#simplestamping

A Fun Card Layout

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Today, I have a really fun card layout! You can use it when you are at the very end of a package of DSP and only have scraps. Likewise, you could rip open a brand new package of DSP and start there. There is so much versatility here!

Today’s Video

I have had a thing for monochromatic cards lately! And I am really happy with this one made almost entirely of Gray Granite. Maybe this shade simply makes for a nice transition from summer to fall colors. Additionally, this allows this card to be friendly to both male and female recipients.

Where This Card Layout Started

First, my creative process began by using a sketch of sorts. And while I liked my card, I felt that it was a waste of time embossing that first layer because you could not see it.

Next, I made the Basic White layer smaller. This resulted in being able to see all of the pretty embossing! I also added an additional layer for more color.

Several More Cards

Finally, you can see that this card layout works with any DSP, stamp set, or suite of products! So much fun!

I hope that you enjoyed this sweet little project. Let’s all try really hard to make a card and mail it out to someone this coming week. As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Card Supplies

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″; 3 3/8″ x 4 5/8″ ; and 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ (If you prefer a larger white border, 3 3/4″ x 5″); 4″ x 5 1/4″ (Inside); scrap for sentiment
  • DSP: (3) 3/4″ x 3″; (4) 1/2″ x 3″

Dahlia Days by Stampin’ Up

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The Dahlia Days Bundle has quickly become my current favorite! The floral stamps alone are worth every cent. There are also very nice sentiments in a lovely font. While I only used the dies on a few cards today, they are begging me to create some more projects using them!

Today’s Video

I first started creating with Dahlia Days for a team event. We were given a challenge that required us to all use the same layout. This is the card that I created using Fresh Freesia, Pale Papaya, and Soft Succulent.

The next challenge we were given was also a specific layout. Again, we could use whatever colors or stamps that we wanted. Additionally, we were required to use three different embossing folders!

Dahlia Days Cards Galore

I could not stop creating cards with this bundle. (And I still want to create some more!) You can see that I just had a great time allowing myself to become submerged in the process.

What did you think of today’s card project? I just loved that it had a little mystery to it! No two attempts will turn out exactly the same. I can’t wait to try it again and use a different stamp set and color palette!

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/

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

Card Measurements:

  • Thick Basic White Cardstock: (2) 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Polished Pink Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Pale Papaya Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Basic Black Cardstock: (2) 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″
  • Basic White Cardstock: 5″ x 7 1/2″

Tasteful Touches

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For today’s project, I will be using the Tasteful Touches bundle. The label dies are always my go-to for putting sentiments on my cards. And the stamp set is a mix of simple images, grunge patterns, and useful greetings.

Today’s Video

I decided to use Very Vanilla for our main cardstock today. Our recent DSP offerings haven’t offered Very Vanilla in the background. However, I still love to pull it out now and again to show it some love. It’s rich color pairs perfectly with Soft Suede and Early Espresso.

More Tasteful Touches Cards

The Tasteful Touches Bundle is part of the larger In Good Taste Suite. The suite includes a beautiful collection of Designer Series Papers, but today I chose to see what I could create without them.

This is an image of a greeting card that was made using the Tasteful Touches Bundle by Stampin' Up.

My second card started by designing my own DSP layer. I stamped several of the flowers, fussy cut them and glued them to Very Vanilla cardstock. Next, I inserted that cardstock in the Tasteful Textile embossing folder and ran it through our Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. I had to run the folder through a few times to get everything al. pushed into one layer. The result was really beautiful. I wish it could be seen better on the video.

The only product that I pulled in from outside this bundle was the ribbon. It is from the Forever Greenery Trim Combo Pack. The ribbon is so soft and it has a loose weave. It is very dreamy! Unfortunately, it is on the Last Chance sale. You might consider purchasing this combo while you still can!

Card Supplies

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

Card Measurements

  • Soft Suede: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Very Vanilla: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″

Paper Blooms by Stampin’ UP

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Have you ever heard the terms beginner, casual, or avid crafter? Today, I am going to use the Paper Blooms Designer Series Paper by Stampin’ Up to illustrate these terms. You can earn this paper for FREE right now during Sale-A-Bration when you purchase $50 in products. But hurry! Sale-A-Bration ends February 28th.

Today’s Paper Blooms Video

Beginner Crafter

Let me begin by saying that this tern is not meant to be offensive in any way. It can mean that you are an actual beginner and this project is a great place to start! Alternatively, this could also mean that this is just the style that you prefer. A beginner crafter card would include only stamps, ink, and paper.

These cards are both very simple to make. But aren’t they lovely? I like the clean and sleek feel of these cards.

Casual Crafter

On a casual card, the crafter would add some type of die or punch, an embellishment, or dimension. The card I make in today’s video, I add a punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, and some cute butterfly embellishments. This card also has an additional layer.

Avid Crafter

The term avid crafter simply means that this is a crafter who enjoys adding many layers, dies, dimension elements, and embellishments to their cards. An avid crafter is usually a person that has a larger collection of craft supplies at their disposal. It does not mean that their cards are any better or that they outshine a beginner card. Again, this might just simply be a crafter’s personal preference for making cards.

Additionally, these cards are still very simple in nature. The Designer Series Paper is the absolute star of the show!

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

Sally

Join My Team

Sale-A-Bration is the best time of year to join Stampin’ Up! You can join my team here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/join-my-team/

Supplies

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

Card Measurements-Beginner

  • Basic White Cardstock- 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″ and 3/4″ x 4 1/4″
  • DSP- 4″ x 5 1/4″

Card Measurements-Casual

  • Basic White Cardstock- 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Petal Pink Cardstock- 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • DSP- 3 3/4″ x 5″
  • Seaside Spray- Scrap for sentiment that will fit your punch or die

Card Measurements-Avid

  • Seaside Spray Cardstock- 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″ and scrap that will fit your punch or die
  • Basic White Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″ and 3 3/4″ x 5″
  • Night of Navy Cardstock: 3 7/8″ x 5 1/8″
  • Designer Series Paper; 3 5/8″ x 4 7/8″

A greeting card made using Stampin' Up products.

Getting Started With Stampin’ Up

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Are you just getting started with Stampin’ Up? I know when I was starting out I wasn’t even sure what I needed to buy to start a project. Or maybe you are looking to make some Christmas Cards but don’t have a lot of time to devote to the project. This clean and simple card layout is exactly what you need!

Today’s Video

Our Designer Series Papers are a great item to add to your list of supplies. Stampin’ Up does a wonderful job in designing paper packs that feature prints and patterns that can be interchanged with each other. This allows you to buy just one package for your project. Additionally, you can find the colors of coordinating cardstock by looking at the back of our DSP packages or in the catalog descriptions. Our cardstock can also be purchased in color family sampler packages. This helps you to get more mileage for your crafting dollars.

A greeting card on Whisper White cardstock. And it features the Heartwarming Hugs Designer Series Paper by Stampin' Up.

You will need an ink pad, a punch, medium envelopes, and a stamp set with greetings to compliment your card. I find that the 2″ Circle Punch is a perfect size for most greetings. Finally, you will need something to hold everything together! I love to use our multipurpose glue. It is a very strong adhesive. Yet, it has enough open time to let you wiggle things into the correct position.

Card Supplies:

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

Card Measurements:

  • Whisper White Thick: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • DSP: 4 ” x 5 1/4″
  • Solid cardstock: 1″ x 4″
  • DSP: (2) 1 1/8″ x 3 1/8″
  • Solid Cardstock Mats: (2) 1 1/4″ X 3 1/4″
  • Whisper White: 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″

I hope that today’s video was helpful to you. Please leave a comment if you have any Stampin’ Up questions! As always remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

A greeting card on a Whisper White base. It was made with Stampin' Up's Paper Pumpkin kit.

Paper Pumpkin’s Joy To The World

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This month, Paper Pumpkin’s Joy To The World, is the star of the show! It is a very traditional themed kit. The ink spot that was included in the kit is Just Jade. It is a beautiful shade and plays nicely with the other greens in our Stampin’ Up lineup. Join me today as I make one of the cards as intended as well as a few alternative ideas.

Today’s Video:

More Fun With Paper Pumpkin’s Joy To The World

This month’s cards are a little larger than our normal A2 size. Please keep that in mind as you explore and make some alternative projects. If you decide to cut up an envelope to use the liner print and if you use one of the included card bases, you will need to cut the base down to a size of 5 1/2″ by 8 1/2″ with the score line at 4 1/4″. This is because you will need to use a medium size envelope from your stash.

Don’t forget that once all of the included supplies are used, you still own a stamp set! I print out the coordinating insert from the Paper Pumpkin website and store both the insert and stamp set in a plastic sleeve. Then I file them by year so I can easily find them to use on other cards or projects.

November’s Paper Pumpkin Kit

Sign Up For Paper Pumpkin Here

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Thank you for crafting with me today! As always, remember to be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

A Merry Hello

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A Merry Hello friends! I hope that you are all doing well. This stamp set was so much fun to use for creating cards. I could hardly stop! This particular stamp set by Stampin’ Up is a host set. For example, whenever you host a party or simply spend $150, you earn Stampin’ Rewards. As a result, you can then use part of your Stampin’ Rewards to purchase this set if you choose.

Today’s Video featuring A Merry Hello:

More A Merry Hello Cards

Do you have a favorite color scheme for Christmas? I am typically a red and green girl but I have enjoyed experimenting with other color combinations as well. Additionally, I love that with Stampin’ Up we even have several red and green combinations. I wish that the Wink of Stella that I used on the greenery would show up on camera. Not only is this a low cost tool for your crafting, but the sparkles add such a pretty touch.

A greeting card on a Whisper White base. Then there is a Cherry Cobbler plaid layer. There is a picture of a long stocking.
A photo of a handmade Christmas card. It has a Whisper White base with layers of Crumb Cake, Old Olive, and Cherry Cobbler. There is an image of a long stocking on it.

Baby’s First Christmas

I just couldn’t resist creating a Baby’s 1st Christmas card! A handmade card makes an exceptional keepsake. Also, this combination of Balmy Blue, Granny Apple Green, and Night of Navy might be a new favorite for me.

A photo of a handmade Baby's First Christmas card. It is Whisper White with Balmy Blue, Night of Navy, and Granny Apple Green. There is an image of a cable knit stocking on the front.

A Challenging Color Challenge

My upline gives us a different color combination to use for creating each month. Of course, we do not have to participate but I find them enjoyable and they teach me new things. And this month’s challenge was just that…a challenge! We were told to create with Shaded Spruce, Soft Suede, and Bermuda Bay. This is not a combination I would have ever considered. However, in the end I liked the cards that I created. I guess you never know until you try.

This greeting card has a super cute vibe. It is Bermuda Bay in color and it is covered with polka dots.The focal image has three stockings hanging from some greens.

This was the card that I entered in the challenge. I was happy that I had another opportunity to use Stampin’ Up’s beautiful Shaded Spruce ribbon. It is just dreamy! Of course, I didn’t have any DSP to use that had all three colors on a light background to fit in with the idea in my mind. So I took a piece of Thick Whisper White cardstock and used my Stampin’ Blend alcohol markers along with a ruler and created my own DSP.

The thing that I have enjoyed the most in my Stampin’ Up journey is the relationships and the friends that I have made along the way. If this is something that you would enjoy, you can join my team here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/join-my-team/. You are not required to sell anything. You can achieve our low quarterly minimums simply by buying supplies for yourself. Joining to gain a product discount is perfectly acceptable! 🙂

This handmade Christmas card was made using Stampin' Up products. It has a large ribbon bow in Shaded Spruce and has an image of three stockings on the front.

Card Supplies

Card Measurements

  • Whisper White Thick Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
  • Crumb Cake Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • DSP: 2′ x 4″
  • Old Olive Cardstock: 2″ x 5″
  • Cherry Cobbler Cardstock: 1 1/2″ x 4 1/2″
  • Whisper White Cardstock: 1 1/4″ x 4 1/4″, also a scrap for sentiment

I love the clear and crisp images that you get when you stamp with this set. The designer gives us many greetings, several focal images, and then the little stamps that fill in several of the images. This stamp set was not one of my favorites when I first saw it in the catalog. However, when I saw cards that other people were making using this set, I was won over.

Thanks again for joining me. As always…Be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

Stampin’ Up Fall Treat Holders

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We are going to make some Stampin’ Up Fall Treat Holders today. I want y’all to start thinking about ways that you can use your stamping supplies for something other than making cards. With Halloween quickly approaching and Thanksgiving on the horizon, my mind starting thinking about ideas for treat holders.

Today’s Video:

These little treat holders can be decorated using any stamp set and any punch or die set. They are so incredibly versatile. And most importantly, quick to make! They use very few supplies so that makes them very affordable as well. Each sheet of 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheet of cardstock will create 4 bases. I used crumb cake because it is a good fall basic but you can use any color that you want.

More Stampin’ Up Fall Treat Holders

A matchbox style treat holder using Stampin' Up products. It is purple with white dots and it has a bat on it. It is one of five Stampin' Up Treat Holders featured on my blog today.

Wouldn’t these make adorable trick-or-treat goodies?

One of five Stampin' Up Fall Treat Holders that has a crumb cake base. It has pictures of leaves, acorns, and pumpkins on it.

This design would work easily for any fall occasion simply by swapping out the greeting.

One of five Stampin' Up Fall Treat Holders. It features a Mint Macron pumpkin with a gold bow. The Mint Macron designer series paper with gold foiling really makes it pop!
One of five Stampin' Up Fall Treat Holders that is mostly done in the color Crumb Cake. It has a pumpkin that is made using a paper piecing technique in Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, and Pumpkin Pie.

And these designs just might be that perfect little touch that would bring your whole Thanksgiving table together. They would create a conversation starter as well as being a pretty table decoration. Are the children or grandchildren looking for a little project? These are a GREAT project to do with them! They love a creative outlet as much as we do. This project can be done several weeks ahead of time.

Card Supplies:

Card Measurements for Stampin’ Up Treat Holders:

  • Crumb Cake Cardstock: 2 1/4″ x 8, scored at 2″ and at 5 1/2″
  • Rich Razzleberry Cardstock: 2′ x 2 1/4″, and another at 2″ x 1 3/4″
  • Whatever cardstock or DSP you would like for focal image. I used Plaid Tidings DSP for the pumpkin.

Thank you so much for joining me today! I hope that you have been inspired. As always– Be kind, send a card, and do something creative!

Sally

A fall card using Stampin Up products.

Banner Year

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It’s a Banner Year! Wait…2020? Really? Ha, ha. Maybe not exactly but the stamp set by Stampin’ Up is a really good one. I teamed it up with the Gilded Autumn Designer Series Paper to make some pretty fall cards. Stampin’ Up has done an excellent job with making sure that their products can be paired together so easily.

The Gilded Autumn Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up is featured in this card.

The colors in the Gilded Autumn DSP are Cajun Craze, Early Expresso, Mint Macaron, Crumb Cake, and Very Vanilla. They are perfect together! However, I did find that if I was stamping an image in Mint Macaron, it is best to stamp off first as the color kind of comes off dark on the Very Vanilla. And I find that I don’t use Cajun Craze very often. Stampin’ Up uses some color combinations in their papers that I would never have the courage or idea to use together. But I will definitely use this combo again!

Today’s Video:

The stamp set is bundled with the Banner Year punch. That means that when you purchase the bundle you will save 10%. Aren’t we always looking for ways to make our crafting budget stretch a little bit more?

A greeting card on Early Expresso cardstock. It has images of a squirrel, an acorn, and a pumpkin on the front.

As I mentioned in my video, please leave a comment and let me know which of the four cards is your favorite. These cards came together very quickly. Mostly because of the DSP! A great paper is one of our greatest tools!

Supplies Used:

Card Measurements:

  • Cajun Craze Cardstock: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2, scored at 4 1/4″
  • DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
  • Very Vanilla Cardstock: 2 1/2′ x 2 1/2″
  • DSP or Cardstock of your choice: 1″ x 3 1/2″
  • DSP or Cardstock of your choice: 1/2″ x 3 1/4″
  • Very Vanilla (Inside): 4″ x 5 1/4″

Thank you so much for spending some time with me today. As always – be kind, send a card, and do something creative.

Sally

This is a photo of a greeting card made with Stampin' Up's Ornamental Envelopes Bundle.

Ornamental Envelopes Bundle

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The new Ornamental Envelopes Bundle and some of our Note Cards will be my choice to create a few quick and easy Christmas cards today. This bundle is unlike any other that Stampin’ Up is offering at this time. The Ornamental stamp set has stamps for Christmas and stamps for everyday use. The Envelopes Dies are AMAZING!

A notecard with an envelope liner made with the Ornamental Envelopes Bundle by Stampin' Up.

I’m An Addict…

I am a stationary junkie! I always have been. My Mother is to blame. She loved cards too. She always insisted that the clerk at the Hallmark store give us those big, round gold seals for the back of the envelopes. And it was my job to put them on. From getting that brand new tablet on the first day of school, to hoarding planner supplies, and needing to purchase everything that Stampin’ Up has to offer exposes my addiction! And notice I haven’t even made mention of my pen and marker stash! Therapy. I might need therapy. These dies are going to put my obsession over the edge!

A simple and classic holiday card made with the Ornamental Envelopes Bundle by Stampin' Up.

Ornamental Envelopes Dies

My stationary obsession always kicks into high gear when a get an invitation or an announcement in the mail. The layers, the textures, the colors, and all of the fonts. But most of all the envelope liners! I was always intimidated at the thought of making one. However, the Ornamental Envelopes Dies makes beautiful liners in a snap! The dies offer SO many possibilities for decorating both the inside and outside of your envelopes. As a result, once you start creating with them, you just cannot stop!

Fast And Affordable

By using our Note Cards and Envelopes, you can skip straight to the designing and creating process. I chose to go with a very traditional Christmas color theme but you could use any Designer Series Paper or any of our inks to fit the occassion that you want. Not only do our Note Cards and Envelopes offer a quick ticket to the fun, but they are super affordable. They come in both the Very Vanilla and Whisper White. There are 20 cards and 20 envelopes in each pack for only $7.

A greeting card made using the Ornamental Envelopes Bundle by Stampin' Up.

Making your own handmade cards is so much fun and people that receive them appreciate your effort. You are able to make their card with them in mind and use the colors and elements that fit their personalities. Most importantly, they are happy that you thought of them and cared enough about them to send a card.

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

Sally

Supplies Needed:

You can shop for all of our products here: http://www.thepolkadotlife.com/shop/

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Card Measurements:

  • Whisper White Cardstock- A piece large enough for the greeting of your choice
  • Coordinating Cardstock- 3 1/2″ x 5″ (If you want to cover the entire front)
  • DSP- 3 1/4″ x 4 3/4″ (If you want a second layer)
  • One of our Note Cards and Envelopes
  • DSP- Scraps for Decoration
  • DSP- For Note Card Liner- 5″ x 5 1/4″
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