#papercrafts

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″

Driving By (A Free Set by Stampin’ Up)

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Driving By is a new stamp set by Stampin’ Up. And, it is also FREE with a $50 purchase! The stamp set is part of the Sale-A-Bration promotion that is active through February 2022.

Today’s Video

Working with the Driving By Stamp Set was so much fun. I love it when Stampin’ Up gives us outline images! As a result, we have the opportunity to choose from several different techniques to color the images. We could use Watercolor Pencils, Water Painters and ink, Stampin’ Write Markers, Stampin’ Blend Markers, Blending Brushes, and paper piecing.

More Driving By Cards

As you can see in the video, I chose paper piecing for my technique to share on camera. In addition to this card, I also made two other cards that were colored using the Stampin’ Blends Markers.

This is just such a happy card. I love the bright colors! And I don’t think that either the still photos or the video catch the sparkle of the ribbon or the Wink Of Stella on the balloons.

It has been a while since I have made a square card. I feel that some people shy away from them because they think the postage will be more. However, If the card is made to fit inside our regular Medium Envelopes, there is no additional postage.

I hope that you enjoyed seeing today’s cards. Remember that Sale-A-Bration only lasts until the end of February!

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

  • Mint Macaron Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″; 3 7/8″ x 5 1/8″; Scrap
  • Basic White Cardstock: 3 3/4″ x 5″; 4″ x 5 1/4″ (2); Scrap

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

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″

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″

Feels Like Home

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The Feels Like Home stamp set is one of Stampin’ Up’s Sale-A-Bration offerings with a $50 product purchase. The intricate images are reminiscent of summer days gone by.

These cards are my color challenge cards for August. I was assigned the colors of Night of Navy, Basic Gray, and Melon Mambo.

Today’s Video

I like these colors. However, I found that choosing stamp sets was the real challenge for me this month! Be sure to watch to the end of the video to see my additional cards. 🙂

Also, please consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel so that you do not miss any of my new videos!

More Color Challenge Cards

This card features the Shaded Summer stamp set and dies. The dies are another offering with purchase during Sale-A-Bration. I stamped and cut out two of these images and glued them together to give a little extra dimension. I adhered the image using dimensionals. Finding an embellishment was quite the task. I ended up coloring some pearls with my Night of Navy Stampin’ Blends marker for this card. The small Night of Navy peeking out from behind the scalloped edge is shimmer paper.

The Daisy Garden stamp set steals the show in Basic Gray on this card. The stamp creates such a soft and gentle image. I love everything about this card!

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″
  • Night of Navy Cardstock: 1 3/4″ x 5″
  • Basic Gray Cardstock:1 3/4″ x 5″
  • Melon Mambo Cardstock: 3″ x 4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 2 3/4″ x 3 3/4″

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

Paper Pumpkin Expressions In Color June 2021

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I am so late with my Paper Pumpkin Expressions In Color alternatives! But isn’t this kit fantastic? I think that Paper Pumpkin has really upped the quality of their kits in the past year. And I really like the cards included with the kit. I had a hard time trying to decide how to approach my alternatives this month. That is why I only made one card using the kit supplies. For the other two, I used the stamp set and pulled in items from the Expressions In Ink Suite of products.

Today’s Video

The card featured in today’s video is a combination of kit supplies and other supplies I had on hand. You could totally use the large vellum flower that was included in you kit instead of die cutting a white one. And we have so many sprigs or greenery pieces that you could pull in as well. Make sure to watch the video to see both my vellum and my white cardstock versions. I was surprised that I actually like the white version better. Who knew?

This greeting card was made using supplies from the Paper Pumpkin Expressions In Color kit. Other supplies from Stampin' Up were also used.

Undoubtedly, Evening Evergreen has stolen my heart. And no one was more surprised than me! I am not usually a dark or jewel tone color person. It is falling into the same category for me as Night of Navy. I consider it a neutral. In particular, it works perfectly for accents and sentiments. I could have chosen any color for this card, yet I chose Evening Evergreen. This would be a perfect masculine card.

This card could also be made using any color of your choice. I seem to be having an In Color phase. 🙂

Next Month’s Kit

Here is a little preview of the July 2021 Paper Pumpkin kit. Please make sure that you are signed up on or before July 9th. That way you can craft along with me next time! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

Paper Pumpkin Expressions In Color Card Supplies

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

Card Measurements:

  • Polished Pink Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″ and cut 3/4″ off one edge
  • Fresh Freesia (Or from the card in the kit) 1 3/4″ x 5 1/2″
  • Alcohol Inked Design or Basic White Stamped: 1 1/2″ x 5 1/4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 1/2″ x 3 1/4″ for sentiment, and 4 1/8″ x 5 1/2″ for inside layer

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″

Hand-Penned and Linen Paper

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Let’s play with the Hand-Penned Suite and the new Linen Paper by Stampin’ Up! These items are both new and in the 2021-2022 Annual Catalog. The suite features stamps, dies, gems, and gorgeous DSP. The delicate images and pastel colors are simply lovely. And I feel that Stampin’ Up’s new Linen Specialty Paper will become a favorite among stampers.

Today’s Video

Can we talk about today’s card layout for a minute? I love it! It is so simple. You could use this layout with any paper or stamp set. It would be great if you need to make a card in a hurry.

The Linen Specialty Paper brings a new texture to the table. I loved throwing caution to the wind and just playing with it. Hopefully, you learned something about the paper in today’s video.

More Hand-Penned and Linen Paper Cards

This card shows perfectly how nice the linen paper die cuts. The scallops and stitching are both very crips and clean. Additionally, this card shows that the linen is very sheer if you don’t back it with paper. I love that the paper is already backed with an adhesive sheet!

I love textiles. It is not a secret that I possibly own every ribbon in our line! Blending the linen paper alongside Stampin’ Up’s gorgeous ribbons is a dream come true for me. And the new Scalloped Contours dies are going to be a standard staple for us over the coming year. In particular, the largest die that created this Misty Moonlight layer. Swoon!

The long edge die included in the Hand-Penned set created this sweet yet subtle peek-a-boo look at the bottom of this card. I added in our new Mint Macaron Velvet Ribbon. It is totally gorgeous ribbon.

Connect, Create, & Collect $25

Please understand that you do NOT need to hold a party! Your personal order of $250 or more will be rewarded with an additional $25 in free product. We all have wish lists that are miles long so creating a large order won’t be an issue!

I will be rewarding anyone that purchases $75 or more using the May Host Code. These customers will receive a collection of varied color 4″ x 6″ pieces of cardstock that have been embossed using many of our new and favorite embossing folders! Here is the May Host Code: BK92CUVN. But remember, if your order is OVER $150 in product value, do NOT use the host code. I want YOU to earn Host Rewards! But you will earn my May gift as well.

Thank you so much for spending time with me today. I always enjoy your company. 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:

  • Pale Papaya Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″, and scrap for sentiment
  • DSP: 2 1/4″ x 5 1/4″, and 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
  • Linen Specialty Paper: 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″
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