#handmadecards

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″

Tea Boutique by Stampin’ UP

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The Tea Boutique Suite can be found in the 2022-2023 Stampin’ Up Annual Catalog. Unfortunately, these products will not be carried over. The good news is they are now on clearance sale, except for the stamp set because it has already sold out. However, you do not need the stamps to create fantastic cards!

Today’s Video

I am using the Tea Boutique Cards and Envelopes, Tea Cup Dies, and the Tea Boutique Designer Series Paper for our project today. Many of my examples used the Tea Cup Stamp Set but you could simply substitute your favorite stamps. These products are such a great deal! And we will have another entire year to play with the colors featured in the DSP and Cards & Envelopes package.

More Cards

Card Supplies

Note: The Circle Punch and Stamp Set used in the video will not be available for sale until May 2, 2023. Therefore, I cannot link them here.

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

Card Measurements

  • Basic White Cardstock: 5″ x 3 3/4″
  • DSP: (3) pieces cut to 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

You will find that using the Cards & Envelopes will save you a lot of time when making cards. I really enjoy using them. As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Simply Fabulous By Stampin’ Up

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Simply Fabulous by Stampin’ Up is the stamp set that I chose to use for this month’s team color challenge. This stamp set is in the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog. It features a nice mixture of floral, leaf, and sentiment stamps. This is the perfect set for beginner stampers!

Today’s Video

My team leader assigned the colors Calypso Coral, Coastal Cabana, and Fresh Freesia for the February 2023 challenge. This is a combination I would probably not have put together on my own. However, I do like the result.

What is your favorite element of today’s card? I like stamping my own designer series paper! I never get too stressed about it. The paper can always be turned over and re-stamped if I make a mistake or I can simply cut a new piece and try again.

More Simply Fabulous Cards

As I mentioned in the video, I actually won this stamp set at a recent team event in Indianapolis. My team leader, Brandy Cox, made this lovely card! Of course, the cards made at our event were not using the same colors as our challenge. But I love the bright and cheery colors that we used!

This is my card from our event. I was very happy with it considering we were designing on the fly!

I hope that you gained some inspiration from today’s video. That is 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

  • Coastal Cabana Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″; scrap for a tag of your choice
  • Calypso Coral Cardstock: Scrap for a tag of your choice
  • Vellum Cardstock: 3″ x 4 1/4″

Santa Express Memories & More Cards

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The Santa Express Memories & More Cards are a great way to make several cards quickly! There are 54 cards assorted in the pack. You can easily get a lot of variety. The coordinating Cards & Envelopes have recently sold out.

Today’s Video

I began by sitting and sorting out the multiples of the card pack. Next, I grouped them together in various combinations that I liked. I added them to card bases and added some embellishments. This is where things get really fun! Use your own favorite stamps, inks, and dies to make cards that are uniquely your own.

A Gallery of Santa Express Memories & More Cards

As you can see, I ended up with several cards that each had their own look and personality. This project allowed me to quickly add more to the cards that I have ready to send out for Christmas and I even have supplies left over! In conclusion, I hope that you have been inspired to give one of our Memories & More Card Packs a try.

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/

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

Hippest Hippos by Stampin’ Up

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I am so happy that I chose the Hippest Hippos Stamp Set by Stampin’ Up as my gift with purchase recently. Additionally, I was able to get the coordinating Hippo Dies. They work together to make the happiest cards! And the Silver & Gold Designer Series Paper just pulled everything else together.

Today’s Video

Orchid Oasis is my favorite of the new In Colors. So, I knew that I would be using that color on my card. So Saffron never sees a lot of love and that is why I chose it for my second color. I am not sure why I don’t use it very often!

Stampin’ Up’s Blending Brushes are the perfect tool to lay down color on the Silver & Gold Designer Series Paper. I am often asked how I store and clean my brushes. I have a brush for every color of the rainbow. They are stored in a mason jar on a shelf by my desk. I simply swirl my brushes on scrap/grid paper when I am done using them to remove the excess ink. I put them back in the jar. That’s it!

Fun Hippest Hippo Cards

The ballerina hippo was just calling my name as I designed today’s card. It is just the sweetest little image. And the dies offered so many options to add interest to my card. You really need to make sure you get both the stamp set and the dies.

Of course, we cannot forget our other hippo friends! They are just as cute. 🙂 I just cannot recommend the Hippest Hippos Stamp Set enough.

Just a reminder that Sale-A-Bration ends on August 31, 2022. Now is the perfect time to get restocked on all of the basic supplies or order prepaid Paper Pumpkin codes!

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

Sally

Card Supplies

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

Card Measurements

  • Basic White Thick: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″, 2 1/2″ x 3″, and scrap for Sentiment and Hippo
  • Orchid Oasis Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″, 1″ x 3″, and scrap for Umbrella
  • So Saffron Cardstock: Scrap for Flowers
  • In Color DSP: 3/4″ x 3 1/4″
  • Silver & Gold DSP: Cut down to 3 3/4″ x 5″

Dahlia Days by Stampin’ Up

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The Dahlia Days Bundle has quickly become my current favorite! The floral stamps alone are worth every cent. There are also very nice sentiments in a lovely font. While I only used the dies on a few cards today, they are begging me to create some more projects using them!

Today’s Video

I first started creating with Dahlia Days for a team event. We were given a challenge that required us to all use the same layout. This is the card that I created using Fresh Freesia, Pale Papaya, and Soft Succulent.

The next challenge we were given was also a specific layout. Again, we could use whatever colors or stamps that we wanted. Additionally, we were required to use three different embossing folders!

Dahlia Days Cards Galore

I could not stop creating cards with this bundle. (And I still want to create some more!) You can see that I just had a great time allowing myself to become submerged in the process.

What did you think of today’s card project? I just loved that it had a little mystery to it! No two attempts will turn out exactly the same. I can’t wait to try it again and use a different stamp set and color palette!

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/

Join my team: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/join-my-team/

Card Measurements:

  • Thick Basic White Cardstock: (2) 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Polished Pink Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Pale Papaya Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Basic Black Cardstock: (2) 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 5″ x 7 1/2″

Island Vibes by Stampin’ Up

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The Island Vibes Stamp Set by Stampin’ Up is so much more than it appears! There are only three images in this set but they are beautiful. And would you like to know the best thing? This stamp set is FREE when you spend $50 on products! (Before shipping and tax. Offer ends 2/28/22)

Today’s Video

Where I Started

When I first opened up the Sale-A-Bration catalog, I flipped right on past the Island Vibes stamp set. I didn’t even notice it? Later, I did notice it but I paged right past. it didn’t interest me at the time. However, I kept seeing pics of things that people had done with the set. The next time I had the option of ordering a free item, I chose Island Vibes.

This card is where I started. I really did like the card. But I just felt like it wasn’t finished and it left a lot of white space. That was where I decided that I needed an embossed layer in the background. I also felt it needed to begin with a colored card base. So, after addressing those things, what do you think of my card?

More Island Vibe Cards

I found out in a hurry that my first impression of this set was entirely incorrect! It didn’t take me very long to realize that this set was both beautiful and versatile. In other words, do not overlook the Island Vibes set!

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:

  • Bermuda Bay Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/2″ and 4″ x 5 1/4″ embossed
  • Coastal Cabana Cardstock: 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
  • DSP: 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ and 2 1/4″ x 3″
  • Evening Evergreen Cardstock: 2 1/2″ x 3 1/4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 2″ x 2 3/4″

Gingerbread & Peppermint Memories & More

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As soon as I saw the Gingerbread & Peppermint Suite in the Holiday Catalog, I knew that I wanted to play with it! There are so many elements that are part of the suite. Today I want to focus on the Memories & More Card Pack and the Memories & More Cards & Envelopes.

Today’s Video

There are times whenever you don’t want to drag out all of your craft supplies but you still want to make some cards. The Gingerbread & Peppermint Memories & More Card Pack is the perfect solution! All of the prep work is already done for you. Especially when you pair them with the Memories & More Cards & Envelopes. I know. The names are incredibly similar and confusing!!

In just a few minutes, I was able to put together 8 different cards. The cards are lovely just as they are designed, but I find that adding just a few simple embellishments take the cards to an elevated status. And these cards are just slightly larger than our regular-sized cards. They are really nice for writing a note on your holiday cards.

So Many Gingerbread & Peppermint Cards!

Keep the Memories & More Cards in mind anytime you want to make some cards quickly. They are fantastic for when you are going to travel yet still want to take a project with you. Stampin’ Up usually offers Memories & More Cards in a few different designs. And don’t forget that they are also great to use for all of your memory-keeping projects too! 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/

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

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