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'

April, So Cool Paper Pumpkin by Stampin' Up!

Hi Everyone,

I am having so much fun creating with the So Cool Paper Pumpkin Kit by Stampin' Up! The contents of this kit are so colorful with the happy feelings of sunny days. I decided to focus on creating some alternate projects. 

The April So Cool Kit came with 12 cute shape cards to create. 6 watermelon and 6 popsicle shapes are so cute! There are also fantastic shaped stickers that you can see on my projects today. I absolutely love the glimmer paper shapes and pieces as well.

For this firs card, I took one of the watermelon card fronts to use as my focal point. It's the perfect birthday card.

I love this card! The colors in the popsicles are so sunny and warm. The popsicles are part of the stickers that are included. There are also watermelons, strawberries, and Kiwis. 

The precut banner pieces and glimmer pieces are included for quick and easy cardmaking. 

For this card, I wanted to use the cute stamp set with the popsicles and watermelons. I though Granny Apple Green would be a great summer color to use. I colored my stamped images with Stampin' Blends.

You can see what's all included in the So Cool Paper Pumpkin kit in my video. 

Thanks for stopping in. If you haven't tried Paper Pumpkin, I would really recommend trying it out. The 3-month prepaid option is the best! By subscribing with a 3-month prepaid subscription, you get a chance to see several wonderful kits. You also get a slight discount with prepaid subscriptions. Once subscribed, you can skip a month, pause, etc... You can also do the month to month subscription. I will also give you Loyalty Bucks with any of the pre-paid subscriptions. For every $25 your order, you earn 1 Loyalty Buck. Collect 20 Loyalty Bucks and you can redeem for $30 of any product. 

To get the Batter Up! Kit to begin your Paper Pumpkin subscription, you need to subscribe by the 10th of the month. Check out this fantastic upcoming kit! You won't want to miss it!

Thanks again for stopping in. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

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

 Hi Everyone,

Today I'm having a wonderful time crafting and creating. I have a Stamp set Spotlight for you using the Jar of Flowers set from the current Annual Catalog.

This was such a fun card to create! I loved the idea of having a little opening on the front and then more on the inside. The card base measure 4 1/4" x 11" scored at 5 1/2". The DSP is cut at 4" x 5 1/4". I then used the upcoming Contour Dies to die cut the 3rd largest die. The Basic White Layer is cut at 2 3/4" x 8" scored at 4". Then I trimmed 1/4" off the end. The White Crinkled Ribbon was colored with the Fresh Freesia Stampin' Blends. 

The splatter and sentiments are from the Color & Contour Stamp set coming in the new 2021-2022 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog.

I hope you enjoyed my card today with the Jar of Flowers Stamp set featuring some of the new In-colors. If you liked the colors I used today, you should check out my In-Color Club that begins in May.

Comment and let me know what stamp set would you like me to spotlight next. It would be fun to connect and see what I come up with for your choice. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe

Finding Inspiration Friday with Quiet Meadow Bundle + Sketch Challenge

 Hi Everyone,

I'm so excited when it comes to my Finding Inspiration Friday post. It is such fun to find stamping inspiration from what we see in the world. Today I'm sharing my inspiration from a beautiful comforter on my bed. It's also time for a new sketch challenge, so keep reading to find out more about your chance to create and win!

This card was so nice to make. I used the scoring board to give a quilt like pattern. I had a little mishap on the small flower piece. I did one of the score lines off, so it made all of them off. I still think it's great. 

Here is a picture of my quilt that inspired my card today. I absolutely love this quilt and the Quiet Meadow Bundle seems to match the quilt so well. 

This close up helps to see the crossing lines of the embossing a little better. Be sure to watch my video to see how I did the quilting technique.

I hope I've inspired you to find inspiration from the world around you. In fact, this is the theme for my sketch challenge this month. I would love to have you participate. 

Here are the Details:

1. Find an inspiration
2. Create a card inspired from that inspiration
3. Upload here, message me on Facebook, email or mail to me (message me for my address).
4. Have your card to me by Thursday, April 29th for your chance to win.
5. I will post and share all the cards and announce the winner on My Friday, April 30th post.

What will the winner receive? I will be awarding the winner a free package of the upcoming Genial Gems. I used them on my card and card from previous posts or videos recently.

Thank again for stopping by for my post today. I hope you get stamping and creating from your inspirations. I've added what supplies I used below, except for the products that aren't available yet until May 4th. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe

Join the New In-Color Club and Earn Great Rewards

 Hi Everyone,

Well the time is near for the May 4th Launch of the new 2021-2022 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog. I have a wonderful opportunity for you to get all 5 new 2021-2023 In-Colors. Once you commit to your monthly purchase of each group, you will earn a $20 credit and a free package of the new In-Color gems free. Participants will also receive monthly In-Color Inspiration ideas.

Every two years, a new group of In-Colors by Stampin' Up! brings a lot of excitement and inspiration. The new colors are: Polished Pink, Fresh Freesia, Pale Papaya, Soft Succulent, and Evening Evergreen. 

Here is your chance to get the five new In-Colors a little at a time to save your budget each month. 

Here are the Details:

• By the 15th of each month, for 5 months, place one In-Color order, which includes:
• Cardstock, stamp pad, Ink refill, Stampin' Blends, and ribbon for that color you choose for the month.
• This order, if you order just 1 color group of the listed products is $36.00 before shipping and tax.
• Use the In-Color Club Hostess Code when placing your order. This hostess code will be posted on my blog as well as emailed to you.
• Keep track of your purchases using the tracking sheet you receive.
• Your tracking sheet will be complete after your last In-Color purchase.
• Choose $20 of free merchandise.
• Upload, or mail the tracking sheet to me. 
• I will order and send out your free picks and In-Color gems. 
• Participants must place an In-Color order each month for five consecutive months. Free products are forfeited if an order is missed (if there is any issue in placing an order, contact me for other arrangements).

The In-Color club begins in May, so be sure to fill out the registration form right away. The first order will be due by May 20th. Shop at my online store.

I hope you are inspired as much as I am by these five new must have In-Color products. Contact me with any questions you may have. Do you need a new catalog? Simply request one and I'm happy to mail it right out to you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Cafe'

Finding Inspiration Friday with Timeless Tropical Bundle

 Hi Everyone,

Welcome to my Finding Inspiration Friday blog post. You picked the perfect time to stop in because I want you to think about using the world around you as inspiration for your crafting too. Today I was inspired by a bottle of fragrance spray that has a great logo on the front, and it's called "Tropical Treat". Well this is perfect for my card today. 

My card today is a bit like a floating frame design, but I lifted the whole frame and glued the leaves down. The leaves will overhang the frame. I simply cut those parts off so the outside of the frame is clean. Using the Just Jade and Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends is perfect for the leaves and flowers.

Now when it comes to the inside of the card, I used the Just Jade and Cinnamon Cider Stampin' Write Markers. These markers are water based, and that is what you need to color onto the rubber of the stamp. This allows me to have the trunk of the palm trees brown and the fronds green. I love my Stampin' Write Markers. 

Okay, here it is. This was my inspiration for my card today. I love the way the leaves go around the title of the spray. It also was a rectangle shape. When I was looking at this, I immediately thought of the Timeless Tropical Stamp set. 

Thanks again for stopping in. As you look around the world around you, I hope you find some inspiration. I'd love for you to share what you find.

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

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

Beautiful Color Combinations with Pretty Perennials Bundle

Hi Everyone,

It's an exciting day today. I am sharing several cards using the Pretty Perennials Bundle. I had a recent blog post using this bundle and then asked stampers to let me know what other color combinations they would like to see. So here they are (one combo is missing. I missed a comment by Christi, so I will create her color choices on my  Facebook Live on Wednesday, 4/7).

Marie's color choices were Poppy Parade and blues. I chose Seaside Spray. This is a retiring 2019-2021 In-Color. 

Nichelle chose Mint Macaron and Blushing Bride. I created this card similar in design to my original, but added a die-cut flower too.

Kathy B suggested Just Jade and Calypso Coral. This is such a nice combination. The DSP is from Flowers for Every Season 6" x 6" stack. This is also on the last chance sale while supplies last.

This is such a fun springtime creation! Bea suggested purple, pink, with green and yellow accents. Highland Heather, Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight and Pear Pizazz are all fabulous,

Kathleen wanted me to use Rich Razzleberry and Gorgeous Grape. I was pleasantly surprised at how well these colors work together. This is such a beautifully rich card. I'm not sure if this picture captures the color blended on the Scripty embossed white piece. The Scripty Embossing folder is retiring and available while supplies last.

Well I can't tell you how pleased I am with all the color choices that were suggested. Let me know which combination really speaks to you. I will also do another post to share Christi color choice that I haven't created yet. 

Have you seen all the wonderful products that are retiring? Many of them are also discounted. 

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