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!  

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!

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 ✨

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!

---

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!