Nutz about Stamping

Would you like to see my favorite embossing folder?

It really is a toss-up between Merry Melody:

and Timeworn Type:

You can create a textured background of sheet music using the Merry Melody 3D Embossing Folder. Inspired by the traditional Christmas song “Joy to the World,” this 3D embossing folder not only allows you to easily add texture to your Christmas cards but it will also give them a festive touch that everyone will love.

The antique look of the Timeworn Type 3D Embossing Folder adds aged detail and texture to any project. You can use it as a layering piece to add dimension to all of your cards and scrapbook layouts. Funny because I am not much of a crafter who likes to age projects but this is the exception of my silly rule. 

If I am completely honest with myself, I had a rush of excitement when I first spotted Timeworn Type in the July - December catalog. I think the Merry Melody is too seasonal or wedding-ish (in my opinion) and I have all body parts crossed the Timeworn Type does not retire on 3 January. It is does, you will hear loud sobbing echoing all over the world (ha). 

So now that you know my all-time fave embossing folder, how about a project featuring it? 

See how simple yet how beautiful my card is - thanks to the Timeworn Type folder? Want to make this card at home? Here's what you need and how to create it. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Nuts about Squirrels (156475)
• Card Stock – Cinnamon Cider (153478); Very Vanilla (101650); Rich Razzleberry (115316)
• Stamp Pads – Rich Razzleberry (147091); Early Espresso (147114); Cinnamon Cider (153114)
• Misc. –Timeworn Type 3D Embossing Folder (156505); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Blackberry Beauty Designer Series Paper (156458); Genial Gems (155550); Cinnamon Cider Stampin’ Blends (153105); Neutrals Stampin’ Write Markers Assortment (147158)

 

Measurements:  

• Cinnamon Cider - 8 ½” x 5 ½”                4” x 5 ¼”
• Rich Razzleberry - 2 3/8” square
• Very Vanilla - 2 ¼” square               ½” x 7/8”
• Blackberry Beauty - 5” x 2”

 

Instructions:

1. Fold Cinnamon Cider card stock in half and crease to create card base.
2. Create embossed Cinnamon Cider layer using the Timeworn Type 3D embossing folder and adhere card base using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
3. Ink squirrel outline image using Early Espresso ink and stamp onto Very Vanilla square. Ink squirrel solid image using Cinnamon Cider ink and stamp on top of Early Espresso squirrel. Color acorn using Early Espresso Stampin’ Write marker and Cinnamon Cider Stampin’ Blends.
4. Adhere Very Vanilla square to Rich Razzleberry Square.
5. Using Paper Snips, create banner to one end of the Blackberry Beauty layer. Adhere to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
6. Ink phrase and stamp onto Very Vanilla strip. Adhere to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
7. To complete card, add three Genial Gems.

 

See how to let designer paper become the star on your cards

The Blackberry Beauty designer series paper is the star of today's card. I love the rich colors, the traditional autumn images of leaves, sprigs, and birds and especially with the added shine of gold foil accents! I have used almost the entire pack in a flash - so shocking for me as I usually have tons of paper left over when our catalogs retire. 

This paper is the perfect backdrop to pair with the Pretty Pumpkins bundle, to create a beautiful friendship card. 

To complement the shine in the paper, why not try out the Metallics embossing powder on the pumpkins - just to add to the shine!

Here's today's Pretty Pumpkins card - don't miss the instructions underneath. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Pretty Pumpkins Bundle (156478)
• Card Stock – Blackberry Bliss (133675), Cinnamon Cider (153078), Very Vanilla (101650)
• Stamp Pads – Blackberry Bliss (147092), Versamark (102283)
• Misc. – Gold Foil Sheets (132622), Blackberry Beauty Specialty Designer Series Paper (156458), Simply Elegant Trim (155766), Metallic Pearls (146282), Metallics Stampin’ Emboss Powders (155555), Scalloped Contours Dies (155560), Heat Tool (129053), Adhesive Sheets (152334), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Stampin’ Seal Adhesive (152813); Die Cutting Machine (149653), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Measurements: 

• Blackberry Bliss card stock: 4 ¼” x 11” score at 5 ½”
• Gold Foil Sheet: 3 7/8” x 5 1/8”
• Blackberry Beauty Specialty Designer Series Paper: 3 ¾” x 5”, ¾” x 4”
• Cinnamon Cider card stock: 2 5/8” x 4”
• Blackberry Bliss card stock: 4 ¼” x 5 ½”
• Very Vanilla card stock: 4” x 5 ¼”, 1 ½” x 4”

Instructions:

1. Using the Scalloped Contour Die; die cut out the center of the Gold Foil Sheet.
2. Attach to your card front.
3. Attach the Blackberry Beauty Designer Paper to your card front.
4. Attach the Cinnamon Cider card stock to the Gold Foil Scalloped Contour die.
5. Attach to your card front.
6. On the Blackberry Bliss card stock stamp the pumpkin using Versamark ink and heat emboss with Gold embossing powder.Die cut out with the coordinating die.
7. Attach a piece of Adhesive sheet behind the remaining portion of the Blackberry Bliss card stock and die cut out the intricate pumpkin.
8. Attach the adhesive backed pumpkin first and then the embossed pumpkin using dimensionals.
9. Tie a double bow out of the Gold trim (approximately 16”) and attach to your card front as shown using a glue dot.
10. On the Very Vanilla piece stamp your sentiment using Blackberry Bliss ink and hand cut out; attach as shown using dimensionals.
11. Attach the Gold Metallic Pearls as shown.
12. On the Very Vanilla card stock attach a strip of the Blackberry Beauty Designer Paper across the bottom and attach to the inside of your card.

See how paper scraps can create a clean and simple, but cute, card idea

Hi fellow crafters! Today I am going to show you how to use up more of those paper scraps that I just know you have laying around. I will be using my fun Nuts about Squirrels stamp set and the gorgeous Blackberry Beauty designer series paper. This friendship card is clean and simple, but oh so cute too.

This set features two super cute squirrels that will look adorable on any of your projects.  Use the Two-Step pieces to add color to your squirrels, add texture to your leaf, or to create a multicolored acorn. Or if you’re feeling especially artistic, you can color the squirrels using your favorite coloring techniques. No matter where you live in the world, you can customize the squirrels to match your area of the world. 

 

Since I wanted a fall vibe, I decided to use left over pieces of my Blackberry Beauty designer paper: 

 

 

Here's my card: 

 

Supplies

Stamp set: Nuts about Squirrels (156475)

Ink: Cinnamon Cider; Early Espresso

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        DSP: 9 pieces, each 3/4" wide, cut various lengths
        Cinnamon Cider: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 4" x 5 1/4"
        Very Vanilla: 2 1/2" x 2"; scraps for phrase

Misc: Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Genial Gems (155550); 1" circle punch; Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Dimensionals, Blackberry Beauty designer series paper (156458)

Here's a video showing you, step by step, how to make this card. Be sure to watch all the way through for my BONUS design tips and suggestions!

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's my card:

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

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

 

How to create a pocket gift card holder, where the gift card is a surprise inside

Hi fellow crafters! In today's video I am going to show you how to create a super easy pocket gift card holders. There are many different types of pocket gift card holder - this one keeps the gift card a surprise for inside.  

I will be using my Quiet Meadow bundle, both the stamp set and the dies this time.

You will find flowers, background patterns, and greetings in the stamp set which you can pair with the beautiful wildflower dies. It is so much fun to mix and match the different pieces to get the right look.

 

Surprisingly, I am also using the Tidings of Christmas paper.

 

 

Yes, it is seasonal on one side but the other side can be used for non-Christmas projects as you will soon see.

 

Here's my pocket gift card holder - closed:

 

 

And here it is open:

 

 

The pocket is surprisingly deep so items other than gift cards will fit very nicely. 

 

Here's what you need to make this project at home:

 

Supplies

 

Stamp set: Quiet Meadow bundle (155847)

 

Ink: Evening Evergreen; Soft Succulent

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic White: 4 1/2" x 12"; 2" square; 3 3/4" x 3 1/4"
        Evening Evergreen: 2 1/2" square; 2" x 4 1/4" 
        Soft Succulent: 2" x 4 1/4" 
        Tidings of Christmas: (4) 3 3/4" x 4 1/4"

 

Misc: Simply Scored, Tidings of Christmas designer series paper (155718); In Color Jewels (155571); Tear & Tape adhesive; Stampin' Seal; Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Layering Circles dies; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine; Paper Trimmer

 

Here's my video, showing you how to make this gift card pocket holder. Be sure to watch all the way through the video for my bonus tips and design suggestions.

 

 

 

 

Did you notice the cool mirror images in this stamp set?

Ready for a little fall action on your card creations? I have the perfect bundle to show you! 

The Pretty Pumpkins stamp set features pumpkins, vines, and leaves images that are designed to be stamped and layered. Tip: the vines are mirror images so you can stamp a long or short line of pumpkins and bookend them with the vines. How cool is that! 

Use your favorite coloring technique to fill in the open line art pumpkins. On the pumpkin image with leaves and grasses, try the marker-to-stamp technique to create a multicolored pumpkin. Mix and match images and sentiments for friendship and gratitude cards.

The dies in this fun bundle include open dies for solid pumpkins and also textured and intricate pumpkins. Use them individually, or layer them to create two-toned or tone-on-tone elegant gourds. The die set also includes leaves and vines pieces to embellish your pumpkin patch.

Don't think just cards: use die-cut shapes to embellish cards, tags, table place settings, and more.

Here's just one fun idea - read on to see how to create this card at home, and if you want to order the bundle for LOTS of fun fall crafting, click here.

Pretty Pumpkins friendship card

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Pretty Pumpkins (156472) with Detailed Pumpkin Dies (156472) ~OR~ Save 10% with the Pretty Pumpkins Bundle (156478)
• Card Stock – Crumb Cake (120953); Basic Black (121045); Pumpkin Pie (105117); Basic White (159276)
• Ink – Tuxedo Black Memento stamp pad (132708); Pumpkin Pie classic ink pad (147086); Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blends combo pack (154897); Cajun Craze Stampin’ Blends combo pack (154879); Old Olive Stampin’ Blends combo pack (154892)
• Misc. – Stampin’ Cut & Emboss (149653); Stitched Rectangle Dies (151820); Tailor Made Tags Dies (155563 ); Black & White 1/4” Gingham Ribbon (156485); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Measurements: 

• Crumb Cake card base: 8-1/2” x 5-1/2” scored at 4-1/4”
• Basic Black: 3-1/4” x 4-1/2”
• Pumpkin Pie: 3-1/4” x 4-1/2”
• Basic White: 4-1/4” x 5-1/2”
• Ribbon: 4”

Instructions:

1. Use the third largest stitched rectangle die to cut the Pumpkin Pie card stock, then stamp the stitched rectangle with the pumpkin trio stamp and Pumpkin Pie ink to create a pumpkin patch. Layer the pumpkin card onto the black mat and adhere to front of card.
2. Cut the second largest tag die from one end of white card stock. Stamp “friends” sentiment in black on tag, then attach ribbon through hole. Attach to front of pumpkin layer with dimensionals.
3. Stamp the pumpkin trio on the other end of white card stock and color with stampin’ blends, then use the coordinating dies to cut. Attach to lower corner on front of card with dimensionals.

You need to see this creative twist on a popular fun fold card technique

Hi fellow crafters! Are you ready for another fun fold idea, one that has a twist?  For today's card and video I am going to show you how to create a Reverse Easel fun fold card. I will be using my Garden Wishes and Nuts about Squirrel stamp sets and two designer series paper: the gorgeous Blackberry Beauty and the fabulous In Good Taste.

The star of my card is the super fun Nuts about Squirrels stamp set:

I created three fun elements for my card, using the Nuts about Stamping set. This set features two cheeky squirrels that will look adorable scampering across any of your projects.  You can use the Two-Step pieces to add color to your squirrel, add texture to your leaf, or to create a multicolored acorn. Or if you’re feeling especially artistic, you can color the squirrels using your favorite coloring techniques. No matter where you live in the world, you can customize these critters to match the fauna outside your house. Red, gray, brown—these creatures are just plain cute no matter their color.

The Blackberry Beauty paper features the traditional autumn images of leaves, sprigs, and birds paired and I love the nontraditional color palette, especially with the added shine of gold foil accents!

The Garden Wishes set includes greetings of support and friendship and I will be using this one inside my card.

 

Here's my card closed:

And open:

Supplies

Stamp sets: Nuts about Squirrels (156475); Garden Wishes (154408)

Ink: Early Espresso; Cinnamon Cider

Paper and cutting dimensions: 
        Basic White: 4 1/2" square; 7 1/2" x 2 1/2" 
        Cinnamon Cider: 4 1/2" square; 2" square 
        Early Espresso: scrap; 12" x 6"  
        Blackberry Beauty DSP: 5 3/4" square
        In Good Taste DSP: 2 3/4" x 5 3/4" 

Misc: Stampin' Scored; Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Gilded Gems (152478); Medium Daisy punch (149517); 1/2" circle punch (optional)

Here's my video tutorial - I hope you will give this fun fold at try! Be sure to watch all the way through the video for my bonus tips and design suggestions. Are you ready to get folding?

 

If you want more crafting ideas sent directly to you each week, subscribe to my free newsletters. I'll add the subscribe link in the description box under this video.

This cute set not only has playful images but playful sentiments too

Are you nuts about stamping? Well I am too (hence the name of my blog!).  And it’s easy to go nuts with the Nuts about Squirrels stamp set. This set features two cheeky squirrels that will look adorable scampering across any of your projects.

Create a scene using the acorns, leaves, and tree branch. Mix and match the greetings with the images to create cards for birthdays, get well, and thinking of you. Use the Two-Step pieces to add color to your squirrel, add texture to your leaf, or to create a multicolored acorn. Or if you’re feeling especially artistic, you can color the squirrels using your favorite coloring techniques.

No matter where you live in the world, you can customize these critters to match the fauna outside your house. Red, gray, brown—these creatures are just plain cute no matter their color.

This set is perfect to pair up with the Blackberry Beauty designer series paper - the rich, non-traditional colors and beautiful designs are a perfect match:

 

Here's one idea this is super easy to create AND is super cute too:

Here's how to make this playful card:

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Nuts About Squirrels Stamp Set (156475)
• Card Stock – Very Vanilla Cardstock (101650); Blackberry Bliss (133675); Blackberry Beauty Specialty Designer Series Paper (156458)
• Stamp Pads – Blackberry Bliss (147092); Cinnamon Cider (153114); Early Espresso (147114)
• Misc. – Paper Trimmer (152392); Paper Snip Scissors (103579); Bone Folder (102300); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755);  Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Measurements:

• Blackberry Bliss:
  • 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” scored at 4-1/4”
  • 3-1/4” x 4-1/2”
• Blackberry Beauty Paper: 4” x 5-1/4”
• Very Vanilla Cardstock:
  • 3” x 4-1/4”
  • 4” x 5-1/4” (for inside card)
  • 3” x 3” (scrap for stamping)

Instructions:

1. Fold the Blackberry Bliss cardstock in half at the score line and burnish well with your Bone Folder.
2. Adhere the 4” x 5-1/4” piece of Very Vanilla cardstock inside your card.
3. Adhere the 4” x 5-1/4” piece of Blackberry Beauty to the base card.
4. Using the 3” x 4-1/4” Very Vanilla cardstock, stamp the Squirrel with acorn outline image using Early Espresso ink.Stamp the “bold” squirrel image using Cinnamon Cider ink.  Using the bold acorn images, ink the “top” of the acorn image using Early Espresso ink, tap off once on your scratch sheet and stamp onto acorn image.  Ink the “bottom” of the acorn image using Cinnamon Cider ink; tap off the ink on your scratch paper and stamp into the acorn image.
5. Stamp the branches towards the top of the Very Vanilla mat (see sample for placement) using Early Espresso ink.
6. Ink up the bold leaf image using Cinnamon Cider ink, tap off on your scratch paper, and stamp onto branch.Repeat as desired.
7. Ink up the “inside leave” image, ink in Early Espresso, tap off on your scratch paper and stamp inside one of the leaf images.Repeat as desired.
8. Stamp the sentiment just to the left of the squirrel using Blackberry Bliss ink.
9. Adhere the Very Vanilla cardstock to the Blackberry Bliss mat and adhere to the base card using adhesive.
10. Using your 3” square of scrap Very Vanilla cardstock, stamp the squirrel outline image using Early Espresso ink.  Stamp the bold Squirrel image using Cinnamon Cider ink and stamp onto outline image. 
11. Fussy cut out the squirrel using your Paper Snips Scissors.  Adhere to the base card onto the branch using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Do you know how to create a card with dark patterned paper?

This week's Paper Craft Crew's card map challenge is super easy: 

I decided to use up some of my Blackberry Beauty paper for the background, and chose one of the darker patterns on the card base. 

This paper pack is perfect for autumn cards and projects, with its rich colors and traditional autumn images of leaves, sprigs, and bird. This nontraditional color palette is sure to bring unexpected impact to all of your paper crafting projects, especially with the added shine of gold foil accents! 

Here are the coordinating colors: Blackberry Bliss, Cinnamon Cider, Early Espresso, Polished Pink, Rich Razzleberry - so cool right? 

Once I chose my darker patterned paper I then chose a light pattern for one of the layers, to help my phrase stand out a bit and to make my card even more interesting.  

I then did something unusual: I chose two phrases for the front of my card, one to match the map and the other to be a standout of my card. The larger one comes from the Tasteful Touches stamp set:

The second phrase comes from the Best Year stamp set - and adds a playful touch!

Here's my card - can you see what I did for the 'ribbon' on the map? Did you spot the bling? 

Now it's your turn - try this card map challenge using what you have on hand. And if you want to see what the other design crew members made for this week's challenge click here to head on over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

What could be better than a card challenge using your sparkling products?

Nothing could be better I am sure. And this week's Paper Craft Crew challenge does just that:

I love cards that have bling on them even though I am not really a bling-y kind of person in real life. I made a New Year's Resolution two years ago to use my embellishments rather than hoard them (is this you too?) and have been making good on my promise. 

To make my card I used only three products, one of them creates the phrase:

1. Blackberry Beauty designer series paper (LOVE!)
   
   
   
   
2. Meadow dies (so versatile)
   
   
   
   
3. Floral Gallery dies (the perfect phrase)

And to make my card I tried a brand new fun fold technique - new to me, that is. I have never tried a Center Step fun fold card and was so surprised how easy it was to make. 

If you want to learn how to make a Center Step fun fold card, click here to see my YouTube video. 

Here's my card - can you see the bling? 

Now it's your turn: give this card map challenge a try and see what you can create that uses your sparkling products. And if you want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew design crew members create for this challenge, click here. 

See how one stamp set is perfect for a variety of occasions

Inspired by impasto paintings, the floral images in the Art Gallery stamp set can be used to create a variety of different cards and a variety of different occasions. Frankly, I think this bundle is amazing: 

You can use the phrases in the stamp set or the phrase in the dies with no stamping at all - it's your choice! And funny, on today's sample I didn't use any phrase at all; instead I will add a phrase inside my card or use it as a notecard to write a long letter inside instead. 

My layout idea is super simple as well and will help you use up left over pieces of the Beautifully Penned designer series paper. In case this is the first time you are stopping by my blog, you should know that you can earn a full pack of the Beautifully Penned paper for FREE, but only until 30 September 2021. Learn more here. 

To help my flower image stand out I used my Layering Circles dies and a pop of Polished Pink. I love this card for its simplicity and black and white tones: 

Want to make this card at home? Here's what you need to gather together. And if you want to place an order for these products through me (thank you so much!), here's the link to my online store. 

Happy crafting! 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Art Gallery (158201)
• Card Stock – Basic White (159276); Basic Black (121045); Polished Pink (155613)
• Stamp Pads – Memento Tuxedo Black (132708); Basic Gray (149165)
• Misc. – Beautifully Penned designer series paper** (DSP) (156630); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Floral Gallery dies (154316); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653); In Color Jewels (155571); Layering Circles dies (151770); Paper Snips (103579), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)
  
  ** A free Sale-a-Bration choice with a $50 product order

 

Measurements:  

• Basic White:             8 ½” x 5 ½”                2 ¾” square   
• Basic Black:             3” square
• Polished Pink: 3 ½” square                          
• DSP:                         4 ¼” x 5 ½”                2 ¼” x 5”       

Instructions:

1. Fold Basic White card stock in half and crease to create card base.
2. Adhere DSP layer to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
3. Die-cut Basic White, Basic Black (scallop) and Polished Pink (scallop) circles using Layering Circles dies.
4. Ink Art Gallery flower solid image using Basic Gray ink and stamp onto Basic White. Ink Art Gallery line image using Memento Tuxedo Black ink and stamp on top of Basic Gray flower. Die-cut using Floral Gallery dies.
5. Using Paper Snips, create banner end on Beautifully Penned layer. Adhere to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
6. Adhere circled together using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, the adhere to card front.
7. Attach die-cut flower to circles layers using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
8. Add 3 In Color Jewels around flower to complete card.

What designer series paper would you use for this card map challenge?

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge is a great way to feature your favorite designer series paper!

I am currently loving the Blackberry Beauty designer series paper - heck, I even love the name! Wouldn't it be fun to have to name papers and colors for Stampin' Up! I'm in!

 Anyway, the colors in this paper pack are perfect for masculine cards, fall cards and Thanksgiving projects. I decided to use a left over piece for my card. Funny but when I first had everything all laid out and ready to attach, I turned over the Blackberry Beauty layer and decided to use it on top instead. Has that ever happened to you? 

The large square kind of stumped me until I thought about my Floral Gallery dies - and realized it could be my feature instead of something else. And instead of making it a square I used my Stitched Rectangles dies so that the phrase would fit nicely. 

And then I decided to turn my card on it's side - instead of a portrait layout I would have a landscape layout. I love the look!

Now it's your turn! Try this week's card map challenge using what you have on hand. See what you can come up with! If you want to see what the other design crew members created this week, click here to head on over to the Paper Craft Crew site. 

Learn how to make a beautiful matching envelope for all your cards

Today I am going to show you how to create a gorgeous card idea and how to create a matching envelope! I will be using the lovely Beauty of Friendship stamp set, the Beautifully Penned designer series paper, the yummy Timeworn Type embossing folder, and the Tailored Made Tags dies to create my card.

The Beautifully Penned paper has a watercolor look in various black tones, making it easy to use with any color or any style for your projects. I am featuring this paper on my project and for my envelope. The best part about this paper pack is that you can earn it for FREE with a qualifying order, but only until September 30. Click here to learn more about this special promotion, called Sale-a-Bration. 

I have used the Meadow dies a lot this summer because I love the wildflowers that you can create by mixing and matching the different pieces to get the right look for your creation.

A phrase from the Beauty of Friendship matches the occasion I need - this stamp set has a variety of phrases making it a great value for your crafting room. When you try this card idea at home you can change out the phrase to suit the occasion that is perfect for your needs.

I love the antique look of the Timeworn Type 3D Embossing Folder  - you can use it to add aged detail and texture to any project either as a layering piece or you can emboss an entire card front for a full-on look. 

This is the first time I have used my Tailor Made Tags dies. I think this set is perfect to mix, match, and layer tags in different sizes and colors and for creating tags for any occasion you need: birthday cards, goodie bags, gift packages. You can stamp sentiments from your favorite stamp sets, then die-cut it out. Super easy! 

Here's my card, along with the supplies to make it AND a video showing you how!

Here's the card alone.

And here's the envelope alone. 

Want to give this project a try? Here's what you need. 

Supplies:

Stamp set: Beauty of Friendship (154983 or bundle with the dies: 155834)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic White: 11" x 4 1/4"; 1 1/4" x 3 3/4"; 2 1/4" x 4 1/4" 
        Basic Gray: 2 1/4" x 4 1/4" 
        Basic Black: 2 1/4" x 4 3/4"
        Polished Pink: 2 1/4" x 4 3/4"
        Beautifully Penned: 12" x 6"'; 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" 

Misc: Beautifully Penned designer series paper** (156630); Meadow Dies (155852); Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Timeworn Type 3D embossing folder (156505); Stampin' Dimensionals; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine; Tailored Made Tags dies (155563); Simply Scored, In Color Jewels (155571

**FREE with a $50 (or €60) order! 

Here's my video. Note: Be sure to watch all the way through my video for my bonus tips and design ideas. 

See how a simple card layout can help you to create the best look

Today's card has such a simple layout but that doesn't mean that my card will not be beautiful. I decided to use catalog products that were designed to be combined for card making and that certainly takes away any guesswork, doesn't it? 

I chose my Beauty of Friendship bundle

along with the matching Beauty of the Earth designer series paper: 

I think it is the colors that I chose that help make my card such a stand out. I chose: Cinnamon Cider, Merry Merlot, and Misty Moonlight. Yummy! 

Here's my card - so simple right? 

Here's how to make my card: 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Beauty of Friendship (bundle, 155834)
• Card Stock – Basic White (159276); Merry Merlot (146979)
• Stamp Pads – Cinnamon Cider (153114), Misty Moonlight (153118)
• Misc. –Beauty of the Earth designer series paper (DSP) (155841); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

 

Measurements:  

• Merry Merlot: 8 ½” x 5 ½”                1 1/4” square
• Basic White:             4 ¼” x 1”                    2 ¾” x 3”                    4 ½” x 2 ½”                 
• DSP:                         3 ¼” x 5”

 

Instructions:

1. Fold Merry Merlot card stock in half and crease to create card base.
2. Adhere DSP layer to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
3. Ink phrase using Cinnamon Cider ink and stamp onto Basic White strip. Adhere across card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
4. Ink treetop using Misty Moonlight ink and stamp onto Basic White. Die-cut.
5. Ink tree trunk using Cinnamon Cider ink and stamp onto Basic White. Die-cut.
6. Adhere tree trunk to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue. Attach treetop using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
7. Die-cut birds from Merry Merlot cardstock. Attach one bird to treetop and the second bird to the phrase strip to complete card.

Here's an easy way to use up your left over paper scraps

Today's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge is an easy way to use up your left over paper scraps. This must be the week for using up paper scraps - check out my Sunday blog post and video tutorial showing you a second way to use paper scraps! 

At first I thought the map was pretty plain but of course I decided to give it a try  and chose to use my Beautifully Penned designer series paper. Did you know you can earn this paper pack for FREE with a $50 order? (or 60 Euros in AT, DE, NL, GB and FR). Learn more about this offer here. 

For the sentiment on the front of the card, I chose to use one from the Tasteful Touches stamp set:

Funny but it was the strip across the front of the card that stumped me a bit. In the end I chose to use a second piece of the Gray Granite ribbon as the strip and love how it looks!

Here's my card: 

Now it's your turn: what will you create using this week's card map challenge? If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge, click here to hop on over to the Paper Craft Crew site.