Are you thinking about Christmas yet?

Confession time… Have you been watching the Christmas in July movies? I love Christmas movies and have quite a few taped. It gets me thinking about all the cute items that you don’t see any other time of the year.

Mark your Calendars! The new mini Catalogue goes live Aug 3rd and runs through to Dec 31. It is full of ideas for holiday crafting. From jolly and happy to dazzling and delightful, this catalogue has it all. Go ahead – imagine all the magnificent projects you can create!

Christmas treat bag

With that in mind I took some of the adorable Christmas Designer Series paper found in the new mini catalogue and started my Christmas crafting. The Sweet Stockings DSP includes 12 (12″x12″) sheets of double sided paper (2 each of 6 designs)

I made this adorable treat bag and filled it with about 15 Hershey kisses. It measures 4″ high so it perfect for a stocking stuffer or an adorable little gift, just because.

Can you picture one of these treat bags in front of each place setting at your Christmas dinner. I know in my area life has started to return to pre-covid “normal” and I am really looking forward to family get together’s this Christmas and what better way than with a treat bag.

These adorable bags, take just a few minutes to put together and I can see myself making lots of these for the holidays

To make this treat bag

On the 7 7/8″ side, score at 3/8″, 2 7/8″, 4 1/8″, 6 5/8″.  Turn you paper and score at 4 3/4″ on the 6″ side.

Turn you paper so the smallest scored piece is on your right and trim the bottom corner between the two score lines as shown, then trim up the flaps to the score line. I wedge them a bit so it folds up easier.

Now place an oval die (or whatever shape you choose) towards the bottom so you leave room to fold over the top. Cut out the center. Add a piece of window sheet to the inside so it covers the hole and creates your window.

Once you have completed that, fold and glue the side flap to the opposite edge then glue your flaps on the bottom to create your bag. Once filled with treats, gently squeese the top together so you can fold over the top edge towards the front. Secure with a ribbon.

TIP: I hate fighting with ribbon so I add a bit of glue to the back to hold the ribbon in place before tying my bow.

Now all you need to do is stamp your greeting. I added some matting to my greeting. I then punched a hole at the top.

Once that is done, just thread it through the ribbon before tying your bow.

Seriously, how easy was that?

This could be a great activity for the kids, just hide the chocolate first

Supplies Used

  • Sweet Stockings DSP
    • 6 ” x 7 7/8″
  • Ribbon of your choice
    • 14-16″
  • Basic white Card stock
    • Scrap for greeting
  • Cherry Cobbler Card stock
    • scrap for greeting
  • Window Sheet
    • 2 1/2″ x 3″

Time is running out to save on select Designer Series Paper packages. This sale ends Aug 2nd and although they will still be available after that, you just won’t save that 15%. If you would like to visit my store online to see all the choices, just click here. All purchases using host code ARZXNMQM during July will automatically be entered into my monthly draw.

Sale-a-bration is also returning in August for the second time this year. How cool is that? For the next two months, with every $60 or $120 qualifying purchase you can choose a FREE product from the Sale-a-bration brochure. It can be a stamp set, coordinating dies or some gorgeous Designer Series Paper. This is a great time to get your favourite products and earn FREE products as well.

Whether you are a beginner or an avid crafter, I am welcoming new members to my team. How does that work?

During Sale-a-bration, join my team by purchasing a starter kit for $135, which you can then CHOOSE whatever products you want as part of your kit, for a total value of $165.00 worth of products! You have already earned $40.00 worth of free products. And just for signing up, you can also choose one of the Stamp and Die bundles from the list below. What better way to maximize your savings. Did you know, all future purchases will save you 20% or more? More savings!

TIP: By purchasing the Starter Kit, there is no obligation to purchase anything more, no requirement to sell or hold events/parties, and no penalty if you decide to stop.

  • Arctic Bears Bundle – $64.75
  • Beauty of Tomorrow – $68.25
  • Christmas Season – $73.75
  • Christmas to Remember – $81.75
  • Frosted Gingerbread – $66.50
  • Gorgeous Leaves – $60.25
  • Nature’s Harvest – $72.75
  • Peaceful Cabin – $72.75
  • Peaceful Deer – $48.50
  • Penguin Place – $42.25
  • Sweet Little Stockings – $64.75
  • Whimsical Trees – $70.00

I hope you have enjoyed this post, please like and follow my blog to see future posts.

As always, I invite you to try your hand at making this project and I would love to see a picture of your creation.   

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Sending Happy Mail

It’s fun to send someone a card just because. I love making these cards for that reason. I can tell someone they make me happy and I am glad they are part of my story. Would you smile if you received such a card? I know I would.

For these cards, I used the Art in Bloom stamp set.

As you can see this, this stamp set can also be purchased as bundle which includes both coordinating dies and a lovely embossing folder and can be found on Page 116 of the annual catalogue or online by clicking here.

However, in this case, I just used the stamp set.

To Make This Card

I cut my card base at 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ with the thick basic White card stock. I then scored at 4 1/4″ and creased with my bone folder The card fronts were cut at 4″ x 5 1/4″ for both the basic white and the Fresh Freesia. I placed the card fronts on my Stamparatus and stamped the images from the Art in Bloom stamp set on both the Basic White (in black ink) and the Fresh Freesia (in Fresh Freesia ink)

The Stamparatus is perfect for this as both stamped images are exactly the same. I then cut the pieces in half at 2″ so I now have two pieces of each colour. After lining up the stamped images so that the two stamped images fit together, I then attached them to the card front.

To provide a separation between the two images, I stamped my greeting in Versamark Ink, onto a strip 5 1/2″ x 3/4″ of black card stock. I then covered it with white embossing power and used the heat tool to set it. Once done, I trimmed it to make it as thin as possible, cutting around the letters for added interest. I then trimmed the length to fit over the stamped images and glued to the front of the card. How easy is that?

Products Used

  • ART IN BLOOM PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET
  • BASIC WHITE 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK
  • BASIC WHITE 8-1/2″ X 11″ THICK CARDSTOCK
  • BASIC BLACK 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK
  • FRESH FREESIA 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARDSTOCK
  • FRESH FREESIA CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD
  • TUXEDO BLACK MEMENTO INK PAD
  • STAMPARATUS
  • PAPER TRIMMER
  • HEAT TOOL
  • BASICS EMBOSSING POWDERS

We all love gorgeous Designer Series Paper, and during this incredible sale, you can enjoy a 15% discount on select papers from the 2021–2022 Annual Catalog!

There are 9 different packs of paper included in this sale and all are gorgeous. It’s the perfect time to stock up!

But don’t wait, this sale will be ending on Aug 2nd. To visit my online store and see the nine different packs available, just click here. All purchases during the month of July, using Host code ARZXNMQM will be entered into my monthly draw for a free gift from me.

IT’S ALMOST TIME FOR SALE-A-BRATION AND THE NEW MINI CATALOG

The new Mini Catalogue goes live on Aug 3rd and there are some lovely Designer Series Paper, some adorable stamps and die sets, ribbons and embellishments. If you’re like me, you’ll want them all! This is a great way to get started on your Fall or Christmas crafts with all the adorable products in the new catalogue. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the new catalogues, click here

But it gets even better because Sale-a-bration returns as well.

With every qualifying order of $60 or $120, you can choose from a selection of FREE products, such as Designer Series Paper, Stamp sets or Dies.

I have to say they’re are some really cute stamps set in the new catalogue.

You know, I love being an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator and I love the ongoing support Stampin’ Up! offers. My team of Canadian Stampers, have such fun creating together through Zoom meetings and in-person classes (yes they are back!) while we socialize and chit chat. It doesn’t get any better than that! If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you would like to join my team and become a demonstrator, here are some things to consider. With the purchase of your own personalized starter kit of just $135, you will enjoy all of the following;

  • $165 worth of Stampin’ Up! merchandise of your choosing
    • During Sale-a-bration, You will also be able to choose a FREE STAMP/DIE BUNDLE from a selection of 12 different bundles as an added bonus, just for signing up
  • Save/Earn 20% (or more) on all your future orders.
  • Enjoy Stampin’ Rewards too when you are your own “Host/Hostess!” – the best of both worlds.
  • Free catalogs!
  • Opportunities to preview and pre-order new products before they are released to the public.
  • Enjoy demonstrator perks through the calendar quarter you sign up in AND an additional full calendar quarter with no obligation to sell/purchase anything more beyond the starter kit! To enjoy the perks longer, submit $300 in sales/purchases each calendar quarter (the minimum to stay active).
  • Opportunities for earning extra money so you can pay for your purchases or even run your own business. The choice is yours.
  • Opportunities for travel to attend trainings and/or for trips you may earn.

By purchasing the Starter Kit, there is no obligation to purchase anything more, no requirement to sell or hold events/parties, and no penalty if you decide to stop your demonstrator ship.

Empower yourself and others with the Hope Box Paper Pumpkin Kit! Created from the heart and soul of Stampin’ Up! cofounder, Shelli, the Hope Box Paper Pumpkin Kit reminds us why life is precious. This month’s Paper Pumpkin kit includes supplies to create nine encouraging cards and coordinating envelopes in an inspiring color palette, and a specially designed Hope Box!

The Hope Box is designed to be a keepsake box—keep mementos of cherished memories or reminders of what’s yet to come. Collect treats and trinkets that represent what hope means to you in your Hope Box and look inside for inspiration or share it with a friends who could use some uplifting!

What will you put in your Hope Box? Letters, song lyrics, inspiring quotes, and photographs are powerful reminders of hope and connection—and great additions to a Hope Box.

  • Kit contains supplies to create nine cards and coordinating envelopes and comes in a special box!
  • The box is specially designed to turn into a Hope Box—a keepsake box full of cherished items to add hope to your life or in the lives of others.
  • Includes an exclusive stamp set and a Classic Stampin’ Spot
  • Card size: 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ (10.8 x 14 cm)
  • Envelope size: 4-1/2″ x 5-3/4″ (11.4 x 14.6 cm)
  • Coordinating colors: Bermuda Bay, Blackberry Bliss, Bumblebee, Melon Mambo, Petal Pink, Pool Party, Poppy Parade

To receive your own personal hope box, click here to subscribe before August 10th and you will receive it within 10 days of subscribing. There is not commitment required, you can cancel or suspend you kit at any time without penalty so give it a try. I know you won’t be disappointed.

How to Make Beautiful Greeting Cards with card kits.

I have always been a huge fan of card kits and once again, Stampin’ Up! hit a home run. Whether you are a brand new card maker, or you have been paper crafting forever, you will love these card kits.

  • Everything comes in a box so it’s easy to pack and take to the cottage or a weekend get-a-way
  • Having a girls night in? Bring a kit or two and do some crafting as part of the fun
  • Hosting a wedding shower? How much fun would putting these kits together be, even the guys can get involved
  • Planning a Birthday Party? Kids love putting these kits together
  • Kits are perfect for someone who is housebound as well.
  • BONUS: You have completed cards to spread that cheer when you are done! It doesn’t get any better.

Below are just a few samples, just click on each link below to see more details. You can also visit my online store by clicking here to see all the beautiful kits available. Don’t forget to use my July Host code ARZXNMQM when purchasing so you can be entered into my monthly draw. All orders over $200 don’t require the host code, but you will still be entered in the draw

The Notes of Cheer is  an “all-inclusive” card kit and there is no stamping required. How simple is that? These cards come with greetings in four languages so you can send these cards to friends and family all over the world.  

Your DIY craft kit includes delicate and gorgeous kaleidoscope of butterflies. All pieces are printed, die cut, and ready for you to craft. The butterfly-shaped card is sure to surprise and impress your recipients. Love and support themed greetings come printed in Dutch, English, French, and German.  

Kit includes:
* Designed projects 
* Step-by-step instructions
* Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs
* Folded card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″
* 9 printed envelopes
* Adhesive-Backed Faceted Gems
* Adhesive to complete projects
* Printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go: 9-7/8″ x 6-1/2″ x 2-3/4″

Perhaps you would like something different. Well you can easily celebrate with loved ones or let someone know you’re thinking of them with the Kerchief All-Inclusive Card Kit.

Layer elegant rose and greenery die-cut elements onto the printed handkerchief-inspired, vintage-themed card bases. Printed greetings come in English, French, and German. 

This kit is easy to assemble and makes you look like a DIY professional! Once you’ve completed a card in each design, you can use the various components to create alternate card designs

Kit includes
* Designed projects 
* Step-by-step instructions
* Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 8 cards: 4 each of 2 designs
* Folded card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″
* 8 printed envelopes
* Natural Twine
* Adhesive to complete projects
* Printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go: 9-7/8″ x 6-1/2″ x 2-3/4″

Celebrate the men in your life with the For the Guys All-Inclusive Card Kit. Create DIY outdoor-themed cards that celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and express gratitude.

Customize cards for the recipients with people-themed sentiments like brother, uncle, nephew, etc.

All greetings are interchangeable on the printed and die-cut card elements so you can create the kind of card you need when you need it. Once your kit is complete, keep the stamp set for future creative projects. Also available in French.

Kit includes
* For the Guys Photopolymer Stamp Set
* Acrylic stamp block
* Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin’™ Spot
* Designed projects 
* Step-by-step instructions
* Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 10 cards: 5 each of 2 designs
* Folded card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″
* 10 printed envelopes
* Adhesive to complete projects
* Printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go: 9-7/8″ x 6-1/2″ x 2-3/4″


—–

Speaking of kits, don’t forget about Paper Pumpkin kits.

Paper Pumpkin is the perfect way to jump into the world of papercrafting and get your creative “me-time” every month. We deliver all the stamps, ink, and paper you need to create a fun project, without any stress. Everything is precut and ready to go so you can skip to the fun part of crafting!  Each month is a surprise so you never know what you will receive but I guarantee you will love each month’s creations.

Your first kit includes a free gift from us—a clear stamping block. You’ll also build a collection of stamps and ink to use on other projects. There’s no pressure—you can cancel or suspend at any time.

Subscribe by the 10th of the month to get started!

I hope you have enjoyed this post and I hope you will give card kits a try, because I know you will be pleasantly surprised with just how creative you can be.

If you want to be notified of future posts, please like  and follow my blog so you don’t miss out on future posts. 

Would you like to be added to my email newsletter? please provide your contact information here

Trying new things – Black Ice Technique

As crafters, we are always trying new techniques. Some we love, other’s not so much. However if we don’t try them, we will never get better at our crafting so I am always encouraging my team to try something new. On my last Zoom meeting earlier this week, I demonstrated how to do the Black Ice Technique. This was new for me as well as I had never done this technique before. Basically, it involves stamping on Copper, Silver or Gold foil paper and dragging ink across it to add a tarnished or old world look to your card.

To try this technique

To start, take a piece of foil paper (copper) and stamp your image with Stazon ink (I don’t recommend Memento Tuxedo ink for this technique). In hindsight, I think I would also use a bigger piece of foil and cut it down to suit your card afterwards.

Stazon Ink is a permanent ink that can be stamped on multiple surfaces. (I love it for stamping on vellum myself). Make sure it is dry before moving on. It shouldn’t smudge when you run your finger over it.

TIP: You can use your heat tool to speed up the drying time.

Once the image is dry, add a little adhesive to the back of your foil to hold it in place. Now drag the Stazon ink VERY lightly from top to bottom (do not stop or you will leave a line you cannot get rid of).

As you can see in the picture, my first attempt was too heavy and you can barely see some of the image. I scraped this piece and tried again. You learn by doing, right?

TIP: Make sure the adhesive is not TOO sticky (rub off a little of the adhesive) so it doesn’t permanently stick to your work surface.

Once you have done this, let it dry (heat tool again) for a few minutes.

ok, now onto the next step.

Add the Versamark ink to your foil by dragging it over the foil in the same manner as the Stazon ink. Versamark is like a glue and I have only ever used it emboss images and sentiments. Very carefully pick up your foil by the edges (don’t touch the foil front or you will remove some of the ink) and cover it with clear embossing powder. Using your heat tool, melt the embossing powder over the entire foil sheet. This gives it a wonderful shine.

For my sentiment, I stamped on black card stock with VersMark, then covered it with copper embossing powder so it matches with the copper foil. I then set it with my heat tool. This, of course, is optional but I like how it coordinates with the foil

At this point you can go ahead and complete your card however you like.

As you can see from the pictures below, I tried this technique on both silver and gold foil as well. I also embossed the sentiments in silver and gold as well. They aren’t my best work (crooked stamping) but you can see how each different type of foil gives a completely different look.

Overall, this technique is just ok, it doesn’t wow me. However maybe I will try it again with different stamps and it might look really cool. I will play with it some more and see. Of the three types of foil I like the gold foil the best. As I mentioned before, new techniques are fun to try and I do love how the black lines run down the page. I hope you will give this technique a try and let me know how what you think. Send me a picture of your completed card so I can see how yours turned out.

Speaking of techniques, check out the July Paper Pumpkin kit which includes a layering technique. “The Adventure Begins” Paper Pumpkin Kit helps you celebrate in the most creative of ways with enough supplies to create twelve motivating cards—plus coordinating envelopes—all featuring the exciting colors of nature. To sign up and receive this kit, subscribe before July 10th (tomorrow) by clicking here. Once you receive your kit, you can join me for a Zoom meeting later this month, where we will make up each card design together. I will also show you how you can use the various components to make alternative card designs.

Details

  • Contains enough supplies to create twelve cards and coordinating envelopes.
  • Card size: 4-1/4” x 5-1/2” (10.8 x 14cm)
  • Envelope size: 4-1/2” x 5-3/4” (11.4 x 14.6 cm)
  • Comes with a Stampin’ Spot plus an exclusive Stamp Set.
  • Includes inspirational sentiments and adventure-themed imagery featuring these nature-inspired coordinating colors: Basic Black, Basic White, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Flirty Flamingo, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, Mango Melody, Night of Navy.

Well the Designer Series Paper Sale is off and running. Until Aug 2, you can save 15% of select paper packages so it’s a great time to add to your stash with all the new colours and patterns. If you are thinking Wow! I love that but don’t want all that paper? Well I have a solution… A paper share.

Basically the way it works: I will order the paper and divide it equally between those participating.  This way you get a portion of each package without paying for the full package.  All DSP are double sided and 12 x 12” in size with the exception of Tidings of Christmas which is 6 x 6”

To see all the beautiful paper packages available, visit my online store by clicking here. If you decide to purchase just one or two packages, don’t forget to use my July Host Code – ARZXNMQM to be included in my monthly draw. If your order is over $200 don’t use the code but you will still be included in the draw.

  • Cost – $40/pp – this includes taxes and shipping,  payable to me in advance, either by e-transfer or cash

  • Last day to sign up is July 15th. To do this, just contact me here

You will receive a 6 x 6″ sample of every one of the double sided patterned  papers from each of the 9 packages.

I hope you have enjoyed this post,   I invite you to try this technique and let me know how it goes. Should you have any difficulties, please let me know and I will gladly assist.   

If you want to be notified of future posts, please like  and follow my blog so you don’t miss out on future posts. 

Would you like to be added to my email newsletter? please provide your contact information here

Easy Daisy Card times two

Hi Everyone, today, I want to share with you how you can easily make two cards at the same time with just a little bit of paper. This is called the inlay technique is a perfect way to be creative when supplies are limited. I made one card as a portrait layout and the other as a landscape layout for two different looks. However, it is optional how you want to do it.

To make this card,

Score your Basic white card base at 4 1/4″ then fold and crease with your bone folder. In this case, I used the thick Basic White card stock but you can also use regular white card stock.

Take the Night of Navy card stock and punch out three daisies using the Daisy Punch evenly spaced. Now repeat with the patterned paper the exact same way. You now have three solid daisies and three patterned daisies and two cut out stencil pieces

TIP: I marked my paper with a pencil at the 1″, 2 3/4″ and 4 1/2″ down the center of the paper. It made it easier to line up and center the daisy with the Medium Daisy punch

Adhere the solid card stock to the front of the card and then add glue to the patterned daisies and place them inside the cut out portion of the card stock. Do not use dimensional’s because you want them to appear inlayed within the card stock

For your second card, I did the same in reverse but this time I turned my card to a portrait layout. I attached the patterned paper, on my second card, then inlayed the solid daisies for contrast. Pretty cute right?

For the daisy centres, I embossed a couple of pieces of scrap card stock with the Hammered Metal embossing folder. You could use any embossing pattern for this. I then used the small blossom punch (retired) to punch out a couple of flowers from each colour and used a dimensional to add them to the center of the flowers and contrasted them for added interest. Don’t have that Punch? A small circle or flower die would also work, .

For the flower centres, I coloured Basic Pearls with the dark Night of Navy blender pen and adhered them to the centre with a glue dot. I love how those pearls can be coloured to match up with whatever your are working on. It makes them very versatile.

I then stamped my sentiments to complete the cards. I also stamped the daisy from the Daisy Lane stamp onto the envelope. I love stamping envelopes, don’t you? It just finishes it off

You now have two very cute cards and how easy was that?

Supplies uses

  • Thick Basic White Card Stock
    • 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
    • Scrap
  • Night of Navy Card Stock
    • 2″ x 5 1/2″
    • Scrap
  • Patterned paper of your choice
    • 2″ x 5 1/2″
  • Medium Daisy Punch
  • Night of Navy Ink pad
  • Stamp for sentiments

I was very excited to receive my new catalogues in the mail today. The July–December 2021 Mini Catalog is your passport to stunning seasonal projects! It contains all the products you’ll need to craft, create, and celebrate during Halloween, Christmas, and more.

Sale-A-Bration returns in August as well, and it is one of our biggest promotions of the year. It’s packed with perks and overflowing with opportunities. During Sale-A-Bration you can earn free, exclusive products with every qualifying purchase and seriously, who doesn’t love those freebies?

With the perfect papercrafting products for Halloween, Christmas, and every celebration in between, the July–December 2021 Mini Catalog has got your creativity covered so stay tuned.

Would you like to receive copies of these catalogues and get your wish list started? To request a catalogue, click here.

I hope you have enjoyed this post,   I invite you to try your hand at making these cards. Should you have any difficulties, please let me know and I will gladly assist.   

If you want to be notified of future posts, please like  and follow my blog so you don’t miss out on future posts. 

Would you like to be added to my email newsletter? please provide your contact information here

Designer Series Paper Sale

I love all the beautiful Designer Series Paper that Stampin’ Up! offers. They work beautifully with all the coordinating stamp sets in the Annual 2021-2022 catalogue. Together, it allows us to make beautiful cards, scrapbook pages, gift boxes and treat bags. The possibilities are endless with all the various designs available.

Now is From July 1 through August 2, you can enjoy a 15% discount on the following select Stampin’ Up!® Designer Series Paper. Now is a great time to stock up on some of our most popular designs.

To see all the details for these gorgeous paper packages, just click on the pictures below.

Beauty of the earth – $13.39 (12″ x 12″)

Bloom where your Planted – $13.39 (12″ x 12″)

Hand Penned – $13.39 (12″ x 12″)

In the Wild – $13.39 (12″ x 12″)

Pansy Petals – $13.39 (12″ x 12″)

Sweet Symmetry – $13.39 (12″ x 12″)

Your a Peach – $13.39 (12″ x 12″)

Tidings of Christmas $13.39 (6″ x 6″)

Good Taste – $24.65 (12″ x 12″)

If you live in Canada and would like to participate in a paper share and receive a sample of each package without purchasing all the lovely papers seperately, please contact me before July 1st for details.

If you want to be notified of future posts, please like  and follow my blog so you don’t miss out on future posts. 

Would you like to be added to my email newsletter? please provide your contact information here

Friday fun fold – Gift bag & card

Today I want to share with you a fun project I made. I decided that it would be a fun thing to create a purse type gift bag with a coordinating card. The purse is 4 1/2″ high, 2″ in depth and 4″ width so it is a good size to add any treats or a small gift. The matching card just ties it all together.

To make the card

Score the card base at 4 1/4″ and fold and crease with a bone folder. Adhere the Basic white card stock to the card front. Adhere the strip of DSP to the front of the card.

Stamp 3 flowers from the Hand Penned stamp set then die cut them out. Attached two of the flowers directly to the card front and secure the third flower with dimensional’s to add a little depth.

Die cute the two shapes for the sentiment in Cinnamon cider and Pale Papaya. Stamp the sentiment and adhere the two together. Secure by adding dimmensionals to the back and place on the card front. Stamp your sentiment for the inside of the card to the Very Vanilla card stock and attache to the inside of the card, I also stamped the envelope and added some gilded gems to the card front for a little added bling.

To make the purse

On each end of the 11″ side, score your paper at 3/4″, 4 1/2″, 6 1/2″ and 10 1/4″. Now mark your paper at 2 5/8″, 5 1/2″ and 8 3/8″ at each end as well. This can be done with a pencil or a scoring tool. On the 8 1/4″ side, score at 1 7.8″ and 6 3/8″. These marks provide you with the guidance needed to create your diagonal score lines.

On the long side, score a line from the markings to the center score lines. The triangles on the left and right will be larger than the middle triangles.

Go ahead and fold and burnish all the score lines with the exception of the diagonal lines. Once that is completed, use your fingers to gently crease the diagonal fold lines. This will form the side of your purse.

You can better see all the folded score lines on this picture. Adhere the DSP as shown. This will become the front and back of my purse.

Now is also a good time to add any additional decorations, sentiments etc.

TIP: If you are using a directional pattern, make sure the pattern will be facing in the right direction when you fold up your purse before you attach it.

Turn your card stock over and place Tear n Tape as shown for a good solid seal. You can also use Stampin’ Seal +, however I don’t recommend liquid glue for this step

Remove the backing and fold the two outside pieces inward. You can see how the purse looks when folded up.

Tip: If desired, add a little liquid glue to the diagonal triangles so when the purse is closed up, they are attached to the front and back of the purse. It’s not necessary. I did this as I like the look better but it is optional.

Did you notice the bottom right triangle is not folded too well and there is a bit of a crease in the card stock? I wasn’t careful enough when creasing my diagonal lines, so don’t rush, take the time needed to create a good crease. The good news is that once the purse is closed up and glued, you won’t see that crease.

To finish off my purse, I added two 1/2″ strips of card stock for the handles. I used my bone folder to run over them to gently create the curve. I then attached them to the front and back with liquid glue

For the flap closure, I die cut the flap from the Free as a Bird die set (same as the card) but the back edge was trimmed so it is straight across. I attached to the back of the purse and then gently folded over the top to create the purse closure.

I added the gems to the straps and a velcro dot under the flap to keep the purse closed.

And this is my finished project.

I decided that the purse also needed the floral image so added that as an afterthought. I like how it ties the two together as a set.

And there you have it.

Supplies used

  • Cinnamon Cider Card stock
    • 8 1/5″ x 11″ (card base)
    • 8 1/4″ by 11″ (purse)
    • 1/2″ x 10″ strip (purse handles)
    • Scrap for the front sentiment and purse closure
  • Pale Papaya Card stock
    • Scrap for the front sentiment
  • In colour 2019-2021 DSP (Retired)
    • 4″ x 3 1/2″ (cut 2 for purse)
    • 2″ x 5 1/4″ (card)
  • Basic White Card stock
    • 4 ” x 5 1/4″ (card)
    • Scrap – Die cuts for the flowers
  • Very Vanilla Card stock
    • 4 ” x 5 1/4″ (inside card)
  • Ink – Cinnamon Cider & Pale Papaya
  • Stamp set – Hand Penned
  • Die set – Free as a Bird

New Crafting Technique

This month’s kit features a new layering technique that is impressive, but still very doable. You’ve got this

The Adventure Begins Paper Pumpkin Kit contains enough supplies to create twelve inspiring cards and coordinating envelopes, but don’t let that stop your creativity! If you can dream up something else with this month’s kit, the sky is your limit! 

  • Contains enough supplies to create twelve cards and coordinating envelopes.
  • Card size: 4-1/4” x 5-1/2” (10.8 x 14cm)
  • Envelope size: 4-1/2” x 5-3/4” (11.4 x 14.6 cm)
  • Comes with a Stampin’ Spot plus an exclusive Stamp Set.
  • Includes inspirational sentiments and adventure-themed imagery featuring these nature-inspired coordinating colors: Basic Black, Basic White, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Flirty Flamingo, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, Mango Melody, Night of Navy.

We all love gorgeous Designer Series Paper, and during this incredible sale, you can enjoy a 15% discount on select papers from our Annual Catalogue! Now is a great time to stock up and save on some of our most popular paper designs! So get your wish list started so you are all set to go when this sale starts on July first.

I hope you have enjoyed this post,   I invite you to try your hand at making this card and purse set.  Should you have any difficulties, please let me know and I will gladly assist.   

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Tuesday Tip – Blending and Stamping

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Today I want to share a couple of cards I made. They are all using the same technique but each one has a unique look. For these cards, I used a variety of stamps and I love how they all work so well together.

To start with, I die cut out an oval from the layering Ovals dies (retired now) to create my stencil. I use a larger piece of cardstock so it overlaps easily. As you can see, I actually cut it at an angle. I do this on purpose because I want to make sure I line up the oval correctly and not just assume it is straight.

Tip: Do this with your stamps too, line them up so they are straight (I use my grid paper) then mount them on my block at an angle. It makes you pay more attention to what you are doing when you stamp.

I secured it with washi tape because I have a lot of it but a post it note will also work. I then used my blending brush (love the soft bristles) to start colouring.

TIP: It’s important to start outside the area you want to colour and then gently go over the area in a circular motion to avoid solid splashes or lines of colour. Keep going over it until you have the look you want.

Blending doesn’t have to be exact, have fun with it. You can use as many colours as you like, however for these cards, I only used the one colour.

As you can see on the picture on the right I have used my template a few times, so it’s kind of messy looking. You can see why I use a larger piece of card stock then the card itself. I also wanted to show you how I created a cloud like sky using some torn paper, and blending over the oval template, moving down a little each time. This technique also makes great mountains too, just by changing how you tear the paper and ink colours. Once you have completed your colouring, remove the template and then you are ready to stamp images over it.

For this card, I turned it sideways and cut it down a bit to allow the background DSP to frame it.. I then stamped the birds from the Free as a Bird Stamp set in Black and the Sentiment is from the Forever Blossoms Stamp set. Both the coloured oval and the background DSP are from the 2021-2023 In-Colors.

I love how the ink and the Designer Series Paper match perfectly. The bling is also in the new In-Colors. It makes a simple but pretty card.

For this card, I used the same technique using Fresh Freesia. The floral image is from the Forever Blossoms stamp set and was stamped in black. I decided to colour the flowers in the same colour with my blender pens, while the leaves were done in Soft Succulent. It just makes the image stand out a little more against the darker blend.

The matting is Fresh Freesia card stock and makes a nice frame. The Sentiment in the bottom corner is from the Color & Contour stamp set.

To add a little bling I added some Matte Black dots and of course, I stamped the envelope as well.

As you can see, these two cards was done by tearing a little paper as mentioned above to create a cloudy sky. For both of these cards, I used different stamps from the Sailing home Stamp set and it is mounted white on white for a very simple and clean look. I didn’t add any bling to these cards as I really like the simpler image of these cards.

As you can see, each card has a completely different look and yet the technique is the same to make up these cards. This technique could also be used with any shape; rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. If you don’t own the basic shape dies, I strongly urge you to add them to your stash. Check out all the choices on my online store. I use mine over and over again and they never go out of style.

Did you make up a wish list while browsing through the new 2021-2022 Annual Catalogue? Now is a great time for you to stock up and save on your favourite Stampin’ Up! products! What’s the big occasion? Well, this Thursday, June 24th, ONLY, we are offering FREE shipping on orders of $65 CAD or more (before tax)

This is great time to stock up on your basic crafting supplies like adhesives, dimensional’s, card stock and Designer Series Paper. Of course, this is also a great time to get those items on your wish list too. There is only a 24-hour window to take advantage of this fantastic offer and who doesn’t love to save shipping costs? I know I do. So don’t wait and miss out, get your list going and save!

To visit my online store, click here. All orders using my June Host Code QAJVWCSS will also be automatically entered into my monthly draw. If you order is over $200.00 don’t use the code but you will still be entered automatically.

I hope you have enjoyed this post, please like and follow my blog so you don’t miss out on future posts. 

As always, I welcome your feedback so please leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

 I invite you to try your hand at trying this technique and I would love to see a picture of your creation.   

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If the meantime, Happy crafting!

Sue

Tuesday Tip – One stamp set, Three different cards

Today I would like to share with you how you can use a single stamp set to create three very different cards. I made up these cards using the Dragonfly Garden Bundle which includes both the lovely nature inspired stamp set and the coordinating dragonfly Punch. They just scream Spring/Summer to me. I also used the Dandy Garden Designer Series Paper which sadly is retiring June 30th but works beautifully with this stamp set.

The first card I made was this card. The card base is bumble bee card stock cut and folded as my card base.

I cut a piece of basic white piece of card stock at 5 1/4″ x 4″ for my card front. I also cut my panel of Bumble bee at 2 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ and the DSP patterned paper is 2″ x 5 1/2″. I adhere them together than just lined it up over the card front. I wanted to stamp the cute butterflies in the same colour behind it so they just peek out. I then stamped the floral image on the patterned panel before adhering the panel overtop with dimmensional’s to make it pop up a bit. The envelope was also stamped with the same floral image.

I used the punch and punched out a bunch of dragonflies from the Dandy Garden DSP and I love how it perfectly lines up with the larger images. The medium size dragon flies also line up in the punch for the smaller punch, however I didn’t use them on this card.

The sentiment was then stamped and attached to the panel. The Dragonfly was added and to top it all off, I glued the cute bumble bee to the panel and added a couple of gems to the sentiment piece for a little added bling.

How easy was that?

For my second card design, I relied on the Dandy Garden DSP again and the white Memories and More card package. The Memories & More card pack includes 20 Memories & More card bases and envelopes: 10 small and 10 large. For these cards, I used the larger card bases and they make for quick and easy thank you cards.

I cut the mat in Basic Black at 3 1/4″ x 4 3/4″ and the DSP at 3″ x 4 1/2″ then attached them together and adhered to the card front. A strip of Basic white card stock was then stamped with the sentiment and adhered to the front of the card with dimensional’s. The previously punched out dragonflies where then attached to the front and the envelopes were stamped with the tiny butterflies. A lovely card that took only a few minutes to make up.

For my last card, I spent a little more time on it, mostly just colouring. The mat was cut from Highland Heather at 5 1/4″ x 4″ and the card front is 5″ x 3 3/4″. I stamped the floral image along the bottom to simulate a garden of sorts and butterflies at the top. I then coloured the flowers in Highland Heather, Old olive for the leaves and Bumblee bee for the floral centres and the butterflies. After wrapping the card front with the ribbon (retired now), I adhered it to my card base. I deviated a bit this time and changed up the stamped sentiment. This one is from the “Happiest of Birthdays” stamp set which is a new stamp set in the annual catalogue.

Once the card was completed I changed my mind and added gems to the four largest floral centers and added a couple more on the top of the card front. I also stamped the floral image on the envelope front. I love how it just makes an plain envelope look a little more interesting don’t you?

I hope this helps you to be creative by just taking one stamp set, a little Designer Series Paper and making the most of what you have, to create very different cards.

If you wish to see any of the products I used, you may visit my online store by clicking here. Should you decide to make a purchase, please use my June Host code QAJVWCSS to be automatically entered into my monthly draw. If you order if over $200.00 don’t use the code but you will still be entered.

While you are online, don’t forget to check out all the Last Chance products from the January-June Mini Catalogue. These items will be retiring on June 30th and are only available while supplies last. Savings can range from 10-50% off for some items so it’s worth a look.

I hope you have enjoyed this post, please like and follow my blog so you don’t miss out on future posts. 

As always, I welcome your feedback and so please leave me a comment, and tell me what you think. I invite you to try your hand at making one of these cards using the techniques mentioned and I would love to see a picture of your creation.   

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Tuesday Tips – Quiet Meadow card

Today I would like to share with your how I made up this card using just the Quiet Meadow stamp set. This technique is often used to create adorable backgrounds and can be done with many different stamp sets. I love that versatility.

For this card background, I used the printed words, the single flower and the spatter stamp. I also used the floral image and the sentiments for the card and only used the die label for the sentiment. All the dies with the various Floral dies were not use on this card.

To Make this Card

Score your card base at 4 1/4″ then fold half and crease with your bone folder. Set this aside for now

For the card front, I inked up my stamped words in Pale Papaya then stamped off on scrap paper to remove some of the ink before stamping on the card front.

I did the same with the single flowered image, stamping around the card front to fill in a few of the gaps.

I then used the spatter stamp, and for contrast, stamped it in Soft Succulent around the paper.

It doesn’t look like much yet, but wait!

After completing the background, I tore the paper around all the edges to make it look like an old piece of newsprint. As you can see it’s edges are very uneven and it’s meant to look like that.

To complete that aged look, I sponged around all the edges in Crumb Cake

I also stamped a few floral images in Soft Suede over the background I had created.

Once I was happy with how it looked, I attached it to the front of my card.

For the inside of the card, I stamped the same floral image and sentiment as shown and attached it to the inside of the card.

To complete the card, I die cut the label and stamped my greeting on the label. I attached it to the front of the card with dimensionals. I also stamped the envelope with the same floral image.

So how easy was that?

This is a really monochromatic look to this card, despite using all the various colours used.

Below are to other cards I had created using the same background technique. However this time I die cut some of the various floral images and attached them to the card fronts. As you can see each card has a very unique look although the whole background process is made the same way

Supplies Used

  • Crumb Cake Card Stock
    • Card Base – 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
    • Greeting – 11/2″ x 3″
  • Very Vanilla Card Stock
    • 4″ x 5 1/4″ (cut 2)
  • Ink Pads – Pale Papaya, Evening Evergreen, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake
  • Stamp Set – Quiet Meadow
  • Dies – Meadow Dies

From 4 May–14 June 2021, ALL qualifying orders will receive our generous Stampin’ Rewards PLUS additional rewards! Hosts can earn Stampin’ Rewards based on order totals for an entire party. This is a great way to get together with friends and family to your combine orders and receive additional FREE Stampin’ Rewards. To visit my online store, click here and don’t forget to use the June Host code when placing orders. ALL orders placed with me in June using my host code QAJVWCSS will be automatically entered into my monthly draw for a FREE gift from me. If your order is over $200 don’t use the host code and you will still be entered into the dray.

Stampin’ Rewards are available to those who place individual orders as well. All you need to do to qualify is meet the order totals shown here.

The Mini Catalogue (Jan-June) will be expiring June 30 so if there is anything in that catalogue that draws your interest, don’t hesitate. They will only be available while supplies last before they are retired. Check out the LAST CHANCE products on my online store to see them all. Some have savings of up to 50% so it’s worth a look. To check it out, click here

I hope you have enjoyed this post, please like and follow my blog so you don’t miss out on future posts. 

As always, I welcome your feedback and so please leave me a comment. And tell me what you think.

  I invite you to try your hand at making this card and I would love to see a picture of your creation.   

Would you like to be added to my email newsletter? please provide your contact information here