"You Won't Believe What's Leaving the Annual Catalog - Last Chance Walkt...

Hello! Welcome to the blog! Today's video a "special edition" retiring catalog walkthrough! This video focuses specifically on the outgoing 2022-2023 Annual Catalog but there is another catalog also retiring soon... the January to April 2023 Mini Catalog.

We will focus on the Mini in a separate blog post but the most important date before I dive into this is that the LAST CHANCE SALE starts on April 4, 2023 at Midnight MT/ 2AM EASTERN so all of the markdowns you see here start on 4/4/2023.

NOTE: If you want any of the retiring colors I would not wait on it. Many of the colors are already on the low inventory list, a few items already gone. If you don't mind waiting for the sale or if you don't mind the colors selling out then that's ok, but if you have a "Must Have" don't wait on these. 

Don't wait on these RETIRING COLORS

Don't wait on these RETIRING IN COLORS

FIRST LOOK at the 2023-2025 In Color Collection
Demonstrators can "preorder" starting 4/4/2023
Customers can order starting 5/2/2023

FIRST LOOK at the Color Refresh 2023
Demonstrators can "preorder" these colors starting 4/4/2023
Customers can order starting 5/2/2023

Before I go any further, I want to highlight that this a great time to join Stampin' Up! If you sign up before 4/4/2023, you can the sale prices PLUS your demonstrator discount (20% off) and if you choose to put together your Starter Kit on 4/4/2023, you'll be able to add preorder items - including the brand new colors - to your kit, save on product and get FREE SHIPPING on that Starter Kit! 

You will also get access to the new catalog a month before it goes live to the public! You will also get to be part of a great crafting community!

If you have questions please let me know: stampingwithhart@gmail.com

If you are ready to join, click here: https://www.stampinup.com/join?demoid=2212777

Note: I had a technical issue uploading my PDF versions so these are the latest PDFs from Stampin' Up! The order for these are not by page number, and I apologize for that. I hope to fix this soon but I didn't want to delay getting you the information. Here are the Stampin' Up! PDFs...

LAST CHANCE LIST LINK: 2022-2023 ANNUAL CATALOG LAST CHANCE LIST (ANNUAL)

LAST CHANCE LIST LINK: January to April 2023 MINI CATALOG LAST CHANCE LIST (MINI)

Again, this sale starts on April 4, 2023!

• Last Chance Items are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
• Retiring Color Products are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
• Last Chance Sale Date: 4/4/2023
• Demonstrator Preorder for 2023-2024 Annual Catalog: 4/4/2023
• Customers can order from new catalog 5/2/2023

Thank you for visiting the blog! See you again soon!

March 2023 Paper Pumpkin Alternate Ideas PART 2: One Easy Fun Fold, 7 Fa...

It's time for Part 2 of the Alternate Card Ideas for the March 2023 Paper Pumpkin Kit: 10 Years of Growth!

I have a FREE project sheet you can download here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/Nm9xlH3/march23paperpumpkinpart2

The information is also here on the blog post.

We have one fun fold for 7 different occasions using the card layouts and stamps from the kit as well as some background pattern stamping ideas to utilize the stamps from this month's kit. I love to use as many pieces from the kit as possible and I thought this fun fold would be perfect for that.

I looked online and saw this fun fold called a "tier" pop up card or a "step" pop up card. I am going to call it a two-tier pop up card but if you recognize this fun fold with a different name don't hesitate to message me.

TWO-TIER POP UP CARD (some call this a "step" card as well)

MEASUREMENTS:

• Card Base: 4-1/4 x 11" Score: 5-1/2" (Crumb Cake Cardstock)
• Lower Pop Up Panel: 4 x 4-1/4"
  • Score: 1/2", 1-1/2", 2-1/2", 3-1/2" (Crumb Cake Cardstock)
• Upper Pop Up Panel: 3-1/2 x 4-1/4"
  • Score: 1/2", 1", 2-1/2", 3" (Crumb Cake Cardstock)
• DSP (Top): 2-7/8 x 4-1/8"
• DSP Lower Pop Up Panel: 7/8 x 4-1/8" 
• DSP Upper Pop Up Panel: 1-3/8 x 4-1/8"
• Insert for Card: 4 x 5-1/4" (Basic White Cardstock or if you cut up card bases in the kit, use the leftover card pieces in white)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Add the two pop up panels first starting with the bottom panel (4 x 4-1/4") piece
• Burnish score lines with Bone Folder for crisp folds
• Line 1/2" flap with the edge of the card front so the pop up panel is folding inward at the bottom of the card front
• Fold in the 1/2" panel on the opposite end of pop up piece and add adhesive
• Fold panel back so both 1/2" panels line up and touch back-to-back on card base and press down
• The bottom pop up square should be in place

• For the top pop up tier, there are two 1/2" panels on either end of this piece (3-1/2 x 4-1/4" piece)
• Add adhesive to both 1/2" panels on one side because the one 1/2" gets glued to the bottom pop up and the other 1/2" gets secured to the card

• Add adhesive to the outer most 1/2" panel at the top of the upper pop up panel
• Press the bottom pop up mechanism so it's flat against the card base
• Fold the top panel flap back and press down to adhere the glue
• You want both 1/2" inch panels folded back on the top piece but only the edge has the tear and tape
• Now you can pop up both panels together and decorate

Once you've added your pop up mechanisms, now you can add your Designer Paper layers but because this is a Paper Pumpkin kit that doesn't have DSP, we will substitute with the artwork on the card bases and envelope flaps. I also have a few background ideas.

• 2-7/8" piece goes above the pop up on the card front
• 1-3/8" piece goes on the upper pop up panel front
• 7/8" piece goes on the bottom pop up panel front

Now, decorate the pop up panels with desired pots and die cut plant pieces from the kit, or stamped and fussy cut pots and plants from the kit *or from your favorite garden sets*

NOTE: Be careful where you place the glue on the die cut pieces being adhered to panel. Because this is a fun fold, the glue only goes on the area where it will be glued onto that pop up tier. Don't add glue if the plants goes above the tiers because it needs to move when the card is folded closed and then opened.

Last, add sentiment and embellishments, if desired.

I hope you enjoyed today's alternate card ideas for the Paper Pumpkin Kit! 

Here are the cards and 7 occasions just from the Paper Pumpkin stamp sets:

Occasions: Anniversary and Encouragement (Polished Pink Card Bases)

These cards use the Bookcase artwork from the cards in the kit as well the flap from the envelope on the bottom layer

Occasions: Love and Mother's Day (Fresh Freesia and Orchid Oasis Card Bases)

These cards feature the window card from the kit and the envelope flap on the bottom panel.

Occasions: Everyday/Coastal Cabana Card Base

and

Birthday/Garden Green Card Base

These cards feature custom stamped backgrounds using the Paper Pumpkin and Bonus stamp set from the March kit along with coordinating colors from the kit

I used masking paper on the section where happy has been stamped to create those border edges. I used the Small Blending Brush with a touch of garden green ink on the edges

The polka dot pattern has been stamped in repeat in the coordinating kit colors.

Are you subscribed to the April Paper Pumpkin kit?

If you do not already have a demonstrator I'd love to earn your business! You can subscribe to Paper Pumpkin here: https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2212777

Deadline to subscribe to the April kit is 4/10/2023

I have a March Host Code that will be linked to all of the products listed on this project sheet. When you spend $50 or more with me (before tax) in the online store using this code you will receive a free embellishment from me.

FOR PAPER PUMPKIN CUSTOMERS (New, Current or Past Customers)!

If you use this March Host Code to purchase a prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscription for 3 or 6 months you will receive a free past Paper Pumpkin kit from me as a thank you! The offers for this Host Code end 3/31/2023.

Questions? Email me. My info is listed in the top corner of this project sheet.

Happy crafting!

Melinda

March 2023 Paper Pumpkin Alternate Card Ideas Part 1: Alcohol Background...

Hello! The March 2023 Paper Pumpkin kit: 10 Years of Growth is GORGEOUS! One thing I mentioned in the video that goes with this free project sheet is that between the two stamp sets in this kit there are 17 images and/ or greetings to work with! 

I plan to do at least two alternate videos this month but this first set of alternates was inspired by the artwork on the box and throughout the pieces in the kit. I tried the alcohol background technique to create our own fun DSP to compliment the floral stamp from the bonus stamp set.

You can download the FREE PROJECT SHEET for today's alternate card ideas here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/afOU8iw/march23paperpumpkinaltern

You can also find the photos, measurements and instructions here on the blog. Keep reading!

All 5 Card Ideas (4 Alcohol Background Ideas)

Coordinating Colors for March Paper Pumpkin 2023 Kit

Here is a look at the alcohol backgrounds:
Pink, Purple, Green and Multi
Which is your favorite?

I like to create a little guide when designing alternate ideas. Here are the stamps, coordinating color cardstocks, inks and some measurements for the larger stamps in the bonus set. Up to 2-3/4"!
17 stamps between the two sets in this month's kit! WOWZA!

Card 1 of 4

Alcohol Layer for Card 1

CARD MEASUREMENTS

• Card Base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Score at 4-1/4" (Fresh Freesia Cardstock)
• Basic White Layer: 4 x 5-1/4" (I recommend cutting at 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 and trimming down this is the backing for vellum layer)
• Vellum Layer: 4-1/4 x 5-1/2" *will trim down to 4 x 5-1/4"*
• Polka Dot Layer: 2 x 4" (Paper Pumpkin Card Base, trimmed down)
• Fabulous Frames Die - Outer Frame (Fresh Freesia Cardstock)
• Fabulous Frames Die - Inner Die Cut (Basic White Cardstock)
• Leafy Die Cut from Paper Pumpkin Kit
• Angled Greeting Die Cut from Paper Pumpkin Kit
• Heart Pearls (Optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

TO CREATE THE ALCOHOL BACKGROUND: 

When I researched how to make this background everyone was recommending the Isopropyl Alcohol in the 90% or higher range. The one I used was 91%. I admit I'm not sure why this was recommended but I'm sure a quick google search will answer if you are wondering. You want this in a spray bottle or spritzer. I also added some to a small glass so I could dip the brush as well.

I am going to write down specific steps but I just want to preface this to say you can do as few steps or as many layers as you'd like. These steps are for reference but it doesn't have to be exact.

A few tips: Protect your surface (this is messy), do this technique in a ventilated space where you have a window you can open or a fan and if you choose to blow on the layer to dry it, don't get too close to your face. It can be fumy.

• Scribble Stampin' Blends on Vellum in random spots or patterns in desired shades
• Spritz this with alcohol (I think less is more)
• Take a brush and dab or squiggle with a little more alcohol on bristles to smooth out the colors, let dry
• Create the alcohol splatter pattern by tapping or flicking the brush with a little alcohol on it
• Create additional fun splatter patterns with your Stampin' Blends alcohol markers, if desired (I did have fun with this step, super messy)
• Take the brush tip of the blend marker and flick it against the marker cap. You will see color from the marker pooling in the corner of the cap and you flick that color onto your background, let dry

That's it! Because it is alcohol it dries quickly but I did set the pieces aside to dry while I colored the stamped flowers.

Things to note about the alcohol background technique: 

• The more saturated with alcohol the softer the overall look
• The more saturated the messier and it will pool on the edges, it's also more fumy (be careful)
• I recommend making a few until you find your groove with these
• No two are exactly the same but wow are they all pretty!
• It's easy!

This applies to all 4 cards.

Once your backgrounds are dry, use desired adhesive to glue the vellum to the Basic White layers. Trim down to 4 x 5-1/4" for all 4 backgrounds.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLING CARD 1

Blends used for the background: (Greens) Shaded Spruce Dark, Bermuda Bay Combo, Pool Party Dark

Glue the alcohol background to the card base. The polka dot layer is next, place center.

Stamp the floral image from bonus stamp set in Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Basic White cardstock. Leave enough room to cut this image out with the Fabulous Frame die once you finish coloring.

Fresh Freesia Blends for the Flowers. Shaded Spruce Dark and Bermuda Bay Light for the Leaves. Die Cut.

Take the Fresh Freesia frame and place the flower rectangle die cut inside. Glue these pieces back together with a little Tear and Tape first, then mount on dimensionals and place to the left of the polka dot layer. 

Glue the leafy die cut from the kit on the right next to the Fabulous Frame.

Stamp "You Deserve the Best" in Shaded Spruce (or desired ink) on the angled die cut. Glue under flowers.

Finish with Heart Pearls.

CARD 2 of 4

Card 2 of 4

Alcohol Background for Card 2

The steps of this card are the same as above but I used Framed Florets (the middle size oval die) with Brushed Metallic Foil Cardstock (in gold) for the outer frame.

Blends used for the background: Polished Pink Combo, Fresh Freesia Combo, Orchid Oasis Dark (dominant color)

Blends used for flowers: Orchid Oasis and Shaded Spruce

Ribbon: Orchid Oasis Metallic Ribbon

Embellishments: Opal Rounds (centers of flowers)

Added the Large Background die cut behind oval, a smaller piece of the polka dot card base trimmed to 1 x 4"

CARD 3 of 4

Card 3 of 4

Alcohol Layer for Card 3

The steps of this card are the same as above but I used Polished Pink cardstock for the outer frame and flowers.

I added a "glow" of pool party around the stamped flowers on this one as well.

Blends used for the background: Polished Pink Combo, Fresh Freesia Combo

Blends used for flowers: Polished Pink and Bermuda Bay

Twine: Orchid Oasis Twine from the In Color Combo pack

Embellishments: In Color Opal Rounds in Polished Pink

This time I used the pattern envelope flap as the layer, trimmed to 1-3/4 x 4"

I used 1 Coastal Cabana Leafy Die Cut from the kit.

I stamped "Happy" from the Bonus stamp set and heat embossed in Gold, fussy cut it out

I stamped "Spring" and heat embossed in white on a piece of Shaded Spruce cardstock trimmed to 1/4 x 1" 

Coastal Cabana Card Base

CARD 4 of 4

Card 4 of 4

Alcohol Background for Card 4

The steps of this card are the same as above but I used the largest frame from the Fabulous Frame Dies in Basic White and glued it to the alcohol background (multi pattern).

This card is the closest to the Paper Pumpkin design because the plant is the same. Used three leafy die cuts from the kit with the die cut embossed planter (the larger one) from the kit as well.

Blends used for the background: Polished Pink, Fresh Freesia, Orchid Oasis Light, Shaded Spruce Dark

Embellishments: Opal Rounds 

I stamped "Happy" from the Bonus stamp set and heat embossed in Gold, fussy cut it out

I stamped "Birthday" in Shaded Spruce on a die cut from the kit.

Polished Pink Card Base

I hope you enjoyed today's alternate card ideas for the March Paper Pumpkin kit!

Are you subscribed to the April Paper Pumpkin kit?

Teaser for the April 2023 Paper Pumpkin Kit!

Oooooooh.... don't miss the organizer! Only in the April Kit

If you do not already have a demonstrator I'd love to earn your business! You can subscribe to Paper Pumpkin here: https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2212777

Deadline to subscribe to the April kit is 4/10/2023

I have a March Host Code that will be linked to all of the products listed on this project sheet. When you spend $50 or more with me (before tax) in the online store using this code you will receive a free embellishment from me.

FOR PAPER PUMPKIN CUSTOMERS (New, Current or Past Customers)!

If you use this March Host Code to purchase a prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscription for 3 or 6 months you will receive a free past Paper Pumpkin kit from me as a thank you! The offers for this Host Code end 3/31/2023.

Questions? Email me. My info is listed in the top corner of this project sheet.

I hope to have a second round of alternate card ideas to you next week.

In the meantime, happy crafting!

Melinda

MORE Spring Card Ideas 2023: Mix Flowering Tulips with the Easter Bunny ...

Hello! Today's Blog Post is a replay from Thursday, March 16th. I am a little behind but getting caught up with replays. This is the FULL LENGTH replay now posted on YouTube and Facebook. In short, I did not have time to edit it. Just to let you know. I welcome your feedback on this as well. 

I have a FREE project sheet for these cards. You can download it here or scroll to see how to make these cards below. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/3lIKRxK/floweringtulipscards2023

These cards feature the Easter Bunny and Flowering Tulips stamp sets. We'll also be incorporating Tulips Dies and Fabulous Frames dies along with the Fancy Flora Designer Series Paper. I refer to cards like this as "kitchen sink" cards because we are working outside of a typical bundle or suite. I will also be using several ink pads and Stampin' Blends!

CARD 1 - Flowering Tulips Happy Mother's Day

CARD MEASUREMENTS:

• Card Base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Score: 4-1/4" (Soft Seafoam Cardstock)
• DSP Layer: 4 x 5-1/4" (Petal Pink, Soft Seafoam Paint Pattern DSP)
• Inside Layer: 4 x 5-1/4" (Basic White Cardstock)
• Die Cut Outer Frame: Soft Seafoam (Fabulous Frames Dies)
• Rectangle inside frame: Basic White (Same Die, Fabulous Frames Dies)
• 1 Piece of Natural Finish Ribbon (About 5")
• 1 Die Cut for Sentiment (Soft Seafoam, Something Fancy Dies) 
• Basic Pearl Jewels (optional, I used 2 of them)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Stamp your tulips from the Flowering Tulips stamp set on the Basic White rectangle. This is a two-step stamp set meaning there is a base stamp (lighter shade) and a coordinating detail stamp (darker shade) ink. For the base flower I recommend Petal Pink ink. For the detail stamp I recommend Calypso Coral. For the stem and leaves and I recommend Soft Seafoam ink.

I chose to stamp three flowers, one top center and then two flowers on either side slightly stamped off of the rectangle. For the center of the tulip I used Daffodil Delight ink. I loved this color combo for the tulips.

Stamp "Happy Mother's Day" from Flowering Tulips or desired sentiment onto the angled die cut for the sentiment. Stamp in Calypso Coral or desired color.

Add ribbon to the center of the DSP. I like to tuck my ribbon edges on the back of DSP with Stampin' Seal+ or Tear & Tape for a clean look. Glue that on and then add the DSP to the card.

Put the outer frame around the rectangle with your stamped flowers. Once it's lined up properly add a little Tear & Tape to the back along the seam so the two pieces hold together as a single die cut. Pop up on dimensionals and add just above center of the card. Place sentiment die cut on dimensionals and place center under the frame.

Add pearls if desired. I placed one above and below the flowers on the decorative frame die cut. 

CARD 2 - Easter Bunny & Tulips

CARD MEASUREMENTS:

• Card Base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Score: 4-1/4" (Mint Macaron Cardstock)
• DSP Layer: 4 x 5-1/4" (Multi Color Paint Pattern DSP)
• Inside Layer: 4 x 5-1/4" (Basic White Cardstock)
• Rectangle: Basic White (Fabulous Frames Dies, inner piece for largest die or just cut a piece of cardstock to 3 x 4-1/4")
• 1 Die Cut Tulips Edge (Trim to 4-1/4" in length, Tulips Dies)
• Iridescent Pastel Gems (optional, I used 3 of them)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Stamp your bunny in Memento Tuxedo Black ink if you plan to color with Stampin' Blends which are alcohol markers. Memento ink is safe to use with alcohol markers. 

Stamp butterfly near your bunny in Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Stamp them to the left or center on Basic White piece. 

Stamp sentiment on the right. I chose the "something new" sentiment from Flowering Tulips in Balmy Blue ink. 

Color Bunny with Stampin' Blends: 

• Gray Granite Combo - Light, all over bunny, Dark on the areas where stamp designer had fur or details on bunny
• Flirty Flamingo Combo - Dark for Nose and center of ear, Light to blend out rest of inside ear

Color Butterfly with Stampin' Blends: 

• Fresh Freesia Light for Body
• Daffodil Delight Dark for Accent Areas on Body

Color Tulips Edge with Stampin' Blends: 

• Fresh Freesia Combo - Light for Flower, Dark for base of flower 
• Soft Succulent Combo - Light for stems and base, Dark, just a little at the edge where stem meets the grass

OPTIONAL: I like to darken the pupil of the bunny and add eyelashes with my Basic Black Stampin' Write marker. Not necessary but wanted to mention it for the instructions.

Now that the coloring is done you can add the tulips die cut and trim it to size so it fits to the rectangle. Glue to rectangle.

Glue DSP to card front first. Place rectangle on dimensionals and add to center of card.

Add 3 Iridescent Pastel Gems or desired embellishments. I placed mine in a triangle around the bunny.

I hope you enjoyed today's card ideas!

There is a full tutorial on my YouTube channel and Facebook Page at Stamping with Hart. I have a full list of products used below.

I have already added my March 2023 Host Code which is good up to 3/31/2023. Spend $50 in the online store before tax and receive a free embellishment. If you purchase a prepaid Paper Pumpkin Code for 3 months or 6 months in March using the Host Code you will get a free past Paper Pumpkin kit from me. Offer ends 3/31/2023

FIRST LOOK: APRIL 2023 PAPER PUMPKIN KIT!

 

Need a Spring inspired card kit? LOOK NO FURTHER!!!!!!!!!! The first look at the April Paper Pumpkin kit is here but, even better, there is a FREE box organizer in this month's kit! WHAT!

That's right! You can ONLY get the organizer in the April kit!

Deadline to sign up for April's kit is April 10, 2023

If you are new here you may be asking, Melinda, what is Paper Pumpkin?

Here is Paper Pumpkin's answer: Paper Pumpkin is our monthly One-Stop Box™ that offers a unique variety of paper projects for subscribers of any skill level to enjoy! These thoughtfully-themed and all-inclusive craft kits encourage Stampin’ Up! customers to explore their creativity, try new techniques, and discover their potential in paper crafting.

First look at the April 2023 Paper Pumpkin kit!

Here is how to subscribe & the important information:

• Month to Month Subscription Link: https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2212777
• There are also prepaid options and I have already added the March Host Code link. See below... 
• Subscribe by April 10, 2023
• All-Inclusive (meaning all you need to make the kit cards are in the kit)

MY PAPER PUMPKIN "PREPAID" SPECIAL IN MARCH

For my customers in March, when you purchase a prepaid subscription of 3 or 6 months using my March Host Code (already in the link below) you will receive a FREE PAST KIT from me! Offer ends 3/31/2023 - Questions? Email: stampingwithhart@gmail.com

I like to offer a special like this for my Paper Pumpkin customers who love the kits and the alternate ideas and know they want at least 3 or 6 kits per year. I also have new customers who most often start with a 3 month prepaid option to get a feel for the subscription box and see if they like Paper Pumpkin!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the April preview. What do you think?

Happy crafting!

Melinda

Spring into DIY Action: How to Make Handmade Cards that Beat the Winter ...

Ready for a pretty Spring card layout? Here's what you'll need:

But first, you can download the free project sheet for today's cards here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/qsmHu63/prettyspringcards2023

The measurements and instructions are also listed below including a full product list including my March Host Code!

Eden's Garden Stamp Set - Images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Eden Dies - Images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Hues of Happiness Designer Series Paper - Images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Coordinating Stampin' Up! Colors for the Hues of Happiness Designer Series Paper

All 4 cards basically have the same layout. Some have more layers than others but the concept is the same.

CARD MEASUREMENTS

• Card Base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2" score: 4-1/4" (Basic White Cardstock)
• Cardstock Layer 1: 3-1/2 x 5-1/2"
• DSP Layer 1: 3-1/4 x 5-1/4"
• Cardstock Layer 2: 2-1/4 x 3-1/2"
• Basic White Layer: 2 x 3-1/4"
• DSP Strip: 1 x 5-1/2"
• Optional Ribbon: Cut about 7"
• Two Brushed Brass Butterflies

INSTRUCTIONS

Stamp largest flower image in a light color ink (Pool Party, So Saffron, Fresh Freesia, for example) on either side of the Basic White panel to create a simple and pretty pattern. About half of the stamped image will be on either end of this piece. Stamp the desired sentiment in a darker color ink (Gorgeous Grape, Night of Navy, etc) in the center of the Basic White piece and set aside.

There is a die in the Eden Dies that is long with a floral decorative edge and stitching. Place your card base open on the Stampin' Cut and Emboss Machine plate. (Not folded) Place your die at the edge of the card base. Make sure it is straight and cut. I recommend running this through two or three times because there is a lot of detail and we want a clean cut.

To remove the die, gently start to push the cardstock away from the die on both sides and do this until it releases in the middle. This way you guarantee a perfect die cut decorative edge for your card!

Place the cardstock layer panel on the card front and it should line up with that stitched line. Your card front should measure to 3-1/2" once that edge has been die cut into the card front panel.

Place a little adhesive on either side of the back of your DSP panel so you can tuck those ribbon edges out of sight. Place it center if desired. Then place the entire DSP piece on dimensionals and add to the card front.

Glue that sentiment to the coordinating cardstock layer then place it on dimensionals and add center over the ribbon.

You will still have a DSP strip left. You will glue this piece inside the card along the bottom to help that beautiful die cut edge stand out when you close the card.

Finish with two Brushed Brass Butterflies. I placed one large and one small on opposite side of the sentiment.

For those of you who prefer patterns to florals... I think you'll like this combination. Daffodil Delight Cardstock but I went with So Saffron ink for a softer look with a nice pop of color from the Bordered Ribbon. The DSP has this almost cross stitch look in a variety of shades and I went with one of the brighter paint patterns that goes from yellow to orange to pink to melon mambo. I LOVE how it turned out. I did stick to the same floral stamp but you could switch that out if you wish to avoid florals entirely.

I had mentioned that when I was sick and curled up on my couch I was watching a Spring Fashion weekend on a home shopping channel and I just kept thinking how can I turn these outfits and Spring vibes into a card? And that's how I came to use Hues of Happiness because of those fabulous and cheerful spring colors and florals. I think this card most perfectly captures Spring Fashion but on a card, haha... Fresh Freesia ink for the flowers, Gorgeous Grape for the greeting. Pool Party Grosgrain ribbon here with a really bright floral arrangement DSP pattern on top and the bottom strip is from the paint pattern side mixing Pool Party with Granny Apple Green.

If you like brighter colors here's Melon Mambo as the accent color. I stamped the opposite corners and showed less of the image so my "Sending Hugs" greeting could stand out. I stamped that in Night of Navy. The ribbon here is Parakeet Party Metallic Ribbon and because it's so thin I wrapped it three times, so about 21" or so of ribbon for this look.

In this sample, I used Pool Party ink, cardstock, ribbon and DSP. I stamped the sentiment in Night of Navy ink.

There is no layer behind the sentiment on this card so it's optional.

I hope you enjoyed today's tutorial. I know so many people are recovering from colds and flu season. Many people have been dealing with unexpectedly high amounts of snowfall and many other things can sort of effect our ability to make cards and be creative, so I wanted to create a set of cards that was pretty and easy to duplicate but does not take much effort. I hope you find these easy to make. 

I will have a products list below with the March 2023 Host Code already linked for those of you shopping. When you spend $50 in the online store before tax using that Host Code in March you will receive a FREE embellishment from me as a thank you. 

SPECIAL PAPER PUMPKIN OFFER FOR MY CUSTOMERS: Purchase a 3 or 6 Month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription using this March 2023 Host Code in the online store will receive a FREE Past Paper Pumpkin kit from me. I have included those in the product list. The DEADLINE to subscribe to the March Paper Pumpkin Kit is 3/10/2023! Don't miss it because there is a FREE stamp set in the March kit in addition the one that comes with the kit. It's also the 10th Anniversary and I'll have fun alternate ideas for the March kit and the bonus stamp set! MUST USE HOST CODE to get Free Past Kit - no exceptions! Offer expires 3/31/2023

NOTE: If you purchase the prepaid code make sure it is activated by March 10th so you don't miss this special kit! Questions? Don't hesitate to contact me.