Crafting Up the Coast

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!

The first Moroccan Nights project was Shalae’s birthday packaging. The center part is just the DSP rolled into a tube and secured after cutting fringe on both edges—a perfect place to put rolled up birthday bills so they don’t fall out or get lost.

The other projects—all four fabulous cards—are great ideas for World Card Making Day! As always, photos just don’t do these cards justice. I wish you could touch them and see them up close. They’re beautiful cards with lots of texture!

If you like options (like me) and you’re looking for a simpler way to prepare for World Card Making Day, order the Oh, Happy Day card kit (if you haven’t already) and join Sara and me during her Facebook event on September 20 for tips on making some fun cards for any time—night or day. (Get it? Moroccan Nights or Oh, Happy Day! I thought it was a cute…thanks for humoring me just a little!)

There is no better way to show someone you care like sending handmade card. In a sea of junk mail and bills, a card is a simple thing that really stands out. October 1, 2016, is World Card Making Day and it’s a great time to make and send a card to someone to just say hello or give them a little recognition or love! And what’s even better is that from October 1-5, cardmaking essentials are up to 25% off. Stock up so you can share your love all year long! Contact your demonstrator to place an order, or shop now!

Here’s a list of cardmaking staples that are being discounted in celebration of World Card Making Day:

Item	Description	Discount	Retail Price	Sale Price
138339	2015-2017 In Color Card stock	15%	$8 USD/$10 CAD	$6.80 USD/$8.50 CAD
141413	2016-2018 In Color Card stock	15%	$8 USD/$10 CAD	$6.80 USD/$8.50 CAD
141697	2015-2017 In Color Envelope Paper	25%	$11 USD/$14.50 CAD	$8.25 USD/$10.88 CAD
141698	2016-2018 In Color Envelope Paper	25%	$11 USD/$14.50 CAD	$8.25 USD/$10.88 CAD
133774	Envelope Punch Board	25%	$20 USD/$27 CAD	$15 USD/$20.25 CAD
141651	Designer Tin of Cards Project Kit	25%	$27 USD/$36 CAD	$20.25 USD/$27 CAD
129027	Fast Fuse Adhesive Refill – Buy a Fast Fuse Adhesive (item 129026) and get a Refill for FREE!		$7.50 USD/$10 CAD	FREE with purchase of Fast Fuse Adhesive

 

Details

• Promotion period: October 1-5, 2016
• Ordering Deadlines:
  • Phone/Fax/Mail: October 5, 2016, by 6:50 PM (MT)
  • Online: October 5, 2016, by 11:50 PM (MT)

We can all use more Designer Series Paper, so we’re confident that you’re going to love this news: October 1 through 31, buy three packages of Designer Series Paper and get one free! That means now is a great time to save on some of our most popular paper designs. Contact your demonstrator to place your order, or shop now!

Here’s a handy list of our current Designer Series Paper you can save on during this promotion:

Item #	Product Name
141663	Floral Boutique Designer Series Paper
141645	Moroccan Designer Series Paper
141660	Fruit Stand Designer Series Paper
141654	Blooms & Bliss Designer Series Paper
141630	Festive Birthday Designer Series Paper
141640	By the Shore Designer Series Paper
141986	Presents & Pinecones Designer Series Paper
141981	Candy Cane Lane Designer Series Paper

 

Details

• Promotion period: October 1–31, 2016
• There is no limit to how many times you can buy three packages of Designer Series Paper and get one free.
• Specialty Designer Series Paper and Designer Series Paper Stacks do not qualify for this promotion and cannot be redeemed through this offer.
• Designer Series Paper purchased with Stampin’ Rewards or the Stampin’ Rewards 50%-off perk does not qualify for the promotion.
• Designer Series Paper purchased as part of a Starter Kit does not qualify for this promotion.
• Promotion Deadlines:
  • Phone: October 31, 2016, by 6:50 PM (MT)
  • Online: October 31, 2016, by 11:50 PM (MT

I have a confession to make. It’s hard for me to make a card without using a doily. I love how they instantly add a touch of polish without any cutting or stamping. They layer beautifully and are a simple, yet pretty way to highlight a focal image. Plus, they’re an inexpensive way to embellish your cards (especially when you factor in the per unit cost, which amounts to only pennies).

I was recently stamping with the Be Jolly, By Golly Stamp Set (item 142134) and found myself using all of the doilies that Stampin’ Up! offers, so I thought I’d share how you can use all three doily varieties with this fun set.

The Delicate White Doilies (item 141701) coordinate with just about any color palette. I often use pieces of them rather than include the whole doily on one card.

For this first card, I cut the doily in half and layered the two pieces under a strip of Real Red 3/4″ Stitched Edge Ribbon (item 141984) and Candy Cane Lane Designer Series Paper (item 141981). The focal image was embossed with Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder (item 109129) and cut out with the Big Shot (item 143263) and a Layering Circles Framelits Die (item 141705). Some gold twine from the Baker’s Twine Trio Pack (item 141999) was tied in a bow for a finishing touch. You’ll notice that I’m addicted to Baker’s Twine, too, but that will have to be discussed in another post!

Because you can never have too much of a good thing, it’s fun to layer different doily styles, as well.  With this next card, I layered a Cucumber Crush 2015–2017 In Color Doily (item 141674) over a Delicate White Doily.

The card base was made by stamping the Diagonal Stripe Stamp (item 141917) with Versamark ink (item 102283) on a piece of Real Red Cardstock (item 102482).The doilies and Baker’s Twine from Candy Cane Lane Baker’s Twine (item 141983) and the Baker’s Twine Trio Pack were layered with a strip of Warmth & Cheer Designer Series Paper (item 141991) and Gold Glimmer Paper (item 133719). Some gold Metallic Sequins (item 138390) and fun Mini Jingle Bells (142002) were added as finishing touches.

On this last card, I used one of the gold Metallic Foil Doilies (item 138392). These come in two sizes (both gold and silver) and the larger one was used here.

A piece of Candy Cane Lane Designer Series Paper was added to the card base, and a strip of Real Red 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon was looped underneath the focal image. This image was embossed with Real Red Glitter Stampin’ Emboss Powder (item 142635) and cut out with the Lots of Labels Framelits Die (item 138281).

Some sprigs of holly from the Holly Berry Happiness Stamp Set (item 142061) and Holly Berry Punch (item 141843) were then added with some gold Baker’s Twine and Brights Enamel Shapes (item 141680).

I hope these projects will inspire you to give all of the different doily styles that Stampin’ Up! offers a try.  I’d love to see how you incorporate these versatile accessories into your own projects!

Amy O’Neill
Artisan Design Team 2015–2016

Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving, Halloween, or other fall festivities, Paper Pumpkin has everything you need. This month’s kit, Something Good to Eat, includes 16 food-safe treat tubes plus stamps, stickers, and embellishments to help you dress them up for any occasion.

This kit comes together quickly so you can party right away. No tricks, just treats! Watch it in action at PumpkinHowTo.com.

While you’re experimenting with your trendy treat tubes, don’t forget to try some other projects. Here are some additional ideas to get you started.

For instance, if you’re going for a strictly spooky theme for Halloween, pull in some holiday catalog products like the Halloween Night Designer Washi Tape and Baker’s Twine. Then, stamp the Jack-o’-lantern face and bat from the Spooky Fun Photopolymer Stamp Set using a Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad.

The stamps in the kit are great for cardmaking too! Use the sentiment to stamp a fun background and banner. To achieve a two-tone pumpkin, stamp the solid pumpkin image on some scrap paper first, then (without re-inking) stamp it again to get a lighter tone. (This technique is called stamping off and it’s one that you can use again and again in your projects.) To finish, stamp the outline image on top of the solid image. (That’s called two-step stamping, another technique you’ll use a lot.)

Here’s another card with a completely different look, proving the versatility of this kit. When we were planning this stamp set, we couldn’t help but “oooh” and “ahhhh” over this adorable little sunflower! Isn’t it lovely? Use the Crumb Cake Note Cards & Envelopes to create a simply sunny card and you’re sure to put a smile on a friend’s face.

Now is a great time to stock up on refills so you can keep using the treat tubes for more projects this season. They’d be great filled with bath salts as a stocking stuffer or neighbor gift. Grab yours now before they disappear.

Speaking of disappearing, our BOGO offer will disappear on October 10! First-time subscribers can buy the October kit at regular price and get the November kit for FREE! Contact your demonstrator and use promo code “BOGO” at PaperPumpkin.com to get started. If you’re already a subscriber, be sure to tell your friends about this amazing offer before it’s too late!

*Fine Print: For first-time subscribers only, not valid on prepaid subscriptions. Offer invalid if subscription is suspended or cancelled during the first two months. After that, the subscription will continue for $19.95 USD/$26.95 CAD + tax per month (shipping included) unless cancelled or suspended. Offer ends October

For the first time ever, first-time subscribers can buy one month at the regular price of $19.95 US/$26.95 CAD and get the second month FREE! It’s a Paper Pumpkin BOGO deal that you don’t want to miss!

Paper Pumpkin is a monthly subscription service by Stampin’ Up! that delivers all the stamps, ink, and paper you need to create a papercrafting project. Everything is cut and ready to go so you can skip to the fun!

Contact your demonstrator and use promo code “BOGO” at PaperPumpkin.com to get started.

Fine Print: For first-time subscribers only, not valid on prepaid subscriptions. Offer invalid if subscription is suspended or cancelled during the first two months. After that, the subscription will continue for $19.95 USD/$26.95 CAD + tax per month (shipping included) unless cancelled or suspended. Offer ends October 10, 2016.

I always like to look for new projects, and I tend to use my Project Life cards for more than just scrapbooking; for instance, today I decided to put together a few 4″ x 4″ note cards using the Hello Lovely Project Life Card Collection (item 141668). All of the cards are very simple and easy to put together. I used the Hello Lovely Project Life Accessory Pack (item 142687) to complement the cards with a few embellishments.

I used our Silver Glimmer Paper (item 135314) and the Rose Garden Thinlits Dies (item 140619) to accent the cards. To create the little tags, I used Old Olive Cardstock (item 100702) along with some Basic Black Solid Baker’s Twine (item 141682). They’re super-simple cards to put together as there’s no stamping or cutting required. BONUS, right? That’s the beauty of Project Life.

Now, to add in a little extra fun, I made a Project Life frame. I’ve loved these kinds of projects lately, and I have decided to put together two walls of family love in our living room. Here is where this frame will be added.

Last fall we had family photos taken at an old barn near our house. Gosh, I am such a fan of vintage settings for photos; they never fail, I find. We had just gotten our little puppy a few months prior, so it was a perfect time to snap the family. Our kids were the focal point in these photos—as they usually are! How can they not be when they are just so sweet together? These times are precious as they only last for so long.

I used Fast Fuse Adhesive (item 129026) to glue down each of the cards, and yes, this is a permanent adhesive, but I was okay with that. If you don’t want it to be permanent, you can adhere the cards with Velcro®; this lets you reuse the cards for another project. I also used Stampin’ Dimensionals (item 104430) to adhere some of the cards and doubled up on a few to create more of a pop.

I hope you enjoyed my projects today and that I was able to inspire you to make a fun project using Project Life. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box; it will never fail to amaze you!

Joyce Fowler
Artisan Design Team 2015–2016