Create a Beautiful Easel Card with Horse & Sleigh Suite and Onlne Exclusive Products

 Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in today for my blog. Today I'm sharing a couple of cards my Stampin' Café Team got to create when we had a team gathering. I shared a couple of new and upcoming Online Exclusive products with them. These included the Timeless Charms Bundle and the Horse & Sleigh Suite. 

The Horse & Sleigh Suite of products and just so wonderful! What I really like is the One Horse Open Sleigh 6"x6" Desinger series paper. The snow scenes are beautiful and can be the main focal point of your holiday cards easily. 

This notecard is super cute with the polka dot DSP and the Radiating Stitched rectange. For this card, I used the Timeless Charm dies for the beautifully detailed flower die. There are many dies you can add your own creativity with with cardstock or DSP. Timeless Charm is a bundle with a stamp set and coordinating dies.

This card is special. it is an Easel Card. This will stand up to be on display on someone's special desk or table. I used all of the products in the suite. I stamped onto the beautiful pices of DSP and used the snow dies and the tree die. 

It's easy to create an easel card. For this card I cut a piece of Misty Moonlight at 4 1/4" x 11" and scored at 5 1/2" like a standard A2 sized card. Then I scored at 2 3/4 for the "flap" or front of card that the front panels will be secured to. For an easel card, you will want something that will stop the card from simply folding down. I used a 1" x 3 3/4" strip of Pecan Pie and and layer of DSP. I glued that to the bottom of the inside of the card. This acts as a "stopper". If you want the Easel card to stand up taller, simply make the inside "stopper" wider.

The colors in the One Horse Open Sleigh DSP include such rich and beautiful colors like Boho Blue, Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow, Pecan Pie, and many more. I used the Misty Moonlight and Pecan Pie as a pairing. They go so well together. You can watch my video on how I created this Easel Card and the techniques I used. You will also be able to see how to find the Online Exclusive products on Stampin' Up!. 

These new Online Exclusive products will be available to customers on July 6th. If you want them now, you can add them to a Starter Kit by joining my team with Stampin' Up! and get more products in your kit this month only. Remember that there is a 15% off sale on Designer Series Paper too, so you can get even more products for the joining special. 

Be sure to mark your calendar for July 6th to see what else might be available in additon to the ones I shared today. I can see a sneak peek of a couple of must haves that will be released on July 6th and they will get ordered so quickly, so be sure to shop right away to get a heads start to your holiday crafting. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Weekly Wednesday with Fresh Freesia new In Color

 Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for stopping in. Today I'm sharing a quick and beautiful card using the Plenty of Patterns Decorative Masks. This set of masks has four patterns to choose from. I decided to create a card highlighting one of the new In Colors, Fresh Freesia.

The five new In-colors are so beautiful in this year's Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog! All the products coordinate so well together like the In-color ribbon and gems. I used a Blending Brush to add color to the patterned mask. I really like this particular mask.

I used the Elegantly Said Stamp set for the sentiment and flower inside the card. This card was very simple to make, but turned out to have such a Wow! I love how smooth the color was blended on the background.

This is a great flower from the Elegantly Said Stamp set. It is a clear mount which means you can color right onto the rubber for so many different coloring choices. I was keeping with Fresh Freesia today, so I simply inked the stamp with that. It is beautiful!

The Five new In-Colors coordinate so well together. I love this Thinking of you Card! It's simply yet stunning! You can collect all the In-Color products with my In-Color Club. It's a great program to earn rewards. 

The upcoming June Paper Pumpkin kit is going to be awesome! It comes with two Stampin' Spots and supplies to create nine beautiful cards. It features several of the new In-Colors as well.

Here are the Details: 

• Kit contains enough supplies to create 9 cards—3 each of 3 designs—and coordinating envelopes.
• all-inclusive kit includes printed card bases, die-cut paper pieces, embellishments, adhesive, and more!
• Card size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (10.8 x 14 cm)
• Envelope size: 4-1/2" x 5-3/4" (11.4 x 14.6 cm)
• Coordinating colors: Bumblebee, Evening Evergreen, Fresh Freesia, Polished Pink
• As always, this month’s kit features an exclusive stamp set. But, this month’s kit also includes not one, but two Classic Stampin’ Spots!
• Comes in a cute, colorful, and collectible box.
• Coordinates with the Expressions in Ink Suite of Products

  You can get this kit by subscribing to Paper Pumpkin. There are many ways to subscribe, and I would suggest trying a 3-month prepaid subscription. You can try Paper Pumpkin for a time and you will love it and continue to subscribe. You will also earn Loyalty Bucks with a 3-month prepaid subscription.

 

Thanks again for stopping in. I hope you enjoyed my card today. Try out the decorative masks from the catalog. They can add instant wow to any project. Have a happy stampin' day.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe

Simply Succulents Specialty Class In-Person & To Go Options Available

 My first back In-Person Specialty Class is coming in May and I'm so excited that it will be one of the best specialty classes yet. The Simply Succulents Bundle Specialty class has beautiful projects using different coloring and embossing techniques. The In-Person Event takes place on Saturday, May 29th. You can see my event details. "To-Go" kits will be mailed on Friday, May 28th.

This is sneak peek of 3 of the 5 projects participants will make. There will be 4 cards and 1 gift packaging projects. Each project features embossing and/or coloring techniques and WOW appeal.

There are a couple of options to participate in this specialty class. Space for the In-Person event is limited as well as the number of "To Go" kits. This class relies on the Simply Succulent Bundle, so it is necessary to have this bundle.

Here are the details and registration choices:

• A. In-Person supplies only, $20 (includes supplies to create 5 projects with me, tutorial included)
• B. In-Person supplies + Simply Succulent Bundle, $75 (includes above + purchase of the bundle)
• C. To Go supplies only, $20+$4.00 shipping (includes cardstock, embellishments, tutorial to complete 5 projects. Does not include bundle or stamping, embossing, or coloring tools.
• D. To Go + Simply Succulents Bundle, $75+$7.95 Priority Shipping (includes C, plus the bundle. Participant needs to have additional coloring and embossing tools)

 

Registering for this class also includes a free package of Stampin' Dimensionals and 3 sponge daubers. Again space is limited for the In-Person event as well as "To Go" kits. 

If you are ready to reserve your space or "To-Go" kit, simply fill out the reservation form. It will explain payment options as well as reserve your kit choice. 

There are additional embossing and coloring tools that are required for the "To-Go" option. (In-Person participants can use these tools during class, but may wish to purchase for future use).

You can order any of these additional projects that are used for this class if you need. I would appreciate your orders. For this specialty class, you will receive Loyalty Bucks with the bundle option. I reward customers with Loyalty Bucks with every order of $25 or more. 

Ready to reserve your Simply Succulents Specialty Class kit? Fill out the reservation form ASAP to guarantee your space and/or kit. This is going to be awesome! Remember you will also receive a free package of Stampin' Dimensionals and 3 Sponge Daubers in your kit as well.

Thanks for joining me to get the details for this stunning specialty class with the wonderful Simply Succulents' Bundle. 

Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have. Hurry and reserve your space/kit soon before it's sold out!

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe'

Simple yet Stunning Sunday with Acetate Water Color Backgrounds Technique

Hi Everyone,

Today it's all about those stunning backgrounds that look like they took a lot of work and skill. No, not at all. It's simple to create beautiful backgrounds using acetate sheets with markers and water. 

I love how clean and stunning the backgrounds are. For this technique I used several Stampin' Write Markers in combination to get the background blended colors.

I think this card of the three is my favorite. I'm not sure if it's the color choices or that the retiring Positive Thoughts stamp set is one of my favorites. For this background, I used Magenta Madness, Highland Heather, and Crushed Curry Stampin' Write Markers. You might notice a splattering of color on the card as well. I take the brush tip end of the marker and the cap and "flick" the ink onto the card. I like when the splatter gets on the base of the card as well.

This card is also stunning! I used the Dragonfly Garden stamp set. This set has great sentiments. I love the stem of flowers. There are so many ways to use it. For this background, I used Misty Moonlight and Crushed Curry Stampin' Write Markers. I really like when the blue and yellow blend to create green as well. For the first card and this one, I accented with the Dragonfly Duet Punch and the Matte Black Dots.

This last card is the beautiful Butterfly Brilliance card. I wanted to show that you can use other colors than black for your images and create stunning cards. The background is very subtle on this card. I used Misty Moonlight and Crushed Curry again, but this time I really got the acetate very wet. This created a very soft and more faint background. The butterflies were stamped in Misty Moonlight ink. I also accented with the retiring Butterfly Duet Punch that coordinates with the Butterfly Gala Stamp set.

To see how I created these backgrounds, watch my video for details.

Thanks so much for stopping in. I really enjoyed creating these cards. For any of these products used or getting those last chance items, shop with me. I would appreciate your orders. You will earn Loyalty Bucks for every $25 you purchase.

I'd love to see what you create using this technique. Try it out and let me know how it goes. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe'

Finding Inspiration Friday with Simply Succulents by Stampin' Up!

 Hi Everyone,

I'm happy you stopped by today. I have been so inspired on my daily walks noticing all the blooming flowers and things. I also notice all my beautiful succulents enjoying the bit of warmer weather we have had lately. I decided that the Simply Succulents Bundle by Stampin' Up! is perfect for my inspiration post today. 

For this project, I used Thick Basic White for my card base. I have a layer of Mint Macaron cut at 5 1/4" x 4" After I used the Blending Brush on the die, I just the layer at 5" x 3 3/4".

I really like using the sponge daubers to add color easily. This also mimicked the blended background. Using daubers can add color quickly, so you don't have to spend a lot of time coloring. 

To see how to use the Blending Brushes or Sponge Daubers, watch my newest video.

I hope I've inspired you to notice the wonderful flowers and plants you see when you take a walk or drive. Take a notice at the trees too. The amazing array of shades of green is wonderful! Check back soon for details on my upcoming Simply Succulents Specialty Class that is being planned for May.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe

Simple yet Stunning Sunday with Two Wonderful Set Combinations

 Hi Everyone,

Welcome to my Simple yet Stunning Sunday post. Today I'm happy to share two wonderful note card sized cards with two of the stamp sets I really like that are on the Last Chance sale by Stampin' Up!

Two sets that I really like include the Comfort & Hope Stamp set and Loyal Leaves Stamp set. The Comfort & Hope Stamp set is perfect to combine with other stamp sets. It is very versatile. 

I used the White Note Cards with Envelopes for the cards I created today. It's so simple to have these for easy stamping. Just the note cards, ink, and stamps. This first note card was created using Crumb Cake ink. I love the neutral color. You can get different tones of the color by inking the stamp, and then stamping on a mat before stamping on the cardstock (also known as stamp off). 

To add that "stunning" look to your cards, be sure to add that touch of "bling" using the Champagne Rhinestones or the Basic Jewel Rhinestones. Depending on your ink choices, it's great to have more than one choice of Rhinestones.

One thing about simple stamping, is that you can create so many wonderful cards by just changing your color of ink. I created almost the same card using Seaside Spray ink. It really gives a whole new look. I cut the stem off the gingko leave by accident, but I think it works.  

You can check out my video and create along with me. I'd love to have you subscribe to my channel. 

Thanks again for stopping in. Be sure to check out the annual retiring products. Now through April 15th, you can earn double Loyalty Bucks on any purchases using the Hostess Code: CA9YKG2F at checkout. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe

Another Butterfly Brilliance Simple Stamping

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in this week for a mid-week post. I recently posted for my monthly sketch challenge for monochromatic cards. I thought it would be fun to create a super simple monochromatic card using the Butterfly Brilliance Stamp set. 

I just realized that I used Seaside Spray which is one of the 2019-2021 In Colors that is retiring. The Butterfly Gems are also retiring. And what's more, the Retiring list is being released today at 12:00pm (PT). So exciting!

I love using the Stitched Shapes Dies and Layering Ovals together. It helps to create the wonderful dimension to your cards.

Thanks for stopping in. Be sure to join me at 4:00pm (PT) on Facebook Live today for stamping fun. I will also talk about my favorite things that are retiring.

Happy Stampin'

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe'

Two Sensational Slimline Cards with Butterfly Brilliance Products

Hi Everyone,

I have 2 sensational slimline cards to share with you today. It is so fun to go outside of the A2 size card box. I wanted to show off the wonderful Butterfly Brilliance products.

There is something so sensational Butterfly Bijou DSP! There are 48 6" x 6" beautiful designs. There are 8 of each design, so that's a lot of butterflies you can die-cut using the Butterfly Wings dies.

Slimline cards are great either way you design them. This card has the butterflies floating towards the "Thank You" sentiment. This is from the Best Year Stamp set. 

You can create slimline cards to many measures. You would need to create your own envelopes or use standard 

Here are the measurements:

• Envelope measures 4 1/8" x 9 1/2" (standard)
• Base 8" x 9 1/4" 
• 1st layer 3 3/4" x 9"

You can see my video putting these cards together for more details. 

Thanks for stopping in today. I hope you are inspired to try something different than what you normally do. 

The Butterfly Brilliance projects are available now. If you would like to place an order through me, I would greatly appreciate your business. If you order a minimum $60 order you can get the Virtual Stamp Camp packet free. Any $25 order also begins my Loyalty Bucks program. Use the hostess code #UYSH7NDE at check out by March 15th for the free stamp camp packet.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Cafe

March Madness Virtual Stamp Camp

 

Hi Everyone,

I am so excited to share a wonderful and fantastic spring stamping event with you! It's my March Madness Virtual Stamp Camp.

Here are the details:

When: Saturday, March 27th on Facebook Live at Mary's Card Cafe at 11:00am (PT).

What: 5 stamping projects including 1 roll of Pool Party Sheer Ribbon, Playing with Patterns Resin Dots, 1/4 package of Playing with Patterns DSP.

Cost: $35 Registration Fee includes the supplies for the 5 stamping projects including all the additional products listed above. This also includes shipping. Participants will also be entered into drawings for big Stampin' Up! prizes.

How to Register: There are a couple of ways to register. 

• You can email me no later than March 15th, and request to register. I will then send a PayPal request for the registration fee. 
• You can also go to my events on Facebook and register directly through that event link no later than March 15th.
• Place a minim $60 order at my online store beginning today-March 15th using the Hostess Code # at checkout. You must use this hostess code to receive the stamp camp kit for free.

During the Event: Beginning at 11:00am (PT) I will welcome and begin the stamping fun. After each card completed, I will draw 1 to 2 winners for Stampin' Up! prizes like stamp bundles, color collections and more. *Only registered participants can win prizes.

Ready to Register? This is going to be such a fun event. Be sure to register by placing the $60 online order or contacting me on registering no later than March 15th.  This is the drop dead registration date so supplies can be ordered, packaged and shipping for the event. 

Additional Supplies: There are several stamp sets and other supplies I will use for the stamping projects. You can use similar stamp sets you already have, or maybe register by adding some of them to your $60 online order.

Thanks so much for checking out this wonderful event. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Remember the deadline to register is March 15th.

Happy Stampin' 

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe

Many Messages Meet Butterfly Bouquet Products

 Hi Everyone,

I am so excited to share several cards with you today featuring the Many Messages Bundle and the upcoming Butterfly Bouquet products. This was the theme during my weekly Facebook Live session. I hope you enjoy.

The reason I combined these products is because the Many Messages Bundle is all greetings, and the Butterfly Bouquet products are all butterflies. By combining these, I have all that I need for so many awesome cards.

For my cards, I began by embossing the Many Messages with white embossing powder onto black cardstock. Then all the messages were put into a bag ready to be used. This little message is perfect for this card. 

Let's talk about the Butterfly Wishes Dies! This card is a sampling of some of the dies included. I put a layer of the Butterfly Bijou 6" x 6" DSP behind the white die cut layer to be able to see through. These smaller accent dies are so cool!

This last project is so stunning! I combined black and Mint Macaron as my color choice based on that beautiful butterfly. I also combined the Fancy Phrases Stamp set to coordinate with this card. You can win the Fancy Phrases Stamp set by entering the card sketch challenge I recently posted on my blog. The Natural Touch Specialty paper is the cream colored layer. This comes in 12" x 12" sheets. The paper is also silky like the Pearlescent Specialty paper. It's beautiful!

All of these cards only had the Many Messages greetings stamps. All of the butterflies on the cards were die cut from the Butterfly Bijou using the Butterfly Wishes dies. This large butterfly die lines up perfectly for 6 butterflies at a time. Just like putting the Many Messages die cuts into a bag for future use, I also have a bag full of stunning and sturdy butterflies too. I can't wait to create more wonderful cards.

The Butterfly Bouquet products will be available beginning March 2nd and will go through May 3rd. The consumable products are available while supplies last, so you will want to order early in the available window. 

If you like these products, you could purchase the Many Messages Bundle for $50.25 and earn a Level 1 Sale-A-Bration items free. Here are the details.

January and February is Sale-A-Bration time. With a $50 order, you can choose one Level 1 Sale-A-Bration item FREE. The products I used today can help you earn rewards.

There are just a couple of weeks left to earn free products, so don't delay.

Do you want to place an order for wonderful new products? I would appreciate if it you choose me as your demonstrator. Use the Hostess Code #VZVAPTAV at check out. With a minimum $50 order, you choose one level 1 Sale-A-Bration item. Move up to a $100 order and choose two Level 1, or one Level 2 Sale-A-Bration item. You will earn "Loyalty Bucks" with me too. It's a Win/Win! 

Happy Stampin' 

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe

Make it Monday with The Paper Players Theme Challenge

 Hi Everyone,

It's time for another challenge with The Paper Players. The challenge is a theme challenge PP527 to create a card using hearts and/or stars. 

I had just the thing for this theme challenge. The January Sending Hearts Paper Pumpkin kit and Add-on kit had such great pieces and parts perfect for this challenge.

I just love the super cute snail with the heart shell! That piece and the greeting tag are part of the Sending Hearts Add-on kit. The white panel with the foil heart is part of the January Paper Pumpkin kit.

There are lots of other cards to see on The Paper Players post for the PP527 Challenge. You can also create your own card for the challenge too.  

There are still a couple of days to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin. The February Bouquet of Hope is wonderful! Instantly create 9 beautiful cards for sending special thoughts.

Thanks for stopping in today. I hope you check out all the great projects with The Paper Players and take time to create your own works of art with hearts and stars.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe'