I just love these pop up butterfly cards.  All you need is a favourite piece of patterned paper, two coordinating colours and the Beautiful Butterflies Dies and Hybrid Embossing Folder.  (Find them here: Beautiful Butterflies Bundle.) 

While I had a bit more chill time on the school holidays I've spent a few days getting my brain around how to make craft tutorial videos again.  Had to learn a few new pieces of filming and editing software and watch 70 gazillion beginner film/edit tutorials but I'm a giant nerd at heart and do love a bit of a dive into how to do something new.  This one is a bit rough in places but what is that saying - don't let perfection be the enemy of the good - so I'm uploading it anyway, umms and aaahs and bloopers included.  

I should really have an outtakes video - it'd be funnier!  When I got up to the part where I trimmed the matting piece of patterned paper, I accidentally trimmed it too close then when I tried to take the butterfly window cardstock layer off I tore it and had to start all over again.  A few choice words to edit out there.  :-)  

Happy creating. 

Cheers, Sue

Products I have used for this card. 

Click the image to browse further details or to shop online with Sue

Beautiful Butterflies Bundle (English) [164615] $104.25	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653] $227.00	Specialty Plate [154711] $19.25	Sentimental Park Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [160561] $42.00
Thoughtful Journey 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [163303] $21.75	Pretty Peacock A4 Cardstock [150886] $20.25	Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad [150083] $15.75	Calypso Coral A4 Card Stock [124392] $20.25

I had the Flowering Zinnias DSP out for a Just Add Ink challenge card recently, and while I had it on the table I thought I'd fussy cut some of the larger flowers.  Five of them layered up quite nicely for this card.  

The white panel is embossed using the Leaf Fall 3D Embossing Folder.  I've matted it with another piece of the Zinnias paper.  I wanted a tiny greeting so used the Changing Leaves stamp set and dies.  

Here is the full Flowering Zinnias Suite - it includes the paper, stamps, dies, embossing folder and embellishments. 

This suite is from our Online Exclusives - we have a new range of online exclusive products 4 times a year.  

Here is some inspiration for creating with this suite.  Lots of our bright colours coordinate. 

I have quite a few florals in my stamp collection but I sometimes can't resist a new one.  :-) 

Have a great week.

Cheers, Sue

Stampin' Up Product List: Click image to shop/browse items

Flowering Zinnias Suite Collection (English) [163485] $146.00	Simply Zinnia Bundle (English) [163480] $91.75	Zinnia 3 D Embossing Folder [163337] $19.25	Leaf Fall 3 D Embossing Folder [159847] $19.25
Changing Leaves Bundle (English) [164139] $94.50	Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad [147089] $15.75	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653] $227.00	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $7.50

I always seem to run short of masculine cards.  I love this Country Woods DSP with all the weathered timber designs.  Great for all sorts of occasions.  

I teamed it with the Perennial Postage dies and cut a bunch of mix and match rectangles in 2 different sizes for these two cards.

The top card is a super simple card design with just a basic white thick card base and some of the patterned paper pieces.  I've scored a couple of lines at the top and bottom to add a little extra detail.  All you need for that is your scoring blade on your trimmer.  

The other card has a raised panel cut using one of the Perennial Postage dies and embossed with one of the Basics Embossing Folders. This cross hatched design is very versatile.   I really love these Sweetly Scripted stamps for greetings.  This stamp set is from one of our recent Online Exclusive releases.  I've used Crumb Cake for this card base - such a handy neutral that goes with everything.  The ink is Early Espresso.  

I hope your week is going well and that you can squeeze a little creating into your day. 

Happy stamping,

Cheers, Sue

Stampin' Up Product List: Click image to shop/browse

Sweetly Scripted Cling Stamp Set (English) [163600] $42.00	Perennial Postage Dies [162607] $58.00	Country Woods 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [163393] $21.75	Paper Trimmer [152392] $49.00
Basics 3 D Embossing Folders [161598] $53.00	Basic White A4 Thick Cardstock [159230] $19.75	Crumb Cake A4 Card Stock [121685] $20.25	Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [147114] $15.75

Thought I'd give a sketch challenge a whirl so headed over to Just Add Ink to see what their latest challenge was.  Here is my entry.  I've used the bright and colourful Flowering Zinnias DSP for a pair of cheerful thanks cards. 

Here is the sketch - my card maths was a bit wonky so I ended up adding a few more strips instead of the 4 in the sketch. 

Here is a closer look at each card.  My white cardstock panel is 3 1/2" x 5".  The background paper is card front size (10.5cm x 14.8cm.)  My DSP strips are 8.5cm wide and varying heights so they fit evenly.  I'd planned 4 evenly sized strips but my maths was wonky so I ended up making them varying sizes.  (And I'm a maths teacher - oopsie!!) 

And since I had some strips left over I made a second one.  The Flowering Zinnias DSP is from our Online Exclusives collection.  The circle die with the stitched edge is from Changing Leaves Dies and the thanks greeting is from Simply Said stamp set - also from our Online Exclusives. 

It was fun to take part in a challenge.  Pop on over to Just Add Ink if you'd like to take part or to browse all of the entries and the design team inspiration.  

Happy creating,

Cheers, Sue

I'm away for a few days in Rye for a craft retreat with 4 friends.  Here's one of the cards I've made so far.  I'm enjoying using some of my packs of DSP.  This one features Unbounded Beauty DSP - love the pretty pinks and aquas.  The greeting is from Heartfelt Hexagon stamps and is just perfect for a 'Just Because' card.  

The circle is cut with the Everyday Details dies.  This set has some circles and rectangles in a range of sizes plus some decorative edges - all with that circle dot border design.  

Some measurements (I've used a mix of cms and inches.)  The 3 DSP panels are 1" x 4 3/4".  (A little tip - I stick the outer 2 ones on first then can adjust the gaps to make sure they're even - ish for the middle panel.) The white panel is 3 1/2" x 5".  I've used the largest circle from Everyday Details.  The DSP for the front of the card is 10.5cm x 14.8cm.  

Wishing you a day filled with joy and a little dose of creativity. 

Happy creating,

Sue

August Host Code:  K7RZFQVU  (You can use this for the last few days of July as well.) 

Stampin' Up Product List: Click image to browse or shop

Unbounded Beauty 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [163372] $21.75	Heartfelt Hexagon Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [162882] $35.00	Heartfelt Hexagon Bundle (English) [162889] $66.50
Everyday Details Dies [162864] $60.00	Basic White A4 Thick Cardstock [159230] $19.75	2024–2026 In Color™ Shimmer Gems [163781] $15.00

Saleabration finishes at the end of this weekend.  (Feb 28th.)  Great chance to stock up on some essentials - adhesives, cardstock replenish - or some favourites from the wish list.  Grab a free stamp set or some pretty paper for every $90 in products ordered.  See the freebie choices here:  Saleabration Choices 2021

Order online (host code is VU2XPSBA)  or phone/email your details through if you'd prefer.  

Here's a few pics of some things I've made with some of the free product options.

If you've got a bunch of things on your wish list then joining as a demonstrator is a great option to consider.  Get $235 of things for just $169 with free shipping - plus if you join before Sunday evening you'll also get a stack of gorgeous papers in all of our colours.  Great for background panels.  Get in touch if you've got questions and head over here for more info and the joining link  if you're tempted:  Join Sue's Team

Have a fab weekend.  

Cheers, Sue

The Fine Art Floral suite is such a great collection to get creative with. It features the Art Gallery bundle and has lots of extra bits and pieces to add some wow to your cards. If you love a dash of gleam - the gilded leafing flakes are lots of fun. 

The dies in the bundle cut the words 'Just Want To Say' and you can add from the selection of stamps to finish your message.  

Grab some of our adhesive sheets or our foam sheets to make sticking the words down super easy.  Just peel off the backing, add the adh sheet or foam sheet to your cardstock or DSP piece and then run it through your machine.  Then peel the other backing piece off and stick your words down.  If you're using the foam backing - take your time and ease your words out carefully.  Well worth the time for the raised lettering effect.

Just look at this GORGEOUS paper.  I love this pack.  So many beautiful designs, with a more subtle coordinating option on the back. 

This one is my favourite.

Did you know this paper has a coordinating pack of Golden Garden Designer Specialty Acetate that works so well with it.  Add some lovely gold shine to your creations.  

Tip: If you're using the gold leafing - it expands A LOT.  I grabbed a plastic container and tipped in just a small amount to start off with.  Keeping the rest in the jar until I use up this first lot.  Remember to protect your work surface and be aware of breezes, fans and air conditioning.  :-)  It is a lot of fun to play with.  

The Painted Texture embossing folder is a lovely one for backgrounds.  It is exactly as the name suggests - giving that textured look of thick paint.  

If you just love ALL of these things, you can get the whole suite using item code 155982 for $178. Or click here:  Fine Art Floral Suite

Add a pack of dimensionals and you'll also qualify for two Level 1 Saleabration items or one of our beautiful Level 2 freebies.  (Find them here:  Saleabration free items Level 1 and Saleabration free items Level 2) 

Have a wonderful weekend and happy creating if you're spending some time with your craft supplies.  :-)  

Take care, Sue

We celebrated Hannah's 18th birthday last week and to go with her gift message drawers (see here) I made this square card.  It features Peony Garden patterned paper and shimmery white cardstock plus a touch of Champagne Foil.  Some lovely Beaded Pearls to finish.  Those leaves are from the Birds and More dies. 

Don't forget to grab some adhesive sheets if you're cutting detailed things like this - makes it SO easy to stick them down.  

I love this paper with the pretty soft pinks and greys.  On sale until the end of October.  

Happy creating. 

Cheers, Sue

Another variation of this simple card design with the Rectangular Postage Stamp Punch.  This time I've paired it with Artistry Blooms patterned paper (DSP.)  You can stick the rectangles straight onto the white card base, or add another layer from the paper pack like I've done in the card on the left.  (This panel is 8cm wide.)  

Need more details and a look at how I've made this?  I've got a video here if you need it.  It also shows how I made that narrower shape for the Just Thinking Of You greeting with the Timeless Label Punch.

Our patterned papers are on sale for just a few more days.  (How can it be almost the end of October already?!)  

Find the sale papers here:  Sue's Patterned Paper October Sale

Happy creating.

Cheers, Sue

One from my beginners' series today or for those who want to get creative without getting a great stack of supplies out.  (Find my beginners' page here for more tips: Starting Out With Cardmaking)

The cards in this video use my 8 essential card making items, plus we've added the Rectangular Postage Stamp Punch, your favourite patterned paper (on sale for a few more days) and a greeting stamp and punch combo.  

This is such a cool design for using with your favourite patterned paper.  Here it is with Heartwarming Hugs DSP for a Christmas card.

Don't forget lots of our patterned papers are on sale until the end of October.  

Find them all here:  Sue's Patterned Paper Sale

Felt a bit like the first day of school all over again at our place this morning with BOTH kids off to on site school again.  What a year it has been.  I'm so proud of how resilient they've been with all the changes to their year.  Given how much Jack has grown this year (he just officially clicked over 6 foot) I was quite relieved that his pants still fit for the last few weeks of year 9.  Only a few weeks and Hannah will be having her LAST day of school.  Can't quite believe it.  What is that saying - the days are long but the years are short.  So true. 

Have a fab week everyone.  Double zero day in Melbourne today is one to celebrate.  

Take care,  Sue