Saturday 30 September 2017

Stampin Up Foxy Friends Christmas

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting. Christmas time can be a very stressful time as there is always so much to prepare and organise. From the family Christmas dinner with every chair in the house collected and a table full of little gifts and crackers to the present buying.

I am blessed to have six grandchildren but as they grow it gets increasingly difficult to find the perfect presents and I try to avoid giving them money. Two sons and daughter in laws added to the mix plus friends and work colleagues and of course secret santa, it is certainly a busy time. So to take one thing off the list I started my Christmas cards a month ago.

Stampin Up is a fantastic company to buy high quality products to make everything from the cards to Tags and gift wrappers, boxes with glitter and metallics, to classic and simple. My SHOP button above allows you to browse and see what great things we have so go and take a look.

This card uses a stamp set called Foxy Friends which as the title suggests is full of foxes and other four legged critters and coordinates with a fox builder Punch. However this card uses one of the lovely tree stamps.  Metallics are bang on trend this year so I've added Year of Cheer washi tape which comes in 5 metallic colours and some metallic sequins (both available through the SHOP)

This card uses just two colours Tranquil Tide and Soft Suede and with the added metallics makes a gorgeous simple card ideal for the men in your life.

Please look at subscribing to my blog and YouTube channel. All my tutorials are FREE and by subscribing you can view them as many times as you want. 

If you live in the GU9 Farnham area and want to make your own cards for Christmas I am holding 2 classes just making Christmas cards. Spaces go quickly so drop me a line if your interested.





Tuesday 26 September 2017

The Joy of Sets Challenge #jos007

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.  Its that time again for the next challenge blog and the letter this time is W.

As on of the Design Team I get to show you and example and hopefully whet your appetitie and encourage you to take part in the challenge.

For anyone who hasn't taken part in the blog challenge before it is really simple.  Choose a stamp set either current or retired from Stampin Up and create a card using that set.,

The set I chose was Wherever You Go, which like all Stampin Up sets has so many great images to choose in many different ways.

This card uses one of my favourite techniques using torn paper as a mask and then building up the colour using a sponge dauber.

If you need a reminder then take a look at my video which gives you a step by step tutorial to achieve this great look.

Subscribe to both my blog and YouTube channel for regular techniques and ideas for creating with Stampin Up.
Enter the challenge blog and if you win you get to be Guest Designer and have a winner badge to show off on your blog.

Saturday 23 September 2017

Simple eight page brag book

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting. Todays project is a really simple way to create a little brag book using a sheet of cardstock or dsp in any rectangular size of your choosing.  Make a big one or a tiny little one the choice is yours.  Decorate as you wish using any of the great stamps and dies from Stampin Up.

This sweet little book was made using a piece of dsp that measured 6" x 3" With a piece so small which creates such a tiny book using a bone folder and creasing well is very important.  Spend time on each fold to crease with bone folder on both sides.

This little book was created with a piece of dsp measuring 6" x 4.5" and with this one I punch a hold in the corner to take a piece of ribbon so the book could be hung on a gift.

This book uses a piece of A4 cardstock or if you are outside the UK a standard sheet of cardstock.

The video below shows you how to make these book with step by step instructions. If you havnt already please subscribe to my blog and YouTube channel as I post regular techniques and ideas using the latest Stampin Up products.

Thank you for watching and see you again soon for more tips, ideas and tutorials using Stampin Up products.





Thursday 21 September 2017

Stampin Up Painted Harvest

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.  Today is Day 7 of my week of tutorials and ideas using the Painted Harvest bundle a stamp set and coordinating leaf punch.

How to make a modern twist on the sunflower using Painted Harvest bundle from Stampin Up.

Step by step tutorial using Painted Harvest Bundle.
  1. On a piece of whisper white cardstock sponge Real Red, Crushed Curry and Peekaboo Peach ink in a random pattern.
  2. Stamp the two step sunflower stamp in Basic Black ink on the coloured cardstock.
  3. Fussy cut the sunflower image out.
  4. Using a piece of Basic Black cardstock 5.5 x 3.75" adhere the sunflowers using dimensionals.
  5. Cut off the excess sunflower at the edge of cardstock.
  6. Using the Vintage Crochet Trim tie a bow round the bottom of the card and embellish with a few black sequins from the metallic sequins.
  7. Finish with a sentiment of choice. I used the I am Thankful for You from the Painted Harvest stamp set.
All products used are available to buy from the SHOP NOW button above and the Painted Harvest bundle of stamp set and leaf punch has a 10% discount for buying them as a bundle.  Of course you can buy them separately if you wish.


Subscribe now to my blog so you don't miss any of the upcoming tutorials and ideas using the latest techniques and ideas using Stampin Up products.

Thank you to all my followers and customers for your continued support.



Wednesday 20 September 2017

Stampin Up Painted Harvest

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.  Today is Day 6 of the Painted Harvest bundle and how to use this one set in many different ways. Go to my SHOP button to buy this great bundle with 10% off at £30 for both the stamp set and leaf punch.


How to make a wreath card using Stampin Up Painted Harvest stamp set and coordinating leaf punch.

Step by step tutorial how to make a wreath card

  1. Use a card base of 5.25" square in whisper white cardstock
  2. Cut the mount 5" square using the Year of Cheer Speciality DSP
  3. Using the largest circle in the Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies cut a circle is whisper white cardstock and stamp the sentiment Happy Christmas from the Oh What Fun stamp set.
  4. Using the Leaf Punch punch out 12 leaves four each of three different designs. I used the Clearance rack dsp.
  5. Using dimensionals arrange in a circle tucking each stalk in as you go to give a seamless finish.
  6. adhere the leaves with dimensionals.
Check back on the past 5 days to see other ideas using this Painted Harvest bundle.


This Painted Harvest is a must buy as there are so many different projects and cards that will take you throughout the whole year.  Click on my SHOP NOW button above or click the highlighted link above.  You can by the stamp set and the punch separately but if you buy them both together you save 10%

Come back tomorrow for day 7 .  Subscribe to my blog to ensure you don't miss anything.




Tuesday 19 September 2017

Stampin Up Painted Harvest

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.

How to create a Christmas wreath card using Painted Harvest by Stampin Up.

Today is Day 5 in the series of different card ideas using one bundle the Painted Harvest from Stampin Up.  This bundle can be bought now with a 10% saving from my SHOP for £30

Step by step instructions to create a wreath card using the Leaf Punch from Stampin Up.

  1. Cut the Year of Cheer dsp 5" x 5" and adhered to a card base quarter inch wider.
  2. Using the Leaf punch cut out 4 each of gold, silver and glitter cardstock and put dimensionals on the back of each leaf.
  3. Using our largest circle Stitched Shapes Framelits die cut a piece of Whisper White cardstock.
  4. Stamp in Crumb Cake your sentiment (I chose from the Oh What Fun set)
  5. Adhere your circle in the centre of the card.
  6. Arrange the leaves in a wreath using the edge of the circle as your guide.
All products used are from Stampin Up and available from my SHOP


Please check back tomorrow for another card and tutorial in the series using the Painted Harvest bundle.






Monday 18 September 2017

Stampin Up Painted Harvest

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.

How to create a stepped up Sunflower Card

Hello and welcome to Day 4 of my week plus of fabulous cards using the Painted Harvest Stamp Set bundle from Stampin Up.  Click on my SHOP button to order this set now.

Now if you've been following my blog you will have seen how this set can be used for a sunflower and a clean and simple card.  Today we set it up.  

Step by step instructions how to create The Painted Harvest bundle gerbera and leaves.
1. Die cut a square of whisper white cardstock 3" x 3" using the Stitched Shapes Framelits and mount on a piece of Rose Red cardstock quarter inch wider for mount.
2. Stamp the two step flower image in Rose Red.
3. Cut a piece of whisper white cardstock 5.25 x 3.5" and mount on Rose Red cardstock quarter inch wider.
4.Take some washi tape of choice (check out my SHOP for latest washi) and adhere vertically down the centre of the card.
5. Punch out three leaves using the leaf punch and put two at the top and one at the bottom using dimensionals.
6. Stamp the sentiment in Rose Red and mount with dimensionals.
7. Add 4 metallic sequins to each corner.

All products are available through my SHOP.


If you haven't already subscribed to my blog please do to ensure you don't miss the rest of this great series of step by step ideas and tips for using the Painted Harvest bundle from Stampin Up.

All products are available to buy from my SHOP



Sunday 17 September 2017

Gerbera stamp set and Coordinating Leaf Punch

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.

Gerbera stamp set and coordinating leaf punch

Hello and welcome to Day 3 of the Painted  Harvest stamp set and coordinating Leaf Punch. I said that this set was versatile and could be used in so many different ways ensuring that you get great value for money.  This set Painted Harvest and the coordinating leaf punch can be bought as a bundle saving 10% for £30 and if you subscribe to my blog I will show you over the coming days just how versatile this set is.

Day 3 Gerbera card Clean and Simple.

This gorgeous two step stamp gives the most realistic gerbera which I stamp in Rose Red ink with Crushed Curry for the inside.

By just simply stamping the gerbera image in the centre of the card and adding a simple sentiment you have a classy clean and simple card which looks crisp and perfect for a birthday.

Join me tomorrow for Day 4 of the Painted Harvest how to create many different looks and styles using this one stamp set and coordinating leaf punch bundle.  Click the link below or go to my SHOP to my yours now.





Saturday 16 September 2017

Sunflower Stamp set and coordinating Leaf Punch Stampin Up

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.

Sunflower Stamp Set and Coordinating Leaf Punch

Day 2
Sunflower card using Painted Harvest and coordinating Leaf Punch.
This beautiful stamp set Painted Harvest can be used in so many ways.  I have stamp the detailed leaf image in Wild Wasbi and Lemon/Lime Twist ink and then with an Aquapainter water coloured each leaf to give a soft water coloured look.  The sunflower from Painted Harvest has been stamped in Daffodil Delight with each of the two step stamps and then fussy cut and put with dimensionals over the leaves.

This Painted Harvest set can be used in so many different ways so makes a really versatile set to really get your moneys worth and at £30 for both the stamp set and punch buying it as a bundle you save 10%

Subscribe to my blog and look at buying this great Painted Harvest bundle by visiting my SHOP or clicking on the highlighted link below.





Friday 15 September 2017

Sunflower Stamp Set and Coordinating Leaf Punch

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.


Sunflower Stamp Set and Coordinating Leaf Punch

Stampin Up has some fabulous stamp sets and coordinating dies and punches. Painted Harvest is one of those sets.  When you buy a product you want to be able to use it in many different ways to get great value for money and the Painted Harvest does not disappoint.

Over the next week I will be posting a card using the Painted Harvest and each one will be using this lovely set in a completely different way.  So subscribe to my blog and buy yourself this fantastic bundle while it has 10% off and get a set and punch that will work for lots of different projects and cards.

Day 1.
Sunflowers.
This card uses the Painted Harvest Sunflower is Daffodil Delight and Crushed Curry ink with Crumb Cake for the centre.  This is a two step stamp which gives a lovely realistic looking sunflower.  Stamp the sunflower five times and then stamp and punch out two leaves in Wild Wasabi.



This fantastic bundle Painted Harvest stamp set and coordinating Leaf Punch is available for £30 saving 10% so put your order in by clicking on the highlighted link above or going to my SHOP.

See you tomorrow for Day 2 of the Painted Harvest ideas for cards and projects.


Wednesday 13 September 2017

Stampin Up Cookie Cutter Christmas

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.


Who doesn't love teddy bears and this card uses some Warmth and Cheer DSP. from the Clearance Rack at only £3.60 (wow grab it fast before its gone) and the lovely Teddy Bears are from Cookie Cutter Christmas. which comes with a coordinating punch and has all sorts of Christmas characters as well as the teddy bear.

Year of Cheer Washi Tape in gorgeous metallic.

This is probably the most gorgeous washi I have ever seen. Gold, silver, copper and champagne. Buy lots as I am as I know you will use this again and again for a touch of luxury to all your cards and projects.

Here is a video with shows you this washi and the Year of Cheer Speciality dsp
Please subscribe to my blog and YouTube channel as I post regularly with fun techniques ad using up to date on trend products.

Thanks for stopping by and see you again soon.

Tuesday 12 September 2017

The Joy of Sets Challenge #jos006 The Letter T

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.  It's that time again and another two weeks have passed so it is number 6 of the of of sets challenge blog.

As one of the Design Team I get to make a card using the letter T. Now this can be current or retired as long at it is a Stampin Up product and has the letter T at the beginning of the title (so not in the middle of the word)

So I have used Lovely As A Tree and Teeny Tiny Sentiments and have done a retiform card.  This is a popular trend at the moment whereby you mask of different areas of your card and then do different patterns and colours in each one of the areas.

I only marked off four areas whereby you can mask as many sections as you want.  By stamping the Teeny Tiny Wishes sentiments along the borders it makes a simple Happy Birthday Friend card and would work for a masculine card with the earthy green tones.

So if you haven't joined this challenge yet then please do a it is great fun and if you are a winner you get to put a winners badge on your blog.

All products used in this card can be purchased by clicking on the shop button above.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the challenge.

Monday 11 September 2017

Stampin Up Clearance Rack bargains.

Hello and welcome of Amethystarcrafting.

Today is a quick and simple ideas using some Clearance Rack items.  To find the Clearance Rack go to the Shop button above.

Now who doesn't like a bargain.


Now this DSP is reduced from £9 to £3.60 which is an absolute bargain.Now you really have to hurry as they sell really fast and the washi tape I used in this card has already sold out. 
The Clearance Rack is a great way to stock up on those items you missed from past catalogues and make cheap and inexpensive stocking filler gifts for those crafters in your life.


Saturday 9 September 2017

How to make a squash fold hanging ornament using Stampin Up Colourful Seasons stamp set

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.

Today is a real throwback ideas and something that I made lots of for Christmas about five years ago.  Like everything things come and go in fashion and squash folds have made quite a comeback recently. So this video tutorial is making a lovely hanging ornament using squash folds.  The squash fold is an origami fold and for this ornament you need to use 5.



Products and Measurements needed.

5 x 3'x3' whisper white cardstock
2 x 1.5'x1.5' whisper white cardstock
18"x18" piece of baker twine or ribbon
1 bead with large opening
stamp set of choice I used Colourful Seasons an the snowflakes
ink pads of choice I use dapper denim and smoky slate.

All products are available through my shop button above.

This shows you how pretty the ornament is hanging and obviously when folded flat it can be added as a tag to a present or sent flat in the post or for storage.

This looks beautiful made with dsp embellished with rhinestones or sequins, embossed. in fact the possibilities are endless.

If you have not already please subscribe to my YouTube channel and blog as I regularly post tutorials and fun card ideas using the latest trends and products.



Friday 8 September 2017

Clean and Simple Christmas Card Using At Home With You

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.

Today's card is a clean and simple card using At Home With You stamp set.



The At Home With You stamp set has little Christmas trees which were perfect for creating this bauble. I decorated it with metallic sequins for a little bling.

The new Autumn winter catalogue is now available so click on the links above to shop and have a browse as there are lots of goodies for this time of year.

This video shows you some of the products available.

Please subscribe to my blog and Yourube to keep up to date with all the techniques and project ideas all which are always Free.

Happy crafting.

Sunday 3 September 2017

Stampin Up Autumn/Winter Catalogue has arrived

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.

The Autumn/Winter catalogue has finally arrived and you can order from the 1st September through to the 31 December 2017.  As with all Stampin Up catalogues it is full of lots of  fun goodies so click on the catalogue link above and have a look for yourself.

Something rather exciting is there is a chance for you to get a FREE stamp set.  Now this will only be given to an order totalling £250.  Now I know that is an awful lot of money and I know that most of you would not even be able to imagine placing an order for this amount, but lets think about this.  If you showed a group of friends the catalogue and then ordered as a group it could be possible. Maybe your Christmas wish list is crafting goodies, a big shot or a higher value item.  Then maybe get your presents ordered to enable you to get this free set.

Another idea is to host a party and if your order for the evening comes to £250 or more then you will get the stamp set.

Have a look on the new catalogue link above which will take you to the Stampin Up store and read more about getting this set for FREE.

Thanks for stopping by and see you all again soon for more tutorials and card ideas

Saturday 2 September 2017

Fun Reindeer card

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.

Today is day 2 of a series of Christmas cards using products from the new Autumn/Winter catalogue combined with products from our Annual catalogue.

This gorgeous reindeer comes from Cookie Cutter Christmas. which has a coordinating punch and makes this reindeer as well as father Christmas, gingerbread man, teddy bear and eskimo. 

The gorgeous backing paper is from the Year of Cheer dsp from the autumn/ winter catalogue and just adds a bit of luxury to any card.

So there you have it another christmas card combining annual and new holiday catalogue items. So add some more goodies to your stash of Stampin Up products and start making more lovely cardsand projects.

Thank you for stopping by.  See you again soon for more Christmas ideas.



Friday 1 September 2017

Christmas is coming for all Crafters

Hello and welcome to Amethystarcrafting.

Christmas is coming for all crafters and today is the 1st September and the launch of Autumn/Winter catalogue which is full of lots of Christmas goodies read for you to make all your Christmas cards and projects.

So for the next week before any goodies that you have ordered arrive I thought I would show you a series of Christmas cards using products from the Annual catalogue so you have a choice between both catalogues for ordering Christmas product.

This card uses,


This is now reduced to £3.60 so an absolute bargain just go to the Clearance rack and order while there are still stocks.

A whole pot full of metallic sequins in gold, silver, copper, iridescent, and black for £4.50

A lovely stamp set for all dog lovers with 11 images all for £18

The doilies which are shaped as snowflakes come 24 to a pack 12 each of silver and gold and are just gorgeous for accents.

This card would be lovely for any dog lovers out there and shows that you can use lots of different stamp sets in a Christmassy way.

Now for all you observant people out there you will have noticed that Bella is wearing a set of antlers well they are from Foxy Friends stamp set. Another gorgeous stamp set with a coordinating punch.

So some lovely items to order to make some gorgeous cards with including a Christmas card. Have fun and thanks for stopping by.