Nutz about Stamping

See how 1 card map can create 5 beautiful holiday cards

There are so many wonderful products in the new Mini catalog, including the new Sending Cheer bundle.

 

This bundle includes a stamp set and a coordinating die set – both with 18 pieces. It does have Christmas images (stocking, gingerbread, holly, Santa hat) but it also has images that could be Christmas or any occasion. To demonstrate the versatility of this bundle, try this Card Sketch found on Pinterest.

Before you see the projects, let’s talk about why to use a card sketch. Do you sometimes need a little crafting inspiration? My first go-to for inspiration is the Stampin’ Up! catalogs themselves. They are full of beautiful projects that really get your creative juices going. If you’re really experiencing a creative block, copy one of the projects that they display next to the stamp set or bundle you’re using. Copy it exactly, and then make it a second time using different colors. 

The other remedy for a creative block? A blank card sketch! Sometime “CASEing” a card from the Stampin’ Up! catalog or website might be hard if you can’t figure out the exact products they used in that sample. This is where card sketches come in handy! A great place for card sketches is here on my blog! I publish a sketch almost every Wednesday along with an idea using that sketch. 

You can also search Pinterest using “Stampin Up Card Sketches” and you will see a ton of sketches pop up. Or try 'Googling' “Mojo Monday Card Sketches” and click on “Images” and you will see tons of different card sketches to choose from. You may consider searching “Mojo Monday Card Sketches with Measurements” to make it even easier. 

 

For this set of cards, this Mojo Monday sketch was used. Each project features new designer series papers…all are gorgeous – designer series paper is hands down my favorite Stampin’ Up! product. Here are 1 birthday, 3 Christmas, and 1 Valentine cards.

Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments section under this post. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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? 

When you think of how to express your love and friendship, what comes to mind?

When you think of love and friendship, or even Valentine's Day, do you think of the Sweet Conversations bundle?

Conversations will be cuter than ever with the Sweet Conversations stamp set. This fun, valentine-themed set 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.

It's an explosion of hearts in the Sweet Hearts Dies. 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 love the hearts banner and so decided to give it a try as a featured element on today's card. I added some Mini Stampin' Dimensionals to add visual interest and the triangular corners were a suggestion from a customer. 

Do you know where that designer paper came from? It's a design in the All Together designer series paper pack - available now!

Read more about this new collection here. 

Here's how to make my card, why not give it a try? 

Supplies:

• Stamp Sets – Sweet Conversations (bundle 157624)
• Card Stock – Poppy Parade (119793); Basic White (159276); Basic Black (121045)
• Stamp Pads – none
• Misc. – Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (150673); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108); All Together Designer Series Paper (160039); Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108)

Measurements:  

• Poppy Parade: 8 ½” x 5 ½”                3 ½” x ¾”       (2) ¾” squares          scraps
• All Together: 4: x 5 ¼”
• Basic Black: 4” x 1”
• Basic White: 4” x 1 ¼”                    (2) 1” squares                                  

Instructions:

1. Fold Poppy Parade card stock in half and score to create card base.
2. Adhere All Together layer to card front using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
3. Die-cut row of hearts from Poppy Parade strip. Adhere to Basic Black strip and then to Whisper White strip.
4. Die-cut two Poppy Parade banners. Adhere to back of Basic White layer, making one banner shorter than the other.
5. Attach Basic White layer to card front.
6. Re-insert die-cut hearts back into heart strip using Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.
7. Cut Poppy Parade squares and Basic White squares in half diagonally. Layer and adhere to All Together layer, one in each corner.

See how to add a little vintage and some pretty texture to your cards

In today's CASE the Catty video series I am going to feature the Sweet Conversations bundle in the new Jan-June Mini Catalog. I am going to show you how to take one of the catalog samples and add your own lil twist.

First, let's look at the Sweet Conversations Stamp Set. This fun, valentine-themed set 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.

 

 

Now let's have a look at what the Stampin' Up! concept artists have created - at the back of the catalog on page 83.

 

 

This sample here caught my eye - I don't often use Vellum so thought I would give it try on today's card, using the new Layering Designs Vellum, also in the Mini Catalog.

 

 

You can add a little vintage and some pretty texture with this vellum pack with it newsprint, handwritten letters and map designs. Create unique elements and layers using punches or dies or use it as a card front layer which is what we are going to do on today's card.

 

The bright colored paper layer and some of the hearts on my card come from the Flowering Fields designer series paper pack - love love love these designs:

 

 

Here are the coordinating colors - so many possibilities, right? Calypso Coral, Evening Evergreen, Fresh Freesia, Highland Heather, Mango Melody, Pear Pizzazz, Petal Pink, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, So Saffron, Soft Succulent

 

Here's my card, with a lil twist! Read on for the list of supplies and a video showing you how to make this card at home. 

 

 

Supplies

Stamp set: Sweet Conversations bundle (157624)

 

Ink: Poppy Parade

 

Paper and cutting dimensions:

        Petal Pink: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"

        Basic White: scraps for hearts
        Poppy Parade: scraps for mini hearts

        Flowering Fields: 4" x 5 1/4"; scraps for hearts

        Layering Designs Vellum: 4" x 5 1/4"

 

Misc: Flowering Fields designer series paper (157670); Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine; Mini Stampin' Dimensionals; White Baker's Twine; Mini Glue Dots

 

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

 

 

Want to see another Sweet Conversations Valentine? Watch this video next.

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. 

It's time to try using Stampin' Blends to create a colorful background layer!

It's technique time! You may have used your Stampin’ Blends to color line art images, but have you tried using them to create a colorful background layer?

Here’s how:

Step 1: Chose your 3 favorite and complimentary colors of Stampin’ Blends. You will be using the light and the dark marker of each color.

Step 2: Beginning with the darkest color overall, and using the brush end, swipe color across the middle of a card layer of Basic White. Begin with using the dark blend and then use the light blend of the same color on either side.

 

Step 3: Take the second set of Stampin’ Blends (a bit lighter in tone) and brush these two colors (dark first, then light) on either side of the existing colors.

Step 4: Take the final (third) set of Blends and add these two colors to the remaining white space, using dark and then light. This will complete the layer.

Step 5: Add the layer to a card base and complete the card using your favorite stamps and embellishments.

Here’s one idea for this this background blends technique, using the Sweet Conversations bundle #157624:

 

My card was created using the Sweet Conversations bundle - click on the image below to order it at my online store:

Try this idea using your favorite Stampin' Blends color combinations and stamps sets. It's easy, colorful and fun! 

 

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+.

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. 

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!

Why not send a heartfelt Valentine to someone special

This is the final week to purchase your favorite Valentines products so that they arrive in time for Valentine's Day. I have such a cute Heartfelt project idea to share with you so that when your new products arrive you can rustle up a card idea in the blink of an eye. 

What I like about these products is that they can be used beyond Valentines. Think: wedding, love, engagement, affection - on cards, scrapbook pages, journals, baby projects, 3D items and more. 

Heartfelt Bundle (English)
$45.75

 

 

 

 

The punches in the Heartfelt bundle can also be used on the newly released Pleased as Punch paper:

Pleased As Punch Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

 

 

 

 

Today's card is clean and simple but doesn't really look it with the embellishments and arrows. 

 

Did you notice that the arrows are stamped? No fussy cutting them out! The heart doilies are not die-cut either - you can purchase a pack of them and make several different 'love card' ideas. Don't you just love the color combo too: Flirty Flamingo and Cherry Cobbler (yum!). 

So to sum up, this card is a breeze to make and here's how:

Heartfelt Valentine

Supplies:

Stamp Set:  Heartfelt (151417) **

Ink: Flirty Flamingo (147052), Cherry Cobbler (147083)

Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Petal Pink (146985)

Misc: Heart Punch Pack (151292) **, From My Heart Specialty Designer Series Paper (151192), Fine-Tip Glue Pen (138309), SNAIL Adhesive (104332), Real Red 3/8” Double Stitched Satin Ribbon (151155), From My Heart Faceted Gems (151154), Heart Doilies (151191) Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

** Heartfelt Stamp Set and Heart Punch Pack are also available in a bundle (153775) at a 10% discount

 

Measurements: 

• Petal Pink Cardstock: 8 ½” x 5 ½” – card base, score at 4 ¼”
• Whisper White: 5 ¼” x 4” – inside of card, scrap piece for stamping/punching sentiment
• DSP: (pink arrow pattern – 3 ¼” x 2 ½”), (dotted pattern – 3” x 2 ¼”)
• Ribbon: 8”

Instructions:

1. Create card base from Petal Pink cardstock.
2. Using Cherry Cobbler ink, randomly stamp three arrows onto card front.
3. Layer dotted DSP onto arrow DSP using SNAIL and attach to card front using SNAIL.
4. Ink up “Happy Valentine’s Day” stamp with cherry cobbler and stamp onto scrap WW piece. Punch out with non-scalloped heart punch from punch pack.
5. Layer punched image from #4 onto pink or red doily.
6. Create looped ribbon piece and attach to back of stamped unit from #5 and attach to card front using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
7. Adhere several gems to card front.

 

 

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.

How to wish your valentine a happy day

Happy Valentine's Day to you! I hope you have something special planned for today - something that honors your love for self and/or others. 

I don't know if you know this but I live thousands of miles away from my loved ones and so special days like today can be difficult. A colleague at work is going through the same feelings so she has organized a really fun lunch today for all of us expats. There will be about 20 of us having lunch together, to celebrate our friendship for each other over some delicious food! 

Which brings me to today's card. I wanted to share a rather unusual Valentine with you to give you an idea that is a bit different: no fancy frills, no hearts; a card without many layers but one that is still pretty and offers a nice sentiment. This would be the perfect card idea for someone who you want to honor today but not necessarily that you are in a love relationship with. 

I love the enamel dots which add a touch of sparkle without being bling-y! Don't miss a full set of instructions below.

Bloom by Bloom Valentine

Supply:

• Stamp Sets: Bloom by Bloom (148820), Itty Bitty Birthdays (148618), Florentine Filigree (148822)
• Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), 
• Stamp Pads: Lovely Lipstick (147140), Call Me Clover (147139), Memento Black (132708)
• Misc: Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Banner Triple Punch (138292), Sale-a-Bration FREE: Botanical Butterfly DSP (149622), Big Shot: (143263), Layering Circles Framelits (141705), Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots (148805)

Measurement: 

• Whisper White: 4 1/4” x 11”, 5 1/2” x 4 1/4” for the Florentine Filigree circle, flower and leaves
• DSP:  1” x 3 1/2”

Instructions: 

1. Score and fold the Whisper White card base at 5 1/2”.
2. On the 5 1/2” piece of Whisper White, stamp the Florentine Filigree large circle and cut it with the largest Layering Circle and then cut again with a smaller one to create the outline image.
3. Stamp the large flower and three leaves on the remaining portion and fussy cut.
4. With the Banner Triple punch, add a banner to one edge of the DSP as shown.
5. Position the DSP as shown and adhere the circle to the card base. Stamp 
6. “Happy Day” above the DSP in Memento Black ink.
7. Add Dimensionals to the flower and leaves and position on the card.
8. Add the Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots in Lovely Lipstick.

How to create a Valentine for your manly man

Are you looking for a more masculine Valentine idea for your 'manly' man? I have a fun idea to share with you today - it is really easy to create and you man will love it especially if he loves hot-rods, choppers or loves to build things. 

What makes this Valentine masculine? First, the colors chosen: Crushed Curry and Tranquil Tide. The neutral is Very Vanilla which adds an antique neutral feel. 

The Geared Up Garage bundle and Classic Garage designer paper continue that masculine tone; don't you love the patterns in the designer paper? 

Geared Up Garage Cling Bundle
$48.50

Classic Garage 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.00

And because this is a Valentine's Day card for your manly man, a new hearts are in order too, using the Be Mine Stitched framelits. If you want to order these products click on any of the product photos to link over to my online store. 

Be Mine Stitched Framelits Dies
$35.00

And here's the masculine Valentine - what do you think? I think the phrase is super fun and your man will love it! Under the card photo is a list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Have fun! 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Geared Up Garage (148590); 
• Card Stock – Crushed Curry (131199); Tranquil Tide (144246); Very Vanilla (101650); Silver Foil (132178)
• Stamp Pads – Basic Gray(149165) 
• Misc. – Classic Garage Designer Series Paper (DSP)  (148482); Garage Gears Thinlits Dies (148521); Be Mine Stitched Framelits Dies (148527); Dimensionals (104430);  Fine Tip Glue Pen (138309); Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (144106)

Measurements:  

• Crushed Curry:8 1/2” x 5 1/2”, scored at 4 ¼”
• Tranquil Tide: 5 ¼” x 4”; scraps for hearts 
• Very Vanilla : Scraps for hearts 
• Silver Foil:  Scraps for die cut
• DSP:                       5” x 3 ¾”

  Instructions:

1. Start with die cutting your hearts.  If you want to make them easy to adhere, I recommend using the adhesive sheets –put your cardstock on it and then cut.  (I keep a container with cardstock that I’ve add the sheets to just for this purpose!)  Cut out the ones in both Very Vanilla and Tranquil Tide.  Choose the sizes you prefer (I used the 2 medium sized ones with the scallops –cut them out  together with the smaller one inside the larger one to get the heart frame.  For the green ones I used the 3 largest ones without the scallops).  
2. Die cut out the foil piece. (I also used the adhesive sheets on the back )
3. Stamp the sentiment on the Very Vanilla solid stitched heart using Basic Gray ink.
4. Attach the background hearts in whatever direction you choose by either removing the adhesive sheet backing or fine tip glue pen.
5. Attach the heart with the sentiment using dimensionals.
6. Attach the silver foil die cut on the top of the sentiment heart.
7. Stamp the inside with either an anniversary or valentines sentiment.  (If you prefer to add a sheet of very vanilla to the inside, cut a piece 5 ¼ x 4” and then stamp your sentiment)