Blended Stencil Technique

Ok–I think I made up the name for this techniqe. That said, that is exactly what you do—Blend a stencil. And the results are stunning…..and the technique is addicting! So get ready!

You can do this technique with either dies or punches (as long as they are a “solid” punch or die). I started this fascination with this technique after watching a video from Sara Sayers (thank you!!) using the balloon die from Beautiful Balloons dies. As of today (April 10th, many of the items in this post are on sale as they are retiring soon so get over to my website right away so you don’t miss out if you need supplies).

This is where it all began!

And then….I couldn’t stop!

And it just kept going!

Today, during my Facebook Live (Power of Positive Inking), I decided to try this technique with a punch instead of a die. I used the Cloud Punch. This punch is currently on sale but likely will sell out so go get it here NOW if you don’t have it.

Check out how I made it here:

Here are some close ups of the final project:

After the video, I decided it needed a little bling. I added some of the soon to be retiring iridescent gems. What do you think?

In the video, I show you some additional samples made with other punches (also on sale now!!). Here is one done with the Vintage Bottle Punch:

And then I tried one with the soon to retire Mason-like Jar Punch:

In the video, I show you how to cover up and mistakes you might have from “over blending”. (It happens!). I also used an old chalk pen to add a bit of “shine” over to the top left of these jars.

Let me know if you try this and what you think. I am off to find more ways to use this fun technique!!

Visit my website for any supplies you need:

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Faux Layer for my new favorite punch

Do you have a punch you wish had a an additional layer to pop out your image? I have a trick for you.

Do you have TOO MUCH DSP that needs using up? I am not judging you. I see you…..and I have a quick layout for you.

Have the need to make things very straight?  I get it! I have a tip for you too!!

Such an easy card to put together. So easy in fact, that I made a bunch of them!

Check out how I whipped these cards up here:

Should you need any supplies you saw here (and you DO!–Did I mention that so many of the items I used are FREE?!!), you can find them here.

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EASY masking and Bird’s Eye View make for a quick fun holiday card!

Have you ever tried masking? It is a technique used when you want to add depth to your stamped image. I wanted to use this cute stamp set, Bird’s Eye View to create a holiday card.

This card is one of 4 that we will be making this week at my monthly card class. If you would like more info on how you can come to or get the “to go” kit for future classes, contact me here with your email and I will add you to my email list so you don’t miss out.

To begin with, I chose to use Blends to color the bird. I LOVE blends–mostly for the “no line” coloring you can create even if you aren’t a great colorer! But wait–there is more! You can get additional “depth” when you combine blends! In this case, I used the light Poppy Parade blend to color most of the bird but then added a little Dark Poppy Parade just under his wing and throat to create a little shadowing.

With my branch and bird colored, it was time to add the snow! (We hardly ever have snow for Christmas here in Massachusetts but, somehow, snow gives a holiday vibe!) This is where the masking comes in. I stamped the bird image on a (generic) post it note.

Next, I cut out the image leaving no border. (This is essential for masking or you will end up with this sort of halo around your focal image,). Now, I just pop that bird post it right on top of my colored bird image. Now I am free to stamp my snow all over with no risk of getting the snow “on” my bird.

Once I am satisfied with “just the right amount of snow”, I remove the mask, and , voila, —a snowless bird!! It is THAT easy!

The Basics 3D Embossing folders (online exclusives) include one that sort of looks like poinsettias which work perfect for a holiday card, adding some nice texture and no extra postage necessary!

The words are from the Sending Cheer stamp set which will be retiring soon! The greeting fit perfectly in the double oval punch to finish off this quick (!) holiday card!!

You can see how quick it comes together here:

SO easy! So fun!

Need anything you saw?? Don’t forget that the Seasonal Sale is going on right now (thru Nov 16th).

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Seasonal Sale ON NOW!

Stampin’ Up!’s Seasonal Sale is happening NOW!

This is a quick sale and runs November 14-16th, 2023.

Check out all the items from the ANNUAL catalog that are on sale:

• 10% off ribbons and trims.
• 15% off inks, including pads, refills, markers,ink spots, uninked spots, Stampin’ Write Markers and Blends. (Bundles are not included.)
• 20% off papers, including cardstock, specialty paper, grid paper, watercolor paper, masking paper, envelopes, and Designer Series Paper.
• Shop online to see the full selection of discounted products available. This is a limited time offer.
• Discounts are automatically applied when sale items are added to any order, including Starter Kits.
• Please keep in mind that due to the high volume of orders, the distribution center may fall behind our typical shipping timeframes. We will do everything we can to return to our regular service levels as quickly as possible.

Please note: Some items may sell out due to high demand. The discount will automatically be applied to qualifying items that are in stock. Per our updated policy, backorders are not available.

Stock up while things are on sale!!

You can shop here or contact me should you need anything!!

Thanksgiving Treat with Pick of the Patch

Don’t put that Pick of the Patch stamp set away just yet! Just because Halloween is over, don’t think you can’t use all this set has to offer. In fact, we in New England KNOW this is PUMPKIN SEASON! I know that Starbucks has just realised their annual holiday cups and flavors but let’s just relax a minute longer and enjoy what fall has to offer.

I LOVE Trader Joe’s. They are my Target—meaning I go in with one goal and come out with so many more impulse buys…..and here is my latest:

I just got these last week. They are Hot Cocoa Melts-In the shape of pumpkins!!!!!! Truth is –I haven’t yet actually had one but I have packaged up a bunch as little gifts. As they are from Trader Joe’s, I have no doubt they will be delish!

Now–here is a really cute way to package these up and gift them as teacher gifts, book club goodies, Happy Tuesday presents, or You-get-these-on-your-way-out Thanksgiving favors (is it just my family that never leaves???)!

You can whip these up really quickly as I will show in this video. I use the “full strenth/decaf” method to maximize my stamping. And–PUNCHES!! Nuff said.

Check out the video here:

The Pick of the Patch bundle is selling quick so if you think you want it, better get it quick. I recommend ordering it here and heading out to to TJs to get your hot chocolate melts asap!!

Join my mailing list here to never miss out on any goodies I have to share.

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Heartfelt Hexagon and FREE shipping!

Did you get to watch Stampin’ Up!’s World Card Making event this past Saturday?

If not, you can see it here for a few weeks. You will see in the video, there is a brand new, hot off the press bundle called Heartfelt Hexagon. We were able to order it early for the World Card Making Day event. I love any stamp set with a punch but this one is going to be super wonderful!!

What made this event even better is that they announced that Stampin’ Up! is offering FREE shipping through October 11th for orders of $75 or more!! That means you can get this bundle along with a few more items on your wish list with NO shipping!!

Check out what I made with it:

It was so easy to make! Check it out here:

This featured the Garden Walk DSP . It is SO pretty in real life.

You could choose any pack of pretty paper that you own….and I KNOW you own pretty paper!! Imagine the cards you could whip up while using your paper!! Here is another one:

How about a holiday card??

This one features the Joy of Christmas DSP.

Not only is Stampin’ Up! offering free shipping through the 11th but they are offering an even better deal all month!!

Let me explanin:

YOU choose:

1. for just $64.75, you get to choose $125 worth of product in your starter kit OR
2. For just $99, you get $168.75 worth of product in your starter kit.

AND you get to choose anything –Including the demonstrator pre order products –in your starter kit!!

Are you asking what is required of you once you get the starter kit?? NOTHING! You get to create just for you–and at a discount through at least next April! OR you can invite friends over to stamp and show them what you know. BUT you get to do it YOUR way!!

Let me know if you would like any info about joining my team.

And don’t delay on that free shipping. You can hop over to my website here for more info on both!

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Stampin’ Write Markers Meet Inked and Tiled Stamps

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Have adhesive where you don’t want it? Or Why you need baby powder in your craft room!

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EASY omission trick for Beautiful Balloons! I promise!

Last month, my July Card Class used the Beautiful Balloons bundle to make 4 very celebratory cards! This card was heavily inspired by Pricilla’s Papercrafts.

I wanted colors that screamed, “FUN” and nothing says that better than the 2022-2024 In Colors by Stampin’ Up! I used Sweet Sorbet, Parakeet Party, and Tahitian Tide.

I think the highlight of this card is definately the “fringe”. This is created so easily thanks to the coordinating dies. There is one die in the set that does all the work.

I just used the confetti stamp in the set to add a little more to the fringed cardstock.

These colors really do scream–or at least yell–FUN!! Those circles are created using the Stylish Shapes dies. (These are a go to in most crafters’ collections!)

So I promised you and easy trick to omitting. Here it is: POST IT NOTES!

By stratigically (and trust me–this is seriously simple strategy!) placing the post it notes, you can save your words!

Check out how I did it in this video:

Easy Peasy!

If you need any of the supplies I used, you can shop here. For orders of $150 or less this month, please use host code: VJHX3QEV.

Don’t forget to take a look at the kits here. ALL of them are on sale this month 10-30% off! They include everything you–or whomever you gift this to–needs to create cards, packaging or home decor! And there are holiday kits! EASY to create , fun to create and worthy of sending! Check them out!

Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you need anything! Happy to help!

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Simple Flap Fold Card

Last weeking, during our team meeting, I showed our group how to create this simple flap fold card that was inspired by Lyssa Zwolanek. I love making cards but don’t feel the same about writing in them….so this card spoke to me!

I created this card using one of my favorite stamp sets, Bird’s Eye View. I paired it with the Delightfully Eclectic DSP.

Check out how I made it during my Facebook Live on Tuesday night:

Here are the correct measurements:

CS: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″

2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ scored at 1″

DSP: 4 ” x 5 1/4″ and 5 1/3 x 2

White: 2 3/8″ x 5 1/4″

2 x 4″

Did you notice how easy it was to make those glasses pop out? You know I wouldn’t recomment fussy cutting if I could avoid it but those 3-D glasses (well—not exactly!)!!!SO cute!!

Since Stampin’ Up! is offering a 15% off all ANNUAL catalog stamp sets, I just had to point out some of my favorite stamp sets that do NOT have punches or dies that coodinate—just old school stamps! This sale is 24 hours only!! Don’t wait! And remember that during Bonus Days, you will earn a $5 coupon for each $50 you spend in July!!

Here are some other cards using the same design.

Shop Wisely!!

Hope you give this design a try! If you do, post it here so we can see what you are creating!

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