Latest Posts

Make a Floating Card

I have been having a blast making floating cards! Floating cards are not new but I am new to them. The cards are simple to make but the end result is a pretty fancy card. I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to create these cards. I will definitely make them again.

Both floating cards I’m sharing today were made during one of my Coffee & a Card Facebook Live’s. I’ve included the video replays and a list of products I used in both cards.

For this first card I used the retiring Piece of Cake stamp set and Cake Builder Punch from Stampin’ Up! The Cake Builder Punch is discounted while supplies last.

Both the floating cards use the retiring Perennial Essence Designer Series Paper. The paper is also retiring and is discounted as well. The Designer Series Paper is elegant and perfect to use for any feminine occasion including birthdays, bridal showers and Mother’s Day.

For this second card I used retiring products as well. The Special Celebrations stamp set is full of card front sentiments as well as card insert verses. The intricate butterfly die on the card front is from the Springtime Impressions Dies and is also very discounted right now while supplies last.

Product List
Piece Of Cake Photopolymer Stamp Set
$17.00
Special Celebrations Cling-Mount Stamp Set
$33.00
Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad
$7.50
Window Sheets
$5.00
Highland Heather 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Blackberry Bliss 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Perennial Essence Designer Series Paper
$11.50
Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$9.75
Paper Trimmer
$25.00
Cake Builder Punch
$18.00
Layering Ovals Dies
$35.00
Stitched Shapes Dies
$30.00
Springtime Impressions Dies
$29.00
Take Your Pick
$10.00
Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip
$9.00
Petal Pink 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Metallic-Edge Ribbon
$7.00
Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack
$9.00
Petal Pink Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack
$9.00
Old Olive Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack
$9.00
Seaside Spray Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
$9.00
Mini Glue Dots
$5.25
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
$4.00

Masking Technique Card

I am loving the color combination in today’s card! I recently saw something online that used a bright pink along with jewel tones and knew I had to recreate it in a card. Who knew that Melon Mambo and Crushed Curry would look so fantastic together?!

The card images are stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink then filled with color using sponge daubers. The sponging gives the card a very soft, watercolor effect.

I also used two types of “masking” to create the card. Here is the video replay of my Coffee & a Card Facebook Live where I showed how to make the card:

Product List
Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad
126948

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed today’s project. Don’t forget to notice color combinations used out in the world and create something using them!

Make a 3-D Front Flap Card

TGIF everyone! I wanted to share this card that I made recently during one of my Coffee & a Card Facebook Lives. I go live two times per week and share some fun projects and paper crafting techniques. If you’re looking for some cool craftiness and you’re on Facebook, please follow me here: https://www.facebook.com/theplaidpoodle

This is a front flap card. It’s very easy to make and has a little pizazz with the 3-D hot air balloon and fancy fold. Click on the button for the .PDF copy of the Project Recipe and watch the video tutorial for step-by-step instruction.

Here is the supply list if you’re interested in any of the products used in this card. They are on the Stampin’ Up! Retiring List so it’s “while supplies last” only.

Product List

Have Another Quarantini!

Today’s card is a light-hearted look at the unique COVID-19 and social distancing situation we are currently in.

Aren’t the punch art olives the cutest? I cased them from a card fellow Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Lorri Heiling created. The image and sentiments came from a new digital stamp set from Stampin’ Up!

This digital stamp set is packed with both lighthearted and thoughtful sentiments and imagery relevant to the unique COVID-19 and social distancing situation we are currently in. The best thing about this digital stamp set is that 100% of the Share Sunshine PDF Download proceeds will go to COVID-19 efforts and you can start crafting with the PDF download right away–with no shipping costs or delays!

You can use the download in your cardmaking and papercrafting projects. Simply print the imagery on cardstock and cut it out using Stampin’ Up!’s Paper Trimmer, punches, or dies. Since we are physically distanced from each other, now is a perfect time to share sunshine with our friends and family by sending cards!

Order the Share Sunshine PDF Download here and at check-out, you will be able to select which of these two organizations you want your proceeds to go to:

  • The World Health Organization’s COVID-Solidarity Response Fund
  • United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund

What a great way to have fun creating fun cards, bring smiles to your family and friends and give back!

Make a Timeless Tulips Mother’s Day Gift Bag

My Make it Monday project this week is this sweet handled gift bag. These bags are so much fun to make and are the perfect size for a gift card, a small gift, or candy treats.

The bag is fairly quick and easy to put together but the handle requires a few extra steps. Watch this video tutorial for the nitty gritty on adding the handle.

Cutting & Scoring Diagram

Score 8″ x 4″ piece of Designer Series Paper at 1/2″, 3″, 4-1/4″ and 6-3/4″ on the 8″ side. Score at 1″ on the 4″ side of Designer Series Paper. Burnish score lines and trim on red lines.

Product List

Last Chance Discounted Products

Stampin’ Up! just released their 2020 Retiring Lists and there are bargains to be had! They will go quickly so if there is something you are dreaming of on the lists make sure you grab it before it’s gone!

When looking at the lists pay particular attention to any asterisks next to an item. Some items are not going away but are just being reconfigured or not being offered as a bundle.


*Amount in Stampin’ Rewards; host sets can only be purchased using Stampin’ Rewards from a qualifying party.
**While the items in these bundles are not retiring, they will no longer be available in a bundle after June 2, 2020.
***Bundle includes some products that are not retiring, refer to the Retiring List to see what individual products are retiring.
****These items are not retiring but being reconfigured with a new item number and name.

For example, These items are on the list with four **** so they, among others, ARE NOT GOING AWAY; they are just being reconfigured.


Here are links to .pdf copies of the retiring lists. You can view them, download them or print them out. For a better look however, I suggest you visit my Stampin’ Up! Store for images of all the goodies: SHOP WITH LESLIE.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me. My contact information can be found HERE.

Make a Dressed to Impress Mother’s Day Gift

Here is the sweet little clay flower pot I embellished during my Make-it-Monday Facebook Live today.

I purchased 2-1/4″ clay flower pots from Dollar Tree and painted the tops with white craft paint. Next, I wrapped Best Dressed Designer Series Paper around the pot using a decoupage medium to adhere.

Click on this button a template I created to cut the paper for a snug fit around the flower pot. Print it onto an 8-1/2″ x 11″ piece of paper and it should be the right size for your pot

I needed something to put in the flower pots so I filled a 3″ x 9″ printed gusseted celophane bag with some shreddy and chocolates then tied it up in a bow with a tassel. Finally, I created a plant marker for my flower pot using a stamp and coordinating die from the Dressed to Impress Bundle and a cake pop stick.

Here is a video tutorial for the project and a list of supplies used.

Product List

Additional Supplies:

  • 2-1/4″ clay flower pot
  • White craft paint
  • decoupage medium

These were so easy to make and would make great table favors for all types spring celebrations.

Make a Vellum Shaker Card

I demonstrated how to make these shaker cards in today’s Coffee & a Card Facebook Live. I used the Shimmer Detailed Laser Cut Specialty Paper and vellum from Stampin’ Up! to make the shaker box. I love how the vellum “veils” the sequins underneath.

The camera does not pick up the shimmer on the laser-cut paper but it is a pearl-like finish with a subtle sparkle. The specialty paper comes with 6 sheets; three sheets with a 12″ x 12″ pattern and three sheets with a variety of panels.

I used a smaller, 3-1/2″ x 5′ panel for this card and backed the shaker box with a piece of Mosaic Mood Designer Series Paper.

This card uses one of the 4″ x 5-1/4″ panels from the Shimmer Detailed Laser-cut Specialty Paper and could be adhered directly onto a Calypso Coral card base.

Project Recipe

  • Card Base = 8-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ piece of card stock scored at 4-1/4″
  • Mosaic Mood Designer Series Paper layer = 4″ x 5-1/4″
  • Shimmer Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Paper = 3-1/2″ x 5″ panel or 4″ x 5-1/4″ panel
  • Vellum = 3-3/8″ x 4-7/8″ or 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ and 3/4″ x 3″
  • Very Vanilla Card Stock = 3-3/8″ x 4-7/8″ or 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″
Product List

I sponged the vellum for the shaker box and the tag using Calypso Coral Ink and heat embossed the tag with Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder. You can watch the replay of my Facebook Live and learn how to make your own shaker card by clicking on this link: https://bit.ly/2xhClWm

Make A Shaker Easter Basket

Here is the project we made on this week’s Facebook Live Make it Monday. I post over there a lot and would encourage you to hop on over to “Like” and “Follow” me there.

For this sweet shaker Easter basket I used the bunny and bird images from the Cuckoo for You stamp set and the sentiment from the Itty Bitty Greetings stamp set; both from Stampin’ Up! I also used the Cuckoo Clock dies that coordinate with the stamp set. You’re gonna want to have both and if you purchase them in a bundle you save 10%. Here is a complete list of the supplies I used in today’s project. Click on any image for more information.

Product List

To make your own shaker Easter basket cut the following ovals out with the Layering Ovals Dies from Stampin’ Up! using your die-cutting machine.

To create the box for the Easter basket use this diagram and watch the video below for step-by-step instructions.

Announcing Card Classes To Go!

I’m so excited to announce Card Classes to Go! Our current situation is preventing us from meeting in person but just because we can’t be together doesn’t mean we can’t continue crafting!

The April Card Class to Go features the Under My Umbrella Bundle. There are three class options to choose from.

Under My Umbrella OPTION #1

$40 (plus $8 priority shipping or free porch pick-up)*

Option #1 is the whole kit and caboodle. It includes everything you need to complete all the class projects. Included are:

Under My Umbrella OPTION #2

$15 (plus $8 priority shipping or free porch pick-up)*

Option #2 is the Class to Go Kit for those of you who already own the Under My Umbrella Bundle. You will need the stamps and punch to create these projects, so only choose this option if you already own them. Your class to go kit will include: 

  • Package of Rhinestone Basic Jewels
  • A Stamping Sponge (free!)
  • Paper & embellishment supplies cut & scored and ready to create four multi-layer cards – card inserts & envelopes included!
  • Access to exclusive online class. The Online Classroom Includes full color photos, measurements, written instructions, supply lists and a step-by-step video tutorial.*

Under My Umbrella OPTION #3

Online Only – FREE with Qualifying Purchase*

Shop online with me making a purchase of $50 or more (before tax and shipping) using HOST CODE:  JEYKXMSV and receive access to the Online Classroom FREE! The Online Classroom Includes full color photos, measurements, written instructions, supply lists and a step-by-step video tutorial.*

*Registration for the April Card Class to Go closes on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Class Kits will be mailed or available for porch pickup on Friday, April 17, 2020. The Option #3, Online Only Class will be available Monday, April 6, 2020.

Additional/similar supplies needed to complete projects:

  • Adhesive
  • Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
  • Daffodil Delight Ink
  • Petal Pink Ink
  • Stampin’ Blends: Dark Balmy Blue, Light & Dark Petal Pink, Light & Dark Lovely Lipstick and Light Granny Apple Green

NOTE: All class kits and included product will be ordered and prepared together after the registration deadline of Thursday, April 9, 2020. This is a preorder. Per SU policy, I do not have product on hand to ship. It takes about one week after the registration deadline for me to prepare and ship all class kits. Anticipated ship date or porch pick-up is Friday, April 17, 2020.  

FREE SHIPPING!

Tomorrow is my birthday and to celebrate I’m offering FREE SHIPPING* for online orders that use Hostess Code ZZS3AMBJ.

DETAILS:

  • Because this is my personal sale, Stampin’ Up! will charge you shipping at checkout. When your order is confirmed I will send a check reimbursing you for the shipping charges.
  • The free shipping offer begins now and will end at midnight, March 27th.
  • Must use Hostess Code ZZS3AMBJ at checkout.

It’s a great time to stock up on the paper crafting essentials you need to create pretty things while you’re spending so much more time at home!

*You will be charged for shipping at checkout. Once order confirmation is received a reimbursement check will be mailed to you.

Make a Country Floral Wax Paper Embossed Card

Hello, I’m sharing a technique with you today that is so much fun to do and if you have been paper crafting for a while you probably already have all the supplies you need.

I’m not sure what the official name is but I call the technique “wax paper embossing” and I used it as the background for this card. The wax from the waxed paper is melted onto a piece of card stock then sponged with ink creating a batik-like look.

The wax paper embossing technique has been around for awhile, it’s super easy to do and the end result is pretty impressive. It is very similar to and reminds me a lot of batik art.

To use this technique you will need waxed paper, an iron, a die-cutting or embossing machine and an embossing folder. The more intricate the design on the embossing folder, the better your results will be. I used the Country Floral Dynamic Textured Embossing Folder from Stampin’ Up! for my card.

Isn’t that a pretty embossed pattern? Because it’s easier to show you how to do this technique than it is to try and explain it, here is a video tutorial demonstrating wax paper embossing:

Paper Cutting Guide

  • Poppy Parade 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock = 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″
  • Whisper White 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock = two pieces 4″ x 6″ each and one piece 3″ x 2-1/2″
  • Basic Black 8-1/2″ x 11″ Cardstock = 3-1/2″ x 4-1/2″
Product List

I hope you enjoyed learning this new technique for creating beautiful, batik-like backgrounds for your paper crafting projects. Thanks for stopping by!

Make an Easel Card with Magnolia Lane

This is the card we made in one of my recent Facebook Live Coffee & Cards. It’s an elegant easel fold card that would work for many occasions. The inspiration for the card started with the gorgeous Flowering Foils Designer Series Paper.

I sponged the floral image from the Designer Series Paper using Petal Pink, So Saffron and Mossy Meadow inks then fussy cut the flower out. The rose gold foil on the paper resists the ink for a lovely affect.

The gorgeous designer series paper and the stamp that I used for the inside sentiment came from the Magnolia Lane Suite by Stampin’ Up!

The fold of the easel card is easy to do and can be used for every type of card. Here is a similar card we recently made in one of my live classes.

Same card with different elements making it totally unique! The whimsical characters for this card came from the Birthday Bonanza Suite from Stampin’ Up!

Here is the paper cutting directions and product list for the Magnolia Lane card.

———- Paper Cutting Guide ———–
Mossy Meadow Card Base = 8-1/2” x 4-1/4”
Basic Black = 3-1/2” x 3-1/2” & 3-3/4” x -1-1/3”
Petal Pink card stock = 3-1/4” x 3-1/4” & 3-1/2” x 1”
Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper = 3” x 3” & 3-3/8” x 7/8”

Product List

How to Make a Valentine Treat Holder

Sure a simple reclosable plastic bag can do the job of keeping your Valentine treats fresh, but why not package them up in a sweet little bag and pop a cute tag on it?!

I recently made up a few chocolate covered marshmallows using a few products that I picked up at the grocery store.

  • Large Marshmallows
  • Chocolate Candy Melts
  • Cake Pop Sticks
  • Candy Sprinkles

To make the chocolate covered marshmallows I inserted cake pop sticks into large marshmallows and dipped them into melted chocolate candy melts. Next, I sprinkled the dipped marshmallows with nonpareils sprinkles then set them onto wax paper to harden. That’s it! Easy-peasy.

I packaged the treats up using Stampin’ Up!’s new food safe 3″ x 9″ Printed Gusseted Cellophane Bags. Watch the video tutorial below to see how I created that sweet little tag.

Product List

How to Make a So Sentimental Thank You Card

The project I made for today’s post is a lovely, feminine card that would fit so many occasions!

The floral paper from the Best Dressed Designer Series Paper Stack was my inspiration for the card. I pulled the Lovely Lipstick color from the paper to use for the card base, the embossed layer, the butterflies and even the rhinestones! I used a sentiment from the So Sentimental Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up! Look at all the great occasions this stamp set would work for!

What was really fun was using the stamps along with the coordinating Stitched So Sweetly Dies. When you purchase the So Sentimental Bundle, the stamp set and dies, you save 10%! The dies fit perfectly over several of the stamped images creating pretty tags for cards and packages. I’m excited to use the stitched scallop rectangle dies on a project!

For the inside sentiment, I chose a stamp from the Little Ladybug stamp, a Host Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up! Isn’t it cute?

Product List
Bone Folder
$7.00
Stamparatus
$49.00

Card Recipe:

  • Real Red card stock = 4-1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5-1/2″ to form card base
  • Real Red card stock = 2-1/2″ x 5-1/4″ emboss
  • Best Dressed Designer Series Paper = 2″ x 5-1/4″
  • Rose Glimmer Paper = 1/4″ x 5-1/4″
  • Whisper White card stock = 2-1/2″ x 3″ stamp sentiment & die-cut out
  • Whisper White card stock = 4″ x 5-1/4″ inside card sentiment
  • Vellum = scrap for punched butterflies

Click on the Shop Now button below to get everything you need to make your own So Sentimental Thank You Card!