Stampin' Saturday, Create a Faux Quilt Square Card that Says Boo!

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in. Today I'm sharing some cardmaking inspiration on my Saturday Stampin'. I see so many creative projects and the Celebration New Year's card created by my friend, Susan really caught my eye. 

Susan's stunning card uses the Shining Brightly 12" x 12" Specialty Designer paper and the Light the Sky Bundle both found in the September-December 2023 Mini Catalog. There are so many wonderful products in this year's mini.

The layout of Susan's card reminds me of quilting, so I'm calling it the Faux Quilt Square card (even though it's not a square). This is created by using strips of the DSP to outline the central focus. I decided since I was created Halloween and fall cards recently, I would create a card using the Them Bones 12" x 12" Designer Series paper and a few other goodies from the mini catalog as well. 

Them Bones DSP is such a wonderful package of paper! There are so many great designs and the pages the have the image cards is wonderful! You can simply cut apart these cards and use them for a layer or in the center as I did on my card.

The added die-cut bats, ghost, and skeleton dog really made this card Boo!

To make this Faux Quilt Square card, you simply need some of your wonderful designer series papers, sentiments, and a paper trimmer. 

To Make This card layout: 

• 1" x 2 5/8" (x2) DSP 
• 1" x 3 7/8" (x2) DSP
• 4" x 5 1/4" (layer on Base)
• 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" (Base)

When you create this card, everyone you create will look so different depending on what DSP you decide to use. I'd love to see what you create, so do share. You can find more details on my video if you would like to see the card in action. 

Thanks again for stopping in. I've listed the products I used for my Stampin' Saturday inspiration. You can click to purchase any of these from my online store. 

Happy Stampin'

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Stampin' Saturday - Create a Beautiful Gratitude Journal Plus a Card to Match

Hi Everyone,

It is a crisp, fall morning and I'm so glad to do my Stampin' Saturday post with 2 great fall projects. I have a quick gratitude journal and a coordinating card to go along with it. The Autumn Leaves Bundle from the September-December 2023 Mini Catalog is so wonderful. I am so obsessed with the leaves that I can stamp and die cut as well as the dies that you die cut with colored cardstock for all sorts of wonderful cardmaking.

To make the gratitude journal, I picked up these already made small notebooks at the local craft store. They have 32 blank pages and a beautiful fall plaid front that's perfect for my journals. The black chalk label is also from the craft store. I love to look for things I can use to create quick crafting when I am making a lot of one project. 

About every three pages, I stamped one of the beautiful leaf images, so the fall feeling continues through the book. With the pages being blank, it is easy to simply jot down some thoughts about gratitude, but you can also list tasks or sketch out some cardmaking ideas. 

Because these journals were store bought, I wanted to share a way that you can create at home with the craft supplies you already have. I wanted to share a card that almost matches the front of the gratitude journal with all Stampin' Up! products.

For this card, I used the Sketched Plaid background stamp to mimic the plaid background on the journal. I then added some more texture using one of the stamps from the Gorgeously Made Stamp set with Crushed Curry. I also used Basic Black cardstock to die cut out the label from the Autumn Leaves dies and heat embossed with White embossing powder. I decided to add a bit more bling on the card by adding the Oxidized Copper veins on the leaf and an additional leaf.

I hope you enjoyed my projects today. It's fun to see what crafting things are at local craft stores and to think about how you can create similar projects with your Stampin' Up! supplies at home. You can check out my video for more details on these projects. 

I also have listed out all the supplies I used for my card project as well. when you shop with me in September, using the Host Code listed on my blog or clicking the shop with me link, 20% off all sales will go the a local Autism Advocacy Network as part of September "Give Back". 

Thanks again for stopping in, and be sure to give gratitude daily for all the blessings around you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Beginning Stamper? No Worries, I've Got you Covered

 

Hi Everyone,

I remember when I went to my very first Stampin' Up! party over 25 years ago. I was excited about all the wonderful products in the catalog that was shared and when the demonstrator shared some projects, I simply ordered everything she shared. Well needless to say, when I go my order, I really didn't know what to do with the things I purchased. I didn't have basic supplies to help me either. Fast forward 25 years later, and I have great suggestions on how to begin a successful crafting area, so you can have quick and easy success with cardmaking. 

There are four things that you need to get started and be able to create many wonderful cards for all occasions. Let's take a look at these four "must haves".

• Stamps (with a clear block too)
• Ink 
• Paper
• Adhesive

Stamps: 

If you start to explore stamps, you will become overwhelmed quickly. Remember, you want to be able to stamp easily and spend little money, but get a lot for what you spend. I would suggest looking for stamp sets that are all occasions, so you will get images and sentiments that can be used for a variety of occasions.

The Circle Sayings Bundle would be a fabulous beginning stamp set with a Circle Punch to add a bit more variety to the projects you create. This stamp set includes many sentiments that cover lots of occasions too. 

With all stamps, you will need a clear acrylic block. For the Circle Sayings Bundle, the "B", "C", and "D" blocks will work for all of your stamping. If you just want to purchase one clear block, you should order "D". This block will fit the largest image in the Circle Sayings Bundle and will then work for any of the others in the set. 

Inks:

There are so many types of inks, so it's important to get the right ink to support the stamps you purchase. The majority of the stamps in the Circle Sayings Bundle can be stamped with Memento Black ink. You can then add color with color pencils or markers you may already have on hand. If not, I would suggest a set of Stampin' Up! Watercolor Pencils. They are so nice and you can color smoothly with them. 

If you like a bit more color, you can also purchase a collection of Stampin' Spots. These are small ink cubes in a variety of colors. This is a great way to get a taste of colors and create projects quickly without taking time to color. These are cost saving and don't take up much room.

Paper: 

One of the wonderful things about Stampin' Up! is that they have such perfect color coordination. You can get colored cardstock that matches the ink and matches the accessories and embellishments. To start your cardmaking, you many want to purchase the Cards & Envelope packs. These come in Basic White or Vanilla. These packages have 20 precut and scored card bases and envelopes. This is perfect for a beginning stamper. You don't have to have a paper cutter or storage for all sorts of color cardstock. If you want a little more color to add to add to your notecards & envelopes, you can purchase one package of a cardstock variety pack or a package of designer series paper if you want. 

Adhesives:

Just like the other products I've taked about, there are many adhesives to decide on. If you begin with the note cards & Envelopes, you won't need any adhesive to create great cards. If you want to add a layer onto the note card or punch out your image to add to the card, you will want adhesive. I would suggest the Mulit-Purpose Liquid glue to start with. You might want to also add a package of Stampin' Dimensionals to add a bit of interest and pop up an image. 

I hope that my suggestions have made it easy for you to get started in cardmaking and having success. I've listed the products below for easy shopping. Be sure to reach out if you have any questions or would like some card ideas for your purchase. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Saturday Stampin' with Winter Owl Week #3

 

Hi Everyone,

THanks so much for stopping in today. I've created a third card in three weeks with the Winter Owls Bundle. I love owls and birds and the dies have so many possibilities.

The card I've created today is a techique called a book bind card. Simply scoring two lines an inch apart creates this "binded" edge. Here are the measurements of my card:

• Misty Moonlight base: Cut 4 1/4" x 11", Score at 5 1/2" and 4 1/2". You can score 5 1/2" and 6 1/2" too. It really doesn't matter.
• Cut another piece of Misty Moonlight at 4" x 4 3/8" for the forest layer
• Strip of Misty Moonlight for sentiment
• Cut a piece of Basic White Cardstock at 4" x 4 3/8" for inside of card
• Thick Basic White for die-cutting the detailed owl die and moon
• More Dazzle Specialty paper for the wings

You can really see the texture detail in the More Dazzle specialty paper. This is perfect for the additional layers of the wings. 

This card is also a Monochromatic card. This means you are keeping mostly to one color and varying degrees of that color. I love the look of Monochromatic cards. You can watch my video to see how I put the card together to create the binded edge with the ribbon. 

Thanks again for stopping in for the third card using the Winter Owls Bundle coming in the September-December 2023 Mini Catalog. It releases for customers on September 6th. If you don't have a demonstrator, I would like to have you as part of my Stampin' Café friends. Check out my social links and weekly Facebook Lives. Want a copy of the new mini catalog? Fill out this form, so I can get one out to you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Festive Tags - Kit with Me Class (You don't want to miss this one)!

 

Hi Everyone,

I know it's quite early to be thinking about the holidays, but you know that retail stores are in full swing, so I thought it would be the perfect time to highlight the new Festive Tags Kit by Stampin' Up! This consumable tags kit is filled with so many wonderful images, colors, and embellishements. It's also on sale for $11.70 through August. 

This kit has enough supplies for you to make 15 tags (3 each of 5 designs). I know that I won't be using 15 tags, so I decided to create a "Kit with Me" Class in September. You can participate in this class In Person or To Go. All you need to do is to purchase the Festive Tags kit and have that with you at the In Person Event or at home with you for the To Go Option. August is the Stampin' Up! Kit sale, so purchase your kit today before they sell out. Here are the details for this class.

• Class A option includes:
• Supplies for 5 cards, 3 packaging, and the rest tags using your Festive Tags kit and additonal supplies from me.
• "In Person" in my workshop room on Sunday, September 24th at 1:00pm (PT)
• Cost is $10 + your Festive Tags Kit during the event
• Class B Option includes:
• Same supplies for option A
• "To Go" Option to complete projects at home with a video tutorial
• Cost is $10 + your Festive Tags Kit 
• $6 shipping fee

To reserve your seat or "To Go", simply continue to fill out the registration form by September 15th. Reminder that the In Person class is on Sunday, September 24th at 1:00 pm. I will ship "To Go" packets on Monday, September 25th. Deadline to register is September 15th. 

I hope you are ready to kick off your holiday crafting with my "Kit with Me" class. I love the projects I've created to share with you. If the Festive Tags kit becomes unavailable, check with me. I do have extra kits and you can purchase from me if needed. 

Below you will find a list of supplies that you will need to have for the To Go option. You can order any of these supplies when you order the Festive Tags kit. Links are provided for easy shopping. 

Thanks again for stopping in. Be sure to come back soon for more stamping ideas and specials. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

September to December Mini Catalog Paper Share

 

Hi Everyone,

My favorite thing to do when the new Stampin' Up! publications are available for demonstrators to view, I go right to the Designer Series and Specialty papers. The Stampin' Up! artists create such beautiful designs and textures. 

To purchase a package of every paper offering, you would be spending $150. Add on 10% shipping or more and tax. You are looking at around $180! Yikes!

You may have participated in my paper shares in the past. I will order and cut all of the paper offerings and package into 6" x 6" DSP packages. These packages will be labeled with the name and colors of the designer series or specialty papers. Below lists the details of what you will receive.

Paper Share includes: ($45 + $9 Shipping) 

    1.    A Walk In The Forest (12 sheets)

    2.    All About Autumn (12 sheets)

    3.    Beary Christmas (12 sheets)

    4.    Garden Walk (12 sheets)

    5.    Joy Of Christmas (12 sheets)

    6.    Merry Bold & Bright (12 sheets)

    7.    O' Holy Night (12 sheets)

    8.    Them Bones (12 sheets)

    9.    Winter Meadow (12 sheets)

    10.    Melon Mambo & Granny Apple Green Foil Sheets (4 sheets)

    11.    Glow In The Dark Specialty (2 sheets)

    12.    Joyful Specialty (8 sheets)

    13.    Oxided Cooper Specialty (4 sheets)

    14.    Shining Brightly Specialty (6 sheets)

    15.    Snowflake Magic Specialty (6 sheets)

You will be receiving a quarter package of each paper listed. When you participate in my paper share, you will receive 2 Café Coin rewards. You will also receive a FREE package of the Adhesive-Backed Star Trinkets. 

Ready to reserve your Paper Share package? Simply fill out my Paper Share Form to reserve your Paper Share. Reserve your share no later than September 1st. I will invoice your once you sign up and payment must be received by September 4th in order to receive a share. 

Earthen Textures Specialty Class Now Open for Registration

 

Hi Everyone,

It's time to offer another Specialty class filled with wonderful products and projects. I offer Specialty Classes each month. You receive Stampin' Up! products to use with several cards created for the class. These classes fall on the last Sunday of each month for In Person participants. I then mail out the kits the following Monday for To Go participants. Here are more details for the August Specialty Class.

My Earthen Textures Specialty Class is scheduled for Sunday, August 27th for In Person Participants. To Go kits will be mailed on Monday, August 28th. Each particpant will create 6 cards (2 each of 3 designs). There is also a 7th project, but that is a surprise and I don't share what it is. This 7th project is usually a home decor' project or gift giving project.

There are different options for the Earthen Textures Specialty Class. You can register for the card kit only, or add the Earthen Textures Bundle to your card kit. You will need the Earthen Textures Bundle for the projects or have something similar to use.

Here are all the details on class options

• Class A option includes:
• 1/2 package of the Earthen Elegance Designer Series Paper (DSP) 
  
• 1 package of the Natural 1/4" Wavy Trim
• Supplies to create 6 projects (2 each of 3 designs) + a bonus mystery project
• Cost for this class is $30 for in-person class + $9.50 Flat Rate Priority Shipping for the "To Go" option totaling $39.50.
• Class B Option includes:
• All the supplies in option A + the Earthen Textures Bundle $94 + $9.50 priority shipping for the "To Go" option. 

To reserve your seat or "To Go", simply fill out this form. Reminder that the In Person class is on Sunday, August 27th at 1:00 pm. I will ship "To Go" packets on Monday, August 28th. Deadline to register is August  19th.

There are additional supplies that will be needed for To Go Participants. I've listed these products below for easy shopping. You will need these products to complete the projects in the card kit. Participants will also receive a PDF tutorial

Be sure to register right away for the Earthen Textures Specialty Class. In Person seats are limited and there are just a few To Go Kits, so don't delay! 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

I Have Some Great Ideas for the July Bonus Days + More Rewards

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in today. I wanted to take a little time to talk about the fabulous July rewards for shopping! It's Stampin' Up! Bunus Days in July. For every $50 you spend, you earn $5 bonus coupons to redeem in August. If that isn't enough, I'm adding my own reward. It's also double Café Coin rewards when you shop with me.

I thought if you haven't taken advantage of these rewards yet this month, I would share a few of my favorite products with you. First, I wanted to share my Earthen Textures projects with you. This is a fabulous bundle, but even better suite of products which includes the Earthen Textures Bundle, Earthen Elegance 12" x 12" DSP, and the Naturals 1/4" Wavy Trim. The Bundle is $54.75. This will get you one $5 bonus coupon. The suite is $74.25. I would get the suite, and add a package of Adhesive Sheets ($11.50), a package of the Neutrals Adhesive Backed Sequins ($7.50), and a package of the 2023-2025 In-Color 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" Cardstock assortment ($10.00). This will earn two $5 bonus coupons and great supplies for wonderful stamping.

You might also be interested in participating in my Earthen Textures Specialty class in August. This is an In Person class and a To Go class if you are not local. You can get more information on my website.

For this next idea, I used such a beautiful designer paper. It's called Inked Bontanicals 6" x 6" DSP. This paper coordinates with the Inked and Tiled stamp set. Again, you can purchase the Inked and Tiled Bundle ($60.25) and earn one $5 bonus coupon, or purchase the suite which includes the Inked Botanicals DSP and the Lost Lagoon 1/4" Bordered Ribbon ($80.25). To earn two $5 bonus coupons, you could add a package of the Brushed Brass Butterflies embellishements ($10) and a package of Notecards & Envelopes ($8.00). Throw in a package of dimmensionals and you're there.

I hope these ideas have sparked you creativity and have you shop with me. When you do this month, you are going to earn double Café Coin rewards. When you shop with me, you earn one Café Coin for every $25 you spend. With this promotion, you will earn two Café Coins. With the Bonus Days, you earn the $5 bonus coupon with a $5o order. You will earn four Café Coins too. You can find out more about Café Coins on a previous blog. 

Thanks again for stopping in. I hope I gave you some great ideas on how to collect your $5 bonus coupons and double Café Coins. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

 

Get Crafting each Month with my Make a Card/Send a Card Groups Forming Now!

Hi Everyone,

I'm so glad you stopped by today. I'm sharing all about the Make a Card/Send a Card groups that I organize throughout the year. The groups for spring/Summer are coming to a close and it's time for the fall/winter groups to form. Being part of this group is a great way to use your crafting supplies consistantly, and to have your creativity boosted when you receive cards back. I'll get to more details later in this post.

The cards I've created this month are so beautiful! I create for more than one group, so I look for ways to make my work easy and quick, but continue to share stunning cards. This is really easy with the beautiful Stampin' Up! designer series papers. I used the Inked Botanicals 6" x 6" DSP. For the Make a Card/Send a Card groups, you join one group and create 6 cards to send to 6 people by the 6th of each month for 6 months. See the pattern here? :)

For my cards, I used a store bought cards and envelopes pack at a clearance price. I bought this quite a long time ago. Whenever I'm out in craft stores, I always look for some great clearance deals that I can include with my crafting or help my daughter craft for all her friends. Of course, the quality of these products are nowhere near the high quality of Stampin' Up! products, but you can add to them and transform your project into a great finished product. 

I just love the floral border card front. Since I was making so many of these cards, having this premade card base was a time saver for sure. The die cut floral panel was already finished, so step one complete!

The fun part of this card, was using the beautiful Inked Botanical 6" x 6" DSP. One thing I love is monochromatic stamping (one color or shades of one color). There is something so clean and calming with this. I gave my card a stronger base by adhering the DSP to a piece of Basic White cardstock and then adhering that to the card front. I then used the Darling Details Dies and the Something Fancy Dies for the label and flowers. The cards were finished off with sentiments from the Charming Sentiments Stamp set. 

I'm not sure which color I like best. The colors are Calyso Coral, Lost Lagoon, and Daffodil Delight. I like them all so much that I can't decide on just one. The upcoming Make a Card/Send a Card groups will begin in September and run through February. When you sign up, you will recieve a list with the names, addresses, email, and birthday of the 6 people you will share cards with each month. 

Make a Card/Send a Card Group Details:

• Make 6 cards for the people on your group list (does not have to be all Stampin' Up! products. This is time for creativity and using your crafting stash).
• Send these 6 cards to the people on your group list by the 6th of the month.
• Continue to create to send your cards by the 6th of the month for 6 months.
• This group runs from September through February.

 If you would like more details or would like to sign up, fill out my Make a Card/Send a Card form by August 15th. This will give me time to organize the groups and get your group information sheet out to you, so you can create for your first month of cards. 

The Bonus Days promotion is happening now. You can double your rewards when you shop with me by collecting double Café Coins this month to go along with the $5 coupons you earn when you shop. If you are thinking of joining the Make a Card/Send a Card group, this is the perfect promotion for the cardmaking supplies you may want to stock up on. I have all the details on another blog post you can check out.

Thank you again for stopping in today. Which of the colors is your favorite with my cards? I'd love to chat. Be sure to reach out if you have any questions or stampin' needs. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

It's Christmas in July with Bonus Days and Double Café Coin Rewards

 

Hi Everyone,

Happy Holidays in July! It's that time of year when Stampin' Up! offers those wonderful $5 coupons when you shop in July to redeem in August. Starting on July 6th, when you shop and spend $50, you will get a $5 bonus coupon. You can collect as many as you would like. Here are the important details for this promotion.

Having Christmas in July is so much fun. I've decided to add to the fun by offering double Café Coin rewards. For every $25 you shop with me in July, you will earn 2 coins instead of 1. $50 equals 4 coins and so on. You can get more details on the Café Coin Rewards from another blog post I published. Just remember that you will earn double coins in July. 

The Bonus Days promotion begins on July 6th. This is the same day that new Online Exclusive products will be released. There are some fantastic seasonal products arriving for that perfect holiday stamping in July! You can check out my YouTube Channel for some of my sneak peek videos.

Not sure what you might like to order in July? One of my favorite things is the Inked & Tiled Suite of products. I just love the sketched style of the stamp set and the beautiful Inked Botanical DSP. 

Thanks again for stopping in to find out about the Bonus Days Coupons and Double Café Coin Rewards. It's going to be a fabulous shopping and earning month. Join me for my Facebook Lives each week and follow me for more stamping ideas.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café