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
more color mondays – coastal cabana, balmy blue and pool party

more color mondays – coastal cabana, balmy blue and pool party

Today’s More Color Mondays features Coastal Cabana, Balmy Blue and Pool Party colors.

Cutest Onesie Bundle will do the trick!

Measurements:
BASE: Coastal Cabana CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Balmy Blue Two Toned Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Pool Party CS: scraps for dies
Basic White CS: scrap for Spotlight on Nature
die and Party Alphabet Dies
Vellum CS: scrap for Spotlight on Nature die

Emboss Balmy Blue Two toned cardstock with the Dotted Circles 3D embossing folder.
Grab a sanding block.
Sand the Balmy Blue two toned cardstock.
Adhere the Balmy Blue Two Toned cardstock to the Coastal Cabana CS Base.
Die cut the word BABY from the Party Alphabet dies.

Emboss the letter dies with the Dotted Circles 3D embossing folder.

Color the letters with Blending brushes in Balmy Blue ink, Coastal Cabana ink and Pool Party ink.

Adhere letters to the Two Toned embossed cardstock.
Die cut three baby rattle dies from scraps of Pool Party CS.

Stamp in Coastal Cabana ink the onesie stamp onto Pool Party cardstock and die cut out.

Adhere rattle dies to both “b”s and the a.

Die Cut a Basic White scrap in the Spotlight on Nature dies, stamp the sentiment in Coastal Cabana ink and blend edges with ink. I added a few stamped stars as well on this die.

Die cut a scrap of Vellum cardstock in a slightly larger circle die from the Spotlight on Nature dies. Adhere the sentiment piece to the vellum.

Adhere the onesie on the top end between the B and A. Place Stampin’ Dimensionals hidden behind the Basic White die layer. Attach in middle of BABY letters.

Add Iridescent Pearls to the card to finish this adorable baby card.

Try your hand at this color combination today and make some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

card sketch #119 – 4 cards from one 6″ x 6″ DSP

card sketch #119 – 4 cards from one 6″ x 6″ DSP

This card sketch inspired 4 cards from this one sheet of gorgeous Thoughtful Journey DSP this was a carryover product last year and I do not anticipate that it will be carried over again so If you love watercolor landscaped images get this paper before it is gone!

Card sketch #119. is here and what will you do with it – so many possibilities!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: (2) pieces of 8 1/2″ x 11″
Score one at 4 1/4″ and then cut on the 11″
side at 5 1/2″, score the other at 5 1/2″ and
then cut at 4 1/4″
(4) 3 1/4″ squares, scraps for sentiments
DSP: (1) 6″ x 6″ sheet cut into (4) 3″ squares
then cut each 3″ square into (3) 1″ strips
Mossy Meadow CS: (4) 3 1/2″ squares

Emboss each of the card fronts of the card bases in the Birch Wood 3D embossing folder.

Cut each of the 3″ squares into 1″ strips, keeping in order adhere them to the 3 1/4″ Basic White squares.
Adhere each of the 3 1/4″ white squares to the 3 1/2″ Mossy Meadow CS squares.
Adhere the first square to the center of one of the embossed card fronts.
Stamp a sentiment from the Wonderful Thoughts Bundle and then die cut around the words. Adhere to the card front over the DSP.
Do the same for the rest of the cards! I added a few left over die cuts from a previous card from the Springtime Scenes die set on the last card!
two different card orientations but basically the same sketch!
Adhere three Natural Matte Dots to finish off the card with some coordinating embellishments. These gender neutral cards are perfect for ANY occasion just by changing the sentiment and the Wonderful Thoughts bundle is a great all sentiment set.

Check these items out before they leave!
Now it’s your turn to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

virtual album retreat

virtual album retreat

Imagine an online scrapbooking event where you can create a beautiful album that celebrates your milestones and memories, cultivate scrapbooking techniques, connect with a friendly community of crafters, and finish feeling inspired with a keepsake you’ll be proud to display.

Are you interested?

Then join us to turn your cherished moments into lasting memories—right from the comfort of your home at the Happiness Is Here Virtual Album Retreat! Held on April 29–May 1, 2026, we’ll start the Facebook live stream at 12:00 p.m. each day.

I will also be opening up my studio for all the the broadcast times as well! And offering two additional 2 page bonus spreads with your purchase!

This kit is your all-access pass to the three-day virtual scrapbooking retreat filled with:

– Creative inspiration: Discover new scrapbooking techniques and hone your crafting skills.
– Expert guidance: Follow step-by-step instructions from experienced instructors to complete your album with ease.
– Community and fun: Connect with fellow crafters, share your progress, and enjoy a supportive atmosphere.
– Memory making: Create a beautiful 10-spread (20-page) album that tells your unique story.

By purchasing this product, you’ll be able to attend Stampin’ Up!’s Virtual Album Retreat, a three-day Facebook event full of crafting and fun. Ask your demonstrator or visit the Virtual Album Retreat event page to learn more.

EVENT DETAILS
– What: Three-day virtual scrapbooking album retreat
– Date: April 29–May 1, 2026
– Start time: 12:00 p.m. (EST)
– Place: Online in a private Facebook group
– How: Purchase this Happiness Is Here Virtual Album Retreat 2026 kit; then once you receive the kit, scan the kit’s QR code to join the private Facebook group

KIT DETAILS #168051 $250.00 (earn $25 in Stampin’ Rewards!
Includes components needed to create 10 scrapbook spreads (excluding adhesive, ink, and tools) as listed below:
– Happiness Is Here Stamp Set
– Happiness Is Here Alphabet Stamp Set
– Golden Glow Shimmer Brush
– White Gel Pen
– Exclusive Designer Series Paper
– Printed precut images and stickers
– Linen Thread
– Moody Palette Glossy Dots
– Photo Placeholders
– 12″ x 12″ (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Top-Load Memory Protectors™ Value Pack
– 4″ x 4″ (10.2 x 10.2 cm) Flip Flaps™

LIVE STREAM MAGIC
– On April 29–May 1, 2026, join us for exciting live stream workshops and presentations by staff from our Riverton office, including Stampin’ Up! CEO Sara Douglass. Gain expert tips, techniques, and tons of inspiration.
– Interact with other participants live and ask questions as we create together.
– Private Facebook group: Connect with fellow crafters, ask questions, share your progress, and get motivated by the amazing community.
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
– Download easy-to-follow instructions and enjoy video replays so you can craft at your own pace. Even if you can’t attend the live event on April 29–May 1, 2026, you can still purchase the kit and access all the materials you’ll need to make the album on your own time.
LANGUAGE
-This kit’s components (stamp sets and precut pieces) are in English only.
– The downloadable instructions are available in English, Dutch, French, and German.
– The live stream will be in English only.
– About a week after the live stream, its recording will be available to watch on demand with Dutch, French, and German captions.
If you come to the Stampin’ Studio all additional supplies will be available to share from my craft room supplies but you are welcome to order any of these additional supplies.

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES LIST (sold separately)
To complete the album, you will need the following supplies on hand:

Ink
– Calypso Coral Classic Stampin’ Pad™ (147101)
– Crushed Curry Classic Stampin’ Pad (147087)
– Garden Green Classic Stampin’ Pad (147089)
– Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin’ Pad (153118)
– Petal Pink Classic Stampin’ Pad (147108)
– Pool Party Classic Stampin’ Pad (147107)

More Additonal supplies:

Coloring Tools
– Watercolor Pencils Assortment 2 (149014)
– Stampin’ Journaling Pens (166647)
– Blending Brushes (153611)

Adhesives
– Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755)
– Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)
– Stampin’ Seal (152813)

Additional Supplies:

Tools
– Bone Folder (102300)
– Clear Block B (117147)
– Clear Block C (118486)
– Clear Block D (118485)
– Clear Block F (118483)
– Clear Block H (118490)
– Paper Trimmer (152392)

Other
– Cutting mat or sturdy cardboard *
– Scissors **
– Eraser
– Pencil and pencil sharpener
– Ruler
– Masking tape or sticky notes
– Stamp cleaning supplies

* This mat must fit inside a 12″ x12″ Memory Protector
** In addition to regular cutting, you’ll use the tips of your scissors to cut slits in some of the Memory Protectors. If the tips of your scissors aren’t sharp, you may need a craft knife.

NOTE: This kit does not include an album, but it’s not necessary to make your spreads. If you’d like to keep all your finished spreads in one place and you don’t currently have an album, consider purchasing either the 1-1/2″ Post 12″ x 12″ (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Album (166515) or the D-Ring 12″ x 12″ (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Album (166516).

I hope you will join us for this exciting album retreat!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

creating unforgettable details in card making or scrapbooking

creating unforgettable details in card making or scrapbooking

Sometimes creating something special for a card or a scrapbooking page makes that piece memorable or a little extra special.

This week I am going to be at our national convention called OnStage 2026 and I created a bunch of swap cards for the event.

We are expected to use only current products and current colors, so I modified a card I did a few weeks ago and instead of using Designer Series Paper to create the beach blanket in my beach scene I wanted to create a beach blanket made out of background paper that I made.

I looked through my embossing folder as I knew that I wanted to add texture on top of whatever background design I created and decided that the Beautiful Patterns would be a great choice to mimic a blanket texture and design!

I wanted to do matching colors for the card I had designed so I started with Crumb Cake and Balmy Blue inks and did a watercolor wash striped design on our Basic White Cardstock alternating with two wide brushes from our Water Painters three brush sets.

I then dipped my very wet brush into the lid of the stampin’ pad filled with ink refill dots of ink and tapped the side of the brush with my bone folder over the watercolored paper to create a splatter effect.
I decided that the Beautiful Pattern 3D embossing folder would create a nice embossed design over the paper, so I ran it through our Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine with the BASE #1 and Embossing #4 Plates.
I cut the 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ embossed layers into
1 1/2″ strips.
Then I cut the 1 1/2″ strips into 2″ segments so I created a little rectangular blanket shape.
I took our knife edged scissors which unfortunately are no longer for sale – but use a sharp scissors to cut small fringe across the short edges on both sides.
I added the blanket to the sand of my beach scene card!
Then I proceeded to make 99 more! LOL – now I am ready to swap!

Cannot wait to show you all the great cards I will be trading for in the next coming days! I will have all of them on display at this month’s Stamp-a-Stack class on the 23rd!

Make sure that you RSVP!

Now I am off to visit and stamp with new and old friends – hope you are getting to do the same! Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

more color mondays strawberry slush, calypso coral and secret sea

more color mondays strawberry slush, calypso coral and secret sea

Today’s More Color Mondays color challenge comes from the Homemade Sweetness Designer Series paper which comes with
12 sheets: 2 each of 6 double-sided designs
of 12″ x 12″ paper, acid and lignin free (this product is photo-safe) in colors of: Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, Granny Apple Green, Misty Moonlight, Secret Sea, Strawberry Slush!

Stir up something sweet with the Homemade Sweetness 12″ x 12″ (30.5 x 30.5 cm) Designer Series Paper. This double-sided paper is filled with hand-drawn designs that bring nostalgic, kitchen-crafted charm to your cards and scrapbook pages. Use the detailed sides to add whimsy with fussy-cut embellishments, and let the simpler patterns help balance your layouts. It’s just the thing for crafting cards and scrapbooks that feel like a picnic on a sunny afternoon.

This is a sweet and easy fun fold card today!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″, cut 1 1/4″ off
the right-hand side and score at 5 1/2″, scrap
for label die, 4″ square for embossing
DSP: (2) 1 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ different designs
Strawberry Slush CS: scrap large enough to
stamp the jar and die cut out
Calypso Coral scraps for rope die

Cut 1 1/4″ off the right-hand side of the card front.
Adhere the 1 1/2″ DSP to the right-hand edge of the inside of the card.
Emboss the 4″ square of basic White CS with the Ladybug Picnic 3D embossing folder and adhere to the card front.
Stamp the jar image onto a scrap of Strawberry Slush CS and die cut. Adhere to the embossed layer of the card front.
Cut the fabric jar cover out of the blue gingham DSP and die cut the bow and roping for the cover tie out of Calypso Coral CS and adhere to the gingham paper. Adhere over the top of the jar die.
Die cut one of the labels from the Filled With Sweetness bundle in scrap Basic White CS.
Stamp one of the sentiments from that bundle in Calypso Coral ink onto the label die.
Pop up the label die to the middle of the jar.
Add three Pearlized Faceted Circles to the card front for some added bling and this simple Fun fold card is complete with all the Homemade Sweetness that one can stand!

If you like to can fruit and jams and jellies or love baking in the kitchen this bundle will be right up your alley and even if you don’t it is filled with irresistible sweetness!

Go and create some Homemade Sweetness of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie