Nutz about Stamping

Try this unique way to color a background stamp

Want to see how to make this really interesting card?

It is easy using the Fragrant Forest background stamp! 

 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets: Fragrant Forest (162198); Handmade Hugs (161401)
• Card Stock: Pretty Peacock (150880); Basic White (159276)
• Stamp Pads: Lost Lagoon (161678); Old Olive (147090); Pretty Peacock (150083)
• Misc: Decorative Circle Punch (159174); Handmade Tag Punch (159690); Clear Block F (118483); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

Measurements:

• Pretty Peacock 11” x 4 ¼”; 2 ½” x 2 ½”
• Basic White 5 ¼” x 4”; 2 ½” x 2 ½”

Instructions:

1. Add the Fragrant Forest stamp to an “F” block.
2. Ink up the stamp using the three colors of ink. I used Pretty Peacock ink on the bottom row of trees, Old Olive on the middle row of trees and Lost Lagoon on the top row of trees. I applied the ink directly from the ink pad.  I went over it until I felt it had a good coating of ink.  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   TIP:  If you find you have “over sprayed” the ink on the other rows, just wipe it off with a baby wipe.
   
   
3. Once you have the ink on the stamp, add your Basic White 5 ¼” x 4” to the stamp, carefully laying it down. Take a piece of scrap paper (I used grid paper) and lay it down and rub all over to get the ink on the paper.
   
   
   
   
4. Once you have that done, gently lift up your paper (tweezers work great!).
5. Adhere this to the Pretty Peacock card base.
6. Stamp the outline and the sentiment in Pretty Peacock ink on the Basic White 2 ½” x 2 ½” piece. Punch out using the Handmade Tag Punch.
7. Punch out a Pretty Peacock piece using the Decorative Circle Punch.
8. Adhere the sentiment to the Pretty Peacock punch out and then to the front of the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

TIP:  You can use all kinds of color combinations and just adding one color of ink works great as well.  This stamp set works great for any occasion: Get Well, Sympathy, Masculine Birthday, Thinking of you, and Thank you!

Have you seen the tool that crafters can’t live without?

Today I want to recommend a very handy and inexpensive tool that most crafters can’t live without.

Have you ever heard of Stampin Up's Take Your Pick Tool? It's one of those tools that when you have it, you don't know how you ever lived without it. I want to share all the uses this tool has and how I use it with almost every project I create!

This is how Stampin’ Up! describes the Take your Pick: “Multipurpose pickup and precision tool simplifies meticulous tasks. Includes 2 exchangeable, double-ended tips with a paper piercer, mini spatula, small stylus, large stylus, and a tacky putty tip that picks up sequins, paper accents, and other small objects.” 

This is a 5 in 1 tool. It has a nice no-slip rubbery grip as well as 2 functional tips. The first is a putty end used for picking up sequins, sliding gems, dots, and jewels off their window sheet, and adding them to your projects. You can pick up small slices of paper – glue them and use them to line the small paper piece where you want it! Just unscrew the end and you have a refill when you run out! 

The other end has a mini spatula and a paper piercer. The spatula is helpful when sliding under embellishments, tear and tape, shaving off the chalk, and is a nice pallet knife. Have you ever placed something in the wrong spot, this is perfect for lifting and replacing your embellishments without damaging them. The pointy tool is a wonderful paper piercer, you can make small holes around stamps, and shapes to enhance the focal part of the card. It also helps when taking off embellishments if you don't want to use the putty, takes off the tops of dimensionals, and helps with detailed dies to get out paper that gets stuck in them. 

You can exchange the ends to a large/small stylus. Either end can be used with the Simply Scored scoring tool. If you happen to misplace that stylus, either one can score for you. If you want to add some custom scoring on a card, a stamped image, or vellum, this will give you that freedom to do so. 

Next, we have the Take Your Pick Crafters tips. These tips fit in the Take Your Pick. Simply remove a tip and insert a different tip for the task you have at hand.These can take you to the next level of crafting.   Stampin’ Up! says this: “Interchangeable tips for Take your Pick tool.  Set of 3 tips: hobby blade, pick tip, rotary perforating tip. Includes protective end caps.” The hobby blade is used for precision cutting. Just grab your ruler and you can create peek-throughs, cuts that don't always work well or easily with your paper trimmer, or cuts that are longer than your paper trimmer. It is a lot like an X-acto knife.

We have a double-end piercing and a little "hook" tip. The long straight end is like a needle tip. It can get into closed areas, and it will make fine holes when piercing.The hook end is wonderful for getting under tear and tape. As you know, sometimes you have to really work at getting the top layer of tape off, this will create some ease for you.  

Last is a rotary perforating tip. This is great for cutting perforated patterns for cards or creating a bookmark card for friends. The blade has a protective cover and when you slide it down, it will expose the blade.  

The hobby blade can be changed out with a standard #11 blade and the rotary tip uses a standard #28 cutting or perforating blade. 

The die brush tip comes with 2 foam pads. When you die cut and pieces of paper get stuck, just put the die on the foam pad and brush back and forth. This helps get all those delicate or hard pieces in your dies.  

If you do have a hard time, you can always use your pokey tool to help you out. Want to add this amazing tool to your crafting room? Click here! 

How to make a difference in the lives of others

People are at the heart of what we do as Stampin' Up! demonstrators ! Each year with our product giveback program, we look to support organizations in our communities that strive to make a positive difference for those in need. This year we’re supporting Marine Toys for Tots in the United States.

Our featured product is A Walk in the Woods Designer Series Paper (item 162377), which you can find in the September–December 2023 Mini Catalog.

For every paper pack sold, Stampin' Up! will donate $3 USD to a variety of charities throughout our global community - in the US this donation will go to Marine Toys for Tots.

Many of us have found ourselves in circumstances where we’ve needed some extra help and have been so grateful for the generosity of others. And we hope that you will join us in our efforts to give back!

Will you help make a difference too? 

Have you heard our exciting news? 5 new papers released!

Surprise, surprise! We’re offering a special release of five beautiful new Designer Series Paper options! These papers include fabulous holiday prints, gorgeous seasonal styles, and some spectacular timeless designs. The special release paper options will be available in the Online Exclusives category in the online store.

Here's a special Stampin' Up! introductory video:

 

This way, you have the chance to get ahead on Christmas cards, seasonal crafts, and much more. These products are available while supplies last, so be sure to order your faves soon—you don’t want to miss out!

Here's a close-up of each pack, along with a mini description. Click on your faves to order them at my online store.

Want to know the matching ink colors for your favorite packs? Leave me a comment and I will let you know. 

Add shimmer and shine to all your paper crafting projects with the Silver & Gold 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Adhesive-backed Glimmer Paper! This paper is perfect for layering and card bases and can also add gorgeous, glimmery textured detail if you decide to cut it up with your favorite dies and punches. The best part? The backing peels away to let you easily adhere these fun gold and silver designs to any project! However you use it, this paper is sure to add brilliance and gilded beauty to all your crafts.

 

Create standout Christmas and holiday cards, gift tags, and other paper crafts with the Shining Christmas 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper! Layer a few sheets to create a fabulous Christmas card or just use one sheet to add a fun and festive touch to your gift tags or scrapbook pages. With beautiful shiny accents and cheerful Christmassy designs, this paper is perfect for any holiday crafting project. 

 

 

Create stunning Christmas cards and paper crafts with the Traditions of St. Nick 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Designer Series Paper. Fussy cut the classic Santa Claus images to create a focal point on your card. Or layer the ornate designs or cookie and candy cane pages for beautiful, handcrafted Christmas scenes. Whatever you choose to create, these traditional designs in festive Christmas colors will have any card recipient happily dreaming of hanging stockings and wrapping presents as they wait for St. Nick. 

 

 

The watercolored florals and botanical details of the Delightful Floral 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Designer Series Paper will brighten up anyone’s day! This paper is perfect for any kind of all-occasion paper craft. Turn the brushed, jewel-toned pages into gorgeous card bases and use the bright botanical designs as an accent or focal point. Or mix and match each of the flower designs to create fun banners or gift tags. These stunning florals and verdant blossoms are bright, beautiful, and sure to create an impact! 

 

 

Get whisked away into a world of tartan and texture with the Tartan Foil 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper! Perfect for Father’s Day cards, birthday cards, winter and holiday cards, and every season and holiday in between, this paper can become the main feature of your craft or just bring a touch of warmth and foiled detail. Turn the white tartan pages into card bases, or layer them with the solid tartan designs. No matter what you make, these cozy, foiled colors and designs are sure to add beautiful detail to all your creations.

See 1 simple way to create advanced card designs

Hello fellow crafters! If you have not crafted with the Artistic Mix Decorative Masks yet then you have to see this video. These Masks will help you create advanced designs and add a wow factor to all your cards. Today I will show you one simple technique - so let's get started.

 

The Artistic Mix Decorative Masks set includes stencils with stripe and tile patterns you can place together for more diversity. Combine images to create advanced designs, such as checkered, Moroccan, and more. You can also create textured backgrounds with these and our Embossing Paste. The masks are versatile enough for crafting all year long and for many occasions and you can pair with your favorite stamp sets for even more versatility.

 

For my video I also used the Framed Florets stamp set:

 

 

And the Dainty Delight and Something Fancy die packs:

 

 

 

And here's my card:

 

 

To make my card at home, you will need to gather the following:

 

Supplies

Stamp set: Framed Florets (161815)

 

Ink: Sweet Sorbet

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic White: 5" x 3 3/4"; 3 1/4" x 2 1/4"; scraps
        Sweet Sorbet: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"

 

Misc: Artistic Mix Decorative Masks (159178); Small Blending Brushes (160518); Dainty Delight Dies (160674); Something Fancy Dies (160424); Iridescent Pearls Basic Jewels (158987); Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; Washi Tape (optional)

 

Here's my video tutorial - be sure to watch all the way through for my bonus tips and design ideas: 

 

 

Does your father love fishing? Then try this idea!

Did you know that Stampin' Up! has an entire product collection designed for those fishermen and women in your life? 

If you know someone whose perfect day is relaxing by a lake or river with a fishing rod, you owe them a card you make using the Let’s Go Fishing Suite Collection. But anglers aren’t the only ones who deserve a card from you. This suite collection has paper crafting products that are perfect for Father’s Day cards, retirement cards, nature and outdoorsy cards—cards for almost any occasion! (Also available in French)

With Father's Day coming soon I thought you'd like one idea for using this collection: 

And here's how to make it at home. Tip: if you want to order the collection, click on the photo above to link over to my online store OR using the links in the right sidebar of my blog - products are also sold separately. 

Supplies

Stamp Set – Gone Fishing Bundle (161542); Gone Fishing (161535)

Card Stock – Mossy Meadow (133676); Pecan Pie (161717); Very Vanilla (101650)

Stamp Pads – Mossy Meadow (147111); Pecan Pie (161665); Poppy Parade (147050)

Misc - Let’s Go Fishing Designer Series Paper (161534); Stampin’ Write Markers – Neutrals (Mossy Meadow) - (161697); Stampin’ Write Markers – Regals (Cajun Craze) – (161699); Adhesive-Backed Sparkle Gems (161288); Twisted Rope 3D Embossing Folder (161545); Gone Fishing Dies (161541); Radiating Stitches Dies (161595); Stampin’ Seal (152813); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149583)

 

Measurements:

• Mossy Meadow – 4 1/4" x 11” – score at 5 1/2"; 1 1/4" x 11” – score 2 3/4", 5 1/2" 8 3/4"; 2 1/2" x 4”
• Pecan Pie – 1 5/8” x 3”; 3/8” x 5 1/4"; 4 pieces – 2” x 2 1/4"
• Very Vanilla – 3 pieces – 4” x 5 1/4"; 1 1/2" x 2 7/8”; 4 pieces – 1 7/8” x 2 1/8”; 3 1/2" x 5 1/2"
• Let’s Go Fishing Designer Series Paper – 3 7/8” x 5 1/8”

Instructions:

1. Fold Mossy Meadow card base on score line
2. Adhere Designer Paper to one Very Vanilla, then to card front
3. Adhere 3/8” x 5 1/4” Pecan Pie to card front
4. Die cut 2 1/2" x 4” Mossy Meadow with Radiating Stitches Die (smallest rectangle)
5. Stamp greeting with Mossy Meadow on 1 1/2" x 2 7/8” Very Vanilla
6. Adhere to Pecan Pie, then to Mossy Meadow
7. Attach to card front with Dimensionals
8. Emboss two 4” x 5 1/4" Very Vanilla with Twisted Rope 3D Embossing Folder
9. Adhere to both sides of inside
10. Fold 1 1/4" x 11” Mossy Meadow on score lines
11. Adhere 2” x 2 1/4" Pecan Pie to back side of Mossy Meadow strip, between score lines
12. Stamp line stamp on three Very Vanilla pieces with Pecan Pie stamped off
13. Stamp greeting with Mossy Meadow ink
14. Adhere to Pecan Pie sections
15. Stamp bobber and lures on 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" Very Vanilla: Bobber -- stamp outline with Pecan Pie, then bottom with Poppy Parade; Spinner – stamp inside with Cajun Craze Marker, then outside with Pecan Pie; Fish Lure – stamp inside with Mossy Meadow ink stamped off, then outline with Pecan Pie; Feather Jig – color stamp with Stampin’ Write Markers
16. Die cut all four lures & bobber and adhere to left two panels
17. Adhere Mossy Meadow strip with stamped panels to inside of card – adhesive ONLY on outside 1/2" sections
18. Add Adhesive-Backed Sparkle Gems to four corners on card front greeting

This is a great time to stock up on gorgeous paper

Woohooooooo! The sale begins today! 

We all love beautiful Designer Series Paper, and in June, you can enjoy a 15% discount on select Designer Series Papers from our new 2023–2024 Annual Catalog and Online Exclusives. Whether you’re a scrapbooker, a card maker or simply a paper lover, this is a great time to stock up and save on gorgeous paper so you have artistic and versatile paper designs on hand for your next projects!

Want to see which packs are discounted? 

Now is the time to stock up on your faves for months of crafting fun! Here are my faves:

• Zoo Crew (perfect for babies and black/white themes
• Countryside Inn (blue/white theme, masculine and feminine, coordinates with June Paper Pumpkin kit)
• Fresh as a Daisy (perfect for summer and feminine cards, coordinates beautifully with Cheerful Daisies bundle, one sheet can be cut apart to create several cards)
• Earthenware Elegance (getting ready for fall cards)

 

** Click here to download the Sale Flyer and then click below to order your faves today! 

Introducing an exciting set of New Colors to the Stampin' Up! World

This week is such an exciting time in the Stampin' Up! world! On 2 May (two more sleeps!) the next Annual Catalog goes live and, alongside of this launch a new set of 5 In Colors are revealed. Today I am going unveil these new colors and show you a fun card that can be easily multiplied. 

 

And here they are! Which one is your fave? Leave me a comment under this post - I would love to hear which one caught your eye straight away! 

 

 

The In Color 12" x 12" Cardstock Assortment is great for handmade cards and other paper crafts. It’s high quality, acid free, and lignin free, making it a favorite scrapbook paper, too. Here's my tip: when new IN Colors are introduced I always buy an assorted pack of 12x12 cardstock. I can then use my Paper Trimmer to create card bases, strips or keep a sheet whole for memory pages. It's like a color sampler that goes a long way.

In my video below I show you how to create this super cute gift tag AND I also show you a different layout along with the gift tag in all 5 new In Colors! 

Here are the gift tags I created:

And did you know that Stampin' Up! has 3" x 3" envelopes that are perfect for these gift tags? And what if we decorated the envelopes as well? 

Wild Wheat

 

Boho Blue

Copper Clay

Pebbled Path

Moody Mauve

Here's what you need to make these gift cards:

Supplies:

Stamp set: none

Ink: none

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic White: 6" x 3"; 2 1/4" square
        Boho Blue DSP: 2 6/8" square
        Boho Blue: 2 3/4" square; (2) 2 1/4" squares

Misc: Medium Daisy punch (149517); 2023-25 In Color Dots (161620); Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Basic White 3" x 3" Envelopes (159233); 12" x 12" In Color Assorted Cardstock (161712); In Color 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper (161646); 2023-25 In Color Dots (161620); Layering Circles Dies (151770); Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's my video: enjoy! 

See how this simple die can create colorful card layers

Polka dots are simply the perfect accessory to add texture and pattern to card making. You can spice up any papercraft project with the Dots & Spots Die, by using the full sheet or just a portion of the die to add depth and dimension to a variety of projects.

Why not try this fun technique using the Dots & Spots die?

Supplies

Stamp set: Color & Contour (154994)

Ink: Daffodil Delight, Mango Melody, Rich Razzleberry, Blackberry Bliss

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Mango Melody: 8 ½” x 5 ½” Rich Razzleberry: 5 ¼” x 4”
        Basic White: 3 ¾” x 5”;

Misc: Blending Brushes; Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine; Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Stampin’ Dimensionals; Stitched Rectangles Dies; Glossy Dots Assortment; Hearts Pearls; Scalloped Contours Dies (155560)

Instructions

1. Choose 4 ink pad colors to create the Dots & Spots layer, such as Daffodil Delight, Mango Melody, Rich Razzleberry and Blackberry Bliss.

2. Beginning with the lightest color, apply ink to the top section of the Basic White layer, using a Blending Brush. I

3. Apply Mango Melody ink underneath the Daffodil Delight section (slightly overlapping), using a Blending Brush. 

4. Apply Rich Razzleberry ink underneath the Mango Melody section (slightly overlapping), using a Blending Brush. 

5. Apply Blackberry Bliss ink underneath the Rich Razzleberry section (slightly overlapping), using a Blending Brush.

6. Run layer through Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine using Spots & Dots Die. 

7. Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, adhere Dots & Spots layer to Rich Razzleberry...

...and then to Mango Melody card base.

8. Ink phrase using Rich Razzleberry ink and stamp onto Basic White Strip. Die-cut using Stitched Rectangles Dies. Adhere across card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

9. Ink Flower solid image using Daffodil Delight ink and stamp onto Basic White square. Ink line art image using Mango Melody ink and stamp onto Daffodil Delight Flower. Ink line art image a second time, using Rich Razzleberry ink, and stamp on top of flower image. Die-cut using the Scalloped Contours Dies.

10. Attach flower to phrase strip using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

11. Add Daffodil Delight Glossy Dot to flower centre.

12. Add 1 Hearts Pearl to phrase layer to complete card. 

Want to create the perfect look for your next paper crafting project?

The Petal Park bundle can be used for almost any occasion. The stamp set has leaves and flowers and coordinates with the Petal Park punch that will cut out the three main flowers.

There are so many ways to style the flower images in the Petal Park set. Mix, match, and pair up these floral stamps in myriad ways to create the perfect look for your next paper crafting project. The two-step nature of this set creates images with added depth and dimension. Simply choose your ink and stamp the outline image, then create the details by stamping right over the top with the filler image—you can use the same colour ink or switch it up with a different colour. The possibilities, and the fun, are endless!

Petal Park Thinking of You

For this card, use Balmy Blue card base, and attach a 1" strip of Country Gingham DSP to the right edge. Cut a white panel and use a die from the Basic Borders set to cut a decorative edge along the right side.

The leaves are stamped in Mint Macaron. The outline stamp is full strength, and the solid stamp was stamped off once on scrap paper for a lighter hue. You can do the same with the flowers in Balmy Blue on a Basic White scrap and punch them with the Petal Park Punch. Stamp the greeting from Go To Greetings in Balmy Blue.

The white panel is adhered to the front of the card over the DSP strip and the flowers are attached with Dimensionals. Finally, the card is embellished with Pastel Pearls.

Go To Greetings

Go To Greetings is one of the most popular stamp sets in the Annual Catalog. It has FOUR different greetings in THREE sizes, plus a small Hello. There’s a greeting for almost everything!

 

What designer series paper is the perfect complement to all your cards?

I love the By the Bay Designer Series Paper pack. This pack is 6” x 6” and is great for card fronts.

The water-inspired designs and natural hues are the perfect complement to any handmade card or paper crafting project. You will definitely get carried away to a happy place where sun, sand, and surf meet when you craft with this pack! 

Here's just one idea showing you how to use one of the paper designs, along with the instructions on how to make it at home. Want to order this paper at my online store? Click the paper photo above and I will transport you there! 

SUPPLIES

Stamp Set: Seaside Bay (160436)

Paper (including cutting dimensions):
        Crumb Cake Card Base (120953) 11” x 4 ¼”
        Basic White (159276) small piece for sentiment
        By the Bay Specialty Designer Series Paper (160434) 5 ¼” x 4”; 5 ¼” x 3”

Ink: Night of Navy (147110)

Accessories: Into the Clouds Embossing Folder (159171); Meadow Dies (155852); Flat Adhesive-Backed Pearls (160449); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Stamp the three small seagulls in Night of Navy ink on the blue “sky” By the Bay Specialty Designer Series Paper.
2. Run the blue sky By the Bay Specialty Designer Series Paper through the Die cutting & Embossing Machine in the Into the Clouds Embossing Folder. I found the machine cut through a few places, so I recommend adding a piece of cardstock to the back when you run it through to keep it from cracking. This, of course, will depend on your individual machine. Mine is kind of “heavy-handed”.
3. Adhere the above piece to the “wood” By the Bay Specialty Designer Series Paper. Adhere these to the Crumb Cake Card Base.
4. Stamp the sentiment from Seaside Bay on the small piece of Basic White in Night of Navy Ink. Cut out using the Meadows die.
5. Add this to the front of the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Have you tried these fun layers yet? If not, let me tempt you.

Here's a fun project to try using the Loveliest Layers Decorative Masks:

 

You can create textured and colored backgrounds with these masks. This set of decorative masks is designed intentionally for layering. Create a beautiful flower and use it as the focal point on your cards. Or use the basketweave stencil and turn it 90 degrees to get an all-over pattern—perfect for a card background!

The card below is just one of many that you can make!

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Go-To Greetings (158763) 
• Card Stock – Soft Succulent; Basic White; Evening Evergreen, Pale Papaya
• Stamp Pads – Soft Succulent; Poppy Parade; Evening Evergreen, Pale Papaya
• Misc. – Stampin’ Dimensionals; Bone Folder; Stylish Shapes Dies; Evening Evergreen Open Weave Ribbon; Multipurpose Liquid Glue; Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine; Paper Snips, Paper Trimmer; Loveliest Layers Decorative Masks; Blending Brushes, washi tape or painters tape

Measurements: 

• Basic White Card Stock: 4” x 5 ¼” (will trim after stenciling), scrap for sentiment
• Evening Evergreen: 3 ¾” x 5”
• Pale Papaya: 5 1/8” x 3 ¾”
• Soft Succulent: 5 ½” x 8 ½”
• Evening Evergreen Ribbon: 8”

Instructions for the layering masks:

1. Examine the 4 stencils, layer one of top of the other to get the proper orientation. Tip: use a sharpie to mark the stencils, I put a dot in the upper left corner of each stencil so I would know how to place the stencils.
2. Use washi tape or painter’s tape to adhere Basic White card stock to worksurface. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Place first flower stencil over Basic White card stock and adhere to work surface. Ensure any white edges not covered by the stencil are covered with tape. Apply ink with Blending Brush then replace stencil with the second flower image and repeat. I used Pale Papaya ink for the main flower and Poppy Parade ink for the flower detail.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Repeat process with the two remaining stencils. I used Soft Succulent for the main leaf and Evening Evergreen for the leaf detail.
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
   
4. Remove artwork from work surface and trim to 3 ½” x 4 ¾”. Adhere to Evening Evergreen Card stock, then to Pale Papaya card stock and then to Soft Succulent card base. Sentiment was created using the “Just A Note” image from Go-To Greetings in Evening Evergreen ink. It was die cut with stitched banner shape from the Stylish Shapes Dies and adhered to card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.  Add a bow made from Evening Evergreen.

See how to take 3 paper prints to make beautiful cards

Have you noticed that Stampin’ Up! has been designing papers that work with their punches and dies? The first few times I was a bit skeptical that just cutting images out of paper would allow me to create a beautiful card. It sounded something like what I did in grade school.

But no more, especially with Stampin’ Up!’s newest online-only suite: Hello, Irresistible. When I saw the samples that they showed in their introductory flyer about this suite, I knew I had to see if I could create cards that I liked just as much as theirs. Success! And I did it with die-cut images.

 

 

This card is made with several products from the new suite of products. The Hello, Irresistible Designer Series Paper is the background. The stamped splash marks and the die-cut image in the center are also from the suite. But what I’d like you to focus on for this article are those beautiful flowers. The flowers and the leaves aren’t stamped – they’re die-cut from prints in the same paper set as the background layer. The idea for this card came from a square card in one of the Stampin’ Up! product flyers.

 

 

This card is also based on a card in a Stampin’ Up! flyer. And those flowers and leaves are also die-cut from the same set of papers. No fancy stamping and embossing here. Just some quick and easy die-cutting! Let me show you how. 

 

Let's focus on three of the prints in the Hello, Irresistible Designer Series Paper set that’s now on sale.

 

 

This first sheet has images you can cut with both floral outline dies in the Irresistible Blooms Dies. There are three of the larger flowers available to cut and four of the smaller flowers. You can take this entire 6” x 6” sheet of paper and run it through the full-size Stampin’ Cut ‘n Emboss machine. Notice how the color of this print moves from yellow to pink. There are several different colors of flowers that can be cut.

 

 

The sheet is the same print as the first, but colored mostly with a darker pink. When you cut from this paper, the flowers are going to be a bolder color than when you cut from the first sheet.

 

This is one of two sheets with leaves that you can cut with three of the dies in the Irresistible Blooms die set. You can actually get all three dies onto the paper at the same time for one run through the cutting machine. I didn’t try to count the number of leaf sets you can get from this. It’s a lot!

 

Here’s a list of all the products used to make the two cards:

 

 

• Basic White Thick Cardstock, 8-1/2” x 5-1/2”, folded at left (card base)
• Floral style leaf print paper from Hello, Irresistible set, 4-1/4” x 5-1/2”
• Basic White Cardstock, 4” x 5-1/4”, die cut with circle dies from Irresistible Blooms set
• Flower and Leaf prints from the Hello, Irresistible set, for die-cutting flowers and leaves
• Soft Succulent Ink for stamping the splashes and sentiment onto the card front
• Soft Succulent rounds from the 2021-2023 In Color Opal Rounds set
• Multipurpose Glue, or adhesive of your choice (Use some small dots of Multipurpose Glue on the back of the die-cut dots on the rings around the inside edge of the circular die-cut)

 

 

• Daffodil Delight Cardstock, 8-1/2” x 5-1/2”, folded at left (card base)
• Pink and Yellow watercolor print from Hello, Irresistible paper set, 4” x 5-1/4”
• Floral and leaf prints from the Hello, Irresistible paper set, for die-cutting flowers and leaves (the small set of leaves is on the inside of the card)
• Basic White Cardstock for die-cutting line and circle image; 4” x 5-1/4” for inside the card
• Soft Sea Foam Cardstock, large scrap for stamping and die-cutting
• Stylish Shapes Dies, for die-cutting sentiment label
• Soft Succulent Ink, for stamping sentiment
• Irresistible Blooms Bundle, for die-cutting flowers and stamped sentiment
• Soft Succulent and Pale Papaya rounds from 2021-2023 In Color Opal Rounds set
• Adhesive Sheets for use when die-cutting line and circle image
• Multipurpose Glue, or adhesive of your choice
• Stampin’ Dimensionals, for attaching sentiment label

 

What is perfect for skin tones, coloring animals and so much more? Let me show you

The Natural Tones Stampin’ Blends were launched last year, but these versatile colouring tools can easily be overlooked in the Annual Catalog. Yet when it comes to colouring in your favourite animal or people stamps, this range of natural tones are a must have.

The ten pens come in five packs of 2 pens and rather than names, these pens all have allocated numbers. They range from the darkest at SU100, to the lightest at SU 1000. It is very useful to create yourself a colour swatch like this to help you identify which pens you will need for any given project. It is also helpful to identify which duo you need to replace when you have worn your pen out with all your colouring.

The feathers on this plump little bird are calling out to be coloured with different shades of the browns. Using combinations of darker and lighter shades, helps to give the feathers more texture.

The little Easter Bunny has darker shading around the edges, a paler tummy and the SU1000, which has a pink tone is used for ears, and to add contrast to the nose and cheeks. The pale SU 900 is used to highlight the edge of the cotton ball tail.

This image of Jesus uses different pens to give shading. A darker shade is used around the edge of his face, around his beard and down the edge of his nose. Some of the pinker SU 1000 is used around the cheeks, along the nose and on the mouth area. This is all blended together with the SU 700, which is used as the predominant skin tone. His hair and beard are coloured with SU 100.

This little trio of ladies and a dog show some how you can add more diversity to your projects. All the ladies have a couple of different tones in their hair. The bottom image combines some Basic Black with the darkest brown for her hair. Her skin tone is SU 200. The top image uses SU 700 and SU900 for her hair and SU 1000 for her skin. The lady with the dog has SU 100 and SU 200 in her hair and SU 400 for her skin. Her little dog combines SU 800 and SU 600

The combinations you can achieve with these pens are vast, not only by using the pens individually, but also by blending colours together. I hope you will have fun with your skin, hair, feathers, and fur.

What is full of full of zesty image stamps and sweet sentiments? This is!

Stampin’ Up! has done it again! In the new January-April Mini catalog they have included a 'hybrid' embossing folder bundle. The bundle is called Sweet Citrus and has the following items included in it: Sweet Citrus Photopolymer stamp set, and the Sweet Citrus Hybrid Embossing Folder.

 

Wait! What is a hybrid embossing folder? It is an embossing folder plus dies that fit around elements of the embossing folder to allow you to cut and emboss at the same time!

When life gives you lemons . . . you make greeting cards with the Sweet Citrus Stamp Set! This stamp set is full of zesty image stamps and sweet sentiments to send well wishes to your favorite people. The image style and font pairing beg for bright colors and punchy contrasts. Try layering some bright yellow and orange fruit slices against bold blue or green patterned paper for a fresh summer card.

The 3D embossing folder features detailed citrus fruit in a modern design style alongside neutral botanical leaves. The included dies are perfect for adding even more dimension to your project. Use a die on regular cardstock for a simple look, or use directly on the embossed image for a professional piece of paper crafting!

 

Here’s a sweet birthday card made with the Sweet Citrus Bundle.

Stamp set: Sweet Citrus-160645 (includes the stamp set and the hybrid embossing folder and dies. These items can be purchased together as a bundle or separately.

Cardstock: 
    Basic White: 159276, one piece 4” X 5-1/4”, scraps for stamping, cutting, and embossing
    Parakeet Party: 159259, a small strip to put behind the sentiment.
    Basic White Thick: 159229, 5-1/2” X 8-1/2” scored at 4-1/4” and folded for your card base.
    Dandy Designs: 160836 (FREE with a $100 order during Sale-a-Bration), 1-1/4” X 5-1/4” strip of the Granny Apple Green small pattern.

Ink: Garden Green-147089, Parakeet Party-159208, Sweet Sorbet-159216

Misc: Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653) or Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (150673); Stylish Shapes Dies (159183); Paper Snips (103579); Stamparatus (146276); Paper Trimmer (152392); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108)

 

Instructions:

1. Cut your cardstock and DSP using the Paper Trimmer. Score card base at 4-1/4” and fold

2. Emboss the 5-1/4” X 4” piece of Basic White with the embossing folder.

3. Using Multipurpose liquid glue, adhere the embossed piece of cardstock to the front of the card base, centering it.

4. Using multipurpose liquid glue adhere the strip of DSP on top of the embossed panel approximately 1” from the bottom of the embossed piece.

5. Using the Stamparatus place the connected 3-piece stamp of the citrus inside and ink it with Parakeet Party ink. Stamp on a large scrap of Basic White cardstock.

6. Line up the 4-piece outline and whole citrus image on top of the stamped citrus inside. Lower the plate of the Stamparatus and adhere the stamp to it. Ink the stamp with Garden Green ink and stamp it around and over the Parakeet Party images.

7. Put the stamped image and the die that cuts it into the embossing folder. There is only one way to put the die in on the recessed side of the folder. The paper should be lined up between the die and the folder. To help line it up to cut properly close the folder and flip it over so that you can see the die and cardstock are lined up. Adjust as needed. Run the folder with through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine to cut out the images.

8. On another scrap piece of Basic White cardstock stamp 2 of the joined flower images using Sweet Sorbet Ink and cut them out with the matching die. The flower centers are separate stamps, so be sure to stamp them in the center of the flowers. HINT: it easier to stamp the smaller flower centers first and then line up the flowers over them. Stamp the larger flower center separately after stamping the flower cluster.

9. Ink up the leaf stamp with Garden Green ink and stamp 3 of them. Use matching dies to cut them out.

10. Stamp the greeting with Garden Green ink and cut it out with a label die from the Stylish Shapes dies. 

11. Arrange all the cut images on top of the strip of DSP and decide how you would like to place them.

12. Adhere the citrus images and flowers with Stampin’ Dimensionals and Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals to the card.

13. Put multipurpose liquid glue on the backs of the leaf images and tuck them in around the citrus images.

14. Cut your strip of Parakeet Party cardstock to fit and show underneath your greeting label. Adhere the strip to the upper left of the card.

15. Put Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back of the sentiment label and adhere to the Parakeet Party strip, centering it.

These 3 different coloring tools will make your cards beautiful

This week I want to show you three different ways to add color to your cards, using my top 3 coloring tools! Each of these tools will add a different look to my card and the result is fabulous. 

I decided to use my Dainty Delight bundle for the floral image on my card: 

 

And to color the larger stamped image I will be using my top three coloring tools: 

1. Stampin' Blends:
   Stampin' Blends are alcohol markers and when you use them to color stamped images, they give you beautiful, rich, saturated smooth colors. The ink from Stampin' Blends will bleed through you paper so be sure to have grid or scrap paper underneath your card stock to protect your work surface.
   
   
   
   
2. Stampin' Write Markers - Blushing Bride
   Stampin’ Write dual-tipped markers have a broad tip for coloring and achieving unique color effects and a fine tip for writing. I use these for a lighter look on my projects. You can color your images before stamping on card stock or use them to color images stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, my permanent ink of choice.
   
   
   
   
3. Blending Brushes - you need to see the smaller brushes now available in the Mini Catalog (Yippee!) 

The small tip helps you apply ink with precision. The velvety soft bristles blend ink perfectly. Of course I had to get a pack of the smaller brushes to go with the larger set I already own. 

And as I am going to use a design from the Dainty Flowers Designer Series Paper pack, I let the colors in this pack be the feature on my stamped image. 

Did you know you can earn this paper pack with a $50 (€60) product order? Yes, you can, but only until 28 February 2023. This paper is so popular it may not last until the end of Feb so don't wait and be disappointed! 

Although my card may look complicated, it is not - it just takes a bit of time to color the image. Here's my card, and don't miss my video below showing you how to make this card, step-by-step, along with bonus tips and design ideas! 

Supplies

Stamp Set: Dainty Delight (bundle: 160675)

Ink: Daffodil Delight; Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 5 1/2" x 2 3/4" 
        Dainty Flowers: (2) 1 1/2"
        Daffodil Delight: 1 1/4" x 2"  
        Fresh Freesia: scrap

Misc: Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends (154883); Old Olive Stampin' Blends (154892); Fresh Freesia Stampin' Blends (155518); Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; Blushing Bride Stampin' Write Marker; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine; Small Blending Brushes (160518); Enamel Dot Essentials (160751)

Here's my video - enjoy!