creating a faux layer card

creating a faux layer card

by | Jul 1, 2026 | card samples, stamps ink paper, techniques

Have you ever created a faux layer with masking?

This is a simple card using 3M sticky notes to create a mask to make a white “faux” layer diagonally across the middle of the Basic White layer to give the illusion of an extra layer in the middle of the card!

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

I adhered three sticky notes together and cut them to the width desired.

Attach to the Basic White layer diagonally in the center of the Basic White layer.

In Real red ink stamp the flat florer across both sides of the 3M sticky note mask and around the edges of the layer.
Blend the layer with the mask in place with a blending brush and Real Red ink.
Remove the mask and stamp the sentiment diagonally from the Phrases and Frames stamp set in Real Red ink.
Cut a length of Red ribbon an inch or two wider than the layer and tape the edges to the back of the Basic White layer.
Adhere the Basic White layer to the Real Red cardstock base.
Adhere three embellishments to the card to finish off this easy faux layer card!

Try this easy technique and let me know when you create! Now it’s your turn to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Opulent Oasis Bundle (English) [ 167595 ]
[167595]
$56.50
Opulent Oasis Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167591 ]
[167591]
$25.00
Phrases & Frames Bundle (English) [ 167587 ]
[167587]
$49.50
Phrases & Frames Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167581 ]
[167581]
$21.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 102482 ]
[102482]
$14.00
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147084 ]
[147084]
$11.00
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[163987]
$60.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$28.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$9.00
Stampin' Seal+
[149699]
$13.00
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
Blending Brushes [ 153611 ]
[153611]
$17.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Paper Snips [ 103579 ]
[103579]
$12.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Opulent Oasis Dies [ 167594 ]
[167594]
$38.00
Phrases & Frames Dies [ 167586 ]
[167586]
$34.00
card sketch #123 water mask card

card sketch #123 water mask card

by | Jun 10, 2026 | card samples, card sketches, die cutting, masks, stamps ink paper, techniques

I love a good masking technique and when I was at OnStage in March, Stampin’ Up! debuted the Water and Dotted Lines 12″ x 12″ masks.

They are so cool and great for not only card making but because of the size they are also great for scrapbooking backgrounds!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″, 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
scraps for die cuts
Hydrangea Hue CS: scrap for sunglasses die

Place the card base in the middle of the Glass Matte Studio and place the Water Mask over the card.

You can hold the card and mask in place with tape or just with your hand (which is what I do)

Using Balmy Blue ink and a Blending Brush in circular motion color the surface of the card through the mask. YOU can lift up one side to look and see how deep the color is and whether you are getting adequate coverage.

Continue coloring the card surface until the entire card is filled with the mask design and is the color desired.

Take the Basic White CS strip and stamp the sentiment on it in Hydrangea Hue ink.

Adhere to the card placing the words on the right-hand side of the card. Cut off the overhang.

The beach ball and inner tube from the Splash and Relax Bundle are a two-step stamping process – I stamp the detailed stamp in full strength Hydrangea hue ink first and then stamp the background stamp in Hydrangea Hue ink and stamp off onto the grid or scrap paper and then stamp over the detailed image. I think it is easier to place the stamps correctly over the darker colored detailed images then the other way around – BUT it can be done either way!
Die cut out the beach ball and the inner tube with the Splash and Relax dies and die cut the sunglass outer image in Hydrangea Hue CS.

Cut the sunglass lenses out of Silver or Irredescent Foil and glue onto the sunglasses base Hydrangea Hue CS.

Adhere the sunglasses directly over the left-hand side of the sentiment strip and pop up the inner tube and beach ball above and below the sentiment strip!

Stamp the inside sentiment and the beach ball on the inside of the card!
Place three Rhinestones around the sentiment strip and this easy card sketch card is complete! I love the simple masking background – this makes the card don’t you think?

Try this masking background technique soon and go create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Splash & Relax Bundle [ 167903 ]
[167903]
$44.00
Splash & Relax Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167901 ]
[167901]
$21.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Hydrangea Hue 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 167687 ]
[167687]
$14.00
Balmy Blue Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147105 ]
[147105]
$9.00
Hydrangea Hue Classic Stampin' Pad [ 167677 ]
[167677]
$14.00
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[163987]
$60.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$28.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$9.00
Stampin' Seal+
[149699]
$13.00
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
Water & Dotted Lines 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Decorative Masks [ 167760 ]
[167760]
$21.00
Blending Brushes [ 153611 ]
[153611]
$17.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Splash & Relax Dies [ 167902 ]
[167902]
$28.00
Rhinestone Basic Jewels [ 144220 ]
[144220]
$6.00
more color mondays – golden glow, hydrangea hue and crisp cantaloupe

more color mondays – golden glow, hydrangea hue and crisp cantaloupe

by | Jun 8, 2026 | card samples, card sketches, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, In Colors, product reviews, stamps ink paper, techniques

Today’s color challenge features three of the five NEW 2026-2028 In Color collection – Golden Glow, Hydrangea Hue and Crisp Cantaloupe.

This easy card uses a blended water splatter technique background.

Measurements:
BASE: Hydrangea Hue CS 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″ scrap for banner die
DSP: 3″ x 3″, (2) 2″ x 2″

Take the Basic White layer and a blending brush and color the top third with Golden Glow ink.
Color the middle third with a new blending brush and the Hydrangea Hue ink pad.
Color the bottom third with a new blending brush and the Crisp Cantaloupe ink pad.
Take the large water painter brush and squeeze out a large puddle of water onto the glass matte studio surface – tap the end of the brush to drop water sprinkles over the surface of the blended background layer. The water sprinkled on the surface will lift the ink and create a splattered background technique. This distresses the paper layer in a unique way – different every time you do it!
Adhere the splattered blended layer to the Hydrangea hue card base.
Die cut the banner dies in three sizes with each of the colors – Golden Glow, Hydrangea Hue and Crsip Cantaloupe from the 2026-2028 In Color 12″ x 12″ DSP pack. Pick different patterns in the three different colors and die cut.

Adhere them with the largest banner in the upper center of the card base. Then adhere the two other smaller banners to the left and the right side overlapping and matching up the top edge to be even with the center banner.

Punch out two of the butterfly images from the NEW Floral Flight Accents embellishments and adhere them over the banners.
Die cut the shorter, thicker banner from the Stylish Shapes die set and stamp the “fluttering by to say hi” sentiment from the All Aflutter stamp set in Hydrangea Hue ink. Blend the edges with a blending brush.
Pop up the sentiment piece on Stampin’ Dimensionals and place in the bottom center of the card front.
Add three 2026-2028 In Color Dots around the sentiment to complete this easy and fun card.

Try using this technique to make a background and create some artwork of your very own using this background and the stamps you have at home – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
All Aflutter Bundle (English) [ 167570 ]
[167570]
$41.25
All Aflutter Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167564 ]
[167564]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Hydrangea Hue 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 167687 ]
[167687]
$14.00
2026–2028 In Color™ Painted Patterns 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167755 ]
[167755]
$19.00
Floral Flight Accents [ 167558 ]
[167558]
$6.50
Hydrangea Hue Classic Stampin' Pad [ 167677 ]
[167677]
$14.00
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[163987]
$60.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$28.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$9.00
Stampin' Seal+
[149699]
$13.00
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]
$17.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
2026–2028 In Color™ Dots [ 167546 ]
[167546]
$9.00
hidden edge dsp card

hidden edge dsp card

by | May 15, 2026 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, In Colors, masculine cards, new catalog, techniques

Fern and Flora Bundle was the After Hours stamp set and dies that we were able to pre-order for OnStage 2026 Convention and got to play with and make lovely pre-designed cards with after one of the convention days.

This lovely set is perfect for those that love plants and nature themed sets! Today’s card is a fun hidden dsp edged card – super simple to make and recreate with any DSP or colored cardstock that you have lying around!

Measurements:
Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5 1/2″
4″ x 5 1/4″, scraps for dies
DSP: 1″ x 5 1/4″

Die cut a variety of the fern dies from the Fern and Flora die set from the scrap Basic White CS you will need 4-6 depending on the sizes.
I choose 6 dies and three ink colors – Granny Apple Green, Old Olive and the NEW 2026-2028 In Color Peaceful Pine inks.

Blend the dies with the different colors I choose two dies for each color and tried to color them with different pressures to vary the hue of the colors.

Emboss the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer with the Fern and Flora 3D embossing folder – this one is stunning!
Adhere the embossed layer to the card front.

Take and place adhesive ONLY on the left hand side of the back of the DSP layer. This allows the right-hand edge to have no adhesive and act like a pocket being able to “tuck” the dies under the “hidden edge”!

Adhere the DSP to the left-hand edge of the embossed layer.

Using the silicon matte because these dies are delicate and this will protect your surface from getting glue all over, place multi-purpose glue to the backs of each of the die cuts and tuck them under the DSP edge starting at the top of the card and overlapping until you reach the bottom of the card!
I stamped three moth images in the NEW Hybrid Black ink – which I love – this will replace the Memento ink and is awesome as you can watercolor with it and use Stampin’ Blends to color without smearing!

I then colored the wings of the three moths with the Golden Glow Shimmer Brush, the sparkle is so luscious!

Add the Moths to the card front – I adhered one directly to the DSP and popped the other two up on Stampin’ Dimensionals.
I added 2 Golden Glow embellishments from the 2026-2028 In Color Dots to the card front.
I took a close up of the Shimmer Brush results – can you see that Sparkle? I hope you can!
I added a stamped sentiment box and the sentiment from the Fern and Flora stamp set and colored the border in Golden Glow Shimmer Brush!

Love this masculine card – don’t you?
Try this hidden DSP edge next time you stamp!Now it’s your turn to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Moonlit Flora Suite Collection (English) [ 167749 ]
[167749]
$87.00
Fern & Flora Bundle (English) [ 167745 ]
[167745]
$54.00
Fern & Flora Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167739 ]
[167739]
$25.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad [ 147095 ]
[147095]
$9.00
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147090 ]
[147090]
$9.00
Peaceful Pine Classic Stampin Pad [ 167679 ]
[167679]
$14.00
Moonlit Flora 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167737 ]
[167737]
$13.00
Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial) [ 163987 ]
[163987]
$60.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$28.00
Bone Folder
[102300]
$8.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$9.00
Stampin' Seal+
[149699]
$13.00
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]
$17.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Fern & Flora Dies [ 168991 ]
[168991]
$35.00
Fern & Flora 3 D Embossing Folder [ 167744 ]
[167744]
$11.00
Golden Glow Shimmer Brush [ 167662 ]
[167662]
$10.00
2026–2028 In Color™ Dots [ 167546 ]
[167546]
$9.00
april stampin’ up! creative challenge

april stampin’ up! creative challenge

by | Apr 8, 2026 | card samples, masculine cards, sneak peak, stamps ink paper, techniques

Do you know that Stampin’ Up! sponsors a creative challenge every month?

April features a challenge to use two different coloring tools! Will you rise to the challenge? If you create a card or project using this challenge post it on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #SUCREATIVECHALLENGE see Stampin’ Up’s video announcing the new challenge by going to this link

Here’s my card for the challenge using water painters and blending brushes two of my favorites!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ , scrap for
the die
Granny Apple Green CS: 1/4″ x 4″ strip scrap for
leaf die
Vellum CS: scrap for Spotlight on Nature circle
die

I combined some OLD AND NEW PRODUCTS – some LAST CHANCE items – Petals of Beauty dies and some sneak peak Phrases and Frames bundle…

I die cut the middle die from the Phrases and Frames bundle and used the frame and the inside piece. I blended the lower right-hand corner of the inside piece.

I added a drop of ink refill to my glass mat and added water to the drop from my Water Painter. I diluted the drop so it was very watery and tapped the edge of the water painter over the blending brush handle over the blended rectangular piece to add a splatter effect! Such an easy effect with HUGE impact!
I blended the Granny Apple Green onto the card front.
Adhere the rectangle to the card base off to the right-hand side of center.
Die cut the open leaf die from the Petals of Beauty die set in Granny Apple Green CS – cut into two sections and add glue to the frame and add the leaf sections under the frame on bottom and top corners. Adhere over the rectangle.
Die cut one of the circles from the Spotlight in Nature die set in Vellum CS and stamp the Thinking of You sentiment from the Phrases and Frames stamp set in Granny Apple Green ink and blend the edges.
Adhere the Granny Apple Green strip over the bottom of the vellum circle. Add glue under the vellum where the strip is to adhere to the card without the glue being visible.
Add the vellum circle onto the card.
Add a black accent from the Floral Flight Accents upcoming in the new catalog from the Beautiful Ordinary Life suite of products.
Add an extra Petals of Beauty leaf die.
Add embellishments to finish the card.

Coloring tools can add a lot to a card do not discount the little details can make a BIG difference!

Here is the same card design using a different Floral Flight accent!

Such fun! Try this #SUCREATIVECHALLENGE today and see what you can create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

REMINDER: All of the SNEAK PEAK products will not be in the photo links below until they are available!

Product List
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
Vellum 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper [ 167099 ]
[167099]
$10.00
Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad [ 147095 ]
[147095]
$9.00
Granny Apple Green Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [ 147163 ]
[147163]
$5.50
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
Petals Of Beauty Dies [ 167095 ]
[167095]
$35.00