Category Archives: HANDMADE CARDS

🎃 Day 5 of Halloween Week: Adorably Spooky Card 👻

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Boo to you, stampers! We’re nearing the end of our spook-tacular Halloween Week celebration, and today’s card is bringing all the playful, spooky vibes! 👻🎃 If you love a little mischief with your Halloween creations, this card is going to be right up your haunted alley!

Picture this: a ghost, too cute to be scary, popping right out of a jack-o’-lantern! 🎃👻 Our background is a fun splash of classic Halloween colors – think deep oranges, haunting purples, and ghoulish greens. And, of course, the star of the show, our ghost, is cheekily peeking out of the pumpkin like they’ve been caught mid-trick (or maybe treat? 👀).

The Trick or Treat greeting from the Halloween Memories stamp set dares your recipient to take their chances—will they be tricked, or will they get a treat? Only time will tell! But one thing’s for sure, this card is loaded with Halloween spirit, ready to spread smiles (and maybe a few little scares)!

Whether you’re crafting this card for a friend or sending it out to your favorite trick-or-treater, this project is sure to spread some playful Halloween magic! 🎃 Ready to recreate this adorable design? Don’t forget to grab your Halloween Memories stamp set and Playful Ghosts while they’re still in stock!. 👻 Oh yes, and the Take a Bow dies I used for our banners.

Let’s keep the Halloween fun going! What’s been your favorite project so far this week? Drop a comment below, and let’s chat all things spooky! 🎃🕸️

Until tomorrow, happy haunting and happy stamping!

Day 3: Playful Ghosts & Wickedly Good Times!

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Welcome back, crafty friends! It’s Day 3 of our Halloween Week, and today I’m bringing a bit of spooky fun into the mix with the Playful Ghosts stamp set. If you’ve been following along, you know we’re keeping the Halloween vibes going strong with the Halloween Spells Designer Paper, and today’s project is no different! Let’s dive into how this charming ghostly creation came together, step by step.

To start, I used the starry pattern from the Halloween Spells Designer Paper as the backdrop for our spooky scene. Measuring 3 7/8″ x 5 1/8″, this piece sets the perfect Halloween night tone when mounted onto a 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock. This pairing really makes those stars pop! The card base is Granny Apple Green—a must for our Halloween color palette, adding a playful and eerie contrast to the deeper tones of the card.

Now, for a bit of layering fun! I die-cut two banners using the Take a Bow dies: one in Pumpkin Pie and another in the Gorgeous Grape polka dot pattern from the same designer series paper. These playful colors work together to create a whimsical, spooky feel.

Next, I reached for the Granny Apple Green “bubbly” pattern from the designer paper and stamped the greeting “Wickedly Good Times” in bold black ink. I love how the pop of green brings this sentiment to life! To give it that finishing touch, I die-cut the greeting with the Nested Essentials Dies, giving it a sharp and clean look.

And now for the star of the show—our Playful Ghost! I stamped the adorable little “witch” ghost using Memento ink and brought her to life with markers. You can really have fun with this one by adding bright pops of color to her hat or gown. She’s spooky, but let’s face it, she’s way too cute to scare anyone!

By layering all of these elements together, you’ve got a fun, playful card that perfectly captures the Halloween spirit! Whether you’re sending this card to a friend or adding it to your stash of handmade holiday creations, it’s sure to bring a smile to their face.

All the supplies used in this project are available in my Stampin’ Up! store, so if you’re loving this card as much as I am, be sure to grab your Playful Ghosts stamp set, Halloween Spells Designer Paper, and coordinating dies before they vanish like a ghost in the night! Stay tuned for more Halloween fun coming your way tomorrow—there’s plenty more tricks and treats to come this week! 🎃

Happy stamping, and don’t forget to add these must-have Halloween supplies to your crafting stash! Until tomorrow, keep crafting wickedly good times! ✨👻 OR … You join me LIVE tonight on my Linda’s Stampin’ Escape Facebook page; I’ll be showing you how to make some cute “Trick or Treat” gifts.

Day 2 of Halloween Week: Wickedly Fun Halloween Card!

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Welcome back to Day 2 of Halloween Week! 🎃 Today, we’re conjuring up some wickedly fun vibes with a spooky, yet playful, card that’s perfect for this haunting season. Grab your crafting gear, because this project is not only thrilling but full of creative twists!

We’re starting with a basic black card base, a classic Halloween must! The dark backdrop sets the perfect stage for what’s to come. I added a strip of the Halloween Spells Designer Paper—the one with the mysterious Spells & Potions books. Doesn’t it just feel like we’re about to dive into a witch’s spellbook? 🧙‍♀️ This element adds intrigue and sets the scene for our magical masterpiece.

Now, let’s talk about the Take a Bow Dies—but with a twist! Instead of using them for a bow, I decided to think outside the cauldron. I used the dies to highlight the greeting on this card in a fun and quirky way. Isn’t it great when you can use your dies for more than one thing? It’s like finding a secret spell hidden in your stash!

To make things even more spellbinding, I pulled out the Halloween Memories Stamp Set. Who says it’s just for scrapbooking? I’m all about getting the most from my stamping supplies, and I love sharing creative ways to stretch your tools. That’s why I used the “omitting technique” for the greeting! I covered the part of the words I didn’t need, only inking the ones I wanted to use.

For the greeting, I stamped “Wickedly” on a larger piece from the bow die set and “Fun” on the smallest piece. I trimmed the larger die to fit the card perfectly and then layered the smaller “Fun” underneath for a wickedly fun effect! 🧛‍♀️

But we’re not done yet—this card is bubbling with more magic! ✨ I added the cute little potion bottles from the Halloween Spells Kit. These adorable die-cut stickers are just waiting to be used! I popped them up with dimensionals for some extra depth and drama. And for a final spooky touch, I sprinkled on some iridescent pearls to give the illusion of bubbles rising from the potion—totally magical and mysterious, don’t you think?

This card has it all: spooky fun, creative techniques, and of course, lots of Halloween spirit. Whether you’re crafting for a party or just want to send a frightfully fun greeting, this project is sure to cast a spell on your recipients! 👻

Happy crafting, and stay tuned for more spooky surprises as Halloween Week continues!

Simply Sunday: Wickedly Fun Halloween Card Kick-Off! 🎃🕸️

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Welcome, ghouls and goblins, to the first day of our Halloween Week on the blog! I’m beyond excited to kick things off with a frightfully fun card that will send shivers down your crafting spine. Today, we’re keeping it simple by revisiting some basic techniques that add a magical twist to your projects. Let’s dive into the cauldron and stir up some spooky creativity using the Halloween Spells Designer Paper and Sticker Kit. Join me for a wicked night of crafting delight!

For this hauntingly cute card, we’re showcasing the eerie charm of the Halloween Memories Scrapbooking Kit and its oh-so-versatile two-tone cardstock. One side is the full-strength color, while the flip side is a lighter, spookier version—perfect for creating dimensional depth. I chose to use the “tearing” technique to give this card an extra ghostly touch by revealing the white core of the cardstock. Here’s how it all came together:

Start by tearing a strip off your cardstock – this technique gives an organic, ragged edge, just like a witch’s spellbook. Then, cut it in half and flip one half upside down, so you can see both the deep, dark side and the lighter shadowed side of the cardstock. It creates an eerie effect that’s perfect for Halloween!

Layer your torn pieces onto the polka-dotted sheet from the Halloween Spells Designer Paper. The playful dots add a whimsical balance to the spooky torn edges, creating a haunted contrast. All of these are layered onto a Basic Black base.

To add some fun and depth, I took a scrap piece of black designer paper and attached it to the left side… This little trick gives the card more balance and frames the torn edges perfectly.

No Halloween card is complete without some creepy critters! I grabbed 3 bats from the sticker sheet and once placed, I tucked a dimensional under one of the wings on each bat. This simple technique makes them look like they’re flying right off the card!

The greeting (also from the sticker sheet) was trimmed down, and I popped it up for extra dimension. It’s like a message straight from the ghoul herself!

But wait, there’s more magic… 🧙‍♀️ To give this card some extra sparkle, I added a few Iridescent Foil Gems. Of course, I couldn’t resist taking my Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blends and coloring them to match the Halloween theme. It’s a quick and easy way to transform your gems into perfect, pumpkin-colored accents!

This card was an absolute scream to create, and it’s just the beginning of our Halloween Week on the blog. I can’t wait for you to try out these fun techniques with the Halloween Memories Scrapbooking Kit. Stay tuned for more wickedly creative projects that will leave you howling for more!

Don’t miss tomorrow’s post, where we’ll dive even deeper into the Halloween crafting cauldron. Until then, happy haunting and happy crafting! 👻🖤

🎃 Join Me for Halloween Week! 🎃

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Get ready for a spooktacular week of thrills and chills right here on my blog! Starting tomorrow, Sunday, September 22nd, through the 28th, I’ll be your guide down the haunted path of creativity. It’s time to gather your ghoulfriends and goblins because Halloween Week is here, and it’s going to be one wickedly fun celebration!

We’re diving into one of the most exciting holidays of the year—Halloween! 🎃 From creative costumes to eerie decorations, it’s all about embracing the spooky spirit and sharing it with everyone around. And I’ve brewed up some extra special projects for you to enjoy each day of this haunted adventure!

The first two days will kick off with a scream-worthy showcase of the brand-new Halloween Spells Scrapbook Kit 🕸️—packed with bewitching designs, to show you that it can be used for much more than scrapbooking! Then, we’ll creep into the eerie delights of the Halloween Spells Designer Paper, unveiling enchanting projects that will inspire your inner witch or wizard!

But wait… there’s more! 👻 We’ll welcome the Playful Ghosts and Halloween Memories stamp sets to the party. These stamps are hauntingly adorable, perfect for all your cards and crafts! And I’m pulling out the Take a Bow Dies—but don’t be fooled, there won’t be any bows involved. Instead, expect something frightfully creative that will leave you howling with delight!

Hang out with me (like a vampire hanging upside down 🧛‍♂️) for a full week of Halloween inspiration. Every day will bring new tricks and treats, so make sure to check in and don’t miss a single spooky post. By the time we’re done, you’ll be ready to haunt your craft room and create eerie-sistible projects!

Mark your calendars—Halloween Week kicks off tomorrow! 👻 Let’s make this holiday the most fang-tastic one yet!

Discover the Beauty of the Nests of Winter Suite

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS, Thinking of You / Hello Friend by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

As we embrace the changing seasons, I’m excited to share one of the most versatile suites from the new Holiday Mini Catalog: the Nests of Winter Suite, featuring the Winterly Tree Top Bundle. Whether you’re a cardmaker, scrapbooker, or simply someone who loves creating with paper, this suite offers a beautiful array of elements to enhance your projects for any occasion, all year long.

One of the standout features of the Winterly Tree Top Bundle is the intricately designed pine frame die. This die adds an elegant and natural touch to your creations, perfect for highlighting winter scenery or framing your favorite photos. On today’s card, we paired this frame with the stunning Winter Meadow Designer Paper, showcasing how it beautifully accents the serene winter landscape.

Imagine using this pine frame in your scrapbooking layouts—framing those cozy winter memories like family gatherings, snow days, or holiday celebrations. It’s an effortless way to draw attention to the heart of your project; your photos. The frame adds just the right amount of detail, enhancing without overwhelming.

While the Nests of Winter Designer Paper features gorgeous images of birds with coordinating dies, I decided to “fussy cut” the bird used on today’s card. There’s something soothing about the process of cutting out these delicate images by hand—it’s a creative ritual that many of us enjoy. Fussy cutting allows for precise placement, adding a personal touch that makes each card feel truly special.

What I love most about the Nests of Winter Suite is its versatility. While it’s perfect for creating stunning winter scenes and holiday cards, the suite can easily transition to any time of year. The elements within the Winterly Tree Top Bundle, such as the pine frame and bird images, can be used for birthday cards, thinking-of-you notes, and even nature-inspired projects.

The Nests of Winter Suite satisfies every creative need, offering you endless possibilities for cardmaking, scrapbooking, and beyond. Whether you love the calming process of fussy cutting or prefer the quick efficiency of coordinating dies, this suite gives you the tools to create meaningful projects with ease.

If you’re ready to elevate your crafting experience and bring your winter (and year-round!) creations to life, I encourage you to add the Nests of Winter Suite to your collection. Discover the Versatility of the Nests of Winter Suite: A Year-Round Creative Must-Have! Let the pine frames highlight your favorite moments, and allow the delicate bird images to inspire your next project.

If this is a “must have” for you … leave a comment and let me know if I have inspired you with this beautiful card.

Thanks for joining me today!

Fun Fold Card Featuring the Splendid Autumn Designer Paper

Posted in Fall / Autumn, HANDMADE CARDS, Tutorials, TUTORIALS (How To) by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today, I’m excited to showcase a gorgeous and easy-to-do Fun Fold card featuring the stunning Splendid Autumn 6 x 6 Designer Paper. I’m back after a week and a half of partying online on my Facebook page!! This card design really allows you to appreciate the beauty of the paper, as it’s cut to show off both the inside and outside on your continuous pattern. Fun folds are one of the easiest ways to take a simple card to the next level, and with designer paper as lovely as this, it does all the hard work for you! I call this fold my “Open Face Front”.

Card Details:

For this card, I began with a Cajun Craze card base cut at 5 1/2″ x 7 1/4″ and then scored and folded at 3″. This simple fold adds an elegant touch and can be used in both landscape (as shown) or portrait orientation, depending on your preference.

To create a continuous, cohesive look, I cut the designer paper to a width of 5″ and a height of 4″. I then cut 1 1/2″ off the bottom of this precut piece to use on the inside of the card. I layered the designer paper on top of a piece of Basic Vanilla cardstock (5″ x 3 3/4″) and then added a Pumpkin Pie layer (5 1/4″ x 4″) beneath it to tie all the colors together.

For the front, I took the remaining piece of designer paper and adhered it to another piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock cut to 5 1/4″ x 2 3/4″. The layering really helps the designer paper stand out and gives the card a rich, polished feel.

The sentiment comes from the adorable Warms My Heart stamp set, then die-cut using the Spotlight on Nature Dies for a clean, elegant look. To finish off the card, I added a few Faux Glass Dots (currently unavailable) for a little extra sparkle.

The Splendid Autumn Designer Paper is a true standout with its warm, rich tones and intricate designs. It’s perfect for fall-themed cards, but its versatility means it can be used for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re working with fun folds or standard layouts, this paper is an effortless way to add dimension and interest to your projects.

Fun folds, like the one featured here, are a great way to elevate your cards without a lot of extra effort. With just a few extra cuts and scores, you can transform a basic card into something truly special. And when paired with designer paper, fun folds make it easy to showcase the beautiful patterns and colors both inside and outside the card.

Ready to create your own? Pick up the Splendid Autumn Designer Paper and other supplies listed below today, and start crafting your own beautiful fun fold cards!

Thanks for joining me today!

The Wait is Over – The Holiday Mini Catalog is LIVE!

Posted in 3-D Projects, HANDMADE CARDS, VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Great to be back … It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the September-December Mini Catalog is officially LIVE! 🎉 From festive stamps to dazzling designer papers, this catalog is overflowing with everything you need to make your holiday season truly magical. Whether you’re a card-making enthusiast or a scrapbooker at heart, there’s something for everyone in this spectacular collection.

Holiday Magic at Your Fingertips

This year’s Holiday Mini Catalog is bursting with creative potential. Imagine crafting your holiday cards with stunning new stamp sets, coordinating dies, and gorgeous designer papers. The catalog includes everything from cozy winter scenes to elegant holiday florals, ensuring that your projects will stand out in style. And don’t forget the embellishments! With glittery accents, beautiful ribbons, and more, you can add the perfect finishing touches to all your holiday creations.

Here are a couple projects I made during my Facebook LIVE yesterday … featuring the “Take a Bow Bundle”

I also wanted to share another project you can do with your “bow” strips – create a background for a card. Along with the awesome Take a Bow designer paper, I incorporated some of the die cuts from the “A Little Bit Festive” pieces!

Introducing the Scrapbooking Catalog & New Cardstocks

But wait, there’s more! Alongside the Holiday Mini Catalog, Stampin’ Up! has also launched the brand-new Scrapbooking Catalog – a digital-only guide filled with everything you need to preserve your precious memories. Whether you’re a seasoned scrapbooker or just getting started, this catalog is a treasure trove of inspiration. Check out the video walkthrough showcasing some of the products …

I’d also like to share the video introduction of the Two-Tone Cardstocks. These versatile papers are designed to coordinate perfectly with your scrapbook layouts, giving your pages a polished and professional look. With a range of rich, complementary colors, these cardstocks are perfect for capturing the essence of the holiday season.

The wait is finally over – you can now shop all the goodies you’ve been eagerly awaiting! Whether you’re planning to make your holiday cards, scrapbook your family memories, or both, these catalogs are packed with everything you need to make this season unforgettable.

Let’s kick off this holiday season with creativity, joy, and a whole lot of crafting! I can’t wait to see what you create with these fantastic new products. Watch for upcoming classes too!

Happy stamping, and happy holidays! 🌟

Brewing Up Halloween Fun with a Playful Ghosts Fun Fold Card

Posted in Fun Folds, Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS, ONLINE EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS by

Hello, Stampin’ Friends! 👻

Yesterday, I shared a delightful Fun Fold Card and Video featuring the gorgeous Perennial Lavender designer paper. Today, I’m thrilled to show you how you can take that same fun fold layout and brew up some Halloween magic using the Playful Ghosts stamp set from our Online Exclusives.

To start, I switched up the designer paper, using the Thoughtful Journey collection as my background. You might think of this paper for travel-themed projects, but guess what? It works perfectly as a spooky backdrop too! The watercolor design gives just the right eerie touch to set the scene for some Halloween fun.

Next, I stamped my pumpkins, flying ghost, and Dracula ghost, bringing them to life with our vibrant Stampin’ Blends. These markers make it so easy to add depth and dimension to your images. I even used them to color in the moon, which I die cut with the Everyday Details Dies. Creating layers, I die cut a smaller Night of Navy circle for that extra pop of color.

For the sentiment, I went with a simple yet bold “BOO,” stamped directly onto the designer paper and then punched out. This little detail adds just the right amount of Halloween flair without overpowering the rest of the card.

I thought it would be cute to have the Dracula Ghost peeking out from the inside of the card. And to finish up, I embellished with some spooky little orbs, also known as Transparent Adhesive Backed Dots. These subtle, glossy dots add a perfect hint of mystery and shine to your card.

The Playful Ghosts stamp set is such a joy to work with. Whether you’re creating cards, treat bags, or other Halloween projects, this set is full of possibilities. And who knew that the Thoughtful Journey designer paper could be so versatile? Using it as a spooky background showcases the simplicity and creativity that makes crafting so much fun.

I hope this card inspires you to pick up the Playful Ghosts stamp set and create a Halloween masterpiece of your own. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Happy stamping! 🎃

Simply Sunday: Add a Touch of Flair with a Fun Fold Featuring Perennial Lavender Designer Paper

Posted in Fun Folds, HANDMADE CARDS, VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Welcome to another Simply Sunday, where creativity meets simplicity! Today, I’m excited to share a fun fold card that’s sure to add flair to your crafting projects. We’ll be using the beautiful Perennial Lavender Designer Paper, which is currently on sale, and pairing it with the versatile Perennial Postage Dies to create something truly special.

This fun fold design is perfect for anyone looking to add a unique touch to their cards without the complexity. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this project is easy to follow and yields stunning results. The soft, elegant patterns of the Perennial Lavender Designer Paper bring a touch of sophistication to your cards, making them perfect for any occasion.

In today’s video, I’ll guide you step by step through the process of creating this card. You’ll find all the dimensions you need in the video, so you can craft along with ease. The Perennial Postage Dies are the perfect companion for this project, offering beautifully detailed accents that complement the designer paper effortlessly. And that’s not all … I’m sharing several more cards that I have created with the beautiful Perennial Lavender paper.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

This fun fold card is sure to delight whoever receives it. And with the Perennial Lavender Designer Paper on sale, now is the perfect time to stock up on this must-have crafting essential. Imagine the beautiful cards you can create, not just with this design but with countless others that will come to life with these stunning products.

So, grab your crafting supplies, follow along with the video, and let’s make something beautiful together! And don’t forget, the Perennial Lavender Designer Paper won’t be on sale forever, so be sure to take advantage of this deal while it lasts.

Happy crafting!

#patternpaper #stationary #papercrafting #cardmaking #perenniallavender

Accordion Fun Fold Card with Countryside Inn Designer Paper

Posted in Fun Folds, HANDMADE CARDS, TUTORIALS (How To), VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Ready to add some elegance to your crafting projects? The Countryside Inn Designer Paper is now on sale and it’s the perfect time to grab it! This stunning paper features beautiful patterns that bring a touch of the countryside to your creations. Whether you’re making cards, scrapbooks, or other paper crafts, this designer paper will add that special something to your projects.

To inspire you, I’ve put together a video tutorial that takes you step by step through creating an “Accordion” Fun Fold card using this gorgeous paper. Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and join me for this short video …

Dimensions:

  • Night of Navy Base: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″
  • Designer Paper: 12″ x 5-1/4″ Scored at 2″ – 5″ – and 8″
  • Basic White (Inside) 5″ x 3-3/4″
  • Plus you will need a piece of Night of Navy and Basic White to Die Cut your Greeting
  • Balmy Blue (Inside – 1st Flap) 5″ x 1-3/4″

See how simple it was to create something beautiful. Now that you know how to make this adorable card, head over to my store and take advantage of the sale—this is one offer you won’t want to miss!

Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out my video today.

Enjoy your day ~

FUN FOLD: Spotlight on Nature Card with Country Lace Designer Paper

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today, I’m thrilled to share a stunning card created by a special guest blogger, Jo Ann, from my Design Team. This beautiful creation puts the exquisite Country Lace Designer Paper in the spotlight, paired perfectly with the versatile Spotlight on Nature stamp set.

The delicate lace patterns of the Country Lace Designer Paper add a touch of elegance and charm to any project, and Jo Ann’s design showcases just how stunning this paper can be. Whether you’re crafting for a special occasion or just want to add some beauty to your day, this card is sure to inspire you.

Now, here’s the exciting part: the Country Lace Designer Paper is currently on sale! This is a fantastic opportunity to stock up on this gorgeous paper, but hurry—the sale ends on August 31st. Don’t miss out on the chance to add this versatile and elegant paper to your collection at a discounted price.

Remember, the Designer Paper Sale is ending soon, so make sure to grab your favorites before they’re gone. The Country Lace Designer Paper is a must-have for any crafter, offering endless possibilities for creating elegant, timeless projects. Thank you, Jo Ann, for sharing this lovely card with us!

Happy crafting, and remember, you’re worth it! Treat yourself to these beautiful papers and enjoy the joy of creating something special.

UPDATE: I am no longer sending the PDF to this card. 6 / 2025 LJS

Perennial Lavender Patterned Paper & the Split Card Technique

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~ 

To my paper crafting enthusiasts … if you’re on the lookout for new and exciting ways to showcase your creativity, let me share this cute card with you. Today, we’ll explore a fantastic technique that not only lets you make a set of 16 cards effortlessly but also highlights the beauty of the Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper that is ON SALE Now. Get ready to be inspired by the Split Card technique!

The Split Card technique is a simple yet impactful way to create stunning cards with a unique design. For this project, I’ve chosen the Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper to be the star of the show. This exquisite paper features delicate lavender patterns that add a touch of elegance to any project. 

Start by cutting your Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper into equal 3″ x 3″ squares. These squares will be the basis of your Split Card design. If you like the “matted” look, cut the your Shaded Spruce Cardstock squares at 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″. Each will be cut diagonally from corner to corner (same with mat) then layer the designer paper to the mat. Arrange them in opposite corners on your cardstock, leaving a gap in the middle. The negative space created by the gap adds a modern and dynamic element to your cards, and a perfect space to add your greeting.

Now, let’s bring in the Paper Butterfly to take your cards to the next level. Choose the size butterfly you want and color it using the Highland Heather, Gorgeous Grape, and Berry Burst Stampin’ Write Markers. The combination of these vibrant hues will make your butterfly pop against the lavender background… and let’s not forget the “WOW” from the Wink of Stella. The Stella will actually “moisten” your inks so they will blend together. 

To add a touch of sparkle and sophistication, embellish your cards with Purple Fine Shimmer Gems. These gems complement the color palette perfectly and bring a subtle shimmer to your creations. Place them strategically on the butterfly or around the negative space to enhance the overall visual appeal. 

One of the fantastic aspects of the Split Card technique is its scalability. With just a single sheet of Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper, you can create a set of 16 cards with ease. This makes it an excellent choice for batch card-making or creating personalized gifts for friends and family.

This simple technique allows you to explore your creativity and produce a stunning set of cards that will leave a lasting impression. Try it out … experiment with colors, and enjoy the joy of crafting! Comment below if you will be trying out the Split Card Technique.

Have an awesome day ~

Creating Magic with Water-Based Inks & Autumn Leaves …

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

It’s time to Create Magic with Water-Based Inks with some tips and techniques to help you in your cardmaking and scrapbooking! Previously I shared the differences between three of our most popular inks (Click Here to View) Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting on your creative journey, water-based inks offer a world of possibilities to enhance your projects.

Today, we’ll explore the exciting world of water-based inks with share tips and a fun technique that will take your card making and scrapbooking to the next level.

Why Water-Based Inks?

Water-based inks are immensely popular in the crafting community for several reasons:

  1. Versatility: Water-based inks work on a variety of surfaces, including paper, cardstock, vellum, and even fabric. They’re also great for different crafting techniques, making them incredibly versatile.
  2. Ease of Use: These inks are beginner-friendly, forgiving, and easy to clean up. You don’t need specialized equipment or ventilation like you do with some other types of inks.
  3. Blendability: Water-based inks can be effortlessly blended to create beautiful gradients and backgrounds. This feature is especially handy for creating unique card backgrounds and scrapbook pages.
  4. Layering: You can layer multiple colors to achieve complex effects and depth in your projects. This allows for endless creative possibilities.

Today we’re going to start with the basics … Simple stamping with a hint of a fun technique called “Stamping Off”. You can use pre-folded cards or cut and fold your own from cardstock. My base is an A2 size card; 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored and folded at 4-1/4″. Decide on the card’s theme and the colors you want to use. This is where your creativity shines.

Today we are using the new Autumn Leaves Stamp Set along with the Crushed Curry, Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie water-based ink pads! The Autumn Leaves is a photopolymer stamp set so for best results I use the Stampin’ Pierce mat to stamp onto. (Use a scrap piece of paper over the top to keep it clean).

As for our technique to “stamp off” … you’ll ink up your image and then stamp it onto a scrap piece of paper before stamping it onto your cardstock. Position your inked stamp over the desired area on your card. Apply even pressure, pressing down firmly but not too hard. Hold the stamp in place for a moment to ensure the ink transfers. The veins for the leaves are inked up and then stamped directly over the stamped off leaf, giving it the look of dimension. It’s magical.

After use, clean your stamp with the Stampin’ Scrub or paper towel. I stay away from baby wipes, but if you use them, make sure they are alcohol, lotion and lint free… the last thing you want is to have on your stamps or ink pads is a foreign substance. This maintains the quality of your stamps.

I stamped the greeting onto a scrap piece of white cardstock using the Old Olive ink then trimmed it down. I added some of the Threaded Twine behind it after breaking it apart by pulling out a few threads. I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to pop it up. This was all layered onto a piece of 4-1/4″ x 5-5/8″ Crushed Curry mat.

Stamping cards with water-based inks is a fun and rewarding creative hobby. With practice and these tips, you’ll feel like a master card maker in no time. Each card you create will be a work of art, made with love and care…. and that is why we stamp! So, gather your materials, unleash your imagination, and start stamping your way to heartfelt greetings and beautiful cards!

Thank you for joining me today.

Exploring Creative Possibilities: Direct-to-Block Spritz Technique

Posted in Fall / Autumn, HANDMADE CARDS, Techniques by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Welcome to September, a month filled with the promise of autumn’s vibrant colors and creative inspiration. I’m thrilled to introduce you to the “Direct-to-Block Spritz” technique using our water-based ink dyes. In this blog post, I will guide you through the process of creating this technique. So, grab your supplies and let’s dive into this innovative and fun crafting journey!

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Set up a clean and well-lit workspace, protecting it with a craft mat or disposable tablecloth to avoid any ink stains.

Step 2: Choose Your Colors

Select the water-based ink dyes that you’d like to use for your background. I used Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry and Old Olive with worked wonderfully for this project.

Step 3: Apply Ink to Acrylic Blocks

Tap your ink pad of each chosen ink color directly onto separate acrylic blocks… I use a Sponge Dauber or my finger to blend the sharp lines. Don’t overlap colors too much… this will make it muddy. This will serve as your ink palette.

Step 4: Spritz with Water

Lightly mist the ink colors with your Stampin’ Spritz to activate the pigments and create a watercolor effect.

Step 5: Create Your Background

Gently press the inked acrylic blocks onto your Basic White, Very Vanilla or Watercolor paper. Experiment with different angles and color combinations to achieve the desired look. Then rinse the block and repeat … you can use larger blocks as well.

Step 6: Let it Dry

Allow your background to air dry completely. This might take some time, so patient. You can use a heat tool to speed up the drying process if you’re in a hurry.

Now I’m going to die-cut leaves from our upcoming Autumn Leaves dies, and used the Stripes & Splatter Embossing Folder to add texture to this card as well (you must run it through twice to emboss the entire piece) but you can use the “Timber” embossing folder that is currently available if you don’t have the stripes. I love the simple & clean look of this card.

With the Direct-to-Block Spritz technique and our water-based ink pads, the possibilities for creativity are endless. Whether you’re crafting a stunning background or using the design to enhance your projects, this technique is a fantastic way to welcome the autumn season with a burst of color and style.

I hope this blog post has inspired you to experiment with this technique and explore new horizons in your crafting journey.

Thanks for checking out today’s post.