ADORABLE OWLS in GINGHAM

Posted on February 10, 2023 by mauistamper

Gingham!! It’s timeless, it comes in limitless colors, and it’s a versatile design pattern. Today I’ve paired our Country Gingham 6×6 inch Designer Series paper (you need this!!) with some gingham ribbon and our Adorable Owls. I’ve love how it looks – what do you think??

Fun fact: the Gingham pattern was invented in the 1600’s with roots in Asia, possibly Malasia. After over 400 years of enduring popularity, I’d say it’s a pretty solid tradition!

Stamps: Adorable Owls (SAB 23), Rays of Light
Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Smoky Slate, Crushed Curry, Balmy Blue
Accessories: Big Boss, Stylish Shapes dies, Versamark Ink, Stampin’ Blends, Paper Snips, Black & White Gingham ribbon, Fine Sparkle Gems (retired, sorry!) Stampin’ Dimensionals

These are square cards measuring 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″. You can create an envelope to fit them precisely, but you’ll need to pay extra postage in the US for a non-machinable card. Or you can just grab our medium envelope and mail them in that – they don’t need to fill the whole thing!

Each of these owls has been fussy cut with Paper Snips. I know that’s a deal breaker for some crafters, but it’s not for me. Do what you love and be happy about it. If you don’t like to fussy cut, die cut that circle from Basic White card stock and add some stamping around the edge. Don’t stress, this is FUN.

The “Hoot hoot” owl has a sassy “come hither” backwards glance that cracks me up. And don’t let the prospect of coloring all these owls hold you back. They’re simple, and you can leave lots of white space as I did to simplify the task. Remember, we’re having FUN. (Says the Drill Sergeant Stamper.) The background stamp for this card is Spiral Dye, stamped again in Versamark. That’s one of my favorite ways to add texture – Versamark ink!

This owl was almost a tragedy. I colored the eyes with the Sweet Sorbet Stampin’ Blend marker, since that’s the color of the Gingham DSP. I IMMEDIATELY regretted my choice, as they had that creepy demon-in-the-night sort of look! I toned them down with a couple of the Natural Blends (sorry, don’t remember which ones as I was in a panic!!)

Do you see what I mean? Kinda spooky. But now you know, and you won’t make this mistake. (You’re welcome.)

There’s another mistake you don’t want to make: you don’t want to miss Sale-a-bration 2023! These owls are available as a free selection with a qualifying order, but only until February 28th. They’re not the only option, but I think they’re one of the best! And if you’ve already added them to your stampin’ ensemble, there are 10 new options available as SAB rewards. Whoooo’s ready to SHOP?

Be sure to subscribe by February 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The February kit has a sunny theme and includes everything you need to make 9 cards and envelopes. These cards are sure to brighten the day and for the first time ever, there are coordinating dies available as an add-on!

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

New products in the January-April Mini Catalog are flying off the shelves! Even better, when you place a qualifying order you will choose FREE Sale-a-bration products. Sale-a-bration ends February 28th and as always, those products are while supplies last.

EMBOSS RESIST with BIGGEST WISH

Posted on February 7, 2023 by mauistamper

I get pretty excited when something turns out on paper the way I see it in my head. This rainbow emboss resist technique birthday card REALLY made me dance! I wanted bright colors, and friends, I GOT bright colors!!!

Stamps: Biggest Wish
Color Palette: Basic White, Orchid Oasis, Tahitian Tide, Parakeet Party, Daffodil Delight, Flirty Flamingo, Polished Pink
Accessories: Big Boss, Deckle Rectangle dies, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, White Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Embossing Tray, Heat Tool, Blending Brushes, Glossy Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I embossed a stack of Happy Birthday messages and started playing. Not all of them were Ready For Prime Time results, if you know what I mean. But that’s part of the process, and it’s just paper. This one surely made the cut!

It’s time to open a fresh jar of White Embossing powder. The humidity here in the tropics is brutal. My take on this is that it’s intentional, as it adds more texture. {wink} One little tip: Use a blender pen on top of those broad embossed lines to wipe off any excess ink from the ombré Blending Brush technique. Your white will pop!

I used a larger piece of paper to create the ombré effect with the blends. There are a lot of advantages to doing that: it helps hide any dark spots you might get from working over an edge, and it allows you to choose the best balance of colors when you die cut it. The Deckle Rectangles are my new go-to shape, and stacking them in layers really sets off your focal point.

Another bonus of working on a larger piece of paper is that I had a nice strip left over when I cut the rectangle, which gave me a perfect embellishment for the interior of the card. I love how it brings the rainbow theme inside.

Shop for all the supplies at my Online Store.

Have you been Sale-a-brating? There’s nothing quite as sweet as FREE – and it’s so easy to place a qualifying order. See the choices HERE. If you haven’t purchased our Embossing Tool Kit, add it to your order. You’ll thank yourself over and over again. (If you’ve held off because you have our old tray, wait no longer! This tray has a threaded cap instead of a cork-style cap. Your fingernails will thank you.)

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

Hues of Happiness and the Fussy Cut

Posted on August 26, 2022 by mauistamper

Some crafters detest fussy cutting, others find it relaxing. I find myself somewhere in the middle: I can usually do enough fussy cutting for one project, but then I am DONE. The Hues of Happiness Designer Series paper practically begs to be fussy cut.

#mauistamper #stampinup #huesofhappiness #diy #handmadecard #fussycut #birthday #timeworntype

Stamps: Go To Greetings, Forever Fern
Color Palette: Basic White, Gorgeous Grape, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Hues of Happiness DSP, Paper Snips, Big Boss, Timeworn Type EF, Gold Shimmer Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals

There’s a little secret buried on this card front: some of these elements are not complete flowers. Images on the edge of the paper can still be trimmed and overlapped, providing even more options when you fussy cut!

I’m revisiting a favorite old technique here. I’ve used the edge of my snips to fray the edges of my card stock. It’s a way of setting the sentiment apart while allowing me to cut the exact size of paper I need.

This is an old fashioned feeling card, but it has a richness to it as well. The Hues of Happiness DSP has so many uses – you might just need to add it to your craft stash. See all the beautiful designs HERE.

Maui Stamper 2023 DIY Easel Calendar template $5

The 2023 DIY Template is now available! It’s just $5 and you may use it to make as many calendars as you like. It includes a page of covers, 12 monthly calendar blocks (4 to a page), and a set of cutting instructions. The blocks are designed to be cut to 3 1/2″ square.

Contact me to make your payment – I use Square to invoice, and you don’t need an account to use it.

MauiStamper Stampin' Up! Spooky Treats Paper Pumpkin DIY Craft Kit

Be sure to subscribe by September 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The September kit is perfect to get ready for Trick or Treat. It makes 18 treat boxes for your favorite little ghosties and goblins.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

Sale-a-bration 22v2 is up and running! Whether your tastes are whimsical, romantic, or outdoorsy, everyone will find stamps to enjoy for free! But wait – there’s more! Designer series paper and dies that coordinate with our stamps are options when you spend $50 usd. On August 2nd an fresh set of products was added to the rewards offerings. Time to go shopping! See the choices HERE.

Our Mini Catalog is packed with new designs and products to inspire and delight. There’s something for everyone, and one of my favorite Do Not Miss This products is our Embossing Additions Tool Kit with all the tools you’ll need for perfect results. Shop the Mini Catalog and then choose your Sale-a-bration reward!

Becoming a demonstrator is ALWAYS a great value – the kit itself includes $125 of product (you choose every bit of it) for $99. It also includes catalogs and other business supplies should you choose to share what you love doing. But the icing on the cake is the discount that every demonstrator earns on every single order. There’s no long-term commitment – let’s chat and see if this makes sense for you! Contact me to learn more. Ready to sign up? JOIN HERE.

Another Tropical Hideaway

Posted on August 23, 2022 by mauistamper

I’ve been exploring different ways to color the Tropical Hideaway large format stamp. I have to confess: this is not my favorite. I’m happy with the card layout, but the watercolor technique I used made the images blur. That’s how you learn!

#MauiStamper #StampinUp #TropicalHideaway #HappyBirthday #handmadecard #diy #stampinupdemo

Stamps: Tropical Hideaway, Happiness Abounds
Color Palette: Basic White, Mint Macaron, Soft Succulent
Accessories: Big Boss, Stylish Shapes dies, Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder, White Crinkle Ribbon, Water Painter, Blending Brushes, Iridescent Rhinestone Jewels

I stamped the Tropical Hideway stamp on a Basic White panel using Soft Succulent Ink. I used more Soft Succulent Ink with my Water Painters to add color to the leaves. It was a fun experiment, but it’s not one I expect to repeat. The water caused the outlines to blur too much for my taste.

I enjoyed the process, and the total effect is soft and a little romantic. I added that White Crinkle Ribbon to soften it even more (oh my goodness, I love that ribbon!).

I’ll bet you already have ideas about how to make this work better! Try them out and let me know – I’m still creating with this image! You can have your own Tropical Hideaway shopping HERE.

Contact me to make your payment – I use Square to invoice, and you don’t need an account to use it.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

A Little Trailer in the Trees

Posted on August 14, 2022 by mauistamper

If you weren’t able to pick up the Tree Lot dies as a Sale-a-bration reward, they’ve sold out. I’m so sorry, because everyone should have the chance to craft this little trailer!

MauiStamper Stampin' Up! Trees for Sale Paradise Palms Tree Lot dies Sale-a-bration DIY handmade card

Stamps: Trees for Sale, Paradise Palms, Art Gallery
Color Palette: Basic White, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Pear Pizazz, Coastal Cabana, Basic Black, Pool Party
Accessories: Big Boss, Tree Lot dies (no longer available), Vellum card stock, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Black Sharpie pen

I mixed and matched the Old Olive and Pear Pizazz ink when I stamped the trees, and I’m not sure if I have a favorite. After all, trees are unique, and the fact that each of these are a little different is pretty true to life. I used a small piece of vellum in the “windows” and then placed the die cuts behind them so you didn’t see through the window to the trees.

Oh, and I stamped “Happy Birthday” just a little bit crooked on purpose. That’s so you know it’s made by hand 🤩

There are a lot of options for creating this card with other focal points. Try the tent from Campology, or the deer from Grassy Grove. You might just have something perfect in your stash! Shop HERE, and if there’s a Sale-a-bration reward you’ve got your eye on, maybe today would be a good day to add it to your cart!

Contact me to make your payment – I use Square to invoice, and you don’t need an account to use it.

Be sure to subscribe by September 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! This kit makes 18 Halloween treats. You’ll be all set for the ghosties and goblins in your life!

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

Let’s Make It an Amazing Year

Posted on July 10, 2022 by mauistamper

Amazing Year caught my eye the first time I flipped through the Annual Catalog. We have lots of flowers, but not so many bouquets, and this one can stand all by itself:

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Amazing Year Deckle Rectangle Dies Stampin' Blends

Stamps: Amazing Year
Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Soft Succulent, Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight, Balmy Blue, Mint Macaron, Orchid Oasis, Highland Heather
Accessories: Big/Baby Boss, Deckle Rectangle Dies, Stampin’ Blends, Metallic Woven Ribbon, Take your Pick Tool, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I went a little outside my comfort zone coloring this image. I added in a lot of different colors, because Mother Nature does that, right?

With all that color, I kept the base and panel Basic White. To add a little distinction, I brushed the edges of the Deckle Rectangle 💕 with Highland Heather, and I flicked a paintbrush with a little ink refill in a puddle of water to create watercolor droplets for the card base. I shredded the metallic woven ribbon with the pointy bit of my pick tool, then gathered up the threads to tie a bow. They need a dab of liquid glue to keep them from coming undone.

I love the simplicity of this layout and the focus on the bouquet. I’m going to make another in pinks and corals, so stay tuned. While you’re waiting, you can see this sweet stamp set and add it to your shopping cart HERE. Thanks for stopping by!

The July December mini catalog brings a charming new product with a purpose. Our Nourish and Flourish kit includes card making supplies for 9 delightful cards + an insulated canvas lunch bag to make meals on the go that much sweeter. Every Nourish and Flourish kit sold will generate a $3usd/ $4cad donation to organizations working to end food insecurity. It’s a win-win! See it HERE.

Be sure to subscribe by July 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! This month features a nautical theme. Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you.

Sale-a-bration 22v2 is up and running! Whether your tastes are whimsical, romantic, or outdoorsy, everyone will find stamps to enjoy for free! But wait – there’s more! Designer series paper, dies, and a printed card base and envelope combo are all options when you spend $50usd. There’s lots of coordination here too. Time to go shopping! See the choices HERE.

Stampin’ Up! always has a bonus joining offer during Sale-a-bration, and this one is really special! You’ll receive a gorgeous planner, 3 coordinating notebooks, and an exclusive stamp set to help organize your projects, your priorities, and your plans! Becoming a demonstrator is ALWAYS a great value – the kit itself includes $125 of product (you choose every bit of it) for $99. It also includes catalogs and other business supplies should you choose to share what you love doing. But the icing on the cake is the discount that every demonstrator earns on every single order. There’s no long-term commitment – let’s chat and see if this makes sense for you! Ready to sign up? JOIN HERE.

A Pair of Dragonflies

Posted on June 29, 2022 by mauistamper

I had some squares of the most gorgeous Designer Series paper left over from a project, and I couldn’t bear to waste them. I lined them up with a dragonfly, and the resulting card is very pretty, if I do say so myself:

a white card with 3 soft green squares and a dragonfly

Stamps: Dragonfly Garden, Go To Greetings, Forever Fern
Color palette: Basic White, Mint Macaron, Soft Succulent, Soft Sea Foam
Accessories: Big Boss, Deckled Rectangles Dies*, Splendid Day DSP*, Dragonfly Punch, Blending Brushes, 1 1/2″ Metallic Mesh Ribbon, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Dimensionals

*There are a couple of July-December 22 Mini Catalog sneak peeks here, but it’s almost July 1!

The Deckled Rectangle dies are never going to leave my craft desk. I am head-over-heels with these dies! They offer a rustic elegance we haven’t had before, and I am smitten.

A white card with patterned paper squares and a dragonfly

A card so nice I made it twice! This one is a little plain, but that’s intentional. It has the potential to be a sympathy card should I need one, so I’ve left it simple and without a greeting.

a white card with 3 squares of pattern paper and a

I made a custom envelope for each card with the DSP on the flap. If you’ve got a few squares of luscious DSP on your craft desk, give this a try – you could substitute for the dragonfly if that’s not part of your stash. The main thing is to have a little fun – and then go shopping HERE.

The July Paper Pumpkin features beautifully designed nautical imagery, a fun message in a bottle motif, and sentiments that are “shore” to please.

Be sure to subscribe by July 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you.

Last Chance Products January-June 2022 Mini Catalog

It’s LAST CHANCE time for the 2022 January – June Mini catalog, and these incredible deals won’t last! Many dies are 50% off, so do the math: the best deal may not be the bundle, but buying stamps and dies separately. Whatever you do, don’t wait! These deals disappear on June 30.

Hand Penned 3D Ferns

Posted on May 28, 2022 by mauistamper

The Fern 3D Embossing Folder is back with a different look today. I’ve run it through the Big Boss with Orchid Oasis card stock, and WOW does it shout out loud!

Deep orchid birthday card with blue and green pattern paper and flowers

Stamps: Hand Penned Petals, Paradise Palms
Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Orchid Oasis, Parakeet Party, Starry Sky, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Big Boss, Fern 3D embossing folder, Penned Flowers dies, Scalloped Contours dies, 22-24 In Color DSP, Stampin’ Blends, Metallic Woven Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Parakeet Party is a bold and bright green, and it really makes this card pop. It has such high energy, and moves this design into a very different feeling than you would get from Pear Pizazz or even Granny Apple Green. I love the opportunity to work with new colors each year when our In Color collection releases.

deep blue birthday card with blue and green pattern paper and hand colored flowers

I slipped a little metallic woven ribbon in again, fraying just the ends this time. I hardly ever bother tying a bow any more. I just stick a glue dot where it will be hidden by an element on the front of the card and position the ribbon that way. It’s easier to move and adjust so that you get exactly the look you want without tying and tying and tying again.

Orchid Oasis is such a saturated color and it really shows off the gorgeous detail in the Fern 3D EF. The design is multi-directional and covers the entire panel, giving the crafter multiple ways to orient and use the panel. Put the Fern 3D Embossing Folder on your next order!

Is your wishlist $99 or more? There are just a few days left to become a discount shopper and earn the In Color kit bonus. For just $99 you’ll choose $125 in Stampin’ Up! product and receive a bonus of 22 – 24 In Color Grid Paper, ink pad assortment, cardstock assortment, and Designer Series paper – an added value of $66.50. Contact me with your questions, or click HERE to join the Maui Stamper team.

The June Paper Pumpkin features fresh summer designs and sentiments to make 9 cards with matching envelopes. Your kit includes a customizable canvas bag – and you can order more mini bags to deliver your cards with style!

Stampin Up Paper Pumpkin Box with stamped bag and berries and title Pick of the Crop

Be sure to subscribe by June 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you.

A 3D Fern Birthday

Posted on May 25, 2022 by mauistamper

I am slightly obsessed with the new 3D Fern Embossing Folder! It slices, it dices…ok, it doesn’t do any of those things, but it works with just about every image in my collection! Today I’m sharing it paired with Happiness Abounds:

white handmade card with turquoise flower and embellishments and a fern embossed background

Stamps: Happiness Abounds
Color Palette: Basic White, Tahitian Tide, Orchid Oasis, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Big Boss, Stampin’ Blends, Metallic Woven Ribbon, Wink of Stella, snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals, 21-23 In Color gems (retired)

This is a versatile layout, so if you have “bits” on your craft desk (you know, things you’ve die cut and colored and then didn’t use) this is an easy way to give them a home. I colored the open bloom from Happiness Abounds with Tahitian Tide and Daffodil Delight, then added a little Wink of Stella to the center. The trim is “unwound” with the tip of my snips (your pick tool works too) and adhered to the card with a strip of Stampin’ Seal.

Close up view handmade card with turquoise flower

You can see the sparkle from the Wink of Stella, and you can also see how that Fern texture really pops!

white handmade card with red poppy and embossed fern background

Card so nice I made it twice!!

What do you think of this version? That Sweet Sorbet ink makes that flower look like a poppy – so Poppy Parade would be another great choice. And yes, I fussy cut the sentiment (don’t you love that font???) but you could just as easily add it on a strip. Make yourself happy.

Inspired? I’ll bet you have a flower or two in your stamp collection 😁 Pick up the Fern 3D Embossing Folder and give this card a try! I’ll be flattered if you do.

Is your wishlist $99 or more? Perhaps you’d like to become a discount shopper and purchase the customizable starter kit. For just $99 you’ll choose $125 in Stampin’ Up! product and receive a bonus of 22 – 24 In Color Grid Paper, ink pad assortment, cardstock assortment, and Designer Series paper – an added value of $66.50. Contact me with your questions, or click HERE to join the Maui Stamper team.

Coloring In the Moment

Posted on February 6, 2022 by mauistamper

I love to color, and I really love to color with Stampin’ Blends. We were given In the Moment as part of our swag for last year’s OnStage event, and I’ve been playing with the images – in lots of color combinations!

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! In the Moment Stampin Blends #DIY #handmadecard #stampinblends #inthemoment

Stamps: In the Moment, Friendly Hello (Sale-a-bration 2022.1)
Color Palette: Petal Pink, Soft Suede, Granny Apple Green, Pool Party, Misty Moonlight, Soft SeaFoam, Ivory (Blend) Crumb Cake, Basic White, Basic Black
Accessories: Friendly Hello DSP (Sale-a-bration 2022.1), Stampin’ Blends, Pool Party Sheer Ribbon, Rhinestones from Eden’s Garden special (retired), Stampin’ Dimensionals

I’m always learning as I do it, and I confess that while my work isn’t perfect, it makes me happy, and I’ve decided not to judge it any more than that.

You can probably see that I played a lot with the colors – I added some Crumb Cake over the Petal Pink to darken the tone on the blanket. This image is open to interpretation – what’s the shirt and what’s the blanket? Does it matter? No. No, it does not. Just color it and be happy.

Need some Blends? Shop HERE. And while you’re there – have you seen the latest release at Stampin’ Up!?

The All Together Suite includes Here Together stamps, Here for You dies, All Together Designer Series Paper, and our brand new Natural Tones Stampin’ Blends combos! They’re available as a suite, bundle or individually – but only the Blends will be available after May 2, 2022.

Sale-a-bration is still going strong. Everybody loves FREE!! Choose FREE goodies from January 4 to February 28, 2022!! Shop HERE.

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Sale-a-bration Join FREE STAMPS

Before you place that order, consider the Very Best Deal – joining Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator! If you join by February 28, 2022, there’s a super opportunity. Choose 2 FREE stamp sets PLUS:

$125 additional product of your choice for $99
Free shipping on your kit
20% savings on your own purchases
6 months to try us out without risk – continue with just a $300 quarterly minimum
Earn Sale-a-bration and host rewards on RETAIL price not your discounted price
An incredible community of crafters
Early access AND sneak peeks (you know you want to know!)

Join by February 28th for those two free stamp sets! Message me if you have questions or want to chat.

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Paper Pumpkin February 2022 Safari Celebration kit

Be sure to subscribe by February 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱if you decide it’s not for you. The February kit will make 9 playful cards with envelopes that you can tailor to your card-sending needs. Don’t wait!

The Maui Stamper

papercrafts, my stories, and the occasional insight

Category Archives: Birthdays

ADORABLE OWLS in GINGHAM

EMBOSS RESIST with BIGGEST WISH

Hues of Happiness and the Fussy Cut

Another Tropical Hideaway

A Little Trailer in the Trees

Let’s Make It an Amazing Year

A Pair of Dragonflies

Hand Penned 3D Ferns

A 3D Fern Birthday

Coloring In the Moment

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