Latest Posts

FREE Shipping + Up to 75% Off? Let’s Go, Crafty Friend!

Hey crafty friend — BIG news! 🎉

🚚 FREE SHIPPING on orders of $75 or more starts tomorrow, Wednesday, April 23rd! Snag your favorite paper crafting goodies — no shipping fees, just crafty fun.

🎉 Plus, don’t miss out on Stampin’ Rewards — earn free rewards while you shop! Not sure what they are? Learn more here!

✨ Bonus for Paper Pumpkin subscribers: Starting tomorrow save up to 75% off on refills, past kits, and add-ons — but only while supplies last! (Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here!)  Visit the Past Kits, Refills, & Add-ons section of my website tomorrow, April 23rd, to stock up and save!

Free shipping, huge discounts, and Stampin’ Rewards? That’s a triple win — don’t miss out!

👉 Start shopping here tomorrow!​

Faux Enamel Dots: Easy Card Embellishments You Can Make

Sometimes starting with a blank card can feel a bit overwhelming—but that’s where card sketches come in handy! The card I’m sharing today was inspired by a simple sketch featuring three small embellishments. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post to download the free project sheet and try it yourself!

Here is the card I made using the sketch as inspiration. I used the beautiful Everyday Happiness Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up! I started with a 5-1/4″ x 4″ piece and cut it in half at 3-1/4″ along the longer (5-1/4″) side. This gave me two pieces with contrasting patterns. I added a strip of Lost Lagoon cardstock to cover the seam, then finished it off with a sentiment tag.

One of my favorite parts of this card is the faux enamel hearts. I made them myself using die-cut hearts and a generous coat of Glossy Accents. After letting them dry completely, they had a shiny, raised finish that looks just like enamel. It’s such an easy way to add dimension and a bit of “wow” without needing special supplies.

If you haven’t tried using a sketch or making your own embellishments, I definitely recommend it! It’s a great way to keep your cardmaking fresh and fun.

Grab your free project sheet by clicking the button below!

The Plaid Poodle Sketch #11

Ready to Save More on Crafting?

I’VE GOT SOME GOOD NEWS FOR TAX DAY!!! Starting April 15th, every order over $20 you place will earn you 10% in rewards! Here’s how it works:

  • To earn rewards you must have an account on my online store. Create your account here now: https://bit.ly/4iPkdVx
  • To earn rewards you must opt in to the program. An opt-in pop-up will appear the first time you shop after April 15th.
  • The program will track your rewards! There’s no coupon codes to keep track of – you can see how many rewards you have available to use each time you shop. You can decide how many rewards to apply per order.
  • Rewards are valid for 12 months! Rewards earned on an order will be available to use on your next order. Redeem them, or let them stack and save for something BIG! Your rewards are valid for one year and Stampin’ Up! will automatically redeem your oldest rewards first.
  • It gets even better! For example, if you have $20 in rewards and place a $50 order, you can apply your $20 in rewards to your order AND still earn rewards on the remaining $30!
  • Something to think about . . . If you decide to join my team as a demonstrator, any rewards you’ve earned will transfer with you. Demonstrators earn rewards on the total retail purchase, but pay a discounted amount of 20-25%!

Get ready to save more on crafting by creating your account here today: https://bit.ly/4iPkdVx

Easy Tips for Card Making With Scraps

If you’re anything like me, you can’t bear to throw away even the tiniest scrap of pretty paper. Those little bits and pieces from past projects pile up fast! But guess what? They’re gold for card-making. I had some leftover pieces from the Lily Pond 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper, so today I’m sharing creative (and super easy) ways to turn those scraps into beautiful handmade cards. Let’s get scrappy!

The Strip Technique

One of my go-to methods is the strip technique! Simply cut your scraps into strips of varying widths and arrange them side by side to create a colorful, textured background. You can layer them horizontally, vertically, or even at an angle for a cool effect. Top it off with a sentiment, and you’ve got a card ready to brighten someone’s day!

Punch It Up

Got a few small scraps that don’t seem useful? Grab your punches or dies! Whether it’s circles, hearts, butterflies, or flowers, punched-out shapes and die-cuts can add so much charm to your cards. Here I used the Perennial Postage Dies from Stampin’ Up! to cut out some squares from scraps of patterned paper, then adhered them to a card front for a fun puzzle-effect.

Embellish It

For my final example, I combined the strip technique with a die-cut element for extra dimension. Don’t forget to add fun embellishments! I used a length of woven ribbon and a die-cut heart to give the card more interest—and a touch of fancy flair!

So before you toss those scraps, give them a second chance! You’ll be amazed at the beautiful designs you can create.

Happy crafting! ✂️✨

How to Make a Fun Popcorn Box Valentine Treat Holder

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spread a little extra love, and what better way than with a creative, budget-friendly treat holder? I recently found a package of six adorable popcorn box-shaped treat holders at a big box store, and I knew they’d be perfect for a special Valentine’s surprise!

I filled each box with candy and added a sweet finishing touch—pink paper shred! It’s amazing how a little bit of filler can make a simple gift feel extra special. But the real surprise? A handmade tag with a lip-balm pouch that holds a rolled-up $5 bill! It’s such a fun and unexpected way to include a little Valentine’s Day cash.

I used a tag die from the Merriest Trees Dies to create the tag, extending it to make it longer. If you’d like to learn how to alter die-cuts by extending them, check out my tutorial at this link, starting at the 2:20 timestamp: https://youtu.be/fRNpTj242_U?si=IgraBIJE17bkQkLP

I used items from my stash to create the pouch for the fiver. You can find similar products on Amazon.*

If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to make Valentine’s gifts extra fun, check out your local dollar stores or big box stores for treat containers like these. With a little creativity and some simple embellishments, you can turn an ordinary container into something truly special.

I can’t wait to see my grandchildren’s faces when they receive their popcorn box Valentine treat holders! How are you making Valentine’s Day extra sweet this year?

*If you click any of the affiliate links and purchase a product, I may earn a commission but don’t worry, there is no cost to you! 

How to Use a Sketch to Make a Unique Handmade Card

Making handmade cards with a sketch is a fun and creative way to express yourself! You start with a simple drawing, and then add color, texture, and little details to transform it into something uniquely yours. As a result, each card becomes a one-of-a-kind piece that’s perfect for any occasion.

Here’s the sketch I used for the card I’m sharing today. It features a few layers, five randomly placed circles, and a sentiment tag in the center. From there, I took it to the next level with color, texture, and some fun embellishments to bring the design to life.

Here is the Valentine card I made using the sketch as a blueprint.

You’ll notice I added color, texture, and even sprinkled a few embellishments to bring the drawing to life. Instead of circles, I die-cut five heart shapes from the top layer of the card and layered it over several pieces of patterned paper. Although I used the sketch to create a Valentine card, the beauty of sketches is that you can change it up to suit any occasion.

So, whether you’re making a Valentine’s card or something for another special moment, a sketch is a great starting point to spark your creativity. Have fun with it and make it your own! Happy crafting!

Here are the products I used to make my card:

Product List
Hearts Of Elegance Bundle (English)
Hearts Of Elegance Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
Hearts Of Elegance Dies
Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad
Versamark Pad
Toadstool Gardens 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Basics Wow! Embossing Powder
Adhesive Backed Sequins Trio
Heat Tool (Us And Canada)
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

Make Quick & Elegant Birthday Cards with Wildflower Birthday Paper

If you’re looking for a fast and elegant way to create stunning birthday cards, look no further than the Wildflower Birthday 12″ x 12″ Specialty Designer Series Paper! I had a blast making a card during today’s livestream, and I can’t wait to share how this beautiful paper makes crafting a breeze.

This paper is packed with vibrant, fun designs that are perfect for any birthday celebration. It includes 10 double-sided sheets, with patterns ranging from festive party designs to all-purpose prints that can be used year-round. Some of the sheets even feature foiled accents, which give your creations a gorgeous, polished finish.

But here’s the real time-saver: the two sheets of ready-to-use die-cuts! These pre-cut pieces make card-making (and scrapbooking!) a breeze. Just pop them out and you’re ready to add them to your project—no extra cutting needed. Whether you’re crafting a card or decorating a scrapbook page, these die-cuts really streamline the process, giving your creations a professional touch with minimal effort.

For today’s card, I used a mix of the foiled designs and one of the playful die-cuts to create an elegant yet easy-to-make birthday card. The combination of beautiful patterns, luxurious foiling, and pre-cut embellishments makes this paper a must-have for any crafter looking to add a touch of elegance to their projects. Here are two more cards I made using the paper.

So, if you’re in a hurry or just want to make a quick but beautiful card, grab the Wildflower Birthday Designer Series Paper and let the designs do the hard work for you. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or creating something special just because, this paper collection has everything you need for a gorgeous, handcrafted masterpiece!

Happy crafting! 🎉

Product List
Charming Duck Pond Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
Perennial Postage Dies
Wildflower Birthday 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper & Sticker Sheet (English)
Party Dots
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock
Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
Stampin' Dimensionals

It’s Time for the Best Sale of the Year—Sale-a-Bration is Here!

Happy New Year, crafters! It’s the perfect time to kick off 2025 with fresh inspiration and exciting new products. I’m thrilled to announce that Sale-a-Bration is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

This is your chance to stock up on the latest card-making, scrapbooking, and kit products from Stampin’ Up!, and earn exclusive FREE items with every qualifying purchase! Whether you’re looking to refresh your stash or try out something new, Sale-a-Bration is the perfect opportunity to get your hands on top-quality crafting supplies and creative kits.

✨ New Year, New Products! ✨

The 2025 Spring Mini Catalog, Sale-a-Bration Brochure, and Scrapbooking Brochure are now LIVE! You’ll find all kinds of fresh and fabulous products to inspire your next crafting project—perfect for starting the year with new ideas, fresh colors, and creative possibilities.

🎨 What’s New:

  • Gorgeous card-making stamps and dies
  • Stunning scrapbooking products
  • Fun and easy-to-use kits

👉 Click the images below to view the Spring Mini Catalog, Sale-a-Bration Brochure, and Scrapbooking Brochure now!

Don’t miss out—check out all the new products, and make sure to refresh your paper crafting stash today! Remember, Sale-a-Bration is for a limited time, so take advantage of the amazing deals before they’re gone!

Happy crafting and happy Sale-a-Bration! 🎨🌸

A Stunning Valentine’s Day Card With The Marbled Elegance Suite

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show you care than with a handmade card? Using the Marbled Elegance Suite from Stampin’ Up!, you can create a unique and beautiful card that will steal hearts. Let’s dive in and make something special!

Step 1: Create Your Background
Start by adding a 5-1/4″ x 4″ piece of Basic White cardstock to a Melon Mambo card base. Then cut shapes from a 3-3/4″ x 4-3/4″ piece of Marbled Elegance Designer Series Paper per this diagram to create a fun pieced background for your card. Wrap a length of Gold Twisted Thread around the pieced layer tying in a bow before adhering to the card base to add some texture to the card.

Step 2: Add Some Elegance
Use the Hearts of Elegance Dies to create sweet heart die-cuts from cardstock and the Marbled Elegance Designer Series Paper then layer them on your card front using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Step 3: Finish with a Sentiment
Stamp your favorite sentiment from the Hearts of Elegance stamp set in a bright color, like Melon Mambo, to make it pop.

Step 4: Embellish
Add a few sequins from the Adhesive Backed Hearts Sequins to complete the look!

Watch the Tutorial Replay

Product List
Marbled Elegance Suite Collection (English)
Hearts Of Elegance Bundle (English)
Hearts Of Elegance Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
Hearts Of Elegance Dies
Marbled Elegance 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper
Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad
Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Adhesive Backed Heart Sequins
Gold Twisted Thread
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
Stampin' Dimensionals

Get your Marbled Elegance Suite today and create a Valentine’s card that’s as beautiful as your loved ones! Happy crafting! 💖

Shop Here Now

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
2024 was such a fantastic year for card making, and this Year in Review collage is a perfect reflection of all the fun we had. I just want to take a moment to say a huge thank you for being part of my paper crafting community this past year. Your support means so much to me, and I’m so excited to keep creating, sharing, and having fun together in 2025.

To make sure you don’t miss any of the exciting paper-crafting fun I have planned for 2025, I invite you to visit my Stampin’ Up! website. There, you can check out my event calendar, which includes free virtual mini-classes and in-person workshops. I’d love for you to join us! You’ll find links to all these opportunities and more right here:

http://www.leslie.stampinup.net

Wishing you a blessed 2025 filled with inspiration and creativity. Thank you once again for being such an important part of our community! Cheers to another year of crafting, creativity, and good times ahead! 🎉💖

Free Shipping Starts Today: What’s On Your List?

Get ready to shop and save—FREE SHIPPING starts today! 🎁 From December 9th through December 11th, enjoy free shipping on orders of $75 or more. It’s the perfect time to stock up on your favorite products—catalog items, Online Exclusives, kits, and more! Don’t miss this chance to check off your wish list.

And don’t forget to check out the Last Chance Products—many are discounted and only available while supplies last. It’s your opportunity to grab retiring favorites before they’re gone for good!

(Please note: Orders placed during this promotion are not guaranteed to arrive by December 25.)

Click Here for Free Shipping!

And speaking of not missing out, today’s your last chance to save your spot for Thursday’s in-person Boxes and Bags Christmas Crafting Party! ✂️ We’ll be creating four holiday-themed gift packages that are perfect for adding a personal touch to your gift-giving.

Click HERE for all the details and to save your spot in class today!

Last Chance Deals & New Designer Series Paper!

It’s that time of year when some of your favorite seasonal products are on their way out—once they’re gone, they’re gone! Don’t miss your chance to snag something special from the Last Chance List! Some items are on deep discounts, so grab your favorites before they disappear.  Don’t wait—shop now and save big!

In addition to today’s exciting Retiring Product Sale, Stampin’ Up! has a special new product release! They’re bringing back 3 popular packs of patterned paper, now with updated colors! I absolutely love the new shades, and I know you will too! These papers are here “while supplies last”! Click on the image for a closer look at these beautiful papers and grab your favorites while you can!

Upcoming Customer Events!

If you’re local to the Kansas City area, I invite you to celebrate the holiday season at one of my Boxes & Bags Christmas Parties! This year’s party will feature a Boxes and Bags class, where you’ll create beautiful packages perfect for holiday gift-giving. This will be my final event of 2024, and it’s one you won’t want to miss! Click on the image below for all the details and RSVP today!

How to Make a Mini Pocket Envelope for Gift Cards

Looking for a fun and creative way to gift small items? Why not make a Mini Pocket Envelope with multiple compartments, perfect for holding gift cards, sweets, and little tags or bookmarks? This simple but charming DIY project is sure to add a personal touch to any gift-giving occasion!

I started with the Take a Bow 6″ x 6″ designer series paper from Stampin’ Up!, which has such a cheerful, festive vibe—perfect for the holidays or any celebration. With just a few scores and folds, I created a compact envelope with three neat pockets. Each pocket is perfectly sized for holding a gift card, a treat, or a sweet little embellished tag.

To decorate, I used the Hang an Ornament stamp and die bundle from Stampin’ Up! The intricate designs on the ornaments gave the envelope a touch of elegance and whimsy. The dies made it easy to cut out the pieces, while the stamps added gorgeous detail to each ornament. A few coordinating embellishments finished off the look!

This mini pocket envelope is so versatile—it can be customized to suit any occasion. Whether you’re gifting a holiday card, a birthday surprise, or just a sweet treat for a friend, this project adds a special, handmade touch that everyone will appreciate.

Give it a try and let your creativity shine!

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Your Paper: Start with a 6″ x 6″ piece of Take a Bow designer series paper (or any decorative paper you prefer).
  2. Score the Sides: Use a scoring tool to score the paper at 1-5/8″ on both sides of the paper (the left and right edges). This creates the side flaps for your mini pocket envelope.
  3. Score the Bottom: Next, score the paper at 1-7/8″ along the bottom edge of the paper. This creates the bottom flap of the envelope that will fold up to form the pockets.
  4. Fold and Assemble: Fold along all of your score lines—two side flaps and the bottom flap. Use adhesive to secure the sides of the envelope, leaving the top open. This creates three pockets, each perfectly sized to hold a gift card, a small treat, or a little tag.
  5. Decorate: To decorate the envelope, embellish with ribbons, stamps, or other decorations to match your theme.
Product List
Hang An Ornament Bundle (English)
Hang An Ornament Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
Hang An Ornament Dies
Tailor Made Tags Dies
Take A Bow 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Silver 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Foil Sheets
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad
Versamark Pad
Basics Wow! Embossing Powder
Baker's Twine Essentials Pack
Sponge Daubers
Paper Trimmer
Heat Tool (Us And Canada)
Stampin' Dimensionals

Exciting New Stampin’ Up! Products Launching November 5th!

Hey, crafty friends! 🎉

I’ve got some thrilling news for you! Tomorrow marks the release of two stunning new suites, five fabulous stamp and die bundles, and some adorable stand-alone stamp sets from Stampin’ Up! If you’re looking to elevate your crafting game, you won’t want to miss this!

What’s New?

These new products are designed to inspire your creativity, whether you’re making beautiful cards, scrapbook pages, or unique gifts. Each suite and bundle offers a variety of coordinating elements that make crafting a breeze and add that perfect touch to your projects.

Get the Sneak Peek!

Curious to see all the amazing new products? I’ve got you covered! Download a FREE PDF showcasing everything that’s being released tomorrow. It’s a great way to plan your next crafting adventure!

👉 Download the FREE PDF here!

Mark Your Calendars!

Be sure to check back tomorrow to explore these exciting new releases. Get ready to unleash your creativity and have fun crafting!

Happy stamping! ✂️💖

How to Save on Stamp Sets During the 3-Day Sale & Christmas Card Making Fun!

Woohoo! 🎉 The 3-Day Stamp Sale starts today! Enjoy a 15% discount on any of the Annual Catalog Stamp Sets. This sale only happens once a year, and it’s for three days only—ending on Wednesday, October 9! Don’t miss out! Click on the stamp sale image to check out all the awesome sets!

Also, just a quick reminder: today, October 7, 2024, is the last day to register for one of my October Card-Making Socials! 🎉 We’ll be creating these four gorgeous Christmas cards, and I want to make sure your class kit is tailored just for you.

Your spot in class is reserved as soon as payment is received, so don’t miss out! 🎉 Click on this link for all the details and to register: https://bit.ly/3KBZjtL.

If you have any questions or need help with your paper crafting, just reach out—I’m here for you! ✂️💖