Can I tell you I LOVE the Peaceful Garden Designer Series paper? And this print in particular? It has that moody blue holiday feeling, but it transitions into so many other roles. Time for a good This or That!
The Christmas Words Hybrid Embossing Folder has every expression you can imagine. You can choose to use it as a background folder or add the die to the “sandwich” and cut each one out. I’ve added color with Cloud Cover Stampin’ Blends and it was very forgiving.
But then I turned the layout on its side and changed the sentiment – and I think it makes a lovely sympathy card. I really like the Linen Thread on this card.
So what do you think? Landscape or Portrait? Christmas or Sympathy? or maybe a mash-up? In either case, give it a try. It’s a quick and easy way to use that DSP stash.
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This big but subtle die is my very best crafting friend right now! I’ve found so many ways to use it, and I love the texture. It’s a flat surface, unlike embossing, so there are no problems adhering images and embellishments. And it’s just gorgeous!
Stamps: Gallery Blooms, Beautiful Motifs
Color Palette: Basic White, Fresh Freesia, Petaunia Pop, Lost Lagoon, Memento Black
Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Gallery Blooms dies, Patterns of Friendship die, Textured Notes dies, Stampin’ Blends, Petunia Pop Bordered Ribbon, Iridescent Ribbon, Retired In Color dots, Stripes and Florals cards and envelopes, Stampin’ Dimensionals
The Iridescent Ribbon is perfect for coloring with Stampin’ Blends – it’s one of my favorite tricks. Did you notice the subtle lines in the ribbon echo the lines in the Patterns of Friendship die? Gotta love that.
The Stripes and Florals Cards and Envelopes are on the Last Chance list, and they’re discounted, too. They’re another of my favorite tricks for a quick card.
Recently we’ve been experiencing some unannounced retirements of products due to various things outside our control. These items move from “unavailable” to “retired” without transitioning through the Last Chance list. If you love something, don’t wait to order it!
I initially overlooked Patterns of Friendship because the stamps didn’t stand up and shout at me. But when I started seeing projects with this amazing texture, I went back to the Online Store and looked again, and there she was: the Patterns of Friendship die.
Stamps: Gallery Blooms, Elements of Text, Country Flowers (retired)
Color Palette: Basic White, Cloud Cover, Fresh Freesia, Daffodil Delight, Granny Apple Green
Have you added one of the In Color Faux Linen Ribbons to your crafty stash? Oh, my – it’s gorgeous! I sliced this one lengthwise and used just a single strand to secure the bundle. That keeps the bow a little softer and mailing-friendly.
Gallery Blooms are perfect for coloring, and I used Stampin’ Blends this time. This closeup reveals a little detail: I used a scrap of Floral Impressions DSP behind the sentiment. It’s a little extra bit of texture in a card that’s already bursting with texture.
The Patterns of Friendship die is 6″ x 6″ so you can cut your panel to run either horizontally or vertically. If you look closely, you’ll see that the rows of little dots are balanced so that a 4″ card stock panel lands exactly between the rows. I love those kind of (semi-OCD) details.
I’m a bit of a texture nerd, so you can imagine how pleased I am with this new die. (Bonus: when you peel the card stock off the die, it makes a very satisfying noise.) There are multiple layers here: the dies, the paper layers, the DSP, and that big crazy ribbon. Have fun with it! You can find everything you need in the Online Store.
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Welcome to my April Last Dance/Last Chance series! I’ve created a soft card using Crumb Cake and Boho Blue. Crumb Cake is such a classic color and plays well with almost every other color, while Boho Blue is a classic mid-range blue that I am going to miss terribly when it retires in May. Sigh.
Color Palette: Basic White, Crumb Cake, Boho Blue (Retiring 23-25 In Color)
Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Greetings of the Season dies (sold out), Translucent Florals dies, Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder, Linen Thread, In Color Jute Twine, Blending Brush, Stampin’ Dimensionals
I am very sorry to report that the Greetings of the Season dies are SOLD OUT. The Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder is NOT on Last Chance, which means it will be around for a while. Good thing because I use it a lot. It’s a larger format, square folder, which makes it easy to put an entire card front through the Stamp Cut + Emboss Machine.
I used a Blending Brush to add a little depth to the dry embossing with Crumb Cake ink. The larger leaf images are stamped off, but the smaller stem is stamped full strength. This makes a lovely sympathy card, but it could just as easily carry a different sentiment.
I hope you’re tracking all of these Last Chance beauties. They really are Last Chance, so if you’re smitten, head on over to the Online Store and make them yours! Both Country Flowers (the sentiment) and Translucent Florals are a better value if you purchase them separately as Stamps + Dies vs. buying them as a bundle. Be akamai and save!
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Changing Leaves is one of those Swiss Army Knife stamp sets – it can do just about anything. Today’s card is a good example: by crafting it in a monochromatic palette, it sets the stage for a thoughtful sympathy card.
Stamps: Changing Leaves, Country Flowers
Color Palette: Basic White, Pebble Path
Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Changing Leaves dies and Hybrid Embossing Folder, Deckle Rectangle dies, 23-25 In Color Opaque Sparkle Dots, dauber, Pebble Path Jute Trim, Stampin’ Dimensionals
I used daubers to add a little depth to the leaf – the Hybrid Embossing folder added that gorgeous texture. I unraveled Pebbled Path Jute Trim and added a strand behind the leaf, shaping it as a bow but skipping the actual knot.
Sympathy cards are the sort of thing you often need with short notice. To make sure you’re prepared, check my supplies and shop the Online Store.
Are you a scrapbooker? Stampin’ Up! has published a digital-only scrapbooking brochure to coordinate with the September – December mini. You can see the new offering HERE.
Be sure to check out the Online Exclusives available ONLY in the Online Store! Many of my favorite bundles are there.
The September Paper Pumpkin Kit is Autumn Abundance. It includes everything you need for 9 cards and envelopes, and features copper foil details and a watercolored ephemera pack. Every Celebration, an exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 third quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by September 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.
The 24-25 Annual Catalog is filled with inspiration. New stamps, dies, tools, and gorgeous new In Colors are waiting for you!! Shop HERE. And now more than ever, don’t neglect the Online Exclusives – you’ll find more beautiful products that never appear in a catalog.
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Layers of Beauty has been all over my craft desk (hint hint, you may see it again!).
Stamps: Layers of Beauty, Something Fancy
Color Palette: Basic White, Bubble Bath, Moody Mauve, Berry Burst, Gray Granite, Pebble Path, Memento Black
Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Layers of Beauty Dies, Something Fancy Dies, Deckle Rectangles Dies, Layers of Beauty Masks, Stampin’ Brushes, Country Lace DSP (on sale August 2024!!), Pebble Path Jute Trim, Naturals Adhesive Back Sequins, Stampin’ Dimensionals
You’re not going to find leaves that color in nature, but frankly Scarlett, I don’t give a dang. (PG-13 Blog). And I think those sequins are from the archive (aka the “retired box”) but the Naturals Sequins are current, and they would work. Full disclosure from the Maui Stamper!
Coloring intricate designs with our masks is easy. Every masks is numbered, although you can go rogue and choose your own sequence. There’s a handy-dandy notch on each successive mask to help you align with precision. The system produces results that make you feel like a Stampin’ Rock Star. Want to be a SRS? Shop the Online Store for your own Layers of Beauty Bundle – it’s addictive.
It’s time to redeem your Bonus Days coupons! The code is in an email sent to the same address you used to place your order. You can use multiple codes on a single order – have some fun with it!
Select Designer Series papers are 15% off while supplies last – including Country Lace!
The September Paper Pumpkin Kit is Autumn Abundance. It includes everything you need for 9 cards and envelopes, and features laser cut card fronts and an ephemera pack. Every Celebration, an exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 third quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by September 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.
The 24-25 Annual Catalog is filled with inspiration. New stamps, dies, tools, and gorgeous new In Colors are waiting for you!! Shop HERE. And now more than ever, don’t neglect the Online Exclusives – you’ll find more beautiful products that never appear in a catalog.
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My local crafting groups love new techniques, and they really love time saving techniques. Using Blending Brushes to color the Stippled Roses is a perfect example – it’s so much faster than other methods of coloring, and the result is soft and appealing. The amount of shading in these stamps really make a difference when you’re using this technique.
Stamps: Stippled Rose, Something Fancy
Color Palette: Basic White, Petal Pink, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Stippled Rose dies, Stippled Rose DSP (SAB 24), Blending Brushes, Adhesive Backed Cork rounds, Ribbon Duo Combo Pack, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Blender Pen
There are only 2 ink colors on this card: Petal Pink and Crumb Cake. The image is stamped in Crumb Cake since the Blending Brush doesn’t blur the stamped lines the way a Stampin’ Blend would do. And Crumb Cake and Petal Pink are both what I think of as “dusty” colors, so if there’s a little overlap with the brush it doesn’t matter.
After adding color with the Blending Brush, I used the Blender Pen to add a little more depth and detail. You can see it on the leaves: I use the natural shading that’s part of the stamped image to guide my placement.
The sentiment is fussy cut with my snips, but that’s a really quick task. (You DO have a pair of Stampin’ Up! Paper Snips, don’t you?? INDISPENSABLE.) This is a speedy card, and it would be suitable for a lot of different occasions. You could easily swap out the focal point as well.
Don’t miss those Cork Rounds. I was skeptical when I saw them, but I’m a big fan. They’re so different from other embellishments, they’re soft so they don’t add bulk to your card, and they work really well with nature-themed projects. Try them, you’ll like them!
And thank you so much for shopping the Online Store.
It’s everyone’s favorite time of the Stampin’ Up! year – Sale-a-bration! This year we’re featuring an unprecedented variety of products including LOTS of gorgeous, coordinating Designer Series Papers. See a digital copy of the brochure HERE or go straight to the ONLINE STORE.
Say hello to the January April 2024 Mini catalog! See a digital copy HERE, or go straight to the ONLINE STORE.
The February Paper Pumpkin kit contains supplies for spring and Easter themed cards and treat boxes. An exclusive coordinating set of dies coordinates with all 3 first quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by February 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.
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I was inspired by Christie’s Stampin Spot and kept close to her design. This is a card I’ll make again to have on hand – it’s a design that lends itself to a variety of uses.
I also made a Crumb Cake version. I’m happy with it, but definitely prefer Starry Sky. The extra touch of the Dainty Flowers Designer Series paper really sets it off.
Earn product for FREE with a qualifying purchase during Sale-a-bration 2023. Everyone’s favorite Stampin’ Up! promotion ends February 28th. See the choices HERE.
Be sure to subscribe by March 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The March kit is fresh and botanical, and includes a bonus stamp set to celebrate 10 years of Paper Pumpkin. It makes 9 cards and includes coordinating envelopes, and this month’s Stampin’ Spot is Polished Pink.
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.
You know how some techniques look simple but just don’t turn out right? I’ve always felt that way about the watercolor background. I watch the videos, I study the instructions, and STILL…
If you’re anything like me, you will LOVE this technique (sorry, the Mister and I are still staying at home and I find myself shouting quite a bit when I have the chance to talk to someone else). Anyway…I started using blocks to apply color to paper and discovered to my delight that I could make it work!
Stamps: Love of Leaves
Color Palette: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Cinnamon Cider, Sahara Sand
The technique is just about fail-proof. Choose your colors, scribble on an acrylic block, spritz with water and stamp. Voila! If you add color to the block while it’s on a piece of white paper, it’s easy to see where you’ve added color and where the block is blank.
You can see that I created pretty regular color patches. I’ve since experimented a little more (stay tuned!) and found larger, less regular patches and more water give more “watercolored” results. I thought the way this one turned out was interesting as it reminded me of granite. Do you see that, or am I imagining things? (This would not be the first time.)
The font used in this set is something a little different for Stampin’ Up! and it reminds me of a printing style I used when I was in school. This particular sentiment is one I will use over and over. In fact, it may be my theme song for 2020.
There are coordinating dies for this set but I chose to keep it super simple and stamp that leaf – maybe a Hawthorne? – directly on the card. I can’t remember the last time I made a one-layer card.
Could you please help me with something? In the past I’ve added a direct link to the store for every product I’ve used. It takes a little extra time, and I’m wondering if I should continue investing my time that way. If you use those links, I’d love your feedback. And if you don’t, well, you can tell me that, too!
In the meantime, you can shop my beautiful, new, easier-to-navigate Online Store here.
This time of year I get a little verklempt over some of the retiring stamps. Others, not so much – but I’ll be sorry to see First Frost leave the catalog. I discovered a little embossed bit in my “pieces” a couple of days ago, and brought the set out for one last inking.
I cut small pieces from the Stampin’ Dimensionals sheet to adhere the embossed vellum stem. The White Embossing Powder perfectly masked the dimensionals, and I was able to cut them in narrow strips by using the extra bit of foam that’s left behind when all the dimensionals are used.
Funny, when I stamped the first images (Memento Black ink on Whisper White) I liked them so well I almost didn’t use the vellum bit that was my inspiration in the first place. Instead, I created this second version using Basic Gray and Very Vanilla card stock. It’s almost the same, although I used the Metallic Pearls and a retired sympathy sentiment (Teeny Tiny Wishes.)
I’m having trouble deciding which one I prefer! But I’ll tell you this: if you’re on the fence about adding First Frost (or Beautiful Bouquet and its great sentiments) to your craft stash, you’ll need to visit the Online Store right away as these two sets will be retired at close of business on June 2, 2020. Don’t dilly dally.
The Maui Stamper 