Using Card Sketches

Hi Friends,

Yesterday I shared a simple card made from a card sketch and I had a few questions from some of you. I thought it would be a good idea to show you more about card sketches and how to use them to get started making your own pretty cards.

Whether you are new to card making or not, we all have moments when we can’t come up with with a layout or card design for what we want. I used to struggle coming up with card designs and wondered where to start. That all changed when I began entering different card challenges based on a design or color combination. Once I started making my cards following those sketches, things got so much easier. I began researching card sketches I liked and wanted to try and it made my card making a whole lot more enjoyable! Now there are so many card sketches you can find to use in card making magazines, the internet, Pinterest and blog posts. It doesn’t matter if you are new to card making or a veteran, we all have those moments when we are stuck and need some help.

Basically, card sketches are “rough drafts” for the layout of your card. They usually consist of card bases, layers and embellishments. Some provide measurements, while others don’t, but you can pretty much guess at the them by looking at the sketch and a card base. I like to cut my pieces out first and then experiment with them on my card front before gluing them down.

Below, is the card sketch that I used for this post. There are basic elements to all card sketches: card base, layers, focal point, greeting and measurements. I love that this design has basic rectangles, but more than one and it’s just a little more involved than yesterday’s sketch. Most sketches are adaptable to just about any occasion. Don’t forget, the designs can be turned from portrait to landscape and vice versa!

Here is the card I made using the card sketch. You don’t have to use as many background mats as I did, but I think they make the cards so much prettier!

I used a Basic White Card Base with a layer of Gorgeous Grape Card Stock, which was embossed with the Stampin’ Up! Distressed Tile Embossing Folder.

I adhered designer series paper from the Lovely Lavender Paper Pumpkin Kit onto a piece of Highland Heather Card Stock and glued an embossed piece of Basic White Card Stock (which was embossed with the Stampin’ Up! Tasteful Textile folder) to the back of it.

I wrapped a piece of Lost Lagoon Ribbon around this panel before adhering it to the card base. Once it was adhered, I tied a knot around it.

The lost Lagoon leaves were cut out using the leaves die that coordinates with the Paper Pumpkin Kit. They were glued to the card front.

The greeting was stamped in Gorgeous Grape Ink. It came from the All the Best Paper Pumpkin Kit we received last month. The Basic Pearls were added last.

*Don’t forget to use the monthly Hostess Code when you place your online order between $40.00 and $150.00, before tax and shipping to get your FREE gift from me! If you’re order is over $150.00, before taxes and shipping, don’t use the Hostess Code because you will receive Hostess Dollars to spend, as well as the FREE gift from me when you place your order! (Just let me know your order was over $150.00 before taxes and shipping.) You add the Hostess Code to your order right before checking out. Please let me know if you have any questions or problems. This month’s FREE gift is your choice of a pair of Stampin’ Blends or an embossing folder of your choice from the new 2023 – 2024 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog or the 2024 Mini Catalog! This is in addition to your FREE Sale-A-Bration choices with your qualifying order.

This month’s Hostess Code is JDDWXJN7

If you have any questions about this card, please let me know.

Thanks for stopping by and have a crafty day!

Terry

Blog: http://www.classycutups.com

On-line Store: https://teresaduncan.stampinup.net/

Email: terry.duncan088@gmail.com

Phone: (727) 225-6006

All The Best Paper Pumpkin Kit

The Stampin’ Up! Paper Pumpkin Kits keep getting better and better! I began subscribing to the kits since they started making them and have liked almost all of them. There were a few in the beginning that I thought were too plain, but at that time they were made for a beginning stamper without a lot of supplies or for anyone who wanted to try stamping and cardmaking.

The kits usually come with directions and everything to make 8 or 9 cards (usually 2 or 3 different designs), but I like to see how I can change them to make alternate designs and to see how many cards I can make out of each kit by adding a little more cardstock. Sometimes the card bases are printed on both sides so you can cut them apart and add each side to a white card base to double the number of cards you can make!

The All The Best Paper Pumpkin Kit was just such a kit! I was able to cut the card bases in half to make double the amount of cards and to even used the printed envelopes on some of my own card bases to make even more. Here are some of the cards I’ve finished so far and I have more to go! Please let me know if you’d like more information on how any of these cards were made and I’ll be happy to let you know!

Here is the kit with the cards designed by Stampin’ Up! You receive everything you need to complete the cards, including an exclusive stamp set and a stamping ink spot.

Paper Pumpkin is the perfect way to jump into the world of papercrafting and get your creative “me-time” every month. We deliver all the stamps, ink, and paper you need to create a fun project, without any stress. Everything is precut and ready to go so you can skip to the fun part of crafting! Our subscribers always have cards and cute gifts on hand for every occasion. Your first kit includes a free gift from us—a clear stamping block. You’ll also build a collection of stamps and ink to use on other projects. There’s no pressure—you can cancel or suspend at any time. Subscribe here by the 10th of the month to get started! Please add my name, Terry Duncan, as your demonstrator!

*Don’t forget to use the monthly Hostess Code when you place your online order between $40.00 and $150.00, before tax and shipping to get your FREE gift from me! If you’re order is over $150.00, before taxes and shipping, don’t use the Hostess Code because you will receive Hostess Dollars to spend, as well as the FREE gift from me when you place your order! (Just let me know your order was over $150.00 before taxes and shipping.) You add the Hostess Code to your order right before checking out. Please let me know if you have any questions or problems. This month’s FREE gift is your choice of a pair of Stampin’ Blends or an embossing folder of your choice from the new 2023 – 2024 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog or the 2024 Mini Catalog! This is in addition to your FREE Sale-A-Bration choices with your qualifying order.

This month’s Hostess Code is JDDWXJN7

Thanks for stopping by and have a crafty day!

Terry

Blog: http://www.classycutups.com

On-line Store: https://teresaduncan.stampinup.net/

Email: terry.duncan088@gmail.com

Phone: (727) 225-6006

Paper Pumpkin Alternative Card

Have you seen the Exploring Color Paper Pumpkin Kit for May? It came with beautiful cards that were printed on both sides, so I cut them in half so I would have double the amount of cards. So far, I’ve only made 15 cards but still have a lot to go!

The Paper Pumpkin kits come with directions and photos to make the different cards, but I like to make my own designs, as well. Here is one of the alternative cards I made using Boho Blue Cardstock and a circle die. I cut the front panel to 3-3/4″ x 5″, cut a circle out of the front of it, then embossed it. I adhered it to the front of the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals. The cup and the greeting are both stamps form the stamp set included with the Paper Pumpkin Kit. Every month, there’s a different stamp set that you can’t purchase anywhere else.

Paper Pumpkin is the perfect way to jump into the world of papercrafting and get your creative “me-time” every month. We deliver all the stamps, ink, and paper you need to create a fun project, without any stress. Everything is precut and ready to go so you can skip to the fun part of crafting! Our subscribers always have cards and cute gifts on hand for every occasion. Your first kit includes a free gift from us—a clear stamping block. You’ll also build a collection of stamps and ink to use on other projects. There’s no pressure—you can cancel or suspend at any time. Subscribe by the 10th of the month to get started! Please add my name, Terry Duncan, as your demonstrator!

Don’t forget to use the monthly Hostess Code when you place your online order between $40.00 and $150.00, before tax and shipping to get your FREE gift from me! If you’re order is over $150.00, before taxes and shipping, don’t use the Hostess Code because you will receive Hostess Dollars to spend, as well as the FREE gift from me when you place your order! (Just let me know your order was over $150.00 before taxes and shipping.) You add the Hostess Code to your order right before checking out. Please let me know if you have any questions or problems. This month’s FREE gift is your choice of a pair of Stampin’ Blends or an embossing folder of your choice from the new 2023 – 2024 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog.

This month’s Hostess Code is: 9YUPYWHP

Also, don’t forget Stampin’ Up! has FREE Shipping on qualified orders on June 21, 2023 only!

Thanks for stopping by and have a crafty day!

Terry

Blog: http://www.classycutups.com

On-line Store: https://teresaduncan.stampinup.net/

Email: terry.duncan088@gmail.com

Phone: (727) 225-6006

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Hand-Penned Petals Watercolor Card

I’m so sad the Hand-Penned Petals Stamp Set didn’t carry over to the new 2023 – 2024 Stampin’ Up! Catalog! It was one of my favorite sets and I’ll miss it. I made this card the other day and I just want to share it with you. You can make this card with almost any of the new flower sets available this year.

The flowers were stamped on Basic White Cardstock in Momento Black Ink and colored with Highland Heather, Lemon Lolly, and Mint Macaron, and Pear Pizzazz Stampin’ Blends. If you haven’t tried the Stampin’ Blends yet, you don’t know what you’re missing! They are so fun and easy to use. The card base is from a card set that was available last year, as well. It is Mint Macaron with white dots.

I love the greeting! It is from the February Paper Pumpkin Kit, Sunshine and Smiles. I will be using it a lot! What is Paper Pumpkin? You can find out more here. Each month you get a FREE stamp set with your kit.

Don’t forget to use the monthly Hostess Code when you place your online order between $40.00 and $150.00, before tax and shipping to get your FREE gift from me! If you’re order is over $150.00, before taxes and shipping, don’t use the Hostess Code because you will receive Hostess Dollars to spend, as well as the FREE gift from me when you place your order! (Just let me know your order was over $150.00 before taxes and shipping.) You add the Hostess Code to your order right before checking out. Please let me know if you have any questions or problems. This month’s FREE gift is your choice of a pair of Stampin’ Blends or an embossing folder of your choice from the new 2023 – 2024 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog.

This month’s Hostess Code is: DN2KHSEJ

Thanks for stopping by and have a crafty day!

Terry

Blog: http://www.classycutups.com

On-line Store: https://teresaduncan.stampinup.net/

Email: terry.duncan088@gmail.com

Phone: (727) 225-6006

I’m Back From Japan!

Hello friends,

Yes, I’m back in the good old USA! My 3-month stay in Japan was just incredible! My grandson took me all over the place and showed me tons of historical sites, which I love, and a lot of the newer parts of Japan, too. Even with being there 3 months, I still didn’t get to see everything I wanted to see or do everything I wanted to do. I took about 1000 photos and have started placing them in a scrapbook!

Since I’ve been back, I’ve had family visiting from Texas and Colorado, a friend from Utah, and have been sick for the last two weeks. I’m feeling better, but not 100% yet! I was able to place a Stampin’ Up! order from the new 2023-2024 Annual Catalog and it came in the other day!

I love some of the new colors, especially Boho Blue, Bubble Bath, and Lemon Lolly. I haven’t made any new cards with them yet. I had 3 months of Paper Pumpkin Kits waiting for me when I got home so I’ve been working on those. So far, I’ve worked on February, March, and April.

I made 12 cards so far with April’s kit – All the Little Things. I still have more of the kit to use because I’ve added some different colored card stock and used the envelopes. I love to use the printed envelopes for more background designer paper!

The cards are much prettier in person because the foil doesn’t show up very well in the photos. You can find out more about Paper Pumpkin Kits here.

Don’t forget to use the monthly Hostess Code when you place your online order between $40.00 and $150.00, before tax and shipping to get your FREE gift from me! If you’re order is over $150.00, before taxes and shipping, don’t use the Hostess Code because you will receive Hostess Dollars to spend, as well as the FREE gift from me when you place your order! (Just let me know your order was over $150.00 before taxes and shipping.) You add the Hostess Code to your order right before checking out. Please let me know if you have any questions or problems. This month’s FREE gift is your choice of a pair of Stampin’ Blends or an embossing folder of your choice from the new 2023 – 2024 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog.

This month’s Hostess Code is: DN2KHSEJ

Thanks for stopping by and have a crafty day!

Terry

Blog: http://www.classycutups.com

On-line Store: https://teresaduncan.stampinup.net/

Email: terry.duncan088@gmail.com

Phone: (727) 225-6006

Want a New Stamp Set for Free?

It’s Paper Pumpkin’s 10-year anniversary and we want to celebrate how much we’ve grown! This month’s kit is all about happy greetings, organic and botanical designs digitally painted by our in-house artists, along with all-occasion sentiments to celebrate the happy moments in life and recognize the people around you who help you grow! 

And as part of our anniversary celebration, the March Paper Pumpkin Kit includes a FREE GIFT featuring a plant and pot builder to make all your projects plant-astic! (This stamp set is in addition to the one that comes with the Paper Pumpkin Kit.)

What is Paper Pumpkin?

If you’re looking for a fun and simple creative outlet paper crafting might be your best option! It’s fun, creative, and handmade projects bring joy to you and to others. And nothing makes paper crafting as fun, easy, and creative as Paper Pumpkin!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN A CRAFT BOX

One issue crafters often run into is feeling overwhelmed by their project. Lack of inspiration, proper supplies and crafty know-how might discourage you from even starting a project and unlocking your creative potential!

This never happens with a craft subscription box from Paper Pumpkin. That’s because everything you need for your project is included in your monthly art box. All you have to do is open it up and get started. You’ll be able to make cards, treat bags, gift boxes and so much more with your monthly art box subscription.

BUILD YOUR STAMP COLLECTION

Among the items in each Paper Pumpkin monthly craft kit is a reusable rubber stamp. So after you’re done creating your monthly craft, you’ll have a valuable stamp to add to your collection. You even get a free clear stamping block with your first craft box. Plus, you get a different color ink pad every month as well.

PRINT & VIDEO INSTRUCTION MAKE CRAFTING EASY

Even the craftiest among us worry that we’ll have trouble understanding how to do a project, or that we’ll make a mistake. You never have to worry about that with Paper Pumpkin! That’s because not only does each monthly arts and crafts box come with clear, easy-to-understand printed instructions, but we also upload a video to YouTube so you can watch a professional guide you through the craft.

KIDS CAN HELP WITH MONTHLY CRAFT KITS

Although Paper Pumpkin makes craft boxes for adults, they can be fun for the whole family! Use your monthly craft box subscription to introduce your kids to a fun and creative outlet. It’s truly a gift to instill a love of crafting and creativity in kids. You’ll be thrilled to see how their skills grow over time. One day your kids might have their own monthly craft subscription box!

GET STARTED WITH YOUR MONTHLY CRAFT BOX NOW

Paper Pumpkin is known for having some of the best art subscription boxes available. Subscribe today and see for yourself!

This month’s kit includes:

• All the supplies you need to create 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs; and coordinating envelopes.
• An all-occasion stamp set to recognize the people in your life who help you grow with greetings and beautiful botanical images.
• 1 Polished Pink Classic Stampin’ Spot
• Paper pieces and embellishments with digitally-painted designs and images.
• Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals.
• 1 FREE additional stamp set, which includes a plant and pot builder to make plant-astic projects!

Completed card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ (14 x 10.8  cm)

Coordinating Stampin’ Up! colors: Shaded Spruce, Garden Green, Coastal Cabana, Orchid Oasis, Fresh Freesia, Polished Pink, Crumb Cake

You can order Paper Pumpkin and pay for your kit monthly or you can get a 3, 6, or 12 month pre-paid subscription for added savings.

If you order a pre-paid subscription from now until the end of February, you will be eligible for the Sale-a-bration rewards. For every $50 and $100 you spend, you’ll earn an exclusive Sale-A-Bration item for free! Depending on the amount you spend, you’ll be able to mix and match the Sale-A-Bration items you earn. We have a stunning variety of stamp sets and Designer Series Paper for you to choose from—take a look! Now through 28 February: here and here. Pre-paid subscriptions can be ordered here. Please let me know if you have any questions or problems ordering.

Don’t forget to use the monthly Hostess Code when you place your online order between $40.00 and $150.00, before tax and shipping to get your FREE gift from me! If you’re order is over $150.00, before taxes and shipping, don’t use the Hostess Code because you will receive Hostess Dollars to spend, as well as the FREE gift from me when you place your order! You add the Hostess Code to your order right before checking out. Please let me know if you have any questions or problems. This month’s FREE gift is your choice of one of Stampin’ Up’s regular embossing folders in the 2023 Catalog or the 2023 Mini Catalog.

This month’s Hostess Code is: M2Q67J3N

Thanks for stopping by and have a crafty day!

Terry

Blog: http://www.classycutups.com

On-line Store: https://teresaduncan.stampinup.net/

Email: terry.duncan088@gmail.com

Phone: (727) 225-6006

Fantastic Sale Coming Thursday!

Hello Friends,

Have you been eyeing a stamp set (or two, or three) from the 2022–2023 Annual Catalog? Well, I have good news for you! On 15 September 2022, the 24-hour Stamp Sale will begin! It will only be here for a limited time, so get ready and act fast! Gear up for this sale–it’s going to be stamp-tacular!

Sales Period: 15 September 2022 12:00am to 11:59 p.m. (MT)

DETAILS:
This stamp sale only happens once a year!
The sale will run for 24 hours.
The 15% discount will apply to select* stamps from the 2022–2023 Annual Catalog.
Check out the list of stamps that are included in the sale and be ready to act quickly!
Stamp sets available while supplies last!
*Host stamp sets are not included in this sale. You can see the sale items here: 

Today I’ve been working on my Paper Pumpkin Kit, Sweet Sunflowers, August 2022. I have to say I’ve been receiving Paper Pumpkin Kits by Stampin’ Up! since they began selling them and this kit is the very best one yet! In case you don’t know about Paper Pumpkin, let me give you a little information.

Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up! is a crafting subscription kit that delivers
creativity to your door every month. Each box includes everything you need to make a stunning project. We’ll surprise you with projects like cards, gift packaging, home décor, and more for just $23.50 a month (shipping included). Talk about happy mail!

Every kit includes an exclusive stamp set, ink spot, and embellishments to
create a predesigned project. At least six times a year, we send an all-card
kit with eight or more cards. Sometimes the kit includes cards plus gift bags, banners, treat bags, or boxes. At other times, it may be home décor, gifts, or just treat packaging. No matter what it is—we promise you’ll love it, or we’ll make it right! For more information on Paper Pumpkin, click here. Make sure you scroll all the way down to see a video of this month’s kit.

When you sign up, you’ll be asked to select a demonstrator—someone who runs their own home-based businesses selling creative products that inspire people and give them helpful ways to enhance their lives. A demonstrator is there to help if you have any questions about your Paper Pumpkin subscription and can introduce you to other products and techniques. They can be involved as much or as little as you would like—to help you have the best creative experience
possible. If you decide you’d like to give Paper Pumpkin a try, I would really appreciate it if you would designate me, Terry Duncan, as your Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator!

I usually make a set of cards with the instructions given in the kit, but
then I like to make alternative cards just to see what I can come up with on my own.  A lot of times (like with this month’s kit), the card bases are stamped or colored on the front and the back, so I first cut them in half. Then I use a White Cardstock card base and maybe a coordinating color cardstock. Lately, the envelopes have been colored with different designs on the inside and/or outside. I hate using those pretty envelopes just to mail my card in when I can cut them up and used them as matching designer paper!

This kit has cardstock and paper for 9 cards. They are beautiful and have
designs on the front and the back. I cut them in half and now have cardstock for 18 cards. The envelopes have gorgeous flowers printed on the front and the back flap. I cut those on the fold line and now have 18 pieces of designer paper to use with the 18 card fronts and backs or I can use them with other matching cardstock! I’ve made 9 cards today and still haven’t used even half of the cardstock and paper! Of course, you can use the stamps from the stamped set included with the kit to stamp even more cards.

Get Ready for Christmas!

It’s beginning to look like Christmas with these festive cards! Send merry and bright cards this holiday season with the Ho! Ho! Ho! Paper Pumpkin Kit! With classic Christmas colors and holly jolly sentiments, the cards in this kit are sure to bring the Christmas spirit. Word from the North Pole is that this kit coordinates with next month’s Paper Pumpkin tag kit and the special add-on product! With so much coordination between products, it will be a breeze to create cohesive holiday crafts for all your gifting needs. Make this season the most wonderful time of the year for your loved ones—and for yourself! The deadline for ordering this kit is October 10, 2022. The Christmas Card Paper Pumpkin usually sells out toward the end of the month, if not before.  Make sure you order yours’ now!

This kit includes:

• Ho Ho Ho Photopolymer Stamp Set

• Early Espresso Classic Stampin’ Spot

• Printed card bases

• Printed envelopes

• Printed die cuts

• Die-cut labels

• Iridescent foil die-cut snowflakes

• Vellum

• Vanilla epoxy dots

• Adhesive dots

• Mini Dimensionals

Card size: 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ (10.8 x 14 cm) Coordinating Stampin’ Up! colors: Bermuda Bay, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Shaded Spruce, Sweet Sorbet, Very Vanilla

Order here. Please list me, Teresa Duncan, as your Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator!

As always, thank you for reading my blog posts and for selecting me as your Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator!

Stay safe and healthy!

Terry