Sometimes the simplest crafting tools lead to the most creative ideas! Today, I’m sharing three fun ways to use the 3 Banner Punch, paired with the Soiree Salutations stamp set.
You may recognize the first card from a few days ago, when I asked you to choose how many pumpkins you preferred. It was so much fun seeing which version caught your eye! Those little punched banners provided the perfect spot for the greeting while allowing the pumpkins to remain the star of the card.
For my second card, I looked at the punch in a completely different way. Instead of creating a banner, I used the punched pieces to form the rays of a bright and cheerful sun! Arranged around a cardstock circle, those simple shapes become something entirely new. Add a pretty floral arrangement and a sweet “hugs & kisses” greeting, and you have a card filled with warmth and sunshine.
Then we took another creative turn with our final card. This time, the punched banners became a quirky road sign to help our friendly ghost find his way through his Halloween haunts! The different greetings point him toward plenty of spooky fun, including a little reminder to “Eat, Drink & Be Scary!”
That is what I love about a versatile punch. It may be designed to create banners, but with a little imagination, it can become sunshine, road signs, decorative accents, and so much more.
Simple doesn’t mean boring when you add creativity!
Be sure to watch the video as I walk you through each card and show you how I used the 3 Banner Punch in three completely different ways. Then take another look at the punches in your own craft room. What unexpected design could you create?
If you like these videos, I am putting the link HERE for you to watch the entire sires of our Kick Off Party. Until next time, keep creating and finding new ways to use the supplies you already love!
Yesterday I shared two cards and a video creating with the A Little Christmas Designer Series Paper. Today, I have another card to share with you from that very same sheet, but this time we’re adding a little twist… a fun fold!
And you know how I feel about a good fun fold, especially one that looks impressive but is actually quite simple to create!
What I really love about the A Little Christmas Designer Series Paper is how much of the work it does for us. This cozy little Christmas scene, with the decorated room, tree, bookshelves, poinsettias and presents, practically creates the card all by itself. By carefully cutting the Designer Series Paper, we can turn one of those beautiful scenes into the focal point of our card.
Creating the Fun Fold
Start with a piece of Pool Party cardstock measuring 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″. Score and fold it at 4-1/4″ just as you would for a traditional card base.
Now comes the twist! On the front of the card, measure 1-1/4″ from the score line and cut from that point all the way to the bottom. This separates that narrow section from the rest of the card front. The left-side flap gets glued down, while the larger portion remains free to open.
It’s such a simple change to a traditional card base, but suddenly you have a fun fold!
For my Designer Series Paper, I cut the beautiful Christmas room scene to 3-7/8″ x 3-7/8″. The coordinating tree pattern on the left measures 3/4″ x 3-7/8″.
To really make those patterns pop, I brought in Cherry Cobbler cardstock for the mats. You’ll need two pieces measuring 4″ x 4″, along with a 1″ x 3-7/8″ piece for the narrow side panel. I love how that Cherry Cobbler pulls the reds right out of the Designer Series Paper!
Inside the card, add a piece of Basic White measuring 3-7/8″ x 3-7/8″, giving you plenty of room to write your Christmas message.
I finished the front with a crisp Merry Christmas greeting from Soiree Salutations, punched with the 3 Banner Punch. That little banner stretches across the fun fold and adds another layer without covering up too much of that gorgeous Christmas scene.
And for a final touch of Christmas sparkle, I added a few Christmas Epoxy Shapes.
The result is a card with plenty of detail, but the Designer Series Paper is doing much of the heavy lifting. That’s one of my favorite ways to create! Start with beautiful paper, add a clever fold, pull a few coordinating colors from the design, and suddenly you have a card that looks like you spent much more time on it than you actually did.
If you joined me yesterday for my first two A Little Christmas cards, I hope today’s project gives you yet another reason to take a closer look at each sheet in that paper pack. Don’t just see a piece of Designer Series Paper… look for the little scenes, colors and details that can become the star of your next card.
If you love fun folds, tuck this one away in your idea file. It’s an easy layout you can use again and again with … let me know if you’ll be trying it! And I have links to the product below if you’d like to grab some for yourself.
Sometimes the Designer Series Paper does so much of the work for us that all we need to do is cut, layer, and have a little fun! That’s exactly what I’m sharing today with the A Little Christmas Designer Series Paper.
This adorable paper is filled with sweet, storybook-style Christmas scenes, and one particular sheet caught my eye immediately. With cozy rooms, a charming Tudor-style house, Christmas trees, gifts, and other festive images, it almost feels like we have a collection of little Christmas card fronts just waiting to be used!
And that means one thing… quick & easy card making! This fun sheet takes you from picturesque card fronts, to borders and tags!! I had so much fun playing with this sheet alone!!
Card #1: Sweet & Simple
For my first card, I chose that warm and cozy fireplace scene. Honestly, when the artwork is this cute, you really don’t need to do much to it!
I simply let the Designer Paper become the focal point of the card, added a few layers to frame the scene, and finished it with my Holiday Wishes greeting from the Soiree Salutations and the 3 Banner Punch. A few little holly embellishments in the corners were the perfect finishing touch.
This is such a great reminder that simple does not mean boring! When your Designer Paper has beautiful artwork, sometimes the best thing you can do is let it shine.
Card #2: Let’s Add Some Layers!
For my second card, I stepped things up just a bit while still keeping the card surprisingly easy to create.
I used the wonderful Tudor-style house from that same sheet of Designer Paper, but this time I added layers to create more dimension and interest. I especially love the way the white embossed panel gives me the perfect place to add my greeting.
And instead of using one large sentiment, I stamped then cut the greeting apart into individual words! What a fun way to make the greeting part of the overall card design!
Of course, I couldn’t resist adding that sweet little mouse and a few presents along the bottom. Those little details take an already adorable piece of Designer Paper and turn it into something extra special.
Look at Your Designer Paper Differently
Here’s my challenge for you: Before you start cutting your Designer Series Paper into standard-sized pieces, really look at it.
Are there scenes you can use as card fronts? Images you can cut apart? Little details you can layer or turn into embellishments?
That’s one of my favorite things about papers like A Little Christmas. You can certainly use the patterns as backgrounds, but you can also let the artwork become the star of the card. It makes creating faster, easier, and a whole lot of fun!
And if you’d like to see exactly how I created both of these cards, I’ll be including my step-by-step video …
Are you really ready to say goodbye to summer? I’m not quite there yet! There’s something about a colorful Adirondack chair that says slow down, sit a spell, and enjoy the view. And that’s exactly what inspired today’s card.
When I pulled out the Relaxing Waterside Bundle, my thoughts immediately went to one of my favorite Wisconsin destinations… Door County!
If you’ve spent any time traveling around Door County, you’ve probably spotted those wonderful colorful Adirondack chairs tucked along the shoreline, outside shops, overlooking the water, or sitting in the perfect little spot just waiting for a photo op. They’re cheerful, inviting, and they just seem to say, “Come sit for a while.”
That was the feeling I wanted to capture with this card….
A Rainbow of Adirondack Chairs
Instead of choosing just one color, I decided these chairs needed to make a statement! I used five bright, happy Stampin’ Up! colors:
Azure Afternoon
Granny Apple Green
Melon Mambo
Daffodil Delight
Coastal Cabana
Don’t they look fabulous all lined up together? It’s such a simple design, but that burst of color makes the whole card come alive.
Pull out your VersaMark ink pad and Clear Embossing Powder. Stamp the chair onto each color of cardstock with VersaMark, sprinkle with Clear Embossing Powder, and heat emboss. The clear embossing brings out all those wonderful details in the chair while adding just a touch of shine and texture.
Then comes the easy part. Because the Relaxing Waterside Dies coordinate with the stamped images, you can simply die cut each chair and start arranging your colorful little summer getaway!
I overlapped mine across the card front, almost as though they’re all lined up waiting for friends to arrive. Oh … and I had to add the Shimmering Dots for some added fun!!
The sentiment I used, “Not Lost. Just Exploring,” has retired, but don’t let that stop you from recreating this card. Look through the stamps you already own and choose a greeting that captures what you feel when you see these chairs. Maybe it’s Thinking of You, Enjoy Your Day, Happy Birthday, Relax & Enjoy, or even a simple Hello.
That’s one of the things I love about a card like this. Change the greeting and suddenly you have a card for almost any occasion.
And while these colorful chairs immediately take me to Door County, they also bring back a sweet little memory of my grandparents’ house. Their Adirondack chairs were white, not bright and colorful, but there’s still something about seeing that familiar shape that takes me right back to summer days gone by.
Funny how something as simple as a chair can hold a memory, isn’t it?
The Relaxing Waterside Dies are perfect for capturing the stillness of a quiet morning by the water, a favorite vacation spot, or simply that wonderful feeling of having nowhere you need to be.
So, I’m not packing summer away quite yet! So, I think I’ll pull up one of those colorful chairs, grab a cup of coffee, enjoy the view and sit a spell.
What about you? When you see an Adirondack chair, where does it take you? A favorite vacation spot, the lake, the cottage, your own backyard… or maybe somewhere special from your childhood?
Happy Stampin’! Linda Linda’s Stampin’ Escape Shining the Light on Creativity
There’s something about a quiet snowfall that feels peaceful, beautiful, and almost magical. For today’s Simply Sunday card, I wanted to capture that feeling with a design that lets the gorgeous Winter Dreams Specialty Designer Series Paper do most of the work.
And when the paper is this pretty, you really don’t need to add a lot!
The Winter Dreams Specialty Designer Series Paper, found in the NEW September–December Catalog, features dimensional silk-printed winter designs on deep, dark blue cardstock. The raised snowflakes have such beautiful detail and texture, creating the look of snow sparkling against a quiet night sky.
A Simple Layout That Lets the Paper Shine
I kept the layout fairly simple because I wanted those beautiful snowflakes to remain the star of the card.
The Cloud Cover card base measures 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ and is scored at 4-1/4″.
For the layers, I used:
Basic White: 5-1/4″ x 4″
Winter Dreams Specialty Designer Series Paper: 5-1/8″ x 3-7/8″
Notice that there’s only a narrow border of Basic White showing around the designer paper. It’s just enough to brighten the dark background and tie it into the white snowflakes without distracting from the pattern.
Creating the Focal Point
For the greeting, I reached for the Thinking of You Bundle and stamped the sentiment in Secret Sea ink. I love the combination of Secret Sea and Cloud Cover with this paper. They soften the contrast of the dark background while keeping that cool, wintry feel.
The greeting was die cut with a circle from the Stylish Shapes Dies, then layered onto a larger Cloud Cover circle. That little bit of layering helps the greeting stand out while still keeping the card clean and simple.
And, of course, I had to add a bow! The Secret Sea and Gold Satin Ribbon was the perfect finishing touch. The darker ribbon pulls your eye back to the designer paper, while that subtle touch of gold adds just a little elegance and shimmer.
A Design You Can Use Again and Again
One of my favorite things about this card is that the layout isn’t limited to winter. Save these measurements! Change the designer paper, greeting, colors, and ribbon, and you have an easy card design that can work for birthdays, sympathy, Christmas, thank-you cards and so much more.
That’s what Simply Sunday is all about: creating something beautiful without making it complicated.
And if you love winter cards, I think Winter Dreams is one of those papers you’ll want to see in person. The dimensional silk-printed details give it a texture and beauty that a photograph just can’t completely capture.
You’ll find the Winter Dreams Specialty Designer Series Paper, along with the Thinking of You Bundle and more wonderful new crafting products, in the NEW September–December Catalog.
Sometimes all it takes is beautiful paper, a heartfelt greeting, and one special finishing touch to create a card that feels just right. ❄️💙
Happy Simply Sunday, Stampin’ Friends! Linda Linda’s Stampin’ Escape Shining the Light on Creativity
Sometimes the fun of card making isn’t about creating something completely different. Sometimes it’s about taking the same supplies, same colors, and same basic design and making just one little change.
And that’s exactly what happened with these two cards today!
Same Card… Two Different Looks
Both cards begin with that gorgeous warm, textured background. I love how the deep autumn color of Cajun Craze and embossing it with the NEW Softly Woven 3D embossing folder adds texture and makes those soft shimmery pumpkins from the Glow of Harvest Designer paper really stand out!
Our greeting comes from the NEW Soiree Salutations and I’ve used the Three Banner Punch to punch it out. These two pair together beautifully, and you’ll get so much use out of both.
From there, I simply played around with the arrangement.
Card A keeps things a little more simple. There’s more open space around the pumpkins, and your eye is drawn right toward that Happy Thanksgiving greeting. It’s clean, uncomplicated and lets each element have its moment.
Then there’s Card B.…
I added a couple more pumpkins and clustered everything together around the greeting. It’s fuller, a little more abundant, and definitely gives me those “pumpkins everywhere, fall has arrived!” vibes.
What I love is that neither card required a completely different design. Just changing the number of pumpkins and their placement gave the card a whole new feel.
And Now It’s YOUR Turn!
Take another good look at the two cards. Are you drawn to…
🍂 Card A — Simple & Sweet or 🎃 Card B — More Pumpkins, More Fall Feels?
I’d love to know which one YOU would make — A or B? And even better, tell me why! Are you usually a clean-and-simple stamper, or are you in the “there’s always room for one more pumpkin” camp?
A Little Creative Reminder
This is also one of my favorite things about stamping. You don’t always need another stamp set, another die, or an entirely new card layout to create something fresh.
Sometimes, simply moving your pieces around, adding one more element, or leaving a little extra white space is enough to completely change the look of your card.
So the next time you make a card you love, before you put those supplies away, make another one and change just one thing. You might be surprised which version becomes your favorite!
Thanks for stopping by Linda’s Stampin’ Escape and joining in our Saturday fun. 💕 I can’t wait to see whether A or B wins over here!
Happy Stampin’! Linda Linda’s Stampin’ Escape Shining the Light on Creativity 🗼
If it seems like I’ve been a little quiet here lately, there’s a good reason… I’ve been partying! 🎉✂️
I’ve been busy hosting my September–December Catalog Kick-Off Party, an online event filled with new products, stamping inspiration, games, prizes, and, of course, lots of card making! We had seven stamping sessions, and now I’m excited to start sharing some of those projects with you here on my blog and over on my YouTube Channel.
And what better place to begin than Session 1, featuring one of the prettiest papers I’ve had the pleasure of creating with lately… Glow of Harvest Specialty Designer Series Paper!
This Paper Really Does GLOW!
Glow of Harvest was already a favorite of mine before I even started cutting into it. The soft fall colors, delicate florals, and beautiful shimmer give it such an elegant look. But once I started creating with it, I loved it even more!
For these cards, I paired the paper with the NEW Round About Messages Stamp Set. I love the way the circular sentiments become part of the design rather than simply being added at the end.
And as you can see, these two cards show just how versatile that combination can be.
The first card is definitely my WOW card! I layered those beautiful florals around the circular “so kind of you” greeting and added the bold Thanks across the center. Between the texture, layers, florals, and shimmer of the paper, there’s so much to look at… but it all works together beautifully.
Then I went in a completely different direction with my second card. Simple can be beautiful, too!
I let that gorgeous Glow of Harvest paper do most of the work and added the Round About Messages greeting as the focal point. A few fussy-cut pieces from the Designer Series Paper were just enough to finish it off.
I love showing these two cards together because they’re such a great reminder that you don’t always need lots of layers and embellishments to make a beautiful handmade card. Sometimes we can step it up, and sometimes we can simply let the paper shine!
Watch Me Create!
I’m sharing these cards and lots of little tips in the video from Session 1 of my Catalog Kick-Off Party.
If you missed the party, don’t worry! I’ll be sharing more of the projects from our seven sessions here on the blog, along with the coordinating videos on my YouTube Channel. There is LOTS more new-product inspiration coming your way!
I hope these first two cards inspire you to pull out some pretty paper, try a different way of using your sentiments, and spend a little time creating.
Now I have to know…
Which card is more YOUR stamping style? The layered floral “Thanks” card, or the clean and simple “Hello!” card?
Happy Stampin’! Linda Linda’s Stampin’ Escape Shining the Light on Creativity ❤️
Have you ever admired a Fun Fold card and thought, “I would love to make that, but I’m not sure where to begin”?
That is exactly why I love teaching Stamp Club! Each month, I guide you step by step through creative folds and techniques so you can enjoy the process—and leave feeling confident enough to recreate the projects at home.
Today, I’m sharing a favorite from last year’s Stamp Club: the Tri-Panel Double Z Fold.
This card may look complicated, but once you learn how the pieces come together, it is such a fun design to create! The layered panels give you plenty of opportunities to showcase beautiful patterned paper—and the card looks amazing standing open for display.
One Fold with Two Completely Different Personalities
To show just how versatile this Fun Fold can be, I created it with two of Stampin’ Up!’s popular Designer Series Papers.
The Floral Charm Designer Series Paper gives the card a soft, elegant appearance. The beautiful flowers and rich shades of purple make it perfect for birthdays, thinking-of-you cards, or any occasion when you want someone to know they are on your mind.
Then I used the Made with Love Designer Series Paper to create a completely different look. The playful hearts, X’s, O’s, and cheerful colors turn the same fold into a bright card filled with love.
Same Fun Fold—two beautiful styles!
That is one of the things I love most about cardmaking. Once you learn the foundation of a great fold, you can change the paper, colors, greeting, and embellishments to create something for almost any occasion.
Measurements:
Real Red: 7 ¼” x 5 ½” plus ¾” strip of scrap for hearts
Flirty Flamingo: 3 pieces measuring 7 ¼” x 1 ½” plus 1 ½” x 1 ½” to cut heart
Designer Paper: 3 pieces @ 4” x 1 ¼” and 6 pieces @ 1 ¼” x ¼” (may use contrasting designer paper for 3 of 6)
Basic White cardstock: 4” x 5 ¼” (back), plus 3” x 3” for greeting.
Instructions:
Cut card base to 7-1/4” x 5-1/2”
Score the card base at 1-1/2” & 3” and Z-fold.
Score three 7-1/4” x 1-1/2” coordinating cardstock strips at 1-1/2” & 3” and Z-fold.
Adhere the 1-1/4” x 4” (X3) and 1-1/4” squares (X6) on the Z-fold strips as shown in the photo.
Lay your card base flat with the Z-fold on the left side, turn over the strips so that the folded side are on the right. Put adhesive only on the left and right edges of the strips and adhere on the card base as shown.
Add your accent/sentiment pieces.
Adhere a 4” x 5 ¼” contrasting color as a mat, and layer with the 3 ¾” x 5” Basic White for your message.
This Is What Stamp Club Is All About!
Stamp Club is so much more than simply making a card. It is your opportunity to learn, experiment, and enjoy a creative escape with people who love stamping too.
Our new Stamp Club begins in September and meets once a month through June. You can choose either a morning or evening session, whichever works best for you.
Each month, you can look forward to:
Creating a minimum of two beautiful projects
Learning fabulous Fun Folds
Trying creative stamping techniques
Discovering fresh designs and new ways to use your supplies
Playing with some of Stampin’ Up!’s newest and most popular products
Receiving project measurements and/or instructions to take home
Being among the first to see new products and snag a new catalog
Enjoying hands-on guidance in a relaxed and welcoming setting
I design and prepare the projects so you can come ready to stamp, learn, and have fun. You will leave with finished projects, fresh inspiration, and ideas you can use again and again.
Your Monthly Creative Escape
Whether you have been stamping for years or you are ready to try something new, you will feel right at home.
Bring a friend—or come on your own and make a new one! Stamp Club is filled with creativity, conversation, encouragement, and plenty of laughter.
Just imagine having something creative to look forward to every month: new folds, new techniques, popular products, beautiful cards, and time spent with wonderful stamping friends.
Ten months. New ideas. Beautiful projects. Wonderful friendships.
Doesn’t that sound like fun? Space is limited in both the morning and evening sessions, so contact me to choose your session and save your seat for the 2026–2027 Stamp Club.
I would love to welcome you to the club and share a whole new year of creativity with you!
Linda Linda’s Stampin’ Escape Shining the Light on Creativity
Welcome back to Christmas in July and Week 3 of our A Stitched Season series!
Have you ever saved the little scraps and leftover pieces from a project because they were simply too pretty to throw away? This week, we’re putting some of those pieces to good use as we create a charming patchwork stocking with the leftovers from earlier projects.
The A Stitched Season Suite Collection was inspired by the warmth and nostalgia of handmade Christmas quilts. The coordinated collection includes festive images such as stockings, presents, pine trees and holly, along with patterned paper, embellishments and stitched accents that make it easy to create projects with a cozy, handmade appearance.
For today’s card, I used leftover squares from some of my other A Stitched Season projects to create the colorful patchwork … This is one of my favorite ways to stretch my crafting supplies. Instead of letting those smaller pieces collect on the corner of my table—or tossing them away—we can combine them into a fun pallet of magic. Each little pattern adds its own color and personality, giving the finished stocking the look of a treasured Christmas quilt.
Once the pieces are arranged, the stocking die brings everything together with its detailed stitched edges. It creates an impressive focal point without requiring you to sew or individually piece an entire quilt pattern. The video below is a replay of my Facebook LIVE, and it really is the heart of today’s post.
Grab your favorite beverage, pull up a seat and join me as I guide you through the process step by step. I’ll show you how I arranged the leftover paper pieces, transformed them into the patchwork stocking and finished the card with layers, texture and festive details.
I’ll also share a few extra tips along the way to help you get the most from the die and create a stocking that looks beautifully finished.
If you haven’t fallen in love with this stocking yet, I hope this project changed that. It is so easy and versatile to work with. You can create a traditional Christmas stocking in reds and greens, use soft neutrals for a vintage quilted look or choose completely different colors to match the personality of the person receiving your card.
You can fill the stocking with patchwork pieces as I did today, use one favorite designer-paper pattern or create your own combination from the scraps already sitting on your craft table. That makes every stocking a little different—and every card feel especially handmade.
While the suite is naturally perfect for Christmas cards, its quilt-inspired elements can also be used for gift tags, scrapbook pages, treat packaging and other holiday projects. Stampin’ Up! describes the collection as a coordinated assortment designed to bring cozy, nostalgic charm to cards and other handmade creations. You’ll find the shopping links below so you can add the A Stitched Season Suite Collection—or your favorite individual pieces—to your own crafting collection.
I hope you enjoy today’s video and feel inspired to look through your leftover designer paper pieces before throwing any of them away. You may already have the makings of your next beautiful patchwork stocking sitting right on your craft table!
Thanks so much for joining me for Week 3 of Christmas in July. I can’t wait to share another festive project with you soon.
Christmas in July continues, and this week we’re taking the A Stitched Season Suite to the next level! If you loved last week’s stitched stocking, you’re going to have even more fun with this one. Today we’re creating a beautiful quilt-inspired stocking that looks like it took hours to piece together—but I’ll show you how easy it really is.
One of the things I love most about the A Stitched Season Suite is how it combines the warmth of handmade quilts with the timeless charm of Christmas. The stitched dies create beautiful detail, while the coordinating designer paper does much of the work for you. The result is a card that’s rich in texture and color, yet surprisingly simple to create.
In this week’s video, I’ll guide you step-by-step through creating the quilted stocking, sharing tips for getting those stitched pieces lined up perfectly and achieving a polished, professional finish. If you’ve ever admired this style of card and thought it looked too complicated, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how approachable it is.
To complement the stocking, I paired it with an embossed background for added texture, a festive stitched ribbon, and a simple “Cheers” greeting. Together, these details create a card that’s elegant enough to display throughout the holiday season while still being easy enough to recreate for your own Christmas card collection.
If you’re ready to add another beautiful design to your Christmas card stash, be sure to watch the video above. I’ll walk you through each step, share a few helpful tips along the way, and hopefully inspire you to pull out your paper and start creating right along with me. Click the YOUTUBE link and see more inspiration!
As always, you’ll find a complete supply list below. If you don’t already own the A Stitched Season Suite, I think you’ll quickly see why it’s becoming one of my favorite collections for holiday crafting. The versatility of the dies and designer paper makes it easy to create cards that look detailed and impressive without spending hours at your craft table.
Thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of creativity. If you enjoy today’s project, I’d love to have you subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow along as we continue our Christmas in July series. There are plenty more festive ideas still to come, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
There are some card collections that are simply beautiful… and then there are collections that make you stop and admire every little detail. The Garden Poetry Suite is definitely one of those! Today I’m combining the gorgeous Garden Poetry Designer Series Paper, the coordinating Paradise Garden Bundle, and my favorite surprise from the suite—the Garden Textures Specialty Foil Sheets. The result is a card that’s elegant enough for any occasion today, yet versatile enough to inspire stunning holiday cards later this year. Trust me… once you see this foil in person, you’ll be looking for every excuse to use it! The entire suite was designed to coordinate beautifully, making it easy to create polished, professional-looking projects.
For today’s project, I wanted the beautiful papers to do most of the work while adding just enough stamping and die cutting to create a striking focal point.
Begin with a Basic White A2 card base, measuring 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″, scored and folded at 4-1/4″.
Next, cover the card front with a piece of Garden Poetry Designer Series Paper cut to 4″ x 5-1/4″. One of my favorite things about this paper collection is its watercolor-inspired floral artwork. The larger floral patterns make gorgeous backgrounds, while the softer reverse sides are perfect for layering. The colors throughout the collection coordinate beautifully, making it almost impossible to choose a favorite!
Now it’s time to add the “wow” factor… Cut a piece of the Blueberry Bushel Garden Textures Specialty Foil to 2-3/4″ x 4″ and emboss it with the embossing folder that comes within the bundle. Then adhere it along the left side of the card front. Photographs simply don’t do this paper justice! The rich metallic finish catches the light beautifully and instantly adds depth and elegance. Available in Berry Burst, Blueberry Bushel, and Shaded Spruce, these foil sheets are wonderful for everyday cards—but don’t pack them away after summer. Imagine these rich jewel tones paired with Christmas greenery, ornaments, winter florals, or elegant holiday sentiments. They’re going to become a favorite during the holiday crafting season, too.
Using Basic White cardstock, die cut one of the Everyday Arches Dies to create your sentiment panel. Stamp the greeting in Blueberry Bushel Ink for a clean, classic look that coordinates perfectly with the papers.
Next, stamp the floral images from the Paradise Garden Stamp Set onto Basic White cardstock using Blueberry Bushel Ink. Die cut them with the coordinating dies, then layer the flowers so they overlap both the arch and the foil panel. This simple layering technique adds wonderful dimension while allowing each element of the suite to shine.
To finish the card, add a few Basic Rhinestones to the flower centers and beside the greeting. That little touch of sparkle ties everything together without taking away from the gorgeous foil.
One of my favorite things about the Garden Poetry Suite is how effortlessly everything coordinates. The designer paper, stamps, dies, and specialty foil were created to complement one another, making it easy to mix patterns, textures, and colors while achieving a polished result every time. Whether you’re creating birthday cards, thinking of you cards, thank you cards, or even elegant holiday greetings, this suite offers endless possibilities.
Sometimes a card doesn’t need complicated techniques to make a big impression. By combining beautiful designer paper, luxurious foil, a few stamped flowers, and a simple sentiment, you can create a card that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to make.
I hope today’s project inspires you to pull out your favorite patterned papers and experiment with layering different textures. You may discover—just as I did—that sometimes the paper really does become the star of the show! You will find links to the products below … make sure to grab some extra foil for the holiday season.
Ready to chill? There’s something so relaxing about the beach—the sound of the waves, the warm sand beneath your feet, and treasures waiting to be discovered along the shoreline. That’s exactly the feeling I wanted to capture in today’s project!
This interactive fun fold features the beautiful Rolling Waves Bundle and the gorgeous Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper to create a peaceful seaside scene that’s full of texture, dimension, and a delightful surprise.
At first glance, your eye is drawn to the layered waves gently rolling onto the sandy beach. I created the shoreline by softly blending Crumb Cake ink for the sand and Pool Party for the water before layering the coordinating wave dies for incredible depth. The delicate shells, starfish, and a touch of Bakers Twine add just the right finishing touches, making this card feel like a peaceful day spent along the shore.
One of my favorite details is the weathered wood Designer Series Paper on the front. By lightly sponging Crumb Cake ink over the pattern, it softens the design while tying all of the colors together beautifully.
But that’s only the beginning…
Open the card and you’ll discover another card tucked neatly inside! As each layer unfolds, it creates a fun interactive experience that’s sure to bring a smile to your recipient’s face. It’s one of those cards that looks wonderfully intricate but is actually quite easy to assemble once you see how all the pieces fit together.
The Rolling Waves Bundle makes creating realistic coastal scenes effortless. The detailed Distinktive stamps add beautiful movement to the water, while the coordinating dies layer perfectly to create waves that almost seem to roll right off the page. Whether you’re making birthday cards, retirement cards, thank you cards, or simply sending a little sunshine through the mail, this bundle is perfect for anyone who loves the lake, the beach, or simply peaceful scenery.
If you’d like to recreate today’s project, you’ll find the complete measurements and step-by-step instructions below.
Measurements
Crumb Cake Cardstock
10″ x 4¼”
8½” x 2¾”
Basic White Cardstock
2 pieces: 4″ x 2½”
1 piece: 4¼” x 1½”
Scrap for die-cut waves
Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper
Wood Pattern: 4″ x 4¼”
Bird Pattern: 4″ x 5¼”
Bakers Twine
Approximately 4″
Instructions:
Score the largest of the two Crumb Cake cardstock pieces at 4 ¼” on the 10” length.
Score the smaller of the Crumb Cake pieces at 4 ¼” on the 8 ½” length.
On one of the 4” x 2 ½” Basic White pieces, sponge Crumb Cake onto the bottom (4” length) to look like sand, then brush Pool Party on the top half of the piece. Set the second one aside.
In Crumb Cake; stamp your greeting over the sponged area of the piece.
Take your Wood pattern paper, and using the sponge dauber, lightly sponge onto the paper in a few areas to soften the look and bring that color into your card.
Attach the wood patterned paper onto the front (smaller area) on the larger Crumb Cake piece (Fold on the left side).
Using Pool Party and the Blending Brush; brush around the outer edges of the designer paper- “Bird” pattern. Attach to inside of card.
From the scrap white; die cut the largest of the 3 waves dies, and then the middle size (both waves should have the open ends).
On the largest of the waves, ink up the large water stamp and stamp directly onto the open ends – then brush Pool Party over the entire piece.
Using glue; align and attach the smaller wave directly onto large waves. Attach this assembly onto the small white piece that your greeting is on. Trim edges off.
On the smaller Crumb Cake, with the fold on the “Right Side” and open end on left, attach the wave assembly to the front.
One the 4 ¼” x 1 ½” Basic White, sponge Crumb Cake onto entire piece – not heavy, just enough to give it some color (may be uneven!) Using the shell dies, die cut from this piece.
Using your sponge dauber and Calypso Coral ink, add some additional color to your shells.
Put Bakers Twine under the largest Starfish and attach to assembly. Tuck one shell under the waves and add small starfish. Embellish with your favorite color from the Pearls of Beauty – they would all work!
Open the small card and attach the last of the two 4” x 2 ½” Basic White pieces onto the left side; attach the left-over shells.
Time to attach the small card and create your fun fold … Using glue or your favorite adhesive, center the card on the inside of the larger one (over bird pattern) and secure. Open smaller inside card, close the larger (left flap) card and then the smaller card over that!
This card creates fun and dimension as they open each layer of the card. Enjoy!!
I hope this card inspires you to create your own little escape by the water! It’s a fun fold that’s sure to impress, yet it’s filled with simple techniques like ink blending, layering dies, and adding just a few embellishments to bring the whole scene to life.
If you don’t already own the Rolling Waves Bundle, I added the links below for that and the rest of the supplies. I think you’re going to fall in love with all the beautiful seaside projects you can create with it.
I’ve been in my stamp room creating for my upcoming class. The morning session is full, but I do have a few spots left in the evening if you’d like to join us!! The class highlights the “A Stitched Season” Suite.
One of the things I love most about the A Stitched Season Suite Collection is how effortlessly it transforms simple supplies into beautiful Christmas cards. The quilt-inspired patterns, cozy colors, charming embellishments, and heartfelt greetings all work together to create cards that feel warm, nostalgic, and handmade.
Today’s card is proof that you don’t have to use an entire sheet of Designer Series Paper exactly as it comes. Sometimes all it takes is looking at it a little differently.
Instead of keeping one of the quilt designs intact, I cut out a section of four individual quilt blocks from the patterned paper. They will create our focal point that looks like a miniature Christmas quilt. It’s such an easy technique, and once you start cutting with different sections of the paper, you’ll discover dozens of creative possibilities.
I layered my quilt block onto a 3½” x 3½” piece of Cherry Cobbler Cardstock to frame the design. If you’d like a little more of that rich Cherry Cobbler showing around the edges, simply increase your layer to 3⅝” x 3⅝” for a slightly wider border.
Now for my favorite part…
Each quilt square is finished with one of the adorable Adhesive-Backed Mini Christmas Buttons. Stampin’ Up! added just a touch of sparkle around each button, and it’s those little details that make me smile. I tied tiny bows from the Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack and secured one on each button using the Mini Glue Dots, giving the card the cozy feeling of a handmade quilt fresh from Grandma’s sewing room. It’s a small detail, but it adds so much warmth and charm.
Once my focal point was finished, I mounted it onto a 4″ x 5¼” piece of Basic White Cardstock embossed with the enchanting Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder. Although this embossing folder was introduced in the Frightfully Fun Suite, one of the things I love about Stampin’ Up! is that any suite product can also be purchased individually. That means you can mix and match your favorites to create cards for every season. The soft swirls add wonderful texture and movement while allowing the quilt blocks to remain the star of the show.
Everything is layered onto a standard Cherry Cobbler A2 card base, cut to 8½” x 5½” and scored at 4¼”.
For the greeting, I stamped one of the beautiful sentiments from the A Stitched Season Bundle in Cherry Cobbler ink, then fussy cut it before layering it onto another piece of Cherry Cobbler cardstock and fussy cutting again to create a custom mat. Of course, if fussy cutting isn’t your favorite pastime, the coordinating die included in the bundle make this step quick and easy. I simply chose to cut it by hand because I wanted as much of that beautiful quilt design to remain visible as possible.
Since one end of the greeting extends beyond the quilt square, just tuck a couple of Stampin’ Dimensionals underneath the overhanging edge for support, and your card is complete.
What really excites me about this project is just how much you can create from one sheet of Designer Series Paper. One 12″ x 12″ sheet will make the focal point for nine beautiful Christmas cards… and you’ll still have leftover quilt blocks! Those extra pieces are much too pretty to throw away.
In fact, I used them on another project! I used the adorable stockings dies from the suite with the leftover quilt squares, and I absolutely love how it turned out. Be sure to watch my YouTube video (Click Here) to see how those little leftovers became another festive project. It’s one more way to stretch your supplies while creating something truly special.
The A Stitched Season Suite Collection is filled with nostalgic quilt patterns, stockings, pine trees, holiday greenery, coordinating dies, beautiful sentiments, and delightful embellishments that make Christmas crafting both relaxing and rewarding. Whether you’re making a handful of cards or an entire stack to send this holiday season, this suite offers endless opportunities to create something your family and friends will treasure.
You’ll find all of the product links waiting for you below so you can explore everything included in this beautiful collection.
And don’t forget to stop back tomorrow! I’ll be sharing a special way to save, and on Tuesday we’re trading Christmas for sunshine as we head to the beach for a fun summertime project that I can’t wait to show you.
Thank you so much for spending part of your day with me. I always enjoy sharing new ideas and helping you discover just how fun and relaxing card making can be.
Hey Stampin’ Friends, here is the information on my class … please message me below or send me an email at lindaluvs2stamp@aol.com to RSVP. The morning class is already filled, I do have spots in the 6:30 pm evening class.
Halloween crafting doesn’t have to be complicated to make a big impression! In this Summerween Finale, I’m sharing two fun and spooky Halloween cards that let the Frightfully Fun Product Suite do so much of the work for you. Whether you love creating quick cards or enjoy adding a few extra techniques, there’s something here for everyone.
The first card is all about letting that gorgeous designer paper shine. The spooky tree scene already sets the perfect Halloween mood, so all we need to do is add a few die-cut bats, a simple greeting, and suddenly you have a card that’s dramatic, festive, and incredibly easy to recreate. It’s proof that beautiful paper can do the heavy lifting! Don’t you love those eyes … check out the video to see how I did it!!
The second card takes things up a notch with a fun ink blending technique. We’ll create an eerie purple sky using Blending Brushes, then layer on die-cut trees and soft vellum ghosts to build a scene that’s both spooky and adorable. It’s an easy technique that adds amazing depth and is one you’ll find yourself using long after Halloween is over.
I hope these projects inspire you to pull out your Halloween supplies, play with your inks, and have a little spooky fun at your craft table. Whether you’re making cards for grandchildren, friends, neighbors, or simply adding to your own collection, these designs come together quickly and are sure to bring smiles.
🎥 Be sure to watch the full YouTube tutorial where I’ll walk you through each project step-by-step and share all of my tips along the way. If you enjoy the video, I’d love it if you’d subscribe to my channel so you won’t miss future cardmaking ideas, seasonal inspiration, and our weekly creative adventures.
Thank you for spending a little time with me here at Linda’s Stampin’ Escape, where we’re always Shining the Light on Creativity. I have the product links listed below so you can pick out your favorite tools and supplies.
Can you really make three adorable Halloween cards from just one half sheet of Designer Series Paper? Absolutely—and that’s exactly what I’m sharing in this week’s Summerween replay!
If you’ve been looking for ways to get more from your Designer Series Paper while creating quick, fun projects, this video is packed with ideas you’ll want to try. Best of all, these cards come together easily, making them perfect for beginners and experienced stampers alike.
One of my favorite things to share is how to make the most of the supplies you already own. In this replay, I’ll show you exactly how I turned just half a sheet of Frightfully Fun Designer Series Paper into three completely different Halloween cards, each with its own personality.
You’ll also pick up simple layout ideas that can easily be adapted for birthdays, Christmas, fall cards, or just about any Designer Series Paper in your collection.
🎥 Be sure to watch the video below where I walk you through every step and share lots of tips along the way.
This sweet little kitty couldn’t resist exploring the spooky forest! I love how the dramatic Designer Series Paper creates an eerie background while the adorable cat keeps the card playful and fun. It’s proof that Halloween cards don’t have to be scary to be eye-catching.
Card #2 – Boo to You
This card couldn’t be easier! I let the Designer Series Paper take center stage. The spooky trees and glowing moon create the entire scene, while a simple greeting and a few adorable ghost embellishments finish it off beautifully.
Card #3 – Happy Halloween Ghosts
Simple Die Cuts! A few happy ghosts, a bold greeting, and that beautiful moonlit background do all the work. It’s quick, simple, and perfect when you need to make several Halloween cards in one sitting.
Bonus Project – A Sweet Popsicle Treat!
Because every Summerween party needs a treat!
I’ll also show you how to create this fun little Popsicle card that’s perfect for party favors, classroom treats, neighbors, grandchildren, or anyone who could use a little Halloween surprise. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to bring smiles.
If these projects inspire you, you’ll find links below to the products I used so you can start creating your own Summerween cards and treats.
Whether you purchase one item or the entire collection, I truly appreciate your support of my small business. Every order helps me continue bringing you free tutorials, videos, inspiration, and classes.
🎄 Before You Go…
If you enjoyed today’s video, I’d love to have you join me LIVE tonight on my Linda’s Stampin’ Escape Facebook Page as we switch gears from Summerween to Christmas in July!
We’ll be creating beautiful holiday cards featuring the A Stitched Season Suite, sharing lots of tips, techniques, laughs, and inspiration along the way. Grab your favorite beverage, invite a friend, and come spend the evening crafting with us. I’d love to see you there!
Until next time…
Happy Stamping! ❤️ Linda Shining the Light on Creativity 🌊
🛍️ Shop the products below and start creating your own Summerween fun!
Linda's Stampin' Escape 