more color mondays – azure afternoon, coastal cabana and gorgeous grape

more color mondays – azure afternoon, coastal cabana and gorgeous grape

Sometimes with a special birthday you just need to go the extra mile and create a really special card – today son #2 turns 30 (first of all how can I have two children over 30 – CRAZY!!)

I still am designing cards from the color coach this is an analogous color combination – meaning these three colors are adjacent to one another on the color wheel and work well together.

I am so in love with this card – I saw a similar card from a demonstrator in Australia so I copied the design with different colors and modified a few other things but a special thank you to Julianne R for the inspiration!

Measurements:
BASE 1: Azure Afternoon 5 1/2″ x 11” (14cm x 28cm) scored at 2-¾” & 5-½” (7cm & 14cm) along long edge
BASE 2: Azure Afternoon 2” x 11” (5.1cm x 28cm) scored at 2-¾” & 5-½” (7cm & 14cm) along long edge
Bracket: 1-¾” x 3-3/4 “ (4.4cm x 9.5cm) scored at ½” (1.3cm) in from both ends
DSP Layer: 5-1/8” (13cm) square
DSP Layers: 2-3/8” x 5-1/8” (6cm x 13cm) (cut 2)
Azure Afternoon Base 2 bottom layers:
1-⅝ x 5-⅛” (4.1cm x 13cm) AND 1-⅝ x 2-3/8”
(4.1cm x 6cm) (cut 2)
Basic White CS:
Base 2 Layers: 1-3/4” x 2-1/2” (4.4cm x 6.4cm) (cut 2)
Base 2 Layer: 1-¾” x 5-¼” (4.4cm x 13.3cm)
DSP Matte layers:
2-1/2” x 5-¼” (6.4cm x 13.3cm) (cut 2)
5-1/4” (13.3cm) square
scraps for stamping and die cutting 3 boats

This is a bunch of cutting but it is a WOW Card for sure!

Score the 5 1/2″ x 11″ BASE 1 at 2 3/4″ and 5 1/2″.

Fold into a Z fold.

Adhere the 5 1/8″ DSP square layer onto the 5 1/4″ Basic White square layer and then adhere these to the third panel which will be the back inside panel.

Cut another DSP sheet to 5 1/8″ long and then cut two consecutive 2 3/8″ cuts so the images match together when adhered.

Adhere the DSP pieces to the 2 1/2″ x 5 1/4″ layers of Basic white CS. Adhere these pieces to the first and second panel in order so that the images flow into one another.

Take BASE 2 and fold it in half – run it through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine with the wave edgelit from the Sunrise Sailing die set. The edgelit will cut through both layers at once.
Cut the Basic White layers and the Azure Afternoon layers with the different edgelits.

I used the same edgelit on all Azure Afternoon pieces as the BASE 2 and the different edgelit for the Basic White CS pieces.

Take the three Azure Afternoon layers and emboss them in the bottom part of the Sunrise Sailing hybrid embossing folder.
Position the long side of BASE 2 on the left.

Adhere the Basic White pieces onto BASE 2 leaving an even top border showing.

Adhere the embossed Azure Afternoon pieces over the Basic White layers leaving an even top border showing.
Fold the BASE 2 z fold and lay the long side of the BASE 2 onto the first panel of BASE 1.

Adhere only the portion of BASE 2 that touches the first panel.

Adhere the back of the third panel of BASE 2 and close the card making sure that the card is laying flat and adhere the BASE 2 Z fold to the BASE 1 Z fold.

Place Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue onto both small scored edges of the bracket.

Place in between the small box created by the joining of BASE 1 and BASE 2.

Place it towards the top of the BASE 2 edge just below the edge so you cannot see it but when the boat is attached it is high enough to be seen.

Stamp three boats from the Sunrise Sailing stamp set in Tuxedo Black Memento ink.

Stamp each boat with the boat fill in stamp and sail stripes in the analogous colors for this color challenge: Azure Afternoon, Coastal Cabana and Gorgeous Grape inks.

Die cut the boats out.

Run the boats through the embossing folder to give them a little embossed definition.
I used the Take Your Pick Tool attachment cutting knife to cut out the center piece between the two sails.
Take the first boat and adhere Stampin’ Dimensionals to the left-hand side of the boat and stick onto the first panel edge at the water-wave line.
Adhere the second boat onto the bracket so that the boat sticks up and looks like it is floating on the waves.
Adhere the last boat onto the last DSP panel at the water-wave line.
I added the Holographic Resin Dots from the Celebratory Sips Suite of Online Exclusive products for some fun clear shimmery embellishments like reflections on the water!

I stamped “You’re Destined for Great Things” on the first panel in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and Happy Birthday from a retired set for the inside panel.

This advanced stamping project is so worth the extra time for a special WOW card for a special someone!

Happy Birthday to my baby boy #2 you deserve all the world can give – hope you like the card because I loved making it for you!

Try making a special project for someone special to you today! Now go create something spectacular – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

2025 OnStage fun fold swap cards

2025 OnStage fun fold swap cards

One of the coolest things about going to OnStage Stampin’ Up!’s annual convention is the comraderie that is there and the people you meet – seeing friends you have made online and those you have met before – it is a group of very fun like minded people and I was so sorry it sold out before I got to registration! But last year I met a group out of New York and
Micheal D. hosted a multitude of swaps – I participated in three of them!

These are the fun folds I received! Hope it give you loads of inspiration and ideas!

This first fun fold swap from Mary S. from Wisconsin and features one of my favorite suites – Full of Life Suite – which is currently on the last chance list – so that means WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! Hurry and order if this is on your wish list!
This is a front flap fun fold and uses the full of life DSP and the dies from the set. It also uses the newer Plaster painting 3D embossing folder in Balmy Blue all set on a Blueberry Bushel card base.

This next swap card from Kim P. in Export, PA used the Faith Collection and Unbounded Love Bundles, CHoose Happy and Floral Delight stamp sets and the Grove, Linked Together and Textured Notes dies the bough punch and the Plaster Painting 3D embossing folder. She made a double Z-fold fun fold Easter card for us and did a lovely job.
The next swap card is a gift card slider fun fold and is from Dena R. who is a sideline demonstrator (we are in the same family tree!)
This is a very cool card and lifts the gift card up out of an inner pocket when you open the front flap! She used the Memorable Blooms bundle which is also on the Last Chance list in hues of Peach Pie!
This book binding fun fold card from Dianne G out of Mineral, VA features a pinwheel focal point made out of the Perennial Lavender DSP and has sweet matching decor on the inside.
This next fun fold swap card from Sherry P. features a creative take on an extended z-fold card (like the one I made for this past More Color Monday’s post). She turns the card to a landscape orientation and adds circle dies from the Spotlight on Nature set and stamped with the Delightful Wishes suite of products.
Delightful Wishes was a popular Suite of products and here is another fun fold swap card from Autumn B from Wilmington NC. This is a front flap gate fold card and this fun fold features the Eyelet embossing folder and the Floral Delight DSP.
This DSP fun fold card features a 1/4 sheet of Blueberry Bushel card stock as the base and then a 4″ x 12″ piece of DSP for the card using the Wildflower Birthday DSP from Elaine S.
Lori P from Escondido, CA made this sweet Floral Delight DSP offset gate fold card using the Wildflower Birthday sentiment.
Robyn M from Atlanta, GA made this fun birthday card. This fun fold pulls the doggie in the circle dies out on a separate fold so it peeks through the card opening one minute and out to the side the next! This card uses the One More Year stamp set!
This explosion book binding fun fold card from Robyn B out of Texas used the Meant To Bee bundle for a super sweet card for the one you love!
This triple panel fun fold card from Judy K. in Virginia features the Countryside Inn DSP which is on the Last Chance List and the Cake Celebrations bundle.
This swap card combines two fun folds the Book Binding and Z fold for a unique look with the Lily Pond Lane Last Chance List DSP from Janice A in Texas
Kathy A from San Antonio, TX used a lovely Perennial Lavender DSP decorated belly band to enclose her gate fold explosion card. The Layered Florals embossing folder is on the Last Chance list if you like it – it is on sale!
Diane L’s Fun fold swap card uses the Everyday You and Me suite of products for a double panel z fold card that is stunning! One of my favorite swap cards I received – nice job!
Product List
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
Bough Punch [ 157711 ]
[157711]
$24.00
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
fruit salad sale-a-bration double z fold card

fruit salad sale-a-bration double z fold card

Who doesn’t like fun folds? It is one of the most fun types of cards to make – some take a little extra time and materials but they are so worth it!
The Double Z Fold card is a fairly simple design that any card maker can achieve! Try one out and see!

Measurements:
BASE: Garden Green CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 2 3/4″ and 5 1/2″
second z fold strip 1 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 2 3/4″ and 5 1/2″
DSP: 6″ x 6″ piece
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″ inside layer
scrap for sentiment die cut
Colored CS: scraps for Mini Alphabet dies

To best utilize your DSP I got all pieces needed out of ONE 6″ x 6″ piece of DSP – cut it this way!
If your paper is directional decide first how you want the direction to run and cut accordingly!
I wanted the watermelon stripes running up and down on the 2 1/2″ x 4″ pieces so I made sure to position the paper that way.
I cut two 1″ strips off the bottom of the paper.
Cut the 4″ x 6″ piece of DSP in (2) 2 1/2″ x 4″ pieces this left me with a 1″ x 4″ strip which I also used.
Cut the 1″ strips into (1) 1″ x 5 1/4″ and
(2) 1″ x 2 1/2″ strips.

Adhere the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer to the inside of the 4 1/4″ x 11″ card base.
Adhere the 1″ x 4″ sttrip to the right-hand side of the Basic White layer I left a small border on the right-hand side.
Adhere the (2) 2 1/2″ x 4″ pieces of DSP onto the first two panels of the large base card.
Flip the smaller 1 1/4″ x 11″ piece so that the score lines are oppositely positioned from the large base card. (the larger panel will be adhered to the smaller front panel. This will make a difference if like my card your patterned paper is directional! I wanted my watermelon seeds to have the point side up so I made sure to position them accordingly before adhering onto the panels. Adhere the 1″ x 5 1/4″ strip to the larger left-hand side panel, then adhere the 1″ x 2 1/2″ strips to the two smaller panels on the right-hand side of the 1 1/4″ z-fold.
Match the edges of the smaller Z fold with the first small panel of the larger z fold base card and adhere the first 2 1/2″ portion of the 1″ x 5 1/4″ strip that will be attached to the card. **NOTE: if you put adhesive on the entire 5 1/4″ strip you will adhere the fun fold closed and it will not work because the adhesive will attach to the back of the smaller panel.**
Place adhesive on the back of the third smaller strip and close the card this will attach the smaller z-fold in the correct position.
I realized after I photographed this card that the die cut I grabbed out of my stash was from the retired Everyday Details die set but you can use the Stylish Shapes or Spotlight on Nature dies to get a similar look.
I stamped the sentiment from the Ice Cream Swirl stamp set and cut out the A from the “make a wish” sentiment.
I colored the die with a blending brush in Real Red before popping up the A on the die.
I used a Water Painter in Real Red ink and tapped it over the die cut piece with a bone folder to create a tone on tone splatter effect.
I adhered the circle die to the smaller front z-fold panel.
I took two pieces of Black twine from the Bakers Twine Essentials pack and tied a double bow and adhered it to the sentiment piece with a mini glue dot.
I had a bunch of letters die cut from a previous card in Melon Mambo and instead of wasting them I spelled out MELON and colored them with a blending brush in Real Red ink which gave them a depth of color and texture! Added BONUS!
I adhered the letter die cuts from the Mini Alphabet dies to the top of the second smaller z-fold panel.

I fussy cut three watermelon slices and adhered them to the inside panel of the z-fold and added Iridescent Adhesive-Backed Discs to finish off this fun fold card!

You do want to be conscious of the fact that some of the inside panel will be visible when the card front is closed so decorate accordingly!

Try this easy fun fold and see what you can come up with!

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

2024 march memorable meadows paper pumpkin alternative cards

2024 march memorable meadows paper pumpkin alternative cards

Paper Pumpkin –
A MONTHLY CRAFTING SUBSCRIPTION

If you’re looking for a fun and simple creative outlet paper crafting might be your best option! It’s fun, creative, and handmade projects bring joy to you and to others. And nothing makes paper crafting as fun, easy, and creative as Paper Pumpkin! Everything You Need in a Craft Box

One issue crafters often run into is feeling overwhelmed by their project. Lack of inspiration, proper supplies and crafty know-how might discourage you from even starting a project and unlocking your creative potential!

This never happens with a craft subscription box from Paper Pumpkin. That’s because everything you need for your project is included in your monthly art box. All you have to do is open it up and get started. You’ll be able to make cards, treat bags, gift boxes and so much more with your monthly art box subscription.

March 2024 features a beautiful art box that contains everything you need to make 3 sets of 3 cards – a total of 9 cards from gorgeously printed cards that coordinate with the Online Exclusives suite of products – Meandering Meadows. Today I am highlighting 4 alternatives cards in this blog.

This set contains wood elements, iridescent embellishments, coordinating envelopes and purple vellum pieces. These are the two stamp sets that come in this kit.
The card pieces are printed on both the front and back making them perfect for alternative projects to be cut apart. For the first alternate card I made a simple z-fold fun fold card using half of the card with the tree pattern on them. I cut the card in half and then cut that piece to two pieces of 2″ x 5 1/4″. I grabbed a Gorgeous Grape card base of 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ scored the card in half at 4 1/4″ and then at 2 1/8″. I cut a Basic White inside piece to 4″ x 5 1/4″ I saved the thin slice to use on the Basic White layer.
I used the retiring Vellum Basics which is on sale for $6 (#160839) and still in stock as of saving this post. I cut the vellum to a 2 3/4″ square and die cut a smaller white square from the Stylish Shapes die set which is one of my all time favorites!
This is how I cut the card and I will use all the vertical pieces of the left side of the card.
I adhered the most left hand piece of the card to the first panel.
Adhere the second 2″ piece to the middle panel.
Adhere the Basic White layer to the right hand panel and then adhere the 1/4″ x 5 1/4″ piece to the right hand side of the Basic White layer.
Stamp a sentiment onto the square in a diamond orientation. I stamped off the smaller flower image and stamped the petals around the sentiment.
Adhere the left side of the white diamond to the vellum square with stamping dimensionals positioned in a diamond orientation. Only put Stampin’ Dimensionals onto the left side of the Basic White layer and add to the vellum diamond. Add Stampin’ Seal only under the Basic White diamond on the left side – adhere to the first panel only placing the points of the top and bottom of the diamond directly over the score line between the first and second panels.
I added three Purple Shimmer Gems to the finished card for a little coordinating bling.
The second alternate card I used a half sheet of card base cut to 4″ x 5 1/4″ used one of the purple vellum pieces layered with the wooden tree embellishment attached with the glue dots and the added a sentiment piece. I added three Purple Shimmer Gems to finish off this simple card but by cutting the base in half and adding cardstock I can at least double the cards in the kit!
The third card is a double Z-fold using the brand new In Color cardstock Petunia Pop!
I cut the card in half at 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5 1/2″ and 2 3/4″, then I cut the other side of the 4 1/4″ x 11″ to 3″ x 11″ and scored at 5 1/2″ and 2 3/4″. Flipped the cardstock so the 3″ piece has the larger side on the left and the 4 1/4″ piece has the larger panel on the right .

I cut two Basic White cardstock pieces one to 4″ x 5 1/4″ and one to 2 3/4″ X 2 1/2″.

I cut the daisy printed card base.

I cut the card base at the score line. I cut the left side of the card base to 4″ and then at 2″ x 4″, 2″ x 4″ and 1/4″ x 4″. I took the right hand piece and cut horizontally across at 2 3/4″ x 5 1/4″.
Adhere the 4″ x 5 1/4″ to the largest panel of the 4 1/4″ card base. Attach the smaller white piece to the smaller right hand panel of the 3″ card stock base.
Adhere the 2″ x 4 ” pieces to the first panel of the 4 1/4″ piece and to the right hand side of the Basic White piece on the back panel.
Adhere the smaller panel to the middle of the back panel over the Basic White piece.
Adhere the daisy cut 3″ x 5 1/4″ piece to the larger panel of the 3″ Petunia Pop card base.

Adhere the back left hand side to the first panel of the back card base.

I stamped the sentiment from the kit stamp set on the smaller inside piece. and added a few Purple Shimmer Gems for the final touch for this beautiful card.
The last alternate card for today for the Memorable Meadows M Product List

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