The weather is finally changing and it's starting to feel like fall! I'm ready to think about Halloween and I've having fun creating with this new set called Scary Cute.  

This card was a take on a sample in the catalog on page 56. I changed up the colors and size but I loved the idea of using the line of Trick or Treaters as the background. Paired with the Black & White Designs paper pack which is a a perfect compliment to Halloween cards. Don't forget those Matte Black Dots which happen to be on sale this week. 

More of the Black & White paper pack plus I added in the glitter washi tape and some metallic ribbon and I think I have a fun card! I love to combine green, purple, orange and black for Halloween cards. 

One of my favorite things in the current mini is the Glitter Washi tape. If you know me well, you know I love a good sparkle but I HATE loose glitter.  Ask me about my kids and glitter...it hasn't been good.  So anytime there is a glitter product that doesn't make a mess I'm in! I created this card on a Facebook Live in my VIP group and tried it with both Parakeet Party and Granny Apple Green.  I'm still not sure which I like best. 

I wanted to show a way to use this set in a non Halloween way.  I think the little princess is perfect for a little girl birthday card. 

I love the Gingham Cottage paper pack.  Both of these designs  I used on this card are from that pack. 

Be sure to hop along with us today! Next for Wendy or back for Elizabeth.  They are both sure to delight. 

These projects are all part of the Water Color Technique class I taught this week. I wanted to share multiple ways to create water color projects. 

Projects utilized Water Painters, Fluid 100 paper, Shimmery White paper and various techniques with ink on blocks. 

This first card was a technique adding ink with a clear block to Fluid 100 paper that had been spritzed with water. I love the bright bold color is creates.  

For this card we used the largest Water Painter brush to add three shades of purple (Rich Razzleberry, Highland Heather and Fresh Freesia) to Fluid 100 paper to create an ombre look.  After letting it dry completely we added the stamped images with Memento Black Ink. Layering it with an embossed panel creates a fun look! 

This card was created by adding ink to a block, spritzing with water and then inking up the stamp. We stamped the images on Shimmery White card stock.

​Shimmery White is great for water coloring.  It doesn't absorb the water the same way that Fluid 100 does but it doesn't warp like regular Basic White does when water is applied. 

This photo gives you a look at the supplies used. 

The last card we created used the smallest Water Painter to color in the apple from the Apple Harvest stamp set. When I water color, or use my Blends, I like to start with the dark color along any solid lines and work my way in with lighter colors.  

Are you a fan of water coloring?  Which of these have you tried before?

Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on our hop this week! We have a full line up.  Click next to go to Julie or back to go to Elizabeth. 

I overlooked Apple Harvest at first but when Stampin' Up! issued dies to go with it I was intrigued. After playing with it I'm in love! It's a great set for coloring.  

I used the thin brush Water Painter to color this one in. I chose Poppy Parade for the skin and Petal Pink for the blossoms and inside.  I used Granny Apple Green for the stems and leaves.  

The Artistic Mix Decorative Masks paired with a Blending Brush created a fun background on the card base. I finished the card with Matte Black Dots and Gingham ribbon. 

This was my second take with the same coloring but I wanted to add in the blossom dies as well. 

For this card I used sponge daubers to add the color to the image. It gives it a much more subtle look. 

When you don't have coordinating ribbon remember you can create your own with the Whisper White Seam Binding Ribbon and Blends. The Gingham Cottage paper pack includes 40 sheets of amazing paper. 

Remember these dies are only here for the month of September or while supplies last.  Happy crafting! 

This is one of my top five kits of all time! It is so beautiful.

I thought I'd share a visual of how I cut down my card bases to create extras. I take each one and trim on the long edge to make it 5 1/4 in and then rotate and trim to create two 4 in pieces. If the strips are of varying colors I'll keep them to create a card using only strips. 

With the sunflower water color piece I cut it in 1/2 again to create two focal pieces I could use. 

The larger piece on this card is actually from an envelope. I cut out main design with a circle die (which you can see on the last card). I layered the other pieces so they would cover the area that I had cut out. I also tied the ribbon through the edge of the circle so it did not go all the way around the layered base piece. 

Stamping on a printed piece of paper can create a fun look. 

Another technique I used on some of the cards was to make the included gold honeycomb pieces a mask.  Using a blending brush I was able to add a subtle pattern to my card stock. These are very simple single layer cards! 

This is another very simple card that lets the beautiful watercolor do the work. Cards don't have to be complicated to be amazing!

Another card where I used the honeycomb as a mask. 

This is the card I created with the cut out piece from the envelope. I stamped the leaves behind it and layered it on a scallop circle. The Solid Faceted Gems are one of my favorite embellishments. 

Which is your favorite?  You can sign up for Paper Pumpkin here or email me with questions. 

To say there is a lot going on with Stampin' Up! this month would be an understatement!
Host Code for the month is X2E99D6U. Shop all these deals here. 

Here's a summary and then you can scroll to see more about each:

1. New dies were released.  There are six new die sets that coordinate with current stamps sets. All are only available until Sept 30 OR while supplies last so don't wait. Flyer posted below. 

2. A new bundle is being released in honor of World Card Making Day on Oct. 1.  You can purchase this bundle now (Warm Welcome, 160704, $50.25). There are two other current bundles also offered as part of a  WCMD special (Cottage Rose, 159048 and Cottage Wreaths, 159659). Order any of the three this month and you'll receive a free set of Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels. These will be automatically added to your order. 

As an additional bonus, if you order any of these three in the month of September you'll receive three project PDF's from me in October. Each will feature one of the bundles. 

On Saturday, October 1st you can register to participate in an online stamping event! This is free and open to all.  Stampin' Up! will create projects using the three bundles during the event.  I encourage you to grab crafting supplies and craft while you watch them create.  If you have the bundles you can create the projects yourself as well. 

For those who are local, I will also be hosting an Open House style morning of card making so mark your calendars!

3. Weekly Deals--each week (on the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd) Stampin' Up! will release new weekly deals. These are current products on sale. There are some great deals this week! Be sure to check back each week.