With Sympathy

It seems like the world is literally dying, day by day. Winter is a depressing season; everything seems frail and silent. It seems the older you get, the more you realize life is so very fragile. The second anniversary of the day God called home the first of my parents' legacy. Jennifer, my niece, is coming soon. At a moment's notice, God reminds you what you are missing. You are missing a part of you and it really doesn't get any easier. 

My parents are both gone and they left behind their eight children. Gail, David, Susan, Beth, John, Paul, Jim and Amy. There I am, in the middle, sharing the spot with my brother John. The first of my parents' children, John, passed away today. I really didn't think that today, the sympathy card I was designing would be used so quickly.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Crumb Cake cardstock
• Card base measures 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
• Scored at 4 1/4"
• Scrap for sentiment mat
• Very Vanilla cardstock
• Card layers measures 5 1/4" x 4" (cut two)
• Scrap for sentiment
• 
  Cut with my Brother Scan N Cut
  
• Flourishing Phrases stamp set
• Crumb Cake ink
• Lasting Elegance dies
• Pearl Basic Jewels (dyed)
• Dimensionals

#LifeIsTooShort

#RestInPeaceJohn

#MissYouJennifer

Introducing My Bookbinding Triangle Fancy Fold Card

I came up with this layout trying to make a more fancier bookbinding fun fold. Layering triangles is sometimes frustrating. I asked my engineer husband to show me how to make my triangle layers more evenly spaced on another triangle layer. Let me warn you, my wording might make your head spin but I conquered this dilemma.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Mint Macaron cardstock
• Basic White cardstock
• Evening Evergreen cardstock
• Gold foil sheet
• Scrap for fern
• Ever Eden Designer Series Paper*
• May Good Things Grow stamp set
• Paper Pumpkin - March 2018
• Evening Evergreen black ink
• Forever Flourishing and Layer Ovals dies
  
• Gold embossing thread
• Gold rhinestones
• Mini Dimensionals

The tutorial is only available with a $25 or more Stampin' Up! product purchase using my Hostess Code. My Hostess Code can be found at the top right of blog (desktop version).  EMAIL me if you are having trouble finding my current Hostess Code.

Happy Valentine's Day

Stampin' Up! Products

• Melon Mambo cardstock
• Card base measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
• Scored at 4 1/4"
• Scrap for hearts
• Basic White cardstock
• Card layer (inside) measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• 
  Scrap for sentiment
• Gold Foil Sheet
• Scrap for hearts
• Rich Razzleberry cardstock
  
• Card layer measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• Card layer (inside) measures 5/8" x 5 1/4"
• Scrap for hearts
• Painted With Love Designer Series Paper
• Card layer measures 3 7/8" x 5 1/8"
• Card layer (inside) measures 1/2" x 5 1/4"
• I'll Bee Yours stamp set
• Paper Pumpkin - January 2020
• Rich Razzleberry ink
• Stitched oval die (non SU)
• Heart and Itty Bitty Accents Punches
• Pearl Basic Jewel
• Dyed with Melon Mambo Stampin' Blends
• Dimensionals

Simply Elegant Note

Stampin' Up! Products

• Very Vanilla cardstock
• Card base measures 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
• Scored at 4 1/4"
  
• Card layer (inside) measures 5 1/4" x 4"
• Scrap for sentiment
• Basic Black cardstock
• Card layer measures 5 1/4" x 4"
• Card layer (inside) measures 5/8" x 4"
• Scrap for scallop oval die cut and flowers
• Basic Gray cardstock
• Scrap for Story Label punch
• Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper
• Card layer measures 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
• Card layer measures 5 1/8" x 1 3/8"
• 
  Card layer (inside) measures 1/2" x 4"
• Flourishing Phrases stamp set
  
• Memento Tuxedo black ink
• Layering Ovals dies
• Itty Bitty Accent and Story Label Punches
• Black ribbon (non SU)
• Pearl Basic Jewel
• Dimensionals

Valentine Workshop - Three Card: Forever Lovely Inspired

Stampin' Up! Products

• Lovely Lipstick cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 11"
• Scored at 5 1/2"
• Crimped layer measures 5" x 3/8"
• Slightly flatten and use strong adhesive to attach
• Flirty Flamingo cardstock
• Card layer measures 3 5/8" x 4 7/8"
• Old Olive cardstock
• 
  Scrap for sprigs
• Very Vanilla cardstock
• Card layer measures 3 5/8" x 3 1/2"
• Card layer (inside) measures 4" x 5 1/2"
• Die cut with Edgelits
• Trim down to 4" x 5 1/4"
• Scrap for flowers
  
• Forever Lovely stamp set
• Lovely Lipstick ink
• Lovely Flowers Edgelits
• Pearl Basic Jewels
• Dimensionals
• Crimper

Stampin' Up! Products

• Very Vanilla Thick cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 11"
• Scored at 5 1/2"
• Sweet Sugarplum cardstock
• Card layer measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• 
  Card layer (inside) measures 4" x 1 5/8"
• Very Vanilla cardstock
• Card layer measures 3 7/8" x 5 1/8' (after die cutting)
  
• Card layer (inside) measures 4" x 5 1/4" (after die cutting)
• Be Dazzling Specialty Paper
• Scrap for heart
• Dyed using Stampin' Blends Rich Razzleberry Dark
• With All My Heart stamp set
• Rich Razzleberry ink
• Lasting Elegance Thinlits
• Lovely Flowers Edgelits
• Sweet Sugarplum Ruched ribbon

Stampin' Up! Products

• Basic White Thick cardstock
• Card base measures 4 1/4" x 11"
• Scored at 5 1/2"
• Basic White cardstock
• 
  Card layer measure 3 7/8" x 5 1/8"
• Card layer (inside) measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• Scrap for sentiment
• Dark Red glitter paper (non SU)
• Scrap for hearts
  
• Lovely Lipstick cardstock
• Card layer measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• Scrap for sentiment mat
• Forever Lovely stamp set
• Lovely Lipstick and Memento Tuxedo Black inks
• Lasting Elegance and Layering Circle dies
• Dimensionals

Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper Tutorial Bonus #5

I added another card to my Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper Tutorial.  For full instructions, click HERE for more information. The tutorial includes the measurements to this card and sixteen other for only $12.95; for a total of SEVENTEEN CARDS. 

Stampin' Up! Products

• Basic White Thick cardstock
• Just Jade cardstock
• Basic White cardstock
• Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper
• Flourishing Phrases stamp set
• Memento Tuxedo black ink
• Artistic dies
• Gold rhinestone

Coordinating Gift Box - Holds 4

Acetate Gift Box

• Basic White Thick cardstock
• Gold Foil sheet
• Just Jade cardstock
• Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper
• Artistic dies

Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper - FREE TUTORIAL

The long awaited Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper Tutorial is available - for FREE.

In order to obtain the tutorial for the nine cards, you have to do the following in this order *

1. Subscribe to my blog post - link locate in the side dialog box on the right.
2. Post a comment on any blog post (NOT this one). A comment in an email does not qualify.
3. Send me an EMAIL requesting the Simply Elegant Tutorial.

* You must complete these three things all using your same current email. Any email request that skips these steps will be ignored.

Happy Stampin'

Simply Elegant Specialty Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #9

Tutorial will be available January 19, 2022

Fun Fold

Stampin' Up! Products

• Basic Gray cardstock
• Very Vanilla cardstock
• Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper
• Blissful Blooms* and Pictogram Punches stamp sets
• Memento Tuxedo black ink
• Itty Bitty Accents and 
• Lovely Labels Pick a Punch punches
• Silver enamel dot

Sympathy Card

When a mother loses a child, the loss is unmeasurable. The bond between mother and child happens at conception. This was a difficult occasion to make this card. I am very pleased that my hours paid off. I am so pleased with this card, I am sure you will agree.

 Stampin' Up! Products

• Poppy Parade cardstock
• Card base measures 11" x 5 1/2"
• Scored at 1 1/4", 5 1/2" and 9 1/4"
• Belly Band measures 9 3/8" x 1 1/4"
• Create after layers are all adhered
• Loosen paper fibers by curling like ribbon
• Score as you fold over the outside of the card
• Scrap for flower
• Basic White cardstock
• Card layer (inside) measures 3 7/8" x 5 1/8"
• Scrap for sentiment
• Flirty Flamingo cardstock
• Scrap for flower
• Mossy Meadow cardstock
• Card layer measures 1" x 5 1/4"
• Card layer measures 1 1/2" x 5 1/4"
• 
  Card layer measures 3 1/2" x 5 1/4"
• Card layer (inside) measures 4" x 5 1/4"
  
• Belly Band measures 4" x 1"
• May differ depending on the layers on your card
• Scrap for sprigs and sentiment mat
• Petal Pink cardstock
• Scrap for flower
• Fine Art Floral Designer Series Paper
• Card layer measure 7/8" x 5 1/8"
• May differ depending on the layers on your card
• Card layer measures 1 3/8" x 5 1/8"
• Card layer measures 3 3/8" x 5 1/8"
• Card layer (inside) measures 5/8" x 5 1/8"
• Belly Band layer measures 3 7/8" x 7/8"
• Flourishing Phrases stamp set
• Mossy Meadow ink
• Trio Flower punch
• Sprig punch (non SU)
• Pearl Basic Jewels
• Mini Dimensionals

Sentiment was cut using a Brother Scan N Cut machine

When scoring, keep in mind which direction the it folds. The top of your score line is ALWAYS on top and folded INWARD.

Simply Elegant Specialty Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #8

Tutorial will be available January 19, 2022

Bookbinding Diamond Easel Card

A Double Fun Fold!

Stampin' Up! Products

• Very Vanilla Thick cardstock
• Basic Black cardstock
• Basic Gray cardstock
• Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper
• Dragonfly Garden and Good Morning Magnolia stamp sets
• Versamark ink
• Black embossing powder
• Layering Oval dies
• Dragonflies punch
• Rhinestones (dyed black)
• Dimensionals

Tips

1. If you use a personal stamp for the back of your cards, think carefully which direction to stamp in relationship to this easel card. BTDT!
2. Apply all layers before creasing the score lines
3. The final step should be applying glue to the inside (bookbinding area)

These two pictures are for illustration purchases, it is from an earlier post. 

Simply Elegant Specialty Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #7

Diagonal Joy Fold Card

Tutorial will be available on January 19, 2022

Stampin' Up! Products

• Basic Black cardstock
• Silver Shimmer paper
• Whisper White cardstock
• Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper
• Dandelion Wishes stamp set
• Versamark ink
• Silver embossing powder
• Stitched Rectangle dies
• Dimensionals

* The Stitched Rectangle dies are numbered with the largest being #1

I found this fun fold on this VIDEO by Rachel, Stamp Your Art Out. 

Simply Elegant Specialty Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #6

Tutorial will be available on January 19, 2022

Stampin' Up! Products

• Basic Black cardstock
• Basic Gray cardstock
• Whisper White cardstock
• Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper
• Crafts by Beth CPP Sentiments
• Click HERE for more information
• Forever Flourishing and Stitched Rectangle dies
• Itty Bitty Accents punch
• Pearl Basic Jewels
• Dimensionals

* Dies are numbered with the largest being #1

Thank You Card Trio

Stampin' Up! Products

• Dapper Denim cardstock
• Card base measures 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
• 
  Scored at 4 1/4"
• Scrap for butterfly
• Very Vanilla cardstock
• Card layers measure 5 1/4" x 4" (two)
  
• Beautiful Autumn stamp set
• Dapper Denim ink
• Brilliant Wing and Lasting Elegance dies
• Pearl Basic Jewels

Simply Elegant Specialty Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #5

Gate Fold Card

Tutorial will be available on January 19, 2022

Stampin' Up! Products

• Basic Gray cardstock
• Gold Shimmer paper
• Very Vanilla cardstock
• Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper
• Art Gallery stamp set
• Basic Gray ink
• Gold ribbon

Simply Elegant Specialty Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #4

Tutorial will be available on January 19, 2022

Stampin' Up! Products

• Basic Black cardstock
• Copper Foil sheet
• Silver Glimmer paper
• Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper
• Flora & Flutter stamp set
• Paper Pumpkin December 2017
• Versamark ink
• White embossing powder
• Brilliant Wings dies
  
• Silver enamel dot
• Dimensionals

Simply Elegant Specialty Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #3

Bookbinding Fun Fold

Tutorial will be available on January 19, 2022

Stampin' Up! Products

• Basic Gray cardstock
• Basic Black cardstock
• Gold Glimmer paper
• Very Vanilla cardstock
• Whisper White cardstock
• Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper
• Guy Greetings
• Versamark ink
• Gold embossing powder
• Boho Indigo, Forever Flourishing and Stitched Rectangle dies
• Gold rhinestones
• Dimensionals

Simply Elegant Specialty Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #2

Center Split Easel Fun Fold

Tutorial will be available on January 19, 2022

Stampin' Up! Products

• Very Vanilla Thick cardstock
• Basic Gray cardstock
• Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper
• Part of my Story stamp set
• Memento Tuxedo black ink
• Circle 1/2" and Story Label punches
• Silver Enamel dots
• Dimensionals

Option

For writing a special message, add a Very Vanilla layer 5 1/4" x 4" to the underside. Don't attach this layer until message is written. Gifting the card? Add a strip of Tear & Tape to this layer and let the "sendee" attach.

Simply Elegant Specialty Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #1

Tutorial will be available on January 19, 2022

Stampin' Up! Products

• Very Vanilla Thick cardstock
• Basic Black cardstock
• Very Vanilla cardstock
• Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper
• Hey You stamp set
• Memento Tuxedo black ink
• Tailored Tag punch
• Rhinestones dyed black
• Dimensionals

Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper Challenge

I LOVE Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Paper, its the only pattern paper I purchase.  I challenge you in 2022 to use up DSP that you have in your stash. Use it up, an ENTIRE package.  This was the last piece of Expressions in Ink DSP I had.

Stampin' Up! Products

• Whisper White Note Card
• Card base measures 5" x 7"
• Scored at 3 1/2"
• Scrap for sentiment
• Old Olive cardstock
• Card layer measures 4 3/4" x 3 1/4"
• Pale Papaya cardstock
• Scrap for sentiment mat;
• Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper
• Card layer measures 4 5/8" x 2"
• Heartwarming Hugs Designer Series Paper
• Card layer measures 4 5/8" x 1 1/8"
• Blissful Blooms stamp set
• Paper Pumpkin August 2018
• Old Olive ink
• Layering Ovals dies
• Gold rhinestones
• Crimper

Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper Bonus #4

I added another card to my Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper Tutorial.  For full instructions, click HERE for more information. The tutorial includes the measurements to this card and fifteen other for only $12.95; for a total of SIXTEEN CARDS. 

Stampin' Up! Products

• Berry Burst or Magenta Madness cardstock
• Shaded Spruce cardstock
• Whisper White cardstock
• Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper
• Blissful Blooms stamp set
• Shaded Spruce ink
• Artistic dies
• Banner Pick a Punch
• White w/gold trim ribbon
• Gold Glimmer enamel dots
• Dimensionals

Coordinating Altered Mini Composition Book

• Berry Burst cardstock
• Both these layers are wider to accommodate differing sizes which vary from 1/16" to 1/8"
• Front measures 3" x 4 3/4"
• Attach and trim top, bottom and right side
• Back wrap measures 4 1/2" x 4 3/4"
• Scored at 1 1/4"
• Attach and trim top and bottom only
• Scrap for butterfly
• Shaded Spruce cardstock
• Front layer measures 2 3/4" x 4 1/4"
• Front wrap measures 1" x 4 1/4"
• Scrap for butterfly
  
  
• Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper
• Front layer measures 2 5/8" x 4 1/8"
• Front wrap measures 7/8" x 4 1/8*
• Mini Composition Book
• Walmart 3 for $.88
• Magnets
• Deal Extreme - click HERE
• 8mm x 1mm
• Pearl Basic Jewels

IMPORTANT - the measurements on each book differ. Measure each book from the black spine to the edge and adjust width(s) accordingly.