february swap cards

february swap cards

I LOVE getting HAPPY MAIL!
What is Happy Mail – for me it’s most anything sent by mail that is not advertising, junk or bills! When you get a hand written card in the mail doesn’t it bring you joy?
Demonstrator swaps are like that too! Every month I participate and cannot wait to get 10-20 cards in the mail from sister stampers that create some lovely cards for me to share with you all!

The first card is actually a late arrival from my January Swap that arrived in the mail after I posted my January Swap blog so this one features the most popular Sale-a-bration requested FREEBIE – the Bloom Impressions DSP. Carol S’s swap card uses that Sale-a-bration DSP paired with the Beautiful Butterflies dies and the Painted Plaster 3D embossing folder. For all of you that EARNED this gorgeous paper here is a lovely idea for how to use it on your own creations!

This Mediterranean Blooms DSP card from Lyn L shows an easy way to create a card using our gorgeous Designer Series papers as the main attraction! She used the coordinating bundle on top of the DSP.
Marie W’s swap card features the Linked Together bundle from the current January to April 2025 mini catalog products to create a lovely die cut creation full of colorful flowers and sentiment oval die set atop the neutral Country Woods DSP.
Judith P’s masculine swap card used the Terrific Toadstools bundle in neautral shades of Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla and Basic Black with splatters of Craft White ink over it to create a “magical” vibe!
Jeanna T’s swap card gives us an excellent peak at the newly released Online Exclusive suite Botanical Textures that features the Mini Corrugated 3D embossing folder, gorgeous masculine paper showing textured textiles in neutral shades and great dies and stamps to coordinate!
The Thankful Garden Bundle with it’s coordinating die, masks and stamp set is featured on Veronica S’s swap card in Bubble Bath and Lemon Lime Twist set on a background of contrasting black and white for a stunning thank you card! This is the first time I have seen the Starburst Sequins from the Lovely Garden Suite and they are stunning!
STARBURST SEQUINS #165539 $7.50
* 180 adhesive-backed pieces
* 5 mm, 6mm
* Crushed Curry, Fresh Freesia, white
This delightful swap Thankful Garden card is from Carol S. Using the sentiment from the Country Birdhouse stamp set and the flowers and foliage from the new Thankful Garden bundle with masks for easy coloring this cards focal pieces pop in Melon Mambo and Garden Green set on Black and White! The rectangular dies from the Textured Notes bundle set the tone on both the front and inside of the card.
Susan W’s swap card in beautiful green hues features the Layering Florals embossing folder, the Winter Meadow DSP, the Everyday Details stamp set and the coordinating (retired) Everyday Details dies and the Shaded Spruce ribbon all set on a Shaded Spruce card stock base.
Robin C’s swap card features the lovely Wildflower Birthday Suite of products including the Wildflower Specialty Designer Series Paper and die cut sheets, the Spotlight on Nature dies, and the eyelet embossing folder for a fun Gatefold Offset fun fold card with coordinating envelope flap with an additional piece of Designer Series paper!
This Tower card fun fold from Nancy F uses a fun stand alone display card featuring the Lovely Garden DSP and the sentiment from the Bright Borders stamp set and the coordinating To the Point Label punch for a very springtime card! She also decorated her envelope flap with DSP – clever!
Lori V’s swap card uses a belly band with a die cut from the Mixed Labels bundle to close around this gorgeous DSP from the Mixed Media Suite. But the best is the surprise inside with a pop up floral arrangement from the Mixed Florals bundle over the Painted Plaster 3D embossing folder panels!
The last card in my February Swap collection is from my upline Denise W and she made a Tri-fold Shutter card – fancy! I will be highlighting my own version on one of my upcoming blog posts and I will teach you have to make this fun card! Denise used Petunia Pop In Color for the base card and the Meant To Bee bundle with coordinating DSP to complete the look!
Hopefully we inspired you with all these fabulous swap ideas and now it is your turn to go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

more color mondays – flirty flamingo, daffodil delight and balmy blue swap card

more color mondays – flirty flamingo, daffodil delight and balmy blue swap card

Today’s More Color Monday Color Challenge was all about my Fun Fold Swap for the SOLD OUT OnStage 2025 Stampin’ Up! Event starting this coming week in Raleigh, North Carolina. On March 13th lucky demonstrators that registered in the first 6 hours that the event registration was open will be gathering in Raleigh, Strasbourg, France and Brisbane, Australia. I sadly will not be among them this year as I got shut out but a friend and fellow demonstrator that is hosting a large scale swap allowed me to remain on the list so I will have some fun elite OnStage Swaps to share as soon as they return home and he mails them out – stay tuned!

This is the card I submitted to the Fun Fold card swap!

Measurements:
BASE #1: Basic Black CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 2 1/8″ and 4 1/4″
BASE #2: Basic Black CS: 3 1/2″ x 7″
scored at 3 1/2″ and 5 5/8″
scrap for die
Mixed Media DSP: (2) 1 7/8″ x 5 1/4″
Beautiful Bokeh DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Basic White CS: 3 3/8″ x 3 3/8″
2″ x 3 3/8″
1″ x 3 3/8″
scrap for the sentiment die
4″ x 5 1/4″ for the Mixed Florals stamp/die cut
4″ x 5 1/4″ for the back-side of the card

Score the larger Basic Black BASE #1 at 2 1/2″ and 4 1/4″.
Adhere the 1 7/8″ strips of Mixed Media DSP to the first and second panels of BASE #1.
Adhere the 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of Beautiful Bokeh DSP to the third panel of BASE #1.
Stamp the tulip image from the Mixed Florals stamp set on one of the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layers.
Color the smaller flower petals in Light Balmy Blue Stampin’ Blends markers.
Color the lower half of the smaller blooms in Dark Balmy Blue Stampin’ Blends and then go over the entire petal to blend the colors with the Light Marker one last time.
Color the tulip petals with the Light Flirty Flamingo Stampin’ Blends marker.
Color the lower half and the highlight marks of the tulip blooms with the Dark Flirty Flamingo marker and then color the entire tulip petal surface with the Light marker to blend the flower petal.
Color the leaves with Soft Sea Foam Light marker.
Highlight with the Dark marker and then blend with the Light marker to finish the leaves.
Die cut the floral image out with the corresponding die.
I cut the flower image in two pieces.
I initially took the first and third Basic White layers the 3 3/8″ square (1st panel) and the 1″ (for the third panel) and embossed them with the Beautiful Butterflies embossing folder I later decided to use the Distressed Tile 3D embossing folder – because I liked the smaller pattern for this card!
I stamped the inside sentiment onto the 2″ layer and adhered all three layers to the smaller Z fold BASE #2.
I die cut the rectangular die shape from the Mixed labels die set in Basic Black cardstock and adhered it to the lower portion of the first panel.
I stamped the outside sentiment and die cut from the Mixed Labels bundle and burnished the edges with Flirty Flamingo ink and adhered it above the black die on the first panel.
I folded the smaller z fold closed and added Stampin’ Seal + to the exposed edge of the back of the first panel and adhered it to the middle of the larger BASE #1 first panel.

Then I closed the smaller Z fold and placed Stampin’ Seal + to the back of the third panel and closed the back side of the card over the tape securing the smaller Z fold to the larger z fold.

Adhere the smaller tulip stamped image to the third panel of the smaller z fold so that the leaf is sticking out at the top.
Place Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back of the large tulip piece and adhere to the left side of the first panels.
I decided I wanted one of the bloom to be Daffodil Delight as I did not have enough of this color on the card. So I redid the smaller bloom in Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends.
I added Adhesive-Backed Pearl trio embellishments to the card to finish off this fun swap card with some coordinating bling!

I love the way this turned out – how about you do you like the decisions I made during the creative process – changing the flower colors and the embossing folder? Let me know what you think and which way you preferred it!

Do not be shy to change your mind while creating – creative process is a fluid thing and be open to your creative instinct – try new things and do not be afraid to go in a different direction then you originally imagined – you might just like the outcome better than the original inspiration!

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
swap cards

swap cards

Today’s blog post is the accumulation of a couple different swaps, a potluck swap from November and an early bird swap for the new catalogs from December.

This first card uses the returning DSP in the annual catalog called Winter Meadow in a book bind fun fold and the Layering Leaves bundle from Carol S.

This next card from the November swap and Denise W uses the You are Beautiful stamp set and the Frames and Flowers DSP. This offset gate fold is scored at 1 1/4″ and fold the other side in tight using a bone folder. The modern label punch was used for the sentiment.
Robyn M’s card features the Sweet Pea stamp set and a masked circle to highlight the cutest image in the center of the card.
Marie W’s pretty in pink card uses the Pocket Thoughts bundle. The bundle creates a fun pocket and secret message!
This Shaded Spruce card from Susan W. features the Planted Paradise and Wonderful thoughts stamp set and Full of Life DSP, Fern Embossing folder and the Everyday Details Dies.
Judi M’s November swap card uses a new Online Exclusives Otterly Awesome suite in this Circle Wreath card fun fold design.
Andrea U’s Nov swap card uses the Winter Meadow fun fold on Basic Gray cardstock.
December’s early bird swap uses new products from the two new catalogs – Sale-a-bration and January to April 2025.

Sale-a-bration is a time to be able to earn FREE products – this card uses the 6″ x 6″ DSP Toadstool Gardens and the Terrific Toadstools bundle.

This early bird swap from Denise W. features the FREE Friendly Seagulls stamp set and the Timeless Plaid DSP from the new mini in this offset gate fold card.
Veronica S’s December swap card features With You in Mind stamp set.
Lori V’s swap card uses the Hugs for Love Bundle and the Bloom Impressions FREE sale-a-bration DSP.
Marie W’s swap card uses the Birthday Celebration Bundle and the Wildflower Birthday DSP and the 2024-2026 In Color Shimmer Gems and the Eyelet 3D embossing folder.
Lyn L’s swap card features the new Darling Dinos bundle.
The FREE Sale-a-bration Corner in Bloom stamp set and Labeled in Love stamp set from the January to April 2025 mini catalog were used to bring Carol S’s swap card come to life.
Kathi D’s swap card features the Storybook Moments Suite and the Storybook Friends bundle make a sweet thank you card.
This last early bird swap card from Robin C’s features the Terrific Toadstools bundle for this center gate fold card.

There are so many ideas and that is one of the great advantages of demonstrator swaps.

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

christmas card swap cards

christmas card swap cards

A new batch of Demonstrator swap cards is in and have loads of lovely ideas.

This first swap card uses the gorgeous Seasons of Elegance 12″ x 12″ DSP embossed with the Painted Trees 3D embossing folder. The Peaceful Seasons dies created the banner and Christmas word. Simple and elegant and lovely card made by Jennie T.

Lyn L’s swap card uses the Hearts and Hugs stamp set and the Sentimental Christmas DSP.
The background of the Pecan Pie CS is embossed with Timber 3D embossing folder.
Lori V’s swap card in Real Red uses the Dear Santa stamp set and creates a background with the Dear Santa words. The focal point is colored with Stampin’ Blends and uses the Festive Glimmer Paper.
Marie W’s Sweetest Star bundle swap card features the Iconic Celebrations DSP as a background on the Mossy Meadow card base. The santas were colored with Smoky Slate, ivory and Cherry Cobbler Stampin’ Blends. The Real Red and White Adhesive-Backed Peppermints make the cutest embellishments.
This next swap card by Judith P uses the Regal Winter Suite Collection – the beautiful DSP and the dies and stamp set of the Regal Flora made a great thank you card.
This card from Kathi D. uses the Sentimental DSP which is a Stampin’ Up! give-back product. Our company donates a bit of every purchase of this DSP for children’s literacy. The sentiment and dies are from the Christmas Labels Bundle.
Vickie G’s swap card features Graceful Deer and the Forever Forest stamp sets and the Forever Forest dies. The background uses the Fragrant Forest background stamp.
This Christmas Friends bundle swap card from Veronica S uses the Plaid 3D embossing folder, the small circle of DSP is from the Nests of Winter DSP. The Peppermint embellishments finish off a lovely card.
This next swap card uses the Gold dipped cards, the Gold Textured Adhesive-backed Dots, the So Swirly embossing folder. The Surfing Santa stamp set uses Staz-on Black ink and watercolored with Summer Splash on the surf board, and Garden Green, Crushed Curry and Cherry Cobbler and Petal Pink for his arms for the santa.
The last swap card from Lori V is a fun fold diorama card using Real Red as a base colored card stock and the Dearest Santa stamp set. Such a super sweet card!

Hope these Christmas cards in this swap give you loads of inspiration and get you in the mood to stamp! Now go and create some Christmas artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time! ONLY 20 more days until Christmas is here!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
christmas swap cards

christmas swap cards

Well August swap cards have arrived and they are full of ideas and Fall and Christmas colors and delight! I cannot wait to share all the creativity from my creative upline, sidelines and downline demonstrators!

This first card comes from Marcy W and features the Warms My Heart stamp set on Real Red, Granny Apple Green and Basic White cardstock, Take a Bow 6″ x 6″ DSP strips and the Pinewood planks embossing folder. It is hard to see the little embellishments but they are called Clear Ribboned Adhesive-backed Dots and when you look through the clear resin there are black criss cross patterns below – they are VERY COOL!

The next swap card comes from Robin C and uses the Regal Winter Suite collection of products. The suite contains the Regal Flora stamp set. and coordinating dies set, Regal Foiled Adhesive-Backed Dots in four coordinating colors, a specialty DSP called Regal Distressed Patterns in Gold foil, and a DSP set of gorgeous floral paper called Regal Winter 12″ x 12″ DSP plus a Blackberry Bliss and Gold Textured Ribbon and Robin uses many of these products on her lovely card!
Lyn L’s swap card features the Reindeer Days 12″ x 12″ DSP and the Real Red and White Adhesive-Backed Peppermints as a festive accent!
Marie W’s swap card uses Sheperd’s care stamp set on a Twisted Easel fun fold card. She used Stampin’ Blends in Pool Party, Wild Wheat, Petal Pink and Daffodil Delight to color the image!
This swap card from Kathi D features many of the products in the Wildly Flowering Suite Collection from the annual catalog. The paper in it’s muted toned is soft and luxorious and the dies set features interlocking framed sentiment pieces and lovely flowering stamped images.
Susan W’s swap card uses the Caring Leaves and Stylish Shapes die set in hues of Cajun Craze, Old Olive and Wild Wheat.
She heat embossed the leaf veins and two step stamped the inside of the leaves with the Old Olive and Cajun Craze to make a lovely Fall card!
Denise W’s swap card uses a standard card scored at 1″ and bent back on itself to create a playful alternative to a standard card. She used the Winterly Tree Tops stamp set and the Nests of Winter Suite of Products including the Nests of Winter DSP for a beautiful thank you card!
Veronica’s Christmas card for our swap comes from the Reindeer Days Suite collection and uses the new Forever Plaid 3D embossing folder on Real Red cardstock!
Judy P’s swap card used the Autumn Leaves for the sentiment for her lovely Fall card. The images are from the Online Exclusive image only set called Scenic Pumpkin Patch.
Lori V’s center step fun fold swap card sparkles with the new Festive Glimmer paper on the inside step of the card and the Peaceful Evergreens stamp set on the center step! The sentiment die is from the Peaceful Seasons die set which are all part of the Seasons of Elegance suite collection!
This swap card from my downline Robyn M uses a direct to paper technique by swiping Balmy Blue ink pad directly across a 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White card stock layer. She stamped the home and tree images from the new Yuletide Village stamp set from the 2024 September to December mini!
This swap card from Carol S features the Decorative Trees and Falling Snow stamp sets, Wineer Meadow DSP, Decorative Trees and Christmas Labels dies and the So Swirly Embossing Folder. She embossed the star in Soilver embossing powder and used the Iridescent Striped Trim and Rhinestone Basics Jewels to finish off this great Christmas card in Night of Navy and Real Red accents!
Product List
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00