Robin Armbrecht-Really Robin Stamps!

Drumroll please… Let me introduce you to the 2022 January – June Mini Catalog AND the Sale-a-Bration Catalog.👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼 These fun idea books are launching today, and I am excited to think about how much fun we are going to have creating with the new products inside these pages.

What is Sale-a-bration? It is a two month opportunity to earn free products (stamp sets or paper) with every order.

Here is what you can earn with a $50 order. There are four stamp sets and three different Designer Series Paper packs to choose from. Check out all the products up close in my online store.

Here is what you can earn with a $100 order. Check out all the products up close in my online store.

Here is an additional gorgeous stamp set that can be earned by being a hostess with me. See the details.

Also during Sale-a-Bation you have the special opportunity to purchase a Starter Kit for $99 and receive 2 extra stamp sets of your choosing – any two current stamp sets in any catalog!!!!! What would you choose?

It is a new month so there is a new Hostess Code to use when ordering with me. Not only can you earn a free Sale-a-bration product each time you order, but you can also earn a reward from me!

Use Hostess Code = ZWYH3C4R during January and you will earn a package of embellishment (your choice!) from me. Start Shopping.

Robin’s January Ordering Special – Place a qualifying order for $50 or more* (using the January hostess code) and receive a FREE Embellishment Pack of your choice from me! Choose from 5 different packs: Genial Gems, In Color Jewels, Pastel Pearls, Matte Black Dots, or Artistry Blooms Sequins.
*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. 

We are in for some fun stamping moments this month! I will be “seeing” you very soon! – Robin

My very lovely friends, I wish you a very Happy New Year! May your 2022 be full.

It is time to think about a new year and what lies ahead. No matter how many new years you have experienced in your lifetime, you can approach a new year with enthusiasm or with trepidation. It is really your choice. We don’t ever know for sure what the future will bring, and when we embrace the unknown with an air of confidence knowing that we are equipped to handle what comes our way it can change how we react in the moment.

Starting a new year can be uncomfortable because we feel the pressure to make resolutions even though we know that doing so sets us up for disappointment. So instead of making resolutions I am setting intentions to accomplish my goals while allowing myself to focus on PROGRESS and not PERFECTION.

Here are some things I am being more intentional about in the new year despite the unknown and uncontrollable aspects of life:

• More progress focus and less perfection focus
• More book reading and less screen time
• More greens and less sugar
• More giving and less receiving
• More fun and less stress
• More love and less hate
• More card sending and less text sending

I wish for you only good things in 2022 and the ability to handle all the not-so-good things that may occur as well. It’s time for me to get back to my craft room and

Please leave me a comment and share with me something you would like to learn/see/do with papercrafting in 2022. -Robin

Merry Christmas to you and your family from ours!

“And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:9-11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

May your holiday be blessed in every way. Love, Robin

2021 is coming to a close in twelve days and as I become reflective (as we tend to do this time of year) about what has occurred in the past year I am filled with love and gratitude for the people who have touched my life. That’s what it all boils down to most of the time, right? People. People. People! I feel especially thankful for all the people that I get to connect with because of my little stamping business.

Little did I anticipate that when I made my very first Facebook Live video tutorial in Dec. 2020 that I would still be making videos and enjoying it a year later. But thanks to YOU who have followed, liked, commented, encouraged, subscribed and helped ME in 2021, I have a very full heart. THANK YOU!!!

For my last Papercrafting Playdate video of 2021 I wanted to focus on 2 things:

1. How to use stamping as a way to relax, unwind, destress and fill your creative soul.
2. Fast and easy stamping that allows you to make multiple cards (perhaps thank you notes).

I find it very soothing to create my own background paper using just stamps, ink, Basic White cardstock and some ink blending tools. The act of organizing images randomly onto paper to make it come to life makes me so relaxed and calm. Simply blending ink into the paper’s fibers is like magic to me. This is art therapy in its most basic form. Your senses are engaged, your brain becomes positively stimulated, and happiness chemicals are released! I challenge you to make some time to gift yourself some art therapy time whenever you need to turn around a stressful day or hit the reset button.

Watch the video tutorial and download the free pdf and get started today!

To create your own background paper with stamp images you need the following supplies. I am showing this technique with a half sheet of cardstock but you can very easily do this with an entire 8-1/2″ x 11″ piece of cardstock.

• Neutral cardstock – Basic White or Very Vanilla are perfect (but you can also use colored cardstock)
• 3-4 ink pads in coordinating colors
• Blending brushes – or any way to apply ink from pad to paper like daubers, sponges, or brushes
• Multiple images of varying sizes
• Optional – sentiment image

Tips for creating an interesting piece of background paper (while enjoying art therapy):

• Start with the largest image first and stamp it in a triangular pattern to keep it evenly spaced.
• Use the next largest image next with a different color ink. Tuck this image in and around the first image.
• Move to the smallest image and fill in where the “holes” are left in your design.
• Gently blend ink over all the stamped images using the same color as they are stamped in.
• Optional: Use a word or sentiment image and stamp over all the other images. Stamp the words going in the same direction across the cardstock.

Now that you have completed your art therapy background paper you can walk away happy OR cut it up and use it on card bases. By adding a coordinating cardstock matte and a simple embellishment you can put together some very quick and easy cards. Below you will see some efficient ways to cut up the background paper. Again, I have shown how to create 4 card elements from a half sheet (trimmed to 5″ x 8″) of 8-1/2″ x 11″ cardstock but you can very easily design an entire sheet and cut it to make 8 card elements. Download the pdf for all the measurements.

Cutting Design #1 – The first way to cut up the trimmed half sheet (5″ x 8″) is to cut it into four pieces measuring 2 1/2″ x 4″. Before adding to the card base you can dry emboss these pieces using an embossing folder and mount on coordinating cardstock pieces measuring 2 3/4″ x 4 1/4″. Add a simple greeting and an embellishment to finish the card.

Cutting Design #2 – The second way to cut up the trimmed half sheet (5″ x 8″) is to cut in half at 4″ first, then cut those pieces diagonally from opposite corners to make 4 triangles. Repeat the same sequence of cuts on a half sheet (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″) of coordinating cardstock to create 4 pieces to mount the triangles on before putting onto the card bases.

Cutting Design #3 – The third way to cut up the half sheet (5 1/2″ x 8″) is to cut into 4 pieces measuring 1 7/8″ x 5 1/2″. This will create long narrow pieces that go all the way across the length of the card base. Cut pieces from a half sheet (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″) of coordinating cardstock to create 4 pieces for mounting.

Cutting Design #4 – Lastly, you can cut up the half sheet (5″ x 8 1/2″) into 4 pieces measuring 2 1/2″ x 4 1/4″. This will create pieces that go all the way across the width of the card base. Cut mounting pieces of coordinating cardstock from a half sheet (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″).

Product List

Stampin’ Seal [152813] $8.00	Snowflake Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [158267] $26.00	Snowman Season Photopolymer Stamp Set [158341] $18.00	Eden’s Garden Cling Stamp Set (English) [157823] $23.00	Christmas Season Photopolymer Stamp Set [156293] $22.00
Watercolor Shapes Photopolymer Stamp Set [156968] $21.00	Real Red 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [102482] $8.75	Balmy Blue 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [146982] $8.75	Basic White 8 1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [159276] $9.75	Pear Pizzazz 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [131201] $8.75
Pool Party 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [122924] $8.75	Blushing Bride 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [131198] $8.75	Gray Granite 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [146983] $8.75	Blending Brushes [153611] $12.00	Paper Trimmer [152392] $25.00

Give this simple stamping method a try and I guarantee you will find something therapeutic from the process and with any luck you will have also made some quick cards! Leave me a comment and let me know what kinds of stamping tutorials you would find interesting in 2022! -Robin

One definition of the term, “pop-up” is a component or device that pops up. When pop-ups are inserted into cards they create a surprise inside. This kind of card is very playful and begs to be opened over and over. The pop-up inside today’s card creates a fabulous miniature gift bag that perfectly holds a gift card. I don’t know about you but I find this combination very satisfying! AND my project is featuring a brand new not yet released Designer Series Paper, Daffodil Afternoon. You will be able to earn this paper for free during the Sale-a-Bration promotion beginning in January. Give your eyes a tiny rest from holiday colors and sentiments to feast on some bright flowery paper. Enjoy!

I created a video that not only shows you how to make the pop-up gift bag card, but also a stand alone miniature gift bag and a small gift bag. Both of these gift bags are perfect for giving little gifts. There are lots of variations and flexibility with this pattern so take your time and dive in to this project.

 Supplies Needed for Pop-Up Gift Bag (finished size 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”)

• 4” x 9-1/2” patterned paper (DSP)
• 5” linen thread, twine, or thin ribbon (cut 2)
• Tear Tape or Seal+ Adhesive
• Bone folder

Directions for Pop-up Gift Bag

1. Decide which side of the 4” x 9-1/2”  patterned paper is going to be the outside and which is going to be the inside of the gift bag.
2. Score at 1/2”, 1”, 4 1/2”, 5”, 5 1/2”, and 9” along the 9 1/2” side.
3. Score at 1/2” and 3” (or 1” from the other side) along the 4” side.

Cardstock Needed for Card Base (choose 1 version)

• 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” scored at 4-1/4” for basic version
• 4-1/4” x 11”  scored at 3-1/2” & 7-3/4” for square version
• 4-1/4” x 11”  scored at 3-1/2” & 9” for gatefold version
• 5-1/2” x 11” scored at 4-1/4” & 8-1/2” for tri-fold version #1
• 5-1/2” x 11” scored at 3-1/2” & 7-3/4” for tri-fold version #2

Other Optional Pieces

• 4” x 5-1/4” plain copy paper for inside of card
• 1-1/2” x 9-1/2” to create a belly band to secure card base closed
• Small piece of tissue paper (about 4’ x 6”)

Directions for Card Base

1. Score card base of choice. 
2. Determine orientation of card base for your design (landscape or portrait), and where you want the pop-up gift bag to be inserted.
3. Attach optional copy paper insert first before adding the pop-up gift bag.

What are you waiting for? Grab some patterned paper and create a miniature gift bag that pops up inside a card and give it to someone special! I’d love to hear about what you are making this month at your house, so leave me a comment! Happy stamping, Robin

Product List

Paper Trimmer [152392] $25.00	Bone Folder [102300] $7.00	Tear & Tape Adhesive [138995] $7.00	Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755] $4.00	Tailor Made Tags Dies [155563] $22.00
Take Your Pick [144107] $10.00	Heartwarming Hugs Designer Series Paper [153492] $11.50	Encircled In Warmth Cling Stamp Set [156449] $19.00	Christmas Season Photopolymer Stamp Set [156293] $22.00	Tidings & Trimmings Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [153503] $18.00
Christmas To Remember Cling Stamp Set (English) [156300] $22.00