Merci Card from MFT Plus a mini Haul!

  A Little Paris Magic: Revisiting an Old Favorite

Hello, my crafty friends!

There's something so delightful about rediscovering a beloved stamp set tucked away in your craft room, isn't there? Today I'm sharing a card that brought back wonderful memories – I'm revisiting the charming retired MFT "Merci" stamp and die set. This Parisian-themed collection has always held a special place in my heart, and I couldn't resist CASEing (Copy and Share Everything) one of my own designs from years past. Sometimes the best inspiration comes from our own creative journey!

The Details That Make It Special:

I kept the design clean and classic with these measurements:

• Card Base: Basic White (5½" × 8½"), scored at 4¼"
• Designer Paper: 5¼" × 4" for that perfect backdrop
• Inside Panel: 3¾" × 5"
• Lemon Lolly Layer: 3⅞" × 5⅛"
• Focal Image: Cut just a whisper smaller than the Lemon Lolly for a subtle layered effect

Bringing Her to Life with Color:

The joy of Copic coloring never gets old! Here's how I brought this sweet Parisian lady to life:

• Skin tones: E000, E00, E11, E93 for that perfect peachy glow
• Hair: E00, E79, E74 for rich, dimensional brunette locks
• Scarf: Y00, Y13, Y18 – because every Parisian needs a sunny yellow accent!
• Dress, purse & shoes: RV63 in coordinating elegance
• Lamppost light: Y13 for a warm, inviting glow
• Grass: G43 to ground our scene

The Magic Finishing Touches:

No card feels complete without a little sparkle, right? I added some enchanting shimmer with Clear Iridescent Drops from Pretty Pink Posh and a touch of Wink of Stella. There's something about that gentle sparkle that makes everything feel more special – like catching the light on a Paris street at golden hour.

A Little Halloween Treat for You!

Before I go, I'm so excited to share a fantastic find from Scrapbook.com! I stumbled upon this adorable Halloween bundle featuring the most charming patterned papers, stamps, and dies that will make your spooky season cards absolutely spectacular. I couldn't help myself and also picked up a delicate spider web die and some gorgeous frame dies – they're just too cute to resist!

The best part? This bundle is currently available for half the regular price! I know how quickly these amazing deals disappear, so if it catches your eye, don't wait too long.

Until Next Time...

Thank you for taking this little creative journey with me today. There's something so heartwarming about sharing these crafty moments with friends who understand the joy of creating something beautiful with your own hands. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or trying something completely new, remember that every project is a chance to spread a little more beauty in the world.

Happy crafting, dear friends!

With love and creativity,
Beth ✨

What retired stamp sets are you hoping to rediscover in your craft room? I'd love to hear about your favorites in the comments!

Quality Cardstock For Less!

 I've been using Stampin' UP! cardstock for years now and I really liked it.  The array of colors is amazing and the paper is a good weight for cardmaking, plus it matches the ink pads.  But the price has been going up and that's something that just doesn't sit well with me.  Twenty four sheets of SU cardstock will cost you $14.00.  I'm sorry but that's too rich for my blood.

Night of Navy, SU, $14.00 for 24 sheets

So I conducted a search to find a compatible product for less money. And I found it.  Papertrey Ink!  This company has a nice collection of cardstock at 110 lb weight which is amazing for cardmaking.  The best part?  24 sheets will cost you $7!!  Yes that's HALF what it will cost you at SU!  And the best part is that many of the colors are very close to what SU offers which means it will still match the ink if you have the SU ink pads like I do.  

Enchanted Evening, Papertrey Ink 24 sheets $7

Check out Papertrey Ink today, they have many other products as well as cardstock.  I know I'll be doing some shopping real soon!  

Important Announcement and What It Means

 Hey there, my crafting friends!

I hope you're all doing well and staying creative. I wanted to take a moment to share something important with you – a decision I've been wrestling with for quite some time. After much thoughtful consideration, I've made the difficult choice to step away from my role as a Stampin' UP! demonstrator.

I've always promised to be completely transparent with you all, and that's not going to change now. There are several factors that led me to this decision, and I want to walk you through them honestly.

First, many of you may be aware of the ongoing legal situation involving Shanna Gardner, the daughter of Stampin' UP's founder. This has weighed heavily on my heart, and I've found myself increasingly uncomfortable with the thought that my purchases might indirectly support something I fundamentally disagree with. It's been a real source of inner conflict for me, and I've reached the point where I need to follow my conscience.

Beyond that, I've been struggling with the pricing structure at SU for quite some time. While I absolutely understand the need for businesses to be profitable, the markup on stamps, dies, paper, and other supplies has become difficult for me to justify – both for myself and when recommending products to you. Crafting should bring us joy, not financial stress!

I'm also finding it increasingly challenging to keep up with the constant retirement of products. Just when you fall in love with something, it seems to disappear from the catalog. It makes it tough to create cohesive projects and even harder to recommend items knowing they might not be available much longer.

So what does this mean for our little crafting community here? Well, I'm excited to say that while some things will change, the heart of what we do together will absolutely remain the same! I'll still be creating, sharing tutorials, and hopefully inspiring you along the way. You'll still see me use some of my beloved SU supplies – I have quite a stash built up over the years, and there's no sense in letting good products go to waste! When I do find SU items secondhand, I might pick those up since that supports individual crafters rather than the company directly.

But here's what I'm really excited about: this opens up a whole new world of possibilities for us to explore together! I'll be branching out to discover new brands, comparing products, and sharing honest reviews of everything I try. Think of it as going on a crafting adventure together – we'll discover new favorites, maybe find some amazing alternatives, and I promise to always give you my genuine thoughts on what works and what doesn't.

Your trust means everything to me, so you can count on me to continue being completely honest about every product I feature. If something's amazing, I'll tell you. If it's not worth your hard-earned money, I'll tell you that too.

I know change can feel uncertain, but I truly believe this will make our crafting journey even richer and more diverse. I hope you'll stick around as we explore this new chapter together. Your support, comments, and enthusiasm are what make this community so special, and I'm grateful for each and every one of you.

Here's to new adventures, honest reviews, and lots of beautiful creations ahead!

With love and gratitude, Beth

P.S. – If you have any favorite brands or products you'd love to see me try, drop them in the comments! I'm always open to suggestions from my crafting family.

Peekaboo Forest Card Stampin' UP!

 

Playing Peekaboo with the Most Adorable Forest Friends!

Hello, my crafty friends! I'm absolutely giddy to share today's project with you – a card that made me smile from the moment I started creating it. The Peekaboo Forest stamp set and dies from Stampin' UP! have completely stolen my heart, and I think you're going to fall in love too!

You know that feeling when you open a new craft set and immediately envision all the magical possibilities? That's exactly what happened with these dies. The tree comes together so beautifully with those fluffy, dimensional branches, and here's the clever part – that same die pulls double duty as grass! Talk about getting the most bang for your buck!

Let me walk you through my forest adventure:

The Foundation:

• Card Base: Azure Afternoon (8½" × 5½", scored at 4¼") – this soft blue reminds me of a perfect spring sky
• Pattern Paper: 4⅛" × 5⅜" – I chose something that whispered "woodland magic"
• Focal Image Mat: Light Blue (3¾" × 5⅛") – the perfect frame for our peekaboo scene

Bringing the Forest to Life:

• Tree Trunk: Crumb Cake cardstock with matching ink – because real trees deserve that authentic, earthy feel
• Leaves & Grass: Old Olive – nature's most beautiful green
• The "Peekaboo" Element: A simple 1½" × 1¾" black piece that creates the magic window
• Inside Panel: 3¾" × 5" for that special inside surprise

 

The Magic Touch with Stampin' Blends:

Here's where the real fun began! I brought three little forest friends to life:

• Sweet Hedgehog: Light and Dark Crumb Cake with just a kiss of Flirty Flamingo on those tiny ears and cheeks
• Cuddly Bear: Light and Dark Copper Clay – so warm and huggable – with those same rosy pink accents
• Mischievous Raccoon: Light and Dark Gray Granite with adorable pink-touched features

Each little face seemed to have its own personality as I colored them. There's something so therapeutic about watching these characters come alive under your markers, don't you think?

The Result?

Pure joy on cardstock! This card turned out so much cuter than I even imagined, and I'm already plotting my next Peekaboo Forest creation. I have a feeling this stamp set is going to become a well-loved staple in my craft room.

What I love most is how this design works for so many occasions – birthdays, thinking of you notes, or just because someone needs a smile. The peekaboo element adds such a delightful surprise that I know will make the recipient's day.

Have you tried the Peekaboo Forest set yet? I'd love to hear about your woodland adventures! Drop me a comment and let's chat about your favorite Stampin' UP! discoveries.

Until next time, keep creating those moments of joy – one card at a time!

Crafting with love,
Beth ✨

P.S. Don't forget to share your creations with me on social media – nothing makes my day quite like seeing your beautiful work!

Shop Smart for Less!

  Crafting on a Budget: How to Keep Creating Without Breaking the Bank

I totally get it – we're all feeling the pinch these days, aren't we? Between rising prices everywhere and those tariffs making everything more expensive, it can feel like our beloved crafting hobby is becoming a luxury we can't afford. But here's the thing: you absolutely don't have to give up what brings you joy! There are so many clever ways to keep creating beautiful things while being kind to your wallet.

Let me share some money-saving secrets I've discovered along the way. As someone who's been crafting for years (and yes, I'm technically a Stampin' Up demonstrator, though more for the love of it than the business side), I've learned that you don't always need the latest and greatest to make something amazing.

My biggest game-changer? I stopped buying new sets.

I know that might sound shocking coming from a demonstrator, but I'm always going to be honest with you! The truth is, some craft prices have gotten pretty wild lately. When stamp and die sets are hitting $50 or more, it just doesn't make sense for most of us hobby crafters. I mean, I don't even spend that much on my absolute favorite brands!

But here's where it gets exciting – there are so many fantastic alternatives that won't make your budget cry.

Start with clearance and retired items. Stampin' Up's "Last Chance" section can have some gems, though I'll be honest – sometimes the discounts are pretty modest. But retired sets? That's where the magic happens! Check out eBay for some real treasures. You'll need to do a bit of hunting since some sellers do mark things up, but the deals are definitely out there.

Facebook groups are absolute goldmines! Search for "Retired Stampin Up" groups and you'll find several communities where crafters sell their gently used supplies at much friendlier prices. The people in these groups are usually fellow crafters who just want to pass along supplies they're no longer using.

Here's a little insider tip: Love those Stampin' Up punches but not the price tag? Check out EK Success online – they actually make the punches that SU rebrands! A circle punch that costs $25 at SU? You can get the exact same one from EK Success for around $17. Same quality, better price!

Make sale-shopping your superpower. I always hit the clearance sections first on all my favorite crafting sites. It's become such a habit that I almost feel weird paying full price anymore! If you're a Lawn Fawn fan like me, definitely check out ScrapbookPal.com – they regularly offer discounts that can save you several dollars per item.

The best part about shopping smart? You often end up with a more diverse collection of supplies, and sometimes you discover new favorites you might never have tried at full price.

Remember, creativity isn't about having the most expensive tools – it's about the joy of making something beautiful with your own hands. Some of my favorite projects have come from supplies I found on sale or in clearance bins!

Keep crafting, keep creating, and keep those hard-earned dollars in your pocket where they belong. Your creativity (and your wallet) will thank you!

Happy crafting! Beth ✨

Lawn Fawn Year Three Birthday Card

 Tiny Stamps, BIG Personality! 🌈

Hey crafty friends! Today I'm absolutely gushing over the adorable Year Three stamp set from Lawn Fawn, and let me tell you - it's giving me ALL the warm fuzzies!

Can we talk about Lawn Fawn for a hot second? Is it even physically possible for them to create something that isn't ridiculously cute? I'm pretty sure their design team has a strict "must induce squealing" policy, and honestly, I'm here for it!

These mini stamp sets are like the perfect craft room companions - they're cute as a button, won't hog your precious storage space (because let's be real, we ALL have storage issues), AND they're totally budget-friendly for stocking up. Win-win-win!

But here's the thing that used to make me scratch my head: how do you make these tiny treasures really pop on a card? Well, friends, I've cracked the code with this super simple layout that'll make your small stamps feel like the main event!

The Magic Formula: Stamp everything on one gorgeous panel, then let those rainbow colors do the happy dance in the background. It's like giving your stamps their very own colorful stage to shine on!

Let's Break Down This Rainbow Magic:

• Petunia Pop card base (8 1/2 x 4 1/4, scored at 4 1/4) - because who doesn't love a good pop of pink?
• Really Rainbow 6x6 paper from Lawn Fawn cut to 4 x 4 - hello, instant happiness!
• Petunia Pop mat (3 1/4 x 3 1/4) - framing is everything, darling!
• Crisp Basic White panel (3 x 3) - the perfect canvas for our stars
• Inside surprise: Basic White (3 3/4 x 3 3/4) - because the inside deserves love too!
  
  
  

For my coloring party, I grabbed my trusty Copics: E000, E00, E11, Y18, RV63, and RV66 - basically sunshine and sweetness in marker form!

And because every card needs a little bling, I sprinkled on some Pink Fresh Studios Iridescent Clear Drops. Because sparkle makes everything better - it's science!

The result? Pure card-making joy that'll make your heart do a little happy dance!

Until next time, keep crafting and spreading those smiles! XOXO, Beth ✨

Bittersweet News From Stampin' UP!

 Big Changes Coming to Stampin' UP! – Here's What You Need to Know! 💕

Hello, crafty friends!

I hope you're having a wonderful day filled with creativity! I wanted to share some important news that came from Stampin' UP! today about upcoming changes to our beloved crafting supplies.

Red Rubber Cling Stamps Are Saying Goodbye

By April 2026, Stampin' UP! will be phasing out their iconic red rubber cling stamps. While this news might feel bittersweet for those of us who've loved these stamps for years, the reasons make sense. More crafters are gravitating toward photopolymer stamps for their convenience and clarity, leading to declining red rubber sales. Additionally, sourcing the materials for red rubber stamps has become increasingly challenging for the company.

Stampin' Write Markers Are Also Retiring

Along with the red rubber stamps, the Stampin' Write Markers will also be discontinued. Since these markers were primarily designed to work with red rubber stamps, and sales have declined alongside them, this change feels like a natural progression. If you're like me and have invested in the complete Stampin' Write marker collection, don't worry – I'll definitely be treasuring mine and continuing to use them in future projects!

Silver Lining: Last Chance Savings!

Here's the exciting part – keep your eyes peeled on the Last Chance page! Many of these retiring items will be appearing there at fantastic discounted prices. It's the perfect opportunity to stock up on any red rubber stamps or Stampin' Write markers you've been wanting to add to your collection. Think of it as a treasure hunt with amazing deals!

Storage Gets a Makeover

There's also a positive change on the horizon! Stampin' UP! is switching from DVD cases to clear plastic envelopes for stamp storage – similar to what die sets currently come in. As someone who's always looking for better organization solutions, I'm genuinely excited about this change. Our stamp storage will be so much more compact and efficient!

Embracing Change Together

While change can feel overwhelming at first, I truly believe these updates will benefit our crafting community in the long run. Stampin' UP! is adapting to what we crafters want and need, which ultimately means better products and experiences for all of us.

What are your thoughts on these changes? Are there any red rubber stamps on your wish list that you'll be hunting for on the Last Chance page?

Keep creating beautiful things, and remember – every ending opens the door to new creative possibilities!

With love and happy crafting, Beth ✨

My Honest Unbiased Opinion on the Paper Pumpkin Kits from Stampin' UP!

 

My Honest Take on Paper Pumpkin: Room for Growth?

Hey crafty friends!

Today I'm sharing some thoughts that might ruffle a few feathers, but I believe honest conversations make our crafting community stronger. Let's talk about Paper Pumpkin – Stampin' Up!'s monthly subscription crafting kit.

What You Get for Your $27

For those new to Paper Pumpkin, it's a monthly subscription that arrives at your door with everything you need for a quick crafting session. Each kit typically includes a small stamp set, die cuts, card bases, and coordinating supplies. Most months focus on card-making, though occasionally you'll receive materials for boxes, bags, or home décor projects.

The concept is genuinely sweet – crafting made accessible for busy lives or those just starting their papercrafting journey.

My Recent Experience: August 2025 Kit

I decided to give Paper Pumpkin another try after several years away, curious to see how it had evolved. Here's what arrived in my August kit:

• Two stamp sets (usually it's just one – nice bonus!)
• An ink spot
• High-quality card bases and envelopes
• Pre-cut die cuts
• Twine
• Mini dimensionals

The Good, The Challenging, and The Potential

What worked: The card bases and envelopes were genuinely impressive – that Stampin' Up! quality we all love. The stamp sets, while small, had charming designs that would appeal to many crafters.

What didn't: Those mini dimensionals were my nemesis! They simply wouldn't stick properly, which left me worried about my finished cards holding together. One project involved tying a tiny tag with twine that had me fumbling for several minutes before I decided life's too short for overly fiddly details.

Why I Think We Can Dream Bigger

Here's where my demonstrator heart gets excited about possibilities. I see so much potential for Paper Pumpkin to become something truly special – even if it means adjusting the price point.

My wishlist for an elevated kit (around $35-37):

• Blank card bases instead of pre-printed ones (more creative freedom!)
• Full-size stamp sets you'll actually reach for again and again
• A 6x6 Designer Series Paper pack themed to each month
• Quality ribbon and thoughtful die cuts
• A special monthly surprise – maybe a Stampin' Write Marker, Blending Brush, or even a full ink pad

Imagine opening a kit like that each month! It would feel less like "crafting training wheels" and more like a curated creative experience.

The Beauty of Different Perspectives

I know Paper Pumpkin has devoted fans who love the simplicity and quick gratification it offers. That's wonderful! Every crafter's needs are different, and there's absolutely room for products that serve various skill levels and time constraints.

My hope is that sharing different viewpoints helps companies understand their diverse customer base. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is offer constructive feedback alongside our support.

Your Thoughts?

I'd love to hear from you! Are you a Paper Pumpkin subscriber? What draws you to it, or what keeps you away? Have you tried other monthly crafting subscriptions that knocked your socks off?

Remember, there's no wrong way to craft – whether you're team Paper Pumpkin, team DIY-everything, or somewhere beautifully in between.

Happy crafting, friends!

xoxo,
Beth

---

P.S. – I promise my next post will be about something that made me absolutely giddy with crafting joy. Balance in all things, right?

Why I'm a Different Kind of Stampin' UP! Demonstrator

  My Crafty Journey: Why I Choose Creative Freedom Over Brand Loyalty

Hi there, fellow crafters!

I wanted to share something close to my heart – my approach to crafting and why it might be a little different from what you'd expect from a Stampin' UP! demonstrator.

Yes, I'm a SU demonstrator, but here's my honest truth: I don't use exclusively Stampin' UP! products. Before you think I've lost my mind, let me explain why this works so beautifully for me (and might inspire your own creative journey too).

It's All About the Creative Freedom

I fell in love with crafting because of the endless possibilities, the joy of mixing and matching, and the thrill of discovering amazing products from talented companies everywhere. Limiting myself to just one brand – even one I represent – would feel like putting my creativity in a box, and that's just not who I am.

The crafting world is bursting with incredible products! Lawn Fawn's adorable stamps and dies make my heart sing. My Favorite Things creates designs that perfectly match my style. And honestly, there are so many other amazing companies out there doing beautiful work. Why would I want to miss out on all that inspiration?

The Real Reason I Became a Demonstrator

Here's where I get completely transparent with you: I became a Stampin' UP! demonstrator for the discount. Pure and simple! I absolutely love their paper quality and their ink – it's honestly some of the best in the industry. When I realized how much I'd be buying anyway, getting that demonstrator discount just made perfect sense.

I'm selective about what I purchase from any company, including SU. Not every stamp set speaks to me (and that's okay!), but when one does, I'm all in. I buy what I love and skip what doesn't fit my style. It's that simple.

My "Use What You Have" Philosophy

You'll notice something on my blog and YouTube channel – I mix brands freely and use both current and retired products. Here's why: if I already have an amazing collection of SU ink pads, why would I rush out to buy duplicates from other brands? That's not smart crafting or smart spending.

Even if my demonstrator journey ended tomorrow, you'd still see me reaching for my SU cardstock and inks because they truly are exceptional products. Quality is quality, regardless of timing.

Why I Really Do This

I need to be completely honest about something else – I'm not in this for the money. My blog doesn't generate income, my YouTube channel is purely for the joy of sharing, and my SU sales are basically just my own purchases. And you know what? I'm perfectly content with that.

What drives me is the pure joy of sharing techniques, inspiring creativity, and connecting with fellow crafters like you. When someone tells me they tried a technique I shared or felt inspired to create something new, that fills my heart more than any paycheck could.

Join Me on This Journey

So here's my invitation to you: join me on this wonderfully imperfect, beautifully eclectic crafting adventure. You'll see me combine brands, mix old with new, and always, always prioritize creativity over convention.

Because at the end of the day, isn't that what crafting is really about? The joy, the creativity, the freedom to make something uniquely yours?

Thanks for being part of this journey with me. I can't wait to see what we create together!

Craft on! Beth 💕

P.S. I'd love to hear about your own crafting philosophy! Do you stick to one brand, or are you a mix-and-match crafter like me? Let me know in the comments!

Silly Safari Book Binding Double Gatefold Card

 The Cutest Giraffe Just Wandered into My Craft Room!

Oh my goodness, friends! I'm absolutely smitten with this adorable giraffe from the Silly Safari stamp set, and I just had to share the sweetest card I made featuring this little cutie. Sometimes a stamp image just calls to you, you know? This giraffe was practically begging to be the star of something special!

I decided to try a fun fold card design that I've been curious about, and let me tell you – it came together like a dream! There's something so satisfying about a project that flows smoothly from start to finish, and this one had me grinning the whole time I was crafting.

Here's How to Create Your Own Giraffe Magic:

What You'll Need:

• Card Base: Daffodil Delight cardstock (4¼" × 11")
• Designer Series Paper: One 4" × 1" piece, plus two 4" × 1⅞" pieces
• Inside Panel: Basic White (4" × 4")
• Image Panel: Scrap of Basic White for stamping
• Mat: Daffodil Delight (2¼" × 2¼")
• Yellow ribbon for that perfect little bow
• Your favorite alcohol markers
• Circle punch (1⅞")
• Adhesive and something sparkly for the finishing touch!

Let's Get Crafting:

Start by scoring your Daffodil Delight card base at 2⅛", 3⅜", and 8⅞" along that 11-inch side. Don't you love how those crisp score lines just make everything feel so professional? Fold and burnish those lines until they're perfectly crisp, then secure the book binding section with adhesive.

Next comes the fun part – layering on that gorgeous designer paper! The pattern combinations always make my heart happy. Once your papers are in place, it's time for the star of the show: that precious giraffe! Stamp your image on Basic White, then bring it to life with your alcohol markers. I love watching these little characters come alive with just a few colorful strokes.

Punch out your colored image with the 1⅞" circle punch (so satisfying, right?), then mount it on your Daffodil Delight mat. Here's a little trick: when you attach the focal piece to your card front, only use adhesive on one side – this gives your card that lovely dimensional pop that makes it extra special!

For the sweetest finishing touch, tie a tiny bow with yellow ribbon and nestle it right next to your giraffe friend. A little dab of Stickles glitter glue or your favorite sparkly embellishment adds just the right amount of shimmer to make this card absolutely shine.

The best part? This whole project comes together so quickly that you could easily make a whole herd of giraffe cards for different occasions. Birthday cards, just-because notes, or maybe a whole set for someone who loves safari animals!

I'm absolutely thrilled with how this turned out, and I have a feeling you will be too. There's something magical about creating something beautiful with your own hands, especially when it features such a charming little character.

Have you tried the Silly Safari set yet? I'd love to hear about your favorite animal from the collection! Drop me a comment and share your crafting adventures.

Happy crafting, my creative friends!

✨ Beth

P.S. Don't forget to share photos of your giraffe cards if you give this design a try – I love seeing your beautiful creations!

Bee My Valentine Card Stampin' UP!

 

 🐝 Buzzing with Excitement Over Today's Adorable Bee Card! 🐝

I'm absolutely thrilled to share this sweet little creation with you today! This darling bee card features the beloved (though sadly retired) Stampin' UP! "Bee My Valentine" stamp and punch set, paired with the equally charming "Bee Mine" Designer Series Paper pack.

While this set was originally designed to make hearts flutter on Valentine's Day, don't let that limit your creativity! These busy little bees are perfect for spring birthdays, thinking-of-you notes, or any time you want to spread a little sunshine and sweetness.

Here's How to Create Your Own Buzzing Masterpiece:

🌻 Card Base: Start with Basic White cardstock (8½" × 5½"), scored at 4¼" for that perfect fold

🌻 Layer 1: Designer Series Paper at 5½" × 4¼"

🌻 Layer 2: More gorgeous DSP at 3" × 5"

🌻 Layer 3: Another piece of DSP at 3" × 4¼"

🌻 Sunny Mat: Daffodil Delight cardstock (2½" × 3¼") - because every bee needs some sunshine!

🌻 Star of the Show: Basic White focal image (2¼" × 3") where your sweet bee will take center stage

There's something so joyful about crafting with bees - they just make everything feel more cheerful and bright! I had such a wonderful time putting this card together, and I hope it brings a smile to your face too.

Ready to get your craft on? You can find all the current Stampin' UP! goodies to fuel your creative adventures at my online store: https://elizabethfairweather_2.stampinup.net/

Happy crafting, my creative friends! 🐝💛

Craft with love, Beth

Tractor & Co. Cards

 I Oh my gosh, you guys! Living out here in rural Michigan, I'm literally surrounded by tractors everywhere I look - and let me tell you, John Deere green is basically the official color of our neighborhood! 😄

So when I got my hands on the Tractor & Co. stamp and die set from Stampin' UP!, there was NO question what color that baby was gonna be. John Deere green all the way!

I'm totally obsessed with how this turned out! You can snag this stamp and die set on the Online Exclusives page in my store (link below), and seriously - get the bundle! You save 10% AND trust me, you're gonna want those dies. They're addictive in the best way possible!

Here's what I used:

• Card Base: Pecan Pie (8½" x 5½", scored at 4¼")
• Sky: Balmy Blue (5¼" x 4") - I embossed this for some fun texture
• Ground: Crumb Cake (5¼" x 1½") - trimmed it up to look like actual dirt/grass
• Inside: Basic White (5" x 3¾")
• Plus a scrap of Basic White for the sentiment
• Inks: Real Red, Crushed Curry, Daffodil Delight, Garden Green

Can we talk about how versatile this set is?! Fall cards with harvest vibes? YES. Christmas cards with a tractor pulling a tree? ADORABLE. Scrapbook pages? Don't even get me started - the possibilities are endless!

This little project just made my crafty heart so happy. There's something about combining my love for those big green machines with my cardmaking obsession that just feels so... me, you know?

Hope this inspires you to create something fun too!

Happy crafting! Beth 💚

Shop the bundle here: https://elizabethfairweather_2.stampinup.net/

Silly Safari Card

 

Oh my goodness, I had way too much fun playing with the Silly Safari stamp set from Stampin' UP! today! These little animals are just the cutest, and don't even get me started on those punny sentiments, they crack me up every time!

This set is seriously versatile too. Sure, it's amazing for cards (obviously!), but I'm already picturing how adorable these critters would look scattered across scrapbook pages. Zoo trip photos, anyone?

Quick tip: You can totally just grab the stamp set by itself, but if you bundle it with that handy 1 7/8" circle punch, you'll save 10%. I mean, who's gonna say no to that?

What I used for this cutie:

• Granny Apple Green card base: 8½" × 5½" scored at 4¼"

• Basic White: 5¼" × 4" (front)

• Designer Series Paper: 5" × 3¾"

• Basic White: 5" × 3¾" (inside)

• Little scrap of DSP for the inside

Inks: Granny Apple Green and Memento Tuxedo Black

Stampin' Blends (aka the fun part!):

• Rhino: Light Gray Granite + Light Flirty Flamingo

• Cheetah: Light Wild Wheat

• Monkey: Light Copper Clay + Light Pecan Pie + Light Flirty Flamingo

I'm already planning my next safari adventure with these stamps! If you give this a try, you've gotta show me what you make, I'm always dying to see everyone's creative twists!

Ready to add some wild fun to your stash? Come shop with me anytime at https://elizabethfairweather_2.stampinup.net/

Happy stamping! 🦏

A Little Slice of Stamping Heaven: Creating Magic with the Sheltering Tree Set

 Hello, my dear crafting friends!

I'm absolutely giddy to share one of my all-time favorite retired treasures with you today, the stunning Sheltering Tree stamp set from Stampin' UP! There's something so wonderfully nostalgic about this set that just makes my crafter's heart sing. Every time I pull it out, I'm reminded of why I fell in love with stamping in the first place.

Why This Set Steals My Heart

This beautiful set is my go-to whenever I want to create those special "thinking of you" cards that truly touch someone's soul. You know the ones I mean, the cards that say "I'm here for you" without needing a single word? The gentle imagery of sheltering trees speaks to that universal need we all have for comfort and protection, making it perfect for reaching out to friends who need a little extra love.

Let's Create Something Beautiful Together!

Ready to make some magic happen? Here's everything you'll need to recreate this lovely design:

Your Cardstock Shopping List:

• Base card: 8½" × 5½" Summer Splash, scored at 4¼"

• Main panel: 5¼" × 4" Pretty in Pink

• Stamping layers: Two pieces of 3¾" × 5" Basic White

• Accent strip: 1" × 5" Pretty in Pink

The Color Palette That Makes It Shine:

• Summer Splash ink (that gorgeous blue-green that reminds me of ocean waves!)

• Pretty in Pink ink (soft as a summer sunset)

• Crumb Cake ink (warm and cozy like fresh cookies)

• VersaMark ink for that beautiful embossed finish

• Wow! White embossing powder (because who doesn't love a little sparkle?)

Where to Find Your Own Sheltering Tree Set

I know, I know, you're probably thinking "But Beth, this set is retired!" Don't worry, my crafty detective friends, there are still ways to get your hands on this beauty:

Facebook Groups: Search for "retired Stampin' UP!" groups, there are several wonderful communities where stampers share and sell their treasures. It's like a treasure hunt, and the stamping community is so generous and helpful!

eBay Adventures: Keep your eyes peeled on eBay. Sometimes the most amazing retired sets pop up when you least expect them.

Ready to Stock Up on Current Stampin' UP! Goodies?

While you're hunting for retired treasures, don't forget about all the incredible current products! I'd love to help you discover your next favorite set. You can browse and shop with me anytime at my online store – it's open 24/7, just like my passion for stamping!

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I'd love to hear from you! Drop me a comment below and tell me about your favorite retired stamp set, or share a photo of your own Sheltering Tree creation if you have this set. There's nothing that brightens my day more than connecting with fellow stamping enthusiasts!

Happy stamping, dear friends!

With love and ink-stained fingers, Beth 💕

P.S. – Don't forget to embrace those happy accidents in your crafting. Sometimes the most beautiful cards come from the moments when things don't go exactly as planned!