Cards by A Cook

Cheer you up cards

Sunshine and Rainbows Thank you card

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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 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

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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.

I'm looking forward to making many more cards with the Brilliant Rainbow dies and the Rainbow of Happiness stamp set. 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!

Rainbow of Happiness Z fold card

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.
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 25 mins

Tools

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 Cherry Cobbler 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!
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Cork meets All Squared Away

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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

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

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
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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

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

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!
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Measure of Love Encouragement card

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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

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

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

Notes

Keyword just because card, Measure of Love, papercrafting, Stampin' Up!
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The Picture This dies make cards easy to create.

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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 are 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

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

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
  • 1 Old Olive ink pad
  • ⅙ piece Bloom Where You are Planted 12" X 12" 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!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Plentiful Plants card for the Plant Lover in your Life

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The new Plentiful Plants bundle by Stampin' Up! is so much fun to play with. I love using the matching dies to quickly and easily cut out either my stamped images or ones from the coordinating Bloom Where You are Planted designer series paper. Today's card is easy and fast to make as there is very little stamping. Simply cut out your choice of plant and pot from the patterned paper to create an amazing plant card.

Create this card yourself - see instructions at the bottom of post

The paper lattice creates added texture, much like the Bloom Where You are Planted card featured HERE. The sentiment is stamped in Cinnamon Cider ink which matches the pot and the paper lattice very well. You could stamp any saying you like such as Happy Birthday, Thinking of you or use the other sayings that come with the Plentiful Plants stamp set.

These are the wonderful sentiments in the Plentiful Plants stamp set:

plentiful plant stamp set by Stampin' Up!
Plentiful Plant stamp set by Stampin' Up!

The stamp set can be purchased individually or as a group of products in a suite. The Bloom Where You are Planted Suite includes the stamp set, coordinating dies, matching patterned paper and the paper lattice accent featured on this card.

This card design would work well using any of the patterns in the paper pack. If you make it, be sure to comment below with a picture of your completed card.

If you live in Canada, any of the links above will bring you to my online store to purchase products to create this card. I appreciate your support and am happy to answer questions and help you.

Happy Stamping,

Amy

Plentiful Plants card

Plentiful Plants Card

Do you love plants? Do you have a friend that loves plants? Create this card for them to show how much you care. I love how this card is suitable for anyone and any occasion! A wonderfully versatile card!
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 20 mins

Tools

Supplies
  

  • ½ piece Thick Basic White: 8½ x11" cardstock
  • ¼ piece Evening Evergreen 8½ x11" cardstock
  • ⅛ piece Soft Succulent 8½ x11" cardstock
  • scrap piece Basic White 8½ x11" cardstock
  • 1 piece Paper Lattice
  • 1 piece Bloom Where You are Planted Designer Series Paper Pot & Leaf images to die-cut
  • Linen Thread
  • Genial Gems

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Thick Basic White: 5-½” x 8-½” scored at 4-¼”
  • Evening Evergreen: 2-⅛” x 5”
  • Soft Succulent: 3” x 4-¼”
  • Basic White: ½” x 3”
  • Paper Lattice: ⅞” x 3”

Stamp:

  • Stamp saying of choice on the Basic White cardstock strip with the Cinnamon Cider ink. Cut a notch in the end with a punch or your scissors to create a banner.

Assembly:

  • Adhere the Evening Evergreen cardstock to the card base.
  • Layer the Bloom Where You’re Planted patterned paper to the Soft Succulent cardstock and adhere to card base.
  • Use paper snips to tidy up the Paper Lattice piece to make both top and bottom match. Adhere to Bloom Where You’re Planted patterned paper with Multipurpose Liquid Glue approximately 1 ½” from bottom edge.
  • Use Stampin' dimensionals to attach the stamped banner to the paper lattice piece.
  • Die-cut your choice of plant images from the Bloom Where You’re Planted designer series paper with the coordinating dies. Adhere to right side of card with Stampin' dimensionals
  • Finish the card with three Genial Gems and a Linen Thread bow attached to pot with a mini glue dot.
Keyword greeting card, just because card, papercrafting, plant, Stampin' Up!, stamping up
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Bloom Where You are Planted

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Perhaps you have heard this saying before? The phrase "Bloom where you are planted" usually is spoken as encouragement to make the best out of the situation we find ourselves in. This past year means that many of us find ourselves doing just that. For my family, we have had bonfires when indoor gatherings with family were not possible. We have tried new hobbies and started projects at home. Not all of our projects are completed - including my knitted throw and our deck - but a lot of progress has been made. I like how cards can be made faster than my knitting project. When I'm frustrated with slow progress in other areas of my life, I can gain a feeling of accomplishment by creating cards.

This week I will be showcasing plant cards I have created with this suite. Today's card is a generic greeting card that can be used for many occasions. Stamp a "Happy Birthday" or "Thinking of You" in the inside just before you need it to customize for the occasion. I like to call "Thinking of You" cards - "Just Because" cards. The stamp set includes a "To a dear friend" sentiment that would be lovely in the inside. I created another card HERE using the same supplies to create a card that looks completely different. Check it out!

Create it Yourself!

Read to the end to print a complete tutorial for this card.

The Bloom Where You are Planted suite makes creating cards easier by providing you with a coordinated set of products that match. I love the new paper lattice embellishments that add great texture to the cards. This paper lattice accent really makes this card.

The Perfect Plants Dies by Stampin' Up! create cute pots and plant pieces that make this card easy to make. Cutting and pasting was fun in kindergarten and its even more fun now! The Stampin' Cut and Emboss machine does the cutting for you. This is especially wonderful if you have a hard time fussy cutting small shapes due to arthritis.

I've created a tutorial for you to follow below. It is set up like a recipe - so it is easy to follow. Please pin the "recipe" to show your appreciation.

Do you live in Canada? I am happy to help you purchase any of the tools and supplies you need to recreate this card.

Happy Stamping,

Amy

greeting card featuring plants

Picture This Dies make card easy to make

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

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
  • 1 Old Olive ink pad
  • ⅙ piece Bloom Where You are Planted 12" X 12" 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!
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Quiet Meadow Cards

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The new Quiet Meadow dies from Stampin' Up! are simply beautiful. The set of flower silhouettes is stunning and even comes with a couple butterflies. There is also a scalloped label die to cut out all your sentiments. Don't miss the cutest little tag they threw in for good measure. Make sure you read to the bottom for class information and a FREE tutorial complete with measurements for the mini set of 3x3 cards.

Meadow Dies available alone or with the Quiet Meadow stamp set

Stampin' Up! also has released the 2021 -2023 new In Colors! I love them all! Sometimes I like most of the colours but this year all of the colours are a must have item. I created this set of 5 mini 3x3 cards to showcase the new colours and the Quiet Meadow bundle. You could easily pick one of the designs and replicate it using each of the different flowers above. I wanted to make each a little bit different. Which is your favourite?

Soft Succulent, Fresh Freesia, Pale Papaya, Evening Evergreen, Polished Pink

In addition to making the 3x3 mini cards, I packaged them in this cute mini pizza box. A simple tag on top with coordinating ribbon in the new Fresh Freesia in-color finishes the gift box nicely. There is room in the mini pizza boxes for a cookie or chocolates but I decided to add a couple sachets of tea. They make a beautiful, little gift.

Fresh Freesia open weave ribbon gives a pretty touch to the little box of mini cards.

I had so much fun making these cards. To help you make these Quiet Meadow mini cards yourself, I've included a full tutorial with instructions for you to print. Full measurements and instructions for each card are included in the Quiet Meadow mini Cards Tutorial.

Download Tutorial HERE

See the full list of supplies HERE and scroll down for an opportunity for more ideas using the Quiet Meadow stamp set and dies from Stampin' Up!

Interested in more ideas for using the Quiet Meadow bundle by Stampin' Up!?

Wendy and I are hosting a set of 2 EXCLUSIVE Facebook Classes in June. These will take place in a private Facebook group for those that purchase the Quiet Meadow Class Bundle. All posts/videos/tutorials will be available on the following dates - it is not necessary to be present online for the entire day.

  • June 7th (cards) - 2 video presentations, project samples and tutorials. 
  • June 21 (sampler) - Full video and downloadable instructions on how to assemble the Shadowbox Sampler

Class fee is $110, which includes the Quiet Meadow Bundle, both EXCLUSIVE classes, and all of the class supplies needed to create the Shadowbox Sampler.  All you need is the ink & the frame!  Bundles will be ordered & shipped direct to you. Supply packs will be mailed separately.

Registration for this exclusive class, along with EFT with payment, is available for Canadians. Please indicate if you are outside of Canada and we can make arrangements for payment for instructions only.

Register for class HERE

Happy Stamping,

Amy

Cactus Card for when Life gets Prickly

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Do you love love cacti and succulents? I do, so when Stampin' Up! created a product medley that makes easy cactus cards I knew I needed it. The paper included in the Flowering Cactus kit, all coordinate with one another making it easy to create this cactus card. The die cuts also coordinate with not only the cactus stamp set but the cactus patterned paper as well.

Lately life has definitely been prickly. This would be a very suitable sentiment to use to send to friends and family during the pandemic. The colours used are Mint Macaron, Old Olive and Mossy Meadow. I wouldn't normally pair the Mint Macaron with either of the other 2 greens but the patterned paper makes them all coordinate nicely.

Do you recognize the card design? I love using Stampin' Up!'s designer series paper to make these simple but amazing cards. Here is another card that follows the same design and also uses the Flowering Cactus Product Medley - and includes the measurements!

Happy Stamping,

Amy

PS this medley of products is only available until June. If you live in Canada you may purchase it HERE.

Butterfly Brilliance Card to Cheer You Up!

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Thank you for joining us for our Stampin’ Up!® Demonstrator Training Program Butterfly Bouquet Blog Hop! We are all so happy that you could join us today for this blog hop for ideas and creative inspiration. We are a group of Stampin’ Up!® Demonstrators from around the world that are taking part in training that is helping us to build a successful Stampin’ Up!® business and reach some goals we have set. We really appreciate your support.

You may be starting here or have come from another blog – either way you can find the link list at the bottom of this post so that you can see every blog post and idea today.

Let's Cheer You Up! Card

The butterfly brilliance bundle by Stampin' Up! creates beautiful cards that are cheerful and easy to make. The bundle comes with amazing die cuts that cut out the stamped butterflies all in in step. There are also detailed butterflies that can be layered on top of the stamped butterflies.

Today's card features the detailed butterfly dies and is easy to create. This layout has been my favourite the last couple of weeks and this is the third card I have created by using it. See a vertical edition of the layout by clicking HERE.

Butterfly Brilliance bundle for a bright and cheery card.

I love the bright colours used in this card. The colour inspiration comes from the "Playing with Patterns designer series paper" that will be retiring soon and is only available while supplies last. Thankfully, this card design can be created with any patterned paper. Simply pick out the two most prominent colours to cut your butterflies out with. I love how Stampin' Up!'s designer series paper perfectly coordinates with their cardstock. The coordination between all of their inks, papers and embellishments makes creating beautiful cards easy.

See the detail in the beautiful butterfly die cuts.

The colours I used are Bumblebee and Calypso Coral. I also love the matching Bumblebee gingham ribbon that adds a little extra touch to the card. Please download a full tutorial, including measurements by clicking HERE.

If you live in Canada and would like to create this card yourself, you can see all the products I used by clicking HERE. They can be purchased online and shipped directly to you. I appreciate the support and am happy to answer any questions you may have.

Fly High Butterfly Class

This Online Facebook Class is FREE with the purchase of the Butterfly Brilliance Bundle through from my Online Store or through me directly. The following is included:

  • 8 complete tutorials
  • 4 live demonstrations with different techniques
  • Tips on how to use the stamps and dies in the bundle
  • Alternate card ideas to help you with your creativity!

An EXCLUSIVE Fly High Butterfly Facebook group has been created for this class, and posts will be made over the course of the day. All resources will remain in the group, so that you can access them long after the class is complete.

Purchase your Butterfly Brilliance Bundle, and I’ll quickly give you access to the class. Previously posted projects are already there, and projects will continue to be added as we get closer to the class. The live presentations will be April 5 and will be recorded for viewing after this date.

Please email me with any questions you have.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! As mentioned at the top, this is a blog hop so make sure you ‘hop’ around to all the amazing projects on this hop! Click on the links below to visit them. This post is #36.

Happy Stamping,

Amy

Flowering Cactus Card to Cheer You Up

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I love creating cards featuring cacti and succulents. I am, however, far more successful at stamping cards with succulents than growing them. The Stampin' Up! set, Flowering Cactus, comes with everything you need to create trendy cards in amazing colours.

This medley features Calypso Coral, Highland Heather, Mint Macaron, Mossy Meadow, Pear Pizzazz and white. I chose to use Calypso Coral and Pear Pizzazz in the card today - mainly so I could play with the little felt flowers that come in the flowering cactus product medley. They are so cute! The flowers have stitching on them, come in a variety of sizes and both Calypso Coral and Highland Heather colours are included.

This card design is a favourite of mine. I love playing with the various paper designs to find a combination I love. The patterned paper in this medley suits creating masculine cards as well. See a similar design HERE for a cactus card suitable for both the men and women in your life. The three panel designer series paper design works well with monochromatic papers too as you can see in this card design HERE.

Card Instructions and Tips:

  • Cut a piece of 8 ½" x11" cardstock in half. Score in half and fold to create the card base.
  • Cut the basic white cardstock to 5”x 3 ¾” and layer onto the card.
  • Each of the 3 pieces of patterned paper measure 1 ½” x3 ½”. I have found the easiest way to line them up is to adhere the middle piece of patterned paper first.
  • I used the Tasteful Labels dies for the centre but a rectangle would work as well. Stamp the saying in Pear Pizzazz ink.
  • Use the coordinating dies and the Stampin' Up! Cut and Emboss machine to cut out the cacti. Use Stampin' Dimensionals to pop up the cacti and adhere as shown.
  • The felt flowers adhere best with glue. I used the fine tip glue pen but tombow glue would also work well.

If you live in Canada, I would love for you to order supplies and make this card yourself! See the supplies HERE. If you have questions, email me at amy@cardsbyacook.com

Comfort and Hope - send a paper hug today

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Times are tough and we all need some comfort and hope. Those of us that are healthy with loving families still may get overwhelmed with everything happening in the world right now. It's even harder for those without strong support networks to keep going every day. For those suffering from health issues or lose of loved ones each day may be a struggle.

Comfort and Hope by Stampin' Up!

This card may be used as a sympathy card but I created it to send to friends and family members that just need a bit of help with life right now. I love how this stamp set, Comfort and Hope, by Stampin' Up! includes the message "sending a paper hug" It is a perfect saying for everyone that needs a little pick me up.

Sending you a paper hug
Create this card yourself!

The watercolour background is easier to create than it looks. Start with watercolour paper and mist lightly with water. Use a watercolour painter to add Blushing Bride ink from the reinker or stamp pad in a random pattern as shown. Allow the ink to flow and resist the urge to try to be perfect. While the image is still wet, stamp the herringbone image in Blushing Bride ink onto the background. The pattern will bleed a bit giving a nice texture.

After the watercolour background dries, stamp the circle image in Crumbcake followed by the foliage in Early Espresso ink. Continue to layer with the Good Taste elements. Have fun playing with the arrangement until you are happy with it. Download the instructions in the project sheet below.

Download Project Sheet Here
Product List
Comfort & Hope Cling Stamp Set (English)
[152509]
$29.00
Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper
[149612]
$12.25
In Good Taste Elements
[152476]
$8.75
Blushing Bride 8-½" X 11" Cardstock
[131198]
$12.00
Crumb Cake 8-½" X 11" Cardstock
[120953]
$12.00
Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad
[147100]
$10.25
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad
[147116]
$10.25
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
[147114]
$10.25
Add All to Cart

Tie Dye Technique card Colouring Fun

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Creating these tie dye cards is a lot easier than making the t-shirts! This tie dye technique requires no elastics or messy buckets of dye - instead my daughter has been using up my washi tape stash to create these unique, colourful and bright cards. She was inspired by the seventies feel of the Stampin’ Up! Share Sunshine download created for the pandemic. The saying “I can’t wait to Hug You when this is all over” is perfect to send to a friend and family that you are missing during social distancing.

Bright colourful card using tie dye technique

The first step in creating this tie dye technique card is cutting your whisper white cardstock to 4” x 5 ¼”. Rip pieces of washi tape into rough strips, making sure to touch the tape a lot so it is less sticky. Choose a centre point and arrange the strips radiating out. Try not to be too perfect, have fun and just go for it.

Try to vary the widths of washi tape

The best tie dye has bright colours and this card is no different. Poppy parade, blackberry bliss, bermuda bay and daffodil delight ink go together to create the iconic 70s tie dye look.

After you are happy with the arrangement of your washi tape strips, start colouring using alcohol markers. Stampin’ Up! Blends are easy to use without leaving lines like water based markers do. Use both the light and dark shades of each colour to give dimension. Have fun trying different combinations. Follow the spirals radiating out to keep the tie dye look in this fun and easy technique.

The last step is carefully removing the washi tape to reveal the white pattern. The bottom of this photo shows a couple strips of tape that still need to be removed. A multi-tool may help unless you have long nails.

I mounted the finished tie dye technique front onto thick whisper white card stock. Using dimensional to pop up the saying adds the perfect finishing touch to a fantastic card!