more color mondays – bubble bath, pretty in pink and pool party

more color mondays – bubble bath, pretty in pink and pool party

by | Mar 2, 2026 | card samples, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, In Colors, sketch challenge, stamps ink paper

Today’s More Color Monday is also a repeat card sketch back on February 18th I posted a blog post about card sketch #118 -= it is such a fun and easy way to make a card I thought I would show you another version with a totally different Designer Series Paper to show you just how versatile a sketch can be! This sketch is super awesome because it allows you to stretch you DSP by using 3″ and 4″ squares! No WASTE!!

Measurements:
BASE: Pool Party CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
DSP: 4″ square, 3″ square
Bubble Bath CS: 3 1/4″ square, 5/8″ x 2 1/8″
Pretty in Pink CS: 7/8″ x 2 5/8″
Basic Black CS: scrap

Adhere the 4″ square of DSP to the top of the card front.

Adhere the 3″ DSP square to the Bubble Bath matte.

Stamp the sentiment Celebrate to the small Bubble Bath CS layer in Tuxedo Black Memento ink.
Mount onto a piece of scrap Pretty In Pink CS and cut to 1/8″ border on the bottom.
Leave about 1/4″ on the right-hand edge for the punch.
Using the Happy Labels Pick a Punch on the Ticket stub side – punch the right-hand edge of the sentiment piece to make it look like a ticket stub edging.
Stamp Happy Birthday from the Boardwalk Fun stamp set in Tuxedo Black Memento ink in the center of the inside of the card.

Die cut a palm tree from the Boardwalk Fun dies in Basic Black CS and adhere to the bottom right-hand corner of the inside of the card.

Adhere the 3 1/4″ matted DSP square to the lower center of the 4″ DSP square on the card front.
Pop up the sentiment over the DSP on the card front.
I place three Frosted Irridescent Dots (which are a retired product but I will put an alternative active product in the photo links below for your buying pleasure! LOL) onto the card to finish off this fun and easy card sketch birthday card!

Try this sketch today with some of your DSP stock and let me know how it turns out!
Now go and create some artwork of your very own – 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
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 122924 ]
[122924]
$14.00
Beach Boardwalk 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 166820 ]
[166820]
$12.50
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [ 132708 ]
[132708]
$8.00
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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Boardwalk Fun Dies [ 166828 ]
[166828]
$28.00
Pearlized Faceted Circles [ 166978 ]
[166978]
$8.00
shadow block technique painted illusions card

shadow block technique painted illusions card

by | Feb 27, 2026 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, stamps ink paper, techniques

I love this simple technique not only does it efficiently use up scraps of paper but it looks so cool! And you can create this card with minimal supplies – BONUS!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″, 1″ x 3″
Misty Moonlight CS: (12) 1″ x 1″ squares, 1″ x 3″
DSP: (12) 1″ x 1″ squares

Place a small amount of glue or tape on one of the Misty Moonlight squares and attach one of the DSP squares on top of it with the bottom and right hand side of the Misty Moonlight square peeking out evenly as shown in the photo.
Do 11 more squares varying the pattern making sure to put the “shadow” in the same place each time.
Stamp the Hello Sunshine sentiment from the Exploring Nature stamp set in Misty Moonlight ink on the 1″ x 3″ Basic White CS layer.
Mount this layer onto the 1″ x 3″ Misty Moonlight CS layer with the same pattern of offset as a “shadow”
Start to place the double shadow squares on the card front – 3 across and four down.

TIP: When I adhere something across the span of the card I place the outside images first and then center the middle in between the two outside images – it is easier to space them this way!

Next I place the four down so I can match the rows and columns evenly.

Adhere all the shadow squares to the card front.

Finish adhering the squares lining them up in even rows.
Pop up the sentiment piece on Stampin’ Dimensionals and place on the card over the shadow squares.
Place the sentiment piece in the middle of the four rows.
I added three Pearlized Faceted Circles to finish off this fun card!

Try this simple technique with your paper scraps and see what fun art work you can create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Exploring Nature Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166913 ]
[166913]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 153081 ]
[153081]
$14.00
Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad [ 153118 ]
[153118]
$9.00
Painted Illusions 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167977 ]
[167977]
$5.00
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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Pearlized Faceted Circles [ 166978 ]
[166978]
$8.00
more color mondays – lost lagoon, flirty flamingo and darling duckling

more color mondays – lost lagoon, flirty flamingo and darling duckling

by | Feb 23, 2026 | card samples, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, In Colors, online exclusives, techniques

Well this third Product of the Month release is a hit! This Designer Series Paper is beautiful and the inspiration fort todays’ More Color Mondays color challenge card! Painted Illusions is the February release in the Product of the Month category and this DSP is fabulous if I could buy it more than once I would. the first few photos are the different sides of the paper included in the packet.

Measurement:
BASE: Lost Lagoon CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scraps for dies
DSP: 4″ square and 2″scrap strip for dies
Vellum CS: 4″ square

Emboss the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer with the Soft Waves 3D embossing folder and adhere to the Lost Lagoon card base.
Take the empty circle die from the Springtime Scenes awesome die set collection die cut the Painted Illusions Product of the Month DSP and save both the inner circle and the outer ring – we will be using both!

Die cut the vellum layer with the leaf circle.

Glue the DSP outer circle to the outer portion of the vellum leaf circle die.

Glue the inner DSP circle die to the upper middle of the card front onto the embossed Basic White layer.
Add glue to the vellum layer only under where the DSP ring is. Attach over the circle ont he card front.
Take two blending brushes and Flirty Flamingo and Darling Duckling ink and color a scrap piece of Basic White CS.
Stamp the lady bug image from the Springtime Scenes stamp set and die cut them out.
Blend another Basic White scrap and die cut the sentiment image and stamp the sentiment “Sweet springtime” in Tuxedo Black memento ink on the die cut.

Pop up the three lady bugs around the vellum circle.

Adhere the sentiment on the lower right hand side of the card front.
I added the new embellishments Pearlized Faceted circles – I love these new sparkles!

I wanted to add a little more Lost Lagoon so I die cut some leaf dies!

I added the leaf die images to the card for more color balance!

Don’t be afraid to add to a card that you had planned out if it seems out of balance – you will grow better at design elements of a card and if you are thinking something is missing or off sometimes it is. Try adding something with out gluing it down you can always remove it then if you decide it was better in the original format.
Experiment that is how you get better at designing!

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

PS: remember that the Springtime Scenes is an Online Exclusive March Release so it will not appear in the photo links below because it is only available as a pre-order for demonstrators or new recruits in the starter kit!

Product List
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Lost Lagoon 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 133679 ]
[133679]
$14.00
Painted Illusions 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167977 ]
[167977]
$5.00
Vellum 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper [ 167099 ]
[167099]
$10.00
Darling Duckling Classic Stampin' Pad [ 165277 ]
[165277]
$9.00
Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147052 ]
[147052]
$9.00
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [ 132708 ]
[132708]
$8.00
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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Soft Waves 3 D Embossing Folder [ 164695 ]
[164695]
$11.00
Pearlized Faceted Circles [ 166978 ]
[166978]
$8.00
more than just cards – party banners and party alphabets

more than just cards – party banners and party alphabets

by | Feb 20, 2026 | die cutting, more than a card, out of the box stamping, retiring products

Stamps and Dies are such a great investment they are for SO MUCH more than just cards.
I use my products for scrapbooking and when the children were younger I was VERY popular around science fair time LOL!

Today’s post is all about the Party Banners and Party Alphabet. As many of you know my mother passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago and tomorrow is her funeral Mass and luncheon. She was forever gardening and cooking and taking care of everyone. I made some picture boards for the luncheon and a used some retired Designer Series Paper called Forever Greenery – it is perfect for my plant loving mom.

I created four boards of baby, teen, college and marriage and grandchildren and entitled them Celebrating a Life Well Lived.

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers!

The first few photos are of the individual banners and letters…

This is the first board entitled “Celebrating” and has her pictures as a youngster.
Here is the second board – a little older and it’s entitled “A Life”

The third board is of college and young married life and is entitled “Well”
The last board would have been her favorite her family, children and grandchildren – entitled “Lived!”

Thanks for stopping by come back for More Color Mondays in a few days!

Happy Stampin’ (stampin’ through the happy and the sad!)
Natalie

Product List
Party Dies Bundle [ 165265 ]
[165265]
$125.00
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 Stampin' Pad [ 147095 ]
[147095]
$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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Party Alphabet Dies [ 165263 ]
[165263]
$99.00
Party Banners Dies [ 165264 ]
[165264]
$40.00
card sketch #118 challenge

card sketch #118 challenge

by | Feb 18, 2026 | card samples, card sketches, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, product of the month, sneak peak, stamps ink paper, techniques

Anyone that hoards paper (and OK all papercrafters do it!) knows that IF AND WHEN you actually get the courage up to cut your gorgeous Designer Series Paper – YOU ABSOLUTELY WANT to get the MOST out of it!

And this sketch is the right one for this task!

Cut in 4″and 3″ squares this will stretch your paper to the MAX with NO WASTE!!

Measurements:
BASE: Flirty Flamingo CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″, scrap for word die
DSP: 3″ and 4″ squares
Basic White CS: 3 1/4″ square, scraps for dies

Adhere the 4″ square of DSP to the card front.
Mount the 3″ DSP square onto the Basic White CS 3 1/4″ square and mount it off center below the edge of the 4″ square on the card front.

Adhere the Flirty Flamingo “because” die cut from the Words of Beauty die set at the top of the 3″ square.

Stamp the sentiment from the Words of Beauty stamp set in Flirty Flamingo ink on the sentiment die from the same set. Pop that up on Stampin’ Dimensionals below the “because.”

I placed three Sparkle Dot Essentials around the words and sentiments and realized I wanted a little something below the sentiments to balance the whole thing so I grabbed the upcoming Springtime Scenes and there is an adorable little leaf die image and cut two of them to adhere below!

Sometimes you look at a card and know it needs just a little something more! This card needed that! It looked complete after that die addition, don’t you think?

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Words Of Beauty Bundle (English) [ 167090 ]
[167090]
$45.75
Words Of Beauty Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167083 ]
[167083]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[166780]
$14.00
Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2
[141416]
$14.00
Painted Illusions 12
[167977]
$5.00
Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147052 ]
[147052]
$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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Words Of Beauty Dies (English) [ 167089 ]
[167089]
$31.00
Sparkle Dot Essentials [ 166991 ]
[166991]
$8.00