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Learn a Faux Watercolor Technique

For today’s card I used a faux watercolor technique. It was very easy to achieve using a torn paper stencil and Stamping Sponges.

The card base and fern die-cut is made using Terra-Cotta Tile card stock and I used Bumble Bee ink for the sponged stencil. The sentiment for the card came from the Peaceful Moments stamp set.

The card recipe is below with a list of supplies used and you can watch this video tutorial to learn how I created the faux watercolor look.

Card Recipe

Card Base – Terra Cotta Tile 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ folded in half.
Second Layer – Basic Black 5-1/4″ x 4″
Stamped Layer – Whisper White 5″ x 3-3/4″
Die-cut Layer – Terra Cotta Tile 3″ x 4″
Card Insert – Whisper White 5-1/4″ x 4″

Product List

Forever Fern Bundle (English)	Peaceful Moments Cling Stamp Set (English)	Bumblebee Classic Stampin' Pad	Terracotta Tile Classic Stampin’ Pad	Terracotta Tile 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Basic Gray 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad	Stamparatus	Stamping Sponges
Sponge Daubers	Linen Thread	Multipurpose Liquid Glue

I always like to stamp a little something on the insert of the cards I make and I used the small leafy branch image from the Forever Fern stamp set for this card. It’s such a sweet little touch and surprise for the card recipient.

I hope you enjoyed this faux watercolor technique and try it for yourself. I would love to know if you try it!

Make a Watermelon Milk Carton Treat Holder

Here is my latest Make-it-Monday creation. I wanted to make a party favor for our Father’s Day get-together this weekend and what’s better than a watermelon milk carton filled with sweet treats?!

I used two new In-Colors from the Stampin’ Up! 2020-2021 Annual Catalog; Magenta Madness and Just Jade for the treat holder. I used circle dies to create the cute little watermelon halves and the “YUMMILICIOUS!” tag.

I punched the watermelon “seeds” from Basic Black card stock adhered to an Adhesive Sheet with a handheld circle punch. Here is a side view of the treat box so that you can see the milk carton fold.

It’s fairly easy to make the milk carton box and it doesn’t require any special tools. You will want a trimmer with a scoring blade or a Simply Scored board to create the fold lines required to make the box. I have included a cutting and scoring guide along with a diagram and a video tutorial for you below.

Scoring Guide: Start with an 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of card stock.

Score at 2″, 4″, 6″ and 8″ on the 8-1/2″ side of card stock.
Score at 1/2″, 2″ and 4″ on the 5-1/2″ side of card stock.
Score at 1-1/2″ and 5-1/2″ on the top of 1/2″ tab of carton.
Score two diagonal lines per the diagram below.
Trim on red score lines.

Product List

So Sentimental Cling Stamp Set (English)	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad	Magenta Madness 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Just Jade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Simply Scored	Layering Circles Dies	Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
Stampin' Seal+	Multipurpose Liquid Glue	Stamparatus

Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you make your own Milk Carton treat box.

Two Fun Fold Cards Full of Flowers

Fun-fold cards pack a big “WOW” factor and are such a treat to receive! I enjoyed making the cards in today’s post and they were so easy to make.

This first card looks like a large matchbook. The sentiment tag is positioned just right to keep the card closed. The pretty sunflower print from the Flowers for Every Season 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper begged for me to use the Celebrate Sunflowers Bundle. It didn’t really beg me but don’t you think it was a great idea?

The second card uses paper from the Flowers for Every Season Designer Series Paper pack as well. This vibrant floral print is lively and includes my favorite new In-Color Magenta Madness! I pulled that color from the paper by adding the butterfly die-cuts.

Watch the video below to see how I put these full-of-flowers card together.

Cutting & Scoring Guide

Card #1:

Score 11″ x 4-1/4″ piece of Thick Whisper White cardstock at 4″ and 9-1/2″ on the 11″ side to create card base.
Misty Moonlight Cardstock: 4″ x 3-3/4″, 4″ x 1-1/4″ and 3-3/4″ x 1″
Flowers for Every Season Designer Series Paper: 3-3/4″ x 3-1/2″ and 3-3/4″ x 1″
Whisper White Cardstock: 3-1/2″ x 3/4″

Card #2:

Score 11″ x 4-1/4″ piece of Bumble Bee cardstock at 2-3/4″ x 5-1/2″
Flowers for Every Season Designer Series Paper: 4-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ and 2-1/4″ x 4-1/4″
Whisper White Cardstock: 4-1/2″ x 3-1/2″, 4″ x 3″
Magenta Madness Cardstock: scrap

Product List

Thanks for stopping by my little spot of the interwebs. I hope you enjoyed the projects I shared today.

Make Your Own Gift Bag!

I love making my own gift bags when possible. I can customize the size of bag to fit the gift and it’s fun to coordinate everything using stamps, paper and ink.

Here are two different sized bags I made using the Dino Days Bundle from Stampin’ Up!

Aren’t they cute?! These bags are great for the little people in your life. You can easily change up the designer paper and embellishments to fit any occasion.

Here is a video tutorial showing how I created the smaller bag using two pieces of 8″ x 8″ pieces of Designer Series Paper.

Scoring Guide for an 8″ Gift Bag:

Score top of two pieces of 8″ x 8″ Designer Series Paper at 1″. Score the remaining three sides of both pieces at 1-3/4″.

To make a larger gift bag use two pieces of 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper and score according to the guide below.

Scoring Guide for a 12″ Gift Bag:

Score top of two pieces of 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper at 1-1/2″. Score the remaining three sides of both pieces at 3″.

The next time you need a gift bag and you’re short on time, or when you want to use what you’ve got, go explore your paper stash and make your own!

Product List

Masking Technique Card

I am loving the color combination in today’s card! I recently saw something online that used a bright pink along with jewel tones and knew I had to recreate it in a card. Who knew that Melon Mambo and Crushed Curry would look so fantastic together?!

The card images are stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink then filled with color using sponge daubers. The sponging gives the card a very soft, watercolor effect.

I also used two types of “masking” to create the card. Here is the video replay of my Coffee & a Card Facebook Live where I showed how to make the card:

Click here for the Project Sheet

Product List

148618	153827	151599	151605	132708
147087	147090	126948	147115	102283
140272	131199	121045	100730	148551
133773	109132	129053	104430	110755

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed today’s project. Don’t forget to notice color combinations used out in the world and create something using them!

Have Another Quarantini!

Today’s card is a light-hearted look at the unique COVID-19 and social distancing situation we are currently in.

Aren’t the punch art olives the cutest? I cased them from a card fellow Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Lorri Heiling created. The image and sentiments came from a new digital stamp set from Stampin’ Up!

This digital stamp set is packed with both lighthearted and thoughtful sentiments and imagery relevant to the unique COVID-19 and social distancing situation we are currently in. The best thing about this digital stamp set is that 100% of the Share Sunshine PDF Download proceeds will go to COVID-19 efforts and you can start crafting with the PDF download right away–with no shipping costs or delays!

You can use the download in your cardmaking and papercrafting projects. Simply print the imagery on cardstock and cut it out using Stampin’ Up!’s Paper Trimmer, punches, or dies. Since we are physically distanced from each other, now is a perfect time to share sunshine with our friends and family by sending cards!

Order the Share Sunshine PDF Download here and at check-out, you will be able to select which of these two organizations you want your proceeds to go to:

The World Health Organization’s COVID-Solidarity Response Fund
United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund

What a great way to have fun creating fun cards, bring smiles to your family and friends and give back!

Make a Timeless Tulips Mother’s Day Gift Bag

My Make it Monday project this week is this sweet handled gift bag. These bags are so much fun to make and are the perfect size for a gift card, a small gift, or candy treats.

The bag is fairly quick and easy to put together but the handle requires a few extra steps. Watch this video tutorial for the nitty gritty on adding the handle.

Click here for Project Recipe

Cutting & Scoring Diagram

Score 8″ x 4″ piece of Designer Series Paper at 1/2″, 3″, 4-1/4″ and 6-3/4″ on the 8″ side. Score at 1″ on the 4″ side of Designer Series Paper. Burnish score lines and trim on red lines.

Product List

Timeless Tulips Bundle (English)	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper	Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Simply Scored	Bone Folder	Stitched Shapes Dies	Layering Circles Dies
Whisper White 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon	Pearl Basic Jewels	Calypso Coral Dark Stampin' Blends Marker	Multipurpose Liquid Glue
Stampin' Dimensionals	Mini Glue Dots

Last Chance Discounted Products

Stampin’ Up! just released their 2020 Retiring Lists and there are bargains to be had! They will go quickly so if there is something you are dreaming of on the lists make sure you grab it before it’s gone!

When looking at the lists pay particular attention to any asterisks next to an item. Some items are not going away but are just being reconfigured or not being offered as a bundle.

*	Amount in Stampin’ Rewards; host sets can only be purchased using Stampin’ Rewards from a qualifying party.
**	While the items in these bundles are not retiring, they will no longer be available in a bundle after June 2, 2020.
*******	Bundle includes some products that are not retiring, refer to the Retiring List to see what individual products are retiring.
********	These items are not retiring but being reconfigured with a new item number and name.

For example, These items are on the list with four **** so they, among others, ARE NOT GOING AWAY; they are just being reconfigured.

Here are links to .pdf copies of the retiring lists. You can view them, download them or print them out. For a better look however, I suggest you visit my Stampin’ Up! Store for images of all the goodies: SHOP WITH LESLIE.

ANNUAL CATALOG RETIRING LIST

SPRING MINI CATALOG RETIRING LIST

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me. My contact information can be found HERE.

Make a Dressed to Impress Mother’s Day Gift

Here is the sweet little clay flower pot I embellished during my Make-it-Monday Facebook Live today.

I purchased 2-1/4″ clay flower pots from Dollar Tree and painted the tops with white craft paint. Next, I wrapped Best Dressed Designer Series Paper around the pot using a decoupage medium to adhere.

Click on this button a template I created to cut the paper for a snug fit around the flower pot. Print it onto an 8-1/2″ x 11″ piece of paper and it should be the right size for your pot

Designer Series Paper Template

I needed something to put in the flower pots so I filled a 3″ x 9″ printed gusseted celophane bag with some shreddy and chocolates then tied it up in a bow with a tassel. Finally, I created a plant marker for my flower pot using a stamp and coordinating die from the Dressed to Impress Bundle and a cake pop stick.

Here is a video tutorial for the project and a list of supplies used.

Product List

Dressed To Impress Bundle (English)	Dressed To Impress Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)	All Dressed Up Dies	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad	Best Dressed 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	3" X 9" (7.6 X 22. 9 Cm) Printed Gusseted Cellophane Bags	Mint Macaron 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Sheer Linen Ribbon	Best Dressed Tassels	Linen Thread

Additional Supplies:

2-1/4″ clay flower pot
White craft paint
decoupage medium

These were so easy to make and would make great table favors for all types spring celebrations.

Make a Vellum Shaker Card

I demonstrated how to make these shaker cards in today’s Coffee & a Card Facebook Live. I used the Shimmer Detailed Laser Cut Specialty Paper and vellum from Stampin’ Up! to make the shaker box. I love how the vellum “veils” the sequins underneath.

The camera does not pick up the shimmer on the laser-cut paper but it is a pearl-like finish with a subtle sparkle. The specialty paper comes with 6 sheets; three sheets with a 12″ x 12″ pattern and three sheets with a variety of panels.

I used a smaller, 3-1/2″ x 5′ panel for this card and backed the shaker box with a piece of Mosaic Mood Designer Series Paper.

This card uses one of the 4″ x 5-1/4″ panels from the Shimmer Detailed Laser-cut Specialty Paper and could be adhered directly onto a Calypso Coral card base.

Project Recipe

Card Base = 8-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ piece of card stock scored at 4-1/4″
Mosaic Mood Designer Series Paper layer = 4″ x 5-1/4″
Shimmer Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper = 3-1/2″ x 5″ panel or 4″ x 5-1/4″ panel
Vellum = 3-3/8″ x 4-7/8″ or 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ and 3/4″ x 3″
Very Vanilla Card Stock = 3-3/8″ x 4-7/8″ or 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″

Product List

Good Morning Magnolia Cling Stamp Set	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad	Versamark Pad	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad	Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Shimmer Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper	Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper	Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Peaceful Poppies Sequins
Copper Stampin' Emboss Powder	Stamping Sponges	Stamparatus	Paper Trimmer	Heat Tool (Us And Canada)
Embossing Buddy	Foam Adhesive Strips	Multipurpose Liquid Glue

I sponged the vellum for the shaker box and the tag using Calypso Coral Ink and heat embossed the tag with Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder. You can watch the replay of my Facebook Live and learn how to make your own shaker card by clicking on this link: https://bit.ly/2xhClWm

Make A Shaker Easter Basket

Here is the project we made on this week’s Facebook Live Make it Monday. I post over there a lot and would encourage you to hop on over to “Like” and “Follow” me there.

For this sweet shaker Easter basket I used the bunny and bird images from the Cuckoo for You stamp set and the sentiment from the Itty Bitty Greetings stamp set; both from Stampin’ Up! I also used the Cuckoo Clock dies that coordinate with the stamp set. You’re gonna want to have both and if you purchase them in a bundle you save 10%. Here is a complete list of the supplies I used in today’s project. Click on any image for more information.

Product List

Cuckoo For You Photopolymer Stamp Set	Cuckoo Clock Dies	Cuckoo For You Bundle	Itty Bitty Greetings Cling-Mount Stamp Set	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
Pacific Point 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Brights 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Window Sheets
Layering Ovals Dies	Stitched So Sweetly Dies	Iridescent Sequin Assortment	Metallic Brads	Basic Black Light Stampin' Blends
Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack	Balmy Blue Stampin' Blends Combo Pack	Real Red Light Stampin' Blends	Flirty Flamingo Light Stampin' Blends Marker	Stampin' Blends Color Lifter
Paper Trimmer	Bone Folder	Multipurpose Liquid Glue

To make your own shaker Easter basket cut the following ovals out with the Layering Ovals Dies from Stampin’ Up! using your die-cutting machine.

To create the box for the Easter basket use this diagram and watch the video below for step-by-step instructions.

Announcing Card Classes To Go!

I’m so excited to announce Card Classes to Go! Our current situation is preventing us from meeting in person but just because we can’t be together doesn’t mean we can’t continue crafting!

The April Card Class to Go features the Under My Umbrella Bundle. There are three class options to choose from.

Under My Umbrella OPTION #1

$40 (plus $8 priority shipping or free porch pick-up)*

Option #1 is the whole kit and caboodle. It includes everything you need to complete all the class projects. Included are:

The Under My Umbrella Bundle – Under My Umbrella photopolymer stamp set and Umbrella Builder Punch
Package of Rhinestone Basic Jewels
A Stamping Sponge (free!)
Paper & embellishment supplies cut & scored and ready to create four multi-layer cards – card inserts & envelopes included!
Access to exclusive online class. The Online Classroom Includes full color photos, measurements, written instructions, supply lists and a step-by-step video tutorial.*

Under My Umbrella OPTION #2

$15 (plus $8 priority shipping or free porch pick-up)*

Option #2 is the Class to Go Kit for those of you who already own the Under My Umbrella Bundle. You will need the stamps and punch to create these projects, so only choose this option if you already own them. Your class to go kit will include:

Package of Rhinestone Basic Jewels
A Stamping Sponge (free!)
Paper & embellishment supplies cut & scored and ready to create four multi-layer cards – card inserts & envelopes included!
Access to exclusive online class. The Online Classroom Includes full color photos, measurements, written instructions, supply lists and a step-by-step video tutorial.*

Under My Umbrella OPTION #3

Online Only – FREE with Qualifying Purchase*

Shop online with me making a purchase of $50 or more (before tax and shipping) using HOST CODE: JEYKXMSV and receive access to the Online Classroom FREE! The Online Classroom Includes full color photos, measurements, written instructions, supply lists and a step-by-step video tutorial.*

*Registration for the April Card Class to Go closes on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Class Kits will be mailed or available for porch pickup on Friday, April 17, 2020. The Option #3, Online Only Class will be available Monday, April 6, 2020.

Additional/similar supplies needed to complete projects:

Adhesive
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Daffodil Delight Ink
Petal Pink Ink
Stampin’ Blends: Dark Balmy Blue, Light & Dark Petal Pink, Light & Dark Lovely Lipstick and Light Granny Apple Green

NOTE: All class kits and included product will be ordered and prepared together after the registration deadline of Thursday, April 9, 2020. This is a preorder. Per SU policy, I do not have product on hand to ship. It takes about one week after the registration deadline for me to prepare and ship all class kits. Anticipated ship date or porch pick-up is Friday, April 17, 2020.

FREE SHIPPING!

Tomorrow is my birthday and to celebrate I’m offering FREE SHIPPING* for online orders that use Hostess Code ZZS3AMBJ.

DETAILS:

Because this is my personal sale, Stampin’ Up! will charge you shipping at checkout. When your order is confirmed I will send a check reimbursing you for the shipping charges.
The free shipping offer begins now and will end at midnight, March 27th.
Must use Hostess Code ZZS3AMBJ at checkout.

It’s a great time to stock up on the paper crafting essentials you need to create pretty things while you’re spending so much more time at home!

*You will be charged for shipping at checkout. Once order confirmation is received a reimbursement check will be mailed to you.

Make a Country Floral Wax Paper Embossed Card

Hello, I’m sharing a technique with you today that is so much fun to do and if you have been paper crafting for a while you probably already have all the supplies you need.

I’m not sure what the official name is but I call the technique “wax paper embossing” and I used it as the background for this card. The wax from the waxed paper is melted onto a piece of card stock then sponged with ink creating a batik-like look.

The wax paper embossing technique has been around for awhile, it’s super easy to do and the end result is pretty impressive. It is very similar to and reminds me a lot of batik art.

To use this technique you will need waxed paper, an iron, a die-cutting or embossing machine and an embossing folder. The more intricate the design on the embossing folder, the better your results will be. I used the Country Floral Dynamic Textured Embossing Folder from Stampin’ Up! for my card.

Isn’t that a pretty embossed pattern? Because it’s easier to show you how to do this technique than it is to try and explain it, here is a video tutorial demonstrating wax paper embossing:

Paper Cutting Guide

Poppy Parade 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock = 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″
Whisper White 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock = two pieces 4″ x 6″ each and one piece 3″ x 2-1/2″
Basic Black 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock = 3-1/2″ x 4-1/2″

Product List

So Sentimental Cling Stamp Set (English)	Stitched So Sweetly Dies	So Sentimental Bundle (English)	Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
Poppy Parade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Country Floral Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	Subtle Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
Butterfly Beauty Dies	Rhinestone Basic Jewels	Sponge Daubers	Paper Trimmer	Stampin' Dimensionals
Mini Stampin' Dimensionals	Multipurpose Liquid Glue

I hope you enjoyed learning this new technique for creating beautiful, batik-like backgrounds for your paper crafting projects. Thanks for stopping by!

Make an Easel Card with Magnolia Lane

This is the card we made in one of my recent Facebook Live Coffee & Cards. It’s an elegant easel fold card that would work for many occasions. The inspiration for the card started with the gorgeous Flowering Foils Designer Series Paper.

I sponged the floral image from the Designer Series Paper using Petal Pink, So Saffron and Mossy Meadow inks then fussy cut the flower out. The rose gold foil on the paper resists the ink for a lovely affect.

The gorgeous designer series paper and the stamp that I used for the inside sentiment came from the Magnolia Lane Suite by Stampin’ Up!

The fold of the easel card is easy to do and can be used for every type of card. Here is a similar card we recently made in one of my live classes.

Same card with different elements making it totally unique! The whimsical characters for this card came from the Birthday Bonanza Suite from Stampin’ Up!

Here is the paper cutting directions and product list for the Magnolia Lane card.

———- Paper Cutting Guide ———–
Mossy Meadow Card Base = 8-1/2” x 4-1/4”
Basic Black = 3-1/2” x 3-1/2” & 3-3/4” x -1-1/3”
Petal Pink card stock = 3-1/4” x 3-1/4” & 3-1/2” x 1”
Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper = 3” x 3” & 3-3/8” x 7/8”

Product List

Good Morning Magnolia Cling Stamp Set	Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad	So Saffron Classic Stampin' Pad	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad	Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper	Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Flowering Foils Specialty Designer Series Paper	Sponge Daubers
Whisper White 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon	Multipurpose Liquid Glue	Stampin' Dimensionals	Mini Glue Dots