happy birthday onstage swap cards

happy birthday onstage swap cards

For the last three years I have participated in an organized OnStage swap event headed by my friend Micheal D. out of New Jersey. It takes a tremendous amount of effort and work to organize the swap and I am forever grateful that he continues to do them. The cards are awesome and it is so nice to see other demonstrators ideas and designs!

This was Birthday Swap #4 and each one of the swaps has 10 participants we make 11 cards one for Michael as a thank you for being the organizer and we get 9 different designs plus one of our own back!

Here are my birthday swap cards and a special happy birthday to my friend Jodi who is an April Fools baby!

My first swap card did not come with the demonstrator designer’s information (I received two like that so I am sorry I cannot give credit for this one. It is a fun fold card done with the Turtle-y Awesome Suite Collection and the Turtle-y Cute Designer Series Paper! This is such an easy fun fold cut a section off the right hand side of the card front and turn it 90 degrees and attach to the left hand side of the card front that is still attached – add DSP and decorations and you are done – easy peasy!

The second anonymous swap card features the Eyelet 3D embossing folder in Basic White CS set on Daffodil Delight and Balmy Blue CS to match the origami fold on the front focal point with the Mixed Up Patterns DSP.
The next swap card is a match book fun fold with a clever latch designed by Anne O. from Hawaii! The flap on the bottom tucks under the focal point on the card front which uses the Love Notes Mix and Match DSP for easy card making.
This Floral Charm DSP card uses the Pretty Florals stamp set for the flowers inside and out and the Simply Said Sentiment set for the words both of these stamp sets are on the Last Chance list and is a great all purpose sentiment set Simply Said #169057 it is low inventory so if you want it order soon!) (Pretty Florals stamp set is on sale for $13.30 from $19 #165177 and the coordinating dies are on sale for $29.60 from $37 #165178)
This is another swap on the Last Chance List this Turtle-y Cute DSP card (#165221 is on sale for $7.50 from $12.50) from Patti Jean W and so super cute!
This Birthday swap card from Joanne J. uses the Florals in Bloom DSP and the In Color 6″ x 6″ DSP
Kathy S’s OnStage Swap card uses the relatively new Cute as a Bug Suite Collection for this adorable center flap fun fold card!
My OnStage swap card featured the More Color Mondays card from back in January on the 19th for a great vellum technique and fun with the Petals of Beauty dies and the Beautiful Motifs bundle!
Andrea R.’s birthday swap card used the Cutest Crew stamps, Nature’s Symphony and Spotlight on Nature Dies, Pleasant Patterns DSP (on sale in Last Chance #166950 $9.00 originally $10) and the Delicate Dreams DSP. She also used the Damask Designs Embossing Folder which is on Last Chance as well #165214 $8.55 now originally $9.50.
Karen T. made this elegant and simple DSP card using the Delicate Dreams DSP and the sentiment is from the Simply Said sentiment Last Chance list set.

Love looking at other’s layouts, their color coordination and choices that they make – whether it is an over the top or simply stamped card they are all unique and give me plenty of ideas to discover!

Hope these inspired you – now it is your turn to go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
january demonstrator swap cards

january demonstrator swap cards

I love swapping with others and getting new ideas – it can be a different color combination, a unique fun fold or a stamp set I do not own but all of the new ideas that come in the mail are so much fun! Isn’t it fun to get happy mail in your postal box, not just bills? LOL

Today’s post was supposed to go out yesterday and I got waylaid with a million other projects which seems like the norm anymore! But better late than never seems to be my motto these days!

Today’s first card comes all the way from the midwest from Ginger S. and is a host of monochromatic blues on the outside with an Unbridled Beauty surprise on the inside! It uses the Allin a Row embossing folder and the Nature Walk DSP. She even stamped the envelope with a horse!

Patty J’s card is a lovely masculine card featuring the outgoing Last Chance stamp set Autumn Tree’s deer and the sentiment from the Nature’s Symphony stamp set. The DSP is a mix of Nature Walk and the Last Chance Timeless Plaid DSP.
This next card from Jeanne T is a lovely floral design made with Floral Charm DSP and the Beautifully Celebrated Bundle of products.
Denise W’s swap card features the Easter time Mix & Match ephemera pack, the Splash of Sparkles Specialty DSP and the Softest Spring Puffy Stickers for the floral embellishment. The Sentiment is from the Woolly Friends stamp set. Such a sweet card that comes together fast with the Mix & match pack.
The next three swaps are 3D fun folds and they deliver with a BANG!

The first uses the Nature’s Symphony Suite of products and an easel card fun fold with a 3M sticky pad to hold the easel upright such a cute desk calendar idea from Andrea U.

The second project uses the same DSP Nature Walk and the Exploring Nature stamp set for the sentiment, exposed Brick 3D embossing folder and Pressed Flower motif embellishments, Beautiful Motifs die set and a tearing technique for the sentiment piece from Marie W for a lovely gender neutral easel card fun fold!
This last 3D calendar card uses the Boardwalk Fun Bundle and the Beach Boardwalk DSP for a super fun and summer-y tent fold 3D project from Lori V.
The last card that I received is from Kathi D and uses my new favorite bundle – Rolling Waves for a gorgeous monochromatic card using a technique I detailed a layering circles card from November 17, 2025. Go back and learn how to make this fun technique! Rolling Waves is a pre-order for the new Online exclusives release so it will be available to order in March!

I really do love learning how to make new and beautiful cards and other’s ideas can elevate your own game! Hope I inspired you to try some different card making techniques! Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
more color mondays – crumb cake, balmy blue and summer splash sneak peak

more color mondays – crumb cake, balmy blue and summer splash sneak peak

When I saw this stamp set in the Online Exclusives pre-order release I knew I would love it – I am a water baby and love the waves and the lake that I live on! So this set was perfect. These are coming in the new Online Exclusive product release in March – so this is a sneak peak!

This card is a center flap fun fold and so super easy but I LOVE the effect!

Measurements:
BASE: Crumb Cake CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at
5 1/2″ and cut from the score line down the
front from 1″ from either side.
Balmy Blue CS: 2 1/4″ x 4 1/2″
Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ length scraps for die cuts
2″ x 5 1/4″, scraps for the umbrella die cuts
DSP: 1 1/2″ wide scraps for beach towel

I stamped the water image on the Balmy Blue CS layer by stamping off first on my grid paper and then multiple times on the Balmy Blue to add motion and texture.

I used Balmy Blue ink and a blending brush on a scrap of 4 1/4″ wide Basic White CS.
I layered Summer Splash ink over the Balmy Blue blended area to add layers of color to the wave die.
I die cut the foam die out of Basic White CS and the wave area out of the blended Basic White colored cardstock.
I adhered the White foam to the blended area.
I adhered those wave pieces to the Balmy Blue stamped layer.
I cut the Crumb Cake base at 1″ from each side of the front of the card of the 4 1/4″ x 11″ cardstock base from the score line at the top of the card to the opening on the front section only.

I cut the wave layers to 4 1/4″ inches wide and then at 1″ from each side to create three piece.

I stamped the sand image on the three front panels of the card front in Crumb Cake ink just above where the waves will be adhered.
I adhered the three wave layers to the bottom of the card front panels.
I adhered the two side panels down to the back panel of the card.
I stamped the starfish on each corner in Crumb Cake ink and Happy Birthday sentiment in the middle in Summer Splash ink and adhered it to the middle in between the two wave panels.
I cut a 1 1/2″ piece from the Splash of Sparkles DSP and cut fringe on it end for the beach towel and saved a thin strip for the front sentiment.

I die cut the umbrella solid image in Basic White CS and the striped umbrella in Summer Splash and Basic White and alternately adhered the bands to the solid umbrella.

I adhered both to the middle front panel hanging off both sides being careful to only glue the center portions.

I stamped the sentiment on a thin strip of DSP and added it to the front.

I popped up the umbrella on Stampin’ Dimensionals on the left side only and therefore popped up the sentiment on the left side and glued it directly to the umbrella on the right side to make up the height differential.

Using the Stampin’ Blends alcohol marker Summer Splash Dark I colored five Iridescent Pearl embellishments for the card.
I adhered the pearls to the card front.
I adhered two clusters on the outside panels so you can see the pearls when the card is open and closed!
I love this simple fun fold and I LOVE this new stamp set.

Try this new stamp set when available or play with the ones you already own and create something today to warm up your day – one stamp at a time!

These stamps and dies will be released in the new Online exclusives release in March they are currently only available to demonstrators and in the starter kit so they will not be listed in the photo links below!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

layers of beauty – lovely color combination

layers of beauty – lovely color combination

I chose the Layers of Beauty bundle and masks for my February swap card for my demonstrators group and this is the card I came up with. The colors are a soft subtle palette with the flower petals layered with Bubble Bath, Petunia Pop and Blackberry Bliss, with a dash of Lemon Lolly in the daisy flower centers and Gray Granite and Lost Lagoon for the leaves. I paired that with the Textured Metallic Specialty paper for a beautiful card.

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″, 3 3/4″ x 5″
Textured Metallic DSP: scrap for sentiment
matte and word die

Stamp the large floral image on one of the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layers in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

Take mask #1 from the layers of Beauty masks set and secure it over the image. Use a blending brush and color in the openings with Bubble Bath ink.

Place #2 mask over the floral image and secure with tape.

Use another blending brush and Petunia Pop ink in the openings of mask #2.

For mask #3 use the Blackberry Bliss ink and a blending brush.
Clean mask #3 with water and use Lemon Lolly ink and another blending brush on just the daisy centers.

Use Gray Granite ink for mask #4.
Finally use mask #5 with the Lost Lagoon ink.
The finished masked product is something lovely and easy to reproduce!
Die cut the floral image out.
I cut the large image into 4 different pieces to lay around the sentiments.
Emboss the 3 3/4″ x 5″ layer with the Timber 3D embossing folder.
Adhere the embossed layer to the other 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer.
Die cut the word die “just” from the words of Beauty die set in the Textured Metallic Specialty paper.

Die cut the matte sentiment piece from the Words of Beauty in the Textured Metallic Specialty paper.

Die cut the smaller sentiment piece that fits in the matte piece you just cut from a Basic White scrap.

Using Versamark ink stamp the word LOVELY from the Words of Beauty stamp set and heat emboss with WOW silver embossing powder and a heat tool.
I adhered the single rose piece to the right-hand bottom corner of the embossed layers.
I popped up on Stampin’ Dimensionals the larger two rose colored piece to the left-hand upper corner.
I tucked the daisy piece under the two rose piece and adhered it down to the embossed layer.
I adhered the lovely sentiment heat embossed piece to the textured metallic matte and then popped it up on mini Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhered it to the left-hand lower corner.
I adhered the “just” die cut and dot for the J over the lovely sentiment piece.
Adhere the layers onto a Basic White CS base.
I adhered five Basic Rhinestone Jewels to the card front.
And last but not least I slipped the little curly cue of floral buds under the lovely sentiment piece to finish off the card!

I love coloring this set it is so gratifying!

Now it’s your turn to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

new catalog sets demonstrator swap cards

new catalog sets demonstrator swap cards

One of the benefits of swapping with other crafters is that you receive back the same number of cards that you made but they are from all different stamp sets (possibly sets you do not own – which is the case for a few of these samples) and you get new ideas, Sometimes it is a new color combination or a new fun fold or a new technique. mostly it is just plain fun to see other people’s style and how they use their stamps and products!

This first card is from Denise W. who is one of my upline’s and hosts this swap every month! This is the adorable Wooly Friends Bundle and uses the Love Notes Mix and Match Designer Series paper and the Three Banner punch to punch out the DSP. Such a sweet card!

This next card is from Kathi D. and is made using the Easter Joy Suite of products including the Easter Basket Bundle and the Easter Joy Specialty Designer Series paper.
Nancy F’s swap card uses a set that I do not have but thought was so so pretty and she does an awesome job with the Aspen Grove stamp set. She uses the Faux Bronze Pentagons from the Nature walk Suite Collection of products and the sentiment from the Loveliest Trees stamp set!

This is a window card. The second picture shows the card from the inside view.

This Greenery Lane bundle card from Carol S. uses the Stone and Vine 3D embossing folder as the backdrop for this lovely neutral card. She used the dies and stamps from the Greenery Lane bundle as well as the washi tape for the strip on the left hand side of the card.
The last card I have received from this swap is from Lori V and is a bendy fun fold card using the Nature Walk Suite of products.

I will design my own card with this fun fold next week so if you want to learn how to make this keep an eye out for the post!

Here are three pictures of the card from various angles.

This is the card from the top view you can see the bendy portion.

Stay tuned for my version coming soon!

Hope you got a lot of great ideas – now it’s your turn to go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time.

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
demonstrator swap card ideas

demonstrator swap card ideas

This month’s Demonstrator Swap was a potluck swap – so anything current in any catalog or Online Exclusive was available for us to play with and I got some fun cards to show you today!

This first card is from my upline organizer Denise W and she was inspired by the Amazing Tammy Wilson for her watercolor card using the Weekend Adventures stamp set from the Annual Catalog. She stamped the image in Saddle Brown StazON which is waterproof so she was able to stamp and go! She stamped the image on Watercolor paper and then used water Painters to color in the cup and flowers! Such a beautiful job!

My second swap entry was done by Susan W featuring the You Are Remarkable stamp set which is currently on SALE in the Last Chance list for 20% off at $16.00 from $20.00.
She also used the Forever Plaid 3D embossing folder and the Textured Notes dies on a z fold fun fold card!
She stamped the inside as well as the envelope!
This Love and Courage stamp set is also on SALE on the Last Chance list for $22.50 down from the original price of $25.

The Love & Courage Stamp Set is made for those affected by breast cancer. For moments when words matter most, these stamps help you create cards that honor both the fighters and the friends who stand by them. Express love, support, encouragement, solidarity, gratitude, and appreciation in a meaningful way with the breast cancer sentiments and images in this stamp set.

With each purchase of the Love & Courage Stamp Set, we’ll donate $3 to support the fight against breast cancer around the world. We hope you’ll join us in making a difference this holiday season.

Patricia J made a lovely swap card with this stamp set! Get it before it is all gone!

This next fun fold card from Lyn L features the gorgeous Thoughtful Journey Designer Series Paper and the sentiment from Notes and Totes!

Love how this opens to reveal this lovely paper inside!

This flip up and open fun fold from Andrea U uses the Festive Friends bundle which was so popular this season it is currently unavailable but it will be back soon!

Look how cute this fun fold opens!

Lori V’s swap card is also on the Last Chance list on SALE for $19.80 if this is more your style.

So elegant and she stamped the inside as well.

This next swap card from Carol S. features a little old, a little new! Our favorite Extraordinary Flora Bundle and Washi Tape is mixed with the Eyelet embossing folder and the Spotlight on Nature dies for the something “old” and the something new is a sneak peak at the sentiment from the upcoming January – April 2026 Mini Catalog bundle Greenery Lane. She also used a stamp from that sneak peak set for some greenery on the envelope which I forgot to photograph!
I don’t know if shows up well in the photograph but Carol colored Antique Pearls with the Petunia Pop Stampin’ Blends markers and they are so pretty!
And our last demonstrator swap card for this month features a sneak peak at the upcoming Boardwalk Fun bundle from Kathi D.

Super cute card and as a reminder none of the sneak peak items are available until January 6th unless you would like to order them in a starter kit as demonstrators are in the pre-order period so these upcoming Mini Catalog sets are available to order as a Starter Kit item.
Because they are not currently available to the general public I will not have a link photo below. But check back after January 6th for those links to order these products!

Hope these cards inspired you for future projects – now go and create some art of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie