Notes & Totes  

At The Beach And In The Garden!

Hello!  Today I am sharing two projects I worked on this week using one of the "coming soon" Stampin’ Up!® die sets:  the Notes & Totes dies (item 165240) are featured in the May 2025-April 2026 Annual Catalogue that launches on May 6, 2025, and will also be available together with the Notes & Totes photopolymer stamp set (item 165239) in the Notes & Totes Bundle (item 165241).  I have already seen on various social media platforms lots of great projects using this Bundle, and expect it will be quickly become a favourite!  The dies include the dies required to make a little tote bag, the style of which can be adjusted to either make a "traditional" beach tote style or a straight sided bag, and can be made either "flat" or as a three-dimensional small gift or treat holder - or a little in between!  There are dies for two styles of handles; a pocket; decorative strips, bottom panel, and additional decorative elements that can be used to add a little more detail to the handles or pocket "flap"; and lots of fun accessories (including a tiny tag!) - and also dies for a fence.  The pieces for the fence in the second project were die cut from Gray Granite cardstock (item 146983), shaded with Basic Gray ink (item 149165), Crumb Cake ink (item 147116), and just along the edges, Early Espresso ink (item 147114),  The fence was assembled in the same manner as detailed in my April 25, 2025, blog post (https://archiesatelier.blogspot.com/2025/04/impressions-abloom-starting-to-play.html).  There are certainly lots of possibilities to explore with the Notes & Totes dies!

For each of my projects I chose the "traditional" beach tote style for the bag - and made each bag slightly dimensional by using two die cut bag pieces:  for the front bag piece I cut off the small bottom tab that is required when making the 3-D bag, and folded back the side and bottom tabs and glued them to the second bag piece.  On the second bag piece (which I used as the back of the bag) I removed all of the tabs (both side and both bottom tabs).  With the right side of the back bag piece facing up I glued the folded tabs on the front bag piece so that the folded edges lined up with the straight sides and bottom edge of the second bag piece. By slightly curving out the front bag piece when gluing it to the back bag piece I created a little bit of dimension.  After gluing the two bag pieces together I added the decorative strips and bottom panel, the pocket, and the handles. I added the second handle to the back bag piece (right side facing out) to help with the illusion of dimension. After assembling the bags I added additional decorative elements, and, of course, the bag contents, which, again to help with the illusion of dimension, I glued to either the back of the front or the front of the inside back of the bag.

Additional stamp and die sets I used to complete the projects:

• retired - and unfortunately no longer available - Beach Day stamp set (item 162797) for the four gulls, and beach ball used on the first project - these images were die cut using the retiring - and currently available as one of the discounted Last Chance products - Beach Day dies (item 162799).  The Beach Day dies were also used to die cut the three palm trees, and small scallop-edged shell used on the first project;

• retiring - and currently available as one of the discounted Last Chance Products - Adventurous Sky dies (item 163446) to cut the two clouds used on the first project.  These clouds were cut from watercolour paper, and shaded with Basic Gray ink (item 149165);

• wonky circle dies from the Online Exclusives Around It All dies (item 164725) to cut the Early Espresso cardstock (item 119686) frame for the first project.  To cut the frame I used low-tack tape to hold two of the dies together while I passed the dies and cardstock through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine (item 149653).  To make the "floppy sun hat" tucked in the beach tote I combined a die cut made using one of the smaller Around It All dies for the brim with a circle die cut made using the smallest circle die from Stylish Shapes dies (item 159183) for the crown of the hat.  Both circles were cut from Crumb Cake cardstock (item 120953), and after crinkling the brim die cut with my fingers I shaded both die cuts with Crumb Cake ink.  I used one of the Stampin' Dimensionals (item 104430) to attach the crown die cut to the brim die cut (using one of the Stampin' Dimensionals slightly "popped up" the crown die cut);

• Gallery Blooms dies (item 165212) - another of the "coming soon" dies featured in the May 2025-April 2026 Annual Catalogue - for additional foliage used in both projects, cut from either Old Olive cardstock (item 100702) or Lemon Lime Twist cardstock (item 144245) that was then shaded using Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111); 

• "coming soon" Online Exclusives Impressions Abloom dies (item 265610) to cut from Basic White Thick cardstock (item 159229) the little flowers that were used as additional decorative elements on the tote bag and the sunglasses on the first project.  The Impressions Abloom dies will be included in the Online Exclusives May 6, 2025, new products release;

• Storybook Friends stamp set (item 164668) and the Storybook Garden Patch stamp set (item 164663) to stamp, respectively, the four-legged garden "friends"; and the fruit, vegetables, and garden implements used in the second project.  All of these images were die cut using, respectively, the co-ordinating Storybook Friends dies (item 164674) and Storybook Garden Patch dies (item 164666).  Additional foliage was die cut from Lemon Lime Twist cardstock using the carrot top die from the Storybook Garden Patch dies, and shaded with Mossy Meadow ink.  The Storybook Friends Bundle (item 164675), which includes the Storybook Friends stamp set and co-ordinating Storybook Friends dies; and the Storybook Garden Patch Bundle (item 164667), which includes the Storybook Garden Patch stamp set and co-ordinating Storybook Garden Patch dies, are both featured in the January-April 2025 Mini Catalogue as part of the Storybook Moments Suite Collection (item 164681).  The sales period for the Mini Catalogue ends on May 5, 2025;  

• retiring - and currently available as one of the Last Chance Products - Country Birdhouse stamp set (item 163395) for the small flower image stamped on the tote bag's tag on the second project.  The tag was die cut from Basic Beige cardstock (item 164511), and the image was stamped using Crumb Cake ink - the stamped tag was shaded with Crumb Cake ink;

• retiring - and both currently available as discounted Last Chance Products - Attention Shoppers stamp set (item 1263640) and co-ordinating Attention Shoppers dies (item 163643) to stamp and die cut the two potted plant images used as tote bag contents on the second project; and

• retired Home & Garden stamp set (item 157910) and co-ordinating Garden dies (item 157918) used to stamp and die cut the gardening gloves that were tucked into the tote bag's pocket on the second project.  The Home & Garden stamp set and co-ordinating Garden dies were featured in the January-June 2022 Mini Catalogue.

Just a quick summary of the additional basic tools and supplies I used to complete my projects, in addition to the Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine that was used for all die cutting:

• Paper Trimmer (item 152392) - for trimming cardstock and Designer Series Paper panels;
• Paper Snips Scissors (item 103579) - these sharp little scissors are great for doing any necessary trimming of die cuts - shortening stems, trimming off a few leaves etc.;
• Take Your Pick Tool (item 144107) - the tacky putty tip is definitely a great help for picking up and placing small die cuts and embellishments; and
• for the main adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue (item 110755).  When gluing DSP to a large base surface, such as the Early Espresso cardstock background panel in the first project, and the heavy weight cardboard backing panel in the second project, I use the Stampin' Brayer (item 162936) to roll over the DSP immediately after gluing it to the base surface to ensure even coverage of the liquid glue and good even adhesion of the DSP to the base surface.  When applying glue to a larger surface area I will also often use an old small flat tipped paint brush to help spread the glue over the surface. 

All images for colouring were stamped on watercolour paper using Stazon Jet Black Ink (item 101406), and coloured with Classic Stampin' inks/Classic Stampin' ink refills mixed with a little water, and applied with small paint brushes.  To shade cardstock and Designer Series Paper die cuts I used Small Blending Brushes (item 160518 - package of three) to apply Classic Stampin' inks.  To add a little additional visual texture (dappled effect) to shaded cardstock foliage die cuts I lightly spritzed them with water (Stampin' Spritzers - item 126185 - package of two), and blotted dry with paper towel.

On with the projects!

To complete my "day at the beach" project, which began with a wood frame from Dollarama with a back opening of just shy of 9 1/2" square, glass removed, and edges distressed with a fine grit sandpaper,  I used the following additional supplies:

• for the background panel an 8 3/4" square piece trimmed from one of the patterns of the Online Exclusives Woven Textures 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 165560), edges shaded with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116), centered over a just shy of 9 1/2" square piece of Early Espresso cardstock (retired Neutrals 12" x 12" Cardstock Assortment - item 161715) *in the May 2025-April 2026 Annual Catalogue individual Stampin’ Up!® colours - including Early Espresso - will be available as two-tone cardstock in the 12" x 12" format - the two-tone cardstock has a white core with two shades of the same colour on each side*;

• for the ink blended sky/water/sand panel:  a 7" square panel of Basic White Thick cardstock (item 159229), with Pool Party ink (item 147107) used for the sky; Misty Moonlight ink (item 153118) and Pool Party ink used for the water; and Crumb Cake ink (item 147116) used for the sand.  While applying the inks using both Blending Brushes (item 153611 - package of three) and Small Blending Brushes, I used straight edged pieces of scrap copy paper to block off the three sections.  To add a little additional visual texture to the sand portion I pounced a small piece of synthetic sponge that I had rubbed over my Crumb Cake ink pad over the sand section.  I used a 0.7 mm Uni Posca white paint pen to add the bubbles along the water's edge, and to draw lines across the water;
• for the matting panel for the ink blended panel:  a 7 1/4" piece of Early Espresso cardstock (item 119686).  After adhering the ink blended panel to the matting panel using double-sided tape (Tear & Tape Adhesive - item 154031) I used strips trimmed from Foam Adhesive Sheets (item 152815) to attach the matted panel to the background panel;
• Pecan Pie cardstock (item 161717), shaded with Pecan Pie ink (item 161665), for the three die cut palm tree trunks;
• Old Olive cardstock (item 100702), shaded with Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111), for the six die cut palm leaf sections (two used for each tree);
• Crumb Cake cardstock (item 120953), shaded with Crumb Cake ink, for the two die cut starfish;
• Petal Pink cardstock (item 146985), shaded with Real Red ink (item 147084), for the large shell die cut;
• Petal Pink cardstock, shaded with Real Red ink, and lightly spritzed with water, for the base of the pump bottle - I die cut another pump section from a small scrap of Basic White Thick cardstock, trimmed off excess, and glued it over the Petal Pink cardstock base;
• Petal Pink cardstock for the body of the lotion bottle - stamped and shaded using Real Red ink - glued over the Flirty Flamingo cardstock (item 141416) lotion bottle base die cut.  The Flirty Flamingo cardstock lid and bottom edge of the lotion bottle shaded with Real Red ink.  I glued a tiny scrap of Petal Pink cardstock to the back of the lid of the lotion bottle, behind the small opening in the lid; 
• Peach Pie cardstock (item 163799), shaded with Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086) for the Beach Day shell die cut;
• Smoky Slate cardstock (item 131202) for one complete water bottle die cut, and the handle - lid and handle shaded with Basic Gray ink (item 149165).  From one of the Pumpkin Pie patterned papers from the retiring (and currently available as one of the discounted Last Chance Products) Brights 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper Assortments (item 163775) I die cut a water bottle body - after trimming off excess I shaded the edges with Pumpkin Pie ink and glued it over the Smoky Slate cardstock water bottle base die cut;

• Basic Black cardstock (item 121045) for die cut sunglasses - base and frame sections; and Lemon Lime Twist cardstock (item 144245) for the lenses.  After gluing the sections of the sunglasses together, but before adding the floral accents, I painted the frames and lenses with my Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush (item 141897) - you have to have a little shimmer on your beach sunglasses!;
• one of the Blueberry Bushel patterned papers from the retiring (and currently available as one of the discounted Last Chance Products) Regals 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper Assortments (item 163774) for the two die cut tote bag bases.  I used another of the Blueberry Bushel patterned papers for the tote bag's scarf.  The edges of the tote bag and scarf were shaded with Misty Moonlight ink;

• Blueberry Bushel cardstock (item 146968) for the tote bag's pocket, and the additional decorative detail die cuts for the handles.  The edges of the pocket shaded with Misty Moonlight ink;
• Basic White Thick cardstock for the handles, and additional decorative elements for the tote bag;
• Crushed Curry cardstock (item 131199) for the flower centers - these tiny circles are the "punch out" circles from die cuts made using the tag die;
• Basic Gray and Crumb Cake inks to colour the gulls; 
• Misty Moonlight, Real Red, and Pumpkin Pie inks to colour the beach ball; and
• Stampin' Dimensionals (item 104430) to attach the clouds.  For a little support I added one of the Mini Stampin' Dimensionals (item 144108) behind the leaves on each of the top and bottom palm trees.

To complete my "in the garden" project, which began with a thrift store frame with a back opening of 10" x 8", glass removed, and edges distressed with a fine grit sandpaper, I used the following additional supplies:

• for the background panel a Crumb Cake patterned paper from the Perennial Lavender 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 162593) trimmed to fit the just shy of 10" x 8" heavy weight cardboard panel, edges shaded with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116) after the DSP was glued to the cardboard panel;

• Crumb Cake cardstock (item 120953) for the two die cut tote bag base pieces, and envelope - all edges shaded with Crumb Cake ink;
• Early Espresso cardstock (item 119686) for the handles and additional decorative items for the tote bag;
• Early Espresso cardstock for the three Storybook Garden Patch soil die cuts - edges sponged with Craft Stampin' White Ink (item 147277) and Crumb Cake ink (to tone down the starkness of the white);
• Old Olive cardstock (item 100702) for the torn edge grass strip - shaded with Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111);
• Pecan Pie cardstock (item 161717) for the hole reinforcer on the tag.  The larger circle is the "punch out" circle from a die cut made using the large circle die from the retiring (and currently available as one of the discounted Last Chance Products) Country Birdhouse dies (item 163400).  Over this cardstock "punch out" circle I placed the upper portion of the Notes & Totes tag die and ran it through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine - the "punch out" circle from the portion of the tag die cut becomes the center opening of the hole reinforcer.  I shaded the edges of the hole reinforcer with Pecan Pie ink (item 161665), and glued it over the hole on the stamped and shaded Basic Beige cardstock (item 164511) tag die cut.  I used Linen Thread (item 104199) for the bow tying the tag to the tote bag handle;

• to colour the stamped and die cut images:  Crumb Cake ink, Crumb Cake ink refill (item 121029), Basic Gray ink (item 149165), Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086), Pecan Pie ink refill (item 161669), Old Olive ink (item 147090), Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111), Real Red ink (item 147084), Blackberry Bliss ink (item 147092) - perfect beet colour!, and Pool Party ink (item 147107);
• Mini Stampin' Dimensionals (item 144108) to attach, and slightly pop up the small bunny in front of the bow-tie wearing bunny; and
• an approximately 2" x 3" piece of Mossy Meadow cardstock (item 133676), edges shaded with Crumb Cake ink, and folded in half on the 3" side for the magazine cover.  Because all gardeners need a little inspiration I had to include a little magazine in my garden tote bag!  The cover photo was trimmed from an advert in the real magazine, and I glued it to the front of the cardstock cover.  For "pages" I added three sheets of coffee-dyed copy paper, folded in half, and trimmed to fit inside the cardstock cover.  I sponged the edges of the papers with Crumb Cake ink, and attached them to the cover by first adding a line of glue to the inside fold of the cardstock cover to attach the first "signature" (folded copy paper page), attaching each subsequent "signature" to the previous "signature" in the same manner as the first "signature" was attached to the cardstock cover.  Before gluing the completed magazine to the inside back of the bag I worked the magazine with my fingers to give it a well-thumbed look!

As in my back garden there is a lot of activity in this garden by the "four legged" gardeners!

Thank you for visiting my blog!  I had a lot of fun starting to play with the Notes & Totes Bundle, and am certainly looking forward to working on more projects with this Bundle! 

Unfortunately Stampin' Up! advises that the following products I used this week are not currently available, but I have indicated below the date that Stampin' Up! expects the products to again be available for ordering:

• Stazon Jet Black Ink (item 101406) - week of May 12, 2025; and
• Basic White Thick cardstock (item 159229) - TBD.

Just a reminder that the sales period for both the May 2024-April 2025 Annual Catalogue and the January-April 2025 Mini Catalogue ends on May 5, 2025.  Retiring products from these two catalogues, as well as from the Online Exclusives line, have been added to the Last Chance Products listing.  Many of these retiring products have been discounted - like several of the products I used in my projects this week - but all Last Chance Products continue to be available only while supplies last!

May Starter Kit Special!

For anyone interested in joining Stampin' Up! as an Independent Demonstrator Stampin' Up! is offering a Starter Kit Special from May 6 through to May 31, 2025:  for $135.00 CDN you will receive $220.00 CDN of Stampin’ Up!® products of your choice!  Each Starter Kit includes free business supplies, a free Paper Pumpkin Kit, and Free Shipping applies to all Starter Kits!  Whether you are an avid crafter keen on getting a nice discount on your own art and crafting supplies or someone interested in establishing a home-based business, you would be very welcome to join my team as one of "Archie's Arties"!

If you are interested in purchasing any of the available Stampin’ Up!® products I have used in my projects - or you need to restock your supplies of any of the available retiring products, including the retiring 2023-2025 In Colours products - and you live in Canada and do not have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, please do not hesitate to visit my online store found on my website https://archiesatelier.stampinup.net/ at your convenience, or simply click under the "Shop With Me" tab on the right sidebar of my blog, which will take you directly to my website and online store.  I very much appreciate your business and would be very pleased to be your demonstrator! If you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me (lmccoyarchie@gmail.com) and I will try my best to help!  The digital versions of the May 2024-April 2025 Annual Catalogue, January-April 2025 Mini Catalogue, and the companion (and digital-only) January 2025 Scrapbooking Brochure, will all be available for you to access at your convenience on my website (https://archiesatelier.stampinup.net/) until May 5, 2025. As of May 6, 2025, the digital version of the May 2025-April 2026 Annual Catalogue will be available for you to access at your convenience on my website.  If visiting the online store don't forget to check out the full line of Online Exclusives products - and the Last Chance Products listing!  Just a reminder that coinciding with the launch of the new Annual Catalogue on May 6, 2025, there will be a release of lots of exciting new products in the Online Exclusives line!

Have fun creating!

Laurel

*It has come to my attention that quite often email correspondence from me is delivered to the recipient's spam or junk mail folder - if you have corresponded with me I have replied so be sure to check your spam or junk mail folder!  Thank you!! 

Catching a quick nap before the big game!💙