Latest Posts

Introducing My Card-Making Socials!

I’m excited to introduce my new card-making socials, where we go beyond just a class—it’s a welcoming community! In these gatherings, I teach a variety of paper crafting techniques in a relaxing and supportive environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid crafter, you’ll find this is the perfect place to unwind, escape the stresses of everyday life, and create beautiful handmade cards you’ll be proud to share.

Join us for our next card-making social, where you’ll have everything you need to create four beautiful autumn-themed cards using brand-new products from the Stampin’ Up! Holiday Catalog.

The class kit includes all the elements to assemble your cards, along with a full package of Pecan Pie & Clear Ribboned Adhesive-Backed Dots to add the perfect embellishments. You’ll also receive 12 sheets of Designer Series Paper from the Iconic Celebrations paper pack, giving you plenty of extra material to take home and continue crafting. This is a fantastic opportunity to relax, create, and leave with not only completed cards but also the supplies and inspiration to keep crafting at home!

Join us for this in-person card-making class at my home in Lee’s Summit, MO. This promises to be a fun and creative gathering! There are two sessions to choose from, so pick the one that suits your schedule best. We can’t wait to craft together!

  • Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024
  • Two Class Times: 10:00 am or 6:30 pm
  • Location: My home in Lee’s Summit, MO
  • Cost: $27 

Your spot in class is reserved once payment has been received and we ask that you RSVP by Friday, September 6th to secure your spot, allowing us to prepare a class kit tailored just for you. Click on the image below to register!

My Summer Sabbatical Update & BIG August Discounts!

Hello Creative Friends!

I hope this post finds you staying cool and in the midst of wonderful crafting projects! As we enter a new month, I’m thrilled to share some exciting promotions and offers that will help you save on your favorite Stampin’ Up! products. Let’s dive into the details!

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1. My Summer Sabbatical & What’s Coming Next!

As my summer sabbatical comes to an end, I’m excited to share that I’ve been working behind the scenes on planning some new and exciting crafting experiences. I can’t wait to reveal what’s in store and share these creative adventures with all of you. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

2. Redeem Your Bonus Days Coupons!

If you earned Bonus Days Coupons during July, now’s the perfect time to redeem them here! Use your coupons to enjoy discounts on your purchases. Simply enter the coupon codes at checkout to apply the savings.

3. Save 15% on Select Designer Series Paper

August 6th brings an incredible offer: 15% off select Designer Series Paper! This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on beautiful paper for your next projects. Even better, you can stack the savings by using your Bonus Days Coupons on top of this discount.

DSP Sale

4. Explore New Kits and Online Exclusives

Don’t miss out on the latest kits and online exclusives! Whether you’re looking for something new to try or want to add to your collection, there’s something for everyone. Remember, you can use your Bonus Days Coupons on these items as well, making it an excellent time to shop and save.

Thank you for being a part of our creative community! Your passion and creativity inspire me every day. If you have any questions or need assistance with your orders, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Learn How to Make a Greeting Card using the Double or Triple Layer Technique!

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I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks! I’ve been paper-crafting for more years than I can count and, although the double and triple layer card-making technique has been around for awhile, today was the first time I tried my hand at it.

I used a 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ piece of the Flowering Zinnias Designer Series Paper and the Deckled Rectangle Dies from Stampin’ Up! to make the card below. The beautiful zinnia patterned paper does all the work so there was no need to add a lot of additional embellishment to the card front. It was such a quick and easy card to make but the end result is lovely!

I had a lot of fun coloring this next card. I used the double-layer technique along with stamped images from the Simply Zinnia stamp set from Stampin’ Up! It was a bit trickier to complete but I share all the tips and tricks for this technique in the video posted below.

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Embracing Summer Adventures: A New Chapter for our Paper Crafting Classes

Hello, dear crafting friends!

How’s your summer going? My summer is packed with travel plans and fun family activities. While I am thrilled about these adventures, they also mean I need to take a short break from holding my in-person paper crafting classes. But don’t worry—exciting things are on the horizon!

Exciting Online Classes Ahead!

I am thrilled to announce that I will soon be launching online paper crafting classes! These classes will allow us to stay connected and continue our crafting journey together, no matter where you are. Whether you’re lounging at the beach, sitting in a cozy cabin in the mountains, or simply relaxing at home, you’ll be able to join in and create beautiful projects with us.

These online classes will be filled with new techniques, fun projects, and plenty of opportunities to interact and share our creations. I am working hard to ensure these sessions are as engaging and interactive as our in-person gatherings. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the flexibility of crafting at your own pace.

Stay Tuned!

I am incredibly excited about this new chapter and the possibilities it brings. Stay tuned for more details on the online classes, including schedules, project previews, and how to sign up. I can’t wait to see what we create together and to continue sharing the joy of paper crafting with all of you, no matter where our summer adventures take us.

Thank you for your understanding and support. Here’s to a summer filled with creativity, connection, and endless inspiration!

Mini Treat Bags with the Delicate Wings Paper Pumpkin Kit!

I’m always on the lookout for party favors for my card class guests. When the April Delicate Wings Paper Pumpkin Kit arrived, I knew the gold-embossed card bases would be perfect for mini treat bags.

It was a fortunate coincidence that the original card base fold worked perfectly with this design. I’ve created a project recipe that includes cutting and scoring guides. You can find the link to the free PDF at the bottom of this post.

Once the bags were assembled, I embellished the front of them using the other elements from the kit. For those unfamiliar with Paper Pumpkin kits, they are delivered straight to your mailbox in the months of your choice. Inside, you’ll find all the supplies you need along with directions for assembling the kit cards/projects designed. Here are the intended cards designed for the April 2024 Delicate Wings Paper Pumpkin kit.

If you would like to recreate this project using the Delicate Wings Kit, Paper Pumpkin subscribers are allowed to purchase past kits. It’s easy to subscribe and you always have the option to choose which months to receive. CLICK HERE for more information and to subscribe!

Here is a cutting/scoring guide for the treat bags:

I’ve prepared a project recipe for the treat bags, including cutting and scoring details. CLICK HERE to download your free .pdf.

Product List
Delicate Wings Paper Pumpkin Refill
Pretty Peacock & Gold 3/8" (1 Cm) Metallic Ribbon
Simply Scored
Bone Folder
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
Stampin' Dimensionals

In My Scrapbook Era

Throughout the month of May, I’ve been sharing fun memory-keeping projects during my weekly livestreams. Last week I shared my process for creating a simple, one page layout. You can find all the details in the post linked here.

In this week’s livestream, I demonstrated my process for creating this traditional double-page scrapbook layout using a sketch. 

I also shared a quick tip for making those baseball die-cuts using 2″ circles. You can catch the replay here:

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1/16 Inch Handheld Circle Punch
1/16 Inch Handheld Circle Punch

Creating a double-page scrapbook layout using a sketch is a fun way to preserve your memories. I hope that I may have inspired you to print some of the photos from your phone and put them on a page to enjoy! Happy scrapping!

Let’s Make a Simple One-Page Scrapbook Layout

In the digital age, where every moment is captured on smartphones and stored in clouds, there’s something undeniably special about preserving memories through tangible means. Scrapbooking offers a fun way to preserve precious moments and share our memories. Today, I’m excited to share a one-page scrapbook layout I made using a past Paper Pumpkin card making kit, some dies, stamps, and ink.

I came across these photos from last year’s Mother’s Day celebration and instantly knew I wanted to preserve them. The Welcome Inn Paper Pumpkin Kit from Stampin’ Up! showcased hues in Calypso Coral and Night of Navy, which I realized would complement the colors in my photos.

I love doing traditional scrapbooking, and for this layout, I went with a classic 12″ x 12″ single-page setup. I grabbed a card from the Paper Pumpkin Kit and sliced it in half to create a cool 2-3/4″ x 12″ border at the bottom. To jazz it up even more, I added a 1-1/4″ scallop strip in Calypso Coral underneath. Adds a nice pop, don’t you think?

I thought the page needed some grounding, so I adhered a layered 1″ strip on the left side using elements from the Paper Pumpkin Kit. Then I added a title by stamping Happy Mother’s Day from the Heartfelt Hellos stamp set onto a Basic White panel that I had cut out using a die from the Countryside Corners Dies. I layered the stamped panel onto a Night of Navy panel and framed them both using a die-cut form the Paper Pumpkin Kit.

I spruced up the page with some flowers and leaves I cut from designer series paper. I thought they’d be a nice match for the floral print on my daughter’s dress in the photo. Finally, I stamped a smattering of splatters randomly on the page using Calypso Coral ink.

It’s been a while since I’ve done any scrapbooking, so I was a bit rusty, but I’m actually quite happy with how it turned out. With Stampin’ Up! expanding their range of memory keeping supplies, I might just find myself doing more scrapbooking in the future.

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How to Make a Tri-Fold Fun-Fold Card

Throughout April, I’ve been sharing various fun-fold card designs with you. I hope you’ve enjoyed this series and perhaps even tried crafting some yourself.

The first card I introduced, and probably my personal favorite from the collection, is the Angled Gatefold Card. I utilized products from the upcoming Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog to craft this card. For more insights into this technique, check it out Here.

Following that, I showed a different take on a window card. This card has a few surprises upon opening. Dive into the details Here. Please note, the Monkey Builder Punch and its coordinating stamp set featured in this card are bidding farewell for good. Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, marks your last chance to snag them.

The third card in my fun-fold card-making series was the Rocking Card. I had so much fun with this technique that I made two different cards using the technique. You can view the details for the Rocking Card Here.

To wrap up my fun-fold card series, I created this Tri-Fold Card today during my Monday Mini Card Class Livestream. For this card, I chose to showcase retiring products, many of which are currently discounted. I also demonstrated a masking technique, so be sure to catch the video for all the intricate details.

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Pretty In Pink Classic Stampin' Pad
Pretty In Pink Classic Stampin’ Pad

How to Make a Rocking Card

I’m rolling in to rock your world today by showing you how to make a rocking card!

I’m eager to spotlight some of the retiring Stampin’ Up! products before they disappear for good. For today’s project, I incorporated the retiring Les Shoppes Designer Series Paper and the Daring Details Stamp Set.

I fussy-cut the shop and planters directly from the Designer Series Paper to create full-color die-cuts for the card front. Additionally, I cut out another awning from the paper and adhered it over the shop die-cut using Stampin’ Dimensionals to give it dimension.

Cutting & Scoring Guide

  • Card Front = Cut a 5-3/8″ circle from a 6″ x 6″ piece of Thick Basic White Cardstock.
  • First Layer = Cut a 4-7/8″ circle from a 5-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Les Shoppes Designer Series Paper. Cut in half.
  • Rectangle Layer = 2-1/2″ x 3-5/8″ piece of Smoky Slate Cardstock
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How to Make a Fun Fold Window All-Occasion Card


Today’s project recipe is a fun-fold window card. I used the Little Monkey Bundle to create my take on this fun-fold.

The monkey die-cut on the card has a slight wiggle because I used a Mini Action Wobble to adhere it, adding a playful touch. (You can find a link to the Mini Action Wobbles HERE.) But the real fun for this window card begins when you open it up!

The Little Monkey stamp set and coordinating punch have made their way onto the Retiring Products List. Get ready for the Retiring Products Sale starting tomorrow, April 9, 2024. As we bid farewell to both the Annual Catalog and the Jan-April Mini catalog, prepare for substantial discounts with savings of up to 60% off on overstocked products!

CLICK HERE FOR THE ANNUAL CATALOG RETIRING LIST

CLICK HERE FOR THE JAN-APR MINI CATALOG RETIRING LIST

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Make an Angled Gatefold Card

During April, I’ll be demonstrating how to create various fun-fold cards in my Monday Mini Livestream classes. This week, we crafted an angled gatefold card using soon-to-be released products in tandem with the retiring Charming Sentiments stamp set.

When you slip off the belly band and open the card, it reveals this delightful design.

Although I faced a few challenges during the livestream while making precise cuts on the card base, overcoming that hurdle makes crafting this card a breeze. To aid you in the process, I’ve prepared these templates.

Card Base Template (not to scale)

Designer Series Layers (note to scale)

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Make a Loaded Envelope

I wanted to bring a special gift to my teammates attending the recent Stampin’ Up! OnStage convention, and this loaded envelope project is what I decided on. I found the pattern from fellow Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator Diane Evans.

The envelopes are straightforward to assemble using a 12″ x 12″ piece of Designer Series Paper and can be embellished to suit any occasion. Here is an Easter-themed envelope that I made during my Monday Mini Livestream this week. Instead of a bookmark, I inserted a gift card tag into the pocket on the envelope. I plan on loading the envelope with a package of chocolates.

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Make a Hooray for Surprises Interactive Card

Throughout February, I’ve been hosting virtual Monday Mini Card Classes, where I share fun and interactive cards. Catch up on the replays of this interactive card series by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePlaidPoodle/playlists

This week I demonstrated a card using the Hooray for Surprises Bundle from Stampin’ Up! The dies from the Hooray for Surprises Bundle create perforated edges with a tab. Simply pull the tab to reveal the message inside.

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Interested in receiving a free project sheet of today’s card? Sign up for my Tuesday Tutorials! It’s free and easy to do, just hit up this link.

Don’t miss a Monday Mini Papercrafting Class episode – subscribe to my page or channel. Grab your coffee and hang out with me live next Monday! ☕️🎉

Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theplaidpoodle 

YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/theplaidpoodle 

Make a Bright Skies Interactive Slider Card

If you’ve been following me for a bit you may know that I’ve been sharing various techniques for crafting interactive cards.

In today’s livestream, I showcased a slider card using the Bright Skies Bundle from Stampin’ Up! However, feel free to replicate this card using this easy technique with any crafting products you may already have.

When you pull the slider insert, the sun on the card front rises and the sentiment magically appears!

The slider card is easy to create using a paper trimmer – no special dies needed. For a step-by-step demonstration, feel free to watch the replay of today’s mini card-making class below to see how I make this fun card!

Product List
Bright Skies Bundle (English)
Hooray For Surprises Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad
Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad
Sunny Days 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper
Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Paper Trimmer
Bone Folder
Take Your Pick
Stampin' Pierce Mat
Silicone Craft Sheet
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
Tear & Tape Adhesive
Stampin' Dimensionals
Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Interested in receiving a free project sheet of today’s card? Sign up for my Tuesday Tutorials! It’s free and easy to do, just hit up this link.

Don’t miss a Monday Mini Papercrafting Class episode – subscribe to my page or channel. Grab your coffee and hang out with me live next Monday! ☕️🎉

Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theplaidpoodle 

YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/theplaidpoodle 

Make an Interactive Easter Card

Welcome to the first Monday of February, marking the beginning of a new theme for my Monday Mini Card-Making Livestreams! Throughout this month, I’ll be demonstrating various techniques for crafting interactive cards.

In today’s livestream, I showcased an Easter card featuring the adorable Easter Bunny stamp set and Bunny Punch from Stampin’ Up! However, feel free to replicate this card using the showcased technique with any crafting products you may already have.

When you open the card, this sweet ink-blended bunny magically pops up, adding an extra touch of charm and creativity to the card.

The pop-up insert is easy to create using a paper trimmer or scissors. For a step-by-step demonstration, feel free to watch the replay of today’s mini card-making class below to see how I make this charming Easter card come to life!

Product List

Interested in receiving a free project sheet of today’s card? Sign up for my Tuesday Tutorials! It’s free and easy to do, just hit up this link.

Don’t miss a Monday Mini Papercrafting Class episode – subscribe to my page or channel. Grab your coffee and hang out with me live next Monday! ☕️🎉

Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theplaidpoodle 

YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/theplaidpoodle