Inchie Technique with Under My Umbrella

 Several weeks ago I played along in some challenges and one of them was to use inchies on a card.  I grabbed Stampin' Up!'s Under My Umbrella stamp set and got to work.

Inchies are exactly what they sound like - 1 inch squares of stamped art work.  They're adorable!  You could stamp something unique on each inchie, but I chose

to make a collage, color it, then cut them in 1" squares.

Simple Steps to an Under My Umbrella Inchie Card

1. Cut a 4"x2" piece of Whisper White cardstock, then stamp in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink a collage of the small flower images in Under My Umbrella.  🌞Joyful Stamper Tip: Begin stamping in the center of the cardstock and work outwards.  This ensures you don't end up with empty spots that are difficult to fill.
2. After I stamped the images, I used Stampin' Write Markers in Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Misty Moonlight, Bumblebee, and Balmy Blue to color them.
3. The Whisper White cardstock was cut into (8) 1" squares, then glued on to a 2-1/2"x5-1/2" piece of Misty Moonlight 2020-2022 In Color Designer Series Paper.
4. Glue the panel to a 5-1/2"x8-1/2" piece of Mango Melody cardstock folded in half at 4-1/4".
5. Stamp in Poppy Parade ink a sentiment along the right side of the inchies panel.
6. Tie Bumblebee Ribbon around the card along the left edge of the inchies panel.

Designer Series Paper Sale

October 1 - 30 | Shop your favorites!

If you are enjoying The Joyful Stamper site

• Request a catalog package here, if you don't already have a demonstrator you love.
• Subscribe to Stampin' News, a weekly email that delivers fun, tips, and specials right to you.  Get a free exclusive Stampin' News Subscriber pdf tutorial as a sign-up thank you!
• Shop my store and to save money check out the Clearance Rack and Discounted Bundles.
• Use this month's Reward Code to earn points towards a $50 shopping spree - read the details here.
• Join me every Thursday at 11 AM ET for my weekly Happy Half Hour Live stamping show on my Facebook page.  

Joy in being creative, community in sharing a common interest, purpose in what we make - this is stamping at its best!  Thank you, friends, for choosing me as your demonstrator!

Saturday Card Sketch 817 - Snowflake Wishes and Debossed Inking Technique

 Welcome to another Saturday Card Sketch!  Each week, I take the challenge sketch from Splitcoaststampers and create a video and PDF tutorial for you.  It's meant to show you how to let these sketches inspire your creative time. 

Remember that a sketch is for your inspiration - you do not have to follow it literally.  For example, those circles running diagonally on the sketch do not have to be circles.  I was inspired to use snowflakes!

I had a vision of those circles being snowflakes dropping quietly to earth, in layers of pillowy soft felt and touchable embossed cardstock.  Two other pieces of that vision were a soft, vintage feel and a debossed inking technique using the Winter Snow Embossing Folder.

The debossed inking technique is one more interesting way to use your embossing folders (watch for my upcoming recap post on the many ways to use your folders!).  

Debossed Inking Technique: open your embossing folder - gently tap an ink pad on the side of the folder with the raised images (the side without the Stampin' Up! logo) - place cardstock in the folder, close, and run through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss

The video tutorial for this card below demonstrates this technique.

Doesn't that felt look incredibly touchable and soft?  I love making cards that make people want to touch them.  The Just Jade felt is from the Festive Felt Combo Pack in the Holiday Mini Catalog on page 29.  The edges of the Petal Pink snowflake are lightly sponged with Soft Suede ink.

I wanted just part of a sentiment from Snowflake Wishes, so after stamping in Early Espresso ink, I used Paper Snips to trim closely around the greeting I wanted.  Mini Stampin' Dimensionals were the perfect tiny size to adhere this to my card.  A sprinkling of Champagne Basics Rhinestones gave just the right amount of vintage sparkle!

Watch how this card came together!

Pin, print, or save the tutorial for this card.  Measurements and supply list are included in the tutorial.

Shop the Holiday Mini and Annual Catalogs! Earn points with the Joyful Stamper Rewards program!

Free embossing folder when you order the new Stampin' Cut & Emboss in my store!  Details here.

Join my team of Joyful Stampers and get 2 stamp sets, card kits, and Rhinestones for free!  Details here.

September Reward Code

Use when shopping my store to earn a $50 shopping spree!

If you are enjoying The Joyful Stamper site

• Request a catalog package here, if you don't already have a demonstrator you love.
• Subscribe to Stampin' News, a weekly email that delivers fun, tips, and specials right to you.  Get a free exclusive Stampin' News Subscriber pdf tutorial as a sign-up thank you!
• Shop my store and to save money check out the Clearance Rack and Discounted Bundles.
• Use this month's Reward Code to earn points towards a $50 shopping spree - read the details here.
• Join me every Thursday at 11 AM ET for my weekly Happy Half Hour Live stamping show on my Facebook page.  

Joy in being creative, community in sharing a common interest, purpose in what we make - this is stamping at its best!  Thank you, friends, for choosing me as your demonstrator!

Easy Card With Umbrella Punch & In Colors

Good Monday morning, my joyful friends!  How about a colorful card for a beautiful sunny summer day?  And how about a free pdf to make it even more beautiful?

A few weeks ago on my weekly Facebook Live, I made this card using Under My Umbrella, the Umbrella Builder Punch, and the new In Colors.  It was inspired by Pink Buckaroo Designs.  The rainbow of umbrellas is eye-catching and it's a fun way to use Designer Series Paper!

The umbrella tops are attached with Stampin' Dimensionals, which gives room to slide the umbrella handle underneath.  Don't fuss with perfectly lining up the umbrellas - the charm is in the way they tilt in different directions!

I thought the splatters - done with a Misty Moonlight Stampin' Write Marker - were perfect for mimicking rain drops!  I have a photo tutorial here of how to use your markers to create splatters.

This card takes less than 15 minutes to make, so it's perfect when you need something at the last minute or want to squeeze some stamping in.  We all have days like that!

Click the image below to pin or print the pdf for this card.

If you are enjoying The Joyful Stamper site

• Request a catalog package here, if you don't already have a demonstrator you love.
• Subscribe to Stampin' News, a weekly email that delivers fun, tips, and specials right to you.  Get a free exclusive Stampin' News Subscriber pdf tutorial as a sign-up thank you!
• Shop my store and to save money check out the Clearance Rack and Discounted Bundles.
• Use this month's Reward Code to earn points towards a $50 shopping spree - read the details here.
• Join me every Thursday at 11 AM ET for my weekly Happy Half Hour Live stamping show on my Facebook page.  

Joy in being creative, community in sharing a common interest, purpose in what we make - this is stamping at its best!  Thank you, friends, for choosing me as your demonstrator!

Saturday Sketch + Embossed Tile Technique

Hello, friends!  This embossed tile technique is SO simple and SO beautiful, anyone can do it!  I featured it in my weekly Facebook Live class, The Happy Half Hour, this past Tuesday.

It began with this sketch from Splitcoaststampers.  All I saw when I looked at this was squares of Designer Series Paper (DSP).  What a fantastic opportunity to use up those scraps, right?

Since Parisian Blossoms DSP is retiring June 2 and it's a favorite of mine, I pulled it out.  I cut (3) 1" x 12" strips, then trimmed those strips into 1" squares.  If you have a die or punch in that size, go ahead and use them instead.

Glue the squares to a 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" piece of cardstock (Cherry Cobbler used here) and don't worry about getting the spacing perfect.  Look closely at my card and you'll see that mine aren't perfect.  It's ok!

But let's not stop there - let's emboss that finished piece!  After the DSP squares are glued on to the cardstock, place that panel in an embossing folder (I used Ornate Garden 3D) and run it through your die-cutting & embossing machine.  The subtle texture and pattern it adds is stunning!

But let's not stop there, either!  Pull out some Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint and dip an Aqua Painter or paintbrush in the jar.  Hold it over that embossed piece and smack it near the brush end with a bone folder.  Do you see the little flecks?  In person, they shimmer and sparkle!  So pretty!  Plus, it's fun to whack that Aqua Painter and watch the mist splatter everywhere.

The metal key charm from Bird Ballad Trinkets (also retiring June 2) was the perfect embellishment for this DSP.  I tied it on with some twine wrapped twice around the card base.  

The "merci" was die-cut twice using Parisian Dies, once with Champagne Foil and once with Basic Black cardstock, then glued with a Fine-Tip Glue Pen, slightly off-set.  

Two scraps of Very Vanilla Scalloped Lace Trim were tied into the Petal Pink Metallic Edge Ribbon bow.

I adore the details of this card and how all the simple touches add up to one fancy project!  You could make this!

Get the project sheet with measurements and linked supplies list here.

My customers are the heart and soul of my business!  I love to surprise and delight them with rewards as a thank you for their loyalty.

May Reward Code = New In Color Sampler

Use the May Reward Code on orders placed in my store of $50 or more (before shipping and tax) to get a free 2020-2022 New Stampin' Up! In Color sampler!  Sampler packs will be sent out by the end of May PLUS you'll get a new catalog package from me! 

New Catalog Alert: If you have ordered from me since November, your catalog packages have been sent and are on their way to your mailboxes!  If you'd like one and haven't ordered since November, place an order of any size to be automatically included or email me at nicole@thejoyfulstamper.com.

I love stamping and I love Stampin' Up!  Thank you so much for choosing me as your demonstrator.  I am grateful for YOU!

Easy Foil Paper Technique You Have To Try Now!

This technique went over HUGE with the team at the last meeting.  Everyone wanted to know how it was done and when I told them, they were floored at how easy it was!  Their reactions told me I had to share it with you, friends.

Here it is, the Sanded Foil Technique:

• Place a piece of foil in your favorite embossing folder and run it through a die-cut and embossing machine.
• Place the foil on your desk/table.
• Use fine grit sandpaper or a nail filing block (I found mine at the dollar store) to gently rub it across the foil paper.
• The raised parts of the foil from the embossing will make contact with the sandpaper/filing block and the color will be removed.

That simple removal of color creates this gorgeous metallic variegated effect.  And it takes just seconds with a $1 item!  The above card uses Noble Peacock foil, Noble Peacock Rhinestones, the Timeless Tropical Bundle, Tropical Oasis Designer Series Paper, and Coastal Weave 3D Embossing Folder.  I also used Soft Sea Foam and Lovely Lipstick cardstock.

This card uses Black Foil with the Painted Poppies bundle and Peaceful Poppies Designer Series Paper.

The sentiment is from Itty Bitty Greetings.  Use a Chalk Marker to add small dots to the poppy centers - it makes them stand out from the background.

In my Tuesday Happy Half Hour Facebook Live class, I demonstrated this technique.  It's the first card in the video and I jump into at 1:00.  Click the picture to watch that video.

May Reward Code = New In Color Sampler

Use the May Reward Code on orders placed in my store of $50 or more (before shipping and tax) to get a free 2020-2022 New Stampin' Up! In Color sampler!  Sampler packs will be sent out by the end of May PLUS you'll get a new catalog package from me! 

New Catalog Alert: If you have ordered from me since November, you are automatically on my list to receive a new Annual Catalog package next month.  If you'd like one and haven't ordered since November, place an order of any size to be automatically included or email me at nicole@thejoyfulstamper.com.

Email me to order a Card Kit To Go from The Joyful Stamper

What's Included:

• All the supplies to create 12 cards - 3 each of 4 designs
• All kit elements are punched, die-cut, and scored for you
• a bottle of Tombow "green glue"
• 12 envelopes
• full-color photos of each card
• die-cut word sentiments in sticker format - just peel and stick!

To Get Your Card Kit To Go:

Message me on Facebook or email me at nicole@thejoyfulstamper.com.  Kits are $25 for porch pick-up or add $5 to have the kit shipped to you.  Printed papers may vary slightly from the photo but they will all be from the same pack with the same colors and similar patterns.

Get a kit now!  I have a limited number available. 

If you are enjoying The Joyful Stamper site

• Request a free catalog package by emailing me at nicole@thejoyfulstamper.com or with this form.
• Subscribe to The Joyful Stamper Stampin' News, a weekly email that delivers fun, tips, and specials right to you.  Get a free exclusive Stampin' News Subscriber pdf tutorial as a sign-up thank you!
• Shop my store anytime to give yourself the best crafting experience.  Check out the Clearance Rack and Discounted Bundles while you're there.
• You'll love my crafting videos on The Joyful Stamper YouTube channel!  Subscribe while you're there and click the bell so that you always have fresh inspiration.
• Looking for community, a hobby, or a way to make extra money?  My team of My Joyful Stampers has a place for you!  Read more here.

I love stamping and I love Stampin' Up!  Thank you so much for choosing me as your demonstrator.  I am grateful for YOU!

Project #6 in the Ornate Garden Suite Bundle

Hello, friends!  Over the weekend the Steele family amused themselves by taking the Myers-Briggs personality test.  Turns out I'm an INTJ and, after reading the description, we were in tears laughing at how well it described me.  My daughters also had their explanation for why I so often don't hear them - I live in my head!  

Brian's an ISTJ.  Turns out we're very compatible.  22 years of peaceful marriage told us that, but it was interesting reading why we work so well together.  And every word was true!  I got a kick, though, out of the ISTJ being described as the "world's largest wet blanket" to the INTJ's big ideas.  It's true - I get an idea and Brian grounds me in reality with the details.  Details are a bore!  Let's just go for it and see what happens!  But it's good he does that because he's saved me from many a bad idea.  But I also like to think I've introduced him to many a good idea and made life more fun!   

The Ornate Garden suite is a good idea.  For project #6 in my Mega Tutorial Bundle, my card features the spotlighting technique.  The large flower image in the Ornate Style set is perfect for this since it has so much real estate to highlight.  I walk you step-by-step through the creation of this card with precise and detailed directions in the Mega Bundle, so you can make this.  My INTJ tendencies disappear when it comes to stamping 😄

Through-out April, I'm posting at least 12 projects made with the Ornate Garden Suite.

• Easy, stepped-up, fancy fold, technique-driven, anything-but-a-card - it'll be a WIDE variety!  
• The card above is Project #6.
• Every project will have detailed instructions and photos in a pdf.  
• Each project's tutorial will be sent via email as each project is posted here on my blog.
• To receive it, place a $50 order (before shipping & tax) in my store April 1-30 and use Reward Code SWDK2WN2.
• You will receive ALL the tutorials, no matter when in April you order.  

This is a free class as a thank you for ordering with me!  And you can order whatever you want!

My Timeless Tropical Online Class is ready to ship!  Get a class kit shipped to you.

If you are enjoying The Joyful Stamper site

• Request a free catalog package by emailing me at nicole@thejoyfulstamper.com or with this form.
• Subscribe to The Joyful Stamper Stampin' News, a weekly email that delivers fun, tips, and specials right to you.  Get a free exclusive Stampin' News Subscriber pdf tutorial as a sign-up thank you!
• Shop my store anytime to give yourself the best crafting experience.  Check out the Clearance Rack and Discounted Bundles while you're there.
• You'll love my crafting videos on The Joyful Stamper YouTube channel!  Subscribe while you're there and click the bell so that you always have fresh inspiration.
• Looking for community, a hobby, or a way to make extra money?  My team of My Joyful Stampers has a place for you (and the Starter Kit is the especially ULTIMATE bargain right now)!  Read more here.

I love stamping and I love Stampin' Up!  Thank you so much for choosing me as your demonstrator.  I am grateful for YOU!

Card Sketch from Splitcoaststampers

We made this Easter card in my weekly Live Stamping Class this past Tuesday on Facebook (anyone can watch and it's every week at 2 PM ET).  I used Stampin' Up!'s Shimmer Detailed Laser-Cut Specialty Designer Series Paper - a really long name for something that can be summed up in one word - STUNNING.

This week's card sketch from Splitcoaststampers was my starting point.  A card sketch is a fabulous way to begin any stamping session, especially one in which you are struggling for an idea.  I have an entire Pinterest board of sketches for you to use!

Keeping this card 99% monochromatic does two things - it draws the eye directly to the cross (the focal image) and it highlights the shimmer of the paper.  The shimmer is hard to capture on camera, but this next close-up allows you see it more.

The lacy background and the oval frame were cut from the Shimmer Paper package.  I used the shimmer paper in between the lace cut-aparts to stamp the greeting in Versamark, then heat emboss with Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder.  This paper is too beautiful to waste any of it!  Another tip: use the brush-tip end of a Stampin' Blend marker to color the Very Vanilla Gold Metallic Edge Ribbon.

How to get the lacy background

Lay the full lace 12"x12" piece (not the sheet with the cut-aparts) over your folded card base.

Use Paper Snips to trim the Shimmer Detailed paper around the card base.  I trimmed a little larger than my card base just for ease of snipping.  Use a Fine Tip Glue Pen to apply adhesive to the back of some of the shimmer paper.  Press down to adhere, then apply more in areas as needed.

Easter and wedding season is coming up.  This paper is especially beautiful for those cards!  Use this lace background technique over a card base in the wedding color.  You can even dye the Metallic Edge Ribbon in a Stampin' Blend marker in the wedding colors (the ribbon comes in Gold or Silver).

March Ordering Reward

This is the tutorial bundle to my in-person class that is nearly always full!

• Orders between $15 and $149 (before shipping and tax) placed in March 2020 with Nicole Steele through my store will receive by email my March Class Tutorial.   
• You must use the Reward Code JSPSUZYB.  Click here to see where to type in the Reward Code.  
• If your order is over $150, do not use the Reward Code (you'll want to use the Stampin' Rewards yourself!) but you will still get the March Class Tutorial. 

If you are enjoying The Joyful Stamper site

• Want a catalog and don't already work with a demonstrator you love?  Request a free catalog package by emailing me at nicole@thejoyfulstamper.com or via this form.
• Never miss a beat in the stamping world - subscribe to The Joyful Stamper Stampin' News, a weekly email that specially delivers fun, tips, and specials right to you.  Sign up and get a free exclusive Stampin' News Subscriber pdf tutorial as a thank you!
• Join me every Tuesday at 2 PM ET on The Joyful Stamper Faceboook page for my free Happy Half Hour live stamping class.
• You'll love my crafting videos on The Joyful Stamper YouTube channel!  Subscribe while you're there and click the bell so that you always have fresh inspiration.
• Looking for community, a hobby, or a way to make extra money?  My team of My Joyful Stampers has a place for you (and the Starter Kit is the especially ULTIMATE bargain right now)!  Read more here.

I love stamping and I love Stampin' Up!  Thank you so much for choosing me as your demonstrator.  I am grateful for YOU!