Cherry On Top Card

Share A Milkshake Card Class, Card 1

If you joined me for my Share A Milkshake Card Class on January 9, you saw me make this Cherry On Top card first! This week, I am focusing on the Share a Milkshake Bundle, which is made up of the Share A Milkshake Stamp Set and the Share A Milkshake Dies.

Usually I save the best for last, or at least the most difficult card. But, for this class, I rolled out the most awesome card first, with the cherry on top! Check out the Stack Shuffle Repeat process…

Stack Shuffle Repeat Technique

Something else that was over the top…or maybe the cherry on top, for this card was the designer series paper technique that I showcased. It is called the Stack Shuffle Repeat Technique. Watch my video for all the details.

Normally, you might choose designer series paper from the same paper pack for this technique. However, I do like to mix things up a bit. Instead of one paper pack, I chose 3: Dandy Designs (FREE during Sale-A-Bration with a $100 order), Delicate Desert and Enjoy The Journey. The color and patterns I chose worked really well together too.

Stack Shuffle Repeat with Designer Series Paper Technique
Notice how the patterns rotate positions? This is part of the Stack Shuffle Repeat process.

Waffle Cones And Cherries

The sweetest thing about this card, next to the designer series paper arrangement, is the delicious looking and very realistic paper waffle cones. Did you notice they almost form a heart as they are grouped together? I used the Layering Circles Dies to create a Vellum scallop and Petal Pink layer as backdrop for my waffle treats.

You will be able to quickly and easily create waffle cones just like this with the Share A Milkshake Dies. There is very little stamping involved, since the dies really do all the hard work for you. You just need the right color cardstock (I used Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla and Early Espresso). And to detail your waffle cones, add like-color ink with a sponge dauber.

I think the best color for the cherries is Cherry Cobbler, of course! I used a scrap of Very Vanilla cardstock to stamp on before die cutting. And watch for the tip I shared in class on lining up the stamp from the Share A Milkshake Stamp Set with the coordinating die.

Get Your Share A Milkshake Card Class From ME

This is just one card in my featured class this week. If you would like to see the video from my online class, click this link. For more details on what is in this week’s class from Maine and how to get your card kits, click here.

I will be sharing more cards from the Share A Milkshake Bundle as this week goes on, so be sure to check back here or follow me, The Maine Stamper, on FaceBook. I would love to know what you think of this fantastic card!

Trimming the Tree Bundle

Trimming the Tree Bundle

It may be September, but Christmas is coming! And while the best holiday of the year (in my opinion) is actually months away, the Trimming the Tree Bundle is expiring soon.

I hope this is not your first look at the Trimming the Tree Bundle. But if it is, plan to be amazed. There are so many good things in this “Perfect Partner” die set.

Perfect Partners September 1-30

We really are just days away from the Perfect Partners Die Sets end of sale. And while I have shared some of the other sets (click here to see one), I chose the jolliest bundle for last. First, lets take a look at the stamp set, Trimming the Tree.

Trimming the Tree Stamp Set

Whether or not you are creating Christmas trees, pine trees are universal. I love using pine trees in masculine themed cards. They also work well in a variety of other themes too! With the Trimming the Tree Stamp Set, 2-step stamping is very easy. The tree images do not need to line up perfectly in any way.

Tree Trimmings Dies

While the stamp set is available in the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog, the dies may only be purchased until September 30, 2022, or sold out (whichever event occurs first). I would hate for you to miss this big set of Tree Trimmings Dies! Not only do they cut out the stamped images, there are bonus dies that add texture or help you decorate your tree.

Some Assembly Required

For all the details and tips on creating this card, be sure to watch my demonstration here. Once I have shared my “Make It Monday” video, I love playing with color and making a new version of my card. Below, you will find the step by step tutorial in a fun new twist on color palette!

Trimming the Tree Card Recipe (original version)

Crumb Cake CS, 5-1/2 x 8-1/2″, scored at 4-1/4″ for the card base

DSP (Sweetest Christmas), 3-1/2 x 5″

White CS, 3-1/4 x 4-1/2″

Assorted CS (Cherry Cobbler, Real Red, Old Olive, Garden Green, Crumb Cake) 1-1/2 x 15/16″ each

Scraps: White for tree and sentiment piece, Crumb Cake for basket, Distressed Gold Specialty for star

12″ Real Red Ribbon

  • Please note, the color cardstock assortment will measure just over the white tag height. After you get to the top during assembly, flip the tag over and trim off the excess cardstock.

Additional Tools

In each of my cards, I chose a different embossing folder. For the Crumb Cake Card, I used the Timber 3D folder. When I did my color swap, I chose the snowflake pattern from the Wintry 3D folder set.

I love a great punch, and the Very Best Trio Punch is just amazing! With the 3 in 1 different punch options, I used 2 on my cards. One of these was the beautiful edge on my tags, and the other created the slot to pass the ribbon thru.

My 4 Step System For the Color Swatch

There are 4 steps to creating the “paint chip sampler” look on this card. If you work these steps in this order, you will find it easiest!

  1. Emboss the white tag piece with your chosen embossing folder.
  2. Stamp any imagery on the 5 colorful pieces of cardstock that will make up your sampler.
  3. Glue the 5 stamped pieces of colorful cs to the white embossed tag. Start from the bottom and work up.
  4. Punch the detailed edges at the top of the tag.

Once the white tag is complete, combine it with the DSP (punch the details on the top here too) and add the ribbon, making a bow. I liked this assembly added to my card front using Dimensionals.

Trimming the Tree with Details

After your tree is stamped and die cut, you need to add the basket to the bottom. Do you prefer the basket on the front of the tree, or from behind?

What tree is complete without some kind of ornaments? While I played with the Red Pearlized Enamel Effects Basics in my trial card, during my live demo I switched to Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels to make my tree sparkle.

And lastly, finish off your card with a simple sentiment. The die I used here does not outline your stamping. Therefore, I recommend you die cut first and stamp second. The photopolymer stamp set comes in handy for lining up the words.

Don’t Let This Christmas Sneak Up On You

While it may seem like Christmas is a long way off, now is the time to get this Trimming the Tree Bundle. Once the deadline is past, these Tree Trimming Dies will be gone forever. Pop over to my online store to get yours while you can….time is really running out!

Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle

Card made with the Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle

Fresh Cut Flowers: Limited Bundle

Have you seen the lovely stamp set, Fresh Cut Flowers, from the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog? It is a beautiful red rubber cling stamp set. The stamp images included in this set are all floral designs, without any sentiments.

Fresh Cut Flowers Stamp Set

What is really missing, however, is a die set to go with it. For the month of September 2022, the limited offering called “Perfect Partners” gives us just what we are looking for! This program pairs up 6 different stamp sets (that were originally offered without dies) with some to-die-for partners. See the full list here.

Fresh Cut Stems Dies

There are only a few days left to get the coordinating dies! After September 30, this offer goes away. If you have not yet purchased the stamp set, order the Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle (stamp set and dies) to automatically save 10%. If you already have the stamp set, just pick up the Fresh Cut Stems Dies while you still can.

With these great dies, you will be able to die cut all 4 stamped images in the Fresh Cut Flowers Stamp Set. Just think…no fussy cutting! There are lots of bonus dies here to, including a great edge die, which you see featured in my card.

Fresh Cut Stems Dies

Make It Monday with the Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle

I just featured a card using the Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle, selectively editing some of the design. For the most part, I did this to simplify my card. You can watch my YouTube Video here, where I share the creation from start to finish. Of course, there are some tips along the way too.

One thing I did to simplify this card was use cardstock instead of masking and sponging. Besides being a time saver, this is also a great way to use up some scraps, . And how fantastic is the tone on tone effect? You can create this look by stamping with ink color that is the same tone as your cardstock.

Stamping on cardstock with tone on tone ink to paper.

The Card Recipe

Card Base: White Cardstock 5-1/2 x 8-1/2″, scored at 4-1/4″.

Border Trim Piece: White Cardstock 1/2 x 5-1/2″, use border die to cut out.

Left Side Rectangles: Bottom Left: Mint Macaron 1-1/2 x 2-1/2″; Middle Left: Soft Seafoam 1-1/2 x 1-1/4″; Top Left: Calypso Coral 1-1/2 x 1-1/4″.

Right Side Rectangles: Bottom Right: Calypso Coral 2-1/4 x 1-1/4″; Middle Right: Petal Pink 2-1/4 x 1″; Top Right: So Saffron 2-1/4 x 2-3/4″.

Floral Focal Piece: White Cardstock 3-1/2 x 5″, stamp and die cut.

Bakers Twine Essentials Pack, 12″ black twine.

Classic Matte Dots Embellishments, 3-5 for desired effect.

Card Assembly Tips!

Here are some of my take-aways from making this amazing card. And even if you don’t use the same stamps and dies that I did, get creative with this design layout. Anything you make will look so good!

  1. After you cut your rectangles for the entire card, keep the orientation of them in the correct position. This is super important as you pull them to stamp on them. But if you make a mistake, turn your cardstock over and use the back.
  2. Sentiment size matters! Because the Fresh Cut Flowers Stamp Set is images only. you will need to choose a sentiment from another stamp set. Make sure it will fit in the smallest rectangle box, taking up @half of the space. And be sure to stamp your sentiment toward the right side of the rectangle.
  3. Start by adhering the outer 4 corner rectangles first. Place your cardstock up against the edge of your card base. Next, center the remaining rectangles evenly spaced between your top and bottom pieces.
  4. Not so good at making bows? Don’t get your twine in a knot (like I did in my live demo!). Try this method instead: add some adhesive (Tear & Tape is my fav), then swoop your twine up and down catching it on the tape for a bow-like look.
A faux like bow look using Tear & Tape and twine.

Colorful Flowers….Or Not?

The beauty of the large flower image from the Fresh Cut Flowers Stamp Set is that you can color it in with any color…or leave it black and white. For this card, the background cardstock rectangles provided the color for us. By not coloring, you are saving time too.

But…if black and white is too stark for you, consider stamping the flower image on something with a little color. For my color swap card, I chose Kraft Paper. Use your imagination!

Stamping and die cutting the large flower from Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle.

Embellish Your Bouquet of Fresh Cut Flowers

Nothing tops off a pretty card more than some sweet embellishments. From the faux bow to the adhesive dots, our look is competed very simply. I love that the neutral colors of the Bakers Twine Essential Pack and the Classic Matte Dots let me add black or white on each colorful card to compliment them perfectly.

Take a closer look at this in play:

Large flower stamp from the Fresh Cut Flowers Stamp Set, die cut in white and Kraft Paper.

Who Wore It Better?

From my original card, I like to swap out colors and create another card using the same design. In my live card making demo, I showcased colors from the Subtle Family, which are quite soft and spring-like. For my color swap, I turned to the Regal Family, and chose a fresh fall palette. Who do you think wore it better?

2 cards using the Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle.

Perfect Partners Ending Soon

Good things have to come to an end. And the Perfect Partner program is doing just that. These dies will be gone on September 30, or if sold out beforehand.

Make sure you stop by my online store to grab your Fresh Cut Flowers Bundle or the Fresh Cut Stems Dies while there is still time. And be sure to check out the other specials and deals happening this month…what a great time to shop, save and stamp!