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    Cheer you up cards

    Way to Grow Stampin' Up! Friends Cards

    0 · Feb 4, 2023 · Leave a Comment

    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.

    February 2023 Host code:  2NUQSU62

    Happy Stamping!

    Amy

    Forever Friendship Stampin' Up card

    0 · Aug 26, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    This design was cased from my good friend, Wendy Fee. I've used the cute and sassy Forever Friendship set from Stampin' Up! 2022-2023 annual catalogue. I even created a Christmas card with this design that you can see HERE. I love using card designs in new ways and then I don't need to worry about measurements as all that work is already done!

    Peach coloured greeting card featuring a set of house plants.
    Forever Friendship Stampin' Up! card

    The Forever Friendship stamp set from Stampin' Up! features three images with funny sayings. I will be showcasing cards created with this set this week - check back for 2 more cards soon.

    I'm looking forward to sending this card to my good friend - it suits me very well - I considered including pictures of my failed house plants but didn't want to make anyone sad. Here is the inside:

    Our friendship will live forever.....unlike most of the plants I've owned

    Make it yourself

    I've used Pale Papaya cardstock for the card base as it pairs so well with any greens. Soft Succulent and Old Olive were used to colour the plants. The Stampin' Blends are very fun and easy to colour with. The Forever Friendship stamp set is good for beginners to start using alcohol markers as the images are small and easy to add touches of colour to.

    Scroll down for a full supply list and tutorial.

    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.

    February 2023 Host code:  2NUQSU62

    Peach coloured greeting card featuring a set of house plants.

    Forever Friendship card

    Amy Cook

    www.cardsbyacook.com

    Have fun colouring some house plants to give a friend. Stampin' Blends are easy to use and this image is perfect to learn with.
    Print Instructions Pin Recipe
    Level of Difficulty Beginner
    Total Time 40 mins

    Tools

    • Paper Trimmer
    • Stamp Blocks
    • Stampin' Up! Cut and Emboss Machine
    • Stampin' Up! Dimensionals
    • Your choice of adhesive.

    Supplies
      

    • Forever Friendship stamp set
    • Fern 3D Embossing Folder
    • Tuxedo Black Memento ink pad
    • Soft Succulent ink pad
    • Basic White cardstock
    • Pale Papaya cardstock
    • Classic Matte Dots embellishments

    Stampin' Blends alcohol markers

    • Pale Papaya blends combo pack
    • Soft Succulent blends combo pack
    • Old Olive blends combo pack
    • Medium Deep blends combo pack
    • Pool Party blends combo pack
    • Crumb Cake blends combo pack
    • Color Lifter

    Instructions
     

    Cut paper to the following sizes:

    • Pale Papaya (card base): 5 ½” x 8 ½”, score at 4 ¼”; 3 ¾“x 5”
    • Basic White (stamped): 4” x 3”

    Stamping and Assembly:

    • Fold Pale Papaya card base in half.
    • Stamp the sentiment “Unlike most of the plants I’ve owned” on the inside of the card.
    • Rip the bottom edge of the Basic White piece.
    • Stamp Forever Friendship plant stamp onto Basic White piece using Memento Tuxedo black ink.
    • Stamp the sentiment onto the bottom of the Basic White piece as shown.
    • Colour using your choice of Stampin’ Blends. I used the Pool Party to edge the outside and give dimension. To keep it light, I used the Color Lifter to soften the edges. Similarly, add “ground” with the light Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blends and Color Lifter.
    • Wrap the Linen thread several times around the Basic White piece and adhere on the back with Stampin’ Seal.
    • Emboss the Pale Papaya rectangle piece with the Fern 3D embossing folder by running it through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine. Adhere to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
    • Adhere the stamped and coloured Basic White piece to the embossed layer with Stampin’ Dimensionals as shown.
    • Colour 2 of the Classic Matte Dots with the Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blends. Adhere to the bottom right of the Basic White piece as shown.
    • Enjoy!
      Peach coloured greeting card featuring a set of house plants.
    Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
    Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

    Good Feelings Stampin' Up! Card

    0 · Apr 9, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    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.

    February 2023 Host code:  2NUQSU62

    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 mins

    Tools

    • Paper Trimmer
    • Pair of scissors
    • Stamp Blocks
    • Heat Tool
    • Your choice of adhesive.
    • Stampin' Up! Dimensionals

    Supplies
      

    • Good Feelings stamp set
    • Dragonfly Garden stamp set
    • Tailor Made Tags dies
    • New Horizon 6 x 6 designer series paper
    • Thick Basic White: 8½ x 11 cardstock
    • Polished Pink 8½ x 11 cardstock and ink pad
    • Versamark Ink pad
    • Stampin' Emboss Powders white
    • Baker's twine white

    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.

    Good Feelings Stampin' Up! Sneak Peek

    0 · Apr 3, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    Stampin' Up!'s 2022 - 2023 Annual Catalogue is being released May 3, 2022. It is gorgeous! I can't wait to be able to order lots of new, fantastic stamp sets, dies, ribbons, new In Color's, embellishments and more. As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I was lucky enough to receive the catalogue early along with the Good Feelings stamp set.

    I love the new Good Feelings stamp set by Stampin' Up! It contains six bold sentiment stamps suitable for a variety of occasions. I've created three cards to share today using two of my favourite sayings from the Good Feelings stamp set. I've paired the stamp set with the New Horizons 6x6 designer series paper to create quick and easy cards that are beautiful.

    Three of the cards are pictured below, two more bright and cheery cards using this set can be found HERE.

    The tough part about these Good Feeling cards is taking the pictures. The gold embossing is beautiful on the patterned paper, but does not show well in the photos. They are definitely more gorgeous in real life!

    Make it yourself!

    All three of these cards pair the New horizons 6x6 designer series paper from Stampin' Up! with the new Good Feelings stamp set. This set will be released in May, 2022.

    These are 3 of my favourite paper designs. The paper pack contains 48 sheets, 4 each of 12 different designs. See all the designs HERE.

    The first two cards use gold embossing powder to make the "Sending Sunshine and good feelings your way" sentiment pop on the paper. A bow tied beneath or to the left side, in gold twine adds some bling. After taking pictures, I added Iridescent Rhinestone Basic Jewels to add some extra bling. It is worth adding, but I gave the card to my friend who needed a card before taking a picture. Priorities right?

    The third card uses Blackberry Bliss cardstock and ink to make the sentiment pop! I love the colour paired with the Midnight Mist blue cardstock in the paper design.

    Instructions for all three cards are below, keep scrolling. I've included some details as to how to use embossing powder. It is easier than it looks.

    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.

    February 2023 Host code:  2NUQSU62

    Good Feelings with New Horizon 6x6 paper creates quick and easy cards!

    Amy Cook

    www.cardsbyacook.com

    See a sneak peek of the new Good Feelings stamp set along with the New Horizon 6x6 designer series paper from from Stampin' Up! to make cards quickly and easily
    Print Instructions Pin Recipe
    Level of Difficulty Beginner
    Total Time 15 mins

    Tools

    • Paper Trimmer
    • Pair of scissors
    • Stamp Blocks
    • Heat Tool
    • Your choice of adhesive.
    • Stampin' Up! Dimensionals

    Supplies
      

    • Good Feelings stamp set
    • New Horizon 6 x 6 designer series paper
    • Thick Basic White: 8½ x 11 cardstock
    • Blackberry Bliss 8½ x 11 cardstock and ink pad
    • Versamark Ink pad
    • Stampin' Emboss Powders gold and clear
    • Simply Elegant Trim gold

    Instructions
     

    Cut paper to the following sizes:

    • Thick Basic White: Cut in half for card base - 5½ x 8½; score at 4¼ (all 3 cards)
    • New Horizon 6 x 6 designer series paper: 4 x 5¼ (2 card), 3 ¾ x 5" for 3rd card
    • Blackberry Bliss: 4 x 5¼ for 3rd card

    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 sentiment onto your choice of New Horizons paper in Versamark ink.
    • Lay the stamped paper on top of the creased copy paper. Liberally, sprinkle gold 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.

    Assembly:

    • Card #1 and #2
      Tie gold twine around the bottom or along the left hand side of the stamped image. Tie a bow or a simple knot.
    • Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere to the Basic White card front.
    • Card #3
    • Stamp the sentiment in Blackberry Bliss ink. Quickly sprinkle with clear embossing powder. Blackberry ink dries quickly so this must be done quickly.
    • Alternately, you could use a Stamparatus to stamp the sentiment in Blackberry Bliss ink. Without moving the paper or the stamp, clean the stamp and reink with Versamark ink and stamp again. Emboss with clear embossing powder.
    • Heat the embossing powder until it is shiny.
    • Adhere to the Blackberry Bliss layer
    • Use Stampin' Dimensionals to adhere to the Basic White card front.
    • All cards: Add your choice of embellishments.
    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.

    Simple Bloom Where You're Planted card

    0 · Jan 1, 2022 · Leave a Comment

    The Bloom Where You're Planted 12 x 12 designer series paper by Stampin' Up! is fun to use with it's depictions of beautiful plants. This simple card shows off the patterned paper rather than focusing on a stamped image. I have several other cards created using the gorgeous Bloom Where You're Planted paper that you can find HERE and HERE. Scroll down for complete measurements and directions.

    Greeting card created with the Bloom Where You're Planted paper
    Bloom Where You're Planted 12 x12 designer series paper

    Make it yourself:

    I used the Cinnamon Cider cardstock to layer the Bloom Where You're Planted 12 x12 designer series paper and the Evening Evergreen for the card background. The Stitched Greenery die creates amazing backgrounds with beautiful, stitched leaves scattered throughout. It is easy to miss in Stampin' Up!'s 2021 annual catalogue but it is so versatile and creates gorgeous backgounds. I love it!

    The Tailor Made Tags are die cut using another piece of the Bloom Where You're Planted 12 x12 designer series paper and the brick pattern coordinates with the Cinnamon Cider layer.

    To recreate this design using any patterned paper you own, pick out 2 of the predominant colours from the paper first. Stampin' Up! designer series paper has coordinating cardstock colours for every colour you see. This makes creating cards so easy! The top design tip for great cards is to always have your main colour or two repeat.

    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.

    February 2023 Host code:  2NUQSU62

    Enjoy creating this card yourself and feel free to use different paper and colours. Share a picture of your card in the comments. I would love to see your design.

    Happy Stamping!

    Amy

    Greeting card created with the Bloom Where You're Planted paper

    Bloom Where You're Planted Quick and Easy Card

    Amy Cook

    www.cardsbyacook.com

    Create this card quickly and easily using the Bloom Where You're Planted 12 x12 designer series paper as the focal point.
    Print Instructions Pin Recipe
    Level of Difficulty Beginner
    Total Time 15 mins

    Tools

    • Paper Trimmer
    • Stamp Blocks
    • Pair of scissors
    • Tailor Made Tags dies
    • Stitched Greenery die
    • Stampin' Dimensionals
    • Stampin' Up! Cut and Emboss Machine

    Supplies
      

    • ½ piece Thick Basic White: 8½ x11" cardstock
    • ¼ piece Evening Evergreen 8½ x11" cardstock and ink pad
    • ¼ piece Cinnamon Cider 8½ x11" cardstock
    • scrap piece Basic White 8½ x11" cardstock
    • Bloom Where You're Planted 12x12 designer series paper
    • Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack white

    Instructions
     

    Cut paper to the following sizes:

    • Thick Basic White: 5-½” x 8-½” scored at 4-¼”
    • Evening Evergreen: 4" x 5¼"
    • Cinnamon Cider: 3¾” x 3¾”
    • Bloom Where You're Planted 12 x12 designer series paper: 3½" x 3½”

    Die Cut and Stamp:

    • Stamp saying of choice on the Basic White cardstock scrap with the Evening Evergreen ink. Die cut with the smaller Tailor Made tags die
    • Die cut a larger, coordinating tag out of the brick pattern paper.
    • Die cut a little circle out of a scrap piece of Cinnamon Cider cardstock.
    • Create the pattern on the Evening Evergreen paper with the Stitched Greenery die. The die will be larger than the paper, this is ok.

    Assembly:

    • Adhere the Evening Evergreen cardstock to the card base.
    • Layer the Bloom Where You’re Planted patterned paper to the Cinnamon Cider cardstock and adhere to card base to the right side as shown.
    • Adhere the small circle to the white, smaller, stamped tag. Layer onto the larger tag and tie with the white baker's twine.
    • Adhere to the left side of the card, as shown, using Stampin' Dimensionals.
    Keyword greeting card, just because card, papercrafting, plant, Stampin' Up!, stamping up
    Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
    Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

    Stampin' Up! Garden Greenhouse Birthday Card

    4 · Dec 13, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    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

    Stampin' Up! Blessings of Home Thank you Card

    1 · Dec 6, 2021 · 14 Comments

    The Blessings of Home stamp set is a beautiful sneak peek of Stampin’ Up!’s new January -June mini catalogue. The gorgeous flowers are shown in the Heart & Home 12x12 designer series paper. It is so easy to make a card when the paper coordinates so well together. I also love the sentiment as it is very suitable for thanking people for help when they have lifted you up. Inspiration doesn't need to be huge, it can be the small things that add positivity to our life and make it more enjoyable.

    Would you like more sneak peeks of the new catalogue? See the new Rainbow of Happiness bundle HERE. See the new Garden Greenhouse bundle HERE

    Blessings of Home stamp set

    I would love for you to share in the comments about someone who has inspired you. No need to think of a huge milestone in your life, keep it simple. The past couple of years have been difficult for most of us. Try to think of someone who makes you smile and helps you keep putting one foot in the front of the other every day. For me, the group of stampers I work with has become more than crafting friends. They definitely inspire me with ideas for my stamping business but they also listen and give support for all of life's challenges. I'm thinking I better make more of these to mail to them all!

    Welcome to everyone that is joining us from Kylie Bertucci's International highlights - I am aiming to be one of the top 10 for December! If you love my Blessing of Home thank you card as much as I do - please vote for me HERE. The link will take you to this month's gallery where you can vote for your 5 top favourites.

    Make it yourself!

    The Pale Papaya flowers are so pretty. I die cut some greenery bits from the matching Blessings of Home dies to add some pretty accents. The small, Pale Papaya flowers added to the sentiment are from the Honeybee Home bundle. I used a blender pen to add a bit of the Pale Papaya colour from the lid of the ink pad and a Wink of Stella pen to add some sparkle to just the center of the flowers. Scroll down for complete instructions.

    My favourite new product from the January – June mini catalogue sneak peek is actually the brass butterflies! They are so sweet, little and have adhesive on the back so are easy to use. I think the butterflies add just the perfect final touch to this card.

    This thank you card also uses my least favourite item. Garden Green is a colour I am not fond of, but it highlights the flowers in the Heart and Home 12x12 paper very well. Do you ever use a colour you dislike on its own but that works well with a particular set of patterned paper? Let me know your favourite and least favourite colour in the comments.

    picture of thank you card using Stampin' Up! set called Blessings of Home
    Blessings of Home card to send a thank you to someone special

    Blessings of Home Thank You Card

    Amy Cook

    www.cardsbyacook.com

    Send to a friend that has supported you and cheered you on! Inspiration can come in small packages.
    Print Instructions Pin Recipe
    Level of Difficulty Intermediate
    Total Time 20 mins

    Tools

    • Stampin' Up! Cut and Emboss Machine
    • Stamp Blocks
    • Paper Trimmer
    • Pair of scissors
    • Your choice of adhesive.
    • Stampin' Up! Dimensionals
    • Fine tip glue pen

    Supplies
      

    • Blessings of Home bundle
    • Honeybee Home bundle
    • Heart & Home designer series paper
    • Stitched so Sweetly dies
    • Basic White 8 ½ x 11 cardstock
    • Garden Green 8 ½ x 11 cardstock and ink pad
    • Brass Butterflies
    • Pale Papaya ink pad
    • Gray Granite ink pad
    • Blender Pen

    Instructions
     

    Cut paper to the following sizes:

    • Garden Green Cardstock: 5 ½” x 8 ½” scored at 4¼”; small scraps for green bits
    • Basic White Cardstock:  5 ¼“ x 4”, piece ~ 2x3 for die cut; scrap for little flowers
    • Designer Series Paper: 3 pieces: 5” x 1¾"; 2⅞ x 1⅞; 2" x 1⅞"; 1 piece ~ 3"x4" for die cut

    Die Cut:

    • Stamp the "Thank you" sentiment on the small white piece. Die cut as shown.
    • Die cut the larger Stitched So Sweetly shape on the 3"x4" piece of patterned paper as shown.
    • Die cut a few greenery bits out of the Garden Green scraps.
    • Stamp the flowers from the Honeybee Home bundle in Gray Granite ink and cut out using the coordinating die cut. Colour lightly using Pale Papaya ink and a blender pen. Optional: add a bit of Wink of Stella shimmer to the center of the flowers.

    Assembly:

    • Score the Garden Green cardstock in half and fold to create the card base.
    • Adhere the Basic White piece to the card front.
    • Adhere the die cut patterned paper to the Basic White cardstock layer as shown. Try your best to leave even borders but do realize that nobody will notice if they are not perfect.
    • Adhere the Stitched So Sweetly shape to the center of the trio of patterned paper rectangles.
    • Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the die cut sentiment to the Stitched So Sweetly background shape.
    • Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the cute, coloured flowers.
    • Add a few Brass Butterflies to the front to add some extra bling. I use the Multitool or the tip of my scissors to help.
    • Use the fine tip glue pen to adhere a few green sprigs to the sentiment as shown. Try to tuck the ends under the Basic White sentiment piece.
    Supply links will post in January when the new mini catalogue becomes available to everyone.
    Keyword blessings of home, honeybee home, january - june mini catalogue, sneak peek
    Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
    Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

    I almost forgot to show you the inside! I stamped one of the beautiful flowers from the Honeybee Home bundle on the inside. It matches the Heart and Home paper so well that I wanted to repeat it to make the inside pretty too. Garden green can be difficult to write on so adding the white inside piece really adds to the card.

    If you live in Canada and can’t wait until January to order all the pretty new stamp set bundles, then consider joining my team of stampers. Email me with any questions or join HERE. Our group is a positive, supportive group of stampers that enjoy helping each other out with stamping and often life’s challenges as well. 

    Happy Stamping,

    Amy

    Sunshine and Rainbows Thank you card

    11 · Nov 25, 2021 · 2 Comments

    Rainbow cards are perfect for giving a friend. The Sunshine and Rainbows paper used here make choosing colours very easy. Misty Moonlight pairs well with the pink to create a cheerful thank you card. This card sketch highlights the Sunshine and Rainbows paper or any other patterned paper you care to use. See this Z fold card that uses a different design from the same pack of paper. A touch of matching ribbon adds a needed pop of colour to finish the card.

    Rainbow of Happiness card in Misty Moonlight

    The Brilliant Rainbow dies create this cute rectangle with a rainbow on top! It is the perfect size for the sentiment. I cut out several in different colours so I could fill in the rainbow arcs with coordinating colours from the Sunshine and Rainbow paper. I'm still busy exploring the versatility of the dies, but so far I really love the little clouds included in the set.

    The Rainbow of Happiness bundle and the matching Sale-a-bration paper won't be available until January. If you can't wait to buy it, and live in Canada, sign up to be a demonstrator and you will be able to order it as early as December 1st. I am happy to answer your questions! You would be joining a community of positive and supportive group of stampers that love to create, become a discount shopper with a minimum 20% off of your orders, attend events and most importantly, have fun!

    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.

    February 2023 Host code:  2NUQSU62

    Do you spot the other sneak peak in this card? There are a total of 3 new products highlighted including the Sunshine and Rainbows 6x6 designer series paper. Comment with your guess of new product. I will draw from all the correct guesses and mail you the card.

    Happy Stamping,

    Amy

    A little something to brighten your day!

    Rainbow of Happiness Z fold Card

    18 · Nov 24, 2021 · 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.

    February 2023 Host code:  2NUQSU62

    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 mins

    Tools

    • Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine
    • Simply scored scoring tool
    • Stamp Blocks
    • Paper Trimmer
    • Pair of scissors
    • Your choice of adhesive.
    • Wink of Stella glitter pen
    • Fine tip glue pen

    Supplies
      

    • Rainbow of Happiness bundle
    • Sunshine and Rainbows 6x6 designer series paper
    • Basic White 8 ½ x 11 cardstock
    • Bermuda Bay 8 ½ x 11 cardstock and inkpad
    • Melon Mambo 8 ½ x 11 cardstock
    • Pool Party 8 ½ x 11 cardstock

    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.

    Fall Card featuring Love of Leaves stamp set

    0 · Oct 17, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    The Love of Leaves stamp set contains leaves with a beautiful watercolour look. The coordinating Stitched leaves dies make this set a fall must have. Today's fall card features Stampin' Up!'s Cajun Craze ink colour, which is a gorgeous deep rust colour. My favourite fall colour is actually red but the dark oranges are a close second. The fall colours in the Beauty of the Earth paper coordinate perfectly with the Cinnamon Cider background layer and the Cajun Craze leaf and card base.

    Stampin' Up! Love of Leaves stamp set with Stitched Leaves dies

    This fall card also follows my favourite stamp design. Creating cards with 3 rectangles of patterned paper as a background is such and easy and versatile design. I created this bright puppy dog card that follows the same design. I have two more cards to share this week featuring the same design but Christmas themed.

    Do you notice how the paper is cut to maintain the pattern cohesion? The Beauty of the Earth designer series paper is well suited to this technique. It also pairs so well with the Love of leaves stamp set. I would love for you to make this card yourself. I've included all the measurements below for you. Feel free to print the instructions and include a photo of your card in the comments.

    beautiful fall card using Stampin' Up! Love of leaves bundle

    Beautiful Fall Card featuring Love of Leaves stamp set

    Amy Cook

    www.cardsbyacook.com

    Beauty of the Earth designer series paper by Stampin' Up! makes creating this card easy and fast to do. The stitched detail on the watercolour look leaf is even prettier in real life.
    Print Instructions Pin Recipe
    Level of Difficulty Beginner
    Total Time 20 mins

    Tools

    • Paper Trimmer
    • Stamp Blocks
    • Stampin' Up! Cut and Emboss Machine
    • Pair of scissors
    • Stampin' Up! Dimensionals
    • Your choice of adhesive.

    Supplies
      

    • Love of Leaves stamp set
    • Stitched leaves dies
    • Beauty Of the Earth 12x12 designer series paper
    • Basic White cardstock
    • Cinnamon Cider cardstock
    • Cajun Craze cardstock
    • Cajun Craze ink pad
    • linen thread

    Instructions
     

    Cut paper to the following sizes:

    • Cajun Craze (card base): 5 ½” x 8 ½” scored at 4 ¼”
    • Cinnamon Cider Cardstock:  5 x 3 ¾”, strip ½ “ x 3”
    • Basic White: scrap approx.. 4 x 2 ½”
    • Patterned paper:  3 pieces 1 ½” x 3 ½”

    Instructions:

    • Score the Cajun Craze cardstock in half and fold to create the card base.
    • Adhere each of the 3 patterned paper pieces onto the Cinnamon Cider layer. Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere to front of the card base. 
    • Stamp your choice of leaf with Cajun Craze ink and cut out with the matching die using the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine.
    • Stamp the sentiment using Cajun Craze ink onto the Cinnamon Cider strip.
    • Cut the end of the sentiment off on a angle. Adhere as shown to the card front. 
    • Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the leaf. 
    • Tie a bow with the linen thread and adhere to the leaf. 
    Keyword autumn card, fall, greeting card, Stampin' Up!
    Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
    Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

    If you live in Canada, and would like to support my business, you can purchase all the supplies from my website. Email me with questions or to order 🙂

    Thank you,

    Amy

    Cork meets All Squared Away

    0 · Sep 6, 2021 · 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 mins

    Tools

    • Paper Trimmer
    • Stamp Blocks
    • Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine
    • Heat Tool
    • Pair of scissors
    • Stampin' Up! Dimensionals
    • Your choice of adhesive.

    Supplies
      

    • All Squared Away bundle
    • Cork 12x12 Specialty paper
    • Basic White cardstock
    • Calypso Coral cardstock
    • Pear Pizzazz cardstock
    • So Saffron cardstock
    • VersaMark ink pad
    • Basics Embossing Powders
    • Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack

    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

    1 · Aug 19, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    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

    0 · Aug 19, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    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 mins

    Tools

    • Paper Trimmer
    • Stamp Blocks
    • Pair of scissors
    • Your choice of adhesive.
    • Stampin' Cut and Emboss machine (optional)
    • Stitched Greenery die

    Supplies
      

    • Flowers of Friendship stamp set
    • Thick Basic White: cardstock
    • Coastal Cabana cardstock
    • Shimmer White cardstock
    • Pattern Party 12”x12” designer series paper (hostess)
    • Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad
    • Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blends combo pack markers
    • Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Blends combo pack markers

    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.

    Measure of Love Encouragement card

    0 · Jun 22, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    Our friendship tips the scale! "You more than measure up" These are two of my favourite sayings in the new Measure of Love stamp set by Stampin' Up! The retro scale is so cute along with the bowl of cherries or cupcakes. I can remember my Oma using her scale in baking to make a simple but tasty pound cake. She didn't bake much, but could whip up that cake quickly and easily. Does anyone still use scales in baking? Let me know if you do.

    Create it yourself!

    The Bumblebee gingham ribbon really suits the colours used in this Measure of Love card. It sets off the Real Red of the scale and draws your eye up to the bowl of cherries. This is a good stamp set to try colouring with Stampin' Blends. The alcohol markers blend beautifully and easily. The images are small enough that it is a good stamp set for beginners to start with. You don't even need to colour the cherries or the bowl unless you choose to.

    After stamping the cherries, I added some shimmery crystal effects to them to make them shine like real cherries. The Measure of Love stamp set is photopolymer so lining up little hearts with the bowl is easy to do. Similarly, the background "you more than measure up" is easy to keep straight with the clear, photopolymer stamps. You could use the stamperatus to help as well.

    I've included the full instructions to make this card yourself. If you live in Canada, I can help you purchase all the supplies you need. Click HERE for my online store and to purchase the Measure of Love stamp set. I am always happy to answer questions and help you out.

    Happy Stamping,

    Amy

    greeting card image

    Measure of Love Card

    Amy Cook

    www.cardsbyacook.com

    Send this card to encourage your family and friends. We all could use a little "pick me up" and this card suits perfectly - and its so cute!
    Print Instructions Pin Recipe
    Level of Difficulty Intermediate
    Total Time 30 mins

    Tools

    • Paper Trimmer
    • Pair of scissors
    • Stamp Blocks
    • Stampin' Dimensionals
    • Your choice of adhesive.

    Supplies
      

    • Measure Of Love photopolymer stamp set
    • Basic White 8½ x 11 cardstock
    • Tuxedo Black Memento ink pad
    • Real Red ink pad
    • Just Jade ink pad
    • Bumblebee ink pad
    • Bermuda Bay ink pad
    • Merry Merlot ink pad
    • ¼" Bumblebee Gingham Trim ribbon
    • Real Red Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
    • Shimmery Crystal Effects

    Instructions
     

    Cut paper to the following sizes:

    • Basic White: 4 ¼” x 11”, scored at 5 ½”
    • Basic White: 5” x 3 ¾”

    Stamp:

    • Stamp sentiment repeatedly with Black Memento ink onto 5” x 3 ¾” (I stamped it 7 times).
    • Use Black Memento ink pad to stamp the scale onto scrap piece of Basic White card stock. Colour the scale with Real Red Blends Markers & cut out with scissors.
    • Stamp the scale a second time onto scrap Basic White card stock. Use Real Red ink pad to stamp the hand. Cut the scale face using smallest circle in the Layering Circle dies or use scissors. Place a rhinestone on centre.
    • Stamp the outline bowl image with Bumblebee ink pad onto scrap Basic White card stock. Stamp the inside bowl image with Bumblebee ink, stamping off first to get a softer look.
    • Ink the row of hearts image with Bermuda Bay and stamp onto the bowl.
    • Line up the cherries stamp on top of bowl and stamp with Merry Merlot ink pad. Add the leaves and stem image, stamping with Just Jade ink. Cut out the bowl of cherries.

    Assembly:

    • Fold Basic White card stock in half to create card base.
    • Wrap Bumblebee gingham ribbon across the front of the stamped piece, securing in back. Adhere to card front with Stampin' Dimensionals to pop it up.
    • Add a ribbon bow, securing in place with Mini Glue Dots.
    • Adhere the completed scale to card front with Multipurpose Liquid Glue (or Stampin' Seal). Be sure to leave room for the bowl of cherries on top.
    • Adhere the bowl of cherries on top of the scale.
    • Add Shimmery Crystal Effects to the cherries for shine and texture. Set aside to dry
    Keyword just because card, Measure of Love, papercrafting, Stampin' Up!
    Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
    Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

    The Picture This dies make cards easy to create.

    3 · Jun 18, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    This card is perfect for the plant lover in your life. Regardless of whether they have a green thumb or not, anyone who enjoys plants will love this card. Stampin' Up!'s Plentiful Plants bundle and the Picture This dies make this plant lover card easier to create than it appears. I had fun cutting out a variety of plants and pots and then arranging them on the shelves. The 3 shelves are created quickly and easily with the Picture This dies. Scroll to the bottom for complete instructions in my "card recipe"

    I love how the Plentiful Plants bundle can be used for a variety of occasions. The sentiment I chose today, To a Dear Friend, begs for a handwritten note inside. What would you write? A note of encouragement, a birthday greeting, your condolences or a much needed thank you?

    Plentiful Plants bundle with Picture This dies

    The Picture This dies make this card super easy to create. The dies come with both a rectangular and circular dies that cut the openings with only one pass through the Stampin' Cut and Emboss machine. You can then use the cut out rectangles or circles on another card. I used the brick patterned paper from the Bloom Where You're Planted designer series paper to create the look of shelves on a wall. The brick pattern makes it difficult to see the stitched detail on the cut outs from the Picture This dies. Love the stitching - see it more clearly on my next card.

    Picture This dies by Stampin' Up!

    Create it yourself!

    To create this card I used the same colour pots throughout to avoid the card looking too busy. I used a similar strategy on this card shown HERE where I used Evening Evergreen for all the pots. I recommend always repeating the same few colours in your card design. Repeating colours gives your design unity and prevents it from looking too childish. Of course, with any design rules, I am sure there are some great designs that use an electric mix of colour and break the rules.

    I've chosen to stick to warm earth tones in this card. The Cajun Craze colour is a warm, earthy tone that suits the pots. This combines well with the Cinnamon Cider tone of the brick to give a look that stands out without competing with the brick for attention. I've used a mixed of greens to give the illusion of depth to the plants.

    I used the Perfect Plants dies to cut out all the pots and plants which is super easy! No fussy cutting for me - Yay! The stamp set, Plentiful Plants and the die set, Perfect Plants dies is available as a bundle with 10% saving. If you live in Canada, you can order this HERE and help support my passion for creating cards. I am always happy to help answer your questions.

    Happy Stamping,

    Amy

    greeting card featuring plants

    Picture This Dies make card easy to make

    Amy Cook

    www.cardsbyacook.com

    The Picture This dies make creating these shelves easy to make. Fill with your favourite plants and you will have an amazing card created quickly and easily.
    Print Instructions Pin Recipe
    Level of Difficulty Intermediate
    Total Time 30 mins

    Tools

    • Stampin' Up! Cut and Emboss Machine
    • Paper Trimmer
    • Pair of scissors
    • Stamp Blocks
    • Your choice of adhesive.

    Supplies
      

    Stamps and Dies

    • 1 Plentiful Plants Bundle Stamp set and matching dies
    • 1 Picture This dies

    Paper and Ink

    • 1 piece Basic White 8 ½ x 11 cardstock
    • 1 scrap* Cajun Craze 8 ½ x 11 cardstock *and ink pad
    • 1 scrap* Garden Green 8 ½ x 11 cardstock *and ink pad
    • 1 scrap Evening Evergreen 8 ½ x 11 cardstock
    • Old Olive ink pad
    • Bloom Where You're Planted 12x12 designer series paper

    Other

    • Stampin' Dimensionals

    Instructions
     

    Cut paper to the following sizes:

    • Basic White: Cut in half for card base - 5½ x 8½; score at 4¼"
    • Brick Patterned Paper: 4" x 5¼"

    Stamp:

    • Stamp your choice of leaves in both Garden Green and Old Olive onto the basic white cardstock. Cut out with the coordinating dies and your Stampin' Up Cut and Emboss machine
    • Stamp the plant pots on Basic White with Cajun Craze ink. Cut out with the coordinating Perfect Plant dies.

    More cutting:

    • Cut out 2 different plant pots using the Perfect Plant dies and Cajun Craze cardstock
    • Cut out different plant leaves as shown with both Garden Green and Evening Evergreen cardstock using the Perfect Plant dies.
    • Align the Picture This rectangular die on the brick patterned paper and cut out using the Stampin' Cut and Emboss machine.

    Assemble:

    • Fold the Basic White card front in half along scoring.
    • Adhere the Bloom Where you are Planted Patterned brick paper layer to the card front using your favourite adhesive.
    • Carefully stamp your chosen sentiment to the left of the middle rectangular cut out with Cajun Craze ink. You may wish to practice on scrap paper first.
    • Have fun arranging the plants on the shelves. Play with the arrangement until you are happy with it. You may follow my example or play with your own placement. Adhere with a mix of adhesive and Stampin' Dimensionals to give a variety of heights and depth to the card.
    Keyword greeting card, just because card, papercrafting, plant, Stampin' Up!
    Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
    Click HERE to contact me with any questions.
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    Amy Cook Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
    Hi, from Amy

    I've been creating and designing cards for over 25 years and it is my 13th year as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. My "card recipes" are designed to save you time and frustration so you can enjoy stamping and paper crafting.

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