New Online Exclusives Live and Two New Craft Kits Too

by Joanne James11. November 2024 13:00

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 November 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 - the Otterly Adorable Suite:

 

This suite collection has otters, otters everywhere: playful otters on stamps, otter-shaped dies, otters frolicking on patterned paper, plus fun embellishments. It’s what you need to create aww-some cards and scrapbook pages.

The Otterly Adorable Suite Collection includes:

OTTERLY AMAZING PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (10% off)
* 10 photopolymer stamps
* Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, c, d, e

OTTERLY AMAZING DIES (10% off)
* 15 dies
* Largest die: 3-1/2" x 1-1/2" (8.9 x 3.8 cm)
* Use with a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine
* Compatible with the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine

OTTERLY ADORABLE 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER
* 12 sheets of patterned paper: 2 each of 6 double-sided designs
* Acid free
* Lignin free

LOST LAGOON SOFT CORDING
* Width: 1/8" (3.2 mm)
* Length: 10 yards (9.1 m)

RIVERSIDE IRREGULAR PEARLS
* 120 adhesive-backed pieces
* 40 each of 3 colours
* 5 mm, 6 mm
* Product colours: Gray Granite, Lost Lagoon, white

The second suite is the Marbled Elegance Suite:
 
 
 
Use the Marbled Elegance Suite Collection for all your love-themed craft projects for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, weddings, and birthdays. Also available in French and German.

The designs in this collection are perfect for card making and gift packaging. Colour your cards with marbled paper or heart stamps. Customise the gift bags for each recipient with the sentiment stamps and add the gold thread for a glamorous touch.

The Marbled Elegance Suite Collection includes:

HEARTS OF ELEGANCE PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (10% off)
* 11 photopolymer stamps
* Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, c, d

HEARTS OF ELEGANCE DIES (10% off)
* 10 dies
* Largest die: 4-1/2" x 4" (11.4 x 10.2 cm)
* Use with a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine

MARBLED ELEGANCE 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) SPECIALTY DESIGNER SERIES PAPER
* 12 sheets of patterned paper: 2 each of 6 double-sided designs
* Acid free
* Lignin free

GOLD TWISTED THREAD
* Length: 10 yards (9.1 m)

ADHESIVE-BACKED HEART SEQUINS
* 120 adhesive-backed pieces
* 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm
* Gold

GIFT BAGS COMBO PACK
* 16 stampable bags, 8 of each colour in 2 sizes
* Large bag: 4-1/2" x 5-3/4" (11.4 x 14.6 cm)
* Small bag: 3-5/16" x 3-11/16" (8.4 x 9.4 cm)
* Food safe

There are 4 new bundles: the Pretty Petals bundle:

 PRETTY PETALS BUNDLE

The Pretty Petals Bundle includes the Pretty Petals Stamp Set and the Pretty Petals Dies.

Stamp, then cut out flowers and more flowers! The Pretty Petals Bundle has stamps and dies for creating small bouquets, big bouquets, and entire landscapes!

PRETTY PETALS PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET
How do you like your flowers? One delicate bunch? Or an entire blooming garden? With the Pretty Petals Stamp Set, you can create what you want! Make a mixed bouquet by stamping the greenery in one colour and large and small flowers in multiple colours. Or stamp images repeatedly to create a card background blooming with colour.
* 6 photopolymer stamps
* Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, d, e

PRETTY PETALS DIES
Cut out bunches of blooms without scissors! The Pretty Petals Dies cut out one large floral grouping. The smaller dies cut out individual greenery pieces and flower petals. Combine them to create a single flower, a small bouquet, or an entire floralscape.
* 6 dies
* Largest die: 2-5/16" x 3-1/16" (5.9 x 7.8 cm)
* Use with a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine
* Compatible with the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine

Our coordinated craft bundles save you time and money! Buy the bundle and save 10% off the price of buying the stamp and tool separately. Plus, bundles will help you quickly cut out stamped images for a single project or create multiples of the same project with ease.

The Umbrella Days Bundle:

UMBRELLA DAYS CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH)

Send sunny thoughts even on rainy days with the Umbrella Days Stamp Set. This stamp set features rain-themed images and thoughtful sentiments for condolences, thanks, and thinking-of-you cards. Lean into the rain theme and colour the line-art images with watercolours or use your favourite colouring technique.

* 7 cling stamps
* Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, d, e, h

Cling stamps from Stampin’ Up!
* Are premium rubber stamps.
* Have deeply etched images for excellent detail.
* Are pre-cut so you don’t have to trim them.
* Cling to clear blocks without slipping.
* Are repositionable—temporarily mount on clear blocks to stamp, then remove to store.
* Save space—one set of blocks (sold separately) works for all your cling and photopolymer stamps.
* Have images on the spine of the case for easy storage and quick reference.

The Cake Celebrations bundle:

CAKE CELEBRATIONS BUNDLE (ENGLISH)

The Cake Celebrations Bundle includes the Cake Celebrations Stamp Set and the Cake Celebrations Dies. Also available in German.

Celebrate any event in style with help from the Cake Celebrations Bundle! Stamp the glaze and floral decorations on your paper, then die cut using the cake tiers. Make the cake the background to your paper crafts and turn your sentiments into a centrepiece. Or stamp the whole cake on your card and add a banner to the top using the banner die. Whatever your decoration strategy, this bundle will help you make a decadent paper crafting dessert.

CAKE CELEBRATIONS PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET
Create scrumptious cakes with the Cake Celebrations Stamp Set! Whether you go with a one-tier wonder for a birthday card or dress up a wedding invitation with a two-tiered cake, this stamp set helps you decorate your paper crafts with cakes fit for any celebration. Use the fabulous icing details and decorative flora to detail your cake for an anniversary card. Or turn the celebratory sentiments into the focal point of your crafts. However you use it, this stamp set will help you make a card anyone will love. Just don’t forget the candles!
* 23 photopolymer stamps
* Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, c, h

CAKE CELEBRATIONS DIES
The Cake Celebration Dies are a great way to get friends and loved ones excited about birthdays, anniversaries, life milestones, and more. Use these dies to make a sweet cake the focal point on your cards. Or build an epic multitier cake—complete with a frosting glaze!—for major event invitations. The banner, cake stand, and floral decorations can help you add that extra special touch for an extra special paper craft.
* 14 dies
* Largest die: 2-3/16" x 1" (5.6 x 2.5 cm)
* Use with a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine
* Compatible with the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine
 
The Classic Wedding bundle:
CLASSIC WEDDING BUNDLE (ENGLISH)
 
The Classic Wedding Bundle includes the Classic Wedding Stamp Set and the Classic Wedding Dies. Also available in French and German.

Create your own wedding scene for all the newlyweds in your life with the Classic Wedding Bundle! Stamp the fun vintage images, then precisely cut them out with the coordinating dies. Customise your cards with different colouring techniques or keep things simple by stamping in a single colour. Your recipients are going to love it!

CLASSIC WEDDING PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET
Celebrate the happy couple with the Classic Wedding Stamp Set! Create a paper craft that celebrates weddings and all other love occasions. Try new colouring techniques with the fun vintage images and then pair them with the coordinating sentiments. It’s the perfect set to have on hand for all your card making throughout the year.
* 14 photopolymer stamps
* Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, d, e

CLASSIC WEDDING DIES
Put together your own wedding send-off with the Classic Wedding Dies! In this set, one die cut will cut out multiple pieces, allowing more creativity and versatility. Easily put together your own scene to celebrate any love occasion with vintage paper cut-outs.
* 15 dies
* Largest die: 3-1/2" x 2-5/8" (8.9 x 6.7 cm)
* Use with a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine

Finally the Happy Hibiscus bundle:

 

The Happy Hibiscus Bundle includes the Happy Hibiscus Stamp Set and the Happy Hibiscus Hybrid Embossing Folder.

Head to paradise with the Happy Hibiscus Bundle! Try different crafting techniques with the coordinating stamp set and hybrid embossing folder. Stamp your image and precisely cut it out with the dies. Add a fun background to your card base and assemble your paper craft that recipients will love!

HAPPY HIBISCUS PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET
Create a tropical, colourful paper craft with the Happy Hibiscus Stamp Set! This Two-Step Stampin’ set is perfect for trying out different colouring techniques. Multiple floral and leaf images can easily be layered for an exotic floral arrangement. Or keep things simple with a single stamp, highlighting the elegant line art. Add one of the included sentiments for the final touch!
* 12 photopolymer stamps
* Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, d, e

HAPPY HIBISCUS HYBRID EMBOSSING FOLDER
The Happy Hibiscus Hybrid Embossing Folder is an easy way to get tropical flowers into any paper craft. Emboss your card base for a special background or easily cut out individual flowers. Mix and match the paper you use for a vibrant card front that any recipient will love!
* 1 embossing folder
* Embossing folder size: 6" x 6-1/4" (15.2 x 15.9 cm)
* 11 dies
* Largest die: 4" x 2-1/2" (10.2 x 6.4 cm)
* Use with a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine

Our coordinated craft bundles save you time and money! Buy the bundle and save 10% off the price of buying the stamp and tool separately. Plus, bundles will help you quickly cut out stamped images for a single project or create multiples of the same project with ease.
 
There are also a number of additional single stamps and accessories - click on 'Online Exclusives' in the online store for more details:
 
 
 
 
AMONG THE SWALLOWS CLING STAMP SET
 
SHARING LOVING CRAFTING PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
 
PERFECT PAIRS PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH)
 
COLOR COACH™ (ENGLISH)
 
There are 2 new kits that have been added to the online collection for November too:
 
Layered Landscapes Kit
LAYERED LANDSCAPES KIT 
 
 Do you long for the great outdoors but don’t actually want to go outdoors? Then the Layered Landscapes Kit is perfect for you! DIY lovely home decor with this unique kit that includes four 7-1/8" x 7-1/8" x 3/4" (18.1 x 18.1 x 1.9 cm) frames and pre-cut paper pieces. You can either stand the frames up on their included easels or hang them on your wall. Either way, your houseguests are sure to love your new artwork!

Kit includes:
* Pre-designed projects
* Step-by-step instructions
* Pre-cut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* 4 white frames
* Frame size: 7-1/8" x 7-1/8" x 3/4" (18.1 x 18.1 x 1.9 cm)
* Enough adhesive to complete projects
* A 9-7/8" x 6-1/2" x 2-3/4" (25.1 x 16.5 x 7 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go

Product colours: Balmy Blue, Basic Beige, Basic Gray, Berry Burst, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Gray Granite, Lemon Lime Twist, Misty Moonlight, Mossy Meadow, Night of Navy, Old Olive, Pecan Pie, Soft Sea Foam
 
The second kit is the Nature's Paintings Kit:
 
 
 
Embrace your creative side with the Nature’s Paintings Kit. This unique kit includes everything you need for a fun creative experience: a colouring book, Watercolor Pencils, and a Water Painter. All you need is some imagination and water! Create lovely, picturesque images using advanced colouring techniques with this craft kit. Or make something that’s never been seen before—like green flowers with purple leaves. Keep it realistic or colour outside the lines—it’s up to you. And once you’re done, you can use your finished artwork to create a one-of-a-kind card front!

Kit includes:
* Pre-designed projects
* Line art illustrations
* Step-by-step instructions
* 24 watercolour paper pages, 2 each of 12 designs
* 8 Watercolor Pencils
* 1 Water Painter
* Colouring book: 4-1/2" x 6" x 1/2" (11.4 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm)
* A 9-7/8" x 6-1/2" x 1-3/4" (25.1 x 16.5 x 4.4 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go

Product colours: Berry Burst, Coastal Cabana, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Flirty Flamingo, Garden Green, Pumpkin Pie, Red
 
Lots to look over here! Check out my online store for more details and to purchase any of the items above.

Why Today Might Just Be The Best Day Of The Year To Shop At Stampin Up

by Joanne James9. October 2024 12:00

Any day is a good day to shop at Stampin' Up!, but today might just be the best day of the year yet! Why? Well, there are so many opportunities to get 'more for less' today, you really shouldn't pass up the opportunity!

 

First up - it's the final day of the 15% off stamp sale; yes, that's right you can get 15% off all stamp sets (excluding bundles) that are found in the annual catalogue - that's a great deal! Some of my favourites include the 'Sweet Peas' stamp set and the 'Spotlight on Nature' stamp sets. Here are some reminders of cards that I've made with using these sets:

 

 

I shall be taking the opportunity to stock up on sentiment sets and one or two other sets I've had my eye on; with 15% off in addition to my demonstrator discount, it's a bargain!

 

Secondly - the October kit sale is still on, with 30% off all kits in the Kit Collection. This is a great time to stock up on kits to have on hand as Christmas gifts - both the new 'A Look Back' kit and the no stamping 'Happy Houseplants' kit would make great gifts:

 

HAPPY HOUSEPLANTS KIT

Alternatively, why not grab a kit and enjoy a little pre-Christmas crafting: You could try the 'Christmas Wishes' card kit, or alternatively how about the 'Christmas Ornaments' kit or the 'Rustic Christmas Countdown' advent calendar kit? Both would make great activities to undertake with children during the upcoming half-term school holiday too: 

 

 

Both of these offers represent great savings; however the best deal of all has to be the Stampin' Up! starter kit:

 

Not only do you receive an extra £30 of product in your starter kit, that's £160 for just £99 - you get to include items that are discounted as part of both of the offers I've previously mentioned above, along with exclusive preorder items from next month's Online Exclusives release, an exclusive perk to demonstrators, along with the benefits of joining my Stampin' Up! team and the wider Stampin' up! community - and we would love to welcome you!

Whilst it's only the stamp sale that's ending today - both the Kits Collection promotion and the Starter Kit Offer will be available throughout the month of October - today really is the best day of the month to get the biggest 'bang for your buck'. So, if you'd like to place an order then do click the link to my online store, click here to join my team or get in touch with me today to arrange to place your order or chat more about the benefits of joining Stampin' Up! and what it means to be a part of my team.

Also - for those of you who signed up to watch and/or participate in Stampin' Up!s World Card making Day Virtual Class last Saturday, be sure to check your post-session emails as you have a money-off coupon that can be used against your next order too!

2024 September December Mini Catalogue is Here Plus New Scrapbooking Range and Two New Kits

by Joanne James4. September 2024 09:00

It's time to get festive - the new Stampin' Up! mini catalogue is here! Paper copies of the catalogue are on their way to those customers who have shopped with me in the last 6 months (slightly later than usual due to my vacation). If you don't have one, never fear - the catalogue is available right now for you to download by clicking here or on the image below:

 

It will be available until it ends on 6 January 2025 by clicking on the image on the right hand sand of my blog page. So many great stamp sets, papers and more for your Halloween, Autumn and Christmas projects.

Also launching today is the new Digital Scrapbooking Catalogue. Further to the purchase of Close To My Heart, Stampin' Up! is expanding it's 12x12" scrapbooking line. There are new packs of 12x12" coloured cardstock, new two-tone cardstock and some fabulous scrapbooking kits too. The scrapbooking catalogue is only available in digital format and the full product line will be available online and through me as your Stampin' up! demonstrator whilst supplies last. New products will be added to this line on an ongoing basis.  The catalogue is available right now for you to download by clicking here or on the image below:

 

Here are some useful links that show some of the new scrapbooking product in more detail - the first shows the new two-tone cardstock (this is an addition to our current solid core cardstock, not a replacement):

The second gives a closer look at the new scrapbooking kits in more detail:

I also want to bring to your attention two new kits that will be available later this month. The release date has not yet been confirmed, but as with other recent kits they are likely to be popular (the Haunted House Kit sold out in days!) so if either of these kits appeals to you, please let me know and send through your order now so that I can order for you as soon as they release to avoid any disappointment. The first of the kits is a Card Keeper Kit:

 CARD KEEPER KIT

Step up your handmade card collection with our Card Keeper Kit! This kit comes with everything you need to make 10 beautiful all-occasion cards. With a variety of sentiments, you can create an assortment of cards fit for birthdays, saying thanks, and more. And don’t miss the coordinating card container! This cute storage option is the perfect solution for keeping these all-occasion cards organised and ready to go. The printed sentiments are available in Dutch, English, French, and German.

Kit includes:
* Pre-designed projects
* Step-by-step instructions
* Pre-cut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 10 cards: 5 each of 2 designs, and 1 card container (includes lid)
* Folded card size: 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" (14 x 10.8 cm)
* Card container size: Approx. 8-1/4" x 6-1/4" x 6" (21 x 15.9 x 15.2 cm)
* 10 pre-printed envelopes
* Enough adhesive to complete projects
* A 9-1/8" x 6-3/4" x 1-7/8" (23.2 x 17.2 x 4.8 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go
 
The second kit coming later this month is the Christmas Ornaments Kit:
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS KIT
 
Get into the Christmas spirit with our Christmas Ornaments Kit! This craft kit comes with everything you need to make 9 beautiful Christmas ornaments, including pre-cut paper greenery, pinecones, bright berries, and festive details. Whether you gift it to a friend or keep it for yourself, this kit is the perfect solution for quick and easy Christmas crafting projects.

Kit includes:
* Pre-designed projects
* Step-by-step instructions
* Pre-cut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 9 4" (10.2 cm) & 3" (7.6 cm) metal ring ornaments: 3 each of 3 designs
* Enough adhesive to complete projects (or use hot glue for easier assembly; hot glue not included.)
* Plastic pinecones and faux berries
* Pre-tied satin bows
* Metallic string
* A 9-7/8" x 6-1/2" x 2-3/4" (25.1 x 16.5 x 7 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go

Featured colours: Basic Beige, brown, Cherry Cobbler, gold, Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Pretty Peacock 

Both kits will retail at £24 each and make great gifts too. The ornaments would also be great to make with children  -a half-term project perhaps?

I'll let you know when they are available to purchase, but if you're interested you should get in touch now so that your order is ready to go. Back soon with a new project and some samples from new mini catalogue makes.

Festive and Fun Candy Cane Treat FF0149

by Joanne James8. December 2023 09:00

Today I have my card for the new challenge over at Festive Friday Card Making and Paper Crafting Challenge

 

In the run up to Christmas, for this challenge we are celebrating 'Christmas Festive Food'. Remember the fun thing is that at Festive Friday you do not need to actually celebrate the occasion; your goal is to simply use three or more items from the inspiration list on your project. This week I used white, brown, red and candy cane and this is what I came up with:

 

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

A treat instead of a card today! At this time of year, quick and easy decorating ideas to add personal touches to festive treats are a great idea; I added a label and tag, featuring the cute candy cane-holding beaver from the 'Festive and Fun' stamp set to decorate a candy cane - here's a close up:

 

Small images that are quick to colour are perfect for the personal touch; add some festive foliage and a ribbon bow to complete the look:

 

How do you like to decorate your treats during the festive season? Do leave me a comment below - I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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. 

How does our board inspire you? I can’t wait to see what YOU create! For more inspiration, be sure to visit the rest of the Festive Friday Card Making and Paper Crafting Challenge Design team:

Enjoy your day 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.

Joy of Noel Shadow Box Christmas Card PP669

by Joanne James3. December 2023 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 Jaydee to host this week and she has a timely theme challenge for us to work with:

 

It's beginning to look a lot like ... Christmas! It is indeed, so Jaydee has chosen the perfect theme this week! At the start of December I like to make those 'special' cards for friends and family - those over-the-top, fancy ones that you hand deliver. I set aside my usual clean-and-layered self and throw caution to the wind, so I thought I'd share one of those cards with you today - take a look:

 

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

A Fancy Shadow Box - Today's card is part card, part home decor. Measuring 5 3/4" square by 1/2" deep, the front of the card comprises a shadow box frame, with the main design in the centre. I've made non-festive versions of this card in a 6"x6" size that I've shared on my blog previously, but I've never made a Christmas one. This kind of card does take a little longer to make, but I think it's so worth it for a special occasion, don't you? It's also great for those who like to keep their cards and bring out year after year, as it is as much a decoration as it is a card.

Shining Brightly - I used one of the gold and vanilla patterns from the Shining Brightly specialty designer series paper to decorate the frame of my card. Now, I know this paper is now sold out in Europe, but it's been in and out of stock all season due to its popularity, so I'm hoping that for those of you who stocked up, you appreciate a project that shows it in all its glory. Given that my shadow box card has depth, I need to create a box 'envelope' to send it in and I used more of this paper for the lid. You can see my box in the photo below:

Joy of Noel - The real star of the show is the 'Joy of Noel' bundle that features in the centre of my frame. By far and away my favourite bundle from this year's mini catalogue, it really is fabulous. This bundle is still available and if you purchase it from me, you will receive a free copy of the 'Join in With Joanne & Jan' Joy of Noel tutorial that I created with my talented friend Jan Clothier. I combined gold embossed foliage and gold glitter pine needles with a gold embossed NOEL for the centrepiece - the foiling and glimmer paper add so much beautiful festive sparkle, don't you think?

A gold embossed sentiment inside completes my fancy card. What do you think? Do you like to make fancy cards for the special people in your life? Do leave me a comment below - I'd love to hear what you think.  

I'm also playing along with a few challenges: My card follows the sketch at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown (I hope they'll forgive me the sentiment placement), it's a glitter entry over at Inkspirational and finally I've been saving this one for my entry over at SUO Challenges - my favourite holiday catalogue product, actually products with the bundle and paper!!

      

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 will be spending mine with more Christmas preparations and getting ready for an upcoming vacation - more about that in a future post! 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.

Up to 30% Off Stampin' Up! Kits During August

by Joanne James1. August 2023 14:00

You all know what a fan I am of Stampin' Up!'s kits - they make for a perfect crafty evening in with friends, whether you are a seasoned crafter or have never crafted before and would like to try something new. Kits are fun, quick and easy and all-inclusive so there's nothing to buy and nothing to store afterwards and with so many different styles and types, there's something for everyone. During August you can save up to 30% on all kits - what could be better?! You don't need a code - all kits have already been discounted in the online store - links to each of those currently available are below; I'll be sharing details on some of my favourites on social media during this month, but I just want to draw your attention to some recent new additions, including the Festive Tags kit that launches today:

If you would like to start crafting handmade creations for Christmas and New Year, the Festive Tags Kit has everything you need to create 15 festive gift tags in less than an hour - no stamping required! There are several other Christmas card and tag kits in the online store too, so definitely worth a look.

Another recently launched stamping kit is the Boho Beach kit:

This all-inclusive kit comes with everything you need to make eight beautiful beach-inspired cards. Send a friendly note to the people you love and don’t miss the acrylic-poured paint art style used in this kit for a dazzling marbled colour effect! It’s time to take a well-deserved break, sit back, and take friends and family to the beach from the comfort of your home!

Finally the Blossom Wishes Kit:

Celebrate your friends with special slimline cards from the Blossom Wishes Kit! With vellum blossoms and foiled details, you can quickly put together a fun paper craft! This kit also comes with pre-cut sentiments in Dutch, English, French, and German, so you can send a card and say hello to friends near and far.

Kits make great gifts too - you can make up the projects and then give them away for someone else to use or give them an unopened kit to bring them crafting pleasure of their own and there are some great kits for children, including the fun Love This Memory Notebook - this could be a fun way to record and document vacation activities:

To get your hands on a discounted kit, you can either get in touch to place your order or alternatively visit my online store. Or if you would like to arrange a 'kit together' event with friends for a fun evening out, then do get in touch!

As with all kits, they are available whilst stocks last; the online store will show a full range of what is currently available; to purchase, simply click on the links below. Happy shopping!

 

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

New Wreath of Blooms Home Decor Kit Now Available

by Joanne James3. February 2023 13:15

Get ready for the latest addition to the Kits Collection by Stampin’ Up! The Wreath of Blooms Kit gives you everything you need to make your own home decor piece and it's now available in the online store. Roll and shape the pre-cut pieces and put your wreath on display!

 

This kit includes:

  • One 8" (20.3 cm) diameter chipboard wreath.
  • Pre-cut paper pieces that can be rolled and shaped into three-dimensional blossoms.
  • Multicoloured brads to keep everything together.
  • Thick twine to hang your wreath.
  • Enough adhesive* to complete the project.
  • Coordinating colours: Cajun Craze, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake, Garden Green, Night of Navy, Pear Pizzazz, Petal Pink, So Saffron, white.

*Please note that you will need a hot glue gun for this project, which is not included in the kit.

If you would like to see this kit in more detail, please check out the video below:

This is such a beautiful kit - and would you believe, only £13 - this is an absolute bargain for a home decor kit! No excuse to not add a touch of Spring colour to your home and enjoy a little creativity in the process! 

Get yours in my online store today - just click on the link below:

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.
 
This kit would also be a great little project for a crafty get-together with friends too; if you would like to arrange one, do get in touch!

Need A Christmas Gift? New Kits Added To The Kits Collection

by Joanne James6. December 2022 14:00

 

I thought today it was time to update you about the new kits have been added to Stampin' Up!'s line of all-inclusive craft kits recently and highlight a few other recent additions that may have passed you by.

For anyone not familiar with the Kits Collection, they are designed to be the perfect introduction to paper-crafting. They are great for the beginner crafter or the seasoned crafter on the go. Whatever your skill or experience, the kits are designed for you, the customer, to be in control and choose the kit experience that is most comfortable for you. Kits are all-inclusive, pre-cut, and ready to use with complete step-by-step instructions. The following kits have been added this month and are now available in the online store: 

Christmas Gifting Tags Kit

You’ll love the ease of gift gifting this year with the Christmas Gifting Kit! This tag and gift card holder kit is a simple way to enhance the Christmas gifting experience for you and your loved ones. Create gorgeous gift tags with attached gift cards holders so you can give your friends and family gift cards to the places they love while adding a handmade touch.

Cozy And Bright Christmas Card Kit

Celebrate the season with a card kit that has everything you need to make 12 festive cards. Wish those you love a merry Christmas and a joyous New Year with classic pine, cinnamon, and orange designs that will warm any heart. And the gold foil details add that special something to these seasonal designs. Don’t let the Christmas time overwhelm you–get your all-inclusive kit and make quick multiples everyone will love! 

These kits are perfect for a spot of Christmas crafting and a great way to add a personal touch to festive mail. In addition, the following non-seasonal card kits have also been added recently and are worth a look:

 The Best Remedy Card Kit

We all know that sometimes life stinks. When it does, there's a simple solution: The Best Remedy Kit! Make one of the adorable, under-the-weather animals the focal point of your card. Then customise your project with the stamp set and embellishments. The stamp set includes cute images and fun phrases that are sure to deliver a smile. When someone you love needs a pick-me-up, this kit offers the perfect remedy!

A Million Thanks Card Kit

Say “thank you” in style and dazzle with layers of dimensions with the versatile A Million Thanks Kit! This kit has everything you need to create beautiful, all-occasion cards to express your gratitude. Mix and match card bases, sentiments, pre-cut die pieces, and embellishments to create expertly crafted cards with ease. It’s never been so easy to show how seriously grateful you are!

There are also some new non-card/no stamping kits that are great for gift giving:

Birthday Card Organiser Kit

Get ready to party all year long with the Birthday Card Organizer Kit! This kit comes with everything you need to help you get organised and never miss out on a birthday celebration. It comes with the supplies to make 12 birthday cards with matching envelopes that you can easily customise. This kit is filled with pre-cut floral and background pieces to really make your crafts unique. And don’t forget the 8" x 10" (20.3 x 25.4 cm) yearly birthday organiser with sticker sentiments in multiple language options for perfect (and practical) personalisation! You can keep track of all your loved one’s birthdays, then make and save a card for them in the cardholder for each month. No matter who you are celebrating, you can give them something great!

Love This Memory Notebook Kit

LOVE THIS MEMORY NOTEBOOK KIT (ENGLISH)

Relive your favourite memories with this blast from the past! The Love This Memory Notebook Kit is the perfect way to preserve amazing moments from your life in a fun and colourful way. Gather up photos and paste them into the included notebook and decorate!

Celebrate Today Magnet Board Kit

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The Celebrate Today Magnet Board Kit includes supplies to create a magnet board designed to organise aspects of your daily life in a beautiful way. With interchangeable messages, backgrounds, and envelopes, you can decorate your magnet board to best suit your style and needs!

Kit includes:
*Pre-designed projects
*Step-by-step instructions
*Pre-cut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 1 framed magnet board
*Enough adhesive to complete projects
* Includes 6 magnet clips
* Includes 2 image sticker sheets and 4 sentiment sticker sheets (1 each for the following languages: Dutch, English, French, and German)
* Includes 24 double-sided 4" x 3" (10.2 x 7.6 cm) cards
* Includes 2 sheets of 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) paper
*A 9-7/8" x 6-1/2" x 2-3/4" (25.1 x 16.5 x 7 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go
* Coordinating colors: Basic Black, Blushing Bride, Flirty Flamingo, Melon Mambo, Mint Macaron, Smoky Slate

Stampin' Up! kits offer great value for money and with Christmas on the horizon, they would make great gifts. So whether you are looking for something for a new crafter, a busy crafter or just someone who likes quick and easy projects, these kits are the perfect solution. Links to all of these and lots more available in the online store can be found below - happy shopping! 

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

Tree Lot Dies Christmas Home Decor And Festive Table Favour AYSI 280

by Joanne James29. July 2022 12:00

Today I'm sharing my design team card for our new challenge over at As you See It where it's time for a festive 'fill in the blank' challenge:

       

Today we are all about Christmas in July. I do like to get a start on Christmas cards at this time of year, but when it come to my favourite Christmas in July creation it has to be home decor and table favours; these always take longer to make than you think they will and in the busy run up to Christmas there is rarely time to devote large chunks of time to crafting, so I like to get a good headstart on these kinds of projects - it makes me feel organised! I have two projects for you today - a piece of home decor and a co-ordinating table favour. Both use the Tree Lot Dies, available free with a £90 purchase during the current Sale-A-Bration promotion - and I took the inspiration for my festive caravan and 'trees for sale' scene from the top right photo over at Hand Stamped Sentiments - what a great inspo board! First up - here's my home decoration piece:

 

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

I used a dome that I had in my office that I bought last year that was just waiting to be made into something, and built my little scene onto the base, having first covered the base with snowy white velvet paper (cut with a retired layering circles die). The string of lights, embellished with the pretty Festive Pearls, the trees and the 'trees for sale' sign are all one dimensional and stand with the aid of small supports behind them. The caravan is made by diecutting two of the diecut caravan pieces and adding a base (described in more detail with the table favour below) and a second curved piece of cardstock for the roof (the roof piece measures 3 1/2" x 1 1/2", scored at 1/2" on each side and 1/4" on each side respectively). I added some red ribbon to the top of my dome and red glimmer to the base of my dome for extra festive feel. Here's a close up of my little scene, with the dome removed so that you can see the detail more easily:

 

My finished dome measures 11cm wide by 19cm tall and that's not all - it lights up too! 

 

A little tricky to see since I photographed it in daylight, but a nice feature to give a cosy night time glow. In addition to my decoration, which could be used as a table centrepiece, I also created the first of a set of table favours made from the caravan die. These are quite easy to make: just cut two caravan sides, then take a piece of cardstock measuring 4 1/8" x 1 1/2", scored at 1" on each side and 1/4/" on each side respectively, to create the open box shape. They are just big enough to hold two Lindor chocolates or similar:

How cute is that?! Both of today's projects are quite easy to make, but I won't lie - there is a time-consuming element, since all of the little pieces need to be cut and glued in place. Worth it though I think - and if you start now, you will have them finished and ready to go when Christmas rolls around!

The key products used on today's project are included in the table below - no visual today. 

Here's a summary of our challenge rules:

  • Create any card, scrapbooking page, 3D project or packaging project that fits the challenge.
  • Please include the challenge graphic and link back to the challenge in your blog post. Turn off word verification so we can leave you lots of lovely comments. Make sure you link the post not the whole blog to the Linky. Use #AYSIXXX when uploading to a public gallery.
  • If you’re unsure about ‘the rules’, check the details under the Challenge Guidelines tab on the As You See It Challenge homepage.
  • In a Fill in the Blank challenge, complete the sentence in the Challenge Banner with the phrase that is true for you and create your project using the words you used. Tell us what you said in your blog or on your site.
How will you fill in the blank? What are your favourite Christmas In July projects to create? We look forward to seeing your creations in the AYSI gallery.

Enjoy your day 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.

Sweet Little Rainbow Treats FF108

by Joanne James29. April 2022 09:00

Today I have my card for the new challenge over at Festive Friday. 

 

The challenge that we are celebrating this week is 'National Eat What You Want Day' which is on 11th May - who knew?! Remember the fun thing is that at Festive Friday you do not need to actually celebrate the occasion; your goal is to simply use three or more items from the inspiration list on your project. This week I used food, treat packaging, red, pastels and twine and this is what I came up with:

 

 What better for the end of the week but a Friday treat! Here's the low-down on today's treat box:

Sweet Little Boxes - OK first up is a confession: I didn't make the box from scratch! There was absolutely no need when the mini catalogue has the perfect solution - the Sweet Little Boxes! These little boxes are sweet indeed - and at 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 5/8", they are the perfect size for some chocolates or sweets and fit in your hand perfectly:

 

Playful Patterns - The boxes are flat packed, so it's super easy to customise them. I decided to use some Playful Patterns host reward striped paper for mine and simply used the box as a template, drew around it and cut out the paper and adhered it the box before putting the box together. This does mean that extra double-sided tape will be required in addition to the tape that is already on the box, but that's it - super easy. 

Brilliant Rainbows - I decorated my box with a large diecut rainbow cut using my Brilliant Rainbows Dies, pulling colours out of the paper. I added some stitched clouds courtesy of the Give It A Whirl Dies and and diecut and stamped a tag using the same bundle and tied it to my box using some (retired) Bermuda Bay and white striped baker's twine.

My box contains a packet of Skittles and has already made its way into the schoolbag of one of the James Juniors for a special break time surprise (don't worry, the other one has one too!)

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. 

How does our board inspire you? I can’t wait to see what YOU create! For more inspiration, be sure to visit the rest of the  Festive Friday Challenge Design team:

Ann Schach
Beth McCullough
Sharon Hashimoto Burkert
Melanie Hungerford
Helen Jennings
Stephanie Lanzalotto
Melva Peters
Jaydee
Diane Evans
Joanne James - that's me!

Enjoy your day - today is a two-post day so be sure to check today's other project too. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

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

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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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