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):

Mailable Magnet Frame

April 14, 2025April 21, 20251 Comment

Back with another gift that fits inside an envelope for mailing (if you missed the previous ideas, bookmark that post HERE)! This magnet frame is a TWO-FER since you get two magnets from one project, and can include both the photo frame and extra magnet as a bonus gift.

These are actually on my fridge! I wanted to show that they do stick with the magnet sheets used today (click link to shop on Amazon). You can use ANY Stampin’ Up! products (Designer Series Paper, stamps, dies, etc.) but I will link the ones I used for this version below – THANKS FOR SHOPPING WITH ME!

Let’s get right to the video tutorial, which will answer most of your questions:

The Everyday Arches dies worked well for this frame: Roll it through the Cut & Emboss machine TWICE to cut through the layers of paper and magnet sheet.

Then use the inside arch for a second magnet. Think of it as a blank palette and “build” a scene just as you would a card front. I used the Crafting For You stamp set and dies, and just learned that the stamp set is already sold out/discontinued from the 2024-25 Catalog! Guess that’s a good reminder not to let something you love pass you by… at least the dies are still available, and many don’t need the stamps.

They can both be mailed in the same envelope. I made the magnet 4.25″ x 5.5″ to fit in the Basic White A2 envelopes, but you could certainly make a larger size if you have a larger envelope:

This version features an upcoming product (stamps & dies) called “Impressions Abloom” that will be released in the Online Exclusive section of my Stampin’ Store on May 6th. I paired it with the Unbounded Beauty Designer Series Paper. If you want to use the back side of the paper for the inside piece, remember to cut the shape from the paper BEFORE putting it on the magnet’s adhesive side, then run through the machine a second time to cut out the center piece.

Let me know if you’ll make one (blog comments at top of post by date) – or show me your version in my customer VIP Facebook Group, if you are a part of the Creative Juice Crafter’s Corner!

Shop for products below:

Adhesive Magnet Sheets on Amazon

Product List

Floral Delight 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

Everyday Arches Dies

Crafting With You Dies

Silver Foil Sheets

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

Stamp a Mini Coloring Book

April 8, 2025April 21, 20251 Comment

As we are brain-storming mailable gifts/items this month, here’s an adorable little project to make with your Stampin’ Up! line-art stamps: This mini coloring book is just 2.75″ x 4.25″ finished and all you need is an 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of copy paper, a black ink pad and your favorite stamp images.

If you can fold paper, you can make this! Let’s start with the how-to video, featuring a few unexpected (but very cute) guests:

My birthday mini coloring book used the Darling Dinos, Arched Wishes and Playing in the Rain stamp sets (Playing in the Rain is on the last chance list and discounted!).

While it’s very easy to stamp your own book, there are also folks who have created printable versions. This Spring version by Jennifer A. Bell was was one of my favorites, and is appropriate for all ages (adult artists included!)

Here’s a different visual tutorial (borrowed from the interwebs):

Enjoy the novelty of this simple project and tell me if you’ve tried it!

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).

Bistro Burger: Masculine Birthday & Gift Box

March 24, 2025March 24, 2025Leave a comment

A double-patty burger is a satisfying meal for a birthday celebration AND makes a terrific card, thanks to Stampin’ Up!’s Burger Bistro bundle (stamps & dies). In particular, it also pairs well with the Timeless Plaid 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper, as you’ll see…

I like coloring this stamped image with our Watercolor Pencils, which you can use without water!

You can watch the tutorial for both card and gift box here:

It’s hard to stop with one card, when the plaid paper makes each card so unique!

A reminder to order any ink refills, card stock, or embellishments in the 2023-2025 In Colors that will be retiring at the beginning of May. I used Boho Blue and Pebbled Path, both leaving soon, on these projects! Often colors sell out long before the last day, so don’t delay.

A useful gift for the man who likes to grill burgers would be a shaker of hamburger seasoning, and this 2-4-6-8 box is just the right size. It’s speedy to make, starting with an 8-1/2″ square piece of card stock (instructions in the video).

SAVE/PIN this post, then give this card and gift box duo a try the next time you need a masculine birthday gift!

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

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: