Cardmaker Collective Club: March 2023

March 4, 2023

Featuring The Irresistible Blooms Bundle

Get ready for another month of beautiful cards…with my Cardmaker Collective Club for March 2023! The March Club Kit features the Irresistible Blooms Bundle. Here is what you will receive in your March Club Kit:

Card kits (8 total, 2 each of 4 different designs, see sneak peek above!).
Cardmaking supplies (the consumable type, valued at @$22, so use them up!).
Private video assembly tutorials and PDF card recipes (so easy to put together!)
Opportunity to purchase the featured bundle at 16% savings (save money, ask me how!)

March Stampin’ Up! Consumable Products

Your consumable items include:

A half pack of the Hello, Irresistible DSP
Full bolt of White Frayed Ribbon
Full pack of Opal Rounds
@2.5 yards of Simply Elegant Trim

Order The Featured Bundle & Save

Since I will not be stamping for you using the Irresistible Blooms Stamp Set, or
die cutting for you with the Irresistible Blooms Dies, you may want your
own set! (Of course, these cards will look amazing using whatever stamps, dies
or punches you have on hand too.)

After you sign up for the March Club Kit, I will contact you to see if you
would like the featured bundle at the catalog price (that is @16% savings, I
am paying tax and shipping!). You just need to let me know if you would like to
add this item to your March Club Kit and you will receive a separate invoice for the Irresistible Blooms Bundle.

Don’t Delay On The March Kit

The deadline to start your subscription to the Cardmaker Collective Club and get the March Club Kit is March 15, 2023. If you sign up after March 15th, you will be receiving the April Club Kit.

This is an auto-renew club, your card will be charged every month on or around the same date that you first sign up. But, you have the option to cancel you membership at any time. Try it once, or keep receiving the kits!

If you continue to receive kits monthly, after 6 consecutive kits, I am gifting you with a $25 reward certificate, good on any current merchandise in my online Stampin’ Up! store. That is your club benefit!

The Cardmaker Collective Club Kits

Here is what IS included (when applicable):

Cardbases for A2 size cards, 2 each of 4 designs for a total of 8 card kits
Envelopes for 8 cards
Embossed cardstock
Die cuts or punched pieces that are different from the featured bundle for the kit
Cardstock for you to use for die cutting or punching with the featured bundle
A half pack of designer series paper
A full bolt of ribbon
A full pack of embellishments
Private video tutorial
Emailed PDF recipe card and instructions
Optional bundle add on at 16% savings

Here is what is NOT Included:

Any stamping of images
White cardstock inserts (for the inside)
Any die cutting/punching that uses the featured bundle in the kit
Printed PDF directions

New Month, New Bundle, New Card Kit

Look for an announcement around the first of each month regarding a new card kit. Every month will feature a different bundle, different crafting supplies and different cards. Your consumable supplies will keep you crafting long after your 8 kit cards are completed.

And with sneak peeks of the featured bundle and card designs (via email and social media), there is no question of whether or not you will like the card kit being offered. The design is yours to make…join the Cardmaking Collective Club when the time is right for you!

Ready to get started today? Click the subscribe button and watch the mail for your March Card Kit (shipping @March 27).

Sweetest Ever Special Offer

February 13, 2023

Your Sweetest Ever Special Offer

During this week of Valentine’s Day and spreading “Love”, I am ready to offer you something extra sweet! As a papercrafter, I know all about the love of paper. And I have just the thing for you. Read on for all the great details!

Normally, I hold a weekly Card Class From ME, and focus on a particular Stampin’ Up! bundle to demonstrate with, while making 3 cards. Then, I send you card kits in the mail based on my online class, with a qualifying purchase in my online stamping store.

Special Week, Special Card, Special Offer

But, this week I am changing it all up! Instead of 3 cards, I only demonstrated 1 . Instead of just ordinary handmade A2 sized cards, I chose a fun fold card. Want to see my live demo for this Joy-Fold card? Click this link.

Along with my special Monday night class, featuring the Love Cats Stamp Set, I have a very special offer just for you during this week of love!

Designer Series Paper Stacks

My Sweetest Ever Special Offer involves designer series paper. And nobody does DSP better than Stampin’ Up!. Each paper pack has a great variety of double sided designs in colors that work well together. If you aren’t thrilled with a particular pattern, flip the paper over and try the other side!

With my Sweetest Ever Special Offer, you will receive a sampler pack made up of 24 6″ x 6″ sheets of Dandy Designs Sale-A-Bration DSP (normally you would spend $100 to get this entire paper pack of 48 12′ x 12″ sheets for free!).

You will also get a sampler pack of 24 6″ x 6″ sheets of Flowers & More Host DSP (normally you would spend $180 to get this entire paper pack of 48 12′ x 12″ sheets for free!).

Free Mystery Embellishment

And to sweeten this Sweetest Ever Special Offer, I am also sending you a Free Mystery Embellishment. Wondering what you will get? Maybe ribbon, or gems… or something completely different? Your extra freebie will be fancily packaged up and fill you with excitement to open your gift from me.

Get Your Sweetest Ever Special Offer Now

Wondering how you can get your FREE designer series paper and embellishment gift from me?

Just spend $50 (before shipping and tax) in my online stamping store between February 13 – 17, using Host Code THTFACP3 at checkout. Remember, this is a limited time offer, so don’t wait and miss out!

Get A Sale-A-Bration Freebie Too

And the cherry on the top of this Sweetest Ever Special Offer? Sale-A-Bration is still happening. When you spend $50 with me this week, you are getting 48 sheets of 6″ x 6″ designer series paper and a Free Mystery Embellishment from me, and also a Sale-A-Bration freebie from Stampin’ Up! (choose yours at checkout).

Start Shopping Now

With all these sweet offers right now, it is definitely time to shop. Be sure to make the most out of this limited time Sweetest Ever Special Offer by heading to my online stamping store now. I am looking forward to mailing you your designer series paper and mystery embellishment!

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.

How cute is this unique Paper Pumpkin Box? After you’ve completed your kit contents, keep it for storage purposes, or use it as a gift box. Paper Pumpkin Boxes measure @ 6-1/2″ wide x 10″ long x 1-3/4″ deep.

Top 3 Retiring Items To Not Miss

April 15, 2022

Annual Retiring Items List

Every year, we see the annual retiring list from Stampin’ Up!. There are always the expected retiring items like:

In Colors, by way of ink pads, ink refills, markers, blends and paper.

Designer Series Paper and other specialty papers, embellishments and the like.

Assorted stamps, dies, punches and embossing folders.

Limited Time and Quantity For Retiring Items

But, there are some surprises on the retiring items list too! And to make things worse, we only have a limited time to get these retiring items. Even more difficult for us is the quantity of what is left in stock.

The items slated for retirement are only available until May 2, or sold out. Sadly, I have to report that a lot of items are already “sold out”.

To add to the disappointment of not getting retiring items, Stampin’ Up! is not making stamp sets to order as they have in the past. Yup…you heard it, gone is gone. Forever.

My Top 3 Most Missed

So from that long retiring list, how did I come up with my Top 3 to not miss? It was easy! I chose items that do not have a comparable replacement in the new upcoming catalog.

Question: What does that mean?

Answer: You won’t find anything like this retiring item to take its place. If you don’t get it before it is gone, you won’t be able to buy anything similar that will take care of a papercrafting need.

Let’s take a look at my list now:

1. Deciduous Trees Dies

This came as a shock to me, but all of the deciduous looking tree dies are retiring. And the only tree dies left will be “pine trees”. There are 2 die sets on the extinction list: Inspiring Canopy Dies and the Beautiful Trees Dies. If you enjoy tree themed cards (great for masculine and sympathy cards!), get your dies while you still can.

*The matching Beauty of Friendship Stamp Set to the Beautiful Trees Dies is also retiring.

*The bundled Inspired Thoughts Stamp Set to the Inspiring Canopy Dies is not retiring, the stamp set will be back in the new catalog. The dies will not.

2. Playful Alphabet Dies

Once upon a time, Stampin’ Up! offered Large Alphabet Dies, that were roughly 2″ tall per letter. When they retired, along came the Playful Alphabet Dies, at a mere 3/4″ tall. These adorable dies made it easy to spell words on card fronts and scrapbook pages alike.

But, now the alphabet dies are going away. And there is no other die set that is going to replace them. If you are a fan of stamping individual letters, your needs will be met when the new catalog drops. If you prefer a perfect die cut, better get a set of letters while you still can!

See these cards and more in another blog post by *clicking here*.

3. White Stampin’ Chalk Marker

Even though it made my list, the White Stampin’ Chalk Marker is already sold out. I am still sad that is has left. This minimal cost but highly productive item was featured in my January Winter White Bootcamp on my Positive PaperCrafters FaceBook Page. (Join our community to view all the trainings from this free event!)

I loved adding in touches of white with this special marker. First, we lost the White Gel Pen, and now this. There is nothing of its kind to replace it in the new Stampin’ Up! catalog. If you have one (or two!), good for you, enjoy it for as long as you possibly can.

The Days Run Short…

Time is really running out to get items off the retiring list! As I mentioned earlier, the last day to shop for them is May 2. And, if they sell out first, you are stuck with higher prices on Ebay and secondary sellers, if you can find them at all.

So, don’t delay any longer. Take a look at what is left by shopping my online store. Under “Shop Now’ look for ‘Sales & Specials’, then ‘Last Chance Products’. You may even save up to 50% on essential craft supplies. This really is your “last chance”!