ThePowerOfACard

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

The Amazing Extraordinary Flora Bundle

The Extraordinary Flora Bundle is such an amazing die and stamp set, especially when paired with the Extraordinary Flora Washi tape! The stamp set has one large stamp with sixteen flowers and leaves, plus four other stamps (three sentiments and dashed lines). The die will cut out all the flowers/leaves with one pass and it's small enough to fit in the Mini Sampin' Cut & Emboss machine! The Washi tape has flowers/leaves in two different color palettes - one with pinks and purples and the other in corals and reds. As soon as I started using these products, I was hooked - I think you will be too!

When applying the washi tape to cardstock, you will need about 3-1/4" x 5-1/2", but as I show in the video, I used a 3-1/2" x 11" piece of Basic White and added two "sections" at the same time. I like having a little extra room when I'm working with such a long piece. When I first started playing with it, I only put it on white. Then I tried it on light colored Two-Tone cardstock (I show Pool Party and Darling Duckling in the video), but you could try Very Vanilla, Bubble Bath, Lemon Lolly, Soft Sea Foam... well, you get the picture!

Gather your supplies:

Cardstock: Pool Party 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"; Basic White 4" x 5-1/4"; Subtles 6" x 6" DSP (Pool Party pattern) 4" x 5-1/4"; Pool Party Two Tone Cardstock 3-1/4" x 5-1/2"
Bundle: Extraordinary Flora (and the Extraordinary Flora Washi Tape)
Stamp: Layers of Beauty
Inks: Pretty Peacock and Pool Party
Embellishment: Iridescent Pearls Basic Jewels
Adhesive and Tools

Adhere the washi tape (the pinks/purples segment) to the Pool Party Two-Tone cardstock, and cut out with the die. Arrange the flowers and leaves along the left side of the Subtles DSP. Feel free to play and move pieces around until you get the arrangement you like. Then start adhering the pieces - I found it easiest to use Mini Glue Dots and just set them down without pressing too hard so that they could be moved if necessary. For the three individual flowers, I used Mini Dimensionals to add these and give more lift to the swag. Once the greenery is in place, stamp the anniversary sentiment in Pretty Peacock, then add this to the card base which has been folded in half and pressed with the bone folder.

For the inside of the card, stamp the interior sentiment in Pool Party ink and decorate the corner with a few more flowers. Adhere this panel with glue and add a few pearls to the card front. I added some more flowers to the corner of the envelope too - just make sure you spread the glue all over the back so it won't come off when it goes through the postal machines. My second card with this layout was done on Basic White and paired with Fresh Freesia (I said Highland Heather in the video, but the that was only ink color of the Happy Anniversary) - which version do you like better?

My next card was done on Darling Duckling Two-Tone cardstock. I was a little worried that it would be too dark, but it wasn't! I cut two ovals from the Framed Scenes dies and made a spray of flowers on the top above my sympathy sentiment (from Unbounded Love). For the backdrop, I used the Glass & Gardens embossing folder on a piece of Darling Duckling. Then I fussy cut the edge to make a stunning border against the white card base. I think the final card turned out perfectly and I love the warmth of the colors together!

For my next one, I just stamped the flowers/leaves in Secret Sea on white. I used my Wink of Stella to add a little sparkle to the flowers. If you do this soon after stamping, you'll pick up a tiny bit of the ink and get a hint of blue in the petals. I used the Stylish Shapes to cut out a circle, which was placed on a panel of Secret Sea that was embossed with the Glass & Gardens in the center. I popped up the sentiment and completed the inside with Congratulations and a few more flowers. What a lovely wedding card!

My flowers for this card were stamped in black and a few were colored with Stampin' Blends. I used the two smallest squares from Stylish Shapes to cut squares in Basic Black and Highland Heather, alternating the arrangement. I added a small mat of Basic White on the smallest die cut square before adding them on point with the larger square. Before adding them to the white panel, I embossed some diagonal lines using a score board and my Take Your Pick tool. My sentiments are from Blooming Phrases and The Right Words.

More coloring with Blends on this card! I used a background of the Mixed Media Florals DSP and another square from the Stylish Shapes, set on point the middle. I embossed my sentiment from Wonderful Thoughts in white on the black square. I arranged two sprays of flowers top and bottom and finished off with more of the Iridescent pearls.

This next card is one of my favorites! It is so simple in design, yet so stunning. I embossed a diagonal panel of Strawberry Slush with the Exposed Brick embossing folder and adhered it to my card base. Then I punched out a circle, stamped "for you" and added a small spray of flowers. The Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Gems add the final touch. The sentiments are from Tags of Thanks and Simply Said. I liked this one so much that is is one of the cards in my monthly card class.

The natural curve of the flowers and leaves really fit so nicely as sprays around circles and here is another example. I cut a circle out of the beautiful Irresistible Designs Specialty DSP and matted it with Strawberry Slush. The embossed pattern on that paper is subtle and might be hard to see, but is leaves on a vine. The Greetings for All Mix & Match Ephemera pack (a wonderful source of a variety of sentiments) provided my sentiment and was placed in the middle of the opening and the flowers were added to surround it.

I'm finishing up my samples with one last circle - this time it's cut from DSP (Floral Impressions) instead of plain cardstock. I used the other embossing folder from the Glass & Gardens pack to emboss the white panel. I stamped my Congratulations on a strip of white, then cut it out with the same die (Stylish Shapes) so that it would have the stitching along the edge to align with the circle. I glued this down before adding my spray of flowers.

I have made lots and lots of flowers and there are still so many left on the roll! I keep the extra ones in a plastic folder that the die came in to use later. You'll be able to get so much enjoyment from this bundle and I hope you love it as much as I do!

Karen

ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

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Product List

Extraordinary Flora Bundle (English)

[165245]

$43.00

Extraordinary Flora Washi Tape

[165269]

$15.00

Layers Of Beauty Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[163514]

$20.00

Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[122924]

$14.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Pool Party 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Two Tone Cardstock

[166691]

$10.00

Subtles 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[165306]

$12.50

Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad

[150083]

$9.00

Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad

[147107]

$9.00

Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels

[158987]

$7.50

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

$7.25

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Graduation Card with Encircled with Love

Graduation season is upon us! In my video today, I am making a simple graduation card that has a holder for a gift card or cash. I am using the Encircled with Love stamp set, a new one from the Annual Catalog. It is reasonably priced and has a good variety of sentiments, making it a great addition to your stamp collection.

Gather your supplies:

Cardstock: Crumb Cake 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", Basic White (2) 4" x 5-1/4", 4-1/4" x 2", scored on three sides at 1/4", scrap to cut a 2" circle; Regals 6" x 6" DSP (Blueberry Bushel pattern) 4" x 3-3/4"; Blueberry Bushel 1/4" x 5-1/4"
Stamps: Encircled with Love, Sunrise Sailing, Choose Happy
Ink: Blueberry Bushel
Punch: 2" Circle
Adhesive and Tools

Fold the card base in half and crease with the bone folder. For the DSP, I cut my piece at 4" and then at an angle. This will leave you with another piece for the next card and all you need to do is trim off some from the end. Add this to one of the pieces of large basic white. Add a little glue next to the DSP and add the strip of Blueberry Bushel paper so that it meets the DSP. Trim with your snips.

On the scrap of Basic White, stamp the Way to Go sentiment in Blueberry Bushel. Use the circle punch to cut it out, then pop it up on the card front with Dimensionals. Add a few stars from the Choose Happy stamp set. (While I had the stamp out, I also stamped the stars down the left side of my envelope.) Add this panel to the front of the card.

To make the gift card holder, score the smaller rectangle of Basic White at 1/4" on both sides and the bottom. With your snips, cut at an angle to the point where the score lines meet, them pivot a bit before completing the cut. As I show, this will leave the tiniest of space when the flaps are folded back, making the corner perfect. Before adding the gift card holder, stamp the A Little Something for You sentiment. Fold all the flaps to the back, add glue to the flaps and adhere to the inside front side of the card.

Finish the card by stamping the Congratulations sentiment to the remaining piece of Basic White. Add a few more stars and adhere to the inside of the card. This card would be super easy to make in the school colors of your graduate!

My first sample features new In Colors and a new DSP called Boho Vibes. My card base is Cloud Cover and I paired it with Cajun Craze and Secret Sea to coordinate with the DSP. I also used a little of the Faux Linen Ribbon to accent my circle. The strip of Cajun Craze is embossed with the Exposed Brick embossing folder and the inside sentiments are from The Right Words.

My next card is all about circles! I stamped my Thank You sentiment in Granny Apple Green. I cut a little larger circle from Lemon Lime Twist and embossed it with Soft Waves embossing folder. The largest circle is from Irresistible Designs 12" Specialty DSP. This is gorgeous paper that is embossed white on white in three different patterns. When I used a blending brush on top of it, the design really pops! The ribbon is knotted around a piece of Granny Apple Green. After the circles were adhered, I added a few Holographic Resin Dots.

If you haven't noticed, I really love using Basic Black for card bases because I love how the colors pop! I used a strip of the same DSP I used in the video, but this time in Pumpkin Pie. I added two tiny strips of Pumpkin Pie on either side and under my Happy Birthday Wishes circle. For the inside, I added a little more of the DSP and a greeting from Hooray for Surprises.

My next card goes back to the Boho Vibes DSP and Secret Sea (both card base and ribbon). I stamped my sentiment in Darling Duckling (another new In Color) and the inside has a sentiment from The Right Words. You can't get much easier than this one!

The With Love stamp is stamped with Strawberry Slush (yet another new In Color) and matted with a larger circle of the same color. I used the Mini Corrugated embossing folder on a piece of Pretty in Pink, then added a strip of the Floral Impressions DSP on the left. The bow is from the Faux Linen ribbon (available in all five In Colors) and the embellishments are Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Gems. The Right Words (isn't this such a versatile stamp set?) and a fussy cut flower adorn the inside.

My last one is the only card where I'm not using circles! I used the Perennial Postage Dies to stamp three of the flowers (only the center one with the word Sorry). The strip of DSP is from Florals in Bloom and it is adhered to the panel of Summer Splash. I tied a bow with the white from the Baker's Twine Essentials. The inside sentiment is from The Right Words and I added another piece of DSP. I think I forgot to mention in the video, but I did add Wink of Stella to the flowers.

Super easy cards. Super versatile stamp set. Get ready for those graduation parties and impress them with your card making skills!

Karen

ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

Etsy Shop: The Power of a Card

Shop my Store!

https://ThePowerOfACard.blogspot.com

Images Copyright Stampin’ Up!®

Find me on Facebook - The Power of a Card or

Join my Facebook Group (The Power of a Cardmaker): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042676296088278/?ref=share

Product List

Encircled With Love Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[165338]

$20.00

Sunrise Sailing Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[165491]

$20.00

Choose Happy Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[163701]

$21.00

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[120953]

$11.50

Regals 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[165304]

$12.50

Blueberry Bushel 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146968]

$11.50

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Blueberry Bushel Classic Stampin' Pad

[147138]

$9.00

2" (5.1 Cm) Circle Punch

[133782]

$23.00

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Cheers & Sips and Tips for Filling your Glasses

When the new On-line Exclusives were first announced, I immediately fell in love with this collection of products! In my video, I am focusing on the bundle and the DSP pack, but there are more items in the suite collection, including a two-pack of embossing folders, ribbon and embellishments. There are 20 stamps and 15 dies in the bundle and it was even better than I imagined after I started playing with all of them.

Instead of making a card, I decided to show you different ways you could fill your glasses (as well as adding ice, shine and texture) - I hope you don't mind! I do show some completed cards (so plenty of ideas to inspire you), but I think you'll find my demonstration useful when you start using this bundle.

Let's begin with the three ways to fill your glasses. The first way is to stamp on the DSP sheet that is full of color blocks. Usually I use Smoky Slate for stamping the glass, but you could also stamp in black. If you plan on using the die to cut out your glass, I recommend cutting the DSP into smaller widths, either two or three blocks wide. This will allow the paper to easily fit into the Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine. Stamp the glass so that the top rim is above the color block, then cut out with the die. (Sample notes: Yellow glass has ice cubes embossed in clear.)

The next way is to stamp on Basic White and then color with Blends. Start with drawing a line where the top edge of your liquid will be, then fill in the rest. I usually use several colors and shade it a little darker near the bottom and sides. (Sample notes: Both of them have the added texture. The yellow one was colored with Lemon Lolly, has Smoky Slate ice cubes, and was shined up with Wink of Stella. The pink one was colored in Flirty Flamingo and adorned with a little strawberry.)

The third way is to use a sponge and add color from your ink pad. The way I did this was by first stamping my glass on a sheet of copy paper. Then I cut out the middle portion (it is helpful to cut out a circle from the middle of the glass first so that you can easily use your snips to cut). Cut right on the stamped line of the glass, and leave space at the top that is uncut. You could use sponge daubers, or even blending brushes, but I liked the look of the sponge. This method came to be because the first card I made was in Strawberry Slush and I didn't have the Blends yet - so this way, I could have a strawberry colored drink. (Sample notes: Here is the "mask" I made from copy paper which allowed me to color in the middle of the glass.)

Now let's add some ice - you can stamp ice cubes in Smoky Slate ink or with VersaMark to emboss, either with white or clear. For so many of my glasses, I tended to add the ice cubes at the bottom of the glass - that was just craziness because ice cubes float! (Sample notes: All three were sponged with the technique above. Ice cubes left to right are Smoky Slate, embossed in white and embossed in clear. The mint julep also shines compliments of Wink of Stella.)

On to adding shine! The first way is to use packing tape - simply add the tape over the stamped or paper image, then cut out with scissors or the die. Remember to press well with bone folder to get a perfectly shiny glass. (Sample notes: The glass on the right was colored with a Cherry Cobbler Blend to give it the appearance of wine. Both are covered in Packing tape, but the shine doesn't really show in the photograph.)

The next way to add shine is to emboss the entire surface. For this technique, it is helpful to have a bit of a "handle" to hold onto while pressing the glass into the VersaMark ink, then adding clear embossing powder and heating to melt. After it's cool, you can cut out your glass. The last way to add shine is to use Wink of Stella to get a nice overall sparkle. (Sample notes: You can see the texture, especially on the one on the right. If you want a smoother look, add a second or third layer of clear embossing and it will smooth out the surface.)

The last thing I showed in the video was to add texture to the glass. There is a die for the tall glass that adds a starburst sort of design to the glass. This reminds me of the fancy cocktail glasses you might see in a restaurant.

Here's the first card I made with my bundle. I colored my glass with the sponging technique and Strawberry Slush ink, then added ice cubes that are embossed in white. I also used the Painted Stripes, Spring Corners and With You in Mind stamp sets. I really love this one!

For my next sample, I fussy cut out glasses from the sheet of DSP with big glasses. While there are some that can be cut with the dies, many have fun things sticking out. I even used a few that were at the edge of the paper and by running my glasses edge to edge, it was a great way to use that partial glass. For the bottom of my white panel, I used the texture die to add a "surface" for the glasses to sit upon - a good way to expand usage of this die.

My next two cards use the paper with color blocks. The first one was stamped with black and cut out. I added some ice cubes with clear embossing (at the bottom of my glass - ugh) and then decorated with some extra blackberries. The sentiment is from Sweet Jar and the die is from Nested Essentials. The other one uses the color blocks as a background and the glasses were cut from the DSP (and their ice cubes in the red drink are at the bottom too!). I added the two cherries and a little umbrella and sentiments from The Right Words and Beautiful Motifs.

The paper in this pack is so gorgeous (I've already purchased two packs!) and these next two cards show it off. The die is from Textured Notes and the sentiment is from With You in Mind. While I was fussy cutting the glass, I also cut a few of the little flowers sprinkled in-between the glasses - they add a little extra touch. Lastly, I had to show the fun fold I made in my video from two weeks ago because it shows off more of the paper (and I love it).

Which technique will you try first? I bet that once you get started, you'll try them all in no time at all! Have fun with the Cheers & Sips Bundle and Celebratory Sips DSP!

Karen

ThePowerOfACard@gmail.com

Etsy Shop: The Power of a Card

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Images Copyright Stampin’ Up!®

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Product List