Paper Pumpkin Possibilities - April 2026 - Lakeside Retreat

 

Welcome to our Paper Pumpkin Possibilities blog hop!!!  I am so excited to be a part of this team of hoppers sharing alternative designs for each month's Paper Pumpkin kit.  This month's kit is all about the April 2026 "Lakeside Retreat" kit!!  Hopefully what we show will inspire you.  Be sure to hop all the way through to see what this amazing team has come up with!

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I'm always happy to get masculine card kits, as those tend to be difficult for me.

 This kit is wonderful - full of great design - and it coordinates with the coming Waterside Retreat Suite in the May catalog.

The trick is to create an alternate that does not get too feminine - need to keep the masculine look - here's what I did -

 

For the outside, I cut the front layer of one of the bases to 4" x 5 1/5" so it could layer onto my Mossy Meadow card base.  Before adding it - I diecut a square from it using the Stylish Shapes dies.  Then added the large layer to the front of the base; and popped up the cut-out with dimensionals.   Stamped the birds and the birds and a simple sentiment and added it.  Giving it a simple masculine look.

But for the inside - I turned part of the kit into a pop-up!

Very simple to do - with a strip of Basic White Cardstock 1" x 4" scored along the long side at each inch and turned into a little box shape.

It's a fun little addition - still keeping the masculine feel - and leaving plenty of space to write.  I'm really happy with how it turned out.

But I really wanted to try and make a more feminine card.  So here goes - 

I used the Quarterly dies below - cutting the sign and post out of one of the card bases.  Then I stamped the word friend from the Sweet Bugs set, using a post-it to mask the rest of the sentiment, and cut it out to fit in the sign.

Using more of the dies I cut out the word "wonderful" plus butterflies and flowers.  Putting it all together with layers to get this fun card - 

Also did the inside - 

I hope you've enjoyed these alternative ideas.  Don't forget about the Add-On dies for this quarter's kits as they are wonderful -

#168665  Wonderful Scenes $13.00

Available to Paper Pumpkin subscribers, only while supplies last!

Now be sure to hop through the rest to get some more great inspiration.  Don't forget to leave a comment.

If you don't currently have a demonstrator and would like a catalog; are interested in joining my team of Crazy Stamping Ladies; or would like to learn more about paper-crafting, Stampin' Up! and/or our products, please email me at crazystampinglady@gmail.com

*Note: Any costs shown are in the U.S. Market for April 2026 – Price will vary in other Stampin’ Up! markets.  Product pricing varies by market.  Check with your local demonstrator if you are not in the U.S. to find out your cost.

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Always Stamping, Maureen - the Crazy Stamping Lady!

Share it Sunday! Free tutorial - A Rainbow of Thanks

 

Happy Sunday - Time to share another great project and free tutorial!  This week's card is just fun - I love a good patriotic card - and this one thinks out of the box.  Plus that cute Star punch is reduced in cost on the last chance list. I hope you like this card as much as I do! Enjoy!

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Click HERE to find and print your tutorial sheet.

A Rainbow of Thanks

All images © 1990-2026 Stampin’ Up!^®

 Supplies:

 ·       Stamp Sets: A Rainbow of Thanks (167233); Simply Said (163756)

·       Cardstock and Paper: Secret Sea (165624); Basic White (166780); Real Red 102482()

·       Stamp Pads: Real Red (147084); Secret Sea (165285)

·       Tools: Sweetest Star Punch (164097); Soft Waves 3D Embossing Folder (164695)

·       Miscellaneous: Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Stampin’ Seal Adhesive (152813); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Wonderful Stars Puffy Stickers (167526); Rhinestone Basic Jewels (144220); Bakers Twine Essentials Pack (155475)

 Measurements:

 ·       Secret Sea: 8 ½” x 5 ½” scored at 4 ¼”; 2” x 3 ¾”

·       Basic White: 4” x 5 ¼”; 3 ¾” x 5”(cut 2, one for inside); 2 ½” x 2 ½” and ½” x 2 ¼”

·       Real Red: 3 7/8” x 5 1/8”

Instructions:

 1.    Attach 4” x 5 ¼” piece of Basic White layer to Secret Sea card base with Stampin’ Seal Adhesive.

2.    Attach the 3 7/8” x 5 1/8” layer to card base with Stampin’ Seal Adhesive

3.    Cut the star using the Sweetest Star Punch from the 2 ½” x 2 ½” piece of Basic White cardstock.

4.    Stamp the stripes onto one 3 ¾” x 5” piece of Basic White cardstock using Real Red Ink and the A Rainbow of Thanks stamp set. Attach other to inside of card.

5.    Emboss the 2” x 3 ¾” piece of Secret Sea cardstock using and the star using the Soft Waves 3D Embossing Folder and the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine.

6.    Attach the Secret Sea piece to the stamped stripe piece and then the entire piece to the Real Red layer on the card base with Stampin’ Seal Adhesive.

7.    Tie a piece of white Bakers Twine around the star (holding it in place with a Mini Glue Dot and attach it to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

8.    Stamp the sentiment onto the ½” x 2 ¼” piece of Basic White cardstock using Secret Sea ink, cut into a banner with scissors at one end and attach it to the card (slipping it under the star) with Stampin Seal Adhesive.

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If you don't currently have a demonstrator and would like a catalog; are interested in joining my team of Crazy Stamping Ladies; or would like to learn more about Stampin' Up! and our products, please email me at crazystampinglady@gmail.com

*Note: Any costs shown are in the U.S. Market for April 2026 – Price will vary in other Stampin’ Up! markets.  Product pricing varies by market.  Check with your local demonstrator if you are not in the U.S. to find out your cost.

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Always Stamping, 

Maureen - the Crazy Stamping Lady!, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

My 12th Annual In-Color Club offering! Don't miss out!

  2026-2028 In Color Club Details* (May-September 2026)

Crisp Cantaloupe - Hydrangea Hue - Golden Glow - Peaceful Pine - Barely Blush

The NEW In-colors are ready to join your craft room! 

And they are BEAUTIFUL!!!

 

Option 1

​​​Each month’s packet contents – Full package of CS, 1 new magnetic ink pad, 1 ink refill, 8 - 6”X6” DSP pieces, Approximately 2 yds of 3/8” Bordered ribbon (1/5 of a spool), 24 In Color Dot, 36 In Color Butterflies and a BONUS each month: a hand stamped card from me featuring​ ​your In-Color color of the month with a printed recipe.  Colors each month will be assigned randomly - but, at end of five months you will have all five colors.   

(see the add-on option information below)  

*This club is separate from any other Clubs or orders you put in with me.

Cost: $38.50 plus $10.00 priority shipping every month – total $48.50 per month.

Option 2

Blends Combo Pack Add-on– if you would like to also receive the coordinating Blends Alcohol Markers for your colors you will be charged an additional $14.50 per month to cover the cost of the blends plus the $10.00* priority shipping - total $63.00.  You must indicate Option 2 at sign up. Cost: $63.00 per month.

Option 3

Glitter Shimmer Brush Add-on– if you would like to also receive the coordinating Shimmer Brushes for your colors you will be charged an additional $12.00 per month to cover the cost of the blends plus the $10.00* priority shipping - total $60.50.  You must indicate Option 3 at sign up. Cost: $60.50 per month.

Option 4

Both Blends and Glitter Shimmer Brush Add-on – if you would like to add both of these you will be charged an additional $16.50 per month to cover their cost plush the $10.00* priority shipping - $75.00.  Plus for Option 4 you will receive a BONUS each month of 4 – 6x6” Pearlized Specialty paper in your color.  Cost: $75.00 per month.

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I will bill you at the beginning of each month​ (first billing May 1)​ by email.  You can pay by Venmo Friends (so no additional fees are taken out) or you can send me a check each month.  As long as payment is received on time, your kit will be mailed around the 20​^th of each month.  You will have all the coordinating products for your color of the month – so you’ll be able to start creating something beautiful with it right away. 

At the end of FIVE months you’ll have it ALL!

To join email me at crazystampinglady@gmail.com -- I will continue to take sign-ups for this club till my 15 available spots are taken or through May 31, 2026; whichever comes first. Last year I filled up early.

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If you have not done so already, please provide the following information to me​ in an email​ at crazystampinglady@gmail.com:

1)    Your Full Name

2)   Current Shipping Address including Zip Code.

3)   Your current Email Address for billing reminders (I ask to receive your payment ​as soon as possible each month – kits will not be mailed until payment is received.)

4. Indicate your Option choice of 1, 2, 3 or 4 – this will be your choice for all 5 months.

 Once you sign up, you will receive a confirmation email from me within 24 hours. 

Looking forward to some bright and colorful days ahead :)

 SPECIAL NOTES REGARDING SHIPPING – I charge shipping to you at basically my cost; if for some reason during the course of the club, the postal service raises shipping rates – I will notify you, and those additional costs will be passed on to you​ from then forward​.  Also, due to worldwide shipping and product delays – there is always a chance something may not be available at time of order.  If this is the case – those products will be ordered when available and included in the next available kit if we are still in the club months.  If after, I will get them to you ASAP once I get them.  Thank you for understanding.

Maureen Rauchfuss - The Crazy Stamping Lady!

crazystampinglady@gmail.com

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If you don't currently have a demonstrator and would like a catalog; are interested in joining my team of Crazy Stamping Ladies; or would like to learn more about Stampin' Up! and our products, please email me at crazystampinglady@gmail.com

*Note: Any costs shown are in the U.S. Market for April 2026 – Price will vary in other Stampin’ Up! markets.  Product pricing varies by market.  Check with your local demonstrator if you are not in the U.S. to find out your cost.

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Always Stamping, 

Maureen - the Crazy Stamping Lady!, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Share it Sunday! Free tutorial - Scalloped Wishes

Happy Sunday - Time to share another great project and free tutorial!  This week's card uses the Scalloped Wishes bundle that I have been playing with this week. I really love this bundle - so very elegant. I hope you like this card as much as I do! Enjoy!

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Click HERE to find and print your tutorial sheet.

Scalloped Wishes

All images © 1990-2026 Stampin’ Up! ^®

 Supplies:

·       Stamp Sets: Scallop Wishes Bundle (167453); Flowers Fair (167212)

·       Cardstock and Paper: Basic Black (CS) (121045); Basic White CS (166780); Peaceful Pine (CS) (167691); Barely Blush (CS) (167689); Crisp Cantaloupe (CS) (167693);

·       Stamp Pads: Basic Black Hybrid Stampin’ Pad (166648); Golden Glow Classic Pad (167676); Peaceful Pine Classic Pad (167679);

·       Tools: Stampin’ Cut & Emboss (149653); Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder (161600); Small Blending Brushes (160518), Crisp Cantaloupe Blends (167669); Barely Blush Blends (167667); Peaceful Pine Blends (167668); Golden Glow Blend (167682)

·       Miscellaneous: Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430); Multipurpose Glue (110755); Barely Blush Bordered Ribbon (167550); Pearlized Faceted Circles (166978)

 Measurements:

 ·       Basic Black- Card base 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” (score at 4-1/4”); Embossed Layer - 3” x 4-1/4”, scraps for dragonfly body, Scallop Frame - 3-1/2” x 2-3/4”

·       Basic White Flowers Fair Layer:  4” x 5-1/4”; Inside Greeting Layer – 4” x 5-1/4”; Oval – 3-1/2” x 2-3/4”

·       Peaceful Pine Cardstock – Front Layer 3-1/4” x 4-1/2” + Scraps for focal image leaves

·       Barely Blush Cardstock – Front Layer 3-1/8” x 4-3/8”; 3-1/4” x 4-1/2” Large Stamped Scallop Layer + Scraps for focal image flowers & dragonfly wings

·       Crisp Cantaloupe Cardstock –Scraps for focal image flowers

 Instructions:

1.    Stamp the Flower Fair background on a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Basic White using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink.

2.    Color the outer edges of the flowers using a mix of Stampin’ Blends and blending brushes. You do not need to color every flower since the center will be covered. Add a little color using Peaceful Pine and Golden Glow with Blending Brushes around the flowers and leaves. Add a little Wink of Stella for sparkle.

3.    Tie a bow with the Barely Blush bordered ribbon around the middle of the background layer, with the bow on the left side.

4.    Adhere the finished background panel to a Basic Black card base.

5.    Emboss a piece of Basic Black with the Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder.

6.    Layer the embossed Basic Black piece onto Barely Blush and then Peaceful Pine cardstock.

7.    Stamp the large scalloped dotted image in Barely Blush and cut it out with the coordinating die.

8.    Die-cut the large, scalloped frame from both Basic Black and Basic White, and save the white center oval for the greeting.

9.    Die cut the small floral pieces from Crisp Cantaloupe and Barely Blush. Die cut two large leaf clusters and one small leaf cluster from Peaceful Pine. Die cut the dragonfly body from Basic Black and the wings from Barely Blush.

10. Stamp your greeting on the saved white oval. Add it to the focal image with dimensionals, then layer on the scalloped piece, floral die cuts, leaf clusters, and dragonfly as shown. Add Pearlized Faceted Circles to the centers of the flowers

11. Attach the completed focal image to the layered embossed panel, then adhere that piece to the front of the card with dimensionals.

12. Add a white layer to the inside of the card and stamp a greeting of your choice.

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If you don't currently have a demonstrator and would like a catalog; are interested in joining my team of Crazy Stamping Ladies; or would like to learn more about Stampin' Up! and our products, please email me at crazystampinglady@gmail.com

*Note: Any costs shown are in the U.S. Market for April 2026 – Price will vary in other Stampin’ Up! markets.  Product pricing varies by market.  Check with your local demonstrator if you are not in the U.S. to find out your cost.

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Always Stamping, 

Maureen - the Crazy Stamping Lady!, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

ICS Blog Hop - April 2026 - Farewell 2024-2026 In-Colors

 

Welcome to our Inspire - Create - Share Blog Hop for April 2026!  This month's we are sharing ideas that are all created using our outgoing In-colors.  These products are on the Last Chance list and only available while supplies last.    

My card this month, once again, features the new "A Rainbow of Thanks" set from the March 2026 release.

This card was made with five retiring In-Colors (Pretty In Pink, Shy Shamrock, Petunia Pop, Summer Splash and Peach Pie) in another bright and fun design; using the masking technique.

First I stamped the pink swirl on the front of the card and onto a post-it note making sure it was on the sticky part.  Then cut the post-it note image close and laid it on the card before stamping the strips of paint - this kept the circle open for my sentiment.

Then added the brushes and colored the handles with my Pecan Pie blends. After layering this onto my card front - I added a simple bow of Petunia Pop; and colored several rhinestone gems with the coordinating blends to add some sparkle.

I always like to pull a bit of the outside of the card into the inside - 

And of course - no "naked" envelopes - 

You can see the cards I made with this set last month here - https://crazystampinglady.blogspot.com/2026/03/ics-blog-hop-march-2026-online.html

Hope this gives you some inspiration and gets your creative juices going and make something beautiful.

So now, take a few minutes and hop on through all the blogs below for more ideas - and be sure to leave comments!!

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If you don't currently have a demonstrator and would like a catalog; are interested in joining my team of Crazy Stamping Ladies; or would like to learn more about Stampin' Up! and our products, please email me at crazystampinglady@gmail.com

*Note: Any costs shown are in the U.S. Market for April 2026 – Price will vary in other Stampin’ Up! markets.  Product pricing varies by market.  Check with your local demonstrator if you are not in the U.S. to find out your cost.

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Always Stamping, Maureen - the Crazy Stamping Lady!

March 2026 - Monthly Creative Recap!

 

A recap of my lives from the month of March 2026! Now you can find them all with their YouTube links in one place - Enjoy!

3/3/2026 Monochromatic Sympathy

3/6/2026 Inter-locking Gatefold with Scalloped Wishes

3/10/2026 Fun Thank you Card with A Rainbow of Thanks set

3/13/2026 Sending Love with Hobby Haven Spec. DSP

3/17/2026 Fun Shaped Card with Filled with Sweetness Bundle

3/20/2026 Simple Fun Fold with DSP the star of the show

3/24/2026 Sketch Challenge #35 with Notes of Spring

3/31/2026 Simple Plant notecard with Help Me Grow

If you don't currently have a demonstrator and would like a catalog; are interested in joining my team of Crazy Stamping Ladies; or would like to learn more about Stampin' Up! and our products, please email me at crazystampinglady@gmail.com

*Note: Any costs shown are in the U.S. Market for March 2026 – Price will vary in other Stampin’ Up! markets.  Product pricing varies by market.  Check with your local demonstrator if you are not in the U.S. to find out your cost.

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Always Stamping ~

Maureen - the Crazy Stamping Lady!, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator