Best Birthday Surprise!!

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Today I got the best Birthday surprise a crafting girl could ever want … Brand NEW products; Stamp sets / bundles … NEW Colors …. Embellishments and more!!  This is just one of the perks that I receive from being a demonstrator.  Celebrated my 23rd Anniversary this past March.

So let me share a little on the benefits I have enjoyed …

  1. Like today, I get to order Stampin’ Up! Products before it goes LIVE to the public.
  2. I earn “Host” Rewards for the products I purchase … just like you do!
  3. NEVER have to pay Full Price on the Stampin’ Up! Products I purchase while a demonstrator.

As much as I have enjoyed all the perks from Stampin’ Up! Over the past 23 years (because there are MORE) the most important thing and the reason I have remained building upon my stamping journey is YOU, my customers, my friends, my team.  We don’t just build a business; we build a community a like minded crafty people … It’s fun and so rewarding. 

Are you interested in getting the NEW products (new colors. dies, stamps, tools) and can’t wait until May 2nd? YOU don’t have to wait …

For $99 / FREE shipping AND a future order discount of 20% that opens the door to more perks with No risk … Let me show you now. Message me below or CLICK HERE to start your journey.

I’d love to help you discover these perks and maximize their benefits, and have FUN Crafting!!

Beautiful Thistle in Gold Card

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Happy Friday! Today I’d like to share my Beautiful Thistle in Gold card with you. The Beautiful Thistle bundle is on the retirement list and I’m saddened that it is leaving, so I’ve been sharing my creations with you.

This design is stunning is Gold yet pretty easy to recreate … I will share the dimensions and instructions with you along with the links to the products used.

Lets take a look …

You will begin with Very Vanilla cardstock; a 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ sheet scored at 4-1/4″ and folded. You will also need a piece to stamp and emboss with the Gold Embossing powder, plus a piece for your greeting.

Cut a piece of the Gold Foil sheet to 4″ x 5-1/4″ … then you can die cut a circle from the center as a “mat” to back your greeting. No need to worry about that hole in the middle of your Gold Foil sheet as it will be the “mat” behind the stunning “Naturally Gilded” Specialty Designer Paper … cut this to 5″ x 3-3/4″.

You can attach your Naturally Gilded piece to the Gold mat. Using Stampin’ Dimensionals, attach your card front assembly to the front of your card base.

Your next step is to stamp the thistle and your greeting onto a piece of Very Vanilla using your VersaMark pad, sprinkle with Gold Embossing Powder, tap off excess powder and heat emboss. You can now die cut your thistle and using the circle from the Stylish Shapes dies.

While you are die cutting, die cut a piece of Vellum cardstock using the Scallop Contours dies. Attach your thistle and greeting to this piece of vellum … it allows the pattern to show through somewhat but will highlight your flower and greeting.

Once you have your thistle assembly completed, you can attach it to the front of your card … place your Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals behind your thistle and greeting so they will not show through

Complete your card by embellishing with the Brushed Brass Butterflies… the coordinate beautifully with the Naturally Gilded Designer paper and our thistle.

Thank you for stopping by and hanging out with me today.

Have a beautiful day ~

If you purchase the Beautiful Thistle Bundle from my On-Line Store (Host Code: BAPEANG2) or directly through me, I will send you the PDF’s for those 3 cards as a thank you for your purchase. 

Here is a SHOPPING LINK for your convenience:  https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=BAPEANG2

Beautiful Thistle in Black & White

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Today I’d like to share another card using the Beautiful Thistle bundle which is on the retirement list. In life things are not always Black & White but in card making we can do just about anything! So today my card is a twist with basic stamping and some heat embossing. Have I intrigued you yet?

I love the look of this thistle in black and white … it is not only a strong contrast but a I think it’s a sign of strength, so I guess I picked the perfect sentiment.

Start with a 1/2 sheet of Basic White cardstock for your base. Now you will need one each 4″ x 5-1/4″ of Basic White and Basic Black, layer the two pieces together and and then align them onto your paper cutter diagonally and once your two ends are aligned properly … cut!

You will stamp the white craft ink onto the black piece and heat emboss with white embossing powder. Then use the white piece that matches your black and then stamp image in black – align your two pieces and tape together on the back side … I just use scotch tape.

I took the second half of the black sheet and layered it behind the white half of the card front. Once everything is in alignment, use Stampin’ Dimensionals to attach it to the card front.

Stamp your sentiment onto a piece of white cardstock and then trim the ends diagonally and attach it to the front of the card base using dimensionals. You could add embellishments to the card if you prefer but I felt that it made a bolder statement by leaving it simple.

Thank you for joining me today.

Enjoy your Thursday ~

Yesterday I shared a video with 3 beautiful cards highlighting different ways you can use your Stampin’ Blend markers.  If you purchase the Beautiful Thistle Bundle, I will send you the PDF’s for those 3 cards as a thank you for your purchase. 

Here is a SHOPPING LINK for your convenience:  https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=BAPEANG2

Beautiful Thistle using Stampin’ Blends 3 Ways

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’m sharing a video “replay” of last nights Facebook LIVE where I shared tips on coloring the Beautiful Thistle bundle with Stampin’ Blends. Then see how I took these tips and colored on 2 more stamping mediums – Heat embossed and the Fine Shimmer paper.

The results are stunning, so grab a coffee and join me ….

I got rave reviews from those who watched LIVE last night, and I am offering the same deal to you. When you purchase the Beautiful Thistle bundle before it retires (or sells out) I will send you the PDFs for these beautiful cards.

Here is a SHOPPING LINK for your convenience:  https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=BAPEANG2

Thank you for joining me today and I hope you find something beautiful in every day.

Saying Good-bye with Celebrate Sunflowers

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today is the day our Retiring product List goes LIVE with up to 60% Off!! I am going to miss my Sunflower stamps & dies. So many different ways to use them … If you have to have this in your stamp collection …. Check out some of my favorite designs!

Was I right? Amazing … and sunflowers are just so cheerful and pretty!!

Here is a SHOPPING LINK for your convenience:  https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=BAPEANG2

FUN FOLD: Accordion Z-Fold Birthday Card

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Here’s another beauty that will be retiring, the Happiness Abounds Bundle and the Hues of Happiness Designer paper… going to be hard to let this one go. Today I’d love to share this beautiful card with you that is enhance with the Accordion Z-Fold.

For my birthday card I used the Hues of Happiness Designer paper …

I began with my Night of Navy card base and the Hues of Happiness Designer Series Paper … You can see that I have used the coordinating dies to cut the floral pieces for the front. I will share measurement below so your can try out this car too.

Measurements: Card Base: (Night of Navy) 5-1/2″ x 11″ scored at 1-3/4″, 3-1/2″, 5-1/4″ and 7 on the 11″ side. Hues of Happiness and white embosses panels on accordion: 1-1/2″ x 5-1/4″, DSP on inside: 3-3/4″ x 5-1/4″, Folded mechanism: Night of Navy – 3″ x 6″ scored at 3″ on 6″ side and (3) White squares 2-3/4″ x 2-3/4″, Night of Navy mat for the white inside is cut 3″ square and will be placed onto the designer paper as shown. Use the alignment tip that I shared in yesterday’s video.

I used the Painted Texture embossing folder on the two white panels on the inside of the card. Greetings were stamped from the Happiness Abounds bundle in Night of Navy… and to complete my card, I added a few Iridescent Rhinestones. Who doesn’t love a little sparkle?

I hope you have time this weekend to play with these fun folds that I have shared in the past two days. Have fun and enjoy!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Here is a list of supplies used for today’s Fun Fold Accordion Z-Fold Card …

Simply Sunday: Adventurous Journey

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I would like to share a card with you that used the same technique as I shared last week … the floating elements technique. Quite simple to do and you are going to love the results when using the Adventurous Journey stamp set.

The Adventurous Journey is one of those stamp sets that hit the retirement list. Found on page 85 of the Annual Catalog, you will see how fun this stamp set is.

Measurements: 

  • Card Base:  Thick Basic White: 11” x 4 ¼”;  score at 5 ½”
  • Layer #1: Thick Basic White:  at least 4 ¼” x 5 ½” ; die cut with Stitched Rectangle that measures 3 ¾” x 5 “
  • Layer #2:  Window sheet:  at least 3 ½” x 3 ½”  will be die cut with circle 3-inch die
  • Layer #3: Strips of Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral, Garden Green and Pale Papaya cardstocks to be cut ¼” wide and at least 3 ½” long
  • Layer #4:  Kayak- Thick Basic White piece about 4” x 4” 

Instructions:

  • Cut and fold card base.
  • Die cut Layer #1 with Stitched Rectangle die and Layer #2 Window sheet with 3-inch circle die.
  • Stamp sentiment with Bermuda Bay ink on lower third of the stitched rectangle piece.
  • Cut Layer #3  strips of the 4 different colored cardstocks as listed above.  Attach strips to the window sheet circle with adhesive of your choice leaving small space between strips.  If using liquid glue use scant amount so it does not smear on the window sheet.  Arrange in order referring to photo.  Using scissors trim edges of the strips the entire way around circle.  The strips are arranged to simulate water on the bottom half and a sunset sky on top half.
  • Add strips of foam adhesive strips directly behind each row of colored cardstock on the back of the window sheet circle being careful to not extend past the edge of the circle.
  • Stamp kayak with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Layer #4 cardstock and color with Stampin Blends and Basic Black marker referring to photo.  Fussy cut out the kayak and attach to front the circle. 
  • Attach circle to front of stitched rectangle using the foam adhesive strips.  The stitched rectangle is also popped up with foam adhesive strips then attached to card base.  This can be attached flat to card front if want less dimension.

Hope you enjoyed this card as much as I did. I did not make this card but loved how it was constructed and it’s ease to make and color combinations.

Thank you so much for joining me today. Enjoy your Sunday.

Taco Fiesta Card….

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have a cute -n- tasty card for you! Created by a fellow Design Team Member (and friend) I thought this was too cute not to share, and I don’t have this bundle so it’s a win, win!

It’s the Taco Fiesta stamp set ….

Measurements: 

  • Card Base: Granny Apple Green – 1 pc. 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, scored at 4 1/4
  • Cardstock #2: Basic White – 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 for stamping and fussy cutting and 3 x 5 1/4 for inside
  • Cardstock #3: Crushed Curry – 3/4 x 5-1/2 for fringe
  • Cardstock #4: 4 x 4 for punched piece
  • Flowers & More Designer Series Paper: 1 x 5 1/2

Instructions:

  • Fold and burnish Granny Apple Green.  Cut 1 inch off right side of card front with trimmer.
  • Stamp tacos in Granny Apple Green on card front.
  • Glue strip of DSP on right side of inside of card so that is visible when card front is closed.
  • Cut along long edge of Crushed Curry to create fringe.  Cut up approx. 1/2 inch about 1/8 inch apart. Glue to inside edge of card front.
  • Using Memento Black ink, stamp, color with Blends, and fussy cut the tacos (2), cactus, lime, and sombrero. Stamp sentiment and fussy cut.
  • Punch Decorative Circle from Sweet Sorbet.  Position and glue on card front.
  • Layer images over Sweet Sorbet circle with glue and use two Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the top taco. Sombrero is glued to this taco.
  • Create a loopy bow with Sweet Sorbet Baker’s Twine. Attach with Glue Dot.
  • Adhere 3 Fun Flowers to card front.
  • Glue 3” wide piece of Basic White to inside of card.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope I’m back on schedule with posting daily again. I appreciate you checking back.

Have a great weekend. Linda

Color Refresh & Retiring Lists

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I’m here today to share “COLORS” …. what’s out … what’s in … what’s returning and what’s NEW! Oh my gosh, so exciting! Let’s begin with a video that shows the color changes in a fun way ….

You’ll find some new friends and returning favorites among our Brights, Neutrals, Regals, and Subtles. And you won’t want to miss our new 2023–2025 In Colors. We hope you’re as excited as we are to start crafting with these fresh new colors and returning colors.

I thought I’d share the chart because as cute as the video was, it moved a little to fast for me! lol

The colors with the “X” will be retiring and when they are gone, they will be gone. I will focus more on the new colors as the time draws closer … We have to wait until May 2nd to order, unless you are a demonstrator … then you can order in April!! Woot woot!

Now I have the RETIRING / LAST CHANCE LISTS for you ….

The January–April 2023 Mini Catalog and the 2022–2023 Annual Catalog will be retiring soon! It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to a Stampin’ Up! catalog, but we’re looking forward to all the new products on their way—and we hope you are, too.

Stock up on your favorite products before they’re gone for good! You can save up to 60% on essential craft supplies. What are you waiting for? Start shopping … After all, this selection of Last Chance Products is only available while supplies last.

Just click on the links below to download your copy.

ANNUAL CATALOG RETIRING / LAST CHANCE LIST

JAN-APRIL MINI CATALOG RETIRING / LAST CHANCE LIST

Here is a SHOPPING LINK for your convenience:  https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=BAPEANG2

So my friends, for the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of my favorite retiring products with you and the amazing cards they make. I’m excited to share these with you … some you may have already seen and some are brand new.

Thank you for stopping by today. If you have any questions about the retiring products, please message me. I will be happy to help you out.

Big News: Retiring Lists Coming Today

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today is the BIG day!! We will finally get the “Retiring” / Last Chance List a little later this afternoon

I will share it with you as soon as they publish the information. BOTH the Annual Catalog and the Mini Catalog will have products that will be leaving for good. If you find something on the list … grab it quick as they won’t last ESPECIALLY the Ink Pads and Refills … and because we also have a color refresh – there will be several leaving besides the In-Colors that retire.

Watch for a second post today with all the information about the RETIRING PRODUCTS!

See you then, Linda

Greatest Journey Card in Just Jade

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I am back … took a little getaway to visit my sister Rita to celebrate her birthday. We all had a great visit and created some wonderful memories.

Today I’d like to share yet another card from the Greatest Journey bundle and Enjoy the Journey Designer Series Paper. It’s easy to recreate but I’ll be sure to share the dimensions and step by step instructions as well.

Measurements

  • Mint Macaron:  4 1/4’” x 11” scored at 5 ½” 
  • Designer Series Paper: 5 ¼” x 4” (rectangle pattern)
  • Designer Series Paper scrap (mountain pattern) for Stitched Rectangle Dies
  • Basic White Scrap for sentiment label with Stitched Rectangle Dies
  • Basic Black Scrap for cyclist using Greatest Journey Dies

Instructions:

  • Cut Basic White label and mountain Designer Paper layer with Stitched Rectangle Dies
  • Stamp sentiment onto label with Shaded Spruce ink
  • Adhere Designer Paper layers Stampin’ Seal to card base
  • Adhere sentiment label with Dimensionals
  • Cut cyclist from Basic Black cardstock using Greatest Journey Dies
  • Adhere cyclist to card with Mini Dimensionals
  • Adhere Enamel Sticker Icon as shown

Such a great card and so easy to make! I want to remind you that designer papers will be retiring soon, so take a good look at all of them and grab your favorites before they are gone. I will be sharing the Retiring List with you as soon as I can, and once it’s out … favorites tend to disappear quickly.

Thank you for joining me today. Hope your day is a good one.

Are you NEW to Paper Crafting?

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Are you NEW to stamping and paper crafting but not sure where to start? I can suggest five essential tools from the Stampin’ Up catalog that new crafters or stampers may find helpful:

  1. Stamp Set: A stamp set is the most essential tool for stampers. It typically includes a variety of designs and sentiments that you can use to create beautiful cards, scrapbook pages, or other paper crafts. Choose a versatile set that has multiple sentiments and images for all occasions.
  2. Ink Pad: An ink pad is used to transfer ink to the stamp so that you can make an impression on your paper. Stampin’ Up offers a wide range of ink colors, including classic ink pads, dye-based ink pads, and pigment-based ink pads. My favorite “black” is the Memento Ink.
  3. Cardstock: Cardstock is the foundation for most paper crafts. It is a sturdy paper that comes in a variety of colors and textures, making it perfect for creating card bases, scrapbook pages, and other paper crafts. I suggest starting with white then adding a “multi” colored pack for a wider variety of color.
  4. Adhesive: Adhesive is used to glue your paper and embellishments together. Stampin’ Up offers a variety of adhesives, including tape runners, liquid glue, and dimensionals, which are foam dots that give your projects a 3D effect.
  5. Paper Trimmer: A paper trimmer is a tool that cuts paper to the desired size and shape. It is a must-have tool for any paper crafter. The Stampin’ Up paper trimmer includes a cutting blade, a scoring blade, and a ruler to help you make accurate cuts every time.

These five tools can help you get started on your paper crafting journey. Stampin’ Up also offers many additional tools and supplies, such as punches, dies, and markers, which can be added to your collection as your skills and interests grow.

IF YOU ARE ON A BUDGET …. Starting with just a few basic supplies is a great way to dip your toe into paper crafting without breaking the bank. Here’s a bit more detail on each of the supplies you mentioned:

  1. Notecards and envelopes: Notecards and envelopes are a great choice for beginners because they come pre-cut and scored, making it easy to create a professional-looking card. Stampin’ Up offers a variety of notecards in different sizes and colors, so you can find the perfect base for your project.
  2. Stamp set and ink pad: A stamp set and ink pad are essential tools for papercrafters. The stamp set will give you a variety of designs and sentiments to work with, while the ink pad will allow you to transfer the designs onto your paper. Stampin’ Up offers a wide range of stamp sets and ink colors, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style.
  3. Watercolor pencils: Watercolor pencils are a great way to add a pop of color to your projects without investing in expensive paints or markers. Simply color your design with the pencils, then use a wet brush or Blender Pen to blend and spread the color. Stampin’ Up offers a set of watercolor pencils that coordinate with their ink colors, making it easy to create a cohesive look.

With these three basic supplies, you’ll have everything you need to create beautiful handmade cards and other papercraft projects. As your skills and interests grow, you can always add more supplies to your collection, such as additional stamp sets, embellishments, and tools.

Plus, I’m always here for you to help you with your stamping … you may contact me with your questions, come to a class or join a club! I too have many options for your stamping experience.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Cheerful Basket: You Have My Heart

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

If you liked my basket full of kitties yesterday then you are sure to enjoy today’s basket using Stampin’ Up!’s Cheerful Basket Bundle. Send a card that tells someone that they have your heart and “they fill your days with happiness”.

I’ll be sharing easy step by step instructions so you can recreate this sweet and simple card. To highlight the hearts on the card, I used assorted Stampin’ Blends (colors listed below), which are alcohol-based markers that provide a smooth and even color application.

Our card base is Basic Black 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored and folded at 4-1/4″. The colorful ombre background comes from the beautiful “Enjoy the Journey” designer paper. You can add some texture with the “Whimsy” dies or use a subtle embossing folder if you don’t have the dies. Don’t be afraid to leave it just the way it is … it’s beautiful paper!!

Here are some steps to follow to color the hearts using Stampin’ Blends:

  1. Choose the colors of Stampin’ Blends that you want to use. You can use one color per heart or create a multi-colored effect by blending different shades.
  2. Start coloring the hearts with the lightest shade of the Stampin’ Blend, filling in the entire heart with the color.
  3. Next, use the darker shade of the Stampin’ Blend to add shading and depth to the heart. Start at the base of the heart and work your way towards the top, blending the two colors together as you go.
  4. If you want to create a multi-colored effect, use a third shade of the Stampin’ Blend to add more color and depth to the heart. Again, start at the base of the heart and work your way towards the top, blending the colors together as you go.
  5. Once you have finished coloring the hearts, use a Wink of Stella brush to enhance the color and add shimmer. Simply brush the Wink of Stella over a portion of the heart, being careful not to smudge the ink. I just added it where those little black lines were from the stamped heart.

I also die cut the little white hearts from the Cheerful Basket bundle and covered them with Wink of Stella and then placed them around the basket to really make the colors in the basket pop … it’s make your own embellishments!! The basket, hearts and greeting are all popped up using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and colorful hearts card using the Cheerful Basket Bundle and Stampin’ Blends. Have fun crafting!

Thank you so much for taking time out of your Friday to visit my blog and check out this cute card.

Have a great weekend!!

Basket Full of Kittens with Cheerful Basket

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Did you ever see something that made you think … that would make a cute card!? Today I’m going to share such a card. While visiting at my daughters, they have become foster parents to a big batch of kitties …

I told her she needed a basket to keep all them kitties in… and then it dawned on me; I have a basket full of kitties, and more! I pulled out my Cheerful Basket bundle . Oh, I haven’t even played with this one yet, and who knows … it may be on the Retiring List 😦 I hope not!!

So let’s check out our basket of kitties … I stamped my images in Memento Ink and used assorted Stampin’ Blends to color. I just love to smooth look you get when coloring with the Stampin’ Blends. What color do you like your kitties?

I couldn’t resist having my kittens paws hanging outside of the basket … you know them little guys are crawling “everywhere”!!! To do this, you just cut his legs free and slide them over the basket. I used designer paper scraps for a pop of color behind my basket of kitties. You can use what ever you have around your craft room. The background was done with the Stitched Greenery Die … just love this die as it is so very versatile.

Check out the layers on this card ….

This card was just fun to make … especially if you like coloring and building with layers! Almost as fun as a basket full of kitties. I’ll be sending this card to my granddaughter because she fills my day with happiness, and she loves her kitties!!

Thanks so much for the visit. What would YOU fill your basket with? Hearts? Apples? Crafting Supplies? Let me know in the comments below.

Have a great day ~

Creating Motion using Layers & the Greatest Journey Bundle

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I can’t wait for you to see this card, I absolutely love the way it turned out!! Today I have a video … the replay of my Facebook LIVE where I shared two cards the featured the Greatest Journey bundle. I will show you how to create “motion” by using several of the same dies and a slight change of color, then you will see a simple card with a fun pop of color made mostly of scraps!

Join me for a bit and watch the video, after which I will share any dimensions needed for our cards…

So … I didn’t actually start my kitchen on fire, but a little fire inside one of my pans, easily taken care of, but not the way one would like to start their day! lol OK … back to our cards. I wanted to create the appearance of motion with my card, and since there is no coordinating stamp, I could not do the dragging technique (which smears the ink and makes it look like it’s moving).

I thought the layering technique worked well ….

The great part of this is you are using up your scraps! Anything big enough to fit your images on. The colors for my layers are: Basic Black, Basic Grey, Smoky Slate, and Basic White … which is amazingly visible on the card. My Basic Black card base is the standard A2 size: 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored and folded at 4-1/4. The Basic White Front is 5-1/4″ x 4″. Keepin’ it easy.

The next card was just an easy pop of color and was also done mostly with scraps!

While I was preparing my photos for the blog, I realized that instead of die cutting my runners out of black … I could have die cut the image “out of” the color blocks and let the black show through! Another way to create dimension …. WOW! The possibilities never end.

The color blocks are die cut from the Stylish Shapes dies (as is the banner) the black mat behind it measures 3″ x 4-3/4″ and the Starry Sky piece is 3-1/4″ x 5″ … the Basic Black card base is the standard A2 size: 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored and folded at 4-1/4.

I hope you enjoyed today’s adventure into creating “motion” on your cards and give it a try. If you are interesting in purchasing this bundle, I have the links below.

Thank you. Have an adventurous day ~

Here is the list of supplies used for today’s cards ….