Nutz about Stamping

What you can do when struggling for a beautiful card idea

There are times when we all struggle for a beautiful card idea so I will share what I do when I struggle too. 

Idea 1:

First, I often look for a card map idea. I share a Paper Craft Crew card map challenge with you almost every Wednesday along with a card I created using the map. But you can also search online (The Google!) or on Pinterest and you will find a lot of ideas to give you inspiration. 

Here's our challenge this week:

Idea 2:

I often look through my designer paper too. The patterns and colors in my paper often give me inspiration for a card theme idea. When I see some paper that I want to use I let the paper design help me with choosing a stamp set. For example, birthday paper would help me choose a birthday stamp set, etc. 

Idea 3:

Sometimes I start by looking through my stamp sets. Is the a set I haven't used for a while? Is there a set that 'speaks' to me that day, one that I suddenly want to use?

Idea 4:

I cruise through Pinterest and through Stampin' Up! demonstrator-only online art galleries. Sometimes seeing what someone else has created gives me a super idea for what could be my starting point. Funny, but my finished card is seldom like the one that gave me inspiration in the first place. 

Now for my card idea today. I used the color challenge above to guide me as I looked through my designer paper. I spotted two patterns in the All My Love designer paper (page 5 Occasions catalog) that I decided to use:

All My Love 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.00

 

 

My difficult moment was choosing a stamp set. I wanted to make a Valentine idea to share with you so immediately chose the Labels to Love set. I love the frame image and thought I would stamp that in Lovely Lipstick and then use Blushing Bride for the 'LOVE' phrase. But I couldn't make it work for me. So back I went into my stamp stash until I spotted the Flourishing Phrase set with the 'I love you' phrase. Perfect!

 

Labels To Love Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$21.00

Flourishing Phrases Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$37.00

 

I embossed the card base with the Tufted embossing folder for a bit an extra interest. I am really happy with how my card turned out:

What stamp set(s) would you use on this card layout? I would love to know - add a comment below with your suggestions; I love to hear from you! 

If you want to see what the other Paper Craft Crew design team members made for this challenge, head over to the site using the link at the very top of this post. 

Tell your epic Valentine they are simply awesome

Today I have one final Valentine to share with you. One that is the perfect way to tell your Valentine they are epic and awesome. The Epic Celebrations stamp set is the perfect choice with its masculine elements that are fun to color using your Stampin' Blends. 

This card takes only minutes to create and your Valentine will love to open it tomorrow, knowing that it was made especially for them! Don't forget that Epic Celebrations is free with a $50 (60 Euro) order during Sale-a-bration (ending March 31st). So if you don't have this set yet, place a qualifying order so you can make it in time for Father's Day or perhaps a son's birthday. 

Here are some of the supplies used to make this card - and there is a full set of instructions under the card photo to save you time and effort!

Epic Celebrations Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$0.00

Smoky Slate Light Stampin' Blends Marker
$4.50

Pool Party Dark Stampin' Blends Marker
$4.50

Bermuda Bay Light Stampin' Blends Marker
$4.50

Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies
$30.00

 

Epic Celebrations Valentine

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Epic Celebrations (147236 - clear mount; 147232 - wood mount)

Inks: Tuxedo Black Memento Pad (132708), Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin’ Pad (131171), Pool Party Classic Stampin’ Pad (126982), Lemon Lime Twist Stampin’ Write Marker (144033 for set of 2017-2019 In Color Markers), Light Smoky Slate Stampin’ Blend Marker (145054), Dark Pool Party Stampin’ Blend Marker (144594) & Light Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Blend Marker (144580)

Paper: Whisper White Cardstock (100730), Bermuda Bay (131197) & Pool Party (122924) Cardstock 

Embellishments: Lemon Lime Twist 1/2” Finely Woven Ribbon (144135)

Other: Fast Fuse Adhesive (129026), Big Shot (143263), Stitched Shapes Framelits (145372), 1-1/2” Circle Punch (138299), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122234), Paper Snips (103579)

Measurements:

• Bermuda Bay: 5-1/2” x 8-1/2”, scored and folded at 4-1/4”;
• Whisper White: 5-1/4” x 4”, 3”x3” and scrap for the smaller sentiment circle
• Pool Party:  5-1/2” x 1-1/4” 

Instructions:

1. Using the shoe image and Bermuda Bay ink, stamp the shoes in a random pattern on the front card panel.  Stamp an additional pair of shoes in the bottom right corner of the Whisper White cardstock.  Clean the stamp.
2. Stamp the shoe image on the 3”x3” piece of Whisper White cardstock using Memento Ink.
3. Colour the soles of the shoes using the Light Smoky Slate Stampin’ Blend marker.
4. Colour both of the shoes (except for the laces) with the Dark Pool Party Stampin’ Blend marker.  Using the Light Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Blend marker, add a line of colour around the tip of the left shoe, and the sides of the shoe tongues.  Blend out the lines using the Light Pool Party Stampin’ Blend marker.
5. Colour the shoe laces using the Lemon Lime Twist Stampin’ Write Marker.
6. Die cut the shoe image using the large circle from the Stitched Shapes Framelits.
7. Stamp the dot image from the set in a random pattern all over the piece of Pool Party cardstock, using Pool Party ink.  
8. Using Memento ink, stamp the sentiment on a piece of scrap Whisper White cardstock.  Punch with the 1-1/2” Circle Punch.  You will cut off part of the word ‘awesome’.  Clean the stamp and stamp the sentiment again on scrap paper using Bermuda Bay ink.  Cut out the word ‘awesome’ using your Paper Snips, and glue it to your punched sentiment.
9. Cut a 6” piece of Lemon Lime Twist ribbon.  Glue this to the back of the piece of Pool Party cardstock so that about 1/3” of the ribbon is hidden behind the cardstock.  Using your Fast Fuse, glue the entire layer to the card base.  Cut the excess ribbon off with your Paper Snips.
10. Adhere your main image to the card using Stampin’ Dimensionals, and the sentiment flat to the card using Fast Fuse.  Glue the large piece of Whisper White cardstock to the inside of your card.

Sharing a little something with someone special

Paper Pumpkin is perfect for both new and expert crafters! Each month a fully designed project kit arrives in a delightful box filled with stamps, ink, and paper—everything cut and ready to go so you can skip to the fun. Just think of it as creativity in a box.

Here are 5 reasons why you should consider a subscription:

• For a wannabe crafters who don’t know where to start: it’s all-inclusive, quick to assemble, and inexpensive.

• For people who want to attend a stamping event but haven’t yet: try this convenient and totally flexible subscription.

• For the long distance or busy customers: Paper Pumpkin is like a class that comes to you every month.

• For a hardcore crafters: you'll enjoy the monthly creative surprise, the stamps to use on a variety of projects, and stepping up the projects from the kits.

• For people who want a built-in reason to get together: Paper Pumpkin can be the perfect reason to enjoy a fun project and each others’ company. 

Want to learn more? Click here! 

HINT: Subscribe February 10th to receive our February kit!

January's kit was awesome; watch the video below to see the beautiful kit!

Spread the love with Paper Pumpkin's Heartfelt Love Notes kit; perfect for sharing a little something with all those special someone's this Valentine's Day. Get started by watching the unboxing video for visual step-by-step instructions:

How to make your own beautiful Valentine envelopes

Today I have a super fun (and easy) project to share - a quick and fun way to make Valentine envelopes. This is the perfect project to involve young people at home - they can make the embellishments and phrases and even the envelopes and gift cards.

Here's what I used to make this beautiful Valentine envelope. You can click on any of the photos to link over to my Online Store.

Note: the Painted with Love specialty paper is perfect for envelopes - it is shiny, thick and sturdy! 

Heart Happiness Photopolymer Stamp Set
$17.00

Awesomely Artistic Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

Painted With Love Specialty Designer Series Paper
$13.00

Sweet & Sassy Framelits Dies
$35.00

Envelope Punch Board
$20.00

 

 Painted with Love Valentine Envelope

 

Stamp set: Awesomely Artistic (139950)

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Painted with Love (145580): 5" x 5"
          Whisper White: 3/4" x 1 1/4" (phrase); 2" x 3 1/8" (insert)
          Melon Mambo: 2"square

Other: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Sweet & Sassy framelits (141707), Envelope Punch Board (133774), Tear & Tape adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's my video showing how to make this cute envelope - thanks for watching! Hint: as you watch think beyond Valentine envelopes - this project is perfect for making gift card envelopes by simply changing the paper, phrase and embellishments!

 

This simplistic card map will challenge your creativity

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map looks simple but I found it very challenging. I knew the stamp set and dies I wanted to use but the paper choices had me stumped. I tried several variations until I was happy. 

Here's what I ended up using for my Painted with Love card - I love the gold foil shine that the paper adds to my card! Click on any of the product photos below to place an order at my online store:

Painted With Love Specialty Designer Series Paper
$13.00

Sweet & Sassy Framelits Dies
$35.00

  

 Painted with Love Valentine

 

Stamp set: none

Ink: Versamark

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Rich Razzleberry: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 2 1/4" x 3 1/4"' 1/4" x 3"
          Melon Mambo: 5 1/4" x 4", scraps for 2 hearts
          Painted with Love paper: 2 1/2" x 2 3/4"

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Sweet & Sassy framelits, SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Whisper White Thick Baker's Twine, Mini Glue Dots

Don't forget to create a beautiful layer for the inside of your cards too. Here's mine:

Petal Passion cards will make you a master crafter

This past week I did a Facebook Live introducing the Petal Passion Memories & More card pack and how this pack offers you so much more than for memory keeping. As always, Stampin' Up! has also partnered this card pack with the Petal Passion designer series paper and the Petal Palette stamp set!

Today I want to show you some of these products. Learn how to make one of the Petal Pair cards I shared on my Facebook Live. Here's what I used to make the card - a list of supplies and a video are under the card photo!

Petal Passion Memories & More Card Pack
$10.00

Petal Pair Textured Impressions Embossing Folders
$9.00

Petal Passion Designer Series Paper
$11.00

 

 Petal Pair Valentine

 

Stamp set: Heart Happiness (145769)

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 2 1/4" square (for heart)
          Basic Black: two pieces 1/4" x 5 1/2", 3 1/8" x 4 1/8"
          Petal Passion card - pick your fave!

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic platform, Petal Pair embossing folder (145656), Sweet & Sassy framelits (141707), SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's my video tutorial: enjoy!

How to create an attractive heart-felt valentine card

The new Painted with Love suite in the Occasions catalog (pages 18-19) is gorgeous. The designs are sophisticated and each sheet has added shine thanks to the gold foil accents on one side and brushstroke imagery on the other side. 

At first I wasn't so keen on this paper but ordered it anyway because I have found that our paper packs in 'real-life' are so much better than the photos on our catalogs. And again, I wasn't disappointed! What was surprising was the thickness of the paper - perfect for making boxes too!

Here's what was used to make this beautiful Sure Do Love You card. To me, the framelits make this card stand out - a simple die and look what it can make!

You can click on any of these small photos to hop over to my Online Store:

Sure Do Love You Clear-Mount Bundle
$48.50

Painted With Love Specialty Designer Series Paper
$13.00

Sunshine Wishes Thinlits Dies
$27.00

 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Sure Do Love You Bundle (145966)
• Card Stock – Thick Whisper White (140272); Melon Mambo (115320)
• Stamp Pads – Melon Mambo (126948)
• Misc. – Painted With Love Specialty Designer Series Paper (145580); Sunshine Wishes Thinlits (141489); Dimensionals (104430); Glue Dots (103683)

 

Measurements:  

• Thick Whisper White: 4 ¼ “ x 11”; 3” x 2 1/4” for Banner
• Melon Mambo: 3 1/2” x 4 3/4” ; 3” x 3” for Heart
• Designer Paper:  3 ¼” x 4 ½”
• Gold Foil:  3” x 3”  for Heart

 

Instructions:

1. Stamp Sentiment in Melon Mambo on 3 x 2 ¼” scrap of White and cut out with Thinlit. 
2. Adhere designer series paper to the Melon Mambo Mat 
3. Cut two Hearts from the Sunshine Wishes Thinlits (one in Gold and One in Melon Mambo). The attach to the DSP with Glue Dots that have been rolled a bit between your fingers. 
4. Attach matted piece to the front of your card base using Stampin’ Dimensionals
5. Add Banner using Stampin’ Dimensionals

How to create a Be Mine Bloomin' Love Valentine

Today I have one final Valentine idea to share, complete with a video tutorial! In the video you will hear about my Paper Share offer (Occasions Catalog) and see how I create this quick and easy Valentine.

Here's what I used to make the card - you can click on any of the photos to place an order at my online store. Remember it's Sale-a-bration - every $50 product order earns you FREE products, including the Carried Away paper!

Bloomin' Love Photopolymer Stamp Set
$17.00

Baker's Box Thinlits Dies
$33.00

Urban Underground Specialty Designer Series Paper
$13.00

Carried Away Designer Series Paper
$0.00

 

 Bloomin' Love Valentine

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

Stamp set Bloomin' Love (140643)

Ink: Basic Gray

Paper and cutting dimensions:

          Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scrap for banner
          Basic Gray: 3" x 3 1/2"
          Urban Underground (142783): 1" x 2 7/8"
          Carried Away (143608): two pieces 1" x 2 7/8"

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic platform, Baker's Box Thinlits (138279), SNAIL adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

And now for the video tutorial - thanks for watching!

Try creating an unusual happy day Valentine

Yesterday I had so much fun creating an Oh Happy Day Valentine that I decided to do a second card today - but one that is for a friend who has unusual taste in style. 

Today's card is a departure from the traditional Valentine colors. I used Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Very Vanilla and Basic Black. And for the phrase I used the 'I love you' from the Oh Happy Day card kit:

Here's my card, created using the Swirly Scribbles thinlits dies and Urban Underground specialty designer series paper:

Swirly Scribbles Thinlits Dies
$27.00

Urban Underground Specialty Designer Series Paper
$13.00

Here's my Oh Happy Day Valentine:

Now it's your turn - try creating Valentines using something unusual and fun!

 

 

Select 'Oh Happy Day' for your next Valentine card

This week I have an easy Paper Craft Crew card challenge to try - featuring, of course, LOVE card ideas!

And for my card challenge I wanted to choose a stamp set I haven't used in a while - it was difficult to find a set that wasn't strictly for Valentines. But I found one - I decided to use my Oh Happy Day card kit stamp set because it has a phrase that says: I love you and it also has a heart image. 

Here's the Oh Happy Day card kit - it comes with everything you need to make 20 cards with envelopes and the set can be used for so many more ideas after the kit is used up! Click here to order the kit today. 

I decided to use Rose Red, Blushing Bride and Crumb Cake for my Valentine: quick, easy and oh so cute!

 

Now it's your turn - what "LOVE" card can you make for our challenge? Enter your card over at the Paper Craft Crew website and check out what everyone else made while there!

Love is in the air with this perfect Valentine card

Today I have another fun Valentine idea that uses the popular Lift Me Up bundle and the Sweetheart punch. Add some Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine and that's it! I have included a video tutorial to show you step by step how to make my card. Check it out below. 

Here are the products I used. Click on any of the photos to place an order at my online store - don't forget it's Sale-a-bration! For a $50 product order you get to choose a FREE Sale-a-bration product. YUM!

Lift Me Up Clear-Mount Bundle
$45.75

Sweetheart Punch
$16.00

Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine
$3.00

Lift Me Up Valentine

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

Stamp Set: Lift me Up bundle (save 10%!): 144712

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Paper and cutting dimensions:

          Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 3 3/4" x 5"; scraps for clouds
          Cherry Cobbler: scrap for heart

Accessories: Sweetheart punch, SNAIL Adhesive, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Basic Pearl Jewels (optional)

As promised in my video, I want to share a second card idea. I added a tiny Basic Pearl Jewel to add a touch of interest to the heart:

And now for the video - thanks for watching! (Don't forget to click like if you head to YouTube!)

 

 

How to make a beautiful Valentine

I love the simplicity and beauty of Valentine's cards. Do you as well? Usually I choose white and pink and red as colors for Valentines but occasionally I also like to try different colors and layouts to share with you.

Today is one of those times. I have my monthly Sunday Crafternoon class and the theme I chose is love, wedding and Valentines. I looked around for a bit of inspiration and spotted a card on Pinterest that caught my eye. I decided to use this idea with my own twist for one of my class card, using the Sheltering Tree stamp set. 

Here are the products I used to make my card - you can click on any of the product photos to place an order at my online store and qualify for the Carried Away paper for FREE!

Gift Card Envelope & Trims Thinlits Dies
$33.00

Sheltering Tree Photopolymer Stamp Set
$25.00

Carried Away Designer Series Paper
$0.00

 

 Do you live in the Netherlands, Germany, the UK or France? I now have an Online Store to you too! Click here. 

Sheltering Tree Valentine

Stamp set: Sheltering Tree (137163)

Ink: Basic Gray, Smoky Slate

Paper and cutting dimensions:

          Whisper White: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 3 1/4" x 5"
          Carried Away designer series paper (143608): 5 1/2" x 4 1/2"
          Real Red: scraps for hearts

Accessories: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, SNAIL adhesive, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Gift Card Envelope & Trims thinlits (135854), Stampin' Dimensionals (optional)

Here's my video: thanks for watching!

 

Don't miss our Paper Pumpkin special offer!

Have you heard about Paper Pumpkin? If not, here's how the subscription program works, and don't miss the BONUS offer below:

Paper Pumpkin comes to your door each month to provide some paper crafting fun. Each month is completely differentand your kit contains all the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create projects you'll want to pin on your Pinterest Boards. Each kit comes complete with instructions but you can add your own creative twist too.

Great news—Paper Pumpkin is on sale for Sale-A-Bration! There are two ways to earn free product:

** 3-Month Prepaid Subscription (137859) $55 USD Save on a 3-month prepaid subscription and instantly qualify for 1 FREE Sale-A-Bration item!

** 12-Month Prepaid Subscription (137861) $215 USD. Take it to the next level with a 12-month prepaid subscription. Save over $2/month with the everyday awesome price, earn Stampin’ Rewards, and get 4 FREE Sale-A-Bration items!

• Each month you'll receive a unique, surprise kit with project-cards, journals, décor, and more! Everything is color-coordinated, measured, and cut just for you!
• Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper, and accessories-everything but adhesive.
• All stamps are unique to Paper Pumpkin (are not in Stampin' Up! catalogs)
• Each kit takes about 30 minutes to complete. 
• Stampin' Up! will ship your Paper Pumpkin on or around the 15th of the month.  
• You need to sign up for a kit by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit. If you sign up on the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the next month. 
• A Paper Pumpkin membership is $19.95 per month (and shipping is included!)

Note: Subscribe by February 10th to get the February kit!

Want to see what a kit can look like? Here's the January kit video: 

 

Have questions? Email me at: terri@nutzaboutstamping.com.

 

Be inspired by a Bloomin' Love Valentine

This week I am trying to share a lot of Valentine card ideas with you to help boost your creativity. You may not be into stamping Valentine cards but think beyond the theme and instead try the layout idea. 

That's what I am part of the Paper Craft Crew design team - each week we offer you a card map challenge and invite you to enter your card creations over on our website. All design team members create a card using the same map and post our cards so you can see a variety of ideas for one simple map. 

Here's this week's challenge:

  

I knew I wanted to create another Valentine idea to share with you (a different idea was emailed in my weekly newsletter yesterday, are you on my mailing list?) and so decided to use my Bloomin' Love stamp set and Urban Underground washi tape. I am determined to use up all of my Washi Tape before it retires so plan on seeing LOTS of ideas in the next few months!

Click on the photos below to place an order at my online store:

Bloomin' Love Photopolymer Stamp Set
$17.00

Urban Underground Designer Washi Tape
$5.00

 

I also like to play with different color ideas for common occasions like Valentine's Day - rather than the usual pink, red and white I am stepping out with some different colors. 

Here's my card!

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

Now it's your turn - try creating a card using our card map and products of your choice - then enter your card over at our Paper Craft Crew site!

A surprisingly fun double take on two-step stamping

Two step stamping does not have to be complicated or messy. Today's Valentine card uses two-step stamping to create a beautiful, yet easy card! Here are the supplies used - the Double Take stamp set and Falling in Love designer series paper. Click on any of the photos to place an order at my online store:

Double Take Photopolymer Stamp Set
$35.00

Falling In Love Designer Series Paper
$11.00

 

Double Take Valentine 

Click here to download this project PDF to your device!

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

 Supplies:

• Stamp Sets: Double Take (142908)
• Inks: Sahara Sand (126976), Blushing Bride (131172)
• Paper: Blushing Bride (131198), Sahara Sand (121043), Very Vanilla (101650), Falling in Love designer series paper (142788)
• Other: Very Vanilla 1/4” Satin Ribbon (142794), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

 

Measurements: 

Blushing Bride: 8.5” x 5.5”

Sahara Sand: 4” x 5.25”

Designer Series Paper:  3.75” x 5”, 3.75” x .75”

Very Vanilla: 3.75” x 2.5”

 

Instructions:

1. Attach the Blushing Bride designer paper and Very Vanilla cardstock to the layer of Sahara Sand cardstock.
2. Attach the Sahara Sand designer paper onto the bottom of the Very Vanilla layer.
3. Using Blushing Bride ink, stamp the word LOVE onto the Very Vanilla layer as shown.
4. Using Sahara Sand ink, stamp off once onto scrap paper and then stamp the solid LOVE image onto the Very Vanilla cardstock directly over the first image.
5. Tie a bow using the ribbon and attach it to the card using a Mini Glue Dot.