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
best starter kit deal ever!

best starter kit deal ever!

by | Oct 1, 2025 | card samples, die cutting, masks, online exclusives, techniques

Can you believe it’s October already?

Today starts one of the best starter kit deals ever!
New team members who purchase their starter kit from October 1 to 31 will be able to choose between these two offers:

$125 USD worth of products for just $35 USD
$189 USD worth of products for just $99 USD

…and still free shipping!

Today’s card is a sweet monochromatic Halloween card using the Spooky Halloween bundle.

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″, 4″ x 5 1/4″, scrap for die
Basic Black CS: 2 1/4″ x 4 1/4″

Die cut a smaller Stylish Shapes die circle and place a small roll of Scotch tape to the back of the circle in the upper right-hand corner of the Basic White layer.
Color the layer with a blending brush and Secret Sea ink.
Stamp the top portion of the layer with the star image from the Spooky Halloween bundle with Secret Sea ink.
Remove the mask.
Stamp the sentiment onto the left-hand side of the layer.

Adhere the layer to the card base.

Die cut the house and bats on Basic Black CS and stamp the Halloween critter from the Spooky Halloween bundle in Secret Sea ink and die cut.
Adhere them to the card front.
Adhere three black stars from the Shimmer Star Foam stickers onto the card front.

Don’t like Halloween cards – try this technique with the Light & Wonder bundle.
If you are thinking about getting some home supplies to start your paper crafting journey now is the time – this starter kit deal is the best ever! Let me know if you want help ordering some supplies and getting your own starter kit!

Try creating some artwork of your very own one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Spooky Halloween Bundle (English) [ 166199 ]
[166199]
$45.00
Spooky Halloween Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166192 ]
[166192]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Secret Sea 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 165624 ]
[165624]
$14.00
Secret Sea Classic Stampin' Pad [ 165285 ]
[165285]
$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
Spooky Halloween Dies [ 166198 ]
[166198]
$31.00
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
$30.00
Shimmer Star Foam Stickers [ 166202 ]
[166202]
$9.50
more color mondays – misty moonlight, flirty flamingo, and granny apple green

more color mondays – misty moonlight, flirty flamingo, and granny apple green

by | Sep 22, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, specialty papers, stamps ink paper, techniques

Cut and switch cards are super easy and fun – easy to make multiple cards.

Today’s More Color Mondays features Misty Moonlight, Flirty Flamingo, and Granny Apple Green.

Measurements:
BASE: Misty Moonlight CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, scrap for the die
Granny Apple Green CS: 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″, scrap
for the die
DSP: (2) 3 3/4″ x 5″
Specialty Paper: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Flirty Flamingo CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scrap for the die
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scrap for the
sentiment die

Measure and mark 1 1/4″ on one side from the top and bottom and 2″ on the other side from the bottom and the top
Cut all three Designer Series Papers from the 1 1/4″ to the 2″ mark diagonally.

Cut and swap the three pieces of Designer Series Paper.
Take the Irresistible Designs Specialty Paper and color it with the three colors from More Color Mondays color challenge with Blending Brushes.
Adhere the Granny Apple Green layer to the Misty Moonlight base.
Adhere the Flirty Flamingo layer to the Granny Apple Green layer.
Adhere the mixed DSP cuts to the Flirty Flamingo layer.
Die cut the large foliage sprigs out of the Misty Moonlight, Granny Apple Green, and Flirty Flamingo layers.

Die cut the large banner 3 times out of Basic White CS scraps.
On each die cut stamp sentiments in the More Color Mondays colors and blend the matching color around the edges.

Adhere the foliage sprigs to the right-hand lower corner of each of the three cards.

Pop up the sentiment piece on Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhere over the foliage die in a different color.
Add three Basic Rhinestones Jewels around the sentiments.
Cut and swap cards are so fun!
Try this card with your own supplies and see what you can come up with.

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Mixed Media Florals Suite Collection (English) [ 164659 ]
[164659]
$128.00
The Right Words Cling Stamp Set (English) [ 165316 ]
[165316]
$26.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Irresistible Designs 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 165305 ]
[165305]
$10.00
Mixed Media Florals 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 164638 ]
[164638]
$12.50
Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 141416 ]
[141416]
$14.00
Granny Apple Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146990 ]
[146990]
$14.00
Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 153081 ]
[153081]
$14.00
Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147052 ]
[147052]
$9.00
Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad [ 147095 ]
[147095]
$9.00
Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad [ 153118 ]
[153118]
$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
Mixed Florals Dies [ 164641 ]
[164641]
$39.00
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
$30.00
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