Yes, this week is the Fresh As a Daisy week!  Love this suite of products.  I cannot remember when I have made as many cards from a suite before and I am still continuing to make more projects.  I think I will have to have highlight this suite again in another month.

One of the reasons I am sharing this suite now is I want to be sure you know about the Creativity Abounds Fresh As a Daisy stamp camp.  The Creativity Abounds Design Team is an international group of 13 Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  We do a monthly blog hop, a monthly tutorial bundle and 3 times a year we hold a stamp camp. 

The Fresh As a Daisy Stamp Camp will be held on July 7th and 8th.  To register all you need to do is purchase the Fresh as a Daisy Suite (161301) and the 2023-25 In Color Jute Trim (161637) and use the Host Code 7W94CTHJ.  If you already own the Suite and the 2023-25 In Color Jute Trim, simply order $81.50 worth of products from my online store and use the Host Code 7W94CTHJ. It is important to use the Host Code, it lets me know you want to participate in the stamp camp.  

You will receive 13 kits which will include all the cardstock pieces necessary to make the projects.  You will use your own DSP, stamps, dies and embellishments.   Both a written and video tutorial will be provided for you for each project. 

In addition to the 13 projects you will be invited to join a private Facebook group for the camp.  On July 7th & 8th each design team member will present another project using the Fresh As a Daisy Suite.  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.  

This project uses the Cheerful Daisies bundle and the Fresh As a Daisy DSP.  The card base is Garden Green CS, 5-1/2" x  8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4".  The pretty daisies are on a Lemon Lolly Scalloped Contours die which was also embossed using the 3D Basics Embossing folders (Online Exclusive).  The centers of the daisies were colored with a sponge dauber and Lemon Lolly ink.  Love that Lemon Lolly color, it is the yellow we needed.   The leaves were colored in Garden Green ink also using a sponge dauber.  The DSP strip is  1-1/2" x 4" .   Remember to wrap the white Baker's twine around the Basic White layer before adhering it to the Garden Green card base.   The sentiment is from the Cheerful Daisies stamp set inked in Garden Green ink.  A few silver pearls from the Festive Pearls was added for some shine.

Inside I added a leftover strip of DSP.  It wasn't long enough to along the bottom so I added it along the side.  I had a leftover flower made using the Paper Florist dies so I added it to decorate the inside of the card.  

I hope you will join me and the rest of the Creativity Abounds team for the Fresh As a Daisy stamp camp!  It is going to be a fun and creative time!

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 used from the Inspo List  blue, masculine, and plaid/checks.  Something else exciting is that the Festive Friday Challenge is teaming up with Double Trouble Challenge,  entering both challenges gives you double the chance of winning.

I used the returning color Blueberry Bushel for the blue.  Love this color!  The plaid/check is from the Glorious Gingham 6" x 6" DSP.  In this pack of paper there are the 2 designs shown above in Blueberry Bushel, Berry Burst, Lemon Lime Twist, Pecan Pie, and Pretty Peacock.

The image is from the Circle Sayings stamp set.   The image was stamped in Blueberry Bushel ink.  I used a Blender pen to pull some color from the image to color the waves.  I used a Daffodil Delight Watercolor Pencil from  Assortment 1 to color in the sun.   Very easy coloring.  The image was cut out using a circle die from the Stylish Shapes die set and layered using the 2-3/8" circle punch.  The punch can be purchased by itself or bundled with the Circle Sayings set.  When you purchase it as a bundle you save 10%.

The Blueberry Bushel dots are from the Tinsel Gems Four-Pack.  In addition to Blueberry Bushel there are dots in Berry Burst, Pretty Peacock and Lemon Lime Twist.  The coordinate beautifully with the Glorious Gingham DSP.

This is an easel card.  The stopper for the easel is a banner die cut from the Stylish Shapes dies.  The sentiment is from the Circle Saying set.  I like doing fun folds for masculine cards.  It creates a cleaner, simpler looking card.

**EDITED- The easel mechanism measures 2-7/8" x 3-3/4" scored at 1-3/4" and  3-1/2". 

I will be entering this card in the Double Trouble challenge.  I hope you will join in the fun and play in both challenges too!

Be sure to check out what the Festive Friday design team created for the #FF00135.

The Circle Sayings bundle is a wonderful new addition to my craft room.  It is a great all occasion set with both images and sentiments.  There are 14 photopolymer stamps in this set and a 2-3/8" circle punch to make it a bundle.  This stamp set was inspired by Jessica Taylor and is her Million Dollar Sales Achiever set.   Congratulations Jessica!

Today's card features 4 of the stamps in the set and also the 2-3/8" Circle punch.

In addition to the Circle Sayings bundle I used the  Flirty Flamingo dots pattern which is part of the  6" x 6" Brights DSP   pack.  The cupcake liner paper is also one of the patterns from the 6" x 6" DSP paper pack.  The image was stamped on the DSP and then fussy cut out.  

Tip:   This tip is useful when you are fussy cutting to do paper piecing.  After I am done fussy cutting I will use the brush end of a Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker and go around the edges.  This erases any white spots and gives the image a finished look.  

The cupcake was colored using the Pecan Pie Stampin' Blends and the frosting with the Flirty Flamingo Blends.  The frosting has a shimmer to it from a liberal application of Wink of Stella.  There is also a Iridescent Rhinestone Gem.

The image was punched out using the 2-3/8" Circle punch and the Flirty Flamingo layer is from the Stylish Shapes dies.  I wanted a little bit of something else so I added some White Baker's Twine.

Inside there is a strip of DSP-love those polka dots!  I also duplicated the cupcake from the front and fussy cut it out.  The sentiment and the "shine" accents are both from the stamp set.  

Product List

Circle Sayings Bundle (English) [161355] $41.25	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $6.50	Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [161674] $10.00	Flirty Flamingo Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154884] $10.00
Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker [100082] $3.00	Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [141416] $10.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.50	Brights 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [161643] $12.50
Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [141897] $8.00	Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [155475] $11.00	Iridescent Rhinestones Basic Jewels [158130] $7.50

Add all to your cart

Thank you for stopping by,

I have been playing with the new and returning colors and trying to figure out how to use them, what they look good with etc etc.  One of the first colors I wanted to figure out was Wild Wheat.  I think this new In Color is maybe the most controversial of the In Colors. I don't think I have heard anyone who is neutral about the color.  I have heard people say it is their favorite In Color and others say just the opposite.  Are you Team Wild Wheat or not?

The easiest way for me to get used to a new color is to use it in small doses.  This allows me to get comfortable with the color.  Today's card I used it as a skinny layer around a piece of Fresh As a Daisy DSP.  This pack of paper is a great one and will help familiarize you with the 2023-25 In Colors.  All the In Colors are used in the DSP and lots of other colors as well.

The card base is Garden Green and there is also a Garden Green layer that was embossed using one of the Basics 3D Embossing Folders.  These folders can only be found online and are currently unavailable.  They are expected back in stock mid May.  You can see the Online Exclusive products HERE in my online store.  Behind the pretty DSP is the Wild Wheat layer.  I like these colors together and think the layer looks great.  The label is from the Cheerful Daisies bundle.  The sentiment is from the Cheerful Daisies stamp set inked in Wild Wheat.  The ribbon is Garden Green from the Real Red & Garden Green 3/8" Ribbon Combo Pack.  The cute little gem is a Lemon Lolly gem from the Adhesive-Backed Solid Gems.

Inside of the card I added a strip of the Fresh As a Daisy DSP and cut out a daisy using the Cheerful Daisies dies.  

Product List

Cheerful Daisies Bundle (English) [161297] $53.00	Wild Wheat Classic Stampin' Pad [161651] $9.00	Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [102584] $10.00	Wild Wheat 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [161725] $10.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.50	Fresh As A Daisy 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [161289] $12.50	Adhesive Backed Solid Gems [161300] $8.00	Real Red & Garden Green 3/8" (1 Cm) Ribbon Combo Pack [159577] $7.50

Thanks for stopping by and let me know how I can help you with your paper crafting,

The Creativity Abounds Design Team is an international group of 13 Stampin' Up! demonstrators.  We do a monthly blog hop, a monthly tutorial bundle and 3 times a year we hold a stamp camp. 

The Fresh As A Daisy Stamp Camp will be held on July 7th and 8th.  To register all you need to do is purchase the Fresh as a Daisy Suite (161301) and the 2023-25 In Color Jute Trim (161637) and use the Host Code 7W94CTHJ.  If you already own the Suite and the 2023-25 In Color Jute Trim simply order $81.50 worth of products from my online store and use the Host Code 7W94CTHJ. It is important to use the Host Code, it lets me know you want to participate in the stamp camp.  

You will receive 13 kits which will include all the cardstock pieces necessary to make the projects.  You will use your own DSP, stamps, dies and embellishments.   Both a written and video tutorial will be provided for you for each project. 

In addition to the 13 projects you will be invited to join a private Facebook group for the camp.  On July 7th & 8th each design team member will present another project using the Fresh As a Daisy Suite.  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.  

Questions? Please contact me at [email protected] 

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

Stampin' Up! just debuted the new 2023-24 Annual Catalog (2 days ago!) and one of my  favorite suites is the Zoo Crew.    Love the adorable animals doing all kinds of fun things from a gator riding a bicycle to a llama knitting to a turtle singing and much more.  The Zoo Crew DSP also features lots of animals and a lot of wonderful black and white designs.  

This cute elephant holding a banner was cut out from the Zoo Crew DSP.  I added just a little bit of color with a Lemon Lime Twist Stampin' Blend to the tusk and nails.   The black and white paper is one of the fun designs from the DSP.  I added a few stars cut from Lemon Lime Twist CS using the Give It A Whirl dies.  The Basic Black CS layer was embossed using one of the Online Exclusive products, the Basics 3D Embossing Folders (161598).  These Embossing Folders are currently not available but should be back in stock May 15th.   This cross hatch design is my go-to folder for adding just a bit of texture without being distracting.  The sentiment is from the Sweet Songbirds stamp set and was a perfect fit.

Inside I added a strip of DSP and a Basic Black CS strip and a few more Lemon Lime Twist stars.  

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the rest of the design team created using the sketch.

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 used Black & White, Easel Card and Gingham from the Inspo List.  

The cute little raccoon is from the Zoo Crew DSP that will be debuting in the 2023-24 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog.  I added the balloons using the Zany Zoo dies.  The raccoon is actually holding balloons but the colors did not match my color scheme so I added the die cut ones on top of them.   I added some color to the raccoon with Polished Pink (I am going to miss this color) and Smoky Slate Stampin' Blends.  The raccoon is on circles from the Layering Circles dies.   The Layering Circles dies will be retiring soon too!

I created the black and white striped background by layering 3/4" Basic Black strips over Basic White CS.  I added both the Black & White Gingham ribbon and the Polished Pink Open Weave ribbon to the card.  The Polished Pink ribbon is retiring and currently available for $2.80!  What a deal!  I used the Dark Polished Pink Stampin' Blend to color the Heart Pearls.  

I still had to use one more item on my card from the Inspo List for the challenge.  The only one I could find a way to use was easel card.

The black and white strip was leftover from the stripes I created. The sentiment is from the Zany Zoo stamp stamp set and acts as the stopper for the easel. 

The new catalog will be debuting on May 2nd and you can find the adorable Zoo Crew Suite on page 46 & 47.  It is a super fun collection.

Thank you for stopping by and I look forward to seeing your projects in the Festive Friday Gallery!

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

I have been wanting to do more with the Two-Tone Flora Dies (buy the dies and stamp set as a bundle by May 1st and save 10%) and thought this would be a great time to use it.

Isn't that large floral cutout in Basic White CS beautiful?  It is so delicate and detailed.  I placed Petal Pink CS behind the cutout and then added the small flowers in Petal Pink.  The small flowers were cut using the Sending dies.  The Sending dies are currently available as a bundle (bundle pricing saves you 10%) with the Sending Smiles stamp set but in the new catalog will be sold separately.   In the center of each flower i placed a Festive Pearls in gold. 

The Balmy Blue frame was in my leftovers pile and was created using the Stitched Rectangle dies.  The Stitched Rectangle dies will be retiring on May 1 and are currently available and priced at $24.50!   I layered Gold Foil behind the frame and tied a Balmy Blue & White Variegated Ribbon near the bottom of the frame.  The sentiment is from a soon to be debuting stamp set called Cheerful Daisies and the label is from the coordinating Cheerful Daisies dies.

Inside I added a strip of Petal Pink CS and Gold foil.  The sentiment is from the Pansy Patch stamp set and I added a few more flowers.  

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

It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary Challenge.  This week we have a sketch challenge.

I just received my pre-order of Stampin' Up! goodies from the 2023-24 Annual Catalog.  Yes, that is one of the perks of being a demonstrator and I love it.  One of the items I pre-ordered is an adorable suite called Zoo Crew.  The DSP is so cute.  One side of the paper is all kinds of animals doing fun things and the flip side is black and white designs!  Be still my heart.  

I used the Zany Zoo dies to cut out the raccoon from the DSP.  There is a stamp for the raccoon but I was strategically cutting a strip of the paper for the top of the card (aren't the black and white stars fab?)and decided to cut him out from the DSP instead.  Something a little different about the Zoo Crew DSP is that the images are only partially colored.  It is cute just the way it is or you can do a little more coloring like I did with Pool Party and Smoky Slate Stampin' Blends.  For some reason I was very set on him having a Pool Party mask and belly.

I used Lemon Lime Twist for the outer circle and Pool Party for the inner circle.  Both circles are cut using the Stylish Shapes dies.  The Pool Party banner was also cut using the Stylish Shapes dies.  The narrow Lemon Lime Twist ribbon is part of the suite and combined with the sweetest Petal Pink ribbon,  together they are called the Ribbon Duo Combo Pack.

The Iridescent Rhinestones were added around the balloons and the sentiment.  I wanted to add just a little bit of sparkle.

Both sentiments used are from the Zany Zoo stamp set.  I added another little strip of the Zoo Crew DSP to finish the inside of the card.  

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

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.  You do not have to use the holiday/festivity in your card but you can.  We love seeing what you choose from the Inspo list and what you create.

I chose from the Inspo List bird, birthday sentiment, and Embossing Folder.  

I used the chubby bird from the Sweet Songbirds bundle (the bundle price is retiring but the stamp set and punch will be available  separately in the new catalog).  The cute bird was punched out in Balmy Blue CS.  The Mint Macaron gingham is from the Country Gingham 6" x 6" DSP.  Are you wondering what is embossed?  You need to look closely at the Basic White circle the bird is on, it is embossed using the one of the  Basics 3D Embossing Folders (Online Exclusive).  Yes, I was struggling a bit to incorporate 3 items from the Inspo List.  The pretty ribbon is the Balmy Blue Variegated ribbon, still a favorite of mine.  The DSP that is on the card base and on the middle strip is from the Country Floral Lane 12" x 12" DSP.   The little leaves were stamped in Mint Macaron ink and fussy cut out.  The little Balmy Blue gems are from the Iridescent Pastel Gems.

Inside a Basic White Scalloped Contour die the same size is hidden behind the Balmy Blue Scalloped Contour die.  This is where you can write a little note.  The little heart was punched out of Mint Macaron Gingham using the Country Bouquet punch.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to get more inspiration by checking out what the rest of the design team created.

It is Thursday and time for a new Create with Connie & Mary challenge.  This week it is a color challenge and it was another tough one for me.

One of the things I do when I am having a tough time figuring out a color combination is pull out embellishments, DSP, specialty papers etc in the colors.  This helped me find the Soft Succulent in the Fine Shimmer Paper Pack and the Gray Granite Shimmer Ribbon.  I also discovered that all the colors have coordinating Stampin' Blends.  

I chose one of my favorites from the 2022-23 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog, the Cottage Rose bundle.   I am sad to see that it will be retiring.  Anyway, I used  Stampin' Blends to color the flower and heavily brushed on the Wink of Stella to make the flower sparkle.  I used the Stitched Greenery die (also retiring) on the Soft Succulent Fine Shimmer Paper.  If you like a shimmery paper be sure to check out the Fine Shimmer Paper, it is beautiful and comes in a pack with Soft Succulent,  Fresh Freesia, and gold.

Inside I added a strip of the Soft Succulent Shimmer paper and colored another flower using the Stampin' Blends.  

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