Pals August Blog Hop: Animal House!

Welcome to the Stampin’ Pretty Pals’ Blog Hop!

This month’s theme is Animal House—and the Pals are here to inspire you with a parade of paw-some card ideas and paper craft creations, all featuring Stampin’ Up! products. At the end of each post, you’ll find links to all the participant blogs so you can “hop” along and gather ideas to make your own projects roar with personality. 🐾

Today, I’m featuring two 3D projects using the very fun, and very popular Spooky Sweet Suite Collection. The little animals in their full Halloween regalia are so whimsical and cute! The Designer Series Papers are definitely heavier on the SWEET, and lighter on the SPOOKY! Here they are:

I had these 4″ by 4″ frames sitting in my craft room, so I thought it might be fun to create some Halloween decor using the frames and creating a little Halloween scene using these costumed trick or treaters. In addition, I decided to make them SHAKER frames, with sparkly little shaker elements inside the frame.

First, I took the frame apart, and then cut a 5 by 5″ window sheet panel, and adhering to the back of the frame opening. I built the Shaker Frame by then adding Foam adhesive strips around the underside of the frame on top of the window sheet. I then added a background piece from the Spooky Sweet Designer Series Papers. You can leave this 12 by 12″ paper as a longer cute sidewalk scene, or you can cut the little buildings apart!

Before sealing the shaker frame up, I added some Loose Shaker Elements inside. I punched out some of the characters from the sheets with all the punch-outs! I then built my little trick-or-treat scene on the outside of the frame using the little characters, a tree branch, bats, candy corn — whatever! This paper is so fun!

I heat embossed two sentiments from the stamp set onto some coordinating Designer Series paper using white embossing powder, and added those sentimes to the frames, and I was done! I love how the frame sparkles and shakes. This would be fun decor for someone’s desk through the Halloween season!

We have more inspiration to share, so use the lineup below to visit the rest of the Pals. Next month we will create beautiful inspiration for a “Ready for Fall” theme and hope you will join us. Until then, have fun in your craft space.

Stampin’ Pretty Pals Blog Hop

  1. Mary Fish at Stampin’ Pretty
  2. Su Mohr at Aromas And Art
  3. Debbie Mageed at Secrets to Stamping
  4. Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom
  5. Sue Jackson at Just Peachy Stamping
  6. Mary Hanson at Up North Stampin’
  7. Peggy Noe at Pretty Paper Cards
  8. Windy Ellard at Windy’s Wonderful Creations
  9. Tricia Chuba at ButterDish Designs
  10. Stesha Bloodhart at Stampin’ Hoot!
  11. Rae Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
  12. Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
Product List

And be sure to join my private Facebook Group — the Up North Stampin’ Gang! We post, we share, and just have a lot of fun! Go here and request to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199783410436824

Happy Stamping! Mary

In-Color Sale This Month at SU!

Stampin’ Up! is having a fun sale this month, starting August 5! You will receive 15% off on select products that feature the new 2025-2027 In Colors. If you haven’t purchased the inks, cardstocks, or designer papers that feature our five beautiful new In Colors, this month is your chance!

To refresh your memory, the new colors are (from top to bottom in the graphic above): Cloud Cover, Darling Duckling, Secret Sea, Strawberry Slush, and Timid Tiger! I love them all, can you imagine that? ❤

Here are a few things to know about this sale:

  • This sale includes select inks, cardstock, Designer Series Paper, embellishments and other products that include these new colors. Products featured in the 2025-2027 In Colors page are included in the promotion (see exclusion below).
  • Some products are excluded from the sale, including the Month by Month Album Retreat 2025 Kit (#167338).
  • Products are available while supplies last.

The sale starts Tuesday, August 5, 2025 and runs the entire month of August!

I LOVE COLOR! And the introduction of the In-Colors each year is always exciting to me. Which is your fave?


And be sure to join my private Facebook Group — the Up North Stampin’ Gang! We post, we share, and just have a lot of fun! Go here and request to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199783410436824

Happy Stamping! Mary

Charming! A Fun and Easy Card Layout

My Up North Stampin’ Gang tried a new challenge with a fun card design called 3-3-3. Thanks to Heidi Collins at On-Y-Go Stamping for idea.

This is a great design for that time when you need a quick card, or you’re having a creative ‘block.’ Here are the quick directions:

Supplies:

  • 3 strips of Designer Series Papers at 1 1/2″ by 4.” they can be the same or different in patterns.
  • 3 die cuts, or other stamped and cut images
  • 3 embellishments (getting the idea of 3??)
  • An A2 card base, either horizontal or vertical

Arrange your patterned strips on the front of the card base so they are evenly distributed on your card borders, leaving a gap between two strips for your sentiment. This can be either between the top or the bottom two strips. Adhere one strip, either top or bottom so you know where to stamp your sentiment.

Stamp the sentiment, and then adhere the other two strips evenly. Have fun placing your die cuts, and then your embellishments. Decorate the inside however you’d like! What a cute and simple card to make with friends or family.

Here are a couple of cards from my Gang — Aren’t they fun, and adorable?

Remember: 3-3-3! It’s easy and asthetically pleasing, AND takes all the guesswork out of it for you! I hope you’ll give this fun card layout and design! Here are the supplies to starting shopping with me!

Product List

And be sure to join my private Facebook Group — the Up North Stampin’ Gang! We post, we share, and just have a lot of fun! Go here and request to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199783410436824

Happy Stamping! Mary

Last Day of Free Shipping July 25!

July 25 is our last day of FREE SHIPPING with a purchase of $75 or more before taxes. Now is the time to cash in, especially when you consider you are saving 11% and you are also earning 10% Stampin’ Rewards with every purchase of $20. That’s 21%!!

Don’t forget to check out the Last Chance Products to add even more savings – some products are discounted up to 60% off!

And shop ALL the ONLINE EXCLUSIVES by STARTING HERE!! I’ve added some of my faves below! Let me know if you have any questions. Happy FREE SHIPPING SHOPPING!

Spooky Sweet Suite Collection
Long Time No See Stamp Set
Tractor & Co. Bundle
Floral Charm Suite Collection

In addition, Stampin’ Up! added some new – and adorable – kits. Kits are the BEST — perfect for getting together with family or friends and just having fun with no need for planning or prep! Just creativity!

Make Halloween gifting extra special with the Sweet & Spooky Kit! This kit makes 15 treat boxes (5 each of 3 playful designs) featuring cute ghosts, bats, pumpkins, and more in a fun palette of black, pink, orange, and iridescent. With matching tags and ribbon included, these sweet boxes are perfect for party favors, classroom treats, or spooky surprises.

DETAILS
– Makes 15 treat boxes: 5 each of 3 designs
– Colors: Basic Black, Bubble Bath, Fresh Freesia, iridescent, Pumpkin Pie

Kit includes one of each item listed below.
– Step-by-step instructions
– Printed and iridescent-foil precut pieces
– Paper clips
– Pressed wood picks
– Baker’s twine
– Adhesive-backed holographic stars
– Adhesive

Serve up a slice of celebration with the Birthday Fancy Kit! With layered cakes, teacups, florals, and doily details in soft pastels, these 12 cards (4 each of 3 designs) are like a birthday party in an envelope. Whether you’re crafting for birthdays or other sweet occasions, each design makes it easy to create something charming and full of cheer.

DETAILS
– Makes 12 cards: 4 each of 3 designs
– Folded card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ (14 x 10.8 cm)
– Colors: Darling Duckling, Fresh Freesia, gold, Lost Lagoon, Petal Pink, Strawberry Slush
– Also available in French

Kit includes one of each item listed below.
– Birthday Fancy Photopolymer Stamp Set
– Clear stamp block
– Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin’ Spot
– Step-by-step instructions
– 12 printed envelopes
– Gold foil accents
– Adhesive

Go HERE to see all the kids in the Kits Collection!


And be sure to join my private Facebook Group — the Up North Stampin’ Gang! We post, we share, and just have a lot of fun! Go here and request to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199783410436824

Happy Stamping! Mary

Free Shipping July 23-25!

Yay! FREE SHIPPING for three days only with an order of $75 or more, before tax! Great news, especially when you consider that you’ll also receive Stampin’ Rewards to use on your NEXT order! It’s a win-win!

Don’t forget to check out the Last Chance Products!

And shop ALL the ONLINE EXCLUSIVES by STARTING HERE!! I’ve added some of my faves below! Let me know if you have any questions. Happy FREE SHIPPING SHOPPING!

Spooky Sweet Suite Collection
Long Time No See Stamp Set
Tractor & Co. Bundle
Floral Charm Suite Collection

In addition, Stampin’ Up! added some new – and adorable – kits. Kits are the BEST — perfect for getting together with family or friends and just having fun with no need for planning or prep! Just creativity!

Make Halloween gifting extra special with the Sweet & Spooky Kit! This kit makes 15 treat boxes (5 each of 3 playful designs) featuring cute ghosts, bats, pumpkins, and more in a fun palette of black, pink, orange, and iridescent. With matching tags and ribbon included, these sweet boxes are perfect for party favors, classroom treats, or spooky surprises.

DETAILS
– Makes 15 treat boxes: 5 each of 3 designs
– Colors: Basic Black, Bubble Bath, Fresh Freesia, iridescent, Pumpkin Pie

Kit includes one of each item listed below.
– Step-by-step instructions
– Printed and iridescent-foil precut pieces
– Paper clips
– Pressed wood picks
– Baker’s twine
– Adhesive-backed holographic stars
– Adhesive

Serve up a slice of celebration with the Birthday Fancy Kit! With layered cakes, teacups, florals, and doily details in soft pastels, these 12 cards (4 each of 3 designs) are like a birthday party in an envelope. Whether you’re crafting for birthdays or other sweet occasions, each design makes it easy to create something charming and full of cheer.

DETAILS
– Makes 12 cards: 4 each of 3 designs
– Folded card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ (14 x 10.8 cm)
– Colors: Darling Duckling, Fresh Freesia, gold, Lost Lagoon, Petal Pink, Strawberry Slush
– Also available in French

Kit includes one of each item listed below.
– Birthday Fancy Photopolymer Stamp Set
– Clear stamp block
– Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin’ Spot
– Step-by-step instructions
– 12 printed envelopes
– Gold foil accents
– Adhesive

Go HERE to see all the kids in the Kits Collection!


And be sure to join my private Facebook Group — the Up North Stampin’ Gang! We post, we share, and just have a lot of fun! Go here and request to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199783410436824

Happy Stamping! Mary

So Many New Products to See!

Stampin’ Up! has some NEW Online Exclusive items that are available to order now!!  You won’t find these products in any catalog; theyre only in the online store! They’re also only available while supplies last, so order early for the best selection!

Take a look at some of the new beautiful suites and bundles, and I’ll save my fave product for last:

Painterly Pears Suite Collection
Spooky Sweet Suite Collection
Long Time No See Stamp Set
Tractor & Co. Bundle
Floral Charm Suite Collection

And Ta Da!! My favorite — It’s just beautiful in person!

Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder

Shop ALL the ONLINE EXCLUSIVES by STARTING HERE!!


In addition, Stampin’ Up! added some new – and adorable – kits today. Kits are the BEST — perfect for getting together with family or friends and just having fun with no need for planning or prep! Just creativity!

Make Halloween gifting extra special with the Sweet & Spooky Kit! This kit makes 15 treat boxes (5 each of 3 playful designs) featuring cute ghosts, bats, pumpkins, and more in a fun palette of black, pink, orange, and iridescent. With matching tags and ribbon included, these sweet boxes are perfect for party favors, classroom treats, or spooky surprises.

DETAILS
– Makes 15 treat boxes: 5 each of 3 designs
– Colors: Basic Black, Bubble Bath, Fresh Freesia, iridescent, Pumpkin Pie

Kit includes one of each item listed below.
– Step-by-step instructions
– Printed and iridescent-foil precut pieces
– Paper clips
– Pressed wood picks
– Baker’s twine
– Adhesive-backed holographic stars
– Adhesive

Serve up a slice of celebration with the Birthday Fancy Kit! With layered cakes, teacups, florals, and doily details in soft pastels, these 12 cards (4 each of 3 designs) are like a birthday party in an envelope. Whether you’re crafting for birthdays or other sweet occasions, each design makes it easy to create something charming and full of cheer.

DETAILS
– Makes 12 cards: 4 each of 3 designs
– Folded card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ (14 x 10.8 cm)
– Colors: Darling Duckling, Fresh Freesia, gold, Lost Lagoon, Petal Pink, Strawberry Slush
– Also available in French

Kit includes one of each item listed below.
– Birthday Fancy Photopolymer Stamp Set
– Clear stamp block
– Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin’ Spot
– Step-by-step instructions
– 12 printed envelopes
– Gold foil accents
– Adhesive

Go HERE to see all the kids in the Kits Collection!


And be sure to join my private Facebook Group — the Up North Stampin’ Gang! We post, we share, and just have a lot of fun! Go here and request to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199783410436824

Happy Stamping! Mary

A Beautiful and Bright New Kit!

Have you been to the Kits Collection page lately? If you have, you may have noticed a fun new kit called “So Much to Celebrate.” Whether it’s for a graduation, a wedding, or welcoming a new baby, nothing says congratulations quite like a handmade card. With the all-inclusive kit featuring gold foil details, precut flowers, and puffy stickers, you can make beautiful cards to celebrate any occasion.

Here are the three designs this kit creates:

DETAILS
– Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs
– 2 folded card sizes
– 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ (10.5 x 14.9 cm): 6 cards
– 6″ x 3″ (15.2 x 7.6 cm): 3 cards
– Colors: Balmy Blue, Old Olive, Pecan Pie, Petal Pink, Pumpkin Pie

The kit includes one of each item listed below.
– Step-by-step instructions
– 9 printed envelopes
– Puffy stickers
– Gold foil
– Adhesive
– A 9-7/8″ x 6-1/2″ x 2-3/4″ (25.1 x 16.5 x 7 cm) printed box for storage or crafting on the go

KITS COLLECTION
– Includes predesigned projects that come in a range of project types.
– Is perfect for new crafters, busy crafters, or crafters who want quick and easy projects.

View the entire Kits Collection HERE! You’ll be glad you did!


Product List

And be sure to join my private Facebook Group — the Up North Stampin’ Gang! We post, we share, and just have a lot of fun! Go here and request to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199783410436824

Happy Stamping! Mary

Two Bundles, And One is at Half Price!

If you could choose two bundles to buy from all the new products at Stampin’ Up!, which would they be? Or two suites? Or two stamp sets?

And if one of those two was offered at half price, wouldn’t that be LOVELY? Well, it’s happening now until the end of June! Grab one, get the second at 50%!

And there are so many! Below are some of the special bundles you can now get on Buy One, Get One 50%! Just click on one, and you will start shopping with me. Stampin’ Up! will automatically take the lesser-priced item and make it half price! OH — and if you make a second order, use your Stampin’ Rewards to save even more money, or save the Rewards for later! Please let me know if you need help with an order!

Product List

And be sure to join my private Facebook Group — the Up North Stampin’ Gang! We post, we share, and just have a lot of fun! Go here and request to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199783410436824

Happy Stamping! Mary

Pals June Blog Hop: Those Beautiful New In-Colors!

Welcome to the Stampin’ Pretty Pals’ Blog Hop! This month, we’re diving into the beautiful and brand-new 2025-2027 Stampin’ Up! In Colors! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting on your stamping journey, these fresh hues are giving us all inspiration. Click through each link at the bottom of this post to “hop” along and see how our community is using these beautiful new shades in their projects. You’ll leave with inspirational ideas, and maybe a few new must-haves on your wishlist!

I really love all the new In Colors recently revealed by Stampin’ Up!, but for today’s card, I chose Strawberry Slush. What a fun color! I wasn’t with SU! when Strawberry Slush was first introduced and then retired, so I am doubly enjoying this warm, luscious shade, perfect for summer! I used two fun bundles for this project: the Coneflower Celebrations and the Patterns of Friendship bundle. Here’s my fun fold card:

Thanks to Lynn Dunn for the fun fold layout! I started with a card base of Basic White: 10 3/4″ x 5 1/2″, scored on the 10 3/4″ side at 1 5/8″, 3 1/4″, 7 1/2″, and 9 1/8″. I burnished all the score marks to make this pattern with the paper:

  • I cut two panels of Basic White cardstock: one at 2 3/4″ by 4 3/4″ and one at 2 1/2″ x 3 3/4.” I ran these two white panels through the Cut & Emboss machine with the new Patterns of Friendship die. This die adds tiny needlepoint patterns into the cardstock, creating an interesting and textured background.
  • I cut two pieces of the 2025-2027 In Color Designer Series Paper, using a Strawberry Slush pattern, one at 3 x 5″ and one at 2 1/2″ x 4″. I then adhered the needlepointed panels onto the DSP panels.
  • I put glue on the left side only of the larger died panel, and glued it to the card base on the left flap with about 1/2″ of space all around, as you see in the photo below:

I took the smaller needlepointed panel and add Stampin’ Dimensionals, one row only, down the right side of the back, closer to the edge of the panel. After adhering that panel to the right flap of the card base, you should be able to tuck the left larger panel behind the right panel to close the card completely.

I then cut out two layers of the coneflower die in Strawberry Slush paper, and stamped one coneflower before cutting that out with the coordinating die as well. I glued the three layers together, and then cut out a flower center using Pecan Pie cardstock. I adhered the center on top of the flower. I then stamped and cut out a stem and two leaves using Granny Apple Green cardstock and ink. I glued the flower and greenery to the card, cutting off the excess stem and went off the side of the card. I made sure the card folded nicely with no overlapping pieces off the outside edge so it’ll fit nicely in an envelope.

Once the coneflower was in place, I created a small sentiment piece using a greeting from the Patterns of Friendship stamp set and glued it so it would be hidden by the coneflower when the card is closed.

For the center of the card, I cut a 3″ x 4 1/4″ piece of In Color DSP, and a 2 3/4 x 4″ piece of Basic White cardstock. I then adhered the white piece to the DSP. You can stamp a sentiment or other decorations first before gluing the panels to the inside of the card, centering it.

I used embellishments to add a little bling to the front of the card and I was through!

There’s a whole lineup of great inspiration waiting for you! Scroll down to hop through the rest of the Blog Hop Team’s creations and fill your crafty cup. And don’t miss next month’s theme: My Favorites in the New Catalog — because you know we’ve already picked our must-haves!

Until then, have fun in your craft space.

Stampin’ Pretty Pals Blog Hop

  1. Mary Fish at Stampin’ Pretty
  2. Lisa Ann Bernard at Queen B Creations
  3. Sue Jackson at Just Peachy Stamping
  4. Karen Hallam at Karen’s Stamping Habit
  5. Beth McCullough at Stamping Mom
  6. Mary Hanson at Up North Stampin’
  7. Windy Ellard at Windy’s Wonderful Creations
  8. Su Mohr at Aromas And Art
  9. Tricia Chuba at ButterDish Designs
  10. Stesha Bloodhart at Stampin’ Hoot
  11. Rae Burnet at Wild West Paper Arts
  12. Peggy Noe at Pretty Paper Cards
  13. Debbie Mageed at Secrets to Stamping
Product List

And be sure to join my private Facebook Group — the Up North Stampin’ Gang! We post, we share, and just have a lot of fun! Go here and request to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199783410436824

Happy Stamping! Mary

The FIRST EVER SU! Scrapbook Retreat!

Introducing the Virtual Album Retreat!

  • This is a brand-new event that’s unlike anything Stampin’ Up! has ever done before!  During this three-day, virtual event, you’ll create 12 scrapbook spreads using the Month by Month Album Retreat 2025 kit.  Each spread is 2 pages, so you’ll be creating 24 pages!
  • Dates of the Retreat are July 16, 17 & 18th.
  • The Retreat is all virtual.  You can attend live, or watch the replays of the videos (as many times as you wish).
  • The Retreat will be held in a private Facebook Group and run by Stampin’ Staff & scrapbooking experts.  You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with other crafters in this group.
  • You’ll be learning new scrapbooking techniques while creating your pages.

To make the 12-spread album, you’ll want to purchase the Month-by-Month Album Retreat 2025 kit. Everyone who purchases a kit will receive an email in early July with a link to the exclusive Facebook page where the live event will stream.

EVENT DETAILS:

Who: Crafters who love to scrapbook! We encourage you to invite friends who love to scrapbook to join this unique event.

Includes: Exclusive stamp sets, designed precut sheets, cardstock, embellishments and more

Price: $250

When: July 16–18, 2025, 2:00–10:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)

Where: Private Facebook Group

Registration: There is no registration for this event! By purchasing the Month by Month Album Retreat 2025 kit, you’ll get access to an exclusive Facebook group where the live event will stream.

We only have a limited number of kits, so make sure to order yours ASAP when the ordering begins TODAY – May 28!

Scrapbooking Retreat Kits earn $25 in Stampin’ Rewards!

AVAILABLE MAY 28TH – Order the MONTH BY MONTH ALBUM RETREAT (167338) in my online store here: SHOP WITH MARY

Look at all the cool products you will receive — everything is pre-cut! Four stamp sets! All the embellishments, plastic sleeves….And if you’ve never scrapbooked before, what a great way to get started!

Watch this fun and informative video:

You can see all the beautiful layouts in this PDF. Download this document if you’d like!

Let’s go for it! What a fun retreat! AVAILABLE MAY 28TH – Order the MONTH BY MONTH ALBUM RETREAT (167338) in my online store here: SHOP WITH MARY


Have you heard about the new Stampin’ Rewards?

Beginning April 15th EVERY ORDER over $20 you place will earn you `10% in rewards. Why the update? Because YOU deserve more perks, more often!


✔️ Just $20! Earn 10% in Stampin’ Rewards on every purchase starting at just $20 (excludes shipping and tax).
✔️ Use Stampin’ Rewards on Future Orders. Let Stampin’ Rewards build and redeem when you want. Rewards expire after 1 year.
✔️ Simplified Tracking. Track & redeem rewards easily in your Stampin’ Up! account


A couple of reminders:

  1. You must opt in (a pop-up box that will appear the first time you shop beginning April 15th)
  2. The program will track your rewards and show your rewards you have to use every time you shop and you can decide how many rewards to use each order.
  3. The program will automatically use your oldest rewards which are valid for a year
  4. AND it gets better! Here’s an example -if you have $30 in rewards and are placing a $70 order, you can choose to apply $30 to your order AND YOU WILL EARN rewards on the left over $40!!! WOW~!!!
  5. If you prefer not to shop online I will be able to help you.
  6. Demonstrators earn rewards as well and if you decide to join my team your customer rewards follow you – you don’t lose them!

And be sure to join my private Facebook Group — the Up North Stampin’ Gang! We post, we share, and just have a lot of fun! Go here and request to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/199783410436824

Happy Stamping! Mary