#papercrafting

So Very Merry by Stampin’ Up

The So Very Merry Stamp Set is part of the Online Exclusives Collection by Stampin’ Up. What this means is that this set is not featured in any publication. Also, supplies are usually while supplies last. Sometimes products will be reordered by the home office and sometimes they will not. I knew when I first saw this set that I wanted to buy it. I love coloring with our Stampin’ Blend Markers and the images are perfect for coloring!

Today’s Video

The colors I used for today’s projects are Crushed Curry, Granny Apple Green, and Poppy Parade. However, please keep in mind that this layout works with any colors and/or stamp sets of your choosing! You can even vary the sizes of your cardstock strips to use up any extra scraps you might have on hand.

More So Very Merry Cards

Free Shipping On Qualified Orders Oct. 9, 10, and 11, 2023!!

I hope that you were inspired with today’s project. Coloring is very therapeutic for me. Do you feel the same way? As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

World Cardmaking Day Replay:

Here is the link to the replay: https://www.stampinup.com/portal/happening-now/wcmd-2023 I am not sure how long this link will be available.

Card Supplies:

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

Card Measurements:

  • Granny Apple Green Cardstock: 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored at 5 1/2″; 1″ x 6″
  • Basic White Cardstock: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Poppy Parade Cardstock: 1″ x 6″
  • Crushed Curry Cardstock: 1″ x 6″

Earthen Elegance by Stampin’ Up

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″

Fitting Florets by Stampin’ Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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