Using Designer Series Paper with Garden Wishes

Posted on May 26, 2021 by mauistamper

I love our Designer Series Paper (DSP). My favorite thing is the way it coordinates with our products, both colors and images. But wait, there’s more! I love the range of styles, the images themselves, and the perfect weight: not too heavy, not too light, jussst right. The fact that it’s two-sided (and often a multi-colored design on one side and a monochromatic design on the other) expands your crafting options even further.

DSP is an easy way to add interest or complexity to a simple design. With a couple of well-measured cuts, you have a quick addition to your project that often just makes it sing. Our Dandy Garden 6×6 DSP has been a star in the January-June Mini Catalog, and it’s going to retire at the end of June. It coordinates with both the Garden Wishes and Dragonfly Garden stamp sets, so it’s a real hero.

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Dandy Garden DSP Garden Wishes

Stamps: Garden Wishes, Many Messages
Color Palette: Basic White, Mossy Meadow, BumbleBee, Basic Black
Accessories: Stitched Rectangle dies, Messages die, Stampin’ Blends, Mossy Meadow Braided Linen Trim*, Stampin Dimensionals, Wink of Stella, Dandy Garden DSP*
*Retiring June 30 and available while supplies last

I used the Daffodil Delight and Mossy Meadow Stampin’ Blends to color this image, and treated the light and dark toned Blends as separate shades. The Dandelion leaves need a light color and a soft touch to retain the detail in the images. I’ve also used a very old, long-retired tool to get that color spritz. I just can’t seem to pull off the paint-brush-flick with any reliable results!

I did a series of these cards with my clubs using the monochromatic papers from the Dandy Garden DSP pack, and I had a narrow strip of the Bumblebee Dandelion design left over. I really wanted to use it, and came up with the idea of adding the Mossy Meadow strip to the side in order to fill out the front of the card.

I used the same layout with a multi-hued DSP option from the same pack. It’s definitely colorful! This card includes one of the little ladybug embellishments that will retire the end of June. They’re the perfect size to secure with a Glue Dot.

Ready to shop? The Connect, Craft, and Collect offer adds $25 in Host Rewards to your qualifying order through June 14th! Maybe you’re ready to take the leap and earn a discount on Every. Single. Purchase. you make – Join+ increases the value of your No Obligation kit when you join the team by May 31st!

Or just pop on over to the Online Store to see what catches your eye. There’s ALWAYS something!

She Sells Sea Shells…

Posted on February 27, 2021 by mauistamper

Well, actually she stamps them. And in this case, she embosses and die cuts them and then just sponges them, and it is so darn easy!

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Friends Are Like Seashells handmade card

Stamps: Friends Are Like Seashells, You Are Amazing
Color Palette: Basic White, Petal Pink, Mint Macaron, So Saffron
Accessories: Shimmery White paper, Big Boss (Stampin Cut and Emboss Machine), Seashells 3D embossing folder, Seaside Shells dies, Stitched Rectangle dies, White Crinkle Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stampin’ Sponges

You don’t need to be super precise with the sponges, as you can see. I chose sponges over the fabulous Blending Brushes because I felt more in control, but either one will work. I layered the ink, especially using Petal Pink, to get variations in the depth of color. The Shimmery White paper takes the ink easily and really adds to the effect in person.

These soft tones create a very feminine and rather ornate looking card with a minimum of effort – The Boss does most of the work! The hardest part for me is getting the ribbon bunched up right. I do not understand crafters on videos who just wad it up in their hands and smack it down. My solution is to put a bit of Stampin’ Seal on the back of the panel and stick the ribbon down in that, adjusting each loop as I go. Must be the Recovering Perfectionist in me.

Sadly, the Seashells 3D folder is not orderable right now. More are expected the week of March 8th. The stamps and dies – in a convenient bundle – are in stock, and you get see them HERE.

Forever Greenery meets Lovely You

Posted on June 24, 2020 by mauistamper

The Forever Greenery Suite practically designs itself. These gorgeous colors lend themselves to any kind of card for anyone on your card-sending list!

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Forever Greenery Suite

Stamps: Forever Fern, Lovely You
Color Palette: Whisper White, Pear Pizazz, Pretty Peacock
Accessories: Forever Greenery DSP, Stitched Rectangle dies, Forever Flourishing dies, Ornate Frames dies, die cutting machine, Old Olive-Pretty Peacock Reversible Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Holiday Rhinestone Jewels

I am so delighted with this Forever Greenery Suite! The Old Olive/Pretty Peacock two-sided ribbon is absolutely gorgeous with this DSP, and right now I can honestly say this would be my marooned-on-a-deserted-island suite.

I did a little stampin’ magic to create this sentiment. “Hello” is part of the Forever Fern stamp set, but I markered just the word “Friend” from the phrase “Cherished Friend” in the Lovely You set to finish this look. Stampin’ Up! found a winner in that font selection!

Maui Stamper Stampin Up June 2020 Bonus Host Dollars

Don’t forget that June 2020 Hosts (or regular shoppers with BIG budgets!) earn an extra $25 in Host Rewards when their workshop/order reaches $250. I’ve got the Zoom Workshop down to a science, and there’s room in my schedule for a couple before the end of the month. I’ve just done a couple of workshops with this suite, and everyone loved it!

Rather just order it for yourself? Shop HERE.

Birds with Gorgeous Branches

Posted on June 17, 2020 by mauistamper

When demonstrators got our first look at the 2020-2021 Annual Catalog, Birds & Branches caught my eye right away. My stampin’ bff teased me about it, saying she knew it would be at the top of my list. OK, fine, so we’ve established there are some things you can predict about me!

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Birds and Branches card

Stamps: Birds & Branches, Lovely You
Color Palette: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Birds & More Dies, Subtle 3D Embossing Folder, Old World Paper 3D Embossing Folder, Stitched Rectangle dies, Die cutting machine, Stampin Blends, Linen Thread, Stampin’ Dimensionals

My die cutting machine got quite the workout with this project! (SHHHH – Big News – we have an availability date for the new Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine! Demonstrators have a chance to order first – another reason you might want to sign up and take advantage of the June Bonus Bundle offer!)

I love the layered look of the new Old World Paper 3D Embossing Folder behind the Subtle 3D Embossing Folder. I allowed a little reveal around the edge as well, and added a layer of Stampin’ Dimensionals between the Very Vanilla Subtle EF and the Crumb Cake Old World Paper EF.

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Birds & Branches card

Coloring those birds with the Stampin’ Blends went quickly as they’re small and are mostly stamped – just a few Daffodil Delight accents and they were good to go. And we ALL KNOW that every project is better when there’s a little bit of linen thread, right?

Are you smitten as I was? Shop HERE.

A Congratulations Easel Card

Posted on May 27, 2020 by mauistamper

I’ve gotten VERY creative with projects for my clubs the past couple of months, as we’re crafting together via zoom. It’s not quite the same as being together in one place, but it’s much better than not being together at all! Since I can only provide paper and my club members have to go through their stashes to find stamps, ink, and any extras they want, I’ve been working to come up with designs that are flexible. Last month we created an easel card for a graduate:

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Congratulations Easel Technique

Stamps: Artisan Textures (retiring 2020), Buffalo Check, First Frost (retiring 2020), Itty Bitty Greetings
Color Palette: Whisper White, Blueberry Bushel (retiring 2020), Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Stitched Rectangle Dies, Ornate Frames Dies, Glimmer Paper (retiring 2020), Stamparatus, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals, Balloon Bouquet Punch, Circle punch (just about any will do)

This card is more about the concept than the execution. The card base is 4.25″ x 11″ and is scored at 5.5″ and 2.5″. I cut a Whisper White panel to 2.5″ x 4.25″ (the same size as the bottom half of the card front) so that I could be sure and get a perfect Buffalo Check grid. The Stamparatus is an indispensable resource.

The little label from the Ornate Labels dies is the “bumper” for the folded top of the card. It’s mounted on two mini-dimensionals, which are just high enough to hold the easel, but still soft enough to mail with regular first class postage. I’ve used a piece of rogue washi across the card below that bumper, and I can’t begin to tell you anything about it other than the fact that I’ve had it along time!

On the inside of the card, I created an optional gift card pocket. If your graduate was naughty, well then, leave the pocket off – this is only for graduates who have earned a little reward! The pocket is 4 5/8″ x 2 5/8″ and is scored on 3 sides at 1/2″. Use a circle punch to create a little extra space to slide the card in and out. It looks like it’s upside down, but when you hold the card upright it’s right side up.

There are so many ways to stamp and embellish this card! But if you need a quick and simple version, this will do. And if you need supplies, please visit the Online Store.

One last SAB Birthday

Posted on April 21, 2020 by mauistamper

Sale-a-bration 2020 has been over for more than two weeks, but I’m still wrapping up a few projects left on my desk. Do you have bits and pieces? I have so many random “parts” that I could probably make cards for weeks without cutting into anything new. This card has been in my head for at least a month, and it finally came together this week:

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Happy Birthday To You SAB 2020

Stamps: Happy Birthday to You (SAB 2020, retired), Itty Bitty Greetings
Color Palette: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Birthday Dies (2020 Coordinating Product, retired), Animal Friends dies, Stitched Rectangle dies, Scripty Embossing Folder, Die cutting machine, Gold Foil sheets, Stampin’ Blends, Daffodil Delight Ruched Ribbon, Tropical Oasis DSP, Wink of Stella, Paper Snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals

This stamp and die combo just begs to be colored over and over again with Stampin’ Blends in every possible color combination. I have multiple sets of these images on my craft desk, some of which are in the most unexpected colors you can imagine! I’m going to have to do a wild, bring-on-all-the-colors card in order to put them all to use.

It’s really satisfying to use up the “parts” as well as to bring my vision to life. Tell me, how many random bits and pieces are lurking around on your craft desk??

If you’re done with pieces and ready for some full sheets of card stock, I’d be grateful and honored if you shop HERE.

A Chunky Lamb…again!

Posted on April 7, 2020 by mauistamper

How can you not love this lamb? This is the I-can-do-yoga, Upavista Konasana lamb! She is fluffy and has a perfect little half-smile that says “If I can do this, you can too!”

Well. But I cannot. My legs will not do that, no matter how I try. Even as a young girl, I could never do anything resembling the splits. But once again, I digress.

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Welcome Easter

Stamps: Welcome Easter, So Sentimental
Color Palette: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pool Party, Petal Pink, Basic Gray
Accessories: Stampin’ Blends, Painted Labels dies, Parisian Blossom DSP, Silver foil sheets, Wink of Stella, Gingham Gala Adhesive Backed Sequins, Stitched Shapes dies, Stitched Rectangle dies, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Retired Artisan Pearls, die cutting machine

Just cuz she’s fluffy doesn’t exclude the possibility that she’s sparkly too!!

The Parisian Blossoms DSP is a specialty paper with foil embossing on one side of each sheet, and I think it adds the perfect glimmer to this card. That little silver foil ornamentation is from the Painted Labels dies which are sadly unavailable right now. Don’t have them? If you rummage through your stash of dies and even trims, I’ll bet you can find a substitute!

Have some fun with what you have – that’s the name of the game right now! And if there’s something you truly need, you can shop HERE!

30 Day Challenge: Boys are back in town

Posted on April 2, 2020 by mauistamper

There’s a new card challenge on Instagram, hosted by the very talented @MartinMayhem. He’s a Stampin’ Up! Artisan and has come up with 30 days of card prompts to keep us inspired.

I’m not very good at challenges because I have consistency issues. Today’s card is a case in point: this is the prompt from Day 3, which was, oh, I don’t know, a few days ago. But hey, there’s a pandemic on, I’ll make my own schedule. RIGHT?

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Rooted In Nature

Stamps: Rooted in Nature, Timeless Tropical, Lilypad Lake
Color Palette: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Garden Green, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Country Club DSP, Stitched Rectangle dies, Stamping Sponge, Braided Linen trim, Happiness Blooms Enamel dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I wanted to soften that Whisper White card stock just a little. I experimented with a couple of techniques and came up with the idea of the Stamping Sponge. You can layer the color and it keeps the image crisp, unlike watercoloring that blurs the edge.

I added a few leaves on the inside too. That leaf is from Timeless Tropical rather than the Rooted in Nature leaf, as I preferred the serrated edge for this card. If you look closely, you’ll see a little line detail on the Garden Green strip between the two sets of leaf panels.

Martin Stone is a Stampin’ Up! Artisan and you can find him – and his challenge – on Instagram @martinmayhem. You might be inspired to try one of his challenges too! He’s quite generous about timing, so pick a day, any day, and make a card!

If you need supplies, the Stampin’ Up! warehouse is still shipping! Shop HERE.

Feels Like Frost is Thinking of You

Posted on October 5, 2019 by mauistamper

Do you remember when I told you I’d challenged myself to make as many cards with the Feels Like Frost DSP as I could in an afternoon? I’m not finished yet!

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Feels Like Frost Thinking of You

Stamps: Past Paper Pumpkin (say that 3 times, really fast)
Color Palette: Whisper White, Shimmery White, Seaside Spray, Night of Navy
Accessories: Scripty 3D Embossing Folder, Stitched Rectangle dies, Metallic Pearls, Feels Like Frost DSP, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Retired Bakers Twine

I really like the Scripty 3D Embossing folder. It’s very subtle and elegant. I also love that the silver Metallic Pearls take on a blue cast when they’re on blue paper! It works for me.

This is another tone-on-tone version from the endlessly versatile Feels Like Frost DSP stack. These cards almost put themselves together! If you need a stash of cards, I highly recommend you make a batch with these gorgeous photo-realism images and leave the sentiments off until you’re ready to send them. You’ll thank yourself later, I promise.

Are you ready to buy Feels Like Frost YET??? You know where to SHOP.

A CASE of DoneMark Papercrafts

Posted on September 30, 2019 by mauistamper

When I saw THIS card by Karen Varley, a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator in England, I knew I had to have Beautiful Friendship. I’d been resisting it for weeks, trying to tell myself I had enough flower stamps, but it was not to be. My version is very similar:

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Beautiful Friendship

Stamps: Beautiful Friendship
Color Palette: Whisper White, Highland Heather, Gorgeous Grape, Pear Pizazz, Old Olive
Accessories: Stitched Rectangle dies, Old Olive linen thread (retired, but color yours with a Stampin’ Blend), Stampin’ Dimensionals

I pierced a couple of holes in the Stitched Rectangle shape and threaded the linen thread through to tie the bow. I don’t like glue dots for this purpose, because the bow comes off. It’s one of my fussy bits.

I chose to make the floral images more dominant on the page, and I used a sticky note to mask the flowers so that the leaves would peep out from behind them. Other than that, this is a pretty simple card that you could mass produce for a variety of uses: congratulations, thank you, birthday, even a sympathy card.

How will you craft yours? If you need supplies to get started, shop HERE.