APPT May Blog Hop

 

Hello, my stamping friend! 

Welcome to the Sparkling Celebrations Blog Hop! This month’s May 2026 Paper Pumpkin kit completely surprised me — in the best way. I honestly didn’t expect it to be this fun, but the moment I opened the box I was blown away. The kit is packed with bold, sparkly images and gorgeous fireworks that you truly have to see in person. Photos never do this kit justice.

What I love most is how versatile it is. These images work for birthdays, New Year’s, promotions, retirements, and especially graduations — which is perfect for me because I need a whole stack of graduation cards right now. The “time to celebrate” theme fits beautifully with everything happening this season.

For today’s hop, I’m sharing two alternate projects using the May Paper Pumpkin kit:

• clean and simple card
• fun fancy fold design

Both showcase the sparkle and energy of this kit in totally different ways.

This simple card came together quickly! I added a Hydrangea Hue card base and a Basic White mat measuring 4 x 5 1/4". Then used the rest of the components from the kit. I cut the card front from the kit into three strips to highlight those beautiful fireworks — it’s a fun, sparkly twist on the original Paper Pumpkin design.

For this card, I used the gorgeous lantern pattern from one of the kit card fronts and turned it into a simple gatefold design. The card base is scored at 2‑1/8” on both sides, and the Basic White panels measure 1‑7/8” × 5‑1/4”. The lantern patterned pieces are 1‑3/4” × 5‑1/8”. I added two layered circles cut from Blackberry Bliss and Misty Moonlight, plus a touch of Golden Glow ribbon. It’s a super simple card — and also perfect for graduation.

This kit is absolutely amazing — if you missed it but you’re still an active subscriber, you can grab a refill in my store. The next Paper Pumpkin is promised to be a great one too, featuring bike images and nine beautiful cards, and today is the last day to subscribe. 

Thank you so much for stopping by. 

Continue the Hop:

Happy Stamping!

Hydrangea Hue 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [167687] $14.00	Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [153081] $14.00	Blackberry Bliss 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133675] $14.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [166780] $14.00	Golden Glow 3/8" (1 Cm) Bordered Ribbon [167548] $9.00
White Gel Pens [166642] $9.00	Stylish Shapes Dies [159183] $30.00

Opulent Oasis in Review

 Hello, my stamping friend!

Today I am sharing two stunning cards featuring the brand‑new Opulent Oasis Bundle and the gorgeous 2026–2028 In Colors… and oh my goodness, I love them!

The Opulent Oasis dies absolutely steal the show — intricate, elegant, and unlike anything we’ve had before. They cut beautifully, and the impression embossing adds that instant “wow” factor without any extra effort. Paired with the coordinating stamp set, this bundle is perfect for elevated cards, fancy layers, and those special projects that deserve a little extra sparkle.

Here is a first card - it is a simple fun fold.

And can we talk about the new In Colors for a moment? They’re bold, fresh, and so inspiring — the kind of colors that make designing easy because everything just works. Whether you love rich jewel tones or modern brights, this year’s palette brings energy and sophistication to every project.

Here is a second card - I used the same impression flower but this time I added color using sponge doublers.

🎥 If you missed the live class, don’t worry — the replay is ready for you!

Come craft along and make these two beautiful cards with me.

Let me know which new In Color is calling your name this year — I’m already obsessed.

Happy Stamping!

Catalog Kick off FREE Class - Card 2

 Hello, my stamping friend.

Today I’m excited to share Card Two from last week’s free online class. This design is a gatefold card with a twist — instead of a belly band, it features a tucked card insert, which adds a fun interactive element.

The star of this project is the Artisan Sketched Garden DSP. This black‑and‑white paper is incredibly versatile, and I used it on both the front and the inside panels. To finish the look, I colored the fussy cat vase images with the new In Color Blends, which coordinate beautifully.

The middle section that holds the card shut is pulled off:

Inside

If you missed the class, you can still watch the replay. Jump to Part Two to see the full tutorial for this card.

✂️ Measurements 

• Peaceful Pine CS: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2"; scored at 2 1/8" on both sides
• DSP : (4) 1 7/8 x 5 1/4"; fussy-cut vases
• Crisp Cantaloupe CS: 3 1/2 x 4 3/4";
• Barely Blush CS: 3 1/4 x 4 1/2";
• Hydrangea Hue: 1 1/2 x 4" ; 
• Basic White Squares: 4 x 5 1/4"; 3 1/4 x 4 1/2"; piece for greeting

 Be sure to add the Designer Series Paper and the new In Colors to your next order — they’re essentials. And if you’d like to join my creative community, you can even earn the ink pads for free!

Need supplies - visit my online store.

💛 Stay Connected & Get More Creative Inspiration. 

I love sharing simple, joyful paper crafting ideas, and I’d be thrilled to have you join my creative community.

• Follow me on Facebook for daily inspiration, live videos, and new project ideas

👉 Facebook

• Join my newsletter for exclusive projects, early class access, and special updates

👉 Join Email List

Happy Stamping!

Phrases & Frames Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [167581] $21.00	Artisan Sketched Garden 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [167752] $13.00	2026–2028 In Color™ 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Pearlized Specialty Paper [167766] $10.00	2026–2028 In Color™ 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [167683] $14.00	Peaceful Pine Classic Stampin Pad [167679] $14.00
Peaceful Pine Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167668] $12.00	Crisp Cantaloupe Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167669] $12.00	Hydrangea Hue Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167666] $12.00	Barely Blush Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167667] $12.00	Golden Glow Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167682] $12.00
2026–2028 In Color™ Butterflies [167656] $10.00	Sponge Daubers [133773] $7.50	Golden Glow 3/8" (1 Cm) Bordered Ribbon [167548] $9.00

Catalog Kick Off FREE Class - Part 1

 Hello, my stamping friend!

The brand‑new Stampin’ Up! Catalog officially arrived earlier this month, and it is overflowing with gorgeous new colors, fresh product suites, and so many creative must‑haves. I kicked things off with my in‑person Catalog Kick Off Celebration this past weekend, and it was such a joy — new products, stamping, laughter, and a whole lot of inspiration. 

If you weren’t able to join us, I’ve got you covered. I also offered a FREE two‑part online class this week, where we create beautiful projects together using brand‑new catalog goodies. 

Here is the first card that features amazing Artisan Sketched Garden DSP and new in-colors:

✂️ Measurements 

• Peaceful Pine CS: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2"; scored at 4 1/4"; piece for label 
• DSP : (2) 1 1/4 x 4"; fussy-cut flowers 
• Hydrangea Hue: 2 1/2 x 4" ; 
• Basic White Squares: 4 x 5 1/4"; piece for label.

Watch a video: 

This layout is one of to go to. And with so many ways to color the DSP, each card will be unique.

Give this layout a try!

Need supplies - visit my online store.

💛 Stay Connected & Get More Creative Inspiration. 

I love sharing simple, joyful paper crafting ideas, and I’d be thrilled to have you join my creative community.

• Follow me on Facebook for daily inspiration, live videos, and new project ideas

👉 Facebook

• Join my newsletter for exclusive projects, early class access, and special updates

👉 Join Email List

Happy Stamping!

Phrases & Frames Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [167581] $21.00	Artisan Sketched Garden 12" X 12"  Designer Series Paper [167752] $13.00	Hydrangea Hue 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [167687] $14.00	Peaceful Pine 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [167691] $14.00	2026–2028 In Color™ Classic Stampin' Pads [167675] $63.00
Peaceful Pine Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167668] $12.00	Crisp Cantaloupe Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167669] $12.00	Hydrangea Hue Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167666] $12.00	Barely Blush Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167667] $12.00	Golden Glow Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [167682] $12.00
2026–2028 In Color™ Butterflies [167656] $10.00	Sponge Daubers [133773] $7.50	Sweet Words & Labels Dies [167627] $37.00	Barely Blush 3/8" (1 Cm) Bordered Ribbon [167550] $9.00	Fern & Flora 3 D Embossing Folder [167744] $11.00

Cute As a Bug – Fun Fold Card Tutorial

Hello, my stamping friend!

Today I’m sharing a project that completely stole my heart — this Cute As a Bug Fun Fold Card. I’ve been crafting with this bundle nonstop, and I have to say… I am truly in love with it. The images are sweet, the sentiments are versatile, and the dies that create the mushrooms are just irresistible. They’re whimsical, playful, and add that perfect enchanted‑forest feel that makes any card instantly charming. Every time I cut one out, it feels like I’m building a tiny little world on paper.

This fun fold design is simple enough for beginners but has that wonderful “wow” moment when you open it. Between the ladybug, the soft florals, the sweet sentiment, and those adorable mushrooms, this card has so much personality. I added just a few extra mushrooms for embellishment — not too many, just enough to keep it cute, balanced, and full of movement.

✂️ Card Measurements

• Mossy Meadow CS: 4 1/4 x 8 ½”, scored at 5 1/2”;  Front panel: 2 1/2 x 4 ¼”
• Basic White: 4 x 4 1/4"; 2 3/4 x 4"; 2 1/4 x 4; 
• Designer paper layers: 2 1/8 x 3 7/8"; 2 5/8 x 3 7/8"; 2 3/8 x 3 7/8";
• Sentiment label: die‑cut using Stylish Shapes
• • Mushrooms: cut using the coordinating dies from the bundle

🔗 Watch the Full Tutorial

Need supplies - visit my online store.

💛 Stay Connected & Get More Creative Inspiration. 

I love sharing simple, joyful paper crafting ideas, and I’d be thrilled to have you join my creative community.

• Follow me on Facebook for daily inspiration, live videos, and new project ideas

👉 Facebook

• Join my newsletter for exclusive projects, early class access, and special updates

👉 Join Email List

Happy Stamping!

Sweet Bugs Bundle (English) [167002] $46.75	Cute As A Bug 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [166994] $12.50	Ladybug Garden Epoxy Shapes [167005] $8.00	Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [133676] $14.00	Poppy Parade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [119793] $14.00
Basic Beige 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [164511] $14.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [166780] $14.00	White Gel Pens [166642] $9.00	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [147111] $9.00