boho vibes su creativity challenge

boho vibes su creativity challenge

Every month, Sara Douglas, Stampin’ Up!’s CEO challenges us with a creativity task – everyone can play along and this month’s challenge uses any of our alphabet sets!

On pages 106-107 in our current 2025-2026 Annual Catalog is a beautiful spread entitled “Customize & Personalize with Dies” and features our three current alphabet sets –

the Mini Alphabet Dies #162934 ($31.00) – this set is perfectly sized for customizing your cards small enough to fit onto a card front and designed as one die to cut all of your letters at once – How easy is that?

My personal favorite – the Alphabet A La Mode #160750 – ($42.00) this medium sized alphabet is your do it all work horse small enough for card making and large enough for scrapbooking – this set can do it all!

and new this year the Party Alphabet Dies – #165263 – ($99.00) these letters are about 2 1/4″ tall and add an eye-catching accent to any of your projects. This also comes in a bundle for $125.00 (#165265) with the Party Banner dies for a complete banner making package that will be the hit of your parties!

Today’s project uses the Sunshine Vibes bundle from the Boho Vibes Suite Collection in Fall colors for a great happy Fall card!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
4″ x 5 1/4″ layer, scraps for rainbow base and
letter dies
Cajun Craze CS: 3″ x 4 1/4″ and scraps
Calypso Coral CS: 3″ x 4 1/4″ and scraps
Crushed Curry CS: 3″ x 4 1/4″ and scraps
Poppy Parade CS: 3″ x 4 1/4″ and scraps
Pumpkin Pie CS: 3″ x 4 1/4″ and scraps

Die cut the rainbow pieces from each color .

Take the Basic White 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer and with blending brushes color the entire area with Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie and calypso Coral inks.
Spray the area with water droplets from a Stampin’ Spritzer – this is called water lifting – the areas of water droplets will lift the ink and make lighter spotting on the surface of the colored area.
Dry with a Heat Tool or let air dry. If using a Heat Tool you should heat from both the bottom and the top of the layer to minimize paper curling.

Cut the word FALL from the Alphabet A La Mode dies and place on the bottom of the layer for spacing and stamp the word “happy” in Tuxedo Black Memento ink from the Blooming Phrases stamp set above where the letters will be adhered.

Adhere the letters to the colored layer and then adhere the layer to the card base.
Arrange the rainbow pieces one from each color on the rainbow Basic White base die and adhere starting on one side and adhering the next one in order.
Pop up the rainbow dies onto Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhere above the stamped sentiment.
I stamped the inside with the good vibes sentiment from the Sunshine Vibes stamp set in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and the sun and rays in Daffodil Delight ink above the sentiment to finish off the inside of the card!
I used the Starburst Sequins for the embellishments around the sentiment to finish the card!

This is one of the cards we will be doing at two of my library classes this month – hope to see you at one of them!

Now go and create some seasonal cards of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

more color mondays – crushed curry, peach pie and calypso coral exploring analogous colors

more color mondays – crushed curry, peach pie and calypso coral exploring analogous colors

I have written a little about color theory before. Most of us know only the basics about color unless you majored in ART! I majored in Pharmacy pretty far away from an art major! Although I have loved the art of stamping for almost 25 years now i am still no expert in color theory. I do know the basics and I think I have an innate eye for what colors look pleasing together but I love tools that can help me with what colors WORK together and our newer tool the Color Wheel does just that!
On pages 132-133 of the current 2024-2025 catalog we have devoted two pages to color theory and our new color wheel.

Monochromatic –
choose colors with the same tints or shades
of the same color
Complementary – opposites attract – pair colors
that are opposite each other on the color
wheel to create bold, contrasting color
combinations
Analogous – choose three colors that are side
by side on the color wheel. These
neighboring colors work together to create
harmony and balance.
Triadic – choose three colors evenly spaced
around the color wheel. Our wheel is
created with a triadic line pointing in the
inside window that points out these special
combinations.

Today’s card is an analogous example of color theory and Crushed Curry, Peach Pie and Calypso Coral all belong in the Orange to Yellow-Orange spectrum.

This is a single layer card as simple as simple stamping gets but the mask creates an incredibly layered look that belies it’s simplicity!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″

I die cut the Linked Together rectangular trellis and actually used the negative space as a mask to prevent the ink from going outside this rectangle. Save the trellis die for another card!
Place the #1 mask over the rectangular negative die and mark the notch on your grid paper so that the following masks line up.
Using a blending brush and a circular motion pick up Crushed Curry ink from the ink pad and brush through the mask onto the card front below the mask.
Remove mask #1 but keep the rectangular paper mask in place.
Place mask #2 in the notch created with mask#1 and brush with a new blending brush and Peach Pie ink.
Remove the plastic #2 mask keeping the paper rectangular mask in place.
Place mask #5 in the notch and using a new blending brush and Calypso Coral ink I brushed the lower half in a diagonal line with this ink.
Remove both the plastic and rectangular masks.
Stamp the sentiment of choice from the Linked Together stamp set in Calypso Coral ink and tie the Peach Pie ribbon around the center of the card front.
Add the embellishments and your simply stamped card is complete! I used the white sequins from the Adhesive-Backed Sequins Trio and colored them with the Dark Calypso Coral Stampin’ Blends marker to make them coordinate perfectly!

Do you have masks at home? This is a fabulous bundle with incredible possibilities and I cannot wait to do some more creating! Try a mask card today or if you don’t have one order this one on January 7th!

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Reminder: the Linked Together Bundle is a sneak Peak and will be available tomorrow so it will not be listed in the photo directory below at the time of posting.

changing leaves color blocking card

changing leaves color blocking card

Just a simple background technique can elevate a card and todays’ blog post is all about a few fun background techniques that will take your cards from simple to WOW!

A watercolor wash and a simple splatter technique make a HUGE difference on this card – follow along today to learn how to accomplish these techniques!

Measurements:
BASE: Cherry Cobbler: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic White layers: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″
scraps for the die cuts

I chose three Fall Colors and stamped the maple leaf image in each: Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie and Crushed Curry.

I used a waterpainter to color in the leaves open spaces pulling the ink from stamping the leaves into the open spaces between the veins and die cut each leaf.

I then used the waterpainter in a zigzag motion to color a third of the Basic White layer.

I stamped the sentiment onto the center lower section of the layer in Cherry Cobbler.

I popped up each of the leaves and placed onto there corresponding color on the Basic White layer.

I brushed each leaf with the WInk of Stella for a little added sparkle.
I adhered the Basic White watercolor washed layer to the Cherry Cobbler base and added some Iridescent Adhesive-Backed Discs tot he card front.
For the final pop I took each of the three colors in the Dark Stampin’ Blends marker and opening up the brush tip side I used the edge of my bone folder and tapped on the plastic sleeve of the marker near the brush tip to splatter ink onto the same color section of watercolored wash.
Just a little extra effort makes this simple card POP and adds so much depth, dimension and interest! Try these little additions to your card making and elevate your game! Now go and create some art of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

new catalog sneak peek – layers of beauty bundle

new catalog sneak peek – layers of beauty bundle

I am super excited today to be able to give you a sneak peek into the upcoming new 2024-2025 Annual Catalog. The demonstrators that attended OnStage Houston were able to get an advanced copy of the catalog before anyone else and we were able to participate in the Product Purchase Premier – were we could purchase some of the items in the catalog before customers and other demonstrators that did not attend the convention. One of the items I saw demonstrated at OnStage was the Layers of Beauty bundle which includes a coordinating stamp set and dies but also a decorative mask set that helps color the flowers and leaves of the large stamp quickly and expertly!
Measurements for the main card:
BASE: Mossy Meadow 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Mossy Meadow layer: 4″ x 5 1/4:
Basic White layer 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scrap for the sentiment die
Old Olive scraps for the leaves dies

Stamp the large flower and leaf stamp in Tuxedo Black Memento ink onto the 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″.

Place the first mask marked with a 1 in the top left hand corner and rotate the mask until the stamped image aligns with the mask openings. Take a pencil and mark the notch with a pencil onto the paper. This notch will help to guide where to place the other masks.
Using a small Blending brush, color the areas open with Fresh Freesia ink.
Without removing mask #1 color the open daisy areas with another light color I chose Daffodil Delight.
Remove the mask and this is what the Basic White layer will look like after mask#1.
Place mask #2 on the Basic White layer and rotate until the openings align with the stamped image. Using a blending brush and Berry Burst ink color through the opening. This is what it will look like after the 2nd template.
Place mask #3 on the Basic White layer – line up the notch and color through the openings with Blackberry Bliss.
Place mask#4 over the stamped area and rotate until the notch is lined up and using a blending brush color the leaves in Old Olive.
This is what the stamped image will look like after the Old Olive is rubbed into the openings.
Line up #5 mask with the notch mark on the Basic White layer and color the openings with Mossy Meadow ink and a Blending Brush.
This is what the Basic White layer will look like when you are done with the mask coloring portion! It is stunning!
Fold the 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ card base of Mossy Meadow in half at 4 1/4″ and adhere the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer to the front after you emboss the layer with the DIstressed Tile 3D embossing folder.
Die cut the flower image in the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine and place Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back. Attach the large die cut of flowers to the embossed layer.
Die cut 3 large and 3 small leaf dies from the Layers of Beauty die set. Adhere them under the flower die sticking out in all directions!
Stamp the sentiment in Mossy Meadow and die cut with the second smallest circle die from the Everyday Details die set.
Adhere to the embossed layer.
attach three Ombre decorative dots to the sentiment piece and the card is gorgeous and complete!

Try a decorative mask today to elevate your card and this bundle will be available May1st or better yet come to my Open House May 1st 1-3pm and see it for yourself!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

P.S. Remember because this is a sneak peek the bundle is not available until the new catalog goes live on May 1st! So it will not be listed in the photo menu below.

Here are some other card samples made with this bundle.
This next card is also made with the masks but not die cut out.
This next card uses the same large flower stamp in the set but I colored this one in with the Stampin’ Blends to get the shading just right!
This last example is one of my favorites – I saw this card demonstrated at OnStage in Houston and it is a partial die cut!! Love this one!
rays of light card

rays of light card

Today’s card is a simple stamping card – fast and delightful…I spend the last few days packing up and moving our youngest son home from college with the help of his older brother and all the while feeling a little under the weather soooooo…. I wanted to get you all a fun cheery card today – one that was bright but also easy!

Measurements:
BASE: Crushed Curry CS 5 1/2 x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS : 4″ x 5 1/4″

Attach the Rays of Light background stamp to our largest acrylic block and apply Crushed Curry ink to the entire surface.

I like to place the Basic White cardstock on my work surface and stamp the image rubbing all sides of the stamp through the acrylic block then turn it over and rub the backside of the paper gently as to not dislodge the paper from the stamp and make sure all of the ink has transferred to the paper.

Using Tuxedo Black memento ink and the sentiment from the Good Feelings stamp set. I stamped this large sentiment in the lower left hand corner of the Basic White cardstock.
With a Blending Brush and Poppy Parade ink apply ink to the edges.
I love these Iridescent Pastem Gems and added three of them to the cardfront for extra bling.
Attach the Basic White card stock to the Crushed Curry card base.
Cards do not always have to take up loads of time or effort – this is a fun, bright and cheerful card that took no time at all to create and will brighten a friends day! Hope you enjoy some crafting time today and go and create some art of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie