A Merry Hello

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A Merry Hello friends! I hope that you are all doing well. This stamp set was so much fun to use for creating cards. I could hardly stop! This particular stamp set by Stampin’ Up is a host set. For example, whenever you host a party or simply spend $150, you earn Stampin’ Rewards. As a result, you can then use part of your Stampin’ Rewards to purchase this set if you choose.

Today’s Video featuring A Merry Hello:

More A Merry Hello Cards

Do you have a favorite color scheme for Christmas? I am typically a red and green girl but I have enjoyed experimenting with other color combinations as well. Additionally, I love that with Stampin’ Up we even have several red and green combinations. I wish that the Wink of Stella that I used on the greenery would show up on camera. Not only is this a low cost tool for your crafting, but the sparkles add such a pretty touch.

A greeting card on a Whisper White base. Then there is a Cherry Cobbler plaid layer. There is a picture of a long stocking.
A photo of a handmade Christmas card. It has a Whisper White base with layers of Crumb Cake, Old Olive, and Cherry Cobbler. There is an image of a long stocking on it.

Baby’s First Christmas

I just couldn’t resist creating a Baby’s 1st Christmas card! A handmade card makes an exceptional keepsake. Also, this combination of Balmy Blue, Granny Apple Green, and Night of Navy might be a new favorite for me.

A photo of a handmade Baby's First Christmas card. It is Whisper White with Balmy Blue, Night of Navy, and Granny Apple Green. There is an image of a cable knit stocking on the front.

A Challenging Color Challenge

My upline gives us a different color combination to use for creating each month. Of course, we do not have to participate but I find them enjoyable and they teach me new things. And this month’s challenge was just that…a challenge! We were told to create with Shaded Spruce, Soft Suede, and Bermuda Bay. This is not a combination I would have ever considered. However, in the end I liked the cards that I created. I guess you never know until you try.

This greeting card has a super cute vibe. It is Bermuda Bay in color and it is covered with polka dots.The focal image has three stockings hanging from some greens.

This was the card that I entered in the challenge. I was happy that I had another opportunity to use Stampin’ Up’s beautiful Shaded Spruce ribbon. It is just dreamy! Of course, I didn’t have any DSP to use that had all three colors on a light background to fit in with the idea in my mind. So I took a piece of Thick Whisper White cardstock and used my Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers along with a ruler and created my own DSP.

The thing that I have enjoyed the most in my Stampin’ Up journey is the relationships and the friends that I have made along the way. If this is something that you would enjoy, you can join my team here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/join-my-team/. You are not required to sell anything. You can achieve our low quarterly minimums simply by buying supplies for yourself. Joining to gain a product discount is perfectly acceptable! 🙂

This handmade Christmas card was made using Stampin' Up products. It has a large ribbon bow in Shaded Spruce and has an image of three stockings on the front.

Card Supplies

Card Measurements

  • Whisper White Thick Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Crumb Cake Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • DSP: 2′ x 4″
  • Old Olive Cardstock: 2″ x 5″
  • Cherry Cobbler Cardstock: 1 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
  • Whisper White Cardstock: 1 1/4″ x 4 1/4″, also a scrap for sentiment

I love the clear and crisp images that you get when you stamp with this set. The designer gives us many greetings, several focal images, and then the little stamps that fill in several of the images. This stamp set was not one of my favorites when I first saw it in the catalog. However, when I saw cards that other people were making using this set, I was won over.

Thanks again for joining me. As always…Be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Stampin’ Up Fall Treat Holders

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We are going to make some Stampin’ Up Fall Treat Holders today. I want y’all to start thinking about ways that you can use your stamping supplies for something other than making cards. With Halloween quickly approaching and Thanksgiving on the horizon, my mind starting thinking about ideas for treat holders.

Today’s Video:

These little treat holders can be decorated using any stamp set and any punch or die set. They are so incredibly versatile. And most importantly, quick to make! They use very few supplies so that makes them very affordable as well. Each sheet of 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheet of cardstock will create 4 bases. I used crumb cake because it is a good fall basic but you can use any color that you want.

More Stampin’ Up Fall Treat Holders

A matchbox style treat holder using Stampin' Up products. It is purple with white dots and it has a bat on it. It is one of five Stampin' Up Treat Holders featured on my blog today.

Wouldn’t these make adorable trick-or-treat goodies?

One of five Stampin' Up Fall Treat Holders that has a crumb cake base. It has pictures of leaves, acorns, and pumpkins on it.

This design would work easily for any fall occasion simply by swapping out the greeting.

One of five Stampin' Up Fall Treat Holders. It features a Mint Macron pumpkin with a gold bow. The Mint Macron designer series paper with gold foiling really makes it pop!
One of five Stampin' Up Fall Treat Holders that is mostly done in the color Crumb Cake. It has a pumpkin that is made using a paper piecing technique in Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, and Pumpkin Pie.

And these designs just might be that perfect little touch that would bring your whole Thanksgiving table together. They would create a conversation starter as well as being a pretty table decoration. Are the children or grandchildren looking for a little project? These are a GREAT project to do with them! They love a creative outlet as much as we do. This project can be done several weeks ahead of time.

Card Supplies:

Card Measurements for Stampin’ Up Treat Holders:

  • Crumb Cake Cardstock: 2 1/4″ x 8, scored at 2″ and at 5 1/2″
  • Rich Razzleberry Cardstock: 2′ x 2 1/4″, and another at 2″ x 1 3/4″
  • Whatever cardstock or DSP you would like for focal image. I used Plaid Tidings DSP for the pumpkin.

Thank you so much for joining me today! I hope that you have been inspired. As always– Be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

A standard A2 size greeting card in Pool Party and uses Stampin' Up Harvest Hellos stamp set

Harvest Hellos

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Harvest Hellos are finally starting to seem appropriate here in Alabama. It is still nice and warm in the daytime, but cooler mornings and evenings are quite pleasant! This stamp set by Stampin’ Up seems small but offers a wide variety of options. You have the option of using a whole apple, an apple section, a traditional pumpkin, or a jack-a-lantern.

Today’s Video

The coordinating Apple Builder punch makes very quick work of cutting out your image. In today’s video, I only created pumpkins. But how nice would it be to make a set of 4 notecards for your child’s teacher using the apple and package them nicely in one of our acrylic boxes? I think a lot of young parents are extremely grateful for their child’s teacher these days!! And hang on if your children haven’t returned to in person learning yet. You are doing a great job! I am definitely cheering for you.

Send Harvest Hellos This Year

A greeting card with an Early Expresso base. It has layers of Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, and Early Expresso Houndstooth.

I hear that many cities across the United States are calling off trick-or-treat. Thank makes me so sad. I understand the reasoning but it makes me sad nonetheless. Even if you do not normally send out cards for Halloween, maybe this year you could send a card to a child that you love. There is nothing like getting your very own mail as a kid!

Even More Harvest Hellos Cards

I loved getting to use my small pumpkin stamp from September’s Paper Pumpkin kit. It is just the right size to compliment the larger pumpkin from this set. Don’t forget to sign up for this month’s Paper Pumpkin kit on or before October 9, 2020. Here is a link to sign up: https://bit.ly/3iCCtS1

A feel better soon greeting card that features the colors of Crushed Curry, Crumb Cake, and Whisper White. It is made with Stampin' Up products.

The greetings in this set are tiny but you can use any stamp set greetings you would like. These cards aren’t just for holidays! This last card might be my favorite. I had so much fun doing putting all of the tiny paper pieces together. You’ll have to keep an eye on my Pinterest boards to see if I just happen to create some more. 🙂

A greeting card made of Cajun Craze Cardstock It has leaves and pumpkins on it.

Card Measurements

  • Mint Macron Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Early Expresso Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″, also 2″ x 5″ piece
  • Very Vanilla Cardstock: 3 3/4″ x 5″, also 3″ x 3″ to die cut sentiment
  • Very Vanilla Thick Cardstock: 3″ x 3″
  • Cajun Craze: 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
  • Crumb Cake: Scrap
  • DSP: 5″ x 1 3/4″

Card Supplies

I thank you for spending time with me today. As always….be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

A birthday card that is navy blue and white. It features Stampin' Up products.

Happiest of Birthdays

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Wishing some people I know the Happiest of Birthdays! I think that the best part of making cards is actually sending them. However, I think all of us are a little guilty of not sending them as often as we could. With everything going on these days, it is more important to reach out to others and let them know that you care about them. Birthdays are one of the best occasions to do that.

Today’s Video:

Join me today as I make a few birthday cards for a few people that are very special to me. And even though one of them is a belated birthday wish, the Happiest of Birthdays stamp set has me covered.

My Challenge to You

I had the privilege to spend all day Saturday with my Stampin’ Up team and friends. (Virtually, of course.) We had such an amazing day observing World Card Making Day. Learning and laughing together all while making some cards! We discussed the importance of actually sending our cards. I would like to challenge you to make and send five cards in the next week. They can be any type of card. You could also contact your local nursing home, hospice, or children’s home to see if they could use any donated cards for those in their care. Share some love in an envelope this week!

Designer Series Paper Sale

From now until the end of October, many of our Designer Series Papers are on sale. The fun fold cards that I have shown you today stand out because of our beautiful papers. We really didn’t need to add much of anything else except for our birthday greetings. You can find all of the packs that are on sale here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Paper Pumpkin

Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly kit called Paper Pumpkin. It is a subscription box but you can cancel or skip any time that you choose. This month’s kit features a stamp set, ink spot, and supplies to make eight full size cards. You must subscribe on or before October 9th. Here is a personalized link to subscribe with me: https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2211250

Card Supplies Used

Card Measurements

  • Whisper White Thick Cardstock: 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored at 5 1/2″
  • Night of Navy Cardstock: 4″ x 10 1/4″, scored at 2 1/2″ and 5″, and 4′ x 5 1/4″ for sentiment mat
  • DSP: 3 3/4″ x 5″ and 2 1/4″ x 3 3/4″
  • Whisper White Cardstock: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″ for inside and sentiment

Thank you so much for spending some of you time with me. I really appreciate it! As always….remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

A holiday greeting card in Coastal Cabana and it has snowflakes on it.

Snowflake Wishes

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The Snowflake Wishes Bundle is part of the Snowflake Splendor Suite offered by Stampin’ Up in the mini catalog this year. And while it features some cool and frosty colors, there is something heartwarming about these products as well. The designer series paper in this suite matches back to every blue color in the Stampin’ Up line. And as a result, you will have a difficult time deciding which paper that you would like to use!

A white greeting card with snowflakes and sequins. It was made using Stampin' Up products.

Casing the Catalog

The take away from today’s blog post is that I want you to be sure to hang on to your Stampin’ Up Catalogs. They are not solely for the purpose of shopping, but also to provide you with some inspiration when creating cards. You can always make the card as shown in the catalog or you can keep the things that you love about it and change up the parts that aren’t your favorite.

Don’t forget that I missed a step in my video! I forgot to rub over the window sheet with my emboss buddy. Stampin’ Up no longer sells them but a small piece of a laundry dryer sheet should do the trick as well. You just want to reduce the likelihood of static cling. Also, it appears that I use an entire container of the snowflake sequins. That is not the case! I already had used some out of the container. But with that being said, using that particular die makes it a very deep well in the window and you do end up using more sequins than usual. I would suggest cutting a different shape like a circle or an oval. Also, I you can place your pile of sequins in the center of your card base. That way you don’t need to align things upside down.

More Snowflake Wishes Cards

Stampin' Up products are used to make this bright blue holiday thank you card.

Don’t be afraid to try designs using non-traditional colors! This card features Rococo Rose.

This greeting card features a snowflake in Rococo Rose on a white card. Stampin' Up products are used.

Supplies Used:

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Card Measurements:

  • Coastal Cabana Cardstock: 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored at 5 1/2″
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Window Sheet: 3 3/4″ x 5″
  • Whisper White: 4″ x 5 1/4″ inside, scrap for sentiment

Please “like” and share my video on both Facebook and YouTube. And look me up on Pinterest as well! If you do not currently have a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator, I would love to become yours! Message me at sally@thepolkadotlife.com if you have any questions. As always…be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

A Halloween greeting card made using Stampin' Up products.

Plaid Tidings by Stampin’ Up

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Plaid Tidings to you! Plaid Tidings by Stampin’ Up that is. This new suite of products is going to serve us well in our craft room. Plaid paper is classic and it never goes out of style. It works for every holiday and every occasion for which we make cards. The DSP pack is good because there are sheets that have several colors and there are some that are very monochromatic.The DSP package is in the 6 x 6 size.

A fall greeting card that uses a golden colored plaid paper.There is an image of a pumpkin on the front.

The Embroidered Ribbon in the suite is a nice neutral color and we will be able to match it up with several of the colors in our line. I found it to be very easy to manipulate. I think it would really look nice if you frayed the ends a little bit. However, it didn’t seem to fray in my general use.

Today’s project is a Halloween fun fold card. This card was perfect for my video today because I am able to show you a few new techniques. I wanted to point out that the reason I filled my aqua painter with rubbing alcohol and not water is that we used a water based ink to stamp our greeting and our spider web. If I had used water, we risked our images being damaged and possible running.

Plaid Tidings by Stampin’ Up Video:

The second card I made was fun because I got to use my Stampin’ Blends markers to color in my images. I know that some people dislike coloring but I find it very soothing and relaxing. My final card used a bright piece of the plaid paper. I feel it is a card that you might not automatically think of making using a plaid designed paper. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone when making cards. Trying new color combinations and techniques can boost your confidence and expand your knowledge.

I know that we aren’t supposed to play favorites but I really love how this card turned out. It ‘s so happy! 🙂

Supplies for Today’s Card Project:

Card Measurements:

  • Gorgeous Grape Cardstock: 4 1/4″ x 9″, scored and folded at 5 1/2″
  • Plaid Tidings DSP: 3 1/4″ x 4″ and 1 1/2″ x 4″
  • Whisper White Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″ (2)
  • Pumpkin Pie Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″

I hope that you enjoyed the new techniques we talked about today. I always think it is fun is get a little messy in the craft room! And as always- Be kind, send a card and do something creative!

Sally

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A fall card using Stampin Up products.

Banner Year

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It’s a Banner Year! Wait…2020? Really? Ha, ha. Maybe not exactly but the stamp set by Stampin’ Up is a really good one. I teamed it up with the Gilded Autumn Designer Series Paper to make some pretty fall cards. Stampin’ Up has done an excellent job with making sure that their products can be paired together so easily.

The Gilded Autumn Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up is featured in this card.

The colors in the Gilded Autumn DSP are Cajun Craze, Early Expresso, Mint Macaron, Crumb Cake, and Very Vanilla. They are perfect together! However, I did find that if I was stamping an image in Mint Macaron, it is best to stamp off first as the color kind of comes off dark on the Very Vanilla. And I find that I don’t use Cajun Craze very often. Stampin’ Up uses some color combinations in their papers that I would never have the courage or idea to use together. But I will definitely use this combo again!

Today’s Video:

The stamp set is bundled with the Banner Year punch. That means that when you purchase the bundle you will save 10%. Aren’t we always looking for ways to make our crafting budget stretch a little bit more?

A greeting card on Early Expresso cardstock. It has images of a squirrel, an acorn, and a pumpkin on the front.

As I mentioned in my video, please leave a comment and let me know which of the four cards is your favorite. These cards came together very quickly. Mostly because of the DSP! A great paper is one of our greatest tools!

Supplies Used:

Card Measurements:

  • Cajun Craze Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2, scored at 4 1/4″
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Very Vanilla Cardstock: 2 1/2′ x 2 1/2″
  • DSP or Cardstock of your choice: 1″ x 3 1/2″
  • DSP or Cardstock of your choice: 1/2″ x 3 1/4″
  • Very Vanilla (Inside): 4″ x 5 1/4″

Thank you so much for spending some time with me today. As always – be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

It’s Snowman Season

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Snowman Season is today on the blog! But in reality, it’s flaming hot and humid as can be. Stampin’ Up has hit it out of the park with this stamp set. These whimsical snowmen are all geared up for a good snowball fight. However, I prefer a much warmer climate. 🙂

A greeting card in Stampin’ Up Coastal Cabana cardstock and a snowman image.

This stamp set can be used for adorable Christmas cards! But, it also works well for making cards to send as a general purpose throughout the winter months. Perhaps, if you celebrate Snowman Season by making your holiday cards while we are still experiencing high temperatures, you will find yourself just a wee bit cooler.

Today’s Snowman Season Video:


This stamp set was first introduced last year as part of the holiday lineup. Everyone enjoyed using it so much that Stampin’ Up carried it over into this year’s Annual Catalog! These characters are so much fun!

A greeting card using the Snowflake Splendor DSP by Stampin’ Up.

Supplies:


You can shop my entire website here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/


Card Measurements:

  • Purple Posy Cardstock: 4 1/4” x 11”, scored at 2 3/4” and 8 1/4”
  • Purple Posy Cardstock: 2 3/4” x 4 1/4”
  • Whisper White Cardstock: 2 1/2 x 4”
  • Whisper White Cardstock: 3 3/4” x 5” (Inside)
  • DSP: 2 1/2” x 4”

Thank you so much for joining me today! As always remember to be kind, send a card, and so something creative.

Sally

A picture of a Stampin' Up greeting card featuring a green Christmas Tree with a bow.

Wonder of the Season Memories & More Card Pack (Part 2)

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The Wonder of the Season suite of products includes the Memories & More Card Pack. This is the second in a series where this card pack is featured. (Here is a link to the other post: https://bit.ly/3550b6q) In the first post we looked at how to use the card pack to create simple and easy cards. Especially when paired with the Memories & More Cards and Envelopes. Today’s video dives a little deeper into looking at how you can create more advanced cards.

A greeting card that is Just Jade and Real Red.
A greeting card that is made with the Wonder of the Season Memories & More Card Pack by Stampin Up.

Wonder of the Season Memories & More Card Pack Video Part 2:

There are SO many elements to this card pack! As a result, I could not hardly stop creating! I had Christmas songs playing on the Alexa in my office and just played and played. Eventually, I had to stop because I ran out of the Cards & Envelopes. An additional pack of those will be going on my next order for sure! But I still had fun. And I love how the cards turned out.

Look at everything I still had left!

Elements from the Stampin Up Wonder of the Season Memories & More Card Pack.

In conclusion, please leave me a comment and let me know if you are a beginning stamper, casual stamper, or an avid stamper. I want to know what kind of projects you would like to see.

And as always….be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

Supplies:

Here is a link to my online store where you can shop all of the latest Stampin Up products: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Wonder of the Season Memories & More Card Pack (Part 1)

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The Wonder of the Season Memories & More Card Pack is a great jumping point to spark your creativity! Stampin’ Up’s Card Packs were designed for both scrapbooking and card making. Many of you do not know that I began my love for paper crafting many years ago as a scrapbooker. My children were young at that time and I wanted to document their childhood memories. It was a journey that I thoroughly enjoyed! I was a representative for a direct sales company that was very popular at that time. Consequently, I made many new friends and created memories that I would never have made otherwise. I hold many of those friends in my heart to this day.

A photo of a Christmas greeting card featuring a red background and a golden sleigh.

Sometimes, when I would create my scrapbook pages, I would be able to just sit down and come out with a page layout with no problem. However, that was not always the case. There were times that I needed to use a layout from a magazine or a guidebook for inspiration. Even if I didn’t duplicate it exactly, they helped me to get going and design my pages. And that is what Stampin’ Up’s Card Packs do for your card making.

Memories & More Card Pack Video

The Memories & More Cards & Envelopes are a great value and they are such a time saver! You can get straight to the crafting fun and who doesn’t love that? Even if you cover that gorgeous red foil on the card front, the envelopes still bring that sparkle and shine. 🙂

A photo of a Christmas greeting card that is made with Stampin' Up's Wonder of the Season Memories & More Cards & Envelopes .

A Very Good Place To Start

I realize that today’s cards are very simple. But that is what Part 1 is all about. Stampin’ Up offers a little something for everyone. If you would like to try making cards, this pack is your ticket! You only need to add some adhesive. But also don’t be fooled by it’s simplicity. Part II will be debuting soon and you will see that even an avid crafter will enjoy working with it’s elements as well.

A greeting card made with the Memories & More Card Pack with a few jewels added.

Giveaway Time!

Please like, comment, and share my video/post. I will be having a giveaway on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 and I will draw from everyone that shares my video before that date!

A photo of a Christmas greeting card made with Stampin' Up products.

Supplies Used for My Memories & More Card Pack Video:

In closing, I am just sharing this picture for fun. The youngest of my three kitties came in my office and tried to jump into the middle of my video. Ha! And as always…Be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Thanks,

Sally

A photo of me and my kitty.

Join My Team Here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/join-my-team/

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