Tag Archives: Spotlight on Nature

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!

Turn Patterned Paper into Pure Autumn Elegance 🍁

Posted in Fall / Autumn, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Yikes!! It’s been a bit since I’ve been here with you, however I’m back and with another version of the last card I posted. It was such a bit hit, I thought you’d like to see this layout done with a different bundle! Today I’m using the Autumn Toile Designer Series paper.

This gorgeous paper pack brings in a classic toile motif—think delicate, vintage-inspired scenes in rich autumn colours. The “toile” style gives it that timeless elegance, making it perfect for those fall cards that feel both cozy and refined. With its intricate imagery of trees, pumpkins, animals, and more, this collection instantly elevates any project. Let the Autumn Toile… take center stage …

Because the paper itself is so striking, you don’t need a lot of extras—the pattern can stand on its own, letting you focus on framing or accenting it rather than adding tons of clutter.

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.

I hope this little project inspires you to pull out the Autumn Toile paper and the Spotlight on Nature dies and get crafting. It’s such a satisfying combination: the timeless charm of toile, the precision and framing of the dies, and your own creative twist. Whether you’re making a few quick cards for fall gatherings or designing something special for a loved one, this pairing delivers warmth, elegance, and ease.

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you are enjoying a beautiful Sunday!

Amber Autumn Meets Thoughtful Designs – Two Cards, One Bundle, Endless Inspiration!

Posted in Fall / Autumn, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Last night on my Facebook LIVE we played with a gorgeous trio of products—the Amber Autumn Bundle, the Thoughtful Designs Specialty Paper, and the Spotlight on Nature Dies. I wanted to show you how just a handful of supplies can create two totally different looks, all while keeping that warm, earthy feel we love during this season.

Both of my cards feature a Crumb Cake card base—it’s the perfect neutral to let the warm tones and cozy details shine through, and paired with our Stampin’ Blends … from there, the magic begins!

✨ Card One
For the first design, I reached for a beautiful green pattern from the Thoughtful Designs Specialty Paper. I die-cut it using the Textured Notes Dies and layered it with Mossy Meadow cardstock for a rich, earthy backdrop. The greeting, stamped in Mossy Meadow, found its home on a circle from the Spotlight on Nature Dies. To finish it off, I added a cluster of leaves and acorns from the Amber Autumn Bundle—colored with Stampin’ Blends for extra depth and dimension.

✨ Card Two
The second card showcases how you can use up those scraps—always a favorite tip of mine! I cut the Thoughtful Designs paper into 4” x 1” strips and arranged them for a striking background. This time, the star of the show is the pumpkin image from the Amber Autumn set, colored with Blends and seated on another die-cut circle from Spotlight on Nature. Simple, yet so warm and welcoming—it just feels like autumn on paper.

🌟 Why You’ll Love These Products
The Amber Autumn Bundle is a must-have for your stamp room—it’s perfect for creating cards, scrapbook pages, and gift packaging all season long. The images are versatile enough to carry you from late summer right into Thanksgiving. Pair it with the Spotlight on Nature Dies (a go-to for layering and greetings), and you’ll have endless design options.

And don’t wait too long on the Thoughtful Designs Specialty Paper—it’s currently on the Last Chance List and discounted! It’s one of those papers you’ll be glad you grabbed while you could, with its earthy tones and textures that pair beautifully with so many stamp sets.

💡 Tip: Don’t be afraid to pull out your scraps—sometimes those leftover pieces inspire the most creative layouts!

Happy Stamping, my friends! 🍂

Day 11: A Regal Winter Card with a Unique Cut Pattern

Posted in Christmas, HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Welcome to Day 11 of my 12 Days of Christmas! As we approach the grand finale of this festive series, I’m excited to share a card that’s both simple to create and absolutely stunning. Today’s project features the Regal Winter Designer Paper paired with a unique card cut pattern that’s easy to execute but delivers a big impact—perfect for making a lasting impression during the holidays.

Let’s start with the card base. I used Night of Navy cardstock, cut to 5 1/2″ x 7 1/2″, and scored it at 3 1/4″ to create an elegant flap-style fold. This subtle design twist adds a touch of sophistication without complicating the process. For an optional accent, you can use the 1″ strip you trimmed off earlier and adhere it to the far right inside edge of the card. However, I chose to enhance this area with a Silver Foil mat, cut to 3/4″ x 5 1/4″, and layered it with a strip of Regal Winter Designer Paper, cut to 1/2″ x 5″. This simple addition elevates the design and ties everything together beautifully.

For the inside of the card, I cut a piece of Basic White cardstock to 3″ x 5 1/4″. This is the perfect space for stamping your sentiments or writing a heartfelt message. A subtle stamped design, such as snowflakes or winter foliage, can be added to this panel to coordinate with the front of the card while leaving plenty of room for personalization.

Now for the star of the show—the card front. The beautiful Regal Winter Designer Paper takes center stage, mounted on a Silver Foil mat to create a stunning layered effect. The Silver Foil is cut to 3″ x 5 1/4″, while the designer paper is slightly smaller at 2 3/4″ x 5″. These layers not only highlight the intricate patterns of the paper but also add depth and a touch of shimmer, making the design stand out.

To complete the card, I chose a festive greeting, stamped it on Basic White cardstock, and die-cut it using the Spotlight on Nature Dies. To make the greeting pop, I layered a piece of Silver Foil behind it, creating a striking focal point that draws the eye. As a finishing touch, I embellished the card with Rhinestones, adding a bit of sparkle that catches the light and enhances the frosty, wintery theme.

This project highlights some of my favorite Stampin’ Up! products, including the Regal Winter Designer Paper, Spotlight on Nature Dies, Silver Foil Sheets, and Rhinestones. These tools not only make crafting easy but also allow you to create polished, professional-looking cards that are sure to impress.

I hope this card inspires you to try something new with your holiday crafting. All the products used in this project are available in my online store, and with the FREE SHIPPING ending TONIGHT, now is the perfect time to stock up on your favorites. Let’s keep crafting festive and fun—check back tomorrow for the final day of my 12 Days of Christmas series!

Happy crafting and …

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

Discover the Magic of the Seaside Wishes Bundle

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends ~

Summer is here, and there’s no better way to capture the essence of the beach than with Stampin’ Up!’s Seaside Wishes bundle. This stunning collection features exquisite sand dollar and starfish images, complete with coordinating dies to bring your seaside creations to life. And the best part? For a limited time, you can get an additional 10% off this already discounted bundle through the end of June.

The Seaside Wishes bundle is designed to inspire and elevate your card-making and scrapbooking projects. The detailed sand dollar and starfish stamps provide a beautiful, textured effect that adds depth and dimension to any project. Paired with the precise, matching dies, you can easily cut out these intricate designs, making your crafting process smooth and enjoyable.

On the card above, I cut 2 pieces of white cardstock at 4″ x 5 1/4″ and embossed both of them with the coordinating Hybrid Embossing folder. I then used a Watercolor wash technique to create my background on one of them, you simply use the Water Painters and Crumb Cake re-inker. The second embossed piece was die cut … I popped up the center and glued the edges to create a realistic sand dollar.

On my second card I used the Thoughtful Journey patterned paper as my background …

Images were stamped in Petal Pink, Crumb Cake and Boho Blue and then die cut. You can arrange your die cut images as you please. Our greeting was stamped in Boho Blue and die cut with the Spotlight on Nature dies! To complete the card, I embellished it with Iridescent Foil Gems.

I have a Tutorial for this card, and another … one of my favorites. Just head over to my Online Store and purchase this bundle, and you will receive the PDF for both cards!!

Remember, the additional 10% discount on the Seaside Wishes bundle is only available through the end of June. This is your chance to enhance your crafting collection with these versatile and beautiful stamps and dies at an unbeatable price. Whether you’re creating cards, scrapbook pages, or home decor, the Seaside Wishes bundle is sure to bring a touch of coastal charm to your projects.

Head over to My Online Store now to take advantage of this fantastic offer and let your creativity set sail with the Seaside Wishes bundle.

Thanks for joining me today & Happy crafting!

Happy Memorial Day: Four Card Share

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends & Happy Memorial Day!

Today, I’m excited to share with you a special crafting project that showcases the beauty and versatility of the Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper and the Thoughtful Wishes bundle. In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through creating four unique and stunning cards, all from just one 6″ x 6″ sheet of the Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper. This project is a fantastic opportunity to explore the wonderful products from the Thoughtful Journey and Thoughtful Wishes collections. Here is the sheet I chose …

The Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper is a true gem in any crafter’s collection. Its vibrant colors and intricate patterns evoke a sense of adventure and warmth, making it ideal for creating heartfelt cards. This paper’s quality and design ensure that each card you make will be a standout piece, full of personality and charm. Whether you’re crafting for a loved one or adding to your personal stash, this paper provides the perfect backdrop for your sentiments.

To complement this beautiful paper, I’ll be using the Thoughtful Wishes bundle, which includes a stamp set and coordinating dies. The Thoughtful Wishes stamp set features a variety of uplifting and versatile sentiments, perfect for any occasion. Its high-quality photopolymer stamps ensure crisp, clean impressions every time, allowing you to convey your heartfelt messages with ease and elegance. The coordinating dies add an extra dimension to your projects, effortlessly cutting out intricate shapes and designs that perfectly match the stamped images.

Our first card features the floral design from the Thoughtful Journey paper, and comes from the lower left-hand side. I cut the paper into 4 – 3″ x 3″ squares. I added a Basic White mat to this piece of designer paper to add a delicate frame, adding depth and texture. The sentiment “Thinking of You” stamped in a Mossy Meadow was fussy cut. The background was also stamped with Mossy Meadow. The Adhesive-Backed Transparent Dots in white completes this elegant card, making it perfect for sending a thoughtful message to a friend or family member.

The second card showcases a softer, more subdued pattern from the lower right-hand side of the sheet of Designer Series Paper. Here, I repeated the mat effect as I did in the first card. The “You Make Life Better” sentiment from the stamp set is a perfect touch, and was die cut from the Spotlight on Nature Dies. To complete look, I embellished with the Lemon-Lime color from the Tinsel Gems 4 pack, making this card ideal for expressing your thoughts.

For the third card, I used the single tree section with a touch of color that captures the eye. This section comes from the upper right-hand corner of the designer paper. This was matted with NEW In-Color; Petunia Pop …. this really draws out the color from the designer paper. The background is another sheet of the Thoughtful Wishes Designer Series paper.

The Thoughtful Wishes bundle’s intricate dies were used to cut out beautiful floral accents (also in Petunia Pop) that frame the “Just Love Spending Time with You” sentiment perfectly. Also die cut from the Spotlight on Nature Dies. Again, I embellished with the Lemon-Lime color from the Tinsel Gems 4 pack. This card is a joyful and lively way to celebrate someone.

Lastly, the fourth card features a serene and calming pattern from the Upper left-hand corner of the Designer Series Paper. Using the Thoughtful Wishes stamps, I created a “Dearest Friend” card that is both comforting and uplifting. You could use this design to convey any message you wish, whether it be birthday, Thinking of You, or support for something they are going through. The coordinating die cut in Petunia Pop add a delicate touch, enhancing the overall design without overpowering the gentle sentiment.

Each of these cards demonstrates the versatility and creativity that the Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper and Thoughtful Wishes bundle can bring to your crafting projects. By using just one sheet of 6″ x 6″ paper and the coordinating stamp and die set, you can create a variety of beautiful and meaningful cards that are sure to brighten anyone’s day.

I hope this project inspires you to get creative with your own crafting supplies. The Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper and Thoughtful Wishes bundle are must-haves for any card maker, offering endless possibilities for beautiful, handmade cards. Don’t miss out on the chance to add these fantastic products to your collection and start creating your own thoughtful masterpieces today.

Happy crafting, and have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Taking Simple Card-Making to the Next Level

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

The other day, I shared a simple and fun project using the Basic White Notecards and Envelopes paired with the Spotlight on Nature stamp set, done in our NEW Peach Pie ink color.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL POST

Today, we’re going to elevate our card-making game with a new design that adds an extra pop of color and dimension.

Supplies You’ll Need:

  • Basic White Cardstock (8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″)
  • Basic White Stamping Piece (3 3/8″ x 4 7/8″)
  • Summer Splash Cardstock (3 1/2″ x 5″)
  • Spotlight on Nature Stamp Set
  • Layering Leaves Stamp Set
  • Ink Pads in Summer Splash
  • Scoring Tool
  • Bone Folder
  • Your Favorite Adhesive
  • 2024-2026 In-Color Shimmer Gems

Steps to Create Your Card:

  1. Prepare Your Base: Start with a piece of Basic White Cardstock, measuring 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″. Score it at 4 1/4″ and fold it in half to create your card base. Use a bone folder to get a crisp fold.
  2. Stamp Your Design: Take the Basic White stamping piece (3 3/8″ x 4 7/8″) and stamp the leaf image from the Spotlight on Nature stamp set in Summer Splash ink. The vibrant greenish blue will bring a fresh and lively touch to your card.
  3. Add Your Sentiment: Choose a sentiment from the Layering Leaves stamp set and stamp it onto your design. This adds a heartfelt message to your beautiful card.
  4. Create the Mat: Cut a piece of Summer Splash cardstock to 3 1/2″ x 5″. This new In-Color will provide a vibrant mat that coordinates and makes your stamped piece stand out.
  5. Assemble the Card: Adhere your stamped piece onto the Summer Splash mat, ensuring you center it for an even border. Then, attach this layered piece to your card base.
  6. Embellish with Shimmer Gems: Complete your card by adding the NEW In-Color Sparkle Gems. These gems add a touch of shimmer and elegance to your design.

Once your card is assembled, tuck it into an envelope and send it to a friend. It’s a quick and easy project that looks sophisticated and stylish, perfect for brightening someone’s day.

Happy crafting! I can’t wait to see what you create with this stepped-up design. Be sure to share your projects and let me know if you have any questions.

Until next time,

Quick & Easy Card with Spotlight on Nature

Posted in HANDMADE CARDS, Quick -n- Easy by

Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Today, I’m excited to share a quick and easy card design featuring the delightful Spotlight on Nature stamp set and the incredibly convenient Basic White Note Cards and Envelopes. What makes this project even more special is the introduction of our brand new 2024-2026 In-Color, Peach Pie. Just the name alone sounds delicious, doesn’t it? Let’s dive into how you can create a stunning card in no time with these fantastic products.

The Basic White Note Cards and Envelopes are a true staple for any card maker. They come pre-cut and scored, ready for you to jump right into the fun part – stamping and decorating! Each pack includes 20 cards and envelopes, making them perfect for creating a batch of cards quickly. These note cards are made of high-quality cardstock that takes ink beautifully, ensuring a crisp and clean image every time.  Folded card: 5″ x 3-1/2″ perfect for gift giving.

The Spotlight on Nature stamp set is a versatile collection of beautifully detailed images inspired by … nature! It features a variety of flora and fauna, from a delicate flower to beautiful butterfly. This set is perfect for creating heartwarming cards for any occasion. Whether you are an experienced stamper or just starting, the images in this set make it easy to create stunning cards with minimal effort.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the Peach Pie In-Color. This new hue is as delightful as it sounds, a warm and inviting shade that brings to mind the sweet and succulent peaches of summer. Peach Pie is a soft, pastel orange with a hint of pink undertone, making it incredibly versatile for various themes and seasons. It’s perfect for adding a touch of warmth and cheer to your projects. In fact, you could recreate this card in all our stunning In-Colors!!

Creating a card with these elements is a breeze. Start by folding one of the Basic White Note Cards along the pre-scored line. Next, choose an image from the Spotlight on Nature stamp set – today, our beautiful flower. Ink up your stamp with the Peach Pie ink pad and stamp it onto the front of your note card. The result is a beautifully crisp image that stands out brilliantly against the white background, showcasing the stunning detail of the stamp and the fresh, inviting color. And don’t forget to stamp your envelope!

For an added touch, you can stamp a coordinating sentiment from the Spotlight on Nature set, or as I did, the Layering Leaves on the front.” To finish, tie a beautiful coordinating bow onto your note card. The Peach Pie color ensures that your sentiment looks cohesive and elegantly tied into the overall design. The Color Theory (page 132-133) I’m using is called Monochromatic – the use of a single color!

In just a few minutes, you’ve created a beautiful handmade card that’s ready to send out and brighten someone’s day. The combination of the Basic White Note Cards and Envelopes, the Spotlight on Nature stamp set, and our NEW In-Colors makes for an effortlessly chic and charming card-making experience. Whether you’re making a single card or a whole set, these products ensure your creative process is smooth and satisfying.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope this has inspired you to go in your craft room and whip up some delightful quick & easy cards.