#papercrafting

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″

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″

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″

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/

Whimsy & Wonder by Stampin’ Up

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The Whimsy & Wonder Suite of Products takes traditional Christmas elements and gives them a fresh twist! The colors are unconventional for the holidays. However, I think that unlocked my creativity!

Today’s Video

While we aren’t crafting a card together today, I hope that you find a card that you would enjoy recreating. The cards are uncomplicated so you should be able to duplicate one easily.

A Gallery of Whimsy & Wonder Cards

Once I got going making cards, I could hardly stop. Seriously. I stamped and die cut several of the images using the suggested colors of the suite. Then, I just jumped in! Here are all of the cards i made super quickly!

The Seasonal Sale Is Starting Soon

The Seasonal Sale begins Friday. Ink pads, Cardstock, and Dies from the Annual Catalog will be on sale! Don’t forget to stop by https://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/ to check it out! It will be a great time to restock all of your basic supplies. Please send me an email: sally@thepolkadotlife.com if you need any assistance.

Thank you for stopping by my channel today. I always appreciate your time. Please consider subscribing to my channel if you haven’t already done so. As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Card Supplies

Penguin Playmates

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By far, the Penguin Playmates has been my favorite Sale-A-Bration offering this fall. Additionally, It has been so nice to have Sale-A-Bration heading into the fall season this year! But don’t forget that it ends on the last day of September.

Today’s Video

I couldn’t resist using the striped pattern paper as the main dsp piece on my card. And the colors of this paper pack all work so nicely together. Just a hint of the paper on the inside layer of my card perked it right up!

More Penguin Playmate Cards

This adorable penguin couple is all dressed up for a holiday celebration! I love that the Penguin Place stamp set offers so many little details to personalize the penguins. 🙂 For example, hats, ties, and gifts.

But it looks like our penguin friends need to watch out! That sneaky little fox is getting ready to steal their gifts.
It looks as though this little guy is attending a formal celebration. And aren’t these sentiments clever? Such as, “I like you a lottle. It’s like a little but a lot.” Ha!

Card Supplies

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

Card Measurements

  • Just Jade: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • DSP: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″, 2 1/2″ x 3 3/4″, and 2 1/4″ x 3 1/8″
  • Basic White: 1 7/8″ x 1 7/8″

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

August 2021 Paper Pumpkin Alternatives- Hope Box

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The August 2021 Paper Pumpkin kit is titled Hope Box. It was created by one of Stampin’ Up’s founders, Shelli Gardner. When Shelli designs a kit, it is highly sought out!

Today’s Video

Once again, I have found that Paper Pumpkin has improved their kit cards and I like them! As a result, I decided to create my alternatives using only the stamps and a few unused elements of the kit. I love that I can then choose any Stampin’ Up colors for my cards!

More Hope Box Cards

This is a greeting card created with elements of the Paper Pumpkin Hope Box kit.

For example, the card featured in today’s video uses So Saffron, Pool Party, Melon Mambo, and Bermuda Bay. However, my first version uses Blackberry Bliss, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Rich Razzleberry, and Bermuda Bay.

The sentiments that are included in the Hope Box are great for those cards that are really difficult to send. It is important to have these greetings in our stash. But we are not limited by them either. Mixing our stamp sets is super fun!

I used my Stampin’ Write Marker in Blackberry Bliss to make the dashes between the butterflies. I could do this with complete confidence that the marker would match my stamped image. You cannot do this at the local craft store. I love that Stampin’ Up inks match with the embellishments, markers, cardstocks, and ribbons!

This card design was my favorite one to make. The process is a little messy but it is fun! Some of the splatters were created using the included stamp and the rest were created by flicking the Stampin’ Write markers. Then I used the Ornate Floral Embossing Folder to dry emboss this layer. Next, I stamped al butterfly on an additional piece of Basic White cardstock and fussy cut it out. It is popped up on the card with dimensionals. And lastly, I used some Wink of Stella on it to give it some sparkle and I adhered the sentiment across the middle.

Next Month’s Paper Pumpkin

Don’t forget to hurry and sign up for next month’s Paper Pumpkin kit, Haunts and Harvest by September 10th. You can use one of the links below.

I hope that you enjoyed today’s alternative cards. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel to get informed whenever I post a new video. 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

  • Melon Mambo Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Pool Party Cardstock: 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″, and 1/2″ x 5″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″, and (3) 7/8″ x 2 1/4″

Sale-A-Bration 2021

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Sale-A-Bration is the very best time of year for Stampin’ Up customers! On top of the already great card-making products, Stampin’ Up is currently offering free gifts with purchase!

Some Sale-A-Bration items are free with a $50 purchase. Other free items are with a $100 purchase. The purchase amount is the total amount of the product before tax and shipping. Customers are able to mix and match as their total allows. Watch today’s video to see these excellent products up close. 🙂

Today’s Sale-A-Bration Video

Aren’t the Sale-A-Bration products great? There is a little something for everyone! It won’t be hard to earn these products. Have you seen the new Holiday Mini Catalog? Oh, my word! Just the Christmas card items alone blew my mind! If you haven’t taken the time to watch my video showing some of the new catalog items, you can check it out here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/2021-holiday-mini-catalog-preview/

Become A Discount Shopper

Do you know the best way to get all of those goodies on your Stampin’ Up wishlist? Get a discount!!! You should join my team and become a discount shopper. You can purchase a starter kit for just $99. And YOU get to choose $125 in products. You will also get some business supplies included with your kit.

If you purchase your starter kit during Sale-A-Bration, you can ALSO choose a FREE bundle from the list below! That is up to an additional $60 in free supplies!

Please know that you will NOT be required to do anything else! But you will want to stay around and enjoy all of the ideas and support from a wonderful community. Please contact me at sally@thepolkadotlife.com if you have any questions.

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

Sally

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