A Set of All Occasion Cards – Fast & Giftable

Posted on April 16, 2021 by reallyrobinstamps

I like to give sets of cards at different times: birthdays, loss of a loved one, new baby, wedding and as a thank you. As an avid card maker I usually have more cards to send than I am able to get in the mail, so they become fabulous homemade gifts. Today’s projects include a fast & easy pattern for making a set of cards AND a cute card holder for giving them to someone special.

I think you will love this fast and easy pattern for making 6 cards and a holder to gift them to someone special! Check out the video tutorial below and be sure to download the pdf directions for easy duplication of this pattern! Enjoy!

True Love DSP made into easy cards and a card holder!

Here are the supplies you need to make this project!

  • 1 sheet 12 x 12 patterned paper
  • 1 sheet 8.5” x 11” cardstock for holder
  • 1 sheet 8.5” x 11” cardstock for accent pieces
  • 3 sheets 8.5” x 11” cardstock for card bases
  • Punches or dies for greeting images and cardstock scraps
  • Banner Pick a Punch for decorative ends
  • 24 “ ribbon
  • Embellishments as needed
6 Cards and a Card Holder Pattern!Download
Basic Supplies needed for the 6 cards and card holder

This project is so satisfying! I love being able to quickly whip up some cards and a sweet way to gift them in less than an hour! Of course you can take this basic template and step-it-up in any number of ways!

Simple & Fast Cards with a Cute Card Holder to Put them in!

These holders are amazing! Make one (or two or three) today and share your amazing creations with the people you love!

Happy Stamping!

Posted in All About Stamping | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Gift Coordination Bliss

Posted on April 15, 2021 by reallyrobinstamps

This. This is what I love about papercrafting with Stampin’ Up! Coordination of products down to the minutest of details. Having paper, ink, stamp sets, dies, and embellishments that all go together in an infinite number of ways is what I need and love! Can I get a “woo hoo”????

A gift tote bag, a card and a gift card holder that all coordinate.

I needed to quickly give a birthday gift today and dug into my stash of paper to easily create this ensemble: gift bag tote, a card and a gift card holder! There is a world of possibility with just a few coordinating supplies.

Don’t forget that there are only a couple weeks left to get Last Chance Products!

Happy coordinated stamping my friends!

Posted in All About Stamping | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Inspiration in Unlikely Places

Posted on April 11, 2021 by reallyrobinstamps

This is not the first time I’ve seen a pretty tissue box and wanted to use it to inspire my card making. Inspiration for creating card designs is all around us. I try to take full advantage of any ideas that pop into my view that might inspire a new color combination, layout, or design idea. My husband was the one who replaced the empty tissue box with a new one so I didn’t see this gorgeous box until it was sitting in my bathroom. I saw the colors and the chunky images and immediately knew that I could recreate it into a card background.

Inspiration from a tissue box?

I was immediately drawn to the chunky floral images and the mostly pastel colors with a pop of dark green. I was able to pull out the In Bloom stamp set and some ink pads and get right to work on recreating this design on a card front.

Misty Moonlight, Smoky Slate, Balmy Blue, Garden Green, Pool Party, and Blushing Bride ink pads.
In Bloom Stamp Set
Finished card design mimicking the tissue box!

To create the very light colors on the tissue box I used the “stamp off” technique. After inking each image in the ink pad I stamped first onto my scratch paper to get the majority of ink off my image, then I stamped it onto the cardstock. The little bit of ink left on the image will stamp a very subtle version.

Finished cards! All thanks to a tissue box!

I encourage you to keep your eyes wide open, looking for color combinations and design ideas all around you, and use them for inspiration!

Happy Stamping!

Posted in All About Stamping | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Bust Your Stash of Patterned Paper with this Card Template

Posted on April 9, 2021 by reallyrobinstamps

I have another delicious card “recipe” for you to use with your gorgeous stash of Designer Series Papers. This card template uses two complementing and coordinating pieces of patterned paper to create a visually pleasing mix of horizontal and vertical lines on your card front.

I have the directions for you to download, a visual card template layout and you can watch me put together this design AND step it up on my latest Papercrafting Playdate Live on Facebook (keep scrolling)! Enjoy this simple design, pull out your DSP, and get busy making some cards now!

Card Template #3 – Clean Lines
Template #3 – Clean LinesDownload

 Supplies Needed

•4” x 11” cardstock base, scored at 5 1/2” 

•2 1/2” x 1” Basic White CS or a neural color 

•3” x 5 1/2″ patterned paper 

•1 1/2” x 4” coordinating patterned paper 

•Scraps for accent images

Basic Template Directions

  1. Stamp the greeting image on the Basic White cardstock piece. 
  2. Attach the 3” x 5 1/2” piece of patterned paper on the front of the card base centering it vertically.  You will have about 5/8” of the card base showing on each side. Then attach the 4” x 1 1/2” piece of patterned paper horizontally over the first piece Choose patterns that coordinate with each other in color, and it looks fabulous if the patterns complement each other – one being very detailed and one having a smaller pattern.
  3. Pop up the Basic White greeting piece with dimensionals and layer over the top of the pattern papers where they meet.
  4. Punch or die cut one or two stamped accent images to arrange around the greeting focal point and attach to the card front.
  5. Add any extra embellishments.
Basic Template and a Stepped-Up Version

Ways to Step-Up the Basic Template

  • Use an embossing folder on one or both of the pieces of patterned paper.
  • Add extra layers of cardstock to matte the patterned paper.
    • 5 1/2” x 3 1/4” for matting the large piece
    • 2 5/8” x 1 1/8” for the greeting piece.
  • Add a layer of coordinating ribbon under the greeting piece
  • Use a rectangular shaped punch or die to create the greeting piece
You will want to try this template will ALL your DSP!!!!!!
Art Gallery Bundle and Fine Art Floral Designer Series Paper

Thank you so much for trying out this simple card template and happy stamping always!

Simple card template and stepped-up version.

Posted in All About Stamping | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

“SIP” Method : Stamps + Ink + Paper = Simple Stamping

Posted on April 1, 2021 by reallyrobinstamps
Timeless Tulips – Distinktive stamp images are so amazing!

It’s time to make some Easter cards (better late than never?) and I am so excited to use the Timeless Tulips stamp set to set the tone for my Easter message. I really needed to make some simple cards this year as I’m on the road traveling during Holy Week. I literally threw some supplies into a bag to bring with on my trip without a real plan for my card design. Thanks to the amazing coordination of my Stampin’ Up! supplies, I could pull together this layout and send off some last minute cards. Knowing I wanted to use the Timeless Tulips stamp set, I chose bright spring colors: Poppy Parade, Gorgeous Grape, Pear Pizzazz, and Daffodil Delight.

Whenever I need to make multiples of a card design I keep in mind the need to keep things as simple as possible. Simple to me means that I use only a few layers, one stamp set, and an embellishment. I videotaped my creative process to share with you how easy it is to make beautiful yet simple cards in multiples.

How to make simple cards using the SIP method: STAMPS, INK & PAPER
Timeless Tulips

I encourage you to keep it simple and remember to use the SIP Method! Get those cards in the mail to those you love! Happy stamping!

April’s hostess code is K62GVNPP. When you place a a $40 or more order this month using the hostess code you will receive a half package of cardstock (12 sheets) – any color of your choice. Order now!

Posted in All About Stamping | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Corner Tuck Fold Card

Posted on March 26, 2021 by reallyrobinstamps

I have a fun fold card to share with you that features a cute little triangle corner that is actually a pocket to tuck the card front into. There are two versions of this pattern – one is super quick and easy using only minimal supplies and the second is a stepped-up version. There are directions to download and a tutorial video to watch from my Papercrafting Playdate Facebook Live today.

Corner Tuck Fold Card 2 WaysDownload
Corner Tuck Fold Cards – Quick & Easy Version
Replay of Papercrafting Playdate Facebook Live

Corner Tuck Fold Card – Quick & Easy

  • 4.25” x 11” Cardstock base
  • 2” x 6” Coordinating patterned paper
  • 3” x 4” Basic White (cut 2)

 Directions

  1. Measure at 3.25” along the 11” side of the card base and cut. This will give you a piece measuring 3.25” x 4.25” and a card base measuring 4.25” x 7.75”.  The 3.25” x 4.25” piece will be used to matte the focal point, and the rest is used for the card base.
  2. Score the card base at 5.5”. Fold on the score line and press with a bone folder. The small flap will be part of the card front.
  3. Cut the patterned paper piece at 4” along the long edge.  This will give you a 2” x 4” piece and a 2” square. Cut the 2” square in half diagonally to make 2 triangles.
  4. Attach the 2” x 4” piece to the flap on the card front.
  5. Attach the 3.25” x 4.25” card stock piece onto the card front flap, centering this piece over the card.  Use adhesive to attach, but only on the portion that will be attach to the card flap.
  6. Stamp one of the 3” x 4” pieces of Basic White cardstock as desired. Mount this piece onto the 3.25” x 4.25” piece of coordinating cardstock.
  7. Mount the 3” x 4” Basic White piece on the inside of the card directly underneath the focal point so that it cannot be seen when the card is closed. Stamp the inside greeting on this piece.
  8. Attach the triangle over one of the corners on the edge where the card opens, using adhesive (glue dots work well) on the 3 corners of the triangle. The triangle will overlap a corner of the inside 3” x 4” piece.  Attach the second triangle on the inside of the card to balance the corner pocket.
Quick & Easy Corner Tuck Fold Cards

Now for the stepped-up version of this card which really just adds some more elements and possibilities to the mix.

Corner Tuck Fold Card – Stepped Up Version

The Stepped-Up Version of this fun fold is put together the exact same way. I shifted the dimensions of the flap on the card front so that there is room to put a gift card inside using the second triangle. This adjustment also changes the size of the patterned paper so note the directions.

 Corner Tuck Fold – Stepped-Up Version

  • 4.25” x 8” Cardstock base
  • 4” x 2.25” Coordinating patterned paper
  • 3.25” x 4.25” Coordinating cardstock
  • 3” x 4” Basic White (cut 2)
  • 2.25” cardstock or DSP square, cut in half diagonally
Stepped-Up Corner Tuck Fold Cards

Hope this tutorial helps you “tuck” into some card-making and gift-card giving very soon!

Posted in All About Stamping | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Corner Tuck Fold Card

⏰ Last-Chance Products Sale!

Posted on March 24, 2021 by reallyrobinstamps
Find the Last-Chance Products in my online store.

It’s that time of year! Time to say goodbye to some retiring items to get ready for amazing new stuff. This is the list of all items from the 2020-2021 Stampin’ Up Annual Catalog that will be discontinued on May 3rd! You will find some discounted items as well! All products are “While Supplies Last” except for stamp sets which will be guaranteed through around the end of April. Products will sell out quickly so don’t wait – especially on retiring In Colors: Rose Rococco, Pretty Peacock, Seaside Spray, Teracotta Tile, Purple Posy.

Order from me using March’s Hostess Code and receive extra goodies! Order now!

Last-Chance Products Sale pdfDownload
Posted in All About Stamping | Comments Off on ⏰ Last-Chance Products Sale!

Tote-ally Awesome Tote Bags!

Posted on March 19, 2021 by reallyrobinstamps

Today’s Papercrafting Playdate project makes me tote-ally excited! Most of us get a genuine thrill from getting a new bag – I mean who doesn’t need a new bag, right? Walking out the door with a new purse/bag is akin to a new hairstyle or new pair of shoes. You can’t have too many tote bags!

Today’s pattern will help you create paper tote bags to gift all kinds of stuff in a super cute (I mean tote-ally cute) way. I have a video tutorial you can view to help you create the tote bag and pdf directions to download and save in your files. Then get busy and make some of these easy bags for your friends and family! Think May Day? Think Easter? Think Mother’s Day? Think get well soon? Think birthday wishes?

Paper Tote Bags in 2 Sizes pdfDownload
Tote-ally Awesome Tote Bags in 2 Sizes

Tips and Tricks for the Tote Bag

  • Choose double-sided patterned paper that has coordinating sides because both sides will show.
  • Choose double-sided patterned paper that doesn’t have a pattern that is directional in one way otherwise one side of the bag will be upside down.
  • Smaller patterns on the paper are easier to work with.
  • A bone folder really helps the bag come together by bending the paper in the direction you want it to go.
  • Use Tear Tape adhesive or Seal+ adhesive for a secure hold.
Step 1: Cut 2, 1″ strips from one side of the 12 x 12. These will be the handles of the bag. Score at 5″ from each side of the remaining piece along the 12″ side. The 2″ space in the middle of this piece will be the bottom of the bag.
With scissors cut along each score line about 2″ from the edge. With bone folder, bend the paper towards the inside side of the paper. Apply Tear Tape to outside side of the bag on small bottom flaps and on ends of handles.

On the inside side of the paper apply Tear Tape on one side along both outer edges.

Take off the adhesive from one side edge and one bottom flap on the same side. Overlap the side edges about 1″ or so aligning the top edge of the bag first then pressing together down to the bottom of the bag. Repeat on the other side. The bottom flaps will just press into the sides of the bag on the inside in a curved manner.

This is the inside of the bag showing how the bottom flaps press into the edges.
This is what the bottom of the bag will look like.

What could possibly be cuter than this tote bag? What about a mini tote bag?????? And a cute mini wallet gift card holder for the inside???

What could be sweeter than a Mini Tote Bag friend??

The Mini Tote Bag gets put together exactly the same way, the dimensions are simply smaller! Download the pdf at the top of this post to get the dimensions.

Once I started making these bags I couldn’t stop!

12 x 12 Paper sized Tote Bags
Mini-sized Tote Bags

Thank you so much for joining me on this tote-ally amazing tote bag journey today!

Posted in All About Stamping | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Card Templates and Why We Need Them

Posted on March 15, 2021 by reallyrobinstamps

Following a pattern is the easiest way to create something new that you’ve never made before. Patterns usually give step by step directions, diagrams or pictures to follow, and specific dimensions for the design to come together. Carpenter patterns are called blueprints, chef patterns are called recipes, and quilter patterns are, well, patterns. Once you have followed a pattern and made the design, you can adjust the pattern to fit your specific needs or put your own creative spin on it. This is true for cardmaking and papercrafting, as well. We have card templates and patterns to help us create new designs with paper, ink and stamps.

From time to time I will feature a card template design to help make cardmaking easier and to inspire your creative spin. Check out this quick and easy card template.

Really Robin Card Template #2- Three Panels & Vellum CircleDownload

This card template is quick and easy. It used 3 pieces of Designer Series Paper measuring 1.75″ x 4″ each. These DSP pieces span the front of the card base leaving a lovely frame around the edges. It is a great way to use multiple designs from one package of Designer Series Paper that coordinate together. Additionally it features a card stock vellum circle that acts as a support for the focal point image of the card without covering up any of the DSP It is designed to work with a greeting image that is horizontally long and stamped onto a neutral cardstock strip. You can use any width for the greeting strip, and if you use a 0.5″, 0.75″ or 1″ strip then you can use one of the pick a label punches to create a fun end on the strip. I like to “test” a card template by making several cards with it to “prove” that it is a good pattern to follow. This template is a keeper!

I challenge you to get out a package of your double-sided patterned paper, choose three of the coordinating papers, something for a focal point image, and a long greeting and throw this card together!

Banners Pick A Punch, Treasured Tags Pick a Punch, Lovely Labels Pick a Punch. $23.00 each

Posted in All About Stamping | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Amazing Backgrounds with Masks & Stencils & Butterflies!

Posted on March 13, 2021 by reallyrobinstamps

All I wanted to do was show some backgrounds using the techniques of stenciling and masking, but once I dove into all the possibilities in my craft stash I ended up going overboard! So buckle up for a lot of card samples in this post!

Today’s live Crafting Playdate (#10) episode was focused on stenciling and masking made from the positive and negative spaces created by dies. Using the Butterfly Brilliance Bundle you can create so many stenciling and masking opportunities with minimal supplies. I challenge you to grab some ink colors, sponges (or the new Blending Brushes currently not orderable until the week of March 29) and coordinating cardstock to create some basic yet amazing cards. Let’s dive in! Two products that I used on many of today’s projects are the decorative masks and blending brushes.

Decorative Masks and Blending Brushes
Learn many ways to create masks & stencils in the replay of my Facebook Live video tutorial

Almost anything can be used as a stencil. The Forever Gold Laser-Cut Specialty paper makes great stencils.

Order the Butterfly Brilliance bundle during March using hostess code T7D429XG and get a Butterfly Bijou Paper Sampler from me for free!

Posted in All About Stamping | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Amazing Backgrounds with Masks & Stencils & Butterflies!