Did you know that October 3rd is World Card Making Day? Whether you stamp at home or gather with some friends in person or online, World Card Making Day is a great excuse and incentive to take the time to create and send cards.
Who do you know that could use the joy of a handmade card? Everyone needs to hear that they’re important to someone, and sending a card is a simple and powerful way to show the people in your life that they matter to you!
You could make it a day of service by creating cards for a specific charity, create cards to share your gratitude, get a jump on your Christmas cards, or create cards for any occasion.
So what are you waiting for? Make a card, then make some more. You are in great company today!
If you shop with me this month (thank you ever so much!) and spend under $149.99 (before shipping and tax), please use the current host code for October: XMWAGSGY If your order totals over $150.00, do not use the host code above, you will earn Stampin’ Rewards for free products. Check out my blog for the Mainely Stamping Merits Program to earn your way to a free stamp set from me!
P.S. Don’t forget the important step of mailing your cards so the joy you created can shine on those you love!
Have you seen all of the slimline cards popping up everywhere lately? In fact, I tried the slimline card fad during my last “Monday’s Are Hard, Stamping Shouldn’t Be” Series (which you can see here in case you missed it. P.S., adorable zebra alert!).
And I have to admit, it was kind of cool. Different and unique.
Size Matters
You may be wondering “why the sudden demand for an odd size card?”. Card makers typically cut a full sheet of 8-1/2 x 11″ piece of cardstock in half and make two A2 card bases.
The A2 card measures 4-1/4 x 5-1/2″ when folded and closed.
Suddenly, we are cutting our cardstock a little differently. Now, instead of cutting it in half, we are chopping off a 4″ piece from the 11″ length and folding the remaining cardstock in half. This gives us a closed slimline card base measuring 3-1/2 x 8-1/2″.
The slimline card base, taken from an 8-1/2 x 11″ piece of cardstock will leave a remnant of 4 x 8-1/2″.
Weird? Or genus?
The Great Appeal
Perhaps the great appeal over slimline cards is that they are unique. After all, as card makers we are choosing to be different. Before I started making my own cards, giving someone a store bought card that someone else had picked out too made my card seem…very ordinary.
The size of a slimline card is unexpected. The stature is tall, stately and elegant. Because a slimline card is so long, it appears more valuable. And lets face it, because they are relatively new to the card making scene, they are novel as well.
Slimline Challenges
You would think cutting cardstock and decorating it to create a card should be easy, no matter the card base size. Slimline cards come with their own difficulties just the same.
First, you have to get over the fact that one sheet of 8-1/2 x 11″ cardstock will not yield you 2 card bases. And getting value out of Designer Series Paper that comes in sizes 6 x 6″ or 12 x 12″ is hard too. Of course it can be done! But the frugal crafter in me struggles with this a bit.
Then, there is design and spacing to address. With the narrowness of the slimline card, many stamps and dies may not actually fit well.
And when it comes to dry embossing on paper, embossing folders will run short. Most embossing folders are @4 x 6″ or 6 x 6″ in size. The cardstock shown here is 3-1/4 x 8-1/4″, cut to fit as the first layer over the slimline card base.
When has a challenge or two ever stopped a determined card maker? There are ways and work-arounds in the diverse world of crafting! And getting creative is really what it is all about, anyway.
I find the slimline cards perfect for the small to medium size stamps and dies. My first few slimline card attempts all used the same card layout, involving 3 evenly spaced rectangles. By starting with this design, I was able to focus on each section individually. I did not get overwhelmed with the large blank canvas the slimline card provides.
The dimensions, or basic card recipe, for this slimline card is listed here. This card features the Basket Of Blooms Stamp Set.
The Envelope, Please
Is it weird that one of my favorite things about the slimline card style is that it fits into a business size envelope?
The Peel & Seel envelopes do not self-seal in humidity, and don’t require any licking for sticking!
There are so many envelope sizes available, and of course I want one that fits my homemade card well. Not too big that my card is swimming, and not too small that the card barely fits inside.
You may make your own envelopes if you want the perfect size. My personal idea of bliss is opening my office supply drawer and pulling out a business size envelope and calling it a day. These types of envelopes are so easy to come by. I love that.
My Slimline Card Journey Continues
I have just gotten started in my dive into slimline cards. Next, I plan to involve the entire card front in one cohesive design, without breaking up the scheme. And the process of something new and exciting is a pleasing one.
Do slimline cards excite you, too? If you haven’t tried it yet, I encourage you to get crafty. My online store is always open if you need some supplies to help you with your creativity adventure.
Make sure you come back to see me, and find out what I have been up to as I continue to explore slimline cards, and more!
If you are a card maker, you have probably C.A.S.E’d a card or two, maybe without even knowing it! The initials stand for “Copy And Share Everything”. It is the “copy cat” of copying.
All card makers enjoy looking at each other’s work. I have spent many hours on Pinterest myself. If you have a particular stamp set or theme and need ideas on using it, there are plenty out there!
How To C.A.S.E.
C.A.S.E.-ing is simple. First, find a card you love. Next, re-create it, just like it is pictured. I find great card samples in the Stampin’ Up! catalog, on Pinterest or on someone’s FaceBook page or blog.
It is highly encouraged to C.A.S.E.. Many card artists who design cards are flattered when someone “copies” their work. It is a sign of a great card if other card makers want to make it too.
The “Do Not” of C.A.S.E.-Ing
The number one “do not” when C.A.S.E-ing a card is to claim that you are the original designer of the card. While C.A.S.E-ing is encouraged, it is also recommended that you give credit to the person who created it.
Cards and card designs are not copyrighted. It really can be difficult to track down the original source, especially if a particular card has been C.A.S.E’d over and over. If you are not sure where the design originated, give credit from the last known source.
Copy And Slightly Edit
The initials C.A.S.E. can also be construed as “Copy And Slightly Edit” as well. This analogy is also very common. How many times have you looked at a card design and thought to yourself, “I would change this or that”?
When you slightly edit, you are taking the original design and changing a thing or two. Perhaps you are rearranging the lay-out just a bit. Maybe you are adding something extra in. The changes for a slight edit are minimal, and the original design is evident.
Fine Lines
There can be a fine line between slightly editing and making your own design with forethought in mind of a previous card you have seen. It is up to you to decide if you should claim the card as your own design, or say you were “inspired by” the original card creator.
There are a lot of cards out in the world. A lot. And even if you are creating your own designs, chances are that someone, somewhere, has a similar card as well, without any C.A.S.E-ing happening. After all, great minds really do think alike!
Why does someone who has the creativity to design cards C.A.S.E. them? The answer is two-fold:
TIME
It can take a lot of time to come up with an original idea. When I design a card, I can spend hours on just one! I play with parts and pieces and colors, setting aside things that don’t work and trying more ideas. If I am commissioned to make a card for someone, I am typically pressed for a timely delivery.
DESIGNER BLOCK
Ever heard of writer’s block? Card design can get blocked too. Sometimes I need lay-out inspiration, or visuals on how certain stamps were used by others. There are times when I want the quick answer on how intricate parts assemble, without having to figure it out on my own.
Card CASE 1
Julie Makson, The Maine Stamper, Images Stampin’ Up!
This card was cased from Jeanie Stark. I made quite a few changes, but loved her original design.
Jeanie Start, Images Stampin’ Up!
Card CASE 2
Julie Makson, The Maine Stamper, Images Stampin’ Up!.
When looking for inspiration for a 90th birthday card, I found it in Sandy Mathis’ card. Again, I changed many things, but the overall design is similar.
Sandy Mathis, Images Stampin’ Up!.
What Will You C.A.S.E.?
There is no shame is C.A.S.E-ing. Often times, using other card ideas as starting points for creativity is best. Your card may inspire someone else!
Card making and clothes shopping have this in common: You see something on the rack at the store (or a card on Pinterest) and you take it home (or go to your craft room) and add different accessories or clothing pieces (or different embellishments or card making supplies) and create your own look. You may be inspired by what you see, and make it your own!
So, shop and C.A.S.E. away! If you need stamping supplies, my online store is always open, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net/. Be sure to follow my blog for easy Monday card recipes, and sign up for my email to get additional tutorials. I also love to inspire you!
How many pairs of scissors does it take to make your craft room complete? Punchline answer not available, crafty people take this very seriously! After taking on this subject, I did a quick count, myself.
For most of you, the answer will vary. This may depend on how many you actually own and use. Or find. But your answer should be a resounding “more than 1!”. I can check-mark that box for sure.
As cardmakers and papercrafters, we require good scissors. Our scissors have to be a proper fit for our hands. Our scissors have to work well for the intended use.
This tool should be flashy enough to us so it does not get buried in the mountain of paper we work with. Maybe come with a tracking device, for those times they get lost. After all, I can dream, right?
We need them in a variety of ways for so many purposes. And I am not talking about clipping coupons, opening chips or trimming hair. Those ordinary scissors are for less important work.
Good Paper Scissors
Do you have a pair of scissors that you consider your “Sunday Best”, that are tucked away for special use? Is there a work-horse pair that clomp around your crafty area and do any job you ask?
If you have more than 1 pair of scissors, you have probably designated each pair’s use. And, I say, for good reason! My scissors are different sizes and perform different jobs as well.
I can proclaim, hands down, my Paper Snips from Stampin’ Up! are the best pair of scissors I own. (You can buy a pair in my online store!) They are in excellent company; I don’t want to discredit my others scissors.
But my Paper Snips do so much for me, and I use them the most. Here are the top three uses for my Paper Snips:
1. Fussy Cutting
My Paper Snips are super sharp. I find that the little blades make quick work of fussy cutting (to see the card I was fussy cutting this image for, click here). I can get into very detailed areas if needed. My Paper Snips are small enough to swing direction easily, and this makes them priceless to me.
2. Flagging Ends
I get a lot of use from my Paper Snips by simply creating flagged ends of cardstock. The flagging technique is fun and decorative, an easy design enhancement for any card.
I start from one corner and snip to the middle at a straight angle. Next, I repeat on the other side. Others trim straight up the middle first, then cut toward it from each outer corner. You should experiment at home, practice makes perfect.
3. General Trimming
As a papercrafter, I am frugal with my scraps. I keep the left-over papers neat and organized for their next possible use. My Paper Snips come in handy to trim neatly and efficiently around messy edges. This helps me avoid paper mash-up as intricate edges collide. No paper jams for me, thank you very much.
4. And More
Okay, I realize I said I was sharing my top 3 reasons, but there are more things to do with Paper Snips. I have used them as tweezers for embellishment placement. They come in handy to peel backing off sticky tape. And they pick and poke jammed bits of paper out of punches very nicely. I am sure you have even more great uses to share with me!
Paper Scissors & Ribbon Scissors
There is a decree that paper scissors are only to be used on paper, and ribbon scissors are only to be used on ribbon. At least in my craft room.
My ribbon scissors live in a glass jar, far away from the common crafting area, on an elevated perch. They survey the craft kingdom and make special appearances as necessary. I do not allow anyone to use my ribbon scissors for anything but ribbon cutting.
Are you new to types of scissors in the craft room and confused by this? The answer to “why?” is simple. Paper dulls scissors quickly. As a result, dull scissors do a terrible hack job on cutting ribbon. Lastly, ribbon gets wasted, crafters get angry. It is better to have a designated pair of scissors just for ribbon only.
Decorative Scissors
Scissors are also decorative. I own a set (or two) that cut fun edges in designed patterns. These kinds of scissors are great if you don’t have punches, or dies and a die cutting machine.
Not only are my scissors used to make decorative cuts, they are also decorative in nature. I have assembled them in a ceramic mug. This puts the fun in fun-ctional. They are pretty to look at, like a bouquet of flowers, and that makes me happy.
Scissors With A Purpose
Anyone remember the Fringe Scissors? Stampin’ Up! retired theirs in 2017. I have put them to work to make grassy landscapes and fringe (as the name implies). The trick to using them is to know when to stop. If you cut too far into your paper, the result is confetti strands!
Rules And Regulations Of Scissors
Your first thought on scissor rules may be “walk with the pointy side facing down” or “don’t run with scissors”. I am thinking of scissor safety too: keeping my craft room scissors safe from theft and abuse.
The consensus on keeping scissors is: the more the better. Also, I discovered it is common practice (for many) to keep scissors in every room, in order to keep the craft room scissors safe. These decoy scissors are working hard daily, taking on those ordinary tasks like I mentioned above.
And to answer the question at the beginning of this post, my craft room is complete with 12 pairs of scissors, plus an exacto-knife. Do a quick inventory yourself, and let me know what vast number you come up with!
The Retirement List, sounds lovely doesn’t it? The words evoke desirable activities you would like to do when you retire. You know, like sleep in, play with the grandkids, craft more…
The On To Adventure Stamp Set, item #149334, is retiring after one season.
Except this Retirement List by Stampin’ Up! is not usually lovely. This is a parting of ways that many lament sadly. A long winded documentation of products that will no longer be offered for sale, with an urgency to purchase before they are sold out!
When someone retires from their job or career, there is usually a grand celebration to mark all of the wonderful deeds that person has accomplished. It is a great opportunity for a walk down memory lane, to express wistful emotions of “you will be missed”.
So in honor of the current Stampin’ Up!’ Retirement List, I am hosting a party to celebrate my Top 10 You Will Be Missed items. Afterward, I need to stock up before they are gone…
Top 10 You Will Be Missed
1. Glimmer Paper
Gold Glimmer Paper, item # 146958. Not pictured, Rose, item # 146959, Silver, item #146960 and Sparkle, item #146957. Soon the glimmer will be gone.
Along with the Gold Glimmer Paper, Silver, Rose and Sparkle (white) are also on the retirement list! This paper provides glitz and glam, even when used in tiny increments on cards and projects. If you are a fan of shiny and flashy, you will want to stock up on any or all of this glimmer fabulousness! We will not see its like in the next catalog.
2. Metallic Brads
Metallic Brads, item # 146929, are retiring and leaving us brad-less with sad-ness.
I have been a fan of brads for a very long time. An original style of embellishment, they were once available in lots of colors, shapes and sizes. With a quick piercing of paper, these things are held fast by the pliable arms. No adhesive backing that can come unglued!
For a short time, Stampin’ Up! removed brads from their lineup. When brads came back to the catalog, brad lovers rejoiced. Now, it seems like the party is over. No more brads…so if you want any, this is your last chance opportunity!
3. Whisper White Solid Baker’s Twine
Whisper White Solid Baker’s Twine, item #124262 will not be featured in the new Annual Catalog.
This is a craft room staple: solid white twine. The description in the catalog reads “perfect for tags, trimming and tying”. Baker’s twine is a simple and easy to use addition on cards and projects. The color white goes with everything. Sure, there are always lots of colors, widths and material makes of ribbon in the Stampin’ Up! catalog, but nothing like baker’s twine. It’s hard to believe this one made the retirement list, I can’t imagine my card making world without this handy item.
4. Black Embossing Powder And More
Black Embossing Powder, item # 146956, as well as Copper, item #141636 and Dazzling Diamonds Stampin’ Glitter, item #133751 will be embossed no more.
Heat embossing turns stamped images into glossy raised images. Homemade cards are all about layers, textures, embellishments and the like. This is not the first time Black Embossing powder made the retirement list, but it made a much needed come-back.
I am sad to see it leave again, as this powder brings a great boldness to cards. I am also not ready to stop using Copper, the earthy metallic, or give up use of the incredible shimmer of Dazzling Diamonds. Add more to your stash while you still can!
5. Embossing Buddy
The Embossing Buddy, item #103083 is a physical product, not your stamping friend, Jane.
Hand in hand with heat embossing is the use of the Embossing Buddy. I always reach for this simple tool before I add Versamark Ink to my paper and sprinkle with my favorite embossing powder. A quick swipe of this puffy powdery pillow keeps the embossing powder from sticking in the wrong places and creating splotchy heat embossed images.
In fact, I have 2 of these marvelous products, and would not give up either. This inexpensive, useful item is a must have if you are heat embossing. I see a lot of unhappy future embossers once this product is sold out.
6. Stampin’ Pierce Mat
The Stampin’ Pierce Mat, item #126199 is among the retiring.
This foamy, springy mat is useful in a variety of ways. As the name indicates, it can be used for piercing. Pop your cardstock on top, pierce a hole and add a brad. This is also great to protect your surface when using a piercing template to create a pattern of tiny holes on your project.
If you are having a hard time getting a stamp to leave a perfect image, place your paper on this mat and stamp away. The soft surface provides even pressure for ink coverage. Perhaps the loss of this product is justified with the expensive Stamparatus tool, but if you are just starting out or looking for a quick helper, this one is key!
7. Stampin’ Blends Singles
Stampin” Blends are available in Light, Dark or Combo Packs. In the new catalog, they will only be sold as a Combo Pack, not individually.
I love my Stampin’ Blends! These artist-quality, color blending markers are fantastic to use. When Stampin’ Up! first released them, it was wonderful to have the ability to buy just a light or a dark single Blend. This also makes it easy to purchase replacements without having to buy a combo pack.
Fast forward…Stampin’ Up! reviews how the Blends have been purchased over the past couple of years. They see that most people purchase the Combo Pack. They decide that this is how they should sell them. Unfortunately for us, we haven’t gotten to the point where we need to replace just one yet. Now, going forward, we will not have that option.
8. Washi Tape
Follow Your Art Washi Tape, item #149490 and Pressed Petals Specialty Washi Tape (not pictured) item #149585 are being washed from the catalog.
Washi Tape, love it or hate it? This is another one of those quick to add embellishments, just rip and stick. It is easily re-positioned too. Washi was once available in a multitude of colors and patterns. I would know, I have them all, and they make a fabulous display in my craft room. Decorative and functional.
Not to mention, washi tape is so useful to hold your metal dies over a stamped image while sending it thru the die cutting machine. There are techniques for washi tape projects galore, making washi very versatile. And soon, no longer offered by Stampin’ Up!.
9. Half Wide Stamp Cases
Half Wide Stamp Cases, item #127552 will no longer be available.
Perhaps not the most glamorous of product offerings, but a workhorse indeed, is the Half Wide Stamp Case. Let us review why this product originated: Once upon a time, Stampin’ Up! offered wood mount stamp sets in plastic clam-shell casing. Some of these wood block sets were smaller or singular stamps and their housing reflected this size.
As crafters were moving away from clam-shell cases to the newer upright and stackable cases, wooden stamp sets were shifted into happier homes. Stampers also realized that 5 ink refills fit into a single Half Wide Case perfectly (this is how I store mine), as well as this case’s use in securely containing other crafty goodies.
The larger Full Wide Stamp Case, item #127551, and the Standard (DVD size) Stamp Case, item #119105 will remain available.
10. Circle Punches
The 1″ Circle Punch, item #119868, and the 1/2″ Circle Punch (not pictured), item #119869 will be punched away.
Can you cut a perfect circle using your scissors? Do you need a small circle, but don’t want to get out your dies and run the paper thru your die cutting machine? This job calls for a punch, and I love my punches!
I am sad to see punches retire. It is understandable that builder punches with elaborate and specific shapes would retire with a coordinating stamp set. But seriously, basic shapes and sizes, like the circle punches and scallop circle punches, should never leave. They are always useful. And they will be missed.
Sorry, Not Sorry!
One Thing I Will NOT Miss
Snail Adhesive, item #104332 and the Refill, item #104331 will be leaving its (not so) sticky residue behind.
If you have been following me or watching my card making videos, you may have noticed that I am a “green glue girl”. I always use Tombow Multi Purpose Liquid Glue, in the white and green bottle. The glue is not green, by the way, it’s nickname ‘green glue” comes from the color of the bottle endcaps.
I find that Snail Adhesive, whether it is Stampin’ Up! product or a tape runner from any other store, does not permanently hold paper together (as the fine print falsely claims). Maybe a year or two, or more, but not forever. I have older projects in a shamble of pieces that prove that theory, and friends who say the same of theirs.
Now, the ease of use of a tape runner is glorious. And you aren’t as likely to have sticky fingers using a tape runner. But when you want all the hard work you put into your project to stay connected, liquid glue is the answer.
In the upcoming Annual 2020-2021 Catalog, we will have the ability to try a new kind of tape runner, one that hasn’t been seen before. I am anxious to try it, and will be happy to report on my experimentation. Until then, this green glue girl is very happy that the Tombow Glue is sticking around. Now, if it only came in larger bottles…
Before It’s Too Late!
Make sure you check out the complete list of retiring products, as can be seen in pdf format via my April Calendar Page. Or for visual as well as up to date availability, head to my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net. From the homepage, choose “Shop Now” in the upper right, then “Last Chance Products” on the left of the next screen.
Keep in mind that retiring products may sell out before the expiration date of June 2, 2020. Inks, papers and embellishments, as consumable products, as well as tools, including punches and dies, will go quickly. Stamp sets are made to order, and are guaranteed until May 22 2020.
As a bonus, many of the retiring items are on sale, between 20-85% off. With this kind of savings, it is easy to get those items you not only need, but really want. Happy (Retirement) Shopping!
