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

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Monochrome with Terracotta Tile and Very Vanilla

by Karen Young | Posted on August 19, 2019 | Leave a comment

Last week I introduced the Card & Cuppa attendees to the final In Color 2019-2021. You know I love a monochrome project, so here’s a monochrome with Terracotta Tile and Very Vanilla.

Monochrome with Terracotta Tile and Very Vanilla. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

I’ve used an image from the Waterfront Stamp Set for the background. The sentiment from Dandelion Wishes Stamp Set is then punched out using the 2″ Circle Punch.

The shapes are from the Sprig Punch and the small butterfly from the Butterfly Duet Punch.

A piece of Very Vanilla Cardstock is given a pretty edge with the Decorative Ribbon Border Punch.

Terracotta Tile & Very Vanilla Monochrome Project. Designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

The butterfly is coloured with Wink of Stella before everything is assembled.

Thick Very Vanilla creates a perfect base card. A length of co-ordinating Terracotta Tile Ribbon is wrapped around both the Very Vanilla and Terracotta Tile layers.

Next, the border piece and leaves are added.

Finally, the sentiment and butterfly complete the project.

I really like this project as the colours and sentiments can be changed to suit most occasions.

For the class, I took along a few other sentiments and the attendees chose which one they wanted to use.

Why not join us at a future Card & Cuppa class, or one of my evening classes. Head to my Class Timetable for more details.

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

Card & Cuppa for Children – Cute Creepy Crawlies

by Karen Young | Posted on August 17, 2019 | Leave a comment

It was our final Card & Cuppa for Children session of the summer this week. The theme was Mini Beasts so I designed this card with Cute Creepy Crawlies using the new Wiggle Worm Bundle.

Cute Creepy Crawlies. Card & Cuppa for Childdren project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Everything is from the Wiggle Worm Stamp Set and Wiggly Bug Dies Bundle, except the grass. I used a stamp from Artisan Textures for this.

The colour combination is Granny Apple Green, Balmy Blue and Daffodil Delight with Whisper White. The cute creepy crawlies are stamped in Basic Gray.

After stamping and using the dies to cut out the bugs, Watercolor Pencils were used to colour them.

Finally, the sentiment from the set was added and the mini beasts attached.

This set was clearly a hit with the children who attended, and some of their adults too!

If you’d like to join us at a future class, head to my Class Timetable for full details.

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

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Meeting Rococo Rose

by Karen Young | Posted on August 12, 2019 | Leave a comment

If you’ve seen my recent Card & Cuppa projects, you’ll see that I’ve been working my way through each new In Color. This time the attendees were meeting Rococo Rose.

Meeting Rococo Rose. Card & Cuppa project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

My colour combination is Rococo Rose, Petal Pink, Pear Pizzazz and Very Vanilla.

First, the background is stamped with an image from Artisan Textures Stamp Set in Petal Pink.

The corners of the layers are then rounded with the Detailed Trio Punch.

To create the leaves, we used a Sponge Brayer and Pear Pizzazz ink to make an ombre pattern on a separate piece of cardstock. The leaves, along with the bird and flowers were then cut out using the Well Written Dies.

A sentiment from the Botanical Bliss Stamp Set is cut out with the Timeless Label Punch. Then, the bird, coloured with Wink of Stella and the flowers are added with Glue Dots.

A 2″ Circle and a length of co-ordinating Scalloped Linen Ribbon complete the items ready for final assembly.

Each piece is layered, starting with the circle, leaves and then ribbon. Finally, the sentiment piece is added with Dimensionals.

Join us next week for more Card & Cuppa classes. Pre-book your place on one of my classes.

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

Rococo Rose 1/2" (1.3 cm) Scalloped Linen Ribbon

Card & Cuppa for Children – Ice Lollies for a Summer Holiday

by Karen Young | Posted on August 10, 2019 | Leave a comment

Once again I ran Card & Cuppa for Children this week and the theme was ‘We’re all going on a summer holiday’. Who can resist these fabulous ice lollies.

Ice Lollies. Card & Cuppa for Children project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

First, the beach background was created using the clouds from Above the Clouds Stamp Set. The sea and beach were from the High Tide Stamp Set.

Balmy Blue, Bermuda Bay and So Saffron are the colours used.

To create the lollies, a piece of Pineapple Punch and Mango Melody cardstock had their corners rounded using the Detailed Trio Punch.

The chocolate sprinkles are from the Artisan Textures Stamp Set in Early Espresso. A cheeky bite is taken out of them using the 1 1/8″ Scallop Circle Punch.

Next, we created the striped lolly by using the Classic Label Punch and strips of various colours. These were attached to a piece of cardstock with the overhang then cut off.

Crumb Cake strips were used for the lolly sticks, with the pointed end removed.

A sun with a sentiment from the Rooted in Nature Stamp Set was added.

Finally, the ice lollies were attached, the striped one with Dimensionals to raise it above the others.

They look good enough to eat. Yum!

Next week is our final Card & Cuppa for Children session for this year. Make sure you pre-book your place.

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

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – a dotty time with the Delightful Tag Topper Punch

by Karen Young | Posted on August 5, 2019 | Comments Off

At last week’s Card & Cuppa session, I created a project that centred on a brand new product from the Annual Catalogue – Delightful Tag Topper Punch.

Delightful Tag Topper Punch. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

The main colour is one of the new In Color 2019-2021 Collection, Pretty Peacock. It’s teamed with various shades of green, Mint Macaron, Pear Pizzazz and Soft Sea Foam.

Using the Delightful Tag Topper Punch, a 2″ strip of cardstock was neatly shaped. Corners were then rounded using the Detailed Trio Punch.

Dots from the Gallery Grunge Stamp Set and tone-on-tone stamping give the project more depth.

1/2″, 1″ and 1 1/2″ Circle Punches were used and the circles were placed on the card.

It was then time to layer various shapes on top of the tag. As the shape from the Timeless Label Punch wasn’t quite wide enough, it was chopped in half and hidden by the sentiment!

Co-ordinating Scalloped Linen Ribbon is added and tied together using a length of Baker’s Twine.

The tag is added to the project using Dimensionals to lift if off the page.

Finally, the sentiment from Vibrant Vases Stamp Set is added. You’ll see that even though the tag is at an angle, the sentiment is straight to the card. I think this adds to the overall design of the project.

This project attracted lots of comments on how else it could be used, different colours, for a Christmas Card, etc. It’s lovely that it inspired additional ideas.

Why not join us for a future Card & Cuppa session or one of my evening Papercrafting Classes. All abilities welcome.

Click here for more details and to book your place.

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

Card & Cuppa for Children – Punch Art Lion

by Karen Young | Posted on August 3, 2019 | Comments Off

As the Summer Holidays have rolled around again, it’s time for my annual Card & Cuppa for Children Classes.

The venue I hold them at runs a themed set of activities each week. This week it was ‘Movie Mayhem’ and my punch art lion fitted this perfectly due to the newly released Lion King film.

Punch Art Lion. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Isn’t it cute? He uses a lot of punches to create it and there are some key steps, so keep reading for details on how to make your own version.

You’ll need:
2 x Daisy Punch – Early Espresso
1 x Pretty Label Punch – Crushed Curry
1 x Pretty Label Punch (extra bit punched from the piece left behind) – Crushed Curry
1 x Circle Tab Punch – Crushed Curry
1 x 1 1/2″ Circle Punch – Crushed Curry
1 x Leaf Punch – Crushed Curry
3 x Elephant Builder Punch (Large Ears) – Early Espresso
2 x Elephant Builder Punch (Small Ears) – Whisper White. You can’t see these very well in the picture above.

Cut the Pretty Label pieces, Circle Tab and Leaf Punch pieces as shown above. Discard the unwanted pieces.

Now it’s time to assemble:

– Use the tiny circle stamp from Budding Borders Stamp Set to add some eyes to the white pieces
– Use glue dots to attach these to two of the large elephant ear pieces
– Glue the Daisy shapes together to create a mane
– Add the circle to the top
– Attach the two pieces from the Circle Tab Punch to the straight edge of your Pretty Label (body) piece. Make sure the longer edges of the Circle Tab Punch pieces are aligned with the straight edge to create feet
– Add the Leaf piece to the cut end of the Pretty Label extra piece to create a tail
– Attach the tail to the back of the body
– Add the eyes and remaining large Elephant Builder Punch ear to the face
– Draw a mouth using Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Marker.

Create the background using Pear Pizzazz and Old Olive Stampin’ Pads. I’ve used Artisan Textures Stamp Set and High Tide Stamp Set. The sentiment is from Wiggle Worm Stamp Set.

Attach the body of the lion first using Dimensionals, I used a Mini Dimensional for the tip of the tail. Next, add a Dimensional to the top of the head and some adhesive to the bottom of the head. By adding the head last, you can decide if you’d like it angled or straight.

Affix the head and the project is finished 🙂

I hope you like this punch art lion. The young attendees certainly enjoyed making it.

I only have two more Card & Cuppa for Children sessions left this summer. Places are limited so make sure you book your place now.

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

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Butterfly Gala and Stampin’ Blends

by Karen Young | Posted on July 29, 2019 | Comments Off

For last week’s Card & Cuppa project, I combined Butterfly Gala and Stampin’ Blends.

Butterfly Gala and Stampin' Blends Card & Cuppa project. Designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Using Thick Whisper White for the base card, I chose Old Olive as the contrasting colour for the project.

A circle was punched before the outline was added using the Swirly Frames Stamp Set. The sentiment from the Itty Bitty Birthdays Stamp Set was then added through the hole.

By stamping the butterflies from the Butterfly Gala Stamp Set in Gray Granite, this created a neutral colour for the various colouring.

I chose Highland Heather and Balmy Blue Stampin’ Blends for my butterflies.

These were then punched out using the Butterfly Duet Punch and added around the edge of the circle.

Next, the whole layer was added using Dimensionals to make the cut-out more prominent.

Finally, a touch of Wink of Stella was added to the butterfly wings for a little bit of sparkle.

It was lovely to see the different colours used on each of the projects. Check out my HIPPOFROG Designs Facebook Page for the finished projects from each session.

Why not join us at a future session. Book your place by 18:00 the day before.

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

Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack

In Color Collection 2019-2021 Stripes

by Karen Young | Posted on July 27, 2019 | Comments Off

Here is the final project from my Introduction to In Color Papercrafting Class.

It combines all of the new colours from the In Color Collection 2019-2021.

In Color Collection 2019-2021 from Stampin' Up! Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

It’s a tradition of mine at my annual Introduction to In Color Class to create six projects. Five of the projects each centre around one of the new In Colors, the final one combines them all together. This is usually in stripe fashion.

The Well Written Dies and Well Said Stamp Set provided a sentiment of choice for the attendees. I chose to use a Birthday greeting for mine.

A length of Baker’s Twine wrapped around the stripes completes the project.

Which of this year’s new In Colors is your favourite?

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

Pretty Purple Posy

by Karen Young | Posted on July 25, 2019 | Comments Off

Isn’t Purple Posy a fabulous new addition to the Stampin’ Up! range as part of the In Color 2019-2021 Collection?

Purple Posy In Color from Stampin' Up! Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

This project was one from my annual Introduction to In Color Papercrafting Class I ran recently.

Purple Posy combines beautifully here with the subtle Soft Sea Foam and an existing In Color, Grapefruit Grove.

As the Stampin’ Pad is not currently available, we’ve used Versamark and the Artisan Textures Stamp Set to create a tone-on-tone background effect.

The flower from the Floral Essence Stamp Set is also stamped the same way and cut out using the Punch from the same Bundle. A small punched circle coloured with Wink of Stella completes the centre.

Corners are rounded with the Detailed Trio Punch and leaves are cut with the Sprig Punch and placed behind.

Two strips of the co-ordinating Scallop Ribbon are attached to the top and bottom of the sentiment from the Vibrant Vases Stamp Set.

These are then all attached to the background, with the flower added at the end with a Dimensional.

I’ aware that this project uses a lot of different products, but I really like the finished effect. You could amend it to use just one or two stamp sets or punches if needed.

If you’re wondering how Purple Posy fits into the colour range, here is a comparison I’ve put together with other current purples.

Why not join us for a future class. Visit my Class Timetable for full details.

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

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Rooted In Nature with In Color Blues

by Karen Young | Posted on July 22, 2019 | Comments Off

At last week’s Card & Cuppa, I created a Birthday card using the fabulous In Color blues.

Rooted In Nature with In Color blues. Card & Cuppa project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

I think I’m a little bit in love with this colour combination. The In Color blues are the new Seaside Spray and last year’s Blueberry Bushel. When they are combined with Sahara Sand and Whisper White, it creates a lovely fresh look.

Rooted in Nature Stamp Set and the co-ordinating Nature’s Roots Dies are used to create this project.

First, the tree is stamped off to create a softer image. Then, the leaves are stamped and cut out using the dies.

The sentiment is from the Itty Bitty Birthdays Stamp Set and cut out using the Stitched Rectangles Dies to create a lovely border.

There are three types of Ribbon on this project, each one co-ordinating with the colour combination. Linen Ribbon in Seaside Spray is across the centre of the project, with short lengths of Blueberry Bushel Ribbon and Braided Linen Trim as accents.