more color mondays – gorgeous grape, lemon lime twist and balmy blue

more color mondays – gorgeous grape, lemon lime twist and balmy blue

by | Jan 19, 2026 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, more color mondays, my favorites, techniques

It’s another More Color Monday color challenge featuring three colors I love Gorgeous Grape, Lemon Lime Twist and Balmy Blue. I also LOVE this technique the Stampin’ Blends alcohol Vellum technique.

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″, scraps for the dies
Vellum: 3″ x 6″
Gorgeous Grape CS: 1/2″ x 5 1/2″, scrap for die
Balmy Blue CS: 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
Lemon Lime Twist CS: 1/2″ x 5 1/2″

Since Gorgeous Grape is such a dark color, so the Highland Heather Dark Stampin’ Blend is very close to Gorgeous Grape color.

I colored with the side of the Dark Highland Heather Stampin Blend paint brush on the vellum.

Spray the vellum with 99% alcohol from a Stampin’ Spritzer.
Dry the vellum with the Heat Tool and push the alcohol and ink color around until the alcohol evaporates.
Start coloring the vellum with other colors – one color at a time, spray the vellum with alcohol and push the color with the Heat Tool until the alcohol evaporates.

Repeat with different colors until you like the look of the vellum.

Stamp a sentiment in Versamark ink and sprinkle with the white WOW embossing powder. Heat with a Heat tool until the powder is melted.

Use the Three Banner Punch and punch out the sentiment piece.

Cut 2 sections of all three colors of CS in 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ and adhere them together so that you have two sections of three colors.
Use the three color sections and adhere to either side of the vellum.

Die cut the large leaf die from the Beautiful Motifs dies set from a Basic White CS scraps.

Adhere the vellum down with the colored CS strips.

Adhere the die to the top of the colored vellum.

Notice how the vellum is magnified by placing it on top of the Basic White CS!

I punched the sentiment with the middle section of the Three Banner Punch.

Pop up the sentiment banner over the die and the vellum.

Die cut the flowers from the Petals of Beauty and color them with a Blending Brush and Gorgeous Grape ink.
Stamp the flower dies with the background stamps from the Swirled Designs to add texture to the petals.
I placed the stamped and textured Petal dies and popped up the flowers around the sentiment piece.
I added three white pearls of Beauty to finish off this stunning alcohol vellum cards.

Try this cool technique but know that you need to use only 99% alcohol – regular isopropyl will not do the trick! Now go and make some really fabulous colored vellum – and add one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Banner Sayings Bundle (English) [ 167051 ]
[167051]
$38.50
Banner Sayings Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167044 ]
[167044]
$17.00
Swirled Designs Bundle (English) [ 167311 ]
[167311]
$42.25
Swirled Designs Photopolymer Stamp Set [ 167030 ]
[167030]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146982 ]
[146982]
$14.00
Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146987 ]
[146987]
$14.00
Lemon Lime Twist 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 144245 ]
[144245]
$14.00
Vellum 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper [ 167099 ]
[167099]
$10.00
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147099 ]
[147099]
$9.00
Versamark Pad [ 102283 ]
[102283]
$9.50
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
Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [ 129053 ]
[129053]
$32.00
Basics Wow! Embossing Powder [ 165679 ]
[165679]
$21.00
Balmy Blue Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154830 ]
[154830]
$11.00
Highland Heather Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154887 ]
[154887]
$11.00
Lemon Lime Twist Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 161682 ]
[161682]
$11.00
Stampin' Spritzer [ 126185 ]
[126185]
$6.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Beautiful Motifs Dies [ 165205 ]
[165205]
$33.00
Petals Of Beauty Dies [ 167095 ]
[167095]
$35.00
Three Banner Punch [ 167050 ]
[167050]
$26.00
Pearls Of Beauty [ 167098 ]
[167098]
$8.00
more color mondays – pretty peacock, melon mambo and poppy parade

more color mondays – pretty peacock, melon mambo and poppy parade

by | Dec 29, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, more color mondays, new catalog, techniques

Today’s More Color Mondays color challenge features Pretty Peacock, Melon mambo and Poppy Parade.

There are a couple of fun techniques to this card and a SNEAK PEAK of the Boardwalk Fun Bundle.

Measurements:
BASE: Melon Mambo CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Poppy Parade CS: 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″, scraps for dies
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″
Pretty Peacock CS: scraps for dies
Melon mambo CS: scrap for dies

Adhere the Poppy Parade CS to the Melon Mambo CS base.
Color the bottom of one of the Basic White CS layers with a blending brush with Pretty Peacock ink.
Using another blending brush color the top of the Basic White layer with the Melon Mambo ink.
Color the top of the Basic White layer with a blending brush and Poppy Parade ink.
Spray the glass surface with water and pat the Basic White layer over the water covered glass and mix the watercolor onto the blended color surface.
Dry the layer with a heat tool.

Using the edge of a Versamark ink pad, swipe in lines over the top of the layer and concentrated in a small squiggle down at the bottom.

Sprinkle gold embossing powder over the versamark ink.

Heat with a heat tool until embossing powder melts.
Adhere the watercolored layer onto the card base.
Stamp Happy Birthday in Pretty Peacock ink on the second Basic White layer.

Color over the Basic White layer with the Melon Mambo and Poppy Parade blending brushes.

Die a small palm tree from the Boardwalk Fun die set from Pretty Peacock cardstock. Adhere the palm tree die to the right of the stamped sentiment.

Adhere the layer to the inside of the card.

Die cut the ferris wheel and the taller palm tree in Pretty Peacock CS.

Adhere to the middle of the colored layer on the card front. Pop up the ferris wheel on Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Die cut the ferris wheel carts in Poppy Parade and Melon Mambo cardstock.

Adhere the carts onto the ferris wheel in alternating colors.

Die cut the ticket die in Melon Mambo cardstock.

Stamp the Enjoy the Ride in Melon Mambo ink onto the ticket die.

Pop up the ticket onto the card front on the lower left hand corner at the base of the Ferris Wheel dies.

I love the way this background turned out – try this watercolor and heat embossing technique.

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Reminder this card is a SNEAK PEAK of an upcoming stamp bundle – the photo links for the sneak peak items will not be included below until they are available.

Product List
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 115320 ]
[115320]
$14.00
Poppy Parade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 119793 ]
[119793]
$14.00
Pretty Peacock 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 150880 ]
[150880]
$14.00
Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147051 ]
[147051]
$9.00
Versamark Pad [ 102283 ]
[102283]
$9.50
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' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [ 129053 ]
[129053]
$32.00
Metallics Wow! Embossing Powder [ 165678 ]
[165678]
$21.00
seasons of elegance pleated card

seasons of elegance pleated card

by | Nov 12, 2025 | card samples, Christmas card ideas, Designer Series Paper, fun fold, techniques

This pleated card looks so impressive and is so easy it’s all about the folding and adhering – easy peasy! Let me show you how to make this show stopper Christmas card!

Measurements:
BASE: Cherry Cobbler CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
DSP: 4″ x 9 3/4″ scored at 1/4″, 1/2″, 1 1/4″,
1 1/2″, 2 1/4″, 2 1/2″, 3 1/4″, 3 1/2″, 4 1/4″,
4 1/2″, 5 1/4″, 5 1/2″, 6 1/4″, 6 1/2″, 7 1/4″,
7 1/2″, 8 1/4″, 8 1/2″, 9 1/4″ and 9 1/2″
DSP: in a complimentary color: 1″ x 5 1/2″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″ for inside

Cut the DSP to 4″ x 9 3/4″
Then score at 1/4″, 1/2″, 1 1/4″,
1 1/2″, 2 1/4″, 2 1/2″, 3 1/4″, 3 1/2″, 4 1/4″,
4 1/2″, 5 1/4″, 5 1/2″, 6 1/4″, 6 1/2″, 7 1/4″,
7 1/2″, 8 1/4″, 8 1/2″, 9 1/4″ and 9 1/2″

Start with three mountain folds and then 2 valley, then continue with 2 mountain and 2 valleys until the end and you will have 3 mountain folds for the last three folds.

I modified the original design I found online and added a 1/4″ fold on both ends so you would have a fold back portion to secure the pleats to the card base.
This next step is the hardest and it’s really about dexterity LOL – you need to fold the pleats inward and hold them at their closest while adhering Tear-n-Tape to the back side.

This will curl – do not be alarmed that is natural because of the pleating.

Once you remove the release paper from the Tear-n-Tape and attach the pleated paper to the Card base this will eliminate the curling.

Remove the release paper from both Tear-n-Tape strips and adhere to the card base.

I heat embossed the sentiment from the Jolly Holly stamp set in Gold embossing powder with a Heat Tool and adhered the DSP embossed strip to the two end pleats.

Cut away any excess – I made that 5 1/2″ long because the pleated size will vary so you will have excess.

I added the gold colored sequins from the Traditional Sparkling Sequins -these are my new favorite holiday embellishment – you can use them as is or you can color the lighter ones with Stampin’ Blends markers – they are so sparkly and versatile!

This easy WOW card is a fabulous design – try it today with your stash of DSP and let me know how it turns out!

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Jolly Holly Bundle (English) [ 166120 ]
[166120]
$54.00
Jolly Holly Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166117 ]
[166117]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 119685 ]
[119685]
$14.00
Season Of Elegance 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 164144 ]
[164144]
$16.50
Versamark Pad [ 102283 ]
[102283]
$9.50
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
Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [ 129053 ]
[129053]
$32.00
Metallics Wow! Embossing Powder [ 165678 ]
[165678]
$21.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Jolly Holly Hybrid Embossing Folder [ 166119 ]
[166119]
$41.00
Traditional Sparkling Sequins [ 165875 ]
[165875]
$8.00
peace on earth christmas card – upcoming mini catalog sneakpeak

peace on earth christmas card – upcoming mini catalog sneakpeak

by | Aug 13, 2025 | card samples, Christmas card ideas, die cutting, embossing folders, In Colors, my favorites, new catalog, sneak peak, techniques

Starting in September comes a new holiday mini catalog – the September to December 2025 Mini Catalog! I will have copies available at my Open House – Friday, August 22nd 12pm – 3pm and Saturday, August 23rd 9am to 12pm!

This is one of the products we could pre-order and this one was featured in a demonstrator exclusive craft day a few weeks back!

This is a card I designed for the Christmas in July Demonstrator Swap! It features the Peace on Earth bundle along with the Peaceful Greenery 3D embossing folder and a fun technique.

Measurements:
BASE: Secret Sea CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Misty Moonlight CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Peaceful Garden Glimmer Paper: 2″ x 3″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″

Place the Misty Moonlight layer in the Peaceful Greenery 3D embossing folder and run through the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine using the Base plate #1 and the grey embossing plate #4 with the embossing folder sandwiched in between #1 and #4.
Using a direct to paper technique rub Versamark ink onto the edges of the embossed layer.
Using the brush that comes in the Embossing Additions Tool Kit (#159971) $27.00 dip the brush into the Silver embossing powder and then tap the powder from the brush onto the versamark ink covered paper. Heat with the Heat Tool until the embossing powder melts.

(Product Details for the Embossing Additions Tool Kit: Make embossing easier with the Embossing Additions Tool Kit. This kit includes an Embossing Buddy, Powder Pal, Crafting Tweezers, and Crafting Brush. The Embossing Buddy is a small bag of powder. Rub it over your paper before inking and embossing. This ensures the embossing powder stays only where you want it. The Powder Pal is an easy way to catch and funnel excess embossing powder back into its container. Use the Crafting Tweezers to hold items while embossing them. And the Crafting Brush is handy for brushing powder for keeping your paper and work area clean. Keep this kit on hand, and you’ll what you need to keep your embossing neat and tidy.

* Embossing Buddy
* Powder Pal
* Crafting Tweezers
* Crafting Brush)

Stamp the Peace on Earth sentiment in Secret Sea ink in the middle of the embossing folder outlined middle area.
Adhere the embossed layer to the Secret Sea cardstock card base.
Die cut the smaller dove image out of the silver hue Peaceful Garden glimmer paper and two of the stars.

Place it on the card front to see where you would like to adhere the dove.

Adhere the two stars to the right and slightly below the sentiment.
Place Stampin’ Seal + below where the dove will be adhered and fold a 5″ piece of Misty Moonlight and Silver edged ribbon that is part of the Peaceful Garden Suite of products, adhere the ribbon down and then remove the release paper from some Stampin’ Dimensionals on the back of the dove and adhere over the ribbon.
Adhere some Basic Rhinestone Jewels to the card front.
Stamp wishing you and Peace, Love and Joy in Secret Sea ink to the Basic White layer and adhere to the inside of the card.
The embossing powder dusting gives the edges of the card an antiqued look and enhances the Glimmer paper dove and stars for a gorgeous Christmas card!

This is a lovely set that can be used for so much more than just Christmas! Let me know if you would like a catalog and will not be at my Open House or upcoming Library Card classes and I will get one to you!

Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!
As a reminder since this is a sneak peak and the products are not available until September 3rd for customers the photo links will not be available below.

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 153081 ]
[153081]
$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
Rhinestone Basic Jewels [ 144220 ]
[144220]
$6.00
decorative trees simple christmas card in blueberry bushel and white

decorative trees simple christmas card in blueberry bushel and white

by | Oct 25, 2024 | card samples, Christmas card ideas, masculine cards

Sometimes all you are looking for is a simple card – especially when it comes to Christmas cards if you send out quite a few like I do!

This card fits the bill lovely and simple – requiring just a few steps and minimal layers!

Measurements:
BASE: Blueberry Bushel CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
1″ x 4″ strip
scrap for the die cut tree
Basic White layer: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″

Use the embossing buddy – rub over the 1″ strip of Blueberry Bushel cardstock and stamp the “O Christmas Tree” sentiment in Versamark ink in the center. Sprinkle the White embossing powder from the Embossing Basics pack and heat set with the Heat Tool.
Emboss one of the Basic White CS layers with the Snowflake Sky 3D embossing folder and adhere the strip to the lower 1/3 of the layer.
Adhere the Basic White embossed layer to the card front.
Die cut the snowflake tree die in Blueberry Bushel and adhere to the card center with glue.
Adhere Basic Rhinestone jewels to the card front to complete this simple Christmas card!
I love the winter-y vibe this blue and white card gives off. So elegant and simple!

Try making a few Christmas cards in plenty of time now so you will not feel rushed as the season approaches.

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

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Decorative Trees Bundle (English)
[164085]
$52.00
Decorative Trees Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)
[164275]
$20.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[159276]
$13.00
Blueberry Bushel 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
[146968]
$11.50
Versamark Pad
[102283]
$9.50
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 Stampin' Dimensionals
[144108]
$4.25
Stampin' Dimensionals
[104430]
$4.25
Paper Snips
[103579]
$12.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$130.00
Decorative Trees Dies
[164084]
$38.00
Snowflake Sky 3 D Embossing Folder
[162026]
$11.00
Heat Tool (Us And Canada)
[129053]
$32.00
Basics Embossing Powders
[155554]
$18.00
Rhinestone Basic Jewels
[144220]
$6.00