Did you know that in many cultures the crane symbolizes happiness, longevity, harmony and good luck?  The Crane of Fortune bundle certainly embraces all those things.  The crane stamp is beautiful and it is a Distinktive stamp.  All the different shading (except for the Calypso Coral cap) on the crane was made by the stamp.   One inking gave all the different opacities, pretty cool huh?

I used 2 different patterns  from the Symbols of Fortune DSP (Designer Series Paper).  Yes, that is gold foiling on the paper.  I used the Good Fortune dies to cut out the Calypso Coral leaves.  I believe they are gingko leaves.  Gingko leaves symbolize longevity so it definitely makes sense that they are part of the Good Fortune dies.

The crane panel is an easel.  I call this the One Armed Easel.  I am sure there is a better name for this fold.  The small Gold Metallic pearls adorn the gingko and dragonflies.  These pearls come in silver and gold and are retiring at the end of the month.  

Product List

Crane Of Fortune Bundle (English) [157663]	Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad [149165]	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [147101]	Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154881]
Basic Gray 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [121044]	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]	Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [122925]	Symbols Of Fortune 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [157652]
Metallic Pearls [146282]

If you want even more ideas on ways to use the Symbols of Fortune Suite of products the Creativity Abounds Blog Hop Team has a tutorial with 13 projects.  The tutorial can be purchased for $15 US or it is FREE for my customers with a $50 order.  If you would like to purchase a tutorial please contact me, [email protected].  

Thank you for stopping by!

Welcome to the Creativity Abounds Blog Hop!  We are an international group of Stampin' Up demonstrators that come together monthly to do this blog hop and prepare a tutorial bundle.  We also host a quarterly virtual  stamp camp.   This month our theme is the Symbols of Fortune Suite.  The projects we are sharing are bonus projects that will be demonstrated during the stamp camp's Facebook Lives next weekend.  We won't be posting any instructions on how to make these projects since we will be demonstrating them during the stamp camp.  

The Symbols of Fortune DSP is so elegant.  Each sheet has a side that features gold foil accents.  The Calypso Coral flowers were cut out from the DSP using the Good Fortune Dies.    The other elements were also cut using the Good Fortune Dies.  The Polished Dots were colored using a Dark Calypso Coral Stampin' Blend.

Inside a few Calypso Coral stamped dragonflies.  The next stamp camp will be in July.  I hope you will join us!

Here's a list of all the stops on the hop!

Thanks for stopping by!

I have not posted enough about the Symbols of Fortune Suite.  It is such a beautiful collection of products.  The suite includes a stamp set, coordinating dies, Symbols of Fortune Specialty DSP, Mother of Pearl Specialty Paper, Polished Dots and Soft Succulent 1/2" Satin Shimmer Ribbon.  So many beautiful products in one suite!

I love the Symbols of Fortune Specialty DSP.  This paper is gorgeous!  The only thing I don't like about this paper is that I have to choose between lovely designs on one side and on the other beautiful gold foil accents.  Really though, it is a wonderful dilemma to have.  On this card I used 3 of the patterns in the pack.  The top, bottom and the flowers were all cut  using the DSP.   The flowers are on a Soft Succulent label cut using the Stitched So Sweetly dies.  Sadly the Stitched So Sweetly dies are being retired.  I added 3 Polished Dots to the label and a Soft Succulent ribbon knot.

This is a style of card I make often.  I love making cards that show off the beautiful DSP and are just a little bit different.  Here are the basics measurements.

• Card Base 4-1/4" x 7-1/4" scored at 1-3/4" and 3" x 4-1/4", 
• DSP pattern A 1-1/2" X 4"
• DSP pattern B 2-3/4" x 4"
• Basic White-4" x 5-1/4' 

You will also need a piece to connect the top portion to the bottom.

IF you agree that this suite of products are fabulous then let me tell you about the Creativity Abounds Symbols of Fortune Stamp Camp.  

The Creativity Abounds team is an international team of Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  We have a monthly blog hop and a quarterly stamp camp.  The next camp is all about the Symbols of Fortune Suite.  We created a tutorial bundle with 12 projects, written tutorials and a video.  We provide all the pieces of cardstock cut and scored so you can complete the tutorial projects.  You will need to cut DSP and Mother of Pearl pieces.  On April 29th and 30th there will be a series of Facebook Lives and videos featuring different projects so you will receive even more new ideas on ways to use this suite.  Pretty incredible!   If this sounds like fun, all you need to do to register is purchase the Symbols of Fortune Suite from my online store before April 15th.   Use the Host Code TBSHB94M.   I will cut and prepare a kit for you to complete the projects in the tutorial bundle.  You will need to use your own DSP and Mother of Pearl papers, adhesive and inks.  If you already own the Symbols of Fortune Suite but want to participate in the camp, you can place an order of $82.75 or more using the Host Code.  Remember that you will need the suite to complete the tutorial projects.

Thanks for stopping by and if you have any questions about the camp please contact me at [email protected] and I would be happy to help,

Place a $50 order through my online store and receive this bundle (12 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me ([email protected]) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

Did you know that World Art Day is celebrated on April 15th?  This festivity is the focus and inspiration for the Festive Friday Inspo List.

What is the Festive Friday Challenge Inspo List?  The Inspo list consists of 10 item inspired by the chosen festivity.  To participate in the challenge you need to use 3 or more items from the Inspo List.  Your project can also be inspired by the festivity but it doesn't have to.

I used easel, frame and watercolor pencils from the Inspo List and one of my favorite bundles, Nature's Harvest.  I will admit that I am pretty sure that the easel I used was not the intended kind of easel.  I think the person(s) who created the Inspo list meant the artist easel and not an easel card.   Oh well!  The frame is from the Scalloped Contours Dies and I used watercolor pencils to color in the flowers.

The DSP I used is from the Pattern Party DSP pack  and the ribbon is the White Organdy Glittered ribbon.  

The long die with the sentiment was cut using the Harvest Dies (part of the Nature's Harvest bundle)  and the sentiment is from the Nature's Harvest set.  Did you notice the little butterflies?  The are the Brushed Brass Butterflies.  The butterflies come in 2 sizes and are tiny and so cute.

For more inspiration, be sure to visit the rest of the  Festive Friday Challenge Design team.

Ann Schach

Beth McCullough

Sharon Hashimoto Burkert. you are here

Melanie Hungerford

Helen Jennings

Stephanie Lanzalotto

Melva Peters

Jaydee

Diane Evans

Joanne James

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see your creations in the Festive Friday gallery for #FF0106,

The Create with Connie & Mary Challenge this week is a beautiful color combination and it made me think about the beautiful florals in the Blessings of Home stamp set.   I knew this would be great choice to show off the colors in the challenge.  What are the colors?

Let me say I never thought to pair Rich Razzleberry with Fresh Freesia.   Don't they look lovely together?  This is one of the reasons I think challenges are so important, it helps to shake things up and introduce you to new color combinations and layouts.

The flowers were stamped in Rich Razzleberry ink and colored using Rich Razzleberry, Fresh Freesia and Soft Succulent Stampin' Blends.  Did you know that you can use Stampin' Up! Classic Stampin' pads with Stampin' Blends?   Yup, you can.  I loved using the Rich Razzleberry ink instead of black on this card, it added softness to the image.  

I used 2 different packs of Designer Series Paper (aka DSP) for this card.  The lovely floral paper is from the Heart & Home DSP and the bouquet is on  a pattern from the 2021-23 In Color DSP.    In addition to the Flowers of Home dies I used the Stitched so Sweetly (scalloped Rich Razzleberry frame) and Stitched Rectangles dies (sentiment label).  The sentiment is from the In the Moment stamp set.  

Were you expecting this?  This is just little different kind of card.  The card base is a quarter sheet of cardstock and the place where you write your message is hidden behind the front Stitched So Sweetly label. 

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created using this color combination,

Welcome to the Creativity Abounds Blog Hop!  We are a group of international Stampin' Up!® demonstrators.  We hop together on the third Wednesday of every month.  Our hops focus around a particular bundle, holiday, occasion or product suite.  We also do a quarterly stamp camp and have one coming up April 29th & 30th (Symbols of Fortune Suite).   Every month we also create a tutorial bundle.  This month the tutorial bundle features the Flowering Fields Suite or anything that celebrates Spring.  The projects featured in this blog hop are different than the projects in the tutorial bundle.  We want to share lots of ideas with you.

I used both dies from the Flowering Fields Suite (Tulip and Windmill Field) and the Flowering Fields DSP.  The sentiment is from the Sweet as a Peach set.  

This is a quick visual showing what dies was used from which set.

This is an easel card that I call a One Armed Easel.  This fold was in last month's Creativity Abounds tutorial (Fun Folds) using another bundle of products.  The tutorial is still available for purchase from any of the Creativity Abounds team members.  I will also post the  information below.  

Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out all the stops on the hop!  You will be inspired by all the creativity!

Place a $50 order through my online store and receive this bundle (13 tutorials!!)  as a thank you.  You can also purchase the tutorial bundle for $15.00.  Please contact me ([email protected]) if you would like to purchase the tutorial.

This is the Creativity Abounds February tutorial all about fun folds!  It is still available for purchase ($15).  Please contact [email protected] to purchase.

Welcome to the Stampers Dozen Blog Hop!  We are a group of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators who gather together every month on the 14th, to  blog hop.  We have recently changed to a no theme hop so everyone can share what they are currently loving.  We try to make sure everything we use is available but as you know that can be difficult  given the current shipping situation. 

Currently I am thinking about Spring!  I love this time of year and it also is a tough time of year for me.  I have allergies and here in the Northwest with all the trees, grasses, flowers starting to wake up, so do my allergies.  Oh well, I sniffle my way through it and love seeing all the spring flowers starting to bloom.

I made this spring bouquet for you and hopefully it is also allergy free!  I love that we have so many gorgeous flowers in the 2021-22 Annual Catalog and in the 2022 J-J Mini Catalog.  The daffodils are from the Mini Catalog.  I made the flowers with the Daffodil dies and  a few of the leaves were stamped and die cut using the Daffodil Daydream bundle.    The tulips were made using the Tulip  Dies also from the Mini Catalog.  The pansies were stamped and die cut using the Pansy Patch bundle (currently on special-part of the Savings are in Bloom promotion).  This spring bouquet sits on one of the Scalloped Contour dies.

Yup, this is an easel card.   The cute little flower stopper is another sweet pansy.  Once I figure out who I am sending this to I will also stamp a sentiment next to the pansy.  Some other little details I want to point out.  The Poppy Parade and white twine is from the Fan Baker's twine.  The little tag is from the Meadow dies (this is part of the Quiet Meadow bundle which  is also on special this month).  The hello is from the Pansy Patch stamp set.  I used Post It notes to cover some of the sentiment when I inked it and then removed the Post Its before I stamped it on the tag.

In the center of each pansy is a rhinestone colored using a Poppy Parade Stampin' Blend.  This is a good trick to remember, so you will always have coordinating embellishments.

Time to check out all the fabulous stops on the hop!

Thank you for stopping by!

It is Thursday and time for the Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week it is a color challenge.

This color combination reminded me of the Flowering Fields 12" x 12" DSP.  Now I realize that Evening Evergreen is not listed as one of the colors in the DSP.  I think it was an oversight and that is what I am going with.  

I cut two 6" x 6" pieces of DSP and created this little tote.  The Evening Evergreen handles were cut using a die in the All Dressed Up dies. The ribbon is the Evening Evergreen Windowpane Checked ribbon.  This is the first time I have used the ribbon and it is lovely.  I would love this ribbon in lots of different colors.  It is crisp, ties beautifully and holds its shape, all good things.  The sentiment is from the Flowering Tulips set and I love the font.

Spring is coming!  The daffodils are beginning to pop up here and I thought a few daffodils for this bag would be cute.  In addition I will probably throw in some candy and a tea bag or 2.  This would be so fun to make as  favors for a luncheon.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for the color challenge. 

It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week it is a color challenge.  

Can you guess the colors that are in the challenge?  

Did you guess correctly?  Isn't this a fun color combination?  

It has been a little bit since I pulled out the Celebrate Sunflowers stamp set and coordinating Sunflower dies.  It is such a pretty stamp set and Bumblebee is a great color to use for that big sunflower.  I inked the sunflower in Bumblebee ink and stamped on Bumblebee CS.  I used a blending brush to add a little Poppy Parade around the center of the sunflower.

When I start to work on a color challenge I pull out cardstock, DSP, and embellishments in the challenge colors.  This is how I found the Night of Navy patterned paper in the Sweet Symmetry pack.    The Fan Baker's Twine in Poppy Parade and white was another one I pulled out.  In fact, I think this color combination was inspired but the colors in Hey Sports Fan DSP.  When it came to embellishments I couldn't find very much.  I thought about coloring some rhinestones or pearls or just adding some little dots and then I remembered the tiny flowers in the Peach dies.   Aren't they so cute?  I also added some tiny pearls because she is a fancy ladybug.  

Inside I added a big leaf stamped using the Hello Ladybug stamp set in Bumblebee.  I stamped the ladybug in Night of Navy and Poppy Parade and fussy cut her out.  Want to know the story behind this?  I somehow got a splotch of ink inside of the card so I needed to cover it up and like I always say, never take apart my cards cause you will certainly find some kind of mistake I had to cover up.  

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for this color challenge,

I am always on the lookout for new color ideas.  I came across the Inspire. Create. Stamping Challenge's combination of Cherry Cobbler, Evening Evergreen, Misty Moonlight, Sahara Sand, and Soft Succulent and wanted to give it a try.  Sahara Sand is one of those colors I do not use very often and when I do use it, I always wonder why I don't use it.  

I may have gotten carried away with all the flowers and leaves.  The Pierced Blooms dies is one of my favorite flower & leaf dies and once I get started it is hard to stop.  In the centers of the flowers I added the Classic Matte Dots in white.  

The card base is Sahara Sand and the Evening Evergreen layer is from the Tidings of Christmas DSP.  I suspect this pack of Designer Series Paper is also what inspired the color combination challenge.  I love the subtle herringbone pattern on the paper and how it adds just a little something extra.  If I was thinking I should have used it for the stripes too.  Maybe next time!. The Sahara Sand layer was embossed using the Tasteful Textile 3D folder.  The thanks in Evening Evergreen and Soft Succulent was created using the Amazing Thanks dies.

I did  use a strip of the DSP to decorate the inside of the card along with a Cherry Cobbler flower and Soft Succulent leaf.  Isn't that subtle herringbone pattern  great?  The Tidings of Christmas DSP is not just for Christmas.  There are lots of beautiful not Christmassy designs on the "B" side of each sheet.  

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the Inspire.Create stamping challenges!