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
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.
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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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.
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.
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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Thank you for your patience – I know many of you have been waiting. I’m finally able to accept orders for the 2024 DIY Calendar template! As always, it’s just $5.
Riding in Provence on a glorious day
As I write this I’m in a hotel in Barcelona with a 3:45am (!!!) wake up call scheduled to begin my long trip home. I won’t be home until mid-day Thursday Hawaii time, so I may not be the freshest bloom in the bouquet but I’ll be back.
The view from Cezanne’s studio above Aix-en-Provence
Please use the Contact the Maui Stamper form to send me your name and email address. On Friday I hope to send all invoices and will email your template as soon as I have your payment.
A magical hot air balloon with Vol de Coloms in La Garrotxa, Catalonia
I love this sweet little turtle from Playing in the Rain! Just the thing for a June calendar. A little spring rain is sure to yield spring flowers as well.
Stamps: Playing in the Rain
Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Lost Lagoon, Pool Party, Soft Sea Foam, Fresh Freesia, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: DIY Easel Calendar template, Stampin’ Blends, Water Painter, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Paper Snips
My supplies ought to include the Big Boss and the Playing in the Rain dies, but the dies are temporarily AWOL in my craft room. It’s admittedly a big mess right now, but I’m usually pretty good about putting away stamps and dies. They’ll turn up, but in the meantime I had to fussy cut that little reptile.
I gave the clouds the softest wash with Lost Lagoon, and used Pool Party for the turtle-belly. The shell is Lost Lagoon and Soft Sea Foam, and the head and limbs are also Soft Sea Foam. I had a hard time choosing colors for this image, but I was happy with the softness that I got with this palette. It’s easy to create a color range with Stampin’ Blends.
This cute smile will bring me pleasure all month long!
Be sure to take a look to see what Cheryl and Crystal have created this month for their DIY Easel Calendar. If you’d like your own Playing in the Rain stamps (or if you need to replace your dies, doggone it!) shop the Online Store.
There’s a Designer Series Paper sale in June! 15% off select papers – shop early to avoid any disappointment.
It’s a great time to become a demonstrator! Join my team and create the opportunity you want. Select your choice of product valued at $155 for just $99 and you can be a happy shopper, enjoy early access to upcoming products, and save on every Stampin’ Up! purchase you make! If you choose, you can build a business, but that’s not a requirement. Try it out risk free – JOIN TODAY.
Be sure to subscribe by June 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The June kit features 9 elegant, detailed cards. This is a card kit with an option to purchase coordinating dies while supplies last.
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.
Every year when Stampin’ Up! announces the Last Chance list, there is at least one thing on that list that breaks my heart. This year, it’s Friends Are Like Seashells. I know there are wonderful things in the 23-24 Annual Catalog (cuz I’ve seen it!!) but I’m still sad. It will be bittersweet to see this calendar all month:
Stamps: Friends Are Like Seashells
Color Palette: Shimmery White, Mint Macaron, Blushing Bride, So Saffron, Bermuda Bay – ALL RETIRING!!
Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Seashells dies, Seashells 3D Embossing Folder, White 3/4″ Frayed Ribbon, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals
I have mixed feelings about the retiring of our Pearl Basic Jewels. I don’t use them a lot any more, but I do love these tiniest peals. I’ll miss them but since they’re all I really love in the pearl assortment, it’s ok that they’re on the Last Chance list.
I used a cotton swab to apply the ink to these images. They’re mostly trimmed from the 3D embossing folder, and even the daubers were too big to have the control I needed for this project. Moving the ink around on Shimmery White paper is easy as it is very forgiving. You might want to pick up a few packages as Shimmery White is on the Last Chance list too.
I disassembled the Frayed Ribbon to get those yarn-like fibers. Ribbon isn’t sacred – I cut it apart and tease out the pieces to get the size and texture I want.
The stamps, dies, embossing folder, ink, pearls and ribbon are ALL on the Last Chance list! Shop early, shop often. Note carefully: the discounts are effective beginning April 4, but all items on this list are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. Here are the updated Last Chance lists. If your list doesn’t say “updated March 31” you need to replace it with this linked list:
It’s the first of the month, so be sure to visit Cheryl and Crystal to see the DIY calendars for April. We really enjoy creating these little desk top treasures, and hope you do to. You can check our PINTEREST board for more inspiration!
Be sure to subscribe by April 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The April kit is called ALL THE LITTLE THINGS. It’s a card kit featuring iridescent foil accents – don’t miss it! 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.
There are some gorgeous new crafting options about to join the family! I can’t wait to get my hands on them! If you’d like to be first on your block to have them, ask me about the best paper crafting deal around – becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. Join on April 4th and you can choose these fresh new colors in your introductory kit. Or go ahead and take the plunge and JOIN NOW and place your first order in technicolor!
I love these cats – and this one might be my favorite! (Who am I kidding? They’re ALL my favorites.) Getting those blended colors is a cinch with the Stamparatus. My March calendar will bring a smile to my face all month long.
Stamps: Love Cats, Plentiful Plants
Color Palette: Basic White, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Sweet Sorbet
I set up this Lazy Bones Jones on the Stamparatus and used a dauber to color him in with Crushed Curry. I repeated the process with Cajun Craze on his back, ears, tail and paws, then used an Early Espresso marker to fill in the curved line. The last pass with the Stamparatus was to use a Sweet Sorbet Stampin’ Write marker for the heart. I filled it in with a Stampin’ Blend – since I used the same color as the marker, a little smearing wouldn’t show.
The Plentiful Plants weren’t part of my original plan, but this guy looked like he was hanging out in a jungle. I stamped off the Old Olive so the color wouldn’t overwhelm my primary image.
I’m terribly fond of orange cats (don’t tell Bella & Gracie). We had an amazing tabby named Pookie who was more dog than cat, and I still miss him. There was a pretty epic post about him back in 2010.
He’s been gone for a long time now, but I still find myself stamping the Love Cats as orange cats. And now you can too! If you don’t have a Stamparatus, or the Love Cats stamps, or the colors you need to stamp a Pookie, you can find them HERE.
And now it’s time to visit Cheryl and Crystal to see what they’re up to for March!
Our new line of Online Exclusive products debuts today. These products will be available only in the Online Store, not in a catalog, and feature new products as well as a few returning favorites. See the full range and order today!
Be sure to subscribe by March 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The March kit is fresh and botanical, and includes a bonus stamp set to celebrate 10 years of Paper Pumpkin. It makes 9 cards and includes coordinating envelopes, and this month’s Stampin’ Spot is Polished Pink.
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! Shop HERE for your favorites.
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.
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.
This month it’s more die cuts and less stamping. When you’re only making one of something, all that cranking of the Big Boss isn’t such a big deal:
Stamps: Peaceful Deer (sentiment)
Color Palette: Basic White, Old Olive, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Pear Pizazz, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Big Boss, Flowers of Home dies, Textural Elements, Stampin’ Write markers, Linen Thread, Stampin’ Dimensionals
I colored the Textural Elements (currently unavailable, expected this week) with Stampin’ Write markers. I used Pumpkin Pie for the “berries” and added just a touch of Cajun Craze to them at the stem. The stems themselves are Old Olive (as much as I love so many other greens, Old Olive is my go-to green!)
I cut a BUNCH of these little branch-bits and started playing. It’s a good thing I cut a lot: I accidentally adhered the first round to the wrong calendar. It looked great, but nope. Calendar so nice, I made it twice.
It’s hard to believe today is November 1st. That means the official end of hurricane season (yay!), but we’re still waiting for the weather to turn a little cooler. Soon the humpback whales will arrive from Alaska, and we’ll watch – and listen – for them. Did you know if you go into the ocean during whale season and put your head underwater you’re likely to hear them sing? Well, now you do.
Take minute to see what Cheryl and Crystal have created for November. You can make your own calendar if you like – details are below. Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite month so far in 2022. And as always, you can shop HERE.
The 2023 DIY Template is now available! It’s just $5 and 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.
Be sure to subscribe by November 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The November kit coordinates with last month’s card kit, and makes 12 sparkly tags so you’ll be ready to wrap your packages.
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!
Our Mini Catalog is packed with new designs and products to inspire and delight. There’s something for everyone, and one of my favorite Do-Not-Miss-This products is our Embossing Additions Tool Kit with all the tools you’ll need for perfect results.
Our stamps coordinate perfectly within in a set, but I get a tingle when I find new ways to combine stamps between sets. This is a perfect example: Count on Me + Painted Poppies!
Count on Me, Painted Poppies
Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Crumb Cake, Poppy Parade
Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, Paper Snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals
They’re poppies. I had to use Poppy Parade!
This is a simple project, if you don’t count fussy cutting the bear. Nearly all of my calendars are simple by nature, and I that’s why I love making them. AND I have news: The 2023 template is ready!
There’s something really sweet about this bear looking over its shoulder. This calendar will make me happy all month long.
Want more calendar happiness? Take a moment to see what Cheryl and Crystal have created for August.
Some of you have been patiently waiting – the 2023 DIY Template is now available! It’s just $5 and 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 it doesn’t require an account to use.
Be sure to subscribe by August 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The August kit is awash with sunflowers, and includes bonus shimmy gold honeycomb embellishments for your crafting delight. 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!
Sale-a-bration 22v2 is up and running! Whether your tastes are whimsical, romantic, or outdoorsy, everyone will find stamps to enjoy for free! But wait – there’s more! Designer series paper and dies that coordinate with our stamps are options when you spend $50 usd. Time to go shopping! See the choices HERE.
Our Mini Catalog is packed with new designs and products to inspire and delight. There’s something for everyone, and one of my favorite Do-Not-Miss-This products is our Embossing Additions Tool Kit with all the tools you’ll need for perfect results. Shop the Mini Catalog and then choose your Sale-a-bration reward!
Stampin’ Up! always has a bonus joining offer during Sale-a-bration, and this one is really special! You’ll receive a gorgeous planner, 3 coordinating notebooks, and an exclusive stamp set to help organize your projects, your priorities, and your plans! You don’t need to make a business out of this to enjoy your new planner.
Becoming a demonstrator is ALWAYS a great value – the kit itself includes $125 of product (you choose every bit of it) for $99. It also includes catalogs and other business supplies should you choose to share what you love doing. But the icing on the cake is the discount that every demonstrator earns on every single order. There’s no long-term commitment – let’s chat and see if this makes sense for you! Contact me to learn more. Ready to sign up? JOIN HERE.
Get ready for these Hippos! Stampin’ Up! always features at least one cute li’l critter for Sale-a-bration, and this catalog is no different. Just look at those little finger-and-tony-nails*
Stamps: Hippest Hippo (SAB), Paradise Palms
Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Fresh Freesia, Pool Party, Polished Pink, Granny Apple Green, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Flirty Flamingo
*Yes, I know the correct word is toenails, but my first born called them tony nails and that is so much better.
Look at that winky eye! That sassy hip! You know this girl is the life of the party!!!
The Hippo dies are available separately from the Hippest Hippo stamps so that you can budget your purchases and still have both. The dies are a must-have not just for the hippos but for all the accessories: glasses, scuba gear, hearts, flowers, a boat, an umbrella, and the wave you see here. I’ve had a hippo fest all week long, so plan on seeing more! They may or may not all be purple 😁
Coloring the hippos with Stampin’ Blends is easy, and while you would be within your rights to choose Gray Granite or Crumb Cake, I am giving you my permission, nay, my blessing, to make your hippo any color you like. Call it creative license.
As always, Cheryl and Crystal have created July 22 DIY calendars as well. I hope you’ll take a look and see what they’ve done, and then take a moment to check out the Online Store to see all the wonderful Sale-a-bration options.
The July December mini catalog brings a charming new product with a purpose. Our Nourish and Flourish kit includes card making supplies for 9 delightful cards + an insulated canvas lunch bag to make meals on the go that much sweeter. Every Nourish and Flourish kit sold will generate a $3usd/ $4cad donation to organizations working to end food insecurity. It’s a win-win!
Be sure to subscribe by July 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! This month features a nautical theme. 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.
Sale-a-bration 22v2 is up and running! Whether your tastes are whimsical, romantic, or outdoorsy, everyone will find stamps to enjoy for free! But wait – there’s more! Designer series paper, dies, and a printed card base and envelope combo are all options when you spend $50usd. There’s lots of coordination here too. Time to go shopping!
Our Mini Catalog is packed with new designs and products to inspire and delight. There’s something for everyone, and one of my favorite Do Not Miss This products is our Embossing Additions Tool Kit with all the tools you’ll need for perfect results. Shop the Mini Catalog and then choose your Sale-a-bration reward!
Stampin’ Up! always has a bonus joining offer during Sale-a-bration, and this one is really special! You’ll receive a gorgeous planner, 3 coordinating notebooks, and an exclusive stamp set to help organize your projects, your priorities, and your plans! Becoming a demonstrator is ALWAYS a great value – the kit itself includes $125 of product (you choose every bit of it) for $99. It also includes catalogs and other business supplies should you choose to share what you love doing. But the icing on the cake is the discount that every demonstrator earns on every single order. There’s no long-term commitment – let’s chat and see if this makes sense for you! Ready to sign up? JOIN HERE.
The Maui Stamper 