2023-24 Annual Catalog
Country Birdhouse Best Day
May 16, 2024
It is Thursday which means it is time for a new Create with Stamping Friends Challenge! This week it is a color challenge.
What a color combination! I love color challenges as they well challenge me to venture outside of my color comfort zone.
- Highland Heather CS card base5-1/2" x 8-1/2"
- Blueberry Bushel CS layer 4-1/8" x 5-3/8"
- Basic White CS layer " x 5-1/4" embossed using the Eyelet 3D Embossing folder
- Basic White CS 1" x 3-3/4" sentiment from the Country Birdhouse stamp set
- Summer Splash 2024-2026 In Color 6" x 6" DSP 1" x 5-1/2"
- Flowers and leaves cut using the Country Birdhouse dies
- Summer Splash 2024-26 In Color Resin Dots flower centers
- Bird (Country Birdhouse set) stamped on Basic White in Tuxedo Black Memento pad, colored using Highland Heather and Blueberry Bushel Stampin' Blends.
- Basic White CS layer 4" x 5-1/4"
- Summer Splash 2024-26 In Color DSP 3/4" x 5-1/4"
- Flowers and leaves cut using the Country Birdhouse dies
Be sure to check out what the other members of the Create with Stamping Friends made with this color challenge.
Thanks for stopping by,
Love the Country Birdhouse bundle? Check out the upcoming Creativity Abounds Stamp Camp!
The Country Birdhouses Stamp Camp will be held on June 14th and 15th. To register all you need to do is purchase the following products and use the Host Code TMTUAHE9:
- 163401 Country Birdhouse bundle
- 163146 Basic Gray& Smoky Slate Pearls
- 163414 Eyelet 3D Embossing Folder
- 163417 Petal Pink & White Diagonal Trim Combo Pack
- 163393 Country Woods Designer Series Paper
If you already own these products simply place an order of $86.75 and use the Host Code TMTUAHE9. Yes, the stamp camp is FREE with the required purchase.
You will receive 13 kits which will include all the cardstock pieces necessary to make the projects. You will use your own stamp set, dies, embellishments and DSP. You will also receive both a written and video tutorial for each project.
In addition to the 13 projects you will be invited to join a private Facebook group for the camp. On June 14 and 15 each design team member will present another project using the above products. These lives will be spread out over the 2 days but they will be recorded so you can watch them when it is convenient for you.
Hope you will join us!
Apple Harvest Thanks
March 29, 2024
Ready for another Festive Friday challenge? What is the Festive Friday challenge? The Festive Friday challenge is a bi-weekly challenge that is inspired by a holiday/festivity. An Inspo list of 10 items is created using the festivity as its inspiration. To play in the challenge you need to use 3 items from the Inspo list on your project and enter it in the Festive Friday gallery. We love seeing what you choose from the Inspo list and look forward to seeing what you create.
I chose from the Inspo List- neutrals, recycled item from packaging, twine, and trees.
First item from Inspo List I used-Neutrals. The card base is Early Espresso CS cut at 4-1/4" x 11". The recycled element is from a Stampin' Up! box. Ahem, I may have a few around the craft room! I cut a piece of the box flap off (4" x 5-1/4") and tore off the top layer of paper. This leaves the corrugated paper below exposed. There are pieces of the top layer of paper still stuck onto the corrugated paper which adds to the rustic look.
Next item on the list-twine. What I used is really called Linen thread but let's just call it really skinny twine for now.
The stamp set I used is called Apple Harvest. This is the trees element from the Inspo List. This stamp set is also on the Last Chance list. It is a beautiful set and if you live in an apple growing area or love apples, this just might be a set that you need to purchase before it retires. I used Poppy Parade, Real Red, Petal Pink, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, and Pool Party Stampin' Blends to color the image. I added a few extra apples to the original image. The sentiment from the Apple Harvest set and punched with the Double Oval punch. This punch is also on the Last Chance list and available while supplies last and/or April 30. In the center of the flowers are Iridescent Pearls.
Inside I added another strip of Early Espresso CS and another apple flower. I almost always add a Basic White CS layer to the inside of my cards. The only time I don't is when the card base is white or vanilla.
Be sure to check out how the rest of the Festive Friday design team used the Inspo List.
Thank you for stopping by and I look forward to seeing how you were inspired by the Inspo List. Please post your creations in the Festive Friday gallery!
Enduring Beauty and Darling Details
March 28, 2024
It is Thursday and time for a new and last Create with Connie & Mary Challenge. Yes, you read that right, the last Create with Connie & Mary Challenge. The new name will be Create with Stamping Friends. You can read about the changes HERE.
Here is this week's challenge.
I turned the sketch and made it into a portrait orientation to better fit the images I used.
I used the Enduring Beauty bundle. I decided to color the beautiful image using Flirty Flamingo and Old Olive Stampin' Blends. I think this is the first time I have colored the flowers with Stampin' Blends, I usually use the coordinating Enduring Beauty Decorative Masks to color. Love that there are options.
Let's talk about the little sentiment flag. First the sentiment is from the Darling Details stamp set. This stamp set and the coordinating dies are on the Last Chance Products list. It is available for purchase while supplies last and/or April 30, 2024.
The sentiment flag was cut using the Nested Essentials dies. I used the #2 (#1 being the smallest flag die) die. It is longer than I wanted so I re-cut the die to make it smaller.
You need to line up the die so that the die fits into stitching along the sides. You can feel it when it is seated in the stitching and then you can run it through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine.
This is a simple little trick and it comes in handy when you don't have the perfect die for the sentiment.
Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the Create with Connie & Mary design team created with this sketch.
Creativity Abounds Blog Hop...Anything But a Card
March 20, 2024
Welcome to the Creativity Abounds Blog Hop! We are an international group of 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. This month we are focusing on Anything But A Card.
Every month we create a tutorial bundle. The tutorial bundle is available as a gift with a qualifying purchase or can also be purchased. We also have a stamp camp 3 times a year. The next camp will be on June 14th & 15th. Stay tuned to find out what the theme will be of the next stamp camp!
I have been thinking about little gift ideas to take with me to the Stampin' Up! On Stage event. I am short on time so it has to be something fairly quick and easy or it won't get done. This little box was created using the Mini Pocket Envelope dies.
- Cut 2 of the Mini Pocket Envelopes from the Delightfully Eclectic DSP.
- Adhere one of the side tabs to connect the 2 envelopes.
- Score along the bottom edge 1-3/8". Measuring 1-3/8" from the longer tabbed edge.
- Along the bottom edge cut along each score line up to the 1-3/8" score line.
- Adhere the other side tab to fully connect the 2 envelopes.
- Fold the 2 smaller flaps in. Apply adhesive to one of the larger flaps and secure down and repeat on the last flap.
- Punch 2 holes through both the 2 larger scalloped top flaps. Pinch in the side flaps to create a gusset.
- Fill with goodies and tie close with Black & Very Vanilla Large Check Ribbon.
The Basic Black label was cut using the Mini Pocket Envelope Dies. The Fresh Freesia CS was cut to fit in the label 7/8" x 1-7/8". The flowers were cut using the Lovely & Sweet Dies in Basic White CS. The black centers of the flowers are from the Classic Matte Dots. The sentiment is from the Let's Go Shopping set.
Inside of my bag I have some Werther's caramel candies. The bag can hold a truffle or 2, some chocolates, maybe even a small bar of soap. I hope you can use this idea next time you are needing a little bag to package some treats.
Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created for the hop!
Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the hop!
Here's what I made for the Creativity Abounds Tutorial Anything But A Card bundle.
Place a $35 order through my online store and receive a tutorial 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.
Let's Go Shopping & Let's Eat Cake
March 07, 2024
It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge. This week it is a color challenge.
Isn't this a perfect palette for a springtime or Easter card? I wish I had packed my Easter Bunny stamp set and punch with me but sadly I didn't. Instead I am using a bundle that has been sorely neglected by me, Let's Go Shopping bundle and the Les Shoppes Designer Series Paper.
Such a cute bakery window. If you know me, you know I love a good bakery. I seek them out and they are sadly getting a little harder to find. This bakery is certainly a bright spot on this street. The lovely desserts in the window would certainly get my attention. The bakery window was created using the Let's Go Shopping stamps and dies, isn't that awning so cute? The little flowers are from the Thoughtful Moments dies and accented with Lemon Lolly Adhesive-Backed Solid Gems.
The sentiment from the Heartfelt Hexagons is just perfect for this card. Love this sentiment as it can be used for any kind of celebration or just for a catch up with a friend.
Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the Create with Connie & Mary Design team created for this challenge,
Flight & Airy DSP and the Gorgeous Garden Dies
February 25, 2024
Sometimes I feel like Chicken Little, you know the one who is scurrying around saying that the sky is falling except I am saying Sale-A-Bration is ending soon! The difference is what I am telling you is true. Sale-A-Bration ends on February 29th. Just a few sleeps away!
Want some new stamping supplies? Need to stock up on adhesives, dimensionals, ink refills, In Color products etc? Sale-A-Bration is a great time to do that. Why? When you place an order of $50 (US dollars) or more you will be able to choose a free Sale-A-Bration gift. There are 2 levels of Sale-A-Bration gift choices, level 1 is $50 and level 2 is $100. I have really enjoyed this years Sale-A-Bration products. I will post links to the blog posts that used Sale-A-Bration products at the end of this post.
This card features the lovely birds from the Flight & Airy DSP. They are in/on a frame cut using the Perennial Postage dies. Behind the Perennial Postage frame is a lovely leaf design cut using the Gorgeous Garden dies. Doesn't this just look like spring? Lots of fussy cutting on this card. The trick is I cut a bunch of these little birds out while watching a mediocre movie with my husband. Having all these lovely birds and flowers already cut made it easy to use them with abandon.
The little sentiment is from the Love For You stamp set and cut using the smallest Stylish Shapes banner die. Did you notice the sweet little sequins? This is part of an Online Exclusive release (March 5th) and are called Adhesive-Backed Shiny Sequins.
Inside a strip of the Flight & Airy DSP and another beautiful bird and flower branch. I am not sure how I will use this card so I am not stamping a sentiment just yet.
Here are some links to past projects I have made using the 2024 Sale-A-Bration products- HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.
If you have any questions about Sale-A-Bration or how to order let me know! I would hate for you to miss out on receiving some lovely gifts!
Do you like fun folds? Place a $35 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.
Simply Zinnia and the Paper Florist Dies
February 21, 2024
It is Thursday which means it is time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge. This week it is a color challenge.
I love this color combination! It looks so summery and happy. I pretty much knew what I wanted to make when i saw the colors.
Lots of flowers in Basic White, Crushed Curry and Coastal Cabana. I used the Paper Florist dies and cut the flowers in the color combination and I think they look great! The card base is Thick Basic White cardstock 4-1/4" x 11"). There is a Crushed Curry layer (4" x 5-1/4") and also a Coastal Cabana paper (3-7/8" x 5-1/8") from the Brights 6" x 6" DSP.
The sentiment is from an upcoming Online Exclusive stamp set called Simply Zinnias that will be released on March 5th. The sentiment was inked in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and cut out using the Stylish Shapes die.
Inside I added a Crushed Curry CS strip and a flower. A simple way to decorate the inside of the card.
Be sure to check out what the rest of the Create with Connie & Mary Design team made with this color combination,
Enduring Beauty and the Gorgeous Garden Dies
February 13, 2024
I made this card using the Enduring Beauty bundle for a recent color challenge. The colors we were challenged to use were Berry Burst, Crushed Curry, Poppy Parade, and Garden Green. Put on your shades it is a little bright!
I stamped the image using Tuxedo Black Memento ink and used the Enduring Beauty Masks and Blending Brushes to color the image in. It is a fun and easy way to color. When the coloring was done I used the Enduring Beauty dies to cut out the large bouquet. The sentiment is from the Sale-A-Bration stamp set, Heartfelt Hellos. The set has 6 sentiments and is FREE with a qualifying order. The sentiment was stamped in Versamark ink on Berry Burst CS (Cardstock) and then heat embossed using white embossing powder. The sentiment was then fussy cut out.
I first thought about adhering the flowers and sentiment on Berry Burst cardstock but then decided to add more texture by die cutting a piece of Berry Burst CS using the Gorgeous Garden dies. The leaves were then applied to a 3-7/8" x 5-1/8"piece of Berry Burst CS. I love how the leaves look and the tone on tone look. Around the Berry Burst CS I added a 4" x 5-1/4" Basic White CS layer and then on to a 4-1/4" x 11" Garden Green card base.
Inside I added a strip of Berry Burst CS embossed with one of the Basic 3D Embossing folders (Online Exclusive) The butterfly is from the Paper Butterly Accents (2024 Jan-Apr Mini Catalog). The butterfly was colored using a Blending Brush and Berry Burst and Crushed Curry ink.
This is definitely a bold and bright color combination!
Product List
Thank you for stopping by and let me know if I can help you with your stamping needs,
Paper Florist and the Envelope Treat Box
February 07, 2024
It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge. This week it is a color challenge.
This is a super springy color combination. Sweet Sorbet is a 2022-24 In Color, which means it will be retiring soon. If you have this ink pad you will want to get the ink refill soon. You might also want to get some cardstock, Blends, and other In Color items soon and avoid the rush.
I used the Paper Florist dies and created a bouquet and adhered it on a Lemon Lime Twist Glorious Gingham belly band. I attached the flowers on to the belly band so it could be easily removed without destroying the box. The box is the Envelope Treat Box in the 2023-24 Annual Catalog.
The little bee was fussy cut from the adorable Bee Mine DSP and attached to the bouquet by a piece of Window Sheet. I wanted the cute little bee to be buzzing around the flowers.
The Envelope Treat Boxes measure 2-1/4" x 3-1/2" x 1". The boxes come pre-scored and have the adhesive already on the box, just waiting for you to peel off the protective covering and assemble. So very simple and convenient! The box is a great size and can even hold a gift card.
The little banner was hand cut and tucked under the petals of the flower. The sentiment is from the Love For You stamp set and the sweet little Daffodil Delight heart is from the Adhesive-Backed Hearts & Flowers.
Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the Create with Connie & Mary Design team created for this challenge,
Product List
Fluffiest Friends Good Feelings
February 01, 2024
Ready for another Festive Friday challenge? What is the Festive Friday challenge? The Festive Friday challenge is a bi-weekly challenge that is inspired by a holiday/festivity. An Inspo list of 10 items is created using the festivity as its inspiration. To play in the challenge you need to use 3 items from the Inspo list on your project and enter it in the Festive Friday gallery. We love seeing what you choose from the Inspo list and look forward to seeing what you create.
I chose from the Inspo List-Bright Colors, Twine, Large Sentiment, and Balloons.
I used 2 bright colors that will be retiring soon...Parakeet Party and Tahitian Tide. These 2 colors are part of the 2022-24 In Colors so there time will be ending with the introduction of the new In Colors. You never know they might be back at some later date but there is no way of knowing if they will.
- Tahitian Tide CS card base-4-1/4" x 11" scored at 5-1/2"
- Basic White CS 4" x 5-1/4"
- Parakeet Party 3-7/8" x 5-1/8"
The large sentiment is from the Good Feelings stamp set in the 2023-24 Annual Catalog. It is heat embossed in White Embossing Powder. The cute little hamster or is it a gerbil, is from the Fluffiest Friends bundle. I have used all of the other animals and now it was her time to get inked. She was just perfect since she is holding a balloon. I added a few more balloons since she is a little fluffy for just one balloon to take her into the sky. The clouds were die cut using the Give It A Whirl dies. This die set has SO many useful shapes. There are stars, hearts, circles, clouds, rectangles, and of course the dies to make a great interactive card. I used a Blending Brush to lightly shade the clouds in Tahitian Tide ink. The twine is Tahitian Tide from the 2022-24 In Color Baker's Twine Pack.
Inside another cute fluffy hamster/gerbil on a cloud. She looks quite pleased with herself. I used Crumb Cake, Pecan Pie, Flirty Flamingo, Sweet Sorbet, Tahitian Tide, and Parakeet Party Stampin' Blends to color the hamster/gerbil and balloons.
Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check out how the rest of the Festive Friday Design team used the Inspo List.
Product List
