TUESDAY'S TECHNIQUE: Paper Ink Stamp for Beginners

 With Stampin' Up! we follow the concept of "PAPER INK STAMP".

1 - PAPER "Let the paper do the work" an introduction to Designer Series Paper DSP and how to design and assemble beautiful cards with coordinating products and with a minimum of supplies needed. 

DSP (Designer Series Paper), Basic White cardstock, and adhesive are the basic products.

2 - INK 

Learning to use ink from the pad, from the reinkers bottle as a liquid, and by inking with the Stampin' Write Markers directly on the stamp. 

Using tools: blending brushes, aqua painters

Re-inker bottles and the Aqua Painter. Squirt out ink on a non-porous surface. Use like paint.

3 - STAMP

Learn how to put the labels on the stamps, ink up a stamp. How to stamp. How not to stamp. Why not to rock the stamp. How to clean the stamp and when.

Stay tuned for TUESDAY'S; TIPS, TOOLS, TECHNIQUES for  Beginners and Avid paper crafters 

TUESDAY'S Tips: Envelopes

A question about envelopes - what do you use and where do you buy them - was asked at a recent class.

From my experience, envelopes can be made of any type of paper, color or weight of paper, or size.

The WEIGHT of paper matters - will it tear easily, will it protect your card in mailing?  Is it too thick, will your card get stuck in the postage meter, or will the thickness of the envelope or the card add more postage. Any bump on the card - ribbon knot, sequin, jewel, or dimensional - may add extra postage costs or need "Non-Machinable" printed on the front of the card.

I've used old calendar pages because I love the colors and prints - make sure the paper isn't too thin and that you use a white address label so your addressee is visible.

I've also used 65 lb. paper - not quite the weight of cardstock, but heavier than copy paper - because no extra layer to cover most embellishments is needed.

I use an envelope punch board, a retired Stampin' Up! product, but currently available at most craft stores or online. 

The A2 size Envelope - 4 3/8 x 5 3/4" -  considered an invitation or greeting card size and most often made with 24 lb. paper -  is the size we use for cards that are 1/2 of an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper/cardstock.  

You can find Stampin' Up! envelopes for A2 cards here.

A 5x7 card is considered a "large card", and usually is first class for mailing.

Slimline cards and Mini Slimline cards fit in the envelopes most people keep for their own use:  

A #10 - Business Envelope for a Slimline card

  A 6.75 x 3.75" letter envelope for a Mini Slimline card

Slimline cards are found here.  You can use any Designer Series Papers, and mail it in a #10 envelope.

Mini Slimlines are found here with Karen Titus and can be mailed in a Letter size envelope. 

The A2, #10 and Letter envelopes mentioned in this post are for U.S. and Canada.  

There are many sizes of envelopes used for a variety of mailings. If you are hand delivering your card, you have options of decorating your envelope or using cards that are embellished and folded.

 There is much more information on the internet, by country, too.

Thanks for stopping by for Tuesdays: Tips. I'm always available for questions or comments.  Be Blessed!  sb

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3.625 inches by 6.5 inches

Basic Cards with Stampin' Up

 Sometimes starting a new hobby seems daunting when you look at how others thrive at it.  But don't let that stop you from being part of the community of card makers!  Making a card is a past time, a hobby that is enjoyable.  Whether you are a master artist or a lover of color or simple art, cardmaking is for you.

Here are three cards that demonstrate how simple yet beautiful a card is.  

The first card (top left) has a tag with background stamp, sentiment and twine.  The texture of the basic white cardstock sold by Stampin' Up is quite smooth.  You could assemble this card in a short time, have several on hand, and be prepared to send a note of encouragement or a "hello" at any time.

The second card (top right) has a colored base card, and texture is added by the use of an embossing folder. The same tag is used with the same sentiment, though a piece of ribbon replaces the twine.  

The third card's design includes more components: a stamped image in coordinating colors, two colors of twine resulting in more texture. The tag is punched with a tag punch and popped up with dimensionals.

Here's the link to my online store where you'll see these products and more ideas, check out the calendar for events and be inspired.

 Www.susanboback.stampinup.net

Thanks for stopping by!  Be blessed!  sb

 

MYSTERY & The MASK Card Class

You probably didn't realize you had the ability to solve a mystery!

MYSTERY & THE MASK - Card Class

MYSTERY CARDS Inspired by Karen Titus, Ind. Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and my Team Leader.

But first to encourage conversation and community, we'll have some fun with a Seek & Find puzzle I created. You can design your own at www.education.com.

Here are the clues: (I'm CASE-ing from Karen Titus.  CASE is Copy And Share Everything, very much encouraged in the card making community)

1 – A2 CARD BASE IN A COLOR (one piece of 81/2” x 11”, folded in half, it measures 5 ½ x 4 ¼ “)

1 – WHITE LAYER (4 x 5 ¼”) Note that the layers are 1/4 “ smaller on both sides.

1 – Coordinating piece to the card base DSP (Designer Series Paper) 1 x 4”

1 – Coordinating piece of DSP 1 ½ x 4”

A Punched out, Die Cut or Fussy Cut (hand cut) image as an accent

Instructions:

       Attach the DSP pieces in your choice of design to the white layer

       Attach the white layer to the base card.

       Add the accent image and sentiment if desired.

You’ve solved Mystery #1

The tulip DSP is perfect for this layout. The blue version is similar.

MYSTERY CARD #2 – taking Card #1 up a notch

1 – A2 COLORED CARD BASE

1 – 2 ½ “X 3 ¾” PIECE OF THE SAME COLORED CARD BASE OR COORDINATING COLOR

1 – BASIC WHITE LAYER, 4 X 5 ¼ INCHES. NOTE THAT IT IS ¼ “SMALLER ON BOTH SIDES

1 – 2 ¼ X 1 ¾ INCH WHITE LAYER PIECE (NOTE THAT THIS PIECE IS ¼” SMALLER THAN THE COLOR PIECE)

A Punched out, Die Cut or Fussy Cut (by hand) image as an accent.

2 – DSP 3 ¾ X 1 ¾ “AND 1 – 3 ¾ X 1”

Instructions:

1.   Attach the DSP PIECES (3) TO THE BIGGEST BASIC WHITE LAYER IN YOUR CHOICE OF DESIGN.

       2. Layer the image (PUNCHED, DIE CUT OR FUSSY CUT PIECE) on the smaller white layer, then attach the white to the smaller color layer.

33.Attach the smaller layers with image in your choice of design to the card front. 

.       4. Add sentiment if desired.

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’VE SOLVED MYSTERY 1 & 2!  Make easy cards with these 2 patterns to use up small pieces of DSP, or when an easy, quick card is needed, or when making many cards at a time.

THE MASK in today's "Mystery & the Mask" Class is a stencil. Create backgrounds with color coordinated inks, using the Blending Brushes or sponge daubers.

Build your card front with one of these sample prints. Layer as you did for the Mystery Card. Embellish with a die cut or fussy cut (hand cut) image.

If you aren't fond of white as the back color, with a lighter shade of ink, sponge or use the blending brush, and lightly add the color first over the whole card base, then use a darker shade with the stencil, making sure to add more ink to make the pattern of the stencil stand out. (no photos of that technique)

I love crafting with you! Thank you for spending the afternoon with me.

In today's class one lucky crafter will find a coupon on the inside of the "wrap" that is made with fabric-looking DSP on their snack cup.

Thanks for stopping by! Be blessed! sb

Before you dash off, do you realize that you can get $125 worth of products for $99 with free shipping? And then beginning with your first order, a savings of 20%. You can stay a hobbyist and never sell to anyone but yourself; or you can share these amazing products with friends. In addition, you get further discounts, see new products before they are sold, get rewarded for sales, and be part of a creative community. Read how Stampin' Up! has changed my life here on my Stampin' Up! webpage. I'm always available to talk with you. Join my Team - We're the Card Connoisseurs!

12 Days of Christmas with Karen Titus

 Check out Karen Titus - 12th day of 12 days of Christmas

New Facebook Page

 

Card-Connoisseur

You're invited to check out my new Facebook page. 

NEW! EDEN'S GARDEN NOV 1!

 Eden's Garden Suite is an early release from the January Mini Catalog

I love green!  and greens are the colors featured in the new Eden's Garden Suite of products, available November 1, 2021.  This beautiful coordinating set includes stamps, dies, papers, and embellishments, and because this early release will be available in November, you'll want to include them in your Christmas cards, party favors, tags and decor' crafts.

If you love the Evening Evergreen and Soft Succulent colors, with Gold Foil and Cherry Cobler accents, you'll want to order the products as soon as you can - they're available just while supplies last - November 1! 

I'm in love with DSP - Designer Series Paper - there!  I said it.  And I just can't wait to use them and the Cotton Specialty papers that go with this suite.

Check out the link above, and watch my blog for more ideas with Eden's Garden!

www.susanboback.stampinup.net

Susan Boback, Independent Demonstrator for Stampin' Up!

Thanks for stopping by - be blessed!  sb

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY Projects

 

WELCOME TO WORLD CARD MAKING DAY! Did you know that you are joined by card makers all around the world today and during this week – all of us are getting together in friendship and fun to make a card!

CARD #1 This is a basic card - for beginners 

The size of the card is 4 ¼ inches x 5 ½ inches.  In the USA this is referred to as an “A2” card.  Memorize this measurement. It is equal to ½ of a standard piece of paper or cardstock 8 ½ x 11 inches. Knowing this size will help so you can cut layers which are 1/8 – ¼ inches smaller. 

FACT #1 - Out of each 8 ½ x 11 inch piece you can get two cards.  What size is an A2 card? 4 ¼ x 5 ½ inches.

Here is the YouTube link for the Origami Fold card we’re making today on World Card Making Day.  https://karentitus.com/easy-origami-fun-fold-shadowbox-cards-to-make/.

To make this card, we will use:

1 – A2 white base card – what size is it?  See Fact #1 above

1 layer size 4 x 5 ¼ - note that this layer is ¼ inch smaller on both sides than the A2 card base size.

1 – 2 ½ inch x 2 ½ inch square Gold Layer

1 – 3x3 inch square double sided (Must be double sided for this project)  for the Origami piece.  This piece is the focal point of the card. FACT #2 Double sided paper is needed for the Origami fold piece.

1 – Sentiment –  For today's projects, I've stamped 5 sentiments. Pick one. Use the remaining 4 for the next projects. (If you are making this card beyond WCMD choose a sentiment to coordinate with your paper theme.) 

1 – World cut out 

Adhesives used are double sided tape; or tape runner or Tombo glue – which is recommended as so very little is needed to stick firmly; and Dimensionals to "pop up" the world cut out in the center of the Origami square. Glue Dots are also used to attach ribbon or small die cuts.

World of Good (retired) is the Designer Series Paper that I've chosen for this card.

Kits for this project will  require adhesive to attach the layers to the card. A Dimensional is included for the world cut out.

Fold the square according to the Origami pattern. Watch the video - it is fairly simple. Here it is partially folded.

This photo shows both sides of the completed folder piece. 

Attach large layer to card base.  Attach the Origami piece to the gold square, then attach them to the layer on the card. Look at the completed card for placement. Use the "world' piece and center it on top of the origami piece. Attach it with a dimensional so that it’s raised above or “popped up”. It is difficult to see here.  

This A2 card will mail at first class for 58 cents, a regular stamp.  If any lumps or bumps of embellishments or ribbons are on the card that don't permit the card to fit through the 1/4 inch postage machine, additional postage for each ounce must be added. Or get in the habit of placing a piece of cardstock or lightweight card board over your card inside the envelope to protect it in mailing.

This is why I like the 65 lb. paper for making envelopes because it protects the card. 

No one wants to receive a card where the embellishments are sticking through the envelope or where they owe postage on it.

This is a simple card pattern for a beginner card maker, that you can use again and again:

One layer on top of the base card. Add a coordinating piece. Add a sentiment. Ribbons and die cuts can be added too, but meaningful cards do not have to be fancy or layered with many sections.

Now that you know the size of an A2 or a basic card, keep basic white cardstock on hand for your card bases.  Color cardstock can be added to every basic white card by layering.  Remember that the A2 is 4 ¼ x 5 ½ – so the first layer will measure ¼ inch smaller or 4 x 5 ½ inches.  The other factor to keep in mind is that with a white card base, you don’t have to add a white layer on the inside to stamp a message or write a note.

The goal for today around the world is to make a card and to SEND that card!  Thank you for participating in making and sending cards. I say that we are “cheering up the world, one card at a time.”

CARD #2 – PURSE/TOTE with 4 cards – all from one 12x12 piece of paper.

Tune in to Karen Titus on YouTube to make the Purse/Tote for Project #2  Please refer to Karen’s video for the instructions. You can stop a video at any point and rewatch as many times as needed.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtHKnE6vI7Y&t=1586s  @ 13:38 minutes on the video is where the Purse/Tote with Cards starts playing. Find that by sliding the red bar under the video over to this time.

Begin with a 12x12 piece of Designer Series Paper. Since Stampin' Up! products are coordinated, you don't have to struggle with matching papers and embellishments. Double sided printed papers work best for this project.

The purse and handles are made from  the 12x12, by cutting 2, 1 inch strips off of one end. That leaves a 4 x 10 section to be used on 4 cards.

I've chosen Pansy Petals Designer Series Paper for my purse/tote and cards.

From one side of the 12x12 paper, cut 2 one inch strips and set aside – these are the handles. This leaves you with a 12 x 10 piece of paper.

2.     Next, turn the paper 90 degrees so that the 12 inch side is on the top and cut it at 8 inch mark from top to bottom.  That gives you a 4 inch by 10 inch piece. This piece can be cut in four pieces to make the card fronts, but set that aside for now.

+ SEE #12 below for card instructions

3.      You have the large piece for the purse/tote.  It is an 8x10  piece and position it so the 10 inch side is along the top. (you could also make the purse/tote out of a regular piece of cardstock (8 1/2 x 11) without making the coordinating cards)

 Score from top to bottom at 4 inches and 6 inches. Scoring is done by using a stylus or score blade (depending on your tool) and making an indentation in the paper so that you can fold on this clean line/score line.  This is the tool I use for scoring.

4.       Fold towards the inside, on both of these score lines, and make those into two tabs, one on each side of this bottom part, as shown above, and you will see the purse/tote now has a bottom.

6.    When you see these being made on the video, it makes more sense.  They are 1 ½ inches into the bottom piece. You cut right on the fold/score lines on each side, and then fold that tab piece in.  

7.       The purse/tote is basically made – now you’re going to attach the sides.   Use an adhesive that is strong holding – Tear & Tape – a double sided tape; or tape runner is used. 

8   With the long edge along the top, and inside of purse/tote facing up, attach adhesive tape on the upper right edge (that will be the inside of the purse/tote). Taking both of the top edges in your hands, these are one side of the purse/tote, pull them in towards the flap and attach them together to make the side of the purse/tote.  Its kind of hard to explain. This is where watching this video will be most helpful.

9.    Repeat the same on the other side, making sure to add the adhesive strip to one of the edge pieces. These sides are not meant to be straight and square like a box; however, if you want your tote to be square and exact, you can score the sides to equal the width of the tab.

1 The last thing you have to do is attach the handles.  If you want them to curve a little you can take any straight edge like the dull side of the scissors blade, a ruler or a bone folder and run it along the full length of the handle, like you are curling ribbon.

11 The handles are attached with a brad, (4) one for each end of the 2 handles.

12FOUR CARDS:  Use 4, A2 white card bases.   With the long piece left from the 12x12,

+(as noted in #2 above)

cut it into four - 2 ½” x 4” inch pieces to make four simple cards. 

13You may wish to add color coordinated cardstock for layering:  ¼ inch or more larger than 2 ½ x  4 inches, a sentiment and optional die cuts and ribbon.

     Its up to you because you are the artist!

H     Here are some samples of what you can do with the 4 pieces.The die cuts are from the Harvest Meadow Suite

 Pansy Petals Designer Series Paper, Penquin Playmates (Fall 2021 Sale A Bration), Detailed Pumpkins, Summer Shadows Dies (Fall 2021 Sale A Bration), Gingham Ribbon.  Cardstock layers are Evening Evergreen (In-Color 2021-2023); Crumb Cake; Garden Green and can be found in the Annual Catalog.

The Gingham ribbon is so versatile as one of many that can be dyed with a marker to coordinate.

This purse/tote will make a great gift – or a great holder of craft supplies on your work table. 

GIFTIE TREAT HOLDER – A bonus pattern

This can be used for lip balm, a small candy bar, currency, anything that would fit and used for a party favor or something to give out to friends, etc.  Some people call these “gifties” and carry them in their purse for use when you want to say more than thank you. 

 Instructions:

1.        Use double sided paper.  Cut it approximate size 5 x 3 ¾ inches.

2.       The score lines in the bottom (like the purse/tote) will depend on your “gift” size.  Use ¾ of an inch.

3.       Score at 2 1/4 inches and 3 inches across the width, not the length.  This equals the ¾ inch that the “gift” will sit in.

4.       Belt Piece. Cut a piece of coordinating paper ½ inch by 3 ½ inches approximately.  This piece will be glued over the scored section so that it holds the “gift” in place.  Glue ½ inch of each end down onto the space above the scored line.  Then you may wish to cover the inside of this folder with a layer of coordinating paper so that it covers up where you attached this belt piece.

5.       Fold it in half at the score lines.  Its like a card with a ¾” flat bottom with a belt that holds in a candy or gift. 

6.       Ties: with a paper punch, punch 2 holes on each side near the short edge about one inch apart. 

7.       Put your candy or gift inside the belt.  Bring the sides up together and weave a ribbon in from each side and tie a bow. 

8.       Make several. Use up your excess papers. Carry with you where ever you go.  Use them for friends, oR to tip your server. 

If you want to:

 upgrade your tools and paper crafting supplies

learn new techniques with crafters from around the world

cheer up the world one card at a time

learn of new products before the public sees them

consider joining my team - CARD CONNOISSEURS and saving 20% for every purchase you make and buy the kit for $99! includes free shipping.

You’ll be pleased with the deals only demonstrators get, early shopping before the new products are revealed to the public, additional discounts, and the community we share with others. There's no obligation to sell or hold classes or start a business. I've found the most amazing community.  Contact me through this page or click on this link to go to my Stampin' Up! website to learn more.

Thanks for joining me today!

 

Susan Boback

Independent Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and CARD CONNOISSEUR!

www.susanboback.stampinup.net

P.S. I apologize for the numerical and other formatting errors!

Backgrounds with Ink

Making prints for cards is one of many ways you can enjoy colors and perhaps discover a new interest.  The products I use are Stampin' Up! and if you're not already purchasing your supplies with them, I'd encourage you to discover the quality and color coordination for all products.  My personal page for ideas, specials and access to the current catalogs and kits is found right here. Take a look then contact me with any questions!

There's so many techniques for making your own prints and backgrounds. Today we're going to work with re-inkers and water, on water colour paper. If you're new stamping or making cards, I welcome you to this creative craft.  I love working with these water colour techniques because every image is different. But if you think in exact methods and wish all designs to be the same, this may be an "out of the box" technique for you.  If so, I do encourage you to read and try these. You may be surprised at how beautiful ink and water can come together to create a unique print!

NOTE I tried these techniques on heavy cardstock but the paper did not hold its shape when the print dried like water colour paper does.

You can air dry your prints or use a heat tool to speed it along. (Do not use a hair dryer. Please use safety)

 TECHNIQUE #1

You'll need dye based ink, preferably in liquid form for this first project.  A palette is needed for the ink.  Any non-porous thing, but I use clear, firm cellophane, window sheets, cut in a 3x4 piece so its easy to handle. Any small piece of clear plastic will work. I recommend this water colour paper which is 5x7 size. It's perfect making 2 prints for 2 card fronts.

On one half of the paper, spritz water about 4 times. By using this spritzer you can gauge the spray area and amount of water. You don't want it too wet or too dry.

Put one drop of ink from the re-inker bottle on a palette. Spritz with water.

Next wet the water painter, which is a paint brush with a barrel that holds water, Squeeze the barrel, and pick up ink with it you've squeezed onto your palette. 

Touch the wet spot on the paper and let the ink flow freely; and slide ink only in wet area. Its not the goal to cover the entire half page. Let dry or dry front and back with heat tool.

This photo shows this technique on the left. The ink is Pumpkin Pie.

Stamp image on top of inked background now dry. 

TECHNIQUE #2 SMOOSHING

Watch a YouTube video by Lisa Curio to see this technique.

On your palette, squeeze a drop of ink then spritz with spritzer until the ink puddles. Pick up the palette piece and quickly turn it upside down on the paper. Smooshing is when you swirl the window sheet piece or palette piece around on the paper which places the ink in unique patterns, and creates a different image each time. 

Another option is to pull the inked  window sheet/palette, upside down across the paper which produces an image of a different shape.

Use the heat tool again to dry the paper which will dry flat if its water colour paper, with high cotton fibers and which can absorb the water. When dry, stamp your image on this background or add a die cut.

You can also stamp on Designer Series Paper for another unique design. This paper is the Harvest Meadow, which like all DSP (Designer Series Paper) is double sided and coordinated with inks, card stock, ribbons, markers, and embellishments.

TECHNIQUE #3 BLENDING BRUSHES

You can also use blending brushes, instead of a water colour brush, with ink to create a background of blended colors. Although the photo shows the re-inkers here, I have found that tapping the blending brush on the ink cartridge is a better method for loading ink on these brushes. While you can tap the brush into the liquid ink, the ink from the cartridge has a lesser water content and produces a deeper colour.

The colors I used for this piece are Polished Pink and Daffodil Delight.

Today we're using Delicate Dahlias which is available for free with a $100 order, which is part of the semi-annual Sale A Bration ending September 30, 2021.  I'd love to tell you about this and other amazing deals. 

(If you are reading this blog post after that date, just keep in mind that you'll have two opportunities to take advantage of free items, because Stampin' Up! has begun to host two Sale A Bration events per calendar year.  So look for a mini catalog to premier in Jan - June with the Sale A Bration to be held Jan/Feb; and a second mini catalog will premier in July with the Sale A Bration for Aug/Sept.)  

To embellish the image, emboss with gold embossing powder and green embossing powder for the leaves.

TECHNIQUE #4 EMBOSSING ON VELLUM

And yet another option is to use white embossing powder with the image on vellum. Then use this embossed layer over the background you've made with Blending brushes. Using vellum creates a more subtle look.

Place your stamp on the Stamparatus to stamp it exactly where you want it, get it straight with even pressure, or repeat for full coverage of the ink. Here the versa mark watermark ink is used before the embossing powder is added. 

The print below shows stamped images over the background made with Blending Brushes.  Using bright colors will make their images show up better under the vellum.  

Polished pink  and Pumpkin Pie are the Dahlia and daisy images.

Once your images are dry you can trim them to layer on card fronts for use with a variety of sentiments and embellishments. 

Here are a few finished prints. I love the Delicate Dahlias with the water colouring techniques.  This stamp set can be used for any season of the year. You could stamp in Pumpkin Pie and Daffodil Delight (orange and yellow) for fall; Real Red for December; Pink for Jan/Feb. Purples and blues for Spring or Easter.  The colour combinations are many.  Check out the four color families of ink and products here, and use your own combinations to create unique prints for card fronts.

This first print, while stamped on heavy cardstock, is not water color paper.  While it took the ink and water well, it did curl when dry, even using a heat tool.   In this instance, I had to cut the print down to make it into a card front, by cutting off the curled edges.  Something to consider is what you're going to do with your prints.  If making cards, be sure to choose water color paper.

The print below shows how the inks blend and spread if too much water is used.  But if you are satisfied with your colours you can use the second stamp of this two-step stamp, and stamp the outline Dahlia and leaves to give it definition.  See the samples below.

Before stamping any images with a two-step stamp, make a matching mark on each stamp where two images are the same so that when lining them up such as these prints show, you can get the petals that are shaped the same to match.

There are lots of techniques and possibilities for making backgrounds and prints with ink.  These are four that I use often.  Make sure to click on the highlighted links for the Stampin' Up! products that I used. I'd love to see what you make. 

If you're interested in the Sale A Bration or learning how you can get a discount on products and free items with a $99 order, I'll be happy to tell you.  Read about how Stampin' Up! has made a difference in my life - this community can made a difference in yours too!  

As always I appreciate you stopping by! Be blessed!sb  

Peaceful Christmas

September 11 - October 10 is when you can order "Peaceful Christmas" Paper Pumpkin Kit. 

Perhaps crafting for Christmas🎄 gifts or decorations has been a favorite hobby for you; or it may be that looking at Christmas decorations and craft supplies in October 🎃  is unheard of for you!

Since we want to have our projects completed and ready to send or give in a timely manner, we really do want to be planning and making in October.  🍂

When my son was in the U.S. Navy and stationed in Cuba, I had to have his Christmas items sent by the first of November.  It was then that I welcomed the opportunity to purchase decorations and craft supplies far enough in advance to get his package to him on time.

While this was 25 years ago, I still think of that this time every year: of how excited I was to be packaging a mini, mini artificial Christmas tree with a set of battery-operated lights, and plastic "snow" and snowflakes.  

Take a look at the next month of Paper Pumpkin. 

When you picture a peaceful Christmas, what comes to mind? Do you see snow outside your window, softly swirling through the sky? A tree trimmed with tinsel, a fire crackling nearby? Maybe you’re dreaming of decorating a holly jolly gingerbread house. Can you catch a whiff of Christmas cookies wafting through the air?

Whatever it is you think about when Christmas comes to town, picture a peaceful Christmas with the Peaceful Christmas Paper Pumpkin Kit! This glimmering and gleaming kit is your creative kickstart to Christmas cardmaking. With sprinkles of snow, shimmering silver skies, and heartwarming holiday wishes, you’ll have enough elements and embellishments to create 10 Christmas cards and coordinating envelopes.

And if you totally love the theme and papers, you can order more of the Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up! Peaceful Place by clicking on this link:  www.stampinup.com/products/peaceful-place-suite-collection-english. 

So when the weather changes to cool, its football season on Sunday afternoons, colored leaves are falling to the ground, grab a cup of hot tea or cider, take your Paper Pumpkin kit, and craft some cards to send this Christmas! You'll be glad you made them in advance.

Use this link to check out this month's kit:

https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-us/sign-up/?demoid=2247413

Glad you stopped by - be blessed! sb

Join me for Stampin' Up! Day of Service - September 16

 

STAMPIN’ UP! DAY OF SERVICE IS COMING SOON!

From Stampin' Up! "Our Stampin’ Up! Day of Service will be held on Thursday, 16 September. This year, we’ll be focusing on heart health.

We are so excited to invite all to join us in making a difference! There are many different ways to participate and benefit your local communities."  

"We invite you to

-    support local causes you’re passionate about, or 

-    focus on heart health education, resources, and support 

-     Participate in blood donation, CPR training, donating needed items to a         local hospital

-    Engage your community in a heart-healthy wellness activity

-    Donate or sende encouraging cards to healthcare workers

Please share your Stampin’ Up! Day of Service experiences using #SUDifferenceMaker on Facebook and Instagram."

Card makers don't need an invitation to make cards and help cheer up the world, do we?  

We have plenty of reasons right now to thank those who serve us, in many ways, medical or civil jobs.  Let's show them their work makes a difference in our daily lives!

The Statement of Heart for Stampin' Up! in part is "making a difference" by helping others to enjoy their creativity and worthwhile accomplishments.  

SEPTEMBER 16 - Stampin' Up! Day of Service 2021.  Join me in sending, giving, speaking, sharing your heart to those who serve our communities!

Thanks for stopping by. Be Blessed!  sb