JULY 2024 DIY: CITRUS BLOOMS

I just added Citrus Blooms to my stash during the June bundle sale, and it didn’t take long to make a plan for my July DIY Calendar. Mr Maui Stamper and I are anxiously awaiting our latest crop of lemons and I have Citrus on my mind.

  • Stamps: Citrus Blooms
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Citrus Blooms dies, Stampin’ Blends, Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Dimensionals, 2024 DIY Calendar template

The blossoms are sparkly with a li’l Wink of Stella – that’s to remind me of their heavenly fragrance. This little powerhouse of a tree is right outside my kitchen door, and oh, does it smell good!

This is a dwarf Meyer Lemon, and it is incredibly fruitful!

We add lemons to our cooking, make lemonade, and of course we enjoy a few refreshing adult beverages. There’s nothing like stepping out the kitchen door and picking what you’ll eat or drink. Gardening and crafting are my creative favorites.

How did we color before Stampin’ Blends? My Daffodil Delight Blend gets a lot of use, so I just ordered a new set. Oh, the joy of coloring with brand new Blends!

If it’s time to freshen up your blends or treat yourself to Citrus Blooms, shop the Online Store. And please take a moment to see what Cheryl and Crystal have created for July! You’ll be glad you did.

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.

Bonus Days is back! Start earning from July 3 (this Wednesday) and find a $5 coupon in your email inbox for every $50 you spend. Redemption is in August and there’s no limit!

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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BEST.FRIEND.EVER IN COLOR

Here’s another version of the Country Flowers images I colored last week featuring some of the 24-26 In Colors. I think I like the kettle better than the bucket!

  • Stamps: Country Flowers
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Petunia Pop, Pretty in Pink, Shy Shamrock, Wild Wheat, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Deckle Rectangle dies, 24-26 In Color DSP, Wild Wheat Textured Ribbon (retired), Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Dimensionals

My inspiration was one of the card sketches on page 22 of the 24-25 Annual Catalog. I didn’t follow it exactly but that’s the beauty of a sketch – you can interpret it to suit your needs.

I stamped the sentiment on a narrow strip of card stock and trimmed the ends at an angle. The original piece of card stock was quite long, which allowed me to place it on the focal point panel and lightly mark exactly where I wanted to trim the ends. Sometimes I surprise myself by actually thinking ahead.

Can you keep a secret? I initially colored the leaves with Granny Apple Green, but when I decided to use the color family DSP pack I just colored right over them with Shy Shamrock. And I consider it a minor stroke of genius that I saw the potential for Wild Wheat to create the impression of a brass kettle.

Well, Bella says I’m done on the computer for now. She’s a bossy girl when bedtime approaches. Take a peek at the Online Store to see Country Flowers and all the other products I’ve used to create this card. And thanks for stopping by!

The 24-25 Annual Catalog has finally 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.

If you have EVER considered joining Stampin’ Up! this is your best offer! This is the richest offer we’ve seen, well, maybe forever! Your $99 USD lets you choose $125 worth of any available product PLUS a glorious assortment of the brand new 24-26 In Color products! Check this out before you place your first order this month. There’s no obligation to continue or to sell and there are no strings attached. Message me for details or learn more HERE.

The Best There Is, the May Paper Pumpkin kit, contains supplies for 9 cards and envelopes. It features woodgrain textures and masculine, earth tones . An exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 second quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by May 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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MAY 2024 DIY: ICE CREAM SWIRL BERRIES

It’s May Day! And I’m thinking about SUMMER FRUIT. The Strawberry in the Ice Cream Swirl stamp set has been calling my name for days, and I’ve given it an entire month on my craft desk:

  • Stamps: Ice Cream Swirl, Sending Love, Bee My Valentine
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Poppy Parade, Granny Apple Green, Lemon Lolly, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, Masking Paper

The strawberry isn’t the focal point of the Ice Cream Swirl set, but I noticed it when I was editing my stamps to be current with the new 24-25 Annual Catalog. I’m a big fan of fruit in season, and we get beautiful strawberries from Upcountry Maui this time of year.

I masked the strawberries as I stamped them – I always stamp the middle first! After I colored them with my Blends, I thought it needed a little something more. I tried a bunch of options, but a little bird made me happiest, and you KNOW that’s how I make my decisions.

Thanks so much for visiting our little calendar mini hop! Please stop by to see what Cheryl and Crystal have created for May. We love to make these little calendars and share them with you.

The 24-25 Annual Catalog has finally 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.

If you have EVER considered joining Stampin’ Up! this is your best offer! This is the richest offer we’ve seen, well, maybe forever! Your $99 USD lets you choose $125 worth of any available product PLUS a glorious assortment of the brand new 24-26 In Color products! Check this out before you place your first order this month. There’s no obligation to continue or to sell and there are no strings attached. Message me for details or learn more HERE.

The Best There Is, the May Paper Pumpkin kit, contains supplies for 9 cards and envelopes. It features woodgrain textures and masculine, earth tones . An exclusive set of dies coordinates with all 3 second quarter Paper Pumpkin offerings. Subscribe HERE by May 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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SPECIAL DELIVERY TRUCKING ALONG

What is it about trucks? They’re just so darn, I don’t know, photogenic. Stampa-genic? When I saw this one in the Online Exclusives I wanted to resist but I knew it was pointless.

A handmade card with a red truck and the text “special delivery”
  • Stamps: Trucking Along
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Real Red, Shaded Spruce, Lost Lagoon, Smoky Slate, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Basics 3D Embossing Folder, Deckle Rectangle dies, Radiating Stitches dies, Black and White Gingham ribbon, Stampin’ Blends, Stampin’ Dimensionals

This could be a Christmas card – in fact, I made something similar using the Christmas tree in the back of the truck. But this is an all-season card (perhaps even 4 wheel drive.)

A handmade card with a red truck and the text “special delivery”

I’ve been in an off-center mood lately. I like seeing the slight asymmetry. It suits my slightly off-balance sense of humor, I guess.

The side of the scallop gift card box

Here’s the Christmas truck project. I CASED it, but can’t find the original post. If it’s yours, or you know whose it is, please let me know so that I can give them credit.

The inside of the Scallop Gift Card box with text "wishing you a festive Christmas)

The Scallop Gift Card box includes this insert that pops up when the box is opened. It’s absolutely genius.

Find trucks and more when you shop the Online Store..

2 cards featuring evergreen images and the text "September-December 2023 Mini Catalog"

Our September – December Mini Catalog is available. Let me know if you need a copy, or shop online HERE!

A red banner with the words “Paper Pumpkin”, images of card making supplies, and the phrase “Home for the Holidays"

Create dazzling traditional Christmas cards with the Home for the Holidays Paper Pumpkin Kit. This kit includes eight beautiful cards—four each of two designs. But wait, there’s more! For all the sparkly crafters, this kit includes glitter glue to give your cards extra shine. Even better, it will coordinate with the November kit. Are you ready? Subscribe HERE by October 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.

SEASON OF CHIC: PINK ALOHA

I’ve wanted to make a lei-style card for a while. After I used this flower from Season of Chic for a couple of other cards, I decided to try stringing it into a lei. I’m not perfectly satisfied, but I think it’s a decent start:

A long pink watercolor wash card with a flower lei and the text "aloha"
  • Stamps: Season of Chic, Alphabest
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Moody Mauve, Petal Pink, Lost Lagoon, Shaded Spruce
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine, Chic dies, Stampin’ Blends, Irridescent Rhinestone gems, Daubers, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Watercolor Paper

I’m not sure what this blossom is, but it doesn’t look like any lei flowers I’m familiar with! Let’s call it Artistic License. The outline is inked in Moody Mauve, and the fill stamp is inked in Petal Pink. I added a light wash of Moody Mauve applied with a dauber and then lightly misted before stamping on watercolor paper. Let’s have a cheer for two-step stampin’!

A long pink watercolor wash card with a flower lei and the text "aloha"

I am so envious of those artists who are able to create beautiful watercolor washes. I’ve tried more times than I care to acknowledge, and it never comes out the way I see it in my mind. For this card, I used the lightest Petal Pink Stampin’ Blend on Basic White card stock.

A long pink watercolor wash card with a flower lei and the text "aloha"

This card needs a custom envelope, and I found just the thing in my stash of retired papers. I’m quite pleased to found something that coordinated so well! (I’m also pleased to have one less sheet of DSP in my retired stash – it’s a bit overwhelming.)

We have so many beautiful flowers in our stamp offering, and you probably have one that would be perfect for this technique. On the off chance you don’t, you’re welcome to shop the Online Store.

An invitation to the World Card Making Day showing balloons and markers

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY IS COMING! You’re invited to craft along – register for this FREE event on October 7. Download the project sheets HERE and HERE.

Patterned paper hexagons and the text "Designer Series Paper Special Release" and "shop AnneMatasci.stampinup.net"

Beautiful new papers are available while supplies last! Find them under Online Exclusives.

2 cards featuring evergreen images and the text "September-December 2023 Mini Catalog"

Our September – December Mini Catalog is available to everyone! Let me know if you need a copy!

A red banner with the words “Paper Pumpkin”, images of card making supplies, and the phrase “Home for the Holidays"

Create dazzling traditional Christmas cards with the Home for the Holidays Paper Pumpkin Kit. This kit includes eight beautiful cards—four each of two designs. But wait, there’s more! For all the sparkly crafters, this kit includes glitter glue to give your cards extra shine. Even better, it will coordinate with the November kit. Are you ready? Subscribe HERE by October 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.

SEPTEMBER 2023 DIY: Abundant Beauty

I’m really excited to share a sneak peek of a new product. The September-December Mini catalog debuts our first set of layering masks called Abundant Beauty. See if you think that’s an appropriate name:

A Handmade calendar page for September. It features 3 stenciled flowers in yellows and reds with green leaves.
  • Stamps: None (gasp)
  • Color Palette: Lemon Lolly, Crushed Curry, Poppy Parade, Cherry Cobbler, Copper Clay
  • Accessories: Abundant Beauty Decorative masks, Regular and Small Blending Brushes, 23-25 In Color dots, DIY Calendar template, Wink of Stella, Paper Snips, Masking paper, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I gave my Blending Brushes a workout. It’s easy to align the masks as they are numbered AND have a notch in each layer so you can register them accurately. There are 3 sizes of flowers on the masks, but I chose the smallest one and repeated it.

I used masking paper to cover the 2 flowers that I placed directly on the calendar, and then brushed some leaves (a bit randomly, I’d say) around them. I brushed a third flower on a scrap of Basic White and cut it out with my snips.

The color combinations are ENDLESS. I expect this to be a really popular item, so shop the Online Store early! The Mini is available beginning September 6th.

I’ve had a number of requests for the 2024 DIY Calendar template. I’d intended to offer it early this month, but the wildfires on Maui have been very disruptive. My family and I are fine, and our home was unaffected, but our island is like a small town. I appreciate your patience – I’ll make the calendar available soon.

Cheryl is taking a break in September, but Crystal has a calendar for you. Take a look at her beautiful calendar! And thanks for stopping by today.

2 cards featuring evergreen images and the text "September-December 2023 Mini Catalog"

Just a few more days until our September – December Mini Catalog is available to everyone! Customers can place orders beginning September 6th. Let me know if you need a copy!

Online Exclusives are HERE. These Limited Edition products are fresh, seasonal, and sure to sell quickly – don’t wait to SHOP!

Be sure to subscribe by September 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! With Love & Gratitude is inspired by Shelli Gardner. It includes eight treat packages (you can also use for small gifts) and eight miniature note cards with matching envelopes and specialty gold foil embellishments. Whether you need a hostess gift, a sweet surprise for dinner guests, or have another reason to give love and thanks, this kit has you covered.

A red banner with the words “Paper Pumpkin”, images of card making supplies, and the phrase “With Love and Gratitude"

There’s also a beautiful journal available as an additional purchase exclusively for Paper Pumpkin subscribers.

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.

AUGUST 2023: BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Oh these chunky little birds have stolen my heart! There’s something about the Bird’s Eye View crew that enchants me. These three are colored with Stampin’ Blends, and there’s a little color riddle in this calendar – do you see it?

A Handmade calendar page for August with 3 birds colored blue, yellow and green.
  • Stamps: Bird’s Eye View, Easter Bunny
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lime Twist, Azure Afternoon
  • Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, Masking Paper

I’m always torn when new birdies show up in the catalog, because I might already have a *few* bird stamps. But I’m certain I don’t have any birds wearing glasses, so that gave me the justification I needed to add The View to my Stampin’ Collection.

After I stamped this little family, I decided they needed something upon which to stand. Fortunately, the Easter Bunny was more than willing to share a little grass, and masking paper made sure the grass remained in the background.

A Handmade calendar page for August with 3 birds colored blue, yellow and green.

I know I say this every month, but this month I will REALLY enjoy my desktop calendar!! Be sure and see what Cheryl and Crystal have done this month. And if you don’t have your own Bird’s Eye View Crew, I think it’s time you shop the Online Store.

A red, blue, white and pink graphic with the text "Ready Set Redeem" and "it's time to use those coupons you earned! You can redeem your $5 coupons between 1-31 August.

Beginning today, August 1st, you can redeem your Bonus Days coupons! Your unique codes, delivered by email in July with your $50 order, can be spent through August 31st.

Online Exclusives are HERE. These Limited Edition products are fresh, seasonal, and sure to sell quickly – don’t wait to SHOP!

Be sure to subscribe by August 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! This kit includes 8 cards, 4 each of 2 designs, and 8 coordinating envelopes. The kit is special because of the way it uses the meaning of flowers. On each card, you’ll find a small inscription of what the flowers represent.

"Paper Pumpkin" on red banner, "Meaningful Flowers" in blue on a pale blue background with images of stamped flowers

And don’t wait, because anyone who subscribes to this month’s kit will get a FREE stamp set! This Distinktive stamp set is perfect for a variety of occasions! 

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.

JUNE 23 DIY: PLAYING IN THE RAIN

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.

a small June 2023 calendar with a cartoon turtle
  • 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.

The text Designer Series paper Sale Stock up and save 15% and images of

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.

banner paper pumpkin welcome inn

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.

MAY 2023 DIY: CIRCLE Sayings

Tomorrow is the Big Day: the 23-24 Annual Catalog is available to EVERYONE! Demonstrators have had the opportunity to shop a limited selection, but tomorrow it’s All The Things for All The Crafters!!

In celebration, I’m using a brand new stamp set from the new catalog for my May 2023 DIY Easel calendar. These images and sentiments are great starters for a new crafter, but have plenty of room for creativity for someone who has crafted a little longer.

square calendar with sun and ocean
  • Stamps: Circle Sayings
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Basic Black Gray Granite, Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, Boho Blue, Pretty Peacock, Lost Lagoon
  • Accessories: Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Blends

The original image is a circle, but I wanted to expand it to fill my space. Here’s the original:

I used a simple masking technique to repeat the image on either side. The paper I used to mask came off the back of our self-adhesive strips, so it was opaque enough for me to see through. I stamped the image twice, and trimmed the left, then the right side of the image. Then I covered the right, aligning the mask carefully by using the ability to see through:

This stamp is photopolymer, so I could see just where I wanted it!

Repeat with the right side!

small calendar with ocean and

And here you have it! The alignment isn’t exact, but this is the real world and things aren’t always perfect. Now to color:

I used a LOT of blues. There’s some Boho Blue, although I would have preferred Lost Lagoon. Alas, I don’t have those Blends (yet!!) I used Pool Party for brightness and Pretty Peacock to tone down the Boho Blue. The birds are defined with my Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker.

There you have it! Be sure to see what Cheryl and Crystal have done for their May DIY Calendar.

There’s still a few hours to save on the Last Chance sale – use Host Code 3YYCMTDH.

Be sure to subscribe by May 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The May kit features outdoor landscapes and the new 23-25 In Colors. This is a card kit with an option to purchase additional cards and envelopes on May 2nd.

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.

Paper Pumpkin box with plant and rocks

COUNTRY FLORAL with COLOR and CONTOUR

Happy Valentines Day, my crafty friends! I have one more Valentine for you using the Country Floral Lane Designer Series Paper. This time I’ve paired it with the Color and Contour stamp set. It’s an older set so you might have it – you could whip this card up this afternoon for last minute giving! (Well. Assuming you have nothing else that is demanding of your time. Quite the assumption.)

  • Stamps: Color and Contour, Country Bouquet, Friendly Gnomes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Petal Pink, Sweet Sorbet, Daffodil Delight, Balmy Blue
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Scalloped Contour dies, Stitched Rectangle dies, Stylish Shapes dies, Country Floral Lane Designer Series Paper, Stampin’ Blends, White Crinkle Seam Binding Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals

You might have seen versions 1 and 2 of this card a few days ago in THIS post. The change in DSP makes a big difference – there’s a lot of (Balmy) Blue in this version and it just FEELS different. Gotta love our DSP.

I keep a stash of pre-cut Basic White panels measuring 4″ x 5 1/4″ next to my primary work space. All of my cards have an interior white panel, even if they’re a lighter color. I like the crisp look of that white panel on the interior, and I think it’s a beautiful finishing touch. It makes any interior stamping stand out as well.

To borrow a concept, I did a Love It Chop It move on this entire pack of DSP. I don’t always love EVERY design in a package, but I sure loved Floral Bouquet! It’s a great balance of large and small, monochromatic and colorful designs with very appealing colors. You might just need to get yourself a package to see.

There’s still time! You can make someone’s day a little brighter doing something you love! Give a Valentine or two to someone who won’t be expecting one. ❤️ And Happy Valentines Day from the Maui Stamper 😘

Sale-a-bration 2023 is a great time to stock up on basics – or add something new and special to your craft stash. Earn product for FREE with a qualifying purchase. See the choices HERE.

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! 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.