Wow Bow Fun Fold Card

January 5, 2026January 5, 2026Leave a comment

We card creators are constantly faced with a dilemma: Which side of this pretty paper should I use when both front and back designs are beautiful? The Wow Bow Fun Fold lets you use BOTH sides and is easily crafted from ONE PIECE of 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper:

This idea was adapted slightly from my friend Frances Martin of Frenchiestamps.com and you can see her versions HERE.

As I explain in the tutorial video, I like to pair bold designs with small patterns, and most of the time, Stampin’ Up! does the work for us by creating Designer Series Paper (DSP) that coordinates on front and back with contrasting colors and patterns. You can take your cue for the colors of your card from the DSP itself, as well. For my demonstration card (above) I chose a Fresh Freesia card base and Old Olive layer on the front, which matches the Lovely & Beautiful Designer Series Paper I used.

Two more versions: One showcasing the Made with Love DSP and the other featuring Cute as a Bug paper — tomorrow can’t come soon enough for you to collect all these patterns!

All of these papers will be included in the Paper & Ribbon Share, where you’ll receive a 6″ x 6″ piece of each paper arriving TOMORROW (Jan. 6, 2026) to play with! Don’t hesitate, the deadline for reserving your share is TODAY (Jan. 5, 2026). If there are any shares left over, they will be offered first-come-first-served at the Card Cafe Class in Hurricane, UT on January 15th.

The video will walk you through making this easy fancy fold card, and the measurements are below.

Card Measurements:

Card base 5.5″ x 8.5″ card stock
First layer 4″ x 5.25″ card stock
Designer Series Paper 6″ x 6″ – cut 3/4″ off bottom and score remaining piece at 1.5″ and 4.5″
Use 3/4″ strip INSIDE the card!

This final sample uses the Hobby Haven Designer Series Paper available now in my Stampin’ Store. It is NOT included in the Paper Share, but sure makes beautiful cards for folks with hobbies such as crafting, baking, houseplants (shown), sewing, self-care, etc. :

COMING TOMORROW, January 6th:

Customers may begin to order from January-April Mini Catalog and January Online Exclusives!
NEW Product of the Month drops!
NEW KITS available!
BONUS DAYS earning period begins: Earn $5 coupon for each $50 spent (in addition to collecting 10% back in Stampin’ Rewards!) to redeem between February 3-28, 2026!

Sympathy Quilt Card

December 21, 2025December 20, 2025Leave a comment

When your heart hurts for a friend’s grief and you just want to wrap them up and cry with them, use your hands to create a hug-with-a-fold-in-the-middle (a.k.a. a one-of-a-kind sympathy card).

The True Blue Florals Designer Series Paper – the Stampin’ Up!®️ Product of the Month for December 2025 – reminds me of material a quilter would use, so I chose to craft a paper quilt card. I started by cutting two 1-3/4″ squares of each of the 6 double-sided sheets, then cut each in half diagonally. The sentiment square is the same size. Then it was time to “piece” them together:

Finished card size: 4-1/8″ x 5-1/2″ (the Balmy Blue panel is 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″). There were enough triangles to go across the front of the envelope AND a similar row inside the card, so they all feel stitched together as a matching set.

Sometimes your hands show your love more than your words can. I hope this will be the case for this heart-felt piece of art.

Product List

The True Blue Florals Designer Series Paper (DSP) is available with qualifying purchase only while supplies last. A new POTM is released on the first Tuesday of each month.

While the True Blue Florals DSP is NOT included in the January Paper Share, you could create a quilt card similar to this one with some of the other patterns which WILL be included. Reserve your share by January 5th by clicking the image or link.

Dynamic Backgrounds with 6×6 Patterned Paper

September 1, 2025December 27, 20251 Comment

Have ever looked at a stack of pretty designer series paper and think, “It’s too pretty to cut”? I hear you—but here’s the good news: when you do cut it, you can get the most out of every single sheet! I created this cutting map that turns any 6” x 6” piece of designer paper into perfectly sized layers for the front of your cards:

In my live video today, I walked through the process step by step and made the card shown here from the Autumn Toile pack of paper that will be available on September 2nd. (You’ll find the replay below if you want to craft along!) The cutting map is below so you can print it out, tuck it near your paper trimmer, and use it anytime you want to make lovely layers of backgrounds for your greeting cards.

Cutting guide for 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper

The first cut you make (circled) will be 3-7/8″ into the square. The second cut will be to cut the leftover pattern down to 4-1/2″ tall, then other cuts as shown.

Layer the two large rectangles on a contrasting card stock base, and the two long strips go on a piece of card stock that is 2-1/2″ x 4-3/4″, which can be attached with dimensionals to either the left or right side of the front of the card.

For my samples, I used a mix of Stampin’ Up! designer series paper. Four of the patterns come straight from the September Paper Share I’m offering — fifty-three 6″ x 6″ sheets of Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper, all cut down and ready for you to create with. It’s a perfect way to try every new design without committing to full packs, and it gives you plenty of variety for projects like this.

My last two examples of this sketch feature the Painterly Pears Suite and the Spooky Sweet Suite. Isn’t it terrific how the same cutting map works across completely different styles—fall-inspired pumpkins, happy holiday greetings, fresh pears, or playful Halloween motifs?! It’s proof that a simple template can stretch your supplies and spark new ideas.

Whether you’re making cards in bulk or just want a foolproof way to get more from your paper, this card design is one you’ll use again and again. Scroll down for the video, save all six card samples, and grab your trimmer—you’ll be amazed how quickly 6” x 6” papers can turn into a gallery of handmade cards.

The 1″ x 3-7/8″ piece from the cutting map goes INSIDE the cards, like this:

TWO more opportunities before you go:

The Autumn Toile paper (on the first card I demonstrated) coordinates with the September Paper Pumpkin kit, so if you adore autumn and those detailed designs, you will certainly want to subscribe by September 10th to receive a fall-filled box of coordinating crafting!
While the Spooky Sweet Suite paper is NOT included in the Paper Share, I *WILL* be teaching a Virtual Halloween class with the suite on October 2nd – Add the suite to your cart for an invitation to join the party, or visit the Facebook event page (link above) to find out how to register.

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Come to a Craft Event -Live or Virtual!

August 7, 20251 Comment

You can watch a lot of videos, but nothing compares to getting your fingers IN THE INK! If you are like most people, you learn best by DOING, and there are so many exciting stamping events coming up, so choose the one(s) that work best for you:

Coming first is the “Remember the Adventure” Travel Journal class that is one week away in Hurricane, UT, so register quickly to ensure your seat! Bring 20-35 photos of a recent adventure and you can complete the album to show off your last adventure. Class Fee: $20 (a STEAL!) Find class details on the Facebook event HERE.

Next on the calendar is the September Paper Share!

Twice a year I offer a 6″ x 6″ sampler of all the new Designer Series Paper released by Stampin’ Up! in a mini catalog. With the September-December mini catalog coming (AND the September Online Exclusive release), there are 53 pieces of gorgeous papers that span through autumn and the holidays, and you can get a piece of each one to play with! Learn more HERE and reserve a share by September 1st!

The Southern Utah Fall StampFest will be Saturday, September 13th and you will want to bring a friend to this cozy crafternoon event! Save $10 when you register by August 30th!.

We’ll be offering the same projects to happy crafters in Utah County just a few weeks later (on September 27th). Grab your spot early before someone schedules your day for you!

Spooky Sweet Suite Class: October 2nd at 4 pm MT

The creativity continues into October, this time in a VIRTUAL CLASS for all those who love Halloween! The Spooky Sweet class will be one you can participate in while in your pajamas, as it will be broadcast on a private YouTube video for those who register and purchase the Spooky Sweet Suite Collection. If you order the Suite from my store, the class is just $10 (includes shipping to you) and I’ll email asking if you’d like to join the class, once you’ve checked out with the suite in your cart!

If you have purchased the suite collection from another demonstrator (or as a demonstrator), the fee is $20 – contact me to register.

Craft along LIVE with me -OR- watch later at your convenience.

Class kit includes card stock and envelopes, dimensionals, cutting guide and goodies for creating 5 projects SO CUTE, THEY ARE SPOOKY!

You will also need: Spooky Sweet Suite Collection, Adhesive, Paper Trimmer, Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad and the following Stampin’ Blends: Granny Apple Green, Petunia Pop, Pumpkin Pie, Smoky Slate.

Finally, put these events in your calendar and watch for details coming soon:

Stamp Therapy Class – October 9th (Hurricane, UT)

Christmas Cards & Cocoa Class – November 20th (Hurricane, UT)

Keep your creative juices flowing at a class! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Embossed Fault-Line Cards

December 30, 20244 Comments

If this was a contest, you would have OVERWHELMINGLY voted for the Fault Line Cards as BEST OF SHOW! Since they have been such a hit, I wanted to try an EMBOSSED version, and they are just as show-stopping as the originals, just take a look (watch the video tutorial)…

The Happy Hibiscus bundle includes a photopolymer stamp set, hybrid embossing folder and coordinating dies. With all that divine coordination, it was a lovely choice for this project! This time I started with a 4.25″ x 9″ card base and pulled a white craft ink pad across the embossed Melon Mambo card stock to make the flowers pop.

Next, I used the Eyelet 3D embossing folder to create a background in hues of purple for a few toadstools (arriving January 7th- just in time to add to your cart and qualify for a free Sale-a-Bration product, like the embellishments on the card):

Watch this “How-To” tutorial for making Fault-Line cards of all types:

This version gives you one more look at one of the Designer Series Papers that will be included in the Paper Share (reserve your share by 1/7/25) and it’s called Wildflower Birthday, which is part of a suite of coordinating products in the Stampin’ Up! 2025 Jan-April mini catalog.

It is destined for one of my team members who has a birthday in January, and I know she’ll love it!

Not all products are available in my Stampin’ Store until January 7th, but here are the ones you can save to your cart now, or JOIN MY TEAM AND GET IN ON THE PREORDER immediately:

Product List

Click image to reserve your paper share

Adding Ribbon to a Handmade Card & Paper Share!

December 16, 2024Leave a comment

Are you in a rut of tying a ribbon around a card in the SAME WAY all the time? With so many unique ways to use ribbon on your hand-stamped creations, let’s explore just a few ideas! VIDEO TUTORIAL BELOW

First, try using your ribbon as a background: This Pool Party pompom ribbon is in the “Last Chance” section of my Stampin’ Store, and I’ve paired it with a Sale-a-Bration 2025 stamp set “Day to Celebrate” for this celebratory card. Consider planning ahead, because you’ll want some of this ribbon on hand once you can select this stamp set free (with a $60 order) in January!

Next, there are plenty of crafters who despise having to tie a bow! Weird, but true. So this one is a FAUX BOW and so easy to do (see video). NO BOW TYING REQUIRED. This non-traditional valentine is a second peek at a bundle coming in the January-April 2025 mini catalog called “Hugs for Love” and comes with the To The Point Label punch. The Cherry Cobbler & Gold ribbon looks lovely on Wild Wheat card stock, and gives it a use beyond Christmas:

Next up, not only is it pretty to have two different ribbon types, when you use twine to tie the second bow, it is less bumpy to mail! However, this project may get a little bumpy when you add a package of flower seeds to the pocket:

Another preview of some products coming soon…and the good news is that the Storybook Moments Specialty Designer Series Paper, Timeless Plaid Designer Series Paper AND the Petal Pink 3/8″ Scalloped Ribbon are all part of my Designer Series Paper & Ribbon Share

You’ll receive SIXTY-ONE 6″ x 6″ pieces of every Designer Series Paper in the Jan-Apr Mini Catalog AND January Online Exclusive products (not all paper is shown, just a sample). BONUS: Add a sampler of the 4 new ribbons (2.5 yards each), and you’ll have plenty of coordinating products to play with.

Reserve a Paper and/or Ribbon Share by January 7th!

But wait! I have two more ribbon ideas for you!

Have you ever created a gathered edge with a ribbon? Let it peek out from below a sentiment like this Black & Vanilla Large Check RIbbon ruffle on a piece of home-sweet-camper framed decor:

Yep- that’s another “first look” at the Adventure Together bundle (a January Online Exclusive) AND the Everyday Skies Designer Series Paper (included in the Paper Share).

And finally (or at first in the demonstration video), a unique way to tie a bow on a gift box- FAST. Just wait until you see how the bow keeps the ribbon in place! I used the Silver & White Sheer Ribbon:

AT LAST! Here’s the tutorial to watch:

Really looking forward to hearing what you think of these ideas of ways to use Stampin’ Up! ribbon on handmade greeting cards, gifts and more.

Gratitude- Key to Happiness

September 3, 2024Leave a comment

All the research agrees: Being grateful – and showing it – leads to a happier and healthier life.

We already know creating something with your own hands brings joy and satisfaction, so combine the two and crafters are the most joyful folks on the planet!

The Splendid Autumn suite (arriving September 4th) provides the tools to both create and send gorgeous gratitude notes:

This card took only slightly longer to make than the 60 seconds shown in this reel, and uses a full sheet of the 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper on the outside, inside and envelope.

The Splendid Autumn Designer Series Paper is one of 10 different collections that you would receive a sampling of with the September-December Mini Catalog Paper Share, but TODAY (Sept. 3) is the deadline to guarantee your spot!

Send me a Share!

Use a 6″x6″ Designer Series Paper for This Card!

January 8, 2024Leave a comment

Some patterned paper comes as 12″ x 12″ and a few of our fancy designs are 6″ x 6″, so today (and to help you use up your Paper Share!), I’ve got a fun fold slimline card which uses a 6″ x 6″ piece of Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper:

On the left is the card closed flat, and on the right, it’s open to see all the panels.

Cut two 2″ wide and two 1″ wide pieces from one 6″ x 6″ piece of pretty paper to fit into each section. You’ll also need a 1″ x 6″ and 2″ x 6″ panel of card stock to fit where you will write a message. The finished size is 3.5″ x 6.25″ when folded flat.

Here’s a different version with a piece of the Lighter Than Air Designer Series Paper, which already comes as 6″ x 6″-

I created a belly band for this one to keep it closed, then when you slide it off, it opens to wish you a Happy Birthday:

If you didn’t snag a stack of patterned paper in my Designer Series Paper Share, I have a few left! Get one piece of EVERY paper in the 2024 Jan-April Mini catalog for $18 (if you pick up from me in Hurricane, UT) or $22 shipped to you, while supplies last. Both pieces used on these cards ARE INCLUDED IN THE SHARE.

Need more ideas to try for 6″ x 6″ paper?

I love making Sour Cream treat containers or use the Corner Angle card technique to get 4 cards from one piece of paper!

The Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper (and Perennial Lavender suite) coordinates with the January Paper Pumpkin craft kit! Subscribe by January 10th to receive the Lovely Lavender kit:

Make love-themed cards for special occasions, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and more with this all-inclusive kit that arrives in your mailbox in January. The kit includes a unique photopolymer stamp set and ink spot and…

• Makes 8 cards: 4 each of 2 designs with 8 coordinating envelopes

• 4 bonus tags that punch out from the card front

• Precut paper pieces and linen thread

• Coordinating colors: Garden Green, Pretty Peacock, Lost Lagoon, Highland Heather, Gorgeous Grape (Classic Stampin’ Spot), Berry Burst

Product List

Perennial Lavender 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

$12.50

Perennial Postage Bundle (English)

$51.25

Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

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

$10.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.50

Shaded Spruce 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Lost Lagoon 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$10.00

Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Paper Trimmer

$26.00

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

$66.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

$4.25

Bee Mine Catalog CASE + 2024 Paper Share Open NOW!

December 18, 2023December 18, 20231 Comment

Stampin’ Up! catalogs are the first place I look for crafting inspiration! Today I “CASED” a card from the 2023-2024 Annual catalog, but used a completely different set of products!

This was my inspiration (from page 101 of the catalog and the Seaside Bay stamp set):

The “Bee Mine Valentine” suite will arrive on January 4, 2024 for customers, and demonstrators got to pre-order it (a lovely perk of joining!), so I used the stamps, punch, ribbon and Designer Series Paper from the suite of products to copy the layout above. Here’s my version:

The face on that bee just makes me giggle. I imagine he feels like I do occasionally when I tell my husband, “I’ll always love you, I just don’t like you right now.”

Rather than stamping the background, I used a piece of the Bee Mine Designer Series Paper. It’s adorable bees, flowers and honey images on one side are complemented by the opposite side by whimsical, brightly colored designs.

Patterned paper is one of those crafting staple products that help make every project perfect, and you may want a piece of EVERY design in the new mini catalog…don’t worry, I’VE GOT YOU!

48 6″x6″ pieces of Designer Series Paper: One of EACH paper in the mini catalog, including specialty papers!
Only $22 shipped to you (U.S. addresses only) or $18 if you pick up from me in Hurricane, UT.
Deadline to reserve your paper share: January 6th, 2024

Reserve Your Paper Share NOW

Here’s the 15-minute video of how I CASED my card layout from the catalog (faster, if you change the speed in the settings!)

Watch for details coming soon about a virtual class where you can use the BEE MINE bundle -OR- stamps you may already have!

A Card for a Christmas Carol

November 27, 2023November 27, 2023Leave a comment

Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol or holiday tune? Mine is this one:

The TGIF Challenge #448 from Friday was to create a card inspired by a beloved piece of seasonal music~

I used “Come Lord Jesus” to create a card that could also be displayed as part of the true meaning of CHRISTmas:

While I had prepared this card to demonstrate showing how to use the Night Divine bundle with different Designer Series Paper (since the coordinating “O Holy Night” paper is sold out), sometime over the weekend, the “Joy of Christmas” Designer Series Paper that I used ALSO sold out during the Last Chance Sale…

THUS, I pivoted at the last minute and used patterns from the Joyful Specialty Designer Series Paper to demonstrate in my live video:

Card measurements:

Card base: 4.25″ x 11″, scored at 2, 3-3/8″, 7-5/8″ and 9″ along the long side.

Designer Series Paper for outside panels: Two pieces 4″ x 1-3/4″, (optional: two pieces 1-1/4″ x 4″ for the middle side panels, if you want it to pull all the way out).

Card stock for center (and/or back panel): 4″ square

If you were able to order the O Holy Night, I did make a version using that paper as well as an example:

I have two 6″x6″ Paper Shares left that have a sample of EVERY Designer Series Paper from the Sept-Dec mini catalog (EXCEPT the All About Autumn Designer Series Paper which sold out too fast). It is discounted to $25 (pick up) or you can pay shipping to you…first come, first served! Each pack DOES have a 6″ x 6″ piece of ALL the patterned papers on these nativity cards.

Thank you for allowing me to fuel your creativity! Here are the supplies used in the video:

Product List