silhouette dies - nataliegramleystamps

building a reflection with light and wonder set

by nataliegramleystamps | 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]

$81.25

Light & Wonder Bundle (English)

[165763]

$51.25

Light & Wonder Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)

[165756]

$19.00

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

$14.00

Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[121045]

$14.00

Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146987]

$14.00

Azure Afternoon Classic Stampin' Pad

[161663]

$9.00

Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad

[147087]

$9.00

Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad

[147099]

$9.00

Gray Granite Classic Stampin' Pad

[147118]

$9.00

Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Pad

[147050]

$9.00

Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad

[147086]

$9.00

Stampin' Glass Mat Studio (Imperial)

[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]

$15.00

Water Painters

[168253]

$13.00

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine

[149653]

$140.00

Light & Wonder Dies

[165762]

$38.00

Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush

[141897]

$9.00

Frosted Iridescent Dots

[165766]

$9.00

← new packaging tips and tricks more color mondays - real red, old olive and pool party - swing door fun fold →

more color mondays – azure afternoon, berry burst and pool party

by nataliegramleystamps | Sep 15, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, masculine cards, more color mondays, my favorites, new catalog

Do you have a BUCKET LIST?

I do – and one of the items on my bucket list is to someday see the Northern Lights!
So when I saw the new mini catalog the very first thing that caught my eye was the Lights of Aurora Suite Collection – I loved EVERYTHING about this – the gorgeous paper, the stamp set with it’s hopeful sentiments and the dies with there silhouette possibilities!

The Designer Series paper steals the show it is stunning but honestly the dies are some of my favorites – I love silhouette style cards and what better as a backdrop than this gorgeous paper!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
Basic Black CS: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
DSP 6″ x 6″ piece to make 2 cards

This paper is so delicious I made two of the same card design with both edges of this one 6″ x 6″ piece.

Below is a photo from the Stampin’ Up! website that shows the DSP designs.

I cut the DSP to 5 1/2″ wide and then into (2) 3″ sections 3″ x 5 1/2″ pieces.

Adhere the pieces to the top edge of the card base.

Die cut the Basic White layer with the mountain die.
Die cut the black layer with the trees on one side and the mountain edge on the other side using all of the paper to its fullest!

Adhere the white snow mountain die to the black mountain die peaks.

Adhere the mountain die layers to the card below the Designer Series paper.

I popped up the tree silhouette die cut on Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhered it to the bottom edge of the card base over the mountain dies and the DSP.

I stamped in Berry Burst ink the wishing you a year of Wonder for the inside sentiment.

I did the same procedure with the other half od the DSP and adhered Frosted Iridescent Dots to finish off both cards!

I love, love , love this card!!!
Wishing you all a year of wonder! Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time – hopefully a project that you will love like I love this one!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie