Are you ready to color some Darling Donkeys with Stampin’ Blends, like I did for these adorable cards? The Darling Donkeys Stamp Set is a Sale-A-Bration freebie, and one not to be missed!
I love that one of the best times of the Stampin’ Up! year is here! It is time to Sale-A-Brate, and between now and February 28, 2021, your purchase of Stampin’ Up! products earn you a FREE item(s).
Question: What’s the big deal, you may think, everyone has the ability to earn free product any time of the year. What makes Sale-A-Bration special?
Answer: During Sale-A-Bration (or SAB), a minimum order of $50 earns you a free product from the select offerings. During the rest of the year, you would need an order totaling $150 before you earn something for FREE.
Quick and Easy Cards
I colored each donkey’s inner ears and muzzle with the Light Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blend.
My time is extra short right now, and I need to make quick and easy cards. With the Darling Donkeys Stamp Set and Stampin’ Blends, I was able to do just that, and made 3 different cards in under an hour.
First, I stamped the 3 donkeys from the Darling Donkey Stamp Set using Memento Black Ink on White Cardstock. If there were more images, I would have kept stamping, these donkeys are so cute!
I could have easily left the stamped images as plain rectangle shapes, but decided to die-cut them with the Stitched So Sweetly Dies instead. This adds another sweetness to the Darling Donkeys!
I used the second to the largest rectangle die for my cards.
Just Add Color, With Stampin’ Blends
On this card, I used Stampin’ Blends in Dark Calypso Coral and Light Old Olive for the flower and stem.
I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of coloring. I like to keep it simple. The Stampin’ Blends really brought out the artist in me for these Darling Donkeys. And I didn’t need every color in the spectrum to create these colorful donkeys.
Minimal supplies and minimal efforts is my motto when it comes to coloring.
I started coloring the outlines along the Darling Donkey stamped images with the Dark Smoky Slate Stampin’ Blend. Next, I blended in some Light Smoky Slate, leaving blank space in the middle of each donkey. I filled in that space with the Light Crumb Cake, and added more of this color to each donkey’s face. This creates lots of depth and highlights with little effort!
More Color Choices
As card-maker artists, color choice is important. But to be honest, I was in a hurry when I created these cards. So I based my color selection off of what was sitting on my desk at the time…the 2019-2021 In Color Designer Series Paper.
These colors are retiring in a few short months! Get yours before they are gone for good.
Sometimes laziness pays off, and these color choices worked great for my Darling Donkey Cards. From the 5 available colors in this collection, I chose Terra-Cotta Tile, Pretty Peacock and Seaside Spray. I thought the wood-grain style design worked best with my donkey cards.
These soon-to-be retired colors represented my card bases and the designer series paper. I also used like colored ink to add a little tone on tone stamping on my card base, as seen with the small asterisk or star or flower stamp (however you like to interoperate it!).
Creating Drama With Paper Scraps
My stamped and colored Darling Donkeys would look pretty plain without a fun background to kick around on. Stripes are super popular right now, and using paper scraps is not only economical, but fun!
I used a 3 x 4″ piece of Gray Granite Cardstock, and adhered 3/4″ strips of Crumb Cake and White Cardstock to it. I made sure that no matter which direction (horizontal or vertical) this piece worked for my card, that the stripes were horizontal in direction. Just personal choice, really.
When making the stripes for my card, I relied on small paper scraps on hand, stored separately in my craft room.
So Darling!
I hope that I have inspired you to create some Darling Donkey cards! They were quick and easy, and turned out so stinking cute. The reality is, you could substitute any stamped image for the donkeys and have just as much fun, with great results.
Make sure you stop by my online store while Sale-A-Bration continues to scoop up this great Darling Donkeys Stamp Set. Whether you use it for birthday cards, get well cards or thinking of you cards, it will make a sweet addition to your crafting projects.
Who could pick a favorite?
To see another blog post that showcases the use of Stampin’ Blends, click here. Looking for great Stampin’ Blends organization tips? Check out this blog post! Get ready to color your world!
Basic Pattern Decorative Masks (item #150697) come in a set of 4 masks, sized 6 x 6″ each. They are thin and pliable, plastic in nature and easily cleaned. The enclosed insert lists 5 different methods you can use when you create with these decorative masks: spritz, sponge, trace, emboss and texture.
Masks are not new to the Stampin’ Up! world. In fact, there have been several different package assortments thru the years, as my drawer is full of them! The variety in the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks is wonderful, and this set has something for everyone.
Part I in my mini series on Decorative Masks is focused on the Dot Mask, and creating a textured background. But really, you could create a textured background with any mask! Let me share some insight on Embossing Paste.
Embossing Paste For Texture
The Stampin’ Up! Embossing Paste currently comes in 2 varieties: Shimmery White (item #145645) and White (item #141979). The paste can be dyed with Classic Stampin’ Ink Refills, and used on cardstock, fabric or other materials.
It was first introduced in 2017, and like all new things, I had to try it out. Important lessons:
*Each time you use it, you will need to stir it up. The Palette Knives (item #142808) are so handy when using the paste, but a popsicle stick or plastic knife would work too. Think of the paste as spackle: apply liberally to fill in the cracks, and then swipe off the excess, putting it back in the jar.
*The paste will dry out very quickly. Keep it covered securely. You may want to add wax paper, saran wrap or aluminum foil over the top of the paste before you screw the lid shut tightly. I did not, and had a jar dry out long before it was even half used up. Adding water to try to re-hydrate did not work.
*The paste needs to be cleaned off your mask immediately after use. You may find that even then, it will leave a white residue film. This after-effect will not harm the mask in any way or cause issues with use. But, your mask will look used. You can use a baby wipe, and follow up with a water rinse and air dry. The mask can also be cleaned with dish soap and water.
Set Up For Texture Success
Using the Embossing Paste with Decorative Masks is really easy. Like anything, practice helps. I recommend securing your paper and mask whenever possible to avoid shifting mid-work.
Keep the foam insert from your jar (seen above in jar lid) as an added barrier against dried out paste.
I took advantage of a Tombow Removable Adhesive Tape Runner, and secured my cardstock to my graph paper. This kind of tape runner allows temporary holds, and is easily removed without tearing or residue. In fact, when I rub my finger across the removable adhesive, it crumbles away like pencil erasing. Only a very small amount is needed here.
Next, I secured the Basic Pattern Decorative Mask Dot design in the exact position I wanted it to be. This time I used Painters Tape to hold the mask down. I made sure I did not cover my cardstock with the tape.
Time to spackle! I used my Pallet Knife to add the Shimmery White Embossing Paste over the Decorative Mask. It plops on and spreads like frosting. Be sure to wipe off the excess after every area you want to cover has enough paste in the stencil holes.
When I removed the Decorative Mask, this was my result! You can see in my finished piece that more could have been added in certain areas. I did not fully add Embossing Paste to every dot, with the intention of using only part of the created image for my project. This look is also artistic, with its partial effect.
The Embossing Paste dries very quickly on the project, so I did not use any heat (from my Heat Tool, item #129053) also used for heat embossing) to speed it along. It remains quite solid once it is completely dry, and will not fall apart with inquiring fingers. The Shimmer White Embossing Paste looks like glitter paper as the light hits it.
This Calls For Confetti!
The Shimmer Embossing Paste had a greenish tint when wet on the Basic Black CS, so I decided to use Bermuda Bay and Pool Party as the card’s coordinating colors. But don’t worry, when dry it appears glittery white!
First, I die cut a stitched rectangle from a piece of Pool Party CS, to provide a cut-away over my textured embossed piece. Next, I stamped it with the Drybrush Background Stamp (item #152599) and Pool Party Ink.
I thought the shimmery dots looked like a happy celebration, so I chose the sentiment “this calls for confetti” from the So Sentimental Stamp Set (item #151691). I used the Stitched So Sweetly Dies (item #151690), which can be combined with the stamp set for a bundle and 10% savings (item #153828).
When I was working on this card, I tried different combinations of die cuts and colors, as can be seen above (along with the Pool Party cut-away). In the end, I chose a Pool Party oval (and sponged the edges in Pool Party Ink to deepen the color), a Whisper White Stitched Rectangle backer, and heat embossed the sentiment with White Embossing Powder on Basic Black CS.
Glitz It Up!
To make this card stand out, I added dimensionals beneath the Pool Party cut-away layer before placing it over the textured embossed cardstock. Next, I die cut the swirly spray in Whisper White, from the Stitched Stars Dies (item #150653), which is perfect for any celebrational card. I taped this to the back of my sentiment piece using regular scotch tape.
I really wanted to use both the Glittered Organdy Ribbon (item #147897) and the 3/8″ Sheer Ribbon in Pool Party (item #152462). In the end, only the Black Glittered Ribbon made it onto my card. The Sheer Pool Party Ribbon was so light it just disappeared on the card front.
Decorative Mask Delight
You can see that making this card with the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks was pretty simple, and stylish fun! Next time you visit my online store, https:juliemakson.stampinup.net, be sure to add the masks and some Embossing Paste to your shopping cart.
Creating raised texture is a great way to use those masks! Come back to see even more fantastic options for the Basic Pattern Decorative Masks over the course of my on-going 4 part mini-series. The possibilities will enthrall you!
Have you ever heard of a digital stamp set? As a papercrafter who loves to stamp, the idea of printing off “stamped” images and using them instead of mounting a physical stamp onto a physical block and putting physical ink on it seems like an odd idea. I am a do-it-myself kind of girl.
Or, are digital stamps normal? After all, digital stamps are not new to Stampin’ Up!. As late as June 2, 2015, Stampin’ Up! offered My Digital Studio (MDS), digital designing software, artwork and print services. I never tried MDS, so I can not say whether or not it is similar to the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set. But I have purchased this new digital product, and have insight on it to share!
Making A Difference Stamp Set
On April 28, Stampin’ Up! announced its Making A Difference Stamp Set. Every year with the Annual Catalog Release, we wait to see what stamp set is ear-marked for fund raising toward a worthy cause. Stampin’ Up! takes a percentage of sales proceeds from a specific stamp set and donates the raised money to an honored named charity.
For many years (up until May 31, 2018) we supported Ronald McDonald House Charities. Then, with the past 2 annual catalogs, Stampin’ Up! simply encouraged customers to give back and make a difference by creating and sharing or donating cards to hospitals, churches, retirement communities or organizations.
With the 2019 Holiday Catalog, we saw the return of a fund raising stamp set, Nature’s Beauty. With this stamp set, $3 of every sale continues to go toward Mental Health Organizations.
Nature’s Beauty Stamp Set, item #150528
With the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set, you get to choose between 2 charities. One is The World Health Organization’s COVID-Solidarity Response Fund. The other is United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. For the first time as well, you can split the difference between both charities. And, most importantly, 100% of the proceeds are going to these specific organizations.
Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set
Enter COVID-19 and the world-wide pandemic. Stampin’ Up! is encouraging card makers to “share sunshine” by sending paper hugs (cards) to others, in an attempt to brighten the days of social distancing.
Along with social distancing, is the disruption of the production of goods and their delivery, as the world stays safe and practices new measures. This means back-orders and delays, items out of stock or not available. How can we share sunshine without products to use to do so?
This is the beauty of the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set. After you purchase it, you have instant access to the “stamps” in the set. No back-orders, no shipping fees, no 10-14 day wait. Instant. Print and go.
Digital Stamps Print And Go
So, I jumped right on board first thing, and ordered the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set, which costs $12 plus tax. It is not available on any demonstrator website, as it does not count toward sales and is non-commissionable. To order yours, click here.
After purchase, you have the ability to immediately download the digital stamp set file. You will receive an email confirmation with your order details. You also get a separate email with your download link, which I recommend you keep as back-up. Please don’t share your file, as that would take away from charity support in a time of need.
Unlike traditional stamp sets, you do not get to “pre-view” everything you are getting in the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set file. I will tell you that there are 15 full pages to print (as many times as you like). Each “stamp” image or saying is offered in black, as well as color versions. You will be printing @2- 4 of each image, so this gives you a lot to work with!
And talk about fun! These stamp sayings are relevant to social distancing, and while many poke at sarcasm or light-hearted attempts to be cheerful in a world of crazy, there are also poignant and thoughtful phrases. I find that several are perfect for ordinary times (remember those?) and will continue to be valued when “normal” returns.
Let’s Just Roll With It
This was the first Sharing Sunshine Digital “stamp” that I was compelled to work with. I chose the color version instead of the black image, which per the included direction and indexing pages, has coordinating colors Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral, and Granny Apple Green.
This is an expensive and valuable card, as there is real toilet paper involved! But just one square, to be fair. You might even consider this card for a survival kit. Maybe stuff more tp inside, in lieu of cash, and mail it off.
I used a Bermuda Bay card base and some Granny Apple Green checkered DSP from the 6×6″ Brights Collection. The Calypso Coral CS was embossed with the Coastal Weave 3D Embossing Folder. Embellishments include Glitter Enamel Dots and toilet paper. I die cut my digital stamp with the Stitched Rectangles Dies, coordinating product per the included index.
Night To Day Pajamas
I really got a kick out of the play on “night and day pajamas”. So, I wanted some cute critters to be fashion models for me. I chose the retired stamp set, Party Pandas, and my stand-up panda came complete with card ready to mail!
Both the night and day pajamas were crafted in the same way. I stamped my panda image using Memento Black Ink on Sampler 6×6″ DSP (small DSP images will work better for this instance), and fussy cut the “tummy” pj’s out. I glued each pair of jammies on to two more stamped pandas, then colored the heart postage stamp with my Dark Poppy Parade Stampin’ Blend.
Again, I chose the color version of my Sharing Sunshine Digital stamp. This time, the card base is Balmy Blue, with Granny Apple Green stripes DSP. I embossed Pacific Point CS with the Scripty 3D Folder, with a play on “writing” to coordinate with my mailing-a-card theme. To add bright pops of color and blend the orange verbage on my sentiment, I also added Pumpkin Pie CS.
Additional retired products that would work well with this saying include Postcard Pals, with a playful platypus holding a card next to an open rural style post mailbox; or For The Birds, with an image of a small bird atop a classic rounded official mail collection unit, the blue metal variety, seen outside post offices. Consider either of them if you have these stamp sets on hand.
Quarantine And Chill
What is more chill than a bubble bath? Or to add on to luxury, a bubble bath with a bubbly beverage?? For this specific stamped quote from the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set, I pulled out the retired set, Bubbles and Bubbly.
To make this card as girly as possible, I chose Flirty Flamingo as my card base. Not to be outdone in pink, this water featured card needed some Pool Party. I embossed that in the Swirls and Curls Embossing Folder.
A bit of coloring from my Stampin’ Blends was completed in no time. And as an embellishment, Frosted Epoxy Droplets, give the illusion of bubbles popping out of the bath. This card implies chill in a great way!
Let’s (Digitally) Party!
Birthday celebrations (like all celebrations) are so difficult right now. A fun card can help lighten the mood. Laughing is better than crying, right?
This stamp from the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set screamed signage to me. For this card, I called on the retired Cheerful Critters Stamp Set, as any of the 3 images (bunny, bear and chick) are holding up ready to fill in signs.
As seems to be my nature with this set of cards on display today, I picked the color version of words, in Mango Melody. Because I wanted this card to be bright as well as cheery, I chose Poppy Parade to coordinate. I used this color as the card base, as well as some DSP from the 6×6″ Brights Collection. Bermuda Bay tones it down. It is used as a CS layer, in retired enamel dots, and a Stampin’ Blend color on Bear’s shirt.
After stamping Bear and his sign in Memento Black Ink, I die cut the Whisper White CS he was stamped on, using the Stitched So Sweetly Dies. Because the digital stamp saying was slightly bigger than my sign, I trimmed it as small as possible. Next, I added some black CS behind it, and adhered it to the sign’s stamped outline. Bear holds all of this up very nicely.
Digital Fun At It’s Finest
I hope you enjoy my versions of cards using the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set as much as I am enjoying trying out this new product from Stampin’ Up!.
While I have been using a lot of retired product, I find value in all my craft supplies. The hunt thru my on-hand stash is always fun in an effort to pick out the perfect go-togethers.
And please, come back to see more cards made with the Sharing Sunshine Digital Stamp Set. I will continue to share additional tips and techniques on printing, using and storing this new style “stamp” collection in this 3 part blog series. Feel free to drop a comment and let me know which of these cards you like best!
