šŸŽƒ Join Me for Halloween Week! šŸŽƒ

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Get ready for a spooktacular week of thrills and chills right here on my blog! Starting tomorrow, Sunday, September 22nd, through the 28th, Iā€™ll be your guide down the haunted path of creativity. Itā€™s time to gather your ghoulfriends and goblins because Halloween Week is here, and itā€™s going to be one wickedly fun celebration!

Weā€™re diving into one of the most exciting holidays of the yearā€”Halloween! šŸŽƒ From creative costumes to eerie decorations, itā€™s all about embracing the spooky spirit and sharing it with everyone around. And Iā€™ve brewed up some extra special projects for you to enjoy each day of this haunted adventure!

The first two days will kick off with a scream-worthy showcase of the brand-new Halloween Spells Scrapbook Kit šŸ•øļøā€”packed with bewitching designs, to show you that it can be used for much more than scrapbooking! Then, weā€™ll creep into the eerie delights of the Halloween Spells Designer Paper, unveiling enchanting projects that will inspire your inner witch or wizard!

But waitā€¦ thereā€™s more! šŸ‘» Weā€™ll welcome the Playful Ghosts and Halloween Memories stamp sets to the party. These stamps are hauntingly adorable, perfect for all your cards and crafts! And Iā€™m pulling out the Take a Bow Diesā€”but donā€™t be fooled, there wonā€™t be any bows involved. Instead, expect something frightfully creative that will leave you howling with delight!

Hang out with me (like a vampire hanging upside down šŸ§›ā€ā™‚ļø) for a full week of Halloween inspiration. Every day will bring new tricks and treats, so make sure to check in and donā€™t miss a single spooky post. By the time weā€™re done, youā€™ll be ready to haunt your craft room and create eerie-sistible projects!

Mark your calendarsā€”Halloween Week kicks off tomorrow! šŸ‘» Letā€™s make this holiday the most fang-tastic one yet!

Exploring Creativity in the Frosted Forest Class!

Posted in CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Looking for a fun way to craft with others and learn new techniques? Come join me for my Frosted Forest Class on Thursday, September 26th, with sessions at 9:30 AM or 6:30 PM! Whether you’re an early bird or prefer an evening session, I’ve got you covered.

In this class, youā€™ll explore creative ways to use the Frosted Forest bundleā€”including the versatile stamp set, dies, and masksā€”that can be used all year long. Iā€™ll guide you through four projects, where weā€™ll focus on different techniques for using masks to create breathtaking designs. Whether you’re creating cozy winter scenes or springtime in bloom, you’ll be amazed at how versatile this bundle is!

Plus, you’ll be crafting with like-minded stampers which is always fun, and of course, there will be snacks to keep the creative energy flowing! Youā€™ll leave the class with 4 completed projects (including envelopes) and the confidence to make the most of this amazing bundle.

RSVP by Sunday, September 22nd, to secure your spot! Donā€™t miss out on this opportunity to expand your skills, have some fun, and maximize the versatility of the Frosted Forest bundle! And if you are one of my Team … or Club Members, enjoy $5.00 off the cost of the class.

See you there!

Surprise! One Day Only FREE Shippingā€”September 18th!

Posted in FREE Shipping by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

šŸŽ‰ Get excited, it’s time for FREE SHIPPING! šŸŽ‰ Mark your calendars because this Wednesday, September 18th, youā€™ll have the perfect opportunity to stock up on all your Stampin’ Up! favoritesā€”shipping-free! Thatā€™s right, for 24 hours only, you can shop ’til you drop with FREE SHIPPING on all qualifying orders of $75 or more (before tax).

Whether youā€™ve been eyeing those must-have goodies from the annual catalog, Online Exclusives, or even our amazing kits, now is the time to snag them and save! Prepaid 3-, 6-, or 12-month Paper Pumpkin subscriptions count toward your total, so it’s a great time to get those subscriptions going! (Sorry, month-to-month subscriptions donā€™t qualify, but hey, it’s still a great day to shop!)

How does it work?

  • Free shipping will automatically apply once your cart hits $75 before tax.
  • Youā€™ve only got 24 hours to take advantage of this deal, so all orders must be placed on September 18thā€”donā€™t miss out!

šŸ’” Pro Tip: Use this chance to stock up on cardstock, adhesives, embellishments, and maybe even grab a new stamp set or two from the new Online Exclusives. Every little bit adds up, and youā€™ll hit that $75 mark before you know it! Or … Shop together with a Friend & Save!!

šŸ‘‰ Head over to my ONLINE STORE on Wednesday, September 18th, for your FREE SHIPPING treat. Whether you’re getting crafty for the upcoming holidays or just want to refresh your stash, this is the day to do it!

Let the shopping spree begin! šŸ›’

Join me tonight LIVE on my Facebook Page!

Discover the Beauty of the Nests of Winter Suite

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS, Thinking of You / Hello Friend by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

As we embrace the changing seasons, Iā€™m excited to share one of the most versatile suites from the new Holiday Mini Catalog: the Nests of Winter Suite, featuring the Winterly Tree Top Bundle. Whether youā€™re a cardmaker, scrapbooker, or simply someone who loves creating with paper, this suite offers a beautiful array of elements to enhance your projects for any occasion, all year long.

One of the standout features of the Winterly Tree Top Bundle is the intricately designed pine frame die. This die adds an elegant and natural touch to your creations, perfect for highlighting winter scenery or framing your favorite photos. On todayā€™s card, we paired this frame with the stunning Winter Meadow Designer Paper, showcasing how it beautifully accents the serene winter landscape.

Imagine using this pine frame in your scrapbooking layoutsā€”framing those cozy winter memories like family gatherings, snow days, or holiday celebrations. Itā€™s an effortless way to draw attention to the heart of your project; your photos. The frame adds just the right amount of detail, enhancing without overwhelming.

While the Nests of Winter Designer Paper features gorgeous images of birds with coordinating dies, I decided to ā€œfussy cutā€ the bird used on todayā€™s card. Thereā€™s something soothing about the process of cutting out these delicate images by handā€”it’s a creative ritual that many of us enjoy. Fussy cutting allows for precise placement, adding a personal touch that makes each card feel truly special.

What I love most about the Nests of Winter Suite is its versatility. While itā€™s perfect for creating stunning winter scenes and holiday cards, the suite can easily transition to any time of year. The elements within the Winterly Tree Top Bundle, such as the pine frame and bird images, can be used for birthday cards, thinking-of-you notes, and even nature-inspired projects.

The Nests of Winter Suite satisfies every creative need, offering you endless possibilities for cardmaking, scrapbooking, and beyond. Whether you love the calming process of fussy cutting or prefer the quick efficiency of coordinating dies, this suite gives you the tools to create meaningful projects with ease.

If you’re ready to elevate your crafting experience and bring your winter (and year-round!) creations to life, I encourage you to add the Nests of Winter Suite to your collection. Discover the Versatility of the Nests of Winter Suite: A Year-Round Creative Must-Have! Let the pine frames highlight your favorite moments, and allow the delicate bird images to inspire your next project.

If this is a “must have” for you … leave a comment and let me know if I have inspired you with this beautiful card.

Thanks for joining me today!

Fun Fold Card Featuring the Splendid Autumn Designer Paper

Posted in Fall / Autumn, HANDMADE CARDS, Tutorials, TUTORIALS (How To) by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today, I’m excited to showcase a gorgeous and easy-to-do Fun Fold card featuring the stunning Splendid Autumn 6 x 6 Designer Paper. I’m back after a week and a half of partying online on my Facebook page!! This card design really allows you to appreciate the beauty of the paper, as itā€™s cut to show off both the inside and outside on your continuous pattern. Fun folds are one of the easiest ways to take a simple card to the next level, and with designer paper as lovely as this, it does all the hard work for you! I call this fold my “Open Face Front”.

Card Details:

For this card, I began with a Cajun Craze card base cut at 5 1/2″ x 7 1/4″ and then scored and folded at 3″. This simple fold adds an elegant touch and can be used in both landscape (as shown) or portrait orientation, depending on your preference.

To create a continuous, cohesive look, I cut the designer paper to a width of 5″ and a height of 4″. I then cut 1 1/2″ off the bottom of this precut piece to use on the inside of the card. I layered the designer paper on top of a piece of Basic Vanilla cardstock (5″ x 3 3/4″) and then added a Pumpkin Pie layer (5 1/4″ x 4″) beneath it to tie all the colors together.

For the front, I took the remaining piece of designer paper and adhered it to another piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock cut to 5 1/4″ x 2 3/4″. The layering really helps the designer paper stand out and gives the card a rich, polished feel.

The sentiment comes from the adorable Warms My Heart stamp set, then die-cut using the Spotlight on Nature Dies for a clean, elegant look. To finish off the card, I added a few Faux Glass Dots (currently unavailable) for a little extra sparkle.

The Splendid Autumn Designer Paper is a true standout with its warm, rich tones and intricate designs. Itā€™s perfect for fall-themed cards, but its versatility means it can be used for a variety of occasions. Whether youā€™re working with fun folds or standard layouts, this paper is an effortless way to add dimension and interest to your projects.

Fun folds, like the one featured here, are a great way to elevate your cards without a lot of extra effort. With just a few extra cuts and scores, you can transform a basic card into something truly special. And when paired with designer paper, fun folds make it easy to showcase the beautiful patterns and colors both inside and outside the card.

Ready to create your own? Pick up the Splendid Autumn Designer Paper and other supplies listed below today, and start crafting your own beautiful fun fold cards!

Thanks for joining me today!

The Wait is Over ā€“ The Holiday Mini Catalog is LIVE!

Posted in 3-D Projects, HANDMADE CARDS, VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Great to be back … It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for ā€“ the September-December Mini Catalog is officially LIVE! šŸŽ‰ From festive stamps to dazzling designer papers, this catalog is overflowing with everything you need to make your holiday season truly magical. Whether you’re a card-making enthusiast or a scrapbooker at heart, there’s something for everyone in this spectacular collection.

Holiday Magic at Your Fingertips

This yearā€™s Holiday Mini Catalog is bursting with creative potential. Imagine crafting your holiday cards with stunning new stamp sets, coordinating dies, and gorgeous designer papers. The catalog includes everything from cozy winter scenes to elegant holiday florals, ensuring that your projects will stand out in style. And donā€™t forget the embellishments! With glittery accents, beautiful ribbons, and more, you can add the perfect finishing touches to all your holiday creations.

Here are a couple projects I made during my Facebook LIVE yesterday … featuring the “Take a Bow Bundle”

I also wanted to share another project you can do with your “bow” strips – create a background for a card. Along with the awesome Take a Bow designer paper, I incorporated some of the die cuts from the “A Little Bit Festive” pieces!

Introducing the Scrapbooking Catalog & New Cardstocks

But wait, thereā€™s more! Alongside the Holiday Mini Catalog, Stampin’ Up! has also launched the brand-new Scrapbooking Catalog ā€“ a digital-only guide filled with everything you need to preserve your precious memories. Whether you’re a seasoned scrapbooker or just getting started, this catalog is a treasure trove of inspiration. Check out the video walkthrough showcasing some of the products …

I’d also like to share the video introduction of the Two-Tone Cardstocks. These versatile papers are designed to coordinate perfectly with your scrapbook layouts, giving your pages a polished and professional look. With a range of rich, complementary colors, these cardstocks are perfect for capturing the essence of the holiday season.

The wait is finally over ā€“ you can now shop all the goodies youā€™ve been eagerly awaiting! Whether you’re planning to make your holiday cards, scrapbook your family memories, or both, these catalogs are packed with everything you need to make this season unforgettable.

Letā€™s kick off this holiday season with creativity, joy, and a whole lot of crafting! I canā€™t wait to see what you create with these fantastic new products. Watch for upcoming classes too!

Happy stamping, and happy holidays! šŸŒŸ

Sharing from the Heart

Posted in STAMPING EVENT by

Dear Stamping Friends,

I want to take a moment to share something from my heart with all of you. As many of you know, I absolutely love connecting with you through my daily blog posts. Sharing my creativity, tips, and ideas brings me so much joy, and I cherish the community weā€™ve built together.

However, as my creative journey continues to grow and expand, Iā€™ve found myself feeling a bit overwhelmed. In addition to my blog, Iā€™ve been pouring my heart into so many other outletsā€”our newsletter, Facebook LIVES, Classes, Clubs, Retreats, and now, a special VIP group. Each of these brings its own set of rewards and challenges, and I want to give my best to each one of them.

My VIP group, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. These are the amazing supporters who have placed orders with me, and will be invited to this exclusive group. Itā€™s important to me to offer something truly special for these VIP membersā€”never-before-seen projects, early notifications of Stampinā€™ Up! specials, stampinā€™ events, and so much more. Itā€™s my way of saying thank you for their continued support, not just of my creativity but of my business as a whole.

Because of this, Iā€™ve had to make the difficult decision to scale back my blog posts. I will still be sharing my creative work here, but it will no longer be on a daily basis. This was not an easy choice, but I believe itā€™s the right one so that I can continue to deliver the best possible content and experiences across all the platforms Iā€™m involved in.

I hope you understand, and I want you to know that my commitment to this community remains as strong as ever. Iā€™m so grateful for each and every one of you, whether youā€™re a VIP member or someone who enjoys the inspiration I share here on the blog.

Youā€™re always welcome to join me on any of these other platformsā€”whether itā€™s our fun and interactive Facebook LIVES, in-depth classes, creative clubs, exciting retreats, or by subscribing to the newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive content. Thereā€™s a place for everyone, and Iā€™d love to have you with me on these other adventures!

Thank you for your continued support, your creativity, and for being such an important part of my stamping journey.

With heartfelt thanks and stampin’ hugs, Linda

CLICK HERE TO GET TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE

#LIVEStampingDemonstration #FREEOnlineClass

Brewing Up Halloween Fun with a Playful Ghosts Fun Fold Card

Posted in Fun Folds, Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS, ONLINE EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS by

Hello, Stampin’ Friends! šŸ‘»

Yesterday, I shared a delightful Fun Fold Card and Video featuring the gorgeous Perennial Lavender designer paper. Today, I’m thrilled to show you how you can take that same fun fold layout and brew up some Halloween magic using the Playful Ghosts stamp set from our Online Exclusives.

To start, I switched up the designer paper, using the Thoughtful Journey collection as my background. You might think of this paper for travel-themed projects, but guess what? It works perfectly as a spooky backdrop too! The watercolor design gives just the right eerie touch to set the scene for some Halloween fun.

Next, I stamped my pumpkins, flying ghost, and Dracula ghost, bringing them to life with our vibrant Stampin’ Blends. These markers make it so easy to add depth and dimension to your images. I even used them to color in the moon, which I die cut with the Everyday Details Dies. Creating layers, I die cut a smaller Night of Navy circle for that extra pop of color.

For the sentiment, I went with a simple yet bold “BOO,” stamped directly onto the designer paper and then punched out. This little detail adds just the right amount of Halloween flair without overpowering the rest of the card.

I thought it would be cute to have the Dracula Ghost peeking out from the inside of the card. And to finish up, I embellished with some spooky little orbs, also known as Transparent Adhesive Backed Dots. These subtle, glossy dots add a perfect hint of mystery and shine to your card.

The Playful Ghosts stamp set is such a joy to work with. Whether you’re creating cards, treat bags, or other Halloween projects, this set is full of possibilities. And who knew that the Thoughtful Journey designer paper could be so versatile? Using it as a spooky background showcases the simplicity and creativity that makes crafting so much fun.

I hope this card inspires you to pick up the Playful Ghosts stamp set and create a Halloween masterpiece of your own. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Happy stamping! šŸŽƒ

Simply Sunday: Add a Touch of Flair with a Fun Fold Featuring Perennial Lavender Designer Paper

Posted in Fun Folds, HANDMADE CARDS, VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Welcome to another Simply Sunday, where creativity meets simplicity! Today, Iā€™m excited to share a fun fold card thatā€™s sure to add flair to your crafting projects. Weā€™ll be using the beautiful Perennial Lavender Designer Paper, which is currently on sale, and pairing it with the versatile Perennial Postage Dies to create something truly special.

This fun fold design is perfect for anyone looking to add a unique touch to their cards without the complexity. Whether youā€™re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this project is easy to follow and yields stunning results. The soft, elegant patterns of the Perennial Lavender Designer Paper bring a touch of sophistication to your cards, making them perfect for any occasion.

In todayā€™s video, Iā€™ll guide you step by step through the process of creating this card. Youā€™ll find all the dimensions you need in the video, so you can craft along with ease. The Perennial Postage Dies are the perfect companion for this project, offering beautifully detailed accents that complement the designer paper effortlessly. And that’s not all … I’m sharing several more cards that I have created with the beautiful Perennial Lavender paper.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

This fun fold card is sure to delight whoever receives it. And with the Perennial Lavender Designer Paper on sale, now is the perfect time to stock up on this must-have crafting essential. Imagine the beautiful cards you can create, not just with this design but with countless others that will come to life with these stunning products.

So, grab your crafting supplies, follow along with the video, and letā€™s make something beautiful together! And donā€™t forget, the Perennial Lavender Designer Paper wonā€™t be on sale forever, so be sure to take advantage of this deal while it lasts.

Happy crafting!

#patternpaper #stationary #papercrafting #cardmaking #perenniallavender

Accordion Fun Fold Card with Countryside Inn Designer Paper

Posted in Fun Folds, HANDMADE CARDS, TUTORIALS (How To), VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Ready to add some elegance to your crafting projects? The Countryside Inn Designer Paper is now on sale and itā€™s the perfect time to grab it! This stunning paper features beautiful patterns that bring a touch of the countryside to your creations. Whether youā€™re making cards, scrapbooks, or other paper crafts, this designer paper will add that special something to your projects.

To inspire you, I’ve put together a video tutorial that takes you step by step through creating an “Accordion” Fun Fold card using this gorgeous paper. Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and join me for this short video …

Dimensions:

  • Night of Navy Base: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″
  • Designer Paper: 12″ x 5-1/4″ Scored at 2″ – 5″ – and 8″
  • Basic White (Inside) 5″ x 3-3/4″
  • Plus you will need a piece of Night of Navy and Basic White to Die Cut your Greeting
  • Balmy Blue (Inside – 1st Flap) 5″ x 1-3/4″

See how simple it was to create something beautiful. Now that you know how to make this adorable card, head over to my store and take advantage of the saleā€”this is one offer you wonā€™t want to miss!

Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out my video today.

Enjoy your day ~

You’re Invited to My Online Mini Catalog Kick-Off Party! šŸŽ‰

Posted in CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT by

Hello, my stampin’ friends!

Iā€™m thrilled to invite you to a week of fun, creativity, and exclusive offers as we celebrate the launch of the new Mini Catalog on September 4th! So, starting Tuesday, August 27th, we’ll kick things off with a special LIVE event on my Facebook page at my regular time of 6:30 pm. Join me as I give you a sneak peek into the fabulous goodies that the catalog has to offer.

But thatā€™s just the beginning! Weā€™ll be partying all week long with exciting games, Prize Patrols, Live Demonstrations, and Party-only specials that you wonā€™t want to miss. Throughout the week, Iā€™ll be featuring brand-new products from the Mini Catalog, showing you just how amazing they are when paired with items you may already have in your collection. How cool is that?

This party is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to the latest must-haves while taking advantage of the ongoing Designer Series Paper sale. Plus, donā€™t forget to cash in your Bonus Days coupons for even more savings. Itā€™s a win-win!

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to have some stampin’ fun! I canā€™t wait to celebrate with you all and share the incredible new products that Stampin’ Up! has in store.

See you at the party!

FUN FOLD: Spotlight on Nature Card with Country Lace Designer Paper

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today, Iā€™m thrilled to share a stunning card created by a special guest blogger, Jo Ann, from my Design Team. This beautiful creation puts the exquisite Country Lace Designer Paper in the spotlight, paired perfectly with the versatile Spotlight on Nature stamp set.

The delicate lace patterns of the Country Lace Designer Paper add a touch of elegance and charm to any project, and Jo Annā€™s design showcases just how stunning this paper can be. Whether youā€™re crafting for a special occasion or just want to add some beauty to your day, this card is sure to inspire you.

Now, hereā€™s the exciting part: the Country Lace Designer Paper is currently on sale! This is a fantastic opportunity to stock up on this gorgeous paper, but hurryā€”the sale ends on August 31st. Donā€™t miss out on the chance to add this versatile and elegant paper to your collection at a discounted price.

Remember, the Designer Paper Sale is ending soon, so make sure to grab your favorites before theyā€™re gone. The Country Lace Designer Paper is a must-have for any crafter, offering endless possibilities for creating elegant, timeless projects. Thank you, Jo Ann, for sharing this lovely card with us!

Happy crafting, and remember, youā€™re worth it! Treat yourself to these beautiful papers and enjoy the joy of creating something special.

UPDATE: I am no longer sending the PDF to this card. 6 / 2025 LJS

Perennial Lavender Patterned Paper & the Split Card Technique

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~ā€‚

To my paper crafting enthusiasts … if you’re on the lookout for new and exciting ways to showcase your creativity, let me share this cute card with you. Today, we’ll explore a fantastic technique that not only lets you make a set of 16 cards effortlessly but also highlights the beauty of the Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper that is ON SALE Now. Get ready to be inspired by the Split Card technique!

The Split Card technique is a simple yet impactful way to create stunning cards with a unique design. For this project, I’ve chosen the Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper to be the star of the show. This exquisite paper features delicate lavender patterns that add a touch of elegance to any project.ā€‚

Start by cutting your Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper into equal 3″ x 3″ squares. These squares will be the basis of your Split Card design. If you like the “matted” look, cut the your Shaded Spruce Cardstock squares at 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″.ā€‚Each will be cut diagonally from corner to corner (same with mat) then layer the designer paper to the mat. Arrange them in opposite corners on your cardstock, leaving a gap in the middle.ā€‚The negative space created by the gap adds a modern and dynamic element to your cards, and a perfect space to add your greeting.

Now, let’s bring in the Paper Butterfly to take your cards to the next level. Choose the size butterfly you want and color it using the Highland Heather, Gorgeous Grape, and Berry Burst Stampin’ Write Markers. The combination of these vibrant hues will make your butterfly pop against the lavender background… and let’s not forget the “WOW” from the Wink of Stella.ā€‚The Stella will actually “moisten” your inks so they will blend together.ā€‚

To add a touch of sparkle and sophistication, embellish your cards with Purple Fine Shimmer Gems. These gems complement the color palette perfectly and bring a subtle shimmer to your creations. Place them strategically on the butterfly or around the negative space to enhance the overall visual appeal.ā€‚

One of the fantastic aspects of the Split Card technique is its scalability. With just a single sheet of Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper, you can create a set of 16 cards with ease. This makes it an excellent choice for batch card-making or creating personalized gifts for friends and family.

This simple technique allows you to explore your creativity and produce a stunning set of cards that will leave a lasting impression. Try it out … experiment with colors, and enjoy the joy of crafting!ā€‚Comment below if you will be trying out the Split Card Technique.

Have an awesome day ~

Transform Your Cards into Stunning Scrapbook Layouts

Posted in Fall / Autumn, Scrapbooking by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

If you’ve been following my recent blog posts, you know I’ve been diving into some fun techniques like 2-step stamping and the watercolor/direct-to-block technique. Today, Iā€™m excited to show you how you can take these card-making techniques and transform them into a beautiful 2-page scrapbook layout! Letā€™s turn those creative card ideas into memories that last a lifetime.

For this project, I used the Autumn Leaves stamp set and diesā€”just as I did on my recent cards. One of the great things about working with this set is that itā€™s so versatile; I created a bunch of leaves not knowing exactly how many Iā€™d need, and now I have plenty for future projects. Win-win!

The photos I chose for this layout are from a special day at the Pumpkin Farm with my daughters and grandkids. I started with a simple 4 x 6 photo of the kids posing in one of those adorable photo op spots. To frame the photo, I created a circle of leaves, using the die-cut leaves I made earlier. This circle not only draws attention to the photo but also adds a lovely autumnal touch without overwhelming the picture itself. Iā€™m a firm believer that the photo should always be the star of the pageā€”not get lost in a sea of embellishments.

For the title, I used the Alphabet ƀ La Mode dies and Pumpkin Pie cardstock to spell out a simple, yet impactful title. The bold letters in that warm orange hue perfectly capture the essence of the day.

On the second page, I wanted to carry over the circular motif, so I used the largest of the Stylish Shapes Circle dies to cut my photos into circles. I arranged these photos into a larger circle and then filled in the gaps with more die-cut leaves. Again, I made sure to leave space around the photos so they truly stand out.

For the scrapbook base, I chose the Nest of Winter Designer Paper (from the upcoming Mini Catalog), cutting it down to 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 inches and securing it to 12 x 12 sheets of Old Olive cardstock. The designer paper adds a subtle background that complements the photos and the autumn leaves without distracting from them. And to complement the dark colors on the second page, I added Adhesive Backed Transparent Dots to the first page in the purple hues.

This project shows just how easy it is to begin scrapbooking if youā€™re already into card-making. The techniques youā€™ve mastered on your cards can seamlessly translate into stunning scrapbook pages. So, if youā€™ve been thinking about giving scrapbooking a try, nowā€™s the perfect time!

Grab your Autumn Leaves stamp set, your favorite photos, and start creating those keepsakes! Thanks for stopping back, and let me know if scrapbooking is something you’d like to learn more about!

Creating Magic with Water-Based Inks & Autumn Leaves …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

It’s time to Create Magic with Water-Based Inks with some tips and techniques to help you in your cardmaking and scrapbooking! Previously I shared the differences between three of our most popular inks (Click Here to View) Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting on your creative journey, water-based inks offer a world of possibilities to enhance your projects.

Today, we’ll explore the exciting world of water-based inks with share tips and a fun technique that will take your card making and scrapbooking to the next level.

Why Water-Based Inks?

Water-based inks are immensely popular in the crafting community for several reasons:

  1. Versatility: Water-based inks work on a variety of surfaces, including paper, cardstock, vellum, and even fabric. They’re also great for different crafting techniques, making them incredibly versatile.
  2. Ease of Use: These inks are beginner-friendly, forgiving, and easy to clean up. You don’t need specialized equipment or ventilation like you do with some other types of inks.
  3. Blendability: Water-based inks can be effortlessly blended to create beautiful gradients and backgrounds. This feature is especially handy for creating unique card backgrounds and scrapbook pages.
  4. Layering: You can layer multiple colors to achieve complex effects and depth in your projects. This allows for endless creative possibilities.

Today we’re going to start with the basics … Simple stamping with a hint of a fun technique called “Stamping Off”. You can use pre-folded cards or cut and fold your own from cardstock. My base is an A2 size card; 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored and folded at 4-1/4″. Decide on the card’s theme and the colors you want to use. This is where your creativity shines.

Today we are using the new Autumn Leaves Stamp Set along with the Crushed Curry, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie water-based ink pads! The Autumn Leaves is a photopolymer stamp set so for best results I use the Stampin’ Pierce mat to stamp onto. (Use a scrap piece of paper over the top to keep it clean).

As for our technique to “stamp off” … you’ll ink up your image and then stamp it onto a scrap piece of paper before stamping it onto your cardstock. Position your inked stamp over the desired area on your card. Apply even pressure, pressing down firmly but not too hard. Hold the stamp in place for a moment to ensure the ink transfers. The veins for the leaves are inked up and then stamped directly over the stamped off leaf, giving it the look of dimension. It’s magical.

After use, clean your stamp with the Stampin’ Scrub or paper towel. I stay away from baby wipes, but if you use them, make sure they are alcohol, lotion and lint free… the last thing you want is to have on your stamps or ink pads is a foreign substance. This maintains the quality of your stamps.

I stamped the greeting onto a scrap piece of white cardstock using the Old Olive ink then trimmed it down. I added some of the Threaded Twine behind it after breaking it apart by pulling out a few threads. I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to pop it up. This was all layered onto a piece of 4-1/4″ x 5-5/8″ Crushed Curry mat.

Stamping cards with water-based inks is a fun and rewarding creative hobby. With practice and these tips, you’ll feel like a master card maker in no time. Each card you create will be a work of art, made with love and care…. and that is why we stamp! So, gather your materials, unleash your imagination, and start stamping your way to heartfelt greetings and beautiful cards!

Thank you for joining me today.