Cards by A Cook

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Stampin' Up! 2022 January - June mini catalogue

Decorated with Happiness Christmas Card

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I love Christmas ornaments so Stampin' Up!'s Decorated with Happiness stamp set was top on my wish list. The Christmas stamp set features coordinating die cuts and both give a whimsical, more modern look to Christmas cards. I also love traditional Christmas colours. Evening Evergreen and Cherry Cobbler combine to give festive look.

Christmas card featuring a Christmas tree bough and 2 red ornaments hanging from it. Greeting card says Boughs of Jolly

I've created another Christmas card featuring the same Decorated with Happiness bundle. See it HERE. Both cards feature the same embossing folder, same Holiday bundle but due to the colours, give a completely different look.

Make it yourself!

Scroll down for a complete tutorial you can print or save.

Evening Evergreen and Cherry Cobbler combine perfectly for Christmas cards. These two colours are featured in the Stampin' Up! Lights Aglow 6x6 Specialty Designer Series Paper pack. It is so popular it keeps selling out - if that is the case, I recommend embossing a piece of Evening Evergreen cardstock with the same embossing folder as the white piece. The Whimsical Woodland 3D folder is a fun embossing folder - cute too!

Decorated with Happiness Stamp set
Stampin' Up! Decorated Pine dies
Lights Aglow Specialty Designer Series Paper

I also used the Evening Evergreen plaid ribbon. It is a country look that suits the colours used in this card. Keep scrolling for the full instructions, including measurements, below.

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

Christmas card featuring a Christmas tree bough and 2 red ornaments hanging from it. Greeting card says Boughs of Jolly

Decorated with Happiness Red and Green Christmas Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Create gorgeous Christmas cards for friends and family using Stampin' Up! Decorated with Happiness stamp set and Decorated Pines dies.
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner
Total Time 15 mins

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Cherry Cobbler (card base): 5 ½” x 8 ½”, score at 4 ¼”
  • Basic White (embossed): 4” x 5 ¼” plus 3 more scrap pieces
  • Lights Aglow Specialty Designer Series Paper: 2 ½ ” x 4 ¼ ”
  • Evening Evergreen – approx. 4 ½ “x 3”

Stamping and Assembly:

  • Fold the Cherry Cobbler cardstock on the score line to create card base.
  • Emboss with the Basic White layer with the Whimsical Woodland embossing folder.
  • Adhere the ribbon along the bottom of the Basic White as shown and then adhere to the card front using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
  • Adhere the Lights Aglow piece to the left of the Basic White piece on the card front.
  • Stamp two of the ornaments, of your choice, with Cherry Cobbler ink and then die cut out using the Decorative Pines die set.
  • Die cut the pine branch in Evening Evergreen.
  • Use the Fine Tip Glue Pen to adhere the branch to the top left of the card as shown.
  • Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the ornaments.
  • Stamp the sentiment in Cherry Cobbler. Punch out using the Label Me Fancy punch.
  • Punch out a piece of Cherry Cobbler cardstock. Cut in half and adhere to form a layer underneath.
  • Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the sentiment over the ribbon.
Click HERE to shop all of the supplies. 
Keyword 2022 Stampin' Up! July -January mini Catalogue, Christmas, Decorated with Happiness stamp set, Stampin' Up!
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Peace to You Christmas Card

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The bright colours used for my Peace to You Christmas card are a welcome change to traditional Christmas colours. The Peace to You stamp set by Stampin' Up! contains a beautiful nativity scene that is easy to stamp and cut out for your Christmas cards this year. I love how the traditional nativity scene has been given a more modern look.

Make it yourself!

I used two more of Stampin' Up!'s "In Color"s for today's card. Tahitian Tide pairs so well with Starry Sky. They both have bright hues that compliment each other very well. Similar to this Christmas card made with Tahitian Tide, I used Stampin' Up! blending brushes to add colour and to soften the stark contrast between the blue and white layer.

The Peace to You stamp set by Stampin' Up! features two bold images that lend a modern feel to religious Christmas cards. My favourite is the nativity scene shown in todays card, but the other is also classic with a traditional church in the woods scene. I also used the Labels Aglow dies to add the dot detail on the top and bottom of the white layer. Some sparkly Tahitian Tide Metallic Woven Ribbon adds some additional interest this cheerful Christmas card.

Stampin' Up! Peace to You
Labels Aglow dies
Metallic Woven Ribbon

To create the sentiment - I used the die in the Labels Aglow die set and cut it out twice. The second pass through the Cut and Emboss machine, I moved the die forward and adjusted it so that the edges lined up and then passed it through again just enough to cut the side and make it shorter. You could simplify this step and use a plain rectangle.

Keep scrolling for complete directions, supply list and measurements.

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

Peace to You Christmas Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

A more modern and bright take on the traditional nativity scene Christmas card.
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner
Total Time 20 mins

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Starry Sky: 8 ½ ” x 5 ½ ” - scored at 4 ¼ ” and folded in half
  • Tahitian Tide: 5 ¼ ” x 4”
  • Basic White: 5” x 3 ¾ ”; approx. 3” x 4” for image + scrap for sentiment

Stamping and Assembly:

  • Adhere the Tahitian Tide layer to the front of the card base and set aside.
  • Use the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine and the long rectangle die to die cut the dot detail on the top and bottom of the large white layer as shown.
  • Use a Blending Brush to pick up Tahitian Tide ink from the inkpad. Begin brushing it on from the short edge with the dot pattern, taking care to begin off of the edge of the cardstock. Continue to add ink and swirl it over the bottom and top edges of the card until the edges are darker than the center, and you’re pleased with the results. Adhere to the card base.
  • Ink the image well with Starry Sky ink and stamp with onto 3 x 4 white piece. Fussy cut with paper snips.
  • Stamp the sentiment onto a scrap of basic white cardstock. Die cut the sentiment with the appropriate die from the Labels Aglow dies and the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss Ma-chine. If you would like a shorter piece, as shown, you will need to cut the piece out as follows: First die cut the saying with the die close to one edge. Move the die over to the other edge and wiggle it a little bit for the dotted edges to align. You will feel when it “grips” a spot. When cutting it the 2nd time, run it through the Stampin’ Cut and Em-boss machine part way and then reverse.
  • Cut a 4” piece of the Tahitian Tide Ribbon. Adhere to the back of the die cut, and snip the ribbon ends on an angle. Adhere to the card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
  • Finish the card with a few Rhinestones..
  • Enjoy!
  • Scan for supply list
Order Supplies to make it yourself HERE.
 
Keyword 2022 Stampin' Up! July -January mini Catalogue, Christmas, Peace to You stampin up cards, Stampin' Up!
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Celebrate with Tags Christmas card

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Stampin' Up's celebrate with tags set is easy to overlook in the 2022 July - January mini catalogue. It doesn't really jump out at you but it definitely deserves a second look. I must admit I bought it mainly for mittens! The mittens in the Celebrate with Tags stamp set are perfect for Christmas cards but there are other images too making this a very versatile set. I love the stitching on the valentines and the coordinating die cuts are fantastic! Of course, the bundle is the best deal.

Christmas card featuring a pair mittens

Make it yourself!

I used the new In Colors, Tahitian Tide and Orchid Oasis together to create this bright and cheery Christmas card. The blending brushes add detail to the embossed background and the Wonderful Snowflakes add a bit of shimmer to highlight the mittens. What do you think of the the colour combo?

If you want to see a card in more traditional colours using the Celebrate with Tags stamp set click HERE.

The Celebrate with Tags bundle includes hearts, balloons and the adorable mittens. Of course the two tags are wonderful as well. The largest tag is designed to hold a gift card and I really like how it only takes one pass through the Stampin' Cut and Emboss machine.

The Wintry 3D embossing folder fits in the Mini Cut and Emboss machine creating a slightly narrower layer. To add even more interest, I brushed the edges with the Tahitian Tide ink. The blending brushes are so soft - they really are fantastic!

Keep scrolling for a complete supply list along with measurements and directions.

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

Celebrate with Tags Christmas Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Bright and cheery card for the holidays. Quick and easy to make too!
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner
Total Time 20 mins

Tools

Supplies
  

PAPER

INK

OTHER

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Orchid Oasis (card base): 8 ½” x 5 ½ ” - scored at 4 ¼ ”
  • Basic White (layer 1): 5 ¼ ” x 4”
  • Basic White (embossed): 3 ¼” x 4 ½”
  • Basic White scraps for mittens and sentiment

Stamping and Assembly:

  • Fold the Orchid Oasis on the score line to create card base.
  • Adhere Basic White layer 1.
  • Use the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine and the Wintry 3D embossing folder to emboss the Basic white rectangle. (embossed)
  • Use a Blending Brush to pick up Tahitian Tide ink from the inkpad. Begin brushing it on from the edges, taking care to begin off of the edge of the cardstock. Continue to add ink and swirl it around until the edges are darker than the center, and you’re pleased with the results. Adhere to the card base.
  • Stamp 2 mittens on Basic White scraps using Tahitian Tide ink.
  • Stamp the saying using Orchid Oasis ink onto a Basic White scrap.
  • Cut out the stamped images and saying with the Celebration Tags dies.
  • Use a mini glue dot to adhere the snowflake near the bottom left of the embossed layer.
  • Use the mini glue dots to adhere a piece of Orchid Oasis baker’s twine to the pack of the mittens – one end on each mitten.
  • Attach the mittens as shown using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
  • Add pearls to the center of each mitten.
  • Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the sentiment to the front.
  • Enjoy!
Order Supplies to make it yourself HERE.
Keyword 2022 Stampin' Up! July -January mini Catalogue, Celebrate with Tags Stampin' Up! cards, Christmas, Stampin' Up!
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

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.

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

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.

Decorated with Happiness Christmas Card

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Do you love sparkly gold ornaments on your Christmas tree? I know I do! The Decorated with Happiness stamp set and bundle by Stampin' Up! contains a beautiful Christmas tree bough along with three different ornaments to die cut. This Christmas stamp set has a whimsical feel with splashes of colour that you can stamp to give a watercolour look to your Christmas cards.

Christmas card featuring a Christmas tree bough hung with a gold ornament and a gold bow. Greeting reads Boughs of Jolly

Make it yourself!

Scroll down for a complete tutorial you can print or save.

My favourite greens right now are Soft Succulent and Evening Evergreen. These two colours are featured in the Stampin' Up! Lights Aglow 6x6 Specialty Designer Series Paper pack. The Lights Aglow patterned paper also features gold accents and Cherry Cobbler. It is simply gorgeous and I may need to order an extra pack!

Decorated with Happiness Stamp set
Stampin' Up! Decorated Pine dies
Lights Aglow Specialty Designer Series Paper

The gold accents pair beautifully with the Soft Succulent and Evening Evergreen colours chosen. Whenever you use metallics, try to repeat them a few times on the card. It creates a more cohesive design and looks more professional. Here I've used the gold foil to cut out the ornament then added the gold elegant trim to tie it to the tree bough. Notice how I actually looped the gold trim around the branch? I then secured the bow with a mini glue dot.

Christmas card featuring a Christmas tree bough hung with a gold ornament and a gold bow. Greeting reads Boughs of Jolly

Gold Accents were also added to the sentiment and a hint of gold ribbon peaks out from underneath as well. Keep scrolling for the full instructions, including measurements, below.

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

Christmas card featuring a Christmas tree bough hung with a gold ornament and a gold bow. Greeting reads Boughs of Jolly

Decorated with Happiness Christmas Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Create gorgeous Christmas cards for friends and family using Stampin' Up! Decorated with Happiness stamp set and Decorated Pines dies.
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 30 mins

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Thick Basic White (card base): 5 ½” x 8 ½”, score at 4 ¼”
  • Basic White (stamped): 1 ⅛ ” x 2”
  • Soft Succulent (embossed): 4” x 5 ¼”
  • Lights Aglow Specialty Designer Series Paper: 3” x 3”
  • Evening Evergreen – approx. 4 ½ “x 3”
  • Gold Foil Sheet: approx. 2” x 1 ½”

Stamping and Assembly:

  • Fold the Thick Basic White on the score line to create card base.
  • Die cut the 2 ¾” circle on the top half of the Soft Succulent layer. Emboss with the Whimsical Woodland embossing folder.
  • Align the Lights Aglow square piece with the cut out circle and adhere to the card front.
  • Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the embossed Soft Succulent piece to the front.
  • Die cut your ornament of choice using the Decorative Pines die set and the Gold Foil Sheets.
  • Die cut the pine branch in Evening Evergreen.
  • Loop a short piece of the gold Simply Elegant Trim around the die cut branch. Leave the piece under the branch - use the Fine Tip Glue Pen to adhere the branch to the top of the circle as shown. Use a mini glue dot to adhere the ends of the loop to where you would like the ornament to be.
  • Use the fine tip glue pen to adhere the ornament to the bottom of the gold loop.
  • Tie a small bow with the gold trim and adhere with a mini glue dot.
  • Stamp the sentiment in Evening Evergreen on the 1” Basic White piece. Notch the ends to make a banner.
  • Cut a 1” piece of the Gold and Vanila ⅜” Satin-Edged Ribbon and adhere to the bottom right so it will stick out from under the banner.
  • Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the sentiment over the ribbon.
  • Add a few gold pearls.
  • Enjoy!
    Christmas card featuring a Christmas tree bough hung with a gold ornament and a gold bow. Greeting reads Boughs of Jolly
Click HERE to shop all of the supplies. 
Keyword 2022 Stampin' Up! July -January mini Catalogue, Christmas, Decorated with Happiness stamp set, Stampin' Up!
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.

February 2023 Host code:  2NUQSU62

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! New Horizon 6x6 paper Birthday Card

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

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

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

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

Make it yourself!

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

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

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

Do you live in Canada?

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

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

February 2023 Host code:  2NUQSU62

New Horizon 6x6 paper creates gorgeous cards!

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Use the On the Horizon bundle from Stampin' Up! to make cards featuring a variety of landscape scenes.
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner
Total Time 15 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 plus scrap for sentiment and mountains
  • New Horizon 6 x 6 designer series paper: 3 x 5¼
  • Blackberry Bliss: 3⅛ x 5⅜
  • Night of Navy: scrap for lake

Die cutting and stamping:

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

Assembly:

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

Do you want more Recipe cards?

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

Recipe Cards will:

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

More information available HERE

Happy Stamping,

Amy

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

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

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

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

Make it Yourself!

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

  • Garden Greenhouse stamp set
  • Greenhouse dies
  • Silicon mat

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

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

Do you live in Canada?

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

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

February 2023 Host code:  2NUQSU62

Happy Stamping,

Amy

Stampin' Up! Garden Greenhouse Birthday Card

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

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

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

Make it yourself:

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

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

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

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

Happy Stamping,

Amy

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.

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 · · 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

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.