New at SU! – Gingerbread Gifts

October 15, 2025October 15, 20252 Comments

The theme for the October New at SU! blog hop is “No Tricks – Just Treats!” and I’m sharing a Gingerbread Man Tag for a cute Holiday Gift Idea for neighbors, co-workers or anyone who deserved a jolly bit of baking!

Crafters LOVE to give presents, and the details make each gift delightful. This creative idea will have the recipient “baking spirits bright” for a delicious treat hot out of the oven!

The Gingerbread Man bundle includes a die that cuts a cookie that folds in half to form a card. I decided that when it opens, it should look good enough to eat (or rather, HAS been eaten):

I have a few TIPS to make this project easy to prep for making multiple tags:

The 1/2″ strips of Basic White card stock you have left over from making card layers are perfect for the icing squiggles: Remember to put a strip of adhesive sheet on the back of that strip before die cutting, and each squiggle can do one wrist and one ankle on the gingerbread man.
Including the Gingerbread man, you can get all the pieces cut in 3 passes through the Cut & Emboss Machine, if you follow the format below.
The 3rd picture shows all the pieces cut and ready! You’ll end up with two candy canes: one with a white base and one with a red base.

I did add a little sponging of Crumb Cake ink around my cookie with a blending brush, and used another 1/2″ strip for the banner:

The festive hot pads with a POCKET can be found on Amazon HERE for less than $2 each and have some , and the skinny spatulas HERE. The Betty Crocker Gingerbread Cookie mix was at my local grocery store, but you could substitute a Sugar Cookie mix, which is often found at the Dollar Tree (or whatever mix is available in your area.

Before you move on to another tasty treat stamped by one of our dazzling New at SU! design team, I’ve added the supplies needed for this project to the end of this post to help you get started on your holiday gifting quickly (U.S. crafters only), and I’d appreciate hearing from you if you liked (or copied) this idea ~ you can leave a comment at the top of my post, near the date.

Now lick your fingers and press the GO button for “Gathering Together” treats by Karen, your next stop along the sweet tour:

October 2025 New at SU! Hop: No Tricks, Just Treats!

Previous Blog Next Blog

1.Astrids Papiereuphorie (AT) – Halloween Goodies

2.Did You Stamp Today? (US) – Halloween-ish Treat Pouches

3.247 Inkspiration (US) – Gathering Moments Treat

4.iHeartCards2 (US) – Halloween Treat Holders

5.Creative Juice by Loni (US)- Gingerbread Gifts

6.Furry Cat Designs (UK) – Gathering Together Treats

7.De Kijkkast (NL)- Kleine kersttractatie met Delicate Pines

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Remember: If your shopping list is more than $35 in October, 2025, your best shopping deal is the STARTER KIT! With two specials this month to choose from (plus a discount on your future purchases- including your Christmas Gifts! – through March 2026!) there are no strings attached to just give it a try…and possibly a wonderful adventure ahead:

Shop the Starter Kit NOW

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Mailable Gift for Men

June 12, 20251 Comment

Adding to the growing “Mailable Gifts” list (you’ll want to PIN or bookmark that link) ~ this time it’s one a guy would appreciate!

Since it’s Father’s Day, I like to remember my sons and sons-in-love (I do the same for the girls on Mother’s Day). A gift card for a CAR WASH doesn’t break the bank (when you have many gifts to mail), and when I was at Quick Quack Car Wash purchasing gift cards, I saw that they also had AIR FRESHENERS for just $1!!

Of course, I had to come back to make a slimline card that would fit both the Duck Scent and the gift card! The Stampin’ Up!®️ Party Alphabet dies are large enough to show off the contrasting pattern on the front, and this is the inside of the card style:

I did have to cut off just a bit of the bottom of the “Duck Scents” to fit into a small envelope (as shown) – it’s a 6 3/4″ security envelope, like you can buy a box of at Dollar Tree. The card size is 3.5″ x 6.25″ when folded, and I’ll give you material measurements in just a moment.

One thing you will have to do is manipulate the sentiment on your clear block, so it will curve around the first letter, and fit on the Designer Series Paper. That’s easy to do with Stampin’ Up!®️ photopolymer stamps, like the Everyday Arches set I used for this card. Make sure to stamp this sentiment close to the left side of the patterned paper so you have room for the letters!

I’m here to make all the mistakes so you don’t have to- I had to make this card style 3 times before I got it right! Once I got it down, I made multiple versions. Here are the measurements:

11″ x 3.5″ cardstock for card base, scored at 6.25″ and 9.75″ (fold the smallest flap over and secure edges with Tear & Tape adhesive to create a pocket for a gift card).
Designer Series Paper for front layer: 6″ x 3.25″
Cardstock for inside of card: 5-7/8″ x 3-1/8″
Designer Series Paper AND card stock for 3 letters (and the shadow behind them): 2.5″ x 5″

Stamp any designs you want on your letters (like the birds) BEFORE you offset the card stock behind them for a shadow effect, then pop them up on the front of your card with dimensionals.

These cards turned out terrific with a combination of papers from the Everyday Skies 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper pack! Supplies listed below, and the SON card uses Cajun Craze, Blueberry Bushel and Cloud Cover (inside) card stock; the DAD card uses Azure Afternoon, Blackberry Bliss and Basic White (inside) card stock.

Would you give this card style a try? Leave me a comment (at top of post, next to the posting date) to let me know how you like it.

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Fantastic Dad Slimline card with Stampin' Up! Party Alphabet dies

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

For 2025 Grads: CASH in a Window Card!

May 12, 2025Leave a comment

There won’t be another opportunity to gift cash like this until the year 2050, so CREATE THIS CARD FOR EVERY GRADUATE YOU KNOW!

This clever card includes a pocket AND a window to see the gift, and I can’t think of another year that could be more ideal: You could give $45 (two twenties and a five) OR $27 (a twenty, a two dollar bill and a five). Either way, it spells “twenty-twenty-five”.

All the stamps and dies come in the Stampin’ Up!®️ Birthday Celebration Bundle:

I’ve walked you through exactly how to create this card in the video, and remember, you can always pause the video, slow it down or speed it up (click the gear icon on YouTube) and order all the supplies you need TODAY in time to make these cards for your 2025 Seniors.

You can modify this design to match the school colors of your graduate. While I used glimmer paper, you could also use foil sheets or Designer Series Paper – if you don’t have anything fancy on hand, peruse the specialty paper available now.

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Loyal customers are wonderful, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t let you know the BEST DEAL for any avid crafter is the STARTER KIT. Throughout May, it’s an even better value, for you can choose $165 in product (literally everything I used today…and MORE) for just $99 plus tax (shipping is included!).

It’s not “just” a great discount you’ll get on your future Stampin’ Up! purchases, it’s ALSO a family of creative people who cheer for you, experiences and events to look forward to, and personal growth that you will be grateful for.

There is no “catch”. There is nothing to “lose”…but a lot of JOY to GAIN!

Tell Me More About Joining Stampin’ Up!®️

Cute as Can Bee Mirror

March 18, 2025Leave a comment

There is always creative treasure to discover at the dollar store, and when I saw this hexagon mirror, I knew just what to do with it!

Did you know StazOn ink will stamp on non-porous surfaces like plastic and GLASS? The flight trail of the bee traverses across the mirror, then I grouped a few of the hexagon Meant to Bee dies on the edge:

There are 5 sizes of hexagons in the die set, and each one cuts both a hexagon and a hexagon “frame”:

Remember that you SAVE 10% when you buy the dies and stamp set together in a bundle!

Such a cute (and quick) gift! I’m certain one of my granddaughters are going to love hanging it in their room. I may have to go back to look for more of the mirrors, so they each have one.

I did demonstrate this project, along with the Happy Bee-Day Loaded Envelope, in yesterday’s video – it starts at about 22:00

Tell me what you think of this project – my comment section is at the top by the posting date and I enjoy hearing from you!

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Loaded Envelope for a Happy Bee-Day

March 17, 20251 Comment

As we continue with the BIRTHDAY theme for March, today’s project is a Happy B-Day LOADED ENVELOPE! You saw the mini version a few weeks ago, and this time we started with a 12″ x 12″ piece of Designer Series Paper to make pockets that hold all the goodies a crafter could want.

On the side of the paper that you want for the outside of your envelope, score on each side at 3-1/4″, then turn 90 degrees and score 3-3/4″ from the bottom edge. You can watch the video below for exactly how to do this.

NOTE: This project works best if the pattern on the outside of your envelope is non-directional, like the flowers on this paper, which don’t have a right-side-up. I did make sure the bee paper was vertical on the back side, so the inside of my envelope shows them the correct direction.

Fold both sides toward the center and press open the “collar” and connect the sides in the front with Tear & Tape. Next, fold up along the 3-3/4″ score line to create the lower pocket(s). You may choose to cut about 1-1/2″ along the right side score line before folding up the pocket, so you can fold it down, as I did on the sample above, which allows you to fold the right edge down, revealing the back side of the paper, and forming a 3rd pocket (where the sticker is inserted).

Add finishing touches to decorate the front of the envelope, like the smallest hexagon focal point above, with a bee, flowers and sentiment. Follow along as I demonstrate:

Stuff your gift with a handmade card, paper snips, adhesives, embellishments (like the Tiny Bee Trinkets!) and other crafting essentials…like chocolate (dressed up in a sleeve of matching paper)!

I hope you’ll have as much fun making one of these as I did! Which crafty friend would appreciate this gift?

Thank you for shopping for the supplies below ~ your support means the world to me as a creator.

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New at SU! Make it MINI Toadstools

February 19, 2025February 19, 20254 Comments

Would you agree that everything is cuter when it’s TINY? The Stampin’ Up! demonstrators of the New at SU! Design Team are here to prove that small paper crafting projects are more adorable, as we showcase some of our 2025 January – April Mini Catalog products as MINI PROJECTS!

The Terrific Toadstool bundle (stamps + coordinating punch) was my choice from the J-A catalog, and since there are just 10 days left of Sale-a-Bration, I had to include the coordinating Toadstool Gardens Designer Series Paper (a free Sale-a-Bration item you can choose with a $60 order by February 28th).

And this is my tiny project: A Mini Loaded Envelope!

The idea came from fellow demonstrator Kimberly Smith’s Instagram page (@Paperedchef) and is a piece of cake to make from one piece of 6″ x 6″ paper. I’m sure I’ll be using this pattern for many occasions, as the finished 2-3/4″ x 4″ size is perfect for tucking in gift cards, stickers, temporary tattoos, tiny treats, tea bags, and even small embellishments such as twine!

Adding two layered circles with punches gives you a place to add some wee words and a small element, such as a tiny toadstool.

Quick how-to video:

Get your fill of more adorable miniature projects by visiting each of these posts from demonstrators around the world~ remember to PIN or save your favorite projects to try:

February 2025 N@SU! Hop: Make it MINI

Previous Blog Next Blog

1.Studio Shabaz (AU) – Make It Mini

2.Playing with Papercrafting (CA) – Storybook Friends Mini Package for

3.Astrids Papiereuphorie (AT) – Minicards Beste Wünsche

4.The Joy of Stampin’ with Rachael (US)- Make it Mini Bookmarks

5.Creative Juice by Loni (US): Make It Mini Toadstools!

6.De Kijkkast (NL)- Finchies with Storybook Garden Patch

7.24-7 Inkspiration (US) – Storybook Friends

8.iHeartCards2 (US) – Storybook Friends Treat Holder

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Farewell Friday: Good Feelings & Rays of Light

March 29, 20241 Comment

As we near the end of a Stampin’ Up! catalog year, it’s time to spotlight some of my favorite retiring products. These products are available while supplies last or until April 30, 2024 (download full retiring product list at end of this post).

Since the TGIF Bonus Challenge #tgifc466 was to create a “simple gift set” of cards, it gave me the opportunity to stretch outside my comfort zone of bright colors, and use some of the black & white designs from the Delightfully Eclectic Designer Series Paper. But you can’t take ALL the color out of my life, so I added Calypso Coral, which also shows up on some of the paper designs.

These cards use the paper, PLUS the Good Feelings stamp set and Rays of Light background stamp, all of which will NOT be returning to the new catalog premiering in May. The Rays of Light background is the one I will grieve over losing the most!

This simple fun-fold card style is strategically planned to make the most of your patterned paper! If you score a full 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of card stock along the long edge at 4.25″ and 9.75″…THEN cut it in half at 4.25″, you’ll have two 11″ x 4.25″ cards ready to fold, meeting on the front of the card,

Use a 4″ x 4″ piece of DSP on one side and a 4″ x 1″ piece on the smaller fold. This pattern can be used in landscape or portrait orientation.

Now, HOW should we “gift” all these simple co-ordinating cards?

A quick folio made from a 12″ tall x 10″ wide piece of the Designer Series Paper is just the thing, and can hold all the cards plus envelopes!

Score it at 4.75″ and 5.25″ to give a center binding back, then add a ribbon to tie closed:

What else is retiring? Click banners to download the lists of items from the ’23-’24 Annual Catalog AND the January-April Mini Catalog which will be retiring.

>>> NOTE THAT THE LAST CHANCE SALE STARTS APRIL 9th <<<

These are the supplies I used for my simple set of cards and the folio to gift them in. I appreciate your orders so much and will mail you a thank you card! THANK YOU.

Product List

Good Feelings Cling Stamp Set (English)

$24.00

Rays Of Light Cling Stamp Set

$18.00

Delightfully Eclectic 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

$30.00

Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.50

Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

$6.50

Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

$10.00

Black & White 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Gingham Ribbon

$7.00

Bee Builder Punch

$22.00

Paper Trimmer

$26.00

Stampin' Seal+

$12.00

A Card Folio to Gift Away

February 12, 2024Leave a comment

Dropping a Valentine on a friend’s doorstep may not be a custom any longer, but with today’s project, you can hang a set of hand-crafted greeting cards on a friends door as a gift that shows you love them.

I get my best ideas when I should be asleep, and this one came just as I was laying down last night, so I made a quick note on the notepad next to my bed and woke up ready to try it!

All you need is a 12″ x 12″ piece of non-directional (meaning there isn’t a top and a bottom to the design) Designer Series Paper (or DSP), a Simply Scored board, adhesive and 24″ coordinating ribbon:

Instructions (also in video):

Fold DSP diagonally from corner to opposite corner, with the pattern you want facing out.
Lay fold (longest side) of your folded paper (a triangle shape at this point) along the left side of the Simply Scored board and score at 1/4″. Turn and do the back side the same way.
Turn folded side to the top edge of the board and score at 6″ and 11″. Flip the triangle over and score the back side on the same measurements.
Open up your paper and fold along the 1/4″ score lines just off center.
Open again and fold the outside points (along the 6″ and 11″ lines) IN towards the center. Flip and fold the top points back-to-back, with the center folds at the bottom, creating two pockets on the outside.
Punch at hole (or two) at the top to tie together (leaving a loop to hang from is optional).

I used up a lot of the bits and pieces of the Softly Stippled Designer Series Paper I’ve had left over from other projects to create four simple cards (plus envelopes) to go inside the folio:

1″ x 3″ pieces of Designer Series Paper + your favorite punch

Or use a die with two contrasting patterns as background (Everyday Details Dies – NEW!)

Blend color on the plain Designer Series Paper images and emboss a greeting

Layer on 5-1/4″ strips from the same package of papers in varying widths and finish with focal point.

Don’t throw away the images on your Designer Series Paper that are on the edges! Cut them out and use them on the inside of your card!

2-1/2 weeks left of Sale-a-Bration ~ still time to collect your favorite SAB products FREE with qualifying purchase, and so much to choose from:

I appreciate the opportunity to serve you. If you find that I have taught you something, please order the supplies from my store and support a small business!

Product List

Softly Stippled 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

$12.50

Simply Scored

$36.00

Layering Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

$24.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.50

Wild Wheat 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Modern Oval Punch

$22.00

Pebbled Path Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Wild Wheat Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Uninked Stampin’ Craft Pad & Whisper White Refill

$10.50

Basics Embossing Powders

$18.00

Heat Tool (Us And Canada)

$31.00

2023–2025 In Color Jute Trim

$8.00

Pool Party 3/8" (1 Cm) Grosgrain Ribbon

$8.00

Pool Party 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Crinkle Ribbon

$0.00

Paper Trimmer

$26.00

Stampin' Seal+

$12.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

$4.25

Everyday Details Dies

$34.00

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

$66.00

Small Blending Brushes

$12.00

Consider yourself invited to join my Stampin’ Up! team! During February 2024, purchase the STARTER KIT and choose an extra $30 in products in your kit ~OR~ select the Stampin’ Glass Mat Studio (as shown in the video) as your bonus option:

“Extra” Sweet Favor (and EXTRA rewards)

February 6, 2024February 6, 2024Leave a comment

Have you ever stayed overnight where a candy or special small gift was left on your pillow? Those little touches are called “pillow gifts” and makes you feel fancy!

When I saw watermelon-flavored Extra gum while checking out at the grocery store, it made me think of the Watercolor Melon Sale-a-Bration stamp set, and how I could create along a theme:

A perfect size to drop off as a “thinking of you” gift- or leave on a pillow for guest – you pull on the ribbon and out slides the pack of gum:

This do-it-yourself project is simple and sweet, and I’ve got the video to prove it:

Slider box dimensions: 7-3/4″ x 3-1/4″ piece of card stock, scored at 1/2″, 1″, 3-1/2″ and 4″

Sale-a-Bration continues through February 29th; since it’s leap year, you have an “EXTRA” day to earn free products with each $50 purchase in my Stampin’ Store!

Did you also know there are TWO “Extras” you could choose from when you invest in the Starter Kit?

OPTION ONE: The first is that you may choose the Stampin’ Glass Mat Studio,

~OR~

OPTION TWO: Choose an EXTRA $30 in products in your Starter Kit! Usually you get to choose $125 of product in your kit for just $99, but through February 2024, you may select $155 (and pay only $99) if this is the option you decide on.

The Starter Kit is an offer ANYONE may select, and you will get a 20% discount while you also get to peek behind the curtain of being a demonstrator. There are no obligations to try it, so why not??

SHOW ME THE STARTER KIT OPTIONS!