party alphabet birthday card

party alphabet birthday card

by | Sep 16, 2026 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, embossing folders, masculine cards, product of the month, specialty papers, techniques

33 years ago today I was in the hospital becoming a Mama. That beautiful baby boy now lives far away and a special card went in the mail this week to let him know how special he is! Handmade cards will do that – they let the receiver know that they are special enough that you sat down and made a card especially for them – designed just for them! It is a wonderful way to show people that you care and only ONE of the many reasons why I LOVE WHAT I DO!

Measurements:
BASE: Golden Glow CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ scraps for
sentiment
Cajun Craze CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Early Espresso CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Glow of Harvest Specialty DSP: strips of
2 1/2″ x 12″

Die cut the word happy out of the Early Espresso and different strips of the August Product of the month.
Adhere the Early Espresso letters to the backs of the DSP Party Alphabet letters with them offset just a little.
Embos the 4″ x 5 1/4″ Cajun Craze layer with the Textured Tree Rings 3D embossing folder using the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine with the #1 BASE Plate and the Embossing Plate #4.
I used A Family Celebration Online Exclusive stamp set and used an omitting technique.

Have you ever wanted to use just a portion of a sentiment? This technique is an easy way to omit a portion of the stamp. In this set there is a
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
TO MY

stamp sentiment and I only wanted to use the block lettered birthday word and not the HAPPY or the TO MY so I placed scotch tape carefully over the words I wanted to omit.

Stamped the sentiment in the Early Espresso ink and then removed the tape – now only the word birthday is inked!
Stamp the BIRTHDAY word onto Golden Glow CS scrap and then stamp the “a very” in Early Espresso ink onto another scrap strip of Golden Glow CS.

Adhere the “a very” sentiment in the top elft-hand corner of the embossed layer.

Position the letters for HAPPY on the card front and start to adhere down deciding which letters to raise on Dimensionals and which to adhere down directly.

Finish adhering the letters to make the word HAPPY on the card front.
Pop up the Birthday sentiment piece over the Y in the HAPPY.
I adhered the new Gold Adhesive-backed Dots to the card and they work so well with the pearlized shimmer of the Glow of Harvest Specialty DSP!

This is a sweet and special Fall card for my first born Lehigh son in his school colors and a a great Fall theme for a September birthday!

Now it’s your turn to make a special birthday card – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’

Natalie

Product List
Party Alphabet Dies [ 165263 ]
[165263]
$99.00
Glow Of Harvest 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 168598 ]
[168598]
$5.00
Cajun Craze 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 119684 ]
[119684]
$14.00
Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 119686 ]
[119686]
$14.00
Golden Glow 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 167685 ]
[167685]
$14.00
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
Party Alphabet Dies [ 165263 ]
[165263]
$99.00
Textured Tree Ring 3 D Embossing Folder [ 168220 ]
[168220]
$12.00
Gold Adhesive Backed Dots [ 168467 ]
[168467]
$9.00
more color mondays – crushed curry, gorgeous grape and blueberry bushel – scenic coast sneak peak

more color mondays – crushed curry, gorgeous grape and blueberry bushel – scenic coast sneak peak

by | Apr 27, 2026 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, fun fold, masculine cards, my favorites, new catalog, sneak peak, specialty papers, techniques

Well Stampin’ Up!’s done it again just when I think they cannot design more gorgeous papers – they come up with something like this!

It is one of those items that is so much better in person but I made a video which I will share of one of the 6″ x 6″ sheets to show you the shimmer on these pages!

The Scenic Coast Suite is right up my alley – it’s sunsets and water and boats – it cannot get any better for a lake girl like me!

This Easel card fun fold is so easy and makes a stand up display card for this stunning paper!

Measurements:
BASE: Gorgeous Grape CS: 4 1/2″ x 11″
scored at 1 1/2″ and 5 1/2″
Crushed Curry CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Blueberry Bushel CS: 1 1/4″ x 4″
DSP: 6″ x 6″ cut for desired part of design to
3 3/4″ x 5″, 1″ x 3 3/4″
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″ for inside and scraps
for sentiment die cuts

Cut the DSP to 3 3/4″ x 5″ and mount on the Crushed Curry 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer.
Die cut the large banner from the Stylish Shapes die set from a Basic White scrap and stamp “wherever this note finds you…” in Gorgeous Grape ink and blend the edges with a blending brush and Gorgeous Grape ink for some added color!
Pop up the sentiment with Stampin’ Dimensionals and place in the lower right-hand corner of the layers.
This Suite will be available May 5th to customers and it contains the prettiest sunset colored sequins.

I added three around the sentiment piece to finish off the front of the card.

I took one of the side pieces cut from the 6″ x 6″ DSP and adhered it onto the Blueberry Bushel layer.

I cut a die from the Upcoming Online Exclusive Silly Old Bear Suite of products for the inside sentiment and blended the edges with a blending brush and Gorgeous Grape ink!

I popped up the inside sentiment piece in the center of the DSP/Blueberry Bushel layer.

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

Adhere the Basic White 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer to the inside of the card base.

Then Adhere the Blueberry Bushel layer to the bottom of the Basic White layer.
Bend the 1 1/2″ score line to a mountain fold and then flatten the card base and add Stampin’ Seal + to the scored panel leaving about 1/8″ border.
Adhere the bottom third of the front Crushed Curry DSP layer to the bottom panel leaving an even border on the sides and bottom of the card.

The border around the whole outside of the card should be even (even thought the layer is only attached at the bottom you want to make sure that the layer is straight and even the entire way around.

Because the inside sentiment is popped up it provides a stopper for the easel portion of the card – I actually popped up the inside of the Blueberry Bushel layer so that the easel would rest above that layer so you could see the whole layer! You could use either the sentiment or the layer as a stopper.
Bend the score line inward and place it behind the elevated layer to create the stand up easel!

Viola! It stands independently for display and looks stunning! This is a great card for this paper – hope you try this fun fold with this stunning paper or stuff in your stash! No go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Reminder this is a SNEAK PEAK and the items that will be available on May 5th will not appear on the photo links below.

Product List
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Blueberry Bushel 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146968 ]
[146968]
$14.00
Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 131199 ]
[131199]
$14.00
Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146987 ]
[146987]
$14.00
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147099 ]
[147099]
$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
Tear & Tape Adhesive [ 154031 ]
[154031]
$7.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
$30.00
more color mondays – cherry cobbler, basic beige and crumb cake

more color mondays – cherry cobbler, basic beige and crumb cake

by | Nov 24, 2025 | card samples, Christmas card ideas, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, masculine cards, more color mondays, my favorites, specialty papers

Today’s More Color Mondays color challenge is a rich blend of Cherry Cobbler, Basic Beige and Crumb Cake colors for a fabulous Christmas card using Seasons of Elegance Specialty Designer Series Paper scraps!

Measurements:
BASE: Crumb Cake CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
DSP: 4″ strips in varying widths
Gold Foil: scraps for die cuts
Basic White CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″, scrap for sentiment

Adhere the 4: strips to the card base.
Using the snowflake dies from the Snowflake Kisses die set – cut all three snowflakes from the Gold Foil sheet and adhere the negative foil onto a Basic White 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer and then adhere to the inside of the card base.
Stamp with Versamark ink the “happy winter” sentiment from the Snowflake Kisses stamp set, sprinkle with WOW gold embossing powder and heat set with a Heat Tool on a small banner die from the Stylish Shapes die set.

Adhere to the middle of the card over the Seasons of Elegance Specialty paper strips.

Pop up the snowflake foil die cuts around the sentiment piece.
Add red Traditional Sparkling Sequins around the card.
I added Gold Striped Mesh ribbon around the bottom of the card front and tie in a knot to finish off this card with some elegant sparkle to match the Specialty paper!

This is a super easy card made from scraps what is better than that!

Try making something beautiful from your DSP scraps – now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Snowflake Kisses Bundle (English) [ 166023 ]
[166023]
$50.25
Snowflake Kisses Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166018 ]
[166018]
$18.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 120953 ]
[120953]
$14.00
Gold Foil Sheets [ 132622 ]
[132622]
$5.00
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
Snowflake Kisses Dies [ 166022 ]
[166022]
$38.00
Gold Striped 3/8" (1 Cm) Mesh Ribbon [ 165599 ]
[165599]
$8.00
Traditional Sparkling Sequins [ 165875 ]
[165875]
$8.00
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
more color mondays – balmy blue, old olive and basic beige

more color mondays – balmy blue, old olive and basic beige

by | Sep 8, 2025 | card samples, color challenge, Designer Series Paper, more color mondays, specialty papers, stamps ink paper, techniques

Today’s another color challenge to inspire you to more creativity in your card design work!

The palette today is soft and neutral – perfect for a soft, subtle thank you card for someone special. The card features a gorgeous product that was introduced with the new annual catalog and I have totally ignored until now! I purchased it in the pre-order and then got busy with the new stamps and dies and forgot I had it! The Irresistible Designs contains 2 one-sided sheets of 3 different designs of white tone on tone embossed images in a leaf, floral and criss-cross pattern – used as is or colored to create stunning effects – this paper is amazing!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic Beige CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″
DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Balmy Blue CS: scrap for die

Using blending brushes in a soft circular motion – starting off the paper – I colored in a diagonal pattern Old Olive ink at the bottom right-hand corner, Basic Beige ink in the middle and Balmy Blue in the top left-hand corner.
Because the specialty paper in embossed the image does not take the ink and pops off the page in a spectacular fashion!
Adhere the specialty paper to the Basic Beige card base and add a small piece of the Basic Beige Classic ribbon folded in a loop to the card.
I stamped the thanks and the leaf image from the Spotlight on Nature stamp set in Old Olive ink on a Balmy Blue die cut from the Spotlight on Nature die set. I popped up the sentiment die on Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhered it over the ribbon loop.
I added three gold flecked embellishments from the Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink Gems – these actually have a section of clear gems as well as the two pink colors and are perfect for this wonderful card!

Have you played with this type of Specialty paper before? It is super fun and produces easy, amazing results – try your hand at it soon!
Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Spotlight On Nature Bundle [ 163581 ]
[163581]
$52.00
Spotlight On Nature Cling Stamp Set (English) [ 163579 ]
[163579]
$23.00
Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146982 ]
[146982]
$14.00
Basic Beige 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 164511 ]
[164511]
$14.00
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147090 ]
[147090]
$9.00
Irresistible Designs 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [ 165305 ]
[165305]
$10.00
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
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
Basic Beige 3/8" (1 Cm) Classic Ribbon [ 165216 ]
[165216]
$9.50
Strawberry Slush & Pretty In Pink Gems [ 165615 ]
[165615]
$8.50