HIPPOFROG Designs - Karen Young - Independent UK Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Punch Art Easter Lamb

by Karen Young | Posted on April 9, 2020 | Leave a comment

How cute is this punch art Easter lamb? It’s one of the projects from my Children’s Card Making Kits.

I designed two Easter cards for the kit and this is the first. These Children’s Card Making Kits are part of my Social Isolation Classes offering, currently replacing my regular face-to-face Card & Cuppa for Children Classes I would have been holding during the Easter holidays.

Although the project is designed with children in mind, it’s a perfect project for anyone to create!

Balmy Blue Sky, Garden Green Grass and a Daffodil Delight sun are joined by a Basic Black and Whisper White lamb.

Quite a collection of punches are used from Circle to Layering Circles Dies, there’s even Balloon Bouquet and Elephant Builder Punches used too. You’ll notice that it also uses the Small Bloom Punch from SAB that isn’t currently available. But, fingers crossed it will be making an appearance in the Catalogue again soon.

The project has an accompanying craft-along video that you can join in with too, where I take you through all the steps to make this punch art Easter lamb.

I hope you enjoy the project. Pop back soon to see the other card from this Easter Kit.

To join in with any of my classes, head to my Class Timetable for full details.

Happy crafting

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store

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Last Week’s Card & (Your) Cuppa – Floral and Punches

by Karen Young | Posted on April 6, 2020 | Leave a comment

Last week we held our first Card & (Your) Cuppa session. These are my new virtual classes where the attendees are posted a kit and we craft together from our homes over video link, instead of in person.

It was a strange experience, but it was lovely to ‘see’ and chat to the attendees as we crafted together.

At the moment, I’m unable send pre-stamped images in the kits, so the project is made from punched shapes to create the floral design.

I’ve used the Perennial Flower Punch, Starburst Punch, Sprig Punch, Circle Punches and Braided Border Punch. My colour combination is Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive and Calypso Coral, along with Whisper White.

The Braided Border piece has been cut into a pointed shape at each end, following the shape of the pattern. This could also be a banner shape if you’d like.

A length of Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon has been wrapped round the card to add some texture.

To add even more texture, leaves were scrunched before before being attached to the card.

More scrunching was needed for the two flower sections, before they were stuck together. The centre piece was a punched circle pre-coated with Wink of Stella and attached to Glue Dot for the attendees to add.

The layers and the flowers were stuck together and added to the card in one piece with Dimensionals.

Finally, three Rhinestones were added, to mirror the sparkle of the Wink of Stella and the subtle shimmer of the Ribbon.

To join me for my current classes, head to my Class Timetable for full details.

Don’t forget to check out the BRAND NEW product suite that has just been released. It’s a Suite from the new Catalogue that will be coming in a few months time.

Happy crafting

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Bugs, Beasts & Butterflies – Bee Thankful with Blends

by Karen Young | Posted on April 4, 2020 | Leave a comment

My final project for the Bugs, Beasts & Butterflies Class was this cute Bee Thankful project.

He was stamped using the Stamparatus in Gray Granite Ink onto Very Vanilla Cardstock.

The layers are corner rounded using the Detailed Trio Punch.

Using Stampin’ Blend Combo Packs in Calypso Coral, Balmy Blue and Mint Macaron, the ‘thanks’ was coloured. Combo Packs in Granny Apple Green and Daffodil Delight coloured the leaves and cute bee.

Finally, a touch of Wink of Stella was used on his wings to give a bit of sparkle.

I think we can all think of a lot of people to say ‘thanks’ to at the moment. Why not make a card to show your appreciation?

Head to my classes page for full details of how my classes are operating during this time.

If card making isn’t your thing, how about sending a handmade card on your behalf instead. Find out more details about my Handmade Cards to the Recipient’s Door scheme.

Happy crafting

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Bugs, Beasts & Butterflies – Lovely Little Elephants

by Karen Young | Posted on April 2, 2020 | Leave a comment

This is the penultimate project from my Bugs, Beasts & Butterflies Class and it uses the lovely Little Elephant Stamp Set and matching punch.

Lovely Little Elephant. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

I couldn’t run a ‘beasts’ class without including an elephant!

This project would be great for a new baby congratulations, or a Birthday with a change of sentiment.

The colours are Soft Sea Foam and Smoky Slate, combined with Whisper White.

The smaller elephant is holding a balloon of balloons, as I’ve used the Balloon Bouquet Punch to cut them out.

Fine-Tip Glue was used to stick the Soft Sea Foam ears to the Smoky Slate stamped elephants.

A length of Metallic Edge Ribbon has been coloured with a Soft Sea Foam Stampin’ Blend to co-ordinate the colours. Then a length of Whisper White Baker’s Twine has been wrapped around it.

SNAIL has been used to attach the larger elephants, but the smaller one has been made to stand out using Dimensionals.

Pop back soon for the final project from the class.

Have you seen the new products that have been released this month? Check them out here.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies shown below, head to my Online Store

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

DARK SOFT SEA FOAM STAMPIN' BLENDS MARKER

Terracotta Tile Thank You

by Karen Young | Posted on March 30, 2020 | Leave a comment

Today I’m sharing the Terracotta Tile thank you cards I sent to my most recent customers.

Terractotta Tile Thank You. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

As you know, I’m a fan of monochrome-type cards and this one is no exception. Here I’ve combined Terracotta Tile and Very Vanilla.

The Varied Stamp Set and Vases Builder Punch are the stars of the show, with the fabulous Label Me Lovely Punch.

I’ve used the Label Me Lovely Punch shape twice, once for the flowers and again cut in half to create a layered effect.

A length of co-ordinating In Color Ribbon across the project, plus a spot of Wink of Stella on the flowers complete the look.

Don’t forget that Sale-A-Bration ends tomorrow. Your final chance to get your hands on FREE products for every £45 of products.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Terracotta Tile 1/2" (1.3 cm) Scalloped Linen Ribbon

Bugs, Beasts & Butterflies – Wiggle Worm Bundle Birthday Card

by Karen Young | Posted on March 28, 2020 | Leave a comment

I’m sharing another project from my Bugs, Beasts & Butterflies class and it’s this Wiggle Worm Bundle Birthday Card.

Wiggle Worm Bundle Birthday Card. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

This is actually the card I sent to my Dad for his Birthday as he’s a huge fan of bugs and creepy crawlies. He loved it!

The worm is my favourite character from the set, so he had to be included. With the way he faces, the mantis was the obvious choice to pair with him, as it looks like they are having a conversation.

Using Soft Suede to stamp on Crumb Cake and Garden Green onto Pear Pizzazz, the bug and worm were created. A Blender Pen was then used to just pull some of the colour across the pieces before they were cut out using the matching dies, along with the grass too.

Just a few of the little flying bugs across the top of the project add an extra bit of fun. These were also given a bit of colour using a Blender Pen.

Finally, a sentiment using the Label Me Bold Stamp Set. The set we used the most at this class was added.

I’ve since discovered similar designs on the web (deliberate pun to fit with the bug theme!) and it looks like I may have used them for my inspiration. However, the images and shapes I used just fitted nicely into this composition. Great minds and all that!

Don’t forget that there are only a few days left of Sale-A-Bration as it ends on 31st March.

During this pandemic, my face-to-face classes have obviously stopped. But, I’m offering postal classes with a video craft-along. Check out all of the different options I have available, from crafting yourself to me sending a handmade card on your behalf, plus children’s classes too.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Bugs, Beasts & Butterflies – Balmy Blue Butterflies

by Karen Young | Posted on March 26, 2020 | Comments Off

The third project from my Bugs, Beasts & Butterflies class is this fabulous Balmy Blue butterflies card.

Balmy Blue Butterflies. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

It is a monochrome-type card as it only uses Balmy Blue and Very Vanilla.

Firstly, a strip was masked across the card and an ombre of Balmy Blue ink was added using a Sponge Brayer.

Next, an image from the Artisan Textures Stamp Set creates the speckled look across the masked piece.

Once the masking had been removed, it was time to piece everything together.

Strips of Lace Trim Ribbon are placed behind the circle, before the large butterfly is added on the top. The butterflies are from the Butterfly Gala Stamp Set and Butterfly Duet Punch.

You can’t see it in the picture, but the large butterfly has been coated in Wink of Stella to make it sparkly when it catches the light.

Finally, a sentiment from the Label Me Bold Stamp Set and the two smaller butterflies are added to create this trio of Balmy Blue Butterflies. I think this would look great in purple or orange too.

Sadly, this class was my final face-to-face evening class for a while due the current pandemic.

However, I’ve put together some Social Isolation Classes for people to continuing crafting together at a distance. Book your place here.

Don’t forget that during this pandemic, small businesses need your support in order to still be there when it is all over. If you are able to help, a small order, or a class booking makes all the difference and is very much appreciated.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Very Vanilla 3/8" (1 cm) Scalloped Lace Trim

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Tulip-tastic

by Karen Young | Posted on March 23, 2020 | Comments Off

For last week’s Card & Cuppa session, I designed this tulip-tastic project.

Tulip-tastic. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

It was deliberately sentiment-free to allow it to be sent as a pick-me-up to someone who is self-isolating or social distancing .

I’ve used Lovely Lipstick and Grapefruit Grove for some brighter Spring colours. I’m going to miss these In Colors when they retire in a few months time. These are combined with Old Olive and Whisper White.

The background texture is created using the Painted Poppies Stamp Set, with the big tulip from the Timeless Tulips Bundle.

For the tiny tulip punched shapes, these are from the Vases Builder Punch. If you look closely, you’ll see that these small tulips have a coat of Wink of Stella on them to give them a shimmer.

A strip of Metallic-Edge Ribbon, a shape from the Label Me Lovely Punch and a punched Circle make a base for the large tulip to sit on.

This week’s Card & Cuppa session was the final face-to-face class for the time being. However, I’ve put some new ‘Social Isolation Classes‘ together where kits will be posted out to you. We’ll then craft together using a video link.

Find out more information and book your place here.

Happy crafting

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

More Positive Thoughts

by Karen Young | Posted on March 21, 2020 | Comments Off

Today I’m sharing the card I sent to another friend who is going through a tough patch.

This was sent before the pandemic and the need to sent positive thoughts now seems even more appropriate.

I made and sent this at the same time as this project, so you’ll notice some similarities.

More Positive Thoughts. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

I’ve once again used the Positive Thoughts Stamp Set from the Mini Catalogue and the co-ordinating Nature’s Thoughts dies .

The recipient is a fan of pink, so I used Petal Pink as my main colour. Other colours from the Subtles collection completed my combination, along with Sahara Sand and Very Vanilla.

As this card uses subtle colours, I rounded the corners using the Detailed Trio Punch to create a softer look.

The leaves are stamped several times as a background, with the stamped die-cut flower and die-cut feather added in front.

You can’t see it very well in the pictures, but I added some sparkle to the butterflies and centre of the flower as a finishing touch.

I think this Stamp Set and Die duo are going to become a firm favourite.

I’ve recently noticed that for someone who doesn’t like pink, I’m using quite a lot of it!

If you are social distancing and can’t get to the shops to buy Birthday/Anniverary cards, or just want to let someone know that you are thinking of them, then why not take a look at my new ‘Handmade Cards to the Recipient’s Door‘ service and also help support a small business.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class

Bugs, Beasts & Butterflies – Party Lion

by Karen Young | Posted on March 19, 2020 | Comments Off

Here is the first beast from my recent Bugs, Beasts & Butterflies Class, this fun party lion.

Party Lion. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Isn’t he cute in his party hat?

This bright combination of colours, Coastal Cabana, Daffodil Delight, Mango Melody and Popppy Parade, with Early Espresso and Whisper White make this project really cheerful. A perfect card for children.

The lion is from the Bonanza Buddies Bundle from the Mini Catalogue. It is a fabulous Stamp Set with co-ordinating dies. There are lots of other animals in the set too. I used the Koala at my Card & Cuppa for Children Class in February.

There are some really useful dies in this set, from the tag to the fun bunting, and not forgetting the animals.

A piece of Daffodil Delight Ribbon, also from the Mini Catalogue completes the tag.

‘Happy Birthday’ is from the Label Me Bold Stamp Set and is stamped in Poppy Parade to match his hat!

In light of the curent pandemic and Government advice, I’ve stopped my face-to-face classes for the foreseeable future. My main concern is that everyone stays safe during this time.

Crafting doesn’t have to stop completely thought as you can join me at my new Social Isolation Classes, where packs will be posted out to you and we’ll have a virtual crafting session over video link.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the product images below to go to my online store.

This Month’s Hostess Code Join my team Current Products Special Offers Book a Class