Handmade Card Ideas From Friends

Today I have 7 great Handmade Card Ideas from Friends to share with you.  These were sent to me for my birthday last month (I've been saving them to share) and a congrats card for earning the Stampin'Up! incentive trip.  Our trip to Thailand with Stampin'Up! isn't until next July, but Samantha and I are super excited. We've already signed up for several excursions including a Thai cooking class, an elephant ride through the jungle, a spa day and some cultural tours.  Anyway, enough dreaming for now, on to those beautiful cards!

These first three cards were made using our Paper Pumpkin kits - woohoo!  I'm so glad to see people making, using and sending these awesome projects!  Paper Pumpkin kits are not only fun to assemble, they're a great source for having a card made and ready to go in minutes.  You can try out a 1 month pre-paid subscription to see how you like it.

 This card was actually from my Mom for my husband on his birthday.  I made
 it originally and gave it to her in a big box of cards.  

This is the card my Mom gave me for my birthday.  It was in the same batch of cards as the other, but hey, I love it!  It's not the first card I made for myself and it won't be the last - lol!

This adorable card was made by Reta Daugherty.  I love the fun shape of this card.  Thanks Reta!

This next card is from my friend and downline member Mary Harvey.  No, it's not a Stampin'Up! card but Mary knows I love my coffee, so she made it just for me.  She knows how to make me happy and included a Starbucks gift card inside.  We have a new one opening up about 2 blocks from my house - I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

This beautiful card is from another good friend Laura Diamond, congratulating me on earning the trip.  It's hard to tell in the photo, but she has some Glimmer pen on the main flower and bee. You're so sweet Laura! 

 This next card is from my good friend Janet Hathcoat.  Janet has been stamping with me longer than anyone, so I always love getting her cards.

I love the fun shape on the front of this card and all the great colors.  Janet also knows I like bling, so lots of great Rhinestones in the center of each of those flowers.  

This last card is from another friend and downline member Sharon Milburn.  Sharon is our designated "Over the top" stamper and everything she does is beautiful, layered, embellished and well, over the top!

Love the colors on this card and the fun twist of Baker's Twine.  Thanks Sharon!

Grateful Bunch Photopolymer Stamp Set 140691 Price: $21.00 s there a totally awesome someone in your life who deserves a totally grateful thank-you card? Of course--you probably know more than one. Don't wait any longer—get this set and start making those cards now! Photopolymer stamps * Are totally transparent for perfect image placement. * Have just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time. * Cling like crazy to our clear blocks so you don't have to worry about slipping. * Save space—you need only one set of blocks for all your photopolymer stamps (blocks sold separately). * Come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference. Quantity: 8 photopolymer stamps Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, c, d, e, h

1-Month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription 137858 Price: $20.00 Enjoy a 1-month delivery of Stampin' Up!’s subscription kit program. A fully designed project kit will arrive with stamps, ink, and paper–everything ready to go so you can skip to the fun part of crafting. After you order, you’ll receive a code via e-mail to redeem your subscription at PaperPumpkin.com.

Balloon Builder Jelly Beans...

One of the best things about the Balloon Builder stamp set is the versatility.  We made this cute mix of jelly beans for a class recently.

Colors used were Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Real Red, Cucumber Crush and Perfect Plum.  

Balloon Builders Photopolymer Stamp Set 140645 Price: $16.00 Combine the images in this set to create almost anything. If you want some ideas to get you started, see p. 14 of our 2016 occasions catalog or visit www.pinterest.com/stampinup. This is a Two-Step Stampin’ set. Combine individual stamps to build the final image you want in the colors you want. Photopolymer stamps * Are totally transparent for perfect image placement. * Have just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time. * Cling like crazy to our clear blocks so you don't have to worry about slipping. * Save space—you need only one set of blocks for all your photopolymer stamps (blocks sold separately). * Come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference. Quantity: 19 photopolymer stamps Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): a, b, g, h

Balloons three ways...

The Balloon Bouquet Punch is fabulous!  It coordinates with several of our stamp sets, but it's also great to use without a stamp.  Here are three cards made using the Balloon Bouquet Punch.

This card uses the Balloon Celebration stamp set with the punch.  

This fun pop up card uses the punch with the Balloon Builders stamp set.  

This final card uses just the punch with words from the Party with Cake and the Age Awareness stamp sets.  

Here's the inside of this fun pop up card.  

Balloon Bouquet Punch 140609 Price: $18.00 One punch, two sizes of balloons! Punches are a quick and easy way to add interest and depth to your projects. And there’s no better way to cut out stamped images—many of our stamp sets have coordinating punches. Our punches are high quality, affordable, and easy to use. * Sleek body style * Large surface area offers precise cutting and leverage * Locks to store * Slim and stackable

Sale-a-bration is almost over and some more In-Color items...

There's only a few more short days to take advantage of the Sale-a-bration event.  For every $50 you spend in catalog merchandise (this counts for our weekly deals and clearance items as well), you earn a FREE item from our Sale-a-bration catalog.  My sample today uses 3 items that will no longer be available after March 31st - the Perfect Pairings stamp set, the Flowering Fields stamp set, and the Wildflower Fields Designer Series Paper.  These are my 3 favorite items from the Sale-a-bration catalog. 

I added a little Bow Paper Clip Embellishment from the Occasions Catalog for a little extra cuteness!

I also used the Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush on the flowers to add some fun shimmer.  

I also wanted to share a few more 2014-2016 In Color items that will be leaving us soon.

2014-2016 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack 138433 Price: $22.00 Pick a pack of patterned paper! So many designs, so many colors, so many uses! Each sheet is double-sided for double the creative options. * 40 sheets * 4 each of 2 double-sided designs in 5 colors: Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow, Tangelo Twist * 12" x 12" * Acid free * Lignin free

BLACKBERRY BLISS 5/8" STRIPED COTTON RIBBON Price: $7.00	HELLO HONEY 5/8" STRIPED COTTON RIBBON Price: $7.00	LOST LAGOON 5/8" STRIPED COTTON RIBBON Price: $7.00
MOSSY MEADOW 5/8" STRIPED COTTON RIBBON Price: $7.00	TANGELO TWIST 5/8" STRIPED COTTON RIBBON Price: $7.00

For more details on the ribbon, click here!

An elegant birthday card and our 2014-2016 In Colors will be leaving soon...

With all the hype about Sale-a-bration and our Occasions catalog, we forget that the retiring stamp set and accessories list will be coming out in just over a month.  That also means that our 2014-2016 In Color Collections will be leaving us as well, making room for another great set of colors.  If you really love these colors, now is the time to stock up.  Once the retiring list comes out, items will only be available while supplies last.  April (or for the rest of this month) is a great time to stock up on your favorite color card stock, ink refills and accessories.  Here's a peek at our 2014-2016 In Color inks and card stock.  I'll share some of the coordinating products over the next few days.

2014-2016 In Color 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock & Classic Ink Pads Kit	133673
Price: $32.50
Get the 2014-2016 In Color essentials in one bundle! The ultrasmooth cardstock is ideal for stamping, so you get clean, crisp images. And the innovative ink pad design has a patented flip-top lid and a firm foam pad to give you a superior stamping experience. Kit contents * 20 sheets cardstock, 4 each in 5 colors: Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow, Tangelo Twist * 5 Classic Stampin' Pads, 1 each in 5 colors: Blackberry Bliss, Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow, Tangelo Twist Cardstock * 8-1/2" x 11" * 80-lb. weight * Acid free * Lignin free Ink * Fast drying, dye-based ink * Acid free * Flip top for upside-down storage: pads stay inked during storage * Firm foam pad lasts longer than felt pads and provides exceptional ink coverage, especially with solid-image stamps * Can be re-inked with matching Classic Stampin' Ink Refills * Coordinates with Stampin' Up! cardstock, markers, and embellishments * 3-1/2" x 4-1/2"

Today's project is from Crew Stamper JoAnn Graham.  JoAnn made this elegant birthday card using the Rose Wonder stamp set.  

JoAnn used Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise and Whisper White card stock.  The images are stamped with Basic Black ink.  the wonderful shine comes from using a 2-Way Glue Pen inside the rose petals and adding Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.  Three Rhinestone Jewels finish it off.  Love it JoAnn!  

Rose Wonder Photopolymer Stamp Set 140697 Price: $27.00 This is the set you need for life's major events—birthdays, weddings, sympathy. And for the everyday—thanks, friendship, encouragement. Make a stack to keep on hand and you'll never be unprepared. Photopolymer stamps * Are totally transparent for perfect image placement. * Have just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time. * Cling like crazy to our clear blocks so you don't have to worry about slipping. * Save space—you need only one set of blocks for all your photopolymer stamps (blocks sold separately). * Come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference. Quantity: 14 photopolymer stamps Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, c, d, f, g

2-Way Glue Pen 100425 Price: $4.50 Permanent or temporary adhesive: temporary if you let glue dry first, permanent if you immediately adhere. It's blue when wet, clear when dry. Perfect for small touches of glitter and all-purpose glueing. * Dries quickly * 10 grams * Chisel tip for detailed placement * Washes off skin with soap and water * Acid free

Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter 133751 Price: $5.00 Add glitz to any project. Use with Heat & Stick Powder or other adhesives. * Dazzling Diamonds * 13/16 oz.

Sweet pastels and glimmer...

My two cards today are soft subtles cards with embossing and a little shimmer.  The first card is from Michele Murphy and feature a couple of pretty butterflies.

Michele embossed her background, then added some layers of card stock and retired DSP.  She die cut two sizes of butterflies and added some Rhinestones for a little bling.  Beautiful card Michele.  

This card from Deanna Barton also has an embossed background with a pastel tag using the Perfect Pennants stamp set.  I love the little touch of Glimmer Paper at the bottom of the card.  Adorable as usual Deanna! 

Butterflies Thinlits Dies 137360 Price: $25.00 Cut bunches of butterflies in record time with these dies and the Big Shot. Create butterflies in record time with these dies and the Big Shot. The small butterfly has an open design that allows you to place it where you want for precise cutting. The two larger butterflies are delicately detailed and include ejection holes so you can remove the paper easily. * 3 dies * Largest image: 4-3/8" x 3-1/2" * Use with Big Shot

Bold Butterfly Framelits Dies 138135 Price: $17.00 Create butterflies in record time with these dies and the Big Shot. The large butterfly has an open design that allows you to place it where you want for precise cutting. The smaller butterfly is delicately detailed and includes ejection holes so you can remove the paper easily. * 2 dies * Large butterfly, 3-1/8" x 2-1/8"; small butterfly, 2" x 1-3/8" * Use with Big Shot

Perfect Pennants Clear-Mount Stamp Set  133230 Price: $22.00 You've got options galore! A couple of pennants, basic shapes, sentiments, and even some washi tape-esque designs for fun gifts and packaging. Our clear-mount stamps are made of the same high-quality red rubber as our wood-mount stamps, but they're repositionable. They're precut and ready to go. Temporarily mount these stamps on clear blocks for stamping, then remove them for space-saving storage. You'll only need one set of blocks for all your clear-mount stamps (blocks sold separately). Our premium red rubber will last for years and give a superior stamped impression each time. The stamps come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference. Quantity: 10 rubber stamps Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, h

Stamporee Cupcakes and Candles...

We have 3 great cards to share today from our Stamporee Swap.  The first card is from Natalie Gatlin.

I love the gray and yellow color scheme along with the fun glitter paper.  The cupcake is heat embossed with gold powder and the gems add a nice touch as well.  Thank you Natalie!

Christal Schalk gave us this adorable tower of cupcakes.  This is a retired set and she's paired it with some coordinating Washi Tape (retired also).  Adorable card Christal! 

Our final card today is from Crew Stamper Mary Harvey.  Mary made her crazy layers of cake with the Cherry on Top Designer Series Paper Stack and the candles are punched from the Bird Builder wing image.  I love how she tore and sponged the corners of the card.  I actually thought she had burned it - it looks so real.  Great card Mary!  

Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack 138443 Price: $8.00 Pick a pack of patterned paper! So many designs, so many colors, so many uses! Each sheet is double-sided for double the creative options. Smaller size works beautifully on card fronts. * 48 sheets, 4 each of 12 double-sided designs * 6" x 6" * Acid free * Lignin free Coordinating colors: Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Cucumber Crush, Hello Honey, Pool Party, Tip Top Taupe, Watermelon Wonder, Whisper White

Bird Builder Punch 117191 Price: $18.00 Crafting without punches? Inconceivable! Punches are a quick and easy way to add interest and depth to your projects. And there's no better way to cut out stamped images—many of our stamp sets have coordinating punches. Our punches are high quality, affordable, and easy to use. Build a bird in a few easy steps. Or use the pieces individually to make your own creations. * Sleek body style * Large surface area offers precise cutting and leverage * Locks to store * Slim and stackable

Cats and dogs...

I have two fun cat and dog themed cards to share with you today.  The first one is from Crew Stamper Laura Diamond.

Laura used the Hot Diggity Dog stamp set from the annual catalog.  The balloons were punched from designer series paper using the new Balloon Bouquet Punch.  Colors used are Pacific Point, Whisper White and Basic Black.  

She made a bobble head using a bit of wrapped wire - FUN!!  The nose was made with a White Perfect Accent embellishment and colored with a Sharpie.  

The second card was the one I made for the Stamporee swap.  It uses the Giggle Greetings stamp set.  I love this set, but have only used it once, so I was determined to use it again!

I also used the Balloon Bouquet Punch and the It's My Party Designer Series Paper Stack.  I used the Circles Collection Thinlits Dies to cut a hole through the front of my card.  

The cat was stamped through the hole, colored and the verse stamped separately over to the side.  

Hot Diggity Dog Clear-Mount Stamp Set 134024 Price: $22.00 Three cute bodies, four canine heads, and lots of furry puns. This set is perfect for the dog lover in your life. Without it, life is just ruff. Our clear-mount stamps are made of the same high-quality red rubber as our wood-mount stamps, but they're repositionable. They're precut and ready to go. Temporarily mount these stamps on clear blocks for stamping, then remove them for space-saving storage. You'll only need one set of blocks for all your clear-mount stamps (blocks sold separately). Our premium red rubber will last for years and give a superior stamped impression each time. The stamps come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference. Quantity: 14 rubber stamps Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): a, c

Giggle Greetings Clear-Mount Stamp Set 131065 Price: $17.00 When you want something a little silly, the Giggle Greetings wood-mount set is perfect. You'll get your kicks, your giggles, and a chance to watercolor all in one. Our clear-mount stamps are made of the same high-quality red rubber as our wood-mount stamps, but they're repositionable. They're precut and ready to go. Temporarily mount these stamps on clear blocks for stamping, then remove them for space-saving storage. You'll only need one set of blocks for all your clear-mount stamps (blocks sold separately). Our premium red rubber will last for years and give a superior stamped impression each time. The stamps come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference. Quantity: 4 rubber stamps Suggested clear block (sold separately): d

Balloon Bouquet Punch 140609 Price: $18.00 One punch, two sizes of balloons! Punches are a quick and easy way to add interest and depth to your projects. And there’s no better way to cut out stamped images—many of our stamp sets have coordinating punches. Our punches are high quality, affordable, and easy to use. * Small balloon: 1" x 1-3/8" | 2.5 x 3.5 cm * Large balloon: 1-5/8" x 1-11/16" | 4.1 x 4.2 cm * Sleek body style * Large surface area offers precise cutting and leverage * Locks to store * Slim and stackable

Balloons, balloons and more balloons....

We had some marvelous swaps at the Stamporee this month, so I'll be sharing them with you this week.  Today's cards feature balloons.

The fun single layer card is from Crew Stamper Sharon Milburn.  Sharon used the Balloon Builders stamp set with words from the Sale-a-bration Perfect Pairings sstamp set.  Colors used are Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo and Smoky Slate.  It's hard to tell from the photo, but she used the Wink of Stella Glitter Pen to highlight the balloons.  Beautiful!

This bright card is from Sue Warrington.  She used the Balloon Celebration stamp set with the new Balloon Bouquet Punch.  The "happy" is from the Hello You Thinlits Dies and the designer paper is from the It's My Party Designer Series Paper Stack.  Colors used are Mint Macaron, Melon Mambo and Crushed Curry.  Love it Sue!

This wonderful card is from Pam Crane.  Pam used several colors of our retired designer paper stacks and a 1" circle punch to cut out the balloons.  I love all the layers and colors and wonderful use of some retired products.  Great job Pam! 

Balloon Builders Photopolymer Stamp Set 140645 Price: $16.00 What do you see in this stamp set? A giraffe? A flamingo? A flower? Combine the images in this set to create almost anything. If you want some ideas to get you started, see p. 14 of our 2016 occasions catalog or visit www.pinterest.com/stampinup. This is a Two-Step Stampin’ set. Combine individual stamps to build the final image you want in the colors you want. Photopolymer stamps * Are totally transparent for perfect image placement. * Have just enough give to create a perfectly stamped image every time. * Cling like crazy to our clear blocks so you don't have to worry about slipping. * Save space—you need only one set of blocks for all your photopolymer stamps (blocks sold separately). * Come packaged in cases with images on the spine for easy storage and quick reference. Quantity: 19 photopolymer stamps Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): a, b, g, h

Balloon Celebration Photopolymer Bundle 140810 Price: $37.25 Bundle and save! Buy these two coordinating products and save 15%. Balloon Celebration Photopolymer Stamp Set Float some good wishes. Or arrange a relaxing get-together with friends. This set has a bounty of thoughts and images to convey whatever you want to say. This is a Two-Step Stampin’ set. Combine individual stamps to build the final image you want in the colors you want. Quantity: 28 photopolymer stamps Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, d, h Balloon Bouquet Punch One punch, two sizes of balloons! * Small balloon: 1" x 1-3/8" | 2.5 x 3.5 cm * Large balloon: 1-5/8" x 1-11/16" | 4.1 x 4.2 cm * Sleek body style * Large surface area offers precise cutting and leverage * Locks to store * Slim and stackable