Nutz about Stamping

With this bundle you can create love notes all year round

Here's this week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge:

 

When I first saw this map I stumbled a bit - I don't have a starburst die or punch and that closed off my imagination and design thinking for a bit. So instead of concentrating on the map elements I looked instead at my stamp sets and bundles. With Valentine's Day coming soon I thought you might like a fun idea to try so I looked instead at a theme idea and how I could 'tweak' the map elements as a result. 

I am having so much fun playing with the Sweet Conversations bundle. I recently created a YouTube Video (here) and thought maybe I would use the bundle to give you another idea. 

The Sweet Conversations Bundle includes the Sweet Conversations Stamp Set and the Sweet Hearts Dies. The hearts in these products make it so easy to create unique valentines. You can also use them to create love notes throughout the year. (Also available in French)

This fun, Sweet Conversations valentine-themed set (17 stamps!) includes a variety of hearts—including conversation hearts—that can be used on valentines and with other love-themed projects. It also includes circles, stripes, and a tag, all things that make this set even more versatile.

The Sweet Hearts Dies (16 in the pack) is an explosion of hearts. But that's not all. In addition to the hearts, this set of dies include banners, a box, and a tag. Use them to make easy valentines, little love notes, and tiny treat boxes. You'll love seeing what you can create.

I thought it would be fun to replace the sunburst element with a heart and the square element with a tag. Once I did that, the rest was easy. 

Here's my card:

Why not give our card map challenge a try and see what you come up with too? Think outside the card map box and have fun! 

If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this week's challenge, click here. 

Try this floral love card map challenge and see what you can create

When we think of Valentine's Day we often think of chocolates and flowers and love and friendship, right? So this week's Paper Craft Crew is the perfect match!

I looked through my stash of stamping supplies and decided to choose my Quiet Meadow stamp set and see what I could create.

Flowers, background patterns, and greetings--you'll find all these things in the Quiet Meadow set. Put them all together for perfect projects! Choose one greeting, flower, and pattern or bring several of them together for a collage effect. You're sure to convey a positive message.

Quiet Meadow has a 'Love' stamp in the set but I decided that the 'Thinking of you" phrase could also work. I decided to choose Polished Pink for my card base and then emboss the card base using the new Hive 3D embossing folder - it's my first time using it!

Here's my card: 

Now it's your turn, give this week's card map challenge a try and see what you can create. If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this week's challenge, click here. 

This fantastic bundle offers not 2 products but 3!

Valentine's Day is inching closer so now is the time to think about all things love and kindness. And today's project does just that!

The Love & Happiness Bundle includes the Love & Happiness Stamp Set and the Bouquet of Love Hybrid Embossing Folder. These products are designed to come together for the ultimate expression of love. This bundle is perfect for creating cards for Valentine's Day, weddings, anniversaries, and more. (Also available in French)

To add to all love, look no further than the Love & Happiness Stamp Set. These words and phrases are perfect for weddings, anniversaries, and any love-themed occasion. With these stamps, you can easily create cards, tags, and other projects. Love is in the air—and in your creative hands!
* 15 cling stamps
* Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): a, b, g, h

Love is also the focus with the Bouquet of Love Hybrid Embossing Folder. We've made the heart the center of the embossing folder. And then we've upped the love with the coordinating dies. In addition to hearts, you'll also get flowers and labels to increase what you can do. Use the embossing folder and dies together to create beautiful, heartfelt projects for any love-themed occasion.

• 1 folder: 6" x 6-1/4" (15.2 x 15.9)
  * 9 dies, largest die: 2-3/4" x 2-1/2" (7 x 6.4 cm)

Here's what this fantastic bundle looks like (click on the photo to order it at my online store): 

And here is just one of many beautiful projects you can create using it: 

 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets & Dies – Love & Happiness Bundle (157642); Love & Happiness Stamp Set (1157633); Bouquet Of Love Hybrid Embossing Folder (157641); Sweet Conversations Stamp Set (157618)
• CardStock – Real Red Cardstock (102482)); Basic White Cardstock (159276); Blushing Bride Cardstock (131198); Sweet Talk Designer Series Paper (157616)
• Stamp Pads – Real Red Ink (147084)
• Misc. – Dotty Hearts Embossing Folders (155434); Iridescent Rhinestone Basic Jewels (158130); Paper Snips (103579); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Stampin’ Seal+ (149699)

Measurements: 

• Card Base: Real Red – 4 1/4” x 11” scored at 5 1/2”
• Embossed Card Front: Basic White – 3 1/4” x 5 1/2”
• Card Front: Mat: Sweet Talk Designer Series Paper - 3 3/4” x 5 1/2”
• Lg Embossed Heart: Real Red - 3 1/4” x 3”
• Sm Embossed Heart: Blushing Bride - 1 3/4” x 1 1/2”
• Sentiment Label: Basic White - 5/16” x 2 1/2” ( stamp & cut 2)
• Inside Layer Strip: Sweet Talk Designer Series Paper - 1/2” x 3 1/2”
• Inside Layer: Basic White – 3 3/4” x 5”

Instructions:

• Stamp the 2 Sentiment Labels with Real Red Ink.
• Cut Sentiment Label with your Paper Trimmer or Snips.
• Emboss the Card Front with the Dottie Hearts Embossing Folder.
• Emboss the Hearts with the Bouquet Of Love Hybrid Embossing Folder.
• Die cut the Hearts.

 

Assemble the card:

• Fold and burnish the Card Base with a bone folder.
• Adhere the Sweet Talk DSP Mat to the Card Base with Liquid Glue for Stampin’ Seal+.
• Adhere the Embossed Card Front to the Sweet Talk DSP Mat with Dimensionals.
• Adhere the Hearts to the Card Front with Dimensionals.
• Adhere the Sentiment Labels to the Hearts with Mini Dimensionals.
• Adhere the Iridescent Rhinestone Basic Jewels to the Card Front.
• Adhere the DSP Strip to the Inside Layer with Liquid Glue for Stampin’ Seal+.
• Adhere the Inside Layer to the inside of the Card Base with Liquid Glue for Stampin’ Seal+.

Do you know which bundle is perfect for so many sweet occasions?

There are times when we are all stuck for inspiration and so in this new series I want to show you how to use a resource that you always have on hand to help you come up with card layouts and design ideas. This is my 'CASE the Catty' series. 

Today's card was inspired by the brand new Jan-June Mini catalog!

 

 

 

 

The Sweet Conversations bundle caught my eye as I browsed through the Mini catalog. Although I don't usually purchase Valentines bundles this one goes beyond that one-day event.

 

 

The Sweet Conversations bundle is part of the Sweet Talk product suite. Let's have a look in the catalog at what the concept artists at Stampin' Up! have shared, on page 8.

 

 

The box in the bottom right corner is super cute but I don't have the box nor did I purchase the designer series paper. So let me show you how to take this idea and turn it into a card. I have even made a video to talk you through each step. 

 

Here's my card without jewels:

 

 

And here it is with jewels - which do you like more? 

 

 

I think the jewels add a 'crowing' touch. Here's what you need to gather to make my card at home. You will find my video underneath. 

Supplies

Stamp set: Sweet Conversations (bundle: 157624)

Ink: Fresh Freesia, Polished Pink

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Basic White: 4 1/2" x 4"
        Fresh Freesia: (2) 1/4" x 4 1/4"; 1 1/2" square
        Polished Pink: 1 1/2" square; 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 2" x 2 1/2" 

Misc: Fresh Freesia Open Weave Ribbon (155615); Baker's Twine Essential Pack (155475); Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

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

Want to see my Happy Hedgehogs Valentine using the Sweet Conversations bundle? Click here: https://bit.ly/3r2UP4N

See how to express the kind of love that would make cupid jealous

We all know that roses are red and violets are blue—it’s time that love-themed cards got an upgrade! The Kisses & Hugs Paper Pumpkin Kit will help you express that forever kind of love with heart-shaped cards that would make Cupid jealous. 

WHAT IS PAPER PUMPKIN?

Paper Pumpkin is our monthly One-Stop Box™ that offers a unique variety of paper projects for subscribers of any skill level to enjoy! These thoughtfully themed and all-inclusive craft kits encourage Stampin’ Up! customers to explore their creativity, try new techniques, and discover their potential in papercrafting. 

The Kisses & Hugs kit is not bound to just Valentine’s Day, it works for all love occasions year-round like anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, or those “just because” days.

ABOUT THE KIT            Order by 10 January!

Name: Kisses & Hugs

Details:

• Kit contains enough supplies to create 10 cards—5 each of 2 designs—and 10 coordinating envelopes
• Kit features an exclusive Two-Step photopolymer stamp set
• Kit includes a Gray Granite Classic Stampin’ Spot
• Card size: 4-1/2" x 4-1/4" (11.4 x 10.8 cm) heart-shaped cards; folded
• Coordinating colors: Blushing Bride, Flirty Flamingo, Gray Granite, Very Vanilla

You can even order an add-on to this kit (on 25 January): 

Name: Kisses & Hugs Mini Treat Boxes 

Item number: 160147 | $10.00 USD 

Details:

• Contains 20 mini treat boxes and 20 heart tags
• Gold cord: 10-1/2" yards (9.6 m)
• Finished size: 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" x 1-3/4" (4.4 x 4.4 x 4.4 cm)
• Printed with gold foil

These coordinated treat boxes are not included in this month’s kit and are only available for purchase separately as an add-on online starting 25 January. You must be a Paper Pumpkin subscriber to purchase and they are only available while supplies last.

Here's a fun sneak peek! Remember:  you only have two more days to subscribe to get this kit: 

Subscribe HERE!

I absolutely love these playful products!

I have already shared a few project ideas to inspire your Valentine's crafting this year and today I am back with another one!

So let's start with the From My Heart Suite:

From My Heart Suite Bundle (English)
$88.25

 

 

 

So yummy - and in a real way with those fun Heart Foil Tins! And when you put them into the oven to bake up a delicious treat, turn to the rest of the products and create this card. 

Although the layout is simple, the diagonal stamping (Crumb Cake ink on Crumb Cake card stock) adds visual interest, as does the black arrow. Tip: carefully place the black arrow so that the heart layer fits on top nicely. 

The stamped and punched hearts are easy-peasy and add a lovely and colorful detail to the card front. Can you figure out where the top heart came from?

Add the My Heart Faceted Gems for the final touch and your card is done - before those baked goodies are out of the oven! 

Heartfelt Valentine

Here's how to make this card:

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Heartfelt (151427 or bundle: 153775)
• Card Stock – Whisper White Thick (140272); Real Red (102482); Crumb Cake (120953); From My Heart Speciality Designer Series Paper (151189)
• Stamp Pads – Crumb Cake (147116); Memento Tuxedo Black (132708)
• Misc. – Heart Punch Pack (151292); Real Red 3/8” Double Stitched Ribbon (151155); From My Heart Faceted Gems (151154); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Paper Snips (103579)

Measurements: 

• Whisper White Thick: 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored at 4 1/4"
• Real Red: 3 7/8” x 5 1/8”
• Crumb Cake 3 3/4” x 5”           

Instructions:

1. Stamp sentiment in Crumb Cake ink at a diagonal across the Crumb Cake layer as shown.
2. Stamp arrow with Memento ink only inking up the point end - stamp. Clean stamp. Ink up the fletching end and stamp making the arrow longer so you’ll see more of it behind the punched heart.
3. Add Real Red ribbon ash shown.
4. Punch detailed heart from DSP and layer on Real Red Scalloped Heart and then to card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
5. Add Faceted Gems where desired.

I'm so lucky to have a special friend like you

If I asked you how a special friend might be, who would immediately come to mind? And what makes this friend special? The fun you have? The history you have? That you think alike? 

My life has blessed me with so many wonderful friends - from school, when I first began teaching, and even moving to new countries. Every place I have lived has brought me a special friend or two or three, most of whom I am still in contact with today. These special friends have really enriched my life and I hope I have made a small difference in return. 

When was the last time you made a card for your special friends? If it has been a while then it's time to order the From My Heart Suite (pages 8-9 Mini Catalog) and get crafting!

 

From My Heart Suite Bundle (English)
$88.25

 

 

 

Now before you faint from sticker shock, the price above is for everything in the suite! You can purchase these items separately, but why? Two punches! Heart Foil tins! Faceted gems! Frankly, each product is super cool and a must-have. 

The card below uses a lot of these products so why not give it a try? Make several and mail them to your friends so they know how much they mean to you (hint: see how to make this card under the photo). And then sit back and smile because you just made someone's day a bit brighter in return. 

From My Heart friendship card

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – From My Heart (151417); From my Heart Bundle (153775)
• Card Stock – Real Red (102482), Whisper White (100730)
• Stamp Pads – Tuxedo Black Memento Ink (132708)
• Misc. – From My Heart Specialty DSP (151189);  Heart Punch Pack (151292);  Whisper White 1/4" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon;  SNAIL Adhesive (104332);  Dimensionals (104430);  Mini glue dots (103683)

 

Measurements:

• Real Red: 4 ¼” x 11”, scored at 5 ½”;  plus scrap for heart
• Whisper White: 3 ¾” x 5”
• DSP: 3 5/8” x 4 7/8”

           

Instructions:

1. Using the scalloped heart punch, punch out one Flirty Flamingo heart and one Real Red heart from the 12x12 sheet of hearts, included in the package of specialty paper.
2. On the Red Heart, stamp your sentiment using Tuxedo Black ink.
3. On scrap of Real Red, stamp the dotted outline heart in Tuxedo Black Ink, and punch out using the “plain” heart punch.
4. Adhere this piece to the Flirty Flamingo heart.
5. Assemble your card as shown.Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the Sentiment.
6. The ribbon bow is adhered with a glue dot.

Could this stunning card be a Valentine?

I think the answer is: YES! Today I have a lovely Silhouette Scenes card that has a lovely shine to it, because it is heat-embossed with black embossing powder. 

As with any of Stampin' Up! bundles you can purchase this stamp set separately, or bundle it with some beautiful and unique dies:

 

Silhouette Scenes Bundle
$52.00

 

 

I love the solid images in the stamp set - they kind of cry out to be embossed don't they? And this card idea doesn't disappoint. If you have never embossed before all you need to get started are four products: ink (I love Versamark for its versatility), a stamp (solid works best as a beginner), card stock (or watercolor paper) and a heat tool. You have already seen the stamp set above, you likely already have card stock at home so here's all you need to add:

Heat Tool (Us And Canada)
$30.00

Versamark Pad
$9.50

Once you have these products you can made stunning cards like this one. Follow the instructions under the photo to make this card at home. Tip: if you don't own the fun Pigment Sprinkles try a piece of your favorite designer paper instead. 

Silhouette Scenes Valentine

Supplies:

• Stamp set: Silhouette Scenes (149223) *available in a bundle (151058)
• Cardstock: Bermuda Bay (131197), Daffodil Delight (119683), Basic Black (121045), Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper (149612), Whisper White (100730)
• Ink Pad: Bermuda Bay (147096), Versamark (102283)
• Misc: Shimmer Black Stampin’ Emboss Powder (149512), Heat Tool (129053), Blender Pens (102845), Pigment Sprinkles (149663), Stampin’ Spritzer (126185), Stitched Rectangle Dies (148551), Subtle Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (143706), Tear & Tape Adhesive (138995), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

Measurements:

• Bermuda Bay CS: 5.5" x 8.5"
• Daffodil Delight CS: 4" x 5.25"
• Basic Black CS: 3 15/16" x 2 5/8"
• Watercolor Paper: 2 9/16" x  3 3/16"
• Whisper White: 1 3/16" x 1 11/16"

Directions:

1. Fold the Bermuda Bay card base in half.
2. Use a die-cutting machine with the Subtles embossing folder to create texture on the Daffodil Delight layer. Adhere to card.
3. Die-cut the Basic Black cardstock using the 3- 15/16" x 2- 5/8" Stitched Rectangle die. Adhere to card.
4. Take a scrap of Watercolor Paper larger than the die size. Sprinkle a very small amount of Pigment Sprinkles (Bermuda Bay & Daffodil Delight) on Watercolor Paper, and then spray with a Stampin' Spritzer.
5. Let dry or use Heat Tool to dry quicker.
6. Ink the image stamp with Versamark, then stamp on onto Watercolour paper.
7. Sprinkle the Shimmer Black embossing powder on top, then use heat tool to set. TIP: I found that I had lots of spots that missed embossing power so I use and old Blender Pen to pick up Versamark ink from the pad, then colour the empty spots. Sprinkle more Embossing Power and heat set again!)
8. Cut out layer with the 2 9/16" x  3 3/16" Stitched Rectangle Die, then adhere to card.
9. Use a scrap Whisper White cardstock to stamp the greeting using the Bermuda Bay ink pad. Adhere to card using Dimensionals.

Join my countdown to a brand new catalog: day one

Today is the final day of my Mini Catalog countdown! And to show you some love, I have a fun Valentine idea to share. Valentine's Day will be here before you know it and I am always caught trying to create something last minute. Are you like me? If so, then read on because these lovely products are available to order now. 

This card uses the new From My Heart product suite and is oh so sweet isn't it? Did you know that you can now purchase an entire suite with only one product number? 

From My Heart Suite Bundle (English)
$88.25

 

Now the card photo above doesn't use the entire From My Heart suite but if you love Valentine's or have many happy occasions ahead this year (wedding? engagement party? anniversary) then you can save $$ by purchasing the suite all at once.

Psst: Want to see another Valentine using the same products? Click here!

Here's how to make the above card. Click here if you want to link over to my online store anorder the products used. 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Heart Felt Bundle [153775]
• Card Stock – Flirty Flamingo Cardstock [141416], Real Red Cardstock [102482]
• Stamp Pads – Versamark Pad [102283]
• Misc. – From the Heart Designer Series Paper [151189], Real Red Double Stitched Satin Ribbon [151155], White Stampin' Emboss Powder [109132], Heat Tool [129053],           

Measurements: 

• Flirty Flamingo: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2, scored at 4 1/4, plus scrap for arrow and scalloped heart punch
• DSP: 4 x 5 1/4 and 3 x 4 1/4
• Real Red: scrap for embossed heart           

Instructions:

1. Attach DSP to card front
2. Stamp sentiment stamp and arrow with versamark and sprinkle with embossing powder. Heat set.
3. Punch out embossed heart image and punch out a scalloped heart. Hand cut the arrow.
4. Attach arrow to back of embossed heart.
5. Attach ribbon to scalloped heart
6. Use dimensionals to attach the image to the scalloped heart. Attach to card front.

Love is in the air with this valentine

Valentine's Day is only a month away which means now is the time for you to start thinking about the cards you want to make this year along with the products you will need. I am here to help! 

Stampin' Up!s Occasions catalog has a brand new product suite called Falling Love and I used the designer series paper in this suite and my Mini Treat Bag thinlits to help me create the Valentine's Day card you will see below, complete with video tutorial. I also designed the inside and envelope and posted those photos below too.

First, check out the products I used - click on any of the photos to order them at my online store:

Bloomin' Love Photopolymer Stamp Set
$17.00

Falling In Love Designer Series Paper
$11.00

Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies
$40.00

 

 Bloomin' Love Valentine

I love hearing from you - please post your comments under this blog post!

Stamp set: Bloomin' Love (140643)

Ink: Versamark

Paper and cutting dimensions:

          Blushing Bride: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 1 1/4" x 3 3/4"
          Very Vanilla: 2 1/8" x 5 1/8"
          Falling in Love designer series paper (142788): 2" x 5"

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Mini Treat Bag thinlits (137547), SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Fine Tip Glue pen

Here's the inside of my card (I used another framelit from the Mini Treat Bag pack) and how I used the remaining two hearts left over from the hearts in a row framelit:

And now for the video tutorial showing you how to make this card at home! Thanks for watching:

 

 

 

How to create a card sealed with love

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and let's take a look at a new bundle in the Occasions catalog: Sealed with Love! All you need is love and these stamps. An alluring blend of romantic and heartfelt, you'll find yourself infatuated with this set - 27 photopolymer stamps!

I have a super cute Valentine card below, complete with instructions and a supplies list. Why not try making this card the next time you craft and be ready to go on Valentine's Day?

Click on any of these two photos to place an order at my online store AND earn a FREE Sale-a-bration product of your choice!

Sealed With Love Photopolymer Bundle
$45.75

Sending Love Designer Series Paper Stack
$10.00

 

 Sealed with Love Valentine

I love hearing from you - please post your comments under this blog post!

 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Sealed with Love (142815)
• Card Stock – Real Red (102482) Whisper White (100730) Basic Black (121045)
• Stamp Pads – Memento Black (132708)
• Misc. – Sending Love Designer Series Paper Stack (142733); Happy Hearts Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (137364) ;Brights Enamel Shapes (141680);  Basic Black Bakers twine (134576); Layering Circles Framelits (141705) ;Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430 ) ;Snail Adhesive (104332)

  

Measurements:  

• Real Red Card Stock:   4 1/4” x 11”   2 1/8” x 3 5/8”
• Basic Black Card Stock:  2” x 4 5/8”   2 1/4” x 3 3/4”  3” square for scallop circle
• 3” square of Whisper White for circle
• Sending Love DSP:  1 7/8” x 4 1/2”
• 20” of Basic Black Bakers twine

 

Instructions:

1. Score and fold the Real Red Card Stock 4 1/4”x 11”
2. Add DSP to the Black card stock and adhere to the left side of the card front using snail
3. Emboss the remaining piece of real red Card stock with the Happy Hearts Embossing folder.  Adhere to the Basic Black Card Stock
4. Wrap twine around the left side of embossed piece.  Tie into a bow.  Adhere to the front of the card using Stampin’ Dimensionals 
5. Stamp message on the square of Whisper White and cut out using the  Layering Circles Framelits.
6. Cut out the next size scallop circle out of the 3” square of Basic Black Card Stock.  Add the stamped image to the Black scallop.  Very small edge is shown
7. Using Stampin’ Dimensionals, add the  Stamped design to the right side of the embossed card stock
8. Apply 2 Enamel shapes hearts to the stamped image.