Blog • Stamp4Joy

Handmade Stocking Stuffer Gift

September 29, 2024 No Comments

Looking for a handmade stocking stuffer gift that’s sure to delight? These adorable keychains and book bag charms are perfect for both kids and adults! Crafting them is quick and easy, and you can even personalize them with a small photo for an extra thoughtful touch. Grab your favorite designer paper collection and get creative with a truly one-of-a-kind gift.

My 12 Weeks of Christmas tutorials kick off on Wednesday, October 2nd, and they’re completely free! This exclusive series is my special gift to mailing list subscribers only. One of last year’s favorites was this fun project.
Sign up using the box on the right, and as a bonus, you’ll receive a free card-making tutorial straight to your inbox!

SUPPLIES

Stamps:
None

Ink:
None

Paper (including Cutting Dimensions):
Zoo Crew 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper (161304)

1-1/4″ x 1-3/4″ (cut two if you need a pattern for the back)

Basic Supplies:

Paper Snips if needed (103579)
Multipurpose Liquid Glue if needed (110755)

Other:

Photo Insert Keychain

Mini Tassel optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut one (or two) paper pieces to the desired size of 1-1/4″ x 1-3/4″. Optionally, you can fussy cut an image and/or sentiment for layering.
If needed, adhere the fussy cut image(s) to the front layer. Be mindful of the design on the back; sometimes, a single layer may suffice.
If a pattern is required for the back, attach it to the reverse of the front piece.
Insert your assembled image, front side down, into the larger section of the keychain. Note that the back piece has a small protrusion. Slide this into the bottom opening of the front piece and secure it by pressing down on the other end. Some adjustments may be necessary.
If you are using a tassel, you can now slide it onto the ring part.

What could be simpler than this adorable handmade stocking stuffer gift?

Need something special for the crafter in your life, no matter their age? This DIY gift idea is the perfect solution!

Just a Simple Sympathy Card

September 10, 2024 No Comments

If you're looking for a simple sympathy card idea, this one is heartfelt and easy to create. I used the colors from this month's color combination which I'm sharing in my newsletter today. If you're quick, there's still time to sign up and get the details before it goes out in just a few minutes.

For this card, I used my Blending Brushes to create a smooth and gradual color transition. The effect turned out beautifully, giving the card a soft, peaceful feel that's perfect for the upcoming autumn.

The foliage and container are from the Country Flowers stamp set, cut out with the matching Country Flowers Dies.

Save 10% by buying both the stamps and the dies together in the Country Flowers Bundle!

I stamped them in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and added color using my Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers. Blending with these markers is so simple, which is why I love using them!

I grabbed the sentiment is from the same stamp set and stamped in Pecan Pie ink. One of the decorative dies from the Unbounded Love Dies collection was used to cut it out.

I really love how this simple sympathy card turned out — perfect for when you need something thoughtful yet easy to create.

If you're ever unsure of what to write, check out this post for things to say in a sympathy card.

New Product Share Announcement!

September 7, 2024 No Comments

New Product Share Announcement for Designer Papers & Ribbons!

If you love trying out new products without committing to full packs, I’ve got something exciting for you! My latest product shares from the Stampin’ Up! Sept-Dec. 2024 Mini Catalog are now available, and they’re perfect for adding variety to your crafting stash without the big investment.

Designer Paper Share – 102 Sheets for Just $45 (Including S&H)!

This share includes a 6″ x 6″ sampling of the following collections:

Season of Elegance (p. 25) – 12 sheets
Reindeer Days (p. 27) – 12 sheets
Sentimental Christmas (p. 29) – 12 sheets
Nests of Winter (p. 31) – 12 sheets
Snowy Scenes (p. 33) – 12 sgeets
Regal Distressed Patterns (p. 35) – 6 sheets
Regal Winter (p. 35) – 12 sheets
Splendid Autumn (p. 37) – 12 sheets
Take a Bow (p. 39) – 12 sheets

That's 102 sheets of gorgeous designs to spark your creativity for just $45, including shipping and handling!

Designer Paper & Ribbon Share – Add Some Texture for $15 More

Want to add ribbons to your share? For an additional $15 you’ll get 2 yards of each of these stunning ribbons:

Cherry Cobbler & Gold 1/4″ Satin Ribbon (p. 25)
Shaded Spruce 1/2″ Satin & Sheer Ribbon (p. 29)
Pool Party 5/8″ Pompom Ribbon (p. 33)
Blackberry Bliss & Gold 1/2″ Textured Ribbon (p. 35)
Wild Wheat 3/8″ Rustic Striped Ribbon (p. 37)

With this option you can sample both the papers and coordinating ribbons for just $60, including S&H.

These product shares are a fantastic way to play with all the new colors and patterns from the Mini Catalog, giving you the freedom to experiment with different combinations for your projects. Whether you're making holiday cards, gift tags, or scrapbooking layouts, this share has something for everyone!

There are only 10 spots available, so be sure to place your order by Tuesday, Sept. 10th to secure yours! All product shares will be shipped by Sept. 23rd. If an item happens to be backordered or unavailable at the time of ordering, I’ll contact you with options — either to delay shipping until the item is back in stock or to receive a partial refund for any unavailable items.

Owl Xmas Cards

September 4, 2024 No Comments

Creating adorable owl Xmas Cards is a breeze with the Christmas Friends Bundle from the new Holiday Mini Catalog. The bundle features a charming array of whimsical creatures, with coordinating dies that make crafting a snap. The owl stamp in this set is particularly cute, but I have to admit, the little mouse has stolen my heart! Do you have a favorite?

For this card I started by coloring the stamped images with alcohol markers before cutting them out. The process is simple, and the results are always so satisfying. The background features a tree pattern from the Reindeer Days 12″ x 12″ Designer Paper pack, which creates a beautiful backdrop for these sweet creatures.

To create the snow at the bottom of the card I hand-tore some white cardstock and flipped one of the

pieces to add a bit of variation. A touch of Pool Party ink applied with a Blending Brush along the edge adds just the right amount of shadow and depth.

For the sentiment I used one of the longer dies from the Unbounded Love Dies collection. I stamped the sentiment in Garden Green ink, matching it to some of the trees in the background paper for a cohesive look.

These owl Xmas Cards are as fun to make as they are to give!

Remember this cute little owl from a few years ago?

Sweet Happy Birthday Card

August 27, 2024 No Comments

Receiving a sweet happy birthday card this week reminded me of just how special handmade cards can make someone feel.

There’s something truly special about receiving a handmade card, especially as a birthday approaches. This week, I was delighted to receive another beautiful card, and it got me thinking about just how meaningful these little works of art can be.

In a world where digital messages and mass-produced cards are the norm, a handmade card stands out. It’s not just about the card itself, but the time and effort that someone put into creating it. Every detail — the choice of colors, the carefully stamped images, the thoughtful message inside — reminds us that we’re valued and appreciated.

Receiving a handmade card can evoke a sense of connection and warmth that’s hard to replicate. It’s a tangible reminder that someone took the time to think about you, to create something unique, just for you. Whether it’s for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, these cards have the power to lift our spirits and make us feel truly special.

As my birthday draws near I’m grateful for the thoughtful gestures that come my way, and I’m reminded of the joy that a simple, handmade card can bring to our lives.

Here's another fabulous birthday card Sue G. sent me!

Handmade Halloween Crafts

August 4, 2024 No Comments

Believe it or not, Halloween is coming! If you enjoy making handmade Halloween crafts, but don't want to break the bank, then you're in luck! Today is the last day of my BOGO sale on retired stamps, dies, and bundles, and I have a few Halloween-themed stamps and more for you!

These Halloween supplies are perfect for creating cards, Halloween party invites, 3D decor, and more. You can make your spooky projects unique and save money at the same time. Imagine the fun you’ll have

crafting eerie invitations or haunting home decor pieces with these great products!

And don’t forget, the bundles can be used for projects other than handmade Halloween crafts. I made a beautiful sympathy card with the Detailed Gate Dies. This versatility makes them even more valuable for your crafting collection. You can view a close-up of some Halloween-themed products below.

So head over to Stamp4Joy.com/Retired and grab your Halloween stamps and dies before they're gone. Email your selections to me at Rebecca@Stamp4Joy.com. And remember, invoices must be paid within 12 hours.

Happy crafting and have a spooky good time!

Flash BOGO Sale August 3rd and 4th

August 3, 2024 No Comments

Flash BOGO Sale

Attention all crafters! I’m excited to announce a special two-day flash BOGO sale on my retired stamp sets, dies, and bundles!

This sale runs from Aug. 3rd to 4th and is your chance to grab some fantastic stamp sets and more of your favorite crafting supplies.

Here’s how it works:

Browse the sale items HERE
Email your selection to me at Rebecca@Stamp4Joy.com.
If the items are still available I will mark them as reserved and send you an invoice.
Invoices must be paid within 12 hours of receipt.

I’ll be mailing out all orders on Saturday, Aug. 10th, if not sooner. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer to get your hands on some incredible retired items!

Happy crafting!

Make a Beautiful Card With Spotlight on Nature

July 23, 2024 No Comments

How to Make a Beautiful Card with the Spotlight on Nature Stamp Set

You can certainly make a beautiful card with the Spotlight on Nature stamp set. The large images are perfect for coloring. They are also easy to fussy cut out, adding a personal touch. The Spotlight on Nature Bundle includes a variety of designer circle dies, giving your cards a polished look. However, for this project I used the Perennial Postage Dies instead. They provide a charming postage stamp look that I absolutely love!

While you could stamp the images directly, I chose to use Mini Stampin' Dimensionals to make the images pop.

I turned to my favorite markers for coloring, Stampin' Blends. They offer vibrant colors and are so easy to use. The blending capabilities of these markers make them ideal for adding depth and dimension to your images. Not to mention the depth already added to the images by the artist!

For the card sentiment I selected a stamp from the Unbounded Love set. It has many options, making it versatile for a variety of occasions.

Creating cards on a budget can be simple and enjoyable. The Spotlight on Nature stamp set is a fantastic choice. It allows you to make a beautiful card without breaking the bank. The versatility of this set means you can use it for many different card styles and occasions.

Don't forget, you'll get free shipping on orders of $75 or more today only!

What do you think of this card? I think the combination of the Spotlight on Nature stamp set and the Perennial Postage Dies creates a unique and beautiful card. Give it a try and see how your creativity shines!

Check out these tips for making beautiful cards on a budget.

With the right tools and a bit of creativity you can make stunning cards that will impress your friends and family. Happy crafting!

Product Spotlight Flowers of Beauty

July 9, 2024 No Comments

The Product Spotlight for July is the Flowers of Beauty Stamp Set. When you purchase this set in my online store using Host Code BQPXM2XQ, you'll receive three free PDF tutorials from me. These tutorials will guide you through creating a beautiful gift box and two stunning cards, all at no extra cost.

The Flowers of Beauty Stamp Set is incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a variety of styles and designs effortlessly. I recently made a simple card that came together quite easily. Below is the step-by-step guide on how I did it:

Step-by-Step

First, I stamped the foliage in Shy Shamrock ink. This light green hue provides a softer, natural background. Then, I added detail with Pretty Peacock ink. This richer, deeper color adds a striking contrast and brings the foliage to life.

For the bottom of the card I used a piece of designing paper that was a leftover scrap from another project. It was already cut to the right size, making it a perfect fit without any extra effort.

Next, I stamped the flowers in Peach Pie ink. This warm, peachy color adds a cheerful and inviting feel to the card. To add a finishing touch, I tied a bow using Peach Pie Bordered Ribbon, which complements the flower color beautifully.

As I crafted this card I was thinking of my uncle, who is currently in the hospital. I wanted to send him a heartfelt message, so I used the sentiment “Sending You a Handmade Hug” from the Crafting With You Stamp Set. It was the perfect touch to complete the card and convey my warm wishes.

Let Me Send You These PDF Tutorials

Creating with the Flowers of Beauty Stamp Set has been a lot of fun. The free PDF tutorials I'll send you when you purchase will help you craft a gift box and two beautiful cards, making your purchase even more valuable. These tutorials provide step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even beginners can create something special.

If you already have the stamp set but want the tutorials, you can purchase them HERE.

To make the most of your set, consider adding the dies and purchasing the Flowers of Beauty Bundle to save 10%. Plus, during Bonus Days you’ll earn a $5 coupon in August for every $50 spent this month!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your crafting skills and create heartfelt, handmade items for your loved ones. The Flowers of Beauty Stamp Set is a must-have for any crafter looking to add a touch of elegance and charm to their projects. Purchase it today and start creating beautiful, personalized items that will be cherished by those who receive them.

Here's a thinking of you card idea you may enjoy.

Making Greeting Cards

July 1, 2024 No Comments

Making greeting cards is a fun and relaxing pastime that even your kids and grandkids will enjoy. When my son was younger he loved it.

There's just something special about receiving a handmade card crafted just for you, don't you think? The joy of creating something unique and heartfelt is priceless.

For this handmade card I focused on some of the new In Color Blends: Peach Pie (have I mentioned

how much I love this color? LOL!), Petunia Pop, and Summer Splash. These colors are perfect for creating vibrant and cheerful cards. I also used Shy Shamrock Cardstock for the green foliage. The combination of these colors really brings the card to life and makes it stand out.

The Playing in the Rain stamp set and Dies provided all the adorable images. This set is so versatile and adds a whimsical touch to the card.

I pulled the card sentiment from Hooray for Surprises, which perfectly captures the excitement and joy of receiving a handmade card.

Making greeting cards can be a great activity for a rainy day. It’s a wonderful way to spend time with your loved ones while also being creative. And just think how the kids will beam with pride when they give their cards!

So plan a playdate for the next rainy day. Grab the kids, a fun, whimsical stamp set, and some lively colors. You’ll have a blast making greeting cards and creating lasting memories together. Plus, the recipients of your handmade cards will surely appreciate the thought and effort you put into making them something special.

Creating greeting cards is not just about the final product; it’s about the process and the joy it brings. So next time you’re looking for a fun and meaningful activity, remember that making greeting cards is a fantastic option.

Would you like to see another idea? Check out this fun birthday card!

Happy crafting!

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