CIRCLE SAYINGS: USING UP BITS AND PIECES

I have a basket on my craft desk filled with odds and ends. It’s larger than it used to be – or should be – but I’m doing my best to clear it out. This card is almost ALL bits and pieces, and I hope you’ll forgive me for using retired products. There are current replacements for nearly all of this!

  • Stamps: Circle Sayings, Hippest Hippos (retired)
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Basic Grey, Sweet Sorbet
  • Accessories: 2 3/8″ Circle Punch, Vellum card stock, Stampin’ Blends, Big Boss, Stylish Shapes dies, Brick Embossing Folder (retired), Stampin’ Dimensionals, Country Gingham DSP (retired), Red Rhinestone jewels (retired)

Zany Zoo stamps and Designer Series Papers has an entire zoo filled with critters to stand in for that hippo, and our new Exposed Brick Embossing folder is even better than the old brick one! But there are two reasons I’ve shared this card.

First is that you can have a lot of fun with bits and pieces. I still have a bunch of circles left to play with, and it’s a great challenge to create a design with circles. Second is that when a project catches your eye, while you may WANT to duplicate it exactly, with a little looking about, you might discover that you have what you need to create your own version!

Stampin’ Blends bring this hippo to life with simple shading and only one color! Basic Grey and white are a variation of my favorite Black & White & POP of color combo.

Adding a little “something” to the inside of the card personalizes it, and shucks, isn’t that why we make cards? I needed another cupcake, and the Happy Birthday just the icing on top. <wink>

Do you keep a stash of odds and ends? How do you use them? I’d love to hear your tips, because I just *might* have a few left to use. You might find that Circle Sayings is just the right set to use those circles! Shop the Online Store.

Our beautiful new 23-24 Annual Catalog is available to EVERYONE!

text 2023-2024 Annual Catalog with craft images

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.

banner paper pumpkin welcome inn

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.

CIRCLE SAYINGS in GOLD

Heat embossing gives any project a pop, and when you emboss with metallics, you get shimmer and shine too! I’ve paired the shells in Circle Sayings with a just-retired Designer Series paper – I hope you like it as well as I do.

white card with gold school of fish and congratulations message
  • Stamps: Circle Sayings
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Night of Navy, Gold
  • Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder/Metallics Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Embossing additions Kit, Gold foil, Big Boss, Stylish Shapes dies, 2 3/8″ circle punch, Stampin’ Dimensional, By the Bay DSP (retired)

The largest circle from the Stylish Shapes dies is just big enough to layer behind the circle punch in the Circle Sayings bundle. When I saw how well those shells embossed in gold, I had to pull out the retired DSP for that gorgeous shine! There are a number of gold papers in the Online Store if you don’t have that fishy paper in your stash.

card detail shells and congratulations message

My craft room was a little decimated by all the papers and stamps that retired from the 22-23 Annual Catalog, and I’m still building up my stash. It takes time, and I’m ok with that, but it means I might pull out a retired bit or two.

white card with gold school of fish and congratulations message

This card is really versatile and could carry a variety of sentiments. It’s pretty gender neutral, and relatively ageless as well. You could switch out the Night of Navy for another color to tailor it to your purpose, but I know some blue-and-gold graduates this year! Shop Circle Sayings today!

Our beautiful new 23-24 Annual Catalog is available to EVERYONE!

text 2023-2024 Annual Catalog with craft images

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 patterned card bases and coordinating envelopes.

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. Here’s an example:

3 cheery cards and words confetti birthday kit

If you prefer choosing your kits without a subscription, we’ve just released a new one: the Confetti Birthday Card kit. This kit has all the supplies for shaker cards – no measuring or fussing! See all our kits in the Online Store.

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.

ADORABLE OWLS in GINGHAM

Gingham!! It’s timeless, it comes in limitless colors, and it’s a versatile design pattern. Today I’ve paired our Country Gingham 6×6 inch Designer Series paper (you need this!!) with some gingham ribbon and our Adorable Owls. I’ve love how it looks – what do you think??

Fun fact: the Gingham pattern was invented in the 1600’s with roots in Asia, possibly Malasia. After over 400 years of enduring popularity, I’d say it’s a pretty solid tradition!

  • Stamps: Adorable Owls (SAB 23), Rays of Light
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Smoky Slate, Crushed Curry, Balmy Blue
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Stylish Shapes dies, Versamark Ink, Stampin’ Blends, Paper Snips, Black & White Gingham ribbon, Fine Sparkle Gems (retired, sorry!) Stampin’ Dimensionals

These are square cards measuring 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″. You can create an envelope to fit them precisely, but you’ll need to pay extra postage in the US for a non-machinable card. Or you can just grab our medium envelope and mail them in that – they don’t need to fill the whole thing!

Each of these owls has been fussy cut with Paper Snips. I know that’s a deal breaker for some crafters, but it’s not for me. Do what you love and be happy about it. If you don’t like to fussy cut, die cut that circle from Basic White card stock and add some stamping around the edge. Don’t stress, this is FUN.

The “Hoot hoot” owl has a sassy “come hither” backwards glance that cracks me up. And don’t let the prospect of coloring all these owls hold you back. They’re simple, and you can leave lots of white space as I did to simplify the task. Remember, we’re having FUN. (Says the Drill Sergeant Stamper.) The background stamp for this card is Spiral Dye, stamped again in Versamark. That’s one of my favorite ways to add texture – Versamark ink!

This owl was almost a tragedy. I colored the eyes with the Sweet Sorbet Stampin’ Blend marker, since that’s the color of the Gingham DSP. I IMMEDIATELY regretted my choice, as they had that creepy demon-in-the-night sort of look! I toned them down with a couple of the Natural Blends (sorry, don’t remember which ones as I was in a panic!!)

Do you see what I mean? Kinda spooky. But now you know, and you won’t make this mistake. (You’re welcome.)

There’s another mistake you don’t want to make: you don’t want to miss Sale-a-bration 2023! These owls are available as a free selection with a qualifying order, but only until February 28th. They’re not the only option, but I think they’re one of the best! And if you’ve already added them to your stampin’ ensemble, there are 10 new options available as SAB rewards. Whoooo’s ready to SHOP?

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.

COUNTRY BOUQUET VALENTINE

It’s nearly Valentines Day, my crafty friends! I’ve combined the Happiness Abounds bundle with the Country Floral Lane Designer Series Paper to create a pair of sweet Valentines. Check your stash of stamps and papers, because I’ll bet you have the supplies to make this card. (If you don’t, hurry off to the Online Store.)

  • Stamps: Happiness Abounds, Country Bouquet, Friendly Gnomes
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Petal Pink, Sweet Sorbet, Daffodil Delight, Mint Macaron
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Blossoming Happiness dies, Stitched Rectangle dies, Stylish Shapes dies, Country Floral Lane Designer Series Paper, Stampin’ Blends, White Crinkle Seam Binding Ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals

The colors in this paper are perfect for Valentines, but they don’t insist on it. This could be a Valentine, a birthday card, a girlfriend card, or a just-because-you’re-so-amazing card. I need to send more of those. I made this one a Valentine, and the “Love You” sentiment comes from Friendly Gnomes – that’s all I used from the set.

One of the delights of our DSP is that the colors, patterns and designs are so easy to mix and match. I flipped things around a bit, and colored the Happiness Abounds flowers with Sweet Sorbet instead of Petal Pink. One design will give you a lot of cards.

It helps to think out your panel sizes before you start cutting. 😉 Our 12 x 12 DSP yields 6 panels measuring 4″ wide and 5 1/4″ tall if you cut carefully. That’s a perfect card front layer, and you’ll still have a nice 1 1/2″ x 12″ strip to play with.

This is a standard 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ card base with that 4″ x 5 1/4″ DSP layer. The smaller DSP panel is cut from the 4th Stitched Rectangle die (counting from largest down to smallest) and the card stock behind it is 2 3/4″ x 4 1/8″. You can do this!!

Whether you choose this design or one of your own, a paper Valentine sent through the mail is a message of love. You can make someone’s day a little brighter doing something you love! Send a Valentine or two to someone who won’t be expecting one. ❤️

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 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.

GNOMES, GNOMES AND MORE GNOMES!

The collective name for a gathering of gnomes is a Donsy, and I created a doozy of a Donsy with the Kindest Gnomes stamps and dies!

  • Stamps: Kindest Gnomes, Penguin Place, Peaceful Deer
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Night of Navy, Bermuda Bay, Sweet Sorbet, and a few random bits
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Gnome Dies, Storybook Gnomes DSP, Merry Melody 3D Embossing Folder, Stitched Rectangles dies, Stylish Shapes dies, Iridescent Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Dimensionals

There are bits and pieces of other DSP and papers in all the variations – if you desperately need to know what something is, leave me a comment. I assembled the gnomes with Tombo Multipurpose Glue and then adhered them to the embossed circles with Stampin’ Dimensionals. This was creative matching at its finest!

These cards got a little dusting of Bermuda Bay snowflakes inside. They’re my cards, and I get to choose the colors! Besides, who knows what color it would snow if it snowed on Maui?

I used different sheets of the Storybook Gnomes DSP and mixed and matched hats and feet (and a few noses, too!) to come up with a Gnome Squad of cards. The message from Penguin Place had serious gnome vibes, but I used a few traditional Merry Christmas sentiments as well. Do you have a favorite?

I kinda like the guy in the middle. He has serious middle earth vibes. If you’re still holding out on the gnomes, do yourself a favor. Check out the Gnomes HERE.

If elegance and romance are your style, you’ll love the Fitting Florets Collection, available now as a sneak peek to the new mini catalog coming in January 2023. The Framed Florets and coordinating dies will be available in January, but the Framed and Festive Stamps, Designer Series Paper, and Gold Swirls are available only while supplies last. Get them HERE!

Be sure to subscribe by December 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The December kit has everything you need for adorable gift card holders. This is an all seasons kit, so make it now or make it later!

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.

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.

Maui Stamper 2023 DIY Easel Calendar template $5

Contact me to make your payment – I use Square to invoice, and you don’t need an account to use it.

Tropical Hideaway: So Many Ways

Given where I live, it’s pretty sad to say I was late to the Tropical Hideaway party. This background stamp MAKES a card – any card – as quick or as fussy as you’d like. And the leaves? Just stunning.

  • Stamps: Tropical Hideaway, Happiness Abounds
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Soft Sea Foam, Soft Succulent
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Brick Embossing Folder, Stylish Shapes dies, Waterpainters, White Crinkle Ribbon, Blending Brush, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Irridescent Rhinestones

My first attempt to add color to this image was with watercolor – just the Waterpainter Brush, some ink from my reinker bottle, and some water. I admit I am not thrilled with the result – it looks too muddy for my taste.

MauiStamper Stampin' Up! Tropical Hideaway background watercolor DIY handmade card

When you pair the watercoloring with the brushed Brick Embossing folder, the softness seems complimentary. Add a little of everyone’s favorite white crinkle ribbon, and viola!

I like a crisper look, and the good news is that NOT watercoloring is even faster! A couple of quick tags from the Tailor Made Tags dies and cut the 3/8″ woven ribbon down the middle, and you have a brand new feeling in this card! Similar colors – the first is Soft Succulent, the second is Bermuda Bay – but they have very different energies.

Whichever you prefer, you’ll find you can’t go wrong with the Tropical Hideaway stamp. Head over to the Online Store to add it to your order while you can still get freebies with Sale-a-bration!

Maui Stamper 2023 DIY Easel Calendar template $5

The 2023 DIY Calendar 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 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. New product options have been introduced August 2nd and are available while supplies last.

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.

22-23 Sneak Peek: Nature’s Prints

My Stampin’ Up! Box o’ Goodies arrived last week, and I’ve spent this weekend playing. My first tasks was to create some goodies for Maui Stampers teammates who are attending a virtual event together the end of the month. It was a perfect opportunity to try out the 22-24 In Colors:

  • Stamps: Nature’s Prints*
  • Color Palette: Parakeet Party*, Orchid Opulence*, Starry Sky*, Basic White
  • Accessories: Big Boss, Stylish Shapes* dies, Tear n Tape

*Sneak Peek products from the 22-23 Annual Catalog releasing on May 3, 2022

Sticky Note packaging made with Stampin' Up! new In Colors Parakeet Party Orchid Opulence Starry Sky using the new Natures Prints stamp set

I came up with this modified matchbook design for a sticky note cover to make it a little easier to open and close – at least, I think so!

Sticky Note packaging made with Stampin' Up! new In Colors Parakeet Party Orchid Opulence Starry Sky using the new Natures Prints stamp set

That Parakeet Party 1/2″ band slides up and down on the bottom flap to create a closure around the top flap. The new stitched square from the Stylish Shapes dies (oh, will I use these!!) fits perfectly on the top.

You can just barely see that band in the closed position underneath the Stylish Shapes Square.

Ready for that new catalog? Join Stampin’ Up! and the Maui Stamper team to get an advance order, or wait patiently for the release on May 3, 2022. It’s your choice!

Maui Stamper Stampin' Up! Last Chance 21-22 Annual Catalog

It’s that time of year! The Annual Last Chance list is out, and many products from the 21-22 Annual Catalog are available at savings up to 50%

Today is the last day to to subscribe  (April 10th) for your Craft Escape in a box! 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. The April kit will make 9 coordinating cards and envelopes that you can tailor to your card-sending needs. Don’t wait!

Waves of the Ocean has arrived in the Online Store! Don’t wait to get your hands on this gorgeous suite, although if you just want some of these goodies, you can buy them individually as well. This is another 2022-2023 Sneak Peek, and pay close attention: the stamps and dies will be in the new catalog, but the Designer Series paper, the foiled papers (swoon), and the gems are exclusive to the Sneak Peek and are only available until May 2, 2022. Check it all out HERE!