I’ve embraced a Halloween theme for October this year. I don’t always, but this goofy jack-o-lantern from Clever Cat stole my heart. How can you resist him with that Sorting Hat on top?
Accessories: Big Boss, Forever Flourishing dies, Paper Snips, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Dimensionals
I fussy cut the cat and jack-o-lantern, and then cut apart a couple of leaf images from the Forever Flourishing dies to create some fall foliage (or what I imagine would be fall foliage, that’s not really a thing here on Maui.) Forever Flourishing is such a versatile set of dies!
Stampin’ Blends are my favorite coloring medium, hands down. I’m still learning different techniques for color grading and shadowing, but that doesn’t stop me from playing with them every chance I get. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s handmade!
Be sure you stop by to see what Cheryl and Crystal have created for October.
If you’d like to create your own calendar, the 2022 DIY Calendar PDF is available for sale. Click on Contact the Maui Stamper and send me your email and I’ll invoice you. It’s just $5, and you’re welcome to create for your own use as well as for sale. Please note this is a PDF – you’ll receive a file and print your own copies.
Color & Contour just keeps coming back to my desktop. The floral images are so appealing and the sentiments are right on target – and in such a great combination of fonts. I love such versatile stamp sets!
Stamps: Color & Contour
Color Palette: Poppy Parade, Mint Macaron, Bumblebee, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Stampin Blends, Big Boss, Scallop Contour Dies, Pattern Party DSP (Host), Dimensionals
I find so much inspiration in the work of other crafters. Chris Smith created THIS gorgeous card for a SplitCoast Color Challenge, and the only real adjustment I made was to change out the flowers to these beauties from Color & Contour.
The Pattern Party Designer Series Paper is my Go-To these days! One side is printed in color, the reverse is in black and white, and every sheet is gorgeous. It’s available as a Host Reward with a qualifying workshop.
Ready to add your own creative touch? I’d be honored if you CASE’d my CASE (Copy And Share with Everyone)! All the supplies you need are available in my Online Store.
Have a big Wish List? Joining Stampin’ Up! is a great way to bring it all home – and you’ll enjoy all the benefits (discount, early access, exclusive events) plus during Sale-a-bration you can choose one of these bundles in addition to all the great products in your kit. $99, no tax, no shipping, no obligation to ever buy again. Contact me to chat about the possibilities, or visit my site to learn more. I promise no hard sell!! It has to be right for you.
Ready to try your hand at these nifty little calendars?
It’s still just $5, and you can still make all the copies you want for gifting, personal use, or even craft sales. If a fellow crafter asks you for a copy, I’d be very grateful if you’d direct then to me for the PDF.Â
I recommend you print your calendars on Basic White card stock (regular, not thick). My printer has issues, so I send my file to a local print shop and use their high-end copy machines to get the best possible results. It’s worth the trouble to me!Â
If you need inspiration, use the blog search function and type in DIY. I’ve been making these since 2013 (gasp) so be prepared for some browsing.
I just need your email – click on Contact Me and I’ll invoice you. Once you’ve paid, your PDF, a page of 2022 covers (for gifting) and the cutting instructions will be flying to your inbox via the wonders of the internet!
If you’re in need of Basic White card stock or stamping supplies for your own DIY masterpiece, shop HERE.
Don’t put any money on this yet, but I think Hand Penned Petals may be my favorite set from the 21-22 Annual Catalog. I love the images, and what’s more, they are REALLY fun to color with Stampin’ Blends.
Stamps: Hand Penned Petals
Color Palette: Basic White, Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Shaded Spruce, Black
Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, Big Boss, Penned Flowers dies, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Multi-Purpose Glue, Paper Snips, Blending Brushes
Because this image doesn’t quite fill the space, I was looking for something subtle to add behind it. I tried various leaves and backgrounds, but even when I used a very light hand it felt like too much. The moment I realized this was a perfect job for Blending Brushes, I knew I’d found what I needed.
I did a bit of fussy cutting and layered the flowers and leaves. It’s absolutely not necessary as this image stands on its own very well, but I was in a moooood.
Please take a moment to visit Cheryl and Crystal and see their September 2021 DIY Easel calendars!
And, yes, I’m happy to announce that today I have the 2022 DIY Calendar PDF available for sale. Click on Contact the Maui Stamper and send me your email and I’ll invoice you. It’s just $5, and you’re welcome to create for your own use as well as for sale, but please don’t share the PDF. Share the link to this post and encourage your friends to support a small business instead. You’ll feel so much better if you do.
Today begins Month #2 of SALE-a-bration 2021 #2! Your qualifying order earns exclusive merchandise free of charge, including Beautifully Penned 12×12 Designer Series Paper. It coordinates perfectly with the Hand Penned stamps.That’s what you expect from Stampin’ Up!, right?
I spent a marvelous afternoon a couple of weeks ago playing with Stampin’ Blends and the alcohol technique in Crystal’s Stampin’ Garage. It took a few tries to get the hang of it, but once we got over that bump we couldn’t stop. All you really need are Stampin’ Blends, vellum, a small paintbrush, and 91% rubbing alcohol.
(Who knew 91% Rubbing Alcohol was so hard to find? Thanks, Covid.)
Stamps: Art Gallery
Color Palette: Basic White, Misty Moonlight, Garden Green, Balmy Blue
Accessories: Big Boss, Stitched Rectangle dies, Forever Flourishing dies, Poinsettia dies, vellum card stock, 91% rubbing alcohol, small paint brush, small dropper, Stampin’ Spritzer, Stampin’ Dimensionals
You need a non-porous paper like vellum for this technique to work. It’s pretty simple: add color with Stampin’ Blends in any pattern you like. Use 91% rubbing alcohol to reactivate the ink and gently move it around, color by color. Finally, add interest by dripping the alcohol with a small dropper, the Stampin’ Spritzer, or the flick of your paintbrush.
I chose to add these leafy elements, but some of my results needed nothing more than a sentiment. I learned that I like more monochromatic combinations, especially blues and greens. (HUGE surprise there, eh?)
Shop early, shop often – your supplies for this project or your holiday crafting can earn free stamps, paper and accessories! SALE-a-bration runs through 30 September 2021, but supplies are limited! Shop HERE.
Oh, I do love black and white with a pop of color! My dear friend Robbie showed me this fun fold, and I thought it was perfect for our Host Pattern Party DSP and the Floral Squares. I confess I was also inspired by the black and white gingham ribbon in the current mini as well!
Stamps: Many Messages
Color Palette: Basic White, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Big Boss, Floral Squares dies, Messages dies, Stampin’ Blends, Pattern Party DSP (Host), Black & White Gingham ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals
The papers in Pattern Party have gorgeous color on one side (both tone-on-tone and rainbow brights). The reverse side for every sheet is a black and white pattern. I LOVE THEM ALL (oops, sorry, got carried away with myself.) This huge pack has 48 sheets, so there are 4 of each design – plenty for a big project, and enough so that you don’t fear cutting into one sheet.
The Fun Fold part of this card is that front panel. Mine is 2 3/4″ wide and 5 1/2″ tall, with a DSP layer that’s 2 1/2″ wide on the front and a Basic White panel of the same width inside. Pro tip: Make your inside panel a smidge (highly scientific mathematical term) shorter – maybe 5 7/’16” tall – so that it doesn’t crowd the top fold and make your card wonky (highly scientific paper management term.)
Please note this is a highly scientific blog.
The dies for the Floral Squares include small flower dies that coordinate with the floral images in each square, but I preferred coloring with my Stampin’ Blends. I find it so therapeutic to sit with a stack of die cuts and just color. I did a few with Watercolor pencils as well, but I love the vivid color and shading of the Stampin’ Blends.
This is a different die, combined with Poppy Parade and Old Olive. I love the bold stripes on the back panel – they begged to pair up with Poppy Parade.
My Floral Square panels are adhered to a 2″ square of Basic Black card stock, letting the image and the color stand out. You can leave them without color and adhere them to a patterned paper background, but that wasn’t the look I wanted for this project.
Fresh Freesia made a softer looking card, and that criss-cross railroad track pattern was a great match for the lighter look. I used the dotted lines on all the card fronts to let the bold backgrounds be, well, BOLD.
I oriented this last square on what seemed to be the side for me. A slightly different direction gave it a casual look, and the combination of Daffodil Delight and Calypso Coral added to that laid back style.
Which is your favorite? Leave me a comment and if you’re feeling frisky, tell me why!
There are stamps (All Squared Away) that coordinate with the Floral Squares dies, but I didn’t use them this time. I left off the sentiments as well so that I could add them when it was time to send each card. I like having options <wink>
Don’t miss everyone’s favorite promotion, SALE-a-bration! Earn free stamps, dies, or gorgeous paper at two sales levels! Available while supplies last through September 30th.
I guess you’re either a cat person or you’re not – and I am a cat person. When I saw Clever Cats in the mini catalog (available TODAY!) I put it at the top of my list. The set has a Halloween theme, but I had other plans:
Stamps: Clever Cats, Free as a Bird
Color Palette: Basic Black, Basic White, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake
This captures cats so well – in the box, no matter what. The shreddies were a bit of a wild inspiration as I looked at the image of the cat and the box, and as luck would have it, I had the right color on hand. Some things are meant to be.
The Stamparatus is an enormous help in getting a clear, even impression from this bold image. I used a number of colors, but Memento Black was clearly the winner in my mind. It took a 3 impressions for me to be satisfied with Memento Black, but only 2 with Stampin’ Up! Classic Ink. But regardless of the number, the Stamparatus creates a perfect image – and re-image – every time!
I put a 1/4″ strip of DSP across the bottom of the panel on the inside of the card, and I added a sentiment from the now-retired Ridiculously Awesome stamp set. I created this card with the colours of Colour INKspiration #104 in mind.
The Mini Catalog is now live in the Online Store, and Clever Cats can be yours with a couple of clicks. We’re celebrating Sale-a-bration V.2 in August and September, so you’ll choose free gifts with your $50 or $100 purchase. Shop HERE.
In just a couple of days, Penguin Place – and a host of other new designs – will be available in the Online Store. I gave these little aquatic artists a tropical look. Who said penguins have to wear black?
Stamps: Penguin Place
Color Palette: Basic White, Bermuda Bay, Polished Pink, Highland Heather, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Crumb Cake
I tried a number of penguin accessories, but in the end, I liked the fishing pole best. I used my paper snips to cut the thinnest strip possible from Crumb Cake card stock. I put a few tiny drops of Tombo on the back and gently placed a single strand teased from gold thread into place. I laid that into the penguin hand/paw/wing and then used a glue dot to position a fish I created with Polished Pink Stampin’ Blends.
I’m pretty pleased with that fish, because the entire reason I fell in love with rubber stamps is that I do not like the way I draw.
Choosing the direction of the gaze of each penguin ended up being a LOT of fun – I can see more stories to tell playing with that concept!
Please stop by and see what Crystal and Cheryl have to share for August! If you’re ready to shop, I’d be delighted to serve you as your demonstrator – shop HERE.
I’ve had a few enquiries about the 2022 calendar pdf. Never fear, it’s in the works and will be released in September.
TWO MORE DAYS TO SAVE ON DESIGNER SERIES PAPER!! DON’T MISS OUT – SEE IT HERE.
I grew up in California, and the state flower, the California Golden Poppy, is an evocative memory of home. This image in the Flowers of Friendship set reminded me of those beautiful golden fields.
Stamps: Flowers of Friendship, Forever Fern
Color Palette: Daffodil Delight, Granny Apple Green, Crushed Curry, Basic White
Accessories: Flowers & Leaves punch, Hand Penned Designer Series paper, White 1/4″ Crinkle Seam Binding, Granny Apple Green dark Stampin’ Blend, Stampin’ Write markers, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Most people think of poppies as, well, poppy-colored, but California Poppies also grow in a glorious shade of yellow. I used Crushed Curry for the outline image of the flower (I used Stampin’ Write markers direct to the stamp) in order to make the petals more defined.
I colored the White 1/4″ Crinkle Seam Binding with my Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blend. I was prepared to wait a bit to be sure the ink was dry, but between the soft, lightweight ribbon and the magic of alcohol markers, the ribbon was dry and ready to add immediately. I hope we *always* have White 1/4″ Crinkle Seam Binding!!!
I also fussy cut parts of each flower to layer them and add more dimension. The shapes are simple, so it’s not really fussy cutting – more like snip-snip-cutting!
I left the sentiment off this card, as I often do, so that I can customize it when I’m ready to send it. I’ll create a custom square envelope with coordinating DSP and add the extra postage to be sure it arrives. If you make your card a 4 1/4″ square, you can put it in our standard envelope and send it for the regular one ounce USPS rate.
This set is another great option for quick and easy cards. The images are simple to color, and the coordinating punch makes it easy to add a layer. Shop HERE to add it to your crafty stash!
Just 5 more days in the DSP sale! Save 15% on these gorgeous papers – you’ll be so glad you did.
Birthday cards mean a lot to me. Of course I love to get them, but let’s face it: that’s once a year. Rather, I love to send them. Most of us get so little personal mail anymore, so I like to be a little bit of sunshine in someone’s mailbox. As a result, I make a LOT of birthday cards!
Stamps: Biggest Wish
Color Palette: Petal Pink, Basic White, Calypso Coral
Accessories: You’re A Peach Designer Series Paper (on sale til August 2!), Big Boss, Stitched Rectangle dies, Petal Pink Organdy Striped Ribbon, Pearl jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals, staple
The You’re A Peach DSP is a stunner!! And it’s on sale (along with 8 other collections) through August 2nd. Every single piece of this paper is gorgeous, and the designs on the “B” side are beautiful, versatile monochromatic prints that make great accent elements on a card. It’s a perfect summertime paper, even if you choose to get it without the coordinating Sweet as a Peach bundle. (But why would you?)
I had a narrow strip left over when I cut my panel for the front of the card, so I used it along the bottom of the inside of the card. Little extras like this are what set apart a hand-made card, and this one is easy as can be. Card base, DSP, one die cut with a sentiment, a couple sticky jewels and a stapled ribbon! I choose to line the inside of every card with a 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White panel unless the card base is Basic White. I prefer the finished look that extra step provides, and it literally costs just pennies.
When you have paper this gorgeous, you can create beautiful cards and have them in the mail before breakfast! (NOT BEFORE COFFEE. BEFORE BREAKFAST.) Every design in the You’re a Peach pack will give you these results, and if you add in the versatile Biggest Wish stamp set, you could have a month’s worth of cards with a quick morning’s work. Ready to get started? Shop HERE.
The Maui Stamper 