This month I decided to challenge myself to NOT buy any new craft supplies (with the exception of necessary supplies like white cardstock and adhesive). Like many of you, I realized that I have been spending a ton of money on cleaning supplies, hygiene and groceries since I have had to order online more than usual so it was time to cut some corners. I also thought this would help people who are struggling financially but who still want to craft.
I went through my stamps, dies, stencils and picked out some that I know I have not used very often and combined with the other things I already own. I alos thought it was a good time to go through my already made card stash and see what categories I was low on –birthdays is one such category so I started there.
For this card, I started by cutting a piece of Neenah 110lb Classic Crest Cardstock 8.5 X 11″ to 5-1/2 x 8-1/2″ and scored at 4-1/4″ to create a card base and a piece of Neenah 80lb Classic Crest Cardstock 8.5 X 11″ to 3-7/8 x 5-3/16″ for the top panel. Next I created a window, measuring 2-15/16 x 2-15/16″, using the Sizzix Framelits Die Set 8PK – Squares to make the card front look like a polaroid. I also wanted it to be a simple shaker. I also diecut a black frame, measuring 3-3/8 x 3-3/8 x 3/16″ from Simon Says Stamp 100lb Black Cardstock. I used the 5th largest and the 6th largest dies.

I adhered the black frame onto the front panel window and added 3M Foam Tape behind it to create the shaker element and set that aside. Next, I used a scrap piece of Neenah 80lb Classic Crest Cardstock 8.5 X 11″ and marked off the window using a pencil. I stamped the balloon from Sugarpea Designs HB2U Stamp Set. This was included in the Young At Heart Stamp of Approval Box from Catherine Pooler (SoA boxes are no longer available). I used Catherine Pooler Designs Be Mine, Bellini, Shea Butter, Garden Party, It’s A Boy, and Sweet Sixteen inks. I trimmed the panel a bit so it would fit behind the window, I added bows and strings to the balloons using my Micron 08 Pen and some sparkle with the Spectrum Noir Sparkle Clear Fine Glitter Brush Pen. Then filled the shaker with Pretty Pink Posh 4 mm Sparkling Clear Sequins and Martha Stewart Crafts Iridescent Glitter in clear (no longer available). I adhered the background to the shaker and the shaker to the card base.
Next, diecut a sentiment from Catherine Pooler Designs ‘Celebrate Die’ from Neenah 110lb Classic Crest Cardstock 8.5 X 11″ and Simon Says Stamp 100# Black Card Stock. I used a direct-to-paper technique using Catherine Pooler Designs It’s A Boy Ink to color the white sentiment. Once dry, I adhered the two together slightly offsetting the black layer to create a shadow, and adhered that to the card.
On the inside of the card, I stamped the sentiment that comes with the Sugarpea Designs HB2U Stamp Set and Catherine Pooler Designs Sweet Sixteen Ink. And that completes this card. I challenge you to Shop Your Stash and share your creations below in the comments.

Dimensions
- Card Base = 5-1/2 x 8-1/2″ and scored at 4-1/4″ Neenah 110lb Classic Crest Cardstock 8.5 X 11″
- Top Panel = 3-7/8 x 5-3/16″ Neenah 80lb Classic Crest Cardstock 8.5 X 11″
- Frame = 3-3/8 x 3-3/8″ Simon Says Stamp 100# Black Card Stock
Supplies

Thanks for reading this post. I hope you enjoyed and I’ve inspired you to Shop Your Stash and see what fun ideas you come up with and maybe rediscover supplies you forgot you had! Leave comments or questions below or feel free to email me.