Whether you’re preparing to make several cards to have on hand, or you just want different options for the same overall design, stepping up is easy and fun.In fact, it’s a bit like baking. Sometimes you just want an easy boxed sheet cake with frosting, other days you crave a homemade recipe with layers, and for special days you go all out with fresh berries and crème fraiche. No matter the level, we’ve got something for you—and you’ll love these projects made using the Floating& Fluttering and Sweet Strawberry Stamp Sets.

CASUAL
To make the casual card, stamp the butterfly images in Tuxedo Black Memento ink directly on the In Good Taste Designer Series Paper, then use the two-step images to add color and depth. Stamp off the ink on a piece of scrap paper to create varying ink tones. Then, die cut a few butterflies and pop them up with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

AVID
Step this card up by adding more color to your butterfly menagerie with Bumblebee ink. Cut a label from Bumblebee Cardstock using the Fluttering Dies, then stamp it with VersaMark ink to create a sophisticated tone-on-tone effect. Finish with an elegant tag made using Basic Black Cardstock and White Stampin’ Emboss Powder. (All the butterflies on this card are die cut and adhered using Stampin’ Dimensionals!) The Gilded Gems are the perfect finishing touch.

​ARTFULLY AVID
Our artfully avid card features distressed edges on the Designer Series Paper layer and embossing on the Bumblebee Cardstock label. Our concept artist colored the butterflies with Watercolor Pencils, and the subtle ink splatter (made using a Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker) adds a lovely vintage look.

Happy Stampin Steph

Dream and discover In Color! With the Expressions In Color Paper Pumpkin Kit, you’ll be introduced to our intriguing collection of In Colors for 2021–2023—and, you’ll find a familiar shade from our 2020–2022 In Color selection. This month’s ink-credible kit contains enough elements to create nine cards—and coordinating envelopes—including ink-stained paper pieces, an exclusive stamp set, and not one, but two Classic Stampin’ Spots! And, it all comes in a cute, colorful, and collectible box.
What are In Colors, anyway? In Colors consist of a limited-edition collection of colors. We come up with a new collection every year, and we release it around the same time as the release of our annual catalog! In each In Color collection, we’ll offer ink, paper, markers, and more. The catch? They’re only available to purchase for a period of two years, so stock up on your favorite In Color supplies while you can!
With the Expressions In Color kit, you can explore and experiment with our 2020–2022 and 2021–2023 In Color collections. Make a splash with awe-inspiring, ink-stained artistry!

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• Kit contains enough supplies to create 9 cards—3 each of 3 designs—and coordinating envelopes. This all-inclusive kit includes printed card bases, die-cut paper pieces, embellishments, adhesive, and more!
• Card size: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" (10.8 x 14 cm)
• Envelope size: 4-1/2" x 5-3/4" (11.4 x 14.6 cm)
• Coordinating colors: Bumblebee, Evening Evergreen, Fresh Freesia, Polished Pink
• As always, this month’s kit features an exclusive stamp set. But, this month’s kit also includes not one, but two Classic Stampin’ Spots!
• Comes in a cute, colorful, and collectible box.
• Coordinates with products from the Expressions in Ink Suite (US | CA) (item #155459).

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Subscribe to the June 2021 Paper Pumpkin Kit—Expressions In Color—between 11 May and 10 June at paperpumpkin.com!
Note: Supplies may be limited toward the end of the subscription period.

Happy Stampin
​Steph

CREATE YOUR STARTER KIT Can sharing creativity really be a job? Yes! And you can begin right away. Starter Kits are a great value at $99 for $125 worth of products, and we throw in business supplies and free shipping as an added bonus. (You’ll think your birthday came early when your Starter Kit arrives!) So don’t wait. Contact me, or click JOIN STAMPIN’ UP! to get started today!

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• A new demonstrator can select any eligible Stampin’ Up! products up to the stated value.
• The Starter Kit also includes business resources like catalogs, brochures, order forms, and postcards.
• The Starter Kit also includes a FREE past Paper Pumpkin kit.
• In addition to the amazing added value to their Starter Kit, when new team members join Stampin’ Up! they get to be a part of our amazing community of crafters. Plus, they get to enjoy sharing simple and fun crafting experiences with others, early access to products, and exclusive access to training events.

I can’t wait for you to join me!!
Happy Stampin
​Steph

Hydrangeas are certainly one of the most beautiful flowers on Earth. Like delicate globes filled with tightly packed blooms and quizzical names like mophead and lacecap, these flowers have the ability to change color over a period of days. To see one is to be transported back to a simpler, more romantic era when the pace of life was slow and there was time to take meditative walks in a well-cultivated garden.
Our homage to this nostalgic, floral favorite includes the Hydrangea Haven Stamp Set with coordinating Hydrangea Dies (buy them in a bundle for savings!), Hydrangea Hill Designer Series Paper, Hydrangea Hill Mercury Glass Designer Acetate, Gorgeous Grape 3/8" (1 cm) Sheer Ribbon, and finally—luminous, adhesive-backed Pastel Pearls to add a touch of elegance to any project. Coordinating colors reflect traditional hydrangea colors and include Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather, and Rococo Rose.
To create this month’s #SimpleStamping projects, we used Designer Series Paper to create fun backgrounds, as with the Le Monde and Du Bist Meine Heldin cards. Layering the paper in strips creates an especially eye-catching effect. The Voor een bijzonder iemand card demonstrates how to make an image stand out when you use White Craft ink against richly hued cardstock.
The Hydrangea Haven Bundle is a must-have for anyone who loves vintage chic or dramatic floral focal points, and the stamp set contains lovely sentiments to match the look.

Happy Stampin
​Steph

2021 is just moving along quickly and here is Massachusetts spring is underway. The sunshine and warm air feel amazing!! The beauty of the trees and flowers blooming is breathtaking! And this month's blog hop is perfect for springtime! So lets celebrate spring with some beautiful  flowers, sunshine and happiness! ​
I hope you joined me from Jean Beaulieu's blog ​ and after viewing mine, be sure to continue on to Melissa Thomas's Blog. And if you get lost along the way, there is a list of hoppers at the end of the blog. 

Because Mother's Day is around the corner here in the US, I chose to create projects that focus on that. I choice to omit any greetings so the cards can be used anyway the recipients want!
You may recognize this design from a previous blog post that I used the In Good Taste Suite.  Here, I used the Fine Art Floral DSP, which sadly will retire, but the Gold ribbon, Art Gallery stamp set and Floral Gallery Dies will carryover to the new annual catalog. Suites and bundles do not carryover. So don't wait,  grab the Fine Art Floral DSP and Art Gallery Bundle (10% savings) while you can. 
I have used this set here and there, but...I will admit, it sort of intimidated me! I am so happy I gave it another go!!! I LOVE how my projects came out!!! What do you think??

For the envelope box, I used Basic White and then layered Pool Party and the Fine Art Flower DSP. The Bellyband is 2x12 and is also the DSP. The white layers is cut from the Ornate Frames. The flowers were first stamped in Pool Party, then Night of Navy. I added a piece of Fine Art Gold Ribbon and frayed the ends. I also tied a knot using the Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon. 

I made 4 cards to include in the box. They were each created the same way and I used Pool Party and Petal Petal as the cardbases. For 2 of the cards, I skipped the  1 3/4x4 layer and allowed the DSP to show. And then the other 2 cards I did used that layer in a different DSP pattern.  I am not sure which I love more the Pool Party or the Petal Pink.
DSP 4x5 1/4
Strip 1/2x4
Strip 3/4x4
Circle 2 3/4
Layer 1 3/4x4

My FAVORITE part of making this project is, I decided to make the matching envelopes! Why I do not do this more often is a mystery to me!!!! 

I hope you enjoyed my projects this month!! Be sure to contunue on the hop!
Happy Stampin
Steph
#stampinup #fineartfloral #envelopepunchboard #mss2021cardchallenge15 #stampinandscrappinwithsteph

Below is a list of hop participants this month!

1. Kirsty Patrick : https://thepaperpeonies.com/sf-2021-april-all-about.../
2. Katja Ettig - https://www.kleine-stempelmiez.de/2021/04/23/stampin-friends-blog-hop-all-about-flower/
3. Jo Blackman - https://www.joblackman.com/2021/04/sf2021-all-about-flowers.html
4. Teri Pocock - https://www.stampinmagic.com/2021/04/stampin-friends-blog-hop-all-about.html
5. Maureen Rauchfuss - https://crazystampinglady.blogspot.com/2021/04/sf-2021all-about-flowers-blog-hop-april.html
6. Jean Beaulieu - 
7. Stephanie Jandrow (US) - https://stampinandscrappinwithsteph.weebly.com/home/stampin-friends-all-about-flowers-april-blog-hop-2021
8. Melissa Thomas - 

A beloved baseball-themed kit would be incomplete without the sport’s signature, sticky snack—the official bubble gum of the MLB! A favorite in the field, the Batter Up! Paper Pumpkin Kit contains a couple sticks of the chewy staple; chew while you craft, slide a piece into a card, or save it for later.
Send a seventh-inning stretch in a classic card with all-star stripes, a nostalgic nod, and a stamp set fit for an MVP! But, before you give it all you’ve got, give this month’s promotional video a watch. See what the Batter Up! kit is all about, then share the message with your friends & family!

Paper Pumpkin has a LIMITED SUPPLY of Batter Up! kits to offer at this special SUBSCRIBE-A-THON rate.

• The SUBSCRIBE-A-THON will start on 7 May 2021 at 12:01 AM (MT).
• The SUBSCRIBE-A-THON promotion price for new subscribers is only $5.00 USD | $7.00 CAD! (shipping included)
• The sale will continue until all allocated kits are sold out, or until the May subscription period ends on 10 May—whichever comes first. If the allocated kits are sold out prior to the subscription period, the sale will end and the subscription price will return to normal.
• if you are a new subscriber join on 7 May hits, enter the code HOMERUN0521 before the sale ends to receive this special introductory price!​

Be sure to subscribe by May 10th! To check your subscription or to subscribe, click here.

Play Ball
​Steph

Today we’re featuring masculine-themed projects made using the Handsomely Suited Stamp Set so you can create cards featuring cards for amazing dads! Speaking of masculine themes, have you ever wondered where bow ties came from? It all started long ago, during the Thirty Years War in the 17th century. Croatian mercenaries wore scarves to close their shirt fronts, and the French aristocracy spotted that dashing look on French soldiers coming home from the war. They adapted it and called the neckwear “cravats.” Over time, cravats evolved into what we know today as bow ties. Fun fact!Our bow ties are made with pretty ink, and we’ve carefully stamped them close together to create our own Designer Series Paper. We’ve mixed and matched paper layers to create different looks, but the same size parts and pieces were used to make all three standard cards:

• Basic White Cardstock: 1‑1/2" x 1‑1/2" (3.8 x 3.8 cm); 1‑1/2" x 5‑1/2" (3.8 x 14 cm)
• Smoky Slate Cardstock: 1‑3/4" x 1‑3/4" (4.4 x 4.4 cm); 5‑1/2" x 4" (14 x 10.2 cm)
• Handsomely Suited Designer Series Paper: 2" x 5‑1/2" (5.1 x 14 cm)

We chose the striped look for our cards, but there are many manly options in the Handsomely Suited Designer Series Paper. This paper collection boasts a little history of its own: It was inspired by the shirts and ties in our creative director’s closet and includes many rugged prints and patterns.
Have fun creating cards and sharing love to your favorite dads. Whether they’re nerds, sports nuts, or barbecue masters—they’ll surely love your thoughtfulness!

Thanks for Stopping By
​Steph

The purpose of this project was to focus on products that will carry over into the new annual catalog in May. I created a gift set that contains 4 cards and an envelope box to store them in. I used the In Good Taste DSP, Tasteful Touches stamp set and coordinating Tasteful Labels dies. You can purchase the stamp and does as a bundle, Tasteful Touches Bundle or if you want it all the In Good Taste suite will be available while supplies last until May. And even though these items will be carrying over to the new catalog, the bundle and suite will not be an option! So grab that savings and get it while you can!!
​I also used Prized Peony stamp set and coordinating Peony dies (available as a bundle with savings) and Forever Flourishing dies. Smoky slate, gray granite, rococo rose, night of navy, petal pink and basic white colors were used. You can find a list of the cardstocks here. All products except for Roccoco Rose will carry over.

To make the cards, I used Basic White for the card base.
layer 4x5 1/4
Cut a square 2 1/4
Cut the square in half, on the diagonal, to create 2 equal triangles
Rectangle 2 1/2x 3 1/4
I used on of the Tasteful Touches dies for the top layer, you can cut a 2 1/4x3 layer if you prefer.

I created this video to show how you create this box using 3 different tools!
#mss2021cardchallenge13 #stampinup #stampinandscrappinwithsteph
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Thanks for stopping by
​Happy Stampin Steph

Succulents are sprouting up everywhere, and it’s a great time to add them to your crafting with the Simply Succulents Bundle. There’s so much to love in this bundle—sentiments that can be used all year, beautiful image and die coordination, and even a large die you can use to create masks, multiple smaller accents, or card fronts. There’s something for everyone, from casual stampers to experienced crafters.

Happy Stampin
​Steph

Is it okay to love dandelions? We certainly think so! There’s something about the silhouette and the wish-giving lore surrounding this golden flower that lend it special charm. (Did you know that the Victorians prepared sandwiches with it for afternoon high tea? P.S. It is actually considered an herb with many beneficial properties—so feel free to appreciate!)

​CASUAL
As you see here with our dreamy dandelion cards (made using the Garden Wishes Stamp Set), this beautiful plant can be highlighted in many ways. Here our artist used the marker-to-stamp method to add rich color to the dandelion image. Important note: Don’t worry that the ink will dry before you can transfer it to paper. Simply huff on the stamp to reactivate the ink and you’ll have a beautifully colored image.
AVID
We stepped up the second card by using the marker-to-stamp technique described above; this time, however, we used Sponge Daubers and coordinating inks to deepen the color of the Coastal Cabana Cardstock layer and the Daffodil Delight Cardstock tag. This additional step is simple to do and instantly enhances the card’s visual appeal.
​ARTFULLY AVID
For our pièce de résistance (the artfully avid card!) we used the marker-to-stamp technique—with a twist! This time we spritzed the stamp with water before stamping. To add more color, clean the stamp and repeat. Die cut using the Dandy Wishes Dies. Isn’t it lovely? You may even want to use it for a few Victorian tea party invitation!

Happy Stampin
​Steph