Song of My Heart Stampers

Nuts About Squirrels! Or, I should be working on Christmas cards

Totally should be working on my next set of Christmas card designs right now! Instead I'm playing with the squirrel stamps again. I just love these guys (they need names!) and I love the gloriously fall colors they pair so perfectly with.

If the squirrels are going to follow YOU home, here's what I used to make these cards--thanks for shopping with Lyssa!

Click any image to open it larger in my Stampin' Up store!

Nuts About Squirrels Photopolymer Stamp Set

[156475]

$17.00

Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[119684]

$8.75

Old Olive

8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[100702]

$8.75

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[120953]

$8.75

Basic White

8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$9.75

Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

[147115]

$7.50

Cinnamon Cider Classic Stampin' Pad

[153114]

$7.50

Bumblebee Classic Stampin' Pad

[153116]

$7.50

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

[147090]

$7.50

Brushed Metallic 

Dots

[156506]

$9.00

Stampin' Seal+ NEW adhesive!

[149699]

$12.00

NEW Paper

Trimmer

[152392]

$25.00

Basic White Medium Envelopes

[159236]

$7.50

Add All to Cart

Hint: if you need a bunch of these, click "add all to cart" and then just delete what you don't need to order. Saves time... and you can play around adding and subtracting until your cart total is comfy : )

Please check before you finalize your order that I am the demonstrator associated with it. There has been a little trouble with it changing to unknown sellers for some of my friends. I would hate for you to think I wasn't thankful for your order, when in fact I never got it in the first place--yikes!

Thanks so much for shopping with me! I am working on earning the Stampin' Up incentive trip again this year! It is a life-long bucket list kind of item--a Baltic States cruise to Copenhagen, Helsinki, Tallin, St. Petersburg and Stockholm! If I earn this trip I will be working on saving enough to add on a couple of days in nearby Prague, since both Mike and I are part Czech.

It is SO FUN to think about getting to go to northern Europe! What a dream that would be. Stampin' Up really knows how to incentivize their team. Wish me luck!

Photo Tutorial: Chapstick lip balm holder

I got one of these cute favors from a fellow demonstrator and took it apart to learn how to make it the minute I got home! A few of my attempts were a little wonky, as you can see from the photo above, but by the last one I had it down pat!

So here it is in photo tutorial format, or you can watch me create it live here in this short video.

To begin, you'll need:

• Chapstick or Burt's Bees style lip balm in a tube
• 8.5x11 cardstock
• Simply Scored board or a paper trimmer with scoring blade.
• strong adhesive such as Tear & Tape
• Paper Snips or small sharp scissors
• patterned paper or stamps to decorate

Here we go!!! You can get two of these holders from one sheet of 8.5 x 11 cardstock.

 

That is the hardest part, I promise! I hate all those little 8ths, too. I tried to mess with the measurements to avoid them, but it results in the box being too small or too large. So just suck it up and count the little tick marks on your trimmer or Simply Scored, because this project is worth it!

If you are going to add patterned paper to the back panel, cut it to 1.5 x 2.25 inches. If you want to add strips to the sides of the long box, those should be about 3/4 of an inch wide and about 2.25 long, depending on how accurate your score lines and folds were.

Fun, huh? And pretty easy, really, despite those fussy scores on the first step. I hope you try this tutorial and enjoy giving little gifts to friends and coworkers. It's a great way to use up small scraps of patterned paper, too!

Please take a second to like, pin or share! It helps me so much. Thank you, friend!

Nuts About You squirrel card with cork accent

The second I laid eyes on this adorable squirrel stamp set in the 2021 Holiday mini catalog from Stampin' Up, it shot straight to the top of my wishlist! I love watching the squirrels in our neighborhood, and the whimsical art style the artist used on these little critters made an irresistible stamp set.

We used Nuts About Squirrels in my local stamp club last week and everyone was so delighted at how easily the two-step stamps lined up (ok, ok, I obviously need more practice on the acorn.) But this stamp set is going to get LOTS of practice, because I love it so much!!!

This card is PERFECT for cartoon-style stamps, and you will love how it cleans out your scrap bin! Punch or die-cut three of your large circles (I used a 2.5 inch) first. Two will be the background, and one will be the mat for your main image. Then stamp and punch your main image (squirrel, 2.25 inch) and your sentiment (I did 1.25 inch with a 1 and 3/8ths mat). Add other smaller circles as accents.

Love the little bit of gritty grain that the new Cork Sheets added to this card! What a fun texture, and punchable and die-cuttable to boot!

The new Cork Sheets and the Nuts About Squirrels stamp set will be available beginning August 3rd, 2021 with opening day of the new Holiday mini catalog and Sale-A-Bration part two! Email me to get a free catalog so you can see all the fun new papercrafty goodness inside.

And if you love these little guys like I do, ACT FAST because I have a feeling they'll be a runaway best-seller!

Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

Way too much fun with All Squared Away!

I am a symmetrical kind of girl... I really like things that can be lined up or placed in grids. It's hard for me to purposefully glue things down crooked. I'm getting better at it (scrapbooking helps!) but when I saw the new Stampin' Up bundle All Squared Away, I knew it was a no-brainer for me!

I just love all the different ways the squares can be combined into cards and pages! I made the above card live on Facebook--grab a cuppa and "stamp" along with me for a few minutes!

I try to keep these videos short and sweet, without a lot of extraneous chit-chat. I know you're busy!

I stuck with a monochrome color scheme to keep myself moving along, and I came up with several designs that were easy and fun. These are my kind of cards, with a focus on bold color and a clean contrast layout. I like all kinds of art styles, but left to myself, this is me!

After playing with all those squares, I had to throw some circle punches in there to break things up. But you'll notice I even lined up my circles in a grid! Ha ha!! I thought this was a good illustration, though, of how you can used the All Squared Away stamp set to make yourself matching patterned papers in ANY color you wanted. This will be handy for those colors that never seem to get featured in any of the patterned paper packs (I'm looking at you, Balmy Blue!)

Ready to recreate this look at home? Here's what you'll need to pull together!

Click any link to Shop with Lyssa!

All Squared Away Cling Stamp Set (alone)

[155087]

All Squared Away Bundle with dies

[158382]

Floral Squares Dies (alone)

[155961]

Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[131197]

Bermuda Bay Classic Ink Stampin' Pad

[147096]

2020–2022 In Color Square Gems

[155572]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[159229]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

Basic White Medium Envelopes

[159236]

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[150673]

Add All to Cart

Remember, new the "Add All to Cart" button is the fastest way to start your shopping cart--and once the items are there, you can easily click to remove the ones you already own, and add any other supplies you need. Enjoy shopping! And don't hesitate to email me if you have questions. Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

What I made with my March 2021 Suite Sampler Box!

I can't wait for everyone to get their Suite Sampler this month! I really enjoyed myself making 6 scrapbook pages and MANY different cards from the March 2021 box featuring Boho Indigo. The color and patterns are just perfectly paired!

Here's a little sneak peek of just a FEW of my favorite creations from March's Suite Sampler box! For the full gallery plus samples uploaded by subscribers each month, click here (it's free!)

I hear you asking....

What on earth is a Suite Sampler subscription box? Well, basically, I do a little shopping for you! I put together a generous, color-coordinated sampling of products including papers, cardstock, trims and embellishments based around one of Stampin' Up's suites, and mail it to you Priority Mail by the 15th of each month. I work hard on these boxes-- I want you to say WOW--every month!

Each month I use the box contents to create about 15 projects, both cards and pages, to show what you can do with yours! There are no stamps or ink included, so you can either work with what you already own, or decide if you want to purchase the coordinating stamp set and/or dies to go with it all. The flexibility stays in YOUR hands!

The Suite Sampler is NOT A KIT-- your box will be FULL of fun parts and pieces plus FULL sheets of 12x12 and 8.5 x 11 to coordinate. You can use my inspiration samples as a guide, or set out on your own and see where the mojo takes you!

My Suite Samplers save you TONS of money--you won't have to purchase full packs of anything in order to try it all! You'll get to enjoy trying out all sorts of suites without a massive investment--and you'll LOVE the shot of mojo every month that a brand new box of irresistibly pretty papers and colors will give you.

Here's a sneak peek of SOME of what is in the March box!

***Please note this is the March 2021 Box. If you are viewing this post after March 10th, your subscription with April's box, featuring the Well Suited papers and a masculine theme***

• 1/2 stack of Boho Indigo 6x6 patterned papers
• 12x12 cardstock in 3 coordinating colors
• 8.5 x 11 cardstock in 3 coordinating colors
• Very Vanilla envelopes
• Seaside Spray shimmer ribbon
• Very Vanilla/Gold satin ribbon
• Misty Moonlight cotton ribbon
• Two types of baker's twine
• Gold Enamel Glitter Dots
• Die-cut tags and journaling boxes
• Die-cut vases and foilage stems
• 6x6 embossed sheets in 3 patterns
• Gold foil cardstock
• Dimensionals adhesive
• month of free access to My Layout Library ($7 value) including my exclusive Boho Indigo cardmaking class free
• and MORE! If we hit 50 subscribers this month I will include a surprise full-size embellishment in every kit!

I hope you've enjoyed a sneak peek into what it might be like to join my new monthly subscription service (it also comes with free access to My Layout Library, a $7 additional value!) For complete details on what's included in My Layout Library and what your options are for subscribing with or without the Suite Sampler box, click here!

And the price for all that product plus inspiration? Just $29 per month that you choose to participate! Pause or cancel your invoices at any time. Decide if you want to play based on the the chosen suite, your own schedule, and your own budget!

Then email me to say, "start my invoices!" Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

Berry Blessings stamps and papers

I'm hoping these card ideas will help you agree with me that Berry Blessings earns its place on your stamp shelf. I'm busy using up every last scrap of my paper pack!

Can't get enough of that gorgeous Pacific Point BLUE... although all kinds of red and purple berries are featured in the pack's artwork, I have used up all the blueberry bits first!I just feel like the Stampin' Up artist really outdid herself on these designs.

Click here to go shop Stampin' Up with Lyssa! Thanks for double-checking that you are shopping with me before checkout. Still having orders go astray here and there with the new online store. As always, if you have ANY questions, please email me! Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

Penni & Lyssa's Valentine Adventures!

We're back! My crafty BFF and I are back with another blog series for your enjoyment! This time we're focusing on Valentine's Day (which is coming up fast!) and what you can make just with things you probably already have on hand. Let's get started!

Our first project today doesn't use a Valentine set at all! The Silhouette Scenes set and dies combined with the Brick Wall embossing folder and an oval window give us a vignette that gets the message across even without a holiday-specific stamp set.

If you have some heart-patterned paper, you can do a lot with just an alphabet stamp set or dies. I cut up a saying into individual words to layer onto X's and O's cut from scrap Basic White and glued to a strip of Real Red to match.

I got these simple frames at the Dollar Tree and it was easy to cover the back with 7.5 x 5.5 inch cardstock or paper. This whole project maybe took 15 minutes including die-cutting all those X's and O's! This would make a fantastic kids' craft for the classroom, too. No stamps at all needed for this one!

While I was cutting out the letters, I kept looking at the scrap strips left over. They were really cute, and I didn't want to throw them away, so I turned them into a 12 x 12 Valentine scrapbook page!

This layout is perfect for using up scraps. The large Blushing Bride rectangle is half a sheet of 8.5 x 11 cardstock, and the large Real red mat is a quarter sheet. I haven't used up the circles from the middle of the O's, but I did think they could be used for fun large polka dots, too.

Love using up scraps--I feel so thrifty!

That's it for Day One! Thanks for stopping by our blog series. Join us tomorrow for Day Two, which is alllll about the chocolate!

December 2020 Class of the Month Club is here! Basket of Blooms

I had so much fun coming up with the card designs for this month's class! Featuring Basket of Blooms and the Small Bloom Punch, the December 2020 Class of the Month projects are classic designs you'll recreate over and over with different sets. What you include in your baskets and pots is limited only by your imagination!

Here's the sweet images in this month's featured set. Isn't it cute? And so easy to make quick cards that look like they took more time than they really did. This class contains seven cards ranging from easy to intermediate.

Did I mention it's DOUBLE POINTS DECEMBER???

Oh yeah!

Every year in December on the anniversary of Class of the Month starting, you earn DOUBLE POINTS towards your SHOPPING SPREE for participating! Thank you for your loyalty & ordering all year 'round.

Not sure what your current point total is? Email me for an update! Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

Never participated in my online rewards club before? It's so easy! Just shop with the code for the month and you're in the club! Every month YOU decide if you want to play along. There's no automatic charge or required number of months. Skip a month or quit any time--but you earn points each time you play. Five points gets you $30 free, and save up ten points to get $60 free!

Click: complete overview of my Class of the Month Club!

Cost: $35 or more Stampin' Up order, before shipping and tax

Code: XNWQJXK2

Cart: go shop with Lyssa! http://bit.ly/shopwithLyssa

Remember, you can order any $35+ worth you like--not just what I used for this class. However, if you'd like to recreate my projects exactly, you'll find these awesome to have!

Suggested Products to Order:

Basket Of Blooms Photopolymer

Stamp Set

[153305]

$17.00

2020–2022 In Color 6" X 6" Designer Series Paper

[153070]

$11.50

Small

Bloom

Punch

[152316]

$0.00

2020–2022

In Color

Enamel Dots

[152480]

$8.00

Lovely You Cling Stamp Set

(English)

[152525]

$24.00

Add It All to My Cart!

Did I mention there's free bling??? In addition to the emailed class PDF files, you'll also get a handstamped thank you card in the mail from me--full of samples! Sometimes it's paper swatches, other times ribbon--often it's brand new sneak peek items from the next catalog! You will love getting happy mail every month as my club member. I usually make the thank you cards with the featured set, too, so there's yet another idea you can use with your new stamps.

I can't wait to see what you make with these class projects under your belt and this adorable stamp set and coordinating punch in your collection. We are going to have SO much fun! Hope to see your name pop up on my list of VIP stampers to spoil this month for DOUBLE POINTS DECEMBER!

Braided Paper technique

I absolutely love this new card trick--you've got to try it! It uses a paper "braid" which is actually more of a weave, no braiding skills required. Grab yourself some 12 inch long scraps and make it along with me! Isn't it just soooo pretty?

This is the PERFECT way to use up your 12 inch paper scraps. You'll need four 1/2 inch by 12 inch strips for each braid, and each braid does one card. Here's a couple more variations I made, all with the Snowflake Splendor papers from Stampin' Up!

Stamp sets used:

Dove Of Hope Cling Stamp Set

[153406]

For Unto Us Cling Stamp Set

[153335]

Snowflake Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set

[153444]

Add All to Cart

Such a fun technique! Would you leave me a comment if you try it? I would love to know something you saw at Song of My Heart inspired you to play with paper today. Thanks for visiting!

PS--while you're watching my Facebook Live, be sure to like and follow Song of My Heart there! I'm doing lots more videos now and it would be fun to "see" you "at" one of my demos!

Honoring Honor Flight volunteers with patriotic quilt cards

While my team's Make A Difference project is making Honor Flight cards for every Wisconsin veteran, we didn't want to forget a very special group of people who make their special trip to Washington, D.C., possible in the first place. Each flight takes massive organization and an entire fleet of volunteers, along with lots of donated time and money from local groups and individuals. The work of fundraising and organizing goes on even though the flights are not going out in 2020 and possibly 2021.

I'm saying a BIG THANK YOU to all of the workers who make these flights happen! What you do makes a difference, and I am proud to have been involved in getting the word out to Stampin' Up and their demonstrators all over the United States about Honor Flight's efforts.

On election night 2020 I popped on Facebook Live for a little patriotic stamping to get our minds off the voting day craziness. I made all the backgrounds for these cards using one-inch scrap strips of red and blue patterned papers (blue from the Boho Indigo pack, red from the Heartwarming Hugs pack).

You can watch the Live on replay here!

Ready to make some thank-you cards of your own for the heroes in your family or community? Here's what I used. Click any link to order the supplies from my online store (thank you so much!)

Product List

Loyal Leaves Cling Stamp Set (sentiment)

[152544]

Boho Indigo Product Medley Refill 6x6 stack (blues)

[153925]

Heartwarming Hugs Designer Series 12x12 Paper (reds)

[153492]

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[100730]

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[100867]

Real Red Classic Ink Stampin' Pad

[147084]

Rhinestone Basic Jewels

[144220]

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

Thanks for stopping by Song of My Heart today! Subscribe to my newsletter before you leave so you don't miss more easy, adorable designs like these for using up all your scraps and having an excuse to buy more paper!

Ready to Make It? Three strips card

Instructions for "Three Strips" card designed by Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek for Song of My Heart Stampers. All supplies Stampin’ Up! "Ready to Make It?" cards can be created in fifteen minutes or less, with limited supplies. Try one today! #simplestamping

Paper: A Flower for Every Season 6x6 stack

Cardstock: Thick Whisper White, Misty Moonlight, Seaside Spray

Accessories: dimensionals, Blue Adhesive Gems, Well-Written dies, Adhesive Sheets

Instructions:

1. Cut Thick Whisper White card base 5.5 x 8.5 inches, score at 4.25 inches, and fold in half.
2. Cut Misty Moonlight to 4 x 5.25 inches and adhere.
3. Cut Whisper White cardstock to 3.75 x 5 inches and adhere to cardbase.
4. Cut three one by four inch strips of patterned paper. Tear bottom ends.
5. Adhere one strip in the center of the card, then one on either side of it.
6. Die cut desired word or phrase from Whisper White with Adhesive Sheet added to the back.
7. Adhere word or phrase to a Seaside Spray piece about 1 x 3.25 inches.
8. Attach word piece over the three strips near the torn bottom edges.
9. Embellish with faceted gems in the upper right corner.

Love practical but pretty layouts?  If you have 15 minutes, you can make a handmade card. Be sure to check out the rest of the EASY & FAST cards in the Ready to Make It category here!

Instructions for "Three Strips" card designed by Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek for Song of My Heart Stampers. All supplies Stampin’ Up! "Ready to Make It?" cards can be created in fifteen minutes or less, with limited supplies. Try one today! #simplestamping

Paper: A Flower for Every Season 6x6 stack

Cardstock: Thick Whisper White, Misty Moonlight, Seaside Spray

Accessories: dimensionals, Blue Adhesive Gems, Well-Written dies, Adhesive Sheets

Instructions:

1. Cut Thick Whisper White card base 5.5 x 8.5 inches, score at 4.25 inches, and fold in half.
2. Cut Misty Moonlight to 4 x 5.25 inches and adhere.
3. Cut Whisper White cardstock to 3.75 x 5 inches and adhere to cardbase.
4. Cut three one by four inch strips of patterned paper. Tear bottom ends.
5. Adhere one strip in the center of the card, then one on either side of it.
6. Die cut desired word or phrase from Whisper White with Adhesive Sheet added to the back.
7. Adhere word or phrase to a Seaside Spray piece about 1 x 3.25 inches.
8. Attach word piece over the three strips near the torn bottom edges.
9. Embellish with faceted gems in the upper right corner.

Love practical but pretty layouts?  If you have 15 minutes, you can make a handmade card. Be sure to check out the rest of the EASY & FAST cards in the Ready to Make It category here!

Instructions for "Three Strips" card designed by Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek for Song of My Heart Stampers. All supplies Stampin’ Up! "Ready to Make It?" cards can be created in fifteen minutes or less, with limited supplies. Try one today! #simplestamping

Paper: A Flower for Every Season 6x6 stack

Cardstock: Thick Whisper White, Misty Moonlight, Seaside Spray

Accessories: dimensionals, Blue Adhesive Gems, Well-Written dies, Adhesive Sheets

Instructions:

1. Cut Thick Whisper White card base 5.5 x 8.5 inches, score at 4.25 inches, and fold in half.
2. Cut Misty Moonlight to 4 x 5.25 inches and adhere.
3. Cut Whisper White cardstock to 3.75 x 5 inches and adhere to cardbase.
4. Cut three one by four inch strips of patterned paper. Tear bottom ends.
5. Adhere one strip in the center of the card, then one on either side of it.
6. Die cut desired word or phrase from Whisper White with Adhesive Sheet added to the back.
7. Adhere word or phrase to a Seaside Spray piece about 1 x 3.25 inches.
8. Attach word piece over the three strips near the torn bottom edges.
9. Embellish with faceted gems in the upper right corner.

Love practical but pretty layouts?  If you have 15 minutes, you can make a handmade card. Be sure to check out the rest of the EASY & FAST cards in the Ready to Make It category here!

Easy Triangle Fold Front paper technique

This technique was new to me when I saw it in a holiday sample card swap for Stampin' Up demonstrators, so I had to try it. It's so easy and a nice different type of card, but still fits in a regular envelope and mails for a single postage stamp, which is important to me.

I made a quick video for you because I know you're going to want to try it, too! You'll need a card base of 5.5 x 4.25, a neutral piece of 4 x 5.25, and two 3 x 4 inch pieces of patterned paper. Only ONE side of the paper will show, so don't worry about the back.

Terracotta Tile

Rococo Rose

Whisper White

Mango Melody

www.songofmyheartstampers.com

Looking at the photos, I think I'll make some more daisy punches for the insides, too! Why not, right? You can never have too many cheerful flowers around you!

Thanks for popping in to see today's project. I can't wait for you to see what I've got planned for next week! Make sure you subscribe to my once-weekly newsletter (it's free!) so you don't miss the World Cardmaking Day (October 3rd) special activities and a fun giveaway.

31 Pages in 31 Days: a page for the quilter in your life!

Hello again, everybody! Thanks for joining me for Day Seven of 31 Pages in 31 Days, my annual scrapbooking blog series! Every year I take the entire month of August to do what I call immersion scrapping. Basically I make a layout (at least one) every day and leave all the mess out for the whole month without putting it away. I just don't seem to be able to fit scrapbooking into my life any other way!

So all year long I'm filing ideas, purchasing papers, and printing photos-- and then in August I just GO FOR IT. It's so much fun! We're only a week in--join us for the challenge! You might not get 31 pages done, but you'll be further along in your books than you were when you started.

Today's page is all about scraps! And one thing we papercrafters have in common with quilters is definitely scraps, although theirs are fabric and ours are paper.

Luckily, I always have an excuse to make a quilt-themed page, because my sweet mother in law is a prolific quilter. And yellow is a particularly favorite color of hers, too. It suits her--she is such a ray of sunshine!

If you'd like to recreate this page, you'll need 2 sheets each of two patterns from the 6x6 paper stack called Flowers for Every Season. Cut up the sheets into six one-inch wide strips and you'll have enough to cover your background page with strips.

PRO TIP: To help me stay straight while adhering my "quilt blocks," I first scored my base 12x12 cardstock at six inches vertically and horizontally. The scores wont show, and it was soooo much easier than trying to wing it. Use a liquid glue so you can adjust any strips as needed before they're set.

Ready to recreate this look at home? Here's what I used:

Click any link to Shop with Lyssa!  

Tasteful Touches Cling Stamp Set

[152562]

Flowers For Every Season 6" X 6" Designer Series Paper

[152486]

Whisper White 12" X 12" Cardstock

[124302]

Bumblebee 8-1/2X11 Cardstock

[153077]

Just Jade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[153079]

Just Jade Classic Stampin' Pad

[153115]

Butterfly

Duet Punch

[148523]

Pearl

Basic Jewels

[144219]

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

Paper Trimmer NEW! 

[152392]

If you're just coming in, don't leave before subscribing to my once-a-week email. You'll never miss out on events and info again! There is always something fun happening here. I'll keep you informed of all the latest Stampin' Up news and specials, too. Click here

See you tomorrow for more scrapbooking fun!

31 Pages in 31 Days: grab your flip flops!

Grab your sunglasses, hat and flip flops for today's inspiration page! I was inspired by the strips on these scrap strips I had leftover from a huge project last month. The pattern and colors reminded me of a beach towel, and the whole page came together around that.

The only bad thing about this page is that I do not have any recent beachy photos to use with it! Boo hoo!!! I miss traveling!

The colors in the strips are all 'hot" colors, so I needed to introduce some "cool" tones to make it easier on the eyes. Two shades of aqua blue (Coastal Cabana and Bermuda Bay) match the intensity of the red/pink/yellow tones, while calming the overall feel.

NOTE: if you are looking for the swag bag information originally shared on this post, I have removed it because they all sold out! Thanks to everybody for trusting me to put together a bag that will knock your socks off : )

See you tomorrow for Day Four of 31 Pages in 31 Days!

Photo Tutorial: Chevron Quilt Strip background

Got something pretty to share with you today!!! I recently did a massive challenge with my team where I sent them all specific papers to play with. The mailers I used were just a little too small for a 6x6 sheet, however, so I would up with hundreds (!!!) of 1 x 6 inch strips. Time to get creative!

I've made lots of strip backgrounds before, but this one's special. Once you're done making the background, you cut it up, mix it with a mirror-opposite of itself, and reassemble the resulting pattern back onto a card base.

The result? Super cute quilt-look chevron background! Let's learn to make it!

Don't sweat it if your lines don't match up perfectly. The space on the cardfront, plus the busyness of the pattern, will distract the eye from imperfections.

That's all there is to it! Orient your card vertically or horizontally, and embellish as desired. Each background uses up about 8-9 strips of scrap paper. I love a good thrifty technique like that! I hope you give it a try.

Thanks for visiting Song of My Heart today! If you need Stampin' Up supplies (you gotta get this paper pack!) I'd love it if you shopped in my store! Shop with Lyssa  Let me know if you need a hard copy of the catalog, too!

Simple, sweet magnolias

There's just a teeny bit of time left in the old catalog, and I'm using those minutes to draw your attention to a sweet little set that actually wasn't IN it! The Magnolia Blooms stamp set was only featured in our beginner's brochure, Experience Creativity. It's like a mini version of the enormously popular Good Morning Magnolia set.

I sat down to see what I could do with Magnolia Blooms before it's too late for you to add it to your collection, too! I came up with four very simple, clean layouts that you'll love--and the basic supplies to make 40+ of them are just under $50! That's including envelopes. WOW!

I used scraps of patterned paper to contrast with the florals on two of my designs. The coordinating Magnolia Lane papers are also retiring and those are a great choice if you want to match. This sweet Petal Pink polka dot pattern came from Bird Ballad.

Actually... the size of this smaller magnolia is probably more versatile and useful than the big set! However, you might consider getting both so you have all of the sentiments plus a wide variety of sizes of the flower for both cards, pages, and the outsides of your envelopes.

Here's my supplies list, broken down by cost. Making your own greeting cards CAN be pricey, depending on what you feel you need-- but with wise buys and thrifty tricks, it can also be considerably cheaper than the store. And for newbies or people in a hurry? Magnolia Blooms is about as smart a purchase as it gets. 

Click any link to go view the product details in my online store! 

• Magnolia Blooms Photopolymer Stamp Set [152729] $14.00
• Mossy Meadow & Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Spots [152454] $2.40
• Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad [147100] $7.50
• Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [140272] $8.25
• Whisper White Medium Envelopes [107301] $7.50
• Linen Thread [104199] $5.00
• Pearl Basic Jewels [144219] $5.00
• Total: $49.65 for what you need for 40+ cards!

 

This self-imposed challenge was so fun! Do you ever set yourself a little crafty task, like using up a certain bunch of scraps, or finally getting a neglected stamp set inky? When you complete your goal, relax with one of my Stampin' Up virtual puzzles. How fun is this weekend going to be?! Happy stamping!

Guy cards for the golf enthusiast using a one sheet wonder

Do you have golfers in your family? I don't, but I like to have some on hand for friends who love the game, and retirement cards. I really liked the colors in the Country Club papers (retiring this month!) and decided I'd make a quick one-sheet wonder designed around it.

Download it here free: Download 6x6 One Sheet Wonder #3 but consider subscribing to My Layout Library, which has a dozen One-Sheet Wonders, all my Cheat Sheet Collections, 4 years' worth of Class of the Month files, and MUCH more, for just $7 a month!

 

Basic Black

 

Night of Navy

 

Garden Green

 

Poppy Parade

 

Crushed Curry

www.songofmyheartstampers.com

ENJOY the free one-sheet wonder template! I can't wait to see what you make with it. I really like using 6x6 one-sheet wonders because you can make four cards with it--one card for whatever occasion you need right away, and three to put in your card box to grab as needed in the future. That would be a great summer project, by the way!

My funny quarantine

Getting a good giggle out of some of the saying from the COVID-19 fundraiser printable that Stampin' Up came out with this week! I could not resist using actual toilet paper on this one. Don't worry, it was UN-USED TP!!! And I only "wasted" one square.

I had a lot of fun using up scraps and re-purposing old cards to make a bunch of quarantine sunshine to spread. I always clean out my craftroom at this time of year to get ready for the new catalog (and make space for new toys!) so it feels great to actually get rid of a bunch of bits and pieces. I always feel so thrifty when I recycle a card!

I can't wait for my friends and family to get their quarantine cards! How many have you sent so far? I did a bunch around Easter, a whole-team mailing the first week in April, and then slacked off pretty badly. Since we're extended now through May, I need to get back on the horse and do my part to keep people encouraged and smiling.

Our job is pretty important right now, you know! The world needs card makers! Tell your hubby you're needed on the front lines because you're an essential worker. He will support you and say, "spare no expense, darling!" I'm sure that is the only patriotic response to knowing your country needs you. : )

Ornate Garden gorgeousness early for April!

Shortsighted me did not order the new catalog sneak peek Ornate Garden bundle... but I am going to rectify that! I thought I didn't need this gorgeous new product medley but I keep getting amazing cards from friends using it. Here's some stunners!

I KNOW! WOW, right? I think I gotta get this! At least the dies if nothing else. I think they might be the prettiest ones I've ever seen!

Gotta have it? Shop with Lyssa! Thanks for supporting Song of My Heart. 

Ornate Garden Suite Collection (everything in the whole suite!)

[154153]

Ornate Style Bundle stamp set and dies

[154119]

Ornate Thanks Bundle stamps set and dies

[154115]

Ornate Thanks Photopolymer Stamp Set  alone

[149471]

Ornate Style Cling Rubber Stamp Set alone

[152572]

Ornate Layers Dies MUST HAVE!!!

[152726]

Ornate

Borders Dies

[152724]

Ornate Garden Specialty Designer 12x12 Paper

[152488]

Ornate Garden Ribbon Combo 2-Pack

[152479]

Ornate Floral 3D Embossing Folder

[152725]

GORGEOUS!

Gilded Gems

[152478]

SUCH pretty bits and pieces... I can't wait for my box to arrive!

I think I've learned a lesson here... next time, cave in faster : )

We'll Walrus Be Friends

I got a hilarious new rubber stamp set from Stampin' Up this weekend, and although I definitely had other things to do, I couldn't resist sitting down to make some quick cards with this funny guy and his friends! I only had time to play with one image basically, but here's the whole set, called We'll Walrus Be Friends.

Aren't they just too cute? Any set that makes me smile THAT big is a keeper. Plus, I get to use my favorite grays and aqua colors--bonus! Here's a few of the designs. They all turned out a little different.

Look at how well the Hammered Metal embossing folder looks with these images! That really added a lot of interest to an otherwise clean and simple card.

Another fun style of paper scrap I got to use up in this quick craft session was the Noble Peacock Foil Sheets in the Bermuda Bay color. The cool sheen really suited the theme and it looks awesome in the light!

I've gotten back into Shimmer Paint lately and I added Frost White to the iceberg and the sea with a little paintbrush. So that kind of misty white you're seeing is all glittery! It looks amazing in person.

Fun! I'll link to my supplies here so you can make these quick and funny cards for your friends, too, if the Walrus follows you home!

Click any product to go see it in the online store!

We'll Walrus Be Friends Cling Stamp Set

[149367]

Noble Peacock Foil Sheets 12x12 

[149495]

Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[122924]

Smoky Slate 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[131202]

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[100730]

Tuxedo Black Memento

Ink Pad

[132708]

Pool Party Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack

[144605]

Bermuda Bay Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack

[144600]

Smoky Slate Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack

[145058]

Frost White Shimmer

Paint

[147046]

Glitter Enamel Dots

[146934]

Layering Circles Dies

[141705]

Hammered Metal 3D Embossing Folder

[150646]

So Very Vellum (no longer available)

[152313]

I can't wait for my next playdate with Walrus and friends... but I'd trade that for a playdate with YOU! Until next time.