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

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:

Hydrangeas Abound

The Annual Catalog Inspiration

Hydrangeas represent gratitude, grace, abundance, and beauty. The Hydrangea Hill Suite offers you abundant beauty & grace with for your Spring creative projects with a two-step stamping set, coordinating dies and Designer Series Paper and accessories. 

Warm up your creativity with this bundle or suite from my Stampin’ Store in March 2021 and you’ll also receive supplies for 3 exclusive projects from me! UPDATE: We are getting low on inventory for some of the products in the suite, so this is your best opportunity to order!

Sharing a few “bonus” project photos with you as well; The first shows how lovely the hydrangea blossom is when embossed in white and watercolored.

WATERCOLORING TIP: Squeeze your ink pads when they are closed, then pick up the ink from THE LID when opened (never put your water pens onto your ink pads to pick up ink!)

This is one of our acetate card boxes that you could decorate and fill with a small gift like tea towels, napkins, cash or thank you cards for a newlywed couple. While the mercury glass acetate sheets in this suite are colored Rococo Rose or Highland Heather on one side, they are silver on the back side, as used on this sample.

Hydrangea Hill Card/Gift Box


Coordinating Products

January-June Mini Catalog - Hydrangea Hill Suite
January-June Mini Catalog - Hydrangea Hill Suite

January-June Mini Catalog - Hydrangea Hill Suite

January-June Mini Catalog - Hydrangea Hill Suite

January-June Mini Catalog - Hydrangea Hill Suite

January-June Mini Catalog - Hydrangea Hill Suite

January-June Mini Catalog - Hydrangea Hill Suite

January-June Mini Catalog - Hydrangea Hill Suite


 

Hydrangea Hill Suite

VIEW THE SUITE ONLINE

DOWNLOAD OUR LATEST CATALOG

January - June Mini Catalog

March 3 for Free: Hydrangea Haven

Each month I offer a different “free kit” for a bundle from the newest catalog: During March, when you purchase the Hydrangea Haven bundle (or Hydrangea Hill Suite Collection available again mid-March), I will send you 3 tutorials by email and the consumable supplies via USPS to complete the projects.

With blossoms beginning to burst forth this month, these lovely bunches of flowers seemed a fitting way to spring into crafting that coordinates with the season! There are a few products you’ll need to complete the projects: Scissors, adhesive and Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine (or Big Shot), Tuxedo Black Memento pad AND these suggested Stampin’ Up! ink pads: Highland Heather, Misty Moonlight, Rococo Rose and Seaside Spray. These colors also coordinate with the Hydrangea Hill Designer Series Paper. You may want to add these items to your cart when you are ordering the bundle.

TIP: Rococo Rose and Seaside Spray are two retiring 2019-2021 In-Colors leaving us in April, so if you need to order ink refills for your ink pads (or matching card stock or accessories), get them SOONER than later, as they tend to sell out quickly!

While these pretty purple projects are NOT part of the kit, I did show you how to use the Hydrangea with the gorgeous Mercury Glass Acetate Sheets (included in the Suite Collection) during a recent Facebook Lunchtime Live Crafting:

Want to plan ahead for future 3 for Free kits? The kit with your purchase for April will be the Sweet Ice Cream bundle (or Ice Cream Corner Suite Collection).

In case I haven’t mentioned it recently, I know you have many options for purchasing your craft supplies and I *TRULY* appreciate when you choose me to keep you stamping. Your support of my small business means the world to me, so thank you from my heart to yours.

Hey, Birthday Chick: 3-for-Free!

Remember the Hey, Chick stamp set from Sale-a-Bration a few years back? They were the “must-have” set of the year and those same chicks are BACK (and ready to PARTY!) in the January-June mini catalog. It’s fitting that my February 2021 3-for-Free class features the new Hey, Birthday Chick! bundle:

In addition to their new stamp set, the original set is available AGAIN – ICYMI – and there are coordinating dies to keep them farm-fresh. “CHICK” out what all the cluck is about HERE!

Starting off with a simple card, I created this one on my Facebook page last Monday:

There is also an edited version of the how-to video on YouTube:

When you order the Hey, Birthday Chick bundle from my Stampin’ Store in February, you’ll receive a tutorial for 3 projects via email with the paper goods to make those projects coming to you in the mail.

Supplies you will also need to complete the 3-for-Free projects:

Product List

I listed the mini Cut & Emboss machine for those who don’t have a machine yet, but a regular Cut & Emboss machine will work too (or a Big Shot).

Sweet Strawberry: 3 for Free

I have a thing for FRUIT (Creative JUICE, after all) and I love a coordinating punch, so it comes as no surprise that the FIRST thing on my list from the January-June Catalog was the SWEET STRAWBERRY bundle:

Stampin’ Up! made it SWEETER when they offered the Berry Blessings Bundle as a FREE choice during Sale-a-Bration for a $100 order…a coordinating stamp set to my beloved strawberries AND matching Designer Series Paper? YES THANK YOU!

Naturally, I’ve been playing with it night and day since I got it. I dream about berries! Yesterday, I made this card so I could see both sides of the Designer Series Paper and you can watch the tutorial to make your own version.

If you are as obsessed with these beautiful berries as I am, you’ll be happy to know that the Sweet Strawberry bundles is my 3 for Free kit in January 2021: When you order the bundle from my stampin’ store, I’ll send you the consumable supplies to create 3 projects with your new bundle ~OR~ you can come to my JAM-BERRY class in Utah County on January 23rd and stamp your projects in person with me for free!)

You will need a few items on hand to complete the projects. These items will not be included in the kit:

  • Ink Pads: Blushing Bride, Mint Macaron, Real Red, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, Tuxedo Black Memento, Whisper White Craft ink -OR- Versamark pad.
  • Heat Tool
  • White Emboss Powder

If the Sweet Strawberry bundle is on your list for “later”, move it to the top so you can take advantage of the opportunity to get the Berry Blessings bundle during Sale-a-Bration AND my 3 for Free projects!