Aug 23, 2018 | cards, Christmas, specials, Stampin' Up!
The Blended Seasons stamp set and Stitched Seasons framelits are only available in August from Stampin’ Up! – have you grabbed these special products yet? The specially priced bundle (with your choice of wood mount or clear mount stamps) will see you through a number of seasons! Paired with the Watercolour Pencils (assortment 2), another special item for August, you can create so many great cards! Here’s a recent class card featuring these products – plus a sneak peek at an upcoming special product (can you spot it?)
I love the stitched look on these Stitched Seasons framelits – and the fun thing is that there’s stitching on both sides of the cut edge. While this card only uses the positive portion of the die cut, the remainder of the cardstock also had a stitched look finished edge around the cut out negative portion, which could be used on another project, or could be a design feature in a project (I’ll share an example of this in the next YamStamps newsletter on Tuesday). The Blended Seasons set (which is available in red rubber wood mount or red rubber clear mount) was stamped in StazOn ink and coloured with the Watercolour Pencils Assortment 2. I added the colour directly to the image with the pencils, then blended the shading and colouring with a Blender Pen. This is a way to get a watercolour look while still maintaining a lot of control over the colour movement (which I know some crafters prefer…). This card is all on Shimmery White cardstock, which stands up to a bit of work with water or blender pens, and has a beautiful subtle shine (so subtle, I bet you can’t really see it in the photo….but trust me it’s there!)
As for the sneak peek on this Blended Seasons card….it’s the patterned paper! The Dashing Away Designer Series Paper is a set of 12 sheets of 12″ x 12″ double sided patterned paper, with 6 different designs in total. Some patterns are definitely screaming “Christmas!!” while others, like the one above, could be used for any time of year. This exclusive paper will be available for FREE with qualified orders in September. Hosts of classes or parties with sales of $350 or more will get a package of this paper for free. If you’re keen to get your hands on some of this Designer Series Paper, please contact me ASAP to book a date for a class. You can have an in person class with your friends, or do a catalogue or online party instead – again, contact me for details and to set it up.
Registration is also open for the September Monthly Card Class, happening September 5th at 1pm or 7pm. Contact me to register, or click on the link on the YamStamps Events Page. As per tradition around this time of year, we’ll be having at least one Christmas/Holiday card included in the four cards we create in each monthly card class. If you want all holiday cards, come to the September Christmas Card Class – this time the class will be featuring some fun accents from the Holiday Catalogue! We’re splitting the date this month – Wednesday, September 19th at 1pm or Thursday, September 20th at 7pm. Hope to see you in a class very soon.
Aug 19, 2018 | cards, Stampin' Up!
Time for another Sunday Swap share – this time, it’s a gorgeous Gatefold Card! This card was created by Chris Carmichael. It features the Botanical Tags Thinlits Dies and the Botanical Bliss stamp set – which is available in red rubber wood mount or red rubber clear mount. The stamp set and dies are also available together in either a wood mount bundle or clear mount bundle.
This card opens in the centre – the sides swing open like a gate…and is held closed by sliding the yellow tab underneath the circle held in place by a brad.
When you have a dark card, it’s great to put a lighter coloured insert inside so that you can write on the inside – in case you don’t have a White Stampin’ Chalk Marker on hand, or want more options! This card also uses the Share What You Love Specialty Designer Series Paper, and the pieces are small enough that you could use scraps – or the cut outs from your Scrapbook in a Box?!
If you’re looking for more creative or “different” folds like this gatefold card consider the Clever Cards Online Class! It features 5 different fancier fold cards – Z fold, curved strip, rotating image, hidden message, and twisting pop up – and you’ll get lifetime access to the class materials. (HINT: if you sign up for the YamStamps mailing list, follow the process all the way through to see a special offer for this class only!). As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Hope you’ll join me in class!
Aug 15, 2018 | cards, Stampin' Up!
I know that around here, at this time of the summer (because it IS still summer!) many people start thinking about autumn. While I love back to school supply shopping (I have a thing for paper, what can I say?), I definitely don’t want to rush the season. So – here’s a Painted Harvest non autumn card!! Stampin’ Up!’s Painted Harvest stamp set definitely reminds me of autumn, but by changing the colours, you can switch it up. While I chose to use Highland Heather (because I’m really liking that new colour), I can totally see using Crushed Curry and Cajun Craze or Soft Suede to create a sunflower effect….
I also used the Stitched Labels Framelits Dies for the sentiment and to add a little texture on the backing panel. Painted Harvest is a two step stamp set, so there are two images stamped on top of each other to create a more dimensional look. While you can mix and match ink colours, I like to keep things simple and just use the same colour ink. Two layers of the same ink colour make a deeper shade, and not too much thinking for me – yay!
My in person card classes are a great way to try out new tools and techniques for card making – you can take stamps and other Stampin’ Up! products for a test drive (so to speak), build up your stash of handmade cards, and learn some new techniques and tricks to make your card making easier! I specialize in “lazy crafting” – it needs to be fairly easy but with impressive results – and those are the types of cards that I share in classes. Starting in September, each Monthly Card Class will include one Christmas card – because it’s time to start building up those holiday card ideas! If you’re close to Burlington ON, please message me to reserve a spot in September’s class – Wednesday, September 5th at 1pm or 7pm. Class fee of $20 covers all class supplies required. Not close to Burlington or can’t make that day? You can contact me to book a private class with your friends, or try one of my Online Classes – the latest one is the Under the Mistletoe Class – details for this one at yamstamps.com/mistletoe . Hope you’ll join me in class soon!
Aug 12, 2018 | cards, Stampin' Up!
Happy Sunday! I have another Swap Share for you today – this Dream Big Card. Since I am getting my son (and myself) prepared for university, I am feeling a little sentimental about this sentiment!
The Dream Big Card was created by Zahra Premji and I love the soft effect of the colour scheme and design. If you look at the background cardstock, the texture achieved is from the Subtle Dynamic Textured Embossing Folder, new in the Annual Catalogue. I know that it’s actually kind of hard to see in the catalogue – so this card shows you. It gives kind of a linen-textured effect to the cardstock – so very versatile! Just remember – when you are using one of the DYNAMIC embossing folders, they are more thick than regular embossing folders, so when you run it through your Big Shot, you’ll use your standard platform with no adaptor plate (or open, if you have an older one with the tabs on it), and then place the embossing folder (with the cardstock inside) directly onto it, and just use ONE cutting pad on top of the folder.
This card features the Follow Your Dreams stamp set, which is available in red rubber wood mount or red rubber clear mount options. There is also a coordinating set of framelits, called Chase Your Dreams. You can get a discounted bundle with the stamps and framelits (wood mount bundle or clear mount bundle options) as well – and create your own version of a Dream Big card!
If you are looking for card making inspiration and ideas, be sure to be signed up for the YamStamps newsletter – you can use the sign up box at the top right of the blog, or click here. Weekly newsletters go out each Tuesday, and new subscribers also receive a free video tutorial! As always, please contact me if you have any questions.
Aug 9, 2018 | cards, Christmas, online class, Stampin' Up!
Remember that office supply store commercial that ran around this time of year proclaiming “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”?! I used that song as inspiration when I was designing cards for the July Christmas Card Class – which is now available as an Online Christmas Card Class. If you aren’t close to Burlington ON and can’t attend in person, this is the next best thing! Get all four designs, the full supply list and step by step instructions, plus lifetime access and support. I’ll also be doing Facebook Live videos in the group to show the construction of each card.
I did a Facebook Live video earlier this week showing how to create this bonus design – it’s a “cheater” Iris fold card. You can see the video on the YamStamps Facebook Page, or try this link which should go directly to the video. If you “like” the YamStamps Facebook page, you’ll get notifications the next time I do a live video! The Online Christmas Card Class features four different designs using the Under the Mistletoe Designer Series Paper – but you could technically use any Designer Series Paper I suppose! To get more information about the class and purchase lifetime access, please visit www.yamstamps.com/mistletoe
If you are local to Burlington ON and want to try a class in person, the next Christmas Card Class will be Wednesday, August 22 at 1pm or 7pm. Please contact me to register. Cost is $20 and includes all supplies required to create 4 different cards using the new set of Watercolour Pencils available this month from Stampin’ Up! Registration deadline is Monday, August 20. The deadline has already passed to get a set of pencils included with your class (The “deluxe” class fee of $40) – but if you like you can either place an order at the class itself, or pay the express shipping surcharge to be sure that your pencils arrive before class. And yes, this class will be turned into the next Online Christmas Card Class – so if you can’t make it in person, watch for the announcement about the online version. Hope to see you in class (in person or “virtually”) – soon!
Aug 5, 2018 | birthday, cards, Stampin' Up!
This truly is often the story of my card sending….I make a great card, put effort into it….and then it goes south. Not literally traveling in a southerly direction, because that often would be helpful. No, my card sending often gets derailed. I either misplace the card in my crafty black hole of a room….or get it into the envelope and then can’t find the address….or carry the addressed (AND STAMPED) envelope in my bag for days and days before I remember when I’m near a post box…..*sigh* So belated birthday cards come in handy for me!
While I didn’t create this swap card (Lesley Poper did), I certainly appreciate the sentiment! Perhaps you might as well?! Fashionably late card vs belated birthday card! It uses the Stampin’ Up! set Wonderful Moments (available in clear photopolymer stamps), which she coloured with Stampin’ Blends. The images are stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink, which is what you need to use when colouring with alcohol based markers like the Blends. A strip of the beautiful Nature’s Poem Designer Series Paper is along the side of the card and gives inspiration for the colour palette.
I love the Blends for colouring – but I also love Watercolour Pencils! There’s a new set of colours available right now – and you’ll get them if you choose the “Deluxe” Class version of the August Christmas Card Class! For $40 you’ll attend the class (in Burlington ON) and make 4 different Christmas cards, all using the Watercolour pencils in a variety of methods. When you’re done, you’ll take the finished cards, envelopes and your package of 10 Watercolour pencils home with you! If you’re interested in attending on Wednesday, August 22 (1pm or 7pm), please message me. If you want the deluxe class, please register and pay by August 8 to allow time for your pencils to arrive (otherwise there may be an express shipping surcharge of $25 on your class fee). The basic class option is also available – $20 for class supplies only. You’ll share my set of pencils to finish your projects in class. Online version coming soon too! Please contact me if you have any questions. Otherwise, I hope you’ll come to a class soon so that you have cards that you can mail….in time for any event…. (do as I say, not as I do, right?! hahaha). Oh, and happy long weekend if you’re Canadian!
Aug 1, 2018 | cards, specials, Stampin' Up!
Happy August! Dare I say it? We’re halfway through the summer holiday around here….eek! Here’s something that will cheer you up though – Stampin’ Up! has a Colour Your Season special during August! These special items are available until the end of August or while supplies last – in other words, don’t wait too long, just in case!! There is an exclusive 10 piece stamp set available in wood mount or clear mount called Blended Seasons, and Stitched Seasons Framelits – a coordinating stitched die. The fun thing about the framelits is that they have “stitching” on both sides of the cutting portion of the larger frame shapes – so that the positive and negative pieces both have the stitched effect. The stamps and framelits are available individually, or in a discounted bundle (wood mount bundle / clear mount bundle). Also available – a new set of Watercolour Pencils! This assortment features the colours Balmy Blue, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry, Flirty Flamingo, Garden Green, Gorgeous Grape, Granny Apple Green and Night of Navy. Stampin’ Up! tells us that the pencils may be available in a future publication. (That’s as much as I know, so don’t ask me details! hahahaha).
Isn’t this a gorgeous card? One of the artists at the Stampin’ Up! home office created this masterpiece. The set has a variety of images suitable for different seasons, and I love the font used for the sentiments. You can see the flyer here, or see the items in the YamStamps Online Stampin’ Up! Canada store here. These items may be included in a demonstrator starter kit selection as part of the $165CAD product for $135 as well. If you have any questions, or need assistance placing your order, you can contact me. You can also get your hands on a set of the Watercolour Pencils as part of the YamStamps August Christmas Card Class – class fee for basic class supplies is $20, or the deluxe fee of $40 which also includes the set of Watercolour Pencils. We will be using these pencils in the creation of the four different holiday cards we’ll create in class. You can see details on the YamStamps Events page, or contact me to reserve your spot. If you want the set of pencils with your class, you’ll need to register and pay by August 8th to avoid an expedited shipping charge.
“But wait, there’s more!” – August also marks the return of Bonus Days! For each $60 CAD you spend in product, you’ll earn a coupon code worth $6 to spend in September! Spend now, save later – win/win! You’ll receive your coupon code in an email. Once again – if you have any questions, or need assistance placing your order, please contact me. Happy Shopping!!
Jul 29, 2018 | cards, Christmas, Seasonal Catalogue, Stampin' Up!
Getting ready for the holidays! While I’m excited about the upcoming long weekend (yay for summer), I’m also prepping for that big winter occasion….. First though – if you’d like a copy of the upcoming Stampin’ Up! Holiday Catalogue, please complete this form before the end of Monday if possible…. They’ll be mailed out from head office starting in August, and I need to get my list finalized before the end of July.
Since it’s Sunday, it’s time for another Swap Card Share! In the spirit of this post, I’m sharing a holiday card that I received in a recent swap – from Rose Marie Coleman.
This card features the Stampin’ Up! set Mistletoe Season, which is in the Annual Catalogue (no need to wait for the Holiday Catalogue to get a start on those cards!). There is no wreath image in this set, but there are fir boughs, which you can use to create a wreath shape, which is what was done on the main image here. It also uses the Under the Mistletoe Designer Series Paper which was the featured product in my July Christmas Card Class. If you missed out on the in person class, be sure to “like” and follow the YamStamps Facebook Page for the announcement of the Online Version of the class – plus a bonus Facebook Live card!
If you’re in the Burlington, ON area, I hope you can join me for an upcoming in person class – there’s the Monthly Card Class that’s happening THIS Wednesday, August 1st at 1pm or 7pm (cost is $20 for 4 different all occasion cards), and the August Christmas Card Class on August 22 at 1pm or 7pm. The August Christmas Card Class featured product is going to be a set of 10 Watercolour Pencils, which are available in August as part of a special promotion (more details will follow on August 1st). Cost for class supplies only – $20, cost for class supplies PLUS a set of the Watercolour Pencils is $40. Contact me to register for the class. Deadline for registration and payment is Wednesday, August 8th if you want the pencils (after the 8th, pencils may still be available, but there will be an additional $25 fee to cover expedited shipping to ensure that your pencils arrive in time). Otherwise, basic class registration deadline is August 20th. Events and Classes are listed on the YamStamps Events Page. Hope to see you in class – whether in person or online!
Jul 22, 2018 | cards, Stampin' Up!
I often get asked where I get ideas for cards. I do create a fair number of them myself, but also get ideas and inspiration from fellow demonstrators! Sunday Swap Card Share posts will help me share inspiration that I’ve received from card swaps! Demonstrators often participate in these swaps – we batch create one design and then send them to the host, who swaps out the cards and sends them back. In exchange for a set number of identical cards, we receive a set of one of everyone’s cards. It’s a great way to get new takes on sets that I already own….and often encouragement to put others on my wish list!!
In honour of France’s World Cup win last weekend, for the first Sunday Swap Card Share I am featuring this French language creation by Emilie Poncelet. It uses the Little Twinkle Stamp Set – available in red rubber wood mount or clear mount versions. The French version of the stamp set that Emilie used is Petite Etoile, available in clear mount. The stamp sets are also available in discounted bundles with the Twinkle Builder Punch – wood mount, clear mount and French versions are available. HINT: If you’re looking on the YamStamps Online Stampin’ Up! Canada webstore and want to find all the available French language sets, just type “french” into the search box and it will pull up all the stamp sets and bundles that are available. A reminder that if you live in Quebec and wish to place an order, all you have to do is email (or call) me, and I will place the order for you and have it delivered directly to your door. This also applies if you live elsewhere in Canada – but those outside of Quebec also have the option to place your order online yourself – shortcut is yamstamps.com/shop.
You can just get a peek at the inside of the card to see that Emilie’s also used one of the stamps to decorate the corner of the inside. This bundle has now moved a little higher on my wish list! I just purchased the Twinkle Twinkle Designer Series Paper that is part of this suite….since it’s part of the Buy 3 Get 1 Free Designer Series Paper sale that is running in July, so I can already envision some cute projects using the coordinating products together! A reminder as well that the Ink Pad Special for New Demonstrators also is running during July only – purchase a starter kit ($165 worth of product for $135) and receive a full set of the newly designed Ink Pads in the Colour Family of your choice! If you sign up with my group, you’ll be eligible for “Eh” Team Rewards, exclusive groups and other demonstrator only events – like swaps, or the upcoming On Stage Event in Orlando, Florida!! Registration for the event will open next month, so if you sign up now, you’ll be eligible to attend this 30th Anniversary event in November! I’m really looking forward to attending this one (hello, Florida, in November vs Ontario in November….). If you’d like more information about being part of my demonstrator group, you can check out this information page (shortcut is yamstamps.com/join) or contact me. Lots of ways to get more value for your crafting dollar this month!
Jul 21, 2018 | Paper Pumpkin, specials, Stampin' Up!
Stampin’ Up! is offering summer savings on Paper Pumpkin! Paper Pumpkin is the monthly crafting subscription kit that comes directly to your door. Each month brings a box that contains all the supplies needed to create that month’s projects – it could be cards, 3D items, packaging, home décor…all with different themes and each month is a surprise. It’s a great way to share crafting with the family, or if you are on the go a lot. Throw the box in your bag and you can craft at the cottage, on the road, in the tent….you get the idea.
New subscribers can get 50% off your first kit – use the code BLOOM0818 here to take advantage of the savings! Right now as we are getting prepared (slowly but surely) for my son to go to university, I also realize that this could be a great little stress reliever and care package for your university student too! If you have questions about Paper Pumpkin, you can check out my FAQ page about it here, or you can contact me.
You can also contact me if you want to get a spot in Wednesday’s Christmas Card Class! Get a jump on those holiday cards – two options: 1pm or 7pm! Class fee of $20 covers all supplies to create four different handmade Christmas Cards. Each month we will feature different holiday-themed product, and July features the Under the MIstletoe Designer Series Paper. Hope to see you in class soon! Space is limited, so please register ASAP so you’re not disappointed.
