onstage 2026 gift card holder swap

onstage 2026 gift card holder swap

by | Apr 24, 2026 | 3D projects, card samples, card swap, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, fun fold, gift card holder, masculine cards, techniques

Swapping with other card makers is always fun and this year swapping at OnStage 2026 was the best! I participated in 4 special swaps and then made over 100 cards to swap in the general sessions so I have SOOOOOO many ideas to share with you!

This swap was one of the special swaps hosted by my friend Michael D. from New jersey and this one was specifically a gift card holder swap.

This first card was designed by Carrie S and uses the LAST CHANCE boho Vibes suite of products including the awesome DSP! This card scores the paper at 1 1/4″ and 5 1/2″ on the 11″ side and then folds the 1 1/4″ score line in toward the center score line to create a gift card pocket! Sweet and simple!

Anne O. used a different approach and cut an Early Espresso 1/4 sheet of cardstock as the base and the added a Pecan Pie matte of
4″ x 5 1/4″ and then a Basic White card of 3 3/4″ x 10″ scored at 5″.

She added a diagonal pocket on the inside and decorated it with the Sunflower 3D embossing folder! Love this design!

The Perennial Lavender DSP can make any project special and this tri-fold gift card holder by Patti Jean W is no exception.
She uses a 1/4 sheet of Highland Heather CS as the base with a DSP sheet of 4″ x 5 1/4″. She added a 4 1/4″ x 9″ sheet of Highland Heather scored at 3″ and 6″ and added a DSP to decorate the panels! Great thank you gift card holder!
Sandy C’s gift card holder is also a tri-fold design but instead of folding the score lines inward this one folds as a Z fold using the same dimensionals with a subtle difference in the way it opens creating a totally different look!
This wedding gift card holder by Joanne J. uses the Lifetime of Love stamp set and the Perennial Lavender DSP both of which are on the LAST CHANCE LIST!! This slider gift card holder will be detailed in a future blog post so be on the lookout for the directions with my own take on this design in the near future!
Garden Poetry DSP shines on this gift card holder by Kellie M. the design and measurements are similar to the first card shown!
This slider gift card holder version by Karen H. features the Lovely Stripes embossing folder which is now SOLD OUT and the Splash of Sparkles DSP.
This was my submission for the gift card holder which I posted originally on February 11th, 2026 with all the directions!

This gift card pop up slider uses the Swirled Designs bundle and the Words of Beauty (the Words of Beauty is on the LAST CHANCE LIST) with the Splash of Sparkles DSP.

Randy B. created this graduation gift card holder by simply adding a 1″ x 5 1/4″ piece of DSP to the inside bottom of the card and just adhering it with a thin line of glue on the two sides and the bottom creating a pocket for the gift card!

The stamp set used was the Seasonal Celebrations which is on the LAST CHANCE LIST!

The last gift card holder in this swap uses the Beach Boardwalk suite of fun products including the DSP and the puffy stickers.

Yolanda N. Cut the base card to 5 1/2″ x 7 1/4″
scored at 4 1/4″ from the right-hand side.
Then added a pocket to the right-hand side of the card.

Hope these inspired you for your next gift card holder project – they are simple to create and you do not need to buy them at the store!

Now it’s your turn to create some gift card holders one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Beach Boardwalk Suite Collection (English) [ 166844 ]
[166844]
$63.50
Boardwalk Fun Bundle (English) [ 166829 ]
[166829]
$43.00
Boardwalk Fun Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166822 ]
[166822]
$20.00
Garden Poetry Suite Collection (English) [ 167127 ]
[167127]
$100.00
Seasonal Celebrations Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 167225 ]
[167225]
$24.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Beach Boardwalk 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 166820 ]
[166820]
$12.50
Garden Poetry 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167113 ]
[167113]
$12.50
Lifetime Of Love Cling Stamp Set (English) [ 162574 ]
[162574]
$25.00
Perennial Lavender 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 162593 ]
[162593]
$12.50
Splash Of Sparkles 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 167200 ]
[167200]
$16.50
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 121045 ]
[121045]
$14.00
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[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 ]
[153611]
$15.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Blender Pens [ 102845 ]
[102845]
$14.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Boardwalk Fun Dies [ 166828 ]
[166828]
$28.00
Sunflower 3 D Embossing Folder [ 166145 ]
[166145]
$12.00
Beach Boardwalk Puffy Stickers [ 166838 ]
[166838]
$8.00
last chance list beach time card

last chance list beach time card

by | Apr 22, 2026 | card samples, die cutting, embossing folders, my favorites, retiring products, techniques

I love creating sunset colored cards and the Boardwalk Fun and Beach Time stamp sets are so much fun for Summer cards and I am sad that they are retiring!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, 4″ x 5 1/4″ 3″ x 4 1/2″
Basic Black CS: scraps for palm tree dies

Die cut an Everyday Arches die from the 3″ layer.

Use blending brushes and color the bottom of the die with Daffodil Delight ink.

Blend Pumpkin Pie ink with a Blending Brush across the top of the Daffodil Delight ink and a little above that.
Color the top of the Everyday Arches die with Cherry Cobbler ink and another Blending Brush.
Brush the edges of the Everyday Arches die with the Gorgeous Grape ink and another Blending Brush. Heavier on the top and lighter on the bottom edges.
Stamp Summer Vibes sentiment from the Beach Time stamp set (which is on the LAST CHANCE LIST) onto the upper left hand edge of the Everyday Arches die.

Adhere two palm tree dies from Basic Black CS below and to the right of the sentiment.

Emboss the 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer with the LAST CHANCE LIST Soft Waves embossing folder.

Adhere the embossed layer onto the BASE.

Pop up the Everyday Arches die over the embossed layer.

SNEAK PEAK – add the Sunset Sparkle Sequins to the project for an iridescent shine and sparkle to finish off this card rich with sunset colors!

Try creating a sunset inspired background and adding stamps to make a summer inspired card today! Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Beach Time Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166832 ]
[166832]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 121045 ]
[121045]
$14.00
Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147083 ]
[147083]
$9.00
Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147094 ]
[147094]
$9.00
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147099 ]
[147099]
$9.00
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147086 ]
[147086]
$9.00
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[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 ]
[153611]
$15.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Blender Pens [ 102845 ]
[102845]
$14.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Everyday Arches Dies [ 164629 ]
[164629]
$29.00
Boardwalk Fun Dies [ 166828 ]
[166828]
$28.00
Soft Waves 3 D Embossing Folder [ 164695 ]
[164695]
$11.00
more color mondays – blueberry bushel, strawberry slush and calypso coral card sketch #120

more color mondays – blueberry bushel, strawberry slush and calypso coral card sketch #120

by | Apr 20, 2026 | card samples, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, In Colors, more color mondays, online exclusives, techniques

Today’s More Color Mondays features Blueberry Bushel, Strawberry Slush and Calypso Coral and the Homemade Sweetness 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper. A card sketch makes this card easy!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at
4 1/4″, 4″x 5 1/4″, scraps for dies
DSP: 3/4″ x 4 1/2″, 1 7/8″ x 4 1/2″

Stamp the blueberries and strawberry in Tuxedo Black Memento ink.

Die cut the label, and the fruit. Color the fruit with Strawberry Slush and Calypso Coral for the strawberry and Blueberry Bushel and Calypso Coral for the blueberry. Stamp the “LOVE YOU berry much” in Tuxedo Black memento ink in the middle of the label.

Emboss the Ladybug Picnic 3D embossing folder. Adhere the embossed layer onto the card base.
Layout the DSP onto embossed layer.

Pop up the label and the fruit on Stampin’ Dimensionals onto the DSP.

Add the In Color embellishments to the DSP.

This sweet sketch card is a simple example of how easy it is to adapt a sketch!

Now it’s your turn to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Homemade Sweetness Suite Collection (English) [ 167481 ]
[167481]
$96.00
Filled With Sweetness Bundle (English) [ 167475 ]
[167475]
$56.50
Filled With Sweetness Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167469 ]
[167469]
$24.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Homemade Sweetness 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167467 ]
[167467]
$12.50
Blueberry Bushel Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 161679 ]
[161679]
$11.00
Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154881 ]
[154881]
$11.00
Strawberry Slush Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 165290 ]
[165290]
$11.00
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[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 ]
[153611]
$15.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Blender Pens [ 102845 ]
[102845]
$14.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Filled With Sweetness Dies [ 167474 ]
[167474]
$39.00
Ladybug Picnic 3 D Embossing Folder [ 167478 ]
[167478]
$10.00
2025–2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls [ 165192 ]
[165192]
$8.50
gallery blooms su creative coloring challenge

gallery blooms su creative coloring challenge

by | Apr 17, 2026 | card samples, die cutting, embossing folders, my favorites, retiring products, techniques

One of my favorite LAST CHANCE LIST items is the Gallery Blooms Bundle! I am so sad this is leaving and I did not use it enough for sure!

This card actually qualifies for the April SU Creative Challenge as well as being a gorgeous card! This month the challenge is to use two different coloring tools on a single card design.
I used the Water Painters and blender pens to color in the Gallery Blooms flower image!

Measurements:
BASE: Granny Apple Green CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, scraps for dies
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scraps for floral die

Emboss the Basic White CS layer with the Damask Designs embossing folder and using the Water Painter and the Poppy Parade ink refill make a very wet ink slurry and splatter the embossed layer for added texture and color.
Stamp the flower image from the Gallery Blooms stamp set on a scrap of Basic White with Tuxedo Black memento ink which is on the LAST CHANCE LIST as well as the ink refills for these stamp pads.

Die cut out the flower image. Using the glass matte use a drop of the Poppy Parade ink from the ink refill bottle and mix with water from the Water Painter and paint the bloom petals.

Mix a drop of Granny Apple Green ink refill with water and paint the leaves on the die.

Adhere the embossed layer to the card base and place the floral die on the center of the card to see where to place it.
Die cut two small leaf images from Granny Apple Green scraps. Adhere the two Granny Apple Green leaf dies behind where the flower will be eventually adhered.
Die cut a small circle from the Spotlight on Nature dies from Granny Apple Green scraps and stamp the Happy Birthday from The Right Words (which is on the LAST CHANCE LIST also)
to the middle of the die in Tuxedo Black memento ink.

Pop up the floral image from the Gallery Blooms bundle and slide the sentiment circle under the floral die and adhere down to the card.

I added three embellishments to the card.
I wanted to add a little more texture and shading to the petals and grabbed a blender pen and added some darker Poppy Parade lines with the blender pen to create shadows on the petals.
Coloring the petals with two different tools adds a lot of depth and dimension to the petals – these are gorgeous flowers to begin with but add some detailed coloring to them and they are STUNNING!!

Try a coloring technique to two to your next coloring project and see what a difference multiple tools can make!

Now it’s your turn to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp and a couple of coloring tools at a time!!!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Gallery Blooms Bundle [ 165213 ]
[165213]
$53.00
Gallery Blooms Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 165211 ]
[165211]
$19.00
The Right Words Cling Stamp Set (English) [ 165316 ]
[165316]
$26.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146990 ]
[146990]
$14.00
Granny Apple Green Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [ 147163 ]
[147163]
$5.50
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill [ 119791 ]
[119791]
$5.50
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[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 ]
[153611]
$15.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Blender Pens [ 102845 ]
[102845]
$14.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Damask Designs Embossing Folder [ 165214 ]
[165214]
$9.50
Gallery Blooms Dies [ 165212 ]
[165212]
$40.00
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
direct to paper technique – garden poetry suite

direct to paper technique – garden poetry suite

by | Apr 15, 2026 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, embossing folders, masculine cards, techniques

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!

Product List
Garden Poetry Suite Collection (English) [ 167127 ]
[167127]
$100.00
Paradise Garden Bundle (English) [ 167121 ]
[167121]
$61.00
Paradise Garden Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167114 ]
[167114]
$24.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Shaded Spruce 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146981 ]
[146981]
$14.00
Garden Textures 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Foil Sheets [ 167125 ]
[167125]
$10.50
Shaded Spruce Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147088 ]
[147088]
$9.00
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[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 ]
[153611]
$15.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Paradise Garden Hybrid Embossing Folder [ 167120 ]
[167120]
$44.00
Pearlized Faceted Circles [ 166978 ]
[166978]
$8.00
more color mondays – petal pink, balmy blue and soft sea foam

more color mondays – petal pink, balmy blue and soft sea foam

by | Apr 13, 2026 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, more color mondays, retiring products, sneak peak, techniques

Today’s More Color Mondays color challenge features Petal Pink, Balmy Blue and Soft Sea Foam.

Today’s card features a very fun and sparkly technique – dyed Wink of Stella.

Measurements:
BASE: Balmy Blue CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Soft Sea Foam CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Petal Pink CS: scraps for dies
Basic White CS: scraps for dies

Always keep your Wink of Stella pens even when they dry out. If you unscrew the brush top and pry the black stopper out of the pen shaft you can fill the shaft with alcohol to re-wet the glitter left in the barrel. Put the black stopper back in and screw the pen top back in. Squeeze the tube to release the glitter inside onto a silicon mat. Squeeze one drop of ink refill onto the silicon mat. Mix the drop of ink refill with the glitter.

Cut the largest Spotlight of Nature dies in the Soft Sea Foam CS layer. Paint the edges of the die with the Soft Sea Foam tinted Wink of Stella glitter.

After painting the edges of the die place it back inside the layer.
Mix another squeeze of glitter with Petal Pink ink refill.

Splatter the Soft Sea Foam layer with the Petal Pink tinted glitter.

Adhere the Soft Sea Foam layer to the balmy Blue card base.
Stamp two flowers on Petal Pink CS in Petal Pink ink and paint the petals with the tinted Petal Pink glitter.

Die cut a smaller Spotlight on Nature die in Basic White CS. Stamp the “Sending HAPPY thoughts” from the upcoming Sending Salutations stamp set from the new catalog debuting on May 5th. Paint the word HAPPY in the Petal Pink tinted Wink of Stella.

Adhere the pink flowers to the Soft Sea Foam layer.

Mix more glitter from the Wink of Stella paint brush and a drop of Balmy Blue ink refill.

Paint the petals of the flower from the Gallery Bloom stamp bundle.

Paint the leaves with the Soft Sea Foam tinted Glitter.
Adhere the Pink flowers under the Balmy Blue flowers – pop up the blue flowers onto Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Adhere the sentiment under the blue flowers.

Adhere the Pearls of Beauty around the card.

Adding tint to the Wink of Stella adds beautiful sparkly glitter! Try this technique and create some sparkling artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie