rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge #412

 Good Morning, Stampers!

It's time for another rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge, and this week we're getting a head start on holiday gift-giving with a fun theme: Holiday Tags!

I love creating handmade gift tags that add a little extra something special to holiday packages, treat bags, and gifts for friends and family. A pretty tag can make even the simplest package feel thoughtful and festive!

This tag would be perfect for dressing up a Christmas gift, adding to a holiday treat, or tying onto a festive package. It's a wonderful reminder that handmade details don't have to be complicated to make a big impression! Get a FREE kit with any purchase in my online store while supplies last!

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Soiree Salutations, Scalloped Christmas Cheer
Ink: Secret Sea
Paper: Thick Basic White, All Wrapped Up DSP, Silver Foil
Accessories: Red Stitched Ribbon, White twine, Basic Rhinestones, Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Blends, Spotlight on Nature dies, Timeless Harringbone embossing folder, Three Banner Punch

Thanks so much for joining me this week!

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

Paper Craft Crew Weekly Challenge #693

 Good Morning, Stampers!

(click to enlarge)

It’s time for another Paper Craft Crew weekly challenge, and this week we’re thinking outside the card! 
Our theme is Anything But a Card, and I decided to keep things simple, sweet, and festive with a little candy cane treat. I featured this project at my Winter Wonderland stamp event last week. Fun for a co-worker, neightbor, classroom treat or stocking stuffer.

Sometimes the cutest holiday projects don’t have to be complicated. For this project, I simply wrapped 2 candy canes with a piece of All Wrapped Up Specialty designer series paper and added a few festive stamped details. Great to have a few of these on hand to spread a little extra cheer this holiday season!

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Noel Tidings, Scallop Christmas Cheer
Ink: Real Red, Secret Sea, Peaceful Pine
Paper: Thick Basic White, Silver Foil, All Wrapped Up DSP

Accessories: Noel Tidings dies, Dreamy Snowflakes dies, Basic Rhinestones

Stampin' Blends: Real Red, Peaceful Pine

Misc.: Candy Canes, Silver Edge Ribbon

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

Check out more ideas featuring this week's challenge:

Heartfelt Mini Album

Good Morning, Stampers!

A pocket mini album is a fun way to capture a specific event, occasion, or tradition—and it makes a heartfelt gift. Our Merry Memories Mini Album focuses on favorite Christmas traditions, but you can customize the album for any time of year. Ready for the best part? The bones of the mini album are made from a single piece of 12" × 12" (30.5 x 30.5 cm) cardstock, making it a great project to share memories with family and friends!

GET THE TEMPLATE HERE

1. 1, Score a 12" × 12" piece of cardstock vertically at 3" , 6" , and 9" , creating four equal columns. Then score horizontally across the center of the cardstock at 6" , creating two equal rows.
2. 2, Fold along the vertical score lines, making a mountain fold at 3", a valley fold at 6", and a mountain fold at 9". Crease well.
3. 3. Next, fold the cardstock in half horizontally by bringing the bottom edge up to meet the top edge. Unfold.
4. 4. Cut along the horizontal center score line from the 3"  vertical fold line to the 9" vertical fold line.
5. 5. Fold the cardstock in half horizontally again, bringing the bottom edge up to meet the top edge. Push the two outer sections toward each other until an open diamond shape forms in the center.
6. 6. Using the existing score lines, fold the back half of the diamond to the left, behind the left section and the front half of the diamond to the right, in front of the right section. You should now have four folded pages. The second and fourth pages are open along the top and outer edges, forming pockets. Use the pockets for journaling cards, additional photos, or memorabilia.
7. 7. To create the album cover, cut a piece of Designer Series Paper to 6-1/2" × 6-1/4" and score it vertically at 3-1/4". Fold the cover around the inner pages and adhere it to the back of the first and last pages. Counting both the front and back of each folded page, the finished album provides six inside page surfaces. Now! Have fun decorating each page!
8. Make them for Grandkids, Sports, New Baby, Wedding/Bridal Shower,  VacationGirls w, eekend and MORE!

SU!pplies:

Stamps: Home for Christmas

Ink: Versamark, Lost Lagoon

Paper: Willow White, Real Red, A Little Christmas DSP, Timeless Christmas DSP, Woodgrain Wonders DSP

Accessories: Blending Brushes, Mossy Meadow Gingham ribbon, Multi-Color Christmas Baker's Twine, Christmas Epoxy Shapes

Happie Stampin'!

~Melissa

Creating Holiday Treats

 Good Morning, Stampers!

There’s just something extra special about giving homemade treats during the holidays—and even better when they come packaged in a cute little box made with love!

The Box of Joy Dies from Stampin’ Up! make it easy to create an adorable treat box that’s perfect for sharing a little holiday happiness. This sweet box is just the right size for filling with candies, cookies, chocolates, or other favorite holiday goodies.

I especially love how easy these boxes would be to make in multiples. Whether you're creating treats for neighbors, friends, coworkers, teachers, or guests at your holiday table, a handmade treat box makes the gift feel even more personal.

Shop the Box of Joy bundle HERE

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

Dreaming of Snowflakes

 Good Morning, Stampers!

There’s just something magical about creating with snowflakes, and today’s card is all about bringing a little bit of that winter magic to the craft table! 

For this card, I’m featuring the Dreamy Snowflakes Bundle, and I love how the beautiful snowflake details create such an elegant wintery look. 

The Dreamy Snowflakes Bundle makes it so easy to create beautiful winter and Christmas projects. Whether you’re looking for intricate snowflake details, layered elements, or a simple winter sentiment, this bundle has so many possibilities!

I think this design would also be fun to recreate in different colors—imagine soft pinks, traditional Christmas reds and greens, or even silver and gray!

I hope this card inspires you to add a little winter wonderland magic to your own crafting. Sometimes all you need are a few snowflakes, a little sparkle, and a whole lot of creativity! 

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Dreamy Snowflakes
Ink: Hydrangea Hue, Secret Sea
Paper: Basic White, Hydrangea Hue
Accessories: Dreamy Snowflake dies, Dreamy Snowflakes embossing folder, Sparkle Sequins, Scallop Christmas Cheer dies

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge #410

 Good Morning, Stampers!

It’s time for another RubberFunatics Weekly Challenge, and this week 
we’re playing with a sketch challenge!

I love a good sketch because it gives you a starting point while still leaving 
plenty of room to make the design your own. For my card this week, I decided to keep things clean and simple with a little Christmas cheer!

This card is a great reminder that you don't have to add lots of layers or embellishments to make a card feel special. Sometimes a simple design, a few carefully chosen details, and a fun focal image are all you need!

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Merriest Tags , Soiree Salutations

Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Bubble Bath

Paper: Thick Basic White

Accessories: Merriest Tags dies, Water Painter, Real Red Stitched Ribbon, Old Olive RickRack, White Twine, Seasonal Cheer Mini Embossing Folders, Stylish Shapes dies

Stampin' Blends: Real Red, Bubble Bath, Old Olive

Thanks so much for joining me this week!

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge #409

 Good Morning, Stampers!

(click photo to enlarge)

It’s time for another rubberFunatics Weekly Challenge, and this week we’re getting a little sketchy! 

I love a good sketch challenge because it gives you a starting point without telling you exactly where to go. You can follow the sketch pretty closely or use it as inspiration and put your own creative spin on it.

At first glance, a sketch might look pretty specific, but that’s the fun of it! The shapes and placement give you a jumping-off point, while the papers, colors, stamps and embellishments are completely up to you.

I gave the sketch a Christmas twist with the Pretty Poinsettia bundle

from the Online Exclusives collection. 

The three poinsettias create a visual triangle across the card in keeping with the sketch. The layered flowers and leaves add lots of dimension, while the soft neutral plaid background gives everything a place to shine without competing with the flowers.

Use the sketch as your inspiration and create a card of your own. Follow it exactly, change it up, rotate it, or simply use it as a starting point. The goal is to have fun and get creating!

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Pretty Poinsettias

Ink: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Peaceful Pine, Golden Glow

Paper: Basic White, Cherry Cobbler, Peaceful Pine

Accessories: Pretty Poinsettia dies, Metallic Gems

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge #408

 Good Morning, Stampers!

It’s time for another RubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge, and this week we’re getting creative with a sketch challenge! 

I always enjoy sketch challenges because they give me a starting point without taking away the opportunity to make the design my own. For this card, I decided to reach for the NEW Advent Labels stamp set and create a festive Christmas design filled with greenery, stars, hearts, and a little bit of holiday sparkle!

A sketch doesn't have to be followed literally. Think of it as a jumping-off point. Change the colors, switch up the stamps, rotate the design, or add your own little details. That's where the fun comes in! 

For my card, the sketch provided the framework, but Advent Labels stamp set gave me the opportunity to turn it into a whimsical little Christmas scene.

Thanks so much for joining me today!

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

CSF Saturday Blog Hop - Favorite New Designer Paper

 Good Morning, Stampers!

Welcome to the Create with Stampin' Friends Saturday Blog Hop! I'm so happy you're stopping by today. Our theme is Favorite New Designer Series Papers, and if you're anything like me, choosing just one favorite is nearly impossible! There are so many gorgeous papers to choose from that make crafting easy and beautiful, whether you're creating cards, scrapbook pages, gift packaging, or home décor projects!

As soon as I saw the Creative Celebrations paper, I fell in love with its versatility. While many of the patterns are designed with the holidays in mind, I love that they can easily be incorporated into projects for birthdays, thank-you cards, and so much more. The mix of playful patterns and classic designs makes this paper a wonderful addition to your collection.

SU!pplies:

Stamps: Pretty Poinsettia

Ink: Secret Sea

Paper: Thick Basic White, Creative Celebrations DSP

Accessories: Stylish Shapes dies, Dreamy Snowflakes dies, Basic Rhinestones, Hydrangea Hue Stampin' Blends

Happie Stampin'!

Ready to see more pretty papers? 

Go NEXT to see what Connie created or BACK to 

see what Libby created!

rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge #407

 Good Morning, Stampers!

(click photo to enlarge)

Welcome to another rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge! This week we're bringing you a fun and flexible sketch challenge that is perfect for cards of any occasion.

The beauty of a sketch challenge is that it provides a starting point while leaving plenty of room for creativity. Follow the layout as closely as you'd like, rotate it, flip it, or use it simply as inspiration for your own interpretation. The most important thing is to have fun crafting!

I started with a Basic White card front embossed with a snowflakes to create subtle texture without overwhelming the design. Instead of the curved line from the sketch, I incorporated a snowy village scene that stretches horizontally across the card. A strip of plaid designer paper adds color and interest while grounding the focal elements.

To recreate the layered shapes from the sketch, I added two stamped evergreen trees layered over the village scene. The trees are accented with Basic Rhinestones colored with Real Red Stampin' Blends that resemble ornaments and provide a cheerful pop of color against the soft green tones. Behind the trees, loose strands of custom-colored Peaceful Pine twine add texture and movement while helping draw the eye toward the focal point.

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Welcome Noel
Ink: Basic Gray, Peaceful Pine
Paper: Thick Basic White, Basic Gray, All Wrapped Up DSP
Accessories: Dreamy Snowflake embossing folder, Welcome Noel dies, Real Red Stampin' Blends, Basic Rhinestones, Peaceful Pine reinker, White Baker's Twine

Thanks so much for joining me this week!

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

Paper Craft Crew Weekly Challenge #688

 Good Morning, Stampers!

(click photo to enlarge)

This week’s Paper Craft Crew Challenge is a sketch, and I couldn’t wait to play along! Sketches are such a fun way to jumpstart creativity — they give just enough structure to guide your design while leaving plenty of room for personal flair.

For my take on the sketch, I reached for the new Creative Celebrations designer paper and Soiree Salutations stamp set. The playful birds and cozy plaid patterns instantly set a cheerful holiday tone. It's a great sketch that can easily be adapted to any occasion!

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Soiree Salutations

Ink: Secret Sea

Paper: Basic White, Real Red, Creative Celebrations DSP

Accessories: Dreamy Snowflakes dies, Stylish Shapes dies, Dreamy Snowflakes embossing folder, Antique Pearls, Real Red Stampin' Blends

Happie Stampin'!

~Melissa

Check out more ideas featuring this week's sketch:

October Interchangeable Easel - Season of Joy

 Good Morning, Stampers!

It’s time to start thinking about all the little touches that make the holiday season feel extra special—and what better way to add some festive fun to your home than with the Interchangeable Easel – Season of Joy!

The October Season of Joy easel is filled with festive details and holiday charm, making it a fun addition to your holiday decorating. Whether you display it on a kitchen counter, entry table, craft room shelf, or tucked into a cozy little corner, it’s sure to add a cheerful handmade touch.

It’s festive, fun, and full of that little bit of handmade magic that makes the holiday season so special! 

SU!pplies Needed to Complete:
Stamps: Welcome Noel, Pretty Poinsettia (OR your favorite holiday sentiment)
Ink: Peaceful Pine, Misty Moonlight, Pecan Pie, Craft White 
Accessories: Welcome Noel dies, Water Painter
Stampin' Blends: Cherry Cobbler

Season of Joy KIT ONLY - $25.00 - HERE

Season of Joy KIT ONLY (PORCH PICK-UP) - $20.00 - HERE

(please allow 7-10 business days)

Season of Joy PDF ONLY - $6.95 - HERE

(emailed upon payment confirmation by October 9th)

Easel Sold Separately - HERE

This content contains Amazon affiliate links. I receive a small commission from

qualifying purchases, which helps support my work.

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge #404

 Good Morning, Stampers!

(click photo to enlarge)

This week, we’re trimming the tree with creativity! The rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge is all about Christmas tags—those tiny festive treasures that turn any gift, treat, or handmade goodie into something extra magical. Whether you love classic holly‑and‑berry elegance, peppermint‑striped whimsy, or cozy gingerbread charm, this challenge invites you to craft a tag that feels like a little holiday hug.

I couldn’t resist diving into the Merriest Tags set for this week’s project. 

Each tag layers rich holiday colors — red, green, white, and a touch 

of black — with poinsettias, holly leaves, and snowflakes for texture 

and charm. A mix of stitched ribbons and textured trims ties 

everything together for a cozy, classic look!

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Merriest Tags

Ink: Basic Black, Craft White, Versamark

Paper: Thick Basic White, Real Red, Peaceful Pine, Basic Black, Shimmering Stripes DSP

Accessories: Merriest Tags dies, Real Red Stitched ribbon, Old Olive RickRack, Red/White Baker's Twine

Stampin' Blends: Real Red, Old Olive, Peaceful Pine

I hope this week's challenge gives you a little kick start to your holiday paper crafting!

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

Paper Craft Crew Weekly challenge #685

 Good Morning, Stampers!

(click photo to enlarge)

This week’s Paper Craft Crew Sketch Challenge offers a clean, layered design that instantly sparked my holiday spirit. I couldn’t resist turning the sketch into a festive celebration of Christmas cheer!

The sketch’s balanced layout—one focal square, a bold horizontal strip, and a trio of accents—was the perfect foundation for a cozy, plaid‑wrapped creation. I reached for the Noel Tidings stamp set and Creative Celebrations designer papers and let the patterns do all the work.

Sketch challenges are such a wonderful way to jump‑start creativity. This one reminded me that structure doesn’t limit imagination—it frames it. By following the sketch’s guide, I could focus on color, texture, and theme, letting the Christmas spirit shine through every layer.

** Tip: Dye white Baker's Twine using an ink refill!

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Noel Tidings

Ink: Peaceful Pine

Paper: Thick Basic White, Creative Celbrations DSP

Accessories: Dreamy Snowflakes embossing folder, Peppermint embellishments, Stylish Shapes dies, Scalloped Christmas Cheer dies, White Baker's Twine, Peaceful Pine reinker

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

Ready for more sketch ideas! Check them out here:

A Merry Little Gift - FREE TUTORIAL!

 Good Morning, Stampers!

The holiday crafting season is tip‑toeing in—peppermint steam swirling, twinkle lights warming up, and our creative fingers itching for festive fun. And because I love spoiling my crafty friends, I’ve put together a FREE Christmas Banner Tutorial as a special gift for my email subscribers!

This banner is pure holiday cheer: crisp layers, cozy textures, and a sprinkle of rubberFUNatics whimsy. Whether you’re decorating your mantle, trimming the tree or brightening your craft room, adding a handmade touch to your holiday gatherings with the Pretty Poinsettia bundle from the Online Exclusives Collection has never been more fun! Join my email list HERE - Watch for the tutorial in my newsletter beginning August 16th! Enjoy over 100 tutorials to print with new ones added every week!

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge #402

 Good Morning, Stampers!

(click photo to enlarge)

For our rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge, we’re wrapping ourselves in the cozy magic of Christmas treats—peppermint swirls, gingerbread giggles, cocoa‑cup comfort, and all the sugary sparkle that makes the season feel deliciously creative.

Whether your crafting style leans toward elegant holiday shimmer or playful cookie‑cutter charm, this theme is wide open for your imagination to nibble on.

I created this gable box featuring the Merriest Tags bundle from the Online Exclusives Collection—a perfect pairing of peppermint stripes, candy‑cane charm, and joyful greetings. I tied the box with  red and white stitched ribbon, giving it a straight from Santa’s workshop feel. The layered tag and stocking detail make it ideal for gifting cocoa packets, holiday cookies, or a gift card for a cozy holiday sip!

Shop the gable boxes HERE

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Merriest Tags
Ink: Basic Black, Craft White
Paper: Basic White, Real Red, Basic Black, A Stitched Season DSP
Accessories: Seasonal Cheer Mini embossing folder, Merriest Tags dies, Real Red Stitched Ribbon, Gable Boxes
Stampin' Blends: Real Red, Old Olive, Peaceful Pine

Thanks so much for joining me this week. I hope you got a little holiday inspiration!

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge #401

 Good Morning, Stampers!

(click to enlarge)

Who says poinsettias have to wait until December? This week,
I'm adding a little holiday cheer to the rubberFUNatics sketch challenge with the NEW Pretty Poinsettia bundle for a card that feels both festive and fresh! It's a joyful mix of holiday magic and summertime brightness. The embossed white background adds cool texture, while the plaid banner and bold red mini banner give that cozy Christmas‑morning feel.
The star bloom steals the show, layered in Real Red and Peaceful Pine with a pop of Golden Glow in the center — because even in July, we deserve a little sparkle!

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Pretty Poinsettia

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper: Thick Basic White, Peaceful Pine, Real Red, A Stitched Season DSP

Accessories: Pretty Poinsettia die, Gold Gltter Dots, Swirls of Magic embossing folder

Stampin' Blends: Peaceful Pine, Golden Glow, Real Red

Thanks so much for joining me this week - I hope you give this sketch a try!

Happie Stampin'!
~Melissa

Join the fun HERE today!

CSF Saturday Blog Hop - Jolly July

 Good Morning, Stampers!

July always feels like a secret doorway — one foot still in sunshine, the other stepping into the earliest sparkle of holiday crafting. For this week’s Create with Stampin’ Friends Blog Hop, our theme Jolly July invites you to blend warm‑weather whimsy with festive cheer. Think of it as Christmas sneaking into your craft room wearing flip‑flops!

My card features the Stitched Stocking bundle - part of the newest line of the Online Exclusives Collection for July. Jolly July reminds us that creativity doesn’t wait for December. Whether you’re crafting under sunshine or snowflakes, let your imagination sparkle all year long!

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Stitched Stocking

Ink: Versamark, Basic Black

Paper: Thick Basic White, Real Red, Shimmering Stripes Specialty Paper, A Stitched Season DSP

Accessories: Stylish Shapes dies, Stitched Stocking dies, White Seam Binding

Happie Stampin'!

Ready for more Jolly July ideas? Go NEXT to see what

Connie created or BACK to see what Libby created!

Get fun gifts when you join my team!

JOIN HERE

rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge #400

 Good Morning, Stampers!

Even though the Arizona sun is doing its best impression of a convection oven, we’re cooling things down with a sprinkle of holiday cheer. The rubberFUNatics Weekly Challenge Christmas in July is one of my favorite creative resets—an excuse to pull out the festive colors, the nostalgic textures, and the joyful motifs we adore during the holidays. Create anything but a card for this challenge - stocking stuffers, holiday decor or fun party favors - the crafting elves will be busy! 

Gift card holder: 3" x 8 1/2"

score at 3 1/2" and 7"

SU!pplies:
Stamps: Stitched Stocking

Ink: Secret Sea

Paper: Thick Basic White, Peaceful Pine, Old Olive, Shimmering Stripes Specialty, A Stitched Season DSP

Accessories: Stitched Stocking dies, Real Red Stitched ribbon

Enjoy this week's challenge - Happy Christmas crafting!
~Melissa

What's in the box????

•  Stampin’ Up!-branded swag: 
  
• Pen
  
• Pop-up pencil case
  
• Pop-up waste basket
  
• An exclusive card kit including:
  
• Kit-sized stamp set
  
• Full-size clear block
  
• Classic Stampin’ Spot
  
• Supplies to create eight “hello” cards

JOIN HERE TO GET YOURS!