Wedding Anniversary Card Using 'Nuts about Squirrels'

 Happy Monday crafty friends!

I am officially celebrating 13 years of marriage to my handsome husband and there's nothing like saying Happy Anniversary than with a handmade card!

I've been behind on using my stamp sets that I've purchased and believe it or not, I hadn't gotten to play with the Nuts about Squirrels stamp set! You can find this adorable stamp set at my Online Store or on page 49 of the Stampin' UP! 2021 Holiday Catalog.

 During the making of this card, I really wished there was a punch or dies for this set. The most tedious part about this was having to cut out all those leaves and nuts. However, I was able to manage.

Cardmaking Tips:

• prepare the Thick Very Vanilla card base background by adding some So Saffron ink with a blending brush, making sure to have the darkest shade at the top.
• for the Sun in the background, you can choose to create a 2 1/2" circle mask while you're blending the ink OR you can simply add a 2 1/2" circle from Very Vanilla cardstock. 
• Use the Cork Specialty Paper to create the tree trunk and the tree branch. 
• Use the oval shape of the Hat Builder Dies to trace the outside of the die onto the middle of the tree trunk. Cut out with scissors. Note: I didn't use the die itself to cut out the shape because I wanted the hole slightly larger.  
• the tree trunk was popped up with dimensionals while the tree branch was adhered directly onto the card front.
• Stamp about 6 acorns using Crumb Cake and Soft Suede ink then cut them out to fill the hole of the tree trunk.
• Use Early Espresso ink to stamp the tree branch two times as shown.
• For the masculine squirrel, stamp the 2 images onto a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock using Soft Suede for the outline and Crumb Cake for the shading. Cut out with scissors.
• For the feminine squirrel, use the reverse stamping technique to stamp it onto a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock. The Stamparatus and the silicone craft sheet are extremely helpful with this! Add some eyelashes with your Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker.
• Stamp about 20 leaves onto Very Vanilla cardstock using Rich Razzleberry, Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry and Cajun Craze inks. I stamped the image in full strength ink then stamped again without reinking to get the different shades of leaves. Cut them ALL out with your scissors...while you're listening to music or watching TV.
• The heart was cut out from Cherry Cobbler cardstock.

Inside Card

• The background for the inside of the card was the same as the front except for the sun image. This time I created a smaller mask (1 1/2" circle) to place onto the cardstock while I added the ink with the blending brush. 
• a 1" strip of the Cork Specialty Paper was adhered directly onto the cardstock using tape adhesive.
• The tree branch was stamped using Early Espresso ink.
• the two leaves were stamped onto a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock using Cherry Cobbler ink. One leaf was stamped in full strength ink and the other was stamped off, without reinking. 
• Add the sentiment using Early Espresso ink and adhere 2 more acorns underneath.

Cardmaking Supplies:

The following link provides the full list of products used to make this card, except for cutting tools and adhesives: https://s.tamp.in/x1l9Wv 

I do hope you've enjoyed today's post! Don't hesitate to leave me a comment below. I'd LOVE to hear from you!

Until next time... 

#TGIFC333 Sketch Challenge Meets 'Hippo Happiness'

 Hello Crafty Friends! 

I'm so glad to be back and feeling more like myself after getting sick for a while without any energy to craft! Yeah, I got the 'Rona'...

Anywho, moving onto this week's TGIF Challenge #333.

As I got to thinking about what my layout should be like, I immediately thought of strips of clouds so I went off of this idea and also wanted to use the alcohol technique for my cloud background, since I hadn't tried it. The alcohol technique is where you spread some color onto a piece of vellum with whatever color you'd like of a Stampin' Blend marker then bleed the colors using at least 91% alcohol.

I feel like the design of the card came together pretty close to what I was imagining in my head so I went with it. In comparison to the sketch challenge, I rotated the card to portrait mode and ended up fitting only two strips instead of three.

This unicorn rainbow card has quite a few elements in it so allow me to share some.. 

Cardmaking Tips:

• The card base is from Balmy Blue cardstock, cut to 11" x 4 1/4" and scored at 5 1/2". The card opens from bottom to top.
• Use a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" piece of vellum and your Dark Balmy Blue Stampin' Blend marker to add some color throughout this piece, focusing on the top and bottom edges. Using a waterpainter filled with 91% alcohol, dab the vellum to achieve the desired look. Let dry.
• Adhere the top and bottom edges of the vellum onto the Balmy Blue card base using some Tombow glue and a sponge, making sure to spread evenly. 
• The rainbow piece was also created using vellum. Use a pencil to sketch the outline of the rainbow (mine measures 4" wide on bottom and is 2 1/2" tall). Use the following Dark Stampin Blend colors from top to bottom of the rainbow: Poppy Parade, Mango Melody, Daffodil Delight, Granny Apple Green, Bermuda Bay and HIghland Heather. Using a waterpainter filled with 91% alcohol, trace the rainbow lines to help blend the colors together. Let dry then cut out with your scissors.
• The clouds were cut from 2 1/2" x 4 1/4" strips of Basic White cardstock using the cloud shape from the Basic Borders dies. Pop them up from the vellum background using plenty of dimensionals.
• Use the same colors you used in the rainbow to stamp the starburst image repeatedly onto the clouds as shown. 
• The unicorn image was stamped onto a piece of Basic White cardstock using Daffodil Delight and Granny Apple green ink. 
• The unicorn was placed onto a separate cloud that was cut out from Basic White cardstock using the Give It A Whirl dies.
• Give the card front some finishing touches with adding some Wink of Stella glimmer to the stamped butterflies and then adhering a strip of the black and white sentiment towards the bottom. 

• Bring in the same vellum background to the inside of the card then cut a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of Basic White cardstock to trim the top and bottom edges using the cloud border die.

Cardmaking Supplies:

The following link includes a list of supplies used for this card: https://s.tamp.in/X3jeyj 

I sure do hope that you have enjoyed reading this week's post and are inspired to create your own card using the TGIF sketch. 

Until next time ... 

Saying goodbye with Delicate Dahlias

 Hello Crafty Friends!

I have a card sample that I created for a friend and co-worker of mine that will be moving into a new chapter of life in her career. 

I didn't want to pass up the opportunity to use the Delicate Dahlias stamp set from the 2021 Sale-a-Bration brochure.  This exclusive stamp set can only be earned for FREE when you purchase $50 or more in current Stampin' UP! products.

This sweet card is not the typical card size. I made it larger so that our office folks can have plenty of room to sign it. The finished card size is A9 (5 1/2 x 8 1/2).

 I CASE-D (Copy And Share Everything) this card from Simone Bartrum that had a few project ideas she showed on Pinterest. I loved the layout she created for the card and I made my card similar with a few different elements and different colors: Polished Pink and Mint Macaron. 

Cardmaking Tips

• finished card size is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" from Polished Pink cardstock.
• The Basic White mat measures 5" X 8"
• The Mint Macaron piece measures 4 1/4" x 7 7/8"
• Use the Scalloped Contour Die to trim the left edge of the Mint Macaron piece after stamping the Dahlia images using Mint Macaron ink.
• Cut 2- 1/4" strips of the Be Dazzling Specialty Paper to adhere toward the left edge of the Mint Macaron piece. (This is only available for FREE as part of the Sale-a-bration promotion).
• The Dahlias, small flowers, and leaves are stamped on Basic White cardstock and fussy cut to adhere to the card front with dimensionals.
• The last little touch is to place some 2021-2023 In-Color jewels as shown.
• The inside of the card is kept simple and the sentiment is from the Inspired Thoughts stamp set.

Card Supplies

The following link is a list of all the supplies used to make this card, except for the Sale-a-bration products (Be Dazzling Paper, Delicate Dahlias Stamp set): https://s.tamp.in/Yrli51 

I do hope that this card will bring a smile to my friend's face and that she will treasure all the best wishes that our office group wrote inside the card. 

If you would like to earn the FREE Delicate Dahlias stamp set, head over to my Online Store to begin shopping.

Let me know if you have any questions and feel free to comment below this post! I'd love to hear from  you.

Until next time ... 

#TGIFC329 Sketch Challenge Meets 'To the Moon'

 Hello Crafty Friends! 

I'm so excited to share the fact that I finally got to use the To the Moon stamp set. I've been itching to find an occasion to use it and I went ahead and gave it a go with this week's TGIF Sketch Challenge #329.

 

I'm quickly finding that I'm in need of cards that will fit into the Congratulations category for new baby or for retirement, so this card would fit either of those occasions.

As with any sparkly and shiny card, the pictures doesn't do it justice! This lovely Be Dazzling specialty paper glimmers and sparkles in every direction! This paper is so fitting with the moon and the background of this card! 

The background was inspired by a pin I found on Pinterest as I searched for pins related to the night sky. 

 I will soon be posting Here's a video tutorial on how I created this card later this week. But until then, see my tips below. (Updated 8/19/21)

 

Cardmaking Tips

• The Blackberry Bliss cardstock card base measures 4 1/4" x 5.5" 
• The background piece is cut to 3 3/4" x 4" and is layered onto a piece of the Be Dazzling specialty paper that measures 4 1/8" x 3 7/8" .
• Use Blackberry Bliss, Rich Razzleberry, and Night of Navy inks along with the blending brushes to create the night sky background. A few sprinkles from a blend of white re-inker and water is a quick way of creating the stars.
• The background piece has the corners cut out using a 1/2" circle punch.
• Use Stazon ink to stamp the moon image onto the Silver Foil paper (matte finish). Cut the moon using the 2 3/4" circle die. 
• For the sentiment, cut a 1/2" x 3 3/4" strip of Silver Foil (mirrored finish) and stamp the sentiment onto the strip using Stazon ink. Use the Banners Pick a punch to finish off the ends.
• Use the stars and swirls die from the Stitched Stars Dies out of the Be Dazzling specialty paper and place onto the card front as shown.
• The inside of the card is kept simple while using some of the leftover pieces from the stars and swirls cut out. The "congratulations" sentiment was stamped using Blackberry Bliss ink.

Cardmaking Supplies

For a full list of all the supplies used in creating this card (minus the Be Dazzling specialty paper), click on the following link: https://s.tamp.in/mdzrEx 

Let me know your thoughts about my creation for this week's challenge! I'd Love to hear from you in the comments below.

Until Next Time ... 

#TGIFC327 Banner Love using the Penguin Place bundle

Hello Crafty Friends! 

I'm jumping on the TGIF Challenge #327 this week to show you what I created for the bonus inspiration challenge using banners and merged it with the Penguin Place Bundle. 

I've had alot of play time with this adorable bundle from the 2021 Holiday Mini Catalog (pg.33) by Stampin' UP! and have had TOO much fun creating with it. It's such a versatile bundle that can be used for many different occasions.

As I put together my creations, I wanted to be able to give this away to two little friends of ours that were celebrating their birthdays (girl-age 4 & boy- age 6). Naturally, I made a masculine and feminine version of the same card.  

Cardmaking Tips 

• The colors I chose were inspired by the colors shown in the Penguin Playmates designer series paper from the Sale-a-Bration catalog: Balmy Blue, Basic Black, Calypso Coral,Fresh Freesia, Just Jade, Misty Moonlight, Soft Sea Foam. You can only get this paper for FREE when you spend $50 or more in product.

• Use the 2nd largest stitched rectangle die to cut out a rectangle from Basic White cardstock. This is where you'll be placing all your elements.
• Use a blending brush and some ink to create a subtle background behind the penguin. For the masculine version, use Balmy Blue. For the feminine version, use Fresh Freesia. 
• The "Happy" & "B day" was trimmed up from the Birthday Chick dies. For the masculine version of the "happy", I used Balmy Blue cardstock and then offset some Basic Black behind it. For the feminine version of the "happy", I used Fresh Freesia cardstock and then offset some Basic Black behind it.
• The banner was created using the triangle shape from Ice Cream Cone Builder Punch and punched out from the Penguin Playmates DSP.
• The letters for "B day" were individually trimmed and placed onto a 1/2" circle from Basic Black cardstock then adhered onto the banner with dimensionals. 
• The masculine card uses the Soft Succulent 3/8" open weave ribbon for the banner but I did use my Balmy Blue Stampin Blend to color ONLY on the edge of the ribbon so I could trim it to fit along the top of the banners. Same thing for the feminine card (minus the Stampin' Blend) using the Fresh Freesia 3/8" open weave ribbon.
• The balloons were stamped onto their respective cardstock, cut out and popped up with a dimensional. 
• The last little touch was to place a few 2021-2023 In Color Jewels in some places.

• The inside of the card was kept fairly simple as you can see above and below.  

CARDMAKING SUPPLIES

To view and order from the full list of supplies I used for these projects, minus the Penguin Playmates DSP, click on the following link: https://s.tamp.in/sL7-9H 

This is all I have for you today! Please let me know in the comments which version of the card you like better. I'd love to hear from you!!! 

Until next time...

2021 Holiday Mini Catalog & Sale-a-Bration

Hello Crafty Friends!

It's a SPECIAL day in the Stampin' UP! world with the LIVE release of the 2021 Holiday Mini Catalog and the 2021 Sale-a-bration (part II) brochure!!!

THE HOLIDAY MINI CATALOG

The Mini Catalog is your passport to stunning seasonal projects! It contains all the products you’ll need to craft, create, and celebrate during the fall, Halloween, Christmas, and more.

View the digital version of the catalog by clicking the image below:

Watch these short product videos, and get to know the new mini catalog.

Sweet Stockings Suite Collection

Painted Christmas Suite collection 

Gingerbread & Peppermint Suite Collection 

 

Peaceful Place Suite Collection

Harvest Meadow Suite Collection 

THE SALE-A-BRATION (SAB) BROCHURE

SAB is one of SU!'s biggest promotions of the year. It’s packed with perks for demonstrators, overflowing with opportunities for customers, and filled with fun for everyone! 

During Sale-A-Bration, you can earn FREE, exclusive products for every $50 USD and $100 USD you spend. You can also enjoy unique, unbeatable benefits when you host a party or join the Stampin’ Up! family!

View the digital version of the catalog by clicking the image below:

There are 3 ways to Sale-a-Brate...

1. Shop - There are two Sale-A-Bration spending categories: a $50 spend and a $100 spend. When you spend at least $50, you have the chance to choose a $50 spend Sale-A-Bration product for free! When you spend at least $100, you have the chance to choose a $100 spend Sale-A-Bration product—or two $50 spend products—for free.
2. Host - When you host a party and reach a certain amount in sales (see the chart on the host page in the July–December 2021 Mini Catalog for more information), you can earn the In Your Words Stamp Set (item 156619) for free! Even if you reach this certain amount on your own outside of the party, you can earn the same stamp set for free through my Online Store. Simply add it to you cart the same way you would with any other Sale-A-Bration product! 
3. Join - If you decide to sign up as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration, you’ll get to pick a qualifying bundle from the July–December 2021 Mini Catalog to add to your Starter Kit—for free! There couldn’t be a better time to join the Stampin’ Up! family. Click HERE to view the bundles as part of this promotion.

RESOURCES

DSP Color Coordinating Chart

I put together this Chart for you to keep on hand when creating your projects. They come in VERY handy to quickly see what coordinating colors are in each set of DSP. I LOVE using mine!

Be sure to print this out in high quality so you can see the true colors. Click on the image below to view the PDF.

This chart can also be found in my Free Tutorials tab at the top of this blog page. 

Shopping List 

Feel free to print out this Shopping List to jot down the products you want first. 

MORE INFORMATION

Catalogs

If you would like to have your very own printed copy of the catalogs, please contact your local demonstrator or if you don't have a local demonstrator, you may contact me by clicking on the E-mail me icon on the top right side of this page.

Online Store

If you're ready to Shop Online, head over to my Online Store then click on "Shop Now". 

Penguin Place Class

Get started on creating with some new products from the Holiday catalog by signing up for my Penguin Place Class!!! This adorable and fun kit is a MUST have for creating some projects with one bundle for multiple occasions! 

For all the details and how to sign up are here. 

There's so much information to take in but I recommend starting off by taking a look at those catalogs and videos to get you warmed up! 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me for any questions you may have!

Until next time ... 

Penguin Place Class To-Go

Hello Crafty Friends!

I'm so excited to introduce The Penguin Place Class To-Go!!! This is an adorable and fun project class that uses products from the 2021 Holiday Catalog and the part II of the 2021 Sale-a-Bration promotion (going LIVE August 3rd) that includes 6 different projects (4 cards, a Gift card holder, and a penguin snack bag). You can choose to have the kit delivered to your front door OR do a porch pick-up if you're local to the Dallas, Tx area.

UPDATE: 7/30/21

Here is a video that summarizes the class details but you may also read on below for the same information.

In order to complete the projects you will need to provide your own ink: Memento Black, Soft Sea Foam, Balmy Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Misty Moonlight, Just Jade and Fresh Freesia. You will also need to provide your own cutting tools and adhesives.

You do have the option to ADD-ON some Blending Brushes to your order since they will be used on 2 projects. 

Choose from the 5 different options as detailed below: 

OPTION 1 - $65

This option includes: 

1. The Penguin Place stamp set with Punch bundle, 
2. a 1/2 pack of the SAB Penguin Designer Series Paper (cut to 6"x6" - saves on shipping), 
3. 6 make n take packets (with envelopes), 
4. a PDF & video tutorial  
5. FREE spool of Just Jade & Gold 3/8" Braided Ribbon. 

This will be shipped to you for $8.00 priority shipping.

OPTION 1A - $57

This option includes:

1. The Penguin Place stamp set with Punch bundle, 
2. a 1/2 pack of the SAB Penguin Designer Series Paper (cut to 6"x6"- saves on shipping), 
3. 6 make n take packets (with envelopes), 
4. a PDF & video tutorial  
5. FREE spool of Just Jade & Gold 3/8" Braided Ribbon. 

This will be picked up locally, in Rowlett TX.

OPTION 2 - $33

This option is without the Bundle but does include

1.  a 1/2 pack of the SAB Penguin Designer Series Paper (cut to 6"x6"), 
2. 6 make n take packets (with envelopes), 
3. a PDF & video tutorial 
4. a FREE spool of Just Jade & Gold 3/8" Braided Ribbon. 

This will be mailed to you for $8.00 priority shipping.

OPTION 2A - $25

This option is without the Bundle but does include:

1.  a 1/2 pack of the SAB Penguin Designer Series Paper (cut to 6"x6"), 
2. 6 make n take packets (with envelopes), 
3. a PDF & video tutorial 
4. a FREE spool of Just Jade & Gold 3/8" Braided Ribbon. 

This will be picked up locally, in Rowlett Tx

OPTION 3 - $15

This option is for those of you that have all the supplies and only want the step-by-step PDF instructions with the accompanying video tutorial. Your PDF will be e-mailed to you on August 7th. 

PLEASE NOTE: 

Your class kits will be ordered and prepared after the deadline of August 6th. This is a pre-order only and per Stampin' Up! policy, I can't have product on-hand ready to ship. Because of this, it takes some time after the deadline for me to order, cut, prepare and ship all the class kits. I hope to have the kits shipped no later than August 20th. 

Class Kits can only be mailed within the United States. If you live out of the U.S., you may only purchase the PDF. 

If you have any questions and/or to Register for this class, please send me a request HERE. Registration will close on Friday, August 6th.

#TGIF324 Sketch Challenge using the Season's Blessings Bundle

 Hello & Welcome, Crafty friends!!!

I'm here to share with you a creation of mine that was inspired by this week's TGIF Challenge #324.

I took a different angle for this card by turning the card front to be in landscape mode instead of portrait mode. 

Then I used the lovely Season's Blessings Bundle and paired them with some beautiful fall colors (my favorite season!) that are Mango Melody, Calypso Coral and Early Espresso. I took these colors from the You're a Peach DSP coordinating colors.

CARDMAKING TIPS

• Use the curved and stitched Basic Borders die to cut a piece of the You're a Peach DSP to adhere onto the card front. 
• Use the Stampin' Write Markers: Calypso Coral, Mango Melody and Early Espresso to color directly onto the image and stamp onto a piece of Basic White cardstock. Cut out the leaves using the coordinating die.
• Stamp the leaf images onto basic white cardstock using Calypso Coral, Mango Melody and Early Espresso (stamped off) three times and cut out with coordinating dies. The leaves will be placed onto the card front and onto the inside of the card. 
• Cut out the basket using the die from the Pale Papaya cardstock. Trace around the die onto a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and cut out with scissors. This piece will be a mat under the Pale Papaya basket.
• The sentiment from the Many Happenings stamp set is stamped on Basic Black cardstock with Versamark ink and heat embossed with white embossing powder. Cut out with the coordinating Messages die.
• To finish off the card front, use some Artistry Blooms sequins to place randomly on the card.
• The inside of the card was kept simple as shown below.

Click on the following link to get a full list of supplies used for this card: https://s.tamp.in/zJBUs7 

This is all I have to show you today! I do hope you enjoyed my creation for this week's TGIF Challenge!!! Let me know in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you!

Until Next time... 

4th of July Birthday Card

 Hello Crafty friends! 

I'm back after a great and eventful 3-day Fourth of July weekend with family at the Lake. I hope you enjoyed your time whether it was just to relax or to join the crowds to watch some fireworks.

I want to share with you a fun and shimmery card that I made for my friend whose birthday falls right on 4th of July. I love the fact that I don't have to worry too much about the colors I will be designing the card with.

There was LOTS of glimmer paper and rhinestones used for this project and the picture doesn't do it justice when you see it in real person.

I put together a FREE PDF tutorial that includes a list of products and step-by-step instructions on how to create this card. Feel free to download the PDF from the Free Tutorials tab at the top of this page and then let me know in the comments below if you CASED this card! 

Below is a video tutorial to go along with this PDF for your viewing pleasure!

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If you're interested in purchasing any of the current supplies I used for this card at my Online Store, you can click on the following link: https://s.tamp.in/nq1Yv4 

This is all I have for you today and I do hope you enjoyed it! Until next time ... 

Stampin' Updates plus GIVEAWAY!!!

Hello crafty friends! 

Instead of showing a project this week, I'm going to provide you with some important crafty events coming up soon!

If you would like to receive these crafty updates on a weekly basis, be sure to click on the "Newsletter" icon to the right of this page to sign up!

First up is the: 

Designer Series Paper (DSP) Sale

The DSP Sale is coming this Thursday, July 1st!!!

You can enjoy a 15% discount on select papers from the 2021-2022 Annual Catalog and it’s the perfect opportunity to stock up and save on gorgeous DSP.

Let me know if you’d like take advantage of the DSP sale and I’d be happy to place an order for you OR you can order at my Online Store on Thursday.

Here is the flyer that shows what select DSP is on sale: DSP Flyer

LAST CHANCE PRODUCTS

You have 1 day to get any retiring products from the 2021 Mini Catalog before they're gone for good on June 30th!

There's also 1 day left to get the

Hey Chick and Hey Birthday Chick Bundles because they will be gone as well!

This selection of Last Chance Products are only available while supplies last.

Upcoming Events in August

Just want to give you a heads up on a few upcoming and exciting events to look forward to in August. I will be sure to give you more information as we approach these events!

The July–December 2021 Mini Catalog will be released to all customers on August 3rd (in July for demonstrators) and is your passport to stunning seasonal projects! It contains all the products you’ll need to craft, create, and celebrate during the Fall, Halloween, Christmas, and more.

Also, get ready for another round of Sale-a-Bration coming on August 1st! You will be able to Shop, Host, or Join to earn some of the amazing products contained within the SAB Brochure.

GIVEAWAY!

Why not have a little giveaway with this blog post?!

Please comment below and tell me what DSP (that's on sale) you would say is your favorite ?

and I'll select 1 lucky winner to receive the... 

Painted Texture Embossing Folder

Please have your comments in by 11:59pm (CST) on Thursday, July 1st. I'll announce the winner on Friday, July 2nd at 12pm (CST).

This is all I have for you this week! Be sure to set yourself a reminder to order some of that gorgeous DSP beginning July 1st!!!