Welcome back everyone! Let’s mix it up a bit with the Hydrangea Haven bundle today. I love teaching different ways to stretch your supplies and crafting budget. We’ll be using the Hydrangea dies along with a couple of punches to create a stunning little bouquet.
Let’s break things down a little bit so you have the best info. Why? Well, we are in the middle of retiring the 2020-2021 Annual Catalog and launch a new one. There are things retiring, while some will carry over. First things first, the stunning Hydrangea Haven bundle is carrying over and with a 10% bundle discount!! That’s very exciting news.
I’ve also included a couple of retiring products. The Butterfly Duet punch is currently on sale at a steal of price, $7.20. In the embellishment category, the Gold Hoops will go as well. But they too are on sale, $6.75 for a package of 10.
We are super lucky, because the Jan-June Mini Catalog doesn’t retire until June 30th. That means the gorgeous Hydrangea Hill Designer Series Paper will be around a bit longer. But don’t wait, it will not be in the new 2021-2022 Annual Catalog.
Now, I’ll bet you’re asking, how did you create those sweet little flowers. Well, since the Small Bloom Punch is retiring, I had to find a replacement. Strawberry Builder Punch to the rescue. However, I do need to tell you that it has been a very popular punch. So much so, it is currently not orderable. A new shipment is expected to the Stampin’ Up! warehouse during the week of April 19th. (Fingers crossed!) Even better news, the entire Sweet Strawberry Bundle will carry over to the new Annual Catalog with the 10% savings. Woohoo!!!!
Ready for your FREE video tutorial? I know it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been with you. Unfortunately, I’m still battling my second bout of shingles. Back to the eye doctor tomorrow. Let’s pray for significant improvement so I can get back to the things I love. That’s sharing new designs and ideas with all of you.
Here’s how the magic happens.
Card Base – Thick Basic White CS – 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″, scored @ 4 1/4″
Mat – Gorgeous Grape CS – 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″
DSP Mat – Hydrangea Hill DSP – 4″ x 5 1/4″
Sentiment – Vellum CS – 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″, cut with the die from the Layering Circles die set
Flowers – Hydrangea Hill DSP – punch 7 flowers with the Strawberry Builder Punch; Highland Heather CS – 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ cut two strips of small flowers with the die from the Hydrangea die set.
Butterfly – Hydrangea Hill DSP – punch 1 small butterfly with the Butterfly Duet Punch
Leaves – Mossy Meadow CS – punch 5 images with the Strawberry Builder Punch
Welcome! Check out all my Dandy Garden Techniques. Hopefully, you will learn a new technique or two, that you can incorporate into your card making.
When designing today’s card, I knew I wanted it to have aged look. You know, like an old treasure map. Throughout the project, I’ve used Soft Suede to give that aged appearance.
Dandy Garden technique #1 is the use of Shimmery White Embossing Paste. The paste already has the glitter in it. Because I applied it to both floral images it gave them lots of texture and interest.
Did you notice the stained glass look of the dragonfly? This is another fabulous technique with minimal effort. Stamp the image on vellum, allow to dry. Then color on the back side of the vellum with your Stampin’ Blends. Tada, you’re a stained glass artist.
By using my blending brush, I was able to age the sentiment as well as the embossed circle. My suggestion would be to begin your blending brush collection. It’s the best way to achieve a soft blending on multiple projects.
By using one of the sheets in the Forever Gold Specialty Paper, I was able to give just enough shine and interest. It also anchors the design. Let me share with you how easy all these Dandy Garden techniques truly are.
Here’s how the magic happens.
Card Base – Very Vanilla CS – 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored @ 5/12″
Inside Mat – Very Vanilla CS – 4″ x 5 1/4″, stamp the sentiment and dandelion in Soft Suede. Color with Stampin’ Blends.
Mat – Pretty Peacock CS – 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″
DSP Mat – Forever Greenery DSP – 4″ x 5 1/4″, rough up the edges with the blade of your snips. Using the blending brush and Soft Suede ink, tone down the surface of the DSP.
Focal – Forever Gold Laser-cut Specialty Paper – select the leafy image shown
Greenery – Soft Sea Foam CS – one @ 2″ x 5 1/2″ and one @ 3 1/4″ x 5″, cut with the dies from the Dandy Wishes die set
Scallop Circle – Soft Suede CS – 2 1/4″ x 2 1/4″, cut with the die from the Layering Circles die set
Circle – Basic White CS 0 2 1/4″ x 2 1/4″, cut with the die from the Layering Circles die set. Emboss with the Tin Tile 3D embossing folder. Using the blending brush and Soft Suede ink tone done and highlight the embossing.
Dragonfly – Vellum CS – 3″ x 3″, stamp the dragonfly in Soft Suede, color with the Stampin’ Blends. Punch with the coordinating punch.
Sentiment – Basic White CS – 2″ x 1 1/2″, stamped in Soft Suede, cut with the die from the Stitched So Sweetly set. Using the blending brush and Soft Suede ink tone done the surface.
I would be thrilled to hear if you give these techniques a try. Step outside your comfort zone. I’ll bet you will not only learn something, but enjoy it thoroughly. Until next time, Create Something Beautiful!
WOW, the Circle Celebration set has so many possibilities. Today, I’m so excited to share two designs with you. Both have the same color palette. This shows off the versatility even more. Watch the dramatic change with just a different die set and a few techniques.
First up, the sweet Hello card. This will make a great thinking of you card. There are a couple of techniques, but the Circle Celebration stamp is the star.
Technique #1, emboss that designer series paper. This is such an easy thing to do. It will give your card extra texture and interest. The beautiful In Good Taste DSP has the perfect pattern to emboss with the Painted Texture 3D embossing folder.
Technique #2 on this one, spritzing that gorgeous Flowering Vine die cut. Drop 5 drops of the Champagne Shimmer Paint into a Stampin’ Spritzer with 70% rubbing alcohol. You’ve just made yourself Champagne Shimmer Mist.
Technique #3, use the circle celebration stamp to create a background for your sentiment. This one is easy and makes that sentiment shine. Let’s see what we’ve got in card #2.
Technique #4 is an oldie, but goodie. Ok, I’m sure you’ve heard of one sheet wonder stamping. Instead of stamping and entire sheet, I decided to stamp just one card front. Circle Celebration is a fabulous set to create custom colored backgrounds for any card type.
To create my focal image, I’ve used the new Brilliant Wings die set. I can’t resist putting those butterflies everywhere. They are just so beautiful.
Both sentiments came from the Happy Thoughts set. I see a pattern here. Just noticed I’ve stamped with that one in last few cards. I guess it’s my new go-to.
Here’s how the magic happens.
Card #1 – “Hello”
Card Base – Rococo Rose CS – 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″, scored @ 4 1/4″.
Mat – Smoky Slate CS – 4″ x 5 1/4″
Inside Mat – Basic White CS – 4″ x 5 1/4″. stamp the sentiment in Smoky Slate. Stamp the circle background, second generation, in Balmy Blue.
DSP Embossed Mat – In Good Taste DSP – 3 3/4″ x 5″, embossed with the Painted Texture 3D embossing folder.
Banner – Rococo Rose CS – 1″ x 5 1/2″, punch each end with the Banner Triple Punch, emboss with the Subtle 3D embossing folder.
Center Die Cut – Balmy Blue – 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″, cut with the die from the Flowering Vine die set. Spritz with Champagne Shimmer Mist.
Scallop Circle – Smoky Slate CS – 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″, cut with the die from the Layering Circles die set.
Focal Image – Basic White CS – 2 3/4″ x 5 1/2″, stamp the large image in Rococo Rose, punch with the 2″ Circle Punch. Stamp the flower image in Merry Merlot and cut with the smallest die in the Layering Circles set. Color the flower with Balmy Blue Blends. Dot the center of the small flowers in Balmy Blue.
Sentiment – Basic White CS – 1/2″ x 2″, stamped in Smoky Slate. Trim close. Balmy Blue 3/4″ x 3″, trim to fit a slim border around the sentiment.
Circle Celebration Card #2
Card Base – Rococo Rose CS – 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″, scored @ 4 1/4″.
Mat – Smoky Slate CS – 4″ x 5 1/4″
Inside Mat – Basic White CS – 4″ x 5 1/4″, stamp the sentiment in Smoky Slate. Lower right, stamp the flower in 1st & 2nd generation Rococo Rose. Upper left, stamp the starburst in Balmy Blue and the small flower in Rococo Rose.
Stamped Mat – Basic White CS – 3 3/4″ x 5″. Here is a sample of my stamping this mat.
Sentiment – Rococo Rose CS – 3″ x 2″ and Basic White CS – 1 1/2″ x 2 3/4″, cut with the dies from Stitched So Sweetly. Stamp the sentiment in Smoky Slate and the flower in Balmy Blue.
Butterfly – Balmy Blue CS – 1 1/2″ x 2″, cut with the die from Brilliant Wings.
Want to step up your cards to achieve the WOW factor? Today’s card is a lesson in layering. In my free video tutorial, I’ll show you three options using one card design. For now, let’s dive into my stepped up version.
Why not kick it up a notch when you can? By cutting a few extra mats, adding some dry embossing and repositioning elements you’ll master my lesson in layering. I haven’t used any dimensionals. I know, I’m shocked too. But, that’s one of the lessons, you can achieve dimension with layers.
Keeping my color palette soft and simple was important. I wanted all the layers to shine. Starting with the Peony Garden DSP, I chose Petal Pink, Basic Gray and Basic White rounding things off.
That super cute flower is from the Pierced Blooms die set. It has become one of my absolute favorites. It’s a twenty-five piece die set that is filled with stitched images. I think it adds so much texture, I can hardly stand it.
Because I used the Happy Thoughts stamp set, it was super easy to coordinate my front and inside images. I find that becoming my new go-to set. Ready for your lesson in layering?
Here’s how the magic happens.
Card Base – Petal Pink CS – 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored @ 5 1/2″
Inside Mat – Basic White CS – 4″ x 5 1/4″
DSP Mat – Peony Garden DSP – 3 3/4″ x 5″
Front Mats – Basic Gray CS – one @ 4″ x 5 1/4″, one @ 1 7/8″ x 4 3/4″, two @ 1 3/8″ x 4 1/4″ and two @ 2 1/4″ x 2 1/4″.
Horizontal Accent Band – 1 3/4″ x 3 3/4″, embossed with the Scripty 3D embossing folder.
Embossed Mats – Petal Pink CS – two @ 1 1/4″ x 4 1/8″, embossed with the Parisian Flourish 3D embossing folder.
DSP Stitched Square – Peony Garden DSP – 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″, cut with the 2nd to largest of the stitched squares in the stitched Shapes set.
Sentiment – Basic White CS – 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″, cut with the 2nd to largest of the stitched squares in the stitched Shapes set. Stamp the sentiment in Basic Gray.
Flower – Petal Pink CS – 1 1/4″ x 1 1/2″. Basic Gray CS – 3/4″ x 1 1/4. Cut with the dies in the Pierced Blooms die set.
Leaves – Gray Granite CS – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/4″, Cut with the die in the Pierced Blooms die set.
Ribbon – Silver Metallic Edge – 6″
Gems – Elegant Faceted Gems – various colors and sizes – 4
Welcome! I’m so excited to share my Vintage Butterfly Brilliance card. It is my first, but definately not my last, card featuring the Butterfly Brilliance bundle from Stampin’ Up!. This card was created for our WOW Team Card Swap. Wait until you see all the other fabulous cards my team created.
Butterflies bring a message of positivity and hope. Sometimes seen as a good omen, it can also be a message from your guardian angel. When a butterfly visits you, it can also be seen as a symbol for some new beginnings in your life. What do butterflies mean to you?
Don’t you just love it when Stampin’ Up! offers an early release. The Butterfly Brilliance bundle will be in the upcoming 2021-2022 Annual Catalog. Because it’s an early release, you can begin ordering March 2, 2021. However, the gorgeous Butterfly Bijou Designer Series Paper and the Natural Touch Specialty Paper are offered on a “while supplies last” only basis. Those two will not be in the Annual Catalog. Download the flyer with the all details here. Butterfly Brilliance Flyer
What do you do if you want all the butterflies? That’s easy, use the large die in he Brilliant Wings die set and cut out an entire sheet of butterflies in various sizes. Not only that, the die set includes six detailed dies to coordinate with the solid images.
My vintage Butterfly Brilliance card is filled with lots of elements and techniques. I love including lots of interest in my designs. This one is no exception. First, I knew I wanted to use the Lacy Petals dies to compliment the Brilliant Wings dies. I think it’s a little marriage made in heaven.
To give the flowers a little more of a vintage feel, I’ve added some touches of the Gilded Leafing. It’s an easy technique that packs a big WOW factor.
By adding two floral clusters to the card, it balances out the large butterfly in the center.
It’s hard to capture the sparkle in the vellum detailed butterfly, but I did apply wink of Stella. In person it is very dramatic. The Butterfly Brilliance stamp set doesn’t have any sentiments. But that’s okay, it gives you the opportunity to pick from any of your other sets to choose that perfect sentiment.
I’m very excited to teach you the techniques and tips in my vintage Butterfly Brilliance card.
Here’s how the magic happens.
Card Base – Bermuda Bay CS – 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″, scored @ 4 1/4″. Punch the bottom two ends with the Detailed Trio Punch.
Mat – Basic Black CS – 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″, punch all corners with the Detailed Trio Punch.
Frame – Basic White CS – 4 1/4″ x 6″, nest the largest die in the Ornate Layers set with the 3rd to largest die in the Stitched Rectangles die set.
Butterfly – Butterfly Bijou DSP – cut with the die from the Brilliant Wings die set.
Mat in the Frame – Butterfly Bijou DSP – 4 3/4″ x 3 3/8″
Detail Butterfly – Vellum CS – 2″ x 2 1/4″, cut with the die from the Brilliant Wings die set.
Flowers – So Saffron CS – 2 3/4″ x 5″, cut with the dies from the Lacy Petals die set.
Leaves – Mint Macaron CS – 5 1/4″ x 4 1/4″, cut 2 images using the die form the Forever Flourishing die set.
Sentiment – Basic White CS – 1″ x 3″
Accent Leaves – Forever Gold Laser Cut Paper
Inside Mat – Basic White CS – 4″ x 5 1/4″, punch the corners with the Detailed Trio Punch.
Very soon I’ll be sharing all the cards my WOW Team created with this stunning bundle. Stay tuned, you won’t want to miss it. Until next time, Create Something Beautiful!
Our December 2020 Hope Team Challenge was chosen by WOW Team Member, Paula-Kay Bourland. Here was her challenge for her fellow WOW Team Members. Since 2020 has been a really hard year for us all in lots of ways, let’s make a card that brings us hope and looks forward to a better year in 2021. It could be a thinking of you card, one with flowers that point to new life and growth, or simply bright, happy colors. Whatever makes one look forward to better days.
I think Paula-Kay Bourland nailed it. I know that when I saw her card it made me think of brighter days ahead. So now it’s my turn to CASE her card and try to do it justice. I did swap out a couple of things, but it all worked out in the end.
The star of the show is the Berry Blessings bundle. Did you know you can earn that bundle for FREE!!!! What a deal, a fabulous stamp set and an entire package of 12″ x 12″ designer series paper.
This Hope Team Challenge card made me think about my Spring garden and possibilities of many farm to table meals. We’ve got blueberry bushes in the backyard and I’m hoping for enough to bake my blueberry peach cobbler. That’s one of my husband, Terry’s favorite desserts.
Paula-Kay’s card requires minimal supplies. I changed up the sentiment image by using the Label Me Lovely Punch.
This set is a two-step stamping set, but is so easy to line up. I love that they produced it in photopolymer. Even with my old aging eyes it’s super simple.
Here’s how the magic happens.
Card Base – Night of Navy CS – 4 1/4″ x 11″, scored @ 5 1/2″
Inside Mat – Basic White CS – 4″ x 5 1/4″
Accent Band – Berry Blessings DSP – 4″ x 3/4″
DSP Mat – Berry Blessings DSP – 4″ x 5 1/4″
Focal Mat – Night of Navy CS – 3 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
Focal DSP Mat – Berry Blessings DSP – 3 1/4″ x 2 1/4″
I think Paula-Kay did an awesome job with her card and the challenge. Thanks so much for giving us an opportunity to hope and dream of better days in 2021. Until next time, Create Something Beautiful!
Place a minimum $50 order, use my code, and receive a FREE a package of the Metallic Pearls, $7 value, #146282, as a thank you from me. Do not use the code if your order is over $150, you will automatically qualify.
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The content in this blog is the sole responsibility of Susan Levasseur as an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. The use of and content of classes, services or products offered is not endorsed by Stampin’ Up!
