Practical Tips for Color Coordinating Your Crafts

One of our favorite tips for color-coordinating in crafts is to look to nature. When in doubt, look at how colors appear in the natural world—it’s hard to go wrong by applying this advice to a craft project. You may be surprised to see how often the color combinations you come across on a walk or while looking through outdoor vacation photos align with what you’ve learned about color theory and the color wheel so far.

Take, for example, the lilacs that bloom in the springtime. The naturally occurring fuschia shades are directly across the wheel from the color found in their bright green leaves! Try this with other flowers, vistas, and even animals—you’ll soon understand why so many artists love and find inspiration in the great outdoors.

Another simple trick for how to coordinate colors in crafting is to look for inspiration online. Plenty of crafters and artists love to share their work and we get to benefit from it. A quick search for pretty color combinations on Pinterest or checking out relevant hashtags on Instagram can give you tons of color inspiration for scrapbooking and cardmaking.

Our last, and maybe most helpful, hack for coordinating colors in crafting is to use the color wheel created by Stampin’ Up! for this exact purpose. Think of it as a cheat sheet that reveals innumerable color combinations that perfectly align with the products you already own or can easily shop for after falling in love with a particular palette. Incorporating all our color collections—Brights, Neutrals, Regals, and Subtles—the Stampin’ Up! color wheel follows the same rules as the original but with more dynamic and plentiful results.

Explore it using the rules you learned about monochromatic, analogous, complementary, and triadic colors to find unexpected new color combinations for your next crafting project!

Crafting with Color: Best Practices and Combinations

Stampin’ Up! has made it super easy to use best practices when it comes to color coordination in crafting. Because the best color combinations in scrapbooking follow color theory guidelines, we have created color families that perfectly coordinate no matter the occasion.

Consider our Subtles line—it’s a combination of calming colors that still breathe a little life and joy into whatever sentiment you want to capture in your project.

Utilizing Step-by-Step Stampin’ Up! kits is another great way to produce a variety of crafts and scrapbooking projects with purposefully complementary elements every time. This is a great option for beginners who don’t yet feel confident in their ability to find the best color combos or for the busy maker who enjoys the convenience of well-thought-out supplies and materials. This Love This Memory Notebook Kit is a great example!

Our best advice when it comes to crafting with color? Experiment! Playing around with color combinations that speak to you or whoever else you may be creating for is one of the best parts of the creative process. This often leads to the production of unique and heartfelt creations that wouldn’t exist without the joy of your own discovery.

Check back tomorrow for: Frequently Asked Questions: Color Coordinating in Crafts and Scrapbooking

Bonus Days Starts July 3rd

Bonus Days starts tomorrow! During Bonus Days, when you shop and spend $50 between 3–31 July you will earn a $5 coupon! You can then redeem your coupon (or coupons) between 1–31 August. Your coupon codes will be emailed to you, so make sure all your account information is accurate at checkout. Shop the online store and products from our current catalog, Online Exclusives, Kits Collection, and more!

Are you a Paper Pumpkin subscriber, I know that you love crafty things. Who doesn’t? You also appreciate great value and you’re probably looking for the next best thing to add to your craft collection. So, I wanted to make sure that you’re in the know about our incredible Bonus Days promotion!

Earn coupons by purchasing a 3-, 6-, or 12-month Paper Pumpkin prepaid subscriptions (or by adding a 1-month prepaid subscription to your order to reach $50). Then redeem your coupons in August and apply them toward a month-to-month Paper Pumpkin subscription or new prepaid subscriptions.

Talk to me if you need help!! Go to StampinWithPatricia.StampinUp.net to order!

What is a Card Template and How Do You Use One?

A template is essentially a place to start. It’s a layout for a card that you can use to help you get the creative juices flowing. Let’s say you have a product (stamp set) you’d really like to use but just aren’t sure about what to do. One thing you can do is to look at page 22 of the new annual catalog and there are some fantastic templates like the white images below. Then, however it seems to work for you, make a card from it. It doesn’t have to be exact, it’s just a starting point but it’s a repeatable layout for many, many stamp sets, colors, DSP and so much more!!

I’ve decided to start a monthly challenge using two layouts.

June’s Creative Challenge is, I think, a great one—and sends us straight into the
pages of the new May 2024–April 2025 Annual Catalog! The catalog itself
is full of beautiful samples that can provide you with endless creative inspiration.

And have you seen the 20+ card templates on the bottom of
page 22? These super-helpful patterns/layouts can streamline your card making
process, so all you have to do is choose which fabulous new stamps, ink
colors, Designer Series Paper, and embellishments you’ll use with them.

First up: the You’re Such a Blessing card with its showstopper focal point. It does a perfect job of highlighting the caring sentiment from the Grateful Blessing Stamp Set. To achieve
this card’s sophisticated, distressed look, emboss Crumb Cake Cardstock
using the Layered Floral 3D Embossing Folder and the Stampin’ Cut &
Emboss Machine, then rub VersaMark ink over the embossed paper. Cut the
circle for the sentiment using the Spotlight on Nature Dies to get those
intricate and lovely border details. And those tasty-looking citrus
fruits, plus their leaves and flowers? They were simply fussy cut from
the Mediterranean Blooms Designer Series Paper. Cards come together so
easily when you have a pattern to follow!

The Hey, You Can Do This card features another template
with lots of fun layers—and it’s very easy to CASE (Copy and Share Everything). To get the look
featured here, use the Saying Hey Stamp Set, the Eyelet 3D Embossing
Folder, Country Lace and Full of Life Designer Series Papers, Basics
Wow! Embossing Powder (white), Blueberry Bushel, Coastal Cabana, and
Pool Party Cardstock, and Ombre Matte Decorative Dots. It’s a perfect
mix of products, and with the template as your card making guide—you
can’t miss!

Have fun using these amazing templates! I hope you’ll
choose one (or both!) of the sketches we featured today, make a project
with it, and share it using the #CreativeChallengeSU hashtag. I can’t
wait to see it on our FB pages either StampinWithPatricia or StampinwithPatricia (weird that the only difference is an uppercase W or lowercase w.

Want 10% off Bundles and the Stampin Cut & Emboss Machine – You Got It!

Starting tomorrow, June 5th through June 30th you will save an extra 10% on bundles (stamp sets and dies) and the Stampin Cut & Emboss machine (regular size and mini). Have you been eyeing a machine to cut your dies, emboss your cardstock for those great cards you’re making. Now is certainly the time to get it.

Which size machine should you get? If you’re only planning to get one, then for sure get the regular machine. Not only because it can cut & emboss all sizes but because it’s a truly wonderful workhorse of a machine. The mini is wonderful if you travel to workshops or travel in general and want to have your tools with you for crafting (I love to craft when I’m traveling while listening to a book on my iPad).

You already save 10% on bundles now so with the added 10% from June 5-30 that is 20% savings.

Look over your wish list and check out the annual catalog so you will be ready to place your order in June!

Are You Ready to Begin Your Journey?

From 1–31 May, anyone who joins Stampin’ Up! will receive FOUR 2024–2026 In Color packs for FREE! What a great bonus! Including Stamp Pads, Cardstock, DSP and Markers

New demonstrators still get to choose their choice of $125 USD worth of products for only $99 USD.

Know anyone that is looking to have more creative experiences? Invite them to join our team with you!!

To learn more about this offer and get started get in touch with me (StampinWithPatricia@outlook.com)

FAQs

Check out our frequently asked questions below to learn more about becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.

Who is Stampin’ Up! and why would I want to join as a demonstrator?

Stampin’ Up! is an inclusive, global community made up of independent demonstrators and their customers—paper crafters who support one another in creativity and in life! Many come to us for our products and then join because of the connection and relationships they find. As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, you’ll be making a difference in people’s lives by helping them enjoy fun, worthwhile accomplishments using high-quality stamps, ink, and paper. Stampin’ Up! has been selling stamps and paper crafting supplies in North America for over 35 years—since 1988! During that time, we’ve won industry awards and accolades, gained loyal demonstrators and customers, and expanded to Europe and the South Pacific.

What are the perks of joining?

As a new demonstrator with the Bronze title, you will receive a 20% discount. You’ll get VIP access and be first to see new products, have the opportunity to attend company events, and be part of a creative community that spans the globe. You’ll also have access to demonstrator-only Facebook groups, training resources like Stampin’ University and Succeed Weekly (our weekly demonstrator email), the opportunity to have your own online demonstrator storefront via Demonstrator Business Web Services (DBWS), and more. In addition, you’ll have access to our world-class Demonstrator Support and Demonstrator Experience teams who are available to help you with everything from placing orders to leveling up your business.

What are some of the ways I can participate as a demonstrator?

One of the best things about being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is that you get to choose your own adventure! You can simply enjoy the products and crafting on your own—or you can share with others, bringing friends together to share products and creative experiences. And, as mentioned earlier, their purchases can help you meet your minimums.

Over time, you may want to expand your crafting circle and become an influencer—adding a few customers and earning a modest, supplemental income. Eventually, you could even decide to become a business builder with a team of your own. Choose whatever Stampin’ Up! adventure suits you best and tailor your experience to meet your lifestyle!

How much does it cost to become a demonstrator?

Starter Kits are a great value at $99 plus tax and we throw in business supplies and FREE shipping as an added bonus.

Do I have to sell or build a team?

No! Feel free to choose your own adventure and run your Stampin’ Up! business YOUR way! In fact, all it takes to remain an active demonstrator is meeting the quarterly sales requirement. If you prefer, you can place your own orders and/or collect orders from family and friends to equal the quarterly sales minimum.

If you decide that you’d like to build a team of your own, there are benefits! One of them is the friendships that you can enjoy as you share Stampin’ Up! experiences together. Another is being able to qualify for team commissions on product orders that your team member(s) submit.

Are there any minimum sales requirements?

To continue to receive your discount and other demonstrator perks, you need to submit $300* in sales per quarter. Sales can be submitted in any amount—in other words, you don’t have to submit a $300 order all at once—and both your personal purchases and customer orders count toward your minimum. Exceptions include demonstrator business supply items, but nearly everything you purchase or sell will count. You can make these purchases yourself, of course, but sharing the fun of stamping with others can help you meet your minimum sales requirement.

Are there penalties?

If for any reason you decide to stop meeting your quarterly minimum sales requirement, you’ll lose your active status and “drop” as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. However, you will not be penalized and can sign up again any time! If you choose to come back, you can re-join with your current team leader. Please note that if you choose to sign up under a new team leader, there is a short waiting period.

I’m in! How do I get started?

Joining is an easy, two-step process: 1) Complete the sign-up form by either filling it out online or mailing it in and 2) select your Starter Kit contents. If you need help selecting products for your Starter Kit, your new team leader is a great resource. You can also call Demonstrator Support for great tips! I’ve got more questions.

Whom should I contact?

Your new team leader (me-Patricia Houser email – StampinWithPatricia@outlook.com) will be your best resource for any questions you may have. You can also contact Demonstrator Support at 1-800-STAMP-UP or ds@stampinup.com. Our agents will be very happy to assist you!

Two New Kits Available

Birthday Sparkle Kit

NEW & AVAILABLE NOW!
Create glittering birthday cards and gift tags with the Birthday Sparkle Kit! This kit includes six cards and six gift tags. Create each project with the included stamp set, die-cut paper pieces, and twine. It also includes other elements such as glitter stickers, pressed wood picks, coordinating envelopes, and gold foil paper pieces! It’s easy to create each project for your recipient or get ahead on your crafting for the year by making quick multiples. Either way, you’ve got a special paper craft that your recipients will love!

Item 163865 | $23.00

The Birthday Sparkle Kit includes:

Birthday Sparkle Photopolymer Stamp Set
Clear Stamp Block
Early Espresso Stampin’ Spot
Predesigned projects
Step-by-step instructions
Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
Make 6 cards and 6 gift tags
Cards: 3 each of 2 designs; folded card 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″
Gift tags: 3 each of 2 designs; largest tag 2-1/4″ x 3-1/2″
6 preprinted envelopes
Enough adhesive to complete projects
Gold glitter stickers and pressed wood picks.
Baker’s Twine in Early Espresso and White
A 9-7/8″ x 6-1/2″ x 2-3/4″ printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go
$23 (163865)

Product colors: Basic White, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, gold glitter

VIEW AND PURCHASE ONLINE

Happy Houseplants Kit

NEW & AVAILABLE NOW!

Calling all plant lovers! The Happy Houseplants Kit is an adorable home decor crafting kit! This kit comes with four 6″ x 6″ (15.2 x 15.2 cm) white frames and precut paper pieces for you to curl and assemble inside the frame. You’ll end up with four coordinated houseplant decor pieces. They can stand by themselves, or you can hang them on your wall. Either way, your houseguests will be amazed that you created it yourself!

Item 163873 | $25

The Happy Houseplants Kit includes:

Predesigned projects
Step-by-step instructions
Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
4 white frames
Frame size: 7-1/8″ x 7-1/8″ x 7/16″
Enough adhesive to complete projects
A 7-3/4″ x 7-1/2″ x 3″ printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go
$25 (163873)

Product colors: Calypso Coral, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, Lemon Lime Twist, Pecan Pie

VIEW AND PURCHASE ONLINE

Be sure to check out all the other kits plus the monthly subscription kit directly to your mail every month (Paper Pumpkin).

Also, remember right now till the end of February we’re in the midst of our biggest sale of the year. Sale-A-Bration is amazing…every $50 or $100 you spend you get to choose a FREE item – stamp sets, dies, ribbon, DSP (Designer Series Papers), and more!! There’s even a punch that has just been added.