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

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

more color mondays – bubble bath, pretty in pink and secret sea

more color mondays – bubble bath, pretty in pink and secret sea

More Color Mondays today features Bubble Bath, Pretty in Pink and Secret Sea – in the Beach Boardwalk DSP pack there is a palm tree design which is super easy to make cards with – it has a border of palm trees on a bottom and top border – if you cut that page 5 1/4″ from the top and 5 1/4″ from the bottom edge you get two 12″ strips of palm trees – cut those again into 4″ pieces and you can make 6 of these cards from one sheet with paper from the middle to decorate the envelopes or the inside of the card!

Measurements:
BASE: Secret Sea CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
DSP: 4″ x 6″ cut to 4″ x 5 1/4″ save the extra for
inside decoration
Bubble Bath CS: 1/2″ strip
Pretty in Pink CS: 1/2″ strip

Cut the DSP into 4″ x 6″ pieces and then cut 3/4″ off the 6″ side.

Score the base card at 5 1/2″, adhere the Basic White layer to the inside of the card and adhere the 3/4″ x 4″ strip to the bottom of the Basic White layer. I reversed the pattern and used the B side for the inside decor.

I stamped Fun in the Sun from the Beach Time scrapbooking set in Pretty in Pink ink on the Bubble Bath cardstock strip. I stamped the sun image at the end of the sentiment. I tore the right-hand edge and adhered that strip to the Pretty in Pink cardstock strip. I offset the strips and tore the right-hand edge of the bottom strip to match the one on top!

I added Stampin’ Dimensionals to the sentiment strips.

I adhered the DSP to the card front.

I then adhered the sentiment strip with Dimensionals over the DSP.

I added Pearlized Faceted Circles around the sentiment and this simple but awesome card is complete. When you have Designer Series Paper this nice it is so easy to make lovely cards!

Try a pack of our gorgeous DSP today and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time.

Happy Stampin’
Natalie