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Earthen Elegance by Stampin’ Up

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I will be honest. The Earthen Elegance Suite Collection was not initially on my radar to purchase. However, after seeing what some people had created with the suite, I decided to try it.

Today’s Video Tutorial

First, I stamped a bunch of different images in various colors. Second, I cut out those shapes and other die cuts. And lastly, I started putting some cards together. The first two steps really helped to get my inspiration going! I highly recommend doing this if you aren’t sure where to start.

Another thing that I like to do is look at other stamp and die sets to see if there is anything that would work well with my chosen suite or set. For example, in today’s card, I pulled in the Darling Details dies. And I even ended up using the negative piece instead of the main die cut.

More Earthen Elegance Cards

I created cards that would mostly fall into the Casual, Avid, and Artfully Avid categories with this suite. What category do you most identify with? I feel that I can fall into any and/or all of these categories on any given day. Don’t limit yourself! Which card is your favorite?

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope to see you again soon. 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

  • Pretty Peacock Cardstock: 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored at 5 1/2″
  • DSP: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ for card front
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″ for die cut image
  • Scraps: Desired paper for die cuts
  • Very Vanilla Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″

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.

Hues of Happiness by Stampin’ UP

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The Hues of Happiness Suite of products caught my eye from day one! It is actually featured on the cover of our new 2022-2023 Annual Stampin’ Up Catalog. The bundle features a photopolymer stamp set and a die set. The embellishments in the kit are the Glossy Dots Assortment. And the Designer Series Paper is a total knockout!

Today’s Video

Where Do I Even Begin?

I admit that I was totally blocked as to where to begin. So, I just started playing. This is where I decided that while I love the Designer Series Paper, I wanted to hand paint my flowers. Be sure to watch the video to learn my process. Here is a little photo that shows what methods I have tried. It’s not the greatest photo but it is a great comparison.

Additionally, here is how the Orchid Oasis from the video turned out after it dried. You can see the difference from the smaller Night of Navy flower.

My first cards were created by taking a simple card sketch and using that as my guide. Once I did this, my creative block went away. You can always find ideas in the Stampin’ Up Catalogs or on Pinterest. There is a link to my boards on my homepage.

More Hues of Happiness Cards

Next, I progressed to a card that featured some heat embossing. Don’t you just love the white images on the Night of Navy cardstock? So classy!

Then, I jumped into a more stepped-up card. I wanted it to have a lot of layers. And Pool Party cardstock always makes a pretty card.

And finally, my heart was happy with this Fresh Freesia card. I am also so happy with the Gray Granite version that we made together on the video. I hope that you were inspired to create one of these Hues of Happiness cards today. That would really make me smile!

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

Sally

Card Supplies

You can 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″; and 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
  • Night of Navy Cardstock: 3 3/4″ x 5″
  • Shimmery White Cardstock: Enough to stamp desired flowers, leaves, greetings, etc.
  • Basic White Cardstock: 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″

Special Moments by Stampin’ Up

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Today’s cards feature the Special Moments Stamp Set by Stampin’ Up. However, I might not have named it Special Moments. I might have named it Everyday Occasions! This set includes 21 photopolymer stamps of greetings that can be used to show love and care to others in your life. It is my favorite item in the current Sale-A-Bration catalog.

Today’s Video

I started by using this sheet of paper from the Daffodil Afternoon DSP Pack. Stampin’ Up often includes a sheet like this design in their paper packs. This sheet is designed to cut straight across the middle and then in 4″ sections. This will give you enough DSP for six cards. Of course, if you are using this in a scrapbook, simply just cut across the middle and use each piece as a border design on your pages.

You can use each one of these sections to create a card. A very simple approach would be to just add it directly to your card base. I like to add an additional layer in between. Yet, even when adding this step, this DSP makes quick and easy cards!

Special Moments Cards…

As you can see in the photo, all I needed to add was a butterfly and our lovely Special Moments sentiment. Done. How fast was that? You could group all six of your cards together to make a lovely gift set for someone!

Two Sides To Every Sheet of Designer Series Paper!

I know that we are focusing on this specific sheet of DSP but we could’ve also used any piece of 12 x 12 DSP and followed the same process. And we sometimes forget that each sheet of our DSP has TWO sides! Flipping the paper over inspired my next two cards.

To begin, I ran this piece of DSP through the die-cut machine using the Stitched Greenery Die. The next part was a little messy! However, I feel it was worth the mess. 🙂 I have a large clipboard and I adding my section of DSP to it with a glue dot. Next, I used the Whisper White Craft Ink re-inker and put a drop of it on an acrylic block. I added a few drops of water from my Water Painter to think down the ink. After the brush portion of my Water Painter was loaded well with ink, I struck the Water Painter against my bone folder causing dots of ink to splatter onto my DSP.

Next, I added the DSP to a layer of Very Vanilla that is just a little larger. I added ribbon and glued this piece to my card base. Last, I just popped on my greeting using dimensionals. You could entirely skip adding the ink if you don’t like getting messy!

My Favorite Special Moments Card!

While I was looking at the greetings in today’s set, I thought about different events that I will need cards for soon. I made this card with graduation in mind. This card could easily be used for birthdays too. And the design can be either masculine or feminine simply by changing up your color palette.

Do you know what is the best thing about the Special Moments Stamp Set and the Daffodil Afternoon Designer Series Paper? They are both FREE with a qualifying purchase!!! Don’t forget that Sale-A-Bration ends on February 28th or while supplies last.

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

  • Flirty Flamingo Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Very Vanilla Cardstock: 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″ and 4″ x 5 1/4″ (Inside) and 3/4″ x 4″ for greeting
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″ (The section we cut), 3 3/4″ x 5″, and 3″ x 4″ and a piece for hat

Sunny Sentiments

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I love the Sunny Sentiments Stamp Set by Stampin’ Up! It features large, bold sentiments that are useful and fun. The fonts are chunky and they stand out. The sentiments are words that you would actually say to someone.

Today’s Video

If you are a beginning stamper trying to build your supplies, this is a set you should purchase. It is easy to stamp and the greetings will cover most of the cards you will make.

Did you like today’s card layout? It is so easy and fun! I like that you can make it just like it is or build on that by adding layers and embellishments. Additionally, I do enjoy a black and white card on occasion. They are sleek.

More Sunny Sentiments Cards

Look what flipping over the same paper does! It’s an entirely different look and vibe. And all from a small piece of paper. Remember this layout when you need to make multiple cards at one time. This layout would be a lifesaver. It would be great to use when making your holiday cards.

Look at that stunning black sentiment! Your eyes can’t help but be drawn to it. The recipient of this card will not miss the message that you intend to relay.

Here is another great layout! It is also easy. You can change to look easily by adding a layer or changing the color of your card base. You could use any paper that you have in your stash.

I hope that you found today’s card layouts useful. My goal is to produce a wide variety of ideas for all levels of crafters. As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

Card Supplies

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

Card Measurements

  • Basic White Thick Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Pattern Party DSP: 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″, then cut lengthwise at 1 5/8″, then turn and cut at 1 1/2″

Butterfly Brilliance and Color Challenge

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Today, I am using the Butterfly Brilliance Bundle for my May team color challenge. My team leader chooses three Stampin’ Up colors that we must use on our cards. We are only permitted to use these three colors plus Basic White or Very Vanilla cardstock and Basic Black ink. This month she chose Magenta Madness, Mango Melody, and Calypso Coral.

Today’s Video

This challenge produced some pretty but bright cards! I feel that Magenta Madness is the most intense color in our Stampin’ Up lineup. However, it is a very happy color. I decided to use the Butterfly Brilliance Bundle for the challenge. Butterflies can be imagined in any color. They can also be used for many different card occasions.

More Butterfly Brilliance Cards

I began the creative process with this card. It was my first time playing with some of the new products from the 2021-2022 Annual Catalog. And it was so much fun! Sometimes, we just need one aspect of a card decided for us to help get our creativity going.

The Ombre Specialty Paper was the only DSP type of paper that I owned in the assigned colors. But it added such vibrance and sparkle to my card! I also used Wink of Stella on my butterfly.

Please be sure to take the time to watch today’s video. There are just too many options with both the die and stamp sets to cover in writing here!

I used the Checks & Dots Embossing folder to create paper to decorate my envelope flaps. And I had plenty of leftover butterflies to adhere to the front of my envelopes and insides of my cards. This color combination ended up being an enjoyable one for me. Although, it might not be fitting for every occasion.

Of course, these challenges are totally optional. Team members that choose to participate are eligible for prizes. And who doesn’t love a good prize patrol? Right now, Stampin’ Up is running the Join+ promotion. You can become part of the fun. A starter kit is $99 and that includes shipping. In May, you get to choose $155 of products! That is the crazy, best deal I have seen them offer!

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

Sally

Card Supplies

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

Card Measurements

  • Calypso Coral Cardstock: 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored at 5 1/2″ and scrap for butterfly
  • Basic White Cardstock: 2 3/4″ x 4″, 1 3/4″ x 5″, and 3 3/4″ x 5″ for inside layer
  • Mango Melody Cardstock: 1 3/4″ x 5″
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