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Enjoy the Journey Triple Panel Z Fold Card

11 · · 1 Comment

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!
5 from 1 vote
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 20 minutes

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.

Warm Welcome Housewarming Card

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Stampin' Up's new Warm Welcome contains so many cute images to colour. I used it for a Congratulations card for a friend that moved into a new house. I also just found out the friend is expecting - so I will need to make a new Congratulations card! Looking forward to using the little shoes for that one.

I must admit that the little shoes and the cat are my favourite images in the Warm Welcome Stamp set. Hmmm, maybe the friends sharing a coffee is my favourite? Its so hard to choose! It would have been tempting to buy it just for those, but the rest of the set is fantastic too. The Warm Welcome stamp set comes with coordinating dies making it easy to cut out all the cute images. The dies also come with cut outs for the welcome sign I used on the housewarming card. Die cuts for a closed door with a door knocker and door knob are also included. The designers even thought of adding little numbers!

Make it Yourself!

This is a good set if you want to learn how to colour using alcohol markers. The images are small and easy to add touches of colour too. The door is large enough to try some shading. I used Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends but you could experiment with different fun colours such as Real Red or Night of Navy. When using blends, stamp a few images and have fun playing with colouring and then use whichever colouring turned out to be your favourite.

I chose to use Pool Party as the accent colour with a bit of Early Espresso. I love browns with Pool Party. Grey would work as well but I think the brown gives the look of a wood door which I liked. The Brick Embossing folder was the obvious choice for the wall.

One trick that is hard to see in the picture is I adhered the door opening flat onto the card, but used a couple Stampin' Dimensionals (or poppy uppy things as I call them) underneath the door to give it the illusion of really being open.

Do you live in Canada?

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

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

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

Happy Stamping!

Amy

Cute Elephant Baby Card

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Create this cute baby card featuring Stampin' Up!'s Elephant Parade stamp set. Elephants are adorable and just perfect for baby cards. The sentiments in the Elephant parade stamp set include "sweet little one", and "What a happy day!", both of which are perfect for elephant baby cards.

bright pink and green elephant baby card

Make it Yourself:

Scroll down for a complete tutorial available to create this card yourself. The white crinkled ribbon is very versatile. Use Stampin' Blends to dye it any colour you like! Colouring this ribbon is quick and easy to do and an economical way to have ribbon match your card every time.

I used bright colours for a fun look. Parakeet Party and Polished Pink are a favourite colour combination for me lately.

cheerful elephant baby card

Cute Elephant Baby Card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Stampin' Up! Elephant Parade stamp set and matching die set create such cute baby cards - or cards for all of those that just love elephants - young or young at heart.
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 30 minutes

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Parakeet Party: 5 ½” x 8 ½”, scored at 4 ¼”, (card base). Use scrap for grass
  • Basic White: 5 ¼” x 2”;  2 ¾ ” x 2 ¾ ”, 1” x 2” for banner, scrap for leaves
  • Polished Pink: 3” x 3”

Stamping and Assembly:

  • Fold Parakeet card base in half.
  • Stamp Tropical Hideaway stamp onto large Basic white strip using Parakeet Party ink.
  • Colour the white ribbon using the Polished Pink Stampin’ blends. Tie around the stamped strip as shown.
  • Cut a notch on the end of the banner.
  • Stamp the sentiment onto the banner in Smoky Slate ink.
  • Stamp your choice of elephant in Smoky Slate ink on Smoky Slate cardstock. Cut out using the coordinating die using the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine.
  • Colour the ears using the Polished Pink Stampin’ Blends
  • Cut out 2 pieces of grass using the elephant dies and Parakeet Party card stock.
  • Stamp leaves using Parakeet Party ink onto a scrap piece of basic white card stock. Lightly brush with parakeet Party ink to colour.
  • Lightly brush the bottom of the Basic White square with the Parakeet Party ink.
  • Adhere to the Polished Pink square.
  • Adhere the grass to the basic white square near the bottom with Stampin’ Seal.
  • Adhere the elephant and leaves, as shown, using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
  • Adhere the saying and tropical leaves strip to the card front, making sure to leave room for the elephant square.
  • Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the elephant square to the card front.
Keyword 2022-2023 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue, baby card, elephant card
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Iconic Dies by Stampin' Up!

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Create this woodland cards using the Iconic Dies from Stampin' Up! Both cards are inspired by Sam Hammond, a talented Stampin' Up! demonstrator in the UK. I added some of my own details - which is the idea behind CASEing cards. CASE stands for Copy and Share Everything. There is no need to create cards from scratch every time you sit down to stamp. CASEing cards means that I can start with a great idea from someone else, knowing that by the time I am done creating the card, it will have my own personal touches.

Card sketches are another similar idea to CASEing. They show measurements and the card design layout, allowing you to copy the design easily and quickly. Card sketches are often easier to use as the instructions and measurements included make creating much less frustrating. See Amy and Wendy's Card Recipes for my card sketches that make stamping easier.

Create it yourself!

Create the first bird card by die cutting the bird image on Basic White cardstock. I then added some Crumb Cake ink and also some Cherry Cobbler ink with blending brushes for additional texture and detail. This is easier than it looks, but I tend to be a bit sloppy and always end up with inky fingers!

Die cut the two branches out of Crumb Cake cardstock and then add the same colour ink for some texture. Alternatively, you could use a stronger colour such as Soft Suede. Create the fern die cuts with Soft Succulent cardstock and brush on Evening Evergreen ink for detail. These are my two favourite green tones right now.

Use the Stitched with Whimsy dies to add texture to the Basic White background. I used the fine tip glue pen to adhere the die cuts to the cut along with a few Stampin' dimensionals to pop up some elements.

Create the woodland mushroom card, with the same fantastic die cuts in the Iconic Die set by Stampin' Up! Die cut both the small and large mushrooms out of Basic White cardstock. Next, add some Cherry Cobbler ink to the mushroom tops with blending brushes and some Crumb cake ink to the mushroom stems. Create the fern and branch using the same colour combinations as the bird greeting card.

Emboss the background scalloped triangle using the bark embossing folder. I added a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock in the background to give a bold pop of colour that highlights the die cuts.

Do you live in Canada?

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

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

November 2023 Host code:  WAWZEAVN

Best Advent Calendar for Stampers!

1 · · Leave a Comment

Happy Wednesday!  Do you love holiday surprises?  Well, we have a treat for you!  For the first time ever, we are offering Advent Calendars for sale, filled with Stampin’ Up! products. I’m pleased to partner with fellow Demonstrator Wendy Fee to offer these fantastic Advent Calendars to Canadian papercrafters.

Each silver snowflake calendar has 24 doors that open.  Inside you may find Stampin’ Up! embellishments, ribbon, or something entirely different.  One calendar will have a Golden Ticket that can be redeemed for a stamp set of the winner’s choice from the upcoming January-June Mini Catalogue.  

Everyone who buys a calendar will also receive an invite to an EXCLUSIVE Sale-a-Bration Online Class ($20 value) in January.  

Each Advent Calendar is $45 ($75 value!).  Porch Pick-up is free; Canada-wide shipping is available for $17.

Included in each Advent Calendar:

  • Embellishments
  • Ribbon (minimum of 1yd per style)
  • Other Surprise Stampin’ Up! items
  • $10 coupon for a $60 order placed between January 4-31st (1 lucky person will receive a Gold Ticket instead!)
  • Free Online Class in January ($20 value)

These calendars are wonderful for cardmakers and scrapbookers.  Why not buy one for yourself, and another for a friend? They make great pre-holiday gifts.

Pre-orders open on Friday, October 22nd, and the last day to order and pay for your calendar is Wednesday, November 10th.  Quantities are limited, and when they’re gone, they’re gone!!!

CLICK HERE to fill out the reservation form!

Payment can be made by Cash (delivered to Wendy or Amy), EFT, or PayPal.  It  MUST be received to complete your order and secure your calendar(s).

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

If you do not receive an email confirmation from me within 24 hours of signing up, please contact me here.

We will put you on the reservation list and email a PayPal Invoice on Monday, November 8th.

Deadline to RESERVE and PAY: Wednesday November 10th, 2021

How it works:

  • Register until Sunday, November 7th
  • Pay your invoice when received on November 8th (deadline for payment is November 10th, 2021) 
  • Calendars will be shipped as soon as possible after November 18th (we cannot order products for the calendars until payment is received).
  • Local packages will be available for pickup on November 26th (no shipping fee)
  • Cross-Canada Shipping is $17.

The Fine Print:

  • We are only able to offer this to Canadian addresses
  • If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can still pay the invoice received with a credit or debit card. We also accept EFT payments through Interac e-transfer.
  • We will send Advent Calendars to the address noted on your registration form, even if the address listed in PayPal is different. If you need to change the mailing address after registration has been submitted, please let me know BEFORE November 18th 2021. We are not responsible for packages mailed to the wrong address if not corrected before the deadline. We are not responsible for lost or stolen packages once they have been sent through Canada Post.
  • By submitting this Advent Calendar Reservation, you are agreeing to join and pay for Amy & Wendy’s Advent Calendar Sale, and pay the PayPal invoice no later than November 10th, 2021. You understand that the products will be purchased for the calendars on November 10th, 2021.  The calendars will be shipped as soon as possible after November 18th.

Sparkle of the Season Christmas Wreath card

53 · · 1 Comment

Who doesn't like wreaths? Christmas wreaths add a welcoming touch to front doors across the country. This card features a holly wreath from the Sparkle of the Season bundle by Stampin' Up! A simple Z fold adds interest to the design and the "Tidings of Christmas" patterned paper adds beautiful colours to an otherwise simple card. See some fall inspired cards featuring Sparkle of the Season wreaths HERE and HERE

Z fold cards are easy to make once you know the measurements to use. I created a bright and fun Rainbow of Happiness card featuring a Z fold as well. See it HERE. Want to try a Double Z Fold card? See the full tutorial HERE

Scroll to the bottom to use my easy to print card recipe with complete measurements and instructions to make yourself.

Sparkle of the Season Christmas wreath card
Sparkle of the Season Christmas Wreath card
Make it yourself:

I started with the Tidings of Christmas 6x6 designer series paper by Stampin' Up! The patterns are so pretty! Choose your favourite for the background. I then pulled the 2 greens from the paper to create the wreath. Evening Evergreen and Soft Succulent are two colours I would not normally pair together but I like the final look. I found using only one wreath looked too skimpy but layering two wreaths created a full looking wreath easily.

I also used the Jolly Felt to add some festive holly berries to the Christmas wreath card. I love that the Sparkle of the season dies allows you to cut out 6 berries at one time.

If you are in Canada and would like to make this yourself you can purchase the supplies needed HERE in my store. I appreciate your support of my business.

Want to purchase premade cards?

I am happy to create a set of Christmas cards for you to give to friends and family this Christmas. Contact me to make arrangements.

Christmas wreath card

Sparkle of the Season Christmas Wreath card

Amy Cook

www.cardsbyacook.com

Use your Stampin' Cut and Emboss machine to create beautiful holly wreaths. This Z fold card is easier to make than it looks with all the measurements included below.
5 from 1 vote
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 30 minutes

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Designer Series Paper: 3 ¾ ” x 2 ¼“; 3 ¾” x 2 ¾ “
  • Evening Evergreen: 4¼ “ x 11” scored at 5½ “ and 2¾ “ folded as shown below; 4x4 for wreath
  • Basic White: 4 x 5 ¼“; 3½ x 2½”; 2½ x 4”; plus a strip ½” x 3½“
  • Cherry Cobbler: 3 ¾ x 2 ¾ “
  • Soft Succulent: 4x4 for wreath

Die Cut:

  • Use the holly wreath die and the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine to cut out 2 wreaths. 1 out of Evening Evergreen and 1 out of Soft Succulent
  • Cut out 4 or 5 cherry cobbler felt holly berries with the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine. 

Stamping:

  • Stamp “Merry Christmas” with Cherry Cobbler ink onto the Basic White strip.  Cut the end on an angle. 

Assembly:

  • Lay the Evening Evergreen 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 Evening Evergreen 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 shortest Basic White rectangle onto the Cherry Cobbler.  You will know you have the correct piece if it aligns with a small border evenly around the perimeter. 
  • 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 Evening Evergreen card front.  The score line/fold should be next to this and it should have an even border. 
  • Using adhesive on only the left hand side of the Cherry Cobbler piece, adhere to the very front of the card when it is folded as shown.
  • Layer both wreaths on top of each other and adhere to the left side of the front. 
  • Use Stampin’ dimensionals to adhere the Merry Christmas banner
  • Add the felt holly berries with Stampin’ glue dots.
Get instructions for a Double Z fold card HERE
Keyword Christmas, holly, sparkle of the season, Stampin' Up!, wreath
Create this card yourself!Buy stamping supplies here
Click HERE to contact me with any questions.

Quiet Meadow Cards

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

Meadow Dies available alone or with the Quiet Meadow stamp set

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

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

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

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

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

Download Tutorial HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Register for class HERE

Happy Stamping,

Amy

New Year - Time to stock up on Birthday Cards

1 · ·

Picture Perfect Stamp Set makes a pretty and simple card.  I've given up on making New Year's resolutions I can't keep - but I really would like to send more birthday cards out to friends and family this year.  A simple card like this takes little time to make and will be a good start to my plan.  It also suits many different ages and would be perfect for my niece.

A simple and pretty card using Stampin' Up! Picture Perfect Birthday Photopolymer stamp set
A Picture Perfect Birthday

To make this card I started by picking my favourite piece of coordinating 6X6 page of Picture Perfect paper - cutting a strip and then matching the colours to that.  I love pool party with berry bliss!  The pool party layer is embossed with the new scattered sequins embossing folder.  It gives a deeply embossed impression that adds the perfect touch to the card.  If you don't own a big shot - this step could be skipped and the card would still be pretty.

When making the candle greeting I stamped the candles off once onto my scrap paper before stamping onto the whisper white card stock.  This allows the colours of the candles to be light enough for the greeting to be stamped on top.  The photopolymer stamps make it easy to line up the candle flames.

 

Picture Perfect Birthday photopolymer stamp set by Stampin Up!
Noise maker adds some fun to the inside.

I matched the inside of the card to the outside by stamping a noise maker.  The same stamps that make the candles can be used to make these cute party noise makes.  (is that the proper name for these thing a majigs?) I stamped the solid part first in lemon lime twist then added bermuda bay polka dots on top.

 

Hope you enjoy this paper and matching stamp set as much as I do.  I encourage you to make this year, the year you send more cards!

 

 

You Snailed it! A cute and easy congratulations card

1 · ·

Quirky Critters wins again with a cute way to congratulate a friend

Let someone know they did a great job by sending them this cute snail card.   The Quirky Critters  snail is suitable for a small accomplishment or a big celebration.  This example uses melon mambo for a distinctly girl card- especially with the ruffled embossing folder background- but the stamp itself could easily be used for a more masculine card.

I love this colour combo-melon mambo with lemon lime twist and a touch of tempting turquoise.  The lemon lime twist ombré ribbon adds a touch of whimsy and is easy to add.  Run a couple strips of fast fuse perpendicular to how you want the ribbon to go.  Place the ribbon back and forth and cut.  The hardest part is trying not to do it perfectly and to just try it.  The ribbon should lift off if you need to try a few times until you like how it looks.

Like the Quirky Critters?  See a belated birthday card made with the same set here.

The special whale Quirky Critters image makes a pretty "just because" card or as I like to say a "Cheer you up" card as shown here.

 

Welcome to Cards by A Cook

1 · ·

Cards by a cook?  So is this a foodie blog or a card making blog?

Hi, my name is Amy Cook and I love to create homemade cards with rubber stamps.  In fact, you could say I'm obsessed with all things stamping....but more like a healthy addiction than a stalking, creepy obsession.   I'm creating this blog to share my addiction passion with you!

Why recipes?  Much like a cookbook contains delicious recipes, step by step directions, ingredient lists and pictures, my blog will include great card designs, step by step instructions, supplies needed and pictures.  All of this will be organized like recipes to make it easy for you to learn how to make simple and beautiful cards.

Do I like to cook?  Well I do make yummy brownies, but I relax and recharge even more by being creative.  Let my site help you spend more time creating so you can be the best you!