Floral Spray embossing ~ Color Dare #704

Are you ready for a new combo of colors to get your creativity going? Our Color Dare Team has just the combo for you! You must use at least 2 of the 3 colors shown in our graphic seen below. There are Free colors we offer to use with your challenge colors, but don't add any extra colors beyond that. See the graphic for the details.

Create any paper craft you liker. when you're ready to join our challenge use the direct link below the graphic. Most of all, have fun!

I was having a rough day when I needed to create for this challenge. When having those kind of days I seem to do best by keeping it simple. Now, simple doesn't mean plain or not pretty. Simple can be as wonderful and beautiful as any fancy and detailed design. Here is what I came up with for this color challenge.

Using an embossing folder (EF) is always a great way to start when going simple. The folder does the "heavy lifting" for you by creating a design that you can then use as is or add other techniques to enhance the design. The EF I used is our New Floral Spray EF and it's gorgeous! Since it's a 3D folder it has so much detail. After embossing I used my White Pigment Ink Pad to swipe across the raised side of the design. It gives an incredible look to the design, don't you think? You can also do this with a colored ink pad for another great look!

Once the embossed layer was done I decided to create a frame. This frame is from the New Phrases & Frames Dies. This is the largest frame from the set. It also includes some medium and small frames that are wonderful, too. 

The really great thing about this die set is the detail in the frames. The way to make the most of that is to first die cut the frame. Next use our New Impressions Plate to emboss. You now have the die cut with the details! It's easy to do! There is a nice instruction sheet that comes with the Impressions Plate (which is really a rubber type mat) making this 2 step technique easy to do.

Once I did those two things I put all the parts together along with a sentiment and some gems. Simple and pretty all at once!

The inside of the card is also simple. I used a couple of the trimmings from the EF piece to decorate along the edges. I also stamped and punched a butterfly from our NEW All Aflutter bundle to accent the sentiment. What a pretty way to bring all 3 of the colors together!

Direct link to Color Dare #704

Now it's your turn to create and share using our color challenge. We love seeing how our colors inspire you! Have fun!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator 

MichelleLoncar.stampinup.net

Images©Stampin' Up!®

#showandtellwithmichelle #colordarechallenge #colorchalolenge #cardmaking 

Blend and Emboss

Hello! Today I'm sharing a card inspired by one made by Karen Ksenzakovic. It's a pretty and easy way to add color to a design for a big impact. Let's take a look. 

I stated by cutting a mask with an open area of 2" x 3".  This was laid over my card stock and I applied 3 different inks with Blending Brushes. I love the colors and how they remind me of a sunset. 

Once the color was applied it was embossed with a 3D folder called Lazy Daisy. The color blended area really pops and shows off the embossed detail. 

By the way, the colors I used are 3 of our NEW 2026-2028 In Colors: Barely Blue, Crisp Cantalope and Hydrangea Hue. This is a sneak peek as they won't be available for a couple weeks. Mark your calendar for May 5th when our NEW catalog goes live!

A mat was added to frame the embossed layer and help it pop even more! A simple little greeting was added and kept simple. One tiny Dot helps draw your eye to the greeting without distracting  from the beautiful colors.

One more thing.... don't forget to decorate your envelope! Even just a little bit makes it special. Here you can see I embossed the flap to match the card. It will be a nice surprise when they go to open the envelope!

It's very simple yet looks more involved than it really is. Why not give it a try? What colors would you use? The possibility is endless!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator 

Images© Stampin' Up!®

#showandtellwithmichelle #cardmaking #colorblending #2026-2028InColors

Available May 5th:

Available now:

Embossed Panel Card

 Today I'm sharing an idea that uses both dry embossing and heat embossing! It creates a beautiful contrast and really is easy to do!

Let's start with the layers: card base 4.25" x 5.5", black CS: 4" x 5.25". Glue the black to the card base and set aside. Simple, right?

The panels are 1.5" x 3.75". You'll need 1 black CS and 2 in Copper Foil. 

I put all 3 panels in the Sunflower embossing folder right next to each other and sent it through the embossing machine.

Once embossed you can glue the copper foil panels to the card front. Place them on the outer edges saving the inside area for the black CS.

Using a Versamark pad gently tap it onto the embossed black CS. Sprinkle on the Copper Metallic Embossing Powder. Tap off the excess and heat set. Now this panel is ready to be glues to the middle of the card front.

I didn't use a sentiment or any embellishments because I felt the beautiful panels were enough, but it's up to you if you'd like more on the front! We all have our own styles and that's what makes it fun.

I mentioned this was easy, right? Now do you believe me? Why not give it a try yourself. It would look great in the other Metallic Wow colors, too. 

Have fun!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator 

Imagres©Stampin' Up!

#showndtellwithmichelle #cardmaking #embossing #sunflowerembossingfolder

Greenery Lane ~ Color Dare #692

 Friday means a new color challenge from our Team at Color Dare! This challenge gives you three colors but you only have to use 2...or all 3! There are Free colors you can use with your 2 or 3 from the graphic. DO NOT add any other extra colors. If you are combining challenges be careful of your colors!

Make any paper craft you like. When you're ready to join our challenge use the direct link below the graphic.

When I started my card I was thinking of using only 2 of the colors. Plans changed and I ended up using all 3 colors! You need to be flexible, right? I kept the design simple and love how it turned out. The idea for the scored circle came from a reel I saw shared by Kathy's Stamping World. After watching her idea I knew it was a detail I wanted to include in my design. I love what a sharing community we are!

In keeping with a simple design and being inspired by Kathy's idea, I got out my Greenery Lane Washi Tape and picked out the leaves matching the green in the challenge and die cut just those leaves. I also die cut some of the dainty flowers with the dies out of cardstock. Some of the leaf tips are popped up with foam to give some dimension.

Here's where my plan original deviated. I decided the flowers looked too plain without a center so I added a tiny yellow flat pearl. 

Direct Link to Color Dare #692

The inside of the card coordinates with the card front. I had a couple leftover leaves and flowers just begging to be used. the inside is the perfect place for those leftovers. I did include the flat pearls since they are fairly flat. When I use the card I'll write a custom message.

I hope you like this idea and will give it a try yourself! That's what makes sharing so much fun....inspiring others!

Have a crafty day!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator 

Images©Stampin' Up!

#showandtellwithmichelle #colordarechallenge #cardmaking #techniques

Simple Strips Card

Hello, how are you doing today? Feel like using up some of the many scraps that seem to accumulate overnight? There are many ways to use those paper strips left when trimming papers and this is just one of the ways. It's one I saw inspired by Dawn Griffith and couldn't wait to try it myself. I did put a bit of my own spin on it as I was crafting.

First, pick out 3 pieces of DSP for your card front. My strips are 3/4" x 4.1/4". The gold layer for each is 7/8" x 4-3/8". The sentiment layers are a bit larger: 3/4" x 3-3/4" and 1" x 4".

The background was embossed then lightly colored with a blending brush and ink. The sentiment layer is also colored with the blending brush.

A ribbon was added to the sentiment layer before popping it up on Stampin' Dimensionals.  Some gems were added to bring in a bit more sparkle. 

So now I have used at least 3 of the scraps I've kept for just such an occasion! Change out the sentiment and this can brr down for any occasion!

Go ahead and play with your scraps and see what you come up with! I bet you'll be surprised AND have fun at the same time.

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up® Demonstrator 

Images©Stampin' Up

#showandtellwithmichelle #cardmaking #usingscraps #embossing

What's Up Wednesday ~ Easy & Elegant

This What's Up Wednesday post is all about elegance....the easy way! Sometimes simple and easy is the way to go!

I actually designed this card in my head as I was drifting off to sleep last night. Does that ever happen to you? Sometimes those designs work just right and sometimes they don't. This time is a just right time! 

Christmas cards and embossing just seem to go together. Agree? On this card I've done both versions of embossing: heat and folder. I love the texture from both techniques and the sparkle of the gold is so pretty!

I wanted to keep a clean white look to the card with touches of gold. The Gold Foil paper goes perfectly with the gold heat embossing of the snowflakes and the ephemera sentiment. I even added a bit more gold in the gems and the twine. The snowflakes are popped up on Dimensionals.

The four squares (1.5") are the embossing folder design part of the card. The pattern adds a cozy look. 

This card came together pretty quickly and I love how it turned out! I just might make some more to send out soon!

Thanks for stopping by. Come back often for more ideas, inspiration and information!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up® Demonstrator 

Images©Stampin' Up

#showandtellwithmichelle #cardmaking #christmascards #embossing

What's Up Wednesday ~ Embossing on a Candle

 Have you ever tried to emboss a candle? It's to that difficult and turns out so very pretty! It's a great gift, too! Now, technically you don't emboss directly on the candle itself. Keep reading for directions and a video on how this is done. Then give it a try yourself!

This is the candle I used to demonstrate this technique at a recent team meeting. I learned how to do this many, many years ago! Be patient with your first try as you might get some "bumps" in the wax. But you can smooth those out. Ok let's go!

First you'll heat emboss your image on tissue paper. Stamp the image in Versamark ink, sprinkle on the embossing powder, tap off the excess and heat. Because the tissue paper is so flimsy I hold it against a piece of cardstock while heating. Once heated trim the tissue paper around your image.

Lay your embossed image on the candle and gently hold in place at one end. Using the heat tool start heating the candle at the other end of the image. You'll see the tissue paper melt into the wax and "disappear". This is what you want to happen! Don't hold the heat tool too close as that melts the wax to much. You only want to melt it enough to absorb the tissue paper. Keep moving the heat tool around until all the tissue paper is melted into the wax. 

If you have bumps in the wax from the heat tool blowing on the candle here is what I do. I back off a bit with the heat tool and melt the bumps while rubbing over them with my fingers lightly. This will smooth out the bumps like they were never there.

NOTE: I recommend starting with a white or off white candle color. Once you've perfected the technique then try a colored candle. When picking out a colored candle look at the bottom to see if there is a nice amount of color layered on the candle. Usually colored candles start with a white "base" and are dipped in the colored wax several times for the finished look. When heating the wax for this technique br careful not to linger in any spot long enough to melt through to the white layer.

Here is a candle I embossed over 25 years ago! It's a Close To My Heart image repeated on all four sides of the candle to create a wrap. 

HINT: once your candle burns down enough to create a nice well, stop burning the candle itself. Instead place a tea light or one of those little battery candles in the well to "light" the candle. 

Here is a video of the process from the team meeting. 

I hope you give this technique a try! It's easy once you get a bit of practice. Maybe start out with a small image and a votive candle.  Have fun!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up® Demonstrator 

Images©Stampin' Up

#showandtellwithmichelle #heatembossing #embossingcandles

Embossed Vellum Card ~ Color Dare 680

Our color challenge this week is to use red and green. We also give you Free colors to use if you choose. Those would be B&W, Neutrals and/or Metallics. No other colors are allowed. Make any paper craft you like. When you'r ready to join our challenge use the link below the graphic.

 Here is a quick way to make a card look like it took a lot of time! It starts with a green base for the card. Next is a red layer in CS. Now comes the fun part....an embossed layer of Vellum! Look how pretty all the details turn out on Vellum. 

A die cut piece of white for the sentiment with fancy edges adds a lot to the design. A fussy cut flower from the DSP is a nice touch to dress up the corner. A pretty red ribbon and some glittery dots finish the look. Oh, the sentiment is popped up on Dimensionals, too. 

It literally took the same amount of time to make the card as it did to type this post! This is a great design when you have a lot of cards to make.

Direct link to Color Dare #680

Come back often for more ideas and inspiration!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up® Demonstrator 

Images©Stampin' Up

#showandtellwithmichelle #colordare #cardmaking #embossing #christmascards

Sunflower Card ~ Color Dare #677

Are you feeling creative but not sure where to start? How about starting with a color challenge from our team at Color Dare? Every Friday we give you a combo of colors to get you started. This week we give you two colors + 1 color of your choice. There are also Free color you can use along with the colors shown in the graphic. Do not add any extra colors beyond this so be careful if you're combining challenges.  

My two colors are Pumpkin Pie and Garden Green. My 1 color of choice is Darling Duckling and I added the neutral color Pecan Pie. 

I embossed my design and used sponge daubers to add color to the flowers. The embossed panel is edged with Pecan Pie CS. The sentiment was decorated with gems and a ribbon. Simple and easy to create. The colors got me going and I like having something to point me in a direction to get started. 

Direct Link to Color Dare #677

Now it's your turn to create and share. We love seeing how our colors inspire you. Have fun!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up® Demonstrator 

Images©Stampin' Up

#showandtellwithmichelle #colordarechallenge #colorchallenge #cardmaking

Sunflower Look ~ Color Dare #670

You know what Friday means!!! A new color challenge from our Design Team at Color Dare Challenge! Each Friday we go live with a new color challenge to get you started creating. Make any paper craft you like. If you care combining challenges be careful with your colors to make sure they meet our rules. For this challenge you must use at least 3 colors seen anywhere in the graphic. When you're ready to join our challenge use the direct link below the graphic.

For my project I decided to go with an idea from Pinterest. It's a simple idea and will work with so many different products. Here I'm using our Sunflower Embossing Folder and plaid paper to create the design. The embossing was done on Cloud Cover CS and inked with sponge daubers. That layer was torn and layered with CS as an accent.

I used Antique Pearls for my embellishments after I colored them with a Mossy Meadow Stampin' Blend Marker. When coloring gems the color usually comes out a bit lighter so you may want to use a darker shade. 

Direct link to Color Dare #670

Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder

Timeless Plaid 6"x6" DSP

Antique Pearls

A few basic supplies also used:

• Stamp Set: Simply Said (sentiment)
• Cardstock: Cloud Cover, Darling Duckling
• Inks: Misty Moonlight, Darling Duckling, Garden Green
• Stampin' Blend Marker: Mossy Meadow
• Sponge Daubers

Now it's your turn to create and share using our colors. We can't wait to see what you create! Have fun!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stmapin' Up® Demonstrator 

Images©Stampin' Up

#showandtellwithmichelle #colordare #colorchallenge #cardmaking#embossing

Simple Sunflower Card ~ Color Dare #668

It's Friday.....yea! How about a new color challenge from our Design Team at Color Dare? We get the creative process started by giving you the colors to design with. You take it from there! 

The challenge gives you red and yellow for the colors to create with. In addition, we give you some free colors IF you want to use those, too. Black, White, Neutrals (gray, brown) and gold metallic are your free choices. Do not add any other colors to your palette. If you combine our challenge with others be sure your colors meet our rules.

This card was inspired by one I saw on Pinterest. It just spoke to me and I knew this was a good design for this challenge. Using our Sunflower 3D embossing folder I ran through a strip of the yellow CS. I trimmed it down to two pieces 2" x 2-1/2" and matted in red. The red leaves add a nice touch and bring in more of the red. 

I was deciding if I should use some embellishments of some kind when I instead went with stamping a simple sentiment in the middle. The sunflower pieces are so pretty I didn't feel the need for anything else.

Inside the card I stamped a sentiment but wanted more. I had some leftover embossed yellow CS just laying there waiting to be used. I trimmed it at an angle then added a thin red border before adding it to the card. Simple but pretty!

Direct link to Color Dare #668

I love the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder! Because it's 3D the pattern is deeply embossed and so full of detail. It lends itself to all kinds of techniques. I think it's a must have item!

Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder

For this project I only needed to use the small leaves. However, this set of dies coordinates with other Impression Abloom products to make gorgeous paper crafts. Click on the link and you'll see a drop down menu with the other products in this line.

Impressions Abloom Dies

The Simply Said stamp set is a go to item for me when deciding on a sentiment. As you can see there are  sentiments that cover a variety of occasions. I use this set so often! It's definitely a must-have!

Simply Said Stamp Set

A few more basics:

• Cardstock: Basic White, Real Red, Daffodil Delight
• Ink: Real Red

How about giving our color challenge a try? It's fun and we love seeing how you use our colors. Have fun!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up® Demonstrator 

Images©Stampin' Up

#showandtellwithmichelle #colordare #colorchallenge #cardmaking

Embossed Card ~ Color Dare #651

Friday means it's time for a new Color Dare Challenge! This week it's easy.....or is it? Seriously, I think it's easy. 

You must use the color shown in the graphic below BUT you get to add ONE color of your choice! There are some free colors that are extra. See the graphic for more info. 

My card is very simple in design because I had limited creative time today. I'm sure you can all relate. I embossed a panel as my focal point using a new folder and I LOVE this texture! The rest is a matter of layering with my + one color and stamping a sentiment. A few embellishments and I was done. 

This is a card that could be for anyone and any occasion. I like that versatility!

Close-up of embossed detail.

Direct link to Color Dare #651

Blooming Phrases Stamp Set
I love the font on these sentiments. The added plus of the little flowers is a great bonus. 

Glass & Gardens Embossing Folders Set
I think this set might be my favorite new embossing folders.

A few more products used:

• Cardstock: Coastal Cabana, Azure Afternoon
• Ink: Azure Afternoon
• Embellishments: Starburst Sequins, Shades of Green Hexagons, White Ribbon

Now it's your turn to create!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator 

#showandtellwithmichelle #cardmaking #color dare challenge #colordare

Die Cut Beauty ~ Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge 611

Welcome to  Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge and the first challenge of 2025! When creating for our challenge you must use our sketch as a starting point. You can flip, turn make subtle changes....we just need to be able to see our sketch in your project. Most of all, have fun!

Once again I stayed fairly true to the sketch itself. I went with a monochromatic color scheme and did a die cut version of the focal image. I also moved the sentiment to the lower part of the card. 

I love this new die cut and the stamp set that goes with it. You can get it individually or as a bundle (10% savings). Going with the Gold I think really takes it up a notch. 

Take a look below for the products I used to make this card.

Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge

The sketch goes live every Monday. Our blog opens for entries on Wednesday.

Memorable Blooms Bundle

Shades & Hues DSP (6"x6")

Textured Metallics Specialty Paper (12"x12")

A few more products used:

• Cardstock: Basic White, Coastal Cabana
• Embossing: Versamark, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool
• Adhesive Backed Sparkle Gems

Why not give our challenge a try? We get you started with a sketch. We love seeing how creative you are in using our sketch.

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator 

#showandtellwithmichelle #sketchchallenge #atlanticheartssketchchallenge 

Embossed and Stenciled Card ~ Color Dare #621

Come on in! It's time for a Tic Tac Toe challenge from our team at Color Dare! Pick your colors by row, column or diagonal. After that you can use more of the colors in the graphic if you like. There are some Free to add colors, too. See the graphic for the details. 

Your colors must be a very close match. Kind of close doesn't count. Make any paper craft you like. When you're ready to join our challenge click here. 

I used the right column of colors for my card. The image was dry embossed then sponged with ink.  More details shared with the photos.

As I was sponging the color on the leaves I kept it light. This gave it a "pointillism" look as a technique. The flowers are tiny so they came out solid so you could see the color. I added some sparkles and a sentiment and it was done!

Direct link to Color Dare #621

 Floral Sprig Embossing Folder + Stencil
Available individually or as a set.

A few other products used for the card:

• Simply Said Stamp Set (sentiment)
• Cardstock: Basic White, Crushed Curry, Petal Pink, Garden Green
• Ink: Crushed Curry, Petal Pink, Garden Green
• Rhinestones
• Sponge

This is a great way to create a pretty card in a short time. Change out the colors for a wide variety of looks. 

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see your project for this Color Dare!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator 

#showandtellwithmichelle #colordare #cardmaking #stenciling #embossing

Shadow Stamping Card

Here is a technique I know you'll have fun with! It uses heat embossing to create the look and will look great with lots of other color combo's, too! 

The first layer is dry embossed with an embossing folder done in a tone on tone look with the card base. the top layer is where the magic happens. First you stamp the image with Gray ink to create the shadow. Next is the heat embossing with white powder. After it's cooled a few seconds or so you can use a Blending Brush to add a "cloud" of ink around the image. Wipe the ink off the white embossed area with a cloth or tissue.

Finish the look with a sentiment, bow in the stems and some dots of Black pearlized Enamel. 

To heat emboss you first stamp the image with Versamark ink. It's a sticky ink that will hold the powder. Sprinkle on the powder and tap off the excess. Heat with the heat tool until the powder has melted. 

See below for the products I used to make this card and another example of this technique.

Here is a look using Misty Moonlight and Boho Blue colors. I can't wait to try even more combo's with this technique!

Delicate Forest Stamp Set

Dashing Designs 3D Embossing Folder

Basics WOW Embossing Powder

Versamark Ink Pad

Heat Tool

Just a couple more products:

• Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Basic Beige 
• Ink: Basic Gray
• Blending Brush
• Black & Very Vanilla Ribbon
• Pearlized Enamel Effects Black

I hope you give this technique a try. I know you'll have a lot of fun creating this look!

Michelle Loncar

Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator

#showandtellwithmichelle #stampinup #cardmaking #heatembossing