Double Your Cardmaking with Layering Dies + A Freshly Make Sketches Layout

Hi Everyone,

I'm so glad you have stopped by for my blog today! I have a great tip to share on doubling your cardmaking with layering dies. The two cards I created came about when I layered two of my Thoughtful Expression dies onto Silver Foil paper and die-cut them out at the same time. When you do this with any of the layering dies, you will get a frame cut out and then the solid inside piece. 

My cards today are also for the Freshly Made Sketches #662 blog challenge for the week. It's so fun to create for a sketch. So much time is saved when you use a sketch to create. Today is a 2 for 1.

If you haven't seen the Reindeer Days products, you are missing out. Everything from the stamp set and dies to the designer series paper and embellishments are wonderful! The Reindeer Memories Sticker Sheet was used as my focal points and images. In fact, I didn't even pull out any inks or stamps today. 

This first card used the solid die-cut when I layered the dies. I love that it is a solid glimmer behind that awesome deer stringing up the lights on the tree. How about that designer series paper! Those Reindeer as super cute. 

This card is the same layout as the first one, but it is using the "frame" that was created when you layered the dies when diecutting. I love this being used as a "wreath". 

Aren't the Reindeer Memory Stickers just fabulous? I am blown away by the artistry!

You can check out all the Freshly Made Sketch #662 entries for more fabulous projects. Watch my video for more details on how to layer your dies to get double the cardmaking fun!

Until Next Time...

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

12 Cards + a Bonus Project Double Wonder/One Sheet Wonder Recap

Hi Everyone,

I'm not sure how I managed to take this selfie and hold those 12 fabulous holiday cards from my Double Wonder/One Sheet Wonder Holiday Style class. Creating card classes is one of my favorite things in my stampin' Café. Yes, it can be a lot of work once you design the projects to prep, sort, and have class packets ready, but once everyone is together, all that hard work is all worth it. 

This Double Wonder class was the second one I designed. The first one was with the Frames & Flowers Specialty Mix and Math papers. It was a really nice class both in person and to go. This time, the A Little Bit Festive Specialty Mix & Math paper just blew me away and I knew right away that I wanted to create another Double Wonder class with it. What does Double Wonder mean? You choose 2 of the sheets of DSP. Then you cut them to 6" x 12". When you create your projects, you will put the two designs of the 6" x 12" together. This gives you lots of variety in patterns for your projects. 

The first two cards are the "book binded" cards. They open like a book. the "spine" is glued after the ribbon is run through to mimic a book.

The next set of 4 cards included these wonderful cards. Two pieces of -4" x 3" DSP were cut on the diagonal to get four triangles. From there is was just time to get creative. It was so easy with all the wonderful Mix & Match ephemera pieces. 

These cute cards were created using two pieces cut at 4" x 3" from the DSP. In a Double One Sheet Wonder class, you create multiple of the same design. I really wanted to show the versatility when creating cards. I also couldn't resist making a "stand up" card with the super cute bear.

The next two cards are part of section C from the template. These are Gatefold Cards. Gatefold is usually like a 2-sided gate that opens. these are "off set" Gatefold cards. Can you tell why?

The last two projects were created using the bits and pieces of DSP that were left.

It's really hard to pick favorites, but I really like this last card. It may be my favorite next to the "stand up" card. Which cards are your favorite? I wanted to include my layout for this Double One Sheet Wonder class that I designed. Feel free to try it out and create your own set of fabulous cards. 

Here we are after we created all 12 projects. Oh, I almost forgot the bonus project. I always include a bonus project in my specialy classes. This goodie bag uses one of the Mix and Match card layer pieces. We diecut out just part of it for this pretty tag. What's inside the bag? Peppermint Pattys of course.

One of the best things about this class is the creativity and fun that my friends had. Here are a few of their projects.

Brenda and Bry created two really great cards having fun putting their own creative spin on cards.

I was so glad when Pam used that cute stocking ephemera on her gatefold card. When designing this class, I just couldn't make it work.

Julie really enjoyed going through all the parts and pieces of the Mix and Match pieces. Everyone who participated received a stamp case to store all those pieces. Both of the cards are ones that she created. I like that her gatefold card is horizontal.

Wow, that was quite a full blog of fun and creativity! I hope you enjoy all the projects I am sharing. Try out the Double Wonder One Sheet wonder template. Share your creations or let me know how it all worked out for you. Interested in my classes and events? Check out my website for opportunities. 

If you are hoping to use the A Little Bit Festive 12" x 12" Specialty Mix & Match papers, well it's unavailable right now. The paper is estimated to be back October 14th. I'm going to be giving away a package of the paper, so be sure to comment on my blog and let me know which card (s) you like best. One lucky winner will be chosen on October 12th. 

Until Next Time..

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

 

Lovin' Kits by Stampin' Up! Who are They For? Everyone From Beginner to Avid Crafters

 

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in today. Maybe you are popping in from my Kickin' it with Kits YouTube upload or simply following my blog. I appreciate everyone who shares in my creativity. Today I'm sharing some alternate projects I created with the Expressions of Kindness Kit.

Stampin' Up! Kits are great! They are all inclusive and you don't need additional supplies to create with them. I loved the design of this kit so much, but I wanted to take some time to add my creativity to it too. The top right card was created just like the sample. I wanted to add more layers and color, so I cut the card base in 1/2 and then created from there pulling in other cardstock that coordinates with this kit.

The other card base had designs on the front and back of the card. I love to double my crafting fun by cutting the card base in 1/2 and getting 2 cards out of one card base. I used Lost Lagoon and Berry Burst as my new card bases. 

The next two projects are the most altered. I wanted to use the bits and pieces of the supplies I had left as well as bringing the beautiful envelopes into cardmaking too. 

The beautiful layer of this card is from one of the envelopes. I took apart the envelope and cut part of it down to 5" x 3 3/4". I then used another part of the envelope to use on the flap of a Basic White envelope in it's place. I think this card turned out beautifully!

This card is my favorite of all the ones I created. I felt that it allowed me to be the most creative. I had bits and pieces left and allowed the pieces speak to me. 

I had so much fun playing around with the Expressions of Kindness kit. I loved the color scheme of this kit, and will continue to create and finish up all the parts and pieces I still have left. 

Did you know that Stampin' Up! has 3 kinds of kits available? All of Stampin' Up! kits are accessable for any kind of stamper, from beginning to avid crafting, there is a kit for everyone! Check out my YouTube video for more details on how I made my cards as well as the types of kits available.

You can view all the different kits in the Kits Collection here. Be  sure to check back for details on Bonus Days beginning on July 3rd as well as new Online Exclusives releases. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

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Double Flap Fun Fold with CTMH Cardmaking Kit from FB Live

Hi Everyone, Thanks for stopping in. Recently I learned more information about the CTMH transition with Stampin' Up! It is a wonderful crafting community with supporting CTMH Makers into the Stampin' Up! family. Because I have been a CTMH customer, I was able to purchase the limited Enjoy the Ride Cardmaking kit. 

This card is a Double Flap fun fold. It really is a variation of a Gate Fold fun fold. You really can play around with the measurements of the front panel too. Isn't the little planter and flower cute?! This card turned out cute! To make it again, I would change the card base to a different color, so the pretty butterfly paper would show up better. You can use the same piece of DSP for your card too. I decided to use 2 different designs.

I hope you liked this card. I used everything from the CTMH cardmaking kit. If you would like to create your own Double Flap card like this one, you can access the PDF Tutorial Here. Create you own Double Flap creation and share it with me. I'd love to see what you make. Be sure to check out my YouTube page and FB page for more details, specials, and classes. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher 

Mary's Stampin' Café

Fabulous Brayering Technique Specialty Class Open Registration Now!

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are well and ready to have some fun with Brayering Techniques. Today's blog gives all the details for the wonderful products and supplies for my Brayering Techniques Specialty Class. I usually have a Specialty Class (class with products) on the last Sunday of the month. Participants can join me in person or choose the To Go option. Well for March, the last Sunday happens to be Easter Sunday. I decided to get this class going much sooner, so you can have fun with the techniques I share. 

For the specialty class, the product portion includes the Stampin' Up! Brayer and the upcoming Adhesive-Backed Sequins that will be Online Exclusive only. Of course, you also get supplies for 5 wonderful projects. The projects you see are the ones for the class. Mine are the prototypes, so they may have have a little shadows and things. 

One thing that will be a focal point of the class will be the Thoughtful Moments Hybrid Embossing Folder. There are several ways to use this folder. You will also have lots of extra die-cut words for future projects.

A couple of the projects are using upcoming Online Exclusive products. These bundles will be available beginning March 5th for customers. The Magnolia Mood Bundle is just beautiful. I shared a card in my last blog on the fabulous dies. 

The Simply Zinnia Stamp set is also an upcoming Online Exclusive product. This is also available in a Suite including the bundle, Flowering Zinnia DSP (we will use some of this on a project) and the Adhesive-Backed Sequins (you are receiving a full package in the class). 

If you are interested in participating in this class, I know you will love it. You can simply fill out the registration form to reserve your space or To Go Kit. Below is my video sharing for the class. I also have listed out the additional products you will need to complete your projects like mine. You will need any coloring tools. I used Stampin' Blends for my coloring. 

For To Go participants, If you want to complete the projects just like mine, you would need to purchase the Online Exclusives I mentioned on March 5th in order to get them for your projects. You can order any of the upcoming products NOW if you want to join my team and take advantage of the joining special that ends at the end of February. You can choose $125 for $99 in your starter kit, but also get the Glass Mat Studio FREE or an additional $30 product FREE. You can find the details here on my blog. Joining in February also gets you Sale-a-Bration rewards too. You can also substitute any of the sets. Any die-cutting or embossing will be done for you. 

I hope you are inspired by the cards in my Brayering Techniques Specialty Class. Deadline to register for this class is March 2nd. Reach out if you have any questions. This class is for U.S. customers only. I cannot offer these types of classes outside the U.S. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café