Blog

  • Splash of Sparkle Designer Series Paper

    Today I’m sharing another fun set of handmade cards featuring the beautiful Splash of Sparkle Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up!.

    For these projects, I created 6 cards in total — 2 each of 3 different designs. This is such a great way to make the most of your designer series paper while creating multiple cards quickly and easily.

    The Splash of Sparkle Designer Series Paper adds so much colour, texture and interest to your projects, making it perfect for simple card layouts that still look stunning. I love how easy these designs are to recreate while still giving you plenty of opportunities to customise them with your favourite sentiments and embellishments.

    I also created two video options for these projects:

    • A detailed full-length tutorial with measurements, tips and step-by-step instructions
    • A shorter sped-up version if you’d prefer a quick overview and fast inspiration

    If you’d like all the details, you can watch the full tutorial below.


    Watch the Full Video Tutorial

    In the full video tutorial, I demonstrate all 6 cards and share how I used the Splash of Sparkle Designer Series Paper across the three designs.

    If you’re after a quicker version, you can also watch the sped-up process video here.

    Project Photos

    Splash of Sparkle DSP | 6 Easy Handmade Card Ideas

    These cards were so enjoyable to make and are a great reminder that designer series paper can do most of the work for you. By using coordinated papers and simple layouts, you can quickly create a beautiful set of handmade cards ready for your stash or to gift to friends and family.

    I hope these projects inspire you to pull out your patterned paper and create some quick and easy cards of your own.

    I’d love to know which of the three designs is your favourite!

    Happy crafting,

    Sharon

    Product List
    Peaceful Pine Classic Stampin Pad [ 167679 ]
    $25.00
    Basic White A4 Cardstock [ 166781 ]
    $25.00
    Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [ 132708 ]
    $14.00
    Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [ 155475 ]
    $19.25
    Linen Thread [ 104199 ]
    $8.75
    Cloud Cover 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Textured Ribbon [ 167182 ]
    $16.75
    Splash Of Sparkles 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 167200 ]
    $29.00
    Basic Black Hybrid Stampin' Pad [ 166648 ]
    $21.00
  • Velvet Meadow Designer Series Specialty Paper

    Today I’m sharing six handmade card ideas featuring the gorgeous Stampin’ Up! Velvet Meadow Designer Series Specialty Paper. This paper is absolutely stunning and does so much of the work for you with its beautiful designs and specialty finishes.

    In this tutorial, I created six different cards showing how versatile this paper pack can be. Whether you prefer simple card designs or enjoy adding extra layers and embellishments, these projects are a wonderful way to make the most of your designer series paper.

    One of the things I love most about the Velvet Meadow Designer Series Specialty Paper is how elegant it looks on cards for so many different occasions. The textures and patterns create beautiful backgrounds and focal points with very little effort, making it perfect for quick and easy crafting.

    I have two video options available for these projects:

    • A detailed full-length tutorial where I share measurements, tips and cardmaking techniques
    • A shorter sped-up version if you’d like quick inspiration and a fast overview of the cards

    If you’d like all the details, be sure to watch the full tutorial below.

    Watch the Full Video Tutorial

    You can watch the complete tutorial where I demonstrate all six cards and share the products and techniques used throughout the projects.

    If you’re short on time, I’ve also created a quick sped-up version of the process which you can watch here


    Project Photos


    These cards were so much fun to create and really highlight how easy it is to create beautiful projects with specialty designer paper. The Velvet Meadow Designer Series Specialty Paper works beautifully for elegant cards, masculine cards, sympathy cards or everyday all-occasion designs.

    I hope these projects inspire you to pull out your patterned paper and start creating. Sometimes all you need is beautiful paper, a simple layout and a little crafty time.

    If you have a favourite card from the six designs, I’d love to hear which one you liked most!

    Happy crafting,

    Sharon

    Product List
    Velvet Meadow 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 167904 ]
    $30.00
    Peaceful Pine Classic Stampin Pad [ 167679 ]
    $25.00
    Boutique Blossoms Dies [ 167653 ]
    $56.00
    Basic White A4 Cardstock [ 166781 ]
    $25.00
    Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [ 132708 ]
    $14.00
    Baker's Twine Essentials Pack [ 155475 ]
    $19.25
    Linen Thread [ 104199 ]
    $8.75
    Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147143 ]
    $15.75
    Paradise Garden Hybrid Embossing Folder [ 167120 ]
    $77.00
    Forever Plaid 3 D Embossing Folder [ 164049 ]
    $21.00
    Berry Burst A4 Cardstock [ 144249 ]
    $25.00
    Rounded Rectangle Punch [ 167880 ]
    $44.00
    Peaceful Pine A4 Cardstock [ 167692 ]
    $25.00
    Cloud Cover 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Textured Ribbon [ 167182 ]
    $16.75
  • Paper Pumpkin Has Arrived in Australia

    Exciting news for papercrafters — Paper Pumpkin has officially arrived in Australia!

    If you haven’t heard of Paper Pumpkin before, it’s Stampin’ Up!’s monthly all-inclusive crafting subscription kit designed to make creating easy, convenient and fun. Each month you’ll receive a beautifully coordinated kit delivered straight to your door with everything you need to create gorgeous handmade projects.

    Today I’m sharing the April kit called Lakeside Retreat and it is absolutely beautiful.

    The Lakeside Retreat kit includes supplies to create 9 cards in total — that’s 3 each of 3 different designs. The projects are perfectly coordinated and the kit includes precut pieces, embellishments, stamps, ink and step-by-step instructions, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced crafters alike.

    One of the things I love most about Paper Pumpkin is how convenient it is. Everything is designed to coordinate beautifully and because the pieces are already prepared for you, it’s easy to sit down and start crafting straight away.


    Watch the Video

    In this video, I share the April Lakeside Retreat Paper Pumpkin kit and walk through the beautiful card designs included in the box.


    Why You’ll Love Paper Pumpkin

    Paper Pumpkin is perfect for:

    • Busy crafters who want creativity delivered to their door
    • Beginners looking for an easy way to get started
    • Experienced crafters wanting quick and coordinated projects
    • Taking your crafting on the go
    • Building your collection of stamps, inks and crafting supplies

    Subscribers also have access to refills, past kits and coordinating add-on products when available.

    One important thing to remember is that subscriptions close on the 10th of each month. If you subscribe by the 10th, you’ll receive that month’s kit.

    You can learn more about Paper Pumpkin here:

    Paper Pumpkin Australia

    I’m so excited that Paper Pumpkin is finally available here in Australia and I can’t wait to see future kits arrive each month.

    Happy crafting,

    Sharon

  • Why Now Is a Great Time to Join Stampin’ Up!

    Have you ever thought about joining Stampin’ Up!?

    Whether you love cardmaking, scrapbooking, papercrafting or simply enjoy creating beautiful handmade projects, becoming a demonstrator is a wonderful way to enjoy even more of what you already love.

    What’s Included in the Starter Kit?

    The Starter Kit is currently $169 AUD and you get to choose up to $235 AUD worth of products, plus free business supplies and free shipping.

    For a limited time only Stampin’ Up! are offering the brand new In Color ink pads in addition to the $235 of products. OR if you don’t want the ink pads you can add an additional $65 on the $235 making it a whopping $300 of product to choose in your starter kit for as little as $169.


    Why I Love Being a Demonstrator

    I joined Stampin’ Up! back in May 2008 and it has given me so much more than just beautiful craft supplies.

    It has connected me with an amazing crafting community, provided opportunities to attend creative events and allowed me to share what I love with others. I’ve met wonderful people, learned new techniques and enjoyed being part of a supportive and inspiring creative family.

    One of the things I love most is that there’s no “one size fits all” approach. You can enjoy being a hobby demonstrator, share casually with friends or grow a business in a way that fits your lifestyle and goals.


    Demonstrator Perks

    As a demonstrator, you can enjoy benefits including:

    • At least 20% discount on products
    • Early access to new catalogues and products
    • Exclusive demonstrator-only training and resources
    • Opportunities to attend Stampin’ Up! events
    • Access to a worldwide crafting community
    • The flexibility to enjoy your business your way

    Want More Information?

    If you’d like to learn more about joining my team or have questions about becoming a demonstrator, I’d love to chat with you.

    Feel free to contact me anytime — I’m always happy to help you decide if becoming part of our crafting community is right for you.

    Happy crafting,

    Sharon

  • 🦋 Create Beautiful Cards with the Butterfly Garden Kit

    If you joined me on Facebook Live today, you’ll have seen just how gorgeous and easy the Butterfly Garden Kit is from the Stampin’ Up! Kits Collection!

    This all-inclusive kit is perfect for those days when you want to create something beautiful without pulling out your entire craft room. Everything you need comes right in the box — making it ideal for beginners, busy crafters, or anyone who simply loves a quick and satisfying creative session.


    What’s Included in the Butterfly Garden Kit?

    This kit creates 9 cards in total
    ✨ 3 different designs
    ✨ 3 of each design

    Inside the box you’ll find:

    • Pre-cut card bases
    • Coordinating die-cut pieces
    • Embellishments
    • Adhesive
    • Step-by-step instructions

    It’s truly a “grab and craft” experience. No stamping, no measuring, no guessing — just relaxing creativity.


    Perfect for Quick Crafting

    One of the things I love most about the Kits Collection is how convenient they are. Whether you’re crafting at the kitchen table, taking supplies away on retreat, or fitting in a little creative time between life’s busy moments, this kit makes it simple.

    The butterfly imagery is soft, fresh and uplifting — making these cards perfect for birthdays, thank you cards, or just sending a little happy mail to someone special.


    Stepping It Up – Simple Changes, Big Impact

    During my Facebook Live, I also shared how you can easily change up one of each card design to make it your own — even with an all-inclusive kit.

    Here are a few ideas I demonstrated:

    • Rearranging the die-cut elements for a different layout
    • Adding extra dimension with foam adhesive
    • Layering elements in a new way
    • Swapping sentiment placements

    It just goes to show that even when everything is provided for you, there’s still room to let your creativity shine!

    If you already have a few extra supplies in your craft room, you can easily step these up even further — but you absolutely don’t need to. The kit is beautiful exactly as designed.


    Who Is This Kit For?

    🦋 New crafters who want everything ready to go
    🦋 Busy creatives who love convenience
    🦋 Anyone wanting a thoughtful handmade card stash
    🦋 A lovely gift idea for a friend

    It’s also a wonderful way to introduce someone to papercrafting without overwhelming them.


    If you missed my Facebook Live, make sure you head over and watch the replay to see the alternative versions I created. I love showing how you can take something simple and add your own little twist!

    If you’d like to get your hands on the Butterfly Garden Kit, you can order it through my online store and have it delivered straight to your door.

    Happy crafting! 🦋✨

    Product List
    Butterfly Garden Kit (English) [ 167266 ]
    $42.00
    Basic White A4 Cardstock [ 166781 ]
    $25.00
    Secret Sea A4 Cardstock [ 165296 ]
    $25.00
    Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad [ 153118 ]
    $15.75
  • Happy Happenings Kit

    There is something so satisfying about opening a kit and knowing that everything you need is right there in the box — and the Happy Happenings Kit delivers exactly that.

    This all-inclusive kit contains:

    • A stamp set
    • Ink spot
    • Clear stamping block
    • Pre-cut card bases and elements
    • Adhesive
    • Envelopes
    • Step-by-step instructions

    And it makes 9 beautiful cards ready to celebrate life’s special moments.


    Why I Love the Happy Happenings Kit

    The Happy Happenings Kit is perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters. If you’re just starting out, you’ll love that it includes the stamps, ink and block — no extra supplies required. If you’re more experienced, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to make the designs your own.

    The sentiments in this kit are versatile and uplifting, making it ideal for birthdays, congratulations, thank you cards and everyday celebrations.


    I Changed Up the Designs!

    While the instructions give you gorgeous layouts to follow, I couldn’t resist adding my own little creative twist.

    That’s the beauty of a stamping kit — once you have the stamps and ink, you can:

    • Change the placement of elements
    • Add extra stamping for background detail
    • Flip layouts horizontally or vertically
    • Layer pieces differently for added dimension
    • Create alternative designs using the same supplies

    I love showing that kits are not just “assemble as shown” — they are a starting point for creativity.


    Perfect for Crafting at Home or With Friends

    The Happy Happenings Kit would be fantastic for:

    • A relaxed craft afternoon
    • Gifting to a friend who wants to try stamping
    • Taking along to a retreat
    • Having on hand for quick cardmaking sessions

    Because everything is coordinated, you get professional-looking results every time.


    If you’d like to see how I changed up the designs, be sure to check out my latest video and let me know which version you prefer — the original layout or my alternative creations.

    Creativity doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes it just starts with opening a box and saying, “What if I tried this instead?”

    Product List
    Happy Happenings Kit (English) [ 167271 ]
    $42.00
  • Lots to Love Kit

    The Lots to Love kit is a fabulous kit in Stampin’ Up!’s Kit Collection.

    If you’re looking for a quick, beautiful, and completely stress-free crafting experience, the Lots to Love Kit is such a joy to create with! I went live on Facebook on Friday to put this kit together — and let’s just say it was a little more “creative” than usual in more ways than one.

    With my internet down, I had to stream the live using my phone instead of my normal streaming system. But you know what? Crafting is all about adapting and getting creative — and this kit made that part easy!


    One of the things I absolutely love about the Lots to Love Kit is that it’s a non-stamping kit. That means:

    • ✔ No stamps
    • ✔ No ink
    • ✔ No stamping blocks
    • ✔ No prior experience needed

    Everything is ready to go right out of the box. The pieces are pre-printed, pre-cut, and beautifully coordinated — all you need to do is assemble.

    This makes it perfect for:

    • Beginner cardmakers
    • Crafting with kids or friends
    • Taking to a retreat or away on holidays
    • A quick creative session when time is short

    It’s truly cardmaking made simple — but still stunning.


    Why I Love the Lots to Love Kit

    The designs in the Lots to Love Kit are fresh, modern, and full of warmth. The layering pieces create dimension without needing any special tools, and the colour palette is beautifully balanced.

    What I especially enjoyed during today’s Facebook Live was how relaxing it felt to just assemble. No measuring. No die cutting. No decision fatigue. Just opening the box and creating.

    Even though my setup wasn’t my usual polished system, the kit really shone on camera because the designs are already so thoughtfully put together.


    Perfect for Busy Crafters

    As someone who juggles a full schedule, I truly appreciate having something in my craft space that I can pull out and complete in one sitting. The Lots to Love Kit gives you that instant creative satisfaction without the prep work.

    It would also make a beautiful gift — either assembled cards ready to give, or the kit itself for a crafty friend.


    Watch the Replay

    If you missed the Facebook Live, you can catch the replay over on my YouTube Channel but I’ve also listed the video below for you.

    If you’d like to add the Lots to Love Kit to your collection, you can shop it through my online store. It’s a wonderful addition to your craft stash — especially if you love quick, coordinated, no-stamp projects.

    Let me know in the comments — do you enjoy non-stamping kits, or are you a stamping-is-a-must kind of crafter? 💕

    Product List
    Lots To Love Kit [ 167263 ]
    $27.00