Creative Cardmaking with the Linked Together Bundle

 Hey, crafty friends!

I hope you're ready for some fun because this week, we’re diving into the Linked Together Bundle! This set is packed with possibilities, from intricate die-cut backgrounds to beautiful layering options. If you missed my Sunday live, no worries—I’m giving you all the highlights, plus some extra inspiration to help you make the most of this bundle.

Paper Pumpkin Reminder

Before we get started, let’s talk Paper Pumpkin! April’s kit is available for subscription until April 10th, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this one. Plus, there’s an exclusive add on die set available to subscribers. If you’re not signed up yet, now is the time!

Why I Love the Linked Together Bundle

One of the standout features of this bundle is the versatility of the dies and masks. You can create unique backgrounds, layer different elements, or use the intricate lattice dies for a bold, eye-catching focal point. I played around with a few designs this week and ended up with two beautiful cards that really highlight the set’s potential.

Card #1: Layered Diamonds & Soft Colors

For this card, I used the Country Lace Designer Series Paper to create a soft, elegant background. The diamond-shaped dies interlock beautifully, making it easy to build a stunning layered effect. I accented with white linen ribbon, a touch of Misty Moonlight ink, and a simple sentiment that reads "Enjoy."

Card #2: Single-Layer Simplicity

Sometimes, simple is best! This card is a one-layer wonder, using the Shades & Hues DSP (love the crackled paint look!) paired with a sentiment that says "Wishing You a Happy Day." The Linked Together dies add texture without making the card feel bulky. A few small daisy die cuts in Berry Burst were the perfect finishing touch.

Crafting Tips & Tricks

• Use the Masks: The layering stencils in this bundle allow for endless background possibilities. Try ink blending or embossing paste for added texture!

• Mix & Match Papers: The dies work beautifully with different patterned papers, creating depth and variety in your designs.

• Use Glue Dots for Dimension: When layering intricate pieces, glue dots help keep everything in place without adding too much bulk.

Join the Fun!

I’ll be playing more with this bundle throughout the week, so be sure to follow along on Facebook for additional inspiration. And if you’re loving the Linked Together Bundle, don’t wait too long—it’s available as part of Stampin’ Up!’s online exclusives and could sell out!

Happy crafting!

3 Creative Ways to Use the Fancy Borders Bundle by Stampin’ Up!

 Are you ready to take your cardmaking to the next level? The Fancy Borders Bundle by Stampin’ Up! is packed with intricate border dies that add beautiful detail to any handmade card. Whether you’re looking to create quick and simple designs or add elegant layers, this bundle offers endless possibilities.

In my latest Facebook and YouTube Live, I shared three unique ways to use these fun border dies—and trust me, they do not disappoint! Let’s break down these techniques so you can recreate them in your own crafting space.

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Card 1: The “3-in-1” Quick & Easy Layout

💡 Why you’ll love it: If you love mass-producing cards efficiently, this layout is for you!
✂️ How it’s made:

• Start with three pieces of Designer Series Paper stacked together.

• Cut them at an angle to create three unique layers.

• Mix and match the pieces to create three different card fronts in one go!

• Use a Fancy Borders Die to create a decorative sentiment label.

✨ Pro Tip: This layout is perfect for holiday cards—just swap out the paper and sentiments for a seasonal touch!

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Card 2: Elegant Layered Borders

💡 Why you’ll love it: This technique adds depth and texture to your cards using multiple border cuts.

✂️ How it’s made:

• Start with a basic white card base and layer a piece of patterned paper.

• Use the Fancy Borders Dies to create a stunning decorative background on the top layers.

• Add a sentiment and embellishments for the perfect finishing touch.

✨ Pro Tip: Use contrasting colors between your layers to make the borders pop!

Card 3: The Statement Border with a Coordinating Envelope

💡 Why you’ll love it: This design showcases a bold border element while giving your a decorative touch.
✂️ How it’s made:

• Use one of the larger Fancy Borders Dies to create a statement piece for the center of your card.

• Embellish with your favorite accents, like brass butterflies or adhesive-backed dots.

✨ Pro Tip: A matching envelope makes your card feel extra special and polished!

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Want to See These Cards in Action?

I demonstrated all three of these card ideas LIVE—watch the replay to catch all my tips and tricks! 📺🎨

👉 Click here to watch the full tutorial! 

Which of these techniques is your favorite? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re using the Fancy Borders Bundle in your own crafting! 💌

Botanical Textures Suite Collection By Stampin' Up!

 Exploring the Many Textures of the Botanical Textures Suite Collection

One of the most exciting things about creating with Stampin’ Up! products is the ability to add dimension and texture to our projects, bringing them to life in a way that flat images just can’t. This week, I showcased the Botanical Textures Suite Collection, and let me tell you—it’s a texture lover’s dream!

A Feast for the Senses

The Botanical Textures Suite Collection is all about layers, depth, and contrast. Whether you’re a fan of subtle dimension or bold, tactile elements, this suite has something for you. Let’s dive into the key elements that make this collection a must-have for any crafter.

The Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder

Texture starts with the right background, and the Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder delivers just that. This folder adds a deep, realistic corrugated texture that’s perfect for rustic and organic designs. Whether used on cardstock or specialty papers, it provides an instant “wow” factor with minimal effort. I especially love it on Kraft or Soft Suede cardstock for that authentic, earthy feel.

Woven Textures Designer Series Paper

Next up is the Woven Textures DSP, and this paper pack is packed with variety! You’ll find knitted patterns, woven wood textures, and geometric designs in warm, earthy tones. These backgrounds are stunning on their own but also pair beautifully with bold stamped images and die cuts. If you want to create the illusion of fabric or woven baskets in your paper crafting, this paper is your new best friend.

Botanical Textures Designer Series Paper

The Botanical Textures DSP brings in the beauty of nature with black-and-white botanical imagery layered with rich shades of Basic Gray. This paper is perfect for those who love to add their own pops of color. Use Blending Brushes, Stampin’ Blends, or watercolor techniques to bring these images to life while still keeping that bold, textural contrast. It’s a fantastic way to add drama to your projects!

Bringing It All Together

During my live, I shared a few ways to mix and match these textures for maximum impact. Here are a few takeaways:

• Layering is key – Stack the Corrugated 3D Embossed cardstock with a Woven Textures DSP strip and top it off with a fussy-cut botanical element from the Botanical Textures DSP.

• Play with contrast – Pair the structured lines of the corrugated texture with the soft, organic feel of the floral elements.

• Add finishing touches – A little Linen Thread or wooden embellishments bring even more tactile charm to your creations.

The Botanical Textures Suite Collection is a crafter’s playground, filled with endless possibilities. Whether you’re drawn to rustic, modern, or vintage-inspired styles, this suite has the elements to bring your vision to life.

If you missed my live, be sure to check out the replay on my Facebook page or YouTube channel to see these textures in action! And don’t forget to grab your favorites from my Stampin’ Up! store before they’re gone!

Happy crafting!

Katrina

I’m Back! Let’s Get Creative Again!

 

Hello, crafty friends!

It’s been a while since I last shared here on the blog, but I’m excited to be back! Life has been busy (as it always is), but I’ve missed this space and connecting with you all through creativity. So, I’m making a fresh start—with a plan to post once a week to keep things consistent and manageable.

To keep things flowing, my weekly blog post will tie into my Sunday Facebook and YouTube Live sessions. That means each week, I’ll be diving deeper into the products, techniques, and inspiration I share during my live crafting sessions—giving you even more ways to bring creativity into your week.

This Sunday, I’m featuring the stunning Botanical Textures Suite Collection—a must-have for texture lovers! From the corrugated 3D embossing folder to the Woven Textures Designer Series Paper (with knit, wood, and geometric patterns in warm earth tones) and the Botanical Textures DSP (offering elegant black-and-white botanical imagery), this suite is packed with possibilities. I’ll be sharing project ideas, tips, and ways to mix and match these gorgeous textures.

I’d love to hear from you—what kind of content inspires you most? Let me know in the comments, and be sure to join me live this Sunday as we explore this suite together.

Happy stamping,
Katrina

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Wohoo, the New Catalog has gone LIVE

Woah! Friends, the new catalog is LIVE! Have you seen it yet? OMG! It's UH-Mazing! 

So, are you ready for the biggest event of the year? It's time to grab your crafting supplies and get ready for the official launch party of the 2023-2024 Annual Stampin' Up! catalog! 

This year's catalog is bursting with new and exciting products that will take your crafting to the next level. From stunning stamp sets to innovative tools and accessories, this catalog has everything you need to unleash your creativity and create something truly amazing.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, we're inviting you to join Lorri Brooks and me for a BIG catalog launch party on Saturday, May 6, 2023, on Facebook. Beginning at 9 am ET and running every 2 hours for 12 hours, this event is your chance to connect with fellow crafters, learn about the latest products, and get inspired by incredible project ideas.

During the launch party, you'll have the opportunity to:

- See a sneak peek of the new products in action

- Learn new techniques and tips from us

- Participate in fun giveaways

- Connect with fellow crafters

- And so much more!

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this event is the perfect way to celebrate the launch of the new catalog and take your crafting skills to the next level. So mark your calendars, grab your favorite crafting supplies, and get ready to join the party of the year!

To join the launch party, simply head over to my Facebook page on Saturday, May 6, 2023, and look for our live videos. We can't wait to see you there!

Happy Stamping!

 

Get Ready for the Annual Catalog Launch

The highly anticipated 2023-2024 Annual Catalog for Stampin' Up! is set to go live tomorrow, May 2nd, 2023. This year's catalog promises to be packed with exciting new products, exclusive stamp sets, and fresh design ideas that are sure to inspire crafters of all levels.

Whether you are a seasoned crafter or just starting out, the new catalog offers something for everyone. With an extensive range of stamp sets, ink pads, designer papers, and other crafting supplies, Stampin' Up! has long been a go-to source for paper crafting enthusiasts. And this year's catalog is no exception.

So, what can you expect to find in the new catalog? For starters, there are plenty of new stamp sets that are perfect for all kinds of occasions, from birthdays and weddings to holidays and more. You'll also find a wide selection of coordinating dies and embossing folders that can be used to add extra dimension and texture to your projects.

In addition to these new products, the catalog also features a variety of tools and accessories that are designed to make crafting even easier. From precision scissors and ink pads to adhesive tape runners and heat tools, Stampin' Up! has everything you need to take your paper crafting to the next level.

One of the most exciting things about the new catalog is the introduction of the In Colors for 2023-2025. These five new shades are sure to become instant favorites, and can be mixed and matched with other colors in the Stampin' Up! line to create unique and beautiful designs.

Of course, no Stampin' Up! catalog would be complete without a range of exclusive hostess stamp sets that are only available to customers who host their own stamping events. These items are the perfect way to add an extra touch of personalization to your crafting projects. Who's ready to party?

In conclusion, the 2023-2024 Annual Catalog for Stampin' Up! is an exciting new release that is sure to delight paper crafting enthusiasts everywhere. With a wide range of products, tools, and accessories to choose from, there's never been a better time to explore the world of stamping and paper crafting. So set your alarm, and get ready to be inspired!

 Happy Stamping,

Organizing Colored Cardstock: A Guide to Rainbow Order and Stampin' Up! Color Families

 

If you're a paper crafter, you know that organizing your colored cardstock is crucial for finding the perfect shade for your project. But how should you organize it? Should you go with the rainbow order, or should you group them by Stampin' Up! color families? In this blog post, we'll explore both methods and help you decide which one is right for you.

Rainbow Order

Organizing your colored cardstock by rainbow order is a popular choice for many crafters. This method involves arranging your cardstock in the same order as the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. This method has some advantages:

1. It's easy to remember: Everyone knows the colors of the rainbow, so it's easy to remember the order

2. It's aesthetically pleasing: The colors of the rainbow are visually appealing and can make your crafting space look more organized and inviting.

3. It's versatile: The rainbow order works well with any color scheme and can be used for any type of project.

Stampin' Up! Color Families

Stampin' Up! provides high quality paper crafting supplies, and they offer a range of color families that can be used to organize your colored cardstock. These families include:

1. Brights: Bold and vibrant colors like Coastal Cabana, Granny Apple Green, and Melon Mambo.

2. Regals: Rich and deep colors like Cherry Cobbler, Gorgeous Grape, and Old Olive.

3. Subtles: Soft and delicate colors like Bubble Bath, Lemon Lolly, and Pool Party.

4. Neutrals: Versatile and timeless colors like Basic Black, Crumb Cake, and Night of Navy.

5. InColors: Remain current for 2 years and fill in color gaps that are currently trending.

Organizing your cardstock by Stampin' Up! color families has its own advantages:

1. It's cohesive: Organizing your cardstock by color families ensures that the colors you use in your projects complement each other.

2. It's practical: If you're a Stampin' Up! fan, organizing your cardstock by color families can make it easier to choose colors that coordinate with your Stampin' Up! supplies.

3. It's customizable: You can choose to organize your cardstock by all four color families and InColors or just the ones you use most frequently.

Which Method is Right for You?

Ultimately, the method you choose will depend on your personal preferences and how you use your cardstock. If you prefer a more visually appealing and versatile option, organizing your cardstock by rainbow order might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you're a Stampin' Up! fan and want a more cohesive and practical option, organizing your cardstock by color families might be the way to go.

In either case, the key is to keep your cardstock organized and easily accessible. Whether you use rainbow order or Stampin' Up! color families, labeling your cardstock and storing it in a way that makes sense to you will help you find the perfect shade for your next project quickly and easily.

Choosing Colors for you Greeting Cards

 

Handmade greeting cards are a wonderful way to show your loved ones how much you care about them. Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary, or just to say hello, a handmade card can bring a smile to anyone's face. However, one of the most important aspects of making a greeting card is choosing the right colors. In this article, we'll explore some tips for effectively choosing colors when creating handmade greeting cards.

Consider the Occasion

The first step in choosing colors for your handmade greeting cards is to consider the occasion. Different occasions call for different colors. For example, a birthday card might have bright, cheerful colors, while a sympathy card might have more muted tones. Think about the message you want to convey with your card and choose colors that support that message.

Choose a Color Scheme

Once you have an idea of the occasion and the message you want to convey, it's time to choose a color scheme. A color scheme is a set of colors that work well together. There are many different color schemes to choose from, such as monochromatic (using different shades of the same color), complementary (using colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel), or analogous (using colors that are next to each other on the color wheel).

Think About Contrast

Contrast is an important aspect of choosing colors for your handmade greeting cards. Contrast refers to the difference between light and dark colors, as well as between warm and cool colors. Using contrasting colors can help make your card stand out and draw attention to important elements, such as the text or a specific design element.

Consider the Recipient

When choosing colors for your handmade greeting cards, it's also important to consider the recipient. Think about their personality and their favorite colors. If you're not sure, you can always ask them or do some research to find out what colors they like.

Test Different Color Combinations

Finally, it's important to test different color combinations before you start creating your card. This will give you a better idea of how the colors will look together and help you make any necessary adjustments before you start working on the final product. You can do this by creating small color swatches and placing them next to each other to see how they look together.

In conclusion, choosing colors for your handmade greeting cards is an important part of the creative process. By considering the occasion, choosing a color scheme, thinking about contrast, considering the recipient, and testing different color combinations, you can create beautiful and effective greeting cards that will bring joy to your loved ones.

I hope you found this helpful. Happy Stamping,

Organizing Your Ink Pads

 Crafting is a fulfilling hobby that allows us to express our creativity and make something beautiful with our own hands. However, it can be frustrating when we can't find the materials we need or when our crafting space is cluttered and disorganized. That's why having a well-organized craft room is essential to make the most out of our crafting time. In this blog post, we'll focus on one crucial aspect of craft room organization: ink storage.

Inks are an essential part of any crafter's toolkit. They come in various types, including dye, pigment, and solvent-based inks, and are used in a wide range of crafts, from card-making to scrapbooking and even painting. However, storing and organizing them can be a challenge, especially if you have a large collection of ink pads and bottles.

The first step in organizing your ink collection is to sort them by type. This will help you identify the inks you have and the ones you need to purchase. You can use clear plastic bins or drawers to keep your ink pads and bottles organized. Alternatively, you can use a tiered storage system to maximize space and visibility. I personally use Stamp N Storage as well as the Stampin' Up! modular units for my ink storage solutions. 

Another essential aspect of ink storage is to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to sunlight can cause inks to fade, while high temperatures can cause them to dry out. Therefore, it's best to store your ink pads and bottles in a cool, dark place. You can also consider using a dehumidifier to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in your craft room.

Labeling your ink pads and bottles is also crucial for easy identification. You can use a label maker or create your own labels using a computer and printer. Labeling not only helps you find the inks you need quickly but also prevents confusion when working on multiple projects. And of course Stampin' Up! provides multiple labels for your pads and our refill bottles have a matching color label to make identifying the correct bottle pretty simple. 

Finally, it's essential to clean and maintain your ink pads and bottles regularly. Ink pads can dry out or become clogged if left unused for an extended period. Therefore, it's best to use them regularly or store them upside down to keep the ink flowing. The great thing about Stampin' Up! ink pads, is they are automatically stored upside down when you see the top of the case. It's truly a genius design! You can also use a stamp cleaner or alcohol wipes to remove excess ink and keep your pads clean.

In conclusion, organizing your craft room can make a significant difference in your crafting experience. Ink storage is a crucial aspect of craft room organization, and following the tips mentioned above can help you keep your inks organized, clean, and easy to find. With a well-organized craft room, you can focus on what matters most - letting your creativity flow!

So, get those ink pads organized and Happy Stamping my friends,

Color: Complementary or Secondary?

 

Colors have the power to evoke emotions, set the tone for an environment, and even influence behavior. Understanding how different colors work together can help you create a harmonious and visually appealing design or artwork. In this article, we'll explore the concept of complementary colors versus secondary colors, and how to use them effectively.

Complementary colors are colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple are complementary colors. When used together, complementary colors create a high contrast effect, making each color appear more vibrant and intense.

Using complementary colors in design can be effective, but it can also be challenging. Because these colors are so different from each other, using them in equal proportions can result in an overwhelming or garish effect. To balance the contrast, designers often use one of the complementary colors as the dominant color, and the other as an accent color.

On the other hand, secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors together. The three primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. When these colors are mixed, they create secondary colors: orange (red + yellow), green (blue + yellow), and purple (red + blue). Secondary colors are less vibrant and have a more subdued effect than complementary colors.

When using secondary colors, it's important to consider the proportions of each color. Depending on the desired effect, you may want to use one color as the dominant color and the other as an accent color. Alternatively, you can use all three secondary colors together to create a balanced, triadic color scheme.

When it comes to choosing colors, there are no hard and fast rules. Different colors can evoke different emotions and have different cultural associations. For example, red can signify passion and love, but it can also be associated with danger or anger. Blue, on the other hand, is often associated with calmness and stability.

When creating a design or artwork, it's important to consider the emotions and associations that different colors can evoke. Understanding the relationships between complementary colors and secondary colors can help you create a balanced and effective color scheme.

In conclusion, complementary colors and secondary colors are two important concepts to understand when it comes to color theory. Complementary colors create a high contrast effect, while secondary colors are more subdued. When choosing colors, it's important to consider the emotions and associations that different colors can evoke, and to use them in a balanced and effective way. With a little knowledge and practice, you can use color to create a visually appealing and emotionally impactful design or artwork.

Going Outside the Box - Use Sweet Citrus to Create Coconuts! Let's Go Tropical!

Hey friends! Happy FriYAY! Don't you just love a good Friday?? I know I sure do, of course working full time, Monday through Friday, I LIVE for my weekends, so Friday signals life begins again. Anyway, I digress. 

Today I have a fun card to share with you still featuring the Sweet Citrus Bundle. This time, I just inked up the "half" citrus image with Soft Suede ink and once I had them die cut out, I used my mini Blending Brush to add a small amount of Smoky Slate to the center to give the appearance of a concave center creating a coconut. The embossing folder used here is found in the 2023 January to April Mini catalog as well. It's the Cane Weave 3D Embossing Folder. I also mixed in a couple of Online Exclusive  product, the Tropical Leaf bundle and the Radiating Stitches dies. 

And, since it's FriYAY and it's 5 O'clock somewhere, here's a tropical adult beverage to spice up your day! Enjoy!

Happy Stamping,

Product List

Sweet Citrus Bundle (English) [160645] $49.50	Sweet Citrus Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [160641] $23.00	Sweet Citrus Hybrid Embossing Folder [160644] $32.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25	Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [120953] $9.25
Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [100702] $9.25	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [147111] $8.00	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad [147115] $8.00	Smoky Slate Classic Stampin' Pad [131179] $6.50	Tropical Leaf Bundle (English) [161249] $37.75
Tropical Leaf Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [161242] $20.00	Tropical Leaf Punch [161248] $22.00	Radiating Stitches Dies [161595] $30.00	Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [155475] $11.00	Mini Glue Dots [103683] $5.25

Add All to Cart

Create a Quick n Simple Thank You Card with Sweet Citrus

Hey friends,

I'm back with more inspiration using the Sweet Citrus bundle. I love that I can make lemons, limes, oranges and PINK grapefruit from this fun set. Who else LOVES pink grapefruit? I lived on this stuff in high school, of course I believe back then (it was 1980 something) grapefruit and grapefruit juice where said to be "fat busters" blah blah blah...so like all teenage girls I decided I needed this miracle fat buster...now...I wish I was high school "fat" lol. Anyhoo, I used Flirty Flamingo and Daffodil Delight and the sentiment, I stamped on a little peek at the Radiating Stitches dies. It's just so FUN!

So, later today Stampin' Up! will be announcing the color refresh for the 2023 Annual Catalog and will be posting the Last Chance List and for demonstrators, the digital catalog. I won't be able to share the catalog with you, but I will be sharing the color refresh and last chance list with you over on my Facebook Page, so if you don't follow me there, be sure to head over, like my page and turn on notifications so you know when the hot off the presses information is posted. 

Happy Stamping!

 

Product List

Sweet Citrus Bundle (English) [160645] $49.50	Sweet Citrus Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [160641] $23.00	Sweet Citrus Hybrid Embossing Folder [160644] $32.00	Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [141416] $9.25	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276] $10.25
Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad [147094] $8.00	Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad [147052] $8.00	Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad [147089] $8.00	Glossy Dots Assortment [158827] $8.00

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