cardsbycoco (Colleen Light)—Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator- DIY Crafts

This March, Paper Pumpkin is celebrating it’s seventh year of fun, easy and creative projects! This kit comes with a specially designed box. Per the Stampin’ Up website, think daffodils, raindrops and a fresh spring vibe.

This month’s kit will also include two stamp sets—that’s pretty exciting news. Paper Pumpkin is a great way to build up your supplies and stamps. This is how I store my Paper Pumpkin stamp sets (once I’ve finished the project): a mini photo album! The photo slots (4” x 6”) are the perfect size to slip those stamp sets into. There is enough room next to the photo slots to write the month/ year/ kit title. I can not tell you how many times I look through this album looking for sentiments—or– more often than not, a birthday stamp…

This kit contains supplies for 12 cards and envelopes. The coordinating colors are: Balmy Blue, Basic Gray, Calypso Coral, Grapefruit Grove, Gray Granite, Pear Pizzazz, Petal Pink, Shaded Spruce and So Saffron.

If you are interested in purchasing this kit, please send me a message or visit my on-line store. Ordering dates are now through March 10th.

As always, Happy Crafting!! Colleen

I love this product! This glitter brush adds just the right amount of glitter and sparkle to your projects without making a mess or going “over the top”. You can find this in the “Coloring Tools” section of the Stampin’ Up annual catalog on page 180.

I use Wink of Stella often and if you are looking for an inexpensive way to add a little something extra to your images, this is a great value for your money.

If you are interested in placing an order, click the “Shop Now” tab or leave me a message.

As always, Happy Crafting!! Colleen

Product List
Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [141897] $8.00

Today’s card is made with the Lovely Lily Pad stamp set. The real stars of this card are the Lily Impressions Designer Series Paper and the Lily Pad dies. These products can be found in the Stampin’ Up! Sale-A-Bration catalog which runs through March 31,2020. To quote the catalog, this DSP is full of impressionistic images in rich colors.

Card recipe:

* Cut a piece of thick Whisper White cardstock at 8-1/2” x 5-1/2” and score at 4-1/4”.

* Cut a piece of Lily Impressions DSP at 5-1/4” x 4”.

* Use the Lily Pad dies to cut the “petals”. I used Poppy Parade cardstock and went over the top with Wink of Stella to give those flowers a little sparkle. Once that is dry, match up your images and adhere to the DSP. I always put a dot of glue on a scrap of paper and use a toothpick to apply the glue to the small areas.

*While you have the Poppy Parade out, punch out a piece using the Timeless Label punch. Add a touch of Wink of Stella to that punched out piece.

* Wrap a strip of Whisper White 1/4” Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon around the DSP and adhere to the back (this is the one time I always use snail). This ribbon looks beautiful in it’s soft white, but can also be dyed using your Stampin’ Blends! (Page 25 of the mini catalog).

* Stamp your sentiment on a scrap of Whisper White cardstock (the regular kind), punch that sentiment out using the Timeless Label punch and adhere that to the Poppy Parade punched out cardstock.

Now—put the card together. Adhere the DSP to the card base, pop your sentiment up on dimensionals, and add the bling of your choice. I used the Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels.

I hope you enjoyed today’s card. If you are interested in joining the Stampin’ Up! Team, I am happy to assist you. If you would like any of these products, please click on “Shop Now”.

As always, Happy Crafting!! Colleen

How cute is this set? I made today’s card for my great-nephew’s birthday. Kids love all things interactive, don’t they?!

I took the dimensions and instructions straight from Cathy Williams YouTube video. I could write it all out, but, seriously, her video is so good.

The colors I used: Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Sahara Sand, Crushed Curry, Coastal Cabana and Poppy Parade. I used the Stampin’ Blends (Crumb Cake) to color in the Meers and fussy cut the little birthdays hats.

The DSP is the retired Animal Expedition. I think this paper is so cute and went so well with this card. I’m a big believer in using what you have.

I made a quick band to keep the card closed—1” Old Olive wrapped around the card, cut to size and the edges glued together. I stamped the front image and cut using the Layer Circles dies.

I love how this card turned out! If you are interested in any of these products, please check out my on-line store. (Click the Shop Now tab). As always, Happy Crafting! Colleen

Today’s cards feature the stamp set Soft Spring. This stamp set is a Host set and is only available with Stampin’ Rewards. I love earning free product!!

Let me walk you through making these cards. I like to make at least two cards in different colors while I have everything out. To start, cut Pretty Peacock and Rococo Rose card stock at 11” x 4-1/4”. Score at 5-1/2”.

I wanted to add some texture to the cards. Cut the second layers at 4” x 5-3/8”. For the Rococo Rose layer, I used the Tufted Dynamic textured impressions embossing folder. For the Pretty Peacock layer, I used the Subtle Dynamic textured impressions embossing folder. If you are only going to purchase one embossing folder, I would go with the Subtle Dynamic one. It works with all card styles and both masculine and feminine cards.

The background DSP is part of the sampler package offered through Sale-A-Bration. You get a bit of everything and some of these papers are gorgeous. Cut the longer layer at 2-1/8” x 5-1/8” and the other layer at 2-9/16” x 1”.

Use Whisper White card stock for the stamped images: cut at 5” x 2”, 2-1/2” x 7/8” and cut the inside layer of your card now: 5- 1/4” x 4”. Now it is time to stamp those images. I stamped the base of the flowers/ leaves in Old Olive and then the flowers in Pretty Peacock and Rococo Rose. The bug was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black. This is a two step stamping process. First the main image, then the flowers and leaves. I did take the sentiments from two other sets: Timeless Tulips and Little Ladybug.

It‘s time to put this card together! Use the adhesive of your choice. I like the Tombow glue. Add the bling and twine/ ribbon of your choice. The Clearance Rack is a great way to build up your supplies without spending a fortune. Check out my on-line store to see what is being offered. The Clearance Rack is updated frequently.

I really enjoyed making these cards. I hope the card recipe is easy for you to follow. As always, Happy Crafting. Colleen

If you are in the market for a new paper trimmer, take a look at this one. I have to tell you, I really like it. The base of the paper cutter and the ruler include both imperial and metric measurements. This paper trimmer comes with one cutting blade and one scoring blade. (Additional cutting blades are sold separately). The ruler extends to 17”—-I really like this feature for bigger projects.

I’ve been using mine for awhile now, and the original blade is still sharp…no snags, pulls or tears in the edges of my paper. You paper crafters all understand how frustrating that can be.

Visit my on-line store for additional information and, as always, happy crafting! Colleen

Product List
Paper Trimmer [152392] $25.00

Today’s card was a fun one to make. I really like this stamp set! I looked in our mini catalog for inspiration and found a similar card on page 42. I started with Whisper White thick cardstock cut at 8-1/2” x 5-1/2”. Score at 4-1/4”. Next, I cut a piece of Whisper White cardstock (not the thick kind) at 4” x 5-1/4”. I stamped the flower images in Terracotta Tile, Pretty Peacock, Daffodil Delight and Rococo Rose. I think these images would also look good in a basic black. I went for lots of color.

The next step requires “masking” your images. To do this technique: stamp the image on a sticky note, then fussy cut around that image. Place that sticky note image over your original stamp (see right side of image below). Now you are ready to sponge!

I sponged Seaside Spray over my masked images (I kept moving those masks around…next time I will make more!). Use a light touch when sponging. You can always add more color later.

I like how these colors came together.

To finish the card, I stamped “Hello Sunshine” on Whisper White cardstock and punched that sentiment out with the Timeless Label punch. I used the 2019-2021 DSP for the umbrella and Rococo Rose In-Color cardstock for the label background and handle on the umbrella. Tie a bow with some twine and add bling of your choice to complete this project.

Sale-A-Bration is still going on. This is a great time to earn free products. Our new demonstrator deal is also going on—take a peek at my on-line store. If you have any questions, please send me a message.

As always, happy crafting! Colleen

I really enjoy the Paper Pumpkin monthly subscription kits. Most of the time I do alternatives, but, every now and then I follow the directions (see the lower right card). What I enjoy the most is the ability to put these kits together fast (usually one afternoon), travel with them (they are all inclusive) and always having a card ready to pass along.

February’s Paper Pumpkin kit is titled “The Lovely Day”. This kit will make nine cards (including envelopes, etc). It’s coordinating colors are Petal Pink, Pool Party, Pretty Peacock, Rich Razzleberry, Rococo Rose and Old Olive. It is described as being the perfect kit to celebrate birthdays and other grand occasions. Subscribe between January 11 and February 10, 2020 if interested.

Shop my on-line store or send me a message if you would like to order this kit. Remember, Sale-A-Bration is still going on. I want the “Happy Birthday to You” stamp set.

As always, happy crafting!! Colleen

The Balloon Festival is in town this weekend, so, what better time to play around with the Above the Clouds stamp set! I love the Terracotta Tile color, so I thought I would make that color the focus of my very first Z-fold card. To start: Cut a piece of Thick Whisper White cardstock 5-1/2” x 8-1/2”. Score at 4-1/4” and then at 2-1/8”. These score lines will make the “Z” fold. For the band, cut a piece of the Thick Whisper White cardstock at 1-1/2” x 8-1/2”. Score at 2-1/8”. I used the Designer Series Paper sampler from the Sale-A-Bration catalog to use in this card. I cut it to fit the outside fold and the main body of the card. I love this paper. If you should choose to become a member of my team, this paper is included in your Starter Kit.

Start stamping! I used Daffodil Delight for a yellow base in the balloon and outlined in Terracotta Tile. This is a two-step stamping process. The clouds were stamped in Seaside Spray (stamp off once on a piece of scrap paper to lighten the ink). I went over the clouds with Wink of Stella. If I can encourage you to purchase one extra item, Wink of Stella would be it. I love how it gives that little bit of “extra”.

Now, lets get this card together. You can see that the edges of the band line up nicely with the edges of the card. Once that is glued in place (I like TomBow, some folks like snail—they both work) start on the balloon. I placed glue dots on the back of the balloon and basket and added some twine to connect the two. Pop that balloon up on dimensionals and place it on your card. Add bling of your choice and you are done.

***To be honest, I added those little pieces on the second fold after I smudged that area with ink. Most mistakes are fixable!

I hope you enjoyed today’s card. As always, happy crafting! Colleen

Do you ever just need a quick project? That is exactly what happened to me! Per usual, I am running just a little bit behind this year (hahaha). So, after checking out other demonstrators ideas and cards on the internet, this is what I came up with.

Two of the cards were made with the Let It Snow DSP, some glue, bling and a little stamping. The third card is an elevated Paper Pumpkin kit. One of the things I enjoy about the Paper Pumpkin kit is not only how quickly these kits come together, but, also how easy it is to make it your “own”.

I am hoping you all have a wonderful and magical Holiday Season. Please like my Facebook page or look me up on Pinterest. I’m looking forward to some exciting new things in the New Year: monthly classes, more instructional videos/ blog posts and a brand new look to my website!

As always, happy crafting! Colleen

I finally found the time to put the Paper Pumpkin kit from October 2019 together. I LOVE it! Of course, I am always a bit “extra”, so I combined this kit with the Snowman Season bundle and added some bling. I did do some embossing for the “stars”. I’m not sure why they photographed gold. In person, they are a beautiful silver.

I know we are all so busy this time of year. Isn’t it difficult to get everything done? Yet, so much fun! I have a few more cards and projects to complete—-which I will do listening to all of the Christmas carols. After that, I plan on enjoying our family, playing games and eating all of those delicious holiday goodies. I wish you all the very best Holiday season yet!

As always, Happy Crafting!! Colleen

I love a sale! Especially at the holidays. There are some really fun products here. The Halloween coffin boxes make fabulous wreaths (check out Pinterest or YouTube) or candy boxes. I also have made both of the card kits in the bottom photo. I’m not sure which one is my favorite….Well, probably the fall one. I love the colorful swishes that are pre-printed.

If you would like to order, please visit my on-line store, cardsbycoco.stampinup.net. If you are interested in becoming a member of my team, please wait until January 2020. Stampin’ Up will be offering an incredible deal for new demonstrators. I would be happy to welcome you now, but why give up additional free product???

As always, Happy Crafting and have a wonderful day!! Colleen

I was able to attend my first OnStage event in Portland, Oregon this past Saturday. What a wonderful time! Between the catalog launch, demonstration of new products, games, prizes, etc, it was a blast. Two of my prizes were the stamp sets below: Under My Umbrella and Timeless Tulips. (Isn’t Under My Umbrella perfect for those who live in the Pacific Northwest?). We were able to play with the Timeless Tulips set at the event, and the images are beautiful. If you are in the market for a lovely set with beautiful sentiments, this set is for you.

Meeting all of my fellow stampers was the best part of the day! Well, that and sharing the day with a dear friend. We had so many laughs. It was great to get to know my “Team Stamp It” group even better.

I can not show you the inside of the new catalog…yet. Let me just say that Stampin’ Up did it again and these products are amazing. Sale-A-Bration starts on January 3rd and runs through March 31, 2020. Sale-A-Bration is one way to earn extra products. There are some other ways, but, I can not share that with you just yet…(sensing a theme here??).

I wish I would have taken more photos. I was so busy having fun, the pictures took a backseat to my day. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.

My plan is to start some product based classes in January showcasing these new products. Wish me luck!!

Only demonstrators can attend the OnStage events. If you are interested in joining my team, let me know and I will help you through the process.

Happy Crafting….Colleen

Aren’t these candy bar and gift card holders cute? I was inspired by Wendy Cranford’s video. I did change the dimensions to fit standard Hershey bars. I always talk about my large family (these are just a sample of the ones I made) and I thought this would be a fun way to dress the teenagers gift cards up!

Now to make these Candy Bar Holders!

Ta Da!! Another project done. In full disclosure, I did start out with all six Hershey bars that came in the package. You’ll notice there are only two in the pictures…..

I think I’m going to try making a few of these Candy Bar Holders for birthdays. It’s always nice to give friends a little something on their special day. If I do get around to that, I’ll be sure to share. I also think I will buy those candy bars one at at time—clearly I have no self control…Hahahaha.

I hope you enjoyed todays project. If you are interested in learning more about the products please send me a message.

As Always, Happy Crafting! Colleen

Do you ever have those days where you just want to simplify things? That was my day yesterday. That said, I also wanted to do some crafting. Varied Vases is the perfect stamp set for simple stamping. I like everything about this set, from the multiple vases to choose from to the floral displays. I also have the Vases Builder punch. I tried to incorporate fall colors here using the Pumpkin Pie marker and the Vegas Gold All-Purpose Ink.

Card recipe:

– Card base: Pretty Peacock cardstock cut at 5-1/2” x 8-1/2”. Score at 4-1/4”

– Second layer: Terracotta Tile cardstock cut at 5- 3/8” x 4- 1/8”

– Third layer: Whisper White cardstock cut at 5- 1/4” x 4”. Run this layer through the BigShot using the Subtle Dynamic Textured impressions Embossing Folder

– Fourth layer: Whisper White cardstock cut at 4” x 1-1/2”. I stamped the “Hoping your day blooms with happiness” sentiment in Tuxedo Black ink.

The vase was stamped with the Pretty Peacock ink pad and punched out using the Vases Builder Punch. I stamped the flowers with Stazon and colored in the flowers with the Pumpkin Pie marker and applied (with a toothpick) a touch of Vegas Gold all purpose ink. I fussy cut those flowers and adhered them to the Whisper White card base with Tombow Liquid glue. Glue all the layers together, pop vase up with a dimensional, add some bling and a touch of twine and the card is done!

If you are interested in any of these products, please shop my on-line store or send me a message.

As always, Happy Crafting!! Colleen

Today was spent working on the Christmas countdown project kit. This kit was so much fun to make. It’s also been great fun searching for special little “goodies” to fill the boxes with.

This kit can be found on page 38 of the Holiday Catalog and includes: supplies to create 25 mini boxes, a sturdy outer box to hold them and die-cut accents and stickers (I had extra). It also comes with an instruction booklet (with pictures) to help get you started. I did order the Christmas Countdown stamp set, although this kit could be easily assembled (and be just as nice) with-out it. **Stamp set, ink and adhesives are not included with this kit and must be purchased seperately**

Of course, I was already started when I realized I only had one of the suggested coordinating ink pads (that’s how I roll….). If you have read any of my previous blog posts, I always say to use what you have! So, I substituted with Shaded Spruce, Crumb Cake and BlackBerry Bliss. Thankfully, I did have a Cherry Cobbler ink pad in the house.

The little miss I made this for loves all things shiny, so I raided my “bling” stash, used a bit of Wink of Stella and even tried some embossing.

I added Mossy Meadow cardstock (11” x 2”) to the side and top of the box and wrapped silky red ribbon around the box which I then tied in a big red bow. I did not glue the ribbon to the box on the off chance my daughter would want to swap it out every year for a different look.

The boxes measure: 2-1/8” x 2-1/8” x 2-1/16”.

So far, I have found a darling small Christmas ornament, stickers, super cute lipgloss, candy and other little trinkets to fill these boxes. If you are interested in ordering the Christmas Countdown Project Kit, please shop my on-line store. If you are interested in becoming a demonstrator (the discount is great!), I would love to have you as a member of my team.

As Always, Happy Crafting!! Colleen

I had the most fun putting this kit together. Technically, it is an all-inclusive kit, but, I’m always a little “extra”. Why not add a little extra sparkle whenever you can? Also, how nice is that red box to store the tags in?! That box comes with your kit.

This kit came together easily—except for those gold foil stickers. I have to be honest, those are DELICATE! If you don’t have the “Take Your Pick” tool, you will want one for these to make this job easier. I completely ruined 3 or 4 before I got the hang of it. Once I had it though, it went quickly.

The coordinating colors for this kit are Poppy Parade or Shaded Spruce. I have a large ink pad of Real Red in the house, so I primarily used that. Of course, I also have a large supply of “bling” and ribbon, so I also added some of that. I even tried a little embossing. I always say, use what you have on hand and make it fun!

If you are interested in any of these products, send me an email or place an order at my on-line store: cardsbycoco.stampinup.net.

As always, Happy Crafting!! Colleen

This card makes me happy. I love the color yellow and the extra bling gives it just the right amount of sparkle. This card is for my cousin. We grew up together on the East Coast and grew apart over the years. Thanks to Facebook and a large extended family, we are now reconnected and pen pals!

To make this card, I cut a piece of Whisper White thick cardstock at 5 1/2” x 8 1/2”. Score at 4 1/4. I then cut a piece of the Mosiac Mood Specialty Designer Series paper cut at 5 1/4” x 4”. Glue this paper to the base of your card. I used snail. I cut the scalloped square using the Bigshot and Layering Squares dies—-I love the extra sparkle given from the Shimmery White cardstock. I stamped the image using Stazon, then used Daffodil Delight ink and my blender pen to color in “Kindness”. Pop that up with dimensionals. A little bit of bling (Iridescent Sequin Assortment) and a small piece of ribbon and I was done!

This card really couldn’t be easier. My favorite thing about the Mosaic Mood Suite is the “wow” factor. The designer paper is stunning and makes it so easy to create beautiful (and easy) cards.

As always, Happy Crafting! Colleen

Remember when “thank you” cards were a thing? I know that I am trying to get in the habit of sending them again. Personally, I love when I get one in the mail.

Today’s card features the Mosaic Mood Suite and it is so easy to put together.

The base of this card is from the 2019-2021 In Color Collection. I used Terracotta Tile cut at 5 1/2” x 8 1/2” and scored at 4 1/4”. The second layer is a piece of 5 1/4” x 4” Very Vanilla. I ran this piece through the Big Shot using the Mosaic 3D Embossing Folder. I love to use the Mosaic Mood Specialty Designer Series Paper. It has Mosaic tile designs, floral imagery and has shiny accents. It is beautiful. For the final layer, I cut a piece of that designer paper @ 2 3/4” x 5 1/4”. Glue all three pieces together. Use whatever glue you have on hand. I like Tombow liquid glue.

I attached a piece of Mint Macaron textile ribbon around these layers prior to glueing to the base of my card. Next for the tag! A simple “thank you” stamped with the Memorable Mosaic stamp set (Terracotta Tile ink) popped out with the Timeless Label Punch. I like the shadowing effect of using a bit of that designer paper behind the sentiment. Pop up on some dimensionals, add a gem and this card is done!

I hope you enjoyed today’s card. As always, happy crafting! Colleen

Today’s card features the Royal Peacock. I regularly attend a card class taught by Diane Banwarth Sullivan (also a demonstrator). This is one of the cards we made during that class. It’s so much fun to get out and create with other crafty people!

Every demonstrator brings a little something extra. Often, a different technique or style. I always learn a little something new and I get to play around with stamp sets I may not have. Like this Royal Peacock Bundle. Isn’t this a pretty set? You’ll notice I did not stamp the sentiment yet. I generally wait until I am ready to send the card out. Will this be a “thinking of you” card, a “happy birthday” or a “just because” card?

The card base is done in white cardstock. Cut 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 and score at 4 1/4. The Beads & Baubles Embossing Folder was used on the front of the card base and again on the Granny Apple Green layer (Old Olive comes in the bundle). The Noble Peacock Designer series paper is stunning. You’ll notice a small piece of the Blueberry Bushel was also used as a layer.

On to the Peacock: Inking this was a two step process using the Stamparatus. I then used my Watercolor pencils (Granny Apple Green) to color in the body of the bird. Thankfully, this set comes in a bundle, and the Peacock was cut out using the Detailed Peacock Dies. Some bling was added to the eyes and flowers. I placed small drops of glue onto the feathers and used some glitter to give just a little extra sparkle.

There are a few different ways to order this. The Royal Peacock stamp set alone, the Royal Peacock Bundle (stamp set and detailed dies) or the Noble Peacock suite (stamp set, detailed dies, embossing folder, designer series paper, foil sheets, reversible ribbon and rhinestones—see above photo). Of course, everything can be purchased individually, but the suite makes it so easy!

If you are interested in learning more about these products, please leave me a message. Or, you can visit my on-line store: cardsbycoco.stampinup.net. (Follow link below).

I hope you enjoyed today’s card. I sure had fun making it! Happy crafting!!

Father’s Day is definitely a day to be celebrated in our home. Not only did I marry a fabulous guy who brought two amazing children with him, but he has also been a kind, loving and generous stepfather (I really dislike saying “stepfather”, because he has been so much more). All of our girls are grown women now, but Kevin’s positive influence continues.

This card, though, is for my Dad. I grew up in a beach community in Brooklyn, New York. I have so many wonderful memories of fishing in and around the ocean with my father. As you can see, his birthday and Father’s Day often fall together.

It was much easier to make this card than it looks. Again, for me, it’s always a little of this and a little of that. I LOVE Stampin’ Ups! Watercolor paper and this card showcases that paper so well. I started by using the Sale-A-Bration stamp set “By the Bay” (the Sailing Home Bundle in the new catalog would work beautifully here and it comes in a bundle!). I inked my image with Stazon, and then began the watercoloring process with our watercolor pencils and an aqua painter. I did want to add a little color to the background, so Stampin’ Write markers to the rescue again. This is such an easy process: take the “fat” end of the marker and rub it across one of your blocks. Pick up the color with the aqua painter and lightly “paint” your background. I felt it was the subtle touch needed for this beachy background.

I completed the card with some twine and a starfish embellishment from a Paper Pumpkin kit. Use what you have in the house. Craft supplies are meant to be fun!

Always save your scraps of paper to make your expression tags with. Nobody likes to cut into a 12×12 piece of cardstock for a 1” tag (haha).

Happy crafting and enjoy the special Dads in your life!