Getting A Little Bit Festive & Free Ship Days

December 9, 2024Leave a comment

The holidays should be festive and fun, NOT stressful! These fast last-minute projects meet both requirements because the thoughtfully patterned paper AND ready-to-use elements are simply delightful to mix and match:

A Little Bit Festive Designer Series Paper pack is in the LAST CHANCE list and some folks claim to have created up to 30 Christmas cards from the pack, just by added card stock bases, as shown above. They will all be unique, as there are no duplicate images.

Step up your card creations with the Gold-Dipped Cards & Envelope pack: All you have to do is fold them in half and add your focal points! Heat embossing a greeting is one way to add more shine, and many of the Little Bit Festive ephemera pieces also have gold foil details:

Easier to see the shine in the demonstration video:

Two more projects I created with this pack were:

An 8.5″ x 11″ scrapbook page layout. This was still very simple to make, and I could write a whole journal about my hot cocoa obsession…just need to take a few photos and add them!

And finally, this true “Busted Canvas” home decor piece! While not quite as quick as the other projects, it really didn’t take much longer to create, once the Mod Podge was dried on the front.

Grouping a bunch of the die cuts together makes an adorable vignette of all things Christmas!

Happy News! There are THREE FREE SHIPPING DAYS on orders over $75 going on from Dec 9-11, 2024!

Free shipping automatically applies to your cart after the qualifying amount has been met, which is $75

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Pink Goes Good with Green

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024Leave a comment

In a touching moment when two different girls connect as friends in the movie “WICKED”, Galinda makes the (grammatically incorrect) observation that “Pink goes good with green,” and it’s true not only because these two colors are part of a triad of colors that are proved to coordinate!

I met Cathy (and Janet, across the street from her) when I moved to Southern Utah in 1973 and we became dear friends and playmates. Something we ALWAYS looked forward to each year was the evening that the WIZARD OF OZ movie was shown on television, and since we had to watch it at the time it was scheduled to be broadcast (no “on demand video” back then), we made it a watch PARTY!

2024 was the 75th anniversary of the classic film, so we went to view it in the theater in January (with our friend Jolene, left, as Janet was out of town).

They have a poster from the Wizard of Oz hanging in the theater, as Cathy is pointing out. OBVIOUSLY, we had to repeat the party when WICKED arrived in theaters last month…however…guess who forgot to take a photo while 8 of us were gathered at the movie…

Never fear, we meet for lunch about once a month, and I’m going to snap a picture of us in December

This 2-page 8.5″ x 11″ layout was created in landscape orientation so you can imagine that it would make a terrific 12″ x 12″ layout as well. The teeny-tiny stars connect the pages from top to bottom, with a bit of sparkle. Isn’t it WONDERFUL that WICKED gave us a reason to use the Spells & Potions dies for more than Halloween? They may not last long, so don’t hesitate to grab them if you think you may want to use a broomstick or a witch hat for any memory keeping.

The titles on these pages come from the musical number “For Good” which will be in PART 2 of WICKED, coming to theaters in November 2025. This song really captures how a friend can make us better through their good influence, and I can say that Cathy has shaped who I’ve become. She is loyal, filled with faith, and truly good. BONUS: She has the world’s best MEMORY, so as friends, we rely on her to remember the things we don’t!

Some handy tips are shared in the “How-To” Video for laying out titles and extending an embossed design when the folder is small, among other things:

Follow me on Facebook for more Pink & Green projects this week!

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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:

Peppermint Gift Crate

November 7, 2024Leave a comment

As you begin to think about gifting, don’t overlook the supplies you already have! Pair your stamps and patterned paper with a small wooden crate (found at 💲🌳) and create packaging so sweet:

The Take a Bow Designer Series Paper has candy cane vibes, and a few thin strips can be attached with a good coating of Liquid Glue to the slats on the box, then add a label with a sentiment. Finish it off with stamped adornments and embellishments (the tiny Peppermints will be back in stock mid-November) and fill your crate!

The More than Autumn bundle has truly been scrumptious to play with! Filled with mouth-watering treats for Fall AND BEYOND, you’d regret not having it in your stamping studio.

Here’s a treat for you: Download the .pdf tutorial for this project today 👇🏼

Peppermint Crate Tutorial

Did you know I also send exclusive tutorials in my email newsletters to customers? PLUS my Paper Pumpkin subscribers get their own special “Pumpkin Patch” email at the end of each month.

Diagonal-Lock Fun-Fold Card

November 4, 2024November 4, 2024Leave a comment

Fans of fun-fold cards, you’ll love the simplicity of this idea, which I call a Diagonal-Lock card, because of the way the front of the card locks into the back of the card. Don’t miss the video tutorial in this post!

For this first version, I paired a muted piece of the Sweet Days of Autumn Designer Series Paper pattern that I could write a message on for the INSIDE of the card, while using the fun forest friends on the front of the card. The leaves and sentiment adorning the front are from the Changing Leaves bundle.

The recipient will “unlock” the card to open and this is what the inside looks like:

Basic card instructions:

Start with an 11″ x 4.25″ card, scored in half at 5.5″.
Adhere a 5.5″ x 4.25″ piece of Designer Series Paper to the front AND inside of the card.
Make a small mark in the center of the front and BACK of the card (at 3.5″ for this A2 card size).
Cut diagonally from opposite corners of the open card in to the mark.

The next version for any holiday celebration (this would be a sweet December birthday card) has a 5.25″ x 4″ Designer Series Paper layer for the front, and a diagonally cut HALF piece for the inside, which leaves a mat around the card which frames it nicely. This time I used my beloved More Than Autumn bundle with the Take A Bow patterned paper:

By using half a sheet on the inside, there is still room to write, even when the pattern is bold. PLUS, you can use the other half for a second card:

Grab a sheet of card stock and paper trimmer to craft along with this video tutorial to make a template for this card to keep in your “fun-fold” file:

Finally, since the Nests of Winter paper was sitting on my table, I used the Winterly Tree Top Dies to die cut the bird duo and fussy cut the small bird to craft this version:

Click any link to order supplies and create cards of your own!

I love hearing from you~ scroll to top to leave me a comment.

Don’t forget a Paper Trimmer, which also makes a wonderful gift for a teacher, a budding crafter or a student:

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:

Hollyhock floating frame and Sentimental Wishes Christmas Card floating Frame

Learn Paper Crafting with a Kit

October 22, 2024October 22, 2024Leave a comment

If you can use scissors and glue, you have the ability to make pretty things with paper! All you need next is a kit: Lucky for you ~ the Stampin’ Up! Kit Collection is up to 30% off through October 31st:

Not only is a kit a wonderful starting point for any new paper crafter, they also give you ideas for further crafting, as I’m about to show you.

Playing with the Hello Hollyhocks kit (an all-inclusive, non-stamping kit), I demonstrated how to let the sketch for card #1 (on the left) inspire a future project (on the right):

Hello Hollyhock card sketch to Zinnia Card

Swapping out a hollyhocks for stamped and colored zinnias and creating your own splatter background made this “dupe” super simple.

Next, you can “step up” a card from the kit by cutting apart the card base and framing it on coordinating card stock:

Watch the video (below) to see what I did for the inside of the stepped-up version!

Finally, let a kit teach you a new technique to try, like this floating frame idea. The card on the left is from the kit, which inspired the Christmas card on the right:

Hollyhock floating frame card to Sentimental Wishes floating frame card for Christmas

Keep a few kits on hand for gift-giving occasions, too~ they are unique, thoughtful gifts!

SHOP KIT COLLECTION

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Hello Hollyhocks Kit

Simply Zinnia Bundle (English)

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blends Markers Combo Pack

Copper Clay Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

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

Copper Clay 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

Three Twine Combo Pack

Everyday Details Dies

Sentimental Wishes Bundle (English)

Take A Bow 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Adhesive Sheets

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Hey Pumpkin card, Stampin' Up! Warms My Heart

Warms My Heart- Choose Your Own Adventure

September 30, 2024Leave a comment

A stamp set that covers multiple seasons and occasions is a good investment, and when it’s as cute as the Warms My Heart images & sentiments, there are so many stories to tell with it!

Do you remember the “Choose Your Own Adventure” book series? That’s what we did today during my Monday LIVE video on my Facebook Page & YouTube! I let those who were watching in real time CHOOSE the season, the background, the colors and the label shape for the card we created, and THIS is the result:

If you want to watch us make this card, here’s the video, and if you want to see some alternate options, keep reading:

This style of card would be just as cute with Designer Series Paper for the background, and created for Christmas!

With both of these cards (and the next) I colored the stamped images with Watercolor Pencils and blended them together with Wink of Stella, which is every crafters FAVORITE tool for adding a wash of SHIMMER & SHINE. However, it’s very difficult to capture in a photo! This one is as close as I could get: The texture you can see is really specks of sparkle!

Another option, still keeping it simple with the sentiment on a banner, but without the need to fussy cut (there are no coordinating dies for this set, FYI):

Just so we’ve used every piece of this set, here’s an autumn apple-picking version, in portrait:

When you purchase both the Warms My Heart stamp set and EITHER the Sketched Plaid background stamp – OR – the Forever Plaid 3-D Embossing Folder (back in stock the week of October 7th) during October 2024, I’ll email you a tutorial for another set of cards – one more for each season!

“Creating ART is an act of HOPE”

– Cody Spendlove (as explained in the video)

Supplies for the Choose Your Own Adventure “Hey, Pumpkin!” card:

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Additional supplies used on alternate cards:

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Build Creative Muscles – Get 40% Off!

September 23, 2024Leave a comment

When I taught piano lessons, I’d tell my students “Practice trumps talent when talent doesn’t practice”. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not creative,” believe me when I say CREATIVITY CAN BE LEARNED!!

The easiest way to become more artistic is to have a starting point. Paper Pumpkin – a monthly craft box kit subscription – gives you a place to practice. Let me show you how:

On the left is a card created as designed for the September Paper Pumpkin Kit (“Autumn Abundance”). It took me less than 5 minutes to make it, following the instructions in the box. I thought the colors were so pretty, I chose to use the same palette on another card. Using Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry and Night of Navy ink pads, I followed a sketch from the Stampin’ Up! Sept-Dec Mini Catalog (pg. 16) to make the second card. It was simply stamped on Very Vanilla card stock and used the Labeled with Love punch to make the trio of panels.

Each quarter, there is a coordinating die set available to add-on to the kits, so I used the same sketch & colors to create a second version with the die-cut leaves using the dies for last quarter. They are sold out, but you CAN order the Merry Tags & More Dies (which coordinate with the Oct-Dec 2024 kits) while supplies last.

Next, this Thank You card in the kit (left) had a beautiful base. What if you needed a small gift package?

Make it into a box, of course! I’m teaching you how to make all these alternate projects in today’s video, so watch here for instructions:

Also included in the kit this month was this third card project- it was a 4″ x 4″ Autumn card, then I looked at the window and it made me think of a shaker card:

The snail and leaves shake around inside!

The kit is terrific to get your creative juices flowing, and making the projects as intended, you will learn the basics of paper crafting. You can always make different projects with the supplies you have in the box, and I send an EXCLUSIVE email each month to my Paper Pumpkin subscribers with ways to use the stamp set and ink spot after the kit is complete!

HERE’S THE DEAL:

Try a Paper Pumpkin craft kit subscription with 40% off your first month (new subscribers only)! Use promo code HOLIDAY40 when you subscribe HERE by October 10, 2024!

You are peeking at the “Nest of Christmas” October Kit, which coordinates with the Nests of Winter Suite in the Sept-Dec Mini catalog, and you could try it at a discount! This kit will make 10 Christmas Cards.

While the September Autumn Abundance kit isn’t available as a full kit, the refill IS available in my store (limited supplies available) and you could use other stamps and ink pads you already have to make it. You must be a current Paper Pumpkin subscriber to order refills or add-ons, so sign up and then start shopping the extras, using the same email you subscribed with.

A Top-Flip Fun Fold Card

September 16, 2024Leave a comment

Simplifying an idea today with this flip-top fun-fold card! I wanted to use the “Warms My Heart” stamp set, which doesn’t have coordinating dies, so opted to use a panel I could stamp on as the focal point. The Everyday Details dies has these darling dots around the edge of the rectangles, and don’t need much dressing up. Plus, the beautiful pumpkin patch on the bottom of the patterned paper needs to be seen:

The top flap (with girl carrying pumpkins) flips up and there is a second message that matches the theme on the top of the card:

Finally, you open the card all the way and you can make a pocket with the other large piece of Designer Series Paper to slip a gift card in!

Here are the paper supplies you’ll need (with the ones I used for the card above in parentheses):

Card base: 8.5″ x 5.5″ scored at 4.25″ (Cajun Craze)
Flap for over top: 5.25″ x 2.75″, scored at 4.25″ (Cajun Craze)- watch video for paper-saving TIP!
Layer for inside card: 5.25″ x 4″ (B asic Beige)
Two rectangle “frames”: Largest die from Everyday Details (Basic Beige)
One rectangle matt: 2.5″ x 4″ (Pumpkin Pie)
Designer Series Paper: 5.25″ x 4″ and 5.25″ x 2″ (Splendid Autumn)

For the Pumpkin Spice drink layer, I used the More Than Autumn bundle (you’ll see more of that bundle on Wednesday!)

After this How-To video, you’ll find the Christmas version of this simple fun-fold card!

Here’s the same card pattern using the image of the woman with the holiday wreath:

While this version could also hold a gift card, I chose to make it a normal card and on the inside, and simply added a strip of the back side of the Designer Series Paper to the inside to make it fancy:

The Christmas Version features the Sentimental Christmas Designer Series Paper which is our “Craft & Give Back” product: For each package ordered, Stampin’ Up! donates $3 to Firstbook.org to support Children’s Literacy. (Outside the US? Check with your demonstrator to find out where the donation goes in your country)