more color mondays – real red, pumpkin pie and crushed curry

more color mondays – real red, pumpkin pie and crushed curry

by | Dec 1, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, embossing folders, masks, more color mondays, my favorites, online exclusives, stamps ink paper, techniques

Today’s More Color Mondays color challenge card contains a technique I have shown before with a little twist!

I love white on white cards with a slash of color – and up north we are receiving a lot of the white stuff so I was in need of a SLASH of color!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″, (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″ layers,
1/2″ strip scrap

Yep that is it supplies are minimal but the results are a WOW!

Take the two Basic White CS layers and die cut one with the Textured Notes rectangular dies – I used the fourth largest rectangle.

Save the die cut for another use as we will be using the negative die as a mask.

Take the other layer and emboss using the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine with Base Plate #1 and Embossing Plate #4 and the Sunflower 3D embossing folder.

I used my glass mat and taped the mask over the embossed layer – securing them down so they don’t move.
I burnished Crushed Curry ink with a blending brush in a strip down the right side of the inside of the masked portion of the layers.
I burnished Pumpkin Pie ink with a blending brush in a strip down the middle of the inside of the masked portion of the layers.
I burnished Real Red ink with a blending brush in a strip down the left side of the inside of the masked portion of the layers.
Normally when I do a White Wash technique I drag the Craft White ink pad over cardstock to create the Whitewashed look but I did not want to drag my white pad over bright ink colors and corrupt the white pad. The craft ink would have re-wet the colored ink and destroyed the ink pad so I took my palette knife and made an ink slurry with Craft White re-inker and water (you can use a Stampin’ Spritzer to wet the ink) then mixed and spread it on an acrylic block with the flat bottom of the palette knife.
I then dragged the palette knife over the Sunflower embossed surface to give the tips of the petals a white washed effect!
Remove the mask and reveal your lovely layer!
I used a Basic White 1/2″ strip scrap and stamped the “just because” sentiment from the Blooming Phrases stamp set and colored it with the residual ink left on the blending brushes in the same order as done on the card!
Adhere the layer to the card base and adhere the sentiment piece on Stampin’ Dimensionals for some added depth and dimension!

Add some Basic Rhinestone Jewels to the card to finish it off with a little sparkle and this simple but stunning card is complete!

Imagine the possibilities – use any shape and make a mask and color inside the negative space!

Now go and try this technique and make some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Textured Notes Bundle (English) [ 165556 ]
[165556]
$48.50
Blooming Phrases Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 165523 ]
[165523]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147087 ]
[147087]
$9.00
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147084 ]
[147084]
$9.00
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147086 ]
[147086]
$9.00
Whisper White Craft Stampin' Ink Refill [ 101780 ]
[101780]
$7.00
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
Palette Knives [ 142808 ]
[142808]
$5.00
Clear Block D [ 118485 ]
[118485]
$9.50
Stampin' Spritzer [ 126185 ]
[126185]
$6.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Sunflower 3 D Embossing Folder [ 166145 ]
[166145]
$12.00
Textured Notes Dies [ 165555 ]
[165555]
$31.00
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
beautiful gallery watercolor gate fold card

beautiful gallery watercolor gate fold card

by | May 30, 2025 | card samples, die cutting, fun fold, In Colors, new catalog, techniques

Happy Friday! I am back in PA after settling my youngest in New England for a summer internship and after spending the day cleaning up dry wall dust that is EVERYWHERE! I took a much needed crafting break and created this gate fold watercolor card! Hope you like it!

Measurements:
BASE: Timid Tiger CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 2 1/8″ in from each end
Fluid 100 paper: (2) 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
Basic White CS: scraps for die cuts and
sentiment strip and 4″ x 5 1/4″ inside layer

I used a retired block (sorry I forgot that we had retired the I acrylic block) but you can use any size you have on hand!
I added color to the top third of the block by pressing the ink pad directly onto the acrylic block.

I applied Timid Tiger ink directly onto the middle of the acrylic block (it is ok to overlap a darker ink color but you will contaminate the ink pad if you stamp a lighter ink color over an existing darker color!)
I applied Poppy Parade to the bottom of the acrylic block.
I sprayed the acrylic block with water from a Stampin’ Spritzer and placed the two pieces of Fluid 100 paper together and stamped the block of ink directly onto the middle of the papers. I held the block in place for a few seconds to allow the water and ink color to penetrate the fluid 100 Watercolor paper.
Score the base card 2 1/8″ in from each side of the 8 1/2″ side of the card. Fold inward until the two sides meet in the middle – this is called a gate-fold card.
I added the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer to the inside of the card.
I stamped an image from the Gallery Blooms stamp set to the bottom of the Basic White layer for a little added interest!
I adhered the Fluid 100 papers right up to the inside edges of the gate fold.

I die cut two images from the Beautiful Motifs die set in scrap Basic White cardstock and adhered one to each side of the gate fold.

I stamped a thank you sentiment from the Beautiful Motifs stamp set in Timid Tiger to the left hand side of the 1″ x 5 1/2″ Basic White strip and added some flower images from the Gallery Blooms stamp set in Crushed Curry to the right hand side.
I adhered only the left hand side of the sentiment piece so that the card will still open.
I adhered three 2025-2027 In Color Flat Pearls in Timid Tiger to finish off the first version of this card.

I decided to add a little sparkle and depth to the card by adding a splatter technique by tapping the brush tip side of the Poppy Parade Stampin’ Blends over the card front.

I brushed the leaves and petals of the two die cuts with Wink of Stella and the wet brush moves a little of the ink color over the dies as well as added a fine sparkle that is gorgeous but subtle and it does not show well in these photos but trust me it is amazing!
Such a fun card and I am glad to be home and crafting again!

Try this fun fold and some of the techniques I shared and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Beautiful Gallery Suite Collection (English) [ 165217 ]
[165217]
$139.25
Beautiful Motifs Bundle (English) [ 165206 ]
[165206]
$45.75
Beautiful Motifs Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 165198 ]
[165198]
$18.00
Gallery Blooms Bundle [ 165213 ]
[165213]
$53.00
Gallery Blooms Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 165211 ]
[165211]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper [ 149612 ]
[149612]
$9.00
Timid Tiger 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 165626 ]
[165626]
$14.00
Timid Tiger Classic Stampin' Pad [ 165278 ]
[165278]
$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]
$130.00
Beautiful Motifs Dies [ 165205 ]
[165205]
$33.00
Clear Block F [ 118483 ]
[118483]
$19.00
Clear Block I [ 118488 ]
[118488]
$13.00
Poppy Parade Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154958 ]
[154958]
$11.00
Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [ 141897 ]
[141897]
$9.00
2025–2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls [ 165192 ]
[165192]
$8.50
Stampin' Spritzer [ 126185 ]
[126185]
$6.00
beautiful butterflies spotlight technique

beautiful butterflies spotlight technique

by | Apr 4, 2025 | card samples, my favorites, stamps ink paper, techniques

I have always loved this technique it was one of the first techniques I learned over 23 years ago when I was brand new to stamping and it is just as simple and impressive today!

TO SPOTLIGHT:a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage. b. : public notice or attention.
While the dictionary definition helps the crafting term uses color instead of light to illuminate a small piece of the entire stamped image to create notice or draw attention!

What better stamp set to use this technique with than the Beautiful Butterflies!

Measurements:
BASE: Crushed Curry CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic Black CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″ and 2 3/4″ x 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 3 3/4″ x 5″ and 2 1/2″ x 4″

Place the two Basic White layers of cardstock smaller one on top and evenly spaced in the center of the larger layer.
Place the uninked large butterfly image over the layers and decide where you would like to place two partial images of the butterfly.
Ink up the entire butterfly image with Memento ink and stamp over both layers of cardstock press VERY firmly as you are stamping on two separate pieces of cardstock and need to get the image on the bottom layer as well as the smaller top layer.
(Do not worry if the image does not stamp just to the outside of the smaller layer this will be covered by the smaller Basic Black layer)
Color the butterfly images on the smaller layer ONLY! This is your SPOTLIGHT area.

I used Daffodil Delight light first then dark then light Stampin’ Blends markers to blend.
Then I colored the rest of the butterfly images on the smaller layer with the Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blends in the same order as with the Daffodil Blends. I went over the entire image with the Dark Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends to finish the blending of the butterfly spotlighted image.
Adhere the smaller Basic White layer to the smaller Basic Black image.
Adhere the large Basic Black image to the Crushed Curry cardstock base and then adhere the larger Basic White layer to the card base over the Basic Black layer.

Adhere the smaller spotlighted layers to the larger Basic White layer matching up the images as best you can.
Stamp the sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink in the center of the two spotlighted butterfly images.
Stamp two smaller butterflies in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on the top and bottom diagonally on the other large Basic White CS layer.
Adhere to the second 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic Black layer and after stamping the sentiment adhere to the inside of the card base.
Apply Wink of Stella to the colored wings.
Adhere embellishments to finish off this spotlighting technique card!

I just LOVE the way this turned out – this is just one way to spotlight – try stamping and spotlighting one of your stamped images and see what artwork of your own you can create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Beautiful Butterflies Bundle (English)
[164615]
$59.25
Beautiful Butterflies Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
[164608]
$24.00
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[121045]
$11.50
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$13.00
Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[131199]
$11.50
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
Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154883]
$11.00
Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154897]
$11.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$130.00
Beautiful Butterflies Hybrid Embossing Folder
[164614]
$42.00
Adhesive Backed Pearl Trio
[163319]
$7.50
more color mondays – crushed curry, peach pie and calypso coral exploring analogous colors

more color mondays – crushed curry, peach pie and calypso coral exploring analogous colors

by | Jan 6, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, In Colors, masks, scrapbooking, sneak peak, stamps ink paper, techniques

I have written a little about color theory before. Most of us know only the basics about color unless you majored in ART! I majored in Pharmacy pretty far away from an art major! Although I have loved the art of stamping for almost 25 years now i am still no expert in color theory. I do know the basics and I think I have an innate eye for what colors look pleasing together but I love tools that can help me with what colors WORK together and our newer tool the Color Wheel does just that!
On pages 132-133 of the current 2024-2025 catalog we have devoted two pages to color theory and our new color wheel.

Monochromatic –
choose colors with the same tints or shades
of the same color
Complementary – opposites attract – pair colors
that are opposite each other on the color
wheel to create bold, contrasting color
combinations
Analogous – choose three colors that are side
by side on the color wheel. These
neighboring colors work together to create
harmony and balance.
Triadic – choose three colors evenly spaced
around the color wheel. Our wheel is
created with a triadic line pointing in the
inside window that points out these special
combinations.

Today’s card is an analogous example of color theory and Crushed Curry, Peach Pie and Calypso Coral all belong in the Orange to Yellow-Orange spectrum.

This is a single layer card as simple as simple stamping gets but the mask creates an incredibly layered look that belies it’s simplicity!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″

I die cut the Linked Together rectangular trellis and actually used the negative space as a mask to prevent the ink from going outside this rectangle. Save the trellis die for another card!
Place the #1 mask over the rectangular negative die and mark the notch on your grid paper so that the following masks line up.
Using a blending brush and a circular motion pick up Crushed Curry ink from the ink pad and brush through the mask onto the card front below the mask.
Remove mask #1 but keep the rectangular paper mask in place.
Place mask #2 in the notch created with mask#1 and brush with a new blending brush and Peach Pie ink.
Remove the plastic #2 mask keeping the paper rectangular mask in place.
Place mask #5 in the notch and using a new blending brush and Calypso Coral ink I brushed the lower half in a diagonal line with this ink.
Remove both the plastic and rectangular masks.
Stamp the sentiment of choice from the Linked Together stamp set in Calypso Coral ink and tie the Peach Pie ribbon around the center of the card front.
Add the embellishments and your simply stamped card is complete! I used the white sequins from the Adhesive-Backed Sequins Trio and colored them with the Dark Calypso Coral Stampin’ Blends marker to make them coordinate perfectly!

Do you have masks at home? This is a fabulous bundle with incredible possibilities and I cannot wait to do some more creating! Try a mask card today or if you don’t have one order this one on January 7th!

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Reminder: the Linked Together Bundle is a sneak Peak and will be available tomorrow so it will not be listed in the photo directory below at the time of posting.

Product List
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$13.00
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
[147101]
$9.00
Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad
[147087]
$9.00
Peach Pie Classic Stampin Pad
[163810]
$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
Water Painters
[151298]
$13.00
Blending Brushes
[153611]
$15.00
Small Blending Brushes
[160518]
$14.00
Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154881]
$11.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$130.00
Adhesive Backed Sequins Trio
[161206]
$8.00
Peach Pie 3/8" (1 Cm) Bordered Ribbon
[163783]
$7.50