New at SU! Violet Dreams Corner Squash Birthday Card

New at SU! Blog Hop 2026 Banner

We know you like fun-fold cards, so the New at SU! Design Team is sharing BIRTHDAY cards you can learn to make and which are delightful to open.

This is a CORNER SQUASH (or Corner Explosion) card, and I crafted it from the Violet Dreams Designer Series Paper, which includes the die frame, flowers and leaves…so the only stamping I did was the sentiments:

Stampin’ Up!®️ Violet Dreams Corner Squash Birthday Card, Creative Juice by Loni

When you lift the label, it opens like this:

Basic card instructions:

  1. Start with a 6-3/4″ x 8″ piece of Designer Series Paper that doesn’t have a direction (no pattern that needs to go up and down in a certain way). On the side you want to be the OUTSIDE of the card, score it on the TOP and RIGHT side at 2-3/4″.
  2. Lay your card down flat with the scored sides still on the top and right side, and take the square you created (should be in the top right corner) and fold it toward you until the score lines match the score line across the top and bottom right. Burnish that diagonal fold well.
  3. Now flip your paper over (so it looks like the open card above) and fold the sides and top into the card, tucking in the diagonal corners and allowing the square to stay on top. Optional: Cut a 2-5/8″ square of a contrasting pattern diagonally to add to the triangles, as shown.
  4. Adhere the back to a 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ card stock base to give it a mat/frame around the Designer Series Paper.
  5. Embellish as desired.

To give the label one more “edge” I laid it almost to the corner of a Gorgeous Grape Two Tone card stock and fussy cut a layer about 1/8″ around the edge of the Secret Sea frame, then sandwiched the corner of the Designer Series Paper square between both shapes, so I could stamp a greeting on the purple shape that is revealed when opened.

This lovely suite was released in the July Online Exclusive release.

Don’t miss the other Fun-Fold Birthday cards these demonstrator artists are sharing:

July 2026 New at SU! Hop: Fun-Folds for Birthdays

Previous BlogNext Blog
1.Stampingscene (UK) – Simple Fancy Fold for Gardeners cards
2.Stamping Flair (AU) – Double Flap Envelope Card
3.The Joy of Stampin’ with Rachael (US)- Words & Wishes Easel Card
4.Did You Stamp Today? (US) – Summer Fun Birthday W-Fold
5.Creative Juice by Loni (US) – Violet Dreams Corner Squash Birthday Ca
6.247 Inkspiration (US) – Begonia Belle
7.Merrick Makings (AUS) – Birthday and fun folds blog hop
8.iHeartCards2 (US) – Lovely Arrangements Double Gatefold Card
9.De Kijkkast (NL) – Sunset Coast Diorama Funfold

Powered by blogcarousel.com

Product List

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove


Stampin’ Up!®️ Violet Dreams Appreciation Card

Violet Dreams Suite: 3 for Free!

I am welcoming new Online Exclusive products in my Stampin’ Store in July with a SPECIAL OFFER, so read the whole post!

This month brings new Stampin’ Up!®️ products from “Fall-idays” to this LOVELY Violet Dreams Suite which will be every purple-lover’s 💜 favorite:

I love writing in PURPLE INK (and have a box full of violet pens) so I’m looking forward to sending some matching messages in the cards I create, and don’t miss how beautiful these products look on a scrapbook page! The suite includes a stamp set, coordinating dies, 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper, Ribbon and the prettiest embellishment blooms.

My first project with the Violet Dreams Suite was a simple card using one of the die cuts from the Designer Series Paper as the focal point:

This quick video tip will help you get a perfect layer for any shape of sentiment: Use the outline of the photopolymer stamp to trace & cut the shape FIRST, flip it over (lay on a contrasting background to see where to stamp) and add your saying! While I heat emboss this example, it could simply be stamped in a coordinating color.

It’s been a while, so I’m offering a “3 for Free” Virtual Class with the purchase of the Violet Dreams Suite from my store!

Here’s how it works: When you purchase the Violet Dreams Suite from my Stampin’ Store by July 31st, I’ll send you the rest of the supplies you need to make 3 exclusive cards (which you won’t see anywhere else!) and the link to the craft-along YouTube instructions. Supplies and link will be automatically sent to the address and email on your order!

This is a PERK for my customers, but here are two other ways to participate:

If you choose to order just the Framed Violets BUNDLE (stamps & dies) from my store, I’ll email you an offer to purchase the supplies & Virtual Class for just $10. This offer is also available for demonstrators on MY Sprinkled Ink Team.

If you are a demonstrator or customer who has ordered this from another demonstrator, you may purchase the Violet Dreams Class (includes supplies) for $25. Sign up via PayPal by July 31st.

I DO appreciate you, and love hearing what you are learning, what you are creating, and how I can best serve your art!


Crafting Together is Better

Because I have an events tab at the top of my website, I forget that you may not be seeing all the chances to gather and create together, so let’s do a quick overview of what’s coming up~ click on any of the images or links for details!

Decorate 4 Spring Sugar Cookies and stamp 3 cheerful cards in Hurricane, UT on Tuesday, April 28th! Register by 4/24

The VIRTUAL ALBUM RETREAT will be held from April 29th-May 1 and there is just enough time to order your BIG BOX OF GOODIES to have it arrive before the event! But if it arrives later, you can always catch up because it will be recorded. Complete 10 spreads (20 pages) with plenty of product left over to create more and learn new Scrapbooking tips & techniques from the comfort of your own home.

Saturday, May 2nd is my ONCE-A-YEAR Catalog Carnival and BOGO Sale in Hurricane, Utah. Drop in (open house style) between 1 and 4 pm with a friend to shop, stamp and snack…my treat!!

The Designer Series Paper Share has helped crafters sample new patterned paper, without breaking the bank! You’ll receive SEVENTY-NINE 6″ x 6″ pieces of ALL the DSP dropping in May for just $29 (if you pick it up from me) or $36 shipped to you…but reserve your share quickly (by May 5th) to avoid potential backorders.

Coming Summer 2026…check back soon (click EVENTS tab at top):

  • Happy Mail Card Class
  • Mini Album Class
  • Kit Together Event
  • Color My World Class


Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove


Stampin’ Up!®️ Waterside Retreat Shadowbox Card

Shadowbox Cards (& Paper Pumpkin Peek)

I’m revisiting an oldie, but a goodie: This classic shadowbox card is easy to make with any scenery-inspired Designer Series Paper and when it’s removed from the envelope, pops out to stand up!

Shadowbox card with Stampin' Up! Boardwalk Fun

What could be better than spun sugar (a.k.a. cotton candy) to celebrate any special occasion? This Strawberry Slush shadowbox is created from the same Beach Boardwalk Suite I spotlighted last week and it’s now on the LAST CHANCE list, so don’t hesitate!

To help you learn how to make a shadowbox card, I’ve made a tutorial video you can watch (you’ll find it as you scroll down) and features a sneak peek at the Waterside Retreat Suite coming in May, which coordinates with the April Paper Pumpkin Kit. As the PP kit will have it’s own unique stamp set, consider it an extension of the Waterside Retreat suite, with additional sentiments & images that will complement the suite. You REALLY DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS and must subscribe by April 10th:

This is the card I demonstrated in the how-to video:

There is room to write a message on the back of the card, and a fun anchor & rope detail on the front:

Naturally, I had to make a few more versions:

For the landscape shadowbox cards, you’ll score two pieces of 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ card stock at 1/2″ and 1″ from both short sides, but if you want to make a portrait card (as shown below), score at 3/8″ and 3/4″ on the long sides:

Watch this video and you’ll be stamping shadowbox cards in no time:

As I mentioned in the video, I also have a Designer Series Paper Share in May where you can get a 6″ x 6″ piece of EVERY pattern dropping next month! Sign up early, as there may be backorders delaying orders (crossing my fingers we don’t have a problem)

While the Waterside Retreat suite is also a preview, you can order other supplies from my Stampin’ Store to create shadowbox cards, such as the previously mentioned Beach Boardwalk Suite, Cute as a Bug Suite and much more!


Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove


Blending Brown Bears for Black Friday

Bah, humbug to BLACK Friday. The only black piece of clothing I own is a pair of slacks I have to wear for the community choir, and would prefer a color, anytime. Can’t we call it “Happy-Shopping-in-your-slippers Day?” Maybe it doesn’t roll off the tongue…however, Stampin’ Up!’s holiday sale on some of our basic blocks of crafting starts today (and ends on December 1st)…and there is plenty of color to choose from!

If I had to choose between Basic White and Very Vanilla card stock, I’d pick Vanilla. It’s just a softer, elegant color. Both are very smooth to stamp and color on, and since the Stampin’ Blends Markers are on sale (and so is Vanilla card stock!), I made a card using a new November Online Exclusive bundle called Valentine Kisses that is unBEARably adorable:

The dies for the hugging bear even cut out a slot to tuck in a heart, a teddy bear or a bouquet of flowers!

I’m going to offer a Virtual Class using this bundle in January, and if you order it from my Stampin’ Store, you’ll receive an invitation to join the class!

And these cute bears aren’t stuck as Valentines, this card could be sent to anyone needing an extra squeeze:

Stock up on during the Black Friday sale on some of your basic crafting supplies, like adhesive and basic card stock. And if you have a newlywed couple, a new crafter or a teacher on your shopping list, snag a paper trimmer at 40% off as a gift!

Product List

Witches Wear Pink Halloween Card

Annabelle Broom is a non-conformist witch who would rather help than hinder, and is the protagonist of a children’s musical play = one source of inspiration for this cute Halloween card! The other prompt for my color choices was the #tgifc541 color challenge of Strawberry Slush, Timid Tiger and Secret Sea:

Secret Sea is a deep, dark navy blue, which is really lovely in real life, and a perfect substitute for black in Halloween cards. Using Basic Beige as my neutral background gave my card a bewitching-hour feel.

As Annabelle would rather wear PINK than black, this fantastic feline witch asserts her fashion sense with a pink (Strawberry Slush) tutu and is ready to fly to help lost children on her trusty broom!

If Spooky Season is your favorite, here are two opportunities to craft with me virtually, or in person:

Spooky Sweet VIRTUAL Crafting Class: Thursday, October 2nd at 4 pm MT

The video craft-along instructions will be broadcast on a private YouTube for those who register AND purchase the Spooky Sweet Suite Collection (an Online Exclusive). If you order the Suite from my store, the class is just $10 (includes shipping to you) and I’ll email asking if you’d like to join the class. Craft along LIVE with me -OR- watch later at your convenience.

Class kit includes card stock and envelopes, dimensionals, cutting guide and goodies for creating 5 projects SO CUTE, THEY ARE SPOOKY! ALSO NEEDED (not included): Adhesive, Paper Trimmer, Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad and the following Stampin’ Blends: Granny Apple Green, Petunia Pop, Pumpkin Pie, Smoky Slate.

If you have purchased the suite collection from another demonstrator (or as a demonstrator), the fee is $20 – contact me to register before September 22nd!


If you live in the Southern Utah area, you’ll want to come to the Cookies, Cards & Cocoa class at the Strap Tank Restaurant on October 16th, where you’ll learn to decorate 4 sugar cookies with LoveCookies Bakery and 2 paper crafting projects with me (DIFFERENT than the ones at the virtual class).

Looking forward to brewing up some spooky sweet crafting with you!


Product List

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove


Come to a Craft Event -Live or Virtual!

You can watch a lot of videos, but nothing compares to getting your fingers IN THE INK! If you are like most people, you learn best by DOING, and there are so many exciting stamping events coming up, so choose the one(s) that work best for you:

Coming first is the “Remember the Adventure” Travel Journal class that is one week away in Hurricane, UT, so register quickly to ensure your seat! Bring 20-35 photos of a recent adventure and you can complete the album to show off your last adventure. Class Fee: $20 (a STEAL!) Find class details on the Facebook event HERE.


Next on the calendar is the September Paper Share!

Twice a year I offer a 6″ x 6″ sampler of all the new Designer Series Paper released by Stampin’ Up! in a mini catalog. With the September-December mini catalog coming (AND the September Online Exclusive release), there are 53 pieces of gorgeous papers that span through autumn and the holidays, and you can get a piece of each one to play with! Learn more HERE and reserve a share by September 1st!


The Southern Utah Fall StampFest will be Saturday, September 13th and you will want to bring a friend to this cozy crafternoon event! Save $10 when you register by August 30th!.

We’ll be offering the same projects to happy crafters in Utah County just a few weeks later (on September 27th). Grab your spot early before someone schedules your day for you!


Spooky Sweet Suite Class: October 2nd at 4 pm MT

The creativity continues into October, this time in a VIRTUAL CLASS for all those who love Halloween! The Spooky Sweet class will be one you can participate in while in your pajamas, as it will be broadcast on a private YouTube video for those who register and purchase the Spooky Sweet Suite Collection. If you order the Suite from my store, the class is just $10 (includes shipping to you) and I’ll email asking if you’d like to join the class, once you’ve checked out with the suite in your cart!

If you have purchased the suite collection from another demonstrator (or as a demonstrator), the fee is $20 – contact me to register.

Craft along LIVE with me -OR- watch later at your convenience.

Class kit includes card stock and envelopes, dimensionals, cutting guide and goodies for creating 5 projects SO CUTE, THEY ARE SPOOKY!

You will also need: Spooky Sweet Suite Collection, Adhesive, Paper Trimmer, Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad and the following Stampin’ Blends: Granny Apple Green, Petunia Pop, Pumpkin Pie, Smoky Slate.


Finally, put these events in your calendar and watch for details coming soon:

Stamp Therapy Class – October 9th (Hurricane, UT)

Christmas Cards & Cocoa Class – November 20th (Hurricane, UT)

Keep your creative juices flowing at a class! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove


Birthday Jar, Retired For Sale

Sending my gratitude to all who attended the Stampin’ Soiree Open House & BOGO sale last week! If you couldn’t make it, or are looking for some sensational stampin’ STEALS, peruse the updated Retired Items for Sale page. From Stampin’ Up! stamp sets to embossing folders and dies, there are plenty of beloved crafting tools to collect.

I participated in a new catalog/new online product swap with my demonstrator friends, and this was my design for a birthday card using the Online Exclusive Sweet Jar bundle:

I was so sad to say goodbye to the Sketched Plaid background (which someone might snag from my retired items on sale), but gratefully, I can still use the Forever Plaid 3D Embossing Folder.

The colors are: Pretty Peacock, Timid Tiger, Darling Duckling, Strawberry Slush and Lost Lagoon. Embossing the jar lid in silver makes it feel fancy, while the banners from the Nested Essentials Dies brings the party vibe:

If you are planning to participate in the Virtual Crafting Happiness class on May 28th, order the Sweet Jar bundle from my store by the 20th (or alternatively, the Humble Home bundle will work, too) ~ then I can email you a discount code for $5 off the class fee!

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊- Loni Spendlove


Crafting Happiness with Sweet Jar or Humble Home

Ever wish you could attend one of my classes in person, but you don’t live in my area? This is your chance to attend a VIRTUAL class from anywhere in the USA!

What: Crafting Happiness Virtual Class, featuring the Sweet Jar -OR- Humble Home bundles (stamps + coordinating punch). You’ll receive all the consumable supplies in a class packet mailed to you, then you can choose to use either bundle (NOT INCLUDED)

When: Wednesday, May 28th at 4 pm MT (replay will be available for guests- it’s fun to join LIVE, but you can always catch or re-watch the video) **REGISTER BY MAY 20th**

Where: Private YouTube video for registered guests!

This class is designed with crafters of all levels in mind, and while it spotlights the NEW Sweet Jar bundle, it could be completed with the Humble Home bundle. CHOOSE which you’ll use and when you order either bundle from my store before May 20th, I’ll email you a coupon for $5 off the class fee!

These cards were created as an example of how each bundle is interchangeable, though they are NOT part of the 5 projects you’ll make during the class:

The Class Packet you’ll receive by mail includes*:

  • Rhinestone Basic Jewels (item #144220)
  • Sponge Dauber (1) (Item #133773)
  • Card Stock, Designer Series Paper, packaging, envelopes and accessories cut for all five projects
  • One sheet of Stampin’ Dimensionals
  • Sweet surprises!
  • Colored copy of all the projects for reference.

(* while supplies last- if items sell out before packets are mailed, items of equal value may be substituted)

Also needed (not included in class fee): 

  • Ink Pads: Smoky Slate (#147113), Pool Party (#147107), Shy Shamrock (#163808), Pretty in Pink (#163807), Pecan Pie (#161665), Petunia Pop (#163811), Daffodil Delight (#147094). Optional: Early Espresso (#147114), Shaded Spruce (#147088)

The class fee is $37 (includes shipping to you) and watch for a coupon in your email quickly after you order one of the bundles from my store!

You’ll love the adorable things you create during the class, so don’t hesitate: Register today!


Welcome New 2025 In Colors

Before we get to colors, a quick reminder that tomorrow afternoon (May 10th) is my Annual Open House & BOGO SALE in Hurricane, UT. This only happens once a year, so you won’t want to miss it:

Meet the New Stampin’ Up! In Colors for 2025–2027

One of the most anticipated moments in the Stampin’ Up!®️ community is the annual debut of the trending HUES —and this year’s collection does not disappoint. These five colors offer a mix of fresh energy, soft sophistication, and playful charm that will breathe new life into your projects.

I appreciate that they work well together, as shown by this bold-striped card to mail to someone (like a teacher) who may be taking a well-deserved summer vacation:

The die cut images and stamps from the Notes & Totes bundle evoke a relaxing day on the beach!

As always, the In Color lineup includes ink pads, cardstock, Designer Series Paper, Stampin’ Write (water-based) AND Stampin’ Blends (alcohol-based) markers, embellishments, and more—so you can match your materials perfectly for a polished finish.

There is ONE small glitch, but don’t worry…we have a workaround! CLOUD COVER will NOT have a coordinating Ink Pad, and here’s why:

One more option: For my card, I used a VERSAMARK stamp pad to add the floral background across all the colors. Versamark ink is like a watermark: It makes the color you are stamping on just a deeper tone of the same color-

Also, I may have already been through an entire package of those flat pearls, and we are only 3 days into the new catalog year…


Ready to start crafting with the 2025–2027 In Colors? You can begin collecting them here, and sign up for my newsletter to receive a new COLOR COACH, which includes 3 color combinations for all 51 of our amazing colors (153 combinations in all)!

IF YOU LOVE THE COLOR COACH, from June-October, each month you place an order of $50 or more, you’ll receive a set of 10 tutorials USING THE COLOR COACH, just like this one (a freebie for Basic Beige):

MAY ORDERS OVER 50+ will also receive a set of tutorials, but not focused on color. June – October customer gift tutorials will be color-palette centered.