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Crafty Thursday #15: One Sheet Wonder! Featuring the New Online Exclusive Flowering Zinnia Suite

 


MARCH 2024 HOST CODE: T9DBMCCP

Hello Crafting Friends!

It’s been quite the day around here, with waiting on the big snowstorm to hit Denver. Thankfully, the hubby and I headed out yesterday and got on some staples. I made a nice crock pot full of sauce and meatballs (pictured on my Instagram) before I got started creating my 12 inch x 12 inch One Sheet Wonder. I think it’s a tad unique, if I do say so myself. 😉

I’ve been waiting to get into this suite…as of today, it’s unavailable, but fear not! It WILL be back in stock because it’s a hot seller! (ETA, end of April: Designer Series Paper is currently available, as of this post) The Online Exclusive Flowering Zinnia Suite has everything to make spectacular cards! I’ll show you a few others I made below. Let me show you what I created with this suite!

I don’t know why, but I’m a bit obsessed with Slimline Cards, and the minute I saw this paper, I knew I had to make some! I will link all products used at the end of the post. I’m hoping to get a companion video up on Friday (or later tonight) on my Facebook and You Tube pages to demonstrate exactly how I cut the Designer Series Paper. There’s very little waste, which is what I was aiming for…who wants to waste such gorgeous paper?! I used the sheet featured in the Stampin’ Up! stock photo. It was designed to make cards with little waste. I’ve already seen many beautiful samples online. But, I think I came up with a fun and unique pattern…

I had the dimensions for a normal sized Slimline Card, but I wanted to be able to use as much of the pattern on the sheet as I could. It wasn’t quite high enough to make the 9 inch long version, so I made a 6 1/2 in one! It will still fit in a standard business sized envelope. As you can see, I got to work cutting up the card stock, then I turned to the 12 x 12 Designer Series Paper. I had to use math *shudder* but I survived. The way my OSW goes, you get a total of SIX cards, three of the Short Slimline Cards, as I’m calling them, and 3 standard A2 cards. The cutting is a little unusual, which I why I will try to get that video up. I will explain it as best I can:

~ Start with your 12 x 12 sheet with the patterns to the left and right of the cutting blade. You will be cutting on the white space with this particular paper. 
~ Cut at 5 1/2. You’ll have 2 12 inch long sheets, one at 5 1/2 inch high and the other at 6 1/2 inch high. Set aside the taller one.
~ Cutting with the white space of the12 inch side across the top of the trimmer, slice this piece into 4 inch panels. These will be the front panels of the three A2 cards.
~ Take the taller piece, again with the white space of the 12 inch side across the top of the trimmer. Cut this into 3 1/2 inch panels. There will be one 1 1/2 inch piece left over. Cut this into three 1/2 inch strips. These will be the front panels and decorative strip of the Short Slimline cards.
To cut the A2 card bases:
~ Using 8 1/2 x 11 in card stock, cut in half on the 11 inch side at 5 1/2 inches. Score @4 1/4 inches.
To cut the Short Slimline Cards:
~ Using 8 1/2 x 11 in card stock, on the 11 inch side, cut at 7 1/2 inches.
~ Rotate the card stock and cut at 6 1/2 inches.
~ Rotate back to the 7 1/2 inch side and score @ 3 3/4 inches.
Other supplies needed are:
* Stamp set of choice
* Die cut or punched shape for your focal image
* Coordinating ink
* #6 envelopes for the Short Slimline Cards (link to envelopes.com I am not an affiliat 
You will also need some panels of Basic White for the inside of the cards; 4″ x 5 1/4″ for the A2 cards and 3 1/4″x 6 1/4″ for the Short Slimline Cards.
To assemble the cards:

~ Fold on the score line, “bump” side to the inside. 

Burnish with your bone folder. 
~ Add the inside panel with adhesive of choice (stamp first, if desired)
   ~ A2 card: add the front panel, centering so there is 1/4″ border on either side of panel. You will have to trim off a scant amount from the top or bottom, depending on how you want your image. Attach to all 3 bases and let dry (if using liquid glue) before trimming the extra. 
   ~Short Slimline card: add the front panel, centering for a 1/4″ border around whole panel
~ Add your focal image/sentiment and any embellishments.

I’d love to see your cards using this One Sheet Wonder! You can post them on my Facebook page, in the comments under the corresponding post to this blog entry.

Here are the ones I made using the Flowering Zinnia Designer Series Paper and some using the Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper. 

Thank you so much for stopping in! I hope you create some beautiful cards this week and bless others!

Barbara 

*any links provided are for my online store through Stampin’ Up! I earn a commission on any sales from those links.

*Please use the March 2024 Host Code at the top of the post when ordering. This helps me earn products to show you! If your order is above $150 in product, don’t use the code, as you will enjoy your own rewards! 

*If you’re interested in joining Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator or as a discount shopper, you’ll get $125 worth of products of your choice in your Starter Kit for only $99!. Email me for details!

Products I used in my examples:

Stampin Up! Colored Card stock, Petal Pink 146985 and Garden Green 102584 (Annual Catalog, pg 122-123)

Heartfelt Hexagon Punch 162888 (Jan-Apr 2024 Mini Catalog, pg 12)

Nested Essentials Dies 161597 (Annual Catalog, pg 165)

Perennial Postage stamp set 162598 (Jan- Apr 2024 Mini Catalog, pg 25)

Perennial Lavender 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper 162593 (Jan-Apr 2024 Mini Catalog, pg 23, linked above)

Flowering Zinnia 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper 163469 (Online Exclusive, linked above)

Sweet Sorbet 1/4″ Bordered Ribbon 162558 (Jan-Apr Mini Catalog, pg 9)

White 3/4″ Frayed Ribbon CLEARANCE ITEM!!! 158138

Adhesive Backed Shiny Sequins 163484 (Online Exclusive)

Brushed Brass Butterflies 158136 (Online Exclusive)

Iridescent Rhinestones Basic Jewels 158130 (Annual Catalog, pg 140)

Classic Stampin’ Pads, Garden Green 147089, Early Espresso 147114, Petal Pink 147108, Flirty Flamingo 147052, Berry Burst 147143 (Annual Catalog, pgs 122-123)

Crafty Thursday #14; A Look at the NEW Online Exclusive Products!

 Hello, hello, friends!

I THINK my internet issues, for the moment, are resolved, and hopefully I can hop on Facebook for a live to talk more about the new ONLINE Exclusives that are arriving at my door sometime tomorrow! 

Till then, let me show you sone wonderful new products that are out as of March 5th! Some are unavailable due to very high demand, but keep your eyes on the shopping site. You never know when they’ll come back. Stampin’ Up! releases a daily report on availability.

Two new kits which look to be great fun to create for all ages! The Your Day To Shine kit has 3 different cards, for a total of nine cards, and one set is the cutest 3 in x 3 in cards!

There’s also the Frog and Friends kit, from which you can make 6 absolutely adorable creatures!
There are a few wonderful bundles and suites to create wonderful cards and projects with. The A Little Latte Suite is going to be a big seller. Who doesn’t love coffee or have a coffee lover in their lives? The Designer Series Paper is beautiful, with fun patterns like coffee splatters, latte designs and more. Combined with the die set, you have all you need to make any coffee lover in your life happy! 

One of my favorites that is arriving tomorrow is the Flowering Zinnia Suite. I can’t wait to get creating with this beautiful and colorful suite! I am ready for spring, warm weather and flowers galore! The stamp set alone, with some matching ink pads and card stock will make striking, simple cards. See this video by Wendy Cranford, which has some terrific beginning stampers information. (Expected to be back in stock in mid-April…it was a BIG seller!)

                                            
Another nice bundle is the Happy Little Things Bundle. A set of nice sentiments and a set of two dies to make banners around some of them. It’s a great, all-around stamp set with or without the matching die set. I already have several ideas on variations of the card in the photo. (Returning March 25th)
Combine the Happy Little Things stamps with this amazing background stamp and you’ll have eye-catching cards, for sure! The Drizzling Droplets stamp will be another hot item!
The Sweetly Scripted stamp set is another one arriving for me tomorrow. Combined with my other pre-orders, I can create some fabulous cards. 
There are so many more terrific new products available. You can shop with me, and go to the Menu, scroll down to Shop Products, then choose Online Exclusives. Even better, if you sign up as a demonstrator, you’ll have access to all these great products- at a DISCOUNT!- early, so you can be creating sooner! When you join, you get $125 worth of product of your choice for $99 in your starter kit. You’ll then be able to shop for products with a 20% discount on all orders. You do not have to do videos, have a team or anything other than enjoy being a discount shopper. The only thing better than new Stampin’ Up! products are discounted ones! 😉
I hope you enjoyed this peek at some fun ideas and products to spark your creativity and bless others. Please look for me tomorrow on Facebook. Also join me there on Friday, April 5th at 1 PM mountain time for a fun class demonstrating a 12 in x 12 in sampler, and matching note cards. 

I hope you have a creative and blessed rest of your day!

Keep creating and blessing others 💛
Barbara 

In the Word Wednesday #14: A Look at Proverbs 6:16-19

Good morning, friends! So sorry for the absence, as we continue to experience WIFI issues. 
I’ve been reading through Proverbs monthly this year, and today I noticed these verses in a new light. 
🔴 Haughty eyes: this phrase relates to pride and arrogance. As we read through the account in the gospels of Jesus’s last week, we see the pride and arrogance of the religious leaders in their relentless pursuit of condemning Jesus.
🔴 Lying: how many of those around Jesus lied about Him? 
🔴 Hands that shed innocent blood: Jesus was falsely convicted. He was sinless; His innocent blood was shed.
🔴 Hearts that devise wicked plans: the religious and political leaders plotted together against Jesus.
🔴 Feet that make haste to do evil: all the people involved wanted it done quickly.
🔴 False witnesses: people were brought to Jesus’s trial who were paid to lie about Him.
🔴 Sowing discord among the brothers: the disciples certainly were arguing among themselves, as I’m sure others were also spreading rumors and lies.
I thought it was profound that these seven things that the Lord hates were all in play at the time of Jesus’s passion. 
I hope that you are having a blessed Lenten season. 
Till next time,
Barbara 🌻

Saturday Afternoon Crafting #1

Hello Crafty Crew! 

So sorry about my Thursday post…I’m having a hard time getting a short video made for the heat embossing technique to add to my post. I will get to it, I promise!
In the mean time, I had a nice afternoon working on some cards to share with you. The original design is from my great team leader, Stamp With Lorraine’s You Tube page. 
All products used are linked under the pictures.
 
Smoky Slate card base, 8 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in., score @ 4 1/4 in
Crumb Cake embossed strip, 1 in x 4 in, sentiment strip approx 1/4 in x 3 in
Early Espresso Ink Pad (used on all 3 cards)
Nature’s Sweetness 12 in x 12 in Designer Series Paper, 3 in x 5 1/2 in
Floral image cut from Nature’s Sweetness DSP
Softly Said stamp set (used on all 3 cards)
Basics 3D Embossing Folders, set of 3 (used on all 3 cards)
Blooming Pearls embellishments
Smoky Slate and Crumb Cake Card Stock available in Neutrals Card Stock Pack
(used on all 3 cards)
Crumb Cake card base, 8 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in, scored @ 4 1/4 in and embosssed strip, 1 in x 4 in
Hello Irresistible 6 in x 6 in Designer Series Paper, 3 in x 5 1/2 in and a small coordinating piece, 2 in x 2 1/2 in
Flowers cut from Hello Irresistible DSP
 Paper Pumpkin Leaf Die 
Blooming Pearls embellishment
Crumb Cake card base, 8 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in, scored @ 4 1/4 in, embossed strip 1 in x 4 in
Trusty Toolbox Designer Series Paper. a Sale-A-Bration $50 level reward choice
Hexagon embellishments, retired

I also made 2 slim line cards, which I think will be the subject of another post 😉 Here’s a shot of all of them together


   

It’s the final few weeks (through Feb 29) of Sale-A-Bration, and Stampin’ Up! added some other fun rewards! If you have a wish list of $50 in product, you qualify for some great choices! If you have a wish list of $100 or more, you have even MORE choices! If you decide to shop, please use my February Host Code*, below 🠟

I appreciate you coming by, reading, commenting, etc. Don’t forget to follow this blog and my other social media, all under Stampinopolous. 
Thanks!
Blessings,
Barb 
FEBRUARY 2024 HOST CODE: YH7YXNSK

*What is a Host Code?
A Host Code is how the “host” of the stamp class/demonstration earns products from purchases. When you shop for products I am demonstrating, I act as the host. By using the Host Code (you add it as you order) you help me earn products.
YOU can earn products, too, if you’d like to host a demonstration! YES, you can do a virtual demonstration! Message me for details!
If your order is $150 in product, you don’t add the host code, as you will earn your own Stampin’ Rewards!
Stampin’ Up! LOVES their customers and their demonstrators…and who doesn’t love free stuff! 😉

In the Word Wednesday #13: 1 Corinthians 13, the Great Love Passage

 *Image from Amazon dot com

Of course this passage is perfect for Valentine’s Day (rather, what the world celebrates; for information on the real Saint Valentine, see this article. It’s not all hearts, chocolate and roses.) It’s especially appropriate for Lent, which begins today.
I just finished reading the beginning notes in Tsh Oxenrider’s Lent devotional, Bitter and Sweet: A Journey Into Easter. Although I was raised in the Lutheran tradition, Lent was merely the beginning of the month prior to Easter. I have 6 pages of notes to prove it! It has an extensive and deep discussion about fasting, and I wish I would have read this years ago. I particularly love this passage:
     “God is not watching us with a scorecard; the practice (of fasting) isn’t about proving our worth or earning His love; it’s about remembering how dependent we are on the Living God while we live here in our temporary, fragile bodies. Imperfection is part of the deal.”

She also discusses giving alms and prayer, and some practical applications and tips for your Lenten practice. Why, though, am I mentioning all of this?
Because we need to remember: HE loved us first. We need to remember how He showed His love for us, and why we should love one another. 
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  1 John 4:7-11

Friends, if you get nothing else from my blog, I pray you would know the great love of God for you. Lent is a preparation time, the moving from the deep darkness of winter into the glory of Spring. The time where we acknowledge that we NEED a God who loves us, who wants us to know Him better, and to come out of spiritual darkness and into His glorious light.
May you have a wonderful, blessed time of preparation and enjoy this day with the God who loves you.
In His Name,
Barbara  

Crafty Thursday…WHAT HAPPENED?

Oh my, dear Crafty Buddies!!!

I was so tied up and anxious about my 2 live classes (one in person, the other on FB) that I FORGOT about Crafty Thursday! *slapping forehead*

I WILL continue this Thursday, Feb 15, with the post about heat embossing. And, I think I may, probably, WILL order some embossing paste and masks to show you that technique as well! 😄 That sounds like some fun to be had!

I hope you’re all well…we’re getting pounded again with snow here in the Denver Metro area. Bleh. I need some palm trees in my life. But, Most of the year, Colorado is such a beautiful place to be. 

Happy weekend, get inky and I will see you all next week!

Blessings

Barbara 

REPLAY Facebook LIVE 2.9.2024 Valentine Cards

Card measurements for all 3 versions:
Card base: 8.5 in x 5.5 in, scored at 4 1/4 in
Inside layer: 5 1/4 in x 4 1/4 in
The elegant card version has a red mat layer outside, which is 5 in x 4 in.
Designer series paper: 6 in x 6 in piece cut at 3 3/4 in. You will use both pieces. To make the 2 bee cards, cut 1 in from the 3 3/4 in DSP at the bottom. This makes the 1 in strip to put across the front. To see this demonstrated, please see the Stampin’ Peace with Mary Knabe video HERE. She uses a winter paper, but the technique works on ALL DSP! 
Please share if you made these cards, either for Valentine’s Day or any other card!
Thanks!
Barb 

In the Word Wednesday #12: Time

 

My beloved hubby has amassed quite the watch collection over the last 2 years. It all started with the smallest watch, next to last in line. It belonged to his father (Pops!) and he received it when he retired. Hubby has had it for years, but due to his very hands-on jobs, he rarely wore it. Now he rotates between all of these and the latest one that arrived yesterday (G-Shock Rangeman, in case you are wondering).

Time. We are obsessed with time; we live in less than 700 square feet and between our watches (yes, I have a few, too), phones, clocks and other appliances, we have TWENTY time telling pieces. 

I spend a lot of my time creating cards…and I finally got around to mailing a few out! 😉If I don’t take some time to write out a card, why make them, right? We spend time in church; do we take the time to serve in church? To show God’s love to others? I spend time cooking; do I take time to make extra to bless someone?

There’s a lot in Scripture about time, and how we choose to spend it. Time, for us, passes quickly and seems so short. It was only yesterday that I was 20…30…you get the idea. I can’t believe I can say, “I remember in 1975…” and it was decades ago! My oldest would have just turned 40 a few weeks ago, and my oldest grandkid is almost 17. What?

I mentioned above that my oldest would have been 40 years old…I never imagined that I would celebrate that day without her. We don’t know how much time we have with our loved ones. It is precisely the nature of our fleeting time that Jesus is concerned with. In many places in Scripture we’re told TODAY is the day of salvation. Take the time to listen to Him today. 💛

Blessings, my friends,

Barbara 

Crafty Thursday #13: Dry Embossing

*FEBRUARY 2024 HOST CODE: YH7YXNSK

Hello Crafty Crew!

There are a few ways to achieve texture on your cards. Adding elements such as ribbon, embellishments like rhinestones or pearls, layering papers or vellum. All of these are fun and add lots of pizzaz to a card.

Let’s discuss embossing. Embossing creates texture on the paper using either a pressure method (embossing and die cutting machine) or special ink and powders added to an image to enhance it (raise it up from the paper). You can also use decorative masks and embossing paste. So many fun choices!

I like dry embossing using different patterned folders to create patterns on your papers. You can use about any paper you have, including vellum. Vellum is a bit tricky, but it can be done. 

Here are some embossing folders that I have, some are made specifically  for the mini machine and all may be used in the big guy. My two youngest granddaughters, ages 6 and 2.5, love to emboss paper with me!

In these examples I left the cards fairly plain so you can see the difference the embossed piece makes. I used the same stamp set, Softly Said, for all of the cards. I just love the large sentiments and the distinctive brush stroke type font. I will add some ribbon or bling to them before I send them out. 

Adding an embossed background layer to a card elevates a simple design to elegant, especially if you use the same color. Using white-on-white somehow makes a card appear very elegant. (Sorry the Very Vanilla one doesn’t show as well)


Adding an embossed strip for accent can bring out other design elements used on the card.

Showing the difference between a layer of Designer Series Paper and an embossed card stock background. (I realized after I had already stuck the sentiment down with dimensionals that it should have been a horizontal card…ooops! Happy mistake!)

Now, with this last one, I got a wild hair, and not only embossed the card stock and the DSP, but I also die cut the sentiment from the embossed background layer! I know, I’m so crazy! 😅You have to stamp prior to embossing.

I hope you enjoyed this look at how embossed layers and strips can elevate your cards in just a few simple steps. Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Next week I’ll feature some embossing with powders. Below is a list of all products I used on these projects. You can find them all in my online store. If you don’t already have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I would love to be yours! You can contact me through the website or at stampinopolous@gmail.com

Thanks for popping in! Till next time stay crafty and get your hands inky!

Blessings, Barb

Did you know that the Bible says that Jesus is the exact imprint of the Father?

He (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. Hebrews 1:3, ESV

Read more about Jesus being the imprint of God here on gotquestions.org

*any links provided are for my online store through Stampin’ Up! I earn a commission on any sales from those links.

*Please use the February 2024 Host Code at the top of the post when ordering. This helps me earn products to show you! If your order is above $150 in product, don’t use the code, as you will enjoy your own rewards! 

*If you join Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator during February 2024 Sale-A Bration, you can get the Glass Mat Studio as a sign-on bonus for free. Email me for details!

Products used:

Basics 3D Embossing Folders (set of 3) 

Geometric Patterns Embossing Folders (set of 2, works with mini machine)

Stampin’ Up! Card stock: Blueberry Bushel, Gorgeous Grape, Bubble Bath, Basic White, Very Vanilla
Stampin’ Up! Ink Pads: Blueberry Bushel, Misty Moonlight, Pebbled Path, Gorgeous Grape