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Irresistible Blooms by Stampin’ Up

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One of Stampin’ Up’s newest product groupings is called Irresistible Blooms. There are stamps, dies, DSP, and embellishments. They are all part of the new Online Exclusive product line. You can find these products by clicking on the “SHOP” tab on my website and scroll through the menu to “ONLINE EXCLUSIVES”. These products will not be featured in any publication and there is no specific time period in which they will be available. So, if you see an online exclusive product if you want, you should probably just go ahead and order it.

Today’s Video

This fun fold card is super easy to make but it looks really difficult! The DSP that I used in today’s project is so soft and muted. First, I love that this card features so much of the DSP! Second, I love that the card sits up nicely for display. So many people that we bless with cards need encouragement and a reminder that they are loved!

More Irresistible Blooms Cards

Various colors in the DSP lead to many different color combinations in your cards. I am very happy that Pretty Peacock is returning!

Even More Fun Fold Cards

Happy Forest Friends make this card super happy!
This card was made using the Favored Flowers DSP that was available during Sale-A-Bration.
Enjoy the Journey Suite of products were featured on this card.
Abigail Rose products were used to create this monochromatic look.
Tea Boutique, Nature’s Harvest, and Natural Prints products were all used in making this card.

I love the endless combinations that are possible with this fun fold! Challenge yourself this week to make two cards and MAIL them to bless someone that might be lonely. As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Card Supplies

Shop my entire online store: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Card Measurements

  • So Saffron Cardstock: (2) 8 1/4″ x 4 1/4″, scored at 2 1/4″, 4″, and 6 1/4″; and 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″
  • DSP: 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″; (2) 1 1/2 x 4″; (2) 2″ x 4″ (If you would prefer a mat layer, cut the mats at these sizes and cut DSP layers 1/8″ less.)

Cut & Shuffle Technique Cards

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Today I am featuring the Cut & Shuffle Technique. This method is great for creating some quick and easy cards. And I have FIVE different sets of cards to show you!

Today’s Video

First, you select the Designer Series Paper you want to use. Second, you cut the paper following the given measurements. Third, you shuffle the Designer Series Paper over your layer of cardstock and glue them down. Fourth, you adhere your cardstock layer to your cardstock. And finally, you add whatever decorative elements or sentiments you want.

Fancy Flora Cards

I was afraid that my Designer Series Paper choice would be too busy. But I love how these cards turned out.

More Cut & Shuffle Cards

These cards were made using the Day At The Farm Designer Series Paper and the On The Farm Bundle. I am obsessed with farm animals!

I was so excited to play with the Dainty Flowers Designer Series Paper and the Dainty Delight Bundle!

And my Favored Flower cards. I seriously disliked this paper until I played with it! Now I am a fan. 🙂

The Sun Print cards are where it all began for me.

I hope that you enjoyed learning this technique. It is a really fun one! As always, remember to be kind, send a car, and do something creative!

Sally

Card Supplies

Shop my online store to purchase any needed supplies: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Card Measurements

  • 4 Card Bases: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • 4 Different Patterns of DSP
  • 4 Cardstock Layers: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • 4 Basic White Layers for inside if needed: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Scraps for tags and images

Cutting Instructions

  1. Begin with your Designer Series Papers. Stack them. Cut them all at one time to 3 3/4″ x 5″.
  2. With the 3 3/4″ side at the top of your trimmer, cut at the 2″ mark.
  3. Keep the 2″ strip on the trimmer and rotate it so the 5″ side is at the top. Cut at 2″. Remove these pieces from the trimmer. Make two stacks.
  4. Grab the 1 3/4″ strip stack and put it back on the trimmer, keeping them aligned. Place the 5″ side along at the top of the trimmer. Cut at the 1 1/2″ mark.
  5. Keep each size together.
  6. Distribute them on each 4″ x 5 1/4″ cardstock layer, varying the designs. Reference the video as needed.
  7. Secure the pieces on the layers with the adhesive of your choice.
  8. Assemble your cards. You can use dimensional or not. Add embellishments.

Simply Fabulous By Stampin’ Up

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Simply Fabulous by Stampin’ Up is the stamp set that I chose to use for this month’s team color challenge. This stamp set is in the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog. It features a nice mixture of floral, leaf, and sentiment stamps. This is the perfect set for beginner stampers!

Today’s Video

My team leader assigned the colors Calypso Coral, Coastal Cabana, and Fresh Freesia for the February 2023 challenge. This is a combination I would probably not have put together on my own. However, I do like the result.

What is your favorite element of today’s card? I like stamping my own designer series paper! I never get too stressed about it. The paper can always be turned over and re-stamped if I make a mistake or I can simply cut a new piece and try again.

More Simply Fabulous Cards

As I mentioned in the video, I actually won this stamp set at a recent team event in Indianapolis. My team leader, Brandy Cox, made this lovely card! Of course, the cards made at our event were not using the same colors as our challenge. But I love the bright and cheery colors that we used!

This is my card from our event. I was very happy with it considering we were designing on the fly!

I hope that you gained some inspiration from today’s video. That is my goal! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Card Supplies

Shop my entire online store: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Card Measurements

  • Coastal Cabana Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″; scrap for a tag of your choice
  • Calypso Coral Cardstock: Scrap for a tag of your choice
  • Vellum Cardstock: 3″ x 4 1/4″

In The Moment By Stampin’ Up

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Today, let’s visit the In The Moment stamp set from the Stampin’ Up Annual Catalog. This stamp set features three beautiful outline images plus sentiments.

Today’s Video

I wanted to create a sleek and modern card. This is not my usual style. However, I do enjoy that there are no rules when it comes to creativity! The black, white, and subtle colors blend together to create a cohesive look.

More In The Moment Cards

I often avoided these types of images when I first began making cards. But, now I enjoy them. I have learned that not everything needs to be colored unless I am just in the mood to do that. And this set also lends itself to a messier coloring approach.

These three cards would make a lovely set for gift-giving!

Sale-A-Bration Refresh

Here is a better look at the items that have been added to the SAB gift with purchase selections. So many nice products!

I hope that you enjoyed today’s project. Thank you for your loyal support of my business! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

Card Supplies

Shop my entire online store: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Card Measurements

  • Basic White Thick Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Basic Black Cardstock: 3 7/8″ x 5 1/8″ (2)
  • Basic White Cardstock: 3 3/4″ x 5″ (2)

Adorable Owls By Stampin’ Up

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The Adorable Owls stamp set is one of the many Sale-A-Bration offerings this year. This stamp set can be chosen as your free gift with your qualifying purchase during the months of January and February 2023. Of course, this offer is while supplies last.

Today’s Video

Did you like this fun fold card? First, I love it because it is so incredibly simple to make! Second, it has a little unexpected opening action. Finally, it uses minimal supplies.

More Cards Using Adorable Owls

With the exception of the card with the flying owl, all the cards feature the Dandy Designs Designer Series Paper. That DSP is another Sale-A-Bration offering. And it is probably my favorite one! The flying owl card was made using the new Hand-Drawn Dots background stamp. It can be found in the January-April Mini Catalog.

None of these cards were difficult to make. But those cute little owls just make me happy. Hopefully, they will make those who receive them happy too! 🙂 As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Card Supplies

Shop My Entire Online Store: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Card Measurements

  • Calypso Coral Cardstock: (2) 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″, Largest Scalloped Circle Die Cut
  • Basic White Thick: 11″ x 3″, scored at 2″ and 6 1/2″; 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ Die Cut using Tailor Made Tags
  • Mango Melody Cardstock: 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″; Scrap for inside
  • Vellum Cardstock: Die Cut Largest Layering Circle Die
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″, Scrap for inside

Santa Express Memories & More Cards

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The Santa Express Memories & More Cards are a great way to make several cards quickly! There are 54 cards assorted in the pack. You can easily get a lot of variety. The coordinating Cards & Envelopes have recently sold out.

Today’s Video

I began by sitting and sorting out the multiples of the card pack. Next, I grouped them together in various combinations that I liked. I added them to card bases and added some embellishments. This is where things get really fun! Use your own favorite stamps, inks, and dies to make cards that are uniquely your own.

A Gallery of Santa Express Memories & More Cards

As you can see, I ended up with several cards that each had their own look and personality. This project allowed me to quickly add more to the cards that I have ready to send out for Christmas and I even have supplies left over! In conclusion, I hope that you have been inspired to give one of our Memories & More Card Packs a try.

As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Card Supplies

Shop my entire online store: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Fitting Florets by Stampin’ Up

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Stampin’ Up is currently offering an online exclusive collection called Fitting Florets. I had so much fun creating and playing with these products! To begin, I took the coordinating colors of cardstock and started cutting frames and shapes. Next, I stamped and colored many of the floral images using my Stampin’ Blend markers. And lastly, I began to put cards together. I was like a kid at Christmas!

Today’s Video

The Fitting Florets Collection is made up of many different products. Take a look at these images to see all of the beautiful things.

The Framed Florets Bundle will actually carry over to the new January – April Mini Catalog. But, the Designer Series Paper, Framed & Festive Stamp Set, and the Gold Adhesive-Backed Swirls are only available while supplies last.

More Fitting Florets Cards

The card featured in the video is really nice. However, I think the first card I made with this collection is my favorite. It is the same design used in the video. I simply used different colors. The remaining cards just got easier to make once I started playing! Having many elements cut and ready was the key! Which card is your favorite?

Hopefully, you will find this video and these examples inspiring. That is always my goal! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Card Supplies

Shop my entire online store: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Card Measurements

  • Basic White Thick Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Gold Foil Sheet: 3 3/4″ x 5″, Scrap for die cut oval
  • Basic White Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″, Scraps for images
  • Evening Evergreen Cardstock: Scrap for die cut oval

Jingle Jingle Jingle by Stampin’ Up

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Today, let’s play with the Jingle Jingle Jingle stamp set by Stampin’ Up. You can find the set on page 26 of the 2022 July-December Mini Catalog. Some crafters might refer to this set as basic. However, I feel the set offers many different combinations. This set is a two-step stamp set. Be sure to watch today’s video to learn a few tricks on getting it aligned.

Today’s Video

As you can see in the video, it is worth the small amount of time it takes to set these stamps up on the Stamparatus unless you happen to be one of those people that can stamp it correctly without or doesn’t mind if your image isn’t straight. 🙂

More Card Samples

Next, I used a Garden Green card base and added a layer that was stamped with the Drybrush background stamp. I used my Blending Brushes to add the ink to my stamp. I repeated this process a few times to get a more solid color. The images were all colored using my Stampin’ Blend markers.

Finally, for my avid crafter card, I used clear embossing powder and heat embossed three “Jingles” on Basic White Cardstock. I simply fussy cut out each image. I added these words to the front flap of my card with dimensionals. In conclusion, I added a small strip of Basic White cardstock that I stamped and colored with Stampin’ Blends before being added to the bottom of my card.

I hope that you enjoyed today’s card! And that you might have learned something new along the way. As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Card Supplies

Shop My Entire Online Store: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Card Measurements

  • Basic White Thick Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Pool Party Cardstock: 5 5/8″ x 4 1/8″, 4″ x 5 1/4″ (Inside)
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Real Red Cardstock: 1 3/4″ x 4 1/4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 1 3/8″ x 3 7/8″, 3 3/4″ x 5″ (Inside)

A Fun Card Layout

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Today, I have a really fun card layout! You can use it when you are at the very end of a package of DSP and only have scraps. Likewise, you could rip open a brand new package of DSP and start there. There is so much versatility here!

Today’s Video

I have had a thing for monochromatic cards lately! And I am really happy with this one made almost entirely of Gray Granite. Maybe this shade simply makes for a nice transition from summer to fall colors. Additionally, this allows this card to be friendly to both male and female recipients.

Where This Card Layout Started

First, my creative process began by using a sketch of sorts. And while I liked my card, I felt that it was a waste of time embossing that first layer because you could not see it.

Next, I made the Basic White layer smaller. This resulted in being able to see all of the pretty embossing! I also added an additional layer for more color.

Several More Cards

Finally, you can see that this card layout works with any DSP, stamp set, or suite of products! So much fun!

I hope that you enjoyed this sweet little project. Let’s all try really hard to make a card and mail it out to someone this coming week. As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Card Supplies

Shop my entire online store: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Card Measurements

  • Gray Granite Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″; 3 3/8″ x 4 5/8″ ; and 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ (If you prefer a larger white border, 3 3/4″ x 5″); 4″ x 5 1/4″ (Inside); scrap for sentiment
  • DSP: (3) 3/4″ x 3″; (4) 1/2″ x 3″

Wonderful World by Stampin’ Up

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The Wonderful World Bundle is an amazing gift with purchase offered by Stampin’ Up. You can earn this bundle as a part of Stampin’ Up’s Sale-A-Bration promotion. The bundle consists of Designer Series Paper and a stamp set.

Today’s Video

The images from the stamp set may not appear like much on the case or in the catalog, but WOW do they stamp beautifully! Today I used Blending Brushes, but you could also use our Stampin’ Write Markers to add color to the stamps.

More Wonderful World Cards

Additionally, don’t forget that my inspiration came directly from the catalog. My card doesn’t look just like that one, but it provided an idea to get me started. Remember that the catalog can also be referred to as an idea book!

This bundle can be yours for FREE with a $100 purchase until August 31st or until supplies are gone.

As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Card Supplies

Shop my entire online store: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Card Measurements

  • Garden Green Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″ and 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 3 3/4″ x 5″ (Inside) and 4″ x 5 1/4″ (stamping)
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″ (Inside) and 3 1/4″ x 4 1/4″
  • Deckled Rectangles Dies: I used the 4th from the largest die.

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