masculine cards - nataliegramleystamps

more color mondays – pretty peacock, granny apple green and misty moonlight sneak peak

by nataliegramleystamps | Feb 16, 2026 | card samples, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, fun fold, masculine cards, my favorites, online exclusives, sneak peak, techniques

Today’s More Color Mondays color challenge features the new $5 Product of the Month called Painted Illusions! (look at the artistic designs below) This paper is gorgeous and I selected the colors based on the DSP!

This is a super simple, fun fold that is fun to make called the Split Front card.

Measurements:
BASE: Pretty Peacock CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2, cut at 1 1/2″ then again at
2 1/2″
DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″

Cut 1 1/2″ off the bottom of the card front.

Then cut another 2 1/2″ off the same side.

You will end up with 1 1/2″ on the top of the card front below the score line and two cut pieces.

Cut 1 1/4″ off each side of the DSP.

Attach the Top piece of the design to the cardstock still attached to the card front.

Adhere the bottom 1 1/4″ piece to the first piece cut off the card.

I cut 1/4″ piece off the middle piece of DSP and added that to the bottom of the inside Basic White 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer.

Then I adhered the middle piece of of DSP to the second piece cut off the card front.

Place the bottom matted piece aligned to the bottom of the card base and twist the middle piece and add Stampin’ Seal or Tear & Tape to only the top and the bottom and attach the middle piece vertically between the top and bottom matted pieces.

I took the second piece of Basic White layer and cut three dies from the upcoming March Online Exclusive bundle Springtime Scenes! This is a SNEAK PEAK and will not be available for a couple more weeks therefore it will not be listed below in the photo click-ables at the end.

Using Granny Apple Green and Pretty Peacock ink and blending brushes I colored the dies and stamped the sentiment from this upcoming set in Pretty Peacock ink.

I adhered the left side only of the die cut circle and placed it on the middle DSP piece hanging over the open edge.

I popped up the leaf and adhered the sentiment piece under it careful to not adhere the part that would hang over the open edge on the left.

I added three Sparkle Dot Essentials in the green color to add some bling and this simple card is complete!

Try this simple fun fold today and go create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Pretty Peacock 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[150880]

$14.00

Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad

[150083]

$9.00

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad

[147095]

$9.00

Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial)

[163987]

$60.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal+

[149699]

$12.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[138995]

$7.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

$7.25

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$15.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[154031]

$7.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Sparkle Dot Essentials

[166991]

$8.00

← january demonstrator swap cards card sketch #118 challenge →

january demonstrator swap cards

by nataliegramleystamps | Feb 14, 2026 | card samples, card swap, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, fun fold, masculine cards, Mix and Match, new catalog, online exclusives, stamps ink paper, techniques

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

Autumn Trees Bundle

[165900]

$56.50

Beautiful Motifs Bundle (English)

[165206]

$45.75

Beautifully Celebrated Bundle (English)

[166975]

$53.00

Boardwalk Fun Bundle (English)

[166829]

$43.00

Exploring Nature Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[166913]

$20.00

Floral Charm Suite Collection (English)

[166141]

$86.00

Nature's Symphony Bundle (English)

[166926]

$46.75

Nature Walk Suite Collection (English)

[166936]

$84.75

Unbridled Beauty Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[167219]

$20.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Beach Boardwalk 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[166820]

$12.50

Floral Charm 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[166125]

$12.50

Nature Walk 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[166912]

$12.50

Splash Of Sparkles 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper

[167200]

$16.50

Timeless Plaid 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[164678]

$12.50

Easter Time Mix & Match Ephemera Pack

[166984]

$7.00

Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial)

[163987]

$60.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal+

[149699]

$12.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[138995]

$7.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

$7.25

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Summer Splash Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

[163826]

$11.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$15.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[154031]

$7.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Beautifully Celebrated Dies

[166974]

$35.00

Beautiful Motifs Dies

[165205]

$33.00

Boardwalk Fun Dies

[166828]

$28.00

Nature's Symphony Dies

[166925]

$33.00

Soft Waves 3 D Embossing Folder

[164695]

$11.00

All In A Row Embossing Folder

[166989]

$9.50

← gift card slider fun fold more color mondays - pretty peacock, granny apple green and misty moonlight sneak peak →

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

by nataliegramleystamps | Feb 9, 2026 | card samples, card swap, die cutting, fun fold, In Colors, masculine cards, my favorites, online exclusives, stampin' tools, techniques

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

Product List

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146982]

$14.00

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[120953]

$14.00

Splash Of Sparkles 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper

[167200]

$16.50

Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad

[147105]

$9.00

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad

[147116]

$9.00

Summer Splash Classic Stampin Pad

[163809]

$9.00

Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial)

[163987]

$60.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal+

[149699]

$12.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[138995]

$7.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

$7.25

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Summer Splash Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

[163826]

$11.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$15.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels

[158987]

$7.50

← layers of beauty - lovely color combination gift card slider fun fold →

introducing the new stampin’ positioner – available in starter kits now

by nataliegramleystamps | Feb 4, 2026 | card samples, color theory, masculine cards, new catalog, stampin' tools, stamps ink paper, techniques

Stampin’ Up! has introduced the NEW Stampin’ positioner and we are so excited about this new tool. It is currently available to demonstrators as a pre-order and in the starter kits as a FREE bonus item! It will be available to customers soon!

Truthfully I loved our former stamp positioner and was sad to see it go away but this one works very well and I am so ready to have a new tool to use!

The press and pop design is genius and it allows you to hover the stamp over the surface without it touching the paper until you press down on the upper platform piece allowing you one last chance to make sure that the stamp is in the correct position! I love this feature!

This card uses the smaller leaf cluster from the Textured Notes stamp set to make a repetitive stamped wreath!

Measurements:
BASE: Old Olive CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″

On the platform there is a etched paper corner that allows you to line up your paper and turn it and place it in the exact position!

The positioner comes with 5 pieces: 1 magnetic base plate, 2 magnets designed with plastic lift tabs (brilliant), 1 large stamp plate and one small alignment plate.

I aligned the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer in the corner marking shown in the first photo. I secured the paper with the 2 magnets.

Place the stamp sticky flat side up positioned on the paper where you want the image.

Place the large stamp plate in the four posts and press down on the plate to pick up the stamp.

Sometimes new stamps come with a residue and can stick to the paper to prevent this clean the new stamps before using.

Remove the large stamping plate and ink the stamp. Place the large stamping plate back in the four posts of the base.

It hovers over the surface without touching the paper so you can make sure the stamp is in perfect alignment!

Press down on the large stamping plate to stamp and then remove the stamping plate from the base to see if the stamp has transferred to your satisfaction.

If not, re-ink the stamp. place the plate back on the base and press again.

If it is stamped to your satisfaction remove the plate and reposition the paper to the next corner of the paper in the etched corner marking.

Secure the paper with the magnets, re-ink the stamp and place the large stamping plate on the base.

Press down to stamp the image.

Move the paper to the next corner in the etched corner marking.

Repeat the process – re-ink the stamp place the large stamping plate in the base and press down.

Move it to the last corner and then repeat.

Place the paper horizontally on the Stampin’ Positioner and place the stamp in the position you want to stamp it.

Stamp the leaf image to complete the wreath
I forgot to take the first horizontal stamp so this is the paper turned 180 degrees and stamped to close the wreath image!

I placed the layer on my glass mat and blended the edges with the Old Olive ink.

I placed the layer back on the Stampin’ Positioner and placed the sentiment flat side up on the layer where I wanted to stamp it.

I placed the large stamping plate over the sentiment stamp and pressed down to secure the photopolymer stamp on the plate.

I inked it in Old Olive ink and stamped it on the layer.

I wanted to stamp a sentiment from the Prayers and Promises stamp set from the January to April 2026 mini catalog on the inside – this set is photopolymer and I also wanted to stamp the leaf image from the Textured Notes which is red rubber.

These stamps are different widths so you should stamp them separately but I wanted to show you what happens when you mis-stamp something and how easy it is to fix a stamping project with this Stampin’ Positioner!

So I stamped both stamps at the same time and the photopolymer being thinner did not stamp completely. So I removed the leaf stamp and restamped the sentiment – I didn’t even need to re-ink just re-pressed the stamp to the paper!

I blended the edges with a blending brush and some Old Olive ink and adhered it to the inside of the card – crisis averted!

I added a brass butterfly to the inside around the inside sentiment.

I distressed the edges of the front layer and blended the turned down corners with a blending brush and ink.

I adhered the layer to the card front. I added brass butterflies to finish off this sympathy card for a sweet friend that lost her husband.

Cards can be a comfort to let you know that people are thinking about you in your grief – I have received many cards in the past week and they do make a difference – I love that I can make and teach people to make something that brings comfort to those in need of it!

Go and make a card today to send to a friend that needs to hear from you! Go and create your own artwork – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Prayers & Promises Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[167014]

$20.00

Textured Notes Cling Stamp Set (English)

[165548]

$23.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[100702]

$14.00

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

[147090]

$9.00

Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial)

[163987]

$60.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal+

[149699]

$12.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[138995]

$7.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

$7.25

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$15.00

Brushed Brass Butterflies

[158136]

$10.00

← more color mondays - petunia pop, peach pie and summer splash layers of beauty - lovely color combination →

more color mondays – petunia pop, peach pie and summer splash

by nataliegramleystamps | Feb 2, 2026 | card sketches, color challenge, embossing folders, In Colors, masculine cards, more color mondays, my favorites, new catalog, stamps ink paper, techniques

Who says masculine cards need to be neutral or muted colors – this More Color Mondays color challenge card was made for a special birthday that is today in our family!

The Shell Collecting stamp set is a reversible stamp set – it contains 6 symmetrical stamps that can be reversed directly to be used as a two step stamping process and 2 other images that contain mirrored images of each other and you can use the flat sides of the mirror image for the reverse stamping for each of those stamps! So fun to be able to fill in the background without coloring – just ink it up and go!

Measurements:
BASE: Summer Splash CS: 5 1/2″x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, 1 1/2″ x 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, 1 1/4″ x 4″

I started on the corner of the Basic White CS layer with the conical shell in Petunia Pop – this is one of the two images that has two mirrored images I used the back of one and the front of the other image to two step stamp.

In the second photo I stamped the fill in portion of the conical stamp and also stamped the starfish which is a symmetrical stamp and is totally reversible on it’s own in Peach Pie ink.

I reversed the starfish on the acrylic block to the smooth side and stamped off once on my grid paper creating a lighter second generation stamping effect for the Peach Pie inked starfish.

Then I stamped the conch shell which has two mirrored images in the stamp set in Summer Splash ink.

I also stamped Happy Birthday from the January POM (Product of the Month) Fabulous Sayings in Summer Splash on the 1 1/4″ Basic White layer.

I took the flat side of the mirrored image conch shell and stamped off on grid paper two make the fill in lighter in Summer Splash ink.

I matted the happy birthday sentiment in Summer Splash CS.

I finished the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer by stamped the entire surface with alternating colors and shell types.

Then I ran it through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine with the BASE #1 plate and the Embossing Plate #4 with the Soft Waves 3D embossing folder.

I adhered the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer to the card base and the adhered the sentiment matted layer across the top third of the card. I added two silver Faceted Snowflakes around the sentiment to finish off the card!

Try one of our super fun reversible stamp sets today this one is amazing!

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Fabulous Sayings Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[167972]

$5.00

Shell Collecting Photopolymer Stamp Set

[167016]

$21.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Summer Splash 8 1/2" X 11 Cardstock

[163797]

$14.00

Peach Pie Classic Stampin Pad

[163810]

$9.00

Petunia Pop Classic Stampin Pad

[163811]

$9.00

Summer Splash Classic Stampin Pad

[163809]

$9.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Bone Folder

[102300]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

$8.00

Stampin' Seal+

[149699]

$12.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[138995]

$7.00

Multipurpose Liquid Glue

[110755]

$6.00

Mini Glue Dots

[103683]

$7.25

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Blending Brushes

[153611]

$15.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Soft Waves 3 D Embossing Folder

[164695]

$11.00

Faceted Snowflakes

[166077]

$10.00

← new catalog sets demonstrator swap cards introducing the new stampin' positioner - available in starter kits now →

new catalog sets demonstrator swap cards

by nataliegramleystamps | Jan 28, 2026 | card samples, card swap, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, fun fold, masculine cards, new catalog, online exclusives, stamps ink paper, techniques

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.