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Welcome to my blog!

Hi! I’m Kim McGillis, the Founder and Designer of Kim McGillis Papercrafting.

Cardmaking

Artisan Sketch Garden DSP + A Little Fussy Cutting Joy
Cardmaking | On Stage 2026

OnStage 2026 Highlights + Adorable 3×3 Baby Cards with New In Colors
Cardmaking

March 2026 Color Fuser Blog Hop
Cardmaking | tutorials

Stampin’ Up!’s Homemade Sweetness Global Ink Collective Tutorial
Cardmaking

Stampin’ Up!’s Easter Joy Suite Collection Ideas
Cardmaking | tutorials

Mini Purse Tutorial Featuring The True Blue Floral Designer Series Paper

Latest from Instagram

kim_mcgillis

Sharing My Love For All Things Creative 💌
Helping You Grow Your Paper Crafting Skills✂️
Stampin’ Up!🇨🇦Demonstrator | ADT 2018&2025
👇🏻 My Freebies 👇🏻

This month’s group assignment featured @stampinupo

This month’s group assignment featured @stampinupofficial ‘s Help Me Grow bundle 🌿 and I had so much fun putting my own spin on it!

I decided to watercolor both the pots and the foliage to give everything a soft, springtime feel. And for a little spring decor, I made the cutest crochet ring for my studio.

The collection pairs beautifully with the scallop dies from the Lovely Arrangements bundle, which frame everything so nicely and add that perfect finishing detail.

Be sure to join our hop to see what everyone else has created — so much inspiration waiting for you!

Next in our Hop is the talented Sara @kisskreative Be sure to check out her wonderful projects!

Full list of hoppers for Instagram:
Anja Beckmann @1stampingnightowl
Kim McGillis @kim_mcgillis
Sara Sayers @kisskreative
Sonja Linecker @kreativ_mit_sunshinesonja
Tammy Wilson @stampspaperscissors

#stampinup #papercrafting #stampinupcanada #watercolorcards #helpmegrow

Use your stash! I pulled out the Artisan Sketch

Use your stash!

I pulled out the Artisan Sketch Garden Designer Series Paper from the May 2026 catalog and got a little creative by making my own faux ruched ribbon! It’s super simple: just break the fibers in your strip of designer series paper and fold to create that soft, textured look.

No embossing folders? No worries. I used adhesive sheets with the Words & Wishes dies (also from the May 2026 catalog) to cut my leaves and add dimension without any extra tools.

I also brought in the new 2026–2028 In Colors to color the Designer Series Paper flowers for that extra pop of trendy Colors.

Sometimes less really does spark more creativity 🖤

#stampinup #useyourstash #stampinupcanada #artisansketchgarden #stampinuponstage2026

Tip of the day 🌿 There’s something so striking ab

Tip of the day 🌿

There’s something so striking about working with black and white designer series paper and letting just one area shine with color. It instantly draws the eye and makes your design feel intentional and elevated.

That’s exactly what I played with here using @stampinupofficial ‘s Artisan Sketch Garden Designer Series Paper. I selectively colored a few elements with watercolor pencils, then blended them out using Wink of Stella for a soft shimmer (or you can use blender pens for a more subtle finish).

And of course… no scraps go to waste! I used my leftover pieces to create a coordinating pocket card—such a fun way to stretch your supplies and keep everything cohesive.

Give it a try and see how powerful a pop of color can be.

#cardmakingtips #stampinup #artisansketchgarden #stampinuponstage2026 #watercolorpencils

I paired @stampinupofficial ‘s Artisan Sketch Gard

I paired @stampinupofficial ‘s Artisan Sketch Garden Designer Series Paper with the Words & Wishes bundle for this In Color slimline card, and it came together really easily.

The longer format made it a great way to highlight the new In Colors. I used them to color the small details like the cake so each color stands out without overwhelming the design. I die cut the cakes with the coordinating dies.

I kept the layout clean by repeating the same sentiment from the Words & Wishes stamp set across the card—it adds interest without needing a lot of extra layers.

I also die cut “Happy Birthday” from the Words & Wishes Dies and used adhesive sheets first so it was easy to apply to the card base. No sticky fingers…. I used the Blends to color the designer series paper.

Finished it off with a coordinating two-tone slim envelope and a few accents using the Banner Party dies.

Simple, but a great way to show off the paper and the colors.

#stampinup #slimlinecards #stampinuponstage2026 #artisansketchgarden #wordsandwishes

Okay… are you team fussy cut or team “no thanks”?

Okay… are you team fussy cut or team “no thanks”? Because I am 100% TEAM FUSSY CUT ✂️and I could not resist cutting out all these adorable little vases from @stampinupofficial ‘s Artisan Sketch Garden Designer Series Paper.

For this card, I blended my background using Pool Party Ink for that soft, dreamy base. Then I layered on all those fussy-cut vases and brought them to life by coloring with ink from my pads using a blender pen (one of my favorite techniques!).

And can we talk about that contrast?! These vases just POP against the black and white

To finish it off, I added a touch of sparkle with the Sunset Sparkle Sequins.

Tell me in the comments… are you fussy cutting with me or cheering me on from the sidelines? 👇

#StampinUp #ArtisanSketchGarden #FussyCutting #CardMaking #stampinuponstage2026

✨ Sneak Peek Alert! ✨ Sharing another project fro

✨ Sneak Peek Alert! ✨

Sharing another project from my OnStage presentation in Long Beach California using @stampinupofficial ‘s beautiful Artisan Sketch Garden Designer Series Paper (coming May 2026!)

I created this adorable little “Card Keeper Book” using clear envelopes—inside are four simple cards featuring the Words & Wishes stamp set and the Artisan Sketch Garden Designer Series Paper. This makes the perfect stamp & stack idea… quick, easy, and so giftable!

For the cards, I used the Stylish Shapes Dies to cut circles, and added soft blended backgrounds using a blending brush in four different tones—such an easy way to create depth and interest!

Now let’s talk about dressing it up… because all that fun detail is really on the cover of the book.

I added a handmade paper rosette using the Designer Series Paper, colored the vase directly on the designer series paper with a water painter brush and ink from the lid of my ink pads, and finished it off with a beautiful curvy ribbon created using two-tone cardstock—such a fun and unique detail! And let’s not forget the new Sunset Sparkle Sequins. I call these “the Long Beach Sequins”!

And that vellum layer was a must! It softly highlights the design while still letting that gorgeous paper shine through.

This “Card Keeper Book” is such a sweet way to package handmade cards—perfect for gifting or displaying in your craft space!

I also showed how to turn this cover into a basic card! (Not featured here)

#StampinUp #StampinupOnStage2026 #ArtisanSketchGarden #Wordsandwishes #StampAndStack

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All content on this blog is the property of Kim McGillis, Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator. Classes, services and projects offered here are not endorsed by Stampin' Up!® Projects, videos, photos, ideas and articles are shared for personal use only and may not be removed, duplicated or copied without permission

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