Just in time to get some extra perks on products you want and need, along comes a one day sale. Here’s the deal: for 24 hours on Wednesday, December 8th with a minimum $50 order you will get free shipping!
Don’t forget that my ordering reward for the month of December is a Free Cardmaking Kit. If you have already taken advantage of of my offer and placed an order in December and decide to place a second order, I am offering you an additional reward: the Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels.
Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels
If you have a wishlist, think about sharing it with your family for some last minute holiday gifts or treat yourself with your own present under the tree!
Contact me if you need help placing your order. Happy shopping!
Oh, my friends, do you know how much I love mini albums? I think it is because they are miniature scrapbooks made into a card format. So when you create them you get the joy of scrapbooking along with card making all at the same time. The cool thing about this particular Mini Card Album is that you can mail it! So it is the perfect way to sent an extremely special card to someone you really care about (who deserves something extra special)! Definitely watch the video tutorial because I made a TON of samples (as usual) and I explain a bunch of different options for making this. Then download the pdf for your files too!
Papercrafting Playdate #41 – A Mini Card Album & Gift Card Holder
Supplies Needed for 4 x 6 Mini Card Album
1 sheet of 12 x 12 patterned paper (or cardstock)
1 – 3 ½” x 4 ¾” cardstock for top loading pocket
1 – 3 ½” x 4 ¾” cardstock for side loading pocket
2 – 3¼” x 4 ¼” cardstock for matting pictures
Score the 12 x 12 paper into thirds at 4” and 8”, keeping in mind the orientation of the printed pattern. If there is a definite directionality, you want it to be going in the same direction as your score lines. Turn the paper 90° to the left or right and cut the 12 x 12 paper in half at 6”. You will now have 2 – 6” x 12” pieces that are scored every 4”. Crease the score lines in both directions to create crisp folds. Place the two 6”x12” pieces of cardstock end to end. This creates six panels. The 2 middle panels are going to be adhered together to create a pocket.Add Liquid Glue to 3 sides of one of the panels and glue to the next panel to create a side pocket. (See the black lines)Once the pocket is created then use a punch to create a small indent. The pocket insert will peek out and be easy to pull out.Fold the far left corner to create a diagonal fold over. Add Liquid Glue where you see the black line and fold in to create a top loading pocket. Fold far left panel in over the second panel to create a top-loading pocket. Add a bit more adhesive to the tip of the diagonal fold to keep it down.Add an indent on the far right panel to create a finger pull to open the fold.Adhere the cardstock picture mattes on the right fold-out. insert the pocket cards.Decorate/embellish the mini album as desired.
Gift Card Holder
Supplies Needed
4 1/4″ x 6 1/2″ Card base (Memories & More Small Card)
4″ x 12″ patterned paper (DSP), scored at 3″, 5″, & 9″
2 1/2″ x 3 1/4″ Basic White
3″ x 4″ patterned paper for card front
The Gift Card Holder is an adaptation of the Mini Card Album that is sized even smaller and is perfect for tucking into a gift bag, stocking or attaching to a present (This size card can not be mailed),
My hope is for you to create one of these albums for a special person in your life to shower them with love. Enjoy your creative time this month! -Robin
It’s December! Here we are coming to the end of 2021 and gearing up for a holiday month and a new year around the corner. Where are you at this time of year my friend? Are you full of excitement or do you feel unsure? I seem to vacillate between those ends of the emotional spectrum depending on the day, and I’m sure you are somewhere in between also. No matter how we feel about December, the month tends to chug along with or without us, right?
Because you are a crafter and find joy in creating beautiful things, I encourage you to make time for yourself to pull out your things and PLAY WITH PAPER! Make a card or a treat for a stranger, invite a friend to hang out with and stamp, or simply turn on some music and apply ink to paper until you smile! Take care of yourself, do what you love to do, and all your other tasks will be more enjoyable too!
My friends, I wish for you MUCH joy and love and peace this month and always. -Robin
Here is what you need to know this month!
Robin’s December Ordering Special
Clearance Rack Refresh- More discounted retired products for bargain shoppers!
Lots of Pun – Paper Pumpkin Kit
Last Chance & Carryover Lists – Begins 12/1
Robin’s December Ordering Special
Place a qualifying order of $45 or more* (using the December hostess code) and receive a FREE Daffodil Afternoon Card Kit from me! The card kit includes all the pieces you need to create 4 cards using new not-yet-released products. *If you are ordering more than $150 do NOT use the hostess code because you ALSO get Stampin’ Rewards with your order in addition to my ordering special. You’ll receive all the pieces below (on the left) which you can assemble as shown (on the right). Add your own greetings and adhesive to finish! Or you can use the supplies to create your own unique creations! You are going to love this gorgeous new Designer Series Paper.
What’s not to “loaf” about a punny joke? It never hurts to have a little laughter, light-heartedness, and humor sprinkled into your schedule. If you’re a fan of fun, get a kick out of clever crafts, and can’t keep it together when you hear a classic knee-slapper, you’ll go bananas over this month’s cute ‘n’ quirky kit!
The Lots of Pun Paper Pumpkin Kit includes enough egg-citing elements to create nine cards and coordinating envelopes. From giddy gingham to splatters and stripes, this playful Paper Pumpkin kit features a fun and fresh look with one-of-a-kind patterns and designs! Egg-cellent for any occasion, reason, or season throughout the year, the kit’s pun-packed stamp set provides completely customizable characters for a very versatile crafting experience. Pair each stamp with its matching die-cut snack, then mix up the faces and accessories for an absolutely adorable accent!
Pick up your friends and family with pun-filled projects. December’s delightful kit is sure to make ‘em smile!
The kit contains enough elements to create 9 cards—3 each of 3 designs—and 9 coordinating envelopes. This all-inclusive kit includes printed card bases, die-cut paper pieces, embellishments, adhesive, and more!
The Lots of Pun Stamp Set is a builder stamp set! This means the included images can be mixed and matched to build a variety of unique characters with different looks and features.
Card size: 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″
Envelope size: 4-1/2″ x 5-3/4″
Coordinating colors: Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Granny Apple Green, Pool Party, Poppy Parade
The Last Chance Products List includes just about everything in the current July-Dec 2021 Mini Catalog except for a few products that are carrying over and will still be available. Some of these retiring products are on sale during December at 10%-50% off the regular price. Remember that all products are now only available while supplies last. View Last Chance products online. Download the both list pdfs below.
Last Chance to get products from the July-Dec 2021 Mini Catalog
We are approaching the end of the current July-Dec 2021 Mini Catalog and Stampin’ Up! which means it is time to say goodbye to some products to make room for new upcoming products that will be featured in the Jan-June 2022 Mini Catalog. Whether you are new to Stampin’ Up! or not, the transition period between catalogs can be confusing. There are products that are going to be retiring and some of them will be on sale, and still other products that will carryover and still be available. As with the end of any Stampin’ Up! publication, all products are available while supplies last. I’ve created a quick video to explain the transition process and what you need to know during the month of December and have two pdf lists available for downloading to help you sort through the catalog.
1 – The Carryover List: all the items that will continue to be available for an extended time past the end of Dec. including some that will come back as returning favorites in the 2022 July-December Mini Catalog.
2 – The Last Chance List: all the retiring items including those at 10%-50% off.
I explain all about Last Chance/Carryover as I walk through the July-Dec 2021 Mini Catalog
My December Hostess Code is QQJHDA96 for online ordering. All orders of $45 or more will receive a card making kit from me with brand new products from the upcoming January-June Mini Catalog. Don’t forget that if your order is $150 or more you should not use my Hostess Code because you will get your own hostess benefits with your order (and also the card making kit).
Coming soon!
Do you need the new Jan-June 2022 and SAB Mini Catalogs in your hands? Contact me or leave a comment to make sure you are on my mailing list to get these publications sent directly to you.
My heart is full of gratitude this day and every day for everyone I am blessed to know because of my card making and stamping business. It is truly a privilege and honor to work with you and share in this amazing hobby! Know I am thinking of you fondly today and always.
It’s true. Occasionally card makers get in creative slumps and feel like they are making the same kind of card design over and over again. Why does this happen? As with any craft, the joy of creating is fun until it isn’t and your brain needs a bigger challenge or just something different. And this is why there are so many “fun fold cards” around. Our brains want to find new ways to bend cardstock. Today’s card projects are all about adding inserts into simple cards to spice them up and make them slightly interactive. By adding an insert that is actually a card itself you can create a card within a card that is extra fun.
Today’s projects are all about the INSIDE of the card and how to make it a bit extra special for those special people you make cards for. Here are the outsides of the cards I featured in my weekly video tutorial. Take some time to watch the replay of Papercrafting Playdate #40 and then download the pdf for your own files!
By adding a card within a card you essentially have more space to create more stamped art so that you can:
tell a story with stamped images (when you want more room to stamp)
build a scene progression or some drama
layer your message with multiple greeting sentiments
Three ways to make cards within cards for an extra special effect.
Basic Dimensions
Outside Card base choices:
5-1/2” x 8-1/2” scored at 4-1/4”
4-1/4” x 11” scored at 5-1/2”
Inside Card base choices:
5-1/4 x 8”, scored in half at 4” (wide)
4” x 10-1/2”, scored in half at 5-1/4” (narrow)
Inside Z-Fold measurements:
5-1/4 x 8”, scored in half at 4”, and scored at 2”
4” x 10-1/2”, scored in half at 5-1/4”, and scored at 2-5/8″
Basic Directions: Use a trimmed card base cut either wide or narrow (depending on how you want the insert to open) and adhere it inside a regular card base in the opposite direction that the card base opens. It’s really very easy!
Window Card Directions: Add a window feature on the front of the card base that peeks through to the inserted card within a card. This insert can be any kind.
Stepped-Up Directions: Add a window feature on the front of the card base and change up the inserted card base to a Z-fold card that holds the cut out window feature. This design creates a pull-out feature on the inside.
Trimmed insert choices depending on how you want the insert to open.
Papercrafting Playdate #40 – A Card Within a CardBasic design is 2 wide card bases. The insert is adhered in the opposite direction as the outside card base.
A window card with insert using Eden’s Garden Suite.
A window card made with a punch instead of a die.
The Picture This Dies make a very easy instant window card!
Thank you for checking out this fun card project today! I hope you think about making the inside of your cards extra special for those special people you care about!
Don’t forget to place your qualifying order ($50) this month to earn your free Wink of Stella from me! Happy Stamping – Robin
Are you needing a fast and easy card template for when you don’t have time to spend hours making cards? Or are you wanting to create some Christmas cards this year and realize you need to keep it easy so you don’t end up pulling your hair out? Today’s template comes to your aid, saves you from distress, AND still gives you a fun crafting experience. This is my favorite kind of template – one that can swoop in and rescue me when I’m down to the wire and need a bunch of cute card in a hurry. Let me introduce you to our Superhero Card Template!
Card Template #7 – Superhero!
Check out the video tutorial for putting together this card template with lots of ideas for ways to change it up and make it your own. I also show you how to make 8 cards at one time using cardstock and 12 cards at one time using Designer Series Paper. You can find the large picture card template here and also download the written tutorial below with step by step directions.
Changing up the basic template is easy to do by simply changing one or more elements, or adding an additional piece. One of the easiest ways I’ve found to “upgrade” the template is to add some beautiful patterned paper. This piece, when placed under the ribbon, reinforces the horizontal line across the card.
Additions and Options
1” x 4-1/4″ patterned paper
1-1/4” x 2-1/2” Basic White cardstock (instead of the 1-1/4″ x 3″ greeting piece)
Tidings and Trimmings BundleAdding some texture on the focal point with an embossing folder.
Compare the samples below and see how the additional patterned paper and the extra embellishments step up this template.
Side by side comparing the differences between the basic and stepped-up template.Three versions of the template with stepped up elements.
Are you ready to jump in and start creating some easy cards with the Superhero Card Template? Leave me a comment about your favorite version of this template and what your go-to solution is for making multiple cards at one time. Happy stamping – Robin
I love planning shopping trips, how about you? It’s fun to think about the stores I’ll get to visit and the items I have on my list to purchase and those fun surprise items that I didn’t plan for that make the shopping trip so much fun! I love it when I know there will be a sale and make a plan for what I’m going to purchase ahead of time too! If you like shopping and planning too, then guess what I have some good news! A huge Seasonal Sale is coming your way next week November 16th-18th. During the Seasonal Sale, you can stock up and save 10% on cardstock, 15% on ink pads, and 20% on dies. Build up your collection of crafting basics—and prepare for another year of top-tier projects—with a steal of a deal on papercrafting products!
The discount includes 10% off cardstock, 15% off ink pads (excluding ink pad bundles and third-party pads), and 20% off dies.
The discount applies to products featured in the 2021–2022 Annual Catalog only. Products from the July–December 2021 Mini Catalog are not included.
Dreaming of a good sale? I am!
Robin’s Ordering Special – Don’t forget that during the entire month of November I am offering an opportunity to earn a Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush. Place a qualifying order for $50 or more* (using the November hostess code:T4BTFM7G) and receive a Wink of Stella Glitter Brush from me! *If you are ordering more than $150 do NOT use the hostess code because you ALSO get Stampin’ Rewards with your order in addition to my ordering special. Win Win!
Leave me a comment and let me know what’s on your wish list!
We are building on the basic Direct to Paper Technique and stepping it up to add embossing folders for an extra magical effect. Trust me that the recipient of your card will love it BUT you will enjoy creating this background even more!
Direct to Paper Technique using Wintry 3D Embossing Folders
There are 2 ways to combine theDirect to Paper Technique with embossing folders. The first way is to use the smooth background method of applying the ink to an already embossed card front. Use an embossing folder to create dry embossing on cardstock. Hold the open ink pad by the sides making sure the side of the ink pad where the pad is closest to the edge is at the tips of your fingers. Hold the ink pad slightly tilted up at an angle so that just the edge of the side closest to your fingertips will actually be touching the paper. The swiping motion begins on the scratch paper first just off the edge of the cardstock then slides all the way across going over the embossed portion and off the other side keeping the ink pad straight. You can repeat this motion as many times as desired continuing to start and finish the motion off the cardstock. Move the ink pad over and continue swiping on next section of cardstock.
The second way of to combine Direct to Paper Technique with embossing folders is to add a step before using the embossing folder. I call this method the Double Direct to Paper Background. Cover your cardstock with ink using the basic direct to paper technique first. Then use an embossing folder to create dry embossing on the cardstock. Choose the same ink color or a darker ink color to apply a second round of the direct to paper technique which will now highlight the raised pattern.
Papercrafting Playdate #39 -Direct to Paper Techniques
Check out the samples below using the Timber 3D Embossing Folder. The one on the left is made with the direct to paper technique over embossed cardstock. The one of the right is made with the Double Direct to Paper Technique. See the difference that one versus two direct to paper techniques make?
You can do so much with these 2 techniques and I hope you get excited with the possibilities that an embossing folder and an ink pad can bring to your cardstock. Once you get the basic techniques down you can add even more options and kick it up even more.
Options
Add Wink of Stella glitter pen to raised pattern areas for extra shimmer.
Apply pastel chalks to raised pattern to add extra color and dimension.
Add a layer of ink directly to one side of the embossing folder to create a different effect.
Use Versamark Ink for the second DTP layer of ink then emboss with powder.
Use White Craft Ink as second DTP layer of ink to add a bright highlight like snow.
It’s a new month which means a new Hostess Code for ordering and a new item to earn for supporting my business this month. During the month of November use Hostess Code: T4BTFM7Gto place your qualifying online order of $50 or more and receive a Free Wink of Stella Glimmer Brush from me! Happy Stamping – Robin
Ready for an easy and fun technique? If you like using minimal supplies to create big magic in your cardmaking then the Direct to Paper Technique is one you are going to love! All you need are ink pads and cardstock for the basic technique. There are three different ways to do the basic Direct to Paper technique. Jump down below to find the video tutorial and written directions to download for you files, Let’s get started!
The basic direct to paper technique can be done 3 different ways.
The key to this technique is using the ink pad to apply ink directly onto the paper without the vehicle of a stamped image to transfer the ink. The most important thing to practice in order to master this simple task is how to hold the ink pad and apply the right amount of even pressure to the paper.
How to Hold the Ink Pad: Grab the open ink pad by the sides making sure the side of the ink pad where the pad is closest to the edge is at the tips of your fingers. This will be the place where the ink pad slides across the paper. Hold the ink pad slightly tilted up at an angle so that just the edge of the side closest to your top fingertips will actually be touching the paper.
Basic Directions for a Smooth Background: The motion for applying the ink directly to the paper will be slow and controlled for best results. You can think of it being a swiping motion but think in slow motion! The swiping motion begins on the scratch paper first just off the edge of the cardstock then slides all the way across and off the other side keeping the ink pad straight. You can repeat this motion as many times as desired continuing to start and finish the motion off the cardstock.
Basic Directions for a Brushstroke Background: Hold the ink pad in the same way as you would for the Smooth Background technique except for a brushstroke effect move your wrist for each stroke. The motion is still controlled but you don’t have to keep the ink pad straight. Turn your writs and the paper each time you brush it with the ink pad. Make the brush marks different sizes going in different directions for interest. Try different ways of twisting the ink pad in your hand to create different brushstroke patterns. As you fill in the background and use different colors what starts out looking like a mess will become pretty.
Basic Directions for a Color Blocked Background: For this background you are aiming to create solid rectangular shapes of color that overlap. Hold the ink pad in the same way but when you touch the paper you will allow the entire surface of the ink pad to contact the paper then slide it slowly in a direction and lift straight back up.
It’s a new month which means a new Hostess Code for ordering and a new item to earn for supporting my business this month. During the month of November use Hostess Code: T4BTFM7Gto place your qualifying online order of $50 or more and receive a Free Wink of Stella Glimmer Brush from me! Happy Stamping – Robin
Robin Armbrecht-Really Robin Stamps! 