direct to paper technique – garden poetry suite

direct to paper technique – garden poetry suite

Have you ever done a direct to paper technique?

Try it on one a embossed piece of paper from one of your 3D folders – and make a few try it on the embossed side and the DEBOSSED side – it is amazing the magic that happens when you do this!!

Measurements:
BASE: Shaded Spruce CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″, scrap for the die
Textured Garden Specialty paper: 1″ x 4″

Emboss the Paradise Garden hybrid embossing folder on one of the Basic White CS layers.

Drag your Shaded Spruce ink pad lightly over the surface of the debossed side of the paper.

REMEMBER DRAG LIGHTLY – you can always go over it again to make it darker but you cannot make it lighter.

This is what the debossed side looks like with the direct to paper technique – COOL right?
Adhere the embossed layer to the card front.
Adhere the Textured garden Specialty paper over the middle of the debossed layer.
The sentiment piece is one of the Stylish Shapes circle dies and I am using a SNEAK PEAK Sending Salutations which I got as a Prize Patrol winner from the OnStage 2026 convention!

This is a fabulous sentiment only stamp set which I cannot wait for you to be able to use!
This will be available May 5th when the new catalog goes live!

I stamped the birthday sentiment on full strength in Shaded Spruce ink and then I stamped the leaf image from the Paradise Garden stamp set twice onto my grid paper and then stamped off onto the circle die so it is lighter then the sentiment. I blended the edges with a blending brush and popped the circle up on Stampin’ Dimensionals for some added dimension.

I stamped the Fabulous Sayings “happy birthday” from the former Product of the Month onto the other Basic White layer and stamped the leaf image again on grid paper and stamped it off as a lighter generation onto the right-hand corner of the layer.

Adhere the layer to the inside of the card.

I added Pearlized Faceted Gems which are retired but you could easily substitute the Pearlized Faceted Circles.

This finishes this lovely card with a little sparkle!

Try this direct to paper technique with your favorite 3D embossing folder and make a few to see what the embossed versus debossed sides look like with this technique!

Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin,
Natalie

Reminder the SNEAK PEAK stamp set will not appear below in the photo links until it goes live for customers on posts after May 5th!

april stampin’ up! creative challenge

april stampin’ up! creative challenge

Do you know that Stampin’ Up! sponsors a creative challenge every month?

April features a challenge to use two different coloring tools! Will you rise to the challenge? If you create a card or project using this challenge post it on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #SUCREATIVECHALLENGE see Stampin’ Up’s video announcing the new challenge by going to this link

Here’s my card for the challenge using water painters and blending brushes two of my favorites!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ , scrap for
the die
Granny Apple Green CS: 1/4″ x 4″ strip scrap for
leaf die
Vellum CS: scrap for Spotlight on Nature circle
die

I combined some OLD AND NEW PRODUCTS – some LAST CHANCE items – Petals of Beauty dies and some sneak peak Phrases and Frames bundle…

I die cut the middle die from the Phrases and Frames bundle and used the frame and the inside piece. I blended the lower right-hand corner of the inside piece.

I added a drop of ink refill to my glass mat and added water to the drop from my Water Painter. I diluted the drop so it was very watery and tapped the edge of the water painter over the blending brush handle over the blended rectangular piece to add a splatter effect! Such an easy effect with HUGE impact!
I blended the Granny Apple Green onto the card front.
Adhere the rectangle to the card base off to the right-hand side of center.
Die cut the open leaf die from the Petals of Beauty die set in Granny Apple Green CS – cut into two sections and add glue to the frame and add the leaf sections under the frame on bottom and top corners. Adhere over the rectangle.
Die cut one of the circles from the Spotlight in Nature die set in Vellum CS and stamp the Thinking of You sentiment from the Phrases and Frames stamp set in Granny Apple Green ink and blend the edges.
Adhere the Granny Apple Green strip over the bottom of the vellum circle. Add glue under the vellum where the strip is to adhere to the card without the glue being visible.
Add the vellum circle onto the card.
Add a black accent from the Floral Flight Accents upcoming in the new catalog from the Beautiful Ordinary Life suite of products.
Add an extra Petals of Beauty leaf die.
Add embellishments to finish the card.

Coloring tools can add a lot to a card do not discount the little details can make a BIG difference!

Here is the same card design using a different Floral Flight accent!

Such fun! Try this #SUCREATIVECHALLENGE today and see what you can create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

REMINDER: All of the SNEAK PEAK products will not be in the photo links below until they are available!

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

swirled designs z fold card in 2 colors

swirled designs z fold card in 2 colors

This simple birthday card starts with the fun Online Exclusive Swirled Designs bundle! This bundle comes with 10 geometric dies with ovals, diamonds, flowers and stars perfect for birthday and all occasions cards!

Measurements:
BASE: Strawberry Slush or Cloud Cover CS:
5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ scored at 2 1/8″, 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″

Using the Tuxedo Black Memento ink pad, stamp the Happy Birthday sentiment on the lower center and then the lines image randomly on one of the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layers around the sentiment.
Die cut the large and smaller starts from the Swirled Designs die set from the 2025-2027 In Colors DSP pack.
Using the silicone mat, I transfer my multipurpose glue into a fine tip bottle for easier application onto thin dies like these. If you are interested in this non Stampin’ Up! product – text me for the link!

Apply glue to the large star and adhere to the stamped layer.

Adhere the smaller stamps strategically around the larger star die.
Stamp the lines image in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on the other 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer and then the smaller star clusters in the matching ink for your cardstock color in each of the diagonal corners.

Score the base at 2 1/8″ and 4 1/4″, fold into a Z fold fun fold card.

Adhere to the inside of the card.

Place glue 1/4″ away from the edges of the front flap of the z-fold card base and adhere the other 4″ x 5 1/4″ paper that has the die cut on it.
Adhere some embellishments to the card and it is complete! This is one of the cards we will be making this coming Monday for my Studio Stamp-a-Stack! Register and come make cards with us – this group is a lot of fun!

What is a Stamp-a-stack? Come and make as many cards as you like – pay as you leave – count up the cards you got done and pay! $2.50 per card and make one of each or two or more of the ones you like or need!

Come get creative and create some artwork of your very own Monday, March 23rd starting at 1pm – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Here is a masculine version of this z-fold just by changing out the colors!
introducing garden poetry new march online exclusive suite

introducing garden poetry new march online exclusive suite

Do you like foliage sets?
Do you like bright colors?
Do you like pretty papers?

Well then the Garden Poetry suite is going to be a MUST have for you!

This Suite comes with a beautiful stamp set, coordinating dies and a hybrid embossing folder that will work hard to create lovely cards, scrapbooking and gift items – really anything you can imagine this Suite is going to elevate!

The following are the Online exclusive web images from the Stampin’ Up! website showing the details of the suite:

Lush botanical imagery meets rich, vibrant color with the Garden Poetry Suite Collection. Whether you’re layering floral elements, accenting with delicate greenery, or finishing with a pop of color or shine, every piece works together to create bold, nature-inspired designs. This suite is perfect for creating stunning handmade cards, with thoughtful sentiment stamps that deliver messages of gratitude, appreciation, and positivity. Add ink, cardstock, and adhesive to complete your projects.

SUITE COLLECTIONS
– Are designed with complete product coordination in mind—every piece of a suite looks great together.
– No two suite collections are the same! They come in a variety of design styles with a range of products in each suite.

Here is the bundle: 10 % discount for the Paradise Garden stamp set, Hybrid embossing folder and dies.

Suite collection includes one of each item listed below.
PARADISE GARDEN PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (10% off)
– 14 stamps
– Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): b, c, e
– Two-Step

PARADISE GARDEN HYBRID EMBOSSING FOLDER (10% off)
– 4-1/2″ x 6-1/4″ (11.4 x 15.9 cm)
– 13 dies
– Largest die: 4-3/8″ x 6″ (11.1 x 15.2 cm)
– Use with a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (sold separately)

The suite also comes with two coordinating papers:
Garden Poetry Designer Series paper – with beautifully bright watercolored images of florals and leaves on the A side and watercolor washes in coordinating colors on the B side.

GARDEN POETRY 12″ X 12″ (30.5 X 30.5 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER
– 12 sheets: 2 each of 6 double-sided designs
– Acid and lignin free (this product is photo-safe)

– Colors: Berry Burst, Blackberry Bliss, Blueberry Bushel, Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry, Flirty Flamingo, Night of Navy, Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Shaded Spruce

There is also a specialty paper that is beautifully textured available in three bright colors of Berry Burst, Blueberry Bushel and Shaded Spruce.

GARDEN TEXTURES 12″ X 12″ (30.5 X 30.5 CM) SPECIALTY FOIL SHEETS
– 6 sheets
– Acid and lignin free (this product is photo-safe)

The suite also contains a beautiful bright coordinating ribbon.

BERRY BURST 1/4″ (6.4 MM) SHINY RIBBON
– Width: 1/4″ (6.4 mm)
– Length: 10 yards (9.1 m)

And lastly the suite comes with epoxy embellishments:

GARDEN EPOXY DOTS
– 80 adhesive-backed pieces
– 20 each of 4 colors
– 40 flower dots, 40 solid dots
– 5 mm, 6 mm

This card I created uses the Shaded Spruce DSP and Specialty papers (the ribbon I used is retired but you could use our new Shaded Spruce and Gold edged ribbon instead!)
I used the stamp set and the embossing folder as well!

Measurements:
BASE: Shaded Spruce CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″, scrap for circle
die
DSP: 1″ x 4″
Specialty Paper: 1″ x 4″

Emboss one of the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layers with the Paradise Garden hybrid embossing folder.
Die cut a circle from the Stylish Shapes die set that will fit the sentiment you choose from the Paradise Garden stamp set.
Grab the other 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer and stamp the leaf image from the Paradise Garden stamp set full strength in Shaded Spruce ink on the lower right-hand corner of the layer.

Then without re-inking the stamp, stamp the leaf image again (second generation stamping) on the Stylish Shapes circle die.

Stamp the sentiments in Tuxedo Black Memento ink over the leaf image on the circle die and above the leaf image on the Basic White layer.

Adhere the 1″ strips to the embossed layer.
Cut a piece of coordinating ribbon about 5 3/4″ long and wrap around the embossed layer and secure with scotch tape.
Adhere the embossed layer to the card front.
Adhere the inside Basic White layer to the inside of the card base.
Pop up the circle die on Stampin’ Dimensionals over the ribbon on the right-hand side of the card.
Place embellishments on the card to complete it.
If you wanted you could color the sentiment piece by using Shaded Spruce ink and a blending brush.
Which version do you like?

Both are great but the shaded version adds just a little – don’t you think?

Try designing a card and then adding one more detail and see if it makes a difference! That is how you grown creatively! Now go and be creative – create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie