Build Creative Muscles – Get 40% Off!

September 23, 2024Leave a comment

When I taught piano lessons, I’d tell my students “Practice trumps talent when talent doesn’t practice”. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not creative,” believe me when I say CREATIVITY CAN BE LEARNED!!

The easiest way to become more artistic is to have a starting point. Paper Pumpkin – a monthly craft box kit subscription – gives you a place to practice. Let me show you how:

On the left is a card created as designed for the September Paper Pumpkin Kit (“Autumn Abundance”). It took me less than 5 minutes to make it, following the instructions in the box. I thought the colors were so pretty, I chose to use the same palette on another card. Using Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry and Night of Navy ink pads, I followed a sketch from the Stampin’ Up! Sept-Dec Mini Catalog (pg. 16) to make the second card. It was simply stamped on Very Vanilla card stock and used the Labeled with Love punch to make the trio of panels.

Each quarter, there is a coordinating die set available to add-on to the kits, so I used the same sketch & colors to create a second version with the die-cut leaves using the dies for last quarter. They are sold out, but you CAN order the Merry Tags & More Dies (which coordinate with the Oct-Dec 2024 kits) while supplies last.

Next, this Thank You card in the kit (left) had a beautiful base. What if you needed a small gift package?

Make it into a box, of course! I’m teaching you how to make all these alternate projects in today’s video, so watch here for instructions:

Also included in the kit this month was this third card project- it was a 4″ x 4″ Autumn card, then I looked at the window and it made me think of a shaker card:

The snail and leaves shake around inside!

The kit is terrific to get your creative juices flowing, and making the projects as intended, you will learn the basics of paper crafting. You can always make different projects with the supplies you have in the box, and I send an EXCLUSIVE email each month to my Paper Pumpkin subscribers with ways to use the stamp set and ink spot after the kit is complete!

HERE’S THE DEAL:

Try a Paper Pumpkin craft kit subscription with 40% off your first month (new subscribers only)! Use promo code HOLIDAY40 when you subscribe HERE by October 10, 2024!

You are peeking at the “Nest of Christmas” October Kit, which coordinates with the Nests of Winter Suite in the Sept-Dec Mini catalog, and you could try it at a discount! This kit will make 10 Christmas Cards.

While the September Autumn Abundance kit isn’t available as a full kit, the refill IS available in my store (limited supplies available) and you could use other stamps and ink pads you already have to make it. You must be a current Paper Pumpkin subscriber to order refills or add-ons, so sign up and then start shopping the extras, using the same email you subscribed with.

A Top-Flip Fun Fold Card

September 16, 2024Leave a comment

Simplifying an idea today with this flip-top fun-fold card! I wanted to use the “Warms My Heart” stamp set, which doesn’t have coordinating dies, so opted to use a panel I could stamp on as the focal point. The Everyday Details dies has these darling dots around the edge of the rectangles, and don’t need much dressing up. Plus, the beautiful pumpkin patch on the bottom of the patterned paper needs to be seen:

The top flap (with girl carrying pumpkins) flips up and there is a second message that matches the theme on the top of the card:

Finally, you open the card all the way and you can make a pocket with the other large piece of Designer Series Paper to slip a gift card in!

Here are the paper supplies you’ll need (with the ones I used for the card above in parentheses):

Card base: 8.5″ x 5.5″ scored at 4.25″ (Cajun Craze)
Flap for over top: 5.25″ x 2.75″, scored at 4.25″ (Cajun Craze)- watch video for paper-saving TIP!
Layer for inside card: 5.25″ x 4″ (B asic Beige)
Two rectangle “frames”: Largest die from Everyday Details (Basic Beige)
One rectangle matt: 2.5″ x 4″ (Pumpkin Pie)
Designer Series Paper: 5.25″ x 4″ and 5.25″ x 2″ (Splendid Autumn)

For the Pumpkin Spice drink layer, I used the More Than Autumn bundle (you’ll see more of that bundle on Wednesday!)

After this How-To video, you’ll find the Christmas version of this simple fun-fold card!

Here’s the same card pattern using the image of the woman with the holiday wreath:

While this version could also hold a gift card, I chose to make it a normal card and on the inside, and simply added a strip of the back side of the Designer Series Paper to the inside to make it fancy:

The Christmas Version features the Sentimental Christmas Designer Series Paper which is our “Craft & Give Back” product: For each package ordered, Stampin’ Up! donates $3 to Firstbook.org to support Children’s Literacy. (Outside the US? Check with your demonstrator to find out where the donation goes in your country)

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BREAKING NEWS: Wednesday, September 18th will be a FREE SHIPPING DAY on orders over $75 USD!

3 Unique Ways to Use Designer Series Paper

August 26, 2024August 26, 2024Leave a comment

Patterned Paper may fade into the background for most paper crafting projects, but here are THREE different ways to make the most of this crafting staple:

STAMP IT: Double up on your backgrounds to give it faux layers! For the first sample, I stamped the Drizzling Droplets stamp onto a piece of the Country Lace Designer Series Paper and the second card has the Leaf Collection stamped onto a piece of the Full of Life Designer Series Paper:

2. Heat Emboss Over It: Embossing powder covers patterns beautifully! LIghter paper patterns allow you to color in parts of the embossed image.

These samples use the same Designer Series Paper as the first cards, just different patterns from the same packages:

3. Dry Emboss It: Stamp a sentiment first, then run it through an embossing folder. To bring out the pattern, rub a sanding block (or emery board) over the top of the ridges!

The Sending Love & Hugs card uses the Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper and a 3D embossing folder (EF) called “Forever Plaid” (available 8/4/24), while the Mediterranean Blooms version was embossed with the 3D Eyelet EF:

Just 5 days left of the Designer Series Paper Sale (ends August 31, 2024) – featuring ALL OF THE PATTERNS USED TODAY!

LOVE Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper?? Don’t miss the chance to reserve a 6″x6″ sample of (almost) every pattern in the upcoming September-December Mini Catalog:

Watch today’s video showing these three techniques to try on Designer Series Paper :

Busted Canvas Card Technique

August 19, 2024August 20, 20242 Comments

TREND ALERT! This technique was popping up in my social media, so I wanted to bring it to card-making: The Busted Canvas looks like the card is being unwrapped to reveal an image and sentiment, so while it’s not going to fit in a traditional envelope, it will look fabulous hanging out of a gift bag or handed to a friend personally.

The happy surprise behind the paper has an excited “feel”… like you were too thrilled to open the package to carefully undo the wrapping!

In the video tutorial, I share some tips and tricks, and one thing to note is that when you roll the Designer Series Paper out as tightly as you can, it doesn’t really *need* to be glued down, but if you choose to adhere it to the front, you’ll probably want to use hot glue. The pointed edges do adhere well flat using Tear & Tape, but the rolled pieces tend to pull away unless you use a glue gun.

While I stamped and colored in both my images with Stampin’ Blends, you could use a pre-printed image or more Designer Series Paper on the inside.

Before I share the video, here’s the second example using the Nests of Winter products coming in the September-December mini catalog:

The technique is too much fun to stop with one!

Okay, okay, here’s the tutorial! You’ll need an 11″ x 4-1/4″ card base, a 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ piece of white card stock and a 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ piece of Designer Series Paper, plus your stamps, ink and coloring tools to craft along:

It’s a timely technique for the Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper Sale during August 2024

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The Versatility of a Fabulous Kit

August 5, 2024August 5, 2024Leave a comment

Stampin’ Up! has the #bestcraftingkit (or kits) on the planet. Whether you just want to dip your fingers in the paper crafting ocean, or you want to commit to creativity each month…there’s a kit for you!

I wanted to showcase how amazing the July Paper Pumpkin kit “Painted Petals” was, and encourage you NOT TO WASTE A SECOND in subscribing for the August kit (and beyond).

After assembling one of the cards as intended from the kit, I created an “alternate” card by just adding a bit of Basic Black card stock. You may enjoy simply following the instructions, but if you want to stretch your artistic muscles, kits are a superb starting spot:

Fold the printed card base with the printed images INSIDE the card, then trim 1/4″ off the bottom and open side, making it 4″ x 8 1/4″ when open. Fold the front (colored) flap back on itself, add a 3″ x 4.25″ black card stock to the front left side of the card and attach your details. Adhere the card to a 5.5″ x 4.25″ black card stock base and voila:

Try turning your kit into scrapbook pages for your memory albums! The back side of the card became a faux strip behind my photo mats, and I added a simple floral border at the bottom:

Finally, don’t forget the box! On the months when the box matches the contents (usually Paper Pumpkin kits arrive in Poppy Parade boxes), you may want to gussy it up and use it as gift wrapping:

For the box top, I used one of the envelopes and the special Add-On Every Celebration Dies, which coordinate with the July, August AND September Kits:

Once your kit is completed, you are left with a small ink spot and the photopolymer stamps. With some basic supplies, you can create more fantastic cards, tags, gifts, etc.

So what is the August 2024kit going to be? Birthday Cards!

The “Time for Cake” craft kit will be shipped around the 15th and features the following, but you must subscribe by August 10th

Rose gold foil
Accordion card folds
A festive color palette
A birthday sentiment stamp set

Subscribers will also receive a gift with their kit: an additional stamp set! Those number stamps will become an indispensable tool in your stamping arsenal.

Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin NOW!

We have MORE INCREDIBLE a la carte kits that you won’t want to miss – stock up for yourself, to make with friends, or to give as gifts! The selection is always growing, so check back every month to discover your inspiration.

Explore the Kit Collection NEXT

Joseph’s Coat Technique (with Embossing Folders)

July 29, 2024July 30, 20241 Comment

Revisiting a classic stamping technique- this time with 3-D Embossing Folders!

The Joseph’s Coat technique has been done with heat embossing in the past, but Stampin’ Up!’s beautifully detailed and deep image embossing folders really make it easier than ever to create colors that seem to POP from a dark background.

This was the second card I created in the how-to video today using the Layered Florals embossing folder, and it shows the vibrancy of the colors you can achieve with this trick. I also made these cards into a Z-Fold style that stand up to display.

In a nutshell, the way to make this stunning background is to emboss a white or vanilla piece of card stock, then color in the RECESSED images using sponge daubers + Classic Ink Pads -OR- Stampin’ Write Markers. Once you’ve colored all the images, drag a dark ink across the top of the background. I used Night of Navy ink over my Petunia Pop water lilies on this version.

Watch to learn how:

Peek at the details from the Changing Leaves Hybrid Folder Joseph’s Coat card…amazing, eh?

For best results, make sure your dark ink pads are inked up well to achieve the dark “background” in one swipe of your pad.

Here are the supplies I used – order them today, then give this technique a try!

Product List

Changing Leaves Bundle (English)

Layered Florals 3 D Embossing Folder

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

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

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Petunia Pop 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Sponge Daubers

Petunia Pop Classic Stampin Pad

Shy Shamrock Classic Stampin Pad

Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad

Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

Petunia Pop 3/8" (1 Cm) Bordered Ribbon

Baker's Twine Essentials Pack

Stampin' Dimensionals

Just a few days left to earn BONUS DAYS coupons in July! Redemption for the codes you’ve earned this month will begin August 1st!

Hybrid Embossing Folder How-To

July 15, 2024July 15, 20244 Comments

Curious about how a “Hybrid Embossing Folder” works? Allow me to demonstrate how-to using the new Online Exclusive Changing Leaves bundle.

The embossing folder creates amazingly detailed leaves which are beautiful both embossed (raised) and debossed (recessed). Here is a “raised” example in Granny Apple Green using the embossed design for a background on a card:

Flip the embossed paper over and paint into the recessed images using water painters and ink refills -OR- water painters with Metallic Enamel Effects for shine:

Simply stamping the images and die cutting them to use on your projects is also an option. Watch for the tip to lining up all three leaf images in the correct spot, making them easier to die cut at the beginning of this video, in which I also demonstrate all the techniques I’m sharing:

I used my stamped/die cut leaves on a floating frame card:

Finally – and this is the HYBRID VERSION – the dies snap into the embossing folder! All you have to do is add your paper, run it through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, and out come die-cut, embossed accents! This is a bonus project that shows the detail:

I borrowed the sentiment from another Online Exclusive stamp set called Comforting Thoughts for an occasion when there are just no words to express what you are feeling for someone’s heartache.

Try dragging your ink pad across the top of an embossed/cut leaf to bring out the details (or use a brayer rolled in ink), like the Pretty Peacock leaf on the card:

The Changing Leaves bundle is $54 (US) so it qualifies for a $5 BONUS DAYS coupon when you purchase it during July 2024. Collect coupons July 3-31st, then redeem them during August!

Paper Crafts with ZEST!

July 8, 2024Leave a comment

The frame die from the Citrus Blooms bundle offers such versatility when you are considering summery cards or gifts, and in my Live Crafting broadcast today, I couldn’t stop with just one project.

The first card I demonstrated was the elegant “gate-fold” card, which opens to reveal a simple branch of mouth-watering fruit. For once in my career, I DIDN’T add a sentiment to this card! It seems like it could be used for any reason, so I left the options open.

The measurements for this gatefold card are:

Night of Navy Mat: 5.5″ x 4.25″
Basic White card stock: 4″ x 10.5″, scored at 5.25″
Designer Series Paper for gate flaps: 5.5″ x 5″, folded in half at 2.5″
A piece of Designer Series Paper to die- or fussy-cut your preferred citrus from
22″ Navy & Gold Glimmer ribbon

While I didn’t demonstrate the second card, I’ll show you how to cut the larger navy layer from the frame using a 4.25″ x 5.5″ piece of card stock in the short video below.

Finally, when I found the Lemon Crisp Kit Kat candies, I knew I needed to make a favor (before I ate them all and regretted my life choices).

Measurements for this project:

Cut the frame from a 4″ x 5.5″ piece of Designer Series Paper, then score it at 2-1/8″ and 3″ in the center.
Night of Navy card stock 2-7/8″ x 4.5″, scored on all four sides at 1″ to create the “box” that holds two candies inside.
Navy 1″ x 8.5″ for the band around the outside (you’ll cut off the excess on the top after wrapping it)
Ribbon- as long as you want (tie a knot or a bow)

Now you have all the pieces prepared (right?), watch HOW to make each of these projects:

JULY is the month to earn BONUS DAYS COUPONS!

Add these items to your cart to earn your first coupon(s) AND make the projects shown here!

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You are the reason I am able to bring inspiration to you once a week without charging a fee. Thank you for your orders, comments, and shares. It means so much to me, I hope you know!

A Pinch of Party Pizzazz

July 2, 2024July 2, 2024Leave a comment

Let’s be real. Who has time to make a balloon arch, a photo booth, hand-made party favors, personalized invitations PLUS the food & entertainment for a party by themselves? NOT ME.

However, there are a few details I CAN make quickly and simply to elevate a celebration. This one was inspired by my mother-in-law who always has seasonal “china dishes” (paper plates) and napkins. The dollar store makes this even more feasible and all you need to do is wrap them all together and add a tag!

To make it easy for your guests to grab & go, wrap the utensils, a fun straw and box of sparklers (or other small gift) together with a ribbon (no bows required, but a little bling goes a long way), add a simple tag and set them in a fun cup or basket. Your friends can easily hold on to the whole bundle while still filling their cups.

This striped tag was created using the Labeled with Love bundle- choose a coordinating punch or dies when you purchase this versatile crafting combination! I have a few tips in the short video tutorial for mass-producing these labels in minutes. Remember you can switch-up colors and sentiments for any party, too.

When you have the basics on hand (card stock, stamps, ink, ribbon and a punch), you are prepared to sprinkle a pinch of pizzazz onto a gathering of any type. Select the items you need to stock up on:

Product List

Labeled With Love Punch Bundle (English)

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

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

Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

Gold & Silver 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Trim Combo Pack

Night Of Navy & Gold 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Glittered Ribbon

Adhesive Sheets

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!