Spring Sampler Paper Craft 8 x 8 Window Box layout using Stampin’ Up!

 

 

My first Spring Sampler of the season!  Yesterday it was 73 degrees in Iowa and I am looking forward to more spring weather!  I wanted to make an 8 x 8 layout.  I have a window box frame that I purchased from Michaels and use that to switch out each sampler that I make for updated home decor.  You can find other window box frames on Amazon I'm pretty sure.  

I looked at my paper stash and the Daffodil Afternoon 12" x 12" caught my eye.  I received this pack FREE from the previous Sale-A-Bration Jan/Feb 2022 when I purchased $50 in products.  Be on the lookout for another one happening when the next catalog comes out in May 2022!  

Instructions:

I used the Stitched Shapes, Meadow dies and Stitched So Sweetly.  I used the largest Square and Oval and also cut out the next size smaller for the Daffodil Afternoon paper to be displayed.  I used Very Vanilla as the matte.  

Next, the colors I chose for the background paper was Pear Pizzazz at 8 x 8 and a 6 x 6 square of Daffodil Afternoon displaying the Pale Papaya and Very Vanilla polka dots.  The flower (Meadow Dies) die cut colors are Evening Evergreen, Crushed Curry, Daffodil Afternoon DSP, Soft Succulent, Pumpkin Pie.

Stampsets:  Shaded Summer (retired), Celebrate with Flowers

Inks:  Flirty Flamingo, Mossy Meadow

Punch:  Butterfly punch (retired)

Embellishments:  Artistry Blooms adhesive backed sequins, leftover Paper Pumpkin gems that matched Flirty Flamingo color.

Ribbons Mossy Meadow striped and Polka Dot Tulle Ribbons (retired).  The Mossy Meadow Striped Ribbon is NOW ON CLEARANCE for $3.00!

I used the Very Vanilla large squares and the medium squares along with the oval and rectangle and moved them around the paper to see how I liked each layout.  It was kind of fun because it felt like I was putting together a puzzle.  I anchored the corners with different sizes and then filled in the middle with the medium sized squared spaced evenly apart horizontally.  I then added all of the embellishments and chose the sentiment and stamp set by keeping springtime theme in mind.  Shaded Summer and Celebrate with Flowers were chosen because it seemed like a good combination to me!  

This is an example of how to used up free paper earned during any Sale-A-Bration period.  Also, I absolutely LOVE creating ways to use DIY home decor samplers to brighten up any wall in my home!

This layout design will be listed for sale at my ETSY store.  If interested, click the ETSY link to add to your cart and checkout.  I thank you so much for visiting my blog to see my latest creations!  

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #FMS527

My Freshly Made Sketches challenge #527.  I looked at the sketch and immediately thought of using the Abstract Beauty 4 x 6 Specialty Designer Series Paper #158039. Each week, one member of their design team creates a sketch for you to try.  The challenge is to follow their sketch while keeping your project clean-lined and fresh. 
 

I used basic white cardstock at 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 and scored at 4-1/4". Using the sketch below, I cut some matching paper from the Abstract Beauty DSP into three rectangles measuring 2-1/2" x 1". I used a white scrap measuring 5-1/2 x 2" and embossed it with Meadow Moment Embossing Folder to match my butterfly theme idea. I then used scraps from the Abstract Beauty DSP again for the butterfly punch (retired).  

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I usually check out the Freshly Made Sketches Blog every Wednesday or soon thereafter for a new challenge sketch idea.  Their schedule is:  

Wednesday - a new sketch is posted (check their blog in the link above or on Facebook or Instagram)

Monday - challenge ends at 3pm eastern

Tuesday - Winners announced

I'm going to try this out for a few weeks and report back to you!  I think this is a fabulous idea!  I may sell my cards I make on Etsy.  Search for my creations at Tracy on the Prairie (TracyonthePrairie)

April 2022 Paper Pumpkin Kit from Stampin’ Up!

 

 Growing through life can also mean growing pains. Whether they’re climbing their career ladder or moving out for the first time—change can be simultaneously thrilling and scary—but isn’t that what makes life beautiful? Because new beginnings, after all, are simply new adventures. Let your loved ones know you’ll be there to support them through all of life’s chapters! 

The Change is Beautiful Paper Pumpkin kit for April 2022 contains enough supplies to create 9 stunning cards with a unique folding technique to commemorate moments of change. The designs are inspired by the natural cycles of change found in nature. 

While you're crafting we have a NEW! Party while you craft with Paper Pumpkin playlists! Stampin' Up! curated a playlist of tunes to coordinate with the theme of each month’s kit to elevate your Paper Pumpkin experience even more. You can easily create a free account to follow when a new playlist drops each month. Plug in, press “play,” then create your projects!

Sign up here to subscribe to the number one monthly craft kit!

ABOUT THE KIT

Name: Change Is Beautiful

This kit includes:

• Change is Beautiful Photopolymer Stamp Set
  
• Melon Mambo Classic Stampin’ Spot®
  
• Printed card bases
  
• Printed envelopes
  
• Printed, shaped die cuts
  
• Iridescent sea glass
  
• Dimensionals

Card size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (10.8 x 14 cm)

Coordinating Stampin’ Up! colors: Balmy Blue, Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Evening Evergreen, Granny Apple Green, Melon Mambo

Check this video on YouTube to see what it's all about! 

#paperpumpkin #paperpumpkinkit #papercrafting #makeacardchangealife #scrapbooking #cardmakingsupplies #cardmakinghobby #stampingaddict #makeacardsendacard #stampinupdemonstrator #stampinup #paperpumpkinsubscriptionbox #paperpumpkinsubscribers #paperpumpkinsubscription #paperpumpkinsubscriptionkit #March2022 #createeveryday #createyourlife #createdtocreate #createasmilechallenge #createthelifeyouwant #createalifeyoulove

Easter Card using the Key Hole Technique

When I began thinking about a design for an Easter card, my mind went directly to the beautiful pastels of the Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper (DSP) of Hand Penned Petals.  Since purple is my favorite color, I went with Highland Heather colors. 

I had the inspiration for making a keyhole card for Easter from Stamp with Lorraine on YouTube and changed it up a bit after CASEing.  The measurements and instructions are on this episode where she will show you how easy it is to make this card! It's a standard A4 card base at 5-1/2' x 8" 1/2 and scored at 4-1/4".  The DSP is 5-1/4" x 4".  

"A Keyhole Card has an opening in the card front that allows you to see to the inside of the card. There are several ways to do this, starting with a basic card base and layer of DSP or cardstock. Choose a punch or die that will cut a solid shape, like a window, add a focal point and you are done! "

Colors:  Highland Heather, Daffodil Delight, Blushing Bride, Gorgeous Grape ribbon, Whisper White, Pool Party, Mint Macaron.

I embossed a 1-1/2" strip with polka dots because it reminded me of candy for some reason LOL. Checks & Dots Embossing Folder helped me create this polka dot look.

I have opened the card so that you can see what it looks like and how you can see through the front to the inside of the card.  The inside of the card is the focal point for the outside of the card.  

I used the Everyday Label Punch for the keyhole.  For the sentiment and the tag I used the Trio of Tags that are now on CLEARANCE.  

Stampsets:  Hand Penned Petals and Celebrating You for the Happy Easter sentiment.    

The punch and the embossing folders can be accessed by clicking the photos.

Here is the set of cards I made in about an hour. I can’t wait to mail these to my family and friends! 

Since the cardstock seemed a little dark for the inside using Highland Heather as the base, I went and used the Stitched Shapes die cuts and selecting the largest square so that you can write a message inside and see it clearly.  These are now retired and I HOPE that you grabbed them before they left! But you can use any die cut you wish to complete the look.  Search some cool die cuts here!

So what do you think?  

Paper Pumpkin Alternatives Safari Celebrations February 2022

Here's my Paper Pumpkin Alternatives for February 2022. 

I wasn't really thrilled about the animals. How did you like them?  I did love the colors in this month's February 2022 Paper Pumpkin Kit.  The coordinating colors are always listed on the back of the instructions.  This month was Bumblebee, Fresh Freesia, Pear Pizzazz, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Succulent and Soft Suede.  The ink spot included this month is RICH RAZZLEBERRY.  I really like this color and use it often!  If you missed this February 2022 Safari Celebrations kit, you can always order the Refill Kit for past Paper Pumpkins!

Card #1 - I followed the directions on the instructions easily.  This kit has it all! I felt that it needed a little pizzazz so I added In-Color jewels using the green to match.  The vellum cuts are included in this February kit.  The die cuts of leaves are just adorable.  How do you like the font for the sentiment?  I think it looks pretty cute and looks handwritten.  I can see using this stamp set for making a lot more cards.

Card #2 - I went rogue! LOL  I saw a few samples online of other demonstrators using the negative (punched out) paper from the leaves and using Stampin' Up Blending Brushes and use it like a stencil! I really love how the leaves pop.  I took a white sheet of cardstock and cut it to leave 3 inches at the bottom of the card.  The inks used are Soft Succulent and Pear Pizzazz.  I will probably use this stencil over and over again!

Card #3 - The roller skating elephant was supposed to be on this card per the Paper Pumpkin instructions.  I decided to use the leaves as a focal point with the vellum used as a backdrop.  The happy birthday is again a fun kind of handwritten font using the Rich Razzleberry ink spot that came with the February 2022 kit.  I embellished the card with a Fresh Freesia bow and light green jewels from the Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels.  They are so pretty!

 

Card #4 - Roller skating elephant was made according to the instructions in the Safari Celebrations kit.  There were cool white sea glass type provided in the kit for embellishments.  I used them next to the sentiment "You are so amazing!" to the right.  The are cuter in person!  I have some ideas to use them on some seascape cards or ocean/beach cards!

The monthly UNBOXING VIDEO shows you all of the contents provided in the monthly kit.

If you would like to subscribe to the monthly Paper Pumpkin kits, they are delivered directly to your home where you can create on your own time or with your friends.  CLICK HERE to subscribe and join the fun!

Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up! is a crafting subscription kit that delivers creativity to your door every month. Each box includes everything you need to make a stunning project.

We’ll surprise you with projects like cards, gift packaging, home décor, and more for just $23.50 a month (shipping included). Talk about happy mail!  Every kit includes an exclusive stamp set, ink spot, and embellishments to create a predesigned project. At least six times a year, we send an all card kit with eight or more cards. Sometimes the kit includes cards plus gift bags, banners, treat bags, or boxes. Other times, it’s home décor, giftables, or just treat packaging. No matter what it is—we promise you’ll love it, or we’ll make it right!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Subscribe by the 10th of any month to receive that month's kit.

Supplies may be limited toward the end of the subscription period.

The March kit is called Beyond the Horizon and will have a extra FREE STAMP SET.  The last day to order this one is March 10th! Click the Subscribe Now button above.

Stampin' Up! has a Prepaid option too!  Save $1 when you purchase a prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscription kit HERE.  Try it out to see how much you love it!

Make It Monday! 2/28/22

 

    

It's Make it Monday!  Every Monday I get inspiration from TX Stampin' Sharon because of her "Mystery Mondays" posts in her group and on Youtube.  Each Sunday night she gives us the first clue by posting the measurements of paper to be cut ahead of time.  You don't know what you will be making and you just cut the paper according to Sharon's instructions.  It's so fun!

    

On Monday night, Sharon goes live on FB and/or Youtube.  Her link is here for the 2/28/22 Mystery Monday Stamp (MMS).  Sharon also has a PDF download available so that you can print out the dimensions to follow along.  Here was CLUE #1 from last Sunday:

CLUE #1 1. Basic White cardstock – 5 ½” x 8 ½”, scored at 4 ¼” 2. Colored Cardstock – 4” x 5 ¼” 3. Same Colored Cardstock: 1. 1 5/8” x 3 ½” 2. (4) 1 ¼” x 1 7/8” 3. scrap 4. Designer Series Paper (Printed Paper): 1. (4)1 ¼” x 1 ¾” 5. Basic White- 3 ¾” x 5”, 1 3/8” x 2 ¼”, Scrap 6. Dies, Punches, Snips 7. Stamps – images and greetings 8. Ink 9. Coloring tools if needed for Stamps 10.Adhesive – Including Dimensionals 11.Trimmer (just in case) 12.Embellishments =============================================

I cut the paper per her instructions and then went to her YouTube video to follow along with the rest of the clues.  I really love her Texas accent and her laugh too!  It really gets me motivated each Sunday night to be ready to cut the papers for Clue #1.  This layout really got my attention and I really like it a lot.  It can be interchanged to incorporate any sentiment you desire!

For my cards, I chose a retired DSP (designer series paper) called Garden Impressions.  The coordinating colors are listed on the back of the 6 x 6 package.  I chose Melon Mambo, So Saffron, Mango Melody to use with the DSP I chose.

Stamp set - Art Gallery, Welcoming Window

Dies - Floral Gallery

Sentiment - Celebrating You and Welcome Window in Calypso Coral

Base - So Saffron

I hope you enjoy Sharon's Mystery Monday Stamping ideas like I do!!  

Shop for supplies at Tea Time Stamp Creations 

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