Capturing Smiles

I had the pleasure of hosting a mini craft retreat at my house on the weekend, inviting a few fellow demonstrators for a few days filled with creativity, camaraderie, and lots of stamping fun. These intimate gatherings are always special — they provide an opportunity to share ideas, learn new techniques, and simply enjoy the art of crafting together.  

One of our favourite traditions during these retreats is the classic shoebox swap. It’s such a fun way to exchange creative projects, inspire each other, and add new ideas to our crafting repertoire. This time, the swap was no different — I prepared a special project, and my friends did too, each bringing their unique touch to the table.

For my contribution, I decided to make an interactive card using the delightful Capturing Smiles stamp set.  I drew inspiration from a card I saw on a fellow Stampin’ Demonstrator’s blog, her colouring techniques and layout truly inspired me. I CASEd her design and I was thrilled with the result!

Typically, I tend to keep my cards straightforward, especially when I’m preparing for multiple attendees. However, this time I challenged myself to push beyond my comfort zone. Instead of sticking to simple designs, I decided to create a more intricate, detailed interactive card, knowing I only needed to prepare kits for two additional friends. This meant I could invest more time in embellishing and adding special touches, making the cards even more memorable.

Throughout the process, I experimented with different colouring techniques, blending shades to bring the stamped images to life, and added layers of texture to give the card depth and dimension. It was such a rewarding experience to step outside my usual routine and craft something a little more elaborate.

The best part of the day was witnessing everyone’s reactions—seeing their eyes light up at the intricate details, and sharing tips and ideas along the way. These gatherings remind me why I love being part of this creative community: it’s about connection, inspiration, and spreading happiness through handmade projects.

I’m already looking forward to our next craft retreat, eager to try new techniques and continue building lasting friendships.

Painted Skies Kit

Looking for Fresh Crafting Ideas?

Your search ends here! Stampin' Up! has just introduced the stunning Painted Skies Kit to their Kits Collection. This all-in-one kit provides everything you need to enjoy a fun, creative, and relaxing crafting experience. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just beginning your artistic journey, the Painted Skies Kit is designed to inspire and spark your imagination.

Create beautiful, handcrafted projects that capture the beauty of the skies, all while elevating your crafting skills. Get ready to immerse yourself in hours of artistic fun and take your creativity to new heights!

Last Chance List

Mark your calendars—tomorrow, April 1, the Last Chance list will be updated! Be sure to check it early, as it features items from the current catalogue that will be retiring, including the popular 2024-2026 InColor products. This means your favourite inkpads, cardstock, Stampin' Blends, and more will be listed. Once these items are sold out, they’re gone for good, so don’t miss out!

A Friendly Reminder:  
With a new catalogue year beginning, some prices will be increasing. If you want to stock up on certain products before the May-August catalogue goes live, now is a great time to do so. Items expected to see a price rise include:

• Select Stampin’ Cut & Emboss products  

• Paper products such as Envelopes, Basic White Notecards & Envelopes, Masking Paper, and Designer Series Paper  

• Storage solutions  

• Select Adhesives  

• Current Classic Stampin’ Ink Pads and Refills  

• Stampin’ Blends  

• Select Embellishments, Twines, and Linen Thread 

• Heat Tools  

• Cutting & Scoring Blades Multipacks  

• Select Colouring Tools  

Most price increases range from $0.50 to $3.50 for current inkpads. Additionally, the new magnetic inkpads will be priced at $25.
Be sure to review the list early and stock up on your favorites before they’re gone!

March Product of the Month

Soon you’ll be able to purchase an exclusive product for only $9 when you spend $125 or more in a single order. But you’ll want to act fast—you can only buy the Product of the Month once, and when it’s sold out, it’s gone for good!

Notes of Spring Stamp Set

Create an adorable card with this stamp set and sent it to some-bunny you love! Or use it to craft a scrapbook spread of a moment you hold deer. Whatever you choose to create, this stamp set with woodland friends and useful sentiments is sure to add some springtime joy!

Stampin' Up! Free Shipping - 3 days only

 

Party Pig - What's Shakin' Bacon

The pig from the Party Pig stamp set is undeniably adorable and full of personality. Although this charming set has recently been retired, I didn’t initially jump on it when it was first released. However, as I started seeing stunning creations and heartfelt cards made with it by fellow crafters, I quickly realised I had to add it to my collection. Sometimes, all it takes is a little inspiration to spark a new obsession!

One of my absolute favourite elements of this set is the witty sentiment, 'What’s Shakin’ Bacon' —it’s perfect for adding a touch of humour and fun to any card. It’s playful, punny, and sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

For this particular card, I opted for a cheerful colour palette of pinks and reds, which complement the playful and lively vibe of the pig. To make the piggy stand out beautifully, I used the Everyday Arch die set — a versatile tool that helps frame and highlight the main image with elegance. The arch adds a soft, rounded frame that draws the eye directly to the adorable pig, making it the focal point of the design.

In addition to the colour choices and die-cutting techniques, I added some subtle embellishments, some sparkly bling, to give the card depth and dimension. The combination of playful sentiment, lively colours, and thoughtful details makes this card a delightful creation perfect for birthdays, thank-yous, or just because.

If you’re a fan of cute animals, clever sentiments, and versatile dies, I highly recommend adding the Party Pig set to your collection — especially since it’s retired now, so it’s a little treasure hunt to find it! Whether you’re creating for a friend, a loved one, or yourself, this set is guaranteed to bring joy and smiles.

Bee Mine

Another stamp set sitting on my shelf that I decided to revisit is the 'Bee Mine' set. 

Although I don’t often gravitate toward purple hues, I challenged myself to step outside my comfort zone and incorporate this colour into my design. I think the purple provides a lovely, rich background that contrasts beautifully with the white and the natural tones of the bees.

To add texture and visual interest, I used some embossing techniques and included patterned paper to break up the colour palette and create a balanced, cohesive look. The delicate bees, which I fussy cut, a technique I truly enjoy, become the focal point of the card. Their intricate details stand out against the textured background, highlighting their charm.

This project is a great example of how experimenting with colours and techniques can breathe new life into a beloved, but sometimes overlooked, stamp set. Sometimes, stepping outside your usual colour choices can lead to surprisingly beautiful results.

Every Little Bit - Gumball

While exploring my collection of stamp sets, I rediscovered some of my all-time favourites — despite them being retired. It’s funny how certain sets hold a special place in our crafting hearts, and I believe many of you also have those hidden gems sitting on your shelves, waiting for the perfect project to bring them back to life. 

Today, I’ve decided to feature one such set: the 'Every Little Bit' collection, which includes 28 adorable mini stamps. For this card, I chose the fun and nostalgic gumball machine image. Its charming design lends itself perfectly to bright, playful colouring.

I started with a Basic Black card base to give the design a bold foundation. To add visual interest, I layered a square of Basic White card on top of a square of patterned paper in cheerful red tones. The gumball machine was stamped, then mounted on Dimensionals to give it a little extra lift and dimension. I fussy cut the image, then coloured the gumballs in a rainbow of vibrant colours, making the design lively and eye-catching.

To complete the card, I embossed a simple message in white directly onto the card base, keeping the overall look clean and crisp, while allowing the colourful gumball machine to be the star. 

This project is a perfect reminder that even retired stamp sets can be rediscovered and transformed into charming, fun cards. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity and a splash of colour to breathe new life into those treasured sets.

Snapshot

Another fantastic retired stamp set that I love is 'Snapshot'. This single, detailed camera image offers a wealth of creative possibilities. Its intricate design provides plenty of opportunity for colouring, highlighting, and adding dimension, making it a versatile focal point for many projects.

For this particular card, I decided to take a bold, art deco-inspired approach with vibrant colours. I coloured the camera in various shades of pink, creating a striking and modern look. To add contrast and interest, I highlighted the lens outline with coordinating aqua tones, which beautifully complement the double-sided patterned paper and the card base.

The detailed design of the camera allows for creative experimentation—whether you prefer bold, bright colours, or softer, more subtle shades. I love how the intricate details can be accentuated with different colouring techniques, such as blending, shading, or highlighting, to really make the image pop.

This card showcases how a single, detailed stamp can be the centerpiece of a stylish and eye-catching design. Even though the 'Snapshot' set is retired, it remains a wonderful choice for adding a touch of vintage charm and artistic flair to your craft projects.

Every Little Bit

The retired stamp set 'Every Little Bit' is a versatile collection featuring 28 adorable mini stamps and images. It’s perfect for adding charming details and backgrounds to your projects. For this card, I decided to highlight the cute little dog from the set to create a playful and cohesive design.

To start, I stamped numerous images of the dog onto my cardstock using a neutral ink. I arranged and stamped them in a way that mimicked the look of double-sided patterned paper, creating a lively background. I chose to leave these stamped images uncoloured, giving the background a subtle, monochromatic effect that allows the focal point to really stand out.

Next, I stamped an additional image of the dog on a separate piece of cardstock. I then coloured this cut-out dog with contrasting colours, selecting a lovely grey shade that coordinates perfectly with the card base. The coloured dog was then carefully fussy cut and adhered to the background with foam Dimensionals, adding dimension and making it pop against the stamped background.

To finish the card, I chose a simple yet elegant greeting. I embossed it in white on a piece of coordinating grey cardstock, creating a crisp, textured look. The embossed sentiment was then mounted onto the card to add a polished finishing touch without overwhelming the overall design.

This card exemplifies how a few well-chosen techniques—like creating a stamped background, fussy cutting, and embossing—can come together to produce a clean, effective, and charming finished piece. It’s a perfect example of how minimal effort can still yield a stunning result, making it ideal for quick cards or as a starting point for more elaborate designs.

More - You're Sublime

Another delightful way to use the 'You're Sublime' stamp set is by featuring the playful frog. This image is perfect for spring, summer, or any fun, nature-inspired project. Here’s how I created a cheerful, vibrant card with the frog as the star.

I began by stamping the frog image onto smooth white cardstock. To give the frog a lively and dimensional look, I coloured it using a combination of markers. After colouring, I carefully fussy cut around the frog, making sure to leave a small white border for a polished finish.

To add depth and make the frog pop off the card, I mounted it on foam Dimensionals. This slight lift creates a layered effect that draws the eye to the adorable frog.

For the background, I selected a piece of coloured glimmer paper which coordinates with the card base. These colours complement the vibrant colours of the frog. 

A key detail was incorporating some additional bling embellishments in the same colour as the frog. These little touches add to the playful feel of the card.

Finally, I chose to include a simple, subtle sentiment cut out in a small, neat font. I placed the message discreetly so it complements the scene without overwhelming it, keeping the focus on the cute frog.

This card is a wonderful example of how versatile the 'You're Sublime' set can be. Whether you're making a cheerful card for a friend or a fun note for a loved one, the frog image is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Plus, it’s a fantastic project for experimenting with colouring techniques.

Valentine Kisses as a Christmas Card

When it comes to making Christmas cards, I love thinking outside the box and using stamp sets that aren’t specifically designed for the holiday season. This year, for my Stampin’ Up! team cards, I chose the Valentine Kisses stamp set. Despite its original purpose, I was able to creatively incorporate several Christmas elements into my design, making it perfect for the festive season.

I started with a classic Real Red card base to set a cheerful, holiday tone. The star of the card is a cute bear clutching a Christmas stocking — a fun and whimsical image that I thought would work wonderfully for a Christmas card. To add some extra festive flair, I used candy-striped twine and embellishments, which evoke the traditional holiday candy canes and sweet treats.

Finally, I added a warm Christmas greeting to complete the look. By combining these elements, I transformed a Valentine-themed stamp set into a delightful and unique holiday card, proving that with a little creativity, you can make almost any stamp set work for Christmas projects.

This approach not only helps maximise your stamp collection but also encourages creative thinking and resourcefulness during the holiday crafting season. Sometimes, the most unexpected stamp sets can turn into your favourite Christmas designs.

You're Sublime

This stamp set is truly an oldie but a goody! The 'You're Sublime' collection features five images: a submarine, a caravan, a crab, a frog, and a barrow of flowers. Making it a versatile set that can be used for a variety of creative projects, from playful cards to scrapbook pages.

For this particular card, I’ve chosen to feature the submarine. I started by carefully fussy cutting around the image to give it a clean, crisp edge. To add dimension and make the submarine stand out, I mounted it on foam Dimensionals, giving it a slight lift off the card surface. This simple technique helps to bring the image to life.

To create a sense of underwater movement and environment, I added a few playful details. I included some air bubbles around the submarine and incorporated a few brightly coloured fish swimming nearby.

For the background, I selected a patterned double-sided paper that complements the deep sea underwater theme. The patterned paper adds texture and visual interest without overpowering the main image. I coordinated the colours with my card base to maintain a harmonious look.

Finally, I added a small, cut-out message to the card. Keeping the message subtle ensures that it doesn’t compete with the main design, but rather enhances the overall aesthetic. It’s the perfect finishing touch that makes the card feel complete and thoughtful.

Long Time No See

This adorable little dachshund in his charming striped jumper truly is the epitome of cuteness! I came across a card design on Pinterest that I simply had to CASE (Copy And Share Everything) and put my own spin on. The combination of adorable imagery and creative techniques makes this a card I’ll be proud to send to someone.

One of my favourite aspects of this design is the colour scheme. I chose a vibrant blend of pink and red as the base colours for the card, and I must say, it’s one of my all-time favourite colour combinations. 

For the background, I used the Corrugated embossing folder on crisp white cardstock, giving the card texture and visual interest. 

The little dog himself was coloured with a variety of tones, using Stampin’ Up Blend markers. I enjoyed blending different shades to bring out the depth and personality of the dachshund’s fur and jumper, making him really pop against the textured background.

To add dimension and emphasis, I adhered the dachshund image on Dimensional tape. This creates a lovely raised effect that makes the image stand out even more and adds depth to the overall design.

I also deliberately left the card without a sentiment. This was a conscious choice to make the card more versatile, so I can use it for a variety of occasions - whether for a birthday, a thank you, or just a cheerful note. Keeping the design sentiment free broadens its usability and makes it a handy card to have in my stash.

I look forward to making more playful designs with this cute dachshund stamp set—stay tuned for more cuteness overload!

Party Piggy

While searching for fresh card ideas, I came across a beautiful design that closely resembled this one, and I simply had to CASE (Copy And Share Everything) it! I have to say, I absolutely adore the Party Piggy stamp set—the pigs are irresistibly cute and full of personality, making them perfect for a variety of fun.

For this particular card, I decided to get creative by transforming the pig into a cheerful hula piggy, ready to relax on a tropical beach. I gave her a 'coconut' bikini top, which I crafted using a die-cut piece from the new Gingerbread Man die set. The combination of these elements adds a playful, summery vibe that instantly transports you to a sunny vacation.

To create the beach scene, I tore pieces of cardstock randomly to mimic the shoreline of a sandy beach and the rolling waves of the ocean. This torn effect adds texture and a natural, organic feel to the scene, making it more lively and realistic. I also added shading to the edges of the pig using inks, which provides a lovely depth of colour and helps her stand out beautifully against the background.

This card is a perfect example of how a little bit of imagination, combined with some clever techniques, can turn a simple design into a fun, tropical scene.

Valentine Kisses

For my recent craft retreat in Maldon, I decided to create a special shoebox swap using the Valentine Kisses stamp set. This set has quickly become one of my favourites, especially because of the adorable bear images that are part of the collection. I love how versatile these bears are—they can be used for both heartfelt Valentine’s cards and other sweet occasions. I already have a long list of additional card ideas that I want to explore using this set.

For this particular card, I chose to work with Strawberry Slush coloured card stock. I complemented this with coordinating ribbon, some sparkling bling to add a touch of elegance, and coordinating inks to bring the design to life. One of my favourite techniques was incorporating the returning vellum paper to create a decorative circle base behind the main frame and image. The vellum adds a soft, dreamy layer that enhances the overall look without overpowering the design.

Creating this card was inspiring, as it sparked even more ideas for future projects. The Valentine Kisses stamp set offers endless possibilities for crafting cards, and I look forward to sharing more of my creations using this adorable set. 

Birthday Cake

There’s something extra special about celebrating a birthday while surrounded by creativity, laughter, and good company. Having a birthday during a craft retreat calls for a cake that’s just as unique and heartfelt as the occasion itself!

Julie took that idea to the next level — she made her own birthday cake! It was the perfect blend of sweetness and creativity, a true reflection of her personality. The cake looked absolutely adorable (and tasted just as good, of course). Watching her proudly present it to the group was such a lovely moment — proof that crafting isn’t just about paper, fabric, or glue, but about joy, connection, and celebrating life’s little moments together.

Here’s to Julie — and to all the makers who find ways to add a personal, handmade touch to every celebration!

Psssst—I’ve Got Some Big News!

Have you ever found yourself staring at multiple stamp sets and stamp tools unable to decide which one to get? Well, I’ve got great news for you! On 18 September, you can get all the stamps and stamp tools you’ve been wanting at an amazing 15% discount. Act fast—this stamp-tacular sale only lasts for 24 hours!

• This stamp sale only happens once a year!
• The sale will run for 24 hours.
• The 15% discount will apply to all stamps and stamp tools.
• Bundles are not included in this sale.
• Stamp sets and tools are only available while supplies last.
• See and shop all qualifying products in the online store. Remember to add you are shopping with Nicole Goding.
• Excludes Last Chance products.

Sweet Jar Bundle

Repetitive stamping on a card front is such a captivating technique—it's both quick and easy to do, yet the results are incredibly striking and effective. There's something truly satisfying about building texture and depth through simple repeated patterns, making your card stand out with minimal effort.

For this particular project, I used the Sweet Jar Bundle stamp set. To add a bit of dimension and interest, I stamped each jar and lid separately, then carefully punched them out before assembling. This layering approach gives the card front a lovely sense of depth and realism, elevating the overall design.

Feel free to experiment with different colour combinations—there are so many options that can suit any occasion. In this example, I used the hearts stamp inside the jars, stamping some directly for a solid look and others stamped off to achieve a softer, lighter hue. This technique adds variety and a touch of charm to the design.

The silvery thread you see is borrowed from another ribbon; I simply pulled out a small piece from the roll rather than using the entire width. It’s a simple way to add a subtle shimmer and texture without waste. 

Finally, I stamped the message onto a leftover piece of card that I had punched out to create the jar lid—nothing goes to waste here! This little detail not only adds a personal touch but also showcases how even scraps can be repurposed creatively. Overall, this card design is a perfect example of how thoughtful layering and clever use of materials can produce a beautiful, eye-catching project with a touch of elegance.

 

Darling Dinos

This adorable little dinosaur comes from the charming Darling Dinos stamp set, a collection that is perfect for adding a touch of fun and whimsy to your crafting projects. 

The set features three uniquely charming dinosaurs, each with their own personality and style, making it easy to create playful scenes or personalised cards. In addition to the dinosaurs themselves, the set includes a variety of adorable accessory stamps—such as tiny footprints, playful leaves, and fun accessories—that can be mixed and matched to customise your designs. To top it off, there are also several cheerful messages and sentiments included, making this set versatile for birthdays, get well wishes, or just sending a happy note to someone special. 

The Darling Dinos stamp set offers endless creative possibilities for adding a splash of prehistoric fun to your projects!