happy birthday onstage swap cards

happy birthday onstage swap cards

by | Apr 1, 2026 | card samples, card swap, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, fun fold, In Colors, masculine cards, stamps ink paper, techniques

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
Beautiful Motifs Bundle (English) [ 165206 ]
[165206]
$45.75
Beautiful Motifs Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 165198 ]
[165198]
$18.00
Cute As A Bug Suite Collection (English) [ 167007 ]
[167007]
$75.25
Petals Of Beauty Bundle (English) [ 167096 ]
[167096]
$49.50
Petals Of Beauty Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 167093 ]
[167093]
$20.00
Pretty Florals Bundle [ 165179 ]
[165179]
$50.25
Pretty Florals Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 165177 ]
[165177]
$19.00
Simply Said Mix & Match Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 169057 ]
[169057]
$17.00
Turtle Y Cute Suite Collection (English) [ 165235 ]
[165235]
$80.50
Turtle Y Sweet Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166711 ]
[166711]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Delicate Dreams 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 167498 ]
[167498]
$16.50
Love Notes 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Mix & Match Designer Series Paper [ 166985 ]
[166985]
$12.50
Pleasant Patterns 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 166950 ]
[166950]
$10.00
Turtle Y Cute 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 165221 ]
[165221]
$12.50
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
Blending Brushes Storage [ 160519 ]
[160519]
$16.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Beautiful Motifs Dies [ 165205 ]
[165205]
$33.00
Damask Designs Embossing Folder [ 165214 ]
[165214]
$9.50
Eyelet 3D Embossing Folder [ 163414 ]
[163414]
$10.00
Petals Of Beauty Dies [ 167095 ]
[167095]
$35.00
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
Turtle Y Awesome Dies [ 165228 ]
[165228]
$28.00
Shades Of Green Hexagons [ 165233 ]
[165233]
$8.00
more color mondays – coastal cabana, balmy blue and pool party

more color mondays – coastal cabana, balmy blue and pool party

by | Mar 30, 2026 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, embossing folders, masculine cards, stamps ink paper, techniques

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

Product List
Cutest Onesie Bundle (English) [ 163740 ]
[163740]
$27.00
Cutest Onesie Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 169054 ]
[169054]
$17.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Coastal Cabana 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 131297 ]
[131297]
$14.00
Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 122924 ]
[122924]
$14.00
Balmy Blue 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Two Tone Cardstock [ 166682 ]
[166682]
$10.00
Vellum 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper [ 167099 ]
[167099]
$10.00
Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147097 ]
[147097]
$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
Blending Brushes Storage [ 160519 ]
[160519]
$16.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Cutest Onesie Dies [ 163739 ]
[163739]
$13.00
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels [ 158987 ]
[158987]
$7.50
card sketch #119 – 4 cards from one 6″ x 6″ DSP

card sketch #119 – 4 cards from one 6″ x 6″ DSP

by | Mar 27, 2026 | card samples, card sketches, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, stamps ink paper, techniques

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

Product List
Wonderful Thoughts Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 169043 ]
[169043]
$25.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 133676 ]
[133676]
$14.00
Thoughtful Journey 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 163303 ]
[163303]
$12.50
Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147111 ]
[147111]
$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
Blending Brushes Storage [ 160519 ]
[160519]
$16.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Birch Wood 3 D Embossing Folder [ 164069 ]
[164069]
$12.00
Wonderful Thoughts Dies (English) [ 161491 ]
[161491]
$34.00
Natural Matte Dots [ 167510 ]
[167510]
$8.00
creating unforgettable details in card making or scrapbooking

creating unforgettable details in card making or scrapbooking

by | Mar 11, 2026 | card samples, embossing folders, more than a card, my favorites, out of the box stamping, scrapbooking, stamps ink paper, techniques

Sometimes creating something special for a card or a scrapbooking page makes that piece memorable or a little extra special.

This week I am going to be at our national convention called OnStage 2026 and I created a bunch of swap cards for the event.

We are expected to use only current products and current colors, so I modified a card I did a few weeks ago and instead of using Designer Series Paper to create the beach blanket in my beach scene I wanted to create a beach blanket made out of background paper that I made.

I looked through my embossing folder as I knew that I wanted to add texture on top of whatever background design I created and decided that the Beautiful Patterns would be a great choice to mimic a blanket texture and design!

I wanted to do matching colors for the card I had designed so I started with Crumb Cake and Balmy Blue inks and did a watercolor wash striped design on our Basic White Cardstock alternating with two wide brushes from our Water Painters three brush sets.

I then dipped my very wet brush into the lid of the stampin’ pad filled with ink refill dots of ink and tapped the side of the brush with my bone folder over the watercolored paper to create a splatter effect.
I decided that the Beautiful Pattern 3D embossing folder would create a nice embossed design over the paper, so I ran it through our Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine with the BASE #1 and Embossing #4 Plates.
I cut the 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ embossed layers into
1 1/2″ strips.
Then I cut the 1 1/2″ strips into 2″ segments so I created a little rectangular blanket shape.
I took our knife edged scissors which unfortunately are no longer for sale – but use a sharp scissors to cut small fringe across the short edges on both sides.
I added the blanket to the sand of my beach scene card!
Then I proceeded to make 99 more! LOL – now I am ready to swap!

Cannot wait to show you all the great cards I will be trading for in the next coming days! I will have all of them on display at this month’s Stamp-a-Stack class on the 23rd!

Make sure that you RSVP!

Now I am off to visit and stamp with new and old friends – hope you are getting to do the same! Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Rolling Waves Bundle (English) [ 167145 ]
[167145]
$51.25
Rolling Waves Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 167142 ]
[167142]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146982 ]
[146982]
$14.00
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 120953 ]
[120953]
$14.00
Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147105 ]
[147105]
$9.00
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147116 ]
[147116]
$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
Blending Brushes Storage [ 160519 ]
[160519]
$16.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Rolling Waves Dies [ 167144 ]
[167144]
$37.00
Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels [ 158987 ]
[158987]
$7.50
card sketch #117

card sketch #117

by | Jan 23, 2026 | card samples, card sketches, die cutting, embossing folders, masculine cards, my favorites, stamps ink paper

Today’s card continues the series on Card Sketches with #117!

This simple sketch provides plenty of creative inspiration with a layer and a double matte with sprigs behind it. I followed the sketch quite literally but later on next week I will show you another card from this same sketch with a completely different look!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer, and scrap
for the die
Vellum CS: scrap for the sentiment matte
Lemon Lime Twist CS: 1/2″ x 4″, and scrap for
the die

Emboss the Basic White CS layer with the Stone and Vine 3D embossing folder.
Adhere the embossed layer to the card base.
Take the 1/2″ x 4″ Lemon Lime Twist CS strip and adhere it to the center of the card front.
Die cut two concentric circles from the Spotlight on Nature dies. The smaller one in Basic White CS and the next size up in Vellum CS.

Stamp the sentiment in Lemon Lime Twist ink and color the edges with a blending brush and the same ink.

Adhere the Basic White stamped circle onto the vellum circle with Stampin’ Seal.

Pop up the sentiment vellum circle with Stampin’ Dimensionals – making sure to stay inside the Basic White circle outline.
Die cut the large leaf sprig die in Lemon Lime Twist cardstock and cut into 2 pieces.
Attach the sprigs to the sentiment piece and adhere the sentiment focal piece to the card over the Lemon Lime Twist strip.
I added Holographic Resin Dots to the card for a little sparkle to complete the card!

Try your hand at this card sketch – if you are new to sketches try it literally as the sketch is drawn or be creative and use the sketch as a launching point and go crazy with ideas!

Let me know what you make – now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Greenery Lane Bundle (English) [ 166877 ]
[166877]
$49.50
Greenery Lane Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166870 ]
[166870]
$24.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Lemon Lime Twist 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 144245 ]
[144245]
$14.00
Vellum 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper [ 167099 ]
[167099]
$10.00
Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147145 ]
[147145]
$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 ]
[153611]
$15.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Greenery Lane Dies [ 166876 ]
[166876]
$31.00
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
Stone & Vine 3 D Embossing Folder [ 166990 ]
[166990]
$10.00
Holographic Resin Dots [ 165598 ]
[165598]
$8.00