You Can Now Subscribe to BIKES AND BLOOMS Paper Pumpkin Kit: June 2026

A new subscription period has begun for Paper Pumpkin! You can now subscribe to the Bikes & Blooms Kit which is already giving nostalgic, fun Summer vibes!

Subscribe by June 10, 2026

 

Book Bind Fun Fold Card Tutorial with BRAND NEW In Colors from Stampin' Up!

 

Today is an easy fun fold I use time and again especially when I'm excited about new pretty designer papers: Book Bind Fun Fold Card!

MEASUREMENTS:

• Card Base: 4-1/4 x 11" Score: 4-1/4 & 5-1/2"
• DSP Layer: 4 x 4" (2026-2028 In Color Painted Patterns DSP - Polka Dot Pattern)
• DSP Strip: 1 x 4" (2026-2028 In Color Painted Patterns DSP - Paint Pattern)
• (1) 4 x 4 Basic White Insert
• (1) 2-1/8" Scalloped Blooms Die (2026-2028 In Color Cardstock)
• (1) 1-1/2" Scalloped Blooms Die (2026-2028 In Color Pearlized Specialty Paper)
• (1) 5/8" circle die from Scalloped Blooms (Basic White Cardstock)
• (1)  Tag die from Scalloped Blooms (Basic White Cardstock)
• (4) Leaf Dies from Scalloped Blooms (Peaceful Pine Cardstock)
• (2) Pieces Ribbon 5" and 9" (if you want to tie a full bow)
• (1) 2026-2028 In Color Dot

INSTRUCTIONS:

Score your card base at 4-1/4 and 5-1/2"

Glue your DSP to the card base.

Glue the 5" ribbon strip to the book bind spine (between the two score lines)

Stamp "So very happy for you" from Scalloped Wishes Stamp Set in coordinating In Color ink onto the tag die cut. Slide the tag onto the second piece of ribbon when you tie the bow to the ribbon you just glued to the book bind section.

Assemble and glue your flower to the center of the card front DSP. Add your leaves. Finish with a single In Color Dot.

Glue your insert.

MY ORDERING SPECIAL INFORMATION:

I am running an ordering special from May 5 -15, 2026. When you spend $75 or more (before tax) with me in the online store and I’ll send you 3 “mystery” card kits, an exclusive video tutorial and PDF instruction sheet in mid-June 2026. The card kits will be mailed to you via USPS and I’m covering the cost of postage. The video link and PDF will be emailed when the cards are shipped. I will be using Peaceful Pine products and the Relaxing Waterside Bundle for the mystery cards.

If you have questions you can reach out to me: stampingwithhart@gmail.com. 

My card kits include card bases, die cuts, and pre-cut DSP and an envelope per card. All you have to do is the stamping and assembly.

NOTE: Stampin’ Up! Is running a special promotion when you purchase the Starter Kit from May 5-31, 2026. If you purchase the starter kit you cannot participate in my ordering special. That is a separate promotion and I cannot combine promotions. 

The Starter Kit offer is awesome! I am just making it clear I cannot count that toward my ordering special per Stampin’ Up! Policy. Promotions cannot be combined.

New Starter Kit Promotion From May 5 - 31, 2026:

Per Stampin' Up!: 

When you join as a demonstrator between 5/5-31/2026, you’ll get the new 2026–2028 In Color Stampin’ Pads FREE along with your Starter Kit! 

OR

If you’d rather have different products instead of ink pads, Stampin' Up! has you covered there, too—you can add an extra $35 worth of products to your Starter Kit.

You'll also enjoy all the perks that come with being a demonstrator, like a 20–25% product discount, early access to the latest products and catalogs and so much more.

Want to check out the Starter Kit offer? Click here

I hope you enjoyed today's card tutorial!

Happy Crafting!

Melinda

Easy Center Step Fold Card & Ordering Special!

 

I am celebrating catalog launch day with this Center Step Fold Card and an Ordering Special! 

Would you like a free project sheet for today's Center Step Fold card? You can get the PDF here when you sign up for my email list. You can unsubscribe at any time. PDF TUTORIAL HERE

I am going to talk about the card and special first... if you want the details of all of today's releases (and there's a bunch of new goodies) I will include all of that information at the end of this blog post!

MY ORDERING SPECIAL INFORMATION:

I am running an ordering special from May 5 -15, 2026. When you spend $75 or more (before tax) with me in the online store and I’ll send you 3 “mystery” card kits, an exclusive video tutorial and PDF instruction sheet in mid-June 2026. The card kits will be mailed to you via USPS and I’m covering the cost of postage. The video link and PDF will be emailed when the cards are shipped. I will be using Peaceful Pine products and the Relaxing Waterside Bundle for the mystery cards.

If you have questions you can reach out to me: stampingwithhart@gmail.com. 

My card kits include card bases, die cuts, and pre-cut DSP and an envelope per card. All you have to do is the stamping and assembly.

NOTE: Stampin’ Up! Is running a special promotion when you purchase the starter kit from May 5-31, 2026. If you purchase the starter kit you cannot participate in my ordering special. That is a separate promotion and I cannot combine promotions. 

The starter kit offer is awesome! I am just making it clear I cannot count that toward my ordering special per Stampin’ Up! Policy. Promotions cannot be combined.

Products being used for today's card:

VELVET MEADOW SPECIALTY DESIGNER SERIES PAPER

VELVETEEN ASSORTMENT

PHRASES & FRAMES DIES

IMPRESSIONS PLATE

PARADISE GARDEN STAMP SET

RELAXING WATERSIDE STAMP SET

WHITE GEL PENS

BUBBLE BATH CARDSTOCK AND INK

BERRY BURST CARDSTOCK

PEACEFUL PINE INK 

CENTER STEP FOLD TUTORIAL

CENTER FOLD CARD MEASUREMENTS:

• Card Base: 5-½ x 11" (Bubble Bath or Berry Burst Cardstock)

• Cut/Score:

• Place card base length wise at 1” mark and then cut from 1 to 6-½”

• Flip card and repeat on other side

• Score at 1” to the cut line on each side

• Score at 2” to the cut line on each side

• Score at 6-½” to the cut line on each side

• Score middle section 5-½” cut line to cut line (this is what pops up center)

• Note: Gently bend score lines before using bone folder

• (1) DSP Center Panel: 3-⅜ x 5-⅜” (Velvet Meadow DSP)

• (4) DSP Strips: 7/8 x 4-⅜" (Velvet Meadow DSP)

• (1) Phrases & Frames Die (Phrases & Frames Dies)

• Cut outside frame in one color and then die cut again in Basic White for inside frame panel (I used Velveteen Assortment in Bubble Bath for outside frame)

• Basic White Insert: 3-⅜ x 5-⅜” 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

From the 1” mark on the 11” side of your card base on your Paper Trimmer, cut from 1” to 6-½” on each side. You are cutting into the card base to make your center step.

Score at 1” on each side of the card base to the cut line. Score at 2” on each side to the cut line. 

Score at 6-½” on each side to the cut line. 

Then score at 5-½” in the center from cut line to cut line. (this is what creates that center pop).

Gently fold your score lines before creasing with your bone folder to smooth edges.

Glue center DSP panel and strips along either side.

Stamp sentiment on the insert for the frame die.

Add frame and insert to card front with dimensionals.

I used the Velveteen Assortment Specialty Paper
with the new Impressions Plate and Phrases & Frames Dies

Stamp Basic White insert and glue to the inside panel. Optional: Glue the other 2 DSP strips on the inside of the card for added fun!

Finish with 2026-2028 In Color Dots or desired embellishments.

The Velvet Meadow Suite is now available as are the Phrases & Frames Dies and new Impressions Plate that you use with the Impressions Dies. (Phrases & Frames are impressions dies).

Alright, now let's talk about all of today's new releases (May 5, 2026):

New Starter Kit Promotion From May 5 - 31, 2026:

Per Stampin' Up!: 

When you join as a demonstrator between 5/5-31/2026, you’ll get the new 2026–2028 In Color Stampin’ Pads FREE along with your Starter Kit! 

OR

If you’d rather have different products instead of ink pads, Stampin' Up! has you covered there, too—you can add an extra $35 worth of products to your Starter Kit.

You'll also enjoy all the perks that come with being a demonstrator, like a 20–25% product discount, early access to the latest products and catalogs and so much more.

Want to check out the Starter Kit offer? Click here: https://www.stampinup.com/join?demoid=2212777

NEW May to August 2026 Stampin' Up! Catalog Kicks Off Today! See it HERE

New May 2026 Online Exclusives! See them HERE

New Kits Collection Releases

New Product of the Month - Spend $75 or more and qualify to purchase the Product of the Month for only $5.00 while supplies last.

Berry Botanical Vellum 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper

Add a fresh, artful touch to cards and paper crafts with Berry Botanical Vellum 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper. Hand-drawn patterns featuring polka dots, plaids, and berries make it easy to create custom designs with a playful, coordinated look.

There are two new Kits Collection Kits available in May as well!

Shop Pretty Party Kit

Shop Serene Scenes Kit

SO MANY great options to shop with today's launch! Enjoy and happy crafting!

Melinda

Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin ALTERNATE CARDS You Haven't Seen

 

I am making April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Alternate Cards today! I will be using the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit, the Waterside Retreat Suite (or the Relaxing Waterside Bundle) and the Wonderful Scenes Dies add on. 

The April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Refill: Lakeside Retreat is now available to purchase while supplies last. 

Lakeside Retreat Refill
Images (c) Stampin' Up!

NOTE: You need to be an active Paper Pumpkin subscriber to purchase refills, add ons and past kits. Refills contain the consumable pieces. The refill does NOT include the ink spot or stamp set.

Wonderful Scenes Dies
Images (c) Stampin' Up!

The Wonderful Scenes Dies "add on" are also available now to purchase while supplies last.

NOTE: The Waterside Retreat Suite or Relaxing Waterside Bundle will be available to purchase May 5, 2026 along with the Peaceful Pine products (ink, cardstock, Stampin' Blends, etc.) with the launch of the May to August Catalog from Stampin' Up!

The concept for today's alternate cards are to "build-a-scene." I love the Paper Pumpkin designed cards but I wanted more of the scenes so I re-created them based on the image in the Paper Pumpkin kit.

Because I have so many options between the kit, the suite and the add on dies, I know I can build some really fun landscapes to celebrate the men in your life and they will be moved by your artwork and appreciation for them!

Now, the measurements are really simple! For the portait layout cut your strips to 4-1/4" and for the landscape layout cut your strips to 5-1/2"

CARD MEASUREMENTS:

Standard Top Fold: 4-1/4 x 11" Score: 5-1/2"

Top Fold Layers: Cut to 4-1/4" (the width varies depending on how many layers you want - my layers were about 3/4," 1 and 2"ish" inches for sand and water layers. 

Standard Side Fold: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Score: 4-1/4"

Same instruction for layers except cut these to 5-1/2" 

For the sand: Basic Beige Cardstock

For the land and signs: Pecan Pie Cardstock

For the water: The water pattern DSP from Waterside Retreat DSP

For the sky: The sky pattern envelopes from the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit

I also used the "Wonderful" die cut word from the Wonderful Scenes Dies in combination with the stamps "Dad" "Son" etc. from the Paper Pumpkin kit stamp set.

TIP: to add some deeper color and dimension use a sponge dauber or blending brush with Misty Moonlight ink along the water layer edges. This helps those layers really stand out as you tuck your fish into the waves.

I hope you enjoyed today's alternate card ideas featuring the April 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit, Wonderful Scenes Dies and Waterside Retreat Suite.

If you know someone who will enjoy these card ideas please share it with them!

Happy Crafting!

Waterside Retreat Suite: An Easy Fun Fold for the Collage Paper Scenes

 

Ever wonder how to use the collage pages in your Designer Series Paper packs? 

I have an easy fun fold for you to make cards for the men who matter most in your life with the Waterside Retreat Suite from Stampin' Up! 

Here is a quick sneak peek at the Waterside Retreat Suite: 

These fabulous goodies will launch with the May to August 2026 Catalog on May 5, 2026! 

Demonstrators and Starter Kits can actually preorder this right now! Want to learn more?

Starter Kit Offer

Here are the coordinating colors for today's fun fold card:

NOTE: Shout out to Peaceful Pine which also coordinates with this suite! Peaceful Pine is a brand new In Color from the upcoming 2026-2028 In Color Collection (also launching May 5, 2026).

CARD MEASUREMENTS:

• Card Base: 4-1/4 x 5-1/2" (Pool Party Cardstock)
• Fun Fold Piece: 3-1/4 x 8-1/2" Score: 4-1/4"
• Basic White Insert: 3 x 4-1/8"
• (1) DSP Scene: 3 x 4" (Boardwalk Shop Scene Waterside Retreat DSP)
• (2) DSP Strips: 1 x 4-1/8" (Woodgrain Pattern Waterside Retreat DSP)

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Simple Stamping for Card Front: Stamp your greeting directly onto DSP scene with ink of choice (I used Early Espresso) in the lower left hand corner.

For the insert, I chose to use my Stampin' Positioner Tool (also launching 5/5/26) where three stamps can easily turn into a single stamp. 

Simply arrange your clean stamps on the insert how you want them, pick up with your positioner plate and you can stamp this arrangement as many times as you wish. I made 7 card inserts with this stamp arrangement! SO EASY! You are going to love this stamping tool, particularly if you like simple stamping or making multiples of things in a timely fashion. It also fixes stamping mistakes in a single push of the plate! Simply re-ink and stamp again!

Stamp greeting on insert. I chose "relax" "today is your day" and the adirondack chair image. I actually used all of the coordinating colors on the 7 cards but for the demonstration card I used Pool Party ink.

Assembling your cards: I recommend gluing your DSP strips to either end of the panel before gluing your fun fold to the center. It's a quick and easy way of getting center alignment right!

Glue fun fold panel center, glue the insert to the inside and the DSP scene to the front. Voila!

You will have so much fun matching the different images from your collage page to your fun fold cards! 

I recommend cutting the card in at least two coordinating colors if you have it in your stash. If you have all of the colors then you have can a blast matching your cardstock to the DSP scenes!

STEPPING UP THE CARD:

If you would like to incorporate die cutting and embellishments then here is an example of that.

On this seagull card, I used the Branching Out Dies (which are currently discounted on the last chance list while supplies last - get them before they are gone!) on the card front flap.

Instead of the collage page, I actually used the seagulls flying paper pattern.

I finished this card with a loose anchor trinket (from the Waterside Retreat Suite) and a pop of ribbon (Misty Moonlight Checkered Trim)!

Here is another example of a stepped up card. In this version I added the die cut chair from Relaxing Waterside Dies. (This is part of the Waterside Retreat Suite).

I hope you enjoyed today's card ideas using that collage page in the Waterside Retreat Suite! 

The men who matter most in your life will be touched by these handmade creations. They may or may not show it but it's so nice to show your appreciation with a handmade card for Father's Day, birthdays, retirements or whatever their next chapter is! You will not be disappointed with this suite. Endless cardmaking, scrapbooking and journaling possibilities. Mark your calendar for May 5th or join this wonderful crafting community and pop these goodies in your Starter Kit today!

Happy Crafting!

Melinda

First Card Tutorial with the Stampin' Up 2026 2028 In Color Collection: What's Coming

Today I have my first set of cards using the brand new 2026-2028 In Color Collection from Stampin' Up! Before I jump into the tutorial, Stampin' Up! has announced DOUBLE REWARDS April 15-17, 2026! So excited! Mark your calendar!

Okay, onto these brand new colors launching on May 5, 2026!

I used the Paradise Garden Bundle and the Beautifully Celebrated Dies for today's cards as well as a "thanks" die from a retired Paper Pumpkin add-on set called Thanks and Beyond.

Paradise Garden Bundle
Item: 167121

Paradise Garden Bundle

Beautifully Celebrated Dies
Item: 166974

Beautifully Celebrated Dies

What you can order starting May 5, 2026:

2026-2028 In Color Collection Products

• 2026-2028 In Color Classic Stampin' Pads
• In Color Ink Refills
• 2026-2028 In Color Cardstock (8-1/2 x 11") and other cardstock options
• Stampin' Blends in the In Colors
• 3/8" Bordered Ribbon in the In Colors
• 2026-2028 In Color Pearlized Specialty Paper (12 x 12)
• 2026-2028 In Color Painted Patterns 12 x 12 DSP
• 2026-2028 In Color Dots

Now, there are more product options in the new In Colors than I can remember including Shimmer Pens that will be available soon! I am not going to list everything today but this gives you a sense of all of the coordinating products you can collect for the most gorgeous cards!

The Stampin' Positioner will also launch to customers May 5th as well as the grid paper you can purchase if you like for the positioner tool (I highly recommend that).

2026-2028 In Color Collection launching 5/5/2026

Now, it can be overwhelming to buy everything at once. If you enjoy that then shop til you drop but I will be offering an ordering special each month over the new few months focusing on collecting the products of one color each month. I will start with PEACEFUL PINE! I will have more details soon!

Here are today's card measurements:

MEASUREMENTS:

CARD BASE: (Top Fold) Score: 5-1/2" Cut: 8-1/2 x 11" Cardstock Sheet at 4-1/4" for 2 card bases

Pearlized Specialty Layer: 4-1/4 x 5-1/2"

Striped DSP Die Cut: 3-3/4 x 3 (Beautifully Celebrated Dies)

Basic White Die Cut: 4-1/4 x 3-1/2" (Beautifully Celebrated Dies)

(2) Baby's Breath Sprig Die Cuts (Beautifully Celebrated Dies)

(2) Peaceful Pine Leaf Cluster Die Cuts (Paradise Garden Bundle)

(1) Basic White Sentiment Banner Die Cut (Paradise Garden Bundle)

Opitonal: Word Die Cut (Used Thanks & Beyond Add On Dies - now retired)

(3) 2026-2028 In Color Dots

INSTRUCTIONS:

Emboss the pearlized paper with the Paradise Garden Hybrid Embossing folder. (I did not use the die, only the folder) with the Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine - Plates 1 & 4 for 3D embossing folders.

Stamping:

Using the Stampin' Positioner and a piece of grid paper, stamp the leaf cluster in Peaceful Pine ink. Take one of the negative pieces of your die cut leaves and line it up with the stamped image on grid paper. Secure with magnets from the positioner. Ink your stamp, place your die cut inside the negative (now a stamping template) and stamp as many die cuts as you like. For 5 cards, I needed 10 leaf cluster die cuts and I stamped 10 of them in no time at all, perfect alignment every time! I did this tone on tone, Peaceful Pine ink on Peaceful Pine die cuts.

You can use the "Thank You" stamp from the Paradise Garden Bundle on the sentiment banner in your In Colors. The only reason I used a word die was because I didn't have all of the in color ink pads yet, but either way you get a beautiful result!

Assembly:

Glue your pearlized panel first. Place your layering dies center. For your leaf and baby's breath die cuts assembly them in the lower half of card at slight angle, leafs pointing outward. Place banner over the leaves. Finish with in color dots.

Happy Crafting!

Melinda