artisan sketched garden card

artisan sketched garden card

by | Oct 30, 2026 | background techniques, blending brushes, card samples, Designer Series Paper, embossing folders, Stampin' Blends marker techniques, stampin' tools, techniques

Do you like to color? I loved drawing in coloring books as a child – I find it soothing!

I was in one of those moods the other day when I created this card! I LOVE our Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers. They make shading and blending so darn easy!

Measurements:
BASE: Calypso Coral CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″, scrap for sentiment
matte
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scrap for
sentiment depending on choice of words
Artisan Sketched Garden DSP: one fussy
cut vase

Fussy Cut one of the vases from the DSP. Pick colors for the project and start to play with the Stampin’ Blends.

I usually color in the blooms with the Light Stampin’ Blend first then shade with the Dark and then go back over the whole bloom with the Light marker to blend.

In this photo I left the bottom middle and right bloom only colored with the Light marker, the middle row colored with the Light then shaded with the Dark, the bottom left bloom and the very top bloom are complete with the Light-Dark-Light technique.

Can you see the difference?

I colored in the greenery with The light and Dark Lemon Lime Twist.
I colored in the vase with the Light Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blends marker.
Here I shaded the vase drawing over the artisan’s vertical lines and shading the base also with the Dark Pumpkin Pie marker.
Then I blended all with the Light Pumpkin Pie marker going over the entire surface of the vase to rewet the ink and blend the Light and Dark so that the shading lines are softer!
I embossed the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer with the Rustic Check 3D embossing folder.
I took the same colors I used in coloring the DSP to color the background in a diagonal pattern first coloring the diagonal opposite edges with Calypso Coral ink and a blending brush.
Then I added diagonal strips inside the Calypso Coral edging with Pumpkin Pie ink and a blending brush
I finished with a diagonal middle strip of Cherry Cobbler ink and a blending brush and adhered it to the Calypso Coral card base.
I placed the brush tip of the Calypso Coral Dark marker inside the cap and flicked the brush tip across the edge of the cap creating ink to spray/splatter onto the card base.

I popped up the colored DSP vase onto Stampin’ Dimensionals and added it to the top center of the card base.

Using a scrap of Basic White CS I stamped the “so grateful for you” sentiment from the Lily of the Valley stamp set in Cherry Cobbler ink and colored the scrap with the three Blending Brushes. I spalettered this layer also and added Stampin’ Dimensionals to the sentiment piece and added it to an appropriately sized matte in Calypso Coral CS. the matte and sentiment piece will vary sizewise depending upon the sentiment you choose.
Adhere the sentiment piece to the bottom center of the card front.
I added some gold embellishments to the card for a little extra sparkle and this colorful card is complete to send off and make someone’s day!

Now it’s your turn to make and send a card! That is the whole point to making cards – brightening someone else’s day as well as your own! Now it’s time to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Lily Of The Valley Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167937 ]
[167937]
$21.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 122925 ]
[122925]
$14.00
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147101 ]
[147101]
$9.00
Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147083 ]
[147083]
$9.00
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147086 ]
[147086]
$9.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$28.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$9.00
Stampin' Seal+
[149699]
$13.00
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
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Paper Snips [ 103579 ]
[103579]
$12.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154881 ]
[154881]
$12.00
Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154880 ]
[154880]
$12.00
Lemon Lime Twist Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [ 161682 ]
[161682]
$12.00
Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154897 ]
[154897]
$12.00
Rustic Check 3 D Embossing Folder [ 168442 ]
[168442]
$10.00
Radiant Gems [ 168363 ]
[168363]
$8.50
more color mondays – pretty peacock, gold and pecan pie

more color mondays – pretty peacock, gold and pecan pie

by | Oct 26, 2026 | card samples, card sketches, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, masculine cards, more color mondays, my favorites, new catalog, product of the month, sketch challenge, specialty papers, techniques

Today’s More Color Monday card is one that we are making in today’s Studio Stamp-a-Stack class it is bold and easy to make!

Occasionally I will revisit an old card sketch challenge to show you another way to interpret the sketch – this time instead of using the circle image literally I used diamonds for the center focal point and changed the colors for a different feel!
This is a re-visitation of Card Sketch #106!

Measurements:
BASE: Pecan Pie CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
Pretty Peacock CS: 3″ square, 5/8″ x 3 1/2″
Luxe Foliage Specialty Paper: 2 1/2″ square
Gold Foil CS: 2 1/2″ square
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″

I die cut the Luxe Foliage Specialty Paper with the Tile Garden Die set.
I die cut the Gold Foil with a Stylish Shapes square that was slightly larger than the Tile Garden die chosen.
I die cut the Pretty Peacock square with the larger Tile Garden square die.
I embossed the Basic White CS layer with the Rustic Check 3D embossing Folder
Adhere the embossed layer to the Pecan Pie card base.
Adhere the Gold Foil square at an angle onto the Pretty Peacock square.
Adhere the Luxe Foliage square onto the Gold Foil diamond placing it exactly like the pretty Peacock square.
Stamp the “grateful for you” from the Elegant Leaves stamp set in Versamark ink and heat emboss with WOW Gold embossing powder with a Heat Tool.
Cut banner edges into both ends and pop up the sentiment piece over the diamond focal piece.
Adhere the sentiment focal piece to the upper center of the embossed layer and add Gold Adhesive-Backed Dots as a coordinating accent!

Using challenges can inspire creativity or break a creative block – try some of my past or present color and card sketch challenges!
Now it’s your turn to create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Elegant Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 168300 ]
[168300]
$25.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[166780]
$14.00
Pecan Pie 8 1/2
[161717]
$14.00
Pretty Peacock 8-1/2
[150880]
$14.00
Gold Foil Sheets [ 132622 ]
[132622]
$5.00
Luxe Foliage 12
[168599]
$5.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$28.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$9.00
Stampin' Seal+
[149699]
$13.00
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
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Paper Snips [ 103579 ]
[103579]
$12.00
Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [ 129053 ]
[129053]
$32.00
Metallics Wow! Embossing Powder [ 165678 ]
[165678]
$21.00
Versamark Pad [ 102283 ]
[102283]
$9.50
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Rustic Check 3 D Embossing Folder [ 168442 ]
[168442]
$10.00
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
$30.00
Tile Garden Dies [ 168573 ]
[168573]
$37.00
Gold Adhesive Backed Dots [ 168467 ]
[168467]
$9.00
elegant leaves easy m fold card

elegant leaves easy m fold card

by | Oct 16, 2026 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, fun fold, my favorites, new catalog, techniques

This fun fold card has a lot of parts and pieces but is very easy to achieve!

The M fold coins it’s name from the M shape that the base card forms when folded!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 11″
scored at 4″, 5 1/2″, and 7″, (2) 1″ x 5,
(2) 2 1/2″ x 5″, (2) 1 1/4″ x 2 1/4″, scraps for
dies, scrap for watercolor splattered die
Lemon Lolly CS: (3) 3 3/4″ x 5 1/4″ (2) 1 1/4″ x
5 1/4″, (2) 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″, scrap for die
DSP: (2) 1″ x 5″, 3 1/2″ x 5″
Pastel Shimmer Specialty paper: scraps for dies

Score the 5 1/2″ x 11″ base at 4″, 5 1/2″ and 7″.

Emboss both 1″ x 5″ Basic White layers and 1 of the 2 1/2″ x 5″ Basic White layers with the Rustic Check 3D embossing folder.

Adhere one of the 1″ embossed layer to the 1 1/4″ Lemon Lolly matte layer.

Adhere the other 1″ to the left side of the 3 3/4″ x 5 1/4″ Lemon Lolly matte and the plain 2 1/2″ x 5″ to the right side of the embossed layer.

On another 3 3/4″ Lemon lolly matte layer adhere the 1″ DSP piece on the left hand side and the 2 1/2″ embossed layer to the left hand side,
Adhere the 3 1/2″ x 5″ DSP to the last 3 3/4″ Lemon Lolly matte.
Adhere the 1″ DSP to the 1 1/4″ Lemon Lolly matte.
Emboss the (2) 1 1/4″ x 2 1/4″ Basic White CS layers with the Rustic Check 3D embossing folder. Adhere them to the 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ Lemon Lolly mattes.

Die cut the Pastel Shimmer paper – which is currently on the Last Chance List for $5 – get it before it is gone! – with the whole leaf dies.

Die cut the detailed leaf dies in Basic White CS and adhere the detailed dies over the Shimmer Paper leaves.

Adhere one of the leaves to the right side and one of the leaves to the left side of the other panel.

Stamp a sentiment to a Lemon Lolly die cut.

I attached a left over leaf from a past card that was watercolored and splattered.

Adhere the DSP/embossed layer to the card front.
Adhere the sentiment die with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
Adhere two Pastel Shimmer paper leaves above and below the sentiment focal point.

Look at the Shimmer on that lower leaf – it is stunning! Remember this is ON SALE and on the LAST CHANCE LIST!

Adhere two Pastel Shimmer paper leaves above and below the sentiment focal point.
Add embellishments to the card front.
Adhere the DSP matted layer to the left-hand panel on the inside of the M fold card.
Adhere the embossed matted layer to the second panel.
Adhere the smaller DSP matted panel to the third panel of the onside of the card.
Adhere the embossed and plain Basic White matted layers to the last panel.
Take the small embossed layers and place the one that has the leaf on the left hand side to the top – place adhesive on the right hand side only.
Adhere this to the third panel.
Place the other leaf small embossed layer with the leaf on the right-hand side near the bottom and adhere to the second panel – placing glue or tape only on the left hand edge.
This easy M fun fold is so full of possibilities you could add anything to the little “wings” – how fun!

Try this fun fold with your stash and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time.

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Elegant Leaves Bundle (English) [ 168303 ]
[168303]
$52.00
Elegant Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 168300 ]
[168300]
$25.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Lemon Lolly 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 161720 ]
[161720]
$14.00
Beautiful Ordinary Life 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167553 ]
[167553]
$13.00
Pastels Shimmer 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Paper [ 167198 ]
[167198]
$10.00
Crisp Cantaloupe Classic Stampin Pad [ 167680 ]
[167680]
$14.00
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147101 ]
[147101]
$9.00
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147050 ]
[147050]
$9.00
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147086 ]
[147086]
$9.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$28.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$9.00
Stampin' Seal+
[149699]
$13.00
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
Blending Brushes [ 153611 ]
[153611]
$17.00
Blender Pens [ 102845 ]
[102845]
$14.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Paper Snips [ 103579 ]
[103579]
$12.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Elegant Leaves Dies [ 168302 ]
[168302]
$33.00
Rustic Check 3 D Embossing Folder [ 168442 ]
[168442]
$10.00
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
Sunset Sparkle Sequins [ 167785 ]
[167785]
$8.50
elegant leaves water lift card

elegant leaves water lift card

by | Sep 23, 2026 | card samples, die cutting, embossing folders, new catalog, techniques

I love this technique and I have shown it multiple times but somehow die cutting it into leaves hits differently! These leaves are stunning and the varigation of color that this technique produces is just awesome!

Follow along today to see how this technique is accomplished!

Measurements:
BASE: Calypso Coral CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scraps for blending
technique, 1 1/4″ x 4″ for sentiment

Take a scrap piece of Basic White CS and using a glass matte surface choose three Fall colors to blend with blending brushes.

I started with Cherry Cobbler ink and a dedicated Blending Brush for that color – in a circular motion starting off the paper and transitioning on I blended two edges with this ink.

Next I blended Pumpkin Pie ink with a dedicated blending brush in other spots on this cardstock.
I filled in any of the white space with the last color Calypso Coral and went over any of the other colors to blend and increase hue if necessary.
Using a Water Painter I squeezed water into a puddle on the glass to the side of the paper and dipping the brush into the puddle I tapped water droplets onto the cardstock.

I dabbed off the excess and dried the paper with a Heat Tool – it is important that the cardstock be TOTALLY DRY prior to die cutting.
The Elegant Leaves are a delicate die with many thin strips the paper has to be dry before die cutting!

Die cut the Elegant Leaves dies from this blended background.

I blended the 1 1/4″ strip with the same three colors and then stamped the sentiment in Cherry Cobbler ink over the background and cut the end at an angle for added interest.

I embossed the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White CS layer with the Rustic Check 3D embossing folder, wrapped the NEW Calypso Coral and Copper ribbon around the upper edge of the embossed layer and secured with Scotch tape on each end and adhered the layer to the Calypso Coral card base.
I popped up the sentiment piece with Stampin’ Dimensionals to the bottom left hand corner of the embossed layer.
I adhered the blended leaf dies around the sentiment piece tucking them under and over the sentiment.
I added Adhesive-backed Metallic Gems in Copper to coordinate with the ribbon around the sentiment piece to finish off the card with matching sparkle and shine!

You need to try this easy technique with the dies you have in your collection and see what you can create!

Here is another sample using another sentiment from the Lily of the Valley stamps set.
I dropped the next card right on top of one of my ink pads and got an ink splotch on the upper corner – I always say mistakes are creative opportunities so this sample got an extra die cut over the ribbon and ink splotch!
And finally the blended and water lifted paper was just to pretty not to use the negative – so here is a card made from the negative die space and the NEW Softly Woven 3D embossing folder as a background.
Now it’s your turn to create something with this blended and water lifting technique – one stamp at a time – see what you can make!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Elegant Leaves Bundle (English) [ 168303 ]
[168303]
$52.00
Elegant Leaves Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 168300 ]
[168300]
$25.00
Lily Of The Valley Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167937 ]
[167937]
$21.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 122925 ]
[122925]
$14.00
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147101 ]
[147101]
$9.00
Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147083 ]
[147083]
$9.00
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147086 ]
[147086]
$9.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$28.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$9.00
Stampin' Seal+
[149699]
$13.00
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
Blending Brushes [ 153611 ]
[153611]
$17.00
Blender Pens [ 102845 ]
[102845]
$14.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Paper Snips [ 103579 ]
[103579]
$12.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Elegant Leaves Dies [ 168302 ]
[168302]
$33.00
Rustic Check 3 D Embossing Folder [ 168442 ]
[168442]
$10.00
Softly Woven 3 D Embossing Folder [ 168466 ]
[168466]
$12.00
Calypso Coral With Copper Border 3/8" (1 Cm) Ribbon [ 168444 ]
[168444]
$9.00
Adhesive Backed Metallic Gems [ 163780 ]
[163780]
$9.50
#CI126 butterfly flight hot foil bundle

#CI126 butterfly flight hot foil bundle

by | Sep 11, 2026 | card samples, die cutting, embossing folders, hot foil, techniques

I am always looking for inspiration – and Colour Inkspiration #126 offered a lovely color combination of Soft Sea Foam, Fresh Freesia, and Blackberry Bliss. So this card was born of that color challenge.

Measurements:
BASE: Blackberry Bliss CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, 1″ x 4″
Soft Sea Foam CS: scraps for dies
Basic White CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″, scrap for the
sentiment piece

Using the Hot Foil system, I foiled the Butterfly Flight hot foil dies in Silver Opal Foil.
Emboss the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layer with the Rustic Check 3D embossing folder.

Adhere to the Blackberry Bliss card base.

Die cut the small butterflies out of the 1″ x 4″ Blackberry Bliss CS layer. Adhere to the bottom of the embossed layer.

Color the foiled butterflies in Soft Sea Foam, Fresh Freesia and Blackberry Bliss. Pop up the two larger butterflies. Adhere the Soft Sea Foam CS dies and the Blackberry Bliss CS small butterflies around the card.

Stamp the sentiment in Blackberry Bliss ink from the All A Flutter stamp set on a Basic White CS scrap. Blend the edges and cut a banner edge. Pop up the sentiment piece in between the butterflies.

Add three Adhesive-Backed Metallic gems around the sentiment piece.

Color challenges are full of inspiration – try finding some inspiration of your own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Stampin' Hot Foil System Na & Craft Class [ 170009 ]
[170009]
$160.00
All Aflutter Bundle (English) [ 167570 ]
[167570]
$41.25
All Aflutter Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 167564 ]
[167564]
$20.00
Butterfly Flight Bundle [ 170065 ]
[170065]
$45.00
Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146988 ]
[146988]
$14.00
Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147092 ]
[147092]
$9.00
Fresh Freesia Classic Stampin' Pad [ 155611 ]
[155611]
$11.00
Soft Sea Foam Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147102 ]
[147102]
$9.00
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$28.00
Stampin' Seal
[152813]
$9.00
Stampin' Seal+
[149699]
$13.00
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
Blending Brushes [ 153611 ]
[153611]
$17.00
Blender Pens [ 102845 ]
[102845]
$14.00
Water Painters [ 168253 ]
[168253]
$13.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Paper Snips [ 103579 ]
[103579]
$12.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Rustic Check 3 D Embossing Folder [ 168442 ]
[168442]
$10.00
Butterfly Flight Hot Foil Dies [ 170045 ]
[170045]
$36.00
Adhesive Backed Metallic Gems [ 163780 ]
[163780]
$9.50