Category Archives: Tips and Techniques

LAST CHANCE APRIL 2025!!

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I’m always conflicted over the Last Chance List. There are things I am so sad to see leave our lineup. (There are a few I can legitimately wish Good Riddance!) But I know this makes room for new products, and who doesn’t love new?

There’s a lot here – I’ll share my thoughts about just a few.

Seaside Wishes. I hoped we would have it one more year. This goes into my FOREVAH stash, especially with that hybrid embossing folder. Don’t wait, this one is already on low inventory.

BOHO BLUE. 😱😱😱 I mean, it’s an In Color, I knew it, but still…

This is my absolute favorite light blue. It’s that perfect tone, perfect intensity, perfect color. I can only hope it will be back someday in a Color Refresh. But not this year.

The Greetings of the Season dies are perfect year round dies. The stamps are holiday stamps, but these dies are work-horses for every day. They even come with the puka (hole) for your Linen Thread. And they’re on sale.

If Stampin’ Up! ever retires Linen Thread I will tear out my hair.

What’s breaking your heart on the Last Chance list? Do you have it? Will you order it?

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DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP: APRIL 2025

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Welcome to our April DIY Calendar Blog hop. Sharon, Cheryl, Malia and I hope you’ll be inspired. Our designs are designed for the DIY Easel Calendar, but you’re so crafty, we know you can do more with them. Let us know how you use our ideas!

  • Stamps: Impressions Abloom, Elements of Text
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Daffodil Delight, Pretty in Pink, Boho Blue, Lemon Lime Twist, Granny Apple Green
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Impressions Abloom dies, Gold Open Weave Trim, Low-Profile dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Impressions Abloom will be available on May 5th in the Online Store. It’s part of the May 2025 Online Exclusives release, but don’t be overly concerned about that. The best way to see ALL the new things is to log onto the Online Store and click on “What’s New” – don’t worry if it’s in a catalog or an Online Exclusive, it will all be there!

I used Elements of Text (currently available) to create a muted background. The leaves are stamped on top of the text, but the flowers are each die cut and adhered to the calendar. You could mask them if you’re not a fan of die cutting, but I like the additional dimension they have when they’re an added layer.

I’ve also added a bit of the Gold Open Weave Trim and some Low-Profile dots for extra shine. I absolutely love that trim, especially for wrapping packages! It’s ideal for a card as it’s very lightweight and adds no bulk.

If you’d like the 2025 template, please contact me. Be sure to tell me that you’d like the template and that you’re a real person – you’d be amazed how much junk is out there. The template is $5 (no April Fools, just five bucks!) You can print copies for yourself. I take it to my local printer and have them print on Basic White card stock.

Thanks for stopping by! Click below to visit the other blogs on the hop.

DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP

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DOUBLE POINT CARD: HAPPY HIBISCUS

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When I started the Winterly Treetop Double Point card, I made two sets of the DSP. The second set sat around until I decided to try it with the Happy Hibiscus.

  • Stamps: Happy Hibiscus
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Blueberry Bushel, Garden Green, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lolly
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Happy Hibiscus dies and Hybrid Embossing Folder, Spotlight on Nature dies, Adhesive-Backed Shiny Sequins, Stampin’ Blends, Natural Tones Linen Thread, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I chose a different die from Spotlight on Nature. I doubled up the gorgeous Natural Tones Linen thread for a simple bow, and added a few shiny sequins for sparkle. And I really, really love the Happy Hibiscus Hybrid Embossing Folder. 💛

I left the interior of this one black too. When it’s time to add the sentiment, I’ll pencil a couple of marks with the interior panel in place so my sentiment falls behind the focal point.

What do you think? Does this one work? It’s a lot of white, but seriously, have you ever seen a blue hibiscus? I’ve seen lavender, but not blue.

Either way, you can shop for supplies in the Online Store.

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DOUBLE POINT CARD: WINTERLY TREETOPS

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I came across the Winterly Meadow Designer Series Paper in my craft room the other day and started to play. The card design is called Double Point, and it’s apparently been around for a while – but it’s new to me! It’s a perfect way to use our beautiful paper.

  • Stamps: Winterly Treetops, Elements of Text
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Lost Lagoon, Pool Party, Wild Wheat, Blueberry Bushel, Shaded Spruce, Pretty Peacock
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Winterly Treetop dies, Spotlight on Nature dies, Stampin’ Blends, Iridescent 1/2″ trim, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I colored this birdie with Blends to make sure there was a perfect match with the DSP. I might have gotten a little silly with the Iridescent trim – I sliced it up into little strips. Can you use your imagination? Does it look just a little bit like a nest? Humor me.

The interior panel slides right out. I’ll add a sentiment in the center when I decide to send the card. I often leave off a sentiment if it’s easy to add at the last minute to give myself options.

I’m wondering if it’s worthwhile to make a tutorial for this card. I’m away from my craft desk for a few more days, but if you’re interested, leave a comment. In the meantime, you can shop for supplies in the Online Store.

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DELIGHTFUL WISHES SLICE & SLIDE

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Can I tell you a secret? (Don’t be shocked.) I absolutely adore this Slice & Slide layout. It’s easy. It’s a GREAT way to use our DSP. And it looks so much harder than it is.

  • Stamps: Delightful Wishes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Boho Blue, Calypso Coral, Poppy Parade
  • Accessories: Timeless Plaid DSP, 23-25 In Color Opaque Sparkle Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

There’s more information in my January 27th post on this technique. You’ll notice this card has no die cuts, no coloring, and no fussy cutting. You just slice off a portion of the card base, slide it up the side, add DSP and a sentiment panel, and then step back and admire your clever work. Really.

Timeless Plaid DSP is part of a suite, but I’ve stocked up on a couple of extra packages because it’s so versatile. There are definitely great Manly combinations in the pack, but there are plenty of options for a neutral or feminine card. It’s a good thing to have on hand.

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DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP: MARCH 2025

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Welcome back to DIY Calendars! Thanks for joining us this month – and every month – as we share our creative ideas. This month, I’m using a bundle that Stampin’ Up! included in the spring Scrapbooking Brochure, but I think it’s perfect for cards and calendars.

  • Stamps: Everyday You and Me
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Daffodil Delight, Granny Apple Green, Fresh Freesia
  • Accessories: DIY Calendar Template, Gold Open Weave Trim, Glue Dots

Have you seen Everyday You & Me? There are trendy stamps and dies and some absolutely gorgeous Designer Series Paper, but it’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. Here’s my tip: when you visit the Online Store, look for the button that says “What’s New” and choose “Shop All”. You’ll see new catalog products, new Online Exclusives, new scrapbooking products, and new kits all in one place.

That would also include this gorgeous gold Open Weave Trim. We had silver a while back, and I used it a lot. It’s gorgeous on packages, but you can smoosh it behind a focal point or unweave it a bit for an unstructured accent.

DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP

Click the button to travel through the Blog Hop and see what Sharon, Cheryl and Malia have created in March. We’re so glad you’ve joined us!

Would you like to make your own DIY Calendars? The template is just $5 – let me know that’s what you want and I’ll send you an invoice. Please tell me you’re a real being in the message box – I’m getting increasing amounts of spam. Everything is done digitally, so you’ll have it quickly.

You are only purchasing a template, which you can download and print for your personal use.

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CORNER IN BLOOM: DELIGHTFUL WISHES

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There are so many things I love about this card, and I saved it for the end of Sale-a-bration hoping you had already added Corner in Bloom to your order. If you haven’t, cross your fingers it’s still available.

  • Stamps: Corner in Bloom, Delightful Wishes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Fresh Freesia, Highland Heather, Lost Lagoon
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Textured Notes dies, Delightful Wishes dies, Stampin’ Blends, Purple Fine Shimmer Gems, Stripes & Florals Mix & Match Cards & Envelopes, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Don’t miss out on the Stripes & Florals Mix & Match Cards & Envelopes. You will LOVE having them at your fingertips! And watch for the Textured Notes dies coming on March 5th – talk about an easy way to elevate your projects!

Today is the last day of Sale-a-bration 2025. Some of these products have really stolen my heart, and I hope you’ve enjoyed them as well. But in just a couple of days we’ll have a new selection of Online Exclusives, and in my humble opinion this is one of our best offerings yet! Stay tuned.

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TEXTURED NOTES:COLOUR INKSPIRATION #181

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I am so overdue for a Colour INKspiration challenge! My life has been really full since the holidays, but when I saw this Colour combo I told myself I HAD to make time for it.

  • Stamps: Textured Notes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Azure Afternoon, Pool Party, Coastal Cabana, Summer Splash
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Textured Notes dies, Stampin’ Write markers, Party Dots, Pack Your Bags Twine, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I’ve tried a lot of methods to get those tiny flecks. The one that works consistently for me is to use a Stampin’ Write marker and flick the brush tip against the cap. That gives me uniformly small, evenly dispersed flecks and that’s what I want.

The Textured Notes dies are an absolute must for your crafty stash!! They will be available on Wednesday March 5th as part of the new Online Exclusive release. Don’t miss it! You NEED these dies. Best way to find them is to long into the Online Store and click on What’s New.

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CORNER IN BLOOM IN WILD WHEAT

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This image is one of the single, not-a-corner images from Corner in Bloom, and the more I looked at it, the more I saw something wheat-like. I’m not a farmer, and I’m pretty sure I’m close but not quite on the mark with this, but it was close enough in my book. It had to be done in Wild Wheat.

  • Stamps: Corner in Bloom (SAB 2025), Translucent Florals
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Wild Wheat, Mossy Meadow
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Textured Notes dies, Natural Tones Linen Thread, 23-25 In Color Opaque Sparkle Dots, 23-25 In Color DSP Pack, Stampin’ Dimensionals

We’re getting close to the end of the story for Wild Wheat and the other 23-25 In Colors. I confess I did not love Wild Wheat when I first saw it, and in fact compared it to something kind of yucky having to do with new babies. (Use your imagination if necessary.) But it’s worked its magic on me, and I’ll be sad to see it go.

The new Textured Notes dies will be available March 5th and they are AWESOME!! Put them on your list.

In the meantime, this is your final boarding announcement for Corner in Bloom. Doors will be closing SOON. Shop now.

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SEAGULL FRIENDS: Connie Babbert CASE

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Today’s card is a pretty close CASE of Connie Babbert’s card. My purpose was to recreate it without having to fussy cut all 3 of those seagulls 🤣. I fussy cut one for Wednesday’s card, and that was plenty!

  • Stamps: Friendly Seagulls (SAB 2025)
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Wild Wheat, Smoky Slate, Azure Afternoon
  • Accessories: Stripes & Florals Mix & Match Cards & Envelopes, Stampin’ Blends, Linen Thread, Country Woods DSP, Masking Paper, Blending Brushes, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Don’t miss the Stripes & Florals Mix & Match Cards & Envelopes from the January – April 2025 Mini Catalog – they’re beautiful and they add a polished look to your projects. You’ll thank yourself, trust me.

Time is running out to add these Sassy Seagulls to your crafty bag o’ tricks! (the birds, bubbles and fishies are all from this same set). Grab some coordinated cards and envelopes and a pack of DSP and add the Friendly Seagulls to your order for FREE in the Online Store.

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