All Occasion Nature - Stampin' Up!® Nature's Symphony

   I'm sharing the third and final card my stampers made at my last class.  I do a lot of seasonal cards at class for upcoming holidays so it's nice to add in one that can be an all occasion card for whatever my stampers might need that isn't associated with a season or holiday.  We used the Nature's Symphony bundle for this one and used the Reason to Celebrate stamp set to add a sentiment of their choice or they could add one at home if they'd rather.

  I had noted down this color combo a while back and I'm not sure where it's from but I thought it was a bit different and would work for an all occasion card.  The card base is Secret Sea, then a layer of Soft Sea Foam embossed with the Soft Waves embossing folder which is currently Last Chance and on sale as of today.  Don't wait if you haven't gotten this one yet!  A narrow strip of Calypso Coral is added to the Soft Sea Foam layer.

  The branch is stamped in Soft Sea Foam and is die cut along with another branch in Fresh Freesia.  The branches are tucked together then adhered with dimensionals then added to the card front.  Using dimensionals to put the two branches together eliminates or reduces the need for glue or snail adhesive which can be hard to apply to the small leaves and the leaves with the die cut details.  The sentiment is stamped in Secret Sea and then the end is flagged before it's popped on a dimensional.

  A Secret Sea Bordered Open Weave ribbon knot is added to the stems with a glue dot. And finally a few Flat Pearls in Secret Sea are added.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the current supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE. 

Stamps: Nature's Symphony, Reason to Celebrate

Ink: Secret Sea, Soft Sea Foam

Paper: Secret Sea, Soft Sea Foam, Fresh Freesia, Calypso Coral, Basic White

Accessories: Nature's Symphony dies, dimensionals, Soft Waves embossing folder, Secret Sea Bordered Open Weave ribbon, 2025-2027 In Color Flat Pearls, dimensionals

Berry Sweet Banner - Stampin' Up!® Filled With Sweetness

   Today's card is another one my stampers made at my last class and uses the Filled With Sweetness bundle along with the Party Banners dies for a sweet card to let someone know you love them.

  The card base which you can't see is Basic White thick and that is topped with a piece of Basic White embossed with the Ladybug Picnic embossing folder.

  The Party Banners dies and Misty Moonlight cardstock are used for the banner which will be a base for the other elements.  The little heart is stamped in the corners and Strawberry Slush ribbon is wrapped around with a knot added.  The label shape is die cut twice, once in Crushed Curry the second in Basic White.  The ends are trimmed from the Basic White one, the sentiment stamped in Strawberry Slush and then put back together with the Crushes Curry label for a seamless 2 colored look.

  The berries are stamped and colored with blends and once they are die cut are paired up with one of the jam jar images from the Homemade Sweetness DSP.  My stampers got to choose from the different images in the DSP to make the card their own.  Those that chose the Peach jam swapped the Crushed Curry Label for Calypso Coral.  The berries and jar are popped on dimensionals as is the whole banner.

  The finishing touches are a few Strawberries & Dots embellishments on the banner and some white gel pen highlights on the berries.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the current supplies used to make this project can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Filled With Sweetness (Online Exclusive)

Ink: Strawberry Slush, Memento black, Misty Moonlight

Blends: Misty moonlight light & dark, Strawberry Slush light & dark

Paper: Basic White thick, Basic White, Misty Moonlight, Crushed Curry, Homemade Sweetness DSP (Online Exclusive)

Accessories:  Filled With Sweetness dies (Online Exclusive), Party Banners dies, dimensionals, Strawberry Slush Faux Linen ribbon, Strawberries & Dots embellishments, Ladybug Picnic embossing folder (Online Exclusive)

Hello Spring Birds - Stampin' Up!® Cutest Crew

   My stampers made this design at my last class with the super popular Cutest Crew bundle.  This set has gone in and out of stock since February and it should be back again soon so if you haven't gotten it yet the wait won't be much longer.  Cute it is indeed! I paired it up with some fresh spring colors for a sweet hello card.

  This is a simple layout but I included 2 super easy "techniques" on it to add interest.  The Coastal Cabana layer not only has the little bird tracks stamped on it but the edges have been roughed up by running the paper snips blade along them for an easy way to add texture.

  The second "technique" is the paper pleating on the Granny Apple Green layer.  The 1/2" wide strip is folded back on itself all the way down the length of it and then adhered with a strip of tear and tape on the Made With Love DSP in the sweet Bubble Bath flower pattern.

  A Spotlight on Nature circle die cut is used for the sentiment.  The birds are also stamped in Memento Black and then colored in with Blends,. I love these fresh spring colors!  The birds are die cut then popped on 2 layers of dimensionals over the pleated "grass".

  A few new Sunset Sparkle sequins are added to the sentiment circle for the finishing touch.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the current supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE. Items marked with a * will be available May 5.

Stamps: Cutest Crew (Online Exclusive)

Ink: Memento Black, Coastal Cabana

Blends: Daffodil Delight light & dark, Bubble Bath light & dark, Summer Splash light & dark, Granny Apple Green light & dark

Paper: Coastal Cabana, Basic White, Granny Apple Green, Made With Love DSP

Accessories: Cutest Crew dies (Online Exclusive), dimensionals, Sunset Sparkle Sequins*

Spring Flower Basket - Stampin' Up! Easter Basket

   Happy Easter to all who celebrate!  I had some time this afternoon while my short ribs are cooking in the crock pot before I have to start the collards so I thought I would share a card my stampers made at my last class.  While you may think the time for the Easter Basket bundle is finished I'm here to tell you that this basket is perfect for all year.  The card today has some pretty spring flowers in it but you could put whatever you want into the basket no matter the time of year!

  I went with cheery spring colors for this design.  The card base is Highland Heather, then a layer of Fresh Freesia.  The Basic White layer is die cut with the Textured Notes dies and that is where all the stamping action happens.

  Using the flower trio stamp and Basic Gray ink I stamped it once in the middle of the cardstock. Then using a mask I made with the same image I cover the center image I just stamped and then added more flowers around the first.  If needed use a second mask to fill in the area as you wish.

  Next the flower are colored in with Blends markers in the same colors as used on the rest of the card.

  The basket is die cut from a piece of the Easter Joy Specialty DSP in a nice basket weave pattern.  The colored strips are woven through the basket staves, a scalloped edge piece and grass are added as well.  Finally the finished basket is popped on dimensionals over the the stamped flowers.

  The finishing touch to this all occasion spring card is a Fresh Freesia fork bow (tutorial here).

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the current products used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Easter Basket

Ink: Basic Gray

Blends: Highland Heather light & dark, Fresh Freesia Light & dark, Daffodil Delight light & dark, Granny Apple Green light

Paper: Highland Heather, Fresh Freesia, Basic White, Granny Apple Green, Highland Heather, Easter Joy Specialty DSP, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Easter Basket dies, dimensionals, Textured Notes dies (retired), Fresh Freesia seam binding ribbon (retired)

Berry Sweet - Stampin' Up!® Filled With Sweetness

   I got to introduce my local stampers to the new Filled With Sweetness bundle at my last class.  This set of products came out in the March Online Exclusives and they are really cute and fun to work with!  We used the jar stamp and die to make a one layered base card with the jar shape that opens!

  The one layer base is Strawberry Slush and is embossed with the Ladybug Picnic embossing folder.  It gives a nice texture and is so cute!

  The jar image was stamped on a 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of Basic White and the image is positioned on the right side of the cardstock (positioned longways) so that when it gets die cut and you fold it in the middle it creates a jar shaped card!  So cute! 

  The jar has a bit of Pool Party ink blended onto it where the "glass" has the little highlight marks just to give the image some depth.  Then the label is stamped and die cut.  The berries are stamped onto Two Toned cardstock and the strawberry stem is colored with Granny Apple Green watercolor pencil.  The blueberries are popped on dimensionals.

  The jar is topped with a pattern from the coordinating Homemade Sweetness DSP in this sweet floral pattern.  A baker's twine bow is added as well.  And a last touch on the outside is the super cute strawberry from the Strawberries & Dots embellishments.

  The blueberries are stamped again and lightly colored with blended Pool Party ink on the inside.  

  This card would be a great thank you if you're returning tupperware or baking pans to someone who brought you some homemade food! Or to go along with a gift of food for someone else! Or Mother's Day! Or a birthday!  I could go on but you get the idea!

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the current supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Filled With Sweetness (Online Exclusive)

Ink: Misty Moonlight, Pool Party, Strawberry Slush

Paper: Strawberry Slush, Basic White, Two Toned Misty Moonlight, Two Toned Strawberry Slush, Homemade Sweetness DSP (Online Exclusive)

Accessories: Ladybug Picnic embossing folder (Online Exclusive), Filled With Sweetness dies (Online Exclusive), dimensionals, watercolor pencils, baker's twine, Strawberries & Dots

Spring Easter Basket - Stampin' Up!® Easter Basket

 After a few warm days here in central Virginia some of my spring bulbs are flowering and the rest are on their way!  It's definitely time to think about spring cards and get ready for all that pastel goodness!  My stampers made this card last week at class and they got a good taste of spring with the Easter Basket bundle!

  This design starts with a Balmy Blue card base, then a piece of Easter Joy Specialty DSP.  This paper is very sturdy with fun metallic accents in cheerful spring colors.  

  The basket is cut out of Crumb Cake and a bit of Shy Shamrock grass is added to the inside.  Next comes filling the basket with all the adorable images in the Easter Basket stamp set.  All of the images are stamped in Basic Gray and then colored in with Blends.  It was fun to mix and match colors so each egg looks a bit different.  After the images are die cut they are added to the basket with the little chick being popped on dimensionals.

  The bunny and a second chick are stamped, colored, die cut and then added to outside the basket which fills in the layout. 

  The sentiment is stamped in Balmy Blue and adhered and a Balmy Blue gingham bow is the final touch.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Easter Basket

Ink: Balmy Blue, Basic Gray

Blends: Smoky Slate light, Pretty in Pink light & dark, Lemon Lolly light and dark, Peach Pie light & dark, Balmy Blue light & dark, Shy Shamrock light & dark

Paper: Balmy Blue, Basic White, Crumb Cake, Easter Joy Specialty DSP, Shy Shamrock

Accessories: Easter Basket dies, dimensionals, Balmy Blue gingham ribbon, 

Tropical Blooms - Stampin' Up!® Simply Beautiful

   The Simply Beautiful bundle makes gorgeous layered flowers and my local stampers got to see for themselves at my last class when they made this bright tropical floral card.

  The supply packet for this project was quite boring with all Basic White cardstock pieces except for a small piece of Daffodil Delight.  But the fun of this card is getting to add all the color!

  The card base is Basic White thick, then a layer of Basic White embossed with the Beautiful Pattern embossing folder. Then a strip of Basic White for the sentiment in Granny Apple Green.

  Finally the fun!  Using Daffodil Delight, Timid Tiger and Poppy Parade ink and blending brushes the ink is blended onto a panel of Basic White and then the flower layers are die cut from it.  This is a fun technique to get multi-colored flowers in whatever combo you'd like. The large flower is the 2 largest dies plus a smaller die.  There is a dimensional between the 2 larger layers.  The small flower is 2 layers also with a dimensional.  Both flowers have Daffodil Delight pistil and stamens.

  The leaves are made the same way with Granny Apple Green blended in and then the leaf image stamped over the top in the same ink.

  The final touch for this card is a pair of Pearlized Faceted Circles to add some sparkle.

  I shared a sped up video of this design coming together over on Instagram if you'd like to take a look!

 Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Simply Beautiful

Ink: Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight, Timid Tiger, Poppy Parade

Paper: Basic White thick, Basic White, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Beautiful Pattern embossing folder, Simply Beautiful dies, dimensionals, Pearlized Faceted Circles

Nature Guy - Stampin' Up!® Nature's Symphony

   My stampers and I agree that making guy cards can be tough and we don't always have a lot of ideas.  I designed today's card for my last class to give them some starting points for a guy card.  This one shows off the Nature's Symphony bundle and Nature Walk DSP to make non-boring masculine card.

  Layering and texture are great things to incorporate into a masculine card because they add detail without froofiness (that's a word right?).  This card starts with a Crumb Cake base stamped with the Lasting Linen background stamp using Crumb Cake ink; nice detail, no froof.

  Next is a Pretty Peacock panel with 3 graduating sized strips of the Nature Walk DSP; interest and pattern, no froof.  This whole DSP pack is great and you could mix and match many of the patterns to make a variety of cards in this style.

  For texture the Lost Lagoon leaf die cut and Crumb Cake wood plank are added; wood is definitely not froofy here.

  The sentiment is stamped in Secret Sea on a strip of Very Vanilla with the edges torn; more texture.  A length of Secret Sea faux linen ribbon is tucked between the sentiment and plank die cut.  Now a bow would be froofy but a loop is not.

  Metallic embellishments usually work well for a masculine card so a few Faux Bronze Pentagons finish off the details.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Nature's Symphony 

Ink: Secret Sea, Crumb Cake

Paper: Crumb Cake, Pretty Peacock, Lost Lagoon, Nature Walk DSP, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Nature's Symphony dies, dimensionals, Faux Linen ribbon, Faux Bronze Pentagons

Watercolor Blossom - Stampin' Up!® Simply Beautiful

   My stampers made this watercolor card at my last class using the Simply Beautiful Bundle.  This easy technique requires no painting experience!

  This one starts with a Crumb Cake base then a layer of Lovely & Beautiful DSP in a subtle Old Olive pattern.  Just under the edge of the DSP is a strip of Petunia Pop Two Toned cardstock with a torn edge.  To hide the seam of the 2 papers is a length of Old Olive Specialty RickRack adhered with Tear and Tape.

  The blossom is the star of the card!  It's stamped in Versamark onto watercolor paper and then embossed with gold embossing powder.  Water is then spritzed onto the flower until it puddles in the separate petals.  Then using a waterpainter and a small amount of reinker (this one uses Darling Duckling and Petunia Pop) the tip of the painter is touched to the puddles in the flower letting the ink spread out.  Once you like the look you can dry the water and ink with a heat tool or let it air dry before adding it to the card front.  The best part of this technique is that each one will be completely different depending on the amount of water and ink you add.

  A leaf is stamped in Old Olive ink onto the light side of the Old Olive Two Toned cardstock and is die cut and tucked under the edge of the blossom.  A simple sentiment is added just under the torn paper. Finally a few faceted sequins are added to bring in some more gold.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Simply Beautiful, Banner Sayings

Ink: Darling Duckling, Petunia Pop, Old Olive, Versamark

Paper: Crumb Cake, Watercolor paper, Lovely & Beautiful DSP, Two Toned Old Olive, Two Toned Petunia Pop

Accessories: Simply Beautiful Dies, dimensionals, gold embossing powder, Old Olive Specialty RickRack, Loose Gold Sequins

Bear Hugs - Stampin' Up!® Valentine Kisses

  Here's another card that was meant to be made by my stampers at my January class and they only got to make it last week.  It was to be a Valentine's Day card but I added the option for a happy birthday sentiment on the inside for those that were already set on their Valentine's day cards.  These bears are just adorable and I love how you can give them different items to hold!

  I wanted this one to be more of a card without the red/pink "in your face" Valentine's Day theme so I stuck with a nice blue color palette.  Secret Sea is used for the base as well as the Hearts of Love embossed panel.

  The colored stripes are each stamped with one of the tiny accent stamps in the Valentine Kisses stamp set.  They make for a nice pop of color behind the bear.

  The bear is stamped in Pecan Pie and then colored with blends.  My stampers had to the choice to used colored pencils and blender pens if they like that type of coloring instead.  We gave him a sweet little Cherry Cobbler heart to hold and then popped him up on dimensionals above the stamped sentiment.

  Since I was trying to keep this one from being too froofy (technical term) all the embellishment that was added is a baker's twine bow.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the current supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Valentine Kisses (Online Exclusive)

Ink: Secret Sea, Blueberry Bushel, Azure Afternoon, Coastal Cabana, Pecan Pie

Blends: Pecan Pie light & dark, Ivory

Paper: Secret Sea, Blueberry Bushel, Azure Afternoon, Coastal Cabana, Basic White, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Valentine Kisses dies (Online Exclusive), Hearts of Love embossing folder, dimensionals, blue baker's twine (retired)

Sending You Love - Stampin' Up!® Endless Love

   Happy Valentine's Day!  Hope you get and give some hugs and kisses today!  I was finally able to have my stampers make this design at my last class that had to be rescheduled twice since the end of January due to the winter storm we had on January 24. That snow and ice stuck around for nearly 2 weeks which is unheard of here in Richmond!  But at least they got to make it before Valentine's Day.

  This design is basically showing off the Made With Love suite collection featuring the Endless Love bundle.  The classic red/pink color combo shows off nicely with Real Red, Flirty Flamingo and a bit of Strawberry Slush.

  It starts with a Real Red base, then a Basic White Perennial Postage die cut topped with a piece of Made With Love DSP.  Before adhering those layers a Bubble Bath faux linen ribbon is tied around.

  A large heart is die cut out of Flirty Flamingo.  It has a few small hearts cut out from one side for extra detail.  A heart is stamped in Strawberry Slush on Basic White and is die cut.

  The sentiment words are stamped in Real Red and the 'love' is trimmed down to mimic bubble letters.  The words are popped on dimensionals and the heart from the cut out from the Flirty Flamingo heart is popped on the 'o' and colored with Wink of Stella.

  I hope your heart day is filled with love!

Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Endless Love

Ink: Real Red, Strawberry Slush

Paper: Real Red, Flirty Flamingo, Basic White, Made With Love DSP

Accessories: Endless Love dies, Perennial Postage dies, Bubble Bath Faux Linen ribbon, dimensionals, Wink of Stella

Modern Christmas - Stampin' Up!® Ornamental Christmas

   The Modern Christmas Specialty DSP is the star of the show on today's card!  I know I've said it before but I love the bold black and gold designs and I wanted to design a class card that used as many patterns as I could.  If you still need to make a number of cards to mail out this is a great one that isn't too fussy!

 It starts with a Basic White thick card base and then a piece of the Modern Christmas DSP in a gold foil star pattern goes across the bottom of the card front.

  Next, using several sizes of circle punches (circle dies can be used as well) a variety of patterns and sizes are punched out and layered across the top edge of the star DSP.

  

  The ornament on the front is die cut so it's 2 layers and opens like a tag.  It's embellished with gold foil accents and the sentiment.

  The tag element is easy to make.  Just fold a piece of Basic White in half so that it is big enough for the die and line up the die just off the folded edge of cardstock so that instead of cutting 2 shapes you get one with a connected edge. Cut with your die cutter as usual.  I would suggest using a sticky note or painters tape to hold it so it doesn't move.

  You can use this same technique to create gift tags as well.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE. 

Stamps: Ornamental Christmas (Online Exclusive)

Ink: Memento Black

Paper: Basic White thick, Basic White, Gold Foil, Modern Christmas Specialty DSP

Accessories: Ornamental Christmas dies (Online Exclusive), dimensionals, circle punches or dies, Black & Gold Baker's twine (Online Exclusive)

Snowy Cabin - Stampin' Up!® Woodland Scenery

   My local stampers got inky last week at class with a fun night sky/snowy cabin card.  We had fun using blending brushes, paint pens and a tiny bit of fussy cutting to bring this scene to life. They were a little leery at first but they trusted the process (and themselves) and created one of a kind winter skies.  The Woodland Scenery stamp set is so cute and I've loved working with it for my Christmas cards this year.

  I was inspired to design this card after seeing this card from Michelle Zindorf who is a master at ink blending and brayering.  I changed up the layout and colors but the techniques are all hers and the end results are so cute!

  This one starts with a piece of Lights of Aurora DSP on the card base front to add even more "winter night sky feel" to the card.  The scene is built upon a Textured Notes die panel in Basic White.  I wanted a bit of detail to frame out the scene.  It's backed with a slightly larger piece of Basic White.

  I used Highland Heather, Azure Afternoon and Gorgeous Grape for the sky.  The trees and sentiment are stamped in Blackberry Bliss.  The cabin, smoke and sled are stamped in Secret Sea.  The cabin is the only piece that is fussy cut

  The snow is just 3 different sizes of white Posca markers dotted over the inked sky.  I used the fine tip marker to add detail to the stamped smoke as well. Lemon Lolly light Blends marker is used to color the cabin window for a nice cheery glow.

  A few Purple Fine Shimmer Gems are added to the sky for a final detail.  And I think this would be a great Happy New year card with a quick change of sentiment too!

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Woodland Scenery, Wishing You Joy

Ink: Highland Heather, Azure Afternoon, Gorgeous Grape, Blackberry Bliss, Secret Sea

Blends: Lemon Lolly light

Paper: Lights of Aurora DSP, Basic White

Accessories: blending brushes, Textured Notes dies, dimensionals, Posca paint markers, Purple Fine Shimmer Gems

Christmas Mail Gift Card Holder - Stampin' Up!® Jolly Delivery

 This card starts all the way back in August at the demonstrator preorder for the Sept.-Dec, mini catalog.  I ordered the Jolly Delivery bundle mostly because of the treat box die that was included because I knew it would be great for making treat packaging but also for gift cards.  Imagine my disappointment when I realized the box was actually too small for a gift card.  Cue the sad trombone noise lol!  Anyway I knew that I could probably figure out how to alter the box to fit a gift card but I just kept putting it off.  Never fear though, there are always way more organized demos than me who are gracious enough to share their "how to's" and that's what happened here!  Thanks to Liz Shannon at Ready Set Demo for sharing how she altered the treat box to make it fit a gift card!

  My stampers made this design at class last week and I taught them Liz's alteration for the gift card holder.  The base of the card is Pool Party, then a layer of Garden Green embossed with the Traditional Wreath embossing folder.  The raised image is highlighted with Garden Green ink and a blending brush.

A bit of North Pole Delivery DSP and Poppy Parade cardstock go across the middle of the card. 

  

  The mailbox and sentiment are stamped on a Stylish Shape circle.  The dog is stamped and die cut and it and the mailbox are colored in with watercolor pencils and a blender pen.  A bit of retired Pool Party ribbon accents the edge of the circle.  A few Peppermint embellishments are added to finish the details on the front.

 The real magic on this card is inside.  After die cutting, stamping and altering the treat box we ended up with a sweet little envelope pouch as a gift card holder.

 Altering the box die cut isn't hard at all and it's really just folding the flaps on some of the score lines and not others as well as just changing the placement for the die cut for the closure tab.  Watch Liz's video (linked above) for all the details.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the current supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Jolly Delivery

Ink: Memento Black, Poppy Parade, Garden Green

Paper: Pool Party, Garden Green, Basic White, Poppy Parade, North Pole Delivery DSP

Accessories: Jolly Delivery Dies, Stylish Shapes dies, dimensionals, Peppermint embellishments, Pool Party ribbon (retired), watercolor pencils, blender pen 

Frosty Snowflake - Stampin' Up!® Snowy Delights

   I got to show off the Snowy Delights bundle at my last class and we made this frosty layered snowflake that really makes a statement!  

  It starts with a Balmy Blue base and then a 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" square of Basic White is for all of the stamping/ink blending.  The large snowflake from the Snowy Delights stamp set is used along with Gorgeous Grape ink for a big snowflake image.  

  In class we used the #1 and #3 masks (which are included with the stamp set) to lightly blend Balmy Blue and Highland Heather inks to fill in the snowflake.

  Next using the newly re-released vellum paper (now it comes in 12x12!!!)  a smaller die cut snowflake is layered on top of the stamped one.

  The sentiment is stamped in Gorgeous Grape on a strip of Basic White, backed with a narrow strip of Gorgeous Grape and then some Balmy Blue sheer ribbon is looped behind for some gorgeous texture and layers. The whole piece is then popped on dimensionals.

  Finally a few Frosted Iridescent Dots are added for the finishing touch.  3 of the 4 colors in this set of dots match the colors of this card so the mix and match possibilities were fun to play with in class!

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Snowy Delights

Ink: Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather, Balmy Blue

Paper: Balmy Blue, Gorgeous Grape, Basic White, vellum

Accessories: Snowy Delights dies, Snow Delights Decorative Masks, dimensionals, Balmy Blue Sheer ribbon, Frosted Iridescent Dots, dimensionals, blending brushes

Autumn Quilt Block - Stampin' Up! Gathering Together Specialty DSP

 My card is one of those designs that looks intimidating at first but once you know how it comes together you realize "hey, I can totally make this!"  Lorraine Tierney, another Stampin' Up! demo shared her version of this card and as soon as I saw it I wanted to to know "how?".  Luckily she gave a great tutorial and I was able to teach it to my stampers.  They loved it and it's always wonderful to have something to do with all those half inch strips of DSP that accumulate!

  I wanted to use the Gathering Together Specialty DSP in my version to make a nice autumn inspired card with the colors.  I started with a Cajun Craze card base, then added a band of Old Olive with a bit of Basic Beige Classic Ribbon tied around it.

  The quilt block starts with a 3" x 3" square of Basic Beige and 4  1/2" x 6 inch strips of DSP. Using a pencil and ruler lightly draw a line diagonally from corner to corner so you have an X on the cardstock. 

 Add a bit of glue to one corner and then line up 2 of the strips along either side of one of the pencil lines.  Just do glue in the corner for now and use the wiggle room the glue allows for to get the DSP straight.  Then take your other 2 pieces of DSP and weave them through the first 2 pieces; one over and then under, the second under then over (like you're weaving a paper placemat back in kindergarten!).  Then add a bit of glue to the next corner and line up the woven strips along the pencil line, adjusting all the strips so they are straight and even. Gently lift up the loose ends and add a but of glue under the strips and secure them all down.

  For the next step trim off the overhang of the strips so they are nice and even along the edges.  Then take 4 pieces of Basic Beige cut to 3/4" square. Add one little square to each outside corner of the woven square and that's how you get the perfect pointed edges along the DSP.  And finally emboss the quilt block with a folder of your choice.  I used the Gathering Leaves embossing folder for mine.  

  Once the quilt block is finished and embossed it's adhered to an Early Espresso panel and popped up on the card front with dimensionals.

  The sentiment from The Right Words stamp set is stamped below the block in Early Espresso.  A few Streaked Dots are added for the final detail.

  Lorraine has a fantastic video on her blog post so you can see how the card comes together if you are more of a visual learner.  Thanks to her for sharing this great technique!

Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

  All of the supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: The Right Words (Online Exclusive)

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper: Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Early Espresso, Basic Beige, Gathering Together Specialty DSP (Online Exclusive)

Accessories: Gathering Leaves embossing folder, dimensionals, Basic Beige Classic ribbon, Streaked Dots

Fresh Fall Thanks - Stampin' Up!® Gathering Moments

     I'm always on the lookout for fun color combos and I came across one that I thought would be a great fall combo so I paired it up with the Gathering Moments bundle for a project at my last class.

  I like to show my stampers different techniques as well as different looks for stamp sets and the Gathering Moments stamp set works well for creating a background as well as a main focus.  

  This card starts with a Pool Party base.  We created the fun background by blending Pool Party, Timid Tiger, Cajun Craze and Blackberry Bliss inks onto a panel of Basic White.  The smaller images from the stamp set are arranged on one block and then stamped on the ink blended panel in a random pattern with Versamark and then embossed with white embossing powder..

  The stamped panel (3" x 4 1/2") is cut in half at 1 1/2" and then each strip has a 1 1/2" square cut; one at the top and the other from the bottom.  The cut pieces are adhered to a Blackberry Bliss panel and then it's adhered to the card front.  

  The Traditional Labels dies is used for the sentiment and a Cajun Craze stamped leaf is stamped and die cut to embellish the label.  A linen thread bow and Cajun Craze and Gold dots finish off the details.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Gathering Moments (Online Exclusives)

Ink: Pool Party, Timid Tiger, Cajun Craze, Blackberry Bliss, Versamark

Paper: Pool Party, Blackberry Bliss, Basic White

Accessories: Gathering Moments dies (Online Exclusives), Traditional Labels dies, white embossing powder, dimensionals, Cajun Craze & Gold dots, linen thread

Jolly Shaker - Stampin' Up! Ornamental Christmas

   I had so much fun showing my customers this fairly simply shaker card at my last class.  You can easily switch out the paper and shape to do any theme you like with the same basic layout.  The Ornamental Christmas bundle is perfect for a nice seasonal shaker and a red/green combo can't be beat.

  We started this one with a Garden Green card base.  Then using the Ornamental Christmas dies cut the tree out of the Christmas Tags & More DSP.   Using the opening in the DSP, line up a piece of Basic White behind the DSP and stamp the tree in Garden Green.

  Next, adhere the window sheet to the back of the DSP being careful if you use glue to not let it seep out the edges.  Use the foam adhesive strips to make an outline around the tree opening giving about a 1/4" space from the opening. Add some double layered dimensionals around the edges so that when you adhere the shaker to the card front everything is even; the foam strips are taller than dimensionals so you need them stacked to reach the same height.

  To add a fun element to the shaker pieces we used gold foil and the adorable A Little Cheer mini punches for some nice Christmas shapes to go along with the loose gold sequins.  Gather the shaker pieces on the center of the stamped Christmas and adhered the DSP/window sheet lining up the stamped image in the window.  Then adhere the whole panel to the card front.

  The sentiment is simply stamped and punched out and layered on a Garden Green label from the Traditional Label dies with a Real Red ribbon loop sandwiched in between.

  A few more Little Cheer gold foil punches to finish it off; star on top of the tree and a Christmas tree on the sentiment.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.

Stamps: Ornamental Christmas (Online Exclusive)

Ink: Garden Green, Real Red

Paper: Garden Green, Basic White, Christmas Tags & More DSP, Gold Foil

Accessories: Window sheets, dimensionals, foam strips, A Little Cheer mini punch pack (Online Exclusives), loos gold sequins, Traditional Labels dies, Real Red ribbon (retired)

Squirrely Birthday - Stampin' Up!® Fluffy Squirrel

 Today's card is the last card my stampers made at class this week.  I'm not sure they like the squirrel as much as me because I like it A LOT!  We used it to make kind of a masculine birthday card; aren't these colors good for a guy card??

  This one starts with a Crumb Cake base. Next is a layer of Pretty Peacock that the left hand side is embossed with one of the Glass & Gardens embossing folders.  Some Pretty Peacock ink is blended around the embossed side for some added depth.  

  A panel of Summer Splash is stamped with the crosshatch stamp from the Fluffy Squirrel stamp set and is adhered on the other side of the Pretty Peacock panel.

  The stump is stamped in Pecan Pie ink onto a panel of Very Vanilla. and then colored with Blends markers.  On another piece of Very Vanilla the squirrel is also stamped in Pecan Pie.  My stampers had the choice to use full strength or stamped off once ink for the body of the squirrel.  This sample is full strength.  The squirrel is punched out and then popped on dimensionals on the stump.

  The little gift is stamped and colored in and then fussy cut and added to squirrels hands.  The Stylish Shapes dies were used to cut the banner and then sentiment is stamped in Pretty Peacock.

  The final touch are a few Streaked Dots embellishments at the bottom.  They look great with these blues and Pecan Pie.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

 All of the current supplies used to make this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.  Items marked with a * will be available Sept. 3, 2025

Stamps: Fluffy Squirrel*

Ink: Pretty Peacock, Pecan Pie, Summer Splash

Blends: Pecan Pie light & dark, Summer Splash light, Pretty Peacock light

Paper: Crumb Cake, Pretty Peacock, Very Vanilla, Summer Splash

Accessories: Squirrel builder punch*, Glass & Garden embossing folder, dimensionals, Streaked Dots*

Gather Gate Fold - Stampin' Up!® Gathering Moments

   I used the super easy gate fold card to show off a ton of new products to my local stampers at my last class.  I loved how the large oak leaf die from the Gathering Moments die set was the perfect element to span both of the gate fold panels!

  I pulled the rich fall colors directly from the Gathering Together DSP.  The gold accents really make this an elegant pattern!  I started with an Early Espresso base cut at 4 1/4" x 11".  Score at 2 1/2" and 8".  And that's all there is to the this gate fold card!  O told you it was easy!  Using the Gathering Moments stamp set one of the leaf stamps is stamped on the larger of gate panels.  Early Espresso ink is used for a nice subtle tone on tone look.

  Next the large leaf is die cut from Cajun Craze and then it's embossed with the  Gathering Leaves embossing folder.  Dimensionals are used on just the top portion of the leaf and it's then adhered to the left side of the card front.  

  The new Traditional Label dies are perfect for the sentiment and the edge is a perfect spot for the Crushed curry acorn accent.  Using more new products the embellishments are finished off with an Early Espresso baker's twine bow and Cajun Craze & Gold Dots.

  Thanks for looking!  Did you stamp today?

All of the current supplies used on this card can be purchased in my ONLINE STORE.  Items marked with a * will be available Sept. 3, 2025.

Stamps: Gathering Moments*

Ink: Early Espresso, Crushed Curry

Paper: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Basic White, Gathering Together Specialty DSP*

Accessories: Gathering Moments dies*, Traditional Labels dies*, Early Espresso Baker's Twine*, Cajun Craze & Gold Dots*, Gathering Leaves embossing folder*, dimensionals