Petal Patterns Square Card

by Joanne James23. March 2024 20:56

Today I've a quick post sharing a card for a couple of challenges:

   May be an image of text

The team over at the Flower Challenge want us to make a square card and I used the colours over at Colour Inkspiration for a bright and modern graphic floral design using a dieset that I've had for a while that hasn't been out of the packet yet - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Petal Patterns - The Petal Patterns Dies are so clever and their shape makes the perfect for square cards. There are 2 dies in the pack; I added a third green layer for the leaves, rotating the solid die through 90 degrees and cutting one extra row to extend the pattern behind the flowers. You can use them as they are, paper-piece them or add sequins or enamel dots as I have for flower centres - lots of options. You can also use just a part of the die; I was experimenting with layering of the colours and added a small section with a trio of flowers to the reverse of my envelope too.

Pink and Purple - I'll be honest, Moody Mauve is not one of my most favourite colours and ordinarily I would never have paired it with Melon Mambo, but the combination intrigued me and I actually quite like the end result. the brightness of Melon Mambo lifts it so much. 

Charming Sentiments - I finished my card with a diecut sentiment from the 'Charming Sentiments set:

 

I love the embossed detail on the petals of the flowers and the square design suits these dies perfectly.

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Enjoy your evening and I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Just Kiddin Adventure Awaits FMS627

by Joanne James18. March 2024 11:30

No crafting time today but I do have a quick card to share using Karren's layout over at Freshly Made Sketches this week:

I didn't go slimline (largely because I was so fixated on making my card, I totally forgot about that bit - good job it was optional!) but I couldn't wait to use Karren's layout for another card featuring my favourite Just Kiddin' designer series paper - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

I added a panel of Boho Blue embossed with the (retired) High Seas 3D Embossing Folder to the lower portion of my white cardfront, fussy cutting along the edge of the waves - I love the dimension that this adds and it picks up the detail from the fussy cut image. My trio sailing in their cardbox box boat make the perfect focal point and broadly follow the curved shape of Karren's semi circle:

 

A sentiment from then (retired) 'Beautiful World' was all that was needed to complete today's fun card. 

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Enjoy your day; mine is filled with domestic bliss - the price we pay for a weekend away, but I wouldn't have it any other way! I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used (current):

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Paper Florist Lucky Clover For PP681

by Joanne James17. March 2024 08:00

Today it's Sunday and time for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players! It's my turn to host this week and it's clean and simple challenge week with a 'good luck' theme:

    

Remember, this is a CLEAN and SIMPLE challenge.  When The Paper Players use the term “clean and simple”, we mean cards that:
  • Have minimal layers and embellishments
  • Have plenty of open space
  • Are simple and uncluttered

With two teens still in education where exams are a reasonably frequent occurence, I always need a supply of good luck cards on hand. Since it's St Patrick's Day next week and I haven't yet made a card featuring a shamrock or four leaf clover yet this year, I thought I'd take this opportunity to put that right. So today is all about the green - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

I stamped my large 'Sending' sentiment from the 'Sending Smiles' stamp set in Shaded Spruce and finished with a truncated sentiment heat embossed in gold beneath it. I decorated my card with a cascade of lucky four leaf clovers, made from the Paper Florist Dies. I popped them up on dimensionals to make the standout a little too:

 

Simple, clean and full of luck - box ticked! I'm also linking today's card up over at Inkspirational where they are also celebrating all things clean and simple (no optional balloon for me though!)

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my Product and 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Before you reach for your ink and papers, check out what our amazing team has created to inspire you this week:

Here's a quick recap of our challenge rules:
 
1.  Create a new paper project
2.  Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to us and provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
3.  Please link your card to no more than four challenges, TOTAL.
4.  Have FUN!

Enjoy your day; I am enjoying a rare weekend away and will be visiting the eldest of the James Juniors today, which I am looking forward to - it's been a while! I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: 

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

New Online Exclusives and March Kit Release

by Joanne James11. March 2024 21:00

I have another post for you today with the details of a whole range of new Online Exclusives that launched last week - and the new kits for March too! Firstly, Online Exclusives! A reminder that you won’t find these products in any catalogue; they are available whilst supplies last - all from the convenience of the online store. 

There are 2 new suites. First up - Little Latte Suite Collection:

A LITTLE LATTE SUITE COLLECTION (ENGLISH)

You’ll find the perfect blend of creativity and fun with the Little Latte Suite Collection. Make steaming coffee mugs and hot chocolate cups the focal point on your card fronts. Or design a breakfast scene with all the coordinating suite products! Make heartfelt projects in neutral colours featuring so many coffee-related designs and die cuts that all your coffee-loving friends will love a latte! The Little Latte Suite Collection includes:

  • LATTE LOVE PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (10% off)
  • LATTE LOVE DIES (10% off)
  • A LITTLE LATTE 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER
  • NATURAL 3/8" (1 CM) POLKA DOT TRIM
  • ADHESIVE-BACKED SWIRL DOTS
The second suite is the Flowering Zinnias Suite:
 
FLOWERING ZINNIAS SUITE COLLECTION (ENGLISH)
 
Whether you want something groovy or a little more elegant, the Flowering Zinnias Suite Collection has everything you need to create a wide range of all-occasion crafts! The stamps and dies work perfectly together to create flowering zinnias that burst right from the page. Use the vibrant crafting paper as card backgrounds or for die-cut flowers and greenery. And the bright embellishments will sparkle in your designs. So if you want to make groovy gift tags or thoughtful thank-you cards, this suite just can’t be beat! The Flowering Zinnias Suite Collection includes:
  • SIMPLY ZINNIA STAMP SET (10% off)
  • SIMPLY ZINNIA DIES (10% off)
  • ZINNIA 3D EMBOSSING FOLDER
  • FLOWERING ZINNIAS 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER
  • ADHESIVE-BACKED SHINY SEQUINS

There are 3 new bundles: the Magnolia Mood bundle:

MAGNOLIA MOOD BUNDLE (ENGLISH)

Create magnolias so beautiful you can almost smell them. Stamp, then die cut a single flower or a bouquet to use on cards or other paper crafts. For a striking effect, stamp the image on a card, then layer detailed die cuts over it. You’ll love how it looks!

 

The Filled With Fun Bundle:

FILLED WITH FUN BUNDLE (ENGLISH)

Celebrate the big and little moments in life with the Filled with Fun Bundle! This playful set helps you create a wagon that you can fill with goodies. Use bright colours and fun patterned paper for the die cuts and coordinating stamps. It’s a great way to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and everyday successes.

 

Encircled In Nature Bundle

ENCIRCLED IN NATURE BUNDLE (ENGLISH)

The Encircled in Nature Bundle includes the Encircled in Nature Stamp Set and the Encircled in Nature Dies. Create outdoor-inspired paper crafting projects bursting with organic greenery encircled in natural wreaths. Use the stamp set and dies to mix and match stamped images and die-cut elements for a variety of looks. The dies cut out the stamped images and include additional plant elements like oak leaves and wildflowers with lightly embossed details. The sentiments fit inside the wreath, or you can add them anywhere on your project for a variety of looks. Your creations with this bundle will look like you’ve foraged the best nature has to offer without getting a single mosquito bite!
 
There are also a number of additional single stamps and accessories - click on 'Online Exclusives' in the online store for more details:
 
HAPPY LITTLE THINGS PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH)   
 
PETS & MORE PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET
 
DRIZZLING DROPLETS CLING STAMP SET
 
FUN PATTERNS EMBOSSING FOLDERS
 
SWEETLY SCRIPTED CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
 
TEXTURED TIMBER CLING STAMP SET
 
BERRY BURST, OLD OLIVE & WHITE 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) GLIMMER SPECIALTY PAPER
 
COMFORTING THOUGHTS PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
 
There are 2 new kits that have been added to the online collection for March too:
 
Your Day To Shine Kit
 
YOUR DAY TO SHINE KIT
 
Say hello, happy birthday, or recognise someone with the Your Day to Shine Kit. Everyone will appreciate one of these pretty floral cards and matching envelopes. If you?re new to card making, you?ll love how this kit makes crafting super simple, because all of the pieces are printed, die-cut, and ready to use – no stamping or cutting needed! If you're an experienced crafter, you?ll love the artistic beauty of these card designs. Includes sentiments in English, Dutch, French, and German.

Kit includes:
* Pre-designed projects
* Step-by-step instructions
* Pre-cut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs
* Folded card sizes: 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" (14 x 10.8 cm), 3" x 3" (7.6 x 7.6 cm)
* 9 pre-printed envelopes
* Enough adhesive to complete projects
* Adhesive-backed iridescent rhinestones
* Die-cut vellum pieces
* Printed labels and die cut images
* Printed sentiments in four languages: English, Dutch, French, German
 
Frog & Friends Kit
 
FROG & FRIENDS KIT
 
DIY a classic cup-and-ball game! With the Frog & Friends Kit, you can craft six cup-and-ball games in three designs: a fun frog, a flashy fish, and a silly shark. The kit includes everything you need to complete the games, even googly eyes! It's a great kit for crafting with kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, play groups-kids and kids at heart!

Kit includes:
* Pre-designed projects
* Step-by-step instructions
* Pre-cut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 6 cup-and-ball games: 2 each of 3 designs
* Finished size: 4-1/4" x 7-1/4" x 1-1/2" (10.8 x 18.4 x 3.8 cm)
* Enough adhesive to complete projects
* Acrylic shapes
* Stickers
* Twine
 
Lots to look over here! Check out my online store for more details and to purchase any of the items above.

Notes of Nature Lovely and Sweet Vanilla Sympathy Cards

by Joanne James11. March 2024 13:00

Today I'm sharing a couple of cards for a couple of challenges, the second having evolved from the first! Both cards use the layout over at Freshly Made Sketches and the first one uses the colours over at Color Throwdown:

    

I'm a big fan of the work of the lovely Cecile who is responsible for the FMS sketch this week, so having not managed to play along for a few weeks I couldn't resist squeezing in an entry today. Both cards use the new-to-me Lovely & Sweet stamp set from the current mini catalogue - here's the first one:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

I thought this colour palette would work well for the vanilla image in the set, so I diecut and coloured the image in the challenge colours with my Stampin' Blends and added to my offset diecut semi-circles (more on those in a moment!) along with a sentiment from the same set - I thought this soft colour palette would suit a sympathy card. A few sparkly gems add a finishing touch:

 

Having finished this card, I really wanted to pair the peach and vanilla with touches of brown; technically not the correct colouring for fresh vanilla, but I wanted to switch things up so created this second version:

 

I flipped the colours here and used the peach for the semi-circles, adding some background stamping in Pecan Pie and stamping my vanilla image and sentiment in Early Espresso, with a few toning sequins to finish:

 

This card is my favourite for sure, so this is the one I'll link up over at Freshly Made Sketches, but I'd love to hear which one you prefer - do leave me a comment below with your thoughts. 

 

Before I forget - a tip for you regarding those stitched semi-circles! If like me you don't have semi-circle dies, you can easily use a circle from the Stylish Shapes Dies that you cut in half using the edge of one of the square dies in the same set; just make sure to repeat the process on the straight edge of both semi-circles (the stitching design is different depending on whether or not it is inside or outside the frame - if you take a close look at the dies, you'll see what I mean).

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's projects for you to pin for easy reference:

 

 

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Enjoy your day; I'm feeling a little grey today, much like the weather so I think I'll be spending the day in my craft room. I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Textured Floral In Pinks and Yellows PP680

by Joanne James10. March 2024 08:00

Today it's Sunday and time for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players! Happy Mother's Day to all the UK Mums out there! It's the turn of our globe-trotting team member Jaydee to host this week and she has a colour challenge for us to work with:

       

I used the sketch over at Tuesday Morning Sketches for my layout (the large yellow flowers represent the hexagons) and went down the right hand column of the board over at TicTacToe Challenge with floral/embossing (I heat embossed my sentiment)/favourite colour (mine is yellow) and decided to create a large card full of bright and cheery florals - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

I decided to use my 'Textured Floral' stamp set and coordinating dies since they haven't seen much love lately, and stamped a collection of flowers and greenery. Since we are using generic colours this week, I used a couple of shades of yellow and pink for my flowers to add interest. I added Daffodil Delight ink to my central panel with a blending brush along with some splatters, before adding my florals. To bring out the black and white elements, I added in some extra diecut foliage and a twist of gingham ribbon behind my sentiment label:

I do love the contrast of the neutrals with the bright colours! A few colourful sequins and gems complete the front of my card; I also added some of my leftover florals to decorate the inside of my card:

 

This card is larger than usual (it is A5 in size) with lots of dimension - it will make a lovely birthday card for someone special. The Textured Floral bundle is beautiful for blousy floral displays - I really should use it more often!

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my Product and 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Before you reach for your ink and papers, check out what our amazing team has created to inspire you this week:

Here's a quick recap of our challenge rules:
 
1.  Create a new paper project
2.  Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to us and provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
3.  Please link your card to no more than four challenges, TOTAL.
4.  Have FUN!

Enjoy your day; since it's Mother's Day here in the UK today, I am looking forward to a roast dinner and being spoiled by the youngest of the James Juniors! I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: 

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Rainy Days Are Better With You PP679

by Joanne James3. March 2024 08:00

Today it's Sunday and time for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players! It's the turn of the fabulous Claire to host this week and she has a fun theme challenge for us to work with:

 

This theme couldn't be more appropriate for the British weather, especially this past few days, when once again it has, as the expression goes, been raining cats and dogs once again! My cheery little bunny isn't put off though - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Rainy Days - My bunny and sentiment come from the 'Playing In The Rain' stamp set and are cut out with the coordinating Playing In The Rain Dies. I coloured him with my Blends markers and gave him a green jacket to pick up the colours in the background paper.

Sunny Days - I know Sale-A-Bration is now over, but the Sunny Days papers were just perfect for today's card. I used a background of clouds and rain, then used a sun-patterned piece to cut out an abstract sun to tuck behind the clouds.

Collage Cute - I added a mix of stitched clouds, a ribbon tab and a mix of sparkly raindrops, enamel dots and sequins and layered them up to give my card a fun, collage feel:

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my Product and 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Before you reach for your ink and papers, check out what our amazing team has created to inspire you this week:

Here's a quick recap of our challenge rules:
 
1.  Create a new paper project
2.  Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to us and provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
3.  Please link your card to no more than four challenges, TOTAL.
4.  Have FUN!

Enjoy your day; I have no big plans today, maybe some baking and if I'm lucky a little creative time. One thing's for sure - it will be too wet for gardening! All being well I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Just Kiddin CAS Birthday Card For Boys

by Joanne James27. February 2024 20:20

Good evening everyone! I am spending the week clearing out my loft (a job long overdue!) so today I'm sharing a quick clean and simple card for a couple of challenges:

 

AAA Cards would like anything CAS with the optional twist of birthday, so I did both and also went with the CAS on Friday theme of male/boy. I made a fun, cute card for a little boy who is celebrating his birthday - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

I created a subtle sweep of Azure Afternoon ink to highlight my sweet hula-hooper that I fussy cut from the Just Kiddin' designer series paper, adding some stamped hearts and stars in the same colour:

 

A simple sentiment from the 'Hooray For Surprises' set completes my card. Just a few key items needed to create this super cute card. 

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

 

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Enjoy your evening and I'll be back later this week with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Lighter Than Air Hot Air Balloon Birthday Card PP678

by Joanne James25. February 2024 08:00

Today it's Sunday and time for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players! It's the turn of the fabulous Anne Marie to host this week and she has my favourite, a sketch challenge for us to work with:

  

I love the layers on this week's sketch - perfect to showcase some pretty designer papers. I decided to embrace the pastels and showcase some patterns in the Lighter Than Air pack. This is what I came up with:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

There are so many pretty papers in the Lighter Than Air pack. I chose stripes for my horizontal panel then a balloon patterned piece for my vertical one. I stamped and diecut a single Pool Party balloon as my focal point and added a banner to it for my sentiment. I added a cloud panel diecut using one of the Basic Borders Dies. I added a couple of extra diecut clouds to give further depth to my scene and a trio of rainbow adhesive dots to finish the front of my card:

 

I couldn't resist a little extra stamping and some stencilled clouds to decorate the inside too:

 

So many possibilities with this layout - I can't wait to see what you make with it!

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

- to follow - 

You can see all of my Product and 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Before you reach for your ink and papers, check out what our amazing team has created to inspire you this week:

Here's a quick recap of our challenge rules:
 
1.  Create a new paper project
2.  Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to us and provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
3.  Please link your card to no more than four challenges, TOTAL.
4.  Have FUN!

Enjoy your day; I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: 

to follow

 

Storybook Gnomes Toadstool Christmas

by Joanne James23. February 2024 08:00

Today I'm sharing a card for the challenge over at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown that uses the current layout over at Tuesday Morning Sketches:

   

As with my previous Christmas card make, today's card features another of the patterns in the retired Storybook Gnomes designer series paper pack - where else can you find Christmas mushrooms?! Here's my card:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

I chose a busy pattern featuring lots of gnomes and mushrooms/toadstools, split it into 3 as per the sketch layout, then added a circle embossed with the retired Wintry 3D snowflake embossing folder, where I highlighted the details with some white craft ink, before adding another toadstool and gnome that I diecut from another sheet of designer paper. I also added some puffy snow to my toadstool for an added wintry detail:

 

My sentiment comes from the coordinating 'Kindest Gnomes' stamp set, which I also used to add some detail to the inside of my card:

 

I couple of sparkly enamel dots complete the detail on the front of my card. The hubby ventured into my craft room the other evening as I was finishing this card, and was properly bemused to see me making a Christmas card in February. As I pointed out, it pays to be prepared! How is your Christmas card stash coming along?

Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

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About Me

Hi I'm Joanne and live in Northampton and when I'm not looking after my husband and two beautiful children, am an avid crafter with a passion for all things Stampin' Up!

I must confess that I have never been a big rubber stamper - until I discovered Stampin' Up! that is. I love the fact that I can get such great results with co-ordinating stamps, inks, papers and punches - the possibilities are endless! Join me on my stamping journey as I share the things I love and be inspired to create amazing things yourself!

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