“Valentine’s Day isn’t just for romantic couples anymore. It’s a great time to celebrate friendship and caring to everyone we hold dear. The cold and dark winter months are still upon us. Warm them up and add light to someone’s day by sending and receiving a card” was my recent message as I hosted my first annual Val Pal Card Exchange.
The program was simple. Make an A-4 size card featuring hearts. Mail it to me with a self-addressed stamped envelope by the deadline, and I will mix up the received cards and mail one back to each of the participants. Fun, indeed!
It was my intention to share some love by sending cards, and 16 others took my inspiration to “heart”. I was thrilled and excited to receive them in my mailbox and view everyone’s creativity. Now, as promised, I am sharing the images of all the cards for everyone to see.
Isabella, age 9, was the youngest participant. She made an adorable mini card, and used markers to color a fantastic drawing on the inside. Her hand-stamped heart says it all, “with love”. This is the inside of Linda B’s exquisite gate-fold card. The heart on the belly band (that helps hold the card in the closed position) is encased in 17 individual stamped and punched flowers, each with a tiny jewel for sparkle. The outside (not shown) is composed of 2 light pink panels, perfectly embossed in tiny hearts. This card is absolutely divine open or closed. Steph went non-traditional with a green and gold card base. This cute and quirky card features a white glitter heart and snowflake sequins, sponged ever so lightly in red, made with lots of love. Additional sequins in gold coordinate with the card base. Her theory, that it usually snows on Valentine’s Day in the northeast, provides humor and holds true! Holiday was inspired to make this stunning card with a gold and white striped base. A large red glitter heart adds sparkle to the gold foil background. The bottom strip is aligned and designed with hugs and kisses, in the form of exceptional pink and red x’s and o’s. This fabulous purple hello friend card was crafted by Alisa. Each heart has a different pattern, contrasting nicely with the purple and white floral card base. The light pink panel is sweetly embellished with stamping, sequins, enamel and glitter dots, and jaunty bakers twine. Ginny lovingly created this masterpiece featuring panels of contrasting red and white patterned paper. A touch of black adds contemporary chic and provides great interest. The white die cut leaves and bakers twine add whimsy and accent the red heart perfectly. Linda M made this charming card with a unique fold. Traditional colors of red, pink and white are thoughtfully layered in mixed mediums of felt and glitter, adding great dimension. The lacy heart on the white pattern paper anchors the card and adds a touch of elegance.This enchanting card in pink and red was created by Jane. It’s simplistic beauty showcases three punched floral hearts in varying shades that correspond with the pretty pattern paper. A soft white ribbon tied in a faux bow completes the sweetness perfectly. Barbara’s beautiful card is crafted in red and white. The oval focal point has a die cut center heart and is embossed in mini hearts as well. Small raised corner hearts and a red bow add style to the paisley print paper, which is detailed in tiny elegant die cut stitching.This darling card was assembled with care by Nancy. The soft pink card base is topped with red and purple, the perfect Valentine combo. The white doily and multi-sized pearls add refined elegance while framing the hand-stamped hugs and kisses heart.This delightful card was made by Marsha. The sentiment was perfectly stamped on the gorgeous floral paper. Multiple hearts are die cut from the raised pink and white stripe paper. The inside (not shown) sports a hand-stamped doily and corner stamped hearts.Carolyn crafted this lovely card in soft pinks and green. There is great care in the way she layered all of the printed papers, as well as the stamped sentiment. The green in the ribbon is reflected smartly and beautifully in the green pulled from the patterned paper.Chris went for glitz and glam in this fantastic card. The card base and top layer are dazzling in sparkle. Fun patterned raised hearts, a white doily and deep red ribbon all add to this card’s well composed layout and allure.When making this clever card, Jen relied on the hearts in the pattern paper to meet the exchange requirements. The focus then became the stunning seven layered floral accent piece. This card is sending love with a gold glitter band and red sequin trim, making it festive and fabulous.Abby’s divine card has lots of heart, the sporty red pattern paper with the detailed torn edge proves that. Her layered heart accent piece also features an arrow and a keyhole. This card is artfully embellished with a long line of red sequin trim, some bakers twine with hints of green and a scattering of green jewels, making it fresh and fun.This card from Sandy has cute and adorable stamped all over it. Against the pink pattern background are three attached mini envelopes in white. Each envelope holds a small stamped note that can be removed, read (hugs and kisses, sent with love and love you lots), and re-positioned. Sequin flowers in an array of pink add additional texture and interest. Did I mention adorable???My card is designed in pool party and white. I used pool party emboss powder to heat emboss the smaller heart before punching it out. The larger white heart is embossed with the Scripty folder and brushed with Wink of Stella glitter pen on the raised lettering only. The pattern paper is from Parisian Blossoms. The Parisian Flourish folder was used to emboss the lower pool party paper. After embossing, I sponged the cardstock with pool party ink. I die cut the white corner paper with Lasting Elegance Dies. The card is finished with ribbons in both pool party and white, as well as accent pearls. My intention was pure elegance.
As you can see, there was great variety in creativity and amazing love adhered to every layer of all these wonderful cards (also known as paper hugs). Again, from the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful to each of you who took the time from your busy lives to make something personal to share with a potential stranger.
I truly hope that I inspire you to continue to share love with others. Every day is an opportunity to celebrate something with someone. Stamp a saying, send a card! Even if there isn’t a single heart on it, there is certainly a lot of heart in it.
The Coordination Product Release has offered some great dies to go with special stamps in the January-June Mini Catalog and the Sale-A_Bration brochure. Today my focus is special as well…Special Someone Stamp Set and Special Days Dies.
Special Someone
The stamp set, Special Someone, offers two-step stamping capabilities. Two-step stamping is a process for stamping an outline shape in one color, and then stamping a filler shape in another color to create an instant image. In effect, two separate stamps cohesively making one two-toned image.
Two-step stamping is a great way to complete a project quickly. And the photopolymer stamps make lining up the filler image over the outline image a breeze. But don’t worry, you can choose to hand color the image if you prefer.
I adore the cute critters in this stamp set, raccoon, squirrel and mouse. They lend well to kids cards, but are also very life-like and realistic enough to use in cards depicting nature as well. The sentiments direct your cards toward birthday, thank you, and get well – the perfect trifecta.
Special Someone Stamp Set, #151643, 23 photopolymer stamps
Special Days Dies
The coordinating dies, Special Days, give you the ability to take your critters anywhere. Not only do they cut out your leading characters, you have the option to make balloons (oval and heart shaped) and strings to attach. There are also dies for flowers, grass and bows. A word bubble die lets your critters share their thoughts.
Special Days Dies, #153587, 17 dies
Special Cards
I had a lot of fun creating with this stamp set and their coordinating dies. Admittedly, the little mouse kinda stole the show. It is easy to experiment with shading colors to create soft or bold looks. I see pink and blue raccoons in my future.
For a Very Special Someone
For this card, I chose colors from the 2019-2021 In Color Collection. Seaside Spray, Purple Posy and Terracotta Tile are muted beautifully with black and white. I took advantage of different size circle punches to create peep holes for my friends.
The Special Day Dies allowed me to cut around the stamped images, so the animals could pop thru the holes with a colorful background behind them. I embossed the Whisper White cardstock using the Pinewood Planks Embossing Folder for a woodsy look. The little accent flowers (yet another die in this set) were capped with rhinestone jewels to add sparkle.
A Special Happy Birthday
The versatility of this special collection is the supporting props. As you can see, this card doesn’t have a single critter in sight. I chose bright colors for the oval balloons, but kept the heart shaped balloon a soft pink for greater contrast between them.
I found die cutting the strings a little tricky. The secret (learned by trial and error) is to line up the tiny hole at the base of the metal string die with the bottom stamped image of the string. Practice always makes perfect, and because these are small images, there is not a lot of waste in attempting to gain perfection.
Rich Merry Merlot acts as a neutral color with Crumb Cake, which is embossed with the Corrugated folder. I scattered a few Basic Adhesive Backed Sequins along the bottom and added Braided Linen Trim as complimentary embellishments.
3 x 3 Mini
This little mouse steals the show on a 3″ x 3″ card. He has designs on the daisy, two-step stamped in black and yellow and die cut. Small pieces of cardstock, Smoky Slate embossed in Mosaic and Daffodil Delight embossed in Scripty, blend with the gray mouse and yellow flower perfectly.
The stamped sentiment, with love, is a partial inking of the stamp “sent with love” from Itty Bitty Greetings. I inked only the portion of the stamp I wanted to use for this card. Lastly, I added 2 Frosted Epoxy Droplets along the white band. Their plain and simple element adds balance.
Make Special Cards
A home made card is always a special card, but the Special Someone Stamp Set and Special Day Dies really help to hone in on that factor. Remember, special qualities aren’t limited to the card itself. It is manifested in the card maker and the card recipient as well.
If you enjoy cards with cute critters, be sure to check out my post Hey Lady for ladybug card ideas. As always, if you need any card making supplies for the featured projects, please visit my online store https:www.juliemakson.stampinup.net. There are always surprises in the clearance rack, maybe you will find something special there as well.
Today I will share my thoughts and my projects using Stampin’ Up!’s Positive Thoughts Stamp Set, and from the Coordination Product Release, the Nature’s Thoughts Dies.
Let’s start with the stamps. The Positive Thoughts Stamp Set is new in the January-June Mini Catalog. Because it is not featured as a bundle, this set may have been overlooked in its simplicity.
This stamp set has plenty of natural attributes, from the butterfly and feather to the flower and leaves. Any of these make great background images in your stamped projects, or work well as a stand alone item.
Additionally, the sentiments are exceptionally unique. I believe they are perfect for occasions when you need to offer get well wishes, thinking of you, or sending supportive thoughts to someone you care about.
Nature’s Thoughts Dies
Nature’s Thoughts Dies, #153586, 11 dies
The Coordination Product Release, Nature’s Thoughts Dies, allow you to easily cut out the 4 main images of the stamp set. Even better, you have the ability to die cut detailed accent pieces to correspond.
I love the large rectangle with its whimsical detailed stitched effect. It is the perfect compliment to any project- a real workhorse in the craft room. You will find yourself reaching for this particular die quite often.
Positive Thoughts Cards
It is easy to create cards when the stamp set has multiple features to it. Stamps can be combined into a single project, or spotlighted separately. Following are my projects and a few “making of” details.
Hugs Prayers Love
I wanted to keep this card from being completely feminine, but not entirely masculine in nature. The grays and greens provide the perfect combination for the die cut leaves and sprigs. I softened this card by the use of Soft Sea Foam (a very pale green) and a white bow.
The rectangle die was used twice in this card, once in Whisper White and a shadow in Basic Gray. I used the Stitched Shapes ovals to create layering for the sentiment, a great way to add shape variety to the mix. The sentiment ‘sending positive thoughts…’ was randomly stamped in soft green on the white rectangle background as a filler to the starkness.
Butterfly Friends
Petal Pink and Pool Party combine to make this soft and sweet color palette. The beautiful Designers Series Paper (DSP) is compliments of Parisian Blossoms from the January-June Mini Catalog. Did you know the DSP is double sided? The patterns in this card are the front and back of the same paper. I also used the Parisian Flourish Embossing Folder on the white cardstock for texture.
I stamped the butterfly image 3 times in Petal Pink and die cut each one. The butterfly accents were die cut in Pool Party. I gave the butterflies and sentiment a lift, with dimensionals underneath. In addition, I used the embellishments Champagne Rhinestone Basic Jewels and Petal Pink Metallic-Edge Ribbon, both so very pretty.
3 x 3 Mini
Small images and die cuts lend themselves well to small cards. In this 3″ x 3″ card, I heat embossed the feather stamp image in black powder before die cutting. I am a fan of sponging, so ink was liberally applied by sponge to all the features of this card in corresponding colors. Sponging really changes the finished look, so make sure you try it!
My bricks were created using the Brick and Mortar Embossing Folder in Cajun Craze. The antique copper embellishment is one of 3 colors offered in the adhesive backed Designer Elements pack. And the sentiment is found in the stamp set Itty Bitty Greetings, one of 32 optional phrases.
Share the Positivity
Putting positive thoughts, actions and tangible items into the world helps to make it a better place to be. Giving someone a card that lets them know you care is one of the best ways to accomplish this. Cardmakers know there is a lot of love in the details.
If you need any of the items featured in my projects to help you create positively, please visit my online store, https://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net. For more inspiration, check out my additional post regarding the Coordination Product Release. Most importantly, share the positivity today!
Today, I am highlighting the Happy Birthday to You Stamp Set, FREE during Sale-A-Bration with a $50 order, and the Coordination Product Release, Birthday Dies. The coordinating dies are only available while supplies last.
This particular stamp set features a tiered cake decorated with flowers, complete with fancy cake pedestal. The sentiments cover solid reasons to eat cake: “Happy Birthday” and “celebrate”. Additionally, the phrase “To You” is included, and a stamp that could be used as sprinkles, confetti, or a shading accent.
Happy Birthday To You, #152308, 5 cling stamps
Birthday Fun Fact #1: The most celebrated date of birth in the world is Christmas Day!
Birthday Dies
The Coordination Product Release of the Birthday Dies makes cutting cake super easy! With the assist of your die cutting machine, you will have nice images of the cake on its stand, and separately, the trio of decorative flowers. An additional, larger cake stand as well as delicate leaves and sprigs complete the set.
Birthday Dies, #153590, 5 dies
Birthday Fun Fact #2: When your age and date of birth are the same, this is known as your “Golden Birthday.
Cards Created
I combined the stamp set and dies to make 3 uniquely different cards. Here are pictures of each with a little detail in the design process.
More Cake, Please
I love chocolate cake. And the more chocolate cake, the better. In this card, I expanded the cake to make it taller by stamping and die cutting 2 cakes and attaching an extra layer to the bottom. Each cake is made with Soft Suede paper and ink, and sponged to deepen the rich brown color.
Bring out the special cake stand for this beautiful baked goodness! I die cut the stand using Gold Foil Sheets. Stampin’ Up! sells foil sheets in black, champagne, copper and silver also. By removing the stamped cake stand with scissors, the die cut stand fits perfectly.
We eat with our eyes. This cake is made more appetizing with gorgeous floral decorations. I stamped the flowers on watercolor paper and heat embossed with white powder before aqua-painting in blue, green and yellow. In addition, the die cut leaves in Pear Pizzazz and sprigs in Daffodil Delight create volume.
Birthday Fun Fact#3: “Birthday Paradox” is the likelihood that out of 23 people, there is a 50/50 chance that two of them will have the same birthday.
Sepia Birthday Card
This elegant tonal card says “happy birthday”. But you could easily use the “celebrate” sentiment for a wedding or bridal shower card. Furthermore, by using only 2 colors (Very Vanilla and Soft Suede) the palette remains neutral and refined.
I stamped the cake on watercolor paper and heat embossed with white powder. After I die cut the image, the entire piece was aqua-painted in Soft Suede. A higher ink concentration for the cake deepened the color.
Sometimes, cards need a little lift. Stampin’ Up has numerous embossing folders to choose from to create texture. Here, I chose the Subtle 3D Embossing Folder and the Heirloom Frames Embossing Folder. Lastly, I attached the die cut cake and fussy cut sentiment with dimensionals for added stature.
Birthday Fun Fact#4: The month with the most birthday celebrations all over the world is…August. Runners up include calendar neighbors, July and September.
3 x 3 Mini
This little note card is dairy free, gluten free, calorie free and cake free. It is simply the die cut flowers! I stamped the image in memento ink and colored with a variety of Stampin’ Blends. The dies make it so easy to take the cake off the menu.
My mini card has spring color accents from Pear Pizzazz and So Saffron cardstock. I added elegance with a few adhesive pearls. The stamped sentiment “for you” comes from the set ‘Itty Bitty Greetings’, a perfect compliment to this teeny tiny card.
Birthday Fun Fact#5: More than 2 billion birthday cards are sent every year.
Get Your Cake Now
Say it with cake! With so many birthdays and celebrations taking place, this stamp set and the coordinating dies are a must have in your collection. You will be able to easily create wow projects in no time with this dynamic duo.
Contact me to discuss how you can earn these featured products for free. Or visit my online store, https://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net, to view additional cake making card supplies today. Someone you know is probably having a birthday soon, wouldn’t they love a homemade card?
The Coordination Product Release from Stampin’ Up! has officially begun. There are 6 new exclusive items that coordinate with products from Sale-A-Bration and the January-June Mini Catalog.
The exciting news: awesome products that make your projects stand out! The scary news: available only while supplies last, and may sell out quickly.
Today, I am highlighting the Little Ladybug Stamp Set, free to hosts with a $300 party during Sale-A-Bration, and the coordination release, Ladybugs Dies. This special stamp set is super adorable, with 4 images of cartoonish and colorable ladybugs, as well as a large flower, a line of 4 mini bugs and 7 sayings.
Little Ladybug, #152384, 13 cling stamps
Sentiment Stamps
Sentiments are important. When you purchase a stamp set that has cute images, you will always have cute. If you buy one that has great greetings or sayings, you hit the jackpot. Sentiments can be used in a variety of ways, not limited to their particular set. Let’s break these sayings down:
Basic Sentiments
Thinking of you. This is a great basic. I am thinking of you because…you are sick and I want you to be well. Miss you a lot. Things are tough for you and I care. So proud of you.
Thank you. Another essential basic. There are so many things to be thankful for, and a card is a great way to express it. Thank you for…my gift, your thoughtfulness, lending me comfort in my time of need, your much needed help.
Happy Birthday. This is probably the most used sentiment on the most commonly given card. It says it all: it’s your birthday! No need to expand on that.
Supplemental Sentiments
Spread your wings and fly. Here we go outside the box a little. This could be used for… congrats graduate. Happy promotion. Good luck on that move. I believe in you, encouragement.
You’re so sweet. This one goes in conjunction with a thank you card. It also works great for Valentine’s Day, Sweetheart’s Day, or to say “I love you.” Imagine it next to an image of candy or baked goods….mmmm chocolate.
You’re cute as a bug. Without doubt, this works great with the ladybugs, or any bugs. Consider it to welcome a new baby to the world, or perhaps a child’s birthday card. It could be used on Valentine’s cards also.
Hey lady! An opening for hello. How are you doing? What is happening? Just thinking of you. And again, perfect for ladybug cards.
Ladybugs Dies
Newly released, Ladybugs Dies, are the must have go with for this stamp set. Dies (used with your die cutting machine) will allow you to cut out your stamped image quickly, without the use of scissors. The dies included in this set work for each individual ladybug, the large flower and additional parts as well.
Ladybugs Dies, #153588, 15 dies
Ladybug Cards
I combined the stamp set and dies to make 3 uniquely different cards. Here are pictures of each with a little detail in the design process.
Lady In Pink
I featured the colors Flirty Flamingo and Poppy Parade for this card. Texture was added with the embossing folder, Beads and Baubles, on Whisper White cardstock. The plaid designer series paper is from the 6 x 6 stack in the Brights collection.
I stamped the flower and ladybug in Memento ink and colored them with Stampin’ Blends markers. After I die cut the images, I added them to the card with dimensionals to help them pop.
Gorgeous Grape Posy
This card is done in Gorgeous Grape, Basic Black and Whisper White. In addition to the Ladybugs Dies for the flower, I used the Stitched So Sweetly Dies for the rectangular shape.
Once again, the designer series paper is from the 6 x 6 stack in the Brights collection. This paper performs as a layering piece and as the flower petal heat embossed in black before die cutting. I have been longing to use the Tricolor Ribbon in purple, and this card features it seamlessly.
3 x 3 Mini Card
Little ladybugs + tiny card = great big fun! They say good things come in small packages. Did you know Stampin’ Up! sells 3″ x 3″ envelopes? This card will fit right in and make a sweet note.
I stamped the ladybugs in Memento ink and colored with Stampin’ Blends markers. The flowers were made using the Ladybugs Dies with Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie cardstock. The leaves and stem assembly from the dies are done in Garden Green.
This time I chose the embossing folder, Hammered Metal, for texture. This sentiment is from the stamp set Itty Bitty Greetings (so fitting!) and formed with the Classic Label Punch.
Don’t Miss Out
In conclusion, the Little Ladybug Stamp Set and coordinating product, Ladybug Dies, have lots to offer. Save these card images to Pinterest or share on Facebook. And don’t hesitate, make sure you purchase the necessary products to replicate my featured projects by shopping my online store https://www.juliemakson.stampinup.net, today.
