This is a fast card – even the coloring with the Blends goes quickly. The main panel is applied to the black mat, and that assembly is lifted with Stampin’ Dimensionals to create more focus. The ribbon looks red in the photo, but trust me, it’s as Lovely a Lipstick as they come!
You can see I didn’t worry too much about coloring inside the lines. That’s actually one of my goals this year – not to be so fussy. 9 times out of 10 it doesn’t matter! My goal is to get the cards made and in the mailbox, and that’s where this one is headed.
If you need some quick cards and you’re need a little somethin’ to pull it all together, shop HERE.
Our two Poppy bundles are clearly meant to work together, and spent a happy afternoon last week putting them through their paces. I was pleased with the results, and especially impressed with how well all the pieces in both sets of stamps and dies work together:
It’s almost a tragedy to use the reverse side of the Golden Honey Specialty DSP. The stripes are really the “B” side, and the “A” side is all buzzing bees and golden swirls and general delightfulness. But the bees are too large and distracting for this application, and the stripes are just right, so the sacrifice Must Be Made. Fortunately, I have stashed away a couple of packages of this paper and I don’t feel too badly about this decision.
Once the card was designed, it was a short leap to move to other colorways. This is Coastal Cabana and Pool Party, and uses Glitter Enamel Dots instead of the Champagne Rhinestones. Those Enamel Dots are sadly overlooked in my opinion – they have just the right amount of sparkle, they come with multiple sizes on the sheet, and are packaged in very trendy colors!
One of the things Stampin’ Up! does VERY well is color – especially tonal colors. This is Rococco Rose and Blushing Bride. If you are VERY observant, you’ve noticed the change in the label – this isn’t the punch, but the label from the Painted Labels dies in the Painted Poppies Bundle. The two Poppy bundles combined are a complete crafting suite, with images, sentiments, shaped dies and labels included.
This last combination is Gorgeous Grape and Highland Heather. I played with the color roles in this one, reversing the background color from the large flower to the smaller one, and I like the effect. It’s hard to see with the black card stock, but there is a layer to the leaf as well – these dies are really thoughtfully made!
I used our Whisper White Note Cards and Envelopes for these cards, so they’re a little more petite at 3 1/2″ x 5″. They are accepted as First Class USPS mail, too. The back flap of the envelope was the ideal size for two rows of those fabulous tall-stemmed poppies – I think that image may be the most versatile one of the entire suite.
What’s your favorite combination? There are many more options in the Stampin’ Up! color palette, and it would be fun to make a Poppy Rainbow. Hmm…
Ready to shop? All of the products are available HERE with the regrettable exception of the Champagne Rhinestones. They have been so popular that they have exceed the backorder allocation and are currently unavailable to order. Current expected availability is late March, so in the meantime, we will have to be creative with Glitter Enamel Dots!
THIS card from the amazing Kylie Bertucci was one of the reasons I decided to get the Feels Like Frost DSP pack. You might have figured out that I am completely enchanted with the Gorgeous Grape/Highland Heather/Granny Apple Green color palette. This Designer Series Paper pulls all of those colors together and brings you right into the MOOD.
I know I’ve said it before (who am I kidding, I’ve said it on every single post for crying out loud) – these images are so versatile that you could easily transition this card with any sentiment. It’s the One DSP To Rule Them All.
Don’t you think every single person needs to hear that he, she or they is/are loved? It takes so little to make a difference. Makes that $.55 postage stamp seem pretty darn cheap.
Make a card. Send a little love. If you need something to make it happen, shop HERE.
This Little Elephant was at the top of my shopping list for the 2018-2019 catalog. (I know, I know, I’ve already told you that. But TRUTH.)
Stampin’ Up! has cataloged this stamp under babies and kids, but I know a lot of adults who think it’s pretty dang cute and would be happy to see it in their mailbox on their birthday.
I hand cut the balloons. Little Elephant is available as a bundle with a punch, but it doesn’t include the balloons. Had to be done. Love my Paper Snips!
You didn’t think I would make them exactly alike, did you? Of course not. I had a lot of fun playing with color – this is Bermuda Bay, Gorgeous Grape, and So Saffron.
Please don’t ask me about that little black rhinestone for the eye. It’s retired, I have no idea how long ago, and I’m pretty sure it was on the Clearance Rack. It’s not there now, but when it was, I bought an “adequate” supply. (Don’t ask, don’t tell.)
The Pearlized Doilies are really easy to color with Sponge Daubers, and you get great coverage. Sponge Daubers are much firmer than Stampin’ Sponges and add a more dense layer of ink. Â I only colored around the edge, because that’s what shows (sort of like just ironing the front of your shirt if you’re gonna wear a jacket anyway.)
The Subtle Dynamic TIEF is working really hard for me these days – do you need one? Shop HERE.
Sponging the color on the Glossy card stock is unexpectedly therapeutic. Â It’s a slow, building process (at least the way I didi it). Â Kind of like breathing.
2018 Easel Calendar kits and refills are available! Â Details HERE.
There are two ways to purchase the kit. Â You can purchase it complete with an easel, and it will come packaged in a clear box ready for gift giving, with or without your creative designs.
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. Â I ship the best possible method at the best possible price and will calculate based on what you order. Â Typically, a single Calendar refill can be sent in a First Class envelope with postage of $.91. Â Easel Calendar Kits are shipped Priority Mail Small Flat Rate with postage of $7.15. Â 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.
To order, leave a comment or email me directly at AnneMatasci (at) gmail (dot) com.  I’ll need your order, your delivery address and your email address. I will send an invoice via Square, and you can choose your payment method.  Your calendars will not ship until the fourth week of September. At this time, I do not ship outside of the United States.
I love birds. I love to hear them at the beginning and the end of the day, rustling in the trees and calling out to each other.  I love to watch them on my walks and in my gardens, searching for tasty bits and strutting across the lawn. Shouldn’t be a huge surprise to learn that the Feathery Friends Host set was at the top of my list for the 2017-2018 Annual catalog.
I had a fabulous time with the Watercolor Pencils and the Aqua Painter. Coloring is really relaxing for me.
I used the Pokey Doodle to make holes to thread the Bakers Twine. I REALLY don’t like it when bows fall off. Â Sometimes I’m lazy and use a Glue Dot, but threading the twine through the holes guarantees that bow will Stay Put.
You know, there just aren’t that many things that are guaranteed any more, and I like knowing my bow is going to stay on the card.
If you’ve never tried Paper Pumpkin, you can try it at 50% savings this month! Subscribe HERE by Monday, September 10th and use the code HALFOFF0917.
The Maui Stamper 