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
building a reflection with light and wonder set

building a reflection with light and wonder set

by | Oct 24, 2025 | card samples, die cutting, my favorites, new catalog, techniques

Have you ever wondered how to create a water reflection scene on a card? Well today I will describe my process that I used to create these cards for this reflection post!

Measurements:
BASE: Gorgeous Grape CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Basic Black CS: 2: x 5 1/2″

Die cut the Basic Black layer with the smaller tree die from the Light & Wonder bundle.

Take the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer and create a mirror image of the colors you choose for the sunset. I used Gorgeous Grape, Poppy Parade and Pumpkin Pie.

I started with the deepest color (Gorgeous Grape) on top and less on the bottom I used a circular motion for the color on the top but a back and forth motion on the bottom.

I continued with the second deepest color (Poppy Parade) below the Gorgeous Grape and less on the bottom just above the grape – I used a circular motion for the color on the top but a back and forth motion on the bottom.
I colored the middle of the layer with the Pumpkin Pie color and blending brush.
I positioned the die cut and the negative die cut above and below one another to get an idea of the placement.
Using a blending brush and Gray Granite ink I brushed in an upward stroke over the negative die space. Darker on the bottom and lighter as I stroked upward.
I colored over the bottom of the Basic White layer below the tree shadow reflections with a blending brush and Azure Afternoon ink for the water – because there is already color there the blue will color over but not completely mask the color so it looks like the water is reflecting the color in the sky! I placed more blue color closer to the tree line and less at the bottom of the layer.
Using a water painter and a drop of Craft White ink refill I lightly brushed side to side with the brush to streak the water with white lines and then went over the center area with a Wink of Stella glitter pen for a little sparkle!
I stamped the sentiments in Gorgeous Grape ink at the top of the layer.
Adhere the tree die just above the reflection shadow and cut off the overhang.
Adhere the colored layer onto the Gorgeous Grape card base.
I added three of the purple hued Frosted Iridescent Dots from the Lights of Aurora Suite Collection around the sentiment to finish off this stunning card with coordinating sparkle!

The first card that I did with this technique I tried Crushed Curry at the bottom inside of mirroring the colors and it took on a brighter tone like it captured the moments before the sun goes down! Two different looks just by experimenting with the colors used on the background! Try this technique and let me know what you create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Lights Of Aurora Suite Collection (English) [ 165768 ]
[165768]
$81.25
Light & Wonder Bundle (English) [ 165763 ]
[165763]
$51.25
Light & Wonder Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 165756 ]
[165756]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 121045 ]
[121045]
$14.00
Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146987 ]
[146987]
$14.00
Azure Afternoon Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161663 ]
[161663]
$9.00
Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147087 ]
[147087]
$9.00
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147099 ]
[147099]
$9.00
Gray Granite Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147118 ]
[147118]
$9.00
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147050 ]
[147050]
$9.00
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147086 ]
[147086]
$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
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Light & Wonder Dies [ 165762 ]
[165762]
$38.00
Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [ 141897 ]
[141897]
$9.00
Frosted Iridescent Dots [ 165766 ]
[165766]
$9.00
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 – petunia pop, azure afternoon and gorgeous grape

more color mondays – petunia pop, azure afternoon and gorgeous grape

by | Jun 2, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, embossing folders, In Colors, more color mondays, my favorites, new catalog

Today’s More Color Mondays color challenge features Petunia Pop, Azure Afternoon, and Gorgeous Grape hues for a bright and cheery birthday card using the single stamp set Simple Birthday!

Measurements:
BASE: Azure Afternoon CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: 3 1/2″ x 4 3/4″
Petunia Pop CS: 3 5/8″ x 4 7/8″
Gorgeous Grape CS: 3 3/4″ x 5″

Stamp the Simple Birthday sentiment onto the 3 1/2″ x 4 3/4″ Basic White layer in Tuxedo Black Memento ink.

Using blending brushes on the Basic White layer add a strip of Petunia pop ink with a Blending Brush to the top third of the Basic White layer.
Then add Azure Afternoon ink with a Blending Brush to the middle third of the Basic White Layer.
Add Gorgeous Grape ink with a Blending Brush to the lower third of the Basic White layer.
Place the garden folder of the Glass and Garden mini embossing folder over the middle of the Basic White blended area and emboss with the flower images.
Using a Stampin’ Spritzer filled with water spray the surface of the Basic WHite layer with the Spritzer and dry the splatter effect created when the water lifts the ink color with a Heat Tool.
Adhere the Basic White blended layer to the Petunia Pop layer.
Adhere the layers to the Gorgeous Grape layer.
Adhere the front of the card base with the Garden embossing folder from the Glass and Garden embossing folders, right down the middle of the card front.
Add Stampin’ Dimensionals along the back of the Layered piece and adhere to the back of the card the White 1/4″ ribbon from the Botanical Textures Suite wrapping it around the middle of the card.
Adhere to the Azure Afternoon card front.
Adhere the Two Toned Sparkle Gems to the card front to finish off this lovely and easy Simple Birthday card.

Try this coloring technique with a larger sentiment from your stash and see what fun color combinations you can create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie