New Birthday Gift Bag

 I had to ponder this Gift Bag a few days and then it all came together when I chose Fresh Freesia as the card base.  Cloud Cover can be tricky to work with, but I think the Balance is Back!  I used Florals in Bloom Designer Paper which is ON SALE!!   Item 165175  $12.50 Sale price $10.63.

I pulled in Cloud Cover, Fresh Freesia, Secret Sea and Granny Apple Green.  I used the Color Lifter to lighten the Secret Sea Flowers on the Cake.  I SHOULD have used Garden Green for the leaves....but I had been coloring with Granny Apple Green all day and forgot to switch.  This embossing folder is retired, but I wanted to show how Embossing Designer paper and card stock TOGETHER for a unique look.  If your paper has LARGE images choose a SMALL pattern folder to accent both papers.

LOOK at ALL the colors in this Designer paper....NOT in every sheet of paper.  This sheet for example has Cloud Cover, Fresh Freesia, Garden Green, Petunia Pop and Secret Sea,

Did you know?  The Designer paper colors are listed on the Back of the cardboard sheet.  

- Colors: Bubble Bath, Cloud Cover, Darling Duckling, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, Peach Pie, Petunia Pop, Pretty In Pink, Secret Sea, Shy Shamrock, Strawberry Slush, Summer Splash, Timid Tiger

SHOP 24/7 at my website for this paper and MORE:  kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Birthday Cake Cards

 I spent most of the day working on Birthday Cake cards,  These have been so fun to make.  Pulling colors from the Designer paper and coloring the Cakes and Candles to match.  Coordination is the BEST with Stampin' Up products!  You can SEE the coordination in every step you take and colors you choose.  It makes crafting easy and fun!  20 new Birthday cards going on the card rack at the Independence Uptown Market Saturday 8/15.  8-1pm.  Come SHOP local!

Clean and Simple card with a Bit of Twine wrapped around the Balmy Blue card base and matching designer paper.

Another Balmy Blue card base and a cute Sentiment.

I wanted to accent this Cake with some Flowers to match this Designer paper.  Timid Tiger card base.

This Cake has Flowers colored with Blends, but I added MORE.  Can a card have too many Flowers?

Blends let you pull the vibrant colors out of the paper and Embellish!

I love this Drink  paper but had never cut into a single sheet.  Timid Tiger card base and a Floral Cake.

Love this Sentiment on a Granny Apple Green card base.  I used ALL the Colors on this card.

Daffodil Delight card base for these Bees Buzzing around this card,  Love the Sentiment that is in this Cake stamp.  Leaves the option to add another cute phrase.

These last 2 cards use elements from a Paper Pumpkin kit.  Berry Burst card base with some Blended blooms. 

Pool Party card base and love how the Gold Cake Stand pulls the Gold from the paper.  Stampin' Up is having a PAPER SALE!  Select colors of Card stock and Designer paper is ON SALE!  Grab your favorite colors and Patterns until the end of August while supplies last!

kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Bake Me a Cake!

 When I was little Birthdays were a DAY to celebrate with close Family and choose your cake flavor!  Mine was almost always Chocolate Cake with Chocolate frosting.  Betty Crocker was pretty new....so it was cool to use a cake mix.....times have changed for sure.  A Barbie Doll in a frosting Dress was always a far away dream!  I found a Retired Stamp set and Punch so Baked some Paper cakes for 2 NEW Birthday Bags for the Market.

Birthday are my Best sellers so trying to catch up on some new cards. This Retired Designer paper is so SUMMER.   Cake was colored with Blends. 

And this Crushed Curry Bag uses more Retired paper and a Daisy embossing folder ties the Cake Decor to this paper.  I had to cover s gap in the paper so the LARGE Daisy did the trick!

These Bags will hold Medium gifts....T-Shirt, Book, Lotions and lots of other options!

Come see me at the Market this Saturday and ALL the Saturdays thru October!  I have the NEW catalog to pass out!  SHOP 24/7 at my website:  kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Holiday Catalog Sneak Peak!!

 I know it is SUMMER.....but think of COOL temps and shopping at the Holiday Markets!  I am preparing for my Holiday Market and Stampin' Up has the cutest Bundle in the NEW Sept-Dec. Catalog.  Ask for your copy at the Market any week in August,  If you have ordered this year a copy will arrive in your mail soon!  You will have to wait to order in September and I'm sure this Set will sell fast so get it on your WISH list!  kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Introducing Christmas Crew!!  The minute I saw these adorable Critters and Sentiments I knew I had to decorate my Holiday wares with this Stamp Set!  They barely fit in a 2 1/4 circle punch.  Just enough to spread their message of CHEER!  

I colored a bit with Blends to match the Designer paper and added a 2 3/8 coordinating Circle behind the Critter.  I LOVE them so much!   I wrapped them up and they are packed for the Holiday Market.

 Tentative dates for Mistletoe Madness are 11/6-7.  Save the dates!

 Thanks to my Friend Jen who sits next to me at Independence Uptown Market for ordering these and our Surprise when they arrived and were the Holiday Tins!! 

Jolly Rancher Lip Balms

 More Lip Balms are being displayed this week at Independence Uptown Market.  I always loved Jolly Rancher Hard candy, especially Watermelon and Grape!  These are for the older crowd but still fine for the Young ones also!  Birthdays, Teachers, Friends and anyone who wants a Lip Balm handy!

I wrapped the Holder in Bright colored Designer paper.  Flavors are written on a slip of paper to keep me from guessing.

Come shop local Saturday 8am-1pm  Independence Uptown Market.  Check out their Facebook page for new videos of the Vendors for this market!  

Back to School Lip Balms

 I've been busy today packaging 16 new Lip Balms.  I found OREO Cookie lip Balms and knew they would be perfect for a Treat to slip in the Backpack for the Kiddos.  I used Retired stamps to Decorate and Designer paper.

The Alphabet paper all around and a Bird with Glasses on the front.  Lots of Oreo Flavors.  Mint, Lemon Creme, Chocolate, Birthday Cake and a few more I can't remember.  I added a slip of paper with the Flavor in all the Lip Balms I made today. 

I used some of the same paper patterns from the Bus Crayon Boxes also.

And a Stack of Books.  These turned out so cute!

Meet me at the Independence Uptown Market to shop for Back to School and all occasion items!  

8-1pm Saturday August 8th.  Lots of Great Veggies at the Market.  Come SHOP LOCAL!!

August Newsletter

 Well now my email will not let me start a New Email.....its always something so I'm trying a work around and will do a Blog Post instead!  And hopefully be able to send the Blog link from my phone!  

August Product of the Month has been announced!  Glow of Harvest  12X12 Designer paper $5.00 with a $75 purchase. 

DETAILS
- August 2026 Product of the Month
- 12 sheets: 2 each of 6 single-sided designs
- 12" x 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm)
- Acid and lignin free (this product is photo-safe)
- Includes shimmer
- Colors: Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Golden Glow, Pecan Pie

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The August Paper Sale starts TODAY!  

• While supplies last.  Designer paper and Select cardstock colors!
• You’ll find all qualifying items in one convenient location—the “Designer Series Paper and Cardstock Sale” page in my Online store.  kathyswanson.stampinup.net
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• New Kits are available  

The Haunted Halloween House is still available to add to your Halloween Decor!

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Last Chance products have also been updated so make sure and check them out!  

I will be at the Independence Uptown Market every Saturday in August!!  8am-1pm

I have the NEW Sept-December catalog available for pick up at the market!  If you have ordered from me this past year your catalog should be arriving in the MAIL soon!!

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August Paper Sale!!!

 Sale starts August 4th in my Online store!!  Designer Paper and Select cardstock!!

• While supplies last.
• You’ll find all qualifying items in one convenient location—the “Designer Series Paper and Cardstock Sale” page in my Online Store! kathy.swanson.stampinup.net

Mini Composition Books.....

 I have had these mini books hanging around waiting to DO something with them,  Today was the day!  The Retired School House paper had just enough scraps to cover the Books.  I used my score board to get an exact measurement before I cut the paper as they all varied a smidge in size!

I fussy cut a Pencil and kept the Greeting generic for all ages.  These would make a Great Password Book for all those darn Passwords you have to change oh so often!

I will have these at the Independence Uptown Market August 1st.  8-1pm.  I will be leaving at Noon this week so don't miss me!  I am also OFF Saturday August 8th.

The Wheels on the Bus.....

 August is a few days away and the Bus will be back to take the Kiddos to School.  I made these Crayon holders with a Note pad for the Littles.   16 Crayons, room to slip in a Gift card or some $$ Bills.  

And the BOX stands up on it's  own! I will have these packaged and ready to GO this Saturday at Independence Uptown Market!!  Come SHOP local!

Independence Uptown Market 8-1pm  Saturday August 1st.

My Christmas Card for 2026???

 Woodland Wishes is a NEW stamp set available NOW in Online Exclusives!  I LOVE to color and purchased this for my Christmas card this year!  Today is Christmas in July at the Independence Uptown Market.  I had good intentions of having several of these cards made for the event....BUT these are hard to color!  I started Friday evening and realized this was not going to happen to the level of Quality I strive for in my cards.  So time to Pivot and show you my sample with some suggestions!

I'm using up lots of Retired Shiny paper this year and this Wood Grain is a great fit for Woodland Wishes!  The small images are smaller than I first thought and its hard to keep inside the lines.  SO I will Heat Emboss the image in Gold, Silver or Black going forward.  The Embossed line helps keep your color inside the lines!  I also want to find a Die that allows room for one of these awesome sentiments!  Then I can POP up the entire scene on the card front! This card base is Shaded Spruce.  I used Blends in Shaded Spruce, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Gray Granite and Daffodil Delight.  

Look at these great Sentiments and individual critters!  And Below is a Water Color sample on a NEW Embossing folder!  I'll be trying this option also!  Check my website to purchase Woodland Wishes 168243  $21.00.  Textured Tree Ring is the embossing folder 168220 $12.00.  There are LOTS of Holiday items on the Website.  Check them out!  kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Lip Balm for the Little ones....

 These Stocking Lip Balm holders are filled with Winnie the Pooh Holiday Lip Balms.  I have labeled the flavor and Character on each package.  The Holder resembles a Chimney.  I will have these and MORE 7/25 at the Independence Uptown Market.  8-1pm  Come join us for Christmas in July!

I used some Red Velvet paper for the Cuff of the Stocking.  Some Silver Snowflakes on the Tag add shimmer.

And the labels identify what is inside!  

Holiday Gift Bags at the Market 7/25

 I will have some Sparkling Small Gift Bags at the Market Saturday 8-1pm.  This Paper is from last year but it still shines BRIGHT!!  Add a Gift Card, Treats or BOTH for a Great Holiday Gift.  More Tags with Metallic Stamped Snowflakes.  I love how Stampin' Up products coordinate and all my projects Mix N Match!

SO much SHINE on this Wood Grain bag!

And this Holly Pattern is so pretty.

Come check out all the Holiday items at the Christmas in July Market 7/25.  8-1pm.

Shop my website for NEW Holiday Online Exclusives.  

kathyswanson.stampinup.net

The New September-December catalog will be available soon.  I placed my pre-order today!

Christmas in July this Saturday!!

 July has really flown by and Independence Uptown Market is having a Christmas in July Market!!  I will have a preview of my NEW Christmas items at the Market!  I have been working on Lip Balms today.  Wrapped up in a Sparkling Plaid Tree holder.  This Lip Balm design will have Burt's Bees Peppermint Vanilla, Carmex Sugar Cookie and Carmex Candy Cane flavors.  Perfect Co-worker, Neighbor, Friends and Family gifts for the Holidays!   

I stamped these Gold Edged tags and added a Snowflake stamp in Gold Metalic.

All wrapped and ready for Holiday Giving!

Hope to see you Saturday 8-1pm!  I will have all my regular occasion cards and treats available too!  

Shop my website for Stampin' Up products to create your own projects!

kathyswanson.stampinup.net

NO Market for ME 7/18....but......

 get ready for Christmas in July 7/25!!  I have been crafting ALL week and will have a nice sample of my Holiday items.  7/25  8-1pm!!  Here is a Sneak Peak!

NEW Nail files!  I found a new supplier with these cute Winter scenes!  All wrapped up in Sparkling paper and Metallic ink snowflakes for accent!

Holiday Nivea Hand cream in Holiday Tins!!

Wrapped up with Holiday Sentiments!

And for the Little's Stockings.....a box of Crayons with a Snowman notepad in a decorated box.  

These turned out so cute!

SO Shop for Home Grown Produce 7/18 and check out my Booth Partner Jennifer for her crafty wares!

I'll be back 7/25 with Holiday items and my usual stock.  And we Hear Santa and the Mrs. will be at the Market from 10-12.  Come take an Elfie and get in the Spirit!  

August Paper Pumpkin Promotion and Sneak Peek of next 2 kits

 

Now’s a perfect time to get started with our all-inclusive crafting kit subscription! Purchase a pay-as-you-go subscription from July 11–August 10 and get 25% off the first kit. Not only will subscribers receive the wonderful August Kindred Greetings Kit at a discount, but they’ll also gain access to exclusive add-ons, past kits, and refills. It’s a great way to carve out a little creative “me time” each month while joining a global community of passionate crafters!

Details:

• Offer applies to new subscribers only (those who haven’t had an active Paper Pumpkin subscription in the past 18 months).
• Offer is valid for pay-as-you-go subscriptions only. Discount does not apply to prepaid subscriptions.
• The discounted first kit is the August Kindred Greetings Kit.
• This kit cannot be skipped.

Promotion Begins: July 11, 2026

Promotion Ends: August 10, 2026

Sign up for a Subscription at my website:  kathyswanson.stampinup.net

Sneak peeks:

AUGUST: Kindred Greetings

Subscribe July 11–August 10

Send timeless, understated cards with heartfelt messages of comfort and appreciation.

• Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs with 9 coordinating envelopes

• Precut paper pieces and intricate precut card fronts

• Gray and white twine

• Coordinating colors: Basic Gray, Calypso Coral, Gray Granite (Stampin’ Spot), Lost Lagoon, Petal Pink, Pool Party

Card bases and envelopes have a textured, linen-like feel.

SEPTEMBER: Aspens of Gratitude

Subscribe August 11–September 10

Share your gratitude with cards featuring beautifully hand-painted woodland designs.

• Makes 10 cards: 5 each of 2 designs with 10 coordinating envelopes

• Precut paper pieces

• Self-adhesive gem embellishments

• Coordinating colors: Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso (Stampin’ Spot), Golden Glow, Gray Granite, Mossy Meadow, Pumpkin Pie

Customize your cards with two stamp options for each label!

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