Tag Archives: HANDMADE CARDS

Spring Blooms with the Easter Time Mix & Match Ephemera Pack

Posted in VIDEO, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

On Sunday, I shared a sweet little bunny card created with the Easter Time Mix & Match Ephemera Pack, and today I’m back with another simple, spring-inspired design—this time featuring the charming watering can. I love how this pack makes it so easy to create beautiful cards without overthinking every detail. The soft pastels, playful spring imagery, and ready-to-use pieces truly let the ephemera do the work for you, which makes crafting feel relaxing and joyful… just the way it should be.

For today’s card, I paired the watering can ephemera with coordinating patterned paper that instantly says spring is here. The vertical stripes add a cheerful pop of color, while the softer patterned panel balances everything out beautifully. The watering can—filled with delicate spring blooms—becomes the perfect focal point, layered over a subtle die-cut circle for a bit of texture and dimension. A simple “hello, spring” greeting finishes the card without taking away from the artwork, making this a lovely design for birthdays, happy mail, or just because.

I’m sharing the replay of my LIVE demonstration / a step-by-step video that walks you through both cards—the bunny card from Sunday and today’s watering can card. In the video, I share all the measurements, layering tips, and simple tricks I use so you can confidently recreate these designs or use them as inspiration for your own spring cards. Whether you’re brand new to cardmaking or just looking for something quick and stress-free, this project is a great reminder that beautiful cards don’t have to be complicated.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON YOUTUBE

I hope you enjoy today’s card as much as I enjoyed creating it. I hope you enjoyed the video … soaking in the inspiration, and most of all—have fun crafting.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending your time with me. 💕

Nature Walk Sympathy Card featuring Prayers & Promises

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Sympathy by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

If you’ve been craving time to create, breathe, and truly recharge, my Spring Stamping Retreat was created with you in mind. Yesterday I shared the invitation to this all-inclusive, in-person retreat—a place where creativity flows freely, your sanity gets a much-needed refresh, and you leave feeling relaxed, inspired, and filled with memories you’ll carry long after the weekend ends. Today, I want to show you how that retreat experience comes to life at the stamp table through one of the projects you could expect to create and explore together.

This card, created with the Nature Walk Designer Series Paper, is a perfect example of how inspiration, technique, and thoughtful design come together—something I intentionally build into every retreat experience. We begin with an A2 card base using Pretty Peacock cardstock, cut to 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ and scored at 4 1/4″. A layer of Basic Black cardstock, cut to 4″ x 5 1/4″, frames the designer paper and immediately draws the eye inward. The distressed pattern I chose from the Nature Walk collection reminds me of a painted canvas—rich, textured, and quietly powerful. It’s the kind of paper that works beautifully for nature-inspired designs, masculine cards, and sympathy cards like today’s project, making it an incredibly versatile addition to your crafting collection.

At this stage, the greeting naturally becomes the focal point of the card, allowing the sentiment to speak from the heart. I used the Prayers & Promises stamp set, stamping the greeting in Pretty Peacock ink to create harmony across the design. To soften and balance the layout, I added layered leaves cut from both Pretty Peacock cardstock and the Nature Walk Designer Series Paper. This combination adds depth and visual interest while keeping the card elegant and meaningful—exactly the kind of thoughtful design approach we focus on during retreat classes as we explore new fun folds and techniques together.

And let’s talk embellishments for a moment—because sometimes it’s the smallest details that bring everything to life. The Holographic Resin Dots were the perfect finishing touch. I love how they subtly catch the light and reflect the colors of the card, almost like magic. These little accents add just enough sparkle without overpowering the sentiment, a design tip I love sharing during retreat sessions when we talk about balance and intention in cardmaking.

This is what my stamping retreats are really about—you. They’re about creating together, learning together, and giving ourselves permission to pause and enjoy something that fills our hearts. If this card inspires you, imagine an entire weekend built around that feeling. I would love nothing more than to share that experience with you at my Spring Stamping Retreat. Reach out to save your spot, and be sure to take a closer look at the Nature Walk Designer Series Paper and Prayers & Promises stamp set—products chosen with you in mind and perfect for creating cards that matter. 💙

Thank you for being the heart of this stamping community—your creativity, your friendship, and your love for cardmaking continue to inspire me! Till next time ~

An Unexpected Pairing: Cute as a Bug & Prayers and Promises

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Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today we will be turning an unexpected product pairing into a beautiful heartfelt card. Sometimes the most meaningful cards come from unexpected pairings—and this project is a perfect example of that. As you’re browsing your craft room or flipping through the catalog, I want to gently encourage you to look beyond the obvious combinations and think about who you’re creating for. When you design with a specific person in mind, products often come together in ways that feel natural, intentional, and heartfelt.

At first glance, the Cute as a Bug Designer Series Paper and the Prayers and Promises Stamp Set may not seem like a natural match. Cute as a Bug is filled with charming ladybugs, fluttering friends, and picnic-perfect prints that immediately feel playful and lighthearted. But this particular berry pattern stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me of my grandma—warm, comforting, and familiar—and that personal connection made it the perfect choice for a card meant to offer encouragement and care. This paper beautifully demonstrates just how versatile designer paper can be when you let emotion, memory, and purpose guide your choices.

The Prayers and Promises Stamp Set is truly one of those foundational stamp sets that belongs in every stamp room. It shares words of faith, love, sympathy, and encouragement—sentiments we all reach for when someone we care about needs support. Having a go-to set like this allows you to create meaningful cards with confidence, knowing the message will be just right for the moment.

My card begins with an A2 card base in Blackberry Bliss (8½” x 5½”, scored and folded at 4¼”). I cut the Cute as a Bug Designer Series Paper to 5⅛” x 3⅞” and layered it onto a Mossy Meadow mat measuring 5¼” x 4″. The combination of these rich, earthy tones grounds the card and gives it a calm, reassuring feel—perfect for this style of sentiment. This is a color palette you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

The greeting was stamped in Blackberry Bliss ink onto Very Vanilla cardstock using a sentiment from Prayers and Promises. I die cut the sentiment with the Nested Essentials Dies, then die cut a second layer in Blackberry Bliss to place behind it. That extra layer adds a subtle pop of color and frames the greeting beautifully. I popped the sentiment up with Stampin’ Dimensionals to add just the right amount of dimension and draw the eye to the message.

To finish the card, I added a few Low Profile Sparkle Dots in green. These small details may seem simple, but they add a gentle touch of shine and tie everything together without taking away from the sentiment.

As you can see, these two seemingly different products blend seamlessly when used with intention. This card is a wonderful reminder that it’s not about following rules—it’s about telling a story, honoring a feeling, and creating something meaningful. If you enjoy designing cards that connect on a deeper level, these are products you’ll want to keep close at hand.

The next time you sit down to create, I invite you to start with a person, a memory, or a feeling—and then let your supplies fall into place. You may be surprised how beautifully unexpected combinations come together when you design from the heart. 💜

Until next time … Happy Stamping!

Made to Love: A Slimline Valentine Card with Shimmer & Style

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Valentines & Love by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Love is definitely in the air—and this slimline card is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a BIG way! Slimline cards have quickly become a favorite because they offer extra space to showcase gorgeous designer paper and bold greetings, all while still fitting neatly inside a standard #10 envelope (4.125″ x 9.5″). They’re eye-catching, fun to create, and a wonderful option when you want your handmade card to truly stand out from the crowd.

For today’s card, I started with a slimline card base measuring 9 1/4″ x 7 1/2″, scored and folded at 3 3/4″. This size creates a clean, professional look while remaining completely mail-friendly—always a win! To add layers and visual interest, I added a Real Red mat cut to 8 3/4″ x 3 1/2″, followed by the star of the show: the NEW Made to Love Designer Series Paper, trimmed to 8 1/2″ x 3 1/4″. This paper is simply perfect for Valentine projects with its playful patterns and romantic color palette that instantly sets the mood for love.

Before attaching the layers to the card base, I wrapped the NEW Bubble Bath Faux Linen Ribbon across the front. This small step adds softness and texture, and the subtle linen look keeps the design elegant without overpowering the card. It’s one of those details that quietly elevates the finished project.

The greeting is where this card really shines! The word “LOVE” was die cut from the Pastel Shimmer Paper using the Party Alphabet Dies and popped up with Stampin’ Dimensionals for added depth. The Pastel Shimmer Paper adds such a beautiful, soft sparkle—just enough shine to catch the light and make the greeting feel extra special. With delicate pastel shades and a subtle glow, this paper is a lovely addition to cards, scrapbooking, and all kinds of paper crafts. The pack includes 6 sheets (2 each of Bubble Bath, Lemon Lolly, and Pool Party) in a generous 12″ x 12″ size, giving you plenty to play with.

To finish things off, I couldn’t resist adding the Softest Spring Mix & Match Puffy Stickers along with a few Rhinestones. These little embellishments bring in just the right amount of whimsy and sparkle, tying everything together while keeping the overall look light, fun, and full of love.

Slimline cards are a fantastic way to showcase beautiful products, experiment with layers, and create something a little unexpected—yet still practical. This design is perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or anytime you want to send a heartfelt message with maximum impact. If you’re looking for products that make creating “wow” cards easy and enjoyable, the pieces used here work together beautifully and are sure to find their way into many future projects. After all, there’s always room for a little more LOVE in our crafting—and in our mailboxes 💕

Thanks for sharing a little crafty time with me today! I hope this slimline Valentine card sparks your creativity and inspires you to give these beautiful products a try. Until next time—happy stamping and keep spreading the love… one card at a time! 💖

I invite you to join me for the SPRING MINI CATALOG Kick-Off Party ….

Hobby Haven: Thinking of You Card

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Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Yesterday I shared a card from the NEW Hobby Haven Designer Series Paper— today I bring you another layout and paper pattern. This delightful collection brings your favorite pastimes to life—whether you love baking, sewing, reading, or simply enjoying the little things. Each sheet is filled with charming illustrations that practically beg to be turned into heartfelt cards, thoughtful tags, and adorable gift packaging. With two sheets of precut pieces (yay for quick crafting!) and tons of fussy-cutting possibilities, you can layer, pop up, and personalize to your heart’s content.

My color palette? An inviting mix of warm and cozy hues like Coastal Cabana and Early Espresso. It’s sweet, it’s whimsical, and and with so many different hobbies featured – you can create a special card like I have here. Perfect for the seamstress in the family or your beautiful friend who shares her creativity one stitch at a time!

I used a 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of the Hobby Haven designer paper as my backdrop … with the sewing of course. The vellum is used to tone down the designer paper but still let it shine through. I then fussy cut the sewing machine and the pin cushion. I die cut a circle (you can use any you have handy) mine comes from the Snowflake Kisses bundle.. this will be my focal point.

From the same bundle, I die cut the rectangle to stamp my greeting on because it looked like it was “stitched” around the edges. The “Thinking of You” comes from the Simply Said stamp set and conveys my intent when sending this special card. I layered this slightly of center from my focal point but added the pin cushion in to make the perfect grouping.

To complete my card, I added the cute “Dear Dots” embellishments and if you look closely, you’ll see that I turned them into little buttons with the help of my Stampin’ Blends! How cute is that!!

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my creation!

The Beauty of Christmas in Red & Gold

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS by

Good Morning Stampin’ Friends ~

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

Measurements:

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

Instructions:

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

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

Have a warm and beautiful Sunday … enjoy your day!

Big Hugs & Peaceful Gardens Suite

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simply Sunday: Simply Beautiful Traditions of Christmas

Posted in Birthday, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One great layout … Two beautiful cards!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stepping It Up with the Extraordinary Flora Bundle!

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for stopping by today, my friends.

Extraordinary Flora Washi Tape Steals the Spotlight

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

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

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

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

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

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

Silent Snowfall Shines in This Eye-Catching Diagonal Card Front

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS, VIDEO by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

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

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

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

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON YOUTUBE

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

Sunflower Card — A Simple Techniques with Stunning Results

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

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

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

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

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

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

We have our Winner! 🎉 Branching Out Bundle

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

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you all for joining me today!

Peaceful. Elegant. Easy. You’ll Love this Layout, and the Bundle!

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Today I’m sharing an oh-so-pretty card that’s just as easy to make as it is beautiful! This one features the Peace on Earth Bundle, and let me tell you—it’s an absolute must-have. The stamp sentiments are perfectly sized to fit the die-cut labels, which takes all the guesswork out of coordination (don’t you just love when Stampin’ Up! makes it easy for us?). Even better, the sentiments go beyond Christmas! You’ll find greetings that work for thinking of you, sympathy, and encouragement, making this a bundle you’ll reach for all year long.

The coordinating dies are full of thoughtful details—graceful doves, delicate branches, and even tiny envelopes for your doves to carry! I paired this amazing bundle with the Spotlight on Nature Dies and the Thoughtful Designs Specialty Designer Paper for a soft, elegant look. The designer paper I used is not longer available but not to worry, you can easily use any of your favorite patterned papers with this fun and versatile layout.

To create the card, start with a base that’s 8-1/2″ x 4-1/4″, then score and fold it at 4-1/4″ to form a perfect square card. The designer paper is then cut into an easy 4″ x 4″ piece which leaves NO waste of your designer paper. When attaching your circle dies with the greeting, use a ruler or template to keep the total height at 5-1/2″—that way, your masterpiece fits neatly into a standard envelope.

The die-cut dove adds such a lovely touch that you really don’t need any extra embellishments… unless, of course, you love that little bit of sparkle like I do! I added just a hint of silver ribbon for shimmer and shine. The result? A simple, elegant card that works for the holidays—or any time you want to send peace and comfort.

The Peace on Earth Bundle truly delivers on its name—it’s peaceful, versatile, and oh-so-pretty! Once you start creating with it, you’ll wonder how you ever crafted without it. ✨

Thanks for stopping by and check out my card today … hope this layout inspires you to try one of your own. Happy Stampin’! Linda