TEXTURED FLORAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Posted on October 9, 2023 by mauistamper

I’m venturing into a bit of a shabby chic look today. It’s out of my usual style, but not too far out. I’ve used my favorite sheet of Earthen Elegance DSP as a base for the card and added a few stems from the Textured Floral dies.

A handmade card with 3 plant stems and the text "wishing you the happiest of birthdays"

Stamps: Charming Sentiments, Queen Bee, Lighting the Way
Color Palette: Basic White, Lost Lagoon, Pebble Path
Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Textured Floral dies, Earthen Elegance DSP, Linen Thread, Pebble Path Textured Ribbon, Stampin’ Trimmer, Stampin’ Dimensionals

The DSP really sets the tone for the background. I used a variety of stamps from Queen Bee and Lighting the Way to add more texture, stamping them off and layering them.

I could have cut all 3 die cuts separately and layered them, but no, I had to do it the hard way. I put them together along the edge of a Lost Lagoon panel and ran them through the Big Boss part way, stopping before they cut through the edge. I used my Stampin’ Trimmer to cut a straight line across the panel, leaving just the stems attached. That panel got the same background texture treatment as the DSP.

I finished it off with Pebble Path ribbon and Linen thread. The inside has a simple set of lines to create a custom look – it’s a handmade card, isn’t it?

To order supplies for your own handmade cards, shop the Online Store.

2 cards featuring evergreen images and the text "September-December 2023 Mini Catalog"

Our September – December Mini Catalog is available to everyone. Let me know if you need a copy, or shop it online!

A red banner with the words “Paper Pumpkin”, images of card making supplies, and the phrase “Home for the Holidays"

Create dazzling traditional Christmas cards with the Home for the Holidays Paper Pumpkin Kit. This kit includes eight beautiful cards—four each of two designs. But wait, there’s more! For all the sparkly crafters, this kit includes glitter glue to give your cards extra shine. Even better, it will coordinate with the November kit. Are you ready? Subscribe HERE by October 10th.

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. Stampin’ Up! also features an exclusive collection of kits that don’t require a subscription. Visit the Online Store to see what’s available.

SUNFLOWER BIRTHDAY

Posted on September 27, 2023 by mauistamper

Have you used the Abundant Beauty Decorative masks? They are such a delight to work with! This card is quick and fun and will leave you wanting to make more:

A handmade card with floral designs and the sentiment “wishing you the happiest of birthdays”

Stamps: Charming Sentiments
Color Palette: Basic White, Poppy Parade, Lemon Lolly, Pecan Pie, Garden Green
Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Sentiment Silhouettes dies, Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks, Blending Brushes, 23-25 In Color Dots, Linen Thread, Stampin’ Dimensionals

The masks have notches to help you get perfect placement every time. And the Charming Sentiments stamps and their coordinating dies give you the fussy cut look without the fuss! 💕

You would be surprised at how much fun it is to play with color combinations with these masks! This is therapy at it’s finest – and cheapest too!

I think I like playing with the masks even more than making the end result into cards. This could become a problem. Ah well, I’ll worry about that another day!

If you need your own set of Abundant Beauty Masks, shop the Online Store.

An invitation to the World Card Making Day showing balloons and markers

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY IS COMING! You’re invited to craft along – register for this FREE event on October 7. Download the project sheets HERE and HERE.

Patterned paper hexagons and the text "Designer Series Paper Special Release" and "shop AnneMatasci.stampinup.net"

Beautiful new papers are available while supplies last! Find them under Online Exclusives.

Our September – December Mini Catalog is available to everyone! Let me know if you need a copy!

SEASON OF CHIC: WATERCOLOR

Posted on July 27, 2023 by mauistamper

I’m a late arrival to Season of Chic, but I’m now a true believer. It’s a versatile two-step stamping collection, and that makes it perfect for this simple watercolor technique:

Two white handmade cards with the sentiment "Happy Birthday", one with yellow flowers and one with purple flowers

Stamps: Season of Chic, Go To Greetings/Something Fancy
Color Palette: Basic White with Orchid Oasis, Highland Heather, Granny Apple Green and Parakeet Party/Basic White with Daffodil Delight, Crushed Curry, Winter Wheat, and Old Olive
Accessories: Watercolor Paper, Stampin’ Spritzer, Dauber, Big Boss, Chic dies, Deckle Rectangle dies/Stitched Rectangle dies (retired), Metallic Ribbon/In Color Jute, Tinsel Gems/In Color dots

Do you have a favorite demonstrator (or two) whose work you never grow tired of? For me, Tami Hewlett is one of those people. She recently shared a stunning card showcasing a simple watercolor technique, and I really wanted to give it a try. Ink is applied to the stamp and the stamp is misted with water. Once it’s been stamped on watercolor paper, details are added using the two-step stamping technique.

Detail of a white handmade card with the sentiment "Happy Birthday” and yellow flowers

I don’t have the Tropical Leaf Bundle that she used, but these flowers made me happy. I tried a number of color combinations, and the range of yellows and purples were very satisfying. For this technique, it makes a big difference to have that two-step outline. It adds shape and definition to the soft, flowing watercolor.

Detail of a white handmade card with the sentiment "Happy Birthday” and purple flowers

I originally intended to use Orchid Oasis with Starry Sky, but the combination was too dark and didn’t have enough contrast. Highland Heather provided the balance I needed.

Each flower is unique, depending on where I placed the ink and how much water it got from the Spritzer. Tami applied the darker ink direct to the stamp, but I found it gave me more control to use a dauber.

A white handmade card with the sentiment "Happy Birthday” and yellow flowers

The watercolor paper makes a big difference. It absorbs the water, distributing the color evenly without distortion of the paper.

What color combination would you choose? I’m looking for more ideas! If you’d like to try this technique, shop for Season of Chic stamps and dies, or Tami’s choice, the Tropical Leaf bundle. Either way, I’m confident you’ll have a lot of fun!

Just a few more days to earn Bonus Days coupons! Through July 31st, with every $50 merchandise order you’ll earn a $5 coupon to spend in August. NO LIMITS!!

Online Exclusives are HERE. These Limited Edition products are fresh, seasonal, and sure to sell quickly – don’t wait to SHOP!

Be sure to subscribe by August 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! This kit includes 8 cards, 4 each of 2 designs, and 8 coordinating envelopes. The kit is special because of the way it uses the meaning of flowers. On each card, you’ll find a small inscription of what the flowers represent.

"Paper Pumpkin" on red banner, "Meaningful Flowers" in blue on a pale blue background with images of stamped flowers

And don’t wait, because anyone who subscribes to this month’s kit will get a FREE stamp set! This Distinktive stamp set is perfect for a variety of occasions!

Hello Irresistible and Textured Floral

Posted on July 4, 2023 by mauistamper

I’m still playing with Designer Series Paper, and found a fun way to add a little interest. I’ve cut this sheet from Hello Irresistible into tiles and reassembled them as a background. An embellished sentiment from Textured Floral is all it needs!

A Handmade card with a printed background and a floral circular element with the phrase “Birthday Blooms for you”

Stamps: Textured Floral
Color Palette: Basic White, Petal Pink, Lemon Lolly, Calypso Coral
Accessories: Hello Irresistible Designer Series Paper, Stylish Shapes dies, Stamp Cut and Emboss machine, White Bakers Twine, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Each tile is 1 1/4″ x 1 5/8″. You can use a pencil line, washi tape, or your trusty eyeballs to get them straight. I like to lay everything out before I adhere it, then put down the left and right top corners. Then I center the middle piece on those two.

I’ll do the left row top to bottom next in the same way. Once those two lines are set, the rest are easy to match up. It sounds harder than it is, trust me!

Lemon Lolly is my new favorite ink. Well. This week it is. Ask me in a few more days.

All my die envelopes are labeled with BIG letters. It doesn’t take much time, and it saves me a lot of hunting and bad-word-muttering. (Never fear, this would be things like “dang it” and “rats”. I’ve cleaned up quite a bit.)

Ready to make one of these? Trust me, once you’ve done one you’ll do a dozen. Stick around and you’ll see what I mean. 😉 Need supplies? Find yours at the Online Store.

COMING SOON!! Online Exclusives will be available starting July 6th. These Limited Edition products are fresh, seasonal, and sure to sell quickly – don’t wait to SHOP!

Bonus Days are coming – just in time for your Online Exclusives order! Starting July 6th, with every $50 merchandise order you’ll earn a $5 coupon to spend in August. NO LIMITS!! Earn all month from July 6 to 31. ANNNND we’ve also heard there will be new goodies in the Clearance Rack on July 6th. Cue the fireworks! 💥

Be sure to subscribe by July 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! Make 9 accordion fold cards with the July kit. It includes a Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Spot and plenty of embellishments.

cartoon seashore scene with text "Fun in the Sun Paper Pumpkin Kit"

TEXTURED FLORAL BIRTHDAY IN Lemon Lolly and Fresh Freesia

Posted on June 17, 2023 by mauistamper

It’s technically Spring for another 4 days, so I’m calling this Textured Floral birthday card a celebration of Spring! The combination of Lemon Lolly, Fresh Freesia and BubbleBath is perfect for a floral explosion.

Stamps: Textured Floral
Color Palette: Basic White, Lemon Lolly, Fresh Freesia, BubbleBath, Granny Apple Green, Lemon Lime Twist
Accessories: Big Boss, Deckle Rectangles, Adhesive Backed Solid Gems, Artistic Mix Decorative Masks, Blending Brush, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I promised myself I would hold back on new floral stamp sets when the 23-24 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog was published. Ahem. So much for those promises! I couldn’t resist all the floral images with so many centers and leaves to mix and match with the blooms. Does it count as breaking a promise if you didn’t really mean it in the first place? Asking for a friend.

A Handmade birthday Card with flowers in lavender, yellow and green on a white card base with the sentiment “birthday blooms for you”

You can just see the edge of the masking I did on the Granny Apple Green panel. The Blending Brush is the perfect tool to whisk ink evenly across the mask. I prefer subtle texture in my layers.

I’m not quite sure how I feel about the offset panel. I don’t mind asymetry, but I prefer parallel or perpendicular lines. I guess you could say this one is just a little bit outside the box for me! If you need Textured Floral in your crafting box, shop the Online Store.

The text Designer Series paper Sale Stock up and save 15% and images of Designer Series papers

There’s a Designer Series Paper sale in June! 15% off select papers – shop early to avoid any disappointment.

It’s a great time to become a demonstrator! Join my team and create the opportunity you want. Select your choice of product valued at $155 for just $99 and you can be a happy shopper, enjoy early access to upcoming products, and save on every Stampin’ Up! purchase you make! If you choose, you can build a business, but that’s not a requirement. Try it out risk free – JOIN TODAY.

Be sure to subscribe by July 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! Make 9 accordion fold cards with the July kit. It includes a Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Spot and plenty of embellishments.

CIRCLE SAYINGS: USING UP BITS AND PIECES

Posted on May 29, 2023 by mauistamper

I have a basket on my craft desk filled with odds and ends. It’s larger than it used to be – or should be – but I’m doing my best to clear it out. This card is almost ALL bits and pieces, and I hope you’ll forgive me for using retired products. There are current replacements for nearly all of this!

Stamps: Circle Sayings, Hippest Hippos (retired)
Color Palette: Basic White, Basic Grey, Sweet Sorbet
Accessories: 2 3/8″ Circle Punch, Vellum card stock, Stampin’ Blends, Big Boss, Stylish Shapes dies, Brick Embossing Folder (retired), Stampin’ Dimensionals, Country Gingham DSP (retired), Red Rhinestone jewels (retired)

Zany Zoo stamps and Designer Series Papers has an entire zoo filled with critters to stand in for that hippo, and our new Exposed Brick Embossing folder is even better than the old brick one! But there are two reasons I’ve shared this card.

First is that you can have a lot of fun with bits and pieces. I still have a bunch of circles left to play with, and it’s a great challenge to create a design with circles. Second is that when a project catches your eye, while you may WANT to duplicate it exactly, with a little looking about, you might discover that you have what you need to create your own version!

Stampin’ Blends bring this hippo to life with simple shading and only one color! Basic Grey and white are a variation of my favorite Black & White & POP of color combo.

Adding a little “something” to the inside of the card personalizes it, and shucks, isn’t that why we make cards? I needed another cupcake, and the Happy Birthday just the icing on top. <wink>

Do you keep a stash of odds and ends? How do you use them? I’d love to hear your tips, because I just *might* have a few left to use. You might find that Circle Sayings is just the right set to use those circles! Shop the Online Store.

Our beautiful new 23-24 Annual Catalog is available to EVERYONE!

text 2023-2024 Annual Catalog with craft images

Be sure to subscribe by June 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The June kit features 9 elegant, detailed cards. This is a card kit with an option to purchase coordinating dies while supplies last.

CIRCLE SAYINGS IN COLOR

Posted on May 25, 2023 by mauistamper

In Colors Wild Wheat (23-25) and Orchid Oasis (21-23) work beautifully together in this birthday card featuring the new Circle Sayings stamp set. I chose a subtle design from our new color families Designer Series Paper for this simple layout.

handmade card in blue and gold with Happy Birthday message

Stamps: Circle Sayings, Nature’s Prints
Color Palette: Basic White, Wild Wheat, Orchid Oasis
Accessories: 2 3/8″ Pircle Punch, Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Machine, Basic Borders dies, Blending Brush, Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals, retired ribbon.

Circle Sayings is bundled with this big circle punch for extra savings. I found it easiest to punch the circle first and stamp second in this case. These are clear photopolymer stamps, making it easy to align them on the edge of the curve.

I used the fern image from Nature’s Prints to soften the edges of the white card base, then brushed over them lightly with Orchid Oasis ink. The sentiment from Circle Sayings fits perfectly inside the border (of course it does!!) and the result is a surprisingly quick card.

There are 6 different edge treatments in the Best Borders dies – I chose the rickrack border because I liked it with the linear design in the DSP. Are you ready to dive into our new slate of In Colors? The Class of 23-25 are all beautiful neutrals that complement the rest of our color lineup. Choose your favorites at the Online Store!

Our beautiful new 23-24 Annual Catalog is available to EVERYONE! There’s a lot to explore and I’ll do my best to share what I love from this catalog. Our Color Refresh is at the top of my list. Be sure to check out our Online Exclusives in the Online Store – you won’t find them in the catalog.

Be sure to subscribe by June 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The June kit features 9 elegant, detailed cards. This is a card kit with an option to purchase coordinating dies while supplies last.

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!

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! You don’t need to make a business out of this to enjoy your new planner.

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.

The Maui Stamper

papercrafts, my stories, and the occasional insight

Category Archives: Birthdays

TEXTURED FLORAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY

SUNFLOWER BIRTHDAY

SEASON OF CHIC: WATERCOLOR

Hello Irresistible and Textured Floral

TEXTURED FLORAL BIRTHDAY IN Lemon Lolly and Fresh Freesia

CIRCLE SAYINGS: USING UP BITS AND PIECES

CIRCLE SAYINGS IN COLOR

ADORABLE OWLS in GINGHAM

EMBOSS RESIST with BIGGEST WISH

Hues of Happiness and the Fussy Cut

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