The Dahlia Days Stamp Set is perfect for you if you love flower stamps. The large dahlia featured in this set evokes summer days. I couldn’t wait to get some ink on it and try it out!
Now, mind you, it is March in Maine as I stamp and write this blog post. Snow and mud abound. There is nothing colorful in the outside world right now. But…I can dream. And stamp.
The Color of Dahlias
The first color that came to my mind for my Dahlia Days flower was orange. So, I knew this called for Pumpkin Pie Ink.
First, I used the largest die from the Layering Circles Dies, cutting one in Basic White Cardstock. Next, I stamped the dahlia image just off the edge of my circle. Then, I used second generation stamping to add another dahlia top and bottom of the first flower.
It is important to keep your Stamparatus magnets as far apart as possible so they do not collide and smash. This is the closest distance I would safely recommend.
Sentiments and Stamparatus
The Dahlia Days Stamp Set has some amazing sentiments. I chose the one that reads “you are beyond incredible”. I love the mix of fonts here!
In order to get a really dark stamped sentiment image, I knew I would need my Stamparatus. By using the Stamparatus, I could stamp my sentiment multiple times and have it line up perfectly each time. This means an extra dark sentiment, which is important as part of it covers my dahlia flower.
Supporting Colors
Because my dahlia was such a bright color, I did not want it to compete with a vivid card base. Instead, I chose Sahara Sand. This also works really well to showcase the white circle, drawing the eye instantly to my focal piece.
I adore the Designer Series Paper Assortments by Stampin’ Up! for instant color matching. The patterns vary just enough, but never boldly compete on a card front. For this Dahlia Days card, I chose the Neutrals Assortment for the Sahara Sand. And to add just a small pop of continuous color, a selection of Pumpkin Pie from the Regals Assortment.
Supporting Flowers
The Dahlia Days Stamp Set has more than just a dahlia stamp! I wanted to add some additional small flowers and leafy greens to my card. But it took my a few experiments with color to get these supporting flowers in just the right shade.
First, I tried Pale Papaya, and found it too light. Next, I tried Cinnamon Cider, but I felt the color contrast was not enough. Lastly, I tried Bumblebee…and it was a winner!
Fresh Cut Flowers
I love when there are matching dies to a stamp set. When you buy the Detailed Dahlias Dies and Dahlia Days Stamp Set as a bundle, you automatically save 10%. But the best part, really, is die cutting the stamped images.
And that is exactly what I did with my Bumblebee colored flowers and Old Olive stamped leaves. For this card, I chose to stamp and die cut 3 of the leaves and 2 of the flowers using my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. As an odd on, I chose the Turtle Builder Punch and some Early Espresso Cardstock to make tiny centers for my Bumblebee flowers.
My Dahlia Days Card
I just love how my Dahlia Days Card turned out. Even though the card base is neutral in color, the orange and yellow flowers really shine. I am excited to continue to explore other color options for the gorgeous dahlia stamp in this set.
If you are looking for any of the supplies that I used for this card, shop my online store at any time. I hope I have inspired you to stamp some beautiful dahlias. They will be sure to add a lot of joy, no matter what season you are in!
I was hoping that the Bright Baubles Stamp Set would come to the rescue. I struggled with great difficulty to create a card with this color combo: Pale Papaya, Merry Merlot, and So Saffron. On the color swatch book, these colors seem to blend quite nicely.
But, as I pulled out the papers and began to design, I just didn’t feel these colors clicking. Merry Merlot is a deep red-wine color, lending itself to Christmas. I wanted Pale Papaya and So Saffron to be gleaming, glowing bright baubles. In the end, I may have come up with the “ugly sweater” of Christmas cards! Let’s see how I got there…
Slimline Card
While I was creating an unusual color-combo Christmas card, I decided to also start with an unusual size card base, the slimline card. To see another slimline card in an unusual Christmas In Color, click here.
To begin, I cut my Basic White Thick Cardstock Base to measure 7 x 8-1/2″ with my Paper Trimmer. If your trimmer doesn’t have an extended arm for measurements, just cut 4″ off the 11″ length of an 8-1/2 x 11″ sheet of cardstock.
After your cardbase is cut to slimline size, score the 7″ width in half, at 3-1/2″. The Paper Trimmer has both a cutting blade (the darker gray color) and a scoring blade (the lighter gray color). Be sure not to confuse the two!
Bright Baubles Stamp Set
The Bright Baubles Stamp Set is an over the top larger than life Christmas ornament set, with 2 different shaped baubles. With a slimline card in mind, I wanted to use both images of the bright baubles. Because I intended to color my baubles in with Stampin’ Blends, I needed a dark Memento Black Ink outline.
Stamparatus to the rescue! Did you know that this amazing tool comes with a foam mat that is needed for photopolymer stamp sets, but removable for cling (red rubber) stamp sets? This is based on the thickness or height of the stamps themselves.
After 3-4 ink-ups and stamps using Memento Black Ink, I was able to get the dark outlines I wanted. I love using the Stamparatus when I know I will need to re-stamp an image. This tool makes it effortless to repeat stamp and not worry about lining up my stamp each time, exactly.
*** Use extreme caution keeping the 2 included magnets far away from each other. They may shatter if the strong magnetic pull attracts them together. Replacement magnets are sold separately.
Colorful Bright Baubles
These Bright Baubles are big images, which makes them fun to color. I say this as someone who doesn’t necessarily enjoy coloring. In keeping with my color theme of Pale Papaya, So Saffron and Merry Merlot, I pulled my Stampin’ Blends and got to work. To temper my color palette, I also added a touch of Pool Party and Soft Seafoam.
After I finished coloring in my bright bauble images with my Stampin’ Blends, I used the coordinating die set, Delicate Baubles Dies and my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine to die cut them. Notice that the white surrounding edge of my die cut bauble is larger on one side? My die shifted during the cutting process, so I simply trimmed it a bit with my Paper Snips.
Merry & Bright
In order to make my card more merry & bright, I relied on the sentiment stamp from the Bright Baubles Stamp Set. I love to create background paper by stamping a fully inked word image, followed by a stamped off image. And then I continued the process with Merry Merlot Ink… repeatedly!
After filling my paper with merry & bright wishes, I added some soft color with my Blending Brushes. I started with So Saffron Ink at the top. As I moved to the bottom, I switched brushes and color, to Pale Papaya Ink.
Colorful Cardstock
With my Basic White Thick Cardstock base, I don’t have to worry about adding an insert to the inside of my card. This also gives me more freedom to add layers to the card front without the worry of additional bulk. I began with a layer of Merry Merlot Cardstock, then added my Merry & Bright stamped and shaded paper over that.
Remember the dies I used to cut my bauble images? I die cut two more in Merry Merlot Cardstock to place behind each bauble. By placing them slightly offset, this creates a shadow for my baubles. I also added a piece of So Saffron Cardstock and Pale Papaya Cardstock behind each bauble as I assembled my card.
Beautiful Bright Baubles
Just like Christmas ornaments, ribbon and embellishments make them incredibly beautiful. I added a bow to the top of each bright bauble, using Pale Papaya Open Weave Ribbon and some Mini Glue Dots to adhere.
There are certainly lots of embellishments to chose from! After careful consideration, I chose the Artistry Blooms Adhesive Backed Sequins. These sequins come in a variety of colors, and the shiny faceted gleam of Calypso Coral, Coastal Cabana and Rich Razzleberry blended perfectly. I used my Take Your Pick Tool for easy application.
Ugly Christmas Card?
This card sat on my desk for almost a week, while I pondered its fate. I just wasn’t confident that I had used the color combo to the best of my ability. I worried that I had created…an “ugly sweater” Christmas card! Then, I decided that even if it wasn’t the most glamorous of cards, maybe someone would love it. Or at least laugh with me, as I determine that if there is a place for ugly Christmas sweaters, why not ugly Christmas cards?
During my 2021-2023 In Color tour, I have created many cards. To see another unusual Christmas card color combo, click here. And if I have inspired you to try your hand at a Bright Bauble Christmas card (ugly or pretty), be sure to pick up the Bright Baubles Bundle so that you save 10% automatically. My online store has everything you will need!
My In Color tour will come to a close with just one more card, so stop back in soon to see how this chapter ends…
Every year, with the new Annual Catalog, Stampin’ Up! releases a set of five new In Colors into the color family realm. Anticipation builds months before, as we wonder what colors will be available for the next two years.
I have the excitement of a child opening a new box of crayons to see what color draws my eye first. And this year did not disappoint! The new 2020-2022 In Colors are truly fantastic!
This year we gladly welcome the following 2020-2022 In Colors: Cinnamon Cider, a delicious warm brown, just as the name implies. Just Jade, a washed green that evokes sea glass. Bumblebee, a divine golden yellow. Magenta Madness, the brightest fuchsia pink you can imagine. And Misty Moonlight, a perfect blue jean blue.
Celebrate With The 2020-2022 In Colors!
I couldn’t wait to work with the new 2020-2022 In Colors, so with some cardstock and designer series paper in hand, I went to work on my first card creations to showcase these fantastic colors.
The new stamp set, Celebrate Sunflowers, and the coordinating Sunflower Dies, helped me to bring my design to life. I wanted to be sure to make at least one card base in every 2020-2022 In Color, while mixing in the remaining colors as well.
In Color Designer
The card recipe is simple and I repeated it 8 times, each with a different result by changing up the coordinating 2020-2022 In Colors used. Certain portions remained constant, however. You will note on each card the following details:
-The card base and 4 x 4″ (top) DSP are the same In Color.
-The bottom 1/2 x 4″ DSP is the same In Color used for the 3 1/4″ square framing the stamped sunflower, and the die cut sunflower.
While changing things up, there remains some continuity.
In Color Card Assembly
These fun 2020-2022 In Color Cards were so easy to make in a large batch. Once I knew what size pieces I wanted to use and how the card lay-out would be, it was just a matter of playing with color combinations in a dry fit style. Kind of like trying on new clothes and mixing them with other things in your wardrobe!
Playing with 2020-2022 In Color designs.
Thanks A Bunch, Stamparatus
There was not a lot of room to add an additional paper sentiment, so I found the words “Thanks a bunch” from the Celebrate Sunflowers Stamp Set the perfect fit to stamp directly onto the DSP.
I took advantage of my Stamparatus for the sentiment stamping, and it paid off big time! Because I needed to ink and stamp @4 times to get the words dark enough to be seen on the patterned paper, the Stamparatus lined up my stamp perfectly every time.
I lined up the DSP using the grid paper to mark the exact placement, held the DSP in place with the included magnet, and repeatedly inked and stamped my sentiment. Perfect stamping every time, and a breeze to change paper in between…just re-align the new paper on the grid marks!
This shows the Stamparatus in the closed position, with the stamp on the clear plate transferring ink to the designer series paper in exact position.Here the Stamparatus is open, with the clear plate holding the stamp off to the side. Notice I have the Memento Ink cover under the clear plate. This helps to hold the plate at a better angle while I re-ink my stamp. This sentiment is not dark enough yet, it needs a couple more applications of stamping.
In Color Sunflowers
The sunflowers are the main focus on my card (did you think the main focus was the new 2020-2022 In Colors, if so you are not wrong there, either!).
Because the new In Color Ink Pads were not available for pre-order (but coming soon: June 3, 2020), I stamped the sunflower using Memento Black Ink on a 3″ square of Whisper White Cardstock. Some of the petals overflow the paper. Notice the adorable petal bend in the stamped image, there is some depth created with it that I love!
To add the touch of In Color I desired, I die cut the sunflower image in 2020-2022 In Color cardstock variety.
After die cutting with my Big Shot, I used my Take Your Pick Die Brush and the foam pad to clean up the bits and pieces that were loose but needed help completely removing. There were a lot of confetti pieces of paper left behind!
Some of the die cut pieces fell out easily. Others needed a little help from the Take Your Pick Die Brush.Colorful paper bits are extra fun in the craft room! These could be saved for shaker cards or other projects as well.
In Color, Altogether
Once my card parts and pieces were trimmed, stamped and die cut, it was time to assemble. I simply adhered everything flat, and there are no embellishments on this card, so it is easily mailed.
The die cut sunflowers in the 2020-2022 In Colors do have a floating effect. The only place to adhere them to the card was in the center of each. This provides interest without added bulk.
The inside of my cards needed a little love. I like to add a white insert when using a color card base. Then I stamp a little something in the inner corner as well. For these cards, I used the smaller sunflower stamp and Memento Ink.
In Color Sunflowers, You Pick
These 2020-2022 In Color sunflower cards are as cheerful as real sunflowers. It is hard to pick just one as my favorite. Here are some comparisons of similar yet different results in my card making:
Both of these card bases feature Magenta Madness. The use of the additional 2020-2022 In Colors made them look so different from each other!These card bases are made with Cinnamon Cider. Again, alike and yet different with a change of colors to compliment!Here, I feature the In Color Bumblebee as the base. Yet one looks masculine and one looks feminine by changing accent colors.My last two cards are in Misty Moonlight and Just Jade. Of all the new 2020-2022 In Colors, the Misty Moonlight DSP was the most difficult to stamp a saying on for visibility purpose.
2020-2022 In Colors Coming Soon To You!
As I write this post and create these sample cards, it is almost time to be able to order from the new 2020-2021 Annual Catalog. On June 3, 2020, the new In Colors and papers (as well as the sunflower stamp set and coordinating dies) will be available in my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net. Be sure to shop early, items are predicted to back-order quickly.
If you are an In Color fan, or just really love this set of colors, consider joining my 2020-2022 Online In Color Club. As a member, you will build your 2020-2022 In Color supplies from July thru November, paying an easy installment monthly. Each month we will explore one of the In Colors in depth, as you receive your In Color products, as well as bonus gifts from me! For more info and to sign up, click here.
The best news regarding the fabulous new 2020-2022 In Colors is that we have the next 2 years to enjoy them. I hope my samples have inspired you to do just that!
You purchase craft supplies and are a customer. But are you a customer to a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator? Maybe you think “craft supplies are craft supplies”. Read on for my top 3 reasons to be a Stampin’ Up! customer.
Reason 1: Free, Half-Off, Clearance
Favorite words of any shopper, anywhere. Who doesn’t love a bargain? No need to wait for a holiday or crazy marketing event, Stampin’ Up! offers these types of purchases everyday!
The New Wonders Stamp Set, item #149426, is exclusively free to hosts, and one of many such offerings.
FREE ITEMS are offered with qualifying order(s) of $150, and as sales increase, so does the host’s percentage of rewards. Gather your friends and have a stampin’ party. Let those orders add up and you will be on your way to…
HALF-OFF! When your party totals $450, you get to pick one item for half-off. That is good news if you have your eye on an expensive…
BUNDLE. Stampin’ Up! Bundles are items sold together as a set or unit, instead of individually, and come with an automatic 10% savings. For everyone. Everyday…
Yes, everyday is a good day to check out the CLEARANCE RACK. Stampin’ Up! randomly adds new items at low prices. There are excellent bargains on ribbons, embellishments, paper and tools. You never know what you will find until you look… and save!
Reason 2: Something For Everyone
It doesn’t matter if you are a beginning stamper, casual stamper or stamping enthusiast, Stampin’ Up has something for everyone.
Beginners, Paper Pumpkin monthly subscription kit is perfect for you. It has all the stamps, ink, embellishments and pre-cut paper you need delivered straight to your mailbox. Not a fan of mystery boxes? Stampin’ Up! offers other all-inclusive kits with the contents cataloged so you know just what you are getting. Step-by-step directions with pictures help you to assemble with ease and gain confidence in your crafting skills.
The Notes of Kindness Card Kit, item #148266, is one of the all-inclusive sets available. This one makes 20 cards, and when the consumable supplies are gone, you can continue to create with the stamp set, clear block and ink.
Casual Stampers, go for the designer series paper! Stampin’ Up! makes it easy to mix and match their exclusive colors, so you don’t need to be a suave stylist to create beauty. Every pack of DSP, with its incredible art, lists the coordinating colors to use. Pair this with some simple embellishments and a few basic stamp sets, and you can make wow projects with minimal effort.
The Perennial Essence DSP, item #149100, is hand painted impressionistic imagery in rich colors, sized 12″x12″. You get a dozen sheets, 2 each of 6 double sided designs. DSP packages retire with each catalog, so are available for a limited time only.
Stamping Enthusiasts, you want it all (and rightly so!). Stampin’ Up! caters to your needs. There are endless coloring options, from blends and markers to watercolor pencils, shimmer paints and pigment sprinkles, not to mention applications of each. You can heat emboss, emboss with folders, die cut, and punch. Up your game with the Stamparatus, paper trimmer and scoring tool, your creations are works of art for sure!
The mighty Stamparatus, item #146276, is a tool created by stampers for stampers. It helps you perfectly align stamp images, create multiples quickly, and get exceptional ink coverage.
Reason 3: Support Small Business
When you purchase Stampin’ Up! products from your demonstrator, you are helping them to earn a living or make money in a side-hustle world. You are choosing a person over a big box store.
As you support me as your Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I will support you as well by:
Providing you with information on new releases and sales events, tips and techniques, and free tutorials. Sign up for my newsletter with your best email address today so you don’t miss out!
Giving you answers to your questions, insights on products, assistance in ordering, and correcting damaged product or exchanges.
Teaching you the how-to’s, letting you play with product at class (try before you buy!), encouraging creativity thru card exchange programs, offering online stamp club with additional benefits.
Sending you a home-made, reuseable thank you card for every order, gifting you with a free stamp set via my Mainely Stamping Merits Program, helping you to have the best stamping experience possible.
I hope my top 3 reasons to be a Stampin’ Up! customer has convinced you to become my personal Stampin’ Up! customer. Feel free to shop my online store (and clearance rack), https://juliemakson.stampinup.net, or send an email to juliem@themainestamper.com if you need additional assistance. As your Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I am here to help!
This year, February has an extra day in it (Happy Leap Year 2020!). That means one more day of winter. Days, in my state, that are typically gray and brown and drab. So then, what’s a crafty person to do with this time on their hands? Color your world a pretty place, with Stampin’ Up!’s Stampin’ Blends.
Stampin’ Blends were introduced in 2018. When they first became available, there were 12 different colors, each with a light and dark shade. Ivory, Bronze and the Color Lifter round out the collection. Fast forward to the 2019-2020 Annual Catalog, and you can purchase blends in 36 exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors.
Pink Pirrouhette is a retired color, so the blends in that tone are no longer available.
Using Stampin’ Blends
Everyone can get professional looking results when coloring your world with Stampin’ Blends. These alcohol markers feature dual tips that don’t fray. The brush end is for larger images and the fine tip is for details. With minimal effort, you will glide ink on with ease, creating effortless shading and great coverage. Instant Artist!
Step 1
Stamp your image in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink onto Whisper White Cardstock. To get the darkest image possible, use the Stamparatus to apply multiple layers of black ink without fear of lining up the stamp properly each time. Choose an image that has plenty of coloring opportunity for the most fun.
The Stamparatus is a great tool with tons of features.
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink (water based) must be used when coloring with Stampin’ Blends (alcohol based). Just keep in mind the old adage, “opposites attract”. If you were to use StazOn Ink (alcohol based) in error, the blends color would bleed into the black ink outline and create…mud. Yuck.
Step 2
Next, place your image to be colored on a protective surface or use scrap paper underneath. The blends are designed to saturate the paper with intense color. As a result, the ink will bleed thru the back in some areas.
Start coloring, using both the light and dark shades of a Stampin’ Blend color. It doesn’t matter which tone is chosen first, the outcome is the same. No matter how much color you apply, the alcohol ink will not pill up and ruin your paper. And, you can color right over the inner black ink image lines with no ill effect.
This oversized flower image from the stamp set, Band Together, was colored with Stampin’ Blends in So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie and Granny Apple Green.
I prefer to begin with the lighter blend and apply generous coverage, then add some shadowing with the dark blend, followed by another application of light to soften the lines. A circular or scribble motion will help blend your color edges together.
Step 3
Use the Color Lifter as desired to change the look of your Stampin’ Blends coloring. This step is optional but will give your design another color dimension.
The Color Lifter appears to be a white marker, due to the cap color. Actually, it’s more like an invisible ink. It can be used to soften colors, as the ink “lifts” some of the shading off the paper. The Color Lifter will clean up edges as well as create highlights on your image.
Additional Tips and Uses of Stampin’ Blends
The artistic results you receive when using the Stampin’ Blends are phenomenal, but they do more than color stamped images. You can also color ribbon, changing white or ivory into your chosen tone. Do the same with embellishments like rhinestones, pearls and buttons.
I colored the Whipser White Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon on the Silicone Craft Sheet. I cleaned the excess ink off the craft sheet with a baby wipe.
Stampin’ Blends have a rectangular barrel, so they won’t roll off the table like traditional markers. You should store the blends horizontally, so ink is readily available at either end of the marker. Stampin’ Up! offers stackable storage units for your blends to make organization easy.
One set of trays will hold 30 Stampin’ Blends.
The Stampin’ Blends end caps let you know at a glance what color ink lies inside. Replace the tight fitting caps immediately after using your blend to prevent the alcohol ink from drying out too quickly. The blends are not refillable, but since they are sold individually, it is easy to replace one if you need to.
Stampin’ Blends make coloring quick, easy and fun with spectacular results. For a quick reference guide to Stampin’ Blends, print or pin a copy of my Do’s and Don’t’s Cheat Sheet.
Take your projects from drab to fab by adding some of these rainbow making tools to your crafty stash today. Visit my online store, https://juliemakson.stampinup.net and start with your favorite colors. Let your collection of Stampin’ Blends grow, and color your world.
My finished card also uses the Detailed Bands Dies and the Brick and Mortar 3D Embossing Folder.
