more color mondays – gorgeous grape, lemon lime twist and balmy blue

more color mondays – gorgeous grape, lemon lime twist and balmy blue

by | Jan 19, 2026 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, more color mondays, my favorites, techniques

It’s another More Color Monday color challenge featuring three colors I love Gorgeous Grape, Lemon Lime Twist and Balmy Blue. I also LOVE this technique the Stampin’ Blends alcohol Vellum technique.

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″, scraps for the dies
Vellum: 3″ x 6″
Gorgeous Grape CS: 1/2″ x 5 1/2″, scrap for die
Balmy Blue CS: 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
Lemon Lime Twist CS: 1/2″ x 5 1/2″

Since Gorgeous Grape is such a dark color, so the Highland Heather Dark Stampin’ Blend is very close to Gorgeous Grape color.

I colored with the side of the Dark Highland Heather Stampin Blend paint brush on the vellum.

Spray the vellum with 99% alcohol from a Stampin’ Spritzer.
Dry the vellum with the Heat Tool and push the alcohol and ink color around until the alcohol evaporates.
Start coloring the vellum with other colors – one color at a time, spray the vellum with alcohol and push the color with the Heat Tool until the alcohol evaporates.

Repeat with different colors until you like the look of the vellum.

Stamp a sentiment in Versamark ink and sprinkle with the white WOW embossing powder. Heat with a Heat tool until the powder is melted.

Use the Three Banner Punch and punch out the sentiment piece.

Cut 2 sections of all three colors of CS in 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ and adhere them together so that you have two sections of three colors.
Use the three color sections and adhere to either side of the vellum.

Die cut the large leaf die from the Beautiful Motifs dies set from a Basic White CS scraps.

Adhere the vellum down with the colored CS strips.

Adhere the die to the top of the colored vellum.

Notice how the vellum is magnified by placing it on top of the Basic White CS!

I punched the sentiment with the middle section of the Three Banner Punch.

Pop up the sentiment banner over the die and the vellum.

Die cut the flowers from the Petals of Beauty and color them with a Blending Brush and Gorgeous Grape ink.
Stamp the flower dies with the background stamps from the Swirled Designs to add texture to the petals.
I placed the stamped and textured Petal dies and popped up the flowers around the sentiment piece.
I added three white pearls of Beauty to finish off this stunning alcohol vellum cards.

Try this cool technique but know that you need to use only 99% alcohol – regular isopropyl will not do the trick! Now go and make some really fabulous colored vellum – and add one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Banner Sayings Bundle (English) [ 167051 ]
[167051]
$38.50
Banner Sayings Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167044 ]
[167044]
$17.00
Swirled Designs Bundle (English) [ 167311 ]
[167311]
$42.25
Swirled Designs Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 167030 ]
[167030]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146982 ]
[146982]
$14.00
Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146987 ]
[146987]
$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
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147099 ]
[147099]
$9.00
Versamark Pad [ 102283 ]
[102283]
$9.50
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' Spritzer [ 126185 ]
[126185]
$6.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [ 129053 ]
[129053]
$32.00
Basics Wow! Embossing Powder [ 165679 ]
[165679]
$21.00
Balmy Blue Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154830 ]
[154830]
$11.00
Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154887 ]
[154887]
$11.00
Lemon Lime Twist Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 161682 ]
[161682]
$11.00
Stampin' Spritzer [ 126185 ]
[126185]
$6.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Beautiful Motifs Dies [ 165205 ]
[165205]
$33.00
Petals Of Beauty Dies [ 167095 ]
[167095]
$35.00
Three Banner Punch [ 167050 ]
[167050]
$26.00
Pearls Of Beauty [ 167098 ]
[167098]
$8.00
smoosh collage technique

smoosh collage technique

by | Dec 20, 2023 | card samples, stamps ink paper, techniques

I started out with a collage card – layering one stamped image around and over others to create a “collage” then decided to add a “smoosh” technique background to the card for a recent swap card that I completed so I am going to walk you through that process!

Measurements:
BASE: Pecan Pie 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5 1/2″
Basic White layer: 4″ x 5 1/4″ scraps for dies
Tartan Foil scrap for circle die

Here is the photo of the original collage design.

I wanted a little bit of subtle color in the background of the collage layer so I decided to use the “smoosh” technique. I have done this technique before but it is easy, fun and a little addictive – so I decided to show it again.
You will need to pieces of Window Sheets.
Draw a random pattern with two or more Stampin’ Blends markers colors on one side of one of the window Sheets.
I added a 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of cardstock under the window sheet to mark out the area size for the markers
Spray the window sheet with isopropyl alcohol I use 99% for other projects and that is what i have handy you can also use the 70% for this technique.
Spray enough to strat to make the marker ink run into one another.
Place the other window sheet on top of the markered sheet and “smoosh” the colors together.
Open the sheets up and add two pieces of 4″ x 5 1/4″ of Basic White cardstock back to back inside the window sheet sandwich and close the sheets together.
I place two inside so that you “dye” one side of two different sheets of Basic White layers – BONUS! two for the price of one!
Then I started the collage technique once the sheets were dry – because these were done with alcohol they dry very quickly!

I used Pecan Pie ink and stamped the Field Notes image from the Notes of Nature bundle in the left hand upper corner.

I stamped multiple leaf images also in Pecan Pie ink. When you stamp a college you can use multipple colors of ink but I decided since I colored the background I would use only one ink color!
I did use the stamped off technique for the next stamped image and stamped the cross hatch pattern off once onto my grid paper then stamped it on the collage paper. This will give a slightly lighter image in the same hue and tone!
Every backgroudn is different using the “smossh” technique and everytime you do a collage technique it will be slightly different as well. I stamped the final image of ink blotches in full and stamped off strength around the rest of the collage, here are two different versions to show you the subtle differences in background and collage stamping.
I tied a Pecan Pie Bordered ribbon in a knot around the collage layer.
I made swap cards from this design so i made multiple versions and I photographed each to show you how no two backgrounds are the same!
I finished off each swap card with two leaf sprig dies from the upcoming Stippled Rose die set, I tinged the edges in Pool Party ink with a Blending Brush.
I stamped a sentiment from the upcoming Lovely and Sweet stamp set from the Nature’s Sweetness Suite and brushed the banner die with a blending brush in Pool Party ink as well.
I poped that up on Stampin’ Dimensionals over a Tartan Foil Specialty paper die from the Stylish Shapes circles die.
Then adhered the whole collaged layer to a Pecan Pie cardstock base.
In the first design I used the Tinel Gems Four Pack and used the Pool Party gems but for the swap cards I stepped it up by coloring Iridescent Pearls with my Pecan Pie dark Stampin’ Blends marker to make the embellishments match the card base!
Here is the final card I love the way it tuned out and I hope my swappers like it too!

Just a reminder some of the items used are sneak peaks and will not be available until January 4th. Therefore they will not be in the photo links below as the links will not be live until the new catalogs are live on January 4th!

Now that you know how to do these two techniques – go and create some artwork of your own and see what great combinations you can make – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$10.50
Pecan Pie 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[161717]
$10.00
Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad
[147107]
$9.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$26.00
Bone Folder
[102300]
$7.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$8.00
Stampin' Seal+
[149699]
$12.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive
[138995]
$7.00
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
[110755]
$5.50
Stampin' Dimensionals
[104430]
$4.25
Paper Snips
[103579]
$11.00
Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack
[161674]
$10.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$128.00
Stylish Shapes Dies
[159183]
$30.00
Pecan Pie 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Bordered Ribbon
[161634]
$8.00
Tinsel Gems Four Pack
[161623]
$8.00
Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels
[158987]
$7.50
basic 3d embossing folders

basic 3d embossing folders

by | Mar 3, 2023 | product reviews, techniques, Uncategorized

March 1st marked the release of our Online exclusives program and along with the Stamp Bundle I featured on Wednesday, March 1st on my blog post, Stampin’ up! released some versatile 3D embossing folders. these are available on line as order number #161598 and is called the Basics 3D Embossing Folders pack – three folders come packed together and are all fun subtle designs. I used each of them in the same card design to highlight just the background designs achieved from these great Basics folders.

Measurements:
Basic White 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ scored at 4 1/4″ and
4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5 1/2″
Basic White embossed layer 4″ x 5 1/4″
Scrap Pool Party for scalloped circle die and banner die
vellum

Run each of the three Basic White 4″ x 5 1/4″ layers through each of the 3 different Basics 3D embossing folders.

I used a scrap piece of Pool Party cardstock and ran it through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine with the Layering Circles scalloped die and the Brilliant Wings smaller butterfly die and used the negative of the butterfly die to highlight the alcohol vellum technique!
Because you will be adhering to an embossed uneven surface I use Tear N Tape for a stronger hold.
Tie Pool Party Sheer ribbon around the lower half of the embossed layer and tie in a knot.
Die cut the smaller long banner from the Stylish Shapes die set and stamp with the Inspired thoughts sentiment “THANK YOU SO MUCH” Pop up on mini Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhere to the center lower third of the card with the ribbon knot directly above the center of the sentiment piece.
Spray a large piece of vellum with Rubbing alcohol (I use 99% Isopropyl Alcohol for best results.) Add drops of various re-inkers (I used Pool Party, Balmy Blue and Highland Heather)
Use a Heat Tool to move the ink and spread the color and dry the ink. Keep adding re-inker drops of ink and sprays of alcohol until the desired color and effect is achieved!
Add a section of the vellum to the backside of the butterfly die cut and then pop this focal piece up on Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals and add to the center top third of the card.

This card uses the Basics 3D embossing folder that has a starfish pattern on in.

Add Rhinestone Basics Jewels to the card and it is complete!
This card uses the Basics 3D embossing folder that has raised dots as a background.
This card uses the Basics 3D embossing folder that has raised diagonal crossing slash marks as a background.
Here are all three designs, each unique because of the different embossed backgrounds – this is a great essentials set and worth every penny.
Use one of your embossing folders as a background today and go create some art of your own – one stamp and embossing folder at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Inspired Thoughts Cling Stamp Set
[155536]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$10.25
Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[122924]
$9.25
Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad
[147107]
$8.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$25.00
Bone Folder
[102300]
$7.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$8.00
Stampin' Seal+
[149699]
$12.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive
[138995]
$7.00
Paper Snips
[103579]
$11.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$125.00
Basics 3 D Embossing Folders
[161598]
$30.00
Brilliant Wings Dies
[155523]
$44.00
Layering Circles Dies
[151770]
$35.00
Pool Party 3/8" (1 Cm) Sheer Ribbon
[152462]
$6.00
Rhinestone Basic Jewels
[144220]
$6.00
alcohol blends color block technique

alcohol blends color block technique

by | Jan 18, 2022 | card samples, techniques

Color Blocking using the alcohol spray and blends technique is simple and so much fun!

I used our largest acrylic block, paper towels, a Stampin’ Spritzer filled with 99% alcohol, Stampin’ Blends in assorted colors and a piece of 5 1/2″ x 3″ Basic White cardstock.

Place a folded piece of paper towel down to protect your work surface, then the cut piece of Basic White cardstock and then lie the large acrylic block on top of them both. The reason I layer it this way is to protect the work surface and also to give you an idea of how much of the cardstock you wish to cover with color.

Gather your desired Stampin’ Blends colored markers – I used So Saffron Dark, Flirty Flamingo Dark, Pool Party Dark, Granny Apple Green Dark, and Highland Heather Dark.
Color in blocks of color in your desired pattern and portion of the cardstock you wish to cover with color (in this example I colored the entire width of the paper – at the end of the blog post I will post a picture of an alternative card that I did not color the entire paper – to show you the difference)
I colored So Saffron at the bottom followed by Flirty Flamingo then Pool Party then Granny Apple Green and finally the Highland Heather.
Remove the cardstock from underneath the acrylic block and set aside to avoid spritzing the paper. Using 99% Isopropyl Alcohol in a Stampin’ Spritzer liberally spray the colored portion of the acrylic block and turn upside down and press into the cardstock.
Carefully peel the wet cardstock off the acrylic block and allow to dry.
Decorate and give to someone special!

This is so easy and the cards come out beautiful and different every time!

Now it is your turn to try this technique and go and create your own artwork – one stamp at a time!!

Happy Stampin’

Natalie

Product List
Sweet Conversations Bundle (English)
[157624]
$42.25
Sweet Conversations Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
[157618]
$18.00
Sweet Talk 12
[157616]
$11.50
Basic White 8 1/2
[159276]
$9.75
Highland Heather 8-1/2
[146986]
$8.75
Paper Snips
[103579]
$10.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$25.00
Bone Folder
[102300]
$7.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$120.00
Sweet Hearts Dies
[157623]
$29.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$8.00
3/8
[154572]
$7.00
Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack
Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack
[147276]
$9.00
Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154885]
$9.00
Pool Party Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154894]
$9.00
Flirty Flamingo Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154884]
$9.00
So Saffron Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154905]
$9.00
Stampin' Spritzer
[126185]
$3.00
Clear Block F
[118483]
$17.00
cardstock meets alcohol and Stampin Blends

cardstock meets alcohol and Stampin Blends

by | Mar 15, 2021 | techniques

What do you get when you cross a window sheet, different types of cardstock, Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Ink Markers and a Stampin’ Spritzer filled with 99% Alcohol? Well gorgeous backgrounds of course!

I started with multiple sheets of Glossy, Basic White, Shimmery White and Vellum cardstock cut to 4″ x 5 1/4″ ( and just a tip cut a bunch – because every one looks different and once you start making these you WILL find it difficult to stop!!

A window sheet is a clear plastic sheet we sell ours as 2 sheets of 12″ x 12″ for $5.00. And you can use it for this purpose over and over again!
I used Night of Navy Dark and Light and Dark Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Blends.
Scribble ink onto the Window Sheet.
Place your choice of cardstock face down onto the ink and alcohol surface of the window sheet surface.
Allow to dry if you like the pattern of ink on the glossy surface – if there are white spots showing through or an area you do not like dip into the alcohol and ink again until desired look is achieved!
I stamped on the glossy cardstock with Staz-on ink and let dry. I used the Seaside Notions for this example. You can use Momento Black ink for the other cardstock choices, although be careful stamping on vellum as it takes a little longer to dry and not smear!
I finished the card off with a ribbon and Blue Adhesive Backed Gems. and mounted it onto a balmy Blue cardstock base.
Yesterday on my Sunday evening Facebook Live I demonstrated the technique above with a different color scheme and showed off all of the cards I had made from the previous batch as well!
Here is a photo gallery of the completed cards using this background technique!

ButterflyWings3

SilhouetteScenes1

BeautifulMoments3

ButterflyBrillance1

WinterWoods2

ButterflyBrillance2

ButterflyWings2

ButterflyWings1

ToAWildRose1

DandelionWishes1

PaintedPoppies1

FriendsAreLikeSeashells1

BeautifulMoments1

PaintedPoppies2

DragonflyGarden1

PrettyPerennials1

SailingHome1

RootedInNature2

WinterWoods3

ToAWildRose2

WinterWoods4

The coolest part about this technique is that no two backgrounds are the same and that each one is unique and creates an incredible background for gorgeous cards! I will warn you it is a little addicting! Good Luck and have fun trying this technique!

Now go create some art one stamp at a time!
Natalie

Product List
Seaside Notions Cling Stamp Set
[149278]
$23.00
Shimmery White 8-1/2
[101910]
$10.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[159276]
$9.75
Vellum 8-1/2
[101856]
$10.00
Balmy Blue 8-1/2
[146982]
$8.75
Jet Black Stāzon Ink Pad
[101406]
$10.00
Bermuda Bay Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154878]
$9.00
Night Of Navy Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154891]
$9.00
Stampin' Spritzer
[126185]
$3.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$25.00
Bone Folder
[102300]
$7.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$8.00
Glossy White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
Glossy White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
[102599]
$5.95
Blue Adhesive-Backed Gems
[153547]
$8.00