Nutz about Stamping

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! 

Country Floral Lane – this beautiful bundle is not just for Valentine’s Day

The Country Floral Lane Suite is featured in the new January – April Mini-Catalog - and I can guarantee that it will be a popular bundle too!

This suite is unusual in that it has two packs of Designer Series Paper. One features hearts, flowers, and bikes as well as beautiful generic patterned papers. The other pack is a 6” x 6” pack of pretty ginghams. There is also a combo pack of red and burlap ribbon and some pastel backed sequins.

The bundle in the suite features a photopolymer stamp set and a coordinating punch. The punch not only matches some of the images in the stamp set, but also punches out images from one of the Designer Series Papers.

This pretty suite is perfect for creating cards and treat holders for Valentine’s Day, but that is not the only occasion that these pretty papers and coordinating products can be used.   

Friendship Card

This hinge card uses papers from both packs of papers, as well as using the punch with the Designer Series Paper to create the floral image on the front stitched circle. Both ribbons have been used in the card and two different sentiments from the stamp set. One of the sentiments is on the front of the card in a stitched banner and the other stitched banner and sentiment is on the inner flap.

A few hearts have been punched from some gingham paper to add decoration around the inside banner

This card would be great as a thank you if a friend had been really supportive, or even as a Birthday card for a friend.

Congratulations Card

This congratulations card is created with the two-step stamping heart image from the Country Bouquet stamp set. This Sweet Sorbet and Parakeet Party image has been teamed with some of the Gingham paper. The congratulations sentiment comes from the new “Something Fancy” sentiment stamp set.

This would be a great card for an engagement or wedding.

Birthday Card

This birthday card again uses the two-step stamping heart, but this time with Fresh Freesia and Parakeet Party ink. The heart has been fussy cut and added to a piece of Basic White card on top of a thin strip of Parakeet Party cardstock and two sets of leaves which were punched from Parakeet Party card stock. Some small hearts have been stamped around the flower in Fresh Freesia ink.

The Happy Birthday sentiment is also taken from the “Something Fancy” stamp set.

The Fresh Freesia card base has a Parakeet Party mat on the top. The Basic White card is added to the card base on an angle and faux stitching added around the edge with a Parakeet Party Stampin’ Write marker. A bow of Parakeet Party metallic ribbon is the finishing touch on this pretty Birthday Card, which is perfect for a friend or loved one.

This pretty suite of products is so versatile and will be a useful addition to everyone’s craft room - don't you agree? 

So many options to mix and match you’ll be set all year long, no matter the celebration!

Add a soft touch of elegance to your Christmas and all-occasion crafts with the Fitting Florets Collection! From colour schemes to sentiments and embellishments to dies, these unique products blend and work together so that your homemade cards and crafts fit whatever occasion you might need. Send birthday wishes, express your gratitude, or spread Christmas cheer—with so many options to mix and match you’ll be set all year long, no matter the celebration!

I love Collections - you get everything you need for hours of crafting fun! 

 

Product colours: Balmy Blue, Blushing Bride, Crushed Curry, Evening Evergreen, Night of Navy, Polished Pink, Soft Succulent

 

Here's just one pretty card idea:

And here's how to make it.

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Framed Florets* (161815)
• Cardstock – Basic White (159276), Daffodil Delight (119683), Gold Foil Sheets (132622)
• Stamp Pads –Tuxedo Black Memento (132708), Granny Apple Green (147095),
• Misc. – Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (149653), Framed Florets Dies* (160623), Gingham Embossing Folder (157627), Paper Trimmer (152392), Take Your Pick Tool (144107), Gold Adhesive-Backed Swirls (161814), White ¼” Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon (151326), Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack (154883), Granny Apple Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack (154885), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stampin’ Seal (152813)

*Get the Framed Florets Bundle (162407), stamp set and dies, for 10% off

Measurements: 

• Basic White (Base): 8 ½” x 5 ½”, scored at 4 ¼”
• Basic White (oval die cut): 4 ½” x 3 ½”
• Basic White (floral die cut): 4” x 2 ½”
• Daffodil Delight (mat layer): 5 ¼” x 4”
• Gold Foil (leaf die cut): 3 ½” x 1 ½”
• Ribbon: 7”

Instructions:

1. Fold the Basic White cardstock in half to form the card base.
2. On the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Machine, emboss the Daffodil Delight cardstock with the Gingham Embossing folder.
3. On the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Machine, die cut an oval from the Basic White cardstock. (Use the smaller oval die from the set). Note:  You will get two pieces when you die cut: the frame and the oval.  
4. On the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Machine, die cut the leaf image from the Gold Foil sheet.
5. On the 4” x 2 ½” piece of Basic White cardstock, stamp the floral spray with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink.
6. Use the Blends markers to colour in the image.
7. On the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Machine, die cut out the coloured floral image with the matching die.
8. Stamp the greeting with Granny Apple Green ink on the Basic White cardstock.
9. Attach the Daffodil Delight cardstock to the front of the card.
10. Attach the oval frame and the stamped oval to the front of the card.
11. Attach gold leaf image to the left side of the oval using glue dots (you just need to attach the bottom of the stem).
12. Attach the stamped and die cut floral image to the bottom of the oval using Dimensionals.
13. Tie the White Seam Binding in a bow and attach it to the right-hand side of oval using Mini Glue Dots.
14. Add three of the Gold Adhesive-Backed Swirls to the front of the card.

See how this sweet Collection will add just the right touch of elegance

Add just the right touch of elegance to any occasion, including Christmas and seasonal celebrations, with the sweet Fitting Florets Collection. From color schemes to sentiments and embellishments to dies, these unique products blend together so that your cards and crafts fit whatever occasion you might need. Send birthday wishes, express your gratitude, or spread Christmas cheer—with so many options to mix and match you’ll be set no matter the celebration all year!

This collection is BRAND NEW and some products are only available for a short time. Others will be available in the next catalog, but you can order them ALL now! 

SALES PERIOD

• 1 November 2022–4 January 2023

 

Starting 1 November 2022, you can order items from the Fitting Florets Collection, and all items in the collection can be ordered separately. 

The following exclusive products are only available while supplies last:

• Framed & Festive Cling Stamp Set (item 160888)*
• Fitting Florets Designer Series Paper (item 161814)
• Gold Adhesive-Backed Swirls (item 161822)

*Available in English and French

The following will be available for purchase in the Mini Catalog starting January 2023 but YOU can order them today! :

• Framed Florets Bundle (item 162407)
• Framed Florets Photopolymer Stamp Set (item 161815)*
• Framed Florets Dies (item 160623)

*Available in English and French

Ready to get your florals on? Click here to head to my online US store and European store! 

Here's a fun technique that you definitely need to try

Did you know that you can create a beautiful card idea using your clear blocks and ink pads? This ‘Clear Block stamping technique is easy to learn and can be applied using your favorite stamp sets and ink colors. Each time you try this technique you will get a different clear block result!

This card idea uses the Bamboo Beauty stamp set, a set that I feel is a hidden gem in the Annual Catalog. 

You can create a serene escape with the brushstroke style of this set. The bamboo images are sized perfectly for cardmaking; either stamp the branches in a random pattern for a minimal look or use the bamboo and branch images together to create a bamboo forest! The authentic kanji symbols translate to “friendship” so be sure to send a card to all your favorite friends as this stamp set is gender neutral.

As I didn't make a video of this card, I am going to walk you through using photos. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Bamboo Beauty (155478); Color & Contour (154994)
• Card Stock – Pear Pizzazz (131201); Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper (149612)
• Stamp Pads – Pear Pizzazz (147104); Soft Succulent (155778); Garden Green (147089); Night of Navy (147110)
• Misc. – Stampin’ Seal (152813); Clear Block (117147); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Water Painters (151298)

 

Measurements: 

• Pear Pizzazz 8 ½” x 5 ½”               
• Fluid 100 3” x 5 ½”
• Night of Navy (2) ¼” x 5 ½”

Instructions:

1. Fold Pear Pizzazz card stock in half and score to create card base.
2. Add water to barrel of Medium Water Painter.
3. Ink Clear Block B using Soft Succulent Ink. Add a drop of water from Water Painter and swish water around on block. Stamp into Fluid 100 layer. (image 2)
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Repeat step 2 using Pear Pizzazz and Garden Green ink, stamping each block to the right (create a row). 
   
   
   
   Note: yes, my block on the left looks a bit different because I smeared ink and had to start over! (it happens)
   
   

 

1. Ink Bamboo stamp using Night of Navy ink and stamp 1 image onto each ink color.
2. Ink splatter stamp using Night of Navy ink, stamp off onto scrap paper first, then stamp onto bamboo images. 
   
   
   
   
   
3. Ink phrase using Night of Navy ink and stamp to the right of the bamboo images.
4. Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, adhere Night of Navy strips to back of Fluid 100 layer.
5. Using Stampin’ Seal, adhere Fluid 100 layer to card front to complete card. 

And here's my card - I hope you will give this idea a try! 

Did you know that you can craft for a cause with this beautiful kit?

 

Beginning in August, and through the end of the year, Stampin’ Up! has a new kit that’s not only fun to make but will result in a contribution to organizations who are working to end food insecurity. Buying and enjoying making cards with this kit is sure to help make you feel good about doing something that you will enjoy and helping others in need.

 

This Kit Is One-of-a-Kind

 

So, what’s the kit all about? The Nourish and Flourish kit includes everything that you need to make nine greeting cards that you will love sending to your friends. I already have all nine of mine finished and addressed to friends and I’m quite pleased with what I’ll be sending. I am sure that some of you are thinking, “Well, besides the ‘everything’ in the kit, I’ll also need something to clean my stamps, paper snips to trim ribbon or twine, and some extra cardstock for when I inevitably stamp something crooked.” None of that!! There is no stamping with this kit, and no ribbons to trim. All the sentiments are pre-printed on die-cut sentiment layers, and the decorative elements include coordinating self-adhesive embellishments.

 

But wait!  That’s not all. With everything you need to make the nine lovely cards, you’ll also get a brand-new insulated lunch bag with a colorful Stampin’ Up! floral design. This is what you’ll see when you get your kit in the mail.

 

 

I was surprised at how well-made and insulated the lunch bag is. The outside of the bag is canvas-weight fabric and the inside is a thick insulation attached to the bag with stitching. It’s a bag I’ll be confident using for those times when I need to carry my lunch from home or even after picking up an order from my local deli.

 

What’s In The Kit for Cardmaking?

 

 

Here’s a picture of everything that was in my kit. I love the colors and all the die-cut elements for each card. The instructions include not only the steps to make each card, but also include a picture of which die-cut elements and stickers go with which card. So it’s easy to get everything for each card together.

 

This kit is one that’s being sold in all of Stampin’ Up!’s markets, so there are sentiments in six different languages. So if you’ve got friends in a country who speak a different language, you might be able to make your card with a greeting especially for them. I have a Stampin’ Up! pen pal, and I’ll be doing that myself.

 

What Level of Crafter Is This Kit For?

This kit is for the brand-new crafter and I can tell you from my personal experience that I, a pretty advanced crafter, had a blast putting them together. It took me about an hour and a half to get all the materials ready to make each card and then finish them all. And that was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable 90 minutes I’ve spent in a long time! And look at those cards! They’re definitely worth sending to anyone who likes getting a card in the mail!

 

 

The new crafter may likely take a bit more time. But it doesn’t have to be done all in one sitting, either. It might even be more fun to set aside a morning or afternoon for several friends who buy the kit to get together for some relaxing crafting. If you’re nearby, I’ll come join you!

 

This is a kit that, when I say, “Happy Crafting,” I know that’s what you’ll be experiencing.

 

Happy Crafting!

 

Have you discovered all the things you can do with this amazing die?

Have you discovered the Dots & Spots die from Stampin’ Up’s! Annual Catalog. It is a hidden gem.

 

This stand-alone die can be run through your Stampin’ Up! Cut & Emboss machine to create an all-over pattern of small holes. Today, I am sharing some ideas for simple projects to create using the die.

 

A Textured Strip

On this card, a narrow strip of dotty card has been layered on top of some Designer Series paper and beneath the sentiment strip. This adds a different texture to the card and draws the eye to the sentiment and the die cut flower from the Hues of Happiness Designer Series Paper.

 

Just In The Background

In this sample, the dots are in Basic White and sitting on a Basic White card base. This creates a great textured background for this stamped and die cut flower and sentiment from the Sending Smiles Bundle.

 

Spots & Stripes

A great idea for using up odd bits of cardstock. Strips of card measuring ½” (1.5cm) wide have been adhered across a 5” x 3 ¾” (13.9cm x 9.5cm) piece of copy paper. The colours used here were Tahitian Tide, Parakeet Party, Sweet Sorbet and Daffodil Delight. This has then been die cut with the Dots & Spots die. The dotty piece was then layered over a 4” x 5 ¼” (14.4cm x 10cm) piece of Basic Black card before being stuck to a Daffodil Delight card base. The black card shows through the holes giving a bold effect.

The sentiments came from the Sending Smiles bundle.

 

A Touch of Metallics

This final card features a mat of dotty Basic Black card layered over some Brushed Metallic Gold card. The “sending” sentiment was also die cut in black and gold, whilst the “all good luck your way” was heat embossed. This gives an elegant look to the card. Of course, you can play around with any colours of metallics and card stock to give different looks.

This is such a fun die and a great addition to your crafty stash.