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

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)

Product List

Cutting Map for 6×6 Designer Series Paper

February 3, 2025Leave a comment

If you create cards, you know the satisfaction of using EVERY. INCH. of patterned paper! Let me use the Stampin’ Up! Fruit Salad Designer Series Paper for Sale-a-Bration to show you how to quickly cut a sheet of 6″ x 6″ paper to make TWO cards!

The first cut you make will be 1″ off the side, then turn your DSP 90 degrees and cut an inch off the other side (you’ll have a 5″ x 5″ piece left over):

The third cut you make will be to cut your 5″ square into two 2.5″ sections. BEFORE YOU CUT, make sure you know which orientation you want your card to be, if there is a direction in the pattern! Watch the video below to see me explain.

The last cut is to take 1″ off the 6″ x 1″ strip, but DON’T THROW THAT TINY SQUARE AWAY!

Once you have your two sets of paper pieces, lay them onto a 4″ x 5.25″ card stock, leaving space in between them. Embellish, then mount the layers onto a card base:

Video instructions:

Here are the cards I created or showed using the Fruit Salad paper and the cutting guide. Add ribbon, a greeting, a focal point, a strip of card stock:

This pattern/layout is good for most double sided paper, especially when one side has a bold pattern and the back side has more subtle pattern. Try mixing up patterns from a package, like this card using the Sale-a-Bration Toadstool Gardens paper:

A sentiment stamp set and coordinating punch make finishing these greeting cards speedy, or create a scene (like the toadstools) on a 2″ x 3-1/4″ rectangle. Alternatively, fussy cut an image from the paper itself:

Don’t miss the chance to get some lovely paper free during Sale-a-Bration! Only 4 weeks left.

Come back tomorrow to see what you can do with all the last inches left over from your DSP!

Product List

Fruit Salad 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Hugs For Love Bundle (English)

Paper Trimmer

Bright Borders Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

Labeled With Love Punch Bundle (English)

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

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

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Pecan Pie 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Pad

Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad

Uninked Stampin’ Craft Pad & Whisper White Refill

Basics Wow! Embossing Powder

Heat Tool (Us And Canada)

Black & Very Vanilla 3/8" (1 Cm) Large Check Ribbon

Terrific Toadstools Bundle (English)

Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

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

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad

Fresh Freesia Classic Stampin' Pad

Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad

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:

Product List

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:

Product List

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: