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. 

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)  

Why not try this unusual color for Valentines?

Valentines don't have to be pink or red - they can be other colors too! So why not stretch yourself for this upcoming special day and try this card creation below. 

This Forever Lovely card is very simple in design but it is the color choice that makes is so pretty: Highland Heather and Gorgeous Grape. 

Three hearts were diecut (Be Mine Stitched framelits) using these two colors, and then for some added bling two sparkly hearts were added. What pulls this card together is the Gingham Gala paper strip at the bottom of the card and the Highland Heather bow is the crowning touch. Remember to add some dimensionals underneath for added pop and interest to the eye. 

Here are some other color combinations to try:

• Mango Melody and Grapefruit Grove
• Balmy Blue and Night of Navy
• Smoky Slate and Basic Gray
• Daffodil Delight and Crushed Curry
• Lemon Lime Twist and Soft Sea Foam

What other color combos do you think would make beautiful valentines? Add your combo suggestions in the comments section below - let's add to the list!

Forever Lovely Valentine

Supplies:  

• Stamps – Forever Lovely (148624)
• Paper – Whisper White (100730), Highland Heather (146986), Gorgeous Grape (146987), Sparkle Glimmer Paper (146957), Gingham Gala 6x6 Designer Series Paper (148554)
• Stamp Pads – Highland Heather (147103)
• Misc.- Big Shot (143263), Be Mine Stitched Framelits Dies (148527), Organdy Ribbon Combo Pack (149623), Paper Snips (103579) Mini Glue dots (103683), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108)

 

Measurements:  

• Whisper White - 8 ½” x 5 ½,  ½” x 2”
• Gingham Gala DSP – 4” x 1 ¾”
• Highland Heather ½” x 4”, scraps for hearts
• Gorgeous Grape – scrap for heart
• Sparkle Glimmer Paper scrap for small hearts

 

Instructions:

1. Use the Be Mine Framelits to diecut all hearts from scraps of cardstock and glimmer paper.
2. Add DSP to bottom of card and add the Highland Heather strip to cover the seam. 
3. Stamp sentiment in Highland Heather on strip of white.
4. Flag the left edge and add to card where shown.
5. Add the large hearts with liquid glue and the smaller hearts with Mini Dimensionals.
6. Tie a small bow with the Highland Heather Organdy Ribbon and add to Highland Heather strip with a Glue Dot. 

Show all your love with a simple valentine

In the video below, I am going to show you how to create a very beautiful but very simple Valentine card. You don't need a lot of Valentine stamp sets and other products to make this card - you can use the supplies you have on hand. 

The card below also has a simple layout but the pattern in the All My Love paper makes the card really pop:

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

 

The paper was my starting point then it was time to think of the phrase - pretty easy for me to figure out because I wanted to use my Well Written framelits again:

Well Written Framelits Dies
$40.00

I decided to combine the 'love' framelit with the 'you' framelit and this combo will be my card phrase. The rest was easy: I used Lovely Lipstick because it was the main color in the All My Love paper 

Here's my card and underneath you will see a list of supplies and cutting dimensions and a video tutorial!

Supplies

Stamp set: none

Ink: none

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Lovely Lipstick: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 2" x 1 1/4" (love); 1 1/2" x 1" (you); two strips 4 1/4" x 1/4")
          Whisper White: 2 1/2" x 4 1/4"
          All My Love designer series paper (148576): 1 1/2" x 5 1/2"

Other: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Well Written framelits (148534), Multipurpose Adhesive sheets, SNAIL adhesive,  Take Your Pick tool (144107)

Here's a video showing you how to make this card, along with some bonus tips! 

Was your valentine meant to be?

Some of you have been so lucky to meant the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, through good and bad, joy and sorrow. That special person is your 'meant to be' valentine! 

Which is also the perfect name for a stamp set, so you can send messages from the heart on Valentines Day and throughout the year:

Meant To Be Cling Stamp Set
$24.00

 

The Meant to Be stamp set is perfect for those happy occasions in life. It has 13 cling stamps and the set is available in English, French and German!

Note: cling stamps are a brand new product by Stampin' Up!. Click here to see my video introducing cling stamps. 

The card below uses the Meant to Be bundle (save 10%) which includes the stamp set AND a set of framelits for quick and easy die-cutting:

Meant To Be Cling Bundle
$53.00

 

I can see so many uses for those awesome heart dies - scrapbook pages (memory keeping), treat bags and boxes, etc! I especially love the fact that I will never have to try to cut a perfect heart free-hand - ever again! (And I love the many sizes too)

This is the week to purchase the Meant to Be bundle so you get it in time to create fun Valentine ideas without that time-crunch stress. You can click on the bundle photo above to link over to my Online Store. 

Here's your Meant to Be Valentine card, which also uses the All My Love designer paper. See a full list of instructions under the card photo and then keep scrolling down for a peek at the inside design!

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Meant to Be Bundle (150587)
• Card Stock – Lovely Lipstick Card Stock (146970); Crumb Cake Card Stock (120953); Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
• Stamp Pads – Lovely Lipstick Ink Pad (147140)
• Misc. – All My Love Designer Series Paper (DSP) (148576); Lovely Lipstick 1/8” Grosgrain Ribbon (146952); Dimensionals (104430); Mini Glue Dots (144108)

Measurements:  

• Lovely Lipstick Card Stock: 7 1/2” x 5 1/2; larger scrap for heart
• Crumb Cake Card Stock: 5 1/4” x 3” 
• Whisper White Card Stock: 5 1/4” x 2 3/4”; scrap for heart
• All My Love DSP: 5” x 2 3/4” 1” x 5” (coordinating pattern)

Instructions:

1. Score the 7 1/2” x 5 1/2” Lovely Lipstick card base at 4 inches (the front is the short side)
2. Adhere the Crumb Cake piece to the front of the card base
3. Adhere and layer the larger DSP piece to the card front
4. Stamp the 5 1/4” x 2 3/4” Whisper White layer with the Meant to Be stamp in Lovely Lipstick.  Adhere that section plus the 1” x 5“ piece of coordinating DSP to the inside of the card.  
5. Stamp ‘Happy Valentine’s Day on the white scrap and cut with the Be Mine Stitched Framelits 
6. Cut a Lovely Lipstick heart using the stitched heart that is slightly larger than the white heart
7. Adhere the two hearts together and attach to the front of the card with dimensionals.  Make sure you only apply then to the left side of the heart so you don’t glue your card shut.
8. Tie a small bow with the Lovely Lipstick Ribbon and attach it to the heart with a Mini Glue Dot

Here's one idea for the inside of this card - and a great way to use up additional bits of designer series paper:

These adorable animals make sensational Valentines

Valentines don't have to be serious and frilly all the time. The adorable animals in the Hey, Love stamp set make sensational Valentines too!

Hey Love Cling Stamp Set
$19.00

 

If you have primary school children this set is perfect for teacher Valentines, class Valentines, or a Valentine for grandma and grandpa. 

The card below is full sized. We also have two other sizes of cards with envelopes to consider, along with our 3" x 3" envelopes for mini cards:

Whisper White Narrow Note Cards & Envelopes
$8.00

Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes
$6.50

Whisper White 3" X 3" (7.6 X 7.6 Cm) Envelopes
$9.50

 

All these options can be considered depending on who is creating the Valentines and who they are for. Plus these super cute animals can be used for other themes as well: birthday, get well soon, etc. 

Note: this is the week to order the Hey Love stamp set so that you have time to make a pile for Valentine's Day! 

Hey Love Valentine

Here's how to make this cute Valentine:

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets –Hey Love (148644)
• Card Stock – Whisper White (100730); Daffodil Delight (119683); Lovely Lipstick (146970)
• Stamp Pads – Tuxedo Black Memento (132708); Call Me Clover Blends Markers Combo Pack (147282); Daffodil Delight Blends Markers Combo Pack (144603); Lovely Lipstick Blends Markers Combo Pack (147281); Pumpkin Pie Dark Blends Marker (144577)
• Misc. – Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots (148805); Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)

 

Measurements:  

• Lovely Lipstick: 8-1/2” x 5-1/2”. Score and fold at 4-1/4”.
• Daffodil Delight: 5-1/4” x 4”. 
• Whisper White: 4-1/2” x 3-1/4”

Instructions:

1. Glue Daffodil Delight Cardstock to the Lovely Lipstick Cardstock.
2. Using Memento Ink, stamp the alligator image in the center of the Whisper White Cardstock. Stamp one bird image sitting on the alligator tail and a 2^nd bird image to the left of the alligator. Color all three images using the Blends Markers. 
3. Stamp the sentiment below the stamped images using Memento Ink. 
4. Glue Whisper White Cardstock to card front using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
5. Add Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots to the two bottom corners on the white layer.

Who doesn't love a simplistic card map challenge?

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge is quite similar in terms of layout but has some layers that add complexity too:

 

The heart embellishment and time of year made me think of Valentine's Day and I thought you might be looking for Valentine ideas to try. 

So first I went to my designer paper and spotted the All My Love designer paper pack:

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

 

Now it is confession time. I don't have a stamp set with hearts in it, nor do I have any hearts framelits that are large enough to make this embellishment. But there is a patterned paper in the All My Love pack that has large hearts so I cut one out to use on my card!

Next I looked at the other patterned paper in this pack and one caught my eye, and I decided to use it for the banner strip in the map. I matched the colors in this patterned paper to my card stock and embellishments to pull everything together. This is the first time I have used Soft Sea Foam - wow, this is such a lovely color!

One difficult decision I had was what to use for the three strips across the heart in the map. After trying a few ideas and not being happy with how any of them looked I finally decided not to have paper strips across my heart. 

Here's my card, using the Beauty Abounds stamp set:

Why not give our card map challenge a try? What products would you use? If you want to see what the other design team members made for this card map challenge, click here!

 

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.