#makeyourowncards

Adorable Owls By Stampin’ Up

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The Adorable Owls stamp set is one of the many Sale-A-Bration offerings this year. This stamp set can be chosen as your free gift with your qualifying purchase during the months of January and February 2023. Of course, this offer is while supplies last.

Today’s Video

Did you like this fun fold card? First, I love it because it is so incredibly simple to make! Second, it has a little unexpected opening action. Finally, it uses minimal supplies.

More Cards Using Adorable Owls

With the exception of the card with the flying owl, all the cards feature the Dandy Designs Designer Series Paper. That DSP is another Sale-A-Bration offering. And it is probably my favorite one! The flying owl card was made using the new Hand-Drawn Dots background stamp. It can be found in the January-April Mini Catalog.

None of these cards were difficult to make. But those cute little owls just make me happy. Hopefully, they will make those who receive them happy 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/

Card Measurements

  • Calypso Coral Cardstock: (2) 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″, Largest Scalloped Circle Die Cut
  • Basic White Thick: 11″ x 3″, scored at 2″ and 6 1/2″; 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ Die Cut using Tailor Made Tags
  • Mango Melody Cardstock: 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″; Scrap for inside
  • Vellum Cardstock: Die Cut Largest Layering Circle Die
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″, Scrap for inside

Jingle Jingle Jingle by Stampin’ Up

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Today, let’s play with the Jingle Jingle Jingle stamp set by Stampin’ Up. You can find the set on page 26 of the 2022 July-December Mini Catalog. Some crafters might refer to this set as basic. However, I feel the set offers many different combinations. This set is a two-step stamp set. Be sure to watch today’s video to learn a few tricks on getting it aligned.

Today’s Video

As you can see in the video, it is worth the small amount of time it takes to set these stamps up on the Stamparatus unless you happen to be one of those people that can stamp it correctly without or doesn’t mind if your image isn’t straight. 🙂

More Card Samples

Next, I used a Garden Green card base and added a layer that was stamped with the Drybrush background stamp. I used my Blending Brushes to add the ink to my stamp. I repeated this process a few times to get a more solid color. The images were all colored using my Stampin’ Blend markers.

Finally, for my avid crafter card, I used clear embossing powder and heat embossed three “Jingles” on Basic White Cardstock. I simply fussy cut out each image. I added these words to the front flap of my card with dimensionals. In conclusion, I added a small strip of Basic White cardstock that I stamped and colored with Stampin’ Blends before being added to the bottom of my card.

I hope that you enjoyed today’s card! And that you might have learned something new along the way. 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″
  • Pool Party Cardstock: 5 5/8″ x 4 1/8″, 4″ x 5 1/4″ (Inside)
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Real Red Cardstock: 1 3/4″ x 4 1/4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 1 3/8″ x 3 7/8″, 3 3/4″ x 5″ (Inside)

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″

Slim Sayings Bundle by Stampin’ Up

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The Slim Sayings Bundle is featured in the January-June 2022 Mini Catalog. The stamp set features six Cling Stamps of large-scale sentiments. They really are perfect for slimline cards. However, the magic is in the dies. There are four dies in total. Two are large and cut shapes/patterns out of the cardstock. The other two dies cut an edge on your cardstock. As a result, they unleash your ability to create cards in a different way!

Today’s Video

In today’s card, I chose Smoky Slate, Misty Moonlight, and Basic White. I feel they are great neutral colors for any occasion. Similarly, the card lends itself to a perfect masculine card. We all struggle with those ideas, right? Also, I find this layout can also be changed very easily to reflect your local school colors and personalized for the graduate.

Creating the card is very easy. First, Cut 4″ off of the 11″ side of your Smoky Slate Cardstock. Second, keep the piece you cut off and die-cut this piece. Third, die-cut additional colors of cardstock as needed for your desired pattern. And finally, stamp and die-cut the sentiment for your card.

More Slim Sayings Cards

Soft Succulent is featured on this version of a Slim Sayings card. I simply layered a piece of DSP behind that die-cut layer. And an easy banner across the front displays the nice, chunky Happy Birthday greeting that has been embossed in copper.

My last card features the Sunshine & Rainbows DSP from the Winter 2022 Sale-A-Bration catalog. This paper pack has 48 pages of bright and sunny designs. You can earn this paper pack for FREE just by placing a $50 order! (Before shipping and tax.) Remember that Sale-A-Bration ends February 28, 2022, or while supplies last. This paper makes such happy cards!

I enjoyed playing with the Slim Sayings Bundle and I hope that you do 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/

Card Measurements

  • Smoky Slate Cardstock: 7″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 3 1/2″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 3 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
  • Misty Moonlight Cardstock: 3 1/2″ x 8 1/2″

Introducing The Flowering Fields Suite

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Oh my goodness! The Flowering Fields Suite is simply amazing. It features not just one bundle, but two! Both the Flowering Tulips Bundle and the Tulip Fields Bundle are made up of a photopolymer stamp set and a die set. Watching the video today is an absolute must to see all of the possibilities of the suite.

Today’s Video

Bundle One: Tulip Fields

Using these stamps and dies, you can transport yourself to the Netherlands! You can create row after row of your favorite color tulips. Additionally, with the dies, you can design your own windmill. How fun is that! The designers really hit it out of the park with this bundle.

Bundle Two: Flowering Tulips

The second bundle featured in the Flowering Fields Suite is called Flowering Tulips. The floral stamps are two-step stamps. As a result, you will get great definition in your images. You can even use two different colors for more variety! These dies will not only cut out your stamped images, but they will also cut out blank petals for you to assemble.

In today’s video, I chose to cut out Basic White images and color them using Mango Melody chalk. But I could have also cut them out of DSP or colored cardstock. Inks, Stampin’ Blends, or Watercolor Pencils could have been used to color the cardstock as well.

As for me, this suite of products unleashed a joyful spirit and sense of creativity in me that I hadn’t experienced for quite some time. I hope and pray that the year 2022 will do the same for you! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Supplies:

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

Gingerbread & Peppermint Messy Fun!

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We are continuing to play with the products from the Gingerbread & Peppermint Suite. And today is the day we are going to get messy! Just a little bit though. 🙂

Today’s Video

I had so much fun on Friday creating with the Gingerbread & Peppermint Memories and More cards! If you missed that video, here is a link: https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/gingerbread-peppermint-memories-more/

Now it is time to play with the Adorning Designs Decorative Masks and Embossing Paste. The masks feature 4 different designs. I used the snowflake pattern in today’s video. However, the remaining 3 designs could be used year-round on your cards. Our Embossing Paste comes in both matte and shimmer finishes. You will also want to have a set of our Palette Knives to spread your Embossing Paste.

Gingerbread & Peppermint Cards

You will notice that my original card design was vertical. But, I glued the layer in my video in the wrong direction! So my design in the video became a landscape card. Happy accident!

Let’s not forget about adding the Shimmery Crystal Effects to our cards! I think that adding this to the little peppermint shapes took my card from nice to WOW. Sometimes it is all in the details.

Thank you so much for watching my video today! I hope that you learned something new right along with me. 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/

Playful Pets Trim: https://bit.ly/3cIIigR

Card Measurements

  • Basic White Thick Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Real Red Cardstock: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″, cut down to 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • DSP: cut out a row of peppermints, plus another design measuring 1″ x 5 1/4″

Pretty Pumpkins by Stampin’ Up

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I was so excited to finally sit down and play with the Pretty Pumpkins bundle! Both the stamp set and die set have lovely images that can be used for all types of cards.

Today’s Video

Using several colors on a stamp gives such depth and life to an image. For that reason, I chose to demonstrate that technique today. Our Stampin’ Write Markers come in every color that Stampin’ Up carries. But, we don’t use them nearly as often as we should. The Stamparatus tool allows us to easily use multiple colors on our images!

More Pretty Pumpkin Cards

In contrast, these two above images were colored using our Stampin’ Blends Markers. You get a totally different look and feel to your cards!

I used Crumb Cake Ink and stamped the smaller pumpkin. Clear Embossing Powder was quickly sprinkled over the image and it was heat set. The same process was used for the sentiment. I die cut the larger pumpkin from a piece of Crumb Cake Cardstock. A twine bow adds the finishing touch.

Finally, my last card of the day might be my favorite one. I wanted a simple yet elegant card for fall. I used a fall-type sentiment, but a birthday or wedding sentiment would also work very nicely.

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

  • Very Vanilla Thick Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Evening Evergreen Cardstock: 3 3/4″ x 4 1/2″, and 2 1/2″ x 6″ for envelope
  • Very Vanilla Cardstock: 3 1/2″ x 4 1/4″

Seasons of Fun by Stampin’ Up

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You can find the Seasons of Fun Stamp Set on page 78 of the July-December holiday catalog. The Seasons of Fun set is a Host Set. Do not get worried that you must hold a gathering to earn this stamp. Instead, you can earn it simply by placing your personal order of $150 or greater.

Today’s Video

The Seasons of Fun Stamp Set features adorable images of children celebrating various holidays. Halloween, Fall, and Christmas are all represented! Pet images are included as well. The DSP used on this card is from the Cute Halloween DSP package.

I enjoy coloring with my Stampin’ Blend Alcohol Markers. It reduces stress for me. Additionally, I love that we have so many coordinating colors. And isn’t that little skating girl precious?

More Seasons Of Fun Cards

This card just makes me smile! I love the colors and images on this card. Isn’t the kitty hiding in the leaves cute? This image reminds me of a photo that I have of my children in the leaves. And, it is still one of my all-time favorite photos!

To decorate the inside of my card, I pulled in a stamp from the Gorgeous Leaves Stamp Set. I used the tiny trio of leaves in the corners. The background on the front of the card was created using this stamp as well.

Trodding through the snow to cut and gather a Christmas Tree has never looked so carefree and cute! The Designer Series Paper is from the Gingerbread & Peppermint package.

The inside greeting is part of the Christmas To Remember stamp set. But you can substitute any greeting that you like.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and watch my video. I hope that today’s card inspires you to pull out your supplies and make a card or two! 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″, and 4″ x 4″
  • DSP: Enough to die cut banner
  • Basic White Cardstock: Scrap for sentiment
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Basic Black Cardstock: 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″

2021 Holiday Mini Catalog Preview

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It’s time for my 2021 Holiday Mini Catalog Preview! I want to give you a more personal look at some of the items that I purchased from the demonstrator preorder. When my order arrived, I really was just like a kid at Christmas! Don’t forget about my giveaway! You must comment, share, and be subscribed on my YouTube post to be entered!

Today’s Video

Of course, my favorite items are the Christmas ones. And there are so many choices! Stampin’ Up offers everything from traditional style to whimsical style to abstract type style.

The new 2021 Holiday Mini Catalog will go live on August 3rd. I am so excited for you to see it!

More 2021 Holiday Mini Catalog Goodies


Additionally, there are many items that are fall-related inside the catalog. I feel that many of these items will make great all-occasion cards to be used all year long.

Be sure to keep checking http://www.thepolkadotlife.com for a lot of demonstrations and inspiration! You can always take a minute to view http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/wishes-wonder-by-stampin-up/ –one of last year’s projects to hold you over. 🙂 Or you can just go directly to my YouTube channel and watch a bunch of things. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytIeIAimoogRjJjoYBkTpA

I am getting so excited to share all of these new goodies with you! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Fine Art Floral Suite by Stampin’ Up

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The Fine Art Floral Suite by Stampin’ Up is jam-packed with wonderful elements. There are stamps, dies, embossing folders, vinyl sheets, a ribbon, gold leafing, and DSP. And that Designer Series Paper is what I wanted to focus on today.

Today’s Video

I love this fun fold layout. It is perfect for when you have so many beautiful papers and you just can’t decide which pattern to choose. That is exactly why I chose this layout for today’s project. This card looks like it took hours to make, but it actually goes together pretty quickly.

The belly band is always a favorite for me! As an alternative, you could put the folded card into one of our acetate boxes and put the band around the box instead of the card base.

Remember, you can get tons of card layout ideas from Stampin’ Up catalogs! I even keep my old ones to look at for inspiration. I hope that you enjoyed learning how to. use the Foam Adhesive Sheets. It is one of those things that you might see in the catalog, yet not understand how to use. I do not use them often. However, they really do make a nice design element.

More Art Gallery Cards

Each one of these cards is unique and different. The gold leafing makes the already beautiful flower images come to life. And the florals are swoon-worthy! 🙂 Don’t forget to SEND these cards. They will be a big hit with your friends and family.

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

Card Base: 5 1/2″ x 11″, scored at 4 1/4″, 7″, and 9 3/4″ inches

DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″, 2 1/2″ x 5 1/4″, and (2) 1″ x 5 1/4

Basic White: 2 1/2″ x 5 1/4″

Cardstock for Belly Band: 9 1/2″ x 1 1/2″

Last Chance Sale

The Last Chance Sale will begin June 1st.

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