Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Organize Your Stampin' Up! Watercolor Pencils with Custom Color Charts

 



I'm excited to share a recent project that's brought a splash of color and organization to my watercolor pencil collection. If you're anything like me, you love having your supplies neat and easily accessible. That's why I created a color chart that fits perfectly in the lid of pencil boxes that are carried by Michaels Craft Stores. This chart has not only streamlined my crafting process but also sparked some delightful discoveries along the way. Let's dive into the details!

Why I Created the Color Charts

I often find myself reaching for my watercolor pencils in the midst of a creative session, only to spend precious time searching for the right color. I designed these color charts as a quick reference to display all the beautiful hues at a glance. 

(insert photo..)

What’s in the Box?

Each box contains a full set of watercolor pencils, a blender pen, and a waterbrush (Stampin' Up! calls them water painters). This makes it easy to bring to workshops, retreats and card buffets. Having everything in one place is a game-changer for both convenience and creativity. Plus, sharing this organized setup at events is a breeze!

The Blender Pen Revelation

While working on this project, I made a delightful discovery: the incredible versatility of the Stampin' Up! Blender Pens. Previously, I used Tombow blending pens, which feature one brush tip and one bullet tip. The Stampin' Up! pens, however, come with two brush tips. This means that in a pack of three pens, you actually get six brush tips! 

Here’s a fun tip: mark each tip with nail polish or washi tape to designate them for different color families—blues, reds, browns, yellows, greens, and black/grey. This method keeps your blending clean and your colors true.

Here is a link to my Stampin' Up Watercolor Pencil chart - FREE for YOU

Final Thoughts

Creating these color charts has been a rewarding endeavor. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep my watercolor pencils organized and accessible. I hope this inspires you to bring a bit more order and creativity to your crafting space. Feel free to share your own tips and tricks for staying organized in the comments below. Happy crafting!

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Tool Tip Tuesday: Why I Love the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine ✂️💙

If you're anything like me, you love having your favorite crafting tools close by—whether you're at your craft table or halfway across the country. One tool that I find myself reaching for again and again is the Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine.


It’s compact, lightweight, and perfect for travel. I’ve even fit it into my smallest suitcase (yes, really!). I’ll be packing it for my next trip, and of course, it’ll be coming with me on the Stamping Cruise I’m hosting this October—I can’t wait to craft at sea with everyone!

Travel Tip: While the Mini is TSA-friendly, I like to pack it in my checked craft bag just to make things easier at security. Less stress, more crafting joy!

Tool Tip 💡

Before I travel, I pre-cut paper and organize it with the cutting plates in a 3D desk caddy I designed and 3D print myself. It keeps things tidy and accessible, especially when space is limited—like on a cruise ship desk or hotel room table.



Despite its size, this little machine is a powerhouse—it works beautifully with embossing folders and smaller dies. Plus, it barely takes up any room on your desk (or in your luggage).

If you haven’t tried the Mini yet, I highly recommend it for quick projects, small-space crafting, or as your go-to travel companion.

👉 You can grab your own Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine on my Stampin’ Up website. I've linked it below, along with the limited edition Boho Blue version which will be gone soon. I have also linked the full-size Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine just in case mini isn't your style. If
 you're interested in the 3D desk caddy, it’s available in my Etsy shop.

✨ New Stampin' Up Catalog Prep: Stickers, Clips & More! ✨

There’s something magical about a brand new catalog… the fresh ideas, the inspiration, and all those must-try products just waiting to jump onto your crafting table! 💖

I just wrapped up mailing the last batch of Stampin’ Up! catalogs this week, and I couldn’t help but add a few extras to make the experience even more fun for you. 📬💌



➡️ What’s Inside the Catalog Pack?

  • A set of 3D printed clips I created to help you easily flip to key sections like the Scrapbook Kits, Color Collections, Bundles, and more

  • A Wish List so you can jot down your faves

  • A handmade sample card to give you a little crafty inspiration

  • And of course, the beautiful new catalog itself!

To help remind you that this catalog is just the beginning, I added a sticker to the front that says:

🧡 "Explore it All Online. This catalog is just the Beginning! dawn.stampinup.net"

There’s so much more available online than what fits in those pages—from exclusive kits to clearance goodies to ideas galore. I highly recommend exploring it all at your own pace.

🎥 I even put together a short video showing off my copy of the catalog and how I use my color-coded clips to jump between sections—makes finding things SO much faster!


✨ Want a FREE Catalog?

If you’ve ordered $50 or more from me in the past 6 months—you’re on my list and I’ve already sent your catalog pack with love! 💌

If you haven’t ordered yet or haven’t attended one of my events, no worries! I’m happy to send you a catalog pack (clips and all!) for just $10 to cover shipping and materials.

📬 Just send me a message or comment below to request yours!


Whether you’re circling your wish list or flipping through your favorites with those handy clips, I hope this catalog sparks some joy and creativity for you. 💕

Have you received your catalog yet? What’s the first thing you want to create from it? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear!

Happy Crafting!
💖 Dawn
dawn.stampinup.net


Would you like me to create a social post to go with this blog post (for Instagram, Facebook, or another platform)?

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Exciting News: Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper Sale!

We have some fantastic news for all paper crafting enthusiasts! Many of the Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper packs will be 15% off from August 6 - 31, 2024.

The Art Behind the Paper

At Stampin' Up!, every sheet of Designer Series Paper is a labor of love. Stampin' Up! talented artists meticulously design, sketch, paint, and perfect the patterns you see on each piece. This dedication ensures that the papers are not only beautiful but also durable and versatile, making them perfect for all kinds of paper crafts.

Sale Details

Starting August 6th (or August 5th at 11:01 PM Pacific Time for those eager early birds), you can enjoy a 15% discount on the following Designer Series Paper collections:

  • Bright & Beautiful
  • Countryside Inn
  • Country Lace
  • Country Woods
  • Full of Life
  • Lily Pond Lane
  • Mediterranean Blooms
  • Perennial Lavender
  • Take to the Sky
  • Thoughtful Journey
  • To Market
  • Unbounded Beauty
  • Wildly Flowering
  • Winter Meadow

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stock up on your favorite papers and elevate your crafting projects. Whether you're into card making, scrapbooking, or any other paper craft, the Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper will add that special touch to your creations.

Get Ready to Shop

Mark your calendars and set your reminders! The sale starts on August 6th, so be sure to shop early to get the best selection. I am excited to see what beautiful creations you’ll make with these amazing paper packs.

Happy crafting!

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Alternative Projects with the June 2024 Paper Pumpkin Life is Sweet Kit

I'm thrilled to share some alternative projects I created using the June 2024 Paper Pumpkin Life is Sweet Kit. This kit has been a joy to work with, and I've put together some unique projects that I hope will inspire you in your own crafting adventures. Below, you'll find a video showcasing these projects, along with pictures and a brief description of each one.

Watch the Video

Dive into the creative process with me! In this video I show you how I used the pieces in the kit in unique ways to create additional projects. 

Project Information




1. Gift Box 🎁

This gift box is perfect for any occasion and adds a personal touch to your gift-giving. I cut one of the card bases in half (5.5 x 4.25) and then added a piece of white card stock (5.5 x 4.25) for the bottom of the box. 

Score 3/4 inch on all four sides of the white cardstock to create the bottom of the box

Score just a tiny bit shy of the 3/4 inch mark on the Coastal Cabana piece that was cut for the top.  Scoring it just a hair less than the bottom will make it slightly bigger so that it slips right over the bottom of the box when assembled.

2. Gift Bag 🛍️

I used a small 2 lb bag from my paper bag stash. You can typically find this size bag at store like Smart N Final. 

  • Score top/straight edge of embellishment at 3/4 inch. 
  • Attach to back of bag.
  • Cut card base to fit front of bag and attach
  • Embellish as desired.

3. 12x12 Layouts 📚

I had so much fun creating the layout. Here are a few of the techniques I incorporated.

Stencil

  • Use skeleton piece that is leftover after you punch out all of the die cuts.
    • Sponge peaches with Petal Pink and Shy Shamrock
  • Crumple up plastic wrap from packaging
    • Dab on matching ink and then dab on cardstock to create the tone on tone texture.

Join the Conversation

Feel free to ask questions or leave a comment below. I’m always here to help and share tips. Let’s get creative together!


Thank you for visiting and happy crafting! ❤️

Friday, July 05, 2024

Capture Your Adventures with the Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit

Document Your Travels with the Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit

Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit from Stampin' Up!

Embark on a journey of memory keeping with the Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit, perfect for documenting your special moments and trips with loved ones and friends. This travel journal kit offers a creative and personalized way to preserve your travel experiences.

What's Inside the Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit?

  • Fold-out Pages: Arrange them to suit your style and storytelling.
  • Sentiments and Images: Customize with included designs or add your own.
  • Adhesive-backed Alphabet Sheets: Create unique titles and captions.

Video of My Completed Journal

My Bay Area Adventure with the Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit

I used the Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit to document my unforgettable trip to the Bay Area in California, where I attended a Stampin' Up! event co-hosted by my Stampin' Up! upline, Patty Bennett.

Highlights of the Trip to the Bay Area

  • Friday: Rick and I flew in and enjoyed a delightful dinner with Patty and her husband.
  • Saturday: After the workshops, we explored the iconic bridges and vibrant Chinatown in San Francisco. The stunning architecture and bustling streets of Chinatown captivated us, and we took numerous photos to capture the essence of these places.

Crafting Memories with the Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit

I meticulously included the workshop agendas for both Saturday and Sunday, alongside photos of my crafting companions and our projects. The process was incredibly straightforward and enjoyable, thanks to the comprehensive travel journal kit.

  • Tools Needed: Besides the kit, all I needed were my scissors and paper trimmer.
  • Photo Printing: I used my Canon Selphy to print additional photos, ensuring no moment was left undocumented.

Extra Goodies in the Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit

Despite filling my journal with cherished memories and vibrant photos, I still have plenty of stickers left for future projects. The Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit truly exceeded my expectations, making it a breeze to create a beautiful keepsake of my Bay Area adventure.

Why Choose the Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit for Your Travels?

  • Ease of Use: Simple tools and clear instructions make it accessible for everyone.
  • Customization: Plenty of options to personalize your journal.
  • Quality Time: A great way to spend quality time documenting and reflecting on your travels.

Capture your journeys and create lasting memories with the Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit. Whether it's a grand adventure or a simple day out, this travel journal kit helps you treasure every moment.

Tuesday, July 02, 2024

Stampin' Up! News: Exciting Launches starting July 3, 2024 (mountain time)

Hello, crafty friends! Get ready to mark your calendars because Stampin' Up! has some thrilling new releases that you won't want to miss, all starting at 12:01 PM on July 3, 2024 mountain time, that's 11:01 pm for us on the west coast! From the last batch of CTMH branded products to exclusive online items, here's everything you need to know about what's coming your way.

The Last Batch of CTMH Branded Products

This is a bittersweet moment for many of us. The final batch of CTMH (Close To My Heart) branded products will be available. This collection includes some beloved favorites and a few surprises that are perfect for those who love scrapbooking and card-making. If you've been a fan of CTMH, this is your last chance to grab these iconic products before they're gone forever. Make sure to set your alarms and be ready to shop, as these items are expected to sell out quickly!

Here is a pdf of the items that will be offered. 

Please note: the CTMH adhesive refills have been removed and will not be available

Introducing Two New Kits

Stampin' Up! is unveiling two brand-new kits that are sure to ignite your creativity.

Kit #1: Expressions of Kindness

The first kit is all about florals. Packed with vibrant colors, beautiful patterns, and everything you need to create stunning cards, the Expressions of Kindness kit is perfect for summer crafting. With detailed instructions and plenty of embellishments, this kit is suitable for crafters of all skill levels.


Kit #2: The Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit

I love this kit! I bought one during the demonstrator preview period and I used it to document my quick little trip up to the Bay Area for my first Stampin' Up! event. Stay tuned for a post and video showing how adorable mine turned out. The best part? I only needed my photos, a paper trimmer and some scissors; everything else came in the kit!



$5 Bonus Days Coupons

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Starting at 12:01 AM on July 3, 2024 (mdt), you can earn $5 Bonus Days coupons for every $50 you spend between July 3, 2024 and July 31, 2024. These coupons can be redeemed on future purchases in August 2024, allowing you to save while stocking up on your favorite Stampin' Up! products. It's a fantastic opportunity to get more bang for your buck and indulge in some guilt-free shopping.


Exclusive Online Products

Finally, Stampin' Up! is launching a range of exclusive online products. These items are only available online, offering unique designs and limited-edition products. The online launch includes Halloween and Christmas themed papers and stamps as well as the amazing Glass Mat!! 




This exciting lineup promises something for everyone. Whether you're a longtime fan of CTMH, eager to try out new kits, or looking to upgrade your crafting tools, Stampin' Up! has got you covered. Remember, all these products go live at 12:01 AM on July 3, 2024 (mdt), so be sure to set a reminder and get ready to shop. Happy crafting!

What are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments below. Happy crafting, everyone!