2023 DIY Easel Calendar Year in Review

Posted on December 31, 2023 by mauistamper

It’s the last day of December, and it’s my tradition to review my DIY Easel Calendar month-by-month. Are you ready? Let’s start with JANUARY:

I was thrilled to see a new set of Gnomes (Friendly Gnomes!) in the January-April 23 mini catalog. Such great images, and they coordinate with the Gnomes dies. See the details on January 1, 2023.

This is a Sale-a-bration calendar, and a stamp set that surprised me with how much I loved it. I embossed this image EVERYWHERE! Check out Beautifully Happy on February 1, 2023.

In March, I celebrated with Love Cats from the January-April Mini Catalog. The Stamparatus – sadly, no longer available – made this image easy to customize. Check out the original post on March 1, 2023.

The Last Chance list for the 22-23 Annual Catalog was released in late March and I was so sad to see Friends Are Like Seashells on that list. I chose it for the April calendar as a fond farewell.

In May I chose the ocean wave from the brand new 23-24 Annual Catalog Circle Sayings set. See the original post on May 1, 2023.

a small June 2023 calendar with a cartoon turtle

I love this friendly little turtle! Playing in the Rain was a January-April Mini bundle that carried forward to the Annual Catalog as standalone stamps and dies. Lots of fun coloring with Stampin’ Blends for this month! Read the details from June 1, 2023.

A Handmade desktop calendar for July 2023 with a field of yellow flowers

I markered the flower from Inked & Tiled for July. The curvy dotted swirls from Lighting the Way were the perfect accent – light and whimsical. You can see the details on July 1, 2023.

A Handmade calendar page for August with 3 birds colored blue, yellow and green.

I adore this little birdie family! The set is called Bird’s Eye view and you can see the details on August 1, 2023.

A Handmade calendar page for September. It features 3 stenciled flowers in yellows and reds with green leaves.

The Abundant Beauty masks are fun, easy, and pack a punch! Find out more on the September 1, 2023 post.

A small square calendar for October 2023 with 4 pumpkins and a small bird.

One of my favorite September-December mini catalog products is the Pick of the Patch bundle. You can see the original post on October 1, 2023.

A handmade calendar page for November with the phrase "Beyond Grateful" and blue and gold foliage

I used my favorite mini catalog holiday image for November with non-traditional colors. Learn more in the November 1, 2023 post.

A handmade calendar page for December featuring a red truck and palm trees

Every year it comes sooner! Whoosh, it’s December! You can see this post from the beginning of this month HERE.

That’s 2023! I hope you’ve enjoyed this review. Comment on this post and share which month is your favorite. You can pick more than one – clearly, I can’t decide, so I won’t ask you to! I create my calendars month by month so that I can use the newest product. However, in review you’ll notice that many of these products are now retired.

If you feel inspired, you can create your own calendar for 2024. Here’s how to purchase the 2024 DIY Template. 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. Please be patient if you order in the next couple of days – it’s a busy time.

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

Thanks for following the Maui Stamper and sharing in my crafting journey. Tomorrow starts a New Year, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you. Aloha 🌺

DECEMBER 2023 DIY: TRUCKING ALONG

Posted on December 1, 2023 by mauistamper

Who doesn’t love a truck? This vintage truck just begs to be done in red, and what could be more fitting for December?

Stamps: Trucking Along, Seaside Bay, Paradise Palms (retired)
Color Palette: Basic White, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Granny Apple Green, Pecan Pie, Shaded Spruce, Boho Blue, Memento Black
Accessories: Masking paper, Stampin’ Blends

I’m sorry if you don’t have a palm tree stamp in your stash. After I stamped the truck, all I could see was palms in the background. If you don’t live in a tropical climate, then evergreens are surely your best friend here.

I discovered at the last minute that my Light Real Red Stampin’ Blend was kaput. I colored the truck with the Dark Real Red Blend and added highlights with the Color Lifter. The “dits” are a stamp from Seaside Bay, and I imagined them as sea spray.

I love making these little calendar pages each month. They’re small enough to be quick and satisfying to create, but suiting each one to the appropriate month adds a little structure. If you’d like to make your own DIY Calendar, the template is just $5. Message me and I’ll get you an invoice right away.

Visit Cheryl and Crystal to see what they’re featuring in December. And be sure to stop back on the 31st when I showcase the entire year’s worth of DIY calendars!

While you’re waiting, you might want to shop the Online Store.

There’s a lot going on, and to keep things interesting, the mini is ending and Last Chance products have been announced. To see items Carrying Over, click HERE. To see Last Chance items from the September-December mini, click HERE.

A collage of paper crafting supplies on a light blue background with the text "NEW Online Exclusives"

Check out the brand new release of Online Exclusives. These limited edition products are sure to delight and inspire you! Shop HERE.

A red banner with the words “Paper Pumpkin”, images of card making supplies, and the phrase “All The Best"

The December kit contains supplies for 9 beautiful cards and includes an acetate box for gifting. Keep it for yourself or share with your bestie – they’ll be grateful to have a card stash all year long! Subscribe HERE by December 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.

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

Our September – December Mini Catalog is nearing it’s last days – let me know if you need a copy, or shop online HERE!

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November 2023 DIY: Joy of Noel

Posted on November 1, 2023 by mauistamper

Happy Grateful November! I’ve used non-traditional colors with a traditional holiday stamp from Joy of Noel to create a lovely autumn reminder:

Stamps: Joy of Noël, Charming Sentiments
Color Palette: Basic White, Pool Party, Lost Lagoon, Wild Wheat, Memento Black
Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Sentiment Silhouettes dies, Stampin’ Blends, Vellum card stock, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I love this image from Joy of Noël, and I have been looking for alternative ways to use it. When I realized it just needed a shift in colors, I was off to the races.

I tucked a bit of Vellum behind the sentiment. I’m not sure it makes a difference – what do you think?

Have you noticed that Stampin’ Up! has started giving dies the same name as the stamp sets with which they coordinate? Not the case with Charming Sentiments/Sentiment Silhouettes, as they’re a hold-over from last year, but I love the new system! Makes my life a lot easier. (And if you’ve gotten to know me at all, you know I 💕 that EASY button.)

The 2024 Easel Calendar Template is available for just $5. Message me for an invoice!

Crystal and Cheryl are back with November calendar pages. If you need inspiration for your own, check our Pinterest page or type “DIY” in the Maui Stamper search box for over 10 years of ideas.

For all your Stampin’ Up! shopping needs, I’m very grateful if you shop my Online Store.

Light up the Christmas season with this month’s Paper Pumpkin kit! With traditional Christmas home designs and warm Christmas wishes, spread the light of Christmas with a gift box. Plus, you can get the Warm Wishes Cards & Envelopes Add-On to take your Christmas crafting even further (available while supplies last). Are you ready? Subscribe HERE by November 10th.

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

2024 DIY Calendar Template!!

Posted on October 17, 2023 by mauistamper

Thank you for your patience – I know many of you have been waiting. I’m finally able to accept orders for the 2024 DIY Calendar template! As always, it’s just $5.

As I write this I’m in a hotel in Barcelona with a 3:45am (!!!) wake up call scheduled to begin my long trip home. I won’t be home until mid-day Thursday Hawaii time, so I may not be the freshest bloom in the bouquet but I’ll be back.

The view from Cezanne’s studio above Aix-en-Provence

Please use the Contact the Maui Stamper form to send me your name and email address. On Friday I hope to send all invoices and will email your template as soon as I have your payment.

A magical hot air balloon with Vol de Coloms in La Garrotxa, Catalonia

Thanks again for your patience.

OCTOBER 2023 DIY: PICK OF THE PATCH

Posted on October 1, 2023 by mauistamper

I am absolutely smitten with Pick of the Patch. I don’t usually get too excited about Halloween (sorry, Robbie!) but there’s something about the images in this set that has me reaching for it again and again. I’m going to enjoy it all month.

Stamps: Pick of the Patch
Color Palette: Basic White, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Garden Green
Accessories: Pick of the Patch Builder Punch, Adhesive backed solid gems, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Did you see my non-traditional pumpkins in September? I had such fun with those colors, but for October I decided to stick with colors you might see in the pumpkin patch.

For the card, I fussy cut those swirls. Didn’t really feel like doing that again 😆 so I stamped them right onto the calendar. I’m equally happy with the results, and I’m thrilled that I didn’t have to fussy cut those buggers again.

Take a look to see what Cheryl and Crystal are sharing for October DIY!

I’ve had quite a few requests for the 2024 calendar template. Many people know I actually do live on Maui, and the past month or so has been emotionally hard. I’m the first to say that I am very fortunate to have not been directly impacted by the fire, but everyone who lives here is impacted in one way or another. I appreciate your patience – I’ll be making the template available later this month.

Now: if you need your own Pick of the Patch, 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!

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.

SEPTEMBER 2023 DIY: Abundant Beauty

Posted on September 1, 2023 by mauistamper

I’m really excited to share a sneak peek of a new product. The September-December Mini catalog debuts our first set of layering masks called Abundant Beauty. See if you think that’s an appropriate name:

Stamps: None (gasp)
Color Palette: Lemon Lolly, Crushed Curry, Poppy Parade, Cherry Cobbler, Copper Clay
Accessories: Abundant Beauty Decorative masks, Regular and Small Blending Brushes, 23-25 In Color dots, DIY Calendar template, Wink of Stella, Paper Snips, Masking paper, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I gave my Blending Brushes a workout. It’s easy to align the masks as they are numbered AND have a notch in each layer so you can register them accurately. There are 3 sizes of flowers on the masks, but I chose the smallest one and repeated it.

I used masking paper to cover the 2 flowers that I placed directly on the calendar, and then brushed some leaves (a bit randomly, I’d say) around them. I brushed a third flower on a scrap of Basic White and cut it out with my snips.

The color combinations are ENDLESS. I expect this to be a really popular item, so shop the Online Store early! The Mini is available beginning September 6th.

I’ve had a number of requests for the 2024 DIY Calendar template. I’d intended to offer it early this month, but the wildfires on Maui have been very disruptive. My family and I are fine, and our home was unaffected, but our island is like a small town. I appreciate your patience – I’ll make the calendar available soon.

Cheryl is taking a break in September, but Crystal has a calendar for you. Take a look at her beautiful calendar! And thanks for stopping by today.

Just a few more days until our September – December Mini Catalog is available to everyone! Customers can place orders beginning September 6th. Let me know if you need a copy!

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 September 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! With Love & Gratitude is inspired by Shelli Gardner. It includes eight treat packages (you can also use for small gifts) and eight miniature note cards with matching envelopes and specialty gold foil embellishments. Whether you need a hostess gift, a sweet surprise for dinner guests, or have another reason to give love and thanks, this kit has you covered.

A red banner with the words “Paper Pumpkin”, images of card making supplies, and the phrase “With Love and Gratitude"

There’s also a beautiful journal available as an additional purchase exclusively for Paper Pumpkin subscribers.

AUGUST 2023: BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Posted on August 1, 2023 by mauistamper

Oh these chunky little birds have stolen my heart! There’s something about the Bird’s Eye View crew that enchants me. These three are colored with Stampin’ Blends, and there’s a little color riddle in this calendar – do you see it?

Stamps: Bird’s Eye View, Easter Bunny
Color Palette: Basic White, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lime Twist, Azure Afternoon
Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, Masking Paper

I’m always torn when new birdies show up in the catalog, because I might already have a *few* bird stamps. But I’m certain I don’t have any birds wearing glasses, so that gave me the justification I needed to add The View to my Stampin’ Collection.

After I stamped this little family, I decided they needed something upon which to stand. Fortunately, the Easter Bunny was more than willing to share a little grass, and masking paper made sure the grass remained in the background.

I know I say this every month, but this month I will REALLY enjoy my desktop calendar!! Be sure and see what Cheryl and Crystal have done this month. And if you don’t have your own Bird’s Eye View Crew, I think it’s time you shop the Online Store.

A red, blue, white and pink graphic with the text "Ready Set Redeem" and "it's time to use those coupons you earned! You can redeem your $5 coupons between 1-31 August.

Beginning today, August 1st, you can redeem your Bonus Days coupons! Your unique codes, delivered by email in July with your $50 order, can be spent through August 31st.

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!

JULY 2023: INKED & TILED

Posted on July 1, 2023 by mauistamper

Inked and Tiled is my new top-of-desk fave! Today those flowers make a super-bloom meadow for my July DIY Easel calendar:

Stamps: Inked & Tiled, Lighting the Way
Color Palette: Basic White, Lemon Lolly, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lime Twist, Parakeet Party
Accessories: Daubers, paper snips, masking paper

I use daubers to apply the ink to the stamps. They’re faster than markers, and I think the coverage is better. After I stamped them on the calendar, I stamped the flowers again on masking paper and fussy cut them with my snips to mask the flowers. Such a mindless activity when you’re on hold (forever, and ever, and ever, and ever) with the tax department.

I ink the stem with the daubers first, then use Lemon Lolly on the top of the flower. I dip the edge of a dauber in Daffodil Delight and carefully add it to the base of the blossom. (Sometimes more carefully than other times!)

The background is stamped with an image from Lighting the Way – I think it’s a lightning bug swarm. I used Lemon Lime Twist, stamped off once to keep it soft and in the background. The background mat is Parakeet Party, because I liked it better.

Cheryl and Crystal have July calendars for your too! Please take a moment to see their work. We 💕💕💕 your comments!!

Create your own calendar template, or see details for purchasing mine HERE. For all other products, shop 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.

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"

JUNE 23 DIY: PLAYING IN THE RAIN

Posted on June 1, 2023 by mauistamper

I love this sweet little turtle from Playing in the Rain! Just the thing for a June calendar. A little spring rain is sure to yield spring flowers as well.

Stamps: Playing in the Rain
Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Lost Lagoon, Pool Party, Soft Sea Foam, Fresh Freesia, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: DIY Easel Calendar template, Stampin’ Blends, Water Painter, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Paper Snips

My supplies ought to include the Big Boss and the Playing in the Rain dies, but the dies are temporarily AWOL in my craft room. It’s admittedly a big mess right now, but I’m usually pretty good about putting away stamps and dies. They’ll turn up, but in the meantime I had to fussy cut that little reptile.

I gave the clouds the softest wash with Lost Lagoon, and used Pool Party for the turtle-belly. The shell is Lost Lagoon and Soft Sea Foam, and the head and limbs are also Soft Sea Foam. I had a hard time choosing colors for this image, but I was happy with the softness that I got with this palette. It’s easy to create a color range with Stampin’ Blends.

This cute smile will bring me pleasure all month long!

Be sure to take a look to see what Cheryl and Crystal have created this month for their DIY Easel Calendar. If you’d like your own Playing in the Rain stamps (or if you need to replace your dies, doggone it!) shop the Online Store.

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

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 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.

MAY 2023 DIY: CIRCLE Sayings

Posted on May 1, 2023 by mauistamper

Tomorrow is the Big Day: the 23-24 Annual Catalog is available to EVERYONE! Demonstrators have had the opportunity to shop a limited selection, but tomorrow it’s All The Things for All The Crafters!!

In celebration, I’m using a brand new stamp set from the new catalog for my May 2023 DIY Easel calendar. These images and sentiments are great starters for a new crafter, but have plenty of room for creativity for someone who has crafted a little longer.

Stamps: Circle Sayings
Color Palette: Basic White, Basic Black Gray Granite, Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, Boho Blue, Pretty Peacock, Lost Lagoon
Accessories: Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Blends

The original image is a circle, but I wanted to expand it to fill my space. Here’s the original:

I used a simple masking technique to repeat the image on either side. The paper I used to mask came off the back of our self-adhesive strips, so it was opaque enough for me to see through. I stamped the image twice, and trimmed the left, then the right side of the image. Then I covered the right, aligning the mask carefully by using the ability to see through:

This stamp is photopolymer, so I could see just where I wanted it!

Repeat with the right side!

And here you have it! The alignment isn’t exact, but this is the real world and things aren’t always perfect. Now to color:

I used a LOT of blues. There’s some Boho Blue, although I would have preferred Lost Lagoon. Alas, I don’t have those Blends (yet!!) I used Pool Party for brightness and Pretty Peacock to tone down the Boho Blue. The birds are defined with my Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker.

There you have it! Be sure to see what Cheryl and Crystal have done for their May DIY Calendar.

There’s still a few hours to save on the Last Chance sale – use Host Code 3YYCMTDH.

Be sure to subscribe by May 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The May kit features outdoor landscapes and the new 23-25 In Colors. This is a card kit with an option to purchase additional cards and envelopes on May 2nd.

The Maui Stamper

papercrafts, my stories, and the occasional insight

Category Archives: Calendars

2023 DIY Easel Calendar Year in Review

DECEMBER 2023 DIY: TRUCKING ALONG

November 2023 DIY: Joy of Noel

2024 DIY Calendar Template!!

OCTOBER 2023 DIY: PICK OF THE PATCH

SEPTEMBER 2023 DIY: Abundant Beauty

AUGUST 2023: BIRD’S EYE VIEW

JULY 2023: INKED & TILED

JUNE 23 DIY: PLAYING IN THE RAIN

MAY 2023 DIY: CIRCLE Sayings

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