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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!

Bottled Happiness

June 23, 2022

Sending Cheer with the Bottled Happiness Bundle

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could ‘bottle happiness” and pass it along? As paper crafters, we have the ability to pass along happiness whenever we want. Our form of happiness is a cheerful card!

And now with the Bottled Happiness Stamp Set, and the Vintage Bottle Punch, it really is fun to shake things up! Of course, you don’t have to make a shaker card with the Bottled Happiness Bundle. But if you want to learn how, see my video tutorial here.

Bottled Happiness Stamp Set

The Bottled Happiness Stamp Set is photopolymer rather than cling red rubber. This makes it so easy to line up the leaves and flower stamps, used separately to create a beautiful image. Sometimes, however, photopolymer stamps can be a little difficult.

Has this ever happened to you? The first time you ink up a photopolymer stamp fresh from the stamp case? Splotchy coverage, at best, from the card on the left. After a quick fix, see how lovely the stamping is from the card on the right.

Images of the flowers from the Bottled Happiness Stamp Set

Quick Easy Fixes For Photopolymer

Here are some things you can do to get a great image with your photopolymer stamps. Try them when you stamp with them the very first time. And if you have ongoing issues, revisit this list.

Clean your stamp well. The Stampin’ Scrub is great for this. By cleaning your stamp, you are removing the “factory dust” or chemical residue from manufacturing.
Use a soft rubber eraser and gently scrub the stamp surface. This is similar to step 1. You will need to clean your stamp before using it with ink.
Ink up your stamp with VersaMark Ink, then immediately ink with your choice of color ink, and stamp. The VersaMark Ink provides a sticky type coating that the regular ink will cling to better.

Colorful Two Step Stamping Using Bottled Happiness

Did you notice that the flowers from the Bottled Happiness Stamp Set in this bouquet are multi-color? Of course, the leafy stamp is done separately. I found it so easy to line up the images to fit the greenery among the flowers. But you may be wondering how I got more than 1 color on my single flower stamp.

The answer is so simple: Sponge Daubers. I started with the lighter of the flower colors and daubed ink along the outer edges of my stamp. Next, I added in the darker color with another sponge dauber. If I overlapped the 2 ink colors, the result was perfectly pretty. Always go light to dark, in that order.

Inking the flower stamp from Bottled Happiness using sponge daubers.

Effervescent Elements to Shake It Up

A good shaker card needs something “shakeable”. The Effervescent Elements are whimsical little bubbles that are perfect for this job. The look like glass beads in the Vintage Bottle Shaker Dome. And they are oh so fun to play with.

But… a word of caution. These little balls are round and rolly. They will end up everywhere if you are not careful. I shared the best way to put them into the shaker dome in my cardmaking demo video.

Effervescent Elements for the Shaker Card.

Just Add Color

I love to change up a color combo on a card and recreate the same design. For my second Bottled Happiness card, I continued to use the same 6 x 6″ paper stack, Tea Boutique. I chose the lattice design in Starry Sky and mounted my designer series paper on a base of the same color.

Next, I chose a deeper shelf color, Soft Suede rather than the original Crumb Cake. I picked out some bright and bold flower and greens colors. But when it came to the ribbon, I struggled with my selection. In the end, I kept it very neutral and went with my favorite white ribbon!

Shaker card in a different color combination.

The Fun Never Ends

I think shaker cards are a lot of fun. They certainly provide some cheerful happiness. The inner kid in all of us demands that we grab this card and give it a shake!

Let me know if you prefer my original card in Petal Pink, or like my color swap card in Starry Sky. Every Wednesday, in my FaceBook Community, Positive PaperCrafters, the vote is on; join us there!

Shopping is always on too, in my online store. Stop in for your Bottled Happiness Bundle and save 10% automatically. Make sure you pick up the Vintage Bottle Shaker Domes and Effervescent Elements too. Then get busy playing with your own color combos. There is someone out there waiting for you to send them this card!