I love Stampin' Up!'s printed paper (also known as dsp - designer series paper).  Often, I love both sides and in my panic not to frivolously use it up, I don't use it at all!  But sometimes, I either find the print too distracting or not suited for my project.  What is a girl to do??
The answer is to make your own printed paper!  It's super easy when you have a stamp set, rather than just one stamp.    It's one of the beauties of purchasing a coordinating set. 
Last night, I was case -ing a new fold design by fellow Ohioan Chris Slogar.  She had several pieces of the new Flowers for Every Season dsp, paired with the Celebrate Sunflowers bundle.  While this dsp is beautiful, some of it is too busy for me.  But her design needs the background or it will look too unfinished.  So, I made my own paper.

Its simple.  Really.  For this one, I did not want to stamp the entire piece, so I blocked off with washi tape. 

 I did need to cover up the bottom portion more with scrap paper, when I stamped that low, half flower.  To get the two colors on one stamp, I used the Stampin Markers.

 This is the finished inside.

 This is with the front folded.  The blue print is dsp.  As you can see, I think mixing the two worked well.  Neither over powers the other. 

 And this is the front.  The sunflower is on an arm that goes up, revealing the sentiment below.  I think this is a super cute fun fold that is easy to make.

If you need measurements, have questions, or just want to make a comment, please contact me!

What will you make today?

SO STINKIN' CUTE!  There is just nothing else to say about Zany Zebras and Way to Goat stamp sets.  I love them!  But they remind of the cows and pigs from Over the Moon and This Little Piggy, which I adored.  Maybe its the farm girl in me (although zebras aren't farm animals).  Anyway, these had to be in my first purchase from the new catalog.

I decided to try sticking with just black and white.  (I will try adding color later.)  I did have some discontinued dsp with varying black and white patterns.  And I thought a new fun fold would keep it fun.

 My first attempt - I cut too much off the panel, which made my circles too small also.  But I like the look of the two scalloped circles.  Unfortunately, that is the biggest scallop, so in order to go bigger, I had to go with a plain circle.

 For my first goat card, I did the corner cut fun flaps (why can't I think of what this is called??!)  I again grabbed some discontinued dsp that I need to use up.  I cut out some of the flowers from the paper to add embellishment.

 My second card was cased from Ann Krucek.  I loved her idea of putting the bite marks in.  Funny, right?!

Instructions for the Zebra card:
Cut standard card base. Cut 1 1/2" off short side.
Dsp strip is 2 1/2 x 5 1/4.
White inside mat is 4 x 5 1/4.
Cut two circles large enough to contain your zebra off to the left side.  I scored it to help it fold better.  I just eye-balled this, based on where the image is.
The first attempt, I adhered the circle on the inside, then covered it with the inside mat.  The second attempt, I adhered it to the back of the card.  I don't like that you can see the white circle on the back, but also didn't like that it wasn't right on the edge with the first one.  I guess you need to decide which way you like best.

Instructions for the diagonal goat:
One piece of 8 1/2 x 11 makes 2 cards.  Score at both 4 1/4 long way and 5 1/2 short way.  Cut diagonally corner to corner.  If you have the SU trimmer, you need to remove your scoring blade so the paper fits.

Instructions for bite out goat:
Regular card base.  Dsp  5x3 3/4.
Fussy cut out goat.  Use circle die for hole.  The bites are using the flowers from the Jar of Love set.  But several smaller flowers (with the rounded edges) would work.

I hope you love these little guys as much as I do.  I can't wait to make more projects with them!  Show me what you make today!

I just LOVE fun folds!  I like that they are challenging and creative, so I get a bigger sense of satisfaction when the project is completed, especially the first time.  I think they are wonderful to receive, because they are unexpected, fun and the person knows I put extra time into it.  My classes in February are always Fun Folds (because I like the alliteration!).  But somehow, I always sneak another one in somewhere.

I found this design many years ago but just recently got a chance to try it.  Or maybe the nerve to try it.  It was not very hard to cut out.  It was hard to find enough things to decorate it though!  If you try this, plan it out first.  You really need to make sure you have enough stuff to cover all the panels.  Using double sided paper really helped, but it needs to be heavier weight so the card doesn't feel flimsy.

The original design I found (her blog is called Jozart) used a 12x12 paper or cardstock.  It results in a 6x6 card.  The first time I followed her directions but I felt that the card was too big overall and it was hard to decorate each panel.  But this larger size would be good for a small child.  My second attempt, I used a 10x10 paper, resulting in a 5x5 card.  I felt like this was perfect.  It made each panel much easier to fill.  Here is the 5x5.

I made a belly band to keep it closed.  My good friend has her kitchen decorated with coffee stuff, so I thought she would like this.  Here are a few more pics.

As you can see, I did not decorate every panel.  I am still working on another one.

By offseting the ballons, they help keep it closed.

So, I bet you want directions.  Here we go.  For a 12x12 paper, score at 3" from each edge.  For 10x10, score at 2 1/2".  Then cut out each corner (these two steps can be done at the same time, depending on your trimmer).

 The middle of each flap is either 3" or 2 1/2", score vertically, cut horizontally as shown.  You will want to make the cut a little wider, so it folds in nicely.

 Then fold the squares in and begin decorating.  The big square in the middle will be either the 6x6 or 5x5.

I hope you have fun with this.  I have a video showing all the panels on the 6x6 card, but I need to learn how to post a video!

Please show me your designs.  

Thanks to some friends who have placed orders for cards, I have been super busy making cards.  I will share some of them with you. 

I tried my hand at going Shabby Chic.  After looking at many beautiful projects on Pinterest, I figured out the key is layers.  Lots of layers.  

I layered strips of paper and dsp (designer series paper).  This dsp is very old and I've been wanting to use it up, even though it is super pretty.  It has lots of butterflies on it, so I thought I would stick with the butterfly theme.  I distressed the paper and cardstock, either by sponging the edges, ripping the edges and/or roughing the edges.

The other element I found on other shabby chic projects was stamping lightly on the background/base and then embossing.  

There aren't really any measurements to give you, as everything you see was my left-overs.  I just used what I had.

Shabby chic is not really my style, but I did have fun with these and my friends really liked them.  Which means I will have to try them again!

Feel free to show me your shabby chic side.

I received a request for some brightly colored cards.  We need some bright and cheery things these days.  My friend was thinking like I have been - that everything should be springy.  And of course we woke this morning to SNOW!!  What happened to spring??! 
Anyway, I have had fun these last couple of weeks with Breathtaking Bouquet and Daisy Lane, so I pulled them out.  Since I had already designed some projects with them, I was able to create more cards very quickly.  I made 9 cards in about an hour.

I wanted to just stamp the daisy directly over the birch background, but it did not show up well (in my opinion).  So I punched them out.  You can do only one punch, but I prefer the fuller flower.  I did try a different color combination - Delightful Daffodil and Mango Melody.  I think its super cheery.

Since I had already experimented with Bouquet, I knew that watercoloring would show off the colors more so than embossing and sponging.  I again tried some different color combinations.  As you can see, changing the color of the focal flower changes the look.  When you mount the mat to the corresponding color cardstock, the focal flower just pops.

To give my friend a non-floral option, I tweaked a previous design I made with High Tide.  The background is sponged through a mask (or stencil, not sure what to call it really!).  I thought this scene was also colorful and cheery. 

I hope my projects bring some sunshine to you today.

Please don't forget to drop me a line or post your own creations.

What will you make today?

To break up our isolation, I'm going to start some contests. The first one is a layout challenge. These 3 cards use the same pattern - strip of paper off to the left (any size can work) with the sentiment towards the right. As you can see from the last photo, I have accumulated many left-overs from other projects. This layout is perfect for left-overs! I also wanted to show you that you can choose any shape to put your sentiment in.

So, here's the contest: copy this layout and then post your creations on my facebook page. I will randomly draw a winner in 2 weeks. Winner will get an ink pad.

Check back often for another contest as well as to see what else I make from these left-overs!

What will you make today?

I hope you are all well and healthy!  The craziness of the world just makes me want to curl up in a blanket.  But, that will not help.  The best we can do is to try to stay positive, motivated and productive.  I do find it hard to be inspired to create some days, but sitting down at my table, surrounded by my "stuff" usually gets me motivated. 
So I am trying to play with items I had recently bought for upcoming classes.  Instead of making a sample for you all to follow, I have been trying to see how many different projects I can make with one stamp set or bundle.  I shared before all the different looks I came up with for the Breathtaking Bouquet background stamp.  Last night, I opened my Daisy Lane bundle.  This is a stamp set and coordinating  small daisy punch.  It also coordinates with the (larger) daisy punch and Delightful Daisy stamp set.  I copied a sample from the catalog (did you know that Stampin' Up! wants you to use the catalog for inspiration?!).  I paired it with the Birch background stamp.  Yes, I love background stamps!!  I did not make different looks last night but did try different color combinations.  So I have purple, pink and yellow cards.

In this time of social isolation, a handmade card is a thoughtful way to brighten someone's day.  SU has a campaign to share your projects.  Post a picture (on your social media or on mine) with #sharesunshine  

I will be announcing a share the sunshine contest shortly.  Check back for details!

What will you make today?

Stampin' Up! has an early release of a suite that will be in the next annual catalog.  The Ornate Garden suite has both simple designs and intricate cuts.  I LOVE the designer series paper!  I actually am going to use it to decorate my craft room.  It is full of daisies, which are my favorite. 
I had fun playing with these 5 border dies from the Ornate Thanks bundle.  I'm not a huge fan of the photopolymer stamps, but I couldn't pass this stamp set up.

These are 3 of the cards I made.  The Thank You is cut using the Stitched So Sweetly dies.  The border with the mixed flowers is almost 6", so rather than cut something off, I decided to put it diagonally.  

I thought it looked best with the paper right up to the die.  So I used the die to cut out the ede of the paper.

 Then its like a puzzle - just slide the border into the grooves.  Make sure you pay attention to which side of the die you used, as they are not the same.

 I thought it needed a little pop of color, so I added the white flowers on top of saffron ones.  My sentiment is not quite at the right angle, but I may be the only one who notices.

I hope to be able to play with this bundle more soon.

You can order it starting April 1st, along with the rest of the suite.  I hope you will like it as much as I do.

Let me know if my instructions aren't clear.

What will you make today?

This is the email newsletter I just sent out, in case I don't have your email.  Please let me know your thoughts.

Hello Ladies,

I truly hope you are well and healthy, both physically and mentally.  While I am not completely confined, not being able to see everyone is driving me crazy.

So just a few notes about Stampin' Up!

     * Sale-A-Bration ends March 31st.  If you haven't seen the items added to the free list, you can view it on the website.  This is also the deadline to sign up as a demonstrator and get fabulous extra gifts. Let me know if you have any questions.

     *The Ornate Garden Suite is getting an Early Release on April 1st.  This beautiful ensemble is something to see!  I will posting some project photos within the next few days on my facebook page and my blog

As for card classes  - realizing that the forecast for being able to resume classes soon is bleak, I am looking into what other options we have.  I would like your input. 

1)  Idea kits, using your own stamps.  I would prepare samples and the materials.  You would use stamps and inks you have at home to complete the projects.  Basically I'm giving you the layout/framework.  Cost would be the same as class ($6).

2)  Product kit.  I would show you 3 projects all using the same stamp set, that you would purchase.  The kit would contain the stamp set and materials.  Cost would vary based on the stamp set, but would be less than $25. 

3)  I do acknowledge that for many of us, the biggest appeal is the social aspect.  I am looking into live events on facebook, but from my understanding,  we can't see each other (you could only see me).  So while I could demonstrate techniques or give instructions, it is still limited interaction.

To answer a few questions you may have:

How will I get the kits?   I would drop off those that are local, ship to those that are not.  

What if I don't have all the supplies?  I will list all the supplies needed before you order each kit.  You can purchase any items you don't have.  This may include ink, aquapainters, adhesive mostly.  None of the kits will require the purchase of dies or punches.

Would I have a choice in kits?  I would like to try to offer you some choices, especially with the Product Kits.  I have numerous projects in mind, in an attempt to appeal to everyone.

Is there a deadline for signing up?  Kind of.  Once I place the order for supplies (especially for the Product Kits), it may be a week or two before I place another.  As this gets rolling, I will announce any deadlines.

How will I know what is available?  They will be posted on my facebook page, blog and website.  I don't think email will allow me to send multiple photos.

Will there be instructions?  Yes.  Each kit will include photos and instructions for you to follow. 

I would like to offer things soon.  So your feedback is greatly appreciated.

And hopefully it won't be long before we see each other face to face!

Oh, I also encourage you to post photos of your projects on my facebook page.  Everyone benefits from more ideas and inspiration!

What will you make today?

Sale-A-Bration will be ending soon!  March 31st is the last day to place an order and get free items.  Today, SU released a list of catalog products that could be free with your $50 purchase.  Please go to my website to see the updated list of available rewards.

Here are projects using some of the items. 

These two projects use the Power of Hope bundle.  I didn't think I would have a use for the Japanese inspired stamps, but I like that its not like anything else I have.  The imagery is so pretty.  I used the stone embossing folder on this second card.  I think it looks like a patio, so I have combined it twice now with the Outdoor Barbecue stamp set.  I am going to use it often for masculine cards.

This card uses the Lily Pad dies.  I love that border design.  This is an elegant, but simple card.  It could be a wedding, sympathy, or birthday card.

I hope seeing more projects gives you inspiration.  Please share with me what you have created.  

What will you make today?

I have felt very uninspired the last few days.  That is unusual for me.  I am trying to force myself out of it.  I was hoping to finally redecorate my craft room but that is on hold again.  But that would have perked me up.  So I decided to tackle some of the unfinished projects on my table.

I had posted some of these projects on facebook awhile ago.  I don't usually buy the "cutesy" stamp sets for religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter.  But the three animals in Welcome Easter are stinkin' ADORABLE!!  And with the sentiments that are in it, it can go for Easter or baby.  Add sentiments from other sets and you've got birthday cards for younger kids.

So, to show you how versatile the set is, I am sharing several different projects.

Super simple baby card.  Get the splatter affect by getting ink on your aquapainter and then tapping it off.  I stamped the bunny on the inside.

 This one I call a peak-a-boo card.  When its flat, all three circles look the same.  I prefer simple coloring to highlight the animals.

 This fun fold was going to be one of my classes.  This is the pop and twist, with the animals stamped on stitched squares.

This last project is actually a do-over.  My peak-a-boo sample for class got ruined and I was trying to save the card.  Yep, I'm that cheap.  I ended up sllicing the card up so it is not the best as far as construction.  So the final product is a tri-fold.

 I used the Subtle embossing folder on the two flaps so it wasn't so plain.  I didn't want to take away from my cute animals by stamping everywhere.

So for trying to salvage a project, I really like how it turned out.

I will admit, I get lots of practice in covering up mistakes!

I hope you can see several ways that you might use this stamp set.

If you order it soon , you will have plenty of time to get your own Easter cards done.

what will you make today?

I named everything (my facebook page, email, crop at church, website) Stampin ' & Scrappin' because I love to stamp and scrapbook.  I actually started with only scrapbooking.  And I am NOT a sticker girl! 

I love stamps because they are so versatile.  Have I said that before?  Yep, probably.  What I disliked about stickers and papers was I might finally find something (a saying, picture, etc) that went with what I was working on, but it was in the wrong colors.  For instance, all the softball papers and embellishments are pink.  PINK!  My daughter hates pink and none of her teams were pink.  So when I started stamping and found the sports stamps, it was HEAVEN!  I now can match every team color, because all I need to do is change the ink.  I even make my own paper (the print on the paper, not the actual paper!).  Just take cardstock and stamp multiple images.  

This is a retired SU set.  But you can see how it looks like printed paper and just adds to the page.   And since this team was navy, the other page was white, so I stamped the images with white craft ink on the navy paper.  So the two pages were mirrors of each other.

You can also use the stamps as embellishments.  This is the For The Win set.  

I used the football as both an embellishment and for the background, in versamark.

Trying to embellish boys pages is hard, so I love that the stamps add just enough flare to dress up the page without looking ridiculous.  Try making your own paper or background when you can't find the right paper.

Hope you find this helpful.  Come scrap with me at my monthly crop.

What will you make today?

So I lost this blog!!  Lordy, lordy, please help me with this technology.  But I will keep trying.
I wanted to (try to) share some projects with you, all made with the Breathtaking Bouquet stamp.  It is a background stamp, so it is large enough to cover the entire card front.  My next class is One Layer cards, so using a background stamp is perfect.  I've been seeing some really creative uses for this stamp, so I wanted to give them a try.
A tip for using background stamps (or even larger stamps) - leave the stamp on the table stamp side up, ink it by applying the ink to the stamp, then place your paper on top of the stamp; use either your bone folder or a popsicle stick to press the paper into the stamp.  To avoid a mess, you can cover your paper with a scrap paper before pressing with the stick.

 For this first card, I stamped with versamark, then used white embossing powder.  I then used just a little of Bermuda Bay on a dauber to add the slight bit of shading.

 This is also white embossing powder on thick white cardstock.  I then used a brayer to add color to the background.  It shows up better in person.

 This colorful version is on shimmery white.  I used Archival black (or use staz-on) and then applied color with the aqua-painter.  I had to let it dry and then forgot to mount it on a card base!

 I have some of the older colored embossing powders.  For this one, I used the Calypso Coral powder.  I then used the daubers to add the subtle color.  It really popped when it was mounted on the Calypso base.

The last one, I used gold embossing powder.  It doesn't show well in the picture- sorry.  The gold embossing changes in the light as you move the card.  I did not add any additional color to this one and everyone remarks that it makes it a very elegant card.  So I think I will leave it alone.

I hope you can see how versatile this stamp can be.  You can get many different looks from it with very little other supplies and effort.  And of course, they can be stepped up.  But I wanted to show you how even with just one layer, you can make amazing projects.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
What will you create today?
Anna

So, I am trying to figure out technology.  Again. 
I am hoping this site is easier for me to use and for you to find.
So lets see if I can share some projects with you.

Oh yeah!  I think it worked!
Okay, so this is a Valentine card using Outdoor Barbecue set from the mini catalog and the stone embossing folder from Sale-A-Bration.   I offered this at my card buffet and everyone really liked the stone look.

Well, that's enough for now.  I am going to see if I can do more work to make this blog rock!
What will  you make today?