Butterfly Gala - Appreciation Package as you are "safer at home"

I created a packet of fun:   a card holder and 4 cards for customers and my team, as we all "stay safer at home". It's FREE to anyone who shopped with me over these Sale-A-Bration months or on my team (until supplies run out).

This card holder can easily hold 4 full size cards and 4 envelopes.  When selecting paper for this project, find heavier weight designer paper or use cardstock as I did. These projects are designed to be used with the very popular butterfly punch and Butterfly Gala stamp set.  If you don’t have these you can hand cut the butterflies and use any sentiment you wish!

The designer paper is retired and I got it for free during last year's Sale-A-Bration. 

If you would like a kit (or 2 if you have children or grandchildren with you) just email me back confirming a mailing address to MaryKate@MaryKateScott.com

No charge. 

I had this paper from last year (the butterfly paper) and it was free, so I added a bit of cardstock and ribbon. I'd love to see what you make. 

If you feel you need to pay something please donate to your food pantry or church or other worthy place helping us get through this pandemic. 

If you don't have the butterfly punch or stamp set, this crafting package will work just fine. You can cut the butterflies out, and any stamp set with any ink will work perfectly well. 

If you don't have internet and need printed instructions, no problem, just let me know.

I hope this is a fun project and occupies your time in a relaxing way. I'll post the instructions for all these projects over the next day or 2.  

If you have not (yet) shopped with me, feel free to do so, I"d love to put this packet in the mail to you - and today is the perfect day - in fact the last day -  to scoop up free Sale-A-Bration items (free items with a $50 or $100 purchase). And the butterfly punch is a free item in this Sale-A-Bration sale!

Happy stamping, stay safer at home

MaryKate

Do Something Creative Everyday

This is a great set and sentiment. I created a big batch of these cards, inside they say "we are cut out to be friends"!

I'm making kits for my team.  As we shelter at home, we are crafting to give ourselves some fun and also to connect with others.  Our team has a fun Facebook page and we do live demonstrations for each other, post our projects, share tips and ideas.  We just finished a challenge (using new paper Ornate Garden) and now I'm creating a little kit for them for this month. 

Today is the last day of Sale-A-Bration - there are 2 great offers:  spend $50 or $100 and choose a free item, including this "crafty" paper called Follow Your Art.  The other offer is a bonus when you join my team of a free mini-cutter, free designer paper, free stamp set of your choice -- and of course the starter kit where you select $125 -- and then for all of this ($125, cutter, paper, stamp set) it's $99 and no shipping.  Importantly no further obligation to make any further purchase.  All the fun, no commitment.

Contact me MaryKate@MaryKateScott.com if you want any information.

The Stampin Up website will get busy today - last day of Sale-A-Bration - and people are at home and looking for things to do.  

I recommend our kits, click on the cart, scroll to kits, and you'll see lots of choices including kits that are all inclusive (perfect for a new crafter) as it has stamps, ink, all supplies. It makes a great gift. We have other kits as well including Paper Pumpkin which is either a single purchase (one kit) or a subscription.

This month - if you subscribe before April 10 - is a family themed kit. It has stamps, ink, supplies to make 8 cards and the sentiments also include a Happy Mother's Day and a Happy Father's Day.  Here's a short video about this kit.

If you're looking for me in the demonstrator lookup my zip code is 34217.  Happy to help, please reach out.

Happy stamping! MaryKate

Dressed to Impress Lipstick Note holders

Lipstick note pad holders (the lipstick is a pen!)

It's really fun to make simple cards, or fancy ones from this great bundle. 

I found these lipstick pens on Amazon (just search lipstick pen and they will pop up).  I thought I'd make a few party favor for a girls night in.  

Essentially you are going to make a small box for the lipstick holder and attach it to a piece cut 2  3/4 wide x 4 1/4 long (so you can get 4 from 1 piece of card stock).

Here's what you need:
Stamp Set Dressed to Impress
Base cardstock 4 1/4 x 2 3/4
Lipstick holder 3 1/2 x 2 3/4 score (along the 3 1/2 side) at 3/4, 1 1/2, 2 1/4 and 3 and then at 2" along the other side
1/2 of a post it note pad
Cover for this pad is 4 1/4 x 1 5/8 scored at 3 1/8, 3 3/8 with the end (past 3 3/8 mitered)

Designer paper 3 sheets, 1 for base 2 1/2 x 4, note cover 1 1/4 x 2 7/8 and 5 /8 x 1 7/8 for the lipstick holder

Ribbon and a Label me Fancy punch

Make the lipstick holder by removing the end corner piece (1/2 x 3/4) and mitering the tabs - taking a bit of bulk off by shortening 2 of the tabs (can be approximate). See the photo where I've trimmed. Make this into a box (use liquid glue or tear n tape). Decorate this little box.

Make the note pad, cover the post it note, add designer paper, add ribbon (I used 9" of the yellow ruched ribbon) or 6" of the wider Lovely Lipstick ribbon) and add the greeting putting your dimensions so they straddle the ribbon.

Now attach both the box and note holder to the front.

Sometimes it's hard to imagine size so here it is with a gift card.  The holder finished 4 1/4 high.

Which do you like better?  The one with pink ribbon or yellow ribbon? I hope you make one!

Happy crafting MaryKate

Timeless Tulips Happy Easter Card in Mosaic Paper

Hi all, just a quick post today. I created (and woohoo) finished my Easter cards.

I used paper from the annual catalog Mosaic Mood, it's part of a bundle.  I love the paper.  

Simple design that I think has pop as the paper has a shiny coat. It's sort of like looking through a window at the roses and birds.

I made some vertical and some horizontal, some of the greetings were at the top, the bottom, the edge.

The designer paper is 3 x 4 1/2 and you cut 3 1" strips. Add these with dimensionals to a whisper white piece cut 3 1/4 x 4 3/4.  Add ribbon, the greeting (I cut mine with the stitched rectangle die) and a bow.  Put this on a card base 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 folded in half.

I like cards that have a lot of white in spring!

Happy stamping MaryKate

Sewing Masks for Basic Protection

This blog is really about paper but given the times, I’ve been sewing masks.  So if you are a sewer and you ONLY need to how to sew in a straight line – this is a post for you. 

Super-fast, easy masks to protect yourself, family and co-workers. Note this is not an N95 mask suitable for health care providers!!

You can make 3 masks from 1 Fat Quarter! Break out your fabric stash – if you are a sewer you know have fabric.

These masks have an opening on the back (where your mouth is) so you can insert a filter. More on filters later.

Take a Fat Quarter (a piece of fabric that is ¼ of a yard but cut 18 x 22”), Cut out pieces 6 x 9.  So trim the quarter to 2 strips of 9 x 22 and then divide into 3 pieces of 6x9 and then the last piece 4 x 6 save this one.

Take 2 pieces of 6 x 9 and cut one in half so it’s 4 ½ x 6 – you’ll have 2 of these and they are the back lining that opens so you can insert a filter or a manufactured stiff mask.

Optional – you can serge the edges of the 3 pieces of fabric, I did this as I expect they will get washed a lot.

Take the 2 lining pieces and hem ½” on one of the 6” sides – do this for both linings.

Put your fabric pretty side up and layer on the linings the hem to the middle. Layer on the top lining. Now sew the linings to the edge of the front of the mask.

Press the lining so the wrong sides of front and back fabric are together.

Make 2 folds (pleats) that are about 1" wide and then press with a steam iron. 

Fold the ends of the mask, folding the front to the back to make a channel for your elastic.  Make the channel about ½” wide – do on both ends.

Insert about 10” of elastic, I could only get the corded elastic that is often used for jewelry making. I pushed a pencil in to open the channel and then used a safety pin to push the elastic through.  Knot the ends and the put the knot inside the channel (not just because it looks nicer but it’s more comfortable on the ears and survives the washing machine better).

Put the mask on and unfold the pleats, the top pleats face down, so the mask covers your nose and mouth. 

Easy – I created 18 of these pretty fast!

I hope you make some! Give them away to people facing clients or patients that are not in doctor’s offices or hospitals (e.g., physio, hairdressers, grocery clerks etc).

Stay safe (and sane!)

Happy sewing, MaryKate

Diagonal Pocket Card with Pleased as Punch paper

This is a fun card that could be used for a gift card holder as well as a card.

Dimensions and Supplies

Designer Paper – 3” X 4” for each card cut in half on the diagonal

Calypso Coral 4 ¼” X 5 ½” for card back and 3 7/8” X 2 ¾” Petal Pink 4” X 5 ¼”

White scalloped die-cut 2 ½” X 3 5/8” (you can cut this or use a stitched rectangle or “stitched sweetly shape.

Emboss the Petal Pink card stock if you wish – I used the Stone folder (part of the 2020 Sale-A-Bration offer). Adhere to the Calypso Coral card base.

Cut your designer paper in half on the diagonal.  See the petal pink gingham paper.

Adhere each piece to the Petal Pink layer with a thin line of liquid adhesive or tear n tape applied just to the bottom and side edges. This gives your pocket room for the tag.

Stamp your greeting on the White scalloped rectangle

Add a fold of ribbon to the back of this white piece with tear n tape or mini glue dots. This is the ‘pull’ for the tag so make it secure.

 

Adhere to the Calypso Coral layer to the white stamped image with the pull tag

Punch or fussy cut a heart, add to the card.  Add a bow of tulle.

I have a tutorial with 5 "pleased as punch" projects that are easy fun-folds. email me MaryKate@MaryKateScott.com for details on this tutorial.  Lots of photos, tips and more!

Happy stamping, MaryKate

The Stand Up Easter "Pleased as Punch" Card

I'm showing you a series of fun easy folds this week, using the Pleased as Punch paper.  This one is the "stand up" card. One tiny tip makes it so simple.

The Stand Up Card dimensions

  

Designer Paper 5 ¼” X 4” for back.

Gorgeous Grape main card 4 ¼” X 11”, scored at 5 ½”,7”, 9” and 10 ½”

Crushed Curry 5 ½” X 2 ¾”, scored at 3 ½” X 5”

White front 3 ¼” X 2 ½”

Punched umbrella and handle, 3 flowers and a leaf with 4” of tulle

Supplies:  Pleased as Punch Paper, matching punches, matching cardstock, embellishments.  And I find tear n tape really handy (but not essential).

I used Timeless Tulips for my greeting.

Adhere the Designer paper to the back of the main Grape base

Fold up this card on the score lines and use a bone folder to crease them well.  

Above is the view from above the folds and tear n tape Add tear and tape (or glue carefully) to the ½” edges (that last score line) of both the grape and the curry pieces.

Fold the grape piece so the 2^nd fold at 7” is FLAT on the edge of your surface (below my index finger), remove the tear n tape and adhere the top part of the grape cardstock to the back (with the flowered designer paper).  See above, just fold the grape cardstock flat on the table, underneath my middle finger is the tear tape, pull the back off and then fold flat onto the table.

For the Crushed Curry piece secure to the Grape box front by putting the lower edge of the curry piece on the 7” score line (of the grape base). Lie card flat, remove tear and tape (my pen is pointing to the tear tape) and close the card flat pressing this small flap in place while it’s flat to secure to the flowered paper

Make the front:  stamp your greetings on the white piece, add the umbrella with dimensions, handle, flowers, leaf and then tie a knot in the tulle and push the knot below the flowers. 

That's it... the tip to remember is to fold the card flat on the work surface and let the folds help you line up where the card is connected.

I really hope you make one of these!

Happy stamping, 

Happy Easter,

MaryKate

Ornate Garden Design Series Paper - Perfect for beginner crafters or demonstrators

This is a long post – perfect for a beginner crafter or a demo looking for tips on designer series paper displays!  Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the inspiration.  (I'll tell you at the bottom why this post is not so useful for the experienced crafter!!)

I’ve created a series of cards that really show off our gorgeous designer series paper (DSP).  These card layouts are fun and easy, and so versatile as I’m sure they will fit with a stamp set you own.  I used the So Sentimental Set and the matching dies.

While it's nice to put out the 12 12x12 sheets on display to show our new paper, most crafters like to see it "in action" in projects and see it with the different coordinating colors.  Stampin Up specializes in color coordination, this makes it easy to make gorgeous professional projects!  Above left card is with Pear Pizzazz and right is Old Olive, both of these colors are in the paper and each one pulls out a different look.

So instead of simply passing out 12 sheets of paper (and worrying it will come back all crumpled or inky!) I create a card layout and use several of the papers.  Here's the basic layout 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 with layers.  You'll see my layer sizes are different as sometimes I like more or less white or background layers to show.   The basic layering is background layer 4 x 5 1/4 and the top 3 3/4 x 5 - but adjust these by 1/8 or 1/4 and you'll a different look.

Above I've used ribbon (whereas the first cards had "paper" ribbon).

You'll see I use a combination of matching cardstock as "ribbon" and then others with matching ribbon as well.  And you'll see I use different ways to use DSP on the envelope both front and back. For the back of the envelope cut 2 1/4" strip and adhere to the back and trim the excess, for the front it's a 1" x 4" strip.

Sometimes I put sentiments at the top or bottom, and most of these cards have the matching gold gilded gems.

This one is a long time favorite layout. It's perfect when paper has saturated color (deeper darker shades).  It uses a piece 3 x 4 1/2 cut into 3 strips 1" wide. You put these on a piece of white 3 1/4 x 4 3/4 using dimensions, add your ribbon (I attach is strip of ribbon and then make the bow and add with a glue dot). I love these stitched dies!!

This card is super simple, perfect for a class, or for a demo to pass out. The DSP is 3 x 3 (so 12 from a sheet) with a layer of gold (here I'm trying to show coordinating foils and cardstock and ribbon).  The layers are gold 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 and the Mint Macaron is 3 1/2 x 3 1/2.  I've attached matching 1/8 Mint ribbon around the first 2 layers, then add a bow with a glue dot and attach to the cardstock.  You could create 12 or 24 for a catalog launch party as a take-home gift and have people vote on their favorite pattern.

This one is featuring the gold accents.  So I embossed the greeting and used "gold paper ribbon".  I think embossing is super easy and has a wow factor. I often do this in beginner classes.  Quick tips are:  wipe your cardstock with an embossing buddy, use versamark ink, add the powder and flick the back of the card, heat.  Layers are 5 3/8 x 4 1/8 of gold, and 3 7/8 x 5 1/8 of the DSP

This is another classic sketch layout.  The designer paper is cut 4 x 4 1/4.  (4 is the width).  Along the LONGER side cut a diagonal slice, I started 1" down on the right and end 1 1/2" on the left.  

I added strips of gold paper (I cut them 1/2" and a bit longer, then adhere then trim).  I line up the top and bottom and then stamp in the space.  

If your greeting is larger you might shorter the LONGER side for more space for stamping.

I created a rose using 8 "petals" from the Varied Vase punch (smaller vase). You punch a  1/2 circle (which won't show) and then layer these petals.  Use a silicone mat to make it easy to release the flower.  When dry add leaves punched from the leaf punch (my most used punch).  I made 2 options, and went with the Rococo Rose option to match my ink, but I left the other rose (white/gold with vellum leaves in the photo to show you).

Another idea to display DSP is to make the same treat packaging in 3 different sheets.  I created the Chocolate Slider (thank you Debbi Green). 6 x 6, score at 2 1/2, 2 3/4, 5 1/4, 5 1/2.  Along the 1/2 score line (so it's 1/2 x 6) add tear and tape and make into a sleeve.  Yes it's open at both end. Punch holes at the top (bigger if your ribbon is wider, smaller it it's narrower ribbon) and insert about 28" of ribbon from front to back.  Now ease down your Hershey bar (the ribbon is now at the bottom of the bar) and then tie a bow. Decorate.  

For a catalog launch I created 12 different wrappers in 12 totally different DSPs and had people vote on a favorite, great way to show our matching DSP and ribbon. 

I also make a tag of all the paper swatches cut 3 x 1 1/2 punched with my tag topper punch, add in matching card stock, put on a 1/2" circle book ring (search Amazon or Walmart) and tie matching ribbon on the top. Great to pass around... and I don't mind if it comes back crumpled, sticky or inky!

I like to create a sampler showing all 12 sides of DSP. While it is much quicker and easier to make 2" squares, sometimes - like this Ornate Garden - some patterns are much bigger, some much smaller so 2" squares don't work as well.

Here's the full sheet - you cut it 8 x 10 (so it fits into a standard frame) and then make the squares.

Here it is in Black and White with the squares numbered and here are the dimensions:

1. 2 7/8 x 2 7/8

2. 2 1/8 x 1 3/8

3. 1 3/8 x 4 1/2

4. 1 7/8 x 3 1/2

5. 3 1/2 x 3 1/2

6. 1 3/8 x 1 1/2

You'll see I created the gold sheets in the same sizes (whites are square 4 and greens are square 3) to balance the look.

Finally I create these note pads both for myself and as a giveaway.  They are $1 for 3 in my Dollar Store.  I wrap a 12 x 4 (scored at 6 and 6 1/2) around the pad, decorate the front. The back needs a 1/2 x 4 contrasting strip to cover the edge. I put my logo on the back and give these away as a "useful business card".

I hope as a beginner you got a ton of great easy layouts and this inspires you open your DSP stash and start creating!!  If you are a demo I hope you got lots of ideas to showcase DSP.  I wouldn't use all of these ideas on 1 pack but rather select 1 or 2 ideas for each pack of DSP I want to showcase.

As an experience crafter, I'm sorry this wasn't a great post for you - I know you know layouts!!  But just in case you want to join our team, it's a great time to do so... a cute mini-trimmer, pack of paper, free set of your choice and $125 of any product - all for $99 no ship and NO further obligations!  And of course we all love our 20-25% discount on all future SU purchases!

We have a fun team with a ton of training, creativity, ideas, challenges and more!

Don't hesitate to ask my any questions, MaryKate@MaryKateScott.com

Happy stamping, MaryKate