Nutz about Stamping

The best saying for inside of a masculine card

I am often asked how I design the inside of my cards. Sometimes I remember to share my inside designs but to be honest I often wait until I know who is getting a card for me and then I choose my phrases and design. 

Masculine cards can be a bit more tricky. I have shared lots of ideas in the past years for the outside of masculine cards, but what about the insides?

Here are my top 4 tips and then I will share some stamp set suggestions for phrases. 

Tips:

• if you have used designer paper on the front of the card, add a thin strip of the same paper inside
• add a stamped image in the bottom right or left corner inside - not a word stamp, but an image stamp
• stamp a phrase/word on the inside and then add an small image either above or below the phrase/word
• don't be afraid to use trees on masculine cards with a few small flowers thrown in. This never concerned my dad. 

 

Here are some suggested stamp sets:

1. Geared Up Garage - sooo masculine and has coordinating dies. The Geared Up Garage set isn't just a Father's Day set. It's for all classic car lovers in your life. 
   
   
   
2. Sailing Home - no surprise there, right? Just look back on my blog beginning in July and you will see lots of ideas using this fab set. I think the phrases can be used for many generations too. Whether he is sailing home or going off to new adventures, the images and sentiments in this set will inspire him on his journey.
   
   
   
3. A Good Man  - the quintessential masculine set. Great for Father’s Day, birthdays, or any day you want to recognize and celebrate your men.
   
   
   
4. A Wish for Everything - I decided to add this set because of has 38 stamps that you can combine, giving you bunches of options! And one of them is perfect for that special man in your life. 
   
   
   

And as this blog title promises, here's the best saying for the inside of a masculine card: 

Being a good Dad starts with being a good man

After that, what more is there to say?

3 easy tips for every masculine card you make

I am often asked for masculine card ideas and today this post will help you with this kind of card designs. I have three tips that you can think about for every masculine card you make:

Tip 1: Color choice

I think color choice is the most important consideration when making masculine cards. Many people think dark tones/colors when making cards for men or boys; most crafters lean towards Night of Navy, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray, or Smoky Slate. But I don't really agree.

I love to add a pop of a brighter color into the mix. And that is perfectly ok, especially when choosing paper designs and patterns. 

Consider:

• Cherry Cobbler
• Melon Mambo
• Blackberry Bliss
• Shaded Spruce
• Pretty Peacock
• Bumblebee
• Pumpkin Pie

In Stampin' Up!s August-December Mini catalog there is a pack of 6x6 designer paper that is perfect for masculine cards. Introducing: Plaid Tidings

I love, love, love this pack of paper and I am sure you can see why. The plaid patterns have a masculine feel which means that the colors in this pack are perfect for masculine cards. 

So don't be afraid to try colors that are a bit out of the norm and try a pop of brighter color too. 

 

Tip 2: Choosing embellishments

When choosing embellishments for masculine cards, do you avoid adding a bow or ribbon on your cards? Consider again. Using a bow does not make your card feminine in design. If you want to add a bow, keep it small or if using ribbon or twine, tie it in a knot and place it near the card crease. Choose a coordinating color for ribbon or twine and these, too, can add a pop of brighter color. And consider the ribbon texture: Linen thread/ribbon, Braided Trim, Faux Suede Trim and Denim Ribbon are a few suggestions. 

As for other embellishments, certainly use them! Keep them small and consider the shape. Circles and stars work well and don't worry if they sparkle or shine. As long as they are small they will work. Again, coordinate your embellishments with the colors in your paper so that they blend in rather than stand out. 

I recommend you consider:

• Woven Threads: Pretty Peacock, Purple Posy, Rococo Rose, Seaside Spray, Terracotta Tile
• Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels: Cherry Cobbler, Coastal Cabana, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Shaded Spruce
• Whale of a Time Sequins: Flirty Flamingo, Just Jade, Pacific Point, Pool Party

Each of these embellishments have colors that will be fabulous on masculine cards.

Tip 3: Choosing layouts

My final tip is about the layout of the card itself. Most card layouts can be either masculine or feminine, depending on the colors, paper, and embellishments you use, but I feel that some layouts lend themselves perfectly to masculine cards.

Each week I post a card map challenge for you to try and here is your challenge for this week. The moment I saw it, I thought: masculine card layout. 

I took the above three tips into consideration when designing my card for this challenge. I used the Plaid Tidings paper, the Snowflake Sequins (not all are snowflake designs), Bumblebee Gingham ribbon and for the stamp set, I chose Tasteful Touches because I feel the word font is more masculine:

What colors do you normally choose for masculine cards? Leave me a comment and let me know.

There are many more tips I could share for designing masculine cards - I will do another blog post about this some day soon. 

For today, here's my card. 

Learn how to make slimline cards

I am pretty excited to share my card idea and video with you today!

This past week I stumbled across a new kind of card - called Slimline cards. I was surprise to discover a whole set of crafters out there making slimline cards and I thought it would be fun to try and to show you this style too. Not only did I make a slimline card but I made a video as well - so you could see step-by-step how to make the card along with some bonus tips. 

My first slimline card was created using the World of Good product suite - you know this is my fave in the new Annual catalog:

I used the World of Good paper and the Beautiful World bundle for my card. And to add a unique touch I also used the Copper Foil sheets with some of the dies. 

Although my card could be seen as more masculine in tone, I think it is perfect for anyone who you appreciate. 

 

Stamp set: Beautiful World bundle (154091)

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Early Espresso: 8 1/2" x 7; two pieces 2" square; 2 1/4" square
        Whisper White: 2" square: two pieces 1 1/2" square
        Brass Foil: 2 pieces 2" square: two pieces  1 3/4" x 1"
        World of Good DSP: 3 1/4" x 8 1/4"

Other: Early Espresso Faux Suede Trim (152472); SNAIL adhesive; World of Good Specialty designer series paper (152491); Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Mini Glue Dots; Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Layering Circles dies (151770), die-cutting machine

 

Here's another view of my Beautiful World card:

Here's my video - watch for my bonus tips along the way:

 

The perfect card to honor the men in your life

It's Father's Day tomorrow in many countries in the world, and I am here to help with a fun (and easy) card idea using the A Good Man stamp set. 

 

A Good Man Cling Stamp Set
$24.00

 

 

 

 

Show the good men in your life how much you appreciate them with a handmade, heartfelt card or gift you make using this fun set. It is perfect for Father’s Day, birthdays, or any day you want to recognize and celebrate your men. The set is also available in French.

When choose colors for masculine cards, first have a look at the neutrals collection:

• Merry Merlot
• Early Espresso
• Soft Suede
• Crumb Cake
• Sahara Sand
• Gray Granite
• Smoky Slate
• Basic Gray
• Mossy Meadow
• Night of Navy

Neutrals Classic Stampin' Pad Assortment
$67.50

 

 

 

 

Often a combination of these colors work well and can be used in combination with other colors for all sorts of occasions. 

Today's card combines Night of Navy with Gray Granite - a favorite color combo of mine. The background layer is created by using the phrase in the set and randomly stamping them onto the Whisper White layer. Tip: try this idea for other cards when stuck for a background idea. 

A Good Man Father's Day card

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets: A Good Man (149270)
• Inks: Night of Navy (147110)
• Paper: Night of Navy card stock (100867), Gray Granite card stock (146983): Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
• Other: Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Night of Navy/Sahara Sand Baker’s Twine (149483)

Measurements:

• Gray Granite card stock: 5 ½” x 8 ½” scored at 4 ¼”; 3 ¼” x 2 ¼”
• Night of Navy card stock: 4” x 5 ¼”
• Whisper White: 3 ¾” x 3 ¾”; 2 x 2 ½”
• Bakers Twine: 13”

 

Instructions:

1. Mount the word stamps “Thanks to you, I grew up loved, Its your day, you’re the best, for you and you do a great job of being a great guy” together on one block to form a background stamp.  Stamp this “background stamp” in Night of Navy ink on the Whisper White square.  You will need to stamp it twice, staggering each one to fill the entire square.  Adhere the Whisper White square to the top of the Night of Navy card stock. 
2. Adhere one end of the Bakers Twine to the back, bottom edge of the Night of Navy cardstock.  Wrap it around the cardstock criss crossing on the front and adhere the other end to the back of the Night of Navy cardstock.  Adhere Night of Navy to the Gray Granite card base.
3. Stamp male image onto Whisper White rectangle then adhere to the top of the Gray Granite rectangle.  Stamp “Relax your way” on the bottom of the Gray Granite below Whisper White image.  Adhere to card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Confession: the Baker's Twine is retired. Consider these alternatives - any of them would make a wonderful substitute:

 

3/8" (1 Cm) Denim Ribbon
$7.00

Playing With Patterns Ribbon Combo Pack
$10.50

Gray Granite 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Shimmer Ribbon
$7.00

 

How to create an old fashioned experience

Maybe it's because Father's Day is this weekend. Or maybe I am heavily influenced by the new World of Good product suite. No matter what the reason, I am really into masculine colors, cards and colors right now. 

I am sure you have seen lots of what is popular from Stampin' Up!s new catalog on Pinterest and Facebook. But have you seen this set yet? It might be time to take a closer look at Whiskey Business. 

Whiskey Business Cling Stamp Set
$19.00

 

 

 

 

 

This set is so fun and so masculine (to me). The sentiments and images have an old-fashioned feel to them which makes them fun to craft with. Add the new Cinnamon Cider In Color and you can create the amazing card below. And did you spot that you can also purchase Stampin' Blends in these new In Colors? Wow.

Whiskey Business masculine card

 

Supplies:

• Stamp sets: Whiskey Business (152550)
• Cardstock and Paper: Cinnamon Cider (153078), Early Espresso (119686), Whisper White (100730), 2020-2022 In Color 6” x 6” Designer Series Paper (153070)
• Ink: Cinnamon Cider (153114), Tuxedo Black Memento (132708)
• Miscellaneous: Dainty Diamonds 3D Embossing Folder (152702), Layering Squares Dies (151772), Lovely Labels Pick a Punch (152883), Stampin’ Blends Combo Packs in Cinnamon Cider (153105), Daffodil Delight (154883) and Smoky Slate (154904), Cinnamon Cider 2020-2022 In Color ¼” Ribbon (152482), Early Espresso ¼” Faux Suede Trim (152472), 2020-2022 In Color Enamel Dots (152480), Clear Wink of Stella Glitter Brush (141897), Paper Trimmer (152392), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Stampin’ Seal (152813), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Bone Folder (102300), Paper Snips (103579), embossing machine, removable tape such as washi

Measurements:

• Cinnamon Cider card base: 5-1/2” x 8-1/2”, scored at 4-1/4” then folded on the crease with the Bone Folder plus 1” x 3”
• Early Espresso: 5” x 3-3/4”
• Designer Series Paper: 4-3/4” x 3-1/2”
• Whisper White: 3-1/2” x 3-1/2”
• Ribbon: 7” of each color

Instructions:

1. Stamp decanter and whiskey glass in Memento ink on Whisper White. With the fine tip of the Dark Cinnamon Cider Stampin’ Blends marker, outline inside edges of decanter and glass. Fill in with Light Cinnamon Cider while blending. With Dark Daffodil Delight, layer color on top of Cinnamon Cider to create an amber color. Gently lay a strip of removable tape over bottom part of decanter and glass to create a straight line and color in with Light Smoky Slate. Gently remove tape. With a very light touch, brush Clear Wink of Stella on all “glass” areas and ice cubes.
2. With Dainty Diamonds 3D Embossing Folder, emboss Whisper White piece and card front.
3. With 3” square die, cut out Whisper White decanter/glass piece.
4. Stamp sentiment on Cinnamon Cider strip then punch with Lovely Labels Pick a Punch. Trim so it is about 2-5/8” wide. Add staple at left edge of sentiment.
5. With Stampin’ Seal attach Designer Series Paper piece to Early Espresso. With Stampin’ Dimensionals, attach Whisper White piece off center leaving room for ribbon. Whisper White piece should be about 5/8” from edge of Early Espresso. Attach all to card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
6. Fold ribbons in half and fan out. Staple an area that will not be seen under sentiment. Adhere to right of Whisper White with Multipurpose Liquid Glue. Trim ends, as desired, with Paper Snips.
7. Affix sentiment on upper right of Whisper White piece with Stampin’ Seal. Stabilize right edge with a Stampin’ Dimensional that will adhere to the Designer Series Paper.
8. Add one Cinnamon Cider enamel dot to left of staple on sentiment piece.

If you want to download the new catalog for free - click on the cover image on the right side of my blog. And if you ever want to place an order through me, click on the Shop Now basket. 

Be confident when using an interesting embossing folder

This week I have another World of Good card and video to share. I think I have already confessed that I bought the entire product suite a couple of weeks ago and am having a blast using it. 

 

I am not sure why I am so crazy about this suite but I think it is the colors and patterns. And of course as I used to travel a lot for work the theme of the designs and Beautiful World stamp set resonate with me.

And I, like you, always need products that can be used for more of a masculine theme and this set is perfect for that. Note: Father's Day is next weekend! 

Today's card strongly features the Old World Paper 3D embossing folder. I really love this folder and the kind of texture it creates on paper layers. I also love that each side, after embossed, has two results; one I call the 'outies' which is more prominent and the other side I call the 'innies' which is more subtle. 

My original thought was that the Night of Navy and Seaside Spray squares would be plain layers on my card, but when I was embossing the Whisper White layer I instantly decided to emboss these two colors as well. I am really glad I did because the embossed texture makes the card more interesting.

So my advice to you is to be confident when using your embossing folders and try embossing more than one layer on your next project. 

 

Stamp set: Beautiful World bundle (154091)

Ink: Night of Navy

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Whisper White: 11" x 4 1/4"; 3 3/4" x 5"; 3 3/4" x 3/4"
        Night of Navy: 2" square
        Seaside Spray: 2" square; scraps for swirls

Other: Old World Paper 3D embossing folder (153200), Metallic Pearls, Multipurpose Liquid Glue; die-cutting machine

Here are two other photos of my card from different angles:

A front view:

And a view from the other side:

 

Here's my video - remember to watch throughout for my bonus tips. 

How to congratulate someone on a new beginning

You know how it is. You get your hands on a brand new catalog and as you leaf through it you suddenly stop and screech - yell - moan - shout: oh my gosh!

Yes, me too. Especially when I saw the World of Good suite (pages 24-26). I instantly knew that I had to have it ALL. I travel for work as you might know and I scrapbook too. But I see so many more possibilities for this suite: especially for masculine cards and gift ideas. 

I did mention that I had to have it all, right? And so I did: I ordered the entire suite (154140) which includes:

• Beautiful World bundle (154091)
• World of Good Memories & More card pack (153600)
• World of Good Specialty designer series paper (152491)
• Antiqued Corners & Slides (152471)
• Old World Paper 3D embossing folder (153200)
• 1/4" Faux Suede Trim (ribbon) (152472)
• Brass Foils Sheets (153057)

Here's what the entire suite looks like:

World Of Good Suite Collection (English)
$104.50

 

 

 

 

Pretty fabulous, right? 

Note: you don't have to buy the entire suite at once like I did. You can purchase each product separately which is why I added the product numbers above. 

My suite came yesterday so today I did a Facebook Live showing it all and then after that was over I created today's card and video tutorial. 

I love the Beautiful World stamp set. I love the images and I especially love the phrases and font style. One phrase particularly stood out to me. I work in an office with many expat employees and this means that there is turnover every year and I have to say good-bye to my colleagues as they return home or set off to work in another country. So today's friendship card is perfect to wish a friend or colleague well on their next life adventure. 

Stamp set: Beautiful World (bundle with dies: 154091)

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Early Espresso: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 3" x 2 1/4"
        World of Good paper: 4" x 5 1/4"
        Brass Foil Sheets: 2" square

Other: Metallic Pearls (Gold); Brass Foil Sheets (153057); World of Good Specialty designer series paper (152491); World of Good Memories & More card pack (153600); Old World Paper 3D embossing folder (153200); Antiqued Corners & Slides (152471); SNAIL Adhesive; Multipurpose Glue; Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; die-cutting machine
   

Here's my video - be sure to watch for my bonus tips throughout. 

You need to learn the amazing Scrappy Strip card technique

Today I have created a video showing you the fairly new, and really fun and amazing Scrappy Strip card technique! 

This technique was invented by a Stampin' Up! demonstrator using an indigenous painting he has hanging in his  home. He created the technique using strips of paper - but not cut straight - to emulate the painting. 

For my card I decided that rather than use solid colors (like the originator of this technique did), I would use up some pieces of Country Club designer series paper:

Country Club Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

 

 

The patterns and colors in this paper pack give off a masculine vibe (to me) so I decide to use the Perennial Birthday stamp set for my phrase and to make a masculine birthday card idea:

Perennial Birthday Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$22.00

 

 

 

There are two key products I think you need for the Scrappy Strip technique: a quality paper cutter and Multipurpose Liquid Glue:

Paper Trimmer
$25.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue
$4.00

With these two items you can create so many Scrappy Strip cards! 

Here's mine, along with a video showing you this technique step-by-step. 

Perennial Birthday Scrappy Strip Birthday Card

Stamp set: Perennial Birthday (151240)

Ink: Night of Navy

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 5 1/4" x 1"
        Garden Green: 1 1/4" x 5 1/4"
        Country Club: 6 x 6" pieces
        Night of Navy: 5 1/4" x 4"

Other: Happiness Blooms Glimmer Dots (148805); Country Club designer series paper (151314); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), SNAIL adhesive

Here's my video - listen and watch throughout for bonus tips! 

How to send a lovely message from your heart

You’ve heard about music to the ears. The Music from the Heart Stamp Set is music to the eyes! Pair these musical images with any phrase to make a greeting card that sings with sincerity. This stamp set can be used all year long. This stamp set was inspired by a Stampin' Up! Million Sales Achiever (demonstrator) - how cool is that.

First let's have a look at this fun stamp set:

Music From The Heart Photopolymer Stamp Set
$17.00

 

 

 

 

 

So cute right? And the card I have for you today is paired with a stand-out paper pack called See A Silhouette. I love the bright colors and unique patterns. 

See A Silhouette Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

 

 

 

Ready to see the card idea? Here it is, complete with instructions under the photo. Why not give it a try?

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Music From The Heart (151674)
• Card Stock – Pacific Point (111350); Whisper White (100730)
• Stamp Pads – Tuxedo Black Memento Ink (132708)
• Misc. – See A Silhouette Designer Series Paper (DSP) (149443); Layering Ovals Dies (141706); Poppy Parade Dark Blend (146879); Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Clear(141897); Silver Metallic Thread (138402); Paper Snips (103579); Dimensionals (104430)

Measurements: 

• Pacific Point:               8 1/2” x 5 1/2”          Scrap for Oval
• Whisper White:           5 1/4” x 4”
• See A Silhouette DSP: 5 1/2” x 2”                Scrap for guitar              

Instructions:

• Fold 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” Pacific Point card stock in half to create card base
• Stamp sentiment in the lower right corner of the 5 1/2” x 4” piece of Whisper white. Adhere this layer to the card base
• Cut the Designer Series Paper and adhere to the card to the right
• Cut the oval form Pacific Point card stock using the Layering Ovals Dies. Adhere to the card using Dimensionals
• Stamp the guitar in Memento black ink. stamp the bottom of the guitar using the treble clef stamp and then add the top of the guitar by lining up with the bottom.  You may want to practice this first on grid or scrap paper to get the hang of it.
• Fussy cut the guitar
• Color the heart on the guitar with Poppy Parade Blend and set aside
• Add snail to the oval where the base of the guitar will sit. Wrap the silver thread around your fingers several times, cut, scrunch and attach to the oval.
• Add Dimensionals to the back of the guitar and adhere to the oval.
• Add Wink of Stella to the heart

There are so many options with this week's challenge

It's time for another card map challenge!

There are so many options with this week's challenge - which row/column will you try? For me it wasn't an instant decision, but when I saw 'masculine' I decided to give that a try because I haven't made many masculine cards in the past few months. 

But when you see my card below you will actually see that it works with the top row as well. So you can decide which row my card best fits and here is my decision path (such a business word huh!):

First I chose the paper, from the Tropical Oasis paper pack:

Tropical Oasis Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

 

 

From the colors in the paper I chose Pretty Peacock as my card base and a layer of Crumb Cake on top, and then a Tropical Oasis layer.

When looking in the Mini Catalog for my matching color choices, I spotted the Coastal Weave 3D embossing folder and wanted to use it for a 'belt' across the front of my card. I love the detail of the embossed layer - subtle but still textured. 

Next, I needed a phrase, so chose the Sale-a-Bration Sending You Thoughts stamp set. I decided my card would be a birthday card.

Sending You Thoughts Cling Stamp Set (English)
$0.00

 

 

 

 

The final touch is also from the Sale-a-Bration catalog - the Metallic Baker's Twine and Sequins pack. I haven't used the sequins at all since I got them - yikes! 

Metallic Baker’S Twine & Sequins Combo Pack
$0.00

 

 

 

Here's my card for this week's challenge:

And now it is my turn to challenge YOU! Give our card map challenge and try and see what you come up with. If you want to see what the other crew members created, click here. 

 

Make the perfect card for a good man

Do you know a good man? If you can answer yes (and I hope you do) then I have the perfect card for him today. 

This card combines some of our Annual Catalog products with some new Holiday Catalog products:

A Good Man Cling Stamp Set
$24.00

Come To Gather Designer Series Paper
$11.50

Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder
$10.00

Stitched Nested Labels Dies
$35.00

 

I hope you will do the same when you craft - mix some of the old with some of the new! The A Good Man stamp set is perfect for recognizing and celebrating your good men!

Here's a fun layout idea that has many interesting visual and textured elements: 

And here's how to make this card:

A Good Man occasions card

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – A Good Man (149270)
• Card Stock – Cajun Craze (119684); Mint Macaron (138337); Whisper White (100730); Come To Gather Designer Series Paper (150454) 
• Stamp Pads – Memento Tuxedo Black (132708); Versamark (102283)
• Misc. –  Stampin' Blends Combo Packs So Saffron (149557); Pretty Peacock (149560); Cajun Craze (147931);  Soft Suede (147273); Stampin’ Blend Ivory (144606); Copper Trim (144179); Stampin’ Emboss Powder (109132); Stitched Shapes Dies (145372); Stitched Nested Labels (149638); Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder (149643); Snail Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Heat Tool (129053)

Measurements:  

• Cajun Craze (4 ¼” x 11” scored at 5 ½” & 4” x 5 ¼”) 
• Whisper White (4” x 5 ¼” & 3” x 3”) 
• Mint Macaron (3/8” x 1 ½”)
• Come To Gather Designer Series Paper (3” x 5 ½” & 1” x 3”)

Instructions:

1. Fold the 4 ¼” x 11” Cajun Craze in half to create the card base.  
2. Emboss the 4” x 5 ¼” Cajun Craze with the Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder and adhere to the card front.
3. Cut out the 3” x 5 ½” designer paper using the Stitched Nested Label Die (2 5/8” x 4 7/8”) and adhere to the center of the card front.
4. Adhere the designer paper strip to the left-hand edge of the card front and about 1 ½” from the bottom.
5. Tie a large bow using the Copper Trim and adhere to the center of the designer paper strip.
6. Stamp the image on Whisper White cardstock and cut out with the stitched circle 2 3/8”. 
7. Color the image with the Stampin’ Blends and adhere to the center of the designer paper strip with Dimensionals. 
8. Rub the Embossing Buddy over the Mint Macaron and stamp the words in Versamark Ink.
9. Pour White Embossing Powder over the top and heat set. 
10. Cut a banner end on the right-hand side and adhere to the lower right-hand corner of the stitched circle with a dimensional.
11. Glue the 4” x 5 ¼” Whisper White to the inside of the card and stamp your greeting.

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'?

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.

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.