Tag Archives: cardmaking

Christmas in July: A Stitched Season 3

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Welcome back to Christmas in July and Week 3 of our A Stitched Season series!

Have you ever saved the little scraps and leftover pieces from a project because they were simply too pretty to throw away? This week, we’re putting some of those pieces to good use as we create a charming patchwork stocking with the leftovers from earlier projects.

The A Stitched Season Suite Collection was inspired by the warmth and nostalgia of handmade Christmas quilts. The coordinated collection includes festive images such as stockings, presents, pine trees and holly, along with patterned paper, embellishments and stitched accents that make it easy to create projects with a cozy, handmade appearance.

For today’s card, I used leftover squares from some of my other A Stitched Season projects to create the colorful patchwork … This is one of my favorite ways to stretch my crafting supplies. Instead of letting those smaller pieces collect on the corner of my table—or tossing them away—we can combine them into a fun pallet of magic. Each little pattern adds its own color and personality, giving the finished stocking the look of a treasured Christmas quilt.

Once the pieces are arranged, the stocking die brings everything together with its detailed stitched edges. It creates an impressive focal point without requiring you to sew or individually piece an entire quilt pattern. The video below is a replay of my Facebook LIVE, and it really is the heart of today’s post.

Grab your favorite beverage, pull up a seat and join me as I guide you through the process step by step. I’ll show you how I arranged the leftover paper pieces, transformed them into the patchwork stocking and finished the card with layers, texture and festive details.

I’ll also share a few extra tips along the way to help you get the most from the die and create a stocking that looks beautifully finished.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON YOUTUBE

If you haven’t fallen in love with this stocking yet, I hope this project changed that. It is so easy and versatile to work with. You can create a traditional Christmas stocking in reds and greens, use soft neutrals for a vintage quilted look or choose completely different colors to match the personality of the person receiving your card.

You can fill the stocking with patchwork pieces as I did today, use one favorite designer-paper pattern or create your own combination from the scraps already sitting on your craft table. That makes every stocking a little different—and every card feel especially handmade.

While the suite is naturally perfect for Christmas cards, its quilt-inspired elements can also be used for gift tags, scrapbook pages, treat packaging and other holiday projects. Stampin’ Up! describes the collection as a coordinated assortment designed to bring cozy, nostalgic charm to cards and other handmade creations. You’ll find the shopping links below so you can add the A Stitched Season Suite Collection—or your favorite individual pieces—to your own crafting collection.

I hope you enjoy today’s video and feel inspired to look through your leftover designer paper pieces before throwing any of them away. You may already have the makings of your next beautiful patchwork stocking sitting right on your craft table!

Thanks so much for joining me for Week 3 of Christmas in July. I can’t wait to share another festive project with you soon.

Happy Stamping,
Linda

Christmas in July: A Stitched Season 2 / The Secret to a Perfect Quilted Stocking Card!

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Christmas in July continues, and this week we’re taking the A Stitched Season Suite to the next level! If you loved last week’s stitched stocking, you’re going to have even more fun with this one. Today we’re creating a beautiful quilt-inspired stocking that looks like it took hours to piece together—but I’ll show you how easy it really is.

One of the things I love most about the A Stitched Season Suite is how it combines the warmth of handmade quilts with the timeless charm of Christmas. The stitched dies create beautiful detail, while the coordinating designer paper does much of the work for you. The result is a card that’s rich in texture and color, yet surprisingly simple to create.

In this week’s video, I’ll guide you step-by-step through creating the quilted stocking, sharing tips for getting those stitched pieces lined up perfectly and achieving a polished, professional finish. If you’ve ever admired this style of card and thought it looked too complicated, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by just how approachable it is.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON YOUTUBE

To complement the stocking, I paired it with an embossed background for added texture, a festive stitched ribbon, and a simple “Cheers” greeting. Together, these details create a card that’s elegant enough to display throughout the holiday season while still being easy enough to recreate for your own Christmas card collection.

If you’re ready to add another beautiful design to your Christmas card stash, be sure to watch the video above. I’ll walk you through each step, share a few helpful tips along the way, and hopefully inspire you to pull out your paper and start creating right along with me. Click the YOUTUBE link and see more inspiration!

As always, you’ll find a complete supply list below. If you don’t already own the A Stitched Season Suite, I think you’ll quickly see why it’s becoming one of my favorite collections for holiday crafting. The versatility of the dies and designer paper makes it easy to create cards that look detailed and impressive without spending hours at your craft table.

Thank you so much for stopping by my little corner of creativity. If you enjoy today’s project, I’d love to have you subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow along as we continue our Christmas in July series. There are plenty more festive ideas still to come, and I can’t wait to share them with you!

Happy Stamping, Linda ❤️

Elegant Layers of Beauty with the Garden Poetry Suite

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

There are some card collections that are simply beautiful… and then there are collections that make you stop and admire every little detail. The Garden Poetry Suite is definitely one of those! Today I’m combining the gorgeous Garden Poetry Designer Series Paper, the coordinating Paradise Garden Bundle, and my favorite surprise from the suite—the Garden Textures Specialty Foil Sheets. The result is a card that’s elegant enough for any occasion today, yet versatile enough to inspire stunning holiday cards later this year. Trust me… once you see this foil in person, you’ll be looking for every excuse to use it! The entire suite was designed to coordinate beautifully, making it easy to create polished, professional-looking projects.

For today’s project, I wanted the beautiful papers to do most of the work while adding just enough stamping and die cutting to create a striking focal point.

Begin with a Basic White A2 card base, measuring 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″, scored and folded at 4-1/4″.

Next, cover the card front with a piece of Garden Poetry Designer Series Paper cut to 4″ x 5-1/4″. One of my favorite things about this paper collection is its watercolor-inspired floral artwork. The larger floral patterns make gorgeous backgrounds, while the softer reverse sides are perfect for layering. The colors throughout the collection coordinate beautifully, making it almost impossible to choose a favorite!

Now it’s time to add the “wow” factor… Cut a piece of the Blueberry Bushel Garden Textures Specialty Foil to 2-3/4″ x 4″ and emboss it with the embossing folder that comes within the bundle. Then adhere it along the left side of the card front. Photographs simply don’t do this paper justice! The rich metallic finish catches the light beautifully and instantly adds depth and elegance. Available in Berry Burst, Blueberry Bushel, and Shaded Spruce, these foil sheets are wonderful for everyday cards—but don’t pack them away after summer. Imagine these rich jewel tones paired with Christmas greenery, ornaments, winter florals, or elegant holiday sentiments. They’re going to become a favorite during the holiday crafting season, too.

Using Basic White cardstock, die cut one of the Everyday Arches Dies to create your sentiment panel. Stamp the greeting in Blueberry Bushel Ink for a clean, classic look that coordinates perfectly with the papers.

Next, stamp the floral images from the Paradise Garden Stamp Set onto Basic White cardstock using Blueberry Bushel Ink. Die cut them with the coordinating dies, then layer the flowers so they overlap both the arch and the foil panel. This simple layering technique adds wonderful dimension while allowing each element of the suite to shine.

To finish the card, add a few Basic Rhinestones to the flower centers and beside the greeting. That little touch of sparkle ties everything together without taking away from the gorgeous foil.

One of my favorite things about the Garden Poetry Suite is how effortlessly everything coordinates. The designer paper, stamps, dies, and specialty foil were created to complement one another, making it easy to mix patterns, textures, and colors while achieving a polished result every time. Whether you’re creating birthday cards, thinking of you cards, thank you cards, or even elegant holiday greetings, this suite offers endless possibilities.

Sometimes a card doesn’t need complicated techniques to make a big impression. By combining beautiful designer paper, luxurious foil, a few stamped flowers, and a simple sentiment, you can create a card that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to make.

I hope today’s project inspires you to pull out your favorite patterned papers and experiment with layering different textures. You may discover—just as I did—that sometimes the paper really does become the star of the show! You will find links to the products below … make sure to grab some extra foil for the holiday season.

Happy Stamping,

Linda 💙

Turn One Sheet of Designer Paper into NINE Beautiful Christmas Cards!

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS, HOLIDAYS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

I’ve been in my stamp room creating for my upcoming class. The morning session is full, but I do have a few spots left in the evening if you’d like to join us!! The class highlights the “A Stitched Season” Suite.

One of the things I love most about the A Stitched Season Suite Collection is how effortlessly it transforms simple supplies into beautiful Christmas cards. The quilt-inspired patterns, cozy colors, charming embellishments, and heartfelt greetings all work together to create cards that feel warm, nostalgic, and handmade.

Today’s card is proof that you don’t have to use an entire sheet of Designer Series Paper exactly as it comes. Sometimes all it takes is looking at it a little differently.

Instead of keeping one of the quilt designs intact, I cut out a section of four individual quilt blocks from the patterned paper. They will create our focal point that looks like a miniature Christmas quilt. It’s such an easy technique, and once you start cutting with different sections of the paper, you’ll discover dozens of creative possibilities.

I layered my quilt block onto a 3½” x 3½” piece of Cherry Cobbler Cardstock to frame the design. If you’d like a little more of that rich Cherry Cobbler showing around the edges, simply increase your layer to 3⅝” x 3⅝” for a slightly wider border.

Now for my favorite part…

Each quilt square is finished with one of the adorable Adhesive-Backed Mini Christmas Buttons. Stampin’ Up! added just a touch of sparkle around each button, and it’s those little details that make me smile. I tied tiny bows from the Baker’s Twine Essentials Pack and secured one on each button using the Mini Glue Dots, giving the card the cozy feeling of a handmade quilt fresh from Grandma’s sewing room. It’s a small detail, but it adds so much warmth and charm.

Once my focal point was finished, I mounted it onto a 4″ x 5¼” piece of Basic White Cardstock embossed with the enchanting Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder. Although this embossing folder was introduced in the Frightfully Fun Suite, one of the things I love about Stampin’ Up! is that any suite product can also be purchased individually. That means you can mix and match your favorites to create cards for every season. The soft swirls add wonderful texture and movement while allowing the quilt blocks to remain the star of the show.

Everything is layered onto a standard Cherry Cobbler A2 card base, cut to 8½” x 5½” and scored at 4¼”.

For the greeting, I stamped one of the beautiful sentiments from the A Stitched Season Bundle in Cherry Cobbler ink, then fussy cut it before layering it onto another piece of Cherry Cobbler cardstock and fussy cutting again to create a custom mat. Of course, if fussy cutting isn’t your favorite pastime, the coordinating die included in the bundle make this step quick and easy. I simply chose to cut it by hand because I wanted as much of that beautiful quilt design to remain visible as possible.

Since one end of the greeting extends beyond the quilt square, just tuck a couple of Stampin’ Dimensionals underneath the overhanging edge for support, and your card is complete.

What really excites me about this project is just how much you can create from one sheet of Designer Series Paper. One 12″ x 12″ sheet will make the focal point for nine beautiful Christmas cards… and you’ll still have leftover quilt blocks! Those extra pieces are much too pretty to throw away.

In fact, I used them on another project! I used the adorable stockings dies from the suite with the leftover quilt squares, and I absolutely love how it turned out. Be sure to watch my YouTube video (Click Here) to see how those little leftovers became another festive project. It’s one more way to stretch your supplies while creating something truly special.

The A Stitched Season Suite Collection is filled with nostalgic quilt patterns, stockings, pine trees, holiday greenery, coordinating dies, beautiful sentiments, and delightful embellishments that make Christmas crafting both relaxing and rewarding. Whether you’re making a handful of cards or an entire stack to send this holiday season, this suite offers endless opportunities to create something your family and friends will treasure.

You’ll find all of the product links waiting for you below so you can explore everything included in this beautiful collection.

And don’t forget to stop back tomorrow! I’ll be sharing a special way to save, and on Tuesday we’re trading Christmas for sunshine as we head to the beach for a fun summertime project that I can’t wait to show you.

Thank you so much for spending part of your day with me. I always enjoy sharing new ideas and helping you discover just how fun and relaxing card making can be.

Until next time…

Happy Stamping! ❤️
Linda

Hey Stampin’ Friends, here is the information on my class … please message me below or send me an email at lindaluvs2stamp@aol.com to RSVP. The morning class is already filled, I do have spots in the 6:30 pm evening class.

Summerween Finale: Two Spooktacular Halloween Cards

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Halloween crafting doesn’t have to be complicated to make a big impression! In this Summerween Finale, I’m sharing two fun and spooky Halloween cards that let the Frightfully Fun Product Suite do so much of the work for you. Whether you love creating quick cards or enjoy adding a few extra techniques, there’s something here for everyone.

The first card is all about letting that gorgeous designer paper shine. The spooky tree scene already sets the perfect Halloween mood, so all we need to do is add a few die-cut bats, a simple greeting, and suddenly you have a card that’s dramatic, festive, and incredibly easy to recreate. It’s proof that beautiful paper can do the heavy lifting! Don’t you love those eyes … check out the video to see how I did it!!

The second card takes things up a notch with a fun ink blending technique. We’ll create an eerie purple sky using Blending Brushes, then layer on die-cut trees and soft vellum ghosts to build a scene that’s both spooky and adorable. It’s an easy technique that adds amazing depth and is one you’ll find yourself using long after Halloween is over.

I hope these projects inspire you to pull out your Halloween supplies, play with your inks, and have a little spooky fun at your craft table. Whether you’re making cards for grandchildren, friends, neighbors, or simply adding to your own collection, these designs come together quickly and are sure to bring smiles.

🎥 Be sure to watch the full YouTube tutorial where I’ll walk you through each project step-by-step and share all of my tips along the way. If you enjoy the video, I’d love it if you’d subscribe to my channel so you won’t miss future cardmaking ideas, seasonal inspiration, and our weekly creative adventures.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON YOUTUBE!

Thank you for spending a little time with me here at Linda’s Stampin’ Escape, where we’re always Shining the Light on Creativity. I have the product links listed below so you can pick out your favorite tools and supplies.

Until next time…happy stamping! Linda💜👻🎃

Summerween Fun! Create 3 Halloween Cards +

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Can you really make three adorable Halloween cards from just one half sheet of Designer Series Paper? Absolutely—and that’s exactly what I’m sharing in this week’s Summerween replay!

If you’ve been looking for ways to get more from your Designer Series Paper while creating quick, fun projects, this video is packed with ideas you’ll want to try. Best of all, these cards come together easily, making them perfect for beginners and experienced stampers alike.

One of my favorite things to share is how to make the most of the supplies you already own. In this replay, I’ll show you exactly how I turned just half a sheet of Frightfully Fun Designer Series Paper into three completely different Halloween cards, each with its own personality.

You’ll also pick up simple layout ideas that can easily be adapted for birthdays, Christmas, fall cards, or just about any Designer Series Paper in your collection.

🎥 Be sure to watch the video below where I walk you through every step and share lots of tips along the way.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Card #1 – Curious Kitty

This sweet little kitty couldn’t resist exploring the spooky forest! I love how the dramatic Designer Series Paper creates an eerie background while the adorable cat keeps the card playful and fun. It’s proof that Halloween cards don’t have to be scary to be eye-catching.

Card #2 – Boo to You

This card couldn’t be easier! I let the Designer Series Paper take center stage. The spooky trees and glowing moon create the entire scene, while a simple greeting and a few adorable ghost embellishments finish it off beautifully.

Card #3 – Happy Halloween Ghosts

Simple Die Cuts! A few happy ghosts, a bold greeting, and that beautiful moonlit background do all the work. It’s quick, simple, and perfect when you need to make several Halloween cards in one sitting.

Bonus Project – A Sweet Popsicle Treat!

Because every Summerween party needs a treat!

I’ll also show you how to create this fun little Popsicle card that’s perfect for party favors, classroom treats, neighbors, grandchildren, or anyone who could use a little Halloween surprise. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to bring smiles.

If these projects inspire you, you’ll find links below to the products I used so you can start creating your own Summerween cards and treats.

Whether you purchase one item or the entire collection, I truly appreciate your support of my small business. Every order helps me continue bringing you free tutorials, videos, inspiration, and classes.

🎄 Before You Go…

If you enjoyed today’s video, I’d love to have you join me LIVE tonight on my Linda’s Stampin’ Escape Facebook Page as we switch gears from Summerween to Christmas in July!

We’ll be creating beautiful holiday cards featuring the A Stitched Season Suite, sharing lots of tips, techniques, laughs, and inspiration along the way. Grab your favorite beverage, invite a friend, and come spend the evening crafting with us. I’d love to see you there!

Until next time…

Happy Stamping! ❤️
Linda
Shining the Light on Creativity 🌊

🛍️ Shop the products below and start creating your own Summerween fun!

Happy 4th of July! Life Really Is Better in Flip Flops!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July Stampin’ Friends ~

I hope your day is filled with everything that makes summer special—family gathered around the table, laughter that carries through the backyard, the smell of something delicious on the grill, and fireworks lighting up the evening sky. Whether you’re celebrating with a big crowd or enjoying a quiet day by the lake, I hope you take a moment to relax, soak in the sunshine, and make a few wonderful memories.

When I think of summer, one thing always comes to mind… Flip flops! 🩴

They seem to have a magical way of reminding us to slow down, kick off our worries, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. That’s exactly the feeling that inspired today’s projects featuring the Splash & Relax Bundle. It’s a collection that captures everything we love about summertime—from beach days and sunshine to carefree afternoons by the water.

My first card is a little tribute to Independence Day, featuring three pairs of patriotic flip flops in classic Real Red, Night of Navy, and Basic White. It’s bright, cheerful, and the perfect reminder that even a simple pair of sandals can become the star of a handmade card!

If you’d like a closer look at how this card came together, along with additional photos and tips, you can read more about it here: (CLICK THIS LINK)

After the fireworks fade, summer continues—and so does the inspiration!

For my second project, I traded the patriotic colors for calming shades of Coastal Cabana and Basic White. I wanted this card to feel like a peaceful afternoon by the water.

Although the Wave Embossing Folder quickly disappeared from the Last Chance List, I couldn’t resist using it here to create the movement of rolling water. To enhance that beachy feeling, I layered in the Rolling Waves Dies, adding texture, the appearance of waves with a motion that almost makes you hear them.

The adorable flip flops, visor, and sunglasses all come from the Splash & Relax Bundle, making it easy to build a scene that says, “Vacation mode: ON!” … and of course, I added some Wink of Stella to make it all sparkle!

To finish everything off, I created my version of the summer sun using the sun die from the Sunset Coast Bundle, then framed each little beach element with the Perennial Postage Dies. Those postage-style frames create the perfect little snapshots of summer adventures.

One of the things I love most about the Splash & Relax Bundle is how easily it creates that carefree feeling we all crave this time of year. Filled with playful beach-inspired images like flip flops, visors, sunglasses, and seaside accents, this bundle lets you turn ordinary cardstock into a relaxing getaway—no packing required!

As we celebrate America’s birthday today, I want to thank YOU for being such an important part of my stamping community. Your encouragement, your friendship, and your enthusiasm make this creative journey so much fun, and I’m grateful that we get to share it together.

Have a safe, happy, and memory-filled Fourth of July!

May your day be full of sunshine, your evening sparkle with fireworks, and may your flip flops take you somewhere wonderful.

Happy Stamping,
Linda 🩴🇺🇸☀️

Summerween: Discover the Magic of One Embossing Folder!

Posted in Halloween, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends!

Welcome back to our Summerween Party! I’m so happy you’re here because today we’re shining the spotlight on one of my favorite new crafting tools—the Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder.

At first glance, you might see swirling stars and whimsical curls… but this embossing folder is so much more than that! Whether you’re creating spooky Halloween cards, magical Christmas projects, birthday cards, or everyday greetings, this versatile folder adds beautiful texture and dimension with just one pass through your Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine.

In today’s replay, I’ll show you how one embossing folder can create three completely different looks using simple techniques that anyone can master. Sometimes all it takes is changing your paper or adding one extra step to create an entirely new effect!

We begin with a clean and simple BOO! card that lets the embossed background take center stage. Those adorable Adhesive-Backed Bats, Ghosts, and Dots embellishments add just the right amount of playful Halloween charm, proving that simple really can be stunning.

Next, we’re stepping things up with one of my favorite techniques—Direct-to-Paper Ink Dragging. By lightly dragging white ink across the raised embossed design, the swirls and stars come to life with an almost magical chalkboard effect. It’s quick, easy, and one of those techniques you’ll find yourself using again and again.

Our final project highlights another fun way to transform your cardstock using Two-Tone Cardstock and Designer Series Paper. Because these papers feature a white core, gently sanding the embossed surface reveals the lighter layer underneath, creating incredible contrast and texture. It’s an easy technique that adds so much depth and really makes those embossed details pop!

I love sharing techniques like these because they help you stretch your supplies even further. One embossing folder… three unique looks… and endless creative possibilities! Join me by watching the video replay of this Summerween presentation with the Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder.

Click HERE to watch on YouTube

I hope today’s projects inspire you to pull out your embossing folders and experiment with a few new techniques. The Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder is one of those products you’ll reach for long after Halloween has passed because it’s perfect for so many different occasions throughout the year, and will be available on my Online Store on July 1st!

And the Summerween fun isn’t over yet! Join me LIVE tomorrow morning on my Linda’s Stampin’ Escape Facebook Page for the grand finale of our Summerween series! We’ll wrap up the celebration with even more spooky inspiration, creative ideas, and plenty of stamping fun. I can’t wait to craft with you one more time!

Until then… keep creating, keep experimenting, and remember… a little texture can make a big impression!

Happy Stamping! 🩵
Linda

Scalloped Blooms & Garden Poetry Unite to Create Delightful Projects

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

Hello Stampin’ Friends!

Today I have something extra special to share with you! I paired the sweet and versatile Scalloped Blooms Bundle with the gorgeous Garden Poetry Designer Series Paper to create not one, but two delightful projects. Best of all, I’ve included the video tutorial below so you can craft right along with me!

Our first project is a cheerful birthday card featuring layers of scalloped circles, soft ink blending, and warm peach and lemon tones. The Garden Poetry Designer Paper provides the perfect backdrop, adding just enough floral beauty without overwhelming the focal point. A simple flower accent and a few embellishments complete this happy design.

But why stop at a card? I also created an adorable 3-D treat holder featuring a scalloped window and sweet flower accent. It’s perfect for small gifts, candies, party favors, or just adding a little surprise to someone’s day. These kinds of projects are always fun to make and even more fun to give!

One of the things I love most about the Scalloped Blooms Bundle is how easily the dies and sentiments can be mixed and matched for cards, gift packaging, and so much more. And paired with the soft colors and beautiful patterns found in the Garden Poetry Designer Series Paper, the possibilities are endless.

If you’ve had your eye on the Garden Poetry Designer Series Paper, now is the time to grab it! This beautiful paper has made its way onto the Last Chance List, which means once it sells out, it will be gone for good. Last Chance products can disappear quickly, and some favorites don’t last long.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON YOUTUBE

So pour yourself a cup of coffee, watch the video below, and join me as we create these two charming projects together. I hope they inspire you to pull out your supplies and enjoy a little creative escape of your own!

Happy Stamping,

Linda
Shining the Light on Creativity ✨

Catch of the Day: A Waterside Retreat Fun Fold

Posted in Birthday, HANDMADE CARDS, Man Cards by

Hello Stampin’ Friends!

I’m so excited to share this fun fold with you today, and as promised, I’m including all the measurements and instructions so you can recreate it yourself! One of my favorite things about paper crafting is taking beautiful Designer Series Paper and turning it into something a little unexpected. Today’s card does exactly that with the gorgeous Waterside Retreat Suite Collection and a fun Horizontal Faux Step Fold.

Escape to a quiet moment on the shore with the Waterside Retreat Suite Collection. This suite captures the breezy simplicity of a lakeside getaway with serene images of lounge chairs, sailboats, books, and peaceful waters. The coordinating Designer Series Paper, detailed dies, and charming embellishments work together to create projects that feel calm, relaxing, and beautifully inviting. For today’s card, I let the Designer Series Paper take center stage and paired it with this unique fold to create a scene that practically splashes with personality!

Let’s begin with the card base. I used Misty Moonlight cardstock, cutting the base to 8½” x 5½”. Along the 8½” side, score at 3″, 6″, and 7¼”. Turn the cardstock so the smallest section is closest to you. Adhere a piece of Designer Series Paper (Wood Grain) measuring 5¼” x 1″ to that front section. Skip the center section, and then add a second piece of the water-patterned Designer Series Paper measuring 5¼” x 2¾” between the second and third score lines. Once those pieces are in place, set the base aside while we create the front step panel.

For the front panel, cut another piece of Misty Moonlight cardstock to 6″ x 3″ and score on the 6″ side at 4½”. I wanted the fish to really stand out, so instead of using another Designer Series Paper pattern, I chose a piece of vellum embossed with the Wave Embossing Folder, cut to 4″ x 2¾”, and adhered it to the front. The soft texture gives the appearance of moving water without distracting from the focal images.

The fish themselves were simply fussy-cut from one of the sheets included in the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper pack. I attached them with Stampin’ Dimensionals, allowing them to float above the background for added dimension. To finish the scene, I scattered several Clear Dewdrop Embellishments, which create the perfect “bubble” effect. I absolutely love how those little details bring the card to life!

Once your front panel is complete, attach it to the step section of the card. I placed mine slightly toward the left side, but centering it would work beautifully as well. That’s the fun of this fold—you can customize the placement to suit your style.

For the greeting, I stamped my sentiment in Misty Moonlight ink onto Basic White cardstock. Using a circle from the Stylish Shapes Dies, I selected one that matched the curve of the sentiment and simply trimmed away the excess to create the unique shape you see on the card. It adds just the right finishing touch without covering up too much of the beautiful paper.

To complete the card, I added a 5¼” x 3⅔” piece of Basic White cardstock to the back, giving plenty of room for a handwritten message and birthday wishes. Here’s a tip: Before attaching the back panel, write your message first, or if it’s already attached, use a felt tip pen as it will glide over the area where you attached the back of the panel.

I hope you’ll give this Horizontal Faux Step Fun Fold a try. It’s a wonderful way to showcase beautiful Designer Series Paper, and with those playful fish swimming across the front, it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives it. Until next time, enjoy your creative escape and happy stamping!

Linda 💙
Shining the Light on Creativity 🐟🌊🏖️

Wild Bunch Meets Nature’s Symphony – An Adorable Koala Card

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Product of the Month by

Hello Stampin’ Friends!

Today’s card features one of my favorite little critters from the Wild Bunch Stamp Set—this adorable koala! I have to admit, I smiled the entire time I was creating him. There’s just something about that sweet face peeking out from all those leaves that makes this card extra special.

One of the things I love most about card making is combining products from different collections to create something unique, and that’s exactly what happened here. The sweet koala from Wild Bunch paired beautifully with the foliage from the Nature’s Symphony Bundle, giving this card a lush, tropical feel.

The background was kept simple with a piece of Garden Poetry Designer Series Paper, and then the fun began! I used that same designer paper to die cut all of the leaves. Layering them in various shades created wonderful dimension and texture, making it look like our little friend is happily nestled among the branches. I absolutely love how all those layers came together!

For the koala, I wanted soft shading and lots of character, so I reached for two favorite coloring tools. The base coloring was done with Smoky Slate Stampin’ Blends, and then I added extra depth and softness with Watercolor Pencils. Combining the two mediums gives the image a hand-painted look while still keeping the coloring easy and fun.

The stitched circle frame helps draw your eye right to the star of the card, and the cheerful sentiment, “You Make Me Smile,” seemed like the perfect finishing touch. After all, that’s exactly what this little guy does!

I hope today’s card inspires you to mix and match products from your own craft room. Sometimes the most unexpected combinations turn out to be the most delightful. Until next time, keep creating, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun along the way!

Wild Bunch Playful Penguins Fun Fold Card

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Product of the Month by

Hello Stampin’ Friends!

These playful penguins from the Wild Bunch stamp set are having a little fun with today’s adorable fun fold! I wanted to create a scene that looked like a snowy igloo, and these curious little cuties seemed perfect for peeking in and out of their icy home. Their sweet expressions and playful poses make this card impossible not to smile at!

Begin with an 8½” x 5½” piece of Blueberry Bliss cardstock. Score and fold it at 4¼”. Then fold the top flap back onto itself to create the fun front panel. The inside layer is Basic White, with a 2″ x 5¼” strip embossed along the exposed edge. You’ll also need a matching embossed panel for the front flap. Any embossing folder would work beautifully, but I think the Brick Embossing Folder would be especially fun if you’re trying to create the look of an igloo.

For the igloo opening, I used the Everyday Arches Dies to create the doorway. Inside, I added Blueberry Bushel Designer Series Paper from the Garden Poetry collection and embossed it with the Wave Embossing Folder. To give it a chilly, wind-blown appearance, I lightly dragged White Craft Ink across the raised ridges, creating the look of drifting snow and blowing winter winds.

The three penguins were colored with a combination of the Smoky Slate Stampin’ Blends and the Watercolor Pencils with Blender Pen …. and arranged so they appear to be popping in and out of the igloo. I can just imagine them gearing up for a snowball fight!

Now I have to ask… which penguin steals the show? 👀 Is it the little one peeking through the igloo, the curious fellow on the left, or the sweet penguin on the right? 🐧🐧🐧

I hope this playful card inspires you to have a little fun with your stamps and try a creative fold or two. Sometimes the cutest cards are the ones that tell a story and make us smile!

Wild Bunch: A Little Cow with Big Memories

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Product of the Month by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Today I’m sharing another adorable critter from the Wild Bunch Stamp Set, and this little cow completely stole my heart! As soon as I saw her, I knew she had to become a Holstein—the same kind of cows I remember from my Grandma and Grandpa’s dairy farm when I was growing up.

Those memories came rushing back while I was coloring. Early mornings, country roads, and fields dotted with black-and-white cows are all part of my childhood story. Then, of course, I started thinking about my daughter. When she was little, she was absolutely fascinated with cows! Every road trip included an excited announcement of, “Cows!” whenever she spotted them out the car window. It became such a habit that even years later, I had to stop myself from pointing them out every time I saw one! 😂

For this card, I kept the color palette simple—just black and white, just like my little Holstein, with a soft pop of pink for a sweet touch. The background was stamped with Memento Ink to create a fun, playful pattern that lets our star of the show take center stage. The black tag behind the cow was die cut using the Nested Essentials Dies, while the soft pink greeting banner was created with the Stylish Shapes Dies. Together, they add just the right amount of layering and help draw your eye directly to our adorable little friend.

And speaking of coloring… don’t put those Watercolor Pencils away just yet!

That’s exactly what I used to bring this little cutie to life. One of the things I love most about watercolor pencils is how easy they are to use. They’re perfect for newer stampers who may be a little intimidated by coloring techniques, but they also offer plenty of possibilities for experienced crafters who already own “all the things” (or so they claim! 😉).

With just a little shading and blending, you can add depth, dimension, and personality to your stamped images without needing a huge collection of markers or specialty tools. They’re affordable, versatile, and honestly one of the most underrated products in my craft room.

They’re also a favorite when the grandkids come over. The watercolor pencils are easy for little hands to use, and these adorable animals from the Wild Bunch Stamp Set always bring smiles to their faces. Watching them color and create reminds me why I fell in love with stamping all those years ago—it’s not just about making cards; it’s about making memories.

This month’s Product of the Month is the Wild Bunch Stamp Set, and I can certainly see why. These sweet little critters have a way of bringing out stories, smiles, and a whole lot of creativity.

Thanks for stopping by today and sharing a little walk down memory lane with me. I hope this card inspires you to pull out those watercolor pencils, create something fun, and maybe even revisit a few happy memories of your own along the way.

Wild Bunch Week: Creative Coloring with the Cute Little Snail

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Product of the Month by

Hello Stampin’ Friends!

I’m here today with not only a cute card, but also a fun announcement! Over the next week I’ll be sharing projects featuring the adorable critters from the Wild Bunch Stamp Set, which just happens to be the Stampin’ Up! Product of the Month. The moment I saw these little characters, I knew I had to add them to my collection!

Even better, you can get this stamp set for only $5 with a qualifying $75 order from my online store. I hope you’ll follow along all week for inspiration, and be sure to join my Facebook Community for even more ideas and creative fun (CLICK HERE).

Since it’s Monday, I thought we’d begin with this adorable little snail. Let’s be honest—some Mondays start a little slow and steady around here too!

I’m also keeping today’s card nice and simple. The Old Olive card base measures 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″, scored and folded at 4-1/4″. The greeting and 5-1/4″ x 4″ card front designer paper come from the Exploring Nature Scrapbook Kit. Yes, I use scrapbook kits for all sorts of projects! I couldn’t resist pairing this greeting with a snail—something about the word “chasing” made me smile.

Behind the greeting, I’ve tucked a vellum circle cut using the second-largest circle die from the Stylish Shapes Dies, one of my absolute must-have die sets. The vellum softens the background while helping the greeting stand out beautifully.

Now let’s talk about our little snail! This cutie was colored using what I call a double-medium technique. I started with Stampin’ Blends, using Crumb Cake for the shell and Ivory for the body to establish the base colors. Then I brought in my Watercolor Pencils Assortment 1 and used Early Espresso to add the natural lines and texture you would see on a real snail shell.

One of the things I love most about crafting is experimenting with different supplies together. Don’t be afraid to mix your coloring mediums! Stampin’ Blends and Watercolor Pencils complement each other beautifully and can add extra depth and detail to your projects.

For a little extra fun, I added a trail of Wink of Stella behind the snail and a touch along the bottom of his body. It’s subtle, but it catches the light beautifully and adds a whimsical touch. To finish the card, I embellished it with three Pearls of Beauty in Crumb Cake.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this sweet little snail brings a smile to your face and inspires you to try mixing your favorite coloring mediums. And you can pick him up anytime this month in my Online Store … take a look HERE.

Don’t forget to stop by my Facebook Community for even more Wild Bunch inspiration this week. Then next week we’ll be switching gears and having some spooky summer fun as I begin sharing projects featuring the Frightfully Fun Suite Collection for Summerween!

Until next time, keep creating and remember—sometimes slow and steady creates something beautiful.

Just click on the store to begin shopping or Click on the links above

Simply Sunday: Perfect Masculine Card with Nature’s Symphony

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Man Cards by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Creating masculine cards doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Today’s card combines rich color, subtle texture, and nature-inspired elements to create a design that feels both sophisticated and easy to recreate.

For this project, I paired the Nature’s Symphony Bundle with the beautiful patterns found in the Nature’s Walk Designer Series Paper. Together, they create a card that is perfect for birthdays, Father’s Day, thank-you cards, or simply letting someone know they’re appreciated.

A subtle star of this design is the beautiful tone-on-tone stamping technique featured on the Night of Navy card base. By stamping the leaf images in Night of Navy ink directly onto the Night of Navy cardstock, a soft, elegant background emerges. It’s a subtle detail that adds depth and texture without competing with the focal point. This technique is one of my favorites because it creates visual interest while maintaining a clean, masculine look.

The focal panel features a distressed pattern from the Nature’s Walk Designer Series Paper, adding just the right amount of texture and character. Layered over the dark background are die-cut leaves in Gray Granite cardstock, creating a striking contrast while keeping the overall design soft and natural. The dimensional layering brings the foliage to life and draws your eye across the card.

A simple sentiment, “To a Great Guy,” finishes the card perfectly. The clean greeting allows the beautiful textures and nature-inspired elements to take center stage while delivering a heartfelt message suitable for many occasions.

What I love most about the Nature’s Symphony Bundle is its versatility. The detailed leaf images and coordinating dies work beautifully for masculine cards, sympathy cards, thank-you cards, and seasonal projects. Combined with the timeless designs in the Nature’s Walk Designer Series Paper, you’ll find yourself reaching for these products again and again.

If you’ve ever struggled with masculine cards, try focusing on texture, layers, and a limited color palette. Techniques like tone-on-tone stamping create interest without adding clutter, resulting in cards that feel polished, thoughtful, and effortlessly masculine.

Sometimes the most beautiful cards aren’t the ones with the most embellishments—they’re the ones where every detail works together to create a simple, elegant statement. I think this card does exactly that.

I’d love to hear what you think! Are you a fan of tone-on-tone stamping, or do you prefer lots of color and contrast on your projects?

Thanks so much for spending part of your Sunday with me!! Have a great day.