As an independent Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, one of my favorite classes to teach is my “Mommy and Me” class. The class is open to children ages four and up, and I always ask my daughter (age 6) to help me create the sample. We love crafting together!For my upcoming class, we’ll be creating these bright and cheerful little 3-3/4″ x 3-3/4″ mixed media note cards on Kraft Cardstock (item 133674).
To begin, each child paints a 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ square of Typeset Specialty Designer Series Paper (item 133704) with a soft blue acrylic paint, purchased at my local craft store. I add a few drops of water to make it thinner, then have them paint it on with a sponge brush. If the children get the paper too wet, an adult can gently dab it with a paper towel.
Next, an adult holds a cardstock stencil in place made using the Sunburst Thinlits Die (item 140617) while the child sponges on the yellow rays using acrylic paint and some bubble wrap. I show them how to dab the bubble wrap on the Grid Paper (item 130148) first so they don’t get too much paint on their project.
After a thorough wash-up (and while the paint dries), the kids use the Big Shot (item 113439) to cut the two smallest Floral Frames Collection Framelits (item 127012) out of paper from the Brights Designer Series Paper Stack (item 138434).
Children love the Big Shot, and under adult supervision, I’ve had kids as young as two use it successfully.
Each child makes four cards, adding Brights Designer Buttons (item 130028), a Flower Fair Framelits Dies leaf (item 133731), and a stem in Cucumber Crush Cardstock (item 138335).
The moms stamp the “Just a note” sentiment from the Picture Perfect Stamp Set (item 140520) in Whisper White Craft ink (item 101731). It really pops on Basic Black Cardstock (item 121045)!
Then they use the Envelope Punch Board (item 133774) and 6-1/2″ x 6-1/2″ copy paper to create four envelopes, held together with a piece of the same Designer Series Paper.
The berry basket (Berry Basket Bigz L Die, item 137366), trimmed in matching paper and holding a little green grass in the bottom, brings it all together perfectly. Creating these items can take a little extra help, so I put out snacks at this point and help one mommy/child duo at a time.
Lastly, with each mom’s help, the kids create a cute little tag using the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch (item 133324). It says “For you” (Birthday Blooms Stamp Set, item 140658) and has a flower that matches the cards. They tie it all together with a piece of Whisper White 1/4″ Cotton Ribbon (item 134567).
When they’re finished, the moms and kids go home with an adorable project they can give as a gift or keep for themselves—and I will have had the joy of sharing Stampin’ Up! with the next generation of crafters.
I can’t think of a more perfect way to spend an afternoon!
Michelle Long
Artisan Design Team 2015–2016
