card sketch #117

card sketch #117

by | Jan 23, 2026 | card samples, card sketches, die cutting, embossing folders, masculine cards, my favorites, stamps ink paper

Today’s card continues the series on Card Sketches with #117!

This simple sketch provides plenty of creative inspiration with a layer and a double matte with sprigs behind it. I followed the sketch quite literally but later on next week I will show you another card from this same sketch with a completely different look!

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
scored at 4 1/4″, 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer, and scrap
for the die
Vellum CS: scrap for the sentiment matte
Lemon Lime Twist CS: 1/2″ x 4″, and scrap for
the die

Emboss the Basic White CS layer with the Stone and Vine 3D embossing folder.
Adhere the embossed layer to the card base.
Take the 1/2″ x 4″ Lemon Lime Twist CS strip and adhere it to the center of the card front.
Die cut two concentric circles from the Spotlight on Nature dies. The smaller one in Basic White CS and the next size up in Vellum CS.

Stamp the sentiment in Lemon Lime Twist ink and color the edges with a blending brush and the same ink.

Adhere the Basic White stamped circle onto the vellum circle with Stampin’ Seal.

Pop up the sentiment vellum circle with Stampin’ Dimensionals – making sure to stay inside the Basic White circle outline.
Die cut the large leaf sprig die in Lemon Lime Twist cardstock and cut into 2 pieces.
Attach the sprigs to the sentiment piece and adhere the sentiment focal piece to the card over the Lemon Lime Twist strip.
I added Holographic Resin Dots to the card for a little sparkle to complete the card!

Try your hand at this card sketch – if you are new to sketches try it literally as the sketch is drawn or be creative and use the sketch as a launching point and go crazy with ideas!

Let me know what you make – now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Greenery Lane Bundle (English) [ 166877 ]
[166877]
$49.50
Greenery Lane Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166870 ]
[166870]
$24.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$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
Lemon Lime Twist Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147145 ]
[147145]
$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 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
Greenery Lane Dies [ 166876 ]
[166876]
$31.00
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
Stone & Vine 3 D Embossing Folder [ 166990 ]
[166990]
$10.00
Holographic Resin Dots [ 165598 ]
[165598]
$8.00
more color mondays – pretty peacock, blackberry bliss and crumb cake

more color mondays – pretty peacock, blackberry bliss and crumb cake

by | Jan 12, 2026 | card samples, color challenge, die cutting, embossing folders, new catalog, online exclusives, stamps ink paper, techniques

I wanted to create some fun background papers for this card so I took each of the challenge colors and did the same technique with each (I only have pictures of the Pretty Peacock version)

The first thing I did was blend color onto a 4″ x 5 1/4″ layer of Basic White CS with a Blending Brush.

Next I placed a drop of Ink refill in the lid of the ink pad and dipped the wide Water Painter into the ink and liquified it with extra water.

I splattered the ink onto the layer that was set on my glass mat.

Do not disturb the over splatter it will be used in the next step of the technique!

I then moved the layer and sprayed the over splatter with a Stampin’ Spritzer filled with water.

I turned the layer blended color side down on the glass matte surface over the water and patted the layer down to absorb the water – I moved the layer around to wet different portions of the layer in the over splattered water.

Allow the layer to dry.

I repeated this step with the other two colors of ink – Blackberry Bliss and Crumb Cake.

I cut the Crumb Cake layer into 1 1/2″ x 4″ strips and added it to the Crumb Cake card front.

I forgot to take pictures of the next steps – so sorry! I stamped the large leaf image from the Nature’s Symphony stamp set in Pretty Peacock ink and then cut them out with the corresponding die.

I cut the large leaf die from the Blackberry Bliss colored layer.

I cut a circle die from the Spotlight on Nature dies in Crumb Cake CS and stamped the “you make me smile” sentiment in Pretty Peacock ink.

I arranged the Blackberry bliss dies and the stamped Pretty Peacock leaves under the sentiment circle. I popped the circle up on Stampin’ Dimensionals and finished arranging the leaves in a loose cluster around the card!

I added 5 Faceted Snowflakes in the pretty Peacock hue to finish the card with a sweet color coordination – I think the snowflakes look like stars and loved the faceted look it gave this card!

I hope this inspires you to try this fun background technique and see what you can create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Nature Walk Suite Collection (English) [ 166936 ]
[166936]
$84.75
Nature's Symphony Bundle (English) [ 166926 ]
[166926]
$46.75
Nature's Symphony Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166919 ]
[166919]
$19.00
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 120953 ]
[120953]
$14.00
Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147092 ]
[147092]
$9.00
Blackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [ 133648 ]
[133648]
$5.50
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147116 ]
[147116]
$9.00
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill [ 121029 ]
[121029]
$5.50
Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad [ 150083 ]
[150083]
$9.00
Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill [ 150090 ]
[150090]
$5.50
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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Nature's Symphony Dies [ 166925 ]
[166925]
$33.00
Faceted Snowflakes [ 166077 ]
[166077]
$10.00
holiday pocket card

holiday pocket card

by | Nov 28, 2025 | card samples, Christmas card ideas, Designer Series Paper, fun fold, In Colors, new catalog, techniques

Today’s card is a pocket card perfect for those holiday gift cards that you want to deliver with flair!

Measurements:
BASE: Secret Sea CS: 5 1/2″ x 9″
scored at 2″ and 6 1/4″
Basic White CS: 1 3/4″ x 5 1/4″, 2 1/2″ x 5 1/4″,
3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ and a scrap for the die
Cherry Cobbler CS: 3 1/2″ x 4 3/4″ and scrap
for die
DSP: 1 1/2″ x 5″ and 2 1/4″ x 5″

Cut all of the pieces as directed in the Measurements section and mount the DSP to the Basic White mattes.
Pick out two consecutive circle dies from the Spotlight on Nature die set and die cut a scrap of Basic White CS with the smaller one.

Stamp the “just for you” sentiment from the Unbounded Love stamp set in Cherry Cobbler ink then the Poinsettia stamp from the Jolly Holly stamp set above it to the left. Stamp the leaf sprig multiple times on the circle die in Old Olive ink to finish the sentiment piece stamping.

Stamp the poinsettia stamp in Cherry Cobbler ink on the rectangular Basic White layer on the top 1/3 along with the leaf sprigs in Old Olive.

Adhere these Basic White stamped pieces to the Cherry Cobbler circle die and rectangle.
After scoring the base card, place two short pieces of Tear-n-Tape on the very outside edges of the inside of the bottom panel.
Remove the release paper and fold the bottom panel up and secure the panel to the inside of the card to make a pocket.

Adhere the smaller DSP matted piece to the top of this panel pocket.

Fold the top panel down over the pocket panel and adhere the larger DSP piece to the outside of the top flap.
Slip the notecard into the pocket.
Adhere three green Traditional Sparkling Sequins to the notecard.

You can add a gift card to this notecard or add it to the pocket if you would like to turn this into a gift card holder!

Adhere the circle dies to the outside of the upper flap and add gold Traditional Sparkling Sequins to finish off this beautiful gift card holder!

Try this at home with your supplies and let me know how you made out! Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

Product List
Jolly Holly Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 166117 ]
[166117]
$19.00
Unbounded Love Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [ 163378 ]
[163378]
$25.00
Basic White 8 1/2
[166780]
$14.00
Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2
[119685]
$14.00
Secret Sea 8 1/2
[165624]
$14.00
Traditions Of Christmas 12
[165853]
$16.50
Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147083 ]
[147083]
$9.00
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147090 ]
[147090]
$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
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]
[149653]
$140.00
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
Traditional Sparkling Sequins [ 165875 ]
[165875]
$8.00
more color mondays – pretty peacock, crumb cake and gorgeous grape

more color mondays – pretty peacock, crumb cake and gorgeous grape

by | Sep 29, 2025 | card samples, Designer Series Paper, die cutting, fun fold, my favorites, stamps ink paper, techniques

Today’s More Color Mondays color challenge features some of the soft colors from the Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper – Pretty Peacock, Crumb Cake and Gorgeous Grape and a freestanding fun fold card!

Measurements:
Gorgeous Grape CS: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″,
4 1/4″ x 11 scored at 2″, 3 3/4″, 7 1/4″, and 9″
Crumb Cake CS: 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″,
(2) 1 7/8″ x 4 1/8″, (2) 1 5/8″ x 5 3/8″
DSP: (2) 1 1/2″ x 4 “, (2) 1 3/4″ x 4″,
(2) 1 14/” x 4″
Basic White CS: 3 3/4″ x 4″

Adhere the DSP pieces to the Crumb Cake mattes – the 1 3/4″ DSP to the 1 7/8″ matte, and the 1 1/2″ DSP to the 1 5/8″ matte.

Score the 4 1/4″ x 11″ Gorgeous Grape CS at 2″, 3 3/4″, 7 1/4″ and 9″
Adhere the 4 1/8″ Crumb Cake CS layer to the Gorgeous Grape 4 1/4″ layer.
Adhere the two small pieces of DSP on the edges of the Crumb Cake layer leaving an even border.
Adhere the 4 1/4″ x 11″ scored layer onto the center of the card base.
Die cut a Gorgeous Grape scrap with the Spotlight on Nature die set.
Die cut a Basic White scrap with the Stylish Shape and stamp the butterfly and the thanks of Gorgeous Grape ink.
Die cut the large banner from the Stylish Shapes die set and cut it in half.
Stamp the 3 1/4″ Basic White layer and stamp images in the three More Color Mondays color challenge colors.
Adhere the banner die on either side of the circle dies and adhere to the front flap of the card!
This free standing fun fold card is so fun and perfect for displaying beautiful Designer Series Paper!

Try this fun fold with your own supplies and go 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
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
$14.00
Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 120953 ]
[120953]
$14.00
Gorgeous Grape 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146987 ]
[146987]
$14.00
Perennial Lavender 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 162593 ]
[162593]
$12.50
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147116 ]
[147116]
$9.00
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147099 ]
[147099]
$9.00
Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad [ 150083 ]
[150083]
$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
Spotlight On Nature Dies [ 163580 ]
[163580]
$35.00
Stylish Shapes Dies [ 159183 ]
[159183]
$30.00
Frosted Iridescent Dots [ 165766 ]
[165766]
$9.00
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