product reviews - nataliegramleystamps

more color mondays – golden glow, hydrangea hue and crisp cantaloupe

by nataliegramleystamps | Jun 8, 2026 | card samples, card sketches, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, In Colors, product reviews, stamps ink paper, techniques

Today’s color challenge features three of the five NEW 2026-2028 In Color collection – Golden Glow, Hydrangea Hue and Crisp Cantaloupe.

This easy card uses a blended water splatter technique background.

Measurements:
BASE: Hydrangea Hue CS 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″ scrap for banner die
DSP: 3″ x 3″, (2) 2″ x 2″

Take the Basic White layer and a blending brush and color the top third with Golden Glow ink.

Color the middle third with a new blending brush and the Hydrangea Hue ink pad.

Color the bottom third with a new blending brush and the Crisp Cantaloupe ink pad.

Take the large water painter brush and squeeze out a large puddle of water onto the glass matte studio surface – tap the end of the brush to drop water sprinkles over the surface of the blended background layer. The water sprinkled on the surface will lift the ink and create a splattered background technique. This distresses the paper layer in a unique way – different every time you do it!

Adhere the splattered blended layer to the Hydrangea hue card base.

Die cut the banner dies in three sizes with each of the colors – Golden Glow, Hydrangea Hue and Crsip Cantaloupe from the 2026-2028 In Color 12″ x 12″ DSP pack. Pick different patterns in the three different colors and die cut.

Adhere them with the largest banner in the upper center of the card base. Then adhere the two other smaller banners to the left and the right side overlapping and matching up the top edge to be even with the center banner.

Punch out two of the butterfly images from the NEW Floral Flight Accents embellishments and adhere them over the banners.

Die cut the shorter, thicker banner from the Stylish Shapes die set and stamp the “fluttering by to say hi” sentiment from the All Aflutter stamp set in Hydrangea Hue ink. Blend the edges with a blending brush.
Pop up the sentiment piece on Stampin’ Dimensionals and place in the bottom center of the card front.

Add three 2026-2028 In Color Dots around the sentiment to complete this easy and fun card.

Try using this technique to make a background and create some artwork of your very own using this background and the stamps you have at home – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

All Aflutter Bundle (English)

[167570]

$41.25

All Aflutter Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[167564]

$20.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Hydrangea Hue 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[167687]

$14.00

2026–2028 In Color™ Painted Patterns 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[167755]

$19.00

Floral Flight Accents

[167558]

$6.50

Hydrangea Hue Classic Stampin' Pad

[167677]

$14.00

Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial)

[163987]

$60.00

Paper Trimmer

[152392]

$28.00

Stampin' Seal

[152813]

$9.00

Stampin' Seal+

[149699]

$13.00

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]

$17.00

Water Painters

[168253]

$13.00

Tear & Tape Adhesive

[154031]

$7.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

2026–2028 In Color™ Dots

[167546]

$9.00

← in color strip card february demonstrator swap cards →

more color mondays meets christmas mix and match

by nataliegramleystamps | Oct 28, 2024 | card kits, card samples, card sketches, Christmas card ideas, color challenge, masculine cards, more color mondays, new catalog, product reviews, stamps ink paper

Today’s More Color Monday color challenge cards could not get any easier to make with the new Mix and Match series from Stampin’ Up!’s new creativity stepped approach. Starting with this current Annual catalog, the powers that be at Stampin’ Up! devised a creativity system that is stepped and perfect for EVERY TYPE of crafter! Want a very quick and easy option – we got you covered, Want a little but more stepped up – we got that too! WANT IT ALL and want to step it up all the way – WE DEFINITELY GOT THAT!!!
(Speaking of wanting it all – if you are in that category do not miss the current JOIN special – OUR Stampin’ Up! Starter kit is still only $99 but instead of $125 worth of great merchandise of your choice you get to choose $155 worth of merchandise! Have you had your eye on a Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine you can put that on your order! – BUT ONLY until the special runs out on October 31st!)

Here are the images from the current mini catalog of the
1) Gold Dipped Mix and Match Cards and Envelopes. #164108. $12
2) Tags for the Season Mix and Match Ephemera Pack. #164111 $9.50
3) Joyful Images Mix and Match Ephemera Pack. #164110. $9.50
4) Joyful Sayings Mix and Match Ephemera Pack #164109. $9.50

My first color challenge sample is a tag which comes from the Tags for the Season Ephemera pack and combines a sentiment from the Joyful Sayings pack and a pinecone image from the Joyful images pack. I added a little Red and white Baker’s twine and easy peasy!

My second sample is also a tag from the Tags for the Season Ephemera pack and I just added a saying from the joyful Sayings pack and some of the same Baker’s Twine – even simpler!

The next sample is a card made with the Gold Dipped Cards and Envelopes Pack which takes your cards to a whole new level!
I positioned the Gold Dipped card in the horizontal alignment and added a large sentiment from the Joyful Sayings, and a sprig of holly and greens along with a Garden Green strip and an image of gift boxes in hues of Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green and Night of Navy and Gold to tie it all together!
These packs are loaded with sayings and images so using multiple images to build the scene is easy and fun.

I loved this Night of Navy scripted saying “Wishing you a Christmas FULL OF Peace & Wonder” so it became the focal point on my Night of Navy Gold Dipped card and Envelope, after adding a row of evergreens and a blue bow and a Garden Green and Cherry Cobbler ornament on the side!

I added a reindeer image and a pretty single gold-foiled tree along with a pinecone and pine sprig adorned “Christmas Wishes” Gold-folied sentiment to a Garden Green card!

I added a poinsetta image as well as a holly and stocking full of goodies to a Cherry Cobbler card in the portrait position. I also popped up on Stampin’ Dimensionals the Merry Christmas banner in the center!

On a Garden Green Portrait card, I added the drum image, a green striped candy cane and Green “Wishing you a wonderful Christmas Season” sentiment popped up in the center.

I love the snow globe effect of the house in snow image with the gold foiled circle enclosing the die cut – I added a lovely blue ribbon and a pinecone along with a blue banner of pool party to compliment the darer blue with the sentiment wonder and a gold striped banner below!

The gold die cut sentiments are striking on the card themselves but adding die cut images of holly, ribbon and a pine wreath set off the words and make an elegant and easy card!

My next card on a Garden Green Gold dipped background uses the Happy Christmas sentiment strip, a bow and three individual ornaments. i popped up the ornaments and drew a black line with a Stampin’ Write marker to the pine boughs adhered above!

My last sample places the Color dipped Gold card to the top of the portrait position and added a blue “Thinking of you this Christmas” sentiment popped up in the center of the card with a star, snowflake and skates as the complimenting images to finish off these lovely and super easy Christmas cards!

Check out these super fun and easy to use Christmas images for your fast and elegant cards with Christmas we are less than 60 days from Christmas now and these are a great way to make lots of great cards!

Current Hostess code until the end of the month is ST2ECEUQ.

Now go get started on creating your great Christmas cards – one stamp at a time or maybe using these great die cuts and no stamping!!

Happy Creating!
Natalie

Product List

Gold Dipped Mix & Match Specialty Cards & Envelopes

[164108]

$12.00

Joyful Images Mix & Match Specialty Ephemera Pack

[164110]

$9.50

Joyful Sayings Mix & Match Ephemera Pack (English)

[164109]

$9.50

Tags For The Season Mix & Match Specialty Ephemera Pack

[164111]

$9.50

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 Stampin' Dimensionals

[144108]

$4.25

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Real Red & White Baker's Twine

[164051]

$5.00

← decorative trees simple christmas card in blueberry bushel and white decorative trees glimmer paper slimline card →

thoughtful journey and unbounded beauty memories and more cards

by nataliegramleystamps | May 22, 2024 | card kits, card samples, memories and more, new catalog, product reviews, stamps ink paper

With this new catalog, Stampin’ Up has separated their products into three categories – step-by-step, quick and easy options and creativity your way! The step by step options feature quick paper crafting with full instructions in our kits collection choices and a subscription service called Paper Pumpkin delivering a full crafting experience in a box delivered to your door once a month!
The Quick and Easy options include our new Mix and Match products for easy craft coordination without a lot of time and space necessary! One of the quick and easy options is the Memories and More series which we are continuing with two gorgeous options: Thoughtful Journey and Unbounded Beauty.

These card packs come with two different sizes of double sided cards:
Thoughtful Journey Memories and More Card Pack (#163318) 28 Double-sided cards in 3″ x 4″ and 4″ x 6″ sizes. $11.50
and
Unbounded Beauty Memories and More card Pack (#163388) 28 Double-sided cards in 3″ x 4″ and 4″ x 6″ sizes. $11.50
These double sided cards fit perfectly onto the Basic White Assorted Memories and More Cards and Envelopes (#159234) $11.50
Add cards from Memories & More Card Packs to these card bases to simplify your cardmaking.
Use small card bases with 3″ x 4″ (7.6 x 10.2 cm) Memories & More cards. Use large card bases with 4″ x 6″ (10.2 x 15.2 cm) Memories & More cards. 20 total Memories & More card bases and 20 total envelopes: 10 small and 10 large.

Below is a photo of the Basic White Memories and More Cards and Envelopes.

Here are the Thoughtful Journey Memories and More Card Pack.

Here are the Unbounded Beauty Memories and More Card Pack.

The cards are super easy to put together.
Putting the small cards together with the small bases make beautiful quick and easy cards.

Placing one of the large memories and more cards on a card base is as easy as can be! I added just one die cut to the card to finish it off.

Another memories and more card using a large memory card and a large base card. Adding the larger die cut and popped up the sentiment piece over the die. Adding pearls to the sentiment piece finishes off this easy card.

Using two small memories cards creates another totally different look.

Another card using one large and one small pre-printed memories cards to finish this card.

The Unbounded Beauty is the second set available. These cards were created with this set. The next photo used the small cards on the small bases.

The last two cards used the large printed memories and more cards on the large bases.
First one used just one card , the second used a small card and one large card.

These are great cards, easy and quick and beautiful!

Try some cards with these Memories and More card packs. Go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time.

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Thoughtful Journey Memories & More

[163318]

$11.50

Unbounded Beauty Memories & More (English)

[163388]

$11.50

Thoughtful Wishes Bundle (English)

[163314]

$55.75

Thoughtful Wishes Cling Stamp Set (English)

[163305]

$25.00

Thoughtful Journey 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper

[163303]

$12.50

Basic White Assorted Memories & More Cards & Envelopes

[159234]

$11.50

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$13.00

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

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$130.00

Thoughtful Wishes Dies

[163313]

$37.00

← more color mondays - wild wheat, lost lagoon and mossy meadow tri panel slider card with thoughtful journey dsp →

happy world baking day planted paradise out of the box stamping

by nataliegramleystamps | May 17, 2024 | card samples, embossing folders, new catalog, out of the box stamping, product reviews, stamps ink paper, techniques

Did you know that today is World Baking Day – I love to make chocolate chip cookies and make a batch of my pan cookies for my open houses a few times a year as well as for my family more often. I wanted to make a cookie card for World Baking Day, so I starting looking over all of my stamps to see if I had anything that I could use for a cookie shape.

One of the cool types of stamps we have are the reversible stamps. Able to use both sides there are distinct advantages to this type of two-step stamping style.

During a past demonstrator only event I received the Planted Paradise stamp set – this is one of our reversible stamp sets and there were a few possibilities in this set!
One of the pots looked like a flattened Chocolate Chip cookie and I could use a tip of the foliage for a chip like shape.

Measurements:
Base: Early Espresso CS 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
scrap for the sentiment pieces
Basic White CS: 4″ X 5 1/4″
scrap for the sentiments

Using the rounded pot on the reversible smooth side, stamp in Crumb Cake ink along the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer. Stamp with the flat side at the edges of the layer, stamp multiple images on the Basic White layer.

Stamp the tip of the pointed single leaf in Early Espresso ink and stamp chip like images on the rounded Crumb Cake images.

Stamp several Yum Yum words from the Ice Cream Swirls on scrap paper.

Cut the words apart and adhere to scraps of Early Espresso cardstock.

Stamp “Hope your day is sweet” sentiment from the Ice Cream Swirls stamp set in between the cookie images.
Adhere the Basic White CS layer to the Early Espresso cardstock base.
Adhere the Yum Yum sentiments around the cookie images randomly around the card front.

I added embellishments to finish off this fun out of the box stamping with the Planted Paradise stamp set.

Here are a couple more traditional cards with this delightful set.

Try using your stamp sets in unique ways or more traditional – but now it’s your turn to create some art work of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’,
Natalie

Product List

Planted Paradise Photopolymer Stamp Set

[162925]

$22.00

Ice Cream Swirl Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[162764]

$24.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$13.00

Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[119686]

$11.50

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad

[147116]

$9.00

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

[147114]

$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

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Iridescent Rhinestones Basic Jewels

[158130]

$7.50

← layers of beauty masks more color mondays - wild wheat, lost lagoon and mossy meadow →

more color mondays – pecan pie, cherry cobbler and basic beige

by nataliegramleystamps | May 13, 2024 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, embossing folders, more color mondays, new catalog, product reviews, stamps ink paper

Today is not just another More Color Monday, I also get to introduce a new Core Basic Color from Stampin’ Up! We rarely add a Basic Core Color, I am not sure we ever have actually! We have Basic White, Basic Black and Basic Vanilla and we have added with this new annual catalog Basic Beige! It is a beautiful light beige color that goes well with just about everything!

Today I am pairing it with Pecan Pie and Cherry Cobbler and using the New Seaside Wishes hybrid bundle.

Measurements:
BASE: Cherry Cobbler 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White: scraps for dies
Basic Beige: scraps for dies
Pecan Pie: scraps for dies

Insert a sheet of Basic White cardstock into the hybrid embossing folder fitted with the die and run through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine.

This will cut three different sized sand dollars.

Randomly stamp the small starfish image onto the Cherry Cobbler cardstock with Cherry Cobbler ink for a subtle tone on tone pattern.
I always tell me stampers when you start stamping on a blank page – stamp in triangles – look for patterns of three it is easier to stamp in a pattern and the law of threes makes a pleasing symmetrical and balanced finished product!

Tie a knotted ribbon to the upper edge of the base card with the Basic Beige Bordered ribbon. cut out various dies in Basic Beige and Pecan Pie and arrange them in a desired pattern on the card front. Stamp the sentiment onto one of the banner dies from the Stylish Shapes dies and pop that up over the die created design on the card front.

Add Embellishments to the card front and this delightful seaside wishes card is complete.

I love this set and I hope you enjoyed this latest installment of More Color Mondays. Consider playing along with us and stamping at least once a week – it’s great for your soul and metal health!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List

Seaside Wishes Bundle (English)

[163498]

$47.50

Seaside Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[163494]

$20.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[159276]

$13.00

Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[119685]

$11.50

Basic Beige 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[164511]

$11.50

Pecan Pie 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[161717]

$11.50

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

[147083]

$9.00

Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

[161665]

$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

Stampin' Dimensionals

[104430]

$4.25

Paper Snips

[103579]

$12.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$130.00

Seaside Wishes Hybrid Embossing Folder

[163497]

$33.00

Basic Beige 3/8" (1 Cm) Bordered Ribbon

[163788]

$7.50

← delicate wings paper pumpkin alternatives layers of beauty masks →

2024 march memorable meadows paper pumpkin alternative cards

by nataliegramleystamps | Apr 19, 2024 | card samples, embossing folders, fun fold, new catalog, out of the box stamping, paper pumpkin/kit collection alternatives, paper pumpkin/kits collection, product reviews, sneak peak, stamps ink paper

Paper Pumpkin –
A MONTHLY CRAFTING SUBSCRIPTION

If you’re looking for a fun and simple creative outlet paper crafting might be your best option! It’s fun, creative, and handmade projects bring joy to you and to others. And nothing makes paper crafting as fun, easy, and creative as Paper Pumpkin! Everything You Need in a Craft Box

One issue crafters often run into is feeling overwhelmed by their project. Lack of inspiration, proper supplies and crafty know-how might discourage you from even starting a project and unlocking your creative potential!

This never happens with a craft subscription box from Paper Pumpkin. That’s because everything you need for your project is included in your monthly art box. All you have to do is open it up and get started. You’ll be able to make cards, treat bags, gift boxes and so much more with your monthly art box subscription.

March 2024 features a beautiful art box that contains everything you need to make 3 sets of 3 cards – a total of 9 cards from gorgeously printed cards that coordinate with the Online Exclusives suite of products – Meandering Meadows. Today I am highlighting 4 alternatives cards in this blog.

This set contains wood elements, iridescent embellishments, coordinating envelopes and purple vellum pieces. These are the two stamp sets that come in this kit.

The card pieces are printed on both the front and back making them perfect for alternative projects to be cut apart. For the first alternate card I made a simple z-fold fun fold card using half of the card with the tree pattern on them. I cut the card in half and then cut that piece to two pieces of 2″ x 5 1/4″. I grabbed a Gorgeous Grape card base of 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ scored the card in half at 4 1/4″ and then at 2 1/8″. I cut a Basic White inside piece to 4″ x 5 1/4″ I saved the thin slice to use on the Basic White layer.
I used the retiring Vellum Basics which is on sale for $6 (#160839) and still in stock as of saving this post. I cut the vellum to a 2 3/4″ square and die cut a smaller white square from the Stylish Shapes die set which is one of my all time favorites!

This is how I cut the card and I will use all the vertical pieces of the left side of the card.

I adhered the most left hand piece of the card to the first panel.

Adhere the second 2″ piece to the middle panel.

Adhere the Basic White layer to the right hand panel and then adhere the 1/4″ x 5 1/4″ piece to the right hand side of the Basic White layer.

Stamp a sentiment onto the square in a diamond orientation. I stamped off the smaller flower image and stamped the petals around the sentiment.

Adhere the left side of the white diamond to the vellum square with stamping dimensionals positioned in a diamond orientation. Only put Stampin’ Dimensionals onto the left side of the Basic White layer and add to the vellum diamond. Add Stampin’ Seal only under the Basic White diamond on the left side – adhere to the first panel only placing the points of the top and bottom of the diamond directly over the score line between the first and second panels.

I added three Purple Shimmer Gems to the finished card for a little coordinating bling.

The second alternate card I used a half sheet of card base cut to 4″ x 5 1/4″ used one of the purple vellum pieces layered with the wooden tree embellishment attached with the glue dots and the added a sentiment piece. I added three Purple Shimmer Gems to finish off this simple card but by cutting the base in half and adding cardstock I can at least double the cards in the kit!

The third card is a double Z-fold using the brand new In Color cardstock Petunia Pop!
I cut the card in half at 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5 1/2″ and 2 3/4″, then I cut the other side of the 4 1/4″ x 11″ to 3″ x 11″ and scored at 5 1/2″ and 2 3/4″. Flipped the cardstock so the 3″ piece has the larger side on the left and the 4 1/4″ piece has the larger panel on the right .

I cut two Basic White cardstock pieces one to 4″ x 5 1/4″ and one to 2 3/4″ X 2 1/2″.

I cut the daisy printed card base.

I cut the card base at the score line. I cut the left side of the card base to 4″ and then at 2″ x 4″, 2″ x 4″ and 1/4″ x 4″. I took the right hand piece and cut horizontally across at 2 3/4″ x 5 1/4″.

Adhere the 4″ x 5 1/4″ to the largest panel of the 4 1/4″ card base. Attach the smaller white piece to the smaller right hand panel of the 3″ card stock base.

Adhere the 2″ x 4 ” pieces to the first panel of the 4 1/4″ piece and to the right hand side of the Basic White piece on the back panel.

Adhere the smaller panel to the middle of the back panel over the Basic White piece.

Adhere the daisy cut 3″ x 5 1/4″ piece to the larger panel of the 3″ Petunia Pop card base.

Adhere the back left hand side to the first panel of the back card base.

I stamped the sentiment from the kit stamp set on the smaller inside piece. and added a few Purple Shimmer Gems for the final touch for this beautiful card.