Party Puffins: HB

For the  Stamp Review Crew blog hop that featured Party Puffins earlier this week, I neglected to point out that this is a note card. I already had the HB die cut, but the proportions weren’t working until I tried everything on a 3½” x 5″ canvas.

Party Puffins | Alphabet a la Mode | A note card for my purple-loving stepdaughter with some new products -- Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

If you can’t see the shimmery pale purple paper, you are missing out! It is one of my favorite products in the Stampin’ Up! January-April 2023 Mini Catalog. Specifically, the Fine Shimmer 12″ x 12″ Paper Pack (#160428 / $10.00 US) consists of six single-sided sheets, two each of Soft Succulent, Fresh Freesia (used here), and gold. Really beautiful stuff, and thin but not flimsy.

Party Puffins | Alphabet a la Mode | A note card for my purple-loving stepdaughter with some new products -- Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

These two letters are each about 1/2″ wide by 1½” tall. Also a “coming soon” product, Alphabet à la Mode Dies (#160750 / $42.00 US) is a set of 52 alpha, numeric, and symbol dies. As someone who loves to make monogrammed and other personalized items, these versatile dies were at the top of my pre-order list. I adhered a piece of Foam Adhesive Sheet to the back of two Fine Shimmer pieces before die cutting the letters, then punched a leftover scrap with a 1/4″ hand-held punch and flat adhered it to the top of the hat.

I was so nervous about the placement of the HB and the puffin (also popped up), that I did the very thing I have cautioned others against, namely, using the embossed music upside-down! (Did you notice?)

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

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Party Puffins: Happy Birthday

I hope you loved the ideas from this week’s Stamp Review Crew blog hop that featured Party Puffins. I know I did!

As I said, I had such an enjoyable, relaxed stamping time prepping for this hop. It’s not that I have used Party Puffins that much (because that sometimes leads to feeling like I couldn’t possibly come up with a fresh, new idea), it’s that I started planning way ahead of time. No panic, just Christmas music everywhere in the house (our thermostat is also a speaker!!!) and a cup of tea nearby. Just not too close nearby.

Party Puffins | Hand-Drawn Dots | The technique used for this background is called emboss resist.  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I began by stamping all of the puffins at the same time on Thick Basic White cardstock with my Stamparatus, which I used to ensure complete coverage and a deep black (since I didn’t have plans for a puffin in any other color!). I stamped several sets so I had plenty to play with and discard if I didn’t like the way things were going.

The technique on the background is Emboss Resist. I originally planned an ombré background with this stamp (coming soon in the Stampin’ Up! January-April 2023 Mini Catalog!), so I stamped in Versamark and heat embossed in white powder. I applied color with a Blending Brush, but I wasn’t impressed with my ombré and used additional Bermuda Bay over the entire panel. (Don’t forget to “scrub” the ink off the embossing with a tissue or cotton ball; the ink will not dry on the heat-embossed areas.) So, you’re right, it would have been simpler to use a panel of Bermuda Bay and skip the blending! I love dots and look forward to using this new background stamp a lot!

Party Puffins | Hand-Drawn Dots | The technique used for this background is called emboss resist.  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I flat adhered the stamped circles to the stitched circle mats; the matted circles and the sentiment banner are popped up. Yes, I actually used three different colors of Stampin’ Blends on that party hat, and there’s a bit of Wink of Stella on it as well!

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

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Stamp Review Crew: Party Puffins

Happy December, stampers! I am so happy to welcome you to another Stamp Review Crew blog hop. This is another small hop — small in number, but big in ideas! (Click the banner above — or here — to see the bloggers participating today. Remember that unless a stamper’s blog has been deleted, you should be able to see every post for the Stamp Review Crew.) Today we’re taking a look at Party Puffins, from the Stampin’ Up! 2022-2023 Annual Catalog:

You may be visiting me by way of Charlet Mallett’s blog, Painted Orange. Charlet’s wonderful work frequently appears in my inspiration folders!

When I began to think about this hop, I knew I wanted to put these three cuties in circles of some sort. Meanwhile, I attended OnStage last month and received a new background stamp, Hand-Drawn Dots, that will appear in the January-April 2023 Mini Catalog. It fit perfectly with my card concept, and I ended up with a card ready to send to our next-door neighbor for his birthday in early January. (If you’re wondering about the details on this card and my next one, please visit my Heartfelt Inkspiration blog later this week to learn more.)

Party Puffins | Hand-Drawn Dots | One of my cards for the December 5, 2022, Stamp Review Crew blog hop.  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I made this next card for my stepdaughter’s birthday later this month — the 37th purple birthday card in a row! When I joined the family, everything in her bedroom was purple (even though she no longer lived at home), so naturally, I had to go with it. Again, you might notice new products on this card, and I promise to tell you in an upcoming post what they are!

Party Puffins | Alphabet a la Mode | One of my cards for the December 5, 2022, Stamp Review Crew blog hop.  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

Honestly, I had such a wonderful time creating these cards. I enjoy experimenting with a stamp set to end up with unexpected results. I actually had “puffin ice skating on a frozen pond” on my list. Some other day, perhaps!

Now you’ll be visiting My Sandbox, the blog of Nikki Spencer. Have fun!





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Snow Crystal: Let It Snow

I am finally sharing the last of the 2022 Jingle Jump cards. This one is ultra simple, but ultra cool — just as you’d expect from a card with a snowflake on it!

Snow Crystal | Joyful Flurry | The magic of heat embossing never gets old!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I have to admit that heat embossing has never lost its thrill for me. It’s still magic to see a powdery image transformed into one that is raised and shiny.

I chose to use silver embossing powder for this card, but white powder on a dark background, like Night of Navy, would be stunning. I’m so glad the Embossing Buddy is back in the Stampin’ Up! catalog, as using it cuts down or eliminates stray specks of powder. Simply rub the cardstock with it before stamping and applying the powder. After heat embossing, when the image is cool, wipe off any excess powder with a cotton ball or tissue (or wipe the cardstock on your jeans, if you wish!).

Snow Crystal | Joyful Flurry | The magic of heat embossing never gets old!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I used a small (and appropriate) sentiment from the Joyful Flurry set. Note that Joyful Flurry and its coordinating die set, Frosted Flurry, are retiring, but the dies are now an amazing 60% off! You can see the Jingle Jump card we made with this bundle here.

The label die is from a set that retired some time ago.

December incentive:  Use my Host Code RPGFPVUN on your order of $75 (before S/H and tax) and I’ll send you the Three Twine Combo Pack (#160597) from the upcoming January-April 2023 Mini Catalog as my thank-you gift to you.  I will send you this item as soon as I can order sufficient quantities.

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

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Clearance Rack refresh!

On Thursday, December 1, Stampin’ Up! will be adding new items to the Clearance Rack, including dies offered during the Perfect Partners Promotion in September!  With discounts up to 60% off, you can get the die sets that coordinate with the still-available stamp sets at a great price.  This is an amazing opportunity, but remember that Clearance Rack products are available only while supplies last!

December incentive:  Use my Host Code RPGFPVUN on your order of $75 (before S/H and tax) and I’ll send you the Three Twine Combo Pack (#160597) from the upcoming January-April 2023 Mini Catalog as my thank-you gift to you.  I’ll send you this item as soon as I can order sufficient quantities.

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Last Chance Products promotion begins 12/1!

The Stampin’ Up! July-December 2022 Mini Catalog will be retiring soon! Beginning Thursday, December 1, you can take advantage of the final fling with the Last Chance Products promotion. Grab your favorite items (some with discounts up to 60%) before they’re gone for good! Here’s what you need to know:

  • Here is the July-December 2022 Mini Catalog Retiring List (products that will no longer be available once the catalog retires). Note that some bundles will be retiring (e.g., Regal Reindeer bundle), but some or all products in the bundle (e.g., Regal Reindeer stamp set) are not retiring. I recommend marking each individual product in your Mini so this is clear.
  • Here is the July-December 2022 Mini Catalog Carryover List (products that are not retiring; the items marked with an asterisk are orderable online only).
  • All products are available while supplies last, and there are no purchase limits. Remember that items sell out fast!
  • Discounted items can be added to a Starter Kit.
  • Discounted items can be redeemed with Stampin’ Rewards or as a 50%-off item.
  • Sales period for the Last Chance Products promotion begins December 1 at 12:00 a.m. (MT) and ends January 4 at 11:50 p.m. (MT).

December incentive:  Use my Host Code RPGFPVUN on your order of $75 (before S/H and tax) and I’ll send you the Three Twine Combo Pack (#160597) from the upcoming January-April 2023 Mini Catalog as my thank-you gift to you.  I will send you this item as soon as I can order sufficient quantities.

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Framed & Festive: Merry Little Christmas

Here is another card using patterns (three of them!) from the limited-edition Fitting Florets Designer Series Paper. You may have seen other cardmakers coloring the berries on this pattern; I had to experience the transformation for myself.

As I have warned before, the Framed & Festive stamp set and Fitting Florets DSP are available only while they last. At this writing, both products are still in stock.

Framed & Festive | Framed Florets | It's no secret: color the berries on this Fitting Florets patterned paper to move a card from winter to Christmas!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I think this card is another example of how brilliantly Stampin’ Up! coordinates the products across all lines. It’s not that I need everything matchy-matchy, but being able to use the cardstock colors listed on the back of the DSP pack makes designing a card so much easier! This card was inspired by Patty Bennett.

Framed & Festive | Framed Florets | It's no secret: color the berries on this Fitting Florets patterned paper to move a card from winter to Christmas!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

If you don’t have any of this retired twine (which I think is actually white and Real Red), try substituting Sweet Sorbet for the Stampin’ Blends marker and oval frame, then use the Sweet Sorbet spool from the 2022-2024 In Color Baker’s Twine Pack (#159195).

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

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Framed Florets in blue

Although I am now in the throes of Christmas prep, I had to make some birthday cards with non-seasonal elements. The peculiar aspect of this card is that it uses limited-edition, early-release, yet-to-be-released, and retired Stampin’ Up! items. I’m not sure I’ve ever done that!

Framed Florets | I so love this stamp set!  The patterned paper here is limited edition Fitting Florets Designer Series Paper.  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I’m not really a fan of baby blue (generally it’s too sweet for me), but Balmy Blue when paired with Evening Evergreen is pretty wonderful! This is the limited-edition Fitting Florets Designer Series Paper, available only while it lasts. The patterns are beautiful (I’ll share more from this pack tomorrow).

The early-release item here is an image from Framed Florets, a set of 13 photopolymer stamps. It can be bundled with its coordinating die set (not used on this card), named Framed Florets as well. In fact, the bundle is also called Framed Florets. (Stampin’ Up! has recently responded to requests — incessant pleas, I would guess — by demonstrators to standardize the naming of bundled products. Thank you!)

Framed Florets | I so love this stamp set!  The patterned paper here is limited edition Fitting Florets Designer Series Paper.  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

The item that has not yet been released is the tag die, part of Something Fancy, a set of 12 dies that will be in the upcoming January-April 2023 Mini Catalog. Demonstrators who attended OnStage earlier this month were able to pre-order this and several other items. Beginning December 1, all demonstrators can order anything from the new mini! Only if they have been nice, not naughty, of course.

Finally, you may know that the ribbon and twine were both retired from the last Annual Catalog, or perhaps before. It’s hard for me to keep track of exactly when things leave us. If I’m really curious (or you are), I can look back through every single catalog published in the past 17½ years. Generally, I’m not that curious, however!

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

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Autumn Boughs and Berries

Never mind the name of this stamp set, Christmas Season. It’s so much more, as this autumnal version of yesterday’s card proves!

Christmas Season | Celebrate Sunflowers | Taking a "Christmas set" on a different ride!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

Not sure about the color of my photos (I should know better than to mail a card before I edit the photo), but the card base is the retired Cinnamon Cider, a color I love for fall- and nature-themed cards. I still have a bit of cardstock left and will use it prudently!

Christmas Season | Celebrate Sunflowers | Taking a "Christmas set" on a different ride!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

After being away for a weekend in Indianapolis for OnStage, it seemed life sped up. One moment it was the first full week of November — and next week, December! So after buckling down and making several birthday and thank you cards, I’m nearly done sharing autumn projects with you.

I love these little embellishments at the ends of the label. They were a limited-edition item with the Fitting Florets Collection and, unfortunately, are already sold out. I hope Stampin’ Up! gives us more like this — flat but with major impact. I will say I had a bit of trouble getting these to adhere, so I added a tiny drop of glue to the adhesive disc (which stuck to the paper, but not very well to the metal). That seemed to work. Or at least no one has said anything about receiving a defective card!

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

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Christmas Season: Boughs and Berries

A card by LeeAnn Greff inspired me to create this October Jingle Jump offering. I simplified her design to try and keep it under my 10-minute Jingle Jump rule, but added texture and brightened up the design. Poppy Parade just makes me happy for Christmas designs!

Christmas Season | Christmas to Remember | These two stamp sets (and their respective die sets) are incredibly versatile!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

These two stamp sets (and their respective die sets) are incredibly versatile! (I know, you just saw this die-cut sentiment on yesterday’s card!)

Christmas Season | Christmas to Remember | These two stamp sets (and their respective die sets) are incredibly versatile!  Please click to read more! | Stampin' Up! | HeartfeltInkspiration.com | Debra Burgin

I don’t know about you, but it helps me to have a pattern to follow when I am stamping multiples. So I prepared a step-by-step visual that I taped to the wall next to the station for this card. I think it helped! And for me, I used this card as a pattern for one I will show you tomorrow. The same, yet different!

Christmas Season is a Distinktive stamp set. If you don’t realize this, you might be expecting images with complete coverage. Instead, the shading is built into the stamp — some areas are lighter than others. Even so, it’s useful with bigger images to have a thin foam pad under your work so there’s something to press into.

Click the images below to add current products for this card to your cart in my Stampin’ Up! online store. Disclosure: I get a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional charge to you. Thank you!

Posted in Christmas, Jingle Jump | Tagged , , | 1 Comment