New Year – New Focus! 2023 was a blur. I am determined to get back into my blogging mindset. My goal for 2024 will be to focus on bringing you more tips, tricks, hints, and inspiration. Let’s have fun.

Coordination across the Stampin’ Up! product line is the SUPER POWER of success. This coordination allows us to combine stamps, dies, embellishments, cardstock, and patterned papers with confidence that our projects will be fun, on-trend, and joyful to create.

Shall we get started?

The first bundle that I would like to share is the Hot Air Balloon Bundle from the January-April 2024 Mini Catalog.

Hot Air Balloon Bundle #162755 $45

Do you remember the Stampin’ Up! stamp sets Up, Up & Away, Above the Clouds, or Lift Me Up and the coordinating Hot Air Balloon punch? This set reminds me of how much fun I had making birthday, graduation, and encouragement cards and projects with the hot air balloon theme. HINT: Search for cards made using those stamp sets for inspiration. The sky is the limit. 🤣

FACTOID:

The largest hot air balloon festival in the world is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Over 600 balloons and almost 1 million attendees. There are several other hot air balloon festivals around the world. If you have not been to one – put it on your list and go. It is breathtaking. There is something a little magical in watching a hot air balloon floating through the air and hearing a whoosh when the burner is ignited.

Before beginning a project I always check my scrap supplies to see what you have that might be useful. I had some patterned paper and backgrounds in my scrap bin that I thought would make some great vintage-feel hot air balloon cards. Let me know what you think!

Card #1 – Balloons with Embossed Clouds

For this card, I created a card panel (3-3/4″x5″) and embossed white clouds with embossing paste and a cloud mask. TIP: Make a mask by randomly die-cutting cardstock using the cloud dies in the Hot Air Balloon die collection.

I used a Blending Brush to add color to the die-cut cloud edges. Added the fish-tail ends of the banner to the back of the sentiment for added color. Then finish up with some retired glimmer dots or any other embellishments that coordinate with your choice of patterned paper.

Add a solid layer of cardstock (4″x5-1/4″) and mount it on a card base. For a top fold card base, cut at 4-1/4″ x 11 and score along the 5-1/2″ mark.

Card #2 – Two Hot Air Balloons

I added a loose double bow created from linen thread behind the balloon that was popped up with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

The Envelope!

POV MOMENT: I can not say enough about the quality of the Stampin’ Up! envelope. Yes, they do cost more than the box you can purchase at your local craft store. But the luxurious touch…it is the difference between luxury stationery and notebook paper. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND purchasing the Stampin’ Up! envelope. It is the only one I use.

To add a bit of flair to the envelope flap, I adhered a 3″ x 6″ piece of coordinating patterned paper then used the scallop edge curvy die from the Around the Bend die collection. TIP: Be sure to leave enough of the flap adhesive to close the envelope for mailing.

Around the Bend dies #160649 $33

Find Me On Social Media

If you would like to see more, head over to my Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook social media sites (the link is in the sidebar). I would love to see your Hot Air Balloon cards and projects.

Thank you for stopping by and spending some time with me.

Share Your Creativity with Others,