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!®️

A Sketch to Show a Palette

May 5, 2025May 15, 2025Leave a comment

As I prepare for my annual Stampin’ Soiree & BOGO Sale this Saturday (featuring a NEW Stampin’ Up!®️ Catalog and Online Exclusives), I wanted to make a few samples with some of the fresh products coming tomorrow, May 6th! Since multi-tasking is the only way this one-woman show can get things done, I chose a simple sketch, which doubles as a way to show the color palette, and used it for my lunchtime live crafting video, too:

The first card I demonstrated was inspired by the #tgifc523 color challenge of Petnunia Pop, Balmy Blue and Daffodil Delight:

Starting simple – no mat on this card (though you certainly could add one), I stamped flowers from a new Online Exclusive bundle, Impressions Abloom on top of the 3-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ panel, then added 1-3/16″ squares of the colored card stock to the bottom:

When crafting from a sketch, give yourself some freedom to make changes! I didn’t add the palette to the Poppin’ By card, but used the darling filmstrip die to add the border at the bottom:

My favorite thing about this set is probably the tennis shoes you could add to the bucket of popcorn:

Moving along, let’s take that sketch and turn it SIDEWAYS, which is what I did for the Notes & Totes bundle from the new catalog, which I paired with the 2025-2027 In Colors (from bottom to top: Secret Sea, Timid Tiger, Cloud Cover, Darling Duckling & Strawberry Slush):

And finally, I used some Celebration Expressions Memories & More Cards to make this Happy Birthday card, and my friend Barb’s Million Dollar Stamp Set Layered Thoughts, this time putting the color palette below the main panel:

To see me create two of these cards (and share some tips), watch this:

If one of these new items or colors is something you must have, visit my Stampin’ Store starting on May 6th to make an order, or click on the Stampin’ Supplies link under any card you love.

See all these samples IN PERSON – and MORE – at the Stampin’ Soiree, Saturday May 10th in Hurricane, UT. It’s FREE and open-house style, so plan to drop in with a friend between 1-4 pm!

One more announcement: If your wish list is long, the best value for Saavy Stampin’ Shoppers is the STARTER KIT, and starting tomorrow, May 6th, you can choose MORE in your starter kit, with no strings attached!

Card Sketch & More Mailable Gifts

April 21, 20251 Comment

A sketch is a springboard for creativity, and today I dove into creating cards from my stash of Designer Series Paper using this sketch:

Card #1 was a sympathy card using some gilded botanical patterns that have been around Stampin’ Up! a long time, and I wanted to show it off! The Nature’s Sweetness Specialty Designer Series Paper only needed an embossed sentiment added to make this greeting card perfect:

It made me smile to combine something old and something new for Card #2! I used the retiring Friends of the Ocean Designer Series Paper with the new Online Exclusive Pattern of Friendship stamp set for this version of the sketch:

You’ll notice that circle shapes draw the eye when used with rectangles!

Card #3 brings us to another “mailable item” idea: BALLOONS!

In my demonstration video, I suggested blowing up a balloon and writing a message on it, then deflating it again to include inside the card. It’s double fun to have to blow it up to read the greeting! You could also “reveal” what experience you have planned to celebrate with (“I’ll pick you up for birthday lunch on me this Friday at noon!”) by writing it on the balloon.

The birthday card used the Wildflower Birthday Specialty Designer Series Paper and Birthday Celebration stamp set.

And finally, since Graduation season is imminent, Card #4 was created with the On the Go Suite Collection and includes a LUGGAGE TAG:

This will be for my niece who is graduating from High School this month and off on a grand European adventure to celebrate (remember when we were just happy to have cake & ice cream to mark a milestone like graduation 👩‍🎓 😂?)

I added the tassel after the demonstration in the video, and think the detail is adorable.

Missed the LONG LIST (and growing) OF MAILABLE GIFT ITEMS? Check it out HERE!

If you enjoy learning “how-to”, here’s today’s sketchy tutorial:

Thank you for choosing to shop with me. Most of the products used were linked throughout this post – just click on a product to add it to your cart…and watch for an exclusive tutorial bundle from me when you spend more than $50 in one month!

Connecting with you is a joy ~ Check out my upcoming events (in person AND online):

So Many Giftables to Mail, So Much to Celebrate!

March 31, 2025November 5, 20257 Comments

It’s easy to fall into the rut of sending gift cards as the only flat thing to include in a handmade card for a present, but I’ve been making a list (and collecting) a whole stack of mailable items to share as ideas!

Let’s start with a gift you can make yourself: A bookmark tucked into the pocket of a card! Let’s allow the Stampin’ Up! “So Much to Celebrate” kit give us a place to begin.

This kit makes 9 cards, with all the supplies needed included in the box and no stamping required! However, you can always step-up a kit with coordinating card stock and ribbon, so I made it into this:

All I added was some Balmy Blue card stock, Petal Pink Scalloped ribbon and gold trim for the bookmark!

Watch how to quickly make this card and bookmark, then see all the mailable giftable ideas that I’ve linked below!

Now it’s time to think BEYOND a gift card as the first thing to send as a gift! Some items may have affiliate links, which means I would earn a small commission if you purchase.

Stampin’ Up! Embellishments: Brushed Brass Butterflies, Heart Sequins, Iridescent Discs, Party Dots, Peppermints, In Color Resin Dots
Stampin’ Up! Cut & Emboss Dies (Paper Pumpkin Add-on dies fit well in a medium envelope, subscribers only): Spring is in the Air, Merry Tags & More, Hugs Abloom
Clear ruler
Postage Stamps
Natural Life (Compressed Sponges, Letter Patches) – Get 20% off your order with this link
Letterbox Love jewelry – necklaces, bracelets, etc.
Cute Page Markers, Post-It Note Flags
Temple Recommend Holders
Seed packets
Handmade desk calendar– Use this link for discount at Taylored Expressions for 2026 mini calendars
Tags
Key Chains (with flat ring- you can take ring off key chain to mail)
Pretty Bandaids (or Bluey Bandaids for kids!)
Waterproof Vinyl Stickers for waterbottles or laptops – Crafty ones here
Temporary Tattoos
Mini Notebooks
Flower Post-it Notes
Handmade bookmarks
Lip Balm Holder
Eyeglass cleaning cloth
Mini Coloring Book
Photos and a handmade Magnet Frame to show them off!
Any flat Magnets
Balloons (to blow up)
Luggage Tag
Car Air Freshener
Christmas Ornaments in a Flip-Flap Card!

BOOKMARK or PIN this page, because I will come back and update it with new ideas!

If you think of something to add, scroll to the top of the post and leave me a comment (near the date).

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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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

Toadstools on a Front-Step Pop-Up Card

January 27, 2025January 27, 2025Leave a comment

Opening an envelope to have a card pop out with a happy hello is enchanting, so when thinking of a fun-fold to feature for Live Crafting with the Stampin’ Up! Terrific Toadstool bundle (stamps & punch), this front-step pop-up card “popped” to mind!

One thing to QUICKLY NOTE: The Toadstool Gardens Designer Series Paper is a Stampin’ Up! Sale-a-Bration 2025 freebie (one you may choose with a $60 order), but is only available until February 28, 2025…so don’t hesitate to collect it!!

For pop-up cards, this is one of the easiest to make and I’ll walk you through it in this video:

Quick dimensions & measurements:

CARD BASE:

Card Stock: 11″ x 4-1/4″ scored at 1″, 2-1/4″, 4-1/4″ and 5-1/2″ along long side
Two pieces of Designer Series Paper: 4″ x 5-1/4″ for background and 4″ x 1-3/4″ for bottom front panel.

POP UP PIECE:

Card stock: 3″ x 5-1/2″ scored at 1/2″ and 1- 3/4″
Designer Series Paper: 2-3/4″ x 3-1/2″

Create a place to write your message on the back of the card, then it folds up to fit inside an envelope:

When you shop with a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator like me, you’ll gain a crafty coach and friend! I love sending thank you cards to my customers and when your order is over $50 this month, you’ll also receive a tutorial bundle via email with 38 incredible tutorials to try in your own craft room!

CLICK TO ADD SUPPLIES TO CART:

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Two Bee, or Not Two Bee?

January 23, 2025January 23, 2025Leave a comment

Shakespeare would have sent these Valentines!

These are called “Floating Vertical Bandstand Pop-up” cards, and when I watched Susan Campfield’s tutorial video, the bees popped into my mind and off to the craft studio I ran!

First: YES, these cards fit inside an envelope:

Once you take them out, they pop up, and the elements “float” in front of the stage:

“But where do you write on these cards?” you ask? On the back panel!

Whether you choose one bee or two, you’ll love the newly re-colored “Cute as Can Bee” Designer Series Paper released in the Stampin’ Up! Scrapbooking brochure. TIP: If you are planning to make valentines for 2025…THIS WEEKEND is the latest you should be ordering supplies to create them!

Stampin' Up! January 2025 scrapbooking Brochure

While I used the Bee My Valentine stamp set and Bee Builder punch (shopping links below), DON’T MISS the new Meant to Bee Bundle with two sizes of bees and NEW dies!

The Sale-a-Bration Purple Adhesive-Backed Sequins are a pretty way to add some sparkle, and they are a free option when your order reaches $60 before 2/28/25. I sprinkled them on the cards, along with a few hearts punched from the Petunia Pop glimmer paper:

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#creativechallengesu

Cards that Wiggle with Wobbles!

January 20, 2025January 20, 2025Leave a comment

Guaranteed: you won’t be able to keep your hands off these cards, and neither will the kids!

This simple Dutch-Door Fun Fold card features the Darling Dinos bundle (stamps & dies) from Stampin’ Up! AND a WOBBLE to make the dinosaur wiggle when you flick it:

The cards open like this:

The video tutorial is below. Here are the supplies needed for the basic card:

Card base: 4.25″ x 11″
White card stock: 4″ x 5.25″
Two pieces of Designer Series Paper: 1.75″ x 5.25″ and 2.25″ x 5.25″
Two circles- smaller one is 2-3/8″

The wobbles can be found on Amazon here. or if you prefer a die for making your own, try this one

Because the wobbles squish flat, they are able to fit into an envelope and CAN be mailed. Your post office may charge a surcharge if they feel it’s “too bumpy”, which is why I made the rest of the card as flat as possible.

It was so fast to make the Darling Dino Valentines that I had time to make one with the Terrific Toadstools bundle (stamps & punch) and the Toadstool Gardens Designer Series Paper that you could choose FREE during Stampin’ Up! Sale-a-Bration!

Don’t miss the chance to collect this paper to match the bundle- it’s gone 2/28/25!

If this inspired you, please allow me to serve your creativity by ordering the supplies from my Stampin’ Store to make your own. Click on the items to add to your cart, then watch your mailbox for a hand-stamped thank you card!

Product List

Darling Dinos Bundle (English)

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

Petunia Pop 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Azure Afternoon 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

Azure Afternoon Classic Stampin' Pad

Petunia Pop Classic Stampin Pad

Brights Stampin' Write Markers

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

Paper Trimmer

Terrific Toadstools Bundle (English)

Toadstool Gardens 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

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

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

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad

Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad

Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad

2 3/8" (6 Cm) Circle Punch

Friendly Seagulls Valentine Cards

January 13, 2025January 13, 20251 Comment

Now is the time to plan and create your Valentine cards, and since it’s Sale-a-Bration time at Stampin’ Up!, I knew you would enjoy using one of the products you could get FREE (with a qualifying order before Feb. 28th). The Friendly Seagull stamp set was the first thing I chose, because it’s so stinkin’ cute!

This card was speedy to put together because I followed the TGIF Sketch #tgifc507

A bit of diagonal embossing keeps the background clean and simple, but adds texture, while the seagull’s favorite snack becomes the added embellishment!

But if you dislike fussy cutting, I get it. When I don’t feel like trimming around an image, I reach for a punch to do the work, like the Heartfelt Hexagon. It made both the Simple and Stepped Up version of this card easy to create:

For the Stepped-Up version, I added dimension with the light Pool Party Stampin’ Blends marker and embossed the sentiments:

TIP: Order early in January to select Stampin’ Up! Sale-a-Bration items you love (like the Friendly Seagull stamp set), so you can order AGAIN in February for MORE FREEBIES! There are products to choose with each $60 you order, and some that are options at $120 orders:

Watch the tutorial for both cards here, plus get a sneak peek of a card I’ll be sharing later this week, then add the supplies to your cart below and start stamping your own:

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While the little heart patterned paper I used was leftover from the Bee My Valentine Paper from last year, there IS a re-colored version of the same paper just released in the January Scrapbooking brochure and it’s called “Cute as Can Bee”. You could mix up the colors and create a Petunia Pop/Bubble Bath version of these cards! The heart design is in the lower right corner: