LLAMA CHRISTMAS OR LLAMA CELEBRATION??

Llamas are back – this time in landscape! Their necks aren’t quite as long, but there’s room for more of them, and more llamas can only be a good thing. Please tell me you agree.

  • Stamps: Long Time No See, Spooky Halloween
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Gray Granite, Smoky Slate, Lost Lagoon, Granny Apple Green, Poppy Parade
  • Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, Paper Snips (no longer available), Sweet Sorbet Bordered Ribbon (retired)

I really wanted this to be a Christmas Card, but when I switched out the sentiment I had second thoughts. This sentiment is from Coneflower Celebrations, and I think it fits better. Ugh. I need to find order a Christmas sentiment this shape!

Either way, this card was colored with Stampin’ Blends much the way Tuesday’s card was. The llama-neck-sweaters have 3 colors, and if you look closely you’ll realize that some of the llamas are Smoky Slate and some are Gray Granite. Those funny starry background bits are from Spooky Halloween, because it was sitting on my desk begging to be included (Yes, the stamps talk to me, and I respond. And yes, that probably means I’m certifiable.)

Look at their perky ears! They’re waiting for you to tell them how handsome they are!! Go ahead, make their day. And then shop the Online Store for your own perky llamas.

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LONG TIME NO LLAMA!

The only reason there isn’t a llama on my September DIY Calendar is that even without a neck it’s too tall. But there’s plenty of room on a card, especially a portrait-oriented card: check out my llamas from Long Time No See!

  • Stamps: Long Time No See, With You In Mind
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Crumb Cake, Petal Pink, Poppy Parade, Pool Party
  • Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, White Bakers Twine, Party Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Take Your Pick tool, Paper Snips (no longer available)

I took my time with this one, and it was really fun. I shaded each of the llamas a little differently, but kept their llama-neck-sweaters the same colors. (Please tell me you get the joke.)

I used the Pool Party Stampin’ Blend to color some White Bakers Twine, then poked holes to wrap it around the tallest neck. For some reason, I’ve been obsessed with deconstructing the twine lately – no idea why, I just do it.

I also indulged a whim and fussy cut the word BIRTHDAY from With You In Mind. I tried a number of sentiments on labels and banners, but this is what the card told me it needed. (Yes, I talk to the cards. And they answer me.)

Long Time No See is an Online Exclusive from earlier this year, so who knows how long it will be around. I’m happy to have it as I love these dorky faces with their dorky noses! Add a little whimsy to your crafting. It’s good for your soul.

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DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP: SEPTEMBER 2025 LONG TIME NO SEE

It’s the first of the month, and it’s time for another DIY Calendar! The DIY Team stands ready to inspire you this month and every month. Fun Fact: We do not discuss what we’re doing each month. The other posts are as much a surprise to me as they are to you! Let’s see what’s happening in September.

  • Stamps: Long Time No See, Textured Notes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Summer Splash, Granny Apple Green, Fresh Freesia, Memento Black
  • Accessories: DIY Calendar Template (2026 is now available! see below), Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, So Swirly Embossing Folder, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I’m not usually on the Cute Animal Train, but I made an exception with this set. My husband grew up with dachshunds, and he tells some pretty fabulous stories. When we were first dating, the dachshund in residence was Max, and he was a very stubborn dog. But that’s a story for another time…

If you look carefully, you’ll see the Summer Splash mat is embossed with the So Swirly 3D Embossing Folder. I don’t usually do that, but when I went to find a scrap for the mat, this one was there begging to be chosen. Why not? It’s kind of fun.

Now go and see what the Team has created for September!

Did you think I would forget 2026? I know some of you have been waiting for September!! Yes, the 2026 template is available. You can now purchase and download it right away – no more waiting til it’s daytime in Maui for me to respond 😆

Technology has a price, though. The template will be $6 this year, just 50 cents a month! You’re welcome to print multiple copies for yourself and for gifts. You are purchasing JUST a template: you’ll need to print and trim the pages.

I recommend Stampin’ Up! Basic White standard card stock. My printer doesn’t give me a crisp enough image, so I take my template and my paper to my local print shop. It’s worth the effort. I hope you’ll enjoy making your own DIY Calendar!

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