#crafting

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

Driving By (A Free Set by Stampin’ Up)

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Driving By is a new stamp set by Stampin’ Up. And, it is also FREE with a $50 purchase! The stamp set is part of the Sale-A-Bration promotion that is active through February 2022.

Today’s Video

Working with the Driving By Stamp Set was so much fun. I love it when Stampin’ Up gives us outline images! As a result, we have the opportunity to choose from several different techniques to color the images. We could use Watercolor Pencils, Water Painters and ink, Stampin’ Write Markers, Stampin’ Blend Markers, Blending Brushes, and paper piecing.

More Driving By Cards

As you can see in the video, I chose paper piecing for my technique to share on camera. In addition to this card, I also made two other cards that were colored using the Stampin’ Blends Markers.

This is just such a happy card. I love the bright colors! And I don’t think that either the still photos or the video catch the sparkle of the ribbon or the Wink Of Stella on the balloons.

It has been a while since I have made a square card. I feel that some people shy away from them because they think the postage will be more. However, If the card is made to fit inside our regular Medium Envelopes, there is no additional postage.

I hope that you enjoyed seeing today’s cards. Remember that Sale-A-Bration only lasts until the end of February!

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

  • Mint Macaron Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″; 3 7/8″ x 5 1/8″; Scrap
  • Basic White Cardstock: 3 3/4″ x 5″; 4″ x 5 1/4″ (2); Scrap

Flowers Of Friendship Color Challenge

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Today, I will show you how I made my Flowers of Friendship Color Challenge card. The colors assigned this month were Early Espresso, Granny Apple Green, and Gorgeous Grape. This combination is not my favorite!

Today’s Video

I decided to use the Early Espresso to stamp my main image. Even though we could, I chose not to use Memento Black as I felt it just introduced another color into the strange mix!

The Watercolor Pencils by Stampin’ Up are the stars of the show today. I mistakenly referred to them as colored pencils in the video. These are most definitely not regular colored pencils! You color with them just like a colored pencil, but you can blend them smooth using various methods. As a result, you get a gorgeous finish to your image!

Version One Of My Flowers Of Friendship Card

This was my first version of the card. I decided that I would like a thinner strip of the Early Espresso exposed, Also, I didn’t love the strip of ribbon that ran down the side. It didn’t connect with the bow and I felt that looked strange.

An Additional Color Challenge Card

For this second card, I used products from the Elegantly Said Bundle. If I didn’t need to add the Gorgeous Grape or Early Expresso to this card, I would love it! I just might rip off the sentiment and do it again! A Gorgeous Grape flower decorates the inside of the card.

Color Challenges help us to learn and grow. The above card leads me to a monochromatic card idea! Take some time to play with your supplies. Let yourself go. Enjoy the process.

Thank you for joining me today! 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″
  • Basic White Cardstock: Use Rectangle Die closest to 3″ x 4 1/4″, also 2″ x 5 1/5″, and scrap for sentiment
  • Granny Apple Green Cardstock: Use Rectangle Die closest to 3 3/8″ x 4 3/4″
  • Early Espresso Cardstock: 1″ x 5 1/2″

July 2021 Paper Pumpkin Alternatives

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My July 2021 Paper Pumpkin kit has arrived! The kit is titled The Adventure Begins. The kit has included supplies to make 12 cards and envelopes. Coordinating Stampin’ Up colors are Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso,Flirty Flamingo, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green,Mango Melody, Night of Navy, and Basic White. You will find a Garden Green Stampin’ Spot inside the kit.

Today’s Video

I really love the included cards and ideas in the kit. So I decided to create alternatives using the stamps only. I feel that this makes the most sense anyway! We own our Paper Pumpkin stamps long after the kit contents are gone. I place my stamps in a sleeve, download and print the image for that kit, and file them in a bin. You can download the inserts here: https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/how-paper-pumpkin-works. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see several inserts to download.

I love the softness of the card shown in my video. The card is made using a very simple layout. However, I think that is why I like it so much. It’s very clean and uncomplicated.

More July 2021 Paper Pumpkin Alternatives

A multi-colored greeting card made using the July 2021 Paper Pumpkin kit.

The first thing I did was make a background DSP. I used Gorgeous Grape, Misty Moonlight, Bermuda Bay, and Granny Apple Green to create the background. It is really fun to play with blending brushes! Second, I took the solid tree stamp and stamped three trees along the bottom of my paper in Evening Evergreen. Next, I stamped those same trees and stamped them on Evening Evergreen cardstock. I fussy cut the images. Finally, I glued the trees to my paper. I adhered the center tree using Stampin’ Dimensionals. You can choose to add a sentiment to your card by stamping directly on the paper or by adding a banner.

In like manner, I created this card using only the stamps from the kit. I showcased the Let Your Light Shine sentiment by stamping the adorable fireflies around it. Additionally, I used the Hand Penned DSP to anchor the greeting to my card. The Macrame Embossing Folder adds the perfect texture to the background.

A Look At August’s Kit

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

Sally

Card Supplies

Shop my entire store: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

Card Measurements

  • Basic White Thick Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Soft Succulent Shimmer Vellum: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Basic White: 3 1/2″ x 4 1/2″

Flowers of Friendship

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The Flowers of Friendship Bundle can be found in the 2021-2022 Annual Catalog on page 78. It is made up of a stamp set and a coordinating punch. I love punches! They are a great time-saving tool.

Today’s Video

The cards that I made today are for my upline team’s monthly color challenge. We were given the colors of Blushing Bride, Highland Heather, and Garden Green. At first, I was a little stumped because there isn’t much to pick from as far as DSP goes. We do have the DSP of our color families but I haven’t purchased the new ones yet. So, I had to dig deep. Much like a beginning stamper that might not have a ton of supplies yet.

I have enjoyed playing with many of the new products. At first glance, I felt this set might be a little boring. However, I certainly do not feel that way anymore! It just lends itself to so many different techniques! Be sure to watch the video to see what everyday tool I used to shape the flower petals.

More Flower of Friendship Cards

This card is where I started. I made my own DSP for two of the tags. I used Blushing Bride ink on Blushing Bride cardstock for one of the tags, On the other tag, I used my Stampin’ Blends marker in Highland Heather and my Stampin’ Write Marker in Garden Green to make stripes. Stampin’ Write Markers are often ignored. They aren’t flashy products. They are a standard workhorse! These markers come in every color in the line. You can use them for fixing mistakes, coloring images, and writing on our cards and envelopes.

I love the clean and simple feel of this card. Now I just need to decide who will receive it. I feel very led to share the love of Christ with others through my crafting. Do any of you feel led in that way?

This card is my favorite of the three. I embossed three pieces of Basic White Cardstock with three different embossing folders. I used our Blending Brushes to color each sheet. Next, I cut each sheet into 1/2″ strips. And last, I adhered each strip to a 4″ x 5 1/4″ panel of Basic White. You will need to use liquid adhesive for this process. Cut the strips even to the edge of the panel and then you can adhere the panel to your card. I chose to use an additional panel of Blushing Bride before adhering mine together.

I hope that you have enjoyed today’s color challenge cards. If you decide to try the challenge, please post a picture in the comments. It would be wonderful to see your creations! 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

  • Blushing Bride: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″ and scrap for flowers
  • Basic White: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″, and scrap for sentiment
  • Highland Heather: 4 ” x 5 1/4″, scrap for flowers
  • Garden Green: scrap for leaves

Use Your Stampin’ Up Supplies

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My Stampin’ Up supplies are some of my favorite earthly possessions. I love using them to make my cards. One of the things that I love the most about them is the quality. Stampin’ Up cardstocks are colored the whole way from front to back, so there aren’t any unsightly white cores peeking through. Our cardstocks are a fantastic weight! Probably my favorite thing is that our cardstocks match our inks, ribbons, and markers.

Our products have boosted my confidence in what colors work well together. I can look at other objects and translate their color into the corresponding Stampin’ Up color. So, I decided to use my Stampin’ Up supplies to create a home decor piece for my office.

Today’s Video

My children blessed me with a Cricut cutting machine for Christmas. It sat in the box for a few weeks. I was a little apprehensive about using it. But, I watched some YouTube videos and read some blogs, and decided to give things a try. I made the decision to start out with a paper-based project since I felt most comfortable in that lane. My husband recently painted my office and I wanted to create a gallery wall. This shadow box project was a perfect choice!

I chose Basic Gray, Smokey Slate, and Petal Pink for my color palette. However, the shadow box I purchased needed more flowers than I had anticipated. And I did not have any more Petal Pink Cardstock! So, I brought out some Basic White cardstock, Petal Pink Ink, and the Peony Garden stamp set. I used the largest image and created a patterned paper. The design pattern didn’t really matter as it would be cut apart in a circular fashion. The cardstock did need to be stamped on both sides. I ended up loving those flowers the best!

After cutting all the roses, it just took a little time and effort to tighten them all up with the quilling tool. It was actually very enjoyable. Next, I used hot glue to adhere the roses to the DSP background in the shadowbox. Lastly, I assembled my shadow box. I love it!

The next time you are considering a crafting project, think about the Stampin’ Up supplies that you already own. The supplies are perfect for so many things! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Stampin’ Up Supplies Used

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

This is a photo of a bright blue and red Christmas card that is made on today's video.

Trimming The Town

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Let’s go Trimming The Town! The stamp set from this suite is part of Stampin’ Up’s Making a Difference campaign. A portion of the proceeds from each stamp set sold is donated to charities that support infertility, foster care, and adoption. The images are representative of new homes for many children and welcoming in new members for families. My life has been impacted by each one of these situations. Therefore, that is why I am so thankful that Stampin’ Up has committed to make a difference in these areas.

Today’s Trimming The Town Video:

I love fun fold cards! That is why I chose to demonstrate one for you today. Some people find them intimidating But, if you simply break them down step-by-step, they are fun. Today’s card just has more steps and more pieces than a traditional card. But it isn’t hard at all.

Here Are Some Card Examples:

This is the card we made today on the video. I really do love both versions! Do you have a favorite?

This is a bright blue and red Christmas card, It has a whimsical image of a house on the front.

The inside of the two cards vary only slightly. But there are differences in image layout and colors used. You could alternate your panels between DSP and Whisper White card stock as shown or make all of the panels DSP or all Whisper White cardstock. You could also alternate the height of each panel in the row for an entirely different look.

This is the inside of a handmade greeting card. It features four panels that are each decorated with fun winter images. Products by Stampin' Up.

My images are colored using Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers. Of course, you could absolutely use watercolor pencils or watercolor using our ink refills and a water painter. And while the coordinating DSP is uses a lot of bright colors, the sky is the limit when it comes time for you to select your color palette! This card is my take on a more nature themed version. It would even make a great birthday card for someone with a winter birthday.

A handmade Christmas card that is Early Expresso brown and Old Olive green. It features a woodsy winter scene. The card is made with Stampin' Up products.
A greeting card that features a cute little red car hauling a Christmas tree. It is made with products from Stampin' Up's Trimming the Town Suite.

Card Supplies:

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

Join my team and become a discount shopper: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/join-my-team/

Card Measurements:

  • Misty Moonlight Cardstock: 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored at 5 1/2″
  • Whisper White Cardstock and/or DSP: (4) 2″ x 2 1/2″
  • Misty Moonlight Cardstock:1 3/4″ x 11″, scored at 2 3/4″, 5 1/2″, and 8 1/4″
  • Whisper White Cardstock: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Misty Moonlight Cardstock: (4) 2 1/4″ x 2 3/4″
  • Poppy Parade Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • DSP: 3 3/4″ x 5″

Thank you so much for taking some of you time to visit my blog. I hope that today’s fun fold card brought you a smile! As always remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

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

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

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