Having a five-year-old son, bugs (and mud, and trucks) are a big part of my life. James always goes through the new Stampin’ Up! catalogs (US item 143221/CAN item 143225) with me and is excited to be involved in the ordering process; he especially likes opening my orders when they arrive! This set was one of his favorites, too. My little boy is my right-hand man, and he was so happy to join me to help me with my blog post.

I used him as my inspiration for my first few projects, since we have recently been changing his room to be a little bit more of a “big guy” bedroom. He’s been adding posters, and we added a little reading nook for him. I recently took out the shadow box I made when he was born (sob!) and I thought a handmade bug diorama would be a great addition to his grown-up decor.

Combined with the Hardwood Background Stamp (item 133035), making this display of (faux!) mounted bugs was so easy! Stamping the beetles was a blast; each piece lined up so perfectly and it was quick and easy to do. The Simply Scored Scoring Tool (item 122334) makes mitered corners on the frame a snap, and I also used it to add a stand to the back of this framed piece so it will stand on its own. It’s a great addition to his bookcase.

Lunchbox notes are such a fun and easy way to add a bit of cheer to your child’s day. The ants in Beetles & Bugs just screamed “picnic” to me, and I wanted to make a little lunch-inspired tag with them! Paired with the Brights Designer Series Paper Stack (item 138434) and some food from the Tasty Trucks Stamp Set (item 143300)—free with purchase during Sale-A-Bration!— these tags would be great for lunches. You could also repurpose the design for invitations to a picnic, take-home party favors, or a bug-themed birthday. So easy!

Speaking of birthdays, we’re going to need a card, aren’t we? This bright collage of beetles makes a great card for someone of any age.

While this stamp set immediately appealed to me because of my little dude, I know lots of girls who love bugs, too. My friend (and one of my favorite in-laws!) Carolyn will be on the receiving end of this card. What’s more perfect for an entomologist?!

The beauty of an all-images stamp set is that it pairs beautifully with virtually any sentiment. I wanted something big and bold, so I used the Badges & Banners Stamp Set (item 141605) and the Scenic Sayings Stamp Set (item 141599) for these cards, with little touches of sentiments from the Thoughtful Banners Stamp Set (item 141614). Perfect!

While I was whipping up all of these fun projects, there was a recurring theme. My son kept sneaking into my office, crawling up into my lap, and asking if he could make some bugs, too.  Because I was working on a deadline, I kept having to say no—a shame, since we love to stamp together! That night, after I finished and was lying in bed, I had a great idea—why not have James collaborate on a scrapbook page with me?!

Using a sheet of Whisper White 12″ x 12″ Cardstock (item 124302), I stamped a bevy of bugs in Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad ink (item 140931) and then let him go wild with my Many Marvelous Markers (item 131264). I took a picture of him working on this page, and then used that for my layout.

Using the Good Vibes by Stampin’ Up Project Life Card Collection (item 141666), it was easy to slot in a few pre-cut cards to create this fun layout. I love the combination of his art with my journaling and photo—and involving kids in the process is such a fun way to preserve family memories.

Thank you so much for stopping by today; I really hope this post helps get the gears turning with this fabulous stamp set!

Cheers,

Shannon Lane
2017 Artisan Design Team

So, it’s mid-November. The leaves are falling, we’ve turned back the clocks, and the nights are drawing in. I personally love this time of year! It’s an excuse to get cozy at home with my family and enjoy those warming comforts we all love. Perhaps a roaring fire, a warm blanket, or a mug of hot chocolate? The Danish call this state of warm, cozy happiness hygge (pronounced “hooga”).

Typically at this time of year our thoughts turn to the upcoming holidays, and I wanted to incorporate this hygge feeling into my gifts this year. Stampin’ Up! has a wide variety of products in their catalogs to help us create warm and happy gifts for our friends and family, and I thought I’d share my hot chocolate gift creation with you today.

I created my own “gift crate” to present my selection of hot chocolate goodies. I made a simple rectangular box from Basic Gray Cardstock (item 121044) stamped with the Hardwood Background Stamp (item 133035). I then added Copper Foil Sheet (item 142020) strips to the corners to give more of a “crate” feel (while reinforcing the corners at the same time).

Another great range of products Stampin’ Up! offers is their assortment of packaging options. I’ve used several in my project for my various hot chocolate ingredients. I used a Petite Café Gift Bag (item 135826) for my hot chocolate mix, a Clear Tiny Treat Box (item 141699) for my chocolate chips, a 2″ x 8″ Cellophane Bag (item 141703) for my chocolate spoons, and a 6″ x 17″ Gusseted Cellophane Bag (item 142001) for the marshmallows (you always need lots of marshmallows)!

To serve the hot chocolate, I also provided some cups. I took standard hot drink cups and removed the brown sleeve. I then used the sleeve as a template to create my own using Blushing Bride Cardstock (item 131198), which I then embossed with the Cable Knit Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (item 143537) before wrapping it back around the cup. I mean—you can’t get more warm and cozy than with knitting, can you?

Finally, I finished all my items off with tags created using the Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies (item 145372) cut from Basic Black Cardstock (item 121045) and tied with Blushing Bride Solid Baker’s Twine (item 141683). I added sentiments from the Candy Cane Christmas Stamp Set (item 142040) and heat embossed the tags using White Stampin’ Emboss Powder  (item 109132). The sentiment for my crate is from the Wonderful Year Stamp Set (item 142158). I created the rectangular tag using the largest square from the Stitched Shape Framelit Dies and the partial die cutting technique.

Do you love the Danish idea of hygge, of creating a warm and cozy atmosphere this season surrounded by good friends, good food, and fun times? I sure do, and I wish you all a “Hygge Christmas”!
Valerie Moody
Rugby, UK
Artisan Design Team 2015–16

Decorating for the holidays is always a time I treasure. I enjoy dressing up our mantle while my husband sets up the tree, and then we decorate the tree together. It’s a really special time for us. This year I’ll be adding some adorable itty bitty ornaments to our tree that I’ve made using the Big Shot and several of the Thinlits and Framelits Dies from Stampin’ Up!

The Home Sweet Home Thinlits Dies (item 140279) are perfect for creating a shadowbox house ornament. Just be sure you don’t add the front piece so you can decorate the inside. I used the Outdoor Adventure Framelits Dies (item 141480) to create a miniature mountain scene and then added some stamped images from the Mountain Adventure Stamp Set (item 142194). Isn’t the little ski chalet perfect?

You can see just how little these ornaments are when placed beside a small decorative tree. The house only measures just over 3″ tall!

The base of this mountain ornament is made with the Pyramid Pals Thinlits Dies (item 140618). These Thinlits are SO versatile, and although they make darling animals, they have the potential for so much more!

With a peek inside you can see that I’ve used the Outdoor Adventure Framelits and the coordinating stamp set, Always an Adventure (item 142726), to create my scene. The stamp set and die coordination makes the creative process so much easier for a project like this.

This last ornament uses the Hearth & Home Thinlits Dies (item 139666) for a snowy view out a window. To create the little box that sits on the back of the window, cut a piece of 4″ x 4-1/2” Whisper White Cardstock (item 100730) and score 1/4″ and 3/4″ on every side. Fill the little box with your scene—like trees from the Outdoor Adventure Framelits Dies and a large mountain from the Mountain Adventure Stamp Set—before gluing the box to the window frame.

A generous application of Mica Flakes (item 141998) to all of your ornaments will make these winter wonderlands even more authentic. And just check out all that sparkle!

I hope you’ll try creating some of your own itty bitty ornaments using your Big Shot, dies, and stamp sets from Stampin’ Up!

Allison Okamitsu
2015–2016 Artisan Design Team

I have been stamping and paper crafting for seventeen years, so believe me when I tell you that the new Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies (item 145372) are destined to be an essential item in your die cutting arsenal.  So how could something so simple be so amazing?  Because they are so simple! The set includes four sizes of three fundamental shapes (circles, squares, and rectangles). You use them just like you would any other circle, square, or rectangle die. The stitching on the edges adds so much interest to your basic shapes that you will want to use them on practically every project you create. Let me show you some things I made using this incredible die set.

The sentiment on this card was stamped using the Tin of Tags Stamp Set (item 142180) and die cut using one of the circles in the Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies. Then I placed it on a scalloped circle from the Layering Circles Framelits (item 141705) before attaching it to my card. Notice how the Layering Circles, Layering Squares (item 141708), and Layering Ovals (item 141706) Framelits Dies work perfectly with the Stitched Shapes Framelits.

They also look great when you add them to our other products. The box on the left was made using the White Gift Boxes (item 142000).

Notice how I paired them with the Birthday Banners Stamp Set (item 141506) and the Bunch of Banners Framelits Dies (item 141488). I love how the stitching on the banner coordinates with the stitching on the dies. The box on the right was made from the clear acetate sleeves that come with the boxes. I just made a bottom and top from cardstock and then decorated it using the Warmth & Cheer Designer Series Paper Stack (item 141991). I also used the Number of Years Stamp Set (item 140653) along with the Large Numbers Framelits Dies (item 140622) to turn them into great Advent gift boxes.

Here’s a project you can make just using the squares from the Stitched Framelits and a few additional supplies. Isn’t this little Christmas tree adorable?

Here is how I made this fun holiday décor piece.

I started by using hot glue to add a 6″ skewer to a vintage thread spool.

Then I cut four squares of each size, marked the centers, then punched holes in the centers. Next, I turned them over and added some distressing to the edges with Early Espresso ink (item 126974) and a Stamping Sponge (item 141337).

Then it was just a matter of sliding on the squares from largest to smallest and tying pieces of ribbon between each layer. I cut two stars with the Stars Framelits Dies (item 133723) to cover the pointed tip of the skewer. Streamers made with Linen Thread (item 104199) add a nice touch. Finally, I added a stitched circle to the base for stability and a Delicate White Doily (item 141701) as a tree skirt. Mica Flakes (item 141998) make great snowy accents when sprinkled on top and around the base.

Order your Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies today! I know you’re going to love them as much as I do!

Connie Collins
Artisan Design Team 2015–2016

Here’s how to make them: Just cut eight identical circles using the Big Shot (item 143263) and one of the circle dies from the Layering Circles Framelits Dies (item 141705).

Now fold them in half and adhere them together using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (item 110755).

To make it look like a pumpkin, cut the bottom of the circles.

For the stem, cut a small strip from Kraft Cardstock (item 133674).

Coil the strip from the wide side, twist it, then push it into the top of the pumpkin.

Next, make the curly vine. Cut a small strip from Whisper White Cardstock (item 100730) and wrap it around a pen to curl it.

Now adhere the vine to the stem using Mini Glue Dots (item 103683). Our pumpkin is done!

You can, of course, create this pumpkin in different sizes or shapes—such as ovals, for example, using the Layering Ovals Framelits dies (item 141706). You could also make apples; just use small leaves instead of a curly vine.

I hope you liked this little tutorial and that you’ll have fun using it!

Steffi Helmschrott
Artisan Design Team 2015–2016

*Steffi Helmschrott, from Germany, is one of our talented Artisan Design Team members.

Not only are stitches a classic trend, they illustrate the quality, precision, and extra care taken when creating a piece. When you give a stitched gift it shows just how much you value that relationship. Starting November 1, you can purchase Stitched Shapes Framelits ahead of their official release in the 2017-2018 annual catalog! With Stitched Shapes Framelits you can make thoughtful paper stitches in seconds, turning any project into one that is stitched from the heart. And during the month of November, coordinating stamp sets are 25% off! But don’t worry…Stitched Shapes Framelits will still be available for purchase after November 30.

Item	Description	Retail Price	Sale Price
145372	Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies—set of 12 dies which includes four circles, ovals, and squares	$30 USD/ $40 CAD	No discount
142069 (HC p. 11)	Greetings From Santa Wood-mount Stamp Set	$27 USD/ $35 CAD	$20.25 USD/ $26.25 CAD
143269 (HC p. 11)	Greetings From Santa Clear-mount Stamp Set	$19 USD/ $25 CAD	$14.25 USD/ $18.75 CAD
142114 (HC p. 15)	Hang Your Stocking Photopolymer Stamp Set	$21 USD/ $26 CAD	$15.75 USD/ $19.50 CAD
142049 (HC p. 19)	Christmas Pines Photopolymer Stamp Set	$35 USD/ $43 CAD	$26.25 USD/ $32.25 CAD
142142 (HC p. 23)	Merry Mice Wood-mount Stamp Set	$23 USD/ $30 CAD	$17.25 USD/ $22.50 CAD
142145 (HC p. 23)	Merry Mice Clear-mount Stamp Set	$17 USD/ $22 CAD	$12.75 USD/ $16.50 CAD
142180 (HC p. 33)	Tin of Tags Photopolymer Stamp Set	$21 USD/ $26 CAD	$15.75 USD/ $19.50 CAD
142206 (HC p. 43)	Suite Season Wood-mount Stamp Set	$28 USD/ $36 CAD	$21 USD/ $27 CAD
142209 (HC p. 43)	Suite Season Clear-mount Stamp Set	$20 USD/ $27 CAD	$15 USD/ $20.25 CAD
140386 (AC p. 31)	Oh, What Fun Photopolymer Stamp Set	$21 USD/ $26 CAD	$15.75 USD/ $19.50 CAD
141859 (AC p. 61)	Baby Bear Photopolymer Stamp Set	$26 USD/ $32 CAD	$19.50 USD/ $24 CAD
141784 (AC p. 139)	Blooms & Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set	$21 USD/ $26 CAD	$15.75 USD/ $19.50 CAD

*AC refers to the annual catalog; HC refers to the holiday catalog.

Details:

• Stitched Shapes Framelits available beginning November 1, 2016
• November 1-30, 2016: select stamp sets 25% off
• Stamp sets also available in French
• Ordering Deadline (25% off stamp sets): November 30, 2016, by 11:50 PM (MT)

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to purchase your Stitched Shapes Framelits and stamp sets today!

If you’re looking for a few cool thank you cards, look no more! And these are perfect for the men in your life…or a great gift for the men in your life to send.

In fact, sugar skulls—a traditional symbol of Día de los Muertos—have taken over Halloween decorations in the last year or two, and since the holiday catalog’s Mr. Funny Bones Stamp Set (item 142245) includes a teeny tiny sugar skull—it got my gears turning. I decided to whip up a party theme based around Day of the Dead décor—the bright colors, the bold sugar skulls—and it’s so much fun! Halloween doesn’t have to be dark and spooky; why not make it bright and colorful?

I started with a color pallet, and for me, there’s no better way to go bright than with one of my all-time favorite color combinations: Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, and Bermuda Bay. A few touches of silver and black—with Basic Black Metallic Thread (item 141695), Silver 3/8″ Glitter Ribbon (item 142015), and Silver Glimmer Paper (item 135314)—added some bling. (Because no party is complete without bling!) And all of my stamps are from the fabulous Mr. Funny Bones Stamp Set; that tiny sugar skull stamp inspired it all!

One of my favorite ways to add texture and dimension to a project is with decorative masks—and this fabulous teardrop design from Seasonal Decorative Masks (item 141848) is perfect for Halloween. Doesn’t it remind you of ghosts?

The Layering Circle Framelits Dies (item 141705) were integral in creating each of the items featured here—I used them for every single project! The tiny scalloped edge in a contrasting color makes for such a sharp frame, and these Framelits make them perfectly in a variety of sizes.

I’ve used another of my favorite tricks throughout this collection as well—custom-made black embossing powder. Simply stamp your image in Basic Black Archival ink (item 140931), cover with Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder (item 109130), shake off the excess, and heat set. Voilà! A bright, shiny, crisp black image.

Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope Mr. Funny Bones has inspired YOU to change up your Halloween party décor this year!

Cheers!

Shannon Lane
Artisan Design Team 2015–2016

While you could use these Framelits with just about any stamp, I’ve chosen to feature the coordinating Shooting Star Stamp Set (item 141619) and create a little galaxy-inspired theme to share with you today.

I started with a panel of Watercolor Paper (item 122959) and applied a wash of Tempting Turquoise (item 126952) and Elegant Eggplant (item 126969) inks using an Aqua Painter (item 103954). Once the paper was completely dry, I stamped a few of the small stars in Whisper White Craft ink (item 101731) and then cut the arch track.

I embellished the card using the Confetti Celebration Stamp Set (item 142034) star, which was stamped on Shimmery White Cardstock (item 101910) in Tempting Turquoise ink and then fussy cut. I also added the “It’s your day!” from this same set stamped in Elegant Eggplant ink.

The shooting star and moon were stamped on Shimmery White Cardstock in VersaMark ink (item 102283) and embossed using Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder (item 109131) and the Heat Tool (item 129053).

I added a little more watercoloring to the tail of the star, plus some Silver Sparkle Dazzling Details (item 127845). Then I followed this great tutorial by Stampin’ Up! to put everything together

This card was so much fun to make that I decided to try one with a full circle track, too.

This time I cut the tail off the star to help it spin more smoothly and not get caught on my layered embellishments and Silver Metallic Thread (item 138402) loops in the center.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these fun designs and that they inspire you to give your own spinner cards a try!

Jennifer Frost
Artisan Design Team 2015–2016

Watch a quick video on our YouTube channel to see how fun it is to create these cards. You can follow the instructions to complete your Paper Pumpkin project as shown in the video, or you can use your creativity to come up with something new. Here are some ideas to get you started.First, if you fold the card base, you can create a tiny treat bag and a shaker tag. This project uses all supplies from the kit.

We’re going totally nuts over this next project! Tie in some of your favorite Stampin’ Up! products like the Acorn Builder Punch and the Serene Scenery Designer Series Paper Stack to create a cute little acorn card.

Finally, be sure you hang on to your stamp set so you can keep on creating with it long after you finish your kit. The sentiments in this set work for so many occasions!

Raise your hand if you are falling for the Season of Gratitude kit? We totally get it! Pick up your refills here, while supplies last, and make it the best season ever!