Embellish

Detailed Floral Thinlets meet the new ombre Color Theory papers

So--confession time--I've had the Detailed Floral Thinlets since they came out. And I've never used them, not once. Bad Lyssa!

They're super pretty, but I just don't have a lot of call for really over-the-top elegant stuff like that. So I was kind of regretting spending the money, you know what I mean? I'm sure that never happens to you : )

But I got them out today as a possibility for a wedding I'm working on, and while I decided not to use them in the end, I started playing with the piece I had cut out as a sample. And, talk about a match made in heaven.... the new Color Theory papers were also lying right there on my table.

ANYTHING you paired with this gorgeous, intricate Thinlet die-cut would be gorgeous, of course, but when you put ombre color gradient papers behind the crisp white flowers, it's a total wow!

I just started playing, and suffice it to say, my Detailed Floral Thinlets are now well broken-in! I couldn't decide if I liked this next card with the ombre starting dark on to the top and going light by the bottom (below), or starting dark and the bottom and getting light by the top (above). Which do you like best?

So what did you think? Was that a worth a "stop what I'm doing and run upstairs to tell all my stampin' besties" moment? I thought you might think so!

Leave me a comment on which version you liked best, and get ready to pounce on that amazing Color Theory Designer Series Paper Stack as SOON as it is available on June 1st after 1 p.m. CT. I love that paper SO MUCH I am making a brand new blog category for projects that use it!

Ribbon of Courage

Your silent tents of green

We deck with fragrant flowers

Yours has the suffering been,

The memory shall be ours.

 

                              -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Strength and Prayers: the Lord stood with me

Strength & Prayers Clear-Mount Stamp Set [141856] $13.00

Strength & Prayers Wood-Mount Stamp Set [141853] $17.00

The gorgeous and elegant Strength & Prayers stamp set is retiring TOMORROW, permanently, and I'm just cringing because this is one of those sets people are going to be asking me about for YEARS to come. And I'll have to tell them it's too late! If you've been looking at this simple set, just three stamps total, please don't wait to order it! It's already "while supplies last," and retires permanently on May 31st at midnight.

Why did I wait this long to remind you? Because this.

This past weekend I just started a MASSIVE project for our church, with 400 notecards and envelopes. I got out Strength & Prayers and fell in love with it all over again. It's perfect for simple note cards like the one below. Or you can step it up with multi-color sponging and clear glimmer Wink of Stella, like I'm doing for the church project.

 Suggested Stampin Up! Color Combinations:

Tranquil Tide

Lemon Lime

Very Vanilla

Pool Party

I have a special blog category for Christian crafters that highlights just sets that might be of interest to believers. If you fall in that category, I encourage you to go ahead and order Strength & Prayers (wood or cling). You won't regret adding this classic inspirational set to your collection! 

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easy & cute Something for Baby cards

I sell my cards at a great little antique/artisan shop here in Wisconsin (Roost Mercantile), and recently I sat down to make a bunch of baby shower cards for them, since that category was totally sold out. I love an excuse to play with sweet images and soft pastels!

It was a joy to play with my favorite baby set, Something for Baby, with the matching framelits. I just can't get enough of that onesie! Something for Baby is retiring on May 31st, 2017, so be sure to snag it before it's too late! It's a classic you should have in your collection.

Suggested Stampin' Up! Color Combination: 

Powder Pink

Soft Sky

So Saffron

Whisper White

Always fun to welcome new little lives into excited and loving families... those years are past for us now, but I sure look forward to getting my "baby fix" when it's my turn in the nursery at church! What life addition or milestone are you looking forward to celebrating this summer? Leave a comment and tell me what you're working on.

Paint swatch papers meet the "wave" card layout

The Color Theory papers and I are getting along like a house afire... I've always been a monochromatic/ombre tones fan, and I just can't get enough of these patterns!  You all can order them beginning June 1st, 2017, at my online Stampin' Up store.

Today I turned my attention to the Dapper Denim papers in the stack. I had used up all the ombre and ombre striped ones making these beach cards I shared earlier, so I focused on the paint swatch ones for this craft session.  If you remember, I did a whole post about the Old Olive paint swatch papers last week. I was anxious to know if there were EVEN MORE things to do with it. There are!

These two cards use the "wave" layout to cut apart a 3 x 5.5 strip into two undulating wave-edged pieces, with a single wavy scissor cut down the middle. You can then use the strips together on one card like this rainbow Color Wave Card, or you can use the two pieces on two separate cards like I did here.

I asked the Song of My Heart fans on Facebook if they liked this card better with or without the flowers. Most agreed that "without" was great for masculine cards, but "with" made it a real WOW! What do you think?

The paint swatch patterned papers make these cards so easy it almost feels like cheating! Do you ever feel that way when you have a particularly gorgeous piece of paper or a certain intricate die-cut? But there's nothing wrong with saving a little time with some convenience items, especially if it helps you get more cards in the mail!

I did have some other good news to share today besides just these fun projects you'll be able to make when your own Color Theory pack arrives. What I had feared was a rotator cuff injury has been finally diagnosed as "frozen shoulder," and the prognosis is great with just physical therapy. I was so worried that I was making it worse by moving it, when moving it is the best thing I CAN do for it. So that was great news and a big relief to hear.

Thanks for all the well-wishes!  And thanks for dropping in to see what I've been up to! PSssst: did your new catalog come yet? They should have all arrived by now! Let me know if you didn't get one and I'll pop one in the mail ASAP so you have it for June 1st. I'm so excited!!!

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NEW! Cheat Sheets Collection #22 released from Song of My Heart Stampers!

I'm pleased to announce the release of another Collection of Cheat Sheets cardmaking helpers!

Meet the brand new Cheat Sheets Collection #22! Can you believe we're up to twenty-two collections already ? I can! If you've already become a fan of these handy layout helpers, you know how EASY and painless good design can be, when you have a little "cheat sheet" at your fingertips! Get yourself a cute binder and start your "Cheat Sheets" library, because this is just the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship!

MORE THAN JUST SKETCHES, Song of My Heart's

exclusive "Cheat Sheets" make measurements a snap!

Unlike other inspiration to be found online, which tends to lead to lots of unproductive browsing and not much actual creating, Cheat Sheets are right there physically at your crafting table, with practical but pretty projects that ordinary, busy modern papercrafters will appreciate. It's just like having ME there crafting along with you! Wouldn't THAT be fun?

Each collection of these handy card-maker's helpers contains six different card sketches ranging from super easy to more advanced, with complete measurements, step-by-step instructions, and alternate layouts. I've even included professional design hints from my time as a graphic designer to teach you why things look better placed in certain areas instead of others, and how to choose colors and patterns that will enhance and complement your work instead of compete with it. You'll learn secrets from the pros on every page!

FINALLY... easy-to-use, professional design resources

for "real-life" papercrafters ... just like me.

Instantly Download Cheat Sheets Collection #22 today!

Song of My Heart's Instant Digital Downloads are available to print immediately upon payment--so you can start crafting right away! And they are rated according to difficulty, so when you're in a hurry, you can turn right to the "Easy" category. When you have more time to play and explore, flip through the "Moderate" category--or try your hand at more "Advanced" designs! 

BONUS FREEBIE FOR EVERYONE! I've updated the Cheat Sheets Index with the ENTIRE COLLECTION TO DATE! Collections 1-22 are included in our unique double index, which allows you to search not only alphabetically, but also by difficulty rating and collection number! You'll be able to see which sets you need to get your library all caught up, too. Click here to download the free Index PDF: Download Cheat Sheets Index 1 to 22

What's the cost? Cheat Sheets are also available individually upon their release, or in money-saving bundles of three sets, including the BEST deal, Collections 1-12 for half off individual price. Or, save $10 on every set of three by purchasing them bundled that way. Click here to visit my Etsy Shop & download now!

Got questions? Email me personally at Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com.

NEED THE ENTIRE COLLECTION, or WAY BEHIND IN COLLECTING? Email me for a quote! We'll get you all caught up.

It's possible to LOVE the results--EVERY time you stamp! I promise. 

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Photo Tutorial: Super Easy Stationery Set with Pen

Thank you so much for the lovely comments you left about my new stationery box project! If you missed the original post, click here. You were so excited, it made me excited to work on the instructions for you. I am delighted to provide a really fun addition to the 100% Free Photo Tutorial Library, the Super Easy Stationery Box with Pen.

There are lots of stationery boxes out there, but this one has a fun built-in pen holder and is super-economical, paper-wise. Here's the inside--this box holds four cards and envelopes, comes with the matching pen, and sports an interior pocket to include labels and postage stamps. Closes with magnets or a self-adhesive velcro dot.

Ready to make it? Let's begin! You will need to gather:

• one 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of cardstock
• an additional piece of the same, measuring 6 x 4.5 inches
• Simply Scored Board or other scoring tools
• Tear & Tape or other very strong adhesive such as Tombow Multi
• patterned paper and coordinating cardstock for matting
• large circle or oval punch or die-cut to form a wide notch
• stamps, ink, punches or die cuts plus ribbon to embellish

I created a quick scoring and trimming guide that you will want to print or save. Download Scoring Guide

Once you have your cardstock sheet scored and trimmed out and notched as shown above, we'll begin on the left hand side of the box (this is the side with four scores running vertically up and down, shown on the left in the scoring guide).

Now that the pen holder is done (that was the only hard part!) we turn our attention to the other three sides of the box. Be sure to crease all folds sharply and professionally with a bone folder, and use very strong adhesive, for best results.

The postage stamp pocket is formed with the cover panel is adhered to close the box. Make sure you are putting the adhesive on the correct side of the notched panel so that it forms an inside--not outside--pocket!

TA DA! That's it! The basic box is done. Now you'll want to add your magnetic closures or velcro dots, as preferred, to hold the cover closed. If you're decorating the stationery set with pretty patterned paper, here's your measurements:

• cut one 4 x 5.5 inches Designer Series Paper (cover panel)
• cut one 4.25 x 5.75 inches cardstock (cover mat)
• cut one 1.25 x 5.75 inch strip (inside panel)

Note: the pens I use are Pentel R.S.V.P. clear-body pens--Dollar Tree has them in two-packs for a buck. Simply unscrew the end, remove the ink tube, and insert a tightly-rolled piece of patterned paper measuring approximately 1 x 3 inches inside. Put the pen back together and you have an elegant look to match whatever project you are pulling together!

I hope you're enjoyed this elegant little project! I'd be so pleased if you left me a comment letting me know you plan to try it. And if I can assist you in ordering a Simply Scored or any of the Stampin' Up! stamps and papers shown here, it would be my delight to do so. Shop Stampin Up with Lyssa Now

Thanks for checking out the 100% Free Photo Tutorial Library and making Song of My Heart a regular part of your day!

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Blog Hoppin' with the Control Freaks! May 2017

Hey friends! I'm playing once again with the Control Freaks, a special group of stampers committed to producing top-notch work to share with others. Welcome to the May 2017 blop hop, featuring sneak peeks from the NEW 2017-18 Idea Book & Catalog.

You may have come here from Melissa's blog, or this may be your first stop--either way, just click the button at the end of my post to go to the next stop on the hop. Keep going until you wind up back here, or as long as you can before you have to quit!

Now, on to my contribution to the creative fun!

I chose to feature a cute new punch and stamp set bundle called Label Me Pretty and the Pretty Label Punch. The punch is a great size for both cardmaking and scrapbooking, so I knew I'd use it a lot. Throughout the hop, I used the new In Colors Fresh Fig and Powder Pink, with Whisper White for my neutral. The patterned Fresh Fig papers are from the 2017-19 In Colors "Fresh Florals" Designer Series Paper Stack.

I started off simple, with a gift tag and card using the cute kitchen stamp. I also discovered, to my delight, that the new Finely Woven Ribbon, which comes in the new In Colors, can be curled! All you need to do is wrap it around a pencil or wooden dowel, and heat it with your Heat Tool. It took a little bit longer than some of the other ribbons with a higher synthetic count, but it did work.

Next I kicked it up a notch with some fancier cards. The center of the label punch is round, so it coordinates with all your circle punches and Framelits. Hooray! I often layered my Pretty Label punch with a second punch behind it, sliced down the middle and spread apart slightly so it showed like a mat around my punch. You can use the Pretty Label punch horizontally or vertically, which is nice and versatile, too.

BONUS: you can also use the Pretty Label punch for a wide corner rounder (seen on the card on the right above, and the kitchen gift tag). How fun to have all those functions in one punch?

Lastly, I made a fun stationery box with pen (Edited to Add: tutorial here!) that holds four cards and envelopes. It was so easy to pull together with those pretty papers and the quick, punched focal points for both the box and the cards inside. It would make a great gift for anyone!

Did you notice the pen matches? I unscrewed an R.S.V.P. pen and inserted a tightly-rolled strip of coordinating paper into the clear tube. So fun to personalize even the pens this way! And look, the stationery box even has a little pocket for address labels and postage stamps. Nifty! Be sure to visit again next week to see the tutorial. (Edited to Add: tutorial here)

That's it from me--click this button to go see what my friend Debbie has in store for you on the next Control Freaks blog stop! Thanks for visiting Song of My Heart Stampers today.

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Label Me Pretty sneak peek of a new punch!

 I've been playing with my AWESOME demonstrator pre-order goodies, getting samples ready for you from the new Idea Book & Catalog (request one now!) and I had to take a break from stamping and show you one.  You'll see a whole bunch more of them tomorrow when the Control Freaks Swappers blog hop starts! I chose to focus on this bundle exclusively so you can see how versatile it is.

The brand new Label Me Pretty stamp set and matching Pretty Label Punch are probably going to get overlooked with all the other shiny new toys on your order on June first, but they are definitely worth considering adding to your collection of classic tools.

When you're ready to make these cards at home, here's what you'll need to gather:

Label Me Pretty Wood-Mount Stamp Set (alone) [143858]	Label Me Pretty Cling-Mount Stamp Set (alone) [143861]	Label Me Pretty Wood-Mount Bundle w/ Punch [145304]
Label Me Pretty Cling-Mount Bundle w/ Punch [145305]	Pretty Label Punch (alone) [143715]	NEW IN COLOR Powder Pink 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon [144134]
Fresh Florals Designer Series Paper In Color Stack [144131]	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272]	Pearl Basic Jewels Self-Adhesive Embellishments [119247]
Subtles Stampin' Write Markers [131263]	NEW COLOR! Fresh Fig Classic Ink Stampin' Pad [144082]	Eastern Medallions Big Shot Thinlets  (Bundle Special in May 2017) [147207]

Don't forget to visit again this weekend to see the rest of my blog hop crafting session (and something special that you are going to BEG for the tutorial for!) And don't forget, there's a 2017-19 In Colors Designer Series Paper sampler going out in every thank you note for EVERY order this month. Will I be sending you one?

Ready to Make It? Birthday Candles in Color Card

Instructions for “Birthday Candles in Color” card designed by Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek for Song of My Heart Stampers. All supplies Stampin’ Up! "Ready to Make It?" cards are designed to be created in fifteen minutes or less, with limited supplies. Try one today!

Stamps:  Build A Birthday stamp set

Ink: Tranquil Tide, Berry Burst, Lemon-Lime Twist, Powder Pink, Daffodil Delight

Cardstock: Lemon-Lime Twist, Whisper White, Berry Burst

Accessories: Tranquil Tide Finely-Woven Ribbon, 2017-19 In Color Bitty Bows, glitter.

Instructions:

1. Card base is 5.5 x 8.5 inches folded in half to form horizontal card. Background mat is 4 x 5.25 and neutral piece is 3.75 x 5 inches.

2. Stamp the tallest candle in Berry Burst just to the right of center.

3. Stamp the polka-dotted candle in Lemon Lime Twist just to the left of the first candle.

4. Stamp the medium candle in Tranquil Tide to the right of the first candle, then without re-inking, stamp it again to the left of the pink candle.

5. Clean the polka-dotted stamp and stamp another candle using Powder Pink.

6. Stamp desired saying in Berry Burst ink along top left corner of card.

7. Stamp the flame on the top of each candle in Daffodil Delight ink. Add glitter if desired.

8. Add a six-inch piece of ribbon crossing the bottom of the card, and adhere a Bitty Bow to the right corner.

Thanks for stopping in to Song of My Heart today for real-life papercrafting tips and tricks. Please feel free to shop my Stampin' Up store for all your crafting needs, and be sure to check out the rest of the cards in the Ready to Make It category here! It's fun to be fancy, but if you have 15 minutes, you have time to make a beautiful handmade card.

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Crazy About You

 

Ever needed a single stamp set to say about 300 different things? Crazy About You is that stamp set for me.

Whenever I need something truly unusual to say, I pull out this set and start combining the saying starters with the coordinating Thinlets. It's amazing what combinations you can come up with when you have four big words and 46 little ones to work with!

Add in two gorgeous flowers that coordinate with punches and a classic leaf stem image, and you have a set that's pretty much matchless in terms of versatility. Get this stamp set and the matching Thinlets before they retire for good on May 31st, 2017!

Those gorgeous flowers coordinate with the Flower Medallion punch and the 2 3/8th Scallop Circle Punch, although of course you can easily trim them out by hand as well. I mixed old and new at this month's Calendar Club, and we used new ombre patterned papers from the Color Theory suite in the upcoming 2017-18 Idea Book & Catalog, plus the sparkly new Glitter Enamel Dots. I like the subtle way the ombre fades from left to right. It's the little things!

Thanks for making Song of My Heart one of your regular stops for inspiration! As always, if you don't have a Stampin' Up representative providing you with fun and easy projects, 24/7 online ordering, and lots of fantastic customer service, I would be honored if you would consider me your demonstrator. Every single order this month gets an In Color Designer Series Paper sampler in the mail from me! Please let me know if you have any questions! Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

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NEW Paint Swatch papers make trendy new styles easy to achieve!

 

Oh, I've got a FUN sneak peek for you today! The new Color Theory Designer Series Paper Stack in the upcoming Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog is going to blow your mind! It comes in four basic colors--olive, denim, berry and daffodil-- and I could tell right away I was going to have fun with three of those colors.

But I wasn't sure about the green! It seemed like it might be the lonely color left in the pack after I used up all the others, know what I mean?

Well, I love a challenge, so I grabbed the green papers and set to work. I LOVE what I was able to come up with in just the space of an hour's play time! You're going to really enjoy these new Color Theory papers and their unique patterns. From ombre to paint swatch to stripes to crackle finish, the designs are lovely and easy to work with. Ordering begins June first at Shop with Lyssa!

One cool thing is, the Color Theory pack is 6x6 inches. So if you cut off a 4 inch wide piece to cover a whole card front (below), you still have a very usable two-inch strip, which I then used on other cards (the two above). I love it when there's no waste!

Bonus.... now you don't have to go to the hardware store and steal their paint samples anymore to get these fun looks : )

Alternatively, you can cut the 6x6 sheet in half to get two 3-inch wide pieces to run down the center of two plain white card bases (below). That was wide enough to be able to stamp a sentiment right on the paper--love it!

TIP: to get the crackle finish panel on this card and the first one in this post, I just flipped the paper to the other side and glued a piece of it down on my "paint swatch". I love the look!

I hope you've enjoyed the cards I shared today. You can use these easy paper-saving layouts with any of the colors, of course, but pin this post so you can remember a great way to use up the green in the pack if you find yourself struggling with it.

IMPORTANT PS--May 22nd is the deadline for all retiring stamps to halt production. They will only be available for one more week after that, and only while supplies last. Did you get all the ones you wanted, before it's too late? See my complete listing with updates on what's already sold out here.

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Join the Fun!

 

Song of My Heart Team Stampin' Up demonstrators live all over the United States--over 20 different states are represented in our group! While we enjoy our big Facebook group with daily themes, advice, challenges and contests, and love a good virtual pajama party with lots of projects and giveaways, there's nothing like actually getting together with friends to stamp. I encourage all our SOMH demos to gather regularly, wherever they live!

Once a month I host an area-wide demonstrator gathering in Watertown, Wisconsin, and we do fun things like put together business tools such as paper shares, and learn to make little baskets and other fun hostess gifts. We also work very hard on card for our team charity project, the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight organization, under the leadership of the indefatigable Kathy Van Duser.

Our meetings are always jam-packed with information, Make N Takes, swapping and demonstrations. This month was no exception... and we all had the brand new Idea Book & Catalog in our hands, to boot, so it was even more exciting. We got to play with the new In Colors, learned a new fancy fold, and we made over 150 cards for Honor Flight. Not too shabby!

I'd so love to have you join our happy team! There really is no downside to joining Stampin' Up. It's a fantastic company with fabulous products and unparalleled color coordination. There's income potential of anywhere from 20% to 38% of your sales--and all your own purchases count towards your minimum quarterly sales. I'd love to answer any questions you have about the company or what I can provide as your team leader. If you're looking to join somewhere with enthusiasm and energy, we're the perfect size--not too small, and not so big you get lost in the crowd, either. Let's chat today!

Ready now? Why wait? http://bit.ly/joinSUnow

You can even pick out the new in Colors and demo-only preorder products in your Starter Kit!

Hoping to be sending YOUR "welcome to the team package," very soon.

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Home remodeling 2x12 scrapbook layout pages

I had a blast with this scrapbook layout for the final week of the 4x4 Scrapbooking Class Series. I LOVE to paint, rearrange and freshen up rooms and it's fun to catalog the process with some before and after pictures. I was working on this yellow, gray and white layout using up my old Project Life card collection (they're being discontinued by Stampin' Up) when suddenly, the addition of a strip of the new Color Theory the size and shape of a hardware store paint swatch gave me a great direction to head in.

The Color Theory papers will be available in an assortment pack of yellow, olive, blue and berry pink on June 1st--can't wait to share more samples with this fun, cutting-edge-trendy paper pack. 

My favorite touch on this page, however, was the Labeler Alphabet. It has 101 letters in two different styles and it's perfect for spelling out anything you want to say--and still fitting in a small space. I made a boo-boo on the right hand page, though. Can you spot it?

The final page for this class series is a road trip layout. The two pages are comprised of Project Life cards in a haphazard strip down the outer edges, to represent a pile of memorabilia, maps, tickets and other paper souvenirs we accumulate on a road trip. Each page then has a single Crumb Cake sheet for a photo mat, resembling a cork board with things pinned to it. Fun!

All our Project Life pocket-style scrapbooking materials are on the discontinued list and Clearance Rack right now, so it's a great time to pick up a bunch of new supplies for VERY cheap, and set yourself up for a fun summer of memory-keeping.

What's in store for scrapping in the NEW Stampin' Up catalog? You'll have to wait and see! It goes live June 1st--request your copy in the mail today, free of charge! Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

What kinds of pages do you need to see ideas for? I take requests! Leave a comment below and let me know what you want me to see me work on next.

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Add detail to your coloring with the White Chalk Marker

It may sound funny, but a white permanent "chalk" marker is one of my favorite coloring tools! The white marker allows me to use color papers for my base, do all my watercoloring, and then go back in and add highlights. I used it here on the downy necks of the geese and i the reflections on the water. I also used it extensively on these honeybee cards last week.

The stamp set (Moon Lake) I used for this card is no longer available to order--so it's the perfect time for a reminder that the 2017 Retirement List is here and should be paid attention to! If you like this set for the goose image, I recommend Wetlands, which has a slightly large goose and some great marshy reeds that have proved extremely versatile. Wetlands (wood mount or cling mount) makes fantastic guy cards and I'm sorry it's been discontinued! So get it before May 22nd, when everything goes to "while supplies last" and is gone for good on May 31st.

That's it from me today. I spent a couple hours at the doctor and I'm beat! Unfortunately, I have done something to my rotator cuff and will be starting PT shortly. Thank goodness it's not my stampin' arm, eh? And I have two strong teenagers now to help me with the cases of catalogs that just came in. But I imagine it will put a crimp in typing and blogging. You may hear from Penni more than usual : ) That would be fun! Maybe I'll have some guest bloggers in to keep you entertained, especially if we wind up doing surgery. I'm committed to keeping the inspiration flowing, however, so thanks for making Song of My Heart a daily stop on your cyberspace wander.

Drop me a line any time!

 

Will you be getting this card from me? Eastern Palace sticker corner technique

These cards are the thank you notes for my Class of the Month club members! Everyone who purchases at least $35.50 (this months Suggested Order or the dollar equivalent) using the code TUAUDWT6 during May 2017 is getting a variation on this handmade "Lyssa Original" card and the sample of the month, along with their club project PDF files. I love to spoil my online club members!

TIP: (Sorry about the glare from my lamp--I did this late last night and the lighting wasn't wonderful at that hour!) I wanted to share this tip for making really cool-looking corners from the square medallion stickers. You can get four of them from one sticker, and they look amazing on dark cardstock, especially. The border strips are also not long enough to cross a card diagonally--BUT, if you cut one inch off the end, you can run the strip diagonally and just leave the missing chunk where it will be covered by a punched sentiment or a die-cut medallion. Cool!

The featured stamp set this month is Eastern Palace, not coincidentally, this month's special sneak peek Starter Bundle and Premier Bundle offer from Stampin' Up! It's already been a runaway bestseller, so why not use the code when you order, and get the free six-page, full color instructions and measurements for seven professionally-designed projects?

Already have this bundle? Just order something else you need or want, instead. No worries! You'll also receive a point for participating in COTM Club each time, and when you've saved up five points, you get a free SHOPPING SPREE!

Plus, this month's Product Sample (included in your thank you card) is worth ordering just for that! Wait until you see it! Complete details on COTM club are here. I'm so excited so many of you are loving this "no commitment, just convenience" online club option as a way to expand your stamping skills and get the most bang for your crafty bucks.

Happy Stampin'!

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Photo Tutorial: Easy Desktop Stand-Up Card

Hey everyone! Welcome to Song of My Heart Stampers! I've got the cutest, easiest little stand-up card fold to share with you today. You're going to love how simple it is to make a card that will WOW your friends. They'll want to display it proudly on their desk or mantle!

This card has several features that make it qualify for my STRICT GUIDELINES about what constitutes a "real-life papercrafting" project! First, it is ECONOMICAL because it uses no more paper than a normal card, and requires only small pieces of patterned paper. Secondly, the measurements are NORMAL--no putzy 1/16ths or 3/8ths or anything like that. Third, IT FITS in a regular size envelope, so time-crunched crafters don't have to make their own unless they want to. 

All in all, that's a WIN and definitely worthy of a place in my happy little blog world! So let's learn how to make it today.

Because this fold requires a score, two cuts and then another quick score, I am doing it all on my Stampin' Trimmer instead of the Simply Scored. You can use whatever cutting and scoring tools you own.

That's all the cutting and scoring we're doing today, so you can set those tools aside to free up your workspace. Now comes the fun part--decorating the card!

I used the new Daisy Delight stamp set (coming in the 2017-18 Stampin' Up Idea Book & Catalog!) and Designer Series Papers and Daisy Punch to decorate my card. I love how the coordinating colors in the paper are listed on the cardboard insert in each pack of patterned paper. No more guessing which ink pad colors to use!

Now wasn't that just as easy as I promised? I hope you'll give it a try. And I hope you'll take a moment to leave a comment, subscribe to my newsletter, or Shop With Lyssa to show your love for the 100% Free Tutorial Library here at Song of My Heart. Your participating keeps me energized and posting frequently!

Now turn off the computer and go get in the craft room!

Just... breathe.

I am going to tease you with new stamps, dies and papers you can't order yet... #sorrynotsorry! I LOVE this card. It makes you want to take a deep breath and step through the frame, and into the scene.

Here's the supply list for when these products go live on June 1st at Shop with Lyssa:

• Color Theory 6x6 Designer Series Paper Stack (ombre Dapper Denim paper)
• Colorful Seasons stamp set (just breathe saying)
• Seasonal Layers Thinlets (Adirondack chair die cut)
• High Tide stamp set (sand, birds and sea grass images)
• Blender Pen and White craft ink (weathering on chair)
• Crumb Cake, Early Espresso cardstock
• Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Dapper Denim ink (Dapper Denim stamped off once for the birds)

If you are not on the mailing list to receive a new Stampin' Up catalog, please email me at Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com I'd love to be your demonstrator and provide you with practical and pretty projects, news about special offers, and lots of tips and techniques.

Thanks for stopping in today... and remember:

j u s t   b r e a t h e

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Dragonfly Dreams 12x12 scrapbook layout pages

This week is our final session of the spring 2017 4x4 Scrapbooking Class, and we're going out with a bang with some really great layouts. These over-the-top pages using the Dragonfly Dreams stamp set and coordinating Thinlets use a sheet of the coloring papers from Sale-A-Bration 2017 (more designs coming in the new 2017-18 Idea Book & Catalog!)

TIP: I originally planned for these pages to be black, white and gold, but the addition of Island Indigo ink, cardstock and patterned paper as an accent color made the gold pop even more. It will also help soften the page if color photos are used instead of black and white photos. Sometimes, the contrast between an all black-and-white layout and the living-color photos is just too harsh, so adding an accent color into the mix is more pleasing to the eye as it smooths the transition.

One of our other layouts for scrapbook class is a sweet combo of Blushing Bride, Basic Gray and Smoky Slate. As we bid adieu to our Project Life partnership with Becky Higgins, I've got a lot of cards to use up, so many of the patterns on this page are from the "Happiness Is" collection.

I don't do pocket-style scrapbooking, but I sure have fun using the journaling cards and page elements on my traditional 12x12 layouts. Sometimes I punch or cut out elements so they are more versatile than just squares or rectangles. In this spread, I complemented the stamped circles on the base pages (from the new Eastern Palace stamp set) with a headline punched from one of the cards.

I encourage you to take a look at the Project Life discontinuing items and pick up some bargains--many of them are discounted and all of them are while supplies last. SHOP WITH LYSSA

• 141668 Hello Lovely Project Life Card Collection $16.00
• 142687 Hello Lovely Project Life Accessory Pack $18.00
• 141666 Good Vibes Project Life Card Collection was $16.00 now $12.80 Save 20%
• 141670 All Year Long Project Life Card Collection was $16.00 now $12.80 Save 20%
• 142684 Good Vibes Project Life Accessory Pack $18.00
• 142690 All Year Long Project Life Accessory Pack $18.00
• 138454 Moments Like These Project Life Card Collection was $16.00 now $11.20 Save 30%
• 138455 Moments Like These Project Life Accessory Pack was $10.00 now $8.00 Save 20%
• 138457 Hello Baby Boy Project Life Card Collection $16.00
• 138458 Hello Baby Project Life Accessory Pack was $10.00 now $7.00 Save 30%
• 138504 Hello Baby Girl Project Life Card Collection $16.00
• 141563 Project Life Date It Photopolymer Stamp Set $26.00
• 135304 Black Project Life Journaling Pens--Low Inventory $5.00
• 135292 Black Faux Leather 12" x 12 Project Life Album $30.00
• 135293 Espresso 6" x 8" Project Life Album $10.00
• 135294 Variety Pack 1 12" x 12" Project Life Photo Pocket Pages was $7.00 now $4.90 Save 30%
• 135296 12" x 12" Page Protectors $7.00
• 135297 Variety Pack 6" x 8" Project Life Photo Pocket Pages was $6.00 now $4.20 Save 30%
• 135874 6" x 8" Project Life Envelope Pages was $5.00 now $3.50 Save 30%
• 138468 Striped 12" x 12 Project Life Printed Album was $24.00 now $19.20 Save 20%
• 138471 Variety Pack 2 Project Life Photo Pocket Pages $7.00
• 139655 Kraft 6" x 8" Project Life Album $10.00
• 135707 Project Life Cards & Labels Framelits Dies was $25.00 now $17.50 Save 30%
• 138284 Project Life Paper Clips Thinlits Dies Price: $25.00

Thanks for dropping by to see my scrapbook pages! I'll share the other two layouts later in the week. Hope to see your name on the registration list for Scrapbooking Summer School in August!

Custom Tee Shirt cards for dads, grads and more

 

Custom Tee is a great stamp set that's on SALE right now for $19.50 instead of $26, and I wanted to share some designs I made using it, before it retires for good on May 22nd. It's too bad we can't just keep them ALL, you know? But there's still time for you to add this versatile set to your permanent collection. It also has coordinating Framelits for the Big Shot (on SALE for $15 instead of $25), but if you don't mind a little hand-cutting, they're not necessary.

I made this Melon Mambo and Bermuda Bay bachelorette or "hen party" card, also cute for bridal showers. At the last minute I decided to add a little rhinestone tiara like I've seen some brides wear. I made it with the Blossom Bunch Punch (also retiring and while supplies last!) and I think it turned out cute!

After that I turned my hand to some guy cards for Father's Day. I love how the tone-on-tone letters spell out "DAD" behind the basketball jersey on this one. There's one other subtle-but-cool touch--do you see it? The Glitter Enamel Dots (coming on June 1st) are in ombre colors, starting yellow on the left side and ending up bright white on the right. Fun!

The Sunburst die is retiring, too. I'm really glad I FINALLY bought it after two years of looking at it. It's kind of fun to have something different than just a plain boring mat layer behind your focal point.

These products are DISCONTINUED and on SALE only while supplies last! 

Custom Tee Photopolymer Stamp Set Sale $19.50 instead of $26.00 [142916]

T-Shirt Builder Framelits Dies Sale $15.00 instead of $25.00 [142754]

Sunburst Thinlits Big Shot Die SALE $17.40 instead of $29.00 [140617]

Bermuda Bay 1/8" Stitched Ribbon SALE $3.60 instead of $6.00 [140569]

The last card I made today is probably my favorite of the four. I love the combo of Pool Party, Bermuda Bay and Lemon Lime Twist. The Lemon Lime is the "hot" to counteract all that "cool.' And I got some of the new In Color Collection ribbon in now, so I have some accessories to use with the new colors (also available June 1st).

I had a blast today and I hope you got in some creative time, too. It really is better than therapy! Don't forget to support Song of My Heart by leaving a comment, sharing a post, pinning a pic or doing a little RETAIL therapy in my Etsy Shop or my Stampin' Up store. I appreciate it!

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