New at SU! Dino-Mite Backgrounds!

March 19, 2025March 19, 20251 Comment

For our March New at SU! Blog Hop, we are bringing BACKGROUNDS to the front and center! You are sure to find unique ideas to save/remember as you hop through the projects our world-wide design team have created.

My card features a new Online Exclusive background stamp named Painted Stripes:

To show it’s versatility, I’m using this background to create THREE different patterns behind the dinosaurs on this birthday card any dino-obsessed kid would appreciate!

Painted Stripes can be used for vertical lines, horizontal stripes or stamped both directions to create a playful plaid pattern. I love that they are imperfect lines with variegated textures, because you can’t stamp it incorrectly! You can also use this large background stamp on the envelope to make it match (I masked off the address area with a post-it note, which you remove after stamping over it):

The Darling Dinos live up to their name, and are just as cute when stamped on colored card stock, for minimal effort in coloring. And hats on dinos? Cuteness factor x 1000!

I’ll list the supplies used below the roll-call, and am happy to serve you if you don’t have a U.S. demonstrator. Find MORE beautiful background ideas for your card creations at each of these places:

March 2025 New at SU! Hop: Beautiful Backgrounds

Previous Blog Next Blog

1.Creative Juice by Loni (US): Dino-Mite Backgrounds!

2.The Joy of Stampin’ with Rachael (US)-Beautiful Backgrounds with Hear

3.Furry Cat Designs (UK) – Textured Notes Dies for a background

4.Stamping Flair (AU) – Mini Corrugated Embossing Folder

5.Stampinxime by Ximena Morales (DE) – Emboss-Resist-Hintergrund mit Sc

6.De Kijkkast (NL) – Smooched Background with You are Remarkable

7.247 Inkspiration (US) – Beautiful Backgrounds

8.scraphexe (DE) – Beautiful Backgrounds

Product List

Painted Stripes Cling Stamp Set

Darling Dinos Bundle (English)

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

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

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

Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

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

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

Highland Heather Classic Stampin' Pad

Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad

Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

Uninked Stampin’ Craft Pad & Whisper White Refill

Basics Wow! Embossing Powder

Heat Tool (Us And Canada)

Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Balmy Blue Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Lemon Lime Twist Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

Paper Trimmer

Glossy Dots Assortment

Stampin' Dimensionals

If you have time to leave a comment (link at the top of the post on the left by the date), I’m always grateful for your thoughts!

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!

Product List

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.

Product List

Arched Wishes Birthday Card, Color Challenge

March 10, 20251 Comment

Rubber stamps should come with a warning label. Once you get a bundle with a punch or set of dies, Stampin’ Up! releases ANOTHER stamp set that coordinates, and then you MUST have it, because it extends the use of the first bundle…and the addiction continues! That’s what happened to me, and look where I am now. 😂

With new Online Exclusive products in my Stampin’ Up! store for March 2025, the Arched Wishes stamp set coordinates with the Everyday Arches Dies (which are essential for every paper crafter):

The TGIF Challenge #tgifc515 is a color combination that felt like a party, so I ran with it!

If you can see the bit of shimmer on the cupcake, it’s from the Wink of Stella pen, and I wanted to use the arch I cut out of the front panel on the inside of the card, so the party continues when you open it up!

The Mini Corrugated 3D embossing folder gave the background a bit of texture and added interest, and there are a few other tips I shared in the “How To” video:

Switch it up and stamp the balloons on the back, or add a “Happy Birthday” sentiment in black (an afterthought following my live video). If you prefer not to fussy-cut the sentiment, make it a banner!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve your creative needs! Because of your orders, I am able to continue helping you squeeze the most from your paper crafting art.

Product List

Arched Wishes Cling Stamp Set (English)

Everyday Arches Dies

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Summer Splash 8 1/2" X 11 Cardstock

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

Summer Splash Classic Stampin Pad

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad

Fresh Freesia Classic Stampin' Pad

Uninked Stampin’ Craft Pad & Whisper White Refill

Blending Brushes

Basics Wow! Embossing Powder

Embossing Additions Tool Kit

Heat Tool (Us And Canada)

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

Mini Corrugated 3 D Embossing Folder

Summer Splash Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Fresh Freesia Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush

Iridescent Adhesive Backed Discs

Stampin' Dimensionals

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Connect Through Crafting ~ Register TODAY!

March 8, 2025March 8, 2025Leave a comment

The best friends are CRAFTY FRIENDS, and the best way to meet them is by stamping together at StampFest!

Twice a year (Spring & Fall), a group of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators plan and prepare an event in Utah County and Southern Utah where happy crafters can gather to create and connect. The first event in 2025 is in Mapleton, UT on March 22nd, and while registration is open until 3/15, the EARLY DISCOUNT ends today (3/8), save your spot HERE.

The following weekend, we do it all again in Hurricane, UT~ you’ll have a terrific time making many different paper crafting projects, filling up at the snack station, take home gifts and perhaps win a door prize…all while meeting people like you who love to create!

This is your sign to register early for the Southern Utah event and save $10!

Curious about what we do at the events? I’ll share a few snapshots from our Fall 2024 events::

Wildflower Birthday Cards (with a Pocket!)

March 3, 2025Leave a comment

The month of March is a busy birthday month for my family, so you can expect to find a LOT of Birthday Inspo here for the next 4 weeks, starting with this fun pocket card, which fits one of the FIVE tags from the Designer Series Paper perfectly:

Yes, this is the SAME mini-loaded-envelope I created a few weeks ago using the Toadstool Gardens Designer Series Paper, and when I realized the tags fit perfectly, I had to make some birthday cards!

They come together quickly, and it would be easy to attach a gift card to the back of the tag with a strip of Stampin’ Seal! If you are handing it to the recipient in person, you could also slip a Ghiradelli square into the front pocket, as well.

Follow along with me in the video tutorial:

Instructions for POCKET: Start with a 6″ x 6″ piece of double-sided patterned paper, then score along two opposite sides at 1-5/8″. One the bottom, score at 1-7/8″. Fold paper in along both 1-5/8″ sides and on the top, fold out the corners in a “collar”, then adhere edges together in center. Next, fold up along 1-7/8″ score line and wrap a 1/2″ strip around the lower pocket edge (can adhere the lower pocket to the front, or along the sides, creating TWO smaller front pockets).

You really need to see this gorgeous paper in person to appreciate the gold foil accents, but here’s as close as I could get in a photo:

Thank you for purchasing the supplies from my Stampin’ Store to make your own~ watch for 30+ exclusive tutorials to be emailed to your inbox every month you order over $50 from my store AND a hand-stamped card to thank you for your business!

Product List

Arched Screen Divider Card Tutorial

February 24, 2025February 24, 2025Leave a comment

“and the 2025 winner in the Top Die-Cutting Tool category is……EVERYDAY ARCHES!”

Worthy of a standing ovation, the Stampin’ Up! Everyday Arches Dies (and coordinating stamp set) are truly a non-negotiable necessity in everyone’s craft room. Full stop.

With 10 nesting dies (the largest die is 5-3/16″ x 3-15/16″), you’ll marvel at the full range of crafting abilities of such a basic shape. (In case they are “currently unavailable”, fear not, they’ll be back in stock soon!). I’m here to help you see their potential, starting with the Arched Screen Divider Card:

Don’t arch an eyebrow (ha-ha)…this is just the front. When you open it up, the STAGE IS SET:

As a baby card, you could put a photo of the newborn in the center panel -OR- list their name, birthdate, birth place and vitals (handwritten, if you have lovely writing or print from your computer, if you don’t).

The back side gives more space to add photos or love notes:

What I love best is that the Beatrix Potter vibes make it a perfect decoration on a nursery shelf, or the parents could use each piece in a scrapbook!

A few close ups:

The “Know You are Loved” panel was completed after my demonstration, and it is the perfect fit.

I’ve got different versions to share with you, but first, the instructions in video:

On to the other versions, starting with a birthday card using the Full of Life Designer Series Paper and a sneak peek of the Arched Wishes stamp set, coming in March:

Because there are only 5 days left of Stampin’ Up! Sale-a-Bration, I also had to make an Arched Screen Divider card with one of our freebies:

If the Terrific Toadstool bundle is on your list, don’t put off ordering it even one more second, or you’ll miss out on the Toadstool Gardens Designer Series Paper (free choice with $60 purchase by February 28, 2025)!

Tell me what you think of this card (comment section at top of post, by title and date posted) and you may receive the toadstool version in the mail!

For the Storybook Moments Baby card, you’ll need:

Product List

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

Product List

Joseph’s Coat Technique with Patterned Paper

February 18, 2025Leave a comment

Last summer I taught you the Joseph’s Coat technique with Embossing Folders, so now it’s time to try this cool rubber stamping technique with Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper, plus I’ve included a bonus version using Stampin’ Write Markers!

The technique begins by clear embossing a bold image over a pattern, then adding black (or dark ink) over the embossed paper, while the ink “resists” sticking to the clear embossing powder:

I used the graphic designs from the Toadstool Gardens DSP (from Sale-a-Bration 2025), and used the largest Perennial Postage die to cut a unique shape from the pattern, leaving just enough of the paper to add to the flap of my envelope.

The Thanking You stamp is large and bold enough to allow the pattern to be seen well through the embossing once the black ink is smeared all over the Designer Series Paper. You’ll want to use a tissue to wipe off any residue from clear embossed words, and the colorful pattern emerges just like the magic of the famous coat of Joseph in Egypt!

As a BONUS, I showed that you could create a pattern with Stampin’ Write markers to make a custom design, like Red, White and Blue for Independence Day:

Stampin’ Write Markers are part of the “Extra” perks of joining Stampin’ Up! during Sale-a-Bration!

Why not try the starter kit and choose Option 1? You’ll get $216 worth of crafting supplies for just $99!

To learn exactly how to do the Joseph’s Coat Technique (and more about Stampin’ Write markers or the opportunity to join), watch this video:

Just 10 days left to collect the Toadstool Garden Designer Series Paper (or another SAB product of your choice) for FREE during Stampin’ Up! Sale-a-Bration 2025! For each $60 you spend, you can choose a free product and many new items were added at the beginning of February.

Thank you for choosing me to serve your creative needs! These are the supplies for the first card, which I demonstrated in the video tutorial:

Product List

Wildflower Birthday Tri-Panel Pop Up Card

February 11, 2025Leave a comment

The best way to teach about which adhesive to use for paper crafting is to make a card, right?

Since my daughter’s birthday is coming up, I had a reason to create an over-the-top greeting card to celebrate, and the Stampin’ Up! Wildflower Birthday Suite has all the cake and flowers that girl could want!

I’d love to see her face when she opens it and the three panels swing out!

Because there is ALWAYS a “right tool” for a job to make it easier and secure, there are also correct ADHESIVES for different parts of paper crafting. Adhering papers together? You can choose between Stampin’ Seal or Multipurpose Liquid Glue (your personal preference). Want something to pop off the page? That’s the job for Dimensionals! Need to attach a small embellishment or twine bow? Pick a Mini Glue Dot.

Learn more by watching the way this card comes together:

Some of the adhesives take time to master (I’m looking at YOU, Stampin’ Seal!), but once you practice and learn a few tips, you’ll have them mastered.

What’s YOUR go-to glue?? Which one do you still need help with? (Comments are found at the top of the post, under the date, and I really want to hear from you)