Choose wisely! What does that mean to you? Maybe it means to choose where to live or what job or it could even mean which items to choose as you start with Stampin’ Up.
When you decide to start as a demonstrator YOU get to choose the papers, inks, tools, that you need or want. It’s YOUR choice. Do you need some tools, maybe the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine?
Maybe you need some of the ink colors.
RIGHT NOW, with the current join special you can get two of the Stampin’ Write Marker Sets shown below…yes, TWO with your kit!! They’re extra or an added benefit to starting your journey now before the end of February. Which two will you choose? Plus a stamp set. OR you can choose to get $30 more than the $125 in the starter kit. Which means you’d get to choose $155.
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, then there’s no better time than right now during Sale-A-Bration! When you join by February 28, 2025, you can choose between two fabulous offers:
Option 1: Get $125 worth of product PLUS a choice of two Stampin’ Write Marker Assortment packs AND the Handmade Designs Cling Stamp Set (an exclusive stamp set designed to work with the markers). That’s a $216 value for just $99!
Option 2: Get $125 worth of product PLUS an additional $30 worth of product when you join Stampin’ Up! That’s a $155 value for just $99!
The WAIT is OVER!! Can you believe we have so, so many new products…packed with fresh inspiration and creative possibilities!! Wow, it’s an exciting time and there are so many great new things to see and explore!! What do you want to add to YOUR stash. The launch of a new catalog or catalogs is always an exciting time! Each catalog is packed full of inspiration and fun NEW products!
Sale-a-Bration – This is our once-a-year event lasting two months, January and February which means you earn a FREE product (stamps, dies, ribbon, embellishments, or DSP – Designer Series Paper) for every $60 or $120 purchased in the USA and there’s no limit to how many items you can earn…whoot!
JOIN Special – There’s never been a better time to join…You can choose $125 worth of product from ANY catalog or online and pay only $99 PLUS get FREE shipping!! Then there are TWO, additional options this year. Either choose to get an additional $30 in FREE product OR get the Handmade Designs stamp set (shown below) along with your choice of two sets of Stampin’ Write Markers (color collections – Brights, Neutrals, Regals, or Subtles). If you have any questions feel free to get in touch! Click HERE to get started!
Scrapbooking Brochure – CTMH (Close to My Heart) has joined with Stampin’ UP and we now offer new branding for many items. We’ve tried to get things out to everyone as soon as we could so do not have a physical catalog yet. Here’s a link to the new digital catalog and OH MY!! We have some amazing scrapbooking layout kits which include 3 2-page spreads in each kit for a total of 6 pages. Additionally, there are stamp sets that coordinate plus two-tone 12×12 cardstock and DSP that perfectly work together.
New Mini January to April Catalog – If you don’t have a physical copy of the new Mini and don’t already have a demonstrator, I’d love to get one to you. Use the link on the sidebar to the right or scroll all the way down if you’re on your phone for the link.
OnLine Exclusives – We simply do not have room and products can be more fluid, coming in and out of the line if they are not in a printed brochure so…online exclusives. What this does mean is that they can go out of stock and may and may not come back so if you really, really want something it might be time to get it while you can. On my shopping link go to SHOP NOW, click on MENU and select Online Exclusives.
Kits – We have two ways to get KITS (All-inclusive kits – you could get a pair of snips and a bone-folder but not essential). One type of kit is the Paper Pumpkin which is a subscription kit that comes direct to your mailbox once a month. You won’t know exactly what it’s going to be but it’s fun and always different. Paper Pumpkin must be ordered by the 10th of the month in which you want the kit.
The second kind of KITS are also all-inclusive but you know exactly what you’re getting, there’s no deadline and you can order any available kit anytime. Again, you might like a pair of paper snips and a bone-folder. Every month two or three new kits are released but there are several other options in stock, too. Sometimes the kits are 3-D projects, sometimes cards, sometimes notebooks/travel journal or birthday reminders like the Perpetual Beauty Calendar or the Card Keeper Kit. Below is a glimpse of the 3 new kits this month.
So, how fun is all that and I’ve just barely shown you all the ways to find stuff! In addition, we’ve got a fun SCAVENGER HUNT over on our Facebook page. Find the answers, message me and I’ll have a drawing for everyone who answers and finds the things in the scavenger hunt for a free stamp set or set of cards, your choice.
I want to wish you one and all a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Have you created resolutions for the new year? Do you generally or is this a year to not do resolutions? Maybe instead you want to create new habits. Is there a distinction? I plan to read my Bible EVERY SINGLE DAY even if I just get one or two verses. Life can get busy, I realize that but what is truly important to you? Be sure it’s first. God, family, work, friends? In the comments, I’d love to know just ONE of your goals, resolutions, habits, or whatever it is you truly plan to DO this year.
My name is Patricia. I’m an Independent Stampin’ Up® demonstrator here in Alaska. I’ve got one more year as a teacher up in the village where I’ve been teaching for last few years. I teach 2nd and 3rd grade this year and LOVE it; however, living in the village is a hard life so I’ll be coming back home permanently after this school year or at least that’s my plan. My home is in Palmer, Alaska and that’s where I plan to be after this year. May or may not sign one more year contract.
So, I blog here periodically. Currently, I do not have a specified date and time because I have so many calls on my time. This year I hope and pray to be more consistent but not going to commit to exactly when or how often. After moving back home, I will likely be better at this.
Hopefully 2024 was a good year for you and 2025 will be better.
Now on to the Color Wheel from Stampin’ Up! Yes, we have a new color wheel that I think is going to be a wonderful tool for us as we try to put our cards or scrapbook pages colors together. Now it is easy to find colors if you’re using DSP (Designer Series Paper) because the colors are already all there but what if you’re using a single color or want a highlight color? Or just want to make your own DSP paper? Or want to use only cardstock?
To begin, let’s look at the basic color wheel that we’re taught (usually) in school.
There are 12 colors in a basic color wheel which looks a lot like a beautiful rainbow. Stampin’ Up has taken it a step further by creating our own color wheel with Stampin’ Up colors (except Neutrals) though the Neutrals are all on the back.
Then SU (Stampin’ Up) helps us by giving us examples of color schemes and how to create our own.
The first and easiest is Monocramatic which means “one” color scheme – for example Blues, Reds, or Greens. These basics are then broken down further into the shades between each of these – Blue/Green, Blue/Violet, Red/Orange, Yellow/Orange etc. Each of the Stampin’ Up colors radiates from these families. For example:
To use Monochromaticcolors in a project, you simply select a color that you like, for example, my favorite, blue then look at the colors within that family – Balmy Blue, Azure Afternoon, Misty Moonlight, Boho Blue, Blueberry Bushel & Night of Navy. Pick two or three colors from within that range & craft away!
The next color scheme is Analogous when you choose three colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. For example:
An Analogous color scheme is achieved by combining one color with its closest neighbors on the color wheel. By choosing Analogous colors for your creation, you’re ensuring a look of cohesion and harmony, as these combinations are known for their calming effect in artistic design.
And finally, there is the Triadic color scheme made by finding three colors equally spaced from each other around the color wheel.
These color combinations can feel somewhat predictable (think red, yellow, blue) as they are dynamic or maybe even unexpected. If you think of the color wheel as a dial, you can find a triadic color combination you like by shifting the dial one click at a time away from the primary hues. Then it’s a good idea to select a dominant color letting the other two colors play a supporting role on your card or page.
I am so excited for the new mini catalog, oh my!!! It’s got some truly fantastic Suites (a set of stamps, dies, DSP (Designer Series Paper), and more. The “more” often includes ribbon, some kind of dots or sequins or something like it. There are also some great Bundles, too. A Bundle is a stamp and die set or a stamp and punch set.
Sale-a-Bration starts on January 7th, too! What is Sale-a-Bration, you ask! It’s a once-a-year deal where when you purchase $60 or $120 or any product you get to choose a FREE item. This year we have free stamp sets, free DSP, free ribbon, free Bundles (for $120)!
PLUS some great new Online Exclusives – Online Exclusives are products that will only appear online, not in any catalog. This also means they can go away at any time unlike the Annual Catalog items which are available all year. I only say this because if there’s something you just HAVE to have you might want to get it sooner rather than later. It may be there for a while but may not. Just a heads up.
Kits – these are all-inclusive boxes with everything you need to complete a project. The only thing you might want to have in addition is a pair of paper snips. Kits make fantastic gifts, are great projects to travel with and wonderful for a parent or grandparent to work with a child for a fun time. Every month there will be 2 or 3 new kits.
This one is the PERPETUAL BEAUTY CALENDAR KIT. It’s fantastic for keeping track of birthdays and anniversaries. Keep with your greeting cards so you know who needs a card. And it’s beautiful to hang on the wall.
Here’s another kit, this one is for home decor. LAYERED LANDSCAPES KIT is a set of 4 frames to use all together or separately.
For the Layout (LO) below I used 2 pages from the Wildly Flowering DSP (Designer Series Paper) 12×12 paper, the Cloud Punch (for the snowballs) in the Clearance section, Frosted Forest Bundle for the tree die (cut a 12×12 white card stock in half, die cut by flipping the die over on about 2″ up on each end -see video), and the tree stamp for the post of the “Snowballs for Sale!!” sign. I used the Filled with Cheer stamp set and the Blender pen to color with Cherry Cobbler Ink Pad, Daffodil Delight Ink Pad, Old Olive Ink Pad, Boho Blue (or Balmy Blue) Ink Pad, Moody Mauve Ink Pad, Basic Black Blends to color the melting snowman.
For the LO below, I used a 12×12 Basic White for the base and the DSP are all from Regal Winter DSP paper pack. Berry Burst, Shaded Spruce, Wild Wheat, Boho Blue card stock plus some of the DSP for the circle punches in various sizes. Regal Flora is the stamp and die bundle used for the flower cluster and the die cut for the page title. For the die cut label I cut a Berry Burst and a white then switched the pieces so one is outlined in white and one in Berry Burst and vice versa.
What IS a Memory Keeper? Really it’s a scrapbooker but things always need to be fancy, hehe (or maybe it’s a secret code!!
I have kept a scrapbook since I was in college many, many long years ago. Back then it was just a 12×17 spiral bound book I got at some store and I filled it with all the bits and bobs of my life in college. It was fun, wasn’t anything really pretty but they did tell the story of my college years and I valued them. Then later in life I made digital scrapbooks. They were nice, they really were and again I loved them but they didn’t have a lot of LIFE!! Ok, they told of my life but it was a page and look at, maybe read the journaling but then on to the next page. BUT I’ve found something in between and absolutely love it. It’s paper journaling much like what I did in college but it’s got lots of colored papers, real design and moving parts and pieces. Makes the digital scrapping kind of boring…though I loved it at the time.
The good news about all this is that Stampin’ Up is really starting to get scrapbooking going again. We’ve got kits (if you need a quick scrapbook layout – a12x12 page 2-page spread) but there’s also much more!! We’re starting to see a lot of stamps made specifically for scrapbooking as opposed to card making which means they’re larger.
So the even better news is that I will start doing scrapbooking classes more often. We will do them at least twice a month. One workshop class will be with kits that we can put together as a group, visit, have fun and create either with or without your photos. The other workshop class will also be as a group, visit and have fun but we’ll be working on a spread together from scratch (using a layout). Both workshops classes will be FUN, CREATIVE and PRODUCTIVE!!
If you’re ready to do it leave a comment below or email me and I’ll let you know what and when. The first workshop class will be during Christmas break when I’m home (or if you’re ready to start now I’ll do a couple of on-line classes)…just let me know.
Thank you! And here we are into the holidays…Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years!! Wow, time goes so fast! Let’s keep those memories and the photos we take!
Still have a few questions about color theory and color coordination in crafting? You’re not alone! Check out the quick and easy answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject.
Q: What is color theory, and why is it important in crafting?
A: Color theory is the study of how colors work together and how they affect the people who experience them. It’s important in crafting because color is a communication tool—a critical and unique part of the story you’re telling in any crafting or scrapbooking project!
Q: How do I choose a color palette for my scrapbooking project?
A: Choosing a color palette for your scrapbooking project can be fairly simple. First, look at the photos you want to include on the page and consider the colors in those images. Then, ask yourself what your project’s overall message is. Next, find a main color that supports that message and works well with your photos. Third, use the color wheel and the techniques laid out above to choose a palette to support it!
Q: What are the best color combinations for making handmade cards?
A: The best color combinations follow the color theory guidelines we’ve discussed previously, and best express the message you’re trying to send. Finding monochromatic, analogous, complementary, or triadic colors that speak to you and the receiver of your handmade card will always make your card design a hit!
Q: How can I effectively mix and match colors in DIY crafting kits?
A: Most DIY crafting kits, like the ones you’ll find at Stampin’ Up!, are designed to contain elements within a particular color family or palette already, making it incredibly easy to mix and match the supplies provided within. One tip, however, is to go back to what you learned about the color wheel. For example, if you have a ribbon from a separate kit that will work nicely in a monochromatic, analogous, complementary, or triadic way, don’t be afraid to bring it into the mix!
Q: What are some general tips for coordinating colors in handmade projects?
A: General tips for coordinating colors in handmade projects include using the four color schemes we learned about above. A simple starting point is to choose a color you love and then find other elements (paper, ink, markers, ribbons, etc.) of the same color but of varying saturation—thus creating a monochromatic color palette for your project.
Q: Where can I find color inspiration for my next crafting project?
A: Inspiration can come from many places, but we love seeking inspiration from nature—especially when it comes to finding the best color combinations. It’s also smart to look at the work of experienced crafters (try finding talented cardmakers who create in a style you enjoy on Instagram, for instance) and the professionals. Check out the Stampin’ Up! annual catalog and our Instagram or Pinterest account for plenty of color inspiration as well.
Q: What quick and easy color combinations work well in crafts?
A: Quick and easy color combinations are plentiful! Here are a few we love and that work for any number of crafts, occasions, or moods!
Turquoise + peach + violet
Fuschia + yellow-green
Bright red + hot pink
Royal blue + golden yellow
Yellow + pink + green
Be sure to refer to our Stampin’ Up! color wheel for more color combos (there’s one in the current Annual Catalog).
Get Creative With Color Coordinating in Crafts
Now that we’ve simplified color theory and color coordination in crafts, it’s time for you to get creative! What color combinations are you excited to try? Still looking for more card design inspiration? Ready to shop for perfectly coordinated colors of paper, ink, and other scrapbooking supplies? Shop or connect with me as a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator today!
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 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!
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.
StampinWithPatricia 