Category Archives: HANDMADE CARDS

Halloween Isn’t Just for Kids: A Spooktacular Card to Kick Off Halloween Week

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Did you enjoy revisiting the cute Halloween projects I shared yesterday? I hope so, because today we’re kicking off Halloween Week with something a little more hauntingly beautiful! 🎃✨ Halloween isn’t just for kids—it’s the perfect excuse for us grown-ups to get a little spooky and a whole lot creative. Today’s card combines the Lights of Aurora Designer Paper, the Words of the Season Dies, and the Spooky Halloween Bundle, and the results are absolutely magical.

Let’s start with the background—those dreamy light streaks from the Lights of Aurora Designer Paper set the stage perfectly for a mysterious night sky. To make it shimmer with otherworldly magic, I brushed my Wink of Stella with the flow of the lights. The sparkle brings this scene to life and makes the paper glow. From there, I added the trees, cut from the Light & Wonder Dies, and attached them to the bottom edge of the card. A quick trim to fit, and the spooky forest was ready to frame our haunted scene.

Of course, no Halloween card is complete without a haunted house! Using the Spooky Halloween Dies, I cut out the house, then matted it with Crushed Curry cardstock. By trimming off the excess, the yellow glow shines through only the windows and doors, making it look as if someone—or something—might be inside. I popped it up with Stampin’ Dimensionals, giving it just the right amount of depth and drama.

Next came the moon—because what’s Halloween without a glowing full moon in the sky? I punched a circle from Crushed Curry cardstock with my 2″ circle punch, then blended a little extra Crushed Curry ink to give it a two-tone look. Before attaching it, I die-cut the “Happy Halloween” sentiment from the Words of the Season Bundle and glued the letters right onto the moon (I overlapped the “H” and “a” to connect before assembly). The moon is popped up as well, so it really shines against the background. To finish the front of my card, I added a bat, also die-cut from the Spooky Halloween Bundle—because you can never have too many bats on a Halloween night!

For the inside, I didn’t stop at plain and boring …. I carried over a strip of leftover Lights of Aurora Designer Paper, added another Crushed Curry moon, and stamped it with a sentiment from the Words of the Season Bundle. A few more bats ties everything together so the inside feels just as polished (or spooky) as the outside.

Halloween might make you think of costumes and candy, but this project proves it’s also a time for grown-up elegance and creativity. There’s still time to create your own hauntingly beautiful cards—and with these products, you’ll be amazed at how magical your projects turn out. After all, Halloween isn’t just for kids!

Thanks for joining me for my kick off …. I can’t wait to share Day 2 of Halloween Week with you tomorrow … stay tuned for more spooky inspiration! 👻🖤

Tone-on-Tone Elegance: A Fresh Look with the Autumn Toile Suite

Posted in Fall / Autumn, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Are you ready for another way to showcase the Autumn Toile Suite? Today’s card is all about subtle elegance with just the right amount of detail. I love how the products in this suite give you the flexibility to create everything from bold and dramatic designs to soft and sophisticated layouts. This time, we’re letting texture take center stage with a leafy background that is both understated and beautiful.

For the front of my card, I cut the intricate leafy background die from Very Vanilla cardstock and adhered it directly onto a Very Vanilla layer. This tone-on-tone technique creates a soft, textured backdrop that looks rich without being overwhelming. I mounted this layer onto an Early Espresso card base for a striking frame.

Next, I die cut a piece of the Autumn Toile Designer Series Paper, along with an Early Espresso mat, using the Nested Essentials Dies. This creates the perfect focal point, balancing the detailed background with the warmth of patterned paper. For the greeting, I stamped in Early Espresso ink to keep the look cohesive and finished the card with a touch of sparkle from the Streaked Dots embellishments.

It’s amazing how the suite comes together—whether you want a bold metallic die cut, a patterned focal point, or a simple textured background like today’s card, the Amber Autumn Bundle and Autumn Toile Designer Paper give you endless options. By now, you’ve seen several styles of cards with this suite, and I hope you’re as inspired as I am! Imagine all the possibilities waiting in your stamp room when you add this suite to your collection—it’s a fall crafting essential.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Autumn Toile Magic: Create a Showstopping Background

Posted in Fall / Autumn, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I hope you enjoyed my Simply Sunday cards! Today, we’re stepping things up a notch and highlighting one of the real gems in the Autumn Toile Suite—the ornate background die found in the Amber Autumn Bundle. Honestly, this die was the first thing that caught my eye when I opened the suite, and once you see it in action, you’ll understand why. It’s a showstopper!

This intricate background die creates a stunning, leaf-patterned backdrop that instantly elevates your card designs. The beauty of it is you don’t need to fuss with multiple layers or complicated layouts—just one pass through your die-cutting machine and you’ve got a card front that looks elegant, rich, and detailed.

For today’s card, I started with a Very Vanilla card base to keep things simple. The magic happens when you pair it with the Earthen Toned Metallic Specialty Paper, included right in the suite. I ran the background die through with this paper, and the result is an absolutely gorgeous metallic leaf layer that shimmers and shines. To finish it off, I heat-embossed my greeting in Bronze Metallic Embossing Powder—and die cut with the Textured Notes Dies—so everything ties together beautifully.

Imagine this same design layered over a patterned background from the Autumn Toile Designer Series Paper—wow! The possibilities are endless, and the die does all the heavy lifting for you. That’s the brilliance of this suite: simple stamping and die-cutting turn into cards that look intricate and professional.

If you’re looking to add elegance and ease to your fall crafting, the Autumn Toile Suite is a must-have. With the Amber Autumn Bundle, metallic specialty papers, and coordinating accessories, you’ll have everything you need to create cards that impress without stress. Today’s card is just the beginning—I have more to share with you soon, so stay tuned!

Let me know what you think … comment below, and thanks for stopping by today!

Simply Sunday: Timeless Autumn Style with Autumn Toile

Posted in Fall / Autumn, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Bring an air of sophistication to your fall crafting with the Autumn Toile 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper. My Simply Sunday post is the perfect time to showcase how easy it can be to create beautiful cards when you have paper this stunning. With its intricate imagery of trees, pumpkins, animals, and more, this collection instantly elevates any project. Inspired by traditional toile wallpaper, each sheet carries a timeless elegance that’s both classic and seasonal—making it ideal for harvest gatherings, Thanksgiving greetings, or simply sending a touch of autumn warmth to someone special.

For today’s cards, I let the Autumn Toile Designer Series Paper take center stage. The detailed patterns are so striking that little else is needed—just a coordinating sentiment or die-cut accent, and you have a card that looks like it took hours to make. This is what I love about Simply Sunday projects: minimal effort, maximum beauty. The paper practically does the work for you, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the creative process and less time fussing over details. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, these designs open the door to quick, elegant cards that feel sophisticated and heartfelt.

If you’ve been searching for a way to refresh your fall crafting, the Autumn Toile Designer Series Paper is a must-have. Its timeless patterns pair beautifully with the season and add a touch of elegance that’s hard to resist. Imagine how lovely your handmade cards, scrapbook layouts, or even 3D projects will look when dressed in these graceful designs. Don’t wait—add this stunning paper to your collection today and bring the warmth and elegance of Autumn Toile to all of your harvest-season creations.

Thank you for checking out these quick -n- easy cards today.

Enjoy your Sunday, Linda

Rustic Charm: Color-on-Color Stamping with Autumn Toile

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Thank You by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Autumn is sneaking in, and there’s no better way to welcome its warm tones than with gorgeous stamping fun! Today I’m so excited to share a simple, satisfying technique using the Autumn Toile Suite from Stampin’ Up! — one of my favorite new collections. This suite is full of rich, forest-inspired imagery (leaves, acorns, deer, pumpkins) paired with coordinating dies, patterned and metallic papers, trims, and embellishments that all work together so beautifully.

If you want to create cards that feel cozy, rustic, and elegant without a ton of fuss, you’ll love what I’m about to show: the Color-on-Color technique using Crumb Cake cardstock and ink. It’s effortless, very forgiving, and a great way to let the stamps in this suite shine.

Using the oak leaf and acorn stamp, ink the image in Crumb Cake and stamp it onto the Crumb Cake card front. Stamp it again on a separate piece of Crumb Cake cardstock, which you’ll die cut. Next, mat your stamped card front with Early Espresso cardstock and mount it onto a Crumb Cake card base. Cut a circle of Early Espresso cardstock to layer behind the die-cut leaves and acorn, then stamp your greeting on Very Vanilla cardstock and attach it to the card front. For the finishing touches, add a simple bow with Very Vanilla Baker’s Twine to pull everything together, and a couple Streaked Dots to embellish!

And there you have it — a quick, beautiful card all using the same color (Crumb Cake) stamped on itself, layered up with Early Espresso for contrast, and tied together with Very Vanilla and baker’s twine touches. Using the Autumn Toile Suite makes it even more fun, because everything matches so effortlessly: the stamps and dies, the designer papers, trims, and metallic papers in rich, earthy palettes.

If you’ve been wanting to add a touch of rustic charm to your cards or send some warm seasonal greetings, this suite is a must-have. Whether you go all in with the full Autumn Toile Suite or just grab the leaf/acorn stamps and a few coordinating pieces, you’re going to fall in love with creating this look. Stop back tomorrow for another sweet -n- simple card using the Autumn Toile suite!

Happy stamping — and don’t forget, the best way to learn is to just stamp, layer, play, and enjoy every mark!

Sparkle with the Split Card Technique ✨

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I’m so glad you’re here today. I have a fun card-making idea to share with you—the Split Card Technique—featuring the stunning Elegant Pine Snowflakes Designer Paper. This is one of those quick-and-easy techniques that creates an impressive WOW factor, perfect for any occasion. Before we dive in, I want to pause and say a heartfelt “Thank You” to everyone who placed an order during yesterday’s Stamp-tastic Sale. Your support means so much and allows me to keep bringing you fresh ideas and inspiration! 💙

Card Dimensions

  • Pretty Peacock Cardstock: Base 5 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ (score at 1 1/2″), plus 1 strip 5 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
  • Designer Paper: 2 pieces at 5 1/4″ x 1 1/4″ + 1 snowflake
  • Basic White Cardstock: 5 1/4″ x 4″ (inside), plus 1 scrap large enough for snowflake and 1 strip 1/4″ wide for greeting

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Glue the snowflake onto white cardstock and fussy cut. (This strengthens the piece so it will hold your card together.)
  2. Adhere the designer paper strips to the top and bottom strips of your card front.
  3. Align the cardstock strip along the bottom of the card front. (Tip: Use a Post-It Note to hold it in place while you work!)
  4. Attach the snowflake to the top and bottom strips, connecting the card. Be careful to place adhesive only where the snowflake touches the cardstock strips.
  5. Add the white cardstock insert to the inside of your card.
  6. Stamp Greeting with Pretty Peacock on the white 1/4″ width strip and trim ends as desired… attach with Stampin’ Dimensionals to pop it up!
  7. Embellish as desired—I used the Cherry Cobbler & Pearl Adhesive-Backed Berries to give my snowflake extra pop!

This card comes together so quickly, yet looks like you spent hours creating it. Try experimenting with different designer papers for a variety of looks—you’ll love how versatile this technique is!

I hope today’s project inspires you to give the Split Card Technique a try. With the beautiful Elegant Pine Snowflakes Designer Paper, the results are nothing short of magical. Remember, simple steps can deliver big “WOW” moments, and this card proves just that! Be sure to grab your favorite designer papers and see how many unique variations you can create.

Thanks for joining me today … hope yours is filled with creativity!

Stamp-Tacular Savings – 24 Hours Only!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, ON SALE!, Promotions / Deals by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Have you ever found yourself staring at multiple stamp sets or tools, unable to decide which one to get? We’ve got exciting news—you don’t have to choose just one!

Today …. Wednesday, September 18, Stampin’ Up! is offering an incredible 15% OFF all stamp sets and stamp tools (excluding bundles and Last Chance items). That’s right—your favorites, your wish list, and all those “someday” sets can finally come home with you … at a discount!

Here are the details you need to know:

  • This sale happens only once a year
  • Available for 24 hours only—September 18
  • Save 15% on all stamps and stamp tools
  • Bundles not included
  • Products are while supplies last—shop early!

💡 Pro tip: Don’t wait … this stamp-tacular event disappears at midnight! 🕛

Here is a little inspiration from one of our “stamps” on sale today!

But hurry—this sale ends at 11:59 PM MT tonight, and popular sets may sell out fast! ⏰ Plus, when you place a minimum $50 order (subtotal after discounts, before shipping & handling), you’ll also earn my exclusive Stamp Club PDF tutorial: the Explosion Fun Fold featuring the Peaceful Garden Suite. Don’t wait—shop now and enjoy the savings and a special creative bonus! CLICK HERE TO SHOP

Thank you for joining me today …

Stampin’ Hugs, Linda

Make Your Winter a Little Sweeter with the Snowflake Kisses Bundle!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

There’s something magical about snowflakes, and the new Snowflake Kisses Bundle captures that wintery charm perfectly. This bundle includes a sentiment-only stamp set filled with heartfelt greetings that will warm up any winter card, along with a coordinating set of dies that bring beautiful, intricate snowflakes to life. Together, they’re the perfect pair for creating cards that sparkle with seasonal cheer.

In my latest video, I’m sharing step-by-step instructions to help you see just how versatile this bundle really is. From delicate die-cut layers that create dimension and elegance, to stamped sentiments that send the sweetest wishes, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to put together cards that look like they took hours to make. Trust me—once you see the snowflakes cut from shimmering paper or layered for extra depth, you’ll fall in love with this bundle just like I did.

I invite you to watch my video below where I walk you through the creative process and share a few card designs that highlight the magic of this bundle. After seeing these ideas, I know you’ll be inspired to add Snowflake Kisses to your collection—it’s a must-have for winter crafting!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Now that you’ve seen the Snowflake Kisses Bundle in action, I hope you’re feeling inspired to create your own winter masterpieces. The versatility of this bundle makes it one you’ll reach for again and again—whether you’re making simple, elegant cards or layering up for a dazzling snowflake scene.

This scene with the Soft Waves embossing folder reminds me of a blustery winter day …. and you have to watch the video to see the inside of the card (it features one of these amazing dies)!

If you’re ready to bring a little extra sparkle to your crafting, I’ve included the shopping links below for your convenience. Go ahead and treat yourself to this bundle—you’ll love how sweet winter crafting can be! Thank you for joining me today!

Stampin’ Hugs ❄️ Linda

Last Chance for Fall for Toile! Subscribe Today

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Paper Pumpkin by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Autumn is just around the corner, and what better way to welcome the cozy season than with a kit that’s as elegant as a crisp fall evening? Today is the very last day to subscribe for the September Paper Pumpkin Kit – Fall for Toile! From rich, autumnal hues to gleaming metallic accents, this kit will have you swooning as soon as it arrives in your mailbox. Don’t miss your chance—when the clock strikes midnight, this beautiful collection of creative goodness will be gone!

The Fall for Toile Paper Pumpkin Kit is all about refined seasonal charm. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to create nine elegant cards—three each of three unique designs—along with nine coordinating envelopes that are just as pretty as the cards themselves. Imagine deep tones of Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Darling Duckling, Early Espresso, Pecan Pie, and Timid Tiger, all brought to life with metallic foil details and luxurious grosgrain ribbon trim. With precut paper pieces and printed sentiment labels, assembling your cards will be effortless—perfect for a cozy crafting night with friends, or a relaxing afternoon with a cup of tea.

One of the things I love most about this kit is how it perfectly coordinates with the new Autumn Toile Suite from the September–December Mini Catalog. I can’t wait to get mine and pair the two together – just think of the endless creative possibilities! Want to take it a step further? Don’t forget to grab the Circle of Seasons die add-on—featuring delicate leaves, acorns, and a “hello” script, it’s the perfect companion to stretch your kit even further. This little add-on is available only through the end of the quarter, so now is the perfect time to snag it.

So, here’s my question for you—are you ready to add a touch of timeless autumn elegance to your mailbox? Subscribe today, and when that bright orange box arrives, you’ll have everything you need to create cards that celebrate the warmth and beauty of the season. Imagine the joy of sending (or receiving!) a handmade card adorned with gold-foiled accents and rich autumn textures… pure magic!

Don’t let this one slip by—today’s the final day to subscribe! Click on the link below to subscribe and then sign up to secure your Fall for Toile Paper Pumpkin Kit before it’s gone. Let’s create something beautiful together this fall!

Happy Stampin’ 🍁 Linda

“Little Notes, Big Smiles: Handmade Messages That Matter!”

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Create quick, heartfelt notes for every season—from first-day jitters to everyday encouragement with the Just a Note Bundle!

Back-to-school season is here, and what better way to send your favorite students off with a smile than with a handmade note? The Just a Note Bundle is perfect for creating those little surprises that tuck easily into a backpack or lunch bag. Whether you want to brighten their first day back or add a sweet touch to their school routine, this bundle makes it simple and oh-so-cute. And if school days aren’t on your calendar, these notes are just as perfect for encouragement, support, or a “thinking of you” message any time of year.

For my first card, I paired the Just a Note Bundle with the Timeless Plaid Designer Paper as the backdrop, then added a pop of fun with the On the Go Designer Paper and a fussy-cut backpack. I stamped the notebook lines, die-cut the ripped paper edge, and added those oh-so-realistic clips and little arrows pointing straight to the backpack—so playful and perfectly on theme!

My second card takes a softer, more feminine approach with the help of Extraordinary Washi Tape and coordinating dies. I couldn’t resist using that adorable stamped paper and die again (it’s just too cute!) and this time I created a mini clipboard. All of the dies to create all the stationary stuff is in the bundle. I stamped “Just a Note” at the top and left space to handwrite a personal message—because a heartfelt note never goes out of style!

Whether you’re crafting for the first day of school, a midweek pick-me-up, or a just-because moment, the Just a Note Bundle will help you deliver smiles in the sweetest way. Add them to scrapbooking pages to capture those once-a-year moments. Not back-to-school time? These little notes make wonderful gestures of encouragement and support all year long.

Which card inspired you to try first—the playful backpack or the cute clipboard? Grab your bundle, pick your papers, and start sending those little notes that make a big difference!

Thank you for hopping on the bus with me today, and heading back to school.

Spooky, Sweet & Oh-So-Fun! Fun Fold Tutorial

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Halloween is creeping closer, and I’ve got a real treat for you today! A Fun Fold Card 🎃 We’re diving into the Spooky Sweet Suite Collection—a must-have for creating Halloween magic that’s more sweet than scary. From adorable costumed critters to a charming haunted house die, this suite has everything you need to whip up cards, tags, scrapbook pages, and treat bags that will delight ghosts and goblins of all ages!

Inside this suite, you’ll find:

  • Stamps featuring a costumed dog and cat (seriously, how cute are they?)
  • Dies that make creating your haunted house a breeze
  • Patterned paper with whimsical, not-too-spooky designs
  • Treat bags, ribbon, and shiny stickers—because it’s all in the details!

And today… we’re taking it up a notch with a spook-tacular Fun Fold card! Fun Folds always bring that extra “wow” factor, and when paired with the Spooky Sweet Suite, you’ll have a card that stands out in any Halloween lineup.

Let’s begin with the base: Cut to 10-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ and score at 3-1/2″ and 7″. Next you’ll cut 3 arches in the same color cardstock as your base. The size depends on what type of effect you want, and how much of the base you want to leave exposed.

Next, you’ll cut 3 pieces of the patterned paper … use the die that is one size smaller than the background. I used the house fronts to draw attention and then the candy background because that panel will be the core of the card.

Before you put those Arches dies away …. cut out three (one of each size) in the colors of candy corn. I’ll be using this as the focal point and highlight our little die cut flamingo. The flamingo was fussy cut from one of the patterned designer paper sheets. Then all you need is to stamp the greetings in Petunia Pop ink and cut and attach them to your card. I added some of those cute little purple glitter stars that come in this suite.

This card may look like a challenge but it is really simple to create!! Don’t wait too long to grab your supplies—especially the Everyday Arches Dies. They are the perfect match for this project and are currently on the Last Chance List (translation: once they’re gone, they’re gone!).

Whether you’re crafting cards to send a boo-tiful hello, making tags for treat bags, or decorating your scrapbook with a little Halloween charm, this suite is packed with possibilities. So grab your suite, pick your favorite patterned paper, and let’s get spooky!

Thanks for joining me for a spooky sweet card you’ll enjoy making and your recipients will be enchanted by!

STAMPIN’ TIP: When attaching your arches to the base, make sure you stay within a 5-1/2″ length so it fits in your envelope. I use a piece of colored cardstock that measures 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ as my guide! Easy.

Peaceful Garden Suite – Creating Timeless Charm

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season—cozy moments, heartfelt giving, and the joy of creating something special with your own hands. The Peaceful Garden Suite captures all of that and more with its elegant designs and timeless charm. Whether you’re crafting Christmas cards, heartfelt tags, or scrapbook pages filled with memories, this suite offers everything you need: graceful sentiments, versatile tools, and beautiful coordinating paper that you’ll reach for long after the holidays have passed.

During a recent LIVE, I showcased two cards created with the same layout but each with a completely different look. One featured the Peaceful Greenery 3D Embossing Folder, which creates a stunning embossed frame with delicate filigree and greenery surrounding a large open space—perfect for your stamped images or sentiments. The other card highlighted the Peaceful Garden 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper, which has beautiful dove and greenery images on one side and soft tone-on-tone washes on the other. The paper is perfect for holiday crafting, but its gentle designs make it just as lovely for all-occasion projects.

The Peaceful Greenery 3D Embossing Folder

The embossing folder creates a stunning embossed frame with delicate filigree and greenery surrounding a large open space, which I used the dies and stamp set to add the greeting, and are backed with the beautiful glimmer paper. The die cut doves are recognized as symbols of peace and goodwill, and brought all together makes a beautiful Christmas card with dimension and texture.

Peaceful Garden 12″ x 12″ Designer Series

As you can see, the layout of the two cards is the same, right down to the greeting (I only changes the color of the glimmer paper). The patterned paper I used gives a soft background and is perfect for Christmas, or switch out the greeting to either Sympathy or the Heartfelt Prayer stamps and change the entire feeling of this card, showing the versatility of this suite.

Both cards came together quickly, yet each offered its own personality: the embossed version was rich with texture and a little more luxurious, while the designer paper version had a softer, layered elegance that’s wonderful for creating multiples with ease. That’s what I love about this suite—it’s so easy to mix and match, whether you prefer the tactile beauty of embossing or the graceful flow of patterned paper.

If you’re looking to create projects that are both elegant and versatile, the Peaceful Garden Suite Collection is a wonderful addition to your crafting lineup. The coordinating products take the guesswork out of designing, allowing you to focus on what matters most—sharing a little handmade joy.

If you haven’t added the Peaceful Garden Suite to your collection yet, this is the perfect time to do so. It’s one of those suites that will serve you beautifully for the holidays and long after the season is over.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. I hope these two cards inspired you.

Cosmic Colors & Creative Magic: Lights of Aurora Inspiration Inside

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Have you ever sat beneath a starry sky, watching the Northern Lights dance across the horizon? That same sense of wonder comes alive with the Lights of Aurora Suite. This stunning collection was designed to capture the magic of the aurora borealis and bring it right to your craft table. Today, I want to share not only the beauty of this suite, but also a few different ways you can create with it, so you can see just how versatile and inspiring it can be.

Inside this suite, you’ll find designer paper that swirls with cosmic color, dies that create breathtaking natural landscapes, and all-occasion sentiment stamps that make your handmade cards shine for any moment worth celebrating. Add in the frosted iridescent gems and a touch of sheer blue ribbon, and suddenly your creations feel as if they’re glowing beneath a winter sky.

The first of my cards is a simple combination of the stunning paper, a die and a hand stamped greeting in Berry Burst …. Don’t you love the look of stamping your greeting sideways? Different & fun!!

The palette is rich and dreamy—Azure Afternoon, Balmy Blue, Basic Black, Berry Burst, Blackberry Bliss, Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather, Lost Lagoon, Petunia Pop, Pool Party, and Very Vanilla—perfect for creating depth, drama, and soft blends that mirror the night sky. With just a little ink, some cardstock, and your favorite adhesive, you can make truly magical projects.

The second card again used the pretty patterned paper and a unique die (I can’t wait to play with this more) and a combination of stamps to create our greeting.

Join me in today’s video, where I’ll share how I used this suite to craft cards that feel like they’re kissed by the lights themselves. Let’s explore the possibilities together and bring that celestial beauty into your hands and onto your paper!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON YOUTUBE

The Lights of Aurora Suite isn’t just about making cards—it’s about capturing a moment of wonder and sharing it with someone else. Each swirl of color, each delicate gem, and every shimmering ribbon can turn an ordinary card into a keepsake that feels like a little piece of the night sky.

If you’ve ever dreamed of creating something truly magical, this is your invitation to start. With its rich palette and versatile designs, this suite will take your crafting to new heights—whether you’re making a card for a special occasion or simply letting your creativity dance across the paper like the aurora itself.

The last card I’m sharing is a twist to the usual “black” die cut that represents a silhouette, I chose “white” to give you another option … to me it’s like a snowy scene. So fresh and pretty!

I hope this inspired you to see all the different ways you can bring that magical glow into your own crafting. Whether you create a simple card or a stunning layered masterpiece, this suite is ready to help your projects shine.

If it’s calling your name, now is the perfect time to add it to your collection—because every card you make with it will feel like a little piece of the night sky, ready to share.

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing a moment under the “northern lights” with me today.

Bring the Beauty of Nature to Life with Watercoloring!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today we’re heading outdoors—at least in spirit—as we explore easy watercoloring techniques using the Prairie Grass stamp set. 🌾

In this video tutorial, I’ll walk you through creating soft, blended backgrounds that capture the essence of nature, along with tips for adding depth and texture to your stamped images. Whether you’re crafting cards, scrapbooking memories, or working on another paper project, these techniques are simple, versatile, and so much fun!

📽️ Watch the full video below to see these techniques in action! CLICK HERE to watch the video.

💚 Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope this tutorial inspires you to try these watercolor techniques with your own projects. I’d love to hear what you think—leave me a comment below and let me know if you give it a try.

Until next time, happy stamping and happy creating! 🌿

🎄 Jolly Holly Bundle – Ring in Christmas in July!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Are you ready to ring in the holidays with the enchanting Jolly Holly Bundle? 🎄 I’ve got another video — and 2 brand-new cards — to inspire your holiday crafting!

This delightful collection includes a stunning stamp set, a versatile hybrid embossing folder, and coordinating dies that work together to create festive magic. Whether you’re crafting holiday cards, gift tags, or even seasonal décor, the Jolly Holly Bundle is a must-have for your Christmas in July projects (and beyond!).

✨ Card #1: Ringing in the Holidays
For my first project, I wanted to use the stamps from the bundle – and choose the bells! The bells were colored with the Smoky Slate and Cherry Cobbler Stampin’ Blends…. then added some Wink of Stella for sparkle.

The bells were popped on to decorative circles die cut from the Spotlight on Nature dies, layered onto a strip of “Season of Elegance” Designer paper … and a background created with the Soft Waves embossing folder …

✨ Card #2: Elegant Holly in Vanilla
Now for a simple yet stunning card. For the second card, I used the Hybrid Embossing Folder again — with two simple techniques, embossing and then the emboss / cut and fussy cutting the holly out to create simple embellishments.

🎥 You can see exactly how these cards were made … Watch the step-by-step tutorial in the video below — you’ll see just how simple (and fun!) it is to make both projects. CLICK HERE TO WATCH

This video is a replay of my Facebook presentation

🎁 Ready to Add the Jolly Holly Bundle to Your Craft Collection?
If you love versatile, timeless holiday products, the Jolly Holly Bundle is calling your name! This set will take you from simple cards to stunning works of art with ease. Add it to your wish list — or better yet, grab it today so you can start creating your own Christmas in July magic.

I have listed the links below of the products used for the cards showcased today.

Thank you for stopping by, I hope my cards inspired to you start thinking of those Christmas cards … even if it’s July. 🎄

Only 2 days left to get your name in the drawing ….