauty. This paper pack goes live for ordering on 3 August and until then I am not allowed to share any photos. But you can see the designs on my video below or check out the paper on page 45 of the Aug-Dec Mini catalog. 

Here's one of my two cards using this fun fold technique:

And here's the card open so you can see the fun fold inside:

 

If you want make this card at home, here's what you will need. 

Supplies:

Stamp set: Garden Wishes (154408)

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Paper and cutting dimensions:
    Very Vanilla: 11" x 3 3/4"; 3" x 1 3/4" 
    Rich Razzleberry: (2) 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"; 1 1/2" x 3 1/4" 
    Blackberry Beauty: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"; 5" x 3 3/4" 
    Polished Pink: 4 1/2" x 3 1/2"; 1 3/4" x 4 1/4" 
    Brushed Metallic: 4 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Misc: Brushed Metallic cardstock (153524); Blackberry Beauty designer series paper (156458); Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine;  Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; Forever Flourishing dies (152714); 2021-23 In Color Jewels (155571)

And here's my video: make sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and to see the same fun fold in a different way. 

 

This beautiful fancy fold card has a fun surprise inside

Hi fellow crafters! Today I am going to show you a beautiful fancy fold card that has a fun surprise inside. I will be using my Beauty of Friendship bundle, a left over piece of Beauty of the Earth designer series paper and I will be giving you a sneak peek at a super cute stamp set that will be available to order in August.  

 

I have used the Beauty of Friendship bundle a lot in the past few weeks. I love the tree images and the variety of phrases, and the dies add   visual interest and texture. 

 

 

And, I am quite proud to say, I have almost used up my entire pack of Beauty of the Earth designer series paper. That might not seem like a big deal to you but if you saw my paper stash you would shake your head! 

 

 

Combine these products along with the fancy fold technique that I share on my video below, and you can create this super fun card idea! 

 

 

And here's the surprise inside:

 

 

Here's what you need to make this card. 

 

Supplies:

 

Stamp Set: Beauty of Friendship (bundle 155834); Nuts about Squirrels (156475)

 

Ink: Cinnamon Cider, Early Espresso, Misty Moonlight

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

    Basic White:  11" x 4 1/4"; 2 1/2" x 1 1/4"; (3) 2 1/4" square

    Beauty of the Earth: (3) 5 1/4" x 4; 3 1/2" x 3

    Mossy Meadow: 4" x 3 1/4"

    Misty Moonlight: 11" x 1"

    Merry Merlot: 2 3/4" x 1 1 /2"

    Cinnamon Cider: (4) 2" squares; 4 1/2" x 3 1/2"

 

Misc: Paper Snips; Multi-purpose Liquid Glue; Bone Folder; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine; Mini Glue Dots; Beauty of the Earth DSP (155841); Beautiful Trees dies

 

Here's my video. ***Be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design ideas AND to see a second card idea using the same technique.

 

 

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. 

 

Have you ever tried this fun fold technique? It is amazingly easy!

Hi fellow crafters! Today I am going to show you a fun fold technique that may be familiar to you but I am going to add a bit of a twist.  I will be using the Forever Fern stamp set and coordinating Forever Flourishing dies. 

 

First let's have a look at the products I used to make my fun fold card. I chose the Forever Fern stamp set for the phrase and to create some embellishments for the front of my card:

 

You can use the Forever Fern set to create cards and accents with the detailed leaves. This is a "Distinktive" stamp set (patent pending!); it has a special texture on each stamp that gives added depth and dimension in a single step, creating photo-realistic images.

 

The Forever Flourishing dies are the perfect complement to the Forever Fern stamp set - makes for easy die-cutting instead of 'fussy cutting' with scissors: 

 

 

Green thumb or not, these dies are perfect for you! Create custom die-cut leaves using the Forever Flourishing dies. Pair the dies with the coordinating Forever Fern stamp set to quickly cut out stamped images from the set. You’ll love the beautiful natural aspect it will bring to your projects!

 

The stamp set and dies are a nice complement to the Beauty of the Earth paper: 

 

You can get lost in the woods with the forest-themed patterned papers in the Beauty of the Earth designer series paper. This  paper is excellent scrapbook paper, card making paper, and more. Pack includes various outdoor-themed images, prints, and patterns. Use them to create masculine projects and more. The paper colors include: Bumblebee, Cajun Craze, Cinnamon Cider, Early Espresso, Merry Merlot, Misty Moonlight, Night of Navy, Mossy Meadow, and Old Olive.

 

Here's my interlocking fun fold card idea - complete with a list of supplies and paper measurements and a video tutorial showing you how to create this fun fold:

 

 

Supplies (note: click on any of the product photos above to link over to my online store)

 

 

Stamp Sets:  Forever Fern (152559)

 

Ink: Old Olive, Cinnamon Cider, Pumpkin Pie

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

        Basic White:  8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; (2) 2 1/4" squares; (2) 2 1/4" squares

        Beauty of the Earth: (2) 5 3/8" x 2"

        Merry Merlot: (2) 2 3/4" square

 

Misc: Forever Flourishing dies (152714); Multi-purpose Liquid Glue; Bone Folder; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine; Mini Glue Dots; Beauty of the Earth DSP (155841); Layering Circles dies (151770); Metallic Pearls (146282)

 

And here's my video: be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design suggestions AND to see a second idea using the same technique.

 

 

Want to learn an amazing optical illusion technique for your cards?

Hi fellow crafters! Today I am going to show you a fun technique that creates an illusion on your cards.  I will be using the beautiful Color & Contour bundle and introducing a brand new product from Stampin' Up!s next mini catalog!

 

One of the perks of joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator is the opportunity to earn free products and the Color & Contour bundle was one of my new catalog free choices. 

 

 

The open-line floral art and abstract filler stamps allows for a range of coloring techniques. This bundle also includes a number of scalloped border dies that range in size, allowing you to decorate a card front or create scalloped labels for your sentiments.

 

I created a video tutorial showing you, step-by-step, how to create the Floating Strips optical illusion. One of the products I highly recommend is the Foam Adhesive Strips.

 

 

These are perfect for shaker cards to add depth and dimension - you will want the depth for this technique. 

 

Here's my card: 

 

 

 

Here's what you need to try this technique at home.

 

Stamp Sets:  Color & Contour bundle (158356)

 

Ink: Misty Moonlight; Bumblebee

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

    Basic White:  8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 3 3/4" x 2"; 3 3/4" x 5"     

    Bumblebee: (5) 3 1/4" x 1/4"; 4" x 5 1/4"

    Misty Moonlight: (5) 3 1/4" x 1/4"

    Window Sheet: 3" square

 

Misc: Foam Adhesive Strips (152815); Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Bumblebee Gingham Ribbon (153658); Bone Folder; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine; Mini Glue Dots; Timeworn Type 3D embossing folder (156505); Window Sheets (142314)

 

 

Be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design suggestions AND to see a second idea using the same technique. And don't miss that new catalog product, coming soon! 

Make this beautiful fun fold card and wow your friends and family

Do you know what you get when you combine the Beauty of the Earth paper, the Color & Contour stamp set, and the Floral Gallery and Pierced Blooms dies? You get a WOW card idea that unfolds a surprise inside! Be sure to watch all the way through my video for my bonus tips and design ideas. 

I think you know by now that I am completely addicted to the Pierced Blooms dies. You can die cut flowers in several sizes plus leaves and centres to go with them. 

I love the stitching details on every die. Not only are these dies great for cards but also for scrapbook pages and other paper crafts.

I choose a design in the Beauty of the Earth paper pack that coordinates beautifully with my fun fold design. This paper is perfect for outdoor-themed images, prints, and patterns and for masculine projects. 

I chose the phrase die in the Art Gallery bundle for the inside of my card - easy to die cut and perfect for the occasion. 

And for the surprise inside, I used a phrase from the Color & Contour stamp set. This set is bundled with some gorgeous dies. I predict many lovely layers in my future designs using this bundle: 

Here's what you get when you combine all the products above. (If you want to order any of them, click on their images to link over to my online store) Underneath my card photo is a list of supplies and measurements along with a step-by-step video. 

Be sure to listen all the way through my video for my bonus tips and design ideas. 

Here's is the card open, so you can see the WOW fold inside. 

Stamp Set:  Color & Contour (154994)

 

Ink: Mango Melody

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:       

    Basic White:  11" x 2 1/4"; 8 3/8" x 4 1/8"; 3" x 1 1/2"

    Daffodil Delight: (6) 2" square;

    Mango Melody: (3) 2" square

    Old Olive: (3) 1 3/4" x 1 1/4" ; (3) 4" x 3/4"

    Early Espresso: (2) 1 3/4" x 1"; 3" square

    Beauty of the Earth DSP: 5 1/8" x 4"; 4" x 2 6/8"

    Bumblebee ribbon: 12"

   

Misc:  Pierced Blooms dies (154312); Floral Gallery dies (154316);  Stitched Rectangles dies (148551); Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals;  Mini Glue Dots; Bone Folder; Bumblebee Gingham Ribbon (153658); Silicone Craft Sheet;  Mini Glue Dots; 2021-23 In Color Jewels (155571)

 

Here's my video - thanks for watching! 

 

Here's a fun take on a 4th of July card - why not give it a try?

The 4th of July will be here before you know it. Barbecues, parties with neighbors, fireworks - the whole celebration shebang to enjoy!

So what about trying a 4th of July card when you craft this weekend? Here's a fun take on a 4th of July card for you to try, using the Celebrate Sunflowers stamp set:

When this set was first released it was sold as a bundle along with the dies. In the current annual catalog these are now sold separately: Celebrate Sunflowers #152517 and the Sunflowers dies #152704. Click here to order one or both of these products. 

The rest is just paper, the Brick & Mortar embossing folder and the Stars dies. Easy peasy! Tip: this would make a fab birthday card as well - just change the colors (or not!). 

Here's how to make this card at home. Happy 4th! 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Celebrate Sunflowers (152517)
• Card Stock – Sahara Sand (121043); Real Red (102482); Night of Navy (100867); Basic White (159276)
• Misc. – 6x6 Regals (155227) and Neutrals (155226) Designer Series Paper (DSP); Regals Stampin’ Write Marker Assortment (147155); Brick & Mortar 3D embossing folder (149643); Stitched Rectangles dies (151820); Stitched Stars dies (150653); Rhinestone Basic Jewels (144220); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Measurements: 

• Sahara Sand: 4-1/4” x 11”, folded in half for card base; 4-1/2” x 3-1/4”
• Real Red and Night of Navy: scraps for die cutting
• Real Red and Night of Navy DSP: scraps for die cutting
• Basic White: scraps for die cutting

Instructions:           

1. Use Brick & Mortar 3D embossing folder to emboss front of folded card.
2. Die cut one rectangle (3-7/8” x 7/8”) from Real Red DSP (from Regals pack) and Night of Navy DSP (from Neutrals pack) and 2 from Basic White cardstock.
3. Die cut 3 small stars (1 each from each of red, white, and blue cardstock).
4. Use Real Red marker to ink “LET’S celebrate” onto one white rectangle. Adhere all rectangle shapes to small piece of Sahara Sand cardstock and attach to card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
5. Adhere stars to rectangles and then attach a rhinestone to each star.

Sometimes simplicity says it all with your card designs. Do you agree?

Today I have such a simple card idea to share with you. But a card that is also gorgeous because of its simplicity!

I started off by choose my paper layer: Very Vanilla, Basic Black and the Simply Elegant designer series paper. I know that this paper pack was likely designed for weddings and such but I just can't help myself and use if for so many other ideas. 

And oddly, I often choose the patterned side that does not have the shiny inlays.

The leaves in the one of the designs immediately reminded me of my Forever Flourishing dies:

I decided to use the largest die and a scrap of Very Vanilla. Once I die-cut the fern and added it to my card front, I realized that I really only had room for a phrase. And that came from the Tasteful Touches stamp set:

All that was needed to complete my card was one simple Silver pearl. Here's my card and the instructions on how to make it. If you want to order any of these products from me, click on one of the product images to order it at my online store. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Tasteful Touches (152562)
• Card Stock – Very Vanilla (101650); Basic Black (121045)
• Stamp Pads – Smoky Slate (131202)
• Misc. – Simply Elegant designer series paper (DSP) (155761); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Forever Flourishing dies (152714); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); Metallic Pearls (146282)

Measurements:  

• Very Vanilla:             8 1/2” x 5 ½”             3 ½” x 1”        4 ¼” x 3 ¼”
• Basic Black:             4” x 5 ¼”                               
• DSP:                         3 ¾” x 5”       

Instructions:

1. Fold Very Vanilla 8 ½” x 5 ½” card stock in half and crease to create card base.
2. Adhere Basic Black layer to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
3. Adhere DSP layer to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
4. Die-cut fern using Very Vanilla and Forever Flourishing dies. Adhere to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
5. Ink phrase and stamp onto Very Vanilla. Adhere to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
6. Add on Silver Metallic Pearl to complete card.

Can you guess what products I used for this card map challenge?

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge helped me to create a gorgeous friendship card!

I bet you can easily guess what I used for today's challenge! Yes, my Pierced Blooms dies because I am completely smitten with them: 

This pack is perfect for creating die cut flowers in several sizes, complete with stitching details, plus the leaves and centres to go with them. Try them on handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and other paper crafts.

For my challenge card I decided to use the same colors as I did for a recent Pierced Blooms fun fold card showing a fun fold card with a lovely surprise inside. This video received some rave reviews and so I decided to use the same flowers and color combo for this week's challenge. 

As you can see on the map above, the card is to use a phrase as well. I decided not to stamp a phrase on my flower, instead I put it right beside. I chose the 'hello' stamp from my Best Year stamp set. This set has such great value as you can use it all year long. 

Here's my challenge card: 

I hope you will give either my card a try or create something completely different using the supplies you have on hand. If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this week's challenge, click here! 

 

If you love metallic then this is the card challenge for you

I think this week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge is super fun - because of the unusual elements that have to be present on your card:

I am not much of a metallic person but I did purchase the Simply Elegant paper and went immediately to my stash to find a pattern that I loved. Once I did the rest of my card came together quite nicely. 

First let's look at Simply Elegant: 

Lovely right? And it has copper, gold and silver foiling. Plus, it has Basic Black and Very Vanilla, so with one pack of paper I can check of three of the challenge items. 

And then I got completely stuck. I had no idea what element I wanted to put on my card. I tried three different stamp set images, each embossed with Copper embossing powder. But none of them looked very good. In the end, I decided to go simple and simply add a phrase from the Tasteful Touches stamp set. I have used this set a lot lately: 

Here's my challenge card - I love how it turned out and feel that adding the Pale Papaya butterfly from the Meadow dies (part of the Quiet Meadow bundle):

made a nice final touch. Is it 'pop' of color? Not sure but it works for me!

Here's another angle:

Now it's your turn! Give our card map challenge a try and see what you can create using what you have on hand. If you want to see what the other design crew members created this week, click here. 

Here's the perfect way to feature some of the new In Colors

Which of the new In Colors is your fave? 

• Pale Papaya
• Fresh Freesia
• Polished Pink
• Evening Evergreen
• Soft Succulent

Regardless of which is your fave, today's card is a fun way to feature one or more of these fab new colors. 

The card below uses the new Color & Contour bundle:

I earned this bundle for free and chose it particularly for the dies. But I am quickly learning that the stamp set is fun too!

Create your own background paper layer but make it the feature on your card. Add a simple phrase and embellishment and here's what you get:

Here's how to make this cute card! Want to order the Color & Contour bundle? Click here!

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Color & Contour Bundle (158356)
• Card Stock – Fresh Freesia (155613); Basic White (159276); Basic Black (121045);
• Stamp Pads – Memento Tuxedo Black (132708); Fresh Freesia (155611); Pale Papaya (155670); Petal Pink (147108)
• Misc. – 2021-2022 In Color Markers (155639); 3/8” Open Weave Ribbon (155615); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Measurements: 

• Fresh Freesia: 5 ½” x 8 ½” score at 4 ¼”
• Basic Black: 5 ¼” x 4”
• Basic White: 5 1/8” x 3 7/8”, scrap for die cut

Instructions:

1. Stamp the sentiment on white scrap.
2. Die cut with the frame that fits the sentiment. In the sample the smallest die cut is used.
3. Stamp the flower outline with black ink on the white cardstock.
4. Stamp the fill in flower with the three ink pads.
5. Color the centers of the flowers using the markers.
6. Stamp the “splatter” stamp using the Fresh Freesia ink pad.
7. Layer all cardstock layers together. Add the sentiment using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
8. Add a bow to the left side of the sentiment.

Try this beautiful freehand watercoloring modern look on your next card

I love cards with layers. And this week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge has so many possibilities:

The rectangle layers are easy to create using your Paper Trimmer and the oval in middle can be anything you want: a square, a circle, an oval or even an image or phrase. That is the beauty of a card map - you can use it as a guide and use what you have on hand. 

I decided right away that I wanted to use a new bundle that arrived a couple of weeks ago. It is called Color & Contour:

Get creatively colorful with the Color & Contour stamp set! The open-line floral art and abstract filler stamps allows for a range of coloring techniques. Try freehand watercoloring for a modern look, or use ink and sponge daubers on the filler stamps to create an ombre floral effect. The scalloped edge borders in this set range in size, allowing you to decorate a card front or create scalloped labels for your sentiments. (Click on the bundle photo above to order it at my online store!)

I earned this bundle for free and to be honest, the main reason I ordered it is because I love the scalloped dies and the stamp set phrases. But now that I have stamped the flowers in this set I can see how fun it will be to use in the coming year! Sometimes you just have to take a chance and let your creativity take over. And that matching ribbon. YUM-O! So pretty, right! 

I also decided to use one of the new 2021-23 In Colors for my card. It is the first time I tried crafting with Pale Papaya and I can already see that I am in trouble (smiles). I love this soft peach-y color! 

Here's my card:

Now it is your turn: give our card map challenge a try! If you want to see what the other design crew members created using this week's challenge, click here. 

 

How to use one stamp set and one ink color to create a beautiful card

I am on a Clean & Simple roll this week! I liked yesterday's card map challenge so much that I decided to try another Clean & Simple idea to share with you today. 

But using a different stamp set, called Enjoy the Moment. Funny, but when I won this set at a Stampin' Up! event I was a bit underwhelmed. Yes, I was excited to win something - who doesn't love that!

I liked the images but found they provided me with little inspiration. 

But it's a great set, right! Every time I went to craft following my win, I would try different ideas but ended up putting the stamp set back on my shelf. Until today!

I think I figured out what was holding me back. I was trying to think browns - Soft Suede, Cinnamon Cider, Early Espresso, etc. And those colors weren't speaking to me. So I shook that off and decided to try an unusual color - Misty Moonlight! And that worked for me. 

Here's my Enjoy the Moment card. It's super clean and simple and uses the Note Cards & Envelopes that were also gathering dust in my crafting closet:

Here's how to make this card. If you don't have the Enjoy the Moment set, try this layout idea using what you do have on hand. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Enjoy The Moment (154452)
• Paper – Basic White (159276)
• Stamp Pads – Misty Moonlight (153118)
• Misc. – Note Cards & Envelopes (159232); Stampin’ Seal (152813)

Measurements: 

• Basic White: 2 ¼” x 4 ¼”
• Misty Moonlight: 2 3/8” x 4 3/8”

Instructions:

1. Ink stem image using Misty Moonlight ink and stamp onto Basic White layer. Adhere to Misty Moonlight layer using Stampin’ Seal.
2. Ink phrase and stamp beside stem image.
3. Ink seeds image and stamp up right side of Note Card.
4. Adhere stem layer to Note Card using Stampin’ Seal.
5. Ink seed image and stamp across envelope flap to complete card.

 

 

Do you know how to create a clean and simple card?

Clean & Simple stamping is a technique. I think it was originally proposed by crafters to support beginning stampers - to show them that card making doesn't have to be complex and you don't need a ton of supplies to make a pretty card idea. 

Stampin' Up! posed a challenge last year to all their demonstrators and they called this 'campaign' #simplestamping. The idea was to flood social media with simple but beautiful ideas so that those hesitating on getting into stamping would feel more comfortable to take the crafting leap!

So what fun to see that this week's card map challenge is to create a clean & simple card, one with minimal layers. I decided to jump in with both feet and see what I could create. 

Perfect timing too as this week another order arrived and in it was the Beauty of Friendship bundle (click on the image to order it at my online store):

Of course I wanted to use the dies as well as the images but I decided that for this challenge I would only use the stamp set. I decided to use my brand new Evening Evergreen ink pad and card stock and my Basic White Notecards & Envelopes.

This pack is perfect for a beginning or budget conscious crafter - or for someone who doesn't have a lot of storage space. You get 20 cards and 20 envelopes, ready for you to make and send a card. The cards are thicker cardstock, great for card bases. Folded card: 5" x 3-1/2" (12.7 x 8.9 cm). Envelope: 5-1/8" x 3-5/8" (13 x 9.2 cm).

My plan: create a simple layered effect, two ink colors (the second one is Early Espresso) and bam: my card is done. 

If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge, click here to head over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

One final tip: don't forget to stamp your envelopes too - the 'hello' phrase comes in the stamp set too! 

This bundle will help you celebrate the good times and good people in your life

Today I am going to introduce a new catalog bundle, called Beauty of Friendship. This set and matching dies will help you celebrate the good times and good people in your life and I am going to show you a beautiful card idea to try. 

I also used the matching Beauty of the Earth paper - with so many colors in this pack you will be able design so many different and fun cards:

• Bumblebee
• Cajun Craze
• Cinnamon Cider
• Early Espresso
• Merry Merlot
• Misty Moonlight
• Mossy Meadow
• Night of Navy 
• Old Olive

One side of each sheet in the pack is patterned; the other side is more of a sold design. The patterned side is designed to match one of the 'funky' die in the pack (see above). Can you figure out which die I am referring to here?

To make my card I also used my Blending Brushes, to add color and visual interest to the tag that I created using the Fancy Tag Topper punch. 

You can blend ink beautifully using 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.

* Set of 3

* Gray with white bristles 

* 6" (15.2 cm) long

* Washable

* Click on the photo of the Blending Brushes to order a pack at my Online Store. 

 

Here's my Beauty of Friendship card. I created a video tutorial showing you how I created this card - check it out below. 

 

Supplies:

Stamp set: Beauty of Friendship (bundle: 155834)

Ink: Old Olive, Mossy Meadow, Bumblebee, Early Espresso

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Honeybee: 8 1/5" x 5 1/2"
        Old Olive: 5" x 3 3/4"
        Beauty of the Earth: 4 7/8" x 3 3/8"
        Whisper White: 4 1/4" x 2 7/8"; 2" square; 3 1/4" x 2"; 2" x 1"

Miscellaneous: Beauty of the Earth designer series paper (155841); Fancy Tag Topper punch (152711); Early Espresso 1/4" Faux Suede Trim; Multi-purpose Liquid Glue, Mini Glue Dots