Cards by A Cook

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Encouragement

Enjoy the Journey Triple Panel Z Fold Card

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The Enjoy the Journey 12"x12" Designer Series Paper is just wonderful! I love the colours used along with the mountain scenes and sunsets. Today's card is a triple panel Z fold card and it is easy to create! I used the cards from Rachel Tessman, a very talented stamper, as inspiration.

Make sure you scroll down to see the inside of the card. The inside is where this card shines!

I used the "Covered in Sunshine" stamp set by Stampin' Up! for the main image on the front of the card. The inspirational sayings in the Covered in Sunshine stamp set are simply wonderful. To continue the inspirational message I used the Charming Sentiment stamp set on the inside of the card.

Covered in Sunshine
Charming Sentiments

Neither of these stamp sets have distinctive images. Using sentiment focused stamp sets allows the Enjoy the Journey Designer Series Paper to stand out! I would love to see what other Stampin' Up! paper you would use fro these Triple Panel Scenery Z fold cards. Please share in the comments below the instructions.

Enjoy the Journey Triple Panel Z Fold Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Easier than it looks! Send this inspirational card to a friend today!
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 20 mins

Tools

Supplies
  

Stamp Sets

Paper

Ink

Other

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Gorgeous grape (card base): 8 ½” x 5 ½”, scored at 1 ½” and 4 ¼”
  • Highland Heather (layer): 1 13/16” (or just a bit over 1 ¾“) x 5 ¼ ”
  • Basic White (sentiment): 2 ¾” x 2 ¾”
  • Enjoy the Journey Designer Series Paper (mountain): Start with a piece 6” wide by 5 ¼“
  • Cut into 3 sections: 2 ¾“ wide, 1 ⅛“ and 2 ⅛” . Cut the sections in that order, starting at the left hand side, so that the scene is maintained.
    *See the picture at the bottom of the tutorial.

Stamping and Assembly

  • Fold the Gorgeous grape (card base) on the score line to create a Z fold card base.
  • Stamp the sentiment on the bottom of the Highland Heather layer with Gorgeous Grape ink.
  • Adhere the Highland Heather layer to the inside of the card on the far right. Be sure to leave an even border.
  • Adhere the right-hand strip of the Enjoy the Journey Designer Series Paper to the inside of the card.
  • Close the card and put adhesive on only the left-hand side* of the Enjoy the Journey Designer Series Paper. Adhere it to the card front so that it overlaps the Highland Heather card inside and creates an even border with the Gorgeous Grape card front.
    *This piece is only adhered on the left-hand side.
  • Open the card back up, adhere the small strip to the middle. Be sure it is not too close to the fold or the card will not close properly.
  • Using Gorgeous grape, stamp the hexagon shaped sentiment on Basic White (sentiment).
  • Cut the Basic White (sentiment) with the Beautiful Shapes dies.
  • Adhere the Basic White (sentiment) to the card front by using adhesive on the right hand side only.
  • Embellish with Iridescent Pastel Gems on the Gorgeous Grape cardstock on the far left of the card front.
  • See this picture to help with the cutting directions.
Keyword 2022 Stampin' Up! July -January mini Catalogue, fancy fold
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Way to Grow Stampin' Up! Friends Cards

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

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

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

Way to Grow Card #1

greeting card featuring a women holding plants

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

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

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

See the supplies needed HERE
Way to Grow Stamp Set

Way to Grow Card #2

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

greeting card featuring plants and hexagons

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

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

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

See the supplies needed HERE

Way to Grow Card #3

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

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

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

See the supplies needed HERE

Make it Yourself!

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

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

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

Do you live in Canada?

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

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

May 2023 Host code:  Z377VETR

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Forever Friendship Stampin' Up card

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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.

May 2023 Host code:  Z377VETR

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

Supplies
  

Stampin' Blends alcohol markers

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! Sneak Peek

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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.

May 2023 Host code:  Z377VETR

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

Supplies
  

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.

Tropical Themed Cards

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

Keep scrolling for several card ideas!

Stampin' Up! Artfully Layered bundle

Artfully Layered Birthday Card

Card #1

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

birthday card using Stampin' Up! Artfully Layered stamp set

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

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

Order supplies for Card #1 HERE

Just Because Artfully Layered Card

Card #2

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

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

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

Using masks to create backgrounds:

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

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

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

Order supplies for Card #2 HERE

Sending Hugs Artfully Layered Card

Card #3

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

Stampin Up greeting card created with Artfully Layered stamp set

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

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

Do you live in Canada?

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

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

May 2023 Host code:  Z377VETR

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

Happy Stamping,

Amy

Tropical Just Because Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

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

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

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

Die cutting and stamping:

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

Creating the Background

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

Assembly:

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

Tropical Birthday Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

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

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

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

Die cutting and stamping:

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

Assembly:

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

Stampin' Up! Garden Greenhouse Birthday Card

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

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

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

Make it yourself:

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

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

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

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

Happy Stamping,

Amy

Stampin' Up! Blessings of Home Thank you Card

1 · · 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

Supplies
  

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 · · 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.

May 2023 Host code:  Z377VETR

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 · · 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.

May 2023 Host code:  Z377VETR

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

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

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

Die Cut:

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

Stamping:

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

Assembly:

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

Fall Card featuring Love of Leaves stamp set

0 · · 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

Supplies
  

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