Stamp Cleaning 101: Tips & Tricks

Let's look at some of the best practices for cleaning our photopolymer and Cling (red rubber) stamps. In this video I share 3 ways: disposable wipes, the Simply Shammy and the Stampin' Scrub system. Thanks for watching!

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Fishing this weekend?

We have a big birthday month in our department at work! Here's one of the cards I made for one of the guys on our maintenance team. I hope he likes the outdoors and fishing! This patterned paper from the Gone Fishing Suite really shows off the Wild Wheat In Color well. They're all 1" strips adheres to a 3 3/4" x 5" layer (that you cannot see) then matted and placed on the card front. Maybe fishing is in your long weekend plans?

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Earthen Textures Swap Card

I post so many swap cards that I receive...do you wonder if I send some out? I do!!

Here's my swap card for my Silver Sisters Facebook Group featuring the beautiful Earthen Elegance Suite. If you like neutrals and earthtones, this suite is for you!

I used two new colours: Boho Blue and Copper Clay which pulls the the various tones out of the patterned paper that the urns are die cut from. One of the fronds is gold for more texture. Enjoy!

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Faux Tile Technique Reboot

An oldie-but-a-goodie Technique that I learned 12+ years ago! Thought I'd reboot this and make it with current products from Inked and Tiled together with Boho Blue, Crumb Cake and Real Red inks and cardstock. 

Here's the original card featuring now retired products:

Creating unique backgrounds using tools like the scoring blade on your paper trimmer is a great way to expand the value of your investment. In addition, I used Crumb Cake ink and a blending brush to soften the Basic White tiles and add more depth to it.

This technique was presented as a Facebook Live on my page June 28, 2023. Here's the card made during the live:

And, you can watch the replay here:

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Lasting Joy

To all my stamping friends, I am ever thankful for your friendship and kindness! That's really what it's all about, right: Community. Be it family, friends, co-workers, business associates, clients, faith....we thrive when we're in community.

I'm grateful to have awesome stampers who share their amazing creations with me like this one from Wendy on our team, The Inksters. We have loads of giggles and once in a while learn something as we stamp and create together. Thank you, friends, for being in my circle!

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Lasting Joy with Artistic Dies

Stunning card designed by my friend and team member, Wendy! Features the large floral die from Artistic Dies and the greeting from Lasting Joy. Wendy has been our Creative Ambassador this month sharing a project each Friday on our Team page for inspiration. Wendy chose Lasting Joy as her stamp set (hers to keep!) and has featured cards and 3D items to show so much versatility. We have a great community of stampers and I would love to have you join us. There's a Starter Kit special on this month - select $206 worth of products and pay just $135 (tax and shipping included). PM me if you're interested! Offer ends June 30, 2023.

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One Sheet Wonder Cards

Beautiful cards with the Masterfully Made patterned paper using a One Sheet Wonder layout which I changed up a bit during the video. Here's the OSW layout:

And now...the 4 cards I made:

Patterned Paper Layer is 3" x 3"

Patterned Paper Layer is: 3" x 4"

Patterned Paper Layer is 2" x 3"

Patterned Paper Layer is 3 pieces of 1" x 3"
(I cut a 2" x 3" piece to two strips of 1" x 3")

VIDEO

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Allistair's Counting Book

Today I have an extra special - made with love - project to share with you!

This is a Counting Book I made for my grandson, Allistair. He turned 1 on June 25 and this was one of the presents I gave him. Full credit for the design to Get Crafty with Sally.

While this project features a retired bundle and Designer Series Paper, think outside the box and use what you have to recreate it. Current new products that would be suitable to get you started include: Reach for the Stars with coordinating patterned paper, Construction Zone with neutral papers, Zany Zoo with coordinating patterned paper and any animals or themed bundles you already have in your stash!

VIDEO LINK

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Let's think outside the box on card layers

Ever get into a rut with your cards: Always the same 4" x 5 1/4" layer centred on the cardfront? I'm hoping today's card from Lisa Hardie in a recent swap challenges that thinking and demonstrates it's OK to live outside the box with your layers! The stamped layer is tight up against the top left of the card base with a strip of the patterned paper showing on the right. Loads of bright colours on this one! How will you change up your card?

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Sending a Smile for Summer

The summer holiday season is almost upon us! Our family is heading to Manitoulin Island for a week's vacation and while we won't find seashells, being by the majestic Lake Huron with it's signature sunsets is something I am so looking forward to enjoying.

Today's card puts me in the "cottage" vibe - where I'm able to sit by the water and read or watch the waves lap up. I hope you have some wonderful summer plans and get away to a sunny destination. Enjoy!

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Multipurpose Liquid Glue - Tips & Tricks to falling in love with it!

Multipurpose Liquid Glue - the ONE glue you need in your stash. Why?

- Versatile: adheres just about everything

- Economical: by the inch it's the best value for your adhesives

- So easy to use by everyone.

Now I know there are those out there who get all sticky using it. Remember: Less is more. Today's video shares a few lesser known tips on how to use it.

Click on the image above to access the video

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Lemonade for a hot summer day!

I cannot remember when I last had Pink Lemonade! I think I may just pick some up today. This is such a beautiful card for any and every occasion designed by my Silver Sister Marcy Denning. The colours are fresh so that you can almost smell the summer air and taste the lemonade. The paper is a perfectly matched pattern from Delightfully Eclectic which is on sale at 15% off this month! Get 48 sheets of 12" x 12" of everyday patterns for just $34.85 but act fast - sale ends June 30 or when it sells out!

Thanks, Marcy for this beautiful card!

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Cheerful Daisies - Everyone's Favourite!

More of the gorgeous Cheerful Daisies bundle - and it seems everyone's loving this because once again this bundle is on low inventory. I'm featuring this in my Avid Stampers class July 25 and have one more spot open if you want in! Class is $95 and includes 4 unique cards and the bundle (valued at $91.25 with tax and shipping). Don't let this one pass you by and contact me to get that last spot!

Today's version is a fun fold designed by Cindy Piggott from our Silver Sisters group. There are two white panels that slide out for maximum writing space on the card as well as a pocket for a gift card. Beautiful card, Cindy, thank you!

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Polished Marble Technique

Technique Time! Check out the cards I made using the Polished Marble Technique - three unique looks with a few easy steps:

On the above card, I used Misty Moonlight and Balmy Blue inks on Basic White cardstock.

For this beauty, I used Pecan Pie and Crumb Cake on Naturally Gilded Specialty Paper.

Here I used Fresh Freesia and Berry Burst on Specialty Vellum. 

Two key ingredients you probably have at home already are: cotton balls and Isopropyl Alcohol. The higher the % you can get the better. Why? Because it will dry faster. Grab a couple of blocks, your silicone craft mat and two coordinating ink pads for each card. 

These were featured on my Facebook Live Wednesday, June 21. Catch the replay here:

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Seasonal Branches Bundle

Getting swaps in the mail is THE BEST happy mail to receive! Today's card was designed by Kim Stathakos and features a bundle not yet in my stash: Seasonal Branches. I love how Kim used bright bold colours instead of neutrals for the backdrop to this pretty floral card. Indeed very Happy Birthday wishes to the recipient. Thanks, Kim!

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Happy Retirement Fishing Style

As a kid I enjoyed sport fishing with my dad on weekends when we went camping. And we camped a lot! He would have loved this card.

The dies in the Gone Fishing bundle have this cute segmented box which makes it perfect for showing off the tackle and a piece of the coordinating patterned paper. I received today's card from my friend Glenda Mollet in our Silver Sisters group swap. How perfect is this for the angler, Father's Day or Happy Retirement!

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Inked & Tiled Coordinating Suite of Products

Here's a beautiful new suite, Inked & Tiled and do they coordinate well together! When using this same layout with your stash, the patterned paper will provide the colour inspiration to bring it all in line. 

Select two colours - one as the card base and one as the layer. Grab your coordinating ink pads for stamping the focal image (in this case the flowers and leaves) and greeting. With Stampin' Up! there will always be a coordinating ribbon/embellishment or you can make your own by colouring with your Stampin' Blends. In a pinch, us a basic pearl or rhinestone shape.

Ready to see the card? Here we go:

For all the measurements and directions, watch the Facebook Live replay here:

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Congratulations!

Wow it's a busy time of year with school and activities winding down for the summer, families planning summer vacations and teenagers gearing up to start summer jobs! It seems every day is full and everyone is going in many directions. Congratulations to those completing a special year or graduating and moving along in their education - you've worked hard and earned it!

Today's card is perfect to celebrate all these big and small achievements!

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Stunningly Simple Card with Fresh as a Daisy

So this Fresh as a Daisy paper is smashing! You don’t need a lot to finish off a card as the pattern speaks volumes. To embellish,  I’ve added a small strip of ribbon, a stitched/flagged spot of Copper Clay and a circle with the greeting. Mass producing these would be a snap. Out of each piece of patterned paper you could get 6 daisy layers so with 2 sheets you’ve got 12 cards in no time. Why make it complicated? Enjoy!

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Pretty Birthday card in shades of blue

A beautiful gift of swapping cards is meeting new stampers and friends! Diana Langman and I connect at  various business events virtually so I was thrilled to receive her card in the recent annual catalogue to enjoy her creative side. Just a few colours but the layers really pack a WOW with minimal supplies: one embossing folder, a greeting, floral stamp and ribbon. Thanks, Diana for this beautiful card!

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Organizational Tip: How I store & catalogue my Stampin' Blends

We always want our tools within easy reach wherever we're crafting, right? I have found the best solution for crafting in my stamp studio or on the go, is storing my Stampin' Blends horizontally (NEVER vertically) in these zippered cylinder pouches from Thirty-One. (I am not a consultant for Thirty-One). In this video I share my tips for cataloguing my supply and identifying them for easy access. Click on the image to access this quick tip video!

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/h5C7Ged4K9c

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Celebrate...Because You're Awesome!

I’ve made quite a few cards with the Circle Sayings bundle and keep coming across new ways to use this set – now that’s a good investment! Trimming off the side of the circles adds a whole new look on this one. There’s a soft vellum circle with the stamped greeting on a Basic White layer over top and a pretty heart. I really like the stamped cupcakes which are then dry embossed for a raised effect. Thanks to Mi Ran Bigrigg for this new take on the Circles Saying bundle!

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Quick Fresh as a Daisy Card

I was playing with the Fresh as a Daisy patterned paper sheets that have two pages with layers ready to cut and fit directly only a card layer. With a little matting, these two (yellow stripes and daisies on pink) fit beautifully together. I can never have enough birthday cards it seems, so that was my greeting of choice on this one.

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Reach for the Stars!

Today’s card comes courtesy of my Silver Sister, Desiree Spenst who created a fun easel card featuring the Reach for the Stars bundle. Not on a first name basis with your favourite astronaut, no worries! This card is perfect for the new graduate, someone starting a new job, or embarking on a new adventure! The little stars on the front are from the bundle and the two larger stars from Beautiful Balloons dies if you have those, too! Out of this world colours and card, Desiree, thank you.

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You are so cool!

I can always count on Lisa Henderson’s card to be kid-inspired and totally flexible so you may duplicate it using whatever colours, patterned papers, stamps and punches/dies you have in your stash. I see this layout equally impressive with florals, unique papers like the Stargazing and everyday patterns. The Super Cool stamp set comes in photopolymer and has fun summer images like an ice cream cone, pretzel, pie, and bottle of pop together with 6 greetings in trendy fonts. Enjoy!

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Cheerful Daisies in Moody Mauve

What goes around, comes around, eh? I am pretty sure we used to call this Moody Mauve colour "Dusty Rose" back in the 90s. That’s the 1990s and not the 1890s! But seriously this is one gorgeous version of the Cheerful Daisies bundle with layers upon layers on the front to show off the complimentary patterned paper with squares of the patterned paper on top of Basic White on top of Wild Wheat (you will love this colour, I’m telling you) and then layered onto Moody Mauve. Love how there’s no specific greeting so you can use this card for any occasion. My thanks to Christine Dionne for this elegant swap.

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Earthen Textures in a way different way!

Have you figured out which is my new favourite stamp set/bundle yet? It's Earthen Textures! It makes such gorgeous cards for any occasion. On this one - another from my team Stampin' Social June 1st - was stamped first then embossed with another new product Exposed Brick. The large urn is designed to be grainy looking and the brick just adds so much texture. This was a hit with the team since it took me outside the blues, greens and moody mauve of the Suite instead using Real Red, Misty Moonlight and Crumb Cake. Enjoy your Sunday!

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Botanical Layers

Such pretty colours pairing Fresh Freesia with Orchid Oasis with this "new to me" stamp set, Botanical Layers. It's the same stamp in both colours, just off set a little when placing the second image down on your layer. The soft vellum cardstock layer is raised up a little on the sides. Do you glue your vellum right down or just place the adhesive where it will be hidden behind what's on top? I prefer this look since most adhesives will show through vellum unless - in my experience - it's adhesive sheets. Made this card - and 3 others - with my team in June at our monthly Stampin' Social. Would you like to join us? The Starter Kit is $135 (tax and shipping included) and you get to select $206 worth of product. That gets you a membership for 6 months with no need to run a business. Hobbyists always welcome! Contact me to sign up!

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Looking for colour inspiration? Wondering what Stampin' Up! colours go well with others? Look no further because the Colour Coach is a FREE tool to help you with this. As you explore combinations, create your own!

This is such a handy resource that I keep it on my crafting table when designing! Print it off and put it in a binder or as I have done, cut it up into equal squares and laminate back to back. I punched a hole in the top left of all laminated cards and hang it on a binder ring making it easy to add or remove as In Colors change.

Download yours today!

2023 Colour Coach

Juggling

I recently went to a magic show where my former co-worker's son, Noah, performs juggling. He's just 19 years old and has been juggling for 11 years. So talented. This card reminds me of going to see Noah perform. Just plain adorable as a birthday card for anyone on your list who would like the Zoo Crew images. Enjoy!

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Lightening Bugs

Do you remember trying to catch lightening bugs in a jar as a kid? We were just fascinated by the way they would light up! This card reminds me of those times heading out into the forest to look for these treasures the let them go just as quickly. Enjoy this card featuring the Lighting the Way stamp set and dies. Plus my under-used Stitched with Whimsy die around the Tahitian Tide layer. I should use those more!

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Look what you can do with: Pearlized Enamel Effects

Here's a "new to me" and still in the package product which was screaming to be used! It's been on the shelf so long I'm sure it has dust on it. So time to break it out and try a few fun techniques. 

What I've learned you can use it for:

• Making your own enamel dot embellishments (leave to dry at least 1 hour - longer is better)
• Using a sponge dauber or blending brush over a dry embossed cardstock
• Pick up the left overs with cling wrap and daub onto cardstock - embossed or not
• White - Red - Black: use them separately or mixed together
• You can add re-inker to any for additional colours (white is the best for this though)
• Darker colours yield more obvious results
• 3D embossing folders or standard embossing folders work equally well

Here's my card from the Facebook Live June 7, 2023 showing a side view so the pearlized effect is well highlighted. Isn't this spectacular!

On this card, I used the Black Pearlized Enamel Effects with Real Red dots I made ahead of time. Just drop them onto wax paper and let them dry for at least an hour (longer if your dots are much larger or thicker):

On this version of the original card, I used a light colour of cardstock. To me the enamel effects appears more evenly than on a darker cardstock. 

Let's not waste what's still on the silicone craft sheet and with cling wrap dab the left over colour all over the card layer for a marbled look. This will be used for a future card!

Check out the video replay for all the measurements, tips and all the ways I used the pearlized enamel effects. Would love to hear your comments on it!

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A Bird's Eye View

Eek this is cute! Today's card was gifted to me by my team member Jane. With the bright colours and this oh-so-cute little bird from the Bird's Eye View stamp set, this is adorable. The panel of patterned paper looks like scraps glued together but it's just one regular sheet of photographic images from the Masterfully Made Suite of products. They go so well together. Thanks, Jane for sharing your card with me!

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Coordinating Layering Leaves Stamp Set for the Bough Punch

A stamp set that matches a punch - well that's a match made in heaven! We've had the Bough Builder Punch for a while and now a coordinating set of images in the Layering Leaves stamp set. Today''s card was designed by Deb Duval with lots of bright colours: Lemon Lime Twist, Berry Burst, Granny Apple Green and Bubble Bath. Those rectangle shapes are stitched and from the NEW Nested Essentials Dies set. Enjoy!

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Sweet every occasion card

Do you keep a bunch of card layouts handy so you can whip up a card in no time? That's how I design the cards for my weekly Facebook Creative Escapes as well as referencing those live events for my Quick & Simple card classes!

Tonight's card uses minimal supplies as you'll see below.

MEASUREMENTS:

Card Base: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" scored at 4 1/4" and folded
Patterned Paper: 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" 
Basic White / Very Vanilla Layer: 5 1/4" x 4"
Scrap for your punched shapes with can be small flowers, animal shapes, butterflies, etc.

I used the Stitched Circle from the Stylish Shapes Dies set but any large punch or other shape would work wonderfully as well.

Watch the video replay:

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