JoAnn's Creative Escape

09/08/2026

September 10 is the last day to subscribe to receive the Aspens of Gratitude Paper Pumpkin Kit.

See my post from August 23 to see more details and a few of the kit contents.

09/07/2026

Do you send Halloween cards? I started sending them a couple years ago, and I think it's going to be something I do every year. It's an unexpected piece of fun mail for your recipients! And gives me a reason to craft and use my stuff. And enables me to buy more stuff. ;-)

Stamp set & Die bundle: Oh My Fright
Paper: Frightfully Fun DSP, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Basic White
Other: Swirly of Magic Embossing Folder, Bordered in Beauty Dies, Black 3/8" Iridescent Ribbon, Adhesive-backed Bats Ghosts & Dots , Wink of Stella

Card credit: Sharon Hashimoto Burkert

09/06/2026

Here's a bunch of new Christmas products in action! I love the muted tones of this card, and the combination of elements. There are gold accents in the DSP, which coordinate with the gold-embossed sentiment and gold dots.

Did you notice the embossed background on the right side? That's the new Softly Woven 3D folder, which I think could be used on just about any card! I think you need to add it to your collection. wink wink

Stamp set & Die bundle: Welcome Noel, Noel Tidings
Paper: Neutral Noel Specialty DSP, Basic Beige, Mossy Meadow, Basic White
Other: Softly Woven 3D Embossing Folder, Stampin' Blends Markers, Neutrals Just Combo Pack, Metallics Wow Embossing Powder, Gold Adhesive-backed Dots

Card credit: Amy Koenders (I think she always makes great cards!)

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

Do you ever create a set of cards like this as a beautiful gift for someone, or do you mostly make cards to use yourself?

I don't know who made this set, but I think it's so pretty, and pretty easy! It features the gorgeous white-flocked Velvet Meadow Specialty DSP, which gives an awesome textile feel! She let that DSP bet the central focus of each card, and then finished them with a variety of coordinating sentiments and embellishments. Which one is your favorite?

Card credit: Unknown

09/04/2026

Libby is a member of my swap group, and I follow her blog because I know she always shares great projects like this one.

Stamp set & Die bundle: Oh My Fright
Paper: Frightfully Fun DSP, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Very Vanilla, Basic White
Other: Adhesive-backed Bats Ghosts & Dots, Black 3/8" Iridescent Ribbon, Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder, Stampin' Blends Markers (Pumpkin Pie)

Card credit: Libby Fens

09/03/2026

The Fun for Fall stamp set & die bundle was just released! What a cute card combining this bundle with the "Halloween" DSP -- not just for Halloween, is it?

And I wouldn't have thought to use Hydrangea Hue, but it looks great here, don't you think? Love her coloring of the scarecrow image!!

Stamp set & Die bundle: Fun for Fall
Paper: Frightfully Fun DSP, Hydrangea Hue, Pecan Pie, Golden Glow, Basic Gray, Basic White
Other: Stampin' Blends Markers, Everyday Arches Dies,

Card credit: Debbie Henderson

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

Today's the Day!!

The new September-December Catalog goes live!
New September Online Exclusive Products are available!
New Product of the Month is available!
Two new Kits are available!

There are so many great new products!! I'd love to hear your favorites!!

Here are my top picks, in no particular order:
1. Welcome Noel stamp set & die bundle -- I love the Christmas Village theme and honestly, I love the sample card that SU created. I see myself having fun with these!

2. Elegant Leaves stamp set & die bundle -- I'm a sucker for leaf sets, and I love the DistINKtive texture of these, and the 2-step solid color with the outline overlay image makes in a must-have for me.

3. Alpine Winter DSP -- from the Online Exclusives. I can see myself using this for Christmas AND masculine projects throughout the year. It's versatility sold me!

4. Soiree Salutations Stamp Set -- sentiments for all the holidays, nicely sized for versatility. And they fit in the Triple Banner Punch

5. Frosted Pinecones stamp set, dies, and masks (stencils) bundle -- I really enjoy using SU's layering masks. I wasn't immediately sure about the huge pinecones, but I've received a swap card already, and seen some cards online and this is a STUNNING bundle.

6. Christmas Crew stamp set & die bundle -- these guys are cute, and I like how you can customize their signs, put a hat on them, etc. And it'll be fun to color them!

7. Softly Woven 3D Embossing Folder -- this is one of those subtle patterns that you can use on ANYTHING. It is timeless and so versatile. A must-have for my stash.

8. Tile Garden Dies -- This is part of the Tile Garden bundle that includes the stamp set, but I'm only going for the dies. I might regret that decision later. Ha! These versatile dies have the same edge detail as the uber-popular round-shaped Spotlight on Nature Dies. A must-have set for me.

08/31/2026

Today I'm sharing a couple more cards using the Birthday Song stamp set. I think these animals are a hoot!

Card credit: Lori Longwell (walrus card) and Barb Brimhall (flamingo card)