Tag Archives: Blending Brushes

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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DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP: June 2025

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Welcome to the June DIY Calendar Blog Hop. I took a look at the last few months and decided it was time I focus on something other than FLOWERS. Almost everyone loves them, but I think there can be too much of a good thing! My June calendar is definitely different:

  • Stamps: Along These Lines, Elements of Text
  • Color Palette: Memento Black, Basic White, Secret Sea, Misty Moonlight, Azure Afternoon, Crumb Cake, Smoky Slate
  • Accessories: DIY Calendar Template, Stampin’ Blends, Paper Snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I was inspired by Jay Soriano’s blended ocean background. He does a masterful job of creating a smooth transition in his colors. I chose a slightly different palette from Jay, but I followed his technique and was very pleased with the outcome.

If you don’t have Elements of Text, consider adding it to your next order. It’s my GO-TO set whenever I need a little extra something. Well. On a card, anyway. 😉

I fussy cut the dolphin so they would really stand out. I considered masking them, but I was afraid the movement of the brushes might dislodge the masks. They’re small and simple, and fussy cutting allowed me to put one of them up on a dimensional.

Please take a moment to follow along on our hop and see what Malia, Cheryl and Sharon have created for the month of June. We’re very glad you chose to join us!

DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP

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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DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP: PRETTY FLORALS FOR MAY 2025

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HAPPY MAY DAY! Welcome back to DIY Calendars! We’re so glad you’ve joined us today for a little May Day inspiration. I’m featuring a new bundle from the soon-to-be-released 2025-2026 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog. I think you’ll love Pretty Florals!

  • Stamps: Pretty Florals
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Lost Lagoon, Pool Party, Bubble Bath, Highland Heather, Fresh Freesia
  • Accessories: DIY Calendar Template, Stamp Cut + Emboss Machine, Pretty Florals dies, Blending Brushes, Stampin’ Write markers

I struggled a bit, thinking this was too plain, but ultimately decided I could let go and be happy with simple. The background is lightly brushed with Highland Heather, Fresh Freesia, Bubble Bath, Pool Party and Lost Lagoon to create an ombrè style gradation, and I added a few Stampin’ Write marker flicks.

There aren’t any other embellishments – you could easily add some bling or even another set or two of flowers, but I held back. I’d love to hear what you think.

DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP

Click the button to travel through the Blog Hop and see what Sharon, Cheryl and Malia have created in May. 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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LAST CHANCE/LAST DANCE FOR BIRD’S EYE VIEW

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Welcome back to my April Last Dance/Last Chance series! Bird’s Eye View was an early choice for me back in 2023, and I was delighted to have it in the catalog for a second year. But it’s time to make room for new birdies.

  • Stamps: Bird’s Eye View, Ice Cream Swirl, Attention Shoppers (all Last Chance)
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Timid Tiger (25-27 IC), Darling Duckling (25-27 IC), Strawberry Slush (25-27 IC), Balmy Blue, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Circle dies (I used the retired Layered Circles), Window Sheets, Blending Brushes, Masking Paper, Stampin’ Write Markers, Paper Snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I started by stamping each of the birds on Masking Paper and cut each one out with my snips. After stamping each bird on the card front panel I covered it with its masked image. I created a mask by using a circle die and a window sheet (I tried to punch it, but it was too thick and I was unhappy with the results). I used washi tape to secure the mask over each bird, then created a “color halo” with a Blending Brush. The Balmy Blue Stampin’ Blends added a touch color to the wing on each bird.

I also stamped the “Make A Wish” sentiment from Ice Cream Swirl three times and cut out each word. I could probably have done it with one image, but I’m lazy and didn’t want to pay that much attention to my fussy cutting. There’s a few flicks from the Stampin’ Write marker around behind the sentiments.

I used the birthday cake image and sentiment from Attention Shoppers on the inside. And sharp eyes will notice that the front panel is on Stampin’ Dimensionals. I don’t remember the last time I made a card without them!

Timid Tiger, Darling Duckling and Strawberry Slush are 25-27 In Colors and will be available on May 7th. In the meantime, skit-skat-skoodle-doot* off to the store to pick up Bird’s Eye View, Attention Shoppers, and Ice Cream Swirl before they disappear for good!

*Any Chicka Chicka Boom Boom fans out there??

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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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SENDING LOVE WITH PERENNIAL POSTAGE

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I’m crossing my fingers that the Perennial Postage dies stick around for a while. I especially like the look I get when I mask off the edges. They were perfect for this special Galentine:

  • Stamps: Sending Love
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Petal Pink, Flirty Flamingo, Coastal Cabana
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Perennial Postage dies, Petal Pink Trim, Masking Paper, Blending Brushes, Low Profile Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I masked the edges of the large die cut to create that “postage stamp” look. I also masked off the mailbox and the circle in the middle of the “postmark”. I’ll tell you a secret: masking the mailbox was to make it easier. 😉 I used the Blending Brushes to create the backgrounds, and let me tell you, they are SO forgiving!

The sentiments in Sending Love are perfect. I like to use this one on the back of the envelope, too.

Hope your Valentines’ Day is sweet!

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LAYERS OF BEAUTY: LEMON LOLLY

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Are you ready for one more Layers of Beauty card? I hope so – I find this image irresistible!

  • Stamps: Layers of Beauty, Changing Leaves
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Lemon Lolly, Daffodil Delight, Crushed Curry, Granny Apple Green, Lemon Lime Twist, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Perennial Postage Dies, Layers of Beauty dies, Layers of Beauty Masks, Changing Leaves dies, Blending Brushes, Masking Paper, Iridescent Adhesive Backed Discs, Baker’s Twine Three Color Pack

The sentiment and that sweet oval panel are from Changing Leaves. I’ve recently added that bundle to my stash and find myself reaching for it more often than I expected – especially considering we don’t really have autumn here in the islands. (We DO have seasons, that’s a topic for another day.)

I masked the edges of the smaller Perennial Postage die and gently brushed it with Lemon Lolly ink. It brings a postage stamp to mind, but it also adds a 3rd mat layer without any additional weight or thickness. And I LOVE the Iridescent Discs because they are FLAT FLAT FLAT. (They match much better than it appears in the photo.)

Even though I’ve used the same image from the bundle each time, to my eye, the different color palettes make each one so different from the last. I hope you enjoy Layers of Beauty as much as I do!

Are you ready to take the leap? Shop the Online Store – and don’t forget to pick up a few Blending Brushes while you’re there.

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 !

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, SHADES OF PURPLE

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Creating a card with masks is such a satisfying project. The Layers of Beauty bundle includes a set of 5 masks that will make you feel oh-so-talented. This version is in shades of purple:

  • Stamps: Layers of Beauty
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Fresh Freesia, Highland Heather, Gorgeous Grape, Old Olive, Mossy Meadow, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Layers of Beauty dies and masks, Deckle Rectangle dies, Something Fancy dies, Blending Brushes, paint brush, Ink Refill, Purple Fine Shimmer Gems,Iridescent Striped Trim, Stampin’ Dimensionals, washi tape (pattern doesn’t matter, it’s for securing the mask)

Don’t be put off by that list of supplies! Once you have everything out, this is a very relaxing and enjoyable process. Stamp a stack of that big, beautiful floral and get busy – you’ll love creating new color combinations!

Pro tip: Use a light hand with the blending brush, especially with Old Olive and Highland Heather. I used Highland Heather with masks #2 and 3, but kept it verrrrry light on #2 and was more generous on mask #3. I also added a bit of Gorgeous Grape on mask #3 in the center of the flowers. There’s no rule that says only one color per mask!

I’ve tried all the techniques for splatters, and paint-brush-with-diluted-ink is my favorite. I can control the intensity of the color by changing the ink to water ratio. I also like having control over number and size of the splatters based on how much water I load onto the brush. “Control” is a loose word here: be certain your craft desk is free of anything you don’t want splattered before you start! IYKYK.

Free Shipping has been extended through end of business Mountain Time TODAY, July 24. Shop the Online Store for Layers of Beauty and All The Things 💜 You’ve got just a few more days to earn BONUS coupons for August!

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.

Stamp + Die bundles are discounted an additional 10% in June. Treat yourself and save – there’s something for everyone. See them HERE.

Time for Cake is the August Paper Pumpkin kit. It includes everything you need for 9 birthday cards and envelopes, and features rose gold accents and a bonus stamp set!. Every Celebration, an exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 third quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by August 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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VINTAGE DAISIES

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If you’ve been around Stampin’ Up! a verrrrry long time you might remember this gem – it’s called Upsy Daisy:

  • Stamps: Upsy Daisy and Very Versaille (both retired and vintage), Notes of Nature (retired), Under the Moon
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Pebble Path, Pool Party, Lemon Lolly, Lemon Lime Twist
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Tailor Made Tags (retired), Blending Brushes, , Pebble Path Jute Trim, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I used a lot of texture behind the daisies since they’re so bold. Pebble Path felt like the right retro/vintage color, not quite brown and not quite grey. I used the Blending Brushes for the background, and to be honest, I did it after I’d stamped the daisies. Since they’re such a saturated color, I could go right over them. (This is a recurring theme in my crafting: I start something, decide it needs something BEHIND it, and try to retrofit. You might call it poor planning, I call it inspiration.)

I am still mourning the retirement of Tailor Made Tags. I used them quite regularly, and since this card has retired images at the foundation, I don’t feel the least bit guilty for including them here.

When was the last time you pulled out something from deep in your archives? It’s a great way to challenge yourself, to work with new colors and tools. Dig deep, my friends, and discover something new from something vintage! Of course, if you need paper, ink, or anything else for that matter, please shop the Online Store.

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.

Stamp + Die bundles are discounted an additional 10% in June. Treat yourself and save – there’s something for everyone. See them HERE.

Painted Petals is the July Paper Pumpkin kit. It includes everything you need for 9 cards and envelopes, and features easy-peasy die cuts and a gorgeous floral box. Every Celebration, an exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 third quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by July 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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JUNE 2024 DIY: SEASIDE WISHES

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I did a happy dance when I saw Seaside Wishes on the demonstrator pre-order offering. It was at the top of my shopping list, and that should come as no surprise. I have lots of plans for these images!

  • Stamps: Seaside Wishes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Flirty Flamingo, Calypso Coral
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Seaside Wishes dies, Blending Brushes, Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Dimensionals

There’s a little Wink of Stella along the shoreline, a bit of sea foam if you like. The pebbled path is stamped-off to keep it subtle. I brushed a light layer of Pool Party above the path and Crumb Cake below it with Stampin’ Brushes.

This calendar page is perfect for the start of summer. To be honest, we don’t really notice summer – June is mango season. Lychee and passionfruit are soon to follow. We have seasons, but they’re different from the traditional ones on the calendar. (Whale season starts anytime late October to early November!)

I’m so glad you’ve visited our calendar mini hop! Please stop by to see what Cheryl and Crystal have created for June. We look forward to hearing what you think each month.

And if you need your own Seaside Wishes, shop the Online Store. There’s a hybrid embossing folder too – but the images were too big for my little calendar. (The embossing folder is currently unavailable, and is anticipated in the warehouse next week.)

The 24-25 Annual Catalog has arrived in the store! New stamps, dies, tools, and gorgeous new In Colors!! 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.

The Life is Sweet, the June Paper Pumpkin kit, contains supplies for 9 cards and envelopes and features our new 24-26 In Color Collection. You’ll create with vellum and iridescent accents including die cuts and pearls. An exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 second quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by June 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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