Everything is happening on the 6th of July! Tomorrow sees the start of a new BONUS DAYS promotion! When you shop between 6 and 31 July and spend £45 you will earn a £4.50 coupon! Make sure you save all your coupons because you can redeem them (and I mean ALL of them) between 1 and 31 August. There’s no limit to how many coupons you can earn!

The infographic below provides a great summary of how Bonus Days work:

Make sure to watch the video below if you're new to this promotion and would like to know more: 

 In addition to Bonus Days, there will be a new collection of Online Exclusive products launched tomorrow too:

You can see some of the new products in the graphic above - the full collection will be online from 11pm tonight in my online store here under 'Online Exclusives'. 

Finally, there is one more important thing happening tomorrow - there will be a Clearance Rack refresh too!

All of that is in addition to my Cheerful Daisies tutorial - if you missed the information about this you can read up on it here.

Lots of reasons to shop in July - remember to add the current hostess code 2A6EXGJ4 to your online orders too for a thank you from me.

Today I'm sharing two cards, both inspired by Jen B's layout over at Freshly Made Sketches this week:

I thought this was the perfect layout to showcase a piece of the Countryside Inn designer series paper - the only question was which sheet to choose! Eventually I settled on a busy, dark blue floral - take a look:

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

I kept my card really simple with some layering to pick up on the colours in the paper and I finished with a diecut sentiment that I haven't yet used from the Wanted To Say Dies and a sprinkle of self-adhesive sequins:

This style of sketch is great if you have a 'busy' paper design as it really allows it to shine. Before I constructed my card though, as I worked out where I wanted to place my diagonal lines, I decided I couldn't allow the central section to be 'hidden' under my navy panel, so I snipped it out. This gave me an odd-shaped scrap, but one that was perfect to create a second card by layering it onto a navy panel:

For my second card I added a simple stamped sentiment from the 'Gorgeously Made' stamp set that I stamped in Night of Navy on a scrap of Basic White cardstock and again added a few blue sequins to highlight the pretty blue in the paper:

These sequins are supposed to be Balmy Blue but I think they look much more like Tahitian Tide, especially when paired with this paper. A great #simplestamping card - a couple of scraps and a few more sequins and an additional card, from just one piece of designer series paper. I'm linking my second post up over at Just Add Ink where they are looking for us to use two of scraps, strips and sequins; I went with scraps and sequins, although I had a strip of leftover DSP too which I added to the inside of my card - no need for wastage!

Here's one final photo of both cards together:

Which one do you prefer? I must say I like them both in their own way. That paper is so pretty - and all the better for being on offer this month as part of the designer series paper sale!

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. I'm spending mine doing some admin whilst the James Juniors delight in having a big tidying session, throwing away all of their notes and revision materials in a celebration of post-scholastic freedom! I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

COUNTRYSIDE INN 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	WANTED TO SAY DIES (37.00)	NIGHT OF NAVY A4 CARDSTOCK (9.50)	TAHITIAN TIDE A4 CARDSTOCK (9.50)	MISTY MOONLIGHT A4 CARDSTOCK (9.50)	BASIC WHITE A4 CARDSTOCK (10.00)
NIGHT OF NAVY CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD (8.50)	PASTEL ADHESIVE-BACKED SEQUINS (7.50)	GORGEOUSLY MADE CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH) (23.00)

STOP PRESS for an important announcement: For 24 hours only, starting at 11pm UK time this evening, Stampin' Up! are offering FREE shipping on orders of £60 or more.

The key information is as follows:

• Free shipping applies after the qualifying order amount has been met.
• The minimum qualifying amount to receive free shipping is £60 or more.
• Free shipping only applies during the 24-hour period the promotion is live in each market; this means that the order must be opened and closed between 20 June 2023, at 11p.m. and 21 June 2023, at 10:59 p.m (UK).

This is a great time to stock up on the designer series paper that is on sale this month, to pick up one of our all-inclusive papercrafting kits or to treat yourself to a bargain from the clearance rack. So start making those lists and head off to my online Stampin' Up! store to place your order. Remember to add the current hostess code KFVKVNXK to receive an extra thank you in the post from me.

Happy shopping!

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

The challenge that we are celebrating this week is 'International Fairy Day' which is on June 24th. 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 pink, sparkle, vellum and stars and the current layout over at Sunday Stamps and this is what I came up with:

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

No fairies or toadstools here today; instead a riot of colour for a starry congratulations card. I might be getting a little ahead of myself, but with both of the James Juniors and their friends taking major exams this year, I am hoping that lots of this kind of card will be in order, so I'm starting early! The Bright and Beautiful designer paper pack has some fabulous colours and patterns, but this all-over starry design screams celebration! I used a Bubble Bath pink card base and added mats in Basic White and Berry Burst, splitting my designer paper into three as per the sketch layout. I added a simple sentiment from the 'Charming Sentiments' stamp set in a Stylish Shapes stitched circle, and decorated this with punched stars, picking out the colours of the stars in the patterned paper. I also used some (retired) Fresh Freesia shimmer vellum for some added sparkle - hopefully you can see it on the close up below: 

I used a couple of retired star punches for my stars, but if you need a current equivalent, the Beautiful Balloons Dies have two star dies that are the same size and shape - I've included the link in the supplies list below.

The Bright and Beautiful Designer Series Paper is another of those that are available at 15% discount in this month's designer series paper sale - I would definitely recommend you stock up! 

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:

BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	CHARMING SENTIMENTS PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH) (22.00)	BEAUTIFUL BALLOONS DIES (32.00)	STYLISH SHAPES DIES (28.00)	BUBBLE BATH A4 CARDSTOCK (9.50)	BERRY BURST A4 CARDSTOCK (9.50)
BASIC WHITE A4 CARDSTOCK (10.00)	LEMON LIME TWIST A4 CARDSTOCK (9.50)	AZURE AFTERNOON A4 CARDSTOCK (9.50)	LEMON LOLLY A4 CARDSTOCK (9.50)

It's Tuesday and time for a new challenge over at CAS Colours & Sketches. Shannon is hosting this month and our first challenge is a colour challenge: 

For my card today I went super clean and simple with a fun card perfect for a crafty friend - take a look:

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

I decided to indulge in a spot of fussy cutting of my Zoo Crew designer paper and trim out one of the knitting llamas! The Zoo Crew paper is choc-full of animals doing all kinds of fun things - and what could be more comical than a knitting llama, right?! Some of the images are black and white, some partially coloured, and some completely coloured and ready to use. The chair and wool that the llama is knitting with were already coloured, so I just used my Blends to add in a little more light Old Olive to the wool, some Petal Pink to the ears and a little dark Smoky Slate to the skin and outline of my llama:

I added a sentiment from the 'Crafting With You' stamp set which seemed to fit the image perfectly. This is a great #simplestamping card - just stamps, ink and paper and a little designer paper. The Zoo Crew paper is another of those that are available at 15% discount in this month's designer series paper sale. If you fussy cut the images (you can also diecut many of them with the Zany Zoo co-ordinating dies too, but these are by no means essential - they are easy to cut out with scissors) you will be able to make an absolute ton of simple cards. They can be paired with whatever sentiments you have to hand - now is the time to stock up for sure! Links to the online store below - or contact me if you would like to participate in my current discounted paper share.

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. 

As a reminder, for our colour challenges, you must use all of the stated challenge colours. You may also use neutral colours; however, the challenge colours should be the most noticeable ones featured on your card. We use Stampin' Up! colour names for reference, but you are welcome to use any other companies' products as long as you match the challenge colours as closely as possible. For this challenge, the colours include two of those that were retired in the recent current refresh, so feel free to substitute with Petal Pink and Old Olive as the nearest current alternatives, as I've done. 

For the second day running, it is decidedly cooler than the weather forecast and looking rather overcast. No matter - I am still wearing a summer dress and willing the sun to come out, although at this rate I may have to add socks and a cardigan later!! Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

ZOO CREW 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	CRAFTING WITH YOU PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH) (20.00)	SMOKY SLATE STAMPIN' BLENDS COMBO PACK (9.50)	OLD OLIVE STAMPIN' BLENDS COMBO PACK (9.50)	PETAL PINK STAMPIN' BLENDS COMBO PACK (9.50)	TUXEDO BLACK MEMENTO INK PAD (6.25)
BASIC WHITE A4 THICK CARDSTOCK (8.50)

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

I decided to use Jen M's layout over at Freshly Made Sketches and was also inspired by the masculine blues and browns of Laurel's Inspired By photo for my Father's Day card this week - take a look:

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

Oceanfront - I haven't used the Oceanfront stamp set in ages, so thought today's card was a good opportunity to rectify this! This is such a great stamp for making beautiful beach scenes and is so easy to use. I stamped my scene with a Boho Blue sky, Misty Moonlight ocean and Crumb Cake sand with Copper Clay grasses - done! I also added some birds in Pebble Path from the 'Beside Me' set that I had out on my desk for my sentiment and some retired pebble enamel shapes to add a little extra detail. I wanted to diecut my scene with a stitched rectangle, but since they are now retired I thought I would consider other current options first and what do you know - one of the scalloped rectangles in the Scalloped Contours Dies was the perfect size!

Fresh As A Daisy - I used two pieces of designer paper for my split panel background - do you recognise them? In addition to all of the lovely floral patterns, the Fresh As A Daisy papers have a beautiful wash reverse in each of the new in-colours. I used the Boho Blue and Copper Clay papers to echo the colours of my oceanfront scene, with the diagonal proving a useful way to combine the two.

A Sketch Liberty - Whilst I think it's clear to see how Jen's FMS sketch inspired my layout this week, you will notice I did take a few liberties with it to suit my finished design (I hope she doesn't mind!). The size of my final card is larger than usual (14.9cm x 21cm) as I wanted to be able to accommodate my scene and still have plenty of background on show. I also re-angled the diagonal of my background layer; I wanted the diagonal to follow the diagonal of the shoreline of my ocean scene, so instead of going corner to corner I cut across the the main panel. This way the design still looks cohesive and the diagonal works with my scene, rather than making everything look slightly out of kilter:

A simple heat-embossed sentiment cut out with the label (shortened to fit) from the Cheerful Daisies Dies and a fancy linen thread bow complete my Father's Day card. This one will be headed to my Dad in a couple of weeks time - hope he likes it!

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:

Enjoy your day; after what has been a decidedly chilly week here in the UK, the sun is finally shining and temperatures are on the up - hurrah! I am looking forward to spending some time in the garden today, hopefully with a good book. I'll be back soon with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: 

OCEANFRONT PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (21.00)	BESIDE ME CLING STAMP SET (ENGLISH) (25.00)	SCALLOPED CONTOURS DIES (33.00)	FRESH AS A DAISY 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	CRUMB CAKE A4 CARDSTOCK (9.50)	COPPER CLAY A4 CARDSTOCK (9.50)
COPPER CLAY CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD (8.50)	BOHO BLUE CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD (8.50)	MISTY MOONLIGHT CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD (8.50)	PEBBLED PATH CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD (8.50)	BASIC WHITE A4 CARDSTOCK (10.00)	VERSAMARK PAD (9.00)
BASICS EMBOSSING POWDERS (17.00)	LINEN THREAD (4.75)	CHEERFUL DAISIES DIES (32.00)

We all love gorgeous Designer Series Paper, me especially, and during the month of June you can enjoy a 15% discount on select papers from our current catalogues, including one that is an online exclusive. Now is a great time to stock up and save on some of our most popular paper designs! The papers included in the promotion are detailed below:

If you would like to see the ways in which I've used some of the papers in the promotion, simply type the name of the paper in to the search bar on the right and you will see lots of project inspiration. I will also be sharing additional samples over on my Facebook page this week so do give me a like and follow to see more great ideas.

* JUNE PAPER SHARE *

For this month only I am also offering a paper share that includes a quarter pack of 9 of the 11 papers that are discounted this month (Hello, Irresistible and Let's Go Fishing are not included in the paper share). The paper share will cost £34 including P&P (UK orders only) - please get in touch and let me know if you would like to participate. 

The offer ends on 30th June at 10.50pm BST for online orders, so choose your papers and get shopping - just click on the links below to head on over to my online store - remember to include the current hostess code! There is no limit to the number of packs of paper that you can purchase - the discounted prices are also valid as part of a starter kit - which brings me to more good news! For the month of June, there is an enhanced offer to join Stampin' Up! too called Starter Kit+:

If you join Stampin' Up! during the month of June, new members will receive even more FREE product in their customisable starter kit. Between 1–30 June, those who sign up can get £154 worth of products for only £99 + free business supplies + free shipping + all the fun being a part of Stampin’ Up! As always, I'd love to have a no-obligation chat with you about joining my team; however if you're ready to go and just want to choose that starter kit, click here to join my team.

BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	COUNTRYSIDE INN 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	DELIGHTFULLY ECLECTIC 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (23.80)	EARTHEN ELEGANCE 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	FRESH AS A DAISY 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	GLORIOUS GINGHAM 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (8.50)
HELLO, IRRESISTIBLE 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	INKED BOTANICALS 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	LES SHOPPES 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	LET'S GO FISHING 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	MASTERFULLY MADE 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)	STARGAZING 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)
ZOO CREW 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (9.98)

The wait is over - it's May 2nd and the new 2023-24 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue is here! You will find a permanent link to the new catalogue on the right hand side of my blog but for today you need look no further than the picture below which will take you straight to the new catalogue: 

The new catalogue is fantastic, with so many great new products to choose from. I've sent paper copies to everyone who has shopped regularly with me in the last 12 months; if you live in the UK, don't have a paper copy of the catalogue but would like one, then do get in touch and I can arrange to send one to you. A digital copy of the new catalogue can be accessed via the image above and it will be permanently linked via my blog on the right hand side if you don’t have a paper copy and wish to browse. If you've already made your shopping list and just want to go straight to the shop to place your order, click here - ordering systems have now fully transitioned from the old stock items to the new so you are good to go! Also, remember to add the current hostess code for May 7DXKGX9G if your order is less than £150 and ensure your preferences are set to 'contactable' to receive a thank you in the post from me.

What will be first on your list - in colours? New or returning colour favourites? A new stamp set, dies or bundle maybe? I'll be sharing my favourites in the coming weeks.

There is also a new kit launched in the online store today: The Confetti Birthday Kit, the newest addition to the Kits Collection by Stampin’ Up!, comes with everything you need to quickly create confetti shaker cards—a total of 9 cards in 3 lively designs. Celebrate in style with bright, bold colours, confetti, and birthday greetings full of joy!

Here's a link to the unboxing video that shows the kit in more detail:

That's a lot of information for one post; if I were you I would put the kettle on, put your feet up and get comfy and settle down with your new catalogue for a browse and start creating that all-important wish list!

Back later this morning with today's creative post; until then, happy shopping!

An important second post today! For 24 hours only, starting at 11pm UK time this evening, Stampin' Up! are offering FREE shipping on orders of £60 or more.

The key information is as follows:

• Free shipping applies after the qualifying order amount has been met.
• The minimum qualifying amount to receive free shipping is £60 or more.
• Free shipping only applies during the 24-hour period the promotion is live in each market; this means that the order must be opened and closed between 18th April 2023, at 11 p.m. and 19 April 2023, at 11:00 p.m (UK).

This is a great time to stock up on retiring in-colours or stamps, pick up a bundle that you've had your eye on and more! So start making those lists and head off to my online Stampin' Up! store after 11pm - remember to add the current hostess reward code 6CFWAKVR at check out - or message me with your order.

Happy shopping!

It's Tuesday and time for a new challenge over at CAS Colours & Sketches. This week's challenge is a sketch challenge and Valerie has asked that we create a slimline card with a square feature and overlapping sentiment:

Feel free to flip or rotate the sketch when making your card but remember to make it a slimline if you'd like to be considered for the winner's spot for this challenge. 

For my card today I ended up making two cards; I'll share the first one tomorrow as it was a little less clean and simple than I'd have liked. This is the card I settled on to share with you today:

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

This is actually a no-stamping card. I used a piece of the retiring black and white Perfectly Penciled designer series paper and coloured the negative space around the florals using my Mint Macaron Blends, before cutting it out using one of my square Stylish Shapes Dies. I added this to a base of thick Basix White cardstock, and then added a layered thanks sentiment cut with the Amazing Thanks Dies on dimensionals to complete my card:

The Perfectly Penciled papers are great for colouring with your Stampin' Blends markers and this 'reverse colouring' really allows the black and white design to stand out. This paper, along with Mint Macaron and all its accessories and those fabulous Amazing Thanks Dies are all retiring at the end of this month - add them to your shopping basket whilst you still can - or maybe wait until 11pm this evening when the 24 hour free shipping promotion starts - you can read more about the free shipping promotion here!

I'm also linking today's card to the black, white and one colour challenge over at Color Dare and the current 'anything goes' challenge at Less Is More.

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. 

As a reminder, for our colour challenges, you must use all of the stated challenge colours. You may also use neutral colours; however, the challenge colours should be the most noticeable ones featured on your card. We use Stampin' Up! color names for reference, but you are welcome to use any other companies' products as long as you match the challenge colours as closely as possible.

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

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

AMAZING THANKS DIES (ENGLISH) (10.40)

PERFECTLY PENCILED 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (7.87)

MINT MACARON STAMPIN' BLENDS COMBO PACK (7.65)

STYLISH SHAPES DIES (28.00)

MINT MACARON A4 CARDSTOCK (8.75)

BASIC WHITE A4 THICK CARDSTOCK (8.25)