kit togethers

kit togethers

What is a Kit Together? Well first it’s a lot of fun! It is an opportunity to get together and stamp every other month – buy a kit or bring a paper pumpkin kit with you and enjoy gathering together and stamping and visiting with other stampers!

Last week I held my second Kit Together and we stamp and made some lovely cards from the City Sights, Garden of Thanks, Expressions of Kindness, and Hello Hollyhocks card kits!

Here are some photos from that Kit together and of the cards we made!

Each kit comes with full color instructions and all of the materials to make the 8-9 cards or crafty items! This is the instruction sheets for my City Sights card kit.
Here are the cards I made according to the instructions.
This is a fun fold alternative card that I made out of the supplies provided and by adding a Misty Moonlight base cardstock piece!
I made this card using an alternative sentiment for one of the participants that needed a masculine graduation card!
These are the cards made from the Expressions of Thanks card kit. I love the envelopes that come with this set and the gorgeous artwork on both the cards and envelopes!
These are the cards made from the Hello Hollyhocks card kit!
Cannot wait to see you at the next kit Together on September 30th from 1-3pm you will want to order a kit of your choice by 9-16-24 to make sure it arrives in plenty of time and RSVP and bring it along! You can email you RSVP to me at nataliestamps@aol.com and I can help you order a kit if you need assistance. If you decide to come after that date I will have a few kits available to purchase that day but if you want to choose your kit – go online and order from the whole selection at https://natalestamps.stampinup.net

Thanks for stopping by and hope you are inspired to create your own artwork – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

sweet pea is so stinking cute

sweet pea is so stinking cute

I borrowed this set from one of my downline the other day and can I just tell you it is SO STINKIN’ CUTE that I could not stop creating cards with it!

I have so many samples to share with you today – if you are looking for a fun stamp set that crosses generational lines this stamp set check all the boxes. Stinkin’ cute enough for kids cards but “Pun”ny enough for the adults – I seriously could not get enough of it! The images are so sweet!

This first card I combined the Sweet Pea set with the Full of Life 6″ x 6″ DSP. I stamped the two peas in a pod – literally LOL on a Nested Essentials die and colored with Real Red, Lemon Lime Twist and Granny Apple Green Stampin’ Blends.
I cut a 2 3/4″ x 5 1/2” piece of Full of Life DSP adhered it to the center of an Azure Afternoon card base and popped up the Nested Essentials stamped and colored die over the center of the DSP. I added Adhesive-Backed Shiny Sequins to cap it all off!

I have a picture of the same card with the Crushed Curry card stock!
On a Poppy Parade card base I stamped the leaf tendril in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on the base. Stamped the same stamp on scrap Basic White paper, colored in with Lemon Lime Twist Light and Dark Stampin’ Blends and fussy cut four stems. I stamped the four peas in a pod and colored with Stampin’ Blends on a small Nested Essentials die. I popped up the die onto Stampin’ Dimensionsla in the middle of the sprigs. I stamped the You make me HaPEA on the bottom right-hand side of the card and added Iridescent Adhesive-Backed Discs to finish the card.
The next card uses a Basic White cardstock base and a Basic White layer that is embossed with the Distressed Tiles 3D embossing folder. I colored the card center with Lemon Lime Twist and a Blending Brush. I stamped the two peas in a pod and the You make me HaPEA sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on the largest circle of the Stylish Shapes die set. I colored them with Stampin’ Blends and popped it up on Stampin’ Dimensionals in the card center. Shiny Sequins finish off the card with coordinated sparkle.
This card uses a Crushed Curry cardstock base, a Basic White layer embossed with the Dotted Circle 3D embossing folder, a 2″ x 4″ piece of Full of Life DSP, and two scraps of Basic White for the two die cuts from Perennial Postage dies and Nested Essentials. The Adhesive-backed Shiny Sequins finishes this card.
This next card embossed the base Azure Afternoon card with the Dotted Circles 3D embossing folder. The stamped focal piece is a Deckled Rectangle die set, same Stampin’ Blends and Iridescent Discs.
This card starts with a Basic White Cardstock base and a Basic White layer embossed with the Dotted Circle 3D embossing folder that is colored with Lemon Lime Twist ink from a Blending Brush. Love this image Hello GrumPEA – too stinkin’ cute.
The Lemon Lime Twist card is the base for the next card. The smallest die from the Stylish Shapes is the focal point for the GrumPEA image.
This Sweet Pea card uses Gorgeous Grape card base, a 3 1/4″ x 4 3/4″ piece of Basic White negative die from the Nested Essentials die, a Brights 6″ x 6″ DSP cut to fit behind the negative space. The sweet pea image was colored with Stampin’ Blends and die cut with the Perennial Postage dies.
This card uses a 2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ piece of Full of Life DSP on a Crushed Curry card base combined with two die cuts from Nested Essentials and Stylish Shapes die brushed with a blending brush and Shiny Sequins.
White on White is the base for this card. The frame is made from the Deckled Rectangle dies. Circle dies from Stylish Shapes and Spotlight on Nature make the focal points for the sweet pea image and sentiment. The Shiny Sequins finishes off this card.
The last card uses a Gorgeous Grape cardstock base, Brights 6″ x 6″ DSP pieces, and a circle die from Stylish Shapes with the sweet pea image finishes the card with Iridescent discs to accent!
Don’t you agree this is a STINKIN’ CUTE stamp set? It’s your turn to find a cute stamp set and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp set at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
creativity now fun

creativity now fun

Back on June 22nd, Stampin’ Up! hosted an event open to all demonstrators called Creativity Now. One of the objectives for this event was to have fun stamping virtually with other demonstrators from around the world and to give us a sneak peak into some of the new products and sets that would be coming in the upcoming September to December 2024 mini catalog!
One of my downline, Robyn joined me to watch the virtual broadcast and create all of the projects along with all of the guest demonstrator presenters!
The sneak peak set from the upcoming mini catalog is called Wintry Tree Tops Bundle and features a gorgeous set of wintry stamps and coordinating dies.
Join me in this sneak peak look at this great new set!
It is always fun to create but doing it with a friend is even better. Robyn and I listened to the presentations and crafted together and made all of the projects!
The first project shown below used the gorgeous frame die in Basic Grey as a background over a Misty Moonlight card base and colored in the bird stamp with watercolor pencils!
One of the Bonus projects used the Nests of Winter Suite collection DSP. We fussy cut out lovely birds from the upcoming Designer Series Paper called Nests of Winter and used the frame again but this time we cut the die out of Shaded Spruce cardstock for a totally different look!
It is hard to see in the photo but the crumb cake layer is embossed with the new Birch Wood 3D embossing folder and it adds so much to the background!
The next project shown features the double bird stamp also colored with watercolor pencils, die cut and layered onto Crumb Cake cardstock layer that is adhered to a Early Espresso card base.
This scalloped gift box was decorated with a smear of Metallic Enamel Effects Basics and then we added the sprigs in a wreath arrangement and we added Iridescent Pearls as the berries.
The second bonus card used some additional Nests of Winter Designer Series Paper as the background and the Wintry Sprigs in the foreground.
The last card I have to show you used the negative die of the frame as a mask! This created a unique background – I really like the way this mask created a great background from something many would just thrown away!
Creativity Now is a fun perk of being a demonstrator! Looking for a fun community? People to craft with? I would love to have you join us on the next creative retreat! If you would like to know anything about what we do and the many ways to do this art of papercrafting whether as a customer or a new team member do not hesitate to contact me for additional information.

Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

pocket gift card

pocket gift card

These pocket gift card holders are super easy and I could not stop making different versions of them because they are so useful and well – EASY!
Measurements:
Card #1
Base: Early Espresso 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
Wildly Flowering DSP: 4” x 12” – cut off 1 ½” x 4”
Score large piece at 1 ¼” x 5 ¼”
Early Espresso: inside card matte 3 ½” x 5”
Wild Wheat: inside card 3 ¼” x 4 ¾”
Basic White: Scrap for the sentiment piece
Card #2
Base: Berry Burst 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
Dainty Flowers DSP: 4” x 12” – cut off 1 ½” x 4”
Score large piece at 1 ¼” x 5 ¼”
Berry Burst: inside card matte 3 ½” x 5”
Basic White: inside card 3 ¼” x 4 ¾”
Scrap for the sentiment piece
Adhere the Wild Wheat piece of card stock to the Early Espresso smaller cardstock piece.
Ink the sentiment in Early Espresso and stamp in the center at the top so it is visible when tucked in to the pocket.
Cut a 1 1/2″ piece off the 4″ x 12″ piece of DSP. Score at 1 1/4″ and 5 1/2″.
Take the 1 1/2″ x 4″ and adhere the piece to the backside careful to only adhere the edges of the sides and bottom forming a gift card pocket.
Fold the DSP at the 5 1/2″ score line and then fold at the 1 1/4″ score line the opposite way.
Wrap ribbon around 1 1/2″ DSP fold and knot the ribbon over the turned down DSP.
Adhere the backside of the DSP and place it onto the 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ cardstock.
Die cut a scrap of Basic White and stamp a sentiment onto the Spotlight on Nature with Early Espresso ink. Loop a strand of Crumb Cake Twine from the Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack through the die cut holes on the circle die and through the ribbon knot.
Slip the pocket card into the DSP pocket.
Place Adhesive-backed Neutral sequins on the pocket card and the sentiment piece.
Such a fun way to give a gift card!

I started playing with this design with some old Sale-a-bration designer series paper Dainty Flowers Sale-a-bration DSP.

Cut the 1 1/2″ piece from the 4″ x 12″ DSP piece.
Fold the DSP piece in hlaf at the 5 1/2″ score line fold the 1 1/4″ score line down the opposite way.
Wrap the ribbon around the folded down DSP and knot it.
Adhere the DSP piece to the 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ base of Berry Burst cardstock.
Adhere the Basic White cardstock piece to the smaller Berry Burst piece. Ink the Basic White piece with the sentiment in the upper center Basic White cardstock.
Adhere the 1 1/2″ DSP piece to the back of the pocket card. Only adhere the sides and bottom to the backside of the bottom of the pocket card.
Die cut a scrap of Basic White from the Spotlight on Nature dies. Stamp the sentiment onto the die piece. Tie a section of white twine from the Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack around the ribbon.
Here is a picture of the pocket card and and the pocket that it fits in.
Fit the pocket card into the pocket DSP.
Place Pastel Adhesive-Backed Sequins on the card and the gift card holder is done.

Now go and try this unique and easy pocket gift card holder and create some of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

for the guys swap cards

for the guys swap cards

Usually once a year in our demonstrator swap we do a guys swap and last month was our time to think of masculine ideas for cards. This is always one of the most challenging swaps for me to design for and it is a challenge for many of you as well! You are not alone so be comforted that we are all challenged on these designs and that I have several fun ideas for you to use for your future guy card needs!

My first card is from Veronica S and is for your male dog lover and is a simple stamped card using the single Doggone Friendly background stamp and a sentiment, stamped on Basic White with Tuxedo Black Memento ink. Mounted on a Basic Black card stock base and a few Iridescent pearls and Gingham ribbon for some embellishments!

My next guy swap card is for your outdoorsman! This card from Kathi D features a Mossy Meadow base and layer die cut from the In The Grove die set over the gorgeous new Thoughtful Journey 6″ x 6″ scenic DSP to create a lovely and easy card!
Using Copper Clay DSP lends a masculine feel for this guy swap card from Andrea U. She used the retired Circle Sayings stamp set for this Book Bind fun fold swap card!
This fun guy swap card was designed by swap organizer, Denise W and features the Online exclusive Heartfelt Hexagon punch bundle with the carryover DSP Countryside Inn for a great masculine birthday card!
Do you have a motorcycle guy that you know and love? This great guy card from Lori V features the Legendary Ride dies with the Grassy Grove stamp set and dies in the background using Basic Beige ink and mounted on Basic Beige cardstock base.
Marcy W’s guy swap card features the Quiet Reflections and Notes of Nature stamp sets, the retired Foursquare Masks, Petic Expressions and Meadering Meadows DSPs and Thoughtful Expressions dies.
Trusty Tools stamp set and dies make this detailed Love you card such a creative and masculine way to say the four letter word, designed by Marie W for our guy swap.
Do you have a guy in your life that loves to fish?
I do my brother-in-law and this will be the perfect Father’s Day card fro him! Lyn L’s guy swap card used a 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of Gone Fishing DSP sliced down the middle about 1 1/2″ and bent on a diagonal to form a collar – so easy and cute! Just pay attention to the direction of the DSP if there is one – OOPS!
Hopefully Keith will not notice – LOL!
Judith P’s guy swap card is such a fun birthday card featuring the retired Hey Chuck bundle!
The Online Exclusives bundle Fluffiest Friends and the Grove Dies for the background creates a woodland scene for the out of doors guy in your life from Vickie G. Use the edge of your Stampin’ Snips to create that distressed edge on the Crumb Cake layer!
This last swap card reminds me of my childhood summers growing up near Presque Isle park in Erie, Pennsylvania! This will make a perfect birthday card for my father – whose birthday is today! Thanks to Susan W for this great swap card idea using the Beside Me stamp set which is awesome for all types of masculine cards and Under the Moon new in this current catalog!
My card for this swap I highlighted back on More Color Mondays April 22nd post featured the awesome new suite Take to the Sky Suite which is the best new masculine set in my opinion!
So when you sit down to create those precious works of art do not forget about those special guys in your life – they love to be appreciated and thought about! Now go create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
Grove Dies
[157844]
$39.00