Nutz about Stamping

How to say a sad goodbye

It is always a shock to me when I hear that someone has been 'declared redundant'. What a disgusting and demoralizing phrase that only tears down someone who has to hear this news. 

And that happened last week to someone I know. I am not a close friend - more of a colleague really. But as soon as I heard his sad news I decided to make a card for some of us to sign. 

And of course I chose the Come Sail Away suite:

I love the versatility of this suite! It is perfect for masculine projects and the phrases can be used for many different occasions, yes, even 'redundancy' (grr). 

If you had to make a card for someone who has been laid off (which I hope never happens), which set would you reach for? Can you guess what my first choice was? It was....Sorry for Everything. But after I looked at the set (which I love, by the way), I decide that I didn't want to create a tone of sadness. I wanted my card to be encouraging, to be forward looking, to give the message that better things are just around the corner. 

So I chose the phrase that says: "Set sail in the direction of your dreams". And that is what I wish for him. New dreams and happier experiences. 

Here's my card:

I used my Watercolor Pencils and Blender Pens to color the sailboats - something I haven't tried before and I really liked how it turned out. The card has a simple layout and I like that the phrase is the feature, rather than the stamped images. 

So tonight after work lots of us are going out to celebrate this colleague and to wish him well. I hope it will be a joyous occasion and he will know how appreciated he was to all of us. 

Tip: don't forget to stamp the envelope: this phrase I chose was from the Itty Bitty Greeting stamp set: "best wishes from all of us". 

 

How to create your card designs like a pro

If you have difficulty designing your cards each time you craft, then I have the perfect challenge that will have you designing your cards like a pro!

Try our weekly Paper Craft Crew challenge!

I use card maps a lot when I need inspiration. I use them to help me get started with a layout and then go from there. Often my final product doesn't match the map but that's ok. It was just the bump I needed to open my mind and unlock my creativity. 

Lately I have shared a lot of project using the new Come Sail Away product suite:

To see some of these projects, click here, here and here. 

I wanted to try an unusual layout this week, starting with a Whisper White layer on the Whisper White card base. Instead of layering my Come Sail Away paper in the center of the Whisper White layer, (which I usually do) I moved it to the right side then I positioned my stamped and die-cut sail boats on the left side. popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals.  

The center of my card was looking pretty bare so I decided to add a strip of Balmy Blue card stock, a sticker phrase from the Come Sail Away Memories & More card pack and then a die-cut steering wheel.

Here's my card! Can you tell which row or column I used from the Tic-Tac-Toe challenge map above?

 

Now it is your turn: try our card map challenge the next time you craft. And if you want to see what the other design crew members created, click here. 

You need to see these gorgeous overlays!

In today's video (below) I am going to show you how to create a lovely masculine card idea  that doesn't use any stamps or ink. I only use, besides cardstock and ink, the Come Sail Away Memories & More card pack.

I have shown you several ideas using this new product and if you want to see all the cards and accessories in the pack, click here to link over to my Facebook business page where I created a Live video featuring the card pack. 

Come Sail Away Memories & More Card Pack
$11.00

 

In the pack there are two sheets of card overlays. I have been looking at these for a while, wondering how to use them and then I got an idea from a card I spotted online. That card gave me the idea for today's card. 

In the video I explain how I created the card, which also uses the Swirls & Curls embossing folder:

 

Swirls & Curls Embossing Folder
$7.50

Here's my card and underneath you will find a list of supplies with order numbers, and my video tutorial!

Stamp set: none

Ink: none

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Balmy Blue: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
        Night of Navy: 3 1/4" x 4 3/4"

Other: Die-cutting machine, Swirls and Curls embossing folder (147923), Come Sail Away Memories & More card pack (149552), Basic Adhesive Backed Sequins (146933, optional), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Baker's Twine (149483)

Here's my video, thanks for watching! 

 

In life it's important to take the scenic route

Are you the type of person who takes the scenic route in life? I sure am because there is so much to see and do in such a short span of time. 

My life experiences have taught me that you shouldn't wait for the right time or moment. You need to take life by the horns and go for it! Whether at home, at work, or....all the time!

Today's blog post is sharing a product suite that has retired but I promised myself I would use it all up before moving on to any new supplies. And besides, you can take my idea and use products you have on hand, right? 

The moment I spotted the Best Route suite on Stampin' Up!s display boards I knew that I had met a crafter's dream. So many fun products and I bought them ALL once that catalog when live. 

I have created a few pages using this suite and posted them here on my blog. Check here and here for a couple of ideas. 

I had so much fun creating today's page. I used up one of the Washi Tape rolls (New Year's Resolution, check!) and came up with a fun idea using one of the Memories & More cards:

• I trimmed the phrase "Always take the scenic route" from the card to use separately down the left side
• I then used one of the left over pieces of the same card to create a banner in the middle of my page. I simply turned it over to use the striped side!

Here's my page!

I am sad to see this product suite retire. I only have a few more bits and pieces left so watch for another page using them, coming soon!

 

 

Why not try this interesting card map challenge?

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map seems very simple but has some interesting elements that make it slightly different to try. 

What I really like about the above card map is that the ovals are off-center a bit which adds visual interest. When you craft, try this off-set idea, whether using ovals, circles or even squares. 

I had a tough time trying to figure out the stamped images under the ovals. So I tried something out of my comfort zone: using the rope image and stamping it across the entire card front. This image is quite large so I needed to do it completely across the front so it would be clear what the image actually was. Instead of stamping an image you could also use a contrasting (but coordinating) paper strip, just for something a bit different. 

I also like that the banner layer is between the ovals rather than underneath, giving it another unique touch. 

And the embellishments - 5 in total. Again, beyond the usual 3 which you often see on cards and on card maps. 

So having analyzed all these interesting details I decided to use my Sailing Home stamp set and a left over strip of the Come Sail Away designer paper as the banner. 

For a different look, stamp and die-cut the lighthouse and then pop it up above the top oval, using Stampin' Dimensionals. 

Now it's your turn: the next time you craft, try this idea or one of the variations I suggested above. 

Want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge? Click here. 

A perfect way to tell dad he's the best

In today's video I am going to show you how to make a quick and easy but oh so lovely Father's Day card idea with the help of my Big Shot and the Come Sail Away product suite. 

You likely know by now how much I LOVE this new product suite - there are so many fun products that coordinate! And the bundle is oh so awesome!

With Father's Day coming soon I thought these products would help me create a quick and easy but oh so lovely Father's Day card!

Here's the card I created - and I included a video tutorial with extra tips under the list of products I used:

Sailing Home Father's Day card

Stamp set: Sailing Home (149457) OR bundle and save 10% (151066)

Ink: Memento Jet Black

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Whisper White: 11" x 4 1/4"; 2" square
          Basic Black: 3 1/4" x 4 1/4"
          Come Sail Away paper (149481): 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

Other: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, SNAIL adhesive, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Whisper White Baker's Twine (optional), Smooth Sailing dies (149576 OR bundle using the ordering number above)

Here's how I designed the inside of my card, using the same stamp set:

Here's my video tutorial - thanks for watching!

Why not join this creative card map challenge?

I decided on a different take for this week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge.

 

I love the map above but am just not into flowers right now. I am completely smitten with the Come Sail Away product suite and love everything I have made so far using it. 

So I naturally turned to these products for my card creation. I started by choosing two cards from the card pack and let the colors in those help me with the color for my card base (Balmy Blue). But my card seemed really plain so I turned to my embossing folders and spotted Swirls and Curls:

Swirls & Curls Embossing Folder
$7.50

I love the embossed background - the perfect match for the sailboat image, wouldn't you say? One final touch was the steering wheel die-cut and my card was done!

Note: the phrase that I stamped directly onto the card comes from the brand new Good Morning Magnolia stamp set (more on that later!)

 

Now it's your turn! Give our card map a try and see what you can create using products you have on hand! Then link over to the Paper Craft Crew site to see what the other design crew members made. 

How to alter products to create a unique card

In today's video tutorial (see below), I am going to show you how to alter some of the products in the Best Route product suite to make a unique masculine birthday card. (It would also make a great Father's Day card too!) 

First, here's the Best Route suite, featured on pages 52 and 53 of the 2018-19 Annual catalog. Note: all of these products are retiring on June 3rd! Hint: click on the photo featuring the products to link over to my online store. 

 

I was inspired for my card by one of the card in the catalog, but decided to alter the design to better suit my taste. What makes my card so easy to create is that you won't be using any stamps or ink. Just a couple of products from the suite that you will alter and instead of stamping on the card base I chose to emboss the card base using the Maps, Etc dynamic embossing folder. 

Best Route birthday card

Stamp set: none

Ink: none

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Blueberry Bushel: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" (21 cm x 15 cm)
          Memories & More card: cut off 3/4" from each side to create two matching strips

Other: Best Route Memories & More card pack #147036 (choose two cards from this pack), SNAIL adhesive, Best Route Enamel Shapes (146900), Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Layering Circles framelits (141705), Maps, Etc dynamic embossing folder (146822)

As promised in my video, here's how I designed the inside of my card: I used a sticker from the Memories & More card pack and two strips of the Best Route washi tape to add some interest and coordination inside. 

Here's my video tutorial - thanks for watching!

Learn how to make a masculine collage card

In today's video, I am going to show you how to create a collage card using the Sailing Home cling stamp set. 

The Sailing Home bundle is part of the Come Sail Away product suite with colors and patterns that are perfect for masculine cards: Balmy Blue, Basic Black, Mossy Meadow, Night of Navy, Soft Suede and Whisper White. The suite also includes a Memories & More card pack, Baker's Twine, Trinkets (on video), and an embossing folder! 

I used this bundle to make this Sailing Home collage card. What's a collage? It is a crafting method that uses several backing pieces that are adhered to a backing. So for a card, it would be several pieces that are all attached (separately) to the card base. 

I have used this set a lot lately. If you want to see some card ideas I have already shared, click here for a masculine birthday card and click here for several ideas shared at one of Stampin' Up!s On Stage events. 

In my video I show you some simple ideas for using Sailing Home and then how to add more details to make a much more advanced version. And on June 4th the Come Sail Away designer paper will also be released for some extra background possibilities. 

But for today, here's my card. This would be a lovely masculine graduation card idea, wouldn't it?

Sailing Home Collage card

 

Stamp set: Sailing Home (bundle and save 10%: 149457)

Ink: Night of Navy, Soft Suede

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Night of Navy: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
          Whisper White: 2 3/8" x 3 1/8"; 1 3/4" x 2 1/4"; 2 1/2" x 1" (phrase)
          Soft Suede: 2 1/2" x 3 1/4"; 1 3/4" x 2 1/4"; 1 7/8" x 2 3/8"

Other: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Sail Away Trinkets, Seaside Embossing folder (141481), SNAIL adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, Night of Navy/Sahara Sand Baker's Twine (149483)

As promised on my video, here's a photo of how I designed the inside of my card:

Why not watch my video tutorial showing you how to make this fun card? https://youtu.be/ZEEbNMjhQ0c

A simple but effective masculine birthday card

This week several of us celebrated a good friend's birthday. The location was this remote beach restaurant tucked away in the dunes of The Hague. The weather during the day was grey and gloomy but by 7 pm the skies cleared and we got to witness a beautiful sunset over the water. We couldn't have asked for anything more picturesque!

When I learned that the party would be at the beach, of course I immediately thought of the Sailing Home stamp set and that it would be fun to make my friend a birthday card that would reflect his birthday experience. 

I used some left over pieces of Tranquil Textures and Happiness Blooms designer paper (both of which are retiring) which I thought would contrast nicely with the Balmy Blue card base. I layered these and then added the Night of Navy images as another layer. 

As a few final touches I added a Night of Navy Enamel Dot and a strip of Baker's Twine and my card was done. I am so happy that my friend loved his card - it sat in the middle of our table the entire evening! (I was quite proud)

Sailing Home will be available in the upcoming 2019-2020 Annual Catalog. If you would like a free copy of this catalog, please contact me at terri@nutzaboutstamping.com and I can help you out! 

How to create a unique nautical masculine card

When I attended Stampin' Up!s On Stage event two weeks ago, I got the brand new Sailing Home stamp set for free! In today's video I am going to show you how to create a multi-layered masculine card with the help of my Big Shot and the Sailing Home stamp set. 

This set will be available for purchase as of June 4th and I combined several of the images to create a card with many interesting details. 

Needlepoint Nook 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.00

Stitched Labels Framelits Dies
$33.00

Aqua Painters
$17.00

Watercolor Paper
$5.00

 

In my video I also show you how to create a watercolor wash background for this card. 

Sailing Home masculine card

Stamp set: Sailing Home (149457)

Ink: Night of Navy, Soft Suede, Balmy Blue

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 2" x 3 1/2" 
          Balmy Blue: 2 3/4" square
          Needlepoint Nook designer series paper (148807): 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
          Watercolor paper: 4" x 3"
          Wood Textures designer series paper: 4" x 3|
          Soft Suede: 1/4" x 4"

Other: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Stitched Shapes framelits (146828), SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, Everyday Label punch (144668), Aqua Painters (103954)

Here's my video - thanks for watching!

 

You need to make this amazing masculine birthday card

So many of you have emailed me to request more masculine card ideas and I hear you! It can be difficult to come up with masculine card ideas and I am here to help.

Today I have a super cool masculine card idea using the Geared Up Garage bundle:

Geared Up Garage Cling Bundle
$48.50

This is the perfect bundle to help you create a bunch of masculine cards. This bundle will retire on June 3rd so grab it now so you don't have regrets. 

Combine this bundle with the Maps, etc embossing folder and you will end up with this amazing card. Don't miss the full set of instructions and two additional photos underneath. 

 

Here's how to make this amazing masculine birthday card:

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Geared Up Garage (148590), Bundle (150610)
• Card Stock – Soft Suede (115318), Basic Black (121045), Sahara Sand (121043), Whisper White (100730)
• Stamp Pads – Tuxedo Black Memento (132708)
• Misc. – Maps, Etc. Embossing Folder (146822), Rectangle Stitched Framelits Dies (148551), Garage Gears Thinlits Dies (148521), Classic Garage Metal Elements (148485), White Baker’s Twine (124262), Paper Snips (103579), Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker (100082), Mini Glue Dots103683)

Measurements:  

• Card Base: Soft Suede Cardstock 11” x 4-1/4”. Score and fold at 4-1/4”.
• Layer 2: Sahara Sand Cardstock 5-1/4” x 4”
• Layer 3: Whisper White Cardstock 3-1/4” x 1-1/2”

Instructions:

1. Cut a rectangular hole in the center of the Soft Suede Card Base with the Rectangle Stitched Framelits Die that measures 4-3/8” x 3”. Fold card base in half on score line.
2. Emboss the Sahara Sand Cardstock layer using the Maps, Inc. Embossing Folder. Glue to the inside of the card peeking through the rectangular hole.
3. Stamp the sentiment vertically one word at a time, to the right on the Whisper White Cardstock layer by using the Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker. Color one word at a time and stamp. Clean the stamp in-between stamping each word. Glue in place by sliding under the rectangular hole about 1-1/4” from the bottom.
4. Using Basic Black Cardstock, cut out the large gears die from the Garage Gears Thinlits Dies. Keep all of the round pieces that fall out. Glue part of the gears to the left of the sentiment and trim the ends off. Glue the remaining part that you cut off, to the right of the sentiment. Trim the ends off. Glue the small round pieces in the background.
5. Thread two of the Classic Garage Metal Elements through the white twine and tie into a bow. Glue to the top corner of the rectangle using Mini Glue Dots.

 

   

Announcing new, time sensitive Sale-a-bration products

I am so excited to announce that Stampin' Up! will be release a second set of Sale-a-bration products this week and you can earn them for free with a qualifying order beginning February 15th!

Click on the photo of the Sale-a-bration brochure below for a sneak peek of these additional items;

As demonstrators, we get the opportunity to acquire these items a couple of weeks before you so that we can create some sample ideas to share. So that's what I did.

The sample below uses the Painted Seasons bundle - and I chose a strip of the designer series paper to feature on my masculine birthday card. When I saw the patterns on this particular design I immediately thought of Lovely as a Tree so chose that for my set.

My one issue was that the Painted Seasons paper has Whisper White as its neutral color and when I first laid out my card design it seemed too white. So I grabbed one of my Stampin' Sponges and brushed Early Espresso and Call Me Clover around the layers to give them a more vintage and less stark look. 

I also used my Early Espresso and Call Me Clover Stampin' Write Markers to color and stamp the pine cone image from Lovely as a Tree. Each time I inked this image I stamped off onto a scrap piece of paper before stamping onto my card layer to achieve a more muted and vintage look there as well. 

Here's my Lovely as a Tree card: 

 

Some of you have emailed me to ask me to show you what I would do for my card insides as well. I usually keep the insides pretty basic because I love to write a note as well. Plus I am aware that a lot of extra bits add weight which will affect my costs for mailing.

Here's what I did for the inside of my card:

 To place a qualifying order and earn the Painted Seasons bundle for free, click the image below to link over to my online store! Let's have fun crafting together! 

How to create a Valentine for your manly man

Are you looking for a more masculine Valentine idea for your 'manly' man? I have a fun idea to share with you today - it is really easy to create and you man will love it especially if he loves hot-rods, choppers or loves to build things. 

What makes this Valentine masculine? First, the colors chosen: Crushed Curry and Tranquil Tide. The neutral is Very Vanilla which adds an antique neutral feel. 

The Geared Up Garage bundle and Classic Garage designer paper continue that masculine tone; don't you love the patterns in the designer paper? 

Geared Up Garage Cling Bundle
$48.50

Classic Garage 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.00

And because this is a Valentine's Day card for your manly man, a new hearts are in order too, using the Be Mine Stitched framelits. If you want to order these products click on any of the product photos to link over to my online store. 

Be Mine Stitched Framelits Dies
$35.00

And here's the masculine Valentine - what do you think? I think the phrase is super fun and your man will love it! Under the card photo is a list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Have fun! 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Geared Up Garage (148590); 
• Card Stock – Crushed Curry (131199); Tranquil Tide (144246); Very Vanilla (101650); Silver Foil (132178)
• Stamp Pads – Basic Gray(149165) 
• Misc. – Classic Garage Designer Series Paper (DSP)  (148482); Garage Gears Thinlits Dies (148521); Be Mine Stitched Framelits Dies (148527); Dimensionals (104430);  Fine Tip Glue Pen (138309); Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (144106)

Measurements:  

• Crushed Curry:8 1/2” x 5 1/2”, scored at 4 ¼”
• Tranquil Tide: 5 ¼” x 4”; scraps for hearts 
• Very Vanilla : Scraps for hearts 
• Silver Foil:  Scraps for die cut
• DSP:                       5” x 3 ¾”

  Instructions:

1. Start with die cutting your hearts.  If you want to make them easy to adhere, I recommend using the adhesive sheets –put your cardstock on it and then cut.  (I keep a container with cardstock that I’ve add the sheets to just for this purpose!)  Cut out the ones in both Very Vanilla and Tranquil Tide.  Choose the sizes you prefer (I used the 2 medium sized ones with the scallops –cut them out  together with the smaller one inside the larger one to get the heart frame.  For the green ones I used the 3 largest ones without the scallops).  
2. Die cut out the foil piece. (I also used the adhesive sheets on the back )
3. Stamp the sentiment on the Very Vanilla solid stitched heart using Basic Gray ink.
4. Attach the background hearts in whatever direction you choose by either removing the adhesive sheet backing or fine tip glue pen.
5. Attach the heart with the sentiment using dimensionals.
6. Attach the silver foil die cut on the top of the sentiment heart.
7. Stamp the inside with either an anniversary or valentines sentiment.  (If you prefer to add a sheet of very vanilla to the inside, cut a piece 5 ¼ x 4” and then stamp your sentiment)  

Why not join me in my interesting design challenge

This week's Paper Craft Crew design challenge is really interesting. Have a look below and leave a comment telling me which row catches your eye.

For me this was a challenge indeed. I decided not to create a Valentine card, even though Valentine's Day is just around the corner. 

I decided to create a vintage card instead. Which meant that I could either do the top row or the left column. 

To design my card I started with my designer paper choice. I don't have much that would be considered 'vintage' but I do have the Classic Garage designer series paper which have vintage patterns and colors:  Basic Black, Basic Gray, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Read Red, Tranquil Tide, Very Vanilla and Whisper White.

Classic Garage 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.00

 

I decided right away that I would choose a pattern that had Tranquil Tide as I wanted that to be one of my layer colors. I found the pattern that I liked and cut it as a layer as well, 1/4" smaller than Tranquil Tide. 

Then, something new, which just happens to be a die-cut too! I just got the Well Written framelits and chose to use 'happy' as the phrase on the front of my card:

Well Written Framelits Dies
$40.00

 

The rest of my card just fell into place - the layers under the 'happy' phrase and two layers to feature the phrase. I added three silver Metallics Sequins to add some sparkle and the shape of the sequins closely match the design in the paper! (tip: add the 'birthday' die-cut to the inside of the card to make it a birthday card)

Simple but oh so cute and I love the way the sequins shine in the light. I added a Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine knot up the left side and my card was done. 

If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this Tic Tac Toe challenge, click the link at the very top of this post. Give our card map challenge a try! And leave a comment under this post to let me know which row or column you might try!