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

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

Join + FREE Bundle with Stampin' Up! Starter Kit Ideas

When I joined Stampin’ Up! Over 25 years ago, I didn’t get to choose whatever I wanted. Boy times have changed, and I love that you now can choose any of the products that interest you. This is great, but it can also be so overwhelming to decide what to choose. Now with $125 of product for $99 you can add even more. Now through September 30th you can choose 1 of 12 new bundles FREE.

DEMONSTRATOR BENEFITS

• Get 20%–25% off all Stampin’ Up! products.
• No “Selling” necessary…. unless you want to
• Earn additional income based on your sales and recruiting–just how much extra income is up to you.
• Set your own schedule and put in as much (or as little) time as you’d like.
• Get support through online training resources, a quarterly magazine, events, and a demonstrator-only online community with thousands of project ideas.
• Access to regular promotions, giving you an opportunity to contact customers.
• Opportunity to earn incentive trips.
• Chance to learn creative tips and techniques, share ideas, and meet new friends who love paper crafting as much as you do!

These are the products I would suggest in your starter kit. I am working with an idea that you may not have many crafting supplies. If so, you can also change out any of my suggestions with your own.

By joining my Café Team, you will join a wonderful group of paper crafters. I will support you at any level you choose to participate in too. Most of my friends are hobby demonstrators and love to get their personal discount. I can support all levels of demonstrators. Contact me today to answer any questions or help you with the joining process. Maybe you are all ready to join. If so, join my Cafe' Team.

I decided to choose a couple of stamp sets that you can use the Stampin' Write Markers to color onto the images before stamping. This is a great way to start and not have to have so many different stamp pads. The two stamp sets I chose also have various sentiments that can be for many different occasions during the year. Click here to download a PDF of these products.

Now if you have adhesives, cardstock, but you don't have much in the way of inks or stamp sets, I've created another suggested starter kit just for you.

This suggested list gives you a wonderful assortment of the Soft Subtle color grouping. This is perfect for the spring and summer months. The stamp sets are chosen for a bit of masculine and feminine feel. A good sentiment set is also included for quick and fun cardmaking. Click here for a PDF of these products.

I hope these suggestions help you decide that becoming part of my Café Team would be great (because it is). Remember you can substitute any of the products suggest, but you cannot go over $125 even by a penny.

Remember this joining promotion is from August - September only, so don't miss out on the FREE Bundle pick. Contact me with any help you may need. I can't wait to have you as part of my Cafe' Team.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Card Café

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

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'

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