FEBRUARY 2023 DIY: Beautifully Happy

Posted on February 1, 2023 by mauistamper

I did not expect Beautifully Happy to be one of my favorite Sale-a-bration stamp sets*, but there are a lot of things I don’t see coming! I’ve heat embossed a number of these images and colored them with blends. It was a happy surprise to realize this would fit on the top of my DIY Easel Calendar!

*NEWS FLASH!!! New Sale-a-bration items are available as of today, February 1, 2023!! See the bottom of the post for details.

Stamps: Beautifully Happy, Forever Fern
Color Palette: Basic White, Fresh Freesia, Soft Sea Foam, Highland Heather, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Embossing Tray, Heat Tool, Stampin’ Blends, Wink of Strella

Technically, this image is sideways because that’s the way it fits. I claim artistic license! I’ve used a number of color combinations each time I’ve colored this image, and I’ve found it’s easier to start with the green tone. When that’s done, the flower tells me what color it wants to be. (Yes, I talk to flowers…and markers, pets, my kitchen stove, you name it.)

Coloring with the Stampin’ Blends over an embossed outline is REALLY easy. It gives you a tactile guidance, and I find it you do a quick outline holding your image at an angle it’s easier to see the white lines. The little “dits” from Forever Fern are one of my favorite accents. I hope Forever Fern is around for a very long time!

This is a lovely, soothing color palette and this soft, sweet image is a perfect compliment. We’ve actually had quite a bit of rain and almost a week of grey skies on Maui! I live on the dry, south side of the island so typically if we get rain I barely have time to make a pot of chili before the sun is out again. I’ve even dragged out my “Mainland” clothes from the back of the closet (pants and 3/4 sleeve tee shirts) to ward off the chill. I know, you’re feeling really sorry for me right now.

Take a minute to visit my stampin’ buddy Crystal and see her February calendar. Our “Third Musketeer” is taking a break this month, but you can stop by her blog Create with Cheryl to see her progress on her Alphabet Book she’s making for her Grands.

Thanks for stopping by today – you can find all the supplies you need at the Online Store. I’m happy to help if you have questions about this project.

Sale-a-bration begins MONTH TWO today and kicks off 10 (yes, TEN!) new SAB options! Earn product for FREE with a qualifying purchase. See the new options HERE, and the full offering HERE.

Be sure to subscribe by February 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The February kit has a sunny theme and includes everything you need to make 9 cards and envelopes. These cards are sure to brighten the day and for the first time ever, there are coordinating dies available as an add-on!

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.

JANUARY 2023 DIY: Friendly Gnomes

Posted on January 1, 2023 by mauistamper

Here’s a Sneak Peek for the New Year: Friendly Gnomes!

Stamps: Friendly Gnomes
Color Palette: Basic White, Flirty Flamingo, Highland Heather, Soft Succulent, Daffodil Delight, Sweet Sorbet, Naturals 500, 700, 800, Memento Black
Accessories: Big Boss, Gnome Dies, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Dimensionals

More gnomes! As of January 5, the Friendly Gnomes stamps will be available to everyone – but if you were a demonstrator, you could have had them in your hands since December 1st. Just sayin’.

I love that little squirrel! It’s included with the Friendlies, along with the balloons, the greenery, and a Gnomey Mushroom House. There are lots of creative possibilities ensuring that there will be Gnomes A-Plenty at the Maui Stamper in 2023.

While the Friendly Gnomes aren’t available until next Thursday, they coordinate with the dies from the July-December 22 Mini. The Kindest Gnomes stamps are sold out, but you can see the Gnome Dies HERE.

I considered a palette that reflected winter, but in the end I really wanted to use pastel, springtime tones. Mr. Stamper and I spent some time around Thanksgiving in the Southwest, and we had our share of cold and snow, so I was ready to put that behind me. (If you live in a place that is currently snowy and cold, believe me, you have my deepest sympathies. I was ok with it for a couple of weeks, but clearly I have a tropical constistution.)

The DIY Easel Calendar is the perfect place to play with Stampin’ Blends! It’s a small space, so everything is quick and easy. If you need to add to your Blends collection (or replace a worn-out, beloved color) you can find them all HERE.

Please visit my dear friends Crystal (Hannie Joy and Crafts) and Cheryl (Create with Cheryl) to see what they’ve chosen for the first day of January. We really enjoy creating these calendars for you!

Thanks for visiting today, and Happy New Year!

Our Mini Catalog is in the final days! Don’t miss the Last Chance Products. While you’re in the store, take a look at the Clearance Rack as well – some of those goodies are perfect for Valentines!

January 2023 Paper Pumpkin Key to My Heart Card Kit

Be sure to subscribe by January 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The January kit is a sweetheart theme and includes everything you need to make 9 cards and envelopes. It’s a nod to the tradition of hanging a lock on a bridge with your sweetheart – but this one is all paper!

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!

Maui Stamper 2023 DIY Easel Calendar template $5

The 2023 DIY Template is available for just $5. You may use it to make as many calendars as you like. It includes a page of covers, 12 monthly calendar blocks (4 to a page), and a set of cutting instructions. The blocks are designed to be cut to 3 1/2″ square.

Contact me to make your payment – I use Square to invoice, and you don’t need an account to use it.

Beautiful Friendship: April 2021 DIY

Posted on April 1, 2021 by mauistamper

My heart stopped for just a moment when I saw that Beautiful Friendship would retire with the 2020-2021 Annual Catalog. I’ve made so many cards with this set (look HERE and HERE for examples) and I’ll miss these soft, color-saturated images and the sentiments that go with them. Today I’ll give you one last look at this Beautiful Stamp Set:

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Beautiful Friendship DIY Easel Calendar April 2021

Stamps: Beautiful Friendship (retiring), Friends Are Like Seashells (dots)
Color Palette: Rococo Rose (retiring), Pear Pizazz, So Saffron, Seaside Spray (retiring)
Accessories: Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Wink of Stella, Pearls

I love the tiniest pearls on our sheet o’ pearls. They are almost lost on most projects, but these calendars are perfectly sized for them. The Wink of Stella looks a little bold in this photo, but it’s really pretty subtle.

You can see everything available in the Last Chance Product Sale HERE. These products are absolutely while supplies last, so if you love it, nab it – or you’ll have to let it go.

I invite you to stop by and see what Crystal and Cheryl have designed for their April calendars. If you’d like to make your own, I sell a pdf for just $5 – Contact Me with your email address and I’ll send you an invoice. (They print out perfectly – it’s my rat-fink-printer that doesn’t play well.)

Pretty Perennials: March 2021 DIY

Posted on March 1, 2021 by mauistamper

Pretty Perennials was my favorite sneak-peek stamp set in the January-June mini catalog, but as with all things topsy turvy in 2021, it has been waiting patiently for ink. As of today, it’s got it in the DIY Calendar for March!

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Pretty Perennials DIY Easel Calendar March 2021

Stamps: Pretty Perennials
Color Palette: Basic White, Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Pool Party, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Big Boss (Stampin Cut and Emboss), Perennials Petals dies, Stampin’ Sponge, Blue Adhesive-backed gem, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I wanted a soft look behind my die cuts, especially because I was working with tone-on-tone. I attempted to get the look I wanted with the stamping off technique, but with this type of screened stamp, the resulting image was irregular (ok, truth: when I saw it I exclaimed “now that’s UGLY!”)

Instead, I sponged the ink onto the stamp. It gave me the softer impression I wanted without going all ugly on me. The largest flower is in Pool Party, but the other two are Coastal Cabana. In the photo, you can’t see any difference and might wonder why I would go to that trouble, but in person it’s different. You’ll just have to trust me on that.

The little dots in the center of the 4 petal flowers are from the center of the 6 petal flowers. Perfect serendipity! I think I will go back and make them shiny with a splash from the Fine Tip Glue pen, but here in Hawaii it takes a loonnnnng time for that to dry, and I don’t want to take a chance of smudging it while I’m taking photos and such. March has 31 days, I’ll be good!

I still have the 2021 pdf available for $5. Click on Contact the Maui Stamper and send me your email address, and I’ll send an invoice via Square. These calendars are the perfect tiny canvas for inspiring new ideas – I have a dozen projects lined up now!

Hop on over to see what Cheryl and Crystal are doing for March. “Winter” is over here in the islands (unless you live above the 4000 foot level on the mountain) so it’s time to put the A/C back on! Yes, we have seasons – right now we’re in whale season, and it’s nearly lychee season! You have to learn the art of subtle observation to see the seasons change here.

If it’s Stampin’ Season (and when ever is it not??) pop on over to my Online Store for a little Shoppin’ Season!

August 2020 DIY: Timeless Tropical

Posted on August 1, 2020 by mauistamper

August…who would have imagined this is where we would be???

A tropical scene seems like a soothing vision for this month, and I think many of us need that right now. I feel so fortunate that I can take a walk and place myself in this setting, but if that’s not available to you, I invite you to enjoy this paper version!

Maui Stamper Stampin Up DIY Easel Calendar August 2020 Timeless Tropical

Stamps: Timeless Tropical, Waterfront
Color Palette: Crumb Cake, Granny Apple Green, Mossy Meadow, Pool Party, Coastal Cabana, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Stampin’ Sponges, Sponge Daubers, Water Painters

I worked a bit outside my comfort zone with this project – lots of sponging and improvising and experimentation. I managed to cover up some of the printed dates, but to be honest, I hardly ever use these DIY calendars to actually check the DATE.

This is the second version I did for August. I got a little carried away with the first version, and after sleeping on it decided I would go back to the simpler version. Here’s the “I couldn’t stop myself” calendar:

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Timeless Tropical DIY August 2020 desktop calendar

I kept adding layers and details, and at some point I set it down and said enough. This one has a lot more sponging, some Wink of Stella, and a fair amount of glossing using the glue from the Fine Tip Glue pen. I kept looking at it and asking myself if I would be happy with it for 31 days, and it became pretty clear that the answer was NO. What do you think? Would you choose the calmer, simpler calendar, or would you take it over the top?

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Bonus Days Promotion July 2020

Just a few more days to take advantage of Bonus Days – earn a $5 savings coupon for every $50 you spend. Those $5 coupons can be redeemed beginning Tuesday, August 4 – which just happens to be the first day that the August-December mini catalog is available to customers! Shop Here.

Cheryl and Crystal have their own versions of August for your inspiration, and I hope you’ll stop by and see what they’ve done.

If you’d like to create your own calendar, please click on Contact Me and provide me with your email. I’ll invoice you for the bargain price of $5 and you’ll have your own pdf to print and enjoy for all of 2021.

Panda Panda Panda! Sale-a-bratin’ in February

Posted on February 1, 2018 by mauistamper

February is going to be fabulous – look at what I’ll have on my desk all month!!

Stamps: Party Pandas (SAB 2018), Tabs for Everything
Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Black, Berry Burst
Accessories: Stamparatus, Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Write markers

I just love their little bellies.

The hearts are from Tabs for Everything and there’s one more large heart that is a solid image. That set is a bit of a sleeper!

Stamparatus has become my GO-TO, who-knew-I-needed-this, favorite tool ever! Well, maybe it’s in a first place tie with the Big Shot, because I don’t like to fussy cut. Getting a perfect, solid image when you mask can be tricky, but not with Stamparatus! Lining up images in a straight line can be tricky, but not with Stamparatus! If you’re not in the reservation queue, put this at the top of your list for the 2018-2019 catalog. I promise, you’ll fall in love!

Crystal and Cheryl have more to share – check out what they’ve done. If you’d like to share your calendar creations with us on Pinterest, please put your Pinterest user name in the comments and I’ll add you to our board.

The 2017 DIY Easel Calendar has landed!

Posted on November 16, 2016 by mauistamper

Whew! I’ve been cutting paper for what seems like forever, but the glorious result is that DIY Easel calendar kits are available for 2017.

This petite calendar is a canvas ready for your creative touch! You’ll receive12 precisely-cut monthly calendar pages and a cover page featuring the year. There are 13 cut-to-size mats featuring the 2015-2017 and 2016-2018 In Colors, plus Real Red, Daffodil Delight, and Marina Mist.

There are two ways to purchase the kit. You can purchase it complete with an easel, and it will come packaged in a clear box with a ribbon (colors vary) ready for gifting.

If you’ve purchased before, or already have an easel, I am making the calendar pages and coordinating mats available separately. They’re packaged in a clear envelope.

Not sure about the colors? Please consider that my camera and your monitor may not capture the exact hue and tone, but you’ll receive mats in the following colors:

Dapper Denim, Marina Mist, Emerald Envy, Cucumber Crush, Mint Macaron, Sweet Sugarplum, Real Red, Watermelon Wonder, Flirty Flamingo, Peekaboo Peach, Tip Top Taupe, Delightful Dijon and Daffodil Delight. If you want to take a better look, visit my Online Store to see the Stampin’ Up! card stock collection.

DIY Easel Calendar Kit is $9.00
DIY Calendar refill is $6.00

Shipping is by USPS and will be sent First Class or Priority Mail. I ship the best possible method at the best possible price and will calculate based on what you order. Typically, a single Calendar refill can be sent in a First Class envelope with postage of $.68. Easel Calendar Kits are shipped Priority Mail Small Flat Rate with postage of $6.80. I can ship multiple kits in one box.

Many crafters have asked for the template over the years. I do not sell the template. I didn’t create it and I don’t own it, and the crafter who does own it does not want to sell it as a template. These kits are the only way to purchase this particular calendar.

To order, leave a comment or email me directly at AnneMatasci@gmail.com. I’ll need your order and your email address, and will send an invoice via Square. At this time, I’m not shipping these outside of the United States.

Happy crafting!

Weekly Deals and the DIY Easel Calendar

Posted on September 29, 2015 by mauistamper

Deals this week are super!

Lots of great goodies, but do yourself a favor – with the holidays looming in the (not so far) distance, pick up the Envelope Punch Board or the Gift Box Punch Board – or just break down and get them both. I can’t tell you how often those two have saved my sanity at the last minute. You’d be amazed at the impact you’ll get with a box created with Designer Series Paper! Shop HERE.

In other news…

Announcing the 2016 Calendar kit! Kits will begin shipping November 1st, and will contain 12 calendar month pages printed on Whisper White plus a cover page announcing the year. You will also receive 13 card stock mats in colors that will coordinate well with the seasons of the year. Finally, I’ll include a clear box tor presenting your calendar as a gift when you choose the kit with the easel.

This year’s calendar includes a selection of mats featuring all 10 In Colors plus 3 of my faves to round out the bunch. You’ll get Hello Honey, Tangelo Twist, Blushing Bride, Watermelon Wonder, Cherry Cobbler, Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon, Mint Macaron, Bermuda Bay, Cucumber Crush, Mossy Meadow, Delightful Dijon, and Tip Top Taupe.

You may choose your kit either with easel or without. Prices include shipping for one kit; please contact me for shipping costs of multiple kits.

2016 Calendar Kit with wood easel: $13.95 ($8 for kit, $5.95 for priority mail box)
2016 Calendar Kit (no easel, no box): $5.71 ($5 for kit, $.71 for first class mail)

These calendars are fun to create and make great gifts. The petite format allows you the freedom to be as Clean-and-Simple or Fussy-cut-Water-colored-Over-the-Top as you like!

Payment is through SQUARE, protecting your credit information and providing the best options. Please send your email address and the kits you would like to AnneMatasci (at) gmail (dot) com and I will forward an invoice. I will ship the kits November 1st – be sure to include your shipping address.

For calendar inspiration, type “DIY Easel” into the Maui Stamper search box – I’ve been making and sharing these calendars since 2013, so there are lots of ideas!

Red, White and July!

Posted on July 1, 2015 by mauistamper

Every year I tell myself I will choose something BESIDES red, white, and blue for my July calendar…and…well, see for yourself:

Stamps: Flower Patch
Color Palette: Real Red, Pacific Point, Soft Sky and Whisper White
Accessories: Flower Fair Framelits, Rhinestone Jewels

When you team up Flower Patch with the Flower Fair Framelits, wonderful things happen in a blink of an eye!

Speaking of Wonderful Things, today the Watercolor Wishes kit becomes available (p. 80 in the annual catalog). I’m offering a class featuring this kit – let me know if you are interested!

Watercolor Wishes Card Kit and 12 Piece Photopolymer Stamp Set #140406 $35 Inclusive

Crystal and Cheryl are sharing their July DIY calendars too – check them out!

Sweet Birds for the First of June

Posted on June 1, 2015 by mauistamper

June’s Easel calendar is one last look at the retiring set For the Birds:

If you saw the RemARKable Blog tour in May, you’ll remember that I featured this stamp set. It’s ideal for coloring with colored pencils.

Such happy little birds! If it wasn’t for Captain Stupidhead, I would have a bird bath in my yard. Come to think of it, he’s gotten so old that he doesn’t even look when they are on the lawn 6 feet in front of him. Maybe I’ll go bird-bath shopping…