WHO’S AN EEYORE FAN?

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I have a very deep fondness for all the residents of the 100 Acre Wood, but Eeyore is one of my favorites. There’s something about his mournful state of mind that tugs at my heart. He brings his gloomy disposition on himself, but I can’t help but feel sorry for him!

There are multiple pages in the Silly Old Bear DSP collection that make instant backgrounds. I trimmed this one to fit my card front, die cut Eeyore out of another page of designs, and stamped a sentiment on a retired die cut that’s been sitting in my bits and pieces bin. (Do you have a bits and pieces bin on your craft desk? Quirky bits that need to find a home? This one finally did!)

The DSP truly does all the work for this card. A stamped sentiment and some adhesive is all I added – oh, and of course, the little bow on Eyesore’s tail. I confess that was a bit fiddly to tie, but I am persistent.

Shop the Silly Old Bear Suite in the Online Store.

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WILD BUNCH NOTE CARDS AND ENVELOPES

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I hope you’re one of the lucky ones who was able to purchase Wild Bunch, the June Product of the Month, before it sold out. These whimsical animals have a certain sophistication to them, and I thought they would make a charming set of thank you notes for new parents.

The snail was stamped directly on the focal panel and colored with blends. After I finished coloring, I masked the image and added a brushed background and the textural stamp from the set.

I had to fussy cut the Koala. Fussy cutting isn’t my favorite thing, but I don’t detest it either. This little marsupial is popped up on dimensional on a layered Everyday Arches matted panel. The background stamp is retired.

The cow was a coloring work in progress. I blended the light and dark Pecan Pie and Golden Glow to achieve this look, with bits of Barely Blush in the ears and nose. The cow is fussy cut and lifted on dimensional on top of a retired fence. The cloudy blue sky is from Silly Old Bear DSP and the soft green branches are from Moonlit Flora DSP.

The penguins are a CASE from Lisa Stenz, who did a brilliant job. She used a gray Stampin’ Blend and the Color Lifter to get those soft shadows.

Check out the current Product of the Month, and order early to avoid being disappointed!

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SWEET OLD FRIENDS: SILLY OLD BEAR DOUBLE FLIP CARD

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I can’t get enough of the Silly Old Bear Designer Series paper. The images are true to the originals, and they’re presented in shapes and designs that are easy to use. I chose one of the framed images to die cut for my focal point in this double flip card.

The card base is 4 ¼” x 9 ½” scored at 5 ½”, smaller flip is 8 ½” x 3 ¼” scored at 4 ¼”, and DSP is 1/4″ narrower than each panel. Add the layers to all the card panels, then adhere the smaller card to the inside of the larger one but facing the opposite direction.

Now all that’s left is to put a sentiment inside – or leave it blank for lots of writing space! Last I looked, Silly Old Bear DSP was available in the Online Store. Don’t wait for it!

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SILLY OLD BEAR AND THE WORLD OF POOH

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I grew up with Winnie the Pooh, the A.A.Milne version. The stories were gentle, the characters varied and relatable. When Stampin’ Up! announced the Silly Old Bear Suite, I knew I was going to dive in.

Deb Smeak runs a mystery stamping event on Facebook, and she offered this concept in February. I just discovered it, and I knew it would be perfect for the Silly Old Bear.

I created a second project because I wanted to put the book title on the spine. It turned out very “Winnie-the-Pooh”-like, a bit wobbly. I used an old alphabet set and I’ve sadly lost the name.

I changed the inside, too. Not sure which one I like best – let’s vote! Leave a comment as to which one you like best.

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BEACH SCENES WITH THE ROLLING WAVES DIES

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The Rolling Waves dies have gorgeous sea foam and water dies, but don’t overlook the seashells and umbrellas included in the set. I love the collection of shells, and had a couple left over from another project to get me started with this card.

I brushed the Water mask with Pool Party ink on Pool Party card stock. I also added a little Petal Pink ink to the shells with a dauber. These small additions give the card depth and keep it from feeling flat.

I’ve found so many uses for Rolling Waves! Take another look beyond the sea foam.

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COLOUR INKSPIRATION 213 – ON THE BEACH WITH ROLLING WAVES

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Time for another color challenge – I’ve missed the last couple of Colour INKspiration challenges. CI#213 is BOLD, my friends: Strawberry Slush, Timid Tiger, and Secret Sea. I chose a beach theme using the Rolling Waves dies.

This reminds me of the color scheme of the local diner when I was in high school, and let’s just say that was the Flower Power Era. I struggled for a bit with those bold, bright colors, but decided a beach umbrella seemed like the perfect image.

There are Rolling Waves dies to make a solid umbrella as well as a set of concentric shapes that coordinate with it. I alternated the shapes as well as the base colors of the umbrella.

Our 12×12 Water and Dotted Line masks made perfect, subtle backgrounds for this bright card. I find myself reaching for them a LOT – expect to see them again!

Colour INKspirations is a Facebook based color challenge group. Take a minute to check out the CI#213 entries as well as previous color challenges – there are some very talented crafters participating in this group!

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EXCITING TIMES BACKGROUNDS

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Graphic design has always fascinated me. I’m definitely nowhere near an expert, but I like to play with shape and color. I was inspired by an entry to Colour INKspirations #208 and created a very close CASE (Copy And Share with Everyone) using a different color palette.

If you’d like to replicate this concept, I have a few tips for you:

  • Choose 3 colors with similar color value (all light/medium/dark)
  • Create continuity by using the same color for the card base, sentiment, and accents
  • Use a Stampin’ Blend around the edge of the Bordered Rectangle punched sentiment to create a faux layer
  • Take a look at the 3 photos below for help in placing each color!

Does that help? I hope so!!

The Exciting Times bundle is currently showing as low inventory, so now is a good time to add it to your cart. Don’t forget the Stampin’ Blend to coordinate with your color palette – we’ve got all the colors!

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DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP: JULY 2026 CUTEST CREW

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Welcome to DIY Calendars! Thanks for joining us this month – and every month – as we share our creative ideas. I’m back with one of my very most favorite current stamp sets: Cutest Crew!

I love these birdies 💕 The Cutest Crew dies include individual dies for each bird, so I cut out a little flock. In the process I discovered that the dies cut out their wings!! The bodies are colored in the light tone of Stampin’ Blends, and the wings are in the dark tones.

As much as I love our new Glimmer Pens, I am still a huge Wink of Stella fan. I used it on the Rolling Wave sea foam die cut and used a Blending Brush to add a little color underneath. I also spattered a little Cloud Cover tinted water for texture. There’s a little bit of Lemon Lolly brushed across the top as well. I find the secret to good Blending Brushing is patience. Take your time and don’t rush it.

Click the button to travel through the Blog Hop and see what Sharon and Cheryl have created this month. We’re so glad you’ve joined us!

Don’t miss the July Product of the Month! Begonia Belle is available with a qualifying order while supplies last. Shop early!!

Would you like to make your own DIY Calendars? The template is just $6. Visit my secure page to make your purchase. (You can also find the page on the banner across the top of my home page.) You’ll receive links to download the templates in an email after you’ve paid. You’ll need to cut and paste those links into your browser. (You may need to check your spam folder to find that email.)

You are only purchasing a template, which you can download and print for your personal use. I hope you’ll enjoy it!

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FLOWERS FAIR WITH A GINGHAM DSP

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There’s a new release of Online Exclusives arriving in the store on July 1, and I’m really excited about the new Gingham Gallery DSP! It features all of the 2026-2028 In Colors, and I’ve think you’ll love it.

  • Stamps: Flowers Fair, Lovely Arrangements (sentiment, retired)
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Peaceful Pine, Hydrangea Hue, Golden Glow, Barely Blush, Hybrid Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Everyday Arches dies, 26-28 In Color Dots, Gingham Gallery DSP (coming July 1), 26-28 In Color Ribbon, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I am absolutely smitten with Flowers Fair and love experimenting with new color combinations. I have a stamped stack of images sitting on my craft desk for whenever I’m inspired!

Take a look at the Online Exclusives available July 1st – and don’t forget the new Product of the Month! It’s another stamp set, and the June set sold out quickly. Don’t miss this one.

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FLOWER FAIR: GET TWO CARDS FROM ONE IMAGE

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Don’t you love getting double the results from one image? A large image like Flowers Fair is a great candidate for double dipping. Take a look at what I did:

After I’d colored the original image, I cut out middle with the Everyday Arches dies and used it for the second card. It was easy to cover the opening on the first card with a matted second image, and I stamped the same full image for the second card in Lemon Lime Twist to keep it softly in the background.

I kept the focal panel for the first card simple with plenty of white since the background was so colorful. The little butterflies from Cutest Crew fit perfectly on the edges.

Keeping the background softer allowed the focal panel to, well, be the focus. I stamped the sentiment in black to mute what was otherwise a very colorful card.

Flowers Fair was released during the March 2026 Online Exclusives. It’s a keeper – have some fun with it!

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