happy mail

ESSENTIALS BY ELLEN JUNE 2023 RELEASE

Yessirreee, the June 2023 Essentials by Ellen Release is available now!

When I was first introduced to stamping and card making over 30 years ago, postage themed rubber stamps were VERY prevalent and I LOVED using my collection to make collage style greetings and dress up my envelopes! Back then, the art style was reflective of real/vintage postage stamps, as well as date and cancellation markings.

Today, we’ve given it a modern and refreshing whimsical touch and it is so much FUN to play with!

Stroll through the slideshow above to see a few ideas I developed (Alas, there’s never enough hours in the day to execute all the ideas running through my head . . . ) and be sure to check out the Ellen Hutson Instagram Hop for more inspiration and give some comment love to all the contributing designers for a chance to win in the giveaway!

Thanks for stopping by today—if you have time to comment below, I’d love to know which of the products speak to your card-makin’ soul! Also, if you have any questions about these samples, feel free to ask in the comments!


Disclosure: I include affiliate links to the products used in my projects and make a small commission when you purchase via those links, at no extra dimes to you. 🙂 Thank you for buying all the things!

SUPPLIES:

Happy Mail Die - EH

Envelope Slider Dies - EH

Catherine Pooler Do-si-do Ink - EH

Catherine Pooler Samba Ink - EH

Catherine Pooler Suede Shoes Ink - EH

Catherine Pooler Wintergreen Ink - EH

Catherine Pooler Dress Blues Ink - EH

Versamark Ink - EH

Detail White Embossing Powder - EH

Versafine Nocturne Ink - EH

Clear Embossing Powder - EH

Dual Temp Heat Embossing Tool - EH

Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers (used for watercolor) - EH

Canson XL Watercolor Paper - EH

Concord & 9th Sorbet Card Stock - EH

Concord & 9th Midnight Card Stock - EH

Neenah Solar White 80# Card Stock - EH

Kraft Card Stock - EH

Dune Wool Felt - EH

Winter White Wool Felt - EH

Coral Wool Felt - EH

Very Light Turquoise Embroidery Floss - EH

Peel n’ Stick Fabric Fuse - EH

Gemini Jr. - EH

Spellbinders Platinum 6 - EH

HOW TO MAKE A MAILBOX GIFT CARD HOLDER

I received some questions on Instagram regarding how to assemble this gift card holder so I did a video—I also included how to get the gorgeous foiled effect on watercolor paper! I have had such great results foiling on Canson XL, 140#. Note in the video I did use a 110# Neenah solar white shim. Because watercolor paper has a rough texture, I found I needed additional pressure. Depending on how your particular machine is calibrated, you may or may not need a shim; experiment on scrap with foil scraps!

How to make a gift card holder with the Happy Mail Die

Please note: I own the Gemini Foil Press and a Gemini Jr. motorized die cutting machine; they’re designed to work together. I also used Gemini Paper Craft Foil. I recently heard the Foil Press is being discontinued (or reconfigured? replaced with something even better??? I have no clue, but I’m really bummed!) That’s what I used in my video because I don’t own the Spellbinders Glimmer System. I can’t tell you what it’s like to work with first-hand. I do know I’ll use my Gemini Foil Press into the ground before replacing it because it has performed beautifully for me for as long as I’ve had it.


I hope this helps y’all see the method to my madness, LOL! I am ALWAYS on the hunt for a unique gift card presentation and I’m going to be making a big stack of these because they are so easy and so dang CUTE!!!

Have a splendid day!


Disclosure: *I include affiliate links to the products used in my projects and make a small commission when you purchase via those links, at no extra dimes to you. 🙂 Thank you for buying all the things!

SUPPLIES: