Fanc-ify with Christmas Labels

November 12, 2024November 12, 2024Leave a comment

Perhaps it’s the reader in me, but I am a typophile (someone who appreciates a pretty FONT). Stampin’ Up! combined lovely label dies with the gorgeous typography in the Christmas Labels stamp set, and it was a must-have BUNDLE for me.

The way a label can elevate a simple card or gift is what I wanted to demonstrate in a video tutorial:

These were the projects made during the video. The first card features the Season of Green & Gold Specialty Designer Series Paper, and the shiny gold accents aren’t as visible in the picture, but can be seen in the video:

Next is another simple card layout spotlighting a piece of the Sentimental Christmas Designer Series Paper, and showed how to create a contrasting matte behind the label by cutting a second label in half:

I’m sharing easy cards to encourage you to keep your holiday crafting attainable! No need to overthink it, or add stress.

Layer a color over the center of the larger label for a striking contrast, add a coordinating ribbon and the tag makes a basic box beautiful:

When bundles (stamps + dies -OR- stamps + punches) are introduced to my Stampin’ Store, they are 10% off the price of purchasing each product individually. CLARIFICATION: In the video, we thought the Christmas Label bundle and Christmas DSP would be in Seasonal Sale that begins tomorrow (11/13/24), however we learned that only bundles and patterned paper in the Annual catalog are included in the Seasonal sale, along with most ink and card stock:

Counting Blessings Book Box Favor

October 29, 2024October 28, 2024Leave a comment

A great DIY is one that is prepared for you to put the finishing touches on, and these darling little book treat box accordion albums double as precious keepsakes, once you add photos and journaling of which blessings you are most grateful for.

The Book Treat Boxes give you the canvas to embellish, and I chose to use the back side of the lovely Splendid Autumn Designer Series Paper to cover my boxes, because it looks like colored leather or parchment, perfect for my vision of classic books:

Embossing the sentiment on the piece cut from the frame in the Splendid Autumn bundle adds a old-fashioned title to the album, and the Mini Alphabet dies personalizes the book.

You could fill these boxes with treats, but I chose to make a Gratitude album. Open it up and pull out the pages to add photos of who or what you are thankful for, and journal why they matter to you. You can add at least TWO strips of 3.25″ x 12″ card stock (scored every 2.5″) end-to-end to make long accordion pages, though this is just one strip:

Watch the video for tips and how to assemble, then add the supplies to your cart below:

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These albums look so cute lined up, too:

3 Stampin' Up! Sentimental Wishes Tags for Christmas

New at SU!- Sketches are for Tags, Too

October 16, 2024October 16, 20245 Comments

Sketches are a Stamper’s secret design tool, and not only do they work for greeting cards and scrapbook pages, sketches also help you master a GIFT TAG…and a beautiful tag will level up any gift!

For our October New at SU! blog hop, I selected 3 tag sketches from page 16 of the September-December Mini catalog and combined those sketches with a set of products that evoke classic Christmas vibes.

The sketches gave me a starting point for my creativity, and a suite of Stampin’ Up! products helped limit my options, which actually makes it easier to be artistic. All supplies are listed at the end of this post.

The Joy/Candle tag mostly features stamping the images from the stamp set:

The stocking tag shows how you can cut some of the images from the Designer Series Paper with the dies, which also match the stamped images:

Finally, the Very Merry tag puts the focus on the sentiment:

The wonderful thing about tags is that they dress up any gift, along with a bit beautiful ribbon ~ see how they make a Kit Collection box fancy? Remember that all the kits are ON SALE this month (see below).

But that’s not all! Tags are adorable on a greeting card, as well:

Not only are tags a miniature piece of art, they are also a terrific way to use up scraps! Try cutting some of your smaller pieces of card stock into tag shapes, and have them ready to pair with a sketch.

Tell me what you think of these tags- leave a comment link at the top of the post!

Visit all the other posts to see how a sketch inspired their projects:

October 2024 New at SU! Hop: Sketches-Crafter’s Secret Design Tool

1.Creative Juice by Loni (US) – Sketches Are for Tags, Too

2.The Joy of Stampin’ with Rachael (US)- Playful Ghosts Triple Panel La

3.Furry Cat Designs (UK) – Cute Snowy Scenes card

4.Playing with Papercrafting (CA) – Shepherd’s Care for New at SU

5.Stamping Flair (AU) – Humble Home Sketch Card

6.Stampinxime by Ximena Morales (DE) – Sketch Challenge

7.Tricia’s Stamping Creations (US) – Sketches Surfing Santa

8.De Kijkkast (NL)- Peaceful Trees and a Sketch

9.247 Inkspiration (US) – More Than Autumn

10.iHeartCards2 (US) – Sketches & Mix & Match Ephemera

11.Nature’s INKspirations (US) – Golden Greenery Sketch

12.Studio Shabaz (AU) – Regal Winter

When you purchase the Sentimental Christmas patterned paper, Stampin’ Up! donates $3 to support children’s literacy in each of it’s markets. In the U.S. the donation benefits First Book.

Snag some kits for Christmas, while they are on sale up to 30% off during October, and add a tag to the top for thoughtful and creative Christmas gifts:

Product List

Stampin' Up! More Than Autumn Everything Cider, Pumpkin, Donuts

New at SU! More than Autumn

September 18, 2024September 18, 20245 Comments

Hello Autumn, Hello Fall, Welcome Crafters, Welcome all! The international New at SU! blog hop team has been looking forward to sharing the bundles we love with you from the Stampin’ Up! 2024 September-December mini catalog, and I chose the MORE THAN AUTUMN stamp & die bundle to create a slimline card for any fall festivity:

When you can’t choose just one favorite taste of the season…choose them all!

To fit into a legal envelope, I made the Pecan Pie mat 4″ x 8.5″ and the Very Vanilla card that sits on top is 8.25″ x 7.5″, scored in half at 3.75″. It opens like this:

One idea of what to write on the inside: “My favorite Fall Festivity is YOUR BIRTHDAY! Hope it’s as sweet as you are, and filled with all your favorite things, too.”

Before you move on to see Annette’s awe-inspiring Artful Amaryllis project (or choose your own path through the hop), tell me your preferred seasonal sweet in the comment link at top!

September New at SU! Hop: Better with Bundles (Sept-Dec Mini Catalog)

Previous Blog. Next Blog

1.Nature’s INKspirations (US) – Regal Flora for the Holidays

2.scraphexe (DE) – FunFold meets Peaceful Evergreens

3.Furry Cat Designs (UK) – Humble Home shaker card

4.iHeartCards2 (US) – Reindeer Days

5.The Joy of Stampin’ with Rachael (US)- Take A Bow Bundle

6.Tricia’s Stamping Creations (US) – Christmas Friends Bundle

7.Joni in the Spotlight Stamping (US) Reindeer Fun Bundle

8.Creative Juice by Loni (US) – More Than Autumn Slimline Card

9.De Kijkkast (NL) – Christmas with Artful Amaryllis

10.Playing with Papercrafting (CA) – Frozen Edges for New at SU

11.24-7 Inkspiration (US) – Sweetest Star

12.Stamping Flair (AU) – Sentimental Christmas

13.Stampinxime by Ximena Morales (DE) – Fröhliche Rentiere

14.Studio Shabaz (AU) – Hang An Ornament

If you are in the US and don’t have a demonstrator serving you already, I’d be honored to fill your cup with creativity. TODAY (September 18th) is a FREE SHIPPING Day (orders over $75)- don’t miss it!

When you add the More than Autumn bundle to your order from my store, I’ll send you a token of my sincere appreciation in a card featuring this dynamic duo!

Product List

More Than Autumn Bundle (English)

Pecan Pie 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

Peach Pie Classic Stampin Pad

Stampin’ Blends Medium Light Combo Pack

Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

Bronze & Ivory Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack

Blending Brushes

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Earth Tones Shimmer Gems

New at SU!~ LEAVES, but Make ’em Metallic!

July 17, 2024July 17, 20243 Comments

We’ve got an eye-catching theme for the July New at SU! Blog Hop~ putting the spotlight on some of the current METALLIC products Stampin’ Up! has to make your crafting super SHINY!

Though the extreme summer weather just ended (we are happy to be down to 102º Farenheit), and as much as I enjoy this season, I’m looking forward to the crisp feel of Autumn, so I created my cards using the Changing Leaves bundle (NEW to the Stampin’ Up! Online Exclusives) and the Dry Brushed Metallic Specialty Paper

Copper embossing powder for the leaf adds a second color to my mixed-metals, and a dot of Metallic Enamel Effects at the tip of each end of the sprig is the finishing touch!

It was so pretty, I made a second version! The softness of the embossed background and the separated Copper Clay Jute twine gives it an organic, woodland vibe.

Side-by-side, they reflect the details of nature- so lovely to imitate!

Don’t be too distracted by shiny objects, you’ve got more to see along the global “Make It Metallic” blog hop~ up next is Tricia with another new Online Exclusive product to get you holiday ready:

July 2024 New at SU! Blog Hop: Make it Metallic!

Previous Blog Next Blog

1.The Joy of Stampin’ with Rachael (US)- Going for the Gold

2.Stamping Flair (AU) – Thoughtful Designs

3.Studio Shabaz (AU) – Lifetime Of Love

4.scraphexe (DE) – Höhenflüge mit Metallic-Effekten (Aventurous Sky)

5.Attelyootje(NL)- Season of Green & Gold

6.Playing with Papercrafting (CA) – Seaside Wishes in Metallics for New

7.Creative Juice by Loni (US) – Leaves, but Make ’em Metallic!

8.Tricia’s Stamping Creations (US) – Greetings of the Season

9.247 Inkspiration (US) – Layers of Beauty

10.iHeartCards2 (US) – Sophisticated Sled

11.De Kijkkast (NL) – Silver Magnolia

Product List

Looking for more Changing Leaves inspiration? Check out my PREVIOUS post with 5 more card ideas and tips for using the Hybrid Embossing Folder included in the bundle!

If you are in the US, I’m happy to serve your creative needs, and don’t miss BONUS DAYS during July!

Hybrid Embossing Folder How-To

July 15, 2024July 15, 20244 Comments

Curious about how a “Hybrid Embossing Folder” works? Allow me to demonstrate how-to using the new Online Exclusive Changing Leaves bundle.

The embossing folder creates amazingly detailed leaves which are beautiful both embossed (raised) and debossed (recessed). Here is a “raised” example in Granny Apple Green using the embossed design for a background on a card:

Flip the embossed paper over and paint into the recessed images using water painters and ink refills -OR- water painters with Metallic Enamel Effects for shine:

Simply stamping the images and die cutting them to use on your projects is also an option. Watch for the tip to lining up all three leaf images in the correct spot, making them easier to die cut at the beginning of this video, in which I also demonstrate all the techniques I’m sharing:

I used my stamped/die cut leaves on a floating frame card:

Finally – and this is the HYBRID VERSION – the dies snap into the embossing folder! All you have to do is add your paper, run it through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, and out come die-cut, embossed accents! This is a bonus project that shows the detail:

I borrowed the sentiment from another Online Exclusive stamp set called Comforting Thoughts for an occasion when there are just no words to express what you are feeling for someone’s heartache.

Try dragging your ink pad across the top of an embossed/cut leaf to bring out the details (or use a brayer rolled in ink), like the Pretty Peacock leaf on the card:

The Changing Leaves bundle is $54 (US) so it qualifies for a $5 BONUS DAYS coupon when you purchase it during July 2024. Collect coupons July 3-31st, then redeem them during August!

Paper Crafts with ZEST!

July 8, 2024Leave a comment

The frame die from the Citrus Blooms bundle offers such versatility when you are considering summery cards or gifts, and in my Live Crafting broadcast today, I couldn’t stop with just one project.

The first card I demonstrated was the elegant “gate-fold” card, which opens to reveal a simple branch of mouth-watering fruit. For once in my career, I DIDN’T add a sentiment to this card! It seems like it could be used for any reason, so I left the options open.

The measurements for this gatefold card are:

Night of Navy Mat: 5.5″ x 4.25″
Basic White card stock: 4″ x 10.5″, scored at 5.25″
Designer Series Paper for gate flaps: 5.5″ x 5″, folded in half at 2.5″
A piece of Designer Series Paper to die- or fussy-cut your preferred citrus from
22″ Navy & Gold Glimmer ribbon

While I didn’t demonstrate the second card, I’ll show you how to cut the larger navy layer from the frame using a 4.25″ x 5.5″ piece of card stock in the short video below.

Finally, when I found the Lemon Crisp Kit Kat candies, I knew I needed to make a favor (before I ate them all and regretted my life choices).

Measurements for this project:

Cut the frame from a 4″ x 5.5″ piece of Designer Series Paper, then score it at 2-1/8″ and 3″ in the center.
Night of Navy card stock 2-7/8″ x 4.5″, scored on all four sides at 1″ to create the “box” that holds two candies inside.
Navy 1″ x 8.5″ for the band around the outside (you’ll cut off the excess on the top after wrapping it)
Ribbon- as long as you want (tie a knot or a bow)

Now you have all the pieces prepared (right?), watch HOW to make each of these projects:

JULY is the month to earn BONUS DAYS COUPONS!

Add these items to your cart to earn your first coupon(s) AND make the projects shown here!

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You are the reason I am able to bring inspiration to you once a week without charging a fee. Thank you for your orders, comments, and shares. It means so much to me, I hope you know!

A Pinch of Party Pizzazz

July 2, 2024July 2, 2024Leave a comment

Let’s be real. Who has time to make a balloon arch, a photo booth, hand-made party favors, personalized invitations PLUS the food & entertainment for a party by themselves? NOT ME.

However, there are a few details I CAN make quickly and simply to elevate a celebration. This one was inspired by my mother-in-law who always has seasonal “china dishes” (paper plates) and napkins. The dollar store makes this even more feasible and all you need to do is wrap them all together and add a tag!

To make it easy for your guests to grab & go, wrap the utensils, a fun straw and box of sparklers (or other small gift) together with a ribbon (no bows required, but a little bling goes a long way), add a simple tag and set them in a fun cup or basket. Your friends can easily hold on to the whole bundle while still filling their cups.

This striped tag was created using the Labeled with Love bundle- choose a coordinating punch or dies when you purchase this versatile crafting combination! I have a few tips in the short video tutorial for mass-producing these labels in minutes. Remember you can switch-up colors and sentiments for any party, too.

When you have the basics on hand (card stock, stamps, ink, ribbon and a punch), you are prepared to sprinkle a pinch of pizzazz onto a gathering of any type. Select the items you need to stock up on:

Product List

Labeled With Love Punch Bundle (English)

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

Gold & Silver 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Trim Combo Pack

Night Of Navy & Gold 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Glittered Ribbon

Adhesive Sheets

Simply Zinnia, Simple Fun-Fold Thanks Card

June 24, 2024Leave a comment

Bright colored flowers shout “I LOVE YOU” as well as “THANK YOU” and “YOU’RE THE BEST!” Zinnias lead the garden in bold flower-power during the summer, so a color-blocked card that stands to display seemed like the one to craft today:

The Simply Zinnia stamp & die bundle is an Online Exclusive that you can NOT miss! For my demonstration, I used Versamark ink to stamp the zinnia image on both the Berry Burst and Coastal Cabana card stock pieces that fit on the card base.

However, the Zinnia bundle IS part of a larger Flowering Zinnia SUITE of products, which includes the Zinnia 3-D Embossing folder…so I also did a version of this card using it to make a “touchable” raised background.

This is how they stand:

There is a HELPFUL TIP for layering the petal dies in today’s video tutorial, which will save you time in assembly. Remember, you can click on the gear in the bottom right of the video and change the speed to make any tutorial play faster, if you are an impatient crafter like me!

Just a few more days to collect the Stamp + Die bundles you love, or the Cut & Emboss machines, for an ADDITIONAL 10% off.

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Stampin' Up! Tune In Bundle, Hidden Message card

Hidden Message TV Card – plus July Virtual Class

June 17, 2024June 17, 2024Leave a comment

Today on the Creative Juice Crafting Channel, an interactive birthday card featuring a hidden message that appears “on screen”… and NEWS FLASH, it’s a gift card holder, too!

When you pull out the “Stay Tuned” screen, the birthday greeting appears:

What’s on the inside of the card? A pocket ready for a gift card, gift certificate, cash or a note.

The TUNE IN stamp & die bundle has a “retro” feel and has been unique to play with, so I will feature it in my July Crafting Happiness Virtual Class! Another option that will work well with the virtual class is the ATTENTION SHOPPERS bundle. Both bundles are an EXTRA 10% off during June, so whichever you prefer, NOW is the time to order them and register for the class.

*** When you order either bundle from my Stampin’ Store, you’ll get an email with a discount code for $5 off the class registration fee.

The Crafting Happiness class will be privately streamed to YouTube on Wednesday, July 17th at 4 pm MT, and registered crafters can watch LIVE or at their leisure anytime after the live stream.

The class is designed so you can stamp along and it’s up to you to use the suggested stamp sets OR use a set of stamps + dies you already own. There will be 5 projects and this is what is included:

Class packet includes:

Gold & Silver 1/8″ Trim Combo Pack (Item #16133)
Neutrals Adhesive-Backed Sequins (Item #161627)
Card Stock, Designer Series Paper and accessories cut for projects
One sheet of Stampin’ Dimensionals
Envelopes and packaging
Sweet surprises!

Also needed (not included in class fee):

Tune In bundle OR Attention Shoppers bundle OR use one of your own,
Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (or Mini Machine) or similar die cutting machine for coordinating dies (MACHINES are also 10% off in June!!)
Ink Pads: Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad (#132708), Balmy Blue (#147105), Basic Beige (#163806), Cajun Craze (#147085), Versamark (#102283)
Watercolor Pencils Assortment #1 (Item #161700)- IF USING ATTENTION SHOPPERS BUNDLE or your own stamps that are line-art type sets.

Before I share the supply list (thanks in advance for supporting my business- I look forward to sending you a thank you card!), here is the video tutorial showing how to create this delightful “hidden message TV” card…craft along and pause as needed: