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
more color mondays – pretty peacock, blackberry bliss and crumb cake

more color mondays – pretty peacock, blackberry bliss and crumb cake

by | Jan 12, 2026 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, embossing folders, new catalog, online exclusives, stamps ink paper, techniques

I wanted to create some fun background papers for this card so I took each of the challenge colors and did the same technique with each (I only have pictures of the Pretty Peacock version)

The first thing I did was blend color onto a 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer of Basic White CS with a Blending Brush.

Next I placed a drop of Ink refill in the lid of the ink pad and dipped the wide Water Painter into the ink and liquified it with extra water.

I splattered the ink onto the layer that was set on my glass mat.

Do not disturb the over splatter it will be used in the next step of the technique!

I then moved the layer and sprayed the over splatter with a Stampin’ Spritzer filled with water.

I turned the layer blended color side down on the glass matte surface over the water and patted the layer down to absorb the water – I moved the layer around to wet different portions of the layer in the over splattered water.

Allow the layer to dry.

I repeated this step with the other two colors of ink – Blackberry Bliss and Crumb Cake.

I cut the Crumb Cake layer into 1 1/2″ x 4″ strips and added it to the Crumb Cake card front.

I forgot to take pictures of the next steps – so sorry! I stamped the large leaf image from the Nature’s Symphony stamp set in Pretty Peacock ink and then cut them out with the corresponding die.

I cut the large leaf die from the Blackberry Bliss colored layer.

I cut a circle die from the Spotlight on Nature dies in Crumb Cake CS and stamped the “you make me smile” sentiment in Pretty Peacock ink.

I arranged the Blackberry bliss dies and the stamped Pretty Peacock leaves under the sentiment circle. I popped the circle up on Stampin’ Dimensionals and finished arranging the leaves in a loose cluster around the card!

I added 5 Faceted Snowflakes in the pretty Peacock hue to finish the card with a sweet color coordination – I think the snowflakes look like stars and loved the faceted look it gave this card!

I hope this inspires you to try this fun background technique and see what you can create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Nature Walk Suite Collection (English) [ 166936 ]
[166936]
$84.75
Nature's Symphony Bundle (English) [ 166926 ]
[166926]
$46.75
Nature's Symphony Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166919 ]
[166919]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 120953 ]
[120953]
$14.00
Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147092 ]
[147092]
$9.00
Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [ 133648 ]
[133648]
$5.50
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147116 ]
[147116]
$9.00
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill [ 121029 ]
[121029]
$5.50
Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad [ 150083 ]
[150083]
$9.00
Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill [ 150090 ]
[150090]
$5.50
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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Nature's Symphony Dies [ 166925 ]
[166925]
$33.00
Faceted Snowflakes [ 166077 ]
[166077]
$10.00
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

spring corners card

spring corners card

by | Mar 12, 2025 | card samples, die cutting, online exclusives, stamps ink paper, techniques

This simply stamped card uses the new Online Exclusives set Spring Corners.

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
3 3/4″ x 5″
Daffodil Delight CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″

Die cut the daisy corner die from the Spring Corners bundle in the left-hand corner.
Stamp the corner sentiment in the opposite corner.
Adhere the Daffodil Delight layer to the card base.
Adhere the die cut layer over the Daffodil Delight CS layer.
Blend Daffodil Delight ink on the smaller die cut layer.
Tap water droplets from a Water Painter against a bone folder creating water splatters.
The water smeared the word day so I stamped that word again and I popped up the word over the original to emphasize it and add some additional depth and dimension to the card.
Adhere Adhesive-Backed Sparkle Gems around the sentiment and this simple corner card is finished.
Such a fun stamping around the corners of the card piece of art!
Try stamping words you have around the edges of the card for some fun intrigue to your next card or get this fun Online Exclusive bundle!

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Spring Corners Bundle (English)
[164743]
$46.75
Spring Corners Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
[164738]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[159276]
$13.00
Daffodil Delight 8-1/2
[119683]
$11.50
Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad
[147094]
$9.00
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
[132708]
$8.00
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 Stampin' Dimensionals
[144108]
$4.25
Stampin' Dimensionals
[104430]
$4.25
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
Blending Brushes
[153611]
$15.00
Water Painters
[151298]
$13.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$130.00
Spring Corners Dies
[164742]
$32.00
Adhesive Backed Sparkle Gems
[161288]
$8.50
more color mondays azure afternoon, coastal cabana, and lemon lime twist

more color mondays azure afternoon, coastal cabana, and lemon lime twist

by | Feb 3, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, embossing folders, more color mondays, my favorites, new catalog

Today’s blog post card is another card using the card layouts on page 22 from the current 2024-2025 Annual Catalog. These colors pop off the page for this More Color Monday color challenge of Azure Afternoon, Coastal Cabana and Lemon Lime Twist.

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic Black CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Fluid 100 paper

Using the Fluid 100 Paper, I picked three colors: Azure Afternoon, Coastal Cabana, and Lemon Lime Twist.
Color the entire surface of the Fluid 100 paper with Blending Brushes in the three ink colors.
Using a Stampin’ Spritzer filled with water and a large Water Painter and spray the surface with water splatter and drop water from the water painter. Allow the paper to dry.
Emboss the Basic Black layer with the Beattiful Butterflies hybrid embossing folder.
Adhere the embossed layer to the card front.
Die cut the large butterfly from the Fluid 100 paper and adhere the top half of the card.
Color the Basic Rhinestones Jewels with the Azure Afternoon Stampin’ Blends.
Stamp the Happy Birthday sentiment from the Beautiful Butterflies stamp set on the Fluid 100 paper and die cut the sentiment piece.
Pop up the sentiment piece with Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhere to the bottom of the card on the right hand side.
Adhere five Rhinestones to the card front around the butterflies and sentiment piece.
I love this card – the colors pop off the Basic Black embossed layer.

Try to make a card with Basic Black and pops of color! Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Beautiful Bokeh Suite Collection (English)
[164619]
$79.25
Beautiful Butterflies Bundle (English)
[164615]
$59.25
Beautiful Butterflies Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
[164608]
$24.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[159276]
$13.00
Basic Black 8-1/2
[121045]
$11.50
Azure Afternoon Classic Stampin' Pad
[161663]
$9.00
Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin' Pad
[147097]
$9.00
Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad
[147145]
$9.00
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 Stampin' Dimensionals
[144108]
$4.25
Stampin' Dimensionals
[104430]
$4.25
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
Azure Afternoon Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack
[161672]
$11.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$130.00
Beautiful Butterflies Hybrid Embossing Folder
[164614]
$42.00
Rhinestone Basic Jewels
[144220]
$6.00