more color mondays – highland heather, balmy blue and pool party

more color mondays – highland heather, balmy blue and pool party

by | Oct 13, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, more color mondays, my favorites, online exclusives, techniques

If you have been following me for any length of time you know that I am partial to snowflakes in the winter and butterflies in the summer!

I loved the Snowflake Kisses bundle when it came out with our recent Online Exclusives release this Fall! The beautiful die set paired with the clever sentiments are a must have for anyone like me that loves snowflakes!

Measurements:
BASE: Highland Heather CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″ scraps for snowflake dies
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″
Balmy Blue CS: scraps for snowflake dies
Pool Party CS: scraps for snowflake dies

Take one of the Basic White CS layers and using blending brushes and burnish the Highland Heather, Balmy Blue and Pool Party inks into the layer.
Take the other Basic White CS layer and die cut with the large snowflake background die from the Snowflake Kisses bundle.
Adhere the snowflake die background to the Blended Background layer and cut any excess from the edges of the colored layer.
Stamp a sentiment into the circle space in Highland Heather ink.
Die cut one or two snowflakes from each colored cardstock scrap.

Arrange the snowflakes around the snowflake background and adhere once satisfied with the arrangement.

Cut the snowflakes that hang over the edge.

Adhere the layer onto the Highland Heather card base.
I added Basic rhinestone Jewels to the center of each snowflake.
I added two more rhinestones around the snowflake sentiment in the center of the card for emphasis.

Don’t you just love this background effect – it is so easy to achieve with a little colored ink and blending brushes – try your hand at creating a background of your very own and then add some stamping and create some great artwork of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Snowflake Kisses Bundle (English) [ 166023 ]
[166023]
$50.25
Snowflake Kisses Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166018 ]
[166018]
$18.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146982 ]
[146982]
$14.00
Highland Heather 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146986 ]
[146986]
$14.00
Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 122924 ]
[122924]
$14.00
Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147105 ]
[147105]
$9.00
Highland Heather Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147103 ]
[147103]
$9.00
Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147107 ]
[147107]
$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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Snowflake Kisses Dies [ 166022 ]
[166022]
$38.00
Rhinestone Basic Jewels [ 144220 ]
[144220]
$6.00
boho vibes su creativity challenge

boho vibes su creativity challenge

by | Sep 10, 2025 | card samples, die cutting, masculine cards, my favorites, stamps ink paper, techniques

Every month, Sara Douglas, Stampin’ Up!’s CEO challenges us with a creativity task – everyone can play along and this month’s challenge uses any of our alphabet sets!

On pages 106-107 in our current 2025-2026 Annual Catalog is a beautiful spread entitled “Customize & Personalize with Dies” and features our three current alphabet sets –

the Mini Alphabet Dies #162934 ($31.00) – this set is perfectly sized for customizing your cards small enough to fit onto a card front and designed as one die to cut all of your letters at once – How easy is that?

My personal favorite – the Alphabet A La Mode #160750 – ($42.00) this medium sized alphabet is your do it all work horse small enough for card making and large enough for scrapbooking – this set can do it all!

and new this year the Party Alphabet Dies – #165263 – ($99.00) these letters are about 2 1/4″ tall and add an eye-catching accent to any of your projects. This also comes in a bundle for $125.00 (#165265) with the Party Banner dies for a complete banner making package that will be the hit of your parties!

Today’s project uses the Sunshine Vibes bundle from the Boho Vibes Suite Collection in Fall colors for a great happy Fall card!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
4″ x 5 1/4″ layer, scraps for rainbow base and
letter dies
Cajun Craze CS: 3″ x 4 1/4″ and scraps
Calypso Coral CS: 3″ x 4 1/4″ and scraps
Crushed Curry CS: 3″ x 4 1/4″ and scraps
Poppy Parade CS: 3″ x 4 1/4″ and scraps
Pumpkin Pie CS: 3″ x 4 1/4″ and scraps

Die cut the rainbow pieces from each color .

Take the Basic White 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer and with blending brushes color the entire area with Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie and calypso Coral inks.
Spray the area with water droplets from a Stampin’ Spritzer – this is called water lifting – the areas of water droplets will lift the ink and make lighter spotting on the surface of the colored area.
Dry with a Heat Tool or let air dry. If using a Heat Tool you should heat from both the bottom and the top of the layer to minimize paper curling.

Cut the word FALL from the Alphabet A La Mode dies and place on the bottom of the layer for spacing and stamp the word “happy” in Tuxedo Black Memento ink from the Blooming Phrases stamp set above where the letters will be adhered.

Adhere the letters to the colored layer and then adhere the layer to the card base.
Arrange the rainbow pieces one from each color on the rainbow Basic White base die and adhere starting on one side and adhering the next one in order.
Pop up the rainbow dies onto Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhere above the stamped sentiment.
I stamped the inside with the good vibes sentiment from the Sunshine Vibes stamp set in Tuxedo Black Memento ink and the sun and rays in Daffodil Delight ink above the sentiment to finish off the inside of the card!
I used the Starburst Sequins for the embellishments around the sentiment to finish the card!

This is one of the cards we will be doing at two of my library classes this month – hope to see you at one of them!

Now go and create some seasonal cards of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Boho Vibes Suite Collection (English) [ 165156 ]
[165156]
$63.50
Blooming Phrases Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 165523 ]
[165523]
$20.00
Sunshine Vibes Bundle (English) [ 165152 ]
[165152]
$43.00
Sunshine Vibes Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 165146 ]
[165146]
$18.00
Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 119684 ]
[119684]
$14.00
Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 122925 ]
[122925]
$14.00
Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 131199 ]
[131199]
$14.00
Poppy Parade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 119793 ]
[119793]
$14.00
Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 105117 ]
[105117]
$14.00
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147101 ]
[147101]
$9.00
Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147087 ]
[147087]
$9.00
Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147094 ]
[147094]
$9.00
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147086 ]
[147086]
$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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Alphabet à La Mode Dies [ 160750 ]
[160750]
$42.00
Sunshine Vibes Dies [ 165151 ]
[165151]
$30.00
Starburst Sequins [ 165539 ]
[165539]
$7.50
more color mondays – balmy blue, old olive and basic beige

more color mondays – balmy blue, old olive and basic beige

by | Sep 8, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, more color mondays, specialty papers, stamps ink paper, techniques

Today’s another color challenge to inspire you to more creativity in your card design work!

The palette today is soft and neutral – perfect for a soft, subtle thank you card for someone special. The card features a gorgeous product that was introduced with the new annual catalog and I have totally ignored until now! I purchased it in the pre-order and then got busy with the new stamps and dies and forgot I had it! The Irresistible Designs contains 2 one-sided sheets of 3 different designs of white tone on tone embossed images in a leaf, floral and criss-cross pattern – used as is or colored to create stunning effects – this paper is amazing!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic Beige CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Balmy Blue CS: scrap for die

Using blending brushes in a soft circular motion – starting off the paper – I colored in a diagonal pattern Old Olive ink at the bottom right-hand corner, Basic Beige ink in the middle and Balmy Blue in the top left-hand corner.
Because the specialty paper in embossed the image does not take the ink and pops off the page in a spectacular fashion!
Adhere the specialty paper to the Basic Beige card base and add a small piece of the Basic Beige Classic ribbon folded in a loop to the card.
I stamped the thanks and the leaf image from the Spotlight on Nature stamp set in Old Olive ink on a Balmy Blue die cut from the Spotlight on Nature die set. I popped up the sentiment die on Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhered it over the ribbon loop.
I added three gold flecked embellishments from the Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Gems – these actually have a section of clear gems as well as the two pink colors and are perfect for this wonderful card!

Have you played with this type of Specialty paper before? It is super fun and produces easy, amazing results – try your hand at it soon!
Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Spotlight On Nature Bundle [ 163581 ]
[163581]
$52.00
Spotlight On Nature Cling Stamp Set (English) [ 163579 ]
[163579]
$23.00
Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146982 ]
[146982]
$14.00
Basic Beige 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 164511 ]
[164511]
$14.00
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147090 ]
[147090]
$9.00
Irresistible Designs 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 165305 ]
[165305]
$10.00
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
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
Basic Beige 3/8" (1 Cm) Classic Ribbon [ 165216 ]
[165216]
$9.50
Strawberry Slush & Pretty In Pink Gems [ 165615 ]
[165615]
$8.50
extraordinary flora elements of text card

extraordinary flora elements of text card

by | Aug 22, 2025 | card samples, die cutting, embossing folders, my favorites, techniques

The Extraordinary Floral Washi tape makes a such a pretty card! The background for this card features the Elements of Text stamp set. This stamp set is one of my favorites that has just been listed on the Last Chance List! It’s on sale until it is sold out! It makes great backgrounds!

BASE: Berry Burst CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, scrap for the Spotlight on
Nature die
Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, 4″ x 5 1/4″
scrap for the Spotlight on Nature die.

Stamp the Basic White layer with the Elements of Text stamp set with the Berry Burst ink all over the layer. Add the splatter image around the edges in Berry Burst ink. Then add some blending around the edges of the layer with the blending brush and the Berry Burst ink.
Emboss the Basic White layer in the Eyelet 3D embossing folder.

Adhere the layer to the Berry Burst card front.

Stamp the sentiment from The Right Words in Berry Burst ink in the center of the Basic White die from the Spotlight on Nature die set.
Stamp the splatter image around the edges.
Adhere the die to the Berry Burst Spotlight on Nature die.
Adhere the sentiment dies on Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhere to the center of the card front.
I took the Extraordinary Flora Washi Tape and unrolled it from the roll and adhered it to a half sheet of Unscored Basic White cardstock (5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″). Ensure that the washi tape is smooth without wrinkles or air pockets I secure the tape starting at one edge and lying the tape down slowly rubbing as I go with my hands or a bone folder to ensure a smooth surface.
Die cut with the Extraordinary Flora die – designed to cut in one pass loads of flowers from the washi tape or the coordinating stamp.
Mounting the tape on cardstock allows the die cuts to have a more rigid background allowing for easier attachment to the card.
Arrange the die cut floral and greenery around the sentiment dies to your liking and then secure with glue, tape and Stampin’ Dimensionals for some depth and dimension.
I added Purple Fine Shimmer Gems to the card in the Berry Burst hue to coordinate with the card and finish it off with a lot of sparkle!

I love creating backgrounds and this Last Chance stamp set called Elements of Text is a great way to achieve a cohesive background look that is both eye-catching and elegant.

Text stamps can create a subtle yet intricate background that can accent the base of your card without overpowering your main focal image!

If you like this look shop before this set is all gone! Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Extraordinary Flora Bundle (English) [ 165245 ]
[165245]
$43.00
The Right Words Cling Stamp Set (English) [ 165316 ]
[165316]
$26.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Berry Burst 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 144243 ]
[144243]
$14.00
Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147143 ]
[147143]
$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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Extraordinary Flora Die [ 165244 ]
[165244]
$28.00
Extraordinary Flora Washi Tape [ 165269 ]
[165269]
$15.00
Eyelet 3D Embossing Folder [ 163414 ]
[163414]
$10.00
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
Purple Fine Shimmer Gems [ 162611 ]
[162611]
$8.00
prairie grass stamp set – new online exclusive release for july

prairie grass stamp set – new online exclusive release for july

by | Jul 11, 2025 | card samples, online exclusives, techniques

July marks the release of more Online Exclusives products! This stamp set Prairie Grass is one of the releases.

Measurements:
BASE: Melon Mambo CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″

Ink the bottom of the Basic White CS with Crushed Curry ink and a blending brush.

Ink a strip above the Crushed Curry with the Pumpkin Pie ink.
Blend with blending brush and Poppy Parade ink above the Pumpkin Pie ink.
Blend Melon mambo ink above the Poppy Parade.
Blend Gorgeous Grape ink to the top of the Basic White layer.
Stamp the Prairie Grass image in Tuxedo Black Memento ink over the rainbow blended colors.

Take a paint brush and add water to the lid of a Craft White ink pad, tap the edge of the paint brush over a bone folder and splatter ink over the surface.

Stamp the sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink in the right hand corner.
Add Rhinestone Basic Jewels to the card front.

Adhere the layer to the Melon Mambo cardstock base.

Another sample without the white ink splatter.

I adhered this sample to a Crushed Curry cardstock base.

I love silhouette cards and this set lends itself perfectly to this genre.

Check out all of the great new products released in July! Go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie