Flowerbug's Inkspot

2 more great card ideas with the Basic Border dies!

Before you get to the projects today I want to let everyone know about the current shipping delays. Stampin' Up! had their highest sales day ever on April 4th - by almost 20 times the average!  Wow!  They are quite behind and have added extra staff and longer hours to get caught up.  So if you're wondering where your order is, it's coming....it will just be about 8-10 days longer than normal.  

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This week I'm sharing our April card swaps from my Flowerbug's team. It's so fun to see what they make; everyone has their own unique style.  I LOVE swapping with them!  

Annette chose the Beside Me stamp set for her card. She is a master at coloring and sponging.  

Her colors include Blueberry Bushel, Basic White & Black. The Blueberry Bushel layer is textured with the Timeworn Type folder; the greeting die-cut is from the Stylish Shapes dies. 

She cut two curves for her card; one with the Basic White layer and another with a Black layer.  She colored the image in with Blends markers. 

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Next is a neat card made by Karen who also used the Basic Border dies seen here.  

She used the die to cut off the edge of her card and then used that second piece to create a 'vertical window' for her By the Bay specialty designer paper. This pretty paper is discounted on the Last Chance List.  See it here. 

Her greeting and die-cut layers are from the Something Fancy bundle in the Spring catalog.  It will be in the new Annual catalog but no longer as a bundle at 10% off. 

See the Basic Border dies here:  I love these dies; they're so versatile.  Luckily they are carrying over into the new Annual catalog.

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April Specials:

See the 2023 Last Chance list here 

*current host code: SYZD4PH2 or SFHU3WMT

Get a free specialty paper sampler with online orders over $55 using a host code above plus an embellishment if your order is over $100

Earn free products with my loyalty rewards! 

Click here to download yours and earn a $50 shopping spree!

Gift card pop-up card; a fun fold that's easy! Featuring Pretty Prints, Art Gallery & Radiating Stitches dies

I shared two neat fun fold cards in this week's Live video.  Pretty Prints DSP seen here was featured in both. 

This designer paper is an easy favorite; the soft, botanical prints and 4 rich colors are gorgeous!

Here's the card I shared; it's a pop up gift card holder:

The front greeting is from the Art Gallery dies seen here.  They're discounted now; they were $34 and are now just $13.60. These words are cut from Evening Evergreen card stock and adhered to a white die-cut from the Radiating Stitches dies.  These are on the Online Exclusives products but are currently unavailable. They will be back in May. 

My colors include Evening Evergreen (so sad it's retiring!) and Soft Sea Foam.  

Measurements:

• Card Base 4 ¼” X 11” score at 2 ¼” & 7 ¾”
• White front is 2 5/8” X 4”, inside gift card pop up is 3 ½” X 7” score at ½” & 5”
• Designer Paper - upper is 4" X 3", lower is 4" X 2"

I used the wonderful Kind & Sincere stamp set for this card; it's discounted to $15.60 and on the Last Chance list. I love the mixed font and how many phrases you can make with the greeting images. See it here. 

This next photo shows you how the gift card layer works.  The 1/2" flap is adhered to the upper front of the card.  The lower fold is tucked in the lower fold of the card base.  The ribbon around it secures it closed; there isn't any adhesive used on the lower flap. 

Click here or below to watch this week's Live video. 

**Don't forget to follow me here on Facebook or subscribe to my YouTube channel here. 

~~~

April Specials:

See the 2023 Last Chance list here 

*current host code: SYZD4PH2 or SFHU3WMT

Get a free specialty paper sampler with online orders over $55 using a host code above plus an embellishment if your order is over $100

Earn free products with my loyalty rewards! 

Click here to download yours and earn a $50 shopping spree!

Ready to Ride card kit to go; it's for both guys & gals!

I chose the Ready to Ride specialty designer paper for one of my April card kits to go; it has wonderful black foil designs on one side and fun prints on the other.  It even has a few flowers for the gals; it's not all about men here! 

These cards include multiple fun folds as I like to do; they add a fun element for both the creator and the recipient.   

There 2 each of 5 designs in this card kit.  There's a pre-cut kit to go option AND a PDF tutorial only option in my store here.  

The pre-cut kit to go includes 1/2 pkg. of the Ready to Ride specialty DSP (6" X 12"), a share of both Classic Matte dots and Baker's Twine Essentials pack.  The pre-cut card pieces, die-cuts and punched pieces are all included. 

Supplies needed:

• Black ink & adhesives
• a paper trimmer to cut your new DSP (using the measurements in the tutorial).
• Greeting images - I used the Legendary Ride and Celebrating You stamp sets, but you can substitute any greeting images you already own.

The PDF tutorial is added on free and includes step by step directions, photos, measurements and a supply list.  It's $20 in product for just $28!  The tutorial is sent to you via email immediately after payment from my Shop here.  

The other option is my PDF tutorial seen here.  It's $15 and it's emailed to you immediately after payment.  

The neat thing about my kits and tutorials are that you get great ideas for creating; whether it's with this theme or others. 

*This is the kit my monthly subscribers will receive.  Interested in getting a pre-cut kit to go each month?  Email me here for that option.  

I have two more new card kits and/or tutorials available this month. Save $$ on shipping by getting more than one! 

See all of my tutorial & kit to go options here.

~~~

April Specials:

See the 2023 Last Chance list here 

*current host code: SYZD4PH2 or SFHU3WMT

Get a free specialty paper sampler with online orders over $55 using a host code above plus an embellishment if your order is over $100

Earn free products with my loyalty rewards! 

Click here to download yours and earn a $50 shopping spree!

The Discounts start TODAY! Don't delay; some items will go fast!

The big Last Chance Sale is here!  Many products from both the Annual Catalog AND the Spring (January-April) catalog are discounted up to 60%! Click here to see it all.

Remember these items are while supplies last; do not delay in getting what you want.  Some are already gone! 

Here are some of the great deals:

• Retiring Blends markers 40% off
• Stampin' Write combo packs of markers 30-50% off
• Designer paper up to 60% off
• Gems & ribbons up to 60% off
• Punches from 20-50% off
• Dies and embossing folders up to 60% off!  This means if they were $30 they're now $12

Don't forget that these colors of ink, card stock, refills and embellishments are retiring too.  If you have a favorite on the list don't wait to stock up.

We're saying goodbye to these colors: Soft Suede, So Saffron, Blushing Bride, Mint Macaron, Pear Pizzazz, Pacific Point, Mango Melody, Rich Razzleberry, Bermuda Bay, Merry Merlot, Sahara Sand

I'm really going to miss the Stitched Rectangles, Painted Labels and Layering Circles dies. 

Here's an example of the deals you can take advantage of: The Amazing Thanks dies here are now just $10.80!

~~~

April Specials:

See the 2023 Last Chance list here 

*current host code: SYZD4PH2 or SFHU3WMT

Get a free specialty paper sampler with online orders over $55 using a host code above

Earn free products with my loyalty rewards! 

Click here to download yours and earn a $50 shopping spree!

Share a Milkshake card with video & free projects sheet!

The Share a Milkshake bundle is SWEET and super fun to create with.  We made this fun card at my March card clubs: 

You can see the Share a Milkshake bundle here; it's filled with cute 2-step images, quirky font greetings and fabulous dies.  See that straw in the ice cream?  It fits into a 'slit' in the die-cut ice cream piece. 

*This bundle is carrying over into the new Annual catalog but it will not be a bundle at 10% off any longer; the stamp set & dies will be sold separately. 

 

That bottom large die above folds into a textured sugar cone; you can then insert your 'scoops' of ice cream in it like the project below shared by Stampin' Up! 

Here's what we stamped inside our card.  The 2-step bowl of ice cream with a die-cut silver spoon is extra special.

My colors include Coastal Cabana, Sweet Sorbet and Polished Pink with a bit of Early Espresso for the chocolate topping die-cuts. the striped DSP on the bottom is from the Country Floral Lane DSP in the Spring catalog.   

Here's the free project sheet for this project; it includes measurements, directions and supplies. Download March 23 Share a Milkshake

 

Click here or below for the video for this project and a few more as well.  It's the 2nd project. 

~~~

April Specials:

See the Jan-Apr 2023 Last Chance list here *sale prices start April 4th 

See the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog Last Chance list here

*current host code: SYZD4PH2 or SFHU3WMT

Get a free specialty paper sampler with online orders over $55 using a host code above plus an embellishment if your order is over $100

Earn free products with my loyalty rewards! 

Click here to download yours and earn a $50 shopping spree!

The Last Chance Sale starts Tuesday!! The Stamparatus is already low inventory!

Tuesday starts our big Last Chance sale on both the Annual and Spring (January-April) catalogs.  However things are already selling out!  I wanted to give you a heads up on my favorite tool.  

One of the biggest shocker on the retired lists is our Stamparatus seen here. It's already in low inventory! 

I am SO SAD that it is retiring.  You may wonder why because it's an amazing stamping positioning tool.  There are some copyright & legal issues happening that is forcing Stampin' Up! to take it out of their product offerings. 

This means the magnets, grid paper are leaving as well.  So if you don't have a Stamparatus yet; get one today!  And if you do, I suggest getting a set of magnets here while you can. They're half off starting Tuesday, April 4th.

Here's a video showing you the benefits of a Stamparatus. 

And here's another one below on hinge step stamping. 

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April Specials:

See the Jan-Apr 2023 Last Chance list here *sale prices start April 4th 

See the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog Last Chance list here

*current host code: QBQB4TBF or BFE4C2KM

Get a free specialty paper sampler with online orders over $55 using a host code above

Earn free products with my loyalty rewards! 

Click here to download yours and earn a $50 shopping spree!

Easter Bunny Floating Panel card with a free project sheet & video tutorial!

We made this sweet card at my March Card Clubs - it features the Easter Bunny bundle.  This bundle is currently unavailable.  you can get the Easter Bunny stamp set now but the Bunny punch is returning in May. 

It's a Floating Panel fun fold card; one of my current favorite folds lately.  It's both fun to make and easy to create too!  

My colors include Fresh Freesia, Blackberry Bliss and Daffodil Delight.   Below you'll see the baby version. I gave my gals the choice of Easter or baby.  

The greetings for the baby card are from Charming Sentiments. Click here for the PDF project sheet for measurements & products used. 

I used a variety of products on this card: 

• Stamps - Easter Bunny, Charming Sentiments
• Ink - Fresh Freesia, Blackberry Bliss
• Paper - Fresh Freesia, Daffodil, Blackberry Bliss, Basic White, Tea Boutique, Butterfly Kisses, Flowers & More host
• Other - Basic Borders dies, Cane Weave 3D folder, Dimensionals, Brass Butterflies 

Do you see his little cottontail? I tore off a piece from a cotton ball and rolled it into a ball. It's adhered with out Multipurpose liquid glue.   

Here are the measurements:

• Card base 4 1/4" X 11" score at 2 3/4" & 5 1/2". Scraps for bunny & circle punch. Two strips 1/2" X 1 1/2" for the floating panel hinges
  • DSP pieces four pieces at 1 1/4" X 4"
  • White front square 2 3/4", inside 5 1/4" X 4"
  • Blackberry Bliss square 2 7/8"
  • Greeting strips 3/4" X 3 1/2"

Here's a tip on the Floating panel:  You need just two pieces of card stock about 1/2" X 2 1/2". Fold them in half and adhere to the center fold; one on each side.  Your front panel is adhered to this. 

*Watch the video below (or click here) where I share the tips on creating this card; it's the second project of 4! 

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March Specials:

See the new Online Exclusives here! 

*current host code: QBQB4TBF or BFE4C2KM

See the Jan-Apr 2023 Last Chance list here *sale prices start April 4th 

See the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog Last Chance list here

Get a free class kit with online orders over $55 when using the host code above!

I have two left! *after that you'll receive a pack of 10 handmade cards! 

Earn free products with my loyalty rewards! 

Click here to download yours and earn a $50 shopping spree!

Baby Swipe technique with tips & video! Plus retiring lists & colors.

They released the retiring lists from the Annual & Spring catalogs yesterday.  Here are the lists:

Here's the Annual Catalog retiring list: Download 2022-2023 Annual Catalog Last Chance Products_US Landscape

And here is the Spring (January-April) retired list Download January-April 2023 Mini Catalog Last Chance Products_US Landscape

*There is a sale on some of these retiring items but the discounts do not start until April 4th. 

Here's a graphic on which colors are retiring. Go here to shop and get the items you need before they're gone! 

Sad to say good bye to these colors: 

• Soft Suede 
• So Saffron
• Blushing Bride
• Mint Macaron
• Pear Pizzazz
• Pacific Point
• Mango Melody
• Rich Razzleberry
• Bermuda Bay
• Merry Merlot
• Sahara Sand

Which are returning?

• Fresh Freesia!!
• Misty Moonlight
• Blueberry Bushel
• Berry Burst
• Lemon Lime Twist
• Lost Lagoon
• Pretty Peacock

~~~

Have you ever done the baby swipe technique?  It's so fun; playing with baby wipes and ink refills is a bit addictive!  

I made this card for our March Team swap; the theme was to use a technique involving ink refills.  

My colors include Daffodil Delight, Polished Pink and Black.  

Other products used:

• Potted Succulent dies for the greeting die-cut
• Dainty Delight dies - black die-cuts
• Penned Flowers dies for the scalloped edge
• Brass butterflies seen here

Can you spot the shimmer?  I used the Pearlescent paper from the Annual Catalog.  See it here. 

It was the perfect sheen for this technique as the moist ink did not absorb quickly like it might for regular card stock. Glossy paper would also work well. 

After I added the color, I let it dry for an hour or so.  Then I textured it with one of the embossing folders in the 3D Basics pack seen here.  These are currently out of stock but they'll be back in May. 

Below you can see the difference in my cards; especially the colors. One is soft and subtle and the other more vibrant.  This happens as you work with your baby wipe; the first few swipes are bold and the next few are much softer. 

Tips for success: 

• Fold and roll your baby wipe in a tube.  Hold it tightly and add a few drops of ink refills. 
• Add each color separately in a row.  I tend to add enough for about 1/2" of surface. 
• Start swiping off your paper and then onto it.  You can do straight swipes or get creative and add curves or swirls. Let dry.
• Shimmery, pearlescent or glossy works best. But you can do it on regular card stock too. 
• I suggest you use light to medium colors. 

Notice the colors of the butterflies? I colored the Brass Butterflies with a Polished Pink blends marker for the left card.  I wasn't sure I liked it or not so left them uncolored for my swap cards.  

Watch the video here or click on the image below to see this technique. It's the last technique I share in the video. 

~~~

March Specials:

See the new Online Exclusives here! 

*current host code: QBQB4TBF or BFE4C2KM

See the Jan-Apr 2023 Last Chance list here *sale prices start April 4th 

See the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog Last Chance list here

Get a free class kit with online orders over $55 when using the host code above!

I have three left! *after that you'll receive a pack of 10 handmade cards! 

Earn free products with my loyalty rewards! 

Click here to download yours and earn a $50 shopping spree!

Regency Park with the Baby Wipe technique!

During March our Flowerbug's Team has been focusing on using re-inkers.  I hadn't played with the 'baby wipe' technique for awhile.  I chose the Regency Park suite when creating this cute card: 

It might not show up well here but the White greeting die-cut is 'caught' and held in place by the larger die & the outer two corners of flowers. These dies fit together perfectly!  *you can see the dies in the photo below; the bottom most label nestles into the largest one with flowers on two edges. 

Here's the Sentimental Park bundle as well, with the greeting & die-cuts. This bundle was one of my first purchases from the Spring catalog and I've used it a lot! 

The other bundle in this suite is the Petal Park bundle seen here. It includes the stamp set & coordinating flower punch. I used the solid flowers on the middle right for my baby wipe technique and added the outline flowers (top right) in Black. 

  I had a die-cut dotted background piece (from Dots & Spots here) among my 'extra's and thought it would work well for my background. 

 

What supplies do you need for the Baby Wipe technique?  

1. A baby wipe or two
2. At least 2-3 colors of ink refills
3. A stamp and card stock

Success tips for the 'Baby Wipe' technique:

• Choose colors that work well together.  I tend to choose 3 of my favorites like yellows with pinks, blues with greens, purples with blues etc.
• Pick a stamp with a solid image; lots of rubber.  An outline image will not show your colors well.
• Fold the moist baby wipe into an ink pad; I use at least 4 layers. 
• Drop multiple drops of each color in each area. For example - 4 drops of yellow, move over a bit, 4 more drops of yellow etc.  Then fill with the second color in the same manner. Fill in any empty areas with the 3rd or last color. 
• When inking your image stamp it in your 'baby wipe' handmade ink pad multiple times, trying to keep it in the same place as much as possible. Moving the image around too much can muddy your colors. 
• Huff the image and stamp!  

Here's the inside of my card; I added a few more of the multi-colored punched flowers. 

My colors include Polished Pink, Daffodil Delight and Mango Melody.  

~~~

March Specials:

See the new Online Exclusives here! 

*current host code: BFE4C2KM or EWJYEGFV

Get a free class kit with online orders over $55 when using the host code above!

Earn free products with my loyalty rewards! 

Click here to download yours and earn a $50 shopping spree!