This is a photo of a greeting card made with Stampin' Up's Ornamental Envelopes Bundle.

Ornamental Envelopes Bundle

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The new Ornamental Envelopes Bundle and some of our Note Cards will be my choice to create a few quick and easy Christmas cards today. This bundle is unlike any other that Stampin’ Up is offering at this time. The Ornamental stamp set has stamps for Christmas and stamps for everyday use. The Envelopes Dies are AMAZING!

A notecard with an envelope liner made with the Ornamental Envelopes Bundle by Stampin' Up.

I’m An Addict…

I am a stationary junkie! I always have been. My Mother is to blame. She loved cards too. She always insisted that the clerk at the Hallmark store give us those big, round gold seals for the back of the envelopes. And it was my job to put them on. From getting that brand new tablet on the first day of school, to hoarding planner supplies, and needing to purchase everything that Stampin’ Up has to offer exposes my addiction! And notice I haven’t even made mention of my pen and marker stash! Therapy. I might need therapy. These dies are going to put my obsession over the edge!

A simple and classic holiday card made with the Ornamental Envelopes Bundle by Stampin' Up.

Ornamental Envelopes Dies

My stationary obsession always kicks into high gear when a get an invitation or an announcement in the mail. The layers, the textures, the colors, and all of the fonts. But most of all the envelope liners! I was always intimidated at the thought of making one. However, the Ornamental Envelopes Dies makes beautiful liners in a snap! The dies offer SO many possibilities for decorating both the inside and outside of your envelopes. As a result, once you start creating with them, you just cannot stop!

Fast And Affordable

By using our Note Cards and Envelopes, you can skip straight to the designing and creating process. I chose to go with a very traditional Christmas color theme but you could use any Designer Series Paper or any of our inks to fit the occassion that you want. Not only do our Note Cards and Envelopes offer a quick ticket to the fun, but they are super affordable. They come in both the Very Vanilla and Whisper White. There are 20 cards and 20 envelopes in each pack for only $7.

A greeting card made using the Ornamental Envelopes Bundle by Stampin' Up.

Making your own handmade cards is so much fun and people that receive them appreciate your effort. You are able to make their card with them in mind and use the colors and elements that fit their personalities. Most importantly, they are happy that you thought of them and cared enough about them to send a card.

As always, be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

Supplies Needed:

You can shop for all of our products here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Join my team to get the best in discounts, early access events, and fun! – http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/join-my-team/

Card Measurements:

  • Whisper White Cardstock- A piece large enough for the greeting of your choice
  • Coordinating Cardstock- 3 1/2″ x 5″ (If you want to cover the entire front)
  • DSP- 3 1/4″ x 4 3/4″ (If you want a second layer)
  • One of our Note Cards and Envelopes
  • DSP- Scraps for Decoration
  • DSP- For Note Card Liner- 5″ x 5 1/4″

Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine

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The Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine is FINALLY here! If you are like me, you have been waiting and waiting for what seems like forever! The Big Shot was sold through Stampin’ Up for many years. It was and is a great machine. However, there were a few areas that needed to be improved. As a result, Stampin’ Up sought out a manufacturer to design exactly what they wanted.

Here Are Some Of The Improvements:

  • We now have the correct plates and “sandwich” combinations to accommodate our new thickness of embossing folders.
  • Each plate is numbered.
  • The base has the combinations listed for all of the appropriate “sandwiches” needed for each task.
  • Though the release date has not been announced, we will have a new magnetic plate that can be purchased separately . From the catalog, “Thin, fully magnetic sheet with self-healing cutting surface. Magnetic Cutting Plate (Plate 5) holds dies securely in place, even nested dies. This slim, portable sheet replaces a Cutting Plate in your sandwich, making it easier to take with you. Use with the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine.” No more die jumping!
  • I am excited to learn more about this– The release date is yet unknown but we will also be offering a set of impression mats that we can purchase additionally! The catalog says that “Our favorite dies can do more when paired with the Impression Mats. Use with dies that have decorative ejection holes for detailed embossing. Or use with cutting dies to emboss instead of cut. Includes 1 thick Impression Mat and 1 thin Impression Mat. Use with the Stampin Cut & Emboss Machine.” This sounds SO fun! I can’t wait until we can purchase these.

Here Is Today’s Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Video:

Here Are Some Specifications For The Machine:

  • The new machine will be available for customer purchase on September 1, 2020.
  • This machine has a wide 6″ (15.2 cm) platform that works with all Stampin’ Up! dies and embossing folders. Includes 1 Base Plate (Plate 1), 1 Die Plate (Plate 2), 2 Cutting Plates (Plate 3), and 1 Specialty Plate (Plate 4).
  • This machine is exclusive to Stampin’ Up!
  • The machine will have a three-year limited warranty. To prevent damage to the machines, use as directed and use only with compatible Stampin’ Up! products. 
  • It weighs approximately 8.1 lbs.
This is a picture of the Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine (Item #149653) by Stampin' Up.

Do You Need It Now?

If you do, join my team! This machine can be added to your Starter Kit. That doesn’t mean you need to start a business (unless you want to) or do videos like I do. If you don’t make the quarterly minimums, you just come back to being my customer! A Starter Kit is $99 and you choose $125 in product.

You can join my team here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/join-my-team/

After September 1, 2020 you can purchase a machine here:http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

And as always…Be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Wishes & Wonder by Stampin’ Up

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It’s the season for Wishes & Wonder! The virus may have stolen a lot of things this year, but it cannot steal my love for Christmas! In fact, being at home most of the time has given me the opportunity to work on some holiday cards and projects and not feel rushed. The process has been so enjoyable and relaxing.

Do you have a particular style when it comes to decorating for Christmas? I am a very traditional gal. Red and green are my usual choices. But I enjoy other color combinations as well. I think that is one thing about our cards, gift wrap, and craft projects is that we are not committed to just one theme. We can go in whatever direction our creativity takes us. And I love that. That was my mindset for this particular project. Adding black to a color palette can change the “vibe” a little and make the other colors in the palette stand out. Sometimes adding black makes your project look more formal. Sometimes it makes it feel more on the earthy side.

Stampin' Up Wishes & Wonder image of sleigh

Did You Know?

The Wishes & Wonder stamp set is part of the Wonder of the Season Suite of products offered by Stampin’ Up this season. The North Pole Wonder Dies are bundled with the stamp set. Did you know that when you purchase our stamp set/cutting tool bundles you save 10% vs. purchasing them separately? And if you love all of the products in the suite, you can just enter #155112 and order everything in the collection all at once. (I have also used a few items that are not part of the suite as well.)

Today’s Project Featuring Wishes & Wonder

This pocket card looks very complicated to make. But, this card is actually very simple to put together. Today’s video will show you how.

Stampin' Up Wishes & Wonder images

Even More Wishes & Wonder Cards and Creations

Once I started playing with the Wishes & Wonder stamp set, I just couldn’t stop!

Wishes & Wonder stamp set images from Stampin' Up
Gold embossed image of a deer using the Wished & Wonder stamp set by Stampin' Up
Wishes & Wonder by Stampin' Up images
Image to show card measurements
  • Very Vanilla 6″ x 9 1/4″ (You could also use DSP here)
  • Basic Black 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″
  • Very Vanilla 3 3/4″ x 5″
  • Basic Black 2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
  • Very Vanilla-Whole Sheet to stamp with Buffalo Check. Then cut a strip 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ for inside layer. Die cut on remaining portion.
  • Very Vanilla Scrap for Sentiment
  • Gold Foil Scrap
  • Ribbon Bow
  • Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Supplies Needed

Thank you so much for taking time to read my blog today! As always, “Be kind, Send A Card, and Do Something Creative!”

Sally

A Warm & Toasty Christmas

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I am so excited to be able to start sharing holiday cards and projects with you! The Mini Catalog offers so many new card ideas, stamp sets, embossing folders, dies, embellishments, and punches. Oh my! The Warm & Toasty stamp set was my husband’s number one choice. And that is funny because he usually has no opinion. Ha! My wish list grew so quickly. It was just like looking at the Sears catalog when I was a kid! Did any of you do that? It was so exciting when that catalog would hit our mailbox. We would all huddle around and gush over everything. And when the catalog was finished, we would cut up the catalog and make paper dolls. We stored them in a shoebox and played with them often.

Do you have a copy of the new August-December 2020 Mini Catalog? Don’t forget that if you are not already working with a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator, you can request one right here on my website? I would love to be your demonstrator and help you with any questions. If your wishlist from the catalog is a long one you should take advantage of the best offering I have! Join my team of discount shoppers! This does not mean that you need to run a business or hold workshops. It just means that you purchase your starter kit for $99 and YOU get to CHOOSE $125 of product!!! There is a quarterly minimum but if you don’t make enough purchases to meet that then you just return to being my customer. No Stampin’ Up police will show up looking for you! 🙂 I promise. Here is the link to join my team: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/join-my-team/

Today’s Video

Today’s cards feature the Warm & Toasty stamp set by Stampin’ Up. The images are simple and whimsical and easily spark your creativity! This set is not part of a suite or bundle but there are endless possibilities of mixing and matching! I used punches and dies from other sets to cut my images, but you could easily fussy cut these as well. These tiny creatures are sure to make your Christmas Merry!

Here are my samples:

Aren’t these little friends cute? Which card is your favorite?

  • Whisper White Thick: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
  • Coastal Cabana: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • DSP: 3 7/8″ X 5 1/8″
  • Whisper White: 1″ x 4″
  • Whisper White: 4″ X 5 1/4″

Supplies:

WARM & TOASTY CLING STAMP SET

SNOWFLAKE SPLENDOR DESIGNER SERIES PAPER

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

Sally

Stampin’ Up Summer Days Watercoloring Fun

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Watercoloring has always been enjoyable for me. I find it therapeutic no matter which method I use. Stampin’ Up has a stamp set called Summer Days. It lends itself to many different coloring methods. Today I chose to use my watercolor pencils but you could also use an aqua painter, your Stampin’ Blends, or even just leave them as an outlined image. And you can choose from the full array of Stampin’ Up colors!! You could have a bold card, subtle card, or even a monochromatic card. Remember to use StazOn black ink if you will be coloring with a water-based product. Or Memento black ink if you will be using your Stampin’ Blends or any alcohol-based products. You can use regular Whisper White cardstock for the inside layer but be sure to use Whisper White Thick for your card base and your coloring layer because it is more durable.

I look at the images of this stamp set and I think about childhood and summer days. I pray that during this time of COVID-19 that all of the children will be blessed with carefree days and get to enjoy the sunshine sent our way. A wise friend once told me that her favorite summer memory was that her mother made them go outside, take their shoes off, and lay in the grass to watch the sky. Maybe I will make time this very week to do that! (Of course, someone will probably need to get me back up! Ha!)

  • Thick Whisper White Cardstock 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Thick Whisper White Cardstock 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Regular Whisper White Cardstock (Inside) 3 3/4″ x 5″
  • Pacific Point Cardstock (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Smokey Slate Cardstock 3 1/8″ x 4 3/4″

Supplies:

Please remember that Bonus Days end on August 3rd. The new holiday catalog will launch on August 4th and you can request a copy of the catalog here- http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/catalog-request/

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

My best,

Sally

Stampin’ Up’s You Are My Sunshine

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Even just saying You Are My Sunshine makes me smile! I have such fond memories of singing that song to my children and my mother singing it to me as well. We even used to have a little neighbor girl that sang it with a tiny lisp and it was precious! Our new Bumblebee In Color was the obvious choice to use for my card. And I feel that the Magenta Madness adds just a little sparkle. So happy!

I filmed this video at the same time that I shot the Lovely You video. So again I apologize that it is a little too close up. I do not expect that I will ever win an award for my filming skills! But it is what it is and I am learning more each day. I think life long learning is so important. Especially during all of this COVID stuff….it has been a great way to work through the time and work out some frustrations. I hope that your crafting has been a pleasant diversion to you. And when you are finished crafting you can share the sunshine to someone else by sending them your card!

Here is today’s video:

  • Bumblebee Cardstock 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Whisper White Cardstock 4″ x 5 1/4″ (2)

Supplies For Stampin’ Up’s You Are My Sunshine Card:

You can shop for all the supplies here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Always remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative,

Sally

Stampin’ Up Lovely You is just that…lovely!

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Stampin’ Up’s Lovely You Bundle is the star of the show on today’s video! The stamp set has a light and airy feel and the mixture of two different fonts gives it a modern flare. Also, the selection of sentiments is plentiful. No matter the occasion, you will be able to make an appropriate card in no time.

#stampinup #lovelyyou #crafts #crafting #wildlygrateful #thepolkadotlife #youtube #sendacard #bekind

I am asking for a little grace today. 🙂 This is still a learning process for me. I realize that part of my video is not exactly in frame! I’m learning more everyday!

Here is the link to my YouTube video:

As I mentioned in the video, the Pastels, Neutrals, and Brights are my favorite color families. Do you have a favorite color palette when making your cards? And you can simply change up the colors to those you or the recipient would enjoy. I love being able to personalize my cards!

Don’t be afraid to play with your stamp sets. If you don’t want to risk wasting your good cardstock, use some copier paper to make a pattern or a trial card to see if you like it! You might not love your first creation but it just might steer you in a direction that you love! Here are a few more cards that I made using the Stampin’ Up Lovely You Bundle and technique. Which one is your favorite?

Even More Stampin’ Up Lovely You Cards:

Here are the measurements for today’s card:

  • 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ Seaside Spray
  • 4″ x 5 1/4″ Whisper White Thick
  • 2 3/8″ x 11″ Seaside Spray, score at 5 1/2″
  • 4 1/4″ x 5 1/4″ Whisper White (makes two)
  • 3 1/4″ x 1″ Soft Seafoam
  • 3″ x 1/2″ Gray Granite
  • 2 1/8″ x 5 1/4″ Whisper White (Inside Layer)

Here are the supplies used for my cards:

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and watching my video!

Sally

The New Stampin’ Up 2020-2022 In Colors are here….

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You will love the new Stampin’ Up In Colors for 2020-2022! They are Magenta Madness, Just Jade, Misty Moonlight, Bumblebee, and Cinnamon Cider. We will also be using the new Celebrating Sunflowers stamp set. The result is a set of very colorful and cheery cards!

Each year, Stampin’ Up introduces five new colors that are in addition to our regular color line up. These are called In Colors. They will be available from 2020-2022. That also means that we had to say goodbye to our five 2018-2020 In Colors. This process allows Stampin’ Up to introduce colors that are on trend and in style! I think that you are going to be able to make some great projects and cards with these new In Colors!

If you have any trouble viewing the video above, click here: https://youtu.be/mc2JzvC3niE PLEASE be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel and click the red bell icon to be notified whenever I post a new video. This helps me be able to bring you videos and grow my channel visibility. I really appreciate your help!


Card Base Color of Choice: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ scored at 4 1/4″
Whisper White Cardstock 1″ X 4″ Whisper White Cardstock 4″ x 5 1/4″

Other Stampin’ Up Supplies Used:

http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

I hope that you enjoyed today’s project! Please let me know which of the new In Colors is your favorite in the comment section below. Remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Do you know about Stampin’ Up Paper Pumpkin?

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Do you know about Stampin’ Up’s Paper Pumpkin monthly subscription box? Most of the time it is for making cards, but sometimes they switch things up and the kit features gift or 3D projects. You always have the option to skip a kit if you would like! The kits are also a very nice option if you are traveling and want to take along something fun to create. You can visit my online store http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/ and order your subscription today! And don’t forget to check out the “Add-On Kit” that is available to coordinate with the July kit.

Faith Over Fear Featuring Stampin’ Up Ridiculously Awesome

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Have you ever needed to send a card for a difficult situation? I am sure that you probably have and I am guessing that you have and that you probably really had to search for just the right card to send. Sometimes we just give up and don’t send a card at all. But, these are the times when our friends and family really need our love and support. The Stampin’ Up Ridiculously Awesome stamp set has many perfect sentiments for those difficult cards.


The great thing about making our own cards is that we can make them personal. Just the right sentiment! Stampin’ Up has so many great options! And when it comes to writing in your cards, do what you are comfortable doing. Sometimes that is writing a lengthy note while others prefer simply to sign their name. Either one of these options is perfectly fine. Just share your love with someone. They will always remember your kindness.

Faith Over Fear Video

Please visit my online store! You can shop for Stampin’ Up’s Ridiculously Awesome stamp set and all of the other needed supplies here: https://thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Faith Over Fear Card Measurements

Pool Party Card Base 8 1/2“ x 5 1/2”

Whisper White Cardstock 4“ x 5 1/4“ (2), After embossing one piece cut to 5 1/8” x 3 7/8“

Basic Gray Cardstock 4” x 5 1/4”

Request A Catalog Here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/catalog-request/

Send a card to a friend or loved one today. Even if you don’t have a reason to send a card. Sometimes, those cards are the very best ones to receive! Happy mail! And as always….Be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Thank you so much,

Sally


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