Category Archives: Tips and Techniques

LONG TIME NO LLAMA!

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The only reason there isn’t a llama on my September DIY Calendar is that even without a neck it’s too tall. But there’s plenty of room on a card, especially a portrait-oriented card: check out my llamas from Long Time No See!

  • Stamps: Long Time No See, With You In Mind
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Crumb Cake, Petal Pink, Poppy Parade, Pool Party
  • Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, White Bakers Twine, Party Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Take Your Pick tool, Paper Snips (no longer available)

I took my time with this one, and it was really fun. I shaded each of the llamas a little differently, but kept their llama-neck-sweaters the same colors. (Please tell me you get the joke.)

I used the Pool Party Stampin’ Blend to color some White Bakers Twine, then poked holes to wrap it around the tallest neck. For some reason, I’ve been obsessed with deconstructing the twine lately – no idea why, I just do it.

I also indulged a whim and fussy cut the word BIRTHDAY from With You In Mind. I tried a number of sentiments on labels and banners, but this is what the card told me it needed. (Yes, I talk to the cards. And they answer me.)

Long Time No See is an Online Exclusive from earlier this year, so who knows how long it will be around. I’m happy to have it as I love these dorky faces with their dorky noses! Add a little whimsy to your crafting. It’s good for your soul.

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DIY CARD-MAKING TIPS FOR SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS

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One of the best reasons I know for making a handmade card is to honor someone special. I was invited to a bridal shower last month that I couldn’t attend (something about 2,363 miles over the ocean). I really wanted to be there, so I sent my heart in a handmade card:

  • Stamps: Delightful Wishes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Crumb Cake, Timid Tiger
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Gallery Blooms dies, Textured Notes dies, Delightful Wishes dies, Patterns of Friendship die, Perfectly Pears die, Linen Thread, Dauber, vellum, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I used a LOT of different dies for this card. If it seems larger than usual, you have a good eye: I made this card a 5 inch x 7 inch format. I layered paper and texture, but since I had to mail it, I left off any embellishment other than my beloved Linen Thread.

My technique for this card was relatively simple: I set out a stack of papers of papers for layering and played with them, then die cut multiples of all my favorite floral bits and pieces and moved them in and out over the top panel until I was satisfied. It wasn’t exactly scientific, but it worked for me!

To add texture to the layers, I started with the Patterns of Friendship die. It’s one of my all-time favorites for texture, and I’m very sad to see it on the Last Chance list – but if you hurry, you can get a great deal on it. The Textured Notes dies are another product I consider indispensable for simple elegance – if they’re not in your crafty stash, maybe they should be!

Our niece – and Goddaughter – will be married in November, and that flight has been on the books for months! I won’t miss the wedding for the world. But since I couldn’t be at the shower, I sent her my love with a paper hug.

The 2026 DIY CALENDAR TEMPLATE is available! Buy it HERE.

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DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP: SEPTEMBER 2025 LONG TIME NO SEE

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It’s the first of the month, and it’s time for another DIY Calendar! The DIY Team stands ready to inspire you this month and every month. Fun Fact: We do not discuss what we’re doing each month. The other posts are as much a surprise to me as they are to you! Let’s see what’s happening in September.

  • Stamps: Long Time No See, Textured Notes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Summer Splash, Granny Apple Green, Fresh Freesia, Memento Black
  • Accessories: DIY Calendar Template (2026 is now available! see below), Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, So Swirly Embossing Folder, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I’m not usually on the Cute Animal Train, but I made an exception with this set. My husband grew up with dachshunds, and he tells some pretty fabulous stories. When we were first dating, the dachshund in residence was Max, and he was a very stubborn dog. But that’s a story for another time…

If you look carefully, you’ll see the Summer Splash mat is embossed with the So Swirly 3D Embossing Folder. I don’t usually do that, but when I went to find a scrap for the mat, this one was there begging to be chosen. Why not? It’s kind of fun.

Now go and see what the Team has created for September!

DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP

Did you think I would forget 2026? I know some of you have been waiting for September!! Yes, the 2026 template is available. You can now purchase and download it right away – no more waiting til it’s daytime in Maui for me to respond 😆

Technology has a price, though. The template will be $6 this year, just 50 cents a month! You’re welcome to print multiple copies for yourself and for gifts. You are purchasing JUST a template: you’ll need to print and trim the pages.

2026 DIY CALENDAR TEMPLATE

I recommend Stampin’ Up! Basic White standard card stock. My printer doesn’t give me a crisp enough image, so I take my template and my paper to my local print shop. It’s worth the effort. I hope you’ll enjoy making your own DIY Calendar!

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CAN YOU CAPTION THIS? FRIENDLY SEAGULLS

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If you’ve ever spent much time at the seashore, you’ve more than likely seen – and heard – the raucous chattering of seagulls. They’re bossy, they’re bullies, they’re thieves, and they’re a lot of fun to watch. I pulled out Friendly Seagulls and had some fun with these characters!

  • Stamps: Friendly Seagulls
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Daffodil Delight, Smoky Slate, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Stylish Shapes dies, 2 3/8″ Circle Punch, Toadstool Builder Punch, Stampin’ Write Markers, Blending Brush, Masking Paper

I began by stamping all three gulls, then masking them so I could use the Blending Brushes to create a background. I used the Toadstool Builder Punch to create a mask for some mounds in the sand. I colored the gulls with Stampin’ Write Markers (I’m sorry to see them discontinued!)

This card begs for a sassier, gull-like sentiment, but I couldn’t find anything in my stash. I’m going to hand letter one, but I’m open to suggestions. How would you caption this??

Friendly Seagulls is a 2025 Sale-a-bration exclusive making a final appearance on Last Chance. when it’s gone, it’s gone!

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COLOUR INKSPIRATION #193: SPOOKY HALLOWEEN

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Colour challenges are a lot of fun, but I often end up scratching my head as I begin.My starting point is generally a stamp set, not a colour set, so it throws me off a bit. CI #193 isn’t a traditional set of Halloween colours, but after a few false starts, I got them to work.

  • Stamps: Spooky Halloween
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Cloud Cover, Balmy Blue, Highland Heather, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Spooky Halloween dies, Stylish Shapes dies, Perennial Lavender DSP, Kintsugi Inspirations DSP, Cloud Cover Faux Linen Ribbon, Purple Fine Shimmer Gems, Blending Brush, Stampin’ Blends, dauber, Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Dimensionals

There are a few adaptations on this card – I stamped on the Perennial Lavender DSP with Memento Black and Highland Heather for the background, and I stamped the sentiment on the Kintsugi Inspirations DSP. I also cut up the Cloud Cover Faux Linen Ribbon because I like the way it gets skinny and stringy.

It’s a small detail, but I cut off the cat’s paw and arranged it on top of the broom because the original looked unnatural. And there’s Stella on all of the Memento Black elements, because every Halloween card needs a little sparkle!

Here’s the INKpiration photo – how do you think I did? I had fun, and in my book, that’s the most important thing.

Have you tried a Colour Challenge? You can find all the details at the Colour INKspiration Facebook page.

(Note: Yes, I know in the USA we spell it color, but this is a South Pacific group and they spell it colour. For this post, so do I.)

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CREATIVE TECHNIQUES WITH SUNFLOWER EMBOSSING FOLDER

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I found a stunning project on a reel by the Pampered Stamper using the Sunflower Embossing Folder. It features vellum card stock (found many places, but no longer found in the Online Store.) She shared a great technique for embossing the vellum without cracking.

  • Stamps: Blooming Phrases
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Lost Lagoon
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Sunflower Embossing Folder, Textured Notes dies, Tear n Tape, Riverside Irregular Pearls

Jackie’s technique – and it’s a winner – is to place a sheet of card stock in the embossing folder with the vellum. That extra layer ensures the vellum will go through smoothly, and you’ll have an extra embossed panel to play with!

Because she is working with A4 card stock (slightly different dimensions than the USA) she was able to use the largest of the Textured Note dies to create her opening. For a 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ card front, you’ll want to use the second largest die to create your opening. If you cut the vellum to 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″, you’ll have just enough room to securely adhere the vellum panel without having trouble centering it inside the card.

In my opinion, the best option for adhering the vellum is Tear n Tape. It securely holds the panel in place without gapping. I stamped a quick sentiment on the long, thin Textured Note die and adhered it to the front with Tear n Tape as well. A few Riverside Irregular Pearls finish it off. They’re on the Last Chance list, so if they catch your eye, catch ’em while you can! 😆

This is another great card for producing multiples, and would be perfect for all manner of special occasions. All products are available in the Online Store, although as of this exact moment the Sunflower Embossing Folder is out of stock. It’s expected September 1st.

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WOVEN TEXTURES FOR A MANLY CARD

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The Woven Textures DSP is absolutely perfect for a Manly Card. This card is a CASE of a stunning card by my dear friend Cheryl Hamilton, and I didn’t make a lot of changes. I did choose to add some Gold Foil for a little shine, and of course every card needs Linen Thread!

  • Stamps: Patterns of Friendship
  • Color Palette:Crumb Cake, Pecan Pie, Early Espresso, Gold
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Textured Notes dies, Gallery Blooms dies, Woven Textures DSP, Gold Foil, Linen Thread, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Be sure you adhere your diagonal strips to the DSP panel BEFORE you attach the panel to the card stock mat. Ask me how I know. 😳

There are multiple variations within the Woven Textures pack, and there are certainly other die cuts that would work to embellish the sentiment panel. This is a design that can be adapted almost indefinitely – use what you have.

What DSP has been neglected in your stash? Isn’t it time you pulled it out? I’ve done my best to give you some ideas – let me know how it goes.

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CHARMING DAY MEETS ELEMENTS OF TEXT

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I’m still working on using my DSP, but I’ve moved into current releases. Floral Charm has beautiful saturated florals, with gorgeous tone-on-tone coordinating patterns on the reverse. It’s an effortless paper that makes card design such a joy.

  • Stamps: Charming Day, Elements of Text, retired sentiment
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Petal Pink, Timid Tiger, Mossy Meadow
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut + Emboss Machine, Spotlight on Nature dies, Charming Day dies, 2 3/8” circle punch, Floral Charm DSP, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Write Marker, Petal Pink Braided Trim, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I was very sad to see Elements of Text on the Last Chance list, so I’m pulling it out every chance I get. I’ve stamped off the Petal Pink ink here to get a softer background. You could also use Versamark ink if you wanted it even more subtle.

CONFESSION: I could have used the sentiment from Charming Day, but you have to ink the words separately and align them on the circle, and this perfectly-good-but-retired stamp was sitting on my craft desk saying “choose me!!”

So I did.

I added a few speckles to the Basic White circle with a Stampin’ Write Marker – just flick the brush against the cap for a light spatter. And that Petal Pink trim unravels quite easily, keeping some wave in the strands for a soft accent.

Elements of Text is on the Last Chance List so don’t wait too long to order! Charming Day is part of the Floral Charm Suite, an Online Exclusive from the July 2025 release. Happy shopping!

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THE DSP STASH: FLORALS IN BLOOM

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I’m still working on that DSP stash! This week it’s Florals in Bloom, paired with some Last Chance stamps and a fun fold from a few weeks back. I pulled out all the papers I’ve been hoarding from that package and went to work. Chop, Chop!!

  • Stamps: Charming Day, Corners in Bloom
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Petunia Pop, Fresh Freesia, Old Olive
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Deckle Circle dies (retired), Florals in Bloom DSP, bone folder, paintbrush, dauber, Stampin’ Write Markers, Stampin’ Dimensionals

This is the same fun fold I did with the Painterly Pears a month ago, except I used a round focal point instead of a rectangular one. I have a stack of Deckle Circles left over in Basic White, and I decided they were going to speed things along for me with this project. Do you cut multiples of your favorite shapes? It’s such a time-saver.

Here’s another version – almost the same, but a different DSP so a different color scheme. The Corner in Bloom stamps (from 2025 – Last Chance!) work perfectly with the Florals in Bloom DSP! And Florals in Bloom is on sale this month since it includes 25-27 In Colors. Win Win!

I pulled out the Perennial Lavender DSP and switched up the pattern layout. Not sure how I like the front with the deep Shaded Spruce panel, but I love the inside!

Last one – back to Florals in Bloom. You can see the little splatters on the Deckle Circle – I learned that tapping your inky paint brush with the bone folder instead of your finger gives a finer, broader distribution of splatters. I brushed the edges of the circles with a bit of ink, too, since I was too lazy to go find the dies and cut colored card stock mats.

Ready to cut up some DSP and set up your assembly line? If you need anything, you’ll surely find it in the Online Store. Chop Chop!!

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LAST CHANCE FOR FRUIT SALAD

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The Fruit Salad Designer Series Paper pack was one of my favorite Sale-a-bration 2025 choices, and it’s back for an encore in the current Last Chance refresh. I’m not usually a bright-and-bold colors girl, but I love these papers.

  • Stamps: Spring Corners (hurry, it’s in LOW INVENTORY)
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Pumpkin Pie, Granny Apple Green
  • Accessories: Fruit Salad DSP – everything else is retired

I am on a mission to clear out some of the retired bits and pieces that are lurking around my craft studio. I have a ridiculous number of embellishment packs with a dozen or so pieces left, so forgive me for using them up. There are HEAPS of dots in the Online Store – take a look if you don’t trust me.

I cut these pieces of DSP into 1 7/8″ x 2 1/2″ rectangles and matted them with 2″ x 2 5/8″ card stock layers. They make a perfect grid, in my very humble opinion. I used just two papers but used both A and B sides. Chopped up the sentiment with my snips and called it good!

Fruit Salad DSP is on sale for just $7.50. Get a couple of packs while you’re there. Your future self will thank you.

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