Make Handmade Christmas Cards with Sentiment Stamps: Introducing the Fit...

Introducing the Fitting Florets Collection! 

This collection will be available to customers on November 1, 2022 but you can order this today when you put in a Starter Kit with Stampin' Up! It's just one of the many perks of becoming a demonstrator.

You can put the products you want in the Starter Kit including Fitting Florets.

You customize it. You choose $155 in products and only pay $99 before tax. That's a $56 savings and this value ends on 10/31/2022.

Put your Starter Kit together here: https://www.stampinup.com/join?demoid=2212777

Here are three cards using the Fitting Florets Collection
(Christmas Theme)

Today's cards are Christmas themed but Fitting Florets is also an All Occasion set.

The Christmas stamps that come as part of this collection are available through the end of the year or sellout. The bundle will carry over to the new catalog in January.

The Designer Series Paper and Gold Swirl embellishments are also limited time only.

A Sampler of the Fitting Florets 12 x 12 Designer Series Paper
*This DSP is available until 1/3/23 or sellout* Limited Time

Framed Florets Dies - MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PART
of this Fitting Florets Collection

I wanted to create a card basically decorated with sentiments. The Christmas set, called Framed & Festive are all about the same theme so those make a great background, but I also wanted the sentiment to be the focal point in the oval so here we are! Sentiments in the foreground and the background.

Polished Pink, Black and White w/ Shaded Spruce and Gold

I created 4 cards, two traditional Christmas colors and two non-traditional (pink and blue). I love them all! See what you think.

Shaded Spruce, Gold and White

Starry Sky, Silver and Shaded Spruce

Sweet Sorbet, White and Shaded Spruce

CARD MEASUREMENTS

• 4-1/4 x 11" score: 5-1/2"
• Layer 1: 4 x 5-1/4"
• Decorative Oval (frame and inner oval cut in one pass, using both pieces)
• 2 Shaded Spruce Die Cut Branches
• Embellishments (Gold Swirls and Festive Pearls)

INSTRUCTIONS

To create a sentiment background get the Stamparatus and position your stamps until you are happy with the layout. Pick up the stamps with the Stamparatus plate, ink in desired color and you can stamp as many backgrounds as you like.

I decided to heat emboss the sentiment backgrounds using Versa Mark ink and then a variety of colors (white, black, gold, silver). You can find the heat emboss tools in the Annual Catalog. I also linked the products used below with the October Host Code.

*I have a Host Code each month. When you purchase $50 or more before tax in the online store with my Host Code you receive a FREE embellishment from me. This cannot be combined with other offers like the Starter Kit+ promotion. If you have questions, email me: stampingwithhart@gmail.com.

Once you have stamped and heat embossed your backgrounds, stamp the sentiment you like in the oval die cut and then assemble your card. Add embellishments if you like.

I glued the frame flat to the card base but popped the inner ovals up on dimensionals. I thought it created a nice effect and it's easier to glue the die cut branches to the oval as well. You may need to trim off a leaf from the branch depending on how wide the sentiment you choose is so it isn't covering the words, but a very minor easy fix!

I hope you enjoyed today's blog post!

Consider the Starter Kit if:

• You LOVE a great deal
• You want to save 20% on purchases (as a demonstrator)
• It's time to stock up on supplies for Winter/Christmas crafting
• You want to get "first look" at new catalogs and products
• You want to be the first to purchase new products before they launch to the public
• You enjoy a crafting community
• You are passionate about your stamping or cardmaking hobby
• You've thought about having a Stampin' Up! hobby business

I am here if you have questions. Ready to put that kit together? Click here to start: https://www.stampinup.com/join?demoid=2212777

October 2022 Paper Pumpkin ALTERNATE CARD and TREAT IDEAS: Ho Ho Ho Card Kit from Stampin' Up!

The October Paper Pumpkin Kit is here which means it's alternative ideas time! I have 6 alternates for you today!

Here are 6 fun and festive alternate ideas! 4 cards and 2 treat bags!

Before I dive into the tutorial, you can still sign up for the NOVEMBER PAPER PUMPKIN KIT which will coordinate with this month's kit. Subscribe here: https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2212777

Did you know the November kit coordinates with this month's kit?
November is a Tag Kit but of course I'll have alternate ideas as well!

Okay, let's talk about the alternates:

Alternate Card #1

• What's different about Alternate card 1:
• Heat embossed snowflakes on card base using the stamp from the kit and white emboss powder
• Some simple blending of Bermuda Bay on the white die cut square with a blending brush before stamping the Santa's sleigh silhouette from the kit
• Added some 2022-2024 In Color Dots in Tahitian Tide
• Stayed very close to the kit theme and pieces but I did add a piece of pattern envelope as DSP

Alternate Card #2

• What's different about Alternate Card #2
• Iridescent Trim! LOVE this stuff!
• I added Adhesive Backed Seasonal Sequins in White in the center of the snowflakes
• I added two pieces of the envelope striped pattern at the top and bottom of the card (3/4 x 5-1/2")
• I flipped over the snowflake die cut layer and used the white side as opposed to the crumb cake
• Shaded Spruce card base I created using the cardstock (A2 size)

Alternate Card #3

• What is different about Alternate #3:
• Flipped over the snowflake layer, cut in half and used the white side, split it top and bottom
• Used the mask in plaid pattern with blending brush and early espresso ink on the crumb cake envelope pattern in thin stripes and created that middle pattern strip
• Added Adhesive Backed Seasonal Sequins in Green in the center of the snowflakes

Alternate Card #4

• What is different about alternate #4:
• Yes, I flipped that snowflake layer over again! Couldn't help myself
• Used BRAND NEW Framed Florets dies with Sweet Sorbet cardstock and Basic White cardstock for the oval dies. These will be available for purchase to customers 11/1/2022 - BUT - you can actually get them now when you add them to the Starter Kit and the starter kit has additional savings this month! More on that below...
• Seasonal Sequins in Green (small ones) in the center of the snowflakes on either end all the way down

Treat Bag Alternate #1

• Treat Bag Alternate #1
• Peek-a-Boo Treat Bag in Kraft Brown
• Embossed with Charming Landscape Embossing Folder (town pattern)
• And then elements from the kit
• I did use Cherry Cobbler ink for the Christmas stamps in the kit

Treat Bag Alternate #2

• Treat Bag Alternate #2
• Peek-a-Boo Treat Bag in white
• Embossed with Charming Landscape Embossing Folder (mountain pattern)
• And then elements from the kit
• I did use Cherry Cobbler ink for the Christmas stamps in the kit

The Original Paper Pumpkin Kit Card Designs

Here are the original cards designed by the Paper Pumpkin team and I LOVE them! IF you are new to these kits or to the alternates the best thing I can recommend is that you put together at least one of each card to get a feel for the kit and the layout and then give you creative inspiration if you'd like to create alternates like I do every month! 

What a fun, fabulous, affordable way to give handmade Christmas cards this season! Become a Paper Pumpkin subscriber today! https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2212777

ABOUT THAT STARTER KIT SPECIAL...

In October 2022, you can get $155 in product for $99! You save $56 in product value and you get free shipping on the Starter Kit as well. You CHOOSE what you want. So, for example, if you are LOVING the new oval dies, you can add them to your kit today! One of the perks of being a demonstrator! 

Save 20% on purchases. Get first looks at the new catalogs and first opportunity to order new products! There is an incredible crafting community! Most join for the hobby discount but you can start your business as well! Whatever your reason to get the Starter Kit, this offer is such an incredible savings! 

Put your Starter Kit together here: https://www.stampinup.com/join?demoid=2212777

Here the product list used on the alternates today. Thank you and happy crafting!

Birthday Slimline Card Idea for Train Lovers: Turning Santa's Delivery S...

My son is celebrating his birthday this month and I really wanted to make a birthday card with a train theme because he LOVES all things trains. I also wanted to incorporate the Yeti stamp set because they both capture the perfect whimsical child-like wonder I wanted for the card.

My son's birthday card using Santa's Delivery Stamp Set

I wanted to create three bright colored trains similar to characters he likes from Thomas the Tank Engine (Thomas, Percy and James). To create a card layout for three trains I needed to make a slimline size. I LOVE how it turned out but my real goal is hoping my son LOVES it! 

I will be using Santa's Delivery Stamp Set but we are going to remove Santa and turn these into all-occasion trains! 

CARD MEASUREMENTS:

• Slimline size: 7 x 8-1/2 score at 3-1/2"
• Basic White Layer: 3-1/4 x 8-1/4"
• 3 Die Cut Trains
• 3 Die Cut Penguins
• 3 Small Present Die Cuts
• 3 Steam Puff Die Cuts
• 7 Die Cut Flag Banners
• 2 Die Cut Train Tracks (Silver Foil)
• 1 Die Cut Sentiment Rectangle (Paper Trimmer)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Let's start with the Stampin' Blends used for the card...

Stampin' Blends:

• Tahitian Tide (Blue Train, Banner and Present)
• Sweet Sorbet (Red Train, Banner and Present)
• Parakeet Party (Green Train, Banner and Present) 
• Basic Black (Train, Penguins)
• Smoky Slate (Train)
• Daffodil Delight (Banner)
• Pumpkin Pie (Penguin)

Emboss the layer with mountains embossing folder. It won't fit the whole layer so turn the folder over and emboss the other part of the layer. Part will embossed and de-bossed and that's ok because this card has lots of layers and you won't notice the difference.

Before stamping you'll need to create a mask to cover Santa in the window of the train. In this case, we don't want the Santa image. I stamped Santa on a post it and trimmed him out with Paper Snips. Flip over and place over top Santa after you clean the stamp. Ink up the train and stamp. Repeat three times replacing the mask before inking the train each time. If it's not perfect you can cut out the window later.

Stamp 3 trains with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Color the trains with Stampin' Blends as listed above. The majority of the train is in the "dark" marker but the detail on the lower half has the light and dark of each combo. Add accents with Basic Black, Smoky Slate and Sweet Sorbet.

Optional: cut out the windows with a craft knife.

Optional: Stampin' Write Marker in Basic Black - use this to draw straight lines around the window.

Stamp and die cut the penguins, banners, presents and color with Stampin' Blends. I chose a primary color theme of blue, red and green because those are my son's favorite train characters but you can change the colors to whatever you like.

Die cut the train tracks in Silver Foil Specialty Paper.

Glue the layer to card base. Glue train tracks (bottom of layer) and banners to the top of layer. The rest of the die cut pieces get popped up on dimensionals.  

That's it! Place the penguins in the windows of each train. Place the present on top of each train and a single steam puff just above each funnel of each train.

Place each train on the train tracks and enjoy celebrating with the adorable train card!

I hope you enjoyed today's blog post! I have a full product list below including the October Host Code. If this is your first time here then when you spend $50 or more (before tax) with me in the online store before October 31st, you will get a free embellishment when you shop with my October Host Code: XHWUD9VN

BEFORE YOU GO...

October is also a great time to purchase the Starter Kit from Stampin' Up! During this month, you can actually get more product savings! Choose $155 in product, pay $99 before tax and FREE SHIPPING! That's a $56 product savings! Typically it's $26, not to mention you save 20% as a demonstrator, get first access to catalogs and pre-orders! You can enjoy the discount as a hobby shopper or start a Stampin' Up! business! Join my team here: https://www.stampinup.com/join?demoid=2212777

Happy crafting!

FIRST LOOK at the November 2022 Paper Pumpkin Kit: From the North Pole!

First look at the November Paper Pumpkin Kit is here! It's called From the North Pole and from the sneak peek it's going to be perfect for Christmas crafting needs! 

First look at the From the North Pole Paper Pumpkin Kit!

Don't forget: it coordinates with the October kit! Deadline to subscribe: November 10, 2022!

Subscribe here: https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2212777

The October and November Paper Pumpkin kits (2022)
with some sneak peeks at what's inside November's kit!

We also have an ADD-ON that went on sale for Paper Pumpkin subscribers today!

They are called the North Pole Sacks and they will coordinate beautifully with the October and November kits! You can only order the add-on if you are a Paper Pumpkin subscriber. If you want to add these to your cart now then click here: https://www.stampinup.com/products/north-pole-sacks?hostcode=XHWUD9VN

Add-On North Pole Sacks! 

How to Create a Silhouette Card: Day to Night Scene in Minutes!

 

Ever wonder how to create a night scene card with people in silhouette? It's much easier than you think! 

Get out your Stampin' Write Basic Black marker and get ready to do some simple coloring! 

CARD MEASUREMENTS:

• 4-1/4 x 11 - score at 5-1/2" (Basic White Cardstock)
• Basic White Layer: 4 x 5-1/4"
• Gingham Cottage DSP Layer: 4-1/4 x 5-1/2"
• Banner Sentiment (size depends on sentiment)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Silhouette Card:

Stamp family in Memento Black ink about an inch from the bottom of the Basic White Layer.

Draw a line to create the ground they are standing on. You will color in the family and color in the ground beneath their feet with the Stampin' Write Marker in Basic Black.

With the Blending Brushes, you will add Orchid Oasis first all over the layer, darker at the top and around the edges. Lighter hand around the family. Add Starry Sky at the top and around the edges. Blend.

Stamp trees in Memento Tuxedo Black ink across the layer until there are 5 trees above the family. Color with Stampin' Blend Evening Evergreen Light.

Stamp strand of lights twice, once in each top corner. Add iridescent rhinestones as the light bulbs for a sparkly blingy look!

Stamp "From All of Us" on a 1/2 strip of Basic White Cardstock, trim down and punch banner edges with Banners Pick a Punch. Place on mini dimensionals and place under family.

Glue DSP panel to card base. It will cover the entire card front. Glue your night scene to DSP.

Day Scene Card:

The stamping layout is the same. Here is the Stampin' Blends list:

• Trees - Soft Succulent Dark
• Lights - Daffodil Delight Dark
• Snow - Smoky Slate Light
• Small Boy - Tahitian Tide Jacket, Smoky Slate Pants, Evening Evergreen Accessories
• Mom - Sweet Sorbet Jacket, Starry Sky pants, Soft Suede Hair, Pool Party bag
• Large Boy - Evening Evergreen Combo with Smoky Slate
• Dad - Smoky Slate, Evening Evergreen, Starry Sky
• Girl - Polished Pink, Soft Succulent and Orchid Oasis Accessories

Add snow with Pearlized Enamel Effects Basics in White

Heat embossed sentiment in white on a Sweet Sorbet rectangle.

I hope you enjoyed today's card.

DID YOU KNOW:

In October you can get the Starter Kit with additional savings? Save $56 in product! You choose $155 in product from your wish list and only pay $99 before tax. FREE SHIPPING, 20% discount as a demonstrator! Most join for the hobby discount and first look at catalogs and first opportunity to order new products (called a pre-order). If you are interested in a craft business a Starter Kit is the starting point. If you have any questions let me know! If you are ready to get that $56 product savings then start putting your cart together here for your kit: https://www.stampinup.com/join?demoid=2212777

Want to shop the products for today's card? Product list with October Host Code below for your convenience. Happy crafting!

What I Did Wrong Making This FALL Card and My FIRST BOGO EVENT TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

MY FIRST BOGO EVENT IS HAPPENING TOMORROW!!!!!

10/4/22 - 10:30 a.m. ET - Facebook Live

Join the private BOGO Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3379435415622186/

Stampin' Up! is also having a FREE SHIPPING event tomorrow, 10/4/22 only on qualifying orders of $75 before tax.

MEASUREMENTS

• Card Base: 4-1/4 x 11" (Cajun Craze Cardstock)
• DSP Layer: 3 x 4-1/2" (Gingham Cottage DSP)
• Crumb Cake Layer: 3-1/2 x 5"
• Die Cut Wreaths (2) Glimmer Paper in Very Vanilla
• Banner Die Cut (1) Very Vanilla Cardstock
• Acorn Die Cuts (3) Very Vanilla Cardstock
• Bow Die Cut (1) Cajun Craze Cardstock
• Inside Layer: 4 x 5-1/4" Very Vanilla Cardstock

INSTRUCTIONS

For the stamping:

• Stamp the leaf around the edge of card base in Cajun Craze ink
• Stamp the acorn in Crumb Cake around the edge of Crumb Cake cardstock
• Stamp the banner in Cajun Craze ink
• NOTE: if you want to change the sentiment then mask over the banner sentiment and add yours (I chose the Blessing sentiment)
• Stamp die cut acorns in Crumb Cake ink

For the die cutting: 

• Using the frame die from Scary Silhouettes Dies cut out the frame from the center of the DSP
• Die cut two wreaths, a base and layer in Very Vanilla Glimmer Paper
• Die cut bow in Cajun Craze cardstock
• Die cut banner in Very Vanilla cardstock
• Die cut acorns in Very Vanilla cardstock (3 for wreath)

Glue crumb cake layer to card base. Glue the DSP to the crumb cake layer. Glue wreath in the center of the cut out frame. Add second layer to wreath. Add bow and acorns. Add banner with Stampin' Dimensionals. Glue inside panel.

MY MISTAKE TRYING TO MASS PRODUCE THIS CARD...

When it comes to creating cards I have a tendency to do more instead of less and that can be a challenge when trying to make a set of cards quickly. This time I got it wrong because the card had too many steps and/ or pieces. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE this card. I love details and lots of die cutting. But it wasn't ideal making 15 of them in one sitting. Here are some ideas to make this card simpler:

• Eliminate a layer - probably crumb cake
• Only stamp one border, not two
• Just one wreath die cut and skip the die cut acorns (even though they are SO cute)
• Eliminate cutting the frame out of the DSP layer

Just eliminating one or two steps would have made this a more manageable card to mass produce.

If you have the time to dedicate 1-2 hours making an intricate card then I say go for it! Or if you have the opportunity to craft with friends or a group and you divide and conquer the steps, then that would make this much faster!!!!!

I just want to admit when I get a design wrong for the purpose and I promise I will refine this to get a simpler card going for the next round! 

Let me know if you stamp in multiples or just make a couple cards in a sitting. I'd love to hear!

Don't forget to join my BOGO group for the event tomorrow! Link here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3379435415622186/

I hope you enjoyed today's cards! Happy crafting!

FREE SHIPPING STARTS AT MIDNIGHT Mountain Time! Shop and get free shipping! 

My First BOGO Event! Join the Facebook Group Now!

 I am so excited to announce my first BOGO event! 

It's happening on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 in a private Facebook Group just for the event. You can join that Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3379435415622186/

I will go live at 10:30 am ET on Tuesday in the group.

I will be live at 7:30 PM ET tonight (Sunday, 10/2) to talk more about the BOGO!

See you soon! Don't forget to join the group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/3379435415622186/

Melinda

4 Slider Box Card Ideas: MUST TRY Fun Fold for Treats and Small Gifts Th...

It's a card and treat holder in one! The Slider Box Card is SOOOO CUTE! Here are 4 holiday ideas for you!

Before I dive in, there is a free project sheet for this Slider Box Card. If you are on my email list it was already sent to you. If not, you can sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/t3yWSYe/sliderboxcard

New month, new Host Code!

Shop with Host Code here: https://www.stampinup.com?hostcode=XHWUD9VN

Okay, let's get into the Slider Box Card fun!

All 4 Cards have the same measurements and Lights Aglow DSP

Evening Evergreen Card
Stamp Set: Trimming the Tree
DSP: Lights Aglow Tree Pattern
Specialty Paper: Distressed Gold 
Seasonal Sequins in Gold

Gray Granite Halloween Happiness Card
DSP: Lights Aglow (Black Pattern)
Scary Cute Bundle
Starry Sky Glimmer Paper

Snowflake Card in Cherry Cobbler & Very Vanilla
Season of Chic Bundle and Trimming the Tree Stamp Set
Glimmer 12 x 12 in Very Vanilla for Layers and Snowflakes
Seasonal Sequins in White

Soft Succulent Card
DSP: Lights Aglow in Soft Succulent Snowflake Pattern
Glimmer Paper in Evening Evergreen
Trimming the Tree Stamp Set
Seasonal Sequins in Red

MEASUREMENTS:

Box: 

• 7-1/2 x 2-3/4" 
• Score at 5/8" on all 4 sides
• Cut and mitre in the 4 corners
• Adhere tabs to create box

Wrap:

• 6-1/2 x 11-1/2"
• Score:
• 1/2"
• 5/8"
• 1-1/2"
• 5/8"
• Assemble and glue box
• Then measure from box to 3-1/4" and score again (this becomes the card)
• The most important tip is to stop and fold each score line and measure from that score line for the next measurement - do that for the whole wrap

Inside Layer: 3 x 6-1/4"

Top Panel Specialty Layer: 3 x 6-1/4"

Top Panel DSP Layer: 2-3/4 x 6"

Box Panel Specialty Layer: 1-1/4 x 6-1/4"

Box Panel DSP Layer: 1 x 6"

INSTRUCTIONS:

Measure from each score line as you go. Fold and burnish with bone folder for nice crisp edges.

Place box in the card before adhering panel so you know it fits. It will be a snug fit. That is ok!

Once the box has been glued and the slider works then you should have 6-1/2 inches left so score at half of that (3-1/4") to get the card above the box.

Decorate in desired DSP, stamps and die cuts!

I have a full product list here. Happy crafting! 

Half of the fun is what you will put inside the slider box!