Author Archives: Karen Fontinelle

Free As a Bird Notecard & Envelope

Leave a reply
Free As a Bird Notecard & Envelope

Even though I posted a card with the Bird Ballad Designer Paper yesterday, I think that whole suite is so pretty I had to do something else with it for today, the Free As a Bird Notecard & Envelope. My original idea was to just stamp directly on the front of the Notecard, but since I was going to use my Stampin’ Blends to color in the stamped image, I didn’t want to have the coloring show through to the other side. I’m not positive it would since the notecard paper seems fairly heavy, but no point in taking a chance! I even decided to add a Petal Pink layer with a narrow margin behind the stamped layer.

Free As a Bird coloring
Back side of Whisper White

I absolutely love coloring with the Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers! Don’t be intimidated to use them, thinking about “blending”. Just color! I usually use the light color first and then maybe color the edges or highlighted areas on the stamped image with the darker color. Then maybe I even go back and color over again with the lighter marker to blend any rough lines. Just play and do whatever you want. I can almost guarantee you will be satisfied with the result with these markers.

Since I originally thought I was going to stamp the birds directly on the notecard, I knew I just had that one chance to get it right so I pulled out my Stamparatus®! In order to see how everything lined up, I put down a piece of clear Window Sheet on top of the notecard so I could stamp the image on the window sheet and see if anything was crooked (usually the words). Be sure to use the gridlines on the Stamparatus plate to see if you have your stamp or words straight if that is what you want. I could also put two stamps on the Stamparatus at one time and get everything spaced just right!

Free As a Bird & Stamparatus

When you have everything where you want it, remove the window sheet, make sure the cardstock is still in the corner or wherever you stamped it with the window sheet and have your magnets holding down the paper. Then stamp! If the image doesn’t come out fully stamped, just ink up the stamp again without moving anything and stamp again (or again if necessary) until you have a good image. That’s one of the most important benefits of the Stamparatus.

As I have said before, the Note Cards & Envelopes are just handy to have on hand always. When you want to do some quick stamping and write a short note, they are perfect. AND they come with their own mailable envelopes! To fancy up the envelope a little bit, I used a piece of the Bird Ballad Designer Paper on the back flap! You could put the paper inside as a liner if you wanted instead. I put the adhesive on the envelope flap, then glue on a larger than needed piece of paper. Then I trim off the excess with scissors. So easy and so pretty!

Always remember to be careful with the magnets because they really like to jump together and then they are difficult to pull apart. These magnets are very strong, which is good, until they get stuck together! Watch out for your fingers, too! I like to put the magnets on opposite sides of the table if I don’t have then in use so that they are FAR apart!

Check out all these great products in the Stampin’ Up! Online Store…..the Bird Ballad Suite, the Note Cards & Envelopes, the Stampin’ Blends Markers, and the Stamparatus. Stampin’ Up! has the best products! Have fun stamping something today!

Easy Bird Ballad Thank You Card

Leave a reply
Easy Bird Ballad Thank You Card

This Easy Bird Ballad Thank You Card is just that – easy! I didn’t even know what I was going to make until I pulled out the Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper. This beautiful pattern appealed to me. It is gorgeous. Such a soft background with a watercolor look and flowers and birds that look like they were colored with Stampin’ Blends markers…..which they were in the creation of this paper by the concept artist at Stampin’ Up! so that WE stampers could then color in stamped images and they would match the paper!

To make this card, I just chose colors listed on the back of the designer paper package. I always write the color names with a marker on the back large enough so I can read them without squinting. Stampin’ Up! must have tiny printing machines!! The card base is Pool Party and a layer of Petal Pink.

The die-cut piece was already in my bag of cardstock so I used it! It is from the Stitched Labels Dies. I also had that Petal Pink circle as a scrap so I die cut a Whisper White circle with the Stitched Shapes Dies. The greeting is from the Free As a Bird Stamp Set. Then I added two Artisan Pearls (retired).

This is an easy card to make with cardstock and designer paper plus a greeting. You could use this card for many occasions. If you don’t already own this Bird Ballad paper, whether you are a fan of birds or not, be sure to put it on your next order!

SHOP STAMPIN’ UP! ONLINE TODAY!

Join Paper Pumpkin!

Leave a reply
Paper Pumpkin Sail Away Small Banner July 2019

Don’t Miss Out!

It’s time to sign up for Paper Pumpkin if you want to get the July 2019 Kit! Deadline is July 10th!

Stampin’ Up! has begun coordinating Paper Pumpkin kits with product suites in the new Stampin’ Up! Catalog. This July Kit coordinates with not one, but THREE product suites that you can mix and match with the kit!

Here is what you will be making (don’t read if you want to be surprised!):

  • Makes 9 mailable cards with envelopes (3 each of 3 designs)
  • Coordinating colors: Gold, Kraft, Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Pretty Peacock, Sahara Sand, Seaside Spray, and Terracotta Tile

I’m sure you will have fun with your Paper Pumpkin Kit! Just don’t miss out on the original shipment because they often don’t have many extra kits later! The cost is only $22/month and that includes shipping plus everything you need in your kit. With your first kit, you even receive a special acrylic block to use with the stamp set inside.

Paper Pumpkin Kit July 2019 Sailing

JOIN PAPER PUMPKIN HERE! DON’T MISS OUT!

Beautiful Friendship Floral Card

Leave a reply
Beautiful Friendship Floral Card

Here’s my first go with the Beautiful Friendship Stamp Set, this Beautiful Friendship Floral Card. It was a stamp set that I kind of missed at first, then when I noticed it, I ordered it right away.

I did the easiest thing……just stamped to play with the stamps. Remember to put a little cushion underneath these photopolymer stamps for the best image. I used the Stampin’ Pierce Mat and of course, using the Stamparatus is always a good idea so you can re-stamp if you don’t get a good impression at first.

When I went to get my paper out, I thought I would use Melon Mambo, one of my favorite colors but I haven’t used it much recently. However, when I saw Poppy Parade on top, I just chose that and grabbed some Daffodil Delight for a layer behind the Whisper White. See! You don’t always have to have everything planned out when you make a card!

The flowers are stamped in Poppy Parade with Granny Apple Green leaves. Then I thought I would add some extra flowers with Highland Heather and Daffodil Delight. When I was finished, I realized probably some of those stamps were really meant to stamp the inside of the flowers, but I was finished and happy with my card so I didn’t go back! I’ll have to try to make them more authentic next time!

Since I didn’t leave myself much room for a greeting, I used one from my other new stamp set, Modern Heart. I have to play with that stamp set, too! Sometimes it is nice to “just stamp” and not die-cut or embellish or color in or whatever. Just simple! I think this Beautiful Friendship Stamp Set will produce lots of gorgeous cards and has very nice sentiments as well!

SHOP STAMPIN’ UP! ONLINE TODAY!

Bloom & Grow Bird Ballad Laser-Cut Card

Leave a reply
Bloom & Grow Bird Ballad Laser-Cut Card

If you want to get an easy start to cardmaking, start with the Bird Ballad Laser-Cut Cards & Tin and add a focal point using the Bloom & Grow Stamp Set. These beautiful laser-cut cards come in a nice tin that you can use for a gift with the cards or separately. You could even just add a simple greeting and let the laser-cut design stand on its own, or you can some other card layers and designs to the front.

I first made THIS CARD with the laser-cut cards, but today’s card is slightly different. On my first card, I adhered the colored cardstock to the inside of the card so the recipient could see the laser design easily when they opened the card. But on today’s card, I carefully adhered the pink cardstock to the back of the laser-cut design carefully, with tiny drops of the Multipurpose Liquid Glue. This has the advantage of covering up the look of the layer placed on the front of the card.

The design on the front of the card is stamped with a floral stamp in the Bloom & Grow Stamp Set in Memento Ink and colored in with Stampin’ Blends Markers. Then it is die cut with the largest of the Stitched Nested Label Dies.

For extra embellishment, I used two of the 2019-2021 In Color Faceted Dots on each end. There are also coordinating dies for the Bloom & Grow Stamp Set, which you might like, and which you can buy in a Bundle with the stamp set and save 10%.

Be sure to check out the Bird Ballad Laser-Cut Cards & Tin and the Bloom & Grow Stamp Set (plus dies) because both are beautiful products and will help you make very creative and beautiful cards!

SHOP STAMPIN’ UP! ONLINE HERE!

NEW-STYLE 3D EMBOSSING FOLDERS NOW AVAILABLE

Leave a reply
You may or may not have noticed that Stampin’ Up! had introduced new 3D Embossing Folders from a new supplier, but not all of our previous “Dynamic” embossing folders had been changed over.  But now, these six 3D Embossing Folders, in the new style (a little bit thinner) are available in the Stampin’ Up! Online Store!  More are on the way!
As we talked about before in THIS POST, you may need to use an extra shim, very thin, to make your folders work with your die-cutting machine. Each machine will be different.  To remedy this problem, Stampin’ Up! introduced the new 3D Embossing Folder Plate. I have so far forgotten to order one, but I have heard it works well.
Watch this video with George from Stampin’ Up! for tips on using the new style dies, 3D embossing Folders and 3D embossing folder plate.  And be sure to listen to his advice at the end!!!

These new 3D Embossing Folders are carryover ones from previous catalogs. The brand new designs in the new catalog were already in this 3D format.

If you have any questions, just ask!  If you read the link I posted in this article, you will read about the sandwich that I found that works with my machine, until I remember to order the new 3D Embossing Folder Plate!

Remember, Bonus Days are going on this month of July at Stampin’ Up!  For every $50 you spend, Stampin’ Up! will email you a $5 coupon to use in August!

Easy, Fun 4th of July Papercrafting Ideas

Leave a reply
Uncle Sam 4th of July Patriotic Favor

Uncle Sam 4th of July Patriotic Favor

Use a paper towel roll or something similar, maybe a tall round tin, and decorate like Uncle Sam for the 4th of July. Fill it with candies for a party favor or hostess gift!

4th of July Fireworks Card

Happy 4th of July! Happy Independence Day!

You might not have these exact stamps, but you have something you can use! I know you do! Find some odd stamp image that will resemble fireworks!

4th of July Patriotic Crate With Daisies

4th of July Patriotic Crate of Daisies

If you have the Wood Crate Dies, you can make this easily and use the Daisy Punch, too! If you don’t own the Wood Crate Dies, just make a little box or use a little box you have. Make some patriotic flowers (and maybe add some candy!) and you are set!

4th of July Candy Treat Pouch

4th of July Candy Treat Pouch

These are really easy to make! You can make a small one with a piece of 6″ x 6″ piece of paper or a larger one with a 9″ square piece of paper. Decorate for a patriotic treat and add candy. You can easily change this up for any occasion!

4th of July Wood Crate Candy Treat Holder

4th of July Wood Crate Candy Treat Holder

Another crate but you could also just do a cello bag of candy or some other treat! Fill it with some red, white, and blue candies, tie on a ribbon and maybe add a 4th of July tag!

I hope these past projects give you some ideas for whatever 4th of July projects you would like to make for decorations or treats!

Easy Monochromatic Bloom & Grow Card

Leave a reply
Easy Monochromatic Bloom & Grow Card

I thought maybe for people who don’t like to do a lot of coloring with outline images such as this, I would try a monochromatic method of stamping and making a card as in this Easy Monochromatic Bloom & Grow Card.

This card is stamped with Highland Heather Ink on Shimmery White Cardstock. I love this cardstock! It has the slightest shimmer to it and works for watercoloring which you can’t do very well with Whisper White Cardstock. The flowers are from the Bloom & Grow Stamp Set. I think if you stamp any of the flower stamps in a color, it is fine and you don’t have to color in all the flowers, leaves, and buds. I personally like to color, especially with the Stampin’ Blends Markers, but this is a quick and easy way to make a card! The greeting is also from the same stamp set.

So just stamp the flowers and the greeting and adhere to a card base and you’re done! The card base for this card is Highland Heather. Couldn’t be easier!

Since the card base color is not white, you might like to add a layer of Shimmery White Cardstock on the inside of the card to add your personal note or greeting. To decorate this inside layer, you might like to stamp something on it. I chose one of the other flower stamps and wanted to stamp just the corner of the cardstock. As we know, it is helpful to stamp photopolymer stamps on top of something with a little cushion. I used the Stampin’ Pierce Mat, but I didn’t want to get ink on it. Either grab a piece of scrap paper or just fold over your Grid Paper (which is SO handy to use underneath your stamping project!) to protect your Pierce Mat.

Easy Monochromatic Bloom & Grow Card Inside Stamping
Easy Monochromatic Bloom & Grow Card Inside

Now, if you like a simple card, but you want just a little bit of bling, add a few sequins! I used the Basic Adhesive-Backed Sequins just to add a little bit of something to the card front even though I was keeping it quick and easy.

Easy Monochromatic Bloom & Grow Card With Sequins

If you want to make some quick and easy cards, look through your stamps and see what you could use stamping in just one color and keeping it simple and monochromatic.

SHOP STAMPIN’ UP! ONLINE!

Bonus Days! For every $50 you spend in July, get a $5 coupon by email to spend in August!

Colorful Seasons 4th of July Card

1 Reply
Colorful Seasons 4th of July Card

It’s time for fireworks so here is a Colorful Seasons 4th of July Card all ready to inspire you to make some kind of fun card for the 4th of July! Can you believe it is July 1st already?!

I don’t have a “4th of July” stamp set so I had to use what I had. I looked through some stamp sets looking for something I could use for fireworks. I noticed these little stamps in the Colorful Seasons Stamp Set that I stamped in Real Red and Night of Navy Inks. I used the stamp that was half that image but stamped it on both sides to make the firework, but I also see in the stamp set there is one stamp that would have made a full image! Oh well. I think mine came out all right! The Crushed Curry fireworks are actually the tops of palm trees from the Waterfront Stamp Set!

The chairs are stamped from the Colorful Seasons Stamp Set. Originally I was going to die cut the Adirondack style chairs in the set of Seasonal Layers Dies but then I changed my mind and stamped these cloth folding chairs, something more like we will take to watch fireworks Thursday night.

The background on the card is stamped with images from the Waterfront Stamp Set for the grass and some blue sky. I used my Aqua Painter to soften the ink a little bit, although you can’t use much water on Whisper White Cardstock. You could also just sponge on some ink for a background. I do love that Waterfront Stamp Set after ignoring it when it first came out!

I didn’t add a greeting, mainly because there wasn’t any good space to put one! Maybe I will add one later or just stamp something on Whisper White cardstock inside the card.

And Stampin’ Up! has a July special! BONUS DAYS!

Bonus Days Ad 2019 w Info

For every $50 you spend (before shipping and tax, of course!) you will receive a coupon for $5 to spend on merchandise in August! Your coupon will arrive by email after you place your order. Make sure you hang on to that code! It’s best to print out the email, write down the code somewhere or put it under lock and key in case of a computer crash or natural disaster! No limit to the codes you can earn.

_______________________________________________________

So I think our July is off to a good start! Shop for Stampin’ Up! products in July, spending $50 or more or in increments on one or more orders, and receive a Bonus Coupon to use on an order in August!

Make a card or something for the 4th of July and get in the spirit of the holiday! It’s a short week! Happy 4th!

Pressed Petals Gift Bag and Gift Card

Leave a reply
Pressed Petals Gift Bag and Gift Card

The Pressed Petals Specialty Designer Series Paper is so pretty and I thought I would make something other than a regular card with it. Here is my Pressed Petals Gift Bag and Gift Card that you could also make for just a small gift. The bag is just 6″ high and the paper is very lightweight so you could put some pieces of candy inside, a piece of jewelry, a gift card, or a diamond ring! (Might as well aim high!)

The Pressed Petals Paper is designed with photographic images of real pressed flower petals. One side of the paper has the flower images, the other side has subtle vintage designs like old sheet music, lines of script, wood grain, and vintage plant descriptions. One design has portions you can cut apart and use on cards, much like the Petal Promenade Paper we previously had.

This bag is one of those easy things to make, as I have done many times before. Start with a 12″ x 6″ piece of designer paper (or cardstock). Score at 1″, 3 3/4″, 6 1/2″ and 9 1/4″. Then turn long ways and score at 2″ to make the bottom flaps. Cut off the smallest little section and cut up on the botton flap score lines to the horizontal score line. Then crease and fold to form the bag. Leave it open at the top or punch two holes and tie it closed with ribbon. Here’s a similar example.

Easy Botanical Butterfly Mini Gift Bag Cutting Diagram

You can see the little bag I made previously HERE with the Botanical Butterfly Paper.

I stamped two daisies with the Daisy Delight Stamp Set and punched out with the Daisy Punch. I like putting one of the Gold Faceted Gems in the daisy center. A new item we have now in the new Stampin’ Up! Catalog is the Perennial Essence Floral Centers, actual fuzzy embellishments to look like the center of real flowers, that you could use.

The ribbon I used is the Gold 3/8″ Metallic Edge Ribbon. Just push the sides of the bag in a little bit and pull the top edges of the bag together to close the top. If you don’t want to get punched holes on all four sides of the bag, punch the front and back holes first before you pull the bag together! You could also hold the top of the bag together with a Mini Library Clip or check the Clearance Rack for two other styles (and bargains!). Don’t forget! Some stamp sets were added to the Clearance Rack the other day you might want to check out!

And while I had the paper out, I decided to make just a cute little matching card, 3″ x 6″ folded in half with a 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″ piece of designer paper on top. The little “hello” is found in the Bloom & Grown Stamp Set. I thought it was cute for that card and is punched out with the Classic Label Punch to make it easy. Just for a little something, I added the smallest size Gold Faceted Gem on to the greeting to match the bag. I wish it was even smaller but I think it is fine.

Use your Pressed Petals Specialty Designer Series Paper to make simple gift bags like this one plus a gift card to match!

A Card For Crafters

Leave a reply
A Card For Crafters

This new stamp set and designer paper will definitely help you make a card for crafters! And not just stampers! You can make a card with these supplies that would suit other crafts besides stamping. Have fun making cards for all your crafty friends!

This card uses items in the Follow Your Art Suite in the new Stampin’ Up! catalog on pages 52-54. The card base is Calypso Coral, but there are many coordinating colors to use with the Follow Your Art Designer Series Paper. I first thought I would use the full sheet of designer paper on the front of this card, then changed my mind and thought I would cut it and flip the paper to the other side for the bottom portion of the card layer. Then I changed my mind and decided to only use a portion of the designer paper on the front of the card! You’re allowed to change your mind in papercrafting!

Since the bottom part of the card then looked plain, I chose to stamp some tiny images at the bottom from the It Starts With Art Stamp Set. I think it coordinates nicely with the designer paper.

The ribbon used on the card is the 3/8″ Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon in Crushed Curry. It’s a great, fun ribbon to use with this suite. I wrapped the ribbon around the bottom edge of the designer paper, but tied the bow separately and adhered it to the ribbon with a Mini Glue Dot.

The greeting at the bottom is made with the stamped design on Whisper White Cardstock with Calypso Coral Ink and die cut with the Arts & Crafts Dies. Then the greeting was stamped on Calypso Coral Cardstock with Calypso Coral Ink and punched with the Classic Label Punch. The greeting is then popped up with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I tried various things but I liked this combination the best! Sometimes you have to just play until you get what feels right!

If you like this stamp set, there is another similar one from last year’s catalog that carried over called Crafting Forever. This stamp set has some great sayings in it plus other craft supply images. Use both sets together!

REMEMBER……Today is the day to buy an important craft supply if you have the Stampin’ Up! Paper Trimmer…..the Cutting Blades # 126995 will be available at 10:00 am Mountain Time! That is 11:00 am Central Time, Noon Eastern Time, and 9:00 am Pacific Time!. I suggest ordering as close to your time as possible just in case! Maybe the supply will last a few hours or days, but who knows! If you need blades, this is your chance! There is a limit of 3 packages. If they are sold out, you will get an error message that they are discontinued. More will be on the way so don’t despair!

Cutting Blades
Cutting Blades


With the Follow Your Art Suite in the new Stampin’ Up! Catalog you can make lots of fun cards for your crafty friends or anyone!

Shop Stampin’ Up! Online!

Stampin’ Up! Stamp Sets Added to the Clearance Rack!

Leave a reply
Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack Stamp Sets June 2019

TODAY IS THE DAY!! CHECK THE CLEARANCE RACK!

For the first time ever, Stampin’ Up! is putting stamps on the Clearance Rack and they might not ever do it again! But while they ARE doing it, go enjoy finding some bargains! Stamps available while supplies last, of course!

 

Check out the other items on the Clearance Rack already. You might find things that pair up! You can add any products to your order!

And tomorrow……….the Stampin’ Trimmer Cutting Blades have arrived! Beginning at 10:00 AM (MT) on Thursday, June 27 you can order cutting blades with a limit of 3 packages. That’s 11:00 AM Central Time.

Cutting Blades
Cutting Blades

SHOP THE STAMPIN’ UP! CLEARANCE RACK TODAY FOR STAMP SETS!

Make a Moveable Card With the Cuckoo For You Bundle!

Leave a reply

Cuckoo Bundle Card
Image © Stampin’ Up! 2019

Cuckoo clocks always bring back childhood memories for me, and now we can make our own cuckoo clock moveable cards with the Cuckoo For You Bundle by Stampin’ Up!

When my dad was in Germany during World War II, he bought three cuckoo clocks to bring/send home. One was for my parents and one each for their parents. I remember exactly where all those cuckoo clocks hung in my grandparents’ homes and ours and at least for awhile, the cuckoo worked! My brother and I loved pulling those chains to keep the clock running.

This new Bundle from Stampin’ Up! has the Cuckoo For You Photopolymer Stamp Set and the Cuckoo Clock Dies. While you can make cute cards just with the stamp set, I bet if you are interested in cuckoo clocks you will want the die set as well to make it moveable just like a real cuckoo clock!

Watch this Stampin’ Up! video with Brian Pilling from the Home Office demonstrate how these dies work with the stamp set.

If you like cuckoo clocks, wouldn’t this be a fun card to make and send to someone (although I think you should make at least one to keep for yourself!)?!

Here is the Bundle with the stamp set and dies to make lots of cuckoo clock cards and projects! And of course you can use the bunny, squirrel, reindeer, bird, and tree for other cards unrelated to cuckoo clocks!

Cuckoo For You Bundle

SHOP STAMPIN’ UP! ONLINE!

Daisy Card With the Scripty Embossed Background

Leave a reply
Daisy Card With Scripty Embossed Background

Here is a Daisy Card With the Scripty Embossed Background. It is rather simple as is (not that there is anything wrong with simple!) but I was really just making a card to showcase the Scripty 3D Embossing Folder.

As you may have noticed, Stampin’ Up! has come out with some new 3D embossing folders made by a different manufacturer than our previous one. These new 3D Embossing Folders are slightly thinner than our previous ones so you may have trouble running them through your Big Shot or another die-cutting machine.

As I wrote in THIS POST the other day, Stampin’ Up! has come out with a new plate, the 3D Embossing Folder Plate, that will likely make up that thickness difference. It is possible that depending on your machine, you may still need to add an additional shim, such as a thin piece of cardboard. You could use the thin piece that comes in your DSP.

3D Embossing Folder Plate

In the meantime, I found that a sandwich of the Big Shot Platform, the squishy Silicone mat, then the embossing folder with the cardstock inside, and a Cutting Pad on top worked with my new Scripty 3D Embossing Folder.

Here is a photo of the pieces of the sandwich I used.

Big Shot Sandwich

If you need a reminder of which mat this is, watch this video:

Remember, Stampin’ Up! is working on a new die-cutting machine for us. In the meantime, try the things you have, different platforms, different shims if you have trouble with your new 3D Embossing Folders. Don’t ever FORCE your machine. If it doesn’t go, don’t do it! Don’t break your machine! You can experiment, or you can add this new 3D Embossing Folder Plate to your next order and hopefully that will simplify using embossing folders for you!

SHOP STAMPIN’ UP! ONLINE!