Captured Ferns!

Hello!  Today I am sharing a few fern-based projects I worked on this week combining fern die cuts made using the Stampin’ Up!® Fern & Flora dies (item 168991) with images and die cuts made using these additional Stampin’ Up!® stamp and die sets:

• moth images from the Fern & Flora stamp set (item 167739) - die cut using the co-ordinating Fern & Flora dies.  The Fern & Flora stamp set and co-ordinating dies are also available together in the Fern & Flora Bundle (item 167745);

• labels, tag, and border images from the Bordered In Beauty stamp set (item 167555).  The labels and tag images were fussy cut using scissors and the border images were trimmed using my Paper Trimmer (item 152392);

• note paper, butterfly, and flag images from the Extraordinary Life stamp set (item 167713).  The butterfly images were die cut using the co-ordinating Extraordinary Life dies (item 167718).  I also used these dies for the frame, large heart, tabs, additional flags, and trimmed note paper edge die cuts.  The Extraordinary Life stamp set and co-ordinating dies are also available together in the Extraordinary Life Bundle (item 167719);

• the bracket die from the Bordered In Beauty dies (item 167556).  The Bordered In Beauty dies are also available together with the co-ordinating Bordered In Beauty stamp set in the Bordered In Beauty Bundle (item 167557);

• the mushroom, mushroom caps, and two-leafed stem dies from the Sweet Bugs dies (item 167001);

• dragonfly body and wing dies from the Online Exclusives Scalloped Wishes dies (item 167452).  The dragonfly bodies and wings were die cut from Basic Black cardstock (item 121045) that had first been covered with silver foil tape picked up in the plumbing aisle of my local Home Depot - I have included the link back to my December 19, 2025, blog post that provides a brief description of the technique for distressed faux silver metallic die cuts (https://archiesatelier.blogspot.com/2025/12/getting-in-gear-sneak-peek-of-gears.html);

• "grass", small flower clump, and garden shear dies (including blades, handles, and handle's lace loop) from the Online Exclusives Help Me Grow dies (item 167166);

• film strip die from the Online Exclusives Capturing Smiles dies (item 167132); and

• tall slender "cedar" foliage dies from the retiring - and currently available as one of the discounted Last Chance Products - Gliding Garden Swing dies (item 167136).

For shading the cardstock die cuts I used Small Blending Brushes (item 160518) to apply Classic Stampin' inks to the die cuts.  For some additional visual texture I sometimes lightly misted the shaded die cuts (i.e. foliage, mushroom caps, blades of the garden shears) with water using one of the Stampin' Spritzers (item 126185 - package of two), either blotting dry with paper towel or allowing to air dry. 

With the exception of one fern die cut I used Lemon Lime Twist cardstock (item 144245), Old Olive cardstock (item 100702), and Mossy Meadow cardstock (item 133676), all shaded with Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111), for the the die cut foliage.  

For the stems and gills of the mushrooms I used Very Vanilla cardstock (item 166784), shaded with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116) and Early Espresso ink (item 147114).  I used an Early Espresso watercolour pencil (Watercolour Pencils Assortment 1 - item 161700) to lightly sketch lines down the length of the mushroom stems.  For the mushroom caps I used Cajun Craze cardstock (item 119684), shaded with Early Espresso ink.

I stamped the Extraordinary Life note paper image, and two of the Bordered In Beauty labels and the border images on some 3" wide adding machine/calculater paper, which I "waxed" after ink shading and splattering. (https://archiesatelier.blogspot.com/2026/04/specimen-cards-hello-today-i-am-sharing.html - I was inspired a few weeks ago to try making "waxed" paper by watching the Crafty By Toni "Let's Make Some Wax Paper" YouTube video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt8bZY5DFV0] - a very fun technique!) There is always a plentiful supply of roles of adding machine/calculater paper at my local thrift shops - and the thin paper is great for the "waxed paper" technique!  On the note paper and label images I used Crumb Cake and Early Espresso inks for shading; on the trimmed border strips (which I wanted to look like vintage cello tape strips) I used Daffodil Delight ink (item 147094), Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086), and Pecan Pie ink (item 161665) for shading.  After the strips were "waxed", and torn at the ends for the desired lengths, I shaded the top and bottom edges with a little additional Early Espresso ink.  While the translucency of the "waxed paper" is great it can present a small challenge when it comes to gluing!  For gluing the note paper images I just spot glued, and for the "waxed" labels and tape strips I used Elmer's All Purpose Glue Stick.

On two of the projects I used corrugated carboard pieces recycled from the cardboard box from my last Stampin' Up! order - even humble packaging makes a great supply for your art and crafting projects, and I certainly do like to collect cardboard - cardboard, not just for the recycling box!😺  After tearing the cardboard panels, and removing most of the paper layer to expose the corrugated cardboard, I drybrushed some white acrylic paint over the panels.  

On two projects I used covers recycled from two old books - not to worry nothing from these books will go to waste - I even used small pieces from the spines on the projects too!  

A walk in a nearby park last weekend netted a few pieces of fallen tree bark that made their way into a few of the projects.

I also included in a few of the projects some scraps of cheesecloth that I had coloured a few weeks ago with a mixture of Crumb Cake ink refill (item 121029) and water (https://archiesatelier.blogspot.com/2026/04/specimen-cards-hello-today-i-am-sharing.html). 

In addition to the Paper Trimmer (item 152392), which can also be used for scoring cardstock fold lines (Archie project), I used the following additional basic tools and supplies to complete my projects this week:

• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine (item 149653) - for all die cutting;
• Take Your Pick Tool (item 144107) - the spatula and tacky putty tips are definitely a great help for manipulating and placing small die cuts and embellishments; and
• for the main adhesive, Multipurpose Liquid Glue (item 110755). 

I used VersaFine Clair Nocturne Ink by Tsukineko, which I purchased at my local scrapbooking shop, as the black ink for all stamped images. 

On with the projects!

For the first project I began with a just under 10" x just under 8" x 1" deep wood panel from Dollarama, the front and all sides of which I covered with an Early Espresso patterned paper from the Wood Grain Wonders 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 167428).  I used a fine-grit sanding sponge to lightly distress all edges of the DSP panel and strips.

To complete the project I used the following additional supplies:

• Crumb Cake cardstock (item 120953) for the Extraordinary Life note paper edge and tab die cuts, and the Bordered In Beauty tag.  I used my Crop-A-Dile to punch the hole for and to set the eyelet in the top of the tag; 
• Crumb Cake ink (item 147116) to shade the tab die cut, and Crumb Cake ink and Early Espresso ink (item 147114) to shade the note paper edge die cut (crumpled and torn) and the tag;
• Timid Tiger cardstock (item 165626), shaded with Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086) and Pecan Pie ink (item 161665), for the Help Me Grow flowers;
• Early Espresso cardstock (item 119686) for the die cut bracket, and the 1/8" hole punched flower centers; and
• two small and one large of the Cajun Craze dots from the Online Exclusives Earthy Matte Dots (item 167213).

For this project I began with a small framed whiteboard calendar picked up at Dollarama - the inside of the frame measures 7 1/2" x 5 5/8" and I used a Crumb Cake patterned paper from the Wood Grain Wonders 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 167428) to cover a medium weight cardboard panel trimmed to fit the inside of the frame.  The DSP-covered cardboard panel was glued directly over the whiteboard calendar.

To complete the project I used the following additional supplies:

• Crumb Cake cardstock (item 120953) for the two Bordered In Beauty stamped labels, the Capturing Smiles film strip die cuts (one die cut that was cut in half, ends torn), the two Extraordinary Life stamped flags, and the two Fern & Flora stamped and die cut moth images;
• Crumb Cake ink (item 147116) and a little Early Espresso ink (item 147114) to shade the cardstock die cuts and the stamped and fussy images; and
• Linen Thread (item 104199) looped through the holes of the "almost Cajun Craze" button from my stash - I used a tiny dab of Multipurpose Liquid Glue to secure the knotted end of the Linen Thread to the back of the button.

I started this project with a repainted thrift store wood frame - glass removed, inside back dimensions of 7" x 5".  The front frame edges are 1" wide.  I used a wood grain patterned paper from the retired In Good Taste 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 152494 - featured in the May 2021-April 2022 Annual Catalogue) to cover a medium weight cardboard panel trimmed to fit the frame's inside back dimensions, and for the 3/4" wide strips added to the front frame edges.  I sponged Early Espresso ink (item 147114) along all edges of the DSP strips used on the front frame edges.

To complete the project I used the following additional supplies:

• Crumb Cake cardstock (item 120953) for the Fern & Flora stamped and die cut moth images, the Extraordinary Life stamped and die cut butterfly image, and the Extrarordinary Life note paper edge die cut (crumpled and torn);
• Crumb Cake ink (item 147116) to shade the Extraordinary Life die cut, and around the edges of the stamped and die cut moth and butterfly images;
• for the blades of the garden shears Basic Gray cardstock (item 121044), shaded with Basic Gray ink (item 149165), and, after the shaded cardstock was dry after being misted with water, highlighted with Craft Stampin' White Ink (item 147277) applied using one of the finger Sponge Daubers (item 133773);
• for the handles of the garden shears Poppy Parade cardstock (item 119793) that prior to die cutting had been embossed using the retired Timber 3D Embossing Folder (item 156406 - featured in the May 2023-April 2024 Annual Catalogue), one inside panel of which had been dragged with my Early Espresso ink pad.  I shaded the die cut handles with additional Early Espresso ink, and highlighted with Craft Stampin' White Ink again applied using one of the finger Sponge Daubers;
• Early Espresso cardstock (item 119686) for the die cut lace loop for the garden shears' handle;
• three of the small (including one used for the "fastener" on the blades of the garden shears) and two of the large Early Espresso dots from the Online Exclusives Earthy Matte Dots (item 167213); and
• strips trimmed from Foam Adhesive Sheets (item 152815) to attach the completed book cover panel to the DSP-covered background panel.

I started this project with a thrift store white painted wood frame, glass removed, edges lightly distressed with a medium-grit sandpaper, inside back dimensions of 6" square.  I used Crumb Cake ink refill (item 121029) mixed with water to add splatters to a heavy weight watercolour paper panel trimmed to fit the inside back of the frame.  To complete the project I used the following additional supplies:

• Crumb Cake cardstock (item 147116), shaded with Crumb Cake ink (item 147116) and Early Espresso ink (item 147114), and lightly misted with water, for the fern die cut;
• Crumb Cake cardstock, shaded with Crumb Cake ink for the Extraordinary Life flag die cuts, and the Bordered In Beauty stamped and trimmed label;
• Early Espresso cardstock (item 119686) for the Extraordinary Life frame, frame inset squiggly lines, and tab die cuts;
• Cherry Cobbler cardstock (item 119685) for the Extraordinary Life heart die cut - prior to die cutting the heart I ran the cardstock panel through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine using one of my very well-used cutting plates to transfer a subtle embossed texture to the cardstock;
• small strips trimmed from Foam Adhesive Sheets (item 152815) to attach the die cut heart to the corrugated cardboard panel, and to support the far left side of the label;
• one small and one large of the Early Espresso dots from the Online Exclusives Earthy Matte Dots (item 167213).

And finally . . . 

For my Archie project this week, shared at the bottom of this blog post, I made a pair of earrings featuring the feline image from the retired Grace's Garden stamp set (item 151513 - featured in the January-June 2020 Mini Catalogue).  I used Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086), Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111), and Misty Moonlight ink (item 153118) to colour the watercolour paper image panels that were die cut using the smallest of the rounded corner rectangle dies from the Nested Essentials dies (item 161597).  To make the earrings a little more durable I cut a backing watercolour paper panel for each earring as well, gluing the image and backing panels together with wrong sides together.  I used my Crop-A-Dile to punch the holes for and to set the eyelets.  For the earring tent-fold display card I used a 10" x 3" piece of Basic White Thick cardstock (item 159229), scored on the 10" side at 5".  For the card's brace I used a 3" x just a little less than 3" piece of Basic White Thick cardstock, scored on the 3" side at 1/2", 1 1/2", and 2 1/2" - valley/mountain/valley fold.  The 1/2" tabs were glued to the inside back and front of the card, with the bottom edge of the 1/2" tabs lined up with the bottom back and front edges of the card.  Before gluing the brace to the card I completed the decoration of the front and back of the card and punched the 1/8" holes to accomodate the earring hooks.  For the front of the card I added a 4 7/8" x 2 7/8" panel of an Old Olive patterned paper from the recently retired Floral Delight 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 164700); a 4 3/8" x 2 3/4" panel of a Lemon Lime Twist patterned paper from the retired Masterfully Made 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper (item 161192); Mossy Meadow cardstock (item 133676) foliage spray die cut using the retired Sophisticated Sled dies (item 164133), shaded with Mossy Meadow ink (item 147111); Pumpkin Pie cardstock (item 105117) flowers die cut using the retired Queen Bee dies (item 160484), shaded using Pumpkin Pie ink (item 147086); and Pecan Pie cardstock (item 161717) flower centers die cut using the haunted house die from the retired Spooky Halloween dies (item 166198) - the flower centers are the small circles left over from the house's small circle window opening - shaded with Early Espresso ink (item 147114).  To the back of the card I added a 4 3/8" x 2 3/8" panel trimmed from the same Masterfully Made Lemon Lime Twist patterned paper as used on the front of the card.

Thank you for visiting my blog!  I had a lot of fun working on my fern projects this week!

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

• Fern & Flora stamp set (item 167739) - week of May 25, 2026; and
• Scalloped Wishes dies (item 167452) - week of May 25, 2026.

If you are interested in purchasing any of the available Stampin’ Up!® products I have used in my projects, 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 version of the May-August 2026 Catalogue is available for you to access at your convenience on my website.  If visiting the online store don't forget to check out the full range of Online Exclusives Products - including all the new products released earlier this month - as well as the updated Last Chance Products Listing!  A reminder that all Last Chance Products are available only while supplies last!

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!! 

"By associating with the cat, one only risks becoming richer."

- Colette -