#happybirthday

Irresistible Blooms by Stampin’ Up

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One of Stampin’ Up’s newest product groupings is called Irresistible Blooms. There are stamps, dies, DSP, and embellishments. They are all part of the new Online Exclusive product line. You can find these products by clicking on the “SHOP” tab on my website and scroll through the menu to “ONLINE EXCLUSIVES”. These products will not be featured in any publication and there is no specific time period in which they will be available. So, if you see an online exclusive product if you want, you should probably just go ahead and order it.

Today’s Video

This fun fold card is super easy to make but it looks really difficult! The DSP that I used in today’s project is so soft and muted. First, I love that this card features so much of the DSP! Second, I love that the card sits up nicely for display. So many people that we bless with cards need encouragement and a reminder that they are loved!

More Irresistible Blooms Cards

Various colors in the DSP lead to many different color combinations in your cards. I am very happy that Pretty Peacock is returning!

Even More Fun Fold Cards

Happy Forest Friends make this card super happy!
This card was made using the Favored Flowers DSP that was available during Sale-A-Bration.
Enjoy the Journey Suite of products were featured on this card.
Abigail Rose products were used to create this monochromatic look.
Tea Boutique, Nature’s Harvest, and Natural Prints products were all used in making this card.

I love the endless combinations that are possible with this fun fold! Challenge yourself this week to make two cards and MAIL them to bless someone that might be lonely. 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

  • So Saffron Cardstock: (2) 8 1/4″ x 4 1/4″, scored at 2 1/4″, 4″, and 6 1/4″; and 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″
  • DSP: 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″; (2) 1 1/2 x 4″; (2) 2″ x 4″ (If you would prefer a mat layer, cut the mats at these sizes and cut DSP layers 1/8″ less.)

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″

Biggest Wish – July 2021 Color Challenge

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Today I am making a card using the Biggest Wish stamp set. Also, we will be using our Stamparatus to stamp our images employing the hinge technique. This stamp set features both a large, chunky font and a more delicate, script font.

Biggest Wish Video

This month we were assigned the colors of Pacific Point, So Saffron, and Poppy Parade for our team color challenge. I love each one of the colors! When I first made this card I used Poppy Parade for the mat and stamped “birthday” in So Saffron. Which version do you prefer?

More Color Challenge Cards

This card features the Natural Textures Host stamp set and the Happiest of Birthdays stamp set. I love this happy little fun fold card! I think that we will need to revisit this fold very soon. It would work with any DSP and stamp set.

This last card is my personal favorite. The “splotch” stamp is from the Hydrangea Haven stamp set. Additionally, I stamped the floral images in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink using the Painted Poppies stamp set. The sentiment is from the Many Messages stamp set.

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″
  • Pacific Point Cardstock: 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scrap for sentiment

You’re A Peach

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Today I used the You’re A Peach Suite of products for our fun fold. The suite consists of a stamp set, dies, DSP, and mini jam jars. We won’t be using the mini jam jars today, but they are really adorable!

Today’s Video

This fun fold card comes together so quickly. Also, it will work for any stamp set or DSP. I just couldn’t wait to play with the You’re A Peach Suite though! The Designer Series Paper is so incredibly cute. And any card that has a belly band just makes me smile.

The Assembly of this card is very uncomplicated. Just remember that the shortest fold on your accordion piece will go against your card base front. And I found it very helpful to put my liquid adhesive on the accordion piece vs. the card front.

I would love to see what you create using this layout. Please post a picture in the comment section! As always, remember be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

You’re A Peach Card Supplies

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

Card Measurements

  • Calypso Coral Cardstock: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ (2)
  • Granny Apple Green: 3 3/4″ x 5″
  • DSP: 3 1/2″ x 4 3/4″ (front) and 2 1/4″ x 3 3/4″ (pocket)
  • Basic White Cardstock: 5″ x 11″, score at 3 3/4″ and 7 1/2″, and whatever you need for sentiment and/or stamping
  • Belly Band: 1 1/4″ x 9 1/2″

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″

Daisy Garden Background Stamp

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The Daisy Garden Background Stamp is a new offering in the 2021-2022 Annual Catalog. Sometimes we are looking for a subtle image when creating. But a background stamp might not be the first thing that pops into your head. Today we will use this big stamp in a small way.

Today’s Video

I began by using the Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder. I used the Calypso Coral Ink Pad to lightly ink the surface of the folder. Then I inserted a piece of Basic White Cardstock and ran it through the embossing machine. The Pattern Party Host Reward paper pack is where I found the striped paper. The Tailor Made Tags die set is another new item. I love the varied sizes and the two different shapes of tags. I used one die to cut my stamped image and another size to cut Calypso Coral cardstock.

More Daisy Garden Cards

I used my water painters that were filled with alcohol to paint these daisies. The colors used were Soft Succulent, Evening Evergreen, and Bumblebee. When I was finished painting, I took the alcohol and thinned out the Bumblebee ink. Next, I loaded my water painter with the think ink and struck it against my bone folder to spatter the ink on my card.

The painted layer of the card is Shimmery White cardstock and the card base is Very Vanilla. The mat is the Shimmer Vellum in Soft Succulent.

This card has more of a rustic or country feel to it. I really wanted to keep a simple, monochromatic look. There is no sentiment on this card so that it can be used for any occasion.

Thank you for taking time to read my blog. Have a wonderful holiday weekend with your family. 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: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 /14″
  • Basic White: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • DSP: 2″ x 5 1/4″
  • Scrap for Tags and Sentiment

Paper Pumpkin So Cool April 2021

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This month’s Paper Pumpkin kit is So Cool! And it really is! The kit features card bases in the shape of frozen treats, watermelons, and rainbows. I did not want to cut the cards up to use in alternatives. They are just so cute and I wanted to make them as intended. Therefore, I decided to show you what you can do with your stamps after all of the kit supplies are gone.

Today’s Video

I do not think that I have ever used this color combination before. It is definitely unusual! I do like how it turned out. But if I make another card using this DSP, I will likely choose to use some of the lighter colors. My brain is just not wired for the darker colors. However, my friend totally loves creating cards using jewel tones and they are beautiful. They are her wheelhouse. God really did create us individually with different gifts and preferences!

I used the paper piecing technique to create the popsicles on this example. I failed to mention in the video that the Basic White layer was die cut using the Stitched Rectangle Dies. You can use a label die of your choice.

More So Cool Paper Pumpkin Alternatives

Don’t forget about the DSP Stampin’ Up offers in the various color families and In Colors. They usually offer 3 or 4 different prints in each color. You can make your creations in any color that you love! Additionally, you can use the search feature of my online store to find any product that we offer in a particular color. I use this tool frequently. Sometimes it just helps my creative process start to flow.

I used my Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers to color in the popsicles on this card.

For this card, I used my watercolor pencils and a blender pen to color the watermelons.

As a little bonus technique, I showed you how to turn this card into a gift card holder. So fast and easy! I think this card is a great way to reach out to someone that you love and encourage and/or celebrate them. Send this to your favorite child to celebrate the end of the school year, a dance recital, or because they have been “spotted” doing something kind. God calls us to encourage one another and we can do that using our gift of crafting. Now that is really So Cool!

Thank you for stopping by today. I appreciate it. As always remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

Card Supplies

Paper Pumpkin Prepaid 12-month Subscription: https://bit.ly/3fiCPgB

Bermuda Bay Cardstock: https://bit.ly/3vH4Vt7

Blackberry Bliss Cardstock: https://bit.ly/3eceYR2

Basic White Thick Cardstock: https://bit.ly/3bm4BJ1

Paper Snips Scissors: https://bit.ly/3gVYazl

Blackberry Bliss Striped Ribbon: https://bit.ly/2QP1YaP

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

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

Card Measurements

Bermuda Bay: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″

Blackberry Bliss: 4″ x 5 1/4″

DSP: 3 3/4″ x 5″

Basic White Thick Cardstock: Whatever size you need for your sentiment and die cut piece

Whale Of A Time

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It’s been a whale of a time making cards around here! This suite of products is jammed packed with fun images. These sea creatures are sure to make you smile!

Today’s Video

I just love the colors that are used in this suite of products. They are so bright and happy! However, this stamp set was not one that jumped out of the catalog at me right away. But then I saw a few demonstrators using it and I was hooked!

More Whale Of A Time Cards

The stamp with the little school of fish might just be my favorite! I like that you can tuck them into each other. My fish are all stamped in Pacific Point but you could totally stamp the fishes in multiple colors.

Since this suite contains great coordinating sequins, I simply had to make a shaker card. The Just Jade ribbon was the perfect addition to tie everything together on this card.

The is a greeting card created using the Whale Of A Time suite of products by Stampin' Up.

You might have seen this fun fold card in a recent video. If you missed it, you can find all of the details here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/a-note-card-fun-fold/

The DSP has so many scenes and colors available. As a result, I just had to create more cards! I wasn’t able to show them all on the video because I already mailed some out. However, I will include photos of them here. If the DSP has sold out by the time you see this, simply use the stamps and create your own scenes. 🙂

Card Gallery

I hope that you have enjoyed my cards today. Do not forget to send your cards and bless someone! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Card Supplies

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

Card Measurments

  • Pacific Point Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 14″
  • Calypso Coral Cardstock: 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″

Here’s To You Paper Pumpkin March 2021

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The March 2021 Paper Pumpkin kit is called Here’s To You. We received an extra goodie this month to celebrate their birthday. The gift is a set of 4 masks. They will make a great addition to your craft stash!

Today’s Video

More Paper Pumpkin Alternatives

The card featured in today’s video might not reflect as pretty on screen as it is in person. I like it because it has a lot of different textures. Additionally, the kit also brought me a color combination that I would never have put together on my own. I love the combination! As a result, I have a new color combination in my toolbox. It is such a soft-looking card.

This greeting card is an alternative Paper Pumpkin March 2021 kit. It is a happy and cheery card!

Alternatively, this card is bright and cheery! The envelope liner papers in this month’s kit are gorgeous! Be sure to trace one of these liners on some Basic White Thick cardstock so that you have a template to create your own liners. The Seaside Spray border just makes those tiny matching flowers jump out of the DSP. The Ornate Floral Embossing Folder and the Bumblebee Gingham Ribbon pull everything together perfectly. I used the Stitched So Sweetly Dies for my label.

The Dragonfly Garden Bundle was just what I needed to embellish the inside of my card and the front of my envelope. It makes me feel like I am in the middle of a lovely meadow.

This monochromatic card was created using Petal Pink. The tiny floral stamp from the kit is simple and uncomplicated. I had a piece of gingham paper left over from a previous project. It was created using our Buffalo check background stamp. You can find the earlier project here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/oval-occasions/

The greeting I choose was from the Itty Bitty Greetings set. But, you can change this card to fit any occasion simply by changing the greeting. And this layout can be any color or use any DSP that you love.

Card Supplies For Today’s Project

You can subscribe to Paper Pumpkin here: https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2211250

Card Measurements

  • Petal Pink: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Petal Pink: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Basic White: 3 1/4″ x 3 1/2″
  • Pretty Peacock: 3 1/2″ x 3 3/4″
  • Soft Suede: 3″ x 3 3/4″
  • Sahara Sand: 3″ x 3 3/4″
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