Onstage 2025 in Brisbane

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The past month has been absolutely glorious. Mr. MauiStamper and I have been traveling in the South Pacific – first to the beautiful South Island of New Zealand, and then Australia – with our firstborn and her partner. Last weekend, I took the train to Brisbane to attend OnStage 2025, the Stampin’ Up! Annual Crafting/Friendship/See-New-Stuff event. I can’t begin to put it all into one post.

Let’s start with Friendship. I’ve been chatting online with Lou Kitzelman (on the right) since 2018, and we got to meet in person at OnStage. She introduced me to Peta Stephens (on the left) on Thursday when I arrived. We had a FANTASTIC time together. These are my type of women: warm, friendly, kind, and slightly snarky. I didn’t have to worry about a thing: they made me an honorary Australian and I honestly feel as though we’ve been friends since forever. It was such a joy and privilege to spend OnStage with them.

One of the perks of going to an event like OnStage is seeing things in advance. Stampin’ Up! didn’t waste any time in handing out the 2025-2026 Annual Catalog, and even halted the presentations for 10 minutes or so to give us all a chance to take it in. Trust me, there is something for everyone in this edition, and it’s going to be a wonderful year as we explore every bit of it!

We previewed the 2025-2027 Stampin’ Up! In Colors and oh, my goodness, are we in for a treat! They’re all glorious, but you’re going to see a lot of Cloud Cover (that first light blue/grey tone) and Secret Sea (the third color, a deep, dark, almost-black-blue).

We saw lots of new products, too, and I’ll be sharing some here and some on Facebook. We’re not home yet, but we’ll there soon. Give me a little time to unpack and check out my garden and I’ll be back here soon.

In the meantime, enjoy the Sydney Harbor approach from aboard the return ferry from Manly Beach:

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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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SUMMER SPLASH SLICE & SLIDE

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I definitely have my favorite colors and color combinations, and lately I’ve been trying to stretch myself a bit. Combining Summer Splash and Gorgeous Grape is absolutely a stretch, but I think it works! Please say you agree 😉

  • Stamps: With You in Mind
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Summer Splash, Gorgeous Grape
  • Accessories: 24-26 In Color DSP, 24-26 In Color Shimmer Gems, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Gorgeous Grape is NOT a color I reach for. It has to be very intentional, and in this case, I really didn’t think these two would work. I was actually kind of pleased at how well they came together!

If you haven’t explored With You in Mind, I recommend it. The sentiments are big and bold with a modern font, and I love the script/block font combination. The small leaf is from the same stamp set, making this a great choice for on-the-go crafting.

The Slice & Slide format creates an interesting shape when you open your card, and leaves a little space for a clever reveal at the bottom as well.

The Paper Family packs are a great option for this layout as you have 4 different patterns and a variety of colors to work with. Let me know if you’ve taken the Slice & Slide plunge!

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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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SPOTLIGHT ON NATURE: A GIFT

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A member of one of my clubs brings a card she made for all of us every month. I look forward to seeing what she makes, and she makes one for each of us. It’s such a generous thing to do 💕

  • Stamps: Spotlight on Nature, Elements of Text
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Basic Black, unidentified green tone card stock.
  • Accessories: not sure!!

Don’t you love the Elements of Text stamp set? It’s absolutely perfect for this card. I love that one of the images is circular: it coordinates perfectly with the Spotlight on Nature image.

Thanks for the card, B! If you haven’t added Elements of Text of Spotlight on Nature to your crafty stash, maybe it’s time to shop the Online Store. There’s still time to shop Sale-a-bration.

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