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Paisleys & Posies Card

The project I’m sharing today is the second in my three-part autumn-themed series.  This card is super simple to make but looks anything but.  With the rich, autumn hued colors and the copper embossed sentiment it’s a classy little card.  I used several products from the Stampin Up! Petals & Paisleys suite featured in the 2016 Holiday Catalog.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Stampin’ Up! really takes the guess work out of coordinating elements for my paper crafting projects.  The problem of gathering pieces for a project that will look great together is handled for me and that rings true for this card.  It took me minutes to design the card and not much more to put it together from start to finish.

I chose to pull out one of the colors from the Petals & Paisleys Designer Series Paper and used Night of Navy for the card base, scallop circle and die-cut flourish.  To take the card up a notch on the fancy scale I used the Delightful Dijon ribbon from the 3/8″ Ribbon Trio Pack and heat embossed the sentiment using Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder.

Enjoy the video and don’t forget to check out card #1 in the series HERE and return on Wednesday for the third card in my Autumn-themed series.

Project Dimensions

  • Night of Navy Cardstock:  8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″, 3-1/4″ x 2-1/4″, scrap
  • Petals & Paisleys Specialty Designer Series Paper:  5-1/2″ x 2″
  • Very Vanilla Cardstock:  3-1/4″ x 2-1/4″, 4″ x 5-1/4″

Product List

Big Shot

$110.00

Heat Tool

$30.00

Glue Dots

$5.25

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Vintage Leaves Card

It was bound to happen and it happened today.  I was forced to turn the furnace on.  Yep, just after firing up the Kuerig this morning I moseyed over to the thermostat and cranked that baby on!  It’s official, Autumn is here.

How appropriate that my card for today’s post just happens to be the first in my three-part series of Autumn-themed cards.  The sentiment comes from the Flourishing Phrases stamp set by Stampin’ Up!  I created it for a sympathy card but it would work for just about any occasion by changing up the sentiment and the Flourishing Phrases set covers most of them.

vintage-leaves-card The maple leaf image from the Vintage Leaves stamp set takes center stage for this card.  I added texture and dimension to the Crushed Curry pennant by running it through the Big Shot using the Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder and popped it up on the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.  The 5/8″ Burlap Ribbon and Linen Thread add even more texture.

Enjoy the video tutorial and don’t forget to check back on Monday for card number two in my Autumn-Themed series.

Project Dimensions:

  • Early Espresso Card Stock:  8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″
  • Very Vanilla Card Stock:  2 pieces 5-1/4″ x 4″ each, 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″
  • Crushed Curry Card Stock:  3-1/2″ x 1/2″

Product List

Big Shot

$110.00

Linen Thread

$4.50

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Acorny Thank You Treat Holder

When someone places an order with me I like to show my appreciation with a handmade card but every once-in-a-while I surprise them with a little something more.  In September I created these Autumn-themed treat holders for an event and loved them so much that I made up extras to slip in with my client’s orders.  These adorable bags could be filled with any kind of small candy but the stamp set I used is named Acorny Thank You so you know it had to be candy corn!

 

16-oct-acorny-thank-you-treat-bagAren’t they sweet?  They are quick and easy to make so I’ll be making up several to have on hand for many different events this fall.  They would be great to tuck in with a tip to hair dresser, manicurist and dog groomer as well as hostess gifts and table favors.

Here is a video tutorial for the Acorny Thank You Treat Holders and a full list of products used are listed below.

 

 

Product List

Linen Thread

$4.50

Glue Dots

$5.25

 

As an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator I’m here to be your creative coach, give you fun project ideas, share special offers, and, of course, teach you about fantastic stamping products. If you don’t already have a Demonstrator I would love to be yours. Contact me today at Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com

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Totally Trees

16-sep-just-trees-notecardSomeone needs to alert Mother Nature that tomorrow is the first day of fall because it was 94 degrees in Kansas City today! Add the heat index to that and I think it was something link a jilllion and ten outside!  Don’t get me wrong; I dearly love summer, especially after a long grueling winter, but fall must be my spirit season because a perfect day to me is a sunny, 72 degree day with ZERO percent humidity!  I hope I don’t offend, but humidity has to be from the devil!

My card today however doesn’t care what temperature it is outside.  It’s just busting with autumnal mood and color!  I used the Stampin’ Up! Totally Trees stamp set to create this card along with the Chocolate Chip, Delightful Dijon and Cajon Craze inks.  The inspiration behind this card was the little scrap of Petals and Paisleys Specialty Designer Series Paper.  I absolutely love that paper and only had a few snippets left so I used the left-over scraps to whip up a few of these adorable note cards.

Here’s a quick video tutorial for the card.  If you enjoy it why not slip over to Youtube land HERE and leave a comment?  While you’re there make sure to subscribe to my channel to receive upcoming videos.  Thanks!

Cardstock Dimensions:

        • Very Vanilla 5″ x 7″ scored at 3-1/2″, 3-3/4″ x 2-1/2″
        • Mint Macaron 3-1/4″ x 4-3/4″
        • Petals & Paisleys Specialty Designer Series Paper 3-1/4″ x 1-1/2″
        • Delightful Dijon 3-3/4″ x 2-1/2″

 

Product List

Big Shot

$110.00

Glue Dots

$5.25

Flourishing Phrases Thank-You Cards

16-AUG-Flourishing-Phrases-NotecardAt the very least I always send a thank-you card to my clients along with every order.  This month I used one of my favorite stamp sets from the new annual catalog, Flourishing Phrases.  This stamp set appealed to me because of the coordinating FlourishThinlits Dies  and I saved 10% by purchasing the stamps with the dies in a bundle.  But what really sold me on this set was that i fell in love with the gorgeous fonts and sentiments in the stamp set.

Flourishing PhrasesAren’t they great?  So much variety making it a great value.  I can use it for so many occasions.  I used the Note Cards & Envelopes from Stampin’ Up! to make my cards which made the project quick and easy. Here is a video tutorial and I’ve listed the supply list along with all dimensions below.

 Card Stock Dimensions 

Dapper Denim:  4-3/4″ x 3-1/4″, 2″ x 2″, Whisper White: 4-1/4″ x 2-3/4″

Product List

Big Shot

$110.00

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Paper & Ink Sketches with The Plaid Poodle

16-JUL-Pop-of-Paradise-Card-with brushI am super excited to announce a new, ongoing feature to my blog called PAPER & INK SKETCHES.  A card sketch is a blueprint that helps determine what direction certain elements should be placed onto a card front. Twice per month I will post a Sketch here along with a card I design using the Sketch as my inspiration.  Each Sketch will have a FREE PDF – one with measurements and one without.  Please feel free to use the Sketch and share your creation on my Facebook Page – The Plaid Poodle – you may win a prize!!!!!  There are no rules when using a Sketch – it’s just a great jumping off point to get the creative juices flowing.  For example, I used the basic layout from Sketch #1 in my card but then added my own interpretation to it. 

Paper & Ink Sketch #116-JUL-Pop-of-Paradise-Card-with brush

View Video Tutorial & Download FREE Project Sheet & PDF’s Here:

PRIZE PATROL!

To kick off PAPER & INK SKETCHES I’m mailing my Pop of Paradise Card from Sketch #1 along with a kit to make your own card to the first person to post their created card on my Facebook Page.


16-JUL Bonus Days Blog HeaderDid you get everything you want from the new annual catalog yet? Since it came out only a month ago, you probably still have some items on your wish list, and Stampin’ Up! has some great news for you! For every $50 USD you spend in between July 7 and July 31, you’ll get a $5 USD Bonus Days coupon that you can use August 2-31. This is a great opportunity to shop from your wish list, whether you buy your favorite products now or later in August with your coupons!

Details
• Promotion period: July 7–31, 2016
• Redemption period: August 2–31, 2016
• An email address is required to participate in this promotion; Bonus Days coupon codes can only be delivered via email.
• It is strongly recommended that participants both save emails containing their Bonus Days coupon codes AND write down the coupon codes in a safe place. Codes cannot be resent if the email is lost, and lost codes cannot be recovered.
• Bonus Days coupon codes can be redeemed for any product, excluding Starter Kits and Paper Pumpkin subscriptions. New prepaid Paper Pumpkin codes can be redeemed.

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New Stampin’ Up! Catalog Reveal Party

I held my June Fun & Fancy Stamp Classes on Monday and everyone in attendance received a copy of the new Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog.  A new catalog is always something to celebrate so a party was in order.  The theme for the party was Flip-Flops and Flamingos.  As mentioned in my blog post HERE I have fallen in love with the new Pop of Paradise Stamp Set and I’m finding Flamingos everywhere these days!

Here are a couple photos from the party:

16-JUN-Catalog-Reveal-Decor16-JUN-CupcakesMy cupcakes were Tropical Mango and coordinated perfectly with one of the new In-Colors, Peekaboo Peach.  I made the cupcake picks by stamping the pineapple image from the Pop of Paradise stamp set onto Peekaboo Peach card stock using Basic Black ink.  I punched the pineapples out with the 1-1/2″ Circle Punch then adhered two circles together with a toothpick in the center using Fast Fuse Adhesive.  It was a last-minute idea and I put them together just 30 minutes before the party started!

One Day Only Paper Pumpkin Mega Deal

16-MAY-Paper-PumpkinIf you read my blog a couple of weeks ago I featured this card that I created using the May Paper Pumpkin Kit.   You can read all about it and view past kits on my blog post HERE but make sure you come back and read about the ONE DAY ONLY sale that’s coming!

pp_onedaydeal_facebook-usStampin’ Up! is offering  a MEGA deal to new subscribers!  For ONE DAY ONLY, new Paper Pumpkin subscribers can get their first kit for just $5 USD.

This amazing offer starts Thursday, June 9 at 5:00 PM (MT) and ends Friday, June 10 at 11:50 PM (MT).  Technically that’s just shy of 31 hours—a little more than one day, but it will go by in a blink! So mark your calendars and set your alerts so you can take advantage of this offer to grab your first Paper Pumpkin kit for practically pennies!

Details:
  • The price of the kit is $5
  • This offer is open to first-time subscribers only.
  • Discount applies to one kit for June 2016. After the first month, the price for the subscription will return to $19.95.
  • Offer starts on Thursday, June 9 at 5:00 PM (MT) and ends Friday, June 10 at 11:50 PM (MT).
  • Available for month-to-month subscriptions, not prepaid subscriptions.
  • USE Promo Code:  ONEDAYDEAL

Plus For My Paper Pumpkin Subscribers Only:

If you’re one of my Paper Pumpkin subscribers, beginning with the June Paper Pumpkin Kit, you will receive an email each month that will give you exclusive access to several tutorials showing optional projects using the Paper Pumpkin kit.

Here is just one sample of the card tutorials that were available to my subscribers using the May Kit:PPMay2016-e1465406663637JoinNowCTA

Pop of Paradise Note Cards

Summer has arrived!  Time for flip-flops and tropical drinks with little umbrellas in them!  The Pop of Paradise Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up! is ideal for all our Summer celebrations.  It’s images of flamingos, palm leaves and pineapples remind me of vacations spent at the beach.  Just look at these lush projects from the new Stampin’ Up! Catalog and Idea Book:

141581O1Are you in love?  The projects above are paired with the new Pop of Pink Specialty Designer Specialty Paper.  You just can’t miss with the gold/black/pink combination however I wanted to feature the fabulous new Stampin’ Up! In-Colors for 2016-2018 in today’s post so my project uses those.  I created this sweet little set of 3″ x 3″ note cards using all five of the new colors.

16-JUN-Pop-of-Paradise-NotecardsFrom left to right the new 2016 In-Colors are:  Sweet Sugarplum, Emerald Envy, Peekaboo Peach, Dapper Denim and Flirty Flamingo!  Can you just?  I used the charming pineapple image from the Pop of Paradise Stamp Set for the cards’ focal point and the thank you sentiment is from another new stamp set, Thoughtful Banners.  And, how about those perfectly square and framed layers?  I used the new Layering Squares Framelits along with the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine to cut those out.

Here is a quick video tutorial showing how I put these cuties together:

Dimensions:

  • Card Base:  6″ x 3″ scored at 3″ on the 6″ side
  • Basic Black Layer:  3″ x 3″
  • Whisper White Layer:  2-1/4″ 2-1/4″
  • Whisper White Tag:  1-1/2″ x 3/8″
  • Whisper White Inside Layer:  2-3/4″ x 2-3/4″

Products Used:

The combination packs of card stock and ink pads for the new In-Colors are linked below but each color can also be purchased alone.  Please visit my STORE HERE to view those.

Product List

Big Shot

$110.00

Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog

ac-launch_blogpost_jun2016_usHooray!  After weeks of teasers the new 2016-2017 Stampin’ Up! Catalog is finally here!  209 pages of paper crafting ideas and inspiration with over 400 new products!  I am so excited about this catalog!  It’s colorful and well organized with so many new, on-trend products.

If you have placed a order with me during the past year your copy is on it’s way.  If you don’t already have a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator I would be happy to send you a catalog. The easiest way to get your copy is to place an order with me HERE making sure to include your contact information allowing me to contact you and I will ship one out to you FREE of charge.  If you plan to shop with me and would like an annual catalog you can receive your catalog for FREE – just pay $6.80 for Priority Postage HERE.

So don’t wait another second!  Start  flipping through the fun-filled pages of the new annual catalog! There are new products to see and new projects to make!  Click on the catalog image to view a PDF copy on-line or download to your computer or mobile device.  Ready, Set, Go!!!!

2016 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog

My Paper Pumpkin

16-MAY-Paper-PumpkinToday was my anniversary and I needed a card for my guy and I needed it quickly.  My Paper Pumpkin to the rescue!  Paper Pumpkin is a crafting subscription program by Stampin’ Up! that allows me to make amazing projects without the prep work. The card I made today came from the May Kit which contained the elements to make eight masculine (perfect) Father’s Day or birthday cards.  Because I needed an anniversary card I changed up the greeting using another stamp set from my craft room, Crazy About You, but all the other bits and pieces came from the Kit.  The card was a snap to make but don’t take my word for it and check out my video tutorial below.

Easy peasy right?  Paper Pumpkin is happy mail that I treat myself to every month.  I love that everything I need to make a fun paper-crafting project is included in the box.  Stamps, ink and paper all precut and ready to go.  Here are a few kits from past months:

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GIFT WITH PURCHASE

Purchase a 3-month prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscription through me from now thru June 10, 2016 and I will send you one of these cute Skip-to-the-Fun totes along with a Paper Pumpkin Pen as my thank-you gift.  The bags are not too little and not to big but just right to hold two Paper Pumpkin boxes.  U.S. orders only and must be placed on my Stampin’ Up! website HERE.  Use HOSTESS CODE 2D77EK9R and make sure to click YES to “Allow my demonstrator to contact me with order updates and other important information” so that I will have your address to mail your gift.

paper-pumpkin-reusable-shopping-bagspaper-pumpkin-pens

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Timeless Textures Thinking of You Card

16-MAY-Timeless-Textures-CaEverything old is new again.  Just when I get used to skinny jeans the bell-bottoms start creeping back.  I can’t imagine I’ll be getting on that train.  Don’t they say if you lived through a trend once you’re probably too old to give it a go again next time around?  Fortunately some things are timeless and never go out of style.

Speaking of timeless, my card today is made using the Timeless Textures Stamp Set by Stampin’ Up!  This hand-stamped card is shabby chic and modern and colorful all at once!  The stamped images make a super background for the “thinking of you” sentiment, and just like jewelry completes an outfit, the added frills of Silver Thread and Metallic Sequins on this card help make it extra special.

16-MAY-Timeless-Textures-Trim I chose the “thinking of you” stamp from the Sheltering Tree Stamp Set for the sentiment which I heat embossed using VersaMark Ink and White Stampin’ Emboss Powder.  The black and white of the sentiment is a contrast to the subtle ink colors of the background making it just pop!  It reminds me of the retro label makers with the plastic tape and rotary dials that I used back in-the-day.   Anyone else remember using one of those?  I think they’re coming back.  Everything old is eventually new again folks!

 

Product List

Heat Tool

$30.00

You’re So Lovely

I’m on my way back home today from a few days away but wanted to check in and share a cute project kit by Stampin’ Up!  The You’re so Lovely Project Kit contains material to make 12 cards along with 12 goodie bags and tags.  Perfect for party favors or quick thank-you or “just because” gifts.  They would also make a cute presentation for gift card giving.

Occasions16_p32_aOccasions16_p32_b

The kit comes with some fun tools like stencils and a sponge brayer that can be saved and used on other paper crafting projects.  The coordinating You’re So Lovely Stamp Set along with Mint Macaron, Watermelon Wonder, Basic Black and Whisper White Craft Stampin’ Pads are recommended to create the kit as designed however, the kit elements can be used for all sorts of projects.  You are only limited by your imagination.  Here is a video from Stampin’ Up! showing all the fun bits and pieces that come with this kit along with some super cute alternative projects made using the You’re So Lovely Kit.

 

Aren’t these projects over-the-top?  I can hear the “ooohs” and “awwws” from anyone on the receiving end of one of these sweet projects.  Whether you assemble the kit as intended or make an alternative project this kit would be wonderful to have on hand for all your gift-giving needs.  The kit is on the Retiring List and disappears on May 31, 2016 so don’t miss out and click on the products listed below to order.
Product List

Butterfly Basics Card

My hand-made card today is reminiscent of slower days, sipping iced-tea on a hot day and visiting the county fair at summer’s end.  It’s one of the cards we made during my In-Studio Fun & Fancy Card Classes this month and if I had to choose a favorite this would be it!  I used the soon-to-retire Farmers Market Designer Series Paper that I love, love, love!  The card couldn’t be easier to assemble.  I used an 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Very Vanilla card stock for the base then cut a 4″ x 4″ piece of Designer Series Paper in half on a diagonal.  The open space left in-between the Designer Series Paper is perfect for the Happy Birthday sentiment from the Butterfly Basics Stamp Set.  The little lacy butterfly image is adorable and the fact that there is a matching Framelit from the Butterflies Thinlits is a bonus!  I wrapped a bit of Linen Thread around the card at the last minute but I think it’s a nice touch.

16-MAY Butterfly-Basics-Card

When you purchase the Butterfly Basics Stamp Set + Butterflies Thinlits Dies Bundle before June 1, 2016 there is a 15% savings.  And don’t forget, customers that have ordered with me in the past year will receive the new Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalog for FREE so place your order today!

Product List

Linen Thread

$4.50

Big Shot

$110.00

Love is in the Air Bloomin’ Love Card

Love is in the air!  My husband and I are on a  team at our church that mentors couples preparing for marriage and we seem to be our busy season.  If there isn’t a wedding on the calendar there is sure to be a bridal shower so I like to have a stash of pretty cards on hand.

Stampin’ Up!’s Bloomin’ Love Stamp Set from the Occasions Catalog is perfect for these occasions.  It’s floral, kind of lacy and includes hearts along with some lovely sentiments.   I didn’t use the coordinating Bloomin’ Heart Thinlit Dies with this card but it is beautiful and I would highly recommend the Bundle that includes the stamp set along with the dies for a 15% savings right now.

Bloomin' Love BundleBloomin'-Hearts-Card

My card today is a 4″ x 4″ layered card.  To see how the card stacked up view my video tutorial below as well as a complete list of the products used and a list of the card stock dimensions.

 

Card Stock Dimensions:
    • Perfect Plum 8″ x 4″ scored at 4″, 2-3/4″ x 2-3/4″, 3-1/2″ x 1-3/8″
    • Wisteria Wonder:  3-3/4″ x 3-3/4″, 2-5/8″ x 2-5/8″ 3-1/2″ x 1-1/4″
    • Whisper White:  3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″, 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″, 3-3/4″ x 3-3/4″

Product List