Cards by A Cook

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Birthday Cards

Beauty of the Deep Birthday Card 2

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Stamping underwater scenes with coral, little fish and even an anchor is so much fun! The Beauty of the Deep stamp set from Stampin' Up!'s new 2023-2024 annual catalogue has very detailed stamps that are easy to use. I also featured the new In Colors as the Copper Clay is perfect for the anchor. Keep scrolling for a complete tutorial.

What do you think of the angled look? I often line up my card layers evenly, but do enjoy throwing in an odd angle here and there. If you prefer straight cards, you could easily adjust the card layout. I created another underwater scene with different colours but some similarities HERE. Check out the straight layers and comment below and let me know what you prefer.

Make it yourself:

The Beauty of the Deep bundle includes fantastic dies that coordinate perfectly with the stamp set. Stampin' Up! really does create amazing die cutting bundles! See the bundle HERE

I also love the new colours. This colour combination is great for masculine cards.

Masculine Colour combination for Beauty of the Deep Birthday cards

I've created a full tutorial for you. Download or Print so you can create soon. I'd love to see your own underwater landscapes.

Beauty of the Deep Birthday Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Create gorgeous underwater landscapes with the new Beauty of the Deep stamp set from Stampin' Up!
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner

Tools

Supplies
  

Stamp Sets

Card Stock

Stamp Pads

Misc

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Card Base: Wild Wheat 4 ¼“ x 11”
  • First Layer: Basic White 4” x 5 ¼“
  • Second Layer: Copper Clay 3 ½” x 4 ¾“
  • Stamped Layer: Basic White 3 ¼” x 4 ½”
  • Sentiment: Basic White scrap approx. ½ “ x 3”
  • Basic White scraps for anchor and fish

Stamping and Assembly:

  • Score the Wild Wheat card base at 5 ½”. Fold in half along the score line.
  • Use a variety of stamps and inks to create an undersea landscape on the Basic White stamped layer. Have fun and try different combinations. The large coral was stamped in Wild Wheat slightly off centre, first. Add some plants to the left and right edges in Wild Wheat ink – turning the stamp so it is not perfectly straight or lined up each time. Add more plants using Garden Green ink. Stamp some bubbles in Blueberry Bushel ink.
  • Use your blending brush to pick up some Blueberry Bushel ink, tap onto scrap paper and then blend on the top and the edges to add some colour to your undersea landscape. Leave some white space in the center.
  • Adhere to the Copper Clay layer with the Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
  • Adhere on an angle to the card front.
  • Stamp the sentiment from the Best Family Ever stamp set with the Copper Clay ink onto the Basic White strip, leaving space on the left-hand side for the notch and the right-hand side for the embellishment. Notch the left-hand side with your scissors.
  • Cut a piece of Wild Wheat ribbon on an angle. Adhere to the top right of the stamped image as shown. Wrap the right-hand side under the Basic White first layer.
  • Adhere the Basic White first layer (along with the attached Copper Clay and stamped layer to the card front with Multipurpose Liquid Glue.
  • Stamp the two fish in Blueberry Bushel ink onto a scrap of Basic White. Cut out with the coordinating dies and the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to pop them up on the card front.
  • Stamp the anchor in Copper Clay onto a scrap of Basic White. Adhere with Stampin’ Dimensionals to the bottom left of the stamped image as shown.
  • Adhere the sentiment to the top of the ribbon using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
  • Add a Copper Clay embellishment to the sentiment.
Keyword 2023 - 2024 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue, birthday card, fish
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Do you live in Canada?

If you need any stamping supplies from Stampin' Up! Canada, please click on any of the links to be directed to my store or please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help stampers. I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Enter this month's host code to your order to receive my free set of monthly tutorials, complete with instructions, supplies and measurements. For help ordering, see my SHOP page or email me.

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

Beauty of the Deep Fish Birthday Card

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Create this underwater, landscape scene quickly and easily with the Beauty of the Deep stamp set by Stampin' Up! The Beauty of the Deep stamp set will be in the 2023-2024 Stampin' Up! Annual catalogue. I love the coral, the two cute fishes and of course the die cuts.

Can you name the new Stampin' Up! colours I used? I love the new Moody Mauve and the returning Pretty Peacock and Lost Lagoon. These colours combine wonderfully to create the underwater stamped scene. The new In Color Pebbled Path was used for the Happy Birthday sentiment along with the little fish.

Make it yourself!

Products are now available in the new 2023 - 2024 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue! I was able to buy these products early as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.If you want to know more about the pros and cons of being a demonstrator like me, email me and we can discuss. I became a demonstrator for two main reasons.

  • I wanted to stamp with more people. Through being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I have met so many wonderful and caring people who love stamping just as much as I do. This journey has had such a positive impact on my life and I'm very grateful!
  • I enjoy getting a discount on my purchases. Need I say more on that?

I will post complete instructions below and will update the purchase links when the new products from Stampin' Up!'s 2023 -2024 annual catalogue are available.

Beauty of the Deep Birthday Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Create gorgeous underwater landscapes with the new Beauty of the Deep stamp set from Stampin' Up! Available May 2 in the 2023 2024 annual catalogue
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner

Tools

Supplies
  

Stamp Sets

Card Stock

Stamp Pads

Misc

Instructions
 

Cut cardstock to the following sizes:

  • Thick Basic White: 5 ½” x 8 ½”; scored at 4 ¼”
  • Pretty Peacock: 4¾” x 3 ½”
  • Basic White: 3 ¼” x 4 ½”; ½“ x 3”, scrap

Stamping and Assembly

  • Fold Thick Basic White on score line to create card base.
  • Use a variety of stamps and inks to create an undersea landscape on the Basic White. Have fun and try different combinations. The large coral was stamped in Moody Mauve slightly off centre, first. Continue adding another coral in the background using Lost Lagoon ink and another in Moody Mauve ink, but stamped off on scrap paper first, to lighten it. Add some plants to the left and right edges in Pretty Peacock ink – turning the stamp so it is not perfectly straight or lined up each time. Stamp some bubbles in Lost Lagoon ink.
  • Use your blending brush to pick up some Lost Lagoon ink, tap onto scrap paper and then blend on the top and the edges to add some colour to your undersea landscape.
  • Adhere with the Multipurpose Liquid Glue on an angle to the Pretty Peacock cardstock.
  • Use Stampin Dimensionals to adhere this to the card base front as shown.
  • Stamp the sentiment from the Best Family Ever stamp set with the Pebbled Path ink onto the Basic White strip, leaving space on the left-hand side for the ribbon. Notch the right-hand side with your scissors.
  • Cut a piece of the Moody Mauve ribbon in half lengthwise to make it narrower. Tie around the left end of the sentiment and knot. Fray the edges if desired.
  • Adhere to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals as shown.
  • Stamp the two fishes in Pebbled Path ink onto a scrap of Basic White. Cut out with the coordinating dies and the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to pop them up on the card front.
  • Add bubbles by the fish by adhering the Pebbled Path embellishments to the card front as shown.
Keyword 2023 - 2024 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue, birthday card, fish
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Do you live in Canada?

If you need any stamping supplies from Stampin' Up! Canada, please click on any of the links to be directed to my store or please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help stampers. I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Enter this month's host code to your order to receive my free set of monthly tutorials, complete with instructions, supplies and measurements. For help ordering, see my SHOP page or email me.

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

Way to Grow Stampin' Up! Friends Cards

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Do you love plants? Do you have friends that love plants? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then you will love the new Way to Grow stamp set from Stampin' Up! The Way to Grow stamp set is photopolymer which means that it is easy to line up all the coordinating images. Mix and match all the plants and pots, its hard to decide which will be your favourite.

Here is a preview of all of the cards, scroll down to see supplies and more details.

plant greeting card featuring a woman holding plants
greeting card featuring hexagons and plants

Way to Grow Card #1

greeting card featuring a women holding plants

Did you notice how the plant she is carrying has a two tone look? Create the colour variation by stamping the left side with full strength ink and then stamping off on the left side before stamping it. You could use two different colour greens for even more colour variation.

All three of my cards today use the same main colours:

What a fantastic colour combo! I did use some Night of Navy for the blue jeans as green pants would have been a bit too matchy even for me. I added small bits of colour to the women with my Stampin' Blends. Notice how the plant pot, the arms and the handbag have been coloured with the alcohol Stampin' Blends. Most of the images do not need to be coloured, making this a faster card to create than it appears.

See the supplies needed HERE
Way to Grow Stamp Set

Way to Grow Card #2

I have been having fun with hexagons lately. I couldn't resist trying to stamp a medley of plants and then using the hexagon dies from the Beautiful Shapes Dies to create a fun card.

greeting card featuring plants and hexagons

Create the two toned plants easily by using two different stamps. The photopolymer clear stamps make it easy to line up the images. Stamp the pots and plants without needing to colour (although I love using Stampin' Up!'s alcohol markers) I added some dimension with Stampin' UP! alcohol blends markers around the plants with light pool party and below with some brown. Be sure to colour some ground as well to prevent your plants from floating in midair.

I almost used the saying "Hope your surrounded by friends on your birthday" on this card. I can think of a couple people who would get a laugh from the humour this implies - and a few that might be offended - so I thought it was best to go with a different sentiment. The friends saying does, however, fit nicely into a hexagon.

Cut out the hexagons quickly and easily using the beautiful shapes dies. This fun set is very versatile. I did opt to cut out the saying by hand with my paper snips scissors.

See the supplies needed HERE

Way to Grow Card #3

The last card featured today is cased from the talented Jackie Bolhuis. It showcases the Fancy Flora 6x6 paper from Stampin' Up! The gorgeous colours and paint strokes create vibrant patterned paper that makes gorgeous cards.

Create the image by stamping the "shirt" of the three friends first. I overlapped the shirts to keep the shoulders close together but don't worry, after cutting the image out with the Stylish Shapes Dies you won't be able to notice the overlap. Stamp the hair next. I then stamped the sentiment as close to the people as possible without touching. Lastly, I coloured the shirts in coordinating Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral and Soft Succulent.

The rest of the card is easy to create using the Fancy Flora 6x6 designer series paper by Stampin' Up! Layer a strip of Soft Succulent cardstock beneath the image. This helps highlight the white baker twine bow detail.

See the supplies needed HERE

Make it Yourself!

Here is a supply list for all 3 cards. More details can be found above on the "supply buttons"

Click on any of the photos to be directed to my online shop.

Way to Grow Stamp Set
Fancy Flora 6x6 Designer Series Paper
Beautiful Shapes Dies
Calypso Coral 8 ½ x11 Cardstock
Crumb Cake 8 ½ x11 Cardstock
Soft Succulent 8 ½ x11 Cardstock
Basic White 8 ½ x11 Cardstock
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
NIght of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad
Evening Evergreen Classic Stampin' Pad
Soft Succulent Classic Stampin' Pad
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad
Soft Succulent Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
Light Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Do you live in Canada?

If you need any stamping supplies from Stampin' Up! Canada, please click on any of the links to be directed to my store or please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help stampers. I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Enter this month's host code to your order to receive my free set of monthly tutorials, complete with instructions, supplies and measurements. For help ordering, see my SHOP page or email me.

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Adventurous Journey Birthday Card

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I discovered kayaking this summer and just love it! The Adventurous Journey stamp set by Stampin' Up! is perfect for all your outdoor adventure loving friends and family. The kayak has realistic details including a wide brimmed hat on the kayaker! I found out that wearing a hat was critical to my kayaking adventures. I actually have a wide brimmed hat with a strap. My hat isn't very stylish but it work!

The Adventurous Journey stamp set is suitable for masculine birthday cards as well as for anyone going on an adventure. This time of year, many students are setting off to college and university - so not exactly kayaking but definitely an adventurous journey!

birthday card featuring a kayak

Create it yourself!

Scroll down for Paper Measurements, Supply List and full directions. A printable tutorial is available!

This masculine birthday card uses the He's the Man 12 x 12 designer series paper from Stampin' Up! The kayaking image is from the stamp set Adventurous Journey by Stampin' Up! The card adds a lot of detail in the background by roughing up the edges of the patterned paper and ripping it. Don't be scared to try it! The piece behind the kayak is one of the die cuts that comes in the He's the Man paper pack. You could make multiples of this card and simplify it by cutting a rectangle.

Check out the rowboat, the lily pads with the little fish swimming and the water waves also included in this set - Stampin' Up! designers did a fantastic job with this stamp set.

Do you live in Canada?

If you need any stamping supplies from Stampin' Up! Canada, please click on any of the links to be directed to my store or please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help stampers. I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Enter this month's host code to your order to receive my free set of monthly tutorials, complete with instructions, supplies and measurements. For help ordering, see my SHOP page or email me.

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

birthday card featuring a kayak

Adventurous Journey Birthday Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Create this kayaking birthday card for all your outdoor adventure loving friends and family.
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 40 minutes

Tools

Supplies
  

Stampin' Blends

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Early Espresso: 5-½” x 8-½”, scored in half at 4-¼”
  • Basic White: 5-¼” x 4”, scrap for kayak
  • He’s the Man Designer Series Paper: 5-¼” x 4”

Stamping and Assembly:

  • Fold the Early Espresso card base in half. A bone folder is optional but helpful for a crisp edge.
  • Stamp the sentiment in Early Espresso ink onto the die cut from the He's a Man designer series paper pack.
  • Stamp the kayak in Tuxedo Black Memento ink onto a scrap of Basic White cardstock. I often stamp several so that after colouring, I can choose my favourite.
  • Colour the stamped image using the Stampin’ Blends Markers.
  • Fussy cut the stamped image using Paper Snips.
  • Color the cut edges of the image using the Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker.
  • Using your fingernail (or another similar tool) to rough up the edges of the patterned paper layer. I often open my scissors and use the sharp edge.
  • Use a Sponge Dauber and Early Espresso ink to darken the edges of the DSP layer and the sentiment layer.
  • Adhere the DSP layer onto the front of the card base.
  • Adhere the kayak onto the sentiment layer.
  • Adhere the sentiment layer with kayak onto the card front using Stampin' Dimensionals
  • Adhere the Basic White card stock rectangle onto the inside of the card base
  • Enjoy!
    birthday card featuring a kayak
All images © 1990-2022 Stampin’ Up!®This tutorial is private and may not be sold or distributed. Thank you!
Keyword 2022-2023 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue, birthday card, masculine card
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Father's Day Card with Stampin' Up! Vintage Tools stamp set

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Create simple masculine cards using the new stamp set, Vintage Tools, by Stampin' Up! These cards are suitable to give for Father's Day, a birthday or thank you to any of men in your life, or women that enjoy woodworking. Many people find making masculine cards difficult to make. To keep your cards more suitable for the men in your life, avoid using too many embellishments or ribbon. A clean and simple design is best.

Keep scrolling to see three cards that you can create with this stamp set. Vintage Tools is a new stamp set which is now available in the new annual 2022-2023 annual catalogue by Stampin' Up!

Father's Day Card 1:

This (almost) one layer masculine card creates a border with the various tools in the Vintage Tools stamp set. There is no need to be perfect, stamp the tool images as best you can in a line and it will look great!

Did you notice the detail in the Vintage Tools stamp set? I love the built in shading on the tools. The red rubber stamps give clear and crisp images that look great all on their own. Check out all the tools included in this masculine stamp set below:

Vintage Tools Stamp Set by Stampin' Up

I also love the sentiments included in the Stampin' Up! Vintage Tool stamp set. I particulary like the puns and the lighthearted nature incorporated in the sayings. "Build in some time for yourself" can be followed with "It's Your Day" This sentiment works well for birthdays as well as Father's day.

My next favourite image the Vintage Tools Stampin' Up! stamp set is the little nails included. I think they work very well for background. I've included them for detail on the inside of my next card.

Father's Day Card 2:

I created a background with the hammer stamp and chose Crumb Cake instead of Basic Grey as the main colour. Blue and brown are a classic colour combination that works well for cards for the men in your life.

I added some ribbon to this card, despite it being for a guy. The new Natural finish ⅞" ribbon is wide, and give great texture to the card design. The ribbon draws attention to the sentiment and adds some detail to a simple card design.

Create the background by stamping the hammer diagonally across the Crumb Cake cardstock. Make sure you go off the edges and try not to stress too much about being perfect. No one will notice if it doesn't line up just right! Please trust me, no one will notice, we are always harder on ourselves than anyone we ever give cards too.

I actually love how this card turned out, especially since the inside coordinates so well with the outside. How do you like the little nails on the inside? Not only do the nails go with the hammer, but the sentiment fits together perfectly as well.

Father's Day Card 3:

The last card featuring Stampin' Up's Vintage Tools set also includes more layers and embellishments. I thought the Timber 3D embossing folder coordinated well with the tool themed masculine card. Before embossing the Crumb Cake cardstock, ink the folder with some Crumb Cake ink to give more detail.

Make it yourself:

I stamped the plane in basic grey and then added hints of colour with Stampin' Blends in Crumb Cake and Smoky Slate. I used the new Stylish Shapes dies by Stampin' Up! from the new 2022-2023 annual catalogue to cut out the design. These dies are very versatile and they are quickly becoming a favourite of mine.

I did add a few embellishments including denim ribbon to add more texture and some classic matte dots, in white, to draw attention to the featured image

Do you live in Canada?

If you need any stamping supplies from Stampin' Up! Canada, please click on any of the links to be directed to my store or please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help stampers. I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Enter this month's host code to your order to receive my free set of monthly tutorials, complete with instructions, supplies and measurements. For help ordering, see my SHOP page or email me.

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

Enjoy creating these cards, comment and let me know which is your favourite!

Happy stamping,

Amy

Good Feelings Stampin' Up! Card

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Sneak Peek of the new Good Feelings stamp set by Stampin' Up!. I love the amazing sentiments in this set. I paired the Good Feelings stamp set with the Dragonfly Garden stamp set and used Polished Pink cardstock to create 2 similar pretty cards. "I'm just so Happy for You" is a very versatile sentiment. This card could be used for a birthday card, wedding card or a congratulations card and more.

Be inspired with three more cards made with this set HERE. Full tutorial available.

This or That??

Which do you prefer? The bold, Polished Pink card or the softer card made with the New Horizons 6x6 Designer Series paper? Let me know in the comments. To create these two cards I started with the softer, patterned paper and was happy with how the white embossing added background detail to the card. I then used the same design on the Polished Pink cardstock and now I'm having a hard time deciding which is my favourite. The flowers and butterflies show more clearly in real life than in my pictures.

Make it yourself!

Both Good Feeling Stampin Up cards feature the sentiment stamped on a tag created using the Tailor Made tags dies. I used the largest one and added the pink grommet to one but not the other. I'm very happy with how the saying pops in the Polished pink ink on the tag. This is a good card to try if you are new to embossing. Scroll down for the complete set of instructions and a material list.

Do you live in Canada?

If you need any stamping supplies from Stampin' Up! Canada, please click on any of the links to be directed to my store or please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help stampers. I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Enter this month's host code to your order to receive my free set of monthly tutorials, complete with instructions, supplies and measurements. For help ordering, see my SHOP page or email me.

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

Good Feelings Polished Pink Stampin' Up! Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

See a sneak peek of the new Good Feelings stamp set along with Dragonfly Garden to create this pretty card.
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner
Total Time 20 minutes

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Thick Basic White: Cut in half for card base - 5½ x 8½; score at 4¼
  • New Horizon 6 x 6 designer series paper: 4 x 5¼ for card 1
  • Polished Pink: 4 x 5¼ for 2nd card
  • Basic White paper approx. 2" x 4" for tag dies

Embossing:

  • Get ready for embossing by first folding a piece of copy paper in half and then opening back up. This creates a crease that will be useful to help you pour the left over embossing powder back into the container.
  • Stamp the flowers onto the left of the New Horizons or the Polished Pink paper in Versamark ink. Stamp the butterflies scattered in the right corner. I stamped them 3 times.
  • Lay the stamped paper on top of the creased copy paper. Liberally, sprinkle white embossing powder onto the wet ink. Carefully lift it up and shake the excess powder off. A small brush can be used, if necessary, to remove embossing powder from areas you don't want it.
  • Carefully heat set the embossing powder until it is shiny. Be sure to hold the stamped paper away from the rest of the embossing powder while heating.
  • You can reuse embossing powder. Use the crease on the copy paper to help pour the embossing powder back into the container to reuse.

Die cutting and Assembly:

  • Adhere the embossed pink backgrounds to the Basic White card bases.
  • Stamp the sentiment with Polished Pink ink onto the Basic White cardstock.
  • Use the Tailored Made tags dies and the Stampin' Cut and Emboss machine to cut out the sentiment.
  • Tie white twine or ribbon on the tag and trim.
  • Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere the tag to the card.
Keyword 2022-2023 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue, birthday card
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Tropical Themed Cards

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Stampin' Up!'s Artfully Layered bundle combines an amazing die set with a stamp set that not only has modern and edgy tropical leave images but great sentiments as well. I often choose stamp sets based on the images, but when a stamp set has fantastic images and sentiments than it becomes a favourite! I love the font and the sayings. Artfully layered by Stampin' Up! is a very versatile stamp set and definitely deserves to be on your favourite list too.

Keep scrolling for several card ideas!

Stampin' Up! Artfully Layered bundle

Artfully Layered Birthday Card

Card #1

This birthday card uses the background stamps from the Artfully Layered stamp set. Mint Macaron ink is used to create a spray of leaves diagonally across the card creating a pretty background. The word sketch adds more texture to the background. It is stamped with Just Jade ink, but to make it lighter, stamp off on a piece of scrap paper first.

birthday card using Stampin' Up! Artfully Layered stamp set

The Happiest Birthday Wishes sentiment is stamped with Just Jade ink on Mint Macaron cardstock. The monochromatic look could be CASEd with any colours but I love the soft greens paired here. What colours would you pick? Let me know in the comments.

Scroll down for a complete supply list and tutorial. Ready to be downloaded and printed!

Order supplies for Card #1 HERE

Just Because Artfully Layered Card

Card #2

Hey There! What a great saying to send a card to a friend "just because." Perhaps you havn't seen in each other in a while or just want to send a quick note, I guarantee this card will bring a smile.

The Artfully Layered bundle from Stampin' Up! has beautiful palm leaves and sayings! Choose your favourite die cut tropical leaves to anchor the sentiment. I paired the bright Daffodil Delight with Granny Apple Green and Garden Green. Pairing colours with the same bright hue helps balance the design of the card.

Stampin Up greeting card created with Artfully Layered stamp set. Featuring the Hey there sentiment

Using masks to create backgrounds:

Stampin' Up's Butterfly and Flowers Layering Masks can be used for easy and more complicated backgrounds. If you are just starting to learn to make backgrounds with masks, this is a good background to start with, especially since all you need is Stampin' Up! blending brushes and ink.

To start, cut out your background layer slightly larger than you need. This makes it easier to hold down. Another advantage to starting with a larger piece is that is you are not happy with the edges, you can trim it smaller. Use the blending brush on the ink pad to pick up colour, start on a scrap piece of paper and then start blending onto your Basic White background layer. Concentrate the colour on a diagonal across the middle and allow it to fade on the edges. Keep adding more colour until you are happy with the result. Scroll down to download the instructions for more information on using masks.

Scroll down for a complete supply list and tutorial. Ready to be downloaded and printed!

Order supplies for Card #2 HERE

Sending Hugs Artfully Layered Card

Card #3

My favourite sentiment in Stampin' Up!'s Artfully Layered stamp set is this one. "Sending all the Hugs" is such a wonderful saying to send to friends and family that need encouragement. Once again, this card features a background from Stampin' Up!'s Butterfly and Flowers Layering Decorative Masks. I used Soft Sea Foam ink to brush the background. This soft green was paired with Evening Evergreen for both the cardstock layer and the to stamp the palm leave. The coordinating Tropical Layers dies cut out the leaf effortlessly.

Stampin Up greeting card created with Artfully Layered stamp set

The Tropical Layers dies also contain the great triangular scallop that is used in place of ribbon. I also added some matte dots to add a finishing touch to the card.

Enjoy these Stampin' Up! Artfully Layered cards. I encourage you to CASE the designs and use your own colours, or add your own touch!

Do you live in Canada?

If you need any stamping supplies from Stampin' Up! Canada, please click on any of the links to be directed to my store or please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help stampers. I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Enter this month's host code to your order to receive my free set of monthly tutorials, complete with instructions, supplies and measurements. For help ordering, see my SHOP page or email me.

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

Don't forget to scroll down to download the tutorials!

Happy Stamping,

Amy

Tropical Just Because Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Give a card to someone Just Because using the trendy Artfully Layered bundle by Stampin' Up!
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 20 minutes

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Granny Apple Green: Cut in half for card base - 5½ x 8½; score at 4¼
  • Basic White: 5 ¼" x 4”; strip ¾” wide for sentiment

Die cutting and stamping:

  • Cut out the 2 tropical leaves as shown using Granny Apple Green cardstock.
  • If using the large, rounded leaf, also cut one out using Garden Green cardstock.  Swap the 2 colours as shown to create 1 leaf.  
  • Stamp the sentiment using Garden Green ink onto the Basic White strip.

Creating the Background

  • Use the Daffodil Delight classic ink pad and blending brush with a mask of your choice to brush the background design.
  • Add ink to your brush by tapping and perhaps swirling the brush on the ink pad.
  • Hold the mask on top of the Basic White layer.
  • Start brushing the background by lightly brushing the mask with your inked brush in a circular motion.
  • Concentrate the ink brushing in circles, on a diagonal across the Basic White cardstock, leaving it lighter on the edges. Create depth of colour by going over the same spot repeatedly instead of pushing harder.

Assembly:

  • Adhere the background layer onto the card front.
  • Adhere the Ribbon as shown to the front.
  • Adhere the stamped sentiment on top of the ribbon as shown.
  • Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere the leaves to the card front.
  • Optional: Colour the pearls with the Daffodil Delight Stampin’ blends.
  • Adhere the pearls to the front of the card.
Keyword artfully layered, january - june mini catalogue, just because card, tropical
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Tropical Birthday Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Use the trendy Arfully Layered bundle to create this easy but amazing birthday card!
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 20 minutes

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Basic White: Cut in half for card base - 5½ x 8½; score at 4¼
  • Basic White: 5 ¼" x 4”
  • Mint Macaron cardstock:  strip 1 ¼”x 3 ½
  • Just Jade: scrap approx.. 4 x 4” to cut out diecuts  

Die cutting and stamping:

  • Cut out the 2 tropical leaves as shown using Just Jade cardstock.
  • Stamp the small leaves diagonally across the Basic White layer. Use the Mint Macaron ink and then stamp off onto scrap paper, then stamp onto the Basic White layer. You may choose to vary the intensity of colour by stamping while fully inked, stamping off once or even twice for a faint look.
  • Similarly, stamp the word background stamp with Just Jade ink as shown, just above and below where the sentiment will go. You may wish to stamp off onto scrap paper for a more subtle look.
  • Stamp the sentiment using Just Jade ink onto the Mint Macaron strip.

Assembly:

  • Adhere the Basic White layer onto the card front using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
  • Use the fine tip glue pen to adhere the leaves to the stamped layer.
  • Use Stampin' Dimensionals to attach and pop up the sentiment.
Try this design with different pairs of colours, let me know which is your favourite!
Keyword artfully layered, birthday card, january - june mini catalogue, tropical
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Stampin' Up! New Horizon 6x6 paper Birthday Card

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The New Horizon designer series paper by Stampin' Up! is full of watercolour scenes that are gorgeous. This birthday card is stunning in its simplicity and allows the New Horizon paper to be showcased. The coordinating On the Horizon bundle includes silhouette die cuts that are used to create landscape scenes.

The mountain die cut is paired with the freeform shape to create a lake scene. The On the Horizon stamp set adds the flying birds in the background. It can be difficult to tell which way is "up" but I think both directions look fantastic.

The saying "Relax your way" is suitable for a birthday card, retirement card or both Father's day cards and Mother's day cards. I cut it out using the Tasteful Labels from Stampin' Up! You could use a circle or plain rectangle as well, but I liked the stitched detail in this die cut.

I used Blackberry Bliss cardstock to highlight the colour in the New Horizon paper. Blue would also work well. Adding the white Baker's twine adds a subtle finishing touch.

Make it yourself!

This card comes together quickly if you own the Stampin' Up Cut and Emboss Machine (yes, that's a mouthful!) Scroll down for a printable card recipe with full measurements and instructions.

To begin, choose your favourite piece of Stampin' Up!'s New Horizon paper. Picking your favourite will be the hardest part for sure! Cut it in half at 3". I like how this card design uses the New Horizon paper very efficiently. I need to work on not being afraid to waste paper. Next, layer with a coordinating colour of cardstock. Similarly, die cut a couple of your favourite landscape scene pieces from the On the Horizon bundle by Stampin' Up and attach. Stamp some little flying birds to complete the scene. Lastly, wrap the twine around the scene you created and adhere to the card front. Pop up the sentiment with Stampin' Up! dimensionals to complete the card.

Scroll down for the tutorial. Here are three more ideas for you!

Do you live in Canada?

If you need any stamping supplies from Stampin' Up! Canada, please click on any of the links to be directed to my store or please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help stampers. I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Enter this month's host code to your order to receive my free set of monthly tutorials, complete with instructions, supplies and measurements. For help ordering, see my SHOP page or email me.

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

New Horizon 6x6 paper creates gorgeous cards!

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Use the On the Horizon bundle from Stampin' Up! to make cards featuring a variety of landscape scenes.
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner
Total Time 15 minutes

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Thick Basic White: Cut in half for card base - 5½ x 8½; score at 4¼ plus scrap for sentiment and mountains
  • New Horizon 6 x 6 designer series paper: 3 x 5¼
  • Blackberry Bliss: 3⅛ x 5⅜
  • Night of Navy: scrap for lake

Die cutting and stamping:

  • Use the Horizon dies to cut out a mountains from the basic white.
  • SImilarly, cut out the water from the Night of Navy cardstock.
  • Stamp the sentiment onto a piece of Basic White cardstock in Blackberry Bliss ink. Die cut with the Tasteful Labels dies as shown.
  • Stamp the little birds in the top left corner using Night of Navy ink.

Assembly:

  • Adhere the mountain and water to the New Horizon paper. Trim with your paper cutter to fit.
  • Adhere to the Blackberry Bliss layer.
  • Wrap white Baker's twine around the bottom as shown. Adhere on the back.
  • Adhere to the Basic White card front.
  • Use Stampin' Dimensionals to pop up the sentiment.
Keyword birthday card, january - june mini catalogue
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Do you want more Recipe cards?

Amy and Wendy's Recipe cards is a new initiative my friend Wendy and I are excited to introduce to you. Recipe cards contain two sketches complete with directions and measurements. January's featured stamp bundle is Garden Greenhouse but can be used with any stamp set. Why should you try them?

Recipe Cards will:

  • make stamping easier with directions and measurements
  • inspire you with 3 cards examples on each recipe card
  • help you start stamping faster
  • reduce frustration 
  • FREE to try this month!

More information available HERE

Happy Stamping,

Amy

Stampin' Up! Garden Greenhouse with a pop of pink!

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The Garden Greenhouse bundle by Stampin' Up! has amazing dies included in it. This card design showcases the fantastic greenhouse dies. The greenhouse frames the soft flowers beneath, with a hint of pink to add a bright, cheery spot to the card. This card could be used for a birthday card or sent for encouragement. The sentiment can be used for such a wide variety of occasions.

The pop of pink is an unexpected combination with Soft Sea Foam. Soft Sea Foam has become my new favourite Stampin' Up! colour. I paired it with the softer, Petal Pink in this card HERE. Today's card features Melon Mambo with the soft green and I love how it goes together.

Cheerful card made with Stampin' Up! Garden Greenhouse bundle
Stampin' Up! Garden Greenhouse stamp set and dies.

Make it Yourself!

Create the subtle background by stamping the greenery in Soft Sea Foam ink on the Soft Sea Foam cardstock. You could use Versamark ink instead for a look that is more subtle. After stamping the background, I cut out the greenhouse opening with the plain. die cut. I then cut out the more intricate greenhouse die using gray granite cardstock.

  • Garden Greenhouse stamp set
  • Greenhouse dies
  • Silicon mat

The hardest part of this card is attaching the greenhouse die to the opening. The silicon mat and fine tip glue pen help make it easier. I started by placing a small line of glue along the edges of the greenhouse die cut and then centering it on the cut out. You can use the glue much like welding or soldering and add small dots of glue to the wider parts of the edges on the back. Lastly, I flipped it over, and placed one of my stamping blocks on top to make sure it stuck well.

You can see how messy my silicon sheet it, but even messy, it works well in allowing the glue to dry and not getting stuck to your tabletop or other paper. I highly recommend it for whenever you know that the glue will be messy. Thankfully the fine tip glue pen dries clear.

Do you live in Canada?

If you need any stamping supplies from Stampin' Up! Canada, please click on any of the links to be directed to my store or please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help stampers. I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Enter this month's host code to your order to receive my free set of monthly tutorials, complete with instructions, supplies and measurements. For help ordering, see my SHOP page or email me.

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

Happy Stamping,

Amy

Stampin' Up! Friendly Hello Birthday Card

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Create this pretty birthday card with the free Sale-a-bration Friendly Hello stamp set from Stampin' Up! The Friendly Hello stamp set comes with the Friendly Hello 12 x 12 designer series paper and is one of the best bundles in the 2022 Sale-a-bration rewards period. I love the bright and cheerful colours used. This birthday card uses the Pool Party and Petal Pink patterned papers, with a touch of black to tie it together.

Stampin' Up! Friendly Hello stamp set and paper used on a pretty birthday card.
Stampin' Up! Friendly Hello stamp set and paper

Colouring the bird with Stampin' Blends markers is easier than it looks. I always start by adding hints of the dark Pool Party to the edges of the bird, than add the light Pool Party in small circles. I used Petal Pink for the flowers with hints of light Calypso Coral in the flower centers. Granny Apple Green was used for the stem and leaves.

I love

Colouring Tips:

Your colouring will look more professional and allow the image to "pop" if you outline it in a light colour. I used Soft Sea Foam along with the Stampin' Blends color lifter marker to give a light highlight all around the image. It is scary to do, but worth it.

If you are new to using alcohol markers, don't be afraid to practice. Stamp a few bird images using the Tuxedo Black Memento ink pad onto basic white cardstock. I prefer dark first and then light, but you may prefer the opposite. The more you practice the easier it will get. The Stampin' Blends markers are so good at blending that your colouring will look great in no time at all!

The Inside:

Stamping the inside of your cards looks beautiful! I must admit I don't consistently do this. Since this is such a dark card (its black!) I added a white piece to the inside and couldn't resist also added the coordinating floral stamped images as well. I love how the Stampin' Up! Friendly Hello set has smaller images that are perfect to add to the birthday sentiment.

  • Stampin' Up! Friendly Hello birthday card inside

Make it yourself!

The best part of this card is that the Friendly Hello stamp set and matching paper is available for FREE with a qualifying order of $120. Sale-a-bration is the best time of year to buy new stamping supplies. The promotion runs from Jan. 4 - Feb. 28, 2022. See another card using Free Sale-a-bration products HERE and HERE.

I used the Stitched So Sweetly dies to cut out the bird. These have become a favourite and I find myself using them on a regular basis. The dies are very versatile and the stitching adds such a great finishing touch to images.

Do you live in Canada?

If you need any stamping supplies from Stampin' Up! Canada, please click on any of the links to be directed to my store or please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help stampers. I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Enter this month's host code to your order to receive my free set of monthly tutorials, complete with instructions, supplies and measurements. For help ordering, see my SHOP page or email me.

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

Enjoy creating this card yourself and feel free to use different colours. Share a picture in the comments.

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Stampin' Up! Garden Greenhouse Birthday Card

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For this birthday card, I used the Stampin' Up! Garden Greenhouse bundle from the January - June 2022 mini catalogue. I love sneak peeks and the Stampin' Up! Garden Greenhouse bundle was the first bundle I ordered from the new catalogue. The flowers in the set are whimsical and fun with a slightly modern feel to them. I love flowers much more than the cucumbers I picked in my first job at a greenhouse.

Birthday card made with Stampin' Up! Garden Greenhouse bundle
Stampin' Up! Garden Greenhouse bundle

The sentiment used here reminds me a bit of the Three Bears, not too hot, not too cold but just right. Although I plan on using the Garden Greenhouse card for birthdays, you could use the "Hope your day is just right" to send as encouragement to a friend. It would be especially suitable for the first day on a new job, in a new house or other milestone that someone is nervous about. What occasion would you use this saying for? Let me know in the comments below.

Make it yourself:

The Garden Greenhouse stamped image includes only the stems and not the flowers. This means that it is easy to use the many little flowers in the Garden Greenhouse stamp set to add colour. Stampin' Up! designs their stamp sets with this "2 Step" stamping method so that adding different colours is easy to do. I chose flowers in Bumblebee and Calypso Coral. Bumblebee is my favourite yellow lately, I love how bright and cheery it is but with warm undertones that go well with the Garden Green.

Garden Green is featured in the Heart & Home 12x12 designer series paper that will be available in the new Stampin' Up! January-June mini catalogue soon. The colour is growing on me. See my other sneak peek featuring the Heart and Home DSP HERE. My favourite part of this designer series paper is the backside of each sheet is a wonderful white, wood board pattern. I stamped on it instead of Basic White to give a more interesting background for this birthday card.

Both the Garden Greenhouse bundle and the Heart & Home 12x12 designer series paper will be available in Stampin' Up!s January-June mini catalogue. Demonstrators can order them now but customers need to wait until Jan. 4. If you would love it now and live in Canada, consider joining my team. Connecting with other stamping enthusiasts and ordering new stamping goodies early are just two of the many benefits. Email me for more information or join HERE.

This bundle will also be featured in my new monthly card recipe collections. Stay tuned for more information. Subscribe to my newsletter to not miss out.

Happy Stamping,

Amy

Rainbow of Happiness Z fold Card

18 · · 3 Comments

Rainbow of Happiness is such a fantastic name for a new stamp set and bundle. Stampin' Up! has created a fun and happy rainbow stamp set for both young and old stampers. The coordinating paper, Sunshine and Rainbows 6x6 Designer Series Paper, includes fun patterns in bright colours. Most of the paper has rainbows on one side and a pattern on the other. This Z fold card is easy to make with the measurements in my card tutorial below. If you love Z fold cards, see my Sparkle of the Season Z fold card HERE. Keep reading to see how the paper perfectly co-ordinates with the Brilliant Rainbow dies by Stampin' Up!

Fun and cheery card with Rainbow of Happiness stamp set. Z fold card is easy to create with full measurements below
Rainbows of Happiness stamp set

Coordinating Sunshine and Rainbow paper

The Brilliant Rainbow dies match not only the stamp set but the free sale-a-bration paper as well. The Sunshine and Rainbow paper will be available in January and February with a qualifying order of $60. A perk of being a demonstrator is that I am able to order some wonderful products early. The dies come with cute little clouds, a fantastic border, shaker style rainbow cut outs and a wonderful medium sized rainbow. The medium rainbow is what I used for this card. It fits perfectly on the rainbows printed on one of the papers.

See how easy it is to create a fun rainbow!

This is the easiest way to make a rainbow. Unfortunately, I was being particular about matching colours and wanted to replace the Granny Apple Green. Pool Party cardstock matched the paper in my Rainbow of Happiness card better. I used the same rainbow die to cut out a Pool Party rainbow piece, glued it down and had a perfectly matched rainbow to go on my Z fold card.

Cut out the Pool Party - it fits perfectly and can be adhered easily with the fine tip glue pen.

Do you live in Canada?

If you need any stamping supplies from Stampin' Up! Canada, please click on any of the links to be directed to my store or please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help stampers. I would love to be your Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Enter this month's host code to your order to receive my free set of monthly tutorials, complete with instructions, supplies and measurements. For help ordering, see my SHOP page or email me.

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Rainbow of Happiness Z fold card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Create this fun and bright Z fold card easily and quickly. Stampin' Up!'s Brilliant Rainbow Dies are wonderful to use along with the matching Sunshine and Rainbows 6x6 Designer Series paper.
5 from 1 vote
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 25 minutes

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Designer Series Paper: 2 pieces:3 ¾” x 2 ¼“ and 3 ¾” x 2 ¾“
  • Cut one strip of the rainbow piece of designer series paper. Then cut one rainbow out. Leave space around it to allow you to adhere it to the Basic White rectangle.
  • Bermuda Bay: 4¼ “ x 11” scored at 5½“ and 2¾“ folded as shown below
  • Basic White: 3 pieces: 4 x 5 ¼“; 3½ x 2½”; 2½ x 4”
  • Melon Mambo: 3 ¾ x 2 ¾“
  • Pool Party: small scrap for rainbow layer

Die Cut:

  • Use the medium rainbow die and the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine to cut out a rainbow in the centre of the 3½ x 2½ piece of Basic White. (a little high is ok)
  • Die cut the Pool Party cardstock scrap with the medium rainbow die

Stamping:

  • Stamp the sentiment with Bermuda Bay ink underneath the die cut rainbow on the Basic White cardstock.

Assembly:

  • Lay the Bermuda Bay card base horizontally with the 2 scores to the left hand side.
  • Adhere the largest piece of Basic White cardstock to the right side of the Bermuda Bay card front – the side with no scoring. 
  • Adhere the widest piece of patterned paper to the far right of the basic white, leaving a small, even border as shown.
  • Layer the patterned paper onto the other Basic White rectangle.  Similarly, there should an even border around the perimeter. 
  • Adhere the Basic White and patterned paper layer onto the far left of the Bermuda Bay card front.  The score line/fold should be next to this and it should have an even border. 
  • Adhere the single rainbow from the patterned paper onto the die cut rainbow. Layer and adhere this to the Melon Mambo cardstock.
  • Use the fine tip glue pen to adhere the Pool Party Rainbow strip to the medium rainbow to cover up the green strip. (make sure you choose the correct size rainbow layer)
  • Using adhesive on only the left hand side of the Melon Mambo piece, adhere to the very front of the card when it is folded as shown.
  • Add some sparkle with a Wink of Stella pen.
Keyword birthday card, just because card, papercrafting, Stampin' Up!
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Cork meets All Squared Away

0 · · 2 Comments

The "All Squared Away" bundle from Stampin' Up! is easy to miss in the annual catalogue. It contains four floral squares that are each whimsical or more modern, depending on your point of view. I will be sharing many different cards over the next little while featuring the all squared away bundle. Why? Because I love the modern look and how easy it is to create fantastic cards with it.

I am starting with my favourite card with my favourite new paper - yes, the cork 12x12 specialty paper is being featured again. Find more card ideas using the cork paper HERE and HERE. The texture takes this card from a good design to a great design!

greeting card featuring the all squared away bundle
All Squared Away bundle by Stampin' Up!

Make it yourself:

The matching stamp set contains a fun font and sentiments that especially suit birthdays. Choose your favourite colour combinations for the strips. I chose slightly earthy colours to coordinate with the cork 12x12 specialty paper. Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz and So Saffron go very well with each other.

The hardest part of this card is weaving the strips through the floral square in the All Squared Away bundle. I added the Baker's twine to tie the white together. The twine suits the earthy feel of the cork paper.

Scroll down for a complete tutorial to print or save.

If you are in Canada and would like to make this yourself you can purchase the supplies needed HERE in my store.

greeting card featuring the all squared away bundle

All Squared Away Birthday Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Create a cute but great birthday card quick and easily with Stampin' Up!'s All Squared Away bundle.
5 from 1 vote
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner
Total Time 20 minutes

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Basic White (base): 5 ½” x 4 ¼” and (for die cut): 2” x 2”
  • So Saffron: 5 ¼” x 4” and ½” x 3 ¾” strip
  • Cork 12x12 Specialty paper: 3 ¾“ x 5”
  • Pear Pizzazz: ½” x 3 ¾” strip
  • Calypso Coral: ½” x 3 ¾” strip

Instructions:

  • Score card base at 4 ¼“ and fold.
  • Adhere the Cork Specialty paper to the So Saffron cardstock.
  • Wrap the white twine several times around the right-hand side, adhering with Stampin’ Seal adhesive on the back.
  • Adhere to the Basic White card base.
  • Die cut the square flower image out of the Basic White.
  • Stamp the saying on the Pear Pizzazz strip, to the far left, with VersaMark ink. Sprinkle with White Embossing Powder and then heat set.
  • Cut the ends of each strip on an angle.
  • Adhere the So Saffron and Calypso Coral strips to the card front leaving ½”, or slightly less, between them.
  • Weave the Pear Pizzazz strip through the flower die and attach both with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
Keyword autumn card, birthday card, fall, greeting card
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Create Cheerful Cards with Flowers of Friendship

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I love cheerful cards. Create this card, featuring the Flowers of Friendship stamp set, to give to a friend for encouragement, to cheer them up or for a birthday. The bright pink is the new in color, Polished Pink. The touch of black provides some needed contrast and creates a very cheerful card. I used Stampin' Up's Flowers of Friendship stamp set and the coordinating punch. I love how easy it is to punch out the matching flowers!

The main flower image could be coloured in as I did in this card HERE, but for this cheerful card I used it as a background. I stamped the cardstock using versamark ink first and then ran it through the embossing folder to give some texture. It is difficult to stamp onto textured paper so make sure you always stamp first.

Make it yourself:

Stamp the background first and then run it through your favourite embossing folder. You could skip this step but once you start using using the Stampin' Cut and Emboss machine to easily add texture you won't be able to stop!

I used the new Tailor Made Tags die set for the sentiment and for the background tag. The saying "Life is better with friends like you" fits perfectly. The Tailor Made Tag set includes four tags each in two designs that vary a small amount in size for easy layering. One set has curved ends as shown above and the other set is more angular for a more masculine look.

The flower on the bottom of the tag was stamped in black and then cut out using the coordinating punch. I love how the punch matches the images in the Flowers of Friendship stamp set. To finish off the card, matching ribbon in Polished Pink was added to the tag. If you live in Canada and would like to purchase any of the supplies, please contact me. I am always happy to answer questions and help out. Enjoy creating this card yourself and feel free to use different colours. Share a picture in the comments.

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Flowers of Friendship Card

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The flowers in Stampin' Up!'s "Flowers of Friendship" stamp set is easy to use as outlines as featured HERE or to colour as shown below. Make beautiful cards by adding just a hint of colour to the flower images. Coastal Cabana is a such a pretty and cheerful colour! It suits my daughter, Leah, perfectly. This card was given to her to congratulate her on her recent profession of faith at church. A bright card for a happy occasion!

Greeting card made with flowers of friendship stamp set by Stampin' Up!
Flowers of Friendship greeting card

To design the card, start with your favourite piece of patterned paper. I chose a pattern from Stampin' Up!'s Pattern Party 12 x12 Designer Series Paper. Choose your favourite colour from the patterned paper to use for the flowers. I used the stitched greenery die for the background but an embossing folder would also work very well. The white baker's twine adds a little something without being too fancy like ribbon may be.

Colouring Tips:

To colour the "Flowers of Friendship" stamp, I used watercolour pencils. The instructions I provide below include Stampin' Blends. Both work and have pros and cons. The watercolour pencils blend beautifully using a just a touch of water or a blender pen. I used white shimmer paper as it does not pill or curl as easily as basic white cardstock. Shimmer paper is my favourite paper to use when colouring! Watercolouring gives a more muted colour. It is important to not use too much water. To add some brightness, I pencilled over the coloured in flowers when they were almost dry.

Using Blends markers is easier and gives stronger, more bold colour. I recommend adding only a small amount of the dark shade and then blending with the light tone. You can also lighten up the colours by using the color lifter.

Give yourself permission to play with various colouring mediums and see what you like best! Be sure to let me know in the comments your favourite medium for colouring and to save the card recipe below.

Happy Stamping,

Amy

Greeting card created with Flowers of Friendship stamp set by Stampin' Up!

Flowers of Friendship Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Create a bright and cheery card for a friend! Stampin' Up!'s Flowers of Friendship stamp set is great for beginners to learn to colour as the line images are small. Create this card using your favourite patterned paper and matching cardstock to create this card quickly and easily.
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner
Total Time 20 minutes

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Thick Basic White: 5 ½“ x 8 ½“ scored at 4 ¼“ and folded in half for card front
  • Coastal Cabana: 4 x 5 ¼“
  • Shimmer White: 4 x 2 ¾ “
  • Pattern Party Designer Series Paper: 3½” x 4 ½”

Stamp and Assembly:

  • Align the Coastal Cabana layer with the Stitched Greenery die and run through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine.  Adhere to the Thick Basic White card front. 
  • Adhere the Pattern Party designer series paper to the front of card as shown.
  • Stamp flower image several times across the Shimmer White piece with the Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Feel free to go off the edge and not stamp in a perfect line.  
  • Add hints of colour with the Bermuda Bay and Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blends.
  • Tie white twine around the bottom of the Shimmer White piece and adhere to the designer series paper with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
Keyword greeting card, just because card, papercrafting, Stampin' Up!
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.