Three Techniques That Make Handmade Cards Sparkle

By | April 18, 2021
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Stampin' Up! So Much Happy | Just Stamp Birthday Card That Sparkles

 

This handmade birthday card that sparkles is clean, simple and easy to make. And it’s guaranteed to be much more special than a store-bought one.

Triple Play At Work

To get the clean and simple look, three techniques that make handmade cards sparkle were employed: die cutting, stamping and texturizing.

Die cutting and texturizing is easy with the right tools. A die-cutting machine creates elements for cards perfectly and quickly. In this case, the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine by Stampin’ Up! was used. Combined with the 11-piece “Happy” die set, the Cut & Emboss machine cut the letters and balloons precisely.

To texturize, a piece of card stock was slipped inside the Tasteful Textile embossing folder and hand cranked through the Cut & Emboss machine. The pressure transferred the pattern of the folder onto the cardstock, creating subtle detail to the card stock.

To stamp, a coordinating “birthday” greeting from the So Much Happy 15-piece set was inked in Blackberry Bliss, an ink color that coordinates with the glitter paper from which the die cut was created.

Stampin' Up! So Much Happy | Just Stamp Birthday Card That Sparkles

 

Here’s What You Need

Stampin' Up! Cut & Emboss Machine

Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine

© Stampin’ Up!

Stampin' Up! So Much Happy

So Much Happy Stamp Set

© Stampin’ Up!

 

 

Stampin' Up! Happy Dies

Happy Dies

© Stampin’ Up!

 

Fun Details

Big, bold letters that sparkle, white puffy clouds and a texturized sky make the card pop, but it’s the details that add more charm. Note the sweet stitching on the clouds. They were created with one of the dies included in the “Happy” set.

Next, notice the 3D effect of the floating balloons. Double-sided adhesive foam dots enabled the depth and dimension.

Finally, twine attached to the balloons and the sparkling rhinestones finish off the fun for this Happy Birthday card.

Stampin' Up! So Much Happy | Just Stamp Birthday Card That Sparkles

More So Much Happy Ideas

Stampin' Up! So Much Happy Bundle

© Stampin’ Up!

 

© Stampin’ Up!

 

Today’s handmade birthday card using three techniques that make handmade cards sparkle was one project for the April Just Stamp Open Card Club. Each month, Card Club participants create five projects using Stampin’ Up! products for only $20 or FREE with a qualifying purchase. If you’d like to learn more about Card Club and other stamping opportunities both Live/In Person or Delivered Kits, join the mailing list. Click HERE to join.

Pretty Mother’s Day Cards with Wrapped Bouquet

By | April 11, 2021
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Stampin' Up! Wrapped Bouquet | Just Stamp Pretty Mother's Day Cards

 

Is it too early to start thinking about Mother’s Day?

Making pretty Mother’s Day cards with a Wrapped Bouquet of flowers was on Marianne Valenti’s mind when she designed a beautiful collection of cards perfect for mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends — any mother!

Stamparista Stamper of the Month

Marianne is a member of the growing team of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators called the Stamparistas. Team members get lots of extra rewards beyond a generous 20-25% shopping discount EVERY time they shop.

Each month, Stamparistas can volunteer to be selected as Stamper of the Month and receive a free stamp set or bundle. They agree to design a class using the stamp set/bundle to share with the team. Team members can then create the projects for themselves or present the projects as part of their stamping business.

Marianne volunteered for the month of March, and she was gifted with the Wrapped Bouquet bundle found in the January to June mini catalog. She presented her beautiful card class at the April team meeting.

 

Marianne Valenti

 

Stampin' Up! Wrapped Bouquet Bundle

Wrapped Bouquet
© Stampin’ Up!

The pretty stamp set and coordinating bundle of two floral sprays and sentiments give a subtle nod to days past when the street vendors wrapped bouquets in newspaper — just like fish and chips! How charming 😉  Nowadays, the vendors and supermarkets have clear and colored cellophane.

Four Happy Mother’s Day Cards Featuring Wrapped Bouquet

Marianne created a variety of moods by selecting bright, regal, subtle and neutral card bases. She used Granny Apple Green, Real Red, Basic White and Soft Sea Foam card stocks.

She then used the Stitched So Sweetly and Stitched Rectangle Dies, and Dual Oval Punches to add shape to her images and sentiments.

While many of the printed papers used to layer the images are no longer available, they could easily be swapped out with other colorful designs.

To add a pop of embellishment, Opal Rounds, Basic Pearls and Wink of Stella were added, as well as Linen Thread.

Although it’s difficult to see in the photos, some layers were embossed with a variety of Embossing Folders. Soft embossing can add subtle to dramatic detail to projects.

Stampin' Up! Wrapped Bouquet | Just Stamp Pretty Mother's Day Cards

 

Stampin' Up! Wrapped Bouquet | Just Stamp Pretty Mother's Day Cards

 

Stampin' Up! Wrapped Bouquet | Just Stamp Pretty Mother's Day Cards

 

Stampin' Up! Wrapped Bouquet | Just Stamp Pretty Mother's Day Cards

 

Tip from Marianne: When prepping the newsprint wrap, stamp both sides of the card stock as you will be folding the wrap. You want the print to show on both sides when wrapped.

Join the Team!

The Stamparista team of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators like Marianne is a beautiful, fun and creative blessing.  I invite you to join and start reaping ALL the benefits of Stampin’Up! Shop with a discount and be inspired by a beautiful community of women. CLICK HERE to learn more about joining Stampin’ Up! and the Stamparistas.

If you’re ready to join, CLICK HERE!

Discover Five New Hot Color Trends

By | April 7, 2021
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Just Stamp | Color Trends for 2021 - 2023

Look around fashion, home decor and even cars and you’ll discover new hot color trends emerging every season of every year. Those trending colors make their way  into the crafting industry, too.

With the new Stampin’ Up! annual catalog on the horizon, the new trend colors have been revealed. While one set of “In Colors” gets sent to retire, another set prepares to be discovered. All five new In Colors will be available in inks, markers, Stampin’ Blends, papers, ribbons and embellishments now through 2023.

The 2021-2023 In Colors

Stampin' Up! | Evening EvergreenStampin' Up! | Soft SucculentStampin' Up! | Fresh FreesiaStampin' Up! | Polished PinkStampin' Up! | Pale Papaya

 

 

 

 

In Colors At Work

Today’s cards showcasing the new In Colors were created using a new Punch Bundle: Flowers of Friendship. The 10-piece stamp set pairs with the Flowers & Leaves Punch to make layering quick and easy.

 

Stampin' Up! | Flowers of Friendship | Evening Evergreen

Evening Evergreen

 

Fresh Freesia

 

Stampin' Up! | Flowers of Friendship | Pale Papaya

Pale Papaya

 Stampin' Up! | Flowers of Friendship | Soft Succulent

Soft Succulent

 

Stampin' Up! | Flowers of Friendship | Polished Pink

Polished Pink

 

Get the New In Colors and Select New Stampin’ Up! Products Now

While the new annual catalog will not launch until May 4, anyone purchasing the $99 Starter Kit NOW may choose to include these new color products and more in their customized selection. Pre-Orders are just ONE of the many perks of joining Stampin’ Up! If you have questions or would like to join Stampin’ Up! and the Stamparista Team, email me at  amp@anamariepalmerin.com

Easel Card for Spring Featuring the Stampin’ Up! Jar Punch

By | March 26, 2021
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Stampin' Up! Springtime Joy | Jus Stamp Easel Card for Spring | Jar Punch

This fun fold card is the perfect DIY card to bring smiles this Spring and Easter. The easel card construction makes this the greeting to prop up on the desktop, table or mantle to display and enjoy through the spring season.

Embellish with Chocolate

But it’s also a “stepped up” easel card with literally the sweetest embellishments — chocolate bunnies filled to the lid of the built-in jar dome  😃

This project was the subject of Friday Facebook LIVE. I shared step-by-step how to create this super cute spring card, including all the tools, supplies, and dimensions needed. In case you missed the Facebook Live episode, I have snipped and inserted the edited version here.

If you would like to view more video tutorials like this one, subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a tutorial! Click HERE.

 

Stampin' Up! Springtime Joy | Jus Stamp Easel Card for Spring | Jar Punch

 

The easel card template is suitable for all occasions, holidays and themes. Just switch the stamps, color combinations and sentiments to create cards for birthdays, gratitude, congratulations or sympathy.

Add the built-in jar filled with niche embellishments, and the card design will impress and please all your friends and family.

Tools to Simplify

Here’s the tool that makes the jar element simple.

Stampin' Up! Jar Punch

Jar Punch

And here are the domes that create the 3D jar.

Stampin' Up! Mason Jar Shaker Domes

Mason Jar Shaker Domes

The sweet seasonal stamp set used to construct the easel card for Spring and Easter is Springtime Joy.

Stampin' Up! Springtime Joy

©Stampin’ Up!

 

Stampin' Up! Last Chance Products Sale

Discounts from 10-75% on many items. Don’t delay! Shop now!

Now through March 31, receive a Thank You gift from me with any order $50 or more when you use the Host Code BU3NGZRW. Click HERE to shop.

Ode to Purple Posey & Terracotta Tile with Go-To Card Template

By | March 19, 2021
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Stampin' Up! | Springtime Joy with Purple Posey & Terracotta Tile | Just Stamp Go-To Card Template

Springtime Joy with Purple Posey & Terracotta Tile | Just Stamp Go-To Card Template

The sad good-byes are nearing. A new annual Stampin’ Up! catalog is on the horizon and that means it will soon be time to bid adeau to many Stampin’ Up! products, including the 2019-2021 In Colors: Terracotta Tile, Purple Posey, Rococo Rose, Pretty Peacock and Seaside Spray. Today’s three cards are the ode to Purple Posey and Terracotta Tile.

As with all In Colors, one knows they won’t stick around. The In Colors shine for two years, then are replaced with two young trendies. That’s how the cycle works.

Of the five retiring In Colors, Purple Posey will be the most missed. Luckily, I have a juicy ink pad, a re-inker bottle, some Stampin’ Blends and a few sheets of cardstock.

And these supplies and tools were the subject of today’s Friday Facebook Live episode. Along with the sweet Springtime Joy stamp set and a Go-To card template, the supplies created three spring/Easter cards.

Here’s a Closer Look

 

Stampin' Up! | Springtime Joy with Purple Posey & Terracotta Tile | Just Stamp Go-To Card Template

 

 

 

Stampin' Up! | Springtime Joy with Purple Posey & Terracotta Tile | Just Stamp Go-To Card Template

In case you missed the Facebook episode, you can view the edited video below or skip over to YouTube. SUGGESTION! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you don’t miss any of the projects I offer.

Springtime Joy

This sweet stamp set is perfect for Spring and Easter. There are cute critters, springy flowers and heartfelt sentiments. Just what is needed to create cards that will bring a smile.

Stampin' Up! Springtime Joy

Small Bloom Punch for Embellishment

The Small Bloom Punch added the ombre spray of blooms to showcase the trio of violet Stampin’ Up! offers. Love the effect, and I love how easily the small blooms are produced using the punch.

Stampin' Up! | Springtime Joy with Purple Posey & Terracotta Tile | Just Stamp Go-To Card Template

Here’s the Small Bloom Punch.

Stampin' Up! Small Bloom Punch

 

If you enjoyed these Spring/Easter projects, you will want to check these out too!

Last Chance List Coming Soon

Today’s three card projects feature products that will be on the Last Chance List when Stampin’ Up! releases it on March 24. Retiring products include the inks, card stock, ribbons, Designer Series Paper, and Butterfly Gems—one of my favorite embellishment packs!  If you would like to recreate any of the projects as shown, shop now to ensure availability. Once the Last Chance List is released, supplies will be limited, and will surely sell out.

Shop Here

 

Start Stamping with an All-Inclusive Kit

By | March 12, 2021
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Stampin' Up! Simply Citrus All-Inclusive Kit | 5 Card Projects

Whether you are just starting your stamping adventure or you’re an experienced, avid stamper, all-inclusive card kits are a great crafting purchase.

Stampin’ Up!’s Simply Citrus kit is  bright, fruity and cheerful. The cards you can create with the supplies, stamp set and ink spot will bring happiness to anyone finding one of these cards in the snail mailbox.

Here’s What’s Included

Stampin' Up! Simply Citrus All-Inclusive Kit

Stampin’ Up! ©

Plus 8-Piece Stamp Set

After the kit supplies are exhausted, the fun stamp set will help create more projects. This set includes images and happy sentiments — a perfectly balanced set. Just add card stock and embellishments from your personal collection to create more projects.

 

Pair with Another Favorite Stamp Set

The fruit slice creates a fun background when stamped tone-on-tone using Mango Melody ink and card stock. A pretty label from the Tasteful Labels groups the collection of cocktails, fruit slice and die cut.  Daffodil Delight, Mango Melody and Calypso Coral have been added with Blending Brushes, while Black/white Bake’s Twine from the Playful Pets Trim Combo Pack holds the label.

 

Simply Citrus Stamp Set | Just Stamp

 

Keep creating with the Simply Citrus stamp set well after the kit supplies have been exhaused. Stamps, acrylic block and ink keep the creativity going.

 

You can find another example using the Nothing’s Better Than bundle here.

Order your Simply Citrus All-Inclusive kit before it’s gone! Click here!

Unforgettable “W” Fold Birthday Card with Butterfly Brilliance

By | March 5, 2021
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Fun "W" Fold Birthday card featuring Stampin' Up! Butterfly Brilliance Collection

Here’s a fun “W” fold birthday card that is kind of remarkable. Definitely unforgettable.

What makes this unforgettable “W” fold birthday card with Butterfly Brilliance even more remarkable is that it’s definitely easy to recreate. The “W” panel construction just requires three scores that are folded into two “valley” folds and one “mountain” fold. When observed from the top, you can see the “W” formation that can display a storyline message with words or images. It really will be a birthday keeper.

Here’s a peek inside.

Fun "W" Fold Birthday card featuring Stampin' Up! Butterfly Brilliance Collection

This project was demonstrated during a Friday Facebook Live episode. In case you missed the Facebook Live, I have added the edited video demonstrating how to make it. View the step-by-step tutorial here on my YouTube channel. I provide card measurements, supplies and simple instructions so you can easily recreate this fun fold card. While you’re visiting my channel, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of my DIY card tutorials.

 

2021-2022 Annual Catalog Early Release

The fun fold was paired with an amazing butterfly collection that will be included in Stampin’ Up!’s annual catalog. The Butterfly Brilliance stamp set is a single stamp with six connected detailed butterflies. The coordinating die set includes 12 dies. One single die cuts the six stamped butterflies at once. The set includes eight more butterfly dies plus three “texture” dies to create background interest.

Butterfly Brillance Bundle

Stampin’ Up! ©

The beautiful printed paper is the Butterfly Bijou 6 x 6 Designer Series Paper stack, along with the Natural Touch Specialty Paper. These papers are available now through May 3. Although the Butterfly Brilliance bundle will be included in the new catalog, these papers will not. Order now!

 

Butterfly Bijou 6 x 6 Designer Series Paper

Natural Touch Specialty Paper

Beautiful Birthday Sentiments

The Butterfly Bouquet is an amazing collection, but there’s something missing. Sentiments! I paired the birthday card with the lovely Happy Thoughts, a Million Dollar stamp set recognizing a successful demonstrators $1M sales. This is a beautiful stamp set to add to the go-to collection.

Stampin' Up! Happy Thoughts

Another Fun Fold Idea

If you love adding special folds and interactivity to your handmade greeting cards, here’s another example.

Just Stamp | Pull Out Fancy Fold Card

Click HERE for how-to details.

 

If you would like to recreate the “W” fold card with Butterfly Brilliance, click HERE to order supplies.

 

 

Interactive Fun Fold Birthday Card with Tutorial

By | February 12, 2021
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Interactive Fun Fold Card with Stampin' Up! You Are Amazing | Just Stamp

 

How ’bout an interactive fun fold card to cheer on a dear one on their birthday? Here’s a simple — but super special — card. It’s impressive, but also super easy to create.

You will love “super easy to create.” If you enjoy sending hand crafted greetings to your favorite peeps throughout the year, you quickly learn that birthdays, holidays and special occasions creep up before you know it. The key is to be prepared with a stash of special cards that can be quickly customized. Just add the needed sentiment, or personalize the card images.

Take a Peek Inside

Interactive Fun Fold Card with Stampin' Up! You Are Amazing | Just Stamp

Although the exterior looks like an ordinary but cheery card, the fun fold reveals a fun twist with a catchy birthday chant. Who wouldn’t react with a big smile?

The best part: Layering Squares dies and a Paper Trimmer plus the basic card making supplies (stamps, paper and ink) are all you need to create this fun fold. Tip: Make multiples!

Watch the How-To Video

This interactive fun fold birthday card was demonstrated during this week’s Friday Facebook Live. In case you missed the Facebook Live, I have added the edited video demonstrating how to make it. View the step-by-step tutorial here on my YouTube channel. I provide card measurements, supplies and simple instructions so you can easily recreate this fun fold card. While you’re visiting my channel, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of my DIY card tutorials.

If you enjoy creating fun fold cards, here’s an elegant, center-step example you will also want to recreate.

 

Interactive Fun Fold Card with Stampin' Up! You Are Amazing | Just Stamp

Click HERE to skip over to my online store for any supplies you might need.

 

Sale-a-Bration is the Best Time to Buy the Starter Kit!

Get Over $200 in Stampin’ Up! Products for Only $99

Stampin' Up! Starter Kit | Just Stamp

Who doesn’t love a great deal? Purchasing the Stampin’ Up! Starter Kit is always the best deal in the catalog, but during Sale-a-Bration, it’s even better! Join now through Feb. 28 and take advantage of the Best Deal.

  • Choose $125 in whatever you like
  • Get a Paper Pumpkin Kit
  • Free Shipping!
  • Sale-a-bration BONUS: 5 Exclusive Paper Packs!

Plus, you enjoy a 20% discount EVERY TIME you shop. It’s a great way to collect your favorite Stampin’ Up! supplies and save!

Want to earn some crafting money? You can do that too! To learn more reasons why you should join the Stamparista team of happy demonstrators, email me today at amp@anamariepalmerin.com.