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
vellum is back!

vellum is back!

by | Dec 10, 2025 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, my favorites, online exclusives, stamps ink paper, techniques

I cannot tell you all how excited I am that Vellum cardstock is BACK!!!

Gone for only a little while but certainly long enough to be missed! This translucent cardstock elevates any project so easily! Today’s card is a super simple one but looks like you put in all the effort!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Brushed with Beauty DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Vellum Cardstock: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Calypso Coral CS: scrap for the die cut

Run a 4″ wide layer of Vellum Cardstock through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine using the BASE plate #1 and embossing plate #4 with the Sunflower 3D embossing folder.
Cut the calypso Coral piece of Brushed with Beauty DSP to 4″ x 5 1/4″.

Apply the All Purpose Liquid glue with the larger flat tip to the entire 4″ x 5 1/4″ DSP surface.

Cut the vellum to 4″ x 5 1/4″ size and adhere to the DSP piece.

Adhere the Vellum/DSP layer to the card front of the card base.
I used the banner from the Stylish Shapes dies set and die cut a scrap of Calypso Coral.

Stamp the “Get Well Soon” from the Friendly Foliage stamp set in Calypso Coral ink to the banner.

Pop up on Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhere to the card front.

Adhere five Pearls of Beauty embellishments to the card front. Easy Peasy this impressive card is complete!

Try embossing vellum today and go make some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Brushed With Beauty Suite Collection (English) [ 167100 ]
[167100]
$136.25
Friendly Foliage Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167021 ]
[167021]
$19.00
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[163987]
$60.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 122925 ]
[122925]
$14.00
Vellum 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper [ 167099 ]
[167099]
$10.00
Brushed With Beauty 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167082 ]
[167082]
$12.50
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147101 ]
[147101]
$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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
$30.00
Sunflower 3 D Embossing Folder [ 166145 ]
[166145]
$12.00
Pearls Of Beauty [ 167098 ]
[167098]
$8.00
august 2025 swap cards

august 2025 swap cards

by | Oct 8, 2025 | card samples, card swap, Christmas card ideas, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, fun fold, In Colors, masculine cards, new catalog, online exclusives, techniques

Our August Demonstrator Swap cards are all in and they all feature new stamp collections from the September to December 2025 mini catalog and the newly released Online Exclusives that are Fall and Holiday themed!

And what gorgeous samples and ideas do I have to show you today!

My first swap card comes from CarrollAnn A. and uses the new Amber Autumn Bundle. It contains a lovely large die with a card size cut out of Fall Leaves – she die cut that in Crushed Curry and colored around the edges with Shaded Spruce ink and a blending brush and adhered it to a Pumpkin Pie base. She colored the pumpkin and squash focal piece with Stampin’ Blends markers and popped it and the sentiment up on Stampin’ Dimensionals for a great Fall wishes card.

Ginger S’s swap card features the Fright Night bundle embossed and cut out on Timid Tiger CS and Basic Black CS. The image is heat embossed in black embossing powder for extra depth and dimension! This fun fold front flap card uses the Spooky Sweet Specialty Designer Series paper and lots of fun extras – like the caldron cut out from the DSP!
Tractor and Co. Bundle was used to make Patty J’s swap card. The tractor is stamped and set on the Thoughtful journeys 6″ x 6″ DSP for a fabulous Fall scene.
My next demonstrator swap card is from My upline Denise W. and she used the Happy Place mini catalog stamp set.

She made a homemade rainbow pad using a wet wipe and Azure Afternoon, Flirty Flamingo, Daffodil Delight, and Balmy Blue ink refills to ink up the Happy Stamp!

She used Azure Afternoon, Darling Duckling and Basic White cardstock, the So Swirly embossing folder and the Darling Duckling In Color 6″ x 6″ DSP for the “For You” sentiment strip.

My last Fall swap card came from Kathi D and features the Gathering Together Suite collection of products including the Gathering Together Specialty Designer Series paper and great large fall foliage dies.
Judith P’s swap card is a gatefold fun fold card using the Jars of Joy bundle and the Traditions of Christmas DSP.
The Peaceful Garden Suite was used by Marie W and features a clever partial cut die in the center to make a small lift up card on a 1/4 sheet sized base!

The small branch that the dove is carrying is die cut from the Peaceful Garden Glimmer Paper and the soft Cloud Cover layer is embossed with the coordinating Peaceful Greenery 3D embossing folder!

The Peaceful Garden Suite was used by Marie W and features a clever partial cut die in the center to make a small lift up card on a 1/4 sheet sized base!
Carol S’s Traditional Labels swap card is stunning in it’s traditional Red and Green dies that pop on the Traditional Wreath 3D embossing folder background in Basic White cardstock!
And my last sample is a swap card from Lori V featuring the Peaceful Garden Suite of products in gold foil with a coordinating heat embossed Peace on Earth in the center. The background is complimented with the gorgeous Seasons of Elegance Specialty Designer Series Paper and Gold Striped Mesh Ribbon!
Hope these demonstrator swap cards inspired you – now is the time to start those Christmas cards! It is so much nicer to receive a handmade card than a store bought one because it takes time and effort. For that reason it’s good to start early!

Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Gathering Together Suite Collection (English) [ 165987 ]
[165987]
$101.50
Traditions Of Christmas Suite Collection (English) [ 165877 ]
[165877]
$138.75
Amber Autumn Bundle (English) [ 165893 ]
[165893]
$52.00
Amber Autumn Cling Stamp Set (English) [ 165883 ]
[165883]
$23.00
Fright Night Bundle (English) [ 166107 ]
[166107]
$50.25
Fright Night Cling Stamp Set (English) [ 166103 ]
[166103]
$25.00
Gathering Moments Bundle (English) [ 165980 ]
[165980]
$56.50
Gathering Moments Cling Stamp Set (English) [ 165970 ]
[165970]
$26.00
Happy Place Cling Stamp Set (English) [ 165966 ]
[165966]
$25.00
Jar Of Joy Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166176 ]
[166176]
$20.00
Peace On Earth Bundle (English) [ 165925 ]
[165925]
$38.50
Peace On Earth Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 165918 ]
[165918]
$19.00
Tractor & Co Bundle (English) [ 166116 ]
[166116]
$53.00
Tractor & Co Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166113 ]
[166113]
$24.00
Traditional Labels Bundle (English) [ 165865 ]
[165865]
$43.00
Traditional Labels Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 165854 ]
[165854]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
2025–2027 In Color™ 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 165300 ]
[165300]
$12.50
Gathering Together 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 165969 ]
[165969]
$16.50
Spooky Sweet Specialty Designer Series Paper & Sticker Sheet (English) [ 167365 ]
[167365]
$21.00
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
Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [ 129053 ]
[129053]
$32.00
Basics Wow! Embossing Powder [ 165679 ]
[165679]
$21.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Amber Autumn Dies [ 165892 ]
[165892]
$35.00
Fright Night Dies [ 166106 ]
[166106]
$31.00
Gathering Moments Dies [ 165979 ]
[165979]
$37.00
Peaceful Greenery 3 D Embossing Folder [ 165928 ]
[165928]
$10.00
Peace On Earth Dies [ 165924 ]
[165924]
$24.00
Tractor & Co Dies [ 166115 ]
[166115]
$35.00
Traditional Labels Dies [ 165864 ]
[165864]
$29.00
Traditional Wreath 3 D Embossing Folder [ 165874 ]
[165874]
$11.00
Gold Striped 3/8" (1 Cm) Mesh Ribbon [ 165599 ]
[165599]
$8.00
2025–2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls [ 165192 ]
[165192]
$8.50
Traditional Sparkling Sequins [ 165875 ]
[165875]
$8.00
direct to paper technique

direct to paper technique

by | Oct 3, 2025 | card samples, embossing folders, techniques

Today’s card is all about direct to paper technique.

Measurements:
BASE: Crumb Cake CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, 4″ x 5 1/4″
Basic White CS: scrap for die

Emboss the Crumb Cake layer with the Sunflower 3D embossing folder.

Drag the White Craft ink pad lightly over the embossed layer. Continue to drag over the layer until the color covers to your satisfaction.
Stamp the sentiment right justified in Tuxedo Black memento ink on the large banner die cut from the Stylish Shapes die set.
Color the banner die with Crumb Cake ink and a blending brush. I colored the left-hand side darker with the ink.
Adhere the embossed layer to the card base.

Cut the banner die and use the left-hand side for a banner edge.

Adhere the banner edge to the bottom of the sentiment die and adhere the sentiment pieces to the left-hand edge of the layer.
Embellish the card with some sparkly gems to finish this sympathy card.

This white wash direct to paper technique brings the tone on tone embossing to life – try this technique and go create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time.

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 120953 ]
[120953]
$14.00
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147116 ]
[147116]
$9.00
Whisper White Craft Stampin' Ink Refill [ 101780 ]
[101780]
$7.00
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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
$30.00
Sunflower 3 D Embossing Folder [ 166145 ]
[166145]
$12.00
Drusy Adhesive Backed Embellishments [ 164223 ]
[164223]
$9.00