Sweet Suite Simple Thank You Cards

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025Leave a comment

“Summertime! And the Stampin’ is Easy!” (if you sang that in your mind~ Greetings, fellow musical geek!)

Since Stampin’ Up!®️ Suites (and suite products) are BOGO50 during June, I’ll be sharing some SIMPLE ways to use our current Suites for sensational summer stamping projects. In today’s video, I’m also revealing a BEAUTY SECRET!

Crafting in June, July & August has to be easy & breezy, so coordinated products in a suite bring a speedy card together in moments. Using the Impressions Abloom stamp set, you can keep this Thanks card ultra simple, or add layers and leaves:

The only thing to stamp on the second card is the sentiment! If you die cut a few extra pieces while catching up on your favorite television episode, you’ll have all the pieces prepared to put an “I appreciate you” card together in seconds:

Embossing a piece of Stampin’ Up!®️ Two-Tone card stock with the Pressed Flowers embossing folder and rubbing it with an emery board to reveal the white center makes this background terrific and touchable.

Some of the Impressions Abloom Dies have detailed inserts, so you can die cut them from cardstock, or remove the details to cut out the stamped image.

TIP: Washi tape keeps both the outline and the details together while you run them through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine.

All these products are part of the Floral Impressions Suite, and can be purchased as a complete collection or individually:

REMEMBER: For the Buy-One-Get-One-50% off special, the LOWEST priced items will receive the discount, so shop smart! Make separate orders and purchase 2 suites together in the first order (to get one suite half price), then use the *Stampin’ Rewards you earned on your first order for an additional discount on your second order, where you may order individual items from other suites (like more Designer Series Paper or embellishments).

*Stampin’ Rewards: Make sure you’ve OPTED IN to earn 10% back each time you shop! Save them or spend your rewards next time!

Scroll back up to the top to the comments (under the posting date) to tell me if you took the beauty secret and tried it!

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One more day to SUBSCRIBE and receive the Floral Charm Paper Pumpkin kit in the mail!

Paper Pumpkin is a complete stamping experience in a box, and the June kit actually coordinates with a new Suite coming to my store in July: the Floral Charm Suite. If you are a current subscriber, you will also want to include the Hugs Abloom add-on die set to your next order, as it coordinates with the 2025 April-June kits:

Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊🧡– Loni Spendlove

Crafting Cards with Party Dies

May 19, 20251 Comment

Sometimes you have to invest in your hobby, and when you are ready to do so, may I suggest the Stampin’ Up! Party Banners Dies and Party Alphabet Dies? You’ll save 10% when you bundle them together in one purchase, and, as I mention in the instructional video below, you can claim them as “exercise equipment” 😅

A shaped card is as fun to create as it is to receive! The 5th largest banner die is just about 5.5″ x 4.25″, so these cards fit into the basic white Medium Envelopes:

We made the Pretty Peacock version (left) in the live crafting video, then when we were done, I looked at it and realized that the Damask Designs Embossing folder probably needed to be turned vertically, so created a second with the “Thanks” from a previous Paper Pumpkin kit Add-On die set called “Thanks & Beyond” (shoutout to my PP Craft Kit subscribers!).

This week is high school graduation in southern Utah, and I’m still making cards for grads! This Shy Shamrock card is the banner turned sideways, with letters cut from 2024-2026 In Color Glimmer Paper, and the lock/key/sentiments from Tags to Go.

Finally (for today, at least), I demonstrated this slimline card to remind you of the Eclipse Technique with alphabet dies:

A card for any cake-consumption celebration!

Learn how to make all these banner-themed cards in this video:

If I’ve inspired you to add the Party Die bundle to your list, please shop in my Stampin’ Store!

Better yet…choose these dies as part of a Starter Kit and only pay $99! The other perks of being a demonstrator are even better than the discount: A community of friendly crafters, the opportunity to create a business you love – or a hobby that brings you purpose and passion.

Keep your creative juices flowing! 🍊- Loni Spendlove

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:

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“Thank You for the Gift” Notecards

December 29, 2024December 28, 2024Leave a comment

https://flybluekite.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/gratitude.png

When was the last time you sent a thank you card for a gift you received? (Full transparency: This is something I need to do more of) Since it’s less than a week from Christmas, this is OUR chance to be gracious and grateful.

This Thank You card was designed to be speedy and simple to stamp, plus I’m using Stampin’ Up! Notecards & Envelopes, so they are pre-cut and scored. No excuses here!

The Humble Home bundle includes all the stamps you need, plus the Home Builder Punch. You can literally create a stack of these in just minutes.

To make it easy for you, too, print off the tutorial, then add the supplies you need to your cart below.

Print Humble Home Notecard Tutorial

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Humble Home Bundle (English)

Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes

Basic Beige 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Basic Beige Classic Stampin Pad

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

Mini Glue Dots

Stampin' Dimensionals

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!

New at SU! Elevated Embossing with Zinnias

August 21, 2024August 21, 20243 Comments

Embossing folders add texture, dimension and visual interest to any paper crafting project, thus, the New at SU! Design Team is elevating your dry embossing techniques with our Blog Hop in August!

Have you ever used an embossing folder on a Window (acetate) sheet?

For this project, the Zinnia 3D Embossing folder gave a little pattern to the overlay that folds around the card, giving it two layers! TIP #1: Use your bone folder to give the window sheet a crisp fold in the center before AND after running it through the Cut & Emboss machine.

Because I adhered the back of the cardstock card to the inside of the window sheet on the back, I added a card stock layer on the back of the card so you can’t see the adhesive:

Carrying the theme through, I also embossed the flap of my envelope:

On the card inside the window sheet, I created a background with blending brushes and stamps from the Simply Zinnia stamp set, “built” Pretty in Pink flowers from the dies, then added a word strip to the top of the clear layer.

Tip #2: Cut a length of ribbon down the center, creating two thin ribbons and tie around the front layer for a double bow…let the loose strands add whimsy!

Explore other embossing folder ideas by hopping on over to Diane’s post featuring the Distressed Tile embossing folder, then catch the rest of the crafting crew’s exciting embossing projects:

August 2024 New at SU! Blog Hop: Elevated Embossing Folders

Previous Blog Next Blog

1.Studio Shabaz (AU) – Elevated Embossing

2.The Joy of Stampin’ with Rachael (USA)- Emboss Dry, Emboss Heat Techn

3.Stampinxime by Ximena Morales (DE) – Fantasievoll Verwirbelt

4.iHeartCards2 (US) – Elevated Embossing

5.Stamping Flair (AU) – Layered Florals

6.Furry Cat Designs (UK) – Embedding a layer in a design

7.De Kijkkast (NL)- Elevated Embossing with Cute Crochet

8.Creative Juice by Loni (US)- Elevated Embossing Zinnias Window Sheet

9.24-7 Inkspiration (US) – Distressed Tile

10.Tricia’s Stamping Creations (US) – Dashing Designs Elevated Embossing

11.Crafters Northwest (US) – Elevated Embossing

12.Nature’s INKspirations (US) – Eyelet Elevated Embossing

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Stack, Cut, Shuffle, STAMP

August 12, 2024Leave a comment

So many marvelous Designer Series Papers, so little time? This technique for cutting a stack of patterned paper will have you making multiple cards at ONE TIME!

Begin by selecting 4 patterns of Designer Series Paper- I suggest using a maximum of two busy or bold patterns and add a subtle design and a tiny or monochromatic print, in 4 different colors (or different shades of the same hue). This will give you the CONTRAST you need when piecing them back together.

You can adhere the shuffled pieces edge-to-edge (as on the card, left) or leave a small space between them, giving a window-pane look (card on right). You may find that a design on the BACK of your paper works well, so go ahead and flip it over, if needed.

I used the Unbounded Beauty 12″ x 12″ pack- it’s part of the Designer Series Paper SALE this month, August 2024 and showcases the 2024-2026 In Colors, which are lovely together. With the few scraps left over, I added a piece to the inside layer and to the flap of my envelope.

Grab your patterned paper and follow along with me here, as you practice your cardmaking:

If you paper is directional, you’ll need to decide if you are creating PORTRAIT cards (tall) or LANDSCAPE cards (wide) **before** you cut your paper, and make sure it’s oriented the correct way.

The Unbounded Beauty cards were landscape, but I also needed some sympathy cards, and the blues in the Countryside Inn Designer Series Paper (also 15% off in August) seemed fitting. These are portrait versions of the Stack, Cut, Shuffle technique:

Inside the cards:

I’ll list supplies for both versions, starting with the Unbounded Beauty demonstrated in the how-to video:

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Supplies for the Countryside Inn Comfort card are below.

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Simply Zinnia, Simple Fun-Fold Thanks Card

June 24, 2024Leave a comment

Bright colored flowers shout “I LOVE YOU” as well as “THANK YOU” and “YOU’RE THE BEST!” Zinnias lead the garden in bold flower-power during the summer, so a color-blocked card that stands to display seemed like the one to craft today:

The Simply Zinnia stamp & die bundle is an Online Exclusive that you can NOT miss! For my demonstration, I used Versamark ink to stamp the zinnia image on both the Berry Burst and Coastal Cabana card stock pieces that fit on the card base.

However, the Zinnia bundle IS part of a larger Flowering Zinnia SUITE of products, which includes the Zinnia 3-D Embossing folder…so I also did a version of this card using it to make a “touchable” raised background.

This is how they stand:

There is a HELPFUL TIP for layering the petal dies in today’s video tutorial, which will save you time in assembly. Remember, you can click on the gear in the bottom right of the video and change the speed to make any tutorial play faster, if you are an impatient crafter like me!

Just a few more days to collect the Stamp + Die bundles you love, or the Cut & Emboss machines, for an ADDITIONAL 10% off.

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Zinnias for Catalog Sketch, June Bundle Sale

June 6, 2024June 6, 2024Leave a comment

Have you noticed the 22 card sketches on page 22 of the Annual Catalog? You’ll want to turn to these any time you’ve lost your crafting mojo, for they will give you a “map” to follow as you get back into your stamping groove.

If you look closely, you may spy samples throughout the catalog that follow a sketch, as well.

I decided to use the Simply Zinnia bundle to follow this sketch for the #CreativeChallengeSU :

These colors feel like SUMMER and make me want to plant some in my yard.

I know that the Simply Zinnia bundle and Flowering Zinnia Suite are backordered (as of June 6, 2024) but they should be back in stock by the week of June 24th which will give you time to order the bundle during the June “Extra 10% Off” sale on all BUNDLES (Stamps + Dies)!

During June, the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machines are all 10% off as well – original size, mini and Boho Blue mini machine, too! Bring one (or a second one) home to your craft room.

Product List

Flowering Zinnias Suite Collection (English)

$83.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$13.00

Blackberry Bliss 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

Berry Burst 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

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

$11.50

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

$11.50

Lemon Lolly 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$11.50

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

$11.50

Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad

$9.00

Mini Glue Dots

$7.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

$4.25

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

$66.00

Iridescent Adhesive Backed Discs

$7.00

Embellishing with Ephemera

May 21, 2024May 21, 2024Leave a comment

Ephemera: “things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time”

Some of my friends are “junk journalists” while others are scrapbookers, and most of us make greeting cards often. One thing we all have in common is our enjoyment of embellishing our projects with pretty pieces of ribbon, jewels, and paper, or EPHEMERA.

In the 2024-2025 Stampin’ Up! catalog, there are 4 packages of ephemera to mix & match on projects of your choice- from scrapbooks to journals, from tags to cards. In this video, a special guest demonstrates how these bits & pieces ignite the imagination:

Here are a few other cards I created after all the “help” on the video:

TIP: When starting with a printed card base, create a background for your focal point with a plain contrasting color, such as a frame or tag, then “build” images on and around the background.

After creating with the die cut images, I realized the best way to store Epemera pieces would be in an album with the 6″ x 8″ pocket pages so you could punch out the pieces (which kind of want to fall out as you handle the sheets), sort, organize and view them easily in a binder! I’m not at home, or I’d snap a pic to show you, but here is the album and pages in a variety pack. You can click the images to add the products to your cart.