Trimming the Tree Bundle

September 28, 2022

Trimming the Tree Bundle

It may be September, but Christmas is coming! And while the best holiday of the year (in my opinion) is actually months away, the Trimming the Tree Bundle is expiring soon.

I hope this is not your first look at the Trimming the Tree Bundle. But if it is, plan to be amazed. There are so many good things in this “Perfect Partner” die set.

Perfect Partners September 1-30

We really are just days away from the Perfect Partners Die Sets end of sale. And while I have shared some of the other sets (click here to see one), I chose the jolliest bundle for last. First, lets take a look at the stamp set, Trimming the Tree.

Trimming the Tree Stamp Set

Whether or not you are creating Christmas trees, pine trees are universal. I love using pine trees in masculine themed cards. They also work well in a variety of other themes too! With the Trimming the Tree Stamp Set, 2-step stamping is very easy. The tree images do not need to line up perfectly in any way.

Tree Trimmings Dies

While the stamp set is available in the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog, the dies may only be purchased until September 30, 2022, or sold out (whichever event occurs first). I would hate for you to miss this big set of Tree Trimmings Dies! Not only do they cut out the stamped images, there are bonus dies that add texture or help you decorate your tree.

Some Assembly Required

For all the details and tips on creating this card, be sure to watch my demonstration here. Once I have shared my “Make It Monday” video, I love playing with color and making a new version of my card. Below, you will find the step by step tutorial in a fun new twist on color palette!

Trimming the Tree Card Recipe (original version)

Crumb Cake CS, 5-1/2 x 8-1/2″, scored at 4-1/4″ for the card base

DSP (Sweetest Christmas), 3-1/2 x 5″

White CS, 3-1/4 x 4-1/2″

Assorted CS (Cherry Cobbler, Real Red, Old Olive, Garden Green, Crumb Cake) 1-1/2 x 15/16″ each

Scraps: White for tree and sentiment piece, Crumb Cake for basket, Distressed Gold Specialty for star

12″ Real Red Ribbon

Please note, the color cardstock assortment will measure just over the white tag height. After you get to the top during assembly, flip the tag over and trim off the excess cardstock.

Additional Tools

In each of my cards, I chose a different embossing folder. For the Crumb Cake Card, I used the Timber 3D folder. When I did my color swap, I chose the snowflake pattern from the Wintry 3D folder set.

I love a great punch, and the Very Best Trio Punch is just amazing! With the 3 in 1 different punch options, I used 2 on my cards. One of these was the beautiful edge on my tags, and the other created the slot to pass the ribbon thru.

My 4 Step System For the Color Swatch

There are 4 steps to creating the “paint chip sampler” look on this card. If you work these steps in this order, you will find it easiest!

Emboss the white tag piece with your chosen embossing folder.
Stamp any imagery on the 5 colorful pieces of cardstock that will make up your sampler.
Glue the 5 stamped pieces of colorful cs to the white embossed tag. Start from the bottom and work up.
Punch the detailed edges at the top of the tag.

Once the white tag is complete, combine it with the DSP (punch the details on the top here too) and add the ribbon, making a bow. I liked this assembly added to my card front using Dimensionals.

Trimming the Tree with Details

After your tree is stamped and die cut, you need to add the basket to the bottom. Do you prefer the basket on the front of the tree, or from behind?

What tree is complete without some kind of ornaments? While I played with the Red Pearlized Enamel Effects Basics in my trial card, during my live demo I switched to Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels to make my tree sparkle.

And lastly, finish off your card with a simple sentiment. The die I used here does not outline your stamping. Therefore, I recommend you die cut first and stamp second. The photopolymer stamp set comes in handy for lining up the words.

Don’t Let This Christmas Sneak Up On You

While it may seem like Christmas is a long way off, now is the time to get this Trimming the Tree Bundle. Once the deadline is past, these Tree Trimming Dies will be gone forever. Pop over to my online store to get yours while you can….time is really running out!

Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle

September 21, 2022

Fresh Cut Flowers: Limited Bundle

Have you seen the lovely stamp set, Fresh Cut Flowers, from the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog? It is a beautiful red rubber cling stamp set. The stamp images included in this set are all floral designs, without any sentiments.

What is really missing, however, is a die set to go with it. For the month of September 2022, the limited offering called “Perfect Partners” gives us just what we are looking for! This program pairs up 6 different stamp sets (that were originally offered without dies) with some to-die-for partners. See the full list here.

Fresh Cut Stems Dies

There are only a few days left to get the coordinating dies! After September 30, this offer goes away. If you have not yet purchased the stamp set, order the Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle (stamp set and dies) to automatically save 10%. If you already have the stamp set, just pick up the Fresh Cut Stems Dies while you still can.

With these great dies, you will be able to die cut all 4 stamped images in the Fresh Cut Flowers Stamp Set. Just think…no fussy cutting! There are lots of bonus dies here to, including a great edge die, which you see featured in my card.

Make It Monday with the Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle

I just featured a card using the Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle, selectively editing some of the design. For the most part, I did this to simplify my card. You can watch my YouTube Video here, where I share the creation from start to finish. Of course, there are some tips along the way too.

One thing I did to simplify this card was use cardstock instead of masking and sponging. Besides being a time saver, this is also a great way to use up some scraps, . And how fantastic is the tone on tone effect? You can create this look by stamping with ink color that is the same tone as your cardstock.

Stamping on cardstock with tone on tone ink to paper.

The Card Recipe

Card Base: White Cardstock 5-1/2 x 8-1/2″, scored at 4-1/4″.

Border Trim Piece: White Cardstock 1/2 x 5-1/2″, use border die to cut out.

Left Side Rectangles: Bottom Left: Mint Macaron 1-1/2 x 2-1/2″; Middle Left: Soft Seafoam 1-1/2 x 1-1/4″; Top Left: Calypso Coral 1-1/2 x 1-1/4″.

Right Side Rectangles: Bottom Right: Calypso Coral 2-1/4 x 1-1/4″; Middle Right: Petal Pink 2-1/4 x 1″; Top Right: So Saffron 2-1/4 x 2-3/4″.

Floral Focal Piece: White Cardstock 3-1/2 x 5″, stamp and die cut.

Bakers Twine Essentials Pack, 12″ black twine.

Classic Matte Dots Embellishments, 3-5 for desired effect.

Card Assembly Tips!

Here are some of my take-aways from making this amazing card. And even if you don’t use the same stamps and dies that I did, get creative with this design layout. Anything you make will look so good!

After you cut your rectangles for the entire card, keep the orientation of them in the correct position. This is super important as you pull them to stamp on them. But if you make a mistake, turn your cardstock over and use the back.
Sentiment size matters! Because the Fresh Cut Flowers Stamp Set is images only. you will need to choose a sentiment from another stamp set. Make sure it will fit in the smallest rectangle box, taking up @half of the space. And be sure to stamp your sentiment toward the right side of the rectangle.
Start by adhering the outer 4 corner rectangles first. Place your cardstock up against the edge of your card base. Next, center the remaining rectangles evenly spaced between your top and bottom pieces.
Not so good at making bows? Don’t get your twine in a knot (like I did in my live demo!). Try this method instead: add some adhesive (Tear & Tape is my fav), then swoop your twine up and down catching it on the tape for a bow-like look.

A faux like bow look using Tear & Tape and twine.

Colorful Flowers….Or Not?

The beauty of the large flower image from the Fresh Cut Flowers Stamp Set is that you can color it in with any color…or leave it black and white. For this card, the background cardstock rectangles provided the color for us. By not coloring, you are saving time too.

But…if black and white is too stark for you, consider stamping the flower image on something with a little color. For my color swap card, I chose Kraft Paper. Use your imagination!

Stamping and die cutting the large flower from Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle.

Embellish Your Bouquet of Fresh Cut Flowers

Nothing tops off a pretty card more than some sweet embellishments. From the faux bow to the adhesive dots, our look is competed very simply. I love that the neutral colors of the Bakers Twine Essential Pack and the Classic Matte Dots let me add black or white on each colorful card to compliment them perfectly.

Take a closer look at this in play:

Large flower stamp from the Fresh Cut Flowers Stamp Set, die cut in white and Kraft Paper.

Who Wore It Better?

From my original card, I like to swap out colors and create another card using the same design. In my live card making demo, I showcased colors from the Subtle Family, which are quite soft and spring-like. For my color swap, I turned to the Regal Family, and chose a fresh fall palette. Who do you think wore it better?

2 cards using the Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle.

Perfect Partners Ending Soon

Good things have to come to an end. And the Perfect Partner program is doing just that. These dies will be gone on September 30, or if sold out beforehand.

Make sure you stop by my online store to grab your Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle or the Fresh Cut Stems Dies while there is still time. And be sure to check out the other specials and deals happening this month…what a great time to shop, save and stamp!

Simply Beautiful Quiet Meadow

September 14, 2022

Card made with the Quiet Meadow Stamp Set and Meadows Dies.

Quiet Meadow, Classic Beauty

The Quiet Meadow Stamp Set has been around for awhile. So you may be wondering why I am featuring this lovely set once again. (See another blog post featuring Quiet Meadow here.) After all, the holiday catalog is all the rage right now. I am sure you are busy thinking fall leaves and Merry Christmas projects, not quiet meadows.

And yet, much like this timeless stamp set, the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog is also classic. I think we often forget all the hidden gems in it as we bounce from mini catalog to mini catalog. So here it is, and with perfect timing. I’ll explain that later.

The Quiet Meadow Stamp Set and Meadow Dies

Let’s take a look at this amazing stamp set, Quiet Meadow. This one is red rubber cling, and has 10 stamps in it. I love the combination of flowers, sentiments and background stamps.

Of course, we all love a good die set to match our stamps! The Meadow Dies will not disappoint. In fact this set of 13 dies features lots of floral picks and sprigs. And did I mention there are 2 butterflies in this set? The only thing missing, really, is dies to cut out the stamped flower images.

Make It Monday, Easy

I chose this card from the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog to C.A.S.E. (copy and share everything) for my Make It Monday live card demo. You will see it on page 68 and 69 in the 2022-2023 copy. I was so pleased that for all the beauty of this card, it was so simple to create. You can view my video on FaceBook, or my video on YouTube.

The Card Recipe

There were not a lot of pieces that needed to go into this one, so making multiples would be fairly easy to do and nice on the paper budget. Here are the details:

-Crumb Cake Card Base, 5-1/2 x 8-1/2″, scored at 4-1/4″

–Pretty Prints Calypso Coral DSP, 2-3/4 x 4-3/4″, cut at an angle; Bermuda Bay 1/2 x 4″

-Scraps of White CS for the sentiment and butterfly

-@7″ of ribbon, similar to Silver Metallic Edge Cotton Ribbon

Can we just take a moment to notice how beautiful this paper is?

The Right Angle Cut

This card features a unique angle to the focal designer series paper. Sure, you could take out your scissors and trim away a chunk, but this method may leave you a little crooked.

Instead, I chose to use my Paper Trimmer to do the job. After a little experimenting, I found the best way to cut my paper to match the card sample. I walk you thru the process in my video, but here is a picture visual to guide you.

Lining up the dsp in the paper trimmer to make an angle cut.

Quiet Meadow Card Elements

Background Stamping

This card features some fantastic elements. First, I started with background stamping, using tone on tone (Crumb Cake Ink on Crumb Cake Cardstock).

TIP: Make sure you stamp with a protective sheet behind your card, as this method requires stamping both on and slightly off the card front.

Sponging

Sponging is one of my favorite ways to add some color. After I die cut the butterfly from plain white cardstock, color was definitely needed. I added some Mango Melody with a Blending Brush for a soft sweep of color.

TIP: Start with your Blending Brush off the intended target and work your way in. Less pressure is better, as you can always add more color if needed.

Blending color on the butterfly die from Meadow Dies

Heat Embossing

Isn’t it fun to heat emboss on Designer Series Paper for an elegant look? The dsp is thinner in weight than regular cardstock, so it is normal for it to bend or buckle slightly after the heat embossing process. With enough adhesive, it will lay flat during assembly.

TIP: When choosing DSP for stamping on and/or embossing, make sure the image on the paper is plain enough so that your stamped image really shines. Don’t let the paper and stamping compete with each other.

A close up of heat embossed stamping using the Quiet Meadow Stamp Set

Ribbon

I really think a good ribbon swooshing sets a card off nicely. I like to start with a strip of Tear & Tape Adhesive, and use my ribbon right off the spool for less waste.

TIP: The Tear & Tape will let you re-position the ribbon if you aren’t happy with the first (or second or third) placement. Just be gentle when you pull the ribbon off the tape.

A look at ribbon placement on the Quiet Meadow Card

Color Swap!

You may have noticed another card very similar to my featured card, but in different colors. I love to share my Make It Monday Card not just once, but twice, with a few modifications. In fact, every Wednesday in the Positive PaperCrafters FaceBook group, we vote on Who Wore It Better. Which one do you prefer?

Annual Catalog Stamp Sale

As I created this card for my live demo, Stampin’ Up! was just announcing an Annual Catalog Stamp Sale. They had not listed the stamp sets that would be on sale, so I randomly picked one from the catalog that I thought might be on sale.

Turns out, I could have picked ANY stamp (other than the host stamp sets) from the Annual 2022-2023 Catalog. They are ALL on sale, 15% off, but only for September 15th, 24 hours. Please visit my online store by clicking here, and look for Shop Now, Specials, and Stamp Sale. Plan to shop early to avoid out-of-stock items. Hope you take advantage of this amazing 1 day only deal and stock up on some of your must have stamp sets!

September 2022 Paper Pumpkin Kit

September 6, 2022

September + Paper Pumpkin = Halloween

Have you ordered your September 2022 Paper Pumpkin Kit yet? It’s time for some fall themed crafting! Here’s a treat: Paper Pumpkin has you covered for some not-so spooky products. But the trick is this: you have to sign up by September 10, or you will miss out.

A Look At This “Spooky Treats” Kit

It is important to know that the September 2022 Paper Pumpkin Kit is project themed. When you get this kit in the mail, you will have enough treat boxes for 18 gifts! That is double the normal 9 count, making this kit twice as sweet for the same price.

The Halloween treat boxes come in 3 different designs, 6 of each kind! One of the box designs features a special peek-through top. You can even mix and match the pieces to create your own spook-tacular creations.

The finished box size is 2-1/2″ x 3″ x 1″ (6.4 x 7.6 x 2.5 cm), making them perfect for holding some small candies for your favorite goblins. Not into treat boxes? There will be plenty of creative alternative ideas for all those kit parts and pieces, turn yours into cards or more instead.

Here Is What Is Included

The Paper Pumpkin Papers

This all-inclusive kit includes printed box bases and tops, die-cut paper pieces, adhesives, and more. You will have enough elements to create 18 treat boxes.

The Paper Pumpkin Ink Spot

The Spooky Treats Paper Pumpkin Kit includes an Orchid Oasis Classic Stampin’ Spot, (NEW 2022-2024 In Color alert!).

The Paper Pumpkin Stamp Set

This kit’s stamp set puts the TREAT in trick-or-treat with fun, Halloween-themed sentiments and designs. Embrace the spooky season with ghost, bat, spider, and star images.

Coordinating Stampin’ Up! Colors

You will enjoy working with these Stampin’ Up! colors: Basic Black, Gray Granite, Orchid Oasis, Fresh Freesia, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie.

Exclusive Paper Pumpkin Bluetooth Speaker

Are you ready to enter to win? Stampin’ Up! is giving away an exclusive Paper Pumpkin themed bluetooth speaker. Join this giveaway on social media starting September 5 at 9:00am (MT). Here is how to enter:

Simply follow @PaperPumpkin on Instagram or the Paper Pumpkin page on Facebook.
Like either post.
Mention three friends in the comments.

Ready to “jam out” to the Paper Pumpkin playlists on a Paper Pumpkin speaker? Better hurry, because the giveaway closes September 8 at 4:00pm (MT). Your your chance to win one of two personalized JBL speakers is awaiting you!

Craft Up Some Spooky Fun

Paper Pumpkin is a 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 you to explore your creativity, try new techniques, and discover your potential in papercrafting.

Grab a kit (or 2) and spend some quality papercrafting time with your friends or family. What you create together will be priceless. Note: Supplies may be limited toward the end of the subscription period.