It’s not too soon to start thinking of special ways to deliver your annual greetings to friends and family. Here’s a hand-made Christmas card with Jolly Santa reminiscent of my early Christmas memories.
When I first eyed this stamp set in the Stampin’ Up! Holiday catalog, I fell for this Santa. Seeing that the set has a companion die-cutting set won me over to place my order.
Since the stamp set includes both images and sentiments, it’s simple to whip up cheery hand-made greetings with just one product suite. The patterned papers clinch the deal. There are so many patterns in traditional Christmas style and colors, I know I’ll be using Every. Single. Sheet.
I took a few minutes to add color to the line art Santa with Stampin’ Blends. They’re my favorite coloring tool because I get beautifully blended images with no streaks.
I chose to add a strip of Old Olive “ribbon” across the patterned paper to anchor Santa and the Christmas greeting that was stamped on a Stitched oval. Overall, it’s a fun card with little fuss. Friends and family will be impressed with this hand-made Christmas card with Jolly Santa.
Here’s What I Used
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Beautiful Friendship Card Project | Stampin’ Up | Just Stamp Birthday Card
Having birthday cards at-the-ready makes it easy to remember friends and family on their special day. There’s nothing like receiving a hand-made card — it is a keepsake that will cheer the recipient beyond their special day.
The combination of bright colors and white makes this birthday card perfect for your card stash. I loved the look so much that I created a collection of cards in the same pretty style and colors.
The hand-stamped birthday card collection in Impressionism style was created with the Beautiful Friendship stamp set by Stampin’ Up! It’s a 13-piece set of flowers —hydrangeas and rose, I think, and sentiments presented in a pretty combination of script and block letters.
Just Stamp Birthday Card | Stampin’ Up! Beautiful Friendship
There is no coordinating punch or die set, but it’s not needed. The photopolymer stamp set stands alone. If you must layer, you can fussy cut. Or, stamp the sentiment on a shape and pop it on with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I used dies from the Wild Rose and Layering Ovals dies sets for the card below.
Just Stamp Birthday Card | Stampin’ Up! Beautiful Friendship
The colors and design lend themselves to cards for many occasions. Here’s a congratulatory and best wishes cards with an array of small buds and wisteria. Notice the delicate cross stitching extending from the sentiment. It was created with a die from the Stitched Labels die set.
Just Stamp Best Wishes | Stampin’ Up! Beautiful Friendship
The Beautiful Friendship stamp set was created in the striking Distinktive style that Stampin’ Up! has mastered. One inking of one stamp stamps an image that appears to have highlights and shadows. Beautiful Friendship is one of many stamp sets in the Distinktive style.
It’s the best time of the month at Studio 5425. Mid-month I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of my monthly surprise, the One Stop Box for Creativity. Paper Pumpkin has been getting better and better each month for several months, and June was no exception. Take a look at the projects Paper Pumpkin sent me this month.
The 16 tropical designs with sparkly sea stars and sand dollars make sweet cards to share with a gift or as thank you notes for the hair dresser, gardener, dry cleaner, barista or all kind souls. The kits includes a handy carry case for the small cards.
For those who don’t think they need 16 small cards, I offer three full-size alternates for the June Paper Pumpkin. You can create these with just the addition of Silver Foil-Edged Cards & Envelopes (item 147900, $10).
You’ll also need a Stampin’ Sponge.
Full-Size Alternate Card 1
Swaying palm trees remind me of quiet moments in Kauai.
I stamped the scene using one die cut from the kit and the negative that would typically be tossed in the rubbish bin. I used this as a stencil to sponge repeatedly on one foil-edged card. The Gray Granite ink spot from April’s kit was used for sponging. I started with the center tree using a fully inked sponge and tapped lightly with the stencil in place. The tree to the left was created by moving the stencil slightly over, thus masking the full-sponge tree. I tapped lightly again, without reinking. Finally, I repeated the process one last time. I did have to lightly reink the sponge.
Next I stamped the ground using the sand stamp from the kit and Gray Granite ink.
I then lightly sponged Coastal Cabana above the sand.
The sentiment was stamped on a small piece of one of the pre-printed cards using the Coastal Cabana ink, and adhered using Stampin’ Dimensionals. One coral die cut and sea star were added, along with a bow tied from the Natural Twine.
Full-Size Alternate Card 2
Beach elements create the focal point for a second alternate. Coral, sea stars and sand dollars were stamped using Gray Granite. One Coastal Cabana envelope was deconstructed for a 2 1/4″ circle on which I stamped sea stars in Coastal Cabana.
The sentiment was stamped on the same pre-printed card scrap from Alternate Card 1.
Natural Twine was adhered behind the circle, which was adhered to the card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals. All other elements were adhered with Glue Dots.
Full-Size Alternate Card 3
A lone palm tree with textured fronds creates another serene scene. This card features more sponging in both Gray Granite and Coastal Cabana. Next, I used my stencil to ink the trunk of the palm tree. One vellum detailed circle was placed on the card base after sponging. Palms were added using Glue Dots to construct the tree. A sand dollar, sea star, coral and Natural Twine bow were added using Glue Dots.
Just Stamp Paper Pumpkin Club
I am loving Paper Pumpkin, and I think you’ll love it too. Click HERE if you’d like to subscribe to this fun monthly surprise. It’s a relaxing 30-minute escape, or a leisurely date with friends. It’s compact and portable, and it has everything needed to get started creating. Your first kit even includes the clear block to use with your monthly kit.
Each month I’m offering alternative project ideas monthly, either here on my blog or on Facebook. I also have a monthly drawing for my active subscribers.
Winner! Winner!
Here’s this month’s winner: Alicia M.
Congratulations, Alicia. You will receive your own Silver Foil-Edged Cards & Envelopes in the mail. Thanks for subscribing to Paper Pumpkin through me!
The May Paper Pumpkin kit is my all-time favorite. The style, colors, sentiment fonts and card designs are beautiful. I created my twelve cards, three each of the four designs exactly as instructed. There is no need to stress over alternative designs. The cards are simple and pretty as designed.
The bonus is that when all cards are stamped and assembled, the stamp set and ink spot remain. So do leftovers that would normally land in the rubbish bin: the tissue paper, the negatives of the die cuts, scraps of twine and cord, and one trinket. With just these supplies, my paper snips and glue, I created four Hugs From Shelli One-Stop Box for Creativity Bonus Projects.
Here’s What I Made
With only the leftovers and rescued rubbish, plus Very Vanilla cardstock, I created four full-size cards using an easy tissue paper technique. Card Number One above requires a 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ Old Olive cardstock scrap and two Stampin’ Blends: Petal Pink and Old Olive. The silver foil labels on Cards 3 and 4 were created with the negatives of the label die cuts.
Paper Pumpkin is the BEST option for making sure you have cards on hand when you need them. It’s easy, relaxing, affordable, portable and adorable.
The Best Deal
Enjoy your monthly kit AND savings when you purchase a prepaid subscription. The price per kit of the month-to-month Paper Pumpkin subscription will increase by $2.05 in the United States effective June 1. Lock in the current annual subscription price of $209 (buy 11 at 19.95 and get one kit free) before the price increase. Another option that saves is the 6-month subscription.
Subscribe today! Purchase a pre-paid subscription to lock in the current rate before the fee increases on June 1. Click here to subscribe.
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I love getting gifts from my fourth grade students. It makes no difference if it’s a mug, a hand-drawn picture, or a gift card to my favorite coffee watering hole. I’m always honored that they deemed me worthy of a teacher gift.
I try to make it a point to have a hand-crafted thank you card for the gift-giver the very next day. In fact, I often keep a stash of my designs in my desk drawer so I can write the note at recess and get it to them as we’re lining up for dismissal.
Most instances, the student rips open the envelope to check what’s inside while still standing in line. My heart leaps from so much joy. To think that my thank you note brings them just as much joy as I experienced receiving their modest gift gives me goosebumps.
Most heart-warming is when the thanks come full circle. Every time I have given Eeliyah a thank you card, she has pulled me aside and whispered, “Mrs. Palmerin, thank you for the card.”
I have to admit, I’m teary-eyed just remembering her soft voice in my ear. To think that a few minutes of my time composing two to three sentences inside my hand-made card could create a circle of kindness and thanks is a great reminder of the power of a hand-crafted, hand-written card. It’s why I create.
Today when I received a spring gift from Natalie, I opened my drawer and browsed through my stash of cards. I had to smile when I reached the back of the box and eyed the little beauty I share with you today. The Brilliant Blue and Real Red card throws me back to my early years with Stampin’ Up! The colors and stamps may be long-retired, but the tradition of the hand-crafted, hand-written card to convey thanks is fresh at work.
Next month’s Paper Pumpkin subscription kit is going to be a must! The company co-founder is adding her personal style to the all-inclusive monthly kit.
I love her style. It’s elegant, earthy, feminine and So Shelli. Take a look.
What Exactly is Paper Pumpkin?
With a monthly Paper Pumpkin craft subscription box, you can craft and create beautiful projects, save time and money . . . and eventually build a collection of versatile Stampin’ Up! crafting supplies.
Your first kit comes with a FREE, clear stamping block. The box you receive each month contains all the materials you need to craft with ease, from adhesive to precut paper. All you need to do is follow the crafting instructions and assemble the pieces to create a Stampin’ Up! card or project. OR feel free to let your creativity flow and personalize your Paper Pumpkin craft!
Build Your Crafting Tool Box
Our CRAFT subscription box also doubles as a STAMP subscription box. Every month, as part of your subscription, you’ll receive a unique, decorative stamp set and at least one ink spot. Our stamp sets are ideal for all types of crafting projects. Plus, we don’t repeat an ink color in a 12-month period, so you’ll quickly collect a variety of reusable stamps and ink spots.
You Will Love Your Monthly Crafting Experience
I know you’ll find something to love about crafting with Paper Pumpkin. You’ll have cards available at your fingertips for all the occasions that deserve a hand-made greeting, but you no longer have to wonder about what to make or how to make it. Everything is prepared for you.
And every kit is guaranteed. So don’t worry! If you experience any problems with your monthly crafting subscription just contact us at 1-800-STAMP UP or ds@stampinup.com for the answers you need.
Two Ways to Discover The Shelli Kit in May
Join me for a traditional, live class on Thursday, May 23. Simply email me at amp@anamariepalmerin.com to reserve your seat. No subscription or sign-up is needed. No commitment. $20 per kit
Sign up HERE before May 10 (I recommend earlier as kits will likely sell out) for a month-to-month subscription delivered straight to your door. You may cancel or suspend your subscription at any time to meet your needs.
The Best Deal
Enjoy your monthly kit AND savings when you purchase a prepaid subscription. The price per kit of the month-to-month Paper Pumpkin subscription will increase by $2.05 in the United States effective June 1. Lock in the current annual subscription price of $209 (buy 11 at 19.95 and get one kit free) before the price increase.
Be sure to sign up for my mailing list to receive my newsletters. Thanks for clicking by!
Chances are you grew up with the tale of Peter Rabbit, the naughty bunny who ignored his mother’s warning to stay out of Mr. McGregor’s garden. I’m a fan.
I’m also a fan of the comfy, cozy and full of charm farmhouse decorating style. I have a super cute card to share that combines both of these favorites. With just the Well Writtenhappy, this hand-made notecard will suite your obligation, occasion or opportunity to connect with friends and family. Meaning: you can use it for a thank you, birthday or “hey, what’s up?” snail mail hand-written note.
Creating the farmhouse style is easy. Of course, the star of the card is the sweet rabbit from Fable Friends, a 9-piece Cling stamp set. I stamped using Smokey Slate on smooth Whisper White and colored using Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen.
Next, is the Buffalo Check background stamp. I stamped Whisper White cardstock twice in neutral Basic Gray using the Stamparatus to get a perfect inking. The soft gray neutral keeps the background pattern softly in the background. That’s what I love about stamping your own background — you have total creative control. For a slightly different look, I also created this card design using Balmy Blue to match the rabbit’s little jacket. Both work perfectly.
Farmhouse style thrives with the small details. Take the peek of Wood Texture 6 x 6 Designer Series Paper behind the Basic Black frame. Greenery stamped in Soft Seafoam using the simple blades from the Sale-a-Bration Home to Roost accessorize the layers and frame the rabbit. Both the small peek behind the Polaroid-style frame and the lattice were cropped using the now-unavailable Rose Trellis Thinlits. No worries. A soft doily or other thinlit clipping could easily sub for the lattice. A Linen Thread bow adds more texture wrapped around the photo backdrop. Finally, one soft flower from Climbing Roses adds another dose of nature.
Can you see the canvas texture of the rabbit snapshot? I texturized the paper using the Subtle Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. First pass, I placed the stamped and watercolored image vertically. For the second pass, I rotated the image 90 degrees. The result is “canvas” texture for the “watercolor artwork.”
Having the basic supplies of stamps, paper and ink with some special accents makes the farmhouse design with the naughty little rabbit work as a perfect Multi- Occasion card. Here’s one last peek.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Click above to comment. Click HERE to shop.
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Do you find it challenging to decide which tools and supplies you must have as a cardmaker? With the infinite choices offered, I think it is possible to have too many choices.
The tools I’m sharing today are definitely three die cut sets every cardmaker and sender should have. They can be combined with the stamp set du jour to create handmade greetings for every obligation, occasion or opportunity — all the reasons we create and send cards.
Large Letter Framelits
It’s a pricey set. While the price might push it down the Wish List ahead of smaller sets with smaller price tags, this alphabet set should be on your “Need,” not “Want” list. The beautiful, timeless font is the perfect size for cards, scrapbook pages and packaging. The 37-piece set is an investment that you will never regret buying. I can honestly say that of EVERY alphabet set I own, despite the hesitation to place them on my purchase orders on account of the price.
Well Written Framelits Dies
Creating a handmade card for every obligation, occasion or opportunity is made easier when you own a set of dies with just about any sentiment. The scripty font pairs beautifully with Large Letters to say what needs to be said on your greeting card. Joy, gratitude, sorrow or “just because” are kindly expressed with heartfelt craftiness.
Take a look. I paired the alphabet with the greeting and added the adorable bunny from the Beatrix Potter-esque stamp set Fable Friends to craft a sweet Baby card. The yellow gingham for the letters and lace texture in the background add softness without overpowering the design. One itty bitty bow finishes off the card.
Celebrate You Thinlits
A different greeting die cut set for celebration cards is Celebrate You Thinlits. This 3-die set is the epitome of “good things do come in small packages.” I love the three precise words and the different fonts. Paired with the Large Letter alphabet, it’s easy to bring cheer via snail mail.
Take a peek. I paired the alphabet and greeting with the home decor from Country Home and Tin Tile Dynamic Embossing Folder for country charm ala Fixer Upper.
There they are. Three die cut sets that are staples for every craft cupboard. Stamp sets and art styles will come and go, but these timeless letters and greetings will never wither.
