Nutz about Stamping

How to create a lovely vintage Christmas card

In today's video I am going to show you a really quick and easy and very pretty, vintage Christmas card idea using the Everything Festive stamp set. 

I think the Everything Festive stamp set is perfect for all upcoming holidays. So many phrases perfect for what lies ahead:

Everything Festive Cling Stamp Set (En)
$24.00

 

When you think of Christmas, what kind of tone do you prefer to set? Vintage? Cutesy? Traditional? Non-traditional? No matter what you prefer the phrase in Everything Festive is the perfect match. 

It's what you choose for the rest of the card that sets your tone. Normally I prefer more traditional Christmas colors (red/green) but this year, the Night Before Christmas paper, colors and designs, has me making vintage and traditional Christmas card ideas. 

Night Before Christmas 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

I do love it when I try different ideas for my cards each year - and I have so much more to share with you too!

Here's today's card idea - and don't miss my video tutorial below!

Stamp set: Everything Festive (150566)

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Paper and cutting dimensions:
          Crumb Cake: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
          Very Vanilla: 3" square
          Crushed Curry: 5 1/4" x 4"
          Mossy Meadow: 5 1/4" x 1 1/2"
          Cherry Cobbler: 3 1/2" square
          Night Before Christmas: 5 1/4" x 2 3/4"

Other: Linen Thread, Basic Pearl Jewels, SNAIL adhesive, Stylish Scroll embossing folder (150665), Night Before Christmas paper (150437), Layering Circles framelits (141705)

Here's my video - watch for bonus tips along the way!

You need to create this colorful and easy fall window card

Here's why I love today's card idea:

• you can change the phrase
• you can choose the fall colors you want
• you can create a vertical or horizontal layout
• you can add embellishments for interest
• you can add a strip of designer paper down the left side to coordinate
• you can angle the leaf windows to demonstrate a falling pathway

Why do you love today's card? Add a comment under this post to tell me why!

So, let's have a look at the supplies used:

Gathered Leaves Dies
$26.00

Yes, that's it! Then you pick your colors and phrase and your card is done. Easy peasy right?

Here's how to make this fun card:

Supplies

Stamps:  Tropical Chic (cling-148226)

Inks:  Memento Pad (132708)

Paper: Whisper White (100730), Crumb Cake (120953), Granny Apply Green (146990), Crushed Curry (131199), Poppy Parade (119793)

Other: Gathered Leaves Dies (150662), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430), SNAIL (104331)

Measurements: 

• Crumb Cake: 8-1/2” x 6” folded in half; finished card dimensions are 6”x 4-1/4”
• Whisper White: 6” x 4
• You will need scraps of the following: Crumb Cake, Granny Apple Green, Crushed Curry & Poppy Parade

Instructions: 

1. Using the smallest of the leaf dies from Gathered Leaves, die cut 4 leaves out of the scraps of cardstock.  You will have 4 leaves, in 4 different colours. Set aside.
2. Use the same die to cut four leaves down one side of the Whisper White cardstock.  Watch the placement so that you have enough room to cut all four without leaving too much/little space between each one.  
3. Stamp the ‘Thank You’ sentiment from Tropical Chic onto the Whisper White cardstock, using Memento Ink.
4. Attach the Whisper White cardstock to the Crumb Cake base using Stampin’ Dimensionals.  Don’t be stingy because you need to ensure that the entire panel sits off of the base, especially around the leaves. 
5. Use SNAIL to glue the coloured leaves through the die cut leaves on the Whisper White cardstock onto the Crumb Cake cardstock.

See how ribbon can be the perfect touch

This week's Paper Craft Crew card map is super fun and the cards that can be created using it will look very different depending on what you choose for the layers:

 

I decided to use only designer series paper for my card layers and that the three 'red' strips would be a phrase cut apart. That was easy to challenge myself with but then I had to make my final choices and create my card! 

So first I started with the paper and chose two designs in the Night Before Christmas paper. Then I found my phrase, stamped and cut it apart using my paper snips. 

I laid everything out on the card base but something was missing to create an interesting background. At this point I looked at my stamps and chose one that I thought would create a interesting image. 

 

I am not really happy with the stamped background now that it is done. It looks way too busy for my liking! What would you choose to stamp on the background - I would love to hear your ideas and try this card again!

The above photo looks just fine but sometimes ribbon can be that perfect final touch on a card. And as the card map uses ribbon, I added a bow and took a second photo, this time of the final project. 

 

See how one little piece of ribbon can add that nice final touch? If you want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge, click here! 

Christmastime is here early this year!

Christmas is coming early this year! 

We hope you’re ready to make this holiday season magical, because the Christmastime Is Here Suite is, well . . . here November 1st!

This exclusive, limited-time collection of festive, floral coordinating products has everything you need to share love, joy, and creativity this holiday season.

The table below has all the information you need to preorder products from the Christmastime Is Here Suite. You can purchase items separately or if you want it all, that's an option too! 

 

 

 

ITEM	DESCRIPTION	PRICE
152156	GOLD 1/4" (6.4 MM) SHIMMER RIBBON	$7.00
152155	GOLD GLITTER ENAMEL DOTS	$8.00
152154	CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE SPECIALTY DESIGNER SERIES PAPER	$14.50
152159	CHARMING ROSE BRACELET	$22.00
152144	ROSES DIES	$30.00
152431	CHRISTMAS ROSE STAMP SET*	$38.00
153944	CHRISTMAS ROSE BUNDLE*	$61.00
153947	CHRISTMASTIME IS HERE SUITE BUNDLE*	$112.50

Note: Products from the Christmastime Is Here Suite will be available while supplies last only. 

More information coming soon! But until then, here's a sneak peek:

See how to layer papers to create a beautiful layout

In today's video I am going show you how to create a very easy but quite pretty Thanksgiving card using the Painted Harvest stamp set and Come To Gather designer series paper. 

Painted Harvest Photopolymer Stamp Set
$21.00

Come To Gather Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

Cards don't have to be complicated to be pretty. You can choose your colors and papers carefully to create a gorgeous result. On my card below I added a very thin layer of Early Espresso card stock under the top Come to Gather paper layer to make it stand out a bit. And it helps to pull one more neutral coordinating color into the mix. 

After you created your design your next step is to think about embellishments. On my card I chose to create and punch two leaf images using my Leaf punch. Aren't punches so much fun to craft with? No fussy cutting or die-cutting machines needed! (although I often combine both!)

Here's my card - don't miss my video below:

 

Stamp set: Painted Harvest

Ink: Early Espresso, Pretty Peacock

Paper and cutting dimensions: 
        Early Espresso: 3" x 4 3/4"
        Whisper White: two pieces 2 1/2" x 2"; 2 1/2" x 1"
        Come to Gather:  2 7/8" x 4 6/8"; 4" x 5 1/4"  
        Pretty Peacock: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" 

Other: Leaf punch (144667), SNAIL, Copper Trim ribbon (144179), Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Here's my video - watch for some additional tips along the way!

 

How to make super sweet Harvest Hello boxes

Today I have a super sweet Harvest Hello box that you can easily make and I am going to show you how! First, have you seen the cute Harvest Hello bundle?

Harvest Hellos Bundle (En)
$35.00

The box below was created using the Come to Gather paper too - for added visual interest:

Come To Gather Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

You can use this bundle for amazing cards, on scrapbook pages and even to make boxes like this one!

You can add a face to the pumpkins or not. Without a face these boxes have an apple image:

 

 

Here's how to make these super sweet Harvest Hello boxes:

Harvest Hello mint boxes

Supplies: 

Stamp Sets – Harvest Hellos (150581)

Card Stock (CS) – Pretty Peacock (150880); Cajun Craze (119684); Mint Macaron (138337)

Ink Pads – Pretty Peacock (150083); Memento Tuxedo Black* (132708)

Misc. – Come To Gather Designer Series Paper (DSP) (150454); Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker* (100082); Apple Builder Punch (150663); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Bone Folder (102300); Paper Snips (103579)

 

*The black ink pad and marker are optional - use if you are adding the jack-o-lantern face. 

 

Measurements:  

• Pretty Peacock CS: 3” x 3” scored ¾” from all four sides; ½” x 6-3/4” 
• scraps of DSP and Pretty Peacock, Cajun Craze, and Mint Macaron CS for punching

 

Instructions:

1. Burnish all score lines using a Bone Folder.
2. Cut one score line at each corner of the 3” x 3” CS.
3. Fold up the sides and glue each tab onto the inside of the adjacent side, to form the box.
4. Run a Bone Folder along the ½” strip of CS to soften it, then glue the ends onto the inside of the box sides.
5. Stamp the pumpkin twice in Pretty Peacock ink onto a piece of the DSP. If desired, stamp the face in Memento black ink, and fill in the face using a Black marker.
6. Stamp the stem twice in Pretty Peacock ink onto a scrap of Cajun Craze CS.
7. Stamp the leaf twice in Pretty Peacock ink onto a scrap of Mint Macaron CS.
8. Punch out all the stamped pieces.
9. Punch two pumpkins from a scrap of Pretty Peacock CS.
10. Glue the stem and leaf onto the back of each DSP pumpkin.
11. Glue the Pretty Peacock CS pumpkin onto the back of the DSP pumpkins.
12. Glue the pumpkins onto the sides of the box.

How to send no tricks just treats this Halloween!

It's time for another card map challenge and another Halloween card this week. I love the card I created not only because it used up my left-over Halloween paper (yay me!) but also because it is a fun way to send no tricks only treats to someone special who lives overseas!

 

The Everything Festive stamp set is the perfect set to use because of its Halloween phrase that has a spooky font and a fun phrase:

Everything Festive Cling Stamp Set (En)
$24.00

 

Over the past couple of weeks I have used the same set for a variety of other card ideas, some that I have already shared and some that I will be sharing soon. 

The perfect match for the Everything Festive stamp set is the Monster Bash paper and I used two strip of this paper on my card below:

Monster Bash Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

My final touch was the Basic Black strip across the front of the card and after I added the phrase layer I attached two Rhinestone Jewels for a nice touch of bling. 

Here's my card:

Now it's your turn: try our card map challenge this week. And if you want to share your card idea with us, or if you want to see what the other design crew members created for this challenge, click here! 

How to make the season bright with coordinating kits

The holiday season will be here before we know it. And along with putting up the Christmas tree and spending snowy nights by the fire, many of my Paper Pumpkin subscribers will be looking forward to opening their holiday kit. Christmastime papercrafting with Paper Pumpkin has become an annual tradition!

So to deliver more of what our subscribers love this holiday season, in October and November Stampin' Up! is offering back-to-back coordinating kits, one with Christmas cards, the other with Christmas tags. Both kits make it easy for you to add a handmade, personal touch to your holiday giving—without a lot of fuss. It’s Christmas made easy with Paper Pumpkin!

About the Holiday Kits

October Kit

Kit details: Makes 10 cards and envelopes

Card size: 4 1/4" x 5-1/2" (10.8 x 14 cm)

Envelope size: 4-1/2" x 5-3/4" (11.4 x 14.6 cm)

Coordinating colors: Early Espresso, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, and Shaded Spruce

 

November Kit

Kit details: Makes 24 holiday-themed gift tags of 4 various sizes and designs.

Coordinating colors: Early Espresso, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, and Shaded Spruce

 

The October and November kits coordinate; however, each kit is all-inclusive and can stand alone.

Want to subscribe for one or more Paper Pumpkin kits? Here's the link! 

Hint: these crafting kits make GREAT birthday and Christmas gift ideas too! 

How to make a cute and easy Halloween treat box

In today's video I am going to use the Everything Festive stamp set to create a very cute and very special Halloween treat container idea. Halloween is coming soon and I bet there are some special children in your neighborhood and you might like to give them something special when they come by your door. 

The Everything Festive stamp set is so fun and versatile. I love the fonts for each phrase in the set and know that I will use it a lot this fall and winter.

Everything Festive Cling Stamp Set (En)
$24.00

 

I used one of the Kraft Pillow boxes for my treat container - these easy to assemble and uses no adhesive (bonus!). 

Kraft Pillow Boxes
$5.00

Here's my treat container - along with a complete list of supplies and a video showing you how to create it!

Stamp set: Everything Festive (150566)

Ink: Memento Jet Black

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Whisper White: 3" x 2 1/4"
        Pumpkin Pie: 3 1/4" x 2 1/2"
        Monster Bash: 6" x 2 1/2"

Other: Layering Ovals dies (141706), Kraft Pillow Boxes (147018), Basic Black Scalloped Edge Ribbon (150449), Tear & Tape adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL, Monster Bash designer series paper (150447)

Here's my video - watch for a couple of extra tips along the way!

Want to see my exclusive Christmas projects?

I invite you to subscribe to my exclusive 12 weeks of Christmas newsletter series! Each week I will pop by with one Christmas project idea to help get you ready for the holiday season. And if Stampin' Up! has a special promotion or sale, I will make sure you know about it too. 

Now is the time to subscribe because I will be sharing projects from our brand new Holiday Catalog (now live)!

Why join my mailing list? Here are 4 great reasons:

• gorgeous Christmas cards
• Christmas gift ideas
• Christmas tags
• Christmas bags/boxes 
• all using Stampin' Up! holiday catalog products!

I email a 12 weeks of Christmas newsletter every week - sharing Stampin' Up! special announcements and an exclusive project idea just for you!

If you are not on my mailing list and would like to be, here's what you do:

• Look for the Join My Mailing List heading in the right column of this blog
• Type your name and email address in the boxes and click the "go" button
• In a few minutes, check your email. I use a confirmed opt-in subscription process to guarantee that you do want to subscribe. Please watch your email and respond to the confirmation notice that you will receive.
• BONUS: As a thank you, I will send a link for you to download three exclusive project ideas 

Let all your crafty (and crafty wannbe) friends and family members know about my free newsletters and subscribe today to let the stampin', scrappin' and paper craftin' fun ideas begin!

Here's a peek at the Christmas card that I shared in my first issue. Note: I do not share past issues so subscribe today to receive my remaining issues! 

 

Need help in organizing your important craft supplies?

A few years ago I sent out a survey to my newsletter customers and said: what is one thing you need help with? The answer was quite surprising and pretty much unanimous: organizing my craft supplies!

Two years later Stampin' Up! has answered your request: Storage by Stampin' Up!

 

These components will not only help you organize your supplies, they will also give a professional look to your craft room. There are several components to this system and you can mix-n-match or choose the components that work best for your and when you need them. (tip: these would make a great Christmas, birthday or Mother's Day gift idea)

Here are the components and the details of each. 

Ink Pad and Marker Storage Trays

Each of the Ink Pad & Marker Storage Trays stores one Stampin’ Pad and one Stampin’ Write Marker or Watercolor Pencil.

* 5 white plastic craft storage trays
* Silicone feet keep trays from slipping
* 5" x 5" x 7/8" (12.7 x 12.7 x 2.2 cm)
* Lids sold separately
* order number: 149168

Stampin' Blends Storage Trays

Each of the Stampin’ Blends Storage Trays stores 6 Stampin’ Blends markers.

* 5 white plastic craft storage trays
* Silicone feet keep trays from slipping
* 5" x 5" x 7/8" (12.7 x 12.7 x 2.2 cm)
* Lids sold separately
* order number: 149169

Open Storage Cubes

Keep coloring products and small items organized in the Open Storage Cube.

* One white plastic craft storage tray cube with open side and top
* Silicone feet keep cube from slipping
* 5" x 5" x 4-1/16" (12.7 x 12.7 x 10.3 cm)
* Lids sold separately
* order number: 149171

Also available: a storage lid and a storage topper sold separately so that you can design the system the way you want it!

Have questions? Please ask! Don't miss my 'SHOP NOW' cart on my blog to link over to my online store!

How to feature your designer paper on cards

Today's Paper Craft Crew card map challenge was a fun one for me. I decided right off that I wanted to make a Halloween card. 

 

But I have shared before that I don't have any Halloween themed stamp sets. I do have the Everything Festive set so chose that for the card map phrase layer. 

Everything Festive Cling Stamp Set (En)
$24.00

This set is great for many fall occasions - it even has a phrase for Valentine's Day which makes it so versatile. 

I decided that the rectangle layer would have to be designer paper because that would be a good match for the phrase and as I said, I don't have any sets with Halloween type images. Have you seen the fun Monster Bash designer paper pack? So cute!

Monster Bash Designer Series Paper
$11.50

 

I chose to add a layer of Basic Black under the designer paper rectangle so the layer would be just as eye-catching as the phrase. 

And then one final touch: I created a x-stitch border using Pumpkin Pie card stock and my Stitched Shapes dies - that little strip adds a bit of coordinating interest to that layer. 

I am not sure you noticed it in the photo above but I stamped a splatter image from the Beauty Abounds stamp set all over the Crushed Curry card base, using Versamark ink. This particular stamp adds a bit of visual texture which adds visual interest to the base. 

Beauty Abounds Cling Stamp Set
$23.00

I recommend you purchase at least one stamp set that has splatter stamps or some kind of subtle background images. Use them when you are not sure you like a plain card base and either stamp these images using Versamark for a subtle look or go bold and use the same ink color as your card base. Try both and see which you prefer. 

Now it's your turn: try our card map challenge and if you want to see what the other design crew members created, click here. 

Forget the fussy cutting, try these 4 amazing punches

If you dislike fussy cutting, you need to check out this fun bundle! Introducing the Everyday Season stamp set and matching punch pack! 

To Every Season Bundle (En)
$36.00

This set is just what it says: perfect for every season - images and phrases makes this a great bundle to craft with!

This simple cute card uses the bundle along with the new Ornate Frames to feature the phrase - easy peasey!

Ornate Frames Dies
$34.00

 

Here's one card idea to try - with a complete set of instructions below!

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets & Dies – To Every Season (150531); Every Season Punch Pack (150670); Ornate Frames Dies (150664)
• CardStock – Crumb Cake Cardstock (120953); Very Vanilla Cardstock (101650); Terracotta Tile Cardstock (150884); Copper Foil Sheet (142020)
• Stamp Pads – Crumb Cake Ink (147116); Cajun Craze Ink (147085)
• Misc. – Cajun Craze Thread (Come to Gather Ribbon combo Pack - 150456); Paper Snips (103579); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Dimensionals (104430); Mini Dimensionals (144108); Snail (104332); Tear & Tape (138995); Silicon Craft Sheet (127853)

 

Measurements:  

• Card Base: Crumb Cake– 5 1/2” x 8 1/2”, Scored at 4 1/4”
• Card Front: Terracotta Tile – 3 3/4” x 5”
• Copper Foil Layer: 2 3/4” x 5”
• Crumb Cake Layer:  2 1/2” x 5”
• Sentiment Label: Very Vanilla 1 3/4” x 1 7/8”
• Ornate Frame Mat: Copper Foil 2 1/4” x 2 3/8”
• Inside Layer: Very Vanilla – 3 3/4” x 5”
• Scrap of Crumb Cake for the smallest leaves

 

Instructions:

• Stamp the Leaves with Crumb Cake Ink onto Crumb Cake Layer and the Inside Layer as shown.
• Stamp the smallest leaves onto Crumb Cake Scrap with Cajun Craze Ink.
• Punch out the smallest leaves with the Leaf Punch.
• Stamp the Sentiment with Cajun Craze Ink.
• Die cut the Ornate Frame on Copper Foil.

 

Assemble the card:

• Fold and burnish the Card Base with a bone folder.
• Adhere the stamped Crumb Cake Layer to the Copper Foil Layer with Liquid Glue.
• Adhere the Sentiment Label to the Ornate Copper Frame with Liquid Glue.
• Adhere the Crumb Cake/Copper Foil Layers to the Terracotta Card Front with Liquid Glue.
• Adhere the Smallest Leaves to the Card Front with Mini Dimensionals. 
• Wrap the Cajun Craze Thread around the Card Front twice and tie a bow.
• Adhere the Ornate Sentiment Labels to the Card Front with Dimensionals.
• Adhere the completed Card Front to the Card Base with Dimensionals.
• Adhere the Inside Layer to the inside of the Card Base with Liquid Glue.

Want to see my go-to stamp set for all seasons of the year?

In today's video I am going to show you how to create a beautiful birthday card idea with the help of my Colorful Seasons stamp set and Magnolia Lane designer series paper. I love this card idea because it uses a specialty paper and a neat trick for creating an embellishment. 

The Colorful Seasons set is my go-to for every season as the images work for spring, summer, fall and winter, making it a great value in my crafting cupboard. 

Colorful Seasons Photopolymer Stamp Set
$27.00

 

In my video below, I introduce Vellum cardstock, which adds an elegant touch for many card ideas (such as weddings) but it can also be used as a mask as you can see in my card below. 

Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$10.00

Colorful Seasons birthday card

Stamp set: Colorful Seasons (143726)

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Paper and cutting dimensions:
        Mossy Meadow: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"; 3" x 2"
        Whisper White: 2 3/4" x 1 3/4"; 5" x 3 3/4" 
        Basic Black: 3 3/4" x 2 3/4" 
        Magnolia Lane: 4 3/4" x 3 1/2" 
        Vellum: 3/4" x 3 1/2" 

Other: Magnolia Lane (149484), Stampin' Dimensionals, SNAIL, Basic Adhesive-backed Sequins (146933)

Here's a video showing how I made this card - listen along the way for additional design tips! 

When you think Halloween what comes to mind?

Most people think of Jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins, witches, bats etc. 

But do you think of ravens???

 

The Raven Cling Stamp Set
$17.00

Stampin' Up! sure does! 

Quoth the raven, "Stamp more!" This feathered friend in The Raven stamp set looks luminous when stamped in black and accented in shades of purple. This is a Distinktive* stamp set; it has a special texture that gives added depth and dimension in a single step, creating photo-realistic images. (Patent pending)

How about trying an unusual Halloween card this year? Here's one idea, with a full set of instructions below!

Oh I forgot. It has a fancy fold to it too. See the second photo below. 

Supplies: 

• Stamp Sets – The Raven (150593)
• Card Stock – Basic Black (121045); Whisper White (100730)
• Stamp Pads – Memento Tuxedo Black (132708); Early Espresso (147114)
• Misc. – Monster Bash Designer Series Paper (DSP) (150447); Stitched Nested Labels Dies (149638); Dimensionals (104430); Monster Bash Enamel Shapes (150448); Paper Snips (103579); Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755)

Measurements:  

• Basic Black Card Stock: 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”, 3/4” x 8 1/2”, larger scrap
• Whisper White Card Stock: 5” x 3 3/4”, medium size scrap (2)
• DSP:  2- 5 1/8” x 1 7/8” 

Instructions:

1. Score both pieces of Basic Black card stock along 8 ½” side at 2 1/8” and 6 7/8”
2. Attach DSP to both sides of card front with Multipurpose Liquid Glue
3. Using one piece of Whisper White scrap paper and piece of Basic Black scrap paper, cut out Stitched Nested Label Dies using the 3^rd largest die for the white card stock and 2^nd largest die for the black card stock.
4. Stamp the raven image on the other piece of whisper white card stock using Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Cut out the image using Paper Snips.
5. On the white die cut, stamp “It’s Halloween” in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; stamp the branch in Early Espresso.
6. Fold the belly band along the score lines and attach the black die cut to the belly band using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (black card stock 8 ½ x ¾)
7. Attach white die cut to black die cut using Multipurpose Liquid Glue
8. Attach the raven to the white die cut, perching on the branch, using dimensionals.
9. Add Monster Bash Enamel Elements as shown

Here's just one idea for the inside: