Stampin’ Up!®️ Luxe Foliage and Exciting Times Thank You Card for TGIFC594 Sketch

Fall Feel for a TGIF Sketch

September 12, 2026September 12, 2026Leave a comment

I’m willing Autumn into existence by crafting with new Designer Series Paper patterns for the season, and following the TGIF Challenges sketch #tgifc594

My postman delivered the new Product of the Month this morning, so it’s noon and I still haven’t gotten dressed…but I DID make a pretty card with this sumptuous Luxe Foliage Specialty Designer Series Paper, so the day hasn’t been wasted:

The label on the sketch reminded me of the Exciting Times bundle that is a terrific set of stamps and coordinating punch that gives stampers of all levels so many options when paired with pretty paper!

I’ll show you two ways to use this bundle, and your imagination may bring you more ideas!

On the Thank You card, I punched out the center of the larger stamped image and raised it with mini dimensionals to give the sentiment a frame:

NOTE: You can use the corner of the punch to punch out the corners of the larger frame!

You can see the same concave corners on this version, using the Autumn Opulence DSP and matching Autumn Woodland Glimmer Paper. This time I’ve added the stamped and punched sentiment on TOP of the background and tucked in a few floral pieces I fussy-cut from the paper:

I always love when we add a purple into the mix of fall colors! Here’s a detailed view of the label:

Give this sketch a whirl and share your version on the TGIF Challenges blog and remember that you can add the Product of the Month to your cart for just $5 when your order exceeds $75 and each month the item is only available while supplies last!

Product List

Exciting Times Bundle (English)

Luxe Foliage 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper

Golden Glow 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Gold Striped 3/8" (1 Cm) Mesh Ribbon

Peaceful Pine 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Very Vanilla 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Peaceful Pine Classic Stampin Pad

Golden Glow Classic Stampin' Pad

Secret Sea Classic Stampin' Pad

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Autumn Opulence 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper

Autumn Woodland 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Glimmer Specialty Paper

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

Blackberry Bliss 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad

Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad

Linen Thread

Earthy Matte Dots

Stampin' Seal

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Three cards CASED from the Stampin’ Up!®️ 2026 Septemeber-December Catalog

Inspiration Strikes in the Catalog!

September 7, 2026September 7, 2026Leave a comment

Lost your stampin’ mojo? Feeling uninspired? Look no further than your Stampin’ Up!®️ catalog to rev up your creativity! Today’s LIVE crafting video will have you turning down the corners of your catalog to remind you of ideas to emulate, sketches to steal and techniques you can’t wait to try!

I turn to my stash of dog-eared catalogs whenever I need a starting point for a project because there are so many terrific ideas to turn into my own.

The first card I “CASED” was from page 46 of the September-December Catalog showing the Thinking of You Card:

Here’s my version using the Words & Wishes Bundle paired with the new Mosaic Garden Designer Series Paper:

This card may have a layer of Peaceful Pine on a Peaceful Pine card base, but it looks to me like a scoring technique I’d forgotten about, so I used it to inspire me to try the technique again:

I flipped it sideways and used products from the new Painted Patch Suite for my take on this technique. The scored border gives the illusion of layers, or a simply elegant frame to bring your message into focus. Also loved the ribbon detail under the sentiment:

On page 44 I saw this card and it was actually the first one I flagged to try.

Since I wanted to teach you how to use the masks from the Frosted Pinecone bundle, this was an easy substitute, and a change of color makes it feel like a different card, though it’s easy to see where the inspiration came from:

Have you ever turned to the catalog for stamping ideas?

The supplies I used are listed at the bottom, and when you shop from my stampin’ store, I’m delighted to send a hand-stamped card to thank you AND when your order is over $50, you get a BUNDLE of tutorials (new bundles emailed every month!).

Product List

Words & Wishes Bundle (English)

Mosaic Garden 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Hydrangea Hue 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

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

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

Hydrangea Hue Classic Stampin' Pad

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

Adhesive Sheets

Painted Patch Suite Collection (English)

Coastal Cabana 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Pad

Frosted Pinecones Bundle (English)

Peaceful Pine 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Pecan Pie 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Basic Beige 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad

Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

Peaceful Pine Classic Stampin Pad

Blending Brushes

Sponge Daubers

Uninked Stampin’ Craft Pad & Whisper White Refill

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Stampin’ Up!®️ Gingham Gallery Birthday Pie Harvest In Color Accordion z-Fold Card

Gingham Harvest Birthday PIE Card

August 31, 2026September 7, 2026Leave a comment

I’ve never met a pastry I didn’t like, and as we enter the harvest season, pie is the pastry of choice…so why not a birthday PIE instead of a cake?

This card was a work-in-progess as it went along, and it began with inspiration from two challenges: The #tgifc592 Product challenge to use the 2026-2028 In Colors and the #gdp563 Garden/Harvest inspiration (pumpkins or apples are part of a pie, thus it counts, right?)

This fun-fold is called a Z-fold Accordion card: I didn’t really follow any tutorial, but made it up as I went along! I cut a piece of Peaceful Pine card stock to 11″ x 5.5″ and scored at 1.75″, 3.5″, 5.25″ and 7″ – it makes the final card 4″ x 5.5″. I used the leftover piece to make the 3″ x 7″ panel which folds at 3.5″ and sticks to the front and back of the accordion fold. Then you can add Designer Series Paper over the top and embellish as desired:

I chose Peaceful Pine and Crisp Canteloupe as my In Colors and once I laid the “table” with the gingham coverings, I was delighted to find the pie and slice of pie from the Harvest Hues Mix & Match Ephemera Pack (Item #168495 – arriving tomorrow, 9/1/26) were the perfect servings for the party!

A few copper foil leaves add the bling that any good card maker must have, and the happy birthday sentiment follows suit:

It’s a lovely transition from summer garden to autumn treats, and will be a card to adorn someone’s shelf or mantel to decorate for their birthday!

Product List

Two quick reminders: the September Designer Series Paper Share (which includes a piece of copper Metal Effects specialty paper) closes tomorrow, September 1st, and is the best way to get a sample of every NEW design dropping 9/1! It’s like a paper buffet, so you know which you want to go back for more of.

Second reminder: TODAY is the END of the current Paper Sale in my Stampin’ Store!

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Stampin’ Up!®️ Hot Foil Shaker birthday card featuring Splash of Sparkles Designer Series Paper, Flourish & Frames and Classic Greetings

Will It Foil? Part 4: Window Sheets

August 6, 2026August 6, 2026Leave a comment

Welcome, crafty friends! If this is your first visit or your daily visit, I’d appreciate it if you’d check in and say hello: Tell me what brought you by and if anything I’ve shared is helpful to you. Click on “comments” near the top of the post (by the date) and leave me a message…THANKS!

As the 4th part of the “Will It Foil” series featuring the NEW Stampin’ Up!®️ Hot Foil System, today I’m showing how it works on WINDOW SHEETS.

As Hot Foil works best on smooth surfaces, there is really nothing smoother than a clear piece of plastic. I foiled both the large frame from the Flourish & Frames bundle AND the sentiment from the Classic Greetings AT THE SAME TIME onto a window sheet with Silver Foil.

The Splash of Sparkles specialty Designer Series Paper recently retired, and it had bold swaths of foil that worked well for this design, so I layered it onto Smoky Slate card stock and die cut the large frame from the center then adhered the window sheet behind it. To prepare it for a shaker card, use Foam Adhesive strips on the back side around the opening and toward the outside edges, assuring that it is an enclosed rectangle so that none of the sprinkles can escape. Don’t adhere it to the card base YET…

Next I stamped some “balloons” on the front of the white card base (shhh…don’t tell anyone, but I don’t have a balloon stamp, so I used the solid bee body from Bee My Valentine stamp set and drew ribbons with a marker).

Sprinkle a teaspoon or two of shaker elements (cupcake sprinkles or glitter can also work) onto the card front, then carefully remove the adhesive from the foam strips you enclosed the back of the frame with and attach the framed window sheet layer over the shaker elements onto the card front.

This is a card a granddaughter will LOVE to shake up to celebrate her 10th birthday!

Here’s my tutorial video which inspired this series of posts:

Have you thought of any more mediums to try foiling on? Let me know and I’ll try it if I can! See you tomorrow for Part 5.

Product List

Four days left to get 25% off your first all-inclusive Paper Pumpkin craft kit: Subscribe by August 10th and look forward to a curated creative escape arriving in your mailbox each month!

Skip or cancel anytime after the first month, but I guarantee you won’t want to and they are also unique and thoughtful gifts!

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Your Creative Escape Just Got 25% Sweeter

July 23, 2026July 23, 2026Leave a comment

Every fairy tale has a beginning, and Paper Pumpkin’s story started with one, too.

When Stampin’ Up!® first introduced Paper Pumpkin, it was inspired by Cinderella’s pumpkin… a little reminder that creativity can transform an ordinary day into something special. While I can’t promise a carriage or glass slippers, I can guarantee a creative escape delivered to your mailbox each month! (No fairy godmother required.)

The July “Hooray for Birthdays” Paper Pumpkin kit appeared in my mailbox this week and I went to work creating an alternate project using just the Hooray for Birthdays stamp set, Timid Tiger Ink Spot and the Detailed Flora Add-On Dies. Each month, I help my subscribers extend the use of their kit after the projects are assembled by sharing new ideas in a special newsletter.

Let’s review how to create a perfect layer for the “Hooray”:

Place the stamp flat (face up) on card stock and trace around the photopolymer shape.
Cut out the shape and FLIP IT OVER to stamp the sentiment. If you used a white card stock, it helps to lay it on a darker surface so you can see where to place it.

For crafters who crave convenient and fabulous, August is the perfect time to start creating with Paper Pumpkin because new subscribers can save 25% on their first kit!

Here’s who qualifies:

You haven’t had an active Paper Pumpkin subscription in the past 18 months.
You choose a pay-as-you-go subscription (this offer doesn’t apply to prepaid subscriptions).

Your discounted first kit will be the August 2026 Kindred Greetings Kit: The cards in this kit are all about sharing meaningful messages, with thoughtful sentiments and detailed botanical designs.

Why so many people love Paper Pumpkin

Everything you need in one box (except scissors!)
Precut pieces and step-by-step instructions
An exclusive stamp set and coordinating ink spot
A fun creative break without planning, shopping, or cleaning up a craft room

Whether you’ve never stamped before or you’ve been crafting for years, these kits make it simple to sit down and create something beautiful in about an hour.

Sometimes the best adventures begin with a pumpkin.

Subscribe Today!

Make a Date with Creativity

April 3, 20266 Comments

Do you have a standing appointment on your calendar for creativity? Not a someday, not a “when-I-have-time”, but a regular, reliable pause where ink meets paper and you focus on the divine act of making something from scratch.

One of the things I love most about Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up!®️ is that each month, a fully coordinated, all-inclusive kit arrives at your door like a little box of possibility. No supply hunting. No decision fatigue. Just open the box and begin your date with creativity!

Here’s the part that might surprise you… the creativity doesn’t end when the kit is finished.

For this card, I used the stamp sets from the March 2026 “Fluttering Garden” Paper Pumpkin kit to create something entirely new for the Freshly Made Sketch challenge #FMS730. I wanted to see how far I could stretch those detailed stamps, and it turns out—they fly beautifully.

I discovered that my favorite way to color the hummingbirds is with blending brushes and ink pads. No need to be particular… JUST START BLENDING! The soft gradients give them a delicate, natural look and once you fussy cut them out, they look lovely.

The real gift of a monthly kit like Paper Pumpkin is that it builds your confidence while quietly expanding your skills. First, you follow the included designs. Then, you start to experiment with a new layout or color palette… until one day you realize you’re not just assembling—you’re creating.

I used two of the Nesting Essentials dies to create dual frames for this card, and the card colors are Very Vanilla, Pretty Peacock, Blackberry Bliss, Old Olive and Crisp Canteloupe (a returning In Color).

Having a monthly crafting ritual is grounding is grounding and you’ll find a Paper Pumpkin subscription is the mail you anticipate the MOST! The April kit, “Lakeside Retreat,” is available to subscribe to through April 10th. It includes a Peaceful Pine ink spot (an early release of a NEW IN Color!) and coordinates with the Waterside Retreat Suite which will be available in the May-August catalog:

Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin

It’s a flexible subscription, with the ability to skip a month or cancel at any time (but why would you?).

Stay tuned for some sneak peeks of this suite and the optional “Wonderful Scenes” Add On dies that coordinate with the April, May and June Paper Pumpkin Kits!

One more detail to point out on my hummingbird card: Add a wash of WINK OF STELLA GLITTER BRUSH over the wings for gorgeous shimmer & shine!

The best way to keep creating… is simply to begin.

Your Ticket to Crafting

March 30, 2026Leave a comment

I’ve been sharing Sunshine & Smiles with the Beach Boardwalk Suite for a few days here AND on my social media (FB & IG) ~ today’s projects include a card, a scrapbook layout and announcements for upcoming EVENTS where I hope to see your face!

I love the sheet of tickets and tags included in the Beach Boardwalk Designer Series Paper because they can be stamped to evoke a “winning” feeling for any celebration, like you won a drawing 🎟️ or a stuffed animal in a boardwalk game! On the inside of this card, I added one more ticket to remind the recipient that life is quite the adventure:

IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW, this Beach Boardwalk paper also comes in a different package with a sticker sheet, all ready to preserve the memories of a day at the park, carnival, beach or fair on a scrapbook page or complete album:

If you have a tropical vacation planned, a summer party or camp, pick up these products soon! And if you crave crafting adventures in southern Utah, here are the next few events I’m hosting ~ click on the images to learn more on the Facebook Events, or click the button to register!

Register for Cookies & Cards Class

The Catalog Carnival & BOGO SALE is Open House style, so just bring a friend and drop in for all sorts of fun freebies and snacks at 350 S 400 W ~ it’s a ticket to create!

VIEW UPCOMING EVENTS ANYTIME: CLICK THE “CLASSES & EVENTS” LINK IN PINK BAR ACROSS THE TOP

Product List

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Happy Birthday: Enjoy the Ride!

March 25, 2026March 24, 2026Leave a comment

When our kids were all teenagers, we took a trip to Magic Mountain in California where the ONLY thing we rode were the ROLLER COASTERS! We were on a mission to ride them all and just before the park closed, we checked off the last one, and it was a memory that was stirred when I saw the Beach Boardwalk Suite by Stampin’ Up!®️

This was the card I created to swap at OnStage (our company convention) in Long Beach a few weeks ago. As someone who loves the swoop and speed of a roller coaster (and BRIGHT colors), it’s just my style:

Wouldn’t that be a fun birthday card to send to a friend who enjoys a day at an amusement park? And for the person who prefers a slower ride, here’s a color-block Ferris Wheel birthday card using the same sentiments and the soon-to-be-retiring 2024-1016 In Colors:

I started with four 2″ x 3″ rectangles and cut them in half diagonally, then arranged them to meet off center on a 4″ x 5″ panel and trimmed off the excess from behind. For the ticket “edge” detail, die cut the arrow (with circles running down the center) then cut it in half lengthwise and tuch both pieces under the starburst panel.

You can cut 6 little “buckets” from one die and adhere them to the Ferris Wheel with just a tiny dot of liquid glue. TIP: Use the putty-end of the Take Your Pick Tool to pick each bucket up and place on the glue you’ve added to the wheel.

I have appreciated how these colors together create a feeling of celebration, and I’ll miss Petunia Pop and Pretty in Pink the most. Make sure you’ve got the ink refills and card stock you need to continue using these colors!

Would you ride a roller coaster or a ferris wheel? And which card would you make first?

These are the supplies you need for the Roller Coaster Card (plus any embellishments you want) and thanks for shopping my store! Your support allows me to share more inspiration with you.

Product List

Boardwalk Fun Bundle (English)

Blueberry Bushel 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Coastal Cabana 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Strawberry Slush 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock

Lemon Lime Twist 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Beach Boardwalk 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Blueberry Bushel Classic Stampin' Pad

Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad

Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad

Ferris Wheel Card:

Product List

Swapping cards at OnStage with my friend Ann! You’ll be seeing more Boardwalk Fun cards over the next week~come back soon!

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Reasons & Seasons Celebration Week

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026Leave a comment

Last month I shared the Anniversary swap card I created using the Reason to Celebrate and Seasonal Celebrations stamp sets (which were designed to coordinate!) and this week, you’ll see the two sets combined to create something for every season included, starting with a simple fun-fold birthday card.

Stampin’ Up!®️ Fun Fold Birthday card with Reason to Celebrate and Seasonal Celebration stamp sets

The colors on this birthday celebration are Daffodil Delight, Shy Shamrock and Berry Burst, which is a combination that could be used for everyone. By stamping the party hats and confetti randomly on the front and inside layers, you’ve created your own party for the mailbox. The Lasting Linen background stamp also gives a bit of texture to the background of the Daffodil card base.

The key to this card is to shave off 1/16″ of an inch on the right-side of the card front, so the 7.5″ x 4.75″ Shy Shamrock card can fold over the front without buckling the card.

Small details like a few shiny embellishments top it off:

Make your own with these supplies from my Stampin’ Store:

Product List

See you tomorrow for another Celebration Combination Card!

close up Stampin' Up! Reason to Celebrate and Seasonal Celebration birthday card

Celebrating New Creativity

January 8, 2026January 8, 2026Leave a comment

The beginning of a new year makes me want to clear a little creative space and ask a simple question: how do I want to show up for the people I love? For me, one of the easiest and most meaningful answers is birthdays. A handmade birthday card is a small thing, but it carries a reminder that someone was thought of before the day even arrived.

This bright, happy card was created by pairing the Reason to Celebrate stamp set from the new January–April Mini Catalog with Seasonal Celebrations from the January Online Exclusives, which serendipitously pair together perfectly (certainly it was good planning on the part of Stampin’ Up!®️). The bold greeting anchors the card with confidence, while the playful stamped party elements on blocks of color bring in movement, color, and a sense of joy. Together, they strike that sweet balance between cheerful and heartfelt, which is exactly what birthday cards should feel like.

Beyond birthday celebrations, there are many ways to combine these bold images and fun fonts for many special occasions!

As the year unfolds, I’m prepared to remember the lives of people I love, not just with faceless texts, but with something tangible they can hold. A birthday card says, “You matter. I planned ahead. I made time.”

With the release of the January-April Mini Catalog AND new Online Exclusives that have been added to my Stampin’ Store, there are some other promotions to be aware of:

In addition to the opportunity to earn Bonus Days Coupons for every $50 spent between 1/6-2/2, a new Product of the Month has been added for January (while supplies last):