All About August

While I’m coming to tell you all the super Stampin’ Up! stuff happening in August, stick around to the end for a Layering Leaves fun fold card that *doesn’t* require the Bough Punch!

First, it’s TIME TO REDEEM the Bonus Days coupons you earned in July!

For each $50 you spent in July, you were emailed a coupon code for $5 off your next order. Find those emails/codes and enter/redeem them with your orders before August 31st.

Next: All Kits in the Kit Collection are DISCOUNTED up to 30% all month long!

That sale INCLUDES the NEWEST Kit, just released today: Festive Tags!

Sensational tags…and how cute on a kit! Stock up on both for holiday gift-giving now.


If you didn’t hear yesterday, my personal focus in August is on the Layering Leaves stamp set: This set coordinates with the Bough Punch – which is sadly being restocked from overseas – but you can still earn my 3 for FREE offer by adding the stamps to any $50+ order this month:

You’ll get a tutorial for 3 free cards via email AND the consumable supplies to make those 3 cards in the mail! I’ll also send any customer who orders the stamp set this month a FIRST NOTIFICATION message as soon as that pesky Bough Punch is back in stock, for you’ll want it with your stamp set.

There are just a few supplies you’ll need to complete the 3 free card tutorials that WON’T be included. You may already have these on hand OR could substitute similar products, but if you want to add them to your order, here they are:

Ink Pads: Basic Gray, Boho Blue, Moody Mauve, Wild Wheat, Copper Clay, Granny Apple and Tuxedo Black Memento Ink pad

Adhesive: Stampin’ Seal or Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Glue Dots and Stampin’ Dimensionals

Meanwhile…

Here’s a simple fun fold card that you can create with your Layering Leaves stamp set!

Layering Leaves: August 3 for FREE

When best-laid plans go awry, we’ll just PIVOT.

I carefully curated 3 classy card kits for my customers who purchased the Layering Leaves + Bough Punch between July 31-August 31, 2023, only to find this morning that the Bough Punch is on backorder!

So let’s do this instead: Add the Layering Leaves stamp set to any $50+ order from my store during that time and you’ll still get the tutorials emailed AND the supplies sent to you, then I’ll send you a notification when the Bough punch is available! This may work better for you anyway, if you already purchased the punch 😀 as it won’t be a requirement to receive the projects.

The font for these sentiments are easy to read and elegant, and it won’t go out of style anytime soon.

Make sure you see the list of additional supplies you’ll need to complete the 3 card tutorials at the end.

Moving ahead as I had already planned, I showed a simple, classic card in my Monday Lunchtime Live Crafting video, and it’s perfectly simple:

Leaves are lovely to use, because they feel universal for anyone who needs a card, and adding a few sprigs and a double bow give it a bit of whimsy and sparkle. On August 14th, I will demo a project that *doesn’t* require the punch, so make sure to catch it!

Product List

There are just a few supplies you’ll need to complete the 3 free card tutorials that WON’T be included. You may already have these on hand OR could substitute similar products, but if you want to add them to your order, here they are:

Ink Pads: Basic Gray, Boho Blue, Moody Mauve, Wild Wheat, Copper Clay, Granny Apple and Tuxedo Black Memento Ink pad

Adhesive: Stampin’ Seal or Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Mini Glue Dots and Stampin’ Dimensionals

Designer Series Paper Gift Box

Today’s project encourages you to USE THAT PRETTY PAPER- Don’t hoard it! This hinge-lidded gift box (3.5″ x 4″ x 1-1/4″ finished size) is speedy to make, and begins with a 6″ x 12″ piece of Designer Series Paper.

Score along each long size at 1-1/4″ in (or if you are using a Simply Scored board, put the short end at the top and score at 1-1/4″ and 4-3/4″)

Turn the 12″ side of the paper along the top of your trimmer or Simply Scored, then score at 4″, 5-1/4″, 9-1/4″ and 10-1/2″. You’ll trim at each of these score lines from the long edges just into the intersecting 1-1/4″ score line.

**If your paper is DIRECTIONAL (meaning there is a top and bottom to the pattern), watch the video to see instructions- or make sure that the top of your design is at the left when you make the first 4″ score along the long side.

This box is ideal for 2 bolts of Stampin’ Up! ribbon (or one large bolt, like the Boho Blue one I showed in the video), and it’s tight, but will work for 2 classic ink pads, or a myriad of other small gifts!

Three things to note if you are reading this in June 2023:

Most of the Designer Series Paper in the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog is 15% off during June only!

You CAN add discounted paper to the Starter Kit+ Special Offer in June! It’s the best VALUE for anyone with a long wishlist or who wants to try a new adventure- no obligation to try it out.

The Circle Sayings 3-for-Free offer ends June 15th!

When you purchase the Circle Sayings bundle from my Stampin’ Store by 6/15/23, I’ll email you a tutorial for 3 exclusive cards you won’t find anywhere else PLUS I send you the supplies (card stock, ribbon, paper, etc) to make those three cards with your new stamp set and coordinating punch! This is the bundle I used on my box today:

PIN or save this post to try soon, if not today!

Product List

Cupcakes, Pop Art & Free Projects to Make!

On our last trip to Washington, D. C. my husband and I decided to step into the Hirshhorn Art museum, as it was one of a handful of Smithsonian buildings we hadn’t yet visited. It was a short tour, as most of the modern art didn’t appeal to either of us AT ALL. My personal philosophy on art is that it should do one- if not both- of the following:

  1. Uplift and Inspire
  2. Make the viewer happy

Big talk coming from a person whose biggest art influence was the game “Masterpiece” (do you remember that??) however, that’s my opinion and I stand by it.

One exception to my ambivalence toward modern art is Pop Art. I am attracted by color (no surprise) and bold images of pretty (or in this case, yummy) everyday objects!

Since I have a special offer (see below) for customers who purchase the Circle Sayings bundle from my Stampin’ Store, I wanted to show a card using the stamp set WITHOUT a circle. The cupcake image is my “food spirit animal” so I channeled my inner-Andy-Warhol to give you an eyeful of BRIGHT sweets!

Each section alternates between being raised by black dimensionals or having just the cupcake raised on a color adhered flat to the card:

Good thing card stock isn’t as dangerous as the food coloring it would take to make frosting in that color! These are the Stampin’ Up! colors I used: Calypso Coral, Tahitian Tide, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Parakeet Party, Gorgeous Grape

Here’s a special just for you:

Purchase the bundle from my Stampin’ Store and you’ll receive 3 never-seen project tutorials PLUS the consumable supplies to create all three projects! You’ll get the tutorials via email and the supplies in the mail by June 30th. Offer valid for U.S. customers only.

The Circle Sayings bundle includes a photopolymer stamp set and a NEW coordinating 2-3/8″ circle punch.

While I’ll send you all the card stock, paper, ribbon, etc. to create the projects from my tutorials, you may also need these items (found in my store, as well):

  • Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
  • Tahitian Tide OR Azure Afternoon ink pad
  • Lost Lagoon ink pad
  • Colored Pencils (I used Stampin’ Up! Watercolor Pencils)
  • Suggested Stampin’ Blends combos (could use colored pencils or Stampin’ Write Markers): Lemon Lolly, Tahitian Tide, Berry Burst, Medium combo
  • OPTIONAL: Wink of Stella pen
  • Scissors and adhesive, clear blocks B, C & D for the stamps

Circling Round to Monochromatic Colors (Plus 3 for FREE)

It’s been fun to teach color theory in May and I really hope you’ve learned some skills to help you choose palettes for your paper crafting and rubber stamping projects! Today, I “circled around” to MONOCHROMATIC schemes, which isn’t limited to only one color, but can include 2 or 3 variations of the same HUE. Here are a few examples:

Stampin’ Up! yellows are a exquisite example of how 3 different tints, tones or shades can harmonize well: Crushed Curry (card base), Daffodil Delight (sentiment and banner) and NEW Lemon Lolly (focal point) are different depths of the same sunny color and coordinate together!

We have a variety of purples, and not all of them start in the same corner of the color wheel, so this is where you need to learn to “see” harmonizing colors. The three I used for this card were Gorgeous Grape (card base), Highland Heather (larger banner and cupcake frosting) and Fresh Freesia (background and cupcake liner).

The tutorial for this card style includes further explanation:

I chose to use the Circle Sayings Bundle for our lesson on monochromatic color ideas because I have an exclusive opportunity through June 15th for you: Purchase the bundle from my Stampin’ Store and you’ll receive 3 never-seen project tutorials PLUS the consumable supplies to create all three projects! You’ll get the tutorials via email and the supplies in the mail by June 30th.

Let me share a few additional Stampin’ Up! color trios that work well as monochromatic combinations. These are NOT all the possible pairings, only a few I came up with to get your juices flowing:

Now it’s your turn to give a “monochromatic” card a try!

Product List

Inside the cards:

Sweet as a Peach: July 3 for Free

I could survive on fruit alone, and probably in my crafting, as well. Who wouldn’t love to bite into a sweet, juicy peach on a hot summer day?

In July 2021, I’m sending out 3 projects to my customers who purchase either the You’re a Peach Product Suite OR the Sweet as a Peach bundle…and let me be clear ~ The Suite is SWEETEST! It includes the stamp set, the coordinating dies, adorable Designer Series Paper AND a set of mini jam jars. (HINT: You might want to snag a second pack of the You’re a Peach DSP as it’s also on the July Designer Series Paper Sale and you are going to gobble it up).

Did you see that peek that you can also turn the peaches into cherries? (or plums, or even blueberries!)

While I will mail the consumable supplies for the free projects to you, there are a few supplies you may need. You are welcome to substitute colors you already have, but these colors will coordinate best for your projects:

  • Ink Pads: Pale Papaya, Flirty Flamingo, Pear Pizzazz, Cherry Cobbler, Calypso Coral, Memento Tuxedo Black, Craft White
  • Tools: Sponge Daubers, handheld hole punch, Tear & Tape Adhesive, Stampin’ Seal, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine (or mini machine)

I created this card for a swap and wanted you to see the Stitched Greenery Die, which you may not have even noticed in the catalog, but is my new favorite. It covers a whole card and paired with the peaches, it adds the perfect texture:

Tip for stamping perfectly ripe peaches: Stamp the peaches in Pale Papaya ink, then use a sponge dauber to add a *touch* of Flirty Flamingo ink on one side of the image before stamping onto your paper!

Product List
You're A Peach Suite Collection (English)
$57.25
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock
$8.25
Pear Pizzazz 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Pale Papaya 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Pale Papaya & White 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Woven Ribbon
$7.00
Pale Papaya Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50
Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50
Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50
Versamark Pad
$9.50
Stitched Greenery Die
$32.00
Layering Circles Dies
$35.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
$120.00
White Stampin' Emboss Powder
$6.00
Heat Tool (Us And Canada)
$30.00
Sponge Daubers
$5.00

Too Cute to Resist!

I gave my Sprinkled Ink Team the challenge to create a project using a color palette including a 2021-2023 In Color and this is the card I came up with (because you can’t ask your team to do something you aren’t willing to do)!

You know I love to combine a few challenges, so I borrowed some inspiration from the Global Design Project “Case the Designer” theme this week, where Emma Goddard’s card was a great starting point:

I flipped the black & white vs colored strip around so I could teach how to do the emboss resist technique: It’s an easy WOW that makes any card irresistible (see what I did there?).

To do this, you simply need to emboss your image in white or clear embossing powder onto white card stock, then blend ink over your embossed images~ the embossed images resist the ink and appear magically!

Watch HOW here:

Remember: When you buy the Dragonfly Garden BUNDLE (stamps + punch) from my Stampin’ Store in June, you get 3 free projects in the mail! Consider this card a bonus idea 🙂

Looking for creative palettes using In Colors? Download the In Color Coach .pdf for the current 10 In Colors below!

Product List
Dragonfly Garden Cling Stamp Set
$23.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$9.75
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
True Love 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.50
Blending Brushes
$12.00
Versamark Pad
$9.50
Basics Embossing Powders
$18.00
Heat Tool (Us And Canada)
$30.00
Fresh Freesia Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50
Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50
Tailored Tag Punch
$18.00
Fresh Freesia 3/8" (1 Cm) Open Weave Ribbon
$7.00

June 3 for Free: Dragonfly Garden

Punches make creating cards simple by offering an element that adds that “punch” of pizzazz! This month, my 3 for Free kit will be mailed out to those who order the Dragonfly Garden bundle, which features the Dragonfly punch and you’ll be flying to the craft room to put them together.

While I will send you all the consumable supplies (card stock, paper, ribbon, etc), there are a few ink pads and supplies you may want to add to your order (if you don’t already have them) to help you complete your projects:

  • Balmy Blue Classic Ink Pad
  • Bumble Bee Classic Ink Pad
  • Blackberry Bliss Classic Ink Pad
  • Just Jade Classic Ink Pad
  • Versamark Ink Pad
  • Sponge Daubers
  • Gold, Copper OR Silver Embossing Powder
  • Heat Tool (for embossing)

To get you inspired by this bundle (and to teach you how to make some stunning watercolor backgrounds), I demonstrated these two cards during my Facebook Live yesterday (not part of my 3 for Free kit):

The technique (Stampin’ Blends on Vellum with Alcohol) is really quite magical, and so enjoyable to watch:

As I mention in the video, if you don’t want to do this technique yourself -OR- you just want MORE of it, you can also subscribe by June 10th for the Paper Pumpkin Kit “Expressions In Color” which will get you making 9 gorgeous watercolor themed cards in moments with everything you need in one kit arriving in your mailbox:

May 3-for-Free: Pretty Perennials

What makes you happy?

Do you make time to do the things that cheer you?

Stamping is one of those things that make me doubly happy: When I create something lovely AND when I send it to someone I love and it makes THEM joyful too! The Pretty Perennials bundle in the January-June mini catalog spreads happiness in a BIG way:

The large scripty “HAPPY” is like a strong suggestion! Choose a colorful palette and create joyful celebrations:

I’ll list the supplies I used for this birthday card below, and while this bundle will NOT be appearing in the 2021-2022 Annual catalog, it is available through June in the mini catalog that is crossing over for a few months.

I chose it for my May 3-for-Free kit and will send you the consumable supplies to create 3 projects in the mail and the tutorial via email when you purchase the bundle from my stampin’ store in May 2021!

Here are the suggested supplies you’ll need to complete the 3-for-Free projects:

Ink pads: Memento Tuxedo Black (132708), Whisper White Craft (147277); Bumblebee (153116), Night of Navy (147110), Granny Apple (147095); Poppy Parade (147050); Mango Melody (147093)

Other: Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108), Heat Tool (129053), White Stampin’ Emboss Powder (109132) – NOTE: The white emboss powder will only be available in a bundle with other colors after May 4th, so order a single one TODAY!

This card is a BONUS one you can create with the supplies listed below!

Product List
Pretty Perennials Bundle
$45.00
Poppy Parade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$9.75
Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$10.00
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50
Mango Melody Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50
Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad
$7.50
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
$6.00
Artistry Blooms Sequins
$7.00
Gilded Gems
$7.00
Stampin' Dimensionals
$4.00

We All Scream for Ice Cream

I’m so pleased that you like the Ice Cream Corner Suite as much as I do! I’m all-in for any rubber stamps with a coordinating punch: It makes paper crafting so easy.

This is the last week to order the bundle or suite and receive my April 3-for-Free kit:

While the stamp set and punch will be in the 2021-22 Annual catalog, they won’t be bundled together with the 10% discount like they are right now, and the coordinating Designer Series Paper will be retiring by the end of June!

This is a card we created at our last Stamp Club…and by the way, Stamp Club begins again in MAY, and we’d love to have you JOIN THE CLUB!

Don’t limit your creativity to cards…I even used the supplies to create this with a Rusch clock from Ikea:

Here’s the video tutorial taken from my Facebook Live demonstration: