Video: Balloon Festoon!

These balloon dies are BIG!   The largest one is 5-3/4″ tall so its perfect for a balloon shaped card

If you like shaped card, this old school trick to create the invisible fold is easy!

I used the new Product of the Month designer paper called Berry Botanicals Vellum.
It’s a really nice quality, heavy vellum that layers beautifully over white.
Only $5 add on with a $75 order

Here is the video which explains it all better than I can type it all here:)

VIEW/PRINT RECIPE PDF HERE

 

PROJECT SHOPPING LIST

NEW Catalog, New Kits and New Starter kit Special Today!

May 5th is finally here and we can all order from the new Stampin’ Up catalog!
If you don’t have a hard copy, you can view the digital version HERE

If you like to shop visually, head over to my store HERE

There are also some new products in the Online Store!
You can see all those here, including the Silly Old Bear (winnie the Pooh)!

Our 5 new In Colors are available for 2 years starting today!  In Colors are ‘on trend’ colors in addition to our 40 colors.     These 5 ink pads are the new magnetic style pads, easy to open and close!

You can find all the coordinating In Color items HERE

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We have a new $5 Product of the Month for May!
If you will be spending $75 or more, you can add it on for $5
It is a pretty pack of vellum, 12×12, called

Berry Botanical
You can add it to your order once you reach $75 before tax and shipping.
(remember that rewards will lower your total so just be sure you are at $75 and then you can add it for $5)

It’s hard to photograph vellum but here is a sample of vellum flowers made with this paper:


Thinking of joining Stampin’ Up but waiting for a good special?

Do you want to be your own customer to save with a discount?
or maybe do more and share it with others?  Either way,
May 5-31 is a GREAT time since SU is offering a nice special!

Our Starter Kit is always a good deal, $99 + tax and you choose $125 in product!  And free shipping on the kit.
BUT in May, they are adding a choice of extra freebies!
New (and returning) demonstrators will also get the 5 new In colors ink pads!
Or
Choose $35 extra in your kit totaling $160 in products of your choice and pay only $99 + tax!

Join now and your first $300 minimum is due by the end of September.  If you decide to not continue after you get your kit, it’s ok!  No strings, no penalty.  I can show you how to place your own orders.
I have a page with more FAQs on my blog HERE if you want more info or you can email me to set up a time to chat to see if it’s right for you.   If you already know you are ready, Sign up with me HERE 

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May 5th New Card Kits!

#167998 PRETTY PARTY KIT   $25.00
 Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs.  Folded card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4
Pretty gold foil accents!
Kit includes:  Pretty Party Photopolymer Stamp Set,  Clear stamp block,  Cajun Craze Classic Stampin’ Spot,  instructions,  9 printed envelopes, Adhesive

May 5th New card Kit  (love this one!)
#167995  $25.00

Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs – Folded card size: 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″
– Serene Scenes Stamp Set, Clear stamp block, Gray Granite Classic Stampin’ Spot, instructions,
9 printed envelopes, Adhesive

 

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It’s going to be a fun day!
Email me, call me or order online HERE! 

Video: Silly Old Bear Pinwheel Tower Card

An old fun fold for a Silly Old Bear coming out May 5th! If you love Winnie the Pooh and friends, you might love this designer paper. A tour of the suite, the 2 bundles, the designer paper and then the fun fold in today’s video:

VIEW/PRINT RECIPE PDF WITH MEASUREMENTS HERE

My first Pinwheel Tower card was in 2021 – if you are new to this kind of fun fold, here is the link to my video and how to adapt to different sizes:  Linda’s Pinwheel Tower Cards video  

Since these products and links are not available for a few days,
I’m adding the item numbers and prices to help with ordering on May 5th:

Silly Old Bear Suite $130 #167634
Sweet Old Friends Bundle $52
#167620 Silly Old Bear DSP $13 #167616
Sweet Words & Labels Bundle $52 #167628
Sweet Words &b Labels Dies $37 167627


Each page turn reveals another scene and sentiment.
The Silly Old Bear Paper is all I used for the images!


Video: Testing out the new Impressions Dies & Plate

I had 3 requests for my video this week!  
– How does the Impressions Plate work and do I really need it?
– Use the Phrases and Frames Impressions Dies
– a project using the Eyelet Blooms Die

Stampin’ Up! has a new Impressions Plate coming out May 5th in the new catalog.  There are 2 die sets that are called Impressions Dies that are supposed to work with the new plate to help create extra puffy embossing on the paper.   My big question was do I actually need it?

In today’s video, I’m putting it to the test with the new Impressions dies to see how it works, whether it’s worth adding to your craft room, and whether you can get similar results using something you already have.
Turns out I did already have something that works the same from years ago… Maybe you do too!

I’ll also answer the question many stampers are wondering: can the Impressions dies be used without the mat? Before you add this to your wish list, let’s take a closer look and see what this plate really does.

VIEW/PRINT CARD RECIPE WITH MEASUREMENTS HERE
(LINKS OPEN IN NEW TAB)

IMPRESSIONS PLATE   #167767  $11  (6″ X 8-1/2″ SIZE)  Available May 5th, 2026
(I still say it’s a little weird to call it a plate, it’s more like a thick rubbery mat)

PHRASES AND FRAMES BUNDLE  #167587  $40.50  Available May 5th, 2026
Or you can get just the dies for $34   #167586


There is another bundle that works specifically with the Impressions plate.  Available May 5th, 2026
OPULENT OASIS BUNDLE  #167595  $56.50
or just the Dies for $38

 

The Product of the Month for April is the Eyelet Blooms Die #167984  Available Now! 
It’s large – 4-3/8″ x 6″   $5 with a $75 or more order.
I forgot to say in my video that you should run it thru cutting side up first, then turn it over and run it through again with cutting side down.  That gets out all the little bits!
*Remember that coupons or rewards applied lower your total so it should be $75 before tax and shipping and then add it to your cart.


Here is the card I made with it using Calypso Coral, Petal Pink, Crisp Cantaloupe and White cardstock.


The sentiment is from the SINCERELY NOTED EPHEMERA  #167706  only $7 for 6 sheets!
Available May 5th, 2026
Stampin’ Up really stepped up the printed ephemera – there are 3 or 4 new styles coming out in the new catalog and they are thick and adhesive backed!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Go Stamp Something!

Click here to visit my YouTube Channel to see my latest Videos!    

Video: Walk thru the new designer papers with me

Stampin’ Up will drop lots of new designer papers on May 5th!
If you want to see them up close, sheet by sheet before you purchase (and with a little commentary from me:) then watch my video below!   Video will open in a new tab in youtube

 My paper shares for all the new papers are still open if you would like to get a 6×6 piece of every paper shown.
Email me at Linda@stampingschool.com – let me know your address and which shares you would like!

 

With each new catalog I offer paper shares, a way to try it all out before you buy a whole pack!
I’ve offered the shares over 15 years (I’ve lost count) but it’s one of my favorite things to do!
I’ll cut each pack into quarters, 6×6 size sheets, and package in a pretty box for you with a description sheet of colors included.

I can take reservations for the shares now but I cannot take payments until April 28th, which is 7 days before the catalog begins (per SU rules).  I’ll send you an invoice on April 28th.

PAPER MEDLEY MIX-IN
ARTISAN SKETCHED GARDEN
WATERSIDE RETREAT
BEAUTIFUL ORDINARY LIFE
VALLEY IN BLOOM
BLOOM BOUTIQUE
VELVET MEADOW
SCENIC COAST
MOONLIT FLORA
LUXE WHITE
VELVETEEN ASSORTMENT
SUNSET SHIMMER VELLUM
2026–2028 IN COLOR PEARLIZED SPECIALTY
EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS MIX & MATCH
SILLY OLD BEAR free as my gift  (as long as its available)

 

Stampin’ Up offers Color Groups of designer papers with new prints each year.
These are monochromatic, tone on Tone Designs (see front and back examples above in photo)
Each color Group features our 10 current, exclusive colors.
Subtles, Regals, Neutrals, and Brights.  Basics has 3 colors (2 of each) and the In Colors have 5 colors.
Packaged in my clear acetate box!

 

36 DEW DROPS EMBELLISHMENTS
24 ARRAY OF DOTS
40 SUNSET SPARKLE SEQUINS
24 DREAMY FLOWERS
36 SHIMMERING DOTS
4 LOOSE ANCHOR TRINKETS
36 2026-2028 IN COLOR BUTTERFLIES
20 2026–2028 IN COLOR DOTS
1 SCALLOPED WINDOW BOX

These ribbons are in the new In Colors!  It’s a lovely tafetta type ribbon, ties beautifully!

2 yards  BORDERED RIBBON
2 yards BARELY BLUSH
2 yards CRISP CANTALOUPE
2 yards GOLDEN GLOW
2 yards HYDRANGEA HUE
2 yards PEACEFUL PINE

RESERVE YOUR SPOT!  Send an email to Linda@stampingschool.com 
(don’t reply to this email – it goes in outerspace to a do not reply)
Let me know which shares you would like. I will reply back with a confirmation same day!

 

New Product Shares!

With each new catalog I offer paper shares, a way to try it all out before you buy a whole pack!
I’ve offered the shares over 15 years (I’ve lost count) but it’s one of my favorite things to do!
I’ll cut each pack into quarters, 6×6 size sheets, and package in a pretty box for you with a description sheet of colors included.

I can take reservations for the shares now but I cannot take payments until April 28th, which is 7 days before the catalog begins (per SU rules).  I’ll send you an invoice on April 28th.

PAPER MEDLEY MIX-IN
ARTISAN SKETCHED GARDEN
WATERSIDE RETREAT
BEAUTIFUL ORDINARY LIFE
VALLEY IN BLOOM
BLOOM BOUTIQUE
VELVET MEADOW
SCENIC COAST
MOONLIT FLORA
LUXE WHITE
VELVETEEN ASSORTMENT
SUNSET SHIMMER VELLUM
2026–2028 IN COLOR PEARLIZED SPECIALTY
EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS MIX & MATCH
SILLY OLD BEAR free as my gift  (as long as its available)

 

Stampin’ Up offers Color Groups of designer papers with new prints each year.
These are monochromatic, tone on Tone Designs (see front and back examples above in photo)
Each color Group features our 10 current, exclusive colors.
Subtles, Regals, Neutrals, and Brights.  Basics has 3 colors (2 of each) and the In Colors have 5 colors.
Packaged in my clear acetate box!

 

36 DEW DROPS EMBELLISHMENTS
24 ARRAY OF DOTS
40 SUNSET SPARKLE SEQUINS
24 DREAMY FLOWERS
36 SHIMMERING DOTS
4 LOOSE ANCHOR TRINKETS
36 2026-2028 IN COLOR BUTTERFLIES
20 2026–2028 IN COLOR DOTS
1 SCALLOPED WINDOW BOX

These ribbons are in the new In Colors!  It’s a lovely tafetta type ribbon, ties beautifully!

2 yards  BORDERED RIBBON
2 yards BARELY BLUSH
2 yards CRISP CANTALOUPE
2 yards GOLDEN GLOW
2 yards HYDRANGEA HUE
2 yards PEACEFUL PINE

RESERVE YOUR SPOT!  Send an email to Linda@stampingschool.com 
(don’t reply to this email – it goes in outerspace to a do not reply)
Let me know which shares you would like. I will reply back with a confirmation same day!

 

Video: Comparing the 5 New In Color INK pads to Older Colors

The 5 new In Colors are beautiful but before you invest in all five new ink pads, it may be worth taking a closer look at the colors you already own. Ink pads are definitely an investment, and you might already have older Stampin’ Up! colors in your collection that work really well with the new cardstock and designer papers.

To help you decide, I put together a video comparing the 5 new In Color ink pads to older Stampin’ Up colors through the years.   Seeing the colors side by side can make it much easier to tell whether you truly need the new ink pads or if a similar color from your stash will work just as well.

Ready to see the ink color comparisons? Watch the video below!

Let me know which one(s)  you will be getting!

(our internet has been out since Wednesday so I’m keeping this short today while I”m using just my phone. I can still get emails and texts and calls with my phone but blogging is little tricky!) 

Video: Support your Heroes

Before I get into today’s video,  a few quick announcements:
– yes, I will be offering new catalog shares!  I’ll post those next week.
– The Last Chance List has been updated!
– There is a new Product of the Month to choose from!
New Kits were added to the store!

When this bundle was released online, I immediately thought of my friends whose adult children are serving in the military or in medical school.  A handmade card feels like a simple way to remind them they are being thought of and send encouragement.

Here is my video!



VIEW/PRINT RECIPE PDF WITH MEASUREMENTS HERE


(special shout out to Shari Carrol for her card way back in 2019 that inspired my version – see my video) 
I love the way this one turned out and it’s easy to make!
The foam star stickers were perfect and easy to go through the mail, too.


The background was my attempt at faux camoflauge with a leaf stamp set.  I think it could use a little tweaking but I do like the clear embossing on the top!

April Product of the Month is a large die!
Spend $75 (before tax/shipping/rewards) and you can add it to your order for only $5!

 EYELET BLOOMS DIE   #167984

This is a pretty kit that is a tri-fold card.  No stamping with preprinted sentiments, makes 9 cards

PAINTED SKIES KIT  #167822  $18

Shopping List

Video: Filled with Sweetness Bundle

This week I played with the new suite, HomemadeSweetness.
When I first opened the dies, I was surprised how BIG the jar is!  It is about 4″ x 4-1/2″ with the top on!
So it can be a card all on it’s own.
(be sure to watch my video to see two cards I received from friends who used it this way! )

So many of you like a bigger card, so I used it for a 5×7 size.  It is still just one first class stamp to mail!

VIEW/PRINT RECIPE PDF WITH MEASUREMENTS HERE 

By the way, I’ll be mailing out the May SU Catalogs soon!  If you have ordered with me in the last year, I’ll send you one.  If your address has changed, be sure to email me!

Project Supply List