Farewell Friday: Good Feelings & Rays of Light

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.

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Coloring with Masks (Enduring Beauty)

Masks (the fancy Stampin’ Up! term for stencils) make coloring stamped images speedy and simple!

I was truly WOWed with how quickly I was able to color the floral spray image from the Enduring Beauty bundle with the coordinating masks, blending brushes and ink pads. This is a technique you may embrace if you don’t love to color, OR if you are just getting started, you can stamp and color this image with just two ink pads! Watch & learn how:

Did you catch how to die cut just half the image so you can add a layer of Designer Series Paper as the background? For the video, I added a second fold that opens on the right:

But you can just add a 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ layer of Designer Series Paper behind the flowers to make it a regular card. I really like the look of the Poetic Expressions designs with the flowers, and used the colors of that paper for coloring the flowers, as well.

Turn the design sideways and try different colors, too.

It’s a beautiful stamp set to use for so many projects, and if you haven’t seen my two previous posts using this set this week, check out the Notebook Cover project HERE and the color challenge card HERE.

THANK YOU for shopping in my Stampin’ Store for GENUINE Stampin’ Up! products!!! It enables me to continue bringing you creative ideas and you are guaranteed high quality products with service from someone who cares about you.

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Adding Color to Enduring Beauty

Florals are always timeless, and the many ways you can use the Enduring Beauty stamp set is endless! Today I’ve colored the blossoms using Stampin’ Blends for the Global Design Project #GDP437 color challenge:

Shrinking the space to stamp the large floral image allows me to zoom in on just a portion where the butterfly lands:

I added a hint of Coastal Cabana to the paper butterfly accent with blending brushes to give it color like some of the pretty butterflies we saw at the Cockrell Butterfly Center in Houston when we were there for Stampin’ Up! OnStage last week. We had a few close encounters (like my Sprinkled Ink teammate Kristi, shown here) and it was delightful to immerse ourselves in floating and fluttering winged things!

Cutting out a few of the flowers to curl and pop up on my card gives it the dimension to make it feel like it’s coming alive off the canvas- makes me want to let it land on my finger, just like our fun experience.

While difficult to see in photos, a bit of Wink of Stella brushed onto the butterfly wings gives it a pretty shimmer. Yes, WInk of Stella has been backordered for a LOOONNGG time, but we just heard from Stampin’ Up! that it should be back in stock SOON!

Stripes are a dynamic pairing with florals, so I added some 1/2″ strips of card stock at the bottom and embossed the sentiment over the the top.

On Monday, I’ll be demonstrating the coordinating masks that come with the Enduring Beauty BUNDLE which also includes the coordinating dies I used here, so tune in on my Creative Juice by Loni Facebook Page or YouTube Channel at 12:30 pm MT time to watch live, then order your own bundle from my Stampin’ Store to create with!

Craft Happiness with Ice Cream Swirl

From a firm believer that you have the power to create your own joy, here’s an opportunity to *literally* craft things with rubber stamps, ink & paper that make you feel (and those you share them with) gleeful!

Crafting Happiness Papercrafting Class Banner

This class will spotlight the Ice Cream Swirl bundle (Item #162771-NOT included in the class fee)- OR you can complete the projects with the Simply Sparkling bundle (Item #162871), the Beautiful Balloons bundle (Item #161457), of the Share a Milkshake bundle (stamps and dies sold separately) – any of which can be ordered in my Stampin’ Store:  http://bit.ly/lonistampinupstore. BONUS: When you order the Ice Cream Swirl from my store, I will email you a discount code for $7 off the class!

You can learn more about the class below the video, here’s a completely different card I made in my Monday Live Crafting today~

Watch the HOW-TO below, plus you can see a sherbet easel card using the Ice Cream Swirl bundle HERE

MORE CLASS DETAILS: Registered class members will receive a class packet with all the consumable supplies (card stock, envelopes, Designer Series Paper, etc) needed for 5 projects we create together during the class, PLUS two full sized accessories (2 embellishments we will use in class) and a color copy of the completed projects. Crafting Happiness Virtual Class fee: $37

Class packet includes*: 

  • Tinsel Gems Four- Pack (Item #161623)
  • Iridescent Shaker Circles (Item #161625)
  • Card Stock, Designer Series Paper and accessories cut for projects
  • One sheet of Stampin’ Dimensionals
  • Envelopes and packaging
  • Sweet surprises!

(* while supplies last- if items sell out before packets are mailed, items of equal value may be substituted)

Also needed: 

  • Stamps & Dies of your choice (suggested bundles listed above)
  • Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (or Mini Machine) or similar die cutting machine for coordinating dies
  • Ink Pads: Pretty Peacock, Berry Burst, Lemon Lolly (OR Daffodil Delight), Calypso Coral, Lemon Lime Twist, Pecan Pie (OR Crumb Cake)
  • Watercolor Pencils Assortment #1 (Item #161700) OR Stampin’ Blends (colors above)

The class will be privately streamed to YouTube and you’ll receive a link via Email on April 16th to watch and craft along with me on April 19th, or watch at your convenience anytime! 

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Upcycle a Kit Box into a Gorgeous Gift

Maybe it’s because we’ve searched for a good box previously to no avail, but I am of the age that it’s difficult for me to throw away the boxes from Stampin’ Up! kits, or the pretty Paper Pumpkin boxes! They are such a perfect size for a half batch of BROWNIES, that it *almost* makes me want to bake a pan of ooey-gooey goodness, but then I’d want to eat the other half…

But what can we DO with those wonderful Stampin’ Up! boxes (aside from delivering goodies)??

Turn them into STATIONERY GIFT SETS!

Begin by covering the top with a piece of card stock and/or Designer Series Paper and embellish as desired. The February Paper Pumpkin kit box was also one I kept to modify, and because it was pre-printed, it took a smaller piece of card stock that I embossed for the center:

Next, you’ll also re-cycle the cardboard backing from a package of Designer Series Paper by cutting it into two pieces:

  • 12″ x 6 1/4″ – scored at 4 1/2″, 6″ and 7 1/2″
  • 4 1/2″ x 9 1/8″ – scored at 2 1/2″, 4″ and 6 1/2″

Those two pieces will create the dividers for your box. These easily fit 6-8 cards & envelopes on the large sections, a small book of postage stamps in the smallest section and your could add tags, small gift enclosures, a pad of post-it notes or a treat in the medium section:

Here’s the video tutorial to discover how simple it is to make this handy project:

After the video, I remembered I had some Dollar Tree goodies to send to my grandkids, and lo-and-behold, they fit in a 2-section box… just leave out the second section divider and you could also put twice as many A2-sized cards inside:

As demonstrated in the tutorial, I made a few simple cards using up the scraps from my pack of Perennial Lavender DSP and the Paper Butterfly Accents, along with the Perennial Postage bundle:

What are you going to put in your boxes? I’d love to see how *you* upcycle an empty kit box…share your creativity in my VIP Facebook Group!

Now that you’ve seen what you can make with the boxes, shop for more in the current Kit Collection:

Don’t miss the chance to subscribe before April 10, 2024 for the Delicate Wings Paper Pumpkin Kit, and add the “Thanks & Beyond Dies” to coordinate with the April, May AND June Paper Pumpkin kits!

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Birthday: Game On!

Our family loves to play games together- from board games to video games! A few of our favorites are:

  • Killer Uno (card game)
  • Perpetual Commotion (some call it Nertz)
  • Splendor (strategy)
  • Anything Mario (video)
  • Overcooked (video)

Seeing the “Level Complete” stamp set on my shelf reminded me that my son (an avid gamer) is adding an extra (year to his) life this month, so that’s where my imagination went when I saw today’s #tgifc463 Sketch Challenge.

I turned the sketch sideways and used the game controllers as the focal point:

The black & white designs on the Rock & Roll Designer Series Paper are truly awesome whenever you need a masculine background!

A black card is striking with Daffodil Delight and Tahitian Tide, just remember to add a white layer on the inside to write on.

While we are the subject of Tahitian Tide (a 2022-2024 In Color), remember that it’s one of these bright hues retiring at the end of April, 2024, and we don’t really have any bright turquoise to replace it right now, so order an ink refill for your ink pads and card stock of the same color for coordination!

Does your family have a favorite game to play together? Tell me!

To re-create this card, you can click on the supplies listed and order from my Stampin’ Store- that helps me so I can continue to bring you great ideas you are welcome to copy. or spark your own imagination!

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Say What You Wanna Say

When you don’t have the right stamps to express yourself (or your quirky personality), reach for the Mini Alphabet Dies and spell it out (or make it personal)!

I demonstrated tips and tricks for using these very versatile letters to set you up for success in your crafting in a live video, and remember that while I used two Sale-a-Bration Designer Series Papers for my simple card designs (which papers are only available FREE with purchase for a few more days- through 2/29/24), you can use ANY patterned paper collections you have to make similar cards!

For the first card (above, top) I showed how to use Adhesive Sheets to cut a whole alphabet, for letters ready to adhere to a card anytime (plus how to store the leftover letters), but don’t throw away the negatives! Cut them into squares and use the outlines, too:

You can also make a master template with a window sheet to trace letters, add diagonal lines to create a shadow effect, then adhere die cut letters over the top of each letter:

Mix & Match them with other stamps you have, or use both letters and outlines:

If you’ve read this far, here’s a bonus card and tutorial to download!

It’s a pleasure to serve your creativity~ Share what you make with the Mini Alphabet Dies when you buy them from my Stampin’ Store, and I may spotlight your creativity in my VIP Facebook Group: Creative Juice Crafter’s Corner!

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A Sherbet Swirl Colors + April Virtual Class!

The Global Design Project Color Challenge #GDP433 had me in the mood for ice cream…sherbet to be precise!

Can’t you taste the strawberry, lemon and orange? I pulled the Ice Cream Swirl bundle out and chose one of my go-to card sketches for showing off a large image, such as the ice cream cone: The Easel Card!

It was probably by design, and not by accident that the GDP colors were closely tied to one of the #creativechallengesu color combinations for February, too, so I did stamp my sherbet in Sweet Sorbet and added a swirl of the same color.

This is my card when it’s closed, and I embellished it with a few hearts from the Adhesive-Backed Hearts & Flowers pack:

An easel card is easy to make: The card base (Lemon Lolly card stock) is 11″ x 4.25″ and I scored this one at 3″ and 5.5″. Remember to ONLY ADHERE the bottom half of the layer that will stand up to the bottom 3″ of your card base. Add a small element inside that can prop up the easel- in this case I created a fruity donut in the same colors and put it on Stampin’ Dimensionals.

I’ll be using the Ice Cream Swirl bundle for my second 2024 Virtual Card Class in April!

While this class will spotlight the Ice Cream Swirl bundle (Item #162771) -NOT included in the class fee- the projects may alternatively be created with the Simply Sparkling bundle (Item #162871) OR the Beautiful Balloons bundle (Item #161457) any of which can be ordered in my Stampin’ Store: http://bit.ly/lonistampinupstore

Registered class members will receive a class packet with all the consumable supplies (card stock, envelopes, Designer Series Paper, etc) needed for 5 projects we create together during the class, PLUS two full sized accessories (2 embellishments we will use in class) and a color copy of the completed projects. (Remember: Class kit DOES NOT include stamps or ink…you can use what you have or order from my store). Crafting Happiness Virtual Class fee: $37

Class packet includes*: 

  • Tinsel Gems Four- Pack (Item #161623)
  • Iridescent Shaker Circles (Item #161625)
  • Card Stock, Designer Series Paper and accessories cut for projects
  • One sheet of Stampin’ Dimensionals
  • Envelopes and packaging
  • Sweet surprises!

(* while supplies last- if items sell out before packets are mailed, items of equal value may be substituted)

Also needed: 

  • Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (or Mini Machine) or similar die cutting machine for coordinating dies
  • Ink Pads: Pretty Peacock, Berry Burst, Lemon Lolly (OR Daffodil Delight), Calypso Coral, Lemon Lime Twist, Pecan Pie (OR Crumb Cake)
  • Watercolor Pencils Assortment #1 (Item #161700) OR Stampin’ Blends (colors above)

The class will be privately streamed to YouTube and you’ll receive a link via Email on April 16th to watch and craft along with me, or watch at your convenience anytime! 

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A Card Folio to Gift Away

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!

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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:

Quilted Cards

Greeting card crafters know how similar their art is to quilting: Matching patterns, colors and textures of little pieces of paper gives us a quicker satisfaction on a smaller scale than a quilt!

This card not only patchworks paper together, it ALSO HAS A QUILTED TEXTURE!

I paired the Softly Sophisticated Sale-a-Bration bundle with the Softly Stippled Sale-a-Bration Designer Series Paper for this card.

INSTRUCTIONS & MEASUREMENTS: Stamp images & sentiment on the Wild Wheat textile patterned paper (2″ x 3-1/4″) then adhere it to the center of a 5-1/4″ x 4″ piece of Wild Wheat card stock, with two 3/4″ x 3-7/8″ pieces of Designer Series Paper on the top and bottom and two 3/4″ x 4-1/8″ pieces of Designer Series Paper on the sides (adjusted measurement from the video). Emboss all the layers with the Softly Sophisticated 3-D Embossing folder before mounting it to the card base.

Follow along and craft with me- you can pause as you stamp & assemble:

The Softly Sophisticated Bundle is a set of stamps & embossing folder you can choose FREE with a $100 order before 2/29/24 for Sale-a-Bration!

I didn’t stop with the first card, but pulled out some supplies from the Annual Catalog to make a few handmade hugs (gatefold cards):

TIPS FOR THIS CARD: Cut a 3-1/4″ x 4-3/4″ piece of each pattern in the Countryside Inn Designer Series Paper. You can cut two sheets at a time with the Sunburst die, but you may want to go forward and back through the Cut & Emboss machine. You can flip pieces over, since the top and bottom of the design are the same size/shape and get ALL 12 designs in the starburst!

This card also used the Softly Sophisticated 3-D Embossing Folder, then I tried a few other textures:

3-D Embossing folders used left to right: Softly Sophisticated, Layered Florals, Basics Floral

These are the supplies I used for the blue sunburst hug cards:

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I’ll be sharing some of these cards with new team members during Sale-a-Bration – if you would like to start a crafty adventure with Stampin’ Up! I’m here to help. There are two bonus options if you choose to give it a try before the end of February, and the Glass Mat Studio is one of them!