#handmadecard

Merriest Moments by Stampin’ Up

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Today’s card was made using the Merriest Moments Stamp Set by Stampin’ Up. It is time again for my team’s Color Challenge. We were assigned the colors Polished Pink, Mango Melody, and Mossy Meadow. I decided that I wanted to make a poinsettia card.

Today’s Video

While I chose to use the Merriest Moments stamp set, we have other stamp sets that include poinsettias. In fact, you could substitute any flower stamp and make cards for any occasion!

For each card, you will need to stamp 4 Mossy Meadow large leaves, 2 Polished Pink large leaves, 6 Polished Pink medium leaves, and 4 Mango Melody berry groupings. This will include pieces for adding a poinsettia to the inside layer of your card. Be sure to watch the video for instructions on how to group and assemble these pieces.

I also cut three circles of vellum. I adhered the circles to the card base. The flowers get adhered to them. You will notice that I used two different dies to cut my vellum. A different one on each version. I wanted you to see that you don’t always have to use the exact things that I use. As much as we would love to own every single thing from the Stampin’ Up catalogs, we don’t.

Another Version Of My Merriest Moments Card

Each card has a strip of the In Color Designer Series Paper in Polished Pink. They both have a strip of Mossy Meadow as well. The difference is the width of the Mossy Meadow strip. You will note that the smaller strip allowed a gap of the Basic White cardstock to peek through on my original card. I also took time to emboss the DSP with the Tasteful Textile Embossing Folder.

The card that I made on the video used the wider strip that aligned flush with the top of the card. The Polished Pink layer was not embossed.

No Boring Inside Layers

Here is how I chose to decorate the inside of my card. I felt the plain white inside was just a little sad. And I also decorated my envelope by adding embossed cardstock to the flap and I added a poinsettia to the front of my envelope. Those details don’t take much time and really elevate the look of your stationery!

I hope that you are inspired to take this layout and make some cards of your own! Then take those cards and mail them to someone that needs a little blessing. As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Card Supplies

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

Join my team!: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/join-my-team/

Card Measurements

  • Basic White Thick Cardstock: 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored at 5 1/2″
  • Basic White Cardstock: Scraps or large enough for stamped images
  • Polished Pink DSP: 1″ x 4 1/4″
  • Mossy Meadow Cardstock: 1 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ for thick border or 1 1/4″ for thinner border
  • Vellum: Scraps for die-cut shapes

Paper Pumpkin Expressions In Color June 2021

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I am so late with my Paper Pumpkin Expressions In Color alternatives! But isn’t this kit fantastic? I think that Paper Pumpkin has really upped the quality of their kits in the past year. And I really like the cards included with the kit. I had a hard time trying to decide how to approach my alternatives this month. That is why I only made one card using the kit supplies. For the other two, I used the stamp set and pulled in items from the Expressions In Ink Suite of products.

Today’s Video

The card featured in today’s video is a combination of kit supplies and other supplies I had on hand. You could totally use the large vellum flower that was included in you kit instead of die cutting a white one. And we have so many sprigs or greenery pieces that you could pull in as well. Make sure to watch the video to see both my vellum and my white cardstock versions. I was surprised that I actually like the white version better. Who knew?

This greeting card was made using supplies from the Paper Pumpkin Expressions In Color kit. Other supplies from Stampin' Up were also used.

Undoubtedly, Evening Evergreen has stolen my heart. And no one was more surprised than me! I am not usually a dark or jewel tone color person. It is falling into the same category for me as Night of Navy. I consider it a neutral. In particular, it works perfectly for accents and sentiments. I could have chosen any color for this card, yet I chose Evening Evergreen. This would be a perfect masculine card.

This card could also be made using any color of your choice. I seem to be having an In Color phase. 🙂

Next Month’s Kit

Here is a little preview of the July 2021 Paper Pumpkin kit. Please make sure that you are signed up on or before July 9th. That way you can craft along with me next time! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

Paper Pumpkin Expressions In Color Card Supplies

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

Card Measurements:

  • Polished Pink Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″ and cut 3/4″ off one edge
  • Fresh Freesia (Or from the card in the kit) 1 3/4″ x 5 1/2″
  • Alcohol Inked Design or Basic White Stamped: 1 1/2″ x 5 1/4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 1/2″ x 3 1/4″ for sentiment, and 4 1/8″ x 5 1/2″ for inside layer

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″

Beary Comforting

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This month’s Paper Pumpkin kit has arrived and it is Beary Comforting! I was actually very surprised to see my kit arrive before Christmas. With the huge volume of packages in the mail this year, I did not expect it until after Christmas to be honest. The USPS has really rocked it this holiday season in my area.

The ink spot included in this month’s kit is Rich Razzleberry. Calypso Coral, Soft Sea Foam, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Gray, Cinnamon Cider, Daffodil Delight, and White are the colors featured in the kit. Additionally, the kit features die cuts of a pair of koala bears, a brown bear, and a raccoon.

As I mentioned in my video, this kit was not my favorite. And I simply could have skipped it. But I am glad that I did not! The stamp set still features greetings and images that I like. And the card bases and other basic items are beautiful! Nothing against the animals, but I just will not use them. They aren’t my style. However, when I started creating, I just could hardly stop!

Today’s Beary Comforting Video

My example in the video is slightly different than the original card that I created. A different embellishment was used. I love them both. You probably would not even notice the difference if I didn’t tell you. That is something that I hope you can take away from my video. If you do not have the exact item that I use, think about what items you do have that could be substituted in. Think of my example as a card sketch!

A greeting card made with the December 2020 Paper Pumpkin kit named Beary Comforting.

More Beary Comforting Cards

Supplies Used

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

Love everything? Join my team here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/join-my-team/

Card Measurements

  • Gold Foil Sheets- Cut with largest Stitched So Sweetly Dies
  • Whisper White Cardstock- Cut with second largest Stitched So Sweetly Dies
  • 4″ x 5 1/4″ base- Cut down one of the included envelopes, Cut down another envelope for a 1 1/2″ x 4″ strip for inside if desired
  • Calypso Coral- Scrap
  • Whisper White Cardstock- 4″ x 5 1/2″ for inside, Scrap for sentiment

Thank you for reading my post and watching my video. Please consider subscribing to my channel on YouTube so you don’t miss any of the fun! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

A greeting card made with Stampin' Up's Curvy Christmas Bundle

It’s A Curvy Christmas

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It’s A Curvy Christmas here in Stampin’ Up world! Earlier this week, Stampin’ Up released a new collection of products called the Quite Curvy Variety Bundle. There are swoops and curves and they are so much fun to play with on our cards!

Today’s Video:

Let Me Try To Explain It All

The Quite Curvy Variety Bundle consists of the Classic Christmas Designer Series Paper, the Curvy Christmas stamp set, and the Quite Curvy Bundle. The Quite Curvy Bundle is made up of the Quite Curvy stamp set and the Curvy dies. These two items must be purchased as a bundle. It is so confusing when they name things all so similarly! I hope I can explain this in a way that makes sense! 🙂 The Christmas stamp set and the paper can each be purchased individually. Furthermore, they will only be offered until the end of the year or until the supply runs out. The Quite Curvy stamps and dies must be purchased together. In addition, these two items will be in the upcoming January-June Mini Catalog but Stampin’ Up made the decision to offer it as an early release.

Hopefully these graphics will help you see the different components.

Also, If you want everything you can simply order the Quite Curvy Variety Bundle and save 10%!

Curvy Christmas Cards

I like that can create whimsical, rustic, and elegant cards all with this set. The paper pack is great! The featured colors are Cherry Cobbler, Shaded Spruce, Sahara Sand, and Whisper White. In total, here are a total of eight different prints.

A greeting card on a Whisper White base. It has Shaded Spruce Designer Series Paper on the front. It is stamped with a whimsical row of trees. This card was made using Stampin' Up products.
The top layer of the card that I made with the Shaded Spruce ribbon bow on the front was glued together, stamped, and then embosses using the Subtle embossing folder. I wanted to take a photograph to show you that up close detail. It adds an element of texture to the card. However, it doesn’t show up well on video. Additionally, I love that the embossing mirrors the background pattern of the ribbon used on the card.
An up close photo of a greeting card showing the embossing that was used.

Card Supplies

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

Card Measurements

  • Whisper White Thick Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Gold Foil Sheet: 3 5/8″ x 4 7/8″
  • Shimmery White Cardstock: 3 3/8″ x 4 5/8″
  • DSP: 2″ x 6″

Thank you for taking some of your time to drop by my blog and YouTube channel! Please consider giving me a thumbs up on YouTube and subscribing to my channel. I would appreciate it greatly! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

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’ 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

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

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