Nutz about Stamping

You need to try this fun Christmas card layout

In today's video I am going to show you another Christmas card idea, using the So Many Stars bundle and the and the Brightly Gleaming designer series paper. 

So Many Stars Bundle (En)
$57.50

Brightly Gleaming Specialty Designer Series Paper
$14.50

 

These two products, although not designed to coordinate, have been my go-to for Christmas cards this year. I just can't see to get enough of them. Plus, I like that the basic tone in the Brightly Gleaming paper is Very Vanilla, which adds a different and softer look for the holiday season. 

This week my card has several layers, which also adds interest and coordination:

Stamp set: So Many Stars bundle (153016)

Ink: Night of Navy

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Mossy Meadow: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 2 3/4" x 4"
        Night of Navy: 5 1/4" x 4"
        Very Vanilla: 2 1/2" x 3 3/4"; 3 1/2" square
        Brightly Gleaming: 3 3/4" x 5"; 2 1/2" x 1 1/4"

Other: Brightly Gleaming designer series paper (150429), SNAIL, Basic Pearls Jewels (optional)

After the video ended I decided to add a bit of shine to my card, using the Basic Pearls Jewels. Sometimes a tiny extra bit can take your card to a new level of interest, can't it?

As promised in my video below, here's how I designed the inside of my card:

Here's my video - listen along for some extra tips that I share:

How to let your Christmas cards shine this year

In today's video, I am going to show you how to make a shiny and very easy Christmas card idea, thanks to my die-cutting machine and the So Many Stars bundle:

 

So Many Stars Bundle (En)
$57.50

Along with this fabulous bundle are two equally fabulous papers that will help features the stars:  Copper Foil sheets and Brightly Gleaming designer series paper. 

Copper Foil Sheets
$5.00

Brightly Gleaming Specialty Designer Series Paper
$14.50

 

So Many Stars Christmas card

Here's a side view - if you want to see the inside design, keep on reading!

Stamp set: So Many Stars (bundle: 153016)

Ink: Night of Navy

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Very Vanilla: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 2 1/4" x 3"
        Night of Navy: 5 1/4" x 4"
        Copper Foil: 5" x 3 1/4"; 1" square; 4" x 1 1/2"; 2 1/4" x 3 1/4"
        Brightly Gleaming: 4 3/4" x 3" 

Other: Brightly Gleaming designer series paper (150429); SNAIL, Tear & Tape adhesive, Copper Foil sheets (142020), die-cutting machine

Here's how I designed the inside of my card - using the final two stars from the die. 

And now for my video - watch for extra tips along the way!

See how to use designer paper to make a beautiful Christmas card

In today's video I am going to show you how to create a beautiful Christmas card idea, that is so easy it's amazing. To help me I am going to use the Merry Christmas to All stamp set and Feels Like Frost paper. 

Merry Christmas To All Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

Feels Like Frost Specialty 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$14.50

 

 

I think the Feels Like Frost paper is so pretty - photographic images on one side and silver foil on the other. It is always to difficult to decide which side to choose, isn't it?

Do you remember when we used to sell Sizzix Multipurpose adhesive sheets to make sticker embellishments? Well I used some of the left over pieces I had to help me with the So Many Stars die that I turned into a sticker embellishment for the front of my card:

Stitched Stars Dies
$38.00

I can already tell that this pack of stars dies will be well loved this holiday season!

Here's my Merry Christmas to All card - don't miss the video below!

Stamp set: Merry Christmas to All (147702)

Ink: Seaside Spray

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Seaside Spray: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 4 1/2" x 2"; 4" x 1 1/4"
        Whisper White: 3" x 2 1/2" 
        Night of Navy: 2 3/4" x 3/4"
        Feels Like Frost: 5 1/4" x 4"

Other: So Many Stars (150653), Feels Like Frost designer paper (150444), SNAIL, die-cutting machine, Sticker paper (optional)

Here's my video - watch for extra tips along the way:

How to create a lovely vintage Christmas card

In today's video I am going to show you a really quick and easy and very pretty, vintage Christmas card idea using the Everything Festive stamp set. 

I think the Everything Festive stamp set is perfect for all upcoming holidays. So many phrases perfect for what lies ahead:

Everything Festive Cling Stamp Set (En)
$24.00

 

When you think of Christmas, what kind of tone do you prefer to set? Vintage? Cutesy? Traditional? Non-traditional? No matter what you prefer the phrase in Everything Festive is the perfect match. 

It's what you choose for the rest of the card that sets your tone. Normally I prefer more traditional Christmas colors (red/green) but this year, the Night Before Christmas paper, colors and designs, has me making vintage and traditional Christmas card ideas. 

Night Before Christmas 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

I do love it when I try different ideas for my cards each year - and I have so much more to share with you too!

Here's today's card idea - and don't miss my video tutorial below!

Stamp set: Everything Festive (150566)

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Crumb Cake: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
          Very Vanilla: 3" square
          Crushed Curry: 5 1/4" x 4"
          Mossy Meadow: 5 1/4" x 1 1/2"
          Cherry Cobbler: 3 1/2" square
          Night Before Christmas: 5 1/4" x 2 3/4"

Other: Linen Thread, Basic Pearl Jewels, SNAIL adhesive, Stylish Scroll embossing folder (150665), Night Before Christmas paper (150437), Layering Circles framelits (141705)

Here's my video - watch for bonus tips along the way!

See how to layer papers to create a beautiful layout

In today's video I am going show you how to create a very easy but quite pretty Thanksgiving card using the Painted Harvest stamp set and Come To Gather designer series paper. 

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

Come To Gather Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

Cards don't have to be complicated to be pretty. You can choose your colors and papers carefully to create a gorgeous result. On my card below I added a very thin layer of Early Espresso card stock under the top Come to Gather paper layer to make it stand out a bit. And it helps to pull one more neutral coordinating color into the mix. 

After you created your design your next step is to think about embellishments. On my card I chose to create and punch two leaf images using my Leaf punch. Aren't punches so much fun to craft with? No fussy cutting or die-cutting machines needed! (although I often combine both!)

Here's my card - don't miss my video below:

 

Stamp set: Painted Harvest

Ink: Early Espresso, Pretty Peacock

Paper and cutting dimensions: 
        Early Espresso: 3" x 4 3/4"
        Whisper White: two pieces 2 1/2" x 2"; 2 1/2" x 1"
        Come to Gather:  2 7/8" x 4 6/8"; 4" x 5 1/4"  
        Pretty Peacock: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" 

Other: Leaf punch (144667), SNAIL, Copper Trim ribbon (144179), Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Here's my video - watch for some additional tips along the way!

 

How to make a cute and easy Halloween treat box

In today's video I am going to use the Everything Festive stamp set to create a very cute and very special Halloween treat container idea. Halloween is coming soon and I bet there are some special children in your neighborhood and you might like to give them something special when they come by your door. 

The Everything Festive stamp set is so fun and versatile. I love the fonts for each phrase in the set and know that I will use it a lot this fall and winter.

Everything Festive Cling Stamp Set (En)
$24.00

 

I used one of the Kraft Pillow boxes for my treat container - these easy to assemble and uses no adhesive (bonus!). 

Kraft Pillow Boxes
$5.00

Here's my treat container - along with a complete list of supplies and a video showing you how to create it!

Stamp set: Everything Festive (150566)

Ink: Memento Jet Black

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Whisper White: 3" x 2 1/4"
        Pumpkin Pie: 3 1/4" x 2 1/2"
        Monster Bash: 6" x 2 1/2"

Other: Layering Ovals dies (141706), Kraft Pillow Boxes (147018), Basic Black Scalloped Edge Ribbon (150449), Tear & Tape adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL, Monster Bash designer series paper (150447)

Here's my video - watch for a couple of extra tips along the way!

How to add a creative twist to a Halloween card

In today's video I am going to show you how to create a really fun, and a little bit different, Halloween card with the help of this new stamp set I got, called Everything Festive.

Everything Festive Cling Stamp Set (En)
$24.00

I think this is the perfect stamp set for someone on a budget or for someone who doesn't have a lot of storage for crafting supplies. I think this set is super because it has all sorts of phrases for a variety of occasions: Valentines, Christmas, welcome to the neighborhood, winter and Halloween. 

For my card below, I paired the Everything Festive stamp set with the fabulous Monster Bash designer series paper:

Monster Bash Designer Series Paper
$11.50

Here's my card - don't miss my video tutorial below!

 

Stamp set: Everything Festive (150566)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Pumpkin Pie: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 1/2" x 4"
          Monster Bash: 4" x 5 1/4"
          Whisper White: 3" x 2 1/4"
          Crushed Curry: 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Other: Layering Ovals dies (141706), Monster Bash designer series paper (150447), Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

As you watch my video, be on the lookout for additional tips and ideas! 

See how to get card inspiration from our catalogs

In today's video I am going to show you that our catalogs are also idea books! I got my inspiration using a Come to Gather card I spotted on page 46 of the Holiday Catalog. 

I often get inspiration for my design starting points from our fabulous catalogs, and I hope that you realize they are idea books as well as catalogs. 

So when I spotted this card idea I decided to use it but change up the stamp set used. I love the Colorful Seasons stamp set so that would be what I would use instead. This set has a match pack of dies which makes crafting a breeze:

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

Seasonal Layers Dies
$33.00

 

Although my card photo is a bit dark, I hope you can see all the layers and embellishments clearly enough. I feel that all these elements make it a stand-out design!

Under the card photo is a list of supplies, a set of directions and a video tutorial!

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – Colorful Seasons (143726),  Painted Harvest (144783)
• Card Stock – Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Pretty Peacock (150880)
• Stamp Pads – Pretty Peacock (150083), Early Espresso (147114)
• Misc. – Come to Gather Designer Series Paper (DSP) (150454); Seasonal Layers dies (143751), Layering Circles dies (141705), Star Designer Elements (150430), SNAIL adhesive (104332), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), die-cutting machine

 

Measurements:  

• Early Espresso: 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”;
• Soft Suede:              2 3/4” square (two pieces)
• Pretty Peacock         2 3/4” square; 2 1/4” x 1” 
• DSP:  2 1/4” x 4”; 3” square

 

Instructions:

1. Fold Early Espresso card base in half and score. 
2. Ink outline leaf stamp using Early Espresso ink and stamp over card base.
3. Ink outline leaf and stamp onto Soft Suede card stock. Die-cut using Seasonal Layers die. Repeat.
4. Stamp and die-cut Pretty Peacock leaf (same method as above).
5. Using Paper Snips, create banner in Come to Gather paper. Adhere to card front using SNAIL.
6. Die-cut Come to Gather circle. Adhere to card front on top of banner using SNAIL.
7. Ink phrase using Early Espresso ink and stamp onto Pretty Peacock layer. Adhere to card front using SNAIL. 
8. Adhere leaves to card front using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
9. Attach three Star Designer Elements to card front.

Here's my video:

 

How to add beautiful elements to your cards

In today's video I am going to introduce a brand new product from the Holiday Catalog and show you how to use this product along with the Flourishing Phrases stamp set to make a greeting card. 

Here are the main products I used for my card:

Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper
$14.50

Flourishing Phrases Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$37.00

 

The layout I chose is lovely and as I laid things out I decided that one of my layers needed something a little extra. So I decided to use my brand new Hammered Metal 3D embossing folder to create visual interest that nicely matched the Mosaic Mood paper:

 

Hammered Metal 3D Embossing Folder
$9.00

Here's my Flourishing Phrases Sympathy card and how to make it! (hint: change the phrase to match the occasion you need)

Stamp set: Flourishing Phrases (set of 2, 151407)

Ink: Terracotta Tile

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Crushed Curry: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 1 7/8" x 5 1/8"
        Mosaic Mood: 1 7/8" x 5 1/8"
        Terracotta Tile: 4" x 5 1/4"
        Very Vanilla: 3 1/4" x 2 1/4"

Other: Hammered Metal 3D embossing folder (150646), Stitched Shapes framelits (145372), Paper Snips, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Mosaic Mood designer series paper (149478), Mini Glue Dots, Crushed Curry 3/8" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon (149444), Tear & Tape Adhesive, Die-Cutting machine

Here's my video, showing you how to make this card. Listen throughout for extra crafting tips!

How to create a delicate card embellishment

In today's video I am going to show you how to take the Good Morning Magnolia stamp set and Magnolia Memories dies to create a beautiful image or embellishment that will go on the front of a friendship card. 

Magnolia Lane Suite Bundle
$134.75

This Annual Catalog bundle is a clear favorite - just look on Pinterest and you will see what I mean. It is also one my all time favorites and I have created so many beautiful card ideas with it - you can too! And what I think is really cool is that you can purchase the entire bundle for one discounted price OR you can purchase single items as you need or want. 

Today's card, however, is a bit unusual. I wanted to feature one of the 3D magnolias and in my video below I show you how to create it. And then I show you this card, which was really an afterthought:

You can use these magnolias on so many project ideas - listen in my video for an amazing birthday idea!

How to create a Magnolia embellishment

Stamp set: Good Morning Magnolia (149298)

Ink: Versamark

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Petal Pink: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
        Basic Black: 1/2" x 5 1/2"
        Whisper White: 4" square
        Magnolia Lane: 1" x 5 1/2"
        Daffodil Delight: scrap

Other: Magnolia Lane designer series paper (149484), Magnolia Memory dies (149578), SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals, Bone Folder, Fine Tip Glue Pen, 

Here's my video, enjoy!

An easy teacher gift idea, week four

In today's video, I am going to show you a 4th and final teacher gift idea that is perfect for the first week of school this year. I am going to use my Beauty Abounds stamp set and Magnolia Lane designer series paper to help me with this project:

Beauty Abounds Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

You will notice from my blog title that this is week four. I have created three other teacher gift ideas for the first week of school, all of them using the Follow Your Art paper. Click here, here and here to see these other three project ideas.

This week's project didn't work with that paper pack that I had used on my other three teacher gift ideas, so I chose something completely different. 

Here's a tip for this particular project: choose your gift for this pocket first and then let its designs and colors guide your paper colors for this project. You don't have to insert a nail file, think about a pencil set, a nice pen, metallic Sharpies (I love these!), and so on. And feel free to take this idea and use it for other gift ideas, not just for teacher gifts. I think these would make fun stocking stuffers, gifts for colleagues at work, etc. 

Teacher Gift Idea week four

Stamp set: Beauty Abounds (148726)

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Magnolia Lane: 1 3/4" x 11" 

Other: Magnolia Lane designer series paper (149484), decorative nail file, Simply Scored, Envelope Punch Board, Magnolia Lane Ribbon Combo Pack (149485), Layering Circles dies (141705), die-cutting machine, Stampin' Dimensionals

Here's my video showing you how to create this fun teacher gift idea - enjoy!

An easy teacher gift idea: week three

In today's post and video, I am going to show you a third teacher gift idea that would be perfect for the first week of school this year. I am going to use my Itty Bitty Greetings stamp set and Follow Your Art paper to make this gift idea:

Itty Bitty Greetings Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$36.00

Follow Your Art Designer Series Paper
$11.50

I have provided video tutorials on two other teacher gift ideas, click here and here to see those as well. 

As you read through my post, keep in mind all the different occasions this gift idea can offer to you: birthdays, gifts for colleagues at work, children off to college, YOU and more. Simply change the phrase from the Itty Bitty Greeting stamp set - you do have 32 to choose from - the set also comes in French!

Like the other two teacher gift projects I decided to stay with the Follow Your Art paper theme and colors as I wanted my gift to be bright, colorful and friendly. And practical! As a former teacher I would love to get a gift like this and would use it all the time - every day I would bet.

Follow Your Art teacher gift 

These pens have a special touch to them - watch my video below to see what special touch you can add to coordinate the pen with the  post-it note holder!

Stamp set: Itty Bitty Greetings (151331)

Ink: Pacific Point

Cardstock and cutting dimensions:
        Pacific Point: 7 3/8" x 3 1/4"
        Follow Your Art: 3 1/8" x 3"
        Whisper White: 2 1/2" x 3/4"
        Pacific Point: 2 3/4" x 2"
        Coastal Cabana: 3 1/8" x 1/2"

Other: Simply Scored (122334), Follow Your Art designer series paper (149489),  Classic Label punch (141491), Tailored Tag punch (145667), Stampin' Dimensionals, Glitter Enamel Dots #146934

Here's my video - enjoy!

An easy teacher gift idea: week two

In today's video I am going to show you a second teacher gift idea that would be perfect to give to your children's teachers on the first week of school this year. As a former teacher I would  have LOVED getting a gift like this, as there were many times when I wished I had cards like these on hand to use at a moment's notice.

I am going to feature the Notecards & Envelopes pack...

Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes
$7.00

and two stamp sets: Flourishing Phrases and Crafting Forever:

Flourishing Phrases Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$37.00

Crafting Forever Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$20.00

The idea is that you would create a set of notecards with matching envelopes so the design would be kept simple but still be really cute. The notecards pack has twenty pre-scored cards and envelopes in a bit smaller size which also helps keep the design process easy. 

Last week I created another teacher gift idea (click here to see the project and video) and I used the Follow Your Art paper. As this is a second idea for teachers I decided to use the same paper. I love the colors and designs - they are so fun don't you think?

Follow Your Art Designer Series Paper
$11.50

Here's my project and video below. Keep watching the video to the end as I show two other card ideas using the same products so the final gift idea would be a coordinating pack of three notecards! 

Crafting Forever Notecards & Envelopes

Stamp sets: Flourishing Phrases (151407), Crafting Forever !!!!!

Ink & Markers: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Whisper White: 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"; 2 1/2" x 1 3/4"
        Calypso Coral: 2 3/4" x 1 3/4"; 3 1/2" x 1 1/4"
        Follow Your Art: 1" x 3 1/2" 
        Basic Gray: 3 1/2" x 1 1/2"

Other: Notecards & Envelopes (131527), SNAIL adhesive, Layering Ovals framelits (141706), Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Follow Your Art designer series paper (149489), Die-cutting machine

Here's my video tutorial. Watch for a companion video on my YouTube channel showing you how to create a companion pocket for these cute cards and envelopes!

An unusual way to use beautiful designer paper

In today's video tutorial, I am going to show you how to create a Perennial Birthday wreath card and you can adapt my idea for any kind of occasion that you need. 

This card idea is perfect if you have lots of leftover designer paper that you want to use up - just make sure when you choose a sheet that you like the patterns and colors on both sides - you will see why in a bit. 

For my card phrase,  I chose a stamp from the Perennial Birthday set - I like the font but also the size of this phrase. When choosing an image to stamp, make sure it matches the size of the other elements on your card. If you want the phrase to be the focal point, then it should be the biggest visual point on your card. On the other hand, if I had chosen a phrase that was really small, it wouldn't be noticed and would seem out of place compared to the size of the wreath. 

Garden Lane Designer Series Paper
$11.50

Perennial Birthday Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$22.00

 

I chose the Garden Lane designer series paper because of the patterns on both side - I felt they complemented each other and match the feminine birthday 'vibe' I was trying to create. 

 

Perennial Birthday card

If you want to recreate this card at home, another tip is to cut all the paper, lay it out and then slip each square out, add adhesive and then slip it back in so that you keep the shape of the wreath intact. Watch my video below, to see how I did this and for other tips along the way. 

On my card photo above, I used my retired Metallics assorted sequins, but these are no longer available to order. If you have been following my blog for a while you will recall that my New Year's resolution is to use up what I have before ordering new embellishments. But below and on my video, I offer another embellishment suggestion that would also work beautifully. 

Stamp set: Perennial Birthday (151240)

Ink: Mint Macaron

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Garden Lane: 10 pieces, each piece cut to be a  1 1/4" square
          Mint Macaron: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
          Mint Macaron ribbon: 9" strip

Other: Paper Trimmer, SNAIL adhesive, Mint Macaron textile ribbon (149480), Garden Lane designer series paper (149488), Basic Adhesive-backed Sequins (146933)

Here's a photo showing what I did on the inside of this card, another fun way to use up leftover bits of paper:

Here's my video - thanks for watching!

How to add subtle details to perfect your cards

In today's card and video tutorial I am going to use the Daisy Lane bundle (page 23 Annual Catalog) to make a beautiful greeting card. I will also show you how to combine products and layers to add some sophistication to your card.  

Daisy Lane Bundle
$35.00

I love bundles because they save me money (yay, always good) and are put together to support my creativity. The punch is perfectly matched to fit the smaller daisy in this set which saves me time when crafting. 

There is a second product I used on my card which I am delighted that I own - it just arrived recently and I can tell that I will be using it a lot: the Subtle 3D embossing folder:

Subtle 3D Embossing Folder
$10.00

This product doesn't need a lot of explaining - which is the subtle embossed image for card layers. The reason this folder is a must-have is that it will add that final sophisticated touch to layers that might seem too plain otherwise. This is the product you will reach for when things look a bit 'stark' or a bit plain but you don't want to add details that take away from a stamped image, paper or embellishments. 

Here's my card - don't miss the instructions and video underneath!

Daisy Lane friendship card

 

Stamp set: Daisy Lane (149325, OR bundle with Medium Daisy punch #151118)

Ink: Crushed Curry, Mint Macaron

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Very Vanilla: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 4" x 5 1/4"; two pieces: 3" square
          Mosaic Mood: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"; 4 1/4" x 2"

Other: die-cutting machine, Rectangle Stitched framelits (148551), Subtle 3D embossing folder (151775), Pearls Basic Jewels (144219), SNAIL adhesive, Daisy punch (143713), Mosaic Mood designer series paper (149478)

Here's my video - watch throughout for bonus tips!