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!

So Very Merry Gingerbread House Christmas Card

Sweet Treat Challenge + New Online Exclusives

July 3, 2024Leave a comment

The Sweet Treats theme for the TGIF Challenge this week got me dreaming of sugar plums…

We’ll call it “Christmas in July”!

This was the #tgifc479 challenge to start our creative cogs turning:

The So Very Merry stamp set is not in the catalog, but *IS* still in the Online Exclusive section of my Stampin’ Store, and I embossed the gingerbread house on a banner cut from the Nested Essentials dies, then colored it with watercolor pencils and added Wink of Stella to the candy for sparkle (all supplies listed below). Though it’s hard to see in a photo, trust me that the treats glisten in the light!

Speaking of Online Exclusives, there are NEW ADDITIONS to that section of my store, and you’ll have a hard time choosing between the frightfully fun Halloween, the elegant Autumn or the gorgeous Holiday offerings. You have my permission to choose all of them! And there is MORE than just these shown.

Back to my gingerbread house card, the supplies I used are below and feel free to use the idea for your holiday mail, if you love it!

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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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New at SU! A Lemony Sketch

June 19, 2024June 20, 20241 Comment

You’re here to see how Stampin’ Up! card sketches from the 2024-2025 catalog (pg 22) can improve your cardmaking skills, and our International #NewAtSU design team is taking the assignment seriously!

This is the sketch I chose:

Here is how it inspired me:

You’ll notice that I didn’t use 3 panels, but allowed my banner to visually divide the lemon Designer Series Paper. That’s the thing about a sketch = it’s there to give you a place to start, then run in whichever direction your heart takes you!

Try mixing up products, too! I thought the Mediterannean Blooms lemon paper would make a fabulous backdrop for the image from the Filled with Happiness set, and it did. That Navy & Yellow combination is summery and sweet.

I cut both the navy banner and the lemon oval in half to stretch across the card and give room for the Congratulations sentiment. This would be a unique baby congrats card, or a wedding celebration! It’s just generic enough to fit any occasion.

Once you’ve left me a comment and have filled your cup with creative juice (and your cart with supplies), move along to see how all the other stampers used these wonderful sketches, then TRY ONE YOURSELF.

June 2024 New at SU! Blog Hop: Catalog Sketch Inspiration – Visit them all!

1.Merrick Makings (AUS) – Secret Sketches of SU!

2.Creative Juice by Loni (US) – A Lemony Sketch, Congrats

3.I Heart Cards 2 (US)- Catalog Sketch with Country Woods Collection

4.Stamping Flair (AU) – Flower Cart Stamp Set

5.Furry Cat Designs (UK) – Sketched Butterflies Sketch

6.Nature’s INKspirations (US) – A Sketch Inspired Thoughtful Journey

7.scraphexe (DE) – Sketch Layers of beauty | Liebenswerte Lagen

8.Stampinxime (DE) – Tune In – Geburtstagskarte nach S

9.Tricia’s Stamping Creations (USA) – Latte Love

10.247 Inkspiration (US) – Happy Little Things

11.De Kijkkast (NL) – Veggies and a sketch!

12.Joni in the Spotlight Stamping (USA)-New at SU-Catalog Sketch with La

Product List

Filled With Happiness Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

$20.00

Mediterranean Blooms 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

$12.50

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Modern Oval Punch

$23.00

Stylish Shapes Dies

$30.00

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

$11.25

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

Daffodil Delight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$11.00

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$11.00

Baker's Twine Three Color Pack

$8.00

Stampin' Seal

$8.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

$4.25

Boho Blue Limited Edition Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

$63.00

Did you know the Boho Blue Mini Cut & Emboss Machine is less expensive than the white mini machine, with the same performance? AND all the machines are 10% off through June 30th – don’t miss it!

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:

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Anticipating Autumn

June 14, 2024July 3, 2024Leave a comment

By nature, I enjoy the season I’m currently living in. However, I can affirmatively claim that FALL is my favorite!

The new “Changing Leaves” bundle was sitting on my craft desk (freshly upacked from a pre-order for new Online Exclusives coming July 2nd) when I saw the TGIF Sketch Challenge – so here we are:

The simplicity of this sketch allows the details of the stamped image and the hybrid embossing folder to take center stage:

These are the colors I chose for my card:

Clever crafters may be asking, “Does Stampin’ Up! have Mossy Meadow ribbon? Or Blackberry Bliss jute twine?” and the answer is NO! But you CAN color the Basic Beige ribbon with the dark Mossy Meadow Stampin’ Blend Marker and the Moody Mauve jute trim with the Blackberry Bliss Stampin’ Blend Marker! Because the blends markers are alcohol-based, it doesn’t take long for the trims to dry before adding them to your paper creations.

Being able to order new products EARLY is one of the perks of being a demonstrator! Don’t suffer from FOMO…you can join my Sprinkled Ink team of demonstrators whenever you are ready.

POST UPDATED JULY 3, 2024: Changing Leaves Bundle NOW AVAILABLE!

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Zinnias for Catalog Sketch, June Bundle Sale

June 6, 2024June 6, 2024Leave a comment

Have you noticed the 22 card sketches on page 22 of the Annual Catalog? You’ll want to turn to these any time you’ve lost your crafting mojo, for they will give you a “map” to follow as you get back into your stamping groove.

If you look closely, you may spy samples throughout the catalog that follow a sketch, as well.

I decided to use the Simply Zinnia bundle to follow this sketch for the #CreativeChallengeSU :

These colors feel like SUMMER and make me want to plant some in my yard.

I know that the Simply Zinnia bundle and Flowering Zinnia Suite are backordered (as of June 6, 2024) but they should be back in stock by the week of June 24th which will give you time to order the bundle during the June “Extra 10% Off” sale on all BUNDLES (Stamps + Dies)!

During June, the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machines are all 10% off as well – original size, mini and Boho Blue mini machine, too! Bring one (or a second one) home to your craft room.

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Flowering Zinnias Suite Collection (English)

$83.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$13.00

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

$11.50

Berry Burst 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

Highland Heather 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

Lemon Lolly 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

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

$11.50

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

$11.50

Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Mini Glue Dots

$7.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

$4.25

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

$66.00

Iridescent Adhesive Backed Discs

$7.00

Pop-Out Book-Binding Card

June 3, 2024Leave a comment

Remember the SQUASH CARD we made last week? We’re using the SAME fold, just starting smaller, and putting it inside a book-binding card for a POP-ular fun-fold for your favorite POP this Father’s Day (or ANY OCCASION)!

At first glance, this looks like a normal book-binding card. But wait until you open it up!

Watch this tutorial and give this a try, and you’ll be chopping all your Designer Series Paper to 6″ square to make more!

The silver foil pop top and bottom really make it look like an aluminum can:

The Simply Sparkling stamp set and dies are just a taste of many incredible products only found in my online store, so while you are adding them to your cart, check out the other Online Exclusives.

Product List

Simply Sparkling Bundle (English)

$43.00

Bright & Beautiful 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

$12.50

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

$11.50

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

$11.50

Lemon Lolly 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

Boho Blue 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

Fresh Freesia 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$13.00

Silver Foil Sheets

$5.00

Adhesive Sheets

$11.50

2023–2025 In Color Jute Trim

$8.00

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

$66.00

Stampin' Seal

$8.00

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

$4.25

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

$6.00

Squash Fun-Fold Card

June 1, 2024June 1, 20241 Comment

Usually, I’m a bit more timely in posting my finished project from my Monday Lunchtime Live crafting videos, but we were focused on tending the grandkids. I’m just now getting settled back at home and sharing this (late Saturday night)…better late than never!

This fun-fold card is called a “squash card” and begins with an 8.5″ square piece of card stock. Once finished, the card squashes (or smashes) flat to fit into a standard Stampin’ Up! envelope.

Measurements for the pieces:

8.5″ square card stock, scored at 4.25″ horizontally and vertically AND once diagonally.
Designer Series Paper: One 3.75″ square and two 3.5″ square
Basic White card stock: Two 3.75″ squares, plus a piece to stamp a greeting and/or images to embellish with.

I die cut images from the Designer Series Paper for the front of my cards, but you could just as easily stamp what you’d like for the top of your cards.

Now peek inside:

TIP: The same design can be used on a 12″ x 12″ piece of card stock to create a mailable scrapbook page! Place photos where any of the paper or card stock layers are, and save a spot to journal about the memories, then fold it up to send to a friend to remember a happy day together.

Watch for instructions:

Thanks for ordering the supplies from my Stampin’ Store so I may continue to bring you ideas to try!

Product List

Mediterranean Blooms Suite Collection (English)

$83.00

Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$8.00

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$11.00

Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$11.00

Paper Trimmer

$28.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

$130.00

Stampin' Seal

$8.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

$4.25

Good news! Starting June 5th, both the standard and mini Cut & Emboss Machines will be 10% off (they have NEVER been on sale before!) PLUS stamp + die bundles- which are already 10% off – will be available for an ADDITIONAL 10% discount through June 30, 2024.

Embellishing with Ephemera

May 21, 2024May 21, 2024Leave a comment

Ephemera: “things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time”

Some of my friends are “junk journalists” while others are scrapbookers, and most of us make greeting cards often. One thing we all have in common is our enjoyment of embellishing our projects with pretty pieces of ribbon, jewels, and paper, or EPHEMERA.

In the 2024-2025 Stampin’ Up! catalog, there are 4 packages of ephemera to mix & match on projects of your choice- from scrapbooks to journals, from tags to cards. In this video, a special guest demonstrates how these bits & pieces ignite the imagination:

Here are a few other cards I created after all the “help” on the video:

TIP: When starting with a printed card base, create a background for your focal point with a plain contrasting color, such as a frame or tag, then “build” images on and around the background.

After creating with the die cut images, I realized the best way to store Epemera pieces would be in an album with the 6″ x 8″ pocket pages so you could punch out the pieces (which kind of want to fall out as you handle the sheets), sort, organize and view them easily in a binder! I’m not at home, or I’d snap a pic to show you, but here is the album and pages in a variety pack. You can click the images to add the products to your cart.