It's that time of year.  The annual catalog will retire at the end of April along with many items included inside.  There are lots of deals to be had, as well, since many items are on sale for as much as 50% off. Remember that it's while supplies last so if there are items you really want be sure to snag them now. Current host code is 4KPY4DG4 and you can click here to shop. Special gift offer with any order over $50 placed by Sunday night using the Host Code. 

There are other changes coming as well.  Starting April 1st there will be an increase in shipping costs to $7.95 minumum or 11%. 

Some items in the annual catalog will go up in cost as well.  Here is a graphic that includes these increases. Stampin' Up! has worked hard to keep costs reasonble and has only increased a few times over the years.

​Remember, I'm here to answer questions! 

I was not really a huge fan of these stamps until I saw this idea shared by Chelsey Christensen. By outlining it with marker it totally changes the look! It's a simple technique with a big wow factor. 

We actually made this version in class recently.  It creates a great masculine or sympathy card. 

Friday night I had a Fun Folds class via Zoom.  I loved creating these projects.  I am a pretty traditional card maker so I don't always try new and different folds which meant creating this class pushed me out of my usual routine. 

I would never have thought I'd be teaching online classes before the pandemic hit but I have to say there really are some great benefits. I have friends from all over who can now take classes with me! 

I refered to this first card as an accordian fold.  I don't know if it has another name? I figure it's perfect for sending to someone who you want to celebrate but you might not want to write a long message to on the inside. ?

This is a Triangle Gate Fold. It looked intimidating until I realized it was two squares that you glue on either side! I've seen ribbon used to close this design as well but I decided to make a belly band instead. 

I called this one a Book Binding card.  By adding a score line and sealing it shut between the score lines you can crate a unique opening on the left edge. 

The final card was a pocket card.  I love the look of the insert peeking out. 

How many of these have you tried before?  When it comes to creating these, and other fun fold cards, the one tool you need most is a good scorer!  I love that the Stampin' Up! Paper Trimmer has both a cutting and a scoring blade that stays on the cutter at all times. It's very convenient for creating cards like these.

Interested in the class?  I do have packets that can be mailed and PDF's available for purchase.  Email me (emkstamper@gmail.com) if you are interested. 

Be sure to hop along with us today.  Click next to head to see Julie's creations or back for Elizabeth's.  Everyone has great projects to share. 

The All Squared Away bundle is on sale for 20% off this month and it's a favorite of mine. The square cutouts can be used in so many ways. 

I saw this idea shared by Leah Fedynak and had to CASE it.  I love any card that uses scraps! These are my customer thank you cards for March. 

These are made with three strips of 1.5 x 4 in Designer Series Paper, a 3x3 vellum square and the die cut.  I used our adhesive sheets to cut out the focal points to make adhering them simple. 

The square pieces also are the perfect size for 3x3 cards.  I created too different looks by changing up the colors.  The other thing I love about creating 3x3 cards is that we carry the envelopes! No need to create them. 

You can shop the All Squared Away bundle here.  Current Host Code is ​4KPY4DG4.

As usual, Stampin' Up! has created an amazing Paper Pumpkin kit with the Safari Celebration box. Below you'll see a number of alternatives I created with the various pieces included in the kit. There is SO much included allowing you to make a lot of cards with one box. 

The two tips I offer nearly every month are to 1) cut your envelpes up and 2) cut your bases up, especially when they are printed on both the front and the back.  This allows you to stretch your materials even further. 

Both of these cards include pieces of envelopes.  

I have to admit a mistake about the bottom card...I originally put it together backwards so that the card opened on the left! Major fail.  So I cut it apart, trimmed it down a tiny bit and layered it on a new base! Have you ever stamped or glued pieces upside down or on the wrong side??

Cutting your velum pieces in half also allows you to stretch them further. 

I will admit that the animals in the kit were not my favorite.  The other two are a little strange looking to me but I think the elephant is SO cute! I think this will make a great kid birthday card!

I created the backdrop on this one by using my leftover negative piece after punching out the leaves.  By setting it over the printed piece and using a Blending Brush to turn it into a stencil I was able to create a cool backdrop. 

One last fun card to share! 

If you've been thinking about getting Paper Pumpkin delivered to your door now is a perfect time! Not only does the March kit look amazing (this is sneak peek!) but each kit will also include a bonus, full size, stamp set for FREE. Don't miss out.  You need to be signed up by March 10th! Click here. 

It's finally feeling like spring here and I am loving it! It's got me thinking in bright cheery colors and lots of flowers. 

Friday night I had a class and one of the techniques that had been requested was using the Soft Pastels.  It was a good chance for me to learn ways to use them! I decided to try watercoloring with them.

For this card I shaved some of the Granny Apple Green and Poppy Parade onto a block using my paper snips.  I then used the smallest Water Painter to lift color from the block.  The image was stamped in Memento Black ink on Watercolor paper.  

The Quiet Meadow stamp set I used also happens to be on sale this month as part of the Savings Are in Bloom promotion. 

I did a lot of distressing on this card which is not my usual style but I had fun branching out.  

​I stamped the word stamp on the Daffodil Delight card stock piece first and then ran it through the Stampin' Cut and Emboss Machine with the Timeworn Type emobossing folder.  To get the distressed edges and torn corners I ran my Paper Snips along the edges and pulled at the corner to split it in two. 

The thread was created by pulling apart the strands of the black twine and then loosly winding them under the sentiment strip.

The final step was using the splatter stamp which I stamped in Memento Black but after stampin off on scratch paper first to lighten the look. 

Be sure to click next to check out the talented Wendy or back to see what the creative Elizabeth has done this week! 

There is so much happening in March with Stampin' Up! Sales, early releases, new kits...

First here is a PDF with instructions to create two adorable cards using the Ladybug Bundle! 

Next up--the Mini Machine is on sale this month only! PLUS there are 10 bundles being offered at 20% off too.  Be sure to order ASAP because there is always a chance of selling out.

Current host code is 7ENSNXEK and you can click here to order. 

Don't miss this early release from the Annual Catalog. The Designer Series paper is beyone amazing--it was created from hand poured paint art. Click here to see the full flyer or here to shop the suite.