The Polka Dot Life • Page 12 of 12 •

Stampin’ Up Summer Days Watercoloring Fun

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

Leave a Comment / By Sally McFadden

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!

2 Comments / By Sally McFadden

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….

Leave a Comment / By Sally McFadden

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?

Leave a Comment / By Sally McFadden

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

Leave a Comment / By Sally McFadden

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

Stampin’ Up Nautical Baby Card

2 Comments / By Sally McFadden

My video today features a nautical themed baby card using the Sailing Home stamp set and the Smooth Sailing dies that are a returning favorite to the 2020-2021 Annual Stampin’ Up catalog. And we get to play with the new Lovely Labels Pick a Punch! I am so glad that you have joined me for my first ever video and blog post. 🙂