Category Archives: HANDMADE CARDS

The Beauty of Christmas in Red & Gold

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS by

Good Morning Stampin’ Friends ~

There’s something so classic and elegant about red and gold at the holidays — and today I’m sharing a card that brings that traditional beauty to life. This card highlights the Traditional Labels Bundle paired with the gorgeous red-and-gold poinsettia pattern from the Traditions of Christmas Designer Series Paper. I’ve included every measurement and step-by-step instruction so you can recreate it exactly (or use it as a jumping off point for your own variations). Let’s make something beautiful!

Measurements:

  • Red Cardstock: 8 ½” x 5 ½” – Score at 4 ¼” and 3 ½” x 2 ½” – greeting
  • Basic White cardstock:  4” x 5 ¼” – inside
  • Gold Foil:  4” x 5 ¼”
  • Designer Paper: 3 ¾” x 5”
  • Gold Mesh Ribbon: Approximately 24” – to create a fluffy bow!

Instructions:

  • Start with Real Red cardstock measuring 8 ½” x 5 ½” to make your card base.  Score at 4 ¼” and burnish.
  • Attach Designer paper onto Gold Foil Specialty Paper / cardfront
  • Wrap approximately 14” around card front and tie a knot on the right-hand side – but not to edge
  • Stamp Greeting onto small Real Red with VersaMark
  • Emboss greeting with Gold embossing powder
  • Die cut greeting with shaped die from Traditional labels bundle
  • Adhere die cut greeting over ribbon & onto cardfront with dimensionals.
  • Weave remaining ribbon back and forth over knot and secure it with loose ends of the tied ribbon.  Tie with knot and trim ends.
  • Using liquid glue, embellish with sequins as desired.
  • Secure white cardstock to inside of card. 

This card is a lovely way to showcase the Traditions of Christmas poinsettia paper — the red and gold are pure holiday glamour, and the Traditional Labels Bundle makes sentiment placement quick and beautiful. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I did! If you try it, please share a photo — I’d love to see your color choices and embellishment ideas. ❤️🎄

Have a warm and beautiful Sunday … enjoy your day!

Adorable Nutcracker Tags Made into Cards

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Well, well, well… we are officially in the thick of a snowstorm here in Wisconsin—
and honestly, it feels like the entire state is buried under a fluffy white blanket today! ❄️
It’s the perfect kind of day to stay inside, stay warm, and enjoy a little creativity.

Today also happens to be Small Business Saturday, and while I never want to shout “shop small” at anyone, I do love the gentle reminder that days like this are a wonderful opportunity to support the people behind the storefronts—whether they’re local shops in town or the online businesses you’ve grown to trust. It’s really about connection, community, and choosing to lift each other up.

Yesterday I shared the replay of my Facebook LIVE where I highlighted two amazing kits, the Adventure Awaits Card Kit and the Nutcracker Tag Kit. Today, with the snow swirling outside, it seems like the perfect moment to cozy in and give you a closer look at the cards I created— Those tags are adorable on their own, but transforming them into cards felt like giving them a whole new purpose. I’ll walk through how I layered them, how I chose coordinating cardstock, and why simple tweaks made them feel extra festive and giftable.

Snowy days like this remind me just how comforting it is to create something with your hands. There’s a certain warmth that comes from crafting— from the quiet moments trimming paper,
to the satisfaction of adding that last embellishment, to the joy of knowing someone will smile when they open your handmade card.

Let’s begin with our first tag / card ….

You’ll notice that I switch out banners and greetings to create a whole new feel. My background is the Garden Green Two Tone paper, and secured to a Basic White A2 Card base. I embossed it with the Peaceful Greenery Embossing Folder and used a sanding block to remove some of the color and pull the white out! I love the festive look!!

Next up ….

I had a lot of fun with this card!! I was playing with the Designer papers I had on hand … my card front was create using the Branching Out dies and the Traditions of Christmas Designer Paper. I matted this backdrop with Crumb Cake to match her boot & hat. That piece was cut slightly larger and then I used my 1″ Circle Punch to create the same look as the dies. The little presents around her feet … they come from the North Pole Delivery Specialty paper. I also die cut a piece of Vellum using the Spotlight on Nature dies.

My third tag into card is …

I began by trimming the Pool Party color off my Nutcracker … I wanted to pull the Real Red and Old Olive out of this one. You’ll see the Old Olive in his shoulder pads. I again use the Traditions of Christmas Designer paper and the Branching Out dies. This time I used a partial sheet of cardstock as my mat … I wanted to leave a little more red showing. I added a smaller circle cut from Vellum using the Spotlight on Nature Dies… I do this technique to highlight either the tag (as in our second card) or the greeting as in this card.

My last tag to card is ….

Here’s my Little Drummer Boy card! Not sure if you caught this, but on cards 2 and 3 – I did not use the banners, so I used them as my backdrop!! My cardfront is Basic White and die cut with the Textured Notes Dies. I used Pecan Pie as my cardbase – I thought it looked nice with his hair and highlighted the rest of the colors. The bakers twine used for tying up the tags, was used as an embellishment to showcase the tags. On this one is saved the “For You” greeting because the Drummer Boy asks … Shall I play for you?

I had so much fun making these special cards. Cards truly make the perfect gift. They’re personal. They’re thoughtful… And they’re filled with a little piece of you. I hope this inspires you to share your creativity with someone who could use a little lift.

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the beauty of a good snow day… it’s Wisconsin, after all. Tell me where you’re from and how’s the weather by you!!

Adventure Awaits Card Kit & a Holiday Surprise!

Posted in Card Kits, HANDMADE CARDS, Kits Collection by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I have a fun video to share with you—and this one is packed with creativity! It features the Adventure Awaits Card Kit, one of the brand-new kits released earlier this month. If you’re looking for something fresh, inspiring, and perfectly versatile, this kit is going to steal your heart.

Let your creativity take the driver’s seat with the Adventure Awaits Kit. 🌟 Coast along in the retro colours, enjoy the hand-drawn artwork, and create cards that feel right at home whether you’re crafting something feminine or masculine. With printed sentiments, precut paper, and soft vellum touches, this kit truly delivers a crafty escape.

✨ Kit Includes Everything You Need
✔ Makes 9 cards — 3 each of 3 unique designs
✔ Precut pieces & printed sentiments
✔ Vellum details
✔ A fun, go-at-your-own-pace experience

Catch the replay of my Facebook LIVE where I not only walk you through creating each of the beautiful Adventure Awaits cards, but also take a creative detour into the Nutcracker Tags Kit.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

And ohhh… the adorable alternative projects I made with it— Yes, you guessed it… CARDS!! 🎄✨ If you love stretching your kits and turning tags into full-blown card designs, you won’t want to miss tomorrows post. I will be sharing each of the tags and it’s coordinating card with you. I will share how I made each one along with the supplies needed.

Thank you for joining me today, and I’ll meet you back here tomorrow to walk you through how I took those tags and created those cute cards.

Big Hugs & Peaceful Gardens Suite

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today we’re turning our attention to one of the most serene and versatile collections in the Mini Catalog—the Peaceful Garden Suite.

If you love crafting with beauty, calm, and a touch of elegance, this suite is going to tug at your creative heartstrings. Between its soothing color palette, organic floral imagery, and the refreshing mix of textures, Peaceful Garden brings a breath of fresh air to your projects—whether you’re creating for the holidays or well into the new year.

My card begins with the classic A2 size in Secret Sea cardstock—one of those colors that just wraps your project in a soft, peaceful glow.

To build the foundation, I reached for one of the gorgeous floral patterns from the Peaceful Garden Designer Series Paper. With just a quick trim to 4″ x 5-1/4″, this layer fills the card front with gentle beauty and effortless charm. This suite’s paper is incredible because every pattern feels soft and nature-inspired, making it easy to pair with any sentiment or occasion.

Next came the labels from the Peace on Earth Bundle. I love when a die set gives you options, and these two label dies are perfect for creating clean, dimensional focal points:

  • The largest label was cut from the dark glimmer paper—it adds just the right amount of sparkle without overpowering the design.
  • The smaller label was die-cut from Basic White, giving me the perfect place to stamp my greeting.

And speaking of greetings…
I chose “Big Hugs for a Good Friend”—a heartfelt, anytime sentiment that shows just how wonderfully versatile this bundle really is. Yes, it shines during the holidays, but sentiments like this carry your creativity long past December. Think friendship cards, encouragement cards, thinking-of-you cards… this bundle has year-round opportunity written all over it.

To elevate the elegance, I added the stunning Misty Moonlight & Silver Edged Ribbon. It pairs beautifully with the cool tones in the Peaceful Garden Suite and gives a soft shimmer without being too bold.

For the final touch, a sprinkle of the Hues of Blue Embellishments brought everything together with a gentle sparkle that echoes the designer paper and glimmer label. These little gems are subtle but impactful—they catch the light just right!

If you’re looking for a suite that can carry you through winter, spring, and beyond, this is it. Thanks for stopping by ~

Simply Sunday: Simply Beautiful Traditions of Christmas

Posted in Birthday, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

There’s something magical about crafting on a Sunday morning—especially when we blend the classic beauty of Christmas with a fresh, modern twist. Today’s project is all about celebrating the Simply Beautiful Traditions of Christmas using the gorgeous Traditions of Christmas Suite, but with a little unexpected flair… PINK! Yes, pink is everywhere this year—Halloween, fall décor, and now Christmas cards. And honestly? I’m here for it!

I began with a soft Bubble Bath card base measuring 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″, scored at 4-1/4″. Clean, simple, perfect. For the card front, I trimmed a piece to 4″ x 5-1/4″ and ran it through the Peaceful Greenery Embossing Folder. This embossed frame is everything—delicate leaves, soft texture, and a beautiful focal point that sets the stage for the entire card.

Inside that embossed frame, I heat embossed the sentiment in gold embossing powder, using the “Just for You” from the Traditional Labels Stamp Set. Even though this suite leans into Christmas, this sentiment gives the card wonderful versatility. With just one phrase, this becomes an all-occasion card wrapped in festive elegance. Perfect for my daughters December 23rd birthday!

For the finishing touch, I die cut one of the stunning floral sprays from the Traditions of Christmas Specialty Designer Paper. The gold foiling on this collection is absolutely breathtaking, and layering that spray along the embossed frame instantly elevated the card—no stamping required!

As I look at the finished card, I’m thinking it could use just a sprinkle more sparkle… maybe a few of the Traditional Sparkling Sequins to catch the light and add that extra holiday charm.

If you’re loving today’s Simply Sunday project, imagine the endless combinations you can create with the Traditions of Christmas Suite. From quick & elegant cards like this one to rich, traditional holiday creations—it’s truly a suite that does it all, without overwhelm.

Wishing you a creative and peaceful Sunday, my friends. 💗✨

One great layout … Two beautiful cards!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’d like to share one of my favorite “quick -n- easy” card layouts that gives you that WOW look, without all the work! You’ll love the ease … they’ll love their card!

Ready for some fun!? Let’s begin with the card base … Start with a piece of 8 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ cardstock (I will supplies colors later when I share the cards) Score and fold at 4 1/4″. This give you a 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ square base. This means your inside piece and the designer paper on the front is 4″ x 4″. I love this dimension for my designer paper because it means you get 9 fronts from one sheet!!

Now here’s where the magic really starts to shine! Once you’ve created your base layers, it’s time to add a die-cut shape to the top half of your card. This simple step transforms your layout from “pretty” to “WOW!” in just seconds.

Just be sure your total card height stays within 5-1/2″ so it still slips perfectly into your envelope. Trust me—once you see how easy these are to make, you’ll be making these all the time!

Circles are hands-down my favorite die-cut shape to play with—they’re classic, clean, and instantly eye-catching! On our first card, I paired the Stylish Shapes dies with the Spotlight on Nature die, and oh my goodness… that combination creates the coolest rugged, textural look! If you want to step up your layers like I did on the card (verses my instructions above), just trim your Calypso Coral cardstock to 4″ x 4″ and your Beautiful Gallery Designer Paper to 3-3/4″ x 3-3/4″.

From there, I stamped the florals from the Gallery Blooms Bundle, colored them with Stampin’ Blends, and die-cut those beauties to tuck around the circle. Those little floral clusters pull the whole design together and make the focal point pop!

But here’s the fun part about this layout… you don’t have to stick with circles! Let your creativity run wild with any of Stampin’ Up!’s amazing layering dies. For my second card, I reached for the Everyday Arches Bundle, and it completely changed the feel of the layout—same concept, totally different vibe.

One of the stars of this card is the Everyday Arches Bundle from Stampin’ Up!. This versatile bundle includes a clean and elegant 13-stamp photopolymer set along with 10 nesting arch dies. The stamps feature heartfelt sentiments in graceful arched shapes—perfect for encouragement, friendship, or thank-you cards. Now pair it with the Everyday Skies 6″ × 6″ paper … an absolutely dream! One side features hand-painted cloudscapes, evoking sunrise, sunset, or the calm of an overcast day, while the other side offers more subtle, all-purpose patterns. Even better? The Everyday Skies DSP is on the Last Chance list and currently discounted to $8.75, so this is a fantastic time to grab it before it’s gone.

I’m absolutely in love with how this layout comes together — it’s clean, but with so much personality. Like I said, it’s one of my favorites, and you can see how this one pattern can looks so differently when changing out dies and papers!

If you’re looking for a layout that’s both powerful and effortless, give this one a try. Thanks!

Stepping It Up with the Extraordinary Flora Bundle!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Yesterday I shared a simple — yet simply beautiful — card using the Extraordinary Flora Washi Tape, and today we’re taking things to the next level! I pulled out the Extraordinary Flora Bundle and let the creativity flow…

I began with a Basic White card base and added a Flirty Flamingo card front for that bright, cheerful pop of color. Before adding anything else, I stamped the floral images in Flirty Flamingo ink onto the card front. I just love what stamping color-on-color does for a project… it creates this soft, subtle dimension that feels like a whisper of texture. It’s such an easy way to build a beautiful background without overpowering your focal point.

Since I already had the ink open, I stamped my “Just a Note” sentiment from the Simply Said stamp set — one of my favorites for timeless greetings, onto a white piece of cardstock and then die cut from the Stylish Shapes Dies. Then the real fun began! The moment you start die-cutting the florals from the Extraordinary Flora tape, the magic truly happens. Those soft watercolor designs come to life when they’re cut, layered, tucked, and lifted. I arranged mine around the sentiment, creating a playful, joyful bloom of color that feels like a handcrafted hug. It’s amazing how something as simple as layering die-cuts can turn a card into an experience.

To finish off my design, I added Holographic Resin Dots for a touch of sparkle — they catch the light in the sweetest way — and tied a tiny bow from white baker’s twine to bring everything together. A simple card becomes a special card when you add these little touches.

And that’s what I love most about creating… and sharing… and sending cards. There’s something truly heartwarming about crafting with intention, knowing that when someone opens that envelope, they’ll feel seen, loved, and remembered. Whether it’s a birthday, a thank-you, or just a note to brighten someone’s day, handmade cards carry a bit of our hearts with them.

Thanks for stopping by today, my friends.

Extraordinary Flora Washi Tape Steals the Spotlight

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

If you’re ready to make a bold floral statement in your paper crafting, then the Extraordinary Flora Washi Tape is your new best friend. This isn’t your average skinny washi — at a generous 3-¼″ wide, it’s like a watercolor garden unfurling right on your cardstock. The tape is a feast for the eyes, alternating between dreamy pinks and purples in the same botanical motif, which gives you double the creative possibilities in one roll. It feels vibrant, lush, and completely show-stopping.

What I love most is how instantly it transforms even the simplest card. I applied a strip of this gorgeous tape onto Basic White cardstock — with a pop of Highland Heather behind it and the Brick embossing folder for texture and suddenly before I knew it, my “simple card” looked like something straight out of a boutique. If you enjoy quick crafting without sacrificing the “wow,” this tape is going to be your new best friend.

You can also use it for backgrounds, embellishments, gift wrap accents, planner pages, scrapbook layouts — this tape gives you enough length (a full 10 yards!) and enough artistic flair to create over and over again. It’s bright, it’s happy, and it brings the look of hand-painted art to your projects with almost no effort at all.

If you’re looking for a way to add major floral “wow” to your cards this season, treat yourself to a roll of Extraordinary Flora Washi Tape. It’s beauty, ease, and creativity all rolled into one — and I promise, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for it again and again. Let your creativity bloom big!

Thanks for stopping by today, my friends. Let your creativity bloom big!

Silent Snowfall Shines in This Eye-Catching Diagonal Card Front

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS, VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’m excited to share two beautiful winter cards featuring the Silent Snowfall Specialty Paper and the Snowflake Kisses Dies. These cards were part of last week’s Facebook LIVE—if you missed it, no worries! You can catch the full video replay on YouTube by simply clicking the link. Every Tuesday night I go LIVE to share tips, techniques, new products, and plenty of creative inspiration. My goal is always the same: fun, simple cards that are beautiful yet easy to recreate, and these winter cards fit that perfectly.

For both designs, I started with an A2 tent-fold style card base—11″ x 4¼”, scored at 5½”. From there, the magic happens! The first card features that stunning diagonal-cut front using the dreamy Silent Snowfall paper backed with sparkling glitter. One angled cut is all it takes to turn a traditional card into a real wow piece. The Snowflake Kisses Dies add the perfect frosty finishing touch. The second card follows the same layout and the same coloring technique using the blending brushes. I stepped it up a bit with more sparkle, showcasing the Peaceful Garden Glimmer paper and some additional layering.

All the dimensions, cutting instructions, and step-by-step details can be found right in the video, so grab a notebook if you want to jot them down. Whether you’re looking to try a new layout or simply love winter crafting, these cards will warm your heart with creativity.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON YOUTUBE

Thank you for joining me today …. I hope you enjoy the projects and feel inspired to give this diagonal-cut design a try!

Sunflower Card — A Simple Techniques with Stunning Results

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

There’s something about sunflowers that warms the heart, even on the chilliest days… and today’s project captures exactly that feeling. I’m shining a little spotlight on the Sunflower 3-D Embossing Folder, and oh my goodness — this folder truly does all the work for you. With just one pass through your machine, you get this gorgeous, dimensional sunflower design that instantly elevates your card. Whether you’re creating a background for your cardmaking or adding texture to a scrapbook layout, it brings that soft touch of nature we love.

My card today uses the most simple layout — proof that you don’t need complicated steps to create something beautiful. The Garden Green card base (8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″, scored at 4-1/4″) frames the Crushed Curry embossed layer perfectly. And from there… it’s all about the little touches. I added a wash of Garden Green to the leaves using our Water Painters, just enough to give a soft, watercolor feel without overpowering the sunflowers. Then, with a light hand and a sponge dauber, I brushed Crumb Cake ink into the centers and lightly onto the petals, adding warmth and depth. A little Wink of Stella brings that gentle sparkle — like sunlight catching the edges of each petal.

To finish the card, I stamped I Miss You Already from the Right Words Stamp Set. It felt fitting today… the air has turned crisp, the last leaves have drifted from the trees, and autumn seems to have slipped quietly away. I miss it already — and this sunflower brings a little of that golden glow back.

I hope this card inspires you to pull out your embossing folders and play with color, texture, and sparkle. The Sunflower 3-D Embossing Folder is truly a must-have for quick, stunning cards — and you’ll find all the product links below if it’s calling your name.

Thanks for stopping by today, my friends. Stay warm, stay creative, and let your craft space brighten your day. 🌻✨

We have our Winner! 🎉 Branching Out Bundle

Posted in Birthday, Guest Stamper, HANDMADE CARDS, Stampin' Retreats by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I’m so excited to share that the winning card from our Fall/Holiday Stamping Retreat Attendee Swap was created by the talented Kellie Marquart! Her beautiful card stole the show with its elegance, detail, and creativity — all featuring the Branching Out Bundle.

This bundle is a true gem for nature lovers and those who enjoy crafting projects with warmth and meaning. The Branching Out Stamp Set lets you build lifelike pine branches by layering delicate images of needles, berries, and pinecones — or use them individually for a more subtle look. Whether you’re creating a cozy Christmas card, celebrating friendship, or simply sharing love and gratitude, this set delivers timeless beauty and versatility.

Kellie’s design perfectly showcased the bundle’s potential — and what made it even more special was how she turned this Christmas-themed set into a delightful Birthday card! With natural tones, subtle textures, and a heartfelt sentiment, she proved that a little creativity can stretch your seasonal sets far beyond the holidays. Her card truly captured the spirit of the season and the joy of handmade giving.

Congratulations, Kellie, on a well-deserved win! 🌿✨ Your card was a true work of art.

If you love seeing (and creating!) beautiful cards like Kellie’s, be sure to join us for our next Stamping Retreat! You’ll enjoy creative inspiration, hands-on projects, and the chance to connect with fellow crafters who share your passion — plus, you might even be our next card swap winner! 🌟

Thank you all for joining me today!

Runner-Up Spotlight – Jolly Holly Bundle Beauty! 🎄

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

It’s time to celebrate our Runner-Up in the Fall Stamping Retreat Attendee Swap Contest — the talented Toni Morgan! 🌟

Toni created this stunning Christmas card using the Jolly Holly Bundle, and oh my goodness… it’s SO Christmas! 🎅💚 You all know how much I love holly — it’s one of those timeless images that just says “holiday season” to me, and Toni captured that beautifully.

She started with a Cherry Cobbler card base, then embossed the front with the coordinating Jolly Holly Hybrid Embossing Folder. This folder is really special — it’s one of those unique tools where a die fits inside the folder so you can cut and emboss at the same time! Talk about a timesaver that adds an instant wow factor!

Toni layered her design with a Very Vanilla mat, perfectly framing the card front and her greeting (stamped in Cherry Cobbler, of course!). One of the things my customers love most about Stampin’ Up! is the color coordination — the way ink, paper, and embellishments all match beautifully — and Toni showcased that perfectly here.

For her focal point, Toni used the two rectangular dies from the bundle — one to cut into the Cherry Cobbler layer, exposing the Very Vanilla beneath so she could stamp her sentiment, and the other to create a delicate gold frame that she layered around it. Such a clever design element! ✨

To complete her card, she stamped, colored, and die-cut the holly to adorn her framed sentiment, creating that festive finishing touch. And because Toni has an amazing eye for detail, she added the Cherry Cobbler & Pearl Adhesive-Backed Berries to her embossed background — giving her card texture, shine, and even more Christmas cheer. 🎁

This bundle was one of our Spotlight Sessions during retreat, so not only did attendees receive Toni’s beautiful swap card, but they also got to create three additional cards I designed to showcase the highlights of this wonderful bundle.

Toni’s card truly captures the joy and elegance of the holiday season — full of texture, color, and creativity. It’s no wonder she took home Runner-Up honors in our Attendee Swap Contest! 🏆❤️

I’ll be back tomorrow with our WINNER and her card. Thanks for stopping by!

Third Runner-Up Spotlight – Attendee Swap Fun! 🎉

Posted in Birthday, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today we’re sharing the 3rd runner-up from our Fall Stamping Retreat Attendee Swap, and let me tell you — this one is just stunning! 🌟

This beautiful card was created by Karie Kahrs using the Traditions of Christmas Suite. At first glance, you might think, “Christmas card,” but Karie took her creativity to the next level… she turned it into a Birthday Card! How clever is that? So many of us have loved ones with birthdays close to the holidays who prefer a “real” birthday card — this is pure inspiration! 🎂✨

The base of the card is Old Olive, with coordinating mats and a banner to frame the design perfectly. Karie die-cut the floral piece from the suite and popped it up on her focal point, creating dimension and a gorgeous layered look.

Here’s where her creativity really shone: the birthday greeting was heat embossed in gold, giving it that elegant, celebratory feel. She then added a swatch of gold foil paper behind the flowers and sentiment to make everything pop. And to top it off, she added the Traditional Sparkling Sequins in Gold from the suite — just the perfect finishing touch! ✨💛

This card is a fantastic example of taking a Christmas-themed suite and using it beyond the holidays. Karie’s design proves that a little imagination and clever use of products can create something totally unique — and that’s exactly why she earned 3rd place in our Attendee Swap Contest! 🏆

We hope Karie’s card inspires you to look at your stamp sets and papers in a whole new way. Who says Christmas products are just for December? 😉

Thanks for joining me today … stop back for our 2nd runner up tomorrow!

A Card Share – Direct from My Fall Stamping Retreat! ✨

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Stampin' Retreats by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

One of my absolute favorite parts of our Fall Stamping Retreat is the Attendee Swap! It’s always such a joy to see what everyone creates — the creativity that fills the room is simply amazing. Each guest designs a card to swap with others, and it’s such a fun way to share inspiration, try new techniques, and see all the different ways we use our Stampin’ Up! favorites.

Our retreats are truly a special experience — a time to escape the hustle of everyday life and surround yourself with laughter, creativity, and friendship. From delicious meals and cozy accommodations to our stamping sessions filled with surprises and little pillow gifts, it’s a weekend to relax and let your creativity shine.

These cards you see here are just some of the swaps from our talented attendees, and over the next few days, I’ll be featuring the Top 3 choices right here on my blog! 🧡 These swaps …. well, we have a contest and our WINNER receives a Gift Certificate for Stampin’ Up! products of their choice from me!

So let’s have a little fun with this …
👉 Tell me in the comments section below which one is YOUR favorite! (I know, I know — they’re all super cute!)

And if this looks like fun (trust me, it is!), mark your calendars now — our next Stamping Retreat will be held April 24th–26th, the perfect time to relax and unwind after the busy Easter holiday. 🌸 Spaces fill quickly, so stay tuned for details and be sure you’re on my email list to get the invitation first!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I always love hearing from you — don’t forget to tell us which swap card is your favorite before you go! 💕

StampingRetreat #StampingFun #CreativeEscape #PaperCrafting #CardMakingFun #StamperCommunity #CraftRetreat #HandmadeCards #Lindasstampinescape

A Heartfelt Sympathy Card with the Peaceful Garden Suite

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Sympathy by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Happy Sunday! Today I’m excited to share a card that highlights the Peaceful Garden Suite, a stunning collection that beautifully blends the peaceful spirit of the holidays with the timeless elegance of nature. While it’s perfect for creating heartfelt Christmas cards, tags, and scrapbook pages, what I love most about this suite is how effortlessly it transitions into projects for any occasion — even those moments when you want to send a comforting message of sympathy or peace.

For today’s card, I wanted to show that versatility. The background features the soft, serene pattern of doves from the Peaceful Garden Designer Paper — a symbol of peace and hope. The sentiment, “With Deepest Sympathy,” is stamped on a circle die cut using the Spotlight on Nature Dies, giving it a gentle focal point. I added delicate die cuts and a graceful dove from the suite, bringing a sense of calm and compassion to the design. To complete the look, I added some of the beautiful ribbon behind my sentiment.

🌿 Peaceful. Elegant. Timeless.
That’s the heart of the Peaceful Garden Suite.

If you’re looking for a suite that brings both elegance and emotion to your cardmaking, the Peaceful Garden Suite is a perfect choice. Whether you’re creating for Christmas or crafting cards that comfort and uplift year-round, this collection helps you share your heart through handmade art. 💕 Click the links below to explore the full suite and bring a touch of peace to your next project.

Thank you for taking time out of your Sunday to join me today.